Climate change; How an Increase in Temperature of Two Degrees Will Change Life as We Know it

By Julia Smith, General Member

Climate change is a global issue impacting the world for many years, and its effects are becoming increasingly evident. It refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas and mass industrialization. These activities release greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing the Earth's temperature to rise.

To fully understand the sheer magnitude of this issue, scientists and researchers have been utilizing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to study climate patterns and make predictions. Recent AI analyses have revealed alarming findings, indicating that the planet is on track to cross a critical warming threshold sooner than expected. This threshold, often associated with a global temperature rise of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, is believed to have catastrophic and irreversible impacts on all aspects of society.   The impacts of climate change are vast and wide-ranging, affecting every facet of life. From a social perspective, a temperature rise of over 2 degrees Celsius will push approximately three billion people into chronic water scarcity, leading to severe water shortages and causing food production to decline. This will directly impact people's livelihoods, exacerbating poverty, hunger, and inequality and strip them of fundamental human rights. Vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries, will be disproportionately affected.

From an economic standpoint, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as flooding, droughts, wildfires, and food shortages will have significant repercussions. These events will weaken economic growth, damage infrastructure, and capital stock, and disrupt supply chains. Labor productivity will also decline as the world economy adapts to higher temperatures, potentially leading to job losses and economic instability. Climate change poses a significant risk to global prosperity and financial stability. The aforementioned social and economic consequences will amplify political violence, social unrest, and geopolitical risks. As communities face food insecurity and water stress, the pressure to migrate for better conditions will increase, potentially leading to conflicts and tensions between nations. This can strain global peace and stability, exacerbating existing political challenges and potentially giving rise to new ones. Already, we have witnessed examples of climate change-induced conflicts, such as Sudan's civil war, where environmental factors have intensified competition over resources.

The AI-predicted crossing of the critical warming threshold serves as a wake-up call for all of us to take urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This global issue affects us all, regardless of borders, socioeconomic status, or political affiliations. Individuals, communities, businesses, and governments must develop effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, promote sustainable practices, and adapt to existing changes.

Every one of us has a role to play in addressing climate change. As individuals, we can make conscious choices in our daily lives to reduce our carbon footprint, such as conserving energy, minimizing waste, adopting sustainable transportation options, and supporting environmentally friendly initiatives. Additionally, we can engage in climate activism, raise awareness about the issue, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize climate action. Businesses are responsible for embracing sustainable practices, investing in clean technologies, and integrating environmental considerations into their decision-making processes. By adopting sustainable production methods, reducing emissions, and prioritizing circular economy principles, businesses can contribute to the collective effort to combat climate change while unlocking new economic opportunities.

The predicted crossing of the critical warming threshold is a stark reminder of the urgency and magnitude of the problem. We must all take responsibility and contribute to the collective effort to mitigate climate change. By making sustainable choices, supporting clean technologies, and advocating for policy changes, we can help safeguard our planet and create a better future for future generations.

Click on the links below to learn more! 

https://www.nature.com/nclimate

Nature Climate Change is a monthly journal “dedicated to publishing the most significant and cutting-edge research on the science of climate change, its impacts and wider implications for the economy, society and policy.”

https://whistleblower.org/climate-science-watch

The Government Accountability Project l Climate Science Watch project is committed to “holding public officials accountable for using climate research effectively and with integrity in dealing with the challenge of global climate disruption.”  

https://climate.nasa.gov/explore/ask-nasa-climate

“To provide the public with accurate and timely news and information about Earth’s changing climate, along with current data and visualizations, presented from the unique perspective of NASA, the world’s leading climate research agency.” 

Gender Equality Week

By Kate Tucker, General Member

In 2018, the Canadian government officially marked the fourth week of September as Gender Equality Week. Gender Equality Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the critical contributions women and gender-diverse communities to the growth, development, character, and identity of Canada; to celebrate the significant achievements and accomplishments that we have made in advancing gender equality, and to reconfirm our commitments to addressing persistent gender equality gaps in our country. Created in response to the #MeToo and Women's March movements, the overrepresentation of older women in poverty and women who face gender-based violence, the lack of effort to address inequitable pay for women and gender minorities, and the unsolved cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, Gender Equality Week strives to both celebrate the accomplishments of women and gender diverse populations as well as amplify the need to continue working towards gender equality in Canada.

What is Gender Equality?

Gender Equality is the equal treatment of people of all genders- women, men, trans, and gender-diverse folks, so that we can all achieve our full societal potential. Gender equality does not just benefit women or gender-diverse folks. It promotes the opportunity for all people to live in a more accessible, fulfilling, and supportive environment. Gender equality has countless benefits, including increased fairness and justice, improved health and happiness, increased peace and security, and even contributed to expanded economic prosperity. Gender equality is a global issue, with countries worldwide offering varying degrees of gender equality in their societies. While some nations are advocating for the capacity for girls to attend schools, others are working to provide extended paternity leave- all of which contribute to building an equality-centred global community. To reap the complete benefits of gender equality, international action must be taken to support the initiative. However, acting nationally, such as the designation of Gender Equality Week, and locally with a global perspective allows other nations to consider their role in addressing gender equality.

Gender Equality Week Act

On the 21st of June 2018, the Gender Equality Week Act received Royal Assent. The bill discusses the desire to increase awareness of the significant contributions Canadian women (and gender-diverse populations) make to Canada's growth, development, character, and identity. It also acknowledges that equality and compassion for all individuals remain among Canada's foremost aspirations, and all Canadians are responsible for addressing women's social and economic challenges, which are fundamentally human issues. To that token, the Act emphasizes that all Canadians, particularly men and those who do not identify as women or gender minorities, are encouraged to be engaged during Gender Equality Week and throughout the year in achieving greater inclusiveness and gender equality in Canada.

The foundation for gender equality and the passing of this bill is rooted in the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which ensure that federal gender equality laws protect the right to equality. A legislative commitment to equality in all forms has not been around for long. In 1916, women in Manitoba became the first in Canada to vote in a provincial election. In 1929, women were officially included in the legal definition of "persons" due to the tremendous efforts of the Famous Five. In 1971, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women was created, and in 1977, the Canadian Human Rights Act was passed, forbidding discrimination based on sex. In 1985, the Indian Act was revised and reinstated Indian status for women who lost it through marriage to a man without a position. In 1993, Kim Campbell became the first and only woman to serve as Prime Minister of Canada. 2009, the first Trans March in Canada was organized during Toronto Pride. In 2015, the first full Minister of Status of Women position was created at the federal level, and the Government of Canada launched the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. In 2018 addition to the creation of Gender Equality Week, Women and Gender Equality Canada was legislated as a department with an expanded mandate to advance equality for sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Since then, further work has continued to improve gender equality in Canada and worldwide; however, a consistent and ongoing commitment to actional ways of improving equality is still strongly required for the foreseeable future.  

Image inspired by Government of Canada’s Gender Equality Timeline

Gender Equality Week- What Can You Do?

This year, the fifth anniversary of Gender Equality Week in Canada, the theme for the week is United for Gender Equality: Stronger Together. The week's focus highlights commitment to inclusivity and equality by recognizing and celebrating the diversity within the country. The theme encourages unity among individuals regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, racial background, or level of education. It encourages reflection on what it truly means to work toward an equitable future.

 There are a few ways that you can be involved in sharing the message of Gender Equity Week and celebrate both the accomplishments and ambitions in working towards gender equality.

• Use the Gender Equality Week 2023 digital toolkit: The Canadian government has created a series of digital tools, including social media templates, a virtual meeting background, and various other resources to support you in demonstrating your participation in Gender Equality Week.

• Review the Government of Canada Learning Toolkit for Gender Equality Week. This page has some great tools to support your learning about gender-based analysis, access resources for educators, review suggested research topics related to gender equality, and access suggestions for ways that you might connect with your community to discuss gender equality.

• Talk about it! Gender Equality Week is intended to support an equitable future for us all. Women and gender-diverse people often find themselves discussing, or mentally taking note of, the impact that gender equality, or a lack thereof, has on our lives. This is a great week to not only show your commitment to gender equality but also consider how you and your network might support gender equality through your language and actions. Share your ideas with others and hold one another accountable!

Virtual meeting background from the Government of Canada’s Gender Equality Week 2023 digital toolkit.

Looking to the Future: Gender EQUITY vs. Gender EQUALITY

There is no doubt that gender equality has significantly progressed in the last century; however, it is still apparent that, as a society, we have a long way to go. When considering how you can support gender equality and make a difference for women and gender-diverse folks in your community, I urge you to consider the concept of equity and equality. Equality means that each individual or group is given the same resources and opportunities, which is undoubtedly the long-term goal5. However, equality may not be the first step in achieving the society we all want to see. Equity recognizes everyone has different circumstances and allocates the appropriate resources and opportunities to reach equal outcomes. Equity does not give every person the same thing; it gives them what they need to be successful. While the long-term goal of a similar playing field is often highlighted, to achieve this goal, women and gender-diverse folks often require more than that, thus emphasizing equitable practices as opposed to equality, at least until everyone has similar circumstances. Even within gender, considerations for intersectionality, such as race, education, and socioeconomic status, may require different approaches through an equitable lens. A commitment to gender equity is necessary for eventual gender equality. This International Women's Day 2023 article explains this concept further and provides excellent resources for learning about gender equity and equality.

Image Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

As you and your community participate in Gender Equality Week this month, we encourage you to reflect on the progress made in the last century and consider what the next 100 years could look like for equity, equality, and inclusion in Canada and worldwide. Please let us know how you are engaging with Gender Equality Week; we love learning with you and look forward to continuing to support women and gender-diverse folks this week and every week.

1.         Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. Gender Equality Week. https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/news-events/events/gender-equality-week.

2.         Singh, J. NDP Statement on Gender Equality Week. https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-statement-gender-equality-week (2018).

3.         Government of Canada. Gender Equality Week Act. (2018).

4.         Government of Canada. Gender equality timeline. https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/gender-equality-week/gender-equality-timeline.html (2023).

5.         International Women’s Day. Equality versus Equity: What’s the difference as we #EmbraceEquity for IWD 2023 and beyond? https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Missions/18707/Equality-versus-Equity-What-s-the-difference-as-we-EmbraceEquity-for-IWD-2023-and-beyond (2023).

The Importance of Consent Awareness Week

By Julia Smith, General Member

Consent Awareness Week is observed annually beginning on the third Monday of September. Consent means giving someone a choice about touch or actions and respecting their answer. Silence should not be interpreted as consent; consent can be revoked. Only 28 percent of Canadians fully understand the meaning of consent, making consent awareness week a crucial week, mainly due to the rise in high-profile sexual assault cases in the media, sports teams, and student walkouts in response to sexual assaults on post-secondary campuses. The week is an annual reminder that Canadians have the right to feel safe and respected where they live, work, study and play.

