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The Walrus

The O’Hagan Essay on Public Affairs

The O’Hagan Essay on Public Affairs is an annual research-based examination of the current economic, social, and political realities of Canada. Commissioned by the editorial staff at The Walrus, the essay is funded by Peter and Sarah O’Hagan in honour of Peter’s late father, Richard, and his considerable contributions to public life.

A figure sadly rolls down a metal security grille on an old-fashioned magazine stand. They are illuminated from below by the glowing screen of a tablet.
January/February 2022

Journalism’s Wicked Problem: Save What’s Lost or Invest in What’s New?

December 13, 2021February 17, 2022 - by Jessica Johnson

It will take serious policy changes and unprecedented industry collaboration to turn around the story of the media’s collapse

Read More
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 Myth of Universal Health Care

December 8, 2020April 6, 2021 - by Nadine Caron

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

Read More
A globe sitting in a white puddle.
Environment / November 2019

We’re Doomed. Now What?

November 4, 2019March 29, 2021 - by Chris Turner

An optimist’s guide to the climate crisis

Read More
Photograph by Whitney Light
June 2018

Beyond Bilingualism

May 30, 2018March 3, 2022 - by Mark Abley

The Official Languages Act will soon turn fifty. Have we outgrown it?

Read More
Illustration of people climbing up the concrete steps towards a courthouse buiding
Justice / November 2017

Fixing Our Convoluted, Inaccessible Court System

October 20, 2017December 8, 2020 - by Gerard J. Kennedy

Until we simplify civil ligation, there will only be justice for the few

Read More
Business / December 2016

Solving Canada’s Innovation Problem

November 23, 2016December 8, 2020 - by Andrea Mandel-Campbell

Why do we export so many world-class business ideas to the rest of the world?

Read More

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The Walrus' March/April 2023 cover featuring artwork of the megachurch March/April 2023
It was massively popular. It billed itself as a new kind of church. Then sexual abuse and misconduct allegations surfaced against its leaders

Part of The Trust Project

Read more about The Trust Project and how this article fits in it

Part of The Trust Project

The Trust Project is a collaboration among news organizations around the world. Its goal is to create strategies that fulfill journalism’s basic pledge: to serve society with a truthful, intelligent and comprehensive account of ideas and events.

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​​The Walrus is located within the bounds of Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit. This land is also the traditional territory of the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.

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As we look at Who We Are Now in 2023, help us power the next 20 years of inspiring conversations and fact-checked journalism. Donate to The Walrus today.

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