Connexions Expired Events
Jan 1, 2015 through Dec 31, 2015
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In much of the world, there has been a sea change on drug policy. The Global Commission on Drug Policy, including international luminaries like Kofi Annan, declared that the War on Drugs “has not, and cannot, be won.” Former heads of state and drug warriors have come out in favour of this perspective. Former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton agree with legions of public health officials, scientists, politicians, and police officers that a new approach is essential.

Paula Mallea, in The War on Drugs, approaches this issue from a variety of points of view, offering insight into the history of drug use and abuse in the twentieth century; the pharmacology of illegal drugs; the economy of the illegal drug trade; and the complete lack of success that the war on drugs has had on drug cartels and the drug supply.

She also looks ahead and discusses what can and is being done in Canada, the U.S., and the rest of the world to move on from the “war” and find better ways to address the issue of illegal drugs and their distribution, use, and abuse.

Time:  1:00 - 2:30 pm
Venue:  Octopus Books Centretown
Location:  2nd Floor, 251 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Categories:   Law Enforcement & Corrections; Social Policy; Health/Health Care

Special Guest Speakers:
* Charlotte Brody, RN
* James Brophy, PhD
* Margaret Keith, PhD

Many breast cancers are preventable. Over 200 chemicals have been found to elevate risk. Night work is also a known contributor. Yet current regulations fail to provide adequate protection. Find out how to reduce your risk.

This event is free of charge! Bring your friends and co-workers.

Time:  7:00pm
Venue:  Steelworkers' Hall
Location:  25 Cecil Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.whsc.on.ca
For information contact:  jimbrophy@yahoo.com
Categories:   Women; Health/Health Care; Information, Libraries, Research

The theme "Cowboys & Cowgirls Ride the Red Rocket" recognizes Pembina's Alberta roots while celebrating its work to advance transportation and urban solutions in Ontario. The unGALA is always fun and informal - cowboy hats provided.

Time:  06.00 pm
Venue:  The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library
Location:  789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.pembinaungala.ca/
Categories:   Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space; Transportation & Travel; Environment

The conference will focus on further wind energy market development in Canada and will offer a crucial update on cutting-edge technologies, new projects and finance.

This strictly B2B event will offer ample opportunities for business networking and promoting your company within the expo.

Venue:  Canadian Exhibition Centre
Location:  255 Front St. West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.mchewel.com/?mid=171
For information contact:  info@canadianexhibitions.com
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development

The In the Dead of Winter festival is an acoustic based festival that will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada annually on the last weekend of January. The goal of the festival is to bring a diverse group of acoustic musicians together to not only perform but to also meet one another in a professional environment. The festival aims to showcase the diversity of acoustic music in the Atlantic Region, Canada, and the United States. It is of particular importance to the festival to not only celebrate the excellence of our musicians but to also provide venues for artists who have not yet had the opportunity to perform their music to a wider audience.
The In the Dead of Winter Music Festival is organized by a small group of musicians and event producers.

Venue:  Various Venues
Location:  Halifax, NS
Website:  http://www.inthedeadofwinter.com
For information contact:  hgibson@inthedeadofwinter.com
Categories:   Music; Food & Beverage; Arts & Culture

Come and show your support and solidarity for the 120 Crown Strikers (Local 9176) by spending one or two hours on Saturday, January 24 at your local Beer Store or LCBO to remind the public to buy beer in bottles, not cans made by scabs. The USW members on strike at Crown Metal Packaging are into their 17th month and second winter on the picket line while their union-busting employer is using scabs to make cans for all the major breweries and some craft brewers.

Come and send the company a strong message by asking the public to buy bottles not cans until these workers get a fair deal. For all those who have participated before: Thank you!! Your help is making a difference! The previous Day of Action on December 13 was a great success, and there is hope for a contract on the horizon, but only if the company knows the strikers have the support of their union and of the community.

Now more than ever, these 120 men and women and their families need your support.

Venue:  Beer Stores and LCBOs across Ontario
Location:  ON
Website:  http://bottlenotcans.ca
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The evening event is a fundraiser and opportunity to raise awareness of the situation of Palestinian and Syrian refugees. Details yet to be confirmed for a film screening or music and poetry as well as information about refugee sponsorship and the current situation for refugees in the Middle East from people who have recently visited.
Need to know:
- A Fundraiser - By donation
- Accessible on demand via portable ramp; washrooms not accessible
- Please avoid using strong-scented products due to sensitivities
Tasty refreshments (non-alcoholic) with Zatoun oliveoil+za'atar dipping.

Time:  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
For information contact:  Beit Zatoun
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International; International

The observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust is centred around the theme "Journeys through the Holocaust". This theme recalls the various journeys taken during this dark period, from deportation to incarceration to freedom, and how this experience transformed the lives of those who endured it. These are stories of pain and suffering, yet ultimately also of triumph and renewal, serving as a guiding force for future generations.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/2014/calendar2014.shtml
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

With up to 18 liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals proposed for the coast of B.C., there is growing concern and opposition from communities across the province as the true impacts of fracking and LNG come to light. Why put communities and the climate at risk, and threaten B.C.'s drinking water, rivers and ocean, wild salmon, air quality, farmlands and wilderness areas for a dangerous LNG pipe dream?

From the frackfields of northeastern B.C. and the many fracked gas pipelines and LNG terminals vying for approval in the northwest, to the proposed LNG projects and supertankers closer to home in Howe Sound, Delta, Campbell River and Alberni Inlet, come learn about the true impacts of LNG and what you can do to protect your community and the coast.

The Mid Island Chapter of the Council of Canadians invites you to a town hall meeting for a discussion on the ramifications of fracking and LNG development.

Speakers

Damien Gillis is a Vancouver-based documentary filmmaker and investigative journalist with a focus on environmental and social justice issues, especially relating to water, energy, and saving Canada's wild salmon..

Dr. Eoin Fin
is a retired KMPG partner, with a PhD in physical chemistry and an MBA international business. He is a 30-year resident of Bowyer Island in Howe Sound and is actively involved with the Future of Howe Sound Society and My Sea to Sky.

Time:  7:00 - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Beban Park Community Centre
Location:  2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC
Website:  http://www.canadians.org
Categories:   Mining & Petroleum; Environment

Be the Change Film + Discussion Series: Growing Cities
A film that examines the role of urban farming in America and asks how much power it has to revitalize our cities and change the way we eat. In their search for answers, filmmakers Dan Susman and Andrew Monbouquette take a road trip and meet the men and women who are challenging the way this country grows and distributes its food, one vacant city lot, rooftop garden, and backyard chicken coop at a time. Join them as they discover that good food isn't the only crop these urban visionaries are harvesting. They're producing stronger and more vibrant communities, too.
Admission - $8.00 at the door
Doors Open 6:30pm
Musical Guests: 6:30pm
Film Presentation: 7:15pm

Time:  6:30pm
Venue:  The Historic Gayety Theatre
Location:  161 Hurontario Street, Collingwood, ON
Website:  http://www.bethechangefilmseries.com
For information contact:  inquiries@elephantthoughts.com
Phone:  705-444-2012
Categories:   Farming; Environment; Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space

A Toronto community book discussion of the novel "Mornings in Jenin" by Susan Abulhawa.Susan Abulhawa was born to refugees of the 1967 War and moved to the United States as a teenager. She is the founder of Playgrounds for Palestine, an NGO that builds playgrounds for children in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and in refugee camps elsewhere.Mornings in Jenin (Bloomsbury Books, 2010) is a sweeping, heart-wrenching historical saga about four generations of the Palestinian Abulheja family.

Time:  6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/325470857639340/
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

In Search of the Steadfast Olive: A Journey of Hope to the Holy Land

About the Speakers
Bob Holmes is a Peace Activist serving with CPT (Christian Peacemaker Team) in Hebron in the Occupied Palestinian Territories since year 2000. He leads Peace and Justice pilgrimages to the Holy Land every year. Bob is a Catholic priest, a member of the Basilian Fathers and makes his home in Toronto. Over the last 12 years he has served with CPT in Iraq (Baghdad and Kudistan), Colombia, Mexico (Chiapas), Congo, USA (on Arizona/Mexico border) and in Canada (with First Nations).

Brigitte Hutter Schmidt a retired high school teacher who has participated in Peace and Justice Pilgrimages to Colombia (2005), Mexico (2007) and Israel/Palestine (2006 and 2014).

Ted Schmidt is the former editor the Catholic New Times. As well he is the author of Shabbes Goy: a Catholic Boyhood on a Jewish Street in a Protestant City (2001), Journeys to the Heart of Catholicism (2008) and Never Neutral: A Teaching Life (2013). He is working on his fourth book, I Was a Catholic Zionist.

Need to know:
- Doors open at 6:50
- $5 donation (suggested minimum)
- Accessible on demand via portable ramp; washrooms not accessible
- Please avoid using strong-scented products due to sensitivities

Time:  7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
For information contact:  Beit Zatoun
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International; Farming

This event started with a simple launch - an afternoon seminar dreamed up by a couple of grad students on the Guelph campus in the winter of 1982. The student group "Guelph Ag. Alternatives" ran it for years, then it became a larger event when a coalition of non-profits assumed the management in 1992. Since 2003, the Annual Conference & Expo has been organized and promoted by a federal non-profit corporation - 'Organic Food Conferences Canada' - managed by representatives of 16 public sector, non-profit organic groups (see Offical Sponsors/Conference Organizers at the SPONSORS page).

Venue:  Guelph University Centre
Location:  University Centre, Guelph, ON
Website:  http://www.guelphorganicconf.ca/
Categories:   Environment; Farming; Food & Beverage

"The Rules of the Game: Parties, Politics and the Future of Democracy" presented by the South Shore Chapter of the Council of Canadians features former MLA and current political analyst for the CBC Graham Steele, giving an insider's view of democracy in an age of party politics.

Everyone is welcome to attend and join the open discussion. Admission is free but donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of room rental and light refreshment.

Time:  19:00
Venue:  Mahone Bay Centre
Location:  45 School Street, Mahone Bay, NS
Website:  http://www.canadians.org
Categories:   Politics & Political Organizations

Canadian Muslims for Peace, a grassroots initiative to bring together Canadian Muslims to stand against terrorism committed in their name. Participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items, socks, gloves, and/or blankets to share with local food banks and homeless shelters.

Three-city event on January 31, 2015, 1 p.m.

Ottawa: Human Rights Monument, Elgin Street

Toronto: Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall

London: Victoria Park, 509 Clarence Street

Time:  1:00 pm
Location:  Ottawa, Toronto, London
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Speakers
Heather Milton Lightening, Indigenous Tar Sands Campaign
Keith Stewart, Climate & Energy Campaign Coordinator, Greenpeace Canada
Anna Zalik, Professor, Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University

Tar Sands extraction projects, located primarily in Treaty 6 and 8, have radically damaged and contaminated a huge area of land in so-called Alberta, and poisoned the Athabasca watershed. As a result of the toxic operations, some Indigenous communities are experiencing unusually high rates of rare cancers and other illnesses. Traditional ways of life are also at risk as hunting, fishing, and collecting medicinal plants is becoming more difficult in polluted waters and lands.

These lands are the traditional territories of a number of Indigenous Nations whose right to hunt, fish, and live are protected by Treaties, which are currently being violated.

Moreover, the tar sands are significantly contributing to catastrophic climate change, the effects of which are being felt around the world through extreme weather events. The tar sands are Canada's biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions as well as the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. At a time when many countries are moving towards renewable and green energy alternatives, Canada is continuing to push for Tar Sands expansion.

Time:  2:00 - 5:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Environment; Native Peoples; Mining & Petroleum

World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event to be observed during the first week of February starting in 2011.

World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/65/5PDF document adopted on 20 October 2010. In the resolution, the General Assembly, points out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and establishes World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.

Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to support during that week the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world's churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/interfaithharmonyweek/
Categories:   Religious

Join us at 9:30am, Monday February 2 at City Hall, as we fill the TTC Commission with passionate grumpy riders. Wear your TTCriders t-shirt if you have one. And we'll give you a T-shirt if you join us for the day.

Time:  9:15 am
Venue:  City Hall
Location:  100 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://ttcriders.ca/share-your-grumpyrider-selfie-with-wynne-and-tory/
Categories:   Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space; Transportation & Travel; Government & Public Sector

You are invited to Octopus Book Club for a discussion of "Clearing the Plains, Disease, Politics of Starvation, and the Loss of Aboriginal Life" by James Daschuk!

We had a successful launch of "Clearing the Plains" last November when James Daschuk was in town to receive Sir John A. Macdonald prize from Governor General for this book (what an irony!) . Over 100 people attended our event! Listen to his conversation with Rick Harp, co-founder of Media Indigena: http://octopusbooks.ca/podcast-clearing-the-plains-with-james-daschuk.

This award winning book was praised by many. In the Globe and Mail, it said, this book "should make us question what it means to be Canadian." Candace Savage, author of A Geography of Blood, also stated this book is a "Required reading for all Canadians."

In light of the bicentennial of John A.'s birth, we thought it fitting to begin our book club with this powerful and essential read on part of our history rarely taught at school.

Please join us on Wednesday February 4. Discussion will start shortly after 6 PM. Feel free to bring your supper, we will offer refreshments!

Time:  6:00 pm
Venue:  Octopus Bookstore
Location:  251 Bank St. 2nd Floor, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://octopusbooks.ca
For information contact:  events@octopusbooks.ca
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Native Peoples; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

On 20 December 2012, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/67/146 in which it
"Calls upon States, the United Nations system, civil society and all stakeholders to continue to observe 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and to use the day to enhance awareness- raising campaigns and to take concrete actions against female genital mutilations".

Though the practice has persisted for over a thousand years, programmatic evidence suggests that FGM/C can end in one generation. While UNICEF currently works in 22 countries on the elimination of FGM/C, since 2008 UNFPA and UNICEF have collaborated on the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Accelerating Change in 15 of those countries in West, East and North Africa.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/femalegenitalmutilationday/index.shtml
Categories:   Health/Health Care; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Women

Held in Whitehorse, Canada's largest feature film festival north of 60 is a feast of contemporary Canadian and International cinema that takes place in the heart of winter. The 10th anniversary Available Light Film Festival will include 30 award-winning fiction and documentary films, special anniversary programming, workshops, and the 3-day Yukon Media Forum with filmmakers and industry delegates. Past guest directors have included Guy Maddin, John Walker, Nettie Wild, Zacharias Kunuk, Gil Cardinal, Charles Officer, Jason James, Neil Diamond, Carol Geddes, Omar Majeed, Peter Wintonick, Sherry White, Tantoo Cardinal, and Carl Bessai.

Venue:  Yukon Arts Centre (primarily)
Location:  300 College Drive, Whitehorse, YT
Website:  http://yukonfilmsociety.com
For information contact:  yfs@yukonfilmsociety.com
Phone:  867-667-8574
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Native Peoples; Arts & Culture

There has been much concern and mobilization to stop the plan to bury low and intermediate level nuclear waste next to Lake Huron. But what about the high level nuclear waste? Industry hopes to bury it too, they just don't know where yet.

Currently, there are 13 communities in ON and SK involved in the 'Learn More' process with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), including one just NW of Toronto. The final promise is a $20 billion dollar construction project to bury at least 4.6 million used fuel bundles.

There are significant critiques about burying nuclear waste, and a history of failures for the industry. Come hear from frontline voices who have been resisting both the creation of nuclear waste, and the burial.

Speakers include:
* Brennain Lloyd, Northwatch
* Lorraine Rekmans, Serpent River First Nation
* Chris Peabody, Brockton Town Councillor
* Angela Bischoff, Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Time:  1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Venue:  St. Stephens in the Field Church
Location:  103 Bellevue Avenue, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://facebook.com/events/572832252851041/
For information contact:  angela@cleanairalliance.org
Categories:   Environment; Health/Health Care; Native Peoples

This year's theme is Human Health & the Environment encompassing topics such as harmful cosmetics and everyday products, environmental chemicals in our water systems, food, agriculture, pesticides & GMOS, Inuit health and food security, First Nations health in relation to water quality, and overall sustainability and human health.

Speakers include: Holly Dressel, Adria Vasil, Dr. Keith Solomon, Dr. Maria Trainer, Dr. Ralph Martin, Linnaea Jasiuk, Colleen Parker, and Shared Valued Solutions.

Time:  9:00am to 5:00pm
Venue:  OAC Centennial Arboretum Centre
Location:  University of Guelph, College St E, Guelph, ON
Website:  http://www.enviroscisymposium.org/
For information contact:  Kathryn Allen: envsymp@uoguelph.ca
Phone:  519-824-4120 ext. 54293
Categories:   Environment; Health/Health Care; Farming

The Council of Canadians Prince Albert chapter is sponsoring a presentation of "Harper: The Musical: How To Survive and Thrive in The Dying Days of the Empire of Oil"

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  John M. Cuelenaere Library
Location:  125 12 Street East, Prince Albert, SK
Website:  http://www.canadians.org
For information contact:  rj.sawa@inet2000.com
Phone:  306-922-3851
Categories:   Performing Arts; Politics & Political Organizations; Arts & Culture

The 2015 Sustainable Communities Conference is heading to London, ON, for what promises to be the best sustainability experience yet!
Connect with peers: New this year are facilitated networking opportunities, including a unique Open Space workshop format, and we're back with even more great training opportunities, dynamic workshops, and much more.
The conference brings local leaders together to share their challenges and successes, learn from each other, and collaborate to build their own momentum on the path to sustainability.

Venue:  London Convention Centre
Location:  300 York Street, London, ON
Website:  http://www.fcm.ca/home/events/sustainable-communities-conference.htm
For information contact:  Kim Sauve: ksauve@fcm.ca
Phone:  613-907-6212
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development; Government & Public Sector

With up to 18 liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals proposed for the coast of B.C., there is growing concern and opposition from communities across the province as the true impacts of fracking and LNG come to light. Why put communities and the climate at risk, and threaten B.C.'s drinking water, rivers and ocean, wild salmon, air quality, farmlands and wilderness areas for a dangerous LNG pipe dream?

From the frackfields of northeastern B.C. and the many fracked gas pipelines and LNG terminals vying for approval in the northwest, to the proposed LNG projects and supertankers closer to home in Howe Sound, Delta, Campbell River and Alberni Inlet, come learn about the true impacts of LNG and what you can do to protect your community and the coast.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  North Island College Theater
Location:  2300 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC
Website:  http://www.canadians.org
For information contact:  surfdust@telus.net
Phone:  250-286-3019
Categories:   Environment; Farming; Fishing & Hunting

The Council of Canadians Red Deer chapter is sponsoring a presentation of "Harper: The Musical: How To Survive and Thrive in The Dying Days of the Empire of Oil"

Time: Hot food and information booths at 6pm and show at 7pm

Cost: $15 regular waged, $5 student and unwaged (Food included in cost of ticket). Donations to defer cost of food and show gladly accepted

There are only 150 tickets to be sold so buy your tickets now because you don't want to miss this!

Time:  6:00 pm
Venue:  The Forum at Red Deer College
Location:  100 College Boulevard, Red Deer, AB
Website:  http://www.canadians.org
For information contact:  coc.reddeer@gmail.com
Phone:  403-506-0303
Categories:   Performing Arts; Arts & Culture; Politics & Political Organizations

Free admission

SUPPORTING YOU TO GROW YOUR OWN!!

