Max Bell School of Public Policy - News

Taylor Owen on Uniform Social Media Regulations

UUֱ�� — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:38:10 +0000

September 6, 2024 | Taylor Owen spoke about the online harms of social media and how having uniform social media regulations enforced across all digital platforms, can help with the online governance on The Star.

Aftab Ahmed on Challenging Asia's Great Power Influence | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:55:16 +0000

September 3, 2024 | Alumnus Aftab Ahmed MPP'23 wrote about the challenging influence of India in the regional Asian subcontinent given the current political environment of Bangladesh. He explains how India's heavy-handed foreign policy has fueled the crisis in Bangladesh and strained its relationships with other neighbouring countries.

Jennifer Welsh on Major Global Conflicts on The Sunday Magazine | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 17:43:43 +0000

August 19, 2024 | Host Piya Chattopadhyay speaks with Arif Lalani and Jennifer Welsh in The Sunday Magazine podcast, about the current political upheaval in the Middle East in the latest round of ceasefire negotiations in Qatar. Concurrently, touching upon the new narrative in the Russia-Ukraine war after a surprise Ukrainian incursion in Russia's Kursk region.

Anil Wasif on Bangladesh's Current Political Upheaval | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:00:24 +0000

July 24, 2024 | Our alumni, Anil Wasif, from the MPP Cohort of 2020-21, who also sits on the advisory board of the Max Bell School of Public Policy wrote an article on the current upheaval in Bangladesh. "The past week’s events in Bangladesh, where nearly 200 people have lost their lives in a violent crackdown on student-led protests, is just the latest reminder of the underlying social and political issues plaguing Bangladeshi society.

Canada-India Relations | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 14:26:48 +0000

July 17, 2024 | There have been political tensions between Canada and India, however at G7, the nations were seen to improve mutual understanding. "Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau suggested that an “opportunity for [Canada] to engage” with India has re-emerged with the conclusion of the Indian election.

Accelerating Canada's Green Energy Transition | Toronto Star

UUֱ�� — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 19:21:22 +0000

July 4, 2024 | Canada produces 80 per cent non-emitting electricity, however there stands a need for transitioning towards a clean energy transition that meet its emission goals by requiring building bigger, cleaner, smarter grids capable of doubling or tripling current capacity. "Net zero energy road maps from provincial governments can provide the missing direction. Road maps articulate a provincial government’s vision, objectives, and plans for how the province will meet its energy needs on the road to net zero," Chris Ragan and Rick Smith explains.

Tackling the Negative Implications of a Less-Cash Society | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 13:52:54 +0000

June 30, 2024 | The digital brigade, powered by e-transfers, PayPal and Apple Pay, has gained unprecedented momentum. This is leading towards a cashless society, as Canadians tend to embrace electronic methods of payments. However, cash holds many significance in the social and economic realm. CBC News featured one of our MPP alum, Aftab Ahmed for their news article about the harm of leaping towards the cashless Canadian economy.

Jennifer Welsh on The Sunday Magazine | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:27:31 +0000

June 9, 2024 | Host Piya Chattopadhyay speaks with Arif Lalani and Jennifer Welsh in The Sunday Magazine podcast, about the national security committee's allegation that some parliamentarians helped foreign governments meddle in Canadian politics, the latest developments in the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's weaker-than-expected election victory in the week in global affairs.

Sciences Po & McCall MacBain Scholarships programme

UUֱ�� — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:17:26 +0000

Sciences Po has partnered with the McCall MacBain Scholarships programme to promote purposeful leadership. This scholarship recognizes the academic excellence and leadership potential of our current and former students, offering them the opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary leadership programme while pursuing a fully funded master’s or professional degree at UUֱ��. Sciences Po graduates Suhanya Joseph de Saram and Anna Legault, both of whom earned McCall MacBain Finalist Awards this past year.

Alumna Henna Hundal on Climate Activity

UUֱ�� — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:56:11 +0000

Our alumna, Henna Hundal, from the MPP Cohort of 2020-21, has been making significant contributions to climate change advocacy. Henna has been featured prominently in the media, addressing urgent environmental issues. As a delegate to the U.N. Climate Change Conferences, she recently discussed the influence of Big Oil on climate policy in an interview with CNN's John Vause, following the U.N.

Homes For Heroes Kingston Veterans’ Village Grand Opening | Globe Newswire

UUֱ�� — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 16:50:48 +0000

June 4, 2024 | The Kingston Veterans’ Village is designed to support unhoused military Veterans and offers wrap around social support programing, in partnership with Veterans Affairs, to help with their transition to civilian life. Kingston Veterans’ Village features 20 tiny homes, a resource centre, two counsellor offices, recreation spaces, and community gardens. A recent study by the Max Bell School of Policy Studies at UUֱ�� estimat

How the Carbon Tax Got Alberta Off Coal and Could Reduce Future Wildfires | Sierra Club Canada

UUֱ�� — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:13:28 +0000

Jun 4, 2024 | The Environment in Canada Podcast Episode 19 on the Carbon Tax, Alberta Getting off Coal, and Future Wildfires underscores the emergent need for a comprehensive understanding of carbon pricing and its benefits. Far from being mutually exclusive, Canada can implement a robust carbon pricing system while addressing inflation and paving the way for a green future.

Fixing Immigration Policy to Strengthen the Nonprofit Sector | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Wed, 22 May 2024 14:01:30 +0000

May 21, 2024 | In Policy Magazine’s Emerging Voices series each year, Max Bell School MPPs are asked to write articles on issues important to them. In the sixth article for 2024, Jamil Tanimu emphasizes the critical importance of effective social services that would build and diversify the Canadian workforce. With over six years of experience in International Development, Jamil's passion for promoting the welfare of displaced people comes from his own upbringing in a conflict zone. He's dedicated to improving access to public services and making a difference in people's lives.

Jennifer Welsh on Inequality’s Threat to Liberal Democracy | CBC Listen

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 May 2024 18:34:19 +0000

May 9, 2024 | On a podcast episode of Ideas with Nahlah Ayed, Professor Jennifer Welsh delves into answering on how inequality is undermining liberal democracy. Following the end of Cold War, the quest for peace, equality, and democracy didn't conclude; instead, it evolved into a multifaceted challenge. Greg Kelly, executive producer of IDEAS, discusses Jennifer Welsh's 2016 CBC Massey Lectures, "The Return of History," on the 60th anniversary of Massey College.

The UN’s New Agenda for Protection | International Peace Institute

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 May 2024 17:56:43 +0000

May 13, 2024 | The United Nations (UN) recently released its Agenda for Protection, a comprehensive document aiming to enhance protection as a collective responsibility across various UN components. It addresses previous shortcomings highlighted by inquiries into UN responses in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. However, it faces challenges due to geopolitical dynamics undermining multilateral action and UN entities’ limited roles in ongoing conflicts.

Protecting our Privacy: Strengthening Accountability for Public Surveillance | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 09 May 2024 16:24:39 +0000

May 8, 2024 | In Policy Magazine’s Emerging Voices series each year, Max Bell School MPPs are asked to write articles on issues important to them. In the fifth article for 2024, Asha Sivarajah underscores the importance of safeguarding privacy rights while ensuring transparency and accountability in public institutions' use of surveillance technologies.

Machine Like Us Podcast Series | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 07 May 2024 14:53:04 +0000

May 7, 2024 | We are living in an age of breakthroughs propelled by advances in artificial intelligence. Technologies that were once the realm of science fiction are now transpiring into our reality. Machine Like Us is a technology show where every other Tuesday Taylor Owen sits down with the people shaping this rapidly approaching future.

How do Infrastructure Costs affect Housing Affordability? | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 07 May 2024 14:18:44 +0000

May 2, 2024 | In Policy Magazine’s Emerging Voices series each year, Max Bell School MPPs are asked to write articles on issues important to them. In the fourth article for 2024, Ian Lupton explains the need for a Canadian National Infrastructure Assessment for strengthening the nation’s housing crisis, by supporting a broad range of economic, social and environmental policy objectives. Ian has experience in legislative, provincial, and municipal governments in Canada and the US, and is passionate about utilizing public policy to enhance citizens' daily lives.

Abdelrahman Sherif on the Hot Cities of the World Tour | PBS Mountain Lake

UUֱ�� — Thu, 02 May 2024 20:24:49 +0000

April 26, 2024 | Abdelrahman Sherif, born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, is part of the fifth cohort of MPPs. His expertise in management consulting has allowed him to make significant contributions to a diverse array of transformational and strategic projects, providing firsthand insight into the impact of public policy in the MENA Region.

Fostering Sustainable ESG Practices | Event Recap

UUֱ�� — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:01:53 +0000

April 30, 2024 | A large part of implementing good public policy is understanding the effects on various sectors. With a focus on fostering dialogue and collaboration, this event on environmental, social, and governance measures explored effective strategies, identified challenges, and highlighted opportunities for enhancing sustainability efforts across industries. The event brought together prominent leaders from academia, private industry, and the public sector to discuss and exchange insights on developing and implementing robust sustainability practices within organizations.

Should Canadians be Concerned About Corporate Concentration Levels? | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:25:54 +0000

April 23, 2024 | In Policy Magazine's Emerging Voices series each year, Max Bell School MPPs are invited to write articles on issues important to them. In the third article for 2024, Abdul-Hakim Fuseini underscores the importance incentivizing small businesses for a greater Canadian economy growth. Abdul-Hakim previously taught and conducted research in finance, accounting and auditing at the University of Ghana Business School.

Heather DeSantis, IRCC speaks to MPPs

UUֱ�� — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:17:44 +0000

On Monday, April 15, Heather DeSantis, Director General of International Affairs at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada spoke to the students at the Max Bell School of Public Policy. The students appreciated her career advice on getting into the public service, especially her journey from studying Canadian studies to a career in security and foreign policy. She also provided insights on the federal government’s interactions with provincial and international governments, such as the negotiations that occurred to expand the new Safe Third Country Agreement.

Profile of Pearl Eliadis for QUESCREN | Concordia University

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 19:09:08 +0000

In Concordia University's latest Researcher-Member Portrait, Pearl Eliadis talks about effective ways of educating the public about their rights and details her work related to the rights and interests of Quebec's English-speaking community. The Quebec English-Speaking Communities Research Network (QUESCREN) is a dynamic alliance of researchers, community members, and institutions that develops research capacity in English-speaking Quebec.

Jennifer Welsh on Tour de Table

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:40:38 +0000

In March 2023, Jennifer Welsh launched Tour de Table, a podcast series that joins leading scholars and policymakers for a bilingual discussion of the political, economic, and security challenges confronting our world and whether and how Canada is prepared to address them.

Core faculty Pearl Eliadis receives 2024 MAA Distinguished Service Award

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 16:12:28 +0000

Each year, the UUֱ�� Alumni Association (MAA) recognizes alumni, friends, students, faculty, and staff whose commitment has significantly impacted alumni life, the University, and/or the community. The honorees stand out for their impressive contributions and achievements in service to UUֱ��, the MAA, and their respective communities.

Canada Doesn’t Have a Citizens Budget. It Should. | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:20:06 +0000

April 14, 2024 | In Policy Magazine's Emerging Voices series each year, Max Bell School MPPs are invited to write articles on issues important to them.

Budget 2024: Canadians Need a National Flood Insurance Program | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:09:52 +0000

April 11, 2024 | In Policy Magazine's Emerging Voices series each year, Max Bell School MPPs are invited to write articles on issues important to them. In the first article for 2024, Leah Brodovsky underscores the pressing need for a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as natural disasters, particularly flooding, become increasingly common and costly due to climate change. Leah Brodovsky is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ��. Leah holds a BSc. Honours Food Science from the University of Guelph.

Freedom of expression (Mike Ward file) | Arrêt sur le droit

UUֱ�� — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:36:55 +0000

March 18, 2024 | Pearl Eliadis recently contributed her expertise to an episode of "Arrest sur le droit," a podcast in partnership between the Supreme Court of Canada and the Quebec legal organization CAIJ. In Episode 4, Pearl discusses the SCC's ruling to the case of Ward v. Quebec (Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission), exploring its implications for freedom of expression.

Listen here.

Chris Ragan on Carbon Tax

UUֱ�� — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 20:14:57 +0000

The Federal Government of Canada has increased the federal carbon tax from $65 a tonne to $80 as of April 1, 2024. Christopher Ragan joins several news outlets below sharing his expertise.

Opinion: Carbon pricing has become our national dumpster fire | The Globe and Mail

Carbon tax hike kicks in across Canada | CHCH

92nd Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence | CPAC

UUֱ�� — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 18:35:04 +0000

March 6, 2024 | Vincent Rigby attended the 92nd Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence which is the largest and longest of its kind in Canada. The conference is an annual event held at the Chateau Laurier since 1932.

Should Canada have a foreign intelligence service? | Policy Insights Forum

UUֱ�� — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:37:59 +0000

March 20, 2024 | Vincent Rigby joins host Geoffrey St. John in an episode of the Canadian Foreign Intelligence Service podcast series and argues that Canada should carefully consider the creation of a foreign intelligence service. He believes that Canada's National Security Policy is outdated and needs a full review, which will open up conversations on establishing a foreign intelligence agency.

What the tick tock of online regulation says about our digital discourse | CBC Radio

UUֱ�� — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:08:29 +0000

March 17, 2024 | In this episode of The Sunday Magazine, Taylor Owen joins a discussion on digital discourse and the future of online safety regulation. The US House of Representatives voted to pass a bill that could lead to a nationwide ban against TikTok. Professor Owen speaks on Canada's standpoint with this decision, and how the federal government has launched a national security review of the video-sharing app.

Economist weighs in on premiers' calls to pause carbon tax hike | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:30:11 +0000

March 14, 2024 | A growing number of premiers are urging the federal government to pause the carbon tax hike that's set to take place on April 1, or to ditch it altogether. Chris Ragan, the director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ��, joined Power & Politics to discuss the impact this could have on Canada's climate plan. "We're playing a long-run game," Ragan said. "It's very easy to say this is not a good time for a carbon tax ...

Quebec's Court of Appeal upholds Bill 21, with a few exceptions | CBC

UUֱ�� — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:52:31 +0000

February 29, 2024 | Pearl Eliadis speaks on "Breakaway with Alison Brunette" and "Let's Go with Sabrina Marandola" on the upholding of Bill 21 and what the ruling means. The law bans certain employees in the public sector from wearing religious symbols while on the job.

Is a price on carbon the right tool to address climate change? | iHeartRadio

UUֱ�� — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 18:11:50 +0000

March 13, 2024 | Is carbon pricing the most effective tool to address climate change issues? The news recording talked about the opposition to the climate tax rebate in recent years and the government's efforts to rebrand the tax and communicate its effectiveness to the public. Chris Ragan was interviewed and stated that any policy will be costly to implement, but the rebate in carbon pricing gives the purchasing power back to the public. "You do not have to use the carbon price.

Court case against universiy tuition hikes in Quebec | CBC Montreal

UUֱ�� — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:53:14 +0000

February 23, 2024 | With the Québec government's decision to raise tuition fees for out-of-province students and change the funding model for international students, UUֱ�� has launched a lawsuit, arguing that these measures will violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

Hate and Harm: Rethinking Dignity, Dissent & Equality in Canadian Law

UUֱ�� — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 18:35:31 +0000

February 27, 2024 | The Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School hosted a seminar with a focus on the evolution of hate and discriminatory speech. This seminar built upon the foundation laid by the Max Bell School's previous conference in 2022, "Humour, Hate, and Harm," which focused on rethinking dignity, equality, and freedom of expression.

AI and Canada's proposed Online Harms Act | GZERO

UUֱ�� — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 20:27:19 +0000

March 5, 2024 | In this episode of GZERO AI, Professor Taylor Owen takes a look at the Canadian government’s Online Harms Act, which seeks to hold social media companies responsible for harmful content.

3rd Annual Symposium - Research Network on Women, Peace and Security

UUֱ�� — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 19:46:01 +0000

In the lead-up to the 25th anniversary of the landmark United Nations Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), the third annual Symposium of the RN-WPS – held at the University of Ottawa from February 8-10 - centered on the theme “Because We Must”. Rebecca Tiessen, Director of the Gender, Peace and Security Collaboratory, University of Ottawa was the host and co-organizer.

Navigating Collaborative Futures | CCA

UUֱ�� — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:43:59 +0000

February 14, 2024 | The Government of Canada lacks comprehensive strategy for evaluating international science, technology, innovation, and knowledge partnerships. Navigating Collaborative Futures, a new report from the Council of Canadian Academies, presents key elements of an evidence-based, data-enabled framework to evaluate new and existing international STIK partnership opportunities for Canada.

Court case against the end of life legislation in Quebec | CBC Montreal

UUֱ�� — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 19:49:28 +0000

February 6, 2024 | The Catholic Church legally challenges Quebec's assisted dying law, arguing the province's end of life legislation violates its religious freedom. The church feels it is forced to choose between a procedure it finds morally unacceptable or abandon its pallative care center in Montreal. Prof. Pearl Eliadis says that this is a case of religious freedom vs. secularism, and that Quebec's Human Rights Legislation makes secularism more important than any other right.

17 Rooms-X UUֱ�� | UUֱ�� Office of Sustainability

UUֱ�� — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:39:28 +0000

February 2, 2024 | An initiative led by MPP alumnus Julian Lam, 17 Rooms-X UUֱ�� is a unique event that will bring together faculty, staff, students, and practitioners who are working to advance progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This process will feed into UUֱ��’s next climate and sustainability strategy (2025-2030) and will provide broader insight into challenges and opportunities for advancing progress on the SDGs at UUֱ��.

Launch of the new Research Postcard series | RNWPS

UUֱ�� — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:03:30 +0000

January 25, 2024 | Research Network on Women, Peace and Security launched a new series, 'Research Postcards', to feature and summarize the recent work of their network members. The series aims to increase the representation and discoverability of the research conducted by their members.

View the postcards

How New Hampshire’s ‘cantankerous independence’ will make its mark on an unusual 2024 presidential election | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:51:43 +0000

January 20, 2024 | In this opinion piece by David Shribman, he talks about the first primary of the 2024 U.S. presidential election and the significance of the location, New Hampshire. New Hampshire has been the staging ground over a long period for so many people, providing more memorable moments than any other venue. Shribman walks the reader through the memorable primaries and significant moments in previous presidential campaigns that took place in New Hampshire.

What Google's deal with Canada means for the rest of the world | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:58:08 +0000

December 5, 2023 | Taylor Owen joins episode of The Decibel by The Globe and Mail, to explain the details of Google's deal with Canada and what it sets for other places looking to bring in similar legislation.

The Case for a Pan-Canadian Teleradiology Network | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:46:08 +0000

December 6, 2023 | This op-ed by recent MPP graduate, Aftab Ahmed, is based on the policy titled “Enhancing Access to Diagnostic Imaging: A Proposal for a Pan-Canadian and Interoperable Teleradiology Network” written by our MPP graduates Aftab Ahmed, Anmol Gupta and Harshini Ramesh.

This op-ed delves into the potential of expanding and coordinating teleradiology services across Canadian provinces and territories to shorten wait times for diagnostic imaging services like CT scans and MRIs,

Humour, Hate and Harm: Rethinking Dignity, Equality and Freedom of Expression in Ward v Quebec | PKI

UUֱ�� — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 18:27:41 +0000

December 1, 2023 | Humour, Hate and Harm: Rethinking Dignity, Equality and Freedom of Expression in Ward v Quebec is new publication on what is and what isn't discrimination and hate speech— issues that figure among the most volatile social challenges facing us today.

It's time to table the Online Harms Bill | Toronto Star

UUֱ�� — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 18:07:55 +0000

November 30, 2023 | In the article by Taylor Owen and Emily Laidlaw, they talk about the Online Harms Bill and how Canada is late to introducing this Bill.

"We are late. Other democracies such as the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia have introduced legislation to safeguard citizens online."

Kamala Harris set to attend global climate conference in Dubai | CNN

UUֱ�� — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:59:39 +0000

December 2, 2023 | Kim Brunhuber speaks with MPP alumni Henna Hundal, a delegate to the U.N. Climate Change Conference, about what to expect from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at the COP28 climate conference.

She also talks about COP28 being the first climate conference to have a dedicated day for health effects of climate change.

The OpenAI -Sam Altman drama: Why should you care? | GZERO

UUֱ�� — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:58:15 +0000

November 28, 2023 | Taylor Owen co-hosted GZERO AI, a weekly video series intended to make their audience keep up and make sense of the latest news on the AI revolution. In the latest episode Taylor Owen explains the profound consequences of the OpenAI - Sam Altman drama.

Quebec Superior Court halts adoption of pro-Palestinian UUֱ�� student union policy | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 18:15:39 +0000

November 23, 2023 | Some UUֱ�� students say their right to express support for Palestinians is being suppressed, after a Quebec court temporarily put a stop to a student plan to adopt a pro-Palestinian policy at the university.

Health sector corruption in the times of COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: Newspapers as mirrors of society | Elsevier

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:35:24 +0000

November 21, 2023 | Raihana S. Kamal, a Master of Public Policy student at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, was a co-author published on Elsevier. Her research paper conducted a comprehensive analysis of health-sector corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh using print media sources from March 2020 to March 2021. The study revealed corruption in every aspect of the health system during COVID-19. The media's role in uncovering these issues emphasized the urgency for transparency to ease the plight of patients and healthcare providers.

Liberals table bill to ban replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 21:54:45 +0000

November 9, 2023 | The federal government has announced carbon-tax exemptions for household heating and Chris Ragan joined Power & Politics to talk about these exemptions. Chris Ragan has stated that carbon-tax exemptions might not be the way to energy affordability, usually because exemptions are often extended and there is no end to these exemptions due to political pressures.

Women in Montreal speak out against hate and violence | Montreal Gazette

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:42:24 +0000

November 12, 2023 | Ten community leaders from diverse backgrounds gathered on Sunday in one of Montreal's most multicultural and multiracial neighborhoods, spoke out powerfully against acts of hate and violence that threaten safety and social cohesion in the city.

"We are here today because of what we share, which is our common humanity," said Pearl Eliadis. "We cannot take sides when it comes to hate. We cannot be bystanders when we are faced with hate," she added.

Hate condemned after Montreal Jewish school struck by gunfire for the 2nd time this week | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:39:10 +0000

November 12, 2023 | "The Jewish community is under attack in Montreal," says mayor. Yeshiva Gedola of Montreal, a Jewish school was once again targeted by gunfire overnight. Members of Montreal's Jewish community say they will not be intimidated into closing the doors to their establishments after the incident. On the same day of the attack, 10 community leaders from diverse backgrounds came together to denounce hatei antisemitism and Islamophobia and to encourage Montrealers to work together against violence.

When do protests cross the line? | iHeartRadio

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:13:55 +0000

November 13, 2023 | Where does the protest cross the line from protected speech to unlawful expressions? The news recording talked about intervening in protests in light of the ongoing protests in Montreal, especially the protests that have resulted in violent acs against certain businesses or institutions. Pearl Eliadis was interviewed and stated that the law is very clear, vandalism about attacking public property or riots are completely illegal.

Youth Assembly Report on Digital Rights and Safety

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:09:08 +0000

In June 2023, the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy brought together 35 young people from all across Canada to discuss how to improve online safety for themselves and future generations. This Youth Assembly on Digital Rights allowed them to connect with each other as well as academic experts and policymakers on how to promote the safety, well-being, and flourishing of Canadian youth online.

The Honorable Eleni Bakopanos, P.C. visits the Max Bell School

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:34:13 +0000

November 7, 2023 | The Honorable Eleni Bakopanos, P.C. visited the Max Bell School of Public Policy to offer her insights and experience of working in policy. The event organized by visiting professor Olivia Smith, featured an engaging Q&A session, delving into the intricate connection between policy and politics, offering students invaluable insights for their future endeavors in these fields.

Chris Ragan on carbon pricing policy changes | IHeart Radio

UUֱ�� — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 19:38:14 +0000

Chris Ragan joins Vassy Kapelos to weigh in on the Trudeau government's recent carbon tax carve-outs and shares on the current situation.

" It will lead to further exemptions... that is probably inevitable." says Chris Ragan.

Listen to the podcast.

