Description: Latest news suggests that many new jobs have been created both in Canada and the U.S. These numbers have surpassed expectations. Source: CBC Date: March 8 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2341643160/ Questions for Discussion: Does this news signal that the economy seems to be on the rebound? How confident can we be that these numbers… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Environmental Uncertainty (pp66-67)
Canada Retail Sales Plunge
Description: In December 2012, Retail sales in Canada fell by 2.1%, the largest monthly drop since April 2010. Source: National Post Date: February 22 2013 Text link: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/02/22/canadas-retail-sales-plunge-most-in-three-years/ Questions for Discussion: Which sectors saw the biggest declines? In your view, what are some of the reasons for drop in retail sales? Do you see the… Read more »
Completion in the Cellphone Industry
Description: Five years back, the Canadian government opened the telecom sector to allow more competition, however, the cellphone bills have not come down despite more players in the wireless market. Alek Krstajik, CEO of Public Mobile, discusses some of the obstacles facing the wireless market. Source: CBC Date: February 20 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2337120874/… Read more »
The Canadian Job Market gets off to a Bad Start
Description: In the month of January, 22,000 Canadians were laid off work. This is in contrast to how 2012 ended, when many new jobs were created. Source: CBC Date: February 8 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2333217819/ Questions for Discussion: In your view, why is there such a dramatic reversal in the Canadian job market from… Read more »
Best Buy closes several outlets in Canada
Description: Technology retailer, Best Buy announced it will close fifteen Best Buy and Future Shop locations across Canada, leaving at least 900 employees without a job. Source: CBC Date: January 31 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2331023819/ Questions for Discussion: What are some of the reasons for these closures? Do you foresee more such closures by Best… Read more »
Where can Canada improve in 2013?
Description: Bill Currie,Deloitte Canada’s vice-chair and Americas managing director; and John Ruffolo, CEO of OMERS Ventures, discussed come of the obstacles and opportunities for Canada in 2013. Source: National Post Date: December 18 2012 Text Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2012/12/18/how-canada-can-improve-its-productivity-in-2013/?__lsa=9bcc-5479 Questions for Discussion: What are some of the major obstacles facing Canadian businesses? What are some of the major opportunities… Read more »
Why worry about Chinese investments?
Description: Canada signed a foreign investment partnership agreement with China. While it will encourage much needed capital investments in to Canada, many Canadians are worried. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: November 01 2012 Text: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/the-chinese-are-coming-the-chinese-are-coming/article4803722/ Questions for Discussion: Do you agree that this agreement is beneficial for Canada? What are the drawbacks for such… Read more »
Trading Four Wheels for Two
Description: Bicycle sales in Europe are on a high. In Italy, for the first time since the early post-war era, sales for bicycles have overtaken sales for cars. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: September 03 2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/car-mad-italians-trading-four-wheels-for-two/article4584829/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss some of the reasons why bicycle sales have increased in Europe? Do… Read more »
Canada should boldly embrace emerging markets
Description: Canada should follow a more balanced approach where they need to move beyond its focus on the U.S. and more actively pursue opportunities in emerging markets. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: September 25 2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/lets-boldly-embrace-emerging-markets/article4565058/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss some of the reasons why Canada needs to pursue emerging markets more actively?… Read more »
Should Canada be protecting ownership of its oil sands?
Description: Although they support the proposed $15.1-billion acquisition of Nexen Inc. by China’s CNOOC Ltd., top industry executives want Ottawa to protect ownership of major oil sands companies. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: September 25 2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/protect-canadian-ownership-of-oil-sands-firms-executives-urge/article4568562/ Questions for Discussion: Do you agree with the executives that Ottawa should not allow foreign ownership… Read more »
