Websitewww.futureispublic.ca

What

The Future is Public is a two day gathering of union leaders, activists, researchers, and community groups designed to share ideas and proposals around building a pro-public movement in Canada.

The objectives of the conference are to:

• Share knowledge about pro-public victories in Canada and around the world
• Explore the potential for a pro-public network in Canada
• Link local groups with international organizations working on pro-public initiatives

Why

Privatization is deeply unpopular and has been fought successfully. But if the anti-privatization movement only thinks defensively the best we can do is protect the status quo. A discussion about reclaiming and reimagining public services can help move us towards a clearer picture of what we want from our public services in the future.

This conference aims to generate outlines of such a common vision, working towards a pro-public movement that would develop proposals and campaigns for public services that:

• Address environmental crises and reverse deepening inequality
• Increase a sense of ownership and democratic input from workers and communities
• Create inclusive and equitable services

A strong pro-public movement has been developing internationally. From Germany to Argentina countries around the world are reclaiming public services that were once in private hands, democratizing their decision making and expanding their public mandates. Organizations in Canada can learn from and expand upon these victories.

WHO

The conference is aimed at a broad cross-section of participants, including labour leaders and activists from the public sector, NGOs and policy organizations, environmental groups, Indigenous leaders and organizers, civil society groups, anti-privatization activists and researchers. Simultaneous translation (French/English) will be provided where possible. Events will also be made available to a broader audience via video recording and documentation.

PROGRAMME

We have a great lineup of speakers (including Miriam Planas, Cindy Blackstock, Avi Lewis, Larry Rousseau, Maude Barlow, and many others), as well as space for networking, action planning and collaboration. For more information, see our programme page.

Registration

Space is limited and registration is required. Please register online soon to reserve your spot.

Costs

Conference fees are on a sliding scale from $0-$200, depending on ability to pay. Lunch will be provided at no cost on Saturday June 16, but attendees are responsible for all other costs of their participation.

Some travel subsidies for Indigenous participants, members of equity-seeking groups and low-income participants are available; please contact [email protected] for more information.

Organizers

The conference is being overseen by a Steering Committee composed of representatives from the following organizations:

• Friends of Public Services
• Municipal Services Project
• Canadian Union of Public Employees
• Ontario Public Service Employees Union
• Canadian Union of Postal Workers
• Public Service Alliance of Canada
• Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique – Quebec
• The Leap
• Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
• Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions
• Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
• National Union of Public and General Employees
• CONTACT

Please contact organizers at [email protected] with any questions