Showing papers by "Government of Canada published in 2001"

The occurrence and mechanisms of innate immunity against parasites in fish.

Abstract: Parasitic infections in teleost fish are limited by constitutive innate defence mechanisms that render the host refractory or reduce the severity of infection. Controlled challenge trials using naive animals provide indirect evidence of innate immunity as well as identifying the host range or specificity of a parasite, often when specific details of defence mechanism(s) are lacking. Examples of parasites for which innate immunity may be inferred from cross-infectivity studies include Gyrodactylus spp., Lepeophtheirus salmonis, Cryptobia spp., Trypanosoma spp., Ceratomyxa shasta, Myxobolus cerebralis and Kudoa thyrsites. Recent studies however, have begun to clarify the relative roles of innate and acquired immunity against parasitic infection in teleosts by recognizing the presence and significance of specific innate effector mechanisms. The physico-chemical characeristics of skin mucus, the presence of bioactive substances including lysozyme, complement, C-reactive protein, haemolysins and lectins and the epidermal migration of inflammatory cells and their secretions may affect the establishment and proliferation of ectoparasitic copepods, ciliates or monogenea. Similarly in refractory species, haematozoic parasites are lysed via the alternative complement pathway and in susceptible and refractory hosts, protease inhibitors associated with the plasma neutralize proteolytic virulence factors. Detailed knowledge of innate resistance mechanisms against histiozoic parasites are lacking although non-specific cytotoxic lymphoid cells and macrophages probably play a role. The demonstration in certain disease models that innate resistance traits are under genetic control and may be inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion suggests opportunities for selective breeding for resistance against parasitic disease. Beyond a small number of well-described models however, research programs focussing on innate immunity against parasites in fish are lacking. Given the relative importance of innate immunity in fish, particularly as disease losses continue to have an economic impact in aquaculture, this area deserves considerable attention.

The Role of Fiscal Rules in Determining Fiscal Performance

Abstract: Kennedy, Robbins and Delorme examine the importance of fiscal rules in determining budgetary outcomes. After briefly reviewing the rationale for rules, the paper compares the rules introduced in several countries at the national and subnational levels. It notes that while several countries have introduced restrictions on deficit, debt, tax and expenditure levels, some countries have focused their efforts on increasing transparency and accountability in the conduct of fiscal policy. Kennedy, Robbins and Delorme also evaluate the evidence about the impact of rules in terms of budgetary consolidation in the 1990s. The evidence indicates that both countries with rules and countries without rules implemented successful fiscal adjustments. From this, the authors conclude that rules may be helpful in achieving fiscal consolidation and may even be necessary in certain countries, but they are clearly not necessary in all countries. They also find that empirical studies of fiscal rules generally support this conclusion. However, determining the conditions under which fiscal rules are indeed necessary to ensure fiscal discipline remains an area for further research.

Tax Reforms, Debt Shifting and Tax Revenues: Multinational Corporations in Canada

Abstract: An analysis of Canadiancorporate income tax revenues during the 1984–94 periodshows a relative shifting of tax revenue shares between Canadianand foreign-controlled corporations, and a substantial changein the debt levels of foreign-controlled corporations, as wellas Canadian-based multinationals. We claim that these changesmay have been associated with the tax reforms undertaken by theUnited States and Canada in the mid-1980s resulting in the relativechange in the tax rates between the two countries. We also hypothesizethat if this difference persists and in Canadian-controlled corporationscontinue to aggressively expand abroad, the Canadian corporatetax base could experience further pressure.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of mercury in Precambrian Shield upland runoff

