The “R” word is now back in the discussion and moving slowly toward the front burner. Until a few days ago, many Canadian economists and some financially minded politicians had been reluctant to talk about a recession in Canada. The talk about recession has now evolved from no recession to perhaps a mild recession in Canada. This incremental change in vocabulary, while subtle, sets the stage to travel down the recession road. For those still in denial, the reality is that it would be quite... Read Full Story

Although the following was written with the Province of Ontario (Canada) in mind, the message may be appropriate for many other areas. It seems that whenever there is a discussion about health care in Ontario, the conversation inevitably focuses around shortages of medical personnel and wait times. There is seldom, if ever, a discussion regarding the competency, in the broadest definition possible, of those entrusted with providing care in a long term care (LTC) home. I am not referring to... Read Full Story

It seems that whenever there is a discussion about health care in Ontario, the conversation inevitably focuses around shortages of medical personnel and wait times. There is seldom, if ever, a discussion regarding the competency, in the broadest definition possible, of those entrusted with providing care in a long term care (LTC) home. I am not referring to an individual’s formal education or training level but rather to their overall suitability for working in an environment where... Read Full Story

O.J. Simpson has been found guilty on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery as well as 10 other related charges. He now faces a possible 2 to 30 years behind bars, hopefully closer to the latter figure. In spite of being convicted by a jury on the basis of the evidence submitted, Simpson’s lawyers are suggesting that perhaps the jurors may have been influenced by his murder acquittal thirteen years ago. Please spare us the sob comments. It is now time to say bye, bye O.J. db Read Full Story

The gloves did come off last night as the five Canadian party leaders entered their political slugfest hoping to sway those voters still straddling the fence. Debates should be an exchange of opinion. Last night, it was primarily an uninformative exchange of attack and defend statements and, at the end of the evening, leaving no one any better informed. From my perspective, there were simply too many people competing for center stage. db Read Full Story

This is the night for the Canadian English debate in the political quest for the keys to 24 Sussex Drive, currently in the possession of Stephen Harper. Our American neighbours are getting ready to watch their V.P. debate, already coined in some circles as “The mother of all political rope-a-dopes.” If that expression wasn’t already taken, it would be quite suitable for tonight’s Canadian version. Our campaign has been really boring as without the spending promises, there has been no... Read Full Story

When it comes to believing what politicians say, there are many people that place little credibility on what is said. So, when Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently mentioned that the Canadian economy would weather the economic storm being faced south of the border, many Canadians are taking those comments with considerable reservations. The current tightening of credit in the United States is having a big impact on automobile sales. U.S. industry-wide sales are down by 26%. It is so bad in... Read Full Story

Sarah Palin…..an overnight sensation and it could not happen anywhere else but in the U.S. of A.  While I, along with many others, may have some reservations about Palin’s experience to be occupying a position one heartbeat away from the Presidency of the United States, you have to admit that her mere presence has created the best conditions for generating more voter interest in the process. After all, the Democrats did lead the new-blood way with Barack Obama as their pick. John McCain had... Read Full Story

Canada’s long awaited do-not-call registry came into effect yesterday. Unfortunately, there are exceptions. Registered charities, political parties and newspapers are some of those that are exempted from the registry. Unsatisfied with the loopholes, an internet law expert has created another avenue for those that want to stop all unsolicited calls. Michael Geist, the Canada research chair of Internet and e-commerce law at the University of Ottawa, has created a website which allows users to... Read Full Story

I believe the Liberals are in panic mode. As they run out of ideas to reverse their downward slide in popularity, and with an empty barrel, they are now going under the barrel in their quest to dig up so-called dirt on the Conservatives. Yesterday, to great media fanfare, Liberal MP Bob Rae took great pleasure in resurrecting a television clipping that dated back to March 2003. It showed Stephen Harper repeating words that the then Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, had used in talking... Read Full Story