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What is Urban Justice? Barbara Hall & Frank Cunningham
October 22, 2013
Location: FitzGerald Building, 150 College Street, Room 103
A city is just when the opportunities it provides for its inhabitants and problems that challenge all its citizens are equitably distributed. It is unjust to the extent that some undeservedly enjoy more opportunities than others or where some unfairly avoid facing common urban problems. As Toronto continues to grow – as both a regional and North American metropolis – issues of justice confront its citizens on a daily basis.
JUSTICE IN TORONTO: This third annual Cities Centre series of public forums will address some sources of injustice in Toronto and propose ways to make the City more just. As in the previous series, an academic scholar and a city activist will initiate a selection of topics.
What is Urban Justice? (click here for flyer)
Barbara Hall, Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission, has more than 40 years of experience as a community worker, lawyer and municipal politician. She served three terms as a Toronto city councillor from 1985 on and as Toronto’s mayor from 1994 to 1997. From 1998 to 2002 she headed the Canadian government’s National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention. She was appointed Chief Commissioner of the Province of Ontario’s Human Rights Commission in 2005.
Ms. Hall has also practised criminal and family law, been a member of the Province of Ontario Health Ministry’s Health Results Team, and lectured nationally and internationally on urban and social issues. She has extensive experience on non-profit boards and committees, and has a strong record of bringing diverse groups together to build safe and strong communities.
Frank Cunningham is an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and Political Science at the University of Toronto and a Senior Advisor at Cities Centre. His areas of research are urban and democratic theory. He has served as Principal of Innis College, Chair of the University of Toronto’s Department of Philosophy, and President of the Canadian Philosophical Association.