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. 

March 25, 2026

Eyesore Cinema

The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is very pleased to present Norma Rae (1979) as the next film in the FilmSocial series of socialist film screenings. 

Set in a small-town Southern textile mill, the film follows Norma Rae (Sally Field), a courageous worker and single mother, who becomes politically active in her workplace after meeting Reuben Warshowsky (Ron Liebman), a charismatic New York labor organizer who arrives in town to confront crushing employment conditions at the factory and help workers form their own union. After her father dies suddenly on the mill floor, Norma is thrown deeper into the struggle, risking her job, relationships, and community standing to confront the bosses and organise her often-reluctant coworkers.

Directed by Martin Ritt, who was blacklisted himself during the Red Scare, this Oscar-winning film is based on the real story of Crystal Lee Sutton, who was one of three generations of her family to work at J.P. Stevens & Company mills in Burlington, North Carolina, and went on to become a celebrated ACTWU organizer. Often emotionally raw and unvarnished, Norma Rae’s struggle to build solidarity at the plant is both personal and political as she navigates the intersections of race, class, and gender, and bravely stands up for what she believes is right. The film culminates with the union election, delivering one of the most iconic and electrifying scenes of 1970s American working-class cinema. 

The film will be presented in English 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.

Poster credit (for this and many of the previous wonderful FilmSocial posters): Benjamin Davis.

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.

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

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)
Cost: Free/by optional donation
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.