Shaping the Future of Canada’s Cultural Sovereignty

As part of the upcoming 2025 federal election, the Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (CDCE) and OCAD University invite you to a 90-minute electoral townhall in English bringing together representatives from Canada’s main political parties.

The event takes place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 12 p.m., at OCAD University in Toronto.

Confirmed candidates:

• Karim Bardeesy, Liberal Party of Canada
• Sandy Crawley, Green Party of Canada
• Norman Di Pasquale, New Democratic Party

This important discussion will allow candidates to present their commitments to the future of Canada’s arts, culture and creative industries. It will be filmed and broadcast live on the OCAD University YouTube channel.

EVENT DETAILS
Date and time: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
Location: Auditorium (Room 190), OCAD University
100 McCaul Street, Toronto
Broadcast: Live broadcast on the OCAD University YouTube channel (a recording will be available after the townhall). 

REGISTER

PROGRAM

As Canada navigates a pivotal period politically, economically, and technologically, the 2025 federal elections will be decisive for the future of the cultural sector. The actions of the next government will have a profound impact on the diversity, vitality, and sustainability of Canada’s cultural ecosystem.

The debate will be structured into four major thematic areas:

• Funding for the sector and the socio-economic conditions of artists and cultural workers,
• The future of media in Canada,
• Copyright law, and
• The impact of artificial intelligence on the arts, culture and creative industries.

The speaking order of the candidates will be determined by a random draw, and each will have equal speaking time. The public is invited to submit questions in advance to coalition@cdec-cdce.org. A selection will be made based on the time available.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED
This free event is open to all. Registration is required to attend in person. Those who wish to attend online can watch the OCAD University live stream hosted on YouTube. A recording will be available after the event.

REGISTER