A new generation of Palestinians is marching on the footsteps of previous generations, rising up against Israel’s brutal, decades-old system of occupation, settler colonialism and apartheid. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have joined demonstrations taking place in dozens of cities across historic Palestine and in refugee camps in neighbouring Arab countries. Palestinians continue to struggle for their fundamental rights of freedom, self-determination, equality, and a right to return. As the resistance on the ground intensifies, university campuses remain central to building on the Palestinian solidarity movement. The call for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) has recently made tremendous gains, in particular on university campuses and academic institutions. Both the American Anthropological Association (AAA) and the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA) recently passed BDS resolutions, with an overwhelming majority.

On the evening of January 12th at 7pm, join the University of Toronto Graduate Students Union BDS Ad Hoc Committee, SAIA UofT, along with Noura Erakat and Nada Elia for a panel discussion on what is currently taking place on the ground in Palestine, and what we can do on campuses to support the resistance, and build on the Palestinian resistance movement.

Time:  7:00 - 9:00 pm
Venue:  George Ignatieff Theatre
Location:  15 Devonshire Place, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.caiaweb.org/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal

An Exhibition of 50 Years of Toronto Illustration

Artists: Jamie Bennett, Huntley Brown, Tak Bui, David Chestnutt, Julius Ciss, Mike Constable, Sylvie Daigneault, Ken Dallison, Sandra Dionisi, Blair Drawson, Bob Fortier, Gail Geltner, James Hill, Roger Hill, Jeff Jackson, Barbara Klunder, Jerzy Kolacz, Anita Kunz, Ross MacDonald, Doug Martin, Tom McNeely, Joe Morse, Simon Ng, Tomio Nitto, Dennis Noble, Doug Panton, Maureen Paxton, Joe Salina, Gerry Sevier, Peter Swan, James Sweetland, Mark Thurman, Maurice Vellekoop, Richard Whyte, Muriel Wood and Rene Zamic

Venue:  Macdonald Block
Location:  900 Bay St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://airdgallery.org/
Categories:   Arts & Culture

In 2010 Robert Massoud founded Beit Zatoun ("the house of olives"), which is located at 612 Markham St., in Toronto. It is an attractive meeting place hosting speakers, films, art exhibitions and concerts and also houses a Fair Trade shop.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Room UC 144 of University College
Location:  15 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.scienceforpeace.ca
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

This is a story about clothing. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the human and environmental costs have grown dramatically. The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary film that pulls back the curtain on the untold story and asks us to consider, who really pays the price for our clothing?

Filmed in countries all over the world, from the brightest runways to the darkest slums, and featuring interviews with the world’s leading influencers including Stella McCartney, Livia Firth and Vandana Shiva, The True Cost is an unprecedented project that invites us on an eye opening journey around the world and into the lives of the many people and places behind our clothes.

Guest speaker: Adria Vasil, best-selling author of the Ecoholic Series
Film Length: 92 min
Admission: $2/student, $5/adult
RSVP on Facebook

Time:  7:00 - 9:00 PM
Venue:  Oakville Mews Cinema
Location:  171 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON
Website:  http://haltongreenscreens.ca
For information contact:  Heather Govender - Heather (at) HaltonGreenScreens.ca
Phone:  (905)-466-3939
Categories:   Environment

The first of six speaker series, The Great Climate Change Conferences are designed to drive innovation and to promote discussion on climate change adaptation strategies in the National Capital Region.

The first event's theme is Reflections on post-COP21

The keynote speakers are the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Steven Guilbeault, co-founder and senior director of Equiterre.

Free admission

Time:  6:30pm to 8:30pm
Venue:  UQO - Grande Salle (C-0071/72) - Pavillon Alexandre-Tache
Location:  283, boul. Alexandre-Tache, Gatineau, QC
Website:  http://www.windmilldevelopments.com/category/blog/
Categories:   Environment

Folk songs with different rhythms and grooves in 7, 5, 6, and involving the audience. With stalwarts of community and world music in Toronto and at Beit Zatoun - singer Nawras Nader from Syria, the incomparable multi-instrumentalist, composer, vocalist, Waleed Abdulhamid and Naghmeh Farahmand, percussionist from Iran.

Need to know:
- Doors open at 7:10
- $20 advance ticket / $25 at the door
- 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:  7:30 - 10:00
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/trio-jazz-oriental-on-a-winter-night/
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Music

A discussion and luncheon talk on the timely and important topic of the role of faith communities in welcoming and integration of Syrian Refugees in Canada.

Street Parking And Parking Facilities In Immediate Area (Dundas and University)

Time:  12:30 to 3:30 pm
Venue:  Intercultural Dialogue Institute
Location:  481 University Ave, Suite 711, Toronto, ON
For information contact:  shahidakhtar1@rogers.com
Categories:   Religious

A new documentary from Harold Crooks looks into the murky world of tax havens and tax rip offs in Canada and other countries. The film originated in Quebec and is now showing across the country. See more at www.thepricewepay.ca.

The Nelson Chapter of Council of Canadians is showing the film at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 19th at the Nelson Seniors Branch 51, 717 Vernon St. Following the documentary we will have a discussion AND take immediate action on the huge theft from Canadians.

Everyone is welcome for a small donation.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Nelson Seniors Branch 51
Location:  717 Vernon St., Nelson, BC
Website:  http://canadians.org/event/nelson-screening-price-we-pay
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Venue: HealthEnut Café - 20 Martin St. Milton
Admission: $2/student, $5/adult
Guest speaker: Mike Mikulak - Halton Food Council
Film Length: 74 min

We all love food. As a society, we devour countless cooking shows, culinary magazines and foodie blogs. So how could we possibly be throwing nearly 50% of it in the trash?

Time:  7:00 - 9:00 pm
Venue:  HealthEnut Café
Location:  20 Martin Street, Milton, ON
Website:  http://haltongreenscreens.ca/
For information contact:  Heather Govender/Heather@HaltonGreenScreens.ca
Phone:  9054663939
Categories:   Food & Beverage; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Join Green 13 for a free talk and discussion with Nicola Crawhall.

Nicola Crawhall is the Deputy Director of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a bi-national coalition of 118 mayors who work together to protect and restore the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence.

Nicola will be speaking about the importance of protecting the Great Lakes. She will discuss threats such as microbeads, phosphorus loadings and algae in Lake Erie, and how climate change is a game-changer for the way we must protect the Lakes.

This is a free event. Donations are welcome.

Please RSVP @ https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/working-together-to-save-the-great-lakes-tickets-19898867047

Time:  7:00 - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Swansea Town Hall
Location:  95 Lavinia Avenue, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.green13toronto.org
Categories:   Environment

Join us for the launch of Access to Information and Social Justice with Jamie Brownlee and Kevin Walby.
Acess to Information and Social Justice combines the political and the practical aspects of Access to Information (ATI) research into a single volume in order to help invigorate critical social science, investigative journalism, and activism in Canada.
Edited by Jamie Brownlee and Kevin Walby, contributors to this book include award-winning journalists and prominent academics, as well as activists working on the frontlines of social and environmental justice in Canada.

Time:  7:00 PM in EST
Venue:  Octopus Books Centretown
Location:  251 Bank St. 2nd floor, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/180368735632584/
For information contact:  info@arbeiterring.com
Categories:   Publishers & Publishing; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

On January 21, we will hold an action outside the huge Bank of America near the White House in Washington, DC to tell Bank of America to stop funding Dominion’s dirty and dangerous facility under construction in Lusby, MD.

We delivered letters to bank managers from Connecticut to North Carolina on December 16, 2015. We sent letters to Bank of America’s press officers, board and CEO. No response.

This time we are going to make a lot of noise so they can hear us!

Meet us at the Bank of America at 711 15th St. NW in Washington DC at NOON on Thursday, January 21. We will have large banners and some signs. Bring noisemakers. Bring your friends and family. This will be fun! We’ll even have a visit from a few creepy characters.

Time:  12:00 pm
Venue:  Bank of America
Location:  711 15th St., NW, Washington, DC
Website:  http://www.wearecovepoint.org/jan-21-action-to-tell-bank-of-america-dump-dominion/
For information contact:  Donny@WeAreCovePoint.org
Categories:   Politics & Political Organizations

Jody will speak about her experiences as a prominent First Nations leader in BC and more recently as a federal election candidate in the riding of Vancouver-Granville and Canada's new Minister of Justice.

Her talk will focus on aboriginal issues facing Canada today, and on her long-standing role as a policy leader, reflecting on challenges and opportunities she has experienced as an aboriginal woman pursuing new and sometimes controversial policy ideas.

Doors open at noon and the talk starts at 12:30. The program starts with Jody's talk, then a "talk show" style conversation with our guest interviewer CBC's Gloria Macarenko and finally a moderated Q+A session with the audience.

Time:  12:30 - 2:00 pm
Venue:  Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
Location:  149 West Hastings, Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://www.sfu.ca/
For information contact:  Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
Phone:  (778) 782-9149
Categories:   Native Peoples

Carmen Jarrah's travel involves trying to unravel the conundrums of Palestinian life in Palestine/ Israel. She has compressed three extensive trips into her Smuggled Stories from the Holy Land, exploring aspects of Israeli and Palestinian peace groups and their often agonizing confrontations with the military. A grim reality. Yet the dauntless Palestinian story shines through - a love of the land, an ancestral home imprinted on the Arab consciousness, a relentless connection to the soil and its old olive trees - and a story resting firmly in an ancient sense of belonging that no amount of checkpoint violence and failed peace plans can remove. It was a journey of awareness for Carmen, a critical feature of Muslim rihla writing. For those mystified by the region's conflicts, the book will awaken a new appreciation of a culture that grows more resilient and enduring with each battle. It is not a happy book but one of profound insight: The human spirit will not be denied, hence inspiring.

Time:  7:00 - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/book-smuggled-stories-from-the-holy-land/
For information contact:  Beit Zatoun
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Join ForestEthics for a rally outside the NEB hearings for the Kinder Morgan pipeline.

The Harper pipeline approval process for the Kinder Morgan pipeline has been allowed to move forward. That means that the National Energy Board will be holding hearings in Burnaby this month. However, members of the community won't be allowed to attend let alone participate. That means to be heard we are going to need to be loud.

This gathering is being held on the unceded Coast Salish territory.

Time:  1:00 PM
Venue:  Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre
Location:  4331 Dominion Street, Burnaby, BC
Website:  http://forestethics.org
For information contact:  ForestEthics Advocacy Association/info@forestethicssolutions.org
Phone:  604-331-6201
Categories:   Forestry, Lumber, Paper; Environment

The Women Transforming Cities Grand Tea Party Café will be a celebration and culmination of the advance cafés, and will include a presentation and discussion of recommendations/characteristics of a women- and girl-friendly city - The City We Need.

Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm
Venue:  Heritage Hall
Location:  3102 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
Categories:   Women; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Services

Media Briefing to launch historic 'Harvesting Freedom' caravan to Ottawa

OTTAWA, Jan. 20, 2016 - Migrant farmworker group Justice for Migrant Workers is launching ‘Harvesting Freedom’, a year-long campaign for immigration status upon arrival for migrant farmworkers to mark the 50th anniversary of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP).

A media briefing by migrant farmworkers will be held on January 25th at 10 am, in the Charles Lynch Room of Parliament Hill to launch the campaign which will culminate in a historic pilgrimage of migrant farm workers and allies on to the nation's capital. Justice For Migrant Workers will be travelling from communities throughout southern and central Ontario and converging in Ottawa on October 2 and 3, 2016 to insist that justice is 50 years overdue. Several other actions and events will be organized throughout the year as a part of the Harvesting Freedom Campaign. Migrant farmworkers have grown and packaged food that feeds Canada for half a century but have been denied the right to lay their own roots and live in the country.

Time:  10 am
Venue:  Charles Lynch Room, Centre Block of Parliament
Location:  Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.migrantrights.ca
For information contact:  Tzazna Miranda Leal
Phone:  647-618-5325
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions

The meeting is a chance to learn about the many shortcomings of the existing private banking system in Canada and of the potential of a public postal bank to address them!

SPEAKERS:
* Amber Slegtenhorst (ACORN)
* Geoff Bickerton (Research Director CUPW)
* John Anderson (Author and Researcher)

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  PSAC
Location:  233 Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ON
Categories:   Business & Economics

With a recent change in government, a newly elected Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and the COP 21 Conference historical climate agreement, there is a particular buzz around the environmental movement towards the low-carbon economy.

How can an organization contribute to this momentum and transition? And how does the international and local progress made towards a more sustainable economic model affect the organizations in our community?

Learn from Dale Marshall, National Energy Program Manager at Environmental Defence and Mitchell Beer, President of Smarter Shift (and Carbon 613 Member!) as they debriefs on their COP 21 experience and inspires local Ottawa organizations to take action.

Time:  7:30 - 9:30 am
Venue:  Hotel Indigo
Location:  123 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.envirocentre.ca/carbon613
For information contact:  Katrina Kroeze/Katrina.Kroeze@envirocentre.ca
Phone:  6136560100115
Categories:   Environment; Government & Public Sector

27 January as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust - observed with ceremonies and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York and at UN offices around the world. Recalling the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations General Assembly reaffirms that 'the Holocaust, which resulted in the murder of one-third of the Jewish people along with countless members of other minorities, will forever be a warning to all people of the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice".

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/index.shtml
Categories:   Information, Libraries, Research; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Join us for an evening of true stories told by a multi-generational, multi-cultural line-up of amazing people who will take the stage to share true, personal stories as we listen with open hearts and minds.

Stories of Ours aims to go beyond cross-cultural dialogue and create a place were we can lean into, support, and grow a culture of inclusivity and solidarity. We create bridges between humans through the power of story and loving spaces for us to start bringing challenging conversations to the fore of our lived lives and tackle systems of oppression.

How? By complicating the narrative with different voices as much as we can. :)

Time:  7:00 - 9:30 pm
Venue:  Daniels Spectrum Building
Location:  585 Dundas Street East, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.storiesofours.org/events/2016/1/28/stories-of-ours-jan-28
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

35th Annual Guelph Organic Conference & Trade Show
'Where Farmers & Consumers Meet'

165-table Trade Show in the Guelph University Centre (Jan. 30-31), 42-workshop program (Jan. 28-31), multiple trade gatherings, tastings, events, soirées and other network happenings.

Venue:  University of Guelph
Location:  Guelph, ON
Website:  http://www.guelphorganicconf.ca/
For information contact:  Tomás Nimmo/organix@auracom.com
Phone:  705 444-0923
Categories:   Food & Beverage; Farming

Hospitals in crisis, hydro privatization, mounting student debt and rising inequality! Stop devastating cuts to public services and social programs that are hurting our community by rallying at NOON outside the Ontario Pre-Budget consultation at Queen's Park in Toronto on Monday, February 1, 2016.

Join the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), Ontario Common Front and the Ontario Health Coalition in demanding an economy that works for everyone. Let's take action for the #OntarioWeWant.

Time:  noon
Venue:  Queen's Park
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca
Categories:   Business & Economics; Health/Health Care; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

You, Me and the SPP: Trading Democracy for Corporate Rule

7:00 p.m. John M. Cuelenaere Public Library, 125 12 St E. (Map)

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event!

Co-sponsored by Prince Albert chapter of the Council of Canadians and Cinema Politica.

Find out more about the films at www.cinemapolitica.org

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  John M. Cuelenaere Public Library
Location:  125 12 St E, Prince Albert, BC
Website:  http://www.cinemapolitica.org
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Business & Economics; International

Speakers:

* John Ralston Saul: Award winning novelist and essayist, author of The Comeback and A Fair Country. President Emeritus of PEN International and Co-Chair of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.

* Monia Mazigh: National Coordinator, International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group; author of Hope and Despair, her memoir of the campaign to rescue her husband, Maher Arar, and clear his name.

Moderator: James L. Turk: Distinguished Visiting Professor and Director, Centre for Free Expression, Ryerson University

Time:  7:30 pm
Venue:  Room 103, Rogers Communications Centre
Location:  Ryerson University, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://iclmg.ca
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal

FlushTheTPP.org is an action campaign to Stop the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). We invite you to join us. In order to stop the TPP we need to act quickly and in solidarity with people in other countries. This massive trade agreement is a high priority for transnational corporations, and they are working fast to make it law.

The TPP affects many issues, including worker's rights and wages, environmental collapse and climate change, sovereignty of nations and democratic rule of law, Internet freedom and online creativity, food safety and agriculture, healthcare and financial regulation (including controls over the flow of capital), and much more. For a quick overview of some of the issues, click through the slides on our home page.

Time:  TBD
Venue:  TBD
Location:  TBD, Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://www.flushthetpp.org/vancouver-bc-tpp-is-betrayal-action/
For information contact:  Shirley at ssamples@shaw.ca
Categories:   International; Business & Economics; Trade

Each year on 4 February, WHO and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) supports Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer.
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body. The growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize to distant sites. Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding exposure to common risk factors, such as tobacco smoke. In addition, a significant proportion of cancers can be cured, by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, especially if they are detected early.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/cancerday/index.shtml
Categories:   Health/Health Care; International

2016 Lineup

PETR CANCURA'S CROSSROADS WITH GUEST LYNN MILES
THE CHOCOLATE HOT POCKETS
MIKE MURLEY TRIO
FRASER HOLLINS QUARTET FEATURING: JOEL MILLER, JON COWHERD, AND BRIAN BLADE
JOHN GEGGIE'S JOURNEY BAND
CAROL WELSMAN
DAVID VIRELLES AND ROMÁN DÍAZ
MOUSE ON THE KEYS
MONTREAL GUITARE TRIO (MG3)

Venue:  National Arts Centre Fourth Stage
Location:  Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://ottawajazzfestival.com/artists/winter-jazz/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The St Philips Lutheran Church house band, No Fixed Address, will be performing at An Evening of Interfaith Performing Arts and premiere an original song, "After All", in honour of World Interfaith Harmony Week. The Ismaili Youth Choir has accepted an invitation to add their talent to this world premiere performance.

Venue:  St Philips Lutheran Church
Location:  61 West Deane Park Drive, Etobicoke, ON
Website:  http://www.stphilipstoronto.com
For information contact:  stphilip@bellnet.ca
Phone:  416-622-5577
Categories:   Music; Religious

You are invited to a unique Evening of Interfaith Performing Arts - a concert featuring music and poetry performances by individuals and groups of diverse faith backgrounds. Audience participation requested.

Time:  6:30 - 9:30 PM
Venue:  Noor Cultural Centre
Location:  123 Wynford Drive, North York, ON
For information contact:  voorpostel@sympatico.ca
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Religious

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons - , and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
Although primarily concentrated in 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East, FGM is a universal problem and is also practiced in some countries in Asia and Latin America. FGM continues to persist amongst immigrant populations living in Western Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Though the practice has persisted for over a thousand years, programmatic evidence suggests that FGM/C can end in one generation.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/femalegenitalmutilationday/index.shtml

Interfaith celebration of the blessed birth of the Prophet Mohammed and conference featuring important interfaith speakers, including Iman Syed Badiuddin Soharwardy, Founder of Islamic Supreme Council of Canada and Reverend Dr John Joseph Mastandrea of Metropolitan United Church.

Time:  1:00 - 4:00 PM
Venue:  Sunatel Jamaat Mosque
Location:  347 Danforth Rd, Toronto, ON
For information contact:  Ozman Qazi
Phone:  647-282-3608
Categories:   Religious

Interfaith Harmony Halifax invites you to make a public expression of support for Interfaith Peace and Friendship during and/or before the 1st week of February in accord with the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Time:  2:30 PM
Venue:  Mount Saint Vincent University
Location:  Rosaria Student Centre, Halifax, NS
Website:  http://ihhalifax.ca/home/
For information contact:  info@ihhalifax.ca
Phone:  902-457-6466
Categories:   Religious

Carleton University Chapter of Reporters Without Borders, in conjunction with RRRA, Carleton's Department of Journalism & Communications and Arthur Kroeger College, will be hosting a panel discusion to discuss issues surrounding the balance of press freedom and national security.

Time:  7:00 P.M.
Venue:  Carleton University,270-274 Residence Commons
Location:  1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Human Rights, Law, Legal

This evening features a panel discussion outlining the Canadian interfaith response to the refugee crisis. Panelists include award winning journalist and author Doug Sanders, Queen's University Professor Naomi Alboim, Habeeb Alli, Community Development Manager of International Development and relief Foundation, and Martin Mark, Director, Office for Refugees, Archdiocese of Toronto.

Time:  6:45 - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Darchei Noam Synagogue,
Location:  864 Sheppard Avenue West,, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.darcheinoam.ca/event/InterfaithResponse
For information contact:  tema@darcheinoam.ca
Phone:  416.638.4783
Categories:   Religious

Heterodox economic assessments of globalization generally centre on top down analysis but lack substantive discussion on bottom up decision making. This forum is intended to fill that gap. Specifically we intend to focus on the enhancement of municipal governance through the creation of new structural linkages.
The forum has been structured to have panelists engage each other in discussion and will be guided based on questions from the audience.
We are honoured to have five distinguished speakers as our panel:
Nicole Goodman, Ph.D - Munk School of Global Affairs;
Jonathan Rose, Ph.D - Queen’s University;
Jonathan Greene, Ph.D - Trent University;
Myer Siemiatycki, Ph.D - Ryerson University;
Dennis Pilon, Ph.D - York University.

Time:  6:30pm - 9:00pm
Venue:  Regent Theatre Lecture Hall
Location:  50 King Street East Parking 1 block east of the theatre, Oshawa, ON
Categories:   Government & Public Sector; Labour, Workplace, Unions; Social Services

The Toronto Black Film Festival is about discovery and diversity. It's devoted to sharing stories and celebrating diversity within the various Black communities. TBFF is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. With five days of film screenings, its goal is to attract a diverse group of people both within the Black communities and other ethnic communities throughout the city.

Time:  9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Venue:  Several
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://torontoblackfilm.com/
For information contact:  info@torontoblackfilm.com
Phone:  416-888-7208
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Blackfish tells the story of Tilikum, a performing killer whale that killed several people while in captivity. Along the way, director-producer Gabriela Cowperthwaite compiles shocking footage and emotional interviews to explore the creature's extraordinary nature, the species' cruel treatment in captivity, the lives and losses of the trainers and the pressures brought to bear by the multi-billion dollar sea-park industry.

Time:  7:00 - 9:00 PM
Venue:  Oakville Mews Cinema
Location:  171 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON
Website:  http://haltongreenscreens.ca/
For information contact:  Heather Govender
Phone:  9054663939
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Nature & Outdoors; Animals & Pets

World Radio Day is about celebrating radio, why we love it and why we need it today more than ever. A day to remember the unique power of radio to touch lives and bring people together across every corner of the globe. Join the celebration!

Website:  http://www.diamundialradio.org/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; International; Information, Libraries, Research

Ranger Meckler of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine Memorial will describe the disaster of July 17, 1944 which claimed the lives of mainly African American sailors, and exposed the ugly truth about racism in the U.S. military during World War II. A subsequent mutiny trial and convictions of 50 African American sailors set the stage for the modern Civil Rights Movement. This history will help us understand the ongoing demands for equal justice of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Venue:  SF Unitarian Church
Location:  1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA USA

Join us at Eatonville branch for our monthly Tea and Books session, where the topic will be a lively discussion on Banned Books in honour of Freedom to Read Week. Each year, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles a list of the top ten most frequently challenged books in order to inform the public about censorship in libraries and schools.
Admission: free
Branch phone: 416-394-5270

Time:  2 pm - 3:15 pm
Venue:  Toronto Public Library - Eatonville
Location:  430 Burnhamthorpe Road, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.freedomtoread.ca/events/freedom-to-read-week-banned-books/
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Publishers & Publishing

What if you told the truth and the whole world heard you? Would you expect to be believed? What if you lived in a country swamped with Internet outrage? What if you were a woman living in a society that hated women? Set in the San Francisco of 2013, I Hate the Internet offers a hilarious and obscene indictment of our online lives. Tackling the pressing questions of our moment, Jarett Kobek asks: Why do we live with rank misery seeping from the world's cellphones and computers? Why do we applaud the enrichment of tech CEOs at the expense of the weak and the powerless? Why are we giving away our intellectual property? Why is activism in the 21st Century nothing more than a series of morality lectures typed into devices built by slaves?

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  City Lights Bookstore
Location:  261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA USA
Website:  http://www.citylights.com/bookstore/?fa=event&event_id=2575
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Computers; Communications Industry & Technology

The Council of Canadians Victoria chapter and allies are organizing a community forum on Feb. 17 about the proposed Steelhead-Malahat liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

The community forum on Feb. 17 is co-sponsored by the Sierra Club BC, the Saanich Inlet Network, Divest Victoria, the Dogwood Initiative, the Wilderness Committee, and the Council of Canadians.

Please join us for a community forum and information session on Steelhead-Malahat's Liquified Natural Gas plant and tanker proposal in the Saanich Inlet.

We're grateful to welcome renowned expert Dr. Eoin Finn, who has spent the past two years researching safety, climate, environmental and economic aspects of BC's proposed LNG industry. As a former partner of international accounting firm KPMG, with a B.Sc (chemistry), Ph.D. (physical chemistry), and MBC (international business), Dr. Finn is uniquely positioned to provide in-depth, relevent information.

The Saanich Inlet Network will also provide an update of the current Steelhead proposal situation.

Time:  19:00 pm
Venue:  Esquimalt United Church
Location:  500 Admirals Road, Victoria, BC
Website:  http://canadians.org/event/esquimalt-lng-community-forum
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development; Mining & Petroleum

Anyone who tries to find a bed within the Toronto homeless shelter system is fully aware that it is in a crisis of overcrowding. During the week of January 18, OCAP members and allies visited the City warming centres and interfaith Out of the Cold shelters that function as a back up for the overloaded system. We spoke to people using these places and volunteers in them. What we found more than confirmed our worst fears.

People are being packed into spaces that, despite the best efforts of those running them, are unable to meet the need. The facilities are inadequate, the demand for them is too great, and people are being turned away.

Soup provided.

Time:  11 am
Venue:  Queen and Sherbourne
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.ocap.ca
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Social Services; Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space

We all know that traffic jams in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area are a pain. Gridlock hurts the economy, increases carbon emissions and damages residents' health.

Join us for an evening of lively discussion about what's the best use of transportation dollars to relieve traffic congestion in the GTHA? How do pending provincial decisions about the shape and growth of our cities impact what is possible for public transit?

Refereed by award-winning journalist and author John Lorinc, the evening will feature a panel of esteemed experts sharing their views for how we can reduce traffic congestion through better transportation planning. Learn about a risky plan for a new mega-highway. Find out why public transit should be prioritized within existing urban areas - not far flung sprawl subdivisions.

Let's get ready to rumble!

Space is limited. Register to attend.

Time:  Doors Open: 6:30 pm Gloves Off: 7:00 pm
Venue:  Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto
Location:  2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://environmentaldefence.ca
Phone:  416.323.9521
Categories:   Environment; Transportation & Travel; Human Rights, Law, Legal

We invite you to celebrate the launch of the inaugural Akua Benjamin Public Lecture and to commemorate 50 years of Black activism and resistance in Toronto.

This year we honour the late Black leaders Marlene Green, Charles Roach, Dudley Laws, Gwen & Lenny Johnston and Rosie Douglas.

Time:  Reception Time: 6:00pm Presentation Time: 7:00pm
Venue:  Ryerson University
Location:  350 Victoria Street - Reception in POD 250, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://ryerson.ca/socialwork/abrn
For information contact:  abrn@ryerson.ca
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Social Policy; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Participants will read and discuss a challenged book and reflect on the importance of fighting censorship and championing intellectual freedom.

Venue:  Edmonton Public Library, Various locations listed on event website
Location:  Edmonton, AB
Website:  http://www.epl.ca/banned-book-clubs/
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Publishers & Publishing

From February 18 to 28, the 2016 Talking Stick Festival comes to various Vancouver venues.

The annual festival explores aboriginal culture through a showcase of the work of performers and artists who specialize in theatre, storytelling, film, writing, music, spoken word, dance, and visual arts.

Highlights of this year's event include Savage Society's play Battle of the Birds, the Indigenous Sister Soiree, the Reel Reservations short-film series, and the Celebration of Powwow Culture.

Of particular interest is the festival's opening ceremony, which will feature performances by comedian Darrell Dennis, magic by Vitaly, and music by DJ Kookum and Beaver T and the Divas.

Participating venues include the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, the Media Club, the Vancouver Public Library, Cafe Deux Soleils, Britannia Secondary School Theatre, Zawa Restaurant, Studio Records, and Vancity Theatre.

