Ukraine: The good, bad and ideal refugees

Is a refugee a refugee, no matter where they come from? As reports of discrimination at the Ukrainian border emerge, Professor Yvonne Su examines who are perceived the "ideal refugee" in modern Europe.

Has Canada reached its vaccine ceiling?

A substantial number of Canadians are still not fully vaccinated, but that doesn’t mean we should give up trying to convince them, explains emergency management Professor Eric Kennedy. 

As anti-vaccine mandate protest enters 5th day in Ottawa, some worry about how it might end

As anti-vaccine mandate protests continue across the province, Ontarians have been calling for an end to the disruptions. "It's in everyone's best interest that they bring this to some type of peaceful closure," says disaster and emergency management expert Professor Jack Rozdilsky. 

Independent firm reviewing Pride Toronto's grant spending following allegations of mismanagement

A new report by Professor Tom Hooper finds mismanagement of federal grand funds by Pride Toronto: "I think it demonstrates that Pride Toronto is more interested in pursuing its corporate bottom line." 

The death of caremongering: Canadians are tired and most believe getting COVID-19 is inevitable

The Omnicron surge and its subsequent COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns have most people believing that getting the virus is inevitable," notes Professor Yvonne Su, who explores the death of caremongering and Omicron fatalism in the latest edition of The Conversation. 

Waterloo region police partner with human rights experts to improve race data collection system

Human rights expert Professor Lorne Foster is co-leading a new study into the Waterloo Regional Police Service's race-based data collection strategy with a goal to help reduce racial disparities. 

B.C. long-term care home looks to build smaller units after COVID-19 catastrophe 

As part of her 10-year study on long-term care homes, Professor Pat Armstrong notes that researchers from Sweden and Norway were “shocked to see our big units,” of up to 32 people when in their countries 8-12 seniors typically live in a long-term care unit.  

Governments need more than just public health officials for COVID-19 lockdown advice

“Public opinion on COVID-19 containment measures tends to be divided and based on political ideology. This is a mistake,” explains Professor David about governance during the pandemic. 

The loved ones we lost in long-term care get artistic tribute in this new exhibition

The COVID-19 crisis in long term care violated “a cultural feeling about a good death," says Professor Megan Davies. In her new multimedia exhibit, she honours the thousands of Ontario and British Columbia seniors who lived and died in care homes during the pandemic.

POKO PONDERS: Curses

Why do we fear curses? Do they really work? Humanities Professor Tony Burke explains the fear and the history of curses.