Canada - Next STEP Global Conference 2023



Canada is a North American country known for its diverse landscape, multicultural population, and reputation as a safe and welcoming society. It is the second largest country in the world by land area and is bordered by the United States to the south, the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its capital city is Ottawa, but Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are also major cities with distinctive cultural and economic characteristics.

Geography and Climate:

Canada’s geography consists of varied landscapes, including rugged mountains, vast forests, prairies, Arctic tundra, and numerous bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. The country is known for its natural beauty, with many national and provincial parks, such as Banff and Jasper in the Rockies, Algonquin in Ontario, and Gros Morne in Newfoundland. Canada has a cold climate, particularly in the northern regions, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. However, the southern areas are comparable to most parts of Europe and the United States, with mild winters and warm summers.

Culture and Society:

Canada is known for its cultural diversity, with a multicultural population that includes Indigenous peoples, French and English-speaking Canadians, and immigrants from around the world. Many different religions are practiced in Canada, with Christianity being the largest, followed by Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism. Canada places a high value on human rights, including equality, freedom, and multiculturalism. Canadians are generally friendly, polite, and welcoming to visitors and newcomers, making the country an attractive destination for tourists and immigrants alike.

Economy:

Canada has a highly developed and diversified economy, with a focus on natural resources, manufacturing, and services. The country is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, minerals, timber, and freshwater. The manufacturing sector is known for producing products like automobiles, aircraft, and high-tech equipment. The service sector comprises finance, healthcare, education, and tourism, which employs the majority of Canadians. The Canadian economy is closely linked to the United States, its largest trading partner, with trade between the two countries exceeding $600 billion annually.

Politics and Government:

Canada is a parliamentary democracy with a federal system of government, consisting of 10 provinces and three territories. The head of government is the Prime Minister, currently Justin Trudeau, who leads a cabinet of ministers responsible for various federal portfolios. Canada’s parliament is made up of two houses: the House of Commons, with 338 members, and the Senate, with 105 members. The Constitution Act of 1982 codifies the principles of Canadian democracy, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which outlines the fundamental human rights of all Canadians.

Education and Healthcare:

Education and healthcare are two areas in which Canada places a high degree of importance. The Canadian education system is publicly funded and provides universal access to primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. Many Canadians are bilingual, with English and French recognized as the country’s official languages. Healthcare in Canada is publicly funded and available to all citizens and permanent residents. The country has a universal healthcare system that covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and many medical procedures at no cost to patients.

Conclusion:

Canada is a vast, diverse, and welcoming country that is highly valued for its natural resources, cultural diversity, and democratic institutions. Its society places a high emphasis on equality, freedom, and multiculturalism, making it an attractive destination for tourists and immigrants alike. Its economy is highly developed, with a focus on natural resources, manufacturing, and services, while education and healthcare are highly regarded and publicly funded. With its diverse geography and friendly people, Canada continues to attract people from around the world who seek a better quality of life and a welcoming society.


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Sara Porter expresses her love of the ocean in absurdly funny ways in ‘L-E-A-K’

The Toronto Star

23-05-15 11:00


Toronto performer Sara Porter is set to present her ecosexuality-themed performance piece, "L-E-A-K," at the Theatres Centre this week. The work, which is described as "craziness," addresses a range of topics connected by the fluidity of the human condition, including raft theory, horizons, swimming safety and ecosexuality itself. The latter, Porter discovered through reading, describes an Earth-loving sensation first articulated by US sexologist Annie Sprinkle and her artist partner Beth Stephens. Porter believes that if people don't fall in love with the natural world with as much "passion as we feel for one another," we will not be able to save the world. The performance touches on feminism, queer issues and other aspects of Porter's life, including anecdotes and experiences connected to the ocean and the Bay of Fundy. An accompanying exhibition also runs alongside the play.

https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2023/05/15/sara-porter-expresses-her-love-of-the-ocean-in-absurdly-funny-ways-in-l-e-a-k.html
A slowing economy threatens the future of a generation of Canadian youths

