The Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy

Progressive Dialogue and Policy for a Better Canada

Need to confront extremes: Pearson Gala 2019

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Need to confront extremes: Pearson Gala 2019

  • Date: April 25, 2019, 5:30 pm to
  • Location: Arcadian Court, 401 Bay Street (8th Floor), Toronto
  • To register: https://bit.ly/2T3UeB6
  • For more information: https://bit.ly/2T3UeB6

Annual Pearson Centre Gala “Progressive Leadership in Turbulent Times”

Thursday, APRIL 25, 2019

Toronto, Ontario 

Report in Brief:

Need to respond to global turbulence clearly and strongly: Pearson Progressive leadership Awards

Progressive Leadership in a Turbulent World requires new ways of doing things.  We have seen global turbulence in the last century, but today’s turbulence is different because the cause or the enemy is not always clearly identifiable.  Former New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor Margaret McCain expressed her concern that current turbulence is a threat to our democratic system.

Toronto Mayor John Tory said while he is more optimistic about the threats to our democracy, he is concerned that some of the trends abroad may infect us here….we are not immune.  Within Canada he said, the spirit of partnership is essential, rather than the politics of division which is growing.  He credited the current federal government for behaving like a national government and working with provinces and municipalities to develop national housing and transit strategies.

Tory and CLC President Hassan Yussuff expressed their concern of the growing openness of racism and xenophobia.   Yussuff also spoke passionately about the need in these time, to understand the importance of relationships and to work with other people.  We need to set aside our own biases and prejudices and work across party lines and across interests.  As a national labour leader he talked about how getting to know ministers and deputy ministers in various federal and provincial governments allowed the labour movement to push for policies such as saving Air Canada during the recession and more recently, extending the Canada Pension Plan.  Likewise he urged more understanding of climate change policies which also recognize the importance of pipelines in the West.

McCain reminded the audience of the need to build strong citizens by starting with early childhood education as a foundation for lifelong resilience and growth.

There was a consensus that developing strong public policy was critical to dealing with the challenges that face us currently and will do in the future.  Clear, strong and cooperatively.

The panel was moderated by Paul Zed of McCarthy Tetrault and Sandra Pupatello, Chair of the Pearson Centre

We live in turbulent and unpredictable times. Many countries are facing considerable challenge to their values and societies. Through this, Canada is relatively stable. Can things change here? Should things change here? How do we protect and advance progressive and centrist ideals for governments and public policy?

The evening will include a networking reception, dinner and a thoughtful panel discussion with four honourees.

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At our annual Gala we honoureda few stellar Progressive Leaders in Canada who make a real difference in our society.

Honourees:

HON. MARGARET McCAIN, Former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick

JOHN TORY, Mayor of Toronto

HASSAN YUSSUFF, President, Canadian Labour Congress

 

Co-Chairs: SANDRA PUPATELLO, Chairperson, Pearson Centre; Global Strategic Advisor

PAUL ZED,  Counsel & Strategic Advisor, McCarthy Tétrault

Past Galas have honoured the likes of…

Madeleine Albright, Lloyd Axworthy, Irwin Cotler, Bonnie Crombie, Roberta Jamieson, Bob Blakeley, Victor Dodig and Julia Deans

 

THE FOLLOWING ARE OUR SPONSORS for this event:

GOLD SPONSORS:
Air Canada
I.A.F.F.
Hon. Margaret N. McCain
SIGNATURE:
IBEW Canada
IUOE
Maple Leaf Foods
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
OECTA
Ontario Building Trades
Unifor
TD
LEADERSHIP:
Canadian Labour Congress
Charles Coffey
Power Corporation of Canada
Sandra Pupatello

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