Haroon Siddiqui on the Arab Spring
A historic development that Harper doesn't quite support but Canadians must

What has been called the "Arab Spring" is an exciting development not only for the Arab-speaking world but for all nations and cultures who wish to see the people at the centre of national governance. A respected senior member the Canadian media and elegant defender of human rights for all and an advocate of true multiculturalism in Canada, Haroon Siddiqui tells us why the Arab Spring matters for all Canadians.

Speaker
Haroon Siddiqui is a senior editor and columnist for The Toronto Star, Canada's largest newspaper. He has been editorial page editor, national editor, news editor and covered or supervised coverage of Canada for 40 years, and reported from nearly 40 countries, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Iran-Iraq War, and, lately, the emergence of India as an economic and regional power.

He is a recipient of the Order of Canada for advocating "fairness and equality of opportunity in our pluralistic society." He is also a member of the Order of Ontario. York University conferred on him an honourary doctorate, saying, "his work helps in the creation and sustaining of a contemporary Canada." He is, among others, the author of Being Muslim, (Groundwood Books, Toronto and Berkeley, 2006, 2008) about post-9/11 politics. The bestseller is based on his travels through Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the Far East.

Siddiqui has done extensive work with the Canadian Newspaper Association, Advertising Standard Canada, Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Ontario Press Council. A former president of PEN Canada, he is a member of the board of International PEN, the writers' group that fights for freedom of expression through its 140 chapters in 101 countries.

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Need to know:
- Doors open at 6:50
- $5 minimum donation
- Accessible on demand via portable ramp; washrooms not accessible
- Please avoid using strong-scented products due to sensitivities

Tasty refreshments (non-alcoholic) and Zatoun oliveoil+za'atar dipping.