Solutions Agenda - Rural Revitalization. September 29th, 2014 (10:00am - 12:00pm PDT)
This conversation brings together a diverse group of researchers and community practitioners to discuss rural revitalization. Rural spaces and communities act as the interface between human societies and the natural world, which positions them in a significant societal role, serving as the nexus between human populations and natural places. They have vital functions in harvesting and gathering the natural resources that are distributed to and used by communities of all sizes and urbanity. Hence, cities across the globe are interdependent with rural communities for fundamental needs such as food, energy and building materials for shelter. In addition, rural spaces serve as ‘gateways’ to natural environments, meaning they provide important opportunities for people to experience, recreate in, and connect with nature.
Solutions Agenda - Mental Health. April 23rd, 2014 (10:00am - 12:00pm PDT)
This conversation brings together a diverse group of researchers and practitioners to discuss the issues affecting mental health and solutions for improving mental well-being in communities. Mental illness is pervasive in Canada and affects everyone, either personally or through family, friends and colleagues. However, many people still attempt to suppress what they are feeling, avoiding treatment or confiding in friends and families to avoid the stigma of mental illness, so care is difficult. Psychologist and theologian, Marcia Webb, suggests that “[a]s a society, we shy from reminders of our frailty. If persons with mental illnesses are conceptualized as separate – as invisible within, or as intruding upon – mainstream society, then mainstream society may deceive itself and imagine that mental illness does not reflect universal truths about the human condition.”
Solutions Agenda - Cooperatives. October 10th, 2013 (10:00am - 12:00pm PDT)
This conversation brings together leaders of cooperatives in Canada and the research team to explore the relationship between the co-operative model and sustainability. The UN declared 2012 the International Year of the Cooperative, recognising the contribution of cooperatives to poverty alleviation, employment generation and social integration. But the contribution of cooperatives goes well beyond this. Some argue the model trains people in democracy, others argue the model contributes to peace and still others argue it contributes to sustainable development.
Solutions Agenda - Multi-functional Spaces. June 19th, 2013 (10:00 am to 12:00 pm PDT)
This conversation brings together leaders and planners behind three Canadian innovative multi-functional spaces with the CRC research team. Multi-functional spaces integrate multiple uses or functions in overlapping time and space. The multiple amenities offered by through these spaces appeal to diverse community members, including activists, artists, academics and social entrepreneurs, allowing them to act as incubators for new ideas, knowledge exchange, shared experience and experimentation. This connection of diverse communities can inspire innovative thinking and provide opportunities for collaboration across traditional boundaries.
Solutions Agenda - Energy. March 15th, 2013 (10:00 am to 12:00 pm PDT)
This conversation brings together leaders of innovative energy initiatives with the research team to discuss innovative solutions for developing sustainable energy systems. The United Nations General Assembly defines the concept of sustainable energy as “energy that is accessible, cleaner and more efficient…and…paves a path out of poverty to greater prosperity for all”. Achieving sustainable energy involves a complex process of developing energy systems in a manner that minimizes environmental and health impacts, creates economic opportunity, and ensures everyone has equitable access to power.
Solutions Agenda - Food Security. January 14th, 2013 (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm PST)
This conversation brings together leaders of innovative food security initiatives with the research team to discuss innovative solutions for equitable access to diverse and sustainable food system. Food security, as defined by the World Food Summit of 1996, exists “when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life”. It is an essential component of sustainable communities and food locality contributes to community resilience by reducing vulnerabilities to exogenous shocks.
Climate Change Innovation and Implementation in BC Communities. October 2nd, 2012 (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm PDT)
In this discussion, members of the MC3 research team and research partners will engage in a conversation on the preliminary findings from the eleven MC3 case study communities. This discussion will highlight climate change and sustainability innovations occurring in leading communities across the province, and will explore policy, technical and social strategies that are contributing to innovations aimed at reducing emissions and vulnerability and/or increasing sustainability.
Unmasking the Synergies - Climate change response and sustainable development paths. May 23, 2012 (1:30pm to 3:30pm PST)
In this discussion, members of the MC3 research team discuss the importance of investigating the types of climate change innovations occurring in BC communities. This conversation will illuminate the opportunities these innovations provide for social learning among communities and their strategic implications for transitioning to more sustainable development paths.
De-growth: A Critical Juncture? March 30, 2012
This dialogue consisted of a regional workshop exploring the de-growth movement and alternatives to constant economic growth and was held at Royal Roads University. The workshop featured virtual and face-to-face panels representing a diversity of perspectives, expertise and experiences drawing from economics, sustainable development, ecology and governance. This event was by invitation only to 30 British Columbian researchers, practitioners and civil society leaders to begin a critical dialogue on the implications of de-growth for Canada, and to develop a white paper to inform the International Conference on Degrowth in the Americas held in Montreal, May 13th to 19th, at McGill University.
Progress and Growth in the 21st century. October 27, 2011 (1:00pm PST or 4:00pm EST)
In this discussion, we explored the idea of community growth in modern times and discuss how it relates the prosperity of societies. This was the first in the series of Robert Bateman Critical Conversations that challenged the traditional idea that continual economic growth is the key to flourishing communities. The discussion also aimed to examine alternative models to continual growth to explore viable alternatives.
Tune in to e-dialogues and register in the e-audience and ‘listen’ in to the expert dialogue, there will also be a space available for audience discussion.
