Belongings matter: Report highlights difficulties unhoused people face

Unhoused individuals have continuously been at risk of losing their belongings and, as the colder weather continues, many look for solutions. A report released last month by UBC, SFU and the University of Ottawa examines the issue and suggests potential remedies. According to the report, approximately 10 per cent of people in Canada can be…

Disability advocacy: the power of lived experiences

There still remains a continued need to better understand the struggles of those with disabilities, and to build inclusive societies that dignify their experiences. On Dec. 3, the UN’s annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) returns with the theme of sustainable development. “You can learn a lot about what other people need by…

Germaine Koh – Creation that threads the needle of what’s possible

Breakthroughs happen when people push the boundaries of what’s allowed. This December, Vancouver-based artist and organizer Koh will be one of this year’s recipients of the Governor General’s Award for Visual and Media arts. Despite being winning various awards and holding many official titles over the years, Germaine Koh’s work has a distinctly grassroots, D.I.Y.,…

Food security is as challenging as ever for students at UBC

As the rising cost of food continues to affect Canadian residents, university students—like those attending UBC—are some of the hardest hit, having to navigate substantial demands on both time and money. Amid both rising usage of the Alma Mater Society (AMS) food bank at the school and inflation driving up food prices across the country…

A new UBC study investigates how social robots might improve the quality of life at Canadian long-term care homes

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, as Canada’s long-term care homes became hotspots for the pandemic-inducing virus, the physical and mental well-being of Canada’s elderly demographic was thrust into the spotlight. And as lockdown mandates led to feelings of social isolation, Canada’s already-struggling seniors were some of the hardest hit with feelings of intense loneliness. For…

Many people have biased perceptions of EDI leaders: study

For the past decade, companies across North America have paid more attention to supporting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). This has prompted many organizations to create a leadership role fully dedicated to advancing EDI – so much so that between 2015 and 2020, the job title “head of diversity” increased 107 percent on LinkedIn. By…

Truth and Reconciliation is not a single outcome but a generations-long journey

Indigenous peoples have experienced a long history of injustice and mistrust because of colonial legislation and policies in Canada. The Canadian state’s relationships with Indigenous Peoples have never been based on recognition of Indigenous Nations as sovereign, equal partners. Legislative and policy agendas enacted by the federal government, and other levels of government, have systematically…

Meet the participants of Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders 2023

In order to mark National Indigenous History Month in June, eight inspiring young Indigenous leaders from across Canada have been invited to meet with the Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples. The youth have been selected for Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders 2023, which spotlights young Indigenous people aged 18 to 35 who are making a…

Margo Greenwood, a recently appointed senator for British Columbia

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis and those who are committed to their well-being. Last November, The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that the Governor General appointed Dr. Margo Greenwood as an independent senator to fill a…

Reflecting on Asian Heritage Month

Asian Heritage Month was officially designated in 2002, after the Honourable Vivienne Poy – the first Chinese-Canadian senator – introduced a motion in the Senate to create the commemorative month and celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Asian descent. As Canada marks Asian Heritage Month in 2023, eight senators share their reflections on what this…

Food, family, friends – Customs and traditions for Nowruz

Turning the corner into March and the promise of spring, with the flowers coming up, warmer temperatures and more hours of daylight, another holiday approaches. March 21 is the Afghan New Year, or Nowruz, a holiday celebrated in countries across the Middle East and all the way to India. The holiday has a theme of…