Putting the Citizen Back into Planning - A City-wide Event
Audio Stream Available
Download: a copy of our flyer
May 29th 2008 from 7:30 - 9:30 pm. - St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
27 Front St. East Admission is FREE.
Complimentary tea and coffee will be served at 9:30 pm
Seventy five per cent of Toronto is made up of stable residential neighbourhoods and any new development has a huge impact on the people who live, play and work in the area. The City of Toronto, the province, developers, residents and BIAs all have a stake in the community but they don't always see eye to eye.
The Forum took to the road holding meetings in North Toronto, Etobicoke and Scarborough (upcoming May 24) to find out what the development and planning issues were, what people experienced in getting involved at the neighbourhood level and what they think could be done to improve dealings with the city, their neighbours and developers. These local forums culminate in a city-wide event on May 29. Some of the hot issues were: inappropriate development, the OMB, secondary plans and avenue studies, park rejuvenation, community benefits, and social equity related to planning policy.
Panelists:
Gary Wright: Chief Planner for the City of Toronto
Lindsay Dale-Harris, a partner in Bousfields, an urban design firm
Graeme Stewart, architect with E.R.A. and manager of the Tower Renewal Project
Andalee Adamali of the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians
Moderator: Jane Farrow, Executive Director of the Centre for City Ecology and Jane’s Walk, a series of free neighbourhood walking tours held earlier in May across the country. She is a former CBC radio producer.
Click here for photos and bios of our panel.
Local Forums:
Tues. April 29 from 7-9 pm. - North Toronto Memorial Community Centre
200 Eglinton Ave. W (seats 80)
Present by FoNTRA
Sat. May 10 from 1-4 pm. - Etobicoke Civic Centre
399 The West Mall (seats 80)
Sat. May 24 from 1-4 pm. - Scarborough Village Recreation Centre
3600 Kingston Rd. at Markham Rd. (seats 200)
Forum: Putting Citizens Back into Planning 7:30-9:30
May 29th 2008 from 7:30 - 9:30 pm. - St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
27 Front St. East
Who We Are:
The St Lawrence Centre for the Arts which is home to the FORUM is in the heart of the The St. Lawrence neighbourhood. The FORUM provides the public an opportunity to engage decision-makers, experts and each other in lively discussion. Over the years Bill Dymond, Daniel Libeskind, Jan Wong, Naomi Klein, Elyse Allan, John Polanyi, Margaret Atwood, Frank Mahovlich, Lynda McQuaig, Bob Rae, Flora McDonald and many, many other public figures have joined concerned citizens at the Forum. http://forum.stlc.com
People Plan Toronto (PPT) is a coalition of residents' groups that is working to educate communities about the planning process and advocate for reform. In May 2007, it held a Neighbourhood Planning Summit that resulted in People's Plan for Toronto that (1) urged the City to create timely secondary plans and community review boards; (2) recommended abolishing the OMB's authority over the City of Toronto in favour of an appointed planning board; and (3) advocated better organization and education to share information and empower communities. For more information, see www.peopleplantoronto.org
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International Perspectives
Thursday, May 15, 6:30 to 8:30pm
252 Bloor Street West, OISE Auditorium
Download: Download the Flyer
A Discussion of Experience & Recent Research from
Australia, England, France & Canada
Social Mix & Inclusive Communities
Experience & Recent Research from Australia, England, France and Montréal
International Panel of Experts
Kathryn Arthurson Bridge
Marie-Hélène Bacqué & Yankel Fijalkow (Paris)
Gary& Tom Slater (Bristol), Annick Germain
Damaris Rose (Montréal) Royson James, Urban Affairs Columnist, Toronto Star
Moderator: Royson James, Urban Affairs Columnist, Toronto Star
Thursday, May 15, 6:30 to 8:30pm
252 Bloor Street West, OISE Auditorium
OISE building, 1
at the St. George subway station, Bedford Rd. exit
1st floor, University of Toronto
Sponsored by
St. Christopher House 
Centre for Urban and Community Studies, U of Toronto
www.NeighbourhoodChange.ca www.gtuo.ca
 
and the
St Lawrence Centre Forum 
Funded by the
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Community University Research Alliance (CURA) program
International Opportunities Fund (IOF) program
Neighbourhood Change Community University Research Alliance
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Tax Shifting for a Greener Future
Audio Stream Available
Download: a copy of our flyer
Wednesday April 9th 2008
Click here for a transcript of the forum
Would you be willing to pay a higher tax on fuel and other polluting activities in exchange for lower income and payroll taxes?
Tax shifting is about comprehensive tax reform to encourage sustainable development, better economic performances, social well-being and more jobs. Taxes are levied on resource and energy intensive, environmentally-damaging activity and lowered on employment, income and investments.
Will tax shifting work?
Come hear experts speak both for and against tax shifting.
The panel will include:
Opposed:
Hugh MacKenzie: Research Associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Finn Poschmann: Research Director for C.D. Howe Institute
In Favour:
Kate Holloway: CEO of Carbonzero
Toby Heaps: founding editor of Corporate Knights
Moderator: Bernadette Hardaker, freelance journalist and former CBC Radio One broadcaster
Wednesday April 9, 2008 from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m at the Jane Mallet Theatre.
Admission is FREE. Complimentary tea and coffee will be served at 9:30 pm
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Toronto Centre Riding Candidates' Debate
Audio Stream Available
Download: printable flyer
"intelligent and lively discussion and debate"
As the Federal by-election approaches (March 17), the candidates will debate the federal government's role in the health and vitality of Toronto on March 11.
Participating will be Bob Rae (Liberal), El Farouk Khaki (NDP), Chris Tindal (Green Party) and Don Meredith (Conservatives) with Anne Mroczkowski (CityTV News Anchor) as moderator.
Tuesday March 11th, 2008 from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m at the Jane Mallet Theatre.
Admission is FREE. Complimentary tea and coffee will be served at 9:30 pm
Co-hosted by The St. Lawrence Centre Neighbourhood Association
In co-operation with:
Old Town Toronto 1793
Downtown Yonge BIA
St. Lawrence Market BIA
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Social Networking: Facebook Style
Audio Stream Available
Download: printable flyer
examining our online lives
Monday March 3rd, 2008
StLC Student Forum
RSVP required.
The Forum will take place in the Jane Mallett Theatre from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The StLC Forum would like to thank everyone who participated for making the Social Networking Forum such a huge success.
Here is some feedback we received from participating techers:
"Young people are a tough audience - kudos to the opne and welcoming approach of each speaker."
"Dynamic speackers with a range of expertise."
St. Lawrence Centre Forum Hosts Exclusive Student Session on Social Networking.
With nearly 400 students present, dub poet D’Bi Young’s enthusiastic performance on the importance of ‘love in community’ kicked off the exclusive student forum on social networking at the St. Lawrence Center.
Moderated by award winning poet and actor D'bi Young, the distinguished panel for the March 3rd event included Faye Mishna, a social work professor researching cyber abuse and school-based interventions; Chris Jackson, Director of Digital Media and Merchandising for Epitome Pictures (the production company behind the hit show Degrassi: The Next Generation); Ron Hyndman a legal expert in technology, privacy and copyright issues; and student Boonaa Mohammed, the 2007 CBC Poetry Face off winner
Each panelist provided their perspective on the social networking phenomenon followed by the more interactive second half of the forum where students reciprocated, challenging panelists with their own questions.
Prof. Mishna discussed the darker side of social networking. Amongst other things, her research has found: 1 in 5 students had been virtually bullied; 1 in 4 called names; 1 in 5 impersonated; 1 in 10 threatened, and the same number had received unwanted sexually related suggestions. Shockingly, friends and family members were the largest perpetrators which might explain why a disturbing 50% of students don’t report these offences.
