Digital Commons Network^™

Ways In Which Indigenous People’S History In Canada Evince Epistemic Injustice And Resistance, Alisha Jacobs

Major Papers

When it comes to Western academia, Indigenous Peoples around the world have been and continue to be marginalized, especially in terms of representation within the literature. Therefore, this research paper will help remedy this issue by exploring epistemic injustice and the way in which epistemic injustice has and continues to harm Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. It will highlight four different lenses brought forward by Gaile Pohlhaus, Jr. as her framework allows for the representation of many different forms of epistemic injustice, while also acknowledging that no one approach is absolute. Resistance to epistemic injustice by the Indigenous Peoples will be addressed …

To Be Or Not To Be: The Relationship Between Economic Diversity And Unemployment Rates In Canadian Cities During The Covid-19 Induced Shock, Yahaya Alphonse

Major Papers

Regional scholars have broadly studied the role of economic structure in shielding a community from economic shocks. This research has generally involved comparing diversity against specialization. This study compares differences within varying degrees of economic diversity in Canadian cities. Canada has received very little attention in this field despite the importance this knowledge could provide in shaping Canadian economic policy. This paper aims to fill in this gap by analyzing the role economic diversity played in acting as a structural buffer to the COVID-19-induced economic shock. This analysis is done utilizing a Herfindahl Hirschman Index to measure economic diversity and …

Elder Abuse In Canada: Dimensions And Policy Responses, Taylor Marekovic

Major Papers

Elder abuse and neglect continues to be a gray area when it comes to convicting perpetrators such as family, friends, strangers, and caregivers who commit any form of physical, psychological, financial, neglect, or sexual abuse towards an elder. This is due to the legal definition being vague and non-transparent. The legal and health systems rely on two different definitions of what is deemed to be elder abuse and neglect in Canada when reviewing or assessing allegations of such abuse. Elder abuse and neglect increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Ontario and the rest of Canada experienced staffing shortages in …

Housing From A Social Harm Perspective, Addison David Kornel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

From 2019 to 2022 housing prices in Canada surged. This paper investigates the social consequences of rising prices by considering the exceptional example of Windsor, Ontario. Unlike in most Canadian cities, the “Canadian dream” social narrative of timely and reliable homeownership on the back of local labour wages had survived in Windsor until recently. The latest run-up marked a turning point. Qualitative interviews conducted in early 2022 with both successful and unsuccessful homebuyers in Windsor reveal the centrality of homeownership to the life course and social fabric. Participants articulated long-standing economic and sociological concerns that home value spikes drive wealth …

Babes In Arms: An Application Of The Australian Federal Child Care Model To Canada, Nikolas Anthony Prsa

Major Papers

This paper examines the feasibility of implementing the Australian model of federal childcare policy in Canada. A historical institutionalist approach is used to examine this feasibility by means of qualitative and comparative analyses. The distinct policy histories and current measures of both countries are outlined and studied through the course of this paper. Its research finds that, while Australia possesses some similarities in political structure to Canada, their distinct socio-political contexts make much of the former’s model inapplicable to the latter. Canadian federalism’s asymmetry and the political will of its federal units to defend powers conceded to them make it …

Provincial Cannabis Legislation, Regulation, And Licensing: Its Effectiveness And Impacts On Municipalities In Ontario, Rami Farag

Major Papers

The legalization of cannabis has been a controversial topic within the last two decades in many developed states. The legalization brought medicinal benefits, economic opportunity, and a projected decrease in organized crime. It has, however, also prompted new challenges for different levels of government. In Canada, legalization was a federal decision that was then regulated by provincial governments. However, local governments were on the receiving end of both federal and provincial legislation and regulations that often restricted municipal autonomy with respect to cannabis.

This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the legal and regulatory framework of retail cannabis …

How Animal-Assisted Therapy Is Understood And Perceived By Health Care Providers And The General Public In Canada, Healey M. Gardiner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The incorporation of dogs to assist humans with various activities has been documented for centuries. When a dog is included in treatment to meet an individual’s therapeutic goal it is known as Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT). Little is known about how AAT is understood and perceived among healthcare professional and public populations in Canada. Although AAT has increased in popularly, limited research exists regarding its efficacy. Further, variation exists in the understanding and perceptions of AAT among the general pubic and healthcare professionals, possibly due to a lack of awareness of existing operational definitions and distinctions between classifications of “assistance animals.” …

