Master of Public Policy Capstone Projects

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https://prism.ucalgary.ca/handle/1880/100096

This community houses the collection of University of Calgary Capstone projects from the School of Public Policy, Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Capstone projects are closed access unless permissions have been granted to Libraries and Cultural Resources to make them publicly accessible.

Authors: If you would like to make your Capstone project publicly accessible, please contact digitize@ucalgary.ca to grant permissions.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 322

Open Access
Telehealth’s Potential in Rural Communities for Improving Specialist Care: Access to an Autism Diagnosis for Children in Alberta
(2024-05-29) Shin, Mina; Chipeur, Stephanie
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of telehealth (Madigan et al. 2021, 1; Virtual Care Task Force 2022, 1; Canadian Institute for Health Information 2023, 4). Virtual care went from 10 to 20 per cent in 2019 to 40 per cent in 2021 (Virtual Care Task Force 2022, 4). More recently, the 2023 Canadian Digital Health Survey found that 46 per cent of Canadians have had a telephone visit and 21 per cent have utilized video conferencing for a health care visit (Canada Health Infoway 2024, 12). The 2023 Canadian Digital Health Survey suggests that there is unmet demand (Canada Health Infoway 2024, 13).1 The report found that the unmet demand was 38 per cent for video visits and 27 per cent for telephone consultations. Unmet demand, combined the “the growth in Canadian physicians’ adoption of information technology” shows promising telehealth growth for Canada (Canadian Institute for Health Information 2023, 4).
Open Access
Smoke Between Neighbours: Measuring the Inter-Provincial Impacts of Wildfires on PM 2.5 Levels
(2024-05-29) Ryland, Elliot; Crost, Benjamin
This paper aims to understand the magnitude of cross-provincial spillovers from wildfire smoke, and the implications of these spillovers on how wildfire management is structured in Canada. Canada’s wildfire management regime is decentralized—with provinces responsible for the majority of wildfire management duties. However, economic theories on decentralization show that, in the presence of inter-jurisdictional spillovers, such a system may not be optimal. If spillover effects are unilateral—one province affects another more than vice versa—then there is reason to have greater centralization. Although there are inefficiencies related to centralization, polycentric theories show that such inefficiencies may be necessary when it comes to emergency management due to the need for resource redundancy. My research uses Distributed Lag Models to determine the impact of wildfire burn area on smoke levels across 22 Canadian municipalities. The results show that, during the wildfire season, approximately 75% of PM 2.5 levels in Canadian municipalities is attributable to cross-border wildfires. Therefore, the impacts of cross-provincial spillovers are not only large, they are greater than intra-provincial wildfires on municipal smoke levels. These results show that wildfire smoke is a matter of national concern, which implicates greater federal responsibility in wildfire management.
Open Access
How does Alberta’s K-12 Education Funding Model Impact Student Funding Outcomes?
(2024-05-29) Robinson, Taylor; Winter, Jennifer
Provincial control over and experimentation with education systems in Canada has resulted in multiple unique education landscapes across the country, each comprised of different school types, methods of instruction, and funding models. In September 2020, the Alberta government implemented a new funding model for kindergarten to Grade 12 education which allocates funding based on a weighted moving average of student enrolments. The introduction of the new model culminated in increased criticism from stakeholders in the education area, heightened public scrutiny of the provincial government’s investment in education, and claims of Alberta allocating the lowest spending per student in the country. By examining and comparing the education funding model components and student instructional funding allocations of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario between the school years of 2020/21 and 2023/24, we show that Alberta’s spending in education falls short and the weighted moving average education funding model does have an impact on the amount of funding allocated to schools. We found, when compared to other provinces, Alberta’s total education spending increased the least, while its K-12 student population experienced the greatest growth and, for every school year studied, Alberta’s average spending per student was the lowest of all three provinces. Furthermore, we identified the weighted moving average model has the largest impact on funding for school authorities with meaningful enrolment growth between school years.