Despite the potential perils participation on Facebook, MySpace and other social networking sites was clearly ubiquitous amongst the student audience with 20% claiming to access sites through their smartphones and BlackBerrys. As Mr. Jackson pointed out, this has been a boon to his industry in many ways. His show, Degrassi, targets a youth audience so engaging them on the internet has been a critical component of the shows design. Fan-plots submission, episode mashups, and moderated blogs all held drive strong fan engagement and provide the producers with fresh ideas and feedback
Unfortunately, though shows like Degrassi have benefited, lawyer Rob Hyndman pointed out the myriad complex legal issues around privacy, copyright, and defamation that media companies are grappling with. Whether keen on constitutional rights, or simply seeking free legal council, Mr. Hyndman garnered numerous student questions. Throughout the discussion the students were clear – legalities aside, they make no apologies for taking advantage of what they see as mass medias utter failure to keep pace with technology and societal trends.
Bringing the line of panelists to a rallying close, Boonaa Mohammed inspired students to look at the potential ways these new mediums can change the world around them: Artists finding new fans; Friends mediating on-line conflicts and providing role-models; promoting social justice awareness; gaining support for activist movements; etc. Mr. Mohammed clearly understands the challenges as an avid Facebook user and independent artist, but he was able to shine a light on the positive potential this new technology offers.
For more information please visit www.cybersmart.org/home/ and www.prevnet.ca.
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Affordable Housing: Finding Solutions!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 7:30 � 9:30 p.m.
At the newly renovated St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
27 Front St E, Toronto (2 blocks east of Union Station)
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Affordable housing is a powerful positive contributor to the health of Toronto's economy, environment, neighbourhoods and residents. But for some 200,000 families and individuals, affordable housing is a rapidly fading dream. � A shocking number of people including single-parent families and low-income earners, Aboriginal and disabled persons, young people and seniors are living in sub-standard or over-crowded housing. They often pay more than 50 per cent of their income on rent. Home ownership is certainly not within their financial reach. Indeed many are in danger of losing their homes. � As the UN's special housing envoy reported in October 2007, the federal and provincial governments need to get back into the affordable housing business across Canada. City Hall has a key role to play, as does the private sector, co-ops, non-profit and charitable organizations. � The City of Toronto is preparing a 10-year affordable housing plan and this timely Forum will contribute to the shape of Toronto's housing future. The evening will feature a showing of Meet the Dream Team, a short film produced for the Ontario Non Profit Housing Association.
Panelists
Angie Hains, Executive Director, Ecuhome Corporation, past president of the Ontario Non-profit Housing Association.
David Hulchanski, Director, Centre for Urban and Community Studies, Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.
Diane MacLean, Board Member, Regent Park Neighbourhood Initiative.
Sean Gadon, Director of Partnerships, Affordable Housing Office, City of Toronto.
Federal and provincial representatives have been invited.
Panel followed by question and answer period with first line questioners and members of the audience.
Sponsored by the St. Lawrence Forum and the Affordable Housing Office of the City of Toronto
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The Politics of Food
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Displays in Lobby
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Panel Discussion
At the newly renovated St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts!
27 Front St E, Toronto (2 blocks east of Union Station)
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
The idea that our global food system needs to be changed is taking hold in a very local way. Farmers are protesting high costs and low prices, health conscious restaurants are increasingly popular, some supermarkets are displaying local produce, lean and additive free meat and organic produce is being sold in outdoor markets, people from all cultures are planting gardens, and citizens are demanding more from their governments and agri-corporations to protect the environment and human health. Many of us, though, can't avoid the quick fix of convenience foods and the high calorie, low nutrition diet of food court fare. French fries are the number one vegetable consumed in Canada at an average of 115 lbs per person a year! If we know that fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and less meat are what our bodies need for basic good health, why are we not all eating better? And what about our children? We can encourage good habits at home but how do we compete with the mass marketing of junk food messages?
with
California based Michele Simon , author of Appetite for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines Our Health and How to Fight Back;
Bill Jeffery, LLB, National Coordinator of the Centre for Science in the Public Interest, a health advocacy group focusing on nutrition and food safety which�also publishes Nutrition�Action Health letter;
Patrick Habamenshi, development economist of FarmStart an organization that integrates new Canadian farmers, and a former Minister of Agriculture for Rwanda;
Elbert van Donkersgoed, Executive Director of the Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee which is a partnership of municipal, farm and diverse agencies in the food chain focused on a vibrant farm sector in the GTA.
Moderator: Mary Ito, Host of Living in Toronto, CBC Television
Organized by St. Lawrence Centre FORUM and Toronto Public Health
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Bring on the Referendum
What You Need to Know
Monday, Sept. 17 2007 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Due to Technical Difficulties No Audio is Available for this Forum
OISE Auditorium*, 252 Bloor Street West, St. George Subway Stn
*We return to the newly renovated StLC in October.
Free Admission
On October 10 you will be asked a referendum question that could change the course of politics in Ontario. You will be asked how you would like to elect provincial politicians in future – either the way we do it now, called first-past-the-post, or a new way called mixed-member proportional. Don't know what that is? Now is your chance to find out!
Speakers representing diverse views and coming from different parts of the political spectrum will discuss the benefits and risks of changing how we elect politicians. What do you value? Majority governments with the ability to pass legislation more easily or minority governments that build coalitions? At the end of the evening you'll come away with a clearer understanding of which system will deliver the type of political representation and accountability you would like to see at Queen's Park.
with
Rick Anderson: Campaign Committee Chair, vote for MMP; former chief advisor to former Reform Party Leader Preston Manning; Director, Fireweed Democracy Project.
Catherine Baquero: recent University of Toronto graduate; former member of the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform mandated by the government to assess Ontario's electoral system.
Jonathan Rose: Academic Director, Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform; Associate Professor of Political Science, Queen's University.
Edelgard Mahant: Senior Scholar, Glendon Research Group in Public and International Affairs; Co-founder of the No MMP campaign.
Elections Ontario will present an introductory video.
Presented by the St. Lawrence Centre FORUM and endorsed by Equal Voice, Fair Vote Canada, Vote for MMP, No MMP
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Alternative Medicine: Good for what ails you?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Chronic disease accounts for 60-75% of total Ontario health spending. That's huge! And when you consider that 80 percent of Type 2 diabetes, lung cancer, emphysema and coronary heart disease is preventable, there is much that can be done to address this challenge for the health care system.
With it's emphasis on illness prevention and treating root causes, alternative and complementary medicine is attracting the attention of growing numbers of people. The Ontario government has responded by regulating traditional Chinese medicine and has proposed new colleges to regulate naturopathy, homeopathy, kinesiology and psychotherapy.
Does alternative health care have a role in preventing and treating chronic illness? Should it be integrated into the new community health models? Private health insurance plans recognize alternative treatments but how many more of us would include alternative treatment if it was covered under OHIP?
Panelists: Ruth Anne Baron: naturopathic doctor and past chair of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
Naseema Siddiqui: Chair of the Ontario Coalition of Mental Health Professionals and President of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists.
Dr. Linda Rapson: MD, acupuncturist and Chair of the Complementary Medicine Section of the Ontario Medical Association.
Mary X. Wu: Founder and President of the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Honourable Jim Watson the Minister of Health Promotion of the Ontario Ministry of Health is invited.
Moderator: Elizabeth Bromstein, columist of the Alt Health column in NOW Magazine. Presented by the St. Lawrence Centre Forum and NOW Magazine.
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Building Toronto's Green Future
Thursday May 24, 2007
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
What will Toronto's built environment look like in 2020? Mayor David Miller is encouraging our city to dream big and has called for Toronto to be the greenest city in North America. What will this mean for Toronto's construction and design practices and how will it transform our residential, commercial and industrial spaces? Green roofs, geothermal, sustainable landscaping and conservation are already on the horizon. What else can the human imagination conceive? What role will mandatory green development standards play? What opportunities can new neighbourhoods such as Regent Park and the Portlands provide?
Doug Webber: Chair, Canada Green Building Council, Greater Toronto Chapter and Sustainability Practice Leader, Halsall Associates.
