Transportation Equity & Justice Speaker Series begins April 13

April 6, 2022

blurred image of subway passing through station terminal

CIFAL York in collaboration with UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research), York Region and The City Institute is hosting a Transportation Equity & Justice Speaker Series starting Wednesday, April 13 at noon.

The virtual four-session speaker series will explore how transportation plays a key role in societies. Equity and justice in transportation and transportation projects can contribute to social justice and provide equitable and just access to transportation, economic opportunities, and social and recreational activities. Communities across Canada and globally are trying to increase equity and justice in transportation.

“The speaker series will provide a space for knowledge exchange and experience sharing between researchers, experts and policymakers to discuss how equity and justice issues and considerations are addressed in transportation” says Professor and CIFAL York Director Ali Asgary.

In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), the speaker series is designed to discuss and exchange knowledge about the current state of equity and justice in transportation in different cities, municipalities and jurisdictions, as well as explore and understand how different municipalities and government levels must address equity and justice in transportation now and in the future.

With representation from various sectors, the sessions are aimed to insight students, transportation planners, public health practitioners, transportation engineers and more. The series will explore equity and justice in different areas of transportation, examine and discuss how other municipal operations and plans impact or contribute to transportation equity and justice and understand how transportation equity and justice can be measured at various levels.

Each session will take place on select Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. Registration for all sessions is required:

April 13

Topic: Incorporating Equity into Ottawa’s Transportation Master Plan
Speakers: Deborah Lightman, senior project manager, Transportation Planning, City of Ottawa

Topic: Transport equity and climate action: a review of municipal plans in Canada on Plan Perspective
Speakers: Andréanne Doyon, asssistant professor and director of the Resource and Environmental Planning Program, Simon Fraser University

Event moderators: Peter Park, associate professor, Transportation Engineering at Lassonde School of Engineering at York University and Chair, CIFAL York, Safe Mobility Technical Advisory Committee; Sonia Sanita, healthy built environment specialist at York Region (The Regional Municipality of York) and co-Chair, CIFAL York, Safe Mobility Technical Advisory Committee.

April 27

Topic: Transportation Planning for Equity, Opportunity and Health
Speaker: Todd Litman, founder and executive director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Topic: Emerging Transportation and Disability
Speaker: Mahtot Gebresselassie, incoming assistant professor, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University

Event moderator: Patricia Wood, professor, Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, York University

May 11

Topic: Transit Justice and Metrolinx: Next Stop Equity
Speakers: Sean Hertel, course director, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University; Michael Collens, senior associate at Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Topic: Transportation justice in student travel: some preliminary results from the StudentMoveTO project
Speakers: Mohsen Alavi, research associate, Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies, York University; Mohammed Mohith, urban and regional planning researcher

Event moderator: Roger Keil, professor, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University

May 25

Topic: Equity Challenges in the Built Environment and Child Pedestrian Injuries – Integration of Evidence and Public Health

Speakers: Linda Rothman, assistant professor, School of Occupational and Public Health, Faculty of Community Services, Ryerson University; Sarah Richmond, Applied Public Health Science, Public Health Ontario assistant professor, University of Toronto; Emily McCullough, senior consultant, StrategyCorp Inc.

Event moderator: Alison Macpherson, professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University

For further information about the speaker series and registration, visit the CIFAL webpage.

Municipalities of the Future Symposium brings focus to sustainability through equity and inclusivity

April 6, 2022

The School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) held its fifth annual Municipalities of the Future Symposium in hybrid format on March 23.

This year’s theme, “Municipalities, good governance and sustainability: Bringing progressive strategies to life,” featured insightful panels ranging from environmental sustainability and climate resilience to smart cities, ethics, human resources and procurement.

Associate Deputy Minister Vinay Sharda delivers keynote address. — Associate Deputy Minister Vinay Sharda delivers keynote address

With more than 150 virtual participants and 60 guests who attended in person, municipal employees, non-profit managers, community leaders, provincial public servants, students and faculty from SPPA reflected on the lessons learned from the pandemic and engaged in exploring innovative approaches to acting on pressing policy priorities with a renewed focus on sustainability through equity, diversity and inclusivity.

