Issues and Experts 2024

Syria’s former Prime Minister has agreed to hand power over to rebel forces that successfully captured Damascus over the weekend as the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime has sent shock waves through the Middle East and the world. SFU experts are available to provide insights into the region’s evolving situation and what it means for the world.

The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, is currently being held in Azerbaijan with the aftermath of the U.S. election looming large over the climate talks. SFU experts are also available to speak on various aspects of climate change impacting the future of our planet.

After months of drama, twist and turns, and pollsters saying the race is too close to call, the U.S. presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will be decided today as Americans head to the ballot box. Experts from Simon Fraser University are available to comment on various aspects of U.S. politics, the election and the many issues at play.

The B.C. election campaign is in its final stretch as party leaders prepare for tonight's televised debate. Simon Fraser University experts are available to speak about the Oct. 19 election and the many provincial issues that could influence the race.

While it's already been a whirlwind summer in British Columbia politics, the election campaign officially begins tomorrow (Sept. 21) as the writ drops ahead of the election on Oct. 19. Simon Fraser University experts are available to speak about the election and the many provincial issues that could influence the race.

While the B.C. provincial election campaign does not officially kick off until Sept. 31, there has been a flurry of activity, platform announcements and intrigue this summer as parties jockey for the public’s attention in what’s shaping up to be one of the most interesting and unpredictable races in recent memory. Who will win when British Columbians head to the polls Oct. 19, and what issues will sway voters in their favour? Simon Fraser University experts are available to speak about the election and the many provincial issues that could influence the race.

As students embark next week on a new academic year, faculty at Simon Fraser University are available to share their expertise on various related topics.

New research from a group of Simon Fraser University researchers at the Children’s Health Policy Centre suggests that early intervention programs from a young age could help better address the opioid crisis. While most of Canada’s responses to the opioid crisis to date have focused on adults, the group says its review of programs aimed at middle school students in the U.S. and Hong Kong has shown promise at reducing opioid misuse and teaching children enduring skills that last into adulthood. The group, who say such programs in Canada could reach thousands of at-risk youth, published its findings in a Conversation Canada story published today and in the latest edition of Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are in its final week. SFU experts are available to discuss a variety of Olympic topics, including the impact on marginalized people, competing in elite sports, and gender in sports.

The Bank of Canada will make its next announcement on the interest rate tomorrow (Wednesday, July 24), with speculation that it will cut rates for the second time in succession, after more than four years of increases and high rates greatly affected Canadians' buying power and cost of living. SFU experts are available to speak on how a rate decrease may impact everything from commodities to the housing market and the cost of living.

As summer continues, thousands of people in British Columbia are on evacuation alert due to wildfires threatening their communities. 

 Experts from Simon Fraser University are available to discuss various impacts of wildfires and summer conditions, including correlations to extreme weather and climate change, impacts on the water cycle, government planning and response to extreme heat, health and more.

An eventful week in U.S. politics – from the attempted assassination of Donald Trump to Republican National Convention and the ongoing concerns over Joe Biden’s candidacy – has once again captivated Canadians and brought to focus a number of issues that could impact the country as America heads towards its election this fall. Experts from Simon Fraser University are available throughout the summer and into the election campaign to comment on various aspects of U.S. politics, the election and the many issues at play.

The first major heat wave of the summer is expected to hit British Columbia this weekend, with Environment Canada forecasting temperatures to exceed 30 degrees Celsius in parts of the province. Experts from Simon Fraser University are available to discuss various impacts of the heat wave, including correlations to extreme weather and climate change, impacts on the water cycle, government planning and response to extreme heat, health and more.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible across North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Eastern Canada.

The B.C. government unveiled its 2024 provincial budget today. Experts with Simon Fraser University are available to discuss various budget-related topics such as affordability, housing and health care.

The exchange of gifts or the promise of a perfect day can create a lot of pressure and can be harmful to relationships.

As new year gets underway, people are taking stock and trying to make changes in their lives, while others are wondering what might happen in the year to come.