The Broadbent Institute’s Stand up for Progress National Tour featuring Harry Leslie Smith stopped in Edmonton.

Smith is the author of the acclaimed book, Harry’s Last Stand: How the World My Generation Built is Falling Down, and What We Can Do to Save it, and at 92, he’s Canada’s oldest rebel inspiring the next generation of activists.

Smith survived the Great Depression and fought in the Second World War for the United Kingdom. After the war, he immigrated to Canada and contributed to the expansion of the welfare state.

On the eve of the federal election, the veteran was in Edmonton to talk about what’s at stake.

Following Smith's speech, young progressive activists ready to make an impact in the lead up to the federal election joined him on stage for a panel discussion:

• Ricardo Acuña, Executive Director of the Parkland Institute
• Sean Bradley, community food justice activist, Top 30 under 30 by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (2015)
• Claire Edwards, chair of the City of Edmonton Youth Council, Top 30 under 30 by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (2015)

The event on June 22 was in collaboration with community partners Next Up and the Parkland Institute. 

Thank you to national tour sponsor IAFF Canada – Canada’s Professional Fire Fighters.

Thank you to National Tour Partner Public Service Alliance of Canada.

Thank you to local event sponsors, the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers and the United Nurses of Alberta.