David Sisam: Principal, Montgomery Sisam Architects; Principal in charge of the Toronto Botanical Garden addition and renovation, a LEED Silver project and winner of a Green Toronto Award.
Danny Harvey: Professor, Department of Geography, University of Toronto. Author of "A Handbook on Low-Energy Buildings and District Energy Systems" among other publications.
Lorraine Gauthier: Partner, Work Worth Doing. Leader of a winning team in CMHC’s EQuilibrium Housing Initiative for the development of Now House, a near zero energy retrofit of a wartime house.
A representative of the Ontario Building and Development Branch has been invited.
Moderator: Peter Gorrie: Environmental writer with the Toronto Star.
Presented by the St. Lawrence Centre Forum, Doors Open Toronto - a signature event of Toronto Culture, TO Live with Culture, the Toronto Star, the CBC, The Toronto Society of Architects, and the Festival of Architectre and Design (fAd).
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Your Family Paycheque: Is It Keeping Pace?
The third in a series of FORUMS presented with the Toronto Star
as part of its War on Poverty series.
Tuesday May 8, 7:30-9:30 pm, 2007
Toronto Star Article
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
The answer depends on who you ask. If you're from Forest Hill or Rosedale you're probably doing better than ever. If you're a senior living in Regent Park, a single parent, new to Canada, or of colour you're probably falling behind. The rest are working longer and harder to earn the same paycheque as 30 years ago and fear slipping behind. A slew of reports have studied this trend with the latest, the Rich and the Rest of Us, documenting what many of us know instinctively – there is a growing wage gap between the richest in our society and the majority of Canadians.
The income gap isn't just about money, its about life opportunities, education, recreation, transit and the benefits associated with better jobs. How does the income gap affect you, your friends and neighbours? Why in a booming economy isn't the wage gap shrinking as it normally would? What does this income polarization mean for the kind of society we want as Canadians? Where should we look for solutions - to the tax and transfer system or to the market?
Bob Rae: Liberal Candidate for Toronto Centre; former Premier of Ontario.
Armine Yalnizyan: Economist and author of the Rich and the Rest of Us, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives; Research Director for the Community Social Planning Council of Toronto.
Finn Poschmann: Director of Research, C.D. Howe Institute.
Parbattie Shirley Ramsarran: Chair, Centre for Social Justice and community activist; teaches Sociology at York University.
Moderator: Thomas Walkom: Political columnist, the Toronto Star.
This free public forum is presented by the St. Lawrence Centre FORUM and the Toronto Star.
Other upcoming forums:
Building Toronto's Green Future, Thurs. May 24 - 7:30 pm
Alternative Health Practices: Wednesday May 30
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Special Education is Changing: How is it going to affect your child?
Held: Monday April 30, 2007
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
From gifted to dyslexic to hard of hearing to attention deficit disorder - a sizeable number of children in Ontario have special education needs. Everyone learns in different ways, and teaching children with different skills is a challenge. We have learned the classroom needs to accommodate the learner and that each child with special needs should have an individualized education plan. Ontario is changing its approach to special education and is promising improvements
Will schools get the leadership and resources they need?
Will every child who should have an individual education plan get one?
How will the plans be monitored?
If there is disagreement, how will it be resolved?
How can schools create a welcoming atmosphere for parents, and how can parents support their children’s education?
Panel:
Deborah Lamb: parent and chair of the Special Education Parent Network at Withrow School.
Cristina Montes: curriculum leader, Special Needs Department, East York Collegiate Institute.
Annie Kidder: executive director of People for Education.
Bruce Drewett: Director of the Special Education Policy & Program Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Moderator: David Schatzky: Psychotherapist in private practice; a past-president of the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists and former CBC broadcaster.
The evening will include a question period with the audience
The St. Lawrence Centre FORUM and the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario in cooperation with their Toronto Chapter
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The Urban Condition: A View from the Inner Suburbs
No audio is available for this forum due to technical difficulties
Held: Tuesday April 10, 2007
The second in a series of forums presented with
the Toronto Star in its War on Poverty series.
Download: Printable Flyer
How do you rate your neighbourhood? Do you have to travel far to get to a bank? Or a grocery store, doctor, the Boys and Girls Club, English lessons or employment advice? Do you feel safe and are you engaged in your community? What do you think makes for a successful neighbourhood?
Some Toronto neighbourhoods have more amenities than others. To counter decades of decline 13 neighbourhoods in Toronto's inner suburbs will be given priority funding. New community programs and one-stop services led by residents are being rolled out to build stronger neighbourhoods and address inequality.
What does this neighbourhood approach look like on the ground? Does it address the disadvantage faced by people, particularly low income families, living in isolation because it's what they can afford? And what about the infrastructure that supports all neighbourhoods, like affordable housing, public transit, a living wage and child support?
Panelists to include:
Kosal Ky: Executive Director, For Youth Initiative.
Eva Tavares: Mother and resident of the Lawrence Heights Neighbourhood; Chair of the Lawrence Heights Community Health Centre; Vice Chair Downsview Community Legal Services.
Winston Tinglin: Director of Community Engagement, Community Social Planning Council of Toronto
Sean Meagher: Project Manager, Action for Neighbourhood Change Scarborough Village.
Christine Davis: Project Co-ordinator, Black Creek West Capacity Building Project; Community Planner, Community Social Planning Council of Toronto.
Moderator: Royson James: Columnist with the Toronto Star.
The evening will also include a special panel of respondents drawn from various neighbourhoods as well as a comment and question period with the audience.
Presented by the St. Lawrence Centre Forum and the Toronto Star.
Due to a technical failure no audio will be available for this event.
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Precarious Employment: Can You Stand the Strain?
The first in a series of forums presented
with The Toronto Star in its War on Poverty series
Held: Tuesday March 20, 2007
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Do you work part time, casually or full time with few benefits, low wages and few rights? Have you ever not been paid or had to pay a placement fee to get work? Do you like being self-employed but worry about retiring or falling ill without any insurance in place? You are not alone.
According to StatsCan 40% of jobs in Ontario aren't the permanent jobs most of us hope for. And even though one in three employers violates our basic labour laws, 98% of those found guilty face no penalty of prosecution. Enforcement of labour laws is in the hands of the provincial government, yet in the last 3 years alone $59 million in wages remained uncollected.
The economy is doing well, unemployment is down, GDP is growing, rates are low and steady growth is forecast but it just isn’t working for everyone. An increasing number of us are feeling insecure and struggling to stay afloat, certainly not an indicator of a fair society.
with
Zainab Taiyeb: Former contract worker for Rogers, workers’ rights advocate.
Deb Matthews: M.P.P. for London North Centre and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister for Community and Social Services.
Wayne Lewchuk: Economics Professor at McMaster University and lead researcher examining the impact of insecure employment relationships on health.
Ron Saunders: Economist, Director of the Work Network at the Canadian Policy Research Network.
Deena Ladd: Co-ordinator of the Workers Action Centre.
Moderator: Carol Goar: Editorial Columnist with The Toronto Star.
Presented by the St. Lawrence Centre Forum, the Toronto Star and the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC)
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Turning Urban Fortunes Around
Thursday March 8, 2007
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
New Panelist: Mike Wallace: M.P. for Burlington and Member of the Conservative GTA Caucus, the Transit, Infrastructure and Communities Committee, and the Finance Committee. Former City Councillor for Burlington.
Who delivers what public services and how they are paid for is one of Canada’s enduring political problems. With one election behind us and two more still on the way, we have a rare opportunity to discuss visions for the GTA region.
Mayors across the GTA say they don’t have the resources they need to deliver roads, sewers, garbage, parks and water in addition to downloaded services like social assistance and affordable housing.
Ontario has given Toronto some new taxing options: are they enough and should they be extended to others? Has the time come for the GST to morph into a municipal sales tax? What services should cities continue to provide? What is the federal and provincial vision for cities and how are they moving forward?
Confirmed Panel:
The Hon. John Gerretsen: Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Mike Wallace: M.P. for Burlington and Member of the Conservative GTA Caucus.
Mayor David Miller: City of Toronto
Mayor Susan Fennell: City of Brampton
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Gridlock in the GTA
Wednesday February 28, 2007
7:30-9:30 pm
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
People move from one end of the GTA to the other by train, car, bike and their own two feet. But more often than not they are getting nowhere fast. Years of under-investment means two way gridlock, loss of quality of life and lost economic productivity estimated at two billion dollars per year. A change of direction is needed and fast. Enter the new Greater Toronto Transportation Authority, responsible for developing an over-arching plan for the region.
What will the future hold for regional transportation planning? More roads or road tolls? More HOV lanes or a regional transit pass? More Go trains or more urban transit? How much should central Toronto take an interest in a transit-friendly Ajax or Brampton, or the suburbs care about a revitalised TTC? What will the new planning authority look like, where will the money come from, and how will competing interests be balanced?
Panel:
Rob MacIsaac: Chair of the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority (GTTA), former Mayor of Burlington.
Councillor Adam Giambrone: Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission; Toronto City Councillor for Davenport.
Gary McNeil: Managing Director and CEO, GO Transit.
Natalie Helferty: Planning Ecologist, York Region Environmental Alliance.
Neal Irwin: Chairman Emeritus, IBI Group; transportation and planning consultant.
Moderator: Bernadette Hardaker: Orangeville writer and broadcaster.
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Societal Indifference: Is It Costing Native Women Their Lives?
Held: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Young Indigenous women are at least five times more likely than all other women to die as the result of violence. Hundreds of native women have been murdered or disappeared and their stories are only now being told. A few police forces and the Canadian government have taken some steps but statistics suggest a lot more needs to be done.
Consider this: 32 women - many of them Native - disappeared or died on a 500-mile stretch of road in Western Canada dubbed the Highway of Tears. Many of these crimes were not investigated and most are unsolved.
And this: Of the 60 women who disappeared from Vancouver's downtown eastside almost half were native. A British Columbia pig farmer is charged with the murder of 26 of these women. Jury selection begins in December and the trial is expected to get underway in January.
Join us for an art exhibit, a film showing and a panel discussion of the racial and social dimensions in the murders of native women and their treatment by the police, the courts, the media and a society that is slow to demand action.
What can you expect:
- Walk the Talk shoe exhibit (see below for more detail)
- the showing of The Heart Has Its Own Memory, a film collage by Audrey Huntley and Folkard Fritz.
- engaging speakers:
Dawn Lavell-Harvard: Wikwemikong First Nation, President of the Ontario Native Women's Association.
Audrey Huntley: filmmaker of The Heart Has Its Own Memory and Go Home Baby Girl; member of No More Silence Network.
Sherene Razack: A Professor of Sociology and Equity Studies in Education, The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto.
Moderator: Naomi Clarke, Producer of Contact, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).
Presented by the St. Lawrence Centre FORUM, the Native Women's Association of Canada (www.nwac-hq.org) and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network in cooperation with Women Won't Forget and the Women Abuse Council of Toronto.
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*Women Won't Forget Candlelight Vigil to Remember all Women Murdered by Men. Gather at Philosopher's Walk on Wed. Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. (S/W corner Bloor & Avenue Rd, enter off Bloor St.) All women, men and children are welcome to attend.
WALK THE TALK to End Violence Against Women & Children is an exhibit of shoes symbolising the women and children killed this year in Ontario. The exhibit will be on display the night of the FORUM. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.womanabuse.ca
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VOICING VIEWS OF VIOLENCE: A Student Forum
Held: Wednesday October 18th, 2006
Audio Stream Available
The YWCA Toronto, OSSTF District 12 STBU and StLC Forum brought together over 200 grade 9 & 10 students, teachers and librarians for the 4th annual BULLY2U | Voicing Views of Violence Reading Event.
It was held at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in Toronto.
YWCA Week Without Violence is a world-wide effort led by YWCAs in over 90 countries. We build on the leadership of women and girls to promote community and artistic response to all forms of violence - from the social and exclusionary to the direct and physical.
BULLY2U Voicing Views of Violence is an interactive program that features authors who have explored violence and social exclusion as an aspect of their characters’ experience, whether as recipients, witnesses or instigators.
Authors & Performers included:
Belladonna, Off my Chest cd
Nadja Halilbegovich, My Childhood Under Fire: A Sarajevo Diary
Emily Pohl-Weary, Strange Times at Western High
Eric Walters, Shattered
Shyam Selvadurai, Swimming in the Monsoon Sea
Teresa Toten, Me and the Blondes
with Moderator Anne Mroczkowski: Anchor, CityNews at Six, Citytv
YWCA Toronto Week Without Violence gratefully acknowledges Citytv | CP24, OSSTF District 12 STBU and the St. Lawrence Centre Forum.
For information
Raine Liliefeldt 416 961 8100 x 326
www.ywcatoronto.org
www.weekwithoutviolence.ca
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Canada's Role in Afghanistan
Held: Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Recent polls indicate an increasing number of Canadians are uneasy with our presence in Afghanistan, an unease that appears to increase with the death of every Canadian soldier. October marked the 5th anniversary of the UN sanctioned war against the Taliban. In this time Canada has sent 2,300 soldiers and Afghanistan has become the single biggest recipient of Canadian foreign aid.
Afghanistan has a new constitution, has conducted successful elections, and 4 million children are attending schools. But in southern Afghanistan thousands are starving, poppy production has shot up, and the Taliban insurgency is gaining strength. Is Canada successfully winning the hearts and minds of the Afghani people, or are we doing more harm than good?
Is targeting insurgents the right emphasis for the mission? How is success in Afghanistan being measured? Is there an urgency for stepped up negotiations and reconstruction? What would happen if we pulled our troops out?
Panelists:
Ali Mallah: Vice President, Canadian Arab Federation; Canadian Peace Alliance; Human Rights and International Solidarity Committee, CUPE.
General (ret'd) Paul Manson: President, the Conference of Defence Associations Institute and former Chief of the Defence Staff.
Adeena Niazi: Founding Executive Director, Afghan Women's Organization.
Joanna Santa Barbara: McMaster Centre for Peace Studies on Afghanistan and Physicians for Global Survival.
The Department of National Defence and CIDA have also been invited.
Moderator: Carol Off: Host of As It Happens, CBC Radio.
Presented by the StLC FORUM and Ontario Voice of Women
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Climate Change: From Inconvenient Truth to Political Action
Held: Monday September 25, 2006
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Al Gore’s documentary An Inconvenient Truth is an urgent call to action to address climate change. In Canada, innovative plans to reduce greenhouse gasses are being spearheaded by a handful of municipal and provincial governments. The Federal government has declared the Kyoto protocol unworkable, cancelled many existing programs to combat global warming, and is set to release a whole new ‘made in Canada’ plan.
Concerned citizens across Canada have embraced fluorescent light bulbs, recycling, energy retrofits, and higher fuel efficiency. The latest push is for people to assess their carbon production and buy off-sets – a trend made fashionable by rock groups and the World Cup. But are governments and businesses prepared to follow the example the public is setting?
What reductions can Canada hope to achieve and how? How do carbon offsets work and are they effective? With elections at all three levels of government on the horizon, what should Canadians expect from their elected representatives?
Panelists:
Elizabeth May: Leader of the Green Party of Canada.
Ralph Torrie: Energy and environmental consultant.
Jose Etcheverry: Climate Change Program, David Suzuki Foundation.