Tickets for the 2016 Talking Stick Festival are available online.

Time:  7:30 pm @ Vancity Culture Lab, 8:00 pm @ Vancity Theatre
Venue:  The Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, the Media Club, the Vancouver Public Library, C
Location:  1577 W Georgia St., Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://www.talkingstickfest.ca
Phone:  604.683.0497
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Veteran Investigative reporter Andrew Mitrovica discusses Canada's controversial so-called "anti-terror" legislation, Bill C-51. What does it mean for you and Canada? And will it, in fact, keep you and Canada safe?

Part of the Toronto Public Library's Thought Exchange Series and Freedom to Read Week events.

Time:  6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Venue:  Toronto Reference Library - Hinton Learning Theatre, 3rd Floor
Location:  789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Phone:  416-395-5577
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Security; Government & Public Sector

The Anti-Black Racism Conference

The Anti-Black Racism Network is pleased to announce that it will hold a two day conference at Ryerson University on Friday February 19 and Saturday February 20, 2016.

"Anti-Black Racism: Criminalization, Community and Resistance" conference will rigorously advance the scholarship on social issues facing Black Canadians and find meaningful and sustainable ways of addressing these problems by bringing together leading academics, community members and organizers, students, human services providers, policy makers, and artists across Canada.

"Anti-Black Racism: Criminalization, Community and Resistance" conference will open with the Inaugural Akua Benjamin Annual Public Lecture on February 18th, 2016.

For further conference details, please refer to the Conference Schedule and Conference Registration tabs.

The ABRN was established in July 2014. The Network is comprised of university professors, students, lawyers, social workers, activists, and community and organizational leaders whose social justice work includes anti-Black racism.

Members of the Network have specializations in diverse areas including law, criminal justice, child welfare, queer studies, education, human rights, policy studies, cultural studies, feminism, health and wellbeing, anti-colonialism, and social services.

Time:  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Venue:  Ryerson University POD 250 Jorgenson Hall, 2nd Floor
Location:  350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON
Categories:   Social Policy; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

In 1964, Johnny Cash - who up to that point was known solely as a country singer - recorded "Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian", a concept album of folk songs about the treatment of Native Americans. It was not a great commercial success, primarily because radio stations and disc jockeys were unwilling to play such socially engaged protest songs. Angry and disappointed, Cash called Billboard Magazine to account in an open letter. "Where are your guts?" he wrote, and drew a parallel between the treatment of Native Americans and blacks - the Civil Rights Movement was at its height in 1964. In response to criticism that he had very rapidly transformed into a folk singer, he explained, "As times change, I change."

This engaging documentary is a meditative mystery revealing an unknown moment in history that changed America with performances and interviews from musicians Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Rosanne Cash, and comes at a time when America is once again gripped by racial tension.

Time:  2:00 pm
Venue:  San Francisco Bay area
Location:  San Francisco
Website:  http://www.ticketfly.com
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Performing Arts; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

The 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:   International; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Join a free public talk with Dr. Byron Williston, author of The Anthropocene Project: Virtue in the Age of Climate Change (2015) and Environmental Ethics for Canadians (2011). Justice is about who gets what (and why) in social distributive systems, but the way we think about the demands of justice has for most of our history been confined to specifying the duties individual humans have to other (currently living) individual humans. Anthropogenic climate change (ACC) challenges this traditional focus.

Part of the Upwind Downwind 2016 Conference in Hamilton, Ontario

Venue:  Sheraton Hotel
Location:  116 King Street West - 2nd floor, Hamilton, ON
Website:  http://www.cleanair.hamilton.ca
Categories:   Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Human Rights, Law, Legal

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. 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.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/
Categories:   International; Education; Arts & Culture

Harry Potter has been one of the most frequently challenged books according to the Alberta Library Association. Although many parents and families have celebrated the books for sparking interest in reading, other groups have not been so pleased. The use of witchcraft is the most common objection to the Harry Potter series.

Following the film, the Harry Potter scholars behind the podcast Witch, Please will lead a discussion about Harry Potter and censorship.

Time:  2 pm
Venue:  Whitemud Crossing Branch
Location:  145 Whitemud Crossing, Edmonton, AB
Website:  http://epl.ca
Phone:  (780) 496-1822
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Performing Arts

In a region full of tension, artists in the Middle East have struggled for years to express themselves freely and to promote more liberal attitudes within their societies. During the Arab Spring, like many others of this new Arab generation, local artists had high hopes for the future and took part in the protests. Rappers, graffiti artists, poets and filmmakers rushed toward the freedom. However, after years of turmoil and instability, young Arabs now have to challenge both old and new problems, being torn between feelings of disillusion and a vague hope for a better future. "Yallah! Underground" follows some of today's most important and progressive underground artists from Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and Israel through years of rapid change until today. If you are yearning to hear some good news and cultural signs of life from a region that is often portrayed in uniquely pessimistic terms, this confident and fresh film is just the thing. Dir Farid Eslam, 85 min, UK/2015

Time:  2:00pm
Venue:  Artists Television Access
Location:  992 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
Website:  http://www.atasite.org/?p=10521
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Performing Arts

Events across Canada celebrate freedom of expression, challenge censorship

The Book and Periodical Council and its Freedom of Expression Committee are pleased to announce the 32nd annual Freedom to Read Week in Canada. A national celebration of freedom of expression that takes place in libraries, schools and arts venues across Canada, this year's program runs from February 21 to 27, 2016.

"Now in its 32nd year, Freedom to Read Week remains a vital and vibrant part of Canadians' commitment to free expression," said Marg Anne Morrison, chair of the Book and Periodical Council's Freedom of Expression Committee. "With this important event, the Book and Periodical Council is proud to collaborate with teachers, librarians, event producers, writers and readers across Canada to keep censorship in the spotlight through a celebration of our freedom to read."

Freedom to Read Week incorporates public readings and panel discussions, challenged book and magazine displays and a kit for librarians and teachers. Public events take place in locations across the country; speakers include novelists, investigative journalists, librarians and readers. Events this year include:
- banned book clubs
- discussion of Bill C-51 and what it means for Canada and Canadians
- a Naughty Bits Reader's Theatre
- the presentation of the Writers' Union of Canada's Freedom to Read Award.

A complete list of events in locations across Canada is available at freedomtoread.ca

Venue:  Public Libraries
Location:  ON
Website:  http://www.freedomtoread.ca
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Education; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Freedom to Read Week

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Freedom to Read Week is organized by the Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council.

Venue:  Public Libraries
Website:  http://www.freedomtoread.ca
Categories:   Education; Information, Libraries, Research; Publishers & Publishing

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Every year, libraries, schools and community groups across Canada celebrate freedom of expression by organizing or participating in the Freedom to Read Week festivities. Browse this year's list of events here:
http://www.freedomtoread.ca/events/

Venue:  Locations across Canada
Website:  http://www.freedomtoread.ca/events/
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Publishers & Publishing

Author Gail Bowen, of the Joanne Kilbourn murder mysteries, will be discussing Banned Books as well as reading from her work.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Humboldt - Reid-Thompson Public Library Wapiti
Location:  705 Main Street, Humboldt, SK
Website:  http://www.wapitilibrary.ca
For information contact:  Reid-Thompson Public Library
Phone:  306-682-2034
Categories:   Education; Information, Libraries, Research; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Dimock PA families with water contamination from hydraulic fracturing will finally have their day in court against Cabot Oil & Gas. The federal jury trial will begin on February 22, 2016 in the Scranton Federal Courthouse and will be the highest-profile court case related to shale gas development in history.

We will hold a large rally and press conference at high noon at the courthouse square in Scranton, PA. If you would like to attend the hearing, please plan to arrive no later than 9 am.

Housing with guest beds and floor sleeping is available upon request.

If the Dimock case is successful, we will finally have some closure and fair compensation. At the very least, the trial phase will expose information about Cabot's operations that have deprived Dimock families of their basic rights, such as clean drinking water.

Time:  12 to 4 pm
Venue:  Courthouse Square
Location:  Scranton, PA
Website:  http://www.popularresistance.org
Categories:   Environment; Health/Health Care; Government & Public Sector

Join the Pictou Library for their Seniors Cafe - a program where a variety of speakers talk on fun subjects. This month, in honour of Freedom to Read Week, join us as we talk about challenged books and why they were considered 'banned.' All are welcome, and light refreshments will be served!

Time:  10:00am - 11:30am
Venue:  Pictou Public Library
Location:  40 Water Street, Pictou, NS
Website:  http://www.freedomtoread.ca
Phone:  (902) 485-5021.
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Education; Information, Libraries, Research

The 2016 conference will explore topics such as climate change and health impacts, the regional and local economic impacts of climate action, innovative and citizen focussed forms of local air monitoring, airshed modelling of cities, and local sustainable forms of transportation.
There are two plenary streams in the afternoon - one focussed on innovative actions on improving air quality management in Hamilton and outcomes, the second is focussed on transboundary and regional actions including modelling for airshed management and the economic impacts of local climate actions.
Registration is now open and details can be found at: http://www.cleanair.hamilton.ca/default.asp?id=45
To register visit http://upwinddownwindconference2016.eventbrite.ca
For more information: Website: http://www.cleanair.hamilton.ca

Time:  8am to 4pm
Venue:  Sheraton hotel
Location:  116 KING STREET WEST, HAMILTON, ON
Website:  http://www.cleanair.hamilton.ca/default.asp?id=45
For information contact:  cleanair@hamilton.ca
Categories:   Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Economic Development

Get a photo taken reading a banned or challenged book for our mugshot wall.
West End Library - check in at Information desk

Time:  Mon. Feb 22: 10 am - 5 pm Tues. Feb 23 - Thur. Feb 25: 1 pm - 8:30 pm Fri. Feb 26: 10 am - 6 pm Sat.
Venue:  West End Branch:
Location:  999 Sargent Ave., Winnipeg, MB
Website:  http://www.winnipeg.ca/library
For information contact:  West End Branch:
Phone:  204-986-4677
Categories:   Education; Information, Libraries, Research; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

The refugee crisis continues to unfold. Tens of thousands of people are crossing the Mediterranean, or reaching Europe by land in the Middle East. We've seen the images of people drowning in the sea, dying of dehydration in the desert, held in immigration detention in Libya and tortured for ransom.

This isn't a new crisis, of course, but it's taken a firmer place in the public consciousness in recent months. And this has led to some encouraging acts of solidarity from community groups and, in limited forms, by governments themselves. While many states are certainly closing their doors, erecting borders, and creating conditions which force people to take such dangerous routes in the the first place, many communities and individuals have shown solidarity. People are opening their doors, donating money, and pushing their governments to accept refugees.

But we've also noticed something missing. At some point, the refugee crisis highlighted some groups of people and erased Africans.

What tangible effect does this have on refugees from countries like Eritrea, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, and Burundi? How should we respond as communities in solidarity with all refugees?

This will be a roundtable event where speakers from various backgrounds will explore the different aspects of this crisis with a focus on African refugees.

Time:  7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Venue:  Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue.
Location:  580 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://www.rabble.ca
Categories:   International; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Policy

Use censorship techniques to uncover 'hidden' poetry, and use our button maker to make your poetry portable. Drop-In event.

Time:  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue:  Charleswood Library
Location:  6-4910 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, MB
Website:  http://www.winnipeg.ca/library
Phone:  204-986-3072
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Make a zine by the day of the event, bring a bunch of copies (15-25) to swap with other makers, eat sandwiches, meet rad people. You can totally come see what's up if you don't make a zine... but wouldn't be cool if you did?

Time:  7:00 - 10:30 PM
Venue:  Pressed
Location:  750 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Tuesday, February 23 and Saturday, February 27: Reconnect with the experience of being read aloud to - and your childhood sense of rebellion. This special story time for grown-ups features a selection of banned and challenged books, because nobody tells you what you're allowed to read!

LOCATION
Winnipeg Public Library

Millennium Library
TD New & Noted Room
251 Donald Street
Feb 23, 12 pm-1 pm

Westwood Library
66 Allard Avenue
Feb 27, 2 pm

ADMISSION
Free

Time:  Feb 23, 12 pm-1 pm Feb 27, 2 pm
Venue:  Winnipeg Public Libraries
Location:  251 Donald Street/ 66 Allard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
For information contact:  Millennium Branch: /Westwood Branch
Phone:  204-986-6450 / 204-986-4742
Categories:   Education; Information, Libraries, Research; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

In honour of Freedom to Read Week (February 21-27), M.C. Gail Bowen presents a series of readings from books that have been challenged in Canada. Readers include RPL Writer in Residence Nilofar Shidmehr; Ashley Martin, Leader-Post; Merelda Fiddler, CBC and Randy Lundy, Campion College. Refreshments will be served; everyone welcome. This program takes place in the RPL Film Theatre. Registration required.

Time:  7:00-8:30 pm
Venue:  Central Library
Location:  2311-12th Avenue, Regina, SK
For information contact:  ya@reginalibrary.ca
Categories:   Education; Information, Libraries, Research; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Local experts will discuss how Canada can reach climate targets. There will be an advocacy action to tell Canadian leaders what you think!

Time:  7 p.m
Venue:  Nelson United Church
Location:  602 Silica Street, Nelson, BC
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/nelson-climate-teach
For information contact:  The Council of Canadians
Phone:  613-233-2773
Categories:   Environment; Government & Public Sector; Nature & Outdoors

PEN Canada presents acclaimed US journalist Max Blumenthal, author of The 51 Day War: Ruin and Resistance in Gaza, on the challenges of sifting truth from propaganda when reporting on conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Searching for truth within the fog of war is particularly consequential in dispatches from Israel's occupied territories. Depending on where we get our news, Gaza is either a terrorist haven and a legitimate military target, or a zone of unjustified violence against a captive civilian population.

Presented in partnership with Another Story Bookshop and Independent Jewish Voices in honour of Freedom to Read Week.

Time:  7 pm - 8:30 pm
Venue:  Toronto Reference Library - Atrium
Location:  789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
For information contact:  Reference Library - Atrium
Phone:  416-395-5577
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Military

Story Slam - Sex, Violence, Magic and Politics will be a story slam evening hosted by Edmonton Public Library in collaboration with the Edmonton Story Slam Society at the Mercury Room on Wednesday, February 24th.

Compete with local amateur storytellers to tell 5-minute personal stories on the theme of books, movies, music or games with controversial themes (sex, violence, religion and/or politics) and the impact they've had on the storyteller's life. The stories will be judged by audience members and the best story will win a hat full of donations from the audience and 2 seats to Sir Salman Rushdie: Freedom of Expression on February 25th.

What to expect: great atmosphere, excellent beverages and tasty finger foods. Minors are permitted (language and content warning).

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  The Mercury Room
Location:  10575 114 Street, Edmonton, AB
Website:  http://www.epl.ca/story-slam/
Phone:  780-496-7000
Categories:   Information, Libraries, Research; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

MacOdrum Library will be hosting two sets of readings from banned and challenged materials. The readings will take place February 24 and 25, from noon-1 pm in the main reading room of the library on the second level.

Time:  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Venue:  MacOdrum Library - Main Reading Room
Location:  1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.library.carleton.ca/library-news/freedom-read
For information contact:  Amanda Goth
Phone:  613-520-2600 ext 2727
Categories:   Education; Information, Libraries, Research; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

To celebrate Freedom to Read Week, the Edmonton Public Library will welcome Sir Salman Rushdie as part of the Forward Thinking Speaker Series. Sir Salman Rushdie is one of the most celebrated authors of our time. A brilliant provocateur, he's penned a handful of classic novels, influenced a generation of writers and received a Queen's Knighthood for his service to literature.

In line with EPL's new approach to ticketing, seats will go on sale on Eventbrite at 10 am on Wednesday, January 20th with all proceeds going to support the Stanley A. Milner Library revitalization project.

Time:  7 pm (Doors open at 6)
Venue:  Chateau Lacombe Hotel
Location:  10111 Bellamy Hill, Edmonton, AB
Website:  http://www.epl.ca/speakerseries/
For information contact:  events@epl.ca
Categories:   Information, Libraries, Research; Education; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

fREADom read-on in the Angus L. Macdonald Library to honour, assert and celebrate our freedom to read, write and speak. Individuals from across campus read from books that have been challenged, banned or burnt. Everyone welcome.

Time:  12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
Venue:  Angus L. Macdonald Library
Location:  St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS
For information contact:  Rita Campbell
Phone:  902-867-5218
Categories:   Education; Information, Libraries, Research; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

As part of the Library's Freedom to Read week celebration in February, the MacOdrum Library is pleased to host a panel discussion on issues involving freedom of expression, censorship, and banned/challenged books. Moderated by Susan Harada, Associate Director of the School of Journalism and Communications, this event will encourage a collegial conversation on these topics. Panelists for this event will include: Andrew Potter, Editor of the Ottawa Citizen; Monique Désormeaux, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ottawa Public Library; Kathy Clark, Ottawa-area Children's Author; and Hossein Raeesi, visiting scholar as part of the Scholars at Risk network.

Time:  1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Venue:  MacOdrum Library, room 252
Location:  1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.library.carleton.ca/library-news/freedom-read-week-call-readers
For information contact:  Amanda Goth
Phone:  613-520-2600 ext 2727
Categories:   Education; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Four local personalities/authors/business owner will read from banned books they have chosen. And local guitarist Gab Duguay will provide the music.

Time:  6:30 - 8:00 pm
Venue:  Noveltea Bookstore Cafe
Location:  3 Pleasant Street (also an entrance around the corner on Prince Street), Truro, NS
For information contact:  Chad Norman
Phone:  902-843-2752
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Maude Barlow will be a keynote speaker at the University of Manitoba WATER + Symposium

This event is open to the public for the cost of $10 per person payable at the door. Full conference registration includes access to this event.

Time:  4:00 pm
Venue:  JA Russell Building
Location:  66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, MB
Website:  http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/architecture/atmosphere/2016/program.html
Categories:   Environment; Education; Information, Libraries, Research

February's event features a discussion with Nicholas Opiyo, human rights lawyer and founder of Chapter Four Uganda. Opiyo has worked tirelessly to defend human rights and civil liberties in Uganda. He was a key leader in advocating for Uganda's law criminalizing torture, and has successfully argued several high-level constitutional challenges, including the fight to successfully repeal the Anti-Homosexuality Act. Complimentary snacks will be served and there will be a cash bar. Event is free and open to the public, but donations are welcomed. All proceeds will benefit CJA & HRW. Space is limited.

Time:  6:30pm
Venue:  Slack
Location:  155 Fifth Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA
Website:  http://www.eventbrite.com/e/drink-think-nicholas-opiyo-tickets-21277934876
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Real Vancouver Writers' Series returns in 2016 with our annual anniversary showcase, coinciding with Freedom to Read Week. We're happy to partner with this great organization to reaffirm our commitment to making terrible jokes and slurry proclamations, or, um, intellectual freedom, as it is guaranteed to all Canadians under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We take our jokes seriously and we hope you won't laugh.

The stellar line-up includes:
* Chelene Knight, author of Braided Skin, Mother Tongue Publishing
* Billeh Nickerson, author of Artificial Cherry, Arsenal Pulp Press
* Rahat Kurd, author of Cosmophilia, Talon Books
* Annelyse Gelman, author of Everyone I Love is a Stranger to Someone, published independently
* Beni Xiao, author of poems and things as yet uncollected and released upon the world
* Billie Livingston, author of The Crooked Heart of Mercy, published by Penguin Random House of Canada

So take that cold and indifferent grip of winter!

And there's always books and beer.

Time:  7 pm PST
Venue:  Chinatown's The Playground
Location:  434 Columbia Street, Vancouver, BC
For information contact:  Sean Cranberry
Categories:   Information, Libraries, Research; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Publishers & Publishing

Did you know that every day you are exercising a guaranteed right? Pick up a book, open your browser, write a blog post and you are exercising your intellectual freedom. But, what does it mean to have free expression? What is the difference between hate speech and voicing an opinion? Join our panel of experts and explore the idea of intellectual freedom and why it matters.

Moderated by Ted Dyck, Chair of the Festival of Words
Panelists:
Rolli, Cartoonist for The Wall Street Journal, The Walrus and more
Claire Kreuger, Prairie South School Division
Scott Hellings, Moose Jaw Express
Nick Murray, OMJ

With the support of SaskCulture and the Saskatchewan Library Association

Time:  7 pm
Venue:  Moose Jaw Public Library
Location:  461 Langdon Crescent, Moose Jaw, SK
For information contact:  Gwen Fisher
Phone:  306-692-2787
Categories:   Information, Libraries, Research; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Local author Janice Kulyk Keefer (The Ladies' Lending Library) will speak about the importance of free and equitable access to libraries, specifically pertaining to essayist, critic and novelist Virginia Woolf and A Room of One's Own.

Part of the Toronto Public Library's Freedom to Read Week series.

Time:  7 pm - 8 pm
Venue:  Toronto Public Library High Park Branch
Location:  228 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT230577&R=EVT230577
For information contact:  High Park Branch
Phone:  416-393-7671
Categories:   Information, Libraries, Research; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Celebrate our Freedom to Read with our 2nd annual After-Hours Banned Books Club! Listen to readings from censored works, enjoy some devilishly good music, and take part in the discussion. Ages 15 and up.

Time:  7 pm
Venue:  St. Albert Public Library
Location:  5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert, AB
Website:  http://www.sapl.libcal.com/event/2250313
Phone:  780-459-1682
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Publishers & Publishing; Information, Libraries, Research

Celebrate Freedom to Read Week by reading aloud from a banned or challenged book at the Library. Join our conversation about intellectual freedom and censorship. DROP-IN

Time:  10 am - 4 pm
Venue:  Kingston Frontenac Public Library
Location:  130 Johnson Street, Kingston, ON
Website:  http://www.kfpl.ca/programs-and-events/2016-02-26/freedom-to-read-a-thon-central
For information contact:  Liz Coates
Phone:  613-549-8888 x1430
Categories:   Education; Information, Libraries, Research; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

What better way to wrap up Freedom to Read Week than by reading racy, violent, and banned books? Come down to the Owl Acoustic Lounge on February 26 at 8:00 PM and read a naughty bits section from a book selected by LPL staff, or just cheer on friends and strangers as they do the same.

Venue:  Owl Acoustic Lounge
Location:  411 3rd Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB
Website:  http://www.lethlib.ca/event/naughty-bits-readers-theatre-0
For information contact:  Paige McGeorge
Phone:  403-320-4710
Categories:   Information, Libraries, Research; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

What better way to wrap up Freedom to Read Week than by reading racy, violent, and banned books? Come down to the Owl Acoustic Lounge on February 26 at 8:00 PM and read a naughty bits section from a book selected by LPL staff, or just cheer on friends and strangers as they do the same.

Time:  8:00 pm
Venue:  Owl Acoustic Lounge
Location:  411 3rd Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB
Website:  http://www.lethlib.ca/event/naughty-bits-readers-theatre-0
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Information, Libraries, Research; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Please join us for a Department of Psychology Colloquium with Dr. Robert Gifford from the University of Victoria:

The Dragons of Inaction:
Why Good Intentions Often Do Not Lead to Action -- and Seven Ways to Fix This

Dr. Robert Gifford, University of Victoria
Professor, Psychology
Professor, School of Environmental Studies
Founding Director of the Interdisciplinary Program in the Human Dimensions of Climate Change

The Dragons of Inaction:
Why Good Intentions Often Do Not Lead to Action--and Seven Ways to Fix This

If almost everyone agrees that, collectively, we humans are modifying the global environment in many undesirable ways, and most of us have the best of intentions about being or becoming better environmental citizens, why are we not doing more to change our ways? In this talk, I describe 33 or so reasons, justifications, excuses, psychological barriers, or dragons of inaction (choose your term) for this, as detailed in my 2011 American Psychologist article (which, back then, listed only 29 dragons). Not to be too negative, being a dispositional optimist, I offer 7 feasible solutions to this problem, which Barack Obama and others have called "the issue that will define the contours of this century more than any other."

RSVP to: psycsecr (at) sfu.ca

Time:  2:30 pm
Venue:  SFU Burnaby Campus
Location:  Halpern Centre 126, Burnaby, BC
Website:  http://www.sfu.ca/psychology
For information contact:  Ellen Kurz E-mail: psycsecr (at) sfu.ca
Categories:   Education; Government & Public Sector; Environment

Beit Zatoun's Annual Open House & Rent Party
Flavours and Sounds of Beit Zatoun

featuring
* Sacra Terra - medieval vocal music
Maryem Tollar, Shameema Soni, Alejandra Nunez and Andrea Kuzmich
* Near East Ensemble - inspired Middle East music; ragas and maqam
Ernie Tollar, Demetri Petsalakis, and subbing for Ravi Naimpally - Naghmeh Farahmand; with guest Waleed Abdulhamid
* Persian Duo - percussion and Persian setar
Naghmeh Farahmand and Pejman Zahedian
~Doula - sufi devotional love songs
Roula Said, Maryem Tollar and Naghmeh Farahmand

Beit Zatoun's annual open house / anniversary / fundraising concert has become a party and music highlight of the year. Join the Beit Zatoun community for an evening of Middle Eastern sounds and flavours to go along with sharing and warm friendships.

For its 7th and final year in Mirvish Village, the story of Beit Zatoun continues thanks to ever-increasing circle of friends, guests and inspiration. Together we are creating a uniquely interesting and relevant space where ideas, culture and activism converge.

* Flavours at 6:30 pm
Refreshments, savories and desserts.

* Sounds at 7:30 pm
Amazing performances from very generous friends of Beit Zatoun who have donated their time and talent to create this exciting evening.

This is the major fundraising event to help Beit Zatoun become financially self-sustaining. We need to pay the rent for this warm, beautiful and central place which has become home for so much sharing, learning and solidarity.

Time:  6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Education; International

When you are a filmmaker and you are not allowed to direct movies any more, you have to re-train. So why not become a taxi driver? Or better, why not pretend you are a taxi driver and make a movie about social challenges in Iran? This is what Jafar Panahi has done. Now he invites you to get into his cab to ride through the streets of Tehran and discover its people in the persons of his various passengers.

Time:  3:30 pm
Venue:  Edmonton Public Library
Location:  145 Whitemud Crossing Shopping Centre, Edmonton, AB
Website:  http://www.freedomtoread.ca/events/movie-event-jafar-panahis-taxi/
Phone:  (780) 496-1822
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Transcending Racism & Discrimination

Saturday, February 27, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (storm date February 28)
Room 207, Murphy's Community Centre, 200 Richmond Street, Charlottetown

Workshop presenters:
* Judy Clark, Aboriginal Women's Association of PEI
* Zain Esseghair, Muslim Society of PEI
* Donisha Been, Dante Bazard and Keyshawn Bonamy
* Moderated by Josie Baker, Cooper Institute

Presented by the Council of Canadians PEI Chapter and the Black Cultural Society of PEI

Time:  2:00 - 4:00 p.m
Venue:  Murphy's Community Centre Room 207
Location:  200 Richmond St, Charlottetown, PE
Phone:  902-368-7337
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Human Rights, Law, Legal

Join us for our Freedom to Read edition of the Underdog Poets Academy! We're hosting our annual FTR Week event, our Banned Books Open Mic: bring a copy of your favourite banned or challenged book and share a passage with us. All genres welcome. (Original work is welcome, too, provided you also share from a published, challenged work.) We will also have some banned/challenged books available for you to read from, too! No public speaking experience necessary!

Time:  7:30pm
Venue:  The Central
Location:  603 Markham Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.meatlockereditions.ca
For information contact:  Maddy Curry
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

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.

This is your chance to ask questions and learn about:
- The Environmental Registry
- How to bring your environmental concerns to the government's attention
- Other EBR rights
- Reports of the Environmental Commissioner (ECO)

Time:  1:00 - 4:00 pm
Venue:  Centre for Social Innovation Spadina
Location:  215 Spadina Ave, suite 120, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.sustainabilitynetwork.ca/events/ontario-environmental-bill-of-rights-workshops-a-
For information contact:  Paul Bubelis
Phone:  416-324-2792
Categories:   Environment; Politics & Political Organizations

Discrimination continues to affect the lives of millions of people around the world. On 1 March, Zero Discrimination Day, people from all corners of the world will unite under the theme of Open Up, Reach Out in order to celebrate diversity and reject discrimination in all its forms.The support garnered for Zero Discrimination Day has created a global movement of solidarity to end discrimination, which remains widespread. “Discrimination is a violation of human rights and must not go unchallenged,” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “Everyone has the right to live with respect and dignity.”

