Posters

P11 - Posters Session 2

Date: Jun 4 | Time: 10:30am to 12:00pm | Location: | Refreshments! Rafraîchissements!

Refreshments will be served before the event, join us!
Des rafraîchissements seront servis avant l'événement, rejoignez-nous !

Jurors:
Nicole Bernhardt (University of Toronto Scarborough)
Roshan Jahangeer (York University (Glendon)
Arjun Tremblay (University of Regina)

Prizes! Winner $700; first runner up $400; second runner up $200
Prix ! Le/a lauréate 700 $ ; deuxième place 400 $ ; troisième place 200 $

From Madrassah to Elite Schools; The Political Economy of Education in Pakistan.: Ahmad Zia (University of Bordeaux, France)
Abstract: This study problematizes the notion that the pluralistic educational system in Pakistan fosters equality. Instead, it argues that this system not only reflects but also sustains existing class divisions, with implications for the future economic and social mobility of children. The primary goal of this study is to explore unequal access to educational opportunities in Pakistan. By examining the intersection between education and socioeconomic status, it attempts to explore the implications of key disparities in different tiers of education systems in Pakistan like between madrassahs, public schools and private schools, with an emphasis on how these institutions contribute to the maintenance of class hierarchies. This is a primary data based case study and the most recent data has been directly gathered Qualitative methods have been used to collect data from the units of data collection (UDCs). I have used Bourdieu’s theory as a leading framework. Its application in the context of country like Pakistan is very productive. I choose the thematic analysis method to analyse the data. This process helped me to identify relevant main themes and subthemes emerging from my data, which could comprise my analysis. There has not been an extensive investigation of the relationship between pluralistic educations with class stratification in the literature so far. This study adds to a multifaceted understanding of educational disparities in Pakistan by analyzing the intersections between socioeconomic divisions and educational access. It offers valuable theoretical and practical insights into the subject. This study provides theoretical concepts and empirical data to enhance scholars' understanding of social inequality, specifically in relation to education systems.

Motivations Behind Donor Funding Refusal: Towards a Typology of Principled Refusal: Alexandra Wilson (University of Ottawa), Logan Cochrane (Hamad Bin Khalifa University)
Abstract: NGOs are perceived as organisations that are always seeking funding. However, there are many instances where donations are refused by NGOs. This counter-intuitive decision, given the often grave humanitarian needs, is not well documented beyond brief references or individual cases. Refusal is an expression of values and principles, important for actors that are often portrayed as having little to no agency or power in relation to donors. We developed a database of 32 examples of funding refusals by NGOs detailing the reasons for refusal. To classify and compare the refusals, we developed a preliminary typology of NGO motivations for donor refusal, which contains four types (independence, impartiality, neutrality, and humanity) that align with humanitarian principles. Each category and type are defined and examples of each are provided. Given the focal nature of NGOs in development activity, the lack of attention to funding refusal is notable. We address this lacuna by creating a database and developing a preliminary typology to provide a foundation for future research. This study contributes a novel typology to an under-studied topic. In so doing, this paper provides a foundation for studies of refusal to follow.

Did The Ford Government Suffer Any Electoral Backlash From the Laurentian University Bankruptcy: Simon Kiss (Wilfrid Laurier University), Nicole Lehecka (Wilfrid Laurier University), Brynn Thomson (Wilfrid Laurier University), Rafael Campos-Gottardo (McGill University)
Abstract: Ontario's post-secondary sector is under severe strain from the combination of frozen government grants and cuts to tuition. Despite a small reprieve in 2024, it is not clear the government of Ontario is inclined to change it's policy. We know that governments do respond to electoral threats. But it is not clear that voters are all that concerned with the fate of post-secondary education. We leverage the controversial and high-profile bankruptcy of Laurentian University in Sudbury to estimate the degree to which Ontario voters might be willing to punish provincial governments for underfunding or mismanagement of the post-secondary sector. Because electoral boundaries did not change between 2018 and 2022, we consider the electoral district of Sudbury as the treatment case and all other districts as controls and estimate the causal effect of the Laurentian bankruptcy on the electoral support for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.