Le monde d’après:Les conséquences de la COVID-19 sur les relations internationales | PUM

UUֱ�� — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:42:57 +0000

October 27, 2023 | COVID-19 triggered the biggest global crisis of the 21st century. For some, the repercussions were swift and dramatic, with the pandemic pushing tens of millions of people into poverty and extreme food insecurity. For others, the transformations are still bubbling under the surface, and questions remain as to whether the societal changes it has brought about will be sustained.

Watergate’s evidence of presidential interference was a turning point in American history

UUֱ�� — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 17:39:46 +0000

October 26, 2023 | Much of contemporary American politics can be traced to a little-remembered and dimly understood event that occurred a half-century ago, the Saturday Night Massacre. This article by David Shribman delves into the controversies over whether presidents are vulnerable to prosecution.

An online safety bill in Canada: time to get on with it already | The Hill Times

UUֱ�� — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 17:10:53 +0000

October 25, 2023 | This piece by MPP Alumnus Phaedra de Saint-Rome,highlights Canada's limited efforts in trying to publish a bill addressing online safety since 2020 and not having one in place to this day. The article provides a timeline of the same bill in the European Union and Australia and shows how other government around the world have been able to take action regarding online safety and harms.

"Canadian youth are at greater risk online than their peers in much of the democratic world because our federal government won't table a long-promised bill" said Phaedra.

We are in a crisis of knowledge - and it couldn’t have happened at a worse time | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:31:34 +0000

October 20, 2023 | This opinion piece by Taylor Owen talks about the reasoning behind why he decided to take a break from X, formerly Twitter, a platform he has been using as a gateway to information for over a decade.

He said "the platform is now broken. Where it once filtered valuable information about the world in a timely manner, it is now calibrated to anger and extremes under the ownership of a spiteful billionaire clearly caught in an ideological rabbit hole."

Carbon-Pricing Exemptions Are the Wrong Way to Keep Energy Affordable | National Newswatch

UUֱ�� — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 18:19:18 +0000

October 17, 2023 | The federal government is under pressure to carve out exemptions to its carbon pricing system, particularly for rural home-heating fuel in Atlantic Canada. Keeping essentials like energy affordable is a serious concern, but carbon-pricing exemptions are the wrong solution.

Are we there yet? Canada's progress on the road to housing rights | QHPPC

UUֱ�� — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:07:44 +0000

17 October, 2023 | Canada is required to respect, protect and fulfill the right to adequate housing by law. Homelessness in Canada appears to be on the rise and social and affordable housing is increasingly unavailable to those who need it the most. Canada's obligation to ensure social and economic rights is mainly based on the idea of "progressive realization" which in turn, depends on "appropriate steps"

The Dean of Shandong: In Conversation with Daniel A. Bell

UUֱ�� — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 19:53:35 +0000

October 12, 2023 | On October 10, Daniel A. Bell visited the Max Bell School of Public Policy to give an insightful discussion on his book, The Dean of Shandong. Professor Bell has a distinguished career as a political theorist who has attempted to understand and to convey to English-speaking audiences, the role that Confucianism has had in explaining many developments in Chinese society and politics. This visit was presented by the Katharine A. Pearson Chair in Civil Society and Public Policy.

Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship speaks with Max Bell Students

UUֱ�� — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:47:32 +0000

October 3rd, 2023 | The Max Bell School of Public Policy was honoured to receive Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. During this session planned by Visiting Scholar Olivia Smith, the Deputy Minister spoke to the fifth cohort of MPP students and gave an overview of the immigration policy process in Canada.

With inflation cooling, politicians turn up the heat to address Canada’s affordability crisis | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:16:55 +0000

September 16, 2023 | On September 6 the Bank of Canada decided to hold interest rates steady after two years of high inflation and 18 months of rising interest rates. The premiers of Ontario, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador each wrote to the Bank of Canada urging it not to raise interest rates, following the critics from Justin Trudeau's caucus stating that the government has lost focus on affordability issues, especially regarding housing.

Economics lessons will pay life-long dividends to understand how any marketplace works | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:55:32 +0000

September 14, 2023 | In an opinion piece by David Parkinson he talks about the influx of students that are going to have their first serious exposure to economics in a university setting. He has interviewed Chris Ragan to discuss the value of learning more about economics. A key point from the conversation was that there is a fundamental misunderstanding surrounding economics where it's perceived to be all about money. Whereas it's more about scarcity and the decisions made to allocate limited resources.

Alberta university student association calls for government supports in wake of sexual violence report | Edmonton Journal

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:07:52 +0000

August 30, 2023 | The Council of Alberta University Students is demanding more government action in the wake of a survey suggesting 50% of respondents have experienced some form of sexual or gender-based violence as a post-secondary student. Executive director and Max Bell School graduate Alexandra Ages said she is exited with working with the ministry on next steps.

Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences

UUֱ�� — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 20:14:39 +0000

September 1, 2023 | UN Special Rapporteur Mr. Tomoya Obokata visited Max Bell School of Public Policy to examine issues of contemporary forms of slavery in Canada, including its causes and consequences. During the meeting organized by McConnell Visiting Scholar Olivia Smith, the Special Rapporteur met with federal, provincial, and municipal authorities, national human rights bodies, and victims of contemporary forms of slavery.

From Rhetoric to Reality: Bridging the Gap in Indigenous Justice Initiatives | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:23:23 +0000

Can the Liberal government’s Indigenous Justice Strategy catalyze a new era of transformative reconciliation? The ball is in Justice Minister Arif Virani’s court.

The effects of human rights interventions on rights-related outcomes | IIIE

UUֱ�� — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:51:02 +0000

Data about the impact of human rights interventions at a global level are needed to ensure effective policy decision-making.

Hunter Prize finalists showcase ten ideas to fix Canada’s health | The Hub

UUֱ�� — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:31:35 +0000

July 2, 2023 | Ten finalists have been chosen for the Hunter Prize for Public Policy, along with their groundbreaking ideas to fundamentally improve Canada’s health-care system. The finalists were picked from over 200 entries and the winning entree will be chosen by an esteemed panel of judges.

Canada urgently needs to increase housing supply and transitional supports for veterans | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:13:14 +0000

August 1, 2023 | The article in The Globe and Mail provides highlights from the report created by Taylor Chase, Alison Clement, Sandrine Desforges and Anmol Gupta for Canada’s Federal Housing Advocate as part of the Policy Lab 2023. There is a lack of leadership when it comes to veteran housing, which is split between several federal departments with no central co-ordination. They also warn that the federal government does not have a clear picture of the problem because it is not adequately tracking veterans and their housing status.

Law professor Daniel Weinstock appointed to the Order of Canada | Reporter UUֱ��

UUֱ�� — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 20:24:37 +0000

July 26, 2023 | Daniel Weinstock among seven other members of the UUֱ�� community were honored by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, on 30 June and has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada (OOC). Weinstock was recognized "for his exemplary contributions to the advancement of political philosophy, public policy and social justice in Canada, as a renowned ethicist, philosopher and public intellectual," the OOC citation reads.

How we can move forward, now that the divisive Bill C-18 is law | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:49:40 +0000

July 23, 2023 | In this opinion piece by Taylor Owen and Supriya Dwivedi, they reflect on the passage of Bill C-18, the Online News Act, where the government is hoping that Google and Meta would expand the deals they currently have with some Canadian publishers to a wider range of outlets. On the other hand, tech companies are clearly using Canada as a trial to other jurisdictions in the process of enacting similar policies. The piece the highlights where to go from here.

Q & A with Vincent Rigby | Wesley Wark

UUֱ�� — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 20:35:06 +0000

July 4, 2023 | In an interview conducted by Wesley Wark Vincent Rigby reflected on whether he might be prepared to play beyond the boundaries of his recent testimony on June 8 to the Standing Committee on Procedures and House Affairs, in order to enlarge on some of the issues he raised. The Q&A provides an unedited conversation between Wesley Wark and Vincent Rigby about his testimony.

Jennifer Welsh and Supriya Dwivedi are part of the Canada 2020 Advisory Board for 2023-2024

UUֱ�� — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 19:46:33 +0000

June 28, 2023 | Canada 2020 has recently announced their Advisory Board for 2023-2024 that will help generate innovative ideas and spark debates about how to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a better future for all Canadians. We are excited to announce that the Advisory Board includes two members from the Max Bell School of Public Policy, Professor Jennifer Welsh and Supriya Dwivedi, Director of Policy and Engagement at the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy.

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Quebec's plan to protect reproductive health | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 17:20:45 +0000

July 3, 2023| In an interview with CBC Pearl Eliadis reflects on provincial government's plan to protect reproductive heath. Some health and legal experts have been questioning a provincial government plan to protect reproductive rights, after the minister responsible for women's health proposed to enshrine a women's right to abortion.

A leading advocate for responsible tech joins UUֱ�� | UUֱ�� News

UUֱ�� — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 17:16:54 +0000

June 14, 2023 | Former product manager at Facebook, Frances Haugen, released thousands of internal Facebook documents that showed the social media giant was aware of harms caused by its products. One article in a Wall Street Journal series revealed that Facebook’s own research found that its Instagram app worsened body image issues for one in three teen girls who faced those concerns.

Bilingual cities and towns in Quebec join forces to mount legal challenge to Bill 96 | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 18:27:12 +0000

June 08, 2023 | The courts were asked by twenty-three municipalities to suspend parts of Quebec's new language law, which they describe as abusive. Mayors are concerned about communications, illegal searches and seizures, government grants and the obligation, set out in the law, to discipline public employees who break the rules by working in English.

Government of Canada announces $5.5m to create Canadian Digital Media Research Network at UUֱ��, UofT

UUֱ�� — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:39:21 +0000

Montreal, QC (June 7, 2023) — The Government of Canada has announced $5.5 million to create the Canadian Digital Media Research Network (CDMRN), a first-of-its-kind research community in Canada aimed at strengthening our information resilience and safeguarding our democracy.

Minister of Justice visits the Max Bell School of Public Policy

UUֱ�� — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:16:57 +0000

On May 25, the Max Bell School of Public Policy was honoured to receive the Hon. David Lametti, Canada’s Minister of Justice and the Attorney-General of Canada. The Minister spoke to the entire cohort of students in Law, Human Rights and Public Policy, a core course in the MPP program. Minister Lametti discussed his role in cabinet and as Attorney-General, exploring the multiple connections between law and public policy.

Delivering Humanitarian Health Services in Violent Conflicts | Daedalus

UUֱ�� — Wed, 31 May 2023 20:17:44 +0000

Jennifer Welsh co-edited the Spring 2023 issue of Dædalus.

Don't ban TikTok. Make it safer | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 30 May 2023 19:12:40 +0000

May 26, 2023 | Following the controversial law in China that compelled companies to hand over platforms' user data if Beijing deems relevant to Chinese security, serious concerns were raised in Canada. Following this update most of the provinces and public institutions prohibited TikTok on government-owned devices. Former ByteDance executive has claimed that TikTok provides the Chinese government 'supreme access' to user data, indicating that the Chinese government is able to obtain information collected on Canadians' phones.

A Non-Specialist Treatment Model for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Canadian Carceral Settings: A Telemedical Focus | MGHJ

UUֱ�� — Tue, 23 May 2023 19:09:36 +0000

May 12, 2023 | Julian Lam, a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, was one of the authors that were featured in the UUֱ�� Journal of Global Health. His article highlighted a non-specialist treatment model for Hepatitis C virus in Canada. Despite being a high prevalence context, Canadian corrections facilities have largely failed to provide adequate care for those with HCV due to their reliance on traditional treatment models.

Amidst a swirling tide of new ideas, Canada's economic institutions remain bastions of orthodoxy | the Hub

UUֱ�� — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:41:40 +0000

May 23, 2023 | New and often radical ideas have emerged about how much governments can spend and how trade should be conducted following COVID-19 and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Chris Ragan says most people at the Bank hold conventional views on how trade should be conducted, despite public discourse about concepts like Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). He has mentioned that he doubts that anyone in Finance or the Bank of Canada is taking MMT seriously

From Boomers to Green Jobs: Navigating Canada’s Demographic Transition | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:18:28 +0000

May 15, 2023 | Aftab Ahmed reflected on navigating Canada's demographic transition, where the realities of the aging population coincide with an urgent need to transition toward a green economy. Aftab Ahmed is a Masters of Public Policy candidate with the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ��.

Building Forward: Learning from Australia's Infrastructure Lessons | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 09 May 2023 18:55:09 +0000

May 8, 2023 | Anil Wasif, Senior Economist with the Ontario Government, wrote that the recent announcement of a comprehensive review of hundreds of Australian infrastructure projects should serve as a cautionary tale for Canada. He has stated that Canada faces similar pressures on its infrastructure pipeline due to various factors, such as a shortage of care facilities for the ageing population. Anil Wasif is a member of the Advisory Board for the Max Bell School of Public Policy and the Founding Director of Strategy for BacharLorai, a Canadian Social Impact Agency.

Should Justin Trudeau stay or go? Why is Hillary Clinton coming to Ottawa?

UUֱ�� — Wed, 03 May 2023 18:54:39 +0000

May 1, 2023 | In her an opinion piece by Tasha Kheiriddin states that there is a sense of the liberal party at a crossroads, if not in a crisis.

"Every week brings fresh drama, whether it’s inaction on foreign interference, the cost of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s latest vacation, or his brother Sacha testifying about shady donations to the family’s eponymous foundation." she said.

Budget watchdog troubled by spin around latest report on carbon pricing | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 15:15:40 +0000

April 8, 2023 | Yves Giroux opened a political firestorm last week with a new report that concluded carbon price rebates are worth more than the direct cost of the carbon price for 80 per cent of families. The Conservatives, who have campaigned heavily on removing carbon pricing, claimed that the Liberals lied about the "sneaky carbon tax" when they said the rebate were more than the cost.

The world marks Earth Hour, but are leaders doing enough to fight climate change? | CNN

UUֱ�� — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:54:42 +0000

March 27, 2023| MPP Alumni and delegate to the UN Climate Change Conference Henna Hundal, joined CNN to discuss climate change updates, as per the IPCC's Synthesis Report. She also mentioned how the new Economic Report of the President is a hopeful sign of the U.S government investing more in climate-resilient infrastructure.

Watch the interview.

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Making of defence policies | Canadian Global Affairs Institute

UUֱ�� — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:54:31 +0000

March 24, 2023 | Visiting scholar Vincent Rigby, joined David Perry for an episode of Defence Deconstructed alongside Thomas Juneau, and Eugene Lang to reflect on defence policy reviews. They provided some interesting insights into current defence updates.

Listen to the podcast.

Closure of Roxham Road | La Presse

UUֱ�� — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:38:43 +0000

March 28, 2023 | In recent years, tens of thousands of migrants have entered Canada via Roxham Road in the hope of finding a better life. However, this tolerated system is now a thing of the past. What does the sudden closure of this controversial crossing mean?

At Roxham Road, migrants reach uncertain end to harrowing journeys | Global News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:24:25 +0000

March 23, 2023, | A group of migrants was caught by an RCMP officer at a small, unofficial border crossing at Roxhan Road separating Quebec and New York state. This incident seems to occur many times a day at Roxhan Road, which has become an ever-growing migration crisis facing North America.

Quebec report recommends rights-based approach to tackle intimate partner violence, homelessness | Law360 Canada

UUֱ�� — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 17:51:31 +0000

January 3, 2023 | Intimate partner violence, after a period of decline, has been on the rise in Quebec and the rest of Canada since 2016, according to Statistics Canada. The report suggests that the Quebec government should establish a comprehensive legal framework to tackle intimate partner violence by creating a specific right to adequate housing under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

Justin Trudeau needs to assure Joe Biden about Canada’s commitment to security | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:19:13 +0000

March 21, 2023 | Joe Biden will make his first trip to Ottawa as U.S. President on Thursday, where Biden wants to focus on security. The U.S. intelligence community recently warned that great-power competition will shape the global order for decades to come. In this more contested and volatile worlds, the U.S is looking for allies for support.

The future of AI governance a balancing act of privacy, ethics, and progress | The Hill Times

UUֱ�� — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 15:29:07 +0000

March 16, 2023 | Master of Public Policy Candidate Aftab Ahmed, wrote about the innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne recently launching the second phase of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. Ottawa’s attempts to frame the ‘rules of the game’ for its digital economy is commendable, and the U.S. should be observing and emulating this approach. He said "Let me be clear: technology is not the enemy. Novel innovations can undeniably act as positive economic disruptors."

Migrant dies crossing from US to Quebec | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:58:34 +0000

February 28, 2023 | This past week a 45 year old man died attempting to cross the Canada-US border, as well as the 367 cases reported in January. The solution to this attempt was identified as closing the irregular border passage. In an interview with CTV news, Professor Pearl Eliadis stated that people will try to cross regardless and that it's better to maintain some informal paths to avoid free fall.

Building Mental Health Policies into All Policies

UUֱ�� — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 17:57:21 +0000

March 6, 2023 | MPP Candidate, Sandrine Desforges, wrote an article on integrating mental health in all policies (MHIAP). She wrote that this approach would seek to promote mental health and well-being by expanding the scope of the efforts dedicated to improving population mental health to all policies. She also added that a MHIAP approach would require all sectors to take into account the potential mental health implications of all decisions.

Youth Award 2022

UUֱ�� — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 17:16:08 +0000

March, 2023 | Max Bell School of Public Policy alumni, Ellen Rowe's policy proposal for a National Digital Literacy Strategy for Indigenous Communities was featured on the Canadian Science Policy Center webpage under the Youth Award 2022.

They were also awarded the WiDS Emerging Leader award on March 2, 2023. Their nomination was based on their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) volunteer efforts at work since 2017.

Professor Jennifer Welsh launches new podcast

UUֱ�� — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:48:13 +0000

Max Bell School of Public Policy Professor Jennifer Welsh has launched a new podcast series.

You can listen to Tour de Table with co-host with Frédéric Mérand (Chair, University of Montreal, Department of Political Science).

Every episode they are joined by leading scholars and policy makers for a bilingual discussion of the political, economic, and security challenges confronting our world, and whether and how Canada is prepared to address them.

All-In: Pathways to Economic and Financial Inclusion for Canada | Public Policy Forum

UUֱ�� — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:29:40 +0000

January, 2023 | Shweta Menon, an MPP Alumni, co-authored a research report on the pathways to economic and financial inclusion for youth aged 18-30 in Canada. The report summarizes the key findings from a literature review and focus group discussions held with youth in Canada. The discussion and the literature review were done with the aim of understanding how and why youth are excluded in Canada.

How Polarization Manifests in Canada | CBC Radio

UUֱ�� — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:01:45 +0000

March 1, 2023 | Max Bell School of Public Policy Alumni, Shweta Menon, joined Julia Wright to talk about one of the projects at the Public Policy Forum where they are focused on understanding the risks polarization poses to social cohesion and trust in Canada. The Public Policy Forum says young individuals across Canada are reporting less positive comments on Canada's democratic institutions.

With its Ukraine peace plan, China seeks to make itself indispensable on the world stage | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 21:24:12 +0000

February 27, 2023 | The events marking the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine included fiery speeches from the two main opponents, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as Ukraine’s strongest Western supporter, Joe Biden. Yet diplomatic attention was also focused on China – a potent reminder that as the newest global superpower, it too is a crucial player in this unfolding conflict.

Six security and intelligence areas the Rouleau report needs to adress | Policy Opinions

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 17:19:55 +0000

February 16, 2023 | In his latest piece with Thomas Juneau, Vincent Rigby identified areas where Canada needs to improve its performance on national security. They stated that the six areas require particular attention.

Assessing the Impact of Canada's Feminist Foreign Assistance | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 20:04:14 +0000

February 14, 2023 | Following Kevin Page's complexity seminar, Caroline Wilson wrote about the Canadian government making a significant shift in the right direction in terms of their commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. She also mentioned that the method of application of policies has to be justified in the program monitoring and evaluation phases. Caroline Wilson is a Master of Public Policy candidate at UUֱ��.

Long-Range Challenges in Canada's Economy | The News Forum

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:49:52 +0000

February 13, 2023 | Director Christopher Ragan spoke to Tony Clement on his show Boom and Bust to highlight the challenges Canada is facing as the budget season is approaching. He touched upon the aging population and how the increasing rates of retirement presents some fiscal challenges including an increase for the budget for healthcare.

Watch the interview.

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The Chinese spy balloon is the latest chapter in the history of high-altitude espionage and surveillance | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:07:51 +0000

February 9, 2023 | The story of the flight of the Chinese balloon created a near-hysteria in political circles of not on the ground and, in breathless cable coverage, suggested a frightening new frontier in international spycraft, said David Shribman. In his Op-Ed Shribman highlights the significant similarities between the American spy plane travelling to China airspace in 1952 and the recent Chinese spy balloon spotted in Canadian and US territory.

63% low income Canadians worried about impact of inflation on food, housing | Global News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:52:42 +0000

February 9, 2022 | A recent report by Statistics Canada has found that more than 63% of Canadians belonging to a low-income household are worried about the impacts of inflation on food, housing and other expenses. Director Chris Ragan mentioned that the increase in prices hurt low-income households more. However according to Ragan, this is not solely due to inflation.

Reforming the United Nations: How Canada Can Lead on Human Rights | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:19:33 +0000

February 9, 2023 | Following Kevin Page's complexity seminar, Elisa Alloul wrote about how the lack of accountability on how gross human rights abusers have joined UN bodies is hurting the UN's legitimacy and credibility. Elisa Alloul is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ��.

Ottawa's new anti-Islamophobia advisor is facing backlash | Global News

UUֱ�� — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:24:41 +0000

January 31, 2023 | As National Assembly resumes in Quebec City, hostilities between the provincial and federal governments are heating up. The latest controversy rose from Prime Minister Trudeau defending the appointment of Amira Elghawaby as his government's special representative to combat Islamaphobia. Premier François Lagault and other members of the government are in disbelief.

Making Canada's Foreign Assistance More Accessible and Transparent | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:07:07 +0000

February 7, 2023 | In an ongoing conversation about the significant global challenges today from climate change to the war in Ukraine following Kevin Page's complexity seminar, Alison Clement wrote about these challenges requiring strong, united responses from the world's leading democracies. Alison Clement is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ��.

Transparency in the World Cup: Canada Should Lead by Example | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:17:40 +0000

February 7, 2023| Following Kevin Page's Complexity Seminar, Aftab Ahmed reflected on the country's reputation for shaping and adhering to international norms being on the line when Canada co-hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Aftab Ahmed is a Masters of Public Policy candidate with the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ��.

Building National Pharmacare on a Flawed Foundation | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 15:50:19 +0000

February 6, 2023 | As Canada sets forth to build a national pharmacare plan, following Kevin Page's Complexity Seminar, MPP candidate Anmol Gupta wrote this op-ed to address the need to reflect on the performance of the public system before it's expanded to cover all Canadians. Anmol is a Master of Public Policy Candidate at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ�� and a Doctor of Medicine candidate in the United States .

David Shribman: the wounds of Vietnam still haven't healed | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:04:27 +0000

January 27, 2022 | While reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam war David Shribman said " It is the wound that will not heal, the heartbreak that will not end. Mostly, it is the haunting questions that have no answers." Although the Vietnam War ended formally 50 years ago but he claimed that in some ways it is still being fought in the United States, not by soldiers but by veterans, scholars and politicians.

Chris Ragan: Canada must upgrade its electricity grid | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:27:03 +0000

January 27, 2023 | Director Chris Ragan wrote that Canada must embark on a historic build-out of its power systems to ensure continued prosperity as the demand for clean energy accelerates in Canada. In his opinion piece he answered the question: Can we overcome our unique challenges to upgrade its electricity grid to match the surging demand?

Pearl Eliadis appointed to the Official Language Rights Expert Panel

UUֱ�� — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 18:18:57 +0000

Max Bell School Associate Professor Pearl Eliadis, has been selected to the Official Language Rights Expert Panel of the federal Government’s Court Challenges Program (CCP).

The objective of the CCP is to provide financial support to Canadians to bring before the courts test cases of national significance that aim to clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights.

