RCI | English : Interviews

With Canada's federal election this year, now only days away, pollsters have been busy for months canvassing Canadians from across he country surveying their opinions and voting intentions

The media loves reporting on opinion polls, political parties love them and watch them closely, and sometimes both might commission them. The polling firms love them of course, but as they turn elections into something akin to sports competitions, what actual influence might they have, if any, on the outcome?

Peter Loewen (PhD) is a professor of political science at the University of Toronto Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy

Peter Loewen (PhD) professor Political Science, University of TorontoEN_Interview_1-20191016-WIE10

According to Professor Loewen, for all the vast sums spent by various groups, media outlets, and political parties, the average Canadian pays only a passing interest in them.

While he says the polls may have some slight influence on individuals actual voting intentions, if at all,  it would likely be in the area of what others say are their issues of concern and perhaps collectively what the population is leaning toward.

Survey results, like this one for the federal election voter intentions in Manitoba, can be presented in a variety of ways from graphs, to pie charts, tables, and sometimes can be quite confusing. (Probe Research via CBC)

In fact he says just reporting on who’s leading in the polls, like a horse race, is not really useful to voters and the media would serve better by focusing more on those issues Canadians say are of concern, and on politicians plans to deal with the concerns.

He says with technology today it is easy for polls to be done, but it’s not so easy to ensure they’re done accurately and with integrity

He also says people should note how questions are framed in the polls as that wording can influence responses and results. This is especially important for the media reporting on polls in their own stories, and he says polls and reports on the issues are what can really inform the electorate.

A recent study suggested there was not enough evidence to prove that people should avoid eating red meat and processed meats. This ran contrary to previous studies which have, for years, suggested that  consumption of these meats should be reduced to avoid cardiovascular disease. 

The study caused much controversy particularly when it was revealed that one of the 13 scientists involved had five years earlier conducted a study on sugar which received some funding by an industry with a vested interest. The scientist was criticized for not reporting that in the current study on meat. However the journal publishing the study only requires a scientist report any conflict of interest that occurred within the last three years.

Study not 'really meaningful,' says professor

“It’s irrelevant, irrelevant when it comes to this paper,” says Prof. Joe Schwarcz, director of the McGill University Office for Science and Society. “What we should be looking at is whether the advice that they (the authors of the study) are now giving, that people … do not need to cut back on their meat consumption because there is just too little evidence that they will reap any benefit... that’s what we need to look at...Unfortunately I don’t think it’s very meaningful.”

The safety of eating meat depends on many factors such as portion size, how the meat is prepared and one’s own health conditions. (iStock)

Many factors to take into account

Schwarcz says weak evidence is not the same as no evidence. This study did not look at portions, how the meat is cooked, how often it is consumed and what is being eaten with it. Nor does it take into account who is eating it and what their medical profile may be.

Schwarcz is less concerned by who may have funded a study than he is by which studies may have not been published out of concern for the effect on funders. “That’s why, these days, what I push for is some sort of agency that would require that any study that is undertaken be registered with that agency before the study is started, so that you can’t hide the data and you’d be forced to publish even if it’s contrary to what you would like it to be.”

The official Canada Food Guide consists of half fruit and vegetables, one-quarter whole grains and one-quarter various sources of protein. (Government of Canada)

Canada Food Guide based on best science, says professor

Schwarcz’s view is that the Canada Food Guide has the correct recommendations for what people should eat based on the current science. And that suggests that half a dinner plate should hold vegetables and fruit, one-quarter should hold whole grains and the last quarter should hold a protein that could be meat, fish, beans or lentils, or nuts.

He is concerned that conflicting studies may shake people’s confidence in science, as may sensational media reports about them. But he urges people to look at studies and to assess their methods and accuracy. And he adds, people can always turn to his office which is neutral and dedicated to making science accessible to the public.

Prof. Joe Schwarcz says scientific studies should be registered before they begin. (YouTube)EN_Interview_2-20191015-WIE20

On October 7, 2019, Extinction Rebellion activists blocked several bridges in Canada and succeeded in drawing attention to their message that climate change is an emergency already underway. The movement’s name refers to the belief that the world has entered the sixth global mass extinction event. It’s symbol is an hourglass that represents the view that time is running out.

The group’s first protest in 2018 rallied 1,500 activists in London, England, and has since spread to more than 60 countries. 

