bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of progranulin and inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis
Authors: Kilci Ali , Seyithanoglu Muhammed , Kaya Erhan , Hakkoymaz Hakan , Gedik Muhammed , Kucuk Omer
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate the role of inflammatory markers and progranulin levels in diagnosing cholecystitis, assessing their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. The research involved 54 patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis in the emergency department. Routine complete blood count and biochemistry analyses were conducted. Blood samples were obtained, centrifuged, and stored at -80°C. Progranulin levels in sera were assessed using a spectrophotometric method. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS v.22.0, revealing significant variances between patients and healthy controls. Acute cholecystitis patients exhibited elevated levels of inflammatory markers (white blood cells, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin) and decreased progranulin levels compared to controls. Progranulin showed a high sensitivity (86.5%) and specificity (87.5%) in diagnosing acute cholecystitis. Other markers had varying sensitivity and specificity values. Inflammatory markers, particularly progranulin, show promise in diagnosing cholecystitis. Evaluating these markers together can enhance diagnostic accuracy. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore progranulin's specificity to cholecystitis.
Effects of isotretinoin treatment on menstrual cycle in acne patients
Authors: Mendi Banu , Atak Mehmet , Mendi Bokebatur , Ozer Sumeyye , Farabi Banu
Published: August 2024

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative frequently employed in the treatment of acne. Although it is highly effective in acne treatment, menstrual irregularities are a frequently reported as a side effect. This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 122 female patients undergoing systemic isotretinoin therapy for the treatment of acne. Demographic and clinical information of the patients were recorded. The mean age was 20.2 years and the mean age of onset for menstruation was 13.3 years. Menstrual irregularities were observed during treatment in 65 patients (68.4%), whose menstruation was regular before treatment. Among them, 45.3% (43 patients) started to have less frequent menses, 18.9% (18 patients) started to have more frequent menses, 2.1% (2 patients) started to have prolonged menstrual bleeding, and 2.1% (2 patients) started to have shorter menstrual bleeding during treatment. Hirsutism during treatment was statistically more prevalent in those with menstrual irregularities during treatment (p=0.02). In conclusion, our study indicates that patients with regular menstrual cycles prior to isotretinoin treatment developed irregular menstrual cycles after initiation of the medication with a higher prevalence of hirsutism. Further clinical research is necessary to elucidate the mechanism by which isotretinoin affects hormonal imbalances, thereby leading to menstrual irregularities.
Retrospective analysis of penetrating and cutting instrument injury cases from the prehospital emergency medical system perspective
Authors: Yazici Ramiz
Published: August 2024

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of prehospital assessment and treatment of stab injuries in Ankara, Turkey, utilizing data from the EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Command Centre. Data from the EMS Command Centre of Ankara spanning from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 12,106 individual cases of stab injuries were included in the study. The study focused on analyzing demographic characteristics, incident timing, EMS response times, clinical outcomes, and hospital transfer patterns of stab injury cases. The study found that the majority of stab injury cases occurred in young males (78.3%), with a median age around 30 years. There was no significant difference in the total number of cases between the study years, but significant variations were observed in monthly, seasonal, and daily distributions. Weekdays and late evening hours (16:00-23:59) showed higher incident rates. EMS response times varied significantly across the study period, with trends indicating longer response times over the years. Most patients were transferred to Training and Research Hospitals, and interfacility transfers were common, especially to tertiary care centers. The study also highlighted significant differences in EMS call reasons and clinical outcomes between the study years. This study underscores the critical role of efficient prehospital assessment and timely treatment in improving outcomes for stab injury patients in urban settings like Ankara. The findings emphasize the need for strategies to optimize EMS response times and enhance coordination between emergency services and hospital facilities. Future research should focus on interventions to further enhance the efficiency of prehospital care for trauma patients.
PREVALENCE OF TACTILE HALLUCINATION OF PHONE VIBRATION AMONG INDIVIDUALS AGED 18-22 YEARS
Authors: Mali Tanisha
Published: August 2024

