As VIP programs start offering bonuses or other inducements to encourage Ontario gamblers to spend more, many are raising concerns. Brian Dijkema, vice-president of external affairs at Cardus, tells the Toronto Star, “If gambling is like a drug — and for many people it is — this is effectively a strengthening of the dose.” Photo by Chris Liverani on Unsplash

With new census data showing a continuing decline in Canadians who identify as religious, a public inquisition appears to be emerging: "Should our education systems stamp out religion?” David Hunt, Education Director at Cardus, takes to the pages of the National Post to answer that question.

With new census data showing a continuing decline in Canadians who identify as religious, a public inquisition appears to be emerging: "Should our education systems stamp out religion?” David Hunt, Education Director at Cardus, takes to the pages of the National Post to answer that question. Photo by Matese Fields on Unsplash

"Governments of all stripes have ... centralized Ontario’s education system over the years," argues Brian Dijkema, Vice-President of External Affairs at Cardus. "By building a centrally controlled education monopoly, the government has left the province uniquely vulnerable to strikes."

Ontario's government is in the wrong in its latest labour dispute with education support workers, but so is the union. Brian Dijkema, vice-president of external affairs at Cardus, untangles the mess and suggests a way out that works for parents and children.

David Eby’s B.C. Builds proposal "deserves enthusiastic support from people of all political stripes, including conservatives," argue Brian Dijkema, vice-president of external affairs at Cardus, and Renze Nauta, our work and economics program director. But they also warn the premier-designate needs to make sure restrictive community benefits agreements don’t ruin his good plans.

"Let’s cut to the chase. The current federal-provincial child-care deal in Alberta isn’t working. And it’s certainly not going to work come 2023, when additional regulations go into effect," write Catharine Kavanagh, our Alberta policy liaison, and Andreae Sennyah, our Alberta-based policy officer.

"Canadian political leaders are right to voice support for the working class. But do they understand Canada’s new working class and do they have an agenda to match it?" Renze Nauta, Sosina Bezu, and Sean Speer ask probing questions in their commentary in the National Post.

"There’s nothing inherently wrong with having a bit of fun with a game of chance, but we’ve moved well beyond putting 20 bucks down on a game on Friday night," Brian Dijkema, Vice-President of External Affairs at Cardus, tells The Hub. "What’s happening is a mass, systemic revenue generation tool that operates on the back of the poor and addicted, and that’s a moral problem."