January 2001
New Centre for Studies in Risk and Regulation Launched
In November 2000, The Fraser Institute launched a new Centre for Studies in Risk and Regulation. Over 300 people attended the inaugural luncheon in Toronto where ABC news correspondent John Stossel spoke on how the media ceaselessly hypes unrealistic fears and why readers and viewers fall for it.
The aim of the Fraser Institute's new Centre is to educate Canadian citizens and policy makers about the science and economics behind risk controversies. As incomes and living standards have increased, tolerance for the risks associated with everyday activities has decreased.
While this decreased tolerance for risk is not in and of itself undesirable, it has made us susceptible to unsound science. Concern over smaller and smaller risks in society, both real and imagined, has led us to demand more regulation without taking account of the costs—including forgone opportunities to reduce more threatening risks. If the costs of policies intended to reduce risks are not accounted for, there is a danger that well-intentioned policies will actually reduce public well-being. To promote more rational decision making, the Centre for Studies in Risk and Regulation will focus on sound science and consider the costs as well as the benefits of policies intended to protect Canadians.
 John Stossel discusses risk with journalism students from Humber College. |
 Laura Jones, Fraser Institute Director of the Centre for Studies in Risk and Regulation, introduces guest speaker ABC 20/20 Correspondent John Stossel at the Risk and Regulation Centre’s inaugural luncheon. |
 John Stossel at the podium during his speech "Pandering to Fear: The Media's Crisis Mentality," in Toronto on November 21. The text of his speech, along with the question and answer session, is reprinted in this issue of Fraser Forum. |
 John Stossel speaks with Financial Post Editor Terrence Corcoran at the Risk and Regulation Centre’s inaugural luncheon held in Toronto on November 21, 2000. |
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