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Help chart B.C.'s economic future.

Are you weary of polarized debates about B.C.'s economy? Are you concerned about B.C.'s economic future?

If so, SFU Public Square invites you to its 2013 Community Summit, a province-wide conversation about how to chart a path for our future that creates wealth, promotes social equity and protects our environment.

From September 28 through October 4, the Summit wraps up many months of community consultations and conversations, as well as an extensive public survey about B.C.'s economy.

Among a number of opportunities for public involvement is a keynote conversation at Vancouver's Orpheum Theatre on October 3 with noted U.S. economist Robert Reich, moderated by CBC's Anna Maria Tremonti. With decades of research, 14 books behind him, and an upcoming Sundance award-winning documentary behind him, Reich will speak about income inequality and its impact on an economy.

The evening's sponsor, Vancity, has come onboard to enable the event to be free, as well as livecast for all to watch. (More below; check out SFU Public Square's website to learn more and secure your seat.)

How can you take part?

  1. Host a "Community Conversation" with friends, family, or colleagues.

    SFU Public Square will provide you with all necessary discussion materials and organizational support to facilitate and deliver a successful Community Conversation about B.C.'s economic future. The results will inform a daylong forum with key stakeholders on October 4 during SFU Public Square's 2013 Community Summit. Learn more →.

  2. Register for the "Our Future, Our Voice" Youth Forum (September 28th)

    Are you 16 – 25? Designed by and for youth, "Our Future, Our Voice" will bring young people from across Metro Vancouver together for an interactive day to explore their role in the B.C. economy. Register →.

  3. Register for the economic experts panel: "Does Our Taxation System Create Wealth and Social Equity?"

    Join some of B.C.'s best economic minds as they share their perspective on the benefits and challenges of the current tax system, with time for dialogue afterwards. Register →.

  4. Register for "Connected Local Economies:" September 30 (Vancouver) and October 1 (Victoria)

    What makes a thriving economy that builds connections between people and the places they live? Take part in an engaging and interactive evening with a presentation by economist, and award-winning author, Michael H. Shuman followed by a Nerd Jam led by The Vancouver Design Nerds.

    

Entry to both the Vancouver and Victoria events is by donation, but registration is required. There will be tapas and a cash bar. All proceeds support the bursary program for SFU's Certificate Program for Community Economic Development. Space is limited, so register now.

  5. Be part of the audience –- in person or via Internet –- for Robert Reich's keynote discussion with Anna Maria Tremonti.

    Robert Reich is one of the world's leading thinkers about work and the economy.

    Now Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at the University of California at Berkeley, he has served under three U.S. national administrations, most recently as Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton. He also served on President Barack Obama's economic transition advisory board.

    In his most recent of 14 books, the 2010 bestseller Aftershock: The Next Economy and America's Future, Reich looks at where the economy is heading after the Great Recession and what to expect over the next decade.

    In his Vancouver talk, he will speak about income inequality and its impact on an economy. Learn more & reserve your seat →.

  6. If it's all gotten too serious, laugh it off on Friday, October 4 at Urban Conspiracy2: It's the Economy, Stupid!

    See what happens when CBC Debaters Charlie Demers and Richard Side take on the challenge to bring B.C.'s traditionally polarized political landscape together for a night of comedic conversation, diabolical dialogue and high-wire hijinks. Learn more.

What's SFU's '100 Community Conversations' project?

Watch this to learn more.

Want to learn more about keynote speaker Robert Reich?

Watch the trailer for his new Sundance award-winning documentary, Inequality For All.

In this Tyee Presents series

polls

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Tyee Poll: Can you correctly guess BC's biggest industry?

Charting BC's economic future requires understanding our present situation.

26 Aug 2013


presents

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Tax the Rich, Save the Economy

Or else, warns ex-US labour secretary Robert Reich, we're on track for another Great Depression.

By Charles Campbell, 20 Sep 2013