Foreign Affairs

Accountability in and for National Security

This Institute for Research on Public Policy research program explores the complex challenges confronting Canada with regard to the post-9/11 security environment and its impact on domestic and international policies. The study addresses issues that are in many ways new to the country and to the formulation of Canadian national security policy, above all the threat posed by global, transnational terrorism. Read

 

Inter-American Forum on Governance

A new four part e-Conference series is an interactive online space to discuss key issues on the hemispheric agenda put on by the Canadian International Council, Center for International Governance Innovation and the Organization of American States will focus on inter-American. It will feature commentary by expert panelists on four themes: Strengthening and Sustaining Democratic Institutions, Haiti and a Common Strategy for the Future, Energy and Environment, Fighting for rights in the Americas. Click here to participate

 

 

Economy

Look Before You Leap

A new Commentary from the C.D. Howe Institute explores the Canadian experience with financial system regulation. Author Nick Le Pan concludes that it is essential to have a better definition of systemic risk, so that expectations of central banks and regulators are made clear. Read

 

China Goes Global

The results of a 2009 survey of Chinese companies' outward direct intentions, including specific information on proposed Chinese investment in Canada, shows a cooling in offshore investment intentions as a result of the global recession. The survey, undertaken by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, observes that although some 42% of the over 1,000 companies surveyed still intend to invest overseas, it is generally not on a large scale. Read

Economic Freedom Falls in Canada

Levels of economic freedom in some of the world’s most developed economies, including Canada, have decreased and could fall even further as a result of the global recession, according to a new study released today by the Fraser Institute. Read

Recession and World Financial Crisis Bring Challenges and Change to Central Bank
The Bank of Canada needs to broaden its formal economic policy objectives, says a new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Authors Arthur Donner and Doug Peters claim that the Central Bank should adjust its policy measures to avoid future asset price “bubbles” as well adopt a broader view of the economy to include employment and economic growth along with inflation as near-term objectives. Read

 

 

Public Policy

Failed Electoral Reform Efforts a Win for Citizen Engagement

While the most recent efforts to change the way Canadians choose their elected representatives have failed, however what they have shown is how engagement of voters should occur, says a new report from Canada West Foundation. Read

 

Environment

Environmental Sustainability and the Financial Crisis
As the global economic crisis and nascent recovery continue to unfold, it is important not to lose sight of the environment amid fiscal stimulus efforts and economic reorientation, states the latest report by the Center for International Governance Innovation. The report, comprised of a number of papers on various topics, contends that economic prosperity cannot be pursued at the expense of environmental sustainability. The papers presented in the publication outline and highlight unique challenges and opportunities for policy makers in the face of the current economic crisis. Read

 

 

Education

Depression Increases Cancer Mortality Rate
Depression can affect a cancer patient’s likelihood of survival, according to University of British Columbia researchers who have conducted the world’s first analysis of existing cancer and depression research. To determine the effects of depression on cancer patients’ disease progression and survival, UBC Department of Psychology graduate student Jillian Satin and colleagues analyzed all studies to date that they could identify related to the topic. Read

Universities Team Up for Fuel Cell Research
The University of Calgary is the hub of a new national research network focused on advancing solid oxide fuel cells for use in power generation. “The collaboration of over 60 Network university researchers with scientists in government and industry will greatly accelerate the commercialization of solid oxide fuel cell technology and ensure Canada’s leadership in the development of this highly efficient and clean technology,” said U of C fuel cells researcher Viola Birss, the Network’s co-director. The Network brings together researchers from the Universities of Calgary, Alberta, Toronto, Waterloo, Sherbrooke, Queen’s University, McMaster University, the Alberta Research Council and the National Research Council. Read

Researchers Discover the First-Ever Link between Intelligence and Curiosity
Scientists from the University of Toronto and the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered a molecular link between intelligence and curiosity, which may lead to the development of drugs to improve learning. Read