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| Study: Birth outcomes by neighbourhood income and recent immigration in Toronto
1996 to 2001
Despite improvements over time in indicators such as infant mortality, adverse birth outcomes continue to be a concern in industrialized countries. This is especially true for preterm birth, which is the single most important cause of perinatal mortality.
Unlike socio-economic disadvantage, recent immigration is less well understood as a dimension of potential disparities in birth outcomes.
This article, published today in Health Reports, analyzes differences in birth outcomes in Toronto on the basis of neighbourhood income and recent immigration.
The study examined 143,030 singleton live births to mothers in Toronto between April 1996 and March 2001. It divided neighbourhoods into five income groups from the highest one-fifth to the lowest, based on the proportion of their population below Statistics Canada's low-income cutoff.
The study found that regardless of where they lived in the city, recent immigrants to Toronto had the same risk of having good birth outcomes. This was in sharp contrast to the situation for longer-term residents, for whom a lower neighbourhood income increased the risk of preterm birth and other negative birth outcomes.
Among long-term residents, those in neighbourhoods with the lowest income had a 34% greater risk of preterm birth, compared with mothers in neighbourhoods with the highest income. This trend did not apply to recent immigrants.
To some extent, the relatively good birth outcomes for recent immigrant mothers may be explained by the "healthy migrant effect." For instance, recent immigrant mothers were less susceptible to conditions that can cause preterm birth. They had a lower prevalence of maternal illnesses, such as genito-urinary infection and pregnancy-induced hypertension, compared with longer-term residents.
While the study found that births to recent immigrant mothers were less likely to be preterm, paradoxically, they were more likely to be low birthweight and full-term low birthweight.
But although low birthweight was more common among recent immigrants, as it was for long-term residents of low-income neighbourhoods, the causes were likely different.
It is unlikely, for instance, that low birthweight among recent immigrant mothers would be due to higher cigarette and alcohol consumption, though these would be factors for longer-term residents. Rather, differences in body measurements and diet between recent immigrants and long-term residents were more likely causes.
Women born in southern and eastern Asia—which include countries that have provided the largest share of recent immigrants to Toronto—tend to be shorter and lighter and to have a lower caloric intake than longer-term residents. Such factors are known to contribute to smaller babies and, consequently, lower birthweight.
The study, "Birth outcomes by neighbourhood income and recent immigration in Toronto," is part of today's online release of Health Reports, Vol. 18, no. 4 (82-003-XWE, free), now available from the Publications module of our website.
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this article, contact Marcelo Urquia (416-864-6060 ext. 3340; marcelo.urquia@utoronto.ca), University of Toronto.
|
Canada's New Government announces independent expert panel on federal laboratories
OTTAWA - The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, today announced the creation of an independent panel of experts to provide advice on transferring federal non-regulatory laboratories, including a range of different management options. With this announcement, the government is delivering on its Budget 2007 commitment.
"Our laboratories conduct research that benefits all Canadians. I have
asked this panel to advise the government on different options for managing
non-regulatory federal laboratories so that Canada benefits from a strong and
collaborative science and technology sector," said Minister Toews.
This panel is comprised of individuals with extensive experience and
leadership in Canada's science and technology community. Dr. Arnold Naimark of
Manitoba will chair the panel. Other members of the panel are: Dr. Kevin
Keough of Alberta, Dr. Kelvin Ogilvie of Nova Scotia, and Dr. Clive Willis of
Québec.
"This is an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration and advance
research," said Dr. Naimark. "Considering different arrangements for managing
laboratories will bring the views of government, academia and the private
sector together to find innovative ways to further advance our common research
goals."
The panel will focus on four key objectives:
<<
- Increasing the impact of federal investments in research
- Fostering research excellence
- Enhancing learning and transfer of knowledge
- Leveraging the strengths of government, university and private sector
research
The Panel will report back to the President of the Treasury Board in Fall
2007, including identifying up to five federal non-regulatory laboratories
that could be considered candidates for early transfer.
"I am delighted such eminent Canadians from the science and technology
community have agreed to be part of this panel," Minister Toews concluded.
"Each one brings broad experience and a balance of perspectives from across
Canada."
Attached is a backgrounder with information on the mandate of the panel
and biographical information on the panel members.
INDEPENDENT EXPERT PANEL ON FEDERAL LABORATORIES
Mandate:
The Independent Expert Panel will report to the President of the Treasury
Board, providing advice and options on transferring federal non-regulatory
laboratories to universities or the private sector. The Panel will report back
to the President of the Treasury Board in Fall 2007.
Background:
Federal government laboratories conduct a broad range of scientific
activities including regulatory activities, knowledge advancement, and
economic and social development.
Some laboratories focus primarily on regulatory functions such as testing
food for contaminates. Other laboratories focus on more research-oriented
non-regulatory functions. Only non-regulatory functions will be early
candidates for transfer.
Science and technology (S&T), carried out by government, private and
academic sectors is a cornerstone of the national innovation system.
Government S&T plays a key role in that system and researchers interact with
other sectors and organizations, both in Canada and internationally, to bring
the benefits of federal S&T investments to Canadians. The Government of Canada
is committed to strengthening the effectiveness of its investments in S&T to
ensure Canadians benefit from scientific innovation and that Canada continues
to have a competitive advantage.
Budget 2007 signalled the Government's desire to explore different options
for managing its non-regulatory laboratories by creating the independent panel
of experts to assist in this exploration. This intention was echoed in
Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage, released in May 2007,
which stated that the government would focus its activities in areas where
government is best able to deliver results, and consider alternative
management for non-regulatory federal laboratories.
Next steps
In the coming months, the Panel will engage key stakeholders, take into
account the diversity of federal science activities and consider a broad range
of options for transferring federal laboratories to universities or the
private sector. The Panel will report back to the President of the Treasury
Board in Fall 2007. The report will include identification of up to five
laboratories that could be considered as early candidates for transfer.
INDEPENDENT EXPERT PANEL ON FEDERAL LABORATORIES
MEMBER BIOGRAPHIES
>>
Dr. Arnold Naimark, President Emeritus and Dean of Medicine Emeritus and
Professor of Medicine and Physiology at the University of Manitoba, is
currently Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Medicine, and Chair of
Health Canada's Ministerial Science Advisory Board and Chairman of Genome
Prairie. Dr. Naimark will serve as Chair of the Expert Panel, bringing decades
of experience in leadership positions in higher education and research,
academic medicine, science and technology policy, biotechnology and
organizational design and function to the panel. Dr. Naimark resides in
Manitoba.
Dr. Kevin Keough, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry at Memorial
University, is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and a founder of NovaLipids
Incorporated. Dr. Keough has served as Chief Scientist at Health Canada and
Deputy Chair of the Council of Science and Technology Advisors. Prior to
having joined Health Canada, he was the first Vice President of Research and
International Relations at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Dr. Keough
provides the panel with a range of private sector, government, and academic
experience related to science and technology and innovation. Dr. Keough
resides in Alberta.
