National Action Plan on Open Government Commitment

C02.1.09 - Democracy and Civic Space

Commitment:
Democracy and Civic Space
Milestone:
Take action to address the rising spread of disinformation in Canada and its consequences on the health of our democracy
Indicator:
C02.1.09 - During its tenure as Chair of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) in 2022, Canada will engage partners on the challenges created by disinformation, particularly those affecting governments and marginalized and vulnerable groups, and its impact on democratic processes, including participation and representation
Lead Organization:
Global Affairs Canada
Deadline:
By December 2022
Summit for Democracy:
Yes

Updates

2023-03
Status:
Complete
2022-12
Status:
Complete
Evidence of progress:

As chair of International IDEA for 2022, Canada continued its multi-stakeholder engagement to address disinformation, including its impact on democratic processes, particularly on the Global South.

2022-09
Status:
Substantial progress
Evidence of progress:

• As chair of International IDEA for 2022, Canada has continued with its multi-stakeholder engagement to address information integrity, including the threat of disinformation (the thematic priority for our chairship), from a democratic, rights-based approach. On the margins of UNGA HLW, Canada co-hosted, along with the Freedom Online Coalition, Media Freedom Coalition, and IDEA Secretariat, an event on upholding democracy and human rights in the face of rising disinformation. Canada also supported and promoted IDEA's initiatives, including through our engagement with IDEA’s regional and country offices, with a particular emphasis on Canada's thematic priority. Canada’s missions abroad endorsed local initiatives and partnerships and sought to expand the visibility of IDEA and its work by supporting efforts to renew members' engagement, while also exploring potential new membership opportunities.

2022-06
Status:
Limited progress
Evidence of progress:

• Canada hosted and participated in several IDEA meetings and events pertaining to disinformation & democracy, youth political participation and climate change, as well as the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on democracy globally.

2022-03
Status:
Limited progress
Evidence of progress:

• Canada took on its chairship role of the Council of Member States of International IDEA in January; Canada hosted meetings during the visit of the Secretary General of IDEA to Ottawa in order to further the relationship between the organization and multiple Canadian departments.