- If Oakville was a village of 100 people, Town of Oakville, November 2010. "Understanding the diversity of our town helps to ensure we are considering the needs of all our residents... We've reduced Oakville to a village of 100 people so it's easier for us to understand and appreciate our diversity."
- 2010 Town of Oakville accomplishments, Town of Oakville, 2011. This "booklet outlines all the work Council and our dedicated staff have undertaken over the past year."
- Households and the environment 2009, Statistics Canada, March 2011. "This survey aims to measure the behaviours of Canadian households with respect to the following aspects of the environment: consumption and conservation of water and energy; indoor environment; household hazardous waste; and purchasing decisions."
- Canadian biodiversity: ecosystem status and trends 2010, Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments of Canada, 2010. This report "is the first assessment of Canada's biodiversity from an ecosystem perspective." Twenty-two key findings are presented, organized under four themes: biomes; human/ecosystem interactions; habitat, wildlife, and and ecosystem processes; and science/policy interface.
- Cycling skills: Ontario's guide to safe cycling, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, 2007. "This is your guide to cycling safety. Whether you're new to cycling or you are an experienced cyclist, this guide contains important information, tips and techniques to make you a safe, confident rider."
- Organized breast cancer screening programs in Canada: Report on program performance in 2005 and 2006. Public Health Agency of Canada, 2011. "The monitoring and evaluation of organized breast cancer screening programs provides an opportunity to understand the impact of screening on breast cancer morbidity and mortality, as well as the potential harms associated with screening."
12 April, 2011
New government resources @ OPL
29 March, 2011
What is contempt of parliament?
Canadians will be heading to the polls for a Federal Election on May 2, 2011. A sub-committee made up of members from the three opposition parties ruled that Stephen Harper's Conservative government was in contempt of Parliament on March 21, 2011. Harper's government was found to be in contempt of Parliament for refusing to reveal the cost of new F-35 fighter planes and failing to disclose the cost of some of its crime bills. On March 25, 2011, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff introduced a motion of non-confidence. The NDP and BQ supported the Liberals, making Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government the first to fall on a charge of contempt of Parliament. But what is "contempt of Parliament?" According to House of Commons Procedure and Practice, the House claims the right to punish, as a contempt, any action which, though not a breach of a specific privilege does one of the following: 1) tends to obstruct or impede the House in the performance of its functions; 2) obstructs or impedes any Member or Officer of the House in the discharge of their duties; 3) is an offence against the authority or dignity of the House, such as disobedience of its legitimate commands or libels upon itself, its Members, or its Officers.
03 February, 2011
World Cancer Day: February 4, 2011
February 4th is World Cancer Day, so declared by the Union for International Cancer Control in Geneva, Switzerland. The UICC and its partner organizations run campaigns to raise awareness about a disease that claims many lives every year. Many of those deaths could have been prevented.
One of the participants in World Cancer Day is the Ontario Health Study, a "long-term study that will help us understand the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer, heart disease, asthma and diabetes." All residents of Ontario age 18 or older are invited to participate in the study. Participants will be followed for their entire lifespan, allowing researchers to discover "how environment, lifestyle and genes affect the risk of common diseases." The OHS website has a 20-30 minute online questionnaire for participants to complete.
Canadian statistics regarding incidence, mortality and types of cancer may be found in two publications at Oakville Public Library: Canadian Cancer Statistics, published biennally by The Canadian Cancer Society and Cancer Incidence in Canada, published annually by Statistics Canada.
One of the participants in World Cancer Day is the Ontario Health Study, a "long-term study that will help us understand the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer, heart disease, asthma and diabetes." All residents of Ontario age 18 or older are invited to participate in the study. Participants will be followed for their entire lifespan, allowing researchers to discover "how environment, lifestyle and genes affect the risk of common diseases." The OHS website has a 20-30 minute online questionnaire for participants to complete.
Canadian statistics regarding incidence, mortality and types of cancer may be found in two publications at Oakville Public Library: Canadian Cancer Statistics, published biennally by The Canadian Cancer Society and Cancer Incidence in Canada, published annually by Statistics Canada.
26 January, 2011
New government resources @OPL
Several new government publications are now available, illustrating the breadth of subject matter published by various levels of government. Most of these documents are available as electronic documents as well.
