This October, Arts faculty members tackle key issues from B.C.’s election and the carbon tax debate to housing costs and gig work. Insights also span pet happiness and the hidden impact of digital technology. Stay tuned for more timely and thought-provoking contributions from our scholars!
Department of Anthropology
How can I slash Halloween waste? | Professor Dr. Sabina Magliocco commented on the tradition of Halloween and how to make the festivities more sustainable. (New York Times)
Department of History
The man who shaped China’s strongman rule has a new job: Winning Taiwan | Dr. Timothy Cheek (History; SPPGA) commented on Chinese politician Wang Huning’s 1992 analysis of how China’s leaders sought to maintain political order amid significant social and economic changes. (New York Times)
Department of Geography
Ottawa’s asylum seeker resettlement plan faces pushback in B.C. ahead of provincial election | Professor emeritus Dr. Daniel Hiebert discussed the implications of immigration for Canada. (The Globe and Mail)
Department of Political Science
The dark cloud over British Columbia’s election | Professor Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot (First Nations and Indigenous Studies, Political Science, SPPGA) commented on the need to authentically address the rights of Indigenous communities. (The Walrus)
U.S. election: How would Harris, Trump immigration plans impact Canada? | Dr. Irene Bloemraad, co-director of the Centre for Migration Studies, commented on the need for addressing underlying structural problems behind the increase in crime and housing prices in the U.S. (Global News)
Political scientist reacts to BC election | Dr. Maxwell Cameron discussed the results of the B.C. election. (CBC On the Coast)
How the BC election is being haunted by the ghosts of 1952? | Political science professor emeritus Dr. Philip Resnick discussed the parallels between the 2024 and 1952 B.C. elections. (CKNW Mornings with Simi | 54:12 mark)
Canada’s carbon tax is popular, innovative and helps save the planet – but now it faces the axe | Professor Dr. Kathryn Harrison said that the carbon tax is mostly unpopular due to misunderstandings arising from current political discourse. (The Guardian)
B.C. Conservatives soften divisive rhetoric ahead of Saturday’s election | professor emeritus Richard Johnston commented on the shift in the B.C. Conservatives’ policy platform. (The Globe and Mail)
On carbon tax, BC Greens stand alone | Lecturer Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the B.C. Greens’ stand on the carbon tax. (National Observer)
Political scientist on the meaning of a non-confidence motion | Dr. Stewart Prest talked about the significance and implications of a non-confidence motion in Parliament.(Global News)
The B.C. Conservatives are surging in the polls. Can the NDP make a comeback? | Dr. Stewart Prest discussed the results of the latest political poll in B.C. (CBC-The Early Edition)
Unpacking Rustad and Eby’s Big New Housing Pledges | Dr. Stewart Prest and Sauder School of Business professor Dr. Thomas Davidoff commented on political parties’ housing platforms in the upcoming B.C. election. (The Tyee)
Checked: the NDP say rents are falling. Really? | Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the claim that rents in B.C. are decreasing. (The Tyee)
B.C. party leaders prepare for high stakes debate in a close election | Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the B.C. election campaign. (The Globe and Mail)
Should the Conservatives put ‘BC’ back on the ballot? | Dr. Stewart Prest discussed about the confusion among voters about party names on ballots in B.C. politics. (CKNW Mornings with Simi | 39:17 mark)
Rejigged ridings are yet another twist in an unprecedented election | Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the addition of new ridings in the upcoming provincial election. (The Tyee)
Furstenau gets high marks for debate performance, impact debatable | Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the candidates’ performance at the recent leaders’ debate. (Revelstoke Review)
B.C. parties seek working arrangements for newly elected legislature | Dr. Stewart Prest commented on B.C. political parties’ need for collaboration. (Chemainus Valley Courier)
Department of Psychology
Wondering if your pet is happy? They’re already telling you | Professor emeritus Dr. Stanley Coren said that dogs struggle with sudden lifestyle changes, which can require months of adjustment. (Washington Post)
Narcissism and sadism can increase sex drive and porn use? Study answers | Media mentioned a UBC Psychology study which found a correlation between two personality traits and sex drive and porn use. (Hindustan Times)
Have a high sex drive? You might be a sadist, study finds | A study by professor Dr. Delroy Paulhus revealed a correlation between two personality traits and both sex drive and porn use. (Newsweek)
Seasonal change can affect people’s moods — and their moral values | Professor Dr. Mark Schaller and doctoral student Ian Hohm wrote about their study which revealed that seasonal change can influence people’s moods and moral values. (The Conversation)
Department of Sociology
Canada’s opinions about immigration are changing. What now? | Political science and sociology professor Dr. Irene Bloemraad (Centre for Migration Studies) weighed in on the changes in the federal government’s immigration policy. (CBC News)
Nearly one-quarter of Canadians work in the gig economy: poll | Professor Dr. Sylvia Fuller commented on a Canadian gig workers poll. (CBC News)
Gains and pain: the stakes for workers this BC election | Dr. Sylvia Fuller commented on B.C. parties’ labour rights records and promises. (The Tyee)
https://thenarwhal.ca/prince-rupert-gas-transmission-history/ | Professor Dr. David Tindall commented on the need for careful consideration of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline project. (The Narwhal)
B.C. birthrate hit a record low again in 2023: Statistics Canada | Professor Dr. Yue Qian said fertility rates are closely related to cost of living and affordability. (Vancouver Sun)
Digital overload: Why women are doing a hidden form of work | Dr. Yue Qian co-authored a study highlighting how digital technology increases the invisible workload for women. (BBC)
Why is the birthrate in BC hitting record lows | Dr. Yue Qian talked about declining fertility rates in B.C. (CKNW Mornings with Simi | 53:26 mark)
School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
What Canadian provinces can learn from the Texas energy experience | Professor Dr. Milind Kandlikar (school of public policy and global affairs, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability) said that B.C.’s expertise in hydropower makes it more likely to stick to what it knows than pivot to something new. (The Globe and Mail)
Trudeau heads to Southeast Asia as Israel-Hamas war promises to overshadow trade talks | Dr. Kai Ostwald (Political Science, SPPGA) commented on Canada’s approach to Asia-Pacific relations. (CBC News)
Construction of Ontario nuclear reactor should move forward despite incomplete design, regulator says | Professor Dr. M.V. Ramana commented on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s approval of construction of a new power reactor despite several safety questions remaining unresolved. (The Globe and Mail)
RCMP investigate ‘disturbing’ vandalism of NDP candidate’s sign | Research associate Dr. Chris Tenove commented on the incidents of vandalism on campaign signs. (CBC News)
RCMP investigate ‘disturbing’ vandalism of NDP candidate’s sign | Dr. Allison Macfarlane discussed how A.I. could impact the demand for nuclear energy. (Nature)
School of Journalism, Writing, and Media
Rebuilding trust in journalism starts with busting misconceptions | Adjunct professor Kirk LaPointe wrote about the common misunderstandings about how reporters work. (Business In Vancouver)
School of Social Work
Does involuntary care infringe on human rights? | Professor Dr. Grant Charles weighed in on involuntary care’s impact on human rights. (CKNW Weekends with Scott Shantz | 24:25 mark)
Vancouver School of Economics
World Happiness Report shows Canadians under 30, least happy | Professor emeritus Dr. John Helliwell, founding editor of the World Happiness Report, discussed how the report measures happiness and why it is important. (Coast Reporter | 24:25 mark)