- Exchange your at Seeds of Diversity and Mississauga Master Gardeners booths
- Heritage and organic seeds from local vendors
- Free gardening advice from Mississauga Master Gardeners
- 9 free workshops, 20 plus diverse booths (info and supplies)
- All day café - with a menu of delicious home-made and healthy foods

WORKSHOPS (55 minutes) - Upper Level
10 a.m. How to Build A Fusion Garden
11 a.m. Maximizing Production in Small Spaces - Veggies from seed
12 noon Your Green Yard - Gardening and Landscaping with Native Plants
1:00 p.m. Jump Start Your Garden - Starting your own seedlings at home
2:00 p.m. Edible Gardening - getting the most by planning and planting

Lower Level (30 minutes)
1:00 p.m. An Inch of Skin - seeds for the mind and your health
1:30 p.m. Vermicomposting 101 - how to let worms eat your garbage
2:00 p.m. Tree caching - learn about native and invasive trees and winter identification
2:30 p.m. The Honeybee is a Creature of Love

Time:  9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Venue:  Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga
Location:  84 South Service Road, Mississauga, ON
For information contact:  carole.berry@rogers.com
Phone:  905-790-6983
Categories:   Environment; Nature & Outdoors; Farming

The Council of Canadians Northwest Territories chapter will be presenting "Stephen Harper: The Musical, How to Survive and Thrive in the Dying Days of the Empire of Oil" in

Where: Northern United Place Auditorium, Yellowknife, NWT

When: February 14, 2014

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $20 or by donation for low income. Tickets available at Northern Images or cocnwt@gmail.ca

Time:  7:30 pm
Venue:  Northern United Place Auditorium
Location:  Northern United Place, 5004, Yellowknife, NT
Website:  http://www.canadians.org
For information contact:  cocnwt@gmail.ca
Categories:   Performing Arts; Arts & Culture; Politics & Political Organizations

High school aged youth from Peterborough and Toronto are changing the way they celebrate Family Day (February 16th) this year, rallying outside a maximum security prison in Lindsay, Ontario. The group, members of Youth 4 Global Change & End Immigration Detention Network Youth Committee hope to raise awareness of family separation and endless jailing of immigrants including children without charges or trial. Siblings, parents, friends and grandparents of the youth group, as well as family members of many of the men imprisoned by immigration enforcement will be raising signs and making music outside the prison walls.

The detainees and their supporters are calling for an end to maximum security detention in provincial jails for migrants; a limit of 90 days that migrants can be held in detention pending deportation as per international best practices and; overhaul of the detention review process. Immigration detainees have been organizing protest actions since September 2013.

WHERE: Central East Correctional Centre, Lindsay, ON (gather at Christie Pits Park, Toronto, 2 pm)

Time:  4:15 pm (Media briefings in Toronto at 2pm)
Venue:  Central East Correctional Centre
Location:  Lindsay, ON
Website:  http://www.endimmigrationdetention.com
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Ross's first book, Dancing with a Ghost, began his exploration of aboriginal approaches to justice and the visions of life that shape them. In his second book, Returning to the Teachings, Ross went on to examine the aboriginal preference for "peacemaker justice."

In Indigenous Healing, the former crown prosecutor Rupert Ross shares the lessons and insight acquired from years of working with, and learning from, aboriginal communities across Canada. He shares a vision of justice and healing -- a way of seeing that existed long before Europeans came to this continent -- that persists today, albeit often in conflict with western culture. He examines the effects of colonization and assimilation and how social trauma is in fact magnified over the years, passed down to new generations.

Perhaps most difficult for Ross was accepting the aboriginal view that justice is about healing, not punishment. With the lessons here, Ross looks to the future to how health and happiness can be created.

Time:  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Octopus Bookstore
Location:  Octopus Centretown 2nd Floor, 251 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://octopusbooks.ca
For information contact:  octopus@octopusbooks.ca
Categories:   Native Peoples; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

he General Assembly proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice in 2007, inviting Member States to devote the day to promoting national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development and the twenty-fourth session of the General Assembly. Observance of World Day of Social Justice should support efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/socialjusticeday/
Categories:   Social Policy; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

International Mother Language Day has been observed every year since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The date represents the day in 1952 when students demonstrating for recognition of their language, Bangla, as one of the two national languages of the then Pakistan, were shot and killed by police in Dhaka, the capital of what is now Bangladesh.

Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Zero Discrimination Day is the opportunity to celebrate everyone's right to live a full and productive life with dignity - no matter what they look like, where they come from or whom they love. By joining hearts and voices, individuals, communities and societies can transform the world every day and everywhere. Zero Discrimination Day is a moment to highlight how everyone can become informed and promote tolerance, compassion and peace.

Website:  http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/campaigns/20131126zerodiscrimination/
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Identical sessions will be offered on two dates: Monday, March 2, 2015, and Friday, March 6, 2015. Both sessions will be offered from 1-4 PM and take place in Toronto.
This interactive workshop will introduce you to Ontario's Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR), a powerful toolkit for environmental change. Whether your issues are wildlife or water taking permits, alvars or air quality, greenhouse gases or gravel pits, you want to ensure you have the full range of tools at your disposal. The EBR is designed to boost public engagement with Ontario's environmental laws and policies.

Time:  1-4 PM
Venue:  Sustainability Network
Location:  215 Spadina Avenue (Ground Floor Connector), Toronto, ON
Website:  http://sustainabilitynetwork.ca/ontarios-environmental-bill-of-rights-a-toolkit-for-change-2
For information contact:  Paul Bubelis: paul@sustainabilitynetwork.ca
Phone:  416-324-2792
Categories:   Environment; Information, Libraries, Research; Government & Public Sector

Ontario's Environmental Bill of Rights Workshop for ENGOs and Community Groups: A Toolkit for Change
Identical sessions will be offered on two dates: Monday, March 2, 2015, and Friday, March 6, 2015. Both sessions will be offered from 1-4 PM and take place in Toronto.
This interactive workshop will introduce you to Ontario's Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR), a powerful toolkit for environmental change. Whether your issues are wildlife or water taking permits, alvars or air quality, greenhouse gases or gravel pits, you want to ensure you have the full range of tools at your disposal. The EBR is designed to boost public engagement with Ontario's environmental laws and policies.

Time:  1-4pm
Venue:  Sustainability Network
Location:  215 Spadina Avenue (Ground Floor Connector), Toronto, ON
Website:  http://sustainabilitynetwork.ca/ontarios-environmental-bill-of-rights-a-toolkit-for-change-2
For information contact:  Paul Bubelis: paul@sustainabilitynetwork.ca
Phone:  416-324-2792
Categories:   Environment; Education; Information, Libraries, Research

International Women's Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/womensday/
Categories:   Women; International; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

A year has passed since the tragic loss of Ali Mustafa on March 9, 2014 while working in Syria as an independent photojournalist and blogger. A Toronto-based activist and photojournalist, Ali's personality, life and work touched everyone he encountered. His humanity, inquisitive nature and passion and commitment to social justice made him unforgettable. His photographs remain as a great testament to those qualities and his sacrifice.
The exhibition includes a memorial event at Beit Zatoun on Monday, March 9 from 7 to 9pm, where family, friends and allies can gather to mark Ali's passing. The memorial is an opportunity to remember and celebrate Ali's life and work and his relentless commitment to justice for all.
To see more of Ali's work - photos and writing - online, please visit.

Need to know for Memorial on March 9:
- Doors open at 6:50
- Free, donations gratefully accepted for
- Accessible on demand via portable ramp; washrooms not accessible
- Please avoid using strong-scented products due to sensitivitiesTasty refreshments (non-alcoholic) with Zatoun oliveoil+za'atar dipping.

Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/meet-me-in-liberation-square-the-work-of-ali-mustafa/
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

A frank discussion about what health care cuts will mean to you and to our community.

Your Cowichan Valley chapter of the Council of Canadians is holding a town hall meeting next Wednesday called Threats to Health Care, It's Your Business.

Time:  7:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Venue:  Duncan United Church Hall
Location:  246 Ingram St, Duncan, Duncan, BC
Website:  http://canadians.org/event/threats-health-care-its-your-business-duncan-bc
For information contact:  Donna Cameron
Phone:  250-748-2444
Categories:   Health/Health Care; Government & Public Sector; Social Policy

Kathleen Wynne and her Ontario Liberals have some explaining to do. They have cut funding for public services across Ontario. They've wasted $8.2 billion on privatization and outsourcing instead of investing in the health care, education and public services our communities need. They have given away billions more in tax cuts for big corporations. And, after years of austerity, they are expecting public sector workers across Ontario to accept more wage freezes, cutbacks and concessions.

At the same time as the Liberals are telling working people to tighten our belts, they have invited their wealthy friends on Bay Street to show their appreciation at a $1,550-a-plate Liberal "heritage" fundraising gala on March 11.

Time:  5:00pm to 8:00pm
Venue:  Metro Toronto Convention Centre South
Location:  222 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/464239937066249/
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions; Government & Public Sector; Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space

With up to 18 liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals proposed for the coast of B.C., there is growing concern and opposition from communities across the province as the true impacts of fracking and LNG come to light. Why put communities and the climate at risk, and threaten B.C.'s drinking water, rivers and ocean, wild salmon, air quality, farmlands and wilderness areas for a dangerous LNG pipe dream?

From the frackfields of northeastern B.C. and the many fracked gas pipelines and LNG terminals vying for approval in the northwest, to the proposed LNG projects and supertankers closer to home in Delta and Squamish, come learn about the true impacts of LNG and what you can do to protect your community and the coast.

Time:  6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m.
Venue:  Surrey City Centre Library, Room 418
Location:  10350 University Dr, Surrey, BC
Website:  http://canadians.org/event/surrey-lng-what-we-need-know
Categories:   Environment; Mining & Petroleum; Business & Economics

Tickets: $10 advance, $15 at the door

Please join us on Saturday, 14 March 2015 for an evening in honour of the memory and work of Ali Mustafa. The event will feature discussions by journalists Sharif Kouddous (with Democracy Now and the Nation Institute, currently based in Egypt) and Jihan Hafiz (with The Real News Network and Al Jazeera, currently based in Ferguson, Missouri) on their experiences working as social-justice oriented freelancers in conflict areas, as well as tributes to Ali Mustafa from those who worked with him.

All proceeds from this event will go towards establishing an annual Ali Mustafa Memorial Award for freelance journalists. Information about the award, application process and nominations will be introduced during this event, with the first winner announced in 2016.

Sponsored by:
The Ali Mustafa Memorial Collective, the Canadian Media Guild Freelance Branch, and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression.

Time:  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Innis Town Hall
Location:  2 Sussex Ave, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://alimustafa84.wordpress.com/
For information contact:  rememberingali84@gmail.com
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Reports of sexual assault have appeared frequently in the news over the past few months. One of the most memorable cases can be attributed to former CBC Radio host Jian Ghomeshi’s sexual assault scandal. As of January 8 this year, Ghomeshi is charged with seven assault counts and one count of overcoming resistance by choking. Prior to Ghomeshi’s first appearance in court, questions of consent, as well as questions of why most victims and survivors of sexual violence (the majority of them are women) do not report to the police, have overwhelmed public debate on the allegations against Ghomeshi’s sexual conduct.

The goal of this workshop is to build our confidence with the tool of the law on hand in order to advance solutions and supports required to end sexual violence.

We are honoured to have two leading feminists and frontline workers to facilitate this workshop: Sunny Marriner, Executive Director of Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre, and Elizabeth Sheehy, a Law professor at University of Ottawa and the author of Defending Battered Women on Trial: Lessons From the Transcripts.

Time:  6:30 p.m.
Venue:  Octopus Books Centretown 2nd Floor
Location:  251 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://rabble.ca/whatsup/workshop-consent-and-sexual-assault-law
For information contact:  events@octopusbooks.ca
Categories:   Women; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Human Rights, Law, Legal

The United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed with a series of events and activities worldwide on March 21 each year. The day aims to remind people of racial discrimination's negative consequences. It also encourages people to remember their obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination.
Various activities and events are arranged in many countries worldwide on this day. Previous activities included a webcast from the UN headquarters on March 21 featuring special appearances of UN leaders. Such events aim to help young people voice their opinions, find ways to fight racism, and promote tolerance in their communities and in their lives.

Young people also have the option of posting their opinions regarding discussions on human rights and racial discrimination at Voices of Youth, which is UNICEF's online bulletin board for young people. Contributors to Voices of Youth come from different parts of the world including Jamaica, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines. Other activities include essays, photo projects, and published articles that promote the fight against racial discrimination.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/racialdiscriminationday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

This global celebration of forests provides a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests.
Activities expected to take place on the International Day include tree-planting and other community-level events, and national celebrations including art, photo and film as well as social media.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/forestsday/
Categories:   Environment; Nature & Outdoors

In celebrating World Poetry Day, March 21, UNESCO recognizes the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind.
One of the main objectives of the Day is to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities.

The observance of World Poetry Day is also meant to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry, to restore a dialogue between poetry and the other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and to support small publishers and create an attractive image of poetry in the media, so that the art of poetry will no longer be considered an outdated form of art, but one which enables society as a whole to regain and assert its identity.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/poetryday/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination

In 1979, the General Assembly adopted a Programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (A/RES/34/24).

On this occasion, the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on 21 March, would be organized annually in all States.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/racialdiscriminationday/week.shtml
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Water and energy are closely interlinked and interdependent. Energy generation and transmission requires utilization of water resources, particularly for hydroelectric, nuclear, and thermal energy sources.
Join us in this celebration and spread these messages:
1. Water requires energy and energy requires water.
2. Supplies are limited and demand is increasing.
3. Saving energy is saving water. Saving water is saving energy.
4. The "bottom billion" urgently needs access to both water and sanitation services, and electricity.
5. Improving water and energy efficiency is imperative as are coordinated, coherent and concerted policies.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/waterday/
Categories:   Environment; International

Join us for a nonviolent noon-hour vigil to say:

a. NO to expanding the Harper government's war

b. NO to the racist, hateful atmosphere the Harper government has been stoking at home by attacking Muslims and First Nations, among others.

c. NO to the repressive new Bill C-51, which criminalizes large groups of people across the country, authorizes torture, preventive detention, and other repressive measures.



BACKGROUND

While Stephen Harper is pushing through remarkably repressive legislation, C-51, by fearmongering and stoking the flames of racism, he is also planning to extend and expand Canada's military involvement in Iraq and, possibly, Syria.

The last thing the region needs is more weapons, bombings, and violence. It was the massive influx of American, Canadian, and UK weaponry during the illegal occupation of Iraq that provided the weaponry for ISIS in the first place. It was the torture centres run by occupation forces that gave birth to much of the leadership of ISIS. It has been almost three decades of near constant warfare against the Iraqi people (sanctions that killed 1.5 million people, U.S.-led wars that have killed equal if not greater numbers) that have produced the current impasse.

Harper's proposal will only further inflame the violence in the region when what is truly needed is massive support for the millions of refugees the conflicts have produced (9 million Syrian refugees alone), measures to strengthen nonviolent resistance both to ISIS and the Assad regime, and a pullout of interfering "western" forces that are responsible for millions of lives lost over the past 25 years in the region.

Time:  12:00 PM
Venue:  Parliament Hill
Location:  Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://homesnotbombs.blogspot.ca/2015/03/just-say-no-to-canadas-expanding-war-in.html
For information contact:  tasc@web.ca
Phone:  (613) 267-3998
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Government & Public Sector; Military

Inspired by the acclaimed book by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway, Merchants of Doubt takes audiences on a satirically illuminating ride into the heart of conjuring American spin. Filmmaker Robert Kenner (Food, Inc.) lifts the curtain on the secretive group of highly charismatic, silver-tongued pundits-for-hire who stake claims contrary to scientific consensus. Presenting themselves in the media as experts, they are paid by corporations, think tanks and other special interests to cast doubt and delay governmental action on everything from cigarettes to pharmaceuticals and, most recently, climate change. Kenner examines the birth of the doubt industry, how it has succeeded for decades, and why we need to fight back.

David Ravensbergen of DeSmog Canada will participate in a Q&A on March 14, at 6:30 p.m.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8ii9zGFDtc

Venue:  Bloor Cinema
Location:  506 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://boxoffice.hotdocs.ca/WebSales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=35296~fff311b7-cdad-4e14
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Environment; Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations

The United Nations (UN) holds a special day to promote a human rights issue on March 24 each year. This day is called the "International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims".
The UN General Assembly, in its resolution, invites all Member States, international organizations and civil society organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/righttotruthday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal

The Fair Trade Federation is the trade association that strengthens and promotes North American organizations fully committed to fair trade. The Federation is part of the global fair trade movement, building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty.
The Federation envisions a just and sustainable global economic system in which purchasing and production choices are made with concern for the well-being of people and the environment, creating a world where all people have viable economic options to meet their own needs. We seek to alleviate poverty by continually and significantly expanding the practice of trade that values the labor and dignity of all people.

Location:  Del Mar, California
Website:  http://www.fairtradefederation.org/
For information contact:  Renee Bowers
Phone:  rb@fairtradefederation.org
Categories:   Business & Economics

Book launch event for "The Heavy Radicals: The FBI's Secret War on America's Maoists", Aaron J. Leonard author.

Time:  6:30pm - 8:30pm
Venue:  Concordia Community Solidarity Co-op Bookstore
Location:  2150 Bishop Street, Montreal, QC
Website:  http://www.co-opbookstore.ca
Phone:  514-848-7445
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Law Enforcement & Corrections; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Every year on 25 March, the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade offers the opportunity to honour and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. The International Day also aims at raising awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/slaveryremembranceday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members has taken on even greater importance in recent years, as attacks against the United Nations intensify. This is a day to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen our resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as our colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/detainedstaffday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International

As governments and corporations scramble to pull the plug on research that proves that they are poisoning our planet and rush to muzzle the scientists who dare to share their disturbing data, it seems the powerful have declared a war on science. Michael Riordon asks deep questions of bold scientists who defy the status quo.

Who controls science and at what cost to the earth and its inhabitants? Can we change? This is unspun science for dangerous times.

A Canadian writer and documentary-maker for almost four decades, Michael Riordon generates books and articles, audio, video and film documentaries, and plays for radio and stage. A primary goal of his work is to recover voices of people who have been silenced in the mainstream, written out of the official version.

Michael Riordon teaches writing, and has written four books of oral history: Our Way to Fight: Peace-Work Under Siege in Israel-Palestine, Eating Fire: Family Life on the Queer Side, An Unauthorized Biography of the World, and Out Our Way: Gay and Lesbian Life in Rural Canada. He lives near Picton, Ontario.

Time:  7:30 PM
Venue:  McNally Robinson Winnipeg
Location:  1120 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
Website:  http://rabble.ca/whatsup/michael-riordon-speaking-and-signing
Categories:   Science & Technology; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Environment

CJPME is delighted to invite you to hear Gideon Levy, a renowned Israeli author and human rights journalist, in a talk in Hamilton on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 7 p.m.

The Independent called him "The most hated man in Israel" (http://ind.pn/1sjqNnJ) because for 30 years, he has reported on Israel's human rights abuses in the West Bank.

Levy - a journalist with Haaretz since 1982 - will talk about the Palestine-Israel conflict in light of the March 17 Israeli elections in his talk entitled: "Israeli Elections: What next for Israel-Palestine?" Levy is a strong critic of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and a strong supporter of the boycott of Israel. Levy has also questioned the viability of the "two-state solution."

The lecture will be followed by a Q & A period.

Tickets
-Students: $10 in advance, $12 at the door
-Non-students: $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Time:  7:00 PM
Venue:  First Unitarian Church
Location:  170 Dundurn St S, Hamilton, ON
Website:  http://cjpme.nationbuilder.com/levy_ham_2015
For information contact:  info@cjpme.org
Phone:  438-380-5410
Categories:   International; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Join us for an open discussion with Alice de Wolff (Comox Valley Council of Canadians), Brenda Sayers (Hupacaseth First Nation) and Ellen Gould (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives).

Time:  7:00 PM
Venue:  Rotary Room, Florence Filberg Centre
Location:  411 Anderton Ave, Courtenay, BC
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/courtenay-are-we-being-sold-out-jobs-trade-and-economy
For information contact:  cvcouncilofcanadians@gmail.com
Categories:   Business & Economics; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

An innovative legal challenge is trying to force the Federal government to justify imprisonment of immigrants in a provincial court for the first time. The End Immigration Detention Network and lawyers for two long-term immigration detainees will be asking the Ontario Court of Appeals on Thursday, March 26th, 2015 to step in on endless immigration detention.

Lawyers for Ms Glory Anawa, a 29 year old mother, Alpha Ochigbo, her 18 month old Canadian born baby (imprisoned in immigration jail since birth) and Mr Michael Mvogo who has been jailed for 9 years in Canada appeared before the Ontario Superior Court on December 15, 2014 (Glory's 29th birthday) seeking their release under the Habeas Corpus Act and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This special application requires the Ontario Court first determine if it has jurisdiction over immigration detentions before proceeding to hear the merits of the case. Earlier this month, the Ontario Court declined to assert jurisdiction. Lawyers for Ms Anawa and Mr Mvogo are now filing an appeal.

Time:  2:00 pm
Venue:  Outside the Ontario Court of Appeals
Location:  130 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON
For information contact:  End Immigration Detention Network - migrantstrike@gmail.com
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

OFT's 11th annual Farmland Forum brings together interested individuals and groups for a day of networking, learning, and creative-thinking about how we expand and enhance farmland protection in Ontario.

