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Pulp and paper mill biomass boilers generate large quantities of ash in Canada with British Columbia (BC) being the highest ash generating province followed closely by Quebec. Generally, the generated ash is landfilled, particularly in BC, with only a small amount being used beneficially. It is anticipated that the difficulty associated with the management of ash will worsen over time as the industry increases its reliance on green fuel. Thus, there is a strong need to identify beneficial uses of pulp and paper boiler ash for the sake of environmental and economic sustainability. The purpose of this report is to provide the first step in this direction, a review of proposed or implemented uses for coal and hog (or wood) ash around the world. Considering both the properties of the ash and local opportunities, this could be the first step toward screening the applications that may apply to individual mills. Several large-scale practices use ash, such as land application (as a nutrient source or as a liming agent), use in the construction industry (as a replacement for cement or as a fill material), and reclamation of mine sites and stabilization of unpaved forest roads. In some cases, relatively small-scale applications have been used which included uses such as a compost component, agent for pH adjustment of liquid streams and slurries, blasting abrasive, and source of quartz for glass manufacturing to name a few. It is important to note that the chemical nature of both fly and bottom ashes can be quite variable due to the type of wood residues combusted as well as combustion equipment used and must be considered in identifying beneficial applications., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The latitudinal herbivory-defense hypothesis (LHDH) predicts that plants near the equator will be more heavily defended against herbivores than are plants at higher latitudes. Although this idea is widely found in the literature, recent studies have called this biogeographic pattern into question. We sought to evaluate the LHDH in a high-latitude terrestrial ecosystem where fire and mammalian herbivores may contribute to selection for higher levels of defensive chemistry. To address this objective, we collected seeds of Alaska paper birch (Betula neoalaskana) from nine locations along two north-south transects between 55 degrees N and 62 degrees N latitudes in western, interior Canada. The birch seeds were planted in pots in a common garden in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. From the resulting seedlings, we determined levels of chemical defense by assessing the density of resin glands, which have been shown to be negatively correlated with browsing. To assess plant architectural traits such as height, mean individual leaf area, and root-to-shoot ratio, we harvested a subset of the birch seedlings. Further, we used these traits to examine growth-defense trade-offs. Contrary to the LHDH, we found a positive correlation between chemical defense and latitude. Investigating relationships with fire, we found a strong positive correlation between resin gland density and percentage of area annually burned (PAAB) around each collection location and also between PAAB and latitude. Additionally, birch seedlings originating from higher latitudes were shorter, smaller-leaved, and rootier than their lower-latitude counterparts. Growth-defense trade-offs were observed in negative correlations between resin gland density and height and leaf size. Seedlings with higher resin gland densities also allocated less biomass to shoots and more to roots. These results further call into question the LHDH and provide specific information about latitudinal trends in plant defense at high, northern latitudes where fire is a major ecosystem driver and mammals are the main herbivores of deciduous trees such as birches. We propose that these interconnected relationships are the key drivers of the positive correlation between defense and latitude in B. neoalaskana. Understanding patterns of boreal plant defense and growth is especially important because high latitude ecosystems are particularly susceptible to climate change. Key words: Alaska paper birch; Betula neoalaskana; biogeography; chemical defense; grotvth-defense trade-offs; inherent growth rate; latitude; latitudinal herbivory-defense hypothesis; papyr'feric acid; plant ar- chitecture; resin glands; root-to-shoot ratio.

In an era of escalating and intersectional crises, the toxic drug poisoning crisis stands out as a devastating and persistent phenomenon. Where we write from in British Columbia (BC), Canada, over 13,000 deaths have occurred in the eight years since the toxic drug poisoning crisis was declared a provincial health emergency. While many of these deaths have occurred in large urban centres, smaller rural communities in British Columbia are also grappling with the profound impacts of the toxic drug poisoning crisis and are struggling to provide adequate support for their vulnerable populations. In response to these challenges, the Walk With Me research project has emerged in the Comox Valley of Vancouver Island, BC, employing community-engaged methodologies grounded in pluralist knowledge production. Walk With Me seeks to understand the unique manifestations of the toxic drug poisoning crisis in small communities, identifying local harm reduction interventions that can foster community resilience, and aiming to catalyze sustainable change by amplifying the voices of those directly affected by the crisis to advocate for policy changes. This paper outlines the conceptual and methodological underpinnings of the Walk With Me project as a harm reduction initiative, which holds community partnerships and diverse ways of knowing at its heart. It presents the community-engaged research framework used by the project to address overlapping health and social crises, offering practical examples of its application in various research projects across sites and organizations. The paper concludes with a reflection on the impacts of Walk With Me to date, highlighting the lessons learned, challenges encountered, and opportunities for future research and action. Overall, this article captures the urgent need for community-engaged approaches to address the toxic drug poisoning crisis and other multidimensional crises facing society, particularly in smaller and rural communities, underscoring the potential for meaningful change through collaborative, grassroots efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species of fishes around the world are soniferous. The types of sounds fishes produce vary among species and regions but consist typically of low-frequency (< 1.5 kHz) pulses and grunts. These sounds can potentially be used to monitor fishes non-intrusively and could complement traditional monitoring techniques. However, the significant time required for human analysts to manually label fish sounds in acoustic recordings does not yet allow passive acoustics to be used as a viable tool for monitoring fishes. In this paper, we compare two different approaches to automatically detect fish sounds. One is a more traditional machine learning technique based on the detection of acoustic transients in the spectrogram and the classification using Random Forest (RF). The other is using a deep learning approach and is based on the classification of overlapping segments (0.2 s) of spectrogram using a ResNet18 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Both algorithms were trained using 21,950 manually annotated fish and non-fish sounds collected from 2014 to 2019 at five different locations in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada. The performance of the detectors was tested on part of the data from the Strait of Georgia that was withheld from the training phase, data from Barkley Sound, British Columbia, and data collected in the Port of Miami, Florida, United States. The CNN performed up to 1.9 times better than the RF (F1 score: 0.82 vs. 0.43). In some cases, the CNN was able to find more faint fish sounds than the analyst and performed well in environments different from the one it was trained in (Miami F1 score: 0.88). Noise analysis in the 20--1,000 Hz frequency band shows that the CNN is still reliable in noise levels greater than 130 dB re 1 μPa in the Port of Miami but becomes less reliable in Barkley Sound past 100 dB re 1 μPa due to mooring noise. The proposed approach can efficiently monitor (unidentified) fish sounds in a variety of environments and can also facilitate the development of species-specific detectors. We provide the software FishSound Finder, an easy-to-use open-source implementation of the CNN detector with detailed documentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reforming environmentally harmful subsidies is an international priority under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Research that links industrial subsidies to negative ecological impacts, however, is limited. This paper contributes to the emerging agenda of global "subsidy accountability" research by linking oil and gas subsidies to the decline of endangered caribou herds in British Columbia, Canada. While existing research concretely attributes the decline of caribou herds to industrial activity, including oil and gas development, we suggest there is a need to identify the political‐economic structures which drive ongoing industrial development in caribou habitat, including public subsidies. We use government data to map oil and gas wells in critical caribou habitat and determine how many are run by operators receiving provincial fossil fuel "royalty credits". Ultimately, we find that 1678, or 54%, of oil and gas wells located within critical caribou habitat are run by companies that have received benefits from one or both of BC's largest royalty credit programs. This paper points to the need for further analysis of subsidies as indirect drivers of biodiversity loss on a global scale, as well as increased emphasis on political‐economic drivers in conservation research. It also highlights the obstacles to implementing appropriate conservation solutions in political‐economic contexts dominated by resource extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplain wetland ecosystems experience significant seasonal water fluctuation over the year, resulting in a dynamic hydroperiod, with a range of vegetation community responses. This paper assesses trends and changes in land cover and hydroclimatological variables, including air