News Compilation: March 2024



Publications

March, 2024
Handbook of Indigenous Public Policy
Learn about the complex dynamics of contestation, engagement, and advocacy between governments and Indigenous peoples in the Handbook of Indigenous Public Policy edited by Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot (SPPGA, Department of Political Science, First Nations and Indigenous Studies). Essential reading for scholars, students, and policy-makers.

March 20, 2024
Mulroney-style Moderates Should Ditch the Conservatives
SPPGA Prof. Michael Huenefeld sheds light on the legacy of progressive conservatism and advocates for political reform in his thought-provoking article for National Observer.

March 14, 2024
The Health and Care Workforce in the Pandemic Agreement: Championing Equity and Protecting Collective Capacity for Future Pandemics
Prof. Veena Sriram (SPPGA, School of Population and Public Health) underscores the urgent need to strengthen global health policies amidst COVID-19 in this co-authored piece. Let’s work together to amplify equity and inclusion in health care systems worldwide. via The Lancet Global Health

March 12, 2024
What Lessons Did Canada Learn Before Creating Its Online Harms Bill?
Prof. Chris Tenove (SPPGA, Department of Political Science) and Heidi Tworek (SPPGA, Department of History) analyze the complexities Canada’s landmark Online Harms Bill with insights. Learn about the proposed changes in platform regulation for digital governance. via Tech Policy Press

March 12, 2024
Mongolia: Moving Beyond Financial Incentives to Meet Energy Efficiency Goals
Learn how Mongolia is tackling its energy crisis creatively in The Diplomat. MPPGA students, Rachel Thibeault, Tajwar Arnab, Clarence Lau, and Tong Zhang, examine the importance of non-financial incentives for energy efficiency.

March 10, 2024
The World is Not moving Fast Enough on Climate Change — Social Sciences Can Help Explain Why
Prof. Candis Callison‘s (SPPGA, Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies) thought-provoking piece in Conversation Canada sheds light on the urgency of addressing climate change as a crisis of disconnection. Let’s work towards meaningful solutions for all communities.

March 2, 2024
Mongolia’s Global Resurgence and Oyu Tolgoi’s Promise
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes analyzes Mongolia’s evolving landscape, from economic recovery to political reforms in East Asia Forum.

Media

March 31, 2024
How Metro Vancouverites Can Prepare For the Big One
Join Prof. Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA, Department of Anthropology) in discussing how Indigenous oral traditions inform our understanding of seismic risks in Metro Vancouver. Learn about earthquake preparedness and ensuring community safety. via Vancouver Sun

March 30, 2024
Alberta Government Considering Conventional Nuclear Power Plants, Minister Says
Alberta’s energy future is under scrutiny. SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana offers expertise on the discussion surrounding conventional nuclear power in a recent CBC article. Join the conversation!

March 29, 2024
New Mexico Nuke Waste Site Offers Lessons For Others
Reflecting on 25 years of WIPP’s underground nuclear waste repository, SPPGA Director and former NRC Chair Allison Macfarlane shares valuable insights on the challenges and lessons learned via Axios.

March 27, 2024
Small Nuclear Reactors May Be Coming to Texas, Boosted by Interest From Gov. Abbott
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana discusses the potential of small nuclear reactors in revolutionizing energy production in Texas. via Texas Tribune

March 25, 2024
“Oppenheimer” Brings the Harsh Reality of Nuclear Doomsday, Warns UN Chief
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana offers compelling insights into the urgent need for nuclear disarmament in the wake of the “Oppenheimer” movie. via In Depth News

March 22, 2024
Tech Platforms Face ‘Whack-a-Mole’ Situation in Battling Health Misinformation
Prof. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA, Department of History) shares her expertise on combating health misinformation in social media platforms. Gain valuable perspectives into digital health literacy and fact-checking in The Canadian Press article.

March 20, 2024
Interview with Michael Huenefeld: Public Letter Asking to Quit the CCP
SPPGA Prof. Michael Huenefeld reflects on his recent open letter concerning progressive conservatism in an interview with Radio Canada.

March 19, 2024
Nuclear’s Role in a Net-Zero World
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana weighs in on the evolving landscape of nuclear energy. Learn more about the promises and controversies surrounding this vital energy source in Knowable Magazine.

March 15, 2024
Trailblazing Biomimicry: Bailey Richardson and a New Era of Medical Applications
SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane‘s article in Cosmos Magazine sheds light on the complexities of Australia’s nuclear power aspirations. Learn more the challenges and realities of nuclear energy.

March 14, 2024
Dutton’s Blast of Radioactive Rhetoric on Nuclear Power Leaves Facts in the Dust
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana examines nuances around Australia’s nuclear power debate. via The Guardian

March 12, 2024
Can an EV Save You Money? It Depends on Where You Live and How Much You Drive
Considering an electric vehicle? A new study by Prof. Amanda Giang (IRES, Department of Mechanical Engineering), Prof. Milind Kandlikar (SPPGA, IRES) and PhD student Bassam Javed (IRES) analyzes the cost-effectiveness across Canada. Learn how driving habits and location influence the financial benefits. via Global News

March 12, 2024
What is Nuclear Waste and What are the Challenges of Handling It? | Explained
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana offers expert commentary on Indian’s nuclear aspirations and the challenges of waste management. via The Hindu

March 8, 2024
Conversations That Matter: Canada and China — What Happened?
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans offers a nuanced perspective on Canada-China relations in Vancouver Sun. His expertise sheds light on the complexities shaping diplomatic ties in today’s world.

March 5, 2024
Stalemate: WTO Talks Again Fail to End Overfishing Subsidies
Learn why the failure to finalize a treaty on fisheries subsidies is a dire blow to marine biodiversity from Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries). Join the conversation on sustainable ocean governance and conservation efforts. via Mongabay

March 5, 2024
Protecting Children Online: How the New Federal Legislation Aims to Tackle Online Abuse
Prof. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA, Department of History) weighs in on the proposed Online Harms Act, sparking important discussions about protecting children online. Learn about the complexities of online safety and freedom of expression via The Squamish Chief.

March 4, 2024
Is Nuclear Power a Fix for Climate Change? Experts Think It’s Too Dangerous
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana offers a critical perspective on nuclear energy’s viability as a solution for climate change. Join the debate on the environmental and economic costs via Salon.