Upcoming courses and events

June 21, 2026

Toronto, ON

How and why did colonialism develop in the regions that became Canada? What role did capitalism play in the coming of colonialism? What effect did this have on indigenous peoples and in what was the role of anti-colonial struggle? 

What can the history of these and other resistance movements tell us about the possibility of a better future? How did class struggles that challenged capitalism develop? What was their relationship to indigenous opposition to colonialism?

In this introductory course, we will be engaging critically with these and many other aspects of colonialism and Canadian history. The history of colonialism and modern injustice against indigenous people is rightly a motivating issue for many. The structures and systems that led to such monumental injustices must be understood, especially by those who believe that a fundamentally better world is possible. So, too, is it crucial to understand the exploitation and oppression endured by working people as Canada became an advanced capitalist nation state. 

All are warmly invited to join us for this special 4-part series, led by renowned historian, author, and professor, Bryan Palmer. The course will be largely based on Palmer’s recent three volume series examining colonialism, capitalism, and the legacy of Canada’s past. For an overview of the series, please see this excellent interview with Palmer conducted by Adam King of the Maple. 

Each session will feature a lecture, followed by discussion and group exercises. No previous knowledge of the subject or formal education required! 

The Leo Panitch School was founded in 2023 and strives to provide radical, accessible, and practical socialist education. All programs are offered free or by donation in a non-academic setting. The school sees diverse participation from workers, activists, and community members from a variety of experiences and backgrounds.

When: Sunday afternoons at 2pm June 21, June 28, July 5, and July 12. 
Where: Downtown Toronto – Venue to be shared with registrants
Cost: Free – donations appreciated
How: Application required

 If you are interested in offerings outside of Toronto or done virtually, please get in touch with us. Feel free to reach us with any questions at info@leopanitchschool.ca. 

Bryan D. Palmer is the author of Revolutionary Teamsters: The Minneapolis Truckers’ Strikes of 1934 (Chicago: Haymarket, 2014), co-author of Toronto’s Poor: A Rebellious History (Between The Lines, 2016), and a past editor of the journal, Labour/Le Travail. He is Professor Emeritus, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario.

Image credit: Frances Anne Hopkins

Accessibility 
The venues for this course are wheelchair accessible via an elevator. We ask that participants refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products. Please contact us with any accessibility concerns.

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Course Outline:
Week 1 – Canada’s Origins 1500–1890
We will look at the period covered by the first volume of the series. How did colonialism develop in the regions that became Canada? In what ways did colonialism’s beginnings in the 1500-1800 years, as it sought capital and dominance over territories in a context of war pitting specific empires against one another, determine its relations with indigenous peoples?  What were the complexities of that relationship?

 What role did an advancing capitalism play in determining how resources were exploited and a more diverse economic development took place over the course of the 19th century. What impact did this have on the consolidation of the nation state in Confederation in 1867? How did such changes shift the ways in which indigenous peoples were regarded by powerful people and institutions? What was the relationship of class mobilizations that began to challenge capital in the 19^th century and anti-colonialist struggles. Why were the 1880s both a momentous and tragic decade?

Week 2 – The Making of Modern Canada 1890–1960
What were some of the common experiences of indigenous peoples in newly formed Canada? As the Canadian State solidified and the economy grew, what were the experiences of ordinary people?  Inequalities intensified as class differences solidified and Canada’s capitalist class became entrenched and extended its influence internationally.  

How did colonialism and capitalism structure and restructure Canada leading up to and after the two world wars? What role did indigenous struggles, francophone activism, change in the Canadian capitalist class, and the rise of the labour movement and escalating class struggle play in Canada’s development? How did Canada appear in the mid-century with respect to the hold capitalism and colonialism exercised over the country?

Week 3 – The Remaking of Modern Canada 1960–2025
What economic and political changes have led to the Canada we see today? What economic and social injustices were/are prevalent?  We will especially examine the role indigenous struggle over land, the labour movement, and feminist activism has played. What can these and other resistance movements tell us about the possibility of a better future? What was centrally important about the 1960s?

Week 4 – Challenges of Today and Openings for a Better Tomorrow
What does all of this mean for us today? What are some of the large questions posed for activists on the left as they address the history of Canada? How does the country’s development as a colonial and capitalist nation state make us think about interpretive frameworks such as “settler colonialism?” How does this history and its meanings inform socialists and those on the left about how they might struggle in ways that will effectively begin the protracted process of transforming society?  