Aims: To find the prevalence of tactile hallucinations of phone vibrations among individuals aged 18 years-22 years. To find whether the hallucinations are bothersome Background: Overuse of phones can lead to physiological health hazards. Repeated use of vibration mode leads to fake perception of device being vibrating when it is not. Tactile hallucination of phone vibration is a prevalent phenomenon among young individuals. Theories explaining the possibility of the phenomenon are proven through researchers. Design: Cross sectional survey. Participants: 204 individuals responded to the questionnaire. Materials and Methods: An electronic survey consisting of 12 questions bases on demographic, mobile usage hours, frequency of phantom vibrations experienced. An online questionnaire was used for the study. It is known as the phantom vibration scale or phantom vibration questionnaire which was taken from an article. Results: 204 responses were received. Out of that 68% experienced tactile hallucinations. Among those who had hallucination different factors were viewed in association with it. 88% possessed a smart phone for more than a year. Respondents were asked about the phone usage hours and majority used it for 3 hours-5 hours daily. Social media is a known addiction of phone and the survey showed that 55% of the respondents used phones to scroll social media. The next factor that is vibration mode of phone, was used by 17% of the people always. 29% used it for most of the time. About the placement while carrying of phone it showed that 69% always carried phone in their jean front pocket. Also, 42% of the participants found those vibrations to be bothersome. 21% had the hallucinations so severe that they felt it when the phone was switched off. Conclusions: More than half of the people on this planet carry smartphone and most use it on vibration mode. Even if one third of them experience the hallucinations, a planned treatment is required for this. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 24 (7) July, 2023; 1-7
Explorando as complicações da cirurgia bariátrica: uma análise abrangente dos resultados dos pacientes e dos fatores de risco
Authors: Siqueira Thayoana Nathalia , Cardoso Carolina Teixeira , Moraes Isabella Karoline Sousa , Garcia Bruno Borges , Santos José Henrique Amaral dos
Published: August 2024

A cirurgia bariátrica tem se mostrado uma intervenção eficaz no manejo da obesidade e suas comorbidades, promovendo significativa perda de peso e melhorando a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. No entanto, o procedimento não está isento de complicações, que podem surgir tanto no curto quanto no longo prazo, impactando os resultados e a recuperação dos pacientes. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar criticamente as complicações associadas à cirurgia bariátrica, comparando os diferentes tipos de procedimentos (bypass gástrico, gastrectomia vertical, entre outros) e investigando como fatores demográficos e condições pré-existentes influenciam os desfechos pós-operatórios. Através de uma revisão abrangente da literatura, busca-se identificar os principais fatores de risco que contribuem para resultados adversos e discutir estratégias para mitigar esses riscos, com ênfase na importância das avaliações pré-operatórias e no acompanhamento pós-operatório.
PENGARUH MOTIVASI KERJA DAN KOMPENSASI TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PT SYAHDU MATERNAL CHILD
Authors: Apolinaria Putri P Bilo
Published: August 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana motivasi kerja dan kompensasi berdampak pada kinerja pekerja di PT. Syahdu Maternal Child. Sampel yang diambil dari 100 responden dipilih secara random. Studi ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Data penelitian ini dikumpulkan melalui kuesioner. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa motivasi kerja dan kompensasi memengaruhi kinerja karyawan PT. Syahdu Maternal Child.
ge and gender featurts of cardiovascular pathology in pulmonary tuberculosis in patients in rural areas
Authors: Mordyk A. V. , Bagisheva N. V. , Moiseeva M. V. , Shapran A. A. , Temereva E. A.
Published: August 2024

High mortality from cardiovascular pathology is an actual problem of modern medicine. Among them, coronary heart disease, vascular lesions of the brain and arterial hypertension are more common. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis living in rural areas. The analysis showed that diseases of the cardiovascular system are more common in young and middle-aged men with pulmonary tuberculosis living in rural areas, and the presence of arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, and hypercholesterolemia can aggravate the course of tuberculosis.
Of the difficulties of differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and sarcoidosis: clinical case
Authors: Kovaleva R. G. , Kondakova M. N. , Elkin A. V. , Tyarasova K. G. , Goryacheva K. A.
Published: August 2024

The article presents the results of 2-year follow-up of a clinical case that confirmed the nosology of the identified case not only with immediate, but also with long-term results. This case allowed to verify the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis and effectively help the patient despite the presence of very convincing radiographic findings of tuberculosis and complex time-consuming diagnostic search. The most significant contribution to the establishment of the etiology of the disease was made by such a modern highly informative research as immunohistochemistry.
Cyber-attack: What Goes Around, Comes Around!
Authors: Barker Ken
Published: August 2024