When compared with the large student marches led by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, actions by Extinction Rebellion tactics are more intense. 

Three protesters scaled a Montreal bridge on Oct. 8, 2019, forcing police to shut it down during rush hour. (Simon Marc Charron Radio-Canada)

Dramatic acts sometimes break the law

“Extinction Rebellion engages in non-violent, direct action, where they do dramatic acts. Sometimes they even break the law,” says Patricia Wood, a geography professor at York University and author of Citizenship, Activism and the City. 

“They are trying to really draw attention and interrupt our daily lives.”  They occupy urban space in a way that disrupts commutes, they have glued themselves to government buildings and they sometimes wear colourful costumes and use creative signage.” 

Some activists, like the one in the background on an Edmonton street, wear colourful costumes to draw attention to their demands. (Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press)

Negative reaction can help, says author

There has been some negative reaction to the tactics, notably from commuters who argue that sitting in their cars on blocked bridges emits more greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. But Wood says that can further the activists’ goals.

“It certainly is annoying and that’s kind of the point, right, is to interrupt and annoy people as a way of really getting their attention around the urgency of this question because, while a lot of people may acknowledge the reality of climate change and the need to do something, there’s...an accurate sense that we’re not doing enough and we’re not doing it quickly enough.”

More action coming next week

Wood thinks the action has succeeded in drawing more attention to the urgency of climate change in that there has been extensive media coverage and efforts by journalists to delve more deeply into the subject, and politicians have been talking more about it, particularly in Canada’s current election campaign.

 There will be another week of intense actions by Extinction Rebellion and Wood says she will be interested to see if they grow in size and drama, and whether governments respond. “If governments do not respond to them, I think it’s likely that we could expect to see an escalation in tactics because certainly, the science is on their side. They’re right and the urgency isn’t going away.”

Prof. Patricia Wood discusses the tactics of climate activists with Extinction Rebellion. EN_Interview_2-20191011-WIE20

As larger corporations step up their defences against cyberattacks, hackers are turning their attention to smaller companies. 

“There certainly is...a pretty high risk that (attacks) are going to happen,” says Corinne Pohlmann, a vice-president with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “I think that has become much more prevalent over the last several years. And a  lot of small businesses are probably exposed to a much greater degree than they once were.”

Pohlmann says almost any small business will tell you that they have seen suspicious emails come in as well as phishing scams. “I would say it’s fairly prevalent.”

Employees should be trained to look out for suspicious emails, say experts. (iStock)

Ransomware and sneaky emails used by hackers

Hackers have used ransomware to lock companies out of their own systems and then demanded money to unlock them. And they sometimes use the emails of unsuspecting employees to find a way to hack into company systems. 

“We do know that most small businesses in Canada have at least basic computer security software,” says Pohlmann. “But in addition to that, of course, they should probably do an evaluation of what type of data they’re actually holding and what could potentially be a target for scammers, and then understand how they are keeping that sort of data secure.

“Also they really to make sure that if they have employees, those employees are aware as well of what they need to look out for.”

Expert advice too expensive for some

Not all small companies have the ability to evaluate their data and to build firewalls around their systems. And many cannot afford to hire expert help.

Pohlmann is not sure whether governments should offer help but she hopes that at least guidance and information could be provided by organizations like the RCMP national police service and the Competition Bureau, which is an independent Canadian law enforcement agency. 

Corinne Pohlmann outlines growing cybersecurity threats to small and medium sized businesses in Canada. (Canadian Federation of Independent Business)EN_Interview_2-20191010-WIE20

About 1.2 million drivers in the big province of Ontario have driven high after consuming cannabis, according to a regional branch of the Canadian Automobile Association. The CAA is a non-profit, consumer- based federation of automobile clubs.

The club based in south central Ontario released data which suggest one in five Ontario drivers are cannabis users. Of the respondents who consumed cannabis, 72 per cent waited three hours or less before driving and 27 per cent felt very or somewhat high when they did.

Overall, 23 per cent of current cannabis users believe that the drug has no negative impact on, or even improves, one’s ability to drive. And 71 per cent of drivers felt very or somewhat confident in their ability to drive under the influence of cannabis.

