The Mauro Institute sponsored two events at this Conference. First, St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc. provided a grant from the Blankstein Family Abrahamic Faiths Storytelling Dialogue: Equality and Leadership Fund. Dr. Marjorie Blankstein’s generosity allowed for  , the audience to be moved by the musical performance of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra (WJO). Opening the Conference on June 15, 2025, Dr. Richard Gillis, Director of WJO, masterfully choreographed several pieces on the theme of Hope. They ranged from Chuck Copenace’s ‘Creator’ to Oscar Peterson’s ‘Hymn to Freedom’ and to Hevenu Shalom Aleinu (Peace Song). But why music? Because as Auerbach is attributed as saying: “Music washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life.” As Dr. Amaladas notes, “in our divided world, there is so much dust that needs to be washed away.”

Second, also supported by the Foundation, the  Dr. Rey Pagtakhan Fund for Ethics, Humanity, and Politics provided funding to host a panel of distinguished citizens who offered their personal testimonies and insights on the relationship between politics and hope.

Moderated by Dr. Christopher Adams, Rector of St. Paul’s College, University of Manitoba the panel featured Dr. Sami Helewa, SJ (President, Campion College, University of Regina), Ms. Tanya Brothers, JD (Vice-Chair, St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc.), Dr. Niigaan Sinclair (Professor, Indigenous Studies, UM), and Ms. Joanne Seiff (Author and Educator).  Each of the panellists explored the core questions of how political relationships can either sustain or sabotage hope for peace, justice, and human dignity—and what we can do to become catalysts for transformational change.

Politics of Belonging: A Testimony of Hope

Dr. Helewa, SJ, a scholar of Islamic and Christian theology, opened the panel with personal reflections rooted in his early life as a stateless person of Palestinian heritage.

“I was born stateless. I belonged to no country, had no birth certificate, and no rights as a citizen,” said Helewa. “I chose to be a Jesuit. I chose specifically to focus on justice and begin a life of service for others.”

Helewa described hope as intrinsically good and argued that politics, at its best, shares this potential: “Hope is due to its intrinsic nature of ‘the good.’ I would say the same with politics… to never be satisfied with the status quo for the sake of just existence.” He advocated for a “politics of belonging” – one that recognizes diversity and inclusion not merely as policies, but as pathways to human flourishing and solidarity.

Hope Rooted in History and Resilience

Winnipeg lawyer and community leader Tanya Brothers grounded her message of hope in a historical account of her maternal family’s migration from Oklahoma to Alberta in the early 1900s, fleeing racist segregation laws.

“When this group arrived at Athabasca Landing, despite being supported by Canadian officials, they faced local hostility and even a proposed Order-in-Council to bar Black immigrants from Canada,” said Brothers.

Despite this, her ancestors endured and built a community in Amber Valley, Alberta. “They had to actively envision what they did not have and set out to create it,” Brothers reflected, “They sustained their hope by fostering community and faith.”

Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., she concluded with a hopeful reminder that “unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”

Love, Reciprocity, and the Earth

Dr. Sinclair urged the audience to move beyond human-centred thinking toward a vision of hope rooted in a creation-centred paradigm.

“Hope is a choice, and everything in creation bends toward love—except us,” said Sinclair. “We are the only beings who kill for no purpose—out of ego, nationalism, or fear. Yet creation teaches reciprocity, cooperation, and resilience. If we want hope, we must re-learn from creation.”

Sinclair called for a politics of sharing and humility: “The only way we get over the winter is by looking to the person beside us, building the lodge together, and sharing food. That is the truth of creation.”

Hope as Daily Action and Human Connection

Closing the panel, writer and educator, Joanne Seiff shared her Jewish tradition’s view of hope as an ongoing act of world repair, or tikkun olam.” We live in a fractured world… and it’s our job to put the broken vessel back together,” said Seiff.

For Seiff, hope is not merely emotional—it’s practical and participatory, emphasizing that fixing real problems through science, education, and civic action is itself an act of faith. We felt her conviction when she concluded: “Hope is work rooted in action rather than belief,,,  It’s about speaking out, building bridges, and fighting hate.”