Farmland is the foundation of Ontario's agricultural economy, local food and farming livelihoods. Yet hundreds of thousands of acres of this land is lost every year in the face of sprawling urban areas and intensifying rural development conflicts.

What new tools, partnerships and grassroots approaches can complement or strengthen policies in Ontario that intend to protect farmland in the long-term? Leadership and collaboration among farmers, community members and government is needed to protect our rich agricultural lands in practical ways for the benefit of all Ontarians.

Time:  10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Venue:  Durham Banquet Hall and Convention Centre
Location:  599 Bloor St W, Oshawa, ON
Website:  http://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/get-involved/events/annual-farmland-forum/2015-farmlan
For information contact:  info@ontariofarmlandtrust.ca
Phone:  519-824-4120 ext. 52654
Categories:   Farming; Environment

Brewster Kneen is known as one of the foremost analysts of the food system, in Canada and globally, through his books and the Ram’s Horn newsletter. Now he has turned his analytical gaze to his own life.

In Journey of an Unrepentant Socialist he focuses on the New Left and the Church of the l960s and 1970s, with extensive excerpts from original documents of the period, and probes the rise of anti-Communism. It was this, he suggests, that eventually overcame the Utopian spirit of the age
and buried the Left and any Socialist program, creating an open space for the Right and neoliberalism.

Analysis is balanced with story-telling, as Kneen tells his own life story and traces his political and theological metamorphoses, including his move from urban intellectual to sheep farmer and back again.

This is a compelling and charming book. It is also timely, as we appear to be entering a new age of global upheaval and potential disaster; nevertheless, it is not a story of despair.

Light refreshments will be served.

Time:  7:00 - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Trinity-St. Paul’s Church
Location:  427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Publishers & Publishing

Discover A Healthier You, A Healthier Planet at the Green Living Show

North America's largest consumer show dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle is back, from March 27-29! With a new, more accessible downtown Toronto venue, The Green Living Show features over 400 of the best products, services and innovations to help you incorporate healthy changes in everyday life.

Discover influential speakers, engaging workshops and hands-on demonstrations for the entire family. Join us this year and discover how you can become a healthier you, and help create a healthier planet!

Time:  12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Venue:  Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Location:  255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.greenlivingshow.ca/
For information contact:  http://www.greenlivingshow.ca/contacts-page/
Categories:   Environment; Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space; Food & Beverage

CJPME is delighted to invite you to hear Gideon Levy, a renowned Israeli author and human rights journalist, in a talk in Victoria on March 28, 2015, at 7 p.m.

This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Writing, University of Victoria.

Levy - a journalist with Haaretz since 1982 - will talk about the Palestine-Israel conflict in light of the March 17 Israeli elections in his talk entitled: "Israeli Elections: What next for Israel-Palestine?" Levy is a strong critic of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and a strong supporter of the boycott of Israel. Levy has also questioned the viability of the "two-state solution."

The lecture will be followed by a Q & A period.

Time:  7:00 p.m.
Venue:  David Lam Auditorium, Room A144
Location:  MacLaurin Building , University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
Website:  http://cjpme.nationbuilder.com/levy_vic_2015#buy_ticket
For information contact:  info@cjpme.org
Phone:  438-380-5410
Categories:   International; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

The North American Native Plant Society is proud to present noted author and native plant expert Lorraine Johnson at the North York Central Library Auditorium (5120 Yonge St., Toronto) on Monday, March 30th at 7:30 speaking on the topic of “Flowers and Food: Growing Edible Native Plants”. This talk is the first of two presentations that will be videoed and edited and made available online thanks to generous funding from The McLean Foundation.

In this illustrated talk, Lorraine Johnson will combine two timely and popular subjects—urban agriculture and native plant gardening—and inspire gardeners to grow edible native plants on their own properties.

Time:  7:30 - 8:30 PM
Venue:  North York Central Library Auditorium
Location:  5120 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.nanps.org/
For information contact:  pkelly@nanps.org
Phone:  519-824-4965
Categories:   Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space; Environment

Join us for an interactive panel discussion on the proposed changes to home care with: Jeanne Fay, Executive Director Second Story Women's Centre; Mary Wright, Family Member; Lisa Mason, Home Care Worker, CUPE; James Hutt, Provincial Coordinator, Nova Scotia Health Coalition.

Come share your experience with home care, and find out how the provincial government plans to open home care to competitive bidding will impact patients, caregivers and health workers.
Hosted by the NS Health Coalition, Second Story Women's Centre and the South Shore Chapter of the Council of Canadians Free. Light refreshments provided.

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/SouthShoreCouncilofCanadians

www.facebook.com/events/1377111375944313/

Time:  7:00 PM
Venue:  Days Inn
Location:  50 North Street, Bridgewater, NS
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/future-home-care-people-or-profit-bridgewater-ns
For information contact:  southshore.coc@gmail.com
Categories:   Health/Health Care; Government & Public Sector

March 31st, 2015 marks the one year anniversary of the expiry of the Health Accord.

Why: In the past year Canadians have lost $987 million in federal funding for public health care. (See table for provincial breakdown.) Without a new Health Accord, over 10 years the cuts to public health care will be $36 billion.

Who: CUPE, the Council of Canadians, the Canadian Health Coalition and provincial health coalitions and other allies

What: Canada-wide actions - press conferences, protests outside MP offices, legislatures and other public buildings, and op-eds/letters to the editor

Where: MP offices, Public Buildings, Hospitals and other locations. Currently over 25 locations nationally and growing.

Time:  Various
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/national-day-action-new-health-accord-2
Categories:   Health/Health Care; Social Policy; Government & Public Sector

Provincial government recently announced that the Employment Standards Act and the Labour Relations Act will be reviewed and has committed to undertake "consultations on the changing nature of modern workplaces". Members of the Workers' Action Centre have spent the past year, building upon previous research, to identify key problems workers are facing in the labour market and developing priorities for change. At this historic moment, WAC's new report, Still Working on the Edge, brings workers' voices, experiences and recommendations to this conversation, contributing knowledge essential to updating Ontario's labour legislation from the ground up.

Time:  9:00 AM
Venue:  The Central YMCA
Location:  20 Grosvenor, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.workersactioncentre.org/updates/report-launch-still-working-on-the-edge-re
For information contact:  debora@workersactioncentre.org
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions; Government & Public Sector; Social Policy

The Comox Valley Peace Group is hosting a panel and discussion on the federal government's proposed "Anti-terrorism Act, 2015", Bill C-51, 7pm Wednesday April 1 at Upper Native Sons Hall in Courtenay.

The legislation is currently at the stage of "public hearings" before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.

Bill C-51 is an omnibus bill that creates new law and amends existing legislation. It is divided into five parts, the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act, the Secure Air Travel Act, amendments to the Criminal Code, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Act, and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act as well as making related and consequential amendments to other acts.

Jennifer Pass and Jack Welsh will review the provisions of the Bill itself, and Barb Biley will review the history of "anti-terror" legislation in Canada and the consequences for First Nations, environmental activists, trade unions, and national minorities. There will be ample time for discussion following the panel.

There is no admission charge but we will "pass the hat" for donations to cover costs.

Time:  7:00 PM
Venue:  Upper Native Sons Hall
Location:  360 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/courtenay-bill-c-51-panel-and-discussion
Phone:  250-338-4067
Categories:   Government & Public Sector; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Security

Canadian author and essayist John Ralston Saul will be discussing his latest book, The Comeback: How Aboriginals are Reclaiming Power and Influence, with interviewer Pam Palmater.

This is the inaugural event in Book(re)marks, a free public event series featuring authors of non-fiction whose works are of social, political or cultural importance. Book(re)marks is presented by IFOA: International Festival of Authors and The Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs.

John Ralston Saul is one of Canada's leading public intellectuals. Saul has received many awards, including Chile's prestigious Pablo Neruda Medal of Honour. He is International President of PEN International and has published 14 works, which have been translated into 25 languages. Saul presents The Comeback: How Aboriginals are Reclaiming Power and Influence, which presents a powerful portrait of Aboriginal life in Canada in contrast to the perceived failings often portrayed in media.

Dr. Pamela D. Palmater is a Mi'kmaw citizen and member of the Eel River Bar First Nation in northern New Brunswick. She has been a practicing lawyer for 16 years and is currently an Associate Professor and the Chair in Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University. Palmater has been studying, volunteering and working in First Nation issues for over 25 years. She has been recognized with many awards and honours for her social justice advocacy on behalf of Indigenous women and children, and most recently for her work related to murdered and missing Indigenous women.

Time:  7:00 - 9:00 PM
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/john-ralston-saul/
Categories:   Native Peoples; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Join the Montréal Transformative Leaders of the Future Team and our provocateur for the evening: Arianne Duchesne - City of Granby Water to explore the scenarios created to date

Free with registration! http://bit.ly/Mtl_WC2

WaterCity 2040 is a multi-stakeholder scenario planning initiative. Launched in November 2014 this initiative will bring together community and decision makers to:
• Collaborate, envision and design plausible futures
• Identify the necessary steps to create these futures

In this upcoming event, we are excited to co-create an evening of deep aesthetic inquiry, delving deeper into these plausible futures while paying close attention to our emotional and intellectual responses as we go through an evening of sound, images, and actions in order to define the boundaries of water in the future of Montréal.

Time:  6:00 - 8:30 PM
Venue:  Thomson House Basement (McGill University)
Location:  3650 Rue McTavish, Montréal, QC
Website:  http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/towards-2040-a-sensemaking-exercise-tickets-16095561257
Categories:   Environment; Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space

On 8 December 2005, the General Assembly declared that 4 April of each year shall be observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. United Nations and relevant organizations, to foster the establishment and development of national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosive remnants of war constitute a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of the civilian population, or an impediment to social and economic development at the national and local levels.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/mineawarenessday/
Categories:   Health/Health Care; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Description: The Canadian Journalism Foundation supports and rewards excellence in Canadian journalism through its annual awards program and by supporting recognition programs run by other organizations. The recipients are presented their awards at the annual CJF Awards, held in June. The Landsberg Award celebrates a journalist who is raising awareness about women’s equality issues in Canada and aims to inspire an increase in the media coverage and voice of women in Canada.

Time:  Deadline for The Lansberg Award (parto of CFJ Awards)
Website:  http://cjf-fjc.ca/awards_landsberg
For information contact:  Natalie Turvey: nturvey@cjf-fjc.ca
Phone:  416-955-0394
Categories:   Awards, Scholarships, Prizes; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Women

National Wildlife Week is a program of the Canadian Wildlife Federation to celebrate our country's natural heritage and play an important role in its conservation.

Proclaimed by Parliament in 1947, National Wildlife Week falls every year during the week of April 10 - the birthdate of the late Jack Miner, one of the founders of Canada's conservation movement. "Wild Goose Jack", as he was known, is credited with saving the Canada Goose from extinction. 2015 would mark Jack Miner's 150th birthday.

Website:  http://cwf-fcf.org/en/do-something/events/national-wildlife-week/?src=hpbox
Categories:   Nature & Outdoors; Environment

Sport for Development and Peace is an opportunity to recognize the potential of sport to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. At the same time, the Day underlines that sports can foster peace and can contribute to an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding. For these reasons, states, the United Nations system and, in particular, the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace, relevant international organizations, and international, regional and national sports organizations, civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, and all other relevant stakeholders are invited to cooperate, observe and raise awareness of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/sportday/
Categories:   Sports & Games

The start date of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, 7 April, has been designated by the UN General Assembly as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda. On or around that date, the UN organized and participated in commemorative events in many countries, including in Armenia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia, Congo, Czech Republic, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
The memorial ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York took place on 16 April.
The memorial ceremony was followed by the opening of an exhibit organized by the Government of Rwanda in the UN Visitors Centre.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/rwanda/commemoration/annualcommemoration.shtml
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal

Unsafe food is linked to the deaths of an estimated 2 million people annually - mostly children. Food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances is responsible for more than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers.
New threats to food safety are constantly emerging. Changes in food production, distribution and consumption; changes to the environment; new and emerging pathogens; antimicrobial resistance - all pose challenges to national food safety systems. Increases in travel and trade enhance the likelihood that contamination can spread internationally.
As our food supply becomes increasingly globalized, the need to strengthen food safety systems in and between all countries is becoming more and more evident. That is why the WHO is promoting efforts to improve food safety, from farm to plate (and everywhere in between) on World Health Day, 7 April 2015.

Website:  http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2015/event/en/
Categories:   Health/Health Care; Food & Beverage; Farming

The Canadian Health Food Association is Canada's largest trade association dedicated to natural health and organic products.

Showcasing the best of the industry. For almost 50 years, CHFA has set the standard for showcasing natural and organic products through the industry's most prestigious events. They are dynamic events where education, innovation and networking opportunities come together. Retailers, suppliers, and industry experts gather to celebrate the best of what we do.

CHFA West is the largest conference and trade show in Western Canada serving the natural health and organics industry. It's the place where retailers meet the industry's top manufacturers, distributors and brokers, face-to-face.

With more than 650 exhibits on our show floor, there's always something new to discover. For retailers, this event is the year's biggest showcase of innovative new products and educational sessions.

Join us for four incredible days to connect, learn and grow your business.

Venue:  Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building
Location:  1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://www.chfa.ca
For information contact:  info@chfa.ca
Phone:  416-497-6939
Categories:   Business & Economics; Food & Beverage; Farming

Written by practicing criminal defense lawyers, jurists, investigators, and specialized journalists, this book criticizes the whole initiative of international criminal justice and considers the idea that it must be abandoned in the name of justice. Has foreign policy trumped justice? How are equity, equality before the law, absence of selectivity, protection of witnesses, and enforcement affected? How are lives of citizens throughout the world changed by International Justice?

Speakers
John Philpot has thirty years' experience as a criminal defence lawyer, including twenty in international criminal justice. He has represented clients before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, including the Appeal Court in The Hague, and the International Criminal Court.

Phil Taylor was defence investigator at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and is currently Radio Host for the Taylor Report on CIUT.fm

Time:  7:30 PM
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/justice-belied/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

On April 11, all-in Quebec for the climate!
Won’t you join us in the streets?
http://act-on-climate.ca/

On April 14th the Council of the Federation, consisting of the 13 heads of Canada’s provinces and territories, will meet in Quebec City. Climate change will be the only item on their agenda. It’s time to stand up and speak with one voice. A voice so loud no politician dare ignore.

YES to defending our climate and our communities!
NO to expanding Canada’s tar sands and the pipelines that carry their oil.
YES to a renewable energy future.

This is why we need you in Quebec on April 11. We need to go all-in.

It’s time to act on climate.

Venue:  Starts from Hotel le Concorde
Location:  1225 Cours du Général de Montcalm, Quebec City, QC
Website:  http://act-on-climate.ca/
Categories:   Environment; Social Policy; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

On Saturday, April 11th, the Port Authority will present the scope of its airport expansion study ("Environmental Assessment"). That's when they will have to show if they are serious about an objective study.

Port Authority expansion study - scope presentation

Time:  9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Venue:  Room 714, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Location:  222 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.nojetsto.ca/
Categories:   Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space; Transportation & Travel

TransCanada's Energy East project would convert an existing natural gas pipeline - parts of which are up to 40-years old - to ship 1.1 million barrels of oil every day through the Prairies to export ports in Quebec and New Brunswick. Join us to talk about why TransCanada's proposed Energy East pipeline is all risk and little reward.

The tour, supported by the Council of Canadians, the National Farmers Union and local partners, will present key information to people living along the pipeline path. This includes information on TransCanada's questionable pipeline safety record, the risks to waterways and farms of shipping diluted bitumen, what it means for tar sands expansion, and experiences opposing TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline.

Time:  7:00 PM
Venue:  Fort Garry Hotel, Provencher Ballroom
Location:  222 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/winnipeg-energy-east-our-risk-their-reward
Categories:   Environment; Business & Economics; Mining & Petroleum

TransCanada's Energy East project would convert an existing natural gas pipeline - parts of which are up to 40-years old - to ship 1.1 million barrels of oil every day through the Prairies to export ports in Quebec and New Brunswick. Join us to talk about why TransCanada's proposed Energy East pipeline is all risk and little reward.

The tour, supported by the Council of Canadians, the National Farmers Union and local partners, will present key information to people living along the pipeline path. This includes information on TransCanada's questionable pipeline safety record, the risks to waterways and farms of shipping diluted bitumen, what it means for tar sands expansion, and experiences opposing TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline.

Time:  7:00 PM
Venue:  Italian Club
Location:  2148 Connaught Street, Regina, SK
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/regina-energy-east-our-risk-their-reward
Categories:   Environment; Mining & Petroleum; Business & Economics

The Deep Ecology of Forest Gardening Workshop & 7-Day Immersion

Sustainability, Regeneration & Vision

Deep ecology is a new way of envisioning our relationship with the Earth - Forest Gardening is putting the vision into Action.

In this training we inform and engage you in creating ecologically sustainable gardens for human living and planetary sustainability, while deepening the experience of a truly human intimacy with the natural world.

Facilitators

Lorenna & Shantree Kacera, D.N., Ph.D. and Lorenna Bousquet-Kacera are founders and directors of The Living Centre and Living Arts Institute. Together they blend their over 40 years each, of experience to offer programs that support individuals in the practice of conscious living. Passionate, long-time gardeners, forest gardeners, permaculturists, herbalist and eco-spiritual guides,

Dates:
- June 13-14 (Weekend Workshop)
- June 13-19 (7-Day Immersion)

Venue:  The Living Centre
Location:  London, ON
Website:  http://www.thelivingcentre.com/cms/forest-gardening-deep-ecology
For information contact:  The Living Centre: info@ thelivingcentre.com
Phone:  519-652-9109
Categories:   Farming; Environment; Education

Gaza - Human not Humanitarian
People not Statistics

Living in Gaza seems impossible to people living in Toronto. How do Gazans manage to have a daily everyday life under a complete siege lasting almost 10 years, a non-existent infrastructure, with constant threat of deadly attack and periodic massive destruction? It is simply unimaginable for most Canadians.

We mostly hear and know about the "humanitarian disaster" aspects of Gaza - reports from the UN rapporteur, the analyst, the media, and also from activists. These are often delivered by people who are in Gaza for short periods, live in privileged conditions and then make an exit.

There is a certain abstraction when speaking of political forces and societal issues, of massive military destruction, destroyed and unrepaired infrastructure, economic sanctions and deprivations, international law and human rights etc. These reports are at the macro level of "population" and do not really deal with human beings. They leave us with many questions about at the everyday, the ordinary, the mundane faced by each individual person, families and neighbourhoods.

Time:  7:00pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.org
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Through province-wide organizing, the Campaign to Raise the Minimum Wage made major gains winning an increase to the minimum wage and indexation to inflation in 2014. But we know that workers need more than that to be lifted out of poverty, have decent jobs and live healthy lives. So we're taking our fight to the next level and launching the Fight for $15 and Fairness!

Our fight is part of a larger movement that is gaining momentum across North America. April 15 is a global day of action in the Fight for $15. Workers will be walking off the job in over 100 U.S. cities, with solidarity actions in 40 countries around the world.

Community and labour groups across Ontario are organizing actions for $15 and fairness.

Time:  12:30 PM
Venue:  Ministry of Labour
Location:  400 University Avenue, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/463614623793975/
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions; Business & Economics

Calling all Torontonians! Come out on the global day of action to support Fight for $15 on April 15!

We are rallying in support of the growing Fight for $15 movement to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour in the United States. Thousands of people from 40 countries around the world, and 100 cities across the U.S., are taking part in this mass mobilization.

Billion-dollar companies such as McDonald's can afford to pay better and lift their workers out of poverty!

On April 15, come along with your families, friends, colleagues, and neighbours to show your support for the Fight for $15 movement as it gets bigger and bigger in the United States.

Time:  11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Venue:  McDonald's Canada headquarters
Location:  1 McDonalds Pl, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://april15.org
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions; Business & Economics

TransCanada's Energy East project would convert an existing natural gas pipeline - parts of which are up to 40-years old - to ship 1.1 million barrels of oil every day through the Prairies to export ports in Quebec and New Brunswick. Join us to talk about why TransCanada's proposed Energy East pipeline is all risk and little reward.

The tour, supported by the Council of Canadians, the National Farmers Union and local partners, will present key information to people living along the pipeline path. This includes information on TransCanada's questionable pipeline safety record, the risks to waterways and farms of shipping diluted bitumen, what it means for tar sands expansion, and experiences opposing TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline.

