Locally Grown

Report: Locally Grown

Based on a survey of mayors and councillors from across Canada, this report sheds light on their paths to politics and lives as municipal politicians.

Confronting Online Harm

Video: Confronting Online Harm

MPs and researchers discuss how to protect Canadian democracy in the age of social media.

Work With Us

Hiring an Executive Director

We're seeking a visionary and strategic leader to advocate for Canadian democracy and to inject fresh insight and perspective into our work.

Resources for Elected Leaders

A selection of non-partisan resources that can assist elected representatives in defining their role and priorities.

Donate to Democracy

Help us defend and strengthen Canada's democracy by donating to the Samara Centre 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.

As the pandemic continues, political leaders and institutions are being forced to adapt. Explore the state of democracy in a state of emergency with our Democracy Monitor.

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.

"The Samara Centre has an impressive track record of strengthening public knowledge about governance while fostering citizen engagement. Samara's community of experts can help us envision a better future in which our cherished democracy can flourish as never before."
— The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario