The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that Peter Munk is making a
$5-million pledge to the high-profile
debates that bear his name.
The Globe's Luke Carroll writes that the pledge to the Munk
Debates comes from the Aurea
Foundation, which is part of the
Peter and Melanie Munk Charitable
Foundation and supports
the development of public policy.
The nearly decade-old debates
were established with a $400,000 donation
from the foundation to
engage and inform Canadians,
but Mr. Munk says they were
also started as a way to define
Toronto as a hub for intellectual
discussion.
"Toronto has the infrastructure,
intellectually, financially,
population-wise and, most
importantly, curiosity-wise, and
that has to be fostered," Mr.
Munk said.
Over the years, the Barrick
Gold founder says he has
been asked why the debates
have not moved to other cities
such as London or New York,
but he responds by saying he
wants it to remain a distinct
Toronto event.
"Half the purpose [of the
debates] was for broadening the
minds of Canadians," Mr. Munk adds.
"And establishing Toronto as a
place where major events can
and should take place, because
Toronto deserves it."
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