Serving on a citizens’ assembly is a special trust. The members worked in good faith on behalf of all Canadians who they endeavoured to represent and serve.

The 42 members were randomly selected by civic lottery from among nearly 600 volunteers who responded to the invitation sent to 12,500 households across Canada. Each member participated in more than 50 hours of learning and deliberation, some online and some in-person.

2021 Members by Province and Territory

2021 Assembly membership

Gender

Internet use per week

Language:

French: 12
English: 30

Members who identify as (Statistics Canada designations):

Indigenous: 5
Part of a Racialized Group: 13

Learn more about the civic lottery selection process

2021 Member profiles

André Cyr, Thetford Mines, Québec

I come from a family of 13 children. I spent five years in the military, from the ages of 19 to 24, where I learned to speak English and obtained a diploma in technical radio. I worked in the field of alarm systems. Now I’m in pre-retirement and self-employed. I want to get involved in the Assembly because I believe that communication is important, and I am looking for the truth. We live in a world of communication, and so I want to open my eyes to this reality.

Ann Burns, Cornwallis Park, Nova Scotia

Having been retired for 12 years, I have been involved in many community initiatives. I feel it is important to give back, and being a transplant from Saskatchewan this is a great way to meet people! I worked with the Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian Legion for many years and was fortunate to meet and assist many of our veterans. I finished up my career with the Regina Catholic School Board, so I have interacted and worked with a wide variety of people from children to elderly veterans. I have served on the provincial and local board of the Special Olympics. I believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves respect and inclusion. I look forward to serving on this Citizens' Assembly and helping to make a difference!

Anouk Adam, Orleans, Ontario

As a teenager, my love for wildlife led me to work in camps and exhibits at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa. After high school, I continued my studies in environmental technology with a specialization in nature interpretation. This led me to work at the Montreal Biodome for 14 years as a guide, before returning to Ottawa in 2007 to work at the Canada Science and Technology Museum as an Education and Interpretation Assistant.

I chose to participate in the Citizens' Assembly because the subject of information and misinformation circulating on the internet interests me greatly. As an educator, I believe that fact-based knowledge is essential to the education of any society. And I believe I can bring my ideas to the table.

Charlie Morin, Winnipeg, Manitoba

My name is Charlie Morin, I am a writer and editor based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty 1 territory. My work focuses mainly on harm reduction, reproductive health, and gender identity. I have a B.A. in Rhetoric, Writing and Communications from the University of Winnipeg. I currently hold the position of Features Editor for The Uniter and work as assistant editor creating the Hansard transcript for the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. In my spare time, I draw cartoons and travel. I look forward to voicing my thoughts on the uses of digital technology and learning more about the impacts of a Citizens’ Assembly on legislation.

Crystal Simpson, Sackville, New Brunswick

I was born and raised in New Brunswick but spent seven years in Toronto and 19 years out west in Alberta. I’ve travelled from one end of the country to the other, except for Newfoundland or the territories, mostly doing fairs and markets. My craft is making jewelry using crystals and precious stones and gems. I have three kids — two boys and one girl — and eight grandkids. I also have two cats; I love my kitties.

Dara Tugwell, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

My name is Dara Tugwell and I am a proud east coaster! I am an Occupational Therapist and presently work for the provincial early intervention program run through the local children’s hospital. More specifically, I support several teams across the province in a variety of areas, such as clinical decision making, capacity building, and teaming/communicating with others. When not at work, I love spending time with my husband of over four years and our 20-month-old son! I decided to participate in this Assembly as I spend a lot of time on various social media sites, and I’m hoping my level head can bring an important perspective to the group.

Dave Blaine, St. Albert, Alberta

I'm a photographer, videographer, and mapmaker, and I specialize in visual storytelling with big data. I finished my undergraduate degree in Archaeology at the University of Calgary in 2002, my certificate in Photography at SAIT Polytechnic in 2006, and my Bachelor of Applied Technology in Geographic Information Systems in 2016. My wife and I accepted positions at NAIT in Edmonton in the Fall of 2019 and relocated our family to St. Albert. Having no clue what 2020 had in store, I began my master’s program at Athabasca University that January, where I'm currently pursuing a dual focus in Writing and New Media, and Heritage and Social History.