Dr. Kelvin Ogilvie is Professor of Chemistry and Past President and
Vice-Chancellor of Acadia University and one of the world's leading experts on
biotechnology, bio-organic chemistry, and genetic engineering. Dr. Ogilvie has
worked with numerous organizations including the Atomic Energy Control Board
and the National Biotechnology Advisory Committee, and serves on the Board of
Genome Canada, the Atlantic Innovation Fund Advisory Board and the NRC
Institute for Marine Biosciences Advisory Board. Dr. Ogilvie also served as
Chair of the Premier's Council on Innovation in Nova Scotia. Dr. Ogilvie's
academic experience, combined with his experience in innovation and
commercialization, will greatly benefit the panel. Dr. Ogilvie resides in Nova
Scotia.
Dr. Clive Willis established himself as a private consultant after having
served in several positions at the Vice President level at the National
Research Council of Canada, including that of Vice-President of Research.
Dr. Willis has served on a number of boards and committees at regional,
national and international levels including co-chairing the National
Technology Table as part of the National Climate Change Process. Dr. Willis
played a key role in establishing a number of not-for-profit,
innovation-driven coordinating organizations including, most recently,
NanoQuébec, where he assumed the role of Director General. Dr. Willis provides
the panel with a range of government, private sector, and not-for-profit
experience related to innovation, science and technology. Dr. Willis resides
in Quebec.
|
Labour Force Survey - July 2007
Employment was little changed in July, leaving growth so far in 2007 at 1.3%, similar to the growth rate in the first seven months of 2006. The unemployment rate edged down 0.1 percentage points to 6.0%, the lowest since 1974.
Alberta was the only province to show a significant employment increase in July, as an estimated 14,000 more people were working. This pushed Alberta's employment rate back to its record high of 71.6%.
In July, employment gains in professional, scientific and technical services; manufacturing; transportation and warehousing; and utilities offset declines in educational services and finance, insurance, real estate and leasing.
Employment growth continued to be vigorous for students aged 15 to 24, notably for those aged 15 to 19. In July, the employment rate among 15 to 19 year-olds approached the high levels last observed in the early 1990s.
Canadian labour market remains strong
Employment growth so far in 2007 has been stronger in Canada than in the United States. Once concepts are adjusted for comparability to US definitions, Canada's employment rate in July was 64.1%, 0.3 percentage points higher than at the beginning of 2007. The employment rate in the United States, however, declined during the same period by 0.4 percentage points to 63.0%. While Canada is reaching record high rates of employment, the US is still far from the peak of 64.7% attained in April 2000.
Following slower wage increases in the first quarter of 2007, July marked the third consecutive month with a year-over-year increase above 3%. Canadian employees, on average, made 3.7% more per hour in July than they did a year earlier, running ahead of the most recent year-over-year increase of 2.2% in the Consumer Price Index.
The youth unemployment rate dropped to a low of 10.6% in July, a decline of 1.3 percentage points from a year earlier. This is their lowest unemployment rate since September 1989. Unemployment rates for youths have declined in each province in the past year with the exception of Ontario, where the rate remained unchanged from one year ago. So far in 2007, employment growth for youths (+2.1%) has been higher than that of both adult women (+1.5%) and adult men (+0.7%).
Employment gains have largely been in professional, scientific and technical services; information, culture and recreation; and trade so far in 2007. This is in contrast to the first seven months of 2006, when gains were mainly in health care and social assistance; finance, insurance, real estate and leasing; and "other services." However, manufacturing employment declined by 72,000 during the first seven months of 2007, similar to the losses in this industry during the same period of 2006.
Goods sector growth in July
Employment in the goods-producing sector was up in July, mainly in manufacturing (+20,000) and utilities (+6,000). In the service sector, more workers were added in professional, scientific and technical services (+25,000) and transportation and warehousing (+17,000). Total gains, however, were offset by service sector declines in educational services (-57,000) and finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (-13,000).
The large drop in educational services in July was spread across several provinces and was concentrated among teachers and educational assistants in primary and secondary schools. July's decline in education employment follows a two-year upward trend in this industry.
Declines in the public sector (-20,000) partially offset gains among private sector employees (+35,000) in July. In the past 12 months, employment growth has been strongest among the self-employed (+7.8%), followed by private sector employees (+1.3%), while public sector growth was weakest (+0.5%).
Alberta continues to flourish
Alberta's estimated employment increase of 14,000 in July contributed to total gains of 61,000 (+ 3.2%) so far in 2007, similar to the growth rate over the same period in 2006. Gains in July were in full-time work, and mainly in health care and social assistance and trade. In the first seven months of 2007, trade; construction; health care and social assistance; and information, culture and recreation garnered the bulk of the increases.
Although Ontario's overall employment level was little changed in July, there were a few notable industry movements. Manufacturing employment was up an estimated 27,000 in July, the first significant increase in more than a year, with gains spread across several manufacturing industries. There were also gains in professional, scientific and technical services, while employment declined in educational services.
Quebec's employment picture in July was essentially unchanged, leaving total gains since December 2006 at 69,000 (+1.8%). For the second consecutive month in July, the rate of unemployment (6.9%) was at its 33-year low, while the employment rate (61.1%) remained at its record high.
In New Brunswick, despite an employment decline of 3,000 in July, growth has been steady since September 2006, up 3.6% or 13,000. Gains since September have predominantly been in construction; health care and social assistance; and information, culture and recreation.
Employment in Nova Scotia declined by an estimated 3,000 in July, continuing the weakness observed since May 2007. This is a reversal of the strength shown earlier, as employment grew 2.5% from September 2006 to April 2007.
Labour market for students heats up in July
From May to August, the Labour Force Survey (LFS) collects labour market information about young people aged 15 to 24 who were attending school full time in March and who intend to return to school in the fall. The published estimates are not seasonally adjusted, therefore, comparisons can only be made on a year-over-year basis.
The summer months continued to sizzle for students aged 15 to 24. Their July employment rates were similar to the high levels last attained in the months of July in the early 1990s, especially for 15 to 16 year-olds (40.2%) and 17 to 19 year-olds (69.2%). Employment rates for students aged 20 to 24 (75.3%) remained on par with levels observed in the summer of 2006. Prince Edward Island (79.0%) and Manitoba (70.9%) had the highest proportion of students aged 15 to 24 working this July.
| Labour force characteristics by age and sex |
| |
June 2007 |
July 2007 |
June to July 2007 |
July 2006 to July 2007 |
June to July 2007 |
July 2006 to July 2007 |
| |
Seasonally adjusted |
| |
thousands |
change in thousands |
% change |
| Both sexes 15+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
26,533.9 |
26,569.9 |
36.0 |
373.0 |
0.1 |
1.4 |
| Labour force |
17,923.8 |
17,928.3 |
4.5 |
295.8 |
0.0 |
1.7 |
| Employment |
16,837.3 |
16,848.6 |
11.3 |
350.8 |
0.1 |
2.1 |
| Full-time |
13,804.5 |
13,824.2 |
19.7 |
312.0 |
0.1 |
2.3 |
| Part-time |
3,032.8 |
3,024.4 |
-8.4 |
38.8 |
-0.3 |
1.3 |
| Unemployment |
1,086.5 |
1,079.8 |
-6.7 |
-54.9 |
-0.6 |
-4.8 |
| Participation rate |
67.6 |
67.5 |
-0.1 |
0.2 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
6.1 |
6.0 |
-0.1 |
-0.4 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
63.5 |
63.4 |
-0.1 |
0.4 |
... |
... |
| Part-time rate |
18.0 |
18.0 |
0.0 |
-0.1 |
... |
... |
| Youths 15 to 24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
4,351.1 |
4,354.0 |
2.9 |
33.1 |
0.1 |
0.8 |
| Labour force |
2,922.3 |
2,910.5 |
-11.8 |
41.8 |
-0.4 |
1.5 |
| Employment |
2,595.7 |
2,603.3 |
7.6 |
75.8 |
0.3 |
3.0 |
| Full-time |
1,451.0 |
1,467.0 |
16.0 |
54.0 |
1.1 |
3.8 |
| Part-time |
1,144.7 |
1,136.3 |
-8.4 |
21.8 |
-0.7 |
2.0 |
| Unemployment |
326.6 |
307.2 |
-19.4 |
-34.0 |
-5.9 |
-10.0 |
| Participation rate |
67.2 |
66.8 |
-0.4 |
0.4 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
11.2 |
10.6 |
-0.6 |
-1.3 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
59.7 |
59.8 |
0.1 |
1.3 |
... |
... |
| Part-time rate |
44.1 |
43.6 |
-0.5 |
-0.5 |
... |
... |
| Men 25+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
10,836.0 |
10,852.4 |
16.4 |
169.1 |
0.2 |
1.6 |
| Labour force |
7,982.8 |
7,988.1 |
5.3 |
113.2 |
0.1 |
1.4 |
| Employment |
7,549.9 |
7,557.8 |
7.9 |
105.0 |
0.1 |
1.4 |
| Full-time |
7,068.6 |
7,057.7 |
-10.9 |
81.0 |
-0.2 |
1.2 |
| Part-time |
481.3 |
500.1 |
18.8 |
24.1 |
3.9 |
5.1 |
| Unemployment |
432.9 |
430.3 |
-2.6 |
8.1 |
-0.6 |
1.9 |
| Participation rate |
73.7 |
73.6 |
-0.1 |
-0.1 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
5.4 |
5.4 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
69.7 |
69.6 |
-0.1 |
-0.2 |
... |
... |
| Part-time rate |
6.4 |
6.6 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
... |
... |
| Women 25+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
11,346.7 |
11,363.5 |
16.8 |
170.9 |
0.1 |
1.5 |
| Labour force |
7,018.6 |
7,029.7 |
11.1 |
140.8 |
0.2 |
2.0 |
| Employment |
6,691.7 |
6,687.4 |
-4.3 |
169.8 |
-0.1 |
2.6 |
| Full-time |
5,284.9 |
5,299.4 |
14.5 |
176.9 |
0.3 |
3.5 |
| Part-time |
1,406.8 |
1,388.0 |
-18.8 |
-7.1 |
-1.3 |
-0.5 |
| Unemployment |
326.9 |
342.3 |
15.4 |
-29.0 |
4.7 |
-7.8 |
| Participation rate |
61.9 |
61.9 |
0.0 |
0.4 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7 |
4.9 |
0.2 |
-0.5 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
59.0 |
58.8 |
-0.2 |
0.6 |
... |
... |
| Part-time rate |
21.0 |
20.8 |
-0.2 |
-0.6 |
... |
... |
| ... | not applicable |
| Note: | Related CANSIM table 282-0087. |
|
| Employment by class of worker and industry (based on NAICS1) |
| |
June 2007 |
July 2007 |
June to July 2007 |
July 2006 to July 2007 |
June to July 2007 |
July 2006 to July 2007 |
| |
Seasonally adjusted |
| |
thousands |
change in thousands |
% change |
| Class of worker |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Employees |
14,184.8 |
14,200.6 |
15.8 |
159.1 |
0.1 |
1.1 |
| Self-employed |
2,652.5 |
2,647.9 |
-4.6 |
191.6 |
-0.2 |
7.8 |
| Public/private sector employees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Public |
3,248.7 |
3,229.2 |
-19.5 |
15.7 |
-0.6 |
0.5 |
| Private |
10,936.1 |
10,971.5 |
35.4 |
143.5 |
0.3 |
1.3 |
| All industries |
16,837.3 |
16,848.6 |
11.3 |
350.8 |
0.1 |
2.1 |
| Goods-producing sector |
3,964.5 |
3,988.9 |
24.4 |
24.9 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
| Agriculture |
330.7 |
332.5 |
1.8 |
-12.5 |
0.5 |
-3.6 |
| Natural resources |
338.0 |
332.5 |
-5.5 |
5.1 |
-1.6 |
1.6 |
| Utilities |
139.9 |
145.8 |
5.9 |
20.2 |
4.2 |
16.1 |
| Construction |
1,134.0 |
1,136.6 |
2.6 |
64.6 |
0.2 |
6.0 |
| Manufacturing |
2,021.9 |
2,041.5 |
19.6 |
-52.6 |
1.0 |
-2.5 |
| Service-producing sector |
12,872.8 |
12,859.7 |
-13.1 |
325.9 |
-0.1 |
2.6 |
| Trade |
2,696.2 |
2,712.4 |
16.2 |
83.8 |
0.6 |
3.2 |
| Transportation and warehousing |
813.8 |
831.2 |
17.4 |
44.9 |
2.1 |
5.7 |
| Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing |
1,066.7 |
1,053.7 |
-13.0 |
10.8 |
-1.2 |
1.0 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services |
1,131.3 |
1,156.5 |
25.2 |
71.2 |
2.2 |
6.6 |
| Business, building and other support services |
699.1 |
700.2 |
1.1 |
8.6 |
0.2 |
1.2 |
| Educational services |
1,196.0 |
1,138.6 |
-57.4 |
-26.0 |
-4.8 |
-2.2 |
| Health care and social assistance |
1,838.5 |
1,833.2 |
-5.3 |
25.8 |
-0.3 |
1.4 |
| Information, culture and recreation |
787.4 |
786.7 |
-0.7 |
37.4 |
-0.1 |
5.0 |
| Accommodation and food services |
1,077.6 |
1,070.6 |
-7.0 |
54.5 |
-0.6 |
5.4 |
| Other services |
712.6 |
716.4 |
3.8 |
13.5 |
0.5 |
1.9 |
| Public administration |
853.6 |
860.1 |
6.5 |
1.4 |
0.8 |
0.2 |
| 1. | North American Industry Classification System. |
| Note: | Related CANSIM tables 282-0088 and 282-0089. |
|
| Labour force characteristics by province |
| |
June 2007 |
July 2007 |
June to July 2007 |
July 2006 to July 2007 |
June to July 2007 |
July 2006 to July 2007 |
| |
Seasonally adjusted |
