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Business, Economics, Education, Entrepreneurs,
Environment, Science and Technology
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Thursday, December 13, 2007
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Places to Work
Canada’s Technology Triangle (CTT) Ranks High in Mid-Sized Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs)
Waterloo Region - Waterloo Region, Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo with a combined population over 500, 000 and known around the world as CTT, was ranked high among mid-sized metropolitan areas in the Conference Board of Canada’s first ever report, “City Magnets: Benchmarking the Attractiveness of Canada’s CMAs”.
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Waterloo Growing Company
ARISE Technologies Corporation Announces Signing of Silicon Wafer Supply Agreement
WATERLOO - ARISE Technologies Corporation announced that its wholly owned subsidiary ARISE Technologies Deutschland GmbH (ARISE Germany), has entered into a silicon wafer supply agreement with Sino-American Silicon Products Inc. (SAS) of Taiwan.
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Transfer of Control
W.C Wood changes ownership
Guelph - After 77 years of family ownership, Guelph-based W.C. Wood Company has sold its operations to Red Diamond Capital a subsidiary of Mitsubishi (Japan).
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Consumer Prosumer
Study: Cross-border shopping and the loonie 2007
Statscan - Whether measured by the number of same-day auto trips across the US border or the average amount spent on these trips or online shopping, the recent increases in cross-border shopping have been minimal relative to retail sales, according to a study released today in the Canadian Economic Observer.
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Labour and Productivity
Labour productivity, hourly compensation and unit labour cost Third quarter 2007
The labour productivity of Canadian businesses rose 0.2% in the third quarter, the same growth rate as that recorded in the previous quarter. This pace remains below that of the first three months of 2007, which saw growth of 0.6%.
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New Contracts for Waterloo
DALSA Announces Significant New Orders in Core Businesses
Waterloo - DALSA Corporation, an international leader in high performance digital imaging and semiconductors, announced that it has received significant new contracts in its Digital Imaging and Semiconductor business units. The majority of the orders, which cover key end markets such as flat panel display and MEMS, are expected to be delivered during 2008.
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Paper Making Realignment
Domtar to reduce paper making capacity
MONTREAL - Domtar announced today that it will close its Port Edwards, Wisconsin mill as well as reorganize production at its Dryden, Ontario facility. These measures will result in a permanent reduction of Domtar's annual production capacity by approximately 342,000 tons.
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Manufacturing Global Market
Auto companies still struggle with a move to Central and Eastern Europe
Toronto — Moving to Central and Eastern Europe remains a major challenge for automotive companies, especially if little experience in cross-border M&A exists. According to part four of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) Eastern Influx: Automotive manufacturing in Central and Eastern Europe it’s crucial to devise and execute a solid forward plan and to leverage local expert advice in order to create a heightened understanding of the different behaviours, practices, and risks in these regions.
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Winter Getaway
Canadian Travelers Flock to Barcelo Hotels & Resorts in the Caribbean & Mexico
Tour Operator Sales Hit a Record High for 2007
TORONTO - Barcelo Hotels & Resorts reports that Canada is the number one feeder market for its 32 all-inclusive hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean. During 2007 a record number of vacation packages were sold throughout Canadian markets to Barcelo's selection of upscale and Premium branded hotels.
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Education
UOIT and Trent University pioneer multi-institutional graduate program delivery
Groundbreaking technology eliminates geographical barriers, bringing students together in one virtual classroom
OSHAWA, Ont. — The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Trent University demonstrated how they are redefining graduate education in Canada by removing geographical barriers and bringing students together in one virtual classroom through the use of innovative technology.
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Climate Change
World Bank Launches Forest Carbon Fund.
"The World Bank on Tuesday launched plans for a [target size] $300 million fund to fend off global warming by preserving forests...
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Unions Pension Funds
Steelworkers applaud passage of Nova Scotia pension reform
HALIFAX - The United Steelworkers (USW) has applauded Wednesday's passing of a bill in the Nova Scotia legislature that requires companies to ensure pension plans are fully funded when plants are closed.
