2025 Global Policy Project Symposium: MPPGA Students Address Real-World Policy Challenges
Learn about the capstone Global Policy Project (GP²), and the groups of MPPGA students who are working with clients from around the globe.
What it Means to be “American” – 2025 Phil Lind Initiative Recordings
Whether you joined us in person or missed an event, you can now watch the full recordings from the 2025 Phil Lind Initiative Series.
Welcome 2025 Liu Scholars
Introducing 2025’s Liu Scholars, outstanding PhD students who will be mentored by our faculty to conduct multidisciplinary research to drive global impact.
Su Thet San, MPPGA Second Year Student Rethinking Policies Affecting Minorities in Myanmar
Before joining the MPPGA Program, Su Thet worked at a local NGO in Myanmar and their current interests are deeply informed by this experience. Read more about their research and their experience with the program so far.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Prof. Tricia Logan Provides Expert Comment
Prof. Tricia Logan spoke with media this week on and in the lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Caste, Comedy & Critical Conversations: Centre for India and South Asia Research 2023-24
Bridging academia and community engagement, CISAR’s 2023-24 programming emphasized caste-based discrimination while also engaging with broader social, political, and cultural issues related to India and South Asia.
Advancing Gender Equality and Security with Erin Baines and Liliane Pari Umuhoza
SPPGA Professor Erin Baines and MPPGA student Liliane Pari Umuhoza recently presented at the third annual RN-WPS symposium at the University of Ottawa.
Human Rights Collective: How Dr. Jenny Peterson and ORICE are empowering change
Read Dr. Peterson’s personal reflections on her long-lasting partnership with ORICE and the activities of Human Rights Collective
Event Recap: Reporting on Mass Atrocities in Myanmar
Award-winning journalist Wa Lone shared his experience of reporting on a genocide and discussed the concerning state of press freedom in present-day Myanmar
SPPGA 2022-23 Annual Report
Learn more about the major research, achievements, and programming of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2022-23 annual report.
Harsha Walia Breaks Down Borders: Speaking on Climate Migration, Racial Capitalism and Empire
Canadian activist, writer and organizer Harsha Walia tackles issues of border imperialism, racial capitalism and anti-migrant xenophobia in her recent talk with UBC.
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen: Charities Offering Meals Grapple Shrinking Donations and Soaring Demand
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen comments on how political conflict and food insecurity are affecting organizations offering hot meals during the holidays.
Former IAR Fellow Aim Sinpeng: Women Politicians in Southeast Asia Face Abuse
Former IAR Fellow Aim Sinpeng writes an article about the rise of violence towards female politicians and activists in Southeast Asia.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Rights and Representation Support Justice Across Aquatic Food Systems
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) co-publishes a research study that examines the significance of injustices in aquatic food systems.
Prof. David Boyd: UN Says Access to A Healthy Environment Is A Human Right
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) calls for Australia to declare access to a healthy environment a human right.
Prof. David Boyd: Slovenia: More Ambitious Environmental Action Key to Protect Human Rights says UN expert
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) speaks on Slovenia playing a key role to championing the human right to clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
Adjunct Prof. Andrea Reimer – What’s Missing in the Municipality: Why Does Burnaby’s Council Lack Diversity?
SPPGA Adjunct Prof. and former Vancouver city councilor, Andrea Reimer, comments on the underrepresentation of renters in the Burnaby city council.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Imagination and Pragmatism Needed to Navigate a World in Shock
SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA; Poltical Science) highlights the global crises around the world
SPPGA Releases 2021-2022 Annual Report
Learn more about the major research, achievements, and programming of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2021-22 annual report.
Liu Scholar Temitope Onifade: Low Carbon Justice in Canada’s Net-Zero Transition
SPPGA Liu Scholar Temitope Onifade advocates for applying a “low carbon justice” approach to Canada’s net-zero transition.