“Delivering through Partnerships” was the central message highlighted by keynote speaker Associate Deputy Minister Vinay Sharda of Policy, Planning & Agency Relations with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Sharda explained the synergies between elected officials, public servants and the communities they serve. He also highlighted the qualities of effective leadership and provided advice during a question-and-answer period.

From left to right: Naomi Couto (York University), Zincia Francis (City of Vaughan), and Joanne Kinya Baker (City of Markham), joined online speaker Jennifer McCabe (City of Ottawa) to discuss Municipalities Symposium Session II. — From left to right: Naomi Couto (York University), Zincia Francis (City of Vaughan), and Joanne Kinya Baker (City of Markham), joined online speaker Jennifer McCabe (City of Ottawa) to discuss Municipalities Symposium Session II

When addressing the responsibilities of public servants to elected officials, Sharda emphasized the ability and importance to offer the best advice, confidentiality and the skills to implement changes. He stressed that trust and transparency between partners can lead to better outcomes, cultural change, and produce responsive and optimal delivery of mandates.

The symposium further explored, developed, and analyzed key issues including resilience and planning, equity and the role of human resources and procurement, frameworks for organizational structure, data hubs, and improving governance through ethics and clear processes.

Sharda said in his keynote address, “the province and municipalities are the front-line delivery agents, we must increase collaboration to deliver and deliver effectively.”

Emerging from the Pandemic round-table discussion with (left to right): Zac Spicer, Ajay Nandalall (TD Bank), Christine Tu (Region of Peel), and Alena Kimakova. — Emerging from the Pandemic round-table discussion with (left to right): Zac Spicer, Ajay Nandalall (TD Bank), Christine Tu (Region of Peel), and Alena Kimakova

The event concluded with a round-table discussion on what it means to emerge from the pandemic with lessons learned on sustainability and governance. The session was facilitated by SPPA’s Director and Associate Professor Alena Kimakova, and Associate Professor Zac Spicer, who will be leading the Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) municipal stream at York University’s new Markham Campus in Fall 2023.

The symposium was co-sponsored by the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. A full listing of speakers and their biographies can be found on the SPPA webpage.

Transparency in electronic monitoring: at home and in the office

March 27, 2022

Ontario has proposed a new legislation that would require employers to tell their workers how they are being monitored electronically. Will this move toward enhanced transparency be enough to protect workers’ privacy?

Propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, the proposed law is timely, given the shift in the workplace from offices to remote locations.

“It is a positive move, but far from enough,” says artificial intelligence (AI) and labour regulation Professor Valerio De Stefano of York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School. “Transparency is important but what needs to be urgently addressed is the improper use of algorithmic management.”

The rise in remote working has increased the chances of employers constantly monitoring their employees through the algorithmic management process, which De Stefano says, is a serious problem.

“The technology has introduced new problems such as intensified electronic surveillance and reinforcement of some existing biases. This can be reduced if the law also restricts employers from using certain aspects of electronic monitoring that cause occupational health and safety issues.” He says in a recent podcast on the topic, “if you are monitored and followed all of the time, you could develop various forms of stress and psycho-social issues.”

The proposed law currently seeks employers of more than 25 workers to inform their employees on how their use of computers, cell phones, GPS systems and other electronic devices are being tracked.

Platform workers like Amazon warehouse employees and Uber Eats drivers use GPS trackers as part of their jobs. Most likely many of them are not aware of what data these trackers are collecting, says De Stefano, who has well-rounded research expertise in AI, algorithmic management and platform economy.

“The technology might be collecting data on how long a person takes to move from one location to another; how many times they visit the restroom during their shift; how long do they chat with a coworker on the hallway, etc.,” says De Stefano.

He also notes supervisors proctor both remote and in-person workers and can remotely connect to an employee’s device, access camera, control browsing data, measure keystrokes and even predict whether an employee is considering quitting their job or planning to become a parent.

