Beyond the Headlines: Recent Episodes
beyondtheheadlines
Beyond the Headlines is a weekly current affairs show that aims to make public policy discussions more accessible to you. We take you beyond the headlines of our daily news, bringing you access to current leaders through in-depth interviews. Produced by Master's Students at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.
As the Catholic Church enters a period of profound transition following the death of Pope Francis, questions are mounting over how it will navigate its dual role as a guardian of spiritual tradition and a global political and moral actor. Francis’s tenure as pontiff was defined by a renewed emphasis on social justice, migration, and interreligious dialogue, as well as symbolic gestures that reflected his commitment to marginalized communities and to addressing the moral complexities of an evolving world.
Yet, enduring tensions remain. From reproductive rights to LGBTQ+ inclusion, the boundaries of doctrine continue to shape the Church’s engagement with contemporary social issues. At the same time, the Vatican’s diplomatic footprint has come under renewed scrutiny. From its responses to humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine to its delicate relationships with political leaders around the world, the Church’s moral authority continues to be tested on the global stage.
In this episode, Beyond the Headlines examines the evolving role of the Catholic Church at the intersection of faith, diplomacy, and global politics. As the conclave prepares to elect a new pope, we ask: How will the next chapter of the papacy shape the Church’s stance on key social and political issues? Can it continue to act as a moral compass in an increasingly secular and polarized world? These questions, and more, are explored in conversation with this week’s distinguished guests.
Professor Reid B. Locklin is an Associate Professor of Christianity and the Intellectual Tradition at the University of Toronto, jointly appointed at St. Michael’s College and the Department for the Study of Religion. Professor Locklin is engaged in advancing interfaith understanding and reconciliation. He founded the Truth and Reconciliation Reading Circle at St. Michael’s College and has collaborated with organizations including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Lonergan Research Institute. A long-serving faculty member since 2004, he continues to foster dialogue across cultural and religious divides.
Professor Mark G. McGowan is a Professor of History and Celtic Studies at the University of Toronto and a Senior Fellow at Massey College. A renowned historian of Canadian, Irish, and Catholic history, he has authored award-winning works on immigration, religion, and public life. Professor McGowan has held senior leadership roles at the University of Toronto and St. Michael’s College, and in 2024, he was elected to the Royal Society of Canada in recognition of his contributions to historical scholarship. His current research explores Indigenous contributions to Irish famine relief and the legacies of colonial governance in Canada.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
In his return to office, President Donald Trump has intensified the use of tariffs as a central instrument of U.S. trade policy. Recent measures have expanded tariffs on strategic imports, particularly from China, and continued the application of steel and aluminum tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, as well as broader sanctions under Section 301 investigations into intellectual property practices. These policies have been positioned as efforts to protect national industries, reduce trade deficits, and bolster American economic sovereignty, while also signaling a more assertive U.S. approach to global commerce.
Despite these intentions, the structure and execution of these tariff measures have introduced volatility into global markets. Empirical analyses indicate that while select domestic sectors have experienced short-term benefits, overall economic costs—including higher input prices, retaliatory tariffs from trading partners, and dampened investment—have offset many of the perceived gains. International institutions such as the IMF and WTO have linked prolonged tariff conflicts to downward revisions in global growth projections. Financial markets, in turn, have exhibited heightened sensitivity to tariff escalations, reflecting broader uncertainty about the sustainability of current trade policies.
This episode examines the evolving nature of American trade strategy: What distinguishes short-term political signaling from durable economic policymaking? How have Trump’s tariffs reshaped global supply chains, investor confidence, and the strategic positioning of U.S. industries? And as financial markets demand greater predictability and resilience, what future pathways could be pursued to align tariff and fiscal policy with long-term competitiveness and global stability?
Our special guest this week is Professor Walid Hejazi. Professor Hejazi is the Academic Director of Executive Programs and Professor of International Business, Economic Analysis, and Policy at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He is also a Fellow at the Michael Lee-Chin Family Institute for Corporate Citizenship and serves on the Board of Directors of the David & Sharon Johnston Centre for Corporate Governance Innovation.
Over the course of his career, Professor Hejazi has advised private-sector firms and collaborated extensively with Canadian and international governments on foreign investment and international trade strategy. He has testified before parliamentary and senate committees, taught extensively in Rotman's MBA, EMBA, and executive education programs, and delivered lectures in over 30 countries worldwide. His research focuses on the intersection of global competitiveness, trade dynamics, and strategic economic policy, making his insights particularly timely for today’s conversation.
Join us as we delve into the consequences of tariff-driven protectionism, the gaps in America's current trade approach, and what more sustainable, market-stabilizing policies could look like in the years ahead.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
In 2017, Toronto launched TransformTO, a comprehensive climate action strategy aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the city's resilience, health, economy, and social equity. The strategy set ambitious targets, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, with interim goals of a 65% reduction by 2030 and 45% by 2025, relative to 1990 levels. TransformTO encompasses key sectors such as buildings, transportation, energy, and waste, and emphasizes co-benefits like improved public health and economic growth.
Despite these commitments, Toronto is not on track to meet its 2030 emissions reduction target. Analyses indicate that without transformative action across all sectors, the city is unlikely to achieve its 2030 and 2040 goals. A significant challenge lies in the strategy's limited integration of behavioral science insights and community engagement mechanisms necessary for lasting change. While TransformTO outlines technical solutions, it lacks robust frameworks to influence and sustain behavioral shifts among residents, particularly in diverse and equity-seeking communities.
This episode examines the behavioral dimensions of urban climate policy: To what extent is TransformTO designed not only to build sustainable infrastructure but also to influence how people live, think, and act in the face of climate change? Can net-zero targets be achieved without addressing the habits, values, and psychological barriers that shape public behavior? We explore how municipal climate planning can evolve to place human behavior, not just emissions metrics or technical interventions, at the center of its mission.
Our special guest this week is Professor John Robinson. Professor Robinson teaches both at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and the School of the Environment at the University of Toronto. He currently serves as the Presidential Advisor on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability and is Co-Chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on these issues. His work sits at the intersection of research, public policy, and institutional leadership, with a focus on integrating sustainability across academic and operational domains.
Before joining the University of Toronto, Professor Robinson held several leadership roles at the University of British Columbia, where he founded the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), one of North America’s most advanced living laboratories for sustainable building and urban systems. He also played a key role in the development of MetroQuest, a participatory urban planning tool used by cities across North America. He has worked extensively with graduate students, academics, municipal leaders, and community groups, championing research that is inclusive, applied, and grounded in real-world change.
Tune in as we examine why TransformTO is a resourceful program for implementing sustainability strategies across Toronto, and what gaps currently exist within its mechanisms.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
Professional accreditation continues to be a major barrier for internationally trained professionals in Canada. Despite arriving with extensive qualifications and experience, many immigrants face difficulties re-entering their fields due to licensing hurdles, regulatory misalignment, and limited institutional support. Ontario’s Bridge Training Programs aim to address this gap by offering tailored pathways to help skilled newcomers integrate into the workforce.
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we examine how these programs operate, where they succeed, and what challenges remain. From funding and regulatory constraints to employer engagement and federal-provincial coordination, we explore the policy and structural factors shaping their impact. We also compare Ontario’s approach to similar initiatives elsewhere, asking what reforms are needed to expand access and improve outcomes for newcomers across Canada’s evolving labor market.
Our guest this week is Dr. Katerina Belazelkoska, Program Manager at GATEWAY for International Professionals. Dr. Belazelkoska is an expert and instructor in Immigration and Settlement Studies at the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Toronto Metropolitan University. With a PhD in Educational Administration and more than a decade of leadership experience in the settlement and education sectors, Dr. Belazelkoska brings both academic depth and on-the-ground insight to the conversation.
Join us as we explore the structural, policy, and economic dimensions of immigrant workforce integration - and how reimagining credential recognition can advance both inclusion and innovation in Canada’s labor market.
Produced by: Ananya Kaumudi Mallubhotla & Dzvezdan Cockovski
As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to reshape the global order, energy security has emerged as a defining challenge for NATO and its allies. From pipeline politics to infrastructure sabotage and disinformation campaigns, the Kremlin has long used energy as a geopolitical weapon to exert influence and destabilize democracies. In response, NATO members and EU states have launched ambitious efforts to decouple from Russian fossil fuels, bolster infrastructure resilience, and reconfigure energy supply chains.
Yet key questions persist: Is Europe’s shift away from Russian energy a structural transformation or a temporary pivot? How is the transatlantic alliance adapting to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, sabotage, and narrative manipulation? And as the green transition accelerates, will energy decarbonization open new fault lines—or create lasting strategic resilience?
In this episode, Beyond the Headlines examines the evolving nexus of energy, security, and democratic resilience. We speak with two leading experts in transatlantic policy and law to explore how NATO and its partners are responding to a rapidly shifting energy landscape—and how Russia’s use of energy as leverage is transforming global politics.
Dr. Benjamin L. Schmitt is a Senior Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, where he holds joint appointments with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, and Perry World House. His work bridges advanced research in experimental cosmology with international policy engagement on energy security, infrastructure resilience, and sanctions regimes. A former European Energy Security Advisor at the U.S. Department of State, Dr. Schmitt led diplomatic efforts to support NATO’s eastern flank and counter Russian malign energy activities. He is also a Senior Fellow for Democratic Resilience at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), an Associate of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, and a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Professor Alan Riley is a Visiting Professor at the College of Europe, Natolin, and a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council. A legal expert in European competition, trade, and energy law, he has advised governments, EU institutions, and companies on strategy and regulation surrounding energy infrastructure and security. He currently serves as an energy advisor to the Prime Minister of Moldova and sits on the Advisory Committee of the Energy Community in Vienna, applying EU energy law across Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and the Western Balkans. Professor Riley has written extensively on Nord Stream 2, foreign direct investment policy, and EU antitrust frameworks.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
Last week, reports surfaced that four Canadian nationals were executed in the People’s Republic of China earlier this year on drug-related charges. This deeply troubling development represents a new and grave chapter in the ongoing deterioration of Sino-Canadian relations. Beyond the human tragedy, these executions raise urgent questions regarding the state of diplomacy, the role of international legal norms, and the broader strategic posture of China on the global stage.
At a time when geopolitical tensions are escalating - marked by intensifying U.S.–China rivalry, global economic fragmentation, and growing scrutiny of China’s human rights record - Canada finds itself navigating a precarious diplomatic landscape. The challenge is not merely bilateral, but emblematic of the broader struggles that middle powers face in balancing national interests, moral imperatives, and strategic alliances.
As China’s global strategy continues to evolve, it is critical that Canadians and the international community alike deepen their understanding of its geopolitical ambitions, regional influence, and approach to international engagement.
This week on Beyond the Headlines, we are honoured to welcome Michael Kovrig, Senior Adviser for Asia at the International Crisis Group and Chief Executive Officer of the Kovrig Group, a geopolitical risk consultancy. Mr. Kovrig is a distinguished expert in international affairs whose research and advisory work focuses on geopolitics, geoeconomics, global security, and human rights, with a particular emphasis on China, the Indo-Pacific region, and related Western foreign policy.
He previously served for over a decade as a Canadian diplomat, with postings in Ottawa, at the United Nations, and in Beijing. His professional background also includes roles in strategic communications at the United Nations Development Group, as well as journalism and economic research with a focus on China and Central and Eastern Europe. Mr. Kovrig holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University and is fluent in both French and Mandarin Chinese.
From 2014 to 2021, he resided in China, where he was arbitrarily detained by the Ministry of State Security for nearly three years. Widely regarded as a case of politically motivated hostage diplomacy, his detention drew international condemnation. Drawing on both his personal experience and professional expertise, Mr. Kovrig offers a unique and authoritative perspective on the shifting contours of China’s foreign policy, the evolving nature of Canada–China relations, and the role of diplomacy in an increasingly polarized international landscape.
Produced by: Sadie McIntosh & Daniel Ebrahimpour
Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has led a significant realignment of U.S. foreign policy - one that increasingly reflects Kremlin-supported narratives surrounding the war in Ukraine, NATO, and the global liberal order. From proposing ceasefire terms that favor Russian strategic interests to downplaying Ukraine’s sovereignty, the administration’s rhetoric has raised questions about the erosion of traditional U.S. security commitments and a broader shift away from transatlantic norms.
Simultaneously, disinformation campaigns and foreign influence operations—especially those originating from Russia - have intensified, shaping domestic political discourse and shifting public opinion among segments of the American electorate. A growing number of Americans, particularly within Trump’s political base, now express sympathetic views toward Russia, revealing the power of media fragmentation and narrative manipulation.
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we explore the intersections of policy, politics, and media in a moment of global uncertainty. What does the Trump administration’s alignment with Kremlin interests mean for the U.S.-Russia-Ukraine dynamic? What role does the media play in reinforcing or resisting foreign narratives? And how might this shifting landscape impact democratic institutions and global security?
We’re joined by two experts who offer insight into these complex questions.
Dr. Jack Cunningham is a Fellow and Assistant Professor in the International Relations Program at Trinity College, University of Toronto, and serves as Program Coordinator at the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History. His research focuses on modern conflict and Canadian foreign policy, with publications on nuclear diplomacy, the war in Afghanistan, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He is a former editor of International Journal, Canada’s leading journal of international affairs.
Jeffrey Dvorkin is a journalist, media ethicist, and Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto. He previously served as NPR’s first news ombudsman and Vice President of News and Information, as well as Managing Editor and Chief Journalist for CBC Radio. From 2010 to 2019, he directed the Journalism Program at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He is the author of Trusting the News in a Digital Age (Wiley, 2021), a critical examination of trust and transparency in modern journalism.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
The prevailing discourse on sustainability is often dominated by high-tech solutions—AI-driven emissions tracking, smart grids, and digital monitoring systems. While these technologies play an important role in measuring and managing environmental impact, they do not address the structural and systemic changes necessary to build a truly sustainable future. The built environment—infrastructure, material use, and urban design—fundamentally shapes environmental outcomes, yet discussions on sustainability frequently overlook low-tech, high-impact solutions in favor of complex monitoring mechanisms.
That being said, the increasing reliance on data-driven climate strategies raises concerns about privacy, governance, and the broader role of digital surveillance in environmental policy. Individuals already provide more personal data to private corporations via smartphones than they do to public sustainability initiatives, yet cities continue to struggle with translating environmental data into meaningful action. This raises an essential question: should we focus less on tracking sustainability and more on embedding it into infrastructure, construction, and urban planning from the outset?
This week on Beyond the Headlines, we examine the intersection of sustainability, infrastructure, and governance. How can we integrate low-tech, scalable solutions into urban design and construction to reduce environmental impact without reliance on constant monitoring? What role do transportation networks, material efficiency, and land-use planning play in driving sustainability outcomes? And how can policymakers balance data collection, climate accountability, and privacy considerations in environmental governance?
To explore these critical questions, we are joined by Dr. Shoshanna Saxe, a leading expert in sustainable infrastructure and urban resilience. She is an Assistant Professor in the University of Toronto’s Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering and holds the Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Infrastructure. Dr. Saxe’s research investigates the relationship between infrastructure and society, identifying pathways to align urban development, transportation systems, and material use with long-term sustainability goals.
