Democracy is much more than a way of making governments responsive to citizens: well-designed and innovative democratic institutions reduce violence and depravation, increase freedom, economic prosperity and quality of life, and form integral parts of civil and sustainable societies.
Located within the Department of Political Science and established through a generous gift from Gail and Stephen Jarislowsky, the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI) seeks to invigorate academic and public discourse on democracy and, ultimately, contribute to Canada’s progressive leadership in the world.
A major objective of the Centre is to make the results of its research widely available. Students, researchers, business leaders and the public are all encouraged to engage in a productive debate about – and to devise constructive solutions to – the most pressing challenges and opportunities we face today. Current areas of investigation include:
- Citizen Engagement & Participation
- Democratic Monitoring in Latin America
- Institutional Effectiveness & Innovation
Your support of CSDI will help to ensure that the Centre remains at the forefront of research and public thought on democracy.
To find out how you can support the Centre’s vision please contact Christopher Whitney or call 604.822.4790. For more information on the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions, please click here.
External Advisory Board Members
- Jennifer Clarke
- Gordon Gibson
- Stephen Jarislowsky, O.C., O.Q.
- David McLean, O.B.C.
- Anne McLellan, P.C.
- Peter Meekison, O.C.
