This month, UBC Arts faculty and programs were featured in outlets including The New Yorker, CTV News, The Conversation, and CBC. Their expertise informed stories on B.C. politics, Indigenous education, AI and democracy, and the cultural forces shaping everything from Chinese cinema to the way we understand shame and well-being.
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
10 epic Vancouver concerts to look forward to this fall
The Chan Shun Concert Hall at UBC was featured as a venue for an upcoming Disney-themed matinee concert.
Daily Hive
Critical Indigenous Studies
5 ways teachers can respond to residential school denialism in the classroom
Dr. Daniel Heath Justice’s framework for identifying denialist rhetorical strategies was cited in guidance for teachers responding to residential school denialism.
The Conversation
Department of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies
PhD student Caroline Barnes was quoted as a co-author and expert on the discovery and dating of 23 Bronze Age ship carvings at the Kition Kathari temple in Cyprus.
Archaeology
Department of Anthropology
Nepal could show the world how to recover sustainably from a major disaster
Dr. Sara Shneiderman co-authored a piece on community-centred approaches to sustainable disaster recovery in Nepal, drawing on research from post-earthquake reconstruction.
UBC News
Department of Asian Studies
More Chinese films fill TIFF theaters as Canada-China ties warm
Dr. Christopher Rea discussed the growing international appeal of Chinese-language cinema and its increasing presence at TIFF.
Reuters
Department of Geography
Opinion: Voting at Vancouver city council: A puzzle, a vexing puzzle
Dr. David Ley examined Vancouver city council’s approach to housing density and its implications for affordability.
Vancouver Sun
Department of Linguistics
Adults spend one day a year talking like pirates, and science says that is not a bad thing
Dr. Molly Babel discussed the West Country dialect that helped shape the stereotypical pirate accent.
Norfolk Daily News
Department of Political Science
How B.C. Conservatives went from 44 seats to a party in turmoil
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed the B.C. Conservatives’ internal divisions, leadership challenges, and electoral prospects.
CTV News
Kerry-Lynne Findlay buckles under pressure, resigns as B.C. Conservative leader
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed the B.C. Conservatives’ internal divisions following Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s resignation.
The Province
Municipal Election 2026: 5 races to watch, plus Metro Vancouver on the ballot
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed voter frustration with institutional costs and local political dynamics ahead of the municipal election.
Vancouver Sun
Canada eyes Europe as it seeks to diversify
Dr. Kurt Huebner discussed the political significance of Canada strengthening its relationship with Europe.
China Daily
Is Canada’s future European?
Dr. Kurt Huebner discussed Canada’s relationship with the European Union and the possibility of closer ties.
CityNews Toronto
B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigns amid party rupture
Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the B.C. Conservatives’ internal divisions following Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s resignation.
National Post
‘Partisan’ police? Union that endorsed Ken Sim in 2022 launches new campaign
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed democratic norms and the role of police unions in municipal politics.
Daily Hive
Vancouver Police Union won’t endorse a mayoral candidate this municipal election
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed democratic accountability and the role of police unions in municipal politics.
CTV News
Caucus ‘fractured mess’ as Poilievre gathers Conservatives in B.C.: source
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed divisions within the federal Conservative caucus in B.C.
CP24 News
Voters in Abbotsford-Mission could play outsized role in future of B.C. politics
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed the Abbotsford-Mission by-election and its implications for B.C. politics.
Vancouver Sun
2 candidates in Vancouver mayoral race risk splitting progressive vote, prof says
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed the potential implications of multiple candidates competing for similar voters in Vancouver’s mayoral race.
CBC News
The big B.C. reshuffle continues ahead of snap election
Dr. Stewart Prest commented on B.C. Conservative and CentreBC reshuffling ahead of the Oct. 24 snap election, including party dynamics and Andrew Weaver’s electoral prospects.
The Globe and Mail
‘Trump style’ or ‘progressive ideas’? Both sides rush to redefine B.C. Conservatives
Dr. Stewart Prest was quoted on the framing of B.C. Conservative party identity ahead of the Oct. 24 provincial election, including party dynamics and electoral strategy.
Times Colonist
As Eby calls early election to fight Trump, B.C. voters ask: Why now?
Dr. Kathryn Harrison commented on the electoral risks of early election calls for governing parties following Premier David Eby’s decision to call a snap election.
CTV News
Snap B.C. election constitutional but ‘dodgy’ with interim opposition leader: experts
Dr. Stewart Prest commented on parliamentary conventions, party dynamics and the constitutional and ethical dimensions of B.C.’s snap election call.
Vancouver Is Awesome
Trump, elbows up and why nationalism needs nuance
Dr. Maxwell Cameron discussed Canadian nationalism, the influence of Donald Trump and the need for nuance in political discourse. The Tyee
B.C. Conservatives and CentreBC ‘working hard’ towards forming coalition: Lorne Doerkson
Dr. Stewart Prest and Hugh Chan commented on coalition talks between the B.C. Conservatives and CentreBC amid the NDP’s snap election call. Vancouver Sun
Department of Psychology
How the absence of shame weakens democracy
Dr. Jessica Tracy discussed the role of shame as a social norm regulator and the limitations of public shaming on social media.
The New Yorker (paywall)
Can being happier help us save the planet?
Dr. Elizabeth Dunn discussed whether happier choices can support climate action in a podcast exploring the relationship between well-being and environmental behaviour.
The Globe and Mail
Department of Theatre and Film
UBC film alum’s The Second Set reveals Naomi Osaka’s next chapter
UBC Film alumna Kat Jayme discussed her feature documentary Naomi Osaka: The Second Set and its focus on motherhood.
The Ubyssey
Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice
‘Heated Rivalry’ triggered a panic attack for a former gay hockey player. A new book explains why
Dr. J.P. Catungal discussed the academic study of Heated Rivalry and its social themes.
Toronto Star
Museum of Anthropology
The ultimate guide to spending a day in downtown Vancouver like a local
The Museum of Anthropology was highlighted as a destination for Indigenous arts and culture.
Daily Hive
School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
Viral mayoral campaign ad about disabled sex exposes AI’s hazards for politics
Dr. Heidi Tworek discussed the risks AI-generated content poses to digital democracy and political communication.
Canada’s National Observer (paywall)
Vancouver School of Economics
Canadians are happier than they’ve been in years, poll finds
Dr. John F. Helliwell was recognized for his foundational research on measuring happiness and well-being.
National Post