Beyond academia, Dr. Saxe is actively involved in policy and sustainability governance, serving on Waterfront Toronto’s Capital Peer Review Panel and the board of the International Society for Industrial Ecology. Recognized as one of Canada’s emerging environmental leaders by Clean50, she was also awarded the 2019 Ontario Engineering Medal – Young Engineer. Her research and expert commentary have been widely featured in The New York Times, The BBC, The Toronto Star, The Financial Post, Spacing Magazine, and Wired.
Join us as we move beyond the traditional conversation on high-tech climate solutions and critically examine the foundational role of infrastructure, design, and governance in shaping a sustainable future.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
Since the 2016 election, Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine has reshaped U.S. immigration policy and the global conversation around borders, sovereignty, and national security. His administration implemented sweeping immigration restrictions, from the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries to family separation policies and enhanced border enforcement. These measures reflected a broader shift toward nationalism, protectionism, and a rejection of multilateral immigration agreements.
Under his second administration, the legacy of Trump's immigration policies continues to shape debates on migration, security, and human rights. How have these policies altered U.S. relationships with neighboring countries? What have been the economic and social consequences of tightening immigration restrictions? And what does the future of U.S. immigration look like in a global landscape increasingly defined by border fortification and rising nationalism?
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we take a closer look at the long-term implications of Trump’s immigration policies and their impact on migrants, U.S. foreign relations, and international migration patterns.
Our first guest is Professor Renan Levine, an Associate Professor in the Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto. He holds a PhD from Duke University and specializes in American politics, electoral behavior, and public opinion. His research examines the role of political institutions and ideology in shaping policy decisions, including those related to immigration. Today, we’ll be discussing the political motivations behind Trump’s “America First” immigration policies, their impact on voter sentiment, and the broader implications for the 2024 election.
Joining us next is Professor Leah Montange, a human geographer and expert in migration, borders, and resistance. She is the Bissell-Heyd Lecturer in American Studies at the University of Toronto and has published extensively on immigration enforcement, border detention, and migrant rights. Her work explores how migration policies shape lived experiences and resistance movements. In today’s discussion, she’ll provide insight into how Trump’s border policies have affected migrant communities, asylum seekers, and the broader discourse around immigration enforcement.
Produced by: Mia Sunner & Aya Samaha
Since his January 20th inauguration, President Donald Trump has advanced an increasingly isolationist approach to international relations. From imposing 25% tariffs on Canada to claiming Ukraine instigated the ongoing conflict with Russia and proposing the displacement of Palestinians as a solution to the war in Gaza, his administration has fundamentally shifted U.S. foreign policy. Once the cornerstone of American global influence, soft power is eroding under the Trump presidency. What does this mean for the future of international diplomacy and trade? How will China position itself as America’s greatest competitor? And where does Canada fit into this shifting landscape?
In today’s episode of Beyond the Headlines, we dive into the implications of declining American soft power and its impact on the global order. To unpack these questions, we are joined by two distinguished experts in international relations and economics.
Janice Gross Stein is the Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management and the founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. A leading authority on world politics, she is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a member of both the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. She was the 2001 Massey Lecturer and an inaugural Trudeau Fellow, receiving the Molson Prize from the Canada Council for outstanding contributions to public debate. With an academic career spanning decades, she has authored eight books and over a hundred articles, with her latest research exploring the intersection of geopolitics and technology.
Dr. Peter Morrow is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Toronto, specializing in international trade and applied microeconomics. His research focuses on U.S.-Canada trade relations, Chinese trade policy, and the broader economic impacts of globalization. He has served as a Senior Researcher for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and as a co-editor for the Canadian Journal of Economics. His work has been widely recognized, with support from Statistics Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Join us as we analyze the evolving global order and what the future holds for trade, diplomacy, and Canada’s role in a changing world.
Produced by: Sadie McIntosh & Daniel Ebrahimpour
As the climate crisis intensifies, the need for comprehensive climate education in schools has never been more urgent. However, in Canada, climate awareness and sustainability are not consistently integrated into the national curriculum. Where climate change is addressed, it is often confined to science classrooms, leaving gaps in students' understanding of the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of the crisis. A truly modernized education system must embed environmental responsibility across subjects, ensuring that students grow up not only informed but also empowered to take meaningful action. Without institutional support, educators often struggle to incorporate sustainability into their lessons, leading to patchy, inconsistent learning experiences for students.
Beyond the classroom, children's media plays a crucial role in shaping young minds, as storytelling has the power to foster a sense of connection to the natural world, making environmental responsibility feel both urgent and personal. By examining the intersection of education, policy, and storytelling, this conversation highlights what is needed to ensure that the next generation is prepared to confront the climate crisis head-on. This episode of Beyond the Headlines will explore how education policy and media can work together to create a generation of environmentally literate citizens, featuring insights from this week's special guests.
A dedicated teacher, educator, researcher, and artist, Dr. Hilary Inwood leads the Sustainability & Climate Action Network at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. Her work centers on the critical role of education in addressing the climate crisis. Through her graduate courses on environmental and sustainability education, and her coordination of large-scale collaborations between OISE and the Toronto District School Board, Dr. Inwood is pioneering initiatives that empower teachers and embed transformative climate change education into the fabric of our schools.
Mary Bredin is an award-winning television producer, media executive, and lifelong climate activist with over 25 years of experience in animation and children's media. With an international background that spans roles at Canal+, Disney Channels Worldwide, and Viasat, Mary has been at the forefront of developing engaging, climate-conscious children’s programming. Her impressive portfolio includes an Emmy nomination for Justin Time, executive production for the Netflix hit True and the Rainbow Kingdom, and co-creation of Disney Junior’s Pikwik Pack. Currently a consultant at Green Tiger Club Ltd., Mary brings a unique blend of creative vision and business acumen to the challenge of using media as a tool for environmental education.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
Tech oligarchs have risen to dominate global politics and public discourse, posing grave threats to democracy and governance. Under Donald Trump’s presidency, the consolidation of power among Silicon Valley elites has exacerbated critical challenges, including the spread of misinformation, the weaponization of social media, and the unchecked development of artificial intelligence. These forces have not only deepened political polarization but also paved the way for the normalization of extremism, undermining the foundations of truth in the digital era. The intersection of technological exploitation, political radicalization, and the information war presents urgent questions for the future of democratic societies.
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we unpack these critical dynamics with two distinguished guests.
Andres Kasekamp is the Elmar Tampõld Chair of Estonian Studies and Professor of History at the University of Toronto’s Department of History and the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. He is a leading scholar on Baltic politics, memory politics, and populist radical right movements. Formerly a Professor of Baltic Politics at the University of Tartu and Director of the Estonian Foreign Policy Institute in Tallinn, Kasekamp has held visiting positions at esteemed institutions such as Humboldt University in Berlin and the Norwegian Institute for International Affairs. Among his acclaimed works is A History of the Baltic States, which has been translated into multiple languages and remains a definitive text in the field. His research explores European foreign and security policy and the intricate dynamics of cooperation and conflict in the Baltic Sea region. Currently, he is editing The Oxford Handbook of Modern Baltic History.
Ron Deibert is a Professor of Political Science and the Director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto. A pioneer in cybersecurity and human rights, Deibert has led the Citizen Lab’s groundbreaking investigations into cyber espionage, commercial spyware, and digital censorship, producing over 120 influential reports. These include the Tracking Ghostnet investigation into cyber-espionage and the Reckless series, which revealed spyware abuses targeting journalists and activists. Deibert is also the author of RESET: Reclaiming the Internet for Civil Society, a winner of the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. His work has earned numerous accolades, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award and the Order of Ontario. Beyond academia, he serves on advisory boards for organizations like Amnesty International and PEN Canada, making him a critical voice in addressing the intersection of technology, democracy, and civil liberties.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
South Korea finds itself at a critical turning point as President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment exposes deep challenges to its democratic framework. Allegations of misconduct and debates over the potential use of martial law highlight the fragility of democratic accountability and the lasting influence of authoritarian legacies. At the same time, the country’s history of transformative grassroots activism, including the Candlelight Protests, underscores the vital role of civic engagement in shaping South Korea’s political landscape.
In this episode, we delve into South Korea's political turmoil with Professor Hye-Su Kuk and Professor Youngju Ryu, where we shall examine the intersection of state power, citizen activism, and the institutions designed to uphold democratic norms. By reflecting on the nation’s struggle for democracy from the 1960s to the present, we explore the lessons its past offers for overcoming modern challenges and safeguarding the integrity of its political future.
Hye-Su Kuk is an Assistant Professor in the Adult Education and Community Development program at OISE/UT and affiliated with the Centre for the Study of Korea at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on the dynamic relationship between education, social movements, and democracy, particularly in South Korea’s post-1987 democratization era. Dr. Kuk’s work emphasizes the power of grassroots activism and nonformal education in fostering participatory democracy and driving social change. Her publications include a systematic review of social movement learning and a groundbreaking project on "enunciatory learning," a concept she developed to highlight the lived experiences of activist-educators navigating neoliberal and postcolonial challenges. Drawing on her expertise in institutional ethnography, she examines how education can challenge entrenched power structures and empower citizens as active participants in democratic processes.
Youngju Ryu is a leading scholar in modern Korean literature, whose research explores the intersections of politics, protest, and cultural expression in South Korea. Her award-winning book, Writers of the Winter Republic: Literature and Resistance in Park Chung Hee’s Korea, examines how Korean writers of the 1970s used literature as a tool of resistance against authoritarianism, earning recognition as one of Foreign Affairs’ "Best Books of 2016." In addition to her acclaimed work on literature and resistance, Professor Ryu co-edited Cultures of Yusin: South Korea in the 1970s and contributes to the Perspectives on Contemporary Korea series. Her current research reexamines South Korea’s democratization movement from the 1960s to 2010s through the lens of media and public discourse, exploring how formats such as podcasts shape political engagement. Professor Ryu’s scholarship bridges literary criticism, cultural history, and political analysis, offering deep insights into the forces that have shaped South Korea’s democratic evolution. Through her work, she illuminates the enduring significance of cultural and civic activism in preserving democratic values.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
The Gaza war has triggered widespread geopolitical repercussions, placing Lebanon at a critical juncture. Regional instability has intensified, exacerbating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel despite a recently brokered ceasefire. Israel’s continued military presence in southern Lebanon raises urgent questions about sovereignty, security, and the viability of peace agreements in this volatile region.
Lebanon faces mounting challenges, including economic collapse, public unrest, and increased militarization along its southern border. Hezbollah’s response to the Gaza conflict, intertwined with its ties to Iran, complicates Lebanon’s internal dynamics and its role within Middle Eastern geopolitics. Meanwhile, the international community grapples with balancing Lebanon’s fragile stability against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, often prioritizing strategic interests over humanitarian needs.
This episode examines the historical, political, and humanitarian dimensions of these issues. What is Lebanon’s path forward amidst regional and domestic pressures? How does Hezbollah influence this complex landscape, and what role can international actors play in fostering peace? Joining us to unravel these questions are this week's special guests.
Jon Allen is a distinguished Canadian diplomat with over four decades of experience in international affairs. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario (LL.B.) and the London School of Economics (LL.M. in International Law), Mr. Allen has held key postings worldwide, including Mexico City, New Delhi, and Washington, D.C., where he served as Minister of Political Affairs. From 2006 to 2010, he was Canada’s Ambassador to Israel, gaining deep insight into the region’s geopolitics. Currently, Mr. Allen is a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs, a Distinguished Fellow of the Canadian International Council, and Chair of Rozana Canada, promoting Israeli-Palestinian healthcare collaboration. He previously appeared on Beyond the Headlines in the 2023/24 season to discuss insurgency dynamics in the Middle East.
Eugene Rogan is a renowned historian specializing in the modern Middle East and North Africa. He serves as Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at the University of Oxford and is a Fellow at St. Antony’s College. A Columbia University economics graduate, Dr. Rogan earned his master’s and doctorate in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University. Professor Rogan’s acclaimed works include The Arabs: A History, The Fall of the Ottomans: The Great War in the Middle East, and the forthcoming The Damascus Events: The 1860 Massacre and the Destruction of the Old Ottoman World. His expertise spans the Arab-Israeli conflict, Ottoman history, and the First World War’s impact on the region, offering valuable historical context to contemporary events. We are honored to have him join us today.
Production Note
The segment featuring Jon Allen was recorded on November 11, 2024, before key developments in the Israel-Lebanon conflict. A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was reached in late November 2024; however, Israeli forces remain in southern Lebanon, raising ongoing concerns. These updates are addressed in the second segment with Professor Eugene Rogan, recorded on January 11, 2025, to reflect the latest developments.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
How can policymakers, businesses, and individuals navigate the new era of Artificial Intelligence development? What should we do to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI systems? In which directions should regulations be moving? In this episode, we discuss how we can shape the future of AI by improving regulations to navigate and mitigate its potential risks; with the guidance of this week's special guests.
Sonia Sennik is the CEO of Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), a global seed-stage program for scalable science-based ventures operating in six countries, and a current board member for Futurpreneur Canada, an organization that provides early-stage financing, mentorship, and resources to support aspiring Canadians in launching successful businesses that contribute to sustainable economic development in their communities. With a decade at Hatch Ltd. managing large projects, Sonia founded the Sonia Sennik Resilience Fund at McMaster University, the largest multi-donor endowment in its history. Moreover, Sonia was the head coach of the Rugby Ontario Senior Women’s Team from 2016 to 2018, winning bronze, silver, and gold at the Canadian Rugby Championships. Marco A.O. Soares is the CEO and founder of JasperVocal Inc., an Artificial Intelligence startup based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. An entrepreneur at heart, Marco is passionate about providing people with innovative services to make the world a better place. Initially the developer of a Math App, Marco shifted his focus to AI after seeing the profound impact it had on a political campaign. A strong advocate for using AI for positive change, Marco has centred his efforts on addressing critical issues such as the mental health crisis within the call centre industry. Alongside his role as CEO, Marco is pursuing his studies full-time at the Hult International Business School in London, England. Produced by: Sadie McIntosh, Mia Sunner and Aya Samaha
Energy transition has become a question of high importance throughout the world. However, these changes raise many questions about affordability, reliability, and readiness. How can we modernize the grid while balancing consumer needs with industry demands? In this episode, we will discuss with our guests how Ontario can prepare for numerous changes and opportunities in the energy transition process while exploring key challenges and mitigations. Teresa Sarkesian, President and CEO of the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA), and Harneet Panesar, Chief Operating Officer of the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), will share their expertise, addressing operational and regulatory challenges critical to a successful energy transition. Dr. Scott McKnight, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Research Associate, and Lecturer at the University of Toronto, will provide insights into the geopolitics of moving away from oil and discuss how Canada can navigate the associated risks. Tune in as we explore the future of Ontario's green energy transition in this week's episode. Produced by: Elena Villabona Palomero, Hao Zheng, and Jojo Ashun
Canada has one of the most developed education systems in the world, while the University of Toronto has been ranked as the top university in Canada and 17th globally. Higher education obtained from one of the best universities in the world can open many doors to a promising future. In this episode, we explore how policymakers can enhance education to support cross-border learning, expand research partnerships, and foster cultural exchange.
Professor Drew Fagan is a distinguished faculty member at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. He teaches in graduate programs and leads several key initiatives, including serving as a Co-Director of the Ontario 360 policy initiative and a Special Advisor to the Infrastructure Institute at the School of Cities. With his extensive expertise in policy and urban development, Professor Fagan offers valuable insights into the role of Canada’s higher education system in fostering academic mobility, knowledge production, and cultural exchange.
