This free virtual series asks what it takes to build a vibrant, responsive and inclusive democracy in Canada.
About this Event
Democracy Dialogues Season 3
This free virtual asks what it takes to build a vibrant, responsive and inclusive democracy in Canada. The objective of the series is to answer some of the biggest questions and concerns we have about democracy, political power, and our capacity for a just and effective response to societal challenges. At The Democratic Engagement Exchange, we bring together innovative community leaders, dedicated public servants, and leading scholars from across Canada.
Episode 1: Health Care for All? Confronting Health Inequalities by Building Democracy
Led by Cathy Crowe, RN & Dr. Danyaal Raza
DATE: Tuesday, January 12th
TIME: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EST
At this moment when health inequalities have never been more front and centre in our public discourse, strengthening the connection between democratic engagement and individual and community health is essential to establishing positive health outcomes for communities too often ignored by our formal democratic institutions. How can marginalized communities gain power and bring their voices to the forefront in the fight towards equitable healthcare for all? Join us in conversation with Cathy Crowe, RN and Dr. Danyaal Raza as they share their experiences on the ground in communities where engaging in democratic action has led to improved health outcomes.
About our speakers
Cathy Crowe, RN
The essence of Cathy Crowe’s entire career has been nursing for social justice. She has worked in the area of homelessness since 1988 and prefers to be called a Street Nurse – a term coined over 20 years ago by a homeless man at the corner of Sherbourne and Dundas in downtown Toronto. Cathy obtained her diploma in nursing from Toronto General Hospital (1972), her Bachelor of Applied Arts in Nursing from Ryerson (1985) and her Masters of Education (Sociology) from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (1992). Along with colleagues, which included homeless activists, she has fostered numerous coalitions and advocacy initiatives that have achieved significant public policy victories.
Cathy is a frequent commentator, writer and educator on issues related to homelessness. A documentary film on her work titled Street Nurse, directed by Emmy and Gemini winner Shelley Saywell has had a major impact on nursing education in Canada.
In September 2013 she was appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Practitioner in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University where she worked with the Jack Layton Chair to launch the Jack Layton Summer School for Youth Activism. In 2018, Cathy received the Order of Canada. She has just released her memoir: “A Knapsack Full of Dreams: Memoirs of a Street Nurse.” Cathy’s motto is: Advocacy + Activism = Action.
Dr. Danyaal Raza
Dr. Danyaal Raza is a physician, academic and advocate for evidence-based, values-driven health care reform. He is a family physician with the Department of Family & Community Medicine of St. Michael’s Hospital, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, and serves as Chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare. His leadership and advocacy work focus on the intersection of public-private health care and the social determinants of health.
Notably, he is the co-author on a research review examining voting, health and associated interventions, as well as a commentary on how physicians and health care institutions can actively engage in this process. He has also provided written and broadcast commentary to media outlets that include the CBC, CTV, Globe & Mail and Toronto Star.
Danyaal is a graduate of Harvard University's Masters of Public Health program, and former Fellow in Global Health at the University of Toronto’s Department of Family & Community Medicine. He completed his post-graduate medical training at Queen's University, and holds a Medical Doctorate and Bachelor of Engineering Science from Western University.
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