Website:  http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/campaigns/20150204_zerodiscrimination
Categories:   International; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

No other Forum in the world offers such a powerful gathering of business, government, NGOs, global agencies, technology developers, academia, communicators and more - all geared towards the long-term prosperity inherent in a low carbon economy. GLOBE 2016 marks the 14th event in this world-renowned Series. Join us in Vancouver, and take away a plethora of ideas, new connections, and tools to take your business to the next level.

Venue:  Vancouver Convention Centre
Location:  999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://www.2016.globeseries.com/
For information contact:  info@globeseries.com
Categories:   Business & Economics; Environment; Economic Development

On 20 December 2013, the Sixty-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim 3 March as World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world's wild fauna and flora. The date is the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973, which plays an important role in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the species' survival.
World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people. At the same time, the Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, which has wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/wildlifeday/
Categories:   International; Animals & Pets; Education

Every spring the Alberta Magazines Conference and Awards Gala connects the province's publishers and magazine creatives with Canadian and international publishing leaders to celebrate excellence, explore innovative ideas and continue the evolution of the industry.

Presenters include Jeremy Keehn, editor at the New Yorker, Tracy Ma, deputy creative director atBloomberg Businessweek, Michelle Kelly, editor-in-chief at Cottage Life, Matthew McKinnon, former digital editor at the Walrus, and Ryan Dorhn, founder of Brain Swell Media.

There will be two hands-on workshops, 15 sessions, three keynotes, networking opportunities, and perennial highlight, the Alberta Magazine Awards.

Venue:  Hyatt Regency
Location:  700 Centre St South, Calgary, AB
Website:  http://www.albertamagazines.com/conference
Categories:   Awards, Scholarships, Prizes; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Join us at Canada's largest gathering of park leaders and champions, planning and design professionals and city builders. At Park People Park Summit, be inspired by innovative approaches and proven practices to address social, economic and environmental issues through the power of parks.

Keynote speaker David Escobar Arango will speak about the creation of Library Parks in his home city of Medellin Columbia. Will also feature Community Showcase featuring Winter Stations, the Green Line and For Youth Initiative.

Summit will end with tour of Regent Park and reception.

Venue:  Daniels Spectrum
Location:  585 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.eventbrite.com/e/park-summit-2016-tickets-20047948955
For information contact:  Jodi Lastman
Phone:  416 583 5776
Categories:   Economic Development; Environment; Nature & Outdoors

CODEPINK, along with The Nation Magazine, Institute for Policy Studies, Peace Action, and many other organizations (see below), is hosting a two-day summit examining the policies and practices of Saudi Arabia and U.S.-Saudi ties.
This Summit will address issues such as human rights; Saudi internal and foreign policy; and the prospects for change inside the kingdom and in U.S.-Saudi relations.

Human rights advocates, diplomats, scholars, authors, and grassroots activists will come together in this first-of-its-kind international summit examining the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Venue:  The UDC David A. Clarke School of Law
Location:  4340 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington
Website:  http://www.codepink.org/2016saudisummit
For information contact:  andrea@codepink.org
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal

International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. International Women's Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.
1909 The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on 28 February. The Socialist Party of America designated this day in honour of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York, where women protested against working conditions.
1975 During International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day on 8 March.

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

Land, Water and People Coming Together, 5th Annual Red Cedar Watershed Conference
Maude Barlow will be the closing keynote 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Maude Barlow is the National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians and Senior Advisor on Water to the United Nations. She also chairs the board of Washington-based Food and Water Watch and is a Councilor with the Hamburg-based World Future Council.
Maude is also the star of several documentaries about water. She is also the best selling author or co-author of 16 books, including the recently released Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and The Coming Battle for the Right to Water.

Time:  8:30
Venue:  Memorial Student Center
Location:  University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI
Website:  http://www.uwstout.edu/profed/redcedar/presenters.cfm
Categories:   Environment; Farming; Nature & Outdoors

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 port in New Brunswick. Join us for a follow up discussion about why TransCanada's proposed Energy East pipeline is all risk and little reward.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Fort Garry Hotel
Location:  222 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/winnipeg-energy-east-town-hall
Categories:   Environment; Building & Construction; Economic Development

Speakers: Lesley Wood and Kelly Pflug-Back
- Why do the cops target poor communities and communities of colour?
- Do your rights matter?
- What are police strategies and tactics in criminalizing dissent?

Time:  6 pm
Venue:  St. Luke's United Church
Location:  353 Sherbourne St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://ocap.ca/
Categories:   Law Enforcement & Corrections; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The 4-day, 53-mile intergenerational walk will follow roads near the proposed route of the Kinder Morgan Northeast Energy Direct pipeline, from one proposed compressor station location in Windsor to a proposed compressor station in Northfield. Food and lodging will be provided. There will be evening events for the walkers and general public.

DAY 1, March 17 - WINDSOR TO ASHFIELD: The walk will kickoff in Windsor. We will congregate at an indoor location to be determined. We will end the day in Ashfield where we will have an evening event for walkers and the general public.

DAY 2, March 18 - ASHFIELD TO SHELBURNE FALLS: Day two will end in Shelburne Falls. In the evening will be a public performance from Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir.

DAY 3, March 19 - SHELBURNE FALLS TO TURNERS FALLS: Day three will end in Turners Falls. There will be an evening event open to the public.

DAY 4, March 20 - TURNERS FALLS, MILLERS FALLS TO NORTHFIELD: Day four will end in Northfield with a celebration and public event.

Time:  A 4-day walk.
Location:  Windsor, MA to Northfield, MA
Website:  http://SugarShackAlliance.org
Categories:   Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor.His mother isin a seniorposition in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

(admission $8)

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Cobourg Public Library
Location:  Cobourg, ON
Categories:   Native Peoples; Environment; Mining & Petroleum

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation's great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor.His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Cobourg Public Library
Location:  Northumberland County, ON
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

"Israel’s Influence: Good or Bad for America?" is the theme of a daylong conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2016.

Expert panelists and keynote speakers will analyze the enormous impact Israel’s influence has on Congress, establishment media, academia and other major institutions. They will explore the costs and benefits in terms of foreign aid and covert intelligence, foreign policy, America’s regional and global standing, and unbiased news reporting.

American taxpayers provide Israel with more than $3.1 billion annually in military aid. Since 1948 Israel has received far more than any other country, despite polls showing that most Americans oppose such aid. Israel and its U.S. supporters are now lobbying for a $1 billion increase -- to $4.5 billion yearly -- as “compensation” for the recently concluded nuclear deal with Iran, despite Israel and its lobby’s overt attempts to prevent it. What Israeli assumptions about America drive this?

The lobby in charge of moving America is vast and powerful. It will raise and spend another estimated $4.1 billion in 2016 charitable contributions to indirectly subsidize Israeli institutions such as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), finance U.S. Israel advocacy, lobby local, state and federal officials, and support Israel-centric “education” programs. Some of this “education” supports pro-Israel programs in schools, colleges and universities. It also covers training federal and local law enforcement officials to focus on American Muslim and Arab communities as potential terrorist and “violent extremist” threats.

Time:  8 am - 5 pm
Venue:  National Press Club
Location:  529 14th St. NW, Washington DC USA
Website:  http://israelsinfluence.org/
Categories:   International; Government & Public Sector

March 19, 2016 is the 13th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq which devastated the country and helped lay the foundation for the crisis that we see in the region today.
Groups around the world have called for demonstrations to say no to war and no to racism.
In Toronto we will be meeting at the office of Liberal MP Chrystia Freeland to call for all Canadian troops to be brought home. We need to stand up against this endless war.

Time:  1 PM
Venue:  Office of Chrystia Freeland
Location:  344 Bloor St. W. (near Spadina station), Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.socialjustice.org/community/?f_cat=2w
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Military; Government & Public Sector

At this fund-raising event, Dr. Goodall will provide insight into the person behind the globe-trotting international icon: a UN Messenger of Peace, Dame of the British Empire, and the subject of countless articles and television programs around the world. She will also discuss the current threats facing the planet and her reasons for hope in these complex times, encouraging everyone in the audience to do their part to make a positive difference each and every day. Dr. Goodall will also share information about the work of the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues her pioneering research and celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2012. Today, the Institute is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. It also is widely recognized for establishing innovative community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, the Institute's global environmental and humanitarian youth program.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  McPherson Playhouse
Location:  3 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC
Website:  http://www.janegoodall.ca/news-lectures.php
Categories:   Animals & Pets; Environment; Nature & Outdoors

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation's great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  2:00 pm
Venue:  National Museum of the American Indian
Location:  Independence Ave SW & 4th St SW, Washington, DC
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation's great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  2:00 pm
Venue:  St. Joseph Renewal Centre
Location:  32 MacDonald Rd., Mabou, NS
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation's great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  2:00 pm
Venue:  The Patricia Theatre
Location:  5848 Ash Ave, Powell River, BC
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation's great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  2:00 pm
Venue:  Duncan United Church Hall
Location:  246 Ingram St., Duncan, BC
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation's great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  2:30 pm
Venue:  Richmond City Centre Community Centre
Location:  5900 Minoru Blvd. #105, Richmond, BC
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

Top 3 reasons privatizing hydro is a bad idea:

* Hydro rates will keep on skyrocketing: They've tripled since the Tories partially privatized Hydro in 2002. They'll go up even more if the Liberals privatize it even more.
* We'll lose thousands of businesses: The Ontario Chamber of Commerce says if hydro rates keep rising, 20,000 businesses will go bankrupt or move to places with cheaper hydro (almost any other province or state in North America).
* It will mean cuts to schools and hospital: As a public entity, we get Hydro One's profits -- $780 million last year alone -- which fund public services. Privatized, that money will
go to wealthy Bay Street investors.

Time:  4 PM
Venue:  Don Montgomery Community Rec Centre
Location:  2467 Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.socialjustice.org/community/?f_cat=2w
Categories:   Communications Industry & Technology; Government & Public Sector; Social Services

The General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 66/281 document of 12 July 2012 proclaimed 20 March the International Day of Happiness recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.
The United Nations invites Member States, international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day of Happiness in an appropriate manner, including through education and public awareness-raising activities.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/happinessday/
Categories:   International; Health/Health Care

International Francophonie Day (French: Journée internationale de la francophonie) is observed within the International Organization of La Francophonie's 77 member states every March 20 to celebrate the French language and Francophone culture. There are over 274 million French speakers on Earth.

The date celebrates the signing of the Niamey Convention in Niger on 20 March 1970. The convention established the Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique, the precursor to the International Organization of La Francophonie.

Categories:   Arts & Culture; International

David will be speaking about Ecocide: War on the Planet followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

Time:  12 pm
Venue:  Hart House
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http:///www.ciut.fm/
For information contact:  n/a
Categories:   Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Concordia University
Location:  1455 de Maisonneuve West, Room H-110, Montreal, QC
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws". Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination (resolution 2142 (XXI)).

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

The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/67/200 on 21 December 2012, which declared that 21 March of each year is to be observed as the International Day of Forests.
The International Day of Forests is held annually on 21 March to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people.The International Day provides a platform to communicate the vital role forests play in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security.Sustainable management of all types of forests are at the heart of unlocking challenges of conflict-affected, developing and developed countries, for the benefit of current and future generations.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/forestsday/
Categories:   International; Forestry, Lumber, Paper; Environment

International Nowruz Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/64/253 of 2010, at the initiative of several countries that share this holiday (Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan.
Nowruz is an ancestral festivity marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. It promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighbourliness, thus contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/nowruzday/
Categories:   International; Arts & Culture

Only 100 tickets are available for an intimate evening and talk with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall. Dr. Goodall first set foot in the forests of Tanzania in 1960, armed with little more than a notepad, a pair of binoculars and a dream of living in Africa and observing wildlife. From the moment she witnessed a chimpanzee make a tool to the moment she decided to leave the park in order to save the chimpanzees she cared for, Dr. Goodall will describe her extraordinary scientific breakthroughs in animal behaviour and her journey to becoming one of the world's most prominent and active conservationists.Dr. Goodall's talks never fail to inspire people of all ages, from all walks of life, as she recounts her unique experiences as a young woman working alone in the rainforest and her hope for the future through her dedication to youth-led action for sustainable change.Tickets include a signed copy of 50 years at Gombe. All proceeds support the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada's conservation, humanitarian and youth engagement programs.

Venue:  VanDusen Botanical Garden
Location:  5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://www.janegoodall.ca/news-lectures.php
Categories:   Animals & Pets; Education; Environment

In December 2011, the General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (A/RES/66/149). The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year, and Invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics or health.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/downsyndromeday/
Categories:   International; Disability Issues; Social Services

A decision to proclaim 21 March as World Poetry Day was adopted during UNESCO’s 30th session held in Paris in 1999.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

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/poetryday/
Categories:   International; Performing Arts; Arts & Culture

This is a story about an 84 year-old-woman trying to take down the third largest industry in the world. Jean Hill, a self-proclaimed warrior, leads historic Concord, Massachusetts on America’s first environmental crusade to ban the sale of bottled water.

Time:  7:00 - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Italian Canadian Club of Milton
Location:  104 Tremaine Rd, Milton, ON
Website:  http://haltongreenscreens.ca/
For information contact:  Heather Govender
Phone:  9054663939
Categories:   Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  6:00 pm
Venue:  Ganong Hall Lecture Theatre, UNBSJ
Location:  100 Tucker Park Rd., Saint John, NB
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  6:30 pm
Venue:  The Bus Stop Theatre
Location:  2203 Gottingen St., Halifax, NS
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Water Docs Film Festival Opening Night!

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Daniels Spectrum, Ada Slaight Hall
Location:  585 Dundas St. E, Toronto, ON
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential schoolsurvivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

UBC presents "Confronting the Fractures" - screening and special panel discussion:

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Vancity Theatre
Location:  1181 Seymour St., Vancouver, BC
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation's great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  7:00 pm (6:30 welcome)
Venue:  Sardis Senior Secondary School
Location:  45460 Stevenson Rd., Chilliwack, BC
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Unitarian Church
Location:  1703 1st NW, Calgary, AB
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  University of Windsor - Room 1118 Erie Hall
Location:  Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Jita's Cafe
Location:  1007a 11th Ave S, Golden, BC
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  7:30 pm
Location:  294 James Street North, Hamilton, ON
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  8:00 pm
Venue:  Niagara Artists Centre
Location:  354 St. Paul St. E, Saint Catharines, ON
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.
International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater.

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

A documentary film festival about all things water, Water Docs presents features and shorts, discussions with special guests and filmmakers, and opportunities to take action to protect water. Taking place at Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East, Water Docs informs, educates and activates audiences about water and water issues. Please visit www.waterdocs.ca for more information and the upcoming event schedule. For the love of water, come join us!
Please check www.waterdocs.ca for our schedule of films and events which will be updated shortly, and for information on where and how to purchase tickets.
See you at Water Docs this March!

Venue:  Daniels Spectrum
Location:  585 Dundas Street East, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.ecologos.ca/water-docs-2016/
For information contact:  Patricia
Phone:  416-302-9318
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

Hear from panelists:
John Davis -Clean Ocean Action Committee, Shelburne,
Nathan Blades - Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association and
Mark Butler - Policy Director, Ecology Action Centre, Halifax

All welcome. Admission is free. The evening will include a Question and Answer period

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Lunenburg Fire Hall
Location:  25 Medway Street, Lunenburg, NS
For information contact:  southshore.coc@gmail.com
Phone:  (902) 634-4057

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Northern United Place
Location:  5004 54th St., Yellowknife, NWT
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

Join us on March 23, 2016 as we put forward our vision for a Gulf region powered by solar and wind energy, a phase out of fossil fuels, and an immediate hiring of 1,000 workers to repair aging oil industry infrastructure. We will encircle the Superdome and call for an end to new drilling and new leases. This action will take place during the Department of the Interior's auction of 43 million acres of our beloved Gulf of Mexico.

Time:  8:00 AM
Venue:  Louisiana Super Dome
Location:  1500 sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/542487925910062/
For information contact:  N/A
Categories:   Environment; Mining & Petroleum

Natural climate variability brings benefits and risks for people, communities and economies. On the one hand it may lead to long balmy summers with prolonged growing seasons or snowy winters that brings much needed melt water in spring. On the other, it may result in water shortages, droughts, heatwaves, floods, severe storms and coastal surges that adversely affect lives and damage property.
Observations of weather and climate parameters are an essential starting point for Climate Knowledge. Such data are gathered by the land, marine, aircraft and satellite observation networks of national meteorological and hydrological services.

Website:  http://www.wmo.int/worldmetday/
Categories:   International; Environment; Education

TRIECA is Ontario's premier stormwater and erosion and sediment control conference bringing together some of North America's leading experts, influential leaders and distinguished research partners in one event. Together these organizations have a defining role in shaping the future direction of the stormwater and erosion and sediment control industries.

Venue:  Pearson Convention Centre
Location:  2638 Steeles Avenue East, Brampton, ON
Website:  http://www.trieca.com/
For information contact:  Alanna Delaney/
Phone:  adelaney@ trca.on.ca
Categories:   Environment

On 21 December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 March as the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.
The purpose of the Day is to:Honour the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice;Pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives to, and lost their lives in, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all;Recognize, in particular, the important work and values of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, of El Salvador, who was assassinated on 24 March 1980, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence.

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

On World TB Day, 24 March, WHO is calling for new commitments and new action in the global fight against tuberculosis - one of the world's top infectious killers.
In 2013, 9 million people fell ill with TB and 1.5 million died.
Clearly, we all need to do more.

Website:  http://www.who.int/campaigns/tb-day/2015/event/en/
Categories:   International; Health/Health Care; Social Services

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.
In commemoration of the memory of the victims, the General Assembly, in its resolution 62/122 of 17 December 2007, declared 25 March the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, to be observed annually.
The resolution also called for the establishment of an outreach programme to mobilize educational institutions, civil society and other organizations to inculcate in future generations the "causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, and to communicate the dangers of racism and prejudice."

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

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is marked each year on the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) when he was abducted by armed gunman in 1985. His body was finally found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in 2009.
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:   International; Government & Public Sector; Human Rights, Law, Legal

At 7:30 PM in the Discovery Centre (4th floor, MacOdrum Library) on March 31st come enjoy, think, and talk about OIL SANDS KARAOKE. This event is completely FREE!
Oil Sands Karaoke "follows five people working in or around the infamous oil sands of Northern Alberta as they compete in a karaoke contest held at local watering hole Bailey's Pub."
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0k8D1gwbJU
Hosted by Carleton Climate Commons in partnership with 350 Ottawa, Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-op, and Carleton Cinema Politica
See you there!

Time:  7:30PM
Venue:  4th floor, MacOdrum Library, Discovery Centre
Location:  Carleton University,1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.ottawarenewableenergycoop.com/docs/
For information contact:  David Mazur-Goulet - comms@orec.ca
Categories:   Environment; Education; Arts & Culture

BDSM Writers Con is for writers, readers and anyone interested in exploring the world of Dominance and submission

This one-of-a-kink conference provides writers and readers with the ability to discover the complexities of Dominance and submission through workshops, live demos, and fascinating hands-on experiences. Our host & founder, Dr. Charley Ferrer provides you with the three little words you need to know that's got erotic authors like Cris Anson exploring and Rolling Stone Magazine taking notice. We're even in their documentary.

BDSM Writers Con brings together some of the TOP BDSM presenters in the world and veteran authors to help readers and writers explore the various nuances of the BDSM lifestyle and learning to write about it in a safe, playful and comfortable environment while you Mix and Mingles with your favorite and soon-to-be favorite authors.

You don't have to be a writer to attend BDSM Writers Con!

Readers and writers alike love our Mix & Mingles and hands-on experience with BDSM toys, and our guided BDSM Private Party. Though if you want to try writing a verse or two, we'll gladly help and will provide you with various workshops on how to market your books, self-publish or meet with a few of our attending publishers. Plus, you'll be the first to know which authors won the Golden Flogger Award.

Every year, BDSM Writers Con grows bigger and better. Starting March 31, 2016, we will become a bi-coastal conference!

Location:  Everett WA USA
Website:  http://bdsmwriterscon.com/
Categories:   Sexuality; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of children and adults, who are affected by autism, so they can lead full and meaningful lives.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life. It results from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, mostly affecting children and adults in many countries irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. It is characterized by impairments in social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication and restricted, repetitive behaviour, interests and activities.It is estimated that more than 80% of adults with autism are unemployed.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/
Categories:   International; Disability Issues; Social Services

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.
It called for continued efforts by States, with the assistance of the 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:   International; Social Policy; Human Rights, Law, Legal

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  6:00 pm
Venue:  John M. Cuelenaere Public Library
Location:  125 12 St E,, Prince Albert, SK
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

On 23 August 2013, the Sixty-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim 6 April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Previously, the Fifty-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2005 as the International Year for Sport and Physical Education to promote education, health, development and peace.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/sportday/
Categories:   International; Education; Health/Health Care

Canadian Voice of Women moves to the Beach.
Open House - Wednesday, April 6, 2016 2-5 P.M.
579 Kingston Road, Suite 101; 416 603 7915.
Join us for refreshments.

Time:  2 P.M. - 5 P.M.
Location:  579 Kinston Road, Suite 101, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://info@vowpeace.org
For information contact:  Sandra Ruch
Phone:  416716 4010
Categories:   Women

On 23 December 2003, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution (A/RES/58/234) designating 7 April, the start date of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda. Every year, on or around that date, the United Nations organizes commemorative events at its Headquarters in New York and at United Nations offices around the world. Since the establishment of the Programme in 2005, commemorative activities have taken place in more than 20 countries.

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

Goal of World Health Day 2016: Scale up prevention, strengthen care, and enhance surveillance
The main goals of the World Health Day 2016 campaign will be to:
Increase awareness about the rise in diabetes, and its staggering burden and consequences, in particular in low-and middle-income countries;
Trigger a set of specific, effective and affordable actions to tackle diabetes. These will include steps to prevent diabetes and diagnose, treat and care for people with diabetes; and
Launch the first Global report on diabetes, which will describe the burden and consequences of diabetes and advocate for stronger health systems to ensure improved surveillance, enhanced prevention, and more effective management of diabetes.

Website:  http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2016/event/en/
Categories:   International; Health/Health Care

Author of this fantastic book, Robert Alvo , will be at our Glebe location on April 9 from 2 PM to 4 PM for a reading and signing of his new book: Being a Bird in North America.

Please join us. All are welcome!

Praise"A Terrific And Entertaining Read!"

From Larry Master, retired long-term Chief Zoologist of NatureServe

Time:  2 PM
Venue:  Octopus Books Glebe
Location:  116 Third Ave., Ottawa, ON
Categories:   Nature & Outdoors; Animals & Pets; Environment

Join Dr. Jane Goodall as she takes you on a journey through the forests of Gombe where her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees helped her become a household name. Dr. Goodall first set foot in the forests of Tanzania in 1960, armed with little more than a notepad, a pair of binoculars and a dream of living in Africa and observing wildlife. Dr. Goodall will share tales from the moment she witnessed a chimpanzee make a tool to the moment she decided to leave the park in order to save the chimpanzees she cared for. Dr. Goodall's talks never fail to inspire people of all ages, from all walks of life, as she offers wisdom gleaned from her scientific breakthroughs coupled with hope for the future through her dedication to youth-led action for sustainable change.

All proceeds support the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada's conservation, humanitarian and youthengagement programs.

Time:  6:30
Venue:  Shaw Centre
Location:  55 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.janegoodall.ca/news-lectures.php
Categories:   Animals & Pets; Education; Environment

Admission by donation

One of the world’s most precious resources is at risk. This timely and emotionally moving documentary illuminates what is at stake and what can be done to protect the source of nearly all our food: SEEDS. Seeds provide the basis for everything from fabric, to food to fuels. Seeds are as essential to life as the air we breathe or water we drink…but given far less attention.

In this film you will meet a diverse range of individuals whose lives center around seeds. Farmers. Renegade gardeners. Passionate seed savers. Artists. Seed activists. This film tells the story of seeds by following their challenges and triumphs as they work to save this precious resource.

Time:  Doors open 7:00 pm, film starts 7:30 pm
Venue:  Sharon Hope United Church
Location:  18648 Leslie Street, Sharon, ON
Website:  http://www.green-connections.com/
For information contact:  Cathy Nesbitt - cathy@cathyscomposters.com
Phone:  1-888-775-9495
Categories:   Environment; Farming; Environment

The General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/65/271 of 7 April 2011, declared 12 April as the International Day of Human Space Flight “to celebrate each year at the international level the beginning of the space era for mankind, reaffirming the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of States and peoples, as well as ensuring the realization of their aspiration to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes.”

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/humanspaceflightday/
Categories:   International; Science & Technology; Communications Industry & Technology

Join Dr. Jane Goodall as she takes you on a journey through the forests of Gombe where her ground breaking research on chimpanzees helped her become a household name.

Dr. Goodall first set foot in the forests of Tanzania in 1960, armed with little more than a notepad, a pair of binoculars and a dream of living in Africa and observing wildlife. Dr. Goodall will share tales from the moment she witnessed a chimpanzee make a tool to the moment she decided to leave the park in order to save the chimpanzees she cared for.

Dr. Goodall's talks never fail to inspire people of all ages, from all walks of life, as she offers wisdom gleaned from her scientific breakthroughs coupled with hope for the future through her dedication to youth-led action for sustainable change.

All proceeds support the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada's conservation, humanitarian and youth engagement programs.

Time:  8:00 pm
Venue:  Sony Centre
Location:  1 Front Street East, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.janegoodall.ca/news-lectures.php
Categories:   Animals & Pets; Education; Environment

As you probably already know, SOA Watch is heading to Nogales, Arizona/Sonora this October for our first Border Mobilization. We are very excited to be making preparations for this major mobilization to the U.S./Mexico border, but before that, we also want you to come build community and speak truth to power with us in Washington, DC for the Spring Days of Action from April 14-18.

Join us this Spring for protest, music, grassroots lobbying, and to welcome the Peace, Life, and Justice Caravan when it arrives in Washington DC after traveling through Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and the U.S./Mexico border to raise awareness of the immense harm caused by the endless Drug War.

Click here to Register & Join us in DC April 14th - 18th, 2016: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1px3obkO4A02aqMYPf5two57DUSkzr6YSvUchzHGgRgE/viewform

Time:  Apr 14 at 6:00 PM to Apr 18 at 4:00 PM in EDT
Location:  Washington, DC
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/499020026973554/
For information contact:  arturo@soaw.org
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; International

Mark your calendars for the day of action that will send the Ontario Government a clear message! Since March 2015, the Ministry of Labour has been reviewing the laws that govern our workplaces.

We expect the recommendations to be made public this spring - so we need to mobilize in every Ontario community to make sure that we get the kind of changes that will make a real difference in our workplaces. Will the recommendations include at least 7 paid sick days? Will we get protection against contract flipping? Access to unions? Better working conditions at temp agencies? Fair scheduling? Proper enforcement and respect at work?

Time:  12 noon
Venue:  Ministry of Labour
Location:  400 University Avenue, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/772923409480523
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions

An evening of sharing Paddling Together partnership with Chapleau Cree First Nations Reserve.

Paddling Together is a partnership between three generations of George Brown College alumni and the reserve community of Fox Lake First Nations [Chapleau Cree]. This joint venture encourages an unique opportunity that captures both urban and a reserve First Peoples’ world view within an academic learning setting.; activities such as: cultural ceremonies; story telling; political information; and direct engagement with the community holistically through the teachings of the medicine wheel.

This partnership encourages participation in both the reconciliation and the healing process for both First Peoples’ and non-First Peoples’. Through this project the truth of Canada’s [Kanata’s] history is identified to reveal the invisible and misunderstood First Peoples’ experiences. This is a three-year project that is the pivotal point to collectively continue discussion about long term sustainable relationships that creates partnerships for all peoples, together in the 8th Fire Prophesy in taking care of Mother Earth and each other.

Time:  6 pm-8 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Native Peoples; Religious

Join us in front of the Consulate General of Brazil for a Continental Day of Mobilization Against the Coup in Brazil called by ALBA Movimientos in solidarity with popular movements throughout Brazil.

On April 15, popular movements throughout Brazil will hold a national strike in protest against the right-wing agenda to forcefully impeach democratically elected President Dilma Rousseff which amounts to a veritable coup d'etat

Time:  12 noon
Venue:  Brazil Consulate
Location:  77 Bloor St West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/1203993312952070/
Categories:   Politics & Political Organizations; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

On April 16th, the Keep Hydro Public campaign will be leafleting in MPP Arthur Potts (Beaches-East York) riding asking him to put the brakes on hydro privatization.

