Opportunities
Sustainable Furniture: Call for designers, furniture makers, and carpenters
Design and build furniture for our new Centre for Green Change!
Calling all designers, furniture makers, and carpenters: We need your help to fabricate furnishings for the future Centre for Green Change, an innovative environmental education and community engagement hub in Toronto’s Jane-Finch neighbourhood. Our vision is to create pieces that are inspired by our diverse community and incorporate existing,
recycled, or reclaimed materials.
We have been busy generating ideas with local residents, but are now seeking some additional expertise to assist a group of youth with the construction of three to five pieces.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Clara at clarasr@janefinchcentre.org or 416-663-2733, ext. 235.
Conservation research opportunities presentation – Operation Wallacea
Canadian Northern Studies Trust Awards 2012-2013
The Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) is the student awards program of the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS). It was established in 1982 to further the Association's mandate to advance knowledge and understanding of Canada's North by offering student awards for exceptional northern-based research. The purpose of the CNST is to foster scholars and scientists with northern experience and, at the same time, to enhance educational opportunities available for northern residents to obtain post-secondary education at Canadian colleges and universities.
A list of awards and scholarships offered through the CNST can be found at:
http://acuns.ca/website/awards/applications/
Please note that the deadline for applications is January 31st, 2013.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Lionel Durocher,
ACUNS Program Manager
awards@acuns.ca
Life Cycle Assessment of Products, Processes & Services for Product Designers, Engineers and Project Managers
Life Cycle Assessment of Products, Processes & Services for Product Designers, Engineers and Project Managers
Work with LCA Software and examine a project LCA
As a Life Cycle Assessment Project Manager or Sustainability Consultant -
you need to have a broad understanding of LCA concepts, inventory, impact assessment, data quality management, post impact calculations, modeling, software, statistics and the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards.
Life Cycle Assessment is one of today's fastest growing professional fields with certification from the American Centre for Life Cycle Assessment through an exam process.
In this program you will:
*Gain the knowledge and skills to manage a LCA project for your product, process or service.
*Learn about LCA Software.
*Access important LCA Resources.
*Acquire knowledge applicable to the American Centre for Life Cycle Assessment Certification Exam.
For More Information or to Register
When: Nov. 28 & 29, 2012
Location: Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto
LCA Student Scholarship
LCA Student Scholarship
Dear David
We have 2 student scholarships remaining for individuals at the College or University level interested in Life Cycle Assessment.
This program is offered by the InterUniversity Centre for the Life Cycle of Products, Processes and Services (CIRAIG) in Quebec. CIRAIG is recognized by the United Nations Environment Program's Life Cycle Initiative. CIRAIG is also connect with the Sustainability Consortium in the U.S.
You will join attendees from Sobeys, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Software for a Sustainable World, Institute of Chemical and Engineering Services, University of Guelph and others.
2 Scholarships are available on a First Come First Serve basis.
Students only pay $ 350 (plus HST) for this $ 1,650 program. A Certificate of Participation from CIRAIG will be provided.
For further information or to register
Date: November 28 & 29, 2012
Location: Evergreen Brickworks, Toronto
When Registering be sure to Check "Student LCA"
Call for Papers: Encounters in Canada: Contrasting Indigenous and Immigrant Perspectives
Encounters in Canada: Contrasting Indigenous and Immigrant Perspectives
York University, Keele Campus, Toronto, Canada
May 15–17, 2013
Call for Papers
Indigenous peoples are the original caretakers of Canada, but their encounters with settlers have been marred by assimilation and territorial dispossession over hundreds of years. The result has been significant alienation between Indigenous peoples and Canadian governments. Conversely, immigrants to Canada, which for the purposes of this conference include early colonists, recent immigrants, refugees and displaced persons, have often viewed the country as a haven or land of opportunity. However, many are sorely unaware of Indigenous history, rights and contributions to Canada’s development. No people or community can speak for another; individual and group knowledge is intrinsic and internal. However, in keeping with the ideal of “mutual sharing” emphasized in the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, respect and trust can be fostered through shared difference. While the specific experiences of Indigenous peoples, immigrant communities, refugees and Canadian-born citizens are very different on many levels, connections can be developed through dialogue and reciprocity. Indigenous peoples as well as immigrant and refugee communities experience discrimination, racism, stigmatization and marginalization. These encounters represent a wider systemic problem in Canadian political, legal, sociocultural and historical contexts. Efforts to overcome exclusion can be built through increased awareness and knowledge-building, with support from allies.