Moreover, I'm also a project member on the Stann Creek Regional Archaeology Project in Belize. I've been an excavation supervisor and their digital content creator since 2017.

I was delighted to volunteer for the Citizens’ Assembly because I’m fascinated with how digital technologies have shaped our culture, and I’m honoured to have the chance to contribute to this very important discussion.

Dawn Sugimoto, Lethbridge, Alberta

Born and raised in southern Alberta, I spent 20 years in print journalism at the Lethbridge Herald, where I was a finalist for a National Newspaper Award for editorial writing (2005) and served in several roles, including managing editor. Journalism provided an opportunity to explore my interests in health care, local history, and politics. In 2009, I switched careers and entered communications, first in a K-12 school system and, currently, at a post-secondary institution. I continue to have the great privilege of writing about interesting people and things. My husband and I have a son who attends university, and our family is made complete by a dog and a cat that thinks she's a dog.

Desmond Arsenault, Wellington, Prince Edward Island

I am a retired manager from the Canada Revenue Agency, where I worked for 33 years. I am quite involved in my community, having participated on various boards. I am a 20-year veteran of the Wellington Volunteer Fire department, and I also hold the position of President and Communications officer. While with the CRA, I was a regional spokesperson for three years. I am used to acting as an emcee at various events such as festivals, weddings, elimination draws, and benefit auctions. I am well in touch with technology and can see its benefits and challenges. Personally, I don’t have any social media presence, don’t waste your time trying to creep me.

Earl Hall, Winnipeg, Manitoba

My name is Earl, and I am a resident of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and used to work in tech. I am interested in the Assembly process and in understanding what changes can be made.

Ellen Stewart, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Born, raised, and currently living in Saskatoon, I have been a bookkeeper for 39 years.

When the brown envelope arrived in the mail, certain red flags were raised. I researched the Commission and the Assembly process and then realized this was for real.

Once selected, I felt honoured to be able to provide some civic duty participation. Being able to participate in this type of event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, regardless of topic. As someone on the Assembly team said, there is something special about participating in this process, and I could not agree more. A life experience/opportunity that one should grab.

Eric Mark, Toronto, Ontario

My name is Eric Mark. I am a born-and-raised Torontonian, who lived in BC, Alberta, and southwestern Ontario before returning to Toronto. I am bilingual in French, have an urban planning background, and currently work for a federal crown corporation.

I joined the Assembly as a lover of Canadian politics so I could have a say in shaping policy on an issue that will only continue to increasingly affect us all. I was very curious and eager to see how the Assembly process would work to gather a joint statement from such a cross-section of Canadians.

Fouzi Bouaita, Montréal, Québec

I have been living in Montréal since 2019 in the Ahuntsic neighbourhood. I am originally from Algeria, where I studied civil engineering. In Québec, I obtained two additional degrees in construction management and data modelling for buildings. Currently, I work for Parallèle 54, an engineering and consulting firm, as a trail supervisor in the construction field. I’m married to a woman who works in civil engineering as well, and we have two children aged 8 and 11. I love sports, especially soccer, and travel when the context permits. Committing myself to the current process will give me the chance to express my opinions on the abuse of freedoms on social networks. The internet has changed our way of seeing things, but there are people who use the internet to do harm, and I look forward to discussing how to increase the accountability of social network users.

Frédérick Barrette, Québec, Québec

Originally from Quebec City, I have a bachelor's degree in history and geography from Laval University. I am currently in my first official teaching position as a young 23-year-old in charge of six groups of Secondary III students for the "History of Quebec and Canada" course. On another subject, at the age of 13, I started to be part of the Cadets of Canada program. After reaching my majority, I enrolled as an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force to continue my involvement in this wonderful program. One of the key elements of this program is the development of citizenship. I believe that the mission of the Assembly falls directly into my area of expertise. I hope to contribute to the discussions and learn from others in attendance.

