Canadian Industrial Research Articles

Dynamic Coupling of the U.S. and Canadian Industrial Production Indices

Dynamic Coupling of the U.S. and Canadian Industrial Production Indices

An event study analysis of the effects of collective bargaining legislation on strike outcomes

AbstractI consider the effects of legislation for conciliation and cooling‐off periods, which were introduced in the Canadian Industrial Disputes and Investigation Act of 1907, on strike duration and person‐days lost to strikes. I estimate the effects of this legislation on strike duration and persons‐days lost to strikes using bargaining pair level data from 1901 to 1915 with a differences‐in‐difference model as well as an event study methodology. Both of these methodologies exploit variation in legislative coverage because there were some industries that were not covered by the legislation, and so were untreated.

Mending the Net: Public Strategies for the Remediation of Network Failures

AbstractMarket and hierarchical/organizational failures have long been the target of public policies explicitly aimed to mitigate their negative effects. However, in spite of a growing interest in policies around industrial clusters and business networks, scholarship on public efforts at remediating network failures has been ad hoc and lacking a binding theory. A central question is what strategies public agencies employ to repair network failures. We begin to answer this question by distinguishing between two distinct approaches: (1) “network construction” in which government agents actively build, re-shape, or thicken the structures of private sector networks; and (2) “network activation” in which government agents seek to alter the internal dynamics of existing private sector networks. To provide empirical support for these concepts, we provide a series of short international examples to illustrate the scope of network remediation activities as well as two in-depth cases that demonstrate how these mechanisms can work: the Canadian Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) and the specialized Mexican Lead Substitution Program.

Role of renewable energy on industrial output in Canada

Several scholars have highlighted the idea that energy consumption in general and consumption of renewable energy (RE) in particular may be a potential driver of economic growth. In this paper, we examine the relationship between RE production and economic activity in Canada between May 1966 and December 2015. By applying quantile causality (Troster, 2018), we adopt a nonlinear approach considering all quantiles of the distribution and analysing monthly data consisting of RE production and the Canadian Industrial Production Index (IPI). We find evidence of a nonlinear relationship in Canada, an important result that widely-used linear models fail to capture. Our main findings imply a unidirectional relationship going from the IPI to RE production, which supports the Conservation hypothesis. The directionality between RE and economic growth is sensitive to the market conditions in Canada.

Time to Tweak or Re-Boot? Assessing the Interest Arbitration Process in Canadian Industrial Relations

Interest arbitration, or third-party arbitration, is an essential element of the Canadian industrial relations system, with considerable impact on the public interest, particularly in relation to public-sector industries. As an instrument of labour relations policy, interest arbitration has become the primary alternative to costly work stoppages. By and large, most stakeholders appear to hold the view that the arbitration system functions fairly well, judged at least by the overall satisfaction of unions and employers. As arbitration’s significance in terms of usage and potential economic effect increases, however, several aspects are of concern. In particular, there are questions about (i) whether the design of the interest arbitration model – and, indeed, the broader system of interest arbitration – yields efficient and equitable labour relations and economic outcomes, (ii) whether the use of interest arbitration leads to higher wage outcomes than governments would otherwise pay, and (iii) whether, in crafting decisions, interest arbitrators apply criteria that serve the public interest. This Commentary assesses the current state of the interest arbitration system, and shows that, regarding the overall question of what model and what features might best serve interest arbitration in Canada, there are four areas in which governments should undertake reviews and take steps to strengthen the system and its outcomes: • introduce certain criteria that arbitrators should consider as serving the best interests of the public; • identify the skills that mediators and interest arbitrators need, set competency standards and develop training to enhance skills; • establish an independent roster of mediators and arbitrators; and • assess the need to further strengthen the role of mediation and/or, more formally, follow a two-stage mediation-arbitration process.

Now I am Become Death”: Japanese and Canadian Industrial Contamination in Michiko Ishimure’s Paradise in the Sea of Sorrow: Our Minamata Disease and Thomas King’s The Back of the Turtle

Now I am Become Death”: Japanese and Canadian Industrial Contamination in Michiko Ishimure’s Paradise in the Sea of Sorrow: Our Minamata Disease and Thomas King’s The Back of the Turtle

“Now I am Become Death”: Japanese and Canadian Industrial Contamination in Michiko Ishimure’s Paradise in the Sea of Sorrow: Our Minamata Disease and Thomas King’s The Back of the Turtle

Canada and Japan share a history of industrial contamination that has resulted in mercury poisoning; the inhabitants of both Minamata, Japan and the Indigenous community of Grassy Narrows, Ontario have suffered from what would come to be known as Minamata disease. Environmental activists, proponents of industrial progress, individuals in the affected communities, and novelists Michiko Ishimure and Thomas King discuss and weigh the possibilities of economic and material progress against the problems of environmental degradation and industrial contamination leading to disease and death for humans and ecosystems. This paper will show how Ishimure and King discuss the possibility of hope and renewal through the tourist industry, but will also question the efficacy of “dark tourism.” Is it possible to balance an ethics of care and respect for those whose lives have been destroyed by industrial contamination with the need of those who remain to make a living through tourism? This paper will explore the fictional possibility offered by King alongside the actual recovery and tourist industry generated in the aftermath of the Minamata poisoning and subsequent clean up efforts. Is it possible to reimagine and reclaim industrial wreckage as sites of pleasure and recreation? Do these regenerated sites of industrial destruction promote the common good or further victimize the individuals and communities destroyed in the name of progress?