Which path do we want to be on? | The Daily Star

UUֱ�� — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 16:29:48 +0000

January 12, 2023 | Aftabuddin Ahmed, a current MPP student, stated that this year will define whether Bangladesh can preserve its institutional ambitions towards being a liberal democracy. This brand of political illiberalism, methodically and deliberately camouflaged by ruling elites under the aegis of economic growth, indicated that there is enough apprehension surrounding Bangladesh signing a death warrant for democratic practices.

Canada can't be complacent about threats to our democracy | The Monitor

UUֱ�� — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 19:30:25 +0000

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Class-action lawsuit against Facebook claiming discrimination gets the green light | CBC

UUֱ�� — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:31:32 +0000

January 4, 2023 | The Quebec Court of Appeal has approved a class-action lawsuit launched on behalf of Facebook users who claim they were discriminated against because the social media giant allowed advertisers to target job and housing ads based on factors like age, gender or race.

Stop prioritizing the profits of Big Tech over the health of our kids | Toronto Star

UUֱ�� — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:43:37 +0000

December 30, 2022 | Supriya Dwivedi, the director of policy and engagement at the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy at UUֱ��, wrote about the opportunity Canada has in the upcoming year when it comes to passing legislation aimed at putting the safety of Canadians - especially children- ahead of Big Tech's bottom line.

Elections Alberta recommends legislative changes to tackle misinformation, disinformation | CBC

UUֱ�� — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:03:43 +0000

December 7, 2022 | The independent and non-partisan office that administers Alberta's provincial elections is recommending legislative changes to address misinformation and disinformation. Mathieu Lavigne, a senior researcher at the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy has been researching misinformation during elections and stated that better education about how elections work is crucial in reducing the spread of misinformation and increase trust in the election process.

Focus shifts to labour market in inflation fight | Investment Executive

UUֱ�� — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 16:16:54 +0000

January 10, 2023 | Professor Christopher Ragan, Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy spoke at the Global Risk Institute webinar and said it's "very unlikely" that the Bank of Canada has gone too far already and overtightened. He pointed to inflation expectations from businesses for the next two years remaining above the central bank's target range.

It’s strange, we have long-term focus in some policy areas but not others | Financial Post

UUֱ�� — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:20:41 +0000

January 4 2023 | Professor Christopher Ragan, Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy shares his thoughts on the state the of the Canadian economy and the health care crisis as it stands at the end of 2022.

Quebec report recommends rights-based approach to tackle intimate partner violence, homelessness | The Lawyer's Daily

UUֱ�� — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 18:47:45 +0000

January 4 2022 | The Quebec government should establish a comprehensive “made in Quebec” legal framework to tackle intimate partner violence by creating a specific right to adequate housing under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and introduce comprehensive legislation that institutes a right to be free from domestic violence that includes legal recourses in civil matters, argues Pearl Eliadis, Associate Professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy.

Appel à un cadre juridique sur la violence conjugale «fait au Québec» | Le Devoir

UUֱ�� — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:11:51 +0000

25 novembre 2022 | Les femmes qui pensent à quitter leur conjoint violent craignent une foule de choses : se retrouver à la rue par manque d’argent, subir une violente agression en quittant la maison, être incapable de naviguer le système de justice pour se protéger. Pour apporter des solutions à ces obstacles — et à bien d’autres — , le Collectif québécois pour la prévention de l’itinérance (CQPI) souhaite la création d’un cadre juridique « fait au Québec » pour mieux protéger les femmes en misant sur des aspects hors du droit criminel, comme le logement et le droit de la famille.

Se loger, clé manquante vers la liberté pour les victimes de violence conjugale | Le Devoir

UUֱ�� — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:06:49 +0000

25 novembre 2022 | Dans cet article avec les co-auteurs James Hughes, Melpa Kamateros et Eric Latimer, Pearl Eliadis soutient que malheureusement, aujourd’hui encore au Québec, le cadre légal entourant les droits des femmes victimes de violence conjugale et le droit au logement présente des barrières importantes au rétablissement d’une vie sécuritaire.

Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy is finally out | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:42:11 +0000

November 30, 2022 | Canada finally released its long-awaited Indo-Pacific Strategy on Sunday. This new policy framework is vital for a variety of actors, both inside and outside the government.

Housing is a growing hurdle to fleeing domestic violence | Montreal Gazette

UUֱ�� — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:23:40 +0000

November 24, 2022 | Fourteen women have been killed by an intimate partner in Quebec so far this year. Shame, stigma and manipulation from controlling spouse are barriers as formidable as they are complex. Housing has long been overlooked as a hurdle to fleeing domestic violence, but as prices soar, it has become even more of a barrier.

Decision holding Bill 21 under microscope | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 17:18:01 +0000

November 12, 2022 | Quebec government and the groups opposing Bill 21 are challenging a court decision that largely upheld the controversial religious symbols law. Professor Pearl Eliadis commented on the hearing into the appeal that started this week. She states that the situation is complex with ten separate ongoing appeals, which each group asking for slightly different outcomes like the focus on english language minority rights.

Appel à une réforme du droit afin de protéger les femmes victimes de violence conjugale | Collectif québécois pour la prévention de l’itinérance

UUֱ�� — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 14:40:14 +0000

Montréal, le 25 novembre 2022. – En cette Journée internationale pour l’élimination de la violence à l’égard des femmes, le Collectif québécois pour la prévention de l’itinérance (CQPI) présente des recommandations concrètes de réforme du droit québécois pour mieux protéger les victimes de violence conjugale.

Call for law reform to protect women victims of domestic violence | Québec Homelessness Prevention Policy Collaborative

UUֱ�� — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 14:23:57 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Montreal, November 25, 2022

Alberta's newly minted UCP cabinet will need to lead Premier Smith | CBC

UUֱ�� — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:29:44 +0000

October 26, 2022 | In the opinion column by Prof Ken Boessenkool, he highlighted how the head of lettuce is connected to Alberta's new cabinet. The first 10 days of Danielle Smith's premiership in Alberta overlapped with the final 10 days of Liz Truss, former British Prime Minister. The end of Truss and the beginning of Smith felt so similar.

Hockey Canada scandal is not an isolated event. Forceful government action is past due | CBC Opinion

UUֱ�� — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 17:36:21 +0000

November 11, 2022 | In the opinion column by Alison Clement and Sandrine Desforges, Master of Public Policy candidates at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, they talk about the news of Hockey Canada using 7.6 million dollars from a reserve fund of registration fees to cover nine sexual assault or abuse claims. An aditional 1.3 million dollars was paid through Hockey Canada's insurance to settle

Pearl Eliadis on parental rights vs. rights of health authorities | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:59:39 +0000

November 3, 2022 | A Quebec superior court judge has authorized Sainte-Justine Hospital to extubate a 5 year old boy, who has been in a coma breathing with the help of a tube. In this case a young boy drowned and his parents wanted him to have certain medical treatment whereas the hospital said the treatment was not going to work and that the child will never recover.

Will Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover have ‘big implications’ for Canada’s upcoming online harms bill? | Toronto Star

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 18:14:57 +0000

November 9, 2022 | Professor Tyler Owen weighed in the coming bill, saying Canada should look at how other jurisdictions have handled Musk’s “convulsions.” For example, the European Union has passed a Digital Services Act last summer that would require tech giants to monitor their platforms for harmful content.

Taylor Owen: The Online News Act keeps journalism alive while it adapts to a new world | The Hub

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:48:17 +0000

November 8, 2022 | Taylor Owen writes about why C-18 is, on balance, the right policy for the moment.

Andrew Potter: Trust, state capacity, and the meaning of ArriveCAN | The Line

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:15:53 +0000

November 4, 2022 | "The crisis of state capacity can't be separated from the more general crisis of expertise and the legitimacy of the state and the rule of law." says Andrew Potter.

Embracing "Strategic Clarity" on Taiwan | It was always burning

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 16:34:40 +0000

November 11, 2022 | In the face of an increasingly bellicose China buttressed by its mighty economic and military strengths, Washington’s “strategic ambiguity” has become insufficient to pre-empt China’s ambitions. A shift towards "strategic clarity" could pave the way to deter Chinese aggression in the region, provided it remains subtle and is carefully managed, Pangying Peng says.

Canada's national security institutions have fallen woefully behind | Policy Options

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 15:56:47 +0000

November 3, 2022 | The article, written by MPP Candidate Jack Burnham, was based on a discussion held in UUֱ�� which focused on " The future of national security in the world of the "n-block war." Panelists included Jennifer Welsh, Ali Dizboni and Vincent Rigby, while the panel was moderated by

Canada should back the declaration to protect civilians from explosive weapons | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 17:25:10 +0000

October 18, 2022 | In this opinion piece, Simon Bagshaw and Jennifer Welsh comment on the gathering in Dublin held to formally endorse a groundbreaking international political declaration that will set new standards for the protection of civilians from the use of bombs, rockets, artillery and other explosive weapons in populated areas during armed conflict.

Charter may quickly become less relevant: Why Canadians outside of Quebec should watch the elections | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 16:12:23 +0000

September 6, 2022 | Professor Pearl Eliadis reflected on the Charter ahead of the Quebec elections and how the two pieces of legislation- and the CAQ's use of the notwithstanding clause to protect from their court challenges- show a "unilateral attempt by the CAQ to change our fundamental Charter and constitutional values," and a "pushing and pulling at the constitution."

Researchers explore misinformation during Quebec election campaign | Global News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:34:35 +0000

October 3, 2022 | Researchers from UUֱ��, including Professor Taylor Owen, have conducted a study into online misinformation and the possible effects on the provincial election campaign and says the findings have implications for the future of our democratic process.

Iran on fire: Once again, women are on the vanguard of transformative change | The Conversation

UUֱ�� — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:46:04 +0000

September 26, 2022 | In this article for The Conversation, Professor Vrinda Narain and Fatemeh Sadeghi wrote about Mahsa Amini's death representing a historical moment in Iran and how it highlighted the brutality of the regime towards women and minorities.

Is democracy doomed? | CBC

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 15:35:02 +0000

September 27, 2022 | Professor Jennifer Welsh joined Nahlah Ayed for a discussion on disinformation and the future of democracy.

She commented on the path to the illusionary "triumph" of liberal democracy and that there was nothing inevitable about it. "Democracy is very difficult to build and sustain… [If] you study democracy, you recognize that it's a process. You have to invest in that. You have to be committed to it. And I think we lost sight of that." she said.

Curing Canada’s energy paralysis may mean new climate targets, renewed political will | Global News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:00:29 +0000

September 22, 2022 | Director Chris Ragan spoke to Global News about the future of energy sources in Canada and answering the question: Could Canada really be an energy superpower and be a global leader on climate change?

Chris Ragan on Rebuilding the Canadian economy in the post-Covid era | Government Analytics' The Monthly Podcast

UUֱ�� — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:17:03 +0000

September 12, 2022 | On Government Analytics' The Monthly podcast with host Peter Kent, director Chris Ragan spoke about rebuilding the Canadian economy in the post-Covid era. At the recent Jackson Hole economic policy symposium, Jerome Powell, the head of the US central bank, spent 8-minutes making it abundantly clear he’s going to get inflation under control.

The Role of Energy Transition in Addressing Climate Change | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 00:11:30 +0000

August 4, 2022 | In an ongoing conversation about the role of energy transition in addressing climate change since the end of Kevin Page's Complexity Seminar, MPP alumnus Umer Farooq wrote this op-ed in collaboration with Page. Umer is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ��. He has a Doctorate in Engineering.

Chris Ragan on Bank of Canada expected to raise interest rates | Toronto Star

UUֱ�� — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 23:53:14 +0000

September 2, 2022 | In response to the possibility of the Bank of Canada raising interest rates next week, Director Christopher Ragan said the central bank is best-suited to take on the responsibility of maintaining low interest rates.

“There’s very, very good reasons why we have operationally independent central bank trying to target inflation rather than governments, because governments in the past have done a very poor job at that,” he said.

Jennifer Welsh named 2022 Royal Society of Canada Fellow

UUֱ�� — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 23:02:52 +0000

September 6, 2022 | The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) announced 102 new Fellows and 54 new Members of the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists. Among the 2022 cohort are fifteen UUֱ�� researchers and scholars, including eleven RSC Fellows and four new Members, who will be inducted at the RSC Celebration of Excellence and Engagement on November 25, 2022, in Calgary, Alberta. The newest UUֱ�� cohort will join 238 UUֱ�� researchers who are currently RSC Fellows and Members of the College and 2400 Canada-wide.

Andrew Potter: Zelenskyy's mistake was believing Canada was serious | The Line

UUֱ�� — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 16:14:47 +0000

July 20, 2022 | In this article for The Line, Max Bell School professor Andrew Potter lambastes the Canadian government for allowing gas turbines for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to be returned to Germany.

Read the article.

The politics of rage and disinformation — we ignore it at our peril | National Observer

UUֱ�� — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 15:57:28 +0000

July 18, 2022 | Before joining the Max Bell School's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy as its Director of Policy & Engagement, Supriya Dwivedi encountered the harmful world of conspiracy theories and misinformation as host of a morning show on a Toronto talk radio station. Learn more about her experience and how it galvanized her to tackle to problem of mis- and disinformation.

Read the article.

How should Canada tackle harmful online content? Look beyond our borders, experts say | Toronto Star

UUֱ�� — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 15:30:53 +0000

July 14, 2022 | As a member of the 12-person advisory group convened by the federal government to weigh in on the Liberals' online harms legislation, Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen provided perspective on what lessons can be learned from other countries' legislative efforts.

Read the article.

Can Quebec pharmacists legally refuse to prescribe the morning-after pill? | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 14:54:08 +0000

August 6, 2022 | Recently, in Saguenay, Que., a pharmacist rejected a woman's request to purchase emergency oral contraception, claiming that then morning-after pill did not "align with his values." Human rights lawyer and Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis weighs in.

Read the article.

A Plea for Greening Canada’s Housing Policy | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:11:07 +0000

In Policy Magazine's new Emerging Voices series by students, five Max Bell School MPPs were invited to write articles on issues important to them.

The fourth article is "A Plea for Greening Canada’s Housing Policy" about the housing and climate change crises wreaking havoc on the Canadian economy by Nimmi Hamid.

Canada’s CANnabis, or CAN’Tabis ? | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 17:27:13 +0000

In Policy Magazine's new Emerging Voices series by students, five Max Bell School MPPs were invited to write articles on issues important to them.

The fourth article is "Canada’s CANnabis, or CAN’Tabis ?" about Canada’s cannabis legalization review that was due in October 2021 - but it has yet to commence.

Nandini Paliwal is a master’s student at Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ�� and is a civil servant from India, currently on sabbatical.

Read the article here.

Canada’s Huawei decision: Next Steps | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 15:40:04 +0000

In Policy Magazine's new Emerging Voices series by students, five Max Bell School MPPs were invited to write articles on issues important to them.

The third article is "Canada’s Huawei decision: Next Steps" by Sugandha Gupta. Gupta is a Master’s student at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ�� and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics from the University of Delhi, as well as a Master of Science in Economics from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research.

Curbing Online Harms | CBC Radio

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 14:14:11 +0000

June 20, 2022 | With the Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression's new report hot off the press, Commission co-chair and Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen sat down for an interview with CBC Radio to discuss the recommendations on curbing online harm that he and his colleagues have proposed.

After a hundred days of war, the West is losing interest in Ukraine | The Line

UUֱ�� — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 13:49:29 +0000

June 6, 2022 | With Russia's illegal war in Ukraine now well past the hundred day mark, Western interest is waning—despite the fact that Ukraine's people and territorial integrity are far from safe. What does this tell us about the depth of the West's commitment to Ukraine? Andrew Potter comments in this article for the The Line.

Read the article.

No Time to Waste in Canada’s Tryst with Cyber Warfare

UUֱ�� — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 20:08:12 +0000

In Policy Magazine's new Emerging Voices series by students, five Max Bell School MPPs were invited to write articles on issues important to them.

The first article is "No Time to Waste in Canada’s Tryst with Cyber Warfare" by Naveen Kanwadia. Naveen Kanwadia is a master’s student at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ�� and prior to starting his graduate studies, was handling public policy and regulatory affairs for The Walt Disney Co. in Asia.

A Country Covered by Water, but not by Insurance

UUֱ�� — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 20:00:09 +0000

In Policy Magazine's new Emerging Voices series by students, five Max Bell School MPPs were invited to write articles on issues important to them.

The first article is "A Country Covered by Water, but not by Insurance" by Caroline Merner. Caroline Merner is a Master’s student at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ�� and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and International Development from Dalhousie University. Caroline co-founded Youth4Nature (formerly Climate Guides), a non-profit organization mobilizing youth for nature and climate action.

Session wraps up at National Assembly | CTV News Montreal

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:15:29 +0000

With the last pre-election sessional period of Quebec's National Assembly drawing to a close last week, Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis joined CTV News Montreal to discuss the key legislative news of the past several months.

Watch the interview.

Legal experts fact-check Quebec ad campaign that aims to correct 'falsehoods' on controversial language law | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 20:39:52 +0000

June 3, 2022 | After Bill 96 passed in the Quebec legislature, the government of Quebec published a full-page advertisement in both French and English newspapers to "correct falsehoods" circulating about the law. However, several legal experts - such as Max Bell's Pearl Eliadis - fact-checked the claims made in the ad in this article for CBC News.

Five reasons Quebec's language law reform is stirring controversy | City News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:16:48 +0000

May 19, 2022 | This City News article delves into the various reasons Quebec's Bill 96 is stirring controversy. Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis provides prospective on how the proposed law would affect access to justice.

Read the article.

Why politics and central banking shouldn't mix | The Line

UUֱ�� — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:01:32 +0000

May 13, 2022 | In a recent debate, Conservative Party leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre pledged that—if he were to become prime minister—he would fire the governor of the Bank of Canada. Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan thinks such a promise is irresponsible and dangerous.

Read the article.

Public Policy Forum releases second report from its Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression initiative | Financial Post

UUֱ�� — Wed, 18 May 2022 20:16:51 +0000

May 5, 2022 | The Max Bell School's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy—as part of the Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression—has published in-depth research paper on transparency and accountability issues regarding online platforms. Read more about the research via the Financial Post.

Read the article.

The Max Bell Foundation Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

UUֱ�� — Tue, 03 May 2022 16:09:34 +0000

The Max Bell School couldn't wish for a better partner than the Max Bell Foundation. It is only thanks to the Foundation's generous and ongoing support that we are able to carry out our critical work educating policy leaders and creating impact. As the Foundation celebrate its 50th anniversary, we offer our sincere congratulations.

Watch the anniversary video.

Pearl Eliadis on Reproductive and Sexual Health Services for Vulnerable Women in Quebec

UUֱ�� — Tue, 03 May 2022 15:51:14 +0000

There is a glaring gap in Quebec's healthcare system: Women whose immigration status is precarious are systematically denied access to critical reproductive and sexual health services. This, says Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis, must change.

Amid rising pressures and a political divide, Biden’s centric views might be a bad omen for a second term | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 03 May 2022 14:35:43 +0000

April 29, 2022 | U.S. President Joe Biden, a lifelong centrist Democrat, has a extremely difficult job at an exceedingly tumultuous time in history. His low poll numbers reflect the scale of the challenges he faces. As politics becomes more and more polarized, what does Joe Biden's moderate approach to politics bode for his re-election chances, should he decide to seek a second term? Max Bell School professor David Shribman provides perspective in this article for the Globe and Mail.

Stronger government regulation of social media companies could improve free speech, says expert | CBC Radio

UUֱ�� — Mon, 02 May 2022 16:01:57 +0000

In an interview with CBC Radio, Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen—who leads the School's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy—opined on the role regulation can play in safeguarding free speech and online safety.

Access the interview.

Bill 96 and the constitution - What you need to know | CBC Radio

UUֱ�� — Mon, 02 May 2022 13:41:25 +0000

April 28, 2022 | Numerous English-language advocacy groups have raised concerns about potential constitutionality issues with Quebec's recently tabled Bill 96, which was introduced as a means to safeguard the status of the French language. In this interview on CBC Radio, Max Bell School professor and humans rights lawyer Pearl Eliadis weighs in.

Listen to the interview.

Whose speech will Elon Musk’s Twitter be protecting, exactly? | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 16:08:46 +0000

April 27, 2022 | Taylor Owen and Supriya Dwivedi of the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy write that Elon Musk's recent purchase of Twitter might strengthen the democratic governance that social media companies have fought against.

>>Read the article

International Cooperation Failures in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Learning from Past Efforts to Address Common Threats | American Academy of Arts & Sciences

UUֱ�� — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 05:38:35 +0000

April 2022 | The American Academy of Art and Sciences' project on Rethinking the Humanitarian Health Response to Violent Conflict has just released International Cooperation Failures in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Learning from Past Efforts to Address Common Threats.

One Hundred Days: How to explain a genocide | Literary Review of Canada

UUֱ�� — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 03:31:33 +0000

May 2022 | Writing for the Literary Review of Canada, Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis reflects on her three UN missions to Rwanda in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide and provides perspective on the trajectory of the country in the ensuing years.

Read the article.

For the health of all women in Quebec, without exception | Médecins du Monde

UUֱ�� — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 03:16:13 +0000

As a member of the pro bono legal team supporting Médecins du Monde (Doctors of the World) Canada, Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis is pushing the Quebec government to extend public health care to women in Quebec whose immigration status is precarious and who need reproductive and sexual health services. Recently, Eliadis contributed to a brief which was submitted to the Government of Quebec.

Andrew Potter: The last honourable man | The Line

UUֱ�� — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 02:44:49 +0000

April 14, 2022 | Writing for The Line, Max Bell School professor Andrew Potter comments on the heroism of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, in the face of Russia's attempted incursion into Kiev.

Read the article.

Meet the second class of McCall MacBain Scholars | UUֱ�� Newsroom

UUֱ�� — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 02:33:12 +0000

April 13, 2022| With the 2022-2023 class of McCall MacBain Scholars now announced, the Max Bell School is thrilled to be welcoming three Scholars—Julian Lam, Sandrine Desforges, and Linda Bùi—to our next cohort of MPP candidates.

Read the article.

Former Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page gives his take on the 2022 budget | Global News, CBC, iPolitics

UUֱ�� — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 20:52:24 +0000

April 8, 2022 | Across interviews with Global News Morning Toronto, CBC News, and iPolitics, professor Kevin Page gave his expertise on the recently unveiled Canadian federal budget for 2022-2023.

"It's really not a lot of spending relative to past budgets. Actually, it's a pretty slim budget for the size of our economy," said Kevin Page, president and CEO of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa. "It's just not a big-spending budget."

How a break at the pumps is a reverse carbon tax — and could make climate change worse | CBC

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:26:47 +0000

April 7, 2022 | As Canadians wait to hear Ottawa's spending plans in today's budget, there are conflicting views worldwide over whether countries should be producing more oil and gas to help Europe — or saving the world from climate change and leaving fossil fuels in the ground. Director Chris Ragan comments in this article from CBC News that believes governments have to be risk-takers by helping to stimulate investment in new climate friendly technology.

Read the article in full here.

Supriya Dwivedi joins the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy as Director of Policy & Engagement

UUֱ�� — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:27:29 +0000

The Max Bell School's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy is thrilled to announce that Supriya Dwivedi will be joining the Centre as its Director of Policy & Engagement.

War: The enemy of air, land, and sea | The UUֱ�� Tribune

UUֱ�� — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:11:42 +0000

April 5, 2022 | In this UUֱ�� Tribune article, Max Bell School director Chris Ragan comments on the relationship between war and climate change and expresses his belief that Putin's incursion into Ukraine will cause the West to seriously rethink its reliance on Russian oil and gas.

Read the article.

Government of Canada announces expert advisory group on online safety

UUֱ�� — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 14:47:08 +0000

March 30, 2022 | The Government of Canada will engage with an expert advisory group - including Professor Taylor Owen - to provide advice on a revised approach to combatting harmful online content.

Screen Time Podcast from the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy

UUֱ�� — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 16:56:34 +0000

March 25, 2022 | Screen Time podcast is an eight-episode podcast miniseries that explores the rapidly evolving relationship between kids and technology. Co-hosted by Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen, who also directs the School's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy, Catch up on the first three episodes:

‘Screen Time’: New TVO podcast guides us on technological revolution and children | Toronto Star

UUֱ�� — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 13:46:33 +0000

March 21, 2022 | Screen Time, a new podcast co-hosted by Taylor Owen of the Max Bell School's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy, delves into the relationship between kids and the rapidly changing digital world. This eight-episode series will explore topics like cognitive development, the metaverse, online harms, and more.

