Master's Projects (Master of Public Administration; Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution; Master of Community Development)

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https://dspace.library.uvic.ca/handle/1828/1012

Information on Master's Projects on the Schools website http://www.uvic.ca/hsd/publicadmin/graduate/current-students/project-thesis/index.php

Digital copies of many MPA Master’s Projects are available here. Printed copies of additional Master’s Projects are available from the School of Public Administration library. Please contact the School of Public Administration for further information (padm@uvic.ca).

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 523

Shared leadership and executive director retention in Kootenay-Boundary community social services organizations
(2025) Smith, Hannah; Cunningham, Barton J.
The impact of nonprofit executive turnover cannot be understated (McKee & Froelich, 2016). For several decades now, there has been a focus on the benefits of a shared leadership approach – its impressive ability to bolster team performance and creativity and improve team dynamics (Wu et al., 2020). This research turns its attention toward shared leadership’s applications in executive retention in the Community Services Organizations' (CSO) sphere, specifically within Kootenay Boundary Community Services Cooperative (Koop) member agencies. Understanding the role shared leadership and its contributing factors play in local CSO executive retention is crucial in stabilizing their futures and the communities they serve. Given the importance of strong executive leadership, gaining a deeper awareness of the factors that support ED retention regionally will enable the Koop to make informed decisions on its capacity-building activities. Most significantly, it will contribute to local CSO ED retention strategies, bolstering their organizational sustainability as they face an era of change with a strapped labour market and increased demand for services. The research aimed to investigate a leadership model within CSOs that is more compatible with executive retention. It sought to address the research problem of high executive turnover, with a limited labour pool of candidates for the most critical organizational role. The guiding research questions were, “Does shared leadership provide a protective effect in CSO executive director retention?” and “What influence do the various shared leadership constructs have?”
Evaluating the Shift Toward Community Inclusion: Service Provider Perspectives on the Agency of Persons with Developmental Disabilities in British Columbia
(2025) Cucheron, Ryan; Lepore, Walter
Network-driven: Co-designing the BC Non-Profit Network's participatory evaluation
(2024) Lin, Joyce; Lepore, Walter
Guided by the principles of Community Engaged Research, this project organized a participatory evaluation design process to create an evaluation model and multi-phased evaluation frameworks for the newly launched BC Non-Profit Network. The design process is centred on involving the budding Network's network partners in decision-making about the evaluation design, treating the network partners as co-researchers whose participation influenced the project's approach, data collection, and analysis process. Through this, the project explores the merits and tensions of applying participatory evaluation to an infant network and its implications on shaping evaluation as a tool for accountability versus learning and community oversight. Set within a BC non-profit sector context, Network-Driven contributes the example of applying recommended network evaluation practices while prioritizing a commitment to community development principles.
International Climate-Affected Migrant Immigration Policy and Practices and their Applicability in the Canadian Context
(2024) Reid, Meghan; Brunet-Jailly, Emmanuel
This Master of Arts in Community Development research project explores international and Canadian climate-affected migration policies and frameworks, with a focus on emerging promising practices and their potential application in Canada. Currently, Canadian immigration policy does not account for individuals displaced due to climate change (Omeziri & Gore, 2014, p. 49; ibid., p. 45; Galloway, 2022, p. 28). As Andeva (2020) highlights, many existing systems for supporting environmentally displaced persons are designed to address short-term emergencies rather than long-term crises (p. 79). This research examines international frameworks and regional responses to climate-affected migration to assess their applicability in Canada. The research also considers the role of key stakeholders in shaping future Canadian immigration policy. Given the growing impact of climate change, it is critical that Canada prepares to support climate-affected migrants through inclusive and forward-thinking policies.