Buying your first home: three steps to successful mortgage shopping. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, 2010.
Ontario's long-term energy plan: building our clean energy future. Ontario Ministry of Energy, 2010.
Age-friendly communication: facts, tips and ideas. Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010.
Euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada. Parliamentary Information and Research Service, 2010.
Building the pipeline: increasing the participation of women in non-traditional occupations. Report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, December 2010.
Federal disability report: The Government of Canada's annual report on disability issues,Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, 2010.
The sustainability of Medicare. The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, 2010.
Health care transformation in Canada. Canadian Medical Association, 2010.
Ahmadinejad's Iran: A threat to peace, human rights and international law. Canada. Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, 2010.
Measuring up: Canadian results of the OECD PISA study. The performance of Canada's youth in reading, mathematics and science. Statistics Canada and Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, 2010
Family Literacy Day
January 27th, 2011 is Family Literacy Day, an initiative of ABC Life Literacy Canada to encourage families to read and learn together all year long. Oakville Public Library has these government publications covering various aspects of literacy:
Me read? And how! Ontario teachers report on how to improve boys' literacy skills. Ontario Ministry of Education, 2009.
This guide is intended for educators at the primary and secondary levels who are developing and delivering literacy programs for boys, but it is also helpful for parents who might want to advocate for the use of these strategies in their schools.
Towards an understanding of gender differences in literacy achievement. Education Quality and Accountability Office of Ontario, 2010.
Research has shown that girls "have a significant and consistent advantage in literacy from an early age over boys," and this advantage is found internationally. Researchers used EQAO data collected in Ontario to study the gender gap.
Education indicators in Canada: an international perspective. Statistics Canada and Council of Ministers of Education, 2010.
This annual study compares educational systems in Canada with those of OECD countries.
Measuring up: Canadian results of the OECD PISA study. Statistics Canada and Council of Ministers of Education, 2010.
This study tracks the performance of Canada's youth in reading, mathematics and science.
Me read? And how! Ontario teachers report on how to improve boys' literacy skills. Ontario Ministry of Education, 2009.
This guide is intended for educators at the primary and secondary levels who are developing and delivering literacy programs for boys, but it is also helpful for parents who might want to advocate for the use of these strategies in their schools.
Towards an understanding of gender differences in literacy achievement. Education Quality and Accountability Office of Ontario, 2010.
Research has shown that girls "have a significant and consistent advantage in literacy from an early age over boys," and this advantage is found internationally. Researchers used EQAO data collected in Ontario to study the gender gap.
Education indicators in Canada: an international perspective. Statistics Canada and Council of Ministers of Education, 2010.
This annual study compares educational systems in Canada with those of OECD countries.
Measuring up: Canadian results of the OECD PISA study. Statistics Canada and Council of Ministers of Education, 2010.
This study tracks the performance of Canada's youth in reading, mathematics and science.
18 January, 2011
Voter Turnout in the 2010 Municipal Election
Community Development Halton recently published four bulletins reporting on voter turnout in the 2010 municipal election for Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills. Graphs of voter turnout over time show that Oakville is the only municipality in Halton breaking the downward trend. Oakville has seen a steady increase in voter turnout in the past four municipal elections. Voter turnout in Oakville was 40.0%, Burlington was 37.6%, Milton was 32.6%, and Halton Hills was 25.5%. Maps of each municipality show voter turnout rate by polling subdivision.
The four bulletins are issues of Community Lens, published in January 2011.
The four bulletins are issues of Community Lens, published in January 2011.
13 January, 2011
How did the 2008-2010 recession and recovery compare with previous cycles?
The question above is answered in a feature article in the January 2011 edition of Canadian Economic Observer, published by Statistics Canada.
The article states that the recent recession was less severe than those in 1981-82 and 1990-1992, by most conventional measures.
The early stages of the recent recession had significant impact however, because output and employment contracted at a faster rate than in any post-war recession.
Compared to other major industrialized countries, Canada's decline in output was less pronounced and the subsequent recovery was more complete and quicker.
The article also shows how Statistics Canada determines whether an economy is in recession.
A summary of the article may be found in the January 13, 2011 edition of The Daily, published by Statistics Canada.
