Public transit offers yet more evidence that the mantra “we’re all in this together” during the COVID-19 pandemic is a fallacy. Canadian cities are grappling with further cutting or even eliminating public transit services due to the pandemic’s economic hit and no government funding help — and once again it’s vulnerable and low-income people who will be the most dramatically affected, according to research highlighted today in The Conversation Canada.

In a survey of regular transit riders, human geography academics Matthew Palm, Jeff Allen and Steven Farber of the University of Toronto found that public transit cuts jeopardize the welfare of hundreds of thousands of Canadians who depend on public transportation to get to work, access essential services or provide care to family members. The damage of lost transit for vulnerable households will likely spill over into other domains, such as employment and health care. They urge Canadian policy-makers not to leave these citizens stranded.


Also today:

Regards,

Lee-Anne Goodman

Politics, Business + Economics Editor

Coronavirus News

New research suggests many Canadians cannot afford to forgo public transit during the COVID-19 pandemic — or ever. Jed Dela Cruz/Unsplash

Giving up public transit during the coronavirus is a luxury many Canadians can’t afford

Matthew Palm, University of Toronto; Jeff Allen, University of Toronto; Steven Farber, University of Toronto

Many of Canada's residents, including essential workers, have no choice but to ride transit. Service cuts may cripple their access to essential destinations if governments do not intervene.

Farm fields are seen near Watrous, Sask. (Pixabay)

Canada’s farmland is a wise investment — during and after the coronavirus

Grant Alexander Wilson, University of Saskatchewan

As the world's population grows, agriculture and related industries will grow in size and importance in Canada. Smart investors should bet on Canadian farmland.

Empty shelves in a grocery store in Toronto on March 22, 2020 as customers stock up on dry goods and shelf-stable foods. (Shutterstock)

Supply chain innovation can reduce coronavirus food shortages

Martin Scanlon, University of Manitoba; Rene Van Acker, University of Guelph; Rickey Yada, University of British Columbia

Using innovative technologies like Bitcoin and automation can help protect our food supply chains from disruptions like the one caused by the current coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for us to rethink and redesign how schools support children’s social connections and opportunities for informal play and recreation. (Shutterstock)

Kids will need recess more than ever when returning to school post-coronavirus

Lauren McNamara, Ryerson University; Pasi Sahlberg, UNSW

Global experts in child development say recess will be critical for children’s well-being when schools reopen, so education authorities should see planning recess as a high priority.

Non-Coronavirus News

The matchstick-size implant is shown here with an insertion device. Unsplash

Nexplanon, a 3-year birth control implant, is now approved for use in Canada

Martha Paynter, Dalhousie University

Nexplanon, a long-acting reversible contraceptive that is implanted in the arm for up to three years, is a welcome addition to birth control options in Canada.

Sipa USA Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS/Sip

As Minneapolis burns, Trump’s presidency is sinking deeper into crisis. And yet, he may still be re-elected

Timothy J. Lynch, University of Melbourne

Trump's critics have assailed his handling of both coronavirus and the Minneapolis unrest. His election opponent, Joe Biden, though, has yet to show he can be the more effective leader, either.

Sipa USA

Trump’s Twitter tantrum may wreck the internet

Michael Douglas, University of Western Australia

Trump’s recent executive order may limit section 230 of the Communications Decency Act - the 'bedrock of the internet'. What does that mean for Australia?

The astronauts during a dress rehearsal. NASA/Bill Ingalls/EPA

SpaceX astronaut launch: here’s the rocket science

Gareth Dorrian, University of Birmingham; Ian Whittaker, Nottingham Trent University

To intercept the ISS, the capsule must match the station’s speed, altitude and inclination.

La Conversation Canada

Un drone survolant une ville. De nombreuses municipalités en Europe ont déployé des drones munis de capteurs thermiques afin de survoler les espaces publics et repérer les personnes fiévreuses ou violant les règles de confinement durant la pandémie. Shutterstock

Covid-19: les dérives possibles de surveillance des données personnelles

Benoit Dupont, Université de Montréal

La tentation du « techno-solutionnisme », qui privilégie des solutions techniques pour répondre aux problèmes sociaux les plus complexes, peut nous précipiter dans une ère de surveillance totale.