The Canadian Government recently introduced a new document entitled “Strong, Secure, and Engaged” (SSE) outlining Canada’s Defense Policy across a wide-range of its activities.   One very new factor of SSE is the decision to develop active cyber-attack capabilities to potentially employ against potential adversaries. This raises some key issues including: (i) the potential implications of using cyber-attacks, (ii) the potential for unintended consequences arising as a result of using such, and (iii) the risks associated with subsequent use against the attacker either intentionally or accidentally. Overarching questions include defining under what circumstances cyber-attacks should be permitted and what should be done to ensure they cannot subsequently be used against us or lead to harming one of our allies? Canada’s allies have already developed and deployed such weapons with some demonstrable success but with some unintended consequences. What can we learn from the available information about the safe use of cyber-attacks and when is it reasonable to use such a weapon? The nature of this technology is different than other forms of military aggression used in either peace or war time. What checks and balances need to be put in place to ensure that it is used only under appropriate government-authorized military oversight? What protections can be put in place to ensure that the inadvertent release of a cyber-attack cannot occur? Finally, the decision to endorse the development a cyber-attack capability introduces a difficult dichotomy. Cyber-attack technology exploits discovered weaknesses in digital systems. In a regime that only permits cyber-defence activities, the discovery of weaknesses and deploying a repair for the discovered weakness is an obvious choice. However, if Canada is to incorporate a cyber-attack strategy, the decision to repair the weakness must now be traded-off against exploiting the weakness against an enemy. These undiscovered weaknesses are known as zero-day attacks because a previously unknown vulnerability in a computer system (hardware or software) is exploited “on the same day” the vulnerability becomes known to the wider world.
Public Sector Wages in Alberta: How do these Compare to Other Provinces and to the Private Sector?
Authors: Mueller Richard
Published: August 2024

We use a variety of methodologies to address how the public-private sector wage premium in Alberta compares to those of other provinces, how these differ by type and level of public sector employment (e.g., federal, local, etc.), by the location in the overall wage distribution, and if the wage premium in this sector varies over the business cycle. We find a great deal of heterogeneity in the public sector wages premium by province and type of public sector employment. While estimates do differ, generally the premium in Alberta is among the lowest in Canada, tends to be higher for local and provincial employees, is higher at the lower tail of the wage distribution, and is inversely related to the Alberta business cycle. The estimates suggest significant savings to the Alberta government are possible, but that across-the-board cuts to Alberta employee compensation could have negative implications for the provision of public services.
No Going Back: The Impact of ILO Convention 169 on Latin America in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Policzer Pablo , Aylwin José
Published: August 2024

In this article we assess the impact of  the International Labour Organization’s 1989 Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (ILO C-169) since it entered into effect in 1991. We examine the Convention’s impact on selected key Latin American states which have ratified the Convention: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. We analyze  each country’s constitutional order, legislative and jurisprudential developments, as well as  different policy developments concerning indigenous peoples and their rights. We also trace the development of indigenous peoples’ rights in the same period in two non-ratifying states—Australia and Canada—along the same  dimensions. We compare the impacts that these laws and policies have had on indigenous peoples’ rights, both in the six Latin American signatories as well as in Australia and Canada. In particular, we examine the indigenous right to political participation and self-government, as well as on the right to land, territories and natural resources. In doing so we assess the right of indigenous peoples to prior consultation and free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), and to participate in the benefits provided by resource extraction on their lands and territories. We then analyze and discuss the impact  that  ILO C-169 has had on non-ratifying states, in the case of  in Australia and Canada. We argue that ILO C-169 has had an indirect but nevertheless decisive impact on these tow states expressed in legal developments, jurisprudence and policies that concern indigenous peoples. We conclude that ILO C-169 represents a key step in the recognition and protection of indigenous peoples’ rights. Whether directly or indirectly, and notwithstanding the many gaps still left to address, it demonstrates that there is no going back on indigenous peoples’ rights.
Russian geopolitical objectives in the current oil price crisis, and implications for Canada
Authors: Sukhankin Sergey
Published: August 2024

Following the end of unsuccessful negotiations in March 2020 at OPEC headquarters in Vienna regarding oil production cuts,  in the early March in Vienna (headquarters of OPEC), Russia and Saudi Arabia de-facto launched a prise war that resulted in a significant drop in oil prices (just as the COVID pandemic caused a concomitant drop in demand for oil), which in turn led to earthquake on the global oil market. As a result, prices of oil that plays an essential role for economies of both countries have plummeted to  record lows no seen in two decades. While suffering economic losses,  both countries, nevertheless, maintain an assertive posture and seem willing to pursue this policy even further. This paper examines the geopolitical logic of the Russian side – a country that has been placed under western economic sanctions since 2014 as a result of its illegal annexation of Crimea and destabilizing steps via proxy forces in the Southeastern Ukraine – and consequences thereof, particularly for Canada, as the price of Western Canada Select reached historic lows amidst a COVID-19 induced economic contraction.
Fiscal Policy Trends: Bank Runs Can Occur in Uncertain Times, Including During a Pandemic, but They Are Not Likely - Especially in Canada
Authors: Shiamptanis Christos
Published: August 2024

In times of elevated uncertainty and stress, people tend to panic and engage in stockpiling, a behaviour that is amplified by the fear of missing out. Some rush to supermarkets to accumulate toilet paper and non-perishable items, while others rush to the bank and withdraw large amounts of cash. During economic downturns, some might lose faith in their financial institution, and this fear of losing savings can lead to a run on banks.
Family Farmers to Foreign Fieldhands: Consolidation of Canadian Agriculture and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Authors: Falconer Robert
Published: August 2024

