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Many jurisdictions have regulatory frameworks that seek to reduce the effects of environmental exposures of anthropogenic chemicals on terrestrial wildlife (i.e., mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians). The frameworks apply for new and existing chemicals, including pesticides (prospective assessments), and to environmental contamination from releases (retrospective risk assessments). Relatively recently, there have been many scientific advances that could improve risk estimates for wildlife. Here, we briefly describe current regulations from North America (United States and Canada) and from Europe that include risk assessments for wildlife to ascertain whether they are conducive to the use of emerging science and new methods. We also provide examples where new and emerging science may be used to improve wildlife risk characterization and identify areas in need of future research. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:765–779. © 2024 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management © 2024 Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. Key Points: New and recent advancements in toxicology, ecology, microbiology, and modeling provide greater opportunities to improve risk assessments for vertebrate terrestrial wildlife species.Many regulations where risk assessments to wildlife are concerned offer opportunities to include scientific advancements and reduce the use of assumptions.Increases in the availability of new tools for wildlife risk assessments will require practitioners and regulators that are up to date with these advancements and comfortable with their application.Increased use of new science in risk assessment may also require new decision criteria accompanied by sound risk communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to (i) explore determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with cancer awaiting liver resection and entering a prehabilitation program, and (ii) examine the effect of prehabilitation on HRQoL in both the pre- and postoperative period. We randomized patients to prehabilitation or rehabilitation. Prehabilitation began an exercise, nutrition, and relaxation intervention 4 weeks preoperatively; rehabilitation began the same intervention postoperatively. We measured the following at baseline, preoperatively, 4 weeks and 8 weeks postoperatively: HRQoL [Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G)], nutritional status [abridged Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (aPG-SGA)], cancer symptom burden [revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r)], fatigue [Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI)] and anxiety/depression [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], 6 min walking distance, handgrip strength, and body composition. At baseline (n = 35, prehabilitation = 17), there were significant negative associations between FACT-G and ESAS-r total score (r = −0.675, p < 0.001), HADS depression (r = −0.618, p < 0.001), BFI (r = −0.612, p < 0.001), aPG-SGA (r = −0.432, p < 0.05), and HADS anxiety (r = −0.397, p < 0.05). There were no associations between FACT-G and strength/function tests or body composition. Robust multivariate regression analysis revealed ESAS-r was the only variable to consistently remain significant and predictive of baseline FACT-G (β = −0.67 to −0.83, p < 0.05, R2 = 36%–41%). There were no differences in FACT-G within or between groups at any timepoint. Cancer symptom burden was predictive of poor HRQoL in patients entering a prehabilitation program prior to liver resection. Future prehabilitation studies in this patient population should test whether the addition of supportive care measures to relieve cancer-related symptoms will lead to significant improvements in HRQoL. Clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT03475966. Cancer symptoms negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with cancer awaiting liver resection. Prehabilitation maintained HRQoL after surgery. Future studies should test whether relieving cancer symptoms can improve HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the dichotomy between Canada's excellent record of social programs, educational attainment, and income and Canadians' continued negative perceptions of their country. Explores issues that particularly vex the Canadians including decentralization and the separatist movement in Quebec. Concludes that Canada's penchant for self-criticism contributes to its progressive growth. (MJP)

Reports findings of a survey suggesting that Edmonton, Alberta residents favor a referendum before any changes are made in Canada's constitution. Explains changes proposed by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Examines plans for House of Commons reform, aboriginal self-government, economic union for Canada, worker training, immigration, and other reforms. (SG)

