About Canadians Connected

Join us virtually or in-person at the Infinity Convention Centre in Ottawa as we discuss the engaging and multilayered topic of surveillance capitalism, along with the dangers of high-tech giants capturing and commodifying your personal data.

Canadians Connected, CIRA’s symposium and annual general meeting, is one of the most important internet events of the year. In addition to exciting industry-leading speakers, CIRA presents its accomplishments from the past year, industry developments and statistics, plans, audited financial statements and the auditor's report to CIRA members.

Register for free, today!

Remotely controlled: how the future of digital life is being threatened by surveillance capitalism

Surveillance capitalism describes the practice of companies gathering personal information about you—including your behaviours and interests—and package that data into a product that can be sold. Canada’s privacy watchdog has repeatedly warned Canadians that companies are increasingly cashing in on their personal data—even if it comes at the expense of our right to privacy. There is a growing chorus of voices calling for government to intervene and rein in the power of tech giants. However, there is less consensus on how exactly that should be done without causing new problems.

We are bringing together CIRA members, the public and experts to discuss the privacy harms of tech monopolies and our collective power as users, to decide how our information is shared and with whom—or even if we opt in to using their online tools.

Why participate?

#1

Exclusive learning opportunities from our keynote technology activist, journalist and author, Cory Doctorow. Plus, get your questions answered during the Q&A segment moderated by innovation and technology leader, Amber Mac.

#2

Learn about CIRA’s accomplishments from the past year and how we, along with your help, are working to enable a trusted internet for Canadians. And don’t forget to ask CIRA leaders your questions during the AMA segment!

#3

Get involved in CIRA’s governance CIRA members will have the opportunity to vote and ask questions during the annual general meeting (AGM).

#4

Take advantage of networking opportunities either IRL or from the comfort of home if joining us in person, mix and mingle with with local members and .CA holders. Plus, lunch is on us! And whether you join us in-person or from home, you can watch the proceedings, and members can ask questions, comment, vote and engage with others via chat. Just be sure to have a laptop or mobile device on hand no matter how you participate!

Support your local community during a time of need.

CIRA will donate $10 to United Way Canada on behalf of each person who attends virtually or in-person.

Supporting local communities and residents during a time of need is important to us. By attending the event, not only will you be supporting CIRA, you will also be supporting an organization that is working locally to build great communities for everyone.

About CIRA membership

As per the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and CIRA's By-law, to participate and vote in the annual general meeting (AGM), you must have been a CIRA member at least 21 days prior to the AGM (end of day August 25, 2022) and continue to be a member at the start of the AGM.

Not a CIRA member?

Apply online ! If you’re a .CA holder, become a member in order to be part of the CIRA membership community and vote in our board elections. To be eligible to participate and vote in the AGM and board of directors election, we recommend you submit your membership application by August 19, 2022 to allow time for processing.

Join us virtually or
in-person

at the Infinity Convention Centre in Ottawa, on Thursday, September 15 at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Registration is required but free!

Quick links:

Read about important general procedures and protocols for this year's event and AGM.

AGM Guide
Code of conduct
Health protocols