| |
thousands |
change in thousands |
% change |
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
423.3 |
423.1 |
-0.2 |
-4.3 |
0.0 |
-1.0 |
| Labour force |
248.0 |
247.2 |
-0.8 |
-2.1 |
-0.3 |
-0.8 |
| Employment |
215.5 |
213.8 |
-1.7 |
0.5 |
-0.8 |
0.2 |
| Full-time |
181.8 |
185.7 |
3.9 |
6.6 |
2.1 |
3.7 |
| Part-time |
33.8 |
28.1 |
-5.7 |
-6.1 |
-16.9 |
-17.8 |
| Unemployment |
32.5 |
33.5 |
1.0 |
-2.5 |
3.1 |
-6.9 |
| Participation rate |
58.6 |
58.4 |
-0.2 |
0.1 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
13.1 |
13.6 |
0.5 |
-0.8 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
50.9 |
50.5 |
-0.4 |
0.6 |
... |
... |
| Prince Edward Island |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
113.2 |
113.4 |
0.2 |
1.0 |
0.2 |
0.9 |
| Labour force |
77.2 |
76.9 |
-0.3 |
0.5 |
-0.4 |
0.7 |
| Employment |
69.1 |
68.8 |
-0.3 |
1.1 |
-0.4 |
1.6 |
| Full-time |
57.6 |
57.9 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
0.5 |
0.0 |
| Part-time |
11.5 |
10.9 |
-0.6 |
1.0 |
-5.2 |
10.1 |
| Unemployment |
8.1 |
8.1 |
0.0 |
-0.5 |
0.0 |
-5.8 |
| Participation rate |
68.2 |
67.8 |
-0.4 |
-0.2 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
10.5 |
10.5 |
0.0 |
-0.8 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
61.0 |
60.7 |
-0.3 |
0.5 |
... |
... |
| Nova Scotia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
764.0 |
764.2 |
0.2 |
1.5 |
0.0 |
0.2 |
| Labour force |
485.1 |
485.0 |
-0.1 |
8.3 |
0.0 |
1.7 |
| Employment |
445.8 |
442.4 |
-3.4 |
4.9 |
-0.8 |
1.1 |
| Full-time |
364.5 |
362.2 |
-2.3 |
6.9 |
-0.6 |
1.9 |
| Part-time |
81.3 |
80.2 |
-1.1 |
-2.0 |
-1.4 |
-2.4 |
| Unemployment |
39.3 |
42.6 |
3.3 |
3.4 |
8.4 |
8.7 |
| Participation rate |
63.5 |
63.5 |
0.0 |
1.0 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
8.1 |
8.8 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
58.4 |
57.9 |
-0.5 |
0.5 |
... |
... |
| New Brunswick |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
612.7 |
613.1 |
0.4 |
1.7 |
0.1 |
0.3 |
| Labour force |
392.2 |
390.4 |
-1.8 |
1.2 |
-0.5 |
0.3 |
| Employment |
365.4 |
362.2 |
-3.2 |
7.7 |
-0.9 |
2.2 |
| Full-time |
304.5 |
304.2 |
-0.3 |
5.7 |
-0.1 |
1.9 |
| Part-time |
60.9 |
57.9 |
-3.0 |
1.9 |
-4.9 |
3.4 |
| Unemployment |
26.8 |
28.2 |
1.4 |
-6.5 |
5.2 |
-18.7 |
| Participation rate |
64.0 |
63.7 |
-0.3 |
0.0 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
6.8 |
7.2 |
0.4 |
-1.7 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
59.6 |
59.1 |
-0.5 |
1.1 |
... |
... |
| Quebec |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
6,312.4 |
6,317.7 |
5.3 |
63.7 |
0.1 |
1.0 |
| Labour force |
4,145.2 |
4,143.7 |
-1.5 |
41.8 |
0.0 |
1.0 |
| Employment |
3,858.9 |
3,858.5 |
-0.4 |
87.4 |
0.0 |
2.3 |
| Full-time |
3,164.3 |
3,151.8 |
-12.5 |
79.5 |
-0.4 |
2.6 |
| Part-time |
694.6 |
706.7 |
12.1 |
7.8 |
1.7 |
1.1 |
| Unemployment |
286.3 |
285.2 |
-1.1 |
-45.6 |
-0.4 |
-13.8 |
| Participation rate |
65.7 |
65.6 |
-0.1 |
0.0 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
6.9 |
6.9 |
0.0 |
-1.2 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
61.1 |
61.1 |
0.0 |
0.8 |
... |
... |
| ... | not applicable |
| Note: | Related CANSIM table 282-0087. |
|
| Labour force characteristics by province |
| |
June 2007 |
July 2007 |
June to July 2007 |
July 2006 to July 2007 |
June to July 2007 |
July 2006 to July 2007 |
| |
Seasonally adjusted |
| |
thousands |
change in thousands |
% change |
| Ontario |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
10,353.1 |
10,366.6 |
13.5 |
131.0 |
0.1 |
1.3 |
| Labour force |
7,033.2 |
7,049.9 |
16.7 |
86.4 |
0.2 |
1.2 |
| Employment |
6,573.3 |
6,584.7 |
11.4 |
74.3 |
0.2 |
1.1 |
| Full-time |
5,422.2 |
5,408.5 |
-13.7 |
45.7 |
-0.3 |
0.9 |
| Part-time |
1,151.1 |
1,176.2 |
25.1 |
28.6 |
2.2 |
2.5 |
| Unemployment |
459.9 |
465.2 |
5.3 |
12.1 |
1.2 |
2.7 |
| Participation rate |
67.9 |
68.0 |
0.1 |
0.0 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
6.5 |
6.6 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
63.5 |
63.5 |
0.0 |
-0.1 |
... |
... |
| Manitoba |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
898.4 |
899.2 |
0.8 |
6.6 |
0.1 |
0.7 |
| Labour force |
625.7 |
621.0 |
-4.7 |
6.1 |
-0.8 |
1.0 |
| Employment |
596.8 |
594.9 |
-1.9 |
9.1 |
-0.3 |
1.6 |
| Full-time |
480.2 |
481.6 |
1.4 |
12.0 |
0.3 |
2.6 |
| Part-time |
116.6 |
113.4 |
-3.2 |
-2.8 |
-2.7 |
-2.4 |
| Unemployment |
28.9 |
26.1 |
-2.8 |
-3.0 |
-9.7 |
-10.3 |
| Participation rate |
69.6 |
69.1 |
-0.5 |
0.2 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
4.6 |
4.2 |
-0.4 |
-0.5 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
66.4 |
66.2 |
-0.2 |
0.6 |
... |
... |
| Saskatchewan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
750.0 |
751.1 |
1.1 |
5.2 |
0.1 |
0.7 |
| Labour force |
520.1 |
521.9 |
1.8 |
6.3 |
0.3 |
1.2 |
| Employment |
497.1 |
496.8 |
-0.3 |
5.0 |
-0.1 |
1.0 |
| Full-time |
403.8 |
406.5 |
2.7 |
3.7 |
0.7 |
0.9 |
| Part-time |
93.3 |
90.3 |
-3.0 |
1.3 |
-3.2 |
1.5 |
| Unemployment |
23.0 |
25.1 |
2.1 |
1.4 |
9.1 |
5.9 |
| Participation rate |
69.3 |
69.5 |
0.2 |
0.4 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
4.4 |
4.8 |
0.4 |
0.2 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
66.3 |
66.1 |
-0.2 |
0.2 |
... |
... |
| Alberta |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
2,740.1 |
2,748.8 |
8.7 |
107.5 |
0.3 |
4.1 |
| Labour force |
2,032.2 |
2,037.0 |
4.8 |
97.6 |
0.2 |
5.0 |
| Employment |
1,955.3 |
1,968.9 |
13.6 |
98.8 |
0.7 |
5.3 |
| Full-time |
1,644.0 |
1,658.4 |
14.4 |
91.3 |
0.9 |
5.8 |
| Part-time |
311.3 |
310.5 |
-0.8 |
7.5 |
-0.3 |
2.5 |
| Unemployment |
76.8 |
68.1 |
-8.7 |
-1.3 |
-11.3 |
-1.9 |
| Participation rate |
74.2 |
74.1 |
-0.1 |
0.7 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
3.8 |
3.3 |
-0.5 |
-0.3 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
71.4 |
71.6 |
0.2 |
0.8 |
... |
... |
| British Columbia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Population |
3,566.8 |
3,572.6 |
5.8 |
58.9 |
0.2 |
1.7 |
| Labour force |
