Calgary – Political Engagement for Peace and Justice

With an upcoming federal election and multiple ongoing conflicts across the globe, many people in Canada are wondering what we can do to make a difference and what to do with our votes.

In this moderated panel discussion, we’ll be asking each of our invited speakers: “what do political leaders and ordinary people in Canada need to do to ensure true peace, security, and justice for all?” With the help of our speakers’ expert insights, we will delve into today’s most critical issues so that attendees can come away with key questions they can pose to political candidates in their ridings. We will share information, tips, and strategies for engaging with the federal election process.

Click here to register for the event!

Panelists

• Dr. Yvonne Poitras Pratt is a Métis scholar whose family ancestry traces to the Red River Settlement and more recently to the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement in northeastern Alberta. She teaches at the University of Calgary, including the mandatory First Nations, Métis and Inuit History, Education and Leadership course to future teachers.
• Derek Cook is a professor at Ambrose University and Director of the Canadian Poverty Institute. Derek’s work includes extensive experience in social research and policy development at The City of Calgary and in community development with various organizations across Canada. Previously he served as the Executive Director of the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative, leading the Mayor’s task force on poverty reduction.
• Neximar Alarcon is a Venezuelan-born communicator and arts leader dedicated to inclusivity and justice. As Director of Arts and Communications at the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, she uses storytelling to uplift marginalized voices. She has led impactful projects like the YEG Dignity Mural, Action on Ableism, and Intersections of Identity and has contributed to the Alberta Hate Crimes Committee. Balancing motherhood and working in her second language, Neximar’s leadership is defined by mentorship, resilience, and a deep passion for social change.

More details on panelists will be shared soon. Our panel will be moderated by representatives of Citizens for Public Justice and the Ploughshares Calgary Society.