Opioid misinformation is out there and the government can do something about it, experts say
Opioid misinformation runs the gamut, from a lack of clarity around illicit usage to fear around medically prescribed opioids, but experts say the federal government can do more to tackle these myths, including by helping facilitate a guideline for prescribing opioids and exploring decriminalization. The latest 2020 figures on the opioid epidemic indicate that 6,214 […]
Real estate nation: putting the economy at risk and disadvantaging a generation
OTTAWA—It’s been a decade since the commercial bank borrowing rates influenced by the Bank of Canada shifted permanently downward as the central bank adopted a policy that came to be known as “low for long.” Central bank officials holed up down the street from Parliament were forced to keep their trend-setting interest rate well below […]
New interfaith caucus spreading the good words through personal connection
Courts have inferred over the years that there should be state neutrality in matters of religion and a feeling of separation of church and state, but that doesn’t mean faith is any less important to MPs. Learning about religion then, through personal relationships, is one part of the reasoning behind the parliamentary all-party interfaith caucus […]
What was once a gap in accessing global health care is now a crisis
As the aftershocks of COVID-19 reverberate around the world, what was once a gap in health services delivery has turned into a global crisis. And in a world where, all too often, it is women’s rights that become the early casualties of any crisis, women and girls are bearing the brunt of the disruptions of […]
As political variants of concern rise, Trudeau may yet pay the price for long-time vaccine production failures
OTTAWA—Despite an up-and-down performance combatting COVID-19, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has generally been given okay marks by the public and weathered 16 months of the crisis in fairly good shape in terms of the Liberals’ public standing. But the political variants of concern are mounting, and Trudeau may be about to belatedly pay the price […]
The pandemic will not end anywhere until it ends everywhere
Canadians have reason to be hopeful. We’re on track to become a global leader in terms of COVID-19 vaccine rollout. But as we experience the gradual easing of restrictions and lockdowns at home, we need to be very mindful of a new world record. The end of 2020 marks the highest number of forcibly displaced […]
Vaccines for the world: charity or self-interest?
LONDON, U.K.—At the recent G7 summit, U.S. President Joe Biden promised to distribute 500 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines free to the poorer countries by the middle of next year. That’s more than a drop in the bucket, but not much more. A tablespoon in the bucket, perhaps. And the other six ‘Gs’ (Canada, France, […]
Pandemic reveals Canada’s access-to-information system in ‘a critical state,’ and need for ‘urgent’ resources, says top watchdog
Canada’s already “archaic” access-to-information system proved to be inefficient throughout the pandemic revealing gaps that should be urgently addressed, according to a new report by the office that oversees the system. Departments and agencies across government relied on outdated software and “bureaucratic processes that have not kept up with the times,” a reality made worse […]
Helping Canadians get back to work: effective skills-training approaches for a post-pandemic recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread economic disruption and has thrown many Canadians out of work. While this unprecedented challenge has no quick-fix solutions, there is evidence that some skills training programs can ease the transition back into employment for those who have lost their jobs. Although government-sponsored training programs are sometimes viewed with […]
Canada can do more to boost global vaccination rates, say advocates, despite G7 pledge
As Canada signed on to a G7 pledge to help vaccinate people around the world faster, stakeholders say the pledge doesn’t go far enough and more focus should be put on the international vaccine effort by distributing additional vaccines and facilitating increased manufacturing. Leading up to the G7 summit in Cornwall, England, which took place […]