Sacred Waters and Shared Causes: Analyzing the Role of Cultural Identity in Indigenous-Led Protests: Brady Shrader (West Virginia University)
Abstract: This paper explores the dynamics of cooperation in Indigenous-led protests that involve both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. It specifically examines how the behavior and primary issues of concern of non-Indigenous protesters are different than that of indigenous protesters. Utilizing qualitative methods, the research investigates the Sioux Tribes’ opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), emphasizing Indigenous land and water rights. The study analyzes news articles and interviews with Indigenous participants, highlighting how Indigenous protesters often emphasize cultural significance, while non-Indigenous participants focus on broader issues. For instance, the Sioux stressed the spiritual importance of water impacted by the DAPL, while non-Indigenous supporters focused more on environmental concerns. This research aims to uncover the behavioral differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous protesters by examining their distinct motivations and perspectives, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of Indigenous political activism, particularly in protest movements.

Demitted: Centering a “Love Ethic” & Children’s Rights in Decolonizing School Attendance Policy: Emma Zwegers (University of Toronto), Tara Collins (Toronto Metropolitan University)
Abstract: School attendance policies in Ontario are antiquated and ill-equipped to address the chronic absenteeism crisis plaguing education systems across North America. Concerningly, ineffective attendance polices have significant implications for children’s rights and equal opportunity. Chronic absenteeism has doubled following the COVID-19 pandemic (Attendance Works, 2023), disproportionally excluding racialized students, students with disabilities, and low-income students from the positive externalities associated with regular school attendance (Gallagher-Mackay et al., 2021), including the sense of belonging schools foster. However, lines of inquiry exploring attendance policy remain absent from literature. Most scholarly work focuses on absenteeism risk factors and clinical interventions, neglecting analysis of the punitive, colonial discourse which underpins contemporary attendance policy. Current education policies represent attendance as a funding issue quantitatively concerned with students in seats, administering fiscal efficiency at the expense of children’s right to education. Homogenizing colonial narratives of school absenteeism blame individuals without considering the complex contexts and oppressive systems in which families operate, further marginalizing disenfranchised communities. If we cannot understand the relationship between attendance policy conceptualization and absenteeism, how can we develop effective policy? This poster will lay out a theoretical framework for radically re-envisioning attendance policies, contributing to a growing body of literature on decolonizing children’s rights (Collins, Rizzini & Mayhew, 2021). This framework will draw from a human rights-based approach, post-structural theory, and decolonial principals, and will mobilize bell hooks “love ethic”, comprised of care, commitment, trust, responsibility, respect, and knowledge (1999), to operationalize the realization of children’s rights to education, equal opportunity, and belonging. References Attendance Works. (2023). Monitoring Data Matters Even More: A Review of State Attendance Data Policy and Practice in School Year 2022-23. Attendance Works. https://www.attendanceworks.org/monitoring-data-matters-even-more-a-review-of- stateattendance-data-policy-and-practice-in-school-year-2022-23/ Collins T. M., Rizzini I., Mayhew A. (2021). Fostering global dialogue: Conceptualisations of children’s rights to participation and protection. Children and Society, 35(2), 295–310. https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12437 Gallagher-Mackay, K., Srivastava, P., Underwood, K., Dhuey, E., McCready, L., Born, K., Maltsev, A., Perkhun, A., Steiner, R., Barrett, K., and Sander, B. (2021). COVID-19 and Education Disruption in Ontario: Emerging Evidence on Impacts. Law and Society Faculty Publications. https:// scholars.wlu.ca/laso_faculty/1/ hooks, b. (1999). All about love : new visions. New York :William Morrow.

