Kevin Quigley on how COVID-19 seized markets, media and special interest groups
May 14, 2025
auto_awesome
Kevin Quigley, Director of the MacEachen Institute and author of 'Seized by Uncertainty,' delves into the complexities of Canada’s pandemic response. He analyzes how legal frameworks and public opinion swayed governmental decisions during COVID-19. The discussion reveals how media coverage impacted public perception, especially concerning high death rates and youth issues. Quigley also highlights economic disparities faced by small businesses versus large corporations, and the unique challenges within the fragmented trucking industry amid the crisis.
Canada's COVID-19 response illustrated institutional inertia and a narrow focus on containment, neglecting broader societal impacts such as mental health and economic repercussions.
The uneven pandemic impact showcased how large corporations benefited at the expense of smaller businesses and vulnerable populations, emphasizing the influence of lobbying in policy outcomes.
Deep dives
Canada's Response to COVID-19
Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been critiqued for being limited and characterized by institutional inertia, which could hinder learning from past mistakes. The analysis presented emphasizes that the government's approach included rational and irrational reactions, influenced by various factors such as public opinion, legal contexts, and media representation. The authors argue that the actions taken were often narrowly focused, primarily on containment and its immediate effects, without considering the broader interdependencies and cascading impacts on society. This narrow focus potentially overlooked significant dimensions of the crisis, such as mental health and economic repercussions, suggesting that a more comprehensive and adaptive strategy was necessary.
Role of Science and Risk Management
The podcast discusses the complex relationship between science, uncertainty, and public policy during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges in accessing meaningful data in real-time. While there was an abundance of data available globally, interpreting it effectively to guide decision-making proved difficult, leading to precautionary strategies that may have been overly restrictive and costly. Moreover, the importance of clearly communicating the limits of scientific knowledge and the inherent uncertainties associated with pandemic metrics is underscored. This communication is crucial, as people must understand that while science informs policies, its limitations can lead to heightened anxiety and suboptimal responses.
Market Dynamics and Special Interests
The podcast examines the uneven impact of the pandemic on various sectors, with large companies benefiting significantly while smaller businesses and vulnerable populations faced dire consequences. The pharmaceutical and insurance industries, for example, gained both financially and in reputation, while tourism—reliant on low-income workers—suffered the highest unemployment rates. Special interests, particularly those with strong lobbying capacities, were able to navigate the political landscape to secure support, highlighting disparities in who was prioritized during the crisis. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes the fragmented nature of industries like trucking that lacked organized representation, leading to unequal acknowledgment of their struggles compared to larger corporations.
The news cycle never slows down and neither does Hub Hits.
Each day we provide you with quick hits on topical stories, big issues and important voices appearing in The Hub.
This episode features Kevin Quigley, director of the MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance and a professor in the Department of Public and International Affairs at Dalhousie University.
This special edition of Hub Hits is made possible by The Donner Canadian Foundation.
The Hub is Canada’s fastest growing independent digital news outlet.
Subscribe to The Hub’s podcast feed to get all our best content:
https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple)
https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify)
Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada
Want more Hub? Get a FREE 3-month trial membership on us: https://thehub.ca/free-trial/
Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en
Credits:
Elia Gross- Producer & Editor
Alisha Rao – Production Assistant
Harrison Lowman - Host
To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts email support@thehub.ca
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
