N.S. reforms for people with disabilities behind schedule but has momentum: province / Global
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 11:23 am permalink
The Nova Scotia government is trailing on its ambitious five‐year plan to revamp housing and care services for people with disabilities despite claiming that positive momentum is underway. Officials acknowledge delays even as they promise ongoing progress and future improvements.
permalink / 2 stories from sources in 2 hrs #socialpolicy #novascotia #accessibility #atlanticcanada
ABC’s Terry Moran is suspended following his social media post calling Trump and Miller haters / City News / Toronto
Monday, June 9, 2025, 10:21 am permalink
ABC News took the dramatic step of suspending a journalist following a sharply worded social media post that lambasted prominent political figures. The incident has ignited debates about accountability in the newsroom and the limits of free speech in the age of digital commentary.
permalink / 2 stories from sources in 27 hrs #socialpolicy #ethics
Education ministries see positive results from classroom cellphone ban as school year wraps / Globe and Mail / Canada
Monday, June 9, 2025, 7:21 am permalink
Canadian schools are witnessing a surprising boost in classroom engagement after enforcing a strict cellphone ban. Educators report that the policy has significantly reduced distractions, leading to healthier learning environments and improved concentration, proving that sometimes removing modern temptations can yield unexpectedly positive educational outcomes.
Bluesky: @mediasca.skyfleet.blue
permalink / 5 stories from sources in 30 hrs #socialpolicy #publicpolicy #education #productivity
‘They can’t stop themselves’: How compulsive smartphone use is like an addiction / National Post
Sunday, June 8, 2025, 11:20 am permalink
Health experts are drawing parallels between compulsive smartphone use and addiction, noting how digital dependency mirrors behavioral patterns observed in substance abuse. The analysis reveals challenges in moderating screen time and highlights growing concerns over the psychological impact of our ever-connected lifestyles.
permalink / 4 stories from sources in 2 days #socialpolicy #health
‘We’re people too’: Canada’s homeless population is aging, changing how shelters run / City News / Toronto
Friday, June 6, 2025, 5:21 am permalink
Reports highlight that Canada’s homeless population is aging, prompting urgent calls for reform in shelter operations. Observations from Vancouver reveal that many elderly individuals struggle under outdated service models, intensifying demands for reassessment and improvements to better address the evolving needs and dignity of vulnerable citizens.
Bluesky: @picardonhealth.bsky.social
permalink / 4 stories from sources in 4 days #socialpolicy #housing #canada
Two lots of birth control pills recalled because they contained too many placebos / City News / Toronto
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 7:21 pm permalink
Health Canada has ordered a recall of two lots of Seasonale birth control pills after discovering they contained an excessive number of inert placebo pills. Regulatory scrutiny is underway as concerns mount over product integrity and consumer safety in this unexpected formulation mishap.
Bluesky: @torontostar-rss.bsky.social
permalink / 2 stories from sources in 5 days #federal #socialpolicy #canada #health
Health minister says forced addictions treatment lacks evidence, feds won't intervene / The Toronto Star
Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 2:22 pm permalink
The federal Health Minister confirmed that the current evidence does not support forced addictions treatment and thus will not intervene. Critics argue that enforced treatment could worsen underlying issues, while experts continue to debate the policy’s efficacy and the proper approach to addiction care.
permalink / 2 stories from sources in 6 days #politics #federal #socialpolicy #health
Commission proposes mandatory digital citizenship curriculum in schools
Friday, May 30, 2025, 9:21 am permalink
A special commission on screens is pushing for digital citizenship to become a compulsory curriculum component, aiming to better equip young learners for the digital era. The proposal addresses concerns over excessive screen time and social media influence, insisting that a modern education must include a healthy dose of online savvy.
permalink / 4 stories from sources in 11 days #federal #socialpolicy #publicpolicy #education
Commission recommends restricting social media for children
Thursday, May 29, 2025, 11:21 am permalink
A transpartisan commission has recommended that access to social platforms be restricted for anyone under 14 without explicit parental consent. Citing concerns over screen time and its potential adverse effects on children’s health and development, the panel insists on strict measures to shield young users from digital risks.
Bluesky: @ledevoir.com
permalink / 7 stories from sources in 12 days #federal #socialpolicy #childcare #health
Halifax closes underused designated homeless encampment
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 2:21 pm permalink
City officials in Halifax have decided to shut down one of the five designated homeless encampments due to its persistently low usage. Authorities believe the move will help reallocate resources more effectively in addressing homelessness, albeit leaving some community members pondering what the next chapter holds for local support initiatives.
permalink / 2 stories from sources in 12 days #socialpolicy #housing #halifax #atlanticcanada