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UWinnipeg to Present Two Public Health Agency of Canada Events

PHAC Speakers Series features Dr. Pierre-Gerlier Forest, Feb. 27 & 28

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC – MB/SK Region) and The University of Winnipeg (Department of Urban & Inner City Studies) are pleased to present two special events this week featuring Dr. Pierre-Gerlier Forest, President of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. Event details are as follows:

Event #1: Social Justice in an Aging Society
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008
4:00–6:00 p.m.
University of Winnipeg, Lockhart Hall, Room 1L06

The real focus of social policy should be human dignity, which calls for a broad vision of social problems and an imaginative approach to social action. Aging puts these notions to a test, because it is so often defined as a one-dimensional issue (i.e. income, health or security), in need of a one-dimensional solution. In fact, aging affects our personal, private sphere, our daily life; and it affects the public sphere, the level at which we are making our collective decisions about collective issues. In consequence, as suggested by a variety of evidence, we should look at strategies that encompass multiple policy instruments and a wide range of resources, from the family to the community, without excluding some market-based solutions.

Event #2: What Game is your Team Playing?
Knowledge Exchange and the Policy Process
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008 – 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Public Health Agency of Canada, 275 Portage Avenue, Room 719
(Please plan to arrive early to sign in with Security on the 7th floor)

The divide between research and policy has been lamented and commented on for years. Some argue that the situation was the result of a series of misunderstandings, based on cultural and social differences. It is possible to bridge some of these differences by encouraging communication between researchers and policy-makers. But it might never be enough and one has to consider framing the issue quite differently.

Registration
To register, please contact Pamela Young via email at pamela_young@phac-aspc.gc.ca (or by phone at 786-7832), specifying which session(s) you’d like to attend. The events are free of charge, but due to room size, seating at the Feb. 28 event will be limited to the first 40 registrants.

About Dr. Pierre-Gerlier Forest
Prior to joining the Trudeau Foundation, Dr. Forest was Chief Scientist at Health Canada and was also Health Canada’s G.D.W. Cameron Visiting Chair from 2003 to 2005. In 2002, he held the position of Research Director at the (Romanow) Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada. Dr. Forest is currently associated with Laval University, where he is a professor of policy analysis and public management. He holds a PhD in History and Socio Politics of Science from the Université de Montréal.

About the Trudeau Foundation
Independent and non-partisan, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation was established in March 2002 with an endowment of $125-million from the Canadian federal government to honour the great humanitarian spirit of the former Prime Minister.

The Foundation funds outstanding scholars who conduct research in crucial societal issues, and creates opportunities for dialogue and multidisciplinary collaboration across organizations and disciplines under four key themes: Human Rights and Social Justice, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and Humans in their Natural Environment. Since 2002, the Foundation has granted more than 125 major awards in Canada and abroad.

The Foundation is creating concrete connections between the private sector, the public sector, and academia that do not grow on their own. Investing in a dialogue on crucial societal issues today will not only help Canada nurture a prosperous, technologically and scientifically advanced society, it will also help it become a creative and successful society in all of its dimensions. One that offers its citizens not only wealth, but quality of life, hope and optimism to face what lies ahead.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Prof. Judith Harris
Urban & Inner City Studies Program
University of Winnipeg
Ph. 786-9445

Caroline Krebs
Regional Policy & Planning
Public Health Agency of Canada
Ph. 789-7838

Claudette Michell, Admin. Asst.
Urban & Inner City Studies Program
University of Winnipeg
Ph. 258-2915