Sebastien Neale is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Toronto. Born in Singapore to a French family, Sebastien offers a unique global perspective, making him well-suited to discuss the role of the University of Toronto and Canada’s higher education system in fostering academic mobility, knowledge production, and cultural exchange.
Kejiao Ji holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Science in Economics from the University of Ottawa, having transferred from Beihang University in Beijing. With internship experience at UBS and local government offices, she has developed expertise in industry research and financial analysis.
Produced by: Yiming Sun and Leshi Zhou
As the world undergoes transformative shifts, the international liberal order—once the cornerstone of global governance—is facing unprecedented challenges. Mistrust in multilateral institutions, reconfigured global supply chains, and the advent of a new digital age are reshaping the rules of engagement. In this week’s episode of Beyond the Headlines, we explore the pressing questions of whether the liberal order can endure, what alternatives might emerge, and the potential shape of a new world order. This conversation delves into the crossroads of international relations, addressing the forces redefining global dynamics and the implications for the future.
Our guest this week is Akaash Maharaj, a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Ambassador-at-Large for the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). With an academic foundation in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University and a career dedicated to advancing good governance and the rule of law, Akaash brings invaluable expertise to the table. From addressing the United Nations on prosecuting kleptocrats to championing anti-corruption initiatives worldwide, his insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities shaping the global order.
Tune in to Beyond the Headlines to join this thought-provoking discussion. Don’t miss this compelling episode as we uncover where we stand in the world today and what lies ahead. Available on all platforms, streaming now!
Produced by: Mia Sunner and Julia Brahy
The 2025 federal election comes at a critical juncture for Canada, with national conversations focusing on major challenges such as the rising cost of living, climate action, infrastructure development, and government transparency. These pressing issues are shaping the platforms of candidates and nomination contestants alike as they propose solutions to address Canadians' most urgent concerns.
Affordability remains a top priority for many voters. Across the country, rising housing costs, inflation, and stagnant wages are creating economic pressures that require immediate attention. Proposals to increase housing supply through policy reforms and interprovincial cooperation have gained traction as potential remedies to the housing crisis. Similarly, Canada’s response to climate change is a key election theme, with debates surrounding carbon taxes, investments in renewable energy, and efforts to modernize public infrastructure.
Infrastructure development is another pressing concern, as outdated systems hinder economic growth and connectivity. Calls for modernization, including the introduction of high-speed rail and improved interprovincial trade networks, reflect the need for long-term solutions to these challenges. Meanwhile, institutional transparency and accountability are under scrutiny, with Canadians demanding reforms to government systems, particularly around access to information and decision-making processes.
Amid these broader national issues, local nomination contests are determining who will represent Canadians in Parliament. In Burlington, Connor Fraser is campaigning for the Conservative Party nomination. With a professional background in engineering, finance, and public policy, Fraser has centered his platform on addressing housing affordability, economic modernization, and public safety. He has also emphasized the importance of transparency in governance and collaboration between federal and provincial governments to reduce trade barriers and strengthen economic competitiveness.
As Canadians prepare to head to the polls, the choices made at both the nomination and federal election levels will shape the nation’s path forward. These decisions will influence how Canada addresses its critical challenges and builds a future that balances sustainability, affordability, and prosperity for all.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
CIUT 89.5 FM, Toronto’s only independent, open-format radio station, is hosting its Fall Fundraising Campaign from November 18th to November 24th, 2024, with a goal of raising $100,000 to keep this vital community resource thriving. Powered by over 80 unique hosts, CIUT delivers diverse programming that reflects the heart of our city. Your support ensures this unique platform remains accessible to all—donations can be made online at www.ciut.fm or by calling 416-946-7800 (local) or 1-888-204-8976 (toll-free). Contributions of $89.50 or more grant membership, while a $500 donation lets you host a two-hour music show; all donors receive a retro glow-in-the-dark t-shirt as a token of appreciation.
Help us keep The Sound of Your City alive!
The re-election of Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election marks a pivotal moment in American politics, raising critical questions about the future of democracy, social policy, and international relations. With a strong conservative base and renewed Republican control in Congress, Trump's second term is likely to bring significant shifts to key areas such as reproductive rights, civil liberties, and the role of federal institutions. This election has underscored deepening divides across American society, with shifting support among white male, white female, and Latino voters signaling evolving priorities and a complex response to Trump's policies. Additionally, his victory has implications that extend beyond U.S. borders, potentially reshaping America's commitments to allies and its positions on conflicts such as Ukraine and Israel-Gaza. In today’s episode, we explore both the domestic and international implications of a second Trump presidency with this week’s special guests. Joining us first is Professor Matthew Lebo, a distinguished scholar in political science from the University of Western Ontario, where he co-directs the Centre for Computational and Quantitative Social Science. Professor Lebo's expertise lies in political methodology and American politics, with a focus on national institutions, political behavior, parties, and public opinion. Professor Lebo is the author of Strategic Party Government: Why Winning Trumps Ideology (2017), and his upcoming book, A Practical Guide to Time Series, will be published by Cambridge University Press in 2025. His work has been featured in over 35 top political science journals, including the American Journal of Political Science and the Journal of Politics. Professor Lebo has also held notable roles as department chair both at Western and SUNY-Stony Brook, where he founded the Center for Behavioural Political Economy. Throughout his career, he has held prestigious appointments, including a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard, an Academic Visitor role at Oxford, and Visiting Professor positions at the University of Toronto and, currently, McGill University. Our second guest this week is Professor Lawrence LeDuc, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Toronto. Professor LeDuc's work has made an influential mark in the fields of Canadian and comparative political behavior, with a special focus on political parties, elections, and research methods. Among his published works are key titles such as Absent Mandate: Strategies and Choices in Canadian Elections (2019), Comparing Democracies: Elections and Voting in a Changing World (2014), and Dynasties and Interludes: Past and Present in Canadian Electoral Politics (2016). His research has also appeared in respected journals, including Electoral Studies, Party Politics, and the American Political Science Review. In recognition of his contributions, Professor LeDuc was awarded the Mildred A. Schwartz Lifetime Achievement Award in Canadian Politics by the American Political Science Association in 2015. Produced by: Julia Brahy
One's identity frequently serves as a cornerstone for one's sense of belonging, often intertwined with their traditions and heritage. The case of Iberian Jews compelled to convert to Christianity, underscores their remarkable duality and resilience required to uphold their traditions and beliefs. These covert observances, deemed as Judaizing, were punishable by severe penalties, including execution by Inquisitional authorities in Spain and Portugal. The legacy of these Crypto-Jews persists in their descendants to this day.
India is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Now the world's most populous country, India is in the midst of its largest general elections, with a staggering 969 million eligible voters, making it the biggest election the world has ever seen.
While experiencing rapid economic growth and projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030, India is also facing concerns about the curtailment of democratic freedoms and minority rights and the rise of Hindu nationalism.
In this week's episode, we delve into the complexities of India's current political environment, from the reshaping of its domestic politics to its strategic importance on the global stage.
In our upcoming episode, we embark on a journey through the intricate realm of sustainable innovation and carbon markets, illuminating their profound significance in sculpting a pathway towards a net-zero future in the 21st century. As the spectre of climate change looms large, confronting humanity with unprecedented environmental challenges, the imperative to curtail carbon emissions has emerged as a paramount concern. Against this backdrop, carbon markets stand as a beacon of hope, offering a multifaceted approach to not only mitigate emissions but also spur ingenuity and progress. Through the lens of this episode, we endeavour to unravel the complexities surrounding carbon market development, shedding light on the latest advancements and ingenious solutions that are propelling sustainability to the forefront of global discourse. From innovative technologies to transformative policies, we delve into the diverse array of strategies deployed to catalyze emission reductions and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of carbon markets, uncovering their transformative potential to reshape our trajectory towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
To tackle this issue head on, we have invited Professor Jim Whitestone of the University of Toronto and Mrs. Adi Dunkelman from ClearBlue Markets to shed better light on this topic.
In a day and age where technological innovation and information
processing systems are driving economic development in society, there exists a frontier that promises to redefine the very fabric of computation. Welcome to Quantum Computing. In today’s Beyond the Headlines Podcast join us as we unravel and explore the future of how the
principles of Quantum computing can revolutionize the way we process information. From groundbreaking research to real-world applications, we'll navigate through the complexities of quantum mechanics and discuss the incredible potential and challenges of this cutting-edge
technology. As policymakers grapple with the implications of quantum computing for global security, specifically in the context of privacy issues, and for the global economy, this BTH podcast seeks to ask the crucial queries about how this transformative technology may shape
future policies and regulations.
In today’s episode, we delve deep into the critical issues surrounding gender equality in Canada, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the major challenges and developments in gender equality, paying special attention to the disturbing rise in gender-based violence during this period and how it varies across different regions in the country. Our conversation then extends to examining areas where Canada shows promising signs of gender equality, along with an in-depth look at the care economy. We discuss Canada's response to the care economy during and after the pandemic, comparing it with global best practices.
Content warning: Please be aware that in this episode, we will be discussing topics related to gender-based violence, which might be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
*Trigger Warning: This episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive, and potentially triggering themes including institutionalized modes of oppression, sexual violence, and violence against children.
Today’s episode delves into the history and enduring consequences of Canada's residential school system. With a focus on understanding the systemic abuses inflicted upon Indigenous children and communities, we examine the roots of the residential school system and its devastating effects on Indigenous cultures and identities.
In the first segment, Kaila Johnston provides an overview of the history of residential schools in Canada, discussing their role within the broader context of colonialism and the suppression of Indigenous cultures. She also explains the methods used within the system to suppress Indigenous languages and cultures and clarifies the term "cultural genocide." Kaila addresses common misunderstandings about residential schools, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their impact on Indigenous communities.
Tyler Pennock then discusses the long-term impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, focusing on intergenerational trauma and cultural loss. They emphasize the crucial need for Canadians to acknowledge and confront the truth of residential schools for reconciliation. Tyler also discusses Indigenous storytelling and knowledge, providing guidance for non-Indigenous Canadians seeking to educate themselves further.
Further resources:
Residential School history.
Learn whose land you are on.
Justice, D., Carleton, S., Truth before reconciliation: 8 ways to identify and confront Residential School denialism (mentioned by Kaila).
Tyler Pennock’s website.
Indian Horse’s movie trailer (mentioned by Kaila).
Books for adults on the topic of residential schools.
This episode examines China’s dramatic transformation over recent decades, transitioning from rapid economic growth and liberalization, particularly post its 2001 WTO accession, to a phase of increased tensions with Western nations. This shift, amidst rising geopolitical tensions and internal policy shifts, demands a deeper, more nuanced understanding that goes beyond traditional top-down analyses. The focus is on a bottom-up approach that prioritizes gaining insights directly from individuals who have been actively involved in and have firsthand experience of these changes. This narrative offers a concise yet comprehensive view of China's changing role in the global landscape and its complex implications both at home and abroad.
It has now been two years since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. Last year, in February 2023, there was a prevailing sense of optimism and hope as the Ukrainian armed forces were able to hold back the Russian advance and even reclaim large swaths of territory. Now, 12 months later, that sense of optimism has been diminished to a great extent. Disappointing results from the Ukrainian fall counteroffensive along with stiff Russian defenses has left the battlelines in Ukraine largely unchanged. Furthermore, faltering Western support, most notably from the, United States and some European countries risks depriving Ukraine of crucially needed funds, equipment, and ammunition.
Through a conversation with Janice Stein from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the first segment will discuss the most important developments of the war in the last year as well as the Ukrainian, Russian, and North American perspectives of the war.
In the second segment, we have a discussion with Andres Kasekamp, also from Munk School. This segment puts emphasis on the European point of view of the war and goes into more detail on the broader political trends that Europe faces right now.
The global decline in fertility rates poses significant challenges for socio-economic structures, with Canada experiencing a notable decrease that mirrors this worldwide trend. This reduction in birth rates leads to an aging population, straining healthcare, pension systems, and altering workforce dynamics. In Canada, the fall in fertility rates necessitates a reevaluation of immigration policies to counterbalance demographic shifts and maintain economic growth. The decline also prompts concerns about the sustainability of social support systems, as a smaller working-age population may struggle to support an increasing number of retirees. Addressing these implications requires comprehensive policy planning and international cooperation to adapt to the changing demographic landscape.
Trigger Warning: this episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive and potentially triggering themes including sexual violence, torture, and death.
The Japanese Military Sexual Slavery, known as the “Comfort women” history refers to the system of sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese government during World War II. From 1931 and 1945, between 50,000 and 200,000 girls and women across the Asia Pacific, were forced into sexual servitude where they were raped and abused by the Japanese military. Despite the history having gained international attention as survivors came forward to share their stories, it remains largely unknown and silenced. Regardless, survivors and human rights activists have fought to raise awareness and have demanded appropriate redress, aiming not only for future generations to be accurately educated about this dark history, but also so that this crime against humanity is not repeated.
In the first segment, Woohee Kim will provide the audience with a comprehensive understanding of the “comfort women” issue, exploring its historical background during World War II and addressing the current challenges faced by the survivors.
We then delve into what it means to appropriately address this issue and promote reconciliation. In the second segment, Phyllis Kim also explores the significance of the Peace monuments in raising awareness around the 'comfort women' issue and provides insights into the activist journey of Grandmother Lee Yong-Soo.
We finish with Miki Dezaki, who helps us in debunking the 'comfort women' issue being dismissed as solely a political and emotional topic. He explores the significance of the silencing and denialism of such history and how we can overcome these challenges and achieve resolution and reconciliation through informed and respectful discourse.
Further Resources:
A compiled list of resources on the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery issue: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mFfRsEkUBMXXL9SjVxxJDamgU3XbcRGHcCmZkrKBKA4/edit?usp=sharing
CARE (Comfort Women Action) and their work: https://comfortwomenaction.org/
Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace: https://wam-peace.org/en/
Miki’s film, Shusenjo: The Main Battleground of the Comfort Women Issue: https://www.amazon.com/Shusenjo-Comfort-Women-Japans-History/dp/B08SHLLN9T
Shusenjo: The Main Battleground of Comfort Women IssueApple TVhttps://tv.apple.com › movie › shusenjo-the-main-battl…
For insights into the movement: Embodied Reckonings: “Comfort Women," Performance, and Transpacific Redress by Elizabeth Son
For insights into the history: Comfort Women: Sexual Slavery in the Japanese Military during World War II by Yoshimi Yoshiaki
For survivors’ testimonies: Stories That Make History: The Experience and Memories of the Japanese Military Comfort Girls-Women
Climate justice is once again making headlines. On today's episode, we sit down with Assistant Professor Hanna Morris and Professor Kariuki Karagia from the University of Toronto to discuss climate change as an intersectional barrier to social justice. This episode is a collaboration with the Munk School Environmental Working Group. The EWG is a student-led organization that aims to raise the profile of environment, sustainability, and climate-related issues at the Munk School, while providing a platform for students to explore the intersections of sustainability, environmental policy, and climate change as they relate to other pillars of public policy and global affairs.
The majority of Canadians, about 3 out of 4, live in one of Canada's large urban centres and Canadian Downtowns are growing more rapidly than ever before. In the rise of pressing urban policy issues like housing affordability, transportation, climate change and resilience, and social equity and inclusion, how do we imagine the future of our urban centers?
Today, we will turn to two experts to dissect their experiences working at two of the country’s largest cities: Vancouver, BC and Toronto, Ontario.
