Conferences
The Future is Public: Building a Pro-Public Movement for All
Montreal, Canada
June 15-17, 2018
DESCRIPTION
This conference brought together union leaders, activists, researchers, and community groups designed to share ideas and proposals around building a pro-public movement in Canada. The objectives of the conference were to:
- Share knowledge about pro-public victories in Canada and around the world;
- Explore the potential for a pro-public network in Canada;
- Link local groups with international organizations working on pro-public initiatives.
Privatization is deeply unpopular and has been fought successfully. But if the anti-privatization movement only thinks defensively the best we can do is protect the status quo. A discussion about reclaiming and reimagining public services can help move us towards a clearer picture of what we want from our public services in the future. This conference aimed to generate outlines of such a common vision, working towards a pro-public movement that would develop proposals and campaigns for public services that:
- Address environmental crises and reverse deepening inequality;
- Increase a sense of ownership and democratic input from workers and communities;
- Create inclusive and equitable services.
The conference was aimed at a broad cross-section of participants, including labour leaders and activists from the public sector, NGOs and policy organizations, environmental groups, Indigenous leaders and organizers, civil society groups, anti-privatization activists and researchers.