Past Events

On Disability Arts & Culture

A 'What is Happening in Canada?" Event

With Dr. Emilia Nielsen, Associate Professor, Health & Society, York University

Tuesday December 9, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm EST | Register Here

Disability arts and culture constitute a vibrant force in Canada with recent examples of this generativity emblematic of a commitment to make creative worlds for disability and disabled people—in the past, in the present and in the future. This presentation will be less of a lecture and more of an invitation to explore together the rich cultural landscape of disability arts and culture in Canada with specific attention paid to just a few of the great many artists, creators, and organizations at work today. It could be argued there is still much to do to reimagine the place of disability arts and culture within critical, interdisciplinary studies of Canada. As such, there are opportunities to envisage collaborative research projects that incorporate a critical disability studies framework when engaging with Canadian disability arts and culture.

This talk will be moderated by Jean Michel Montsion, Associate Professor in Canadian Studies at Glendon Campus (York University) and Director of the Robarts Centre.

Speaker Biography

Dr. Emilia Nielsen is an associate professor in the Health and Society program at York University. She is the author of two critically noted collections of poetry, Body Work and Surge Narrows, and her scholarly book, Disrupting Breast Cancer Narratives: Stories of Rage and Repair (University of Toronto Press, 2019), received the Elli Köngäs-Maranda Prize. Her most recent funded research explores experiential knowledge of chronic illness, hybrid forms of life-writing, and critical-creative approaches. She hosts and executive produces the podcast “On Being Ill”: Conversations on Creativity, Disability and Identity with support from the Creative Entanglement Collaboratory.

The Borealis Research Cluster at the Robarts Centre invites you to the Northern Studies Symposium 2025. Join us for a glimpse into the Arctic as students share their amazing research being conducted in the North.

Date: December 4, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: HNES 140

To RSVP, click here: https://forms.gle/uD3GpsnghCUySSiG8

Thursday, November 27 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm EST on Zoom | Register Here

Join the Robarts Centre and the Centre for Feminist Research for a virtual conversation about navigating the postdoc application process. After a brief information session on such applications, current postdocs at York University will share their insights and experiences.

This event will be moderated by Jessica Parish, Assistant Professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University.

Speakers

Kim McIntyre
Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator, Faculty of Graduate Studies

Ashlee Christoffersen
Adjunct Professor, Department of Politics and Associate, Centre for Feminist Research

Hazal Goktas
Postdoctoral Visitor, 2SLGBTQ+ Poverty in Canada: Improving Livelihood and Social Wellbeing Project, York University

Alexandra Mourgou
MITACS Elevate Postdoctoral Fellow, York University, Dept. of History

Canada Twixt the US and Europe: Climate Policy Choices and the Way Forward

A "What is Happening in Canada?" Event

With Dr. Debora L. VanNijnatten, Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University

Thursday November 6, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm EST | Register Here

Abstract

This lecture will examine the current moment in Canadian climate policy-making as the country faces difficult choices enroute to meeting its Net Zero targets, in a more uncertain continental and global context. On the one hand, Canada must respond to the climate policy retrenchment of its closest trade partner, the United States, with whom its economic prosperity is entwined. On the other, Canada is seeking deeper economic and policy alignment with the European Union, long a climate policy leader. Further, these conflicting policy impulses - to be a climate policy leader vs. abandoning Net Zero targets as unrealistic and incompatible with Canada's economic well-being - are mirrored within Canada and especially across provincial administrations. In trying to navigate different alliances and conflicting policy impulses, how can Canada maintain course and continue to pursue greenhouse gas reductions? This talk will be moderated by Kevin Spooner, Director, Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada (LCSC).

Speaker Biography

Debora L. VanNijnatten is Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is the editor/author of 6 books and has published more than 50 articles and book chapters - all in the area of environmental policy and governance. She has been writing on Canadian climate policy for 20 years, both in terms of mitigation efforts and transboundary cooperation with the U.S. Her current research in this area focuses on ‘Net Zero’ as a scientific concept, policy instrument and political target, and actively interrogates the utility of Net Zero in reaching our climate goals in Canada, North America and Europe.

Robarts Connects - From Conference to Publication
Friday October 17 | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm EST | Register Here

This Robarts Connects event is designed to help students improve their conference presentation skills and gain insight into the academic publishing process. Learn about delivering compelling conference presentations and building meaningful connections with your audience and fellow panelists. Then, learn how to transform your presented work into a successful publication. Our speakers will demystify the peer-review process, from selecting the right journal to responding to feedback. This is a must-attend workshop for graduate students and early-career scholars looking to enhance their academic profile!

This event is co-sponsored by the Nexus Centre (Memorial University, Newfoundland).

Speakers

Merouan Mekouar, Professor of Development Studies, York University

Isabelle Côté, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, Memorial University

Moderator

Elaine Coburn, Associate Professor of International Studies, York University

Canada’s Democratic Trajectory in an Age of Uncertainty: What is the Future of Political Leadership?

A 'What is Happening in Canada?' Webinar

With Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, Trent University

October 8, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Register Here

Abstract

There is much evidence we are in a new era that challenges democratic leaders as never before. AI, foreign interference, political extremism, changing trade relationships and outdated institutional norms present a complicated context for citizens and their leaders. How can we adapt to this uncertain new reality? What tools and abilities do today’s decision-makers and – more importantly – the next generation of leaders need to ensure Canada successfully navigates such difficulties? How might the new Canadian Jarislowsky Network of Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership contribute key resources? Join us for a talk by Trent University’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, Dr. Cristine de Clercy, about Canada’s democratic trajectory and the future of political leadership. This talk will be moderated by Dr. Heather Nicol, Director of the School for the Study of Canada and a Professor of Geography in the School of the Environment at Trent University.