In 2015, 193 member countries of the United Nations agreed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), to be achieved by 2030. The SDGs are meant to be a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity by improving health and education, reducing inequality, and spurring economic growth – all while tackling climate change and preserving our environment. Now that it’s 2023, the clock is ticking, and the road to 2030 is at its halfway point.
That raises the question: are these goals still within reach?
Or is this an impossible dream?
A Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC) delegation comprising of four Canadian youth made it their mission to answer this question when
they attended the annual High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which is the central UN platform for the follow-up and review of the SDGs. In just a moment, you will hear from these YDC delegates as they chat about where Canada’s progress is with the 2030 SDGs, what it’s like to participate in a UN conference of this magnitude, and some of the key trends to look out for as the clock to 2030 counts down.
Today, we’re honing in on the topic of the housing crisis and how Toronto can remain a resilient city in the future. Every level of government and nonprofits are working toward finding the best method to resolve the pressing housing crisis for the future generations. Jad El Ghali from New Majority will bring the perspective on the housing crisis and the challenges they are facing as they work with youth for their future.
The Israel-Hamas war has taken an immense toll on both sides and caused thousands of casualties. As difficult of a topic as this is, shedding light on this war, with an objective and critical lens, is a vital endeavor in the hope that history should never repeat itself in this way again.
Today, we take a step back to discuss the histories in the region and the rise of Hamas to power, through to the present-day. For our guest today, we welcome Mr. Jon Allen, and professor Alejandro Paz to help us get a better understanding about the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas Conflict and how insurrection groups like Hamas rose into power in the region.
Before we begin this episode, our hearts here at Beyond the Headlines go out towards those who have suffered and lost tremendously through this war, from both sides. Any statements we make in this episode are rooted in empathy and a desire for peace. Our focus is on fostering understanding, compassion, and support for those affected by the devastating consequences of war. We understand that this is a difficult topic, so we welcome conversations on Twitter/X (@Byond_Headlines), or by reaching out to us on Instagram @beyondtheheadlines. We are listening.
This week's episode dives into the BRI's evolution over the last ten years where we take a closer look at BRI's as a tool of China's foreign policy, its impacts in the Global South, and its ongoing recalibration.
Note: The figure at 39:03 is supposed to be $170 billion. “The African Development Bank estimates that Africa will need $170 billion a year to fill its infrastructure gap”.
Ontario has launched a new initiative called Roadmap to Wellness, which aims to develop a comprehensive and connected mental health and addiction system for the region. Over 1 million Ontarians face mental health and addiction issues each year, and the system faces challenges including long wait times, service fragmentation, and lack of evidence-based funding. We spoke with our Allyson Theodorou about Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness and the role of peer support in the mental health and addiction sector.
Are Canadian students being set up for success as adults in a democratic society? A functional democracy requires its citizens to participate fully in its collective institutions, which exist to serve the public interest and create public value. In this episode, we are looking at the role that civics education plays in creating a healthy, happy society. We believe that a strong civics education provides up & coming citizens with the relevant knowledge and toolsets necessary for participating respectfully in the political process to achieve the social outcomes that they want. Some observers claim that current civics curricula are inadequate in preparing students for their adult roles as civic participants.
In this episode, we have invited two experts to join us for a conversation about the role of civics education in contemporary democracies. Our first guest, Rebecca Rajcak, will speak about the landscape of the modern civics classroom in Ontario, and what could be improved, from an educator's perspective. Our second speaker, Dimitri Pavlounis, will join at 11:30 to discuss the role of civics education more broadly, how civics education is linked to democratic outcomes, and his work with CIVIX - a non-profit organization which leads the popular student vote programs in civics classrooms across Canada.
Further Reading:
Hess, D. E., & McAvoy, P. (2014). The political classroom: Evidence and ethics in democratic education. Routledge.
Pavlounis, D., Johnston, J., Brodsky, J., & Brooks, P. The Digital Media Literacy Gap: How to build widespread resilience to false and misleading information using evidence-based classroom tools. CIVIX Canada, November 2021.
Guests:
Rebecca Rajcak is Program Leader of English, Canada & World Studies, Social Sciences & Humanities, First Nations, Métis & Inuit Studies, and Library Services at a high school in Burlington. She teaches English, Civics and Careers, special education, and I-STEM classes. She holds a Master’s Degree in Literature from Queen’s University, as well as Bachelor degrees in English (UofW) and Education (Western). Rebecca is a dedicated and passionate anti-colonial, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive educator, and chairs as a mentor on her school’s student Equity Club.
Dimitri Pavlounis is the Research Director at CIVIX, a Canadian educational charity dedicated to building the skills and habits of active and informed citizenship among youth through experiential learning opportunities. He recently helped lead a large-scale national evaluation of CTRL-F, a digital literacy program aimed at helping students navigate our polluted information environment. Prior to joining CIVIX, he completed his PhD in Media Studies at the University of Michigan and taught numerous courses in media studies and digital studies at colleges and universities in the U.S.
Producers:
Connor Fraser - Executive Producer
Maria Cvetkova - Junior Producer
Are Canadian students being set up for success as adults in a democratic society? A functional democracy requires its citizens to participate fully in its collective institutions, which exist to serve the public interest and create public value. In this episode, we are looking at the role that civics education plays in creating a healthy, happy society. We believe that a strong civics education provides up & coming citizens with the relevant knowledge and toolsets necessary for participating respectfully in the political process to achieve the social outcomes that they want. Some observers claim that current civics curricula are inadequate in preparing students for their adult roles as civic participants.
In this episode, we have invited two experts to join us for a conversation about the role of civics education in contemporary democracies. Our first guest, Rebecca Rajcak, will speak about the landscape of the modern civics classroom in Ontario, and what could be improved, from an educator's perspective. Our second speaker, Dimitri Pavlounis, will join at 11:30 to discuss the role of civics education more broadly, how civics education is linked to democratic outcomes, and his work with CIVIX - a non-profit organization which leads the popular student vote programs in civics classrooms across Canada.
Further Reading:
Hess, D. E., & McAvoy, P. (2014). The political classroom: Evidence and ethics in democratic education. Routledge.
Pavlounis, D., Johnston, J., Brodsky, J., & Brooks, P. The Digital Media Literacy Gap: How to build widespread resilience to false and misleading information using evidence-based classroom tools. CIVIX Canada, November 2021.
Guests:
Rebecca Rajcak is Program Leader of English, Canada & World Studies, Social Sciences & Humanities, First Nations, Métis & Inuit Studies, and Library Services at a high school in Burlington. She teaches English, Civics and Careers, special education, and I-STEM classes. She holds a Master’s Degree in Literature from Queen’s University, as well as Bachelor degrees in English (UofW) and Education (Western). Rebecca is a dedicated and passionate anti-colonial, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive educator, and chairs as a mentor on her school’s student Equity Club.
Dimitri Pavlounis is the Research Director at CIVIX, a Canadian educational charity dedicated to building the skills and habits of active and informed citizenship among youth through experiential learning opportunities. He recently helped lead a large-scale national evaluation of CTRL-F, a digital literacy program aimed at helping students navigate our polluted information environment. Prior to joining CIVIX, he completed his PhD in Media Studies at the University of Michigan and taught numerous courses in media studies and digital studies at colleges and universities in the U.S.
Producers:
Connor Fraser - Executive Producer
Maria Cvetkova - Junior Producer
For this episode, two guests join us to talk about the telecommunication monopoly in Canada, Professor Fenwick McKelvey from Concordia University and Mr. Joe Rowsell from Telus. With the ongoing merger between Shaw and Rogers, and the recent service outage experienced by Rogers’ users, we have seen rising concerns within Canada’s monopolistic Telecommunication industry. We dive into the current landscape of the industry and explore the existing problems within the telecommunication systems. Additionally, we will discuss the government’s role in regulating the industry.
Producers
Vicky Li - Junior Producer
Kriti Sharma - Junior Producer
Keyi Liu - Junior Producer
Low voter turnout has plagued Canada’s elections for decades, and people are increasingly apathetic towards the democratic process. In this episode we host a discussion to ask whether Canada has a democratic deficit. Are democratic institutions accurately representing the “will of the people” and are they providing goods & services that people value and want? This goes beyond the trend of voter turnout, to consider a wide range of democratic institutions, such as: Party financing, lobbying, the welfare state, the electoral system, and much more!
The war in Ukraine has fundamentally changed the way in which we think of numerous issues in public life and international relations, from refugees to food security to nuclear proliferation. However, one of the topics that has received considerable attention in the last year has been the relationship between fossil fuels, clean energy, and global security. Since the war began, the world has seen skyrocketing energy prices, introspection on the sources of fossil fuel energy, and anxieties over the future of energy stability. This has led to scholars, politicians, and experts arguing for a stronger link between the pursuit of clean energy transition and global security. This episode will aim to address the bigger questions of this debate and their implications for Canada, and the world.
Through a conversation with Mark Winfield from York University’s Faculty of Environment and Urban Change, the first segment of the episode will discuss the effects of the war in Ukraine on the discourse surrounding energy transition and Canada’s role as a global energy exporter
In the second segment, we have a discussion with Scott McKnight, from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. This segment puts emphasis on the global trends in Green Energy Transition in the wake of the conflict, with particular emphasis on how these issues affect China and the Global South.
Our final guest is Hlib Mikhno, a junior professional in the fields of external relations and energy transition, who recently represented Ukraine as the European Climate Pact Ambassador during high-level youth policy dialogues with the Vice-President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal. Hlib’s segment explores Ukraine's energy transition through the prism of Russia's invasion, with a focus on the constant shelling of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, plans for EU integration, and post-war reconstruction.
Guests:
Mark Winfield, Professor at the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change at York University.
Scott McKnight, Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
Hlib Mikhno, European Climate Pact Ambassador for Ukraine in various EU institutions
Producers:
Marie Ascencio - Senior Producer
Antoine Fougère-Ramsamooj - Junior Producer
*Trigger Warning: today’s episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive and potentially triggering themes including sexual violence, torture, and death.
Sexual Violence in armed conflict is not a new phenomena and this epidemic of sexual violence as “weapon of war” has existed for as long as there has been conflict. Sexual violence during armed conflict as a crime against humanity has been formally recognized through the establishment of the International Criminal Court as well as in international instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women adopted by United Nations General Assembly in 1970. However, as stated in the 2022 Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Report of the UN Secretary-General and shown in the ongoing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, women and children continue to suffer from sexual violence and the Covid-19 pandemic and heightened natural disasters and conflict have elevated risks of sexual exploitation. In recognition of the upcoming International Women’s Day, this episode aims to break the silence around sexual violence which is often a peripheral concern in any armed conflict.
In the first segment, Dr. Noëlle Quénivet will talk about the international legal and policy framework regarding sexual violence in armed conflict including its limitations and how the existing system can be improved to appropriately and effectively address conflict-related sexual violence.
The second segment of the episode focuses on the situation in the Ukraine War where, Professor Kim Thuy Seelinger provides some insight into the current efforts to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual violence in the invasion of Ukraine.
Producers:
Yunji Hwang - Junior Producer
Anukriti Randev - Junior Producer
Raagini Singh Panwar - Junior Producer
Further Reading:
- Noelle Quénivet (first speaker) and Melanie O’Brien. (June 8, 2022). Sexual and Gender-Based Violence against Women in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict.
- Weill, Sharon, Kim Thuy Seelinger, and Kerstin Bree Carlson (eds), The President on Trial: Prosecuting Hissène Habré (Oxford, 2020; online edn, Oxford Academic, 18 June 2020),
- United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG). (29 March 2022). Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Report
Beyond the Headlines is a weekly one-hour current affairs radio show & podcast airing on Mondays at 11AM on CIUT 89.5. We are Canada’s premier student-led venue for informed & non-partisan policy discourse.
Through discussions with leading Canadian and global experts, we aim to capture the essence of important public policy and global affairs issues. By taking a “deep dive” into a new subject each week, our objective is to take listeners beyond the immediacy of our daily news. We aspire to create content that is accessible to a wider audience, not simply those who have an academic background in policy.
Beyond the Headlines is produced by Master's Students at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
The war in Ukraine has reached its one year anniversary, a grim milestone few people in February of 2022 thought would be possible. Over the last year, the world has remained stunned, shocked, and enthralled by the conflict and its developments. These include the inspiring resilience of the Ukrainian people, the surprising shortfalls of the Russian military, and the rallying of the international community in support of Ukraine. However, with a year come and gone, it is easy to forget the implications that the war continues to have on our lives. As such, this episode will serve as a retrospective of the war and a reminder of the brutal costs that Ukraine, Russia, and the world are still paying.
Through a conversation with Janice Stein of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the first segment of the episode serves as a retrospective of the war. How it began, its most important moments, and what might happen next.
In the second segment, we have a discussion with Dani Nedal, also from the Munk School. This segment puts emphasis on the human cost of the war, an essential consideration to realize the true consequences of this conflict. A note, while no graphic descriptions are present, this episode will talk about the human violence and suffering that has happened due to this war. Please take care while listening.
Guests:
Professor Janice Stein is the Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management in the Department of Political Science and the Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. Her current research focuses on technology and public policy in the context of great power competition. Last year, she co-chaired the National Advisory Committee on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy for the Minister of Global Affairs.
Professor Dani Nedal is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto at the Department of Political Science and the Munk School. His work focuses on topics related to global security and international order. His research focuses on topics of global security and international order. He has held fellowships at MIT’s Security Studies Program, Yale University’s International Security Studies program and the University of Birmingham’s Institute for Conflict.
Producers:
Antoine Fougère-Ramsamooj & Mina Zahine
The war in Ukraine has reached its one year anniversary, a grim milestone few people in February of 2022 thought would be possible. Over the last year, the world has remained stunned, shocked, and enthralled by the conflict and its developments. These include the inspiring resilience of the Ukrainian people, the surprising shortfalls of the Russian military, and the rallying of the international community in support of Ukraine. However, with a year come and gone, it is easy to forget the implications that the war continues to have on our lives. As such, this episode will serve as a retrospective of the war and a reminder of the brutal costs that Ukraine, Russia, and the world are still paying.
Through a conversation with Janice Stein of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the first segment of the episode serves as a retrospective of the war. How it began, its most important moments, and what might happen next.
In the second segment, we have a discussion with Dani Nedal, also from the Munk School. This segment puts emphasis on the human cost of the war, an essential consideration to realize the true consequences of this conflict. A note, while no graphic descriptions are present, this episode will talk about the human violence and suffering that has happened due to this war. Please take care while listening.
Guests:
Professor Janice Stein is the Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management in the Department of Political Science and the Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. Her current research focuses on technology and public policy in the context of great power competition. Last year, she co-chaired the National Advisory Committee on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy for the Minister of Global Affairs.
Professor Dani Nedal is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto at the Department of Political Science and the Munk School. His work focuses on topics related to global security and international order. His research focuses on topics of global security and international order. He has held fellowships at MIT’s Security Studies Program, Yale University’s International Security Studies program and the University of Birmingham’s Institute for Conflict.
Producers:
Antoine Fougère-Ramsamooj & Mina Zahine
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly shaken healthcare systems around the world, many of which have already been struggling since pre-pandemic times. This is no different in Canada. The World Health Organization argues that digital healthcare has the potential to improve medical diagnoses, data-based treatment decisions, digital therapeutics, clinical trials, among other benefits. Notwithstanding these promises, there are concerns surrounding privacy, accessibility, and scalability. Fabian talks to Dr. Onil Bhattacharyya from the Women’s College Hospital about digital healthcare trends, implementation challenges, as well as policy recommendations. Yashree then talks to Dr. Sacha Bhatia about the future of digital healthcare and public trust in the existing system.
