Executive Summary
Earnscliffe Strategy Group is pleased to
present the following report to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
summarizing the results of the qualitative research on extreme temperatures and
alerting programs in northern Canada.
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s
(ECCC) mandate is to protect the safety and security of Canadians and their
property. Public weather alerts are the main avenue for this action. The
Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) has recently established, in partnership
with Health Canada (HC) and the provinces and territories, a world-class Heat
Warning and Information System across the majority of Canada. This system
provides health-based Heat Warning criteria and services through advance
notifications to public health partners supporting their Heat Alert Response
Systems (HARS).
The MSC does not currently have a regionally
appropriate service in Nunavut, Northern Quebec (Nunavik), and the High Arctic
of the Northwest Territories and Yukon to protect Northern Canadians during
extreme heat events. The MSC has heard anecdotally from Service Meteorologists
that there are heat concerns at temperatures lower than one would expect within
the Northern Canadian population, in particular the high arctic. However, the
current population size and health data limitations in Northern Canada have
prevented Health Canada from completing a thorough and informative heat-health
analysis for the development of Heat Warning thresholds, nor is there
international research to support this action. At the same time, climate change
has increased the prevalence of extreme heat events in the North. Consequently,
the determination of health-based Heat Warning criteria and thresholds is a
priority to protect the population.
In order to develop an appropriate Heat
Warning Program and effective messaging system for the North, further
investigation into Northern Canadians’ perceptions, needs, and current
understanding of extreme temperature and their associated warning systems were
required.
In addition to helping ECCC better
understand Northern Canadians’ opinions and needs related to extreme heat, the
department also aims to use this research to better understand how the existing
extreme cold warning program in the North is used and how the warnings
influence decision-making for Northern Canadians. As Nunavut, Northern Quebec,
and the High Arctic have the most extreme cold temperatures in Canada, this
research will help improve the existing Extreme Cold Warning Program to better
suit the needs of Canadians in the North.
The total contract value of the project was $69,371.43 including
HST.
To meet ECCC’s objectives for this project, Earnscliffe conducted
a wave of qualitative research. The research entailed a total of 52 one-on-one
interviews conducted by phone from June 11 to August 12, 2021. The target
audiences included Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the general
population living in Canada’s North (outside Yellowknife and Whitehorse, where
existing criteria for heat warning systems are not appropriate), Indigenous
Elders living in Canada’s North and public health and emergency management
officials. In total, we conducted 35 interviews with the general population, 4
with Elders, 8 with health officials and 5 with emergency management officials.
The interviews were approximately 40 minutes in length and participants
received an honorarium of $200.
It is
important to note that qualitative research is a form of scientific, social,
policy, and public opinion research. Qualitative research is not designed to
help a group reach a consensus or to make decisions, but rather to elicit the full
range of ideas, attitudes, experiences, and opinions of a selected sample of
participants on a defined topic. Because of the small numbers involved, the
participants cannot be expected to be thoroughly representative in a
statistical sense of the larger population from which they are drawn and
findings cannot reliably be generalized beyond their number. As such, results
are directional only.
The key findings from the research are
presented below.
- Participants clearly distinguished
between weather (current conditions) and climate change (the changes in
weather observed over time, attributed to human activity).
- While most are concerned about climate
change, intensity varied. Some are very concerned, and cited dramatic
changes they have observed including:
- Warmer temperatures in the winter and
summer;
- Thawing permafrost causing their homes
to sink;
- Unreliability of ice roads and ice
thickness, which pose supply chain and safety issues for hunting and
fishing;
- Changes to animal and insect species in
their area; and,
- Frequency of forest fires and impact of
forest fire smoke on air quality and health.
- Those who were less concerned about
climate change explained that they were enjoying the warmer weather and
opportunity to do more outside. A few also felt concern about climate
change was overblown and perhaps part of a historic warming period.
- A common attitude held by almost all
participants was that they find extremely cold weather easier to handle
than extreme heat. Participants explained that they expect the weather to
be reliably cold during the winter. They are used to preparing for the
cold and the infrastructure in their communities was built to help them
live in these conditions.
- In contrast, extreme heat occurs less
predictably. Many felt it may be happening more often and is more
difficult to manage. Their bodies are not accustomed to the heat and
their houses were not built to help them stay cool (e.g., they retain
heat and do not have air conditioning).
- Asked what they view as extreme cold
requiring them to take precautions, participants mentioned a range of
anywhere between -30 to -50 degrees Celsius. Participants acknowledged
that at temperatures in that range, they would need to dress more warmly
and reconsider travel (in case of vehicle breakdown) or carry more
clothes/blankets in their vehicle. Some noted that they do not go outside
when it gets extremely cold, while a few said they usually continue with
most of their normal activities.
- One weather condition that was sometimes
mentioned as arriving with extreme cold was ice fog. Those mentioning it
clearly see it as a condition that may impact either their own plans
(because of poor visibility) or life in the community (because flights in
and out are disrupted).
- The hot temperatures at which
participants feel uncomfortable ranged from the low 20s to 30s. Answers seemed
to vary by region – those in Nunavut more often mentioned temperatures in
the low to mid 20s, while those in Yukon seemed to mention temperatures in
the 30s more often.
- Many noted that they have trouble
keeping their house cool because none of their homes have air
conditioning and were built to retain heat. Some also mentioned feeling
more lethargic or getting a headache in the heat.
- Some would keep their existing plans,
while taking precautions such as carrying more water, wearing sunscreen,
etc. However, others said they would try to stay inside and avoid going
out or seek out a place to cool off or swim.
- Some would appreciate an extreme heat
warning, but the group who did was divided on when they would like to
receive them – about half felt a day in advance would be sufficient,
while others wanted a few more days to prepare, cool their house down,
etc.
- While hot temperatures can be an
inconvenience, participants seemed more concerned about the impacts of
weather events that can accompany hot weather rather than the temperature
itself. Participants, particularly those in Yukon, often spoke about
forest fire smoke as part of what they consider weather, because it is
triggered by heat and thunder/lightning storms.
- Shorter winters and abrupt changes in
weather conditions and temperatures in the fall and spring emerged as
perhaps even greater concerns than extreme cold or extreme heat. Several
participants noted that ice is not reliably frozen for as long and is not
as thick as it was in the past. This means they don’t always know if it
is safe to go out on the ice to hunt/fish and use ice roads.
- Health officials indicated a number of
public health-related concerns that did not arise as frequently among the
other participants:
- They noted that vulnerable populations
such as those experiencing homelessness or Elders and the elderly are
more affected by extreme weather, whether it be directly due to the
conditions or due to the isolation that can occur when others are unable
to visit them.
- Those
who go “out on the land” were also a segment of the population these
respondents mentioned as being of concern, given the impacts of climate
change on ice conditions and the ability to move about and access
traditional sources of food (e.g., hunting, fishing).
- Most use ECCC’s weather resources in some
capacity, either through the website or the WeatherCAN app. Other sources often
mentioned include the iPhone weather app, Windy, Weather Network app, and
firesmoke.ca (health officials specifically).
- Several participants also explained that
the weather is a very common topic of conversation among family and
friends in the North.
- Most access weather reports using their
smartphone or computer. A few rely on radio and TV.
- They are most often looking for temperature,
wind (particularly for wind chill and to determine if the wind is strong
enough to cause significant waves on rivers and lakes), chance of
precipitation, and storm warnings. All of the above have some bearing on
how they plan their activities.
- Participants feel the weather forecast is
often inaccurate, but do not blame ECCC or other providers for errors.
Many believe it is simply too difficult to predict weather in the North
because it can vary dramatically based on precise location and can change
rapidly.
- Participants felt that ECCC’s weather
information quality is not bad, but that it does often miss the mark. A
few examples include either not notifying them of storms or predicting a
storm that never materializes.
- Asked what ECCC and other weather
providers could do differently, participants mentioned major weather
event accuracy, placing weather stations in more locations, more frequent
updates, including citizens in reporting in small communities (including
consulting elders), winter road conditions, reporting the weather in
Indigenous languages, and marine forecasting.
Introduction
Earnscliffe Strategy Group is pleased to
present the following report to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
summarizing the results of the qualitative research on extreme temperatures and
alerting programs in northern Canada.