Ian Sheppard, North Bay, Ontario

My name is Ian Sheppard and I am from North Bay, Ontario. I have an advanced diploma as a Computer Programmer Analyst, and hold a 310T Journeyman license. Ever since I was a child, my father always taught us to be caring and helpful when it comes to others. Holding on to that principle, I have become a volunteer firefighter to better serve my community and help keep people safe. I am an active member of my community and volunteer at many of the local annual events. When this opportunity presented itself to me, I became excited to be part of this process and lend my help.

Irene Xia Zhou, Gloucester, Ontario

I was born and raised in Spain with a Chinese background, so I am fluent in four languages: English, French, Spanish, and Chinese Mandarin. I came to Canada alone as an international student at the age of 15 and currently live in Ottawa.

I am a graduate of the University of Ottawa in International Studies and Business Administration. I am an active youth and entrepreneur advocate, and also very involved with various visible minority groups and the Franco-Ontarian community. Volunteering for CADE is at the heart of my mission as I am passionate about civic engagement and community involvement.

I am also the co-founder of BoXia Partage, a social enterprise specializing in the marketing and promotion of Canadian organizations’ products and services, in addition to creating and developing educational tools to raise awareness of Canadian heritage and culture.

Jada McLeod, Ottawa, Ontario

My name is Jada, and I am a committed and fun mother of two teenage boys as well as a wife of over 20 years. While I have called Ottawa home for the last 30 years, I am no stranger to the east coast of Canada. I spent my childhood with my family in St. John's, Newfoundland, and my high school years in Barrington, Nova Scotia. I moved to Ottawa to complete my secondary school education, and have since put down roots and stayed.

I gained experience in the legal department through my work for the Children's Aid Society as well as making time to volunteer on Parliament Hill for former Liberal MP Judy Sgro and Senator Grant Mitchell. My time there was used to produce a composition that investigated and reported on the rights of women and how our status in Canada had changed over recent years. Currently, I am employed with Ottawa's largest school board as the Office Administrator in an elementary school. In my down time, you will find me cheering for my Ottawa Senators NHL team, biking on the many trails in the Gatineau hills, or working on my vegetable garden.

I am Wolastoqiyik from the community of Neqotkuk in New Brunswick and I carry my Indigenous heritage proudly. I have a special interest in the rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as those from across this country. When the opportunity to participate in this Assembly presented itself, I signed up.

I am aware of misinformation on the internet and always question and try to confirm the veracity of information while considering how it may influence others.

I am excited to add my voice to this very special group that has been chosen to participate in this Assembly. My experiences and knowledge as a mother, an Indigenous person, and an education professional allow me to observe issues from many points of view. I look forward to purposeful discussions regarding the impacts of digital technologies and the process of creating recommendations to ensure this information is delivered with integrity.

James Davies, Ottawa, Ontario

I was born in Surrey, England and moved to Canada in 1978. I spent four years in Montréal before moving to Ottawa with my wife (a French-Canadian) in 1982. I served as a police officer for 39 years in both Canada and the UK, before I retired. While police work has been my primary career, I have also held several other jobs in my life such as travel agent, teacher, social worker, and recruiter. I volunteered for the Assembly for several reasons: my interest in the topic, my sense of civic responsibility as a citizen, and (primarily) because my wife told me to. She was correct as participating in the Citizens’ Assembly has been such a rewarding experience.

Jean-Guy Lafrenière, Boucherville, Québec

My name is Jean-Guy Lafrenière and I was born in Montreal in October 1947. I have three children and six grandchildren. My career began teaching in public high school, but after ten years, I moved into a management position at a High School on the South Shore of Montréal. I continued my career at the School of International Education and finally ended my last years at the Collège Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes as director of educational services. My 19 years as a retiree allowed me to collaborate in the development of the Société des Établissements du Baccalauréat International au Québec (SÉBIQ), as well as offer my services to several schools for the production of a master schedule for the new school year (school organization). I like to offer my services for any kind of DIY required in a home. I also had the opportunity to travel and visit several regions such as Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Fiji, several European countries, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Guadeloupe, the United States, and Canada from Vancouver to Nova Scotia. I appreciate the frank, dynamic discussions that lead to operational consensus. I take pleasure every day in solving my Sudoku or other similar games.