The effects of not understanding consent are far-reaching. Each year, there are approximately 636,000 cases of self-reported sexual assault in Canada; 41 percent were self-reported by students at post-secondary institutions. The first six weeks of post-secondary education are designated the “red zone” when there is a significant increase in sexual violence at post-secondary schools.   The week invites all Ontarians, not just university-age students, to have thoughtful, affirming, and open, age-appropriate conversations about consent. The week also proves to be an opportunity for individuals to explore and reflect upon valuable life skills related to consent, such as active listening, body language reading, and respecting boundaries in all types of relationships. 

Ontario is the first province in Canada to recognize and adopt Consent Awareness Week due to the adoption of Bill 18, which was first enacted in  2022. The bill emphasizes “consent culture,” changing the narrative of sex to be centred on mutual consent. Consent culture does not force anyone into anything; it respects bodily autonomy and is based on the belief that people can only judge their own needs. Consent culture comes into play when discussing section 273 of the Criminal Code relating to sexual assault. 

Section 273.1: Sexual assault occurs if a person is touched in any way that interferes with their sexual integrity.` This includes kissing, touching, intercourse and any other sexual activity without their consent.

Greater understanding that lack of consent is not only morally wrong it is a severe criminal offence charged by law. 

Consent Awareness Week is a crucial annual event to promote a deeper understanding of consent, foster respectful behaviour, and address the pressing issue of sexual misconduct. It stresses the importance of informed choices, open dialogue, and the right to safety and respect for all individuals in every facet of their lives. By engaging in educational activities and promoting conversations this week, society is closer to building a culture of consent, accountability, and empathy.

What you can do to help fight for consent awareness: 

1. Share resources on social media 

2. Educate those around you 

3. Educate yourself to further your understanding 

4. Never stop learning 

5. Sign a petition to enact consent awareness week in your province/territory 

Useful resources: 

Action Now Atlantic - Action Now Atlantic is a campaign to end sexual and gender-based violence at universities in Atlantic Canada through education, advocacy, and community engagement. https://www.actionnowatlantic.ca/

The Bill Outlining Consent Awareness Week: https://www.ola.org/sites/default/files/node-files/bill/document/pdf/2022/2022-09/b018_e

5 Things You Can Do For Consent Awareness Week: https://www.couragetoact.ca/blog/caw2023

Sexual assault + Misconduct Definition https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/conflict-misconduc

Toronto Star: Universities Need Consent Awareness Week https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/universities-need-consent-awareness-week-in-ontario/article_314662fd-7f53-5cd4-81e6-67d058e3aefb.html

Uncovering the Ethical Dimensions of AI in Healthcare

By Sree Nair, General Member

In the age of artificial intelligence, the healthcare sector has been quick to embrace the potential of this groundbreaking technology. AI offers remarkable promise, from improving diagnostic accuracy to streamlining patient care. However, beneath the surface of innovation lies a complex web of ethical considerations, including racial and gender implications that demand our attention.

Artificial intelligence thrives on data; in healthcare, this data often includes sensitive patient information. Using data from diverse populations to train AI algorithms is laudable, aiming to reduce biases in the technology. Yet, it raises significant questions about privacy and confidentiality. Collecting and managing patient data is a responsibility that must be taken seriously. As we strive to improve healthcare outcomes, safeguarding patient privacy, and compassionate health information of marginalized populations, should remain a top priority.

Research indicates that machine learning algorithms have the potential to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity, leading to improved patient outcomes. For instance, preliminary studies in the United States have demonstrated that AI can classify lab samples with an astounding 99% sensitivity1. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications, particularly in the early detection of diseases like cancer. Additionally, AI is optimizing various aspects of healthcare, ranging from electronic records management to telehealth services, promising to revolutionize public health practices.

Whether conscious or unconscious, human biases can inadvertently infiltrate machine learning algorithms. When left unchecked, these biases can lead to disparities in healthcare outcomes, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. To combat biases effectively and create an equitable and unbiased application of AI in healthcare, diverse AI development teams must identify and address these biases during system design and training. Equally crucial is using data that represents the entire population when training AI models.

In conclusion, the widespread integration of AI in healthcare holds incredible promise for the future of medicine. However, as we navigate this frontier of innovation, we must remain acutely aware of the ethical considerations that accompany it. These include privacy questions, the responsible handling of patient data, and the critical need to combat biases that may inadvertently creep into AI systems. This leads to us asking: What role can we play in ensuring that AI, with its immense potential, catalyzes positive change in healthcare, benefiting patients of all backgrounds and advancing the quest for equality in medicine?

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30295070/

* This article is based on a presentation titled "Racial and Gendered Implications of AI in Healthcare" by my two colleagues, Olivia Sue and Aishah, and I during the 2020 Beyond Boundaries conference at Queen's University.

How Updates to New Brunswick's Policy 713 are Impacting Gender Expression and Identity Amongst Youth

By Julia Smith, General Member

New Brunswicks Policy 713, which came into practice on August 17th, 2020, was initially created to set baseline requirements for school districts and public schools to create a "safe, welcoming, inclusive, and affirming school environment for all students, families, and allies who identify or are perceived as LGBTQI2S+". Since the bill's creation, parental consent has always been required for students under 16 to change their names on legal and official documents. Still, parental consent was not necessary to use a child's preferred name in the classroom setting or the child's preferred pronouns.  

On Wednesday, August 23rd, Bill Hogan, the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development of New Brunswick, called a conference to share the news that Bill 713 has been adjusted for the quickly approaching school year to make it clear that teachers will now need parental consent to address a child under 16 by their preferred name or pronoun in the classroom. It is widely recognized that using one's preferred name and pronouns is a fundamental aspect of gender identity affirmation. When students are denied the ability to respect and acknowledge their identity within the educational setting, it can increase stress, anxiety, and isolation. These negative emotions can impact a student's mental health and academic performance. 

The requirement for parental consent in such a context can also deter students from seeking help or support from teachers and school staff. They may worry that reaching out for assistance could inadvertently disclose their LGBTQI2S+ identity to unsupportive parents, further amplifying their distress. In cases where parents are not supportive of their child's LGBTQI2S+ identity, the fear of potential abuse stems from the realization that students might be compelled to conform to their assigned birth gender against their will, suppressing their true selves. Such a situation could manifest in various ways, including verbal and emotional abuse, threats of withdrawal of familial support, or even attempts at conversion therapy. 

Due to the endless number of possible negative implications stemming from the bill, two New Brunswick school boards are toying with the possibility of making slight amendments, as they have the power to "improve or strengthen a provincial policy, but can't do anything contrary to the provincial policy,"  

Anglophone West and Francophone Northwest councils say they will listen to input from parents before making a decision, as; 

     "[They] respect the parents too, but if a kid says that 'if I go home and tell them about this, I'm maybe not welcomed at home anymore'... Our first responsibility is to the person sitting before us, the kids." - Anglophone East Council chair Harry Doyl.

As New Brunswick school boards consider possible amendments to this policy, it is crucial to reflect on the impact it may have on students' lives. The question remains: How can we ensure that our educational system truly supports and respects the identities of all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity? Should the focus be on strengthening the policy to safeguard the well-being of LGBTQI2S+ students or finding a middle ground that respects parental concerns while prioritizing the students' needs? The path forward requires thoughtful consideration and a commitment to creating an inclusive educational environment. 

What will you do in this fight for justice? 

I encourage you to read the following resources to inform yourself about this issue further: 

CBC News Article

The Full Policy 713 Document 

CTV Atlantic News Article 

The Perspective of an LGBTQI2S+ Student  

Ensuring youth voices are being heard by policy makers and decision makers: What is Being Done?

By Julia Smith, General Member

Our planet is witnessing an unprecedented phenomenon—the largest generation of young people in history. With a staggering 1.9 billion individuals between 15 and 30, this vibrant and dynamic cohort holds immense potential to shape our collective future. However, creating a harmonious and prosperous society is crucial to provide young people with a meaningful platform to express their concerns, aspirations, and innovative ideas. By engaging youth in decision-making processes and establishing close relationships with policy and decision-makers, we can foster authentic dialogue, collaboration, and the development of practical solutions. We can address this issue by exploring initiatives highlighting the importance of youth involvement in policy-making and showcasing inspiring efforts to amplify youths' voices and help build a better future. 

National Dialogue in Canada: A Crucial First Step: 

In February 2018, the Government of Canada embarked on a national dialogue with youth to shape the country's first-ever Youth Policy. Over 10,000 responses were gathered through various mediums, including in-person interviews, online forums, and questionnaires. The key themes that emerged were education and employment, physical and mental health, and the environment and climate change. The initiative highlighted the need for economic opportunities, financial literacy, affordable housing, and youth participation in civic life, emphasizing that young people should have a significant role in shaping policies that affect them.

Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders: Strengthening Indigenous Communities

The Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples recently launched "Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders 2023"  to highlight the strengths of present-day First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. This year's focus is on Indigenous education, intending to understand different educational experiences and ensure youth voices are heard. The committee seeks insights into traditional and non-traditional Indigenous education, including post-secondary education. This initiative highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting Indigenous youth's educational needs and aspirations.

The Clubhouse Network: Empowering Marginalized Youth

"The Clubhouse Network" is an international community of over 100 Clubhouses across 21 countries. For over 25 years, they have provided underserved and marginalized youth with transformative opportunities. Clubhouses offer a safe and creative out-of-school learning environment where young people can explore their ideas, develop new skills, and build confidence through technology. By leveraging technology, this initiative prepares young individuals for the future and equips them with essential skills.

Transforming Education through Human Rights: A Global Webinar

Amnesty International and Soka Gakkai International organized an international webinar on "Transforming Education through Human Rights." The event aimed to engage young people as policy-makers in transforming education. Discussions revolved around the evolving right to education, the role of culture in education, and how it can advance peace and human rights. With over 500 youth participants, this webinar exemplified the importance of involving young voices in shaping educational policies.

Youth represent the future of our society, governments, and planet. Involving young people in policy-making processes and decision-making tables ensures a bright and inclusive future. The initiatives highlighted in this blog, including Canada's national dialogue, Indigenous youth empowerment, The Clubhouse Network, and the webinar on transforming education through human rights, exemplify the positive steps to amplify youth voices. We can pave the way for a harmonious and prosperous world by recognizing their concerns, aspirations, and innovative ideas. We must continue to prioritize youth engagement and provide them with meaningful opportunities to shape the policies that will impact their lives and the generations to come. After all, our futures are at stake, and our perspectives are crucial to creating a better tomorrow.

