Upcoming courses and events

February 22, 2026

Toronto, ON

Curious about socialism? Interested about if it is really possible and taking a sober look at the problems it will face? Want to discuss how to begin affecting change right now?

In these uncertain and dangerous times, The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is a space to listen, discuss and challenge the contemporary relevancy of socialism.  

The School’s flagship course, Introduction to Socialism, is designed for both those experienced activists always looking to learn more, and those newer to socialist ideas and full of questions. It will not only provide a unique venue for collectively tackling important topics, but also a welcoming space where any question relevant to socialist organizing, no matter how basic or advanced, can be raised and discussed.

Instead of providing precise definitions and historical readings, the course will focus on understanding the structures of capitalism in order to challenge it and begin building a better world. We will rely on the ideas and lived experience of participants to enhance the presentations, examples, and collective discussions that make up each session.

Over 8 weeks we’ll explore topics such as what and who is the working class, what makes socialism different, how we can overcome political barriers, how socialists can approach elections and winning reforms in the existing state, what role trade unions and political parties have played for working class struggles, and much more! 

When: Sunday afternoons at 2pm February 22 – April 12
Where: Downtown Toronto – Venue to be shared with registrants
Who: Anyone and everyone curious about socialism or wanting to dive into a deeper discussion!

Not able to attend every session in person? No problem! Recordings will be made available to those who might have to miss a session or two throughout the course.

Feel free to reach us with any questions at info@leopanitchschool.ca. 

February 25, 2026

Eyesore Cinema

The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is very pleased to present The Organizer (1963) as the next film in the FilmSocial series of socialist film screenings. 

Set in Turin, Italy at the turn of the 20th century, the story follows the workers of a textile factory, one of whom suffers a serious injury caused by exhaustion at the end of 14-hour shift. When workers stage a walk out after the factory owners refuse to shorten the work day, determination wanes as they begin to fear for their jobs and return to their work benches. It’s not until a labour activist (Marcello Mastroianni) on the run from Genoan police appears and passionately shares from past organizing experience that the workers are emboldened to go on strike, and in the process begin to understand the sacrifices that come with holding their ground. 

Balancing humour with the realities of the economic climate at the onset of Italy’s industrial revolution, this historical drama directed by Mario Monicelli takes an honest look at early labour struggles. Adding to the film’s charm, the ensemble cast’s engrossing performances and the striking visual depictions by cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno make The Organizer a stirring portrayal of the strength of the unity but also the tolls of seeking justice.

The film will be presented in Italian with English subtitles. 

Leo Panitch School events  are always presented free-of-charge. This is only made possible through contributions from our participants and supporters. We encourage those who are able to consider making a cash donation at the event or becoming a monthly donor via leopanitchschool.ca/donate. 

Accessibility Information

Eyesore Cinema’s screening room is on the main floor of a storefront. While there is stair-free access, the floor is uneven and may not be suitable for mobility devices. Washrooms are located in the basement of the store and are not wheelchair accessible.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@leopanitchschool.ca with any questions or concerns regarding accessibility at this event.

February 27, 2026

College Street United Church, Toronto

All are invited to join us for the annual Leo Panitch Winter Lecture! We are honoured to welcome esteemed author and academic Adam Hanieh back to Toronto to deliver this year’s talk.  This event marks the fourth edition of the school’s annual lecture, held in the memory of the late Leo Panitch. 

Adam Hanieh will discuss how understanding oil’s place in world capitalism is key to grasping geopolitical dynamics and global finance, reviving vital climate struggles, and challenging the structural interests underpinning the system itself. He will also explore the connections between our fossil-fuel centred world and the contemporary politics of Palestine and the wider Middle East.

At a time when the world’s attention is being pulled in myriad directions by ongoing genocide, threats of war, economic instability, and rising authoritarianism, the role that resources such as oil play in global politics often go under-noticed. Amidst this chaos,  governments and capital are massively expanding fossil fuel investment, leaving us to face a worldwide ecological crisis that is set to only hasten in the coming years. 

Oil itself is woven into the fabric of this  modern world in obvious but also surprising ways. Much more than an energy source or transport fuel, oil has a foundational place in all aspects of contemporary life – no challenge to the fossil fuel industry can be effective without taking this fact seriously. Oil greases the wheels of global capitalism. The world’s oil and gas trade is also rapidly changing, bringing with it shifting economic interdependencies across the Middle East and East Asia. 

 
When – Friday 27 February – doors open: 6:30pm, talk starts 7pm, social to follow
Where – College Street United Church – 454 College Street, Toronto ON
How – Advance registration required. Free/PWYC – donations accepted with gratitude.
Space is limited! Make sure to save your spot today!


Those in attendance are warmly invited to gather after the lecture to socialize and continue the discussion. Complementary refreshments will be on offer. Beverages, merch, and literature will be available with all proceeds going to the LPSSE’s educational programming!
 

Featuring
Adam Hanieh is Professor in Development Studies at SOAS, University of London, and Director of the SOAS Middle East Institute. He specialises in the political economy of energy, oil, and capitalism in the Middle East, and is the author of Crude Capitalism.




Additional speakers, participating organizations and cosponsors to be announced in the coming weeks! 

Would your org like to support this event? Please contact us at info@leopanitchschool.ca



Accessibility
College Street United Church is located at College and Bathurst in Toronto. The building is wheelchair accessible and features multiple accessible, gender neutral washrooms. 

We kindly ask all attendees to refrain from wearing scented products at Leo Panitch School events. 
Any questions or requests regarding accessibility, participation, or programming can be directed to info@leopanitchschool.ca. 

April 12, 2026

Vancouver, BC

Curious about socialism? Interested about if it is really possible and taking a sober look at the problems it will face? Want to discuss how to begin affecting change right now? 
In these uncertain and dangerous times, The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is a space to listen, discuss and challenge the contemporary relevancy of socialism.  

The School’s flagship course, Introduction to Socialism, is designed for both those experienced activists always looking to learn more, and those newer to socialist ideas and full of questions. It will not only provide a unique venue for collectively tackling important topics, but also a welcoming space where any question relevant to socialist organizing, no matter how basic or advanced, can be raised and discussed.

Instead of providing precise definitions and historical readings, the course will focus on understanding the structures of capitalism in order to challenge it and begin building a better world. We will rely on the ideas and lived experience of participants to enhance the presentations, examples, and collective discussions that make up each session.

Over 8 weeks we’ll explore topics such as what and who is the working class, what makes socialism different, how we can overcome political barriers, how socialists can approach elections and winning reforms in the existing state, what role trade unions and political parties have played for working class struggles, and much more! 

When: Sunday afternoons at 2pm April 12-June 7 (skipping Victoria Day weekend)
Where: A transit accessible location in East Vancouver – Venue to be shared with registrants
Who: Anyone and everyone curious about socialism or wanting to dive into a deeper discussion!

The Leo Panitch School has been running this and a number of other political education courses in Toronto and online since 2023. Now we’re very pleased to be bringing the course to Vancouver! The format of the course will feature in person discussions and lessons from a variety of experienced instructors streamed live from Toronto. 

Feel free to reach us with any questions at info@leopanitchschool.ca.