NAC English Theatre Family Day—Head down to the NAC English Theatre for Family Day. Feb. 20, 12 p.m. Free. NAC. 53 Elgin St., Ottawa, Ont. www.nac-cna.ca

Olivia Chow’s Family Day Skate—NDP MP Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina, Ont.) is hosting two Family Day skating events: the first from 1-3 p.m. at Christie Pits Rink (Crawford St. north of Bloor); the second from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Trinity Bellwoods Rink (Gore Vale Ave. south of Dundas), Toronto, Ont. www.oliviachow.ca

Canada and Asia: Setting a New Policy Agenda—This is a biennial Canadian Foreign Policy Journal junior scholars’ workshop. This year’s theme is “Canada and Asia: Setting a New Policy Agenda.” Panel topics include regional security challenges, the feasibility of developing a unified policy, and the role of formal and informal diplomacy in trans-Pacific relations. Feb. 20-21. Senate Boardroom, 6th floor, Robertson Hall, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ont. cfpj@carleton.ca

Parliamentary Associations—House of Commons Speaker Andrew Scheer and a delegation travel to London, U.K. Feb. 20-22. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia

Harnessing the power of innovation—Join guest speaker Russell Williams, president of RX&D Canada’s Research-based Pharmaceutical Companies, for a  talk on “Harnessing the Power of Innovation to Improve the Lives of Canadians, Realize Sustainable Health Systems and Secure Canadian Prosperity.” Presented by the National Press Club of Canada. Feb. 21, 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m., $27.50 members; $29 others. Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert St., Ottawa, Ont. Reserve to treasurer@pressclubcanada.ca

Changing Demographics in Canada—Join Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Diane Finley for a talk on “Changing Demographics in Canada.” Presented by the Canadian Club of Toronto. Feb. 21, 11:30 a.m., $65 members; $75 non-members. Ballroom, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Ont. www.canadianclub.org

The Resources Commodity Boom: Past and Future Perspectives—Join guest speaker Quentin Grafton, Australian Bureau of Resources and Energy, for a talk on “The Resources Commodity Boom: Past and Future Perspectives.” Presented by the Economic Club of Canada. Feb. 21, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Westin Hotel, 11 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ont. www.economicclub.ca

Public Consultation: Horizon 2067 Plan for Canada’s Capital—The NCC is holding a Public Consultation: Horizon 2067 Plan for Canada’s Capital evening workshop. Feb. 21, 6 p.m. Museum of Civilization; Feb. 22, 6 p.m. Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Ont.. RSVP by Feb. 17 at 613-239-5000 or info@ncc-ccn.ca

Spaghetti Dinner with Bob Rae—The Federal Liberal Association of Brossard-La Prairie is hosting a spaghetti dinner with special guest Bob Rae, interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Feb. 21, 6 p.m., $20. La Casa Grecque, 8245 Taschereau Blvd., Brossard, Que. Alexandra Mendes at 514-260-9315.

Influencing Through Evaluation—The Canadian Evaluation Society (National Capital Chapter) will be holding its annual learning event. Keynote panelists include Liseanne Forand, president of Shared Services Canada; Al Hatton, president and CEO of United Way Canada; Jim Mitchell, founding partner Sussex Circle; and Dr. Daniel Caron, deputy head and librarian and archivist of Canada, Library and Archives Canada. Choose from a variety of interactive panel presentations and session on topics such as “Innovative approaches to Communicating Evaluation Findings” and the “Role of Evaluation in Effecting Change.” Feb. 21. For more information visit http://ncc.evaluationcanada.ca/en/learning_events/ale2012

Canadian Organic Science Conference—More than 150 participants will gather for the Canadian Organic Science Conference where they will share new developments in organic bread, fruit, vegetable and wine production. The two-day conference is part of the Canadian Organic Science Cluster, a national initiative in strategic research in organic agriculture. Feb. 21-22. Agriculture Building, Fort Garry campus, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man. 204-474-6077.

2012 SME Information and Networking Day—CADSI presents a don’t-miss event for small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) trying to navigate the maze of defence and security procurement in Canada. Feb. 22, $105. Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, Ont. www.defenceandsecurity.ca

2012 Annual Winter Warm Up—CADSI presents its Winter Warm Up, an opportunity to meet and network with colleagues and clients from industry and government organizations, as well as high-ranking government and Canadian Forces officials. The reception will be hosted by Tim Page, CADSI president. Feb. 22, 5-7 p.m., $85 members; $85 government. Adam Room, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St. 613-235-5337.

Parliament 2012—The Munk Centre for International Studies presents a panel discussion on Parliament 2012. Speakers include Conservative MP Michael Chong (Wellington-Halton Hills, Ont.) and Steve Paikin, anchor of TVO’s The Agenda. Feb. 22, 7-9:30 p.m. Vivian and David Campbell Conference Centre, 1 Devonshire Pl., Toronto, Ont. 416-946-8900.

