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The concept of national boundaries has been employed extensively in the social sciences, with most research focusing on the host society's perspective. This study innovates by measuring immigrants’ perceptions of how boundaries of their host nation are drawn and examining how such perceptions impact their national identifications in a multinational context, more specifically in the province of Quebec in Canada. It relies on a stratified sample of first- (n = 1129) and second-generation immigrants (n = 1286) as well as non-immigrants (n = 1472). We show that boundary perceptions impact the availability and attractiveness of different identity options, including identification with Quebec, the country of origin, and Canada. First, while perceptions of ascriptive boundaries to Quebec push first- and second-generation immigrants away from Quebec identity, the reactive effect of strengthening identification with the country of origin and Canada is limited. Second, although the second generation perceives Quebec boundaries as more ascriptive than the first generation, it is not more strongly impacted by their boundary perceptions in their identifications. Third, perceptions of attainable boundaries promote all three national identifications, but only for the first generation. Finally, we demonstrate that attention to boundary perceptions adds important explanatory leverage beyond the impact that discrimination has on national identifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A is a highly diverse, often antimicrobial-resistant Gram-positive bacterium which can cause invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). In 2021, public health authorities in the Canadian province of Québec observed an increase of serotype 19A IPD in children <5 years. The purpose of this study was to determine the clonal composition of serotype 19A isolates collected from this age group in Québec, from 2016 to 2021. Forty-one and 37 IPD isolates from children <5 years from Québec and the remainder of Canada, respectively, were sequenced using the Illumina NextSeq platform. Phylogenetic analysis using SNVPhyl identified three clusters, corresponding to three common clones of serotype 19A: CC199, CC320 and ST695. CC199, predominantly represented by ST416, accounted for similar proportions of serotype 19A isolates collected from children in Québec (19.5 %) and other Canadian jurisdictions (OCJs, 21.6 %), with significant presence of ermB (62.5 % and 60 % of ST416 isolates, respectively). CC320 was more commonly identified from OCJs in comparison to Québec (18.9 % vs. 7.3 %, respectively), but were highly antimicrobial-resistant regardless of region. ST695 was the most common clone of serotype 19A collected in Québec from children <5 years, representing 65.9 % of isolates collected over the study period (40.5 % of isolates collected in OCJs). Phylogenetic analysis identified geographical differences in ST695 across Canada; including a large clade specific to Québec (with both susceptible and macrolide-resistant [ ermB ] subclades), and a separate macrolide-resistant (mefA) clade associated with OCJs. The Québec-specific ermB -ST695 clone represented 48.1 % of ST695 collected from the province. Continued genomic surveillance of S. pneumoniae serotype 19A is required to: i) track the prevalence and clonal composition of serotype 19A in Québec in future years; ii) characterize the clonal distribution of serotype 19A in adult populations; and iii) monitor whether the currently geographically restricted ermB -ST695 clone observed in Québec expands to OCJs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In 2018, the sale of non-medical cannabis was authorized in the province of Quebec in Canada, within a public monopoly under the Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC). The objective of this study was to offer a description of the cannabis-using population regarding the sources of cannabis supply and to explore whether at-risk individuals are purchasing cannabis at SQDC. Method: We used data from a cross-sectional, representative population survey (age >18 years, n = 1799), the Enquête Québécoise sur le Cannabis, which was completed between February and June 2019. Analyses involved adjusted binary logistic regressions, incorporating population weights, to assess 7 potential indicators of harm. Results: The vulnerability profiles of SQDC consumers (47.8%) and those acquiring their cannabis elsewhere (52.2%) were similar in terms of frequency of cannabis use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12-1.67), motivation to use (aOR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.16-2.46), concomitant consumption of other substances (aOR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.14-4.75), cannabis-impaired driving behaviours (aOR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.26-3.36), psychological distress (aOR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.26-3.79), and problematic cannabis use (aOR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.13-1.64). However, SQDC consumers were more likely to be aware of the cannabinoid content of the product purchased compared to those who acquired their cannabis from other sources (aOR = 4.12; 95% CI = 1.10-15.40). Conclusions: No association was detected between the source of cannabis supply and potential vulnerability indicators of cannabis-related harms, but SQDC consumers were more aware of the cannabinoid content of the products purchased. These results suggest that the regulated government supply in Quebec is reaching a substantial portion of those with potential high vulnerability to harm. Whether this knowledge translates into a reduction in the negative consequences related to consumption is still to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that many consumers believe local foods are more