The article states that the recent recession was less severe than those in 1981-82 and 1990-1992, by most conventional measures.
The early stages of the recent recession had significant impact however, because output and employment contracted at a faster rate than in any post-war recession.
Compared to other major industrialized countries, Canada's decline in output was less pronounced and the subsequent recovery was more complete and quicker.
The article also shows how Statistics Canada determines whether an economy is in recession.
A summary of the article may be found in the January 13, 2011 edition of The Daily, published by Statistics Canada.
27 December, 2010
A Change for Crown Copyright and Licensing
"Crown Copyright and Licensing (CCL) announced in December 2010 "that permission to reproduce Government of Canada works is no longer required, in part or in whole, and by any means, for personal or public non-commercial purposes, or for cost-recovery purposes, unless otherwise specified in the material you wish to reproduce."
"Literary, artistic, dramatic and musical works as well as sound recordings, performances by performers, and communication signals that have been created under the direction and control of the Government of Canada" are protected by Crown copyright.
A reproduction for personal or non-commercial purposes may be made without permission as long as that reproduction is a copy of the original without any alteration.
Permission is required if the work is being revised, translated or adapted in any way. Likewise, permission is alway required if the work is being copied and distributed for commercial purposes.
More about Crown copyright may be found on the Government of Canada Publications website.
"Literary, artistic, dramatic and musical works as well as sound recordings, performances by performers, and communication signals that have been created under the direction and control of the Government of Canada" are protected by Crown copyright.
A reproduction for personal or non-commercial purposes may be made without permission as long as that reproduction is a copy of the original without any alteration.
Permission is required if the work is being revised, translated or adapted in any way. Likewise, permission is alway required if the work is being copied and distributed for commercial purposes.
More about Crown copyright may be found on the Government of Canada Publications website.
15 December, 2010
New government resources @OPL
The World's Women 2010: Trends and Statistics
This United Nations publication is a numerical profile of women around the world. "It addresses critical aspects of life: population, families, health, education, work, power and decision-making, violence against women, environment and poverty. It finds that progress in ensuring the equal status of women and men has been made in many areas, [but]... it makes it clear that much more needs to be done."
Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect, 2008
This is the "third nation-wide study to examine the incidence of reported child maltreatment and the characteristics of the children and families investigated by child welfare. The data presented in this report are crucial to better understand child abuse and neglect and to respond to this very important issue of child health and well-being."
First Results from the Survey of Older Workers, 2008
This Statistics Canada report "looks at labour force attachment and detachment, as they pertain to Canadian workers aged 50 to 75.... What are the intentions of older workers in relation to working versus retirement? What plans have they made to ensure the feasibility of these intentions? The report will also provide information on which types of employer provided incentives would most effectively encourage older workers to remain in their 'career' job longer."
Canada's Relationship with Inuit: A History of Policy and Program Development
"Inuit have lived in Canada's north since time immemorial. The Canadian government's administration of Inuit affairs, however, has been generally shorter and is less well understood than the federal government's relations with First Nations and Metis. We hope to correct some of this knowledge imbalance by providing an overview of the federal government's Inuit policy and program development from first contact to 2006."
Canada's Economic Action Plan, Year 2
This report details the progress made by the federal government in implementing Canada's Economic Action Plan - " a two-year $62-billion plan to boost confidence and support the economy in response to the deepest global recession since the 1930s."
The H1N1 Pandemic: How Ontario Fared
Written by Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, this report looks at how we responded to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and how Ontario might better respond the next time there is a need.
This United Nations publication is a numerical profile of women around the world. "It addresses critical aspects of life: population, families, health, education, work, power and decision-making, violence against women, environment and poverty. It finds that progress in ensuring the equal status of women and men has been made in many areas, [but]... it makes it clear that much more needs to be done."
Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect, 2008
This is the "third nation-wide study to examine the incidence of reported child maltreatment and the characteristics of the children and families investigated by child welfare. The data presented in this report are crucial to better understand child abuse and neglect and to respond to this very important issue of child health and well-being."