Click on the links below to learn more! 

Indigenous Voices: https://sencanada.ca/en/committees/appa/misc/youth-voices-of-indigenous-leaders/2023/?cmp=

Canadian Governments Youth Policy: https://www.canada.ca/en/youth/corporate/transparency/what-we-heard.html 

The Clubhouse Network: https://theclubhousenetwork.org/.

Statistics Canada- Youth Engagement in Politics: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/42-28-0001/2021001/article/00006-eng.htm  

Counterfeit Drugs: A Cause for Concern

By Julia Smith, General Member

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the forefront of the battle against the global problem of falsified and substandard medications. This issue is responsible for causing over a million deaths annually worldwide, making it a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. Most of these fatalities occur in sub-Saharan African regions, where economic disparity, political instability, and large counterfeit organizations create a fertile ground for the proliferation of counterfeit drugs.

In recent years, the illegal trade of counterfeit medicines has reached alarming levels, posing a grave threat to public health. A striking example of this can be seen in West Africa, where a staggering 605 tons of medical products were seized between January 2017 and December 2021. These fake medications often find their way into mainstream international trade channels, primarily through sea routes, making it challenging to identify and halt their distribution. The consequences of this illicit trade extend far beyond the loss of human lives; it also exerts a significant economic impact on affected countries. The WHO estimates that the annual cost of caring for patients who have used fake malaria medications in sub-Saharan Africa alone ranges from 12 million to 44.7 million U.S. dollars. This further strains these regions' already burdened healthcare systems and places an unnecessary economic burden on their economies.

Addressing the problem of falsified and substandard medications is a global issue that demands a collective effort from governments, international organizations, and the healthcare industry. It is crucial to continue raising awareness about this pressing matter and take decisive action to combat the illegal trade of counterfeit drugs. We can only ensure that people, especially those in vulnerable regions, access safe and effective medical treatments through collaboration and proactive measures.

The WHO has been actively involved in various initiatives to combat this issue. These efforts include establishing regulatory frameworks to strengthen the detection and prevention of counterfeit drugs, promoting international cooperation to enhance information sharing and law enforcement, and supporting capacity building in affected regions to improve their ability to tackle this problem. Additionally, the organization works closely with pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to raise awareness, improve supply chain security, and develop technologies to authenticate and track medications. However, the fight against falsified and substandard medications is an ongoing battle that requires continuous vigilance and adaptation. New strategies and innovative solutions must be developed to keep pace with the ever-evolving tactics employed by counterfeiters. This includes harnessing the power of emerging technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, to create robust systems for tracking and verifying the authenticity of medications throughout the supply chain. Efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, enhance access to quality medical care, and strengthen regulatory frameworks in vulnerable regions can significantly reduce the demand for counterfeit drugs. 

The problem of falsified and substandard medications is a grave global issue with far-reaching consequences. The WHO, governments, international organizations, and the healthcare industry actively combat this problem through various initiatives. By raising awareness, strengthening regulations, fostering international cooperation, and investing in innovative solutions, we can make significant progress in ensuring people access safe and effective medical treatments. We can only protect lives, safeguard economies, and create a healthier future for all through a united and sustained effort. 

Click on the links below for more information! 

How to Protect Yourself from Counterfeit Medicine: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/counterfeit-medicine 

UNODC Threat Assessment Report:
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/02/1133062 

Africa’s Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Epidemic; The Road Ahead:

https://a-capp.msu.edu/article/africas-counterfeit-pharmaceutical-epidemic-the-road 

African Youths Answers to Counterfeit Medicine 

https://www.fairplanet.org/story/counterfeit-drugs-africa-technology/ 

Youth Homelessness

By Julia Smith, General Member

Youth homelessness is a serious issue that Canada is currently facing, as many young people between the ages of 13 and 24 are living independently without a stable and or safe consistent residence. According to A Way Home, 20% of homeless people in Canada fall within this age group, with 6,000 young people experiencing homelessness every night and 35,000 experiencing homelessness over the course of a year. Additionally, 29% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ2S, 31% identify as Indigenous and 28% identify as members of racialized communities.

Youth homelessness is a sad reality that our society has failed to address adequately, as many young people who experience homelessness require support to finish school and lack experience living independently at such a young age. Being homeless can be a difficult and stressful experience, and very few young people choose to be homeless. There is no such thing as a “typical” person experiencing homelessness, and the causes of homelessness can affect people living anywhere in Canada, both in urban and rural areas.

Communities across the country have people experiencing homelessness, with many living temporarily with friends, family or staying in emergency shelters. A high percentage of youth experiencing homelessness were also in the care of child protection services, and 77.5% of them reported that their inability to get along with their parents played a significant role in why they left home. Transgender youth also face unique barriers to accessing the shelter system, with 1 in 3 individuals being rejected from shelters for their gender identities and expressions.

There are many reasons why young people become homeless, including catastrophic events, loss of employment, family breakups, family violence, mental or other debilitating illnesses, or a history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. To end homelessness long-term, an adequate supply of safe, affordable, and appropriate housing is a must. It is also crucial for governments to address the supply of affordable housing and provide access for priority populations such as women fleeing violence, Indigenous Peoples, families, seniors, and youth.

Ultimately, ending Canada’s housing crisis comes down to money, and the government must prioritize this. Additionally, many systems that drive young people into homelessness must also be part of the solution. There are a number of programs available, including school-based interventions, family reconnection, support for LGBTQ2S youth, support for youth transitioning from care, employment, training and education, and youth transitional housing. Ending youth homelessness means focusing on eliminating social factors that keep young people in a state of homelessness. Quality programming and early intervention strategies are needed to ensure that no child or youth becomes entrenched in a lifelong struggle with chronic homelessness.

It is time for our society to come together and address this critical issue that affects so many young people across the country. By providing support and access to safe and affordable housing, we can create a better future for all youth and end youth homelessness for good.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

By: Anisha D, Executive Coordinator 

Created in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to transform our world through a call to action adopted by the United Nations to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all enjoy good health, justice, and prosperity. This blog post will outline the 17 goals and what we can do to help achieve them. 

1. No Poverty - In 2015, 10% of the world's population lived in extreme poverty, struggling to fulfill the most basic needs such as health, education, and access to water. Your active engagement in policymaking can make a difference. 

2. Zero Hunger - More than 690 million people were undernourished in 2019 due to conflict, climate shocks, locust crisis, and no covid. You can make changes in your own life by supporting local farmers/markets and making sustainable food choices. 

3. Good Health and Well-Being - Most countries have insufficient health facilities, medical supplies, and health care workers. You can protect your health by making well-informed choices, practicing safe sex, and vaccinating children. 

4. Quality Education - In 2018, 773 million adults remained illiterate when it comes to reading and writing, with Covid-19 school closures now setting back progression to access. We need to ask our governments to place education as a priority. 

5. Gender Equality - Women continue to be underrepresented at all levels. If you are a girl, you can stay in school and empower women. If you are a woman, you can address unconscious biases. If you are a boy/man, you can work alongside women and embrace healthy, respectful relationships. 

6. Clean Water and Sanitation - In 2017, 3 billion people could not wash their hands with clean water. Civil society organizations should work to keep governments accountable, invest in water research and development, and promote the inclusion of women, youth, and indigenous communities in water resources governance. 

7. Affordable and Clean Energy - 789 million people lack access, leading to women and girls having to spend hours fetching water, clinics cannot store vaccines for children, and many schoolchildren cannot do homework at night. Countries can accelerate the transition to an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy system by investing in renewable energy resources

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth - Decent work means opportunities for everyone to get work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families, better prospects for personal development, and social integration. Providing youth the best opportunity to transition to a decent job calls for investing in education and training of the highest possible quality, providing youth with skills that match labour market demands. 

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - Basic infrastructure like roads, information and communication technologies, sanitation, electrical power, and water remain scarce in many developing countries. We can collaborate with NGOs and the public sector to help promote sustainable growth within developing countries.

10. Reduced Inequalities - It is important to empower and promote inclusive social and economic growth. We need to ensure that developing countries are better represented in decision-making on global issues. Governments need to promote safe, regular, and responsible migration. 

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities - Making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Take an active interest in the governance and management of your city. Advocate for the kind of city you believe you need. Develop a vision for your building, street, and neighborhood, and act on that vision. 

12. Responsible Consumption and Production - Currently, we lose 13.8% after harvesting and during transport, storage, and processing alone, amounting to a cost of over $400 billion a year. Reduce your waste and be thoughtful about what you buy. Ensure you don’t throw food away, and carry reusable bags. 

13. Climate Action - If left unchecked, climate change will cause average global temperatures to increase beyond 3°C, and will adversely affect every ecosystem. To find out what you can do, go to https:// www.un.org/en/actnow. 

14. Life Below Water - The health of the ocean is tied to our health. The diversity of species found in the ocean offers great promise for pharmaceuticals, along with much more. For open ocean and deep sea areas, sustainability can be achieved only through increased international cooperation to protect vulnerable habitats.

15. Life On Land - From the air, we breathe to the water we drink, to the food we eat–forests sustain us. Biodiversity is declining faster than at any other time in human history. Things we can do are recycling, eating a locally-based diet that is sustainably sourced, consuming only what we need, and being respectful to wildlife. 

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - People everywhere have the right to be free of fear from all forms of violence and feel safe as they go about their lives. Violence affects children’s health, development and well-being, and ability to thrive. It causes trauma and weakens social inclusion. Exercise your right to freedom of information and promote inclusion and respect. 

17. Partnerships for the Goals - The goal is to revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. We need everyone to come together—governments, civil society, scientists, academia, and the private sector. Join/create a group in your local community that seeks to mobilize action on the implementation of the SDGs. Encourage your governments to partner with businesses for the implementation of the SDGs. Register your initiatives on the SDGs Partnerships Platform to inform, educate, network, and be inspired. 

https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Hustle Culture

OCD is hard. It’s especially hard when TikTok trends glorify it.

By Tommy Akinnawonu, General Member

Chronic perfectionism is one of the latest vices to be unknowingly co-opted by internet trends. "Hustle culture" or "burnout culture" is the idea that by working yourself to the bone, you can achieve nirvana. This presents itself in three primary ways: capitalistic, academic, and micro-influential.