International Humanitarian Law And Artificial Intelligence: A Canadian Perspective, Mahshid Talebian Kiaklayeh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most remarkable achievements in the technology world. AI can be used dually by both civilians and combatants, serving with both beneficial and harmful aims. In the military realm, by empowering military systems to perform most warfare tasks without human involvement, AI developments have changed the capacity of militaries to conduct complex operations with heightened legal implications. Accordingly, it is vital to consider the consequences emanating from its use in military operations. International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the laws of war, or the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), is a set of …

The Continued Prohibition Of Cannabis & Racism At Canada’S Borders, Dara Vosoughi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Canada is one of the few jurisdictions in the world where cannabis for personal and recreational purposes is legal. Prior to October 17th 2018, the possession of any quantity of cannabis was a criminal offence, making individuals vulnerable to onerous criminal sanctions. The legislative act that resulted in the decriminalization and regulation of cannabis was framed as a means of advancing public health goals and reducing inequalities. Those once engaged in low level cannabis activities were no longer subject to criminal sanctions within Canada. However, the criminal status and practices upholding the prohibition of cannabis continues at Canada’s borders and …

The Answer To Poverty: A Universal Basic Income In Canada, Patrick Clark

Major Papers

This paper provides an examination of the persistent issue of poverty within Canada, recognizing the various causes and the previous attempts to solve it, before concluding that the key failure of all prior poverty reduction strategies is a focus on poverty alleviation, rather than poverty eradication. This paper suggests that an alternative method would be to implement a Universal Basic Income, presenting an examination of prior research in the field, comparing it to similar models and addressing the various criticisms that have been raised against it. Finally, this paper utilizes statistics provided by the Canadian government to determine what the …

Regulating Unsheltered People In The Public Library, Bailey Trotti

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis focuses on the library as a public space in relation to unsheltered people. The public library is a historically significant institution in the Western world and one of the few remaining public spaces whose occupants do not need purchasing power for temporary tenancy. For unsheltered people, public libraries may provide important resources they do not possess or cannot otherwise access. Yet, despite the importance of libraries to unsheltered people, public libraries have sought to use policies to closely govern and sometimes exclude them in various ways. Drawing on governmentality, sociology of governance, and related literature, the overarching research …

Examining Environmental Risk Factors And Opportunities For Intervention In The Emergent Literacy Development Of Low-Ses Students In Windsor, Ontario, Beckie Berlasty

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Applying Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory (1979), this study sought to understand environmental risk-factors and the interactions between them that construct emergent literacy development, as well as attitudes towards the literacy learning of low-SES children from disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Windsor, Ontario. Data collection for this qualitative study was conducted in the form of semi-structured interviews, organized and coded according to common themes and concepts for further analysis and interpretation. The perspectives of Early Childhood Educators (ECE) were sought to understand the challenges faced by children from low-SES families in gaining early literacy skills, due to environmental factors, and what implications this …

Animals In Science: Ethical Justifications, Regulatory Frameworks, And Political Recommendations In The Canadian Context, Garett Grittner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Global estimates suggest that more than 100 million non-human animals are used for scientific purposes each year. The nature of the research, teaching, and testing conducted on these animals can be very invasive, painful, and fatal. Should we care? To discontinue these practices in some cases may result in human suffering. Should any human benefits of research, teaching, and testing outweigh the resultant animal suffering? This paper begins with an analysis of some of the most popular theories on the moral status of animals. From this analysis it is argued that mere species membership is not a morally relevant characteristic, …

Exploring The Capacity Of Canadian Intercollegiate Athletics Departments To Engage In Environmentally Sustainable Operations, Mallory Martin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite an increased understanding about the role of sports in environmental sustainability (ES), little is known about the nature of ES operations in Canadian university athletics departments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the organizational capacity of Canadian intercollegiate athletics departments to engage in ES efforts. Hall et al.’s (2003) capacity framework was used to explore the capacity (or lack thereof) to pursue ES operations, identifying the challenges within each capacity dimension (i.e., human resources, financial, infrastructure and process capacity, relationships and networking and planning and development). University athletics department personnel most responsible for sustainability initiatives were invited …

Interracial Marriage In North America: A Case Study Of Interracial Relationships In Chatham-Ontario 1901-1921, Marsaydees Ferrell

Major Papers

This study investigates the practice and frequency of marriages amongst bi-racial couples in Chatham, Ontario between the years of 1901-1921. With the use of census, birth, marriage records, and oral interviews this study both highlights and analyzes the population density and settlement patterns of bi-racial couples settling in the Chatham area. This study emphasizes how external factors affected the population size and settlement patterns of these families. It also finds a gradual shift away from the use of terms indicating mixed-race heritage such as “mulatto” suggesting a hardening of racial lines. This gradual shift reflects power relations in regard to …

Integrating Visual Arts And Music To Help Adult Students Learn English In Canada, Azadeh Eftekhari

