For the month of February, the Civic Centre Resource Library will be hosting the Speaking of Democracy exhibit. Put together by the previous Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the exhibit is a response to “the observation that […] many were starting to express concerns about the fragility of democracy and equally of its various and foundational institutions.” With a snap provincial election on the way, and a federal one looming in the distance, now is a great time to get reacquainted with how our democratic society functions, where the roots of democracy came from, and the long road to the political system we have in place today.
Speaking of Democracy is an engaging, bilingual exhibit offering key facts about democracy in Canada, including the institutions behind it, the roles they play in shaping it—and the role we all play as citizens. The exhibit panels feature quotes on democracy from significant historical figures like George Orwell and Winston Churchill, and from contemporary figures like Malala Yousafzai. The quotes are selected to present the idea of democracy from widely differing perspectives, to challenge our (often complacent) understanding of what it takes to make and maintain a democratic society.
Full disclosure, this exhibit was planned many months ago, but the timing could not have worked out more serendipitously. A cursory glance at the news these days is enough to shake that foundational belief instilled in us as children, that democracy is the way of our society and the only way. It’s not wrong to have anxieties about the state of things—in fact, it’s healthy to have doubts. Thinking critically helps us avoid falling into the trap of taking the status quo for granted. If we turn our eyes from democracy with the assumption that it doesn’t need looking after, then it can slowly (or quickly) be siphoned behind our backs.
If you’re feeling unprepared for the provincial election happening this month, we’ve put together a 2025 Ontario General Election Information and Resources webpage featuring useful links to sources that should give you all the information you need to know. Learn how to register to vote, find your riding, locate accessible voting services, and more.
Additionally, for those feeling invested in shaping our democracy more directly, we’ve got links for volunteer organizations that are looking for your help. New Majority is a non-partisan organization focused on mobilizing youth and first-time voters; Operation Black Vote Canada is dedicated to amplifying the presence of the under-represented Black demographic in Canadian politics and civil services; and Fair Vote Canada advocates for electoral reform that accurately reflects the Canadian voting population (for those interested in this last option, stay tuned for our Get Out the Vote program coming later in spring, featuring a speaker from Fair Vote Canada. Details TBD). We all have what it takes to make a difference!
The Speaking of Democracy exhibit will be available for the month of February at the Civic Centre Resource Library. For related programming, check out our Debate Club programs in English and French, where youth can put the democratic practice of debate to the test.