NFT multimillionaires, 80-hour workweeks, workshops, webinars, and ads galore. "50% off my course! Limited time!" But originally $400 with tax... The boss grind set is nothing new, with the rise of entrepreneurship in the last decade. But this generation is uniquely different due to the rising cost of living and lower pay for labor. The 40-hour week that was only sustainable if one partner was working while another managed house affairs (plus mandatory pensions), is now barely livable. Strikes happen daily, doctors work for 30 hours straight, and teachers have to decide whether to teach other people's children or feed their own. There's no benefit to being on the "grind," working all the hours your body can handle, sacrificing life for the hustle. There's no reward in the end. You can be laid off any day and complaints are out the window. You'll get verbal praise, but no overtime pay.

I love being creative; drawing, styling, writing, designing - you name it. My parents innocently suggested I take up jewelry making as a part-time job. They gave me $200 for supplies, but I never made jewelry again until I got an itch to do so months later and bought my supplies. A year later, my mom apologized. She said not every hobby needs to be monetized, and putting pressure on me so young wasn't setting me up for success. This constant drive to monetize any small talent and innocent skill is yet another symptom of the lust for capital ingrained in us. And that constant monetization is a precursor to apathy and conformity. Why bother making what you enjoy if it doesn't get the most clicks? Before you know it, dopamine hits > art, and no one wins.

As I said earlier, my OCD is mostly academia-based. I do get many other compulsions, but school-related ones are what I’m currently most affected by. Imagine my disdain when I go on Instagram I’m greeted by “perfect grade” subliminal messaging. I get good grades; I don’t think that matters much, but I do. I don’t think anything is wrong with working on self-improvement. But in most “tutorials” on how to get better grades, there’s no emphasis on improvement; only perfection. In every comment, you’ll see the same narrative. “I’m on my second all-nighter,” or “I force myself to skip food until I finish all my studying,” or “I sleep 2 hours a day to maintain my GPA,” as a sort of brag. What?! I’ve even experienced this in day-to-day life

(Trigger warning for a brief mention of an overdose). I was in a dual credit university program with 5 university courses, all healthcare based. I loved everyone, found them easier than high school courses, and was one of the few that passed with flying colors. Out of all of our finals, I got second place in one. I studied for around 3 hours, with many breaks, and went to sleep at 10. My friend who got first place was absent the day of, so she did her final online. I messaged her asking if she was okay and came to find out she was absent because she pulled 3 all-nighters to study, and tried to stay up so long that she accidentally took too many painkillers trying to ease the headaches that came. With 72 hours awake and a probable overdose, she got 1% higher. I. Was. Flabbergasted.

I partially blame heightened post-secondary standards. The title of “Ivy League” is coveted more than gold. People fail to realize that academic trends change; what got your parents into Harvard won’t get you there too. In post-secondary and beyond, while academic proficiency is amazing, there’s a much greater emphasis on individuality, personality, and critical thinking. Academically, socially, career-wise, and for your benefit, prioritize yourself and your passions over any arbitrary A+ quota.

My friends keep telling me to get Tiktok, Snapchat, and other social media platforms. I'm hesitant (partially because my digital footprint is already bad enough). "Tommy, if you got TikTok, you'd be famous for your outfits!" they say. They aren't wrong; my fashion style has always been popular. Is being TikTok famous really something to aspire to? With all eyes on you, the priming and preening of content, parasocial relationships, harassment, doxing, and hate brigades, I couldn't handle it. It would be a nightmare for my OCD and paranoia. Additionally, fashion micro-influencing isn't sustainable in the long run. It requires constant hauls from exploited countries, keeping up with daily trends, and curating your wardrobe constantly. I adore fashion, but this would make me hate it.

All of these and more are part of an overarching fixation on perfection and having total domination of everything you do. The world can be a challenging place, and romanticizing everything around us makes us feel we have a little more control. To most, that sounds like a good idea. To me, it reminds me of a compulsion that’ll do more harm than good. Don’t destroy yourself in the name of statistics. You are more than arbitrary numbers, whether it’s the money you’ve earned, the grades you got, or the follower count you have. Make some mistakes, do something stupid. You’re human. To finish, I want to end with one of my favorite blog posts, I found it when I was editing my website. Normalize imperfection, normalize your humanity.

https://www.bikobatanari.art/posts/2022/create-something-terrible

Further reading:

https://www.betterup.com/blog/hustle-culture

https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChxSVJctd_8/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Innovations in Primary Health Care

By: Kate Tucker, General Member

It has been known for over two decades that in high-income countries, health systems most oriented toward primary care have better outcomes, lower costs, and greater patient satisfaction [1]. Despite overall high levels of satisfaction with the care received, Canadians rate their access to health services quite poorly and are generally not seeing improvements in this domain [2]. Primary health care services include routine care for urgent but minor health problems, chronic disease prevention and management, health promotion, and a series of other first-point-of-contact services such as mental health care, maternity, and childcare, psychosocial services, liaison with home care, nutrition counseling, and end-of-life care. A strong primary care system is recognized as the cornerstone of health systems and is essential to the success of the health system as a whole [3].

Primary care is delivered by primary care providers (PCPs), often family doctors and nurse practitioners. Other health professionals, such as pharmacists, midwives, physiotherapists, and emergency room physicians also play a role in delivering primary care services. Approximately 85.5% of the Canadian population has a designated primary care provider, however, among patients with PCPs, just 38.7% report the capacity to access same-day or next-day appointments with their regular provider [4]. Quebec reports the highest percentage of the population without a primary care provider at 21.5% and Ontario reports the lowest percentage at 9.4%. Young people aged 18-34 are the group who are least likely to have designated primary care providers. These numbers are set to increase as family doctors retire, fewer medical students choose to enter Family Medicine, and primary care providers keep smaller rosters to maintain work-life balance [5].

Increasingly, it is being proven that a change in the delivery of primary care is necessary to support the current population, and, as the population continues to age, a larger primary care provider workforce will be required to meet the demands of the population in Canada [6]. So, what could a change in primary care look like? In addition to increasing the number of family doctors, numerous novel models for primary care delivery are being explored and developed across the country. Various innovative models of primary care delivery have emerged in response to the increasing demand for primary care providers and services and the COVID-19 pandemic. Policies, best practices, and resource allocation have all been permitted to shift in response to varied access, circumstances, and demands. Notable among these innovative responses to the primary care crisis include the Patient’s Medical Home model from the College of Family Physicians of Canada, as well as a variety of team-based primary care practices, virtual care solutions, expansion of the scope of practice of various allied health professionals, and countless other community-specific approaches that are addressing the needs of the people who depend on their services. As these models of care are being tried and tested, their ability to go beyond band-aid solutions and maintain longevity will also be considered in this review. Creating accessible, efficient, family and community-centered practices that are as sustainable as they are usable is central to utilizing new solutions and expanding on existing services to support primary care service delivery in Canada. 

Patients Medical Home

In 2011, in response to the demand for improved primary care services, the CFPC released the best practices and guidelines policy document for primary care, titled “Patients Medical Home” (PMH). The PMH framework is designed to support family physicians in implementing essential practices to improve the quality of primary care across Canada [7]. It provides clear expectations for governments, other health professionals, and patients on how a primary health care system could be structured to meet the needs of Canadians. More recently, a revised version of this policy was released in 2019. The 2019 PMH aims to better reflect current national circumstances and address current circumstances that primary care providers face in their practice. The 2019 model reframed the 2011 goals as pillars and outlined three central themes for the ten pillars. 

The PMH model guides primary care practices toward reform with tangible and clinically applicable directives that allow providers to consider how to address systemically oppressive experiences is necessary to truly achieve the primary care system that Canada dreams of delivering. As a general national policy and best practice, the PMH model has the potential to contribute to reform for an improved system that would support Canadians in the management of their health, improve health outcomes, rebuild trust and confidence in the healthcare system, and re-establish Canada's reputation as a global leader in healthcare. The model of PMH is in alignment with family and community-centered primary care practice, and while it does not directly address the shortage of providers, it does provide a means of delivering the highest quality care within the current system. 

Interdisciplinary Teams

A prominent leader in primary health innovation over the past decade has been interdisciplinary teams. This approach serves as the basis for the Patient’s Medical Home and has set the standard for accessible, person-centered, cost-effective care across the country. Interprofessional healthcare teams are not new to health services given the nature of health services and the wide range of skills and services required [8]. However, an increased focus on collaboration in primary care, because of the demand in this sector, is a newer concept. The addition of allied health professionals (such as nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, therapists, etc.) to family care clinics was implemented to improve access to care and utilize primary care services to their full capacity. These models have been called a wide variety of names including Family Health Teams, Interprofessional Primary Care Teams, and Collaborative Care Teams. In this model, persons seeking care may receive care from their primary care provider, or another provider on the team depending on availability and reason for the visit. This allows allied health professionals to work to the full extent of their scope of practice and is thought to free up some of the physicians’ time, allowing them to see more patients within their full scope of practice and remove the need for persons seeking care to visit a walk-in clinic or emergency department for primary health care services.   

Family Health Teams have proven to be incredibly successful in their uptake and implementation. A 2021 Ontario-based study found that receiving care from a clinic that worked in an interprofessional team model was associated with an increase in the odds of patients reporting same/next-day access to care by 12.0% [9]. The main barriers to this approach have proven to include a lack of clarity of roles and expectations (as per the shift from the traditional care model), fears relating to professional identity, lack of communication, and lack of training [10].

Expansion of Scope

As seen in Family Health Teams, expansion to the scope of practice for allied health professionals is another notable innovation in primary care. Scope of practice refers to what providers are trained and able to do as per their professional designation. In an ineffective health system, providers may not work in their full scope of practice or may spend extraordinary amounts of time doing things that another health professional could also do [11]. For example, family physicians can administer flu vaccines, but so are pharmacists and nurses. By having nurses or pharmacists host flu clinics, family doctors can focus their time on tasks that are not within the scope of another accessible health professional. Promoting the scope of varied health professionals demonstrates additional avenues of care for persons seeking care who may otherwise wait a long time for services that could be easily provided if they knew where to go. Recently, there have also been cases of expanding the scope of practice so that health professionals perform additional tasks that they have already been trained to do. In April 2023, for example, Newfoundland announced an expansion to the scope of practice for pharmacists and registered nurses in the province to include things such as ordering additional tests, referrals to specialists, and prescribing for minor ailments [12]. These amendments to their scope of care intend to increase public accessibility to primary care services, however, there was some expression of concern from the NL Medical Association, as per integration in team-based care and consideration for maintaining having accessible family physicians as the gold standard of primary care delivery [13].