Prof. Hugh Gusterson: Shooting Survivors Shouldn’t Pay Their Own Medical Bills
Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA; Anthropology) writes an article discussing an insurance model to protect survivors of gun violence in America.
Prof. David Boyd: How Biodiversity Coverage Shapes Lives and Policies
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) is mentioned in an impact report regarding his book, The Rights of Nature (2017).
Prof. Heidi Tworek: Prevailing Sense That Toxicity is Continuing to Rise
Prof. Heidi Tworek discusses the increasing trend in toxic exchanges, threats, and harassment online targeting candidates during the Canadian federal elections.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Ex-Vancouver Newspaper Editor of Sing Tao On Hong Kong’s Wanted List
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) comments about an ex-Vancouver journalist, Victor Ho, being put on Hong Kong’s wanted list.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Calls Grow for Ottawa to Support B.C. Journalist on Hong Kong’s ‘Wanted’ List
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses the growing demand for Ottawa to support a B.C. journalist who was recently put on a “wanted” list by the Hong Kong government.
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen: Why Food is so Pricey
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen discusses why food prices are rising in Canada and how access to food should be treated as a right, not a purchasing decision.
Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot: UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan Funding Sees Student Projects Get off the Ground
Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot (SPPGA; Political Science; FNIS) advocates for funding Indigenous student-led projects through the UBC Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund.
Scholar Spotlight: Dr. Heidi Tworek
Read more about SPPGA and History Prof. Heidi Tworek’s work on global communications topics such as COIVD-19, online harassment of female politicians, and the war in Ukraine in the Scholar Spotlight series by the Public Humanities Hub at UBC.
Prof. Heidi Tworek: The Online Abuse and Harassment of Women in Politics Must Stop
Prof. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) writes an article about the online abuse and harassment of women in politics.
Reflections from Natasha Thambirajah on SPPGA Practitioner Fellowship
Natasha Thambirajah shares reflections on her Practitioner Fellowship term at UBC’s SPPGA, as she returns to her role as Director, Digital Health Policy with the Ministry of Health.
Prof. Heidi Tworek, Dr. Chris Tenove, MPPGA Students: Online Hate in the Pandemic
Prof. Heidi Tworek, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Chris Tenove, MPPGA alumnus Wilson Dargbeh and MPPGA student Oliver Zhang, publish an article outlining case studies on hate and harassment targeting health communicators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022 Global Policy Project Symposium
Leading up to their graduation, MPPGA students from the class of 2022 presented their policy findings at the annual Global Policy Project Symposium held by the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.
Five UBC SPPGA Faculty Awarded SSHRC Funding for Projects
Profs. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF), Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History), Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History), Milind Kandlikar (SPPGA; IRES), and Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) received SSHRC funding through Partnership Development, Partnership Grants, and Insight Grants for various projects.
Senior Fellow Gisele Yasmeen: Food Banks Brace for Summer of Hunger
Senior Fellow Gisele Yasmeen discusses the impact of inflation on Canadian food banks, and who suffers the most, with CBC The National.
UBC MPPGA Students Graduate Ready to Tackle Urgent Challenges
Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students are graduating from the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs ready to shape a better world. Learn more from four of our graduates about their experiences in the program, what issues they’re passionate about, and their career aspirations.
Prof. Heidi Tworek, Postdoctoral Research Fellow Chris Tenove: What Women and Racialized Candidates Face on the Campaign Trail.
Prof. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) and Postdoctoral Research Fellow Chris Tenove highlight how female and racialized politicians are more likely to experience harassment online and on campaign trails, and the impact of political violence on communities.
Call for Applications: 2022 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs welcomes applicants interested in applying for the prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
Prof. Veena Sriram: Workers, Not Warriors: 4 Lessons from Health Worker Protests During COVID-19
Prof. Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authored a research article highlighting the key challenges health workers have faced amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, and what we can learn from them.
Applications Open to New Capacity-Building Course for UBC Graduates: Designing for Transformation
Registration is now open for Designing for Transformation, a free, non-credit course available to UBC graduate students to build capacities to empower transformative change.