The CAA is calling for more research on the effects of consuming cannabis on driving skills. (iStock)

Laws vary across Canada

“Some of the research that we’ve done other than this particular study shows that...smoking a joint, even up to five hours afterward, there could be effects felt of impairment or lack of depth perception and...skills that are needed for driving,” says Teresa Di Felice of the CAA in South Central Ontario. 

There is some debate as to how long people should wait to drive after consuming cannabis. And roadside tests for THC have been challenged in court for accuracy. Each province and territory in Canada is responsible for its own roadside safety, and rules vary greatly across the country.

Edible cannabis products will soon be legal

The data from this branch of the CAA suggests that 82 per cent of Ontario drivers are concerned about road safety now that cannabis has been legal for almost one year. Di Felice is also concerned that edible cannabis products will soon become legal.

“It can take up to one, two, or three hours for you to feel the effects of consuming cannabis by edibles. So, this could have a profound impact when people are driving...what they’re feeling or when they may potentially, all of a sudden, realize that full high from consuming it that way.”

And the data suggest that 12 per cent of respondents who have never tried cannabis may be more willing to try it an edible format. Di Felice says a lack of experience with the drug means they may be less likely to understand its effects on driving ability.

Almost three-quarters of respondents said being educated about the laws regarding cannabis use and driving was important to them. The CAA provides information about cannabis use and driving on its website.

Teresa Di Felice says there are serious concerns about road safety now that the recreational use of cannabis is legal in Canada. EN_Interview_2-20191009-WIE20

The show 22 Minutes is one of the best loved comedy shows on Canadian television.  A satirical look at society, celebrities, and of course politics and politicians it has been a Canadian hit for more than two decades..

Canada's election coming in less than two weeks now features an unmatched six political parties vying for votes creating ample opportunities for gaffes, exaggerated statements, and confused leaders debated, and with now six leaders and parties to target, it's been a field day for the show filled with opportunities for humorous takes on events and comments.

Mark Critch, one of Canada’s great humorists, is host of the show.

Humorist Mark Critch is host of 22 Minutes. long time hit comedy TV show. He talks about making fun of politics and politicians as Canada heads toward a national election.EN_Interview_1-20191009-WIE10

From Justin Trudeau in blackface to Andrew Scheer's  dual citizenship the election has been full of surprises.... It has also provided lots of fodder for comedy for the cast of 22 minutes.

In 2014, a year before the 2015 general election, Critch caught the then leader of the New Democratic Party off guard with a bit of a joke on Thomas Mulcair's beard, at the time, the only political leader sporting a beard in decades of Canadian politics (Critch is on the right) (CBC)

Over the almost three decades the show has been running, it has come to have a reputation where politicians expect someone from the show to turn up and “ambush” them, and have for the large part, become willing participants to be the butt of joking comments in the interviews.

Uniquely Canadian?

Critch says the type of political interventions they do are probably unique to Canada and it likely has something to do with a somewhat unique Canadian sense of humour and fair play. While the politicians are the targets of jokes, it’s never done in a such as way as to inflict harm or derision, or to deliberately damage a politician’s reputation.

Mark Critch (R) with Conservative leader Andrew Scheer  (L) in his Parliamentary office in 2017. Some interviews are arranged, some are "ambushes", but politicians are aware they're always going to be made fun of. (wiki commons, 22 Minutes-CBC)

As Critch says, told the CBC, “They say if fifty per cent of the people are mad at you part of the time, and then the other half is mad at you the other part of the time then you're doing something right”.

Additional information

CBC: Sep 27/19: Covering the 2019 election craziness with a punchline

Youtube- 22 minutes on the political "ambush"

Canadian researchers are testing a new technology that could be widely used for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease which causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour. Current tests involve PET scans or spinal taps. But a new technology has been developed involving a simple eye exam that could be done during routine eye checkups. 

“The hyper spectral camera...is able to measure how light is reflected from the back of the eye--the retina,” says Dr. Sharon Cohen, medical director of the Toronto Memory Program. “The pattern of reflection translates into whether we have a signature of Alzheimer’s disease or not. It’s an ingenious biotechnology…(that would make) diagnosis pain free, inexpensive, accessible and scalable to the global population.”

Incidence of Alzheimer's increasing worldwide

There are over half a million Canadians living with Alzheimer’s now and that increases by 25,000 every year, notes Cohen. Globally, 50 million people have this form of dementia and there are expected to be 150 million by the year 2050.

