‘Deeply disturbing’ report raises questions about federal interventions supporting Canadian mining companies overseas despite human rights concerns
A new report provides a window into the Harper government’s aggressive support for a Canadian mining company in Guatemala, but MPs and human rights advocates say the current government still improperly prioritizes “economic diplomacy” over its human rights and environmental obligations. NDP MP and international development critic Heather McPherson told The Hill Times that the […]
Tuberculosis cases surge amid the twin crises of COVID and conflict
You may have noticed that landmarks across Canada, from Niagara Falls, to the CN Tower, to the Victoria Legislature, glowed red last week. On March 24, World TB Day, these were some of the 44 landmarks across Canada that advocates ensured were lit up in red to draw attention to the fact that tuberculosis (TB), […]
Two years later, the colour of one’s skin still affects vaccine status
Whether you agreed or vehemently disagreed with the so-called Freedom Convoy’s tactics, chances are you’re tired of this pandemic. Over the winter, many Canadians have caught COVID-19 and fared relatively well thanks to being vaccinated. People are increasingly resigned to living with the virus, and ready to move on with their lives. But this newfound […]
Glycomics is the new frontier in bioinnovation
As nations scramble to address global crises in antimicrobial resistance, food security, and climate change, the federal government’s vision to invest in glycomics, a field of research laying the groundwork for the next biotechnological revolution, deserves particular recognition. Canada has a tremendous opportunity with continued investment in glycomics to establish global leadership and economic prosperity […]
Sajjan’s mandate offers welcome focus on education in Canada’s international development policy
With its December release of new minister mandate letters, the Trudeau government built on the directions and goals previously stated in the November Speech from the Throne by detailing specific directives to each minister on the priorities of their individual portfolios. As expected, as Canada’s newest international development minister, Harjit Sajjan’s priority is to support […]
Selection of Harjit Sajjan as international development minister brings concerns after past performance, say experts
Questions loom on how new International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan can implement Canada’s feminist international assistance policy after he failed to address the sexual misconduct crisis in the Canadian Forces as defence minister, say experts. International development analysts told The Hill Times that Mr. Sajjan’s (Vancouver South, B.C.) failure to effect change in the military’s […]
Famine in the 21st century: 41 million people are at risk of starving to death in 2021
On Aug. 19, World Humanitarian Day, we remember the millions around the world who have suffered humanitarian crises and those who respond to the needs of the most vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic increased humanitarian need across the world. But for 12 countries in particular, the devastation of COVID-19 is eclipsed by the threat of imminent […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
