Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Progress Summit?

The Progress Summit is an annual opportunity for progressives across Canada to gather together and discuss the issues of the day. It is traditionally the largest annual progressive politics conference in Canada. Each summit offers analysis, solution-building and leadership training with each year focusing on a different theme, exploring pressing issues of concern to the progressives in Canada and around the world.

For more information, or to see what previous Progress Summits looked like, you can visit the Progress Summit section of our website.

When does the Progress Summit start and end?

2023 Progress Summit programming starts at 5pm EST on Wednesday, March 8th at the Delta Hotel Ottawa City Centre. Summit programming wraps up by 3pm EST on Friday, March 10th.

What is the Agenda?

This year's Progress Summit asks progressives: how can we reclaim the mantle of affordability, and recommit ourselves to the task of making life materially better for all working-class Canadians?

Please see the full agenda available now.

Will the Progress Summit be livestreamed or recorded?

Follow along with Progress Summit 2023 as we livestream events from the Main Plenary - International Ballroom on the Broadbent Institute YouTube Channel.

Visit our YouTube Channel to setup a notification for the start of our livestream.

Who is this event for?

The event brings together progressive thought leaders, movement builders, elected officials, and frontline activists to help us understand our current landscape from a social democratic perspective.

My organization would like to be a sponsor of the Progress Summit. How can we do that?

If you would like to sponsor the Progress Summit, please get in touch with Devon Crick, the Broadbent Institute’s Director of Development.

What health and safety protocols are the Broadbent Institute following in regards to COVID-19?

The 2023 Progress Summit will follow all public health guidelines and advise attendees if said guidelines should change.

High-touch areas within the Summit will be regularly cleaned and sanitized while hand sanitizer stations will be positioned at key locations throughout the event. The Broadbent Institute encourages masking at the Progress Summit as a means of reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Attendees are also encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and be up to date on their boosters. Rapid antigen tests will be available by request and are free at pharmacies within walking distance of the hotel.

To read more details about our protocols, click here.

How are you ensuring that the Progress Summit will be a safe and welcoming space?

We want all of our Summit go-ers to have a pleasant and safe experience. Please respect each others’ differences and boundaries.

Our Institute is committed to ensuring an inclusive environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity; and addressing and preventing discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Participants in any Broadbent event can expect a space where we respect differences of gender identity & gender expression, sexual orientation, identity, ability, race, language, religion, country of origin, and political perspective in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

We take reports of unwanted and unwelcome treatment seriously and will take action to ensure the well-being of staff, guests and participants.

This is outlined in our event participation policy.

During the summit, Heather Brunet, the 2023 Progress Summit Safety Elephant, will be onsite and available to help address any concerns that attendees and speakers may have. Heather’s role is focused on peer support, safety, and the accessibility of spaces. She can be reached by phone or text at (613) 519-0616

How do I register?

Registration is now closed as of 5pm ET, Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

What’s included in a Progress Summit ticket?

Progress Summit ticket holders have access to all Summit programming from the opening on evening of March 8 to the closing on the afternoon of March 10. Ticket holders will receive lunches, snacks and coffee breaks.

Accommodation and travel are not included as part of a Progress Summit ticket.

If cost is a barrier to your participation at the Progress Summit, send us an email and we’ll try to help get you there.

How do I book a hotel room?

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Delta Hotel Ottawa City Centre, including accessible rooms. You can book a room directly with the Delta Hotel.

Are there any discounts for travel?

Yes. We have secured a promotion with Air Canada. Enter the promotion code JBJJHFA1 when you purchase your airfare on the Air Canada website.

  • The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa, YOW (ON)
  • The travel period begins Wednesday, March 1, 2023 and ends Friday, March 17, 2023.
  • Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

What if I need child care while attending the Progress Summit?

If you require childcare during the Summit, send us an email by February 22nd and we will be in touch to help make arrangements.

I've already registered, how do I download the Progress Summit app?

Connect with attendees, get program updates, and join us for the full Progress Summit experience through the Whova Progress Summit app. Download the Whova app after registering to connect with fellow progressives at the Summit!


Get the Summit App


What if I have accessibility needs while attending the Progress Summit?

You will have the opportunity to let us know if you have any accessibility needs during the registration process.

Can I volunteer at the event?

Yes! Volunteers are asked to be available for 2-3 shifts of 4 hours each in exchange for a summit pass and summit meals. There will be a variety of tasks and training offered in person and online. Send us an email if you’re interested in volunteering.

What is your refund policy? What happens in the case of a cancelled event?

We are taking all precautions we can to be able to host the Progress Summit in a safe way. In the unfortunate and unlikely event that we have to cancel the live portion of the Progress Summit, attendees will be offered the choice to either defer their ticket to a future Broadbent Institute event or receive a refund.

What if I have a question that isn't addressed here?

If you have a question that isn't addressed here, send us an email and we'll do our best to get you an answer.