Virtual Care

Virtual Care has been around for quite some time but become increasingly accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to access and deliver care from the comfort of our homes. Virtual care provides an additional option for primary care access and can be very effective for minor prescriptions, referrals, or follow-ups [14]. Increased focus on data protection also emerged as this innovative approach to health services surged. Due to the rapid expansion of the services, additional research is ongoing and required to understand perceptions, outcomes, and accessibility. Considerations for equitable usage, impact on healthcare spending, and sustainability of the tools are hot topics for policymakers and government. 

Other Innovations

Despite fantastic innovations including forward-thinking policies, team-based practices, expansion of scope, and alternate care opportunities, there is still an ongoing shortage of primary care providers. Cuts to medical school enrollment in the 1990s have meant that a considerable amount of family doctors are over the age of 65 and preparing to retire [15]. Changes to practices and expectations for work-life balance have also meant that many family doctors have smaller rosters of patients than they have historically held, and fewer medical students are choosing family medicine [5], [16]. This comes at a time where we are seeing baby boomers settle into older age and thus place an increased demand on primary care to support them into old age [17]. As a result, part of innovation in primary care includes initiatives to retain and recruit more primary care providers, such as family doctors and nurse practitioners. Medical schools across the country are beginning to add seats to their undergraduate and residency programs and are expanding their programs to include more satellite campuses that allow students to stay close to home to study medicine. For example, in 2023 Queen’s University introduced 20 seats in a novel program geared towards medical school applicants who are committed to family medicine[18]. This program will train students through medical school and residency and is set to introduce its first cohort in September of 2023. Other initiatives to recruit and retain family doctors include bonuses for rural family physicians, promotion of opportunities for work-life balance and community integration, and additional efforts to offer positions close to their home communities [19]. Programs that allow internationally trained physicians to practice medicine in Canada are also under development [20].

Final Thoughts

The landscape for primary healthcare innovation in Canada is vast and rapidly expanding, so where do we go from here? Community-specific initiatives are needed to ensure that Canadians have access to the care they need in an ideal place, from an ideal person, at the ideal time. Rural communities and urban centers alike require solutions and models that fit the needs of the populations they serve given their current circumstances and anticipated needs. A continued focus on person-centered care in both clinical circumstances and in the development of new means of delivering health services is central to the success of these innovations. We urge decisions makers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to listen closely to their communities, explore how these varied innovations work for them, and continue to turn to the people who will use these services to best inform what works for them in their unique circumstances. In a time where primary care reform is more important than ever, we look forward to exploring additional innovations that serve communities in maintaining high-quality access to excellent health services. 

For more information on innovations in Primary Care, check out the College of Family Physicians of Canada’s series on innovations in primary care! https://www.cfpc.ca/en/policy-innovation/innovation-in-family-medicine-and-primary-care/innovation-in-primary-care-series 

References

[1]       B. Starfield, “Is primary care essential?,” The lancet, vol. 344, no. 8930, pp. 1129–1133, 1994.

[2]       Canadian Institute for Health Information, “Primary care,” 2022. https://www.cihi.ca/en/topics/primary-care

[3]       B. Starfield, L. Shi, and J. Macinko, “Contribution of primary care to health systems and health,” Milbank Q., vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 457–502, 2005.

[4]       Statistics Canad, “Primary Health Care Providers,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2020001/article/00004-eng.htm

[5]       K. Grant and T. Thanh Ha, “Organization for medical residency placements reveals 100 family medicine slots went unfilled,” Apr. 27, 2023. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-organization-for-medical-residency-placements-reveals-100-family/#:~:text=There%20were%20a%20total%20of,growing%20crisis%20in%20primary%20care

[6]       T. Kiran, “Keeping the front door open: ensuring access to primary care for all in Canada,” CMAJ, vol. 194, no. 48, pp. E1655–E1656, 2022.

[7]       College of Family Physicians of Canada, “A new vision for Canada: Family Practice- The Patients Medical Home 2019,” College of Family Physicians of Canada, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://patientsmedicalhome.ca/

[8]       C. Flores‐Sandoval, S. Sibbald, B. L. Ryan, and J. B. Orange, “Healthcare teams and patient‐related terminology: a review of concepts and uses,” Scand. J. Caring Sci., vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 55–66, 2021.

[9]       W. Haj-Ali, B. Hutchison, R. Moineddin, W. P. Wodchis, and R. H. Glazier, “Comparing primary care Interprofessional and non-interprofessional teams on access to care and health services utilization in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective cohort study,” BMC Health Serv. Res., vol. 21, no. 1, p. 963, Sep. 2021, doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-06595-x.

[10]     C. Rawlinson et al., “An overview of reviews on interprofessional collaboration in primary care: barriers and facilitators,” Int. J. Integr. Care, vol. 21, no. 2, 2021.

[11]     A. Bowbrick, “Burning the candle at both ends: Combatting occupational burnout in Canada’s health care system,” 2023.

[12]     H. and C. S. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, “Amendments Pave the Way for Prescribing by Registered Nurses and Open Pathways for Additional Nurses,” 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2023/health/0403n01/

[13]     K. Luscombe, “President’s Letter: RN/Pharmacist Scope of Practice Expansion and Expansion of NLPDP,” 2023. [Online]. Available: https://nlma.nl.ca/article/presidents-letter-rn-pharmacist-scope-of-practice-expansion-and-expansion-of-nlpdp/

[14]     A. Wong, R. Bhyat, S. Srivastava, L. B. Lomax, and R. Appireddy, “Patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic: use of virtual care,” J. Med. Internet Res., vol. 23, no. 1, p. e20621, 2021.

[15]     K. Howlett and Y. Sun, “One in six family doctors are near retirement age, leaving millions of Canadians in health care limbo,” 2022. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-family-doctors-retiring/

[16]     D. Rudoler et al., “Changes over time in patient visits and continuity of care among graduating cohorts of family physicians in 4 Canadian provinces,” Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 194, no. 48. pp. E1639–E1646, 2022.

[17]     Health Council of Canada, “Primary health care: background paper.” 2005. [Online]. Available: https://healthcouncilcanada.ca/files/2.44-BkgrdPrimaryCareENG.pdf.

[18]     Queen’s University, “Queen’s-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program.” https://meds.queensu.ca/academics/queens-lakeridge-health-md-family-medicine-program

[19]     S. Asghari et al., “A systematic review of reviews: recruitment and retention of rural family physicians,” Can. J. Rural Med., vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 20–30, 2019.

[20]     C. Singer, “Internationally-Trained Family Physicians Have A Multitude Of Ways To Immigrate To Canada,” 2023. https://www.cimmigrationnews.com/internationally-trained-family-physicians-have-a-multitude-of-ways-to-immigrate-to-canada/

ADHD Tips n' Tricks

By Christine Wincentaylo, General Member

I got diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at the age of eighteen. I was in my second year of university. It took me over six months just to complete the questionnaire because I kept putting it off and said: “I would deal with it later.”

Finally, I gave my papers, and wow, I was shocked to be told that I had been diagnosed with ADHD. 

I remember telling my aunt and mother about wanting to be tested for ADHD, and they told me I didn't have it because my cousins who had it were very hyper, and I was nothing like them.

My journey with my ADHD has been challenging yet rewarding at times. I wish I had known some of these tools before I got diagnosed, and even now, I am always learning about new resources to help me.

Welcome to the ADHD guide of all the tools that helped me!

Read & Write - Google Chrome Extension 

• Helps read websites

• Offered in Multiple languages 

• I prefer using papers in a PDF version and then using Read & write; it works better for extension

• You can highlight words and keep them saved for the next time you review a paper or article 

** I recommend going to your Access and Disability Resources office, which offers training on how to use Read & Write**

Taking Omega 3’s weekly (especially on days I know I will be busy) 

• Personally, It has helped me with improving my impulsivity, attention, and memory

• Omega 3’s  have helped me lower the dose of medication I am on 

** I am not a doctor; this is from my personal observation and experience. Do ask your doctor or medical specialist for information on Omega 3’s and its impact **

Setting timers for my days with less structure, which are usually my weekends

• I set them for 15mins, then 20min, then back to 15mins 

• I take breaks between these timers and then continue doing work for the set amount of time

Get a medication container to help schedule your medications for each day 

• It helps me remember to take them in the morning

• Creates a new thing for my schedule 

Bag of fidget toys 

• I have a bag for fidgets everywhere I go, especially for school. I have it in my backpack, and sometimes other people need one too, so I occasionally give one to someone else in my class.

• Here are the fidgets that work for me: tangle palm, fidget rings, squishies 

Watching “How to ADHD”

• It has helped me learn more about my brain. 

• Shares different techniques to help with an ADHD brain

Whiteboard for writing reminders 

• I have a whiteboard in my room, I thrifted mine for $5, but usually, you can find them anywhere between $4-10 at different stores. 

• I write reminders and due dates for payments or things I need to buy and erase them after its completed 

Trusting Your ‘Gut’ When it Comes to Health

By Marta Chmielewski (General Member, YCRH), Maddison Mehring, Ashley Aul, and Rachel DuCharme

Executive Summary

The purpose of this scientific blog post is to provide information surrounding the gut microbiome’s role in various aspects of health. Due to a growing interest in the topic, understanding the gut’s impact on the brain, nutrition, and chronic diseases is essential and provides a potential framework for future preventative health promotion work. The body contains many complex biological processes which in the literature are often challenging to understand, written above the standard population reading level, or poorly explained and are therefore unappealing and avoided by most audiences. This provides the opportunity to synthesize complex scientific literature in a way that is easier for reader to understand. The blog aims to inspire future research and inform individuals about the rising importance of gut health. 

In the last decade, the gut microbiome, or the community of bacteria that lives in the gut, has captured the attention of researchers and the health community. The microbial community can perform a wide range of metabolic functions in the body to promote health and protect against diseases (Da Silva & Domingues, 2017). Our health depends on the balance of these microbes, which is influenced by the bacteria themselves and what they are fed.

Diet is an important determinant influencing the composition of the gut microbiota. Many studies have shown the relationship between microbiota and adverse health outcomes such as chronic diseases and poor mental health (Clapp et al., 2017; Bhardwaj, 2016).

The human microbiome, like all ecosystems, is in a constant state of change. The connection between these microbes and human health is becoming more evident with evolving research. Understanding the human microbiome may lead to medical discoveries that have the potential to treat and manage many prevalent diseases in the population.

What is the human microbiome?  

The human body is home to millions of tiny living organisms known collectively as the human microbiota. Bacteria are microorganisms found on the skin, nose, and mouth but are most prevalent in the gut (Shanahan et al., 2021). These bacteria are acquired during birth and the earliest stages of development and stay with individuals throughout their lifespan. Not having emerged as a field of study until the late 1990s, the human microbiome is now recognized as essential for healthy development, cognitive functioning, immunity, and nutrition (Hair & Sharpe, 2014). Since then, the field of study has been rapidly evolving to understand the role of the human microbiota on health and diseases.