temperature, river discharge, and water level in the Upper Columbia River Wetlands (UCRW), British Columbia, Canada. A land cover classification time series from 1984 to 2022 was generated from the Landsat image archive using a random forest algorithm. Peak river flow timing, duration, and anomalies were examined to evaluate temporal coincidence with observed land cover trends. The land cover classifier used to segment changes in wetland area and open water performed well (kappa of 0.82). Over the last 4 decades, observed river discharge and air temperature have increased, precipitation has decreased, the timing of peak flow is earlier, and the flow duration has been reduced. The frequency of both high-discharge events and dry years have increased, indicating a shift towards more extreme floodplain flow behavior. These hydrometeorological changes are associated with a shift in the timing of snowmelt, from April to mid-May, and with seasonal changes in the vegetative communities over the 39-year period. Thus, woody shrubs (+ 6 % to + 12 %) have expanded as they gradually replaced marsh and wet-meadow land covers with a reduction in open-water area. This suggests that increasing temperatures have already impacted the regional hydrology, wetland hydroperiod, and floodplain land cover in the Upper Columbia River valley. Overall, there is substantial variation in seasonal and annual land cover, reflecting the dynamic nature of floodplain wetlands, but the results show that the wetlands are drying out with increasing areas of woody/shrub habitat and loss of aquatic habitat. The results suggest that floodplain wetlands, particularly marsh and open-water habitats, are vulnerable to climatic and hydrological changes that could further reduce their areal extent in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In British Columbia (BC), there are challenges accessing specialized spinal cord injury care and resources. This paper evaluated the impact of spinal cord injury health educational workshops delivered in regional communities that were informed by persons with lived experience. A community survey was conducted with 44 persons with lived experience in a BC region to identify priority SCI health-related topics. Twenty-five topics were ranked from 1–14, with bowel and bladder management ranked 1 and 4, sexual health ranked 5, and pressure injuries ranked 7. Clinical perspectives on the priorities were collected from 102 clinicians in the BC region, who independently ranked 14 of these SCI topics and considered the former 4 topics to be lower clinical priority (ranked 11–14). These priorities informed a series of SCI clinical education workshops held at healthcare facilities in three regional cities. The goals were to improve clinicians' knowledge and confidence levels when managing spinal cord injury health and to facilitate person-centred care. Positive feedback demonstrated that educational workshops supported by lived experience perspectives effectively enhanced the clinicians' understanding of spinal cord injury and their priorities. Future plans include engaging more administrators as part of this initiative and conducting workshops in other regions of BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterogenous mineralogy of ultramafic deposits hosting mining operations makes it challenging to accurately determine the waste rock's mineral carbonation potential (MCP). Additionally, the significantly higher carbonation capabilities of olivine than serpentine add to the difficulty. To address this issue, in this work, a new and unique tool called the MCP calculator was developed as a Microsoft ExcelTM spreadsheet to accurately determine the amount of anthropogenic CO2 that a given rock mass can sequester through mineral carbonation. The program estimates the modal mineral abundance of ultramafic rocks to aid in MCP estimation. This tool is designed to be cost-effective and tailored for use by the mining industry, utilising abundant lithogeochemical data to evaluate their deposit as a potential substrate for industrial mineral carbonation operations. The paper introduces the MCP calculator, outlines a framework for developing the MCP parameter, and presents an example of its application. The calculator is specific to the mineral assemblage investigated at the Turnagain ultramafic complex in northern British Columbia but can be adjusted to study comparable deposits. The paper acknowledges that using waste rock in a mineral carbonation operation requires economic and practical decisions beyond the scope of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to address the issue of how evidence obtained in violation of a Charter-protected right is to be dealt with in civil forfeiture proceedings. In arriving at the answer, the governing jurisprudence in this area of the law will be canvased to provide a contextual background that informs the parameters of this discussion. However, it will ultimately become clear by the end of this paper that evidence obtained in violation of a Charter-protected right should be dealt with by way of section 24(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the use of a modified Grant test. Civil forfeiture is the process by which the state commences legal action to obtain property that was seized as an instrument or proceed of unlawful activity. Although property can be forfeited through a number of different mechanisms, the scope of this paper is limited to forfeiture proceedings commenced by way of civil action under provincial legislation with a focus on British Columbia. The case law presented in this paper will focus primarily on appellate court decisions from across the country due to the scarce attention this area of the law has received. These cases will highlight the endeavours of litigants who sought to undermine civil forfeiture proceedings through the use of common law principles and the Charter. Finally, commentary will be provided on the direction future research in this area of the law should take. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sediment core was retrieved from an area adjacent to a Pulp and Paper Mill in Howe Sound, British Columbia, in order to examine the accumulation dioxins (PCDDs) and furans (PCDFs). Downcore distribution of TOC in the bulk samples is relatively uniform (0.5–1.7 wt. %). Bulk PCDD/F concentration shows selective enrichment and depletion at specific sediment horizons, and a low to moderate correlation with surface area (r2 = 0.23–0.54). TOC in size fractionated sediments ranges from 0.3–11 wt. % and shows a moderate correlation with surface area (r2 = 0.51). The relationship between PCDD/Fs and surface area is congener specific, ranging from no significant correlation (TCDD; r2 = 0.05), to a good correlation (i.e., OCDF; r2 = 0.74). Results indicate that both dioxin and furan concentrations are related to organic matter concentration, molecular chlorination and sediment surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic contamination is commonly reported in urban and rural soils, as well as in fresh and ocean waters. Canada's government has attempted to limit the contamination of single-use plastic by banning the manufacturing and selling of specific types of plastic. In British Columbia, current regulations governing commercial composting state that when compost has less than 1% of its dry weight representing foreign materials (including plastic), it can be sold and used in soils. However, due to the low density of plastic and its potential to break down into microparticles, this amount may be enough to become toxic when used in agricultural soils. This paper studies contamination of plastic in garden soils and summarizes how this can affect the environment with a preliminary examination of a garden soil sample. The examination showed that the garden soil sample contained mainly low-density polyethylene, polyethylene and polypropylene plastics (identified through ATR-FTIR) in oxidized and unoxidized forms that can come from commercial composting and hypothesizes that this plastic could break down into microplastic particles. In order to limit the amount of plastic contamination in agricultural soils, it is necessary to modify current compost regulations in order to treat plastic differently than other foreign materials (glass, metal, wood). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) of British Columbia suggested that a paradigm shift from weight to well-being could address the unintended consequences of focusing on obesity and improve the outcomes of efforts to address the challenges facing both individuals and our healthcare system. In this paper, we jointly used artificial intelligence (AI) and participatory modeling to examine the possible consequences of this paradigm shift. Specifically, we created a conceptual map with 19 experts to understand how obesity and physical and mental well-being connect to each other and other factors. Three analyses were performed. First, we analyzed the factors that directly connect to obesity and well-being, both in terms of causes and consequences. Second, we created a reduced version of the map and examined the connections between categories of factors (e.g., food production, and physiology). Third, we explored the themes in the interviews when discussing either well-being or obesity. Our results show that obesity was viewed from a medical perspective as a problem, whereas well-being led to broad and diverse solution-oriented themes. In particular, we found that taking a well-being perspective can be more comprehensive without losing the relevance of the physiological aspects that an obesity-centric perspective focuses on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson, F.; Douglas, K.; Li, Z.; Meijer, A.; Stacey, C.D.; Kung, R., and Podhorodeski, A., 2024. A generalized semiautomated method for seabed geology classification using multibeam data and maximum likelihood classification. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(1), 1–16. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. This paper presents a GIS-based model to perform semiautomated seabed classification that can act as a first-pass, pseudoclassified surficial geological map. The user can then edit the output into a finalized map in less time than by manual classification. The model uses maximum likelihood classification with unsupervised classification through iterative self-organizing clusters. This model is fully contained within the ArcGIS software suite as a ModelBuilder workflow composed of geoprocessing tools and Python script tools. Model inputs tested include different combinations of multibeam echosounder–derived data: slope, backscatter, and terrain ruggedness. Furthermore, to test the assumption of Gaussian distribution of input data required for maximum likelihood classification, Box–Cox power transformations were applied to slope and backscatter data and were used as model inputs. To illustrate the performance of the model, two locations are highlighted as case studies: Milbanke Sound and Spiller Channel, located on the central coast of British Columbia, Canada. Association between model outputs and ground-truth classes was generally weak to moderate when measured using Cramér's V association scores. Overall, the slope and backscatter parameter model had the highest scores of association. Results from an overlay analysis comparing model outputs with user-confirmed polygons show that the slope and backscatter model performs best in regions with distinct changes in the hardness of sediments but that in fjord regions dominated geologically by steeper bathymetric change, the slope parameter model may perform better. However, all model outputs had difficulty delineating bedrock units. The model has the flexibility to identify certain seabed habitat features as well, including glass sponge reefs—biologically active bioherms that have led to marine protected area designations in other areas of British Columbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous peoples in Canada have suffered from ongoing impacts of colonization. Narrowing the scope to First Nations people in British Columbia, their perspective on health and wellness spans from individual to kin, to land, economy, socialization, and cy-cles that exist in life. Such intricacies have been impacted by colonial systems wherein many Indigenous people have left their traditional lands and communities to pursue other opportunities or to flee unsettling circumstances. This paper uses Indigenous methodologies to collect qualitative data on the experiences of some First Nations peoples when relocating off-reserve as it relates to their health and wellness. The participants of this study were Elders connected to the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, located on Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo) territory, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Elders were selected as the sample group based on the traditional perspective of their knowledge and wisdom. Six common themes from Elders' experiences were connection, way of living, education and employment, colonialism, land, and quality of health care. Further, axial coding found four action-based themes that can be applied from the research: racism, relevance, restrictions and resources--creating the 'four Rs' as recommendations for larger health systems in British Columbia, Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on a particularly successful avoidance of unwanted catch of protected, endangered, and threatened (PET) species in the form of ecologically important sponge and coral, to be found off Canada's Pacific coast. The fishery causing the unwanted catch—the British Columbia groundfish trawl fishery. A campaign to protect the sponge/coral led by environmental NGOs (ENGOs) resulted in the industry's access to the key California market being threatened. For reasons explained, the national resource manager's ability to take effective direct action had become severely compromised. The groundfish trawl fishing industry responded to the economic threat with a bottom up approach to the unwanted catch problem, by negotiating a habitat agreement with a consortium of ENGOs, with the blessing and full support of the national resource manager. The agreement, now in its tenth year of operation, has proved to be a remarkable success in avoidance of unwanted catch. The paper argues that the success rests fundamentally upon the fact that the fishers have been and are playing a stand alone stable cooperative game, which has led them in turn to play stable cooperative games with both the national resource manager and the ENGO consortium. The paper analyses the factors leading to the stand alone stable cooperative fisher game, doing so by necessity through the lens of game theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plain English summary: Background The Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded a program, "patient-oriented research" (POR), to change the way health research is done. POR involves patients and their families/caregivers as equal partners on research teams with researchers, healthcare providers and decision-makers. The authors of this paper work through a unit in British Columbia, Canada that functions to help research teams learn how to do patient-oriented research. We felt that we could not train people if we didn't first understand what others had learned about what competencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) were helpful for members of these research teams. Method We used a method called a scoping review to search literature on patient-involved research. Our search included papers in academic journals as well as information on websites, training manuals, conference proceedings, governmental documents and statements from health organizations. Findings Writers reported the usefulness of many competencies for researchers and patients, with fewer competencies for healthcare providers or decision-makers. The main competencies for researchers had to do with participation, communication and conflict management; for patients they had to do with research knowledge and skills, cultural competence and participation. It was helpful that all team members want to work as part of a group for the public good. Conclusions We worked with an advisory group of people representing patients and their families/caregivers, researchers, healthcare providers and decision-makers to review our findings. We concluded that our competency statements are helpful for people to determine what they need to know or learn as they join research teams. Background The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) launched an initiative called the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) encouraging patient-oriented research (POR) that engages patients as equal partners in research teams alongside researchers, healthcare providers and health system decision-makers. Other countries have launched similar initiatives (POR-related work) yet there has never been full review of the competencies needed by individuals engaging in this work. Purpose and methods Our purpose was to summarize existing knowledge on POR and POR-related competencies by conducting a scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature. Our objectives were to systematically explore literature, articulate competencies necessary for research team members, identify research gaps and provide recommendations for further research. Using standard health databases and search methods, a total of 2036 sources was retrieved. Data were extracted from 35 peer-reviewed papers and 38 grey literature sources. We used an iterative process to reach consensus on competency statements. Findings and conclusions The main competencies for researchers were in categories of participation, communication and teamwork and conflict/tension management; for patients the main competencies were in research knowledge and skills, cultural competence/context and participation. While fewer competencies were documented for the other stakeholder groups, the need for understanding patient involvement in research and knowledge of the needs that research partners have are noted as competencies for healthcare providers and decision-makers. Attitudes demonstrating inclination to conduct the work were noted for all. The competencies can be used to consider learning needs of research team members and for team members wishing to assess their own readiness to serve on a POR or POR-related research team. Incidentally, we noted the lack of a common vocabulary used to describe patient-involved research, a situation making research and literature review/retrieval quite challenging. Recommendations for future research and for achieving consistency in language are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individual placement and support (IPS) is an evidence-based practice (EBP) designed to help people with severe mental illness re-enter the labour market. Implementing an IPS program within a new context (e.g., primary health care setting) to support populations that are complex and multi-barriered presents a set of unique challenges and considerations. This paper provides community-based perspectives that identify implementation strengths and challenges and highlights potential strategies aimed at addressing emergent barriers. Methods: A case study was conducted across three community health centres in British Columbia (BC), Canada, where a novel IPS program was embedded within primary care services. Data collection consisted of open-ended surveys and focus groups with service providers directly involved in program implementation and their associated clinical and managerial support teams (n = 15). Using the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as a guide, we performed deductive thematic analysis to identify key areas impacting IPS implementation. Results: Integration with existing health care systems and primary health care teams and support from leadership across all levels were identified as both key facilitators and barriers to implementation. Facilitators and barriers were identified across all domains, with those within innovation and process most easily addressed. Four cross-cutting themes emerged for promoting more integrated and sustainable program implementation: investing in pre-implementation activities, supporting a dynamic and flexible program, building from community experiences, and developing a system for shared knowledge. Conclusions: Implementing an IPS program embedded within primary health care settings is complex and requires extensive planning and consultation with community-based service providers and decision-makers to achieve full integration. Future practice and policy decisions aimed at supporting employment and well-being should be made in collaboration with communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular construction has become exceedingly relevant against the current scenario of increasing housing demand and can respond to this need in Canada due to its advantages of rapid construction. However, a holistic environmental