David Shribman: Ukraine's crisis is a tipping point for the world's democracies | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

UUֱ�� — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 13:26:06 +0000

March 20, 2022 | In the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Max Bell School professor David Shribman comments on the bravery of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the face of conflict that may prove a worrying harbinger for the fate of the world's democracies.

Read the article.

Andrew Potter: The Everything War | The Line

UUֱ�� — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 15:11:45 +0000

March 16, 2022 | Professor Andrew Potter breaks down the strange ways media is influencing and documenting the Russia-Ukraine conflict, from the livestreaming of an assault on the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant; the hacking of Russian television by the Anonymous collective, which replaced the scheduled programming with pro-Ukrainian content; the White House briefing to Tik-Tok and YouTube influencers; and the the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, using his Twitter account to challenge Vladimir Putin to a duel.

New podcast brings leading research on kids and tech to the mainstream

UUֱ�� — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:22:58 +0000

It’s one of the most pressing questions for researchers and families today: How are children affected by digital technology? Parents, caregivers, experts and policymakers are struggling to understand what’s best for kids online in an effort to keep up with the rapid pace and scale of technology. Screen Time is a new podcast where we search for answers to the biggest questions out there on kids and technology.

Plight of Ukrainian refugees should make us show more compassion to everyone fleeing | USA Today

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 17:59:07 +0000

March 4, 2022 | In an opinion piece for USA Today, MPP alumna Henna Hundal and her co-author write about global sympathies for all refugees. "Russia's invasion of Ukraine has drawn worldwide sympathy for Ukrainians. We need to be just as sympathetic to all fleeing violence and persecution."

Read the article.

Putin’s war in Ukraine is the ultimate test for the UN | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 17:47:33 +0000

March 3, 2022 | In an opinion piece for The Globe and Mail, Professor Jennifer Welsh discusses the crisis in Ukraine, calling them "moments of truth" for the relevance of international institutions like NATO and the UN.

Read the full article.

Why the no-fly zone won’t fly | The Hill Times

UUֱ�� — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 20:16:33 +0000

March 1, 2022 | For The Hill Times' Politics This Morning daily summary, director Chris Ragan explains the nuances of Canada and other G7 countries' plan on imports and barring foreign currency exchanges with Russia's central bank.

Andrew Potter: Who loves Canada? | The Line

UUֱ�� — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 18:20:47 +0000

February 28, 2022 | Andrew Potter writes for The Line: Left-wing nationalism tends to be a feature of post-colonial states, where the fight for independence or liberation from oppressors forms the nationalist narrative. Of all the incredible aspects of Ukraine’s David versus Goliath struggle against the Russian invasion, one of the most remarkable has been the strength of Ukrainian nationalism and the forces of collective will and sacrifice it has marshalled.

Why don’t more women run for office? | iPolitics

UUֱ�� — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 19:34:41 +0000

February 1, 2022 | In this opinion piece for iPolitics, MPP alumnus Anil Wasif, along with co-author Maisha Kabir, examines the factors that contribute to the relatively low rates at which women run for office.

Read the article.

Evaluating the state of the Platform Governance agenda | Schwartz Reisman Institute

UUֱ�� — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 16:44:45 +0000

February 11, 2022 | As part of the Schwartz Reisman Institute's Seminar Series, Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen delivered a presentation on the regulatory frameworks governments are putting in place to mitigate the potential negative impacts of digital ecosystems, including Big Tech social media platforms.

Watch the seminar.

Chris Ragan on Canadian Inflation, Supply Chains, Pent-up Demand, and Hot Real Estate | Culture at a Crossroads

UUֱ�� — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 16:36:42 +0000

February 11, 2022 | The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust Canada's economy into an extraordinarily unusual state. To break down the issues, Max Bell School director Chris Ragan spoke to David Mann for an episode of the At a Crossroads podcast. Hear Ragan's perspective on inflation, pent-up demand, supply chain disruptions, the housing market, and more.

Ottawa deserves better | Politico

UUֱ�� — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 15:41:30 +0000

February 17, 2022 | In this edition of Politico's Ottawa Playbook, Max Bell School director Chris Ragan comments on Canada's recent history of low levels of inflation.

Read the article.

Pearl Eliadis on Emergencies Act | CBC Radio Noon Quebec & Quebec AM

UUֱ�� — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 20:31:17 +0000

February 15, 2022 | On Radio Noon Quebec with Shawn Apel, and on Quebec AM, professor Pearl Eliadis discusses the criteria for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoking the Emergencies Act in response to the ongoing convoy protests across Canada.

Defining freedom in the time of COVID with Pearl Eliadis and Nicholas King | Video

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 18:16:33 +0000

February 9, 2022 | UUֱ�� Alumni hosted a Made by UUֱ�� webcast featuring professors Pearl Eliadis and Nicholas King entitled "Defining freedom in the time of COVID."

A Review of Québec’s Cap-and-Trade System

UUֱ�� — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 16:15:05 +0000

In the summer of 2021, Max Bell School Master of Public Policy candidates Danielle Appavoo, Mariel Aramburu, Ricardo Chejfec, and Anil Wasif responded to a call to the academic community from Québec’s Minister of Finance, M. Eric Girard. The Minister was interested in proposals from universities and research groups, namely on (i) fiscal policy in Québec, (ii) the province’s economic potential and (iii) the fight against climate change.

Fentanyl kills more young Americans than COVID. The underlying causes should worry us all. | USA Today

UUֱ�� — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 15:13:11 +0000

February 6, 2022 | MPP alumna Henna Hundal has penned a new article for USA Today, delving into the the addiction and overdose crisis that has caused devastation across the United States, Canada, and many other countries around the world.

Read the article.

Andrew Potter: Self Help for Partisans | The Line

UUֱ�� — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 19:20:42 +0000

February 1, 2022 | Many Canadians look to the state of politics in America and feel better about our own politics. But is "Canadian exceptionalism" a delusion? Andrew Potter outlines three principles or guidelines that may provide a reality check.

Read the article.

Neil Young’s dispute with Spotify over Joe Rogan increases pressure on streamer to monitor content | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 21:30:55 +0000

January 31, 2022 | With Spotify navigating the fallout from Neil Young’s dispute with the company over podcaster Joe Rogan, the audio-streaming giant is under increasing pressure to join other major digital platforms forced to police the content they provide.

Economist Chris Ragan on the problems with Modern Monetary Theory | The Hub

UUֱ�� — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 17:35:43 +0000

January 20, 2022 | Economist and Director Chris Ragan joins this episode of Hub Dialogues to discuss the proper role of central banks, the problems with Modern Monetary Theory, and the need to rethink fiscal priorities in recovering from the devastation of the pandemic.

Listen to the conversation or read the transcript here.

Canada's cost of living increased 4.8% in December, the fastest rate since 1991 | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 17:10:59 +0000

January 19, 2022 | Director Chris Ragan discusses supply chain disruptions and Canada's inflation rate rising to a 30-year high on CBC News. "There's a lot of pent-up demand," Chris notes, referring to businesses and restaurants being closed over the pandemic, and many consumers not having any place to spend their income.

Watch the clip here. Chris's segment begins at 32:42.

2022 is turning out to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year for Biden | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:19:50 +0000

January 18, 2022 | After last week's defeats, U.S. President Joe Biden has been transformed from Battling Joe Biden into the Embattled Joe Biden, David Shribman writes for The Globe and Mail. "The new year brought forth a new Biden - a fiery, determined, passionate President substituting for the dewyeyed, sentimental chief executive. But in the hothouse of American politics, the new year also brought forth new defeats, new disappointments and new dissenters."

Biden vows to end filibuster ahead of voting rights bills ‘that will mark a turning point’ in U.S. history | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 17:36:25 +0000

January 12, 2022 | Joe Biden isn't the first president to push for expanded voting rights, David Shribman comments in his article for The Globe and Mail. "If the working definition of news is a departure from the normal, then Joe Biden's speech Tuesday pressing Congress to preserve and expand voting rights for minorities barely qualifies," Shribman writes. "American presidents have been making that speech for more than a half-century."

A no-vax tax | CBC's Radio Noon Quebec with Shawn Apel

UUֱ�� — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:28:29 +0000

January 12, 2022 | Joining the CBC's Radio Noon Quebec with Shawn Apel, Professor Pearl Eliadis cautions that it's premature to discuss the legality of the "no-vax tax" or health contribution the Quebec government is proposing on unvaccinated Quebecers, as the legislation has not been made publicly available yet.

"We don't know enough yet to know if it's legal, but I do think it's bad public policy," she comments.

Listen to the episode here.

Quebec's 'anti-vax tax' difficult to enforce, experts say | Montreal Gazette

UUֱ�� — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:27:16 +0000

January 12, 2022 | After the Quebec government announced unvaccinated Quebecers would have to pay a "health contribution," Professor Pearl Eliadis weighs in on the legality and enforcement of such a proposition.

“Are we really going to go and find 800,000 people, (some of whom) are low-income earners or have disabilities?” she asked. “What are we going to do, seize their couch (if they can’t afford to pay)?”

Read the article here.

There is a word for a shameless age | The Line

UUֱ�� — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 21:01:19 +0000

January 10, 2022 | Andrew Potter writes for The Line that we're living in a shameless age. "More than almost anyone else in our society it is politicians who feel the weight of mass opinion, the pride that comes with public esteem, or the shame that follows public disgrace."

Read the article here.

Do We Still Believe in a Better Tomorrow? | The Agenda

UUֱ�� — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 16:07:04 +0000

January 10, 2022 | It's true, albeit clichéd, to say that we're living through "unprecedented times." With all the bad news out there, do we still believe in a better tomorrow? Max Bell School professor Andrew Potter, author of the recently published book "On Decline: Stagnation, Nostalgia, and Why Every Year is the Worst One Ever," weighs in.

Watch the interview.

Want S.F. to achieve net-zero carbon emissions? Don’t forget to green the health care industry | San Francisco Chronicle

UUֱ�� — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:57:22 +0000

January 10, 2022 | "Nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions can be traced to health care activities in developed countries," writes MPP alumna Henna Hundal. Read her full argument for the crucial importance of including the healthcare sector in decarbonization efforts.

Read the article.

'Hassle' for tourists: Letter from June 2021 shows P.E.I. business group seeking relaxed COVID controls | CBC

UUֱ�� — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 18:42:07 +0000

January 5, 2022 | Professor Pearl Eliadis was interviewed for this public health article about COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for Prince Edward Island and their impact on businesses and tourism.

Professor Eliadis said something the pandemic has shown is that public health and economic interests aren't in competition – they are one and the same.

"Countries overall that have emphasized suppressing disease over supporting or taking measures to allow economic activity have actually done better on both fronts," she said.

23 charts to watch on inflation and the economy in 2022 | Maclean's

UUֱ�� — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 18:17:12 +0000

December 21, 2021 | In Maclean's "Chart Week 2022" predictions roundup, Chris Ragan answers the question: "When will Canadian inflation return to target?"

Read the article.

La démocratie n’est plus contagieuse | La Presse

UUֱ�� — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 20:59:22 +0000

January 2, 2022 | What do China and Qatar have in common? They will be hosting two main sporting events in 2022, and have strict authoritarian regimes, Jennifer Welsh explores in this co-written article.

Read the article.

In a deeply divided U.S., Americans struggle over how to commemorate Jan. 6 | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 20:42:36 +0000

January 4, 2022 | In a special to The Globe and Mail, David Shribman discusses the furious debates Americans are having as the one-year anniversary of the siege at the Capitol arrives.

"The battle of Capitol Hill is being fought again, this time in public discourse – and Americans, perhaps even more divided today than they were on Jan. 6, 2021, are approaching this anniversary of anguish with apprehension."

Burning Questions: Is Ottawa finally about to get serious about housing bubbles? | Regina Leader-Post

UUֱ�� — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 17:03:22 +0000

December 24, 2021 | After Director Christopher Ragan published an essay in the Hub that perhaps Freeland and Macklem actually disagree about how the central bank should conduct policy rather than they united front they presented to the public, The Regina Leader Post included his commentary in an article about the Bank of Canada's new five-year mandate.

Pearl Eliadis on Bill 96 | The Telegraph

UUֱ�� — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 16:56:32 +0000

December 28, 2021 | Pearl Eliadis commented that this legislation is the latest in a years-long push to effectively authorise "blatant discrimination against religious minorities in Quebec".

Eliadis said that while it was important to have protections in place for the French language, with Bill 96, "Quebec is starting to drift off into territory where they're really prepared to take pretty much any measures, sometimes outside the law ... to achieve that goal."

"It's not entirely clear to me that the world understands how radical this is."

Taylor Owen to speak in University of Toronto's SRI Seminar Series

UUֱ�� — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 16:50:07 +0000

Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communications and director of The Center for Media, Technology and Democracy Taylor Owen will join University of Toronto's Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society for their SRI Seminar Series, which features emerging scholars at the intersection of technology and society, on February 9. Registration is free and available here.

Inflation 101, with Christopher Ragan | The Hill Times

UUֱ�� — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 15:10:44 +0000

December 15, 2021 | Director Christopher Ragan joins The Hill Times' The Hot Room podcast to explain how inflation works, whether the Trudeau government is to blame for rising prices, and the Bank of Canada's new-look plan to manage it.

Listen to the episode.

Supreme Court ruling could change how human rights law is applied in Quebec | The Chronicle Journal

UUֱ�� — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 14:50:51 +0000

December 1, 2021 | A recent Supreme Court ruling has narrowed the scope of jurisdiction on discrimination cases. Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis argues that this new precedent is dangerous, running counter to the direction in which human rights law has evolved.

Read the article.

U.S. inflation is coming for Thanksgiving dinner | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 20:15:19 +0000

November 23, 2021 | How does the public perception of inflation affect their expectations for the future? While the devastation of historic inflation in the United States lingers only in the minds of older Americans, younger generations are also feeling the strain on their spending habits. In this article for the Globe and Mail, Max Bell School instructor David Shribman comments on the trajectory of inflation, and how this may affect everyday life.

Pandemic Societies | UUֱ��-Queen's University Press

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 21:22:52 +0000

Pandemic Societies: Max Bell School professor Daniel Weinstock contributed to this timely book on the durable transformations the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about in our societies.

You can purchase the book here.

Children & Youth Technology Policy | Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:19:04 +0000

Over the last year, the Max Bell School's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy been building out a research program on kids & tech to explore a range of policy implications related to data governance and children's rights, ed-tech, school surveillance, targeted ads, kids content, gender and mental health.

Learn more about the Centre's innovative research.

How to protect children from Big Tech's harms | The National Post

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:29:04 +0000

November 7, 2021 | Co-written by Max Bell School Professor Taylor Owen with Sonja Solomun, their article in the National Post looks at how the recently leaked Facebook Papers have spurred public concern and further debate on how policy should endeavor make these platforms more transparent and accountable.

Read the article.

The GOP is overhauling its long-standing identity | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:53:20 +0000

November 14, 2021 | In his latest piece for the Globe and Mail, Max Bell School professor David Shribman explains how the Republican Party is seeking to transition away from its reputation as being the party of Big Business, instead leaning into trust-busting and other strategies for reining in the power of America's corporations.

Read the article.

The Culture Wars in Quebec? | Globe Justice Journal

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:36:47 +0000

November 11, 2021 | In this article, Max Bell School Professor Pearl Eliadis expresses her concern over the human rights restrictions that Quebec's Bill 96 poses, particularly to recent immigrants and other vulnerable individuals.

Read the article.

‘Leave it alone’: Chris Ragan comments on the Bank of Canada mandate debate | The Hub

UUֱ�� — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:32:14 +0000

November 12, 2021 | Following a dialogue between The Hub and Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan, this article outlines the history of the Bank of Canada's agreement with the federal government leading up to the mandate's expiration in January 2022.

Read the article.

CMHR to host virtual symposium on online hate | Winnipeg Sun

UUֱ�� — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 21:21:19 +0000

November 8, 2021 | Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen recently spoke at a virtual symposium hosted by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. “We’ve had this experience where everybody needs to know similar things and trust similar institutions, and even behave in similar ways, (like) taking a vaccine. It’s difficult because antivax content and misinformation about the vaccine, and about the pandemic itself, has been incentivized to circulate far and wide.”

Do Deficits Matter Anymore? | The Agenda

UUֱ�� — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:04:36 +0000

November 4, 2021 | Governments worldwide have run huge deficits to deal with COVID-19. Should we be about this ballooning debt, or do deficits not matter anymore? Max Bell School director Chris Ragan weighs in.

Watch the panel.

Lutte contre les changements climatiques : l’optimisme d’une jeune écologiste | Radio-Canada

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:24:17 +0000

November 1, 2021 | Caroline Merner shares her insights on 2021 Glasgow Climate Conference (COP26).

Listen to the interview.

With Trump digging in, creating his presidential library will be a challenge | The Globe & Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:01:18 +0000

November 1, 2021 | David Shribman speaks on the challenges facing Trump as he curates his Presidential library.

Read the article.

A low-carbon world is coming Alberta | Maclean's

UUֱ�� — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:27:42 +0000

October 21, 2021 | In this op-ed for Maclean's Max Bell School director Chris Ragan, Dale Beugin and Gord Lambert explain why ahead of COP26, Alberta needs to prepare for the inevitability of a low-carbon world.

Read the article.

Taylor Owen on What the Latest Facebook Revelations Mean for Canada’s Online Harms Legislative Plans | The Law Bytes Podcast

UUֱ�� — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:55:08 +0000

October 18, 2021 | Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen's damning revelations about the harms caused by Facebook and its suite of other social media platforms have spurred American policymakers to action. Listen to Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen's thoughts on the implications of the latest Facebook revelations on Canada's policy efforts to fight online harms.

Listen to the podcast.

The House: Planes, trains and vaccines | CBC Radio

UUֱ�� — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:32:26 +0000

October 9, 2021 | It seems like reining in the power of Big Tech is one of the few bipartisan issues these days. In the coming weeks, American lawmakers representing both major parties will be tabling a series of antitrust bills aimed at squarely at the tech world's biggest players. Should Canada follow suit? Taylor Owen weighs in on the regulation of Big Tech in this episode of The House.

We have the regulatory tools we need to fix Facebook | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 15:38:36 +0000

October 14, 2021 | In this opinion piece, Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen, former Supreme Court chief justice Beverley McLachlin, and chair of the Canadian Citizens' Assembly on Democratic Expression, Peter MacLeod argue that the latest Facebook controversy surrounding the testimony by Facebook whistle-blower Frances Haugen has the potential to change the debate about regulating social media. They also explain why the

The Nobel Peace Prize 2021 | The Norwegian Nobel Committee

UUֱ�� — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:02:19 +0000

October 8, 2021 | Journalist Maria Ressa, a member of the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy's Advisory Board, has been awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. Read about Ressa's fight to safeguard journalistic freedom in the Philippines and bring light to the abuses of the Duterte regime.

Learn more.

Noise observatory still necessary, still in the works, councillors say | Montreal Gazette

UUֱ�� — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 17:34:51 +0000

October 2, 2021 | MPP alumnus Matis Allali—who was part of a team of students that studied noise pollution management policies for their Policy Lab project—comments on renewed calls for a noise observatory in Montreal.

Federal government pressed to extend COVID-19 benefits for small businesses |

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 16:25:53 +0000

October 5, 2021 | With vaccination rates relatively high across the country, Canada has moved past the worst stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. That said, the crisis is by no means over, and many businesses haven't fully recovered. What, then, should the federal government do about the small business support programs it launched at the onset of the pandemic? Max Bell School director Chris Ragan recently shared his perspective.

Read the article.

What Trudeau's Win Means for Canadian Foreign Policy | The Chicago Council on Global Affairs

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 16:00:20 +0000

September 23, 2021 | Canada's 44th federal election didn't change much in terms of the partisan composition of Parliament. But as the Trudeau Liberals enter their third term, what will be different about their approach to governance—particularly in the realm of foreign policy? Max Bell School professor Jennifer Welsh weighs in.

Listen to the podcast.

Why civilization is in decline — and what can turn it around | CBC Radio

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 15:16:47 +0000

September 29, 2021 | Max Bell School Professor Andrew Potter believes Western society is in decline. What—if any are—are the silver linings?

Learn more.

Quebec swiftly passes new bill to prohibit anti-vaccine protests near schools, hospitals | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:50:28 +0000

September 23, 2021 | Quebec recently passed a new bill prohibiting anti-vaccination protestors from demonstrating outside schools and hospitals. Max Bell School's Pearl Eliadis comments: “This is a rushed bill, it’s coming in really quickly."

Bill 96 is in violation of international human rights law | CJAD 800

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:30:34 +0000

September 17, 2021 | Radio interview with the Max Bell School's Pearl Eliadis on the controversy of Bill 96.

Listen to the interview.

How to fix Facebook | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 19:23:17 +0000

October 6, 2021 | In this episode of the Globe and Mail'sThe Decibel podcast, Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen speaks about harmful effects of Facebook's addictive nature and what we can do about it.

Listen to the podcast

Andrew Potter: I Think Elon Musk Will Die on Mars | Let's Dig Deep

UUֱ�� — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 13:49:51 +0000

August 27, 2021 | In this podcast guest appearance, Andrew Potter shares his foreboding predictions for the future of Western society.

Listen now.

The Canadian Election Misinformation Project - Memo #2

UUֱ�� — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:24:37 +0000

September 13, 2021 | The Media Ecosystem Observatory's Canadian Election Misinformation Project recently published a memo on how misinformation is fomenting violent protests among those who that vaccines and vaccine mandates, and related policies, are infringing on their civil liberties.

Read the memo to learn how this issue shaped the trajectory of the recent election.

The Canadian Election Misinformation Project - Memo #3

UUֱ�� — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:36:11 +0000

September 16, 2021 | The Media Ecosystem Observatory's Canadian Election Misinformation Project's recent memo too a look at the American disinformation landscape, assessing the degree to which it darkest effects have seeped into Canadian society—specifically in the context of the 44th Canadian federal election.

Read the mem o.

Yes, civilization is in decline (though it may not stay that way) | Ottawa Citizen

UUֱ�� — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 15:21:11 +0000

September 22, 2021 | Terry Glavin reviews Max Bell School's professor Andrew Potter's new book ON DECLINE.

Read the article.

ON DECLINE: Video interview

UUֱ�� — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 14:15:52 +0000

Max Bell School professor Andrew Potter talks about his new book ON DECLINE with Jonathan Montpetit, senior digital journalist with CBC.

Watch the virtual book launch cohosted with Biblioasis.

Battling climate change in Canada: Experts examine the major parties' climate plans | The Current

UUֱ�� — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 20:22:25 +0000

August 23, 2021 | When voters went to the polls in the recent federal election, climate change was front of mind for many. For the first time, all major parties had credible plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But how did the plans stack up to each other? Max Bell School director Chris Ragan weighs in on this episode of The Current.

Listen to the interview.

Climate change and the election: Compare party platforms | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 16:01:21 +0000

September 12, 2021 | The 44th federal election campaign is over, and the Liberals have clung to their plurality of seats in the House of Commons, setting them up to form another minority government. Read about what they have promised to do to fight climate change during their new mandate.

Read the article.

No, COVID-19 vaccines do not violate the Nuremberg Code | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 20:43:07 +0000

September 7, 2021 | In a sign of the extraordinary times through which we're living, Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis was recently asked to explain why the Nuremberg Code is not a formal treaty, and how vaccine mandates fit into our human rights framework.

Read the article.

Chrystia Freeland tweet labelled “manipulated video” by Twitter | CPAC

UUֱ�� — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 18:39:38 +0000

August 30, 2021 | In this CBC interview, Aengus Bridgman, director of the Media Ecosystem Observatory's Canadian Election Misinformation Project, provides an overview of the Project's first memo: an analysis of a misleading video tweeted by Liberal candidate Chrystia Freeland.

Watch the interview.

Twitter's slap-down of Liberal video reveals growing role of social media giants in election | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 19:00:33 +0000

R ead the article.