“Algorithmic management providers are even promising to map emotions of prospective employees during the recruitment process, to find out if they are lying about their credentials and so on,” he adds.

An emerging threat in the recruitment process is that some companies that are making inroads eliminating racial and gender biases might inadvertently revert to their previous ways, due to implementation of AI in this area.

“For example, a good candidate might be eliminated early in the selection process, because their resumé indicated a few gaps in their work history. This could be because AI determined them to be unfit for the job, based on previously collected data, showing that candidates had been rejected due to breaks in employment,” explains De Stefano. “What AI may not recognize is that the current candidate is a woman who might have been off the workforce due to pregnancies.”

Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Translation Bureau announces new partnership with the Glendon Campus

February 1, 2022

Minister of Public Services and Procurement Filomena Tassi announced a new partnership agreement between the Translation Bureau and the Glendon Campus to provide educational support for Glendon’s Master of Conference Interpretation (MCI) program to help develop Canada’s conference interpreter workforce.

“The conference interpreter profession is subject to a worldwide labour shortage, to which Canada is not immune. This partnership will leverage strengths and expertise from both the Translation Bureau and Glendon Campus to help renew Canada’s conference interpretation workforce. Through these efforts, the Translation Bureau is ensuring that we have the necessary resources to provide quality linguistic services for years to come,” said Tassi.

Top row: from left, Anthony Housefather, MP Mount Royal and Lucie Séguin, CEO, Translation Bureau.
Bottom row: from left, Andrew F. Clifford, associate professor and Marco Fiola, principal, Glendon Campus

The partnership with Glendon will provide academic support from Translation Bureau interpreters, preparation for the bureau’s accreditation exam and assistance to students in gaining access to career opportunities, including internships. In return, Glendon will support the Translation Bureau’s interpreting services by sharing expert trainers and research-informed approaches. Together, the two institutions will better equip working interpreters who seek to deepen their practice. Glendon is one of only two higher learning institutions to offer the MCI program in the country.

“The practice of conference interpreting is a source of wonder to non-specialists, who see the ability to render an original speech, simultaneously or not, in different languages as a miracle. However, as we know, there’s no secret to it: mastering this practice requires rigorous training, and together with Canada’s Translation Bureau, Glendon Campus will continue to provide state-of-the-art training that prepares students for the realities of today’s job market,” said Glendon Principal Marco Fiola.

To learn more about the MSI program, click here.

Nearly 1,700 get vaxxed at York University’s vaccination clinic

January 26, 2022

On Sunday, Jan. 23, Tennis Canada’s Aviva Centre at York University saw nearly 1,700 northwest Toronto residents roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated.

Mayor John Tory delivers remarks at the opening of the city’s Vax The Northwest clinic

The City of Toronto’s “Vax The Northwest” clinic, part of the Team Toronto initiative, ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and focused on vaccinating people of all eligible ages from northwest Toronto neighbourhoods, with a focus on neighbourhoods with lower vaccination rates. Eligible citizens were able to receive their first, second, third and children’s doses. More than 45 health care workers administered Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

Mayor John Tory officially opened the clinic with Toronto officials Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York Councillor and Toronto Board of Health Chair Joe Cressy and Ward 7 Humber River–Black Creek Councillor Anthony Perruzza.

Minister Jill Dunlop and York U Provost and Vice-President Academic, Lisa Philipps pictured with Vax The Northwest volunteers

Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce, MP Judy Sgro, York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and York University Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps were also at the Aviva Centre to support the vaccination clinic rollout. Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop attended and joined more than 270 staff and volunteers to support the initiative.

The Vax The Northwest community partners included Toronto Public Health, Humber River Hospital, University Health Network (UHN), Black Creek Community Health Centre, Unison Community Health Centre, Tennis Canada and York University.

The clinic had the capacity to vaccinate 400 people per hour. Toronto residents were able to book appointments in advance on the provincial vaccine booking system. Walk-ins were also welcome.