Time:  10 am
Venue:  Baron Byng Legion Hall
Location:  243 Coxwell Ave, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://keephydropublic.ca
For information contact:  Minerva Hui
Phone:  647-466-0112
Categories:   Education; Social Policy; Government & Public Sector

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a free trade and corporate rights deal among 12 Pacific Rim countries, including Canada. Signed on February 4, 2016, member nations now have 2 years to ratify this deal.

Very little of the TPP involves trade. Most of it encompasses issues as diverse as how a government regulates corporate activity, what Crown corporations can and cannot do, how long pharmaceutical patents or copyright terms should be, how the Internet is governed, the sharing of personal information across borders, banking & taxation rules, and when a company or investor should be compensated when environmental or public health policies interfere with profits.

Join us on April 19 to discuss the nature and negative impacts of this mega trade deal agreement. Become engaged in challenging the TPP.

Time:  7 pm - 9 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/challenging-the-tpp
For information contact:  Raul Burbano
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Tourism & Hospitality Industry; Social Policy

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  6:30 pm
Venue:  Mary Campbell Co-op
Location:  587 Talbot St., London, ON
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

Enjoy an all-ages celebration of diversity with non-stop performances by multicultural seniors groups' and an international food fair at a low price.

Afterwards, join us for a dialogue connecting First Nations, Urban Aboriginal and Immigrant Communities and take part in a discussion forum at 2:00PM.

Venue:  South Granville Seniors Centre
Location:  1420 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Categories:   Seniors; Arts & Culture

The Earth Day Conference 'Turning a New Leaf' will feature presentations and panel discussions on recent developments and new expectations impacting natural resource and environmental professionals.

Specific topics include climate change, federal science policy, stewardship, and collaborative resource management. Registration for a live online webcast is available for those who are unable to travel to the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in person.

For more information or to register visit:
www.cab-bc.org/college-conference-agm

Time:  9:00 AM
Venue:  Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel
Location:  7551 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC
Website:  http://www.cab-bc.org/college-conference-agm
For information contact:  Rebecca Mersereau - assistantregistrar@cab-bc.org
Phone:  2503833306
Categories:   Environment; Management

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  6:30 pm
Venue:  Summerland United Church
Location:  13204 Henry Rd., Summerland, BC
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

What would it be like to live alongside one of the shapers of human events, in their youth, before they transformed history? In Fractured Land, we follow Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of this generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him, blending modern tools of the law with ancient wisdom.

Caleb sports a Mohawk and tattoos, hunts moose, and wears a business suit. His father is a devout environmentalist and residential school survivor. His mother is in a senior position in the oil and gas industry. His people, at the epicenter of some of the largest fracking operations on earth, are deeply divided. How does Caleb balance their need for jobs with his sacred duty to defend their territory? He has arrived at a key moment in history, sees the contradictions, and wants to reconcile them.

Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been following Caleb for four years, capturing hundreds of hours of footage of his development, through law school, sharing knowledge with other Indigenous peoples, speaking to larger and larger audiences, dealing with deep community divisions, and building a movement.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Okanagan College Theatre
Location:  KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment

The world has been slow to respond to the emergencies posed by global warming and the damage human activities are causing the planet. In 1972, the United Nations organized the first UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm. It marked the beginning of a global awareness of the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species, and our planet.
International Mother Earth Day promotes a view of the Earth as the entity that sustains all living things found in nature. It honors the Earth as a whole and our place within it. It does not seek to replace other events, such as Earth Day, which has been celebrated by many people around the world on 22 March since the 1970s, but rather to reinforce and reinterpret them based on the evolving challenges we face.

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

Doors Open Guelph is a day-long celebration of Guelph's finest buildings, creative spaces and artistically or architecturally relevant sites. The program aims to showcase and celebrate the hidden gems as well as the great resources, businesses and creative spaces in Guelph.

Doors Open Guelph is a program of Guelph Arts Council. Guelph Arts Council is a not-for-profit, charitable community arts council.

Venue:  Guelph
Location:  Guelph, ON
Website:  http://www.guelpharts.ca/doors-open-guelph
Categories:   Architecture; Arts & Culture

English Language Day at the UN is celebrated on 23 April, the date traditionally observed as the birthday of William Shakespeare. The Day is the result of a 2010 initiative by the Department of Public Information, establishing language days for each of the Organization's six official languages. The purpose of the UN's language days is to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organization.

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

23 April was first proclaimed as World Book and Copyright Day by UNESCO in 1995. The Day is celebrated by a growing number of partners and since its launch has shown itself to be a great opportunity for reflection and information on a significant theme.
It is observed by millions of people in over 100 countries, in hundreds of voluntary organizations, schools, public bodies, professional groups and private businesses. In this lengthy period, World Book and Copyright Day has won over a considerable number of people from every continent and all cultural backgrounds to the cause of books and copyright.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/bookday/
Categories:   International; Publishers & Publishing; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

A global collaborative drive for immunization, begun in the mid-1970s - with the establishment of the Expanded Programme on Immunization in all countries - achieved dramatic results, raising vaccination levels from as low as 5% to more than 80% in many countries by 2013. WHO estimates that today immunizations prevent between 2 and 3 million deaths annually and protect many more people from illness and disability.
Although progress has stalled in recent years, this early success demonstrates the potential of vaccines, which are increasingly being extended from children to adolescents and adults, providing protection against diseases such as influenza, meningitis and cervical and liver cancers.

Website:  http://www.who.int/campaigns/immunization-week/2015/en/
Categories:   International; Health/Health Care; Social Services

World Malaria Day: call to close gaps in prevention and treatment to defeat malaria
WHO is calling on the global health community to urgently address significant gaps in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria. Despite dramatic declines in malaria cases and deaths since 2000, more than half a million lives are still lost to this preventable disease each year.
“As we celebrate World Malaria Day on April 25, we must recognize the urgent need to expand prevention measures and quality-assured diagnostic testing and treatment to reduce the human suffering caused by malaria,” says Dr Hiroki Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Website:  http://www.who.int/campaigns/malaria-day/2015/en/
Categories:   International; Health/Health Care; Social Services

Every April 26 we celebrate World Intellectual Property Day to promote discussion of the role of intellectual property in encouraging innovation and creativity.

Website:  http://www.wipo.int/ip-outreach/en/ipday/
Categories:   International; Arts & Culture

Talk by the ex-U.S. marine turned human rights activist.
Free/pwyc.

More info on his Toronto speaking events at modernknowledge.ca

Time:  7 pm - 9 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Social Policy

As newsrooms close or shrink across the country, there are calls for government to subsidize the news media. Is this the proper role for government? Are there ways the government should help that do not involve cash? Does government even have the power to lean against global trends in the digital era?

This event compliments the recent report by award-winning journalist Madelaine Drohan, the Public Policy Forum 2015 Prime Ministers of Canada Fellow, Does Serious Journalism have a Future in Canada?

Join us for a debate among a panel of prominent journalists about what governments should be doing about the crisis in the media world.

Time:  3 pm - 5 pm
Venue:  Munk School of Global Affairs UOFT
Location:  1 Devonshire Place, Toronto, ON
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Economic Development; 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.
A national occupational safety and health culture is one in which the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where governments, employers and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, and where the highest priority is accorded to the principle of prevention.

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

The Conference of the States Parties at its Tenth Session (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:   International; Security

Close your eyes. Imagine an exhilarating annual event designed for bondage enthusiasts, located right in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan area. Imagine over 10,000 square feet dedicated to the kinky in all of us. Imagine seminars, classes, demonstrations, practice areas, a photoshoot room, vendors, shows, and play parties…

Now, open your eyes and stop imagining…you don’t have to because this is Bondage Expo Dallas!

It’s finally time that YOU (everyone from ‘I just read “50 Shades of Grey” to ‘I just hogtied my best two pals to the parking meter on Main St.’) get what you’ve been waiting for; the chance to meet, collaborate and learn with people, from all over the world, that share your curiosity and passion for all things BONDAGE!

Given the success of bondage conventions around the nation it was just a matter of time before it all finally came together here in the Metroplex. That time is now. And, after a decade in the making and three amazing years under our belt, Dallas has its own annual bondage weekend. Numerous opportunities and ways to learn with presenters from around the globe could be at your fingertips, should you decide to join us.

We are gathering an amazing collection of highly talented and skilled Presenters, Rope Enthusiasts, and Vendors to offer you the tools to take your bondage skills to the next level. Learn, share, collaborate. Take advantage of super low pricing on a vast selection of fetish & bondage gear you don’t want to miss.

Venue:  Crowne Plaza Downtown Dallas Hotel
Location:  Dallas TX USA
Website:  http://www.bondageexpodallas.com
Categories:   Sexuality; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

The topic for Forum 2016 is part of a series of explorations on the human history of the Bruce Peninsula and the Niagara Escarpment (the Great Arc as it extends through Ontario, Michigan and Wisconsin). Field trips, workshops, presentations and speakers will focus on the human development of the area following the last ice ages until European settlement. Evidence will come from archaeological findings and First Nations traditional knowledge. Sunday morning's session will be an open community event to discuss the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Venue:  Tobermory Community Centre
Location:  7420 6 Hwy, Tobermory, ON
Website:  http://www.sourcesofknowledge.ca/
For information contact:  Graham Draper
Phone:  647 295 2313
Categories:   Environment; Native Peoples; Nature & Outdoors

In November 2011 the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed 30 April as “International Jazz Day”. This International Day will bring together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about the art of jazz, its roots, its future and its impact. This important international art form will be celebrated for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity, eradicating discrimination, promoting freedom of expression, fostering gender equality, and reinforcing the role of youth for social change.

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

"We won't allow Canada to become a place of refuge for terrorists, thugs, [and] snakeheads."

Join a discussion about art, resistance, and national security. From Bill C-51 to police carding, from the Ocean Lady to indefinite detention, we'll be talking with community advocates and lawyers about what it feels like to be the subject of state terror.

This event is part of Critical Mass Series: Conversations We Can't Have in Tamil. Organized by the Canadian Association of Muslim Women in Law and Critical Mass Series. For financial support, we thank the University of Toronto for its Community-Engaged Initiatives Grant.

Time:  1 pm - 3 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Arts & Culture

May Day has been celebrated as a spring festival in the northern hemisphere since ancient times. It was associated with Walpurgis Night celebrations in Germanic countries, with the Roman festival for the goddess Flora, and with the Gaelic Beltane.

Its origins as International Workers’ Day grew out of the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, when a bomb was thrown at police at a rally for the eight-hour day, an act for which four anarchists who were present in the crowd are subsequently hanged. The execution of the four men despite the lack of any evidence linking them to the bombing causes international outrage.

In 1889 the founding conference of the Socialist International called for international demonstrations on May 1, 1890 to commemorate the Haymarket Affair.

The event drew large crowds in several countries, and became an annual affair, as workers in countries around the world began to mark May Day as International Workers' Day. Governments and employers often resisted the recognition of May Day as a holiday, and early May Day marches were frequently attacked by police. In the United States and Canada, governments declared the first Monday in September as a "Labour Day" holiday in order to undermine May Day. In many other countries, workers eventually succeeded in having May Day made an official holiday.

Website:  https://www.connexions.org/CxLibrary/Docs/SeedsofFire-May-01.htm
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Labour, Workplace, Unions

Rally, March, & Public Forum

May Day 2016 is the fifth annual protest organized by Solidarity Against Austerity for International Workers' Day.

RALLY & MARCH: Gather at 2pm, Sunday, May 1 at the Human Rights Monument, Elgin & Lisgar.

FORUM: 3pm, Sunday, May 1. 233 Gilmour, at Metcalfe.

Venue:  Human Rights Monument
Location:  233 Gilmour, at Metcalfe, Ottawa, ON
For information contact:  against.austerity@gmail.com
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions; Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The exhibition tells the story of eight people who now call Canada home. They hail from around the world, have all experienced the horror and devastation that torture wreaks on individuals and families, and have undergone the transformation from victim to survivor to activist. It highlights the role Canada should be playing to prevent more people from enduring unspeakable torture, and cause Canadians to join torture survivors and take action in support of Canada joining the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.

Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.org
For information contact:  edumitru@amnesty.ca
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Arts & Culture

Canadian Music Week began in 1981 and has grown to become one of Canada’s largest and most influential media and music conferences. It draws top industry professionals to participate in a four-day program of activities.

Designed to stimulate the exchange of market intelligence, increase dialogue and provide networking opportunities, Canadian Music Week continues to present the ideal platform for more than 3,000 national and international delegates.

2015 was CMW's 33th year and is the single longest running multi-day Canadian music and media event. It manages to consistently bring together more than 3,000 music industry professionals for the week's events - combining conferences, award shows, & one of Canada’s biggest "New Music" festivals.

Throughout the duration of the event, performers put on shows at venues ranging from popular bars and halls to trendy clothing stores and cafes. Many emerging new bands use the festival as an opportunity to 'get spotted' by the A&R reps that are around in greater than average numbers during the festival.

Time:  7 days
Venue:  Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://cmw.net/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
Over 100 national celebrations take place each year to commemorate this Day. UNESCO leads the worldwide celebration by identifying the global thematic and organizing the main event in different parts of world every year.
The international day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the 26th Session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.

Website:  http://www.unesco.org/new/en/wpfd
Categories:   Publishers & Publishing; International

The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) celebrates diversity in literature by promoting diverse authors and stories in Brampton, Ontario, one of Canada's most culturally diverse cities.

The first FOLD includes more than 25 unique sessions with over 30 of Canada's most exciting authors in historic downtown Brampton, with the majority of sessions being offered at the Peel Art Gallery and Museum Archives (PAMA).

FOLD programming takes a "three-fold" approach: engaging readers, inspiring writers and empowering educators. The main festival runs from Friday, May 6 to Sunday, May 8, but the larger festival includes a workshop for educators and sessions dedicated towards high school students.

The festival will celebrate stories that reflect the diversity that is fundamental to Canada's national identity and literary economy. Follow the FOLD on social media and subscribe to their mailing list to get first-hand news and information regarding programming and ticket sales.

Venue:  Multiple venues across Brampton, ON
Location:  Downtown Brampton, Brampton, ON
Website:  http://www.thefoldcanada.org/events/the-festival/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Celebrating heritage and sustainability
Peterborough’s stories, traditions and activities express our heritage daily. The people of Peterborough are proud of the creative ways in which they are preserving their past by re-imagining and adapting heritage buildings for current and future use. Their actions encourage the sustainable growth of the local economy and responsible stewardship of the city’s environmental and cultural resources.

Doors Open is a free day of fun for people of all ages. Join us on May 7 to visit an exciting mix of sites that celebrate and explore the role of heritage in building sustainable communities.
See you there!

Venue:  Peterborough
Location:  Peterborough, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Peterborough.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Building & Construction

For decades, the Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery has been making people sick. On May 7th, we will reclaim our Right to Breathe. Philadelphia Energy Solutions and other oil and gas companies are poisoning us now -- we won't take any more. All across the world, people are standing up for healthy communities and a livable planet. Will you join the fight for climate justice in Philadelphia?

Take the pledge to join us in Philadelphia on May 7th and demand our #RightToBreathe.

The Right to Breathe mobilization is being convened by Philly Thrive and ACTION United.

Location:  Philladelphia
Website:  http://www.popularresistance.org/calendar1/right-to-breathe-mobilization
Categories:   Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Venue:  Whitby
Location:  Whitby, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Whitby.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Venue:  Hamilton
Location:  Hamilton, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Hamilton.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

From 7- 15 May, 2016 we are mobilising to keep fossil fuels in the ground and accelerate a just transition to 100% renewable energy and a sustainable future for all.

Time:  N/A
Website:  http://breakfree2016.org/
For information contact:  partner@breakfree2016.org.
Categories:   Environment; Mining & Petroleum

By resolution 59/26 of 22 November 2004, the 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.

On 2 March 2010, by resolution 64/257, the General Assembly invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe these days in an appropriate manner to pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War.

Categories:   International; Military

MusicFest Canada is a competition festival, established as the Canadian Stage Band Festival (CSBF) in Toronto, in 1972.

Time:  6 days
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.musicfest.ca/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Maude Barlow will present at the IASC Regional European Conference

Time:  9:00 pm
Venue:  University of Bern
Location:  Main Building, Hochschulstrasse, 3012 Bern, Bern, CH
Website:  http://www.conferences.iasc-commons.org/index.php/iasc/IASC_Europe_Bern2016
Categories:   Education; Environment; International

If you’re responsible for your union’s communications, you do not want to miss this conference. CALM is the only organization that brings labour communicators together, across unions, regions and sectors, to strategize and learn about how to improve labour communications. To get a sense of what to expect at a CALM conference, please see last year’s conference schedule. If you can’t access the document because you aren’t a CALM member, please email editor@calm.ca for more information.

This year, we're working on confirming the following workshops:

Intro to social media
Making video
Website building & hosting- the basics
Basic analytics
Sticking to the message - interview techniques
Increasing social media presence
Video editing
Website building
Analytics that are actually useful
How to work with journalists
Coding and intricacies of Drupal & Wordpress
The cutting edge of analytics
Paid promotions in social media

There will also be a stream of French workshops, to be announced soon (également disponible en français)

Venue:  Delta Hotel
Location:  690 Boulevard René Lévesque East, Quebec City, QC
Website:  http://www.calm.ca/conference
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions

The key to exploring your community
Enjoy this FREE opportunity to explore the heritage, arts, architecture and culture that Richmond Hill has to offer. Celebrate Richmond Hill’s past, present and future with our featured 15 sites.

Venue:  Richmond Hill
Location:  Richmond Hill, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Richmond-Hill.aspx
Phone:  905-737-1818, ext. 6007
Categories:   Arts & Culture

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) was initiated in 2006 and is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. Each year, on the second weekend in May, people around the world take action and organize public events such as bird festivals, education programs, exhibitions and birdwatching excursions to celebrate WMBD. However, countries or regions observing the peak of migrations at other times of the year are encouraged to celebrate WMBD when it is most appropriate for them.
When expanding energy production, transition to wildlife-friendly methods is a key step to protect life on the Earth. The conservation of migratory birds needs to be considered in all phases of energy development at multiple levels - locally, nationally and internationally. Therefore, concerted conservation actions by governments, nature conservation organizations, scientists and the energy sector as well as the general public are necessary. This way the benefits of sustainable energy can be realized without the risk of harming migratory birds and their habitats.

World Migratory Bird Day 2015 also marks the 20th anniversary year of AEWA- the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds whose Secretariat together with the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) are the organizational drivers for this unique campaign.

Website:  http://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/
Categories:   Environment; Animals & Pets

This multi-gallery survey spans the career of the political-art duo, from their rejection of the New York art scene in the 70s and move to Canada, where they've collaborated with unions, communities and artist-run centres, to a recent work about climate change and hockey. They originally adopted the staged-photo format to protect unionists who feared identification by management, but soon found the strategy allowed them to push their social justice message further. They've devoted their life's work to exploring the intersections of wage labour and creativity.

Venue:  Trinity Square Video
Location:  401 Richmond St W. Suite 121, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.condebeveridge.ca/
For information contact:  condebev@web.net
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Labour, Workplace, Unions; Politics & Political Organizations

The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 with resolution A/RES/47/237 and reflects the importance the international community attaches to families. The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

The International Day of Families has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days. In many countries, that day provides an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families. Activities include workshops and conferences, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and cultural programmes highlighting relevant themes.

The 2015 observance of the International Day of Families aims to promote gender equality and rights of children within families. It will also highlight prevention of family violence through fair family law frameworks and a variety of programme interventions.

Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Women

On May 15 - 22, in Washington, DC, and elsewhere where people are fighting fracking and fracking infrastructure, BXE and our allies will take coordinated action for the Rubber Stamp Rebellion. We will say to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC):

Stop rubber-stamping gas industry permit applications and change the way you operate. Prioritize the emergence of wind, solar and other renewables above fossil fuels. We say: No New Permits!

Location:  Washingon, DC
Website:  http://www.popularresistance.org/calendar1/rubber-stamp-rebellion
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development; Mining & Petroleum

Calling all teachers, educators, students & growers!

Get inspired this growing season and learn more about how NYC's Green Bronx Machine is transforming students' lives through experiential.

Hear about the incredible results of this dynamic program and how FoodShare, in partnership with the TDSB and LoyaltyOne will be bringing our very own Good Food Machines to life in schools across Toronto this fall!

RSVP for the event.

Time:  7:00PM - 8:30PM
Venue:  FoodShare Toronto
Location:  90 Croatia St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://foodshare.nationbuilder.com
For information contact:  Brooke Ziebell - brooke@foodshare.net
Phone:  4163636441 x 248
Categories:   Environment; Farming; Education

Speakers include: Joel Lexchin (Emergency Physician, UHN and Health Policy professor - York University) and Richard Elliott (ED of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network)

For more information, please contact the Grandmothers Advocacy Network.
http://www.grandmothersadvocacy.org/

Advocating for grandmothers, vulnerable children and youth in sub-Saharan Africa

Time:  3PM-5PM
Venue:  Bloor St. United Church
Location:  300 Bloor St. West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/491122471095377/
For information contact:  Follow @GRANadvocates on Twitter
Categories:   International; Children & Youth; Education

Sexual harassment and violence investigations present unique challenges to internal investigators. With the introduction of Bill 132, overcoming these challenges, and conducting a thorough and fair investigation has become even more important.

Join us for a practical, hands-on training session in which we will explore challenging issues such as:

How to make credibility assessments;
How to deal with difficult subject matter;
Dealing with vulnerable parties; and
The role of bystanders.
An examination of the legal framework in which sexual harassment investigations take place, as well as the psycho-social dynamics of sexual harassment and violence, will be included in this session.

This training is a must for any front line staff who respond to and/or investigate sexual harassment and violence complaints on behalf of an institution.

This course will follow the Rubin Thomlinson methodology of role play and problem solving, so that internal investigators will have the opportunity to enhance their skills, allowing them to approach and undertake these investigations with confidence.

Time:  9am to 4pm
Venue:  Rubin Thomlinson LLP
Location:  20 Adelaide Street East, Suite 1104, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.rubinthomlinson.com/conducting-sexual-harassment-and-violence-investigatio
For information contact:  Shawne Fagan
Phone:  4168471814

The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.

World Telecommunication Day
World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969, marking the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973.

World Information Society Day
In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society called upon the UN General Assembly to declare 17 May as World Information Society Day to focus on the importance of ICT and the wide range of issues related to the Information Society raised by WSIS. The General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/60/252) in March 2006 stipulating that World Information Society Day shall be celebrated every year on 17 May.

Website:  http://www.itu.int/en/wtisd/2015/Pages/default.aspx
Categories:   Communications Industry & Technology; Internet

In this community classroom, several delegates of the EU-Canada Municipal Cooperation on Urban Policy and a local community member will share with us real world examples of their stakeholders coming together with the common goal of reducing GHG emissions. Our goal for this discussion is to inspire our community members, friends and neighbours, to actively participate in a transition to a sustainable future for all.

Please join us!

Our panelists include:
Rainer Konerding
Climate Protection Coordinator and Member of the ECOPROFIT HANNOVER

Janice Ashworth
Operations manager at Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-Op (OREC) and one of Ottawa's delegates to the EU-Canada Municipal Cooperation on Urban Policy.

Angela Keller-Herzog
OREC member and investor of community-owned renewable power projects. Angela is also a member of HUB and co-chair the Environment Committee of Glebe Community Association.

MC: David Chernushenko
City councillor for Capital Ward and Chair of the City's Environment Committee.

Fee: $5 or Pay What You Can.
REGISTRATION is required

More info: http://octopusbooks.ca/event/on-making-of-sustainable-cities-community-classroom-with-delegates-of-the-eu-canada-municipal

Time:  7PM
Venue:  Octopus Books Centretown @25One Community
Location:  2nd floor, 251 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://octopusbooks.ca/tickets/on-making-of-sustainable-cities-community-classroom-online-re
For information contact:  octopus@octopusbooks.ca
Phone:  613-688-0752
Categories:   Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Economic Development

Amnesty International Toronto's Group 18, Iran Action Circle and Film Team invite you to the screening of Rosewater, the feature-film writing and directing debut of former "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart. Based on the thrilling true-life story of Maziar Bahari, Rosewater follows the Tehran-born, Canadian-based Bahari as the journalist returns to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, challenger to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the country's contentious 2009 presidential election. As Mousavi's supporters were protesting Ahmadinejad's victory declaration even before the polls closed, Bahari was arrested by police led by a man known only as "Rosewater."

Time:  6:30 pm - 9 pm
Venue:  Beitzatoun
Location:  612 Markham Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beitzatoun.org/event/film-rosewater_jon-stewart
For information contact:  info@beitzatoun.org
Phone:  647-726-9500
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Politics & Political Organizations

The 4th annual Tommy Douglas Institute at George Brown College is pleased to announce Canada's 7th Parliamentary Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke as its keynote speaker for Canada: A Different Story. Coming out of one of the longest and most dramatic federal elections in recent memory and heading toward the nation's 150th anniversary in 2017, the story of Canada is once again a topic of national conversation.

Time:  9:30 am - 4: 30 pm
Venue:  Tommy Douglas Institute
Location:  290 Adelaide St. E. 4th Floor, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.georgebrown.ca/tommydouglasinstitute
For information contact:  Resh Budhu
Categories:   Politics & Political Organizations; Government & Public Sector

Europes Biggest Fetish and BDSM Convention is entering the next round - at over 53000 sq.ft. there will be shows, workshops, shopping and more.

* approx. 100 exhibitors of the international FetishScene
* Top showprogram at 5 stages
* International Starguests and Top Models
* Large Gastronarea with Bar and Biergarten
* Bondage Workshops with some of the world's best riggers
* Custom Photo Shooting at new studio
* Chill Out Lounge with Cocktailbar
* VIP-Area with grand Buffet and perfect view of the main stage
* Shopping Sunday with special reduced entry-fee !
* Grand Aftershow Party "Sub Rosa Dictum" Saturday at 10 p.m.
and much more...

Venue:  Zenith – Die Kulturhalle
Location:  Lilienthalallee 29, Munich
Website:  http://www.boundcon.com/en/index.php
Categories:   Sexuality

March Against Monsanto Ottawa (MAMOttawa) is part of a global movement, whose many goals include:

- Raising awareness of the effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the harmful chemicals used in conjunction with GMOs
- Rejecting glyphosate and patents on life
- Building solidarity against predatory business & agricultural practices
- Supporting seed sovereignty, and organic and sustainable food and living practices
- Supporting local farms, bees and biodiversity
- Supporting labelling initiatives

Time:  1:30 pm
Venue:  Major's Hill Park
Location:  Ottawa, ON
Categories:   Food & Beverage; Politics & Political Organizations

On May 21, 2016, activists around the world will, once again, unite to March Against Monsanto.

Website:  http://www.march-against-monsanto.com
Categories:   Food & Beverage; Politics & Political Organizations

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.

The 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue will take place in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, from 18 to 19 May 2015 on the theme: “Sharing Culture for a Shared Security". The Forum is organized in collaboration with UNESCO, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the World Tourism Organization, the Council of Europe and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion

In 2011, a grassroots campaign ‘Do One Thing For Diversity and Inclusion’, celebrating the annual World Day for Cultural Diversity was launched by UNESCO and the UN Alliance of Civilizations.

By encouraging people and organizations from around the world to take concrete action to support diversity, the campaign aims:

To raise awareness worldwide about the importance of intercultural dialogue, diversity and inclusion.
To build a world community of individuals committed to support diversity with real and every-day-life gestures.
To combat polarization and stereotypes to improve understanding and cooperation among people from different cultures.

Categories:   Arts & Culture; Tourism & Hospitality Industry

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. When first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity), was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, 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. This was partly done because 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.cbd.int/idb/
Categories:   Environment; Farming; Biotechnology

Obstetric fistula is one of the most serious and tragic injuries that can occur during childbirth. It is a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without treatment.

The condition typically leaves women incontinent, and as a result, they are often shunned by their communities. Sufferers often endure depression, social isolation and deepening poverty. Many women live with the condition for years - or even decades - because they cannot afford to obtain treatment.

An estimated 2 million women in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Arab region, and Latin America and the Caribbean are living with this injury, and some 50,000 to 100,000 new cases develop each year. Yet fistula is almost entirely preventable. Its persistence is a sign that health systems are failing to meet women's essential needs.
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.

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.

Website:  http://www.endfistula.org/
Categories:   Health/Health Care; Women

In What's Yours Is Mine, technologist Tom Slee argues the so-called sharing economy damages development, extends harsh free-market practices into previously protected areas of our lives, and presents the opportunity for a few people to make fortunes by damaging communities and pushing vulnerable individuals to take on unsustainable risk.

Drawing on original empirical research, Slee shows that the friendly language of sharing, trust, and community masks a darker reality.

