Our intention is to find excellent resistance sources in the Canadian canola cultivars, and other available genotypes through field, greenhouse and lab research to enhance resistance. This will supplement the new resistance sources including novel R gene and quantitative resistance in canola against blackleg disease in Canada. It will also reduce it to become endemic and prevent epidemics, when the environmental conditions favor the pathogen in certain seasons (like the summer of 2021 when it was very dry across the prairies).

A large portion of the infrastructures, including bridges in Manitoba, are constructed on problematic alluvial soils such as soft clays. One of the concerns related to the piled foundation bridges is downdrag which is a downward movement of the soil relative to the pile. Drag force is an additional axial force imposed on the pile due to downdrag. Underestimating this force may have detrimental impacts, including excessive settlement or even failure of structures.

Modern power systems wherein renewable resources such as solar and wind power are extensively used need to rely on some means for energy storage to address the intermittency of such resources. This proposal investigates a class of power electronic converters that are able to connect battery energy systems to the grid and provide multi-directional pathways for the flow of energy. Various models will be developed for these converters to facilitate their design, analysis, and computer simulations.

Most tall-grass prairie in Canada has been lost over the last century, and the little that remains is declining in quality due to human suppression of natural disturbances (like wildfire). Two small prairie butterflies (Poweshiek skipperling and Dakota skipper) have become critically endangered as a result. Manitoba is home to some of the last surviving Canadian populations of these species. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) uses grazing, mowing, and prescribed burning to try to mimic pre-settlement disturbances in sites that are occupied by these species.

Waste diversion is a prominent discussion across Canada, as we have recognized the large impact that the waste we produce has on the environment as well as the impact of how we manage it. The most common conversations have often been around personal waste reduction and the “zero-waste” movement, however what has been largely left out of conversation is the impact that the construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) industry has on the environment and what we can do to divert that waste (Delphi, 2021; Veleva et al., 2017).

Exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by mobile phones and devices with WIFI is on the rise and so is the EMF effects on sleep quality and well-being of individuals with high exposures to EMF. Some studies have shown poor sleep quality among individuals with long-term occupational exposure to EMF, and some have shown association between EMF long-term exposure and neuropsychiatric disorders including depression. This study aims to investigate a commercially available EMF-blocker blanket, called Sleepgift, that claims helping people to have a better sleep and improved health.

The natural land cover of Canada such as native grasslands and wetlands are not just Canadian landscapes or ecosystems, they are also Canadian heritage and identity. Our land cover is constantly under threat as a result of climate change and human footprint. The role of this research proposal is to build an accurate natural land cover inventory of Canada using advanced satellites and field survey data. The big data that will be utilized in this research will be analyzed in supercomputers in order to create a national map of natural land cover.

Presently the electrical grids of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are operated with limited energy exchange between them. Connecting the three provinces together with a “Western Canada Grid (WCG)” could yield significant advantages. Connection with HVDC transmission is attractive due to its control flexibility and stability. This project will investigate optimum converter types and control methods for implementing a successful Western Canada Grid.

Our ability to sense where our limbs are in space can be lost as a result of injury to the nervous system. For example, when reaching for a glass many people who have had a stroke only know where their hand is by looking directly at it. The sense of limb position also becomes reduced with aging. When sense of limb position is limited then humans must move more slowly and carefully because our movements now require us to use visual feedback to know where our limb is in space.

In a world where animal health and welfare are receiving increasing attention, it is crucial that we understand and support livestock farmers who are under an incredible amount of stress. This research is designed to start a supportive discussion and to collect information on the topic of farmer mental health in the beef and dairy industry, including factors affecting mental health and connections with animal health. We will survey beef and dairy farmers to gain a better understanding of how they are doing and which factors are related to their mental health.