Description: The Canadian Competition Bureau argued that Canada’s credit card system is a “perverse” place where Visa and MasterCard shoppers charge merchants much higher fees. They argue that Canadian merchants pay among the highest fees in the world for accepting credit cards. The merchants pass some of the higher fees to consumers who end up… Read more »
Posts By: Update Team
Infant Pyjamas with Biosensors
Description: Rogers, Canada’s largest mobile provider has partnered with Exmovere Holdings Inc., a U.S. company best described as tech-meets-apparel, to launch infant clothing such as infant pyjamas, embedded with biosensors. These biosensors will allow parents to monitor a newborn’s temperature and movement via a remote computer, tablet or smartphone. Source: Business News Network Date: May… Read more »
Dollarama a bright spot in struggling retail sector
Description: Amidst shrinking margins for most Canadian retailers and grocers, Dollarama has surpassed expectations with with swelling margins and strong profits. Source: Business News Network Date: April 11, 2012 Video Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2012/4/11/Dollarama-a-bright-spot-in-struggling-retail-sector.aspx Questions for Discussion: What do you feel are the reasons for Dollarama’s success? Does the success of Dollarama indicates that Canadian consumers are… Read more »
Ratings agency takes Ontario to task
Description: Moody’s downgraded Ottawa’s outlook to Aa2 with a stable outlook from Aa1 with a negative outlook. This came one day after Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed Ontario’s current AA- rating, but put the province on “negative watch.” Source: Business News Network Date: April 27, 2012 Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2012/4/27/Bond-markets-take-Ontario-to-task.aspx Questions for Discussion: Do you agree with… Read more »
Wal-Mart under Bribery Investigation
Description: Wal-Mart will spend millions of dollars investigating US$24-million in alleged Mexican bribes. It is alleged that Wal-Mart de Mexico bribed Mexican government officials and paid US$16-million in “donations” to Mexican local governments to fuel store expansion in the country up to 2005. Source: Financial Post Date: April 24, 2012 Video Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2012/04/24/wal-mart-bribery-investigation-may-expand-to-include-cover-up-claims/ Questions for… Read more »
Insurers lodge complaint against RBC, BMO
Description: In Canada, banks cannot promote insurance products on their websites. Recently, insurance brokers lodged a complaint alleging that RBC and BMO are flouting Ottawa’s rules by promoting insurance on their websites. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: April 23, 2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/insurers-lodge-complaint-against-rbc-bmo/article2410371/ Questions for Discussion: Do you agree that the Canadian government should… Read more »
Audi revs electric car engine with synthetic sound
Description: Manufacturers are showing growing interest in Electric cars. However, they are completely silent on the road. This may be a problem for pedestrians. Source: itbusiness.ca Date: April 12, 2012 Video Link: http://bcove.me/ok4f1dck Questions for Discussion: What do you think of Audi’s strategy to rev up the engine sound? Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of… Read more »
Ottawa Questions Target’s Move to Canada
Description: The Canadian federal government has ordered a review of U.S. retail giant Target Corp.’s move into Canada, examining whether it would be of net cultural benefit to Canada. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: April 05, 2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/ottawa-to-review-targets-move-to-canada/article2393504/ Questions for Discussion: Do you agree that the Canadian government should question whether Target Corp…. Read more »
RIM Troubles Continue
RIM Troubles Continue Description: RIM continues to perform poorly. RIM CEO, Thorstein Heins, hints that they are open to selling RIM. Wall Street Journalists discuss possible suitors for RIM. Source: Wall Street Journal Video Date: March 29, 2012 Link: http://online.wsj.com/video/can-rim-survive-the-turmoil/C79D4470-7F3B-4898-AA9B-E7E544B952F7.html Questions for Discussion: Discuss important reasons that led to the eventual decline of RIM? Should… Read more »
Funding Innovation
Description: Tom Jenkins, author of a key report on innovation, discusses federal budget’s policies on innovation. Source: MSN Video Date: March 29, 2012 Link: http://video.ca.msn.com/?mkt=en-ca&vid=cbcc2012-2903-1812-0057-221705593300&from=&src=v5:share:permalink: Questions for Discussion: Do you agree with Tom Jenkins that Canada has an innovation crisis? Do you feel the government is doing enough to encourage innovation in Canada? Suggest other… Read more »