2,365.0 |
2,355.3 |
-9.7 |
49.7 |
-0.4 |
2.2 |
| Employment |
2,260.1 |
2,257.6 |
-2.5 |
62.0 |
-0.1 |
2.8 |
| Full-time |
1,782.0 |
1,807.4 |
25.4 |
59.7 |
1.4 |
3.4 |
| Part-time |
478.1 |
450.2 |
-27.9 |
2.3 |
-5.8 |
0.5 |
| Unemployment |
104.9 |
97.7 |
-7.2 |
-12.3 |
-6.9 |
-11.2 |
| Participation rate |
66.3 |
65.9 |
-0.4 |
0.3 |
... |
... |
| Unemployment rate |
4.4 |
4.1 |
-0.3 |
-0.7 |
... |
... |
| Employment rate |
63.4 |
63.2 |
-0.2 |
0.7 |
... |
... |
| ... | not applicable |
| Note: | Related CANSIM table 282-0087. |
|
|
People's self-esteem is more tied to appearances than to 'what's inside': UW study
WATERLOO, Ont - People's self-esteem is most strongly tied to traits such as physical appearance, social skills and popularity, says a University of Waterloo psychology study.
That's because appearances are most strongly linked to acceptance from others, says research associate Danu Anthony, who led the study with psychology professors John Holmes and Joanne Wood. The study also finds that self-esteem is most strongly connected to traits that garner acceptance from other people.
"We were intrigued that society really seems to be of two minds about the traits that it values," Anthony says. The study, entitled Social acceptance and self-esteem: Tuning the sociometer to interpersonal value, was published in the June issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
"People state emphatically that it is 'what's inside' that counts and encourage their children not to judge others based on appearances, yet they revere attractive people to an astonishing degree," Anthony says. "They say they value communal qualities such as kindness and understanding more than any other traits, but seem to be exceptionally interested in achieving good looks and popularity."
The researchers then wondered what effect those dual messages would have on people's self-esteem.
"Would self-esteem be linked to the traits that people say they value the most, like kindness, understanding and warmth, or would it be linked to the traits that are the most valuable on the interpersonal marketplace, namely good looks, social skills and popularity?"
The researchers hypothesized that self-esteem is linked to the traits that garner acceptance from others -- what other people value in potential friends and romantic partners.
Though appearances are highly prized in Western society, there are important social roles that emphasize the interpersonal value of 'what's inside.'
"Our social-role model of interpersonal value predicts that self-esteem is generally attuned to appearances, but self-esteem will also be linked to communal qualities when one's social role dictates that such qualities are important for garnering acceptance from others," Anthony says.
The results of the research show that across all the social roles examined, self-esteem was most strongly attuned to appearances.
But those in interdependent social roles, such as women, people of East Asian descent and people in romantic relationships, had self-esteem that was also tied to communal qualities, such as kindness and warmth.
Women are valued when they behave in a warm, loving manner, the study says. East Asian cultures, which are highly communal, also value people who possess traits that facilitate social relationships. And people also value kindness and understanding in their romantic partners.
"The take-home message of this research is that self-esteem is inherently tied to acceptance from others," Anthony says. "Thus, self-esteem is also tied to the traits that garner acceptance from others."
|
Social networking, blogs and gaming sites click with Canadians: Survey
TORONTO - The popularity of social networking and blogging among Canadian Internet users is not limited to teens and young adults, as a new poll by TNS Canadian Facts suggests that a sizeable number of middle-aged surfers are frequenting these types of Web sites.
The poll found that online teens and young adults are the heaviest users
of social networking sites, with 83% of 13-17 year olds and 74% of 18-29 year
olds having visited at least one such site. Not surprisingly, older people are
less likely to have spent any time on sites such as Facebook and MySpace, but
the incidence is still quite high among middle-aged and older online
Canadians. Six in 10 people in their 30s have visited at least one social
networking site and 45% of those in their 40s have done so. Among those
50 years and older, one-third claim to have visited such a site.
"Considering that sites like Facebook and MySpace did not even exist five
years ago, the fact that over half of online Canadians (53%) claim to have
visited social networking sites is staggering," said Jennifer Bylok, research
director at TNS Canadian Facts and author of the survey.
"Gone are the days of letter-writing and long phone calls. Today, people
are posting and broadcasting the minutiae of their their daily lives, keeping
friends and colleagues probably more up-to-date than they would like to be."
The TNS Canadian Facts poll surveyed 1,627 Canadian Internet users
13 years and older about their online behaviours, including social networking,
blogging and gaming. The most important reasons for having profiles on social
networking sites include: staying in touch/communicating with friends,
re-establishing old contacts, and for entertainment purposes.
But some online Canadians are less open to posting profiles on Facebook,
MySpace and other similar sites. Approximately four in 10 (44%) claim the
reason they do not use social networking sites is because they would rather
keep in touch with friends and loved ones by other technological means. Among
those 50 years and over, two-thirds (67%) mention this as a reason for not
using such "tell-all" sites. Other explanations given by Internet users for
avoiding social networking sites include: not feeling safe using them (18%),
friends do not use them (17%), and the perception that social networking sites
are "stupid" and not worth taking part in (16%).
