European Union Hub launches in Ontario on the margins of the DemocracyXChange Summit 2026
The Delegation of the European Union to Canada and Canadian Science Policy Centre, in collaboration with The Dais at TMU and OCAD University, announce today the launch of the EU Hub in Ontario, a platform designed to foster collaboration and advance the work of the EU in Canada at a provincial level. The launch event, the AI, Democracy & Digital Rights Forum, will take place on 16 April as a dedicated side convening on the margins of the 7th edition of the annual DemocracyXChange Summit in Toronto.
The EU Provincial Hubs initiative is being launched as part of the European Union Delegation’s 50th anniversary celebrations this year and aims to foster closer collaboration between the European Union and partners across Canada’s provinces. The EU Hub in Ontario is the first provincial hub to be inaugurated. Led by the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC), it is open to Ontario-based organizations across academia, culture, industry, media, and youth sectors, all of whom are interested in promoting EU-Canada cooperation.
“We are delighted to launch the EU Hub in Ontario, the first of its kind in Canada, with Québec soon to follow,” said H.E. Geneviève Tuts, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada. “These hubs are designed to bring the European Union closer to Canada’s provinces. As we celebrate 50 years of the EU Delegation in Canada, this launch reflects the strong and evolving partnership between our Union and Canada for the years ahead.”
The launch event is organised by the Delegation of the European to Canada and CSPC in partnership with The Dais at TMU, OCAD University, The Hellenic Initiative, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), European Union Film Festival, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, ELLE Gourmet and Pride Toronto. The launch will take the form of a forum on AI, Democracy & Digital Rights. It will feature three panels, bringing together speakers from government, industry, and academia, among others. The discussions will cover key topics including governing AI to support democracy, AI adoption for SMEs and start-ups, and the protection of digital rights in the public sphere.
“CSPC is pleased to act as Lead Partner for the EU Hub in Ontario and to help bring together stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and civil society to advance EU–Canada collaboration,” said Mehrdad Hariri, CEO of the Canadian Science Policy Centre. “Through initiatives such as the AI, Democracy & Digital Rights Forum, we aim to foster dialogue on science and innovation policy and strengthen connections between provincial, national, and international partners.”
For registration, which is free of charge, please visit here.
For further information, including speakers and the schedule, please visit here.
For press inquiries, including press attendance or interview requests, please contact:
European Union Public Diplomacy and Policy Outreach Project in Canada eupopcanada@gopa-pace.com
About the Delegation of the European Union to Canada
The Delegation of the European Union to Canada is the official diplomatic representation of the European Union in Canada. As the EU's primary presence in the country, it works to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties between the European Union and Canada. The Delegation facilitates dialogue on shared priorities including trade, climate action, security, and innovation through the implementation of the EU-Canada Strategic Partnership Agreement and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Its team promotes EU policies and interests, fosters people-to-people connections, and supports collaboration in research, education, and cultural exchanges. The Delegation serves as a vital link between Canadian stakeholders and EU institutions, while also providing information services to the public on EU developments and initiatives.
For more information, please contact Diodora Bucur, Press Officer, Delegation of the European Union to Canada, diodora.bucur@eeas.europa.eu
About Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC)
The Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC), established in 2009, is a non-profit, non-partisan organization, operating as a national HUB dedicated to fostering connectivity, building capacity in science and innovation policy in Canada. CSPC envisions a dynamic and inclusive science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy ecosystem that maximizes Canada’s socio-economic potential for all Canadians. For more information on CSPC’s priorities, you can view the Strategic Plan here.
For more information, please contact: Katerina Tzotzi, Programme Lead, Canadian Science Policy Centre, on katerina.tzotzi@sciencepolicy.ca