Policy

DashRoots: The Voices of Local Communities Expands to Canada

New advocacy network will bring together local Canadian voices to advocate for issues that will strengthen neighbourhoods and create positive change

2023-11-07
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After a successful summer launch of DashRoots in the US, DoorDash is proud to introduce DashRoots in Canada — an advocacy network that empowers local voices to strengthen the communities we serve. Too often, issues that affect real people in places big and small across the country are overlooked. It’s time to listen to local neighbourhoods. DashRoots will harness the voices of Dashers, merchants, and consumers to advocate for pragmatic policies that will improve their lives: from protecting and strengthening independent work, to helping local businesses grow, to investing in programs that can end hunger and promote public safety.


“I love dashing because it gives me the flexibility to better balance my priorities. Delivering with DoorDash allows me to stay close to my community and set my own hours, so I can work when and where I want. It even allowed me to save enough money to finally feel secure in my retirement,” says British Columbia-based Dasher Sharon Guy. “As lawmakers continue to discuss policy changes for app-based platforms in Canada, it’s important that our voices are heard and our needs taken into consideration.”


To achieve the best outcomes for local communities, the voices of Dashers, merchants, and consumers must be at the table when policies around app-based work are being debated. The vast majority of Canadian Dashers choose to dash because of the flexibility it offers. In 2022 more than 250,000 Canadians earned income on DoorDash, with about two-thirds of them doing so to supplement another source of income. A recent survey also showed that 67% of independent merchants agreed that DoorDash has helped them reach new customers they would otherwise not have been able to reach.


“As a local restaurant owner, I take pride in the role my restaurant plays in the community, and DoorDash is critical to keeping us all connected. It has become abundantly clear over the last few years how intensely public policy can impact our business, and I understand now, more than ever, just how critical it is to have a voice in shaping the policies that affect our industry. I am confident that building networks like DashRoots will help empower restaurant owners to reach decision makers from coast to coast to coast, and ultimately better serve our communities.”- Kelvin Lui, Franchise Partner, Waves Coffee House


Representing the voices of local neighbourhoods, DashRoots members will have access to resources like policy advocacy workshops, professional development webinars, local community meet ups, and opportunities to give back to their communities. They will also have opportunities to have a direct say in the legislative process.

“It’s critical for Canadian dashers, merchants, and consumers to all have a seat at the table when it comes to policies that impact their ability to thrive in their communities, ” said Shilpa Arora, General Manager for DoorDash in Canada. “Whether it’s discussing how we can protect and strengthen independent work, help local businesses grow, or invest in programs that promote public safety – decision-makers need to hear the unique perspectives of the people who are most affected by programs and policy changes.”

Click here to learn more about DashRoots in Canada.