Guest:
Dr. Onil Bhattacharyya - Women’s College HospitalDr. Sacha Bhatia - Ontario Health
Producers:
Anukriti Randev - Junior Producer
Yashree Sharma - Junior Producer
Fabian Siau - Junior Producer
Suggested Readings:
World Health Organism. Global strategy on digital health 2020-2025. (https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/documents/gs4dhdaa2a9f352b0445bafbc79ca799dce4d.pdf)
Policy Options. Enabling digital health care solutions in Canada. (https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/january-2019/enabling-digital-health-care-solutions-canada/ )
The semiconductor industry has become a lightning rod for geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. Competition in the technological frontier has become an arena where both the US and China are competing for dominance. In the latter half of 2022, the Biden administration signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law to bolster semiconductor manufacturing in the US, and enacted sweeping export controls against China. This week's episode takes a deep dive into how geopolitical tensions between the US and China are impacting the semiconductor industry and their broader ramifications for the global economy.
Through a conversation with Antonia Hmaidi of the Mercator Institute for China Studies, the first segment of the episode breaks down the impacts of the chip war on economies of US and China, and takes a look at how the US is changing the way export controls are being used.
In the second segment, we have a conversation with Benjamin Bergen from the Council of Canadian Innovators. This segment provides a Canadian perspective on the chip war, and whether Canada should pursue its own long-term goal of domestic semiconductor production.
Guests:
Antonia Hmaidi is an Analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies located in Germany. She works on China’s pursuit of tech self-reliance (especially in areas like semiconductors and operating systems), its internet infrastructure, and disinformation and hacking campaigns. Hmaidi also develops modelling and big data analysis tools. She gained experience as a project manager at the Bertelsmann Stiftung, worked at the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), as a journalist in Asia and at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). Antonia holds a bachelor’s degree in East Asian Politics and Economics from Ruhr University Bochum and Renmin University of China, and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Graduate Institutes of International and Development Studies (IHEID) in Geneva and New Delhi.
Benjamin Bergen is the President of the Council of Canadian Innovators, a national, non-partisan business council for the 21st century economy, led by over 150 CEOs of Canada’s fastest growing homegrown technology scale-ups. CCI is focused on optimizing the growth of Canada’s innovation-based sector, and Benjamin leads the execution of its ambitious economic development agenda. CCI is working with leading Canadian companies which feed in to the global semiconductor supply chain, and calling on Canada to develop a national semiconductor strategy.
Producers:
Raagini Singh Panwar - Junior Producer
Vicky Li - Junior Producer
The semiconductor industry has become a lightning rod for geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. Competition in the technological frontier has become an arena where both the US and China are competing for dominance. In the latter half of 2022, the Biden administration signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law to bolster semiconductor manufacturing in the US, and enacted sweeping export controls against China. This week's episode takes a deep dive into how geopolitical tensions between the US and China are impacting the semiconductor industry and their broader ramifications for the global economy.
Through a conversation with Antonia Hmaidi of the Mercator Institute for China Studies, the first segment of the episode breaks down the impacts of the chip war on economies of US and China, and takes a look at how the US is changing the way export controls are being used.
In the second segment, we have a conversation with Benjamin Bergen from the Council of Canadian Innovators. This segment provides a Canadian perspective on the chip war, and whether Canada should pursue its own long-term goal of domestic semiconductor production.
Guests:
Antonia Hmaidi is an Analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies located in Germany. She works on China’s pursuit of tech self-reliance (especially in areas like semiconductors and operating systems), its internet infrastructure, and disinformation and hacking campaigns. Hmaidi also develops modelling and big data analysis tools. She gained experience as a project manager at the Bertelsmann Stiftung, worked at the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), as a journalist in Asia and at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). Antonia holds a bachelor’s degree in East Asian Politics and Economics from Ruhr University Bochum and Renmin University of China, and a master’s degree in International Relations from the Graduate Institutes of International and Development Studies (IHEID) in Geneva and New Delhi.
Benjamin Bergen is the President of the Council of Canadian Innovators, a national, non-partisan business council for the 21st century economy, led by over 150 CEOs of Canada’s fastest growing homegrown technology scale-ups. CCI is focused on optimizing the growth of Canada’s innovation-based sector, and Benjamin leads the execution of its ambitious economic development agenda. CCI is working with leading Canadian companies which feed in to the global semiconductor supply chain, and calling on Canada to develop a national semiconductor strategy.
Producers:
Raagini Singh Panwar - Junior Producer
Vicky Li - Junior Producer
Contributions are being made to tackle climate change on a scale. From government commitments, to corporate CEOs releasing their yearly carbon reduction targets. Though with every new promise for a better and brighter future, our present day news reports parts of the world working desperately to suppress major climate shocks. Today, we’re honing in on the topic of climate action and how Toronto can remain a resilient city in the future to come. Former Chief Resilience Officer Elliot Cappell will bring us up to speed on Toronto’s resilience strategy, while our second guest professor John Robinson will go beyond resilience to address the multifaceted components that are integral to Toronto's future as a sustainable city.
Guests :
Elliott Cappel - PwC CanadaJohn Robinson - University of Toronto
Producers:
Nikoo Tajdolat - Junior Producer
Keyi Liu - Junior Producer
Contributions are being made to tackle climate change on a scale. From government commitments, to corporate CEOs releasing their yearly carbon reduction targets. Though with every new promise for a better and brighter future, our present day news reports parts of the world working desperately to suppress major climate shocks. Today, we’re honing in on the topic of climate action and how Toronto can remain a resilient city in the future to come. Former Chief Resilience Officer Elliot Cappell will bring us up to speed on Toronto’s resilience strategy, while our second guest professor John Robinson will go beyond resilience to address the multifaceted components that are integral to Toronto's future as a sustainable city.
Guests :
Elliott Cappel - PwC CanadaJohn Robinson - University of Toronto
Producers:
Nikoo Tajdolat - Junior Producer
Keyi Liu - Junior Producer
Following the rise of social media and digital platforms, digital activism has become a cornerstone of the most recent social movements, especially the fourth wave of feminism characterized by online movements such as Me too and Times Up. Organizing digitally has enabled these feminist movements to reach much wider audiences and led to large-scale participation the world over. This week's episode dives into what fourth wave feminism is and how digital media has contributed to its performance.
In our first segment, Dr. Zeinab Farokhi provides an overview of fourth-wave feminism. Topics discussed include: Whether digital platforms have made the fourth-wave more inclusive than past feminist movements, whether the fourth wave has been reduced to performative messaging and branding by companies, the evolving role of men in feminist movements, concerns that digitization has also lended legitimacy to anti-feminist movements, and whether measuring success ought to depend upon legislative progress.
In the second segment, we are joined by Professor Sara Liao from Penn State University for a conversation about the impacts and significance of fourth-wave feminism for China, including: The origins of the #MeToo movement in China, techniques used by the Chinese state to silence feminist activists online, the impacts of transnational networks, whether there has been meaningful progress in terms of legislative victories and public opinion, and much more.
Guests:
Dr. Zeinab Farokhi earned her PhD in Women and Gender Studies and Diaspora and Transnational Studies at the University of Toronto. She is currently a SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at Concordia University (2022-24) and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Her dissertation, "Digital Islamophobia: A Comparison of Right-Wing Extremist Groups in Canada, the United States, and India," investigated and tracked the gendered, affective, and transnational digital strategies, rhetoric, and affinities of anti-Muslim extremist actors on Twitter via qualitative discourse analysis. Building on her dissertation, Dr. Farokhi's postdoctoral research will conduct a mix-methods comparison of Hindu nationalist and white supremacist discourses on Youtube in order to further assess the affective and affinitive alignments among extremist groups and their exploitation of audio-visual affordances. Dr. Farokhi's work emphasizes feminist approaches to extremism, digital media, and transnational and diaspora studies and highlights the urgent need to better understand how national and transnational extremist rhetoric manifests, spreads, and persuades across digital ecologies.
Professor Sara Liao is a media scholar and feminist based out of Penn State University. Her research interests intersect digital labor, feminist studies, globalization, and East Asian popular culture. Her book Fashioning China (Pluto, 2020) investigates gendered digital labor in China’s maker culture and fashion industry, highlighting how social media commerce has transformed creative industries, and produced new forms of creativity, identity, and precarity in work and life. She has published in renowned academic journals such as Journal of Communication, Signs: Journal of women in Culture and Society, Communication, Culture & Critique, and Convergence. She currently works on researching and writing about the tangled relationship between digital culture of misogyny and popular nationalism in China.
Producers:
Yashree Sharma
Raagini Singh Panwar
Ayesha Ali
Following the rise of social media and digital platforms, digital activism has become a cornerstone of the most recent social movements, especially the fourth wave of feminism characterized by online movements such as Me too and Times Up. Organizing digitally has enabled these feminist movements to reach much wider audiences and led to large-scale participation the world over. This week's episode dives into what fourth wave feminism is and how digital media has contributed to its performance.
In our first segment, Dr. Zeinab Farokhi provides an overview of fourth-wave feminism. Topics discussed include: Whether digital platforms have made the fourth-wave more inclusive than past feminist movements, whether the fourth wave has been reduced to performative messaging and branding by companies, the evolving role of men in feminist movements, concerns that digitization has also lended legitimacy to anti-feminist movements, and whether measuring success ought to depend upon legislative progress.
In the second segment, we are joined by Professor Sara Liao from Penn State University for a conversation about the impacts and significance of fourth-wave feminism for China, including: The origins of the #MeToo movement in China, techniques used by the Chinese state to silence feminist activists online, the impacts of transnational networks, whether there has been meaningful progress in terms of legislative victories and public opinion, and much more.
Guests:
Dr. Zeinab Farokhi earned her PhD in Women and Gender Studies and Diaspora and Transnational Studies at the University of Toronto. She is currently a SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at Concordia University (2022-24) and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Her dissertation, "Digital Islamophobia: A Comparison of Right-Wing Extremist Groups in Canada, the United States, and India," investigated and tracked the gendered, affective, and transnational digital strategies, rhetoric, and affinities of anti-Muslim extremist actors on Twitter via qualitative discourse analysis. Building on her dissertation, Dr. Farokhi's postdoctoral research will conduct a mix-methods comparison of Hindu nationalist and white supremacist discourses on Youtube in order to further assess the affective and affinitive alignments among extremist groups and their exploitation of audio-visual affordances. Dr. Farokhi's work emphasizes feminist approaches to extremism, digital media, and transnational and diaspora studies and highlights the urgent need to better understand how national and transnational extremist rhetoric manifests, spreads, and persuades across digital ecologies.
Professor Sara Liao is a media scholar and feminist based out of Penn State University. Her research interests intersect digital labor, feminist studies, globalization, and East Asian popular culture. Her book Fashioning China (Pluto, 2020) investigates gendered digital labor in China’s maker culture and fashion industry, highlighting how social media commerce has transformed creative industries, and produced new forms of creativity, identity, and precarity in work and life. She has published in renowned academic journals such as Journal of Communication, Signs: Journal of women in Culture and Society, Communication, Culture & Critique, and Convergence. She currently works on researching and writing about the tangled relationship between digital culture of misogyny and popular nationalism in China.
Producers:
Yashree Sharma
Raagini Singh Panwar
Ayesha Ali
On today’s episode, we will be talking about ODSP and Medical ssistance in dying, (MAID). There is currently inadequate funding and support for people living with disabilities in Ontario through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). An overwhelming majority of ODSP recipients live in poverty, with access to affordable housing and affordable healthcare being out of reach for many. This problem is coupled with expansion in 2021 of the eligibility for Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), that has seen increased rates of application from those struggling under Ontario’s system, and there is concern over the potential future expansion in March of this year. Our first guest, Mike Schreiner, a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and leader of the Ontario Green Party since 2009 speaks about the recent trend and what can be done about improving ODSP. Our second guest, Trevor Manon outlines the work done by the ODSP Action Coalition, of which he is Secretary Co-Chair, and the challenges faced by those who rely on the group and their advocacy.
Guests
- Mike Schreiner - GPO
- Trevor Manson - ODSP Action Coalition
Producers
- Maria Cvetkova - Junior Producer
- Antoine Fougere-Ramsamooj - Junior Producer
- Jordan Egan - Junior Producer
On September 13th of last year, 22-year-old Jina “Mahsa” Amini was arrested by Iran's morality police for violating its strict Islamic dress code. She was allegedly severely beaten and died three days later while still in police custody. This triggered protests across the nation led primarily by women who tore off their hijabs, cut their hair and adopted a rallying cry of “women, life, freedom.” Today, a full 125 days later, we take a closer look at this protest, the Iranian government’s response, and its implications for Canada, and the rest of the world. Our first guest, Professor Mohamad Tavakoli-Targhi from the University of Toronto, will get us up to speed on the protests, the second guest, Lily Pourzand, will highlight the role of women in this ongoing struggle, and finally, Professor Ali Dizboni will shed a light on the broader security perspective.
Guests:
Mohamad Tavakoli-Targhi - University of Toronto
Lily Pourzand - Sandgate Women’s Shelter
Ali Ghanbarpour-Dizboni - Royal Military College of Canada
Producers:
Nikoo Tajdolat - Junior Producer
Ibtesaam Moosa - Junior Producer
Connor Fraser - Executive Producer
Canada is lucky to border on the Great lakes, which hold about 20% of the world’s freshwater. Today the show host will be talking about the importance of good policies to manage our water and delve into some of the environmental and policy challenges attached.
Guests:
Dr. George ArhonditsisDr. Gail Krantzberg
Producer:
Jordan Egan - Junior Producer
Roberto Fusciardi - Junior Producer
Antoine Fougere-Ramsamooj - Junior Producer
In spite of varying opinions on disinformation, some experts argue that its effects on our democracies and the international security landscape remain widely underestimated. In the first segment, Mina speaks to Dr. Peter Loewen about Russia's disinformation campaign as a form of hybrid warfare, how it's affecting democratic nations and its implications for policymakers. Marie then speaks to Dr. Maxim Alyukov to explore Russia's disinformation apparatus. How and why does the Kremlin spread disinformation? What are the consequences of disinformation on Russian politics and Russian society? And how has Russian disinformation affected domestic perspectives of the War in Ukraine? Guests: Dr Peter Loewen, Dr. Maxim Alyukov Producers: Fabian Siau, Marie Ascencio, Mina Zahine
According to UNESCO, 617 million children and adolescents around the world are not reaching minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics. This “learning crisis” threatens progress towards the 4th Sustainable Development Goal, which calls for action to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated this crisis across the world, disproportionately affecting the most marginalized students in high-, middle-, and low-income countries. In this episode we learn about the different strategies and perspectives on the issue of the learning crisis in Canada and developing countries. Furthermore, we delve into ways the worsened learning crisis can be addressed in the post pandemic context.
Further Reading:
UNESCO, ., UNICEF, . & World Bank. (2021). The State of the Global Education Crisis : A Path to Recovery. UNESCO, Paris, UNICEF, New York, and World Bank, Washington, DC.
