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Maclean’s Top 10 Essays on How to Fix Canada

Canada’s smartest thinkers propose radical solutions to the country’s biggest problems

Could spongifying our cities be a solution to climate change–induced flooding? Would a four-day workweek cure burnout and improve productivity? And how about grape anti-freeze to save B.C.’s wine crops? These are just some of the surprising, often brilliant solutions to the country’s biggest problems, proposed by Canada’s top scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers, authors and professors. Here, our top 10 big ideas of 2024.


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NO. 10

Investing in “Sponge Cities” Can Mitigate the Toll of Climate Change

Serious flooding is in our future—here’s one way we can take it on
Usman T. Khan
MACLEANS_DECEMBER 2024_BIG IDEA_GREEN LIGHT CONGESTION PRICING_BY PETE RYAN
NO. 9

How to Fix Canada’s Traffic Problem

Canadians are stuck in gridlock. Congestion tolls would get things moving.
by reece martin
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NO. 8

The Case For the Four-Day Workweek

Canada is facing a national productivity crisis. One counterintuitive solution? Give workers more time off.
By Joe O'Connor
JUNE 2024_BIG IDEA_REFUGEE RECEPTION CENTRES_ILLUSTRATION BY PETE RYAN
NO. 7

The Case For Refugee Reception Centres

Asylum seekers are arriving in Canada in record numbers, sleeping in shelters, churches and sometimes on the street. Reception centres are a more humane approach. 
BY LOLY RICO
SEPTEMBER 2024_LOG OFF TO FIND LOVE_BY PETE RYAN
NO. 6

Online Dating is Out. Real-Life Romance is In.

Apps have gamified meeting and mating. Canadians should log off to find love.
BY TREENA ORCHARD

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A photo of a Pakistani man in a suit and tie
NO. 5

Neurochips Will Fix Our Brains

I invented the world’s first brain chip. It can cure epilepsy, dementia, chronic pain and addiction—if Canada is ready to invest.
Naweed Syed
An illustration of a grey safe with stacks of bills inside
NO. 4

How Open Banking Can Fix Canada’s Financial Security Issue

Canada’s risk-averse banking system is full of potential dangers for customers. A simple security update would change everything. 
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NO. 3

How to Rescue Canada’s Wine Supply

Extreme weather is killing Canada’s grapes. A new Saskatchewan-made spray could save the day.
BY SUE ABRAMS
JULY 2024_Big Idea_Carbon Capture_Phil de Luna_ILLUSTRATION BY PETE RYAN
NO. 2

Capture Carbon From the Air

Companies need to stop their emissions from polluting the skies. Direct air capture can help absorb what’s already up there.
BY PHIL DE LUNA
A picture of a smiling woman beside a stethoscope, with a wire that looks like a dollar sign
NO. 1

Pay Family Doctors Differently

B.C. rolled out the Longitudinal Family Physician payment model and gained 700 new family doctors
Renee Fernandez
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