Time:  7:00 PM
Venue:  Days Inn
Location:  905 North Service Road E, Swift Current, SK
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/swift-current-energy-east-our-risk-their-reward
Categories:   Environment; Business & Economics; Mining & Petroleum

TransCanada's Energy East project would convert an existing natural gas pipeline - parts of which are up to 40-years old - to ship 1.1 million barrels of oil every day through the Prairies to export ports in Quebec and New Brunswick. Join us to talk about why TransCanada's proposed Energy East pipeline is all risk and little reward.

The tour, supported by the Council of Canadians, the National Farmers Union and local partners, will present key information to people living along the pipeline path. This includes information on TransCanada's questionable pipeline safety record, the risks to waterways and farms of shipping diluted bitumen, what it means for tar sands expansion, and experiences opposing TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline.

Time:  7:00 PM
Venue:  Moose Jaw Public Library
Location:  461 Langdon Crescent, Moose Jaw, SK
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/moose-jaw-energy-east-our-risk-their-reward
Categories:   Environment; Business & Economics; Mining & Petroleum

FilKONtario is a festival of music that is inspired by fantasy, science fiction, anime, gaming, computers, space, and many others. The musical influences run from trad folk to last week's chart-topper. Every year we spend a weekend in a hotel in Mississauga singing, listening, making friends and having a great deal of fun.

Location:  Hamilton, ON
Website:  http://www.filkontario.ca/index.html
For information contact:  fkoconcom@gmail.com
Categories:   Music; Children & Youth; Food & Beverage

We, civil society organizations, trade unions, farmers, youth, women, indigenous movements and grassroots activists from across the world, are calling for a Global Day of Action on 18 April 2015 to stop free trade and investment deals and promote an economy that works for people and the planet.

For the last decades, secret trade and investment agreements have been pushed by corporations and governments, damaging our rights and the environment.

For the last decades, we have been fighting for food sovereignty, for the commons, to defend our jobs, our lands, internet freedom and to reclaim democracy. Along the way, we have grown as a movement, we have made our voices heard and we had victories.

Website:  http://www.globaltradeday.org
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Economic Development; Business & Economics

Get involved in this action organized by the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance:

-Join us April 22 in Washington, DC at the EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave,. at 10:00 am, then taking public transportation to the Pentagon.

-Sign letters below to Gina McCarthy, head of the EPA, and Ashton Carter, Secretary of Defense. You can sign the letter with your name, city, and any organizational affiliations even if you are not able to attend the action on April 22. Contact joyfirst5@gmail.com

-Would you be willing to risk arrest for this cause? NCNR is a group of people who at times are led to risk arrest when confronting elected and appointed officials of crimes committed by our government. Our actions are consistent with the First Amendment and are in keeping with great peacemakers like Gandhi, King, Day, the Berrigans, and countless others who live and act on principles of nonviolence for justice with peace. Contact mobuszewski@verizon.net or malachykilbride@yahoo.com if you will risk arrest or would like more information.

Venue:  EPA
Location:  1200 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC
Website:  http://www.popularresistance.org/calendar1/epa-to-the-pentagon-stop-environmental-ec
Categories:   Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Every year on April 22, over a billion people in 190 countries take action for Earth Day. From San Francisco to San Juan, Beijing to Brussels, Moscow to Marrakesh, people plant trees, clean up their communities, contact their elected officials, and more—all on behalf of the environment.
Earth Day will focus on the unique environmental challenges of our time. As the world's population migrates to cities, and as the bleak reality of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the need to create sustainable communities is more important than ever. Earth Day will seek to do just that through its global theme: Green Cities. With smart investments in sustainable technology, forward-thinking public policy, and an educated and active public, we can transform our cities and forge a sustainable future. Nothing is more powerful than the collective action of a billion people.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/motherearthday/
Categories:   Environment

School of the Americas Watch is mobilizing this April for our Spring Days of Action (SDOA). Our 2015 SDOA theme is "Growing Stronger

Together - Resisting the 'Drug War' Across the Americas". Will you help us take the message to Washington, DC?

Join us for actions in the streets and halls of Congress to hasten the end of the Drug War and its accompanying destruction. Part of social change is grassroots power, and we'll be having a welcome party, congressional visits, critical mass bike ride, concert, movement strategy session, and more!

Location:  Washington, DC
Website:  http://soaw.org/take-action/spring-days-of-action
Categories:   Social Policy; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Space is limited to 40 attendees.
Reserve your spot and
take advantage of special rates!

"The desire for dignity is universal and powerful. By choosing dignity as a way of life, we open the way to greater peace within ourselves and to a safer and more humane world for allÂ… dignity is a motivating force behind all human interaction - in families, in communities, in the business world, and in relationships at the international level. When dignity is violated, the response is likely to involve aggression, even violence, hatred, and vengeance. On the other hand, when people treat one another with dignity, they become more connected and are able to create more meaningful relationshipsÂ…"
Donna Hicks, PhD, author
"Dignity: The Essential Role It Plays in Resolving Conflict"

Join Dr. Hicks for this one-day session and leave with:
- a solid understanding of the dignity model;
- the dignity model as a framework for understanding conflict - what the elements are, and how to recognize dignity violations;
- how to respond when we are not treated with dignity;
- what reconciling dignity looks like;
- how dignity can repair, restore and strengthen a broken relationship.

Schedule
8:00am Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00am Program begins
10:45am Refreshment break (15 minutes)
12:30pm Networking Lunch
2:30pm Refreshment break (15 minutes)
4:00pm Program End

Rates
Advance (Before February 1)
Member rate - $389 (plus applicable tax)
Non-Members - $425 (plus applicable tax)

Time:  9AM to 4PM
Venue:  Toronto Novotel
Location:  45 Esplanade, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://adrcanada.secure.force.com/MN4__PublicEventRegistration?id=a0SG000000LiGNJMA3
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Skills & Training

We are pulling out all the stops for this milestone Earth Day Festival Come and celebrate the achievements of the last 10 years in Greater Sudbury and share your hopes and dreams for the next 10 years. Community-minded and collaborative, this Festival will focus on what has created and what will generate real change in Greater Sudbury, This will be a fun, interactive, engaging event for the whole family.

Time:  10 - 3
Venue:  Sudbury Secondary School
Location:  154 College St, Sudbury, ON
Website:  http://www.rethinkgreen.ca/greater-sudbury-earth-day-festival
Phone:  705-674-1685
Categories:   Environment; Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space

The global campaign theme for 2013 and the coming years is Invest in the future. Defeat malaria. World Malaria Day was instituted by WHO Member States during the 2007 World Health Assembly. It is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control. It is also an opportunity for new donors to join the global malaria partnership, and for research and academic institutions to showcase their scientific work.

Website:  http://www.who.int/campaigns/malaria-day/2013/en/
Categories:   Health/Health Care

2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the United States atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It also marks 45 years since the first five nuclear powers agreed in Article VI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to undertake good faith negotiations for the elimination of their nuclear arsenals.

On April 26, the day before the 2015 NPT Review Conference begins, we will gather by the thousands in New York City for an international rally and march to the United Nations. Activists from around the world – including over a thousand from Japan, as well as Hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) – will make our demands for a nuclear-free, peaceful, just, and sustainable world.

Time:  11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location:  New York City
Website:  http://www.peaceandplanet.org/mobilization/
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Military; Security

A meeting of Parents & Teacher
Special Education ~ School Closures ~ Community Hubs ~ Role of Community

What does a better school system mean to you? Join a conversaition about what our public education system can be. Presented by the Elementary Teachers of Toronto. Everyone welcome!

Free

Time:  7pm doors open 6:45pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.com
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Education

CanWEA Western Forum 2015

Join us in Vancouver, British Columbia on April 27 & 28, 2015 to explore the political, economic, social and environmental contexts for continued development of the wind energy industry in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Forum sessions will provide perspectives from a broad range of stakeholders on achievements, business prospects and the winning conditions for sustainable growth of the wind energy industry in Western Canada.

Come and network with the wind energy industry at Western Canada's premier wind energy event.

Venue:  Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Pinnacle Ballroom
Location:  1128 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://canwea.ca/canwea-western-forum/
For information contact:  events@canwea.ca
Phone:  613-234-8716
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development; Business & Economics

Open Stage of poetry and music
Featured poets: Timaj Garad & David Bateman
Host: Bänoo Zan
Doors open: 6:15 p.m.
Sign-up for the open mic: 6:30 p.m.
Start: 7 p.m.
Admission: $5

Timaj Garad is a Spoken Word Artist, Playwright, Writer of short fiction, and Arts Educator. Timaj earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies and Education from Waterloo University. She has performed at several poetry shows and slams and is co-founder and former organizer of The Kitchener-Waterloo Poetry Slam. In 2012 Timaj was the recipient of Waterloo's Top 40 under 40 Award celebrating community leaders. Timaj regards herself as a student of poetry - written, performed, and lived.

David Bateman is visual artist, poet, and performance artist whose work has been presented internationally over the past thirty years. He has taught literature and creative writing at a variety of Canadian post-secondary institutions and has shown his visual art at banu, Show Gallery and The Secret Handshake Gallery (Toronto). His four collections of poetry, Invisible Foreground, Impersonating Flowers, 'tis pity, and Designation Youth, have been published by Frontenac House Press (Calgary). Frontenac has also published his collaborative long poem, Wait Until Late Afternoon, written with poet/novelist Hiromi Goto. Hidden Btook Press will publish his collection of short stories and creative non-fiction essays, entitled A Mad Bent Diva in 2015.

Time:  6:30pm to 10:00pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.org
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Music; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
28 April has also for long been associated with the world's trade union movement's commemoration of the victims of occupational accidents and diseases.
As every year, the ILO Programme on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment prepared a report to serve as a background to the theme, a poster and other promotional material for the occasion. This report for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work outlines the current situation concerning occupational diseases and presents proposals for addressing this serious Decent Work deficit.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/safeworkday/
Categories:   Security; Health/Health Care; Labour, Workplace, Unions

The Conference of the States Parties at its Tenth Session PDF (paragraph 23.3 of C-10/5, dated 11 November 2005) decided that a memorial Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare would be observed on 29 April each year - the date in 1997 on which the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force.

This commemoration will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the commitment of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the elimination of the threat of chemical weapons, thereby promoting the goals of peace, security, and multilateralism.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/chemwarfareday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Security; Military

Join us for this free event to celebrate the launch of Media Works. The evening will feature labour reporting articles, audio documentaries and graphic journalism pieces commissioned for this project. There will be a moderated discussion with contributors to the project about current issues in media work and labour reporting.

Plus:
* Free copies of the handbook on the rights of media workers and on how to improve labour reporting.
* Free snacks and drinks!

Media Works is a project funded by CWA Canada Associate Members, and done in collaboration with the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA) and the Canadian University Press (CUP).

This event is being co-presented by Mayworks Festival of Working People and the Arts - see full schedule at www.mayworks.ca

Time:  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue:  The Foundery
Location:  376 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.media-works.org
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Labour, Workplace, Unions; Arts & Culture

A Midsummer's Fantasia

Art exhibition/market, music, video presentations, live performances, flea market, screen painting, beer. Proceeds will go to featured artists and to the programming and launch of TKFF's 4th annual film festival in May 2015.

Time:  6pm to 11pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.org
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Music

(Kamloops) Planning for the 40th annual walk for peace in Kamloops is underway and organizer Anita Strong says it will be a celebration of the work done by local peace, social, and environmental advocates.

"It is heartening to see so many local groups supporting this year's walk" said Strong, chair of the local chapter of the Council of Canadians. "Many are drawn to the event to oppose the Canadian government which stubbornly continues to wage war, degrade environmental protections, and promote inequality."

Walk 2015 continues the tradition set with the social and political actions taken years ago by Kamloopsians who gathered to demand nuclear disarmament and an end to war.

"We are planning this year's walk and invite other groups to join us, making the 40th anniversary a special event" said Strong.

Time:  10:30 a.m.
Venue:  Stuart Wood Elementary School
Location:  245 Saint Paul Street, Kamloops, BC
Categories:   Military; Science & Technology; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Saturday, May 2 @ 2:00 pm
Two Performances - 30 years of Andean Music in Toronto.
Years ago in the 70's and 80's, on Saturday mornings, we would just show up at St. Lawrence Market to play our instruments. The audiences would fill the lobby, very close, separated only by a guitar case on the floor, enjoying our music. For many, it was probably the first time that they heard "Andean Music" and we were known simply as "The South Americans" Now we are back with a spring concert - hope to see you there! Tickets $20 available at PACHA Indigenous Art Collection (614 Bloor St. West at Palmerston).

Late performance - Music of the Andes
Saturday, May 2 @ 7:00 pm

Time:  2pm and also 7pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.org
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Performing Arts

Poetry and Music Benefit performance in support of a Syrian/Palestinian Refugee. Come and hear:
Norman Allan, poet and visual artist, accompanied by Waleed Abdulhamid, musician
Karen Shenfield, poet in residence at Heliconian Hall
Brenda Clews, performance poet and visual artist, MC Urbam Gallery poetry and music
Bänoo Zan, spoken word poet, MC of regular event El Shab-e She’r

Guest Musician: Nawras Nader

By donation. Charitable receipts for $20 or more. Hosted by Bathurst United Church

Time:  7pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.org
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day. It is an opportunity to:

--> celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
--> assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
--> defend the media from attacks on their independence;
--> pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/pressfreedomday/
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Human Rights, Law, Legal

An interactive presentation that challenges the standard Jewish communal narrative on intermarriage and instead presents an optimistic and inclusive vision for the future of Jewish families and Jewish life. Presented by Oraynu Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (Oraynu).

IN ATTENDANCE:
* Paul Golin, Executive Director, Big Tent Judaism/Jewish Outreach Institute (New York)
* Michele Landsberg, noted author, journalist and social activist, Officer of the Order of Canada
* Terri Hawkes, Canadian actress, director, writer
* Rabbi Denise Handlarski, Assistant Rabbi, Oraynu
* Steve Shabbes, Principal, Oraynu Children’s School

Today, most Jews in the US and Canada are personally touched by intermarriage within their immediate families. According to the Canadian 2011 National Household Survey, within the Jewish population of 392,000, 26% of Jewish spouses/partners were married to, or partnered with, non-Jews. This represents a 59% increase in 20 years. Many people fear this trend will result in the demise of Judaism.

Paul Golin believes the key is to embrace the intermarried. “The way we positively engage people in Jewish life, and particularly the intermarried and their children, will determine whether the Jewish communities in the US and Canada remain vibrant or contract over the coming decades. Interfaith households are the fastest-growing segment of our population, and they represent a wonderful opportunity for us to share what we think is so great about Jewish culture.

Time:  7:30 pm
Venue:  University of Toronto Multifaith Centre in Koffler House
Location:  569 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.oraynu.org/events
For information contact:  Gail Aiken - gaila@sympatico.ca
Phone:  416-467-4789
Categories:   Religious

Part of Mayworks Festival

Exhibition: Thursday, May 7 to Sunday, May 17
Opening reception: Friday, May 8, 7 to 9 pm

A work by Gita Hashemi, Like Flesh and Blood starts from the memoirs of Joseph Emin (1726-1809), an Armenian born in Iran and raised in Bengal, who traveled to Europe to garner support for Armenian liberation. Emin's journey unfolded during a period when European colonialisms were competing with one another and fast consolidating across Asia, Africa and the Americas, a time when settler states were growing out of merchant colonies. Hear Emin's accounts of his days as a migrant labourer, learn about contemporaneous developments on Turtle Island and "re-discover" Toronto, the land of the Mississaugas.

Admission: free

Time:  opening reception Friday May 8, 7 to 9pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.betizatoun.org
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

UN General Assembly declared 8 - 9 May as a time of remembrance and reconciliation and, while recognizing that Member States may have individual days of victory, liberation and commemoration, invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations System, non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe annually either one or both of these days in an appropriate manner to pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War.

The Assembly stressed that this historic event established the conditions for the creation of the United Nations, designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and called upon the Member States of the United Nations to unite their efforts in dealing with new challenges and threats, with the United Nations playing a central role, and to make every effort to settle all disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and in such a manner that international peace and security are not endangered.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/remembranceday/
Categories:   International; Military

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) was initiated in 2006 and is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats. On the second weekend each May, people around the world take action and organise public events such as bird festivals, education programmes and birdwatching excursions to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day.

Website:  http://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/2014/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Ite
Categories:   Animals & Pets; Environment; Nature & Outdoors

In the wake of the recent unjust murders of Dontre Hamilton, Corey Stingley, Derek Williams, Brandon Johnson, Larry Jenkins, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and so many more at the hands of police officers and racist vigilantes, people in cities across the nation have risen up to demand Justice in their communities. For every individual killed, there is a mother who has suffered a loss greater than any one person should have to bear. We, the mothers of this movement, are calling on all concerned community members to join us in our fight. Together we unite to stand against police brutality and racial injustice and to demonstrate our love and determination to protect our children and our country.

On May 9th, 2015, Mother's Day Weekend, The Mothers for Justice United will march on the US Department of Justice in our nation's capitol, Washington DC. Will you stand with us?

Time:  2:00 PM
Venue:  Mt. Vernon Square
Location:  Washington DC
Website:  http://www.mothersforjusticeunited.org/p/the-march.html
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Security; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Film premiere with guest speakers. Crude Gold is a series of short documentaries showcasing five pivotal cases of foreign-funded mining exploitation connected to Canadian investors directed by Monica Gutierrez. This is the official Premiere of this documentary series, and hear the voices of Colombian activists, union leaders and indigenous peoples who are in resistance to profiled mining and petroleum extraction projects. A panel conversation will follow, with guest speakers from affected regions.

Time:  7pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.com
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Mining & Petroleum

Celebrating Mother’s Day for Peace the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace (VOW) will hold a gala dinner, “Women Building Connections” on Thursday, May 14th, 6:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. Five outstanding women, Jean Augustine, Kim Phuoc, Judy Rebick, Metta Spencer and Mary Wyn- Ashford, VOW’s new honorary board of directors, will be the guest speakers for the event.
In 1870 Julia Ward Howe offered her Mother’s Day Proclamation to the world. Her dream was the establishment of an international Mothers’ Day Festival dedicated to the cause of nonviolent resolution of conflict and international solidarity among all women.
For 55 years, VOW has advocated tirelessly for a world without war. We encourage women to exercise responsibility for the promotion of world peace and justice, through education of themselves and others to take an equal part in the democratic process of decision making; and to cooperate with women throughout the world to create the mutual respect and understanding necessary for the peaceful resolution of international conflict.
For tickets or information call (416) 603-7915 or email info@vowpeace.org Website: http://vowpeace.org/

Time:  6:00 pm
Venue:  Royal Canadian Yacht Club
Location:  141 St. George Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://vowpeace.org
For information contact:  Sandra Ruch
Phone:  4166037915
Categories:   Food & Beverage; Women; Politics & Political Organizations

Remembrance of things past with the music of Spring
A beautiful mix of pure instrumental pieces brought to life by the quintet of the Canadian Arabic Ensemble ... melodies by the immortal Rahbani brothers, Marcel Khalifeh and Al Qasabji as well as Arabic folk songs and Classical Arabic, Oriental and Western music. An evening of music to mark the arrival of spring. The quintet of the Canadian Arabic Ensemble is Lamees Audeh (Piano), Wafa Al Zaghal (Qanun), Basel Theodory (Violin), Melad Bouchaya and James Freeman (Percussions).

Time:  7:30pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.com
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.com
Categories:   Music; Performing Arts

On May 16 the Coalition Against Psychiatric Assault (CAPA) is organizing a public protest against electroshock (ECT) at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in Toronto.

This protest and many others are being held simultaneously in over 25 cities in the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand and Uruguay -- an International Day of Protest in honour of and inspired by the life and work of the late Leonard Roy Frank, courageous shock survivor, fearless anti-psychiatry activist and brilliant researcher and writer who suddenly died last January.

For Frank and thousands of other shock survivors and activists, electroshock was and still is a devastating and harmful procedure, always memory destroying and brain-damaging; Leonard once renamed this atrocity "ECB - electroconvulsive brainwashing."

The APA actively promotes ECT and holds continuing education courses, funded by Big Pharma, at all its annual meetings. The APA claims, "Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective evidence-based medical treatment."