Time:  7 pm
Venue:  Octopus Books Centretown
Location:  251 Bank St. 2nd floor, Ottawa, ON
For information contact:  @25One Community
Categories:   Business & Economics; Arts & Culture; Communications Industry & Technology

Join us for this free town hall event to hear from Ben Gotschall, Agriculture and Food Director at Bold Nebraska, Mark D'Arcy of the Council of Canadians and Alma Brooks of the Peace and Friendship Alliance on why Energy East is more risk than reward for New Brunswick.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Chipman Fish and Game Club
Location:  66 Hillcrest Avenue, Chipman, NB
Website:  http://canadians.org/
For information contact:  inquiries@canadians.org
Phone:  613-233-2773
Categories:   Environment; Nature & Outdoors; Mining & Petroleum

Join us for this free town hall event to hear from Ben Gotschall, Agriculture and Food Director at Bold Nebraska, Mark D'Arcy of the Council of Canadians and Alma Brooks of the Peace and Friendship Alliance on why Energy East is more risk than reward for New Brunswick.

Cost: Free

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Belleisle Community Centre
Location:  1648 Rte 124, Belleisle Bay, NB
Website:  http://canadians.org/
Categories:   Environment; Nature & Outdoors

The 2016 Great Nations, Great River Symposium provides a platform for researchers, educators, policy-makers, community leaders and citizens to share knowledge about the status of the St. Lawrence River/Great Lakes and other freshwater ecosystems and their responses to changing conditions. A focus this year will be sharing knowledge about how the research and environmental community can empower communities to protect water, restore wetlands, improve beaches, enhance understanding and consider adaptive management practices.

Scientific presentations and community involvement sessions will address current topics important to all freshwater ecosystems and of immediate concern for the St. Lawrence River/Great Lakes, e.g. climate change and adaptation, sewage discharge, emergency response, energy and pipelines, nuisance and harmful algae, invasive species, water quality and contamination. The underlying themes of community engagement, public education, awareness, communications, and citizen involvement will weave through all sessions and exhibits, with plenty of opportunity for networking, discussion, and collaborative planning.

Venue:  St. Lawrence Power Development Visitors Centre
Location:  2500B Second Street West, Cornwall, ON
Website:  http://www.riverinstitute.ca/river-symposium/program-speakers/
For information contact:  Christina Collard
Phone:  613 936 6620 ext 222
Categories:   Education; Environment

Join us for this free town hall event to hear from Ben Gotschall, Agriculture and Food Director at Bold Nebraska, Mark D'Arcy of the Council of Canadians and Alma Brooks of the Peace and Friendship Alliance on why Energy East is more risk than reward for New Brunswick.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Lighthouse River Centre
Location:  1075 Main Street, Hampton, NB
Website:  http://canadians.org/
Phone:  613-233-2773
Categories:   Mining & Petroleum; Education

The Schomberg Agricultural Fair is a heart-warming (and fun!) local tradition that has been upheld for 164 years. Every May, rain or shine, Schomberg plays host to a colourful celebration of local agriculture, art, and talent. Many attractions and traditions are features at the Schomberg Fair:

Location:  319 Main St. (Hwy. 9 & 27), Schomberg, ON
Website:  http://www.schombergfair.com
For information contact:  Cathy D'Alessandro
Phone:  905-939-8283
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Farming

Join us for this free town hall event to hear from Ben Gotschall, Agriculture and Food Director at Bold Nebraska, Mark D'Arcy of the Council of Canadians and Alma Brooks of the Peace and Friendship Alliance on why Energy East is more risk than reward for New Brunswick.

Time:  7:00 pm
Venue:  Portland United Church
Location:  50 Newport Crescent, Saint John, NB
Website:  http://canadians.org/
Categories:   Environment; Mining & Petroleum

A tour of ten drought-stricken states in India transformed Sainath - a devastating situation mostly ignored by his fellow journalists. "I felt that if the Indian Press was covering the top 5 percent, I should cover the bottom 5 per cent." He also believes the media around the world is, for the most part, imprisoned by profit and not politically free.

Listen on CBC Radio One and SiriusXM Channel 169

Time:  9 pm - 10 pm
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI) is joining with the Marshallese Community in Oregon and the Radiation Exposure Awareness Crusaders for Humanity - Marshall Islands (REACH-MI) to organize a R.M.I.-U.S. Nuclear Legacy Summit to address the shared legacy of U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands (1946-1958).

Time:  All - day
Location:  Salem
Website:  http://www.meius.org/
For information contact:  info@reach-mi.org.
Categories:   Education; Politics & Political Organizations

Inflatable Park, Baby Show, Kids Activities, Clowns, Food Booth, Mini Tractor Pedal Pull, Exhibits, Family Entertainment.

Location:  17 Pierson Street, Milverton, ON
Website:  http://www.milvertonfair.ca
Phone:  519-595-3246
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Children & Youth

Exploring the theme of Connected | Enriched | Inspired

Doors Open Oxford-Tillsonburg invites visitors to discover the unique buildings, businesses and institutions that make Tillsonburg a desirable place to live and visit.

Venue:  Oxford-Tillsonburg
Location:  Oxford-Tillsonburg, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Oxford-Tillsonburg.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Take part in Doors Open - either again or for the first time. There is something for everyone in Brockville-Thousand Islands!
In 2016, there are 33 participating sites - including six new ones - featuring rolling farmland, lawn bowling greens, beautiful gardens, serene churches, archives, inns, armouries, railway tunnels, art galleries and museums!
Take a vacation in your own backyard - or visit our community for the day, or overnight - and explore these local treasures!

Venue:  Brockville-Thousand Islands
Location:  Brockville-Thousand Islands, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Brockville-Thousand-Islands.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Join us for the 17th annual Doors Open Toronto.
This event offers free and rare access to more than 130 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city. More than 30 of this year's buildings are participating for the first time.
The Doors Open Toronto 2016 theme of "Re-used, Re-visited and Revised" explores the adaptive repurposing of buildings throughout Toronto's architectural history.

For the first-time ever, Doors Open Toronto will feature a keynote speaker - acclaimed designer Karim Rashid. With over 3,000 designs in production and more than 300 awards, Rashid is regarded as one of the most prolific designers of his generation. More details about this event will be announced in May.

Other exciting elements offered this year are the themed walking tours sponsored by the Carpenters' Union and activities at City Hall. The tours and the City Hall activities will delve into the stories, histories and rebirth of a variety of Toronto's neighbourhoods.

The popular OpenInsights speaker series returns as well, covering current topics in design, architecture and the revitalization of Toronto.

Doors Open Toronto is produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with community partners.

Venue:  Toronto
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Toronto.aspx
Categories:   Architecture; Arts & Culture

The Council of Canadians will be taking part in a march against Nestle later this month.

On Sunday May 29, Save Our Water activists will be gathering at Market Hall (in front of Guelph City Hal) for a brief rally and then walking from the downtown area to the Nestle plant in Aberfoyle for another rally at 5:30 pm. It's a 12-kilometre walk from Guelph City Hall to Nestle Waters Canada in Aberfoyle

Time:  5:30 pm
Venue:  Market Hall
Location:  1 Carden Street, Guelph, ON
Website:  http://canadians.org/
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Environment

Since its beginning in 1948, United Nations peacekeeping has evolved into one of the main tools used by the international community to manage complex crises that threaten international peace and security. Throughout its history, the United Nations has established a total of 71 peacekeeping operations. More than one million military, police and civilian personnel have served as UN peacekeepers, including 125,000 in the sixteen missions in operation today.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, which is commemorated each year on the 29th of May, is an occasion to salute the peacekeepers of today who serve in some of the world's most volatile and dangerous environments. This Day is also a time to mourn fallen peacekeepers. During its history, more than 3,300 "Blue Helmets" have died devoting their lives to peace, including 126 men and women in 2014.

In the words of the Secretary-General: In a message to mark the Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: "United Nations peacekeeping has given life to the UN Charter's aim "to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security". Through years of struggle and sacrifice, the iconic Blue Helmet has earned its place as a symbol of hope to millions of people living in war-ravaged lands."

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/operations/pkday.shtml
Categories:   Military; International; Law Enforcement & Corrections

Featuring federal miscrobiologist Dr. Shiv Chopra who blew the whistle on Bovine Growth Hormones in milk, this event includes speakers, stories, music and a Q&A

Time:  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue:  Wolfe Performance Hall
Location:  251 Dundas Street, London, ON
Categories:   Food & Beverage; Health/Health Care

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed around the world every year on May 31. It is intended to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the globe. The day is further intended to draw attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to negative health effects, which currently lead to nearly 6 million deaths each year worldwide, including 600,000 of which are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. The member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) created World No Tobacco Day in 1987. In the past twenty years, the day has been met with both enthusiasm and resistance around the globe from governments, public health organizations, smokers, growers, and the tobacco industry.

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

"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.

The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity. This day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and other UN offices, in consultation with the relevant UN offices and with permanent missions, which also wish to be consulted.

Categories:   Religious; Arts & Culture

The Global Day of Parents is observed on the 1st of June every year. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012 with resolution A/RES/66/292 and honours parents throughout the world. The Global Day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.

In its resolution, the General Assembly also noted that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children and that children, for the full and harmonious development of their personality, should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.

The resolution recognizes the role of parents in the rearing of children and invites the Member States to celebrate the Day in full partnership with civil society, particularly involving young people and children.

Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; International

CAWLS 3rd Annual Conference will be held 1-2 June 2016, at the University of Calgary, as part of the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Venue:  University of Calgary
Location:  2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB
Website:  http://www.congress2016.ca/
Categories:   Education; Labour, Workplace, Unions

Founded in 2000, MUTEK is an international festival organization dedicated to the promotion of electronic music and the digital arts. Its central platform is an annual five-day event in Montreal that takes place in late May and early June.

Time:  5 days
Location:  Montreal, QC
Website:  http://www.mutek.org/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

In this feature film, the profound impact of the Canadian government's residential school system is conveyed through the eyes of two children who were forced to face hardships beyond their years. As young children, Lyna and Glen were taken from their homes and placed in church-run boarding schools, where they suffered years of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, the effects of which persist in their adult lives. WE WERE CHILDREN gives voice to a national tragedy and demonstrates the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

Time:  6:30 - 9:00 pm
Venue:  London Public Library, Stevenson and Hunt Rm. A
Location:  251 Dundas Street, London, ON
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

Highlights: Demo Derby (2&4), Truck & Tractor Pull (3), Education Day For Local Schools, {by advance bookings only} (3), Parade (4). Agricultural Tent, Livestock Shows - Rabbit, Cattle, Poultry, Sheep, Goat, Horse Shows, Homecraft Competition, Antique Displays, Midway, 50-mile market, 4-H Lawn Tractor Pulls, "Rumble In the Broncs" - Farrier Competition, Family Entertainment.

Venue:  Luther Vipond Arena -- Brooklin Memorial Park
Location:  67 Winchester Rd. East, Brroklin, ON
Website:  http://www.brooklinspringfair.com
For information contact:  Michelle Ratte
Phone:  905-655-7093
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment; Farming

Highlights:
Friday evening: Demolition derby/Exhibits/Midway/Penny Sale.
Saturday: Midway, Homecraft, Junior Homecraft, Antique tractor display, Penny Sale, Parade, Baby Show, Poultry, All Breeds 4-H Dairy Calf Show , Open Horse.
Sunday: AMHA and Open Miniature Horse, Talent Show, Goat Show.

Location:  Bill Fleming Drive. off of Beech St., Clinton, ON
Website:  http://www.clintonspringfair.com
For information contact:  Janet Cameron
Phone:  519-482-7925
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Nature & Outdoors; Performing Arts

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).

The purpose of the day is to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. This day affirms the UN's commitment to protect the rights of children.

Categories:   Children & Youth; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Join us for a day of exploration as we showcase 12 unique sites from across Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville will be contributing to the overall Doors Open theme of medical science and innovation and will focus, where possible, on advancements in medical science.

Pick up our handy postcard on June 4 at your first stop and be sure to get it stamped along the way. Visit four Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville sites for a chance to win a great prize!
For more information visit our website. We look forward to seeing you!

Venue:  Whitchurch-Stouffville
Location:  Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Whitchurch-Stouffville.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Science & Technology

The City of Ottawa is proud to present Doors Open Ottawa - a free annual event that celebrates our community's built heritage!
Explore over 100 of the city's historically, culturally, functionally and architecturally significant buildings. From Carp to Cumberland, buildings across the city will open their doors and invite the public to discover the secrets that lay within.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2016, Doors Open Ottawa continues to be one of the largest Doors Open architectural events in North America, witnessing over 850,000 visitors since its inception in 2002.
Come and explore Ottawa's history, culture and stunning architecture. It's free, it's fun and it's the perfect way to discover how Canada's capital has become the beautiful city it is today!

Venue:  Ottawa
Location:  Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.ottawa.ca/en/residents/arts-culture-and-community/museums-and-heritage/doors-open
Categories:   Arts & Culture

From gardens to gables, and museums to mansions, Doors Open Owen Sound gives you a wide ranging look into our heritage.

In 2016, we feature many medical science and innovation-themed sites. For more information, visit our website.

Venue:  Owen Sound
Location:  Owen Sound, ON
Website:  http://www.owensound.ca/live/doors-open-owen-sound
Categories:   Arts & Culture

World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Over the years, it has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries. It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponentially positive impact on the planet.

Categories:   Environment; International

UN Russian Language Day is observed annually on June 6. The event was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010. UN Russian Language Day coincides with the birthday of Aleksandr Pushkin, a Russian poet who is considered the father of modern Russian literature.

The initiative of the UN Language Days was launched in February 2010 in order to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity and to promote equal use of all six of the UN's official working languages throughout the organization.

Categories:   Arts & Culture

Global perspectives, Canadian objectives.

MagNet is Canada's premiere public policy, professional development and networking conference for magazine professionals -- a SuperConference not to be missed!

Developed to meet the industry's growing needs for targeted, thought-provoking information and insightful, accessible and affordable learning, it represents a collaborative effort from the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors (CSME), Circulation Management Association of Canada (CMC), Magazines Canada (MC) and the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC). Together, these associations have worked closely to deliver a stellar line-up of sessions, workshops and keynote speakers featuring North America's top magazine publishing leaders, thinkers and visionaries.

Venue:  Courtyard Toronto Downtown
Location:  475 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.magnet2016.ca/m/
For information contact:  magnet@magazinescanada.ca
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

World Oceans Day has been unofficially celebrated every 8 June since its original proposal in 1992 by Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008. Since then it has been coordinated internationally by The Ocean Project with greater success and global participation each year.

Purpose

World Oceans Day is an annual observation to honour the world's oceans, celebrate the products the ocean provides such as seafood as well as marine life itself for aquariums, pets, and also a time to appreciate its own intrinsic value. The ocean also provides sea-lanes for international trade. Global pollution and over-consumption of fish have resulted in drastically dwindling population of the majority of species.

The Ocean Project, working in partnership with the World Ocean Network, has been promoting WOD since 2003 with its network of over 1,600 ocean conservation organizations and others throughout the world. Events performed for WOD and awareness includes beach cleanups, educational programs, art contests, film festivals, and sustainable seafood events.

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

Clarington - a largely rural municipality - offers many things to see, do and explore!

Each year, Doors Open Clarington advocates for heritage sites featuring repurposed buildings where you can discover the past while exploring the present. Join us for a diverse experience featuring the town of Newcastle and surrounding area.

Newcastle is a beautiful old community that has an amazing history, leading in period architecture as well as innovation both then and now, and proudly plays host to Newcastles of the World in September 2016.
Come "Unlock Your History" and more in Clarington!

Venue:  Clarington
Location:  Clarington, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenclarington.com/
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Venue:  Erin
Location:  Erin, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Erin.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Don't miss this opportunity to peek inside some of Lambton County's most interesting private residences, public buildings, businesses, institutions and natural spaces.
They all have one thing in common: each site holds a piece of Lambton's past and a part of its future.

Venue:  Lambton County
Location:  Lambton County, ON
Website:  http://www.lambtonmuseums.ca/doors-open-2016
Categories:   Arts & Culture

The World Day Against Child Labour is an International Labour Organization (ILO) sanctioned holiday first launched in 2002 aiming to raise awareness and activism to prevent child labour. It was spurred by ratifications of ILO Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for employment and ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour.

The World Day Against Child Labour, which is held every year on June 12, is intended to foster the worldwide movement against child labour in any of its forms.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/childlabourday/
Categories:   Children & Youth; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre presents its annual festival of queer theatre, art, comedy, music and parties to showcase the community's unstoppable spirit. Music by Queer Songbook Orchestra and Girls Rock Camp T.O., comedy by Richard Ryder, Elvira Kurt and Dawn Whitwell, circus arts by Flying Solo, theatrical works by Margo MacDonals and Shaunga Tagore and much more. Pwyc-$25, some free events.

Venue:  Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Location:  12 Alexander St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.buddiesinbadtimes.com/shows/pride/2016/
Phone:  416-975-8555
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual; Performing Arts

We invite you to join us for an evening of exciting news, celebration and appreciation, marking another tremendous year of land conservation achievements. We will be announcing new conservation successes and honouring some very special donors who made these accomplishments possible. Enjoy a visual journey through over 10,000 acres of protected areas in Nova Scotia!

Time:  7:00 p.m.
Venue:  Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Small Crafts Gallery
Location:  1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS
Website:  http://www.nsnt.ca/newsevents/connecting_with_nature/
For information contact:  Nature Trust
Phone:  (902) 425-5263
Categories:   Environment; Nature & Outdoors

People with albinism face multiple forms of discrimination worldwide. Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically. The physical appearance of persons with albinism is often the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition, which foster their marginalization and social exclusion. This leads to various forms of stigma and discrimination.

In some communities, erroneous beliefs and myths, heavily influenced by superstition, put the security and lives of persons with albinism at constant risk. These beliefs and myths are centuries old and are present in cultural attitudes and practices around the world.

On 18 December 2014, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming, with effect from 2015, 13 June as International Albinism Awareness Day.

The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 calling for the prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism. Moreover, in response to the call from civil society organizations advocating to consider persons with albinism as a specific group with particular needs that require special attention, on 26 March 2015, the Council created the mandate of Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.

Website:  http://www.albinism.org/site/c.flKYIdOUIhJ4H/b.9194783/k.4163/National_Organization_for_Albi
Categories:   Health/Health Care; International

Discuss and plan action to ensure the city's financial plan includes investments in jobs, housing, transit and poverty reduction.

Join residents from across Toronto to plan actions to ensure City Hall fulfills its commitment to create good jobs, expand the supply of affordable housing and child care, and implement a low-income transit fare.

Now is a critical time for action: Toronto City Council has started an important debate about how to fund badly needed services - like affordable housing, public transit, child care and recreation.
Some councillors want to continue to cut these services. Others want to explore ways to bring in new revenues to better fund them.

We need to ensure that City Council moves ahead strongly to reduce poverty and invest in services in its 2017 Budget and beyond.

Time:  6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Venue:  OPSEU Membership Centre
Location:  31 Wellesley E., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.povertyreductionto.ca/
For information contact:  djemere@socialplanningtoronto.org
Phone:  416-351-0095 x225
Categories:   Children & Youth; Economic Development; Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space

Join us on Monday, June 13 for an open conversation on patient and family-centred care, and how together we can advance our shared cause of an improved patient experience. This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about our new strategic plan, Putting the Patient in Patient-centred Care, and to participate alongside other patients and family caregivers in a discussion on what patient and family-centred care looks like to you. If you're unable to participate in-person, we invite you to join the conversation via webinar on June 15 or 16.

Time:  6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Venue:  YWCA Elm Centre, Nancy's Auditorium
Location:  87 Elm St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.patientscanada.ca/index.cfm?pagePath=Events/Community_Townhall_2016&id=75802
Phone:  (416) 900-2975
Categories:   Health/Health Care

World Literacy Canada is proud to announce the publication of From the Sky: Stories of Women Who Inspire Us, a collection of stories written by Grade 7 and 8 students from Kawenni:io/Gaweni:yo Elementary School on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. This multi-lingual educational resource and the resounding success of World Literacy Canada’s new First Nations Youth Storytelling Program will be celebrated at an official book launch.
Since September 2015, World Literacy Canada has been working in partnership and close collaboration with Kawenni:io/Gaweni:yo Elementary School to deliver storytelling workshops and one-on-one literacy training that engages students in creative writing, encourages them to share the stories of inspirational women in their community, and supports the development of reading, writing, and language skills. The students’ stories and accompanying illustrations are assembled alongside educational resources in Cayuga, Mohawk, and English in a one-of-a-kind collection to be used in schools and First Nations communities across Ontario.

Time:  6:00 p.m.
Venue:  Ben McNally Books
Location:  366 Bay St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.worldlit.ca/
For information contact:  rebecca@worldlit.ca
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Children & Youth; Native Peoples

Bob Bossin, Ellen Scheinberg and Harold Troper recount stories and songs drawn from their books and music that delve into the colourful underworld of Jewish Toronto during the first half of the 20th century. 6-8 pm. Free. Preceded by the Kensington Market Historical Society AGM at 5:30 pm.

Time:  6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Venue:  Lillian H Smith Library
Location:  239 College St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.kmhs.ca/event/boxers-bookies-bootleggers-the-underbelly-of-early-jewish-toronto/
For information contact:  info@khms.ca
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Music

We are writing you on behalf of Leap Ottawa Saute, a new grassroots movement in our city dedicated to creating debate on the Leap Manifesto.

We are hosting a community forum that will feature remarks from:
- Avi Lewis, filmmaker, The Take (2004), and This Changes Everything (2015);
- Verna McGregor, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Miniwaashin Lodge;
- Ken Smith: President, UNIFOR Local 707A (Suncor Workers, Fort McMurray, AB);
- Larry Rousseau: Regional Executive Vice-President (National Capital Region), Public Service Alliance of Canada.

The Leap Manifesto has drawn controversy which requires more discussion. Many see an urgent need for change in our society, and want debate on the way forward. That's the spirit in which our community forum will be held.
Background: The Leap Manifesto: http://www.leapmanifesto.org

Time:  7 p.m.
Venue:  Jean Pigott Place at Ottawa City Hall
Location:  110 Laurier Street West, Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/755267954614067/
For information contact:  Joel Harden: 613-869-5952 Kaitlin Milroy: 613-296-5466
Categories:   Environment; Native Peoples; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The 12th Prevention of Violence Canada National Town Hall meeting is an open public forum designed to connect and empower Canadians to address violence in their communities. This event offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with experts and advocates as they explore how we can build a safer healthier future for Canadians using evidence-based strategies for violence prevention.
This year we are honoured to hear from Audette Shephard.

Time:  7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Venue:  Sheraton Hotel - Grand Ballroom, Lower Concourse
Location:  123 Queen W., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.cpha.ca/en/conferences/conf2016/violenceprevention.aspx
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Scientists are saying that plastic pollution is as big a threat to the environment as climate change.
StopPlastics http://stopplastics.ca will present information about plastic, the problems it poses, and why plastic pollution must be stopped at its source. They'll be screening a short film and slideshow.
They urge the public to join them in their current campaign to stop plastic pollution by convincing Toronto City Council to ban plastic bags. Did you know that Fort McMurray has banned the single-use plastic bag? As has Iqualuit, and 172 other cities, and several countries. Come and learn more!

Time:  6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Venue:  Annette Library
Location:  145 Annette Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.green13toronto.org/
For information contact:  Green 13
Categories:   Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Every year on 14 June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The event, established in 2004, serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood.

World Blood Donor Day is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Tuberculosis Day, World Immunization Week, World Malaria Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Hepatitis Day, and World AIDS Day.

Website:  http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2015/en/
Categories:   Health/Health Care; International

Provocative and controversial shorts, documentaries and feature films as seen through the eyes of women directors. Jun 14-19. See website for details.

Venue:  Theatre Centre
Location:  1115 Queen W., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.femaleeyefilmfestival.com/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Women

Dealing with mental health issues in the workplace presents a unique and complicated challenge for employers. Hosted by employment lawyer Patrizia Piccolo, this breakfast seminar will update you on the issues relating to the accommodation of mental illness in the workplace and provide strategies on how to deal with this issue.

Time:  8am to 9am
Venue:  Mississauga Golf & Country Club
Location:  1725 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON
Website:  http://www.rubinthomlinson.com/employment-law-firm-workplace-training/breakfast-semin
For information contact:  Shawne Fagan
Phone:  4168471814
Categories:   Skills & Training; Labour, Workplace, Unions; Disability Issues

Have you ever wondered how you can address issues in the workplace before a formal complaint has been made? Do you struggle to connect with and gather information from your employees about their concerns? Are you interested in a proactive approach to identifying the root cause of conflicts and issues in your workplace that will assist in the resolution of those conflicts?

If so, this session has been developed with you in mind. Organizations are increasingly interested in using Workplace Assessments or Reviews to identify issues in the workplace and develop solutions before the issues become more serious and disruptive. During this one-day course you will learn:

How to identify the need for a Workplace Assessment or Review
The difference between a Workplace Investigation and a Workplace Assessment
How to draft surveys to gather employee feedback
Tips for conducting effective one-on-one or group interviews
How to assess the information received from your employees
Organizational tools for reporting
How to identify themes and prepare recommendations following the assessment

Time:  9am to 4pm
Venue:  Rubin Thomlinson LLP
Location:  20 Adelaide Street East, Suite 1104, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.rubinthomlinson.com/workplace-investigation-training/conducting-workplace-
For information contact:  Shawne Fagan
Phone:  4168471814

The death of Berta Cáceres has filled us with indignation. We carry the pain with us, but we also carry the strength of her thought, her work, and the longing for justice. The principles that she fought for are what will save humanity, which is why we call on you to participate in a worldwide protest that will bring all of our voices together to demand justice for Berta Cáceres, justice for Gustavo Castro, justice for COPINH and justice for the people of Honduras.
On June 15 in Honduras organizations and social movements, institutions, ordinary people will march to demand the immediate establishment of an independent research group that, in a transparent, thorough and comprehensive way, investigate the murder of our sister and companion.
On that day we would like our sisters and brothers from other countries in the world to join us by carrying out protest actions in front of the Honduran embassies of your respective countries.

Venue:  Honduran Embassies everywhere
Website:  http://www.soaw.org/
Categories:   International; Law Enforcement & Corrections; Human Rights, Law, Legal

On June 15th, Canada's International Trade Minister, Chrystia Freeland, will be holding a Town Hall on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) at the University of Toronto.

We know that the TPP is a terrible deal for us - we need to make sure that comes across loud and clear! Come out and join us for a community gathering on the evening of the 15th - before the townhall event - where we'll play some games, hear some songs, learn more about what the TPP means for each of us, and make it clear to Freeland that we won't stand for it!

And here's the great part: we want YOU to bring your ideas to our TPP festival. Are you an artist? Bring some art! Are you a musician? Bring your instrument! A local farmer? Bring your food! Do you have friends and family who want to hear more about this issue? Bring them too! We're hoping to make this a community event where everyone can contribute and get involved. Let us know if you've got something to contribute!

Time:  4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Venue:  Rotman School of Management
Location:  105 St. George St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/1056224024459333/
Categories:   Economic Development; International; Trade

The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 542 million in 1995 to about 1.2 billion in 2025. Around 4 to 6 percent of elderly people have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. Elder maltreatment can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. The incidence of abuse towards older people is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.

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.

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.

Categories:   Health/Health Care; International; Seniors

North by Northeast (or NXNE) is an annual music and arts festival held each June in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The festival’s main focus has always been live music, but it also includes a film festival, a comedy festival, art components, and a digital interactive media conference.

Time:  5 days
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://nxne.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Outdoor event with a performance by Hidden Rivers Singers (12:30 pm).

Time:  11:00 - 3:00
Venue:  Nathan Phillips Square
Location:  100 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON
Categories:   Native Peoples; Arts & Culture

Climate Change. How do we solve climate change when only 20% of the population is actively seeking to address the problem. As environmental-minded people we generally share reasons to change with people we converse with. Behavioural sciences lead us in a new direction. If we want our audiences to choose change, there is research to guide us.

This event will briefly detail concepts in the behavioural sciences. Directly after, and the primary effort of this workshop will be to provide attendees with experiential activities to fully understand, and practice the concepts introduced.