First Results from the Survey of Older Workers, 2008
This Statistics Canada report "looks at labour force attachment and detachment, as they pertain to Canadian workers aged 50 to 75.... What are the intentions of older workers in relation to working versus retirement? What plans have they made to ensure the feasibility of these intentions? The report will also provide information on which types of employer provided incentives would most effectively encourage older workers to remain in their 'career' job longer."
Canada's Relationship with Inuit: A History of Policy and Program Development
"Inuit have lived in Canada's north since time immemorial. The Canadian government's administration of Inuit affairs, however, has been generally shorter and is less well understood than the federal government's relations with First Nations and Metis. We hope to correct some of this knowledge imbalance by providing an overview of the federal government's Inuit policy and program development from first contact to 2006."
Canada's Economic Action Plan, Year 2
This report details the progress made by the federal government in implementing Canada's Economic Action Plan - " a two-year $62-billion plan to boost confidence and support the economy in response to the deepest global recession since the 1930s."
The H1N1 Pandemic: How Ontario Fared
Written by Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, this report looks at how we responded to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and how Ontario might better respond the next time there is a need.
17 November, 2010
National Housing Day
National Housing Day in Canada is on November 22, 2010. An initiative of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the day is meant to recognize people and organizations who advance affordable housing in Canadian communities. CMHC's website features "the latest resources and special events all over Canada to recognize the advances made in affordable housing."
From November 15-26, Oakville Public Library is hosting a display for National Housing Day. Halton Region's Social & Community Services department has created posters promoting "Voices for Housing Choices" to "help raise awareness and understanding about the need for safe, adequate, local affordable housing solutions." Halton Region's website features a housing page to provide information about affordable housing to residents.
OPL's collection includes the following housing resources:
From November 15-26, Oakville Public Library is hosting a display for National Housing Day. Halton Region's Social & Community Services department has created posters promoting "Voices for Housing Choices" to "help raise awareness and understanding about the need for safe, adequate, local affordable housing solutions." Halton Region's website features a housing page to provide information about affordable housing to residents.
OPL's collection includes the following housing resources:
- Halton Region Joint Municipal Housing Statement, March 2010
- 2009 State of Housing Report, Halton Region, 2009
- Best Planning Estimates of Population, Occupied Dwelling Units and Employment, 2007-2021, Halton Region, April 2007
- A Comprehensive Housing Strategy for Halton Region, 2006-2015, Halton Region, 2006
- Social Profile of Halton Region 2009, Community Development Halton, 2009
- Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy Consultation, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2009
- Canadian Housing Statistics 2009, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, August 2010.
04 November, 2010
E-Stat for students and teachers
E-Stat, Statistics Canada's online learning tool for the educational community, is available on OPL's website. E-Stat allows you to create tables, graphs and maps using Stats Can's census and socioeconomic data.
There are two main sources of information that may be searched on E-Stat: the CANSIM database and the Census. CANSIM is Stats Can's online database of socioeconomic statistics, offering data on labour manufacturing, agriculture, health, investment, and much more. "CANSIM lets you track trends in virtually every aspect of Canadian life... As of the end of June 2010, over 3,000 tables accounting for over 42 million time series have been updated."
The census is a survey of population done at regular intervals. It is a snapshot of data at one point in time, unlike CANSIM which provides data at regular time intervals.
"CANSIM data in E-Stat are updated once a year during the summer and are free to registered educational institutions. The commercial CANSIM database is updated daily, and there is a charge per series." Retrieving commercial CANSIM data can be quite costly, so E-Stat is a great alternative when you don't have to have up-to-the minute data. For example, if you search for consumer price index data in December, you would only retrieve data up to May if the annual CANSIM update occurred in June. You would need to use other sources to find data for June to December.
Because E-Stat is designed for students and teachers, it is meant to be easy to use, but also flexible to allow data to be manipulated and then put in tables, charts or maps. Each page of the website contains a "Help using this page" feature which clearly describes how to proceed.
Two guides on E-Stat are particularly useful for beginners. Finding and Using Statistics is "especially for users needing a step-by-step review on how to find, read and use data, with quick tips on locating information on the Statistics Canada website." The CANSIM User Guide for E-Stat "walks you through each CANSIM screen and option."
Quoted material taken from www.statcan.gc.ca/estat/estat-eng.htm.