We urge CAPA members, shock survivors, antipsychiatry activists, social justice activists, human rights advocates, academics, and concerned citizens to join our Toronto protest in front of the Sheraton Centre Hotel. Assemble at 1pm at "The Archer" statue in Nathan Phillips Square in front of City Hall; at 1:15-1:30pm, we march to the Sheraton. We need your support. Please join us to protest in solidarity.

Time:  1:15 pm
Venue:  Sheraton Centre Hotel
Location:  Queen Street West opposite City Hall, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://coalitionagainstpsychiatricassault.com
Categories:   Health/Health Care; Human Rights, Law, Legal

In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/culturaldiversityday/
Categories:   Arts & Culture

The United Nations General Assembly, by its resolution 55/201 of 20 December 2000, proclaimed 22 May as The International Day for Biological Diversity, to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The date designated for the day was chosen to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The day was first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, and the UN General Assembly, by its resolution 49/119 of 19 December 1994, designated December 29th (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity) the International Day for Biological Diversity. However, it was difficult for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations for the date of 29 December, given the number of holidays that coincide around that time of year.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/biodiversityday/
Categories:   Environment; Nature & Outdoors

Academics, activists, and artists will be gathering at Trent University in the spring of 2015 for an exploration of Canada in the new century.

Examining concerns ranging from the environment and science to Canadian art and music, from multiculturalism and diversity to social inequality and Canada's changing place in the global order, "Contesting Canada's Future" will engage scholars, thinkers, cultural producers, and activists in a three-day, multi-site and multi-format event. This interdisciplinary conference, centered at Trent and extending into venues across Peterborough, will include artist exhibitions, screenings, concerts and a host of other community and cultural events, along with panels, roundtables, and keynote speakers.

Time:  9:00 - 10:30 AM
Venue:  Trent University
Location:  1600 W Bank Dr, Peterborough, ON
Website:  http://www.trentu.ca/canadaconference2015/
Categories:   Environment; Information, Libraries, Research

In its resolution A/RES/67/147, the General Assembly calls on the international community to use the International Day to significantly raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula.
Generally accepted estimates suggest that 2-3.5 million women live with obstetric fistula in the developing world, and between 50,000 and 100,000 new cases develop each year.

The Campaign to End Fistula, launched by UNFPA and partners in 2003 is now present in 50 countries across Africa, Asia and the Arab region.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/endfistuladay/
Categories:   Health/Health Care; Women

For the 7th year running USC Canada's Run for Biodiversity team will be going the distance as part of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend (marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km), May 23-24.

Our amazing team of R4B Runners and Walkers will be fundraising to support USC Canada's work with seed-saving farmers in Ethiopia. So why not join us?

All R4B-Ottawa runners and walkers who commit to raising at least $100 will receive a specially-designed Run for Biodiversity t-shirt, as well as ongoing support to help them achieve their fundraising goal.

As a special thank you, USC Canada will refund the registration fees for all R4B-Ottawa fundraisers who raise $250 or more!

Time:  4:00 p.m
Venue:  Near Ottawa City Hall
Location:  110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://usc-canada.org/what-we-do/beyond-the-farm/run-for-biodiversity/item/114-r4b-ot
For information contact:  r4b@usc-canada.org
Categories:   Farming; Nature & Outdoors; International

The UN General Assembly, by its resolution 60/119 of 8 December 2005, requested the annual observance of the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

In the UN Charter, a Non-Self-Governing Territory is defined as a Territory "whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government".

In 1946, several UN Member States identified a number of Territories under their administration that were not self-governing and placed them on a UN list. Countries administering Non-Self-Governing Territories are called administering Powers. As a result of the decolonization process over the years, most of the Territories were removed from the list.

It urged the administering Powers concerned to take effective measures to safeguard and guarantee the inalienable rights of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to their natural resources, including land, and to establish and maintain control over the future development of those resources, and requests the Administering Powers to take all necessary steps to protect the property rights of the peoples of those Territories.

It also urged all States, directly and through their action in the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, to provide moral and material assistance to the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/nonselfgoverning/index.shtml
Categories:   International; Human Rights, Law, Legal

From arpilleras, the appliques of Chilean women, to youth drama in the slums of Nairobi, from First Nations in Canada to Cambodian human rights activists, to the apartheid walls of Palestine and refugee camps in the Sahara, banners to murals, from buttons to bumper stickers. Using visual art, theatre, music and poetry, art has the power to express the human passion for peace, rights, equality and dignity. Take a tour of the many art forms created all over the world that show how creativity can inspire action and hope.

Time:  7pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.com
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Unrivaled in scope and impact, the annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences is the convergence of over 70 scholarly associations, each holding their annual conference under one umbrella. Now in its 84th year, this flagship event is much more than Canada’s largest gathering of scholars across disciplines. Congress brings together academics, researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners to share findings, refine ideas, and build partnerships that will help shape the Canada of tomorrow.

Venue:  University of Ottawa
Location:  275 Bank St, Suite 300, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://congress2015.ca/home
For information contact:  congress@ideas-idees.ca
Phone:  613-238-6112 (dial 0)
Categories:   Politics & Political Organizations; Education; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

People, non-governmental organizations and governments unite on World No Tobacco Day to draw attention to the health problems that tobacco use can cause. It is held on May 31 each year.

World No Tobacco Day focuses on informing people about health problems associated with tobacco use.

World No Tobacco Day is a day for people, non-governmental organizations and governments organize various activities to make people aware of the health problems that tobacco use can cause. These activities include:

Public marches and demonstrations, often with vivid banners.
Advertising campaigns and educational programs.
People going into public places to encourage people to stop smoking.
The introduction of bans on smoking in particular places or types of advertising.
Meetings for anti-tobacco campaigners.

Moreover, laws restricting smoking in particular areas may come into effect and wide reaching health campaigns may be launched.

Website:  http://www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/en/
Categories:   Health/Health Care

Building Lasting Change: CaGBC National Conference and Expo

We are at a crossroads.The effects of climate change are now being felt across the world with visible environmental, economic and social impacts. Mitigation to reduce carbon emissions is only slowly taking hold.

With green building being considered one of the most organized response to climate change worldwide, Building Lasting Change 2015 will provide the platform to hear Canadian and global experts share their insights. The focus is on how green building and sustainable neighbourhood development contribute to building resilient cities and enhancing human health and well-being while helping regenerate our natural environment.

Location:  Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://www.cagbc.org/CAGBC/Conference/CAGBC/Conference/Building_Lasting_Change_2015.aspx
For information contact:  info@cagbc.org
Phone:  (866) 941-1184
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development; Building & Construction

The theme of the 2015 CFHSS Congress is 'Capital Ideas.' The theme of the 2015 Society for Socialist Studies Conference is Kapital Ideas: analysis, critique, praxis. Join us for four days of wideranging and engaged analysis and dialogue.

Kapital Ideas are theories and analyses that help point us toward a better world through critique of the unequal, violent and exploitative one we now inhabit. They take inspiration from the author of Das Kapital, though they range widely over many issues which include ecology and political economy, gender and sexuality, colonization and imperialism, communication and popular struggles, but also movements and parties, hegemony and counterhegemony, governance and globalization and, of course, class struggle and transformation. Kapital Ideas are interventions that contribute to what Marx, in 1843, called the 'self-clarification of the struggles and wishes of the age'. In an era of deepening crisis and proliferating struggles, of grave threats and new possibilities, the need for these ideas, and for the praxis they can inform, could not be more acute.

Venue:  University of Ottawa
Location:  75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://conferences.uvic.ca/index.php/sss/sss2015
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Business & Economics

Held in conjunction with the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, promising to be an engaging and provocative conference.

Venue:  University of Ottawa
Location:  Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.anser-ares.ca/conference.php
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Social Policy; Economic Development

On 19 August 1982, at its emergency special session on the question of Palestine, the General Assembly, "appalled at the great number of innocent Palestinian and Lebanese children victims of Israel's acts of aggression", decided to commemorate 4 June of each year as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (resolution ES-7/8).

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/childvictimday/
Categories:   Children & Youth; Military

World Environment Day is held each year on June 5. It is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations (UN) stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

World Environment Day promotes ways to improve the earth's environment, such as conserving forests.

World Environment Day is celebrated in many ways in countries such as Kenya, New Zealand, Poland, Spain and the United States. Activities include street rallies and parades, as well as concerts, tree planting, and clean-up campaigns. In many countries, this annual event is used to enhance political attention and action towards improving the environment. This observance also provides an opportunity to sign or ratify international environmental conventions.

Website:  http://www.unep.org/wed/about/#.VJpUY14ECA
Categories:   Environment; Nature & Outdoors

The celebration of World Oceans Day 2014 coincides with the first day of the twenty-fourth meeting of the Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This year, also marks the twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention.

The United Nations will celebrate World Oceans Day 2014 and recognize the winners of the Annual World Oceans Day Oceanic Photo Competition at an event on 9 June 2014 at United Nations Headquarters.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/oceansday/
Categories:   Environment

Four exciting sessions:
- ADRIO, ADRIC and YOU
- ADRIO Talks
- Social Media for Success
- Luncheon Keynote Speaker: The Hon. George W. Adams, Q.C.

Breakfast and lunch included in member and non-member regular tickets.

For the full brochure and registration, please visit:
http://www.icontact-archive.com/vOqCY89My5Vs3TM30WOHPvel39-GAbIA?w=4

Time:  8 am to 2 pm
Venue:  St. Andrew's Club
Location:  150 King St. W, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.icontact-archive.com/vOqCY89My5Vs3TM30WOHPvel39-GAbIA?w=4
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Skills & Training; Education

The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Each year on 12 June, the World Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/childlabourday/
Categories:   Children & Youth; Labour, Workplace, Unions

Safe blood supplies are a scarce commodity - especially in developing countries. World Blood Donor Day is an occasion to raise awareness of the problem and thank donors worldwide. It is held anually on June 14.
Many events are held around the world on June 14 to mark World Blood Donor Day. These include football matches, concerts and mobile blood donation clinics. In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) called upon communities world-wide to symbolically "paint the world red" by coloring, covering or lighting monuments and landmarks.

Website:  http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2014/en/
Categories:   Health/Health Care

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 66/127, designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations.
Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/elderabuse/
Categories:   Seniors; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Transportation & Travel

What: Court Support Rally for Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Legal Appeal of NEB decision on Enbridge Line 9 pipeline

A rally to support the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation which will be in court to challenge the National Energy Board’s (NEB) approval of Enbridge’s Line 9 pipeline despite the lack of consultation with the community on the project. Line 9 is a 40 year-old pipeline which Enbridge has reversed in order to send tar sands diluted bitumen east for export.

Who: Hundreds of people from across Southwestern Ontario who support Indigenous Rights and the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation’s right to consultation and consent

Why: The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, whose traditional territory Line 9 crosses, was not consulted on the project, as required by the Canadian Constitution

Time:  11:00
Location:  180 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
For information contact:  Lana Goldberg - Media Liaison
Phone:  416-275-0123
Categories:   Native Peoples; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Environment

In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 17 the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought to promote public awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/desertificationday/
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development; Health/Health Care

The UN General Assembly, on 4 December 2000, adopted resolution 55/76 where it noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and that the Organization of African Unity (OAU) had agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day on 20 June.

The General Assembly therefore decided that 20 June would be celebrated as World Refugee Day.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/refugeeday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International

When Canadian icon and original Canadian People's Poet Milton Acorn was passed over for the Governor General's Award for his 1969 collection I've Tasted My Blood, several of his peers, including Margaret Atwood, Pat Lane and Mordecai Richler, established the People's Poetry Award, which they presented to Milton at a ceremony at Grossman's Tavern in Toronto in 1970.

When I've Tasted My Blood was re-issued in 1978 by Steel Rail Publishing, Milton wrote corrections and edits for the new edition on a copy of the original book. Milton Acorn: The People's Poet reproduces that copy of I've Tasted My Blood with Milton's handwritten notes, offering readers an intimate look into the work of one of Canada's most important poets. Also included are never-before-published photographs of Milton taken by Kent Nason, a studio recording of Milton reading many of his poems and a 1971 documentary film about Milton Acorn made by Kent Martin and Errol Sharpe.

Errol Sharpe is a publisher at Fernwood Publishing. He holds an ma in Atlantic Canada Studies from Saint Mary's University and is co-author of In Pursuit of Justice: Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op and the Fair Trade Movement.

Continuing Chesterton is a collection of essays on People's Poetry which goes well beyond the conventional territory of literary criticism to produce a fascinating set of perspectives on the nature of Canadian identity. It offers a case study of the cultural crisis of the 'gnostic' culture of late modernity.

Terry Barker studied political theory and philosophy at McMaster and Oxford Universities, and taught Liberal Arts at Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Toronto. He is the author of After Acorn: Meditations on the Message of Canada's People's Poet (1999) and Beyond Bethune: People's Poetry and Milton Acorn's Metaphor for the Canadian Fate (2006).

With poetry by Anna Yin, and music by Tom Smarda and Mark Harry.

Free to all.

Time:  6:30pm – 8:00pm
Venue:  Parliament Library, Toronto Public Library
Location:  269 Gerrard St. E, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://https://fernwoodpublishing.ca/events/view/a-celebration-of-peoples-poetrys-founders
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Performing Arts; Publishers & Publishing

It's been nine years of job losses, health care privatization, falling wages, and environmental neglect.

It's time for change.
Free tickets at time4change-london.eventbrite.ca

Join a compelling line-up of speakers to learn how you can inspire democratic participation in your community:

Maude Barlow, National Chairperson, Council of Canadians
Hassan Yussuff, President, Canadian Labour Congress
Jim Stanford, Author, Economist & Founder, Progressive Economics Forum
David Heap, Organizer, Londoners for Door to Door
Deb Daviau, President, Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
Colonel Pat Stogran (ret'd), Former Veterans' Ombudsman
Brigette DePape (Moderator), Youth Vote Campaigner, Council of Canadians

Learn how you can inspire democratic participation in your community.

Together, we can choose a government that creates good jobs, invests in public health care, addresses climate change, and so much more.

This event is organized by the Council of Canadians in partnership with Unifor and the Directors Guild of Canada.

The public forum will be followed by a hands-on workshop on how to increase voter turnout in your neighbourhood.

This event is non-partisan. The focus is on increasing voter turnout in order to elect a government that better reflects the values and vision of Canadian voters.

Time:  7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Venue:  Wolf Performance Hall at London Central Library
Location:  251 Dundas St., London, ON
Website:  http://canadians.org/event/london-public-forum-state-our-democracy
For information contact:  Dana Chapeskie at dchapeskie@canadians.org
Phone:  1-800-387-7177
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Politics & Political Organizations; Education

David Suzuki
Tuesday, June 23 at 7 p.m.
Oakville Centre, Willson Auditorium
Presented by Oakville Centre, Oakville Public Library and A Different Drummer Books.

Be one of the first to hear David Suzuki speak about his latest book Letters to My Grandchildren.
In Letters to My Grandchildren, revered environmentalist David Suzuki draws on his experiences and wisdom gained over his life to pass on to future generations. Through inspiring letters to his grandchildren, Suzuki offers grandfatherly advice mixed with reflections from his and Canada's past, speaking personally and passionately about their future. The book provides us an intimate look at Suzuki's life as a father and grandfather, as challenges his grandchildren - and us - to do everything at full tilt and to live with courage and conviction.

Ticket Information

All Tickets $20
https://secure1.tixhub.com/oakville/online/b_otix.asp?cboPerformances=3149&cboEvent=1524&iEvents_id=1524

All net proceeds will benefit the David Suzuki Foundation.
Tickets are available at The Oakville Centre, all OPL branches and A Different Drummer Books.

Time:  7 p.m.
Venue:  Oakville Centre, Willson Auditorium
Location:  Oakville, ON
Website:  http://www.oakvillecentre.ca/whats-on/david-suzuki.html
Categories:   Publishers & Publishing; Arts & Culture

2015 is an critical year for action on climate change. Join organizations For Our Grandchildren (4RG) and JustEarth for "Faith and Our Climate: Uniting Generations", a forum to explore the intersections of faith, intergenerational relationships and climate change. This lively event will explore the imperative to address climate change from diverse religious and moral perspectives.

The event will be followed by audience Q & A and light refreshments.

Panelists:
Peter Jones - For Our Grandchildren

Dr. Dennis O'Hara - Associate Professor, Faculty of Theology, U of T St Michael's College

Rev. Andrea Budgey - Chaplain, Trinity College, U of T

Risa Alyson Cooper - Executive Director of Shoresh Jewish Environmental Programs

Atiya Jaffar - MA in Environmental Governance and Management, founding coordinator for the Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign at the University of Guelph

Moderator: Dr. Stephen Scharper - Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, U of T Mississauga and School of the Environment.

Tickets Available
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/faith-and-our-climate-uniting-generations-tickets-17210035680

Time:  6:30pm - 8:30pm in EDT
Venue:  Isabel Bader Theater - University of Toronto
Location:  93 Charles Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/1599148893682627/
Categories:   Religious; Environment

To give special recognition to the situation of widows of all ages and across regions and cultures, the United Nations General Assembly declared 23 June 2011 as the first-ever International Widows' Day, to be celebrated annually.
Absent in statistics, unnoticed by researchers, neglected by national and local authorities and mostly overlooked by civil society organizations - the situation of widows is, in effect, invisible.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/widowsday/
Categories:   Women

Lowering Fares is a Ticket to the City

The Fair Fare Coalition report, Affordable TTC: Ticket to the City is being released on Wednesday June 24. Based on discussions with low-income public transit users, it demonstrates that the existing fare structure is unaffordable for people who depend on it the most. It calls for dramatic reductions for fares for people on social assistance and living on low incomes.

TAKE ACTION

Come to our report launch and event 10.00am, Wednesday June 24th, at Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall, 100 Queen Street West. RSVP with Herman @ hermanrosenfeld@rogers.com.

This is important now because the City is debating and voting on a Poverty Reduction Strategy on June 30, and then on July. It's also important because the City will be introducing a plan to address the cost of fares for people on low incomes later in the year.

Both of these initiatives need to include our demands to reduce public transit fares that are too high for people on low incomes to use.

Time:  10.00am
Venue:  Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall
Location:  100 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.ttcriders.ca/fairfarecoalition/
For information contact:  Herman at hermanrosenfeld@rogers.com.
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Social Services

When: Wednesday, June 24th, 6pm
Where: Ryerson University, 55 Dundas St West Lecture Theatre TRS1067, Toronto
Tickets are $5 for members of FTA and students at Ryerson; $10 for the general public.
Buy Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-premiere-screening-of-the-true-cost-tickets-17276637889

Toronto will have the opportunity to see this ground breaking documentary about the clothes we wear, the people who make them and the surprising impact the fashion industry has on our world. Presented by Fashion Takes Action and co-hosted by Ryerson University's School of Fashion The True Cost will be screening at the Ryerson University Ted Rogers School of Management June 24th, 2015 at 6pm. 2013 with the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh. With the Canadian government now looking closely at ethical procurement guidelines, and the recent class action suits against Wal-Mart and Loblaw Companies tied to the deaths at Rana Plaza, the release of this gritty behind-the-scenes documentary could not be timelier.
Given the eye-opening nature of the film, and the many truths that will be exposed, a media and industry stakeholder panel will take place immediately following the screening. Panel participants will take questions from the audience In an attempt to facilitate a greater understanding of the issues as well as what solutions are available.

For more information on the film please visit The True Cost website
http://truecostmovie.com/
The film is rated PG13.

Venue:  Ryerson University
Location:  55 Dundas St West Lecture Theatre, Toronto, ON
Categories:   Fashion, Clothing, Textiles; Design; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

On 12 December 1997, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 26 June the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, with a view to the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/torturevictimsday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Health/Health Care

In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed, in its resolution 47/90 of 16 December 1992, the International Day of Cooperatives to be celebrated annually on the first Saturday of July.
The aim of this International Day is to:
-->Increase awareness on cooperatives;
-->Highlight the complementarily of the goals and objectives of the United Nations and the international cooperative movement;
-->Underscore the contribution of the movement to the resolution of the major problems addressed by the United Nations;
-->Srengthen and extend partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other actors, including governments, at local, national and international levels.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/cooperativesday/
Categories:   Business & Economics; Labour, Workplace, Unions

Bringing together activists, students, unions, Indigenous peoples, youth, environmentalists and hundreds of ordinary individuals to oppose the current political and economic direction of this country, and proposes a plurality of alternative paths towards a better world...

