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January 2017
The State of Journalism
Freedom of the press is one of the foundations of our democracy but the future of journalism is uncertain. The industry is facing unprecedented challenges. Traditional media companies are looking for new revenue models to stay afloat while the public has gotten used to getting news for free. Independent media organizations struggle with funding, resources, and breaking through the noise. At the same time, the rapid spread of fake news has left many people wondering what's real and what "news"…
Find out more »February 2017
Gentrification and Displacement in the City
We're teaming up with The Planning Clinic for a special event as part of the Toronto for Everyone festivities at Honest Ed's! Join us for one or all parts of the evening. Talk: Gentrification and Displacement in the City 6:00pm-7:30pm at Honest Ed's, 581 Bloor Street West Honest Ed's was not just a kitschy shopping experience; for many, it was an affordable space and community hub. Join us for a talk exploring neighbourhood change across Toronto as bargain-shop retailers exit…
Find out more »Refugees – Have they been warmly welcomed?
It’s been just over a year now since Canada fulfilled its commitment to take in 25,000 refugees from Syria. More have been coming since thanks to generous Canadians who have put in the time, effort, and money for private sponsorships. Now that they have been here a year, the federal support is running out. How are they doing? Are they struggling or flourishing? It isn’t enough that we simply bring people here, how have the support networks done to give…
Find out more »March 2017
Food Waste: A $31 Billion Problem
Every year, Canadians toss out roughly $31billion worth of food. That’s about 40% of all the food grown and imported in Canada, of which roughly half of it is done by households. Part of the problem is that food is too cheap (Northern areas notwithstanding). Food waste is a drain on our resources and is also an environmental disaster. Not only are fertilizers and pesticides wasted on food that never gets eaten, plastic packaging adds to the environmental load. How can we ensure…
Find out more »The Realities of Farming in Ontario
Living in the city, it's easy to feel detached from the people who grow our food. We're separated by distance and lifestyle but our lives are intertwined. We need farmers to grow food, and our purchases and votes affect their businesses and lives. Why Should I Care? and the St. Lawrence Market are teaming up for a special event about the realities of farming in Ontario. We'll talk about agriculture and free trade policy, sustainability, farm taxes, organics and pesticide…
Find out more »Improving City Council
Is it time to party up Toronto? Toronto City Hall can’t exactly be accused of great productivity. From debating the same subway more times than most of us care to count, to installing, then removing bike lanes, one has to question why there isn’t more direction at city hall. Would introducing parties into municipal politics help give voters a better sense of what each candidate stands for, what they can be held accountable for, and increase voter turnout? Could parties…
Find out more »April 2017
Food Waste: A $31 Billion Problem
Every year, Canadians toss out roughly $31billion worth of food. That’s about 40% of all the food grown and imported in Canada, of which roughly half of it is done by households. Part of the problem is that food is too cheap (Northern areas notwithstanding). Food waste is a drain on our resources and is also an environmental disaster. Not only are fertilizers and pesticides wasted on food that never gets eaten, plastic packaging adds to the environmental load. How…
Find out more »May 2017
Canada’s Mining Activities Abroad
"Canadian mining companies are among the worst human rights offenders on the planet." - NOW Magazine, 2016 Canadian mining companies have repeatedly faced allegations of environmental damage and human rights abuses, including child labour, slavery, and mass murder. Are Canadians aware of what's happening? In 2010, MP John McKay tabled private member's Bill C-300, also known as the Responsible Mining Act, calling for stricter oversight of Canadian mining companies abroad. The Bill would have withdrawn government funding and diplomatic support for companies…
Find out more »Electricity Pricing in Ontario
Amid soaring electricity bills, the future of the grid we rely on is in crisis. Efforts have been made to reduce electricity costs by stretching out payments, an expensive option that affects our children more than us. What is the future of the electricity grid? Can costs come down and still give us a grid that businesses and residents can rely on? Will new technologies make this important piece of public infrastructure obsolete? Join us on Monday, May 15 as…
Find out more »June 2017
Trans Rights: Improving Safety for the LGBTQ Community
In Ontario, a staggering 20 percent of transgender people experience some form of discrimination and abuse, 45 percent have attempted suicide, while a staggering 77 percent seriously considered it. Personal safety, something taken for granted by most of us, is a constant fear for many trans and gender non-conforming people. Many public institutions are now LGBTQ friendly, but we are failing LGBTQ seniors. Seniors facilities remain some of the least hospitable spaces. While the federal government has introduced Bill C-16…
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