Why we made this.

The way we discuss public policy is changing. The internet has made information accessible; social media has made conversation easy. This has had mixed results.

On the one hand, previously silenced minority groups have found a virtual space to meet and discuss ideas. Some of those ideas have taken root, growing into memes and videos, and becoming mainstream. At the same time, those algorithms, which facilitate information sharing, only reinforce what people want to see. What we end up with is an extremely polarized public discourse.

The ethos of this blog is, fundamentally, anti-algorithmic. In other words, our goal is to showcase well-researched pieces that are for and against contemporary public policy. Some opinions may reflect your own, and some may not: the point is that you, not the computer, must decide what you think.

Here at YYC Policy, we encourage disagreement, because only disagreement has the power to fuel debate, and debating is how we learn. As such, this blog will tackle two contemporary issues: first, that technology has made everything available, including poorly researched articles and opinions; second, that politics has become a game of avoidance, where opponents either reinforce one another’s opinions, or dismiss one another entirely. Our goal is to ignite respectful debates on the issues of the day; should you disagree with any of our articles, we challenge you to rebut with equally thoughtful, well-researched submissions.

Our writers come from a variety of backgrounds, both political and academic. As Master of Public Policy students, we believe it is our duty to engage with the public on important policy issues. Taking inspiration from the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, we specialize in the following areas: energy and environmental policy; fiscal and economic policy; international policy and trade; and social and health policy. We have added big data and privacy policy as a fifth research area, because we feel that privacy is of growing public interest and concern. We expect that these topics will evolve and expand over time.

Our hope is that YYC Policy won’t devolve into an echo chamber, but instead, that it will provide a safe space for dissension and expression. As founding editors, we expect to disagree from time-to-time, and to challenge one other. We hope you’ll do the same!

Happy reading,