It seems that Canada’s household debt just reached an all time high, according to a revised Statistics Canada calculation that gives a more accurate picture of family finances. The new numbers are showing a debt trend that is "eerily similar to the U.S. experience, just before their dramatic housing bust," said David Madani, an analyst with Capital Economics. (1) Many economists have predicted that Canada too, will have an economic collapse similar to the US. An unstable housing boom, which without support was quick to fail, caused the latest recession in the US and Canada’s own housing boom is following a similar trend.
Although there is some good news in the new revised data. Canadians have more assets than previously thought. Another problem occurs from these assets though, as Canadians who hold more assets than their American and British counterparts held before the crash, most of these are locked into the values of their homes. This could easily all fall apart if the economy tanks, or there’s a housing correction.
While some are calling for a crash, others are saying it will be more of a soft landing though, as the government quickly moves to put new legislature in place. Ottawa has moved four times, in four years, to tighten mortgage rules and keep those who cant afford it out of the market. New data released Monday by the Canadian Real Estate Association showed sales of existing homes fell 15.1 per cent in September from a year ago, although last month's numbers were slightly higher than in August.
This is my weekly blog post: Earlier this week a young woman named Malala Yousafazi was shot in by a Taliban gunman in an assassination attempt while returning home on a school bus. She and two other girls were wounded when a masked gunman got on the bus and said "Which one of you is Malala? Speak up, otherwise I will shoot you all." Once Malala identified herself she was shot twice, once in the head and again in the neck, two other girls were wounded as well but they seem to be stable and recovering fine. (1) For those people who do not know, Malala Yousafazi grew up in Mingora, Pakistan where she was well known for standing up against the Taliban's treatment of women and not backing down even though there was numerous threats on her life, but that also made her a target for the Taliban. The threats became a reality when two disguised assassins stopped her bus and opened fire. She has been airlifted by the United Arab Emirates air ambulance from her country and escorted all the way to a medical facility in the U.K. called the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where they specialize in swerve injuries to children. I believe this is also best to keep her as far away from the Taliban as possible. (2) She is currently recovering well but she is not entirely "out of the woods" stated one of the doctors treating Yousafazi. On the plus side she has a good chance of recovering with no brain damage to her despite being shot in the head and she can write notes to communicate and is able to stand. (3) Ever since the shootings this has sparked a worldwide interest with words from U.N. Secretary General, to leaders of nations as well as celebrates. But I believe the most important part of all of this is that a 15 year old girl made a change. The fact that the Taliban seem to be threatened by the power of this young person's words goes to show how much one person can make a difference. I strongly believe that all the Taliban accomplished in the attack was the further spreading of Yousafazi message as people not only in Pakistan, but outside the borders are making a stand against the Taliban and making it backfire on the Taliban's own intentions. I personally think this is sick what the Taliban tried to do - You don't attack children, I really don't care who you are. Any types of actions like this just shows the inherent weaknesses of an organization based in hatred.
I agree with Chris. The fact that at fourteen years old Malala Yousafzai and the two other girls who accompanied her had the insight to know that women deserved an education, and that they fought for what they believed in, is beyond admirable. To have such a strength and courage about you at such a young age is something I truly appreciate. We as the human race pride ourselves on how advanced we are, and how far we have come; they key to our advancement? Education. The children of today are the future of tomorrow, cliche as that may sound. But in all honesty, why wouldn't you want to educate more children in your country? They will, after all, be the ones who run it one day. To handle a dispute by attempting to murder a young, child who just wants to learn is in no way exemplary of how "advanced" we are. Such acts display a primitive human nature that makes us no better than a pack of starving dogs willing to maul whatever it is that stands in the way of their needs.In regards to what Chris mentioned about Yousafazi's message only being furthered by the attack, I completely agree. Since the Taliban brought so much attention to one girl, people are delving deeper into and further considering what it is this one person stood for that became so threatening. I personally hope that the Pakistani government does do something to improve the accessibility of education to the children of their country because I believe everyone is entitled to better themselves and their knowledge of the world.
There has been a pact, a project, in Russia ever since the Soviet collapse in 1991(1). This was called the Nunn-Lugar program. It is the most Nobel Peace prize worthy program ever, yet it has never received one.