Open Access
Building the Foundation for Sport Mental Health Policy: Addressing Student-Athlete Mental Health at the University of Calgary
(2024-05-29) Kane-Rissling, Madison; Balser, Teri
Varsity student-athletes are a unique subgroup of students that require identity-specific mental health resources. However, student-athlete mental health is significantly under-researched and therefore many USPORTS member universities, the UofC included, do not have a mental health policy specifically for student-athletes. This is problematic since student-athletes report higher levels of psychological distress due to the social determinants of mental health (SDMH) in comparison to the general student population and therefore require specialized supports. In this study I sought to explore the mental health resources available to student-athletes in comparison to the student population across USPORTS member universities. The goal of this research was to determine whether the UofC owes its student-athletes a duty of care, and if the Dinos Athletics department should develop a policy for student-athlete support accordingly, to mitigate the effects of the social determinants of mental health (SDMH). I conducted a structured literature review, a jurisdictional scan and a website and document analysis to identify USPORTS member universities and their best practices in providing a duty of care for student-athlete mental health. Participant universities demonstrated various approaches in implementing mental health resources and included a hybrid of upstream and downstream services. The findings show that in comparison to other member universities, the Dinos Athletics department and the UofC are behind in providing adequate athlete-specific mental health resources. Findings from this study can inform the Dinos Athletics department and the UofC Board of Governors in safeguarding the mental health of student-athletes.
Open Access
The Digital Divide: Federal Broadband Strategy and Implications for Indigenous Communities in Rural Canada
(2024-05-29) Revnic, Bogdan; Winter, Jennifer; Koch, Katharina
This study examines the effectiveness of federal policies in bridging the digital divide by analyzing the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) policies, particularly Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2016-496, which aims to ensure universal broadband access and high-speed 50/10 Mbps service. The literature review reveals that inadequate broadband and infrastructure exacerbate the digital divide, posing a significant barrier to equitable Internet access, especially in remote Indigenous communities. This research identifies gaps and improvement opportunities and assesses the socio-economic implications of limited Internet access across rural Indigenous communities, including the effects of disparities in digital skills. By reviewing the funding allocation and impact of the CRTC Broadband Fund from 2020 to 2024, this research analyzes public comments and responses to Telecom Notices of Consultation, CRTC 2023-89 and 89-1, from March 2023 to July 2024. The findings show that while infrastructure deployment has advanced in Canada, significant service delivery gaps remain for Indigenous communities. The study identifies digital equity as a step towards Indigenous reconciliation and advocates for community-driven approaches and flexible regulatory frameworks. Addressing equity gaps is crucial for ensuring that Indigenous Peoples, particularly in remote areas, can fully participate in the digital economy and access government e-services like education, healthcare, and emergency response.
Open Access
Students, Smartphones, and Social Media
(2024-05-29) Randell, D.C.C.; Boucher, J.C.
This paper serves as an up-to-date survey on the effects of smartphones on young people both inside and outside of classrooms. The prolific use of smartphones amongst school-aged youth is a global phenomenon that is attracting the attention of parents, teachers, and policymakers. Smartphones, and the social media applications accessible on them, are the source of a number of problems for kids; this paper details those problems and demonstrates that smartphones pose a threat to children’s education and overall sense of well-being. Specifically, this paper notes that since around 2012, smartphone use has become incredibly widespread. Since this time a number of concomitant trends have accompanied the salience of the smartphone, namely: decreases in academic performance and children’s ability to focus, and increasing mental health issues. Today, children are bombarded by both internal and external distractions when they are trying to learn. Some studies have also linked recreational screen time to suboptimal academic outcomes. Social media is another major concern for parents and policymakers as it has been linked to decreased self-esteem and increased rates of cyber-bullying. This paper also examines how these online networking platforms are negatively affecting youth. Finally, this paper reviews a number of policies in place internationally that are attempting to neutralize the unfortunate externalities that accompany unbridled cell phone use in schoolchildren. This section prefaces a survey of Canada’s current smartphone policy landscape. The paper concludes with three recommendations for domestic policymakers to consider in order to improve the current situation.
Open Access
The Emissions Reduction Effects of Emission Pricing Systems: A Structured Literature Review
(2024-05-29) Rama, Dylan; Winter, Jennifer
If the goals of the Paris Agreement are to be met, the importance of accelerating emissions reductions grows with each passing year. It is also important, then, to better understand the role of climate policy tools in emissions abatement. Emissions pricing is one such tool, be it in the form of a carbon tax or an emissions trading system. This is but one example of how the design of an emissions pricing system can vary, and understanding the relationship between a system’s policy design and its emissions reductions is a key aspect of understanding its effectiveness. To this end, I perform a structured literature review of academic journal articles studying the ex post emissions reduction effects of emissions pricing systems, analyzing the results from 44 articles. I find that on average, emissions pricing systems have reduced emissions by 7.7 per cent. Some systems have resulted in large emissions reductions with a relatively modest price per tonne of CO2e. Many researchers note that exemptions in systems have hindered their effectiveness. Overall results indicate that the relationship between a system’s design — in terms of price level and emissions coverage — and its emissions reducing effect is complex, and there are various confounding factors for any given jurisdiction that must be considered.
Open Access
A Constitutional Approach to the Ring of Fire
(2024-05-29) Pounder, Edan; Wilson, Dan
After 17 years of stagnation, Ontario’s mineral-rich Ring of Fire remains undeveloped, partially due to competing perspectives over the prospect of development in the isolated wetlands. Policy instability and federal-provincial tensions have also interfered with proposed developments. Considering the October 2024 ruling on the Impact Assessment Act’s unconstitutionality, the subsequent amendments and the lack of progress in developing the region, this paper seeks to find a viable path forward. While limited, there is existing research on practices that assessments for the Ring of Fire should incorporate. To date, no analyses completed after the determination of the Act’s unconstitutionality have been published. This paper focuses primarily on legal and discourse analysis of relevant legislation and other government documents. The analysis also helps in considering the priorities influencing federal, First Nations and Ontario leadership. The research concludes that many projects either occur on or will likely have significant adverse impacts on First Nations lands. Therefore, the Federal Government can still perform impact assessments and exercise decision-making powers. On the basis that there is federal jurisdiction in the region and regional assessments are necessary for understanding cumulative impacts, revisiting a regional assessment is recommended. However, it is also recommended that the current assessments of proposed roads in the region be allowed to continue without duplicative federal assessments, and that the Government of Ontario amend its Environmental Assessment Act.
Open Access
Reducing Indigenous Over-Incarceration
(2024-05-29) Platt, Victoria; Fellows, G. Kent
In 1996, the Government of Canada implemented Bill C-41 which led to major sentencing reforms. One change was the creation of section 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code of Canada, which signaled that the criminal justice system had become overly reliant on custodial sentences. The long-recognized concern for the disproportionately high rates of Indigenous incarceration was further recognized by this provision. To tackle the problem of Indigenous overincarceration, the judiciary was to consider the unique systemic and background circumstances of Indigenous offenders during sentencing proceedings. In the case of R v Gladue, the Supreme Court of Canada deemed that such considerations were an indispensable responsibility of sentencing judges. Specialized sentencing reports, called Gladue Reports, have become increasingly common method of capturing the circumstances of Indigenous offenders. The approach to the creation and funding of these reports varies drastically between provinces, with some provinces having fully funded programs and others not having any such program at all. Judicial interviews tend to indicate a preference among sentencing judges in favour of Gladue Reports due to their propensity for detailed information about the individual offender. Despite the general favour, empirical studies indicate that there is no clear relationship between Gladue Reports, Indigenous identity and the ultimate sentence received by an offender. This paper provides a comprehensive review of studies relating to the efficacy of Gladue Reports in the sentencing to provide greater insight into whether these reports are sufficiently addressing the legislative intention of section 718.2(e): reducing the judiciary’s reliance on custodial sentences for Indigenous offenders.
Open Access
Considering Climate Concerns in Corporate Merger Review under the Canadian Competition Act: A Policy Perspective
(2024-05-29) Pandya, Margi; Fellows, G. Kent
The pressing nature of the climate crisis, coupled with national climate action plans that are inadequate to restrict global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement has led to growing calls for more robust environmental policies (United Nations 2023). This has motivated some competition law scholars to advocate for a ‘green antitrust policy’ to amend competition rules, so they support the achievement of a climate-neutral1 economy (Schinkel and Treuren 2021). The United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change2 (UNFCCC) recognizes the imperative of climate action. Partly as a result of this kind of acknowledgement policymakers in Europe, US, UK, and Australia are revising their competition laws to facilitate this. As a party to UNFCCC, Canada also has a responsibility to align its policies with its climate commitments of reducing its emissions to net-zero by 2050 (Government of Canada 2022). The absence of regulatory mechanisms to assess the environmental impact of corporate mergers leaves a critical gap in Canada's competition policy framework that can be exploited by companies engaging in climate washing. Despite the acknowledgment by the Commissioner of Competition Bureau (Commissioner), Matthew Boswell, of the potential adverse effects of mergers on both markets and the environment, legislative amendments empowering the Bureau to incorporate environmental concerns remain absent. This paper explores the rationale behind this gap and its implications for Canada's environmental and economic landscape. Specifically, I address the question Should the Canadian Competition Act incorporate climate concerns in its corporate merger review?
