Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Ottawa, 2008. / Includes bibliographies.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Ottawa, 2008. / Includes bibliographies.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Ottawa, 2008. / Includes bibliographies.

In 2010, the University of Ottawa (hereafter, UO) banned the sale of single-use water bottles. UO decided that the sale of this product ran contrary to their commitments to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This ban has been adopted by several institutions, locally and globally. However, there is still demand for portable water that operates within the boundaries of sustainability. I developed H2Ottawa at UO, through my internship with the Office of Campus Sustainability (hereafter, OCS). The goal of H2Ottawa is to bring portable water to the UO community without compromising the institution's allegiance to sustainability. To do this, we are selling multi-use, metal water bottles in vending machines and select cafés on campus, for the same price one would expect to pay for single-use bottles ($3.00) . I have used a Living Action Research approach, as defined by Mc Niff and Whitehead (2011) to document and analyze the planning, conceptualization, and implementation of this project. For the purpose of this research, I consider that the UO adopts the mentality outlined through Ecological Modernization Theory (hereafter, EM). In short, EM argues that sustainability can be achieved within a capitalist society. I will use a green-Marxist lens to position the critical analysis of this project. Here, it is argued that we cannot ‘buy our way out of trouble’, meaning that a revolution is necessary to achieve a sustainable society. I will argue that as an institution, the UO makes its goals towards sustainability compatible with a corporate understanding of environmental responsibility. This thesis aims to answer: how does the UO implement sustainability initiatives in a way that complies with the value-set of the university, while also satisfying community expectations? I have found that the UO implemented H2Ottawa to provide students with access to potable water, and to augment their reputation. Considering that this project is the first of its kind, its adoption reinforces UO’s commitments to sustainability and innovation. Research findings will be of use for future students, as I present challenges involved in the conceptualization and implementation of sustainability-motivated initiatives within the Canadian university context.

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2 volumes in 2 separate files.

Homelessness is an important social problem in Canada, and the needs and experiences of women may differ from those of other homeless people. Little research has looked beyond rehousing to examine community integration following homelessness. Predictive models of three distinct facets of community integration for women who have experienced homelessness are presented and tested in this thesis. The first model examines physical integration, which is defined in terms of attaining and retaining stable housing. The second model predicts economic integration, defined in terms of participation in work or education. The third model predicts psychological integration, defined as psychological sense of community in one’s neighbourhood. Data for this research comes from a two-year longitudinal study conducted in Ottawa. Participants were women aged 20 and over (N =101) who were homeless at the study’s outset. Family status was an important predictor of community integration. Women who were accompanied by dependent children were more likely than those unaccompanied by children to be physically, economically and psychologically integrated in their communities. Having access to subsidized housing predicted becoming rehoused and living in one’s current housing for longer. Greater perceived social support predicted living in one’s current housing for longer. Past work history and mental health functioning predicted economic integration. Lower levels of education predicted returns to full-time studies. Living in higher quality housing and having more positive contact with neighbours predicted psychological integration, while living in one’s current housing for longer predicted lower levels of psychological integration. Overall, participants achieved a moderate level of community integration. The majority had been housed for at least 90 days at follow-up. However, only a minority were participating in the workforce or education at follow-up. Participants achieved only a moderate level of psychological integration. Results are discussed in terms of implications for policy and service provision. Improvements in the availability and quality of affordable housing, as well as employment support are recommended. Special attention needs to be paid to providing adequate and effective services for women who are unaccompanied by dependent children. / Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la societé et la culture

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