Supportive housing design: Resident health and wellness needs
(2024) Lodhi, Maariyah; Cunningham, Barton
The built environment and design of housing affects the mental health and wellness of those who have previously been homeless and reside in supporting housing complexes. When overlooked, a poorly designed facility can have negative implications on an individual’s mental health and wellness. This capstone research project underlines the importance of understanding the needs of supportive housing residents living at Uplands Walk, a supportive housing site in Nanaimo, British Columbia, operated by Pacifica Housing Advisory Association (Pacifica Housing). Pacifica Housing is a non-profit housing organization operating in Victoria and Nanaimo, British Columbia. The organization provides supportive housing for individuals and families on Vancouver Island. Uplands Walk is a purpose-built supportive housing site located in North Nanaimo. The complex provides stable, permanent housing to 34 previously homeless individuals. Although there has been a rapid increase in supportive housing facilities in response to the housing crisis and the number of individuals experiencing homelessness, little research exists on the significance of built environments and the design of supportive housing. Methods include 10 interviews and photographs of the complex captured through autophotography to find data highlighting successes, improvements and recommendations to support residents' mental health and wellness needs. Participants express their appreciation for the suitability of the housing space along with the process of upgrading and improving the design. The most significant themes were suitability and ongoing design stemming from adaptive design concepts based on Cherns’ Sociotechnical Design Theory (1976). Opportunities for social interactions, opportunities for engagement and safety autonomy were also major themes highlighted from engagement design concepts based on Supportive Design Theory by Roger Ulrich (1991). The findings recommend the need for flexible and adaptable design in the building complex to allow for the changing needs of residents to be met. Recommendations include renovated communal areas, improved amenities, lighting solutions and ideas for resident socialization. Additionally, participants suggested safety measures such as security. Architects, interior designers and housing organizations can better understand resident feedback and incorporate flexible design to existing and future complexes. Overall, understanding the varying and constantly changing needs of residents allows for more inclusive solutions, thus leading to higher satisfaction rates and improved wellness
"They were my anchor": Understanding and strengthening the mentor role at Restorative Justice Victoria
(2024) Hannan, Tiffany; Lapper, Robert
Restorative Justice Victoria (RJV)'s mentor role supports and guides offenders and victims through the restorative justice (RJ) process. The role in this context is distinct from the traditional uses of the word "mentor", and differs from other RJ practitioner roles such as facilitator or mediator. Mentors are uncommon in RJ organisations yet are essential to RJV’s work and ensuring successful outcomes for clients, especially for complex cases and those involving violent harms. This research aimed to examine and deepen understanding of the unique mentor role at RJV, to strengthen its effectiveness, sustainability, and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing mentor recruitment, training, and support, with potential applications for broader RJ practice. Using an intrinsic case study methodology, semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted with mentors and one victim. A jurisdictional scan was conducted which included participation from RJ organisation in BC, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Key findings include a summary of mentor's past experiences, their strengths, skills and approaches, rewards and challenges, as well as impacts and value. Recommendations were provided to RJV to continue strengthening the role.
Promising practices of successful public toilets in small municipalities in British Columbia
(2024) Arbo, Jen; Siemens, Lynne
This master’s project examines lessons learned by BC municipal planners who have worked on providing public toilets, with a focus on municipalities in BC with populations of 100,000 or fewer. The issue is complex, and no one-size-fits-all solution will work for all municipalities. Providing public toilets has benefits and disadvantages, but the challenges can be overcome through relevant, evidence-based practices. This project recommends six promising practices that municipalities can incorporate to increase their successful provision of public toilets. An increase in the number of safe, clean public toilets available in small BC municipalities will improve access to basic sanitation and increase livability across the province, especially for vulnerable people.
Project Venture - An Exploration of its Principles of Sustainability
(2024) Amell, Christopher; Chouinard, Jill Anne
The Project Venture Organization has been supporting the expansion of Project Venture (PV) to encourage healthy choices among Native American youth since the early 2000s. However, the replication of PV often faces many challenges for long-term sustainability. This research project investigated practitioners' experiences in implementing PV and identified strategies for enhancing capacity to maintain PV programming and its benefits past initial funding. The study utilized a mixed-method approach, incorporating a literature review, quantitative data collection, and qualitative interviews. The findings from the study indicate that practitioners recognize the importance of mentorship, early sustainability efforts, and increased engagement with the Project Venture Organization to learn wise practices for program sustainability. The research provides insights into PV sustainability efforts and offers recommendations to inform the development of Project Venture literature, training, and mentorship.