Honorary Research Associate Nathan J. Bennett: Mainstreaming Equity and Justice in the Ocean
Honorary Research Associate Nathan J. Bennett (SPPGA; IRES) writes a journal article about equity and justice considerations in marine conservation, fisheries management, and blue economy development.
Prof. Veena Sriram and MPPGA Students Write Heroes on Strike: Trends in Global Health Worker Protests During COVID-19
Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authors a policy brief with MPPGA students Narayanan GL and Chloei Andres, and others about the global trends in health worker protests during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
MPPGA Students Co-Author British Columbia and One Health: A Collective Approach to Policymaking
MPPGA students Benedetta Beltramo, Soumya Kolluru, Lisa Slager, and Lindsey Wall co-author an article for Genome BC with George Poulakidas on the implementation of One Health to combat environmental disasters and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Philippe Le Billon: Species on the Move: 4 Ways Conservation Can Adapt in an Era of Climate Change
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-authors a The Conversation article on four ways to rethink species conservation and displacement to adapt to climate change impacts accordingly.
UBC MPPGA Awarded Third Place at 2022 CAPPA Competition
MPPGA students won bronze at the 11th Annual National Public Administration Case Competition. In this year’s competition, teams worked on the case study, A Wicked Problem: Rough Sleeping in Cities.
UBC and Carleton Partner to Help Afghan Scholars Find a New Intellectual Home in Canada
Researchers at UBC and Carleton University received IDRC funding for their joint project, “Placement, Preservation and Perseverance: Afghan At-Risk Scholars, Activists and Students,” to help scholars and others who are fleeing the crisis in Afghanistan establish a new intellectual community in Canada.
SPPGA Faculty Awarded Research Excellence Clusters Funds
Six faculty members with the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs have received funding through the Research Excellence Clusters initiative in 2022/23, among the forty research excellence clusters led by researchers on the Vancouver campus.
Asst. Prof. Matias Margulis: The Russia-Ukraine War is Driving Up Global Food Prices
Assistant Professor Matias Margulis (SPPGA; LFS) raises concerns about the Russia-Ukraine conflict’s role in increasing worldwide food prices and suggests solutions to the issue.
MPPGA Students Arthur Zhang, Prajna Singh & Paige Inglis: Rethinking Resource Development in Canada
MPPGA students Arthur Zhang, Prajna Singh, and Paige Inglis write about the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the 18 newly proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects for First Nations communities in Canada.
An Hourly Wage Policy Can Help Resolve Ghana’s Graduate Unemployment Challenges, According to MPPGA Alumnus Solomon Atta
In a published article, MPPGA Alumnus Solomon Atta explains how an hourly wage policy can help resolve Ghana’s rising graduate unemployment challenges.
Gisèle Yasmeen Comments on the Food Insecurity Crisis in Canada
IAR Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen calls for public policy change to address the issue of food insecurity in Canada.
MPPGA Alum Chiamaka Mọgọ Elected as Board Vice-Chairperson, Canadian Race Relations Foundation
Congratulations to MPPGA alum Chiamaka Mọgọ, who was recently elected as the Board Vice-Chairperson of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
Professor David Boyd to Present Report on the Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment
Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) contributes two annexes, on global sacrifice zones and good practices respectively, to the report and is set to present it to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 10.
SPPGA Welcomes 2022 Liu Scholars
The Liu Institute for Global Issues at SPPGA welcomes our 2022 Liu Scholars who are working with SPPGA faculty on projects centered on: Sustainable food systems; Climate crisis politics; Global health; Online communication; and/or Energy transitions.
Report Recommends First Nations in BC Take Immediate Control of Mining in Their Territories
Professor Sheryl Lightfoot (SPPGA; Political Science; First Nations and Indigenous Studies) is a contributor to the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council report which sets out recommendations regarding mining companies and prospectors’ access to First Nations’ lands.
