Showing papers by "Government of Canada published in 2005"

Sulphate, Nitrogen and Base Cation Budgets at 21 Forested Catchments in Canada, the United States and Europe

Abstract: To assess the concern over declining base cation levels in forest soils caused by acid deposition, input-output budgets (1990s average) for sulphate (SO4), inorganic nitrogen (NO3-N; NH4-N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) were synthesised for 21 forested catchments from 17 regions in Canada, the United States and Europe. Trend analysis was conducted on monthly ion concentrations in deposition and runoff when more than 9 years of data were available (14 regions, 17 sites). Annual average SO4 deposition during the 1990s ranged between 7.3 and 28.4 kg ha−1 per year, and inorganic nitrogen (N) deposition was between 2.8 and 13.8 kg ha−1 per year, of which 41–67% was nitrate (NO3-N). Over the period of record, SO4 concentration in deposition decreased in 13/14 (13 out of 14 total) regions and SO4 in runoff decreased at 14/17 catchments. In contrast, NO3-N concentrations in deposition decreased in only 1/14 regions, while NH4-N concentration patterns varied; increasing at 3/14 regions and decreasing at 2/14 regions. Nitrate concentrations in runoff decreased at 4/17 catchments and increased at only 1 site, whereas runoff levels of NH4-N increased at 5/17 catchments. Decreasing trends in deposition were also recorded for Ca, Mg, and K at many of the catchments and on an equivalent basis, accounted for up to 131% (median 22%) of the decrease in acid anion deposition. Base cation concentrations in streams generally declined over time, with significant decreases in Ca, Mg and K occurring at 8, 9 and 7 of 17 sites respectively, which accounted for up to 133% (median 48%) of the decrease in acid anion concentration. Sulphate export exceeded input at 18/21 catchments, likely due to dry deposition and/or internal sources. The majority of N in deposition (31–100%; median 94%) was retained in the catchments, although there was a tendency for greater NO3-N leaching at sites receiving higher (<7 kg ha-1 per year) bulk inorganic N deposition. Mass balance calculations show that export of Ca and Mg in runoff exceeds input at all 21 catchments, but K export only exceeds input at 16/21 sites. Estimates of base cation weathering were available for 18 sites. When included in the mass balance calculation, Ca, Mg and K exports exceeded inputs at 14, 10 and 2 sites respectively. Annual Ca and Mg losses represent appreciable proportions of the current exchangeable soil Ca and Mg pools, although losses at some of the sites likely occur from weathering reactions beneath the rooting zone and there is considerable uncertainty associated with mineral weathering estimates. Critical loads for sulphur (S) and N, using a critical base cation to aluminium ratio of 10 in soil solution, are currently exceeded at 7 of the 18 sites with base cation weathering estimates. Despite reductions in SO4 and H+ deposition, mass balance estimates indicate that acid deposition continues to acidify soils in many regions with losses of Ca and Mg of primary concern.

Global Links: Multinationals, Foreign Ownership and Productivity Growth in Canadian Manufacturing

Abstract: This paper examines two potential benefits of foreign-controlled plants in the Canadian manufacturing sector: the superior performance of foreign-controlled plants and their productivity spillovers to domestic plants. The paper finds that foreign-controlled plants are more productive, more innovative, more technology intensive, pay higher wages and use more skilled workers. This foreign-ownership advantage is found to be a multinational advantage. What matters for economic performance is whether plants belong to multinational enterprises (MNEs) rather than ownership per se. Canadian multinationals are as productive as foreign multinationals. We also find that MNEs have accounted for a disproportionately large share of productivity growth in the last two decades. Finally, we find robust evidence for productivity spillovers from foreign-controlled plants to domestic-controlled plants arising from increased competition and greater use of new technologies among domestic plants.

The End: A New Indicator of Financial and Nonfinancial Corporate Sector Vulnerability

Abstract: This paper describes a corporate sector vulnerability indicator, the expected number of defaults (END), based on the joint occurrence of defaults among a number of firms and/or institutions. The END indicator is general enough to assess systemic risk in the corporate and financial sectors, as well as systemic sovereign risk; and is also forward looking as it is constructed using information implied by financial securities prices. Using equity prices and balance-sheet data, we calculate the END to assess systemic risk in the corporate sector in Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. We also discuss how the END systemic risk indicator overcomes some of the shortcomings of other vulnerability indicators.

Thermal analysis at the evaluation of concrete damage by high temperatures

Abstract: Concrete damage by high temperatures includes mass loss, strength and modulus reductions and the formation of cracks and large pores. Thermal treatment reduces the amount of chemically bound water in the hydrate phase. With a rise in temperature, the spatial distribution of Ca(OH) 2 crystals becomes more compact; smaller crystals occur in a unit volume of the cement paste. A rise in temperature affects the pore structure by reducing the specific surface of hydration products. Cement paste becomes more heterogeneous in microstructure and coarser in pore structure. Compressive strength is not only significant parameter showing structural integrity of concrete; permeability influences concrete durability as well. To demonstrate this, permeability coefficients at various high temperatures are presented. The key quantitative insight into the hydrate phase behavior is based on thermal analysis results. Thermogravimetric (TG) mass losses are related to the phase changes represented either by DTA or DTG. Based on these, the tests employing TG mass losses and related DTA and DTG curves answer the question if the hydrate phase is present at individual high-temperature levels and what its quantitative state is. Method of thermal analysis is suitable for the interpretation of concrete behavior when subjected to high-temperature attack. Conclusions are drawn about thermal stability and residual properties of concrete specimens made at the construction site of Mochovce nuclear power plant (Slovakia); and subjected to temperatures up to 800°C. Relations among mechanical properties, permeability, pore median radius and bound water content in concrete are discussed and evaluated.

