Troubling signs from Alberta

Given the state of the rest of the world, it’s easy for Canadians to take our democracy for granted. In fact, as Andrew Parkin of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto writes today in The Conversation Canada, satisfaction with democracy and trust in the political. But a new research study shows that within Canada, there are worrying signs from Alberta where “satisfaction with democracy and trust in the political system has declined significantly” over the last few years.

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Regards,

Scott White

Editor-in-Chief

Today's Feature Articles
The ‘United We Roll’ convoy of semi-trucks travels the highway near Red Deer, Alta., in February 2019 en route to Ottawa to protest what it called a lack of support for the energy sector and stalled pipelines. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Satisfaction with Canada’s democracy declines significantly in Alberta

Andrew Parkin, University of Toronto

Determining whether Canadians are gaining or losing confidence in democracy depends in part on which region one is examing. Contrasting trends in Alberta and Québec provide clues.
Demonstrators protest the awarding of the 2019 Nobel literature prize to Peter Handke in Stockholm, in December 2019. Stina Stjernkvist/TT News Agency via AP

Peter Handke Nobel Prize controversy: Literature can’t be judged on esthetics alone

Ervin Malakaj, University of British Columbia

Controversy surrounding the awarding of the 2019 Nobel Prize in literature spurs a long-standing debate about the meaning of authorship and literature with new urgency.
Large plastics break up into tiny particles called microplastics that can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. (Shutterstock)

Microplastic pollution is everywhere, but scientists are still learning how it harms wildlife

Kennedy Bucci, University of Toronto; Chelsea Rochman, University of Toronto

Many studies find microplastics have important negative effects on animals, but others don't.
Co-working spaces have become an innovative way to work away from a central office without necessarily being alone at home. (Shutterstock)

Co-working demystified: Behind the working world revolution

Diane-Gabrielle Tremblay, Université TÉLUQ

Co-working spaces have become popular since they were created in 2005, allowing self-employed workers to have a professional space outside an office and avoid isolation. But does it really work?

La Conversation Canada
L’aras de Spix est maintenant éteint à l’état sauvage. Des programmes de conservation au Brésil s’occupent des quelque 70 derniers individus de cette espèce. Shutterstock

Des espèces d'oiseaux font face à l'extinction cent fois plus vite que prévu !

Arne Mooers, Simon Fraser University

Le taux d’extinction des oiseaux pourrait être beaucoup plus élevé que ce qui a été estimé précédemment. Si l’on souhaite conserver certaines espèces, il vaut mieux les cibler le plus tôt possible.

Health + Medicine

Arts

  • How Minneapolis made Prince

    Rashad Shabazz, Arizona State University

    Prince was a musical genius, but he didn't come of age in a vacuum. A human geographer explains how Minneapolis' unique musical culture nurtured and inspired the budding star.