The conference, jointly organised by several organisations including PSI's affiliates, is aimed at a broad cross-section of participants, including labour leaders and activists from the public sector, NGOs and policy organizations, environmental groups, Indigenous leaders and organizers, civil society groups, anti-privatization activists and researchers. PSI will be participating in the Conference, PSI Head of Campaigns will be speaking in a workshop on Labour/Community Coalitions Reclaiming Public Services.

Privatization is deeply unpopular and has been fought successfully. But if the anti-privatization movement only thinks defensively the best we can do is protect the status quo. A discussion about reclaiming and reimagining public services can help move us towards a clearer picture of what we want from our public services in the future.

This conference aims to generate outlines of such a common vision, working towards a pro-public movement that would develop proposals and campaigns for public services that:

• Address environmental crises and reverse deepening inequality
• Increase a sense of ownership and democratic input from workers and communities
• Create inclusive and equitable services

A strong pro-public movement has been developing internationally. From Germany to Argentina countries around the world are reclaiming public services that were once in private hands, democratizing their decision making and expanding their public mandates. Organizations in Canada can learn from and expand upon these victories.

For more information:

• See the website: http://www.futureispublic.ca
• Full programme: http://www.futureispublic.ca/programme