To Freedom: The Words of Vaclav Havel—Third Wall Theatre Company presents a dramatic reading of To Freedom, the works of Vaclav Havel. Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., $20. Glebe-St. James United Church, 650 Lyon St. S., Ottawa, Ont. 613-236-1425 or www.thirdwall.com

Federal Liberal Breakfast Club—Join guest speaker Prof. Alan Cassels, Victoria University, for a talk on “The Pharmaceutical Lobby and the Cost of Prescription Drugs.” Part of the Federal Liberal Breakfast Club speaker series. Feb. 22, 7 a.m., $20. Luca’s Cucina, 3195 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. Contact: Jean Casey at 250-384-1334.

Mayor’s Breakfast Series—Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson welcomes guest speaker Allan Rock, president of the University of Ottawa. Presented by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. Feb. 23, 7:15 a.m., $30 members; $35 non-members. Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W. www.obj.ca

2012 Ottawa Conference on Defence and Security—The Conference of Defence Associations presents the 2012 Ottawa Conference on Defence and Security. Keynote speakers include National Defence Minister Peter MacKay, Ray Mabus, U.S. Secretary of the Navy, Lt.-Gen. Charles Bouchard, commander NATO forces in Libya, as well as Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Walter Natynczyk. Feb. 23-24. Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, Ont. http://cda-cdai.ca/cda/annual-general-meeting/ottawaconference2012

25th Annual Conference on World Issues—Approximately 500 students from both English and French language high schools in Ottawa-Gatineau will attend a day of workshops on a wide range of international and security issues. Presented by CSDS at Carleton University. Feb. 23, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Southam Hall and Tory Building, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr. http://www3.carleton.ca/csds/

The Dierdre G. Martin Memorial Lecture on Privacy Law—Join guest speaker Dr. Gus Hosein, executive director, Privacy International. He will speak on “Is Privacy at Risk of Being a Real Human Right. Perspectives from Europe and Developing Countries.” Feb. 23, 4 p.m. Reception to follow. Gowlings Moot Court, (FTX 147), Fauteux Hall, University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, 57 Louis-Pasteur St., Ottawa, Ont. 613-562-5800 ext. 3206.

The Canada we want in 2020: Increasing Innovation & Productivity—If productivity growth and innovation are the sine qua non for economic prosperity, what policies remedies and steps are required to turn around Canada’s lack of productivity growth? It is time for a much more aggressive, focused and creative federal policy response to Canada’s productivity growth and innovation challenge. Join Canada 2020 and hear directly from the authors on their proposals and from other leading thinkers. Without action, we risk falling further behind and losing the revenues that enable us to sustain our standard of living. Panelists include Kevin G. Lynch. Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa, Ont. http://canada2020.ca/

After Drummond: The Case for Public Engagement—The Public Policy Forum presents a day-long seminar, facilitated by Dr. Don Lenihan, VP engagement of the PPF. The Drummond Report is coming. Frances Lankin and Munir Sheikh will deliver their review of social assistance. Government’s gears are shifting and, whatever else happens, the discussion around designing and delivering services is about to change. Feb. 24, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $375. Sheraton Centre Hotel, 123 Queen St., Toronto, Ont. http://www.ppforum.ca/after-drummond-case-public-engagement-february-24-2012

Reforming the GST: The Case for Fairness and Efficiency—Join Jack Mintz, the School of Public Policy, for a talk and the release of a paper on “Reforming the GST: The Case for Fairness and Efficiency.” Presented by the Public Policy Forum. Feb. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $60 members; $80 non-members. Rideau Club, 99 Bank St., 15th floor, Ottawa, Ont. http://www.ppforum.ca/register-reforming-gst

Sovereign Debtors in Distress: Are Our Institutions Up to the Challenge—CIGI hosts its Global Economy Conference—“Sovereign Debtors in Crisis.” By invitation only. Feb. 24-26. CIGI, 57 Erb St. W., Waterloo, Ont. www.cigionline.org

19th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards—Hockey legend Theoren Fleury and Carmen Moore will host the 19th Annual Aboriginal Achievement Awards. The awards recognize the accomplishments of 15 First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people. Rock icon Robbie Robertson will make an appearance as will Chantal Kreviasuk. Feb. 24. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, B.C. naaf.ca

Parliamentary Associations—The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas will attend a meeting of the board of directors of ParlAmericas in Manzanillo, Mexico. Feb. 24-25. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia

Parliamentary Associations—Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate and a Parliamentary Delegation, will participate in the G20 Speakers’ Consultation 2012 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Feb. 24-26. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia

Parliamentary Associations—The Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group will attend the National Governors Association Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., Feb. 24-26. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia

Parliamentary Associations—The Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group will be in Washington, D.C., for a congressional visit. Feb. 25-27. For more information, please visit http://www2.parl.gc.ca/iia

NDP All Candidate Debate—NDP leadership hopefuls will hold a third debate on the theme of “Connecting People and Regions.” Feb. 26. Winnipeg, Man. Time and location TBA. http://leadership2012.ndp.ca