Misinformation is Killing Us:
A Conversation with Timothy Caulfield
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
7:30 – 9 p.m.
Kay Meek Arts Centre
Is dis- and misinformation cutting your life short?
Dive into this critical issue with Timothy Caulfield, Canadian law professor, science expert, Netflix host, and renowned author of four books plus the forthcoming The Certainty Illusion, at this highly anticipated fundraiser to support the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation.
Concerns over dis- and misinformation have heightened. A recent Policy Horizons Canada panel listed it as the number one threat to Canadians. Yet, in another poll by Abacus Data, 84% of Canadians were concerned about the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Professor Timothy Caulfield, awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to health law and policy, will join Stephanie Hall, Director of the West Vancouver Memorial Library, to delve into these findings and discuss the profound implications of living in an era where truth is increasingly elusive. They will discuss practical solutions to navigate and counteract the dangers of our distorted information landscape.
Tickets: $150 early bird until August 31; $175 regular price (partially tax receiptable)
VIP Tickets: Donate $500 or more to receive a ticket to the event AND an invitation to an exclusive VIP donor reception with the author before the event (tax receiptable)
All proceeds will support Library programs like the Recording Studio, Brain Health Collection, Summer Reading Club, and more.
About the speaker
Professor Timothy Caulfield is an unrivalled communicator who debunks myths and assumptions about innovation in the health sector — from research on stem cells to diets and alternative medicine — for the benefit of the public and decision-makers. He is a Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, a professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health, and the Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta.
Caulfield also writes frequently for the popular press and is the author of several bestselling books, including The Cure for Everything: Untangling the Twisted Messages about Health, Fitness and Happiness; Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?: When Celebrity Culture and Science Clash; and, most recently, Relax, Dammit!: A User’s Guide to the Age of Anxiety.
He is also the host and co-producer of the award-winning documentary TV show, A User’s Guide to Cheating Death, which aired in over 60 countries and streamed on Netflix.
Past Events
Past fundraising events have included former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Beverley McLachlin, authors Ann-Marie Macdonald, David Chariandy, Will Ferguson, and more.
In Summer 2020, the Foundation presented the first-ever WVML Foundation Signature Series, which included free author talks, concerts, and events for all ages, livestreamed to Facebook and YouTube Live. Featuring Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman, singer-songwriter Jill Barber, and authors Esi Edugyan (Washington Black, Half-Blood Blues), Maria Semple (Where’d You Go, Bernadette), Tui T. Sutherland (Wings of Fire), and Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet), the series offered something for everyone.
We have also hosted a special event celebrating the Lantern Festival, the last day of the Lunar New Year. The attendees heard community members share their stories of celebrating Lunar New Year, enjoyed music played on the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, and customary tea ceremony, followed by some other activities and a lucky draw. It was a fun and festive celebration that brought together community members and leaders from across the District.
The Foundation is grateful to all the generous sponsors, attendees and volunteers who make these special events possible. If you have ideas for future events, please email engagement@wvmlf.ca.