Prof. Stewart Prest discusses Mayor Ken Sim’s voting absences
Professor Stewart Prest understands why Vancouverites are concerned that the mayor is missing council votes. However, the mayor has many responsibilities, and the ABC’s majority often ensures policies pass anyway.
Prof. Stewart Prest discusses Canadian politicians taking a stance on global issues
Professor Stewart Prest says whether local politicians respond to global issues depends on the context and the importance of maintaining working relationships. He says that “conflict involves a battle for global public opinion” and while championing a cause outside one’s daily work may win applause from some contituents, it may alienate others.
Prof. Gerald Baier comments on MLA Selina Robinson’s removal as B.C.’s Minister of Advanced Education
Premier Eby removed MLA Selina Robinson as Minister of Education because of her inaccurate Palestine comments. Professor Gerald Baier suggests Eby’s hesitancy to remove Robinson was due to party loyalty and a desire for perceived cabinet stability.
Prof. Stewart Prest explains how housing reforms are “reorganising” the playing field
Professor Stewart Prest explains that increased federal and provincial involvement in housing is a way to “short circuit…tools of infinite delay” and emphasizes that the cost of housing in British Columbia is “an issue with national implications.”
Prof. Stewart Prest on Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s first year in office
Professor Stewart Prest says Vancouver City Council’s approach has been mostly incremental as it identifies focus areas for future action.
Prof. Stewart Prest on Premier Eby’s “selectively aggressive” first year in office
Professor Stewart Prest says David Eby has become “more comfortable in the office” during his first year as Premier, adopting a “selectively aggressive” governing style in two key areas: a new police force in Surrey and housing.
Alberta’s ethics commissioner suspending investigations into provincial politicians during elections is puzzling, says Prof. Max Cameron
“It looks like the premier has got herself into trouble around conflict of interest and the solution is, well, we’re not going to have conflict of interest investigations during an election,” Cameron said.
Prof. Gerald Baier on the NDP’s government status advantage in the 2024 B.C. election
Professor Gerald Baier explains that the NDP can use their government status over the next year to remind voters of projects and ensure that they are judged on specific accomplishments.
Welcoming Assistant Professor Vince Hopkins to UBC Political Science
Our department is excited to welcome Dr. Vince Hopkins to UBC as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Hopkins joins us from the University of Saskatchewan’s Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, where he taught after earning his doctorate from Simon Fraser University. His research in Canadian politics is focused on citizens’ take-up of government programs. […]
OP-ED: Prof. Max Cameron on the need to strengthen Canadian democracy
Professor Cameron says British Columbians are worried about the state of democracy at all levels of government. Prominent threats to democracy include “fake news,” racism and discrimination, low citizen engagement, and voter turnout.