Latest news with #AllInADay
7 days ago
- Politics
Young people more prone to believe in conspiracies, research shows
Hillary Clinton had Jeffrey Epstein killed. Barack Obama was not born in the United States. The pharmaceutical industry was responsible for the spread of COVID-19. These are all conspiracies with no basis in fact, says University of Ottawa professor Daniel Stockemer — but his research shows that theories like them are gaining traction among young people. In fact, people younger than 35 are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories than other age groups, according to a recent study by Stockemer and co-author Jean-Nicolas Bordeleau that surveyed more than 380,000 people internationally. The research was recently published in the journal Political Psychology. Conspiracy theories are now for everyone, Stockemer told CBC Radio's All In A Day , noting that between 20 and 25 per cent of the population believes in one. But the young are slightly more likely to believe in them. For example, their research suggests a slight year-over-year drop in conspiracies to the point where an 80-year-old is about 10 per cent less likely to believe one than an 18-year-old. If the problem isn't addressed, Stockemer said he expects the democratic backsliding he's seen all over the world to continue. If we don't have a young population that stands up for the values of democracy ... who else will? Why do young adults believe conspiracies? There are many reasons why young people are particularly susceptible, Stockemer said — including the fact the political world has become more divided and chaotic. Right now, we're in a world of polarization, he said. There is no compromise, no middle ground. Compounding that effect, Stockemer said, is that young people are being alienated from politics as mainstream politicians largely ignore their concerns — including during the last federal election. The leaders didn't even come to the [University of Ottawa] to have a talk or anything, he said. And then we wonder why young people have a higher tendency to go the populist or conspiracies route. Then there's technological leaps like the internet, smart phones and social media, Stockemer said, which allow conspiracy and misinformation to spread, especially among young people. The internet also potentially exposes them to every unfortunate incident that happens in the world, said Carmen Celestini, who teaches at the University of Waterloo and studies disinformation, extremists and conspiracy theorists. That fear and that perpetual sense of disaster can lead people to believe in conspiracy theories, said Celestini, noting she wasn't surprised even a little bit by Stockemer and Bordeleau's findings. Influencers who tote extremist views and conspiracies also give their viewers someone or something to blame, she added. Enlarge image (new window) Conspiracies like the one suggesting former U.S president Barack Obama was not born in the country have been gaining traction among people under 35, according to the research recently published in the journal Political Psychology. Photo: Reuters / Mike Segar No 'quick fix' Widespread conspiracies and the problems inherent to the internet will require a global response, said Celestini, one that will involve talking about the fears and emotions that led people to these conclusions. It really is [about] having that transparent talk with your child about what it is that they're feeling, why they might believe some of these ideas and where the emotions behind it come from, she said. Stockemer said there's no quick fix, but improving civic education and better regulating misinformation online would help. To bring [young people] back, we need to also include them within the democratic politics much more than now, he said. And there could be immense consequences, he added, if we continue to neglect the susceptibility of young people to conspiracy theories. Over the past 10 years, the number of democracies has declined [and] long-standing democracies like the United States [and] India are in serious danger of falling, he said. If we continue the path we are continuing, I don't know how long some established democracies will survive. … And I think that's one of the far-reaching lessons from my research. LISTEN | Young people more likely to believe conspiracy theories, University of Ottawa research shows (new window)
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gatineau River boaters fear loss of Chelsea launch
Some boaters in western Quebec worry they could soon lose access to the Gatineau River if Chelsea's municipal council goes ahead with a plan to close a ramp used for motorized watercraft. "That launch has been open for 50 years. People have been using it," said Jean-Léon Morin, who uses the ramp for his fishing boat. "And now there's gates there." Earlier this month, Chelsea announced a new three-point plan to promote better access to the river by next year. The municipality said it would add a universally accessible dock with access to swimming near the community of Farm Point, as well as a ramp for non-motorized boats at the Farm Point Community Centre. It's also planning another ramp for non-motorized boats farther down the river at the end of chemin Burnett. As a result, the launch used for powerboats is set to close in 2026 after decades of use. "We have a beautiful river, it's the most beautiful river in Quebec," Roger Daoust, another boater, told Radio-Canada in French. "We're emotional. We love it, we adore it." Morin said many were caught off guard by the news, and said public consultation was inadequate. "There are very, very few points that are suitable along that part of the river," he said. "This is really one of the only really good spots." Chelsea Mayor Pierre Guénard said the boat launch isn't an official one and doesn't comply with provincial environmental standards. He said looking for a solution by next year, and the status quo will be maintained for now. "Like I said multiple times, everything stays open," Guénard told CBC Radio's All In A Day last week. "But as a responsible government and as a responsible mayor, I cannot say that this is officially a boat launch because it is not. It does not respect all the criteria by the Ministry of Environment." Morin said he and other boaters have unanswered questions, such as how the closure will be enforced. "We still don't have a clear picture of why this happened and what environmental regulations are being cited here to cause this change," Morin said. "So there's still a lot of questions."