40+ workshops - alt media fair - grassroots movements

Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://peoplessocialforum.org/Torontopsf
For information contact:  psf.communications@gmail.com
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The aim of ICEPR'15 is to bring together the Canadian and international community working in the field of environmental sciences, engineering, and technology, and to foster an environment conducive to present advances in this field. This conference will also provide a golden opportunity to develop new collaborations and gather world experts on the different topics including pollution detection, environmental remediation, and pollution prevention. Through the fifth conference, a great opportunity to share knowledge and expertise will be created by taking advantage of the synergy that was formed in preceding conferences. ICEPR'15 will include invited keynote talks, oral presentation sessions, and poster sessions who will demonstrate new and exciting research in the fields.

Location:  Barcelona, Spain
Website:  http://icepr.org
Categories:   Environment; Science & Technology

Every year on 18 July - the day Nelson Mandela was born - the UN joins a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day.
For 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity - as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The MILLION PEOPLE'S MARCH Against Police Brutality, Racial Injustice, And Economic Inequality, happens Saturday, JULY 25, 2015,12 Noon, at the Lincoln Monument, near intersection of West Market Street & Springfield Avenue, Newark, New Jersey. The march is sponsored by People's Organization For Progress (POP), and endorsed by community, labor, student, and progressive organizations. Planning for the march takes place at POP meetings every Thursday, 6:30pm at Abyssinian Baptist Church, 224 West Kinney Street, Newark, New Jersey. All are invited. For information call (973) 801-0001. Please share this message. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!

Time:  12:00 PM
Venue:  Lincoln Monument
Location:  Newark, New Jersey
Website:  http://njpop.org/wordpress/?p=1896
Phone:  (973) 801-0001
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Security

World Hepatitis Day is annually held on July 28 to promote awareness of hepatitis, a disease that affects the liver.
The campaign focuses on raising awareness of the different forms of hepatitis: what they are and how they are transmitted; who is at risk; and the various methods of prevention and treatment.
Organizations such as the United Nations and the World Hepatitis Alliance work with individuals and community groups to promote awareness raising campaigns worldwide about hepatitis. Information about World Hepatitis Day is usually distributed via social media, newspapers, posters, and through the World Health Organization (WHO) website.

Website:  http://www.who.int/csr/disease/hepatitis/world_hepatitis_day/en/
Categories:   Health/Health Care

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
The resolution (A/RES/65/275) places particular emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.
The Day is also intended to support the goals and objectives of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).
To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN encourages governments, international organizations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/friendshipday/
Categories:   International; Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries

In 2010, the General Assembly adopted the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, urging Governments worldwide to take coordinated and consistent measures to defeat this scourge. The Plan calls for integrating the fight against human trafficking into the UN's broader programmes in order to boost development and strengthen security worldwide. One of the crucial provisions in the Plan is the establishment of a UN Voluntary Trust Fund for victims of trafficking, especially women and children.

In 2013, the General Assembly held a high-level meeting to appraise the Global Plan of Action. Member States also adopted resolution A/RES/68/192 and designated July 30 as the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. This resolution declared that such a day was necessary to "raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights."

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/humantrafficking/index.shtml
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International

Celebrated every year in more than 170 countries, World Breastfeeding Week aims to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. It commemorates the Innocenti Declaration made by WHO and UNICEF policy-makers in August 1990 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for newborns up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.

This year's theme is "Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers", highlighting breastfeeding peer counselling, an approach that tackles the sharp decline in breastfeeding rates and practices in the weeks or months after delivery, particularly exclusive breastfeeding.

Website:  http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/news_events/events/2013/world_breastfeeding_wee
Categories:   Children & Youth; Health/Health Care; Women

An event to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Key Note address by Honorable Paul Dewar
Performances by Yakudo Drummers, Flautist Ron Korb, Pax Christi Chorale, and Raging Grannies.

Time:  4:30pm Community Tables 6:30pm Commemoration 8:30 pm Lantern Ceremony
Venue:  Church of the Holy Trinity
Location:  west of Eaton Centre, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.hiroshimadaycoalition.ca/
For information contact:  Sandra Ruch
Phone:  4167164010
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; International

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People (9 August) was first proclaimed by the General Assembly in December 1994, to be celebrated every year during the first International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (1995 - 2004).
The theme aims to highlight the importance of implementing the rights of indigenous peoples through policies and programmes at both the national and international level working together towards this common goal with Governments, the United Nations system, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International; Native Peoples

On 17 December 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day.
The United Nations' (UN) International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12 each year to recognize efforts of the world's youth in enhancing global society. It also aims to promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/youthday/
Categories:   Children & Youth

World Humanitarian Day is a time to recognize those who face danger and adversity in order to help others. The day was designated by the General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.

World Humanitarian Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/humanitarianday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is annually observed on August 23 to remind people of the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade. It gives people a chance to think about the historic causes, the methods and the consequences of slave trade.

Website:  http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/inter
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

On 2 December 2009, the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly declared 29 August the International Day against Nuclear Tests by unanimously adopting resolution 64/35. The resolution calls for increasing awareness and education "about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions and the need for their cessation as one of the means of achieving the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world."
The International Day against Nuclear Tests, together with other events and actions, has fostered a global environment with more optimistic prospects towards a world free of nuclear weapons. There have been visible signs of progress on various fronts but, equally, challenges remain. It is the hope of the UN that one day all nuclear weapons will be eliminated. Until then, there is a need to observe International Day against Nuclear Tests as we work towards promoting peace and security world-wide.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/againstnucleartestsday/
Categories:   International; Military

On 21 December 2010, by its resolution 65/209 the UN General Assembly expressed its deep concern, in particular, by the increase in enforced or involuntary disappearances in various regions of the world, including arrest, detention and abduction, when these are part of or amount to enforced disappearances, and by the growing number of reports concerning harassment, ill-treatment and intimidation of witnesses of disappearances or relatives of persons who have disappeared.
By the same resolution the Assembly welcomed the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and decided to declare 30 August the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, to be observed beginning in 2011.
Enforced disappearance has become a global problem and is not restricted to a specific region of the world. Once largely the product of military dictatorships, enforced disappearances can nowadays be perpetrated in complex situations of internal conflict, especially as a means of political repression of opponents. Of particular concern are:

-->the ongoing harassment of human rights defenders, relatives of victims, witnesses and legal counsel dealing with cases of enforced disappearance;
-->the use by States of counter-terrorist activities as an excuse for breaching their obligations;
-->and the still widespread impunity for enforced disappearance.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/disappearancesday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Law Enforcement & Corrections

The United Nations' (UN) International Literacy Day annually falls on September 8 to raise people's awareness of and concern for literacy issues in the world.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and its partners promote the day to underline the significance of literacy for healthy societies, with a strong emphasis on epidemics and communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

In countries all over the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom, the day raises people's awareness of and concern for literacy problems within their own communities. Activities such as letters to the editor in newspapers, as well as news reports about the concerns for low literacy levels, have occurred as a result of this increased awareness. Other activities include literacy day projects, particularly with regard to technology and literature, which are promoted by various organizations including reading associations

Website:  http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/internationa
Categories:   Education

The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is annually observed on September 12.
The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation celebrates economic, social and political developments in many developing countries.
Originally observed on December 19, the date for the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation was moved to September 12 in 2011. It commemorates the date when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a plan of action in 1978 to promote and implement technical cooperation among developing countries.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/southcooperationday/
Categories:   International

The ICCE2015 organizing committee warmly invite you to attend the ICCE 2015 conference. ICCE 2015 takes place in Ottawa, Canada. Nestled on the banks of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers, Ottawa is one of the most beautiful G8 capitals in the world. Ottawa is also rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic architecture. It provides a spectacular environment for meeting and networking.

The objective of the conference is to explore the innovations and latest accomplishments in the areas of Clean Energy and to bring together researchers, scientists, engineers, practitioners, policy makers, from all over the world to present advances in the clean energy technologies.

ICCE 2015 is an opportunity to network with some of the world's leading scientists, and to experience the vibrant culture and to explore the natural wonders of Ottawa.

Venue:  TBA
Location:  TBA, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://icce2015.iaemm.com/Home.php
For information contact:  ICCE2015@iaemm.com
Categories:   Science & Technology; Environment

The UN General Assembly, in resolution A/62/7 (2007) encouraged Governments to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy, and also decided that 15 September of each year should be observed as the International Day of Democracy.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/democracyday/
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on September 16 every year. This event commemorates the date of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/ozoneday/
Categories:   Environment

Toronto Film Premiere
When a military coup ousts the only president they ever supported these farmers take over the plantations with no plans to give them back.

On June 28, 2009, the first coup d'état in a generation in Central America overthrows the elected president of Honduras. A nationwide resistance movement is born taking its inspiration from the daring act of the farmers of the Aguan Valley to recover 10,000 acres of palm oil plantations claimed by the country's largest landowner and a key player in the coup.

Filmed over four-year period beginning with the coup itself, Resistencia: The Fight for the Aguan Valley follows three key members of the farmers' resistance as they convert the plantations into a workers co-op and agitate for a more democratic state, all while trying to survive the violent reaction of the landlord and the coup regime.

After screening at festivals around the world and being broadcast across Latin America on teleSUR, this is the first time Resistencia will show in Toronto. Filmmaker Jesse Freeston will be in attandance for a discussion.

Sponsored by: Common Frontiers, Center for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean (CERLAC), and the Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity Network (LACSN).

$10 suggested (no one turned away)

Time:  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham Ave., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Farming

International Conference on Press Freedom and Labour Rights in Turkey

Turkey: Fighting for journalists rights and freedoms in a politically polarized country
Jailed journalists, threshold for collective bargaining, no freelancers rights, refusals of press cards, restrictions of accreditation, growing prosecutions, less freedom to publish.

Sponsors:
TGS – Journalists Union of Turkey
IFJ - International Federation of Journalists
EFJ – European Federation of Journalists
TGC – Journalists Association of Turkey

Venue:  Taksim Nippon Hotel
Location:  Kocatepe, Topçu Cd. No:6, 34437, Turkey, Istanbul
Website:  http://europeanjournalists.org/press-freedom-and-labour-rights-in-turkey/
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Human Rights, Law, Legal

The Canadian Health Food Association is Canada's largest trade association dedicated to natural health and organic products.

Showcasing the best of the industry. For almost 50 years, CHFA has set the standard for showcasing natural and organic products through the industry's most prestigious events. They are dynamic events where education, innovation and networking opportunities come together. Retailers, suppliers, and industry experts gather to celebrate the best of what we do.

CHFA East is Canada's largest conference and trade show for the natural health and organics industry. It's the place to meet the industry's top manufacturers, distributors and brokers, face-to-face.

With more than 800 exhibits on our 95,000 square-foot show floor, there's always something new to discover. For retailers, this event is the year's biggest showcase of innovative new products and educational seminars.

Venue:  Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building
Location:  255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.chfa.ca/tradeshows/
Categories:   Food & Beverage; Trade

The Workers Action Group of Solidarity Against Austerity wants to express our solidarity and support for the hundreds of local taxi drivers who have been recently locked out by their employer. We have had enough of the attacks and smears against these hard-working drivers locked out of their jobs, and we are calling on all taxi users and driver supporters across the city to join us.

The employer responsible for the two ongoing taxi lockouts -- Coventry Connections -- is the near-monopoly private company that, with City of Ottawa authorization, dominates our local taxi industry. Coventry locked out the Airport taxi drivers on August 11 following a breakdown in contract negotiations, and they followed this with a second lockout of Capital drivers on August 25. (Blue Line and Capital are both owned by Coventry) The City must now intervene actively in these disputes, and insist that the employers, including both Coventry and the Airport Authority (whose board includes two City nominees), revise their outrageous fee and other demands and settle fair new contracts.

Co-sponsors: Workers Action Group, Ottawa and District Labour Council

Time:  12:00 noon
Venue:  Ottawa City Hall
Location:  Lisgar Street entrance, Ottawa, ON
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Transportation & Travel

Come to the Toronto book launch of Dr. Bonnie Burstow's revolutionary new book Psychiatry and the Business of Madness: An Ethical and Epistemological Accounting. This is antipsychiatry thought at is philosophic deepest and at the cutting edge. Speakers include: Dr. Bonnie Burstow, MPP Cheri DiNovo, Robert Whitaker, and leading mental health lawyer Anita Szigeti. Evening culminates in a survivor speak-out. Be at this event, and then be sure to let your grandkids know that you were there the day that the antipsychiatry revolution began.

Time:  5:30
Venue:  Nexus Lounge at OISE
Location:  252 Bloor Street West, 12th floor, Toronto, ON
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Health/Health Care

The hostile U.S. blockade of Cuba -- a noose around Cuba's economy and an affront to Cuba's right to freely determine its own future as a sovereign country -- has existed since 1960. While the United States has been obliged to reopen diplomatic relations with Cuba, the blockade is very far from over and U.S. regime-change objectives have been reaffirmed.

Unparalleled in history and opposed overwhelmingly 23 times in votes on United Nations General Assembly resolutions, the blockade must be ended now. There can be no "normalization" of the U.S.-Cuba relationship while the blockade is in place.

The Canadian government, which has opposed the blockade since its inception, must frequently and vigorously voice this position in its diplomatic relations with the U.S. government and in the public domain.

Assemble at Yonge-Dundas Square, March to the U.S. Consulate (across from 360 University, north of Queen)

Organized by Friends of Cuba Against the U.S. Blockade and Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association Toronto and supported by the Latin America and Caribbean Solidarity Network and Toronto Forum on Cuba.

Time:  1:00pm
Location:  Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto, ON
Categories:   Economic Development; Government & Public Sector; International

Toddler Alan Kurdi's tragic death by drowning on September 2nd is a call for urgent action on the global refugee crisis -- the largest since World War II. This crisis isn't inevitable. It is time for Canadian immigration and refugee policies to change. It is time for us to call for an end to the wars and environmental and economic collapse that forces people to become refugees and migrants.

As part of the month of #RefugeesWelcome actions called by 30+ cities across Canada, Toronto will be hosting a rally and teach-in with members from different refugee and migrant communities. Let's share, learn, resist, and build.

#RefugeesWelcome is a call to end all forces of displacement, all fortressed borders, and all migrant deaths - it is a call for the freedom to stay, move, and return.

Time:  3pm
Location:  Avenue & Bloor, meet outside of Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.refugeeswelcome.ca
Categories:   International; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Social justice advocates - labour, faith, Indigenous, anti-poverty, democratic reform, environment, professionals such as teachers, and other like-minded groups - to agree on common values and plan coordinated action. By combining the public profile of many organizations, solidarity movements multiply their political pressure and influence. With federal, territorial and municipal elections taking place this October-November, northerners need candidates elected who support social justice priorities.

Common front collectives begin in planning sessions. This is the purpose of the WE CAN DO BETTER planning session on Saturday, September 19, 2015. The planning session is a joint initiative of NWT Council of Canadians and Alternatives North.

Goals
Create a common front/solidarity movement to advocate for progressive social change in the NWT.
Identify common values to promote social, political, economic and environmental justice in the NWT.
Plan actions to persuade as many people as possible to vote, especially socially and economically marginalized citizens.

Time:  09:00 to 18:00
Venue:  Northern United Place
Location:  Yellowknife, NT
Categories:   Social Policy; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Politics & Political Organizations

Are you interested in working, volunteering, studying or living overseas? Check out opportunities in more than 100 countries at the 2015 Go Global Expo (www.letsgoglobal.ca).

This FREE event will showcase:
- Volunteer­ sending organizations, universities from around the world, jobs abroad, non­profit groups, jobs teaching English, internships, adventure travel operators and lots more!

- Informational seminars and workshops presented each hour by experts in the field.

- Inspirational keynote speaker (TBA).

- Verge Magazine's Travel With Purpose Photo Exhibit.

Drop by anytime over the weekend to speak with exhibitors, or plan your visit to attend one or more of the hourly seminars.

Pre­register online to save time at the door and get a free subscription to Verge Magazine!

Time:  Saturday, September 19, 2015 - 11:00am - Sunday, September 20, 2015 - 5:00pm
Venue:  Mattamy Athletic Centre
Location:  50 Carlton Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.letsgoglobal.ca
Categories:   Education; International; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

300 years of Aid and Exploitation

Yves Engler continues his groundbreaking analyses of past and present Canadian foreign policy with Canada in Africa - 300 years of Aid and Exploitation. This work documents Canadian involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, "scramble for Africa", missionary movement and European colonialism. The book also reveals Ottawa's opposition to anticolonial struggles, support for apartheid South Africa and Idi Amin's coup as well as this country's role in ousting independence leaders Patrice Lumumba and Kwame Nkrumah.

Based on an exhaustive look at the public record as well as on-the-ground research, Canada in Africa shows how the federal government pressed African countries to follow neoliberal economic prescriptions, which have benefited numerous Canadian corporations, including mining companies that have bought up much of the continent's mineral resources, but are often bitterly resisted by local communities. The book also sheds light on Canada's role in the violence that has engulfed Somalia, Rwanda and the Congo and Canada's creeping military footprint on the continent. Finally, it points out that this country's near total indifference to the impact of global warming is tantamount to a death sentence for ever-growing numbers of Africans.

Need to know:
- Doors open at 6:50
- PWYC
- Accessible on demand via portable ramp; washrooms not accessible
- Please avoid using strong-scented products due to sensitivities

Time:  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org
Categories:   International; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Arts & Culture

Join us for a two-day intensive workshop using Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed techniques and other arts-based popular education approaches to collaboratively reflect and explore issues of social justice and community transformation. This workshop is intended for anyone interested & committed to social justice--community practitioners, activists, educators and beyond.

Both days will include: Theatre of the Oppressed games, critical reflection, movement, community building, working with images or stories of oppression and discussions around taking this work forward for each participant.

Cost: A) Two Day Intensive: $180, Students: $135, B) One Day Drop-in: $90, Students: $65
(If choosing option B), please indicate which day you'd like to sign up for upon registration)
~some sliding scale spaces available~

Time:  0am-4pm
Location:  Aluna Theatre, Macondo Studio, 1 Wiltshire Ave. Unit # 124, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.branchouttheatre.com
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Social Services; Arts & Culture

The Jobs, Justice, Climate march in Toronto this past July was a coalition effort unprecedented in its ability to bring together over 100 community groups and organizations to advocate for a just transition to a people- and planet-centred economy. There is much work being done across the city to put an end to the myriad forms of social, economic, and ecological oppressions and exploitations.

This event will continue the conversation started in July, exploring how we can work across movements in a climate of (social, political, economic, ecological) crisis. Panelists will include Indigenous, climate, anti-poverty, migrant justice, and union activists who will consider the intersections, the tensions, and the possibilities for collective organizing for justice.

Participating organizations include: Reclaim Turtle Island, Jane & Finch Action Against Poverty, Black Lives Matter Toronto, Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, CUPE 3903, Rising Tide Toronto, and Toronto350.org.

This event is being co-hosted by the Environmental Justice & Sustainability Committee (UTGSU) and Jobs, Justice Climate, and is part of OPIRG's DisOrientation week.

Time:  7pm
Venue:  University of Toronto
Location:  Sidney Smith Hall, rm 2111, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Economic Development; Environment

Despite many promises to deal with the dreadful overcrowding in Toronto's homeless shelters, the City policy of keeping occupancy levels at 90% or below has still not been put into effect. Even in the summer months, the shelters are overflowing. At the same time, a process of social cleansing is underway, with plans being developed to drive the homeless out of the downtown core.

The 124 bed Hope Shelter at College and McCaul closed during April and no replacement facility has yet been found. City Council will now be asked to approve plans to move hundreds of beds out from George Street as part of a redevelopment that will mean the end of Seaton House and the School House Shelter. Nothing has been guaranteed in terms of replacing these beds.

OCAP is demanding that no shelters be closed and the George Street redevelopment be put on hold until the City has replacement locations lined up in the same area of the City.

Transportation from Dundas and Sherbourne at 11:30am
Accessibility van & ASL interpretation provided

Time:  12 noon
Location:  City Hall (Bay & Queen), Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.ocap.ca
Categories:   Social Services; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/
Categories:   International

Film shorts screening to be followed by legal analysis by Toronto lawyers Jack Gemmell and Barbara Jackman. Open Q&A will follow formal comments.

Jack Gemmell has been a lawyer for over thirty years with a current focus on civil rights and criminal law in general and national security in particular. He is I a member of the Law Union of Ontario's Working Group on National Security and also played a major role in drafting an extensive brief on Bill C-51 for the House of Commons Committee considering the bill.