John Kamassah, Hamilton, Ontario

My name is John, and I am a resident of Hamilton, Ontario. I am excited for the opportunity to participate in this conversation about an important and pervasive issue.

Keith Sheppard, Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador

I’m 70 years old, married to Joanne for 37 years. We have three daughters who are independent women contributing to society; we are very proud of them. We have three teenage grandchildren who live close by and visit regularly. I’ve been involved in my community all my life in various positions and served two terms as the councillor of Paradise. I’ve also been involved with the church from my teenage years, and later studied theology at Queens College to become a deacon in the Anglican church. For my studies and work, I attended Memorial University in Education and taught in schools for 30 years as a special needs teacher. When I retired, I spent time travelling and went back to Queens to become a priest. I served as chapelman in a hospital and had a half-time position in the parish. My wife and I believe in staying healthy and fit and attend the YMCA to do shallow water fitness. I also love cooking.

Lae Yee, Lantzville, British Columbia

My name is Lae, and I am a former resident of friendly Manitoba, who now lives on Vancouver Island with my husband. I have sat on both sides of the table as an employer and employee in a data-driven marketing discipline. I have noticed that no matter how small the conversation, it can help echo the importance of social concerns. I enjoy participating in large public forums, such as the Statistics Canada project, First Nations project, Amnesty International Vancouver chapter, Community roundtable, and was recently acquainted with the Citizens’ Assembly. Outside of work, I enjoy comedy shows, radio, podcasts, and visiting local markets.

Laura Mathias-Joe, North Vancouver, British Columbia

My name is Laura and I was born and raised in North Vancouver, BC. I am a full-time student as well as a fulltime advisor for Audi. I volunteered for the Assembly because it sounded like an amazing opportunity to learn about disinformation and provide input. I honestly wasn’t expecting to get chosen (with my luck), and I’m so happy I did! It was one of the most memorable, humbling experiences I’ve ever had!

Lori Sponagle, Montréal, Québec

My life has had variety, as I've lived in multiple provinces and had multiple professions. During my career, I have worked as an architect, both in Canada and abroad, and later as a software developer. Now that I am retired, I am pursuing a Bachelor in Fine Arts at Concordia University, with a major in Fibres and Material Practices. The common thread has always been looking for ways to indulge my creativity and to keep learning.

The pandemic severely curtailed my community volunteer work, and I see participating in the Citizens’ Assembly as another way to contribute and give back to society. The question before us is an important one, and I look forward to examining the issues around it.

Malin Rozon, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

I’m a tutor and digital artist with a degree in Linguistics (Philosophy minor) from the University of Saskatchewan. I have a history of formal debate and public speaking, having spent over 10 years as a debater, judge, and coach at various levels. My day job is in administrative support with the Government of Saskatchewan, where I’m also proud to contribute to the employee Pride Alliance Network and to equity and inclusion work within Disability Programs. I’m participating in this Assembly because I have been an enthusiastic citizen of the internet since I was old enough to use a computer, and I care deeply about responsibly fostering online spaces. I look forward to contributing to this important discussion.

Michael Metcalfe, St. Thomas, Ontario

My name is Mike Metcalfe. I am an e-commerce entrepreneur who specializes in selling other people’s junk. In 2006 I attended the University of Ottawa where I obtained a BSS in Criminology. I briefly worked in the security industry before returning to Southern Ontario. I am recently engaged, a brain injury survivor, and an excellent cat dad. My passions include: recycling, politics, technology, and the environment.

Michelle Christensen-Toews, White Horse, Yukon

My career has been varied. I have worked in a bank, a travel agency, and in government, but returning to school as a mature student of 32 sent me on a new trajectory. I became a paramedic and emergency planner, which led to my final career as a health and safety professional. I recently retired from the 9-to-5 crowd. Being a northern girl I hike, bike, split wood, hunt, and snowmobile to a friend's trapline. The opportunity to participate in the Assembly fit my desire to learn and play my part in making the world a place where all are safe and able to flourish.

Naima Kaguku, Edmonton, Alberta

I work in the commercial modelling industry and am based out of Edmonton. Currently, I am enjoying being a new mother to a baby boy named Philip. I very much enjoy getting involved in my community, and want to give back whenever I can. This opportunity is exciting because I thrive in working with others on social projects.

