New Podcast Invites Canadians to Make Sense of This Moment in Canada's Democracy

June 2, 2025
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New Podcast Invites Canadians to Make Sense of This Moment in Canada's Democracy
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Toronto, ON — The Samara Centre for Democracy is excited to announce the launch of its innovative new podcast series Group Chat. Over the course of five episodes, the show invites Canadians to join us in making sense of this moment of democratic uncertainty - with a few friends. Group Chat features a wide range of active citizens including political leaders, journalists and lawyers. Together we candidly dive into a range of topics central to this political moment, including diaspora politics, use of the notwithstanding clause and whether technology can support democracy. 

“Foreign interference, threats to our sovereignty and polarization have shaken the foundation of our civic life,” said Sabreena Delhon, CEO of the Samara Centre. “Right now, we all need a welcoming, engaging and accessible place to talk about politics. The group chats on our phones provide crucial spaces for meaningful and authentic conversations. We’re leaning into that spirit with this new show which is an invitation to connect with your democracy and actively shape its next chapter.” 

Group Chat builds on the success of the Samara Centre’s debut podcast Humans of the House which won a Canadian Online Publishing Award and was a national finalist in the best podcast category of the 2024 Radio Television Digital News Association Awards. 

Group Chat features thought-provoking conversations with:

  • Annamie Paul, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (2020–2021)

  • Malorie Flon, Executive Director, L'Institut du Nouveau Monde

  • Bianca Wylie, Partner, Digital Public

  • Sarah Yaffe, Director, MASS LBP

  • Warda Shazadi Meighen, Partner, Landings LLP

  • Karin Galldin, Partner and Research Lawyer, Goldblatt Partners

  • Peter L. Biro, Lawyer and editor of The Notwithstanding Clause and the Canadian Charter (McGill-Queen's University Press, 2024)

  • Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s Cyber Ambassador-at-large and 1st Digital Minister (2016-2024) and co-author of Plurality: The Future of Collaborative Technology and Democracy

  • Glen Weyl, Economist and co-author of Plurality: The Future of Collaborative Technology and Democracy

  • Anita Li, Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief, The Green Line

  • Jaskaran Sandhu, Lawyer and co-founder, Baaz News

The first episode of Group Chat will be released on June 12, 2025 with new episodes available weekly on all major podcast platforms. The show is generously funded by the Rideau Hall Foundation and the Flanagan Foundation. 

A trailer along with additional information about Group Chat can be found in this media kit.  


About the Samara Centre for Democracy

Founded in 2007, the Samara Centre for Democracy is Canada’s leading non-partisan charity dedicated to strengthening and protecting our country’s democracy. For over a decade the Samara Centre has produced cutting-edge research, impactful events and engaging resources aimed at securing a vibrant culture of civic engagement across Canada. 

Learn more: www.samaracentre.ca. 

 

Media Contact:
Farha Akhtar

hello@samaracentre.ca

Samara Centre for Democracy

www.samaracentre.ca

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