Governance and democratic institutions

The Role of Government and Policy in Employment
Who Writes the Rules—and Who Gets to Play?

When it comes to work in Canada, government isn’t just a referee on the sidelines—it often writes the rulebook, sets the field, and sometimes even picks the teams. From minimum wage to job safety, from unemployment insurance to anti-discrimination laws, government policy is woven into every paycheque, contract, and workplace break room.

What Does Policy Really Do?

At its best, policy can:

The Role of Government and Policy
Is Ottawa (or Queen’s Park) Calling the Shots on Your Paycheque?

Behind every minimum wage hike, employment insurance claim, or labour rights headline is a maze of policies—and a lot of government hands at the steering wheel. But how much should government really shape our working lives? And who decides when (or if) it’s time for a change?

Policy: The Invisible Boss

Future Solutions and Policy Changes
Are We Solving Old Problems—or Inventing New Answers?

As the world of work evolves, so do the challenges—stagnant wages, job insecurity, and the rising cost of living. But what about the solutions? Are we tweaking yesterday’s policies, or building a future where work and well-being go hand in hand?

Rethinking the Basics

Policy, Infrastructure, and Culture
Are the Rules Enough—Or Does the Heart of the School Need Changing Too?

When we talk about improving education, it’s easy to focus on the rules: new policies, updated handbooks, a shiny mission statement. Or maybe it’s about bricks and mortar—bigger gyms, modern classrooms, stronger Wi-Fi. But the real secret sauce of a great school isn’t just found in the policies or the buildings—it’s in the culture that brings it all to life.

Policy: The Starting Line, Not the Finish Line

The Future of Accessibility and Inclusion
Are We Building for Everyone, or Just for Today?

When it comes to accessibility and inclusion, most of us are trained to look backward: What barriers have we missed? What needs fixing? But what if we flipped the question? What could the future look like if we actually designed for everyone from the start?

As technology, cities, and workplaces evolve, so do the expectations—and possibilities—for how we live, learn, and connect. The challenge: making sure nobody gets left behind when the “future” arrives.

Accessibility in Public Spaces and Infrastructure
Who Gets a Key to the City?

Imagine a city where every sidewalk is smooth, every building has a ramp, every transit stop is usable for all, and technology simply works for everyone—no matter how they move, see, hear, or process the world. Sounds like utopia, right? For millions of Canadians with disabilities, it’s simply what they’d call “Tuesday”—if only it were real.

The Role of Big Tech and Government in Digital Access

Who Builds the Bridge, and Who Decides Where It Leads?

For millions of Canadians, access to the internet is as essential as access to clean water, reliable roads, or affordable power. It’s how we work, learn, connect, bank, vote, and express ourselves. And yet, digital access is still not universal — especially in rural, northern, and low-income communities.

Misinformation and Critical Thinking Online

What’s True, What’s Not, and Who Decides?

The internet has unlocked a new era of access to information—but also to confusion. In a single day, a person might read peer-reviewed science, conspiracy theories, government statements, deepfakes, satire, and paid content—all from the same screen, sometimes within the same scroll.

In this new information environment, truth isn’t always obvious, and disagreement doesn’t always mean dishonesty. But when facts become optional, democracy becomes vulnerable.

Future-Proofing Society for the Digital Age

Are We Preparing for the World We’re Already In?

Technology doesn’t just shape the future—it redefines the present, often faster than society can adapt. While digital tools transform how we work, learn, and connect, entire systems—governments, schools, healthcare, justice—are scrambling to keep up.

The question isn’t when the digital age will arrive. It’s already here. The question is: Are we ready for what comes next?

Cybersecurity and Online Safety

Protecting Ourselves in a World That’s Always Online

From banking to schoolwork, from health records to social movements—our lives are increasingly digital. But as our digital footprint grows, so do the risks.

Cybersecurity and online safety are no longer just IT concerns. They're social issues, equity issues, even democratic issues. Who has the knowledge—and tools—to stay safe online? And who’s left vulnerable?

The New Normal: Constant Risk

Every day, Canadians face threats like: