GERMANY IS a society working to overcome its "burdened past" and be an example of liberal democracy, says Jeffrey Peck, new director for the Canadian Centre for German and European Studies.

"History shouldn't be forgotten. It should be used as a critical tool for constant vigilance towards potential political dangers," Peck says.

Peck has a sweeping vision for CCGES. He says it will be a distinctly "global intellectual site," taking advantage of the Canadian bi-cultural experience.

"CCGES is in an environment that is different from other [similar] centres in the United States and the UK. Canada has a different vantage point. It gives us the potential for more critical and differentiated perspectives."

Students and faculty from Europe will conduct research at CCGES, and Canadian students will spend time studying in Germany and Europe to become familiar with the culture, language and environment of another university system, he says.

He wants CCGES to focus on advances in technology and on raising issues such as migration, health, security, and the environment.

Lufthansa and the Goethe Institute are CCGES' first two partners. The centre is being funded for approximately $8 million over the next 10 years.

The centre operates jointly from York University and the Université de Montréal.

Photo: Nadia Molinari