Experts on federal election

The following University of Victoria experts are available to media to provide comment about issues related to the federal election:

Colin Bennett (Political Science) is an expert on access to information and privacy protection legislation. He can discuss the use of data analytics in elections and the cyber-threats to the integrity of our elections, as well as how political parties are incorporating technology into their campaigns, such as robocalls. (Contact: cjb@uvic.ca) 

Penny Bryden (History), is an expert in Canadian political history, can comment on issues relating to the evolution of federalism, political parties and bureaucracy. Her latest research project examines the history of Canadian political scandals since confederation. Bryden is the past-president of the Canadian Historical Association. (Contact: pbryden@uvic.ca or 250-721-7407)

Heather Castleden (Public Administration) is an expert in the socio-political dimensions of renewable energy, equitable energy transitions and the intersections of human health and climate change. She can discuss the federal election in relation to the environment, reconciliation, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. (Contact: castleden@uvic.ca)

Robert Gifford (Psychology/Environmental Studies) is an environmental psychologist and expert in the human dimensions of climate change including the reasons why people don’t do more to prevent climate change—what he calls the “the dragons of inaction.” He can discuss eco-anxiety, the mental health impacts of climate change, and the dragons of inaction at the organizational or government level. (Contact: rgifford@uvic.ca or 250-721-7532) 

Rob Gillezeau (Economics) is an economist with expertise in public policy. He can speak to election issues that include fiscal policy, social programs such as child care, labour market programs, taxation and tax expenditures, as well as how policies can affect Indigenous Peoples. (Contact: gillezr@uvic.ca) 

Will Greaves (Political Science) is an expert in international relations. He can comment on how the outcome of the federal election will impact Canadian foreign policy, Canada-US relations and the implications for the Arctic, as well as policies related to climate change and the energy sector. (Contact: wgreaves@uvic.ca) 

Amy Janzwood (Political Science) is an expert in energy and climate politics in Canada. She can comment on federal climate and energy policies, party platforms, and the politics of mega oil sands pipelines. (Contact: amyjanzwood@uvic.ca)

Kate Moran (Ocean Networks Canada) is an expert in innovative ocean technology that supports marine protection, aquaculture and fisheries, earthquake early-warning, coastal communities and ecosystem health. During the election, she can also speak about ocean technology, as well as ocean-based climate mitigation technologies and Canada’s role in a sustainable blue economy. (Contact: kmoran@uvic.ca)

Bernie Pauly (CISUR/Nursing) is a health expert with a focus on the reduction of health inequities associated with substance use, poverty and homelessness, and the role of harm reduction, housing and drug policy on the health of Canadians. She can discuss how all these policy areas interact on the federal level, as well as the relevance of recent projects including the Collaborative Community Laboratory on Substance Use and Harm Reduction (Co/Lab), and the Canadian Managed Alcohol Program Study (CMAPS). (Contact: bauly@uvic.ca)

Michael J. Prince (Human and Social Development) is an expert in Canadian political and electoral issues and procedures. He can provide context and comment on trends in social policy, the national campaigns, federal party platforms, federal-provincial relations, public health and disability policy issues. (Contact: mprince@uvic.ca or 250-721-8043) 

Kimberly Speers (Public Administration) is a political expert who has been commenting on elections for almost twenty years. With reference to the federal election, she can discuss campaign strategies, leaders, voting behavior, overall themes, promises, polling, social media, political blunders, Vancouver Island and BC ridings, and general policy tactics and messaging. (Contact: kspeers@uvic.ca or 250-721-8057)

Katya Rhodes (Public Administration and Institute for Integrated Energy Systems) is a climate policy expert investigating the issues of effective and acceptable pathways to reduce climate change. With respect to the federal election, she can discuss climate policy options to meet Canada’s 2030 and 2050 targets. (Contact: krhodes@uvic.ca or 250-721-8071)