Abstract: Methylated and total Hg, and TOC concentrations were measured in precipitation and runoff in a first order Precambrian Shield watershed, and in precipitation, throughfall, shallow groundwater and runoff in a zero Precambrian Shield watershed. Plots dominated by open lichen-covered bedrock and another containing small patches of conifer forest and thin discontinuous surficial deposits were monitored within the zero order catchment. Methyl (3–10 fold) and non-methyl (1.4–2.8 fold) Hg concentrations changed irregularly during rainfall and snowmelt runoff events in all catchments. Temporal patterns of Hg concentration in runoff included flushing and subsequent dilution as well as peak concentrations coinciding with peak or recession flow. Mercury export was highest from lichen-covered bedrock surfaces as a result of high runoff yields and minimal opportunity for physical retention and in the case of MeHg demethylation. Forest canopy and lichen/bedrock surfaces were often net sources for Hg while forest soils were mostly sinks. However, upland soils undergoing periodic reducing conditions appear to be sites for the in situ production of MeHg.

Changes in the Diversification of Canadian Manufacturing Firms (1973-1997): A Move to Specialization

Abstract: This paper studies changes in diversification of firms and plants since the early 1970s in the Canadian manufacturing sector. It finds that there has been a general increase in specialization of both firms and plants. Firms have been continuously reducing the span of industries in which they operate, particularly when the industries are unrelated. Commodity specialization has also occurred at the plant level; however, in contrast to industry specialization, the pace of commodity specialization emerged late in the period, around the time of implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the United States. Plant specialization increased most in those plants that moved most strongly into export markets.

'Should' Means 'Shall': A Critical Analysis of the Obligation to Submit Information under Article 13.1 of the DSU in the Canada - Aircraft Case

Abstract: In the case Canada - Measures Affecting the Export of Civilian Aircraft, the Appellate Body found that disputing parties had a legal obligation to submit information and documents requested of them by panels. The Appellate Body based this finding on the third sentence of Article 13.1 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU). The Appellate Body further found that panels have a right to draw adverse inferences when requests for the production of documents and information are not heeded. This finding was based on the procedure set out in Annex V of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement), even though Annex V is expressly restricted to proceedings under Article 7 of the SCM Agreement. This article describes and analyses the findings of the Appellate Body. It argues that they are consistent with neither the text of the DSU nor the intentions of the drafters. Moreover, the Appellate Body's analysis of the 'duty' of disputing parties to submit information and documents to arbitral tribunals, and the right of such tribunals to draw adverse inferences, is far broader than those provided in public international law. The article concludes with some institutional and systemic concerns triggered by the new case law.

In-situ bioremediation of diesel-contaminated soil in Canada's Arctic territory: a case study at the Whitehorse International Airport, Yukon Territory

Abstract: Effective remediation of petroleum-contaminated soils in the Arctic is becoming increasingly important as the magnitude of environmental risks becomes better defined. Unfortunately, some of the solutions implemented in southern Canada are too costly to use in the Arctic. However, effective remediation is still necessary. Consequently, traditional techniques are employed, such as excavation and landfarming, which are disruptive to the immediate soils, permafrost, and the surrounding habitat. These remedial methods, however, are becoming unacceptable to First Nations people in some Canadian Arctic communities. This paper describes preliminary results from an in-situ biodegradation study of petroleum-contaminated soils. This technique has the potential to provide an easily applied effective solution to the problem of devising a low cost and uncontroversial method of remediation. Based on bench-scale laboratory feasibility studies, it has been determined that the zone of contaminated soil at the Whitehorse Airport is suitable for in-situ bioremediation application.

Tightening a Welfare System: The Effects of Benefit Denial on Future Welfare Receipt

Abstract: We derive Local Average Treatment Effect estimates of the impact of welfare benefit denial on future receipt using a unique experiment involving reassessment of some applicants who were originally slated to receive benefits. We find evidence of considerable heterogeneity among applicants. Our results support a model with a peripheral group who exhibit scarring effects from being granted benefits and a core group who do not. The core group moves quickly back onto welfare when they are denied benefits. Even for the peripheral group, benefit denial has intermediate term but not permanent impacts.