Economists say NDP plan to hike tax on heavy emitters would cost Canadian jobs | Toronto Star

UUֱ�� — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 17:54:08 +0000

August 31, 2021 | The NDP has pledged to close loopholes in Canada's carbon pricing regime that provide a discount to industrial polluters. Some economists, including Max Bell School director Chris Ragan, believe that such a policy change would cost Canada jobs and lead to no reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions.

Political scientist Aengus Bridgman on manipulated media and misinformation | CBC Radio

UUֱ�� — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 19:03:02 +0000

August 24, 2021 | In this CBC Radio interview, Aengus Bridgman, director of the Canadian Election Misinformation Project, comments on manipulated media and misinformation in the ongoing federal election campaign.

Listen to the interview.

Will misinformation be a problem this election season? | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 18:12:25 +0000

August 24, 2021 | Election 44 is underway, and the Media Ecosystem Observatory's Canadian Election Misinformation Project is hard at work tracking election mis- and disinformation. Learn more about the Project in this interview with its director, Aengus Bridgman.

Watch the interview.

The calculated measure of success of our mission to Afghanistan | Policy Options

UUֱ�� — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:33:58 +0000

August 30, 2021 | Was Canada's involvement in the war in Afghanistan a success? Despite the recent collapse of the Afghan government and the resurgence of the Taliban, Max Bell School professor Andrew Potter argues that Canada accomplished the narrow objectives it set back when troops were first deployed.

Read the article.

Canada needs to reimagine a foreign policy for a leaderless world | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 15:29:02 +0000

August 30, 2021 | In the wake of the disastrous pullout from Afghanistan, a group of foreign policy experts—including the Max Bell School's Jennifer Welsh—is calling for a rethink of Canada's role in global diplomacy.

Read the article.

The Canadian Election Misinformation Project - Memo #1

UUֱ�� — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 13:07:32 +0000

August 26, 2021 | The Media Ecosystem Observatory's Canadian Election Misinformation Project is out with its first memo of the 44th Canadian federal election campaign. Learn about five election misinformation findings from the controversy surrounding Liberal candidate Chrystia Freeland’s recent tweet.

Read the memo.

Election campaign and inflation set up ‘perfect storm’ for usually sleepy review of BoC monetary policy | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 12:46:41 +0000

August 20, 2021 | The Bank of Canada's mandate renewal—usually a mundane and technical affair—is generating interest in the political sphere as Canadas 44th federal election gets underway. In this Globe and Mail article, Max Bell School director Chris Ragan argues for careful consideration of all the mandate options on the table: from targeting GDP level, to adopting a dual mandate, to maintaining the status quo.

Luxury Belief Systems and Economic Stagnation: The Recipe for Our Discontent | Quillette

UUֱ�� — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 16:21:56 +0000

August 19, 2021 | "The growth of civilization shifted our concerns from struggles against the elements to trying to deal with other people. Our politics thus went from being focused on survival, to being obsessed with status." Read a passage from Max Bell School professor Andrew Potter's new book, ON DECLINE.

Read the article.

UUֱ�� launches Canadian Election Misinformation Project

UUֱ�� — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 13:47:54 +0000

August 19, 2021 | Mis- and dis-information are a growing threat to the integrity of free and fair elections and to the strength of democracies the world over. That is why UUֱ�� University and the University of Toronto are announcing the creation of the Canadian Election Misinformation Project to monitor and respond to mis- and disinformation incidents and threats during the 44th Canadian federal election.

Learn more about the project in this UUֱ�� Reporter article.

The COVID-19 pandemic. Climate change. Culture wars. For the West, the party is over | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 14:33:02 +0000

August 20, 2021 | "The rot in the foundations of the West is deep, and we are still in the early stages of figuring out just how bad things are going to get." Max Bell School professor Andrew Potter's new book, ON DECLINE, delves into the structural challenges facing Western nations as they attempt to deal with COVID-19, climate change, and an onslaught of other crises.

Quebec vaccine passport elicits protest | Global News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 19:41:22 +0000

August 13, 2021 | The Quebec government's plan to implement a vaccine passport system for some non-essential services has drawn the ire of some Quebecers. But despite the fact that such a system may infringe on certain Charter rights, it will likely be able to weather potential legal challenges, says Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis.

Watch the video.

Vaccination passport implications | Global News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:34:11 +0000

August 18, 2021 | The Quebec government's forthcoming vaccine passport system has some people raising legal and human rights concerns. Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis addresses those in this new interview with Global News.

Watch the video.

The world must not look away as the Taliban sexually enslaves women and girls | The Conversation

UUֱ�� — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:09:49 +0000

The Taliban's rapid takeover of Afghanistan has raised intense concern about the fate of the country's women and girls. In response, Max Bell School professor Vrindra Narain has proposed four tangible policy measures the international community must carry out.

Read the article.

Canadians will see less politics on Facebook during election | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 16:17:32 +0000

August 18, 2021 | Facebook and other social media companies have done a lot over the past five years to address the problem of their platforms' being used by bad actors to influence elections or spread misinformation. However, they still have a way to go. The Media Ecosystems Observatory's Aengus Bridgman comments on the steps Facebook is taking to prevent their platform from being misused during the federal election campaign.

UUֱ�� Launches Canadian Election Misinformation Project

UUֱ�� — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 13:57:26 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Unpaid internships can be tempting, but many are unethical | Montreal Gazette

UUֱ�� — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:04:32 +0000

August 12, 2021 | "Young people should use their negotiating power to push back and insist on a fair deal and a fair wage for their labour." Max Bell School Professor and human rights lawyer Pearl Eliadis sheds light on the legal and ethical issues brought about by unpaid internships in for-profit institutions in her article in the Montreal Gazette.

Federal election outcome could be unpredictable amid 4th wave, say strategists | CBC Radio

UUֱ�� — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:59:19 +0000

August 15, 2021 | On Sunday, Justin Trudeau met with Governor General Mary Simon and asked her to dissolve Parliament, setting in motion Canada's 44th federal election. But with a fourth wave of COVID-19 looming, some experts—including the Max Bell School's Ken Boessenkool—believe the outcome of this snap election may be far from certain.

In the digital age, who has a right to be anonymous and whose information has a right to be secure? | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 16:18:46 +0000

August 13, 2021 | "Anonymity is seen by many as an inherent right in the digital age. But is this right absolute?". In this op-ed in the Globe and Mail, Max Bell School Professor Taylor Owen takes a critical look at the shift in the discourse surrounding online privacy. To learn more about the digital tools currently being used to circumvent anonymity and the far-reaching socio-political influences of encryption technology, read on.

Read the article here.

The key to Canadian economic prosperity that no one’s talking about | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 17:24:41 +0000

What is the future of monetary policy in Canada? Journalist Andrew Coyne breaks down options for the Bank of Canada's mandate renewal, highlighting the ideas presented at Choosing the Right Target: a recent conference hosted by the Max Bell School.

Read the article.

UUֱ��, UdeM to require students to wear masks at all times | CTV News Montreal

UUֱ�� — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 20:10:34 +0000

While some universities have opted to require students to get fully vaccinated, UUֱ�� and Université de Montréal have decided instead to mandate mask wearing for students attending lectures this fall. Find out what Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis had to say about vaccine mandates for students at post-secondary institutions.

Read the article.

Quebec says COVID-19 vaccine passport are coming | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 19:44:32 +0000

As Quebec moves forward with a plan to implement vaccine passports for some non-essential services, Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis weighed in on possible legal and social implications.

Watch the video.

How the killing of a Black man in Repentigny is fuelling calls to end racism in Quebec policing | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 13:47:00 +0000

August 6, 2021 | The recent killing of Jean René Junior Olivier—a Black man from Repentigny, Quebec—has sparked outrage and demands for reform of Quebec policing. In this article, Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis comments on why accountability has been so hard to achieve.

Read the article.

What is the legality of vaccine passports? | CTV News Montreal

UUֱ�� — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 13:57:09 +0000

What legal pitfalls will the Quebec government need to avoid as it implements a vaccine passport program for the province? In this interview, Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis gives a rundown.

Watch the video.

Climate change puts health at risk and economists have the right prescription | The Conversation

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:34:47 +0000

June 24, 2021 | "We’re paying for climate change with our health." Co-written by Courtney Howard of the University of Calgary and Max Bell School director Chris Ragan, this article explains how the disruptive events caused by climate change are posing a climbing risk to our health and healthcare systems. From wildfires and severe storms to heat waves and poor-quality air, learn more about the environmental factors threatening our physical well-being.

Andrew Potter: Why cancelling Canada Day until further notice would backfire | National Post

UUֱ�� — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:26:42 +0000

July 1, 2021 | "Canada is a big country with a long and messy history, and we are probably closer to the beginning than to the end of our reckoning." Writing for the National Post, Max Bell School professor Andrew Potter shared his view that, in a country which will be pushing forward on Reconciliation for many years to come, "cancelling" Canada Day is a not as simple as many think.

Read the article here.

COVID 'vaccine passports' won't be needed for essential services: Dubé | Montreal Gazette

UUֱ�� — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:38:30 +0000

July 9, 2021 | In light of news from the Légault government that COVID-19 "vaccine passports" will be required for certain activities in hotspot regions of Quebec, Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis commented on the international legal standards such passports will need to meet.

Read the article here.

Four years on, past critics are silent on whether fears around transgender human rights bill were founded | The Hill Times

UUֱ�� — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 14:49:54 +0000

June 23, 2021 | Four years after Parliament passed Bill C-16, which enshrined protections for transgender and gender-diverse Canadians into law, what are past opponents of the bill saying? According to Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis, critics' concerns were "akin to conspiracy theories."

Read the article.

Canada shouldn’t turn away from the difficult task of regulating online speech | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 15:21:32 +0000

June 25, 2021 | How can policy strike the right balance between the protection of free speech and mitigating the impact of online hate? Professor Taylor Owen provides insight into this nuanced issue, proposing ways to hold online platforms accountable for harmful content in a manner which prioritizes democratic freedoms. Also, take a look at Professor Owen's Twitter thread to learn more.

What are Budget Consultations Good for, Anyway? | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 13:46:32 +0000

June 18, 2021 | What purpose do budget consultations serve? Whose voices are being heard, and do average Canadians really have any say on how the federal budget is constructed? MPP candidate Mariel Aramburu comments in Policy Magazine.

Read the article.

Re-envisioning the Global Framework for the Next COVID-19 | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 16:40:49 +0000

June 14, 2021 | What harsh lessons have the international community faced while battling a global pandemic? In his article for Policy Magazine, MPP student Asif Imran Khan sheds some light on how the authority of global health governance has been shaken by COVID-19. Read on to see how the World Health Organization can re-envision their framework in order mobilize the international community against future crises.

Inequality in the COVID Recovery, from Infection Rates to Vaccine Access | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 17:05:21 +0000

June 15, 2021 | COVID-19 infection rates in Toronto have plummeted. But analysis of infection and vaccination statistics across different neighbourhoods in the city lays bare the discriminatory outcomes produced by government missteps at every stage of the pandemic.

MPP candidate Rudayna Bahubeshi dove into the data, penning an article for Policy Magazine.

Police Use of Body Cameras: No Quick Fix | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 19:30:03 +0000

June 16, 2021 | Body cameras are not a panacea for the systemic problems in policing. "There needs to be a fundamental change in police practices and culture," says MPP candidate says Yvette Yakibonge "But to truly change behaviours, there needs to be a change in mindset."

Read her article in Policy Magazine.

Race to the Top — Fixing Childcare Once and for All | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 15:10:44 +0000

June 17, 2021 | When the Liberal government tabled this year's budget, it came with a commitment to finishing the 50 year-long process of establishing a system which makes childcare accessible to every family in this country. In his article for Policy Magazine, MPP candidate Anil Wasif outlines what must be considered if the outcome of this pledge is to be any different from those of previous governments over the past half century.

Home Prices Booming Because the System Encourages It | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 15:32:50 +0000

June 17, 2021 | The Canadian housing market is hotter than ever. Why? Because it's designed to be that way. In her article for Policy Magazine, Mikayla Zolis breaks down the factors that keep housing prices high—from restrictive zoning to opaque bidding processes.

Read the article.

In Alberta’s quest for a fair deal, the province shouldn’t look to Quebec for solutions | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 16:18:37 +0000

May 29, 2021 | In his latest for the Globe and Mail, Max Bell School professor Andrew Potter cautions Alberta—as it seeks to gain more federal leverage—to avoid the pitfall of emulating Quebec's tactics.

Read the article.

The world’s democracies, including Canada, face a historic choice | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:18:19 +0000

June 4, 2021 | In her latest piece for the Globe and Mail, Max Bell School professor Jennifer Welsh asserts that Canada must leverage its international relationships and articulate its vision for upholding democracy around the world.

CAQ appoints former Liberal cabinet minister Geoffrey Kelley as Kahnawake negotiator | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:13:03 +0000

June 5, 2021 | Max Bell School professor Geoffrey Kelley has been appointed as the new negotiator between the Quebec government and the Kahnawake Mohawk community. Kelley takes on this critical role after having served as Quebec’s Indigenous Affairs minister from 2005 to 2007, from 2011 to 2012, and from 2014 to 2018.

Read the article.

Joe Biden appears powerless when it comes to dealing with Mideast crisis | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 17 May 2021 18:11:07 +0000

May 16, 2021 | As the age-old conflict in the Middle East rages to a level not seen since the 2014 Gaza War, Joe Biden's ability to do anything about it appears limited. Biden is in a difficult situation, write David Shribman, destined to face backlash from various constituencies no matter what he does.

Read the article.

Women negotiators in Afghan/Taliban peace talks could spur global change | The Conversation

UUֱ�� — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:55:11 +0000

May 19, 2021 | As the U.S. continues to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, the outcome of ongoing peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government will be of huge consequence to Afghan women. Max Bell School professor Vrinda Narain weighed in on the important role women are playing in the negotiations.

Read the article.

Andrew Potter: My fellow Gen Xers don't appreciate our great gift: we were ignored | The Line

UUֱ�� — Thu, 20 May 2021 15:06:50 +0000

May 20, 2021 | "That is why when you hear a Gen Xer talk about being the “latchkey” generation, they aren’t really complaining — they’re bragging. There’s another word for the neglect being described here, and that’s freedom." Andrew Potter explains why he's so grateful to count himself as a member of Gen X.

Andrew Potter: The pandemic has eroded trust, but without it no country can remain democratic and free | National Post

UUֱ�� — Thu, 27 May 2021 13:51:13 +0000

May 25, 2021 | The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated Canadians' growing distrust of government and civil society institutions. As we begin to emerge from lockdowns, says Andrew Potter, the restoration of trust must be a top priority.

Read the article.

Understanding the U.S.’s influence over Israel | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 27 May 2021 14:05:51 +0000

May 21, 2021 | The power dynamics in United States-Israeli relations are exceedingly complicated. David Shribman helps unpack that complexity in this episode of The Decibel podcast, produced by The Globe and Mail.

Listen to the podcast.

Higgs income tax cut signals a shift in Conservative carbon policy, say economists | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 14:10:02 +0000

May 27, 2021 | In this article by CBC News, Max Bell School professor Ken Boessenkool expresses support for the burgeoning conservative movement to translate carbon pricing revenues into lower personal income tax rates.

Read the article.

Montreal needs noise observatory, experts say | Montreal Gazette

UUֱ�� — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 17:18:38 +0000

August 2, 2021 | As part of their 2020 Policy Lab, a team of Max Bell School students examined ways to measure and mitigate the effects of sound pollution in Montreal. In this Montreal Gazette piece, read about their analysis and the impacts it's having on public policy.

Access the article here.

Taylor Owen: China's dystopian digital future threatens us all | National Post

UUֱ�� — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 13:59:28 +0000

August 7, 2021 | In this new National Post article, Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen argues that China's sweeping surveillance apparatus poses a threat to democracy the world over.

Read the article.

How systemic anti-Blackness affects who gets grants and sector workers’ well-being | The Philanthropist

UUֱ�� — Wed, 05 May 2021 15:33:44 +0000

April 26, 2021 | MPP candidate Rudayna Bahubeshi writes in The Philanthropist about the impacts of systemic anti-Blackness in the non-profit sector.

Read the article here.

Jennifer Welsh Elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences

UUֱ�� — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:37:54 +0000

Max Bell School professor Jennifer Welsh has been elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. A renowned expert on the intersection of international relations and public policy, Welsh serves as the director of the Centre for International Peace and Security Studies, in addition to her joint appointment between the Max Bell School and UUֱ��'s Department of Political Science. Read the UUֱ�� Reporter article to learn more about Welsh's impressive career.

Opinion: Biden’s refugee cap should prioritize Afghanistan’s religious minorities | The Washington Post

UUֱ�� — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 14:36:44 +0000

April 26, 2021 | President Joe Biden's plan to fully withdraw American troops from Afghanistan has been met by extensive debate, but little of the discourse has centred on the plight of religious minorities—particularly Sikhs and Hindus—whose fate in Afghanistan remains worryingly uncertain.

Ontario announces paid sick leave program | CBC

UUֱ�� — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 17:46:20 +0000

April 28, 2021 | MPP alumna Paisley Sim, who recently wrote an IRPP policy brief on paid sick leave in Canada, was interviewed by the CBC after the Government of Ontario announced a plan to temporarily provide workers in the province with three paid sick days.

Watch the interview here.

Americans are super-spreaders of COVID-19 misinformation | UUֱ�� Newsroom

UUֱ�� — Tue, 04 May 2021 18:37:41 +0000

April 6, 2021| The mis- and dis-information that fills many corners of the American media ecosystem is having an affect on Canadians' perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research from Professor Taylor Owen and other UUֱ�� academics. The UUֱ�� Newsroom has the full story.

Read the news release.

Understanding vaccine hesitancy in Canada | Media Ecosystem Observatory

UUֱ�� — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 18:18:23 +0000

The Max Bell School's Media Ecosystem Observatory is out with a new research paper on vaccine hesitancy in Canada.

Some of the key findings:

Sixty-five percent of Canadians intend to take a vaccine, with some slight erosion since a high in July. Approximately 15 percent of Canadians are unwilling, and an additional 20 percent are unsure.

Read the full paper here (PDF)

Dissecting the Bill 21 ruling | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Mon, 03 May 2021 13:31:54 +0000

April 25, 2021 | Max Bell School professor Pearl Eliadis was interviewed by CTV News, providing perspective on Quebec's Bill 21 and the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Watch the interview.

Mais encore… Le jugement sur la Loi 21 crée-t-il «deux Québec»? | Journal Metro

UUֱ�� — Mon, 03 May 2021 13:39:15 +0000

April 25, 2021 | In this Journal Métro article, Pearl Eliadis assesses the Quebec government's decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause to allow the passage of Bill 21, which violates Section 23 of the Canadian Charter.

Read the article .

Conservative strategist argues for carbon tax as path to smaller government | Energi Media

UUֱ�� — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 16:33:49 +0000

June 1, 2020 | For years, carbon taxation has been anathema to Canada's conservatives. But, in a recent piece for our MAX Policy series, Ken Boessenkool argued that a price on pollution could help shrink the size of government and achieve other conservative priorities.

What the experts say about Quebec’s COVID-19 curfew measure | Global News

UUֱ�� — Mon, 03 May 2021 15:19:27 +0000

April 18, 2021 | Pearl Eliadis speaks to Global News about how Quebec's curfew is exacting a disproportionate adverse effect on the province's most marginalized people, including people who are unhoused.

Watch the interview.

At Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, faith blooms afresh | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 06 May 2021 21:06:19 +0000

May 5, 2021 | Over two years after the tragic mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue, David Shribman focuses on renewal, reflection, and and remembrance.

Read the article.

Five competition ministers discuss regulating Big Tech | Columbia Journalism Review

UUֱ�� — Mon, 17 May 2021 14:57:45 +0000

May 14, 2021 | Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen recently chaired a virtual panel with competition ministers from five different countries. Among the topics discussed: the hotly debated new Australian News Media and Digital Platform Bargaining Code.

Read this article in the Columbia Journalism Review to learn more about the discussions.

David Shribman on Joe Biden approaching 100 days in office | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 17:48:25 +0000

April 24, 2021 | In the contemporary First Hundred Days (the standard measure of early presidential achievement that, in Joe Biden's case, ends April 30), a consequential question, which will determine the course of the next several years and will shape the 46th President’s place in history, emerges: Has Mr. Biden—who came to the White House as the avatar of moderation, the spokesman for unity, and the exemplar of bipartisanship—changed?

Jennifer Welsh Time Capsule | UUֱ��

UUֱ�� — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 19:51:20 +0000

March 25, 2021 | As part of UUֱ��'s Bicentennial Digital Time Capsule, Max Bell School professor Jennifer Welsh shared her predictions for the future of the world's multilateral institutions.

Are Google and Facebook really the future of journalism? | Columbia Journalism Review

UUֱ�� — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 14:50:56 +0000

April 28, 2021 | This article in the Columbia Journalism Review explores a recent seminar—co-hosted by the Max Bell School's Taylor Owen—that brought together competition ministers from across the globe to discuss the ramifications of the News Media Bargaining Code and the changing dynamics between platforms and publishers.

Read the article.

Is nuclear energy like immigration and free trade? | Energi Media

UUֱ�� — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 13:44:36 +0000

May 11, 2021 | John Stewart spoke with Energi Media about his recently published MAX Policy article, "How is Nuclear Energy Like Immigration and Free Trade?" Watch the interview to hear Stewart unpack his article's arguments and delve into the future of nuclear energy in Canada.

Biden builds on desire for change after Trump, pandemic | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 17:59:55 +0000

April 28, 2021 | Max Bell School professor David Shribman reacts to U.S. President Joe Biden's first address to Congress, which leaned into the burgeoning sentiment among Americans that government can and should play a central role in addressing the biggest challenges of our time.

Read the article.

Ken Boessenkool: Finally, a credible Conservative climate plan — now over to Kenney and Ford | National Post

UUֱ�� — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 16:55:47 +0000

April 19, 2021 | Your move, Kenney and Ford. Max Bell School professor Ken Boessenkool believes the Albertan and Ontarian premiers can design their own—superior—provincial plans by using carbon revenues to cut personal or corporate income taxes or boost childcare tax rebates, rather than giving restricted visa-cash-back style rebates.

Group representing hijab-wearing teachers launches appeal against Bill 21 decision | Global News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 17:51:12 +0000

April 21, 2021 | “The decision touches on virtually every aspect of the Canadian political landscape as it affects fundamental human rights. I cannot think that this will not go to the Supreme Court of Canada.” Pearl Eliadis, human rights lawyer and professor at the Max Bell School, is quoted in this article concerning the recent ruling by the Quebec Court of Appeal to uphold Bill 21.

David Shribman on American Politics | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 18:54:36 +0000

April 2021 | In these recent Globe and Mail articles, Max Bell School professor David Shribman discusses Biden's post-Trump agenda, voting laws, and the potential for a GOP Presidential hopeful from the state of Florida.

Read the articles here:

With the World in Crisis, What's an Intellectual To Do? | CBC

UUֱ�� — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:48:04 +0000

April 16, 2021 | With the world in crisis, what's an intellectual to do?

The Oxford Handbook of Peaceful Change in International Relations

UUֱ�� — Tue, 25 May 2021 13:47:55 +0000

October, 2020 | In the inaugural edition of The Oxford Handbook of Peaceful Change in International Relations, read Jennifer Welsh's chapter on International law and peaceful change.

View the handbook.

Chris Ragan on the Conservative's Climate Plan | CBC Power & Politics

UUֱ�� — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:01:16 +0000

15 April, 2021 | In this panel conversation, Max Bell School director Chris Ragan shares his thoughts on the Conservative's newly revealed climate plan in a conversation with the Globe and Mail's Kelly Cryderman and political commentator Shakir Chambers.

Watch the panel. The panel discussion starts at 1:20:41.

Facial recognition technology speeds ahead as Canada's privacy law lags behind | The Ottawa Citizen

UUֱ�� — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 18:33:22 +0000

March 1, 2021 | Software company Clearview AI has recently been discovered illegally scraping countless images of faces on the Internet and selling them to third-party organizations in Canada. Co-penned by Sonja Solomun, Research Director of the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy, this article looks at the consequences of using facial recognition for the purposes of widespread surveillance. Read on to learn more about Canadian privacy law needs to change in order to hold users of facial recognition technology accountable.