At the Soviet collapse, the Russians, who were a nuclear, chemical and biological powerhouse, were left defenceless, and their weapons were basically free for the taking. Had events continued without interference, the Soviet land and power would have been divided and fought over, creating three new world powerhouses in weaponry: Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Luckily, however, there was a Senator named Sam Nunn who visited the newly deposed Soviet President (2) Mikhail Gorbachev in 1991 and saw the danger of the situation. He soon then joined forces with Senator Richard Lugar, and together they created the Nunn-Lugar program. Together they sold the plan to the Whitehouse, claiming it was the most pressing world issue at the time, and they dispersed, disposed of and deleted the Russian weapon stores.
“The program deactivated more than 7,659 strategic nuclear warheads, destroyed 902 intercontinental ballistic missiles, 498 missile silos, 191 mobile missile launchers, 684 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, 492 submarine missile launchers, 155 strategic bombers, 906 nuclear air-to-surface missiles and 194 nuclear test tunnels, provided protection for railroad trains carrying nuclear-weapons shipments, built 39 stations for monitoring biological agents, and disposed of 3,023 metric tons of chemical weapons agents in Russia and Albania.” – Martin Schramm, reporter.
Evidently this program has done much, not just to save the world when the Soviets fell apart, but also, then, for 2 decades more as a Nuclear policing agency, and we need the program to continue the balance and peace.
Russian President Vladmir Putin announced, quietly, on October 10th, that, when the agreement ran out this year, in June, he would NOT renew the contract. He commanded UNICEF to leave his country and asked the United States to withdraw their assistance.
Five-star General Omar Bradley, the World War II hero, speaking in 1948, said, "Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war that we know about peace, more about killing that we know about living.”(3)
We need the Nunn-Lugar program, and yet this could be the first step to the weakening of America’s long-held iron grip on nuclear weapons world-wide. This could lead to disaster, but, speaking from a humanitarian point of view, isn’t freedom better for us? We have fought for, and have it, in Canada, and there are countries without freedom who we fight for daily.
Is freedom really better for us, in this case, or do we need a nuclear and biochemical babysitter?
This is my weekly post… I would like to raise the issue of human trafficking, so what is it? Well the U.N. defines human trafficking as a crime against humanity. It involves an act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring or receiving a person through a use of force, coercion or other means, for the purpose of exploiting them. The United Nations Office of Drug and Crime breaks human down to three elements which include: -The Act (What is done) Recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons. -The Means (How it is done) Threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim -The Purpose (Why it is done) For the purpose of exploitation, which includes exploiting the prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or similar practices and the removal of organs.
Human trafficking was first addressed internationally as it became part of a growing social reform in the late 19th century. The U.S. and Europe legislated against human trafficking began with the ratification of an international convention in 1901 and again in 1904. Thirty four countries took part in these conventions; the conventions were publicly funded by John D Rockefeller. [2] But some criticize anti-trafficking agencies claiming it is a myth. For example in April of 2009 a few days before the European Convention on Action against Human Trafficking began in Great Britain, academics, sex workers and activists from around the world came together to hold a five-day ‘Sex Workers’ Open University’ in London. People participating were working hard to solve the myths of global people smuggling and forced prostitution. One person who took part was the head of the Danish Sex Workers’ Interests Organization and said that ‘very few who work in the sex industry have been trafficked’. Nick Mai is a senior researcher in Immigrations and Migration with a London University, stated that, even though anti-trafficking legislation is for the cause of protecting migrants and women, it really only amounts to ‘anti-migration legislation’. A spokesperson on behalf of the British Collective of Prostitutes said anti-trafficking campaigners ‘use inflated figures and exploit public concern’ to push through legislation. [3]
It seems that Canada’s household debt just reached an all time high, according to a revised Statistics Canada calculation that gives a more accurate picture of family finances. The new numbers are showing a debt trend that is "eerily similar to the U.S. experience, just before their dramatic housing bust," said David Madani, an analyst with Capital Economics. (1) Many economists have predicted that Canada too, will have an economic collapse similar to the US. An unstable housing boom, which without support was quick to fail, caused the latest recession in the US and Canada’s own housing boom is following a similar trend.