There are two main sources of information that may be searched on E-Stat: the CANSIM database and the Census. CANSIM is Stats Can's online database of socioeconomic statistics, offering data on labour manufacturing, agriculture, health, investment, and much more. "CANSIM lets you track trends in virtually every aspect of Canadian life... As of the end of June 2010, over 3,000 tables accounting for over 42 million time series have been updated."
The census is a survey of population done at regular intervals. It is a snapshot of data at one point in time, unlike CANSIM which provides data at regular time intervals.
"CANSIM data in E-Stat are updated once a year during the summer and are free to registered educational institutions. The commercial CANSIM database is updated daily, and there is a charge per series." Retrieving commercial CANSIM data can be quite costly, so E-Stat is a great alternative when you don't have to have up-to-the minute data. For example, if you search for consumer price index data in December, you would only retrieve data up to May if the annual CANSIM update occurred in June. You would need to use other sources to find data for June to December.
Because E-Stat is designed for students and teachers, it is meant to be easy to use, but also flexible to allow data to be manipulated and then put in tables, charts or maps. Each page of the website contains a "Help using this page" feature which clearly describes how to proceed.
Two guides on E-Stat are particularly useful for beginners. Finding and Using Statistics is "especially for users needing a step-by-step review on how to find, read and use data, with quick tips on locating information on the Statistics Canada website." The CANSIM User Guide for E-Stat "walks you through each CANSIM screen and option."
Quoted material taken from www.statcan.gc.ca/estat/estat-eng.htm.
06 October, 2010
New government resources @ OPL
Towards an understanding of gender differences in literacy achievement
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) produced this report to provide insight into the "significant differences in students' success across schools... [It] provides an initial exploration of such differences, focusing on the literacy achievement gaps that exist between girls and boys in elementary schools in Ontario."
Your guide to doing business with the Government of Canada: A 5-step approach for small and medium enterprises
"If you own or operate a business and are interested in selling your goods or services to the federal government, this guide will help you understand the basics of procurement... The guide is divided into five steps - understand the process, register your business, promote yourself, search for opportunities, and bid on opportunities."
Witness to war: Reporting on Afghanistan 2004-2009 by Adam Day
Adam Day is a Canadian reporter who has taken four trips to Afghanistan, and he says, "it's always the same experience - a comprehensive and sometimes jarring process of becoming bewildered." This collection of stories is an "attempt to document the experience of the Canadian Forces at war."
Social network site privacy: a comparative analysis of six sites
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada examines six social networking sites from a privacy perspective, "looking at the stated mandate, the financial underpinnings..., [their] history and the user demographics." The six sites that are assessed are Facebook, Hi5, Linkedin, LiveJournal, MySpace, and Skyrock.
Preparation for the English-as-a-second-language evaluation
Preparation a l'evaluation du Francais langue seconde
While these practice guides are produced for use by employees in the Public Service Commission, they may be useful for anyone studying English or French as a second language.
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) produced this report to provide insight into the "significant differences in students' success across schools... [It] provides an initial exploration of such differences, focusing on the literacy achievement gaps that exist between girls and boys in elementary schools in Ontario."
Your guide to doing business with the Government of Canada: A 5-step approach for small and medium enterprises
"If you own or operate a business and are interested in selling your goods or services to the federal government, this guide will help you understand the basics of procurement... The guide is divided into five steps - understand the process, register your business, promote yourself, search for opportunities, and bid on opportunities."
Witness to war: Reporting on Afghanistan 2004-2009 by Adam Day
Adam Day is a Canadian reporter who has taken four trips to Afghanistan, and he says, "it's always the same experience - a comprehensive and sometimes jarring process of becoming bewildered." This collection of stories is an "attempt to document the experience of the Canadian Forces at war."
Social network site privacy: a comparative analysis of six sites
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada examines six social networking sites from a privacy perspective, "looking at the stated mandate, the financial underpinnings..., [their] history and the user demographics." The six sites that are assessed are Facebook, Hi5, Linkedin, LiveJournal, MySpace, and Skyrock.
Preparation for the English-as-a-second-language evaluation
Preparation a l'evaluation du Francais langue seconde
While these practice guides are produced for use by employees in the Public Service Commission, they may be useful for anyone studying English or French as a second language.
