Candidate Statement
Founder, Podcast Host | Writer | Advocate for Digital Inclusion and Innovation, Lunchroom News & Entertainment
Hi CIRA Members!
I’m Adam Stacey – the creative force behind Lunchroom News & Entertainment, a grassroots media platform dedicated to telling real stories for real people. My work bridges the gap between community voices and digital spaces, making information accessible, entertaining, and relevant.
Why CIRA? Because the internet is more than infrastructure – it’s a lifeline. I’ve seen firsthand how access (or the lack of it) shapes lives. I’m passionate about building a digital Canada that is open, fair, and inclusive for everyone – not just the tech-savvy or urban few.
I bring to the board:
- Proven experience communicating complex ideas in clear, engaging ways
- A commitment to equity and inclusion from years of advocacy work
- A real-world understanding of how the internet impacts underserved communities
CIRA needs board members who understand the internet’s human side – who listen, who innovate, and who act. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and bring fresh, community-driven insight to the table.
Thanks for considering my candidacy.
Adam Stacey, Founder, Lunchroom News & Entertainment Content Creator | Mental Health Advocate | Digital Storyteller
What CIRA Does and Why It Matters (From My Perspective)
The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) is the not-for-profit organization that manages the .CA domain, the digital home of Canada. But more than just maintaining domain names, CIRA is the quiet force working behind the scenes to keep our country’s internet safe, accessible, and uniquely Canadian.
From where I stand, as someone who builds community and shares stories online, what CIRA does matters deeply. In a world where the internet is often dominated by global giants and big tech interests, CIRA represents Canadian values: privacy, inclusion, innovation, and fairness.
CIRA funds and supports community projects through its Net Good program, helps improve cybersecurity tools for small businesses and schools, and advocates for a trusted and resilient internet. Their work directly impacts people who rely on the web to connect, learn, build businesses, advocate, and express themselves.
Whether you’re running a podcast in a small town, helping your neighbours get online, or fighting to close the digital divide, CIRA is part of that foundation.
In short, CIRA ensures the internet isn’t just something we use, it’s something we can trust, shape, and call our own.
Why I Want to Be on CIRA’s Board of Directors
I want to serve on CIRA’s Board of Directors because I care deeply about ensuring the internet in Canada reflects the needs, voices, and values of all Canadians, not just the ones already well-served by current systems. As the founder of Lunchroom News & Entertainment, a platform rooted in grassroots storytelling and real community voices, I’ve seen how powerful, and unequal, the digital world can be.
My mission aligns closely with CIRA’s: to create a safer, more accessible, and more inclusive internet across Canada. I want to help CIRA continue protecting our .CA domain, closing digital divides, and funding innovative projects that give everyday people a better chance to thrive online.
How I’d Contribute:
- Community Connection: I bring a grassroots, real-world lens — informed by my experience creating media that connects with people from all walks of life, especially those often excluded from digital spaces.
- Media & Communication Skills: I know how to distill complex ideas into clear, engaging language. That’s key for board engagement, public outreach, and driving impact.
- Advocacy & Inclusion: I’ve spent years advocating for mental health, equity, and underserved communities. I would bring that same energy to policies and projects that ensure CIRA serves every Canadian.
I’m not just a content creator, I’m a bridge between the boardroom and the people. And I believe that’s exactly what CIRA needs.
Bridging the Digital Divide Many Canadians, especially in rural, remote, or lower-income communities, still don’t have reliable or affordable internet access. That’s not just a tech issue, it’s a social equity issue. As someone who’s worked directly with underserved communities and uses media to highlight their stories, I understand the barriers people face. I would advocate for policies and projects that invest in local solutions, amplify lived experiences, and push for an internet that truly includes everyone. Challenge & Opportunity: Strengthening Trust in a Rapidly Changing Internet As misinformation, cyberattacks, and digital surveillance increase, trust in online platforms is declining. Canadians want security, but also transparency and control. With years of experience building an independent media brand grounded in credibility and community, I understand how to earn trust, and keep it. I’d bring that perspective to CIRA’s work on digital privacy, cybersecurity, and community education. Challenge & Opportunity: Evolving the .CA Brand for a New Generation The .CA domain is a symbol of Canadian identity, but younger entrepreneurs and creators are often pulled toward global platforms. We need to modernize and re-energize what .CA means. As a content creator and digital storyteller, I know how to connect with Gen Z and millennial audiences. I’d help CIRA promote .CA as a relevant, powerful, and proudly Canadian choice for creators, businesses, and changemakers alike.
In short, my experience at the intersection of media, advocacy, and community-building gives me the tools to help CIRA navigate the future, and bring more Canadians along.