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Report on More Launch Events
OCTOBER 7, 2008 -- I've had a great time visiting a few cities and giving talks based on Economics for Everyone in several cities over the past few weeks.
My trip through Manitoba and Saskatchewan featured two evening talks in Winnipeg and Regina, organized in each case by the local branch of the CCPA (attracting about 75 people at each), and a smaller presentation hosted by the fine progressive economists at the University of Manitoba.
I also visited Sudbury for a leadership workshop with CAW Local 598 (Mine Mill & Smelter workers) -- one of the finest local unions you'll ever find. They know how to do it, alright: constant internal leadership development and education, new organizing (including their own community-based organizer), and playing an organic role in the broader community.
A real highlight was last week's evening fund-raiser in Halifax, sponsored by the N.S. CCPA office. Joan Wark worked her buns off with the detailed planning. Turnout was fabulous (150 or so), and so was the energy in the room. Venue was the Italian Cultural Centre, where I used to eat cheap spaghetti dinners when our family lived in Halifax from 1997-99.
Next morning I drove up to Acadia University in Wolfville to speak to Andrew Biro's big class in political economy. Another highlight of my trip to N.S. was a noon-hour phone-in feature on CBC Radio's Maritime Noon. It was kind of like one of those "Ask the Gardener" shows, where callers can find out how to care for their begonias. Except in this case they were asking the economist what the hell is going on in the financial world! Great fun, and thanks to Costas Halavresos for having me on.
The next public event around Economics for Everyone will be at the CAW Local 199 hall in St. Catharines, Thursday Nov. 13 at 7:30 pm -- co-sponsored with the St. Catharines & District Council of Women.
After the holiday break I will travel to Alberta and B.C. for a few more talks. The Vancouver & District Labour Council is sponsoring a workshop with me on Saturday, Jan. 31 -- stay tuned for details.