A Call to Action

As Dr. Adams noted in his closing remarks, the panellists offered more than academic insight—they issued a challenge by calling all to shift their way of thinking and act for the sake of a common good.” Whether by confronting exclusion, re-centring the Earth, honouring ancestral resilience, or practicing daily acts of justice and kindness, each speaker emphasized that hope is not passive—it is participatory.

St. Paul’s College is grateful for our generous donors who assist the Mauro Institute in creating these platforms for our global community to come together to create common ground.

In addition, as Dr. Amaladas acknowledged that for him “hope is a dream of a person fully awake.” To this end, he encourages all to “move forward not as if we are sleepwalking, but rather that we be intentional and purposeful in our quest for peace and social justice.”

To listen to the entire conversation, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba.

While his impeccable art of storytelling was both meaningful and impactful, his second ‘act,’ – a “talk-back” with his audience, was contextually revealing. Born and raised in Brazil, Rocha moved to Maine about 38 years ago to study mime and theatre. Only after settling in the very state where The Malaga was built did he learn of the ship’s role in forcefully transporting free Africans to enslavement in Brazil.

“I could not believe the coincidences between the ship and myself,” explained Rocha. “She was built in Maine and went to Brazil to bring to my home country part of my ancestry. I was born in Brazil and came to Maine, where I learned to be a storyteller… The more I read about The Malaga, the more I realized I was born to tell her story.”

That discovery sparked a profound realization, challenge, and change. As Rocha shared: “I verbally told myself I would never tell hard stories… But if the ancestors notice you avoiding your purpose, they will knock you down. And that’s what happened to me.”

Rocha suffered a debilitating panic attack in 2018, which he now understands as a moment of reckoning with ancestral trauma – a legacy he inherited from his father, who lived with untreated psychological wounds rooted in slavery’s aftermath.

With the support of healers, therapists, and a spiritual reawakening, Rocha emerged transformed. In 2020, he was introduced to the story of The Malaga through Maine-based Smithsonian artist and scholar Daniel Minter. “I went to Maine to learn storytelling,” Rocha noted. “But really, my story found me.” His story found him and instilled in him a profound sense of “ancestral duty.” It was a story that was waiting for centuries to be told, and it came alive on stage.

“This performance is unlike anything I’ve done before…,” said Rocha. “I transform into a vessel – into the ship herself -holding the pain and resilience of five million Africans forced into slavery.”

In embodying the Malaga Ship, Rocha used his training in mime to evoke crashing waves, creaking timbers, bloodied floors and sorrowful cries of human captives. Yet the performance is not only about tragedy. It is also about resilience and healing.

In reflecting on Antonio Rocha’s performance and the revival of the Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival (English), Dr. Stanley Amaladas, Director of the Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice, noted: “Such is the power of storytelling. In telling his story, Antonio’s ancestors offered him a gift to daringly claim his voice. I will remember Antonio Rocha’s story of The Malaga Ship and storytelling as a spiritual journey and a call to courageously remember, reflect, and heal. Indeed, it is a pathway to peace and justice. I believe that this is the fundamental purpose of the Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival.”

This year’s festival welcomed 12 schools and 15 classes from grades 4 to 8 within the Winnipeg School Division, offering students a rare opportunity to engage with the art of storytelling in a lively, educational setting. Teachers also participated in a specialized Storytelling Workshop designed to support creative learning in classrooms.

The festival’s highlight was the Canadian premiere of The Malaga Ship by renowned international storyteller Antonio Rocha, presented on Friday, May 9. The performance captivated audiences with its emotional depth and historical resonance. Above all, it offered all an opportunity to remember and heal.

Throughout the two-day celebration, audiences were treated to performances by a talented lineup of storytellers, including:

• Loc Lu – An energetic arts educator and performer, Loc brings over 15 years of experience in physical theatre, film, and community arts programs throughout Winnipeg.
• Daniel Thau-Eleff – A socially conscious Winnipeg playwright whose solo shows and workshops explore human rights through a deeply personal lens.
• Jo Dixon – A multidisciplinary artist whose collaborative work in theatre, puppetry, and visual art builds meaningful community connections.
• Cora Matheson – A seasoned actor, director, and acting coach with a background in both stage and screen, including Hallmark film credits.
• Carrie Costello – A playwright known for adapting beloved children’s stories and co-creating historically inspired theatre that tours nationwide.
• Jamie Oliviero – A veteran storyteller and arts educator who has spent over four decades using traditional tales to promote cultural understanding and social justice worldwide.
• Leigh-Anne Kehler – An internationally touring storyteller and playwright celebrated for her heartfelt, humorous Fringe Festival productions.

