Truths 2020
Famous Canadians on beliefs they held that were upended by 2020
Maclean’s asked notable Canadians what this crazy, awful year proved wrong
2020 was the year that changed everything
The pandemic, political upheaval and an economic crisis have exploded truths and ideas that mere months ago seemed so fundamental they were beyond question
14 things we thought were true before 2020
Democracy is our destiny? Not sure about that anymore. Rich countries can overcome? Doesn’t seem like it. In a crisis, leaders will lead? If you’re lucky. All the ‘truths’ 2020 has called into question.
This year has taught us that democracy is not unshakeable
The worst system except for all the others has been under attack for years. Trump just made us notice.
The future is virtual? Nope.
The pandemic has made it clear in more ways than we would have thought to count: you actually need to be there
Before 2020, we believed that in a crisis, leaders will lead. We were wrong.
The job description is right in their title, but too many simply failed to show up for work
2020 proved that women’s hard-earned place in the workforce is shakier than we thought
The economic crisis spurred by the pandemic has unveiled inequalities and obstacles once thought a thing of the past for women, begging the question: Have women really secured their foothold in the job market?
The pandemic has proven that the individual is not supreme
Our decades-long love affair with rugged independence has suddenly fallen away as populations throughout the democratic world surrendered individual liberties for the sake of the collective
This year has proven that the stock market has no bearing on our grim economic reality
Long treated as a key economic indicator by many, it is now completely detached from how the economy is actually doing. (Which is badly.)
This year has shown us that we have what it takes to stop climate change
After decades of planet-threatening growth, emissions fell off a cliff. Environmentalists sense a turning point.
The year of the pandemic has busted the myth that Canada values its seniors
Decades of promises to improve the quality of life of elderly Canadians have gone unfulfilled. The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the ugly truth.
Only in 2020 would running errands be the most exciting thing you do all week
Rushing out to get milk was once the height of tedium. Today, it’s an anxiety-inducing thrill ride.