David Shribman on the Biden Administration | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 18:24:07 +0000

March 2021 | Max Bell Professor David Shribman has penned several articles covering the ongoing changes being instated by the Biden administration. To learn more about how the US has been dealing with the pandemic relief response, massive government spending, and the other challenges of adapting to new leadership, read the articles:

Liberals should drive daycare improvements, not redo system, report says | Times Colonist

UUֱ�� — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 15:24:04 +0000

March 30, 2021 | This Times Colonist article examines a recent C.D. Howe Institute report, co-authored by Max Bell School professor Ken Boessenkool. Read about the report's proposal for improving Canadian daycare systems iteratively, rather than by pressing the reset button.

Read the article.

Hedging our bets with China was a mistake | The Line

UUֱ�� — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 17:06:32 +0000

March 23, 2021 | In this recent article, Max Bell Professor Andrew Potter comments on the current diplomatic trajectory Canada is taking with China. To learn more about the economic and defense-related consequences involved, read on.

Read the article

Human Rights Approaches to Covid-19: Opening Remarks to a Canadian Law School Conference | PKI Global Justice Journal

UUֱ�� — Thu, 06 May 2021 20:56:39 +0000

May 5, 2021 | Max Bell Professor Pearl Eliadis delivered the opening address at Queen's Human Rights Law Club's “Human Rights in Pandemic Times" conference. In this article by the PKI Global Justice Journal, learn more about Eliadis' address and the conference's key takeaways.

Read the article

Should a bullying comedy routine be illegal? Canada’s high court may decide. | The Christian Science Monitor

UUֱ�� — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 22:43:22 +0000

April 1, 2021 | Max Bell Professor Pearl Eliadis is quoted in this article, which takes a look at the recent Supreme Court case against comedian Mike Ward, and the consequences of a joke he made against the disability of Quebec artist Jérémy Gabriel. This piece encourages readers to consider the tense relationship between freedom of speech, artistic autonomy, and personal dignity.

Variation in the Canadian Provincial and Territorial Responses to Covid-19 | Blavatnik School

UUֱ�� — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:30:50 +0000

In collaboration with Oxford University's Blavatnik School and Institute for Research on Public Policy and its Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation, Max Bell School alumni and Policy Scholar Paisley Sim co-authored a working paper that explores the relative stringency of COVID-19 policies in Canada.

How to fix the patchwork system of paid sick leave in Canada | IRPP

UUֱ�� — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 14:20:11 +0000

April 23, 2021 | In our fragmented federal system, policies on issue like paid sick leave can vary drastically from province to province. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the problems with such disparities. In her recent brief for the Institute for Research on Public Policy, MPP alumna Paisley Sim laid out a solution that would ensure people across Canada get the support they need in this time of crisis.

Platform Responsibility and Regulation in Canada | Jolt Digest

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:32:39 +0000

This new research from Sonja Solomun, Maryna Polataiko, and Helen A. Hayes of the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy delves into key considerations for the regulation of internet platforms in Canada.

Read the note here.

Saving Journalism from Big Tech | Project Syndicate

UUֱ�� — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 18:51:35 +0000

March 5, 2021 | Google and Facebook have dominated digital advertising in search and social networking, creating a business model that is not based on the distribution of reliable information. Following the Australian government's recent mandate on tech regulation, Max Bell School Professor Taylor Owen discusses the plight of independent media and the reputable journalistic institutions that are at stake.

To govern Big Tech, listen to those most harmed by it | National Post

UUֱ�� — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:03:23 +0000

March 19, 2021 | Taylor Owen's latest piece for the National Post delves into algorithmic bias and the disproportionate harms Big Tech inflicts on people of colour. One piece of the solution? "Amplify the diverse voices of those with most knowledge of technology’s injustices."

Read the article.

‘Are we going to be able to pull this off?’: How the Bank of Canada doused a financial fire last spring | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 18:01:07 +0000

March 27, 2021 | In this Globe and Mail article, Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan weighs in on the Bank of Canada's role in pandemic economic recovery, discussing monetary policy topics including quantitative easing and inflation risks.

Read the article.

Erin O’Toole says Conservatives’ plan to address climate change will surpass commitments under Scheer | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 18:00:55 +0000

April 8, 2021 | In this Globe and Mail article, the Max Bell School's Ken Boessenkool opines on the steps Erin O’Toole must take if the Conservatives want to form government in the next federal election.

Read the article.

UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy to Host Conference on Racial Profiling in Policing

UUֱ�� — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 19:59:11 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Is Big Tech ungovernable? | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 20:13:27 +0000

February 26, 2021 | It is increasingly clear that the many benefits of digital platforms such as Facebook, Amazon and Google come with significant economic, social and political costs. Reflecting on recent attempts to address the harms caused big tech, Max Bell School Professor Taylor Owen argues that the governance struggle between Big Tech and the nation state is actually about the future of liberal democracy itself.

The Emergencies Act is Dead | Canadian Science Policy Centre

UUֱ�� — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 18:48:25 +0000

February 10, 2021 | As each province deals with their respective struggles in healthcare capacity, vaccination rates, travel restrictions, and other COVID-19 related policies, the federal government weighs the possibility declaring a national crisis. Take a look at what Max Bell School alumni Anil Wasif, Alexandra Ages, Ellen Rowe, and Leonardo Lozano have to say about the evolving landscape of federal pandemic policy in Canada.

Read the article

The 'safe bets' and 'wild cards' needed to meet Canada's net zero emissions target | Maclean's

UUֱ�� — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 18:28:51 +0000

February 17, 2021 | Max Bell School Director Christopher Ragan and Carleton University economist Dave Sawyer penned this op-ed that takes a critical look at the widespread economic and industry reforms needed to achieve Canada's goal of "net zero" greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Read the article

Democrats take a ‘show, don’t tell’ approach in Trump’s impeachment trial | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 18:57:54 +0000

February 10, 2021 | David Shribman of the Max Bell School analyzes the recent deliberations occurring at Donald Trump's ongoing impeachment trial. Read more to understand how the insurrection at the Capitol in January has affected the proceedings.

Read the article

New report on protecting democratic expression online | Public Policy Forum

UUֱ�� — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 20:59:17 +0000

Supported by the Max Bell School's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy, the Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression has released a new report detailing six recommendations to enable citizens, governments and platforms to deal with online hate speech in Canada.

Read the Commission's report here.

Trump’s social-media ban clouds a bigger crisis: the power and systemic failure of Big Tech | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:28:56 +0000

January 14, 2021 | In his opinion piece in The Globe and Mail, Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen discusses the effects of the recent social-media ban imposed on Donald Trump. Take a look at the article to understand how Trump's de-platforming scratches the surface of the deeper issues plaguing the current online ecosystem.

Read the article

Advancing Human Protection Through Multilateralism | PeaceLab Blog

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 14:50:22 +0000

February 2, 2021 | As the tide of nationalism sweeps across the globe and countries increasingly turn inwards, it is crucial that the protection agenda–including the Protection of Civilians (PoC) and the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP)–is reaffirmed. Max Bell School Professor Jennifer Welsh writes on the PeaceLab Blog about what measures Germany can take to achieve this objective, including embracing multilateralism and seeking out new partners to promote civilian self-protection.

Canada's lack of interest in self-defence explains COVID failures | The National Post

UUֱ�� — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 17:15:40 +0000

January 15, 2021 | In this article for the National Post, Max Bell School Professor Andrew Potter discusses the unique logistical challenges that Canadian government bodies face as the issue of vaccine supply becomes more relevant, and how their response measures up to the actions of other nations.

Read the article.

Towards an Understanding of Open Innovation Ecosystems Dynamics: The Case of Montreal New Tech

UUֱ�� — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 14:27:42 +0000

December 7, 2020 | By observing the Montreal region's innovation ecosystem, this research paper, co-written by Max Bell School MPP student Eunice Mercado-Lara, presents a study case that aims to understand the main success factors for open innovation ecosystems (Chesbrough, 2003; Grandstrand & Holgersson, 2020).

Two Americas are about to go head to head on the Senate floor | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 15:10:50 +0000

February 3, 2021 | David Shrimban's latest op-ed for the Globe and Mail paints a stark picture of a polarized America, with the deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats set to play out on the floor of the Senate.

Read the article.

The Capitol – a long-time symbol of optimism – has lost its shine | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 14:50:36 +0000

January 8, 2021 | In this Globe and Mail op-ed David Shribman reflects on the mayhem at the U.S. Capital, looking back at a time when the American political system seemed "rugged, not rigged".

Read the article.

What Should Canada Do Next? | Hot Talk Podcast

UUֱ�� — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:18:22 +0000

December 23, 2020 | In this episode of the Hot Talk podcast, Max Bell School director Chris Ragan comments on the federal government's newly announced plan to raise the price of carbon and implement other climate policies.

Listen to the podcast.

The Liberals need to have faith that their carbon tax will do its job | The Line

UUֱ�� — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 14:37:42 +0000

In this article for The Line newsletter, Max Bell School Professor Ken Boessenkool and Director Chris Ragan argue that the government should have more confidence in the newly increased carbon tax to do its job and resist the temptation to throw in all sorts of other popular, but expensive, policies as well.

Read the article.

The vaccine will only work if enough people take it | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 21:34:41 +0000

January 5, 2020 | While the COVID-19 vaccine offers us an eventual way past the pandemic, many Canadians are unsure about taking or unwilling to take a vaccine. In this Globe and Mail article, Max Bell School Professor Taylor Owen and other researchers at the Media Ecosystem Observatory unpack the cause and solutions to vaccine hesitancy in Canada.

Read the article.

The political and security dimensions of the humanitarian health response to violent conflict

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 15:55:46 +0000

January 24, 2021 | In this paper, Max Bell School Professor Jennifer Welsh and her co-authors address the challenges and opportunities the fluid geopolitical and security environment poses for humanitarian policymaking and practice.

Read the paper.

Understanding vaccine hesitancy in Canada: attitudes, beliefs, and the information ecosystem

UUֱ�� — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 21:21:29 +0000

December 2020 | This new report by the Media Ecosystem Observatory looks into vaccine hesitancy in Canada in the lead-up to the development of a vaccine. Key findings included that 65% of Canadians intend to take a vaccine, and that the best opportunity to reach those who are unsure is to address important concerns around the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Read the report.

Mind the gaps: Integrating Human Rights and sustainable development goals into evaluation practice

UUֱ�� — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 19:44:56 +0000

Max Bell School Professor Pearl Eliadis has authored the chapter Mind the Gaps: Integrating Human Rights and Sustainable Development Goals into Evaluation Practice inThe Realpolitik of Evaluation, a recently published book edited by Markus Palenberg an Arne Paulson.

As time runs out for Trump, the volatility becomes more intense | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 19:28:05 +0000

January 3, 2020 | Days from the routine tallying of the electoral votes to select the next U.S. president, a formality that for almost a century and a half has attracted virtually no attention, this ritual is being transformed by President Trump into a fraught flashpoint, writes David Shribman in his latest article in the Globe and Mail.

COVID-19 puts Big Tech under the microscope, again | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 15:42:08 +0000

Global pandemic mitigation efforts continue to be disrupted by the spread of misinformation. In this CBC interview, Taylor Owen (Director of the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy) shared his thoughts on the implications of misinformation in the age of COVID-19.

Listen to the interview here.

After looming so large in Washington, Donald Trump has shrunk into a small, petty man | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 20:02:02 +0000

November 23, 2020 | Four years ago, when he won an upset victory to become President of the United States, Donald Trump was a powerful and intimidating force with a penchant for erratic behaviour, leaving even his closest allies on their toes. Now, weeks after losing his re-election bid, Trump's petulance and vindictiveness are on full display, writes David Shribman in his latest article in the Globe and Mail.

Presidential projections are indispensable, but not infallible | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 14:32:08 +0000

November 10, 2020 | Early American presidential projections raised controversy throughout this year's extended ballot-counting period. In this piece from the Globe and Mail, David Shribman examines past occurrences of early projections, and its repercussions for American society.

Read the article.

The clamour for a Trump concession shows the enduring power of admitting defeat | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:53:58 +0000

November 9, 2020 | A week has past since the American presidential election, and current President Donald Trump has shown resistance in conceding to winning candidate President-Elect Joe Biden. In this piece, David Shribman elaborates on the implications of a tumultuous transition of power.

Read the article.

It wasn’t a good election, and it won’t cure what ails the U.S. | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:45:20 +0000

November 7, 2020 | This year's American presidential race has faced a myriad of threats to its democracy. With prolonged waiting times for ballot counting, and a predicted unstable transition of power, David Shribman affirms that "in modern American politics, the elections may end but the politics continue".

Read the article.

The people who fought Donald Trump will miss him when he’s gone | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 16:58:26 +0000

November 12, 2020 | Critics of US President Donald Trump rejoiced when networks called the 2020 election for former Vice President Joe Biden. But for all the fanfare, will they miss Trump once he has left office? In this Globe and Mail article, Max Bell School Professor Andrew Potter argues that we should consider how Trump has played a perfect foil for liberals and progressives, providing them with a galvanizing sense of purpose.

Read the article.

Rethinking Quebec’s Support for Electric Vehicles

UUֱ�� — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 17:13:12 +0000

In this report for the Quebec government, our Director Christopher Ragan with the support of MPP students Matis Allali, Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Riad Katkhoda & Charlotte Reboul examine how terminating electric vehicle subsidies can strengthen Quebec's climate policy.

Read the report

What kind of President would Joe Biden be? | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:48:32 +0000

November 7, 2020 | In his latest article for the Globe and Mail, David Shribman ponders how U.S. President-elect Joe Biden might govern by examining the circumstances that shaped him and the style of politics he has embraced throughout his career.

Click here to read the article.

Potter: How the Citizen helped create a shared community in Ottawa | Ottawa Citizen

UUֱ�� — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:34:23 +0000

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Ottawa Citizen, a newspaper known for serving (and bringing together) three distinct constituencies: residents of the municipality of Ottawa, members of the National Capital Region public service, and citizens from across Canada. In this article, Andrew Potter, a member of the Max Bell School teaching staff and a former editor of the Citizen, reflects on the crucial role that newspaper has played throughout its history and muses on the future of Canada's financially-troubled media ecosystem.

Negotiating a betrayal in Afghanistan | Open Canada

UUֱ�� — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 13:00:16 +0000

Peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban will likely result in the Taliban's at least partial return to power. It's a pity so few Canadians care why this is happening writes Max Bell School Professor Andrew Potter in this Open Canada article.

Read the article.

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Reframing Canada’s Global Engagement | Canadian Global Affairs Institute

UUֱ�� — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:49:53 +0000

October 26, 2020 | In this Global Exchange Podcast, Colin Robertson spoke to Dr. Jennifer Welsh and Robert Greenhill about Canada’s positioning in the world.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Agenda with Steve Paikin: Time for Canada to Scrap Pearsonian Diplomacy?

UUֱ�� — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 19:39:29 +0000

October 21, 2020 | In an age where global diplomacy faces unprecedented collective challenges, how should Canada orient its foreign relations?

Jennifer Welsh, a professor at the Max Bell School, joined a panel of experts in this podcast episode of The Agenda with Steve Paikin, and shared her thoughts on the future of Canada's international relations.

How to Govern the New Digital Domain | Project Syndicate Logo

UUֱ�� — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 18:23:23 +0000

October 20, 2020 | "Besides triggering the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression, COVID-19 is also accelerating technological trends that were already well underway." Professor Taylor Owen, Director of the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy penned this op-ed with Oscar Jonsson, Academic Director of the Center for the Governance of Change at IE University.

New Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy launched at UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy

UUֱ�� — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:52:35 +0000

The Centre is UUֱ��’s focal point on critical research and public debate about the role of media and emerging technologies in shaping democracy and public life

The Herle Burly Podcast: Jennifer Welsh and the Political Panel with Jenni and Scott

UUֱ�� — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 15:54:58 +0000

October 19, 2020 | Jennifer Welsh, a Max Bell School Professor, was recently featured on the Herle Burly Podcast where she discussed the potential to reframe Canada's Global Strategy project.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

The problem with Canada's monetary policy regime | Financial Post

UUֱ�� — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 15:13:39 +0000

October 19, 2020 | Canada's current monetary policy regime is not as credible as it could be, argues Kevin Carmichael in his latest article from The Financial Post. Kevin shares insights from the Max Bell School's Choosing the Right Target Conference, and elaborates on how the finance committee must be an active participant in the Bank of Canada's upcoming mandate renewal.

Opinion: All children in Quebec should have health coverage | Montreal Gazette

UUֱ�� — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 14:50:12 +0000

October 19, 2020 | In this op-ed from the Montreal Gazette, Max Bell School Professor Pearl Eliadis highlights some of the exclusionary flaws in Quebec's public health system. Peal argues that policies such as those under Parti Québécois, the Quebec Liberal Party, and the Coalition Avenir Québec, do not adequately cover health insurance for many children across the province.

Some, but fewer interruptions: Harris and Pence displayed strong bearings and made sensible remarks | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 15:03:27 +0000

October 8, 2020 | In his latest article from the Globe and Mail, David Shribman, a Pulitzer Prize winner for his coverage of U.S. politics, provided his analysis of October 7th's American Vice-Presidential debate.

Read the article here.

Current tax system won't pay for COVID recovery | Policy Options

UUֱ�� — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 16:36:03 +0000

October 5, 2020 | Alex Himelfarb, Andrew Jackson, Brian Topp argue that a tax plan that includes progressive taxation and the creation of a sovereign wealth fund has the potential to improve lives post-pandemic.

Click here to read the article.

A partner at gt&co, Brian Topp teaches a Policy Case study at the Max Bell School.

Max Bell School announces creation of Working Group on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

UUֱ�� — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 15:23:59 +0000

The Max Bell School of Public Policy is pleased to announce the creation of its Working Group on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The EDI Working Group will be tasked with making recommendations to the School and it represents the first concrete step to meeting the commitments in the School’s July 7 Statement on systemic racism and public policy.

The U.S. presidential campaign has taken an abrupt turn with Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 18:41:20 +0000

October 2, 2020 | With the presidential election fast approaching, Donald Trump suddenly finds himself in a vulnerable position, hospitalized with the same virus he has spent months downplaying. For a man who views any display of vulnerability as anathema, what comes next? And what will it mean for the election? Max Bell School faculty member David Shribman shares his perspective in this Globe and Mail op-ed.

Trump’s COVID-19 crisis creates an even greater crisis for the U.S. | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:01:43 +0000

October 4, 2020 | On October 2, an already tumultuous presidential campaign was thrust into more turmoil at the news that Donald Trump had tested positive for COVID-19. This development — at once both extraordinary and unsurprising, given Mr. Trump's aversion to mask-wearing and social distancing — has opened up American governance and politics to the possibility of unprecedented disruption. Read David Shribman's Globe and Mail article about what Trump's diagnosis portends for the United States.

The road to the White House: How Donald Trump wins, and how Joe Biden prevails | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 14:49:28 +0000

September 19, 2020 | The 2020 Presidential election is less than a month away, and polling averages indicage Democrat Joe Biden is poised to secure a victory over the incumbent Republican President, Donald Trump. But, as Max Bell School professor David Shribman writes in the Globe and Mail, this unconventional race is by no means over. Read what each candidate must do to win the White House on October 3 — as the two slog through acerbic debates and bitterly-contested battleground states.

Boessenkool, Robson – Thoughts on Forestalling the Coming Childcare Crisis | C.D. Howe Intelligence Memos

UUֱ�� — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 17:04:29 +0000

June 24, 2020 | In this memo, Ken Boessenkool — alongside Jennifer Robson — looks at the consequences of the "serious reduction in the supply of available childcare spaces in Canada." They then offer a list of proposals of what could be done to address this problem.

Ken Boessenkool: Crossing the line | The Line

UUֱ�� — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:36:00 +0000

June 9, 2021 | In this opinion piece in The Line, Ken Boessenkool reflects on the recent Islamophobic killings in London, Ontario.

Read the article.

Ken Boessenkool: The CPC can win the 905 if it embraces a carbon tax | The Line

UUֱ�� — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 17:04:52 +0000

September 15, 2020 | In this opinion piece in the Line, Ken Boessenkool outlines how: "Conservatives need the 905 to win an election. Conservatives need a credible climate policy to win the 905. A Conservative carbon tax that pays for a substantial personal income tax cut can help do both."

Supply-side shocks of COVID-19 could linger for years | First Policy Response

UUֱ�� — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:29:57 +0000

June 11, 2020 | In this commentary, Ken Boessenkool argues "the enduring economic pain from COVID will be a supply-side capital shock that will particularly hit investment in service, travel and entertainment industries, a supply-side labour shock that will hit primarily female employment, and a supply-side productivity shock due to new health and safety requirements."

The Max Bell School of Public Policy announces the appointment of Ken Boessenkool as the 2020-21 J.W. McConnell Professor of Practice in Public Policy

UUֱ�� — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 15:56:58 +0000

The Max Bell School of Public Policy is thrilled to announce that Ken Boessenkool will be joining the School as the J.W. McConnell Professor of Practice in Public Policy at UUֱ��.

During his time with the Max Bell School, Boessenkool will leverage his public policy experience to enhance the exposure of the School’s students to the workings of the policy process.

Trump vs. Biden debate: Amid the slugfest, faint signs of candidates' strategies were visible | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 15:00:04 +0000

September 30, 2020 | "By the time they were finished there was blood on the floor – but voters may be left with the sad conclusion that there is no floor to the way politics in the United States is conducted."

The presidential debate won’t be a game changer | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:45:59 +0000

September 30, 2020 | "But don’t expect Tuesday’s debate between the two men running for the U.S. presidency – Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden – to make much of a difference to the election outcome. Or any difference at all. That’s because American presidential debates – a relatively recent addition to White House campaigns, first coming in 1960, some 172 years after the initial U.S. election – seldom produce important turning points."

Canada needs more infrastructure spending, but not as short-term stimulus | Maclean's

UUֱ�� — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 14:28:28 +0000

September 28, 2020 | "The best time for governments to spend on major infrastructure projects is when the long-term benefits are high and when the cost of financing the projects is low. Both of these conditions apply today, and likely will for several more years."

In this article, Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan elaborates on the allocation of public funds towards infrastructural development, and argues that Canada should look towards projects that reap long-term benefits over short-term satisfaction.

The Great Rethink: Why the Bank of Canada's mandate needs a refresh | Financial Post

UUֱ�� — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 20:41:47 +0000

September 25, 2020 | In this article, Kevin Carmichael proposes that, while the Bank of Canada has done an excellent job of containing inflation, it may have erred too often on the side of caution.

Click here to read the article.

La Politique Monétaire Canadienne Sort du Placard | La Presse

UUֱ�� — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:39:03 +0000

September 23, 2020 | With the onset of the Bank of Canada's mandate renewal, and economic uncertainty due to COVID-19, many Canadians are left wondering what the future of monetary policy will look like for the country. Read why Hélène Baril says the time is right to open the debate on the role of the central bank with insights from speakers at the Max Bell School's ongoing Choosing the Right Target conference.

UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy to Host Conference on Bank Of Canada’s Mandate Renewal

UUֱ�� — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:33:45 +0000

With the Bank’s mandate up for renewal next year, this conference will broaden the debate and explore the policy options facing the Bank.

MONTREAL: The Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ�� has re-launched Choosing the Right Target: Real Options for the Bank of Canada's Mandate Renewal. This conference, originally scheduled for the spring of 2020, is now being hosted online between September 22-25, where the six options facing the Bank of Canada will be debated.

Why the Bank of Canada needs a revised mandate | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 14:47:32 +0000

Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan and Professor Stephen Gordon of Université Laval penned this opinion piece to highlight the importance of monetary policy and the upcoming revision of the Bank of Canada's mandate. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect many spheres of public policy, the Bank of Canada will need to carefully consider all policy objective alternatives.

Click here to read the article and learn more.

Breakfast at Tiff's: Unpacking the Bank of Canada's role in the economic recovery | The Hill Times Hot Room

UUֱ�� — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 14:52:48 +0000

Christopher Ragan, director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ��, joins The Hot Room to take them through Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem's speech on the Bank's role in the economic recovery.