Although awareness levels for MySpace are higher (86%) than they are for
Facebook (71%) among those who visit social networking sites, Facebook has
more dedicated users. Four in 10 (42%) who are aware of Facebook have profiles
on the site and visit it regularly. By contrast, just 16% who are aware of
MySpace have profiles on that site and go there frequently.
While less interactive, blogs also are a key communication tool. Half
(50%) of online Canadians use blogs, with teens and young adults between
18 and 29 the most likely to access them (73% and 64%, respectively). The most
popular types of blogs are focused on entertainment/gossip, technology, and
sites dedicated to specific hobbies. Less popular blogging topics include
politics, fashion, and sports.
Despite a keenness to visit blogs, very few people surveyed say that they
have their own web log (10%). Not surprisingly, teens are the most likely to
post topics in a blog format (31%). Despite most online Canadians not having
blogs of their own, they are not hesitant to post comments on the blogs of
others: two-thirds claim to have posted a comment, and while this activity
does decline with age, the majority of older online Canadians (50 years and
over) who read blogs also comment on them (55%).
The poll found that only about one-third (36%) of online Canadians claim
to play online games, with online poker and "live" first-person shooter games
being the most popular. Second Life, a virtual world game that has received
quite a bit of attention by the media, appears to be mostly "hype": only 2% of
online Canadians claim to have created avatars in Second Life and explored the
site's 3-D virtual world.
"Canadians are increasingly using and depending on the Internet not only
for information, but also for entertainment and keeping in contact with
friends and family. Currently, however, the Internet appears to have its
limits, with respondents far less willing to have a fully virtual life, as
evidenced by the extremely low usage and interest in sites like Second Life.
All this suggests that companies had better be prepared to address the new
expectations from consumers, and grandma should probably get a profile on
Facebook," Bylok observed.
The nationally representative online survey of 1,627 Canadian Internet
users 13 years and older was conducted between April 30 and May 5, 2007.
Respondents were randomly selected from the TNS Canadian Facts Internet access
panel comprising 110,000 Canadian adults and teens who have agreed to
participate in survey research from time to time.
|
International study estimates Canadian government waste at 25 per cent
VANCOUVER - The Canadian public sector wastes 25 per cent of its money and should be able to achieve the same performance using only 75 per cent of the funding it currently spends, according to Public Sector Efficiency: An International Comparison, a report from independent research organization The Fraser Institute.
"Canadian governments should be able to attain the same outcomes with
only 75 per cent of money currently being spent." said Vito Tanzi, former
Director of Fiscal Affairs at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and
co-author of the report.
"That means there's approximately 25 per cent waste in Canada's public
sector."
Public Sector Performance
Tanzi and his co-authors measure the performance of the public sector by
examining key economic and social indicators: educational achievement, health
care performance, public infrastructure outcomes, economic stability, economic
performance, income distribution, and administrative performance (i.e. quality
of judiciary & red tape).
When it comes to overall public sector performance, Canada ranks 12th
among the 23 countries, tied with the United States. Both countries perform
slightly above the 23-country average. Luxembourg, Japan and Norway had the
highest public sector performance while Greece, Portugal and Italy had the
lowest.
Tanzi said Canada is below average in health performance, income
distribution and economic performance, but above average on administrative
performance, education and infrastructure.
Public Sector Efficiency
The report also analyzes government efficiency by examining the level of
government spending (measured relative to the size of the economy) used to
achieve the public sector performance.
Canada ranks 10th among the 23 industrialized countries measured, with a
score slightly better than the average. However, on this measure Canada now
falls significantly behind the U.S., which ranked fifth overall for public
sector efficiency.
"Although the public sectors in Canada and the U.S. achieve similar
levels of performance, Canada spends substantially more," Tanzi said.
Tanzi found that countries with smaller levels of government spending
(measured relative to the size of the economy) achieved higher levels of
public sector performance. Countries with small governments are defined as
government spending as less than 40 per cent of GDP while countries with large
governments are defined as spending more than 50 per cent of GDP.
Wastefulness in the Public Sector
One of the most interesting findings of the report is its calculations on
the level of wastefulness within the public sectors. These were determined by
examining the most efficient combinations of public sector performance and
expenditures.
The United States, Japan, and Luxembourg have the most efficient
governments because no other country achieves their level of public sector
performance with less government spending.
The other 20 countries were compared to the most efficient countries
(United States, Japan, and Luxembourg) to determine the level of government
waste. Sweden has the most inefficient public sector with approximately
43 per cent waste followed closely by Finland (39 per cent waste), Denmark
(38 per cent waste) and France (36 per cent waste).
Canada should be able to deliver the level of performance with
75 per cent of the money currently being spent, meaning there is approximately
25 per cent waste in Canada's public sector, the report notes.
"Canada's public sector is inefficient relative to other industrialized
countries. With 25 per cent waste in the public sector, Canada clearly has
room to reduce government spending," Tanzi said.
Public Sector Efficiency: An International Comparison used data from 2000
to measure public sector performance. Average government spending from 1990 to
2000 was used as public sector performance lags government spending.
|
Grant Thornton international welcomes further research into auditor choice
- International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) and the six largest
global accounting organisations reveal findings in survey of opinion
on financial reporting and auditing
- 80% of survey respondents feel that there is insufficient choice in
the audit market
TORONTO - The ICGN and the six largest global accounting organizations have revealed the findings of their jointly commissioned survey of opinion on financial reporting and auditing. Grant Thornton International, as one of the six largest accounting organizations, welcomes this initiative and looks forward to further research being carried out into the area of auditor choice and investor satisfaction.
Mike Starr, Chief Operating Officer for Grant Thornton International
comments "This survey helps to identify key areas for future attention and is
a very useful platform for further discussion. It reveals significant progress
in the development of the relationship between auditors and investors."
One of the most striking findings is that 80% of the survey respondents
feel that there is insufficient choice in the audit market and that structural
barriers exist which prevent audit firms outside the Big 4 auditing listed
companies and public interest entities. Starr continues "The survey cites
barriers such as lack of geographical spread, lack of industry expertise,
complexity of regulatory requirements and insufficient capital. However, many
of these barriers are perceptions that need to be corrected. There are
organizations such as Grant Thornton International whose member firms are
capable of auditing and do audit many listed and public interest entities
around the world. Our member firms operate in 113 countries in 521 offices
worldwide. They share a commitment to providing the same high quality service
to their clients wherever they do business."
Alex MacBeath, CEO of Grant Thornton LLP in Canada, points out that these
results have significance for Canadian capital markets. "We've been analyzing
the extent of auditor concentration in Canada and we are concerned with the
high proportion of public companies in this country that are using one of the
Big 4 firms for their audit services. We intend to pursue this issue with a
view to promoting a dialogue on whether stakeholders are being best served by
this degree of concentration."
