The Bell Bids Farewell: We Choose to Embrace Hope

Editors’ Special: The world stands at an inflection point, encountering unprecedented challenges. The remedy? Strong, effective, and people-centered public policies.

By Aftab Ahmed and Gianna Formica

THE ECHOES OF THE FINAL BELL reverberate through the halls of the Max Bell School, signaling the end of an academic year filled with growth and learning. In just a couple of weeks, students will be submitting their final assignments and embarking on new journeys filled with knowledge gained from the past academic year. As we approach this closing chapter, it is a time for introspection for the graduating cohort as we step into a world brimming with policy challenges.

As editors of the Bell, we have had a front-row seat in understanding the policy interests of our peers. Hailing from over 10 countries, the diverse student body has penned 40 compelling articles. Our commitment to fostering dialogue has come to fruition, with the Bell delivering weekly publications since September 2022. From analyzing the political ecosystems of Ukraine, Peru, India, and Brazil to shedding light on the plight of displaced populations like the Rohingyas and migrants in Calais and Dunkirk, our discussions have been both enlightening and impactful.

The Bell has posed important questions about policy reforms, delving into science and technology, the public media ecosystem, and Canada’s drug crisis. We have explored mental health, transportation, and the performance of the Liberal government, while also bringing attention to societal challenges such as Antisemitism and Islamophobia. With over 60 percent of our cohort getting their works published, the Bell has acted as a platform for students to articulate their visions for a better world.

During our time at the Max Bell School, two pressing issues have emerged as catalysts for change: Canada’s escalating housing crisis and the uncertain state of healthcare. They are obstacles to progress. But, they demand immediate, concerted, and evidence-based policy action. 

The urgency of the housing crisis cannot be ignored. Skyrocketing housing prices, outpacing income growth, have placed homeownership beyond the reach of many Canadians. The data underscores the gravity of the situation. This crisis not only displaces communities but also widens the wealth gap, hindering socio-economic progress. Drawing definitive conclusions on the future of the housing market remains premature — but let’s just say that the signs are not positive. 

As we’ve learned over the past year, addressing this crisis necessitates a national approach. There is no way around it. By reshaping housing sector regulations, fairness can be established in the market. Policies aimed at curbing excessive profits and imposing higher taxes on multiple home purchases could create opportunities for first-time buyers. Additionally, simplifying the complex local zoning and permitting systems that impede construction can stimulate the supply of affordable housing, fostering thriving communities accessible to all Canadians.

The uncertain state of healthcare also demands attention. Despite substantial investments, Canada's healthcare system, comprising 14 different health insurance plans across provinces and territories, falls short of delivering consistent and comprehensive coverage. Collaboration among federal, provincial, and territorial governments can serve as a springboard for change, prioritizing patient well-being. The unity demonstrated by healthcare professionals during the pandemic should serve as inspiration for Canada’s political landscape. Canada’s eyes are fixed at its elected leaders, and the days of accepting the jurisdictional blame game are over.

On a global scale, democratic governance has faced barriers in recent years. Yet, even in the midst of darkness, hope persists. Though freedom has contracted globally for the 17th consecutive year, the margins are narrowing. Autocratic regimes may have wielded power, igniting conflicts and destabilizing governments, but their grip remains far from absolute. Even seemingly invincible regimes in Moscow and Beijing grapple with the consequences of corruption and an excessive focus on political control. The power of collective action was evident when Ukrainians resisted Russian aggression, drawing strength from global democratic solidarity.

However, we must confront the harsh reality. Freedom of expression, a cornerstone of any thriving democracy, remains under siege. Over the past 17 years, the number of countries with a zero score for media freedom has surged from 14 to 33. Journalists find themselves on the frontlines, enduring autocratic wrath while facing inadequate protection even in some democracies.

Despite these challenges, the fight for freedom persists. Since Freedom House's inaugural global survey in 1973, the number of "free" countries has risen from 44 out of 148 to 84 out of 195 today. Although democratization faces obstacles, people worldwide continue to defend their rights against authoritarian advances. 

These struggles exhibit that democracy and freedom are not a fleeting sprint: they are an enduring marathon. Amidst the challenges that often shroud our world in despair, it is important to remember our resilience. We have weathered the storm of a global pandemic, emerging stronger with each trial. We must brace ourselves for a journey, recognizing that the thirst for freedom in Iran, China, Pakistan, Ukraine, and other countries is unquenchable, and that no setback is insurmountable. Our support for human rights defenders, commitment to shared democratic values, and solidarity among democratic societies will serve as guiding stars toward a world where freedom is universal. The secret ingredient? Effective public policies. 

With conviction, we recognize that the future lies in the capable hands of the upcoming generation. Our diligent students, fueled by a passion for progress, hold the promise of a better tomorrow. We extend heartfelt appreciation to the Bell Team and our readers, finding solace in the knowledge that a dynamic group of young individuals stands ready to ignite meaningful change. May this awareness inspire us as we embark on what lies ahead. 

Aftab Ahmed is a Master of Public Policy candidate with the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University, where he is the editor-in-chief of the policy newsletter The Bell. Aftab is a freelance columnist for the Bangladeshi English-language newspapers, The Daily Star and Dhaka Tribune — and his interests lie in global affairs, international relations, and political trends in the Indo-Pacific. 

Gianna Formica is a Master of Public Policy Candidate with the Max Bell School at McGill University, where she is editor-in-chief of the The Bell newsletter. Her interests lie in global affairs and political communications.