In addition to the English-language programming, the 2025 Festival du Conte de Winnipeg showcased French storytelling, generously supported by Le Bureau de l’éducation française de Manitoba. More information about this component of the festival can be found at Le Festival du Conte de Winnipeg.

The Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice at St. Paul’s College extends its heartfelt thanks to The Winnipeg Foundation and the Blankstein Fund for Storytelling Dialogue for their generous sponsorship. The Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival continues to be a cornerstone event in Mauro Institute and St. Paul’s College commitment to peacebuilding and cross-cultural dialogue – one story at a time.

The six graduates represent diverse educational backgrounds and life experiences with practicum placements and thesis topics covering a wide range including Gender and Human Rights, Indigenous and Minority Rights, New Horizons in Human Rights, and Migration, Displacement and Human Rights. Students in the Practicum program, students participate in work placements with leading local and international human rights organizations to gain practical, hands-on experience doing human rights work.  Students and their topics are as follows:

Erin Gobert (Thesis) Human rights and reproductive healthcare in rural, remote, and northern Manitoba

Nabil Iqbal (Thesis) Refining legal frameworks for cross-border climate-induced displacement: a comprehensive analysis of provisions, definitions, and new arrangements under international law

Claire (Xiaoxia) Li (Practicum) Understanding the right to education under the Hukou system in China: from a human rights perspective

Ana Martin (Practicum) The international right to health and Jordan’s Principle: a comparative analysis of the substantive and procedural differences to Indigenous children’s right to health in Canada

Trixie Maybituin (Thesis) A preliminary human rights-based analysis of Winnipeg’s municipal budget

Fatemeh Shabani (Thesis) Power and paradigms in accounts of Iran’s human rights situation: a case of epistemic injustice

The University of Manitoba launched its Master of Human Rights (MHR) program in September 2019. The program is the first of its kind in Canada and prepares students for careers in human rights advocacy. The program is a collaboration of the faculties of Arts, Law, Education, and Social Work. It also cooperates with the Centre for Human Rights Research, the Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice in St. Paul’s College, and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

The MHR program is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Fall Term. The deadline for applications is December 1^st, 2024. Visit the Explore page to apply.

Detailed information about the University of Manitoba’s Master of Human Rights program can be found on the Faculty of Law website.

A Vision for Collaboration and Excellence

Dr. Senehi shared her desire for continuing the collaboration and excellence of the PACS program at UM, highlighting the program’s collaborative environment as a key motivation for accepting the position. “The Faculty of Graduate Studies—with leadership from the Arthur V. Mauro Institue Institute at St. Paul’s College and in partnership with the University of Winnipeg—has created an amazing space for students and faculty who are seeking to address some of society’s most pressing questions. I look forward to working with the amazing team of faculty, students, and staff who are involved in the peace and conflict studies programs,” she stated. Over the years, more than 100 UM and adjunct faculty have participated on student advisory committees or PACS governing committees.

Building on Success and Looking Forward

Building on past successes and enhancing the programs’ global impact, Dr. Senehi said “I hope to continue to build on the previous success of PACS. For example, the 55 PACS PhD alumni who have graduated since 2011 have produced numerous books and hold positions in universities or organizations throughout the world. Their publications have more than 6,000 citations. I hope to help bring awareness to the work that is being done in PACS at UM.” With the 20th anniversary of the PACS Program approaching in January 2026, Dr. Senehi envisions this milestone as an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and share ideas.

Innovative Research and Teaching

PACS faculty work closely with students on research and scholarship. “Over the past few years, I was part of a project that was developed by students in one of my classes. Several PACS graduate students and I co-edited a volume on Culture, Conflict, and Peacebuilding that includes chapters by several PACS alumni and students. The volume is currently in press with Palgrave Macmillan, and we are hoping that it will be used as a teaching text,” she said. This project exemplifies the integrative and student-centered approach that she plans to continue fostering within the program.