sustainability framework for this construction method is still lacking. This paper proposes a hierarchical-based framework to benchmark the environmental performance of modular buildings versus conventional buildings. The framework identifies criteria and indicators affecting environmental sustainability, makes composite indicators, and establishes performance benchmarks. Based on expert survey, six criteria (construction waste management, energy performance and efficiency strategies, site disruption and appropriate strategies, renewable and environmentally preferable products, regional materials, and renewable energy use) are first identified. The related indicators and sub-indicators are combined to develop indices using Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. Robust benchmark scales were established through application of Monte Carlo analysis on data collected through experts. Finally, the developed indices were compared against the benchmark scales at different assessment levels. The proposed framework was examined for two single-family modular buildings in British Columbia, Canada. The overall environmental performance benchmarking informs the policy makers on the usefulness of modular buildings, while the criteria-level indices direct the construction industry practitioners to improve the low performing indicators. The proposed framework will enhance the sustainability of modular and offsite construction in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Rural & Community Development is the property of Brandon University, Rural Development Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Providing access to pediatric healthcare services in British Columbia, Canada, presents unique challenges given low population densities spread across large geographic distances combined with a lack of availability of specialist providers in remote areas, leading to quality of care shortcomings and inequalities in care delivery. The study objective was to develop a framework that provides a common language and methodology for defining and planning child and youth healthcare services across the province.Methods: The framework was developed in two phases. In Phase 1, a literature and jurisdictional review was completed using the following inclusion criteria: (i) description of a framework focusing on organizing service delivery systems (ii) that supports health service planning, (iii) includes specialty or subspecialty services and (iv) has been published since 2008. In Phase 2, a series of meetings with key provincial stakeholders were held to receive feedback on the developed Tiers of Service framework versions that were based on the literature and jurisdictional review and adjusted to the British Columbian health care context. The final version was endorsed by the Child Health BC Steering Committee.Results: Ten medical articles and thirteen jurisdictional papers met the established selection criteria and were included in this study. Most frameworks were developed by the Australian national or state jurisdictions and published in jurisdictional papers (n = 8). Frameworks identified in the medical literature were mainly developed in Canada (n = 3) and the US (n = 3) and focused on maternity, neonatal, critical care and oncology services. Based on feedback received from the expert group, the framework was expanded to include community-based services, prevention and health determinants. The final version of the Tiers of Service framework describes the specific services to be delivered at each tier, which are categorized as Tier 1 (community services) through Tier 6 (sub-specialized services). Two consecutive steps were identified to effectively use the framework for operational and system planning: (i) development of a 'module' outlining the responsibilities and requirements to be delivered at each tier; and (ii) assessment of services provided at the health care facility against those described in the module, alignment to a specific tier, identification of gaps at the local, regional and provincial level, and implementation of quality improvement initiatives to effectively address the gaps.Conclusions: The benefits of the Tiers of Service framework and accompanying modules for health service planning are being increasingly recognized. Planning and coordinating pediatric health services across the province will help to optimize flow and improve access to high-quality services for children living in British Columbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This place and gender-based paper arises from bearing witness to, and critically engaging, the heightened vulnerabilities that a global pandemic (COVID-19) brings to the geographies of so-called northern British Columbia (BC), Canada. We consider how vulnerabilities in northern geographies are produced through layers of coloniality and racialized extractive-capitalism and then, subsequently, how those heightened vulnerabilities are ignored and disregarded in support of corporate interests. We explore the risks and gendered nature of industrial camps-or 'man camps.' By focusing on man camps, we demonstrate how, by continuing to operate during a pandemic and in regions where people have pleaded for them to shut down, man camps are environments that amplify physical, environmental, health, and sociocultural risks. We also outline how man camps further subject northern communities to corporate colonial violence, especially by ignoring many Indigenous leaders' demands for camps to close. Using anti-colonial and place-based analytical lenses and methods in critical feminist iterative discourse analysis, we also draw from statements by health workers, Indigenous leaders, and media articles to highlight the predicted spread of the virus across northern BC geographies. The paper interrogates how and why extractive facilities, and the man camps they rely upon, are deemed essential services despite extractive facilities relying on transient workforces housed in industrial camps that had (predictable) COVID-19 outbreaks. Importantly, we celebrate voices (often of women-identifying Indigenous activists, matriarchs, and front-line workers) tirelessly calling for attention to the gendered and racialized impacts of industrial 'man camps'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Within the field of patient and public involvement in health service research, there is a growing movement towards not only involving patients in research but engaging them as co-producers of knowledge. We explore such a co-productive research relationship in a case study on rural perinatal mental health, with the aim of collaboratively developing knowledge based on both the relevant lived experience of a community partner, and the systemic knowledge of academic researchers. Methods: Data was gathered through a community forum and subsequent interviews with social service program administrators from rural British Columbia, Canada. Interviews were analyzed separately by the community partner and academic researchers using principles of thematic analysis. Both the community partner and academic researchers were involved from project genesis to data collection, analysis, interpretation, and manuscript writing. Results: Common themes identified by the academic and community researchers included needs for peer support, barriers to peer support, and gaps in mental health care. Divergently, the academic researcher focused on systems-level challenges while the community partner emphasized the impact of power dynamics within health systems. Researchers generated five methodological values propositions from the process of co-production, including (a) mutual respect for all viewpoints, (b) a rejection of assumed hierarchy, (c) commitments to truth speaking, (d) attention to process, and (e) equivalence of contribution. Conclusions: Co-production highlights the value of lived experience in health research, sets it in conversation with scientific inquiry, and moves away from hierarchies of assumed knowledge often embedded in traditional health care research. Incorporating both academic researcher and community partner writing into our paper reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity and authenticity of lived experience, an affirmation of its equal validity as a source of knowledge, and a rejection of qualifying patient voices. The exploration of this co-production research relationship lays groundwork for future research teams considering collaborative methodology. We suggest co-productive research as a means of addressing the epistemic injustice that arises in health care research from the privileging of certain forms of knowledge, and the exclusion of others, namely that derived from patient experience. Plain English summary: Co-production is an approach to research where community partners and academic researchers work together to carry out a study. Our co-production team was made up of a community partner with lived experience of accessing mental health supports in rural areas, and academic researchers experienced in health systems design. Co-production emphasizes both the wisdom of lived experience and the importance of scientific approaches. What emerges is research that is both rigorous and authentic. While this form of patient partner research involvement is growing, few studies describe the process of collaboration. To address this gap, we present a case study of how university researchers worked with a patient partner on a project about mental health services for childbearing people in rural communities. The team worked together at every step, from initial study design, to reaching out to participants, reviewing the data, and writing the paper. We agreed our approach would be guided by principles such as respect for all viewpoints, speaking truth, attention to the process, and ensuring that everyone's contributions were given equal weight. The academic researchers and the community partner identified many common themes in the data. The community partner also emphasized patient experiences of unequal treatment by health care providers. The academic researchers focused on the lack of access to perinatal mental health supports. Exploring differences in perspectives like this allowed for richer interpretation of the findings. This case study offers useful insight into the value of co-production and the important role of lived experience in improving health systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper qualitatively examines "privation of inclusion" at work in the lived experiences of racialized participants hired