The Reality of Blowing the Whistle in Canada: Amal Hassan (University of Ottawa), Valere Gaspard (University of Ottawa), Holly Ann Garnett (Royal military college of Canada)
Abstract: Co-Authors: Valere Gaspard and Holly Ann Garnett Author: Amal Hassan, 4th Year Honors Political Science Student (CO-OP) at the University of Ottawa Whistleblower Laws Abstract: Whistleblower protections are essential in upholding democratic accountability and the legitimacy of its institutions because they expose abuses of power and prevent corruption. Canada's declining rank on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index highlights the need for urgent reforms. For instance, of the six provinces with whistleblower laws, Ontario is the only one that supplies a mechanism for whistleblowers to seek remedies after facing reprisals. However, none of Canada's whistleblowing laws offer sufficient preventive measures to stop reprisals before they cause grave damage to the whistleblower. Canada falls short of best practices because its current legislation does not protect all types of whistleblowers, does not encourage an open culture in its reporting processes, and does not sufficiently enforce existing laws. This paper addresses the following research question: What are the best practices for Canadian whistleblower laws? This is addressed by examining successful models of legal and institutional safeguards in two jurisdictions. By doing so, it highlights best practices that could be adopted within Canada's legal framework at both the federal and provincial level. Some preliminary findings, indicate that expanding the scope of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA), simplifying the reporting process for prospective whistleblowers, and mandating regular legislation reviews could strengthen protections. Therefore, this paper helps to better inform both our understanding of best practices for whistleblower laws and provides recommendations for Canada to reinforce its commitment to democratic principles. Word Count: 231 Sources: Loke, T. (2022, January 25). Canada Slides Again on Corruption Perceptions Index — Transparency International Canada. Transparency International Canada. https://transparencycanada.ca/news/canada-slides-again-on-corruption-perceptions-index Open Government, Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada. (2023, December 14). Enhancing whistleblower protection. Open Government - Government of Canada. https://open.canada.ca/en/idea/enhancing-whistleblower-protection Saunders, K. L., & Thibault, J. (2010). The Road to Disclosure Legislation in Canada: Protecting Federal Whistleblowers? Public Integrity, 12(2), 143–160. https://doi.org/10.2753/PIN1099-9922120203

The Canadian Black Policy Network: Characterizing the Multiplicity of Policy Needs of Canada’s Black Communities: Eunice K. Yeboah (Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)), Rai Reece (Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU))
Abstract: The Canadian Black Policy Network (CBPN) is Canada’s first-ever Black policy network, created to provide opportunities for Black communities and supporters to collaborate, innovate, and find sustainable solutions to policy issues affecting Canada’s Black population. CBPN launched in 2020 when a policy window of opportunity opened as governments, companies, and institutions started focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and addressing anti-Black racism. Given that CBPN is a fledgling Network, its potential impact is dependent on its ability to engage in policy learning from existing policy networks and to adopt an intersectional approach to various phases of the policy process, including a needs assessment of Black communities, agenda-setting, policy development and implementation. As such, this paper develops a theoretical framework for understanding policy network analysis and its application to a Black policy network. Bringing together scholarship from intersectionality and critical race theory (CRT), I argue that both theories must converge in a synergistic manner within the parameters of policy studies to address my research questions, which are: What are the characteristics of successful policy networks in Canada? And how can a Black policy network be developed and used to both understand and address the multiplicity of policy needs of Black communities in Canada? The paper begins by identifying key characteristics of successful relevant policy networks in Canada. Then, discusses key contributions of intersectional policy analysis as it relates to networks. The conclusion points to the need for an increased application of critical race theory to public policy and highlights additional questions to explore, including: In what ways can a Black policy network elevate the voices of Black communities in Canada's political and policy processes?