In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, questions regarding the participation of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in the Canadian workforce may seem reasonable. With borders closed to most international traffic due to public health concerns, and high levels of unemployment, the Canadian public, policy makers, and even employers may question the need to employ workers from abroad (Statistics Canada 2020; CBSA 2020). In addition to concerns over the health and employment of Canadians, the spread of COVID-19 among migrant workers has raised alarm over the security of both our food supply chain and the safety of workers (Rodriguez 2020; Yasmeen, Alexander, and Paskal 2020). These concerns have prompted policy makers at the federal level to study the issue in greater detail, and calls from advocates for expanded worker rights and protections (Migrant Rights 2020; HUMA 2020).
            In this briefing paper we provide answers to some of the above concerns. We begin by outlining the necessary role of foreign workers in Canadian agriculture. Despite the sometimes-common notion that TFWs displace domestic workers, we present data that provides a more plausible history of the program. We demonstrate that, following the Second World War, Canadian agriculture underwent significant consolidation and a steep drop in the number of smallholder farms and unpaid family members working on them. As average farm sizes increased and the unpaid labour force fell, producers responded with efforts to mechanize their outfits and offer higher wages for paid employees. Despite efforts to attract local workers, the number of domestic labourers in food production has fluctuated between stagnation and marginal decline. The participation of foreign workers in Canadian food production may have little to do with the displacement of domestic workers in comparison to the consolidation of agriculture, the exit of own-account workers and unpaid family members from the sector, and their substitution with capital investment and expansion of the labour pool beyond the border.
            This narrative of industrial transformation rather than displacement should inform the decisions of policy makers. Governments desiring to shutter the TFW program and replace the labour pool it provides with domestic workers may find little uptake among Canadians, replacing foreign workers with a shortage of workers. Producers may not be able to rapidly substitute towards further mechanization of food production, potentially resulting in higher prices at grocery stores, a reduction in exports, and greater reliance on imported food. We instead provide several suggestions that the federal and provincial governments may wish to consider to protect the lives and supply of foreign workers, and thereby secure the Canadian agricultural sector.
THE IMPACT OF PROPERTY TAXATION ON BUSINESS INVESTMENT IN ALBERTA
Authors: Dahlby Bev , Ferede Ergete , Khanal Mukesh
Published: August 2024

Alberta municipalities rely heavily on property taxes levied on residential and non-residential sectors to finance local public services. This paper investigates the effects of non-residential property tax rate on business investment using panel data from 17 Alberta cities over the 1998-2017 period. We find that a one mill increase in the non-residential property tax rate is associated with a $49 decrease in commercial and industrial real capita investment. Based on this estimate, we calculate the marginal cost of public funds for the non-residential property tax, which range from 3.12 for Lethbridge to 1.21 for Leduc.  We also find that business taxes that are levied on the rental value of a business property have a negative impact on investment, while higher expenditures on municipal services do not have a significant effect on business investment.
Constraints in the Canadian Transport Infrastructure Grid
Authors: Rodrigue Jean-Paul
Published: August 2024

The corridor concept aims at reducing the costs, duplication, and delays associated with the construction of transportation and ancillary infrastructure. These include diversification of export markets, supporting indigenous and northern development, expanding interregional and international trade, enhancing northern security and relieving bottlenecks and constraints to the existing transportation infrastructure grid.
In support of the Canadian Northern Corridor research agenda, the purpose of this study is to compile a review and evaluation of the constraints impairing the Canadian transport infrastructure grid. It identifies and evaluates the existing and expected bottlenecks and constraints in terminals (ports and airports), connectors (road, rail, and pipelines), and ancillary infrastructure (power transmission and telecommunications). It also outlines the opportunities and constraints for infrastructure development in a potential corridor.
Environmental Regulation and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Regulator Response in Canada
Authors: Goodday Victoria
Published: August 2024

Governments worldwide weakened environmental protection in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including federal and provincial government agencies across Canada. In this briefing paper, I review and analyze these actions, comparing the types of rules changed, types of changes, rationale and sectors impacted. Results show that Canadian regulators took one of two approaches: enforcement discretion or pre-emptive rule adjustment. Industry, government and public stakeholders all benefited from relaxed rules. Most of the rules relaxed, however, were specific to certain industrial sectors: the oil, gas and coal; mining; fisheries and water sectors. Regulators’ main reason for adjusting environmental rules was to address capacity constraints faced by regulated entities, with limited detail provided to justify the changes in most cases. Over a third of the changes were indefinite with no set end date. I discuss implications of these actions, including increased risk of harm to the environment and human health, budgetary impacts, noncompliance enforcement and considerations for regulatory design moving forward.
Strengthening Canada’s Food System by Reducing Food Waste
Authors: Holland Kerri
Published: August 2024

