Hey Canada, let’s talk.
We’re at a pivotal moment in our country’s history—so much is on the line. From our economic future to questions about sovereignty, from how we show up on the world stage to what kind of future we want to build together.
We need to talk. Real talk. Not the kind that gets lost in the echo chambers of social media, but honest, face-to-face conversations, even with those we disagree with. From democracy and economic stability to our evolving identity and rapidly transforming communities, shaped by technological change and global challenges—how do we build the Canada we all want to see?
Exchanges
Bridge Building Group hosts public Exchanges that bring Canadians together for meaningful conversations on the issues shaping our country today.
Our model moves beyond debate, it doesn’t require for us to agree but can help us deepen understanding, rebuild relationships, and uncover new possibilities that can move us forward, together.
Why Conversations with Canadians Matters
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Connection & Community
Now more than ever, we need genuine connection to strengthen our communities and shared humanity. In a world where division and polarization are easy traps, fostering understanding and empathy is not just important—it’s essential.
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Challenging Simple Narratives
Canada’s story isn’t simple, and neither are the issues we face. We need to challenge easy answers, explore complexity, and encourage fresh thinking that moves us forward.
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Skills & Spaces for Courageous Conversations
We’re not just talking—we need to build the skills and spaces that Canadians need to engage in respectful, meaningful, and necessary conversations.
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Building Bridges, Not Walls
We don’t have to agree on everything, but we do need to engage with different perspectives. When we listen with openness and respect, we build trust that breaks down walls and helps pave the way for new possibilities.
Get Involved
Our Exchanges are made possible through partnerships with community organizations, venues, funders, and local hosts who believe community, belonging and strengthened democracy begin with conversation. We’re actively seeking partners to help bring future Exchanges to life across Canada.
Interested in collaborating or supporting this work? Let’s talk.
For Practitioners - Become A Steward
Do you host — or aspire to host — public courageous conversations or community dialogues?
We convene a welcoming, national online peer community for practitioners who meet every six weeks to support one another in the real, on-the-ground work of hosting group dialogue.
Together we:
Share learnings and challenges from our facilitation practice
Explore tools and frameworks for courageous conversations
Strengthen one another’s initiatives, recognizing that we’re stronger together
Curious to join us? Reach out here.
Let’s move beyond division. Let’s move forward, together, one conversation at a time.
Our Work
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Discussion & Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Canadian Flag - with The Pearson Centre & The Other Hill
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Bridge Building Group Co-Founder Jane Porter took the stage at TEDx Mechanicsville to share her idea worth sharing on Bridge Building for Democracy.
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Convoy Conversations
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Bridge Building Training & Facilitation