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Communities along the Ottawa River brace for spring flooding
People living near the Ottawa River are being cautioned about higher water levels this weekend, with several conservation authorities issuing flood warnings. Authorities that monitor the river say they're not expecting anything close to the record-breaking floods of previous years. But the latest warnings have some who lived through those floods bracing for the worst. "In Constance Bay, we're all very concerned because most of us on the water have flooded," said Gerry Blyth, whose house flooded in both 2017 and 2019. Blyth said he spent his retirement savings to raise his house, and feels certain that the area will see flooding again. "If current patterns continue, we are heading into spring with little to no remaining flood safety margin," he also wrote in an email to CBC. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and South Nation Conservation have all issued warnings that water levels could rise between 25 and 30 centimetres in some places by the weekend. Flows and levels on the main stem of the Ottawa River are rising due to increased runoff from rainfall combined with snow melt, according to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board's website. Minor flood levels have already been reached in the most at-risk spots from Mattawa, Ont., all the way down to the Fitzroy Harbour and Britannia areas of Ottawa, the board said. That stretch of the river could hit major flood levels "depending on the speed of snowmelt and precipitation" coming early next week, the board said. Water levels from Gatineau to Hawkesbury, Ont., however, are expected to remain below that threshold — but still above minor flood levels. Some flooding is normally expected this time of year, but the weekend forecasts suggest water levels won't be record-breaking, said Laura Reinsborough, CEO of the non-profit Ottawa Riverkeeper. "It's not currently forecasted to be close to what we remember for 2019 or 2017 — those extreme, beyond historic levels of flooding," she told CBC. Thousands of sandbags handed out West Carleton-March Coun. Clarke Kelly said Blyth's experience is "indicative of the frustration in the community." However, Clarke said he's been "extraordinarily impressed" with the city's response this year. Sandbagging stations have been ready since last weekend, with more than 20,000 bags already distributed. "The city's annual freshet task force has done a great job of making sure that supplies are there for people should they need them," he told CBC Radio's All In A Day on Friday. "And we continue to monitor the situation and hope that they don't need them," Reinsborough says people living in flood-prone areas should adjust their plans this weekend and watch for alerts from the city or planning board in case forecasts change. "Municipalities are generally on top of this. They will be issuing any alerts or any evacuations if that is needed," she said. "And I think that the lessons we've learned in 2017 and 2019 have helped us mobilize so that we can be ready in case."
CBC
03-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Communities along the Ottawa River brace for spring flooding
People living near the Ottawa River are being cautioned about higher water levels this weekend, with several conservation authorities issuing flood warnings. Authorities that monitor the river say they're not expecting anything close to the record-breaking floods of previous years. But the latest warnings have some who lived through those floods bracing for the worst. "In Constance Bay, we're all very concerned because most of us on the water have flooded," said Gerry Blyth, whose house flooded in both 2017 and 2019. Blyth said he spent his retirement savings to raise his house, and feels certain that the area will see flooding again. "If current patterns continue, we are heading into spring with little to no remaining flood safety margin," he also wrote in an email to CBC. 25 to 30 cm expected The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and South Nation Conservation have all issued warnings that water levels could rise between 25 and 30 centimetres in some places by the weekend. Flows and levels on the main stem of the Ottawa River are rising due to increased runoff from rainfall combined with snow melt, according to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board's website. Minor flood levels have already been reached in the most at-risk spots from Mattawa, Ont., all the way down to the Fitzroy Harbour and Britannia areas of Ottawa, the board said. That stretch of the river could hit major flood levels "depending on the speed of snowmelt and precipitation" coming early next week, the board said. Water levels from Gatineau to Hawkesbury, Ont., however, are expected to remain below that threshold — but still above minor flood levels. Some flooding is normally expected this time of year, but the weekend forecasts suggest water levels won't be record-breaking, said Laura Reinsborough, CEO of the non-profit Ottawa Riverkeeper. "It's not currently forecasted to be close to what we remember for 2019 or 2017 — those extreme, beyond historic levels of flooding," she told CBC. Thousands of sandbags handed out West Carleton-March Coun. Clarke Kelly said Blyth's experience is "indicative of the frustration in the community." However, Clarke said he's been "extraordinarily impressed" with the city's response this year. Sandbagging stations have been ready since last weekend, with more than 20,000 bags already distributed. "The city's annual freshet task force has done a great job of making sure that supplies are there for people should they need them," he told CBC Radio's All In A Day on Friday. "And we continue to monitor the situation and hope that they don't need them," Reinsborough says people living in flood-prone areas should adjust their plans this weekend and watch for alerts from the city or planning board in case forecasts change. "Municipalities are generally on top of this. They will be issuing any alerts or any evacuations if that is needed," she said. "And I think that the lessons we've learned in 2017 and 2019 have helped us mobilize so that we can be ready in case."