Labels:
Afghanistan,
ESL instruction,
literacy,
privacy,
small business,
social networking
05 October, 2010
New Source for Parenting Information from Halton Region
Halton Region recently launched a new parenting website, www.haltonparents.ca. It is "a new online community for parents that offers the latest in local parenting news, tips, health matters, events in your community and much more. It's a place for parents to talk directly with an integrated team of Public Health Nurses and Child Development staff from across the Region, and to connect with other parents about their parenting experiences."
The website contains advice for all stages of parenting, from pregnancy to infancy, toddlerhood, elementary school years, and teenagers.
The "Haltonparents" team is also tweeting and blogging, so there are lots of ways for parents to stay informed. Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton's Medical Officer of Health, says "we hope that by offering another way for families to find us, we can build on our capacity to promote healthy growth and child development, and help create strong family units in Halton."
(Source: Oakville Beaver, Oct. 1, 2010, p. 20)
The website contains advice for all stages of parenting, from pregnancy to infancy, toddlerhood, elementary school years, and teenagers.
The "Haltonparents" team is also tweeting and blogging, so there are lots of ways for parents to stay informed. Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton's Medical Officer of Health, says "we hope that by offering another way for families to find us, we can build on our capacity to promote healthy growth and child development, and help create strong family units in Halton."
(Source: Oakville Beaver, Oct. 1, 2010, p. 20)
16 September, 2010
New government resources @ OPL
Life with Arthritis in Canada: a Personal and Public Health Challenge
"This report... provides an overview of arthritis in the Canadian population and its wide-ranging impact. It also suggests approaches for reducing the risk of developing some types of arthritis in addition to minimizing disability and improving the quality of life of those living with any type of arthritis."
Employer's Roadmap to Hiring and Retaining Internationally Trained Workers
This is a guide for employers in small and medium-sized businesses. Some of the topics covered include reasons for hiring internationally-trained workers and how to find them, tips on preparing for a diverse work force, and integrating and retaining such workers.
Health Works
Written for small business owners, this booklet outlines a simple, five-step process for improving business and employee health.
Canadian Health Measures Survey
"This... is the most extensive national survey on physical health measures ever conducted in [Canada]. The CMHS captures a broad portrait of the health of Canadians ... including cardiovascular health, nutritional status, chronic diseases and physical activity," among other measures.
"This report... provides an overview of arthritis in the Canadian population and its wide-ranging impact. It also suggests approaches for reducing the risk of developing some types of arthritis in addition to minimizing disability and improving the quality of life of those living with any type of arthritis."
Employer's Roadmap to Hiring and Retaining Internationally Trained Workers
This is a guide for employers in small and medium-sized businesses. Some of the topics covered include reasons for hiring internationally-trained workers and how to find them, tips on preparing for a diverse work force, and integrating and retaining such workers.
Health Works
Written for small business owners, this booklet outlines a simple, five-step process for improving business and employee health.
Canadian Health Measures Survey
"This... is the most extensive national survey on physical health measures ever conducted in [Canada]. The CMHS captures a broad portrait of the health of Canadians ... including cardiovascular health, nutritional status, chronic diseases and physical activity," among other measures.
19 August, 2010
Health in Canada
Statistics Canada's website features a helpful page called "Health in Canada." It's a one-stop source for information about the health of Canadians. Upcoming and recent releases are featured, such as a study about Bisphenol A concentrations in the Canadian population. Current health statistics about the population are featured for ready reference - such as birth and death rates, current smokers, high blood pressure, and life expectancy.
Under "Health Profile," you can find information about your community by health unit, or health integration unit. For example, you can create a chart for Halton Region that measures the perceived well-being of the population, as well as the incidence of health conditions such as arthritis, obesity, diabetes and asthma.
Access is also provided to "Health Reports," an excellent journal of population health and health services research. The August 2010 issue, for example, contains articles about the role of socio-economic status in diabetes incidence, and health-promoting factors among Canadians in mid-to-late life.
Finally, "Health Subtopics" provide information about the population's health, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect health, use of and access to health care services, and health-related reasearch. News releases, statistical tables,and publications are all brought together in one easy-to-use source.