To support vaccine equity and growing vaccination momentum within northwest Toronto communities, information sheets were translated into Spanish, Italian, Vietnamese, Tagalog and Russian and distributed to the community to promote the event, remove barriers to vaccination and encourage people to get vaccinated.

The TTC provided shuttles to and from the clinic from nine pick-up locations, including local shopping malls and recreation centres. Helping to make the experience more comfortable for residents, support dogs from the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides were available, York University’s mascot, Yeo the Lion, was present and music and entertainment was provided throughout the day. Tennis Canada also gave away 1,000 tickets to the 2022 National Bank Open running Aug. 6 to 14 at the Aviva Centre.

Watch a recap of the Vax The Northwest initiative here. For more information about where to get vaccinated in Toronto, visit COVID-19: Where to Get Vaccinated. York’s response to COVID-19 can be found on the Better Together website.

MP Leah Taylor Roy to address first-year McLaughlin College students

January 22, 2022

The McLaughlin College Annual First-Year Student Celebration scheduled for Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. will welcome Leah Taylor Roy, MP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill to present her keynote address “Playbook for Success – Lessons from a Political Journey.”

MP Leah Taylor Roy

Taylor Roy was elected MP during the 2021 Canadian federal election. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in commerce and earned a master’s in public policy from Harvard University.

Her passion for public policy and business aligned while working at the World Bank, followed by a career with the management consulting firm McKinsey and Company, working to support Canadian businesses. Taylor Roy later served as executive vice-president for a U.S.-based co-generation company.

Taylor Roy says she understands the importance of quality higher education in advancing personal life and career goals and appreciates the difficulty and demand for students to perform well in their studies, especially during a pandemic.

“I want to share my life experience with all the students at McLaughlin College and York University as they undertake their own higher educational journeys,” says Taylor Roy. “I have learned much during my career that could benefit students as they map out their own careers in their chosen fields of endeavour.”

James C. Simeon, associate professor and head of McLaughlin College, will be hosting the event on Jan. 27 and says the purpose of the annual address is to welcome first-year students and support their academic journey.

“It is widely accepted that first year is the most difficult year of university,” says Simeon. “We want our first-year students to know that they are appreciated fully by all of us at McLaughlin College and that we will assist them in any way we can to help them to thrive and to succeed.”

MP Leah Taylor Roy in the House of Commons

This annual address is open to the public and will take place virtually. Taylor Roy’s address will be drawn from her own experience as a university graduate and activist committed to the advancement of women’s rights. She has worked tirelessly in promoting the struggles of the less fortunate in society and, especially, for the advancement of women’s equality.

“Hopefully, my words and example will help to inspire the students to find what they are most passionate about and commit themselves to the advancement of a more socially just society for all,” says Taylor Roy.

In addition to delivering a keynote address, Taylor Roy is also looking forward to speaking with students.

“We anticipate a highly fruitful exchange between MP Taylor Roy and the students in attendance,” says Simeon. “This will provide our students with an opportunity to speak directly with one of Canada’s newest political leaders. MP Taylor Roy is one of 103 female MPs and one of the 22 female MPs who were elected for the first time in the 2021 federal election. She is, indeed, among a select pioneering group of women politicians who have their hands on the pulse of Canadian public policy.”

To register for the event, click here.

27 York community members invested to the Order of Canada

January 16, 2022

Order of canada medal laid out on black background

Twenty-seven individuals with connections to York University are among the 135 new appointments to the Order of Canada, announced Dec. 29, 2021, by Governor General of Canada Mary Simon.

The new member list includes one Companion (C.C.), nine Officers (O.C.) and 17 Members (C.M.). The Order of Canada is one of the highest honours awarded to Canadian citizens. Created in 1967, it recognizes people whose service shapes society, whose innovations ignite imaginations and whose compassion unites communities.

Companions of the Order of Canada

The Honourable Murray Sinclair, C.C., M.S.C. – honorary alumnus
For his commitment to the representation of Indigenous legal issues, and for his dedication to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

Officers of the Order of Canada

Neil Devindra Bissoondath, O.C., C.Q. – alumnus, honorary alumnus
For his contributions to Canadian literature through his groundbreaking examinations of multiculturalism and diversity.

