January/February 2021

Red ring marks from the bottom of a glass form an abstract pattern on a black background

January/February 2021 / Memoir

My Struggle with Sobriety

January 6, 2021January 8, 2021 - by Mel Lefebvre

The decision to quit drinking was the right one for me. But, as I have learned, there’s no perfect way to do it

An illustration of two ships crossing a checkered finish line. The ship in the lead has Chinese characters on the side. The ship behind it has a small Canadian flag.

January/February 2021 / Politics

China Wants to Invest in the Arctic. Why Doesn’t Canada?

January 4, 2021January 11, 2021 - by Gloria Dickie

While Canada ignores the North’s economic potential, China is poised to make inroads

January/February 2021 / Visual Art

Looking Ahead to 2021

January 1, 2021January 1, 2021 - by The Walrus Staff

Four illustrators share their hopes for themselves and the world

Illustration of several plates containing cassava-based dishes like pie and sliced root. The plates are garnished with purple and green flowers.

First Person / January/February 2021

Why My Mother’s Cassava Pie Is More than a Comfort Food

December 11, 2020December 15, 2020 - by Stephanie Wong Ken

Learning the history of resistance behind my family’s favourite dish

Illustration of a circle of slowly sinking boats on the water. In each boat, a person scoops water out of the bottom of their boat and pours it into the boat of the next person, creating a complete circle.

January/February 2021 / The O'Hagan Essay on Public Affairs

The Myth of Universal Health Care

December 8, 2020January 11, 2021 - by Nadine Caron

Despite our illusions, Canada’s system is neither comprehensive nor equally accessible. What would it take to reform it?

Arts & Culture / Books / January/February 2021

Canadian Authors Pick Their Favourite Books of 2020

December 7, 2020January 8, 2021 - by The Walrus Staff

From a dystopia that vilifies sleep to a heartbreaking account of the end of a life, here are some of our leading contemporary writers’ favourite books of the year

January/February 2021

Editor’s Letter: The Aftermath

December 4, 2020December 8, 2020 - by Jessica Johnson

In the wake of the US election and amid a raging pandemic, how can we move on?

Illustration of a detached home on a quiet residential street. In the foreground, a painter applies a roller to obscure the neighbourhood in yellow paint.

January/February 2021 / Living Rooms

How to Save the Middle Class

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 - by Max Fawcett

Our vision of the good life is stuck in the twentieth century. It’s time to reinvent it—starting with home ownership

Illustration of a woman running across a suspension bridge, carrying a child on her back. The bridge is made of puzzle-like pieces that are falling away behind her.

January/February 2021 / Society

The Case for Affordable Child Care

December 1, 2020December 1, 2020 - by Anne Shibata Casselman

For decades, we’ve known that universal child care would advance the nation. What’s taking Canada so long?

Illustration of many people holding up white paper-like rectangles that have grey symbols on them. In the center is a woman with dark hair and a yellow shirt looking confused.

Health / January/February 2021

Return of the Anti-Vaxers

November 24, 2020November 24, 2020 - by Paul Gallant

To those who think vaccines are harmful, COVID-19 is just another conspiracy