JSGS Policy Brief

Sep 3, 2024

Policy that Governs Elections is the Foundation of a Healthy Democracy

There is no escaping today’s reality: more and more the challenges of democracy are in the headlines. It is evident around the world, whether in the presidential campaign unfolding in the U.S., in the unrest evidenced in the wake of Venezuela’s recent election, or in the rise of populist authoritarian figures across Europe, and elsewhere. Long considered the bedrock of western society, democracy itself is now often being questioned.

Aug 1, 2024

Reviving Civil Society is Key to Good Government

In 1996, Harvard University professor Robert Putnam gave the annual Manion Lecture in Ottawa, sponsored by the Canadian Centre for Management Development. The title of his address was The Decline of Civil Society: How Come? So What? It was four years before the release of Putnam’s book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, a seminal work that to this day remains a defining and insightful analysis on the decline of civil society in the United States.

Jul 5, 2024

Perspectives on the Challenge of Net Zero by 2050: What will it take?

Reaching the global target of net zero GHG emissions by 2050 represents one of the biggest public policy challenges ever undertaken. The magnitude of the task, which amounts to retooling the global economy in the next 25 years, cannot be overstated. Nor can the importance of achieving the goal to avoid what can be catastrophic climate consequences for future generations. This Policy Brief uses the perspectives of experts to detail the specifics of the challenge we face.

Jun 3, 2024

A Population Health Approach to Health System and Human Resource Planning

During the past few years, it has become clear that Canada's healthcare system is facing a human resource and subsequently, a health services crisis. As a result, we are witnessing a growth in health inequities due to an increasing disparity in access to health services.

May 1, 2024

Increasing Capacity: How to meet the Challenge of Health Care Reform

Everywhere you look in Canada the health care system seems overwhelmed and barely able to cope with demand. We’ve all either heard the grim litany, witnessed it, or experienced it personally: excessive and often punishing wait times, shortage of skilled professions, burnout of health care professionals and support staff, inexorably rising costs that are putting pressure on government budgets.

Apr 2, 2024

We can’t seem to get things done in Canada anymore: how can we fix it?

Canada faces significant challenges including weak per capita income growth, soaring government spending, and strained international relations, leading to diminishing public trust. There is an urgent need for a more efficient and accountable government to address these issues and navigate the complexities of the modern world.