May 11, 2020

Pearson takes on key Covid Issues in 2020-21

By Andrew Cardozo, President

Pearson Centre examines key Covid Issues in 2020-21

The COVID-19 epidemic is highlighting some real strengths and weaknesses in Canadian society, especially in government and public policy. During this period in 2020 we will be examining various issues that clearly need more attention. This list is in development as each of these issues become apparent, and we at Pearson feel we can contribute to creating better public policy.

These issues include:
– Seniors care including long-term homes and other housing
– The status of vulnerable communities – Indigenous peoples, low income people,
– The “shecession”, how this pandemic affects women more than men
– Systemic discrimination – are women, minorities and new Canadians working in greater danger of catching the coronavirus, at lower wages and in more precarious conditions?
– Low income workers in essential roles. Do we need to examine minimum wage levels and other issues such as working conditions, job security, part-time work and health benefits. Stats show the lower the wage the higher the rate of being. laid off
– Foreign workers in farms, food production, child and seniors care
– Manufacturing of essential goods
– The Future of Work – how has this changed? Will the values of certain occupations change? Will the gig economy change?
– The basic income – is now the time?
– The public service – the essential role they play and will do as the workplace changes
– The green economy – how can Infrastrcuture help?
– The future of the oil and gas sector
– The future of the tourism and travel sectors
– Canada-US relations, as Covid affects our countries differently
– The status of developing countries and of the movement of refugees around the world