Guest Biographies:
Dr. Nina Bascia is a Professor in the Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. She is also a Visiting Professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Bascia is the founding Director of the Collaborative Program in Educational Policy. She is a leading scholar of educational policy as it intersects with schools as organizations, and particularly with teachers' work. Her research emphasizes educational policy analysis and program evaluation; organizational and social context of teaching and administration; and teacher leadership and development, teacher unions and professional associations.
Dr. Moussa Blimpo is an Assistant Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. He formerly served as a Senior Economist in the Office of the Chief Economist for the Africa Region at the World Bank. His work on the economics of education examines how critical demand-side features drive education quality and skills acquisition, particularly the incentives and involvement of students and parents in the educational system. He is also a member of the Intellectual Leadership Team of the Research on Improving Systems of Education (RISE) Programme, which seeks to understand how education systems in developing countries can raise learning outcomes.
Producers:
Anukriti Randev - Junior Producer
Keyi Liu - Junior Producer
Yunji Hwang - Junior Producer
Connor Fraser - Executive Producer
Microfinance and social enterprise have seen a rise in popularity since the turn of the 21st century. But what exactly are social enterprises? And is microfinance the golden bullet that can solve the problem of poverty? Today, joined by Professor Ann Armstrong, Professor Laura Doering and Professor Moussa Blimpo, we will dive into the topic of social enterprise and microfinance and discuss their role in addressing inequality and global developmental challenges.
Guests:
Ann Armstrong - University of Toronto - Rotman School of ManagementLaura Doering - University of Toronto - Rotman School of ManagementMoussa Blimpo - University of Toronto - Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Producer:
Yashree Sharma - Junior producer
Vicky Li - Junior Producer
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses across many sectors of the economy have found it increasingly difficult to find workers. According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio reached an historic low of 1.4 in June 2022, amidst a record tight labour market. In particular, significant impacts have been felt within the healthcare and social assistance, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Today we unpack the causes and consequences of Canada’s labour supply crisis. What, if anything, can be done to improve the situation? Moreover, our guest Sean Speer outlined in a recent white paper entitled “The Urgent Case for a Supply Rebuild: Investing in a New Economic Compact for Canada” that we are facing broader supply shortages, for example related to the supply of energy, housing, and ideas. The latter part of our discussion addresses the rationale for government involvement in a broader supply rebuild. What is the role of government, and what are the long-term consequences of inaction?
Guest Bio - @Sean_Speer:
Our guest today is Sean Speer. Sean is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, Editor-at-Large with The Hub, and a project director at Ontario 360. Additionally, Sean is the Public Policy Forum’s Scotiabank Fellow in Strategic Competitiveness and, luckily for us, the Faculty Advisor of Beyond the Headlines. He has previously served in different roles for the federal government, including as senior economic advisor to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Sean has written extensively about federal policy issues, including taxes and government spending, retirement income security, social mobility, and economic competitiveness. Sean holds an M.A. in History from Carleton University and has studied economic history as a PhD candidate at Queen’s University.
Further Reading:
Porter, D., & Kavkic, R. (2022). Workers Wanted: Demand, Demographics and Disruption (Focus). BMO.
Ragan, C. (2010). Two Policy Challenges Driven by Population Aging. Policy Options, 31(9), 72–79.
Shingler, B., & Bruce, G. (2022, August 23). In a tight labour market, this is where Canadian workers are going. CBC.
Speer, S., & Greenspon, E. (2022, November 1). The Urgent Case for a Supply Rebuild: Investing in a New Economic Compact for Canada. Public Policy Forum.
Producers:
Connor Fraser - Executive Producer
In the era of climate change, we’ve seen how greater and easier access to the Arctic has raised the questions of how Canada can better protect its Northern sovereignty, and contribute to relationships with its allies. In this week’s episode, we will discuss some opportunities Canada can explore to expand its security capabilities in the Arctic. We will also break down what roles Canada should play in multilateral institutions that cooperatively govern interaction in the North.
Guests
Andrea Charron, PhD
Colonel (Retired) Pierre Leblanc, MBA, OStJ, CD
Producers
Roberto Fusciardi, Maria Cvetkova, Grace Wang
Youth are regularly held up as the world’s future leaders, but institutions often fail to consider their input in the present. Following the IMF/ World Bank Annual Meeting in Washington DC, Young Diplomats of Canada - Dael Vasquez and Shayaan Kaleem - explore why youth matter in global politics by interviewing guests on the impact that the IMF and World Bank have on youth around the world.
Guests:
James Clark is an Advisor in the Office of the Executive Director for Canada, Ireland and the Caribbean to the World Bank Group. He holds a Master's of Public Policy from University of Toronto, and previously held roles at the Canadian Ministry of Finance, and Global Affairs Canada.
Caroline Ng is a fourth year University of New South Wales Business Information Systems Co-op scholar. She is pursuing a career in cyber security, combining her passions for technology and keeping people safe.
Marko Golubovac is studying towards his Bachelor's of Commerce at The University of Melbourne, majoring in Finance and Marketing. He is passionate about strengthening sustainability practices in business and is writing a domestic policy proposal on climate change induced migration.
Producers:
Dael Vasquez-Hernandez, Head Delegate
Shayaan Ali Kaleem, Communications Coordinator
Connor Fraser - Executive Producer
In September this year, the British government, with its surprise mini-budget, incited a series of that led to turbulence in the markets which bled into the political arena, resulting in new leadership. This week’s episode cuts through the drama to break down the economic policy and understand what really went wrong. The show will also explore the ramifications of the UK’s political and economic crisis for a Canadian perspective.
Guest Bios:
Prof. Edmund Cannon from the University of Bristol. Prof. Cannon is a Fellow of the Pensions Institute and a Visiting Professor at the University of Verona. He is an Associate and long-standing member of the Economics Network, a body to help improve economics teaching in the UK Higher Education sector. His research interests lie broadly in the area of applied economics, especially in long-run economic development, the efficiency of markets, pensions and insurance.
Professor Mel Cappe is a fellow and professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Before joining Munk, he was the President and CEO of the Institute for Research on Public Policy. He has also had a distinguished career in the Canadian public service, and has served in many high-profile positions, such as Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom as well as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Federal Cabinet.
Producers:
Antoine Fougère-Ramsamooj
Raagini Singh Panwar
Kriti Sharma
COVID-19 has upended and disrupted the lives of many Canadians, but none have suffered more than our elders. As the virus infiltrated our communities in March and April 2020, horrific scenes unfolded at care homes across the country. Thousands of fatalities, seniors left for days without food and even opportunities to wash. Perhaps even more tragic is that, despite many warning signs and numerous investigations and special commissions, eldercare in Canada has been pushed aside for decades. The pandemic simply exposed an issue that had, in a twisted way, existed in silence and outside the public spotlight for some time. Today, we try and understand how and why Canada arrived at this moment, and what we can do differently to ensure our elders get the care they want and deserve.
Topics discussed include: The origins of medicare and elder care in Canada, why politicians who champion healthcare issues aren’t rewarded, success models from other countries, addressing the shortage of care workers, whether market forces & the private sector can resolve challenges on their own, and much more.
Guest Bio:
Our guest is Mr. André Picard. Mr. Picard is a health reporter and columnist for The Globe and Mail, where he has been a staff writer since 1987. He is also the author of five bestselling books, including most recently, “Neglected No More: The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada’s Elders in the Wake of a Pandemic”, which was nominated for the prestigious Donner Prize in Canadian public policy writing. Mr. Picard was named Canada’s first “Public Health Hero” by the Canadian Public Health Association, as a “Champion of Mental Health” by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his dedication to improving healthcare.
Further Reading:
Picard, A. (2021). Neglected No More: The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada’s Elders in the Wake of a Pandemic. Random House Canada.
Picard, A. (2022, October 23). In an aging world, seniors’ loss of independence and quality of life is a preventable tragedy. The Globe and Mail.
Song:
Highway to the Sea by Thea Koper
Producers:
Connor Fraser - @RealCJFraser
Anna Lazaris - @lazaris_anna
In January 2022, you joined Beyond the Headlines to learn about the past and present of Canada’s relationship with China. Today, we bring you a panel discussion about the future of Canada - China relations. China is rapidly ascending to become the world’s most powerful economy, and there is no denying that China has added value to the lives of many Canadians who regularly purchase goods and services developed in China. However, China is a complex nation, much larger in terms of population than Canada, and with a radically different worldview than our own. Some would even argue that China is a hostile power which threatens western civilization. In this spirit, we sit down with an open mind to understand a basic set of questions: What does China want (and why)? What does Canada want (and why)? And are there any notable areas of overlap & divergence that could enable us to either create or destroy value in the future.
Guests:
Professor Bernie Frolic, is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at York University where he is executive director of the Asia Business and Management Program. He first visited China in 1965 and was First Secretary in the Canadian Embassy Beijing in the 1970s. Professor Frolic is notably the author of Mao’s People: Sixteen Portraits of Life in Revolutionary China, and Canada and China: A Fifty-Year Journey which was published in May 2022 and draws upon interviews with 5 Canadian Prime Ministers, 35 ministers, and 40 members of Global Affairs Canada, in addition to extensive archival research and his own personal experiences.
Professor Paul Evans is based at the Institute of Asian Research and the Liu Institute for Global Issues within the University of British Columbia where he is the HSBC Chair in Asian Research. Professor Evans is author of the 2014 book: Engaging China: Myth, Aspiration and Strategy in Canadian Policy from Trudeau to Harper, as well as co-editor of the 1991 essay collection: Reluctant Adversaries: Canada and the People’s Republic of China, 1949-1970.
Further Reading:
Frolic, B. M. (2022). Canada and China : A Fifty-Year Journey. University of Toronto Press.
Evans, P. M. (2014). Engaging China : Myth, Aspiration, and Strategy in Canadian Policy from Trudeau to Harper. University of Toronto Press.
Chase, S. (2022, October 17). Western countries already embracing ‘friend-shoring’ to reduce trade with authoritarian regimes, Freeland says. The Globe and Mail.
Attributions:
Intro by Quantum Jazz is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License.
Jingle Jazz by Quantum Jazz is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License
Producers:
Connor Fraser - @RealCJFraser
This week as talk of municipal politics filled the airways, we invited a few people to come talk to us about municipal challenges, the political context of this election, municipal finance and process modernisation. Our first guest, Matt Elliot from the City Hall Watcher, breaks down the major issues of this election and its political context, next we'll hear from Dr Enid Slack about municipal finance before we welcome Mayoral candidate Chloe Brown to talk about red tape and creating efficient infrastructure. Guests: Matt Elliot, Enid Slack, Chloe Brown Producer : Anna Lazaris
For this episode we welcome Dan Breznitz, author of Innovation in real places. During this episode he argues success lies in understanding the changed structure of the global system of production and then using those insights to enable communities to recognize their own advantages, which in turn allows them to foster surprising forms of specialized innovation. There are many models of innovation that are far more equitable than the Silicon Valley model. Finally, Dr. Breznitz applies his insights on the Canadian context to discuss green and sustainable innovation.
Guest
Professor Dan Breznitz is known worldwide as an expert on rapid-innovation-based industries and their globalization, as well as for his pioneering research on the distributional impact of innovation policies. He is the Chair of Innovation Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and currently serves as the Clifford Clarke Economist of the Canadian Department of Finance, where he is responsible for new economic thinking and the restructuring of the Canadian economy. His recent book, “Innovation in Real Places: Strategies for Prosperity in an Unforgiving World” received numerous accolades, including winning the prestigious 2022 Donner Prize.
Executive Producer : Anna Lazaris
We invite Caroline Brouillette from the Canadian Climate Network and Tom Green from the David Suzuki foundation for a conversation about climate action. We discuss Canada’s path towards net zero emissions and sustainability, while examining fiscal changes to the federal budget. This is the first of many conversations Beyond the Headlines aims to have about climate change and climate mitigation policy.
Producer: @lazaris_anna
On September 10th 2022, the Conservative Party concluded a leadership race, and announced Pierre Poilievre as its third official leader in 7 years. After a long race, Mr. Poilievre won an overwhelming victory by taking nearly 68% of the vote on the first round, compared to roughly 14% for his nearest rival, Jean Charest. The face of Canada’s official opposition has changed, and this will have important implications for the political game in our country. Today we sit down with veteran Conservative Party strategist John Capobianco to understand exactly how the leadership race played out, and what Canadians might expect from Mr. Poilievre and the Conservative Party going forward.
Guest:
Mr. John Capobianco @JCappy123 is the public affairs national practice lead in FleishmanHillard Highroad's Toronto office. With over 30 years of grassroots political experience at all three levels of government, he offers a strong, seasoned and influential voice in public affairs. John ran as a federal Conservative candidate in the 2004 and 2006 elections under the leadership of Stephen Harper and is recognized as a leader in the Conservative movement. He is a regular political commentator in Canada’s national media and on various industry panels.
Producer:
Connor Fraser @RealCJFraser
As the Central bank continues to address historically high inflation with interest rate hikes, talk of recession is overwhelming our tvs and airways. Today, we take a step back from the fanfare and talk facts about inflation, recession and the power of speculation. Longtime economist and academic, Dr Dungan from the University of Toronto gets us up to speed on the topic, while our second guest Dr Sebastien Betermier from McGill’s Desautels Faculty will give us a breakdown on financial tools available to help us prepare in the case of a recession.
Guests:
Dr Peter Dungan - Rotman School of Management
Dr Sebastien Betermier - McGill’s Desautels Faculty of Management
Produced by:
Anna Lazaris - Executive Producer
This year France ran its first election since the start of the pandemic. The 2022 French election has taken a turn as both the pandemic and the war in Ukraine take a front seat in debates. This episode seeks to understand how this election is different from that of 2017, where like this year Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen were both headed for a face-off into the second round with the first ultimately winning. We are speaking to three guests, Dr Laird Boswell who will enlighten us on the French electoral process, second Thomas Papernot, joining us to discuss public opinion and sentiment, finally journalist Lauren Chadwick who will give us an overview of this election’s highlights and challenges.
Guests:
Dr Laird Boswell is a historian of Modern Europe, especially France, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. His research interests focus on society and politics – ranging from the history of European socialism and communism, the history of nationalism, voter behaviour and, more recently, to the contemporary extreme right. In addition, he has directed the University of Wisconsin Center for European Studies. @lairdboswell
Thomas Papernot is currently an MSc in International Relations (Research) student at the LSE. He holds a Joint Honours Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Development Studies from McGill University. His past work assignments include traineeships at the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva and the US Mission to the OECD.
Lauren Chadwick is a multimedia journalist currently based in Lyon, France, where she covers French and European politics at Euronews. She previously produced content for special events at MSNBC and was the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship in Washington, D.C., which placed her as a U.S. national security reporter at the journalism organisation, The Center for Public Integrity. She graduated from Columbia University in 2015. @laubchad
Produced by:
Anna Lazaris - Executive Producer @lazaris_anna
Ontario’s Provincial Election is fast approaching, and to that end this episode of Beyond the Headlines is dedicated to understanding some of the critical issues facing the province. We are grateful to be joined by the authors of two transition briefings from the Ontario 360 initiative within the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. Ontario 360 is a purpose-built initiative to scan Ontario’s economic challenges and opportunities and develop evidence-based public policy ideas to inform and shape the Ontario government’s policy planning and priorities. In conjunction with leading policy thinkers from across the province, Ontario 360 has commissioned a series of bi-weekly policy briefings in advance of the provincial election. These are short, digestible, non-partisan and fact-based pieces designed to appeal to policy leaders, in addition to a broader audience. The briefings cover a wide range of policy issues from fiscal policy to homelessness, from innovation policy to urban Indigenous concerns, from tax policy to the future of work, and many more. You can follow Ontario 360’s work on twitter @ontario360 or by visiting their website www.on360.ca. For today’s discussion, we first sit down with Tomas Hachard from the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance. Tomas co-authored the briefing entitled “Meeting in the Middle: How to get Provincial-Municipal Cooperation Right.” After a short break, we are joined by David McGown of the Canadian Business Coalition for Climate Policy. David authored the two-part briefing entitled “The Politics of Emissions Reductions in Ontario.” We’re so glad you tuned in for our show, and hope you enjoy the discussion!
