A celebration! A brainstorm! An agenda!
IICPH – 25 years of Winning the War Against Polluters
On September 26, 2009, the International Institute of Concern for Public Health (IICPH) will celebrate 25 years of helping communities across the world to protect their health and environment from pollution. With the theme “To Turn Things Around: Actions for a Healthy Environment”, Canadian and International activists will share their successes and strategies for those who want to learn how to take action. This exciting, informative teach-in will be held on September 26th at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, Ontario, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Founded in 1984 by Drs. Rosalie Bertell, Diarmid McLoughlin and Ursula Franklin, the IICPH has had successes through international, citizen-led environmental health campaigns, from the formation of international medical commissions for the people of Chernobyl, Russia and Bhopal, India, independent review of the highly toxic Sydney Tar Ponds in Nova Scotia, to the closure of a factory farm in New Brunswick, Canada.
Dr. Bertell’s earliest works include an investigation into the health of the people living at the Love Canal in the United States. Dr. Bertell developed an epidemiological method to determine the source of pollution causing health effects to community members. Co-chair Marion Odell points out, “Under her guidance, we have learned to base what we say on independent, peer-reviewed science. This gives our work the authority needed to effectively challenge polluters.”
Rosalie Bertell will give a keynote address. Other speakers include Donna Dilman of the Sharbot Lake Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium (C-CAMU); Lorraine Rekmans, Aboriginal Issues spokesperson for the Green Party; Shawn-Patrick Stensil, Greenpeace Energy Consultant; Mycle Schneider, international energy consultant, who is a recent recipient of the Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize); and Dorothy Goldin Rosenberg, environmental health educator and producer of the ground-breaking documentaries “Exposure; Environmental Links to breast Cancer” and “Toxic Trespass.” Willi Nolan, IICPH Project Manager, will report on her special work to promote sustainable development and environmental justice with youth, rural and aboriginal communities and environmental organizations.
This conference is also the launch of the new Rosalie Bertell Award, to honour those who have performed outstanding public service in the cause of environmental health. This year’s awardees are: David Martin of Greenpeace, Gordon Edwards, noted educator and President of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibilty, and IICPH Director Shirley Farlinger, writer, author, member of Pugwash and Science for Peace.
We will conclude with the telling of ‘Success Stories’ from full-time activists and audience members.
For registration, email info@iicph.org with subject line: “Registration” or phone: 416-786-6128. There will also be registration at the door.
See the agenda as a PDF for our very busy day, and the poster .