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Student Forum:
LET ME BE: Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation and Everything in between
Encore forum
Held: May 24, 2006
Held Wednesday May 24, 2006 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
For over 6 years now the St. Lawrence Centre Forum has been inviting students to town-hall type events to engage with their peers on topical issues. Students love it! Individual youth from programmes are welcome to attend even though they may not be enrolled in secondary school. To accommodate teachers and their classes, all our student events require RSVP: call (416) 366-16565 ext 274 to register
For a teenager it’s a jungle out there. Dealing with issues of sexuality and identity are confusing but if you’re gay, lesbian, bi or transgender you’re likely in for a rough trip. Some of the most pervasive anti-gay violence occurs in schools. Boys are punished for not being masculine or aggressive enough. Calling someone a dyke or a faggot is the ultimate put down.
Youth of all and varied sexual persuasions and those who express themselves in uniquely individual ways do well academically and emotionally in an environment of respect and acceptance. What role do students, teachers and the school board play in creating an inclusive and supportive environment? What works? Curriculum that includes gay and lesbian writers? Inclusive language? De-bunking assumptions of what a traditional family is? Accepting sexual ambiguity? Intervention and discussion? Role models - gay and proud of it? This youth only (and their teachers) forum will feature youth speakers, an officer from the school board and agency workers.
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City State: How much power does Toronto need?
Free public forum
Held: Wednesday May 17, 2006
Audio Stream Available
The Province is giving the City of Toronto new muscle. The City of Toronto Act promises to deliver more money and power in what has been called the move to city-state status.
A few examples: Toronto would not be required to seek permission from the province for a myriad of minor decisions like installing speed bumps. It could control bar hours, the decision-making structure of City Council, determine its own building codes, and negotiate directly with the federal government. It would also have access to new taxes on tobacco, alcohol and entertainment tickets, parking fees, licencse registrations and land transfers.
One of the likely results will be more centralized power in the office of the Mayor and a four year term of office for Councillors, up from three. Will this make Council more productive, or less democratic? Does the City of Toronto Act deliver on the promises made? Is Toronto getting what it needs to turn its fortunes around?
Panel:
Dave Meslin: Project Coordinator of whorunsthistown.to
Bob Hutchison: Chair, Toronto Board of Trade.
David White:Co-Chair, Direct City Action.
David Zimmer:MPP for Willowdale; Chair, Liberal Toronto Caucus; Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General.
Moderator: Ted Barris: freelance broadcaster and Professor of Journalism at Centennial College; author, most recently of Behind the Glory: Canada's Role in the Allied Air War.
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Student Forum:
LET ME BE: Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation and Everything in between
Held: Wednesday April 27, 2006
Audio Stream Available
This youth only forum will feature youth speakers, an officer from the school board and agency workers. The 2-hour forum will be divided into 2 parts. In the first we’ll consider gay, lesbian, and bi issues and in the 2nd we’ll discuss transgendered and two-spirited issues.
For over 6 years now the St. Lawrence Centre Forum has been inviting students to town-hall type events to engage with their peers on topical issues. Students love it! Individual youth from programmes are welcome to attend even though they may not be enrolled in secondary school. To accommodate teachers and their classes, all our student events require RSVP: call (416) 366-16565 ext 274 to register
For a teenager it’s a jungle out there. Dealing with issues of sexuality and identity are confusing but if you’re gay, lesbian, bi or transgender you’re likely in for a rough trip. Some of the most pervasive anti-gay violence occurs in schools. Boys are punished for not being masculine or aggressive enough. Calling someone a dyke or a faggot is the ultimate put down.
Youth of all and varied sexual persuasions and those who express themselves in uniquely individual ways do well academically and emotionally in an environment of respect and acceptance. What role do students, teachers and the school board play in creating an inclusive and supportive environment? What works? Curriculum that includes gay and lesbian writers? Inclusive language? De-bunking assumptions of what a traditional family is? Accepting sexual ambiguity? Intervention and discussion? Role models - gay and proud of it?
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Generating Controversy on the Waterfront
Held: Wednesday April 12, 2006
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Ontario is moving forward on a gas-fired power plant in the Portlands. Proponents of the 550 megawatt plant say it is necessary to produce new energy downtown to ensure a stable transition from coal-fired electricity. Opponents say it will jeopardize waterfront redevelopment and continue Ontario down the wrong energy path. They are calling for a smaller plant coupled with more aggressive conservation and renewable energy projects.
Should we focus on producing more energy or on reducing demand on the electricity grid? Should a power plant be located on the waterfront? Have we run out of time for debating best options?
Speakers:
Councillor Paula Fletcher: City representative for Toronto-Danforth and proponent of the Community 10-point plan.
Jack Gibbons: Chair, The Ontario Clean Air Alliance.
Greg Allen: President, Sustainable Edge.
Paul Young: Health Promoter, South Riverdale Community Health Centre.
Invitations are outstanding to: the Portlands Energy Centre.
Moderator: Adrian Harewood: freelance broadcast journalist, seen and heard as host on various Toronto programs including Metro Morning and counterSpin.
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Recycling: Is Your Apartment or Condo Building Ready for Zero Waste?
Held: Monday, March 6, 2006.
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
The City of Toronto has set waste diversion goals of 60% by 2008 - 100% by 2012. Currently, residents in apartments and condos are diverting only 12% of their waste. With over half of Toronto’s residents living in low-, medium- and high-rise buildings, strategies for recycling and composting are a top priority. Each building presents its own challenges, such as aging garbage chutes or lack of space for organic waste storage. Yet many buildings have succeeded in developing innovative programs and the city is pilot-testing organic recycling.
With impending levies on excess waste, the threat of Michigan landfills closing their doors to our garbage and few mandatory requirements for new buildings, time is running out. Do you live in a high-rise? What would you like to see happen in your building? What small steps can you take on our own? What are tenants, property managers, condo boards and the city doing to reach our waste diversion goals?
with
Councillor Shelley Carroll: Toronto City Councillor for Don Valley East and Chair of the Works Committee.
Doug Paton: condo resident and Chair of the Celebrity Place Green Committee.
Rod Muir: Waste Diversion Campaigner, Sierra Club of Canada.
Wayne Tuck: General Manager for Minto Management Ltd., a real estate management company participating in the city's source-separated organic pilot project and a recipient of the Green Toronto Award.
Geoff Rathbone: City of Toronto Solid Waste Management, Director of Policy and Planning.
Co-sponsored by the St. Lawrence Centre Forum and smartliving St. Lawrence
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Human Rights and Security: Where Does Canada Stand?
Held: Tuesday February 21, 2006
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Extraordinary rendition, security certificates, racial profiling and no fly lists – these terms have all taken on a new meaning in Canada since 9/11. After four years of living with the ‘new normal’, where does Canada stand? Observers point to Guantanamo Bay and other U.S. run detention centres around the world where over 3,000 ‘enemy combatants’ and suspected terrorists are being held without trial. But what of Canadian jails, where several Muslim men are being held as a threat to security - for four years and counting- without charges and without knowledge of the evidence against them?
While no fly lists can be effective and contribute to greater safety are they in fact casting too wide a net? Can Canadian democracy justify detention without trial ? Can we justify extradition to countries like Syria where interrogation with torture is practised? Or is it reasonable to expect some limits on human rights to contain terrorist threats to our security?
with
Matthew Behrens: Co-ordinator of the Campaign to Stop the Secret Trials in Canada
Nandita Sharma: Professor in the School of Social Sciences, York University.
Ahmad Jaballah: Son of detainee Mahmoud Jaballah.
Representatives of the new Conservative Government have been invited.
Moderator: Linda Diebel: Journalist with the Toronto Star and author of Betrayed: the Assassination of Digna Ochoa.
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Tall Buildings: Who is Planning Our City?
Held: Wednesday January 25, 2006
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Toronto has had no shortage of tall building controversies: the Minto towers, the ROM condo, the Sapphire tower and the East Bayfront lands to name a few. While there is agreement that Toronto must grow upward, there appears to be little agreement on where tall buildings should go and how tall is too tall. Instead, decisions are being made in the wrestling ring of public opinion, with developers, planners, councillors and citizens duking it out building by building.
