Upcoming courses and events

May 28, 2025

Eyesore Cinema, Toronto ON

The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is very pleased to present La Tierra Prometida (The Promised Land) as the latest installment in the ongoing FilmSocial series.

During the Great Depression Chile was one of the countries that was hit the hardest. It was a turbulent period marked by political instability, social unrest, and internal political tensions. The Promised Land follows a group of dispossessed peasants who want a better future so they band together to form a commune in the Chilean countryside. One day the commune gets the news that there has been a socialist revolution in the capital and they decide to join in the fight.
 
With La tierra prometida, famed South American director, screenwriter, film producer and novelist Miguel Littin made one of the most revolutionary films to tackle the socialist struggle in Chile. Mirroring the events of the film, production was interrupted due to the military coup in 1973. Filming was finished in Cuba and Littin was exiled to Mexico.

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

The film will be presented in Spanish with English subtitles. 

Content warning
The film features depictions of violence, including sexual violence. While FilmSocial is always open to all, potential attendees are encouraged to consider the content of the film before registering themselves or family members. 

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.

June 27, 2025

Friends House, Toronto ON

The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is honoured to host the Toronto launch of Health and Health Care Inequities by author and healthcare worker Arnel Borras. 

The book provides an in-depth examination of health and health care inequities, delving into the interplay between power dynamics, policy advocacy, evidence-based research, and political economy. It uniquely integrates document and interview data to critically analyze how inequalities related to class, race, ethnicity, and gender contribute to health inequities. 

By exploring the roles of various social systems — economic, political, cultural, and institutional — the book exposes the complex mechanisms perpetuating these disparities. What sets this work apart is its explicit argument that capitalism, integrally imbricated with neocolonialism, racism, and sexism, is the fundamental driver of health and health care inequities. It challenges prevailing narratives and a distinct perspective by advocating for socialist-oriented solutions.

The Leo Panitch School is thrilled to welcome Arnel and a number of key contributors to speak to the themes, challenges, and arguments raised in this important new book. 

When – 27 June – 7PM 
Where – Friends House, 60 Lowther Avenue Toronto, Ontario
How – Register for free to save your spot
Please note that this event will also be made available remotely to those who select the “online registration” option. 


Featuring the author…
Arnel Borras is an assistant professor at the Rankin School of Nursing, St. Francis Xavier University. Arnel’s professional journey reflects his dedication and resilience, beginning with his family’s immigration to Canada in 2008. Starting as a factory labourer, he transitioned into health care, serving as a personal support worker, registered practical nurse, and registered nurse.

And guests…
Wendy Panagopoulos, Rankin School of Nursing, St. Francis Xavier University
John Clarke, former Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) organizer
Carles Muntaner, Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto
Dr. Freida Chavez, President, Alliance of Filipino Nursing Professionals in Canada
Errol Sharpe, Publisher, Fernwood Publishing

The Leo Panitch School is pleased to be co-hosting this launch event with the support of the book’s publisher, Fernwood Publishing.


Accessibility
Friends House is accessible to wheelchairs via the automatic door at the back, north east entrance off of the parking lot, and via the automatic door at the Meeting Room entrance at the front on the west side of the house, from Lowther Ave. Further accessibility information can be found here.

Any questions regarding accessibility, participation, or programming can be directed to info@leopanitchschool.ca. 

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.