La gouvernance mondiale du coronavirus : les defis du vivre-ensemble: Helene Diane Nono (Université de Douala)
Abstract: Depuis l'avènement du Coronavirus, la question de pandémie est au coeur des grands débats globaux, du fait des ravages. Malgré l'accroissement démographique largement dû au progrès de la médecine et de l'hygiène, la question de la mortalité liée au Coronavirus est redevenue préoccupante, avec la diffusion de la propagation qui revêt en Occident, l'allure d'une catastrophe. Face à cette situation préoccupante, et au regard des statistiques, la lutte nécessite la solidarité internationale, pour redessiner le vivre-ensemble, car sa persistance constitue une menace pour la sécurité sanitaire internationale. Cette étude se questionne sur la participation des acteurs multi-horizons à la gouvernance du Coronavirus ; quels sont les jeux, enjeux et effets de cette participation ? La théorie de la gouvernance, le constructivisme et l'interaction stratégique permettent de postuler que les géants tels que l'Organisation Mondiale de la Santé, la Chine, mobilisent une variété d'"entrepreneurs de le coopération internationale" dans un jeu coopératif. Ceux-ci sont soient des États qui adoptent une stratégie du "donnant-donnant", soit des " acteurs hors souveraineté" qui préfèrent la stratégie du "donnant". Leurs actions et interactions sont motivées par de multiples enjeux et produisent divers effets. Elles mettent en évidence l'émergence de la multipolarité avec la Chine comme potentiel leader mondial face au déclassement des États -Unis sur la scène internationale ; mais surtout la résilience de l'Afrique lors du COVID -19.

Reducing Gender Inequity in the Canadian Energy Sector: Lessons from Abroad: Alex Hinrichs (Simon Fraser University), Anil Hira (Simon Fraser University)
Abstract: The persistence of gendered pay and employment differences in the energy sector remains to be an obstacle for equity in Canada. This is especially relevant considering the transformation of the energy sector in response to climate change. The literature on gender equity signals education, organizational climate, domestic labour expectations and networking as important potential causal factors for gender inequity in the workplace. This paper seeks to examine approaches for improving gender equity through a comparative analysis with Norway, which has significantly better gender equity. The Canadian gender wage gap conditional on skills is -22.4% in the energy sector and the gender employment gap in Canada is -67.8% in the energy sector as of 2018 (International Energy Agency, 2024). By contrast, Norway’s gender wage gap conditional on skills is -3.6% and their gender employment gap is -83.6% in 2018 (International Energy Agency, 2024). Norway has a range of equity-improving policies, such as a 40% gender quota for their corporate boards that could provide lessons for Canada. This research will explore the four posited causal factors in Canada and Norway through qualitative and quantitative analysis, including a literature and policy review, and an original survey. The survey will ask women in the energy sectors in both Canada and Norway questions regarding their experiences and treatment within their workplaces. The data will be analyzed to attempt to understand the effects of the gender quota in Norway and make an official recommendation as to if Canada should adopt the policy. This research will be an important contribution to understanding the gender divide across the fossil fuel and renewable energy sectors facing a gender divide, including differences in men and women’s attitudes towards the green transition, as documented in previous studies. The poster will serve to gain feedback for the completion of a more comprehensive study to be completed in 2025. References International Energy Agency. (2024, August 5). Gender and Energy Data Explorer. Retrieved September 3, 2024, from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/gender-and-energy-data-explorer?

