From Nov. 16–17, 2025, the “2025 Toronto Democracy Forum,” hosted by the World Anti-Extremism Network (WAEN), took place in Toronto, Canada. Over a hundred human rights defenders, think tank leaders, scholars, students, and activists from more than 20 countries gathered across time zones and languages for a two-day intellectual and action-focused event under the theme: “Healing the World, Combating Extremism and Authoritarianism.”
Prosperity Dinner: The fire of freedom ignites
On the evening of Nov. 16, the forum officially opened with a grand “Prosperity Dinner” at the Pan Pacific Hotel in downtown Toronto. Faces of freedom from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America came together, symbolizing the unprecedented speed at which the global freedom community is uniting.
WAEN Board Chair Li Schoolland opened with a moving personal account: “I was born in China and lived in extreme poverty under Communist rule. This was not because Chinese people are incapable or because China lacked resources—it was entirely due to the evil of communism. At that time, China was one of the poorest countries in the world.”
She continued: “Today, no one calls China a poor country. People talk about China’s ‘economic miracle.’ But what is the real miracle? My good friend Professor Peter Boettke reminds us: ‘Ordinary people, given freedom, can achieve extraordinary accomplishments.’”
Li emphasized that so-called prosperity comes from ordinary Chinese citizens being granted just a small amount of economic freedom, allowing them to create through their own effort. She lamented that countless people around the world still live in poverty and fear, all because authoritarian governments deprive individuals of freedom.
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“As long as individuals are not fully bound, we possess the God-given power of creativity and action! We are stronger than any totalitarian government!” she called. “Let us move forward together to create a freer, more prosperous world for the next generation!”
Awarding the 2025 Linda Whitestone Freedom & Human Rights Prize
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the 2025 Linda Whitestone Freedom & Human Rights Prize, named after the late British freedom pioneer Linda Whitestone. The award was presented by WAEN Board member Jonathan Miller, Chair Professor Ahrar Ramizpur, and CEO Khalid Ramizy.
The awardee was Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network.
Brad, visibly moved during his acceptance speech and subsequent interview with Vision China, said: “Receiving an award named after Linda Whitestone is the greatest honor of my life. She has been my mentor for many years.” He noted, “The world today stands at a crucial crossroads. Freedom is under the most severe threat in decades, a very real and immediate danger.” He added: “But we also see new hope—more philanthropists are awakening to the fact that freedom needs defenders, and this sector has long been underfunded. One of Atlas Network’s missions is to help human rights activists and freedom reformers worldwide find resources and opportunities. More and more people are joining this fight, which is truly encouraging!”
WAEN CEO: Freedom will ultimately defeat dictatorship
On Nov. 17, WAEN CEO Khalid Ramizy spoke at the forum. In interviews, he explained why Brad Lips was chosen among the nominees: “He works with over 500 think tanks and organizations worldwide, actively supporting freedom movements and cultivating a new generation of freedom leaders. His contributions are tangible and visible.”
Regarding the current global situation, Ramizy pointed directly to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), saying it oppresses not only its own people but also deprives freedom globally, including deep infiltration and transnational repression targeting Canada. “I firmly believe that our sustained opposition over the years will defeat it! Freedom will ultimately prevail, dictatorship will fail!” he told Vision China. Future forums will consider “CCP infiltration and transnational repression” as a core topic.
Also on the 17th, the forum moved to Hart House at the University of Toronto, a century-old symbol of academic freedom, for an intense full-day agenda.
Ramizy shared WAEN’s latest achievements:
- Anson Support Communications now reaches over 15,000 readers in Iraq, Canada, the U.S., and globally, providing “truth filtered by the Anson Sword.”
- The global network continues to expand: 73 investors from 36 countries have courageously carried WAEN’s mission back to their home countries.
- Through webinars, podcasts, and research projects, WAEN provides a safe space for freedom advocates worldwide.
He thanked partners including Atlas Network, Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI), Secure Canada, the University of Toronto Afghan Student Association, and Freedom Student Organizations: “Your presence reminds us that we are not alone! Our movement grows, our impact expands! Extremism cannot break our unity, authoritarianism cannot silence our voice! Thank you for believing in freedom and standing with WAEN!”
