The Pearson Centre hosted an inspiring and sobering discussion on the ways survivors of sexual violence are treated in Canada’s criminal justice system. Our brilliant panelists – Ben Roebuck, Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime; Alexa Barkley and Tanya Couch, Co-Founders of Survivor Safety Matters; and Silvia Samsa, Executive Director of Sexual Assault and Violence Interventions Services (SAVIS) – highlighted serious systemic problems facing victims of abuse, while also bringing solutions to the table. Led by Pam Damoff, The Pearson Centre’s CEO, and Kevin Bosch, our Board Chair, the conversation was centered around a recently released report, “Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation,” and a related piece of legislation, Bill C-16, which is currently pending before Parliament.

“Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation” was released in late 2025 by the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime. It is based on an 18-month investigation during which the Ombudsperson’s team spoke with nearly 3,000 people across Canada, conducted research and surveys, and interviewed more than 100 survivors of sexual violence. Ben noted that it’s deeply concerning that many survivors who are in contact with the criminal justice system find that experience even more traumatic than the actual sexual assault, and the report offers 43 recommendations for remedying this problematic reality.

Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation - Canada.ca

We were delighted that Mark Critch, the wonderful Canadian actor, comedian, and author, joined us for a conversation about his new book, Sorry, Not Sorry: An Unapologetic Look at What Makes Canada Worth Fighting For. Kevin Bosch, our Chair, and Pam Damoff, our CEO interviewed Mark to hear his insights on Canadian identity, culture, and unity.

The Pearson Centre recently had the honour of hosting former Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty for a conversation about his new book, Be a Good One. A compact collection of 357 quotes which have stood the test of time, McGuinty’s book offers advice on leadership and growing a career while, most importantly, remaining a “good one.” 

The Pearson Centre was pleased to welcome the Hon Sergio Marchi for a conversation on his new book, Pursuing a Public Life: How to Succeed in the Political Arena. Sergio is a former community activist, city councillor, a Member of Parliament, and Minister for International Trade, Environment, and Citizenship and Immigration. After voluntarily leaving the political arena, he was appointed Canadian Ambassador to the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Agencies in Geneva.

Moderating our discussion was Sofia Robinson, The Pearson Centre's Research Assistant currently studying at UBC, and Neva Moffat, a recent UOttawa grad currently working at the House of Commons.

While the most recent election saw the most young people elected, there is still a need for more. Barely 3% of parliamentarians are under 30, which is not reflective of Canada. Sergio offered advice for these young, newly elected officials, having been only 28 when he was first elected to office.

When asked about work/life balance, he felt that today’s young people are better at this than his generation. He stressed the importance of being mindful of your own health, and mental health, and to remember that once a political career is over, your family and friends will still be there. He also offered advice on community involvement before entering politics, and the value in municipal government.

On social media, he stressed that it will never replace face-to-face contact. Extreme language results in extreme behaviour, and politicians need to be mindful of their words.

He also recognized that the path for women and young people in politics is more arduous than for men, as often they are not given winnable ridings in which to run. Political parties need to do better.

Finally, he said “don’t lose hope. Canada has a strong democracy, the rule of law, multiculturalism, and so much more”

When David Peterson became Premier in June 1985 he ended 42 years of Ontario Progressive Conservative dominance. His government ushered in bold reforms—freedom‑of‑information laws, environmental protection, rent controls, and fully funded Catholic schools—and transformed Ontario’s political landscape into a competitive, multi‑party arena.

The Pearson Centre recently had the great privilege of hosting a discussion about the all-too-common failure of the criminal justice system to secure justice for  women, especially survivors of sexual violence. Our three expert panelists, Karen Vecchio, former MP and Chair of the Status of Women Committee, Megan Walker, VP of the National Council of Women of Canada and Alexa Barkley, co-founder of Survivor Safety Matters, are all longtime women’s rights activists and brought a range of insights to this important conversation.

A chat with the amazing Julie Savard-Shaw, Executive Director of The Prosperity Project (TPP).

Born out of concern for the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on women, TPP is tackling barriers for women of all backgrounds in the Canadian workplace.

The Pearson Centre's Inaugural Laureate
Dinner celebrating a lifetime of service by the Honourable Irwin Cotler

The Pearson Centre's Between the Lines webinar featuring former MPs Peter Julian, Hon. Ya'ara Saks and Karen Vecchio. 

The discussion delved in to issues from the Throne Speech not being discussed in the media – women, people with disabilities, social programs like pharmacare and dental care, fiscal responsibility and more.