Past Talks

Perhaps the most fraught conversations in contemporary North American society are ones that take place across racial divides. Even with the best of intentions, they often founder on ignorance, misinformation and insensitivity. The talk by Lindsay (Swooping Hawk) Kretschmer, Executive Director of the Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council, was therefore very useful in thinking about how non-indigenous Canadians can interact with and support Native Peoples. While emphasizing that she spoke only for herself, her engaging presentation drew on experiences that are sadly familiar to too many First Nations, Metis and Inuit people.

The first Academy forum of 2021 provided a timely and informative discussion of options and considerations for seniors housing.  In an interactive discussion Ian Darragh interviewed panelists Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, Josh Matlow, City Councillor for Toronto-St. Paul’s,…

On March 11, in spite of fears of COVID-19, a good crowd of Academicians enjoyed an unusually stimulating session of the Academy tradition of showcasing our members’ presentations.

Trudy Akler’s presentation, Shocking! The Creative Life and Influential Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli, was a delight. Speaking without notes

Dr. Tom Hurka, Jackman Distinguished Professor of Philosophical Studies at the University of Toronto, was the guest speaker at the fourth Wednesday Forum held on February 26th.  His topic was What makes a good life?  During his stimulating talk, he examined philosophical questions drawn from both world history and our own lives. Socrates believed that knowledge made for a good life while Plato and Aristotle upheld moral values, believing that virtue was good and vice was objectionable.  They believed that the journey was more important than the destination.  Today, we admire successful people who reach their goals.

Bel Canto Canada: Turning Points in 150 years of a Grand Vocal Tradition were outlined for an attentive audience by Wayne Gooding, retired long-time editor of Opera Canada, at the third Wednesday Forum held on February 12. The Talks Committee…

“Falls are the leading cause of injury and admission to hospital for seniors.” “Two-thirds of accidental deaths among seniors are related to falls.” These were two sobering messages from Ingrid Otten, a physiotherapist who spoke at the 2nd Academy Winter Forum on January 29, 2020. Ms Otten generously offered to speak after Agnes Makowski had to cancel due to illness.

As soon as Dr Dubey and Dr Etemadi began speaking, it was evident that the issue is very complex, and that the abundance of readily available information (some credible, some completely misleading) is making it very difficult for communities like the City of Toronto to manage the best interests of all of its residents. It is an issue that involves more than practical science and logical proofs, it has an emotional component as well – and that only complicates matters. Click here to read about the excellent presentation.

The annual Academy Debate took place on Wednesday November 13th. This year it was proposed that ‘The world would be a better place with more Women Leaders’. Linda Tu moderated the proceedings. On the Pro side, the debaters were Margrit…

“Venice has its canals, but no other city has ravines like Toronto.”

Ian Darragh, master photographer and former editor-in-chief of Canadian Geographic magazine, has, for the past two years, been a volunteer for the city of Toronto’s Community Stewardship Program. His passion for the ravines that cover 17 percent of the Toronto area shone through his fascinating “show and tell” Forum presentation on the extraordinary ecosystem that makes our city unique….

Barbie is now one of us! She officially became a senior citizen on March 9, 2019, having been invented 60 years ago by Ruth Handler, a mom living in Los Angeles whose husband owned a plastics manufacturing business. Giovanna Riccio led Academy members on a poetic journey using the iconic Barbie doll as a lens to view how society and the role of women have evolved over the past 60 years.
Giovanna Riccio led Academy members on a poetic journey using the iconic Barbie doll as a lens to view how society and the role of women have evolved over the past 60 years.