Evelyn L. Forget, O.C. – alumna, donor
For advancing anti-poverty initiatives in Canada and around the world as a leading health economics researcher.

Victoria Grant, O.C. – alumna, donor
For bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous culture, business and communities through her facilitation and mediation.

Frances Henry, O.C. – professor emerita, donor
For her groundbreaking contributions to the study of racism in contemporary democratic society.

Edward J. Ratushny, O.C., O.Ont., Q.C. – donor
For his contributions to the field of administrative law, and for his leadership in sports arbitration and law.
This is a promotion within the Order of Canada.

Helga Stephenson, O.C., O.Ont. – former staff
For her enduring contributions to Canadian film and television as a leader, advocate and ambassador.

Angela Swan, O.C. – adjunct professor
For her long-standing contributions to the legal profession, particularly in the area of contract law, as a professor, lawyer, author and mentor.

Carol M. Tator, O.C. – faculty, donor
For her advocacy of social justice, and for her commitment to identifying and dismantling systemic racism in Canadian society.

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, O.C. – alumna, honorary alumna, donor
For her ongoing commitment to improving the child welfare system and supports for Indigenous people in British Columbia.

Members of the Order of Canada

Harold Bassford, C.M. – former dean, donor
For his leadership as a university administrator and for his contributions to applied ethics in the health field.

Ann Buller, C.M. – alumna, donor
For her lifelong dedication and commitment to post-secondary education and to improving the lives of others through learning.

The Honourable Sandra Chapnik, C.M., O.Ont. – alumna, donor
For her leadership in the community and in the legal sector, where she has promoted the advancement of women and encouraged best practices in the field.

Max T. Eisen, C.M. – donor
For his contributions to Holocaust education, and for his promotion of transformational dialogue on human rights, tolerance and respect.

Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl, C.M. – alumnus, donor
For his spiritual and community leadership as head of the Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Toronto, and for fostering interfaith dialogue throughout Canada and beyond.

Janice R. Fukakusa, C.M. – alumna, honorary alumna, donor, Schulich School of Business Dean’s Advisory Council member
For her leadership and mentorship in banking, and for her boundless community engagement, notably in education and health care.

Leo Joel Goldhar, C.M. – donor
For his philanthropic contributions to health care, education and social services, notably as chair of the United Jewish Appeal Federation’s Tomorrow Campaign.

William Arthur Humber, C.M. – alumnus
For his contributions as Canada’s premier baseball historian, who has highlighted the key ways in which the sport’s history is linked to our nation.

Lawson A. W. Hunter, C.M., Q.C. – donor
For his distinguished career in government, business and private practice as one of the country’s leading competition and antitrust lawyers.

Barbara Landau, C.M. – alumna, donor
For her contributions to dispute resolution and family law reform as both a psychologist and lawyer, and for her advocacy of interfaith initiatives.

Nona Macdonald Heaslip, C.M. – donor
For her ongoing philanthropic contributions to the Canadian arts sector and for supporting numerous academic scholarships across the country.

Robin Poitras, C.M. – alumna
For her creative contributions to contemporary dance in Canada, and for her leadership as artistic director of New Dance Horizons.

Lynn Posluns, C.M. – honorary alumna
For her contributions to research on women’s cognitive health and aging through the founding of Women’s Brain Health Initiative.

Robert Small, C.M. – alumnus
For his long-standing commitment to highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in all sectors of Canadian society.

Harriet H. Stairs, C.M. – donor
For advancing women’s opportunities within the financial sector, and for creating equitable and inclusive policies within corporate and community-based initiatives.

George M. Thomson, C.M. – donor
For his contributions to family law in Canada, and for his innovative leadership as a judicial educator and mentor.

Janet Walker, C.M., C.D. – faculty, alumna, donor
For her expert legal authority in commercial arbitration and conflict of laws, and for advancing legal procedural standards in Canada.

