The Couchiching Conference on Public Affairs

Founded in 1932, the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs (CIPA) is Canada's largest and oldest public affairs forum. A non-profit and non-partisan organization, Couchiching brings together Canadians from all walks of life to discuss important public policy issues of the day with experts and other members of the community. Its purpose is to promote increased awareness and understanding of public issues.

Couchiching does not pass resolutions nor does it lobby for change. Instead, "Couch" provides a balanced and unbiased opportunity for participants to examine the questions, debate them with others, and form their own opinions.

Couchiching is best known for the conference that takes place each summer in the serene surroundings of Geneva Park on the shores of Lake Couchiching. It is attended by anyone with an interest in the compelling concerns facing Canada and the other countries of the world.

Over the years the themes explored at Couchiching have ranged widely and focused on many countries in addition to our own. Speakers of significant reputation are drawn to the summer conference. Michael Ignatieff, John Kenneth Galbraith, Maurice F. Strong, Sylvia Ostry, The Rt. Hon. Pierre Elliott Trudeau, The Hon. Pierre Marc Johnson, Dr. Han Suyin, Denys Arcand and Sergei Rogov have all shared the "Couch" experience.

This year has seen an explosion of activity available to Couch members: the first Winter Conference in many years was held in conjunction with Industry Canada, on "The Changing Economy and Knowledge-based Services: How Will Canada Succeed?" at the Design Exchange (DX), Toronto.

A breakfast meeting was held jointly with the Canadian Club in Toronto, featuring Sir Graham Day speaking on public/private partnerships. Receptions for new and potential members were held in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Round Table discussions were conducted for current members, and the Youth Committee ran a "mini-Couch" for high school students.

MEMBER AND PUBLIC SUPPORT

Couchiching is a voluntary organization that strives to keep its services accessible to all interested Canadians. Fees cover the cost of keeping members abreast of CIPA's activities and entitle them to a discount on conference registration. Conference costs are kept as low as possible to encourage the widest possible participation.

For these reasons, Couchiching relies heavily on donations. Individual, corporate and government support are all crucial to Couchiching's continued existence. Contributions to the Kurt Swinton Memorial Fund help ensure that financial assistance will continue to be available to youth participants.

The Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs is a registered charity. Any donations are gratefully received and tax-deductible receipts issued.