An Intersectional Analysis of Client Satisfaction with Home Care in Canada
(2024) Oginni, Oyindamola; Lepore, Walter; Hicks, Jason
Home care is a priority for all Canadians but evidence from literature suggests that the home care system is generally prone to inequality. Client satisfaction is an integral component of home care, which measures the quality of home care. This study used the intersectional framework of gender and Indigenous identity to analyze client satisfaction with home care among home care recipients in Canada to determine the existence of inequalities in client satisfaction with home care. The study design was based on secondary data analysis. The data source was the Canadian Community Health Survey 2021. The study population was respondents who received home care in the last 12 months. Intersectional strata (dummy variables) were created from gender and Indigenous identity. The outcome variable was client satisfaction (a binary variable with 0 “Not satisfied/Undecided” and 1 “Satisfied”). The control variables were age, income, sexual orientation, and language often spoken. Provincial/Territory variable was used for clustering the standard errors to account for heteroscedasticity across the clusters of observations. Quantitative analyses were conducted using frequencies, percentages, and multiple linear regression models. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The non-Indigenous men and the non-Indigenous women together accounted for about 75 percent of the respondents, while the Indigenous men and the Indigenous women together accounted for about three percent of the respondents. Among the non-Indigenous men and the non-Indigenous women, 90.7 percent and 90.1 percent respectively expressed satisfaction with home care; meanwhile, 82.0 percent of Indigenous men and 88.8 percent of Indigenous women respectively expressed satisfaction with home care. Overall, 90.4 percent of the respondents were satisfied with home care. After controlling for age, income, sexual orientation, and languages, the regression analysis identified the Indigenous women and the non-Indigenous women as significantly (p<0.05) having a 9.6 percentage point and a 10.2 percentage point lower satisfaction with home care respectively, relative to “men with other identities”. The study findings suggest the existence of inequalities in client satisfaction with home care, which is a barrier to the fundamental objectives of the program in Canada. The inequality in client satisfaction with home care identified in this study can be tackled in two ways. One approach involves community-based intervention, where experts lead strategy development and the community helps carry it out, gradually taking over responsibility. Alternatively, community development work emphasizes empowering community groups to identify and address disparities themselves, focusing on long-term sustainability and community empowerment. This approach prioritizes community involvement in resolving underlying issues.
Exploring the Transition to a Community Health Centre Model of Primary Care: A Case Study on the Experiences of Physicians in the Kootenay Boundary
(2024) Jackson, Leah; Brousselle, Astrid
Timely access to primary health care services is reflective of an effective health care system, yet many people in British Columbia (B.C.) lack access to a family physician. At a time when people are living longer and there is growing recognition of the need to address the social determinants of health, patient needs are becoming increasingly complex and requiring the support of multidisciplinary teams. This situation is leading communities to explore alternative ways of organizing primary health care to meet the diverse needs of both patients and providers. The success of primary care reform to date has been impacted by both a shortage of family physicians and the barriers inherent in practicing as teams within a physician-owned clinic supported by a Fee-For-Service (FFS) compensation model. In the Kootenay Boundary region of B.C., the development of a network of Community Health Centers (CHCs) is being explored to address the issues referenced above. This vision involves transitioning existing physician- owned primary care clinics into a not-for-profit model. As such, the purpose of this research project is to better understand the enablers and barriers for transitioning primary care models based on the experience of physicians, Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice (KBDoFP) staff, and community members.
Disability Education at Canadian Law Schools
(2024) van Vugt, Andrea; Lapper, Robert
This project explores how Canadian law schools are incorporating disability education into their course offerings and course content and how disability education in law school has the potential to affect access to justice for disabled people. Disability education at law schools includes teaching law students about laws that affect people with disabilities and/or providing perspective and awareness of the lived experience and history of disabled people. This project draws on findings from a literature review, a basic organizational scan of Canada’s 18 law schools, and 9 interviews with faculty that teach at Canadian post-secondary institutions in the Faculty of Law. Disabled people face financial barriers, political barriers, and cultural barriers that affect their access to justice. Disability intersects with identities of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, and religion. Within these intersections, there are groups of people who receive inequitable treatment in the justice system because they belong to one or more of these marginalized groups. Yet, without disability as an intentional topic in legal education, these intersections may never be explored in the classroom and students will not have an opportunity to learn about the importance of equitable access to justice for disabled people.
A Formative Evaluation of the Whistler 360 Health Collaborative Society
(2024) Lutz, Erin; Chouinard, Jill
Whistler 360 Health Collaborative Society (Whistler 360 Health) is a locally governed charitable organization established in 2022 based on two years of research to address the shortage of primary care providers in Whistler, BC (Whistler 360 Health Collaborative Society, 2023). This evaluation was conducted during the first year of Whistler 360 Health taking over operations of Whistler Medical Clinic in January 2023. This evaluation aims to provide a narrative of Whistler 360 Health during its first year of implementation and operation and identify key areas of success, learning, and recommendations for further implementation. Whistler 360 Health is in the early stages of implementation. As such, the purpose of this formative evaluation is to explore the strengths and challenges experienced to date, the unique strengths of this initiative, and factors relevant to its future sustainability.