Major Papers

Canada has recently seen an influx of newcomers who do not speak either of Canada’s two official languages—English and French—many of whom are adult English additional language learners (EAL). Though there are numerous studies on how to support young EAL learners, there is a dearth of literature on adult EAL learners, which is critical as the two populations have drastically different cognitive processes with respect to language learning. Thus, by analysing a critical literature review, the current study considers how multimodal practices and multiliteracies approaches can support this population. Anti-oppressive practices are likewise applied to identify the barriers that students …

Exploring Equity Issues In Education: A Focus On The Rise Private Tutoring In Canada, Yang Xin

Major Papers

Canada has recently seen an explosion in the tutoring industry, in large part due to four key factors: increased immigration from countries where tutoring is popular, the expansion of tutoring franchises from America, parents’ lack of confidence in Canada’s public education, and an excess number of teaching professionals who struggle to find work in a crowded education field. Though the tutoring industry has helped to stimulate the economy, improve student outcomes, and support the transition of immigrants, international students, and refugees, many have concerns that it will widen an already problematic education gap. Thus, to understand the nuances of this …

The Silver Lining Of Sin: How Ben Johnson And The Dubin Inquiry Resonates With Canadian Olympians Since 1988, Alex Cyr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson tested positive for doping at the 1988 Olympic games, only two Canadian track and field Olympians have failed a drug test. ;2 This study examined how the sanctions imposed on Johnson following his transgression over thirty years ago, as well as the anti-doping policies created in response to Johnson’s positive test, resonated with Canadian track and field athletes and influenced their perspective about doping. Nine (n = 9) Canadian Olympians between the ages of 24 and 55 years (M = 36.67, SD = 9.63) having competed in at least one Olympic games since 1988 were …

Development Finance Institutions As Tools For Foreign Aid Distribution: A Comparative Analysis Of The Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Findev Canada And Deutsche Investitions – Und Entwicklungsgesellschaft, Kamal Mann

Major Papers

An understanding of how foreign aid has changed requires a thorough examination of the efforts taken in aid to address the widening finance gap in development, alongside the often-contested issue of aid effectiveness. This is particularly the case when looking at how aid should be paid for. Yet the question of how to best program and deliver foreign aid remains unanswered.

Aid remains one of the largest aspects of international transfers of resources that occur in the world, as such it is important to study it. The rise of Development Finance Institutions, which are publicly owned, private lending institutions helps …

Councillors Deserve More: An Analysis Of Council Remuneration In Windsor, Chelsea Verna Bonneau

Major Papers

This paper analyzes the salaries of municipal councillors in Windsor, Ontario to determine if they are being paid an appropriate salary for the work they perform and the responsibility they hold. There are three methods used to find this result. First, the salaries of Windsor’s councillors are compared to the average salaries of other part-time workers in Ontario. Second, the average amount of time that councillors spend working on a weekly basis, both in meetings and outside of meetings, is determined. Finally, the salaries of Windsor’s councillors are compared to average salaries of boards of directors, as this is a …

Oil Prices And Economic Growth: Cases Of Canada And Usa, Seth Kwei Etsibah-Tackie

Major Papers

The effects of oil prices on economies has been subjected to a lot of scrutiny since the 1960’s. This study conducts an analysis of the impact of oil price shocks on two oil exporting nations, Canada and USA. The transmission mechanisms of oil price changes to any economy vary from the supply effect to the demand effect. High crude oil prices impact the Canadian economy and USA through a variety of channels, in both positive and negative ways. Ceteris paribus more revenue is made when oil prices increase. In this study, I run an ordinary least square estimation with time …

Stress, Coping, And Religiosity Among Recent Syrian Refugees In Canada, Sara Keshavarzi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As of November 2015, 34 696 Syrian refugees have resettled in Canada (Government of Canada, 2016). Previous studies with refugee populations have found: a) depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder resulting from trauma in their country of origin; and b) problems with discrimination and Islamophobia in new host cultures. Thus, coping strategies have been crucial for refugees to thrive in their new host countries. The current study conducted qualitative interviews with 10 recently arrived Muslim, Arab, Syrian refugees in Windsor, Ontario. The interviews explored participants’ pre- and post-arrival experiences in Syria and Canada. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded …

Undergraduate Teaching Assistants' Conceptions Of Teaching, Betsy Keating

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods exploratory study investigated change in the conceptions of teaching held by undergraduate student teaching assistants (UTAs) at a comprehensive Canadian university. Twenty-nine UTAs working in a large (~1,600) mostly online course were surveyed before and after one 13-week semester. Ten UTAs from the survey group were interviewed early in the semester and again post-semester. The interviews were analysed through three lenses: Stages of Concern (Fuller 1969), a teacher-oriented to learning-oriented spectrum of teaching approaches (Barr & Tagg, 1995; Kember & Kwan, 2000), and a taxonomy of teacher characteristics (Feldman 1989, 2007). Literature on these frameworks was reviewed, as …