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Climate Change
World Bank Chief Says Climate Action Can Work For Development
“Actions to lower greenhouse gas emissions can ‘both protect the global environment and enable developing countries to grow their economies for the benefit of their people,’ World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick said in Bali on Wednesday. …
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Media Shift
CTV Strikes iTunes Canada Deal
- Deal sees Canada's top-ranked original comedies and dramas from
CTV now available on iTunes -
- CTV's The Comedy Network and MTV become first Canadian specialties with iTunes content
TORONTO - As announced yesterday, hit programming from CTV and its specialty channels The Comedy Network and MTV are now available from the iTunes Store in Canada
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Media Shift
Apple Announces Hit Television Programming Now Available on the iTunes Store in Canada
Programs from Canada’s Top Networks, US Favorites & NHL Now Available on iTunes
CUPERTINO, California—Apple announced that hit television programming from Canada’s top networks, US broadcasters and the National Hockey League (NHL) is now available for CAN$1.99 per episode.
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Energy - New Plant
BioOil to fuel industrial sector
Missouri, USA is set to become home to a commercial industrial plant that will produce liquid biofuel from wood residues. The end product, known as “BioOil”, is an industrial fuel expected to be sold to commercial users as it is a price-competitive replacement for heating oils that are widely used in industrial boilers and furnaces.
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Healthcare - Pandemic
Influenza pandemic could cost Canadian economy $9 billion
Over half of Canadian critical industry workers may not show up to work
during a flu pandemic
TORONTO - Immediate action to ensure employee health and safety during an influenza pandemic is critical, according to a national survey. Results show that 54 per cent of critical industry workers would be uncomfortable going to work if several people in their city or town were diagnosed with pandemic influenza.
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Survey of Manufacturing
Manufacturing sales edged up 0.1% in October, basically holding steady after decreasing in five of the six previous months.
Sales of manufactured goods increased $38 million, reaching $50.2 billion from $50.1 billion in September.
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Education - Post High School
Course that Aims to Ease Transition to University a Success
Guelph - A growing number of students are looking for information and support in making the transition from high school to university, based on the participation in a first-ever University of Guelph course.
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Rental Market Report
DEMAND HIGHER FOR RENTAL UNITS IN KITCHENER AND GUELPH
TORONTO - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released its Fall 2007 Rental Market Report for the Kitchener and Guelph CMAs today. Highlights of the 2007 Rental Market Report for these CMAs are as follows:
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Politics - Economy
Tory to McGuinty: Stop killing jobs and passing the buck
Tory says McGuinty continues to show no urgency or concern about economy
QUEEN'S PARK - Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory today said Dalton McGuinty's "don't worry, be happy" approach to the economy is going to lead to more broken promises.
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Global Economy
Corporate Earnings Will Slacken and Market Volatility Will Rise, Global Investors Believe
ORINDA, Calif. - Corporate earnings in the US, Europe, and Japan will weaken and stock market volatility will increase, according to a majority of investment professionals surveyed in New York, London, Melbourne, and Tokyo by AXA Rosenberg in October and November.
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Communication
Shift to E-mail in Business Makes Crafting Meaningful Messages More Important
TORONTO - As professionals with overflowing inboxes may attest, people are doing more typing than talking when communicating on the job. Results from a recent OfficeTeam survey bear this out: Nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of executives prefer to receive e-mail over other forms of communication, up from 34 per cent a decade ago.
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Education
Canadians going to school in increasing numbers to learn, and earn, more
TORONTO - Enrolment in postsecondary education continues to rise, as job prospects and earning advantages increase for graduates. This was one of many findings contained in a major report released by education ministers and Statistics Canada.
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Competition
Competition Bureau validates CGA position on public practice rights
OTTAWA - The Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada) welcomes the Competition Bureau Study on the Professions. The findings in the report recognize the importance of self regulation; a significant privilege accorded to the professions in Canada.