MPPGA Students Working Towards Real Policy Impact through Global Policy Project
UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) student teams have been conducting virtual fieldwork with clients on projects in Canada, India, and Mongolia as part of the 2021-2022 Global Policy Projects.
Summary of Amicus Briefs by Prof. Erin Baines in the Case of The Prosecutor vs Dominic Ongwen
Read a summary of two Amicus Briefs in the case of The Prosecutor vs Dominic Ongwen at the International Criminal Court by Prof. Erin Baines.
Putting Gender Equality at The Centre of Social Protection Strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa: How Far Have We Come?
Professor Tara Cookson co-authors a UN Women policy brief assessing the presence of gender equality and women empowerment considerations in national social protection strategies across sub-Saharan Africa.
Workers or Warriors? Resident Doctors’ Protests and Health Governance in India
Even before COVID-19, protests by health workers in India were on the rise. Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) writes about how the protests are a culmination of long-simmering problems in the governance of health policy in India.
History Explains Why Global Content Moderation Cannot Work
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) analyzes the history of speech moderation and shares why social media platforms generating standards for acceptable speech is an all but impossible challenge.
Reflections from Yale-UBC Fox International Fellow Jory Smallenberg
Jory Smallenberg reflects on her time as a fellow in the Yale-UBC Fox International Fellowship, hosted by the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia.
SPPGA Engages with COP26
Several members of the SPPGA community and faculty speak on their participation or share their expertise on the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).
Key Takeaways from COP26 – Professor Rashid Sumaila
We spoke with Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) about his participation in the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and his key takeaways.
Ways of Knowing S02E06: Naomi Klein on Climate Justice
Professor M.V. Ramana is joined by Professor Naomi Klein on the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies’ Ways of Knowing podcast to discuss her intellectual journey with environmentalism, economics, social justice, and politics.
Why I Attended COP26 and What I Learnt – Temitope Onifade
The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow has recently concluded. Temitope Onifade, PhD candidate at the Allard School of Law and Co-chair of the Liu Institute Network for Africa at the Liu Institute for Global Issues, UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia participated as […]
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou & 2 Michaels Media Mentions
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on September 24, 2021 that Canada’s Michael Korvig and Michael Spavor, dubbed the 2 Michaels, were returning from detention in China shortly after Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou was released from house arrest in Canada.
UN Recognition of Human Right to Healthy Environment Gives Hope for Planet’s Future
A historic milestone was achieved today when the Human Rights Council’s recognized the human right to a healthy environment. This has the potential to improve the life of everyone on the planet, says Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES), UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and environment.
MPPGA Alumni Daniel Park Featured in Arts Amplifier
MPPGA alumni ’21 Daniel Park discusses his experiences interning at the Starling Labs at Stanford where he worked on building and deploying prototype designs to help document attacks against civilian infrastructure. Read more about Daniels’s accomplishments, and what lies in his future.
Indonesian Court Rules President Negligent over Pollution
The Central Jakarta District Court orders President Widodo and six other officials to strengthen air quality standards after finding them guilty of neglecting citizens’ right to clean air. Professor David Boyd (SPPGA & UBC IRES) emphasizes the constitutional and legislative duty of the Indonesian government to protect its people from the dire consequences of air pollution.
Nuclear Power: Why Molten Salt Reactors Are Problematic and Canada Investing in Them Is a Waste
One of the beneficiaries leading-up to the federal election has been the nuclear energy industry, specifically molten salt reactors. Professor Ramana states that molten salt reactors are problematic and that Canada investing in them is a waste.
Research Network on Women, Peace and Security and MINDS Combine Forces to Address Threats to Well-being of Women and Girls
The Research Network on Women, Peace and Security, an international, bilingual research hub leading a multi-faceted study of the Government of Canada’s Women, Peace and Security agenda, was recently funded $750,000 over three years by the Department of National Defence via the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security program.