Barbara Jackman is a prominent Canadian lawyer specializing in immigration and refugee law. Ms. Jackman practices law with Jackman, Waldman & Associates in Toronto where she has developed a reputation as one of Canada's most effective advocates of refugee rights.

Need to know:
- Doors open at 6:50
- $5 donation (suggested minimum)
- Accessible on demand via portable ramp; washrooms not accessible
- Please avoid using strong-scented products due to sensitivities

Tasty refreshments (non-alcoholic) with Zatoun oliveoil+za'atar dipping.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Tonronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Arts & Culture

We call upon people of good will to come to Washington, DC on Tuesday September 22, 2015 to actively participate in a witness of nonviolent civil resistance calling on Congress and the White House to take meaningful action as we confront the climate crisis, the unending wars, the root causes of poverty, and the structural violence of the military-security state.

CONGRESS
Meet in cafeteria in Longworth House Office Building at 9:00 am.
Together we will go to Paul Ryan's office at about 10:00 am.
Bring packets of seeds and photos or news articles of issues you would like to address i.e. war, climate crisis, poverty, institutionalized violence etc.
Leave Ryan's office around 11:00 or 11:15.
Take public transportation to Edward R. Murrow Park - 1800 block of Pennsylvania Ave. NW
12:00 Noon RALLY AT THE PARK
WHITE HOUSE
We will process together from the park to the White House.
Speakers at White House, read letter sent to Obama, risk arrest

Time:  9:00 am
Venue:  Congress
Location:  Washington DC USA
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=951205201607929&id=184398124955311
For information contact:  malachykilbride@gmail.com; mobuszewski@Verizon.net; joyfirst5@gmail.com
Phone:  301-283-7627
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Environment; Military

We dispose of an abundance of scientific tools and technological devices to measure and monitor the entangled complexities characterizing global scale phenomena such as climate change, environmental pollution or technological saturation. But can we grasp their significance at a local, micro, and personal level? Can we develop a civic science that promotes awareness and enables communities to become active evidence-seekers and, themselves, sustainable producers?

With this first Fall-Winter ArtSci Salon event, Sylvia Adamcik and Antonio Gamba-Bari address these questions by exploring new forms of literacy through interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate science, artistic expression, and DIY and making initiatives.

Join us to welcome
* Sylvia Adamcik, New Media Artist
* Antonio Gamba-Bari, iSchool, University of Toronto

Time:  6:00-8:00 pm
Venue:  The Fields Institute
Location:  222 College Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/1682670311955175/
Categories:   Science & Technology; Arts & Culture; Environment

Tickets: Students: $10 Advance / $15 At the door; Non-students: $15 Advance / $20 At the door
Please join us as we host Robert Fisk, veteran Middle East journalist and author, in Toronto, Thursday, Sept. 24.
Fisk's lecture will focus on how the Syrian civil war - especially the rise of the so-called "Islamic State" - has destabilized the existing order in the Middle East. Fisk's talk is entitled: 'Goodbye, Mr. Sykes! Adieu, M. Picot!' How the ISIS 'caliphate' frightens the Middle East - and us. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A period.

Time:  7pm
Venue:  The Cathedral Church of St James
Location:  65 Church St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://cjpme.org/EventPage.aspx
For information contact:  info@cjpme.org
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Religious; Military

On September 25 and 26, join Council of Canadian chapters from PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador, London, Ontario, Mission and Comox, B.C. for the days of action against CETA.

Trade promoters say that there are always some winners and some losers in “free” trade agreements. But the more you learn about the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), the fewer benefits you see for Canadian families and communities. Instead, there are important things we will be giving away.

Citizens in Europe are seeing the same things and that’s why 2.4 million Europeans have said no to CETA. In Canada, more than 50 Canadian municipalities have said no to CETA.

What can you do?

Write a letter to the editor.
Ask your local federal candidates questions and attend debates.
On October 19, vote in the federal election.
And join the Sept. 26th pan-Canadian day of action to get out the vote in your community. Tell politicians that We can do better!

Website:  http://canadians.org/ceta-days-action
For information contact:  inquiries@canadians.org
Phone:  (416) 979-5554, 1-800-208-7156
Categories:   Economic Development; Politics & Political Organizations

Youth Summit for Biodiversity and Environmental Leadership 2015

Ontario Nature is holding it's sixth annual Youth Summit to bring young leaders from all across the province together for a weekend of nature exploration, interactive workshops, outdoor activities and networking opportunities.

Highlights include
- workshops on diverse topics such as food security, medicinal plants, natural body care and sustainability
- A youth leadership forum for collective brainstorming and the development of action plans
- morning activities such as canoeing on Lake Couchiching, yoga, and hiking
- Evening campfires spent singing with like minded new friends
- Fabulous networking opportunities and the chance to meet youth who share your concerns and interests in preserving the natural world

Registration
Online registration for the summit is now available. You can also register offline.

Venue:  YMCA Geneva Park on Lake Couchiching
Location:  6604 Rama Rd, Orillia, ON
Website:  http://www.ontarionature.org/connect/nature_guardians/youth_summit.php
For information contact:  Sarah Hedges - sarahh@ontarionature.org
Phone:  416-444-8419 ext. 241
Categories:   Environment; Education; Children & Youth

Film, music, discussion to mark 1st anniversary of disappeared 43 Ayotzinapa Teacher’s College students

Live music, a screening of the documentary film “Ayotzinapa: Chronicle of a State Crime,” public lectures, and a procession will mark one year since the forced disappearance of 43 Ayotzinapa Teacher’s College students perpetrated by Mexican police and cartel members. The events coincide with a massive, pan-American day of action in which people across Mexico and throughout the hemisphere will demand that the students be returned alive.

On September 26, 2014 students from the Ayotzinapa Teacher’s College (Raúl Isidro Burgos Rural Teachers’ College) were raising money to attend a protest in Mexico City when police and gunmen attacked them in the town of Iguala, Mexico. Three were killed, dozens were injured, and 43 student-teachers were forcefully disappeared, never to be seen again. The Mexican authorities’ bungled investigation only proved their desire to sweep away the problem, while families of the 43 disappeared students continue searching for their sons and exposing complicity at all levels of government and law enforcement in the crime. Since the Mexican government began its War on Drugs in 2006, an astounding 25,230 people have been disappeared and 150,000 confirmed dead.

Time:  1:00 - 5:00
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/film-ayotzinapa-chronicle-of-a-state-crime/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Arts & Culture

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. This Day provides an occasion for the world community to reaffirm its commitment to global nuclear disarmament as a high priority. It provides an opportunity to educate the public -- and their leaders -- about the real benefits of eliminating such weapons, and the social and economic costs of perpetuating them. Commemorating this Day at the United Nations is especially important, given its universal membership and its long experience in grappling with nuclear disarmament issues. It is the right place to address one of humanity's greatest challenges, achieving the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/nuclearweaponelimination/
Categories:   International; Military

How do the Palestinian and Israeli (Arab and Jewish) education systems teach the history of their nations?

This Is My Land follows several Israeli and Palestinian teachers over one academic year in schools set in Jerusalem, Northern Israel, Nablus, Ramallah and a settlement. The film interweaves the stories of the teachers and their classes in parallel, revealing the different and sometimes opposing universes of the teachers and their schools. Through observing their exchanges and confrontations with students, debates with the ministries curriculum, and its restrictions, the viewers obtain an intimate glimpse into the profound and long lasting effect that the Israeli/Palestinian conflict transmits onto the next generation.

First Prize FIFOG D'OR
Grand Prix « Mediterranean Challenges »
Washington DC Filmfest, Social Justice Prize
Tirana International Film Festival Â- TIFF, "MEDIA AWARD"
Toronto International Film Festival 2014, Official Selection

Time:  2:00 pm
Venue:  Jackman Hall, AGO
Location:  317 Dundas St W,, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/tpff-this-is-my-land/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Education; Politics & Political Organizations

Welcome to our 4th annual gathering to protect the Salish Sea from Kinder Morgan pipeline and tanker expansion! Please invite your friends and make note of changes for this year's event as Ta'ah said - WARRIOR UP! - we encourage you to Paddle! Pedal! Dance! Swim!

Traditional ocean-going canoe and boat floatilla - Swim - Cycle Ride - Salmon BBQ - Music - Coast Salish Dance - Children's Activities - Educational displays - Landscape Drawing!

Sunday Sept 27, 12-4pm Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park, Tsleil-Waututh/North Vancouver
*11am departure from Rocky Point Park (Tsleil-Waututh/Port Moody) to Whey-ah-Wichen

Celebrate the Salish Sea and United Nations World Rivers' Day by participating in Coast Salish culture, paddling, cycling, swimming, making art, or just watching! This day-long celebration is open to everyone! For the casual Sunday visitor to the motivated athlete there's lots of ways to participate!

Cheer on swimmers completing an epic 3-week relay swim down the Fraser River with today's final leg from Port Moody's Rocky Point Park to Whey-ah-Wichen. A traditional canoe paddle and flotilla of boats will accompany the swimmers. Not to be outdone by sustainable transportation, cyclists are invited to bike from Rocky Point Park thru Burnaby, across Second Narrows Bridge, to Whey-ah-Wichen. A shuttle bus will bring people back from Whey-ah-Wichen to Rocky Point.

In recognition of Culture Days BC another way to participate is joining artists in a "draw-in" at the shore

Time:  12:00- 4:00 pm
Venue:  Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park
Location:  North Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://rivershed.com/fraserfest/about-fraserfest/
Phone:  (604) 808-1515
Categories:   Native Peoples; Environment; Nature & Outdoors

Run for Palestine (RfP) is a family oriented, fun filled day that welcomes all members of the community. Participants can walk or run the 1-5 km distance and most sites can accommodate bikes, wheelchairs, strollers and rollerblades. All donations go to registered Canadian charities.

Time:  9:00 am
Venue:  High Park
Location:  1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/torontorunforpalestine
Categories:   Sports & Games; Nature & Outdoors

Guest Panel: Rima Berns-McGown and Rizwan Mohammed

The Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) is a national not-for-profit organization whose overarching mission is to ensure the equality, equity and empowerment of Muslim women. The story of CCMW begins in 1982 when a group of dynamic and devoted Muslim women from across Canada congregated in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Led by the late Dr. Lila Fahlman, these women sought to mobilize their passion for social justice and faith in order to enrich their communities and work towards the common good of Canadian society.

For over 30 years CCMW has proudly advocated on behalf of Canadian-Muslims, encourage civic engagement, empower communities and lastly promote inter-cultural and inter-religious understanding. Past initiatives include the coalition for No Religious Arbitration, the Muslim Marriage Contract, My Canada and the Common Ground Project.

Need to know:
- Doors open at 6:50
- Free
- Accessible on demand via portable ramp; washrooms not accessible
- Please avoid using strong-scented products due to sensitivities

Tasty refreshments (non-alcoholic) with Zatoun oliveoil+za'atar dipping.

Time:  7:00- 9:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/on-civic-engagement-in-times-of-crisis/
Categories:   Religious; Women; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Are there links between George Orwell's books and anti-terror laws? York University's Allan Weiss reviews the insights of dystopian fiction.

Time:  6:30 pm
Venue:  Toronto Reference Library, Beeton Auditoriam
Location:  789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Fire This Time Movement for Social Justice Forum Series

HUMANITY DENIED:
Who is to Blame for the Refugee Crisis in Europe?

Multimedia * Speakers * Discussion

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Joe's Cafe (Large North Hall)
Location:  1150 Commercial Dr., William St., Vancouver, BC
Phone:  604-322-1764
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

At the beginning of the federal election campaign, Toronto Centre NDP candidate and respected author Linda McQuaig stated a simple fact: "a lot of people recognize that a lot of the oil sands oil may need to stay in the ground if we're going to meet our climate change targets." This sparked a corporate media backlash, accusing her of being ideologically-driven, anti-Alberta and anti-jobs.

The science is clear: if Canada continues to extract the tar sands, it will be game over for the climate. To avoid climate catastrophe we need to keep the vast majority of tar sands in the ground.

Speakers:
* Andrew Nikiforuk is an award-winning investigative journalist who has been writing about the oil and gas industry, energy, and economics for more than two decades.

* Justin Podur is a writer and a professor of Environmental Studies at York University in Toronto. He is the author of Haiti's New Dictatorship and has contributed chapters to Empire's Ally: Canada and the War in Afghanistan

* Carolyn Egan is the president of the United Steelworkers Toronto Area Council and Co-Chair of the Good Jobs for All Coalition.

Sponsored by:Toronto East End Against Line 9, Toronto West End Against Line 9, Toronto 350, Centre for Social Justice, Rising Tide Toronto

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  United Steelworkers' Hall
Location:  25 Cecil Street, Toronto, ON
Categories:   Environment

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Older Persons is celebrated annually on October 1 to recognize the contributions of older persons and to examine issues that affect their lives.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/olderpersonsday/
Categories:   Seniors; Human Rights, Law, Legal

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Medicare in the United States. As medical students, part of our mission is to ensure that everyone who needs care gets it. One way to achieve this goal is by improving the Medicare program and expanding it to cover all Americans.

We urge our fellow students and the public to join us for this #TenOne: Medicare-for-All National Day of Action on Thursday, Oct. 1, to bring national attention to our failing health care system and the need for single-payer health reform.

#TenOne: National Actions For Medicare For All

Venue:  Across the United States
Website:  http://student.pnhp.org
Categories:   Health/Health Care

Elections have come to mean democracy. However how "valid" are elections? Do they serve democracy? Michael Keefer, Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph, over the past decade has published searching analyses of electoral fraud in the United States, in Haiti - and now in Canada.

This talk explains how Stephen Harper's Conservatives, who have been proven in Canadian courts to have engaged in fraud in every election they have won, organized a massive, nationwide, and carefully targeted campaign of vote suppression in the election of 2011. The available evidence indicates that during that election Canadian voters - with opposition-party supporters overwhelmingly targeted - received a total of well over 1.1 million fraudulent phone calls, both live-operator and automated. These calls were evenly divided between late-night harassment calls which pretended to come from opposition-party campaigns, and misinformation calls, mostly claiming to come from Elections Canada, directing opposition-party supporters to incorrect or nonexistent polling stations. Professor Keefer shows that Elections Canada's investigation of this crime against democracy was belated, under-resourced, and in many respects incompetent - and the farcical conclusion that only in the riding of Guelph was a crime committed, and that only one young man was effectively responsible for it.

Doors open at 6:50
$5 donation (suggested minimum)
Accessible on demand via portable ramp; washrooms not accessible

Time:  7:00-9:30
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/harpers-stolen-majority-voter-suppression/
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Politics & Political Organizations

The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/nonviolenceday/index.shtml
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Mission Statement: To bring our Leather History to life.
To educate and stimulate Leatherwomen and Leathermen, Kinksters, Fetishists, LGBTQ’s and anyone else interested in or curious about this life that we have chosen to live.
To allow our hands to touch, our minds to grasp and our imaginations to wander and to never, ever, allow anyone to take that away from us.

Leather History Conference

Leather History Conference supports Living Leather Enriched by Leather History and all those who are living it, have lived it or desire to live Leather. Leather History Conference brings those that are now living Leather to tell their stories. The challenges, joys, heartaches, love, persecution and triumphs that have made them Leather.

These Leather Storytellers will aid Leather History Conference in bringing Leather History and Living Leather to all who strive to learn more, be more and live more Leather.

Venue:  Quality Inn Coliseum
Location:  Winston-Salem, NC USA
Website:  http://www.leatherhistoryconference.com/
Categories:   Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual; Sexuality

Starting at Queens Park and marching to the School of Disability Studies at Ryerson (99 Gerrard Street East).

Why we're Marching:

- To bring recognition of the struggles and value of people with disabilities as we fight against ableism and other forms of oppression.
- To be visible and show that we have a voice in our community and a right to be heard by taking to the streets.
- To celebrate and take pride in ourselves as a community of people with disabilities.

Be Loud, Be Proud, Come March with Us!

Time:  1:00- 4:00 pm
Venue:  Starts at Queen's Park
Location:  111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://torontodisabilitypride.wordpress.com/
Phone:  437-887-9693
Categories:   Disability Issues; Sports & Games

Multimedia Art Installation portraying Filipino Canadians' plight in building a home in Canada as part of Nuit Blanche 2015
Presented by The Philippine Women Centre of Ontario and The Magkaisa Centre

As part of the Magkaisa Centre's annual arts & cultural program and continuation of the Maleta [Suitcase] Project (also featured in Nuit Blanche, 2011), "Our Voices" is spearheaded by the Philippine Women Centre of Ontario (PWC-ON), in collaboration with the Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance of Ontario (FCYA-ON) and SIKLAB Ontario, and was first launched in an exhibit that ran from May 31st to June 1st, 2014 also held at Beit Zatoun. Through a series of educational workshops on the Filipino Canadian community's history of migration and capacity-building tutorials on art production, the culminating art exhibit was collectively produced by members of the community with the aim of showing the intimate yet social realities of Filipino Canadian youth, women and workers in Toronto.

The second installment of the exhibit revisits and deepens the themes of migration steeped in the lived-experiences and stories of Filipino Canadian women, young workers and working-class families' ongoing challenges of successfully building a home in Canada. As the third largest and one of the fastest growing immigrant communities in Canada, the Filipino.

Time:  7 pm- 7 am
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/nuit-blanche-our-voices-a-portrait-series/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Women

On October 3-5, 2015, join movement leaders, community activists and people affected by fracking across the country at the Stop Frack Attack National Gathering in Denver, Colorado. We are gathering in Denver to share stories, become better spokespeople, learn about clean energy alternatives, celebrate victories, and strengthen this national movement. We will also be taking to the streets to protest the harm that fracking causes to our health, our climate, and our communities.

Our theme this year is "Escalating the Fight between Communities and the Oil and Gas Industry," and we truly hope to take the fracking movement to the next level. With victories from Denton, Texas to New York State, our movement is getting stronger. Let's keep growing and stregthening the fight against dirty and dangerous drilling by coming together in Denver in October!

Time:  Oct 3rd at 9:00 am to Oct 5th at 6:00 pm
Venue:  Holiday Inn Stapleton
Location:  3333 East Quebec Street, Denver, CO, USA
Website:  http://www.stopthefrackattack.org/2015-national-summit-in-denver-colorado/
Categories:   Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Berkeley advanced LOVE and Eros ZEGG-Forum workshop.

We will go deeper in our own truths around love and Eros towards a mature love that wants to give. This issue is the best training ground for transparency for master seekers of inner authenticity and a peaceful culture. We will use the “Four phases towards mature love” of Wilfried Nelles.

Peace Building is not about compromises as commonly understood, but it is about truths and being honest about my truth. Then it will be indispensable to get in touch with our real inner feelings. From there we can start listening deeply to others in a safe social setting with open hearts.
Faith means: “I want to know who you really are” and it means the decision to follow my own inner love and to stop running away. We will train deep listening and sharing in the healing and powerful setting of ZEGG-Forum.
$135

Time:  10 am - 6 pm
Location:  Berkeley California
Website:  http://www.ic.org/events/love-eros-workshop/
For information contact:  Robert.seelig(at)gmail.com
Categories:   Sexuality

Fund raising for rebuilding of the Lodge at Soul of the Mother on Six Nations Grand River Territory

What is the deeper meaning of reconciliation? How does it provide a foundation for creating new visions of the future grounded in a recognition of our particular role, past and present, in the great planetary web of life?

As part of our ongoing "Unconscious No More" series, this event will feature dialogue from Indigenous wisdom keepers, evolutionary psychologists and leaders in environmental and transformative education, each reflecting on the importance of our current historical moment and on the possibilities it offers for profound personal and collective change.

Our panel includes: traditional healer and ceremonial leader, Kahontakwas Diane Longboat; psychologist and author, Elinor Dickson; consultant in transformative practices and creative director of Spirit Matters, Eimear O'Neill; public health activist and community leader, Blake Poland; and African indigeneity and spirituality educator, Njoki Wane. Maria Vamvalis will moderate the discussion.

In addition to a participatory dialogue, we will also engage in a powerful traditional healing ceremony led by the Council of Soul of the Mother. Understanding reconciliation in its deepest form leads us into the heart of the consciousness required for transformation today: our interconnection as members of one Earth community and a deep reconnection with the land.

