From Nuclear Energy to the Bomb: The Proliferation Potential of New Nuclear Energy Programs

A new report by the Center for International Governance Innovation explores the connection between otherwise peaceful nuclear energy programs and nuclear weapons with the objective of clarifying their relationship. Justin Alger pays specific attention to the technical aspects of proliferation, particularly regarding scientific knowledge and expertise, nuclear material, technology and infrastructure. Read

 

Canada’s National Security Challenges in the Caribbean and Latin America

This paper by the Canadian International Council takes a look at the current traditional and non-traditional security challenges which confront the Caribbean and Latin America, what those challenges mean for Canadian policy and how Canadian governments are responding to those challenges. The paper, written by Stephen Randall, stresses the extent to which non-traditional security challenges have gained increasing importance since the end of the Cold War, in particular the challenges presented by non-state actors engaged in international criminal behaviour including narcotics trafficking, money laundering, arms smuggling, cyber terrorism and human trafficking. Read

 

Breaking Global Deadlocks

In a new paper released by the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute, Peter Heap examines the catalysts for the creation of the G20 and Canada's place within this structure. Read

 

 

Economy

China and the Financial Crisis

This report, produced by a task force under the aegis of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Centre for International Governance Innovation, assesses the impact of the global financial crisis on China. The report suggests that China has been perceived as relatively well insulated from the crisis, but along with other trade dependent countries outside the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) its integration into the global economy means exposure to the negative effects of the economic downturn. Read

 

The Future of the International Monetary Fund: A Canadian Perspective

The Center for International Governance Innovation and Canadian International Council have released a special report on the future of the International Monetary Fund looks at the IMF’s role in the context of the global economic crisis and the new economic and financial governance architecture that is emerging.  The authors Bessma Momani and Eric Santor recognize that IMF reform is an ongoing process, and suggest that the Fund can and should be an integral part of reinvigorating the international financial system. The report makes recommendations regarding the IMF’s role in the international financial system, governance of the IMF, and IMF functional reforms. Read

 

Affordability Gap between Rich and Poor

There is an affordability gap between Canada’s richest and poorest households, says a new Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives study. The study, conducted by Steve Kerstetter, reveals how Canada’s poorest households often forego buying things most Canadians consider essential, from eyeglasses and dental care to computers and newspapers. The study looks at new data from Statistics Canada on how households spent their money in 2007 – one of the best years for gains in personal income in recent history and finds interesting results. Read

 

The Ontario-Quebec Trade and Cooperation Agreement

A new article by the Montreal Economic Institute looks at the trade and cooperation agreement recently signed by the Quebec and Ontario governments that took effect on October 1, 2009. The agreement is intended to facilitate trade between the two provinces, promote labour mobility, strengthen economic cooperation and work toward greater regulatory harmonization. The goal is to create wealth and jobs by improving the competitiveness of the two economies and by combining the strengths of each of them in sectors seen as strategic. Read

 

 

Public Policy

Mass Immigration Affecting the Well-Being of All Canadians; Immigration Policies Must Be Reviewed

Recent mass immigration has negatively affected Canadian living standards and is challenging the country’s existing national identity, culture, and social fabric, concludes a new book released by the Fraser Institute. Read

 

 

Environment

Measuring Energy Subsidies Using the Price-Gap Approach: What Does It Leave out?

Subsidies to fossil fuels are common worldwide, despite increasing pressures to control energy-related emissions of greenhouse gases. Multi-country studies of subsidies normally use a "price gap" approach comparing domestic prices to world reference prices. Price-gap measures form a lower bound estimate of subsidies, and therefore understate the magnitude of the subsidy problem. This paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines specific strengths and weaknesses of the price gap metric and identifies potential systematic biases in the measure based on type of fuel, type of subsidy, or type of country. Read

 

 

Education

University of Alberta and German Researchers Will Tackle Oil Sands Environmental Issues

The University of Alberta and the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres are combining their considerable scientific research capabilities in the pursuit of sustainability as they work together to tackle the pressing environmental issues facing Alberta's oil sands. Read

 

New Rx Atlas Reveals British Columbia Drug Spending Patterns

British Columbians are getting the life-saving medications they need regardless of their postal codes but cultural background, income, lifestyle and urban-rural differences may influence their use of other “discretionary” drugs, according to the latest BC Rx Atlas released today by the University of British Columbia Centre for Health Services and Policy Research. Read

 

Chronic Pain Treatments Work Better Together, Says Queen's Anaesthesiologist
People who suffer from debilitating neuropathic pain may get more relief and sleep better by combining two commonly-prescribed drugs. A new, federally-funded study by Queen's University researchers has found that taking the drugs together is a more effective treatment than taking either of them individually. Read