The scan of the eye can detect signs of amyloid, a toxic protein characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. (Cole Burston/RetiSpec)

Early diagnosis helps research, helps people

While there are no cures for Alzheimer’s, Cohen says it is still vital to have an easy way to diagnose it.

“Most cases are either undiagnosed or diagnosed late at the point of crises when families are struggling to cope. So, putting a label on what’s wrong with somebody is not trivial. It allows people to get care, to get information and to join clinical trials that will move forward the treatments of the future.

“It also helps research. If we properly identify and identify early who has or is developing the disease then we’re much more likely to hasten the treatment breakthroughs that we so badly need.”

Researchers at the Toronto Memory Program are doing validation studies now comparing the results they get with a retinal scan of patients who have had a PET scan or examination of spinal fluid. If the results are the same, they hope to commercialize the eye scanning technique and have it available within one year.

Dr. Sharon Cohen explains how the RetiSpec technology works and why it is so important. (Stephanie Cohen)EN_Interview_2-20191008-WIE20

See the glaciers before they’re gone, watch the whales or gorillas, or elephants before they are no more, see the Great Barrier Reef before it dies off, visit the Amazon before development eliminates the jungle; This type of thing is called quietly “last chance tourism”, or “doom tourism” but seldom by the places of interest who don’t really want to promote themselves as such.

Glaciers in Canada’s national parks in the Rocky mountains are quickly disappearing and a professor co-authored  a study last year of visitors to a parks glacier to find out if they were there to see the effects of climate change on the glacier, and how it might be used to educate regarding climate change

Elizabeth Halpenny (PhD) is an associate professor in the faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation.

EN_Interview_1-20191007-WIE10

The study was labelled “The End of the Ice Age?” Disappearing World Heritage and the Climate Change Communication Imperitive. It was published in the journal Environmental Communication. (abstract here)

While many places don’t actively promote themselves as “last chance” tourism, there is an underground feeling spread that many such venues are relatively speaking, just that.

A visitor stands at a spot that in 1963 was under the ice of the Pasterze glacier as the glacier in its current state is seen behind on Aug. 13 near Heiligenblut am Grossglockner, Austria. The Pasterze, Austria's largest glacier, has lost over half its volume since 1850, and its tongue, shrinking in both width and depth, has retreated at least 2.6 kilometres. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

The IPCC recently released report on high altitudes and oceans showing how they are being seriously compromised by climate change.

Professor Halpenny says however it can be used as an important tool to educate about the effects climate change is having on ecosystems which have a knock-on effect on many, if not all, aspects of life, if not immediately then in the relatively near future.

RCI: Sep 26/19: Act now: IPCC report on cryosphere (alpine regions) and oceans

As an example, of the 399 glacier visitors questioned, sixty per cent said they wanted to see the glacier before it disappeared and forty-five per cent wanted to see for themselves how climate has affected the glacier.

While some have criticised “last chance tourism” as worsening a problem on a specific environment or ecosystem, Halpenny says staying away is not realistic nor helps with the message.

In a University of Alberta news article she said, ““This is an incredible opportunity to talk about climate change and how we’re losing our glaciers in the mountain parks. Visitors can be more aware of this decline and related climate change impacts, understand the science that we can use to mitigate negative impacts and then take action.”

Additional information

Alpine Club of Canada: 2019 State of the Mountains Report

U Alberta News: M.Brown: Jul 4/19; A chance to educate about climate change

We love tuna.  In sushi, in tins at the store, or fresh examples at the fishmongers. But in just a few years time we could be asking that opening question as global fishing of the species continues unabated.

A new study examines all the various local and regional fishing data to give the first global picture of tuna fishing.

Angie Coulter (BSc) is the lead researcher on the global database from the Sea Around Us, which is an international multi-partner research group which includes the University of British Columbia’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries.

Angie Coulter, lead author, explains findings of a worrisome study into global tuna fishery and bycatchEN_Interview_1-20191003-WIE10

The study published in the journal Fisheries Direct, is entitled “Using harmonized historical catch data to infer the expansion of global tuna fisheries”, (open access here)

The study notes that there are a variety of catch datasets from various sources, and mostly for the species of major economically interest. This study, perhaps for the first time gathers them into a global database.