National and Provincial Profiles of Chemical Releases by Canadian Industrial Sectors, 2002-2010

The National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) is a public-domain record of chemicals released into air, water and land by Canadian facilities from various industrial sectors. The aim of this study was to use historical NPRI data (2002-10) to build national and provincial profiles showing amount, identity and health-hazard classification of chemicals released by facilities in different sectors. Nationally, it was found that 97% of total chemical releases were released into air, and that the top 3 chemical-emitting sectors – Manufacturing (MAN), Mining (MIN) and Utilities (U) – accounted for 98% of these air emissions. Statistical analysis was used to compare provincial chemical releases in the above 3 sectors. Testing showed that significant variation exists in the activity level of the national top 3 sectors within each province. This is reflected in the finding that provincial top 3 sectors do not necessarily match the national profile. Next, health-hazard classifications were determined for the 10 highest-emitted chemicals in the provincial and national top 3 sectors. In the national profile, MAN was classified as carcinogenic, neurotoxic, respiratory-toxic; MIN as reproductive-toxic, respiratory-toxic; U as respiratory-toxic. Sector-hazard relationships in the provinces differed from the national trends and from each other. Ultimately, associating sectors with particular hazards may help link the nature of regional health outcomes to the hazard type of local industrial facilities. A next step would be to account for differing toxicity levels among chemicals of the same hazard type by normalizing the data with risk scores that take into account a chemical’s specific toxicity.

From Theory and Research to Policy and Practice in Work and Employment And Beyond?

This paper, delivered at the 50th anniversary conference of the Canadian Industrial Relations Association (CIRA), explores the relationship between academic research and public policy in the field of industrial relations and more broadly. Following an analysis of the current state of industrial relations, it makes the case for the re-invention of the discipline as “the study of economic power and resistance”.

Energy and mining – the home truths

Abstract Energy consumption rises as mines extract ore from deeper levels. Rising energy costs, increased public scrutiny and enhanced awareness of carbon emissions are factors which can influence mining companies to examine and reduce their energy use. A comparison of best practice energy management initiatives of the 1970's with more recent activities revealed that several measures reported for both periods were similar. After best practice measures have been adopted, the lack of reliable data will impede a continuous improvement approach. Mining companies routinely report on sustainability issues via corporate sustainability reports, for which several frameworks exist. An assessment of the energy-related reporting requirements of these guidelines determined that the development of transparent, standardized reporting on energy matters from the mining industry is essential to stimulate progress. Mining-specific energy data was also available from Statistics Canada, Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Industrial Energy End-use Data and Analysis Centre, as well as in two Canadian and one U.S benchmarking studies. However, these resources were reviewed and found to be problematic. Examples of best practice as well as research and development initiatives in the mining industry are presented. A novel benchmarking approach, specific to mines, is proposed that could be used to demonstrate continuous improvement in energy efficiency within the mining industry.

From Theory and Research to Policy and Practice in Work and Employment—and Beyond?

This paper, delivered at the 50th anniversary conference of the Canadian Industrial Relations Association (CIRA), explores the relationship between academic research and public policy in the field of industrial relations and more broadly. Following an analysis of the current state of industrial relations, it makes the case for the re-invention of the discipline as “the study of economic power and resistance”.

Trans-Pacific Partnership: Implications for the Canadian Industrial Dairy Sector

The announcement of the Trans-Pacific Partnership in June 2012 raised speculation about dire consequences for the dairy sector and the end of supply management. We examine these claims in the context of tariff liberalization and the transmission of volatile international dairy prices into the Canadian market. The paper examines the implications for dairy farmer welfare, quota values, and the welfare of other agents in the economy. Given that the US dairy industry has interests of its own to protect, significant dairy tariff liberalization is not expected. With modest tariff reductions, the impact on quota values will be minimal. Likewise, the overall decline in producer welfare will also be small. Therefore, supply management, as a marketing institution, is likely to survive the TPP, but marketing boards may have to change their pricing policies in response to tariff reductions.