Strengthening Community Partnerships

A key aspect of Dr. Senehi’s vision involves strengthening community partnerships and engaging with local organizations. “PACS students are dedicated to working with and learning from communities and community organizations. There is often a focus on Indigenous, cultural, and local resources for peace-building. Many PACS master’s students have done practica with numerous local organizations. It will be important to recognize, strengthen, and build on these partnerships.”

Inspiring Future Leaders in Peace and Conflict Resolution

Dr. Senehi offers valuable advice to students aspiring to work in peace and conflict resolution. “I often say that the graduate student is on a heroic quest to find something valuable through their research that will address a problem or provide new knowledge. Students hope their research will make a positive impact on society. What I have found is that through their graduate journey, students become an agents of positive change in the world through their life’s work.”

A Welcoming and Diverse Community

Highlighting the inclusive and supportive environment of the PACS program, Dr. Senehi recognizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration by stating. “Importantly, graduate students find many allies on their quest—among faculty, staff, and, importantly, student colleagues. PACS is an interdisciplinary program, and people come to their studies from a range of educational, professional, geographic, and cultural backgrounds. They share a dedication to creating a better world, characterized by human rights, social justice, and positive peace. This creates an exciting and generative milieu for learning, research, and building life-long relationships.”

Dr. Kelley Main, dean of the faculty of graduate studies where the PACS program is housed shared “We are thrilled to have Dr. Senehi assume the position as the director of peace and conflict studies. Her extensive dedication in the field brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the field of peace and conflict studies, and her knowledge and leadership will bring new insights and energy to the program, while strengthening and building on the partnerships already in place.”

As the new director steps into her role, the University of Manitoba’s PACS program is poised for a bright future, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.

Twelve students presented their work in four different panels organized in topics including Gender and Human Rights, Indigenous and Minority Rights, New Horizons in Human Rights, and Migration, Displacement and Human Rights.

“The Symposium is a great chance for students to share and receive feedback on their research,” said Dr. Kjell Anderson, Director of the MHR program. “It’s also a way for our program to connect with the broader Winnipeg human rights community, who are crucial partners in our community of human rights research and practice.”

Evandro Andrade did his practicum with Immigration Partnership Winnipeg (IPW) and worked with his advisor, Faculty of Law Professor, Dr. Amar Khoday to develop his major research paper, “The Impact of Sanctuary City Policies on Healthcare Access for Immigrants in Winnipeg.” Formerly an Intelligence Analyst at the Brazilian Intelligence Agency and an International Assistant Advisor at the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Brazil, Andrade explored Canada’s decentralized health rights system in his paper. He also reviewed Winnipeg’s Newcomer Welcome and Inclusion Policy, contrasting different Sanctuary City Policy (SCP) implementations globally. His aim was to bridge the gap between International Human Rights Law, International Refugee Law, and public policy, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies that align with international commitments.

Erin Gobert, who currently works as a Research Coordinator at Research and Education for Solutions to Violence and Abuse (RESOLVE), is in the MHR program’s thesis stream and is completing her thesis on “Human Rights and Reproductive Health Care in Rural, Remote, and Northern Manitoba.” With guidance from her advisor Dr. Linda Larcombe of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, she is studying whether there are human rights violations regarding reproductive health care in rural, remote, and northern (RRN) Manitoba.

Nabil Iqbal, who practiced law in India with a specialization in Human Rights, already has experience contributing to constitutional and human rights cases. He interned at the National Human Rights Commission and in the MHR program, is working with supervisor Dr. Nathan Derejko, Mauro Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice, on a thesis regarding “Refining Legal Frameworks for Cross-border Climate-Induced Displacement: A Comprehensive Analysis of Provisions, Definitions, and New Arrangements under International Law.” Iqbal’s work aims to offer a comprehensive overview of existing legal protections, propose a refined and universally applicable term, namely, “climate refugee,” and present innovative legal arrangements. His overall goal is to contribute to the discourse on cross-border climate-induced displacement of persons in international law.