Guests:
Tomas Hachard, University of Toronto/IMFG @thachard @imfgtoronto
David McGown, Canadian Business Coalition for Climate Policy @davidkmcgown
Senior Producer
Connor Fraser @RealCJFraser
What does it mean to be gender transformative? How can municipal governments contribute to climate action? What’s the difference between passion and power?
In the latest special edition episode from Beyond the Headlines, the Young Diplomats of Canada delegation to the 66th UN Commission on the Status of Women explore topics in climate resiliency, gender equality, and youth engagement in multilateralism alongside experienced YDC alumni. This episode features Carla Guillaume, Julie Segal, Senator Marilou McPhedran, and Anjum Sultana, as well as YDC delegates Sydney Whiting, Paige Percy, Lucie Belzile, and Maitland Shaheen.
Guests:
Carla Guillaume - Commercial Desk Officer, GAC
Julie Segal - Senior Manager of Climate Finance, Environmental Defence
Senator Marilou McPhedran - Senator, Senate of Canada
Anjum Sultana - Director of Youth Leadership and Policy Advocacy, Plan International Canada; Fellow, Public Policy Forum
YDC Delegates:
Sydney Whiting - Communications Coordinator
Paige Percy - Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Lucie Belzile - Engagement Coordinator
Maitland Shaheen - Head Delegate
Producers:
Faria Amin - Executive Producer, Beyond the Headlines
Anna Lazaris - Junior Producer, Beyond the Headlines
The US Capitol Insurrection of January 6, 2021 materialized years of warnings that America’s democracy is approaching a critical juncture that could spiral into violent insurgency and even Civil War. Canadian’s like to portray our national fabric as immune to the same fate. However, the recent Freedom Convoy protests and the emergence of Western Canada’s Maverick Party demonstrate that our union of provinces faces similar threats. In this episode, we explore the strength of democracy and the rise of the radical right in Canada - alongside Hilary Lawson, and the risk of Civil War in the USA, with Professor Thad Kousser. We identify the origins of frustration with governance systems that have proven resilient for centuries. How might these risks be alleviated while building a society that is just and equitable for all? Guests:
Professor Thad Kousser - UC San Diego
Hilary Lawson - Master of Global Affairs Candidate
Produced By:
Annabelle MacRae - Junior Producer
Connor Fraser - Senior Producer
Mycala Gill - Executive Producer
In the last few years, the validity and reliability of charities and other philanthropic work has been called into question. Topics of whether charity helps resolve greater institutional and systemic issues have arisen. How altruistic is charity? Is there a different lens through which we can view this topic. What is the end goal of philanthropy? This episode features two guests very familiar with charities and not-for-profit work to get their perspectives.
Guests:
Ryo Nakane - CIRA
Serena Purdy - Friends of Kensington Market
Producers:
Sky Shi - Junior Producer
Abdullah Naqvi - Junior Producer
Connor Fraser - Senior Producer
Faria Amin - Executive Producer
As the native country of its creator, James Naismith, and the location of the very first NBA game in 1946, Canada has deep roots in basketball. And since the first game of the Toronto Raptors in 1995, and their triumphant, game 7 buzzer-beating, 2019 Championship run, Canadian basketball fandom is at an all time high. From driveway basketball nets to Jurassic Park, the Raptors have helped to shape the identity of Toronto and attracted a global fan base. “We The North” has become a multicultural rallying cry. The sheer diversity of Toronto shines through with fans from all walks of life across every race, religion, and culture. Today's episode explores this idea in more depth and take a closer look at the multicultural identity of the Toronto Raptors fan base and the growing popularity of basketball across Canada, and goes further to talk about the global reach of basketball, influenced and part by the Raptors’ success, and discuss where and how the game is expanding, building new bridges, and becoming more equitable. This episode features two journalists covering the Raptors and basketball at large to talk about this unique intersection between sport, culture, diversity, globalisation, and equality.
Guests:
Oren Weisfeld - Freelance Journalist
Alex Wong - Freelance Journalist
Producers:
Thomas Chan - Junior Producer
Michael Kalaparambath - Junior Producer
Abdullah Naqvi - Junior Producer
Mycala Gill - Executive Producer
Ontario eliminates its mask mandate for a variety of settings including schools, restaurants, gyms, and stores today. While other jurisdictions within Canada and across the world have done away with equivalent or greater public health restrictions, residents of the province are expressing mixed feelings on this policy decision. This episode features two experts who discuss the factors that went into the decision to eliminate the mask mandate, and what implications this may have for Ontario.
Guests:
Dr. Arjumand Siddiqi - Professor and Division Head of Epidemiology at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Canada Research Chair in Population Health Equity
Dr. Peter Jüni - Scientific Director at Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Toronto, Director of the Applied Research Centre of St. Michael's Hospital
Producers:
Annabelle MacRae - Junior Producer
Faria Amin - Executive Producer
It has been a busy few months in British politics, with scandals ranging from illegal lobbying, to misused finances, to the now-infamous series of parties held at the Prime Minister’s residence of 10 Downing Street during COVID lockdown. While police investigations into these parties are ongoing, the Prime Minister and his supporters are attempting to distance themselves from this most recent round of scandals. While the Conservatives are divided, Labour, invigorated by new leadership and a more centrist agenda, seems primed to capitalize on this latest round of missteps by the Prime Minister. Amidst all this, 3 out of 4 Britons polled have a negative view of the state of British politics. Today’s episode features two experts who share their views on how things stand across the British political spectrum and where they’re likely to go.
Guests:
Sir Graham Watson - Former Member of European Parliament and leader of European Union Liberals, current Visiting Fellow at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs
Dr. Pat Thane - Professor of Contemporary British History, King’s College London
Producers:
Elliott Coburn - Senior Producer
Annabelle MacRae - Junior Producer
Faria Amin - Executive Producer
After months of tensions and failure of diplomacy to resolve the crisis, Russia has launched a multi-pronged attack on Ukraine. Today’s episode explores the issue from a defence perspective on the situation - why Ukraine, why now, and what are the stakes for Russia and NATO - and the role played by media and propaganda - how is Russia portraying the situation at home, what have been the impacts of this, and can media be of any help?
Some of the information recorded for this episode may be outdated as this is a rapidly evolving situation. Listeners are encouraged to stay up-to-date with recent developments.
Guests:
Dr. Maxim Alyukov - King’s Russia Institute, King’s College London
Dr. Tracey German - King’s Russia Institute, King’s College London
Producers:
Marie Ascencio - Junior Producer
Michael Kalaparambath - Junior Producer
Mycala Gill - Executive Producer
With the spread of the Omicron variant into Canada, vaccination has been the most effective tool in slowing the spread of the virus and reducing hospitalization rates. However, mixed messaging has prompted some Canadians to question whether vaccinations and social distancing measures are effective or even necessary, which has been exemplified by the Freedom Convoy 2022. This episode will focus on discussing this issue and potential best steps moving forward.
Guests:
Dr. Peter Loewen (Director, Munk School of Global Affairs)
John Capobianco (Public Affairs National Practice Lead in FleishmanHillard HighRoad's Toronto Office)
Produced by:
Michael Kalaparambath - Junior Producer
Connor Fraser - Senior Producer
Mycala Gill - Executive Producer
The COVID-19 pandemic is approaching the two-year milestone and many people are increasingly alarmed by the drawn-out nature of our battle with the virus, wondering if, when and how our lives can return to their normal cadence. In today’s episode, we sit down to discuss two aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic which at the core reflect different perspectives about how to best move forward with the health response and get society back on track. Professor Drew Fagan of the Munk School and Elizabeth Simmons from Anti-hate Canada discuss how an anti-vaccination mandate protest became a movement dubbed the Freedom Convoy, and Dr. Courtney Howard delves into global vaccine equity and the contributions Canada has both made - and hasn’t made - towards protecting the world's most vulnerable populations.
Guests:
Professor Drew Fagan - Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, McMillan Vantage Policy Group
Elizabeth Simmons - Anti-hate Canada
Dr. Courtney Howard - Canadian Public Health Association
Producers:
Connor Fraser - Senior Producer
Anna Lazaris - Junior Producer
Jessica Pan - Senior Producer
Faria Amin - Executive Producer
The advancement of global education efforts requires the collaboration of different actors and institutions, especially in light of COVID-19.
According to World Bank data, before the pandemic 258 million children of primary and secondary school age were out of school, and the learning poverty rate in low-and-middle income countries was 53% - meaning more than half of all 10 year old children were unable to read. The pandemic has only exacerbated this learning crisis, with high likelihood of long-term impacts on the human capital of this generation. Educating girls and boys can boost economic growth, reduce poverty and inequality, and contributes to restoring peace and stability within a state. As well, traditional methods of education are “lecture-style,” memorization based and rely on recall examinations to act as absolute measurement of student learning. These traditional methods, though generally supported by parents or teachers, are often met with low retention and high dropout rates, especially in developing countries.
Our discussion covers topics ranging from unconventional methods of education delivery, the impacts of COVID-19 on global education projects and organizations, education provision targeting girls and young women, and impact measurement for education projects and programming.
Guests:
Tracy Evans - Director of Global Partnerships, Right to Play
Mary Ellen Matsui - Development Consultant, Goodwill Industries Ontario Great Lakes
Produced by:
Mycala Gill - Executive Producer
Characterised by trade disputes, the detention of its citizens, human rights violations, and growing diplomatic quarrels, tensions between Canada and China have reached an historic high. As both countries begin to emerge from the diplomatic conflict involving the arrest of Huawei’s CFO Meng Wanzhou by Canada, at the request of the United States, and the subsequent detainment of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor by China for over a thousand days, in what the Canadian government deemed “hostage diplomacy,” many are wondering where this bilateral relationship will go next. An October 2021 Nanos poll conducted after the release of the two Michaels found that “Canadians were over three times more likely to say that relations between the Canadian government and the Chinese government should be unfriendly rather than friendly.” Despite this, trade between Canada and China continues to grow.
Amidst this backdrop, we sit down with two renowned experts on the matter - Professor Paul Evans at the University of British Columbia, and Professor Gordon Holden of the China Institute at the University of Alberta - to discuss the past, present and future of Canada-China relations. How have generations of political leaders and bureaucrats shaped Canada’s relationship with China? What strategies were used? And importantly, how have recent events altered Canada’s approach to China, and is a new strategy necessary?
Guests:
Professor Paul Evans - University of British Columbia, HSBC Chair in Asian Research
Professor Gordon Houlden - University of Alberta, Director Emeritus of the China Institute
Producers:
Connor Fraser - Senior Producer
Tom Chan - Junior Producer
Faria Amin - Executive Producer
The United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (UN HLPF) Delegation of the Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC) listen back to some stakeholder meetings they held in the summer of 2021, before the UN HLPF. Following these stakeholder statements, the Delegates and young Canadian leaders will discuss relevant themes and topics, touching on youth engagement, sustainable development, the Agenda 2030 and more.
Guests:
Dr. Lynn Wagner - Senior Director (Tracking Progress), International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
Dr. Stephan Jungcurt - Lead (SDG Indicators and Data, Tracking Progress), International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
Heather McPherson - Member of Parliament for Edmonton Strathcona
Jon Beale - Manager, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) of Canada
Andrea Dicks - President, Community Foundations Canada
Bob Rae - Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations
Producers:
Réanne Cooper - Host, Young Diplomats of Canada
Winter Lipscombe - Delegate and Youth Panelist, Young Diplomats of Canada
Alicia Richins - Delegate and Youth Panelist, Young Diplomats of Canada
Faria Amin - Executive Producer, Beyond the Headlines
The World Trade Organization is an intergovernmental organization with 164 member states, dealing with the rules of trade between nations. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the WTO’s primary objective is to facilitate rules-based and predictable trade flows. It accomplishes this by settling trade disputes, acting as a forum for trade negotiations, and by building the trade capacity of developing economies. The annual Public Forum is the WTO’s largest annual outreach event, giving a platform to thousands of NGOs, businesses, academia, the media, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society to discuss issues facing the multilateral trading system.
The trading system faces serious challenges to its ability to provide a stable, functioning framework for trade negotiations, dispute settlement, and rules-based trade. This episode features some insights from the leading minds in international trade about the issues facing the trading system today. The interview clips used in this podcast come from meetings with stakeholders and WTO Public Forum sessions.
Guests:
Ambassador Stephen de Boer - Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, Global Affairs Canada
Gabrielle Marceau - Economics Research and Statistics Division, World Trade Organization
John Hannaford - Deputy Minister of International Trade, Global Affairs Canada
Sara Wilshaw - Chief Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada
His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa - President of the Republic of South Africa
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala - Director-General, World Trade Organization
Dr. Radhika Desai - Professor of Political Economy, University of Manitoba
Diane Gray - President and CEO of CentrePort Canada
Dr. Olu Fasan - Visiting Fellow & Guest Lecturer, International Relations Department of the London School of Economics
Produced By:
Lindsay Bain - Delegate, WTO Public Forum 2021
Ashton Connor Mathias - Delegate, WTO Public Forum 2021
Faria Amin - Executive Producer, Beyond the Headlines
COVID-19 has highlighted many of the inequalities present in our society today. This includes systemic racism. While systemic racism is not a new problem, and there have been calls for change over the years, there was a large resurgence in movements associated with tackling systemic racism this past summer. These include the Black Lives Matter and "Defund the Police'' movements, which have occurred across North America and garnered international support. There is evidence that systemic racism occurs in numerous institutions, including but not limited to police forces, prisons, healthcare, and more. Today, I am joined by two volunteers with the Toronto-based organization Rittenhouse: A New Vision. Our discussion will cover topics such as the links between COVID-19 and systemic racism and social movements tackling systemic racism, and will explore alternative methods of justice and how they can pave the way for a more just and equitable future.
Guests:
Naty Tremblay and Michael Nurse - Rittenhouse
Produced by:
Faria Amin - Executive Producer
This episode explores the lobbying environment in Canada. Cristina De Caprio from the Toronto Lobbying Registrar and Wesam AbdElhamid Mohamed from the Canadian Federation of Students share their insights and answer questions on how people outside of government seek to influence the policy process and how our civic institutions ensure that this takes place in an ethical manner.