in publicly funded places of employment. Taking the position that the dualistic inclusion-exclusion paradigm fails to capture their lived realities with inclusive exclusions and exclusive inclusions, it presents privative inclusion as a third space, between inclusion and exclusion, for a more robust framework in understanding how racialized bodies were marked and targeted for differential treatment. The paper then outlines and discusses findings as key indicators of privative mechanisms that had undermined life chances by limiting career mobility of racialized participants of this study. It concludes by emphasizing the need for additional research in this area given the salience of racism at work as well as the demographic changes that Canada is currently experiencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic gastrointestinal diseases that negatively affect the enjoyment of food and engagement in social and cultural gatherings. Such experiences may promote psychosocial challenges, an aspect of IBD often overlooked and under‐supported in clinical settings and research. Objectives: This study explored the psychosocial experiences that young adults with IBD have with food via a qualitative patient‐led research process. Methods: Trained patient researchers conducted this study by engaging peers via semi‐structured interviews and focus groups in a three‐step co‐design process. Participants (n = 9) identified the research topic (SET), explored the topic and identified emerging themes (COLLECT), refined themes and made recommendations for healthcare system change (REFLECT). Results: Themes that emerged included: 'Experimenting with Food', 'Evolution Over Time', 'Diet Changes are Emotional' and 'Role of Stigma'. Participants identified the significance and frustrations of repeated testing and experimenting with food compatibility, and noted nuances in food relationships as they gain knowledge and experience over time. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of hope throughout and wished to impart this to newly diagnosed patients. Conclusion: Participants experience numerous psychosocial challenges as they strive to manage their diet, noting gaps in support available from IBD practitioners. Participants made practical recommendations for healthcare system change to improve patient outcomes, highlighting the importance of sharing stories and collaboratively including patients in the development of new services and protocols. Authors recommend further research in this area to build a body of knowledge and support that helps IBD patients maintain hope while navigating challenges with food. Patient or Public Contribution: The first four authors on this paper were the lead researchers in this study's design and analysis and identify as patients; they conducted the research with this identity at the forefront following a peer‐to‐peer research model. These authors were mentored by patient researchers who also contributed to the manuscript, and the research process itself was co‐lead and directed by other patient participants and consultants. Results and recommendations coming from this paper came directly from patient participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tis paper explores the potential of the legislature or courts using-Gladue-like reports in British Columbia's child protection laws and policies. It first lays out the current provincial legal frameworks and illustrates its shortcomings by comparing them with Indigenous legal orders; to argue that the Indigenous communities should control their child protection systems. Drawing parallels between sentencing and child protection cases, this paper explores a proposed restructuring of the child protection system focusing on the potential of implementing Gladue-like reports. The paper finds that this restructuring would have lasting and positive impacts on Indigenous children, their families, and communities. It identifies avenues for legal reform that would mandate Gladue-like reports in child protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meaningful engagement and partnerships with people who use drugs are essential to conducting research that is relevant and impactful in supporting desired outcomes of drug consumption as well as reducing drug-related harms of overdose and COVID-19. Community-based participatory research is a key strategy for engaging communities in research that directly affects their lives. While there are growing descriptions of community-based participatory research with people who use drugs and identification of key principles for conducting research, there is a gap in relation to models and frameworks to guide research partnerships with people who use drugs. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for research partnerships between people who use drugs and academic researchers, collaboratively developed and implemented as part of an evaluation of a provincial prescribed safer supply initiative introduced during dual public health emergencies (overdose and COVID-19) in British Columbia, Canada. The framework shifts from having researchers choose among multiple models (advisory, partnership and employment) to incorporating multiple roles within an overall community-based participatory research approach. Advocacy by and for drug users was identified as a key role and reason for engaging in research. Overall, both academic researchers and Peer Research Associates benefited within this collaborative partnerships approach. Each offered their expertise, creating opportunities for omni-directional learning and enhancing the research. The shift from fixed models to flexible roles allows for a range of involvement that accommodates varying time, energy and resources. Facilitators of involvement include development of trust and partnering with networks of people who use drugs, equitable pay, a graduate-level research assistant dedicated to ongoing orientation and communication, technical supports as well as fluidity in roles and opportunities. Key challenges included working in geographically dispersed locations, maintaining contact and connection over the course of the project and ensuring ongoing sustainable but flexible employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subduction zones are recognized as an important class of plate boundaries and are the location of a number of important geological processes. They are also important because of the mineral and geothermal energy resources formed by plate convergence. While subduction zones around the world have a number of common features, there are also significant differences among them. The Cascadia subduction zone in southern British Columbia is characterized by a relatively hot subducting plate, and a broad backarc region that is believed to exhibit a shallow, convecting asthenosphere. The magnetotelluric (MT) method is a useful tool to study subduction zones and backarc regions because measurements of subsurface resistivity are sensitive to the presence of fluids. A number of previous MT studies have taken place in this region, but they were limited to a 2-D approach to data analysis. As the MT method has developed, it has become clear that there is a significant advantage to using a 3-D approach to data analysis. This paper presents the first regional-scale 3-D resistivity model of the southern Canadian Cordillera and provides new insights into the lithospheric structure and the distribution of fluids. The southeastern Canadian Cordillera has high heat flow and numerous thermal springs, the locations of which are often controlled by faults. However, the deeper thermal structure and origin of the fluids are poorly understood. To develop an improved understanding of the structure of this area, MT data measured at 331 locations were used to create a 3-D model of subsurface electrical resistivity. This study is primarily focused on the Omineca and Foreland morphogeological belts in southeastern British Columbia, which are separated by the southern Rocky Mountain Trench. The resistivity model is presented to a depth of 100 km and a number of conductive features are observed in the crust and uppermost mantle of the southeastern Cordillera. The locations of these conductors broadly matched previously reported conductors, but the 3-D inversion revealed new details of their geometry. The previously reported Canadian Cordilleran Regional conductor was modelled as a number of discrete conductors in the depth range 15–55 km beneath the Omineca belt. Temperatures approximately in the range 400–700 °C are expected at depths of 15–26 km and saline aqueous fluids are likely the cause of the low resistivity. Temperatures approximately in the range 700–1300 °C are expected at depths of 26–55 km and small volumes of partial melt may explain the low resistivity. The Southern Alberta–British Columbia conductor, Red Deer conductor and Loverna conductor were imaged as a single connected conductor, whose low resistivity is likely caused by sulphide mineralization. A group of conductors was imaged near the southern Rocky Mountain Trench in the depth range 10–70 km and their low resistivity is likely caused by interconnected saline fluids and possibly interconnected graphite films. To understand if the distribution of thermal springs was correlated with the 3-D resistivity model, a statistical study was undertaken. This showed no clear correlation between crustal conductance and the distribution of thermal springs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Encounters in Theory & History of Education / Rencontres en Theorie et Histoire de l'Educacion is the property of Queen's University, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To support the transformation to clean low carbon technologies, there is a demand for critical metals such as nickel. Awaruite is a less common nickel-bearing mineral with unique properties and responses to mineral separation. This paper presents the findings of a flotation study to recover awaruite from the Baptiste ultramafic deposit, located in central British Columbia, Canada. Nickel recoveries of up to 65% at the rougher stage were obtained with xanthate as a collector at a pH level of 4.5. Awaruite flotation was shown to be highly dependent on the slurry pH. At weakly acidic conditions, the awaruite surface is activated through the dissolution of the passivation layer formed during grinding in alkaline conditions. Desliming was shown to reduce the acid consumption required to maintain the pH, probably by removing the highly reactive serpentine slimes generated during