Yuri Suzuki completed her practicum at the Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties (MARL) and presented her major research paper, “Toward Equality: Exploring the Dowa Education’s Role in Overcoming Buraku Discrimination in Japan.” Suzuki has a background in working in the field of children’s rights and her advisor is Dr. Adam Muller, Department of English, Faculty of Arts. Suzuki’s paper’s concern is discrimination in Japan against the Burakumin people, who are racially and ethnically Japanese but have historically been considered “unclean.”  To address this systematic discrimination, Dowa education was implemented in Japan in 1969, involving initiatives that required schools to teach children about the Buraku problem, fostering understanding and promoting equality.

Students invited family and friends to attend as well as practicum mentors and thesis advisors. About 18 individuals also attended the event online including professors, advisors, mentors, alumni, and practicum placement staff who were unable to attend in-person. Attendees who joined in-person included University of Manitoba professors from the Faculties of Social Work, Law, Arts (the Department of History), and Medicine, as well as representatives from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Human Rights Hub, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and members of the public. 

Students in the practicum stream undertake work placements with leading local and international human rights organizations to gain practical, hands-on experience doing human rights work. Recent graduates are sometimes offered paid employment with their practicum organization following the completion of their hours. Students in the thesis stream work with an advisory committee whose members are experts in their corresponding thesis topic and help guide the student through the intensive research required to complete their research.

Topics ranged from access to healthcare policies for immigrants to climate-change refugees to incorporating Indigenous knowledge into Human Rights Policy. Women’s rights and Medical Assistance in Dying were also significant topics covered.

Practicum placements and topics presented were grouped in themes as follows:

Gender and Human Rights

Erin Gobert

Thesis title: “Human Rights and Reproductive Health Care in Rural, Remote, and Northern Manitoba”

Chloe Vickar

Practicum site: PERIOD

Paper title: “It’s a Privilege to Bleed: A Human Rights Analysis of Menstrual Equity at Canadian Universities”

Bryn Pfeifer

Practicum site: RESOLVE

Paper title: “Intimate Partner Violence and Migration Through the Lense of International Human Rights Law: A Policy Review of Canada and the United Kingdom.”

Indigenous and Minority Rights

Ken Mangako

Practicum Site: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Paper title: “On Canada’s Commitment to UNDRIP: An Assessment of Canada’s UNDRIP Act and Judicial Measures on the Recognition and Reconciliation of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

Ana Martin

Practicum Site: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Paper title: “Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into Human Rights Policy: A Framework for Better Equity and Rights Protection.”

Michelle (Yuri) Suzuki

Practicum Site: Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties (MARL)

Paper title: “Toward Equality: Exploring the Dowa Education’s Role in Overcoming Buraku Discrimination in Japan”

New Horizons in Human Rights

Trixie Maybituin

Thesis title: “Applying the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights’ Article 2(1) Obligations to Winnipeg’s Municipal Budget”

Fatemeh Shabani

Thesis title: “A Perspective-Based Approach to Human Rights”

Marisa Ranieri

Practicum site: Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba; Department of Justice Studies, University of Regina

Paper title: “Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) While Incarcerated vs Compassionate Release: A Comprehensive Analysis+ of “Dying with Dignity” within the Canadian Carceral System”

Migration, Displacement and Human Rights

Evandro Andrade

Practicum site: Immigration Partnership Winnipeg

Paper title: “The Impact of Sanctuary City Policies on Healthcare Access for Immigrants in Winnipeg”

Lily (Faezeh) Barzegari

Practicum site: Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Paper title: “Advocating for Labour Mobility and Permanent Residency for Canada’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers from an International Human Rights Law Perspective”

Nabil Iqbal

Thesis title: “Refining Legal Frameworks for Cross-border Climate-Induced Displacement: A comprehensive Analysis of Provisions, Definitions, and New Arrangements under International Law.”

In 2023, University of Manitoba experts, students and staff were featured in stories that covered a number of issues that were top-of-mind for Canadians—from our finances to Truth and Reconciliation, the climate crisis and breaking international research news. 

Here are the top 10 UM Today stories that had us scrolling to the bottom of the article.

10. Hitting a nerve

We started 2023 with big news for people who suffer with nerve damage. In January, new research aimed at helping people who suffer from chronic numbness or pain and tingling in their extremities, caused by diabetes or other conditions might soon see relief. This study by an international team led by Dr. Paul Fernyhough of the University of Manitoba and St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre  found that a class of drugs prescribed for other medical issues such as nearsightedness, incontinence or peptic ulcers may also prevent numbness and pain in fingers, arms and legs.