Baseline variations in trout‐perch energy use (growth, gonad size) and energy storage (condition, liver size) were characterized between 2009 and 2015 in 8 reaches of the Athabasca River (AB, Canada), including 2 reaches upstream of the city of Fort McMurray (AB, Canada) and 6 reaches downstream of Fort McMurray among existing oil sands operations. Generalized linear models, used to account for background variation, indicated that fork length, gonad size, and liver size decreased, whereas body weight increased, in relation to river discharge, for both male and female trout‐perch. Air temperature was positively correlated with liver size and negatively correlated with gonad size and body weight for females, but only positively correlated with gonad weight for males. These linear models explained approximately 20 to 25% of the variation in adjusted body size, and upward of 80% of the variation in adjusted body weight, liver weight, and gonad weight. Residuals from linear models were used to estimate normal ranges of variation for each of the fish population performance measures. Combined, the models and normal ranges can be used to assess subsequent monitoring data, providing potential triggers for follow‐up monitoring activities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:0–0. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1890–1901. © 2019 SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the observed or desired stability results of each decision maker (DM) and the equilibrium of a conflict, an algorithm is proposed that determines whether the Nash, general metarationality, symmetric metarationality or sequential stability definition best explains the observations or how to achieve the desired equilibrium. The matrix representation of the graph model for conflict resolution, normally used to determine stabilities that reflect different models of human interaction in conflict, is utilized here to keep track of available one-step moves for each DM, as well as the DMs’ relative preferences among states. A key theorem involving matrix representation of graph models determines which stability types are consistent with the observations or achievement of the desired equilibrium, taking into account specified preferences of the DMs, for the case of two or more DMs. To illustrate the use of the algorithm in practice, behavioral analysis is applied to a softwood lumber dispute between Canada and the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Briefly summarizes and comments upon two surveys, one from Edmonton province and the other from a national conference. Both surveys addressed Canadians feeling toward their country and concerns for the future. Preeminent concerns included the economy, national unity, and personal and political ethics. (MJP)

The underlying natural relationship between conductivity and alkalinity was used to identify surface water quality monitoring sites that are in a 'reference' or minimally disturbed condition. Data from over 40,500 freshwater samples from 1,230 sites were combined for the time period of 2005-2015 from various federal, provincial, and joint federal--provincial/territorial freshwater monitoring programs (e.g., Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Surveillance Program, Ontario's Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network). Of the samples, 30,347 provided conductivity and alkalinity data. Surface water samples with a measured conductivity that deviated (by more than 41 μS/cm) from the predicted conductivity calculated from the sample's alkalinity were deemed to be non-representative of a reference condition, while samples within 41 μS/cm of the predicted value were deemed representative of a reference condition. The 41 μS/cm cutoff value was determined using signal detection theory. The conductivity--alkalinity model was validated through a comparison with land cover data by demonstrating that samples identified as 'reference' were typically from catchments that had minimal anthropogenic disturbances. The proposed approach provides a rapid means of evaluating the reference condition of a watercourse, and of identifying data that provide an estimate of reference condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuisance growths of aquatic plants in Canadian surface waters continue to be problematic. Only diquat, a contact herbicide that is used to control many free-floating plants (but is less effective at controlling emergent plants), is registered in Canada for general aquatic use. Other herbicides are currently only permitted under “emergency registration.” Recent emergency registrations have been granted to glyphosate and imazapyr, and these two herbicides are likely candidates to be proposed for full registration for direct application to water in Canada in the foreseeable future. These herbicides have been extensively studied in laboratory conditions and have provided a benchmark for ecotoxicity for a variety of aquatic organisms, yet the inherent toxicity of these herbicides derived from tests does not always translate into their environmental toxicity in natural aquatic ecosystems as the fate (e.g., removal from the water body via binding to sediments and suspended solids, degradation, volatization, etc.) and exposure (i.e., continuous in the laboratory versus “pulsed” in the field) of herbicides in the natural environment is very different from their fate and exposure in laboratories. These differences will likely result in field studies having lower biological effects than laboratory studies, even if the initial exposure concentrations were similar. This review details the current knowledge based on field studies that examine the effects of the direct application of diquat, glyphosate, and imazapyr to aquatic environments on aquatic organisms. The studies of the effects of the aquatic formulations of diquat, glyphosate, and imazapyr that are reviewed here generally found negligible or short-lived impacts on fish and aquatic invertebrates in situ, whereas they found that the application of these herbicides was often beneficial through the physical modification of available habitat (i.e., an increase in open water outweighs any potential toxic effects). Conversely, certain surfactants used to increase herbicide efficacy have been suggested to be more toxic than the herbicide itself. We thus suggest monitoring the effects associated with controlled applications of diquat and other aquatic herbicides including glyphosate and imazapyr and their surfactants, as this would be a means of accumulating information that may guide future uses of herbicides in Canadian waterways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the problem of violence against women in Canada. Argues that recent government efforts to address the problem deal with the symptoms only. Cites findings indicating that child and sexual abuse are among the foremost fears of Canadian girls. Concludes that society pays too little attention to violence against women. (DK)

