[en] Critical environmental zones are those ecosystems that are so degraded that the health or well-being of human inhabitants is threatened. A conceptual framework is presented for considering criticality and a rationale for a Canadian research project on critical zones. A model of pathways to criticality is outlined and some examples of environmental degradation in Canada are presented, including acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions. Societal response to, and public perception of, critical environmental zones is described. Media, format, and target audiences for output from a Canadian project are considered and some central scientific and policy questions are identified under such categories as environmental stresses, buffering capacity, indicators, human driving forces, and societal responses. An inventory of pertinent international and national activities is included. 53 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs

[en] Critical environmental zones are those ecosystems that are so degraded that the health or well-being of human inhabitants is threatened. A conceptual framework is presented for considering criticality and a rationale for a Canadian research project on critical zones. A model of pathways to criticality is outlined and some examples of environmental degradation in Canada are presented, including acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions. Societal response to, and public perception of, critical environmental zones is described. Media, format, and target audiences for output from a Canadian project are considered and some central scientific and policy questions are identified under such categories as environmental stresses, buffering capacity, indicators, human driving forces, and societal responses. An inventory of pertinent international and national activities is included. 53 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs

[en] Royal Bank Financial Group has a long history of service to the Aboriginal community having supported Aboriginal initiatives with specialized products or educational programs and grants. An overview is included of recent initiatives including partnerships with the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, the Metis National Council, First Nations and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers. The bank's Aboriginal employee focus groups in several provinces provide advice and guidance on Aboriginal banking requirements and employment/training needs. Royal Trust is the only financial institution to establish a national Aboriginal Advisory Service for Aboriginal communities for investment, trust and land claim settlement services. Royal Bank donated $25,000 to the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers to promote entrepreneurial training seminars and a university accredited curriculum for Aboriginal Economic Development Officers. The Bank supports and encourages employees to serve with organizations such as Aboriginal Capital Corporations, National Association of Financing Centres and various Native Employment Services associations