“Too Many Boys In My Major”: Exploring The Gendered Experiences Of International Students At Home And Away, Jieyun Zhao

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My main objective in conducting this research study is to explore the gendered experiences of six international undergraduate students in their home countries, and in Canada. Studying as a graduate student in the Faculty of Education focusing on education administration, together with the support from the ISC (International Students Center) administrators, I was able to conduct research in the University X, Ontario, Canada. I used a case study method as my qualitative research strategy, and interview process as my research method. Personal interviews were conducted with each of the six participants, who were all international undergraduate students studying at the …

Exploring The Impact Of Patient Perceptions Of Health Care Provider Cultural Competence On Health-Related Quality Of Life Among An Immigrant Population, Afef Zghal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As immigrants represent a growing proportion of the Canadian population, understanding their health care needs and experiences becomes imperative to facilitate their successful integration into society. This study explores the impact of patient perceptions of healthcare provider cultural competence on health-related quality of life (QOL) and health care satisfaction among an immigrant population in Southwestern Ontario. A sample of 117 new immigrant participants completed a cross-sectional survey which included a demographic questionnaire, the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Cultural Competency (CAHPS-CC) Item Set, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). Stepwise linear regression analyses were …

Exploring Quantitative Timed Up And Go Sensor Data With Statistical Learning Techniques, Anthony Wright

Major Papers

Injuries and hospitalizations due to accidental falls among seniors represent a major expense for the Canadian public health system. It is highly desirable to be able to predict risk of falls for senior individuals in order to place them in prevention programs. Recently, sensor technologies have been used to predict risk of falls and levels of frailty of individuals. A commonly used test for assessing risk of falls is known as QTUG (Quantitative `Timed Up and Go'). The QTUG data often consist of a small set of survey answers about the individuals' historic variables (e.g., number of falls in the …

An Investigation Of Physical Literacy And Moderate To Vigorous Physical Activity In Children Aged 8-12 Years Of Age In Southwestern Ontario, Patricia Christine Dube

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Physical literacy has been described as means to achieve an active lifestyle (Physical and Health Education Canada, 2014) and as the building blocks of physical activity, including fundamental movement skills, physical fitness, motor skills, the motivation and confidence (MC), and the knowledge and understanding (KU) to be physically active (Lander et al., 2017; Tremblay & Lloyd, 2010). In Canada, the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL) was developed as a means to collect and monitor physical literacy in Canadian children 8 to 12 years of age. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between objectively measured moderate …

Young Immigrant Lives: A Study Of The Migration And Settlement Experiences Of Immigrant And Refugee Youth In Windsor, Ontario, Erwin Dimitri Selimos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Immigrant and refugee youth make up an important proportion of Canada’s population, yet research focuses predominantly on the concerns of immigrant and refugee adults. Canadian and international scholarship that does attend to questions of youth and migration often depicts young immigrants and refugees in ways that overemphasize their vulnerabilities and neglect their active participation in the migration and settlement process. Furthermore, researchers, service providers and policymakers remain interested in understanding the social concerns and experiences of immigrant and refugee youth and point to the need to explore the experiences of immigrant and refugee youth living in mid-sized and smaller Canadian …

Speaking For Purpose: A Case Study Of Bilingual Immersion Pedagogy Within The Chinese Efl Context, David Roman Potocek

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this international case study is to explore the beliefs and practices of two Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers and two Chinese pre-service teachers of English teaching within the EFL program in China. Working in partnership with the Reciprocal Learning Program, part of the SSHRC Partnership Grant Project, the study was able to conduct research at Southwest University in Chongqing, China. Through a qualitative case study framework, the study has implemented a narrative inquiry methodology using observations, interviews, and a document analysis as the primary data collection methods. Observations in two Southwestern Chinese EFL school …

Medical Assistance In Dying (Maid) In Canada: Following Bill C-14 Through Parliament, Amanda Paige Alchin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the Government of Canada’s legislative response to the Carter v. Canada (Attorney General) ruling. More specifically, this thesis analyzes the major issues that afflicted Bill C-14, or An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying), as it progressed through the House of Commons and the Senate. I utilized a thematic analysis to determine the issues that shaped the debates on Bill C-14 and whether or not they had an impact on the proposed legislation that is now a law. These issues include whether or not Bill …