Latest Policy Bytes

March 25, 2019 - How can we, as Northern Ontarians, support female representation in municipal politics and leadership positions across our collective regions? It is increasingly recognized that having diverse perspectives in both politics and professional management settings is an asset. Diversity can enhance the decision making process, strengthen innovation, smash conventional and insular thinking, and allow for a range of new perspectives to shed light on what might otherwise go unnoticed. If we want to continue to support strong, resilient and forward thinking leadership in the North, then it is important to have structures and institutions that closely reflect the diversity and makeup of the North.

March 20, 2019 - This column first appeared in Northern Ontario Business.

Feb 26, 2019 - This column first appeared in Northern Ontario Business.

February 19, 2019 - Typically, when one thinks about the difference between the public and private sectors, we think of profit – but this distinction is not so clear when it comes to co-operatives (co-ops).

February 15, 2019 - On Immigration, there is still time to save ourselves

February 11, 2019 - Northern Ontario communities are seeking innovative solutions to address infrastructure gaps. At the same time, climate change is prompting city planners to consider new design structures. How do we ensure that climate action plans and green infrastructure initiatives go hand in hand?

February 6, 2019 - Recently launched Indigenous language apps, titled “KOBE Learn” have been developed and created by community members who live in Northwestern Ontario. The apps were officially released in November of 2018 and have already become popular within the community and beyond. 

February 4, 2019 - Did you know that an area Southeast of Kenora is home to a natural laboratory comprised of 58 small lakes that are set aside for scientific research?

January 21, 2019 - Does Northern Ontario (or maybe just northeastern Ontario) need to speak with a single voice?

January 14, 2019 - In 2016, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) declared that broadband internet [i] is a basic service that should be accessible to citizens no matter where they live. For Northern Ontario communities it’s those last five words that are key – no matter where they live. Unfortunately, there are still unserved/underserved populations that can be found near towns such as Hearst, Sault Ste. Marie, Cochrane, Sioux Lookout, and Kenora (Fig. 1 & 1.2).