This conference aims to fill this gap in knowledge and will bring together leaders from government and the judiciary, legal scholars, academics and practitioners to formulate practical solutions. The primary objective is to build bridges – cultural, political, intellectual and social connections – between those who share the lands of what is now Canada. The underlying rationale of the conference stems from the fact that Canada is now shared by Indigenous peoples, descendants of early settlers and more recent immigrant and refugee communities. These communities encounter Canada in very different ways based on racial identity, ancestral heritage, cultural background, community belonging, language and spiritual practice. Bridging the chasm that exists between Indigenous peoples and all newcomers, whether early or contemporary immigrants or refugees, is urgently needed in order to end discrimination and achieve equitable quality of life for all who live in this country. To this end, the objective is to understand how Indigenous peoples and various immigrant groups experience their lives in Canada. How are the challenges they face different? Are there shared goals and experiences upon which to build future alliances to achieve improved quality of life in Canada?
Conference papers are expected to be published subsequently in an edited volume, and acceptable topics will relate to the following broad themes:
(1) “Colonialism versus Consent”: Indigenous peoples have been and continue to be negatively impacted by colonialism. They did not consent to assimilation or territorial dispossession. Early settlers and contemporary immigrants and refugees generally have chosen to make Canada their home; this choice was not imposed on them. In the context of colonialism and consent, what have been the contrasting experiences of Indigenous peoples versus settler/immigrant/refugee communities?
(2) “Exclusion and Identity”: Indigenous peoples have faced centuries of exclusion and assimilation on their own lands. Early settlers did not face these forms of discrimination, but new immigrants and refugees often experience life on the perimeters of Canadian society. How are these experiences of race and identity different or similar? Are there similarities in how Indigenous peoples and immigrant communities maintain or revitalize their cultures and languages? Could encounters with exclusion and discrimination become points of “shared difference” between Indigenous peoples and immigrant communities? If so, is there the potential for building alliances?
(3) “Place and Displacement”: The role of “place” is a vital component of identity. Spiritual and cultural attachment to the land is a predominant component of most Indigenous identities. Similarly, displacement and attachment to home significantly impact life experience, sense of security and the physical and mental well-being of immigrants and refugees who come to Canada. Are there similarities between the territorial dispossession experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada and refugee communities? What are the impacts of forced migration, especially for those communities who seek to revitalize, recreate or reinvent their identities after losing a sense of “place”? How is “place” experienced by immigrant groups who voluntarily or actively choose to reside in Canada?
(4) “Nationalism and Alienation”: Any form of exclusion or discrimination is apt to result in alienation. While experienced differently and in different contexts, Indigenous peoples and immigrant/refugee communities are often alienated from the Canadian mainstream. This perpetuates disadvantage, erects barriers between communities and highlights the differences between “others”. How should the myriad of different national identities be respected in Canada? How should the original contributions of Indigenous peoples be recognized?
(5) “Recognition and Respect”: Recognition of difference – historical, cultural, political and social – is a vital sign of respect for a people or nation. Many who live in Canada are unaware of the distinctive histories and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Many are also unaware of the cultures and values of immigrant and refugee communities. What should be done to promote awareness and appreciation of the different groups that share what is now Canada? What might recognition of difference look like in legal, political and cultural contexts, and how would recognition differ for Indigenous peoples versus immigrant/refugee communities in practice? How should the differing cultural practices, histories and identities of Indigenous peoples be promoted and respected? In contrast, what should Canadians learn about immigrant and refugee communities?
(6) “Relationship-Building and Community Engagement”: Indigenous peoples face an alarming array of dire problems, akin to third-world conditions in an otherwise prosperous country. Immigrant and refugee communities also often contend with poorer quality of life than the “average” Canadian. How are these experiences different? What needs to be done to remedy these problems? Is relationship-building and reconciliation the answer for Indigenous peoples, and if so, what should approaches look like? Can and should alliances be forged between Indigenous peoples and settler/immigrant communities, both early and recent? How and in what contexts (i.e. legal, political, cultural, social) should all communities be actively involved in the creation of their futures?