The Province has responded to this vacuum proposing changes to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and new powers for City Council to oversee development. Will these changes be enough to address the problems Toronto has been experiencing? How will City Council balance the interests of developers and residents? How do we ensure that tall buildings, when built, contribute to the making of a great neighbourhood? What is the appropriate role of Council, planning staff, developers, community groups and the OMB?
with
Kyle Rae: Toronto City Councillor
Tony Coombes: Principal, City Formation International
Mimi Fullerton: urban activist, Annex Residents' Association
Steve Diamond: development lawyer and Partner, McCarthy Tetrault
Ted Tyndorf: Chief Planner for the City of Toronto
Moderator: Ted Barris: freelance broadcaster and Professor of Journalism at Centennial College; author, most recently of Behind the Glory: Canada's Role in the Allied Air War.
Co-sponsored the Toronto Society of Architects
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Voting on Voting Reform: Countdown to a Referendum
Wednesday November 23, 7:30-9:30 pm
free public forum
St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front Street East, Toronto
2 blocks east of Union Station
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Soon Ontario will become the second place in the world to launch an citizen-driven electoral reform process. This independent citizens’ assembly will be empowered to recommend a new voting system. If they do, their recommendations will go to the voters in a referendum.
How will this innovative reform process work? Can we trust 'ordinary citizens' to restructure our political system? How do voting systems affect politics? What are the risks of change, and what are the risks of staying with the status quo?
Opening Remarks: Parliamentary Assistant Dr. Kuldip Kular will speak on behalf of the Honourable Marie Bountrogianni, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Democratic Renewal
Panelists:
Paul Green: President of Rush the Vote, a project of Blockheadz - Building Links on Community Corners.
Amy Lang: Observer of BC's citizen assembly and Quebec's traditional processes for voting system reform; PhD candidate, University of Wisconsin.
Brian Tanguay: Interim Canadian Studies Co-ordinator and Associate Professor, Wilfred Laurier University; author of the Law Commission of Canada's report, Voting Counts: Electoral Reform for Canada.
Moderated by Adrian Harewood: freelance broadcast journalist, seen and heard on various Toronto programs including counterSpin.
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Africa: Making Poverty History
Tuesday November 8, 7:30-9:30 pm
free public forum
St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front Street East, Toronto
2 blocks east of Union Station
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Sixty percent of Africans make their living from the land. But agriculture is in crisis in Africa - as it is across most of the world. The small family farm in Canada is endangered and in Africa many farmers and landless workers earn less, eat less nutritious food and suffer poorer health than before. Yet profits of farming conglomerates, food exporters and processors are up. The Make Poverty Campaign calls for fair trade, but what would fair trade look like and will it benefit african farmers?
Agriculture tops the agenda at the World Trade Organisation's summit in Hong Kong in December. Most everyone agrees there's a problem but will it be fixed at the WTO? Will access to rich country markets and an end to subsidies, over-production and dumping make poverty history? Is trade even the answer? Are non trade initiatives like land redistribution and the ability to grow one's own food more important? Join us as we examine the goals of the Make Poverty History Campaign and what can or can't be achieved by world leaders in Hong Kong.
with
Pablo Idahosa: Professor and Coordinator of the African Studies Program, York University.
Kioko Munyao: Food Security and Policy Development Specialist, World Vision.
Anna Paskal: Program Manager with Inter Pares, an international social justice organization.
Colleen Ross: Women's V.P. of the National Farmer's Union; grain and livestock farmer from Iroquois Ontario.
To Be Confirmed:
Helen Hambly Odame: Assistant Professor, Rural Extension Studies, University of Guelph and a representative of Agriculture & Agra-Food Canada has been invited.
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Making the Grade Part 2: What is needed for all students (and teachers too!) to suceed in the classroom?
A forum for students and youth
By RSVP only
Thursday October 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m
27 Front Street East
2 blocks east of union station
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Ideally all students regardless of gender, social background and race will leave the education system with some useful skills, knowledge and an inquiring mind. Newspaper headlines, school board reports and anecdotal stories from students and teachers paint a very different picture. At risk students of all backgrounds are quietly dropping out, black youth are seemingly being expelled or suspended in disproportionate numbers, teachers are being bullied and asked to deal with problems they aren’t equipped for and ‘average’ students are being deprived of their teacher’s attention.
Many solutions are being put forward as possible ways for reform including changes to the safe schools act, black–focused pilot schools, cross-cultural curriculum, race based statistics and targeted programs, and community support programs. Most of these options will be months and years in coming so it’s important to know what’s making a difference in your classroom today and how that can help other students and teachers in the future.
For over 5 years now the St. Lawrence Centre Forum has been inviting teachers and their students to town-hall type events to engage with their peers on topical issues. Students love it! This is an RSVP only event. Youth who are not in a formal school environment are welcome to rsvp.
with:
Moderator: Farley Flex: Canadian Idol Judge, Entertainment Entrepreneur and Community Proactivist.
and Lloyd McKell: Executive Officer, Student and Community Equity, Toronto District School Board.
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Is Immigrating a Health Hazard? The Health Experience of Newcomers
Wednesday October 5, 2005
7:30-9:30 pm
Admission is free
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Immigrants generally arrive with better health than the Canadian-born population. However, as time passes this 'healthy immigrant effect' disappears. The reasons are numerous. Increasingly, newcomers lack suitable employment and income, face racism and become disillusioned by their experience.
Nationally one quarter of immigrants reported difficulty accessing health care. Challenges included waiting lists, high costs, language barriers and an inability to find a doctor.
Is Ontario squandering the health capital of new immigrants? In an increasingly privatized system are we creating a third tier for
newcomers? What impact will the diminishing health experience of newcomers have on Ontario?
Eunadie Johnson: Executive Director, Women’s Health in Women’s Hands.
Dennis Raphael:Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director, School of Health Policy and Management, York University.
Grace-Edward Galabuzi: Assistant Professor at Ryerson University in the Department of Politics and Public Administration and author of Canada's Economic Apartheid: The Social Exclusion of Racialized Groups in the New Century.
A representative of the Ministry of Health Promotion has been invited.
Moderator: Adrian Harewood: freelance broadcaster and and guest host of various Toronto TV and radio programs including counterSpin on CBC Newsworld.
Co-sponsored by OCASI, Ontario Coalition of Agencies Serving Immigrants
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The CBC: Tuned In or Tuned Out?
Held: Wednesday September 28, 2005
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
What is the lock-out about and what's at stake?
What do you love about the CBC, and what makes you lunge to turn it off?
Is the CBC still relevant, and is it reflecting all of Canada's voices?
Are you worried about the future of the CBC?
with
Mark Starowicz: CBC Executive Producer of documentaries and the architect of Canada: A People's History, the Journal, and As It Happens.
Nora Young: freelance writer and broadcaster focussing on radio documentaries and arts journalism; founding host and a producer of CBC's Definitely Not the Opera.
John Doyle:Television Critic, the Globe and Mail
Sadia Zaman:Director of In-House Production, Vision TV
Moderator Suanne Kelman: Associate Chair, Ryerson School of Journalism
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More than a Roof: Moving Forward from Tent City
Wednesday September 21, 2005
Admission is free
Audio Stream Available
The homeless encampment known as Tent City shone a national spotlight on Toronto's long-standing homelessness crisis. The residents of Tent City were evicted three years ago this month and have had a sustained success rate in their resettlement. What is the key to this success, and what other innovative solutions are being explored?
The Mayor's office has just initiated a promising Streets to Homes housing strategy, and other small scale community initiatives have housed a few hundred of the thousands of homeless and shelter residents. Other unique solutions to housing are in the works from redevelopment of large social housing sites to projects that offer affordable home ownership. Can these ground breaking community initiatives point the way to a housing solution?
Federal and provincial money is finally on the way, but will it be enough to house all those that need it and will they stay housed? A "one size fits all" response to the diverse needs of the homeless rarely works. Can the government be flexible and create a housing policy that will allow innovative programs to succeed?