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Mobile Content
Amika Mobile Signs India Partnership With Binary Semantics to Sell Enterprise Product
OTTAWA - Amika Mobile, the pioneer in the delivery of key mobile content to any mobile phone, announces that it has signed a partnership agreement with Binary Semantics for distribution of the Amika Mobility Server(TM) - Enterprise Edition in India.
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BIO Terrorism
UW hosts forum on predicting and responding to pandemics and bioterrorism
TORONTO and Waterloo - Ontario public health officials and researchers from three North American universities will explore how mathematics and computer science can help predict and respond to a pandemic or bioterrorism.
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Merger
Deloitte & Touche LLP and Mintz & Partners LLP Agree to Merge
TORONTO - Accounting and professional services firms Deloitte and Mintz & Partners have reached an agreement to join forces. It is expected that the firms will be in business together in January 2008.
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Tourism - World of Disney
Canadian Families Selected to Share Their Dreams During Disney Parks Star-Studded Spectacular Annual Christmas Day Parade on CBC
Stars scheduled to appear in Emmy Award-winning special include Jessica
Simpson, Miley Cyrus, Patti LaBelle, Josh Groban, cast from "High School Musical 2," favourites from "Dancing with the Stars," The Jonas Bros.,
Menudo, Katharine McPhee, Harlem Gospel Choir, and more!
TORONTO, ON -- This winter, Canadian families will share their Disney dreams during CBC’s broadcast of the annual "Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade" on December 25.
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Layoffs Offset
Closure and investments at Arcelor Mittal in Contrecoeur
Optimism and caution on the part of Steelworkers
MONTREAL - The Arcelor Mittal company has just announced its intention of building a beam mill at Contrecoeur at a cost of $380 million and, at the same time, of closing the hot mill on January 31 and the cold mill on February 29. "We are pleased to see that the 450 layoffs that have been announced, which is considerable given that there are 1000 workers in this plant, could be partially offset by the building of another plant which would employ 200 workers by 2010.
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Human Resource
Change Jobs the leading Business Change Management and IT Project Jobs Job Board has re-launched
UK - Change Jobs is proud to announce the re-launch of their new and improved job board. Due to popular demand the new improved site will now focus on both Business Change Management and IT Project Jobs.
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Health Care Consumers
Three-quarters of Canadians want integrated health resource
Manulife Financial launches Health Service Navigator(TM) to help
Canadians become proactive health care consumers
WATERLOO - In a survey for Manulife Financial, a decisive 74 per cent of Canadians who responded said they would be interested in an integrated, reliable service that provides information and assistance on the variety of health care services available and how to access them.
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Green Energy Project
Sludge plant is real gas
By Bob Downing
Akron, Ohio - ''Taking our brown and turning it into green'' was the way Akron Water Pollution Control Administrator Brian Gresser described a new facility that turns the city's sewage sludge into electricity.
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Consumer Energy
Ontario should get smart, follow Hydro Quebec decision to abandon time-of-use meters, electricity coalition says
TORONTO - The Ontario government would be doing consumers a favour if it were to follow the example of Hydro Quebec and abandon its plan to install so-called smart meters in all homes in the province, says the Ontario Electricity Coalition.
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Wednesday December 12, 2007
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Human Resource Outlook
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Reveals Employers Expect a Healthy Hiring Climate in Canada for the First Quarter of 2008
Toronto – Canadian employers expect a healthy hiring climate for the January to March period of 2008 according to the latest results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, the most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the world.
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Study Consumer Influence
Seventy per cent of Canadian consumers are influenced by industry experts
Canadians put brains before beauty when making purchasing decisions
TORONTO - Tennis bombshell Maria Sharapova might be the pretty face behind many of today's digital products, but it's the learned expertise of the local tech geek that's going to influence consumers' decisions as we move into the busy holiday buying season.
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Education Trends
Education indicators 2007
The fifth edition of Education Indicators in Canada: Report of the Pan-Canadian Education Indicators Program, available today, provides a wealth of statistical information on education.
