Population Matters’ Post

At first, it was restricted to people suffering from serious illnesses or disabilities and whose natural deaths were “reasonably foreseeable.” But in 2021, Canada lifted the requirement of a “reasonably foreseeable” death. In 2022, medical assistance in dying (MAiD) constituted 4.1 percent of all deaths in Canada. The obvious elephant in the room is the government’s conflicts of interest. For example, if people with long-term illnesses or disabilities or mental health diagnoses who are financially dependent on the government choose to receive MAiD, it could alleviate a massive financial burden on the government. Is that why we’re hearing a push for minors with terminal illnesses or disabilities to also have access to MAiD? Here in America, 10 states allow for medically assisted suicide, and 18 states are considering similar proposals. Where is all of this headed? https://lnkd.in/eQ4xh4Gx

Lesson 2 - Policy is Multi-Dimensional My classes this term got me thinking of how societal problems are like messy cables, all tangled up! Take the global issue of the opioid crisis, as an example. Last term, I analyzed a case study on the Taliban's ban on opium production in Afghanistan. What struck me was how the problem wasn't just about health or security; it was this complex mix of health, security, economic, and welfare issues.    Zooming into my backyard here in Vancouver, where I live, the opioid crisis takes on a whole new dimension. On the one hand, there's the health aspect and the important discourse on safe supply. On the other hand, there's the homelessness crisis, which seems to be at the heart of the overdose problem, which is further layered by its ripple effects on Indigenous communities, family dynamics, and more. That's where intersectionality comes in! It means considering how our identities (race, class, gender, etc.) all overlap and affect how policies hit us. Policies are usually not a one-size-fits-all. They have to consider the diverse identities and experiences within our society. For instance, a transportation policy aimed at boosting car access might unintentionally overlook the needs of folks who rely on public transit. By asking questions like "Who does it benefit, who might be left behind?" we can design fairer policies. It is interesting to note that here in Canada, the government uses tools like Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) to do just that. It helps ensure policies are inclusive and responsive to everyone's realities. By embracing intersectionality in policymaking, we're not just talking the talk of equity and effectiveness; we're walking the walk. What are your thoughts on the importance of intersectionality in policymaking? Share your insights in the comments below! #Intersectionality #PublicPolicy

Over the past four years, the British people have become more concerned about poverty and financial hardship, very unhappy about the state of some of its public services, doubtful about the wisdom of Brexit, questioning of the benefits of record levels of immigration, and lacking in confidence in how the country is governed. While they may not be in despair about their country’s future, they do appear to be worried. Turning this pessimistic mood around could well be one of the most formidable challenges facing the next government. https://lnkd.in/eZJMbYMJ

Universal Credit (UC) will need to change to meet the challenges of an older and sicker population, a new report suggests. 👉 https://zurl.co/8VSB #UK #economy #UniversalCredit

Reflecting on the past decade has been a powerful exercise in understanding how life unfolds in ways we often cannot predict. Over ten years ago, my primary goals were to establish the Child Protection Authority, the Disability Authority, and the Equal Opportunities Authority. Some analysts even suggested I might become the Minister for Business Environment. Little did I know, life had other plans. Two years later, I became the proud father of a beautiful daughter. In the third year, I joined what is now Public Affairs Solutions, building a team of young, passionate professionals in public affairs. The sixth year brought the pandemic, a time of immense challenges and unexpected growth. Romania has since reached its highest economic stage (compare GDP per capita at PPP from 2013 to 2023). These milestones remind me that life is what happens while we're busy making plans. I encourage everyone to break down their life into ten-year segments. This reflection helps us appreciate the journey and the unplanned, yet impactful, moments that shape our lives. #LifeLessons #Reflecting #DecadeReview #PublicAffairs #UnexpectedJourneys #LifePlans #PersonalGrowth #RomaniaProgress #Fatherhood #ProfessionalGrowth #PublicAffairsSolutions

Well said Kin Poh. Let’s assume we are able to do this, what kind of environment / climate do we envision that will help beef up our TFR? Will it look like this: - That women are willing to forgo their quest to be a successful career / business person for the sake of producing babies for the nation? - That families, communities and the society in general, and most importantly males, are willing to accept that husbands have to do more in the house and step up to help the wife manage household responsibilities like cleaning, cooking, looking after the children? - That when a marriage breaks down, the both the father and mother will be held jointly responsible for raising the children, rather than just one or the other? - That the Govt, society, community, and families accept that children can be borne outside of marriage and all these institutions will collaborate and support the raising of those children. - That the Govt, society, community and society will do more to support the development of ‘Happy Families’, and to allow couples and parents and children to bond more frequently, to attend to their problems and challenges, and reduce the stresses in the same family members. How doable will these be? Are we mature enough in traditionalist / conservative societies to do these? Are we willing to come together to have national conversations about these matters? There-in lie the true challenges in addressing our TFR problems. https://lnkd.in/gP_gxKDp

David Wallace-Wells takes the pulse and it surely makes one wonder. “… To Americans watching the sudden sprint to a new Parliament, Britain looks like a zombie state and a cautionary tale — it actually embodies many of the economic maladies Americans somewhat falsely diagnose in our own country. As of last year, the country’s per capita G.D.P. is 8.4 percent below its 2007 peak — a significant decline, which has helped make the country outside of London poorer than Mississippi. And although the prolonged slowdown in productivity may be the worst Britain has experienced since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, the country’s struggles aren’t purely economic. Britain’s housing crisis is so bad that one homebuilders’ group called it “the most difficult place to find a home in the developed world,” and Britain’s homelessness rates are the worst in the developed world. According to research by the House of Commons, the number of people waiting for hospital treatment from the National Health Service has tripled since 2009. … In late 2022, ambulances were taking more than an hour and a half to respond to calls for strokes and heart attacks. …” https://lnkd.in/ggeEQP8h

The number of people aged 85 and older grew by 12% in Canada between 2016 and 2021. That’s over twice as high as the growth seen for the overall Canadian population (+5.2%). In our latest article for The Province, CCS, #CEO, Peta Wales, delves into how to provide financial help and assist an aging parent in a way that’s both practical and compassionate. https://lnkd.in/gDUCXs6Z

On the ‘eve’ of Canada Day celebrations this research and its findings is worthy of attention and reflection. While there remains much to be proud of as country we have lost our way and position of advantage in many important areas. A few that immediately come to mind include influence within the G7 group of countries, reduced impact and trust amongst our ‘five eyes’ allies, an inability to meet minimum NATO spending commitments, an inability to leverage the advantages of a natural resource and mineral based economy, excessive government program spending, an inability to build affordable housing at scale and speed, and not addressing the drug and mental health crisis on our city streets. We can and must do better as a country.

Today is National Close the Gap Day, a solemn reminder of the ongoing health inequalities facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in one of the wealthiest nations in the world. The statistics speak volumes but let's remember that behind each number is a story. Closing the Gap is about people and the urgent need for action so that everyone in Australia enjoys the same opportunities, regardless of ethnicity. At CPA we acknowledge the disparity and continue our commitment to reconciliation and work towards a more equitable future for all Australians. https://brnw.ch/21wI4MM