The Canadian Open Dialogue Forum (CODF) is an Ottawa, Canada-based not-for-profit that seeks to expand interest, knowledge and discussion regarding public sector engagement.
Founded in 2015, the CODF hosts the annual CODF conference in Ottawa as one of its major educational and networking efforts.
The CODF is also interested in being involved in educational forums and workshops and furthering the understanding of open dialogue through research activities, and providing training on a variety of aspects related to public sector engagement. If you are interested in learning more or speaking with someone about the CODF, please feel free to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Donald G. Lenihan
Dr. Don Lenihan is Senior Associate, Policy and Engagement, at Canada 2020, Canada’s leading, independent progressive think-tank. He is also a director of the Canadian Open Dialogue Foundation. Don is an internationally recognized expert on Open Government, public engagement, accountability, and governance.
Don is currently developing a community engagement plan for The Ottawa Hospital’s new Civic Campus, which is a $2 billion, 10-year project. In April 2016, he completed a year-long assignment as Ontario’s principal advisor on the Open Dialogue project, which used four demonstration projects to test and develop a public engagement framework for the Government of Ontario.
In 2014, Don led an Expert Group process for the UN and the OECD on public engagement models to support the post-2015 UN agenda on sustainable development. He also served as Chair of the Open Government Engagement Team for the Government of Ontario in 2014 – 15.
Don has over 25 years of experience as a project leader, writer, speaker, senior government advisor, trainer, and facilitator. Throughout his career, he has developed and led many research and consultation projects involving senior public servants, academics, elected officials, journalists, and members of the private and third sectors from across the country. He is the author of numerous articles, studies, and books, and was a weekly columnist for National Newswatch. He earned his PhD in political theory from the University of Ottawa.
Bryce Colenbrander
Bryce is a digital strategist who fuses aspects of UX and design thinking to co-create solutions that deliver against objectives, and are authentic to organizational culture and context. Bryce has developed a range of highly useful tools, frameworks, and methodologies for use in designing stakeholder engagement exercises, and has applied his expertise in numerous national-scale engagements.
Geordie Adams
Geordie has been a leading voice in the progression of online engagement and consultation in the public sector for well over a decade. As a founder of PubliVate Inc. and the Canadian Open Dialogue Forum, Geordie has focused on learning, sharing, and advancing all aspects of online engagement.