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s
(ECCC) mandate is to protect the safety and security of Canadians and their
property. Public weather alerts are the main avenue for this action. The
Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) has recently established, in partnership
with Health Canada (HC) and the provinces and territories, a world-class Heat
Warning and Information System across the majority of Canada. This system
provides health-based Heat Warning criteria and services through advance
notifications to public health partners supporting their Heat Alert Response
Systems (HARS).
The MSC does not currently have a regionally
appropriate service in Nunavut, Northern Quebec (Nunavik), and the High Arctic
of the Northwest Territories and Yukon to protect Northern Canadians during
extreme heat events. The MSC has heard anecdotally from Service Meteorologists
that there are heat concerns at temperatures lower than one would expect within
the Northern Canadian population, in particular the high arctic. However, the
current population size and health data limitations in Northern Canada have
prevented Health Canada from completing a thorough and informative heat-health
analysis for the development of Heat Warning thresholds, nor is there
international research to support this action. At the same time, climate change
has increased the prevalence of extreme heat events in the North. Consequently,
the determination of health-based Heat Warning criteria and thresholds is a
priority to protect the population.
In order to develop an appropriate Heat
Warning Program and effective messaging system for the North, further
investigation into Northern Canadians’ perceptions, needs, and current
understanding of extreme temperature and their associated warning systems were
required.
In addition to helping ECCC better
understand Northern Canadians’ opinions and needs related to extreme heat, the
department also aims to use this research to better understand how the existing
extreme cold warning program in the North is used and how the warnings
influence decision-making for Northern Canadians. As Nunavut, Northern Quebec,
and the High Arctic have the most extreme cold temperatures in Canada, this
research will help improve the existing Extreme Cold Warning Program to better
suit the needs of Canadians in the North.
The specific objectives of the research
were to address the following information needs:
- The current needs and concerns of
Northern Canadians and stakeholders in relation to Extreme Temperatures
Warning Systems.
- What resources Canadians in the North
readily have available and use in relation to extreme temperature warnings
and messaging systems
- Do Canadians in the North require further
support and resources related to extreme temperature warnings and
messaging systems?
- How do Northern Canadians perceive the
appropriateness of extreme temperature warning criteria/thresholds?
- How do Northern Canadians perceive the
appropriateness of alerting, messaging, and actions related to extreme
cold/heat-health?
- How Canadians in the North would want to
integrate climate change concerns related to warming, extreme
temperatures, and dramatic annual temperature swings to help protect their
personal safety and security and the environment in which they live?
To meet ECCC’s objectives for this project, Earnscliffe conducted
a wave of qualitative research. The research entailed a total of 52 one-on-one
interviews conducted by phone from June 11 to August 12, 2021. The target
audiences included Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the general
population living in Canada’s North (outside Yellowknife and Whitehorse, where
existing criteria for heat warning systems are not appropriate), Indigenous
Elders living in Canada’s North and public health and emergency management
officials. In total, we conducted 35 interviews with the general population, 4
with Elders, 8 with health officials and 5 with emergency management officials.
The interviews were approximately 40 minutes in length. General population participants
and Indigenous Elders received an honorarium of $200.
The table below shows the number of interviews by audience:
Table 1. Number
of interviews by target audience
|
Target Audience
|
Number of Interviews
|
|
General population,
non-Indigenous
|
22
|
|
General
population, Indigenous
|
13
|
|
Elders
|
4
|
|
Health
Officials
|
8
|
|
Emergency
Management Officials
|
5
|
Appended to this report are the screener, invitations letters and
interview guide.
It is
important to note that qualitative research is a form of scientific, social,
policy, and public opinion research. Qualitative research is not designed to
help a group reach a consensus or to make decisions, but rather to elicit the
full range of ideas, attitudes, experiences, and opinions of a selected sample
of participants on a defined topic. Because of the small numbers involved, the
participants cannot be expected to be thoroughly representative in a
statistical sense of the larger population from which they are drawn, and
findings cannot reliably be generalized beyond their number.
The following report is divided into three sections.
The first deals with participants’ views about weather and climate change
broadly. The second examines attitudes about extreme temperatures and weather,
and how both impact daily life in the North. Finally, the report concludes with
a section detailing participants’ sources of weather information, impressions
of current weather forecasters and suggestions for improvement. Unless
otherwise noted, findings in this report are common across all audiences; only
noteworthy differences are mentioned.
Participants clearly distinguished between weather and
climate change. They viewed weather as the current conditions, including the
temperature, precipitation, wind, etc. Almost all agreed that climate change,
in contrast, is the change in weather conditions over time. Many noted that
climate change is a product of human activity.
While almost all were concerned about climate change,
the intensity of participants’ concern varied. Most noted that temperatures
have risen in both winter and summer and that the dependable weather patterns
in the North have been disrupted. Many referenced dramatic changes to the
frequency of weather events such as forest fires, and the impact of forest fire
smoke on health. Those who lived near or relied on rivers to get around or to
fish noted an increase in flooding.
Participants connected the changing weather patterns
to changes in the species of animals around them. Several have observed new
species (e.g. mosquitos and other insects, fish) around where they live and
noted that they now see fewer of others that were once plentiful (e.g. caribou).
A few participants mentioned that in their view, the changing conditions that
affect hunting and ice thickness mean that traditional Inuit knowledge of the
land does not always hold true.
Finally, many agreed that climate change is having a
dramatic impact on infrastructure in their community. The thawing of the
permafrost is causing homes and buildings to sink, they reported. Ice roads are
not safe for as long as they once were, affecting supply chains to communities.
Those who were less concerned about climate change
explained that they were enjoying the warmer weather and opportunity to do more
outside. A few also felt concern about climate change was overblown and that it
is perhaps part of a historic warming period.
Asked what they view as extreme cold requiring them to
take precautions, participants mentioned a range of anywhere between -30 to
-50. Particularly for the participants who grew up in the North, the cold does
not prevent them from going outside. Participants acknowledged that the cold could
impact how they go about their daily activities, but that it is relatively easy
to prepare and plan for. Rather than drastically impacting their day-to-day
life and activities, it is a part of it. As two participants explained, they
plan for cold weather:
“So you know, everyone understands there's
going to be cold snaps like that. And everybody's usually prepared already…I
feel like everybody here knows to be prepared, and has the ability to be
prepared for that kind of extreme on the bottom.” -Non-Indigenous participant,
Yukon
“But people are used to, they know how to
dress, even little kids. They know how to dress, how to be careful. And they're
very attentive to the regulations that they've been taught about wearing proper
footwear, pants, neck warmers, toques, mitts, and even the kids know the order
to put it on.” -Non-Indigenous participant, Nunavut
Communities and families have strategies for dealing
with the cold. Some noted that they do not go outside when it gets extremely
cold, while others said they usually continue with most of their normal
activities, sending their kids to school and going to work, but with
precautions. For example, during periods of extreme cold, participants
explained that they would need to dress more warmly and reconsider travel (in
case of vehicle breakdown) or carry more clothes/blankets in their vehicle. They
pay attention to detect any signs of frostbite when outside. One participant
said that even at -45, they would still go out on the land to hunt but prepare
by wearing bear or caribou skin clothing to keep warm and waterproof boots.
Several participants noted that windchill can impact
safety outdoors during cold weather. It is riskier to be outside when it is
cold and windy. Some participants explained that there is a greater risk of
dying from exposure when the winds are strong. Others pointed out that
vehicles are more prone to failure below a certain threshold. Consequently,
they pay close attention to windchill warnings when examining weather
information.
One other weather condition that was sometimes
mentioned as arriving with extreme cold was ice fog. Those who mentioned it
clearly saw it as a condition that may impact either their own plans (because
of poor visibility) or life in the community (because flights in and out are
disrupted).
A common attitude held by almost all participants was
that, for the reasons outlined above, they find extremely cold weather easier
to handle than extreme heat. They are used to preparing for the cold and the
infrastructure in their communities was built to help them live comfortably in those
conditions. In contrast, extreme heat occurs less predictably. Many felt it
may be happening more often and is more difficult to manage.
The hot temperatures at which participants feel
uncomfortable range from the low 20s to 30s. Answers seemed to vary by region. Those
in Nunavut more often mentioned temperatures in the low to mid 20s, while those
in Yukon seemed to mention temperatures in the 30s more often.