The Globe and Mail

23-05-15 11:00


Canadian think tanks Century Initiative and Future Skills Centre are calling for long-term policies to help young people as the country's financial institutions predict a recession. Short-term approaches will not tackle labour market scarring, which can lead to lower lifetime earnings and exclusion, according to Century Initiative's CEO Lisa Lalande and Future Skills Centre's executive director Pedro Barata. The think tanks are focusing on labour market scarring on young people after economic shocks, and are looking at long-term responses to the job displacement and underemployment experienced by young Canadians. Negative trends can lead to heightened competition among job seekers, reducing the opportunities for graduates and increasing the skill requirements of open positions to the detriment of those looking for work. Certain demographics can be worst affected, such as women and racialized youth.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-recession-canada-young-people/
Dreaming of a four-day work week? Only the white collars will realize its benefits

The Globe and Mail

23-05-15 11:00


While reducing the working week to four days would make workers happier and more productive, its benefits would be unlikely to be shared equally. Knowledge workers who may have more say over when and where they complete their work would be the primary beneficiaries, as opposed to the less well-paid "gig economy" employees who may have fewer perks. The author suggests that employers may need to voluntarily improve the benefits such workers receive, while regulatory interventions such as better sick pay and more time off for those in training could be similarly beneficial.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-four-day-work-week-income-gap/
Canadian Chamber of Commerce has a new tool to ‘democratize data’ - and it’s pretty good

The Globe and Mail

23-05-15 11:00


The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has launched an online platform aimed at delivering economic intelligence to the country's business community. The Business Conditions Terminal is a free platform that aggregates data from across more than 30 providers, including Statistics Canada, regularly and is sorted into topical hubs such as "workforce", "business activity", "financial conditions", and "international trade", among others. It has been built as part of Canada's ongoing effort to democratise data, a mission that began with the pandemic as policymakers and firms scrambled for credible information.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-canadian-chamber-of-commerce-has-a-new-tool-to-democratize-data-and/
Australian gold miner Newcrest backs Newmont’s US$17.8-billion offer

The Globe and Mail

23-05-15 10:49


Newcrest Mining will back a AUD26.2bn ($17.8bn) takeover offer for the company by Newmont, creating one of the world's largest buyouts of 2023. Subject to approval from both companies' shareholders and meeting other regulatory hurdles, the deal is expected to be completed by the end of Q4 2023, lifting Newmont's gold output far above that of its competitors, eventually producing 8 million ounces a year. This marks the third largest deal ever involving an Australian company and the third largest globally in 2023.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-australian-gold-miner-newcrest-backs-newmonts-178-billion-offer/
Oil prices extend gains on US plans to refill reserve, Canada's wildfires

Reuters

23-05-16 01:33


Oil prices have risen for the second day as the US' Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) buys 3 million barrels of crude oil and concerns over Canadian wildfires fuelled supply worries. The US Department of Energy said on Monday it would buy oil for the SPR asking offers be submitted by 31 May. Oil supply concerns were also raised as forest fires in Canada closed down at least 319,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, or 3.7%, of national production. On the other hand, US oil output from the seven biggest shale basins is due to rise in June to a record high.

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-extend-gains-us-plans-refill-reserve-canadas-wildfires-2023-05-16/
G7 host Japan seeks unity on threat from China

Financial Times

23-05-16 01:23


Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s key aim during the annual G7 summit this weekend is to establish a united G7 response to China's military ambitions and "economic coercion," as the country continues to seek closer ties with NATO and imposes sanctions against Moscow as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. China’s interventionism has driven Japan to adopt a very cautious approach, revamping its military organisation and increasing security cooperation with nations in Southeast Asia and Europe. However, it is anticipated that the G7 will not agree on any specific new economic tools of security, and crucially, China will not be named in the statement. This widespread caucus approach aims to support countries being bullied by China rather than being completely focused on an offensive strategy. The EU, as well as other G7 members, remain very reluctant to adopt a more antagonistic stance, preferring to improve relations with emerging economies, particularly from Asia, Africa and South America.

https://www.ft.com/content/0998ac9a-58eb-44e2-b362-42cf5a0d468b
B.C. government to send cancer patients to the U.S. for treatment