Lead Isotopic Composition of Trinitite Melt Glass: Evidence for the Presence of Canadian Industrial Lead in the First Atomic Weapon Test

The Pb isotopic compositions for 51 spots of melt glass in 11 samples of trinitite have been determined by laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS). Trinitite glass yields a large range of Pb isotopic compositions (i.e., (206)Pb/(204)Pb = 17.08-19.04), which reflect mixing between industrial Pb from materials used in the Trinity test and natural geologic components. Areas within trinitite melt glass containing high concentrations of both Cu and Pb, which are derived from the bomb and blast site-related components, were used for delineating the Pb isotopic composition corresponding to the anthropogenic Pb component. Comparison between the isotopic composition estimated here for the industrial Pb used in the Trinity test and those from known Pb deposits worldwide indicates close agreement with ore from the Buchans mine (Newfoundland, Canada). The Buchans mine was active during the time of the Trinity test and was operated by the American Smelting and Refining Company, which could have provided the Pb used in the test. The industrial Pb used in the Trinity test materials is not documented in the literature (or declassified) but could have been present in bricks, solder, pigs, or some other anthropogenic component related to the experiment.

The Survival of Polish Communities in Small Canadian Industrial Cities: A Comparative Study of Arvida, Québec, and Sydney, Nova Scotia

Research Article| October 01 2012 The Survival of Polish Communities in Small Canadian Industrial Cities: A Comparative Study of Arvida, Québec, and Sydney, Nova Scotia Tom Urbaniak Tom Urbaniak Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Polish American Studies (2012) 69 (2): 59–77. https://doi.org/10.5406/poliamerstud.69.2.0059 Cite Icon Cite Share Icon Share Twitter Permissions Search Site Citation Tom Urbaniak; The Survival of Polish Communities in Small Canadian Industrial Cities: A Comparative Study of Arvida, Québec, and Sydney, Nova Scotia. Polish American Studies 1 January 2012; 69 (2): 59–77. doi: https://doi.org/10.5406/poliamerstud.69.2.0059 Download citation file: Zotero Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All Scholarly Publishing CollectiveUniversity of Illinois PressPolish American Studies Search Advanced Search The text of this article is only available as a PDF. Copyright 2012 by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois2012 Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

Research Gaps in Labour Market and Labour Force Information

The purpose of the following paper is to point out some research gaps in labour market and labour force information. At the same time, the author outlines some areas where research seems to be necessary. The initial preparatory stage of manpower, the mechanisms of the short and long-run allocation of manpower encompass three important aspects that future research activities must cover. * * This paper was presented at the First Meeting of the Canadian Industrial Relations Research Institute, held at McGill University, July 6th, 1964.

The Canadian Industrial Relations Research Institute

On june 6th., 1964 at McGill University, Montreal, was held the first annual meeting of the Canadian Industrial Relations Research Institute. On that occasion, was adopted the constitution of the group and officers were elected. Papers were presented by Father Gérard Dion, Laval University, Quebec, Dr J.T. Montague, British Columbia University, and by Dr Gil Schonning, Department of Labour, Ottawa. The officers elected are the following: President: H.D. Woods (McGill University); Vice-presidents: Father Gerard Dion (Laval University), Bora Laskin (Toronto University); Secretary: Frances Bairstow (McGill University); members: J.T. Montague (British Columbia University), Roy Brookbank (Dalhousie University). The Business Office of the Institute is located at: 3666 McTavish Street, Montreal, Que. Foliowing is the text of the constitution.

Canadian Industrial Relations – The Task Force Report

After an overall judgment of the Report, the author examines problems such as the emergency strike, the alienation of the worker, the long-term full employment, inflation, industrial democracy, union certification, union security and wage parity.

Research Needs in Canadian Industrial Relations: Emerging from the Solitudes

To focus this discussion, "industrial relations" is defined as the organizations and processes through which wages, hours and conditions of work are determined for employees who are represented collectively. This definition excludes topics such as labour history, labour economics and labour law, frequently incorporated into industrial relations research, but separate here. Research should address and attempt to explain the significant features of Canadianindustrial relations, as well as provide the bases for predictions of the future. The distinguishing features of the Canadian industrial relations System for these purposes are its fragmentation, extensive legal regulation and pattern of strikes. Research needs should be based on this description of Canadian industrial relations, including the environment of the System, major actors within it, the processes of industrial relations and the results of negotiation.

The Collective Bargaining Process

This paper attempts to highlight the parts of the Woods 1 Report dealing with the collective bargaining process. The author discusses how the goals (inputs) of labour and management are converted to outputs via the mechanisms of collective bargaining, and gives his personal opinions on the positions advanced in the Task Force Report. 1. Canadian Industrial Relations, The Report of the Task Force on Labour Relations, Ottawa, the Queen's Printer, 1969. This document will be referred to throughout this paper as the Task Force Report.

The Adversary System in Canadian Industrial Relations: Blight or Blessing?

This article attempts to explore the "free System of collective bargaining" in Canada, with a view to gaining insight into the validity and the efficacity of the adversary concept in industrial relations.