7:00-8:00 Premiere screening of the Mayor Tent City, the story of Karl Schmidt. Filmmaker Rosalie Bellefontaine.
8:00-9:30 pm: Panel Discussion with:
David Hulchanski: Director of the Centre for Urban and Community Studies and a professor of social work at the University of Toronto, and a co-founder of the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee.
Michel (Mike) Labbé: President of Options for Homes, a non-profit organization helping low to moderate income households buy a home.
Karl Schmidt: former resident of Tent City, and subject of the Mayor of Tent City.
Rima Zavys: Director of Homeless and Housing Help Services, WoodGreen Community Services.
Moderator: Karin Wells: Documentary Producer with CBC's Sunday Edition and The Current.
Endorsed by WoodGreen Community Services
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Understanding Postpartum Depression and Psychosis
Tuesday February 8, 2005
7:30-9:30 pm
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
27 Front Street East
(two blocks east of union station)
Admission is free
Postpartum depression is a common yet frequently undiagnosed complication of pregnancy, affecting 10 to 20 percent of women who give birth, or almost half a million women every year.
Before she took her own life, Melanie wrote "Please let Sommer know how much I loved her during the pregnancy", and thanked her husband for loving her in "such a generous, sweet way." To herself she wrote, "Everyone going along with normal happy lives. I wish I was normal again."
Postpartum psychosis is extremely rare but so severe the woman is at risk of hurting herself and her baby. In two recent Toronto cases the results were tragic, leaving families and communities reeling.
Our panel of health professionals and women who have lived with postpartum mood disorders will address issues of awareness, prevention and treatment, followed by Q&A.
Panel:
Dr. Donna Stewart: Professor and Director, Women's Health Program, University Health Network and University of Toronto; Psychiatrist.
Fran Levine: Volunteer facilitator, Women's Only Support Group, Our Sisters' Place; survivor of postpartum depression.
Ed Bader: Project Co-ordinator, Focus on Fathers, Catholic Community Services York Region.
Jane Lowry: Survivor of postpartum psychosis; volunteer, Our Sisters' Place.
Moderator: David Schatzky: President of the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists.
Presented by The St. Lawrence Centre Forum
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Religious Arbitration in Family Law
Held: Tuesday May 31, 2005
St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front Street East, Toronto
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
In Ontario couples can choose a religious leader to arbitrate their post-marital disputes. This means that Sharia Law, Rabbinical law or Christian values can be used in arbitration. Some see this as a threat to women's rights, but others want the right to live their life in harmony with their religious principles.
The Ontario Government is currently reviewing the Boyd report on arbitration. Enforceable agreements are arranged outside the court system to save money all the time, is this any different? Should women be protected from potential coercion by families and religious communities? Does this represent a step forward for religious pluralism or a step backward for the secular state?
with:
Marion Boyd: former Attorney General of Ontario and author of the report Dispute Resolution in Family Law: Protecting Choice, Promoting Inclusion.
Nuzhat Jafri Board Member, Canadian Council of Muslim Women
John Syrtash: Partner, Beard Winter; advisor to the Rabbinical Court
Meredith Cartwright: human rights lawyer; holds a Masters of Theological
Studies from Harvard Divinity School, and teaches courses in Law, Religion
and Sexuality at University College, University of Toronto.
In addition, a representative of the Ontario Government has been invited.
Moderator: Karin Wells: Documentary Producer, CBC's Sunday Edition and The Current
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Waiting for Toronto: What makes a clean and beautiful city?
a Doors Open event
Wednesday May 25
7:30-9:30 pm, doors open at 7:00 pm
Free public forum, first come first seated
St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front Street East
Toronto, 2 blocks east of Union Station
Download: Printable Flyer
Distressed and dying trees, dirty and graffiti covered buildings with tired-looking facades, homogenization of once distinct neighbourhoods, and uninspired new construction threaten to take over our colourful and diverse city. With help from residents, the Mayor's Clean and Beautiful City initiative aims to raise the bar on urban design and architecture and reverse Toronto's decline.
We can likely all agree on a litter free city but concepts of beauty differ widely. What's important to you? Is it music, art, distinct neighbourhoods, heritage buildings, transit, accessible and clean sidewalks, beautiful parks, public open spaces and recreational amenities, splendid architecture and landscaping? How can the city guide the development of an exciting city that inspires artists, delights tourists, engages youth, and provides for families and seniors?
with
Matthew Blackett: Creative Director, Spacing Magazine, member of the Roundtable for a Beautiful City, an advisory committee to Mayor David Miller; creator of the critically acclaimed comic m@b, appearing weekly in Eye.
Emerita Emerencia:a multi-disciplinary, multi-lingual performer blending theatre, storytelling percussive music and dance. Emerita is performing at Doors Open events on the theme of transformation as part of the Metamorphosis Festival.
Ken Greenberg: architect, urban designer and principal of Greenberg Consultants, with international projects in North America and Europe; former Director, Urban Design & Architecture, City of Toronto.
Sybil Wa:architect, Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc; member of the Toronto Star Community Editorial board.
Cynthia Wilkey: Chair, West Don Lands Committee.
Moderator: Andy Barrie: host of Metro Morning, CBC Radio One
Presented by Doors Open Toronto, the Toronto Society of Architects and the Toronto Star, CBC Radio One 99.1 and CBC Television in partnership with the St. Lawrence Centre Forum.
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Dissecting your Big Mac: Do you know what you're eating?
A student forum. BY RSVP only! (416) 366-1656 ext 271
Tuesday April 12, 1:00-3:00 p.m
St. Lawence Centre for the Arts
27 Front Street East (2 blocks east of Union Station)
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Everyone seems to be talking about skyrocketing obesity rates. Being healthy is an important goal but it has very little to do with weight. Really its all about having eating habits that give you all the nutrients your body needs and the exercise that makes you feel great.
It can be hard to make healthy choices when much of the way our society works makes it difficult. Ads are constantly promoting new fast foods, parents don’t always have time to cook, schools don’t have the resources to fill in the gaps, and we spend too much of our social life sitting. The federal government is thinking about banning trans-fat and labelling the contents of your Big Mac to help people eat better.
For over 5 years now the St. Lawrence Centre Forum has been inviting students to town-hall type events to engage with their peers on topical issues.
This is an RSVP only event. Call 366-1656 ext 271.
with
Allison Elwell: Grade 11 student and food activist with Foodshare.
Wayne Roberts: Toronto Food Policy Council, Toronto Public Health.
Julie Daniluck: In store nutritionalist, Big Carrot.
Ann Kerr: Program Director, Sheena's Place.
with Moderator: Belladonna
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Putting the Health in Health Care
Thursday April 7
7:30-9:30 pm, doors open at 7:00 pm
Free public forum, seating is first come first served
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
27 Front Street East
Toronto, 2 blocks east of Union Station
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Canadians' #1 social concern is HEALTH. Are government budgets hitting the mark? Does having an MRI a week faster equate with wellness? Or are we dumbing down our concept of health?
Safe water and food, healthy workplaces, community involvement, a clean environment, education and childcare promote wellness and prevent illnesses such as diabetes and cancer.
Are we adequately funding prevention? Is the time ripe to demand that our dollars 'care about health'? Come hear our speakers and share your ideas on the 'apple a day' that will achieve health for all.
with
Wayne Roberts: Toronto Food Policy Council, Toronto Public Health.
Erica Di Ruggiero: Canadian Institute of Population and Public Health, Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Norman Rowan: Pathways to Education, Regent Park Community Health Centre.
Moderator: Amanuel Melles: Organizational Capacity Building, United Way of Greater Toronto.
This forum is presented by the St. Lawrence Centre Forum and the Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse.
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Paying for Canada: What should our taxes pay for?
