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            • Event Summary - Amalgamation
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The "A" Word: Unnecessary or Unavoidable?
Is Amalgamation the Future of Governance in Waterloo Region?



More About This Events Guest Speakers


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Zac Spicer


Zac Spicer is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration at York University in Toronto, Canada. At York University he is also serves as the Head of New College, as a fellow at McLaughlin College and a Faculty Affiliate with both the CITY Institute and the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies.

​Beyond York, he is a member of the Digital Mobilities Lab, an Associate at the University of Toronto’s Innovation Policy Lab, a member of 
the
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Laboratory on Local Elections, a member of the study team for the Electronic Elections Project and an affiliate member of the Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion and Policy at Wilfrid Laurier University.

​He previously served as the Director of Research and Outreach with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada and as a Senior Policy Advisor to Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

He began his career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Brock University and completed post-doctoral fellowship at the Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion and Policy at Wilfrid Laurier University and the Institute of Municipal Finance and Governance at the University of Toronto. He received his PhD from the Department of Political Science at The University of Western Ontario.

View Zac's full presentation HERE


Phil Marfisi


Hi! I'm an engaged citizen with a keen interest in evidence based public policy and effective local government. I've lived or worked in Waterloo Region on and off for many years, and it's a community that I care deeply about. I'm excited to participate in a vital conversation about its local governance structures.
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​View Phil's full presentation HERE

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​Debbie Chapman


Debbie obtained a PhD in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario in 2009.

Dr. Chapman has been teaching at Wilfrid Laurier University in the Political Science and Global Studies departments since that time. She has taught a range of courses from global governance and issues in international development to urban politics and political economy. 

​Debbie was elected to Kitchener City Council, Ward 9 in 2018 and reelected in 2022. She believes that all members of society have a right to a dignified life.
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​View Debbie's full presentation HERE

Above bio sourced at: City of Kitchener


​Doug Craig


​Doug Craig and his wife Ginny moved to Waterloo Region in 1974. Doug was a teacher for the Waterloo Board of Education and retired in 2000 after 32 years in his chosen profession. During that time period, Doug entered successfully into politics as a Ward Councillor, a Hydro Commissioner and eventually a Regional Councillor.

When Doug retired in 2000, he was successful in his bid for Mayor of Cambridge and he held that position for 18 years over five terms.
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Today, Doug is back as a Regional Councillor for the City of Cambridge. Outside of politics Doug and Ginny raised two fine sons and rebuilt a historic homestead that once belonged to Jacob Hespeler. His hobby is writing short stories and political commentary that he has on occasion found favour with local editors.

View Doug's full presentation HERE

Above Bio Source : Region of Waterloo

Jim Erb


Jim has been a lifelong resident of Waterloo Region. He was fortunate to be raised in small town Ontario – the Village of Wellesley, by parents who modelled the importance of caring for one another and the community you live in.

Jim has been a leader in business and an active community volunteer. His involvement in the community includes eight years on Waterloo City Council and as an active member of many community boards. Jim was elected to Waterloo Regional Council in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
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​Above Bio Source: Region of Waterloo

View Jim's full presentation HERE

​Virtual Series - View All Past Segments

​2024:
  • Searching for a Drug Strategy: Seeking a response to substance-related harms and the overdose crisis
  • ​No Fixed Address: A Talk About Homelessness & Encampments​
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  • Home
  • VIrtual Series
    • 2025 Series
    • 2024 Series >
      • Searching for a Drug Strategy >
        • Report: Searching for a Drug Strategy
      • No Fixed Address >
        • Guest Speakers - No Fixed Address
        • Footage: No Fixed Address >
          • Full Video - No Fixed Address: A Talk About Homelessness and Encampments
        • Report - No Fixed Address: A Talk About Homelessness and Encampments
    • 2023 Series >
      • The Epidemic of Gender Based Violence >
        • Guest Speakers - The Epidemic of Gender Based Violence
        • Event Footage - The Epidemic of Gender Based Violence
        • Report - The Epidemic of Gender Based Violence
      • Renoviction - Righting the Reno-Wrong >
        • Guest Speakers - Renoviction - Righting the Reno-Wrong
        • Footage & Reports - Renoviction - Righting the Reno-Wrong >
          • Report- Renoviction- Righting the Reno-Wrong
          • Summary - Renoviction: Righting the Reno-Wrong
      • The Drug Poisoning Crisis in Waterloo Region >
        • Guest Speakers - The Drug Poisoning Crisis in Waterloo Region
        • Event Video Footage and Reports - The Drug Poisoning Crisis in Waterloo Region
      • The "A" Word: Unnecessary or Unavoidable? >
        • Guest Speakers - The "A" Word: Unnecessary or Unavoidable?
        • Event Video Footage and Reports - The "A" Word: Unnecessary or Unavoidable? >
          • Report - The "A" Word: Unnecessary or Unavoidable?
          • Event Summary - The "A" Word: Unnecessary or Unavoidable? >
            • Event Summary - Amalgamation
      • Low Voter Turnout: Strengthening Participation In Local Democracy >
        • Guest Speakers - Low Voter Turnout: Strengthening Participation In Local Democracy
        • Event Video Footage and Reports - Low Voter Turnout: Strengthening Participation In Local Democracy >
          • Event Summary - Low Voter Turnout: Strengthening Participation In Local Democracy
          • Event Report: Low Voter Turnout: Strengthening Participation In Local Democracy
  • Connect with Us
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