Since its inception, more than 7,500 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order of Canada. Appointees to the Order of Canada wear a striking, six-point white enamel insignia that symbolizes Canada’s northern heritage and diversity. Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a future date. The full list of appointees can be viewed here.

SPPA awards recognize public servants in face of pandemic

December 10, 2021

The annual School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) Student, Alumni and Community Recognition Awards ceremony took place on Nov. 25. The event recognized alumni, students and community partners who continue to answer the call of service. Last year’s recipient of the Alumni Recognition Award, Marco Giancarlo, served as host and moderator for the event.

The unfolding pandemic has brought into focus the importance of public service along with its challenges and rewards. The keynote speaker of the event, John Riches, deputy chief of Regulatory Compliance & Administration for the Region of Durham, highlighted the post-pandemic expectations from the public must include wrap-around services and flexible programs that focus on equity.

Riches is a 2019 graduate of the Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) program and received the Foster-Greene Award for Excellence in Public Policy, Administration and Law for his work as a 25-year paramedic services veteran. He is a champion for collaboration and integration across health and social service sectors to ensure patients and residents receive the proper care and support from the right providers.

The Undergraduate Student Award was presented to Khushbu Dhaliwal, president of the Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA). Dhaliwal is currently participating in the post-graduate Ontario Internship Program as a program and service delivery intern with the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.

Sylvia Gajunsingh (MPPAL ’21), is the recipient of the Graduate Student Award for her engagement and service to the Graduate Students’ Association of Public Policy, Administration and Law (GSAPPAL). Gajunsingh’s professionalism, enthusiasm and encouragement of her peers in SPPA was exemplified through her work to advance and support student success and well-being.

The Best Major Research Paper Award was presented to Gyula Kovacs (MPPAL ’21) for his paper titled, “Diversity Training in the Workplace: assessing effectiveness and outcomes,” which was completed under the supervision of MPPAL Graduate Program Director Naomi Couto.

University Professor Emeritus Ian Greene presented the Ian Greene Book Prize for Academic Achievement to the top five MPPAL students with the highest grade-point average in the graduating class of 2021: Sarika Bhatnagar, Munir Chagpar, Meghan Ditta, Gyula Kovacs and Cara Santoro.

Team York 2021, MPPAL students Eva Fok, Ranziba Nehrin, Pravina Rajadurai, Dilumi Rupasinghe and Paula Tablon-Modica, were recognized with the Team Award for their work in representing the University at the IPAC–CAPPA National Case Competition with their faculty member coach John Wilkins.

SPPA Director and Associate Professor Alena Kimakova, and Vice-President of PPASA Milena Basciano, introduced the 2021 winners of the “What is Your Vision for Canada?” high school essay contest.

First prize: Pritika Lally – Grade 12, Donald A. Wilson Secondary School, Whitby, ON, for the essay “A Longing Call to Prioritize the Safety of Indigenous Women against Violence in Canada.”

Second prize: Isabella Wossen – Grade 10, Omer-Deslauriers Secondary Public School, Ottawa, for the essay “Ableism: The Unspoken Social Injustice in Canada.”

Third prize: Isabella Yue – Grade 12, Paul Kane High School, St. Albert, AB, for the essay “Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation.”

Couto also presented Jocelyn McCauley (MPPAL ’21) with the Emerging Leader Award. McCauley is a lobbyist registrar for the Town of Collingwood and senior advisor to Metrolinx’s chief safety officer. She identifies and actions strategic priorities in the areas of corporate administration, team governance and operations, stakeholder management, safety and system assurances.

The Alumni Recognition Award was presented to Romina Chencheva. York University School of Public Policy & Administration Alumni Network (YUSPPAAN) Learning from Leaders podcast series, a primary and formal channel of mentorship, is just one example of initiatives Chencheva created and led. She also works with the student ambassadors of YUSPPAAN to foster a growing alumni community and develop future SPPA leaders.