Open Access
Distracted Driving: Is Alberta’s Policy Doing Enough?
(2024-05-29) Osman, Zainab; Fellows, G. Kent
Tens of thousands of Albertans are convicted of distracted driving annually. When an individual takes their eyes off the road to engage in a non-driving task, they threaten their lives and those around them. As a result, this capstone aims to answer this question: to what extent does Alberta’s distracted driving law prevent distracted driving convictions, and how does the province’s legislation compare to that of Saskatchewan? This project employs a legislative history of Alberta and Saskatchewan’s distracted driving laws, and fixed and random effect linear regressions on provincial- and municipal-level distracted driving data in the two provinces. The results demonstrate a negative relationship between distracted driving convictions and demerits and fines in Alberta and Saskatchewan, calling for further policy interventions to keep drivers safe on and off the road.
Open Access
Comparative Analysis of the Ghana Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act 2016 and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 of Nigeria: Focus on Foreign Investment Attraction and Capacity-Building Relationships
(2024-05-29) Obeng Dappah, Jeffrey; Wilson, L. Daniel
The petroleum sector significantly influences the economic development of Ghana and Nigeria, being pivotal contributors to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings. This research conducts a thorough comparative analysis of the legal frameworks governing these sectors, focusing on Ghana's Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act 2016 and Nigeria's Petroleum Industry Act 2021. The study delves into key aspects such as the definition of "local," legal framework and objectives, licensing and contracting, investor protection, fiscal regimes, and their implications for foreign investment and capacity building. The analysis aims to provide insights into whether Ghana should consider a substantial update of its current petroleum legislation and whether elements of Nigeria's recent legislation can serve as a model for this update.
Open Access
Regulating the Recruitment: Addressing Unethical Practices of Education Agents in Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions
(2024-05-29) Nguyen, Alex; Balser, Teri C.
This capstone examines the critical role and oversight of education agents in recruiting international students to Canadian post-secondary institutions (PSIs). Using the concept of academic capitalism, this study highlights a shift in PSIs’ priorities from educational value to financial gain, predominately driven by decreased government funding and expressed in the overreliance on international student tuition to subsidize an underfunded post-secondary system. Consequently, international students are treated as lucrative commodities, making them vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous education agents. Emerging as powerful market facilitators, education agents connect prospective international students with institutions that best align with their academic goals and aspirations. However, a lack of regulation and transparency in these agents' practices has led to significant ethical concerns and the exploitation of international students. This capstone identifies three key factors contributing to unethical practices by education agents: lack of transparency, insufficient regulation and oversight, and inadequate student protection. To address these issues, the capstone proposes a multifaceted approach with three key recommendations: (1) establishing a national code of conduct for active monitoring, (2) increasing transparency through publicized lists of accredited and rogue agents, and (3) enhancing protection through feedback and reporting mechanisms. These measures aim to safeguard the interests of international students and maintain the integrity of Canada’s education system.
Open Access
Mismatch Between Canada’s Economic Immigration Policies and Professional Regulatory Organizations: Case Study of Foreign Trained Physicians in Alberta
(2024-05-29) Nesbitt, Hannah; Lhermie, Guillaume
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is currently grappling with significant challenges, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, a growing and aging population, the mental health and opioid crises, healthcare professionals leaving the province, increasing wait times for tests and surgeries, and widespread staff burnout. One solution to addressing these challenges is by employing foreign trained physicians that have immigrated to Alberta, through the federal immigration system. However, self-governing regulatory bodies pose as barriers to having education from outside of Canada accredited. Thus, the goal of this thematic review is to synthetize literature from 2008 to 2023, on the barriers that exist within the credential recognition process and the extent to which these barriers may prevent highly skilled immigrants from entering the labour market, specifically for foreign trained physicians in Alberta. Key word searches in Science Direct, jstor, UCalgary Library, Google Scholar, Stats Canada and social sciences abstracts, identified many peer-reviewed journal articles. However, after a thematic review of the literature, 10 articles emerged which characterized six different themes including jurisdictional challenges, lack of prior knowledge on processes, training entry barriers, discrimination, a small number of residency spots, and ethics of recruiting. The result of this review benefits the future study on the accreditation process for foreign trained physicians and can provide direction on future policy decisions or solutions to the on-going challenges that exist within AHS, and self-governing regulatory bodies.