Ramizy also hosted a book signing for his new book, The Stolen Republic, during the forum.
Keynote by Canada’s top think tank MLI founder
Canadian bestselling author and MLI founder & managing director Brian Lee Crowley delivered a keynote speech entitled, “Can the ‘Friendly Canada’ Survive in a Dangerous World? — Democratic Self-Preservation in the Face of Great Power Competition, Foreign Interference, and Unprincipled Authoritarianism.”
Crowley systematically exposed Canada’s dual systemic infiltration threats from the CCP and radical Islamic networks led by the Muslim Brotherhood. Key points included:
- The CCP integrates “disinformation, covert influence, and transnational repression,” with public death threats against MPs like Stéphane Dion and no protection for ordinary Chinese.
- Chinese scientists at Winnipeg’s National Microbiology Lab stole research secrets and escaped without accountability.
- Canadian universities continue to transfer technology in strategic fields to China under the guise of “foreign student tuition.”
- Business elites have long kowtowed to Beijing, with policies influenced by Montreal’s Power Corporation and other conglomerates.
- The Muslim Brotherhood exploits “vote-bank politics,” largely uncontrolled immigration, and anti-Islamophobia campaigns to infiltrate Canadian schools, media, mosques, and charities, making Canada a prime incubator for “civilizational jihad.”
- After the October 7 Hamas massacre, antisemitic crimes surged in Canada, threatening Jewish community safety.
- The Five Eyes alliance privately questions whether sensitive intelligence can be safely shared with Canada.
Crowley proposed urgent policy measures:
- Establish a robust foreign agent registration system.
- Rapidly expel new immigrants aiming to “transform Canadian society.”
- Eliminate divisive positions like the Special Representative to Combat Islamophobia.
- Strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing enforcement.
- Prioritize national security over U.S. relations and abandon illusions of “replacing the U.S. with China.”
He concluded with a quote from poet John Milton: “I seem to see a noble and upright nation, like a warrior awakened, shaking her invincible locks…” The audience applauded.
Secure Canada CEO: Ordinary Canadians as defenders of democracy
Secure Canada CEO Sheryl Saperia emphasized ordinary Canadians’ critical role in defending democracy and combating extremism. She highlighted the power of civic engagement, community leadership, and informed public action as central to a safer, stronger, and more united Canada.
Saperia warned that Canada’s tolerance, if devoid of conviction, risks slipping into dangerous complacency. Extremism, hate speech, and radical narratives erode the foundations of freedom, while rising antisemitism tests democratic resilience. Facing street intimidation, campus radicalization, and misuse of public funds, Canadians can no longer remain silent.
She proposed four actions:
- Strengthen civic education to instill pride in freedom, rule of law, and diversity.
- Ensure clear legal safeguards in public spaces, with fair and equal law enforcement.
- Allocate public resources only to unity-promoting projects, never to division or hate.
- Encourage ordinary Canadians to use small, lawful, persistent actions to reclaim public spaces from anti-democratic forces.
“In Canada, civic resistance is not street revolution, but millions of ordinary people refusing to surrender freedom,” she stressed. “Democracy, equality, and liberty outweigh all authoritarian threats, and we must defend them unapologetically.”
Influencer Gongzi Shen: 2030 a critical window
Famous influencer Gongzi Shen, who spoke at last year’s forum, attended again this year. In an interview, he described mixed feelings about China’s situation: worry over ongoing CCP threats to Indo-Pacific and global peace, and increased overseas infiltration; optimism as the free world strengthens its resistance.
He emphasized that the next four to five years, up to 2030, are a critical window. Should China’s economic engine fail completely or face a population and debt crisis, CCP external threats will sharply decline. Until then, the regime may resort to military adventurism or increased overseas infiltration to divert internal crises. Gongzi Shen urged Canadian civil society to coordinate with the Conservative Party and think tanks to pressure the government to legislate countermeasures, “so that more citizens understand the severity of CCP infiltration and unite to defend their democratic system.”
Forum participants agreed: facing the dual pressure of authoritarianism and radical ideology, the free world has no retreat. Only unity, clarity, and decisive action can safeguard hard-won freedom and prosperity.
By Xiao Ran
