Events

Dr. Munir Sheikh reflected on how public policy can contribute fully to enhancing our quality of life if it is evidence-based. Professor Sheikh's talk concentrated on examples intended to drive home this point: two examples on the need to do better on developing evidence; two on using evidence appropriately. With respect to the first set of examples, the talk focused on the cancellation of the long form census and estimating the true size of government. Regarding the use of evidence, examples included the design of pollution taxes and policies focused on the middle class.

This event was organized in collaboration with Evidence for Democracy.

This panel discussion with David Willetts (UK Minister of State for Universities and Science), Martyn Poliakoff (Foreign Secretary, Royal Society), and Mary Bownes (University of Edinburgh) examined how science advice to government translates into informing government policy. This included discussing the UK’s Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and how it operates.

This event was presented by the ISSP, the Center for International Policy Studies, and the British High Commission.

Canada’s existing legislative and institutional frameworks and competition policies: Is there a need for reform in light of the digital revolution?

The Hon. Konrad W. von Finckenstein reflected on the regulatory and governance challenges fostered by rapid technological innovation, including whether Canada's existing legislative frameworks and competition policies are up to the task of encouraging and promoting innovation in its broadcasting and telecommunications systems.

Insight and Impact: A contribution from the Council of Canadian Academies. President and CEO of the Council of Canadian Academies Elizabeth Dowdeswell (O.C.) discussed the Council, whose mission is to contribute to the shaping of evidence-based public policy that is in the public interest.

Changing Times in Québec: Priorities of the Chief Science Officer with an Emphasis on "La Relève". This talk was delivered by Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Quebec.