NOTICE: The author has granted a nonexclusive license allowing Library and Archives Canada to reproduce, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, communicate to the public by telecommunication or on the Internet, loan, distribute and sell theses worldwide, for commercial or noncommercial purposes, in microform, paper, electronic and/or any other formats. AVIS: L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, sauvegarder,

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... conserver, transmettre au public par telecommunication ou par Plntemet, prefer, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans le monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou autres formats. Canada Bien que ces formulaires aient inclus dans la pagination, il n'y aura aucun contenu manquant. Dedication It is an honor for me to dedicate this Master's thesis to my parents, Gary and Terry, my brothers, Paul and Matthew, and my fiance, Eric. Without your love, patience, understanding, and support, the completion of this work would not have been possible. I am so blessed to have you in my life.