Open Access
Understanding and Defining Regenerative Agriculture Practices in Alberta: From Producer to Policy
(2024-05-29) Nelson, Francine; Lhermie, Guillaume
This paper explores the opportunities for Regenerative Agriculture (RA) in Alberta, aiming to inform effective policy design based on stakeholder input. It examines how farmers define RA, the RA practices they currently utilize, the barriers they experience in implementing RA practices and the opportunities for enabling policy design and implementation. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 participants with knowledge and experience with RA in Alberta. The findings reveal that defining RA requires a context-specific approach that considers regional conditions and individual farmer needs. Key barriers to the implementation of RA practices include Alberta’s climate, short growing season and a lack of producer knowledge. Insufficient inclusion of diverse perspectives in agricultural policymaking, disincentives for early adopters of RA and the lack of incentives for farmer participation in policy discussions are identified as policy gaps requiring adjustments. The findings highlight the need for tailored policies that accommodate the diverse needs of farmers while promoting the principles of RA. This study provides valuable insights into how farmers perceive government policies related to RA, offering policy recommendations to help develop more effective strategies to overcome barriers and promote the expansion of RA in Alberta.
Open Access
An Analysis on the Effectiveness of Economic Sanctions on Russian Oil, Specifically the G7+ Price Cap
(2024-05-29) Mustapic, Marin; Crost, Benjamin
Given the economic harm and disruption stemming from the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, this paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of economic sanctions on Russian oil, specifically the G7+ price cap and import embargo. Past literature on this topic focuses on the legal framework, economic data and policy process in isolation, whereas this paper unites these topics for a more holistic understanding and approach. The goals of the policies in question are to reduce Russian oil revenue and maintain global oil supply. Upon completing the research, it is clear that the sanction regime and policy is well written, but increasingly lacking in enforcement as time goes on. This results in lower efficacy meaning that in spite of high initial reductions to Russian profits, the impact is lessening since policy implementation on December 5, 2022. However, despite initial concerns, Russian oil production remains high and even though the price cap is being imposed imperfectly, it is working. The more Russia sells, the greater the influence of the policy. As time has passed, Russia has found ways to circumvent the sanctions, further revealing the lack of enforcement. Nevertheless, overall gains from oil sales are down, world oil demand is fulfilled, and the policy is negatively affecting Russian finances.
Open Access
Defining Disability: A Comparative Policy Analysis
(2024-05-29) Maldonado Leon, Nikole; Zwicker, Jennifer
This research assesses how Canadian laws define disability and their impact on disability benefits and programs related to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). Canada has committed to ensuring that its federal, provincial, and territorial laws reflect the principles of dignity, equality, and inclusion for persons with disabilities, as outlined in the UN CRPD. However, there is no evidence on how disability is defined across jurisdictions and its implications on programs available to individuals. The study uses a comparative policy analysis to evaluate 48 pieces of legislation and 201 programs and benefits across Canada. Using the READ methodology, the research identifies patterns in how disability is framed, mainly through medical and biopsychosocial models, and analyzes the implications of these frames for policy implementation. The findings reveal that most Canadian legal documents (n=37) align with a medical model, determining eligibility criteria based on impairments. In contrast, fewer documents (n=11) align with a biopsychosocial model, which closely reflects the UN CRPD by considering the interaction between an individual's health condition and societal barriers. The results highlight the need for a common definition of disability across Canadian legislation to ensure equitable access to disability benefits and services. The study concludes with policy recommendations, advocating for the adoption of a common disability definition, the establishment of a standard classification system based on the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), and the alignment of the Canada Disability Benefit's eligibility criteria with the Canada Disability Benefit Act.
Open Access
More Than One Option: An Integrated Approach to Reduce Diesel Reliance – Introducing Forest Biomass Energy in Old Crow, Yukon, a Pilot Project
(2024-05-29) Lee, Flora; Bailey, Megan
This paper aims to implement an integrated approach to renewable energy solutions for remote Indigenous communities in Canada, focusing on forest biomass as a sustainable alternative. Indigenous communities, disproportionately affected by climate change due to historical displacement and colonial relocation, are actively seeking alternatives to fossil fuels amidst Canada's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. However, existing climate regulations often overlook the unique challenges faced by these communities. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis was conducted on the implementation of a woody biomass combined heat and power system to generate electricity in the Vuntut Gwitchin Nation, a remote community located in Old Crow, Yukon. The objective is to combine forest biomass-based energy with existing solar infrastructure to further reduce diesel reliance, improve community health, and address energy security. This research showcases the importance of a multi-pronged approach to renewable energy solutions for remote Indigenous communities and highlights the potential of biomass integration to achieve sustainable energy goals in Canada. It also suggests the need for inclusive climate policies and government support to ensure remote Indigenous communities have equitable access to clean energy transitions.
