Posts by Janet Newbury

Janet Newbury

About Janet Newbury

Janet Newbury teaches and does research in the School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria. Her post-doctoral research was around community-based approaches to economic and social development and focused largely in her home community of Powell River, BC. She centers her research and practice around intergenerational and intercultural civic engagement.

The “new vision” is not so new: Let’s act on it

Oct 8, 2015
David Suzuki recently asserted that we have failed “to imagine a better way” than our current economic paradigm. I agree: We have to start identifying ourselves as citizens, not consumers. Suzuki presents a compelling case that illustrates how letting go of our addiction to an economic model that relies on growth will actually enrich our… View Article

How public services strengthen the economy

Sep 22, 2014
With teachers and students now going back to school, much of the province seems to be breathing a sigh of relief. But I’m not convinced we’ve made any substantial ground when it comes to understanding the important role education and other public services play towards both social and economic wellbeing in this province. The Premier’s… View Article

Upcoming Municipal Elections: Business as Usual?

Mar 27, 2014
With municipal elections on the horizon in British Columbia, it is worth paying attention to the nature of political discourse in this province – and considering its implications and alternatives. Increasingly, business parlance is finding its way into what still holds the pretence of being a democratic institution.  As with our most recent provincial election,… View Article

Powell River citizens talk forestry: democracy in action

Apr 2, 2013
With a provincial election just around the corner and municipal elections to follow shortly thereafter for many BC communities, this is a good time for us as citizens to think about how we can be more engaged in the decisions and policies that affect our communities. When it comes to the democratic process, voting is… View Article