SPPA also recognized Mandeep Flora, director of data strategy and solutions platform at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services for his commitment in providing practicum opportunities for our undergraduate students in public administration despite the challenges of remote work.

Building future pathways for nursing education

November 24, 2021

Thursday marked an important day in the future for nursing education with the launch of York University’s new stand-alone four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Details about the program were announced by Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop and York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton during a visit by Dunlop to the Keele Campus.

“I’m here today to highlight an important milestone for postsecondary education in Ontario. York University’s stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Nursing will allow students to complete their nursing degree entirely at York University,” said Dunlop. “In Ontario, both colleges and universities are now able to offer stand-alone nursing degrees, increasing choices and reducing barriers to high-quality, local education for Ontario’s students.”

Ontario's Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop announces the establishment of York University's new stand-alone four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Looking on is nursing student Diana Dzhumabaeva with President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton — Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop announces the establishment of York University’s new stand-alone four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Looking on is nursing student Diana Dzhumabaeva with President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton

York University will welcome the first cohort of new nursing students starting in September 2022.

“York University’s School of Nursing has become one of the largest and most comprehensive in Canada, and the new stand-alone nursing degree will reduce barriers and create more opportunities for students to respond to the needs of the culturally diverse communities we serve, reduce health inequalities, and explore social, economic and cultural determinants of health and healthcare outcomes,” said Lenton. “This is another important milestone in demonstrating York University’s leadership and expertise in health education and health governance.”

As part of the government’s recently announced $35-million investment to increase enrolment in nursing education programs in publicly assisted colleges and universities across Ontario, the province is also providing up to $385,000 to help increase enrolment in nursing education programs at York University, supporting the education of 42 additional Bachelor of Science in Nursing students.

Jill Dunlop, minister of colleges and universities, watches as nursing student Diana Dzhumabaeva demonstrates a high fidelity mannequin used to teach students in York University's program. Looking on is President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton — Jill Dunlop, minister of colleges and universities, watches as nursing student Diana Dzhumabaeva demonstrates a high fidelity mannequin used to teach students in York University’s program. Looking on is President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton

The new program builds on Ontario’s recent changes allowing both publicly assisted colleges and universities to offer a baccalaureate degree in nursing to increase opportunities for students to access a high-quality education. This includes stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs offered at universities, colleges, and through collaborative university-college partnerships. York University previously partnered with two colleges in offering this program; now each of the three institutions offer this degree independently, providing more choice and opportunity to students.

“Ontario’s nurses go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to patients and we are grateful for their continued efforts throughout the pandemic,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott. “York University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program will provide students with more choices for nursing education, further strengthening our health care workforce as more Ontarians pursue this important career.”

Criminology Professor James Sheptycki receives Allen Austin Bartholomew Award

November 23, 2021

York University Criminology Professor James Sheptycki is the recipient of the 2021 Allen Austin Bartholomew Award for best-published paper of the year by the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology for his essay titled “The Politics of Policing a Pandemic Panic.”

The essay was completed in early April 2020 and published during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Sheptycki’s paper argues the politics of policing the pandemic panic reveal tectonic shifts in the world system. He explains how the COVID-19 virus “precipitated the first global police event presenting an occasion for researchers and scholars to apply existing theory and empirical understanding to extra-ordinary circumstances.” The essay also shares how the “transnational and comparative study of police and policing reveals the contours of the emerging system of world power all the more clearly in a moment of crisis.” 

The award identifies originality, quality writing, the strength of evidence and ambition of the topic related to criminology. Recipients of the award are recognized for their published work in the previous year’s edition of the journal.

“It’s just something I wrote during the lockdown,” says Sheptycki. “I circulated the essay among my colleagues around the world who were similarly stuck, and the feedback was just amazing. 

“Now that the pandemic panic phase is complete and the endemic phase has set in, we are living with the results, but people don’t have the language to describe the new political situation and, given the background ecological conditions, the resulting social volatility and conflict is very unhelpful.”  

To read the essay, click here.

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Transportation Equity & Justice Speaker Series begins April 13