Coalition co-chairs honoured with 2025 Dedication to Democracy Award
Yaroslav Baran, Parliamentary Centre Board Chair, Hon. Anne McLellan, Hon. Mona Fortier, Liberal MP, and Hon. Lisa Raitt attended the Dedication to Democracy event, where the co-chairs of the Coalition for a Better Future were honoured with the 2025 Dedication to Democracy Award. | PHOTO: The Parliamentary Centre
The Coalition for a Better Future is proud to celebrate our co-chairs, the Hon. Anne McLellan and the Hon. Lisa Raitt, who received The Parliamentary Centre’s 2025 Dedication to Democracy Award.
This award reflects a core belief that guides the work of the Coalition: Canada is at its best when we choose collaboration over division.
British High Commissioner Rob Tinline delivers opening remarks at the 2025 Democracy Award ceremony. | Photo: The Parliamentary Centre
The event, held on November 28 at the British High Commission in Ottawa, brought together leaders and advocates. The evening underscored the need to protect democratic values in a time of rising authoritarianism and highlighted the ongoing need for principled and inclusive governance. The co-chairs were introduced by Hon. Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. They then shared the stage to accept the award and deliver joint remarks.
“Here at home, Canadians are navigating transitions, not one but many transitions, that can feel overwhelming. In moments like these it becomes even more important to defend and strengthen the democratic values we sometimes take for granted, or dare I say, leave up to others to safeguard and nurture,” said McLellan. “For us, strengthening our democracy starts with something quite simple: respect.”
“This award is not simply a recognition of the two of us. It reflects the contributions of Canadians from every walk of life who have chosen collaboration over conflict. People who believe as we do that nation building is the responsibility of all of us,” said Raitt. “And it is a reminder that our democracy is something we have to defend, we have to nurture and we have to continually renew.”
Through their ongoing leadership during their time as elected officials and since, the co-chairs have shown that meaningful progress happens when we listen, engage with respect and bring people together to build shared solutions to shared challenges.
At a time when democracies around the world face rising polarization and declining trust, this recognition serves as a reminder: Canadians are committed to cooperation, civility, and working across differences for a better future.
By working together, we can create long-term, sustainable economic growth that benefits all Canadians.
We thank the Parliamentary Centre, a member organization of the Coalition, for honouring this work and championing democratic values in Canada and around the world.
