Educate

Designed to amplify our research and engage Canadians in their democracy, the Samara Centre's educational resources and engagement programming provide active citizens and public leaders with the knowledge and tools to drive positive change in our politics. If you're looking for trusted, non-partisan educational tools, explore our resource library below.

LATEST RESOURCES AND EVENTS


Minority Governments

What are Minority Governments?

Canada's 43rd Parliament is a minority government. Learn what they are, how they're formed, and what they mean for Canadian democracy.

In Defence of Democracy

EVENT: In Defence of Democracy

We were proud to partner with CBC Radio's Ideas to present this fireside chat between Anand Giridharadas and Nahlah Ayed.

Let's Talk Digital

Let's Talk Digital

In partnership with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, this non-partisan initiative engages youth in digital citizenship workshops to teach about misinformation online.

Field Guide

The Field Guide to Online Political Conversations

These infographics bring together insights from the study of difficult conversations and social media, as well as new survey data, to examine how citizens can discuss politics better.

RESOURCE LIBRARY


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To learn about previous programming, please see the sidebar.

Parliament

 

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The Reform Act

Learn more about The Reform Act, how it came to be, and what it calls on MPs to do.

Keywords: Reform Act, political party, caucus, Member of Parliament
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What are Minority Parliaments?

In this informative blog, we explain what a minority government is, how it's formed, and what it means for Canadian democracy.

Keywords: Parliament, minority governments
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The Throne Speech in 10 Steps

This fun and informative pop-up video guides viewers through ten easy steps to understanding the Speech from the Throne.

Keywords: Parliament

Expand to see more Parliament resources

 


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Proroguing Parliament

A quick explainer on why Parliament gets prorogued, what it means, and who decides when it happens.

Keywords: Parliament


Political Leadership

 

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Poster for Elected Representatives

An informative resource on how elected representatives can engage young citizens in Canadian politics.

Keywords: engaging citizens, resources for MPs
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Member of Parliament Consultation Fortune Teller

A fun and informative "fortune teller" tool with dos and don'ts for MPs on how they can engage everyday citizens.

Keywords: engaging citizens, resources for MPs
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MP Exit Interviews Teacher's Guide

This teacher's guide is meant to be used with the four MP Exit Interview reports in order to help bring university, college, or high school curriculum to life.

Keywords: engaging citizens, resources for teachers, educational resources

Expand to see more Political Leadership resources

 


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VIDEO: A Day in the life of an MP

Follow Priya, a recently elected MP, as she goes about her day in Ottawa in this animated video.

Keywords: members of parliament, how parliament works, political leadership
Engaging Youth Between Elections

Guide to Local Youth Councils

Offering practical advice and insight into local youth councils or advisory boards—an increasingly popular practice by Members of Parliament to involve young people in politics.

Keywords: youth councils, youth and politics, engaging youth, politics, youth engagement


Active Citizenship

 

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Let's Talk Digital

A non-partisan initiative with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, aiming to engage youth in a series of workshops and engagement opportunities on digital citizenship.

Keywords: youth engagement, digital citizenship
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Field Guide to Online Political Conversations

These colourfully illustrated infographics offer tips to improve the way we discuss politics online.

Keywords: social media, online conversations, politics online, civility
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Political Participation Checklist

Wondering how to participate in politics beyond just voting? Find out ways you can make a difference with this easy checklist.

Keywords: political participation, active citizenship

Expand to see more Active Citizenship resources

 


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VIDEOS: Everyday Political Citizen Stories

Everyday Political Citizens from across the country tell their stories on video. Watch them open up about their efforts to achieve positive change for their communities.


Keywords: everyday political citizen, active citizenship, political participation
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VIDEO: How to be an Everyday Political Citizen

 In this short video, follow Michelle as she learns from her friend Luke, a real-life Everyday Political Citizen and champion of accessibility, about the many ways she can make a difference on an issue she cares about.

Keywords: everyday political citizen, active citizenship, political participation


Elections

 

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What to Expect When You're Electing

This non-partisan explainer series focuses on Canada's federal elections by answering FAQs, busting common myths, and supporting healthy political conversations.

Keywords: federal elections, political leadership, voting
What We Talk About When We Talk About Electoral Reform

What We Talk About When We Talk About Electoral Reform

This primer on electoral reform is intended to provide an entry point for Canadians seeking high-quality, non-partisan information about five possible electoral systems.

Keywords: electoral reform, electoral systems, elections, voting
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Stronger Democracy Platform

This election-time platform puts forward nine actions that are practical and simple, and can be accomplished within the first year of a new Parliament.

Keywords: Parliament, democracy, political leadership

Expand to see more Election resources

 


 

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Legacy programming:

Everyday Political Citizen

 

This now-retired contest celebrated Canada’s advocates, educators, organizers, mobilizers, and volunteers whose work gives life to our democracy.



 

Democracy Talks

 

This engagement program, including election module Vote PopUp, has moved to the Democratic Engagement Exchange at Ryerson University.

 

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