The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly changed Canada’s urban and rural landscapes by causing both rural decline and unexpected rural growth. As a result , Canada needs to rethink its approach to rural communities at the federal level.
COVID-19
OPINION | We Need to Improve Accessibility to Mental Health Services in Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the oftentimes ignored cracks and fault lines in the current mental health care system in Canada. One of the biggest issues that has arisen and urgently needs to be addressed, is the inability of many people to access mental health services.
OPINION | Looking to the Past Won’t Help Us Understand Post-COVID Economics
The unique nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in equally unique, and unforeseen consequences, the economy being the main casualty. While it is tempting to compare the present economic circumstances to that of the 2008 recession to do so would be incorrect and in fact dangerous especially when attempting to navigate post COVID economics. Instead, officials should look to different methods and responses in order to rebuild the economy such as through a more sophisticated investment response.
OPINION | Canada’s Reverse Robin Hood Housing Policy
The federal government has pledged to introduce a modest, targeted vacancy tax in its recent budget in order to tamp down on the speculative housing activity that has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is difficult to imagine that such a small measure will make much of a difference on the overall costs and a responsible government would, before introducing new initiatives, examine and eliminate perverse incentives in this realm which previous have put in place and which continue to contribute to an overheating market.
FEATURED: OPINION | The Necessity of Open-Access Data in the Digital Future
A critical step is in the process of being taken with the ways in which data resources are being shared as a means of expediting the scientific response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A step that could not only permanently alter our global trajectory, but that is essential for contemporary society to find solid ground should we wish to withstand the tides to come.
OPINION | Sow Doubt, Reap Treasure: Vaccine Skepticism is Now a Bankable Character Trait
Vaccine skepticism is no longer representative of a niche; it has reached mainstream culture through media outlets, politicians, popular and religious figures, making it incredibly difficult to navigate even one day of information consumption without bumping head on into it. The result is that vaccine skepticism is a bankable character trait: it makes money for traditional and new media, it sells products and also, very importantly, it ensures votes and accrues or preserves influence for those in power.
OPINION | The Niki Ashton Case and the Need for Balance on COVID-19 Restrictions
With spiking case counts across the country during the second wave of COVID-19, many Canadians were understandably upset when reports came that a number of politicians jetted off to exotic locales for winter vacations after numerous pleas from politicians to stay at home. This has decreased public trust in government and has lead to individual members of the public not taking the problems posed by COVID-19 seriously. However, the case of New Democratic Party Member of Parliament Niki Ashton highlights that it may be worth questioning how COVID restrictions and regulations could be made more humane in the first place.
What impact has COVID19 had on the mental health of Canadians?
One aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic that has been overlooked is the effect that the crisis itself and the policies implemented as a result of it has had on the mental health of Canadians. This article examines the impacts of the crisis on the mental health of Canadians and highlights areas for improvements in terms of public policy.
The Right to Housing in Canada: Imagining an Inclusive Future
Heightened attention has been given to the problems of homelessness and housing insecurity across Canada. Under present conditions, eviction is closer to reality for many due to the lifting of eviction bans.