Under "Health Profile," you can find information about your community by health unit, or health integration unit. For example, you can create a chart for Halton Region that measures the perceived well-being of the population, as well as the incidence of health conditions such as arthritis, obesity, diabetes and asthma.
Access is also provided to "Health Reports," an excellent journal of population health and health services research. The August 2010 issue, for example, contains articles about the role of socio-economic status in diabetes incidence, and health-promoting factors among Canadians in mid-to-late life.
Finally, "Health Subtopics" provide information about the population's health, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect health, use of and access to health care services, and health-related reasearch. News releases, statistical tables,and publications are all brought together in one easy-to-use source.
12 August, 2010
The Canadian Consumer Handbook
The Canadian Consumer Handbook is a website that provides consumers with information to build their buying skills. A joint federal/provinicial/territorial group called the Consumer Measures Committee created the Handbook and updates it.
Information on a wide range of topics is intended to help people become better-informed and more confident consumers. Selected topics include debit card fraud, researching your credit history, shopping for a funeral, what to look for in a mortgage, how to choose a cellphone plan, and how to deal with online shopping, telemarketers, and door-to-door sales. Advice is practical and wide-ranging, making this a good source to check before making a major purchase, or when facing a problem as a consumer.
If you feel you have been wronged as a consumer, the website offers helpful advice about how to lodge a complaint.
A key contact list is very helpful as well. It includes federal, provincial and territorial consumer affairs offices, and consumer groups and Better Business Bureaus across Canada.
Information on a wide range of topics is intended to help people become better-informed and more confident consumers. Selected topics include debit card fraud, researching your credit history, shopping for a funeral, what to look for in a mortgage, how to choose a cellphone plan, and how to deal with online shopping, telemarketers, and door-to-door sales. Advice is practical and wide-ranging, making this a good source to check before making a major purchase, or when facing a problem as a consumer.
If you feel you have been wronged as a consumer, the website offers helpful advice about how to lodge a complaint.
A key contact list is very helpful as well. It includes federal, provincial and territorial consumer affairs offices, and consumer groups and Better Business Bureaus across Canada.
21 July, 2010
New government resources @ OPL
Air India Flight 182: A Canadian tragedy
On June 23, 1985, a bomb killed 329 passengers and crew of Air India Flight 182. The first volume in the final report of the commission of inquiry into the bombing is an overview "provided for those who want a quick and convenient 'bottom line' discussion of the issues."
Auto$mart, new point of view
This student workbook that links safe and fuel efficient driving, using a series of exercises.
Early Development Instrument (EDI) Halton community profile
This report focuses on the learning of young children in Halton Region, based on the EDI, a tool used to assess children's development.
Canadian cancer statistics
This annual report presents statistics for incidence, mortality, and geographic distribution of various forms of cancer. It also includes a special chapter on end-of-life care.
Workplace violence and harassment: Understanding the law
This guide explains what every worker in Ontario needs to know about the workplace violence and harassment requirements that came into effect on June 15, 2010 as part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Seniors' housing report
Produced by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, this annual report focuses on vacancy rates and supplies of seniors' housing.
Aquaculture in Canada
This report by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans reviews the significant business of aquaculture, or fish farming, in Canada.
On June 23, 1985, a bomb killed 329 passengers and crew of Air India Flight 182. The first volume in the final report of the commission of inquiry into the bombing is an overview "provided for those who want a quick and convenient 'bottom line' discussion of the issues."
Auto$mart, new point of view
This student workbook that links safe and fuel efficient driving, using a series of exercises.
Early Development Instrument (EDI) Halton community profile
This report focuses on the learning of young children in Halton Region, based on the EDI, a tool used to assess children's development.
Canadian cancer statistics
This annual report presents statistics for incidence, mortality, and geographic distribution of various forms of cancer. It also includes a special chapter on end-of-life care.
Workplace violence and harassment: Understanding the law
This guide explains what every worker in Ontario needs to know about the workplace violence and harassment requirements that came into effect on June 15, 2010 as part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Seniors' housing report
Produced by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, this annual report focuses on vacancy rates and supplies of seniors' housing.
Aquaculture in Canada
This report by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans reviews the significant business of aquaculture, or fish farming, in Canada.