The majority of microbes are symbiotic, meaning they benefit both the human body and the microbiota, while a small number are pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms (Lloyd-Price et al., 2016). Over time, changes in the human microbiota occur due to complex human interactions between the environment, food, animals, and medicine. These interactions have been proven to alter the microbiota composition, potentially influencing adverse health outcomes (Da Silva & Domingues, 2017). The ongoing study of the human microbiome highlights the role of a healthy gut in the prevention and management of diseases. Could the diversity of microorganisms that live inside and, on our bodies, change the future of human health?

Breaking down gut health

(1)  Brain-Gut Connection

Proper functioning of a healthy gut has been shown to positively impact the central nervous system (CNS) because of our gut's connection with our brain (Clapp et al., 2017; Zhou & Foster, 2015). The connection between our gut and brain leaves many people curious about how the interaction works. Researchers refer to this bidirectional relationship as the gut-brain axis (GBA) which links our central and enteric nervous system (ENS) (Appleton, 2018; Sudo et al., 2004). Others have referred to the ENS as the "brain in your gut" due to its ability to communicate with the CNS, impacting our mood, cognition and even mental health (Appleton, 2018; Pasricha, n.d.).

The GBA connects the CNS to the gut microbiota, whereby the gut sends signals to our brain through autonomic neurons and vice versa (Appleton, 2018; Clapp et al., 2017; Foster et al., 2013). Disruption to the gut, such as inflammation or an imbalance of gut bacteria (dysbiosis), has been linked to mental illness (Clapp et al., 2017; Harvard Health, 2021). Researchers have found depressive disorders caused by imbalances in proteins responsible for regulating inflammation, which interferes with our brain functioning and increases stress on the microbiome (Clapp et al., 2017). These proteins enter a barrier accountable for protecting the brain from toxins causing our immune system to fight the body leading to depressive symptoms (Appleton, 2018; Clapp et al., 2017).

Mood changes can be triggered by signals sent to the CNS caused by irritation in the gastrointestinal (GI) system, which may explain why individuals living with GI disruptions are at an increased risk of developing mental illnesses (Appleton, 2018; Pasricha, n.d.). Probiotics have been shown to restore microbial levels, reducing the risk of mental illness similar to conventional treatments (Clapp et al., 2017; Robertson, 2020). However, despite supporting evidence to prevent and treat depressive disorders, further research is required to understand the GBA relationship in humans.

(2)  Nutrition & Diet

Diet and nutrition can shape our gut’s microbiome environment by increasing or decreasing the number of beneficial bacteria (Singh et al., 2017). Our intestinal microbiota is responsible for synthesizing amino acids and vitamins to regulate our metabolism and to build up our immune system (Martinez et al., 2021). Intestinal microbiota also plays a role in the absorption, digestion, and storage of vitamins and nutrients in the gut (Martinez et al., 2021). Regular day-to-day variations in our food intake can cause shifts in the microbiota composition (Singh et al., 2017).

Western diets today that include highly processed foods that contain fat, sugar, starches, and oil disrupt the metabolic process and behaviours of the gut (Zinöcker & Lindseth, 2018). Highly processed foods, including french fries, candy, pop or chips, can lead to permanent changes in our microbiota diversity, depleting the bacteria responsible for regulation and microbiome function. Our daily dietary intake of these processed foods provides a lower quality of gut bacteria and nutrients required in the long term (Zinöcker & Lindseth, 2018). Regularly eating out at fast-food restaurants can put us at a higher risk for developing gut-related diseases (Zinöcker & Lindseth, 2018).

Dietary patterns have been shown to impact our gut’s microbiota positively and negatively and thus our health and wellbeing. Popular dietary trends and fads can modify the microbiota differently based on our environmental factors and individualistic microbial profile that we all start with (Hills et al., 2019). For example, a study by De Koning shows that ketogenic diets that restrict carbohydrates to rely on ketone bodies for energy rather than glucose reduce the fibre and prebiotics necessary for bacteria diversity (De Koning, 2011, as cited in Hills et al., 2019). Comparatively, intermittent fasting is another popular diet fad many have tried by restricting eating during specific periods of the day. Interestingly, Hills et al. (2019) found that restricting eating times to an eight-hour window during the day improves gut function and increases the number of diverse bacteria found in our microbiota. A vital takeaway to note is that regardless of the diet followed, the quality and diversity of bacteria in our gut are essential to our gut health. (García-Montero et al., 2021).

(3)  Diseases and Disorders

Changes in the gut microbiome brought about by diet and other factors can lead to the onset of certain diseases and disorders. Research has come out lately linking the two together (Bhardwaj, 2016). The GI flora plays an essential role in health and many pathological disorders such as cancer, multisystem organ failure, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, celiac disease, and in allergies, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, among many others (Biswas & Rahaman, 2020).    

Two of the most common intestinal disorders are IBD and IBS. These chronic conditions manifest as abdominal pains and urgent bowel movements (Biswas & Rahaman, 2020). Even though they have similar symptoms, they are unique conditions. IBS is a condition of the GI tract, with no abnormalities visualized on a colon exam. In contrast, IBD is inflammation or damage of the bowel walls, possibly causing sores and tightening the intestines, and there are two main types called ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. A study by Biswas and Rahaman (2020) found that causes of both include a history of enteric infection, changes in the brain-gut connection, immune system malfunction, and is chiefly linked to changes in the gut microflora. This altered flora can prompt changes in gut permeability, motility, and food processing leading to chronic disease symptoms. Another grouping of studies by Pittayanon et al. (2019) reveals that varying types of microbiotas may affect the host through immune–microbial connections and therefore affect symptoms. The authors confirmed a list of possible harmful microbiota in IBS patients and their multiple pathogenic bacteria. A consistent finding across studies was a likely protective bacterial group in IBS patients associated with preserving the health of gut mucosa, working as an anti-inflammatory organism, and upholding the integrity of the gut–barrier. Currently, there is an absence of consistency between the results of different studies (Pittayanon et al., 2019).

A healthy gut microflora aids in preserving the intestinal barrier function, preventing inflammation, training the immune system, and manufacturing hormones and vitamins (Bhardwaj, 2016; Zinöcker & Lindseth, 2018). The intricate collaboration between the host immunity, the host’s gut microbiota, and the pathogen can trigger enteric infections caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with microorganisms and toxins that attack the GI tract (Biswas & Rahaman, 2020). Interestingly, the gut microbiota can promote acute enteric infections that modify the gut environment, stimulating chronic conditions such as diabetes, leaky gut syndrome or obesity. Overall, the microbiome maintains a critical role, whether permanent or transient, in the host’s gut, creating a large share of the ecosystem. Nevertheless, researchers are far from completely understanding the microbiome’s extensive role in health and the range of complications possible from interruptions in the microbiome-host interactions (Biswas & Rahaman, 2020).

The future of gut health

The microbiome plays a significant role in the human body, specifically physical and mental wellbeing. In addition to medical disciplines like pharmacology, nutrition and dietetics, public health also calls for studying changes in the gut microbiome. By understanding the complex relationship between the gut and health outcomes we can learn about the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. The future of health promotion begins with trusting your gut!

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Equal Futures 2023: A Gender Equality Summit on the traditional territories of Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council

By Leisha Toory, General Member

I had the opportunity to attend the Equal Futures 2023: A Gender Equality Summit in the Yukon as a youth bursary recipient.

The Equal Futures Network, an initiative of the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH), held the Equal Futures 2023: A Gender Equality Summit on the traditional territories of Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, also known as Whitehorse, from May 17-18, 2023. The summit gathered the gender equality movement, in all its diversity, from coast to coast to coast to share expertise, strengthen capacity and shape a path towards a more equitable and inclusive Canada.

Through the theme of “People, Perspectives and Partnerships”, the summit centered on the diversity of voices that make up the gender equality movement, shared experiences from the North, and highlighted the unique challenges faced by northern and rural communities. Women, in all their diversity, who live in rural, remote, and northern communities face unique challenges throughout their lives. Equal Futures 2023 Summit programming centered their perspectives and expertise and created opportunities to exchange perspectives to find unique solutions in the pursuit of equal futures for everyone, everywhere. The Summit also aimed to break down silos of the region, language, industry, and more. Equal futures for everyone, everywhere can only be achieved through collaboration, and collective action establishing communities to uphold and push our collective work forward.

As a part of the Equal Futures 2023 Summit, attendees were asked to consider bringing menstrual hygiene products (pads, tampons, and/or menstrual cups) to be donated to the Yukon Period Pantry. According to survey results released by Plan International Canada in May 2022, one in five people who menstruate in Canada said they struggled to afford menstrual products for themselves or their dependents. Nearly half of the survey’s Indigenous respondents said they rationed or used products longer than they should because they couldn’t afford more. For people living in the North, period poverty may be further exacerbated by the high cost of menstrual products – which are almost double the price as those found in southern parts of Canada. The Yukon Period Pantry is a community-led project that provides 24/7 access to free, clean, and safe menstrual hygiene products to people who menstruate living in the Yukon – especially those experiencing period poverty. The Yukon Period Pantry operates on a take what you need and give what you can basis and under a no questions asked policy.

Opening Panel: The Power of Partnership: Perspectives on Advancing Gender Equality in Rural and Northern Communities & Knowledge Spotlights

The Summit opened with a dynamic panel that set the stage for Equal Futures 2023: A Gender Equality Summit. In this session, a diverse panel of Northern leaders, change-makers, and local voices unpacked the unique challenges for advancing Gender Equality in their communities, shared solutions, and discussed the opportunities to develop partnerships with GE movements across Canada.

Speakers shared their pride in Yukon being a matriarchal society. Whitehorse Mayor and guest speaker- Laura Cabott- talked about the importance of women's participation in politics at both municipal, provincial, and federal levels because women bring a diverse and intersectional voice to the table which is game-changing resulting in better policies making bigger differences in the community.

How do we support the dissemination of the matriarch energy to other parts of Canada:

1. We need to support each other first and foremost.

2. We tend to forget about people in the past who started making changes; we need to celebrate and recognize these women and continue their work.

3. We need to set up formal and informal programs to mentor women and gender-diverse youth.

4. We have a tendency to mentor up, but we need to mentor across; we need the community to rise and amplify our voices.

5. We need partnerships steeped in cultural identity.

6. We need to expand support outside of funding.

7. We need to acknowledge the trailblazers who are already making changes.

8. We need male allyship.

What has Yukon done to crack the code:

1. There are organizations working pan-territory, creating spaces and advocating for women.

2. Decision-makers from Yukon attend conferences and tables across Canada to engage and connect.

3. The people share what they want their community to look like and the government works towards making that happen as there is no one-size approach for solutions. This strengthens the community by valuing their voices and acknowledging their lived experiences to implement solutions. There is thus a willingness to hear what the unique concerns and needs are within the community.