Time:  6:00 - 8:00 pm
Venue:  CSI Innovation Lab
Location:  215 Spadina Avenue #400, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dealing-with-climate-denial-what-can-i-say-to-help-someone-change
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development

"As climate change becomes increasingly visible, the cultural expression of this crisis is critical. The shift to sustainability is a cultural as well political
and economic issue. It requires that we change how we see the world."
Carole Condé + Karl Beveridge

With another NHL season drawing to a close - in the heat of mid-June - join us for an event inspired by the collision of hockey culture and climate change, as depicted in Condé and Beveridge's work Overtime (2016), now showing in the Public Exposures exhibition at 401 Richmond.

At OVERTIME FOR OIL some different strategies for cultural resistance to corporate oil will be examined and discussed with Brenda Longfellow and collaborator, Glen Richards.

Featuring for your consideration:
Comedian, author and political activist Robert "Rob" Newman's delightful and wickedly funny, one man show THE HISTORY OF Oil (video of a live performance).

Excerpts from 'While London Burns' an audio walking tour of London's web of oil.
Brenda Longfellow's 'Carpe Diem', a short operetta featuring a two headed fish and Texas oil men on there way to Fort McMurray and an intro tour to 'Offshore' an

interactive web doc concerning the horrors of Offshore oil and the Gulf of Mexico's BP disaster

Time:  8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Venue:  Urbanspace Gallery
Location:  401 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/1617610215221873/?active_tab=highlights
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment; Sports & Games

On June 16th, the Broadbent Institute is teaming up with Woodsworth College and the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources at the University of Toronto for a free event you won't want to miss: Workplace Democracy for the 21st Century.

To combat precarious work, enhance job satisfaction, increase productivity and support decent wages and working conditions, critical new thinking is needed. Come take part in an afternoon of thought-provoking speakers and panels including remarks by Institute Chair Ed Broadbent. As part of this event, we're excited to be releasing an important new discussion paper.

The event is free but seating is limited and registration is required.

Time:  2:00 - 5:00
Venue:  Innis College Town Hall
Location:  2 Sussez Avenue, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/workplace_democracy_for_the_21st_century
Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions; Business & Economics

Celebration of traditional and contemporary music, dance, theatre, storytelling, literature, crafts and food by Indigenous artists. Music by blues rocker Derek Miller, hip-hop artists Drezus and Supaman, singer/songwriter Leela Filday and others,art-making and more. $5, Sat free, under 12 free.

Venue:  Fort York
Location:  Toronto, ON
Phone:  416-392-6907
Categories:   Native Peoples; Arts & Culture

The Toronto Art Book Fair (TOABF) is a free public event taking place June 16th - June 19th 2016 at Artscape Youngplace featuring curated exhibitions, 75 Canadian and international vendors, and community programming that includes a speaker series, readings, talks, launches and workshops. In its inaugural year TOABF will highlight over 150 national and international artists, publishers, designers, curators, bookmakers, writers, and performers.

TOABF is dedicated to increasing the visibility, dissemination, appreciation, and understanding of the artists’ book and its contemporary manifestations within the visual arts field in Toronto and abroad. Independent artistic print culture has a rich narrative in Canadian art history, and is an often overlooked aspect of Canadian cultural identity. The goal of TOABF is to highlight these personal and collective stories, and elevate the artistic integrity of artists’ books by presenting artists’ books, multiples, and printed matter by Canadian and international artists to a wide audience.

Launch party 6-9 pm Jun 16.
Free.

Venue:  Artscape Youngplace
Location:  180 Shaw Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.torontoartbookfair.com/
Categories:   Publishers & Publishing; Arts & Culture

The Jazz Winnipeg Festival is a major Canadian jazz festival started in 1990 in Winnipeg. It is generally held in the month of June. A variety of Canadian and major international artists attend and perform in several related jazz genres. 2013 performers include The Roots, George Benson, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and others.

Notable performers from previous years have included Charlie Haden, Sonny Rollins, Dave Holland, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Wynton Marsalis, Al Green, Booker T. Jones and The Neville Brothers.

Time:  11 days
Location:  Winnipeg, MB
Website:  http://jazzwinnipeg.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Bed Post is Toronto's only sex/sexuality variety show, featuring everything from real sex stories, to erotica readings, to Sexpert segments, to arousing visual performancesÂ… and you are guaranteed to laugh, learn something, and/or get a boner.

Cost: $10
DOORS OPEN AT 7:30

Another showtime (Recurring Event): Jul 15, 2016 8:00 PM
http://socap.ca/event/bedpost-the-live-erotica-magazine-and-social/2016-07-15/

Time:  8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Venue:  The Social Capital
Location:  154 Danforth Ave, 2nd & 3rd floor, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://socap.ca/event/bedpost-the-live-erotica-magazine-and-social-2016-06-17/
Phone:  647.982.4545
Categories:   Performing Arts; Arts & Culture; Sexuality

JUNE 17TH - ANISHNABE / ALGONQUIN ELDERS INVITE YOU TO A MASSIVE SACRED WALK. SAVE OTTAWA'S SACRED SITE:

"It Is Sacred"

Anishnabe Elders vow to protect Sacred Site behind Parliament
Spiritual Algonquin Elders invite all Nations, people & Inter-Faith communities to a massive sacred walk with our special guests, the Cree Youth Walkers from the Journey of Nishiyuu. They return to the Sacred Site in support.

PLEASE HELP US ENSURE IT IS MASSIVE:
RSVP and help us know how close we are to our goal of ensuring a MASSIVE walk RSVP http://www.itissacred.ca/rsvp/
OR on the Facebook Event Page https://www.facebook.com/events/227969167582452/

Time:  10:00 AM - 1:00 PM in EDT
Venue:  Victoria Island (Algonquin Territory)
Location:  Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.itissacred.ca/#in-solidarity-with-algonquin-grandmothers-save-ottawas-sacr
For information contact:  Communications - andree@productionscazabon.com
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Native Peoples; Arts & Culture

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a United Nations observance each June 17. Its purpose is to highlight ways to prevent desertification and recover from the drought. Each annual celebration has a different theme.

This day was proclaimed on January 30, 1995, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/49/115.[

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/desertificationday/
Categories:   Health/Health Care; International

Life Imprinted is the fifth edition of this festival, which also features a short film competition. Opening night at Toronto Centre for the Arts.

With the mission "To Advance Diversity Through Korean Cinema", TKFF is a non-profit organization that aims to present authentic Korean cinema to the Canadian community, and to support local Korean filmmakers. Since 2012, TKFF has showcased over 20 feature films and 30 short films in Toronto; and received more than 120 submissions for the highlight Korean Shorts Competition in 2014. In 2013, in addition to the annual festival, TKFF co-hosted a workshop with the Toronto Arts Council for Korean-Canadian filmmakers on project-funding through grants. With a more diverse film selection than ever before, TKFF is proud to continue celebrating the cultural diversity of Canada.

Venue:  Innis Town Hall, University of Tornoto
Location:  2 Sussex, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://tkff.ca/
For information contact:  info@tkff.ca OR tkff.info@gmail.com
Categories:   Media, Entertainment, News, Communications; International; Performing Arts

Please join the Writers' Trust of Canada as we fête this year's winner of the $4,000 Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBT Emerging Writers. Two honours of distinction will receive $250.

Past honouree Brian Francis hosts a special celebration of the 10th anniversary of the prize on June 18 at the Canadian Writers’ Summit.

Free

RSVP - rsvp@writerstrust.com

Venue:  Brigantine Room & Tent, Harbourfront Centre
Location:  235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.writerstrust.com/Awards/Dayne-Ogilvie-Grant.aspx
For information contact:  info@writerstrust.com
Phone:  416-504-8222
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Arts & Culture; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

Get a healthy dose of heritage with Doors Open Fergus-Elora!
We are thrilled once again to throw our doors wide open to share a peek inside the places you can't normally go, tell stories you have not heard before, and bring you an experience you don't get every day.

Embracing the Doors Open Ontario theme of medical science and innovation, we will share the spaces and stories of local doctors and nurses - heroes and innovators of their day - as well as some of the other unique places that make Fergus-Elora so uniquely charming.

Use our handy passport as your guide to intriguing locations as well as for information regarding walking tours and additional activities.

Fergus - Elora welcomes you. So, please join us for a visit to the doctor that you won't soon forget!

Venue:  Fergus-Elora
Location:  Fergus-Elora, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Fergus-Elora.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Join us again in 2016 for another exciting year of Doors Open Kingston!

This year's theme of medical science and innovation gives Kingston an opportunity to feature its premier hospitals and its long history of teaching medicine and developing medical innovations.

Kingston is home to the Museum of Health Care, which is located in the former nursing-student residence at Kingston General Hospital. The museum strives to preserve the material history of our medical and health-care past with the goal of understanding the history of health and health care, particularly in Canada. Currently ranked as one of the top universities in Canada, Queen's University - together with Kingston General Hospital, Hotel Dieu Hospital and Providence Care - trains students and conducts important research. Together, these institutions provide specialized care and conduct research that is on the cutting edge of technology.

Venue:  Kingston
Location:  Kingston, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Kingston.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Health/Health Care

This year, Doors Open Muskoka Lakes will be dedicated to the municipalities' fabulous trails.
With an abundance of natural beauty, Muskoka Lakes’ trails are a must-see attraction. The Township of Muskoka Lakes has six wonderful trails available for hiking, running, snowshoeing, etc. Downtown Port Carling will also host a beautiful mural walk, while in Bala, a historical walk awaits you.

Make sure that you have your hiking boats ready and join us for many wonderful views, sites and experiences while exploring the natural beauty of Muskoka Lakes.

Venue:  Muskoka Lakes
Location:  Muskoka Lakes, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Muskoka-Lakes.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Nature & Outdoors

For much of the past 70 years, Yonge and Church Streets south of Bloor and the surrounding area have led a secret life: these neighbourhoods were home to the bars, clubs and baths that constituted what mainstream society thought of as "the twilight world of the homosexual." Join archivists and historians from the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA) on a walk through Toronto's queer past and follow the footsteps of activists who struggled to find a public space they could call their own.

Part One: In Church-Wellesley Village we visit some of the historical points that have made Toronto's gay village a centre of LGBTQ celebration and struggle.

Co-Presented with the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA)

Start Point: AIDS Memorial at Barbara Hall Park (519 Church Street)
End Point: CLGA (34 Isabella Street)
Cost: $20 - spaces are limited

Time:  1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Venue:  AIDS Memorial at Barbara Hall Park
Location:  519 Church Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://heritagetoronto.org/event/pride-walks-part-1-discovering-torontos-lgbtq-heritage-chur
For information contact:  email@heritagetoronto.org
Phone:  416-338-1338
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual; Tourism & Hospitality Industry

For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own Refugee Days and even Weeks. One of the most widespread is Africa Refugee Day, which is celebrated on 20 June in several countries.

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.

Categories:   Politics & Political Organizations; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; International

International Yoga Day, or Yoga Day, is celebrated on June 21 and was declared so by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 11, 2014. Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice or discipline that originated in India. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UN Address suggested the date of June 21 as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/yogaday/
Categories:   Health/Health Care; International; Nature & Outdoors

June is Aboriginal History Month. The 22nd annual National Aboriginal Day celebration is on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. The City of Toronto is hosting a Sunrise Ceremony and Flag Raising at City Hall Podium roof on June 21st starting at 5:30 a.m. The City and the Toronto Aboriginal City Celebration Committee are hosting related events from June 14 to June 23.

Celebration in honor of the history, culture and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Free.

Time:  5:30 AM - 7:00 AM
Venue:  City Hall Podium roof, Nathan Phillips Square
Location:  100 Queen W, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=91e546aa794fa310VgnVCM10000071d60f89
For information contact:  mmaracle@toronto.ca
Phone:  416-392-5583
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Native Peoples

At turns heartbreaking and hilarious, Boobs: Women Explore What It Means to Have Breasts, edited by Ruth Daniell is a diverse collection of stories about the burdens, expectations and pleasures of having breasts. From the agony of puberty and angst of adolescence to the anxiety of aging, these stories and poems go beyond the usual images of breasts found in fashion magazines and movie posters, instead offering dynamic and honest portraits of desire, acceptance and the desire for acceptance.

The Dora Keogh Pub will be hosting the launch of Boobs with the following contributors for multiple readings, books for sale, and an all around good time.

"A-T-C-G —-All the Cancer Grief" by Annie Parker, p.88
"Breasts" by Susan Gluckman, p.124
"Feathers" by Catherine Graham, p.126
"Opening and Closing" by Allison Jane Smith, p.152
"Skin Deep" by Devin Casey, p.160
"Amazon" by Betsy Struthers, p.170
"Strip, Reveal and Sex Appeal" by Kelly S. Thompson, p.188
"Miriam in Mexico, Postpartum" by Esther Griffin, p.207

Time:  7PM
Venue:  Dora Keogh
Location:  141 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://caitlin-press.com/boobs-the-anthology-canada-tour/
Phone:  416-778-1804
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Women

The Sled Island Music & Arts Festival is an annual independent music and arts festival held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Time:  5 days
Location:  Calgary, AB
Website:  http://www.sledisland.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Victoria Ska Festival aka Ska Fest is a music festival that takes place every summer in Victoria British Columbia, Canada. The festival is organized and executed by the Victoria BC Ska Society, a non-profit organization, and over 200 volunteers. It is the longest running ska festival in North America.

Time:  5 days
Location:  Victoria, BC
Website:  http://victoriaskafest.ca/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

In memory of women who have died on the streets - Stop the violence, Reclaim the Streets!
Every year we march in the Downtown East neighborhood of Toronto in memory of Carolyn Connolly and to honour too many other women, friends and family, that we have lost over the years. We march against the many daily occurrences of violence on our streets - the targeting of homeless, street-involved, racialized, sex workers, and Indigenous women, two-spirit, and trans folks. We march to demand better - an end to this violence and better housing, support and services that everyone deserves!
5:30pm - Community Meal & Music
6:00pm Rally
6:30pm March
*Kid friendly *Free meal *Wheelchair accessible rally space & march *Our feminism is trans inclusive!
Organized by: the Downtown East Women including Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, Regent Park Community Health Centre, Sistering, Streethealth

Time:  5:30 p.m.
Venue:  Regent Park Community Health Centre
Location:  465 Dundas Street East, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.ocap.ca/node/1288
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Women; Urban Issues, Transit, Housing, Public Space

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.

Yet abuse of widows and their children constitutes one of the most serious violations of human rights and obstacles to development today. Millions of the world’s widows endure extreme poverty, ostracism, violence, homelessness, ill health and discrimination in law and custom.

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.

Categories:   Women; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/277, designated 23 June as Public Service Day.

The UN Public Service Day intends to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

Since the first Awards Ceremony in 2003, the United Nations has received an increasing number of submissions from all around the world.

This year's United Nations Public Service Day Awards Ceremony and Forum will take place in Medellin, Colombia from 23 to 26 June, 2015.

Categories:   Labour, Workplace, Unions

Amnesia Rockfest is an annual outdoor rock, punk, metal, alternative, ska and hardcore music festival, that takes place each June in Montebello, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 2005 by then 17-year-old local resident Alex Martel, it has become the largest rock music festival in Canada and one of the largest in North America.

With a local population of 978 residents, the small town of Montebello attracts over 200,000 festival-goers during Rockfest. The event proposes a diverse lineup with mainstream acts, as well as cult bands, reunions, rarities and emerging talent. Aside from its lineup, Amnesia Rockfest is popular for its countryside setting, camping areas, carnival vibe and nonstop parties in the village throughout the weekend.

Time:  4 days
Location:  Montebello, Quebec, QC
Website:  http://www.amnesiarockfest.com/en/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Toronto Jazz Festival is a jazz event in Toronto and takes place for 10 days in late June through early July. Unlike the Toronto Beaches Jazz Festival, most of the events are indoors and located throughout the downtown core.

Location:  Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://torontojazz.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

This day was instituted by the International Maritime Organization to remember the importance of seafarers for our world. The Day of the Seafarer provides a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about life at sea, but also engage and grow our support base for seafarers' welfare.

Website:  http://www.imo.org/en/About/Events/dayoftheseafarer/Pages/Day-of-the-seafarer-2015.aspx
Categories:   Transportation & Travel; Labour, Workplace, Unions

featuring queer/trans-fabulous live performances, silent auction, raffle, and tons of artwork for sale
Launch Kalik with us! An evening of live performances by queer and trans artists, poets, and musicians, a silent auction and raffle, and tons of artwork for sale. Kalik is an interdisciplinary arts organization & spaceship, arriving at artistic creations as ways to vision future worlds that center the lives and stories of those of us currently living on the fringe and in the margins. Meet the creators behind Kalik and Dear Armen, and a rad community of artists. Let's celebrate together and vision into queertabulous creative and diasporic futures.
TICKETS: $10-15 in advance // $15-20 at the door // no one turned away

Time:  7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Venue:  Beit Zatoun Cultural Centre
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.beitzatoun.org/event/kalik-fundraiser-launch-party/
For information contact:  contactkalik@gmail.com
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

Over 2,000 sq. ft. of chess activities
3rd annual Children's Chess Championship
The 2016 Toronto Blitz Chess Championship
2 Giant life size Chess Boards
Free chess crown hats for every child
Free instruction from Canada's top chess players
Chess sets and items available at special chess fest prices

For more information or to register for the tournament please check the webiste or call the number listed below.

Venue:  Harbourfront Centre, West Side
Location:  235 Queen's Quay W, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.chessinstitute.ca
For information contact:  info@chessinstitute.ca
Phone:  647-852-2428
Categories:   Sports & Games

Escapade Music Festival is an annual electronic dance music (EDM) festival held on Canada Day (July 1) in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and hosts some of the biggest names in the electronic dance music industry.

Time:  7 days
Location:  Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://www.escapademf.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a United Nations International Day against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. It is observed annually on 26 June, since 1988, a date chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu's dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, just before the First Opium War in China. The observance was instituted by General Assembly Resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987.

The UN's 2007 World Drug Report puts the value of the illegal drug trade at US$322 billion a year.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/drugabuseday/
Categories:   Law Enforcement & Corrections; International

Torture seeks to annihilate the victim’s personality and denies the inherent dignity of the human being. The United Nations has condemned torture from the outset as one of the vilest acts perpetrated by human beings on their fellow human beings.

Torture is a crime under international law. According to all relevant instruments, it is absolutely prohibited and cannot be justified under any circumstances. This prohibition forms part of customary international law, which means that it is binding on every member of the international community, regardless of whether a State has ratified international treaties in which torture is expressly prohibited. The systematic or widespread practice of torture constitutes a crime against humanity.

On 12 December 1997, by resolution 52/149, 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, (resolution 39/46), annex, which entered into force on 26 June 1987.

Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International

The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (English: Montreal International Jazz Festival) is an annual jazz festival held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Jazz Fest holds the 2004 Guinness World Record as the world's largest jazz festival. Every year it features roughly 3,000 artists from 30-odd countries, more than 650 concerts (including 450 free outdoor performances), and welcomes close to 2.5 million visitors (34% of whom are tourists) as well as 400 accredited journalists. The festival takes place at 10 free outdoor stages and 10 indoor concert halls.

A major part of the city's downtown core is closed to traffic for ten days, as free outdoor shows are open to the public and held on many stages at the same time, from noon until midnight. Attendance at some shows is over 100,000 people and occasionally exceeds 200,000.[citation needed] Shows are held in a wide variety of venues, from relatively small jazz clubs to the large concert halls of Place des Arts. Some of the outdoor shows are held on the cordoned-off streets while others are in terraced parks.

Time:  11 days
Location:  Montreal, QC
Website:  http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/default-en.aspx
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (English: Montreal International Jazz Festival) is an annual jazz festival held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Time:  12 days
Location:  Montreal, QC
Website:  http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/default-en.aspx
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Stan Rogers Folk Festival, informally known as Stanfest, is an annual three-day music festival held in Canso, Nova Scotia.

Time:  3 days
Location:  Canso, NS
Website:  http://www.stanfest.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

International Co-operative Day is an annual celebration of the co-operative movement observed on the first Saturday in July since 1923 by the International Co-operative Alliance.

On December 16, 1992, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed in resolution 47/90 "the first Saturday of July 1995 to be International Day of Cooperatives, marking the centenary of the establishment of the International Cooperative Alliance."Since 1995 the United Nations' International Day of Co-operatives has been observed jointly alongside International Co-operative Day.

Co-operatives around the world celebrate the day in various fashions and each year the organising institutions agree on a theme for the celebrations. The 2010 theme was Cooperative Enterprise Empowers Women, to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/cooperativesday/
Categories:   Economic Development; Investment, Finance, Insurance; International

Music and Beyond is a Canadian summer music festival, featuring classical music in its varying formations (orchestras, choirs, bands, baroque groups and small ensembles) as well as a spectrum of art forms and cultural disciplines (visual art, drama, film, poetry, dance, architecture, science, yoga, tai chi, food and wine). Music and Beyond is also a not-for-profit organization with charitable status.

Time:  14 days
Location:  Ottawa, ON
Website:  http://musicandbeyond.ca/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is a summer folk music festival held in Birds Hill Provincial Park, near Winnipeg, Manitoba. It features a variety of folk artists from around the world, as well as a number of local artists.

Time:  4 days
Location:  Winnipeg, MB
Website:  http://winnipegfolkfestival.ca/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Festival d'été de Québec (also known as by its acronym FEQ, or Quebec City Summer Festival in English) is an annual 11-days music festival in downtown Quebec City during the first week of July.

Time:  11 days
Location:  Quebec City, QC
Website:  http://www.infofestival.com/Home/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Capital Hoedown is an annual outdoor music festival that takes place the second weekend of August in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Started in 2010, the three-day festival is North America's largest country music festival.

2016 Lineup
Blake Shelton
Kenny Chesney
The Band Perry
Old Dominion

Time:  3 days
Location:  Cavendish, PE
Website:  http://cavendishbeachmusic.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Evolve Festival is an annual music and cultural festival near Antigonish, dedicated to the promotion of sustainable living and environmental awareness. The festival uses renewable energy sources, recycled and biodegradable products and endeavours to limit solid waste. In 2010, Evolve Festival won the CBC Radio 3 contest vote for "Best Festival In Canada".

Time:  3 days
Location:  Antigonish, NS
Website:  http://www.evolvefestival.com/lineup-2015/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture; Environment

Mariposa Folk Festival is a music festival founded in 196.

Time:  3 days
Location:  Orillia, ON
Website:  http://www.mariposafolk.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Northern Lights Festival Boréal is an annual folk festival in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada's oldest music festival, in continuous operation since 1972.

Time:  3 days
Location:  Greater Sudbury, ON
Website:  http://nlfbsudbury.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

SOS, BATs, UOO, NPE, NCUEA, CELT, NEA BAT Caucus, and The Opt Out Florida Network are working with numerous organizations to build a broad coalition of like-minded people - from all walks of life and with diverse causes - to speak and march in solidarity once more. We envision bold actions and expressions of resistance for children and adults alike, which foster awareness and camaraderie in the movement.

Time:  TBD
Venue:  TBD
Location:  TBD, Washington, DC
Website:  http://saveourschoolsmarch.org/event/save-our-schools-coalition-for-action/
For information contact:  Bob George/bob@saveourschoolsmarch.org
Categories:   Education; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The Beaches International Jazz Festival is a 10-day music festival held each year in the lakeside Beaches community of Toronto in the month of July. The festival first started in 1988. It is one of Canada's largest free jazz festival with nearly 800,000 attendees, throughout its 10-day span. The Festival takes place across a number of venues. Stage concerts are held in several different parks within the area and also along a two kilometre stretch of the Beach main street - Queen Street East. Every year, the Festival brings in internationally acclaimed jazz performers while also showcasing local talent, including “new generation” jazz musicians. The Festival now hires around 1000 artists per annum, including 50 bands for its “StreetFest” event along Queen Street East. The Festival offers concerts at six stage locations: Kew Gardens Main Stage; the Latin Square and Big Band Stages (also located in Kew Gardens park); the Woodbine Park Main Stage and the New Generation and Youth stages also at Woodbine Park. The Festival holds a Workshop and Lecture Series which varies each year and is programmed to appeal to both professional musicians and to the general jazz loving public.

Although the festival is funded by the province's Ministry of Tourism and Culture, funding is also sourced from community donations. On November 2013, the Government of Canada donated 200,000 dollars as part of the Department of Canadian Heritage funding program.

Time:  17 days
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://beachesjazz.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

World Population day is an annual event, observed on July 11 every year, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues. The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989. It was inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987-approximately the date on which the world's population reached five billion people.

The world population (as of January 1, 2014; 9:24 UTC) is estimated to be 7,137,661,030.[1]

Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh(JSK)in India is doing every effort to draw the attention of the Media and the masses towards the issues of Population Stabilization, JSK will organize a "Walkathon towards Population Stabilization" at India Gate on 11 July 2015. In this Walkathon thousand of youths from Universities, Colleges and various public and private colleges are expected to participate.

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

Toronto Mad Pride Week is an arts, culture and community festival created to celebrate, empower and build community. We are working not only to end stigma and oppression that people living with mental illness face, but to show our strength and enjoyment of life.
Toronto Mad Pride Week is proudly brought to you by a group of ‘mad’, ‘crazy’, ‘consumer-survivors’, those who identify as having mental health issues, and allies.
This year, Toronto Mad Pride Week kicks off July 11th, with a diverse lineup of activities, discussions, and ‘mad’ festivities. Included among these are:
workshops on Tai chi, Mindfulness, and Improv for Anxiety
an academic panel on Anti-Black Racism & Madness
a strategy and discussion session for ‘Peer Workers’
nightly entertainment including: theatrical performances, music, poetry, rants, and more
a Street Fair & Marketplace
the Annual Bed-Push Parade that symbolizes the move from hospital to community, and is the official closing event of Toronto Mad Pride Week on July 17th

Venue:  various
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.torontomadpride.com/events/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Disability Issues; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The Council of Canadians St. John's Chapter encourages you to attend the climate change town hall on Tuesday, July 12 in Bonne Bay.
Town halls like this one are being held all across the country to inform the federal government’s national climate strategy, which the government has promised to release by the end of 2016.
The Council of Canadians is part of the People’s Climate Plan, a coalition of groups working to make climate action work for all of us. We are facing a climate crisis and we all have the responsibility to act. We need a national strategy that aligns with the science of climate change, builds a 100% renewable energy economy and is justice-based. Read more about the principles of the People’s Climate Plan.
We hope that you will bring your own local vision for the People’s Climate Plan to these consultations. Many people across Canada have said “no” to any new pipelines and have shared the ideas outlined in the Leap Manifesto.
We hope you will take part in a climate consultation to ensure that your voice is heard.

Time:  7:30 p.m.
Venue:  Merchant Warehouse
Location:  16 Water St, Bonne Bay, NL
Website:  http://www.canadians.org/event/bonne-bay-show-speak
Categories:   Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The TD Halifax Jazz Festival, formerly known as the Atlantic Jazz Festival, is the oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in Atlantic Canada. Designated a Hallmark Event by the Halifax Regional Municipality, the event spans two weekends (9 nights, 8 days), attracts up to 55,000 visitors, involves 450 volunteers and employs over 350 local musicians. Our stages proudly present jazz, the heart and core of our programming, and its relations--world, roots, blues, Latin, R&B, and more.

Time:  5 days
Location:  Halifax, NS
Website:  http://halifaxjazzfestival.ca/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

This is a historic moment: all over the world, people are taking bold direct action to stop new oil, coal and gas infrastructure and demand climate solutions. This July, we’re bringing the momentum to Massachusetts with a massive march and action against new gas pipelines. Join us!

We’ll spend Thursday, July 14 and Friday, July 15 walking the route of Spectra’s proposed Access Northeast pipeline, building community and training ourselves in direct action as we go. On July 16, we’ll march to West Roxbury to shut down construction on the Spectra pipeline there, alongside our partners from Resist the Pipeline. Finally, we’ll walk together to the State House, where we’ll take bold, visionary action together to show Governor Baker, and our legislators, that we’re ready to do what it takes to stop new fossil fuel pipelines.

The timing couldn’t be better: our legislators and governor are on the verge of major decisions about pipelines and our state’s energy future. This summer could be a turning point for our state, and our climate. You won’t want to miss it!

Venue:  Massachusetts
Location:  Boston, MA
Website:  http://www.350mass.betterfutureproject.org/
Categories:   Environment; International; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The UN estimates that the number of unemployed youth globally reached 74.5 million in 2013, the majority of whom live in developing countries. According to the International Labour organization, young people are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. One in five youths, or 125 million, are working but live in extreme poverty (on less than 1 US Dolar /day). The issue of youth unemployment is a major concern for both industrialized and developing countries.

Skills development is a primary means of enabling young people to make a smooth transition to work. In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 15th July as World Youth Skills Day. The goal is to achieve better socio-economic conditions for today’s youth as a means of addressing the challenges of unemployment and under employment.

