J.S. Woodsworth's legacy rekindles debate on labour in B.C.

Legal, social and political change in B.C. will be at the forefront of debate at a conference celebrating the life and legacy of J.S. Woodsworth, a major figure in the evolution of labour in Canada.

Human Rights and Social Activism, Rethinking the Legacy of J.S. Woodsworth will be held at SFU Vancouver's Harbour Centre campus from Sept.22-24. Social scientists, politicians, labour and social activists will examine such issues as the effects of globalization on institutions and social policy, the contemporary erosion of social rights, community education and activism, aboriginal rights and justice, and gay rights and equality legislation.

Speakers will include Stephen Lewis, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, who will talk on Beyond Canada's Borders: Peace, Human Rights and Social Activism, at a banquet on Friday evening at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver.

Other speakers include Allen Mills, Woodsworth's biographer, former MP Svend Robinson, Neil Edwards of the Ontario Human rights commission and David Sangha of the University of Northern BC., speaking Saturday on human rights and future policy discourse. Mills will give a free public lecture at Harbour Centre's Fletcher Challenge Theatre on Sept 22 at 5:30 p.m. For a complete list, registration and information, check www.sfu.ca/conferences/jswoodsworth

In conjunction with the event, Woodsworth's grandson, Glenn Woodsworth, will launch a short book about his grandfather, called A Prophet at Home : An Intimate Memoir of J.S. Woodsworth, featuring unpublished written material by Woodsworth. The book is being published by Glenn Woodsworth's publishing company, Tricouni Press.