In the mid 1990s, a documentary production company out of Toronto called Stornoway Productions sent a team of seven young university graduates on a cross-Canada odyssey to determine why their generation was saddled with an astounding federal debt of $580 billion. The resulting television documentary, “Days of Reckoning” became the genesis of The underground royal commission (urc) Report, an indepth examination of our governing institutions, and how they serve us. After 9 years of research, and over 500 interviews, the urc Report grew to include 23 young Canadians who contributed to it with opportunities to learn about the country, to meet Canadians from all walks of life, and to develop their talents as researchers, writers, producers, interviewers, and published authors.

The urc Report culminated in 16 books and 14 hours of documentary programming about the state of Canada.

So what are the issues? The report of the underground royal commission clearly shows that regardless of region, level of government, or political party, Canadians are operating under a wasteful system ubiquitously lacking in accountability. The researchers demonstrated that it is almost impossible for a member of the public, or in most cases, even for a member of Parliament, to actually trace how our tax dollars are spent. This ever-weakening connection between the electors and the elected means that we are slowly and irrevocably losing our right to know our government.

With a special focus on youth, the urc is bringing Canadians into public policy discussions through its many educational and research initiatives, by using a combination of television, print, public events and the internet. 

The underground royal commission Report is not an end in itself, but merely the beginning of an ongoing process of citizen education and advocacy. The work and commitment of the study continues under a non-profit educational foundation called, Breakout Educational Network. Established in 1994, Breakout Educational Network conducts research and produces materials to educate Canadians on matters of public policy.

Stornoway Productions produces the URC Investigates discussion panel programs and topical documentaries for broadcast on the ichannel and other networks.

It is our hope that this website will keep the issues raised in the report at the forefront, and act as a catalyst for constructive change in Canada.