A Regional Agreement for Healthy Eco-Systems in Latin America & the Caribbean
Latin America and Caribbean continues to face dire ecological challenges. Claudia Ituarte-Lima argues that cooperation between vibrant grass-roots, civil society and government will be vital in championing the global recognition of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
Policy Matters 22 – Special Issue on Environmental Defenders
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-edited a three-volume issue of IUCN’s Policy Matters on the topic of environmental defenders and biodiversity conservation.
Canada’s China Relationship Edges Toward Strategic Clarity
With a federal election on the horizon, Professor Paul Evans remarks on, what he dubs, a “febrile moment in Canada–China relations.” Canada’s strategic silence on several controversial issues may be forced to an end, he writes in East Asia Forum.
Human Rights Must Be at Heart of UN Plan to save Planet – Expert
Professor David Boyd (SPPGA/IRES), UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, says it’s not an option to leave human rights on the periphery. This is in regards to the upcoming conference to finalize the UN Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, which will look at threats to biodiversity, human well-being and the future of life on Earth.
‘Our Place Under the Sun’: Survivor-Centred Approaches to Children Born of Wartime Sexual Violence
Professor Erin Baines and MPPGA alumna Alessia Rodríguez’s work on a survivor-centered approach for children ‘born of war’ has been published in Human Rights Review. Learn how this approach can empower children in processes of social reconstruction and reconciliation.
The Impact of Colonial-era Policies on Health Workforce Regulation in India: Lessons for Contemporary Reform
Read the latest paper that Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authored on the governance of health workforces. In particular, the paper focuses on the colonial origins of regulatory policies and their impact on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) today.
Is Covid-19 Frustrating or Facilitating Sustainability Transformations?
In a chapter that SPPGA Visiting Scholar Claudia Ituarte-Lima authored, she argues that Covid-19 and social-ecological crises require a recognition of the transformative agency of groups in vulnerable situations, instead of framing them as passive victims.
The Lawfare Podcast: With Disinformation, The Past Isn’t Past
How do current discussions around disinformation leave out or misinterpret history, and why should policymakers care? Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) delves into how to better inform conversations around disinformation and misinformation.
Disputa China-Canadá: el juego político detrás de la condena a muerte de Robert Schellenberg
Professor Paul Evans and MPPGA Alumni Darren Touch were quoted on China’s “hostage diplomacy” following Canadian businessman Michael Spavor’s sentencing for alleged espionage. (Article in Spanish).
MPPGA Global Policy Project Catalogue
We’ve launched the full catalogue of Global Policy Projects from UBC’s Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students, showcasing their work with clients on real-world policy challenges. Learn about each project, browse policy reports, and view presentations.
‘Together at the Heart’: Familial Relations and the Social Reintegration of Ex-Combatants
Read the latest publication from Professor Erin Baines and Carla Suarez examining the role that family relations play in combatants’ war and post-war trajectory within the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
Atieh Yekta Awarded WorkSafeBC Research Training Award
Congratulations to our MPPGA program alumna Atieh Yekta! As a recipient of this award, Atieh is supported to foster the development of occupational health and safety research expertise in B.C.
From Local to Global – Advocating for Human Rights in Nigeria
Listen to the latest episode of ‘Audio Alumni’ featuring MPPGA alumni Eseohe Ojo, where she talks about her work in advocating for human rights, as well as the importance of access to information in Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter.
Environmental Defenders Deadly Struggles for Life and Territory
This book, edited By Mary Menton and Philippe Le Billon, is about environmental defenders and the violence they face while seeking to protect their land and the environment.
Pragmatic Advocacy: Advancing Racial Equity in Physician Associations
Read Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) and Dr. Sorcha A. Brophy’s article that discusses the future of physician associations advocating for racial equity in the United States.
SPPGA Releases 2020-2021 Annual Report
The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs has published its 2020-2021 annual report which features our faculty’s research projects, policy engagement, and notable achievements, student and alumni profiles, and our various convening and learning activities.