Open Access
Understanding the Direction of Influence Between Homelessness and Substance Abuse
(2024-05-29) Khan, Allina; Kneebone, R.
This capstone synthesizes the literature on the complex relationship between substance abuse and homelessness, emphasizing the bidirectional nature of this connection. The central research question is: What is the directional influence between unstable housing/homelessness and substance abuse? The review found that addressing whether substance abuse leads to homelessness or vice versa is complex and does not produce a definitive answer. The literature found that substance abuse can often precede homelessness, contributing to job loss, the breakdown of social support networks, and integration into new social circles that encourage substance use (Johnson & Chamberlain, 2008; Vangeest & Johnson, 2002; McVicar et al., 2015). This progression demonstrates how substance abuse disrupts economic stability and social relationships, pushing individuals toward housing instability. Conversely, homelessness can influence or worsen substance use due to harsh living conditions, social isolation, and the normalization of substance use within homeless communities (Johnson & Chamberlain, 2008; Booth et al., 2023). The stress and coping mechanisms associated with homelessness further complicate efforts to manage substance use disorders effectively. Thus, the interplay between substance abuse and homelessness is bidirectional and multifaceted, making it challenging to pinpoint a single causal pathway. The literature reveals a bidirectional relationship where the conditions of homelessness can intensify substance abuse, while substance abuse may escalate the risk of homelessness. Factors such as systemic inequalities, mental health comorbidities, and social disaffiliation play crucial roles in shaping these dynamics. Because of this complex relationship, there is no definitive answer to the research question. This capstone clarifies the importance of understanding the difficulty in answering this question and recognizing the multifaceted nature of the issue. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing targeted interventions that address the root causes of both substance abuse and homelessness.
Open Access
Canada's role in NATO: Foreign Policy Role Conceptions in the Canadian News Media
(2024-05-29) Jarvis, Hailey; Boucher, Jean-Christophe
The media influences foreign policy narratives at elite and public opinion levels. The media has the power to profoundly impact policy decisions – and international security policy is no exception. In a rapidly changing security environment, it is now more critical than ever that Canada examine its historic role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and prepare for the role it intends to play in the future. This study seeks to answer the question, "How do international role perceptions shape the narrative surrounding Canada's participation in NATO within the Canadian media landscape?". Role theory has provided the theoretical basis for this analysis, arguing that democratic policymakers will act in accordance with how they are perceived both domestically by the public and internationally by other states to maintain political popularity. A supervised machine learning model was utilized to analyze Canadian news articles which discussed NATO and identify when Canada was portrayed in specific roles. The three roles defined and placed in this study are ‘good international citizen’ (GIC), ‘faithful ally,’ and ‘free-rider.’ The findings show that, as a baseline, the Canadian media predominantly portrays Canada’s role as a GIC; however, during times of increased pressure from allies or intensified international conflict, the media reacts with dramatically increased portrayals of Canada as a faithful ally. While these findings challenge initial hypotheses, they still provide valuable insight into the reactionary nature of foreign policy news coverage in Canada. Rather than acting in a manner that holds the government accountable for their actions, during increased scrutiny, the media attempts to justify federal government actions by reinforcing that Canada is deeply intertwined with their historical allies and not accountable for their actions. Alternatively, during times of calm when the GIC role is dominant, the media is trying to portray Canadian military actions abroad in an idealistic and popular manner to the public rather than what would be considered the most balanced or accurate. This cyclical nature of national defence media coverage speaks to the changing quality of media in Canada, where content is increasingly chosen based on what will attract viewership and feed the elite narrative rather than balanced political coverage that contributes to the democratic process. To combat the cyclical nature of foreign policy media coverage, it is recommended that the Department of National Defence (DND) form proactive and positive relationships with the media, amendments be made to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to combat the monopolization of media publishing by elites, and that foreign policy decision-makers construct a coherent path forward in terms of the role Canada wishes to play in NATO as a new security era emerges. I hope that with these steps, a more coherent foreign policy role conception will begin to be formed when the media discusses Canada’s role in international security, which will assist in informing the public and holding political elites more accountable.