How a Canadian Innovation Sparked Global Democratic Change

The practice of selecting residents by lottery to participate in decision-making dates back to Ancient Greece. Modern-day models began appearing in the 1980s, however the 2004 BC Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform set an international precedent for the length of the deliberation. Assembly members spent nearly a year learning about electoral systems and hearing from over 3000 fellow citizens before providing recommendations on a new electoral system.

The BC Assembly sparked a global trend that has been described by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as a “deliberative wave” with potential to renew democracy in the 21st century.

"BC Citizens’ Assembly quickly became Canada’s most significant democratic innovation and democratic export,” describes Peter MacLeod, founder and principal of MASS LBP, a Canadian consultancy specializing in deliberation. “Since 2004, more than 500,000 Canadians have received invitations from their governments to serve on similar panels, and more than 1,000 assemblies have taken place around the world. Same sex marriage in Ireland, climate policy in Germany and regulations for medical assistance in dying in France have all been determined by assemblies which trace their origins back to British Columbia."

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the BC Citizens’ Assembly, Simon Fraser University’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue is partnering with MASS LBP to host a series of events Sept. 18 that reflect on the origins and legacy of the BC Assembly and explore the future of citizen deliberation in Canada. 

The BC Assembly also has a special significance for the Wosk Centre for Dialogue, as deliberations were held in its purpose-built Asia-Pacific Hall and the Assembly was chaired by former SFU President Dr. Jack P. Blaney.  

“It is part of our origin story,” describes Aftab Erfan, executive director for SFU's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue which has designed and facilitated three local assemblies in 2024. “It embodies the best of what is possible where every element of the design—from the form of the seating, to the choice of who presents the results—serve the vision of citizen-led democracy.” 

Events on Sept.18 include a panel discussion with figures involved in the original BC Assembly and an invitational dialogue on the state of deliberation in Canada. A public dialogue in the evening will feature talks by Geoff Plant, Peter MacLeod and Andrea Reimer, and a spotlight discussion with residents who have taken part in three local assemblies this year. The event launches Democracy R&D’s annual gathering of international practitioners, academics, leaders and civil society organizations working to advance deliberative democracy around the world. 

Learn More:

• SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue
• MASS LBP
• Democracy R&D Conference