Participants explained that their bodies are not
accustomed to the heat and their houses were not built to help them stay cool
(e.g., they retain heat and do not have air conditioning). Many participants,
included the individual quoted below, expressed concerns for the health of
people in their community when temperatures reach the mid 20s to 30s:
“For us, 28 above is extreme. 25 is
warming but 28 to 35 is extreme. I know last year we had 35 above, that’s extreme.
So people don't have air conditioning units in houses. Last year, we had to use
one in our house, just to keep…the impact is immense during the day.
Dehydration, if that's the case, heatstroke. It’s the fact that if you can’t
have adequate rest during the night…for a longer period of like, two or three
days, that had a huge impact to the health, wellness [of the] community
especially. And [that] really compromised people in our community. They're
going to be heavily impacted, and remote emergencies, heatstroke or whatever.”
-Elder, Northwest Territories
Echoing the participant quoted above, when
participants experience temperatures they find uncomfortably hot, many noted
that they have trouble keeping their house cool because none of their homes
have air conditioning and were built to retain heat. A few also mentioned
aspects such as difficulty sleeping that can affect energy level and mood. Some
noted that they feel more lethargic or get a headache.
During periods of extreme heat, some would keep their
existing plans, while taking precautions such as carrying more water, wearing
sunscreen, dressing lightly, etc. However, others said they would try to stay
inside and avoid going out or seek out a place to cool off or swim. A few
participants who work outdoors said that they try to begin working earlier when
it is hot out or work at night and sleep during the day. One participant
mentioned that when it is hot outside, they move activities, including smoking
meat, inside their home, because the sun is too intense for them to work
outdoors.
When prompted, some said they would appreciate an
extreme heat warning. Some felt a day in advance would be sufficient, while
others wanted a few more days to prepare, cool their house down, or adjust
their plans for a trip out on the land if needed. Of note, emergency management
officials preferred several days’ warning to help them spread the word to
affected communities, particularly ahead of a weekend when people plan trips. A
few participants felt a warning about heat was unlikely to be able to help them
in any way beyond setting expectations. For them, it might be nice to have, but
is not necessary.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants alike held
a range of views regarding the appropriateness of and need for extreme heat
warnings. Several participants, in both audiences, did not think there was much
they could do to prepare for extreme heat and consequently felt they did not
need a warning. Some individuals in each group expressed that they would like
several days’ warning of extreme heat in order to prepare for trips out on the
land or recreational outdoor activities and trips. Though most of the reasons
for wanting a heat warning were similar between the two groups, one Indigenous
participant articulated that a warning would be important for Elders, which
none of the non-Indigenous participants mentioned.
While hot temperatures can be an inconvenience,
participants seemed more concerned about the impacts of weather events that can
accompany hot weather rather than the temperature itself. Participants,
particularly those in Yukon, often spoke about forest fire smoke as part of
what they consider weather, because it is triggered by heat and
thunder/lightning storms. Some indicated feeling that thunderstorms were
either occurring in increasing frequency or intensity or even new to their
area. They know forest fire smoke impacts health, including making it
difficult to breathe and causing headaches. A few had experienced highway
closures due to active forest fires that had impacted their travel plans.
Shorter, warmer winters and abrupt changes in weather
conditions and temperatures in the fall and spring emerged as perhaps even
greater concerns than extreme cold or extreme heat. Many who grew up in the
North explained that winters are no longer as cold as they used to be:
“When I was a kid up here, minus 40 was common. I
mean, it was an everyday thing. When it got to minus 20, we would take our
jackets off and say, my God, it's hot. Last year, we might have touched 40 once.
We had a very warm winter last year, most of the time in the 20s and early 30s
on the Celsius scale, and I believe I plugged my truck in once, all winter.”-Non-Indigenous
participant, Nunavut
Though not all could recall an instance when
temperatures exceeded 0 degrees Celsius in the winter, most noted that warmer
winter temperatures are having a negative impact on life in the North. Several
participants explained that warmer winters mean that the ice is not reliably
frozen for as long as it was in the past, nor perhaps as thick as in the past.
This means they don’t always know if it is safe to go out on the ice to
hunt/fish and use ice roads. The latter also impacts the supply of food and
essentials in some communities, as the following participants highlighted:
“The whole thing about the ice roads that
people depend on [them], you know. So you don't have to fly all your goods in,
you can truck them in. That's a lot cheaper. But now that that window is a lot
shorter than it was, I guess the big companies are having similar issues like
to the mine sites to get their supplies in as well. They're finding it more
challenging.” -Non-Indigenous participant, Northwest Territories
“The sea ice. It melts sooner and takes
longer to freeze in the fall. Places that used to be safe to travel are less
safe or safe for less periods of time. People are falling through the ice and
very experienced hunters…we’re losing people because the ice is changing and
it’s hard to read.” -Inuit participant, Nunavut
“We rely on snowmobiles to get out on the land
during the wintertime and that’s, normally you can count on an 8-month period
and that’s in decline because we have to wait in the fall for snow, and in
spring time especially on the land and on lakes it melts very fast, we can’t
travel for as long as we used to on the land.” -Inuit participant, Nunavut
In addition to changes to the freeze/thaw cycle, a few
participants noted that they are experiencing abrupt changes in weather more
often than previously. One participant, who had recently experienced a
hailstorm in their community, highlighted the changing trends:
We don't traditionally see hail in June,
you know, you get the occasional frost or snow just because it's so far north,
but you have to hailstorms within 10 days is pretty, pretty not normal for this
part of the world. So I can see kind of just changes in since I've been living
here, you know, we get more frequent thunderstorms, where they're more
reminiscent of like an Ontario thunderstorm where it's, you know, very loud,
lots of lightning, heavy, heavy rains. It's just not something that I've ever
really experienced up here in the north in the Yukon. -Non-Indigenous
participant, Yukon
According to them, thunderstorms are increasing in
frequency and severity, along with high winds. Some participants explained that
their community has experienced more flooding as well.
Public health officials offered, as might be expected,
more detailed responses when asked about the impacts of extreme heat on
communities in the North. They indicated a number of public health-related
concerns that did not arise as frequently among the other participants. They
explained that those experiencing homelessness, low-income individuals or
Elders and the elderly can be more affected by extreme weather. The outsized
effects on these populations can be directly due to the conditions; seniors are
more vulnerable to respiratory complications stemming from smoke and are more
susceptible to heat stroke, for example. Public health officials also noted
the danger posed by the isolation that can occur when others are unable to
visit seniors due to either very cold or very warm weather.
Individuals with a lower income or who are
experiencing homelessness are at a greater risk than the rest of the population
during winter and summer. Officials noted that they do not always have access
to housing that is either warm or cool enough, depending on the season. Being
exposed to the elements outside, particularly in the winter, is also a
dangerous risk for the homeless population.
Those who go “out on the land” were also a segment of
the population these participants mentioned as being of concern, given the
impacts of climate change on ice conditions and the ability to move about and
access traditional sources of food (e.g., hunting, fishing).
One of the public health officials we spoke to said
that they try to amplify ECCC’s extreme heat warnings. They advise people to
take precautions such as staying hydrated, ensuring pets and children are not
left in vehicles, cooling themselves down with a wet towel and, for the elderly
or frail individuals, discussing their medications with their doctor if they
believe they are more prone to heat-related illness.
Most participants said that they use ECCC’s weather
resources in some capacity, either through the website or the WeatherCAN app. A
few also mentioned looking up ECCC’s marine forecast. It should be noted that
almost all referred to “Environment Canada” rather than Environment and Climate
Change Canada and a few asked for clarification over whether they are one and
the same.
Aside from ECCC, participants mentioned getting
weather information from the iPhone weather app, CBC, the Weather Network app,
and Windy.com. Health officials also mentioned firesmoke.ca. Weather is also a
frequent topic of discussion between friends and family, both in person and
within community-based social media groups. As one non-Indigenous participant
in Nunavut said, “forecasting a blizzard here is a full-time pastime.”
The Internet and mobile phones are where most get
their weather. Some rely on radio or TV. Indeed, when asked whether there are
any existing sources of weather information which they discount or ignore,
several mentioned TV. The TV broadcasts they see are not particularly focused
on the North, let alone on their local community, so the information is largely
irrelevant to their circumstances but may be of interest for knowing how the
weather is where family or friends are living.
Participants reported checking the weather daily, if
not more frequently. The information they look for in a forecast is, first and
foremost, temperature. However, wind is also quite important. As noted earlier,
wind chill can have a significant impact on how they prepare for the day. Wind
can also be relevant for planning trips on rivers and lakes (to determine if
the wind is strong enough to cause significant waves). Participants also look
for the chance of precipitation and storm warnings. All of the above have some
bearing on what they choose to wear and how they plan their daily their
activities. For example, if the temperature is forecasted to exceed a threshold
they find uncomfortably hot, they may choose to pause any outdoor work. A few
participants explained that they rely on the weather forecast to help them plan
trips on the land. In addition to temperature and wind, they also look at the
tide forecast. A few mentioned also seeking out the sunrise and sunset times,
as well as historic trends, but more out of personal interest than anything
else.
Participants felt that the weather forecast is often
inaccurate. One participant in Nunavut explained, “Literally, it will call for
on the weather site, you know, a good chance of precipitation but it’s pouring
rain. They’ll say ‘it’s fine, it’s only -35’ but it’s -50.” Some also noted
that the weather events being warned about in special weather statements don’t
always materialize.
However, participants did not blame ECCC or other
providers for errors. Many believe it is simply too difficult to predict
weather in the North because it can vary dramatically and can change rapidly.
They use the forecast as a guideline, but do not trust it implicitly.
As one public health official noted, weather can vary
dramatically within just a few square kilometres:
It would be interesting to see if there
could be readings done at different locations like in Dawson. We're aware that
out at the airport where the weather station is, tends to be, it’s in a
different valley. It’s very, very close to where I live, it's only a 15–20-minute
drive, but we know that there is a difference in temperature in town than there
is out of the airport. Might be because the river is close to us here and we
are also in a different valley, but it would be interesting to have different
points of information like at the airport it’s this and in town it’s like
that.” -Public health official, Yukon
They explained that most know that there is a
discrepancy between the reported forecast and the conditions in town, but that
it could be useful to have more reporting stations in their community.
Participants felt that ECCC’s weather information
quality is not bad and of the sources available to them it is among the most
reliable. A few noted that ECCC’s weather forecasting includes all the
information they need – temperature, long range forecast, wind warnings, forest
fire maps, etc. Though ECCC’s information is among the best resources that
they have, participants say it does miss the mark fairly regularly. A few
examples include either not notifying them of storms or predicting a storm that
never materializes or is not as intense as predicted.
Asked what ECCC and other weather providers could do
differently, participants often mentioned major weather event accuracy. Some
also felt it would improve the accuracy of the forecasts to place weather
stations in more locations. Several participants requested more frequent
updates. A few explained that it could be helpful to ECCC if they included citizens
in reporting in small communities, including consulting Elders, and if they reported
the weather in Indigenous languages. Providing updates or video footage of road
conditions was also mentioned by a few participants as something that would
help them plan their travel more safely. Finally, one Elder felt that ECCC
could do more to communicate information about ice thickness with communities
who rely on it for transportation and fishing.
When prompted, many participants felt that a forecast
specifically for hunting and fishing could be useful. They suggested that such
a service should include marine forecasting, information about how fast rivers
are running and the tides, all of which would help those travelling on water to
assess the safety of their excursion. One participant suggested providing a
forecast specifically for the area where bison hunting take place in Yukon.
However, not all felt a special forecast for hunting and fishing is necessary
and claimed that they already get enough information from existing sources.
Finally, public health and emergency management
officials had a few unique ideas that would help support their own work. One
suggested making ECCC weather reports available via weather radio warning
system. They thought that ECCC may be working towards this already, but
supported the expansion of such a project. They pointed out that it is crucial
to reach people who are no longer in an area with cell service. They felt this
could be accomplished by making ECCC weather warnings available on SPOT
satellite messenger or Garmin’s inReach, a two-way messaging device that many
hunters carry.
Another public health official asked for surveillance
data on the health impacts of extreme heat, so they could ensure they were
describing the effects accurately to the population. While some do try to
educate the public about the risks of extreme heat and how to cope, most would
welcome more resources from ECCC that could be easily disseminated to the
population to support their efforts. One mentioned that more information about
the risk of sunburn would be helpful in particular.
One of the emergency management officials spoke about
the need for greater coordination between ECCC, search and rescue, emergency
management and the territorial government. In the past, when they had high
levels of smoke in their area, they had difficulty obtaining the local smoke
level numbers and consequently were unsure when to tell the elderly to
evacuate. In a similar vein, another said they had received a heat warning from
ECCC last summer, but were unsure how to communicate about it to the public.
Two emergency management officials said that they felt ECCC should do more on
social media to spread the weather warnings; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
were mentioned unaided.
The findings of the research suggest that many of those
living in the North are preoccupied by climate change and its impact on weather
and daily life. For most, the weather events and trends they have experienced
in more recent years are linked to climate change. Almost all participants
found the warmer temperatures, early thawing/late freezing, and changes to the
natural landscape concerning.
One of the objectives of this research project was to
gather information to inform extreme temperature warning criteria. Participants
explained that in cold weather, they become uncomfortable or have to take
precautions when the temperature reaches anywhere between -30 and -50 Celsius.
For warm weather, the threshold is somewhere between the mid to low 20s and
30s. Their ability to cope with weather on either end of the spectrum varies. The
interviewees explained clearly that they are prepared for cold weather. They
expect it to be reliably cold in the winter and have already adjusted their
routines and come up with solutions to cope with it. They acknowledged the
danger posed by extreme cold but felt well equipped to meet the challenge. In
contrast, participants seemed less prepared for warm weather, but also did not
perceive that the risks are as significant as those posed by extreme cold.
Participants adjust as well as they can to hot weather, but their options are
more limited. Many noted that most buildings lack air conditioning, and it can
be difficult to cool off. Health officials in particular warned of heat stroke,
dehydration and sunburn. Not all general population participants felt that the
extreme heat has a significant impact on their health, but those who did mentioned
that the heat makes them more tired and lethargic and can lead to dehydration.
Asked whether they would find an extreme heat warning
useful, some saw value in it, but were split over how much advance notice they
would need to prepare. Part of the group felt a day would be sufficient, while
others wanted a few days’ warning so that they could cool down their home.
Those who did not feel they needed a heat warning did not think it would be
likely to help them, other than by setting expectations.
As outlined in this report, hot temperatures can be an
inconvenience, but participants were more concerned about the impacts of
weather events that warmer temperatures bring about rather than the temperature
itself. For example, participants, particularly those in Yukon, often brought
up forest fires and forest fire smoke, which they know can dramatically impact
health and safety. Relatedly, shorter winters and the unpredictability of ice
freezing and thawing has huge consequences for transportation, logistics,
supplies to local communities and hunting, according to participants.
Participants rely on weather forecasting, most often
ECCC’s, but feel the information they receive is not always accurate. They did
not blame ECCC or other sources for this, because they acknowledged that
weather is difficult to predict in the North. However, they did offer many
suggestions to improve the information they currently receive, including more
accurate reporting on major events (e.g., blizzards, thunderstorms) and placing
weather stations in more locations around their community. Other suggestions
included reporting on road conditions and ice thickness, as well as marine
forecasting for those who go out on the water to fish and providing the
forecast in Indigenous languages.
Appendix A: Interview Methodology Report
The target audiences for this research were
individuals living in Nunavut, Northern Quebec
(Nunavik), and the High Arctic of the Northwest Territories and Yukon, both
Indigenous and non-Indigenous, Elders, public health officials and emergency
management officials. Interviewees from the general population and Elders were
given an honorarium of $200. The interviews were conducted between June 11 and
August 12, 2021 and averaged 40 minutes in length. All interviews were
conducted in English and by telephone. The tables below break down the
participants by target population and territory.
