Abstract This paper discusses Canada's cultural diversity. It discusses Canada's immigration policies that have resulted in such a high level of diversity and problems with the policies in the past. The paper also discusses Canada's aboriginal population, its international mediators and the challenges it faces for the future.
From the Paper " Canada and Cultural Diversity -Outline Introduction: * Ethnic and cultural makeup, diversity as an attribute * Immigration today, Canada today * Thesis: today, Canada has fully embraced cultural pluralism in both policy and practice, although this has not been the base in the past * Historically bilingual * Argument: broad framework of laws, adaptability to new issues, programs, approach, basis for future; C. Charter of Rights * Origins in the bilingual challenge * Immigration policy of the past; policy, aggressive laws * Mistakes of the immigration policy of the past * Canada and its aboriginal people: infringements on human rights from early history, school system, impacts * Constitutional measures and legislation not enough on its own: all groups must have a voice in community * Canadian as international mediators, peacekeeprs * Challenges for the future: global changes, globalization, fighting"
Abstract This paper discusses the common-refrain of the Conference Board of Canada to report that private-sector unions and management are becoming more likely to pull "closer together for the sake of survival" in the newer global economy. The paper points out that in the public sector the Board generally reports that relations are worsening. It continues that despite the fact that strife garners much more in the way of headlines than agreements negotiated good faith, the Board's statement that private-sector unions are making more of an effort to work with employers is ideological in that it creates a spin pressuring unions to reduce demands in the name of tax cuts.
Abstract During the 1970s people in Canada (and elsewhere) lost faith in Keynesian economics, laying the groundwork for the decline of the Keynesian welfare state, and the rise of neo-liberalism. Neoliberalism favoured the unfettered economic power of private property, and the rise of neo-liberalism signaled the beginning of the globalization of the world economy. This change was therefore a dramatic and important shift, which continues to impact our world profoundly today. This essay examines the reasons for the loss of faith in Keynesian economics in the 1970s in Canada.
Abstract This paper is an overview of what the World Trade Organization (WTO) is and what it does. The history of the WTO is discussed as well as its advantages and disadvantages to Canada.
From the Paper "The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization engaging in the rules of trade between countries. At its core are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and confirmed in their parliaments. The organization accounts for over 90% of world trade and consist of 135 member nations that range from the US-to-Cuba-to-The Kyrgyz Republic."
Abstract This paper argues that the taxation policies of the Liberal and Progressive Conservative Parties in Canada have shifted further to the right.
From the Paper The Conservative Party maintains its conservative beginnings. Its philosophy is oriented toward maintaining the status quo in so far as the nation of Canada and its institutions, programs, eliminating regionalism, building a stronger nation, and limiting government intrusion into the private lives of Canadians.[i] There is little change in the Party's current platform. The Conservatives want to restore spending to the levels before the Liberals assumed power. The Conservatives have promulgated a new tax policy that calls for tax reduction
Abstract This paper looks at the privatization of healthcare in Canada. Under the NAFTA, health care in Canada cannot be preserved if there is private operation. Once a province has decided to allow the operation of private health care and HMO?s, then under the NAFTA every province in Canada is obliged to do the same. This is irreversible since by allowing the change toward privatization an alteration has been made to a NAFTA reservation.
From the Paper "One of Canada's greatest legacies can be considered to be its socially funded Medicare system, founded by Saskatchewan Premier T.C.Douglas in 1947. Ongoing conflict in 1984 between the federal and provincial governments over health care expenditures eventually led to the passing of a new legislation identifying the five basic principles of the Canadian public health care system. This legislation was the Canadian Health Act of 1984, and it was strongly lobbied for by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). "The federal government took the position that extra-billing and user fees were eroding Medicare, and further that if those practices were allowed to continue and increase, a two tiered system of health care would develop, one for the rich, and another for the poor"(Kerr, J.R., & MacPhail, J., 1996)."
Abstract This paper is a very personal, subjective look at a local Vancouver based rock band called Nickelback. The author takes a personal approach by looking at some of their songs from inside and out.
From the Paper "On Alternative radio, a new band has been jumping up the charts in the past few months. The band, from Vancouver, Canada, is called Nickelback. Formed by two brothers, Chad and Mike Kroeger, in 1996, Nickelback has reached major success starting in 2000 with the release of their first album The State, and now in 2001 with the release of their most recent album Silver Side Up (DynamicRock)."
