Conferences and events

We convene conferences and conversations on democracy — its principles, and the moment it’s in.

Conferences

Three conferences since 2019.

Since 2019, Section 1 has brought together leading scholars and public figures to examine the state of Canadian and global democracy. Each conference is fully recorded and open to watch.

2019

Constitutional Democracy Under Stress: A Time for Heroic Citizenship

Two days, 23 presentations, with scholars, policy experts, jurists, and community leaders — held in the presence of the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, then Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Day 1

Day 2

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Day 1 & Day 2 — 23 presentations

Full itinerary and speaker biographies are available as a downloadable program.

Download the full program (PDF) →
2022

The Notwithstanding Clause at 40: Canadian Constitutional Democracy at a Crossroads

Leading scholars, jurists, and commentators examine Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms — its history, its use, and what it means for constitutional democracy in Canada.

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A — Introduction: setting the table

Welcome and framing, with Nathalie Des Rosiers, Peter L. Biro, and Thomas Axworthy.

B — Key principles

Lorraine Weinrib, Dwight Newman, Nathalie Des Rosiers, Jamie Cameron, and Benoît Pelletier on the foundations of the override.

C — Judicial review and Section 33

Grégoire Webber, Robert Leckey, Geoffrey Sigalet, and Xavier Foccroulle Ménard.

D — Quebec's experience with the override

Guillaume Rousseau, Marion Sandilands, Gregory Bordan, and Jonathan Montpetit on Bills 21 and 96.

E — Substantive equality and minority rights

Caitlin Salvino and Cara Zwibel.

F — Democracy, civic engagement, and constitutional reform

Mary Eberts, Tsvi Kahana, Christopher Manfredi, and Sabreena Delhon.

Download the full program (PDF) →
2025

Liberal Democracy in the Rearview Mirror?

In collaboration with the Canadian International Council and Massey College, leading experts address the crisis of democratic backsliding and the state of liberal constitutionalism at home and around the world.

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Morning keynote

Peter L. Biro — From Liberal Democracy to Electoral Autocracy: On Decommissioning the Machinery of Accountability.

First morning panel

Liberal democracy in decline around the world, with Sabine Anne Sparwasser, Lucan Way, Sanjay Ruparelia, and Michael Bonner.

Second morning panel

Liberal constitutionalism in Canada, with Nicolas Rouleau, Dennis Pilon, Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, and John English.

Afternoon keynote

Thomas Homer-Dixon — Defending Canada's Democracy: A Strategic Framework.

Afternoon panel

Rescuing, deepening, and promoting democracy, with Sascha Priewe, Sabreena Delhon, Seána Glennon, and George Takach.

In Conversation

Live and recorded conversations.

A series of live and recorded conversations with scholars, practitioners, and engaged citizens.

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