Categories:   Children & Youth; International

Home County Folk Festival is a folk music festival in London, Ontario. It is an admission by donation festival held each July in Victoria Park in downtown London. The non-profit organization which produces the festival was formed in 1973, and they have held a festival every year since.

Time:  3 days
Location:  London, ON
Website:  http://www.homecounty.ca/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival (VFMF), founded in 1978, is an outdoor multistage music festival, located at Jericho Beach Park on the west side of Vancouver, British Columbia. It takes place annually, on the third weekend of July.

Time:  3 days
Location:  Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://thefestival.bc.ca/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Cleveland will be hosting the 2016 convention of the Republican Party for four days beginning Monday, July 18, 2016. Northeast Ohio is one of the most segregated regions in the country, while its largest city, Cleveland, is one of the poorest. Cleveland will be holding a celebration for a political party that has distinguished itself over the past generation by rolling back the gains of the Civil Rights and anti-poverty movements of the past, and has done everything in its power to defund and disempower residents of Cleveland and residents across the United States.

Location:  Cleveland, Ohio
Website:  http://www.endpovertynow2016.org
Categories:   Economic Development; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Inequality is growing in Ontario. Nearly every family knows someone who is having a hard time finding a decent job with living wages. The government has to decide if they really want to tackle the crisis of bad jobs and precarious employment. Work needs to be respected - in every sector of the economy. If you want a society where the next generation has a hopeful future, tell the Ontario government to take action.

Time:  1:00 p.m.
Venue:  Thistletown Community Centre
Location:  925 Albion Road, Rexdale, ON
Website:  http://www.labourcouncil.ca/
Categories:   Economic Development; Government & Public Sector; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Take Action! Inspire Change

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.

How the Day came about

In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.

Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; International

The Calgary Folk Music Festival (also known as "Calgary Folk Fest") is held in late July each year at Prince's Island Park, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. July 25 -–28, 2013 is the Festival's 34th edition. Now in its 34th year, the four-day Calgary Folk Music Festival annually features over 68 icons and upstarts from 16 countries on 11 stages in over 100 distinct concert and collaborative programming performances to a 52,000+ audience the 4th weekend of July at Prince's Island Park. A genre-bending affair, it features roots, funk, country, old-time, world and indie icons and upstarts from around the globe. Ever-evolving programming brings on-the-fly collaborations where musical arranged marriages spark one-time works of art.

Some of the artists the Festival has programmed in recent years include: kd lang, Decemberists, The Avett Brothers, Iron & Wine, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Billy Bragg, Corb Lund, Neko Case, The Felice Brothers, Kris Kristofferson, David Byrne, Gillian Welch, Elvis Costello, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Great Big Sea, Calexico, Feist, Rufus Wainwright, Hawksley Workman, Ani DiFranco, and Andrew Bird. The success of the festival is based largely on the commitment and enthusiasm of its nearly 1600 volunteers.

Time:  4 days
Location:  Prince's Island Park, Calgary, AB
Website:  http://www.calgaryfolkfest.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Since its inception in 1979, the Dawson City Music Festival has grown from a weekend barbeque in a field into the centrepiece of the Yukon summer. Diverse and always unexpected programming combined with our beautiful location make the Festival the most anticipated event under the midnight sun and a must-see for adventurous music lovers.

Location:  Dawson, YT
Website:  http://www.dcmf.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Edgefest, a yearly outdoor rock concert festival that primarily promotes Canadian rock music, began in 1987 and founded by CFNY-FM staffers Kneale Mann, Alan Cross, Earl Veale, and Phil Evans as a thank-you gesture to the listeners of Toronto radio station 102.1 the Edge and as a birthday party to commemorate both the station's tenth birthday, and the coinciding Canada Day. Since then, it has spanned 30 years, over 300 bands, over 500,000 attendees, and five locations; Molson Park in Barrie, Ontario, the Ontario Place Forum, the Molson Amphitheatre, Downsview Park, and most recently TD Echo Beach. It is now the longest running rock show in Canada.

2016
July 23, 29 & August 15

Time:  3 days
Location:  Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.edge.ca/edgefest/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Flush the TPP, a campaign organized by Popular Resistance, is organizing a Stop the TPP contingent in the March for a Clean Energy Revolution that is taking place in Philadelphia the day before the start of the Democratic National Convention.
Please join us for an art build the afternoon before (on July 23). This will be a bold and beautiful march. People are needed to help carry the many banners and props. We will hand out information about the No Lame Duck Uprising.

Time:  12:00 p.m.
Venue:  City Hall
Location:  John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA
Website:  http://www.cleanenergymarch.org/, www.facebook.com/events/224502341252764/
For information contact:  info@popularresistance.org
Categories:   International; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Trade

MP Adam Vaughan is holding a climate change consultation for his riding Spadina-Fort York, July 27th at 7pm. It's up to us to show up and speak up in support of an ambitious national climate strategy.

Sign up for the event on Facebook and email adam.vaughan@parl.gc.ca to let your MP's office know you're participating.

Together, we'll show our support for a People's Climate Plan that keeps global warming below 1.5 degrees, builds a 100% renewable energy economy that works for transitioning fossil fuel workers, and enshrines justice and reconciliation for Indigenous peoples.

Time:  7PM
Venue:  Trinity Community Recreation Centre
Location:  155 Crawford St., Toronto, ON

Environmental research, planning and management
To provide a platform to academicians, professionals, industrialists, environmentalists, researchers and activist from all over the world for interaction and exchanging their views in order to enhance their knowledge in the field of environment.

For more information:
Contact Name: Professor Dr. Subhash C. Pandey
Phone: 919826713114
E-mail: icer16.jerad@yahoo.com

Location:  Luebeck, Germany
Website:  http://www.icer16.jerad.org/
For information contact:  icer16.jerad@yahoo.com
Phone:  919826713114
Categories:   Environment; Science & Technology; Information, Libraries, Research

To provide a platform to academicians, professionals, industrialists, environmentalists, researchers and activist from all over the world for interaction and exchanging their views in order to enhance their knowledge in the field of environment This event is located in Luebeck, Germany.

Venue:  Luebeck University of Applied Sciences
Location:  Moenkhofer Weg 239, Luebeck
Website:  http://www.icer16.jerad.org
For information contact:  Professor Dr. Subhash C. Pandey
Phone:  919826713114
Categories:   Information, Libraries, Research

World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28 every year, aims to raise global awareness of hepatitis — a group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E — and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Hepatitis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic disease and killing close to 1.4 million people every year.

World Hepatitis Day is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day and World AIDS Day

Categories:   Health/Health Care; International

The Council of Canadians encourages you to attend the climate change town hall on Saturday, July 30 in Lachine.

Town halls like this one are being held all across the country to inform the federal government's national climate strategy, which the government has promised to release by the end of 2016.

The Council of Canadians is part of the People's Climate Plan, a coalition of groups working to make climate action work for all of us. We are facing a climate crisis and we all have the responsibility to act. We need a national strategy that aligns with the science of climate change, builds a 100% renewable energy economy and is justice-based. Read more about the principles of the People's Climate Plan.

We hope that you will bring your own local vision for the People's Climate Plan to these consultations. Many people across Canada have said "no" to any new pipelines and have shared the ideas outlined in the Leap Manifesto.

We hope you will take part in a climate consultation to ensure that your voice is heard.

Time:  10AM
Venue:  Patterson Room, Tatamagouche Library
Location:  Patterson Room, Tatamagouche, ON
Website:  http://canadians.org/event/cumberland-colchester-show-speak

The Osheaga Music and Arts Festival (French: Festival de la musique et des arts Osheaga) is a multi-day indie music festival in Montreal, Quebec, that is held annually at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène every summer.

Time:  3 days
Location:  Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal, QC
Website:  http://www.osheaga.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

SappyFest is an annual independent arts & music festival held in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada. Started by Paul Henderson, Jon Claytor and musician Julie Doiron as an extension of Sappy Records, the festival launched 2006.

Time:  3 days
Location:  Sackville, NB
Website:  http://www.sappyfest.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

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.

Categories:   Arts & Culture; International

The Council of Canadians encourages you to attend the climate change town hall on Saturday, July 30 in Lachine.

Town halls like this one are being held all across the country to inform the federal government's national climate strategy, which the government has promised to release by the end of 2016.

The Council of Canadians is part of the People's Climate Plan, a coalition of groups working to make climate action work for all of us. We are facing a climate crisis and we all have the responsibility to act. We need a national strategy that aligns with the science of climate change, builds a 100% renewable energy economy and is justice-based. Read more about the principles of the People's Climate Plan.

We hope that you will bring your own local vision for the People's Climate Plan to these consultations. Many people across Canada have said "no" to any new pipelines and have shared the ideas outlined in the Leap Manifesto.

We hope you will take part in a climate consultation to ensure that your voice is heard.

Time:  9AM
Venue:  Lachine/Dorval/Lasalle Constituency Office
Location:  735 Rue Notre Dame, Lachine, ON

Human trafficking is a crime that exploits women, children and men for numerous purposes including forced labour and sex. The International Labour Organization estimates that 21 million people are victims of forced labour globally. This estimate also includes victims of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation. While it is not known how many of these victims were trafficked, the estimate implies that currently, there are millions of trafficking in persons victims in the world.

Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. Slavery, in both its ancient and modern forms, is not only shameful, it is as the abolitionist John Wesley said “the execrable sum of all villanies,” and has no place in our world.

General Assembly resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities. It acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; International

The Boots and Hearts Music Festival is a multi-day country music festival in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, that is held annually at Burls Creek Event Grounds. It was previously held at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park from 2012-2014.

The festival, founded by Shannon McNevan, began in 2012 and was inspired by McNevan’s visit to the annual Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. McNevan’s friendship with first-year headliner Carrie Underwood played a large role in popularizing the festival.

Boots and Hearts has quickly grown to become the largest camping and music festival in Canada and is often considered the second largest music festival in North America behind only the CMA Music Festival. This success has drawn headliners such as Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line and many other country music stars.

2016 LineUp
Blake Shelton
Tim Mcgraw
Dierks Bentley
Sam Hunt
Chase Rice
Tim Hicks

Time:  4 days
Venue:  Burl's Creek Event Grounds
Location:  Oro-Medonte, ON
Website:  http://bootsandhearts.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is an annual four-day outdoor music event held the second weekend of August in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, established in 1980 by Don Whalen. The festival continues to draw many people from around the world as both spectators and performers. The current producer of the festival is Terry Wickham.

The festival showcases performers in many genres. Most years, folk, Celtic, bluegrass, blues, gospel, roots, and worldbeat acts perform. Past main stage performers include k.d. lang, Joni Mitchell, Stan Rogers, Great Big Sea, Oysterband, Loreena McKennitt, Norah Jones, Steve Earle, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, David Gray, Neko Case, Van Morrison, David Byrne and Michael Franti. In addition to the main stage and side stage concerts by individual artists, the festival has artists collaborate on shared stages.

The EFMF relies heavily on volunteers which keep ticket prices down. Volunteers do everything from picking garbage to working as stage hands. There are approximately 2000 people on the volunteer list each year.

The festival is extremely successful, but this has spawned problems. The 2012 edition sold out in just minutes thus leaving many potential fans without tickets and leading to a seller's market for resales. Not coincidentally, 2012 saw the inaugural edition of a new folk and rock festival, Interstellar Rodeo, launched by Folk Fest fan Shauna de Cartier of Six Shooter Records.

Time:  4 days
Location:  Edmonton, AB
Website:  http://www.edmontonfolkfest.org/festival-info
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

71 years have passed since the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is estimated that the bombs have killed 210,000 citizens by the end of 1945 and, over the years, have ruined the health of many of the survivors. The average age of the Hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivors, is now 80 years old, and many of them are still suffering from terrible health issues. To honor the memory of those who lost their lives to the atomic bombings, a coalition of citizens and peace activists will gather in front of the Japan Consulate General.

The coalition supports the commitment of the Japanese people to protect their peace constitution by retaining Article 9. It encourages them in their continued opposition to Japan’s reliance on the U.S.-Japan military alliance and the U.S. nuclear umbrella. It endorses their efforts to enroll the Japanese government to join the 127 states who signed the Humanitarian Pledge to fill the legal gap for the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons, just as the world had done for chemical and biological weapons.
The coalition’s conviction is that nuclear weapons must never be used again against any nation under any circumstances. The message of peace from Hibakusha to the people of the world is an appeal for all to realize a world free of nuclear weapons.

Time:  Noon
Venue:  in front of the Consulate General of Japan
Location:  299 Park Avenue, New York City, NY
Website:  http://www.popularresistance.org/calendar1/hiroshima-and-nagasaki-anniversary-peace-gatherin
Categories:   International; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The Celtic Roots Festival is a Celtic festival held annually in the town of Goderich. The festival celebrates traditional Celtic music and craft by showcasing a wide variety of musicians and artisans. Musical acts have come from as far afield as Ireland, Scotland and Wales, but have also included popular North American folk artists such as Maura O'Connell, The Wailin' Jennys and Garnet Rogers. The festival was first held in 1992.

Time:  3 days
Location:  Goderich, ON
Website:  http://www.celticfestival.ca/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Squamish Valley Music Festival is an annual music festival held in Squamish, British Columbia Canada over the second weekend in August.

In 2015, the festival will feature over 70 artists across four stages, led by the star-studded trio of headliners, Mumford & Sons, Drake, and Sam Smith.

Location:  Squamish, BC
Website:  http://www.squamishfestival.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The Squamish Valley Music Festival, previously LIVE at Squamish, is an annual music festival co-produced by Vancouver-based brand.

Location:  Squamish, BC
Website:  http://www.squamishfestival.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Rogers Sarnia Bayfest is an annual music festival in Centennial Park - downtown Sarnia, Ontario, Canada - that takes place in July each year.

Time:  4 days
Location:  Salmo, BC
Website:  http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

In 1994, the General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous People shall be observed on 9 August every year.

The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1992, of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.

Indigenous peoples contribute extensively to humanity's cultural diversity, enriching it with more than two-thirds of its languages and an extraordinary amount of its traditional knowledge.

There are over 370 million indigenous people in some 90 countries, living in all regions of the world. The situation of indigenous peoples in many parts of the world is critical today. Poverty rates are significantly higher among indigenous peoples compared to other groups. While they constitute 5 percent of the world's population, they are 15 percent of the world's poor. Most indicators of well-being show that indigenous peoples suffer disproportionately compared to non-indigenous peoples.

Indigenous peoples face systemic discrimination and exclusion from political and economic power; they continue to be over-represented among the poorest, the illiterate, the destitute; they are displaced by wars and environmental disasters; indigenous peoples are dispossessed of their ancestral lands and deprived of their resources for survival, both physical and cultural; they are even robbed of their very right to life.

Website:  http://www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday/
Categories:   Native Peoples; Arts & Culture; International

Pipelines, Power and Democracy
Free Screening and Discussion
A film by Olivier D. Asselin, NFB, 2015
In French, with English subtitles

The expansion of Canada's oil sands industry - one of the most polluting energy sources on the planet - represents a huge environmental challenge. And, as the NFB documentary Pipelines, Power and Democracy makes all too clear, when it comes to fossil fuels, political power doesn't always lie where we think it does.

From the hallways of Quebec's National Assembly, where parliamentary power resides, to campaigns waged by environmental defence groups and activists, director Olivier D. Asselin follows the journeys of four people who each adopt their own tactics to effect change. All are involved in the fight against TransCanada's proposed oil tanker terminal at Cacouna, Quebec, a battle that mobilized people concerned about protecting the St. Lawrence River.

The film documents the growth of an anti-pipeline movement over the course of two years, a movement that rekindled a sense of collective purpose and solidarity.

Pipelines, Power and Democracy propels us into the midst of an urgent battle being fought against those who embrace economic growth at any cost - while the fate of the planet hangs in the fragile balance.

Film courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada.

Time:  6:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Venue:  Annette Library
Location:  145 Annette Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.green13toronto.org/event/pipelines-power-and-democracy
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development; Mining & Petroleum

We invite citizen’s movements from around the world to make the next World Social Forum (WSF) a meeting essential for sharing our mobilizations, our resistance and for strengthening our struggles. We want the WSF in Montreal to be not only a place for sharing broad guidelines but also be a space that allows social movements to put forward political responses that can change the course of history.

The goal of the WSF 2016 is to gather tens of thousands of people from groups in civil society, organizations and social movements who want to build a sustainable and inclusive world, where every person and every people has its place and can make its voice heard.

Location:  Montreal, QC
Website:  http://fsm2016.org/
Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Have you ever visited a Caribbean island or seen images of paradise with turquoise waters and pristine white beaches, laced with palm trees?

Have you ever thought about environmental concerns facing islands? Did you know islands are the most vulnerable counties when it comes to development and climate change?

Join us in finding out more about environmental issues facing the island chain of the British Virgin Islands.
During the session we will walk you through the main concerns around waste, energy water and education, and then focus our discussion on waste and materials management. We will explore possible solutions and how small island states can learn from large countries and vice versa.

We are very pleased to have Charlotte McDevitt as our guest speaker. It will be an interactive and engaging session, like the previous one!

Suggested donation of $5 to cover our costs is much appreciated

Speaker BIo:
Before relocating to the Caribbean thirteen years ago, Charlotte McDevitt worked for the City of Cape Town, developing strategies to reduce litter, illegal dumping and waste to landfill.
Charlotte McDevitt completed her Masters in Industrial Administration in 2008 and her dissertation focused on how the BVI can reduce waste and improve materials management.
Charlotte McDevitt is the executive director of Green VI, a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to a greener, cleaner and healthier British Virgin Islands.

Time:  7:00PM
Venue:  CSI Annex, MEETING ROOM #1 (2ND FLOOR)
Location:  720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.meetup.com/Sustainability-Consultant-Network/events/232881568/
For information contact:  Andrew - ac1two1@hotmail.com
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development; Education

Celebrating the best in independent queer cinema, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival is Vancouver's second largest film festival and the largest Queer arts event in Western Canada. The festival hosts a variety of performances, workshops, panels, parties and more, facilitating a unique queer space for 11 days each August.

Venue:  Vancouver Queer Film Festival
Location:  405-207 W Hastings St., Vancouver, BC
Website:  http://queerfilmfestival.ca/
For information contact:  info@outonscreen.com
Phone:  604-844-1615
Categories:   Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual; Media, Entertainment, News, Communications

International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. The first IYD was observed on 12 August 2000.

Background
International Youth Day is observed annually on 12 August. It is meant as an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. During IYD, concerts, workshops, cultural events, and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organizations take place around the world.

IYD was designated by the United Nations in 1999 with the adoption of Resolution 54/120.

International Youth Day's Slogan for 2014 is Youth and Mental Health. For 2015, it is Youth and Civic Engagement.

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

PEACE FEST encapsulates our passion for social justice and hopes for a brighter future as we shed light on the dark chapters of the history of WWII in Asia.

At this unique festival, community members are invited to celebrate the pursuit for reconciliation and sustain their hopeful spirit for peace through the various outdoor activities and events such as: chalk art, origami-making, interactive performances, art exhibition, arts and craft vendors, diverse food vendors, and a peace boat ceremony in the evening.

Time:  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Venue:  Mel Lastman Square
Location:  5100 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.alphaeducation.org
Phone:  416-299-0111
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Performing Arts

Fancy something a little bit different? Join us at the 8th Annual Queer West Film Festival at Innis Town Hall Aug 12-14 where we’ve made the jump from our annual evening screening to a weekend film festival, with financial support from presenting sponsor TD Canada Trust. Eight years of shaping, forming, breaking, discovering and finding, ­ Queer West Film Festival in 2016 is about; glory, shame, distaste, trash and beauty.

This year we are walking on the wild side, with 24 films on sexual fetishes, sadomasochism and lesbian violence, as well as more traditional films on gender identity and human rights; We enjoy creating a festival by looking at the queer perspective from all corners of the world, perspectives that challenge normative views, propose an alternate way of thinking, and approach life and storytelling from another way. We’re proud to be the Greater Toronto Area second largest LGBTQ film festival.

Tickets - $14 for adults per evening. Students & Seniors with ID $10 a day. 3 day pass available

Venue:  Innis Town Hall
Location:  2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.artsfestival.queerwest.org/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

All five MPs in Waterloo Region are teaming up for this multi-constituency consultation. We need you to commit now to attend this most important of consultations!

We'll show our support for the People's Climate Plan. Organizers with the People's Climate Plan are calling for the national climate strategy that respects climate science and Canada's commitments in the Paris Agreement, ensures a plan to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050, and enshrines justice for all workers and Indigenous communities.

Time:  7:00 PM
Venue:  Kitchener City Hall Rotunda
Location:  200 King St. W., Kitchener, ON
Website:  http://act.350.org/event/peoples-climate-plan-actions/12893/
For information contact:  Laura - laura@divestwaterloo.ca
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development; Labour, Workplace, Unions

BDSM Writers Con is for writers, readers and anyone interested in exploring the world of Dominance and submission

This one-of-a-kink conference provides writers and readers with the ability to discover the complexities of Dominance and submission through workshops, live demos, and fascinating hands-on experiences. Our host & founder, Dr. Charley Ferrer provides you with the three little words you need to know that’s got erotic authors like Cris Anson exploring and Rolling Stone Magazine taking notice. We’re even in their documentary.

BDSM Writers Con brings together some of the TOP BDSM presenters in the world and veteran authors to help readers and writers explore the various nuances of the BDSM lifestyle and learning to write about it in a safe, playful and comfortable environment while you Mix and Mingles with your favorite and soon-to-be favorite authors.

Readers and writers alike love our Mix & Mingles and hands-on experience with BDSM toys, and our guided BDSM Private Party. Though if you want to try writing a verse or two, we’ll gladly help and will provide you with various workshops on how to market your books, self-publish or meet with a few of our attending publishers. Plus, you’ll be the first to know which authors won the Golden Flogger Award.

Location:  New York City
Website:  http://bdsmwriterscon.com
Categories:   Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language; Sexuality; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

The Havelock Country Jamboree is a four-day country music camping festival held in the village of Havelock, Ontario (located 170 km northeast of Toronto). Canada's Largest Country Music and Camping Festival. The festival runs Thursday through Sunday on the third weekend in August every year.

Time:  4 days
Location:  Havelock, ON
Website:  http://havelockjamboree.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

World Humanitarian Day is a day dedicated to recognizing humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as part of a Swedish-sponsored GA Resolution A/63/L.49 on the Strengthening of the Coordination of Emergency Assistance of the United Nations, and set as 19 August. It marks the day on which the then Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello and 21 of his colleagues were killed in the bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad.

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

The Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival is a three-day music festival that occurs every third weekend in August. It has six stages and features an international roster of artists as well as a strong contingent of Canadian talent. The event takes place at the Salmon Arm Fair Grounds, an 18-acre site at the base of Mount Ida in Salmon Arm, a town located on the shores of the Shuswap Lake in British Columbia.

Time:  3 days
Location:  Salmon Arm, BC
Website:  http://www.rootsandblues.ca/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

This year, Doors Open Aurora will feature sites and activities sure to suit everyone’s taste.

Guaranteed fun for the whole family! Don't miss your chance to explore the hidden treasures of this historical town located on the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Venue:  Aurora
Location:  Aurora, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Aurora.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

ICCE2016 commitee cordially invite all the participants interested in sharing their knowledge and research in the area of clean & renewable energy to submit their abstract and attend the ICCE2016. ICCE 2016 provides a platform for researchers and scientists to share their research work while the participants from industry can promote their products . This is an excellent opportunity for the delegates from universities and institutes to interact with the their colleagues.

ICCE 2016 takes place in Montreal, Canada. ICCE 2016 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 Montreal.

Venue:  McGill University New Residence Hall
Location:  3625 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC
Website:  http://icce2016.iaemm.com/
For information contact:  icce2016@iaemm.com
Phone:  (613)830-1760
Categories:   Environment; Science & Technology

ICCE2016 commitee cordially invite all the participants interested in sharing their knowledge and research in the area of clean & renewable energy to submit their abstract and attend the ICCE2016. ICCE 2016 provides a platform for researchers and scientists to share their research work while the participants from industry can promote their products . This is an excellent opportunity for the delegates from universities and institutes to interact with the their colleagues.

ICCE 2016 takes place in Montreal, Canada. ICCE 2016 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 Montreal.

Venue:  McGill University
Location:  Montreal, QC
Website:  http://icce2016.iaemm.com/
For information contact:  icce2016@iaemm.com
Categories:   Environment; Economic Development; Trade

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, August 23 of each year, the day designated by UNESCO to memorialize the transatlantic slave trade. That date was chosen by the adoption of resolution 29 C/40 by the Organization's General Conference at its 29th session. Circular CL/3494 of July 29, 1998, from the Director-General, invited Ministers of Culture to promote the day. The date is significant because, during the night of August 22 to August 23, 1791, on the island of Saint-Domingue (now known as Haiti), an uprising began which set forth events which were a major factor in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

Website:  http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/dialogue/the-slave-route/right-box/related-infor
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

After 7 years, the case is finally being heard. The Government of Canada still denies its role in the attempted cultural genocide of thousands of First Nations children. Join Marcia to send the message that the Government IS responsible for the Sixties Scoop, and this will not be forgotten.

Time:  8:15 p.m.
Venue:  Osgoode Hall
Location:  130 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/1200373570014312/
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Native Peoples; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The Women's Human Rights Institute and the Centre for Women's Studies in Education at OISE/UT invite you to join us for a special opportunity:
Civil Society Consultation on: "Good practices in the elimination of discrimination against women in law and practice"
with Costa Rican feminist jurist and activist Alda Facio, Chair of the UN Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and practice, for the forthcoming 2017 report on "good practices" to the UN Human Rights Council.
Advance RSVP is REQUIRED to: info@learnwhr.org and cwse@utoronto.ca

Time:  2:00 p.m..
Venue:  Nexus Lounge, 12th floor of OISE
Location:  252 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON
For information contact:  info@learnwhr.org and cwse@utoronto.ca
Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Women

Elizabeth May, Officer of the Order of Canada, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, is coming to Minden Community Centre to talk about "The Climate Criss: Where's the Action?"
Admission: $10 at the door

Time:  7:00 PM
Venue:  Minden Community Centre
Location:  55 Parkside Street, Minden, ON
Website:  http://www.environmenthaliburton.ca
For information contact:  Carolynn Coburn - mccoburn@halhinet.on.ca
Phone:  705 754-9873
Categories:   Environment; Politics & Political Organizations

Councillor Burnside's environmental day is on Sunday, August 28, 2016, and Hydro One Not For Sale and Keep Hydro Public will have an information booth. It is located in the Leaside High School Parking Lot at 200 Hanna Road. Hanna Road is east of Bayview Ave and west of Rumsey Rd. Entrance to the parking lot is one block south of Eglinton Avenue East on the west side of Hanna Rd.

This will be a great event because it is located in the heart of Premier Kathleen Wynn's riding.

Time:  10:00 a.m.
Venue:  Leaside High School
Location:  200 Hanna Rd, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/150739275353675/
Categories:   Environment; Government & Public Sector; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Toronto's first annual green and eco living and lifestyle market. Bringing the best in eco fashion, sustainable food, natural beauty and home décor all to one place. Nestled in the heart of Queen West.

Join us Aug 28th 10am-5pm at The Great Hall (1087 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H3) for a family friendly day of local food, green goods and green living. Admission is FREE and all are welcome.

For vendor inquiries and more information please visit our website www.torontogreenmarket.com

Live Green - Shop Local

Additional Contacts & Websites:

www.facebook.com/TorontoGreenMarket

Time:  10am-5pm
Venue:  The Great Hall
Location:  1087 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.torontogreenmarket.com/
For information contact:  Felicia - greenmarkettoronto@gmail.com
Phone:  6477635343
Categories:   Farming; Food & Beverage; Business & Economics

The International Day against Nuclear Tests is observed on August 29. It was established on December 2, 2009, at the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly by the resolution 64/35, which was adopted unanimously.

The resolution, in particular, calls for increasing awareness "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 resolution was initiated by Kazakhstan together with several sponsors and cosponsors to commemorate the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site on August 29, 1991.

Following the establishment of the International Day against Nuclear Tests, in May 2010 all state parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons committed themselves to "achieve the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons".

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

Enforced disappearance has frequently been used as a strategy to spread terror within the society. The feeling of insecurity generated by this practice is not limited to the close relatives of the disappeared, but also affects their communities and society as a whole.

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.
Special attention must also be paid to specific groups of especially vulnerable people, like children and people with disabilities.