Abstract This paper represents an attempt to identify the Canadian Judiciary's ability to balance the interests of the public and private sphere's according to changing social and political attitudes, as well as an evaluation of internal characteristics of the judiciary and how they necessarily effect this balance.
From the Paper "Without question the judiciary's role in protecting individual liberties is valuable, however there are certain elements involved in the judicial process that have made its role highly controversial. The undemocratic nature of the judiciary calls into question its merit in handing down "activist" decisions that see the judiciary competing with legislatures to form the laws of Canada. Similarly, the its undemocratic, unrepresentative nature creates suspicion as to whether the judiciary is interested in protecting the rights of the common man which is the underlying purpose of the Charter. Perhaps of greatest concern is the tremendous scope of interpretive power the legislature commonly leaves to the judiciary, through the formation of unspecific, inconclusive legislation."
Abstract This paper examines the phenomenon of the anti-globalization New Left in Canada, and explains their ideology, motivation, and relationship with the Old Left, such as organized labor. It describes that the New Left believes the Canadian political system weakens minor parties and makes parliamentary action useless. The paper describes why the New Left will have difficultly achieving power.
From the Paper "The "new left" is a distinct kind of interest group, a sub-set of standard interest groups referred to as social movements. Their organizational structure and preferred mode of political action, namely, the mobilization of non-governmental groups to attempt to influence public opinion via protests against corporations and agents of international economic globalization, is an expression of the core element of their ideology; that governments are impotent in the face of capitalist economic globalization. More specifically, they believe the Canadian political system with its limited role for democracy, the declining influence of Parliament, strong party system and the systemic way it weakens minor parties makes parliamentary action useless. For the NDP, notwithstanding its need for new support, has have been unable to incorporate the "new left" into its traditional bases of support because of nature of mass party structures. This incompatibility is detrimental to both sides; the methods of the "new left" to not appear conducive to success, and the traditional support for the NDP is continuing to weaken."
The following paper looks at how the Royal Bank of Canada manages to minimize Interest Rate Risk (also known as Market Risk), Credit Risk, and how they manage their capital so that they have sufficient funds to remain solvent.
Abstract This paper explores the key to successful banking which, according to the author, lies in the ability to balance a healthy growth rate, while at the same time analyzing the risks that your institution faces and taking action to minimize those risks.
From the Paper ?Risk comes from the uncertainty of future events. Effective risk management involves the understanding of the risks associated with the various areas of the business and the associated operating environment. Investments are primarily exposed to foreign currency, interest rate volatility and credit risk. The Royal Bank of Canada has set formal policies and procedures that establish an asset mix among equity, fixed income and real estate investments; require diversification of investments within categories; and set limits on the size of exposure to individual investments and counter parties. In addition derivative financial instruments are used, where appropriate, to assist in the management of these risks.?
A brief examination of how the Age of Discovery (15th to the 17th century Europe) effected both the population of Europe and the population of the New World.
Abstract This paper shows the positive and negative effects of the Age of Discovery on the society of the time. The European population largely enjoyed the positive benefits - exposure to new cultures and open trade routes, new goods and advanced technology. The negative impacts were felt by the populations who were "discovered" for the first time by the Europeans.
From the Paper "Not unlike the way the "race for the moon" became the driving force of American scientific exploration during the 1950's and 1960?s, the race to control the trade routes to the far reaches of the globe and to expand its technological knowledge of navigation became the driving force of Spanish foreign and domestic policy during the period of world history from the 15th to the 17th centuries. This period is also commonly called "The Age of Discovery" by European historians. The economic impact of Spain's forays into the New World or worlds ultimately changed the face of European knowledge of the world and the economic structure of Europe. Both the residents of Spain and Europe as a whole, however, experienced both positive and negative effects of this exploration. However, the effects upon Europe were on the whole largely beneficial, because of the increased exposure to new goods and the expansion of technology and knowledge that came as a result of colonization and exploration. However, the impact upon the existing inhabitants of the New World was largely negative."
An exploration of the part of hockey in the composition of Canada's national identity, focusing on a program broadcasted by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Abstract The paper looks at multi-ethnicity in Canada and at what unifies this nation. It focuses on the sport of hockey as an important component of the country's national identity. It looks at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and its struggle for identity, claiming that when it broadcasted its first "Hockey Night" in Canada, it found it's "true being". The paper explores the origin and importance of CBC's "Hockey Night" to national unity. It explains how the program crossed the boundaries of young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural, French and English, east and west. The paper also discusses the controversial aspect of the program's time slot, overlapping the national news. The status of the program as a source of education is mentioned and the paper concludes with a review of the contribution of CBC's "Hockey Night" to the national identity of Canadians.
