Digital Commons Network^™

The Efficacy And Challenges Of Lobbying Regulation In Canada: A Comprehensive Analysis, Zahra Khan

Major Papers

Lobbying, often viewed skeptically and associated with corruption, plays a pivotal yet contentious role in modern governance. This paper examines the efficacy of Canadian federal lobbying legislation amid public disillusionment with governmental processes. While only 32% of Canadians express confidence in the Federal Parliament, concerns about lobbying's influence persist. Despite regulatory efforts, lobbying in Canada remains complex, with historical and political contexts shaping its regulation. This study undertakes a comprehensive investigation into Canadian federal lobbying legislation, exploring its ability to regulate lobbying activities effectively. It scrutinizes the regulatory framework, enforcement mechanisms, and identifies systemic barriers that impact trust, access, and …

The Role Of Nonprofit Organizations In The Context Of Increased Living Costs In Ontario, Hashem Al-Dimashki

Major Papers

This research highlights the crucial role of non-profit organization in supporting the well-being of local communities in Ontario, particularly amidst increased cost of living. The increased cost of living has led to a higher CPI, negatively impacting the quality of life for many Ontarians and Canadians. While the vulnerable population become increasingly uncertain about the future, the role of non-profit organizations becomes prominent as effective community leaders. This research will illustrate how non-profit organizations address the most significant challenges the vulnerable population face today in terms of their quality of life, which are: housing insecurity, food insecurity, and transportation. The …

"In The Name Of Progress": Postwar Urban Renewal And The Razing Of Black Spaces In Windsor, Ontario, 1957-1980, Willow Key

Major Papers

In the mid-1950s, Windsor, Ontario embarked on a comprehensive fifteen-year urban renewal initiative aimed at redeveloping the city’s downtown core into a modern, municipal hub and locale for both private and commercial interests and cross-border tourism. The initial focus of this strategy was a neighbourhood situated just east of the commercial district, which had been home to much of the Windsor’s Black population for more than a century. Rooted in a complex interplay of social and economic factors, Windsor’s renewal efforts, guided by a misguided, paternalistic understanding of physical transformation as a catalyst for positive social change, resulted in the …

Discourse And Controversy In The Israel-Palestine Conflict - A Review Of The Literature, Irteza Atique

Major Papers

The Israel-Palestine conflict has been ongoing for more than 75 years and has many historical, geographical, religious, and ethnic components. Despite several attempts at resolution, the war persists, resulting in continued violence, human misery, and regional instability. This study dives into the highly contentious dispute over labelling Israel as an apartheid state, a subject that has prompted heated debate in academic literature, college campuses, the media, and diplomacy. Using a wide range of scholarly literature and trustworthy news sources, we investigate the origins of the war, important historical events, and the numerous factors that have shaped the current conflict. Beginning …

“Unnatural, Filthy, Unclean And Positively Dangerous To Health And Life.”: Smallpox Vaccine Refusal And Sectional Violence In Montréal 1885, Mary M. Horman

Major Papers

Montreal was stricken by an epidemic of smallpox in the year 1885 which resulted in over 3,000 deaths and which lasted 15 months. The disease was brought into the city by a pullman conductor arriving on a train from Chicago. The city of Montréal Health Department was confident that they would be able to manage the initial outbreak easily because by 1885 smallpox was considered to be a vaccine preventable disease. Unfortunately, many errors were made by the Health Department in the initial outbreak that allowed the disease to escape into the city of Montreal, where it was greatly aided …

Tax Preferences: A Numerical Exercise, Isaac Babatunde Olatunji

Major Papers

Tax preference focuses on individuals' perception and choice regarding specific tax policies or structure. It examines the extent to which individuals favor certain tax provisions, rates, or exemptions over others. Scholars and researchers have extensively examined tax preference from various perspectives. I performed a numerical exercise on one agent model and two agent model where agents have preferences over consumption, labor supply and tax preferences (dislike of the labor income tax). Under the one agent model there exist one household utility maximization problem and under the two agent model there exist two households with low productive ability and high productive …

Language Proficiency Requirements And International Enrolment: A Systematized Review, Kennedy M. Wonnacott

Major Papers

The internationalization of the Canadian higher education system is becoming increasingly delicate, yet complex. This major research paper aims to develop an understanding of the impact that language proficiency requirements have on international students’ ability to study abroad at post-secondary institutions. This paper employs a theoretical framework of neoliberal education and culturally relevant pedagogy to analyze enrolment management practices and opportunities through a student-centred lens. A systematized review of the literature concerning English language proficiency (ELP) of international students in higher education was conducted. Results were synthesized into two key themes: language proficiency and university admissions and the student experience. …