Reframing Canada’s Global Engagement: A Diagnostic of Key Trends and Sources of Influence

UUֱ�� — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 02:53:13 +0000

This report, co-authored by Max Bell School Professor Jennifer Welsh, begins by summarizing a number of features of Canada’s population, economic power, and geographic and political position, which continue to call for international engagement.

Section Two then provides a strategic assessment of the current global environment and the most significant risks it poses to Canada’s interests and values.

Reframing Canada’s Global Engagement: Ten Strategic Choices for Decision-Makers

UUֱ�� — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 02:33:58 +0000

The ten strategic questions set out in this report are based on a dialogue among a group of Canadian international policy experts co-chaired by Max Bell School Professor Jennifer Welsh. Their "dialogue was aimed not at recommending a single course of action for Canada, but rather at identifying a range of key strategic choices Canadian governments will need to make in order to advance the security and prosperity of Canadians and to contribute to shaping the world around us in the years ahead."

One nation under two per cent: Is it time for a shake-up of the economy’s most important number?

UUֱ�� — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 15:50:40 +0000

September 3, 2020 | As far as the Bank of Canada is concerned, the economy works best when cost of consumed goods and services increases at a rate of about two per cent every year. In this article by The Kingston Whig Standard, Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan shared his thoughts on the Bank of Canada's options for the future of monetary policy.

Implications of a Moratorium on Public Use of Facial Recognition Technology in Canada | Tech Informed Policy

UUֱ�� — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:51:25 +0000

August 17, 2020 | Since the start of this year, there have been increasing calls for the Canadian government to impose a national moratorium on facial recognition technology. This demand arises from the possibility that law enforcement will use facial recognition to discriminate against certain demographics and worsen discrimination in the justice system. A moratorium would provide legislators time to develop a comprehensive and effective policy regulating FR technology and the data it collects, uses, and shares.

New report finding racism at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights was shocking — but predictable | The Conversation

UUֱ�� — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:38:58 +0000

August 10, 2020 | The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has joined the ranks of other Canadian cultural institutions that are facing accusations of discrimination and harassment. Pervasive and systemic bias has been reported in many instances; from inadequate representation of Indigenous perspectives, to the censorship of LGBTQ2+ content, to many other incidents of racism, homophobia, and sexism experienced by staff members.

Algorithm 'gatekeepers' undermine democracy and health | Montreal Gazette

UUֱ�� — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:32:47 +0000

August 6, 2020 | Social media and other digital platforms have begun to overtake traditional journalism as our primary sources of information. The communications difficulties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated how this trend will prove to have drastic consequences on the reliability of information in our democracies. Max Bell School Professor Taylor Owen co-authored this op-ed with Ben Scott, in which they look at how misinformation, disinformation, online hate, state propaganda and partisan news result from our current information ecosystem.

New report focuses on why invisible infrastructures are key to platform governance reform

UUֱ�� — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 22:35:38 +0000

A new report released by the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy — set to launch this September — outlines an infrastructural approach to social media platforms, and has much to add to the policy space around platform governance of harmful content online. Written by Mike Ananny, Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, the report outlines how companies employ specific infrastructural concepts in their models.

COVID-19: Social media users more likely to believe false information

UUֱ�� — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 13:36:49 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Montreal, July 29, 2020

A new study led by researchers at UUֱ�� finds that people who get their news from social media are more likely to have misperceptions about COVID-19. Those that consume more traditional news media have fewer misperceptions and are more likely to follow public health recommendations like social distancing.

Max Bell MPP student selected for research fellowship with the Canada West Foundation

UUֱ�� — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 15:08:22 +0000

The Policy Scholars program is welcoming three exceptional members of the Max Bell School MPP class of 2020 to complete research fellowships with prominent Canadian policy think tanks.

The Canada West Foundation has partnered with UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy as a participating organization in the Policy Scholars program, a series of new research fellowships awarded annually to promising Max Bell School Master of Public Policy (MPP) students.

Can an ad boycott fix Facebook's hate speech problem? | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 16:40:45 +0000

July 6, 2020 | Over 800 companies are pulling their ads from Facebook in response to the Stop Hate for Profit boycott, led by civil rights groups who want to remove hate speech from the platform. Will threatening the company's bottom line motivate them into action? Max Bell School Professor Taylor Owen goes on the CBC's Front Burner to discuss the propagation of hate speech on social media. Listen in to learn about the ways that platforms can be incentivized to deal with fake news and discriminatory content.

Max Bell School partners with the C.D. Howe Institute for Policy Scholars Program

UUֱ�� — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 17:21:01 +0000

The Policy Scholars program provides Max Bell School MPP students with fellowships working in prominent Canadian policy organizations.

The C.D. Howe Institute has partnered with UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy as a participating organization in the Policy Scholars program, a series of new research fellowships awarded annually to promising Max Bell School Master of Public Policy (MPP) students.

Canada’s COVID-19 recovery plan | The Current

UUֱ�� — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 17:07:20 +0000

By how much will the pandemic cause federal spending to rise? How much revenue are we expecting to lose? And how will the Canadian government manage their debt and avoid a financial emergency? As the COVID-19 crisis continues to spread uncertainty across Canada and the around the world, economists and policymakers must ask themselves these questions and devise ways to manage the post-pandemic financial landscape.

The Institute for Research on Public Policy joins the Max Bell School Policy Scholars Program

UUֱ�� — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 16:08:51 +0000

Three Policy Scholars, selected from the Max Bell School MPP class of 2020, will receive research fellowships with prominent Canadian policy think tanks.

The Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) has partnered with UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy as a participating organization in the Policy Scholars program, a series of new research fellowships awarded annually to promising Max Bell School Master of Public Policy (MPP) students.

Max Bell School Partners launches Policy Scholars Program

UUֱ�� — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 20:08:24 +0000

Funded through a grant from the Max Bell Foundation, the Policy Scholars program provides Max Bell School MPP students with research fellowships at prominent Canadian policy organizations.

UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy has partnered with three distinguished Canadian think tanks for the inaugural year of the School’s Policy Scholars program — a series of research fellowships awarded annually to promising Master of Public Policy (MPP) students.

Cities in Crisis Need Urgent Federal Support | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 16:23:59 +0000

June 19, 2020 | The unfolding economic and public health crisis caused by COVID-19 has revealed cracks in healthcare while underscoring the challenges of Canada's decentralized fiscal federalism. With cities facing increased service delivery pressures and a steep decline in revenues, provinces must invest in municipal economic development on equal footing with the federal government.

Anti-Asian Racists Must Pay Legal Price | New Canadian Media

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:08:43 +0000

March 19, 2021 | In this article for New Canadian Media, MPP candidate Camilla Liu recounts the racism she has faced and explains why such bigotry must be met with legal consequences.

Read the article.

When It’s Measured, it Matters: Disaggregated Race Data in Canada | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 14:57:14 +0000

June 17, 2020 | For years, advocates have been criticizing the Canadian government for neglecting to implement race-based data collection in policing, the justice system, health care, education, and employment. This kind of disaggregated data is essential for policy makers, as it exposes hidden data trends and establishes the scope of systemic inequality. In this Policy Magazine article, MPP candidate Janoah Willsie illustrates the pressing need for race-based data c

COVID-19 and Canada’s Charities: An Existential Funding Crisis | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 16:58:09 +0000

June 18, 2020 | From food banks to women’s shelters, the COVID-19 pandemic has left Canada’s charitable sector overstretched and underfunded like never before. Less funding means less operational capacity at a moment when demand for social services is anything but flattening. In this article, MPP student Jameson Voisin expresses how, without urgent intervention, COVID-19 may be the final straw for many of Canada's charitable organizations.

Fixing the Mess of Ottawa’s LRT — All Aboard for Policy that Works | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 17:14:18 +0000

June 16, 2020 | In 2007, the City of Ottawa adopted an Accountability and Transparency Policy, which outlined seven municipal governance principles to promote transparency.

It’s Time for Big Ideas – Time for a First Nations Universal Basic Income Program | Policy Magazine

UUֱ�� — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 18:11:11 +0000

June 15, 2020 | In Canada, First Nations people experience lower health, social, and education outcomes than non-First Nations Canadians across the board. These vulnerabilities have only been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, Max Bell MPP candidate Kayli Avveduti argues that economic reconciliation in the form of a Universal Basic Income could be a policy solution that pulls First Nations children and families out of poverty.

Johns Hopkins SAIS and UUֱ��'s Max Bell School of Public Policy launch cooperative degree program

UUֱ�� — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 17:19:16 +0000

The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy have partnered to launch a cooperative degree program. This two-year program will enable students to earn a Master of Arts in International Affairs at SAIS Europe, the School’s European campus located in Bologna, Italy, and a Master of Public Policy from UUֱ��.

Three rules for post-pandemic corporate rescues | Financial Post

UUֱ�� — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:24:18 +0000

June 3, 2020 | Given the early-warning signal from bank earnings last week, we should be expecting a wave of business failures in the months ahead, and demands for taxpayer assistance will soon follow. Now is the time for governments to commit to clear principles to guide their response. In this Financial Post article, Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan and Dr. Paul Boothe explain how we can use lessons from the financial crisis of 2008-09.

Canada needs a new prescription for the pandemic recession | Maclean's

UUֱ�� — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 16:12:00 +0000

June 2, 2020 | The spread of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in a severe — and unique — recession, which continues to ravage many corners of the Canadian economy. What makes the current "pandemic" recession so different from a "normal" recession, and how should government policy reflect this reality? In this Maclean's article, Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan and Dr. Paul Boothe break down the role of governments and the shortcomings of conventional stimulus in this pandemic context.

The Liberals and NDP have embraced contempt for Parliament | The National Post

UUֱ�� — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:11:47 +0000

June 1, 2020 | Recently, a two party agreement was reached in Parliament: the NDP supported the Liberals’ motion to suspend regular sittings of Parliament until September, while the Liberals promised to push for a federal policy guaranteeing 10 days of paid sick leave to workers. Given the social distancing guidelines espoused by health experts, is the continued suspension of in-person Parliamentary proceedings actually in the interest of public health? Or is it a ploy by the Liberals to avoid answering tough questions and dealing with non-COVID political issues?

Engineering a ‘green recovery’ is a terrible idea | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 14:22:24 +0000

June 1, 2020 | In the coming weeks, the federal government is expected to begin crafting a stimulus package to lift Canada out of the economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on which cabinet ministers have been assigned to the project, it seems clear the Liberals want to incorporate their climate goals into the package, addressing climate change and economic recovery at the same time. Is a stimulus package the best way to deal with a pandemic recession? And is mounting a “green recovery” the most efficient strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

COVID-19 pandemic uniting Canadians like no other event in decades

UUֱ�� — Mon, 25 May 2020 15:14:20 +0000

Canada's response to the pandemic contrasts markedly with the political partisanship displayed in U.S.

A new study by researchers from UUֱ�� and the University of Toronto finds a cross-partisan consensus on battling COVID-19 in Canada. Unlike in the U.S., this consensus is fostering broad agreement on the threats posed by the pandemic and the actions necessary to contain it – all of which is crucial to efforts to fight the virus.

COVID-19 pandemic unites Canadians like no other event in recent history: study | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Mon, 25 May 2020 15:57:13 +0000

May 25, 2020 | The study co-led by Professor Taylor Owen found that among Canadians, there is cross-partisan consensus on the threat the virus poses and measures that need to be taken to battle it. The study also found that when there isn’t a consensus – which is the case in the United States – compliance with physical distancing guidelines is undermined, which poses an obvious threat.

Opinion: Support Canadians now, but not at the expense of our future | The National Post

UUֱ�� — Mon, 25 May 2020 15:35:09 +0000

May 21, 2020 | In light of the pandemic, governments have moved quickly to support hard-hit workers and businesses. This provision of economic “relief” is different from conventional “stimulus” common during normal recessions. Whereas stimulus policies are all about getting people back to work and businesses back to normal levels of operation, the current relief policies are about replacing people’s incomes while they are safely isolating at home. Replacing a big fraction of the lost income is proving to be very expensive for Canada, and the bill is being added to our public debt.

A Rare Moment of Cross-Partisan Consensus: Elite and Public Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada | Canadian Journal of Political Science

UUֱ�� — Thu, 21 May 2020 16:24:30 +0000

April 16, 2020 | The COVID-19 pandemic has placed nearly unprecedented pressure on policymakers and citizens alike. Effectively containing the pandemic requires a societal consensus. However, a long line of research in political science has told us that polarization tends to occur on highly salient topics because partisans “follow the leader.” Elite consensus is thus essential to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.

The Causes and Consequences of COVID-19 Misperceptions: Understanding the Role of News and Social Media | OSF Preprints

UUֱ�� — Thu, 21 May 2020 16:17:11 +0000

May 4, 2020 | This research investigates the relationship between media consumption, misinformation, and important attitudes and behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Professor Taylor Owen, co-author of this article, finds that comparatively more misinformation circulates on social media platforms, while traditional news media tend to reinforce public health recommendations like social distancing.

Anti-intellectualism and Information Preferences during the COVID-19 Pandemic | OSF Preprints

UUֱ�� — Thu, 21 May 2020 16:11:07 +0000

May 14, 2020 | The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates widespread voluntary and sustained public compliance with expert-guided public health directives, like social or physical distancing. Understanding which citizens seek out and engage with expert messages regarding COVID-19 is thus of central importance. Anti-intellectualism - the generalized distrust of experts and intellectuals – is likely to be a dominant factor. This article, co-written by Professor Taylor Owen, investigates the associations between anti-intellectualism and COVID-19 risk perceptions and social distancing compliance.

Prospective Economic Costs Undermine Expectations of Social Distancing | OSF Preprints

UUֱ�� — Thu, 21 May 2020 16:01:48 +0000

May 20, 2020 | The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an extraordinary burden on governments and citizens alike. In order to contain the spread of the pandemic and limit its effect on health care systems, citizens have been asked to forego social and economic activity to protect others at a tremendous cost to themselves.

Forget about schools – open the summer camps in spring | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 07 May 2020 16:36:19 +0000

May 6, 2020 | Camps are the solution to many of the problems the school reopening is designed to solve, while significantly mitigating the risks of exposure and transmission. Going to camp gets children out of the house and lets their parents return to work.” Andrew Potter, Associate Professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, explains how mass childcare and summer camps are a precursor to restarting the economy in the face of COVID-19.

The coronavirus is costing us more than just our health and economy | The Conversation

UUֱ�� — Wed, 06 May 2020 18:24:12 +0000

May 6, 2020 | “Civil liberties are not designed only for times of peace and stability. They assume special, even critical, importance during public emergencies.” In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergent lockdown policies, Pearl Eliadis discusses the importance of upholding civil liberties.

Do not allow Saudi Arabia’s flogging ban to distract from the repression that still exists | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Tue, 05 May 2020 15:27:56 +0000

April 30, 2020 | In this op-ed, Irwin Cotler argues that while the recent reforms in Saudi Arabia should be welcomed, the international community, Canada included, cannot give Saudi Arabia a pass.

Give me liberty, and give me death? The enduring legacy of America’s penchant for freedom | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 20:40:07 +0000

April 23, 2020 | For centuries Americans have battled others, and each other, in the name of freedom, sometimes weaponizing the word, sometimes twisting the notion out of recognition. David Shribman comments on the shifting definition of American liberty, and what it means in the context of the current protests against COVID-19 lockdown measures.

A Post-COVID-19 Digital Bretton Woods | Project Syndicate

UUֱ�� — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 19:43:29 +0000

April 17, 2020 | The digital age has completely disrupted global governance. Now that COVID-19 has disrupted nearly everything else, it is time to start planning for what comes next, say Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen and Rohinton P. Medhora.

Opinion: The dangers of governing Quebec by decree | Montreal Gazette

UUֱ�� — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 16:33:33 +0000

April 22, 2020 | History has shown that human rights do not co-exist easily with states of emergency. With Quebec’s declaration of a state of emergency, Pearl Eliadis expresses the need to consider how these extraordinary measures will impact the most vulnerable among us.

Chris Ragan on Climate Change and Carbon Pricing | Culture at Crossroads

UUֱ�� — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 19:54:02 +0000

April 16, 2020 | With climate change being one of the most contentious issues in the 2019 federal election, it has become evident that Canadians are concerned with reducing the national carbon footprint. Despite this, policy responses to this issue have not been united. In this podcast, Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan elaborates on the nuances of environmental policy, and how it serves both the economy and the climate.

It's not a crime to disagree with health officials | National Post

UUֱ�� — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 14:56:32 +0000

April 15, 2020 | In public health discourse, there is a lack of contrarianism, dubbed heterodoxy, that is almost completely missing from the national conservation. Andrew Potter elaborates on the need to question the official response to the pandemic, and the narrowness of the options that we are being given for getting back to normalcy.

COVID-19 is helping to unite Canadians like nothing has in years — and we'll need unity for what's to come | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 15:53:31 +0000

April 9, 2020 | Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic stands in marked contrast to that of the United States, and the crisis seems to be helping to unite Canadians like no other event in years. Read what Peter Loewen, Taylor Owen and Derek Ruths had to say.

We are at war with COVID-19. We need to fight it like a war | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 15:15:44 +0000

April 8, 2020 | From restrictions on civil liberties, to the command economy, to the rationing of key supplies, to the hoarding of food and medicine, to the daily body counts — the world is gearing up to fight the war against COVID-19. Andrew Potter discusses the framing of this idea, and the potential for readjusting our resources and mindsets.

As Ottawa moves to cushion the economic blow of COVID-19, what shape will the stimulus package take? | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 20:49:20 +0000

March 16, 2020 | In an attempt to alleviate the blow that COVID-19 has taken to the Canadian economy, Finance Minister Bill Morneau has plans to release a fiscal stimulus package. Kevin Page, Canada’s First Parliamentary Budget Officer, discusses how this stimulus package will come into fruition.

Canada's Federal Government is on the ropes in coronavirus crisis | National Post

UUֱ�� — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 20:37:44 +0000

March 16, 2020 | The world has been swept by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with various governments drafting immediate contingency measures. Andrew Potter presents his analysis of the Canadian government’s current initiatives.

The Afghanistan mission Canada can’t be allowed to forget | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 18:22:03 +0000

March 14, 2020 | Canadian soldiers have been at the forefront of the Afghanistan Mission for almost 13 years now. Nearing the end, Andrew Potter, a professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, comments on Canada’s under-recognition of military service.

Choosing the Right Target Postponed Until Fall 2020 - Exact Dates to Be Confirmed

UUֱ�� — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:37:38 +0000

Due to growing concerns over the COVID-19 virus, we regret to inform you that Choosing the Right Target: Real Options for the Bank of Canada's Mandate Renewal is postponed until fall 2020 (exact dates to be confirmed).

Our decision to postpone was a difficult one. We know that much planning and resources have gone into attending the conference, and we regret any inconvenience this has caused.

Christopher Ragan on climate change and how public policy can help reduce carbon emissions | UUֱ�� Reporter

UUֱ�� — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 16:11:43 +0000

March 9, 2020 | Christopher Ragan, the director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy and former chair of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission, sat down with the UUֱ�� Reporter to discuss the ways in which policy can impact climate change. In this interview, Ragan comments on resistance to decarbonization, current government initiatives, and the divestment movement.

Read the article.

Will Endless Economic Growth End Us? | The Agenda

UUֱ�� — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 17:39:16 +0000

February 24, 2020 | What are the consequences of endless economic expansion? To discuss the potential risks, Steven Paikin spoke to Chris Ragan, director of UUֱ��'s Max Bell School of Public Policy; Celine Bak, president of Analytica Advisors; Atif Kubursi, professor Emeritus of Economics at McMaster University; Peter Victor, author of "Managing Without Growth: Slower by Design, not Disaster;" and Sarah Kaplan, director at U of T's Institute for Gender and the Economy at Rotman School of Management.

Let’s face the facts: To ensure our digital rights, we must hit pause on facial-recognition technology | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 15:48:32 +0000

February 14, 2020 |Rapid advances in facial-recognition technology have the potential for vast social consequences. In response to the scale and speed of these developments and the clear potential for harm, a movement has emerged to ban facial recognition. In this op-ed, Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen and Nasma Ahmed call for the need to move ahead with caution and deliberation, highlighting the urgency for regulatory frameworks.

Informing the debate | UUֱ�� News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 19:46:08 +0000

With the final report of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission out and its clear support for carbon pricing – most notably, a 40-cent tax hike on a litre of gas over the next decade – making headlines, Christopher Ragan, commission chairman, can’t help thinking about how the now concluded six-year project got its start. Like most origin stories, it began at a low point – at least for Ragan.

Meeting Canada's Greenhouse Gas Targets | TVO

UUֱ�� — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 19:31:30 +0000

January 27, 2020 | UUֱ�� economist Chris Ragan, Chair of Canada's Ecofiscal Commission, and Director of the Max Bell School, explains the think tank's final report exploring Canada's options for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

Sciences, Publics, Politics: Lessons From Canada’s Climate Wars | Issues

UUֱ�� — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 19:22:37 +0000

When Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau took office in 2015 as Canada’s prime minister, a top priority was to establish Canada as a global leader on climate change. At the United Nations’ climate summit in Paris that year, Trudeau pledged to cut his country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from 2005 levels by 2030. Four years later, having survived re-election but with a much-diminished political mandate, Trudeau’s climate ambitions have been severely curtailed.

Read the full article here.

Federal government warning of voter coercion, foreign election interference through private messaging services | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 15:07:55 +0000

February 9, 2020| The federal government is worried about the risk of voter coercion and foreign election interference through private messaging services — a concern that could pit the right to privacy and free expression against Canada's election laws.

Taylor Owen on deepfakes | CBC The National

UUֱ�� — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 17:44:56 +0000

January 7, 2020 | There are serious concerns about how Facebook will police deepfake videos. Max Bell School professor Taylor Owen talks about why these sophisticated videos need editorial oversight.

Chris Ragan on carbon pricing | Power and Politics

UUֱ�� — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 21:00:40 +0000

November 27, 2019 | Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan discusses the Ecofiscal Commission's final report on how Canada can meet its 2030 emissions goals with a carbon pricing policy.

Watch the video here.

Here’s why you should like the federal carbon tax | The Star

UUֱ�� — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 20:33:17 +0000

November 27, 2019 | In this opinion piece, it is argued how an escalating carbon price over the years accompanied by rebates, as shown by Chris Ragan, is the most transparent and the least costly for the economy and taxpayers.

Read the full article here.

Hiking carbon tax to $210 cheapest way to hit climate targets: commission | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 20:08:29 +0000

November 27, 2019 | Chris Ragan, Director of the Max Bell School says quadrupling Canada's carbon price by 2030 is the easiest and most cost-effective way for the country to meet its climate targets.

Read the full article here.

Why Carbon Pricing Remains the Smartest Policy Tool | Policy Options

UUֱ�� — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 18:35:11 +0000

November 27, 2019 | Director of the Max Bell School Chris Ragan on why the time is right for a serious conversation about how best to bridge the gap between Canada’s current emissions and our 2030 target.

Read the full article here.

Canada needs carbon tax of $210 a tonne by 2030 to meet Paris targets, report says | National Post

UUֱ�� — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 20:40:47 +0000

November 27, 2019 | The Ecofiscal Commission says Canada will either have to raise carbon prices to $210 per tonne or adopt more expensive policies funded by higher income taxes to meet its 2030 targets.

Read the full article here.

Canada should quadruple carbon tax to meet 2030 targets, commission says | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 20:32:32 +0000

November 27, 2019 | The Ecofiscal Commission's latest report says that if Canada were to meet its 2030 targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions through carbon pricing, it must more than quadruple its carbon tax and rebate the revenues to consumers.

Read the full article here.

Mark Jaccard and Chris Ragan: This time, let’s set climate targets — and achieve them too | Vancouver Sun

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 20:45:41 +0000

October 7, 2019 | In this opinion piece in the Vancouver Sun, Max Bell School Director Chris Ragan and Mark Jaccard, Director at the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University, argue: "the impacts of a changing climate — from forests fires to heatwaves to floods — are getting worse and are making life harder for Canadians. A commitment to achieve deep emissions reductions by 2050 in Canada is consistent with the scale of the threat."

