Description: The Canadian dollar dipped to its lowest level since March 2009: it dropped below 77 cent against the U.S. dollar. This drop follows Bank of Canada’s decision to cut its interest rate to 0.5 per cent. Source: CBC Date: July 17, 2015 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canadian-dollar-dips-below-77-cents-for-first-time-since-2009-1.3157570 Questions for Discussion: Discuss the factors causing the Canadian dollar… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Environment
Financial Crisis in Greece
Description: Greece continues to grapple with its tremendous debt. In a recent referendum, Greece said no to austerity measures demanded by the European Union. However, faced by increasing debt, the Greece has little option. Source: The Washington Post Date: July 10, 2015 Video Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/european-officials-pore-over-greeces-last-ditch-request-for-a-bailout/2015/07/10/1467a97e-2645-11e5-b621-b55e495e9b78_story.html Questions for Discussion: What led Greece to its current situation?… Read more »
Subway spiraling downwards
Description: Once the undisputed market leader in healthy food alternatives, Subway has been loosing ground to its competitors—both old and new. Subway’s U.S. sales have fallen faster than any other of America’s top 25 food chains. Source: New York Times Date: June 03, 2015 Text Link: http://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/the-rise-and-fall-of-subway-how-the-worlds-biggest-food-chain-lost-its-fresh-appeal Questions for Discussion: Discuss the rise and… Read more »
Does Alberta need a carbon tax?
Description: The CEO of Suncor Energy—a Calgary based Energy Company specializing in synthetic crude production from oil sands—suggests a broad-based carbon tax for Alberta. He feels a carbon tax will help both the environment and the economy of Alberta. Source: CBC Date: May 22, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2667701903/?page=2 Questions for Discussion: 1. What is… Read more »
Biggest recall in U.S. history
Description: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. recalled 34 million cars – the largest in the U.S. history; in other words, one is every seven cars in the U.S. is being recalled. The reason for the recall is defective airbags made by Takata – a Japanese company. This recall involves 11… Read more »
More job cuts at Bombardier
Description: Bombardier will cut 1750 jobs. They cite international problems in Russia and China as major reasons for these cuts. A major burden of these job cuts will be felt at Bombardier’s Montreal office, where 1000 employees will be laid off. Source: CBC Date: May 14, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2667229488/ Questions for Discussion: 1…. Read more »
Kraft and Heinz to Merge
Description: In a major development in the food industry, Kraft Foods Group and Heinz Co. are merging their operations to create a single company with $28 billion in revenue. Warren Buffet proclaimed to play a role in setting-up the merger. There seems to be a major shake-up on the cards for the packaged food business…. Read more »
Future Shop Closes Stores
Description: Future Shop, a consumer electronic retail giant, is closing its stores, resulting in 1,500 job losses. Future Shop is closing 66 stores immediately, and the remainder 65 will turn into Best Buy outlets. Source: CBC Date: March 28, 2015 Video and Text Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2661222339/ Questions for Discussion: What are the reasons for this closure? Why are… Read more »
KFC Under Pressure After McDonald’s Says No to Antibiotics in Chicken
Description: KFC, world’s largest fried chicken restaurant chain, may face pressure from consumers and environmental groups after McDonald’s announced that it would switch to chickens raised without antibiotics. Source: Financial Post Date: March 12, 2015 Text Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2015/03/12/what-will-kfc-do-fried-chicken-chain-faces-pressure-after-mcdonalds-says-no-antibiotics-in-chicken/ Questions for Discussion: How does McDonald’s new strategy give them a competitive advantage? What should KFC do? Discuss… Read more »
Bell Media President Urges Canadian Broadcasters to Take U.S. Networks off Canadian Airwaves
Description: The president of Bell Media urges Canadian Broadcasters to get rid of U.S. networks such as CBS, NBC and FOX from Canadian Airwaves. This comes in light of Bell Media’s over-the-air-network CTV loosing $40 million last year. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: March 06, 2015 Text Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/take-us-networks-off-canadian-airwaves-bell-media-urges/article23343364/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss the… Read more »