CBC
24-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
Ministry of Education launches investigation into OCDSB finances
Social Sharing The province is launching a financial investigation into the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), which may lead to the ministry taking control of its budget. Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra announced Wednesday the provincial government was launching an investigation into three boards and taking control of another over financial mismanagement. The OCDSB has run a deficit for the last four years and is projecting a possible $20-million shortfall in its upcoming budget — if it can't cut costs. "I'm disappointed that they haven't given us a little more time to address this," OCDSB chair Lynn Scott told CBC Radio's All In A Day. The board has already reduced its transportation costs and announced in March it plans to cut 150 full-time jobs, Scott said. But on Wednesday, Calandra said he would take "relentless" action to ensure "hard-earned tax dollars" reach school classrooms. The OCDSB was one of five school boards Calandra singled out for financial mismanagement, which he said was becoming a "troubling trend in the education sector." The investigator's report, due on May 30, will recommend whether the OCDSB should hand over control of its finances to the Ministry of Education. Two stories The ministry is also taking control of a London school board, launching financial investigations into two Toronto school boards and ordering a Brantford school board to pay back public money spent on a trip to Italy. "We're providing record levels of funding," Calandra said. "We expect that to be made available to teachers so that they [can] give our students the ultimate ability to succeed." But Scott said the school board needs more funding from the province to cover shortfalls. She noted the need for more staff, especially for students in special education. The share of Ontario's budget spent on education has steadily declined from 24.8 per cent in 1990-91 to 18.8 per cent in 2023-24, according to a report released earlier this month by the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario, an independent watchdog. When adjusted for factors like inflation, it found that the total sum spent on education grew by around 0.7 per cent per child in that time. Funding from the province to repair schools and address capacity issues fell short by $12.7 billion over ten years, the agency reported in December. Decision not surprising, education director says OCDSB director of education Pino Buffone said the school board is on a quest to address its financial troubles. He said Wednesday's news wasn't really a surprise, nor does it interfere with the board's ongoing restructuring of elementary schools. This doesn't disrupt out plan. This explains our plan. - Pino Buffone, OCDSB director of education "This doesn't disrupt our plan," Buffone said. "This explains our plan. "For quite a while now as an organization, we've realized that we do need to address some structural issues. The program review at the elementary level, again, is a fine example of that." Buffone said he sees a difference between ongoing structural deficits and questionable spending decisions made by other boards. The OCDSB came close to landing in the black last year, he said, but retroactive settlements related to Bill 124 and an increase in overall costs — whether for a classroom resource or a roll of toilet paper — prevented that. The director said changes in demand for mental health and well-being are also pressures faced by the board. "That's why I think it's very difficult to simply compare an absolute dollar amount of one year to the next when you don't consider those underlying factors of change," he said. On Thursday, Calandra said if cost-of-living increases really are the sole cause of the board's financial woes, then it has nothing to fear. "That's what the investigator will find when they go into the board and look at the finances," he told CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning. The minister said the recent Bill 124 settlements exceed inflation. An estimated 85 per cent of all board spending is in the form of staffing costs, he said, adding that the ministry has put record levels of funding into mental health. The financial investigator's report is due a little more than a week after the board is supposed to review a restructuring of its elementary schools and just four days after staff are scheduled to present budget recommendations. In its report, the financial investigator can recommend that the OCDSB give control of its finances over to the ministry of education. That last happened in 2002 and was met with community pushback after cuts were announced.
