21 September 2008, 9:15 am–3:30 pm
SFU Harbour Centre, Room 1700
In honour of United Nations Day of Peace, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF – Vancouver), the Women’s Studies Departments of Simon Fraser and Capilano Universities, and the Vancouver Status of Women welcome you to an all-day conference to explore the impact of militarism and what women can do about it. Our goals are to publicize the problem and responses, both in Canada and abroad; to inspire further action; and to influence policy debates during the federal election.
Conference Schedule:
- 9:15–9:45 Registration; coffee and tea
- 9:45–10:15 Solidarity Notes songfest
- 10:15–11:00 Introduction and Welcome: Magnolia Villalobos, First Nations Elder Philipa Johnson
“What is WILPF?” Joanne Whitney
- 11:00– 12:30 “The Social Costs of Military Spending”Polls show that most Canadians assume that their country is a low military spender, but military spending has increased and is increasing dramatically. How has Canadian military spending impacted social programs, particularly those that affect women?Speakers:
Iglika Ivanova, Public Interest Researcher Canadian Council for Policy Alternatives (www.policyalternatives.ca, iglika@policyalternatives.ca)
Jillian Skeet, WILPF Vancouver
Dawn Black, MP New Westminster – Coquitlam
Sara Kendall, youth activist and rap artist (heartandrevolution@yahoo.com)
Lynda Gray, E. Dir. Urban Native Youth Association
Dr. Noga Gayle, Professor of Sociology, Capilano University, moderator
- 12:30– 1:15 Lunch
- 1:15– 2:30 “Women Peace and Security – UN Resolution 1325”In October, 2000 the UN Security Council unanimously passed 1325, a resolution relating to women, peace, and security that has been described as a “landmark resolution.” What is it and what does it mean, for Canada and for conflict-torn countries? What has been the role of NGOs in its adoption and implementation?Speakers:
Dr. Marlene LeGates, President, WILPF Vancouver
Senator Mobina Jaffer Ellen Woodsworth, President, WILPF Canada, moderator
- 2:30– 3:30 “What are we doing now? What can we do tomorrow?”We will hear about promising practices and experiences of organizations working to challenge militarism and promote peace. What can we do as ordinary Canadians?Speakers:
Dr Jerilynn Prior, Conscience Canada (www.consciencecanada.ca)
Mable Elmore, Stop War (www.stopwar.ca)
Satoko Norimatsu, Peace Philosophy Centre and Vancouver Article 9 Society (info@peacephilosophy.com, www.peacephilosophy.com)
Dyane Brown, WILPF Nanaimo (Dyanebrown@shaw.ca)
Susan Ruzic, War Toys to Peace Art (www.wartoystopeaceart.com)
Dr. Marlene LeGates, President, WILPF Vancouver, moderator - 3:30 Closing Remarks, Ellen Woodsworth, President, WILPF Canada