Representations Of Sexual Assault In News Media Coverage Of Canada’S Extreme Intoxication Defence, Alanna Acchione

Major Papers

The extreme intoxication defence (EID) is a provision in Canada’s Criminal Code that protects offenders who are ‘morally innocent’ by means of intoxication. Barred in 1994 by s. 33.1, three recent Supreme Court cases (Brown, Chan, and Sullivan) have overturned this decision, declaring the law unconstitutional in 2022. Concerns over the potential implications of this defence were raised by women’s rights groups and the public alike, prompting the Canadian legislator to rush Bill C-28, which includes a new standard for criminal liability requiring extreme intoxication to the point of automatism to enact the defence. Some advocates for women’s rights say …

Social Theory From The Second Person Perspective, Connor Cosgrove

Major Papers

This paper relies on the work of Charles Taylor, Rahel Jaeggi, and Harmut Rosa to develop a method of ‘second-person critique.’ This is developed in opposition to first-person critique, otherwise known as self criticism, and third-person critique, which I take to be representative of instrumental reason. I criticize instrumental reason from Taylor’s perspective, while also relying on Martin Heidegger and Martin Buber to do the same. To further develop Rosa’s theory of resonance, I rely on David Graeber. I conclude by suggesting that while phenomenology has long accounted for our embodied relationship to the world, a ‘resonant phenomenology’ that includes …

Green Cooling Solution For Buildings: Enhancing A Natural Ventilation And Passive Cooling System With Phase Change Material Integration, Amirhossein Khayyaminejad

Major Papers

The ever-growing demand for air conditioning in buildings contributes significantly to global energy consumption. This trend necessitates the exploration of sustainable cooling solutions that prioritize energy efficiency and occupant comfort. This research investigates the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) with natural ventilation and established passive cooling systems to achieve these goals. A numerical model is developed to simulate a building with a naturally ventilated design and a PCM-integrated rooftop (Chapter 2). This chapter delves into the impact of various PCM types and thicknesses on indoor thermal comfort and energy savings potential. Furthermore, the optimal location for PCMs within the …

Biases In The Nba Draft, Shaumik Baki

Major Papers

Drafting in sports is an endeavor in which there is a great degree of subjectivity and value judgement. This requires the individuals responsible for decision making to have sound abilities to evaluate talent. However, each and every draft has a sub-optimal order of drafted individuals. Consequently, there is a need for identification of the biases and systematic errors that take place in the evaluation process.

This paper aims to identify and evaluate the decision making biases commonly present amongst the drafting process and combine them with a data-driven evaluation of the resulting performance of the drafted players. The study will …

Impact Of Particle Size On Biomethane Recovery From Organic Waste, Geethalakshmi Sonaimuthu

Major Papers

As per the 2021 data from Canada's Greenhouse Gas Inventory, emissions from Canadian landfills constituted 19% of the nation's methane emissions. Shifting organic waste away from landfills and employing controlled anaerobic digestion not only facilitates the efficient capture and utilization of this renewable energy source but also extends the operational lifespan of landfills. In the Leamington-Kingsville (L-K) area, where greenhouse vegetable cultivation is prominent, substantial quantities of tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers are produced. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the organic waste generated by this sector currently ends up in landfills. Anaerobic digestion (AD) presents a viable option for managing …

The Development Of Sustainability Accounting Globally, Yang Yan

Major Papers

This paper focuses primarily on the global state of development of sustainability accounting. At the same time, this article also discusses the development of sustainability accounting in the financial industry and banking sector. The development of sustainability accounting systems is influenced by the concept of sustainable development, and different regions of the world have different views on the concept of sustainability due to their different levels of political and economic development. In addition, sustainability accounting first appeared in the manufacturing industry, followed by the banking industry. Therefore, in addition to the introduction and conclusion, this paper mainly consists of four …

Climate Adaptation Plans In Ontario: Small And Medium Municipalities Preparedness For Extreme Weather, Zakary Blomme

Major Papers

Combatting climate change has largely been understood as a matter of federal and provincial jurisdiction and as a result has mostly been executed in a preventative lens. However, the effects of climate change are most significantly felt at the municipal level. As a result, I argue the onus for combatting climate change should switch to the municipalities in order to focus on climate mitigation and adaptation. In fact, many of the larger cities in Ontario such as the City of Windsor have acted on this and created Climate Adaptation Plans to aid in mitigation and adaptation efforts. The larger cities …

Can Ontario's Housing Crisis Be Fixed? Understanding The Origins And Proposed Solutions To An Ongoing Crisis In Housing Affordability., Peter Bawuah

