Millions of eligible Canadians don’t vote or access benefits they’re entitled to—especially among equity-deserving groups. These participation gaps erode both individual well-being and public trust in institutions. The Strategies for Civic Inclusion (SCI) Network brings together researchers, governments, and community organizations to understand and close those gaps.

 

SCI is an international research partnership dedicated to strengthening democracy by helping more Canadians exercise their rights, access public services, and participate fully in civic life.

 

Through collaborative field research, we map barriers to participation, co-design solutions with affected communities, and rigorously test what works. Our partners—from election agencies and behavioural science units to Indigenous governments and non-profits—are implementing real-world innovations to make civic inclusion a reality.

 

By combining qualitative insight, experimental evidence, and linked administrative data, SCI will generate the first comprehensive picture of participation and uptake gaps in Canada and provide practical tools for more inclusive policy. With a strong focus on equity, diversity, and Indigenous leadership, we’re building the knowledge, partnerships, and training needed to renew democracy—together.

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Our core objectives

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1. Identify barriers to inclusion: Work with partners to map the specific barriers that marginalized groups face—through large-scale surveys, in-depth interviews, and collaborative input from government and community organizations.

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2. Test strategies to reduce barriers: Evaluate promising solutions using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other rigorous field methods to learn which interventions most effectively expand civic participation and service access.

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3. Amplify voices of equity-deserving, marginalized groups in policy-making: Ensure that the perspectives and lived experiences of equity-deserving, marginalized communities inform decision-making by combining survey data with community engagement and qualitative research.