grinding. Rougher, followed by cleaner stages of flotation, showed that a high-grade concentrate can be produced with up to 45% nickel, 1.3% cobalt, 0.7% copper and negligible concentrations of penalty elements, such as arsenic, lead, and selenium, among others. A nickel flotation concentrate from an awaruite deposit is a promising feedstock for not only stainless-steel production but also for clean energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Rural Surgical Obstetrical Networks (RSON) project was developed in response to the persistent attrition of rural maternity services across Canada over the past two decades. While other research has demonstrated the adverse health and psychosocial consequences of losing local maternity services, this paper explores the impact of a program designed to increase the sustainability of rural services themselves, through the funding of four "pillars": increased scope and volume, clinical coaching, continuous quality improvement (CQI) and remote presence technology. Methods: We conducted in-depth, qualitative research interviews with rural health care providers and administrators in eight rural communities across British Columbia to understand the impact of the RSON program on maternity services. Researchers used thematic analysis to generate common themes across the dataset and interpret findings. Findings: Participants articulated six themes regarding the sustainability of maternity care as actualized through the RSON project: safety and quality through quality improvement opportunities, improved access to care through increased surgical volume and OR backup, optimized team function through innovative models of care, improved infrastructure, local innovation surrounding workforce shortages, and locally tailored funding models. Conclusion: Rural maternity sites benefited from the funding offered through the RSON pillars, as demonstrated by larger volumes of local deliveries, nearly unanimous positive accounts of the interventions by health care providers, and evidence of staffing stability during the study time frame. As such, the interventions provided through the Rural Surgical Obstetrical Networks project as well as study findings on the common themes of sustainable maternity care should be considered when planning core rural health services funding schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homelessness is a serious public health concern with devastating consequences for health and wellbeing of homeless people. Visible signs of homelessness often appear in the form of encampments or tent cities. Such sites often raise controversies about public health and safety without attention to the structural, systemic and individual factors that contribute to their existence, including deficits in basic determinants of health and a failure to protect human rights to housing. The purpose of this paper is to explore the conditions that contribute to homeless encampments and ongoing issues of precarity, and right to housing from the perspective of residents of one encampment. The data set was comprised of 47 affidavits taken from 33 people from one tent city in Victoria, British Columbia (BC) in anticipation of legal action to remove residents and their belongings in 2016. We used Braun and Clarke's (2006) approach to thematic analysis to identify, analyze and report patterns within the data. Residents spoke to systemic failures within the homeless sector itself as a factor in decisions to live in an encampment. Participants highlighted the challenges of 'being chained to a backpack' with nowhere to go and the impact of bylaws and policing on their health and well being. They acknowledged that while living in an encampment is a last resort it is often a better option than the streets or shelters with the benefits of a community, albeit a forced one with ongoing precarity. Public health responses to encampments should focus on centring human rights to adequate housing including self-determination and access to determinants of health. Such responses are aligned with public health commitments to health equity and social justice and require public health infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Geographer is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Displacement monitoring is a critical control for risks associated with potentially sudden slope failures. Instrument measurements are, however, obscured by the presence of scatter. Data filtering methods aim to reduce the scatter and therefore enhance the performance of early warning systems (EWSs). The effectiveness of EWSs depends on the lag time between the onset of acceleration and its detection by the monitoring system such that a timely warning is issued for the implementation of consequence mitigation strategies. This paper evaluates the performance of three filtering methods (simple moving average, Gaussian-weighted moving average, and Savitzky–Golay) and considers their comparative advantages and disadvantages. The evaluation utilized six levels of randomly generated scatter on synthetic data, as well as high-frequency global navigation satellite system (GNSS) displacement measurements at the Ten-mile landslide in British Columbia, Canada. The simple moving average method exhibited significant disadvantages compared to the Gaussian-weighted moving average and Savitzky–Golay approaches. This paper presents a framework to evaluate the adequacy of different algorithms for minimizing monitoring data scatter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province, has begun developing liquified natural gas (LNG) mega projects that can transport Canadian resources to foreign markets across the Pacific region. These projects have gained significant profile due to high-level debates over their environmental, social and economic impacts. While LNG projects are required to undergo environmental impact assessment procedures, there is growing recognition of the need to ensure that positive social, economic and environmental impacts are fairly distributed to local communities. Similar to other extractive industries, many corporations leading the development of these projects engage in negotiations over so-called "impact benefit agreements (IBAs)"—legal agreements between a corporation, a government and/or a community that details how projects can benefit the local community and on what timeline so as to build social license to operate and investor confidence. This contribution details the findings of a qualitative study highlighting the perspectives of First Nations, provincial and federal government, and industry leaders to examine what makes an IBA successful and from whose perspective. The paper provides an introduction to IBA structures and processes, a brief review of the legal context, a qualitative methodology co-developed between academic researchers and Indigenous community leaders, and describes key criteria to inform future successful IBA agreements that create equitable multi-party benefits in an era of Indigenous reconciliation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The letter to the editor responds to a recent paper by Armstrong et al. that discussed pre-colonial land use by Indigenous peoples in northwestern British Columbia. The authors of the letter reject the characterization of their own scholarship as racist and argue that Armstrong et al. misrepresented their findings. They emphasize that Indigenous peoples in southern New England did have ecological impacts on the landscape, but these impacts were primarily local in scale. The authors also highlight the importance of understanding the scale and variability of Indigenous peoples' ecological impacts for conservation and land management strategies. [Extracted from the article]

As the climate system warms, megafires have become more frequent with devastating effects. A byproduct of these events is the creation of smoke plumes that can rise into the stratosphere and spread across the globe where they reside for many months. To gain a deeper understanding of the plume dynamics, global climate simulations of a megafire were performed at a wide range of grid spacings from 2.0° down to 7 km, including a 7 km nonhydrostatic experiment. The analysis focuses on how the resolved dynamics affects the specification of the plume characteristics such as injection height and black carbon (BC) mass. Prior studies initialize the smoke plume at one or a few grid points and this is shown here to produce severely dissipative dynamics. In order to validate such simulations with observations, enhancements of the plume characteristics to offset the dissipation is necessary. Using a numerically converged simulation, sensitivity tests show that to approximate the observed stratospheric lifetime, a reduction in BC fraction by 50% is necessary for external mixtures. The vorticity dynamics of the plume is also analyzed with a Lagrangian budget to understand the mechanisms responsible for the evolution of a collocated anticyclonic vortex. The results can be distilled down into a simple conceptual model. As the plume rises, the air diverges at the top of the updraft where the largest concentrations of smoke are found. This divergence induces a dilution of the background cyclonic absolute vorticity producing an anticyclonic vortex. Vortex decay occurs from opposite arguments. Plain Language Summary: Recently, there has been an increase in large and intense wildfires ("megafires") across the Earth in response to global warming. These megafire events produce large amounts of smoke that can rise high up in the atmosphere to a level well above clouds and weather. The smoke can stay at these high levels for long periods of time and spread across much of the Earth, which blocks sunlight from reaching the surface. It is important to understand the properties of these smoke plumes and how to correctly predict their consequences on human life. However, uncertainties in both observations and models make it difficult to achieve these goals. In particular, models contain various sources of uncertainty that can interact in complex ways. In this paper, we show that previous research has used a model grid spacing that does not sample the plume accurately, which leads to errors that affect the interpretation of the smoke properties, evolution of the plume and potential climatic effects. By choosing a model grid spacing that accurately samples the plume structure, the errors in the dynamics component of the model can be minimized, providing a baseline for reducing uncertainty in other parts of the system. Key Points: Simulations