Table 2. Number
of interviews by target audience
|
Target Audience
|
Number of Interviews
|
|
General
population, non-Indigenous
|
22
|
|
General
population, Indigenous
|
13
|
|
Elders
|
4
|
|
Health
Officials
|
8
|
|
Emergency
Management Officials
|
5
|
Table 3. Number
of interviews by territory
|
Territory
|
Number of Interviews
|
|
Nunavut
|
17
|
|
Northwest
Territories
|
21
|
|
Yukon
|
14
|
For general population recruitment, our
data collection partner, Leger, created a list of phone numbers of residents of
the Territories, excluding Yellowknife and Whitehorse. General population
participants were initially recruited by Leger using the screening
questionnaire in Appendix C. Upon completing the preliminary recruitment, they
were contacted directly by one of Earnscliffe’s schedulers to set a time for
their interview, using the letter included in Appendix D. We made an effort to
ensure that the final sample included a good mix of participants by territory
and set quotas to ensure we included at least 10 Indigenous participants in the
research. We also monitored where each participant lived to ensure that the
locations were further north than Yellowknife and Whitehorse, where existing criteria for heat warning
systems are not appropriate.
Health and emergency management officials
were recruited from a list developed by ECCC and Earnscliffe, using the letters
in Appendix D.
The Elders were scheduled using an
approach referred to as snowball sampling. This is a technique commonly used
when the researcher is unable to access a list of appropriate participants or
members of the target audience are difficult to identify. We used the
connections of one research participant to Elders in far North communities to
come up with a list of Elders to whom we could reach out.
Three moderators were used over the course
of the research project. Each moderator took notes and summarized their interviews
and met periodically to provide the other with a debrief on the groups,
including the key findings.
A note about interpreting qualitative research results
It is important to note that qualitative research is a form of
scientific, social, policy, and public opinion research. Qualitative research
is not designed to help a group reach a consensus or to make decisions, but
rather to elicit the full range of ideas, attitudes, experiences and opinions
of a selected sample of participants on a defined topic. Because of the small
numbers involved the participants cannot be expected to be thoroughly
representative in a statistical sense of the larger population from which they
are drawn and findings cannot reliably be generalized beyond their number.
The following is a glossary of terms used
throughout the report. These phrases are used when groups of participants share
a specific point of view. Unless otherwise stated, it should not be taken to
mean that the rest of participants disagreed with the point; rather others
either did not comment or did not have a strong opinion on the question.
Table 4. Glossary
of qualitative terms
|
Generalization
|
Interpretation
|
|
Few
|
Few
is used when less than 10% of participants have responded with similar answers.
|
|
Several
|
Several
is used when fewer than 20% of the participants responded with similar
answers.
|
|
Some
|
Some
is used when more than 20% but significantly fewer than 50% of participants
with similar answers.
|
|
Many
|
Many
is used when nearly 50% of participants responded with similar answers.
|
|
Majority/Plurality
|
Majority
or plurality are used when more than 50% but fewer than 75% of the
participants responded with similar answers.
|
|
Most
|
Most
is used when more than 75% of the participants responded with similar
answers.
|
|
Vast
majority
|
Vast
majority is used when nearly all participants responded with similar answers,
but several had differing views.
|
|
Unanimous/Almost
all
|
Unanimous
or almost all are used when all participants gave similar answers or when the
vast majority of participants gave similar answers and the remaining few
declined to comment on the issue in question.
|
Thank you for agreeing to take part in
this research project on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Canada
(ECCC). ECCC currently does not have research specific to extreme
temperatures, nor impact-and-health based warning systems in the North. The
research will be instrumental in helping ECCC define appropriate thresholds and
providing information that is effective and that resonates with those living in
Canada’s North.
Before we begin the interview, I would
like to acknowledge that I am joining this conversation from the traditional
and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.
I also want to remind you that:
- We encourage you to be as open and honest
as possible.
- As researchers, we are here to learn and
try our best to understand your needs through your experiences.
- Please be assured that all of your
responses will be kept confidential. Your input will be combined with
responses from other study participants and compiled into a report that
will provide feedback to ECCC.
- With your approval, we would like to
record the interview for reporting purposes as it is difficult to take
notes and lead the conversation at the same time.
- With your approval, we would also like to
share a transcript of the interview; again, any personal identifiable
information would be removed beforehand.
- Do you approve of us sharing a
transcript of the interview with ECCC?
- The interview will last approximately 30
to 40 minutes and will cover a range of topics including:
- Experience with extreme weather in the
North
- Trusted sources of weather information
- Overall familiarity and impressions of
ECCC’s services
- Given the focus of our conversation
today, I would like to start by asking you how you define weather and how
you define climate change? What are the difference between those two
terms?
- How worried are you about climate
change? What are you most worried about?
- [IF NECESSARY:] What are you most worried about specifically relating to [FOR
OFFICIALS] the North [FOR GENPOP AND INDIGENOUS] your
region/community/area?
- How would you describe what extreme
weather conditions mean in the North to someone who isn’t from [FOR
OFFICIALS] the North [FOR GENPOP AND INDIGENOUS] your
region/community/area? [NOTE FOR INTERVIEWER: do not spend too much
time discussing weather events other than extreme tempertatures]
- [IF EXTREME HEAT:] What about extreme weather conditions relating to hot
weather?
- Whether in the summer, the winter or
both, when do you get uncomfortable or impacted by extreme temperatures?
EXTREME COLD
- In other words, when do you feel too cold
or when is it so cold you or others need to take precautions or behave
differently? What temperature is that?
- What other weather conditions might also
come with or be caused by extreme cold?
- What impacts do periods of extreme cold
weather have on health or safety?
- How do you respond to extreme cold? How
do you adjust your activities in these conditions?
- Tell me about a time when temperatures
reached or exceeded 0C in winter, what impact did that have on you and
your activities?
- [FOR INDIGENOUS ELDERS IF NECESSARY:] Tell me about a time when you experienced extreme cold.
EXTREME HEAT
- And, how about when it comes to hot
weather? When do you feel too hot or when is it so hot you or others need
to take precautions or behave differently? What temperature is that?
- What other weather conditions might also
come with or be caused by extreme heat?
- What impacts do periods of extreme hot
weather have on you? (PROBE AS NEEDED: health, safety, livelihood with
probes to food scarcity, travel, mental health, hunting/gathering)
- How do you respond to extreme heat? How
do you adjust your activities in these conditions? Why?
- How far in advance do you need warnings
about extreme heat?
- [FOR INDIGENOUS ELDERS IF NECESSARY:] Tell me about a time when you experienced extreme heat.
- Do you have a temperature or are there
specific weather conditions that would make you change your plans and
behaviour, for example a trip out on the land or ice?
- Can you describe for me when or how you
typically get weather information? How do you typically use this
information?
- Do you know who or what is the source of
the information?
- When you are looking at the weather
forecast, what information are you looking at/for?
- How do you typically use this
information? What impacts does knowing the weather forecast have on you,
your plans, your thinking or your behaviour?
- Do you trust the weather information you
typically get? Why or why not?
- What do they (the organizations you get
weather from) do well? What could they do better? Do you feel like the
information you get is always sufficient or is it lacking in any way
(sometimes or usually)?
- What time of the week do you typically
seek out weather information?
- Are there other sources of weather
information that are available to you, but which you discount, ignore or
don’t typically access? What are the reasons you choose to ignore these
sources?
- [IF NECESSARY]: Where do you get this information? [NOTE TO INTERVIEWER:
PROBE FOR SPECIFIC SOURCES, NOT JUST TYPE OF SOURCE]
- Social media (where?)
- Radio
- Weather app (which one?)
- Website/Internet (where?)
- Post office
- Indigenous/Inuit Elders
- [FOR PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS] Nurse’s station
- At work/from colleagues
- Other (please specify)
- Is there anything else you look for
beyond the temperature? How do you use this information?
- How familiar are you with ECCC’s weather
information services? Would you say you are very familiar, somewhat
familiar, not that familiar or not at all familiar?
- IF ANY FAMILIARITY: How is it you are
familiar with ECCC’s weather information services?
- IF ANY FAMILIARITY: How often do you
seek or hear about ECCC’s weather information – either directly from ECCC
or indirectly like through news media or some source relaying the
information?
- Overall, what is your impression of
ECCC’s weather information? Would you say excellent, good, fair, or
poor? Could you explain your response?
- To the best of your knowledge, is ECCC
providing weather services that meet the needs of [FOR OFFICIALS] northern
Canadians [FOR GENPOP AND INDIGENOUS] people in your region/community/area?
