http://www.ccsd.ca/csf/2009/index.htm

The inaugural Canadian Social Forum will take place at the Telus Centre in Calgary , May 19th to 22nd, 2009. It is being organized by the Canadian Council on Social Development at a time when a serious financial downturn threatens the economic security of all Canadians and intensifies the pressures on the most vulnerable among us. "This is the time to be bold, creative, and to work together," says Peggy Taillon, the new President of the Canadian Council on Social Development. "Backing down in the fight against poverty is not an option."

Key Theme Areas:
* Addressing poverty as a factor of homelessness in Canada ;
* Addressing systemic discrimination: Policies to advance the economic security of historically marginalized groups;
* Addressing the poverty of Aboriginal people in Canada 's cities;
* Addressing poverty in economic hard times;
* Addressing poverty and care: Poverty reduction strategies that take gender into account.

Call for Abstracts - The Canadian Social Forum invites submission of proposals in five key theme areas, central to current efforts to reduce poverty and create sustainable and prosperous communities where all members can participate equitably in social and economic life. The deadline for the submission of abstracts is January 6, 2009.