in reviewBuilding a stronger democracy for a better Canada

2019

Looking back at the Samara Centre’s 2019 is, in some ways, like looking back on a different world. It was a world where Samara was able to gather community together for important moments like the federal election, where we sat down with political leaders, and where we could present evidence-based research to students and stakeholders, in real life.

But as we look forward to Samara’s work in 2020, we realize that, though our methods of delivery may be different, our goals are still very much the same: improving citizen engagement and understanding of politics; and championing public leadership that is independent, thoughtful, and focused on building a just and secure future for all.

The challenges facing our democracy have not gone away. Indeed, COVID-19 has magnified the threats. The widespread protests against racial injustice and anti-Black violence have laid bare a fundamental failure of democracy, not only south of the border but also here in Canada. But it has also focused our attention on what really matters: connection, community, good leadership.

Samara’s vision remains one where active citizens have a shared sense of purpose and commitment to democracy, and where public leaders are compassionate, collaborative, and farsighted. Our work remains non-partisan, evidence-driven, and centred on strengthening Canada’s representative democracy.

And even though we can’t be together, Samara is continuing to build a community of caring Canadians who recognize that the health of our democracy is worth safeguarding.

We hope this report inspires you to engage with the Samara Centre, and to support our mission. Whether you are a political leader, active citizen, educator, researcher, journalist, or prospective volunteer, we want to hear from you.

federal election candidates profiled 1,740

56 indicators gauged the health of Canada’s democracy

“The Samara Centre’s research offers fresh perspectives on topics that Canadian society would otherwise have little to no information about. I regularly consult its data and reports, and many politicians and political staff across Canada have told me that they do too. The Canadian politics, journalism, and political science communities are much more knowledgeable because of Samara’s immensely important work that is crucial to building strong, responsive democratic institutions and processes.”

– Alex Marland, Professor of Political Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland and author of the forthcoming book Whipped: Party Discipline in Canada

The Samara Centre’sStronger Democracy Platform

democratic reforms presented to political parties during the federal election9

8 research projects challenged the dominant narrative and championed policies to strengthen democracy

“As a conference co-presenter, the Samara Centre brought positive energy, fresh ideas, and diverse connections to the creation of the 2019 Democracy XChange Summit. By bringing together national thought leaders and local changemakers from Canada and abroad, Samara is building a vibrant community that cares about an inclusive and flourishing democracy.”

– Ana Serrano, Co-Chair of Open Democracy Project and DemocracyXChange

1

1,865

Democracy XChange Summit co-presented

56speaking

engagements

103volunteers

engaged

event attendees

1fireside chat presented in defence of democracy

Journalist Maria Ressa delivering keynote address

(Photo by Clive Sewell)

Bestselling author Anand Giridharadas interviewed by CBC Ideas host Nahlah Ayed

“The Samara Centre has an impressive track record of strengthening public knowledge about governance while fostering citizen engagement. Our democratic institutions are currently immersed in one of society’s greatest challenges, coping with a global pandemic. Samara’s community of experts and supporters, whom I got to know while creating Speaking of Democracy, can help us envision not merely a new normal, but a better future in which our cherished democracy can flourish as never before.”

– The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

34 illustrations created to improve online political conversations

12 educational tools and resources produced for citizens during the federal election

28 quotes showcased in Speaking of Democracy exhibit presented with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

33 activities on digital citizenship delivered to 5,000+ youth through 40 Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

Executive Director Kendall Anderson presenting at an

orientation of new Members of Parliament

1,009 appearances across

print, radio, television, and online media

“Thanks to the Samara Centre for Democracy, and its retrospective on Canada’s 42nd Parliament, regrets can be few for the new Parliament that starts work on Monday. Samara, long one of the under-appreciated gems in the country, set out a blueprint illustrating common frustrations in political life, thereby providing a roadmap for current practitioners on how the job might be more satisfyingly pursued.”

36,53067,589social media followersunique website visitors

“Volunteering to promote the Samara Centre’s vision of a better Canada through stronger democracy is empowering. Thanks to its quality research and diverse resources, I have been able to engage numerous community groups, hundreds of secondary and post-secondary students, and many newcomers to our country. The respect for, and commitment to, democracy that I encounter is infinitely rewarding.”

– Bob Sutton, retired educator and Samara Centre volunteer

– The Toronto Star Editorial Board

12 op-eds in national and local news outlets

Fuel for a Stronger Democracy

Foundations

Corporations

Revenue streams

Total budget: $990,000

Individuals

Fee for Service

Government

To learn more about our work, visit samaracanada.com.

33 Prince Arthur Avenue | Toronto, ON M5R 1B2 | 416-960-7926

Charitable number: 843093295RR0001

@SamaraCDA SamaraCanada @SamaraCDA

Without generous support, the Samara Centre would not have achieved the impact shared in this report. In addition to extending our gratitude to our

diverse base of individual donors, we also want to acknowledge:

The Aurea Foundation • Bay Tree Foundation • Bennett Jones LLP • BMO Foundation • The John & Judy Bragg Family Foundation • The Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary

Democracy • Donner Canadian Foundation • Government of Canada • The Hal Jackman Foundation • The Jackman Foundation • MacMillan Family Foundation • Panicaro Foundation

• Viking Capital Corporation • The Yaffe Feld Fund • Your Canada, Your Constitution

In 2019, we are also proud to have worked with:

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network • Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada • Cable Public Affairs Channel • Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee • The Canadian-Muslim Vote • The Canadian Vote Coalition • CBC Radio’s Ideas • Democratic Engagement Exchange

• Elections Ontario • The Hill Times • Lifelong Leadership Institute • The Mosaic Institute • Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario • Ontario Legislative Internship Program

• Open Democracy Project • Operation Black Vote • Parliamentary Internship Programme • Ryerson Leadership Lab • Institute for Future Legislators at Ryerson • The Walrus

Published June 2020

Kendall Anderson, Executive Director

Michael MacMillan, Board Chair and Co-Founder