Observes that, although Canada enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world, children now make up its largest group of poor people. Reports that there are five million functionally illiterate Canadians, one-third of whom are high school graduates. Calls for a major overhaul of Canada's educational system. (SG)

Highlights Canada's high marks in a poll on its international image in 20 countries. Asks how Canada should take advantage of its positive international image. Notes areas where Canadian foreign policy is most admired: advancement of global peace and human rights, provision of aid, and participation in international peacekeeping. (DSK)

Discusses the impact of globalization on the jobs and trade of Canada. Emphasizes new relationships with countries in Latin America and Africa. Notes the types of trade that Canada enjoys with these two areas and encourages expansion of business into them. (DSK)

Delineates some of the general objectives and goals of citizenship-education programs being proposed throughout Canada. These offer an ongoing dynamic program of education in history, government, and ethics, with the aim of instilling in youth a willingness to think about the problems facing our society. (MJP)

Discusses moves toward independence for the Canadian province of Quebec. Predicts that Quebec will remain in the Canadian confederation, assuming that the French-speaking province retains its recognition as a "distinct society." Cites polls suggesting that compromise remains a possibility. Argues that continuing unity lies in national justice for all of Canada. (SG)

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine family caregivers' lived experiences of transitioning a patient from home to a palliative care unit. Ten in-depth interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi's approach. An overarching theme and 8 main themes emerged. The findings reflected family caregivers' recent experiences in the home, during the transition, and on the palliative care unit. Both positive and negative experiences were revealed. In the home, participants felt honored to provide care but also encountered difficulties, such as accessing resources. Being on the palliative care unit, the provision of care from knowledgeable health care professionals was a relief. However, participants felt like a "guest" because there was little control over the environment. This study raises awareness for health care professionals and family caregivers regarding the process and challenges of providing end-of-life care to patients over the illness trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite an overall increase in total road salt used over the past 14 years (the data record in this manuscript), there has been a 26% reduction in the rate (normalized as tonnes of salt per cm of snow per km of road) of road salt application by the City of Toronto since that city implemented mitigations from the Road Salt Code of Practice. The ecological benefit of the reduced use of road salt was approximated by comparing the estimated 26% salt reduction to the distribution of chloride tolerances that has been recently published by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (i.e., CCME). Species sensitivity distributions predict that between 1 and 14% of taxa would benefit from a 26% reduction in chloride concentrations in surface waters. Assuming that a typical 'healthy' Canadian watercourse might support between 100 and 200 species of fish, invertebrates and plants, the Code of Practice might provide benefit to between 14 and 28 species. However, the net ecological benefit of implementing the Code may be undermined in rapidly urbanizing watersheds where road networks continue to expand at a rate of 3-5% per year and chloride loads to urban streams are steadily increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Issues / Thèmes Canadiens is the property of Association for Canadian Studies 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.)

Abstract: A fuzzy set theoretic approach for handling preference uncertainty within the paradigm of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution is employed for systematically carrying out the strategic investigation of a conflict over the proposed export of water in bulk quantities. Following an overview of the literature regarding fuzzy preferences and their applications in decision making, the graph model is restructured to incorporate fuzzy preferences into calculations of stability. Nash and sequential stability definitions, which reflect human behavior in conflict, are modified to accommodate fuzzy preferences. The conflict over the potential large-scale export of water from Lake Gisborne, located in Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador province, is modeled, assuming that one of the four Decision Makers (DMs) in the dispute has fuzzy or uncertain preferences, while the preferences of the remaining DMs are crisp. The strategic insights gained by varying the satisficing behavior of the DM with fuzzy preferences are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