Are Good Jobs Disappearing in Canada

Abstract: A paper presented at the December 2004 conference "Labor Market Developments in the United States and Canada since 2000," cosponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Canadian Consulate General in New York, the Centre for the Study of Living Standards, and the New York Association for Business Economics.

Retrospective Evaluation of Preseason Forecasting Models for Pink Salmon

Abstract: Models for making preseason forecasts of adult abundance are an important component of the management of many stocks of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. Reliable forecasts could increase both the profits from fisheries and the probability of achieving conservation and other management targets. However, the predictive performance of salmon forecasting models is generally poor, in part because of the high variability in salmon survival rates. To improve the accuracy of forecasts, we retrospectively evaluated the performance of eight preseason forecasting models for 43 stocks of pink salmon O. gorbuscha over a total of 783 stock-years. The results indicate that no single forecasting model was consistently the most accurate. Nevertheless, across the 43 stocks we found that two naive time series models (i.e., those without explicitly modeled mechanisms) most frequently performed best based on mean raw error, mean absolute error, mean percent error, and root mean square error for forecasts of total adu...

Enhancing regional capacity in chronic disease surveillance in the Americas

Abstract: Existe la necesidad de reforzar la capacidad regional para la vigilancia de las enfermedades cronicas en las Americas. Los objetivos de este articulo son 1) ofrecer nuestro apoyo decidido a favor de la vigilancia de las enfermedades cronicas, 2) presentar una revision descriptiva y un resumen de las actividades de vigilancia y los problemas en torno a las mismas en las Americas, 3) confeccionar una lista de recursos y fuentes de consulta para obtener mas informacion, y 4) ofrecer unas recomendaciones para reforzar la capacidad regional. Este articulo se basa en una revision personal de informes, sitios de Internet y apuntes personales procedentes de diversos proyectos, reuniones y actividades relacionados con la vigilancia de las enfermedades cronicas en las Americas, y en un analisis a profundidad de los materiales recopilados. Se ha determinado que las agencias sanitarias internacionales, los gobiernos de diversos paises, las organizaciones no gubernamentales y los profesionales de la sanidad publica han dedicado grandes esfuerzos a la construccion y al desarrollo de las capacidades de vigilancia de las enfermedades cronicas en la Region. Para seguir apoyando el aumento de dichas capacidades, se hace necesario establecer una red de redes (una metarred) cuya mision deberia ser la vigilancia de la vigilancia. Siete aspectos importantes para el aumento de esta capacidad son la estrategia, la colaboracion, la informacion, la educacion, la novedad, la comunicacion, y la evaluacion.

Implementation of an IEEE 802.11 link available bandwidth algorithm to allow cross-layering

Abstract: With the popularity and wide adoption of IEEE 802.11 equipment, wireless networks are being used in an increasing number of applications. Wireless links brings new challenges to communications protocols since link quality is unpredictable. To cope with this problem, many recent research proposals have employed cross-layering design. Often, the MAC layer is assumed to provide link quality metrics. Existing IEEE 802.11 radios and drivers do not provide detailed link quality metrics, which restrained a lot of cross-layering work to simulation environment. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that measures and computes link quality metrics inside IEEE 802.11 MAC so that it provides detailed link quality information to other layers of the protocol stack. Among other things, we implemented an algorithm that provides the available bandwidth to each neighbor node in an ad hoc network. This could be used in a number of scenarios to achieve work in the area of cross-layer design in real test beds. Typically, such work has been constrained to simulation or emulation environments due to the lack of link quality metrics provided by IEEE 802.11 MAC drivers.

The Danger of Fighting Monsters: Addressing the Hidden Harms of Child Pornography Law

Abstract: This article seeks to expose and address some of the counter-intuitive harms that are currently being wrought by the operation of both Canadian and American child pornography laws. The author explores the way in which these laws serve to perpetuate the sexualization of children in society, and examines the myth of the salivating pedophile upon which the law is based. The author also considers the impact of zealous efforts to suppress child pornography on rights of freedom of expression, as well as their overshadowing effect with respect to other pressing social concerns. In light of these concerns, he proposes several recommendations for reform of the current pornography law. The author suggests that such reforms would criminalize actual harm to children rather than anachronistic notions of moral corruption that currently animate child pornography legislation.

Small Business Exporters: A Canadian Profile

Abstract: Provides a statistical profile of Canadian smallbusiness exporters for the years 2000-2002, with data drawn from theExporter Registry and Statistics Canada’s Business Register. Thereport establishes new baseline information in order toprovide a basisfor policy development to foster small business exports. The principal findingis that, although small businesses individually export much less than largefirms, because of the large number of SMEs the value of their exports intotalis significant at 20 percent. Presents data on the number of exporters and impact of small exporterscompared with large ones. Of 35,594 exporters, 84 percent were smallbusinesses. The majority (78 percent) exported less from $1 million (Canadian$) annually. Also examines small business exporters by annual export value andanalyses their contribution to the overall value of exports.In 2002the total value of exports was $343 billion, of which small businessescontributed 20 percent. Data is also presentedon thevalue of exports by province,industry, and export destination. The largest exporters were Ontario andmanufacturing; the major destination was the United States. A comparisonof exports in Canada and the U.S. is given; Canadian and U.S. exportpatternsare very similar, except that Canadian exporters are more activeinternationally. Observations on the profiles and impact of small business exporters aregiven, as are barriers and economies of scale that mayhinder smallbusiness exporters. Suggests public policy be tailored towards the special needof small firms in order toincrease their export activity. (TNM)

Anti‐dumping at 100 Years and Counting: A Canadian Perspective

Abstract: The world's first anti-dumping measure was introduced by Canada as a ‘special duty’ that could be levied administratively rather than being enacted. This paper describes the features of this first measure in light of subsequent evolution of anti-dumping practice and sets it in its historical context – an era that was a high season of globalisation but also an era marked by an awakening of economic nationalism in newly industrialising countries, and by growing angst over the power of large corporations that were emerging to exploit the economies of scale allowed by mass production, as evidenced by the concurrent evolution of anti-combines legislation. Anti-dumping's early integration into economic theory as an international counterpart of domestic competition policy has received some official ratification in international treaties, and governments see it as a legitimate policy, albeit one in need of international disciplines. However, analysis of the pattern of its use reveals it to be an instrument of political economy, as a convenient alternative to the WTO safeguard option. The paper explores contextual reasons why today, in another high season of globalisation, marked by concerns over corporate globalism that evoke those of the earlier era, anti-dumping actions are proliferating where they did not then.

Copyright Vs. Free Expression: The Case of Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing of Music in the United Kingdom

Abstract: This paper explores the extent to which the peer-to-peer (p2p) file-sharing of music is a form of communication protected from the restrictions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (U.K.) (CDPA) by the guarantee of free expression enshrined in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and incorporated into domestic law through the Human Rights Act 1998 (U.K.) (HRA). The paper first examines the protection offered to freedom of expression through the existing copyright scheme. It is asserted that due to a lack of context-sensitivity, mechanisms such as the idea-expression dichotomy must not be relied upon to deny the existence of prima facie breaches of Article 10(1) of the ECHR. Rather, such breaches must be acknowledged and justified (if possible) as being "necessary in a democratic society" under Article 10(2) of the ECHR. Next, the extent to which p2p music file-sharing represents an infringement under the terms of the CDPA (exclusive of any effect of the ECHR) is examined. It is concluded that such sharing does amount to an infringement under the Act and is not subject to any of the enumerated defences. The final part of the paper explores the extent to which the statutory restriction on file-sharing of music may be permitted under Article 10 of the ECHR. It is suggested that, for a number of reasons, the CDPA's restriction on free expression may not be "necessary in a democratic society" under Article 10(2) of the ECHR. As a result, should this statutory restriction be impugned in a U.K. courtroom in the context of p2p music file-sharing, such a court may be under an obligation to exculpate infringing parties under the "public interest" defence or to make a declaration of incompatibility under the HRA.

Responses to Trade Liberalization: Changes in Product Diversification in Foreign- and Domestic-Controlled Plants

Abstract: This paper studies the impact that a small country joining a regional trade agreement, but particularly a small country, might be expected to gain from the exploitation of scale economies. It makes use of the experience of Canada when it entered into the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the early 1990s.It finds that there was a general increase in the pace of plant commodity specialization around the time of implementation of the Free Trade Agreement. At the time of the treaty, plant diversity was found to be higher in larger plants and in industries with assets that are associated with scope economies. Diversity was also higher in industries that had higher rates of tariff protection.Over the 1980s and 1990s, plant diversity decreased with reductions in both U.S. and Canadian tariffs. And the decline was greater during the post FTA era than before, thereby suggesting that this treaty had an impact above and beyond that just engendered by the tariff reductions that were associated with it. The study also found that foreign-controlled plants tended to adjust more over the entire period.

A Computer Software Price Index Using Scanner Data

Abstract: In the last 20 years, the expenditure share of prepackaged software in the national output has grown. The large number of characteristics in computer software make hedonic regression techniques impractical for purposes of controlling for quality changes. In this study, matched model price indices are constructed using monthly scanner data on prices and unit values for various prepackaged computer software titles and categories sold in Canada from January 1996 to June 2000. Quality differences are controlled for by applying the maximum overlap method. Results show that prices declined during the period studied at an average annual rate of 5.9%.