Youth at Risk in Winnipeg Symposium
Hosted by CMU in collaboration with Massey College and Inner City Youth Alive
October 17, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Marpeck Commons
2299 Grant Ave.
About the Symposium
Purpose
This symposium aims to foster informed dialogue, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and generate practical solutions to improve outcomes for youth at risk in Winnipeg.
Event Description
This event will bring together community leaders, educators, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the factors contributing to youth vulnerability in Winnipeg and identify effective policy and community responses.
The day will feature keynote presentations from former Winnipeg Police Chief Devon Clunis on public safety and youth risk factors, and education expert Dr. John Wiens on the role of education in supporting vulnerable youth.
Panel discussions will examine the factors contributing to youth risk, with a particular focus on educational engagement and absenteeism.
Following a luncheon address by Hon. Renee Cable, Manitoba's Minister of Advanced Education and Training, participants will collaborate in working groups to develop policy recommendations and practical strategies.
The event will conclude with a summary of key insights and next steps, fostering a shared commitment to improving outcomes for young people in Winnipeg.
Who Should Attend
This forum is designed for professionals, practitioners, and community leaders who work with or care about the well-being of young people in Winnipeg.
It will be especially valuable for teachers and educators, social workers, counsellors, not-for-profit and community organization leaders, direct service providers, government and policy professionals, school administrators, researchers, and others engaged in supporting youth and strengthening communities.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from leading experts, exchange perspectives across sectors, and contribute to discussions aimed at developing practical and effective responses to the challenges facing youth at risk.
Networking Opportunities
Because no single sector can address these challenges alone, the symposium is designed to encourage relationship-building and cross-sector collaboration, providing opportunities to connect with professionals and community leaders from across education, social services, government, law enforcement, and the non-profit sector. Attendees will have time throughout the day to build relationships, share experiences and promising practices, strengthen partnerships, and explore new opportunities for collaboration in supporting youth and families in our community.
Online registration coming soon!
Schedule
| Symposium Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:15 AM | Welcome by CMU President Cheryl Pauls, Tom Axworthy, Massey College Public Policy Chair and Kent Dueck, Founder, Inner City Youth Alive |
| 9:15–9:45 AM | Keynote on Public Safety and Youth at Risk; Devon Clunis, former Winnipeg Chief of Police |
| 9:45–10:45 AM | Panel on Factors Driving Risk Among Youth |
| 10:45–11:15 AM | Keynote on Education; Dr. John Wiens, Dean Emeritus of Education at University of Manitoba |
| 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Panel on Education and Absenteeism |
| 12:15–1:15 PM | Lunch and Address from Honourable Renee Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training |
| 1:15–2:30 PM | Working Groups on Policy Responses |
| 2:30 PM | Closing Summary and Remarks |