The I.H. Asper School of Business is hosting two interactive public forums on economic inequality and business. In the backdrop of public debate on economic inequality, these forums will discuss the relationship between businesses and societal inequality, the basis for the “Occupy” movement. The public forums will feature panels of experts speaking on the issue, followed by a moderated discussion with the audience.

The first panel will be on Thursday, December 8, 2011, beginning at 5:00 pm, in the James W. Burns Executive Education Centre, 2nd floor, 177 Lombard Avenue in downtown Winnipeg. This first forum is designed for business professionals and tailored for a downtown audience.

Panelists for the Lombard forum will be:

Art DeFehr, president and CEO, Palliser Furniture
Alan Freeman, economist
Michael Benarroch, dean, Asper School of Business
Hari Bapuji, Asper School of Business
Moderator: Reg Litz, Asper School of Business

The second panel will be on Friday, December 9, 2011, beginning at 2:30 pm, in 343 Drake Centre, 181 Freedman Crescent, Asper School of Business, Fort Garry Campus, University of Manitoba. This second forum is expected to attract students and staff from across the University of Manitoba.

Panelists for the Fort Garry forum will be:

Brent Bailey, Winnipeg Foundation
Art DeFehr, president and CEO, Palliser Furniture
David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor, University of Manitoba
Radhika Desai, political studies, University of Manitoba
Hari Bapuji, Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba
Moderator: Reg Litz, Asper School of Business

Refreshments will be served at both forums.

Space is limited, especially at the Lombard forum, so please register and RSVP to: Scott McCulloch, community and alumni relations, I.H. Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba, at: 204-474-6482 or email: Scott_mcCulloch@umanitoba.ca