ReplyDeleteAlthough there is some good news in the new revised data. Canadians have more assets than previously thought. Another problem occurs from these assets though, as Canadians who hold more assets than their American and British counterparts held before the crash, most of these are locked into the values of their homes. This could easily all fall apart if the economy tanks, or there’s a housing correction.
While some are calling for a crash, others are saying it will be more of a soft landing though, as the government quickly moves to put new legislature in place. Ottawa has moved four times, in four years, to tighten mortgage rules and keep those who cant afford it out of the market. New data released Monday by the Canadian Real Estate Association showed sales of existing homes fell 15.1 per cent in September from a year ago, although last month's numbers were slightly higher than in August.
(1)http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-s-household-debt-hits-record-high-new-statscan-figures-show-1.996273
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is my weekly blog post:
ReplyDeleteEarlier this week a young woman named Malala Yousafazi was shot in by a Taliban gunman in an assassination attempt while returning home on a school bus. She and two other girls were wounded when a masked gunman got on the bus and said "Which one of you is Malala? Speak up, otherwise I will shoot you all." Once Malala identified herself she was shot twice, once in the head and again in the neck, two other girls were wounded as well but they seem to be stable and recovering fine. (1)
For those people who do not know, Malala Yousafazi grew up in Mingora, Pakistan where she was well known for standing up against the Taliban's treatment of women and not backing down even though there was numerous threats on her life, but that also made her a target for the Taliban. The threats became a reality when two disguised assassins stopped her bus and opened fire. She has been airlifted by the United Arab Emirates air ambulance from her country and escorted all the way to a medical facility in the U.K. called the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where they specialize in swerve injuries to children. I believe this is also best to keep her as far away from the Taliban as possible. (2)
She is currently recovering well but she is not entirely "out of the woods" stated one of the doctors treating Yousafazi. On the plus side she has a good chance of recovering with no brain damage to her despite being shot in the head and she can write notes to communicate and is able to stand. (3)
Ever since the shootings this has sparked a worldwide interest with words from U.N. Secretary General, to leaders of nations as well as celebrates. But I believe the most important part of all of this is that a 15 year old girl made a change. The fact that the Taliban seem to be threatened by the power of this young person's words goes to show how much one person can make a difference. I strongly believe that all the Taliban accomplished in the attack was the further spreading of Yousafazi message as people not only in Pakistan, but outside the borders are making a stand against the Taliban and making it backfire on the Taliban's own intentions. I personally think this is sick what the Taliban tried to do - You don't attack children, I really don't care who you are. Any types of actions like this just shows the inherent weaknesses of an organization based in hatred.
Sources:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malala_Yousafzai
2. http://sourcefednews.com/2012/10/15/update-malala-yousafzai-airlifted-to-the-uk/
3. http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/19/world/europe/uk-pakistani-teen-activist/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
I agree with Chris. The fact that at fourteen years old Malala Yousafzai and the two other girls who accompanied her had the insight to know that women deserved an education, and that they fought for what they believed in, is beyond admirable. To have such a strength and courage about you at such a young age is something I truly appreciate. We as the human race pride ourselves on how advanced we are, and how far we have come; they key to our advancement? Education. The children of today are the future of tomorrow, cliche as that may sound. But in all honesty, why wouldn't you want to educate more children in your country? They will, after all, be the ones who run it one day. To handle a dispute by attempting to murder a young, child who just wants to learn is in no way exemplary of how "advanced" we are. Such acts display a primitive human nature that makes us no better than a pack of starving dogs willing to maul whatever it is that stands in the way of their needs.In regards to what Chris mentioned about Yousafazi's message only being furthered by the attack, I completely agree. Since the Taliban brought so much attention to one girl, people are delving deeper into and further considering what it is this one person stood for that became so threatening. I personally hope that the Pakistani government does do something to improve the accessibility of education to the children of their country because I believe everyone is entitled to better themselves and their knowledge of the world.
Deletesources:
1. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/malala-yousafzai-assassin-held-freed-in-2009-by-pakistan-military/article4622379/
2. http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/2012/10/un-chief-writes-to-family-of-girl-shot-by-taliban-in-pakistan/
Boom.
