Two decades ago, a series of important studies argued that New Social Movements could fundamentally re-orient the political process. Half way through the first decade of this new millennium, it is not clear that this re-orientation has either taken place or offers the type of sustained engagement that can address the social, economic, or cultural problems that confront Canada. The objective of this conference is to assess the status and state of social movements in Canada from historical, practical, and theoretical perspectives. How effective are (and, have been) social movements as agents of change? What effect can social movements have on Canadian public life? How do (and, have) Canadian social movements respond to globalization and international events? How has the state responded to social movements and activism in Canada, today and in the past?

The Centre for Canadian Studies at Mount Allison University invites proposals for papers that reflect these and other issues related to social movements and alternative politics in Canada. Papers that address issues related to the political organization of social movements, state responses to activism, or that develop a comparative perspective are particularly encouraged, as are papers by graduate students. Conference organizers recognize that social movements and activism can promote a range of different political agendas and encourage submissions from scholars and activists studying in or involved with social movements that occupy a range of different homes on the political spectrum.

Proposals are invited from all disciplines and should take the form of a 250 word abstract. Proposal should include full contact information. Submission can be sent to by e-mail or fax to:

Dr. Matthew Hayday (mchayday@mta.ca) or Dr. Andrew Nurse (anurse@mta.ca). Fax: 506-364-2645.

Inquires can also be directed to the above. The deadline for submissions is: November 1, 2006.

This conference is part of the Centre for Canadian Studies "Alternatives" project, which is designed to promote scholarly and political consideration of Canadian public life. By addressing these questions, this project aims to broaden consideration of Canada's past, present, and future as a political community. A selection of essays from this conference will be published as the first volume of the Centre's Alternatives series. Presenters who wish their work considered for publication in this volume are required to submit a text copy of their essay by April 10, 2007.