Jeffrey Simpson

Simpson meets health care head on and explores the only four options we have to end this growing crisis: cuts in spending, tax increases, privatization, and reaping savings through increased efficiency. He examines the tenets of the Medicare system that Canadians cling to so passionately. Here, he finds that many other countries have more extensive public health systems, and Canadian health care produces only average value for money. In fact, our rigid system for some health care needs and a costly system for other needs—drugs, dentistry, and home care—is really the worst of both worlds.

Simpson provides an alarming description of the climate threat to our country. He touches on the role of by our politicians, industrialists and environmentalists. Simpson lays out in convincing and easily understood terms the few simple policies that Canada must adopt right away in order to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next few decades, and shows how it can be done with minimal negative impacts.

Drawing on his extensive knowledge as the Globe and Mail’s National Affairs Columnist, Simpson takes a look at the current state Canada finds itself in. Areas of coverage include the economy, business, foreign affairs and U.S. Relations.

Simpson suggests that although Canada has a number of advantages in establishing strong relationships globally, we are falling short in several key areas on the international scene. He believes we are in danger of becoming too complacent, too inward looking, too focused on domestic policy and federal-provincial issues. Simpson’s stance is provocative, and is sure to spark debate among audience members. Whether listeners agree or disagree, Simpson succeeds in presenting a new perspective that will encourage audiences to closely examine our public policies, and demand more from those we elect to office.