Two Things to Take Away From the Recent Poll Failure? in Alberta

There will be much hand wringing, considerable hyperbole, and lots of pseudo theories/ explanations for why the polls did not foresee the Conservative majority coming in the 2012 Alberta provincial election. Some attention will inevitably be placed on the methodological rigour of the polling methods but the size of the difference between the polls and the outcome is stunning. [...]

Is Harper Re-making Canada in his own Image?

With several months of the Conservative majority in place, we can safely identify the direction on issues which clearly touch on Canadian values and culture. Most prominently, is the “law and order” agenda, much of which seems at odds with expert opinions and science. On other issues (foreign policy; pension reform) he has also staked [...]

The Sustainability of Public Services: Matching Revenue and Expenses

A couple of years into the decade and it seems possible that the decade will be defined in terms of its impact on the size and nature of public services/ benefits? Backlash against austerity are already occurring in Greece and there is considerable uncertainty about the willingness of politicians and publics to accept a “right-sizing” [...]

Science and Public Health: When Messages Cross

Public health authorities are in a significant bind when it comes to persuasion. Encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles is key to better individual and social outcomes (from less disease to lower costs). Changing behaviour is, however, not easy as evidence from growing obesity rates to continued smoking . A further challenge emerges from the fact [...]

Voting Early is Not a Sign of Electoral Health

During the last Canadian federal election campaign, there was considerable speculation about the large increase in turnout at the advance polls. At the time I speculated that the media and other commentators were wrong in suggesting the increase was a product of the campaign (e.g. greater interest). I thought I would revise the issue and see if we [...]