Policy implementation through Collective Decision-Making – a case study of a collaborative community-level strategic planning process on immigrant settlement and integration services

The InterCultural Association (ICA) of Greater Victoria leads the establishment of Immigrant and Refugees Canada’s prominent multi-stakeholders strategy named ‘Local Immigration Partnership’ to engage diverse groups to better coordinate, avoid duplication, and enhance the current settlement and integration services aimed at immigrant well-being. This research will observe the process of community-level planning, particularly the development […]

Read More
Quantifying the effects of the Green Energy Act and the determinants of resistance to wind turbine development in Ontario

In 2009 the Government of Ontario enacted the Green Energy Act (GEA) to promote the development of renewable energy projects. Subsequently, the importance of wind generation both for electricity generation and in public debate has grown dramatically in Ontario. While the GEA simplified the regulatory process for developing renewable energy projects, wing turbine siting has […]

Read More
An Evaluation of the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation

The Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation (SSDF) is a fundraising entity supporting six not-for-profit societies that provide opportunities for social engagement for people with disabilities. The six societies provide design opportunities for accessibility solutions; connect people with employment, training, and social opportunities in the community; and make sailing, music, gardening, and the great outdoors more accessible. […]

Read More
Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Relations in Canada

This project will create a timeline that traces the development of Canada though moments that are significant in Indigenous peoples’ relationship with non-Indigenous Canadians. From information available through historical archives and sources, the intern will identify key moments in Canada’s history that have shaped relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people such as the establishment of […]

Read More
Adapting methods for assessing the impacts of innovation support programs for application to Canada’s clean energy innovation ecosystem

This research project is being undertaken in partnership with The Evidence Network Inc. It will extend the company’s scientifically-based method of assessing the impact of innovation support programs to the clean energy innovation sector. To keep this kind of assessment method scientifically sound requires customization for each particular industry. The established methods have been widely […]

Read More
Development and application of molecular tools to assess the acute and chronic impacts of petroleum hydrocarbons on birds

The Northern Gateway Pipeline and similar projects propose to transport oil from Alberta to tidewater terminals in British Columbia and eastern Canada. Accidental release of petroleum distillates and related by-products would have consequences on the marine ecosystem. To evaluate spill implications for seabirds, we propose to develop and apply molecular tools to assess toxicological and […]

Read More
Sustainable Capacity Building in the North by the North

This unique research project, undertaken by Master of Northern Governance and Development (MNGD) students, contributes significantly to our understanding of the North. The research focuses on community-based responses to rapid economic, social, and environmental changes and the development of the local capacity to respond. The analysis is collaborative, involving key stakeholders at the community and […]

Read More
Improving government performance through pay-for-success and pay-for-performance approaches

Governments around the globe are trying new approaches to solving complex social problems. They are increasingly moving away from the direct provision of social services towards more collaborative partnerships with the private sector. Pay-for-success, also known as pay-for-performance or Social Impact Bonds, is a method for engaging the private sector that has been gaining attention […]

Read More
Designing multi-family housing to boost social capital and psychological well-being

There is no more powerful correlate of human health and wellbeing than positive social relationships. Multi-family housing, through design, layout, and location, can exert a significant effect on local relationships, neighborhood trust and residents’ sense of belonging. We propose a program to gather, refine and illustrate the evidence linking design and social wellbeing in multi-family […]

Read More
The Future of Mandatory Charging for Intimate Partner Violence: Status quo or alternative direction? Phases II and III

According to the Ontario Domestic Violence Advisory Council (DVAC, 2009), legislative responses to violence against women were introduced across Canada in the 1980s. These policies included provisions for mandatory police-laid charges against perpetrators of domestic violence. The DVAC report noted numerous unintended negative consequences of these policies and recommended an impact study which was never […]

Read More
Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and New Forms ofPolitical Engagement in Canada

Over the past three decades, there have been drastic declines in voter turnout and traditional political participation across North America, particularly among younger demographics. As young people increasingly move away from institutionally-driven practices, political participation is no longer only defined by voting in elections, volunteering with civic associations and town hall meetings but increasingly manifests […]

Read More