In addition to making housing more affordable, zoning reform can reduce carbon footprints and improve service access. — In addition to making housing more affordable, zoning reform can reduce carbon footprints and improve service access. There is a growth of interest in the role of land use policies in housing debates. Evidence from American and Canadian cities shows that increasing the density of housing makes it both more…

Western countries may have millions of unoccupied dwellings, but not for the reasons one might think. — Western countries may have millions of unoccupied dwellings, but not for the reasons one might think. Originally published on February 7, 2022, on Apolitical.co. The problem: The ‘vacant housing’ narrative is often misunderstood and it is damaging to housing development. Why it matters: A solution is needed for the housing…

In addition to improving affordability, cities can make the case for greater fiscal autonomy. — In addition to improving affordability, cities can make the case for greater fiscal autonomy. Last week, the Ontario government held a virtual summit on housing affordability along with the mayors and chairs of the biggest cities and regions in the province. The highlight of the summit was the province’s commitment…

Interoperability, privacy, and fairness in procurement are key considerations in vaccine passport design — Interoperability, privacy, and fairness in procurement are key considerations in vaccine passport design Note: This article was originally published via Apolitical.co on November 16, 2021. The problem: The adoption of vaccine passports for travel and domestic use has thrown up similar issues for governments globally.

As Canada introduces vaccine passports for international travel, learning from other countries will be helpful. — As Canada introduces vaccine passports for international travel, learning from other countries will be helpful. Canada is moving quickly to adopt a national vaccine passport for international travel. Although a federal framework requires extensive consultation with provincial, territorial, and international partners, the federal government plans to announce the details later…

Governments of all levels should set green procurement targets for cement, concrete, and steel. — Governments of all levels should set green procurement targets for cement, concrete, and steel. When people talk about the items in our everyday lives that have the worst environmental impacts, construction materials don’t immediately come to mind. We’re most familiar with the usual suspects: combustion engine cars, beef production, and…

Charlottetown’s proposed Airbnb rules might not improve housing affordability — not without more comprehensive reform. — Charlottetown’s proposed Airbnb rules might not improve housing affordability — not without more comprehensive reform. When most Canadians think of Prince Edward Island, a mix of quirky and quaint views come to mind. Literary and TV buffs will quickly identify Canada’s smallest province as the backdrop for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s…

A new democratic index might tell us which systems produce better democracies. — A new democratic index might tell us which systems produce better democracies. There has been a resurgence in the debate over whether Canada should remain a constitutional monarchy under the Crown or instead embrace an alternative system of government. The republican movement (i.e. advocating for the end of the monarchy…

Ottawa cannot deliver Pharmacare if the provinces and territories are not partners in drug negotiations — Ottawa cannot deliver Pharmacare if the provinces and territories are not partners in drug negotiations. Canada’s premiers have a solution for this problem. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of collaboration between Canada’s provinces and territories. At a national stage, provincial and territorial governments have been instrumental in in implementing pan-Canadian…