From the Paper "Canada is comprised of many different cultures, spread over a vast geographical region. The only way for all these different types of people all over Canada to create a cohesive united nation to dwell on the similarities, which are shared amongst the majority. Cultural identity, it could be said can found when a whole nation can share in and care about a similar subject. For Canada this sense of national identity is represented by the sport of hockey. In any social or academic setting where the topic of discussion is Canadian identity the lists always begin with peacekeeping and multiculturalism and always come back to hockey. Some may say hockey is only a symbol of Canadian identity, and is no different then a moose, a beaver, or long winters. Hockey however has more then a symbolic animal because hockey gives a spirit of unification and it is here where our country has celebrated some of its greatest victories and most horrifying defeats. The love of the sport of hockey may not be shared by all Canadian citizens, but it is certainly been loved and adored by many since its beginnings in Montreal in 1875."
This paper discusses labor unions in the U.S. and Canada: History and development, goals and effects, political significance, legislation, standard of living and future.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, 1995, $ 47.95
From the Paper "The Los Angeles Times proclaimed that the recent Teamsters strike "has served as a reminder how much the union's influence has waned" . The failed outcome of the strike, reiterated the newspaper, confirms that labor unionism in North America is growing increasingly irrelevant in economics and in politics--a point further driven home by the inability of labor to prevent congressional enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
This research examines the role of labor unions in both the United States and Canada. The history of the union movement will be charted, and the impact of labor unions on the standard of living will be assessed. Future prospects for the rise of unionism and its ability to enhance the quality of life in North America will also be discussed."
Abstract This paper outlines the history of Canadian narcotics legislation as it pertains to marijuana. It then outlines arguments both for and against legalization or decriminalization while assessing the harm or good that this could cause.
Introduction
Marijuana ? A Brief History
The Plant in Canada
Drug Laws
An Examination of Proposed Changes to Canadian Marijuana Laws
Pros And Cons
Decriminalization
Legalization
Maintaining the Status Quo
Legalization or Decriminalization? Personal Reflections
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "There has been much talk and speculation as of late that Canada is ready to change its marijuana policy. Following the lead of such countries as Spain and England, it appears that Canada has been seriously considering either decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana possession. There are many arguments against and for such a move. Many against a change to marijuana policy feel that undertaking such a step would lead to increased usage, especially among young people. Those in favor feel that changing marijuana policy is a timely idea that will actually lead to decreased usage: marijuana could be treated as a public health issue as opposed to a criminal act, thereby allowing the government to set up health education programs in an attempt to deter its use. This approach has worked for tobacco and alcohol. This paper is going to look at the pros and the cons of a change in Canadian law in terms of its effect on organized crime. The nature and structure of the Canadian marijuana trade will be examined in order to see what benefits, if any a decriminalization or legalization move would provide. Before this can be done, the current drug law must be examined as it pertains to marijuana."
This paper studies the character of Irish immigration from 1815-1870 and presents the kinds of emigrants arriving in Canada during each period: Pre-famine, famine and post-famine period.
Abstract This paper describes the conditions in Ireland that pushed people to leave for Canada, the pull factors that made British North America so attractive. The author states that the immigration was successful for both Ireland and British North America: Ireland reduced population and Canada received Irish immigration who provided the unskilled labor required to develop the country, a population to protect the colony under any further attacks from the United States and the political and economic influence of the Irish people. The paper states that there were problems such as an overwhelming flood of immigrants in the case of the exodus of 1847, cholera outbreak in Canada in the 1830s and poverty. Annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "From 1815 to 1870 approximately 875,000 Irish embarked on ships heading to British North America. Usually immigration had a positive impact for both the homeland and the colonies; for owners of timber ships it solved the problem of sending empty ships westward across the Atlantic, and for Irish landlords it could be used to reduce unnecessary labor on their estates. For most emigrants the effects of moving from their homeland was also positive, because many found employment, land and wealth in Canada that they could not have obtained in Ireland. For the entire century various factors played a part in the experience of emigrating. The class, religion and wealth of the people themselves varied, with the highest classes and wealthiest leaving before the famine, and with the poorest fleeing around mid-century. The factors pushing emigrants from Ireland and pulling themselves towards British North America also changed as the century progressed. For most people the lack of opportunity in Ireland, and the plentiful employment, land, and the chance of improving ones position in society in Canada, were cited as being the main reasons for leaving."