The Globe and Mail

23-05-16 01:17


The Canadian province of British Columbia will send eligible cancer patients out of the country for radiation therapy due to long wait times and a backlog, according to the province’s health minister, Adrian Dix. Patients will go to Bellingham, Washington state, to receive either PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center or North Cascade Cancer Center. From April 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2022, only 82.9 per cent of British Columbians needing radiation therapy began treatment within four weeks, compared to a national benchmark of 96 per cent.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-bc-government-to-send-cancer-patients-to-the-us-for-treatment/
N.B. parents push for organ bill to pass after son died waiting 18 years for transplant

CBC

23-05-16 00:27


A New Brunswick couple, Jeannette and Norbert Roy, whose son died after waiting 18 years for a kidney transplant, are pushing the government to adopt a presumed consent model for organ and tissue donation. Under the current system, New Brunswickers must indicate their willingness to donate on their Medicare card, but Jeannette and Norbert believe that presumed consent, where people are presumed willing to donate unless they opt out, would increase the number of potential donors and decrease wait times. Liberal health critic Jean-Claude d'Amours has already introduced an amendment to the Human Tissue Gift Act to allow presumed consent, which has gone to a committee for consideration, but government House leader Glen Savoie did not commit to passing the bill quickly. New Brunswick currently has 59 people waiting for transplants; even though, according to Savoie, nobody has died because of a lack of donor organs.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/organ-donation-new-brunswick-deemed-consent-joel-michel-roy-18-years-wait-kidney-1.6844235
B.C. to refer some cancer patients to Washington to cut radiation therapy wait

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 00:23


Cancer patients in British Columbia will be able to receive radiation therapy in two clinics in Washington state as part of an effort to cut wait times. The treatment, travel, accommodation and meal costs for eligible patients will be covered by the British Columbia government-run BC Cancer centre. Breast and prostate cancer patients will be the first to be given the opportunity to be treated at the clinics in Bellingham. If the programme demonstrates a lack of available capacity for radiation therapy, it will be expanded to other patients waiting in British Columbia.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2023/05/15/bc-to-refer-some-cancer-patients-to-washington-to-cut-radiation-therapy-wait.html
‘An increase the consumer has to pay’: Get ready to shell out more for eggs as country’s largest producer hikes prices — again

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 09:00


Burnbrae Farms, Canada's largest egg producer and supplier, is increasing the prices it charges supermarkets and independent retailers for eggs by 4 cents a dozen as of 11 June, marking the second price increase in as many months. Retailers say they have no choice but to pass on the hikes to consumers, though they lack transparency from the producer regarding where the increases are coming from, leading to calls for more transparency in Canada's supply-management system. Egg prices in the country rose 16.5% YoY, according to Statistics Canada, due to pandemic-fuelled inflation and supply-chain issues.

https://www.thestar.com/business/2023/05/16/an-increase-the-consumer-has-to-pay-get-ready-to-shell-out-more-for-eggs-as-countrys-largest-producer-hikes-prices-again.html
Toyota revives the Crown, an AWD hybrid sedan that’s easy on the knees

The Globe and Mail

23-05-16 09:00


Toyota has made a sedan specifically for drivers looking for a more comfortable driving experience that reduces their carbon footprint. The 2023 Crown starts at $45,000 and replaces the Avalon as the largest and most expensive sedan in Canada. Although its exterior dimensions are similar to the Avalon, its interior volume and passenger space are much lower – instead, the extra height is for seat entry and exit. It’s not an SUV or crossover, but instead has standard hybrid technology alongside all-wheel drive. Two hybrid/AWD powertrains are available. The front wheels are driven by Toyota’s familiar combo of 2.5-litre gas engine, 88-kilowatt electric motor and continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the rear wheels run on demand by a 40-kilowatt electric motor. The Platinum option is a five-door sedan with four-wheel drive, generating 340 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque with both technologies combined for price range of $59,990.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/drive/reviews/article-toyota-revives-the-crown-an-awd-hybrid-sedan-thats-easy-on-the-knees/
Property insurers warn proposed federal tax change to preferred shares could hurt the sector

