Desmond Cole dives deep into The Skin We’re In at Library and Archives Feb. 11

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5 House Sitting—The House of Commons is sitting this week. It will adjourn on Friday, Feb. 7, for one week and will return on Tuesday, Feb. 18, and will sit until Friday, Feb. 28. It will take a one-week break and resume on March 9 to March 13. It adjourns again for one week and will sit from March 23 to April 3. It will take a two-week break and will resume sitting again on April 20 and will sit for four straight weeks until May 15. It will take a one-week break and will resume again on May 25 and will sit straight through for the next four consecutive weeks, until it's scheduled to adjourn on June 23. The House adjourns again for three months and will return in the fall on Monday, Sept. 21, for three straight weeks. It will adjourn for one week and will sit again from Oct. 19 until Nov. 6. It will break again for one week and will sit again from Nov. 16-Dec. 11. And that will be it for 2020. Senate Sitting—The Senate returned on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020. Former Liberal deputy prime minister Anne McLellan, along with Senator Peter Harder, will be honoured at this year’s Public Policy Forum Testimonial Dinner and Awards on April 2. The Hill Times file photograph Challenging the 'White Man’s Country' Narrative: How Black Railway Porters Fought for Civil Rights, Equality, and Inclusion—Cecil Foster, professor of Transnational Studies at the University of Buffalo and a leading authority on social justice and multiculturalism, delivers this talk as part of the Shannon Lectures in History series. One of the few employment options open to Black men in the last century was to work as sleeping car porters on Canada’s transcontinental railroads, often for no wages other than tips. Dr. Foster has done extensive research on the harsh lives of these men, and their determination to win respect for their labour. He will explore how their story, which was invisible for too long, forces us to re-examine many underlying assumptions about what constitutes this country’s history. All welcome, with a reception to follow. Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1-2:30 p.m., Dunton Tower, Room 2017, Carleton University, Ottawa. Grains and Oilseed Farmers Reception—ISG Ontario Senator Rob Black, in partnership with Grain Farmers of Ontario, Quebec Grain Farmers, Atlantic Grains Council, the Western Canadian Wheat Growers, and Spirits Canada invite you to a reception to meet grains and oilseed farmers and sample some exceptional Canadian whiskies made from Canada’s finest grains. Feb. 5, Sir John A. Macdonald Building, Room 100, 4:30-8 p.m. THURSDAY, FEB. 6 International Co-operation on the Hill—In celebration of International Development Week 2020, organizations from across Canada’s international co-operation community will be in Ottawa on Thursday, Feb. 6 to discuss with Parliamentarians how we can continue to work better together. For more information or to schedule a meeting, please contact intldevelopmentweek2020@tsa.ca. TUESDAY, FEB. 11 Agriculture Day Networking Reception—Join us for the event of the season. Canada’s Agriculture Day is the perfect time to come together to showcase our pride in Canadian agriculture and create a closer connection to where our food comes from and the people who produce it. Celebrate with local farmers, agricultural leaders, and other stakeholders at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building, on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Register at https://www.agriculturemorethanever.ca/cdn-ag-day/ or email info@agriculturemorethanever.ca. Desmond Cole Book Launch—Desmond Cole will talk about his book The Skin We're In on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Library and Archives Canada, presented by the Ottawa Writers' Festival, and hosted by the CBC's Idil Mussa. Puncturing once and for all the bubble of Canadian smugness and naïve assumptions of a post-racial nation, Cole chronicles just one year—2017—in the struggle against racism in this country. It was a year that saw calls for tighter borders when Black refugees braved frigid temperatures to cross into Manitoba from the United States, Indigenous land and water protectors resisting the celebration of Canada's 150th birthday, police across the country rallying around an officer accused of murder, and more. It happens at the Library and Archives Canada, Alfred Pellan Room, 395 Wellington St., Ottawa. Advance registration sold out, but rush tickets available at the door. Honouring Black History—The first gathering in 2020 of the In Our Tongues, Ottawa’s first Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPoC) reading and art series. Featured artists: Jacqueline Lawrence, Kimberly Sunstrum, and Roen Higgins. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7-9 p.m., Origin Arts & Community Centre, 57 Lyndale Ave., Ottawa. A $5 donation is being requested/PWYC, however no one will be turned away. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/events/778846455946320/ Fresh Faces of Federal Politics—The Empire Club of Canada hosts a panel discussion on the "Fresh Faces of Federal Politics" featuring some new members of Parliament. Globe and Mail parliamentary reporter Marieke Walsh will moderate the discussion featuring Conservative MP Eric Duncan, NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, and Liberal MP Adam van Koeverden. Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 6-8 p.m. The downtown Toronto location of this event is yet to be confirmed. Tickets available online at empireclubofcanada.com. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12 DisGovr GovTech Summit and Expo—The DisGovr GovTech Summit and Expo in Ottawa will be the fourth GovTech summit led by DisGovr Canada, a division of the Capital Hill Group. The objective of the expo is to enable collisions between the Canadian governments and the tech community, leading to stronger connections, relationships, and collaboration opportunities. Throughout the day, the trade show floor in the main plenary hall will feature booths from our sponsor companies, participating pitch companies, and government. The expo is offering workshops to attendees under five streams: cloud, cyber, digital, data, and emerging technologies. The workshops will be offered by a mix of government and industry. Our government sessions will provide overviews of their respective information technology plans, programs, and initiatives, and our industry sessions will showcase their solutions and the technology available to assist government in achieving their objectives. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa. Register on Eventbrite. HERO Film Screening—Please join the Institute of African Studies and the History Department for a screening of the film Hero—Inspired by the Extraordinary Life & Times of Mr. Ulric Cross. Following the screening, you are also invited to join us for a talk by Dr. Michelle Moyd. Shot in Trinidad, Ghana, the U.K., and Canada, HERO is the story of Ulric Cross, who, in 1941, left his small island home to seek his fortune, and became the RAF’s most decorated West Indian. His life took a dramatically different course when he followed the call of history and joined the independence movements sweeping the world in the 50s and 60s. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 4:30 p.m. at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St., Ottawa. Free admission. Register online through Eventbrite. Liberal MP Greg Fergus will present at an event about mental health of Black communities in the National Capital Region on Thursday, Feb. 13 at the University of Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade THURSDAY, FEB. 13 Mental Health of Black Communities in the National Capital Region—The event will include short presentations from policy makers (Liberal MP for Hull-Aylmer Greg Fergus; University of Ottawa president Jacques Frémont), testimonies from people who have faced mental health problems, a presentation by Dr. Myrna Lashley of McGill University, an exhibition of paintings and a wine and cheese. Feb. 13, 2-5 p.m., University of Ottawa, Faculty of Social Sciences, 120 University Pvt., Room FSS 4007. Contact: Pari-Gole Noorishad, 613-700-1522 or 613-562-5800 (ext. 4459), pnoor033@uottawa.ca. The Gift of Jazz—Deborah Davis and Segue to Jazz will be joined once again by Stefan Keyes (Ottawa anchor, CTV News), jazz great Michael C. Hanna, Jamaal Jackson Rogers (Ottawa English poet laureate), and former world tap dancing champion, the dynamic Darin Kyle, for their annual tribute to Black History Month. From its African and Gospel roots to modern day expressions, including the arrival and influence of jazz in Canada, The Gift of Jazz is a tribute to Black History Month and a celebration of the profound impact of Black history and culture on music. Presented on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the National Gallery of Canada auditorium, 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa. Tickets $40, $28 for seniors/students. Call 613-321-2066, visit www.odysseyshowcase.org or Eventbrite. SATURDAY, FEB. 15 Generation SDG Summit—The United Nations Association in Canada’s first Generation SDG Summit will be held in Ottawa on Saturday, Feb. 15. The summit will convene 600 youth, in addition to our ambassadors, to engage national leaders and local industry professionals. Guest speakers include Autumn Peltier, water protector and human rights advocate; Valerie Leloup, founder and CEO of the Zero Waste Nu Grocery; Thierry Lindor, founder and president of Influence Orbis; Alexandria-Marie Kazmerik, co-founder of the Canadian Council of Young Feminists and youth activist; and many more at this youth-led event. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lansdowne Park’s Horticultural Building, 1525 Patricia Way. Water advocate Autumn Peltier, pictured addressing the United Nations in March 2018, is one of the guest speakers at the United Nations Association in Canada’s first Generation SDG Summit, in Ottawa on Feb. 15. United Nations photograph courtesy of Manuel Elias African Day on the Hill—The African Day on the Hill planning committee, in co-ordination with Black community leaders, is bringing together the larger Black community for the 2020 Black History Month Celebration Gala. This event, organized by the African Canadian Association of Ottawa, will celebrate African heritage, culture, food, music, and entertainment, with an African fashion show, story telling, and dancing. This year event will highlight the UN International Decade for People of African Descent with our focus on the past, present, and future. Saturday, Feb. 15, 5-10 p.m., at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building, 144 Wellington St., Ottawa. Photo identification is required. Free parking at the World Exchange Plaza. The event is free, but a donation of any amount (preferably between $10 and $100) to cover the cost of food, entertainment, etc., would be appreciated. TUESDAY, FEB. 18 Grain Growers of Canada 20th Anniversary Reception—You are cordially invited to join agriculture leaders from across Canada to celebrate 20 years of grain farmers on the Hill. Part of National Grain Week 2020. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m., Sir. John A. Macdonald Building, 44 Wellington St., Room 200, Ottawa. Open to Parliamentarians and staff. RSVP before Feb. 10 to Lea, office@ggc-pgc.ca or call 613-223-9954 ext. 200. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19 eBay Entrepreneur of the Year award (EOY) Reception—Hosted by eBay Canada’s Andrea Stairs, eBay will host a reception on Feb. 19 to present awards recognizing Canadian eBay sellers who demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurial skills. By invitation. Begins at 5:30 pm (or after votes) at the Metropolitan Brasserie, 700 Sussex Dr., Ottawa. MLI 2020 Annual Dinner—The Macdonald-Laurier Institute is devoting its premier forum, the MLI Annual Dinner to a vital discussion of Canada's place in the new global order. We are bringing some of Canada's and the world's top experts together to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Canada in the Indo-Pacific region. Don't miss out on one of the premier events of the 2020 Ottawa social calendar. Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 5:30-9:30 p.m., at the Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa. Tickets available through Eventbrite. NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq will be one of three rookie MPs discussing the new Parliament at a Feb. 11 Empire Club of Canada event in Toronto. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade THURSDAY, FEB. 20 Bacon and Eggheads—Queen's University's John P. Smol will give a talk on “The 'fierce urgency of now': Lessons for Canada from the ghosts of climate past,” presented by the Partnership Group for Science and Engineering (PAGSE). Thursday, Feb. 20, 7:30-8:45 a.m., Sir John A. Macdonald Building, Room 100. Free for Members of the House of Commons, Senators, parliamentary staff, and media. Others, $25. Breakfast included. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 17 by email to baconandeggheads@gmail.com. IoT Cybersecurity Forum—The Internet Society Canada chapter launches its multi-stakeholder Mitigating Consumer IoT Cybersecurity Series with its inaugural Forum on Contextualizing Consumer IoT Cybersecurity Threats in Ottawa on Thursday, Feb. 20. For more information, please contact Franca Palazzo at palazzoconsulting@outlook.com. MONDAY, FEB. 24 Book Launch: The Citizen’s Guide to Climate Success—Join environmental economist, professor, and author, Dr. Mark Jaccard, for a genuine conversation on Canada’s fight against climate change, the steps government and citizens should be taking now, and the myths and misconceptions that are hindering our progress. The reception will take place Monday, Feb. 24, from 5-8 p.m. at the Rabbit Hole, 208 Sparks St., Ottawa. Copies of the book will be available. Presented by Renewable Industries Canada. RSVP: d.pfeffer@ricanada.org. Pearson Centre’s Year One Conference—The Pearson Centre hosts a two-day “Year One Conference: Navigating the New Parliament,” focusing on the first year and beyond of the newly elected government and