Ethical Considerations for Research on Small-Scale Fisheries and Blue Crimes
Crimes at sea—blue crimes—can have devastating impacts on small-scale fishing communities. Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) discusses the risks and ethical challenges faced by a blue crimes research agenda to improve rather than worsen the plight of small-scale fishers.
UBC Medicine Launches Response to TRC Call to Action, Apologizes for Harm Caused to Indigenous People
Professor Sheryl Lightfoot (SPPGA; Political Science) gave a sobering statement about the closeness of these residential schools and other colonial systems to modern times during a formal apology by UBC Medicine for the harm caused to Indigenous populations.
2021 Global Policy Project Symposium Highlights
As a defining element of UBC’s professional Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) curriculum, the Global Policy Project (GP2) provides the opportunity for MPPGA students to engage with policy makers and civil society organizations on a real-world policy challenge, in Canada and around the world. Learn more on the Global Policy Project page. On April […]
Setting the Stage for Wars During a Global Pandemic
In these unprecedented times, military spending, armed conflicts, and modernizing of nuclear arsenals continue as usual. The handful of nations holding these weapons “buck the international desire for nuclear disarmament”, Professor Ramana says.
Reconciliation Requires More than Shock and Outrage — It Takes Action
After the discovery of 215 Indigenous children on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, Adjunct Professor Andrea Reimer writes a letter to those in elected office to say reconciliation requires more than words – it takes action.
Salad Will Survive Climate Change. But at What Cost?
Professor Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) believes that finding a balance between nutritional value and widespread access is critical to solving food insecurity. Even if fewer people globally go hungry, nutrition deficiencies remain high, he adds.
Canada Must Recognize Our Right to a Healthy Environment
In an op-ed for the National Observer, Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) and others discuss Bill C-28, the first federal recognition that all people in Canada have the right to a healthy environment, as well as the bill’s limitations.
Covid-19 Variant of Concern B.1.1.7 Has a New Name: Alpha. Will It Stick?
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) applauds the WHO’s decision to rename the emerging variants of COVID-19 using the Greek alphabet, but still wonders if place-based naming will continue to be used with variants of concern.
Statement on the Missing Children of the Kamloops Indian Residential School
With heavy hearts, we come together as a school and wider community to mourn the deaths of the 215 children found in a mass grave at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
What Can Canadian Law Makers Draw from the New UK Online Safety Bill?
In an op-ed for CIGI regarding what Canadian lawmakers can learn from the U.K.’s new Online Safety Bill, Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) believes that transparency reports and their metrics should not create perverse incentives to silence the very communities whom the legislation is designed to help.
The Right to Breathe: Landmark Legal Case a Fight for South African Children Harmed by Coal’s Deadly Air
“The pollution in Mpumalanga is just one example of the devastating impact of air pollution on children.” Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES; UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment) intervenes in a landmark legal case in South Africa as a friend of the court.
Citizen Lawsuit Seeks Court’s Help in Battle for Clean Air in Jakarta
Jakartans are joining a citizen lawsuit against the government to force officials to address the city’s grave air pollution. Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES; UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment) submits a brief in support, pointing out that air pollution is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths in Indonesia each year (Subscription).
‘There Is Nothing More Deeply Colonial’: No Indigenous People Were Consulted for UBC’s 2021/22 Budget
Professor Sheryl Lightfoot (SPPGA; Political Science) expressed her disappointment that the UBC Finance Committee finalized its 2021/2022 budget without consulting any Indigenous persons. This should be the last UBC budget that does its business this way, she adds.
Women Suffer Most When Disaster Strikes
“Women are up to 14 times more likely to die or be injured following a disaster.” MPPGA students Brayden Pelham, Erica Steele, Stephen Patenaude and Victoria Ker raise the question: What should we be doing differently in Canada to reduce the gender imbalance when future disasters strike? (Subscription).