- What, if anything, are they doing well?
- What, if anything, should they change?
What could they do better?
- What weather information do you need that
you are not getting now? Please be specific. How would you use that
information?
- How could ECCC improve their service to
those living and working in [FOR OFFICIALS] Canada’s North [FOR GENPOP AND
INDIGENOUS] your region/community/area?
- Could they make improvements to the
frequency of updates?
- What about the channels they use to
communicate updates?
- What about the information they provide?
- What if they included lifestyle
differences (i.e., specialized for hunting, fishing, etc.)? Could that
be helpful? Why or why not?
- What kind of information could they
provide that would be helpful from a lifestyle perspective?
- Earlier I asked how worried you were
about the impacts of climate change and extreme temperatures. What have
you noticed in terms of the health impacts of climate change and extreme
temperatures?
- Are there health impacts that are
physical and others that are mental? Please describe each if there are
these different types of impacts.
- Who are your most vulnerable
populations? What have you noticed/detected about the impact of extreme
temperature – both extreme cold and extreme heat?
- What information do you need to meet
their needs in cases of extreme cold and in cases of extreme heat?
- Do you need a tool to educate these
populations? What would be helpful? Please be specific.
- Generally, what weather information or
tools do you need/want? Please be specific. How will you use that
information?
- What tools would help you get an alert
out about extreme weather? Please be specific.
- What are the biggest challenges you face
in terms of emergency management during extreme weather conditions?
- What, if anything, are you doing well?
- What, if anything, could you do better?
- Are there ways that different, better or
more specific weather information can help you during extreme weather
conditions? Are they different for extreme cold and extreme heat? If
so, what do you most need in each case?
- Which extreme weather event poses the
greatest risk to [FOR OFFICIALS] northern Canadians [FOR GENPOP AND
INDIGENOUS] people in your community/region/area?
- [IF NOT MENTIONED] What about wildfire smoke?
- What specific challenges does this
pose?
- What information should be communicated
to [FOR OFFICIALS] northern Canadians [FOR GENPOP AND INDIGENOUS] people
in your community/region/area related to wildfire smoke? Please be
specific. Why?
- Probe if needed: heat, air quality
- Generally, what weather information or
tools do you need/want? Please be specific. Why?
- What priority would you place on
temperature? Why?
- What are the specific challenges you
face where temperatures are concerned? Why?
- What tools do you need to do your work?
Please be specific. Why?
- How close does emergency management work
with public health?
- Is there anything, any information and/or
tools, that ECCC could provide to facilitate these
interactions/relations?
[NOTE TO INTERVIEWER: IF
INTERVIEWEE IS INUIT, REFERENCE “INUIT” RATHER THAN “INDIGENOUS”]
- We’ve talked a bit about some extreme
weather experiences that you have experienced or heard about. Are there
ways that extreme weather affect Indigenous/Inuit people living in the
North in ways that non-Indigenous/non-Inuit people in the North or people
living in the south might not understand?
- Are there things that you think ECCC
should learn or know about that would help them better understand about
extreme temperature – hot or cold – in your community and region?
- If ECCC wants to better help people
living in the North and your community deal with extreme weather, what are
the things they should be focusing on?
- [IF NOT MENTIONED] What about wildfire smoke? Is this something that you have
noticed occurring (more than in the past)?
- Does wildfire smoke pose any challenges
to people in your community?
- Does wildfire smoke seem like something
that ECCC should be providing warnings about? Why/Why not?
This wraps up all of the formal questions
I had for you today.
- Before we conclude, do you have any final
thoughts and/or advice you would like to pass along?
I really appreciate you taking the time to
speak with me today. Your input will be very helpful to Environment and
Climate Change Canada as they try to better understand the extreme weather and
climate change needs of those living in Canada’s North.
Indigenous
Participant Recruitment Screener
Hello, my name is _______________ and I’m
calling on behalf of Earnscliffe, a national public opinion research firm. Would you prefer to continue in
English or French? / Préférez-vous continuer en anglais ou en français?
We are preparing to conduct a series of
one-on-one interviews on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Canada about
extreme temperatures in Northern Canada. ECCC is mandated to provide timely
weather forecasts and alerts to Canadians in order for them to protect
themselves, their families, and the environment in which they live. Through
this mandate and research, ECCC’s goal is to determine how best to modernize
service for Canadians in Northern Canada. ECCC hopes to do this by applying
what is learned from you during these interviews to deliver weather information
as needed directly to Northern Canadians and their communities.
We are looking for people who would be
willing to participate. Participants will receive an honorarium for their
participation. May I continue?
Yes CONTINUE
No THANK AND
TERMINATE
We are reaching out today to ask you to
participate in a discussion to share your views on extreme temperatures.
Participation is voluntary. We are interested in hearing your opinions; no
attempt will be made to sell you anything or change your point of view. The
format is a one-on-one interview, lasting between 30 to 40 minutes, with a
research professional. The interviews will take place over the phone. All
opinions expressed will remain anonymous and views will be grouped together to
ensure no particular individual can be identified. Participants will receive
an honorarium of $200 for their participation. But before we invite you to
attend, we need to ask you a few questions to ensure that we get a good mix and
variety of people. May I ask you a few questions?
INTERVIEWER NOTE: If a participant asks
for information on this research project they can be told: Earnscliffe Strategy
Group is located at 46 Elgin Street, Suite 400, Ottawa, ON K1P 5K6. Doug
Anderson, Principal, is leading this project and can be reached at
[613.563.4455].
If a participant asks for information on
the Government of Canada sponsor, they can be told: Representatives from
Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mike Howe, Manager, Health and Air
Quality Forecast Service, and Melissa MacDonald, HAQ Program Meteorologist, can
be reached at 902-448-2695.
Yes CONTINUE
No THANK AND
TERMINATE
|
READ TO ALL: “This call may be monitored or audio
taped for quality control and evaluation purposes.
ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATION IF NEEDED:
- To ensure that I
(the interviewer) am reading the questions correctly and collecting your
answers accurately;
- To assess my (the
interviewer) work for performance evaluation;
- To ensure that the
questionnaire is accurate/correct (i.e. evaluation of programming and
methodology – we’re asking the right questions to meet our clients’
research requirements)
- If the call is
recorded, it is only for the purposes of playback to the interviewer for
a performance evaluation immediately after the interview is conducted or
it can be used by the Project Manager/client to evaluate the
questionnaire if they are unavailable at the time of the interview – all
audio tapes are destroyed after the evaluation.
|
S1. Do
you or any member of your household work for or at…
|
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
A marketing research firm
|
1
|
2
|
|
A magazine or newspaper, online or print
|
1
|
2
|
|
A radio or television station
|
1
|
2
|
|
A public relations company
|
1
|
2
|
|
An advertising agency or graphic design
firm
|
1
|
2
|
|
An online media company or as a blog
writer
|
1
|
2
|
IF “YES” TO ANY OF THE ABOVE,
THANK AND TERMINATE.
S2. Which
territory/province do you reside in?
Nunavut 1
Northwest Territories 2
Yukon 3
Quebec (Nunavik) 4
None of the above THANK
AND TERMINATE
S3. What
is the name of the city, town or community in which you reside? [RECORD] IF
WHITEHORSE, YELLOWKNIFE, OR QUEBEC OUTSIDE NUNAVIK, THANK & TERMINATE
TARGET: Kugluktuk, Ulukhaktok,
Sachs Harbour, Grise Fiord, Kinngait, Arviat, Arctic Bay
S4. Are
you:
First Nations 1
Métis 2
Inuk (Inuit) 3
None of the above 4 [THANK
AND TERMINATE]
Prefer not to say 9
[THANK AND TERMINATE]
S5. Do
you identify as:
AIM
FOR GOOD MIX
A
man 1
A
woman 2
Gender
diverse 3
Prefer
not to say 9 [THANK
AND TERMINATE]
S6. Could you please
tell me which of the following age categories you fall into? Are you... AIM
FOR GOOD MIX
<18 1 THANK
AND TERMINATE
18-34 2
35-54 3
55-64 4
65-74 5
75+ 6
S7. Do
you have a respiratory or cardiovascular illness or disease?
Yes 1
No 2
Don’t
know/Prefer not to say 9
S8. Do
you work outdoors?