Further findings from the survey released on the 6 March show that 60% of
respondents said that convergence between financial reporting standards in the
US (US GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS) should be
a high priority. "Grant Thornton International supports convergence but not
just for convergence sake. It must be to a single set of high quality
standards" adds Starr.
Furthermore, investors do not feel sufficiently involved in standard
setting and regulatory developments. The results show that 80% of investors
feel that they were not sufficiently involved in setting new financial
reporting standards and that 60% of those consulted believe that regulators
are not doing enough to consult with investors. Starr remarks "The main
reasons given in the survey were management blocks to protect interests, lack
of time, lack of investor interest and knowledge. Investors, management and
standard setters clearly need to continue to find ways to engage with each
other."
|
Advanis Inc.: Canadian Consumers 'Addicted' to ATM Convenience
Study finds most bank customers regularly use competitive ATMs and would rather pay fees than give up access
TORONTO - Canadian consumers are addicted to the convenience of ATMs according to a study conducted by Advanis Inc. Two-thirds of those surveyed use an ATM not owned by their main bank at least once a month. More than one-in-four use a competitive ATM three or more times a month. Nearly half of those who say they 'go out of their way' to avoid paying fees still use competitive ATMs on a regular basis.
While most customers are not satisfied with competitive ATM fees per se, they are also not interested in trading fees for reduced access. Asked how they would feel if the elimination of competitive ATM fees led to fewer ATMs, nearly 50% said they would be very disappointed, while another 37% would be unhappy. Even a majority of 'fee avoiders' prefer the status quo to reduced access with no fees.
The study also finds that few customers are interested in obtaining more services via competitive ATMs, or in seeing non-bank owned ATMs play a more significant role in the marketplace.
"It's a pretty clear economic choice: Canadians' willingness to pay for convenient access to their money (when and where they want) more than offsets the fees they pay. Until Canadians change their behaviour (going to their own branch - teller or ATM) thereby forcing the banks to become more competitive on ATM fees, the status quo will prevail." Says Tom Peters, Advanis Partner.
ATM fees made headlines in recently, with federal politicians questioning their fairness in light of bank profits, and given that competitive ATM use is free in some other countries.
|
Canada Funds International Project That Will Revolutionize Ocean Research
OTTAWA - Canada is poised to bolster its position as a global leader in the development of better fisheries management and the understanding of climate change, thanks to a $35-million investment awarded February 12, 2007, to Dalhousie University by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). This major award will provide infrastructure and operating funds for the creation of the $160 million Ocean Tracking Network (OTN).
Headquartered at Dalhousie University in Halifax, the OTN will unite the
finest marine scientists in the world in the most comprehensive and
revolutionary examination of marine life and ocean conditions ever undertaken.
The project will consist of installing cutting-edge, made-in-Canada tracking
technology at strategic locations in 14 ocean regions on all seven continents.
Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI, was joined in Halifax
by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of
the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Maxime
Bernier, Minister of Industry; Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President of the Natural
Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC); and Dalhousie
University President Dr. Tom Traves to make the landmark announcement.
"Today's announcement is in keeping with the objectives outlined in our
recent economic plan, Advantage Canada. It solidifies our government's
commitment to support research excellence and to target new investments in R&D
to areas where Canada has the potential to be a world leader," said Minister
MacKay."
"This is an outstanding initiative that will reinforce both Canada's and
Dalhousie University's international leadership in ocean research for many
years to come," said Dr. Phillipson. "The OTN will transform ocean-based life
sciences around the world."
"Dalhousie is honoured to receive this award, and we are proud of the
research team led by Ron O'Dor," said Dr. Traves. "Our institution is at the
epicentre of international ocean research that will change how scientists and
world leaders understand pressing global concerns such as fisheries management
in the face of climate change."
"The oceans of the world influence all life on this planet," said
Dr. Fortier. "Given that Canada has a direct interest in three oceans, I am
especially pleased that NSERC is collaborating with the CFI to support
world-leading researchers in the marine sciences."
"The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) is
pleased to be a partner in this innovative project, particularly given its
focus on researching the legal and social issues raised by technological
advances and how these are incorporated into ocean management systems at the
local, national, and regional levels," said Dr. Chad Gaffield, President of
SSHRC.
The OTN will allow researchers to record the movement and behaviour of
fish and other marine life- from salmon, to turtles, to whales-as well as
monitor ocean characteristics, such as water depth, temperatures, and
chemistry. The project will also include an important social sciences
component that will shed light on the international social and legal framework
of oceans. OTN data will provide invaluable new insight into marine management
practices, and will determine how life-sustaining ocean conditions are
changing in response to climate change. Never before has collecting oceanic
data on such a grand scale been contemplated.
The CFI's $35-million investment is provided through the International
Joint Venture Project, a collaborative initiative that involved partnership
with the major Canadian federal funding agencies: NSERC, SSHRC, the Canadian
Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), and Genome Canada. It will be
supplemented by additional investments of up to $10 million from NSERC and an
initial grant of $327,500 from SSHRC. Funding was approved following a
rigorous merit review process that was overseen by all partners in the
initiative.
|
UW professors receive Canada research chairs to conduct diverse work
WATERLOO - University of Waterloo faculty members, exploring such diverse areas as the history of obesity, adult anxiety, brain function, behaviour of polymers and materials chemistry received Canada research chairs from the federal government.
UW was awarded a total of $3.6 million for five Canada research chairs -- three new awards and two renewed ones. The positions allow faculty members to focus on research and on training the next generation of scientists.
The federal funding included one-time payments for associated infrastructure -- such as laboratories, computers and equipment -- from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
"These new appointments bring the total number of Canada research chairs established at Waterloo to 48," said Alan George, UW's interim vice-president, university research. "UW will continue to attract leading researchers, initiating new directions for scholarship that will benefit the entire nation."
At the University of Ottawa today, MP James Rajotte, Edmonton-Leduc, on behalf of the Industry Minister Maxime Bernier, who is responsible for the Canada research chairs program, announced an investment of $91.5 million for 121 Canada research chairs across the country. The funding includes $12.1 million from CFI to pay for research infrastructure.
UW's three new Canada research chairs are:
* Wendy Mitchinson, professor of history, Canada Research Chair in Gender and Medical History, $200,000 annually for seven years.
Mitchinson's work launches the first historical study of obesity in Canada, exploring the perception, definition and treatment of obesity from the 1920s to the 1980s.
The Conference Board of Canada reports that Canadian men are the third fattest among their peers in developed nations while Canadian women are not doing much better.
Mitchinson seeks to assess today's therapeutic treatment methods, as well as understand why and how the issue of weight became a focus of health, attractiveness and happiness.
* David Moscovitch, professor of psychology, Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Research, $100,000 annually for five years. CFI associated infrastructure funding: $91,603 in total.