hybrid preference framework is proposed for strategic conflict analysis to integrate preference strength and preference uncertainty into the paradigm of the graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) under multiple decision makers. This structure offers decision makers a more flexible mechanism for preference expression, which can include strong or mild preference of one state or scenario over another, as well as equal preference. In addition, preference between two states can be uncertain. The result is a preference framework that is more general than existing models which consider preference strength and preference uncertainty separately. Within the hybrid preference structure, four kinds of stability are defined as solution concepts and a post-stability analysis, called status quo analysis, which can be used to track the evolution of a given conflict. Algorithms are provided for implementing the key inputs of stability analysis and status quo analysis within the extended preference structure. The new stability concepts under the hybrid preference structure can be used to model complex strategic conflicts arising in practical applications, and can provide new insights for the conflicts. The method is illustrated using the conflict over proposed bulk water exports from Lake Gisborne in Newfoundland, Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formal decision analysis techniques involving multiple stakeholders and multiple objectives are designed from a system of systems engineering perspective to address, within an adaptive integrative management framework, water resources problems of great importance to social policy and governance. The Graph Model for Conflict Resolution and other formal systems methodologies operationalize this management framework for real world decision support within the philosophical structures of operational research, systems engineering and integrative management. To illustrate how a formal systems methodology can produce better understanding of water conflicts and improved guidance for strategic decision making, the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution is explained and applied to controversies surrounding proposals for the bulk export of water from Canada. In particular, conflict analyses of bulk water disputes in Eastern Canada (Gisbourne Lake) and Western Canada (Sun Belt) reveal that future bulk water exports are strategically possible, and that dispute resolution mechanisms embedded within international trade agreements can potentially supersede national laws, allowing investors to take control of water resources even if there are irreparable environmental and ecological consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) defines the federal environmental assessment (EA) process for evaluating the likelihood that development projects (e.g., roads, buildings, factories) will have impacts on the environment. Environmental effects monitoring (EEM) programs for mining and pulp and paper mills under the Federal Fisheries Act, define the process that is to be used to evaluate existing effects caused by liquid effluents discharged by operating facilities. The EA process occurs before a project is approved, and involves predicting whether the project is going to cause significant environmental impacts. The EEM process occurs after a project is operational, and involves determining whether an existing project has had or is continuing to have significant impacts on the environment. Ideally, the processes are complimentary, with the EA process identifying environmental attributes considered important, and the EEM process demonstrating whether predicted or unpredicted impacts occurred. The two processes are usually done in isolation so potential synergies are lost. The point of this manuscript is to justify bridging the two processes. We use the aquatic environment as the example, and briefly describe the EEM process, aquatic environment indicators, experimental designs, and typical environmental thresholds, to illustrate how the EEM and EA processes link. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negotiations on a Canada-US Pacific salmon treaty began in 1908 but the first comprehensive treaty was not achieved until 1985. At that time, catches and landed values in the salmon fishery were near record levels and both countries viewed the agreement as a means of enhancing their individual prosperity. After a short period of co-operation, the 1985 treaty was undermined by arguments over catch sharing and the failure to rebuild some important salmon stocks. A revised treaty, agreed upon in 1999, established conservation of salmon as a priority and included a side-payment, in the form of two endowment funds designed in part to appease Canadian concern over catch imbalances. Major shifts in abundances combined with significant reductions in the value of the fishery were key factors in the negotiations. In this paper, we use the graph model for conflict resolution to examine the stability of the revised salmon treaty. Our assessment suggests that the treaty will be stable if the side-payment is maintained or enhanced even if both countries pursue aggressive fishing strategies. If the side-payment is not maintained, then it is likely that all groups will attempt to maximize their catch and Canada will seek a renegotiation of the treaty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) Programs in Canada have been developed for the pulp and paper and metal mining industries. The EEM Program conducts cyclical evaluations of receiving environments to determine whether effects exist when facilities comply with existing regulations. Investigation of cause (IOC) is a specific stage in the EEM Program that is used after environmental effects in fish and/or benthos have been detected, confirmed and their extent and magnitude have been documented. This paper presents an overview of the processes associated with this phase of monitoring. The objective of an IOC is to obtain sufficient information so that the source of the effect can be identified and removed, or its effects reduced to an acceptable level. The initial direction of an IOC is dependent upon the type of response patterns observed for fish and/or benthos during EEM cycles and extent/magnitude studies. The framework presented in this paper is based on an amalgamation of research projects conducted at Canadian pulp mills over the last decade and selected studies are summarized as examples. It also represents an integration of several research philosophies and scientific disciplines. The framework is based on national response patterns from the second cycle of pulp and paper EEM studies. IOCs are: directed into either an eutrophication-based investigation or a contaminant-based investigation (including metabolic disruption in fish). The framework is