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Wicked Easy
2026-2027
The term ‘wicked problem’ is used in policy contexts to refer to vexing challenges, where information is complex, there are conflicting values and interests, and the ramifications are confusing. They can lead to political and public apathy and, often, failures to address the problem.
This Think Tank project will explore easy solutions to so-called wicked problems. ‘Easy’ is not mean to be equated with simple or straightforward; rather, it connotes a solution that can be implemented, can be justified and/or is effective. For example, consider the wicked problem of alcohol – Canada’s most dangerous drug. An easy solution is the implementation of warning labels – a solution that is already used for similar products (e.g., cannabis) and that is currently required under product liability law. An easy problem is something feasible, justified, effective and/or transportable. Reframing solutions as easy will help to change the narrative about how to address the problem. We focus primarily on the legal, ethical, and policy dimensions of the solutions.
The Think Tank will have three aims:
- To use alcohol warning labels, a project led by members Shelley & Collins as a case study to ground the discussion and evolution of
- the Wicked Easy Framework, which will be
- applied to three case studies identified by the team. This work will explore the impact of focusing on wicked easy solutions and how this reframing may advance policy and advocacy efforts.
Co-PI: Jacob Shelley, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law
Co-PI: Nicole Fice, Assistant Professor, School of Health Studies
Team members:
- Max Smith, Assistant Professor, School of Health Studies
- Dan Lizotte, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics
- Anthony Skelton, Professor, Department of Philosophy
- Jasmine Gunkel, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy
- Eric Collins, School of Health Studies
- Katelyn Esmonde, School of Kinesiology
- Daniel Wyzynski, Graduate student, Faculty of Health Sciences
- Kurt Tulsieram, Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Law
Trainees:
- Silas Buowe, PhD student, Faculty of Law
- Kayla Gauthier, PhD student, Faculty of Health Sciences
- Asghar Hussain Khan, Undergraduate student, Faculty of Health Sciences