The holiday season is upon us and there is no denying that inflation, unemployment rates, a nation-wide housing crisis and more have had significant impacts on many and will continue to affect the lives of Canadians going into the new year. Dalhousie’s faculty experts can speak to topical issues that may be of interest to your audiences during this time of year. 

On-going conflict in Palestine and Ukraine
As the world bears witness to on-going warfare in countries around the world, in particular the Israel-Hamas and the Russia-Ukraine wars, Dr. Robert Huish, Associate Professor in the Department of International Development Studies, can provide a look back at these conflicts, discuss their current state, and what may come, as well as discussing the roll the global community can play in addressing these horrific events.    

Political happenings - A look back at the year that was, and forward to what’s coming in Canadian politics
The world of Canadian politics has been anything but dull this past year. Dr. Lori Turnbull, Director for the School of Public Administration, can provide a look back at the major political happenings of 2023, and what to expect from federal and provincial leaders as we move into the new year. 

The state of the economy 
Dr. Lars Osberg, Professor in Dalhousie’s Department of Economics can provide a look back on the country’s economic state and a glimpse ahead at what we can anticipate as we move into the new year – in particular, the implications for the country and for Canadians if unemployment continues to rise.                    

Supporting the homeless during the festive season and winter months
The holiday season is often a time when people take stock of their blessings and look for ways to give back to their community. In the face of a major Canadian-wide housing crisis, people now more than ever, are looking for ways to support those who are experiencing homelessness. Dr. Jeff Karabanow, Associate Director and Professor in Dalhousie School of Social Work can provide tangible suggestions on how people can support those experiencing homelessness this winter season and beyond. 

Resilience during the holidays and beyond
This year has brought many challenges including wildfires, inflation, horrific wars, a nation-wide housing crisis, devastating floods, and more. As a result of these cumulative crisis, some people are reaching a breaking point. Dr. Vincent Agyapong, Professor in Dal’s Department of Psychiatry can speak to the concept of resilience and strategies for people to take into the holiday season and new year for dealing cumulative life stressors. 

How to be kind to yourself as you embark on a “new you” this New Years
The new year marks a time when people reflect on the past and set goals for how they will “better themselves” in the coming year. Many people set New Year’s resolutions to get healthier, be kinder, give more, lose weight etc., but are these resolutions realistic and/or healthy? Clinical psychologist and perfectionism expert, Dr. Simon Sherry can discuss creating a more compassionate approach to creating New Year’s resolutions. 

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
For many, hanging stockings by the chimney with care is just a line in a classic Christmas story. For others, the stockings must actually be hung perfectly, the tree trimmed to emulate a scene from a Hallmark movie, and the gifts wrapped to Martha Stewart standards. Dr. Simon Sherry can also provide perspective how to manage and set healthy expectations for the holidays. He can also discuss how to relieve the pressure on oneself to host “perfect” holiday festivities in the face of inflation and strained household finances.

Gift the gift of dental hygiene
Sweet treats, fizzy drinks, and red wine are holiday favourites. But they can take a toll on our teeth. Help could literally be in your hand: an electric toothbrush. It removes more plaque and stains than a regular toothbrush and helps to fight gum disease - plus it does all the work for you. Larger handles are easier for people with arthritis to hold and children’s toothbrushes often have special features that encourage regular – and thorough - brushing. It’s a great gift for everyone on your list. Andrea Hare, a registered dental hygienist and a faculty member in the Faculty of Dentistry at Dalhousie University, can speak about why electric toothbrushes are an effective tool for keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy, and explain why they are particularly helpful for children and the elderly. 

Please contact Cheryl Bell at 902.266.9403 or cheryl.bell@dal.ca if you would like an interview with Andrea Hare.

Note: Interviews will be accommodated based on the faculty members availability.