Major Papers

In the 15 years before the First World War, Toronto's population increased quickly by over 140 percent and the city annexed significant amounts of land to keep up with suburban growth. This period marked the beginning of the housing challenges in Toronto (Purdy, 2003). Stagnant real incomes, the delayed expansion of the streetcar system, and rising residential densities all contributed to Toronto's housing crisis during this period of reforms. Since then, the size of Toronto’s population increased from 470,000 before the First World War to 6,372,000 in 2023 and the housing crisis has only gotten worse, with 1 in 5 …

A Historiography Of International Harvester: How A Company Helped Spread American Culture And Products Across The World, Carl Sinnott

Major Papers

The history of International Harvester is inseparable with American imperialism, culture, and the spread of the United States throughout the world. International Harvester had manufacturing plants in both North America and Europe, and was able to sell its products on six continents. These products included everything from cookie cutters to construction equipment, and almost everything in between. This work focuses on the historiography of International Harvester and how it relates to the American Empire. Additionally, it will focus on how America’s empire, both formal and informal, benefited as International Harvester was able to bring American ideals throughout the world as …

“For The Benefit And Enjoyment Of The People”?: The Imperial Nature Of The United States National Park System, Mitchell Macdonald

Major Papers

As the founders of national parks, the National Parks and National Park Service of the United States are monoliths on the global stage, inspiring all other national parks worldwide. Ever since the first park was created in 1872 at Yellowstone, Wyoming, people have been captivated by the idea of going into a land that is supposedly unspoiled by man. In a world where fossil fuels and industry are having extremely adverse effects on the global environment, the existence of land that has been set aside and protected is essential for global health. Yet, viewing national parks as institutions that are …

Advocacy Coalitions And Canadian Energy Policy Decision: Navigating Four Pipeline Projects, Md Jannatul Ferdous Nayeem

Major Papers

The conflicting goals of sustaining the Canadian economy through energy and prioritizing climate action lead to diverse interest groups with varying views on policies advocating their positions to government. Despite energy's economic importance, climate change remains central for the Liberal government under Justin Trudeau. The management of pipeline proposals such as Transmountain, Northern Gateway, Energy East, Keystone Xl under this government showcased its balancing act between economic interests and environmental commitments. Applying the Advocacy Coalition Framework, this paper examines how governments and regulatory authorities modify the process for accepting or rejecting pipeline proposals, the evolution of interest groups in shaping …

Educating The Multi-Ethnic Population On The Municipal By-Laws: City Of Windsor, Mohammed Shiblee

Major Papers

Although more difficult to articulate than implement, educating the multi-ethnic populace about municipal by-laws is among the most difficult tasks for any Canadian administrative institution, whether provincial, federal, municipal, or even grassroots. When considering such circumstances, the present state of the Corporation of the City of Windsor, or the City of Windsor as a whole, offers both a challenge and an opportunity. In terms of challenges, Windsor is home to a vibrant, multi-ethnic community comprised of local, diaspora and minority populations, which often encounters various socio-cultural obstacles concerning the understanding and upholding of municipal by-laws. From an opportunity standpoint, the …

Statistical Consulting In Academia: A Review, Ke Xiao

Major Papers

This paper reviews the state of statistical consulting in academia by performing a literature review on this topic in chapters 1 and 2. Chapter 1 overviews general aspects of statistical consulting and types of centers that conduct such services in academia. In Chapter 2 we summarise the literature about the common logistics and processes for conducting statistical consulting in academia. In Chapters 3 and 4, we analyze data on statistical consulting centers for the largest 100 universities in the USA. We also review the literature on the future of statistical consulting in academia in the era of big data and …

Navigating Regulatory Waters: The Impact Of Policy In The Case Of Adderall, Jacob Theo Mihailides

Major Papers

Health Canada has shown an inability to evaluate, monitor, and control the unanticipated events associated with the drug Adderall. This has been due to the intersection of a flawed drug regulatory process and the monetary incentives of pharmaceutical companies that profit from a flawed screening process. The unanticipated issues experienced by many users of Adderall are further complicated by the misdiagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, in cases where the drug is prescribed. This has exacerbated comorbid causations experienced by persons with a previous mental health disorder. Research underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive policy reform to mitigate these systemic failures. …

In Search Of A United Regional Front: Asean Roadblocks And Conflicting Foreign Policies In Addressing The South China Sea Dispute(S), Christian Fortich

Major Papers

The South China Sea has been a major geopolitical flashpoint of the 21st century due to maritime disputes. At stake are billions worth of aquatic resources and untapped energy reserves. Beyond these, larger issues of sovereignty, maritime rights, and the freedom of navigation are in question. The involved parties in the disputes are China, which asserts its historical ownership of more than 80% of the maritime features, and the ASEAN states of Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, and Malaysia, which heavily bank on the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea, in ascertaining their claims. ASEAN is supposed to …

Enhancing International Students' Participation In Online Courses Through Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: A Systematic Literature Review, Xiaoyan Song

Major Papers

With the increasing diversity of the K-12 student population, there has been a growing emphasis on the adoption of culturally responsive teaching practices (Lawrence, 2020). Additionally, online degree programs and courses provided by many universities in the United States and around the world offer people the chance to access higher education without leaving their homes and without considering the issues of age, time, and geography (Diaz, 2021). Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the prevalence of online courses (Bao 2020; Rapanta et al., 2020; Mollenkopf et al., 2020). According to Elshami et al. (2021), “satisfaction with online learning is …

Alpha, Beta, Sigma: A Critical Analysis Of Sigma Male Ideology, Mateo Valdivia

Major Papers

In the online environment, the Manosphere has been identified as an unstructured network of groups who express harmful anti-feminist, and anti-progressive views. Informally associated with the Manosphere, Sigma Male ideology has emerged as an allegedly unique classification of men who are successful and popular, but also silent and rebellious. Despite assertions that they adhere to their own principles, Sigma Male ideological expressions, as conveyed through video memes of select fictional role models, demonstrate that they are more intimately connected to the Manosphere than acknowledged. This research paper applies critical qualitative meme analysis to TikTok videos that feature the specific Sigma …

Navigating Identity Shifts: A Review Of International Students’ (Re)Construction Of Self-Identities, Shuo Liu

Major Papers

Studying abroad is increasingly becoming a popular choice for many students and their families. Pursuing a degree in a foreign country not only signifies academic achievements, but it also contributes significantly to their personal growth and life accomplishments. International students face the challenge of adapting to a new environment, managing life’s difficulties, and establishing connections within the host society.

Adjusting to this new environment, rebuilding their lives in an unfamiliar place, and successfully earning a degree in a foreign country all require a strong and mature personality. When international students accomplish these tasks, they undergo a process of self-renewal and …

Saudi Arabian Foreign Policy And Hedging: Playing Its Cards Right, Jaclyn Alexandra Kouleas

Major Papers

This paper illustrates Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy through the lens of hedging theory. Under the neoclassical realism umbrella, hedging is a foreign policy strategy that middle power states use to accommodate for future risks of a declining hegemonic global power. Saudi Arabia endorses strategic hedging in its external relations to accommodate both the United States and China, reaping the benefits of both relationships. This paper addresses the following two questions: 1) What is Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy through the lens of strategic hedging theory? And 2) How will strategic hedging help Saudi Arabia prepare for a multipolar world? How countries …

A Literature Review And Data Analysis Of Willingness To Communicate In A Second Language Among International Students, Luyao Tan

Major Papers

The present research paper employs a document analysis method to investigate the multifaceted dynamics that underlie the willingness to communicate (WTC) in a second language among international students. This paper reviewed and analyzed more than 65 studies in the past two decades on international students’ WTC in a second language in the country where they study. Utilizing a comprehensive review of these existing studies, this paper elucidates the pivotal role of various motivational, emotional, social, and belongingness factors in shaping international students' WTC experiences. Motivation is a key determinant of WTC in a second language, with findings indicating higher levels …

Teacher Perception Of Administration’S Impact On School Climate And Overall Teacher Self-Efficacy: A Meta-Analysis Of The Literature, Victoria O'Beid

Major Papers

This meta-analysis examined how high school principals’ behaviour affects teachers performance. Through various peer reviewed literature dating from 2017 to 2023, various leadership competencies and behaviours were identified as impactful toward school climate and overall teacher efficacy. Seven articles were meticulously chosen and analyzed. Common themes identified throughout the collection of papers include the following: positive impacts of building relationships within the school staff, encouragement from leadership leads to high teacher performance and a willingness to grow and adapt as a leader is highly regarded by staff members. It is recommended that future research analyzes current principal policies in place …

Unseen Vulnerabilities: Emergency Planning For Carless And Vulnerable Populations In Ontario, James Hugh Hamilton Lee

Major Papers

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina made impact on southern Louisiana, devastating the city of New Orleans and surrounding communities. The high death toll of the hurricane revealed problems with public emergency planning, as many carless and vulnerable people were unable to evacuate New Orleans before the arrival of the hurricane, contributing to the high death toll. In recent years, scholarship has developed around emergency planning for carless and vulnerable populations in order to determine the most effective policy recommendations to improve evacuations plans for these populations. As climate change continues to occur around the world, the frequency and severity of severe …

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 …