Inspiring Talks: The Academy Debate

The Topic: Be it resolved that Toronto is still a livable city

What do you think? Does Toronto amaze and delight you these days? Do Toronto’s cultural diversity, rich arts and entertainment scene, and relatively high standard of living make it world-class livable? Or do the traffic and transit, the high cost of living, and the politics drive you right round the bend? Come see what your Academy’s debaters make of Toronto in this winter — whether of contentment or discontent.

Moderator: Linda Tu

Linda Tu is a scientist by inclination and training (B.Sc. Bangor, Wales and Ph.D. Madison, Wisconsin). Her primary discipline is chemistry, and she has interests in biochemistry and physics. She is currently facilitating two Academy workshops, the Web of Natural Science, and the Economist Readers. Her career included teaching at the post-secondary level and designing, writing and implementing computer programs.

For the Affirmative:

Mary Pat Moore was educated at the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School. She is a retired lawyer with experience in employment, labour and criminal law. An Academy member since 2014, Mary Pat has served as president of the ALLTO board. She is past Chair of SPRINT Senior Care, and former president and Council Member of the Ontario College of Kinesiology. Mary Pat has volunteered for more than 30 years for the YWCA, serving on the Toronto and Canada YWCA Boards and the World YWCA Executive Committee.

Harriet Lewis was born and raised in Alberta but, except for short stays in the United States and France, has lived in Toronto. After ten years in private legal practice, Harriet joined York University as its first General Counsel, later adding the role of University Secretary. She retired from York in 2014 and since then has worked as an adjudicator, a consultant on university matters and a volunteer. Harriet and her husband have lived in the Annex since 1984 where they raised their sons, who live in Toronto’s west end with their spouses and children.

For the Negative:

Gerry Rocchi’s career started in corporate financial roles, leading to work in investment management. In retirement he has worked as a consultant, board director and board chair.  He enjoys travelling, reading, history, theatre, cinema, opera, cottaging, and family. He is in his first year at the Academy and enjoying all his new friends.

Eldon J. Bennett. After graduating from York University, Eldon completed a PhD in Political Science at Duke University. He returned to Toronto to teach at York, completing a JD degree at the University of Toronto. After seven years teaching at York, Eldon transitioned to practicing litigation at the law firm of Aird & Berlis, LLP, where he served as managing partner. Eldon was on the boards of public and private companies and charitable organizations and was a member of the Niagara Parks Commission.