Crunch time for Canada at NAFTA talks

NAFTA negotiations resume tomorrow and the pressure is on Canada to make a deal. Today in The Conversation Canada, Michael von Massow of the University of Guelph looks at the two big issues still on the table. Will either side make concessions or, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on the weekend, is no deal better than a bad deal?

Joel Lexchin of the University of Toronto returns with another insightful take on big pharma – this time how the “fine print” on drug advertising can impact people who take the wrong doses of over the counter drugs.

Have you ever heard of the term “food swamp”? Sarah Elton of the University of Toronto explains that term, as well as its counterpoint, something known as a “food desert.” Both swamps and deserts are leading to bad eating habits and serious health problems.

And finally…it’s hockey time soon and as the NHL season heats up in Canada, so will discussions about building new arenas in Calgary and Ottawa. Ryan Gauthier of Thompson Rivers University looks at the history of public money being used to build pro sports facilities – and how too often funding deals lack transparency and accountabity.

Regards,

Scott White

Editor

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Improved access to Canada’s dairy market for American producers is one of the key unresolved NAFTA issues. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The two key issues on the table to bring Canada back into NAFTA

Michael von Massow, University of Guelph

Canada and the United States are back at the table to try to save NAFTA negotiations. Two key issues need to be resolved.

The failure of TV ads to explain the safety risks of over-the-counter drugs can leave people in the emergency department with liver damage or psychosis. (Shutterstock)

Drug ads leave Canadians in the dark about safety risks

Joel Lexchin, University of Toronto

It's time Health Canada took back the regulation of drug advertising -- to protect consumers.

shutterstock.

Please don’t call it a food swamp

Sarah Elton, University of Toronto

An abundance of unhealthy food choices in neighbourhoods is called a food swamp. But since swamps are actually wetlands and good for public health, we should chose a new term.

Edmonton’s new NHL arena opened in 2016 and was partially funded by $226 million from the City of Edmonton. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Offside: The secret deals involving public money for sports stadiums

Ryan Gauthier, Thompson Rivers University

The Calgary Flames are the latest pro sports team asking for public funds for a new arena. Cities across North America help fund sports facilities, but with little transparency and accountability

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