of megafire smoke plumes require fully resolved dynamics (∼8 Δx) in order to accurately characterize plume properties (e.g., black carbon [BC] fraction)For the 2017 British Columbia event, smoke injected at ∼12 km height requires a reduction in BC fraction by 50% to match observations for external mixturesAnalysis of the vorticity dynamics shows that smoke plume anti‐cyclonic vortices form (decay) due to the dilution (concentration) of cyclonic absolute vorticity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Defining the spatial distribution of geological structures and rock properties is important for understanding how fluid flow is controlled in a geothermal reservoir. Here, we present a procedure to examine the potential fluid pathways. By combining 3‐D resistivity models derived from audio‐magnetotelluric (AMT) data with available rock properties (porosity and permeability) and fluid sample data (fluid resistivity, salinity, and temperature), we investigated the relationship between electrical resistivity and fluid flow in an active volcanic system. Different petrophysical models and empirical relations are evaluated to determine the relationship between the fluid flow system at Mount Meager, British Columbia, and the resistivity model. In addition, we utilized porosity and permeability measured in the laboratory to define the porosity‐permeability relationship. The porosity of the volcanic core samples showed a range of 2.6%–23.2% and the permeability was in a range of 0.001–5,186.57 mD. The results showed the potential of 3‐D inversion of AMT data to map the fluid pathways at Mount Meager. These pathways are correlated with loss circulation zones in boreholes and can account for porosity up to 8.5%, which using the porosity‐permeability relationship translates to permeability of the order 0.249 mD. Not only are the fault and fracture zones important for reservoir exploitation, but they also provide permeability for the circulation of meteoric water. Our studies suggest that a set of fractures with 0.1 m spacing and 20 mm aperture can keep 40% fluid in pores and transmit fluid with possible permeability of 666 mD. Plain Language Summary: Geothermal is the natural heat within the Earth. Heat passes to the near‐surface by the magma intrusion into the crust and circulation of groundwater through fluid flow pathways. This paper evaluates the fluid flow pathways, structure, and physical properties beneath the Mount Meager Volcanic Complex (MMVC; Canada). The audio‐magnetotelluric (AMT) method (natural‐source electromagnetic geophysical technique) was used to produce the 3‐D resistivity model. Moreover, utilizing laboratory experiments, we modified rock‐physical and fluid chemistry relationships to focus on the MMVC rather than using relations adapted to other volcanic settings. The AMT model shows correlations between the locations of conductors and faults and suggests that faults act as flow pathways. A porosity of up to 8.5% is expected in the potential reservoir zone. By combining the resistivity model with rock and fluid properties, we mapped potential flow pathways and rock properties. Results showed that in rocks with low porosity and permeability, fractures provide the primary way of flow with porosity and permeability up to 40% and 666 mD, respectively. This project contributes to the development of conceptual models of the hydrothermal flow, which could be used to reduce the risk of future exploitation of geothermal resources. Key Points: Audio‐magnetotelluric data have been used to model the conductivity distribution beneath an active volcanic system in southwestern CanadaUtilizing 3‐D Inversion, we provide details on the structure, physical properties, and flow pathways of a volcano‐hosted geothermal systemPermeability can increase up to five orders of magnitude in fractured rocks beneath Mount Meager [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geothermal energy is one of the most stable and clean solutions to replace the traditional fossil fuel energy resource. The South Meager geothermal prospect, located in southwestern British Columbia, contains large geothermal energy resources due to recent volcanic activities. The in-situ stress state in the prospective area that influences the characteristics of fractures, thus affecting productivity, remains unknown. In this paper, we present a preliminary analysis of in-situ stress induced by gravitational load at Mount Meager, with tectonics considered. The in-situ stress model was constructed with 3D displacement discontinuity method based on the site-specific topography. The 3D model reveals that the impact of topography is more prominent in shallow and deep regions, while the impact of tectonics is prominent in an intermediate depth range. With the implementation of inferred tectonic stress state, normal faulting regime takes place at shallow depth (<800 m); at the intermediate depth (800–1600 m), the transition of faulting regime from normal to strike-slip and then to thrust occurs; at deeper depth (>1800 m), the fault type becomes normal again. The orientations of major and minor induced horizontal stresses transition from varying with local topography to perfectly aligned with the orientations of major and minor horizontal tectonic stresses at NWN-SES 330° and NEE-SWW 60°, respectively, as depth increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender-based power dynamics within intimate relationships such as controlling behaviours are driven by inequitable gender norms that perpetuate intimate partner violence (IPV). Yet, the ways in which we understand and measure gender-based power dynamics focus on the relationships of monogamous, cisgender, white, heterosexual women. This paper outlines our process of planning and implementing a qualitative, youth-led, community-based research (CBR) study exploring how diverse youth with intersecting identities perceive existing measures of gender equity and understand gender equity based on their own relationships. Between August-November 2022, we used purposive sampling to recruit 30 gender-inclusive young women and non-binary youth aged 17–29 with diverse identities, who live in British Columbia (BC), and have recent experience in a non-heterosexual and/or non-monogamous relationship (within prior 12 months). Using CBR methods, we hired and trained three Youth Research Associates (YRAs) and convened a 10-member Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) comprised of youth aged 19–28 years with queer, trans, and/or non-monogamous identities and experiences to consult on all aspects of our study. YRAs conducted cognitive interviews using an interview guide co-developed and piloted in partnership with the YAC and YRAs. Cognitive interviews explored youth perceptions of gender equity and two gender equity measures widely used in health research today. Interview data will be analyzed collaboratively using intersectional descriptive and thematic analysis. Results from our CBR study will be used to make recommendations to advance gender equity measurement to be more inclusive of and applicable to a diversity of youth relationships, experiences, and identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibre-optic sensing technology has recently become popular for oil and gas extraction, mining, geotechnical engineering, and hydrogeology applications. With a successful track record in many applications, distributed acoustic sensing using straight fibre-optic cables has become a method of choice for seismic studies. However, distributed acoustic sensing using straight fibre-optic cables cannot detect off-axial strain at high incident angles (the angle between the ray and normal vector of the surface); hence, a helically wound cable design was introduced to overcome this limitation. The helically wound cable field data at the New Afton deposit in British Columbia, Canada, showed that the quality of the data is highly dependent on the incident angle and surrounding media. A 3D finite element model developed using COMSOL Multiphysics quickly and efficiently assessed the effects of various materials surrounding a helically wound cable for simple geometry for scenarios corresponding to a real deployment of such cable underground at the New Afton mine. The proposed numerical modelling workflow could be applied to more complicated scenarios (e.g., non-linear material constitutive behaviour and the effects of pore fluids). The results of this paper can be used as a guideline for analyzing the impact of surrounding media and incident angle on the response of helically wound cable, optimizing the installation of helically wound cable in various conditions, and validating boundary conditions of 3D numerical models built for analyzing complex scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 2017 British Columbia provincial election campaign, the housing affordability crisis emerged as one of the top issues for voters. The housing crisis represents a much larger issue of affordability in British Columbia. The civil justice system is another realm in which the gap is widening between the "haves" and the "have nots" in the province. This paper focuses on the inadequate provision of civil legal aid, which is a specific component of the access to justice issue. The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized a constitutional right to state-funded civil legal counsel in certain circumstances based on the right to security of the person, as enshrined in section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This paper argues that the courts could extend the constitutional right to state-funded counsel to a tenant who is being evicted from their public housing unit by the British Columbia Housing Management Commission. Due to the lack of affordable housing options, eviction could jeopardize the tenant's section 7 right to security of the person. Consequently, the tenant could require legal representation in order to ensure a fair hearing. Furthermore, the tenant's eviction proceeding would likely be triggered by the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the "Challenging Labour" / «Le défi du travail» conference held at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, in October 2022, two plenary sessions invited scholars to engage in a dialogue on important historical and theoretical issues in the field of labour and working-class history/studies. One of these, on the entanglement of capitalism and colonialism, featured a paper delivered by Bryan D. Palmer and a response from hagwil hayetsk (Charles Menzies). These