4. There are successful respectful, inclusive, diverse, and open partnerships where work is divided based on individual strengths.

Panel: The Case for Feminist Financing & Transforming Food Security and Nutrition

The second panel opened the platform for an enlightening discussion between leaders and changemakers in the feminist financing, funding, and philanthropy space who unpacked what challenges they face in these systems and shared their best practices and lessons learned along the journey towards creating a feminist and equal future for all.

Guest speakers highlighted that feminist financing works to center the voices of the marginalized to benefit philanthropy; the power imbalance between men and women impacts the finance in the feminist philanthropic spaces. Feminist funding and financing should focus on partnerships where one party gives the knowledge on problems, needs, and solutions, and the other party gives the money rather than having restrictions and limitations to fit in Indigenous, Black, and LGBTQ2S philanthropies.

Gender equality cannot be achieved without feminist financing in philanthropy. There is a gender bias and an investor bias where men are more likely to receive funding and gender inequality prevails in interview questions for capital.

Panel: Transforming Food Security and Nutrition – Perspectives for Food Justice

The third and final panel unpacked and connected the challenges of food security through a gendered lens and its implications for advancing gender equality in Canada and around the world. In this session, participants heard from a diverse panel unpacked the unique challenges at the nexus of gender equality, nutrition, and food security, shared solutions, and discussed the opportunities to develop partnerships with local and global movements pushing for gender transformative approaches for equitable food systems.

Panelists outlined that malnourishment when faced by young women and children is a barrier to education, social inclusion, and economic inclusion, especially in regions like Kenya. On a global scale, single parents, in particular women, have to deal with the different layers of low income, marginalization in addition to the lack of affordability of fresh produce. Women from single-parent households are also juggling different jobs and are unable to have the time to prepare healthy meals due to time constraints and unreliable transportation in many communities which further contributes to gendered food insecurity. The pandemic worsened the existing food insecurity by closing access to communal spaces where people could network, engage in gardening in community gardens as well as exercise in communal spaces with the community.

Guest speakers focused on the importance of advocating for food sovereignty for Indigenous communities as they are overrepresented in incarceration and healthcare systems, inter-alia which makes it difficult to fit everyone’s dietary needs and diverse physical and mental health, contributing to both food insecurity and negative impacts on health as food distribution and access is not a one-size-fits-all category: different territories and communities have different needs.

Gender inequality is both a cause and a consequence of food insecurity. Food insecurity is a women’s rights issue: food is produced by women in agriculture and the irony is that it’s the women who eat less as a result of gendered food insecurity. Gender transformative actions are needed in the nutrition project: in a lot of global cases, the men of the house are the sole providers and the person who buys the groceries, thus setting a market for products based on a man’s health needs. This blocks access to a woman’s health needs; for example, when pregnant, women have different limitations on what they can consume.

Panelists shared that childcare and food insecurity are directly linked: a struggling single mother is more likely to be a victim of child protection services and denied access to help from food banks and food provision services from the welfare system as she has to provide a number of documentations and proofs which add to the struggle of balancing child care and the intergenerational curse. One example of this fact is a single mother who is capable of buying and preparing food only for her child and thus, not eating any meals herself; if the child mentions that their mother is not eating at home, child protection services will immediately be at the mother’s doorstep instead of providing access to food security solutions.

The day closed with an evening reception with a performance from The Dakhká Khwáan Dancers and a spoken word performance from Yukon Speaks.

Learnings from the Oxfam Canada “Inclusive Child Care For All” Summit

By Leisha Toory, General Member

Oxfam Canada’s “Inclusive Child Care For All Summit” goal is to strengthen the childcare movement and its intersectional analysis of the childcare challenges faced by women who have been historically excluded from the formal childcare sector.

The summit aims to create space for women from underrepresented groups, including Black, racialized, immigrant and refugee communities, gender-diverse and sex worker parents, as well as parents with disabilities and parents with children with disabilities, to bring forth their experiences in spaces that have so often overlooked their experiences.

“The Past, Present, and Future of Licensed Child Care” presentations opened insightful discussions on the Inuit Nunangat and the Inuit early learning and childcare landscape grounded in Inuktitut and Inuit culture with program design and planning that are inclusive of collaboration amongst Inuit and government stakeholders and highlighted how by reviewing the social determinants of Inuit health, they were able to provide a framework that accurately and efficiently caters to the needs of the community.

Guest speakers asserted that for high quality equitable inclusive childcare, we need a low minimum parent fee set by the government, equitable access to child care as well as a qualified, properly compensated, and supported childcare workforce. To achieve a publicly funded, managed, and planned supply of comprehensive not-for-profit/public services for all children, we need democratic engagement and accountability, research and data evaluation, and Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework consultation and collaboration. Emphasis was placed on not confusing tokenism with inclusion. While inclusion is a continuous process that must last, tokenism is a forced form of diversity that creates a superficial appearance of equality without truly achieving it.

The summit delved deeper into the “Barriers to Access for Marginalized Communities”: experiences of black, racialized, Indigenous, people with disabilities need to be centered in conversations on equitable child care access. Child care is a scarce resource, meaning that newcomers and immigrants fighting for child care and fighting against racism and ableism experience more difficulties. In conclusion, improved childcare policies are tied to improved immigration policies.

The “Policy Options for addressing Inequity in Child Care” portion of the summit expressed a systemic look at child care inclusivity/access, expanding on the three levels namely policy level, provision level, and parental level. A policy level comprises regulation of fees by income and not vouchers, central monitoring of structural quality, integration of education/care, and non-discriminatory population-based entitlement within a universal system. A provision level includes democratic decision-making, a diverse workforce, interagency cooperation providing influential community and family support, analysis of priority enrolment criteria, and access obstacles. A parental level combines parental involvement and accessible and meaningful information. 

In conclusion, throughout the summit, I was able to acquire deep knowledge of childcare needs and gaps, explore government policy solutions to address these needs and gaps and identify ways to ensure that childcare advocacy groups and networks address them in advocacy initiatives and campaigns.

Putting an end to Period Poverty

By: Julia Smith, General Member

Period poverty is a global issue that affects those who menstruate. In Canada, menstruation typically begins between the ages of 11 and 14, and estimates suggest that the average woman spends upwards of 6 years menstruating over the course of her lifetime. However, despite being a natural biological process, periods are stigmatized and many people struggle to access and afford menstrual products, leading to period poverty.

Period poverty is a term used to describe the barriers people face when purchasing period products. It can occur due to lack of access or affordability, as well as cultural norms that stigmatize menstruation. According to a 2018 survey by Plan Canada, 33% of women under age 25 and 23% of women overall have faced difficulty affording period products for themselves or their dependents. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, as public health centers and libraries,  which are places where people could  access free  products were closed during lockdowns. 

In Indigenous communities across Canada, individuals have resorted to using socks to manage their periods. In some countries, like India and South Sudan, people use old cloth, husk, ash, mud, goatskin, or sometimes nothing at all. This can have detrimental health implications, as unsanitary measures can lead to infections and in some cases, toxic shock syndrome, a potentially deadly infection. Sanitary napkins and other menstrual products are expensive, and low-income women, women on social assistance, and those living in rural communities can find it difficult to buy what they need. Homeless, low-income, and marginalized women may also struggle to afford menstrual products, further compounding period poverty.

Despite these challenges, there are positive programs and efforts working to end period poverty in Canada.  For example in 2015, Canada eliminated the tax on menstrual hygiene products. Menstrual cups can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for those looking to replace disposable products, and organizations like DivaCup donate menstrual cups to fight period poverty. The Period Priority Project, a youth led organization, has distributed over 18,000 pads, tampons, period underwear and menstrual cups since May 2022 to 45 groups (shelters, foodbanks, organizations) across Canada. Another youth-led organization, The Synergy Project, in partnership with H.E.A.R for Them, is a grassroots organization dedicated to tackling period poverty in Edmonton and Calgary.

On a national level, the Ontario Government began a three-year partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart in October 2021 to increase access to menstrual supplies. The 2022 federal budget proposed $25 million over two years to establish a national pilot project for a menstrual equity fund, making these products available to Canadians who cannot afford them. The media has also brought attention to period poverty, with the Oscar-winning short film, Period. End of Sentence, highlighting the taboo around menstruation. The movie tells the story of women in rural India who create a sanitary napkin making machine, leading to safer sanitary measures.

Although period poverty is a significant issue in Canada and worldwide, there are positive programs, efforts, and advocacy working to address this issue and increase access to menstrual products. Everyone deserves equal access to period products, and with continued efforts, we can work towards menstrual equity for all. It is important for society to recognize this issue and begin a broader discussion about women’s health and menstruation. We need to normalize menstruation. Sanitary napkins, tampons and other menstruation products should not be considered a luxury, but a must,  just as toilet paper is.

Together, we can end period poverty.

Virtual schooling - What needs to be done from the Perspective of a Student

By Julia Smith, General Member

Today, we students live in a society where technology and media are easily accessible. It seems like everyone is always on some kind of tablet, phone, or device.  In a 2015 study on Screen Time for students by Public Health Ontario, they recommended that kids ages 5-17 should have limited screen time both for learning and recreational use. Isn't it ironic that Virtual School continues to be offered, more than 2.5 years after the beginning of the pandemic? Especially when the medical professionals discourage excessive use of computers and limited screen time etc… Let’s face it, virtual school was very challenging and mind numbing.

In order to educate the entire child, students need to have a balanced approach to their learning, which should include outdoor and experiential learning activities, physical movement, the use of non-technology resources for learning with regular breaks built into their day. This rarely happened during virtual school, and there certainly was no outdoor education component. There was no use of non-technology resources for learning. In fact, my teacher set us all up with many online accounts. There was one for reading programs, extra math practice, virtual library resources and more. In my experience,  I honestly felt like much more digital stuff was thrown my way. 

I know some students in need had trouble getting chromebooks and didn't have access to the internet. Schools should continue to reach out to those students and WiFi hotspots should be made available. It’s not right that only the privileged have access to online education. The necessary tools must be made available to all. 

