How Canada Works: The EAWLC Civics Class & Seminar
Do you want to
- Understand how Canadian society and government function, and how this influences your daily life?
- Know how to fulfill your obligations, and protect your rights as a Canadian citizen, to become an integral part of , and contribute to Canada’s democratic society?
- Be able to read and interpret news with greater historical and political awareness?
- Build intercultural communication and civic engagement skills, and participate in societal as well as social life with more confidence?
- Win generous grocery shop vouchers, plus get invited to an year-end celebration party?
Whether you are a new Canadian or have lived here all your life, if your answer is yes to any of the above questions, you are very welcome to join this free, interactive online civics course at East and West Learning Connections!
No prior knowledge is required—just curiosity and a willingness to participate respectfully.
We offer an inclusive, respectful, and supportive online classroom where participants can not only learn how Canada works, but also are encouraged to share diverse living experiences, and engage thoughtfully in discussion about how we can do to build a better, stronger Canada for everyone and generations to come.
The course also offers cross-cultural and intercultural perspectives, helping participants better understand Canadian traditions, social norms, and the realities of modern and postmodern Canadian society.
Date: Every first Monday of each month (Except summer and winter breaks)
In 2026, it’s March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, September 7, October 5, and November 2, plus a Year-end Celebration Party for active participants and instructors and guest speakers on December 7.
Time:
Class in Mandarin — 7:30–8:00 PM (ET)
Seminar in English — 8:00–9:00 PM (ET)
Transcripts of translations in different languages are available on Zoom.
Zoom registration link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cCSGiW1ATn-bBHUUhZf0Qg
Zoom will open 15 minutes prior. Please be on time. Classes will start sharp.
Instructor Team
- Lecturer & Facilitator: Stephen Xu
Stephen Xu completed Canadian Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University after he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Language and Cultural Studies in China, and worked as an interpreter in Ethiopia. In 2019 he graduated from University of Toronto with a Master of Divinity degree. Since then, he has been employed as a high school and college and ESL teacher in Ontario. In his spare time, Stephen researches, writes, and lectures on the works related to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. In addition, he volunteers for refugees in Toronto, and enjoys walking and hiking, and exploring nature in parks across Ontario.
- Consultant: Terry Barker
Terry Barker was born in London, England in 1943, and came to Canada in 1952. He was educated at Toronto Teachers’ College and McMaster and Oxford Universities, majoring in Political Theory and Philosophy. After he retired from classroom teaching/lecturing, he has researched, written and spoken about the relationship between modern ideologies and the classical and Christian philosophical tradition. He has also authored three collections of essays on the People’s Poetry tradition in Canada.
- Ad hoc guest speakers
Sponsor
Al Premium Food Mart has generously granted, for each and every session:
- Two $50 in-store purchase grocery Vouchers for Chinese class participants
- Two $50 in-store purchase grocery Vouchers for English seminar participants
- Plus an Year-end Celebration Party for instructors, guest speakers, volunteers, and participants who have actively attended all the seven Chinese classes and/or all the seven English seminars!
Please visit Al Premium’s website to locate its stores across the Great Toronto Area at
Winners will be selected by lucky draws at the end of each class and seminar.
For detailed explanation and instructions on how to use the vouchers, please write to info@eawlc.org.
Course Schedule & Sample Questions You May Ask
(PLEASE feel free to ask more questions!)
March 2, 2026 Introduction
- How do Canadians run their country?
- The historical and cultural context
- Immigrants’ life and challenges in Canada
April 6, 2026 The Canadian Constitution
- How does the constitution affect you as a new immigrant?
- How can you use the constitution in your daily life?
May 4, 2026 The Provinces and the Federal System
- What is the relationship between provincial and federal power?
- How do the differences affect your educational and social lives in Canada?
- What are the powers, limitations, and responsibilities of a city councillor, an MPP and an MP?
June 1, 2026 The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- How do you use the charter of rights and freedoms to defend your rights?
- What are your obligations under the charter?
September 7, 2026 Elections and the Electoral System
- How can new immigrants participate in the elections?
- How can voters learn about the candidates?
- What are the election events on the news?
October 5, 2026 Political Parties and the Party System
- How does the party system work in Canada?
- How can you learn about party values and policies ?
- How to join and/or exit a party?
November 2, 2026 Parliament (Westminster System)
- Where did the parliament system come from?
- How does it work provincially and federally?
- What are the ruling and opposing parties now? Do they work against each other or together?
And at our Year-end Celebration Party on December 7, in addition to enjoying eating and shopping, we will also talk about the Policymaking Process and Policy Instruments in Canada, and address questions such as
- How are policies made in Canada?
- What are some of the policies that were just made most recently?
- How might the policies affect new immigrants in Canada?
Everyone is welcome. Join us to learn how Canada works—and how you can work within it, contribute to it, and thrive in it!
Declaration
East and West Learning Connections is an apolitical, non-religious, not-for-profit and cultural organization registered federally in Canada. We do not favour any specific political party or religious group.
Please consider supporting our efforts to help people of different heritages break cultural barriers and get connected by volunteering, donating, or participating in our events. Together, we can make learning and connections happen!