Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy


Churchill Society Home "THE GOVERNMENT IS THE SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE AND NOT ITS MASTER" Winston Churchill Oslo 1948	Event Archives The Churchill Society & Massey College present a book launch for Parliamentary Democracy in Crisis The Dilemmas, Choices and Future of Parliamentary Government in Canada Journalists, political scientists, and leading constitutional experts analyze the crisis and discuss the nature of Canada’s parliamentary democracy Edited by Lorne Sossin and Peter H. Russell Foreword by The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson Published by University of Toronto Press Event was held May 11, 2009 Annual General Meeting & Luncheon - , May 5, 2009 Guest Speaker The Right Honourable John N. Turner, PC, CC, QC "Parliamentary Democracy Does Not Just Happen by Accident" Canada’s 17^th Prime Minister 1996 Recipient of the Churchill Society Award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy Churchill Debate at Hart House - April 2, 2009 "RESOLVED: The Governor General should not have prorogued Parliament" Rt. Hon. Edward Schreyer, PC, CC, CMM, OM, CD Former Governor General, Premier of Manitoba, and MP National Representative for Habitat for Humanity Honorary Director of the Sierra Legal Defence Fund The Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy is proud to sponsor the annual Churchill Debate at Hart House in conjunction with the Hart House Debates Committee at the University of Toronto. Parliament 2009: What Kind of Country Will We Have? - 21 January 21, 2009 A Forum Exploring Parliamentary Democracy in Contemporary Canada Featuring a distinguished panel Hon. Pauline Browes, P.C. Member of Parliament (1984-1993) Former Minister of Environment, Employment and Immigration and Indian Affairs and Northern Development Sean Conway Member of Provincial Parliament (1975-2003) Former Minister of Education, Mines, Skills Development and Colleges and Universities Public Policy Advisor & Academic Patrick Boyer, Q.C. Member of Parliament (1984-1993) Academic & Author Robin Sears Communications & Public Affairs Advisor Former Director of the New Democratic Party Former Chief of Staff to Bob Rae (1985-1990) Former Diplomat Sponsored by Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy Munk Centre for International Studies Twenty-Fifth Annual Churchill Society Dinner - November 20^th, 2008 Silver Anniversary A charitable evening to support democracy education in Canada, to celebrate the legacy of Sir Winston Churchill and to recognize the leadership of women in parliamentary democracy in Ontario and in Canada. Award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell, P.C., C.C., Q.C. Canada’s nineteenth and first female Prime Minister, first female Minister of Justice and Minister of National Defence, Canadian Consul General (Los Angeles)1996-2000, Chair of The Council of Women World Leaders 1999-2003, President of International Women’s Forum 2004-05, Secretary-General of the Club of Madrid 2004-06, author Keynote Speaker Honourable Celia Sandys Granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, Honorary Patron of the Churchill Society, internationally acclaimed journalist, television presenter, speaker and author of five books including We Shall Not Fail and Chasing Churchill Fifth Annual University of Toronto Churchill Lecture - November 20, 2008 Co-sponsored by the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy and the Association of Political Science Students "The Role of Women in Parliamentary Democracy" Lecturer Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell, P.C., C.C., Q.C. Canada’s nineteenth and first female Prime Minister, first female Minister of Justice and Minister of National Defence, Canadian Consul General (Los Angeles)1996-2000, Chair of The Council of Women World Leaders 1999-2003, President of International Women’s Forum 2004-05, Secretary-General of the Club of Madrid 2004-06, author Annual General Meeting - May 14, 2008 All members and friends of the Society were invited to attend the A.G.M. The following individuals will discussed the some of the charitable initiatives designed promote education and awareness about parliamentary democracy in Canada: Ian Hundey Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy Library of Parliament David Warner Trustee, Winston Churchill Scholarships Forum for Young Canadians Katie Robb Ontario Legislature Internship Programme Peter Russell, O.C. Author, Two Cheers for Minority Government The Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy and Massey College present the launch of Two Cheers for Minority Government The evolution of Canadian parliamentary democracy by Professor Peter H. Russell, O.C. Past-Chairman, Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy; University Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto. Massey College University of Toronto Thursday, March 20, 2008 Click here to read more about the book Churchill Debate at Hart House - March 5, 2008 Elizabeth May, O.C. Leader, Green Party of Canada "Global Warming is Hoax by the political class." Hart House University of Toronto Parliamentary Democracy - February 29, 2008 Sean Conway 2007 Recipient of the Churchill Society Award for Excellence in Parliamentary Democracy Rotary Club of Toronto Churchill and the Commonwealth - February 27, 2008 Robert O'Brien Chairman, Churchill Society Royal Commonwealth Society - Toronto Branch Royal Canadian Military Institute Minority Parliaments - February 22, 2008 Professor Peter H. Russell, O.C. Past-Chairman, Churchill Society Rotary Club of Toronto Churchill's Eye - January 23, 2008 The Visual Cues of Winston Churchill An illustrated talk by Nigel Smith Creative director, designer, photographer, and lecturer Churchill’s unparalleled capacity to comprehend visual cues. His life as a journey through spectacle & pageantry. His need to see and be seen. The coordination of his personal symbols. His capacity to excel in art, literature, etc. Celebrating 250 Years of Parliamentary Democracy in Canada This external website has been created to share information on this year's celebrations marking the 250^th anniversary of the birth of parliamentary democracy in Canada. History buffs, budding politicians, students and teachers can also access electronic replicas of historic documents, as well as review essays and other learning resources that highlight key milestones in the evolution of parliamentary democracy in Canada. www.democracy250.ca Churchill Book Discussion Group Troublesome Young Men The Rebels who Brought Churchill To Power and Helped Save England By Lynne Olson Twenty-Fourth Annual Churchill Society Dinner - November 22, 2007 A charitable evening to support parliamentary democracy education in Canada Award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy Sean Conway Ontario Liberal MPP (1975-2003) Cabinet Minister (1985-1990) Visiting Fellow, Queen's University School of Policy Studies Political commentator on parliamentary democracy Keynote Speaker Senator Hugh Segal, M.C. Political advisor and insider at Queen's Park and Ottawa from 1970's to present, author and distinguished Churchillian Fourth Annual U of T Churchill Lecture - November 21, 2007 Co-sponsored by the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy and the Association of Political Science Students Senate Reform Essential for Parliamentary Democracy Lecturer Senator Hugh Segal, M.C. An Evening with Sir Martin Gilbert and the Official Canadian Launch of Churchill and the Jews - October 16, 2007 A Lifelong Friendship An Evening with Sir Martin Gilbert and the Official Canadian Launch of Churchill and the Jews: A Lifelong Friendship In partnership with International Churchill Societies Canada and the Albany Club of Toronto Sir Martin Gilbert named Patron In recognition of Sir Martin Gilbert writing The Will of the People: Winston Churchill and Parliamentary Democracy, promoting the book through three book launches and a dozen media interviews, and donating half the proceeds to support the Churchill Society’s educational programme; and in acknowledgement of Sir Martin being the inaugural Churchill Society Dinner guest speaker, the speaker at our 20th anniversary dinner; and also in recognition of his unyielding friendship to the Society over the years, the Churchill Society Board of Directors bestows upon Sir Martin Gilbert the Society's highest honour, naming him a Patron of the Society. Referendum Ontario 2007 - October 10, 2007 Which electoral system should Ontario use to elect members to the provincial legislature? Referendum Results The existing electoral system (First-Past-the-Post) Total votes: 2,702,324 Percentage of votes 63.1% Districts with 50% + 1 = 102 The alternative electoral system proposed by the Citizens’ Assembly (Mixed Member Proportional) Total votes: 1,577,245 Percentage of votes 36.9% Districts with 50% + 1 = 5 Click here for a look back at articles in support of each electoral system The Great Electoral Reform Debate - October 2, 2007 “Which electoral system should Ontario use to elect members to the provincial legislature?” The Honourable Ed Broadbent, P.C., C.C. Former leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada Speaking in favour of the alternative electoral system proposed by the Citizens’ Assembly (Mixed Member Proportional) Versus Charles Harnick, Q.C. Former attorney general of Ontario Speaking in favour of the existing electoral system (First-Past-the-Post) Panelists Peter H. Russell, O.C. Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto Ian Urquhart Columnist, Toronto Star Moderator Dan Tisch Past-Chair, Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy Click here to see photos of the event Revitalizing democracy: is electoral reform the answer? 30 May 2007 On May 30^th, two prominent members of the Ontario legislature squared off in one of the first major public debates on potential changes to the province’s voting system. The event, organized by the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy, took place just two weeks after the official report of the Ontario Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. Norm Sterling MPP (PC – Lanark Carleton) is one of the ‘deans’ of the legislature — a former cabinet minister and the Progressive Conservative critic for democratic renewal. He believes that change is possible without changing the voting system. Michael Prue MPP (NDP – Beaches-East York) is the New Democratic Party’s critic for democratic renewal. A former East York mayor and Toronto city councillor, he is a strong proponent of electoral reform. Sterling and Prue faced questions from two leading academics, Professor Peter Russell and Professor Nelson Wiseman, and from members of the general public. The session began with an overview of the Citizens’ Assembly proposal from assembly member Matthew Certosimo. Moderator: Daniel Tisch, Chair, Churchill Society Churchill Debate at Hart House - April 23, 2007 "The Government of Canada should be absolutely bound by the Charter." Guest Speaker Andrew Coyne National Affairs Columnist The National Post The Sixth Frederic Alden Warren Lecture - April 24, 2007 University of Trinity College, Toronto Ronald I. Cohen Churchill’s bibliographer *"In Search of Churchill: The Bibliographer and a Colossal Canon."* Churchill Book Discussion Group - February 27, 2007 Churchill's Folly How Winston Churchill Created Modern Iraq by Christopher Catherwood As Colonial Secretary in the 1920s Winston Churchill made a decision forcing three radically different peoples - the Sunni Muslim Kurds, Sunni Muslim Arabs, and Shiite Muslims - to combine under a single ruler. The author argues that the situation in the Middle East today is the unwitting legacy of that decision. Churchill Book Discussion Group web page Third Annual Churchill Lecture - November 23, 2006 "The Role of Parliament in Matters of War and Peace" Professor David Bercuson, O.C. Military and political historian, analyst & commentator; Director, Centre for Military and Strategic Studies, University of Calgary; Author, One Christmas in Washington: The Secret Meeting Between Roosevelt and Churchill that Changed the World Twenty-Third Annual Churchill Society Dinner - November 23, 2006 A charitable evening to support parliamentary democracy education in Canada Recipient of the Award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy The Honourable Ed Broadbent, P.C., C.C. New Democratic Party of Canada Leader 1975-1989 Member of Parliament, 1968-1990, 2004-2006 Guest speaker Professor David Bercuson, O.C. Military and political historian, analyst & commentator; Director, Centre for Military and Strategic Studies, University of Calgary; Author, One Christmas in Washington: The Secret Meeting Between Roosevelt and Churchill that Changed the World Revitalizing democracy: Is electoral reform the answer? - November 1, 2006 A Churchill Society panel discussion & debate As the Ontario Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform begins its work this fall, the Churchill Society is partnering with the Assembly to put on a debate between prominent Ontarians with compelling — and very different — perspectives on electoral reform. Book Launch - October 16, 18 & 20, 2006 The Will of the People: Winston Churchill and Parliamentary Democracy By Sir Martin Gilbert Part of the proceeds of the sale of this book will support the educational programmes of the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy. Churchill Book Discussion Group - May 30, 2006 In Command of History Churchill Fighting and Writing the Second World War By David Reynolds The Maple Crown - May 12, 2006 A Theatrical History of Canada Presented by the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust & the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy to mark the 80th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen. Churchill Debate at Hart House - April 28, 2006 "This House Believes in Native Self-Government." Professor Darlene Johnston Faculty of Law, University of Toronto Professor Johnston's teaching areas include Aboriginal Law and Property Law. Her current research focuses on the relationship between totemic identity, territoriality and governance. Annual General Meeting - April 27, 2006 A short business meeting to report on the Churchill Society's affairs at the conclusion of a successful year and to elect officers for 2006-07. Churchill Collection Library Night - March 9, 2006 Joint meeting with the Friends of the Library, Trinity College "Before the Historians: Eyewitness to Churchill at War" John Plumpton Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy Speaker, 19th Churchill Society Dinner (2002) Former President, Board of Directors, Churchill Centre Building Iraq’s constitutional foundations - March 8, 2006 A luncheon and keynote speech featuring The Honourable Bob Rae Churchill Book Discussion Group - January 19, 2006 In Search of Churchill A Historian's Journey by Martin Gilbert 22nd Annual Churchill Society Dinner - November 19, 2005 "Ten Winning Principles of Winston Churchill" Chris Matthews World famous political journalist Passionate Churchillian MSNBC host of "Hardball With Chris Matthews" Plus, 2005 Recipient of the Churchill Society Award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy The Honourable Allan Lawrence, PC, QC Former Solicitor-General of Canada and Attorney General of Ontario Churchill Lecture - November 20, 2005 "Hurricanes, Scandals and Insurgent: Is Republican power coming to an end? Chris Matthews World famous political journalist Passionate Churchillian MSNBC host of "Hardball with Chris Matthews Jointly sponsored by the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy, the U of T International Relations Society, Department of Political Science & Association of Political Science Students. Churchill Society Luncheon - June 15, 2005 Featured Steve Paikin, co-host of the TV Ontario programme 'Studio 2' and the host of 'Diplomatic Immunity'. Steve discussed his latest book, Public Triumph, Private Tragedy. It is the story of former Ontario Premier John Robarts, "a great man who lived hard, died hard, and accomplished so much in the process." The Great Dominion: Winston Churchill in Canada, 1900-1954 by David Dilks - Book launch May 9, 2005 David Dilks, a leading British historian and guest speaker at the Churchill Dinner in 1999, will be launching his new book, The Great Dominion: Winston Churchill in Canada, 1900-1954. The book's publisher, Thomas Allen, and the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy invited all members of the Society a reception to celebrate its publication. Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day - May 8, 2005 The Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy had a display in the Heritage Court at the official celebration commemorating the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and the end of the Second World War. Churchill Debate at Hart House - March 30, 2005 This House would export Canadian Values The Right Honourable John N. Turner, PC, CC, QC 17th Prime Minister of Canada Head of Mission, Canadian Observers Mission to Ukraine Churchill Luncheon Series – March 9, 2005 “Issues in Parliamentary Reform” A luncheon and keynote speech featuring Sean Conway Public Policy Advisor Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP Former Ontario Cabinet Minister Churchill Collection Library Night – March 3, 2005 “Churchill’s Military Romanticism” Professor Paul Stevens Canada Research Fellow University of Toronto This talk explored both the very real negative and surprisingly positive consequences of Churchill’s military romanticism. Professor Stevens focused on WSC's My Early Life, Marlborough and the Alanbrooke War Diaries. Churchill Luncheon Series - November 29, 2004 "Parliamentary Democracy... In A Minority Parliament" A luncheon and keynote speech featuring Peter MacKay MP Deputy Leader Conservative Party of Canada The First Annual Churchill Society Lecture - November 9, 2004 "Churchill & Roosevelt: Joined at the Hip - By History or Historians? Professor Warren F. Kimball Robert Treat Professor of History Rutgers University This lecture was presented in partnership with the University of Toronto's Centre for American Studies and was open to Churchill Society members, students, and the university community. 