Learning tasks should also be designed so that they are culturally relevant. The digital resources that were made available to my class didn’t exactly reflect the identities, needs and circumstances for all the students in my class. I would say that teachers need to make virtual learning flexible, equitable, differentiated, accessible and responsive to the diverse needs and identities of all families. I'll give you an example: my friend is transgender and goes by the name “Josh”, but his name on his square/profile is different, so my friend keeps having to repeat his preferred name especially when there are supply teachers. It's very frustrating for him. 

I also believe that there needs to be more consistent support in place for students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or are English as a Second Language learners (ESL). So much of learning happens through group work; students pick up language and learn to take risks and build confidence. I found that some of the students with these profiles were not getting the online support they needed. Teachers could use Apps like Flipgrid, which add captions and translation to videos. Teachers could also use YouTube recordings of lessons that could be uploaded and viewed at a later date for those that are absent or want to review the lesson. 

People are can be quiet on-line. Very few people turn their cameras on; it’s encouraged but it’s not mandatory.  Some people go an entire day without talking or raising their virtual hand. Some people don't even type in the chat. Teachers need to find a way to improve participation in class, as the inconsistency affects everyone’s learning. Group work in break out rooms was much the same, with only the stronger students participating. The teachers would need to jump from break out room to break out room to check in. Once the teacher leaves the break room, everyone would stop talking. Something needs to be done to encourage students to engage more. Would it be possible to create a way that the teacher can see on their screen the break out rooms without having to pop in and out? This method would help to see if the students are engaged.

Students who would normally require additional support in their learning in general, (Learning Resource Teachers, Learning Support Teachers, Guidance, and Student Success) are taken out of the class to a break out room. My friend got extra support, but said she felt singled out. At in person school these support teachers were integrated into the classrooms; no one felt singled out. Is there a way to change this? Maybe the support teacher could come into the virtual class and work with several students.

Virtual school should be a place where students are expected to conduct themselves as if they were attending in-person school. Students are encouraged to approach a day in virtual school with the same preparation as they would an in-person school day. Teachers tell students to get some fresh air and exercise before school, and during breaks. In my experience, there are many students who are often lying in their beds, wearing pajamas, and eating. There doesn't seem to be anything teachers can do about it.

People are also often late after the break. Kids tell white lies and say they had internet issues whenever the teacher calls on them, but they are on another tab so they don’t answer. It's really disruptive to the class as a whole. I found lots of time is wasted; the teachers had trouble getting on with their lessons. There are lots of interruptions with people popping in and out of the lessons. I feel like there should be stricter rules to enforce a more “professional approach” for lack of a better word, to create a better learning environment. 

I think teachers also need to spend more time encouraging students to demonstrate respect for the privacy of students. Teachers can't tell if people are taking screenshots. Some type of software needs to be created to help make kids who opt for online learning feel safer in class. Teachers need to remind students often that they need to refrain from capturing, sharing or posting images, video, audio, meeting spaces, or any identifiable personal information. Students would feel more comfortable turning their camera on if they felt safer.

The last way that I would change virtual school is to make it resemble more of an in person environment in terms of evaluation. There needs to be more one on one conversations with the teacher. It's also hard for teachers to make observations; they can't really see what the students are doing unless they go on to Google class and log onto their document.  When the teacher is doing this, they aren't present to attend to the rest of the students in the class. It's also hard for teachers to see student work that demonstrates a student’s understanding of the curriculum expectations.

For example, in my sister’s class she had to create a bionic leg.  I think my father made most of this “bionic leg”. If this were an in school project, my dad wouldn’t have been able to help her, so the project would have reflected more of her own work.  The teacher can't see them actually making it so how do they know they in fact did it, especially when students don't have to turn their camera on? Teachers need to think of a way to address this issue in online school. 

I feel like engagement and how to make sure students are engaged is crucial to ensure that students are getting a proper education virtually. One suggestion I have is imposing a ‘camera on’ rule for a building block time; turning cameras on is so important. Students must work on tasks such as creating art, making science models and conducting hands-on science experiments. This way, teachers would truly be able to see what they are in fact doing. 

Another idea I had to increase engagement is to do the following: each block could be split into two learning sections, one asynchronous and one synchronous. The teacher could work with half the class at a time teaching the lesson while the other half of the class works on their work independently. The teacher could then switch groups and repeat the lesson. This would entail a lot more work for the teacher, but having fewer virtual students might encourage others to speak up, turn their cameras on and engage more. The number of students placed in the virtual classes seemed to be higher than in in-person school, especially in the 2019-2020 school year. 

Society as a whole needs to applaud all of the excellent work educators have done to be able to make the shift to online learning so quickly.  Yes, there are lots of challenges with virtual learning. It is very new and will take time to iron the kinks and come up with viable solutions, in order to continue to be able to provide meaningful education for students who elect to attend virtual school.

Mental Health Awareness Week

By Julia Smith, General Member

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association to increase openness and awareness about mental health challenges, and has been celebrated since 1951. This year, the event will take place from May 1st to 7th. After three years of pandemic-related restrictions, lockdowns, vaccines, illness, and loss, promoting mental health has never been more important.  

Mental health is more than just feeling happy all the time, and like the world is on your side. It includes a person's thoughts, feelings, and experiences that make up their overall mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Several factors can impact mental health, such as physical health, stress at work or school, availability of social support, past trauma, financial insecurity, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Certain mental health challenges are clinical diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. It isn’t a person's fault if they develop a mental illness and they should seek appropriate help to manage and cope with the illness. People can live with a mental illness and still be mentally healthy; just those who live happy, healthy lives with a physical diagnosis. 

Several tools can help manage mental health. Being aware of anxiety and accepting it, self-care, engaging in enjoyable activities, practicing mindfulness, talking to a counselor/therapist, and managing media consumption can positively impact mental health. This can potentially aid in the likelihood of developing any predisposed mental health issues.  Be real about how you feel and try not to avoid, ignore or suppress anxious thoughts. Instead, be aware of your anxiety and accept that you're feeling anxious in different situations.

Limiting social media time is also a key asset in maintaining/achieving mental wellness. Studies have shown that excessive media use can sometimes lead to attention problems,  difficulties in school, sleep and eating disorders.  A good rule of thumb is one to two hours per day.  Youth should also try and choose high-quality content that is age-appropriate.  Asking parents for supervision can also help prevent or address cyberbullying.  Another important thing to do is taking breaks; our brains tend to work better after being allowed to shut down, rest and reset.  Feeling constantly connected is not good. Having some designated “no social media” times during your day and changing your settings to put limits on your apps is a helpful strategy to help create boundaries. By implementing these strategies they will help to positively affect your mental health. Try to seek information from reliable news sources.; don't go down rabbit holes and limit your social media.

This year's Mental Health Awareness Week will spotlight community-based mental health care champions, programs, and communities showcasing the importance of securing universal mental health care. The Canadian Mental Health Association encourages people to share their stories by using hashtags #MyStory and #MentalHealthWeek .Promoting mental health and removing the stigmas surrounding mental health challenges are crucial. It is important to reach out for support when needed and to remember that mental illness is not about feeling good all the time, but knowing how to cope and how to reach out for help when needed. Let us all work together to promote mental health and well-being.

Useful resources; 

CMHA main website- https://cmha.ca/

Suicide prevention- https://talksuicide.ca/    

CMHA in your area- https://cmha.ca/find-help/find-cmha-in-your-area/  

Kids Help Phone- https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/kids-help-phones-wheel-of-well-being/

Worldwide Mental Health Initiatives

By Christine Wincentaylo, General Member

Sharing programs, initiatives, and not-for-profits across the globe is an excellent way to highlight global innovations that are creating changes.

Sadly, due to stigmatization, most countries struggle to find the funding and support to create programs and initiatives. 

In 2019, “one in every eight people, or 970 million people around the world, were living with a mental disorder” (World Health Organization, 2022). Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, “estimates show a 26% and 28% increase in anxiety and major depressive disorders” (World Health Organization, 2022).

Experiencing a pandemic has created new barriers and difficulties in navigating mental health supports and resources. I just want to highlight some programs trying to mitigate obstacles and work together with communities.

United States 

Back to School 

• It’s a toolkit created each year that offers free resources, support, tools, and tips for parents, teachers, and students. 

Australia 

Mindframe 

• Educates the public about how to create safe media reporting, portrayals, and communication about mental health topics 

Brazil 

Mapa Saúde Mental (Mental Health Map)

•  a platform that shows online and local projects that offer free therapy sessions in Brazil

Britain 

The Blurt Foundation

• A social enterprise that offers free downloadable mental health printables for anyone (yes, even if you are in Canada) created the blurt education program for schools and blog posts for various topics. 

Kenya

Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation 

• Created CREATE Kenya, which is a tool to help support people to gain employment and support their well-being, providing mental health services for urban and isolated areas through telephone

Mexico

Yo Quiero Yo Puedo 

• Raising community awareness of the stigma of mental illnesses and providing programming to communities across Mexico 

STI Awareness Month

By: Mindalynn Frelick, General Member

April is a beautiful month full of sunshine and springtime fun. It is also STI awareness month, so it’s important to take some time to learn about sexual safety, especially if you are exploring it for the first time. This post is a quick overview of what STIs look like and how to protect yourself from them. For more details and answers to questions you may have, follow one of the links I have put in the following paragraphs.

What even is an STI? Sexually transmitted infection is a broad term that refers to the many types of infections that can be acquired through sexual contact with an infected individual. Some of the most common STIs include the bacterial ones; chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, which are all curable with antibiotics. If treatment is not given they can all become worse and cause increasingly serious health issues. The viral STIs are Herpes and HIV which are not curable at this time and if infected, you will have them forever. There are treatments that can help with symptoms and the other viral STI, HPV, has a vaccine available, but it is important to use barriers to avoid infection as these are very serious. 

Symptoms of HPV include genital warts, which often go unnoticed and may progress to cervical cancer if left untreated. HIV is another that goes unnoticed because the symptoms may not appear for up to ten years. Symptoms of HIV include fever, chills, fatigue, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus weakens the immune system and makes the patient more susceptible to cancer and serious infections.

Symptoms of herpes are blisters and sometimes lumps in the genital area and once again often unnoticed or mistaken for other ailments. Symptoms of chlamydia are unusual discharge (from penis or vagina), burning sensation during peeing, pain during sex, and general pain in the genitals. These symptoms are all congruent with gonorrhea and should be tested if present. Syphilis has four stages with symptoms worsening at each stage. Symptoms start with swollen glands and a sore, then progress to fever, headaches, hair loss, and rashes. If it isn’t treated, syphilis can be fatal.

The general theme of these infections is fatality if untreated. It’s normal to feel scared and embarrassed by these symptoms, which may stop some (especially young) people from getting tested, but I once again stress the importance of early detection and treatment. Don’t let fear or shame take your life.