Frequently Asked Questions 

Why did I receive this letter?

Your household is one of 12,500 across Canada that was randomly selected by Canada Post to receive this special invitation. This invitation is open to anyone aged 18 or older who lives at this address. 

What is a citizens’ assembly?

Citizens’ assemblies and similar processes have been used across Canada and Europe to provide detailed guidance to governments and decision-makers concerning complex public policies. These assemblies are typically made up of several dozen randomly selected participants who together represent a range of perspectives as well as the demographic profile of a specific jurisdiction. Participation is voluntary. Working with a team of independent facilitators, members of a citizens’ assembly learn about an important public issue. They hear from experts, stakeholders, and other citizens as they work towards a consensus concerning their priorities. Citizens’ assemblies issue detailed public reports that explain their work and make recommendations, which are used by governments and other public authorities to create public policies.

Why is this citizens’ assembly taking place?

The Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression has been created to better understand, anticipate, and respond to the effects of new digital technologies on public life and Canadian democracy. As part of its study, the Commission is convening a citizens’ assembly of randomly selected Canadian residents to provide advice concerning how governments and industry should regulate these technologies to both protect democratic expression and shield people from hatred, disinformation, and exploitation. The 2021 Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression will determine whether and under what circumstances legal penalties or other consequences should be applied against individuals or organizations that knowingly spread false information online with the intent to cause harm.

Will the Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression make an impact?

Yes. The Assembly will issue a public report containing its recommendations, which will be shared with the federal heritage minister, his provincial and territorial counterparts, and other parliamentarians, researchers, and stakeholders. Importantly, it will also be shared with the Commission on Democratic Expression to inform their ongoing work. The Assembly’s recommendations will be a welcome and useful contribution to the work being done by governments to ensure that existing regulations and institutions are fit for purpose in an era of widespread digital platforms and other technologies.

What is the Commission on Democratic Expression?

The Commission has been established to examine how digital technologies are shaping Canadian society and democracy. In its first year, seven esteemed Canadians including the former Chief Justice of Canada, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, served on the Commission. This initiative is led by Canada’s Public Policy Forum — an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization and a registered charity with more than 200 member organizations from federal, provincial, and territorial governments, academic institutions, business, unions, and non-profit organizations.

How will the independence and neutrality of the process be ensured?

The integrity of this process is essential to its success. The Assembly is managed by an independent team of facilitators and is overseen by a Commission of academics and policy leaders from across Canada. For more information about the facilitation team and the Commission, please visit commissioncanada.ca.

Who is funding the Assembly?

The Assembly is funded by the federal Department of Canadian Heritage and the McConnell Foundation, which supports Canadians in building a more inclusive, innovative, sustainable, and resilient society. 

But I’m not an expert or familiar with social media and digital technologies, can I still participate?

Absolutely. We do not expect you to have any specialized knowledge. Whether you rely on a smartphone or a landline, or spend your time online or outside, your perspective is what matters most. Each member of the Assembly will have enough time to learn everything they need to make a valuable contribution. 

What can I expect when I arrive in Ottawa?

Each Assembly member will be lodged in a standard private room in a downtown Ottawa hotel. All meals during your stay will be provided. The opening dinner on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. will be your first opportunity to meet other Assembly members in person. The Assembly will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Assembly members will return home on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

What will I do as a member of the Assembly?

As an Assembly member you will first hear from leading experts and policy makers from across Canada. These presentations will include many opportunities for questions and discussion. Following these presentations, the Assembly will work through a series of small group discussions, first evaluating and then gradually reaching an agreement on the best actions and recommendations to address those who intentionally spread disinformation.

Who is eligible to serve on the Assembly?

To be a member of the Assembly you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older. Only one person per household may volunteer to serve on the Assembly. Elected representatives, employees of provincial and federal departments working actively on related regulations, or individuals employed by major technology companies that provide digital services are ineligible to participate. If you are concerned about a potential conflict of interest, please call our toll-free line: 1-833-523-9922.

Do I need to be a Canadian citizen to volunteer?

No. Any permanent resident or Canadian citizen aged 18 or older who receives this letter is encouraged to volunteer. 

What about COVID-19?   

The Assembly will adhere to all applicable public health guidelines and directives at the time of in-person gatherings to ensure the safety of its members. This would include public health direction in order to inform participants as fully as possible about the vaccination status of others in the group. Alternative arrangements will be made should an in-person convening not be advisable at the time. All Assembly members will ideally be fully vaccinated prior to any in-person sessions and, within the law, we will endeavour to ensure you are informed.

I am unsure if I can attend each day of the Assembly. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, no. All Assembly members must attend each of the virtual and in-person sessions. 

How do I become a member of the Assembly?

First, you must respond to this invitation no later than Monday, August 16, 2021 by calling 1-833-523-9922, registering securely online, or mailing the enclosed response card. On Thursday, August 19 a special draw will be conducted to randomly select the members of the Assembly from among the respondents to this letter.

Why is demographic information collected?  

Age, gender, and other information is collected using definitions from Statistics Canada. It is collected in order to ensure that the Assembly is broadly representative of Canada’s population. 

How will members of the Assembly be selected?

The members will be randomly selected from among the volunteers who respond to this letter. A civic lottery will ensure that the Assembly broadly represents the Canadian population.

Which languages will be used during the Assembly?

The Assembly will work in both English and French. Simultaneous translation will be provided during plenary sessions. We will also have bilingual staff on hand at all times to help with translation as needed. 

Will I get paid to serve on the Assembly? 

No. We are asking you to volunteer your time. We will cover all travel, meals, and accommodation costs. We can also provide subsidies for childcare and eldercare if requested. 

Will you compensate me for lost wages?

No. The Assembly is unable to compensate for lost wages. However, if you are randomly selected to serve on the Assembly and face particular financial hardship that would prevent you from participating, we can provide a modest stipend. If you are concerned about a financial hardship that would affect your ability to participate, please call our toll-free line: 1-833-523-9922.

Is there a cost to participate? 

No. We appreciate that this is a surprising invitation to receive and that you may be skeptical and looking for a catch. We encourage you to discuss any concerns with the Assembly organizers by calling the toll-free line or visiting commissioncanada.ca. If you are selected to participate, the Commission will pay the full cost of travel, accommodation, and meals, and any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. You will never be asked for a credit card number or any other form of payment. Participation on a citizens’ assembly is a matter of public service. We will work to support you in making an effective contribution to the process.

What travel assistance do I receive?

We appreciate that some volunteers may not have travelled and we are committed to making your trip to Ottawa as easy, comfortable, and safe as possible. Prior to your departure, Assembly staff will carefully review your itinerary with you and make sure all your questions are answered. In the lead-up to your travel, Assembly staff will be available by phone 24/7 to provide support as needed. We will also have staff on hand to meet you on arrival in Ottawa. 

I’m concerned about a possible barrier to participating. What should I do?

We are committed to assisting any eligible resident who is selected to participate successfully. If you would like to be a member of the Assembly but are concerned about a potential barrier to participating, please call us at 1-833-523-9922 and an Assembly coordinator will be happy to discuss how that barrier might be overcome. 

If I am not chosen for the Assembly, can I still be involved?

Yes. We will send periodic updates about the process to anyone who requests further information. You can register to receive updates by returning the candidate card, calling 1-833-523-9922, or visiting commissioncanada.ca.