Bluefin (maguro in Japanese) are referred to as 'black diamonds' by fishermen who, in part due to pressure from those concerned with the species' rapid decline, are encouraged to use more sustainable hand-line methods to hook the open water fish. (Toru Hanai/Reuters)

It notes that where once the extent of the fishing was extensive, but still limited, there are now virtually no tuna stocks anywhere that aren’t being hunted.   Coulter says for example that Bluefin tuna used to comprise 20 per cent of catches in the 1950’s but now the level is “negligible”.

Comparing data, the researchers show how tuna fishing has expanded enormously from the 1950's to present, as fleets grow and as they travel further to catch the dwindling species (Coulter et al)

Ocean tuna catches increased from around 310,000 tonnes in 1950 to over 4.1 million tonnes by 2016. Global landed catches as reported by the Regional Fishery Management Organisations (RFMO), plus preliminary estimates of unreported discards of the world-wide tuna fisheries increased from around 450,000 t in 1950 to approximately 5.6 million t in 2016, although the report notes the figure could be much higher.

New technologies have allowed fishing fleets to double their potential capture power every 35 years, but as stocks are depleted that means the catch amounts remain the same. meaning a far higher percentage of remaining fish are being removed (UBC Institute of Oceans and Fisheries)

In addition, advances in technology allow fleets to locate remaining stocks and maintain the catch levels. Coulter says this hides the fact that there are fewer and fewer fish by giving the impression that because catch levels are the same, the stocks must therefore be stable.

Even though the report is very worrisome about the continued maximum exploitation of the world’s tuna fishery, especially Bluefin, Coulter notes that fleets only have to have observers on a mere 5 per cent of the vessels.

Bluefin tuna are often frozen at sea before arriving at the huge Tsukiji wholesale market in Japan where a single fish can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. (Toru Hanai-Reuters)

Thus  Coulter says virtually all of the tuna boats are unmonitored and catch reports by vessels, and even by government agencies around the world, may be deliberately under-reported, further exacerbating the pressure on remaining stocks.

The report also mentions the issue of “by catch” the capture of species not being sought, or undersized fish. This includes many sharks, but the by catch is usually discarded overboard, for the most part dead or dying, further depleting the ocean. She says this substantial by-catch and disposal happens with no r...

There is an increasing number of foreign nationals coming to Canada to have their babies here, thus ensuring the infants get Canadian citizenship and access to social services like health and education. Unlike Canada, most countries do not accord citizenship to babies born on their soil. The U.K. stopped the practice in 1981. That country, Australia and New Zealand now grant citizenship only if one or both parents are citizens or legal residents.

Researcher Andrew Griffith has found that over 3,200 babies were born in Canada to women who were not Canadian residents in 2016. The figure may not be precise because foreign nationals may give health officials local addresses when the births are recorded and not all mothers may have expressly come to Canada to have their babies here so they can acquire citizenship.

The western province of British Columbia appears to have the highest incidence of so-called birth tourism. A provincial politician suggested to CBC that there are 26 birth houses that cater to foreign nationals in the city of Richmond alone.

Dr. Kathleen Ross recently delivered two infants to birth tourists at the Royal Columbian Hospital in British Columbia and the fees were never paid. (Google Maps/CBC)

Birth tourism costs Canadian taxpayers, says doctor

The head of that province’s association of doctors is concerned that the increasing number of foreign nationals giving birth in Canadian facilities is straining the health care system.  Foreign nationals may be billed $8,000 to $20,000 for an uncomplicated delivery. Some pay. Some skip out on the payments. But even when it is paid, the fee doesn’t include a portion of the cost of running the birth facilities.

“The biggest concern I have is actually that Canadians are providing a large amount of infrastructure for our birth tourism,” says Kathleen Ross, president of B.C. “The increasing incidence is causing an increase in occupancy and our birth, labour, delivery wards, operating rooms, etc. And I’m concerned that in a country struggling to meet the health care needs of its own citizens and population, I’m concerned that we can’t afford to continue to fund the health care services of foreign nationals.” 

The government is studying the issue, but with a federal election on October 21, 2019, it’s not clear which party will be in power, or how the issue may be dealt with.

Dr. Kathleen Ross explains her concern that foreign nationals giving birth in Canada are straining the health care system.

Dr. Kathleen Ross is concerned that foreign nationals giving birth in Canada are straining the health care system.EN_Interview_2-20191003-WIE20