Categories:   Human Rights, Law, Legal; International

Come out and hear Ester Reitar at a free talk at the Ashkenaz Festival

“Zingen far Sholem, Zingen far Broyt: Culture and Political Activism in the Jewish left in Canada”

For left, secular Jews, cultural life and political activism were inseparable. The rich cultural life of the secular Jewish left reflected and nurtured a socialist, internationalist and proudly Jewish heritage. From the first years of their arrival in Canada, in the early twentieth century, secular Jews demonstrated a profound determination to keep their language, politics and culture alive, a commitment that has continued into the twenty-first century. Their cultural life, emerging from its East European roots, was central to transforming all aspects of their new life in Canada. Jewish radicals established theatre groups, musical groups, dance troupes, a significant literary milieu, and popular education initiatives along with, and linked to, trade unions and political organizations.

The talk is based on Ester’s research for her recently published book, A Future Without Hate or Need: the Promise of the Jewish left in Canada. Accompanying the talk will be a power point presentation using archival photos. Ester is a professor emeritus from York University where she taught in the School of Women’s Studies. She grew up in the secular Jewish left in New York, and is a member of the United Jewish People's Order in Toronto. Her knowledge of Yiddish made this research possible.

Time:  6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Venue:  Harbourfront Centre, Marilyn Brewer Community Gallery
Location:  235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.ashkenaz.ca/dt_portfolio/ester-reiter/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Religious; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Charity contributes to the promotion of dialogue, solidarity and mutual understanding "among people."

Poverty persists in all countries of the world, -- regardless of their economic, social and cultural situation, particularly in developing countries.

On this International Day of Charity, the United Nations invites all Member States and all international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to commemorate the Day in an appropriate manner, by encouraging charity, including through education and public awareness-raising activities.

Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; International

September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. Celebrations take place around the world.

To raise public awareness of the extraordinary value of the written word and of the necessity to promote a literate society, the following writers are supporting UNESCO through the Writers for Literacy Initiative: Margaret Atwood, Paul Auster, Philippe Claudel, Paulo Coelho, Philippe Delerm, Fatou Diome, Chahdortt Djavann, Nadine Gordimer, Amitav Ghosh, Marc Levy, Alberto Manguel, Anna Moi, Scott Momaday, Toni Morrison, Érik Orsenna, Gisèle Pineau, El Tayeb Salih, Francisco Jose Sionil, Wole Soyinka, Amy Tan, Miklós Vámos, Abdourahman Waberi, Wei Wei, Banana Yoshimoto. Not only the writers contribute to raising awareness to the problem of illiteracy: along with the writers’ engagement, there are various companies and charity organizations that support the fight against illiteracy. Some supporters of International Literacy Day include the Global Development Research Center, Montblanc, the National Institute for Literacy, and Rotary International.

Website:  http://internationalliteracyday.org/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; Skills & Training

Opening Reception in the Community Gallery on September 9th, 2016 at 7 pm.

Featuring the work of artists Sam Bradd, Nicole Marie Burton, Ethan Heitner, Orion Keresztesi, Kwentong Bayan (Althea Balmes and Jo SiMalaya Alcampo), David Lester, Matt McInnes, Simon Orpana, Kara Sievewright and Tania Willard (Secwepemc Nation).

Join us for an art exhibition about past and present stories of labour activism in Canada. From the historic Stelco strike of 1946 to the experience of migrant care workers in the 21st century, this show reflects the diverse work of fifteen activist comic artists and writers from across Canada. The show celebrates the 2016 releases of Showdown! Making Modern Unions by Rob Kristofferson and Simon Orpana, and Drawn to Change: Graphic Histories of Working-Class Struggle, by the Graphic History Collective, both published by Between the Lines Press.

This exhibition is produced in partnership with Between the Lines and the Graphic History Collective. The authors of Showdown! wish to acknowledge that their research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Please also join us for The Hamilton launch of Showdown! taking place September 17, 7pm at the Workers Art and Heritage Centre.

Time:  7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Venue:  Workers Arts and Heritage Centre
Location:  51 Stuart Street, Hamilton, ON
Website:  http://www.btlbooks.com/events/view/draw-the-line-graphic-histories-of-work-struggle-and-act
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Labour, Workplace, Unions; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Supercrawl is an annual art and indie music festival held in downtown Hamilton, Ontario.

Time:  3 days
Location:  Hamilton, ON
Website:  http://supercrawl.ca/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

The City of Thunder Bay Heritage Advisory Committee invites you to join us for another Doors Open Thunder Bay event where you can explore significant heritage sites.
Approximately 15 venues will open their doors. Highlights include a working grain elevator, a repurposed school, local churches, a unique look at Prince Arthurs Landing and the NorthWestern Aviation Centre.

With the provincial focus on medical science and innovation, the community will also showcase facilities at Lakehead University and Confederation College as well as a tour of an early doctor’s home and displays of early medicine in the city.

Venue:  Thunder Bay
Location:  Thunder Bay, ON
Website:  http://www.thunderbay.ca/Living/culture_and_heritage/Heritage_Properties/Heritage_Events/Doo
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Take a drive back in time and experience the lives of the pioneers who settled the northwest corner of the county of Victoria.

Their livelihood ebbed and flowed with the logging trade through the first quarter of the 20th century. After that, farming involved much hard work and struggle in this area where the limestone plains and igneous rocks of the Canadian Shield converge (known locally as The Land Between).

The unique diversity of flora and fauna will make your visit memorable.

Venue:  Kawartha Lakes
Location:  Kawartha Lakes, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Kawartha-Lakes.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Nature & Outdoors

South-South cooperation, as an important element of international cooperation for development, offers viable opportunities for developing countries and countries with economies in transition in their individual and collective pursuit of sustained economic growth and sustainable development.

Developing countries have the primary responsibility for promoting and implementing South-South cooperation, not as a substitute for, but rather as a complement to North-South cooperation. The international community should support the efforts of the developing countries to expand South-South cooperation.

The Assembly also urged all relevant United Nations organizations and multilateral institutions to intensify their efforts to effectively mainstream the use of South-South cooperation in the design, formulation and implementation of their regular programs and to consider increasing allocations of human, technical and financial resources for supporting South-South cooperation initiatives.

Development cooperation beyond 2015 will have to increase and continue to support developing countries, with a special emphasis in poor and vulnerable communities facing sustainable development challenges, while mobilizing additional resources to address global challenges, such as climate change and managing global commons.

Categories:   Economic Development; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; International

Halifax Regional Municipality, Partners for Action, and ICLEI Canada will be hosting the fifth edition of the Livable Cities Forum: Changing Climate, Changing Communities from September 12-14, 2016 at The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax.

Since 2011, the Livable Cities Forum has drawn in hundreds of delegates to share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned on adaptation to climate change in Canadian communities.

We invite you to be part of the conversation on building community resilience to extreme weather and climate change. The 2016 program will explore themes of preparing, responding, implementation, and measuring progress on climate change adaptation in municipalities. Highlights include three full days of plenaries, sessions, and interactive workshops, as well as local study tours, dinner with Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, and a Partners for Action cocktail reception. See you in Halifax!

Venue:  The Westin Nova Scotian
Location:  1181 Hollis Street, Halifax, NS
Website:  http://www.livablecitiesforum.com/
For information contact:  LCF2016@iclei.org
Categories:   Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

The Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival is an annual music festival held each September in downtown Fredericton, New Brunswick, that features blues, jazz and world music.

The first festival in 1991 was held over four days in various existing venues around the downtown, including the inside of the Boyce Farmer's Market. In 2000, part of Queen Street was closed to traffic during the festival, a practice continued to the present day. Today, the festival includes dozens of acts spread out over 6 days. Venues include five dedicated tents, five outdoor "FreeHarvest" venues and 11 official pubs and clubs. It is the largest music event in the city.

Time:  6 days
Location:  Fredericton, NB
Website:  http://www.harvestjazzandblues.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

In the late 1960s, at the age of eighteen and living far from home amidst the thriving counterculture of Ottawa, Marilyn Churley got pregnant. Like thousands of other women of the time she kept the event a secret. Faced with few options, she gave the baby up for adoption.

Over twenty years later, as the Ontario NDP government's minister responsible for all birth, death, and adoption records, including those of her own child, Churley found herself in a surprising and powerful position - fully engaged in the long and difficult battle to reform adoption disclosure laws and find her son.

Both a personal and political story, Shameless:The Fight for Adoption Disclosure and the Search for My Son is a powerful memoir about a mother's struggle with loss, love, secrets, and lies - and an adoption system shrouded in shame

Time:  7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Venue:  Leaside Community Room, Leaside Branch, Toronto Public Library
Location:  165 McRae Drive, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Phone:  416-396-3835
Categories:   Government & Public Sector; Women; Children & Youth

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe 15 September as the International Day of Democracy -- with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy -- and invited all member states and organizations to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner that contributes to raising public awareness.

The preamble of the resolution affirmed that:

* while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region...

* Â…democracy is a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life.

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

The Sculptors Society of Canada is pleased to present Fragments: Art and the Explosive Remnants of War, a solo exhibition by Canadian sculptor Blake Ward, Thursday, September 15 to Wednesday, October 5 at the Canadian Sculpture Centre, 500 Church Street, Toronto ON M4Y 2C8. Opening reception Thursday, September 15, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 647 435 5858 or contact gallery@cansculpt.org.

Fragments is a series of de-constructed 1/4 life-size bronze sculptures focused on a devastating legacy of our generation, the civilian casualties of landmines. We have contaminated vast tracts of our world with unexploded remnants of war. Even though wars in afflicted countries may have ended, countless people around the world still live with the daily threat of these invisible enemies.

For information contact James Monaco 1 705 471-1299, james.monaco@fibreop.ca or
The Canadian Sculpture Centre at 647 435 5858 or contact gallery@cansculpt.org

Time:  Thursday, September 15, 2016 - 6:30am - Wednesday, October 5, 2016 - 9:00am
Venue:  Canadian Sculpture Centre
Location:  500 Church Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.sculptorssocietyofcanada.org/
For information contact:  gallery@cansculpt.org
Phone:  647-435-5858
Categories:   Arts & Culture; International

September 16 was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

This designation was made on December 19, 1994, in commemoration of the date, in 1987, on which nations signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

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

Join us for a day exploring some of Grimsby's best-kept secrets!
This year's event will highlight some new sites to visit, along with some favourites. We will once again host a Main Street festival, complete with a classic car show and special food items to enjoy. Also back by popular demand, the vintage trolley will visit Grimsby once again.
Save the date - and see you there!

Venue:  Grimsby
Location:  Grimsby, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Grimsby.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Celebrating our communities: past, present and future
This year's Doors Open Haldimand County event will focus on interesting medical and technological innovations. It will feature the history of the Grand River Navigation Company, the remarkable story of a very special pink ointment, the birthplace of the inventor of the Robertson screwdriver, a medical hospital site during the Second World War, and the history of our Emergency Medical Services.

Venue:  Haldimand County
Location:  Haldimand County, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Haldimand-County.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Science and technology is a Waterloo Region specialty, and it's the theme of our 14th Doors Open Waterloo Region event.

Venue:  Waterloo Region
Location:  Waterloo Region, ON
Website:  http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/discoveringtheregion/doorsopenwaterloo.asp?_mid_=17305
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Science & Technology

Wellington North opens the doors to some of their most intriguing and charming cultural and heritage sites. We invite you to experience these treasures first-hand.

Admission is free!

Venue:  Wellington North
Location:  Wellington North, ON
Website:  http://www.simplyexplore.ca/doors-open-wellington-north.html
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Join Rob Kristofferson and Simon Orpana for the launch of the graphic novel Showdown! Making Modern Unions. Art from Showdown! is also part of the exhibit “Draw the Line! Graphic Histories of Work, Struggle and Activism” at the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre.

Seventy years ago, thousands of North American workers took a stand for a better life. And they won. In 1946, in the United States, over a million workers in the steel, meatpacking, and electrical industries put down their tools and walked out; and striking Canadian workers tied up provincial rubber and logging industries, the Southam newspaper chain, central Canadian ports, and the national steel industry. Workers in Hamilton, Ontario hoisted picket signs at Westinghouse, Firestone, Stelco, and The Hamilton Spectator, and with the support of rallying friends and neighbours, turned the strikes into a community-wide struggle for decency, respect, and security.

Based on interviews and other archival materials, this graphic history illustrates how Hamilton workers translated their experience of work and organizing in the 1930s and early 1940s into a new kind of unionism and a new North American society in the decades following World War II.

Time:  7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Venue:  Workers Arts and Heritage Centre
Location:  51 Stuart Street, Hamilton, ON
Website:  http://www.btlbooks.com/events/view/hamilton-launch-of-showdown
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Labour, Workplace, Unions

Celebrate Reading at the Halifax Central Library!

Participate in numerous author readings, discussions, and activities, and shop in a marketplace that boasts the best selection of Canadian books and magazines you’ll find anywhere. There’s plenty to see and do at Canada’s largest FREE book and magazine festival!

Time:  11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Venue:  Halifax Central Library
Location:  Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS
Website:  http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/halifax/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Join us for another celebration of South Bruce Peninsula heritage ... featuring sites in the Hepworth, Sauble Beach and Allenford area.

Venue:  South Bruce Peninsula
Location:  South Bruce Peninsula, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/South-Bruce-Peninsula.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Celebrate reading in downtown Saskatoon at our annual festival!

Participate in hundreds of author readings, discussions, and activities, and shop in a vibrant Exhibitor Marketplace. There’s plenty to see and do for the whole family.

Time:  10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Venue:  Downtown Saskatoon
Location:  23rd St. E and 4th Ave. N, Saskatoon, SK
Website:  http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/saskatoon/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Sexual harassment and violence investigations present unique challenges to internal investigators. With the introduction of Bill 132, overcoming these challenges, and conducting a thorough and fair investigation has become even more important.

Join us for a practical, hands-on training session in which we will explore challenging issues such as:

How to make credibility assessments;
How to deal with difficult subject matter;
Dealing with vulnerable parties; and
The role of bystanders.
An examination of the legal framework in which sexual harassment investigations take place, as well as the psycho-social dynamics of sexual harassment and violence, will be included in this session.

This training is a must for any front line staff who respond to and/or investigate sexual harassment and violence complaints on behalf of an institution.

This course will follow the Rubin Thomlinson methodology of role play and problem solving, so that internal investigators will have the opportunity to enhance their skills, allowing them to approach and undertake these investigations with confidence.

Time:  9am to 4pm
Venue:  Rubin Thomlinson LLP
Location:  20 Adelaide Street East, Suite 1104, Toronto
Website:  http://www.rubinthomlinson.com/conducting-sexual-harassment-and-violence-investigatio
For information contact:  Shawne Fagan
Phone:  4168471814

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.

On 21 September 2015, the United Nations Education Outreach Section commemorated the day with a Student Videoconference at United Nations Headquarters.

The theme of this year's commemoration is "Partnerships for Peace "Dignity for All" which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.

The work of the United Nations would not be possible without the initial partnerships that were active in its creation and the thousands of partnerships each year between governments, civil society, the private sector, faith-based groups and other non-governmental organizations that are needed to support the Organization in achieving its future goals.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 document of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982.

The United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

Categories:   Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives; International

POP Montreal is an annual music festival occurring in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in the early fall, usually at the end of September or the beginning of October.

Time:  5 days
Location:  Montreal, QC
Website:  http://popmontreal.com/
Categories:   Music; Arts & Culture

Join us for another exciting year of Doors Open East Elgin!
In 2016, participating sites include museums, churches and community centres - plus much more! Come and explore East Elgin's heritage during this one-day event and discover what our communities have to offer. Whether you stumble on a hidden treasure, visit a location not normally open to the public, or simply enjoy a unique experience at an everyday location, you'll experience a day that will make you want to keep coming back!
Free admission!

Venue:  East Elgin
Location:  East Elgin, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/East-Elgin.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Markham has participated in Doors Open Ontario since 2003. Our 2016 sites are clustered in the Thornhill, Unionville and Markham Village heritage conservation districts.
The City of Markham is a place where the old and the new co-exist as a unique expression of our municipality.

With our blossoming city centre taking shape only a short distance away from historical Unionville, Markham is a city of contrasts and diversity that reflects our motto: Leading While Remembering.

Venue:  Markham
Location:  Markham, ON
Website:  http://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/Markham/RecreationCulture/SpecialEvents/DoorsOpen
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Sports & Games

A warm, welcoming community spirit will greet you in your visit to North Grenville during our very first Doors Open Ontario event.

Travel quiet country roads and experience our historical villages
Explore our trails and the Rideau River and Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hear our stories as you tour our beautiful heritage buildings and cemeteries
Savour the smells in a historical wood-burning bakery
Learn about a local resident who patented an improved spinning wheel more than 150 years ago
Experience the talent of theatre performers and musicians
See demonstrations by the Swordfighters Guild, a lace-maker and historical military re-enactors
Listen to “human books”
Visit new buildings that feature state-of-the-art facilities for livestock genetics, truck repair, advanced orthopaedic care, and a water pump station and reservoir

And, along the way, make some time for lovely teas and fundraising barbecues.

Venue:  North Grenville
Location:  North Grenville, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/North-Grenville.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Join us for our third biannual Doors Open event and tour 12 sites of historical or architectural interest.

Volunteers will be on hand at each site to greet you and provide touring instructions.

Venue:  Walkerton and Area
Location:  Walkerton and Area, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Walkerton-and-Area.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

The 6th Annual Toronto Disability Pride March in happening Saturday, September 24, 2016!

Starting at Queens Park and marching to the School of Disability Studies at Ryerson (99 Gerrard Street East) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

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!

Speakers will be announced soon!

Find us on Facebook and Twitter @DisabilityPM

We need volunteers and marshals for the march. If you have experience that is great, if not we're still happy to have your help!

Time:  1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Venue:  School of Disability Studies at Ryerson
Location:  99 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://torontodisabilitypride.wordpress.com/
For information contact:  torontodisabilitypride@gmail.com
Phone:  437-887-9693
Categories:   Disability Issues; Sexuality

The 6th Annual Toronto Disability Pride March in happening Saturday, September 24, 2016!
Starting at Queens Park and marching to the School of Disability Studies at Ryerson (99 Gerrard Street East) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
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!

Speakers will be announced soon!

Find us on Facebook and Twitter @DisabilityPM

We need volunteers and marshals for the march. If you have experience that is great, if not we're still happy to have your help!

Time:  1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Venue:  Queens Park and Ryerson School of Disability Studies
Location:  marching to 99 Gerrard Street East - via Bay Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toronto-Disability-Pride-March/291885294246152
Categories:   Disability Issues; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Celebrate Reading and Literacy with the Lethbridge Public Library!

The Lethbridge Public Library is proud to join communities across the country in a national celebration of literacy, storytelling, and the literary arts, by bringing The Word On The Street Festival to Lethbridge for the 6th year in a row.



The Word On The Street Festival is growing into a signature event in Southern Alberta, where we present established and emerging authors, storytellers, informative panel discussions, demonstrations and workshops, live music, tons of activities and a bustling marketplace. We strive to create a FREE local festival that represents the diversity of our community, is accessible to all ages, and most importantly is well attended, lively, and fun!

Time:  11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Venue:  Main Library
Location:  5th Ave. S. and 8th St. S., Lethbridge, AB
Website:  http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/lethbridge/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

World Maritime Day for 2015 is Thursday, 24 September.

The theme for World Maritime Day 2015 is "Maritime education and training". The theme was adopted to focus attention on the wider spectrum of maritime education and training, in particular its adequacy and quality, as the bedrock of a safe and secure shipping industry, which needs to preserve the quality, practical skills and competence of qualified human resources, in order to ensure its sustainability.

The 1978 STCW Convention and Code, as amended, set the international benchmark for the training and education of seafarers. While compliance with its standards is essential for serving on board ships, the skills and competence of seafarers, and indeed, the human element ashore, can only be adequately underpinned, updated and maintained through effective maritime education and training.

Categories:   Transportation & Travel; International

Welcome to Doors Open Windsor's 11th season!

The event has grown over the years from just 15 sites to more than 40. This year, Doors Open Windsor will feature 10 new sites along with past favourites. It will be an eclectic mix of the new, the old and the re-purposed:

Experience stunning architecture, sacred spaces’ history, the arts, technology and even genealogy
Enjoy guided street tours of several historical and architecturally significant neighbourhoods, presented by students from the St.Clair College School of Architectural Technology
Learn about local history and architecture in a series of free pre-event lectures
Choose from a selection of local restaurants serving Doors Open lunch specials

Check out our Doors Open website for all the details. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and watch for a pull-out guide that will be delivered in the Windsor Star a few days before the event.

Venue:  Windsor
Location:  Windsor, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Windsor.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Are you interested in working, volunteering, studying or living overseas? Check out opportunities in more than 100 countries at the 2016 Go Global Expo! (www.letsgoglobal.ca)

Taking place September 24-25 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (Maple Leaf Gardens) in downtown Toronto, this FREE event will showcase:

Volunteer-sending organizations, universities from around the world, jobs abroad, non-profit groups, jobs teaching English, internships, adventure travel operators and lots more!

Informational seminars and workshops presented throughout the weekend 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.

Pre-register online to save time at the door and get a free subscription to Verge Magazine!

For more information, please visit www.letsgoglobal.ca.

Time:  Saturday, September 24, 2016 - 11:00am - Sunday, September 25, 2016 - 5:00am
Venue:  Mattamy Centre at Maple Leaf Gardens
Location:  50 Carlton St, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.letsgoglobal.ca/
For information contact:  info@letsgoglobal.ca
Categories:   Transportation & Travel; Tourism & Hospitality Industry

Facing the Anthropocene, Fossil Capitalism and the Crisis of the Earth System with author Ian Angus

Science tells us that a new and dangerous stage in planetary evolution has begun - the Anthropocene, a time of rising temperatures, extreme weather, rising oceans, and mass species extinctions. Humanity faces not just more pollution or warmer weather, but a crisis of the Earth System. If business as usual continues, this century will be marked by rapid deterioration of our physical, social, and economic environment. Large parts of Earth will become uninhabitable, and civilization itself will be threatened. Facing the Anthropocene shows what has caused this planetary emergency, and what we must do to meet the challenge.

Bridging the gap between Earth System science and ecological Marxism, Ian Angus examines not only the latest scientific findings about the physical causes and consequences of the Anthropocene transition, but also social and economic trends that underlie the crisis. Cogent and compellingly written, Facing the Anthropocene offers a unique synthesis of natural and social science that illustrates how capitalism's inexorable drive for growth, powered by the rapid burning of fossil fuels that took millions of years to form, has driven our world to the brink of disaster. Survival in the Anthropocene, Angus argues, requires radical social change, replacing fossil capitalism with a new, ecosocialist civilization.

Ian Angus is editor of http://climateandcapitalism.com

Time:  2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Venue:  Beit Zatoun
Location:  612 Markham St., Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/events/554604694750598/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Environment; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Discover Canada’s Best Authors

Since 1990, The Word On The Street has proudly hosted the finest talent in Canadian literature. Below, check out the lineup of authors and artists who will appear at our 27th festival on Sunday, September 25, 2016.

Time:  11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Venue:  Harbourfront Centre
Location:  235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/toronto/
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Journalism, Writing, Literary, Language

Achieving global nuclear disarmament is one of the oldest goals of the United Nations. It was the subject of the General Assembly's first resolution in 1946. It has been on the General Assembly's agenda along with general and complete disarmament ever since 1959. It has been a prominent theme of review conferences held at the UN since 1975 of States parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Yet today, some 16,000 nuclear weapons remain. Countries possessing such weapons have well-funded, long-range plans to modernize their nuclear arsenals. More than half of the world's population still lives in countries that either have such weapons or are members of nuclear alliances. As of 2015, not one nuclear weapon has been physically destroyed pursuant to a treaty, bilateral or multilateral, and no nuclear disarmament negotiations are underway.

These facts provide the foundation for the General Assembly's designation of 26 September as the 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.

Categories:   Environment; International

How did a social movement evolve from a small group of young radicals to the incorporation of LGBTQ communities into full citizenship on the model of Canadian multiculturalism?

Tim McCaskell contextualizes his work in gay, queer, and AIDS activism in Toronto from 1974 to 2014 within the shift from the Keynesian welfare state of the 1970s to the neoliberal economy of the new millennium. A shift that saw sexuality - once tightly regulated by conservative institutions - become an economic driver of late capitalism, and sexual minorities celebrated as a niche market. But even as it promoted legal equality, this shift increased disparity and social inequality. Today, the glue of sexual identity strains to hold together a community ever more fractured along lines of class, race, ethnicity, and gender; the celebration of LGBTQ inclusion pinkwashes injustice at home and abroad.

Queer Progress tries to make sense of this transformation by narrating the complexities and contradictions of forty years of queer politics in Canada's largest city.

Time:  7:30 p.m.
Venue:  519 Community Centre
Location:  519 Church Street, Toronto, ON
Website:  http://btlbooks.com/events
Categories:   Arts & Culture; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual; Social Change, Social Justice, Alternatives

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.

At its Twelfth Session in Istanbul, Turkey, in October 1997, the UNWTO General Assembly decided to designate a host country each year to act as the Organization's partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day. At its Fifteenth Session in Beijing, China, in October 2003, the Assembly decided the following geographic order to be followed for World Tourism Day celebrations: 2006 in Europe; 2007 in South Asia; 2008 in the Americas; 2009 in Africa and 2011 in the Middle East.

Categories:   Tourism & Hospitality Industry; International

The Canadian Urban Forest Conference (CUFC) brings together leading experts from all across the country and provides an opportunity for dialogue between professionals and community groups on innovative strategies, policies, technologies, research and best management practices.

Venue:  Sheraton Laval Hotel
Location:  2440 Autoroute des Laurentides, Laval, QC
Website:  http://www.laval.ca/conference-canadienne-sur-la-foret-urbaine/Pages/En/home.aspx
For information contact:  Frédérique Boissier, f.boissier@ville.laval.qc.ca
Phone:  450-978-0991
Categories:   Environment; Management

Under Western Skies (UWS) is a biennial, interdisciplinary conference series on the environment. The fourth conference organizers invite prospective researchers, authors, artists, and presenters to consider submitting proposals for oral and poster presentations as well as workshops and panels.
The conference theme, Water: Events, Trends, Analysis, will be threaded through four inter- and transdisciplinary conference tracks
Under Western Skies 2016 is pleased to confirm the following participants:
Bruno Latour
Gaia Global Circus (Chloé Latour, Frédérique Aït-Touati, Olivier Vallet & Company)
Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair

The UWS Committee look forward to receiving contributions from all environmental fields of inquiry and endeavor, including but not limited to the humanities, natural and social sciences, public policy, business, and law. Non-academic proposals are also welcome.
Please submit your panel or individual proposal at https://underwesternskies.submittable.com/submit, by January 31st, 2016.
The UWS conference series is the 2015 recipient of the Environmental Community Organizer (ECO) Award conferred by the Environmental Studies Association of Canada (ESAC) (http://esac.ca/eco-award/).

Venue:  Roderick Mah Centre,Bella Conservatory,Mount Royal University
Location:  4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB
Website:  http://skies.mtroyal.ca/
For information contact:  Robert Boschman - rboschman@mtroyal.ca
Phone:  (403) 440-6456
Categories:   Environment

Doors Open Ajax invites residents and visitors to explore a side of Ajax that they have never likely seen before.
Take a tour of our past and into our future through various unique buildings.

Venue:  Ajax
Location:  Ajax, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Ajax.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Get the whole family together and enjoy Doors Open Burlington 2016 - with fun and fascinating sites and activities for all ages!

This year's event will feature sites located in the downtown and waterfront areas of the city. The event will also put a spotlight on important buildings, organizations and landmarks that make Burlington a culturally vibrant place to live, work and visit.
For a complete list of sites and activities, visit our website.

Venue:  Burlington
Location:  Burlington, ON
Website:  http://www.doburlington.com/
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Doors Open Mississauga is a fun and unique experience that allows you to learn more about the exciting city of Mississauga!

This event gives people the opportunity to visit sites that may be new to them and get a behind-the-scenes tour. Explore new sites or visit ones you already know and love.
There is so much to do and see during Doors Open Mississauga!

Venue:  Mississauga
Location:  Mississauga, ON
Website:  http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Mississauga.aspx
Categories:   Arts & Culture

Celebrate our history. Visit our cultural treasures!
Doors Open Oshawa gives the public a chance to explore the historical architecture and fascinating sites found throughout the City of Oshawa.
Join us for a memorable and fun day exploring our city!

Venue:  Oshawa
Location:  Oshawa, ON
Website:  http://www.oshawa.ca/things-to-do/doors-open.asp
Categories:   Arts & Culture