expensive than comparative products coming from other markets. The aim of this study was to measure the price competitiveness of products certified by the Aliments du Québec program, a well-known program in the Canadian province of Quebec. Using machine-learning, artificial intelligence and targeted data mining, the report identifies local products and comparator products, to consider whether locally certified products are more expensive than comparative products coming from outside Quebec. Uncertified products used as comparative products come from anywhere around the world, outside of the province of Quebec. For this study, a total of more than 350,000 discrete price data points were analyzed in the Winter 2022. Local product prices were examined relative to the prices of comparator products. In total, there were 48 subcategories considered. In 70.83% of the subcategories, the local product was either as expensive (similar price) or less expensive than the comparator product. Results challenge the popular belief that local food products are often more expensive. This study also provides limitation and future research paths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data about small area estimates of cancer risk factors are difficult to obtain in Canada. The current study aims to provide an assessment of the prevalence of different behavioral risk factors of cancer at the level of Canadian provinces/territories and sub provincial health regions/units. Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) datasets for 2017/2018 were reviewed and adult participants (≥ 18 years old) were included. Baseline demographic data and health behaviors (including ever-smoking, current smoking, alcohol drinking in the past 12 months, below-recommended physical activity, and obesity) were reviewed. Prevalence of each of these behaviors within different provinces/territories as well as within each health region was reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was then done to examine the association between place of residence and cancer risk factors. A total of 104,636 adult participants were included in the current analysis. For ever-smoking, the highest prevalence was noted in Nunavut (79.7%); for current smoking, the highest prevalence was noted in Nunavut (67.2%); for alcohol drinking in the past 12 months, the highest prevalence was noted in Quebec (89.3%); for below-recommended physical activity, the highest prevalence was noted in Nunavut (51.3%); for obesity, the highest prevalence was noted in Northwest territories (31.5%). Compared to individuals living within a territory, individuals living within a province were less likely to ever smoke (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.54–0.71), currently smoke (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.45–0.59), be obese (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71–0.95), but more likely to drink alcohol in the past 12 months (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.20–1.65). There is no difference between both categories with regards to physical activity (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.89–1.15). There is a general province/territory disparity in the prevalence of different modifiable cancer risk factors as well as disparity between individual provinces/health regions in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient safety is a worldwide problem, and the patient contribution to mitigate the risk of patient harm is now recognized as a cornerstone to its solution. In order to understand the nature of integrating patients into patient safety and healthcare organizations and to monitor their integration, a Canadian survey tool has been co-constructed by patients, researchers and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI). This questionnaire has been adapted from the French version of the patient engagement (PE) in patient safety (PS) questionnaire created for the province of Quebec, Canada.Methodology: The pan-Canadian PE in PS survey tool was developed in a five-step process: (1) a literature review and revision of the initial tool developed in the province of Quebec; (2) translation of the French questionnaire into an English version tool; (3) creation of a Canadian expert advisory group; (4) adaptation of the English version tool based on feedback from the expert advisory group (assessment and development of the construct's dimensions, wording assessment and adaptation for pan-Canadian use, technical testing of the online platform for the survey); and (5) pilot testing and pre-validation of the tool before pan-Canadian use.Results and Conclusion: Eight pan-Canadian PE in PS surveys were completed from five Canadian provinces by the expert advisory group and six surveys were completed during the pilot project by participants from different provinces in Canada. This survey tool comprises 5 sections: (1) demographic identification of the participants (Q1 to Q5); (2) general questions (Q6 to Q17); (3) the patient engagement process (experience level of participants and organizational incentives for PE in general) (Q18 to Q33); (4) PE in PS processes, such as current activities, strategies, structures, resources and factors (Q34 to Q67); and (5) the context and impact of PE in PS initiatives in Canadian healthcare organizations (CHOs) (Q68 to Q75), including outcome identification, improvement mechanisms and strategies, evaluation mechanisms, and indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Within societies in the 21st century, individuals who are embedded in a controlled context that impedes their political actions deal with the tensions they are experiencing through attempts at resistance. Several studies that examine individual infrapolitics in organizations explain how the subtle mix of compliance and resistance are constructed at the level of individual identity in a complex mechanism that both questions the system and strengthens it. However, the interplay between managers' identities and management accounting tools in this process is a topic that deserves more investigation. The aim of this article is to understand how the subtle resistance of individuals constructs neoliberal reforms through management accounting (MA). Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted a case study on three health and social organizations two years after major reforms were implemented in the health and social services sector in Québec, a province of Canada. These reforms were part of a new public management dynamic and involved the implementation of accounting tools, here referred to as New Public Management Accounting (NPMA) tools. Findings: The authors' findings show how managers participate in reforms, at the same time as attempt to stem the dehumanization they generate. Managers engage in subtly resisting, for themselves and for their field professional teams, the dehumanization and identity destruction that arises from the reforms. NPMA tools are central to this process, since managers question the reforms through NPMA tools and use them to resist creatively. However, their subtle resistance can lead to the strengthening of the neoliberal dynamic of the reform. Originality/value: The authors contribute to both the literature of infrapolitics and MA by showing the role of NPMA tools in the construction of subtle resistance. Their article enriches the MA literature by characterizing the subtle forms of resistance and showing how managers engage in creative resistance by using the managerial potential flexibility of NPMA tools. The article also outlines how NPMA tools play a role in the dialectic process of resistance, since they aid managers in resisting reform-induced dehumanization but also support managers in reinventing and reinforcing what they are trying to fight. The authors' study also illustrates the dialectic dynamic of resistance through NPMA in all its dimensions: discursive, material and symbolic. Finally, the authors contribute to management accounting literature by showing that NPMA tools are not only the objects of neoliberalization but also the support of backstage resistance to neoliberalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Click beetles (Coleoptera Elateridae) are the ninth most diverse beetle family, with nearly 10,000 species described worldwide. They are mostly known for the economic importance of their long-lived larval stage, commonly called wireworms, on crops. In Canada, 20 species are considered to be a major pest. Not all provinces in Canada have the same level of documentation about the biodiversity of wireworms in field and which species can be considerate a pest or not. In 2017, in Quebec, 72% of the wireworms found that were identified as Hypnoidus abbreviatus (Say), which seems to be specific to the region. In the scientific literature, little information is found on this species. This study aims to describe the structures of the reproductive systems of H. abbreviatus and present an effective method for sexing adults, while keeping them alive and undamaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of the study was to examine choice of anesthesia for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in different provinces of Canada over a five-year period. Methodology: In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, national data for patients undergoing THAs and TKAs between 1st April 2011 and 31st March 2016 was examined. The primary outcome was the anesthetic type used in the surgery, which was categorized as general, spinal, combined, or 'other'. Total number and percentage of surgeries carried out using each anesthetic type were calculated per fiscal year, in non-teaching and TIs, in each Canadian province and territories, exclusive of Québec. Non-parametric statistics (Pearson Chi square tests) were used to compare the choice of anesthetic type by fiscal year and institution type. Results: During the study period, neuraxial anesthesia (NA) was used for 74.7% of all THAs and 80.3% of all TKAs nationwide. In NTIs, 76.2% of THAs and 80.5% of TKAs were carried out with NA. This trend was similar to that within teaching hospitals, where 73.1% of THAs and 80.6% of TKAs were carried out with NA. Interprovincial comparisons demonstrated a greater preference for NA for both THAs and TKAs in majority of the provinces. There were no significant differences in anesthetic choice between teaching and NTIs. Conclusion: Neuraxial anesthesia was the anesthesia of choice for THA and TKA during the entire study period in Canada, both in teaching and non-teaching institutions. During the study period, a majority of provinces showed a trend of increasing use of neuraxial anesthesia for both THA and TKA, with few exceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess and compare the favourability of healthy public policy options to promote healthy eating from the perspective of members of the general public and policy influencers in two Canadian provinces.Design: The Chronic Disease Prevention Survey, administered in 2016, required participants to rank their level of support for different evidence-based policy options to promote healthy eating at the population level. Pearson's χ 2 significance testing was used to compare support between groups for each policy option and results were interpreted using the Nuffield Council on Bioethics' intervention ladder framework.Setting: Alberta and Québec, Canada.ParticipantsMembers of the general public (n 2400) and policy influencers (n 302) in Alberta and Québec.Results: General public and policy influencer survey respondents were more supportive of healthy eating policies if they were less intrusive on individual autonomy. However, in comparing levels of support between groups, we found policy influencers indicated significantly stronger support