21st Annual Churchill Society Dinner - November 8th, 2004 "The Anglo-American Relationship - Yesterday & Today" Featured guest speaker Professor Warren F. Kimball Robert Treat Professor of History Rutgers University Mark A. Clark Distinguished Visiting Professor of History, The Citadel Editor of Churchill and Roosevelt: The Complete Correspondence Author of Forged in War: Roosevelt, Churchill and the Second World War 2004 Recipient of the Churchill Society Award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy The Right Honourable Joe Clark, PC, CC 16th Prime Minister of Canada, 1979-80 Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, 1984-91 Rededication of the Sir Winston Churchill statue on the 60th Anniversary of D-Day - June 6, 2004 The refurbished Sir Winston Churchill statue site at Nathan Phillips Square was rededicated on June 6, 2004. This event marked the culmination of a project launched by the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy and the International Churchill Societies - Canada in October 2002 - the 25th anniversary of the unveiling of the magnificent Oscar Nemon statue of Sir Winston Churchill by his grandson, Winston Spencer Churchill, M.P. Read more and see photos of this event Churchill as Parliamentarian: The Lasting Legacy - April 29, 2004 A talk by The Honourable Dwight Duncan, MPP, Ontario Minister of Energy, Government House Leader, Chair of Cabinet, and Churchill Society member, on Churchill and the beauty of our parliamentary institutions. Winston Churchill and Parliamentary Democracy - April 16, 2004 Sir Martin Gilbert delighted the audience with a lecture about Winston Churchill's parliamentary career and his defence of parliamentary democracy. "This House believes all Parties should appoint the Supreme Court" - April 7, 2004 The annual Churchill Debate at Hart House featured our own judicial politics expert, former Churchill Society Chairman Professor Peter H. Russell, OC. Mr. Churchill Investigates A Chequered Affair - March 20, 2004 In the spring of 1944, as the world waited for the long-heralded landings in Europe, Churchill's weekend at Chequers was disrupted by a mysterious but undeniably violent death. Many of the suspects were famous personalities, dinner guests, representatives of allied powers. Had the secret of the landings been betrayed? This murder mystery dinner at the Arts & Letters Club of Toronto was a delight to all taking part. The Churchill Collection Presented a Talk on the River War: 1st Edition - February 26, 2004 An Historical Account of the Reconquest of the Sudan by Winston Churchill Featuring Professor Clifford Orwin, Department of Political Science, University of Toronto Churchill Society Luncheon Series - February 3, 2004 Featured Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant, Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal, who discussed the Ontario government's plans for "democratic renewal". Sir John A. Macdonald Dinner - January 2004 Historian Christopher Moore treated guests to an insightful talk about Canada's first prime minister and the coalition-building skills he relied upon to pass legislation in a legislature dominated by so many independent-minded members. 20th Annual Churchill Society Dinner - November 18, 2003 Sir Martin Gilbert was the guest speaker on the topic of "Churchill & The Middle East". The Churchill Society Award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy was presented to The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs. D-Day, Juno Beach and Canadian Soldiers - June 23, 2003 John Plumpton attended the opening ceremonies of the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy. He gave a wonderful presentation about the opening of the new centre, the role Canadian soldiers on D-Day and reflections on Winston Churchill and his landing on Juno Beach. This event was co-sponsored by the International Churchill Societies and the Munk Centre for International Studies. Collecting Churchill - April 26, 2003 The Churchill Society along with the Friends of Trinity Library presented "Collecting Churchill: A Colloquium to Celebrate the Gift of the Watt Collection of Churchilliana." This long-awaited event was the culmination of last year’s fundraising campaign to purchase portions of Bart Watt’s Churchill collection following his passing. This splendid and prestigious collection complements the Churchill collection already in Trinity Library and is worthy of much celebration in its acquisition. The day’s three-part program took place at Trinity College in Toronto and included expert discussion and analysis of the collection, a lunch and champagne toast to thank the generous donors, as well as a viewing of the collection. Churchill Debate at Hart House - March 19, 2003 This year's debate featured NDP Leader Jack Layton speaking to the resolution 'This House believes the Canadian left should support war on Iraq.' The Churchill Society is proud to sponsor university-level, parliamentary-style debating with speakers and topics that are of interest to students. 