My Reconciliation Journey
(2024-02-16) Skobel, Tara; Thiessen, Susanne
It is a well-known fact that Indigenous people are treated horribly, and I would like to see the systems change globally to create safer countries for Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC). At some point, systems need to change, and people will realize that we need to do better because how the systems are set up now violates fundamental human rights. I believe we can create a system that allows Indigenous people to have their rights and freedoms upheld and where self-determination is the way of life for all Indigenous people across Canada. I also believe that all Indigenous people should have clean drinking water. It is disgusting that so many Indigenous people are without clean drinking water. I stand in solidarity with Every Child Matters, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited (MMIWG2S), and #LandBack movements. I hope this report provokes feelings and inspiration to make positive changes for Indigenous people. I also hope non-Indigenous people feel inspired to take practical and actionable steps to start their journey of Reconcilaition. I dream of facilitating Your Reconciliation Journey workshop series across BC and Canada.
Speaking Across Barriers: How Parents in a Canadian Public School System Learn About Their Children's Diversity Education
(2023-12-22) Renken-Sebastian, Trisha L.; Lindquist, E.
Strategic planning in public education in British Columbia is considered by the Ministry of Education and Childcare to be an idea tool for learning about how a given school district plans to help its students become educated citizens. The second strategic plan for Sooke Schools District 62 (SD62) places an emphasis on ensuring that students understand and become competent with issues regarding inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA). However, this mixed methods capstone project revealed the communications barriers which are preventing some parents, guardians, and caregivers from being able to fully support IDEA becoming a more integral part of their children’s education. The findings of this capstone project recommend that to alleviate this issue, some implementation activities can be undertaken in the next school year and others may become strategic plan objectives for the forthcoming strategic plan. Further research may be able to divine other types of implementation activities which may also support IDEA-related strategic objectives in other school districts in Canada and around the world.
Interest-Holder Analysis of the Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training
(2023-12-22) Morris-Reade, Janet; Cunningham, J. Barton
This article presents a thorough interest-holder analysis of ASPECT, a prominent employment service organization with 33 years of experience in advocacy, professional development, and leadership. Faced with challenges such as declining membership and operational deficits since 2008, attributed to contract changes, ASPECT conducted this research to inform its strategic, business, and operational planning. The methodology involved a literature review on stakeholder theory and the Balanced Scorecard framework, coupled with one-on-one virtual interviews with 13 sector leaders representing diverse agencies across urban, rural, and remote areas of British Columbia. Key findings indicate that ASPECT enjoys a positive reputation among its members, government representatives, and other sector entities. Despite meeting many needs, there are opportunities to strengthen its position by refining advocacy efforts, expanding professional development offerings, and fostering member connections. The analysis identifies four central themes—advocacy, learning, connecting, and building—that transcend perspectives, highlighting areas for improvement. The article suggests recommendations to address identified gaps, including the establishment of a centralized hub for member updates, conducting issues-focused surveys, seeking external funding for professional development, and expanding networking services through additional staff, targeted virtual meetings, and regional events.
Motivations and Barriers to Recreation Participation in Canada: Recommendations for the Sector
(2023-12-14) Slawuta, Stephen; Siemens, Dr. Lynne
Recreation provide Canadians with numerous direct and indirect benefits. Providing these opportunities and services (e.g. facilities and programs) represents a significant cost to local and regional governments and achieving the greatest return on investment occurs when as many residents are as active (benefitting) as possible. Better understanding what motivates and limits or prevents participation can help ensure facilities and programming are most effective. This project reviewed previous literature and analyzed survey data from 54 different jurisdictions across Canada to comprehensively explore motivators and barriers, contrasting differences based on service area (community or region) population. Notably, lack of time and facility hours appear to be key barriers along with affordability. Numerous social and inter-personal motivators drive participation and seem to differ based on the size of community in which individuals reside. The project culminated in six recommendations for the sector.
