25th ICSC Annual Dinner 2023

Guest Speakers: Steve Paikin O.C. interviewing The Honourable Jerry Grafstein K.C.

To include:

1984 Election – Brian Mulroney v John Turner – on Patronage appointments (“You Had an Option Sir, to Say No”)

1988 Election – John Turner v Brian Mulroney – on Free Trade (“You Have Sold Us Out”)

1987 – Pierre Trudeau v Mulroney & Turner – on Meech Lake (“Say Good-bye to the Dream of One Canada”)

And Thoughts on Sir Winston Churchill

Jerry Grafstein: “Winston Churchill, the most remarkable Parliamentarian of this, or any age, remains the object of my admiration and study.”

Steve Paikin: “Winston Churchill Essentially Saved Western Civilization.”

Dear Friends,

We are delighted to depart from the usual format this year. Two of Canada’s most prominent personalities in the political sphere will be providing their unique experience in politics from reporting and “behind the scenes” positions.

The interview format will cover the matters overleaf with the personal relationship between Turner and Mulroney, noticeable with mutual respect and civility. It is difficult to imagine either of the current major party leaders crossing the floor to shake the hand of the other as John Turner did with Brian Mulroney on the Meech Lake Accord.

Also, did John Turner actually save John Diefenbaker from drowning?

And much more – who said Canadian political history is boring?

Jerry Grafstein

Jerry is a lawyer, businessman and politician. His political career commenced in 1961 in the offices of the Liberal Party of Canada. He served as executive assistant to John Turner for two years, 1967 – 1968, and later was a special advisor to the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs during its founding period. From 1984 to 2010, he served in the Canadian Senate and was the longest serving member of the “Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade”. A true Renaissance Man Jerry was one of the founders of CityTV, and a key organizer for events such as “Canada Loves New York” in the aftermath of September 11. Jerry was named one of Canada’s 100 most important “public intellectuals” in 2005 by the “National Post.”

A prolific author of highly praised books has just had published, “The Fractured Twentieth Century” a personal history of the 20th century that has careened from modern technology to barbarity in a complex and confusing spiral.

Steve Paikin

A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University. Steve worked for CBC television before joining TVO and becoming the host of The Agenda with Steve Paikin in 2006. Of the many awards which Steve has received, is an honorary doctorate from McMaster University and being made an Officer of the Order of Canada and invested into the Order of Ontario. An esteemed author of highly acclaimed biographies of John Robarts and Bill Davis and now of John Turner.

Steve’s latest book on “John Turner” is a brilliant biography of Canada’s 17th Prime Minister, and has received plaudits from media sources, including the “Globe and Mail,” a fine book about a fine man.”. The Book includes the significant part played by Jerry Grafstein in Turner’s parliamentary and later as a close advisor and friend.

Both Jerry and Steve will be bringing their books for sale and inscription.

We encourage early booking to ensure you are not disappointed.

MENU

APPETIZER

Creamy Spring Green Goddess Soup

Nettles, Watercress, Spinach and Spring Garlic Puree with Green Pea and Mint Salsa

MAIN COURSE

Truffle and Herb Stuffed Organic Pullet Breast

Dauphinois Potatoes and Spring Vegetables

Porcini Marsala Sauce

DESSERT

Chamomile Tea Panna Cotta

Hibiscus Berry Sauce

Wine with Dinner

Coffee & Tea

Fish Alternative: To be ordered in advance

Dukkah Spice Baked Salmon Darne - tomato, olive & caper salsa

Vegetarian Alternative: To be ordered in advance

Baked Cauliflower Tikka Steak- Saffron Curry Sauce

Cocktails (Cash Bar): 6.30 p.m. Dinner: 7.30 p.m.