Bestselling author and acclaimed journalist Gwynne Dyer will present a serious contemplation of what it means to engage in major world conflicts, and the price we pay when we do. The event will be held at Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St. The event is hosted by Embassy's Carl Meyer. More information is available online.

The 2014 Couchiching Conference: The Politics and Potential of Sport will be held. The 83rd Couchiching Conference tackles the tough issues in sport. Sport is not just a game, but has far-reaching political, sociological, corporate and individual costs and benefits. Aug. 7-10, $627.15. YMCA Geneva Park Conference Centre, Orillia, Ont. www.couchichinginstitute.ca

Moya Greene, CEO, Royal Mail Group, will address members of the Empire Club at a luncheon. The event will be held at the C.D. Howe Institute, 67 Yonge St. More information is available online.

Liberal Party of Canada hosts a BBQ in celebration of BC Day, with guest Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.). The event will be held at Douglas Park. Contact: phershaw@liberal.ca.

NDP MP Peter Julian and MLA Raj Chouhan host their annual summer BBQ. The event will be held at 7433 Edmonds St., Burnaby, B.C. More information is available online. 

For nearly a century, Canada’s role in the Great War has elicited a range of critical and literary responses. The conference marks the 100th anniversary of the “war to end all wars.” The conference contributes to the contested debate about Canada’s participation in World War I from literary, aesthetic, critical, political, historical, cultural, and other perspectives. Speakers include Tim Cook, Margaret McMillan and Frances Itani. Presented by UBC, the University of Ottawa and the Canadian War Museum.