Moscovitch's research focuses broadly on adult anxiety, with an emphasis on investigating the nature and treatment of shyness, social anxiety and social phobia.
"Social phobia is surprisingly common," he said, adding that the disorder alone affects upwards of 750,000 Canadians.
By combining basic lab experiments with controlled clinical trials, his research aims to fathom the factors underlying the development and persistence of anxiety disorders. As well, he explores the psychological treatment mechanisms responsible for effective reduction of symptoms.
Moscovitch's research seeks to determine the ways in which psychological treatments can be improved to suit characteristics of individual patients and thereby maximize public health benefits. His work on developing effective treatments for people affected by mental illness will play a key role in UW's Centre for Mental Health Research.
* Chris Eliasmith, professor of philosophy and systems design engineering, Canada Research Chair in Theoretical Neuroscience, $100,000 annually for five years. CFI associated infrastructure funding: $151,358 in total.
Eliasmith's research focuses on developing a fundamental, mathematical theory for describing brain function.
He will extend that theory as well as build large-scale computational models for two practical applications: clinical interventions for hemineglect and deep-brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease.
Hemineglect, which usually results from severe trauma in the right parietal areas of the brain, has recently been shown to be partially alleviated after adapting to prismatic glasses.
Parkinson's disease, which affects more than 1.1 million people in North America, has recently been demonstrated to be alleviated by deep-brain stimulation after the failure of other methods of treatment.
"In both cases, the underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood and if they are better characterized, more effective treatments can be developed," Eliasmith said.
UW's two renewed Canada research chairs are:
* Jean Duhamel, professor of chemistry, Canada Research Chair in Characterization of Synthetic and Biological Macromolecules by Fluorescence, $100,000 annually for five years.
Duhamel's research aims to improve understanding of how polymers behave in solution at the molecular level by using a technique called fluorescence. Proteins, plastics and rubber are well-known examples of polymers, which are long-chain molecules.
* Holger Kleinke, professor of chemistry, Canada Research Chair in Solid State Chemistry, $100,000 annually for five years.
Kleinke's research concentrates on high-temperature materials chemistry of compounds, including thermoelectric materials and crystal structures. He said thermoelectric research can yield major benefits to the environment by enhancing energy savings, as a result of using waste heat to create electrical energy.
There are two levels of Canada Research Chairs: seven-year chairs (Tier 1, valued at $200,000 a year) for experienced researchers widely acknowledged as world leaders in their fields; and five-year chairs (Tier 2, valued at $100,000 a year) for researchers considered by their peers as having the most potential to lead in their fields.
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J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Wireless Service Providers in Canada Make Substantial Customer Satisfaction Improvements
SaskTel Mobility and Virgin Mobile Rank Highest in Satisfying Canadian Wireless Service Customers; LG is the Highest-Ranking Mobile Phone
TORONTO - Customer satisfaction with contract and prepaid wireless service providers in Canada has increased substantially during the past year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study(SM) released November 22, 2006.
Now in its second year, the study examines attitudes of wireless
customers with their service, mobile phone and retail experience. Rankings are
provided for contract service and prepaid service providers, as well as for
mobile phone providers. SaskTel Mobility ranks highest in customer
satisfaction among contract service providers, while Virgin Mobile ranks
highest among prepaid providers. LG is the highest-ranking mobile phone brand.
"The customer satisfaction gains we're seeing across the wireless
industry are impressive, highlighting the efforts wireless providers are
making to please their customers," said Charles Schade, senior director of
research at J.D. Power and Associates. "Customer satisfaction is more
important than ever in the wireless industry as the requirement to implement
number portability approaches in March 2007, removing one of the main
obstacles customers face when switching providers."
Contract Service Segment
Customer satisfaction with contract service has increased over 2005.
Additionally, all wireless service providers included in both the 2005 and
2006 contract service rankings register substantial improvements from 2005.
Overall satisfaction with contract service is based on five factors: call
quality, billing, service plan options, cost of service and customer service.
With a strong improvement from 2005, SaskTel Mobility remains the
highest-ranking contract service provider for a second consecutive year.
Posting an overall index score of 728, SaskTel receives the highest ratings in
call quality, service plan options and customer service. SaskTel is followed
in the rankings by Fido (713), Telus Mobility (687), Aliant (685) and MTS
Mobility (682), respectively.
"Contract service providers have been focusing on value during the past
year, clearly promoting a message of affordability for all consumers," said
Schade. "However, while favourable pricing attracts new customers, call
quality has increased in importance to become the most influential driver of
satisfaction, signaling rising expectations among consumers."
According to the study, the average number of minutes contracted for a
weekday service plan is 187, though customers report using only 51 percent of
those minutes. Contract customers use an average of 16 long-distance minutes,
which accounts for only 29 percent of their contracted amount.
Prepaid Service Segment
The study finds that satisfaction with prepaid providers is also up
significantly over 2005. Five factors are measured to determine customer
satisfaction with prepaid service: service plan options, billing, call
quality, cost of service and customer service.
Virgin Mobile (764) ranks highest among prepaid service providers for a
second consecutive year, receiving the highest segment ratings in all five
factor areas. Aliant (692) and Telus Mobility (691), respectively, follow.
Although prepaid service doesn't have the same penetration rates as
contract service, it is significantly less expensive on a monthly basis. The
average monthly fee paid by contract customers is $74, compared with $29 for
prepaid customers. Forty two percent of prepaid customers had previously used
a contract service.
Mobile Phone Satisfaction
Mobile phone satisfaction is measured based on customer ratings of five
factors: features, physical design, durability, battery and operation.
Satisfaction with mobile phones also increased over 2005.
With a strong improvement from 2005, LG (732) ranks highest among mobile
phone brands, performing particularly well in features, designs and operation.
LG is followed in the rankings by Sanyo (727), Samsung (724) and Sony Ericsson
(722), respectively.
"Wireless users increasingly rely on their mobile phones to keep them
connected to their schedules, contacts, and e-mail, as well as entertainment
services," said Schade. "The number of standard features on phones is
continuously expanding, with nearly one-half phones now offering features such
as colour screens, SMS, Internet access and games. However, room still exists
for the consumers' ever-growing appetite for features."
The 2006 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study is based on
responses from nearly 6,000 mobile phone users. Respondents were surveyed in
October 2006.
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Economic freedom and rule of law key to ending Latin America's years of stagnation and poverty
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - Failure to implement market-based reforms and embrace the rule of law has condemned most Latin American nations to economic stagnation and poverty, says the Economic Freedom of the World Network.
Latin America has never had a sustained market-based reform effort and,
most dangerously, has failed to establish the rule of law. Limited reforms
were attempted in the first half of the 1990s but were too restricted and too
short lived to have much effect, the Network said in a communiqué issued prior
to meetings in San Jose, Costa Rica. The communiqué in English, Spanish and
Portuguese can be found at www.freetheworld.com.
"It's a myth that Latin America went through a sustained period of
reform. We had some weak reforms but still Latin Americans remain among the
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