Transitioning from Blanket to Limited Deposit Guarantees in Asia: Issues for Thailand

Abstract: In the aftermath of the 1997 crisis, many Asian countries including Thailand are examining options for transitioning from blanket deposit guarantees to more limited and explicit deposit protection arrangements. Though the need to reduce blanket guarantees and their associated costs is well understood, it is critical for Thailand that this transitioning process be effectively managed and that a well designed explicit DIS be introduced. The full implementation of a DIS should only be undertaken when the banking system returns to normalcy and the financial and economic environment is conducive. Otherwise, transitioning could be a potentially dangerous proposition leading to increased bank fragility, 'capital flight' and possibly 'flight from the currency' and a fertile ground for moral hazard and other agency problems. The key questions are how to manage the transition process in a timely, orderly and constructive manner and how to design an incentive compatible DIS for all bank stakeholders. Transitioning to a DIS should be seen as an integral component of a country's overall financial sector reform strategy. Transitioning is fundamentally a dynamic, trust building, process-oriented management problem as inferred by Chaipravat and Hoontrakul [2001]. It is critical also when designing a DIS to effectively balance the dual conflicting goals of (1) protecting small, less financially sophisticated depositors and contributing to financial stability and (2) minimizing bank incentives to take excessive risk. In this paper, after taking into account Thailand's unique banking system structure - highly concentrated in both banks and large depositors -an innovative two-tier hybrid DIS model is proposed. A publicly administered compulsory system would provide protection for low coverage level bank deposits (i.e. similar to an FDIC, CDIC approach) and a private/public system akin to that used in Germany would provide additional protection for high coverage level bank deposits. Some rules-based check lists, policy recommendations and implication issues are presented.

A Model for the Detection of Insurance Fraud

Abstract: The aim of this article is to develop a model to aid insurance companies in their decision-making and to ensure that they are better equipped to fight fraud. This tool is based on the systematic use of fraud indicators. We first propose a procedure to isolate the indicators which are most significant in predicting the probability that a claim may be fraudulent. We applied the procedure to data collected in the Dionne Belhadji study (1996). The model allowed us to observe that 23 of the 54 indicators used were significant in predicting the probability of fraud. Our study also discusses the model's accuracy and detection capability. The detection rates obtained by the adjusters who participated in the study constitute the reference point of this discussion. As shown in the Caron-Dionne (1998), there is the possibility that these rates underestimate the true level of fraud.

New public management: Just a “fashlon model on the runway”?

Abstract: “Government reform has broad goals - npm is more effective at the narrow end of measuring client satisfaction. [1]f fundamental public policy issues are not dealt with adequately then well-managed policy implementation cannot lead to effective public policy.” The Global Public Management Revolution: A Report on the Transformation of Governance. By donald f. kettl. Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institution. 2000. Pp. vii, 87. Bureaucracy and the Alternatives in World Perspective. Edited by keith m. Henderson and O.P. dwivedi. New York: St. Martin's Press. 1999. Pp. xx, 330. The New Public Management: International Developments. Edited by david barrows and h. ian macdonald. Toronto: Captus Press. 2000. Pp. xiii, 225.

Challenges to the implementation of a sustainable development certification programme for the minerals and metals industry

Abstract: Private, voluntary eco-labelling and certification programmes are being developed for a number of industries to promote and verify higher environmental, economic and social standards. In some cases, these initiatives have developed regardless of whether there is initial, broad support within industry. This article seeks to identify some of the challenges inherent in the implementation of a sustainable development certification programme for the minerals and metals industry. The article looks for guidance from initiatives that are drawn for the most part from other resource industries, most notably forestry. While the article takes a Canadian perspective, many of the challenges raised in the article are also applicable internationally. The article concludes that stakeholders can learn from other resource industries if a decision is made to develop a certification programme for the minerals and metals industry. Crucial to the long-term success of such a programme will be the establishment of a true partnership among stakeholders throughout the initiative's development. Crown Copyright.