Speaker Biography

Dr. Cristine de Clercy is Trent University's inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership and Professor of Political Studies. Her work focuses on how political leaders mobilize support in mass democracies, the role of character in leadership, and populism's effects on democratic leadership. Her most recent work is an edited thematic collection of new research about "Ethics, Democracy and Political Leadership" published by the Politics and Governance journal in August 2025, open access here:https://www.cogitatiopress.com/politicsandgovernance/issue/view/425.

Join us for a day of programming to welcome the start of the 2025-2026 academic year!

1:00 - 4:00 pm, Robarts Centre Space, Kaneff Tower
Drop in meet-and-greet for research associates and new graduate students. Refreshments will be served.

1:00 - 4:00 pm, Robarts Centre Space, Kaneff Tower
Professional headshots - register for an appointment by Sept. 22.

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Rm 519, Kaneff Tower
Robarts lecture with Dr. Ethel Tungohan: “From ‘Canada First’ to ‘Good Enough to Work, Good to Stay’: Far Right and Progressive Social Movements, Digital Activism and International Student Migration to Canada”
Register by Sept. 19.

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Rm 519, Kaneff Tower
Reception with refreshments and performances by a jazz duo.

To register, email robarts@yorku.ca by the deadlines above. 

From ‘Canada First’ to ‘Good Enough to Work, Good to Stay’ Far Right and Progressive Social Movements, Digital Activism and International Student Migration to Canada
September 25, 2025 | 5:00 - 6:00 pm | 519 Kaneff Tower | RSVP to robarts@yorku.ca

Dr. Ethel Tungohan, Associate Professor, Dept. of Politics Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Canadian Migration Policy, Impacts and Activism With remarks delivered by Mohamed Ahmed, recent York BA graduate, and Rajdeep Sidhu, PhD candidate, York University

In this lecture, Dr. Tungohan will address the structural, institutional, discursive and everyday challenges facing international students from colleges and universities and the social movements that they have formed to fight against these challenges. The lecture will also reflect on how these progressive social movements increasingly have to fight against far-right, xenophobic and white supremacist movements both online and in physical spaces.

This lecture is part of our Welcome Day programming. A reception with refreshments and performances by a jazz duo will follow. Email robarts@yorku.ca by Sept. 19 to register.

Calling all environmental researchers at York University!

Join us on Thursday September 18th 2025 at 1pm for a guided walking tour along the Humber River led by the Société d’histoire de Toronto.

Please RSVP by Friday, September 12 here: https://forms.gle/s5CUz5Jthmtajuw4A

Description and Itinerary

The Humber River is a Canadian Heritage River. This means that it has been recognized nationally for its outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational heritage. This guided tour will follow the Humber River from Étienne Brûlé Park to the Lambton House, exploring many historical layers: the village of Teiaigon, the Toronto Carrying Place, the French forts, the early King Mill and the Shared Path.  We will also discover Indigenous artist Phillip Cote’s murals.

Meeting Place
Transit: Old Mill Subway station at 12:40 pm
Car: Étienne Brûlé Park parking lot, 10 Catherine St., at 12:55 pm

Event sponsors

Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies, Environmental Research Group (ERG)

About the ERG

The Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies Summer Institute (online from 16 to 20 June 2025) will feature expert talks and hands-on workshops open to undergraduate and graduate students from York University and beyond. Registrations for the Summer Institute will be accepted until June 15, 2025. Participants will have the option of receiving a certificate of completion.

Specialized lectures will cover topics such as implementing DEDI in academe, DEDI pedagogies, and cultural humility. Workshops will address using AI in research and writing, exploring data analysis methods, and publishing practices in the humanities and social sciences. Confirmed speakers include Nadia Hasan of York University’s School of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Robin Sutherland-Harris and Dr. Ameera Ali of York’s Teaching Commons, Rémi Vives of Glendon, and Patricia Ki, Executive Director of Toronto Art Therapy Institute.

For more information, click HERE to visit the conference page.

This event is open to everyone around the world. All sessions will be in English. There is no fee; it is free to attend. CLICK HERE to register.

Calling all environmental researchers at York University!

Join us on Thursday, April 10th at 1pm for The Alternative Campus Tour at Keele Campus led by Professor L. Anders Sandberg. All are welcome, including faculty, staff and graduate students from across the university.

Meeting Place and Itinerary

The Alternative Campus Tour will begin at 1pm outside the York University Subway Station. The tour is based on the idea of thinking critically about different sites and aspects of the university; to dig where you stand; to see the campus as a microcosm of the world; and to imagine and record alternative stories about it.

On the Tour we will explore many different sites and features of the campus, including gardens, sculptures, Indigenous sites, woodlots, and the names of buildings and faculties.

RSVP: https://forms.gle/UMcwxv86wbiua4xk9

About Environmental Research Group (ERG)

The Environmental Research Group is one of the research clusters in the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies. The group brings together graduate students and faculty at York University studying aspects of the Canadian environment from a broad range of disciplinary perspectives including sciences, social sciences, humanities, fine arts, health, and engineering. We strive to provide a forum for researchers to make connections, share findings and explore key issues in environmental research.