Closer to the People?

Our latest Democracy Monitor report examines how Canada's provincial and territorial legislatures have adapted to COVID-19.

Upcoming Event

VIRTUAL EVENT: Adapting to COVID-19

Join our special guests as they discuss how Canada's provincial and territorial legislatures are struggling to operate and innovate during the pandemic.

Democracy Monitor

The Samara Centre's Democracy Monitor is an ongoing research series that examines the state of democracy in a state of emergency.

Real House Lives Q&A

VIDEO: Michael Morden in Conversation with Parliamentary Interns

Watch the Samara Centre's Research Director discuss our latest book and answer questions from interns in the Parliamentary Internship Programme.

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Help us safeguard the health of Canada’s democracy by donating today!

The Samara Centre for Democracy is a non-partisan charity dedicated to strengthening Canada’s democracy. The Samara Centre produces innovative, action-oriented research that illuminates the evidence and reforms needed to make Canadian politics more accessible, responsive, and inclusive. Through original engagement programming, we provide active citizens and public leaders with tools and resources designed to engage Canadians in their democracy.

Watch the Samara Centre's Paul EJ Thomas and Professor Cristina Leston-Bandeira discuss the potential benefits and challenges of virtual parliaments.

Our latest book uses the stories and experiences of former MPs to put forward a vision of democratic representation that is independent, thoughtful, engaged, and empowered.

Rick Mercer, political satirist, author, Samara Centre board member

"I love [the Samara Centre]. It's an amazing charity. Its entire reason for being is to inspire Canadians to become more involved in democracy. What's not to love? They aren't stuffy, they've got a great sense of humour. If you love politics, you could spend hours on their website."
— Rick Mercer, Political Satirist and Board Member