Scientific research suggests that socioeconomic status affects cognitive development and performance in children. Poverty causes social and biological stress that may affect the brain, causing low academic performance among children and youth living in poverty and impaired memory as adults. Read more about the findings of this study at Wired Magazine.
Sharon Roling
Cancer society pushes for B.C. pesticide ban
The Canadian Cancer Society is asking the B.C. government to implement a provincial-wide ban on the sale of cosmetic pesticides. Cosmetic pesticides, used to kill weeds and pests, have been linked to cancer. Many B.C. municipalites have already banned the use of these chemicals, however provincial action is required to ban selling them. Read more on this issue at CBC News.
In U.S., a hot debate on infrastructure privatizing
In the aftermath of the recent economic recession, many U.S. state governments are tempted to follow Chicago’s successful use of P3s to raise money. P3s, or “public-private partnerships” hand public assets to private businesses to run them as profit enterprises. P3 critics however argue that states will subjecting taxpayers to higher costs and greater risks in the long run. Read more about P3s in Reuters.
Want One Port Mann Bridge, or a Light Rail Metropolis?
The B.C. government intends to spend $3.1 billion rebuilding and expanding the Port Mann Bridge and connecting Highway 1 routes. Sustainable design researchers at U.B.C. found that for the same cost, the government could finance a light rail system providing connection to residents in Surrey, White Rock, Langley, and Delta. The proposed rail system would connect rapidly developing communities in the South Fraser region, and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read more about this light rail system at The Tyee.
Centre for Civic Governance Keynote Speaker Advises Madoff Victims
Resource economist Mark Anielski spoke to a full-capacity crowd at the Centre for Civic Governance’s "From the Ground Up" forum at Harrisson Hot Springs March 6th and 7th, 2009. In the midst of the worst economic meltdown since the Great Depression, Mark turned the discussion to the "Economics of Happiness". Colleen Kimmett of the Tyee blogged about the event and went on to write about Mark’s next adventure in New York.