From building a life without kids to why shared work offices are the worst, these are the conversations that helped define Canada

The Decade in Us

As the 2010s come to close, we look back at a mix of your favourite stories and speakers. From building a life without kids to why shared work offices are the worst, these are the ideas, people, and conversations that helped define Canada



Illustration of a small craft sailing down a river.

Where Not to Travel in 2019, or Ever

BY KATE HARRIS
When adventurers crave “untouched” places and “authentic” peoples, it’s the locals who ultimately pay



Illustration by Hanna Barczyk

How to Build a Life Without Kids

BY LAUREN MCKEON
Canadians are increasingly living alone and without kids. For women, that means finding meaning outside the maternal script



Trans girl posing for photo

Growing Up Trans

BY MARY ROGAN
When do children know their true gender?



Outrageous Optimism

BY BIF NAKED
The best day of my life was when my kidney was failing and doctors discovered a hole in my heart


Illustration by Mügluck

The New Old Age

BY SANDRA MARTIN
Longevity is now our reality. Are we ready for it?



Photograph by Derek Shapton

The Last Stop for Greyhound

BY DEREK SHAPTON
The company cancelled bus service in Western Canada, isolating hundreds of communities. We went along for the final ride



two feet standing together

What Consent Means in the Age of #MeToo

BY SARAH BARMAK
The notion that sex is fraught with ambiguity has made some kinds of assault difficult to describe and confront



Photo by goosie~gander

The Benefits of Solitude

BY MICHAEL HARRIS
Our society rewards social behaviour while ignoring the positive effects of time spent alone



When All Is Lost

BY MUSTAFA AHMED
I lost my friend to violence. I’m calling on my peers to help prevent these tragedies


Photograph by Derek Shapton

How Immigration Helps to Lower Crime Rates

BY RACHEL GIESE
Many Canadian blame immigrants for making our cities unsafe. The data tells a different story



portrait of women with waterdrops on either side

The Price of Being Pretty

BY TÉA MUTONJI
Growing up, my friends and I thought being beautiful would make our lives easier. But beauty only made things more difficult



Illustration of chaotic shared office space

Why It’s so Hard to Actually Work in Shared Offices

BY NICHOLAS HUNE-BROWN
WeWork offers freelancers a chic workspace and beer on tap—but are people productive?



Woman standing in front of mirror

The Power of Montreal’s Thriving Deaf Community

BY LINDA BESNER
How building ties to the deaf community changed one Quebec teenager’s life


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The Walrus Staff