Systems-mapping Alberta's writing community: the Writers' Guild of Alberta's role in collaborative community development
(2023-08-29) Duley, Nicole; Speers, Kimberly
This Master’s Project examines the Writers’ Guild of Alberta’s (WGA) current role and interorganizational relationships and maps and analyses the system that underpins the writing community in Alberta. Through the documentation and analysis of the writing system, the findings are designed to help inform decisions made by the WGA Board of Directors about the role the WGA could play in fostering a vibrant writing community. The research question of this master's project is "What role should be assumed by the WGA to collaborate effectively within the writing community?" By utilizing a systems design methodology supported by a stakeholder analysis, the relationships between organizations in Alberta's writing community were explored to answer the research question. Key informant interviews were used to collect information from key stakeholders within the writing community. Findings indicated similarities across different art service organizations operating within the Alberta writing community including purpose, audience, and financial structures. While participants stated there were common goals across organizations, common goals were difficult to consistently articulate. While some system archetypes were identified, participants felt that the Alberta writing community was thriving and there is a desire to improve interorganizational collaboration. This master's project yielded four recommendations for the WGA including shifting more towards advocacy and connectivity within the larger community, undertaking collaborative interorganizational planning, exploring a community-wide needs assessment, and continuing to celebrate and recognize writers in Alberta.
From crisis to adaptation: Assessing disaster preparedness and response strategies among Toronto nonprofit organizations during COVID-19
(2023-05-15) Larkins, Cora; Speers, Kimberly
Framed by social capital theory and the social constructionist theory of disasters, this master’s research project examines the factors influencing the ability of social service nonprofit organizations in Toronto to endure and effectively address disasters. The study explores the crucial role played by these organizations in disaster preparedness and response efforts, highlighting their community engagement expertise, grassroots networks, local knowledge, and adaptability. By utilizing a mixed-methods approach that includes an online survey and key informant interviews, the study gathers insights and recommendations on the disaster preparedness and response strategies of social service nonprofits in Toronto. The research aims to identify the factors that contribute to the resilience of these organizations in the face of disasters and gain an understanding of the current state of disaster preparation and planning in community-based organizations in Toronto. It seeks to provide practical recommendations for improving disaster preparedness and response strategies in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the significance of social actions, effective communication, collaboration, and resource allocation. This study recognizes disasters as social phenomena shaped by social structures, processes, and practices, emphasizing the intersection between hazards, vulnerable populations, and social context. It underscores the importance of strengthening social networks, addressing structural social inequalities, and promoting collective action to enhance community resilience. The findings of this research study shed light on the valuable role played by nonprofit organizations in disaster preparedness and response efforts, stressing the need for policy changes, additional funding, and collective efforts to strengthen community resilience in the face of disasters. With a comprehensive whole-of-society approach, leveraging the expertise and networks of nonprofit organizations, this study advocates for an enhanced understanding of the factors that contribute to the ability of social service nonprofits to endure and effectively address disasters in Toronto.
Neighbourliness Builds Community Resilience: Neighbourhood Networks in Edmonton During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(2023-04-24) Harvey, Anne; Speers, Kimberly
Research shows that the place-based nature of neighbourhood networks makes them viable places to build social capital and community resilience. Neighbourliness is key to people’s resilience and readiness to cope with and adapt to difficult situations. This community-based research project applied a qualitative methodological approach to explore how involvement in neighbourhood networks affected people in Edmonton, Alberta during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a literature review and a narrative analysis of semi-structured interviews with key informants from three different neighbourhoods, the project tested the hypothesis that involvement in neighbourhood networks in Edmonton during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increased neighbourliness and social capital, which led to benefits that increased community resilience, disaster preparedness and quality of life. The research included a look at Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) as an enabler of neighbourhood networks, and specifically highlighted the Abundant Community Edmonton approach within the social landscape of Edmonton community leagues. The findings were organized into six themes: Involvement in Neighbourhood Networks; Belonging and Connection; Neighbourliness and Reciprocity; Responsibility and Purpose; Safety and Security; and Supporting Processes and Resources. The findings and recommendations put forward are intended for individuals and groups seeking to start, join or support place-based community development initiatives such as neighbourhood networks.
How Service Canada can improve service delivery to urban Indigenous Peoples: Literature Review and Recommendations
(2023-04-14) Piette, Vincent; Lapper, Robert
The purpose of this project is to examine research on effective urban Indigenous service delivery and leverage what is known about current practices to better inform Service Canada’s service delivery models when designing and implementing them. The terms “effective” or “efficient” when pertaining to service delivery in this report seeks to include not just the Western idea of what those terms mean (namely, producing a desired or intended result, and achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense, respectively), but also include what Indigenous communities and individuals might want to experience in a service delivery sphere, which may be at odds with the Western worldview.

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