The TPP: A secret deal that binds the hands that heal
Picture this: a patient returns to the office for a follow-up visit with their physician. When asked how the prescribed treatment is working out, they answer: “I don’t know, I...
Supply management and the folly of the TPP
The recent conclusion of the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations between Canada and eleven other countries has resulted in the usual chorus of condemnation by right wing economists of Canada’s system...
Serious climate action requires emission reduction targets
Justin Trudeau has announced that the Liberals “won’t set a specific emissions target” for greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change. His reasoning is that, “what we need is not ambitious...
Government investment can reverse Canada's business innovation deficit
There has been a lot of talk during the federal election campaign about how to create more good, “middle-class” jobs. But there has been only limited recognition of the need...
Canada's childcare debate through Finnish eyes
As an early childhood researcher newly arrived from Finland, the current Canadian debate about universal childcare has been somewhat baffling. In Finland, universal early childhood education and childcare (ECEC) means...
Making molehills out of mountains
Pity the poor pundits this ridiculously long election season. The election-industrial complex has never revved this hot for so long, and some of its practitioners are starting to show the...
Time to move beyond "tough on crime" rhetoric
Not since Governor Michael Dukakis’ 1988 presidential bid was derailed by attack ads about the dangerous inmate Willie Horton being released into the community has any well-briefed politician dared not...
The fight for universal child care
My grandmother used to tell me that "nothing worth doing ever comes easy." Well, a national, quality, affordable child care program is unquestionably worth doing. And come easy it won't....
Labour market policy is about more than unemployment
When we talk about jobs during the current election campaign, we should be concerned about both the short term and the next few years. We badly need to create jobs...
Two takes on Stephen Harper
Globe and Mail journalist John Ibbitson's new book, Stephen Harper, is well-written and certainly worth reading in the run-up to the federal election. While there are no major new revelations (most...
