Experts on Father's Day

The following University of Victoria faculty members are available in advance of Father’s Day:

Jessica Ball (School of Child and Youth Care) is an expert on the diversity of fathers in Canada and innovative approaches to increase father involvement. She can discuss the increasing number of fathers raising children as single parents, experiences of fathers who are newcomers to Canada from Russia and Sudan, increasing visibility of gay and trans* fathers, and the outstanding need to increase fathers in programs for parents of children with special needs. She also played a pivotal role in earlier research on Indigenous fathers and their relationships with their young children, but is quick to emphasize that “much more needs to be done. In BC, there is no dedicated public funding for father outreach and Aboriginal support programs.” Dr. Ball is in China until next week (with availability by email this week, dependent on time difference) and is back on campus Monday, June 9. (Office: 250-472-4128 or jball@uvic.ca)

Gillian Calder (Faculty of Law) has extensive expertise in family law and familial obligations. She can discuss the law’s regulation of the intact family unit and how the law impacts our understanding of the benefits, privileges and obligations that flow to certain kinds of families as a result. Prof. Calder’s research has analyzed the delivery of maternity and parental leave through Employment Insurance and offers insight into how these programs reflect ideas of social reproduction in Canada. She can also speak to the parental responsibilities outlined in BC’s Family Law Act, which was introduced in March 2013. Prof. Calder is available this week between the hours of 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Office: 250-472-5247 or gcalder@uvic.ca)

UVic-produced video of Dr. Jessica Ball:

UVic-produced video of Prof. Gillian Calder:

 

To view more Faces of UVic Research videos: www.youtube.com/user/FacesOfUVicResearch

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