Yes 1
No 2
Don’t
know/Prefer not to say 9
S9. Do
you have children under the age of 18 living at home with you?
Yes 1
No 2
Don’t know/Prefer not to say 9
S10. Have
you participated in an in-depth interview or focus group before? A focus group
brings together a few people in order to know their opinion about a given
subject.
Yes 1 CONTINUE
No 2 SKIP
TO S14
DK/NR 9 THANK
AND TERMINATE
S11. When
was the last time you attended a focus group or participated in an in-depth
interview?
If within the last 6
months 1 THANK AND TERMINATE
If not within the last 6
months 2 CONTINUE
DK/NR 9 THANK
AND TERMINATE
S12. How
many of these sessions have you attended in the last five years?
If 4 or less 1 CONTINUE
If 5 or more 2 THANK
AND TERMINATE
DK/NR 9 THANK
AND TERMINATE
S12. And what was/were the main
topic(s) of discussion in those groups?
IF RELATED TO EXTREME
TEMPERATURES, THANK AND TERMINATE
S14. Participants
in interviews are asked to voice their opinions and thoughts. How comfortable
are you in voicing your opinions in front of others? Are you… (READ LIST)
Very comfortable 1 CONTINUE
Somewhat comfortable 2 CONTINUE
Not very comfortable 3 THANK
AND TERMINATE
Not at all comfortable 4 THANK
AND TERMINATE
DK/NR 9 THANK
AND TERMINATE
S15. Based
on your responses, it looks like you have the profile we are looking for. I
would like to invite you to participate in a one-on-one interview. The
interview will take place via telephone call and it will last between 30 and 40
minutes. Participants will receive an honourarium of $200 as a thank-you for
their time.
Would you be willing to
participate?
Yes 1 RECRUIT
No 2 THANK
AND TERMINATE
DK/NR 9 THANK
AND TERMINATE
PRIVACY
QUESTIONS
Now I have a few questions that relate to
privacy, your personal information and the research process. We will need your
consent on a few issues that enable us to conduct our research. As I run
through these questions, please feel free to ask me any questions you would
like clarified.
P1) First, we will be providing the interviewer with a
list of respondents’ first names and profiles (screener responses) so that they
can ensure they are speaking to the right person. Do we have your permission to
do this? I assure you it will be kept strictly anonymous.
Yes 1 GO
TO P2
No 2 GO
TO P1A
P1A) We need to provide the interviewer with the names and
background of the people participating in an interview because only the
individuals invited are allowed and the interviewer must have this information
for verification purposes. Please be assured that this information will be
kept strictly anonymous.
Now
that I’ve explained this, do I have your permission to provide your name and
profile with the interviewer?
Yes 1 GO
TO P2
No 2 THANK
& TERMINATE
P2) An audio recording of the interview may be produced
for research purposes. It will be used by the research professional to assist
in preparing a report on the research findings and will be destroyed once the
report is completed.
Do you agree to be audio recorded for research
purposes only?
Yes 1 THANK
& GO TO P3
No 2 GO
TO P2A
P2A) It is necessary for the research process for us to audio
record the session as the researcher needs this material to complete the
report.
Now that I’ve explained this, do I have your
permission for audio recording?
Yes 1 THANK
& GO TO P3
No 2 THANK
& TERMINATE
P3) Employees from ECCC and/or the Government of Canada
may listen to the interviews (via recording).
Do you agree to allow Government of Canada
employees to listen to the recording?
Yes 1 THANK
& GO TO INVITATION
No 2 GO
TO P3A
P3a) It is
standard qualitative procedure to invite clients, in this case, Government of
Canada employees, to observe the research or listen to interviews after they
have occurred. They will do so only to hear your opinions first hand although
they may take their own notes and confer with the interviewer on occasion.
Do you agree to allow Government of Canada
employees to listen to the recording?
Yes 1 THANK
& GO TO INVITATION
No 2 THANK
& TERMINATE
INVITATION:
Wonderful, you qualify to participate in
one of our interviews.
Can I please confirm your
contact information so that one of Earnscliffe’s schedulers can follow-up with
you to confirm the date and time of your interview?
First name
Last Name
email
Daytime phone number
Evening phone number
If the respondent refuses to give his/her
first or last name or phone number please assure them that this information
will be kept strictly confidential in accordance with the privacy law and that
it is used strictly to contact them to confirm their attendance and to inform
them of any changes to the discussion group. If they still refuse THANK &TERMINATE.
Non-Indigenous
Participant Recruitment Screener
SUMMARY
- 25 one-on-one interviews with residents
of Nunavut, Nunavik and the high Arctic locations of Yukon and the
North-West Territories.
- At least half should be with Indigenous
individuals
- 30-40 minute interview
- $200 incentive
Hello, my name is _______________ and I’m
calling on behalf of Earnscliffe, a national public opinion research firm. Would you prefer to continue in
English or French? / Préférez-vous continuer en anglais ou en français?
We are preparing to conduct a series of
one-on-one interviews on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Canada about
extreme temperatures in Northern Canada. ECCC is mandated to provide timely
weather forecasts and alerts to Canadians in order for them to protect
themselves, their families, and the environment in which they live. Through
this mandate and research, ECCC’s goal is to determine how best to modernize
service for Canadians in Northern Canada. ECCC hopes to do this by applying
what is learned from you during these interviews to deliver weather information
as needed directly to Northern Canadians and their communities.
We are looking for people who would be
willing to participate. Participants will receive an honorarium for their
participation. May I continue?
Yes CONTINUE
No THANK AND
TERMINATE
We are reaching out today to ask you to
participate in a discussion to share your views on extreme temperatures.
Participation is voluntary. We are interested in hearing your opinions; no
attempt will be made to sell you anything or change your point of view. The
format is a one-on-one interview, lasting between 30 to 40 minutes, with a
research professional. The interviews will take place over the phone. All
opinions expressed will remain anonymous and views will be grouped together to
ensure no particular individual can be identified. Participants will receive
an honorarium of $200 for their participation. But before we invite you to
attend, we need to ask you a few questions to ensure that we get a good mix and
variety of people. May I ask you a few questions?
INTERVIEWER NOTE: If a participant asks
for information on this research project they can be told: Earnscliffe Strategy
Group is located at 46 Elgin Street, Suite 400, Ottawa, ON K1P 5K6. Doug
Anderson, Principal, is leading this project and can be reached at
[613.563.4455].
If a participant asks for information on
the Government of Canada sponsor, they can be told: Representatives from
Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mike Howe, Manager, Health and Air
Quality Forecast Service, and Melissa MacDonald, HAQ Program Meteorologist, can
be reached at 902-448-2695.
Yes CONTINUE
No THANK AND
TERMINATE
|
READ TO ALL: “This call may be monitored or audio
taped for quality control and evaluation purposes.
ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATION IF NEEDED:
- To ensure that I
(the interviewer) am reading the questions correctly and collecting your
answers accurately;
- To assess my (the
interviewer) work for performance evaluation;
- To ensure that the
questionnaire is accurate/correct (i.e. evaluation of programming and
methodology – we’re asking the right questions to meet our clients’
research requirements)
- If the call is
recorded, it is only for the purposes of playback to the interviewer for
a performance evaluation immediately after the interview is conducted or
it can be used by the Project Manager/client to evaluate the
questionnaire if they are unavailable at the time of the interview – all
audio tapes are destroyed after the evaluation.
|
S1. Do
you or any member of your household work for or at…
|
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
A marketing research firm
|
1
|
2
|
|
A magazine or newspaper, online or print
|
1
|
2
|
|
A radio or television station
|
1
|
2
|
|
A public relations company
|
1
|
2
|
|
An advertising agency or graphic design
firm
|
1
|
2
|
|
An online media company or as a blog
writer
|
1
|
2
|
IF “YES” TO ANY OF THE ABOVE,
THANK AND TERMINATE.
S2. Which
territory/province do you reside in?
