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 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)
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)
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)
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
Nearly one-quarter of Canadians work in the gig economy: poll | Professor Dr. Sylvia Fuller commented on a Canadian gig workers poll. (CBC News)
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
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)
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)