Parliament. What do you want to see the government and opposition parties accomplish? The two-day event will happen Feb. 24-25 in Ottawa. Business, labour, academia, NGOs, and others are invited to put forward their top priorities for the year ahead and engage with lawmakers. Party leadership, ministers, MPs from all parties, and Senators are being invited to address what they plan to do in the year ahead. On Feb. 24, there will be an opening event, panel discussion, and a reception. On Feb. 25, the draft agenda includes a forum on the new political dynamics (media and observers); a forum on the big issues with senior business, labour and civil society representatives; a political forum with MPs from all parties to discuss their party priorities followed by a working lunch for all participants and table discussions; a policy panel on the economy and the future of work; a policy panel on health care and housing; and a policy panel on energy, the environment, and reconciliation. Further details to be announced. TUESDAY, FEB. 25 Marine Day on the Hill—The Chamber of Marine Commerce is hosting a Marine Day on the Hill reception for all MPs and Senators. The event will highlight climate change resiliency and infrastructure investments, which are vital to support Great Lakes–St. Lawrence shipping as a national trade and transportation corridor. It takes place from 5-7:30 p.m. in Room 425, Wellington Building, 180 Wellington St., Ottawa. RSVP by Feb. 18 to Sarah Douglas at 613-899-6417 or sdouglas@cmc-ccm.com. THURSDAY, FEB. 27 RBC Taylor Prize—The five finalists for this year's RBC Taylor Prize Best Books in Literary Non-Fiction are: Bush Runner: The Adventures of Pierre-Esprit Radisson, by Mark Bourrie (Biblioasis); Had It Coming: What's Fair in the Age of #MeToo? by Robyn Doolittle (Allen Lane); Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, by Jessica McDiarmid (Doubleday Canada); The Reality Bubble: Blind Spots, Hidden Truths and the Dangerous Illusions that Shape Our World, by Ziya Tong (Allen Lane); and The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator, by Timothy C. Winegard (Allen Lane). Public events already confirmed for the finalists include a free 90-minute roundtable discussion with the shortlisted authors in the Lakeside Terrace at Harbourfront, hosted by Toronto Star books editor, Deborah Dundas, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, at 7 p.m., presented by the Toronto International Festival of Authors. There is also the Ben McNally authors’ brunch on Sunday, March 1, at the Omni King Edward Hotel in downtown Toronto (for tickets, please contact Ben McNally Books at 416 361-0032 or visit benmcnallybooks.com). FRIDAY, FEB. 28 WAMS Gala Luncheon—Women Against Multiple Sclerosis (WAMS) is a collective of professional women dedicated to building awareness and raising critical research funds for better treatments and a cure for MS. The luncheon will feature a VIP champagne reception, gourmet meal, silent auction and an inspirational talk by a nationally recognized keynote speaker. Friday, Feb. 28, VIP reception from 11 a.m., seated lunch from 12-2 p.m. Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd. Tickets for individuals and tables of 10 are available at wamsottawa.ca or by phone at 613-728-1583 ext. 3326. Parliamentary Press Gallery Annual General Meeting—National Press Theatre, 150 Wellington St., 12:30 p.m., Feb. 28. Members of the press gallery will deal with the president's report; the treasurer's report; results of the elected officers; nominations of directors and voting; life and honorary memberships; new business; and results of directors elected. Members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery will meet for their annual general meeting at the National Press Theatre on Feb. 28. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade SATURDAY, FEB. 29 Global Community Alliance 11th Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony— Enjoy an evening of networking, recognition, and entertainment in celebration of Black History Month. Saturday, Feb. 29, 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Sheraton Ottawa Hotel (Rideau Ballroom), 150 Albert St., Ottawa. This event is sold out, with proceeds to be donated to Children at Risk, Ottawa. For more information: please email: Yomipratt@gmail.com. TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Super Tuesday Watch Party—Join Fasken LLP’s Super Tuesday Election Watch Party on March 3 at 8 p.m. RSVP by Feb. 20 by contacting: Kai Olson at kolson@fasken.com. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Plural Public Law—uOttawa Public Law Centre presents the inaugural lecture by Prof. Paul Daly, Chair in Administrative Law and Governance, with the Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa. Introduction by Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner. On Wednesday, March 4, 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Fauteux Hall, Room 302, 57 Louis-Pasteur St., Ottawa. THURSDAY, MARCH 26 Air Canada Reception—Air Canada is inviting Parliamentarians, ministerial staff, and senior officials to an evening reception to discuss the aviation sector, and enjoy food and drink. Thursday, March 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the South Block Whiskey Bar, 148 Sparks St., Ottawa. RSVP at rsvp@summa.ca. FRIDAY, APRIL 2 PPF Testimonial Dinner and Awards—Join us at the 33rd annual event to network and celebrate as Public Policy Forum honours Canadians who have made their mark on policy and leadership. Anne McLellan and Senator Peter Harder will take their place among a cohort of other stellar Canadians who we’ve honoured over the last 33 years, people who have dedicated themselves to making Canada a better place through policy leadership and public service. The gala event will be held on April 2, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Toronto. Editorial cartoonists from around the world will be in Ottawa for three days in May 14-17, 2020, for their annual convention. Image courtesy of the ACC-AAEC Ottawa convention WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 Library and Archives Canada Scholar Awards Ceremony—Presented by the Library and Archives Canada and the Library and Archives Canada Foundation, Wednesday, April 22, 5:30 p.m., 395 Wellington St., Ottawa. More details to come. SATURDAY, MAY 2 Parliamentary Press Gallery Dinner—The Parliamentary Press Gallery Dinner happens on Saturday, May 2, in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Wellington Street. WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 Considered one of Ottawa's most anticipated parties, the annual Politics & the Pen party celebrates Canadian political and literary cultures. The highlight of the night features the presentation of the $25,000 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, named in honour of the late and spirited, inspired parliamentarian. It happens May 13, 2020, Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade Politics & The Pen—Considered one of Ottawa's most anticipated parties, the annual Politics & the Pen party celebrates Canadian political and literary cultures. The highlight of the night features the presentation of the $25,000 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, named in honour of the late and spirited, inspired parliamentarian. It happens May 13, Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel, 1 Rideau St., Ottawa. For more information, contact Julia Yu, events manager, jyu@writerstrust.com or 416-504-8222, ext. 241. THURSDAY, MAY 14 ACC-AAEC Ottawa Convention—It's the ACC International Convention and the ACC will be joined in Ottawa by the AAEC and cartoonists from New Zealand, Australia, the U.K., Norway, and Germany for three days of editorial cartooning magic from May 14-17, in Ottawa, at the Marriott Hotel, 100 Kent St. There will be three days of exciting speakers, tours, and cartoon-related thrills in store. Booking information and more at acc.format.com. SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Conservative Party Leadership Election—The 2020 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election will be held on June 27, in Toronto to choose a successor to Andrew Scheer. SATURDAY, OCT. 3 Green Party Convention—The Green Party will hold its convention and elect a new party leader Oct. 3-4, at the Delta Hotels Prince Edward in Charlottetown, P.E.I. For more information, contact 613-562-4916. THURSDAY, NOV. 12 Liberal Party National Convention—The Liberal Party of Canada announced the 2020 Liberal National Convention will be hosted in Ottawa, from Nov. 12-15. For more information, please contact: media@liberal.ca, 613-627-2384. Conservative Party National Convention—The Conservatives will hold a convention in Quebec City from Nov. 12-14. For more information, please contact 1-866-808-8407. The Parliamentary Calendar is a free events listing. Send in your political, cultural, diplomatic, or governmental event in a paragraph with all the relevant details under the subject line ‘Parliamentary Calendar’ to news@hilltimes.com by Wednesday at noon before the Monday paper or by Friday at noon for the Wednesday paper. We can’t guarantee inclusion of every event, but we will definitely do our best. Events can be updated daily online, too. The Hill Times

Desmond Cole dives deep into The Skin We’re In at Library and Archives Feb. 11

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Desmond Cole dives deep into The Skin We’re In at Library and Archives Feb. 11

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