Interested participants are requested to submit abstracts as soon as possible, and no later than December 1, 2012, after which time they will be reviewed by the Conference Program Committee. Proposals for paper presentations and/or panels are welcomed from academics, practitioners and advanced graduate students from across Canada and internationally. Submissions should include a title, an abstract of no more than 250-350 words demonstrating the relevance of the topic to the conference themes as well as brief biographical and contact information along with institutional affiliation (100 words) for each presenter. The conference is actively sourcing funding to support travel and accommodation. If successful, we will be able to provide modest support to selected participants based on financial need. If applying for travel support, please email a brief one-page budget outlining financial need for travel and accommodation to Michele Millard at mmillard@yorku.ca.
Abstract submissions should be submitted online here. Any technical questions about online submission process should be directed to Michele Millard, Centre Coordinator and Conference Administrator, Centre for Refugee Studies at York University (mmillard@yorku.ca). All other questions concerning the conference should be directed to the principal academic organizer, Dr. Jennifer Dalton, Assistant Professor, School of Public Policy & Administration, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and Centre for Refugee Studies Scholar (jedalton@yorku.ca). Interested participants may also contact the members of the Conference Organizing Committee: Dr. David McNab, Associate Professor of Indigenous Thought and Canadian Studies, Departments of Equity Studies/Humanities, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (dtmcnab@yorku.ca); Dr. James Simeon, Acting Director, Centre for Refugee Studies, and Associate Professor, School of Public Policy and Administration, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (jcsimeon@yorku.ca); Dr. H. Tom Wilson, Professor, Faculties of Graduate Studies, Law and Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and Senior Fellow of McLaughlin College (htwilson@osgoode.yorku.ca).
Call for Papers: CBERN PhD Winter Research Meeting 2013
Call for Papers:
CBERN PhD Winter Research Meeting 2013
Friday, March 22 - Sunday, March 24, 2013
York University, Toronto, ON
Website
Download the Call for Papers (PDF)
Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday, January 7, 2013
Accepted Papers Announced: Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Paper Submission Deadline: Monday, February 25, 2013
This is a call for papers for the upcoming Canadian Business Ethics Research Network (CBERN) PhD Winter Research Meeting in Toronto from Friday, March 22 - Sunday, March 24, 2013.
CBERN aims to promote knowledge-sharing and partnerships within the field of business ethics and across private, governmental, voluntary and academic sectors. An important mandate of CBERN is to support the next generation of researchers and practitioner-scholars from across Canada who participate in its PhD Cluster. The upcoming CBERN PhD Winter Research Meeting will bring members of the PhD Cluster together at York University. Accommodations will be provided at the Executive Learning Centre Hotel at the Schulich School of Business, York University.
Eligibility
Participants in the workshop must be registered in a PhD program at a Canadian institution, and working on a dissertation or substantial research project in business ethics, broadly construed. Please see more information at the end of this document regarding this criterion.
Workshop Format
All participants will present a work-in-progress, which could include a paper they hope to send for publication, a paper they are preparing for a conference, or a chapter of their PhD research project.
Completed papers will be made available to all participants for comment and pre-event discussion three weeks before the workshop, in a secure workspace on the CBERN website.
During the workshop, each presentation will include a 10 minute review of the paper, followed by a 35 minute critical discussion aimed at helping the student improve his or her work. To focus time on discussion, presenters are encouraged to limit PowerPoint presentations (if used) to 5 slides.
Each discussion session will involve a faculty and/or a government, industry or NGO advisor. Advisors will review papers in advance and provide critical feedback to the students at the workshop.
Submission Details
The deadline for submitting an abstract is Monday, January 7, 2013.
Abstracts should be no more than 400 words.
Please include author, title, overview of argument or approach to the research problem, and potential contribution to theory and practice.
The deadline for submitting a complete paper is Monday, February 25, 2013.
Complete papers should be no more than 20 pages double-spaced.
We will attempt to include as many participants as possible. However, space is limited to 14 presentations. Those accepted to present at the Winter Research Meeting will be contacted by Wednesday, January 16, 2013, and asked to submit a full paper, at which time you must confirm your registration for the meeting.
Registration is a condition for travel subsidization, meals and accommodations during the event. Confirming registration for the meeting includes agreeing to substantial participation in online discussion of the papers to be presented (your own and those of other students) in advance of the event.