Wednesday March 16, 7:30-9:30 pm
Free public forum, first come first seated
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
27 Front Street East, Toronto
2 blocks east of Union Station
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Taxes are the nuts and bolts of our society but most observers agree that the tax system is not doing the job it was intended to do. For a start we've seen inexplicable federal budget surpluses for several years in a row, the anomaly of lowering taxes while increasing spending, and the widely criticized GST. This forum will bring critics from across the political spectrum to talk about the role of taxation in ensuring a healthy society and economy, who should pay and how much and opportunities for tax reform, among other issues. The audience will also be asked to weigh in.
The Panel:
Tasha Kheiriddin: Ontario Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Armine Yalnizyan: consulting economist and research associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Dan Usher:Emeritus Professor of Economics, Queen's University.
The Moderator: Ted Barris: author of the upcoming "Days of Victory: Canadians Remember 1939-1945"; CBC broadcaster and Professor of Journalism at Centennial College.
This forum is presented by the St. Lawrence Centre Forum and Canadian Pensioners Concerned.
It is co-sponsored by: the Alliance of Seniors, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens Organizations (OCSCO), and the Older Womens' Network (OWN).
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Assisting Suicide
Wednesday February 9, 7:30-9:30 pm
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
27 Front Street East
(two blocks east of union station)
Admission is free
On the heels of recent cases in British Columbia and Quebec Canada's Justice Minister Irwin Cotler has called for a national debate on assisted suicide. The right to die with dignity should include adequate end of life community and hospital support but should it also include assisted suicide? Should the timing of death be a matter of personal choice or are the possible abuses too great?
Aside from these legal considerations, there are moral questions about the meaning of life and death. Are we seeking an illusory sense of control and relegating life to a consumer choice? What are the implications of assisted suicide on our perception of quality of life, and on our willingness to value and protect all living beings?
Panel:
Svend Robinson: former member of Parliament for Burnaby-Douglas and long-time activist in the dying with dignity movement.
Catherine Frazee: Co-Director of the Institute for Disability Studies at Ryerson University.
Kerry Bowman: professor of Bioethics at the University of Toronto and York University; clinical ethicist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto; and former social worker dealing with end-of-life and critical care issues.
Moderator: Shelagh Rogers: host of Sounds Like Canada, CBC Radio One.
Wheelchair seating is limited. Please call (416) 366-1656 ext 271 to RSVP. All other seating is first come, first served.
Presented by The St. Lawrence Centre Forum and Sounds Like Canada, CBC Radio One. Tune in to 99.1
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Making the Grade: Are We failing our Black Youth?
Wednesday, February 2, 2005
7:30-9:30 pm
Audio Stream Available
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
27 Front Street East
(two blocks east of union station)
Admission is free
The Toronto School Board says that nearly 4 out of every 10 black students drop out of school. That’s too high! The school system works well for some black kids, others get by, but too many are failing.
The FORUM invites youth, parents, educators and concerned community members to join panel speakers to discover what’s behind the statistics. How do we show respect for the needs of all black youth and establish the recreation, education and training programmes that will help them excel?
Join
George Dei: Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology and Equity Studies, OISE.
Jasmine Zine: Parent, co-author of Restructuring 'Drop-out': A Critical Ethnography of the Dynamics of Black Students.
Akua Benjamin: Long time black community activist and Director of Social Work at Ryerson University
Yaw Obeng: Supervising Principal - Programmes, Equity and Inner City, Toronto District School Board
Kyse Stoddard: youth speaker.
with Moderator Joanna Parris: Executive Director, Best Opportunities to Support Self.
Presented by The St. Lawrence Centre Forum and CHIN Radio & TV
If you would like to join a group forming in Toronto to act on issues of Black education contact: Clyde
also: Parent Voice in Education.
The Toronto Star is asking for public comments on Black focussed schools click here
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Freedom 65? the End of Mandatory Retirement
Thursday November 25, 2004, 6-8 pm
27 Front Street East, 2 blocks east of Union Station
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Will the end of mandatory retirement change your career and retirement plans? Mandatory retirement has long been viewed as a human rights issue - ageism that penalizes older people who can and need to work. This argument has been given a boost by the forecast of a drain on pension plans as 9.8 million Canadian baby boomers approach retirement. 65 isn't as old as it used to be. Now the idea of mandatory retirement is getting the pink slip, leaving behind questions about how to put in place a complex societal shift.
What personnel policies do companies need to implement to adapt to an aging workforce? How will pension, insurance and benefit plans adjust to the change, and how will it affect you? Could the right to retire at 65 be eroded?
Join experts from seniors groups, government and business as we discuss the new workplace horizon.
with
Monica Townson: public policy consultant and economist specializing in pension issues.
Barbara Humphrey: Partner with Stringer, Brisbin and Humphrey employment management lawyers; author of A Manager's Guide to the Duty to Accommodate.
Wayne Samuelson: President of the Ontario Federation of Labour.
Judy Cutler: Co-Director of Government and Media Relations, CARP.
Moderator: Ted Barris: author, most recently of Juno: Canadians at D-Day June 6, 1944; CBC broadcaster and Professor of Journalism at Centennial College.
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Ontario's Energy Options: the politics of replacing coal
Thursday November 18, 2004
27 Front Street East, 2 blocks east of Union Station
Audio Stream Available
Download: Printable Flyer
Ontario plans to close its coal-fired power plants by the year 2007. That’s good news for your lungs. The Ontario Liberals have a plan to replace that energy but critics charge it will not bring power on board quickly enough to avoid shortages and does not put enough focus on clean green energy. And they have also decided all new power must be private.
Are we making the right choices? Do we want to make a commitment to private power under NAFTA? Do we have the right mix of technologies - nuclear, hydro, wind, biomass geothermal or solar? Where does conservation come in and are we embracing it?
Panel:
Samit Sharma Director - Projects with GAIA Power, a renewable energy
development firm. GAIA Power has projects with Hearthmakers Energy among
other partners.
Keith Stewart: Toronto Environmental Alliance; author: Hydro: the Decline and Fall of Ontario’s Hydro Empire.
Rick Coates: Vice-President, Society of Energy Professionals, representing over 6000 energy professionals in the electricity industry.
Invited: Dwight Duncan, Minister of Energy and others to be confirmed.
Moderator: Karin Wells: CBC broadcaster and documentary producer.
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No Fixed Address - Homeless Youth Session 2
Tuesday November, 02, 2004
27 Front Street East, two blocks east of Union Station
Audio Stream Available
Student Forum - by RSVP only
10,000 teens live on the streets or in the shelter system in Toronto, a city among the richest in the world. Thousands more are one step away from joining them. It could be you or the girl sitting next to you in class. Youth are stigmatized for being rebellious and not conforming to adult expectations. None more so than homeless youth with lives we know little about. What we rarely see is the resiliency, strength, and independence it takes to get out of a bad home situation or to succeed in the non-standard job market.
with
Tara Gordon, former Outreach Worker, Touchstone Youth Centre
Kolin Davidson, Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP)
Tonika Morgan, Homeless Youth Advocate
Sean Goetz Gadon, Mayor’s Office on Homelessness
Moderator: Pooja Handa
Performance by spoken word artist Belladonna
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No Fixed Address: Homeless Youth Session 1
Tuesday October 19, 2004
27 Front Street East, two blocks east of Union Station
Audio Stream Available
Student Forum - by RSVP only
10,000 teens live on the streets or in the shelter system in Toronto, a city among the richest in the world. Thousands more are one step away from joining them. It could be you or the girl sitting next to you in class. Youth are stigmatized for being rebellious and not conforming to adult expectations. None more so than homeless youth with lives we know little about. What we rarely see is the resiliency, strength, and independence it takes to get out of a bad home situation or to succeed in the non-standard job market.
with
Tara Gordon, former Outreach Worker, Touchstone Youth Centre
Kolin Davidson, Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP)
Tonika Morgan, Homeless Youth Advocate
Sean Goetz Gadon, Mayor’s Office on Homelessness
Moderator: Pooja Handa
Performance by spoken word artist Belladonna
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