Cristina De Caprio - Lobbyist Registrar, City of Toronto
Wesam AbdElhamid - Deputy Chairperson, Canadian Federation of Students
Produced By:
Jessica Pan - Senior Producer, Beyond the Headlines
Kieran Kreidié-Akazaki - Junior Producer, Beyond the Headlines
Amber Zhang - Junior Producer, Beyond the Headlines
Faria Amin - Executive Producer, Beyond the Headlines
In a surprise turn of events, the conservative government announced that the minimum wage in Ontario will be rising to $15 an hour come January. This policy would potentially give liquor servers a historic 19.5% wage increase and yet it comes 3 years after it was first proposed by the liberal party. Is it too little too late? In this episode, we discuss the new minimum wage with Craig PickThorne of the Living Wage Network of Ontario, Julie Kwiecinski of the Canadian Federation for Independent Businesses, and Dr. Darius Ornston of the Munk School of Global Affairs, to understand how this increase will impact workers and businesses while evaluating why this raise may look important to some and underwhelming to others.
Guests:
Craig Pickthorne is the Communications Coordinator at the Ontario Living Wage Network. He is one of two staff at the OLWN, and is responsible for maintaining the website, database, and social media accounts. Craig also works with dozens of local organizers across Ontario to field media inquiries and government deputations. He has a background in live event production and digital media creation, and enjoys putting those skills to work in his current role within the living wage movement.
Julie Kweicinski is the CFIB’s Director of Provincial Affairs for Ontario. She focuses on determining the organization’s Ontario legislative and communications strategies and priorities, including CFIB’s Ontario COVID-19 strategy, based on member feedback. Kweicinski has worked for Ontario’s recycling regulator as Communications Advisor, and for the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police as Events Manager and Communications & Government Relations Advisor. She served as Communications Director and Senior Legislative Advisor to the Leader of the Official Opposition. In government, she worked in the Premier’s Office and served two Cabinet Ministers as Communications Advisor.
Dr. Darius Ornston is an Associate Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, where he specializes in the politics of cooperation and change. An expert in Nordic innovation policy, Dr. Ornston has also written two books, When Small States Make Big Leaps and Good Governance Gone Bad. Since moving to Canada, his research has focused on Canadian cities, including their resilience to anchor firm collapse and the role of storytelling as a form of collective action. His research on the causes and consequences of cooperation has been published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the OECD, Economic Geography and Comparative Political Studies. At the Munk School, he teaches comparative politics of the welfare state.
Produced by:
Anna Lazaris - Junior Producer
Mycala Gill - Executive Producer
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 health crisis has impacted the global economy and entrepreneurship. However, not all sectors have been impacted equally. Although lack of in-person interaction has benefitted some, it has severely hindered others. This episode features Dr. Shiri Breznitz, who discusses consequences of the pandemic in the technology and knowledge transfer between universities, and Almira Cuizon, who is the general manager of Guess in the Middle East and Chalhoub Group to examine the new and creative ways in which the retail industry has adapted to e-commerce.
Dr. Shiri Breznitz - Director, Master’s in Global Affairs Program at Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
Almira Cuizon - General Manager of Guess in the Middle East & Chalhoub Group
Produced By:
Marie Ascencio - Junior Producer, Beyond the Headlines
Michael Kalaparambath - Junior Producer, Beyond the Headlines
Faria Amin - Executive Producer, Beyond the Headlines
Taiwan is known globally for their unique fusion of cultures, extensive period of colonization, and ongoing territorial dispute. Over the past decade, Taiwan has grown to become one of the largest economies in Asia and most advanced producers of technology globally. In today’s episode, we meet with two experts to discuss the history, culture, and security of Taiwan.
Guests:
Dr. Shelley Rigger - Davidson University
Professor Gordon Houlden - Director of China Institute at the University of Alberta
Produced by:
Mycala Gill - Executive Producer
Elliott Simpson - Senior Producer
Thomas Chan - Junior Producer
Annabelle MacRae - Junior Producer
Historically, Indigenous peoples have never felt a sense of belonging or inclusion, especially on the international stage, with Indigenous youth in particular having experienced marginalization and exclusion from participation. However, bringing the world’s attention to Indigenous rights and Indigenous issues is an important step towards substantive social change.
Tune in to this special collaborative episode, produced in partnership with the Young Diplomats of Canada, where delegates got to attend the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Delegates reflect on their experiences and the issues brought up at the delegation.
Twitter Handles for Guests/Delegates:
Nipâwi Kakinoosit: @nipawi
Paloma Griffin: @palomagriffin
Sarah Hanson: @saroonie
Max Seunik: @maxseunik
Loic Veza: @lOicveza
Link to Delegation’s Report
Produced By:
Nipâwi Kakinoosit - UNPFII
Paloma Griffin - UNPFII
Sarah Hanson - UNPFII
Max Seunik - Young Diplomats of Canada
Loic Veza - Young Diplomats of Canada
Faria Amin - Executive Producer, Beyond the Headlines
Mycala Gill - Executive Producer, Beyond the Headlines
It's no secret that Toronto has become an expensive place to live. In this episode, we look at housing affordability through the eyes of those on the ground. First, we connect with Dr. Stephen Hwang to discuss links between homelessness and lack of affordable housing. Next, we reach out to representatives of ACORN - the “Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now” - and gather their thoughts regarding inaction by Toronto City Council. In particular, our guests touch upon Toronto’s inclusionary zoning policy.
Guests:
Dr. Stephen Hwang - Research Scientist on Homelessness and Health
Alejandra Ruiz Vargas - Toronto ACORN and NDP Candidate for Beaches East-York
Marcia Stone - Co-Chair of ACORN's Canada Weston Chapter
Producers:
Connor Fraser - Senior Producer
Abdullah Naqvi - Junior Producer
Sky Shi - Junior Producer
Tory Dockree - Junior Producer
Achieving gender equality requires the intentional mobilization of resources worldwide to design and implement policies that protect and empower women. However, policies and development programs often rely on biased data collected in majority from men, making the needs and experiences of women and gender-diverse people essentially invisible. Today, we are joined by incredibly knowledgeable experts to discuss how big data can be leveraged to achieve gender equality.
Guests:
Ali Dunn - Founder and Executive Director, Data Feminism Network
Claudia Lopes - Research Lead for Capacity Development, United Nations University Institute for Global Health
Joanne Crawford - Special Advisor, Equality Insights at International Women's Development Agency
Produced by:
Mycala Gill - Executive Producer, Beyond the Headlines
The Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC) provided five Canadian youth from across the country with the opportunity to attend the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (WB/IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington DC. This podcast provides a behind the scenes look into the exciting meetings they held with stakeholders, the eye opening sessions they attended around key topics in development and the personal and professional growth they experienced. Three key themes were developed by the delegation to guide discussions and advocacy activities at the meetings: inclusive economic growth; FinTech and innovative technologies; and open governance.
The delegation had the opportunity to participate in a panel in collaboration with Global Voices, an Australian organization with a very similar mandate to YDC, to talk about the future of work. They also met with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to discuss their current efforts to bypass barriers to development such as lack of infrastructure to provide marginalized and isolated populations with access to their basic needs. The delegation also had the opportunity to meet with the Canadian ambassadors to the IMF, World Bank and the Organization of American States to gain insights into their experiences and thoughts on how Canada leverages multilateral partnerships to promote peace, exchange of knowledge and sustainability. It was an exciting week filled with great discussions, sightseeing and food!
This is a special collaborative episode and partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation. Two of the David Suzuki Foundation’s ecological economists, Yannick Beaudoin and Michelle Molnar, join us in studio. Our conversation steps outside the realm of traditional economic thinking and challenges conventional indicators of economic prosperity. Yannick and Michelle share powerful stories and insights about the current national agenda which is fixated on converting nature into monetary value, and the transition beyond GDP to a well-being-focused national purpose. They emphasize that economic decision making is negotiable, but planetary limits are not. We also talk about creating spaces for conversations about well-being, cross-cultural truths of living a meaningful life, and potent youth and global indigenous leadership in the climate conversation.
Special thanks to Junior Producer Erin Christensen and Executive Director Vienna Vendittelli for producing this episode.
On this week's episode of Beyond the Headlines, we explore the implications of the repeal of the Green Energy Act and the future of energy policy in Ontario. Was the Green Energy Act forging a new future for Ontario's Energy sector? Or, will the decision to repeal the act be the saving grace for Ontario's ratepayers? Featured guests include Bruce Pardy, Law Professor at Queen's University, and Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario.
Produced by Aryeh Ansel (Senior Producer), Brody Longmuir (Junior Producer), Haobo Chen (Junior Producer), Robert Giannetta (Social Media Director), and Alex Gold-Apel (Executive Director).
Around the world, armed war, conflict and violence have had a significant impact on the way healthcare is delivered. This can be seen in the Syrian Civil War, the Iraq War, and in humanitarian crises such as the Rohingya Refugee Crisis. On this week’s episode of Beyond the Headlines, we discuss the intersection of health and conflict. We investigate the impact of conflict in terms of policy-making and its implementation, the strain and toll that is taken on the State, decision-making, the role of private and on-the ground non-profit actors, and the responsibility of large multinational organizations such as the World Health Organization. We dive into these issues through the unique perspectives of Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, Ahmad Firas Khalid, and Ruby Gill.
This episode was produced by Senior Producer Erin Anderson-Birmingham, Junior Producer Geneviève Tallemeister, and Junior Producer Wahaj Alam, with support from Executive Director Alex Gold-Apel.
Over the past 20 years, 1.2 billion people worldwide have left extreme poverty. While we celebrate this achievement, it is expected that over 500 million people will still be living in extreme poverty in 2030, with wealth inequality remaining a significant factor in this issue across the globe. Our guests today will be speaking with us on policy gaps in the anti-poverty sector both in Canada and abroad calling for more evidence-based policy development. We are joined by Amy Dodd, Arjan de Haan, Amanda Glassman, Lorenzo Gonzales and Weseem Ahmed.
Amy Dodd - Head of Engagement at Development Initiatives
Arjan de Haan - Director of IDRC’s Inclusive Economies
Amanda Glassman - Executive Vice President & Senior Fellow at Center for Global Development
Lorenzo Gonzales & Weseem Ahmed - independent researchers at Ontario 360
Special thanks to Senior Producer Nimmi Augustine, Junior Producer Hongyu Xiao, and Executive Director Vienna Vendittelli for producing this episode.
In recent years, social media has provided a platform to share and discuss things big and small, and has given a voice to the unheard that was unimaginable mere decades ago. It’s given rise to movements such as #metoo, the Hong Kong protests, and Bell’s Let’s Talk campaign. However - this democratic expansion has not been without growing pains - as it’s also facilitated the growth of extremist actors, populist political campaigns, and disinformation. Canada is not insulated from the risks arising from social media and the digital era. Today we will discuss the threats posed to democracy and the potential policy responses with thought leaders Keiller Zed and Stephanie MacLennan.
In this episode, we will focus on how the regional differences and increasing polarization in Canada may complicate the implementation of strong climate action at the Federal level. We discuss the future of climate policy given the new Liberal minority government and potential innovative environmental policy pathways relevant to the Canadian context. We are joined by Dr. Douglas Macdonald, Dr. Kathryn Harrison, and Dr. Andrew Leach.
Special thanks to Junior Producers Erin Christensen and Thea Koper and Executive Director Vienna Vendittelli for producing this episode.
Climate change is affecting more and more regions across the globe, threatening to create as many as 200 million environmental migrants by 2050. While Canada is seen as a top destination for refugee resettlement and is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the international agreement doesn’t recognize climate threats as a reason for fleeing. As such, what should Canada’s policy response be to address the issue of climate refugees? To discuss this question, we were joined by two special guests: Allan Rock and Bob Rae.
Special thanks to junior producers Fatemah Ebrahim and Brody Longmuir, senior producer Robert Giannetta, and executive producer Vienna Vendittelli for their work with this episode.
Today is election day. As Canadians head to the polls, we take a look at issues that don’t usually garner a lot of attention during the campaign. The first interview is with Yves Giroux, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, to discuss the work his office is doing costing the party’s platforms during the campaign. Then Mel Cappe, the former Clerk of the Privy Council in Canada, discusses how the bureaucracy plans for a transition in government. Finally, Adam Laughton, a Munk school student and NDP candidate for Mississauga Lakeshore, is interviewed about youth involvement in politics.
Special thanks to executive producer Alex Gold-Apel and senior producer Aryeh Ansel for their efforts on this episode.
Youth in Canada are experiencing a once-in-a-generation crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are facing unprecedented disruptions which have affected aspects of their lives such as their education, employment and economic status, and mental health. Unless action is taken to support young people in Canada now, they may be left to deal with the impacts of the pandemic for the next decade.
Today, we are joined by Anjum Sultana and Jessica Lue. Earlier this year, they co-authored and released a report titled “Preventing a Lockdown Generation: A Plan to Support Canada’s Youth in Post-Pandemic Recovery”. They will be discussing the findings from this report and explaining what work needs to be done to support young people in Canada.
Produced by:
Anjum Sultana - YWCA Canada
Jessica Lue - YMCA Canada
Faria Amin - Executive Producer, Beyond the Headlines
The Commission on the Status of Women meets for an annual 2-week session to discuss gender equality outcomes, evaluate progress, and negotiate agreed conclusions on future directives. This year’s theme was “Women's full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”. Equal representation at all levels of leadership has yet to be attained, as there are many areas such as the private sector, government and diplomacy, where women and gender minorities remain underrepresented.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Senator Marilou McPhedran, Louise Blais, and Jillian Stirk - a few incredible women leaders who have significantly contributed to advancing gender equality through their courage, advocacy, and lifetime of work.
This episode is a special edition of BTH, presented by delegates from the Young Diplomats of Canada.
Produced by:
Katherine Lacroix - Head Delegate, Young Diplomats of Canada
Katelyn Wang - Delegate/Communications Coordinator, Young Diplomats of Canada
Nikou Salamat - Delegate/Engagement Coordinator, Young Diplomats of Canada
Faria Amin - Executive Producer, Beyond the Headlines
This is a special episode in collaboration with the Indigenous Policy Initiative (IPI) at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.
This episode explores the COVID-19 response by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. At the outset of the pandemic, the Assembly formed the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Coordination Team in order to best face the coming pandemic. Their experience over the last year provides important insight and examples for indigenous policy throughout Canada.
Today's guests are Grand Chief Arlen Dumas and Dr. Marcia Anderson
Produced by Arman Bachmann, Ertiana Rrokaj, Megan Annable
Canada is one of the world’s most energy-intensive economies; per-capita energy usage is five times the global average, 29% higher than in the United States and triple that of the European Union. There is a significant opportunity for Canada to improve energy efficiency which can provide 40% of Canada’s energy needs by 2050! Today we’re sitting down with Efficiency Canada - the leading voice of energy efficiency in this country - to discuss their newly released “Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard.” The Scorecard details regional progress on energy efficiency with aims of benchmarking progress, inciting competition and sharing best practices. We spoke with the co-author of the scorecard, Dr. James Gaede on December 18th to discuss the findings, understand the current state of play, and understand what the future of energy efficiency in Canada might look like.
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across broad swathes of the Canadian economy. The consequences of the current recession are complex and overlapping and range from widespread job losses to a prolonged contraction of the country’s economy. Experts on the Hill and in the private sector have pointed to the vital role that infrastructure investment must play in Canada’s economic recovery plan. But it has to be smart. Stakeholders must pay attention to environmental and social considerations at every stage of project development. Now is the chance to create a bold new vision for Canadian Infrastructure investment. Last week, Senior Producer Duncan Cooper sat down with Michael Sabia - veteran infrastructure executive and current Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy - to discuss these issues and chart a course forward for Canada’s recovery. From March 2009-January 2020, Michael Sabia served as President and CEO of the Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec (CDPQ), where he oversaw its strategic direction and global growth.