ReplyDeleteThere has been a pact, a project, in Russia ever since the Soviet collapse in 1991(1). This was called the Nunn-Lugar program. It is the most Nobel Peace prize worthy program ever, yet it has never received one.
At the Soviet collapse, the Russians, who were a nuclear, chemical and biological powerhouse, were left defenceless, and their weapons were basically free for the taking. Had events continued without interference, the Soviet land and power would have been divided and fought over, creating three new world powerhouses in weaponry: Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Luckily, however, there was a Senator named Sam Nunn who visited the newly deposed Soviet President (2) Mikhail Gorbachev in 1991 and saw the danger of the situation. He soon then joined forces with Senator Richard Lugar, and together they created the Nunn-Lugar program. Together they sold the plan to the Whitehouse, claiming it was the most pressing world issue at the time, and they dispersed, disposed of and deleted the Russian weapon stores.
“The program deactivated more than 7,659 strategic nuclear warheads, destroyed 902 intercontinental ballistic missiles, 498 missile silos, 191 mobile missile launchers, 684 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, 492 submarine missile launchers, 155 strategic bombers, 906 nuclear air-to-surface missiles and 194 nuclear test tunnels, provided protection for railroad trains carrying nuclear-weapons shipments, built 39 stations for monitoring biological agents, and disposed of 3,023 metric tons of chemical weapons agents in Russia and Albania.” – Martin Schramm, reporter.
Evidently this program has done much, not just to save the world when the Soviets fell apart, but also, then, for 2 decades more as a Nuclear policing agency, and we need the program to continue the balance and peace.
Russian President Vladmir Putin announced, quietly, on October 10th, that, when the agreement ran out this year, in June, he would NOT renew the contract. He commanded UNICEF to leave his country and asked the United States to withdraw their assistance.
Five-star General Omar Bradley, the World War II hero, speaking in 1948, said, "Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war that we know about peace, more about killing that we know about living.”(3)
We need the Nunn-Lugar program, and yet this could be the first step to the weakening of America’s long-held iron grip on nuclear weapons world-wide. This could lead to disaster, but, speaking from a humanitarian point of view, isn’t freedom better for us? We have fought for, and have it, in Canada, and there are countries without freedom who we fight for daily.
Is freedom really better for us, in this case, or do we need a nuclear and biochemical babysitter?
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Soviet_Union_(1982%E2%80%931991)
2. http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121021/NEWS04/210210305
3. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/o/omar_n_bradley.html#e5Hr8Tuj1vvXfY01.99
This is my weekly post…
ReplyDeleteI would like to raise the issue of human trafficking, so what is it? Well the U.N. defines human trafficking as a crime against humanity. It involves an act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring or receiving a person through a use of force, coercion or other means, for the purpose of exploiting them. The United Nations Office of Drug and Crime breaks human down to three elements which include:
-The Act (What is done) Recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons.
-The Means (How it is done) Threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim
-The Purpose (Why it is done) For the purpose of exploitation, which includes exploiting the prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or similar practices and the removal of organs.
Human trafficking was first addressed internationally as it became part of a growing social reform in the late 19th century. The U.S. and Europe legislated against human trafficking began with the ratification of an international convention in 1901 and again in 1904. Thirty four countries took part in these conventions; the conventions were publicly funded by John D Rockefeller. [2] But some criticize anti-trafficking agencies claiming it is a myth. For example in April of 2009 a few days before the European Convention on Action against Human Trafficking began in Great Britain, academics, sex workers and activists from around the world came together to hold a five-day ‘Sex Workers’ Open University’ in London. People participating were working hard to solve the myths of global people smuggling and forced prostitution. One person who took part was the head of the Danish Sex Workers’ Interests Organization and said that ‘very few who work in the sex industry have been trafficked’. Nick Mai is a senior researcher in Immigrations and Migration with a London University, stated that, even though anti-trafficking legislation is for the cause of protecting migrants and women, it really only amounts to ‘anti-migration legislation’. A spokesperson on behalf of the British Collective of Prostitutes said anti-trafficking campaigners ‘use inflated figures and exploit public concern’ to push through legislation. [3]
Sources:
1 - http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/what-is-human-trafficking.html
2 - From Motherhood to Citizenship: Women's Rights and International Organizations pp. 75–6.
3 - http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php/site/article/6606/