Bishop’s Forum Director Elysia Bryan-Baynes. Photo: courtesy
Empowering young English-speaking leaders of Quebec
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Bishop’s Forum 2024 is set to take place from Aug. 9 to 14 at Bishop’s University (BU). This annual event is designed to empower young English-speaking Quebecers aged 18 to 26 by providing an inside look at how the fundamental institutions of Quebec society operate. With a lineup of prominent speakers and interactive sessions, the forum aims to foster civic leadership and inspire the next generation of leaders in the province.
Elysia Bryan-Baynes, the director of Bishop’s Forum, is enthusiastic about the upcoming event. In an Aug. 6 interview, she emphasized the significance of the forum for young English speakers in Quebec. “It’s great for them for many reasons. They have an opportunity to network, meet like-minded people, and connect with those in civil society and beyond who can share their knowledge and experiences about living in Quebec,” said Bryan-Baynes. This year marks her second as director, a role she stepped into following the forum’s creation by former BU Principal Michael Goldbloom and former forum director Yolande James.
The forum will feature a wide array of speakers from various sectors, including politics, law, journalism, and business. According to information provided by Forum Assistant-Director Sonia Patenaude, the program highlights include:
– Friday, Aug. 9: The forum kicks off with an opening dinner introduced by Minister Christopher Skeete, followed by forewords from Bryan-Baynes and Patenaude.
– Saturday, Aug. 10: The day begins with a keynote on “Politics Across the Aisle” by Jean Charest. Discussions will include insights from Mayor Christina Smith and MNA Désirée McGraw. Sessions on the media landscape by Swidda Rassy and Gordon Lambie, parliamentary commissions by Royal Orr, and the rights of English-speaking communities in Quebec by Alexandre Renaud will follow.
– Sunday, Aug. 11: Topics such as women in leadership, sustainable development, the lawyer’s handbook, and student success will be covered by speakers including Kate Shingler, Allison Saunders, Ayanna Alleyne, Chris Adam, Maître Fritz-Gerald Morisseau, and Katie Bibbs.
– Monday, Aug. 12: Focus will shift to community building with sessions on radical community building by Aishah Seiwright and Tamara Medford-Williams, and youth engagement by Adrienne Winrow and Adrian Smith. Guy Rex Rodgers will screen “What We Choose to Remember.”
– Tuesday, Aug. 13: Andrew Caddell will discuss the internationalist’s perspective, followed by a fireside chat with Minister Eric Girard and a session on communication fundamentals by Tim Duboyce.
– Wednesday, Aug. 14: The forum concludes with a session on parliamentary committees, featuring Charles Taker, Chad Bean, Députée Christine Labrie, Eric Maldoff, Karen Macdonald, and Sonny Moroz.
The forum is not just about listening to speakers; it’s designed to be highly interactive. Participants will have the opportunity to present their ideas as if they were in front of a parliamentary commission at the National Assembly. According to Bryan-Baynes, “The participants will work in groups on topics of their interest, whether it’s education, health, politics, law, or community work. They will research, develop budgets, and present their proposals.”
Over the years, the Bishop’s Forum has seen participants go on to achieve notable successes. Bryan-Baynes highlighted that past participants have gone on to create organizations which provide support for English speakers in Quebec. “We consider it a success when participants enjoy themselves, grow, and come out with practical ideas that benefit themselves and society,” she said.
The forum is supported by the Quebec Government through the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering leadership among young English-speaking Quebecers and ensuring they are well-informed about the province’s systems and how to influence change within them.
The Bishop’s Forum is a vital platform for young English-speaking Quebecers to develop their leadership skills and broaden their horizons. By connecting with experienced professionals and peers, participants can gain valuable insights and forge networks that will aid their future careers and contributions to Quebec society. As Bryan-Baynes aptly put it, “It’s about giving participants the tools to lead change and improve the quality of life in the province.”
With a comprehensive program and a diverse lineup of speakers, the Bishop’s Forum 2024 promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees. It continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future leaders of Quebec by equipping them with the knowledge, networks, and tools necessary for driving positive change in their communities.