Narratives of Blame: Sunni Marginalization in Iraq’s Post-ISIS Recovery: Athar Al-Hindawi (McMaster University)
Abstract: The defeat of ISIS in Iraq resulted in the devastation of Sunni-majority regions such as Mosul and Anbar, requiring urgent recovery initiatives. Despite efforts of restoration, systemic governance failure and widespread public stigmatization have hindered progress. Sunni communities frequently encounter exclusion from decision-making processes and face barriers such as halted investment initiatives, inequitable allocation of rehabilitation funding, and limited political representation. These challenges are exacerbated by sectarian rhetoric labeling Sunnis as 'Ba’athists' or 'ISIS collaborators,' disseminated through public discourse and social media platforms, increasing their social and political isolation. This paper investigates the interplay between governance failure and societal stigmatization that marginalizes Sunni populations in Iraq's post-conflict recovery, and analyzes the implications of this exclusion for national cohesion and progress. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of rebuilding budgets, investment project data, and displacement statistics with qualitative insights from interviews with Sunni leaders, citizens, and officials. Case studies of Anbar and Mosul illustrate how governance failures and societal exclusion affect recovery efforts. Social media discourse analysis further examines the role of sectarian narratives in shaping public perceptions and recovery dynamics. Initial findings indicate that systemic governance shortcomings and stigmatizing narratives are perpetuating cycles of exclusion and mistrust, creating substantial barriers to achieving national cohesion and state recovery. This paper contributes to scholarship on post-conflict recovery and the politics of belonging by analyzing how systemic governance failures and societal narratives of blame perpetuate marginalization in divided societies. It further engages with debates on sectarianism and reconciliation in post-conflict contexts, providing practical insights into rebuilding trust and fostering inclusion in fragile states.

Colonial Models in Cameroon: the Case of Germany, Britain and France Comparative to Contempoary Chinese Engagement: Neba Scolastique Mankaa (University of Babes Bolyai), Cosmin Gabriel Marian (University of Babes Bolyai)
Abstract: China’s entry into Africa in the post-colonial era has ignited a debate on colonial models, primarily focusing on Britain, France, and Germany, which shaped the political, economic, and social development of the continent during the colonial period. This study compares British, French, and German colonial models to current Chinese engagement in Cameroon and their corresponding impact on political, economic, and socio-cultural development. Using a comparative analysis based on historical and archival materials as well as policy documents from government and non-government sources, the study highlights the similarities and differences between European colonial models and China’s growing role in Cameroon. The findings suggest that while the British, French, and Germans focused on economic exploitation and political control, China’s involvement is more centered on infrastructure development and trade with fewer direct interventions in governance. However, concerns about economic dependency and neocolonialism persist in relation to China’s influence. This research contributes to the broader understanding of the lasting impact of colonialism on African countries and provides insights into how emerging powers like China are reshaping post-colonial dynamics.

Environmental Attitudes in the Canadian Public: A post materialistic take: Carlos Ayala Duran (Simon Fraser University), Anil Hira (Simon Fraser University)
Abstract: Environmental degradation poses significant global challenges. The United Nations has alerted about the adverse effects of environmental degradation, including rising global temperatures, food insecurity, desertification, and increased greenhouse gas emissions (International Panel on Climate Change-IPCC, 2022). These threats impact nations worldwide, including industrialized countries in North America. In Canada, where global warming has raised temperatures more than twice the global average, adverse effects on human health, migration, food security, employment, and national security are anticipated (Parliamentary Information and Research Service, 2020). Consequently, public support for environmental protection has grown across demographics and provinces across the country (Blake et al., 1997; Huddart‐Kennedy et al., 2009; Inglehart, 1971, 1990; Inglehart & Arbor, 1995; Zhou, 2013). Post materialistic values have often been employed to research environmental awareness and attitudes both on an international scale (Inglehart, 1971; Inglehart & Arbor, 1995) and within Canada (Butovsky, 2002; Mostafa, 2013). Using a post material approach, the present text looks to explore what are the social determinants of environmental attitudes in Canada in 2021? Data from the Canadian Electoral Survey 2021 will be utilized (Stephenson et al., 2023). Consistent with prior research, this study employs a composite index measure of environmental attitudes. Three individual questions with Likert scale responses were aggregated to create this index. This index is used as dependent variable to assess determinants of environmental attitudes. Results exhibit that urban residence, gender and completed university degree present a consistent significant effect on attitudes. Ideology, past voting behavior and province residence also explain environmental attitudes in Canada.