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The O’Hagan Essay on Public Affairs

The O’Hagan Annual Essay on Public Affairs is a research-based examination of the current economic, social, and political realities of Canada. Commissioned by the editorial team at The Walrus, the essay is funded by Peter and Sarah O’Hagan in honour of Peter’s father, Richard, and his considerable contributions to public life. Richard O’Hagan was a member of The Walrus Foundation’s board of directors. He passed away in December 2018.

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 / The O'Hagan Essay on Public Affairs

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
A globe sitting in a white puddle.
Environment / November 2019 / The O'Hagan Essay on Public Affairs

We’re Doomed. Now What?

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

An optimist’s guide to the climate crisis

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Photograph by Whitney Light
June 2018 / Language / The O'Hagan Essay on Public Affairs

Beyond Bilingualism

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

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

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Illustration of people climbing up the concrete steps towards a courthouse buiding
Justice / November 2017 / The O'Hagan Essay on Public Affairs

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

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Business / December 2016 / The O'Hagan Essay on Public Affairs

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?

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The crisis in public housing, the neuroscience behind our love for pumpkin spice, the future of Quebec sovereignty, and what Canada can learn from the UK about cutting emissions.

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