(The following article is from the September 16-30, 2009, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading communist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to: People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 133 Herkimer St., Unit 502, Hamilton, ON, L8P 2H3.)

    The Second Trilateral Peace Conference of the World Peace Council (WPC) will take place in Toronto on October 2-4, in the AUUC Cultural Centre at 1604 Bloor Street West.

    The Trilateral Conference involves the WPC affiliates from Canada (Canadian Peace Congress), Mexico (MOMPADE) and the United States (US Peace Council), and also the Cuban Movement for Peace (MOVPAZ). It will explore the current dynamics of imperialism and their effect on sovereignty and human rights, antiwar movements, military spending, nuclear proliferation, the arms trade, and the struggle for democracy. The First Trilateral Peace Conference was held in Puebla, Mexico in 2004.

    The event kicks off on the morning of Friday, Oct. 2, with opening remarks on the conference theme by representatives of the participating groups. Friday afternoon will feature a workshop and discussions on “imperialist economic integration in North America and sovereignty, followed by an evening forum on “imperialist wars and anti-war movements.”

    Panels on Saturday, Oct. 3, will examine the current economic crisis and militarism, and then the issues around nuclear disarmament and the arms trade.

    This year is the 60th anniversary of the World Peace Council, and the conference will include a celebration on Saturday, October 3, with entertainment provided by jazz saxophonist Wally Brooker and guitarist Mark Sepic. (See WHAT'S LEFT for details.)

    The Trilateral will wrap up its work on Sunday, Oct. 4, with an action panel on “strengthening the anti-imperialist movement,” and the adoption of a joint declaration and common action proposals.

    The conference fee, which includes meals and materials plus an invitation to the 60th anniversary celebration, is $100. There are reduced prices for single day participation. Registration materials are available at http://www.canadianpeacecongress.ca or by email at
dmckee@canadianpeacecongress.ca.