The Centre for Civic Engagement
View papersOur purpose
The Centre for Civic Engagement conducts research on topics of public interest
including those relating to governance, law, global affairs, economics, trade, technology, the environment, and culture, and publicly disseminate its research findings through seminars, workshops, courses, and conferences.
What we do
CCE seeks to inform and engage Canadians
Through its work the CCE seeks to inform and engage Canadians from all walks of life in a conversation about the country’s public policy priorities and opportunities all focused on creating the pre-conditions for economic growth, international relevance and individual human flourishing. The CCE is explicitly non-partisan and does not accept funding proposals. For more information on the CCE’s work visit the research page on this website.
Our research
Research papers
A Retreat from Opportunity: Is the Canadian Dream Still Alive?
DownloadDrawing on Canadian evidence, this report argues intergenerational mobility is declining and purchasing power is squeezed by housing, debt, and rising living costs. It links reduced opportunity to inequality and policy-created barriers in housing, education, post-secondary training, licensing, immigration alignment, and tax-benefit clawbacks, proposing reforms to restore meritocracy for Canadians.
22/01/26
How Canadian Childcare Became Politically Untouchable
DownloadThis study analyzes Canada’s $10-a-day childcare rollout (CWELCC). Fees fell for families with regulated spots, but demand surged faster than supply, leaving provinces behind space targets and longer waitlists. Federal conditions favour non-profit, centre-based, credentialized care, squeezing home and for-profit providers. The paper argues that this model is politically untouchable and costly
08/01/26
Canada’s Future (Might Be) Conservative: A Look at Falling Birth Rates Among Progressives
DownloadThis study finds that birth rates and family formation are significantly higher in Conservative-leaning Canadian ridings than in Liberal or NDP ones. Differences in education, housing costs, marriage rates, job security, and climate anxiety help explain the divide, with long-term implications for Canadian politics, culture, and national cohesion.
08/12/25
How to Build an AI Economy that Benefits Both Companies and Canadian Workers
DownloadThis study examines how Canada can harness AI for productivity and wage growth while managing labour-market disruption. It contrasts U.S. growth-first and worker-protection approaches, reviews evidence on task displacement and entry-level risks, and shows Canada’s rising adoption but weak literacy, calling for large-scale training, job redesign, and rapid worker transitions.
02/12/25