Newsroom

April 13, 2024

MacEachen Institute researchers to study impact of agriculture incentives on climate, health

Halifax, N.S. – Drs. Talan Iscan and Kathleen Kevany of Dalhousie University have joined the MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance as Project Leads. At the Institute, they will lead a project that will inform recommendations for policymakers in the agricultural sector that will support the sector in meeting Canada’s climate goals and the nutritional needs of Canadians.

“Despite evidence of the environmental and health benefits of plant-based agriculture, we are not seeing financial incentives and subsidies that support more production of plant-based foods,” says Dr. Talan Iscan, a professor in Dalhousie’s Department of Economics. “This will be imperative to combat both the harmful effects of climate change and high levels of diet-related illnesses in Canadians.” 

“Agricultural support programs fall short in encouraging the production of plant-based foods at the scale needed to provide Canadians with healthy and affordable choices,” says Dr. Kathleen Kevany, a professor in the Department of Business & Social Sciences in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture. “This research will develop policy recommendations intended to reduce the sector’s climate impact and to encourage healthy diets as part of a sustainable transition for agriculture producers.”

As Project Leads, Drs. Iscan and Kevany will also contribute to the mission of the MacEachen Institute by engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders, organizing policy roundtables and panels, and mentoring young scholars. 

“We are thrilled that Drs. Iscan and Kevany will be continuing their important work at the MacEachen Institute, and are grateful to Dalhousie’s Faculties of Science and Agriculture for supporting their appointment as Project Leads. Their timely research will inform policy recommendations to help address critical issues in environmental sustainability and public health,” says Dr. Kevin Quigley, Scholarly Director of the MacEachen Institute.

About the MacEachen Institute: The MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance at Dalhousie University is a nationally focused, non-partisan, interdisciplinary institute designed to support the development of progressive public policy and to encourage greater citizen engagement.

Read more about the project here.

-30-

Media Contact:

Emily Truesdale - Communications Officer, MacEachen Institute

emily.truesdale@dal.ca

Dec. 5, 2023

Dr. Sarah Moore joins the MacEachen Institute as a Project Lead to study health equity for youth with disabilities

Halifax, N.S. – The MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance is thrilled to announce that Dr. Sarah Moore is joining the Institute as a Project Lead. As part of the MacEachen Institute in partnership with Dalhousie’s Faculty of Health, Dr. Moore will lead a new initiative aimed at amplifying the voices of children and youth with disabilities in policy development.

Dr. Moore’s project will see the creation of a youth-led advisory panel of children and youth with disabilities, where researchers will work with participants to collect data related to their overall health, learning potential, happiness, and sense of belonging. These findings will be communicated to government policymakers and other key stakeholders to inform the development of Nova Scotia’s Access by Design 2030 framework.

Existing data does not include a specific focus on the experiences and opinions of children and youth with disabilities. These knowledge gaps prevent them from accessing their protected right to health. The project will amplify the voices of children and youth with disabilities and include them in the development of policies that directly affect their health and wellbeing.

At the Institute, Dr. Moore will contribute to its mission by engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders, organizing policy roundtables and panels, and mentoring young scholars. Dr. Moore’s contributions will be integral in building the Institute’s research capacity in the health policy space.

Quotes

“I am thrilled to be joining the MacEachen Institute as a Project Lead. The goal of this research is to amplify the voices of children and youth with disabilities, and I am grateful that this project will give youth with disabilities the mic to contribute to policy, practice, and research.” Dr. Sarah Moore, School of Health and Human Services, Dalhousie University

“Sarah is an amazing human being who is fully committed to kids with disabilities. I wouldn't have been able to get to enjoy any sports without Coach Sarah, and can’t think of a better person to lead this work at the MacEachen Institute.” Van Bernard, parasport athlete and co-lead of the Youth Advisory Council

“Dr. Moore brings a wealth of passion and experience to this research, and we are looking forward to having her continue her great work at the MacEachen Institute. We are grateful to the Faculty of Health at Dalhousie for facilitating Dr. Moore’s appointment as a Project Lead and supporting this important research." Dr. Kevin Quigley, Scholarly Director of the MacEachen Institute.

Media Contact:

Emily Truesdale - Communications Officer, MacEachen Institute

emily.truesdale@dal.ca