presentations are revised for publication here along with a rejoinder from Palmer in what is Labour/Le Travail's first "Forum" section. The aim of this section is to foster conversation, with scholars meaningfully engaging with each other's work across disciplinary, methodological, theoretical, or other kinds of differences in approach and understanding. The merit of this kind of dialogue is well demonstrated here by Palmer and hayetsk, and the editors would invite more such conversations for publication in this section in future issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy farms have become more reliant on technology. The overall aim of this study was to better understand how dairy farmers view technology and its effects on animal care, including their views on the prospect of integrating gene-editing technology in the future. Virtual-semistructured interviews were conducted with dairy farmers (n = 11) from British Columbia and Alberta. To facilitate discussion, the participants were asked to develop and discuss a timeline describing when and why various technologies were adopted on their farm. Although farmers defined technology broadly and affecting multiple aspects of farm management, this paper focuses on their views regarding how technology can affect animal care. Following thematic analysis of the data, the following 3 themes emerged: (1) the changing role of the farmer (including intergenerational considerations and learning new technology), (2) the effect of technology on the cow and her relationship with the farmer and, (3) technology as the future of the farm. The discussions also highlight the concerns that some farmers have regarding challenges associated with reduced human-animal interactions and effective use of the large amounts of data that are collected through technology. We also specifically asked the participants their views about gene editing as a potential future technology. Most of the participants did not specifically address their views on gene editing, but they spoke about the effect on genetic technologies more generally, often making references to genomic testing. However, some questioned how this technology may affect farmers more generally and spoke about how it could affect human-animal relationships. These results illustrate differences among farmers in the way they view technology and how this can affect the dairy cattle they care for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detrital zircon from three coarse-grained marine siliciclastic rocks was analyzed for U–Pb, Lu–Hf, and trace element compositions to constrain the timing of deposition and sediment provenance of the Cunningham Lake formation (formerly siliciclastic unit of the Sitlika assemblage) in north-central British Columbia. This strategy tests previously proposed sedimentary linkages between the Cache Creek terrane and the westerly rocks of the Stikine terrane. All three samples indicate maximum depositional ages at ca. 205–202 Ma (Rhaetian). The samples contain a predominant ca. 225–215 Ma detrital population, sourced from proximal contemporaneous volcanic arcs, and minor Permian to Middle Triassic and Carboniferous arc-derived detrital populations. The absence of Precambrian grains is consistent with the strongly suprachondritic zircon compositions (εHf(t) = +7 to +20), and indicates exclusively juvenile sources for the Cunningham Lake formation. Late Triassic sources of zircon are not known in the Cache Creek terrane and, except within western Stikine terrane, are uncommon among the Intermontane terranes that amalgamated with the Cache Creek terrane during Late Triassic–Early Jurassic. The Stikine suite (ca. 230–214 Ma) and coeval volcanic rocks in western Stikinia are the most probable sources of Late Triassic detritus for the Cunningham Lake formation. Stikinia's Paleozoic basement is the probable source of Carboniferous detrital zircon. Volcanic arc–backarc complexes in the Cache Creek terrane are the most likely sources of Permian to Middle Triassic detritus in the Intermontane terranes. Accordingly, the siliciclastic rocks of the Cunningham Lake formation represent an overlap sedimentary succession that links Stikinia to the Cache Creek terrane by the latest Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many community-based HIV research studies incorporate principles of greater involvement and meaningful engagement of people living with HIV (GIPA/MEPA) by training people with HIV as peer researchers. Unfortunately, there are still some aspects of research (e.g., quantitative data analysis and interpretation) where many projects fall short in realizing GIPA/MEPA principles. To address these gaps, we developed an eight-week training course that aimed to build the capacity of peer researchers around the understanding and interpretation of quantitative data and incorporating lived experience to increase the impact of the knowledge transfer and exchange phase of a study. Methods: Peer researchers (n = 8) participated from British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario and lessons learned from the training were implemented throughout the dissemination of research findings from the People Living with HIV Stigma Index study. This paper presents the curriculum and main training components, course evaluation results, and challenges and lessons learned. The manuscript was created in collaboration with and includes the perspectives of both the peer researchers involved in the training, as well the course facilitators. Results: Throughout the course, peer researchers' self-assessed knowledge and understanding of quantitative research and data storytelling improved and, through interactive activities and practice, they gained the confidence to deliver a full research presentation. This improved their understanding of research findings, which was beneficial for discussing results with community partners and study participants. The peer researchers also agreed that learning about integrating lived experience with quantitative data has helped them to make research findings more relatable and convey key messages in a more meaningful way. Conclusions: Our training curriculum provides a template for research teams to build capacity in areas of research where peer researchers and community members are less often engaged. In doing so, we continue to uphold the principles of GIPA/MEPA and enhance the translation of research knowledge in communities most greatly affected. Plain English Summary: Engaging patient groups or community members is commonplace in HIV research where people living with HIV are trained as peer researchers. There are still however some gaps where community members are less engaged, especially in quantitative data analysis. This presents a barrier preventing them from being meaningfully engaged in research about them. To build capacity in these areas, we designed an eight-week online course that taught peer researchers about quantitative data analysis and interpretation with a focus on concepts that would be important for talking about key messages from research findings. This was used to enhance the knowledge translation and dissemination initiatives for the People Living with HIV Stigma Index study—a survey tool containing quantitative measures examining stigma and related health factors. Peer researchers agreed that their knowledge and understanding of the key quantitative data concepts improved significantly throughout the course. This increased understanding helped them discuss quantitative data with community members and study participants, which was important to ensure that research findings reach the affected communities. Peer researchers also agreed that incorporating their new data analysis knowledge with existing lived experience helped them to make findings more relatable and understandable which is critical for translating knowledge to other researchers and policy makers. Overall, our training curriculum gave peer researchers the confidence to talk about quantitative data and improve their capacity to disseminate research. This work also provides guidelines for training peer researchers and ensuring that they are meaningfully engaged in research studies they are a part of. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many family medicine residency graduates indicate a desire to provide obstetric care, but a low proportion of family physicians (FPs) provide obstetric care within their practice. This suggests personal preference alone may not account for the low proportion of FPs who ultimately provide full obstetric care. If decisionmakers plan to augment the number of FPs providing obstetric care, barriers to the provision of such care must first be identified. Within this paper, we explore the perspectives of both family practice residents and early-career FPs on the factors that shaped their decision to provide obstetric care.Methods: In this qualitative study, we analyzed a subset of interview data from three Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia (n = 18 family practice residents; n = 39 early-career FPs). We used thematic analysis to analyze data relevant to obstetric care practice, applying the socio-ecological model and comparing themes across participant types, gender, and province.Results: Participants described influences affecting their decision about providing obstetric care. Key influencing factors aligned with the levels of the socio-ecological model of public policy (i.e., liability), community (i.e., community needs), organizational (e.g., obstetric care trade-offs, working in teams, sufficient exposure in training), interpersonal practice preferences (i.e., impact on family life, negative interactions with other healthcare professionals), and individual factors (i.e., defining comprehensive care as "everything but obstetrics"). Many participants were interested in providing obstetric care within their practice but did not provide such care. Participants' decision-making around providing or not providing obstetric care included considerations of personal preferences and outside influences.Conclusions: Individual-level factors alone do not account for the decrease in the type and amount of obstetric care offered by FPs. Instead, FPs' choice to provide or not provide obstetric care is influenced by factors at higher levels of the socio-ecological model. Policymakers who want to encourage obstetric practice by FPs should implement interventions at the public policy, community, organizational, interpersonal, and individual levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]