Federal Election: York University experts available on key issues from leaders’ debates
TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2021 – York University experts on various topics — including those discussed by party leaders during the French- and English-language debates this week — are available for media interviews in the lead-up to election day:
Professor Pat Armstrong in the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies is available to comment on why the next government should look into making long-term care facilities part of a universal health-care system, and address problems facing the nursing-home labour force as a top priority.
Professor Farah Ahmad in the School of Health Policy & Management and a faculty affiliate at York’s Centre for Refugee Studies, is available to discuss the need for the next government to address settlement challenges faced by refugees and immigrants, as well as revising federal health policies pertaining to refugee intake, based on past lessons learned from the resettlement of Syrian refugees.
Professor Markus Giesler at Schulich School of Business can comment on candidate and party branding, election and social media issues in campaign marketing, and offer voter sentiment analysis.
Visiting Professor Michael Johns in the Department of Politics can discuss federal politics, elections, the electoral system, and the structural aspects of running an election during extraordinary times, such as a pandemic. He can also comment on how the election results can impact Canada’s international relations.
Professor Thomas Klassen in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies can comment on income security (old age and employment pensions), labour-market policy, unemployment, job training and affordable housing.
Professor Deborah McGregor at Osgoode Hall Law School, cross-appointed with the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, is available on Indigenous environmental justice and policy; Indigenous governance and law; and sustainability-and-water governance and security, as key priorities for the federal government to focus on coming out of the election.
Professor Tom McElroy at Lassonde School of Engineering can comment on why climate crisis should be a top election issue, what immediate and effective actions are necessary to save the climate, and the role the incoming government should play at the upcoming COP26 UN Climate Change Conference.
Professor Dennis Pilon in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies can comment on why we are having an election now, the competitive standing of the parties, political campaigns during the pandemic, voter turnout, and how the pandemic might influence the election outcome.
Professor Mark Winfield in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change can comment on climate-change policy, energy policy, environmental policy, and party dynamics and the electoral system as they relate to the Green Party.
York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. York’s fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario’s Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
Media Contact:
Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 647-463-4354, suhasini@yorku.ca