The Globe and Mail

23-05-16 09:00


Intact Financial, Canada's largest property and casualty insurance company, has claimed a proposed tax measure in the federal budget would have negative implications for insurers, their consumers and firms attempting to fundraise in capital markets. A recently proposed amendment by the government suggested pressing financial institutions to record tax-exempt dividends received from shares of a Canadian company as business income. The move would raise costs for insurers holding a major portion of preferred shares and make it harder for public corporations to issue new funds from preferred shares.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-insurers-preferred-shares-tax-change/
New inflation numbers out today — and they’re expected to show the rate has stopped falling

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 09:00


Canada's inflation rate is expected to have either remained flat or increased in April, following five months of decline, according to analysts, ahead of official figures from Statistics Canada being released on Tuesday. One report from BMO said the consumer price index (CPI) - a broad-based measure of inflation - would have increased by 4.3% in April compared to a year earlier, while a Bloomberg survey of economists predicted a slightly higher rise, at 4.4%. Increasing gasoline prices are likely responsible for halting the falling trend in inflation, analysts said.

https://www.thestar.com/business/2023/05/16/new-inflation-numbers-out-today-and-theyre-expected-to-show-the-rate-has-stopped-falling.html
Andrew Phillips: Panic attack in Quebec over immigration threat

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 09:00


Quebec's biggest media organisation (Quebecor) launched a campaign through its flagship newspaper (Le Journal de Montréal) warning about the country being "drowned" by massive waves of immigrants. While the argument by the newspaper is logical, the paper's argument's are xenophobic and fallacious. Canada's federal government plans to ramp up immigration to approximately 500,000 by 2025 to increase the country's population to 100 million by 2100. Quebec does face choices, if it accepts more immigrants, there will challenges to its historical “identity”. However, if it refuses immigration, it will shrink relative to other provinces. As a result, Quebec's separatists see large-scale immigration as an opportunity to revive the long-dormant debate about separation. The more realistic answer is that Quebec is going to have to figure out ways to change without having an existential meltdown.

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/2023/05/16/panic-attack-in-quebec-over-immigration-threat.html
Now woke Canada insults the war dead of Vimy Ridge

Telegraph

23-05-16 13:55


The Canadian government's decision to eliminate historical imagery from its new passport, replacing it instead with pages featuring images such as a man raking leaves and a squirrel, has been criticised as disrespectful to Canada's heritage. Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser suggested that consultations with Indigenous communities and other government departments had shifted the passport's focus. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being out-of-touch and egotistical, claiming he could not "imagine there are any Canadian stories bigger than him". The Vimy Ridge Memorial, dedicated to fallen Commonwealth soldiers, is among those images no longer included on the travel document.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/16/woke-canada-insults-war-dead-of-vimy-ridge/
Here’s a list of April inflation rates for selected Canadian cities

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 13:09


Canada's annual inflation rate was 4.4% in April according to Statistics Canada. The agency also released inflation rates for major cities across the country, but warned that figures may have fluctuated widely as they are based on small statistical samples. Inflation rates varied from 3.1% in Iqaluit to 5.8% in Saskatoon and Whitehorse.

https://www.thestar.com/business/2023/05/16/heres-a-list-of-april-inflation-rates-for-selected-canadian-cities.html
Ottawa Redblacks release veteran CFL linebacker Patrick Levels

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 13:02


The Ottawa Redblacks have released linebacker Patrick Levels, who appeared in 13 regular-season games with the team last year recording 59 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble. The 28-year-old American has spent the last five seasons in the CFL with Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa, accumulating 222 defensive tackles, 15 special-teams tackles, 12 sacks, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles in 68 regular-season games.

https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/cfl/2023/05/16/ottawa-redblacks-release-veteran-cfl-linebacker-patrick-levels.html
Here’s a list April inflation rates for Canadian provinces

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 12:56


Statistics Canada has reported that Canada's national annual inflation rate was 4.4% in April. The provinces have seen varying inflation rates, with Manitoba and Saskatchewan experiencing the highest rates of 5.5% and 5.2%, respectively. Alberta's inflation rate rose significantly from last month to reach 4.3%, while Prince Edward Island experienced a small decrease to 3.7%.

https://www.thestar.com/business/2023/05/16/heres-a-list-april-inflation-rates-for-canadian-provinces.html