Naomi Duffus, Surrey, British Columbia

My name is Naomi and I’ve lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, my entire life, though I love to travel. Currently, I am a student working on my Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and I am looking forward to graduating this summer! As a 22-year-old who is constantly immersed in the ever-changing world of technology, I thought participating in this year’s Citizens’ Assembly would be a great opportunity for me to learn and gain insight from other Canadians on the topic, as well as offer some insight myself. I hope that together we can come up with ideas that accurately represent the needs of all Canadian citizens living today, and will also protect future generations to come.

Olivier Emond-Godin, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

My name is Olivier Emond-Godin, from La Malbaie, Quebec. I am thirty years old and have been married to my wife Kelsey for two years. We had our first child this October. I joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2014 and currently work as a line technician in Yellowknife. I have great interest in philosophy, psychology, history, mythology, and theology. I believe the path for a meaningful life is a combination of great responsibilities, high and defined goals, and rigorous honesty toward yourself and others. That is why I joined the Forces and answered yes to the Assembly on Democratic Expression. Being out of my comfort zone, serving others, taking on responsibilities, and overcoming challenges give order and structure to my life — only then can I try to improve things in my community.

Patricia Fays-Marszalek, Québec, Québec

I like to define myself as a woman of the world: born in Paris, my blood is a melting pot of all the continents — Europe, Africa, Asia, India — because my origins come from the island of all mixtures: Reunion Island. I have always loved to travel, and after a few trips to Europe, I have been living in Canada with my family for 10 years, and I became a citizen two years ago. I am passionate about cooking and everything that concerns the well-being of humans, and as a good communicator, I am also passionate about new technologies that allow me to better exchange information with my friends and family around the world. Participating in this Citizens’ Assembly is a way for me to participate in my Canadian community, and to help everyone better communicate with each other and with our ultra-connected world.

Pauline Rankin-Blankenhorn, North York, Ontario

Originally from Trinidad, I now live with my husband Uli in Don Mills, Ontario. I have lived a varied life full of ups and downs that has taught me resilience. I have helped family members struggling with addiction, violence, and illness, and have also managed a variety of disabilities myself (including disc problems and FSHD-muscular dystrophy), but have always found solace in religion. I worked in real estate and owned a chocolate shop. I am a certified LifeSuccess Coach and a member of the National Speaker Association. I have one son, Kai, and I love talking to people. I am excited about the opportunity to participate in the Assembly.

Randy Pauloosie Pijamini, Iqaluit, Nunavut

I was born in Iqaluit and have lived there my entire life. I’m currently in my first year at Nunavut Arctic College studying Office Administration. Once I graduate, I aim to continue my education by going to university (preferably outside of Nunavut). When I received the invitation, I didn’t really know what to expect but decided to see where it goes and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Rabinson Raju, Sudbury, Ontario

I was born in India in the state of Punjab and moved to Canada in 2015. I settled in Sudbury, Ontario, where I was a student at Cambrian College. Currently, I am an Area Manager of the A&Ws across Sudbury. Even though I didn’t know what to expect, I volunteered for the Assembly as it seemed like a good opportunity. Immediately the space made me feel welcome, and I’m excited to learn more about democracy and our role in it.

Shannon Snake, Bothwell, Ontario

I work for the First Nations Ontario Works Department of the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown, Thamesville, Ontario. I am Oneida of the Oneida Nation and I’m learning today how to speak Oneida. I’m currently taking care of my mother and living with my loving cat. I’m looking forward to participating in this Assembly to discuss the spread of truth online, specifically concerning Indigenous peoples and communities. We don’t always find the right information.

Soubhi Abla, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

I was born in Charlottetown, PEI, and have lived there my entire life. I currently work as a mortgage broker but my past work experience in web-hosting support and as a server administrator were the driving forces behind my participation in the Assembly. I have always been interested in the topic of disinformation and online harm, and look forward to being able to learn and share my perspectives on this important topic.