9. Standing out in the crowd

Who me? Yes, UM! We were all full of bison pride this November when the influential annual list by ShanghaiRanking listed five UM subjects/programs on the top 10 list in Canada. UM ranked fourth in Canada in dentistry and oral sciences — its top ranking nationally, and in the top 101-150 globally. Read the full list here.

8. Prime time politics comes to campus

The Prime Minister visited campus in April to speak to students, faculty, and President and Vice-Chancellor Michael Benarroch about UM’s role in addressing Canada’s clean technology needs, and advancing Truth and Reconciliation. During the roughly three-hour visit, engineering students eagerly showed Trudeau the electric Formula 1 car they were building for an upcoming competition and no matter their political stripe, people couldn’t help but click on the full story to read more.

7. Billions back in Manitoba

In October, you were invested in reading the UM  Economic Impact Study. It showed how the University of Manitoba contributed an estimated $7.3 billion to Manitoba’s economy in 2022-23, greater than 9 per cent of Manitoba’s recent GDP. For every dollar of funding the Province of Manitoba invests in UM, it receives a return of $4.10, and that doesn’t include the larger impacts associated with alumni and research contributions. You read all about how UM trains the talent Manitoba needs.

6. Farwell to a founder

In the early days of August, UM lost a faculty member who was instrumental in discussing human rights  and social justice on campus. Arthur V. Mauro passed away on August 5th, 2023 at the age of 96 years old. He was a philanthropist, human rights visionary, past Chancellor of UM and a renowned business leader. Today, his legacy extends throughout UM, in the student residence, research chair and research institute that all bear his family’s name. Read more about his legacy here.

5. Beware of those creepy crawlies

Have you seen this tick? That was the question we were all asking in September after a Winnipeg man sounded the alarm about a rare tick that can cause an allergy to red meat, after one was found embedded in his dog’s skin. Kateryn Rochon, an associate professor and acting head of the University of Manitoba’s entomology department was ready to field all the questions in this Winnipeg Free Press article that spread across North America faster than a woodtick on a hound dogs tail.

4. The Truthteller

This powerful UM Today The Magazine piece features UM Alum Murray Sinclair, who’s listened to thousands of personal stories of suffering and survival, and he shared his own. As the former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission he discusses why he chooses joy over anger. Sinclair figures he sat down with roughly 5,000 Survivors of residential schools, listening in-person to each of their stories of abuse. The details were harder to absorb than he anticipated. Take the time to read this article again and share it among your friends. 

3. White coats

The next generation of doctors and the white coat ceremony on 2023 drew a lot of readers. The largest medical class in University of Manitoba history – the Class of 2027 – were cloaked in their first white coats as part of Inaugural Day Exercises for the Max Rady College of Medicine on Aug. 23. The college increased its enrolment to 125 incoming medical students, up from 110 students in recent years. It was a great day for UM and future patients in Manitoba, relive the moment again.

2. The Big (Tiny) Problem

Microplastics in our waters may threaten ecosystems and accelerate the melting of Arctic sea ice. But are we ignoring the greater danger at the heart of this climate conundrum? You made it a priority to read about the important work of Feiyue Wang, Canada Research Chair in Arctic Environmental Chemistry and it had you clicking on this article.

1. And in top spot…food prices and funding

1. The price of groceries and the federal rebate were top-of-mind for everyone this year. People are struggling to get food on the table and pay their bills, but federal relief was promised and one of UM’s experts explained how it was all going to roll out. Wayne Simpson, Professor, Department of Economics wrote a piece for The Conversation in April about one of the most anticipated measures of the 2023 Canadian federal budget, the grocery rebate. The rebate was designed to provide relief to millions of Canadians who are struggling with rising grocery prices and food insecurity. 

So long 2023, thank you for the conversations. Some were exciting, some were deeply personal and some have changed us forever. But we aren’t done growing, and in the words of Arthur V. Mauro:
“…In years to come we can with pride, claim some small contribution to creating a better world.”

Listen here

Listen here