Canada’s food system has evolved under pressure to constantly produce more and do so more efficiently. However, the drive for increased productivity has also led to rising levels of food loss and waste. In Canada, over half of our annual food supply is discarded. Wasted resources, economic costs, pollution and growing numbers of citizens who are food insecure underline the importance of tackling this critical public policy issue. The aim of this paper is to better understand food loss and waste in Canada’s food system and offer suggestions for policy action. 
Canada’s food system is interconnected and food loss and waste occur at every level of the supply chain. They are the result of multiple and cumulative activities and the economic, social and environmental impacts are considerable. Consumers and businesses fail to adequately measure and account for the costs of waste and this is a reflection of how our society values food. There has been a general disregard for food loss and waste in the pursuit of maximizing output/economic growth, meeting market demands and keeping food prices low. 
COVID-19’s impact has shed light on the strengths and vulnerabilities of Canada’s food system. Disruptions in our supply chains garnered media attention and food security concerns became top of mind for many Canadians. Diverting food can help alleviate food insecurity but it can also serve an important role in reducing food waste. However, there are key challenges to facilitating food rescue that have been highlighted and exacerbated over the last year, including lack of infrastructure and co-ordination, misconceptions about food safety and worries related to cost and liability. 
Reducing the problem of food loss and waste in Canada’s food system will require a unified strategy and committed leadership. Policy action should be directed at enhancing measurement, education, innovation and policy reform. Reducing avoidable loss and waste through policy measures that enable prevention and diversion will ultimately strengthen our food system by wasting fewer resources, finding new economic opportunities, preventing environmental damage and alleviating food insecurity.
IMMIGRANT INCOMES AND CREDIT
Authors: Falconer Robert
Published: August 2024

Immigrants to Canada earn more the longer they live here. Their incomes are also influenced by factors including official language fluency, immigration category, and racial discrimination. In this article we address one factor – access to affordable credit.
Immigrants consume almost half of their savings in moving to Canada. This can leave little leftover to pay for recertification or licensing fees. Newcomers with professional accreditations earned outside Canada who cannot recertify or become licensed on their arrival often find work that is not commensurate with their training. This is a loss to both immigrants and those born in Canada who might benefit from their skills. Small, low-interest loans, or “microcredit” may be one way to achieve faster certification.
The figure on the right shows data from Windmill Microlending, a registered charity providing microloans to immigrants. Red dots represent the income of an immigrant loan recipients (red) and non-recipients (green) measured against their time in Canada. The lines show the average rise in pay for immigrants the longer they live in Canada. On average, loan recipients receive a 26% increase in income following disbursement and a faster rate of increase in income over time.
TAX POLICY TRENDS: AN EXAMINATION OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA’S PROPOSED CHILDCARE REFUNDABLE TAX CREDIT
Authors: Petit Gillian , Tedds Lindsay , Schirle Tammy
Published: August 2024

On Aug. 15, 2021, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau had his request to dissolve Parliament approved, triggering Canada’s 44th federal election. On Aug. 16, 2021, the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) released their full platform. In that election platform, the CPC promise to convert the Childcare Expense Deduction (CCED) into a refundable tax credit (CPC 2021, 23). In releasing that platform, the CPC have also publicly stated that they would cancel the existing signed childcare agreements that expand childcare supply and limit childcare fees (Tasker 2021). This note examines the proposed benefit schedule of the refundable tax credit and what it would mean for childcare affordability.
The CHA and Beyond The Role of Legislation in National Reform in Health Care
Authors: Forest Pierre-Gerlier , Stoltz Lori
Published: August 2024

This paper is centred on the use of legislation as a tool of public action in health policy. We suggest that as with the Canada Health Act of 1984, this option should be considered to direct future reform efforts and pursue our collective aims of health and wellness.
 
The CHA is the legislative expression of the federal government’s exercise of its spending power, serving to consolidate key national agreements governing the circumstances under which the federal government contributes to the costs of medically necessary health services delivered by the provinces and territories.
 
Two features of the CHA merit highlighting. The first is that its core provisions – in particular, the five criteria often referred to as Canada’s “national standards” for health care – were not new or original to the CHA. The CHA was nonetheless an important step in the development of Canada’s health system because it enshrined together, in one statute, longstanding commitments. A second feature of the CHA worth highlighting is that it does not stand alone. The CHA is one of 13 statutes across the country, including one in each province and territory, that serve together to establish the basic legal infrastructure of Canada’s health insurance system.
 
The CHA’s powers to make regulations and issue policy interpretation letters offer important potential to achieve needed health system reforms without needing to “open” the Act.  Even where these powers are unrestricted by an express requirement for consultation with the provinces and territories, however, this would undoubtedly be required given the fundamentally consensual nature of the CHA.
 
