The McMaster Policy Exchange Roundtable brought together academia, government and community leaders to share insights and sparks of action on issues of misinformation and polarization in politics and healthcare.
The new event at McMaster brought together policy and decision makers, academics, subject experts and community stakeholders to share ideas and shape evidence-based public policy.
The first policy exchange roundtable was hosted through the McMaster Policy Exchange Initiative.
Vice President of Research, led by Sukhvinder Obhi, this exchange of research (society and impact) combines key experts with diverse disciplinary and empirical backgrounds to address key social challenges and generates insights for policymakers.
The event was designed to spark discussion about some of the biggest challenges of our time, says Obi: issues like trust, misinformation and polarization in Canadian politics and healthcare.
“As our political and social landscapes continue to evolve, it is important to identify new ways to tackle public policies that advance a more informed and healthy world for all,” says Obi.
“We were excited to showcase how experts can mobilize research to influence positive policy changes and provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration with academic, government, industry and community partners.”
Vass Bednar, executive director of McMaster’s Master of Public Policy Program, set the stage for his first panel discussion. Bednar is a public policy entrepreneur who works at the intersection of technology and policy, and has explored how practices such as Shrinkflation, Green Washing and False Advertising mislead and misuse consumers.
The panelists considered how misinformation and misinformation could affect citizens’ trust in public agencies and officials. Particularly due to the rise of digital technologies and social media platforms that allow for rapid spread of misinformation and increased polarization.
Keynote speaker Timothy Caulfield built on this argument and traced the history of misinformation in the public sector from the 20th century to the present day.
Caulfield is a professor in the Faculty of Law and is also the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Alberta. He is also the research director at the Institute of Health Law.
His research focuses on topics such as stem cells, genetics, research ethics, and public expressions of science and health policy.
The second panel discussion examined healthcare trust and false information.
The panelists spoke about how misinformation affects the way patients interact with health systems and health professionals, highlighting the importance of involving patient perspectives in health research and policy reform.
John Lavis, director of the McMaster Health Forum, summarizing key points from the day, highlighting the value of evidence-based, empirical research and the joint development of strategies with historically marginalized groups.
Over 100 policy innovators participated in the event. This provided opportunities for intensive discussion and a valuable exchange of perspectives and ideas that could lead to real change, Obhi said.
“We thank the policy exchange team on trust, misinformation and polarization in Canadian society, and all those who joined us to share their work, create new connections and continue to drive positive policy change,” he said.
“This roundtable was the first of its kind. We look forward to exploring a variety of strategic themes in the future, expanding policy engagement and impacting activities across the territory.”
For more information about McMaster Policy Exchange, click here.