Please submit your abstract online at:
www.cbern.ca/research/clusters/phd_cluster/winter2013/
Reimbursement
CBERN will reimburse the cost of travel to Toronto based on a rate card indexed to the most economical fares to Toronto by region, and will arrange and pay for all meals and accommodations during the workshop.
Please note that adherence to the submission guidelines is a condition of eligibility for reimbursement from CBERN. This includes submitting your completed paper to the PhD Research Meeting workspace by the deadline of Monday, February 25, 2013, and online discussion in advance of the event.
To confirm your eligibility for reimbursement and for complete travel reimbursement policies, please contact Judy Patla, Financial Administrator: info@cbern.ca.
For more information, please contact Hilary Martin, Research and Outreach Coordinator: hmartin@cbern.ca.
Life Cycle Assessment for Products, Processes and Services (for students, LCA Project Managers, Engineers & Designers)
When: Nov. 28 & 29, 2012
Where: Toronto (Evergreen Brick Works)
Special Student Scholarship $ 350 (3 spaces on first come first serve)
Description:
As a Life Cycle Assessment Project Manager or Sustainability Consultant - you need to have a broad understanding of LCA concepts, inventory, impact assessment, data quality management, post impact calculations, modeling, software, statistics and the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards.
Life Cycle Assessment is one of today's fastest growing professional fields with certification from the American Centre for Life Cycle Assessment through an exam process.
In this program you will:
Day 1:
Gain an introduction to the life cycle concept, drivers and application for marketing, communication, branding and design. Case studies will be used to present the life cycle concept, basic principles and discuss its limits as an environmental assessment tool.
Using case studies, small and large group discussions participants will:
1. Examine LCA methods using common LCA frameworks and standards.
2. Identify the goal and scope of a potential project looking at function, functional unit and reference flows.
3. Understand system boundaries for an LCA project.
4. Conduct a simple life cycle inventory for a project.
5. Critically examine and interpret a life cycle impacts assessment.
The aim of this first Module is to better understand the significance of LCA (generated information and applications) in order to promote its implementation within a decision-making framework.
Day 2:
Focus on the refinement of the LCA methodological framework and applications. This section will further refine the LCA methodology according to its different phases as defined by ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 in order to provide participants with the basic elements required to critically analyze an LCA study. In addition, this module is will provide the essential knowledge required to lead an LCA study within an organization.
Using case studies, small and large group discussions participants will:
1. Deeply assess methodological aspects of LCA including goal and scope definition, system boundaries considerations, attribution and consequential approaches.
2. Examine multi-functional processes of life cycle inventory and a life cycle impact assessment framework.
3. Follow the LCA steps of classification, characterisation, normalisation and weighting.
4. Critically evaluate LCA methods.
5. Complete a practical, hands on case study exercise that identifies the typical elements of an LCA study: function, functional unit, reference flows and system boundaries.
6. Analysis case study results using commercial LCA software: SimaPro.
click here to read more
Focus on Sustainability Film Festival: Food – Call for Submission 2013
The second annual Focus on Sustainability Film Festival returns to York University this winter semester 2013, with a spotlight on the increasingly vital and complex topic of Food. In addition to feature films, panel discussions, and prizes centred on food, the upcoming festival also gives local film makers in the York U community an opportunity to have their food related film featured. Following the submission deadline, the festival presenters will choose one prize-winning film to be highlighted, and up to three runner-up films to be exhibited.
Submission Requirements:
- York University enrolled (or previously enrolled) student in any department
- Run time for films must not exceed 60 minutes
- Films must be focused on any food related issue
Suggestions include: animal rights, agriculture, veganism/vegetarianism, local/global
Deadline is January 10th 2013 to Jessica Reeve, IRIS Junior Fellow
- Email submissions to jreeve@yorku.ca; or drop in person to 395 York Lanes, IRIS Offices
- Submissions must be in digital formats, and accompanied by a 250 word abstract, title, and contact information
This call for submission is brought to you by The Osgoode Environmental Law Society (ELS), The Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability (IRIS), and The Climate Consortium for Research Action Integration (CC-RAI). For more information please contact Jessica Reeve at jreeve@yorku.ca
.