Nunavut 1
Northwest Territories 2
Yukon 3
Quebec (Nunavik) 4
None of the above THANK
AND TERMINATE
S3. What
is the name of the city, town or community in which you reside? [RECORD] IF
WHITEHORSE, YELLOWKNIFE, OR QUEBEC OUTSIDE NUNAVIK THANK & TERMINATE
S4. Are
you:
ENSURE
AT LEAST HALF OF INTERVIEWS ARE WITH INDIGENOUS INDIVIDUALS
First Nations 1
Métis 2
Inuk (Inuit) 3
None of the above 4
Prefer not to say 9
[THANK AND TERMINATE]
S5. Do
you identify as:
AIM
FOR GOOD MIX
A
man 1
A
woman 2
Gender
diverse 3
Prefer
not to say 9 [THANK
AND TERMINATE]
S6. Could you please
tell me which of the following age categories you fall into? Are you... AIM
FOR GOOD MIX
<18 1 THANK
AND TERMINATE
18-34 2
35-54 3
55-64 4
65-74 5
75+ 6
S7. Do
you have a respiratory or cardiovascular illness or disease?
Yes 1
No 2
Don’t
know/Prefer not to say 9
S8. Do
you work outdoors?
Yes 1
No 2
Don’t
know/Prefer not to say 9
S9. Do
you have children under the age of 18 living at home with you?
Yes 1
No 2
Don’t know/Prefer not to say 9
S10. Have
you participated in an in-depth interview or focus group before? A focus group
brings together a few people in order to know their opinion about a given
subject.
Yes 1 CONTINUE
No 2 SKIP
TO S14
DK/NR 9 THANK
AND TERMINATE
S11. When
was the last time you attended a focus group or participated in an in-depth
interview?
If within the last 6
months 1 THANK AND TERMINATE
If not within the last 6
months 2 CONTINUE
DK/NR 9 THANK
AND TERMINATE
S12. How
many of these sessions have you attended in the last five years?
If 4 or less 1 CONTINUE
If 5 or more 2 THANK
AND TERMINATE
DK/NR 9 THANK
AND TERMINATE
S12. And what was/were the main
topic(s) of discussion in those groups?
IF RELATED TO EXTREME
TEMPERATURES, THANK AND TERMINATE
S14. Participants
in interviews are asked to voice their opinions and thoughts. How comfortable
are you in voicing your opinions in front of others? Are you… (READ LIST)
Very comfortable 1 CONTINUE
Somewhat comfortable 2 CONTINUE
Not very comfortable 3 THANK
AND TERMINATE
Not at all comfortable 4 THANK
AND TERMINATE
DK/NR 9 THANK
AND TERMINATE
S15. Based
on your responses, it looks like you have the profile we are looking for. I
would like to invite you to participate in a one-on-one interview. The
interview will take place via telephone call and it will last between 30 and 40
minutes. Participants will receive an honourarium of $200 as a thank-you for
their time.
Would you be willing to
participate?
Yes 1 RECRUIT
No 2 THANK
AND TERMINATE
DK/NR 9 THANK
AND TERMINATE
PRIVACY
QUESTIONS
Now I have a few questions that relate to
privacy, your personal information and the research process. We will need your
consent on a few issues that enable us to conduct our research. As I run
through these questions, please feel free to ask me any questions you would
like clarified.
P1) First, we will be providing the interviewer with a
list of respondents’ first names and profiles (screener responses) so that they
can ensure they are speaking to the right person. Do we have your permission to
do this? I assure you it will be kept strictly anonymous.
Yes 1 GO
TO P2
No 2 GO
TO P1A
P1A) We need to provide the interviewer with the names and
background of the people participating in an interview because only the
individuals invited are allowed and the interviewer must have this information
for verification purposes. Please be assured that this information will be
kept strictly anonymous.
Now
that I’ve explained this, do I have your permission to provide your name and
profile with the interviewer?
Yes 1 GO
TO P2
No 2 THANK
& TERMINATE
P2) An audio recording of the interview may be produced
for research purposes. It will be used by the research professional to assist
in preparing a report on the research findings and will be destroyed once the
report is completed.
Do you agree to be audio recorded for research
purposes only?
Yes 1 THANK
& GO TO P3
No 2 GO
TO P2A
P2A) It is necessary for the research process for us to audio
record the session as the researcher needs this material to complete the
report.
Now that I’ve explained this, do I have your
permission for audio recording?
Yes 1 THANK
& GO TO P3
No 2 THANK
& TERMINATE
P3) Employees from ECCC and/or the Government of Canada
may listen to the interviews (via recording).
Do you agree to allow Government of Canada
employees to listen to the recording?
Yes 1 THANK
& GO TO INVITATION
No 2 GO
TO P3A
P3a) It is
standard qualitative procedure to invite clients, in this case, Government of
Canada employees, to observe the research or listen to interviews after they
have occurred. They will do so only to hear your opinions first hand although
they may take their own notes and confer with the interviewer on occasion.
Do you agree to allow Government of Canada
employees to listen to the recording?
Yes 1 THANK
& GO TO INVITATION
No 2 THANK
& TERMINATE
INVITATION:
Wonderful, you qualify to participate in
one of our interviews.
Can I please confirm your
contact information so that one of Earnscliffe’s schedulers can follow-up with
you to confirm the date and time of your interview?
First name
Last Name
email
Daytime phone number
Evening phone number
If the respondent refuses to give his/her
first or last name or phone number please assure them that this information
will be kept strictly confidential in accordance with the privacy law and that
it is used strictly to contact them to confirm their attendance and to inform
them of any changes to the discussion group. If they still refuse THANK &TERMINATE.
INSERT DATE
First Name Last Name
Email address
Dear [INSERT FIRST NAME]
We are contacting you today on behalf of Environment and Climate
Change Canada (ECCC) to request your participation in a study about the impact
of extreme temperatures and health-based warning systems in Northern Canada.
ECCC is aiming to better understand how Canadians in Northern
Canada perceive extreme temperature warnings, heat and cold, and their needs
and concerns as they relate to extreme temperatures. ECCC is also looking to
develop Heat Warning criteria and update Extreme Cold Warning criteria for
Northern Canada.
Gathering feedback from members of the public, health and
emergency management officials, and Indigenous elders in Northern Canada is a
critical component of the research. ECCC would like to request your
participation in this study.
Over the next few weeks, we will be conducting a number of
one-on-one interviews with members of the general public, as well as emergency
management and health officials and Indigenous elders in Northern Canada.
The interview would be conducted by telephone, either in English
or French depending on your preference, and will take approximately 30 to 40
minutes of your time on a date and at a time convenient to you. As is customary
with this type of research, results will be anonymous and reported on an
aggregate basis only; no individuals will be identified in any reporting for
this research.
Thank you very much for considering this request. Your input is
key to our research and we hope you’ll take time to share your thoughts with
us. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact
me directly.
Sincerely,
Doug Anderson
Principal
INSERT DATE
First Name Last Name
Email address
Dear [INSERT FIRST NAME]
Environment and Climate Change Canada
(ECCC), has enlisted Earnscliffe Strategy Group to conduct a series of
interviews with members of the general public, health and emergency management
officials, and Indigenous elders in Northern Canada. The purpose of these
interviews is to help the ECCC better understand how Canadians in Northern
Canada perceive extreme temperature warnings, heat and cold, and their needs
and concerns as they relate to extreme temperatures. ECCC is also looking to
develop Heat Warning criteria and update Extreme Cold Warning criteria for
Northern Canada.
We are writing this letter to respectfully
request your participation in this research initiative. While we know that
your time is precious, we hope that you will find the 30 to 40 minutes required
to offer your perspective.
ECCC is mandated to provide timely weather
forecasts and alerts to Canadians in order for them to protect themselves,
their families, and the environment in which they live. Through this mandate
and research, ECCC’s goal is to determine how best to modernize service for
Canadians in Northern Canada. We hope to do this by applying what is learned
from you during these interviews to deliver weather information as needed
directly to Northern Canadians and their communities.
We want to assure you that responses of
individual participants will remain anonymous and will be reported on an
aggregate basis only. In other words, no individuals will be identified in any
reporting for this research.
Thank you very much for considering this
request. We hope that you will find time to share your thoughts with
Earnscliffe. A representative from the firm will be in touch with you shortly
to arrange for a mutually convenient time.
Sincerely,
|
Melissa MacDonald
HAQ Program Meteorologist
melissa.macdonald@canada.ca
902-448-2695
|
Mike Howe
Manager, Health and Air Quality Forecast
Service
mike.howe@canada.ca
|
