Upcoming courses and events

April 6, 2025

Toronto – To be shared upon registration

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.


Participants are encouraged to attend each class if possible, as each week will expand on ideas introduced in the previous sessions. Classes will be taking place in downtown Toronto (venue info to be announced). This edition of the course will be in-person only. 

Classes will be taking place weekly on Sundays at 2pm from April 6 until June 1.

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 your questions and queries at info@leopanitchschool.ca. 

April 5, 2025

Online – Zoom

Registration for this edition of the course has now closed. Please contact us to get signed up for the next edition of the course planned for Fall 2025.

Unions and social movements today are operating in a very challenging situation. There is great economic uncertainty, the worsening impact of climate change and a global situation marked by the growing threat of conflict and war. Right-wing forces are increasing in strength, with Trump now in power in the US, Poilievre poised to do so in Canada. When workers strike or communities under attack take to the streets, it seems that victories are much much harder to win and past gains more difficult to defend.

It’s in light of these developments that the Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is thrilled to announce the Winter 2025 edition of the Fighting to Win course!

This course will grapple with these questions by looking at the forms of exploitation and oppression that exist in society and the means by which the power structure acts to limit and contain our struggles. It will consider the political perspectives, strategies and forms of organization we need to fight to win in the present context. This is not a ‘how to organize’ course, as important as these are. It is intended for activists who realize that the methods of struggle that were developed at an earlier time need to give way to more powerful and effective forms of social resistance.

Instead of lengthy lectures, each session will involve in-depth and participatory group discussions of the issues under consideration. The knowledge and lived experiences of those participating will be a vital part of the course. This will be true both for longtime organizers and for those just now dipping their toes in the world of activism.
 
The sessions will run on Saturdays at 12Noon EST exclusively over Zoom. The course will be conducted in English.

Participants from all over the globe are warmly invited to apply!

To allow for broader participation, the course is being offered free of charge for all participants. However, donations from those who can afford to contribute will be gratefully accepted.

April 30, 2025

Eyesore Cinema, Toronto

The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is very pleased to present BRAZIL as the latest installment in the ongoing FilmSocial series.

Written and directed by Terry Gilliam, the movie is set in a dystopian world where the main character, Sam Lowry, starts to wake up to the reality of his techno-bureaucratic society when he notices a mistake that leads to the death of an innocent person. 

Inspired by George Orwell’s 1984, the film takes a satirical approach to its major themes of state surveillance, bureaucracy, and corporatism. The movie was criticizing the increase in state surveillance in England as well as the state bureaucracy of the USSR in the 1980’s. However, Brazil holds its relevance as the world faces overwhelming corporate power, continued capitalist influence on government policy, and nearly inescapable digital surveillance. 

The evening will feature a short presentation and general discussion on the politics and implications of the film’s subject today.

We hope to see you there!


Accessibility Information

Eyesore Cinema’s screening room is on the main floor of a video store on Bloor St. 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. We will always do our best to accommodate the needs of anyone in attendance. 

April 24, 2025

College Street United Church, Toronto, ON

US President Trump’s tariffs and trade policies represent a fundamental attack on Canadian working people. In our workplaces and communities, we are faced with layoffs, intensified attacks on social programs and rights, job security and potentially deep economic recession.

Given Canada’s integration and trade dependence with the US, working class, left, and environmental organizations have to find ways to debate collective strategies,  share our analyses, defend working people, and build a challenge to business and business-oriented governments. 

We invite you to join us for an evening of urgently needed debate and discussion on building a fighting response both to Trump’s attacks on working people, both in Canada and internationally. 

Where: College Street United Church, 502 Bathurst St, Toronto
When: Thursday April 24, 7:00PM. 
Pre-registration is encouraged but not mandatory. 

The evening’s discussion will feature some of the following questions facing organizers today:

What are the principal challenges posed by Trump and the tariffs to Canadian working people?

How should left, working class and environmental defense organizations respond?

What are some of the ways that we can build an alternative vision, independent of the business-oriented approaches of mainstream political parties and business interests?

Featured speakers to be announced.