constructed with a progression of investigative levels designed to provide mole information on the causative factors. Each of these phases also represents a decision point for stakeholders to determine if sufficient information has been attained about the causal factor(s) and whether the IOC should be concluded. It is expected that the framework will evolve with a growing knowledge base of causal factors, as facilities enter into this phase of the EEM Program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sydenham River in southwestern Ontario is located in the Mixedwood Plains Ecozone, which supports the greatest diversity of flora and fauna in Canada. The river historically supported a rich aquatic community that included 80 fishes and 34 species of freshwater mussels. Fourteen aquatic species native to the river (8 fishes, 5 mussels and 1 turtle) have been designated as endangered, threatened, or of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Canada (COSEWIC). A multi-agency Recovery Team was formed in 1999 to ensure the continued survival of these and other rare species in the river. The Sydenham River Recovery Team is the first in Canada to adopt an ecosystem approach to recovery planning for aquatic species. Information on land use patterns, water quality trends, the physical condition of the river, and the distributions of aquatic species at risk was synthesized to gain an understanding of the overall health of the river and its major anthropogenic stresses. Seven of the species at risk have declined in distribution or abundance, and three may be extirpated. The main threat to fishes and mussels is heavy loadings of sediment, nutrients, and possibly pesticides to the river via tile drainage and overland runoff from agricultural lands. A strategy that incorporates four overall approaches (management, stewardship, research and monitoring, and awareness and outreach) was developed to recover and protect this globally significant freshwater ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In 1995, the British Columbia Government imposed a moratorium on salmon farming expansion and conducted an environmental assessment review of the industry. Despite the generally favourable conclusions of this review, the government delayed making a decision on the future of the industry for more than 2 years. This issue is examined using a graph model for conflict resolution. The graph model requires only ordinal preferences for the decision-makers and allows the analyst to impose realistic constraints on the conflict such as providing for unidirectional and common moves. Given the preferences of the players involved in the conflict, inaction on the part of the provincial government was a stable solution for 2 years. The deteriorating economic situation in British Columbia combined with an improved public acceptance of the salmon farming industry shifted the solution to one of adopting the recommendations from the environmental assessment review and eventually lifting the moratorium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conflict over the proposed bulk export of water from Canada is systematically studied using the graph model for conflict resolution in order to illustrate how strategic conflicts of this type can be better understood and managed. The ongoing conflict involving a US company, Sun Belt Water Inc., and the Canadian federal and provincial governments is modeled and analyzed using the graph model methodology. This dispute reflects the kinds of controversies that can arise when international trade laws, which stress competition and profits, are in conflict with environmental and social laws. The Sun Belt conflict is especially interesting because of its evolution over several stages; at each stage of the conflict, the objectives of the disputants, and their strategic implications, can be realistically modeled and thereby investigated using the graph model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary1. The relationship between fish and benthic invertebrate communities in wadeable streams in southern Ontario, Canada, was examined using three independent and spatially distinct data sets. 2. Associations between fish and benthos were always significant when benthos were identified to family and often at the level of phylum. Identification to genus improved the strength of the fish–benthos association in one case. In contrast, identification to species did not improve the strength of the fish–benthos association. Associations between benthos and fish were weaker for one study utilizing a ‘rapid’ bio-assessment protocol involving field sorting and identification, and a second study which utilized winter benthic collections. 3. In two surveys, stream temperatures were important to the distributions of both fish and benthos, while in a third survey, fish and benthos were primarily influenced by stream size. In all three studies, fish and benthos were associated with similar suites of environmental variables, suggesting that the fish–benthos associations in these streams was driven by corresponding environmental tolerances. 4. Although there was significant variation in the strength of the fish–benthos association which could be attributed to differences in sampling methodologies, the findings from the present study confirm that stream fish and benthos are significantly associated. Therefore, surveys of benthos can be used to make inferences on the condition of fish community composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amending formula of Canada's Constitution Act, 1982 is analysed and assessed, as are a variety of alternative formulae, some of which were actually proposed and then rejected. The models and techniques of game theory provide measurements of the power and satisfaction of the individual provinces under the various amending procedures. Thus, past and future provincial bargaining positions can be compared with provincial interests, and several potential outcomes for future bargaining can be projected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a formal analysis of the relative powers of the provinces under the amending formula of the Constitution Act of 1982 of Canada. The analysis has been extended in different directions to include two new indices that measure a province's ability to effect or prevent change. The analysis also reexamined the question of provincial versus citizen equality with respect to constitutional amendments. A discussion and evaluation of the various models and their implications is also presented. Finally, the effects of adding a Quebec veto to the present formula will be discussed as well.

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Political Science / Revue Canadienne de Science Politique is the property of Cambridge University Press 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.)