Tickets are $60 (fundraising)

Time:  1:00- 4:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/returning-to-our-origins-reconciling-with-our-indigenous-selves/
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Arts & Culture

The United Nations' (UN) World Habitat Day is annually celebrated on the first Monday of October to reflect on the state of human settlements and people's right to sufficient shelter. It also aims to remind people that they are responsible for the habitat of future next generations.
World Habitat Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, including in places such as Angola, China, India, Mexico, Poland, Uganda and the United States. Various activities around the world are organized to examine the problems of rapid urbanization and its impact on the environment and human poverty. Activities may include awards ceremonies, including the "Habitat Scroll of Honour" award.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/habitatday/
Categories:   Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space

The United Nations' (UN) World Teachers' Day celebrates the role teachers play in providing quality education at all levels. This enables children and adults of all ages to learn to take part in and contribute to their local community and global society.
Various events are arranged in many countries around the world on or around October 5. These include celebrations to honor teachers in general or those who have made a special contribution to a particular community. The day may also be marked by conferences emphasizing the importance of teachers and learning, extra training sessions for teachers, recruitment drives for the teaching profession among university students or other suitably qualified professionals and events to increase the profile of teachers and the role they play in the media.

Website:  http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/internationa
Categories:   Education; Children & Youth

The James Graff Memorial Lecture with Dr. Sara Roy, Middle Eastern Studies Associate at Harvard.
$10/$5 online; $15/$10 at the door.

Time:  7:30 pm
Venue:  Trinity St. Paul's United Church
Location:  427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.necefsabeel.ca
Categories:   Information, Libraries, Research; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Economist Jim Stanford describes a more accessible and democratic vision for economics.

Time:  6:30 pm
Venue:  Toronto Reference Library, Beeton Auditorium
Location:  789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Categories:   Business & Economics; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

25th Annual Conference: Weather, Water, Energy
SEJ’s Oklahoma conference will take you to renowned centers of research and operations in severe weather, oil exploration, climate and water conservation. You’ll enjoy a state with nearly a dozen ecoregions, from rolling hills to vast plains, from prairies to forested valleys.

Learn more about:
* Severe Weather in a Volatile World: The world’s top academic and government researchers work here.
* Tornado Alley: This place gets pummeled, so this is where you’ll find the experts.
* Water: Everybody wants it, nobody has enough — not farmers, ranchers, cities or ‘Big Oil.’
* Climate Change: Adapting crops, cattle and cities.
* Native American Nations: Charting a new way forward, taking control of natural resources.
* Oil and Gas Drilling: Advanced fracking techniques, water recycling and earthquakes.
* Superfund Sites: They don't get much worse than Tar Creek. What works, what doesn't?
* Climate Science, Climate Nonsense? Politicians deny climate change in D.C., while locals work to repair and prevent disasters.

Location:  Norman, Oklahoma, USA
Website:  http://www.sej.org/initiatives/sej-annual-conferences/AC2015-main
Categories:   Environment; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

The 1960’s were saw the Second Vatican Council, a space that shaped the way in which Roman Catholics, and Christians in general, understand their interaction with the world at large. One of this council’s best-known documents, the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions Nostra Aetate, encouraged Christians to look outwards and engage in meaningful and productive dialogue with other faiths.

The conference The Global Village: Our Responsibility to Engage (R2E) is celebrating this revolutionary document by extending the challenge of connection and engagement to us all: it provides an opportunity for us to work together to define what kind of a society we want to develop. The organizing committee of R2E has tried to create a conference that presents the concept of engagement both as a principle and as a process.

We hope that by attending the conference or by reading information about it you will come away with a greater understanding of the need to create honest and courageous dialogue about the practical issues facing all of us; a dialogue grounded in a profound understanding of and respect for civic virtues and engagement within and between communities of all kinds.

This gathering will feature speakers from around the world who are accomplished in the field of dialogue. Participants will be challenged to use the gift of dialogue to engage society to bring about a more just and peaceful world.

Spaces at the conference are limited. Register early.

Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://responsibilitytoengage.wordpress.com/welcome/
Categories:   Religious

Ecosocialism offers an alternative, seeing capitalism itself as the source of the crisis and radical system change as the only viable solution. But what does it mean to "change the system"? How can we help build a broad movement that challenges the system, relates to concrete actions and existing social movements and has some hope of winning?

These are the issues this conference will address. We invite participation from all who are committed to a sustainable and just future and are not afraid to challenge capitalism to get there.

Venue:  University of California
Location:  Santa Barbara, USA
Website:  http://www.westcoastecosocialists.org/
For information contact:  info@westcoastecosocialists.org
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Environment; Economic Development

The International Day of the Girl Child promotes girls' rights and highlights gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys. It is a UN observance that is annually held on October 11.
The International Day of the Girl Child gives people and organizations the opportunity to raise public awareness of the different types of discrimination and abuse that many girls around the world suffer from. On this day, many community and political leaders talk to the public about the importance of girls' right to equal education and their fundamental freedoms. Various events are held to showcase the work that people are doing to empower girls through active support and engagement with parents, families, and the wider community.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/girlchild/
Categories:   Children & Youth; Women

Reuben Slonim (1914-2000) was a Winnipeg-born rabbi who in 1937 came to Toronto as the first Canadian to head a Canadian congregation. After the Six Day War of 1967 part of which he spent in a bomb shelter in Israel with his daughter, Slonim returned to his synagogue and said that Israel might win the war, but it would lose the peace if it did not show magnanimity towards the Arabs. He maintained that the deepest ethical values of Judaism were being jeopardized and betrayed by Israel's blatant ghettoization and suffering of another Semitic people, the Palestinians.

About the Speaker
Ted Schmidt the former editor of Catholic New Times was a friend of Slonim's and will speak about his life and the ongoing challenge to institutional Judaism especially as it relates to the Palestine-Israel situation.

Need to know:
- Doors open at 6:50
- $5 donation (suggested minimum)
- Accessible on demand via portable ramp; washrooms not accessible
- Please avoid using strong-scented products due to sensitivities
Tasty refreshments (non-alcoholic) with Zatoun oliveoil+za'atar dipping.

Time:  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   International; Arts & Culture; Religious

The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15 October 2008. This new international day, established by the General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, recognizes "the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty."
Rural women are key agents for achieving the transformational economic, environmental and social changes required for sustainable development. But limited access to credit, health care and education are among the many challenges they face, which are further aggravated by the global food and economic crises and climate change. Empowering them is key not only to the well-being of individuals, families and rural communities, but also to overall economic productivity, given women's large presence in the agricultural workforce worldwide.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/ruralwomenday/
Categories:   Women; Farming; Economic Development

World Food Day is a day of action against hunger. On October 16, people around the world come together to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger in our lifetime. Because when it comes to hunger, the only acceptable number in the world is zero.
World Food Day celebrates the creation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on October 16, 1945 in Quebec, Canada. First established in 1979, World Food Day has since then been observed in almost every country by millions of people.
In North America, grassroots events and public awareness campaigns engage diverse audiences in action against hunger. From hunger walks and World Food Day dinners to meal packaging events and food drives, there are many ways for people to be a part of solutions to hunger.
Each year, advocates come together to raise awareness and engage Americans and Canadians in the movement to end hunger. Led by the FAO Liaison Office for North America, the World Food Day USA & Canada Network includes over 60 organizations, universities and companies that are working to achieve a zero hunger world.

Website:  http://www.fao.org/world-food-day/home/en/
Categories:   Food & Beverage; Farming; Economic Development

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed every year since 1993, when the United Nations General Assembly, by resolution 47/196, designated this day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries.
Various non-government organizations and community charities support the Day for the Eradication of Poverty by actively calling for country leaders and governments to make the fight against poverty a central part of foreign policy. Other activities may include signing "Call to action" petitions, organizing concerts and cultural events, and holding interfaith gatherings that may include a moment of silence.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/povertyday/
Categories:   Economic Development; Social Policy

October 19 is the Canadian federal election.

Voting hours are as follows (local time):
Newfoundland - 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Atlantic - 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Eastern - 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
Central - 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Mountain - 7:30 - 7:30
Pacific - 7:00 to 7:00

You are advised to make sure you are on the voters' list before going to the polls. Be aware that the Conservative government has changed the law to make it more difficult to vote. The changes it introduced are primarily aimed at groups who are unlikely to vote Conservative. It is still possible to add your name to the voters' list at the polling station, but it is now more difficult to do so, and your ID may be rejected. Go to the Elections Canada website www.elections.ca to learn more bout the rules.

Also, be aware that in the 2011 election, more than 1 million voters across the country received phone calls telling them that their polling station has been moved. Don't fall for this hoax.

Categories:   Politics & Political Organizations

The United Nations' (UN) World Development Information Day is annually held on October 24 to draw attention of worldwide public opinion to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them.
Many events are organized to focus attention on the work that the UN does, particularly with regard to problems of trade and development. Many of these are aimed at journalists working for a range of media, including television, radio, newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Direct campaigns may also be organized in some areas. These may use advertisements in newspapers and on radio and television as well as posters in public places.
In South Africa, indabas (gatherings of community representatives with expertise in a particular area) are often held. Representatives of local, national and international bodies are invited to share, discuss and consolidate their ideas around a particular development issue of local or national importance.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/devinfoday/
Categories:   Information, Libraries, Research; International; Economic Development

The annual observance of Disarmament Week, which begins on the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, was called for in the Final Document of the General Assembly 1978 special session on disarmament (resolution S-10/2). States were invited to highlight the danger of the arms race, propagate the need for its cessation and increase public understanding of the urgent tasks of disarmament.

In 1995, the General Assembly invited governments, as well as NGOs, to continue taking an active part in Disarmament Week (resolution 50/72 B, 12 December 1995). It invited the Secretary-General to continue using United Nations information entities as widely as possible, to promote a better understanding among the public of disarmament problems, and the aims of the Week.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/disarmamentweek/
Categories:   Military; International

The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163 at its 68th session in 2013 which proclaimed 2 November as the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists'. The Resolution urged Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity.
Over the past decade, more than 700 journalists have been killed for bringing news and information to the public. Worryingly, only one in ten cases committed against media workers over the past decade has led to a conviction. This impunity emboldens the perpetrators of the crimes and at the same time has a chilling effect on society including journalists themselves. Impunity breeds impunity and feeds into a vicious cycle.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/journalists/
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Honouring Outstanding Women -Catered Indian Dinner, Awards, and Music

Time:  6:30pm-9:30pm
Venue:  Women on the Move
Location:  2221 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://vowpeace.org/event/vow-annual-award-dinner-and-silent-auction/
For information contact:  Sandra Ruch
Phone:  416-603-7915
Categories:   Awards, Scholarships, Prizes; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Women

On 5 November 2001, the UN General Assembly declared 6 November of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict (A/RES/56/4).
Though mankind has always counted its war casualties in terms of dead and wounded soldiers and civilians, destroyed cities and livelihoods, the environment has often remained the unpublicized victim of war.Water wells have been polluted, crops torched, forests cut down, soils poisoned, and animals killed to gain military advantage.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/environmentconflictday/
Categories:   Environment; Military

Workshops, Panel and speaker, light breakfast and lunch included

Saturday, November 7, 2015 Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Toronto, ON Room 308/309 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
$30 Members, $35 Non-members, $20 students or pay what you can. Please consider an additional donation so that others might attend.

Time:  9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Venue:  Metro Hall
Location:  55 John Street, Suite 308/309, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://vowpeace.org/event/vow-conference-and-annual-general-meeting-november-6-7-and-
For information contact:  Sandra Ruch
Phone:  416-603-7915
Categories:   Environment; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Women

The purpose of the World Science Day for Peace and Development is to renew the national, as well as the international commitment to science for peace and development and to stress the responsible use of science for the benefit of society. The World Science Day for Peace and Development also aims at raising public awareness of the importance of science and to bridge the gap between science and societies.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/scienceday/
Categories:   Science & Technology; Economic Development

The International Week of Science and Peace was first observed during 1986 as part of the observance of the International Year of Peace. The organization of events and activities for the week was undertaken as a non-governmental initiative; the secretariat for the International Year of Peace was informed of the preparatory activities and the final summary of events that occurred during the week. The organizers sought to encourage the broadest possible international participation in the observance.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/scienceday/week.shtml
Categories:   Science & Technology

ADRIO is pleased to invite you to a full day interactive program by Richard Hart, well-known internationally for his extensive experience with groups affected by high conflict and conflict associated behaviours such as bullying, harassment and violence. In this dynamic workshop participants will gain a set of practical concepts, tools, processes and practices that can help people make sense of and address high conflict scenarios in a wide range of group contexts.

Time:  8 am to 4:30pm
Venue:  Hilton Doubltree Toronto
Location:  108 Chestnut St M5G 1R3, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://adrontario.ca/resources/event_details.cfm?announcementId=2434
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Labour, Workplace, Unions; Business & Economics

Now that Congress has given the President authority to Fast Track the TransPacific Partnership (TPP), US negotiators are working furiously to complete the deal. The word is that the group negotiations fell apart in Maui in July so negotiators are meeting in secret one-on-one to work out the final details. There is contention over sections regarding agriculture, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and intellectual property rights.

From November 14-18 people across the country will converge on Washington DC for action to demand an end to global corporate domination and the TPP, TTIP, and TiSA.
That is why we've issued this urgent national call to action for a mobilization in Washington, DC from Nov. 14 to 18 during the Asian Pacific Economic Council meetings.

Time:  Nov 14 at 12:00pm to Nov 18 at 4:00pm in EST
Location:  Washington DC USA
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/803049166477880/
For information contact:  Mackenzie@PopularResistance.org
Categories:   Social Policy; Government & Public Sector; Politics & Political Organizations

In 1996, the UN General Assembly (by resolution 51/95) invited UN Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public.
This action followed on the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 at the initiative of UNESCO, as outlined in the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action for the Year.
The 2005 World Summit Outcome document (A/RES/60/1) furthered the commitment of Heads of State and Government to advance human welfare, freedom and progress everywhere, as well as to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/toleranceday/
Categories:   International; Human Rights, Law, Legal

York University's William Whitla illustrates the origins and challenges of Morris's famous pastoral utopia.

Time:  7 pm
Venue:  Toronto Reference Library, Beeton Auditorium
Location:  789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

World Toilet Day is a United Nations (UN) observance, on November 19, that highlights a serious problem - 2.5 billion people in the world do not have access to proper sanitation.
Each year thousands of people join in on promoting World Toilet Day via social media campaigns, online petitions, and by getting involved in a range of events held in different countries worldwide.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/toiletday/
Categories:   Health/Health Care; Economic Development

General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world. The Assembly suggested to governments that the Day be observed on the date and in the way which each considers appropriate.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/childrenday/
Categories:   Children & Youth; International

To raise awareness and trigger action to end the global scourge of violence against women and girls, the UN observes International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence which follow (ending on 10 December, Human Rights Day) are a chance to mobilize and raise awareness.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/endviolenceday/
Categories:   Women; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Art. Food. Workshops. Assemblies. And More!

Time:  9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Venue:  Haultain Building, University of Toronto
Location:  170 College Street, Toronto, ON
Categories:   Environment

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is annually observed on November 29. The day is also known as Solidarity Day.
Special meetings may be held to observe Solidarity Day in some UN offices, councils, government bodies and organizations that have a special interest in the issues encompassing the event. The day may also be publicized through newspapers, magazines, radio and television news, and online media. Some topics that may be publicized or discussed include the status and plight of Palestinian refugees, as well as general information on Palestinian culture and society.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/palestinianday/index.shtml
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC is expected to take place in December 2015, in Paris, France.

Location:  Paris
Website:  http://www.unfccc.int
For information contact:  UNFCCC Secretariat - : secretariat (at) unfccc.int
Phone:  +49-228 815-1000
Categories:   Environment; International

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.
Around 100,000 are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 34 million people have HIV. More than 35 million people have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. World AIDS Day is also a great opportunity to raise money for NAT (National AIDS Trust) and show your support for people living with HIV. If you feel inspired to hold an event, bake sale or simply sell red ribbons.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/aidsday/
Categories:   Health/Health Care

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, marks the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (resolution 317(IV) of 2 December 1949).
The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/slaveryabolitionday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Labour, Workplace, Unions

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is marked around the world annually on 3 December, as per General Assembly resolution 47/3 of 14 October 1992, to promote awareness and mobilize support for critical issues pertaining to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society and development.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/disabilitiesday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Disability Issues

The International Volunteer Day (IVD) mandated by the UN General Assembly, is held each year on 5 December. It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector.

Apart from mobilising thousands of volunteers every year, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development by advocating for the recognition of volunteers and working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming. Through the Online Volunteering service, volunteers can take action for sustainable human development by supporting the activities of development organizations over the Internet. Every day thousands of people are volunteering, online or on-site, contributing to peace and development, working to achieve the MDGs and engaging people to shape the post-2015 sustainable development agenda.

IVD 2014 is a global celebration honouring people's participation in making a change at all levels - locally, nationally and globally.

On IVD 2014, we not only celebrate and recognize volunteerism in all its facets - but pay special tribute to the participation of people in making a difference at all levels: locally, nationally and globally.

For information contact:  http://www.un.org/en/events/volunteerday/
Categories:   Government & Public Sector

On 31 October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested that the Secretary-General designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as secretariat for the Convention's Conference of States Parties (resolution 58/4).
The Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/anticorruptionday/
Categories:   Business & Economics; Law Enforcement & Corrections

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 10 December as Human Rights Day in 1950, to bring to the attention 'of the peoples of the world' the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The year 2002 was the International Year of Mountains. As this year drew to a close, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed December 11 to be International Mountain Day. This observance, which is celebrated annually, aims to draw attention to the important roles that mountainous regions play in water and food supply.
Various activities are organized on and around International Mountain Day. These aim to increase awareness of and knowledge around the role of mountains and mountainous regions amongst the general population and professionals. Particular examples of events are: book fairs; symposia; themed lectures for students; workshops and press events. Mountaineering and explorations societies may hold lectures and social events on or around December 11.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/mountainday/
Categories:   Environment

Three weeks after the Toronto Police Services were caught red handed doing the work of immigration enforcement, concerned residents are gathering at the Toronto Police Service Board meeting calling for an end to racial profiling and ‘status checks’. Recent federal government documents showed that Toronto Police call immigration enforcement 100 times per week, more than Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa combined. As a result, Toronto City Hall passed a motion on December 10th calling for Toronto Police Service to end collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.

What: Public rally and letter delivery to the Toronto Police Services calling for an end to racist practice of performing ‘status checks’ on people they suspect of not having immigration status, in violation of Torontos Sanctuary City policy. Status checks are when Toronto Police independently reach out to federal immigration enforcement to inquire about an individual’s immigration status, including victims and witnesses of crime or carding, likely on the basis of their accent or skin colour.

Time:  noon
Venue:  Toronto Police Headquarters
Location:  40 College Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org
For information contact:  Karl Gardner, Media Liaison
Phone:  647-963-5435

The United Nations' (UN) International Migrants Day is annually held on December 18 to recognize the efforts, contributions and rights of migrants worldwide.
Each year the UN invites governments, organizations, and individuals to observe International Migrants Day by distributing information on the human rights and migrants' fundamental freedoms. People are also invited to share their experiences and contribute to designing action plans to ensure their protection.
Many organizations and communities celebrate the day through various activities to alert the general public on facts about migrants, problems with human trafficking, the lives of migrant workers' children, the plight of refugees and ways in combating racism. Websites, such as www.britkid.org, gives people the opportunity to have a virtual experience of what it is like to come from a migrant background. Lobby groups may also use this day as an opportunity to pressure local public officials to look at issues concerning legalization, immigrant enforcement and migrants' human rights. Special films and documentaries about migrants are also screened or broadcast on this day.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/migrantsday/
Categories:   International; Labour, Workplace, Unions

The United Nations' (UN) International Human Solidarity Day is annually held on December 20 to celebrate unity in diversity. It also aims to remind people on the importance of solidarity in working towards eradicating poverty.
On International Human Solidarity Day, governments are reminded of their commitments to international agreements on the need for human solidarity as an initiative to fight against poverty. People are encouraged to debate on ways to promote solidarity and find innovative methods to help eradicate poverty.
Activities may include promoting campaigns on issues such as:
-->Banning land mines.
-->Making health and medication accessible to those in need.
-->Relief efforts to help those who suffered the effects of natural or human-made disasters.
-->Achieving universal education.
-->Fighting against poverty, corruption and terrorism.
The day is promoted through all forms of media including magazine articles, speeches at official events, and web blogs from groups, individuals or organizations committed to universal solidarity.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/humansolidarityday/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International; Human Rights, Law, Legal