Special Back to School Edition

It's the last long weekend of the summer and you know what that means...it's back to school for kids next week. The Conversation Canada has been working with experts across the country to produce a number of "back to school" stories, which are presented here for your long weekend reading pleasure.

And finally... Ken Coates of the University of Saskatchewan has provided a different take on the Trans Mountain ruling. Does the court's decision mean the end of Canada's ambitious plans to use pipelines to ship its oil to foreign markets?

All the best.

Scott White

Editor

Back to School Stories

How to make a national school food program happen

Sara FL Kirk, Dalhousie University; Amberley T. Ruetz, University of Guelph

There would be many benefits from a national school food program, including a chance to teach children healthy eating habits that could last a lifetime. Why can't it happen?

‘Farm-to-school’ movement takes root in Canada

Amberley T. Ruetz, University of Guelph; John Smithers, University of Guelph

New research will examine how the emerging farm-to-school movement can support local food systems, as well as providing healthy lunches for children.

How to beat the ‘freshman five’ weight gain

Erin Barbour-Tuck, University of Saskatchewan

Research shows that young adults who don't exercise can expect an average eight kilograms of extra fat on their body by 28 years of age.

How parents could revolutionize education and boost results

Debbie Pushor, University of Saskatchewan

A systematic embrace of parents' untapped knowledge by schools could revolutionize education systems in Canada and globally.

It’s time to address the hidden agenda of school dress codes

Dianne Gereluk, University of Calgary

Dress codes in schools can mask a lot of inequality issues around gender, race and religion. Why not go with a simple policy that applies to everyone equally and discuss the underlying issues instead?

Gap back-to-school ‘hijab ad’ ignites social media

Nadia Naffi, Concordia University

Gap's recent back-to-school ad campaign was praised for its portrayal of the diversity of children. One of the girls in the ads was wearing a hijab: this raised a huge debate on social media.

Trans Mountain Pipeline Ruling
Protesters opposed to the Trans Mountain pipeline extension demonstrate in Vancouver in June 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Everyone needs to take a deep breath after the Trans Mountain ruling

Ken S. Coates, University of Saskatchewan

The ruling against the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline project doesn't mean the end of the oil and gas industry in Canada. Other projects and approaches could go forward.