Finally, the federal government’s legislative options are not limited to the CHA.  Jurisdiction over health and health care in Canada is shared between the federal and provincial and territorial governments. The various federal powers with health aspects allocated by the Constitution Act, 1867 are significant, including the residual “federal health power” to make laws “for the peace, order and good government of Canada” (POGG).  It therefore makes good sense to consider federal policy objectives in the health domain with regard for the full spectrum of federal legislative competence.
Organizing Canadian Local Government
Authors: Spicer Zachary
Published: August 2024

Finding the right organizational structure to govern local communities is a long-standing concern amongst municipal decision-makers. Canada provides a range of local governance arrangements, including service cooperation, single-tier and two-tier models. These types of arrangements have implications for how a municipality is governed and financed. Underlying these concerns, are factors such as local identity, culture and values.
Carbon Credit Systems in Agriculture: A Review of Literature
Authors: Lokuge Nimanthika , Anders Sven
Published: August 2024

Carbon-credit systems allow agricultural producers to earn an extra revenue through selling their surplus of carbon credits to producers who emit higher amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs). However, agricultural carbon-credit systems are still at early stage; hence, these benefits cannot be guaranteed due to their uncertain nature and the paucity of scientific evidence about agricultural carbon credits. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive literature review to highlight the gaps in existing knowledge related to agricultural carbon credits/offsets. Our particular interest is on Alberta because the province indicates the highest agricultural GHG emissions from 1990 to 2019 and, therefore, developing strategies to reduce the sector’s carbon intensity without compromising its economic contribution to the provincial economy poses a challenge. 
Literature is evident for promising GHG-mitigation strategies such as adoption of 4R practices (the right source at the right rate, right time and right place) as a package and improved efficiency in cattle farm management. Reduced tillage has been found to be less efficient. Researchers favour the concept of regenerative agriculture, which is more likely to return better outcomes compared to tillage practices. Moreover, ranchers are willing to upgrade their farms with efficient cattle breeds to take advantage of decreased feed costs. Conversely, farmers are reluctant to participate in the Alberta Emission Offset System unless rewarded with incentives.
However, carbon-credit markets are still growing; consequently, farmers may have more opportunities in the future. If the Alberta credit price continues to grow with no expected increase in transaction costs, agricultural producers would be more attracted to participate in the Alberta Emission Offset System. Moreover, endorsing farmers for carbon-crediting mechanisms by emphasizing the co-benefits and associated economic incentives is recommended, instead of prioritizing its potential financial gains. 
Nevertheless, due to the scarcity of published studies, it is too early to project the economic and climate-mitigative potential of carbon-offset–credit markets for Canadian farmers. Literature suggests farmers wait until the carbon market becomes more stable before making a decision. Future research and scientific evidence will be crucial to filling these gaps and to guaranteeing future protocols.
Estimating Future Costs for Infrastructure in the Proposed Canadian Northern Corridor at Risk From Climate Change
Authors: Debortoli Nathan S. , Pearce Tristan , Ford James D.
Published: August 2024

This paper reviews current climate change projections for northern Canada and considers what these mean for infrastructure development in the proposed Canadian Northern Corridor (CNC). We focus on chokepoints along the corridor’s notional route and estimate future costs of infrastructure along the chokepoints. We draw upon climate change projections at the end of the century (2100) using information from several climate variables sourced on the CMIP6 and CMIP5 reports. Climate variables include means
and extreme values for temperature, precipitation, wind and their indirect impacts on physical features: permafrost, freezing rain and wildfires. In terms of infrastructure costs, we investigate investment costs and the useful life of nine sectors within transportation, energy and buildings infrastructures. The findings of our analysis show that mean temperatures within the CNC area could increase by 10.9oC, and precipitation by 45 per cent by 2100. Climate change could create chokepoints along the CNC route, affecting key areas essential for transportation flow. Central regions of the corridor are projected to have a higher probability of receiving concomitant impacts on several chokepoints, including combined threats from the increasing frequency of wildfires, freezing rain and permafrost thaw. Adding a climatic layer to investment costs within CNC chokepoints can increase infrastructure costs by more than 101 per cent. Transportation engineering infrastructure, electric power infrastructure and the institutional buildings sectors are most likely to be impacted. Just considering a climate layer to current infrastructure increases costs by more than $12 billion for several hazards such as freezing precipitation (especially Alberta and BC), $7 billion for wildfires (especially BC) and more than $400 million for permafrost (especially Alberta and BC). Infrastructure built along the CNC route will need to be designed to remain functional under different climatic conditions that predominate today. Chokepoints will dictate how buildings and transportation infrastructure should be planned.
Regulatory Alignment for Multi-Modal Infrastructure Corridors
Authors: Harrison Rowland
Published: August 2024

This paper discusses “Regulatory Alignment for Multi-Modal Infrastructure Corridors” in the context of the Canadian Northern Corridor Concept (CNC). In particular, the paper reviews whether there are any existing models “for regulatory oversight and approval for multi-modal corridors and the subsequent placement of infrastructure within” that might be appropriate in developing the CNC. The paper concludes that existing models do not include certain of the elements of the CNC Concept as it has evolved to date, nor could any of the models be applied within the framework of Canada’s jurisdictional realities that would govern the CNC. The paper identifies several questions that need to be addressed in order to advance the CNC Concept to a more fully-formed proposal, which would form the basis for further examination of the need for regulatory oversight and approval and the form that such oversight and approval might take. The paper also suggests a forum that might oversee this further work.
Confronting the Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Crisis with a Multifaceted Policy Lens
Authors: Durante Stephanie , Fyie Ken , Zwicker Jennifer , Carpenter Travis
Published: August 2024

Dual demands for increased provision of acute episodic care in hospital and chronic care in the community have contributed to an ALC crisis in Canadian hospitals, where large numbers of patients are boarded in acute-care beds rather than in environments more appropriate for their required level of care. Addressing this crisis will be one of the most profound challenges facing provincial health systems in Canada over the coming decades.
This paper outlines the magnitude and complexity of confronting this growing crisis as well as defining a paradigm through which to explore and implement policy solutions along the entire continuum of challenges.
ALC as an administrative designation aggregates diverse groups of patients covering a wide spectrum of demographic variables, medical diagnoses, social circumstances, discharge destinations and other characteristics, all of which can affect how and when ALC is coded. It is itself a significant challenge to collect consistent, accurate and adequately granular data to inform the design and implementation of policy reforms. With this in mind, a dominant association between advanced age and markedly higher ALC rates needs to be acknowledged and highlights that solutions to the ALC crisis will be significantly interwoven with addressing previously described challenges for the overall health system with an aging population.
Clinically and operationally, ALC is a complex health-system issue that reflects and presents challenges from admission, throughout a patient’s hospital stay and after discharge. This paper outlines a holistic approach to categorizing policy interventions that address obstacles along this continuum, describing potential interventions in each phase. To achieve success, policy approaches must incorporate multi-faceted interventions into the overall context and systematize them to prevent, mitigate the burdens of, and improve the management of ALC.
Could or Would the U.S. Retaliate Against the Online Streaming Act (C-11) Now That it is Law?
Authors: Stephens Hugh
Published: August 2024

Canada has just enacted legislation to give the broadcast regulator, the Canadian Radio- television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), authority to regulate online streaming platforms, both domestic and international. This legislation, known as Bill C-11as it passed through an extensive parliamentary review process, was highly controversial. The bill empowers the CRTC to review and possibly amend the definition of “Canadian content.” It will also require that streaming services contribute financially to the production of Canadian content and will impose “discoverability” requirements on digital streaming platforms (like YouTube, Spotify, Netflix and others) to ensure that Canadian content is promoted. The CRTC will have broad leeway to issue and enforce regulations to achieve these ends.
The U.S. high-tech and streaming industry does not like this legislation and has usedvarious tactics to oppose it. Among these are arguments that C-11 violates commitments that Canada made to the United States in the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the replacement for NAFTA, and that implementation of C-11 will result in U.S. trade retaliation.
This paper analyzes the arguments to this effect put forth by the U.S. tech industry’strade association, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), and refutes them, particularly the argument that Canada will need to invoke CUSMA Article 32.6 (the cultural exception clause) to justify its actions. At the same time, the paper cautions that the CRTC needs to be careful with respect to imposing a requirement on foreign streamers to contribute to Canadian production if at the same time it denies them the ability to acquire and exploit the production they have helped finance when no such limitation is imposed on equivalent Canadian streaming services.
Canada, the G8 and the G20: A Canadian Approach to Shaping Global Governance in a Shifting International Environment
Authors: Smith Gordon S. , Heap Peter C.
Published: August 2024

This paper reviews the history of the Group of Eight (G8) and the subsequent establishment of the Group of Twenty (G20).  It summarizes and analyzes the outcome of the most recent G8 and G20 Summits held in 2010 at Huntsville and Toronto respectively.  It takes stock of the G8/G20 summit processes, noting the emerging trends with respect to the role of Government Leaders, summit management and summit effectiveness. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations for a Canadian approach to influencing the rapid changes in international decision-making manifested by recent G8 and G20 experience. Chief among these suggestions is that Canada should lead work on resolving the relationship between the G8 and the G20 with a view to consolidating the G20 as a fully functioning instrument of global governance.
Is This the End of the Tory Dynasty? The Wildrose Alliance in Alberta Politics
Authors: Sayers Anthony M. , Stewart David K.
Published: August 2024

The Alberta Tory dynasty begun by Peter Lougheed is now 40 years old. With only four leaders across four decades, the party has managed to maintain its hold on the political imagination of Albertans. It has weathered a number of storms, from minor party assaults during the tumultuous 1980s to the Liberal threat of 1993 and the stresses associated with the global financial crisis. Now it confronts a new challenge in the form of the Wildrose Alliance led by Danielle Smith.Just as the Tories stole the centre ground from beneath Social Credit in the 1970s, the Wildrose leadership team hopes to take what was a fringe right wing party and turn it into a broad coalition capable of appealing to a large number of Albertans. What challenges do they face in repositioning the party? And how will the Tories protect their home turf?In brief, the Wildrose Alliance must modify its policies and present them in such a manner as to be able to plausibly claim that it now reflects the core values of Albertans better than the current government.For its part, the government must select a new leader capable of successfully painting Wildrose as outsiders who cannot be trusted to cleave to the values that Albertans hold dear. What are these values? Strong support for individualism, a populist view of government – including wariness of the federal government – combined with a deep commitment to a role for government in providing core programs in areas such as health care, the environment, and social welfare.
A Fresh Start on Improving Economic Competitiveness and Perimeter Security
Authors: Burney Derek H.
Published: August 2024

The perimeter security and economic competitiveness initiative is a bold undertaking — the first, potentially major, bilateral initiative in more than two decades.  The agenda for negotiations is intended to streamline access for people, goods and services, improve cooperation between border agencies and law enforcement officials, and alleviate the regulatory over-burden that stifles the efficiency of a highly integrated North American economy. Border issues have languished for the past decade. New monitoring and surveillance technologies, all in the name of enhanced security, frustrate rather than facilitate trade. New inspection procedures and reporting mechanisms were introduced, contributing to long line ups at border crossings and undermining the practical advantage of “Just-in-time” deliveries for tightly organized cross-border supply chains. In an age of new security threats, including from cyberspace, it makes sense to heighten surveillance and joint monitoring capacities. Likewise, the forces of globalization oblige countries like Canada and the U.S. to revitalize trade flows and break down regulatory barriers. There are no guarantees of success and much hard negotiation lies ahead.  A key ingredient will be firm, persistent political prodding from the top.  The new majority government in Ottawa should help.
The Tricky Art of Measuring Fossil Fuel Subsidies: A Critique of Existing Studies
Authors: McKenzie Kenneth J. , Mintz Jack M.
Published: August 2024

Fossil fuel subsidies are of enormous import to policy-makers and public opinion, making it critical to properly define them. However, traditional methodologies tend to place subsidies in the realm of tax expenditure analysis, presenting a flawed picture. A recent report on government subsidies to the Canadian energy sector prepared for the International Institute for Sustainable Development exemplifies this flawed approach along several dimensions: it is not based on a robust underlying economic framework, it fails to account for complex interactions between tax and royalty systems in existing fiscal policy, and it uses a definition of subsidies that was created for a different purpose. The authors of this paper propose an alternative “economic view”,  based on economic rents, which provides a neutral benchmark against which subsidies, royalties and other energy-focused fiscal measures can be measured. Using marginal effective tax rate (METR) analysis, the authors show that it is possible to obtain a more accurate picture of energy subsidies and their impact on resource allocation and economic activity. This improved schema will ideally allow governments to better understand subsidies and devise sound policies, leading to less waste and distorted investment choices.
The Big and the Small of Tax Support for R&D in Canada
Authors: McKenzie Kenneth J.
Published: August 2024

Innovation is critical in the knowledge-based economy. It is generally accepted that governments have an important role to play in promoting innovative activity and R&D. Both the federal and provincial governments in Canada provide tax subsidies, and other forms of support, for R&D. Changes to various programs offered by the federal government were introduced in Budget 2012, most particularly related to the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit program. This paper analyzes the state of tax subsidies for R&D both pre- and post-budget, and at both the federal and provincial level. It is shown that there is a patchwork of effective tax subsidy rates in Canada, which vary both between and within provinces, between small versus large firms, and across sectors and types of R&D activity. The result is a misallocation of R&D resources and a system of government support that is less effective than it could be. On some dimensions Budget 2012 was a move in the right direction, but on other dimensions matters were made worse, resulting in a reconfiguration of tax support across R&D activities that is more distortionary and less efficient. Most particularly, the post-budget tax system heavily favours small firms over large firms, and labour intensive R&D over capital intensive R&D. This paper offers a lucid examination of R&D tax support pre- and post-budget, and argues persuasively that Canadian governments should adopt a more uniform, less distortionary approach to tax subsidies for R&D if they are truly interested in setting innovation free.