15 July, 2010
Long-form Canadian census in 2011 to become voluntary
Changes to the national census in 2011 have some statisticians worried about the validity and integrity of the data that will be collected. In the past, a long-form census was distributed to one in five households and completion was mandatory. In 2011, the government will retain the mandatory short form that collects basic demographic information, but the long-form will be replaced by a voluntary National Household Survey.
Tony Clement, the Minister of Industry, stated on July 13, 2010 that the government has received complaints about the long-form census from citizens who felt it invaded their privacy. "The government does not believe it is appropriate to force Canadians to divulge detailed personal information under threat of prosecution," said the Minister. "To promote data accuracy, this voluntary survey will be sent to a larger cross-section of households than the old long-form census."
Former top officials from Statistics Canada are speaking out against this move, stating that a voluntary survey is likely to result in seriously biased data. Ivan Fellegi, Stats Canada's Chief Statistician until he retired in 2008, says that a voluntary survey could seriously bias the census data and that increasing the sample size will not compensate for the bias. Fellegi is worried that aboriginal groups, new immigrants, those with low income or education, or the very wealthy will be less likely to complete a voluntary survey, resulting in biased data.
Some of the groups expressing concern about the change include the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Statistical Society of Canada, and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Municipalities in particular are concerned as they rely heavily on census data to make decisions about community needs such as bus routes, locations for affordable housing and programming for new Canadians.
Tony Clement, the Minister of Industry, stated on July 13, 2010 that the government has received complaints about the long-form census from citizens who felt it invaded their privacy. "The government does not believe it is appropriate to force Canadians to divulge detailed personal information under threat of prosecution," said the Minister. "To promote data accuracy, this voluntary survey will be sent to a larger cross-section of households than the old long-form census."
Former top officials from Statistics Canada are speaking out against this move, stating that a voluntary survey is likely to result in seriously biased data. Ivan Fellegi, Stats Canada's Chief Statistician until he retired in 2008, says that a voluntary survey could seriously bias the census data and that increasing the sample size will not compensate for the bias. Fellegi is worried that aboriginal groups, new immigrants, those with low income or education, or the very wealthy will be less likely to complete a voluntary survey, resulting in biased data.
Some of the groups expressing concern about the change include the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Statistical Society of Canada, and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Municipalities in particular are concerned as they rely heavily on census data to make decisions about community needs such as bus routes, locations for affordable housing and programming for new Canadians.
30 June, 2010
Financial Planning for Seniors
The federal government recently issued a series of brochures about financial planning for seniors. Using simple terms, they make what can be an intimidating topic easily understandable. They cover several key areas:
What every older Canadian should know about:
The federal government recently issued a series of brochures about financial planning for seniors. Using simple terms, they make what can be an intimidating topic easily understandable. They cover several key areas:
What every older Canadian should know about:
- financial planning
- income and benefits from government programs
- managing and protecting their assets
- planning for possible loss of independence
- planning for their future housing needs
- having a will and making funeral plans
- financial abuse
- frauds and scams
The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum published the brochures. More helpful information for seniors is available on the the federal government's website, http://www.seniors.gc.ca/.
27 May, 2010
Canadian social and economic information
Two journals published by Statistics Canada provide a wealth of social and economic information. They may have just what is needed to add current statistics or analysis to a student's research paper. Decision makers might use the articles to develop programs that meet the needs of Canadians. According to Statistics Canada, Canadian Social Trends allows you to get the scoop on topical social issues, be on the forefront of emerging trends, and obtain accurate, first-hand Canadian data. Recent articles include:
- Who participates in active leisure?
- Online activities of Canadian boomers and seniors
- Caring for a parent who lives far away: The consequences
The second journal, Canadian Economic Observer, provides a thorough monthly economic briefing. Economic performance for the country, provinces and specific economic sectors is presented, along with topical and timely feature articles that highlight major issues and industries. Recent articles include:
- Differences in Canadian and US income levels, 1961-2008
- The evolution of the Canadian manufacturing sector
- The impact of recessions in the United States on Canada
Paper copies of the two journals are available at the Central Branch of OPL. They are also available on OPL's website as part of the Federal Depository Services Program, and on Statistics Canada's website.
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