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19 million Canadians have had their data breached in eight months

UUֱ�� — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 20:55:09 +0000

September 2, 2019 | An estimated 19 million Canadians have been affected by data breaches between November 2018 and June 2019, according to numbers obtained by "Attention Control with Kevin Newman," a new podcast that launched Monday. The numbers come from 446 breaches that were reported to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC). Victims of these kinds of data breaches are vulnerable to identity theft, financial crime, even violence in some cases.

Canadian polarized, but social media use likely not the culprit: study

UUֱ�� — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 20:59:26 +0000

September 12, 2019 | Social media might not be to blame for Canadians’ ideological polarization, a new report on digital democracy in Canada finds. “A lot of people don’t use social media very actively,” said Eric Merkley, a researcher on the project. “People on Twitter are not representative of the broader population.”

Fake news preys on emotions, expert warns

UUֱ�� — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 20:50:52 +0000

August 10, 2019| Beware of things you see online that make you emotional, one media expert warns ahead of the fall election. Taylor Owen, professor at UUֱ�� and the co-creator of the Digital Democracy Project, says fake news often preys on feelings like anger and fear.

Listen to the Interview

Canadians' media-consumption habits lead to misinformation, study finds

UUֱ�� — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 20:45:58 +0000

August 7, 2019 | Canadians aren’t as divided into partisan echo chambers as social media would suggest, but a heavy news diet doesn't guarantee you'll be informed, a new study has found.

Read the Article

The government just made its toxic media bailout plan even worse

UUֱ�� — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 20:16:04 +0000

May 24, 2019 | The news release put by Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez begins well: "The Government of Canada understands that for a democracy to function properly, it needs to have solid, independent news media."

If only he had stopped there. But instead, the release goes on for another 700 words to outline a plan whose principal effect will be to undermine the independence of the news media.

Read the article

The Hill Times features Digital Democracy Project

UUֱ�� — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 16:17:20 +0000

August 29, 2019 | The latest data from the Digital Democracy Project suggests that while 17 per cent of respondents indicated the environment was a top election issue, on par with health care, and second to the economy at 20 per cent, support for reducing emissions through a carbon price is soft, even among left-leaning voters.

Read the article

New podcast launches to cover the impact of technology on our democracy during the 2019 Canadian federal election

UUֱ�� — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 22:24:34 +0000

Attention Control with Kevin Newman podcast released its first episodes this week, exploring digital media’s impact on the 2019 federal election.

Hosted by award-winning journalist Kevin Newman, the weekly election podcast will provide Canadians with exclusive investigative reporting, timely in-depth interviews with influential voices, and ongoing news coverage on how digital tools, platforms and data are influencing public opinion during the election campaign.

Digital Ecosystem Research Challenge Winners Announced

UUֱ�� — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 19:38:07 +0000

The Digital Ecosystem Research Challenge has awarded 18 Research Awards ranging from $3,000 to $75,000 to research teams from Canada and abroad. The Digital Ecosystem Research Challenge is a collaborative effort between Dr. Taylor Owen, Associate Professor in the Max Bell School of Public Policy, UUֱ�� and Dr. Elizabeth Dubois, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and a Centre for Law, Technology and Society Faculty Member at the University of Ottawa.

Andrew Potter joins UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy

UUֱ�� — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 12:58:34 +0000

August 14, 2019 | The Max Bell School of Public Policy is thrilled to announce that Andrew Potter has joined the School to support its teaching, outreach, research, and policy engagement activities.

“Andrew is an incredible asset for the Max Bell School of Public Policy. His extensive experience in the Canadian media landscape, his considerable policy interests, and his academic background form a winning combination that will benefit our MPP students and the development of the school’s forthcoming publications,” said Chris Ragan, the Director of the Max Bell School.

Canada’s wisest policy: stealing policies from other countries | The Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:46:38 +0000

August 12, 2019 | In this piece, Christopher Ragan, Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy, argues that economists know the more we lean on carbon pricing, the better off our economy will be. He draws on the experience of Sweden's carbon tax and the U.S efforts to reduce acid rain by taxing sulfur-dioxide producing plants. Instead of opting for intrusive and complex policies to fight climate change, Ragan argues that Canada should create economic incentives that give households and businesses the freedom to respond to the market how they see fit.

Canadians' media-consumption habits lead to misinformation | National Observer

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 17:57:27 +0000

August 7, 2019 | A report published by the Digital Democracy Project suggests that overall misinformation levels in Canada are low. However, certain trends in media consumption put news consumers and voters more at risk to be misinformed about key political issues. To learn more about how information and disinformation flow through journalistic and social media channels in the run-up to the October federal election, read the National Observer's article here.

People with strong partisan views get more facts wrong on a current events test: survey | Global News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 16:59:49 +0000

August 8, 2019 | A survey launched by the Digital Democracy Project found that most Canadians across the political spectrum got a common set of facts from an array of mainstream media outlets. The report also highlighted voters' tendencies to select and consume news from sources that support their political beliefs, generating so-called echo chambers.

Canadians who hold strong links to political parties more likely to be misinformed about politics | The Star

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 16:31:37 +0000

August 8, 2019 | The Digital Democracy Project, an initiative of Max Bell School of Public Policy in collaboration with the Public Policy Forum, analyzes the increasing amounts of disinformation and hate in the digital public sphere. A new study shows the links between political affiliation and misinformation.

News that's safe to use: Researchers aim to track information during campaign | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 16:14:40 +0000

August 8, 2019 | In an age where information is increasingly scrutinized yet more easily diffusable than ever, Canadians might be more misinformed than disinformed. New findings from the Digital Democracy Project show how information ricochets around the Canadian political landscape. Learn more about the ways in which exposure to certain news outlets affects voters and the democractic processes in elections.

Climate change puts health at risk and economists have the right prescription | The Conversation

UUֱ�� — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 21:19:01 +0000

June 24, 2019 | Climate change affects many aspects of people's lives. As it is a common source of worry to doctors and economists alike, the proposed solutions to climate change are numerous. Chris Ragan, director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy and Courtney Howard, clinical associate professor at the Cumming School of Medicine (University of Calgary) argue that carbon pricing is the right solution. This piece connects the dots between health outcomes and worsening climate crisis, while exposing its societal financial costs.

Digital Ecosystem Research Challenge Launched ahead of 2019 Election

UUֱ�� — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 15:27:15 +0000

Dr. Taylor Owen, holder of the Beaverbrook Chair in Ethics, Media and Communications received, with Dr. Elizabeth Dubois (University of Ottawa), a Canada History Fund grant to run the Digital Ecosystem Research Challenge. They have launched a call for proposals for projects examining the uses and impacts of digital media in the 2019 Canadian Federal Election.

Why doctors argue ‘carbon pricing’ can ‘cure’ climate change | Global News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 19:40:04 +0000

June 30, 2019 | For doctors across Canada, the evidence at the bedside is increasingly hard to ignore: climate change poses a serious health risk. Chris Ragan, Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy, adds that "Economics has a very clear prescription for these challenges: carbon pricing. In the same way that penicillin treats an infection, carbon pricing can help fight climate change."

Read the commentary here

Piecing together the public policy puzzle | UUֱ�� News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 19:16:15 +0000

July 2, 2019 | In this article published in the UUֱ�� Alumni magazine, Joel Yanofsky tells the story of the creation of the Max Bell School, from the historic $10 million gift that started it all to the development of an MPP program that aims to bridge the gap between thinking about policy and making it.

The article features interviews with Max Bell School MPP teaching faculty member Kevin Page, as well as Advisory Board Co-Chair Christie Clark, and three students of our incoming inaugural MPP class.

Federal election easy prey for social media manipulators, experts warn | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 15:20:03 +0000

JUNE 24, 2019 | Taylor Owen, an expert in the political impact of digital technologies, warns that the social media infrastructure is to blame for the spread of fake news and political interference. "What's wrong with this infrastructure is that it is calibrated for engagement," he says. Taylor Owen's segment on a special news report for The National can be found here.

Election interference is happening in Canada: What you can do to stop it | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 18:06:32 +0000

June 25, 2019 | Online interference is happening in the run-up to Canada's fall federal election. CBC News looked at who's behind it and what you can do to stop it. The interview featured Taylor Owen, Max Bell School professor and Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics, and Communications. Taylor Owen spoke about how the design of our digital infrastructure and social media platforms are manipulable when it comes to election campaigns and political speech.

Taylor Owen in The Globe and Mail: Who will answer the Christchurch Call? Nobody, if tech platforms continue ungoverned | OPINION

UUֱ�� — Fri, 24 May 2019 14:34:49 +0000

May 23, 2019 | Taylor Owen, Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communication at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, writes that the Christchurch Call might be a missed opportunity for governments to move toward global digital governance. He says " [the Christchurch Call] has no enforceable mandates, it focuses overwhelmingly on technical fixes to what are also political, social and economic problems and its framing around terrorism and hate speech is far too narrow, treating the symptom of the problem while ignoring the underlying disease."

Remarks by Taylor Owen: International Grand Committee on Big Data, Privacy and Democracy

UUֱ�� — Tue, 28 May 2019 17:01:32 +0000

Remarks by Taylor Owen, Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communication and Associate Professor in the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ��

May 27, 2019, Ottawa

Co-Chairs Zimmer and Collins, Committee Members;

A cross-country "energy corridor" for Canada? | CTV News

UUֱ�� — Fri, 24 May 2019 14:45:03 +0000

May 24, 2019 | Conservative leader Andrew Scheer revived the idea of a coast-to-coast energy corridor, a policy that has picked up interest in recent years. Chris Ragan, Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy, comments on this policy. He warns that, given the difficulty of securing approval for energy infrastructure in Canada, "the country will want to find ways to get through tough approval processes to run more east-west energy grids".

Read the full article here

Canada to announce framework for accountability & transparency from social media platforms | Primetime Politics

UUֱ�� — Fri, 17 May 2019 20:36:31 +0000

May 15, 2019 | Digital media expert and Professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, Taylor Owen explains Canada's Digital Charter, the federal government'a latest engagement to provide a framework for accountability and transparency from social media platforms. He believes the greater question to date is whether, and how national regulations will apply to tech giants and corporations based in the United States.

Watch the full interview here

Des politiciens s'engagent à tenir tête aux géants de la technologie | Radio Canada

UUֱ�� — Fri, 17 May 2019 18:29:43 +0000

May 12, 2019 | Social media companies are beginning to worry politicians around the world. In the context of the coming 2019 election, elected officials are worried that non-compliance with current laws may pose a threat to Canadian democracy. Max Bell School Professor and digital expert Taylor Owen asserts that it is not too late for Canada to beef up its laws and regulate tech giants.

Read the full article here

The Christchurch Call: toward a global effort to fight online hate speech | Globe and Mail

UUֱ�� — Fri, 17 May 2019 18:14:21 +0000

May 15, 2019 | World leaders including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, France's President Emmanuel Macron and New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met at the "Christchurch Call" summit to discuss steps in eradicating online hate speech. Digital governance expert Taylor Owen argues that national regulations protecting user privacy and data ownership may come into force earlier than we may think.

Read the full article here

Canada's new ‘Digital Charter’ | Welland Tribune

UUֱ�� — Fri, 17 May 2019 17:33:16 +0000

May 12, 2019 | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced the new Digital Charter, an attempt for the government to step in and regulate tech giants. This framework aims at setting expectations on issues such as data ownership, privacy protections and the online dissemination of hate. Digital expert and UUֱ��'s Chair of Media, Ethics and Communications Taylor Owen shares his views on this new framework.

Read the full article

Will Canada regulate tech giants? Taylor Owen weighs in | Vancouver Sun

UUֱ�� — Fri, 17 May 2019 16:00:24 +0000

May 12, 2019 | Politicians are increasingly concerned that social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter have become so powerful and rich that they are effectively above the law — at least in a small country like Canada. Taylor Owen, UUֱ��'s Chair in Media, Ethics and Communications and Max Bell School spoke about the challenges in implementing international regulations on hate speech, but maintains that Canada is in a position to strengthen their laws.

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Taylor Owen on the "Christchurch Call" | CBC Radio

UUֱ�� — Thu, 16 May 2019 20:55:04 +0000

May 15, 2019 | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other world leaders reunited in Paris for the "Christchurch Call" summit. This meeting brought together politicians and industry leaders in tech to fight the spread of online extremism. UUֱ��'s Chair of Media, Ethics and Communications Taylor Owen was invited to CBC's Front Burner to discuss the challenges in implementing efficient measures to combat online hate speech.

Taylor Owen on the challenges of moderating online content | CBC News

UUֱ�� — Thu, 16 May 2019 15:51:22 +0000

May 15, 2019 | UUֱ��'s Chair of Media, Ethics and Communications Taylor Owen joined CBC's Andrew Nichols to talk about the challenges in tackling online extremism. The technical challenges faced by world leaders and companies are, he says, very intricate and nuanced and require careful scanning and moderating. Beyond these technical difficulties, there is also a political dimension to this issue that requires a societal discussion on how "hate speech regulations" should be implemented.

Debunking carbon tax myths | Financial Post

UUֱ�� — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:44:41 +0000

April 5, 2019 | With the federal carbon tax coming in to the four provinces in Canada, how will it affect small businesses? Is the carbon tax constitutional? Chris Ragan, economist and director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy debunks certain myths surrounding the federal carbon tax on Financial Post.

Watch the interview

Regulating Social Media Giants | The Reporter

UUֱ�� — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 16:12:51 +0000

April 9, 2019 | The Canadian government is now considering to actively regulate social media platforms such as Facebook, given the lack of results from self-regulation. "We better get the democratic governance right if we have any hope of pushing back against the autocratic model," said Taylor Owen, an associate professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ�� in Montreal. "The challenge of (content moderation) is that it's the most difficult piece of this puzzle."

Why are governments slow to regulate social media? | Global News

UUֱ�� — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:29:31 +0000

April 8, 2019 | Social media has been deeply ingrained in our daily lives and with the current spread of hate and misinformation, governments have been slow to regulate social media companies. Taylor Owen from UUֱ�� Univeristy, speaks with Global National’s Dawna Friesen on what can and should be done to stop the spread these false information and hate online.

Watch the interview

Introduction of the Federal Carbon Tax | CBC Power & Politics

UUֱ�� — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 21:27:57 +0000

April 1, 2019 | Chris Ragan, Director of Max Bell School of Public Policy, joined CBC News Power and Politics, to discuss the federal carbon tax. "Carbon pricing is the lowest-cost method that we can use to combat climate change" argues Chris Ragan.

Watch the interview

There’s probably more consensus on output-based pricing than you think | Canada's Eco-fiscal Commission

UUֱ�� — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 15:04:44 +0000

March 29, 2019 | "Meeting Canada’s climate targets in a way that is best for our economic prosperity requires broad policy that creates consistent incentives across all emissions in the economy, from individual households and small businesses to heavy industry. Output-based pricing must be a key part of that mix if Canada is to strike the right balance between pricing emissions and protecting competitiveness," says Chris Ragan, chair of Canada's Ecofiscal Commission and director of Max Bell School of Public Policy.

How Trudeau is faring economically ahead of pre-election budget | BNN Bloomberg

UUֱ�� — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 16:31:35 +0000

March 18, 2019 | Prior to Canada’s next election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers his fourth and final budget. After surveying over a dozen economists to take stock of the government’s record on economic policy, Bloomberg has highlighted some key aspects in the policy. The question is “to what extent is Canada a place where you can come in and do reasonably risky big natural resource related projects,” said Chris Ragan, director of UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy. “The answer is increasingly ‘don’t come here.’”

Debt is a vast, sucking field of muck, and we're all flailing to get out | CBC Opinion

UUֱ�� — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 16:24:20 +0000

March 19, 2019 | Chris Ragan, Director of the Max Bell School, shares his thoughts with Neil Macdonald, a columnist at CBC Opinion, regarding government debt and the upcoming "fiscal squeeze" as the Canadian population ages. "The Trudeau government's spending has been scattershot and political, rather than strategic; reversing Stepen Harper's decision to raise the retirement age was foolish" says Chris Ragan.

Read the article here

Federal carbon tax comes into effect | CTV Power Play

UUֱ�� — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 16:05:14 +0000

April 1, 2019 | Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy, Christopher Ragan, sat down with Don Martin on Power Play to speak about the Federal Carbon Tax.

"We respond to price changes, but we don't necessarily respond overnight," said Chris Ragan about the carbon tax. "This is a policy and a problem that we need solve over several decades, and this is just the beginning."

Interview starts around 08:40 minute mark.

Fiscal responsibility and the federal budget | Breakfast Television Montreal

UUֱ�� — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 15:56:27 +0000

March 14, 2019 | Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy, Dr Christopher Ragan, sat down with Breakfast Television Montreal to speak about the new 'fiscally responsible' budget, as proposed by the Finance minister, Morneau.

"The new budget will be fiscally responsible". What does that mean about taxes, debt and spending? Dr. Christopher Ragan explains the new budget proposal and its effects.

Watch the interview

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Taylor Owen cited in article about Facebook leak | CBC

UUֱ�� — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 14:36:27 +0000

Documents leaked to UK journalists reveals a global lobbying operation carried out by Facebook targeting legislators around the world, including in countries like the U.K., United States, Canada, India and Brazil.

Facebook promised to open a data centre in Canada to create jobs, in exchange for the federal government offering assurances that it would not impose its jurisdiction over the company's non-Canadian data.

Populism and Public Policy | Breakfast Television Montreal

UUֱ�� — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 14:23:09 +0000

The rise of populism has caused major changes in public policy, on both the left and the right. Professor Christoper Ragan, Director of Max Bell School of Public Policy, explores some examples.

How do we define populism? Will it trickle down to Canada and effect the upcoming federal election? Chistoper Ragan explains on the Breakfast Television Montreal.

Watch the interview

Better Environmental and Economic Outcomes | The Future Economy

UUֱ�� — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 13:50:28 +0000

In this interview, Christopher Ragan, Director of Max Bell School of Public Policy and Chair of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission, helps to identify policy options to improve environmental and economic performance in Canada.

Losing Ground on Carbon Pricing | TVO

UUֱ�� — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 23:51:53 +0000

Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy Chris Ragan sat down with TVO'S The Agenda with Steve Palkin to discuss carbon pricing.

"In 2014 the Ecofiscal Commission was created to advocate for putting a price on carbon. It comprised people from across the political spectrum, including former Reform Party founder and leader, Preston Manning. A consensus seemed to be emerging. But, these days it has become a heated debate across Canada. The Agenda welcomes economist Chris Ragan, chair of the commission, to discuss the battle over the carbon tax."

The “AB-QC’s” of equalization payments | Breakfast Television Montreal

UUֱ�� — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 22:12:38 +0000

Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy, Chris Ragan, sat down with Breakfast Television Montreal to speak about equalization payments.

"Equalization payments are inflaming Quebec-Alberta tensions. Dr. Christopher Ragan explains what they are and how they add fuel to the fire."

Watch the interview

The Politics of Carbon Pricing | Breakfast Television Montreal

UUֱ�� — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:33:47 +0000

Director of the Max Bell School of Public Policy, Chris Ragan, sat down with Breakfast Television Montreal to discuss carbon pricing.

"The federal carbon tax plan is causing friction across parties and provinces, and will be a key issue this election year," Professor Ragan explains.

Watch the interview

Big Tech’s net loss: How governments can turn anger into action | THE GLOBE AND MAIL

UUֱ�� — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:04:15 +0000

Newly appointed Max Bell School of Public Policy professor Taylor Owen wrote a piece for the Globe and Mail on how governments should regulate Big Tech companies.

"There is currently a disconnect between the global scale, operation and social impact of technology companies and the national jurisdiction of most countries' tech laws and regulations. As former BlackBerry co-CEO Jim Balsillie has argued, the digital economy may need its Bretton Woods moment."

Not all news consumers worry about journalistic values | POLICY OPTIONS

UUֱ�� — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 19:12:25 +0000

The Max Bell School of Public Policy was mentioned in a Policy Options piece that discusses research conducted by newly appointed Max Bell Professor Taylor Owen and UUֱ�� Institute for the Study of Canada Assistant Professor Andrew Potter on the habits of news consumers.

Un projet pour surveiller et analyser la désinformation en ligne | Le Devoir

UUֱ�� — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:59:13 +0000

The Max Bell School was mentioned in an article featuring the Digital Democracy Project in Le Devoir.

"« Le monde devient encore plus compliqué pour les médias et la vérité ! » lance au Devoir Ed Greenspon, le président et directeur général du Forum des politiques publiques (FPP). C’est en quelque sorte la prémisse du Digital Democracy Project, la nouvelle initiative qu’il lance avec l’École de politiques publiques Max Bell de l’Université UUֱ��."

Digital Democracy Project to examine online disinformation

UUֱ�� — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 23:00:00 +0000

TORONTO, Nov 27, 2018 – Public Policy Forum President & CEO Edward Greenspon and recently appointed Max Bell School of Public Policy professor Taylor Owen announced the launch of a multi-year project to analyze and respond to the increasing amounts of disinformation and hate in the digital public sphere.

In conversation with Taylor Owen, digital media scholar | MCGILL REPORTER

UUֱ�� — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 16:13:38 +0000

Taylor Owen sat down with the UUֱ�� Reporter to discuss media, technology, public policy and his appointment to the Max Bell School of Public Policy.

"In January 2019, Taylor Owen will be joining the Max Bell School of Public Policy. A leading scholar of media, technology and public policy, Owen, will hold the Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communications. Taylor Owen’s research focuses on the policy and governance challenges created by the rapid changes to the digital media and technology environment."

Bank of Canada to review policy framework, hints at big changes | REUTERS

UUֱ�� — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 20:26:26 +0000

UUֱ�� was featured in an article outlining the Bank of Canada's plans to review policy framework and implement changes.

"Bank of Canada Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Wilkins said that while the inflation-targeting framework has promoted the economic and financial well-being of Canadians, the decade since the fiscal crisis has shown it is not perfect.

“It is time to conduct a thorough review of the alternatives,” she said in the prepared text of a lecture at UUֱ�� in Montreal."

Speech by Carolyn A. Wilkins, Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada, at UUֱ��'s Max Bell School of Public Policy

UUֱ�� — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 16:01:41 +0000

MONTREAL - On Tuesday, November 20, 2018, Bank of Canada Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn A. Wilkins will visit UUֱ�� and deliver a speech during the first Max Bell Policy Luncheon, organized by the Max Bell School of Public Policy.

Topic: Major public policy issues around monetary policy frameworks and how those issues have become more complex in the post-global financial crisis world.

Time:12:00 - 14:00 (Eastern Time)

Was Trudeau’s ‘Grand Bargain’ just a little too clever? | THE GLOBE AND MAIL

UUֱ�� — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 16:55:41 +0000

Chris Ragan, Director of the Max Bell School, and Andrew Potter, Associate Professor at the UUֱ�� Institute for the Study of Canada, wrote an opinion piece for The Globe and Mail on carbon pricing and pipelines.

"Instead of a Pan-Canadian Framework getting us the economic benefits of a new pipeline and a carbon price to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, it’s entirely possible that we will end up with neither."

Deux Nouvelles Écoles À UUֱ�� | LA PRESSE

UUֱ�� — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 17:26:54 +0000

The newly opened Max Bell School of Public Policy was featured in La Presse.

« Le programme expliquera pourquoi c’est si complexe d’élaborer des politiques publiques en se penchant notamment sur les questions de budget, de communication et d’interaction avec la politique partisane en vue de former les futurs leaders en matière de politiques publiques », explique Chris Ragan, directeur de l’École de politiques publiques Max Bell à l’Université UUֱ��."

Leading digital media scholar, Taylor Owen, appointed to UUֱ��’s Max Bell School of Public Policy

UUֱ�� — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 15:29:08 +0000

The Max Bell School of Public Policy at UUֱ�� is excited to announce that leading scholar of media, technology and public policy, Taylor Owen, will be joining the Max Bell School in January 2019 as an Associate Professor and the holder of the Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communications. Taylor Owen’s research focuses on the policy and governance challenges created by the rapid changes to the digital media and technology environment.

What do Canadians want from their news? | POLICY OPTIONS

UUֱ�� — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 16:40:22 +0000

The Max Bell School of Public Policy's study about news consumption habits, political preferences and trust in news organizations was featured in Policy Options magazine.