Stephanie Tucker, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

I am a communications and marketing professional in Newfoundland and Labrador, with interests in content creation, videography, social media management, and event planning. Currently, I work for a municipal government organization, and prior to this I worked in the not-for-profit sector with an environmental education organization. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major in Communication Studies and English Language and Literature, and a Diploma in Performance and Communications Media. I’m passionate about animal welfare, and my husband Daniel and I have two rescues, our dog Calvin and our cat Nacho. We love spending time with friends, kayaking, hiking, and travelling. As someone who works with digital communications on a regular basis, I see the impact that social media can have on shaping perspectives. I am excited to join the Citizens’ Assembly to share and learn from others through conversation on this year’s important topic.

Yvan Gosselin, Lac Baker, New Brunswick

I was born in Québec in the Montérégie region. I studied wildlife technology and got a BAC in bio-ecology. I worked in community and socio-economic organizations in the Estrie region. Life took me to the Témiscouata region of New Brunswick. Currently retired, I like hiking and picking mushrooms that I cook with my girlfriend. I also do hunting, kayaking, and nature travel. I am involved in the Assembly because the approach to democratic expression is close to my heart; if we want to understand each other, we must speak to each other and speak well. We must determine where our freedom begins and ends and develop a language that allows discussion and understanding of the other.

Zenia Leigh, Ottawa, Ontario

I am a retired nurse (BScN, CHE), widow, mother, and grandmother. Travelling with a husband in the military, I’ve had the opportunity to work in eight hospitals across this country and in the U.S., progressing from bedside through to hospital administration. Following retirement, volunteerism has become my focus. Currently, as a Director with the May Court Club of Ottawa, Canada’s oldest women’s service club, I serve as volunteer Property Manager for its 120-year-old clubhouse plus the attached Hospice managed by Hospice Care Ottawa. Over the past several years, I have greeted the explosion of technology with both excitement and concern, so I welcome participation in discussions about how we might effectively harness the power of this medium without compromising its value.

*Owing to COVID travel restrictions and the BC flooding, three members were not able to travel to Ottawa for the final sessions.

What is a civic lottery?

A civic lottery is a balanced way of selecting members of a citizens’ assembly. It is based on a form of sortition that uses mailed invitations and a randomized selection process to recruit members, which gives disparate members of a community an equal opportunity to be heard.

How did the Assembly's civic lottery work?

English and French invitations were written and designed by the Assembly staff and endorsed by the Commission. The invitation consisted of an invitation envelope, a letter, a frequently asked questions sheet, a response card, and a pre-paid response envelope.

To read the invitation, click here.

12,500 invitations were printed and mailed to randomly selected addresses across Canada, taking into account population distribution and ensuring that rural, suburban, and urban addresses received invitations. Randomly selected addresses and home phone numbers were supplied by Canada Post.

Nearly 600 people responded to the invitation to volunteer.

Assembly staff set up a toll-free hotline in both English and French which potential volunteers could call to ask questions or register over the phone. Volunteers could also register securely online or by mailing back the response card in the pre-paid response envelope.

The letters were mailed with the intention of giving potential volunteers 50 to 60 days to respond to the invitation.

In addition, two telephone reminders were broadcast to the mailing list. The first announced changes to the Assembly dates and process (in response to the pandemic) and the second was a reminder about the volunteer deadline.

Once the response deadline passed, the 42 "winners" were determined through a stratified and randomized draw —the civic lottery— that balanced for gender, age, and geography, as well as other predetermined representative criteria. This ensured that volunteers selected as Assembly members were broadly representative of the breadth and diversity of the country.

Looking for even more information? See How to run a Civic Lottery, a technical guide that provides step-by-step instructions.

How did the pandemic affect the selection process?

The Assembly was planned to be in a hybrid model with the expectation that we would meet in person in Ottawa in the fall. For health and safety reasons as well as travel and venue vaccine mandates, all selected participants had to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a valid medical exemption.

What were the representative criteria used to select members?

1. Self-identified gender

2. Age group

3. Province/Territory

4. Urban/Rural

5. Housing type (Income proxy)

6. Francophone/Anglophone

7. Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, or Inuit person

8. Visible Minority

The Assembly follows Statistics Canada’s definitions for each demographic criteria