A new journalism initiative for Canada

Good morning,

Today marks the launch of The Conversation Canada, a new model of journalism that combines the expertise of researchers and academics from universities across the country with the experience of journalists who know how to tell important and relevant stories for a broad audience.

We are now the sixth global edition of The Conversation, an idea that started in Australia in 2011 and has since migrated to the United Kingdom, the United States, France and South Africa.

It has taken us more than two years to get here. You can read the full background story in an essay from our co-founders Mary-Lynn Young and Alfred Hermida of the University of British Columbia. Their vision and unrelenting passion for this project has been an inspiration for our editorial team.

The Conversation Canada will provide articles on a wide range of topics. In many cases, the stories will give context to current events – such as today’s article by Shannon Sampert of the University of Winnipeg and Linda Trimble of the University of Alberta on the state of female politicians across the country as B.C. Premier Christy Clark’s government prepares for a non-confidence vote.

This weekend will mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. We commissioned a series of articles by academics across the country to imagine what Canada will be like in another 150 years. Our first entry is from Robert Hanner of the University of Guelph, who provides a fascinating look at how today’s emerging barcode technology will be part of our everyday life in 22nd century.

And there’s more: Sarita Srivastava of Queen’s University writes about the debate over racial identity; Katherine Boothe of McMaster University explains why Canada needs a national pharmacare policy; Mimi Masson of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education expounds on what can be done to keep more French as a Second Language teachers from quitting and Malcolm Araos, James Ford and Stephanie Austin of McGill University tell us how climate change is having a real impact on Canadian cities.

And there’s zombies … more specifically, Ronald Labonte of the University of Ottawa tells us why the Trans-Pacific Partnership isn’t dead just yet but may instead be “a bloody zombie” that lurches on.

We would love to hear what you think. I can be contacted at scott.white@theconversation.com.

Regards,

Scott White

Editor

Top story
There has been a proliferation of free online information globally. Pixabay

It's time to start The Conversation in Canada

Mary-Lynn Young, University of British Columbia; Alfred Hermida, University of British Columbia

Co-founders Mary Lynn Young and Alfred Hermida explain how The Conversation Canada contributes to re-working what journalism can and should do.

Politics

  • Female politicians face 'glass cliff' despite provincial gains

    Shannon Sampert, University of Winnipeg; Linda Trimble, University of Alberta

    Female leaders still face a hostile political environment in Canada, even though the provinces offer increasingly fertile ground for women in political leadership roles.

Culture + Society

  • 'I wanna be white!' Can we change race?

    Sarita Srivastava, Queen's University, Ontario

    When philosopher Rebecca Tuvel asked if racial identity could be as fluid as gender, she unleashed a storm of controversy and anger. Instead of shutting her down, we should listen and debate.

Health + Medicine

  • Why Canada should introduce universal drugs coverage

    Katherine Boothe, McMaster University

    Canada is the only nation with a broad public health system lacking universal coverage for pharmaceuticals. Despite fears that pharmacare would be too costly, it could end up saving Canadians money.

Business + Economy

  • Zombie Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement lurches on

    Ronald Labonte, University of Ottawa

    NAFTA renegotiations may see provisions from the Trans-Pacific Partnership revive like zombies. We must remember their failures - on income inequality, labour and environmental protection.

Science + Technology

Education

  • How to woo French teachers to stay in Canada's schools

    Mimi Masson, University of Toronto

    As Canada's French language teachers flee the profession, online Professional Learning Communities promise to reverse this trend, stimulating creativity, camaraderie and leadership.

Environment + Energy

  • Climate change is making cities sick and we need to act

    Malcolm Araos, McGill University; James Ford, McGill University; Stephanie Austin, McGill University

    As summer heatwaves intensify across Canada, smaller cities need to follow the lead of Toronto and Vancouver - to protect vulnerable citizens from injury, disease and death.