'The Gathering Storm' Night Out At The Flicks - March 11, 2003 Churchill Society members and their guests enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Arts and Letters Club where we were treated to Glynne Jenkins' premier screening 'The Gathering Storm' starting Albert Finney. 19th Annual Churchill Society Dinner - November 26, 2002 The Churchill Society members and guests who gathered at the 19^th Annual Churchill Dinner in Toronto were greeted with the news that Lord Jenkins had been experiencing difficulties with his heart condition and was under his doctor’s orders not to fly. Recovering at his home, Jenkins deeply regretted not being able to make the trip. It would not be until Sunday January 5, 2003 when we would learn of his death. Standing in for Lord Jenkins would be John Plumpton, President of the Board of Directors of the Churchill Centre in Washington, DC. Churchill Statue at Nathan Phillips Square - October 23, 2002 The 25^th Anniversary of the unveiling of the Sir Winston Churchill statue at Nathan Phillips Square was celebrated on October 23. This was a joint event with the International Churchill Societies and featured honoured guests: H.N.R. (Hal) Jackman former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto. Senator David Smith, former City Councilor who presided over the original unveiling of the statue donated by the late Harry Jackman 25 years ago could not be there but sent a warm message on that chilly day. "Be it resolved that Canada needs a new proportional voting system." - October 8, 2002 On Tuesday, October 8^th, 2002 the Churchill Society sponsored a debate featuring members of Fair Vote Canada, on the side of government, presenting their arguments in favour of voting reform. On the opposing side were members of the Toronto Debating Society who also hosted the event at the Swansea Town Hall. The Churchill Society does not take a position on proportional representation but recognizes that as part of our mandate to advance parliamentary democracy we should foster informed public discussion of this important subject. Royal Jubilee Garden Party - June 20, 2002 On the afternoon of June 1, 2002 in the sublime setting of the David Bosanquet Garden of the Munk Centre members and friends of the Churchill Society gathered for a garden party to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, and to honour Her Majesty's first Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Churchill's Navigator - June 1, 2002 Air Commodore John Mitchell, LVO, DFC, AFC addressed a sold out audience hosted by the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy and the International Churchill Society in the Dining Room of the Royal Canadian Military Institute June 20, 2002 Churchill Debate at Hart House featured Jeffrey Simpson - April 10, 2002 At the 2002 Churchill Debate, the students at Hart House challenged the thesis of Jeffrey Simpson’s book, The Friendly Dictatorship, by having “gov” defend dominant government’s unwillingness to implement serious parliamentary reforms. Both sides were presented with a copy of Mr. Simpson’s book in advance and they debated the issue of single-party dominance head-on and on its head. “Democracy Project” - April 4-7, 2002 In April 2002, the Churchill Society co-sponsored the ‘Democracy Project” Conference. This roundtable on the future of Canada’s parliamentary democracy brought together senior academics, scholars and other interested parties to talk, listen and debate. Issues discussed included the rise of Executive dominance and its ramifications for representative democracy, and the rise of executive federalism and whether the apparent diminution in the role of legislatures is unique to Parliamentary legislatures. We will be publishing the results of the conference on our website and we hope to disseminate the findings to a wide audience over the coming year. Chairman Peter Russell attended the conference and has provided a brief synopsis [read more] Churchill Society Sponsored the Léger Cup - January 18-20, 2002 We are the proud sponsor of the Churchill Society Award for Public Speaking at the annual Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate [CUSID] - Central Canadian Championships [Léger Cup]. CUSID is the organization which governs and represents university debating in Canada. This year's "Léger" was held at the University of Western Ontario from January 18-20, 2002. The winner of the inaugural Churchill Society Award for Public Speaking is Officer Cadet John Beddows of Royal Military College. He also received a complimentary student membership in the Churchill Society. Congratulations Cadet Beddows and welcome to the Churchill Society! Winston Churchill to 1900 Exhibit and Tea Party - January 13, 2002 An Exhibit in the Churchill Room of the John W. Graham Library, Trinity College Munk Centre for International Relations, University of Toronto in on now until this summer. The Churchill Society held a Tea Part on Sunday January 13, to mark the opening of this new exhibit. World Universities Debating Championship - January 4, 2002 Churchill Society was a contributor to the World Universities Debating Championship hosted by Hart House, University of Toronto, from December 27, 2001 to January 4, 2002. Over 400 teams from universities around the world took part in this prestigious event in the international debating circuit. As part of our efforts to encourage good speaking skills in young people, the Churchill Society sponsored and presented the Public Speaking Award, which was won by Roy Wiesner of Hebrew University. The final debating round saw Durham University and Monash University forming the Government with University College Dublin Literary & Historical Society and New York University Law School forming the Opposition. The resolution: "This house would ban prisoners publishing accounts of their crimes." Congratulations to the Hart House Worlds Organizing Committee for putting on a world class tournament! Churchill Society Dinner - November 20, 2001 The annual Churchill Society Dinner was held on November 20, 2001 in grand style at the Ballroom of the Royal York Hotel. The Award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy was presented to Roy Romanow by his friend, former Ontario Premier Bob Rae. Mr. Romanow's insightful acceptance speech was followed by a few words from another friend (and fellow member of the 'kitchen cabinet') Ontario's Chief Justice Roy McMurtry. The highlight of the evening was the speech by British historian, journalist and author, Andrew Roberts, entitled "The Assaults on the Memory of Sir Winston Churchill." With the facts as his weapon, Roberts debunked the false and spurious claims made by various Churchill revisionists and set the record straight in every case. 'A Unique and Unexpected Honour' Staged Reading at the Great Hall - November 16, 2002 November 16, 2001, the Hart House Graduate Committee and the Drama Society, with the assistance of the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy, presented a staged reading of David Russell's play "A Unique and Unexpected Honour". This intimate event took place in the Great Hall at Hart House and featured the talents of talented actors from the University of Toronto. It followed a day of lectures at University of Toronto by a number of distinguished Nobel Laureates as part of the Nobel Prize Centennial Lecture Series. Congratulations to the Hart House Drama Society and the Graduate Committee for staging a truly memorable performance. Churchill Society at Ontario Home Schooling Conference - Sept.15, 2001 On Saturday September 15, 2001 the Churchill Society participated at the Annual Home Schooling Conference of the Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents in Oakville Ontario. Robert O’Brien addressed the group about the relevance of Churchill to today’s generation. To read more about the event and to see the article that appeared in Home Rules, published by the Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents (OFTP) A Unique and Unexpected Honour - March 19, 2001 History came alive on the evening of Monday, March 19, 2001 as 300 gathered to celebrate the official opening of the Churchill Room at the John W. Graham Library at Trinity College, University of Toronto. This special occasion was commemorated by the premiere performance of a remarkable new play by David Russell recreating the events surrounding Churchill’s award of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953. Churchill Debate at Hart House - March 13, 2001 "This House believes that government accountability is a thing of the past." An exciting debate featuring The Right Honourable Joe Clark, PC, CC, MP, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada