2024 will be one of the most consequential years in the history of democracy. Elections have been or will be held in many countries ranging in size and power from El Salvador to India. The decisions of voters will determine whether the worldwide growth in authoritarianism over the past twenty years will continue or democracy will begin to make a comeback.

The US Presidential and Congressional elections on Tuesday November 5 stand out as an especially critical democratic moment for two reasons: first because they will be a supreme test of American democracy; and second because they will send a powerful message to the rest of the world, including the dictatorships and wannabe dictatorships.

The group will discuss the background and issues of Democracy on Trial and week by week follow the important democratic events and developments of 2024.

Mr. Robert Miller will lead the discussion. He is the author of Canada and Democratic Development and, prior to his retirement, served as President and CEO of the Parliamentary Centre, Canada’s leading institution promoting and supporting international democratic development.

Session #1 Wednesday, April 3: Is History Repeating Itself?

Session #2, Wednesday April 10: Democratic Fatigue and the Appeal of the Strong Man

Session #3, Wednesday, April 17: Big Countries and Small: The Cases of El Salvador and Rwanda, Russia and India

Session # 4, Wednesday, April 24: The Fire Next Door: The Authoritarian Impulse in the United States

Session #5, Wednesday, May 1: Donald Trump and the Invention of Trumpism

Session #6, Wednesday, May 8: Can it Happen Here? If Trump wins, is Canada next? A discussion with John Ibbitson, Globe and Mail columnist and one of Canada’s leading authors on politics and public affairs.

Registration recommended.   

Ready for more than conversation? These 4-week module classes will help build on your English language skills. Beginner and Intermediate sessions. Each session's registration will open three (3) weeks prior to the first class. 

Everyone welcome! Register online.  

You are registering for: Beginner classes : May 2, 9,16 and 23 2024

Vous cherchez un peu plus qu'une conversation? Nos classes en format module de 4 semaines vous aideront à développer vos compétences linguistiques en anglais. Sessions au niveau débutant ainsi qu'intermédiaire. Ouverture des inscriptions trois (3) semaines avant la première classe pour chaque session. 

Tous sont bienvenus ! Inscription en ligne.  

Vous vous enregistrez pour: session débutant: les 2, 9,16 et 23 mai 2024

Come meet to enjoy and discuss a wide variety of books selected by book club members. All are welcome!

Every second Thursday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.00pm.

Here's what we're reading in 2024/2025:

• March 14: Dead Wake by Eric Larson
• April 11: Warlight by Michael Ondaatje 
• May 9: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
• June 6: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Start-Up by John Carreyrou
• July 11: Mansions of the Moon by Shyam Selvadurai
• August 8: Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
• September 12: On the Ravine by Vincent Lam
• October 10: The Story of Us by Catherine Hernandez
• November 14: Snow by John Banville
• December 12: Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin
• January 9: A Newfoundlander in Canada by Alan Doyle
• February 13: The Drowning Woman by Robin Harding

Aimez-vous les jeux de société ? Jouer aux cartes ou aux échecs ? Vous choisissez le jeu ! Plusieurs options seront disponibles. Vous pouvez aussi apporter vos propres jeux.

Programme portes-ouvertes 

Do you love board games? Cards? Chess? Any game goes! We will provide an assortment of games, but you're welcome to bring your own board games, too.

Drop-in program