theglobeandmail.com
Donner Prize Awarded for Book Analyzing Canada's COVID-19 Response
Four authors shared the 2024 $60,000 Donner Prize for their book "Seized By Uncertainty," which analyzes Canada's COVID-19 response, highlighting institutional inertia hindering effective learning from the crisis; the book was chosen from over 80 submissions.
- What are the key findings of "Seized By Uncertainty" regarding Canada's COVID-19 response, and what are their immediate implications for future crisis management?
- Four authors—Kevin Quigley, Kaitlynne Lowe, Sarah Moore, and Brianna Wolfe—won the $60,000 2024 Donner Prize for their book "Seized By Uncertainty." The book analyzes Canada's COVID-19 response, highlighting institutional inertia hindering effective learning from the crisis. The award was announced at a Toronto gala.
- How did the real-time research approach of "Seized By Uncertainty" contribute to its insights, and what are the broader implications for public policy research during crises?
- Seized By Uncertainty," published by McGill-Queen's University Press, resulted from real-time research starting in March 2020. Much of the research was initially presented in briefing notes from the MacEachen Institute. The book's findings highlight systemic issues in policymaking and implementation during crises.
- What specific systemic changes are needed to address the institutional inertia identified in "Seized By Uncertainty," and how can these changes be implemented to improve Canada's preparedness for future public health emergencies?
- The Donner Prize jury's critique of institutional inertia preventing lessons learned from the pandemic underscores a crucial need for systemic reform in Canada's crisis response mechanisms. Future research should focus on developing proactive strategies to overcome these limitations and improve preparedness for future crises.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the success and significance of the winning book, "Seized By Uncertainty." The headline and opening sentences immediately highlight the win and the authors, setting a positive tone and focusing attention on this particular book. The detailed description of the book and its authors, coupled with the jury's praise, further reinforces this positive framing. Less attention is given to the other nominated books.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Words like "praised," "winning," and "significant" carry a positive connotation, but this is in line with reporting on an award ceremony. There is no obviously loaded or biased language.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the winners of the Donner Prize and provides limited detail on the other shortlisted books. While mentioning their titles, it omits any substantive analysis of their content or merit, potentially creating an incomplete picture of the overall competition and the range of public policy issues addressed.
Sustainable Development Goals
The book analyzes Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to a better understanding of crisis management and policy implementation. This analysis can inform future pandemic preparedness and response strategies, ultimately improving public health outcomes. The research was conducted in real time during the pandemic, offering valuable insights into the challenges and successes of the Canadian response.