June 28, 2026

The Leo Panitch School is proud to present the launch of Out of the Impasse? Debating Class Politics and Canadian Unions. It represents the latest in the long running series of pamphlets published by the Socialist Project. It features four pieces of striking analysis, all drawing from Rosenfeld’s decades of experience as an autoworker, educator, and socialist activist. 

“These interventions remind us that worker power depends not only on shop-floor solidarity, but on building a capacity for independent collective political action by unions and workers…” 

All are invited to join as we celebrate this new entry into the debates on  Canadian socialism and working class politics! 
 
When – Friday July 17- doors open: 6:30pm, talk starts 7pm, social to follow
Where – College Street United Church – 502 Bathurst Street, Toronto ON
How – Advance registration required. Free – donations accepted with gratitude.

Those in attendance are warmly invited to gather afterwards to socialize and celebrate Herman’s contribution to the socialist movement. Complementary refreshments will be on offer. Beverages, merch, and literature will be available with all proceeds going to the LPSSE’s educational programming!


About the author

Herman Rosenfeld is a Toronto-based socialist activist, educator, organizer, and writer. He is originally from Newark, New Jersey, and came to Canada in 1972. He is a retired national staff person with the Canadian Auto Workers (now Unifor) and worked in their Education Department. Before, he worked for 15 years in a General Motors Assembly Plant in Scarborough, on the assembly line and as an elected union committeeperson. 

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. 

August 15, 2026

Toronto

Having problems at work and are not sure what to do? Have you heard about unions and want to know how to get started? Do you lack the confidence to talk to your coworkers about forming a union? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the How to Organize Your Workplace course is for you!

Over two days participants will learn what it takes to go from zero organization at work to a functioning committee of coworkers that can take on the boss and win! Together we will learn and practice the ideas, methods, and skills necessary to build power at work. The course will also feature a general discussion of unions: strengths and weaknesses, potentials and limits, and why organizing at work should be a top priority for those who want a better world.

When: August 15-16 (morning until late afternoon)
Breakfast and lunch to be provided.
Where: Toronto, ON (Downtown – venue TBA)
How much: Free/by donation 
Who: Anyone curious about how to organize at work!

Registration deadline: August 8. We kindly ask that all participants register individually for this training. Coworkers and friends are welcome, please just let us know! 

Please note that we are currently asking potential participants to register their interest. Space for this pilot version of the course will be limited and selections may be made to ensure a diversity of backgrounds and experience.

If you have questions or you’re unsure if this course is right for you, we’d be happy to answer any questions via info@leopanitchschool.ca
Do you work at a College or University? We’d invite you to sign up for a special higher education edition of the course taking place August 22-23! 

August 22, 2026

Toronto

Having problems at work and are not sure what to do? Do you work at a College Or University and want to get connected to union struggles? Do you want to build worker power both in union and non-union parts of the higher education sector? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the How to Organize Your Workplace course is for you!

This edition of the workshop catered especially for people working at colleges and universities. All workers in the higher education sector are welcome, including academic, non-academic, admin,  custodial, maintenance, campus housing, and student workers! Those who have worked in higher education in the past or are likely to again in the near future, including students, are also welcome!

Over two days participants will learn what it takes to go from zero organization at work to a functioning committee of coworkers that can take on the boss and win! Together we will learn and practice the ideas, methods, and skills necessary to build power at work. The course will also feature a general discussion of unions: strengths and weaknesses, potentials and limits, and why organizing at work should be a top priority for those who want a better world.

When: August 22-23 (morning until late afternoon)
Breakfast and lunch to be provided.
Where: Toronto, ON (Downtown – venue TBA)
How much: Free/by donation
Who: Anyone who works in higher education and wants to organize at work!

Registration deadline: August 8. We kindly ask that all participants register individually for this training. Coworkers and friends are welcome, please just let us know!

Please note that we are currently asking potential participants to register their interest. Space for this pilot version of the course will be limited and selections may be made to ensure a diversity of backgrounds and experience.

If you have questions or you’re unsure if this course is right for you, we’d be happy to answer any questions via info@leopanitchschool.ca
Not a higher education worker? We’d invite you to sign up for the general version of the course taking place August 15-16!