overall for healthy eating policy options. We also found that policy influencers in Québec tended to show more support for more restrictive policy options than their counterparts from Alberta.Conclusions: These results suggest that additional knowledge brokering may be required to increase support for more intrusive yet impactful evidence-based policy interventions; and that the overall lower levels of support among members of the public may impede policy influencers from taking action on policies to promote healthy eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture produces food, fiber and biofuels for the world's growing population, however, agriculture can be a major contributor of nitrogen (N) losses including emissions of ammonia (NH 3), nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and nitrate (NO 3 −) leaching and runoff. A Canadian Agricultural Nitrogen Budget for Reactive N (CANBNr) model was developed to estimate the soil N balance in 3487 soil landscape of Canada polygons from 1981 to 2016. The CANBNr model integrates NH 3 emission from fertilizers, manure from housing, storage and field, as well as direct/indirect N 2 O emissions from fertilizers, manures, crop residues and soil organic matter. The NO 3 − leaching is estimated based on the residual soil N (RSN) at harvest and drainage derived with the DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model. From 1981 to 2016, the N input from fertilizer and N fixation increased at a greater rate than N removal in harvested crops in all provinces of Canada, resulting in an increase in the RSN and N losses. In 2016, the Prairie provinces had lower N losses (11.7 kg N ha−1) from N 2 O, NH 3 and NO 3 − compared with 43.2 kg N ha−1 in central Canada, and 76.5 kg N ha−1 in Atlantic Canada. However, the Prairie provinces had 84.3% of the total Canadian farmland (74.3% of the total Canadian N input), while central Canada had 12.9% of Canadian farmland (21.7% of the total Canadian N input). In the Prairie provinces, the total N 2 O loss from fertilizer N ranged 4.4–8.6 Gg N whereas NH 3 loss ranged from 17.1 to 44.6 Gg N and these values were influenced by both emission intensity and total land area. Total N 2 O losses from manure were highest in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec resulting in 4.8, 4.4, and 3.4 Gg N and NH 3 losses from manure were also highest in these 3 provinces at 61.1, 45.2 and 40.4 Gg N, respectively. Nitrate leaching was impacted by drainage volumes, soil type and N inputs. In the non-growing season, NO 3 − leaching losses (36-yr average) were 63.3 Gg in Ontario and 57.5 Gg N in Quebec compared with 20.8 Gg N for Ontario and 35.5 Gg N for Quebec in the growing season. In contrast, the Prairie provinces showed higher NO 3 − leaching in the growing season (23.1–37.4 Gg N) than in the non-growing season (10.4–13.7 Gg N). In summary, total fertilizer N increased the most over the 36 years in the Prairies which resulted in increased RSN and N leaching losses that will require further intervention. [Display omitted] • Canadian Agricultural Nitrogen Budget for Reactive N (CANBNr) model was developed. • The N budget were simulated at 3487 soil landscape of Canada polygons from 1981 to 2016. • RSN and N losses increased due to the greater increase in N input from fertilizer and N fixation than N removal by crop. • The Prairie provinces had lower N 2 O, NH 3 and NO 3 − leaching losses per hectare farmland than other provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccination of all pregnant women with an acellular pertussis-containing vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis [Tdap]) was recently recommended in Canada, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks of gestation. This study aimed to describe the existing model of prenatal care in Quebec and determine to what extent maternal vaccination against pertussis could be integrated into this model. Methods: In Quebec, health care is organized around Local Community Service Centres (LCSCs) that serve specific geographic areas. For each of 158 LCSCs (98.1% of LCSCs in the province), we invited 1 nurse or manager involved in prenatal care to participate in a cross-sectional Web-based survey. The structure of prenatal care visits and potential integration of maternal Tdap vaccination into the existing model were documented and compared according to urbanization level, determined with the use of census data. Results: A completed survey was obtained for 127 LCSCs (response rate 80.4%). Only 13 (10.2%) and 14 (11.0%) LCSCs offered on-site visits with a nurse for the majority of pregnant women during the second and third trimesters, respectively. A significantly higher proportion of rural LCSCs than urban LCSCs offered on-site visits to pregnant women in the third trimester (13 [18%] v. 1 [2%]) (p = 0.003). In at least 50 LCSC service areas (39.4%), vaccines were not available in most medical clinics offering prenatal care. Interpretation: Given the current situation in Quebec, implementing universal maternal Tdap vaccination may be challenging, which may result in suboptimal vaccine coverage among pregnant women. As other Canadian provinces may face similar issues, a priority will be to evaluate province-based implementation models to develop efficient ways to provide maternal Tdap vaccination across Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Recently, updated Canadian surgical and medical abortion practice guidelines were released, mifepristone was approved by Health Canada for first trimester medical abortion (FTMA) as a regular prescription, and nurse practitioners (NPs) began to independently provide abortion care. These changes enabled a shift for abortion provision into primary care. Objective: (1) Describe the abortion care workforce, (2) Evaluate the reported clinical abortion practice compared to current clinical practice guidelines, and (3) Assess stigma and harassment experienced by providers. Study Design: Cross-sectional, self-administered, anonymized survey available in French and English. Setting: National survey of abortion providers in Canada. Population studied: Physicians and NPs providing abortion care in 2019 were contacted through national professional health care organizations. Outcome measures: Respondent demographics, characteristics of first and second trimester surgical and first, second and third trimester medical abortion (STTMA) practices, and stigma and resilience experienced by providers. Results: Between July and December 2020, 435 physicians and 30 NPs were recruited, representing every province and territory in Canada. The highest proportions were from the most populated provinces: Ontario (31.8%) and Quebec (23.6%). Most physicians were family physicians (n=246) or obstetrician-gynaecologists (n=185). Among 358 FTMA respondents, 61.3% reported having less than five years experience and 99.4 % used a mifepristone misoprostol regimen. Of 115 STTMA respondents, 58.5% used an off-label but guideline supported mifepristone misoprostol regimen. Respondents included 222 first and second trimester surgical abortion providers. Only 4.6% of 109 second trimester surgical abortion provider respondents used mifepristone for preoperative cervical ripening. Twelve percent of respondents experienced harassment or violence in 2019, most commonly as picketing or confrontations at their workplace. Conclusion: Introduction of mifepristone and changes in abortion guidelines, regulations and licensing changed the abortion workforce and care in Canada. Respondents reported overall provision of FTMA in line with current guideline. Guideline supported second trimester use of mifepristone has not been fully adopted yet. The results of this study will inform knowledge translation activities directed at health system, policy, and service leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quebec is the third-largest wine grape producing province in Canada, and the industry is constantly expanding. Traditionally, 90% of the grapevine cultivars grown in Quebec were winter hardy and largely dominated by interspecific hybrid Vitis sp. cultivars. Over the years, the winter protection techniques adopted by growers and climate changes have offered an opportunity to establish V. vinifera L. cultivars (e.g., Pinot noir). We characterized the virome of leafroll-infected interspecific hybrid cultivar and compared it to the virome of V. vinifera cultivar to support and facilitate the transition of the industry. A dsRNA sequencing method was used to sequence symptomatic and asymptomatic grapevine leaves of different cultivars. The results suggested a complex virome in terms of composition, abundance, richness, and phylogenetic diversity. Three viruses, grapevine Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus, grapevine leafroll-associated virus (GLRaV) 3 and 2 and hop stunt viroid (HSVd) largely dominated the virome. However, their presence and abundance varied among grapevine cultivars. The symptomless grapevine cultivar Vidal was frequently infected by multiple virus and viroid species and different strains of the same virus, including GLRaV-3 and 2. Our data show that viruses and viroids associated with the highest number of grapevines expressing symptoms included HSVd, GLRaV-3 and GLRaV-2, in gradient order. However, co-occurrence analysis revealed that the presence of GLRaV species was randomly associated with the development of virus-like symptoms. These findings and their implications for grapevine leafroll disease management are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Inukjuak domain in northern Québec is part of the Archean Minto Block in the northwestern Superior Province of Canada, and hosts numerous km-scale supracrustal enclaves within variably-deformed granitoid gneisses. The Eoarchean (ca. 3750-3780 Ma) Nuvvuagittuq supracrustal belt (NSB) is the best known of approximately ten variably metamorphosed and deformed volcano-sedimentary (supracrustal) enclaves in the region. In general, the supracrustals that comprise the Innucsuac Complex are dominantly amphibolitic, and are surrounded and intruded by several generations of tonalitic-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) gneisses. Few detailed geochronology studies for the assorted Inukjuak domain gneisses and the associated enclaves have been performed, beyond the Nuvvuagittuq locality. A tonalitic gneiss at the margin of the NSB fold belt was previously assigned a ca. 3650 Ma age, and granitoid gneisses of the surrounding Boizard suite were considered to have formed at about 2700 Ma. We report new major-, minor-, and trace-element geochemistry coupled with U-Pb zircon geochronological data for these gneisses as well as from the little-studied, but volumetrically significant Voizel suite gneisses. Results show that tonalitic gneisses at the center of the NSB fold belt (Central Tonalitic Gneiss; CTG) preserve mainly ca. 3650 Ma zircons. Outside the NSB, previously undated Voizel suite rocks – considered contemporaneous with the CTG – are instead about 100 Myr younger (3550 Ma). The Boizard suite also contains inherited zircon cores up to ca. 3700 Ma with ca. 2700 Ma overgrowths. A tonalitic gneiss that transects a highly deformed supracrustal belt dubbed the Ukaliq Supracrustal Belt (USB), northeast of the NSB and within the Voizel gneisses, yielded maximum concordant zircon ages of 3653 ± 8 Ma (1σ). Therefore, the USB has a minimum age of ca. 3770, and is thus contemporaneous with the NSB. Another granitoid gneiss west of the NSB fold belt yielded zircons with ages of ca. 3760 Ma. The discovery of pre-3.7 Ga rocks beyond Nuvvuagittuq calls attention to the widespread occurrence of hitherto undocumented Eoarchean rocks in the southern Inukjuak domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]