The Government of Canada is inviting members of Canadian civil society to apply to join its Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) on Open Government, a collaborative platform that brings together civil society representatives and government officials to advance transparency, accountability, and public participation.
The call, published on August 6, 2026, provides an opportunity for people with relevant experience and knowledge to contribute to Canada’s Open Government agenda and help shape future commitments and reforms.
A Platform for Transparency and Participation
The Multi-Stakeholder Forum brings together civil society and the Government of Canada to work collaboratively on issues related to open government.
Members help drive greater ambition in Canada’s Open Government agenda, identify opportunities to advance the government’s Trust and Transparency Strategy, contribute to the development of commitments under Canada’s National Action Plan on Open Government, and monitor the implementation of existing commitments.
The forum’s work has already contributed to initiatives such as Canada’s beneficial ownership registry, access to information legislation, open data priorities, and evaluation standards for public consultation.
Who Is the Government Looking For?
The current intake is open to candidates from Canadian civil society who can represent the concerns and interests of the broader civil society community and engage effectively with both government officials and civil society organizations.
Applicants should have experience working within Canadian civil society and demonstrate a commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and participation.
Experience with open government, digital government, e-government, open data, and public policy development is considered an asset. For the current intake, particular priority is being given to experience in information management accountability measures, access to information reform, and public participation.
The forum is also seeking members who can bring diverse perspectives and help strengthen its ability to address complex and systemic challenges. The Government of Canada states that it welcomes candidates committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
An Opportunity to Contribute to Canada’s Open Government Agenda
Participation in the forum provides civil society representatives with an opportunity to contribute directly to discussions about how government can become more open, transparent, and accountable.
Members are expected to participate actively in meetings and working groups, promote open government within the Canadian civil society community, and bring forward perspectives and expertise that can help inform government initiatives.
The work also connects Canada’s domestic open government efforts to the Open Government Partnership, an international initiative involving governments and civil society organizations around the world.
Time Commitment
Serving on the Multi-Stakeholder Forum requires an ongoing commitment. Members typically dedicate at least one day per month to forum activities, with additional time required around meetings and special projects.
Activities include quarterly forum meetings, civil society engagement sessions, updates related to the thematic areas of Canada’s National Action Plan, and special projects involving advocacy, recruitment, and civil society outreach.
Members can live anywhere in Canada but must be available to participate in online meetings and attend one annual in-person retreat in Ottawa.
How to Apply
Individuals interested in joining the Multi-Stakeholder Forum are asked to submit a résumé of no more than four pages and a cover letter explaining their interest, ideas, skills, and experience. References may be requested at a later stage.
The deadline to apply for the current intake is September 13, 2026. Virtual interviews are anticipated for late September or early October, with new members expected to begin in 2026 or early 2027. Incoming members will also be asked to attend an in-person retreat in Ottawa on December 4, 2026.
For members of Canada’s Black communities and other historically underrepresented communities, opportunities to participate in national policy and governance discussions can be particularly important. Diverse lived experiences and perspectives can help strengthen public institutions and ensure that open government initiatives reflect the realities of the communities they serve.
The Multi-Stakeholder Forum is an opportunity for civil society voices to participate directly in shaping Canada’s approach to transparency, accountability, and public participation. Those with relevant experience are encouraged to consider applying before the September 13 deadline.