Can Ontario Be the Next Finland? Assessing Whether the Finnish Model Can Meet the Educational Needs of Ontario, Canada

This study examines the adaptability of the Finland model to meet the educational disparities currently observed in the education system in Ontario, Canada. A literature review and a database highlight key characteristics of the Finland model. From this information, Finland and Ontario’s systems are found to be similar in the areas of systemic structure and educational philosophies, and international testing and performance standards. The systems are found to be different in the areas of geography and demographics, social perceptions and attitudes towards education, school system structure, teaching philosophies, teacher education and professional status, and standardized and high-stakes testing. Discussion regarding use of Finnish philosophies to meet Ontario’s needs in the following areas takes place: social perceptions and attitudes towards education, our teaching philosophies, our teacher education and professional status, and our use of high-stakes and standardized testing. Opportunities for future research are also discussed and the major research paper includes a workshop and survey.

Understanding Network Governance: A Case Study Exploration of Active Canada 20/20

Consistent with the governance shift towards network forms of governance, a number of new social movements have formed in response to the declining levels of physical activity in the Western world. One such movement is Active Canada 20/20: A Physical Activity Strategy and Change Agenda for Canada. Network governance is employed as the theoretical framework for this case study exploration of Active Canada 20/20 and the political landscape surrounding its development and implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in addition to document/policy analysis and direct observations. Analysis of the data resulted in three overarching themes – the defining characteristics of network governance, the political landscape, and intersectoral linkages – that interconnect multifariously based the nature of the Canadian federal government and its relationship with the voluntary sector for physical activity. Despite progress in driving Active Canada 20/20 forward, entrenched dynamics of power need to be navigated within the political landscape surrounding network governance.

Power of Attorney of Colonel John Butler for Robert Hamilton and Robert Addison, January 4,1797

John Butler (1728-1796) was originally from Connecticut but settled with his family in the Mohawk valley of New York around 1742. His father was a Captain in the British army and well acquainted with William Johnson (superintendent of Northern Indians). Butler impressed Johnson with his aptitude for Indian languages and diplomacy. He began to work with Johnson in 1755, and received several promotions in the department, until his apparent retirement in the early 1770s. At the onset of the Revolutionary War in 1775, Butler relocated to Canada to join the British forces, settling in Niagara. During the War, Butler was instrumental in maintaining the alliance with the Indians. After the War, Butler became prominent in local affairs in Niagara, but failed to secure any important offices when the province of Upper Canada was formed in 1792. In an effort to recoup some of the financial losses his family suffered during the War, Butler illegally attempted to supply trade goods to the Indian department with his son Andrew, his nephew Walter Butler Sheehan, and Samuel Street, a Niagara merchant.

Appointment of William Woodruff to be Ensign in the 1st Regiment of Lincoln Militia in the Niagara District

Appointment of William Woodruff to be Ensign in the 1st Regiment of Lincoln Militia in the Niagara District. This is signed by Francis Gore, Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Upper Canada. The document is quite stained and watermarked. The text is not affected, Nov. 5, 1815.

Receipt for Summer Term Upper Canada College

Receipt for the summer term at Upper Canada College. The term runs from April 21st to June 30th. Fees paid by H.K. Woodruff, 1878.

Canadian Bank of Commerce (vinyl cover), St. Catharines bank book of Welland D. Woodruff Esq.

Canadian Bank of Commerce (vinyl cover), St. Catharines bank book of Welland D. Woodruff Esq., 1915-1917.

Memoranda booklet (soft cover) compliments of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, St. Catharines Branch

Memoranda booklet (soft cover) compliments of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, St. Catharines Branch. Only one page has writing on it. It appears to be a shopping list, n.d.

Upper Canada Gazette Vol. VIII no.22. Hon. W. Dickson

Upper Canada Gazette Vol. VIII no.22. Hon. W. Dickson is written in the first page margin. Oct. 17, 1833.

Letter to Henry Nelles from H. Ridout, son of Thomas Ridout

Letter to Henry Nelles from H. Ridout, son of Thomas Ridout, surveyor general of Upper Canada requesting an affidavit for each location that was being presented to his father, Nov. 13, 1821.

Diploma (vellum) from the Bar of Lower Canada to Edward Bradley Parkin of Quebec

Diploma (vellum) from the Bar of Lower Canada to Edward Bradley Parkin of Quebec conferring upon him the right of practicing as an Advocate, Barrister, Attorney, Solicitor and Proctor-at-Law in all courts in Lower Canada, June 4, 1866.

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada, December 21, 1836

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada, December 21, 1836.

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada, March 1, 1837

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada, March 1, 1837.

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada, April 12, 1837

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada, April 12, 1837.

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada (2 copies), September 6, 1837

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada (2 copies), September 6, 1837.

California : A history of Upper and Lower California from their first discovery to the present time, comprising an account of the climate, soil, natural productions, agriculture, commerce, Sc. A full view of the missionary establishments and condition of the free and domesticated indians. With an appendix relation to steam navigation in the Pacific. Illustrated with a new map, plans of the harbours, and numerous engravings

UANL