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Media - Readers Choice
TV, Newspapers and Radio are Canadians Top Choice for Accurate News
Online media gains popularity as Canadians start turning to alternative sources for news
OTTAWA - The imminent death of traditional media has been greatly exaggerated. The National Media Choice and Trust Poll commissioned by the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) and conducted by IDC Canada reveals that despite our fascination and reliance on digital content, 95 per cent of respondents continue to turn to traditional media (newspapers, radio and television) for general news and 82 per cent for breaking news.
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Consumer Prosumer
Consumers and Economy Would Benefit from Reduction in Regulation in Professions, a Competition Bureau Study Finds
Ottawa - Canada's self-regulated professions should re-examine their rules to ensure they serve a public good and do not go too far in restricting competition, a Competition Bureau study says.
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Competition - Chartered Accountants
Canada's Chartered Accountants comment on Competition Bureau report findings
TORONTO - Canada's Chartered Accountants concur with the Competition Bureau's desire for consistent regulations that foster mobility for public accounting professionals across Canada.
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Lifestyle Arts
New Deadline For Premier's Awards For Excellence In The Arts
Celebrate Culture By Nominating An Artist Or Arts Organization This
Holiday Season
MANITOULIN - The McGuinty government is giving people ten more days to nominate their favourite artist or arts organization for the recently expanded $120,000 Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts, Minister of Culture Aileen Carroll announced today.
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Financial Tax Tips
12 Days of Tax Tips: Ernst & Young's End-of-Year Guide
TORONTO - The coming days will see people rushing from holiday parties to family gatherings in time to the familiar strains of traditional carols.
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Nuclear Energy
Government Introduces New Legislation to Restart Nuclear Reactor
OTTAWA – The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, yesterday announced that the Government of Canada has introduced legislation mandating Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) to restart its National Research Universal (NRU) reactor safely.
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Environment - Climate Change
Climate Change Tougher Than Trade Talks: WTO Head
“Forging a deal on tackling climate change will be even harder than hammering out long-stalled international trade talks, the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has warned.
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Financial Retirement
Standard Life launches Retirement checkup
MONTREAL - The Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada announced yesterday the launch of the Retirement checkup, an innovative retirement projection tool designed to engage group plan members in taking action in their retirement plans.
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International Trade
Canadian international merchandise trade October 2007
Statscan - The continued strength of the Canadian dollar in October spurred significant volume increases and price declines for both international merchandise imports and exports.
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Attraction
Waterloo Region/Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig steps up to thank Cambridge supporters
Children's Museum Launches Phase Two of Energy Awareness and Conservation Program
Waterloo Region/Kitchener - It has been less than one year since the Ontario Minister of Energy officially launched the Children's Museum's Energy Awareness and Conservation Program.
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International Investment
Canada's international investment position Third quarter 2007
Statscan - International assets and liabilities both continued to decline in the third quarter of 2007, though the drop in assets was greater.
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Innovation - Leaders
Executives Fall Short When Leading for Innovation, Global Leadership Study Shows Leaders Fail to Set a Clear Vision, Recognize and Reward Innovation
NEW YORK - Employees at some of the world's more prominent companies don't feel that innovation is well managed or even encouraged by their senior leaders, and it turns out their bosses agree with them.
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Survey - Online Shopping
Internet Surfing, Online Shopping at Work Increase Worldwide as Holidays Grow Closer
Employees' Recreational, Personal And Holiday-Related Use Of Internet
Places Businesses At Risk For Technical Problems And Legal Liability
TORONTO - Despite global trends of increased online shopping and unproductive Internet surfing on work computers in lead up to the holiday season, Canadian workers are less likely to engage in these activities compared to their counterparts in the U.S. and around the world, according to a new survey released today by the Business Software Alliance (BSA).
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Canada's Climate Change Woes
Government of Canada gets tough on climate change: orders industry to submit air emissions information
NUSA DUA, BALI, INDONESIA - Canada took a major step forward in its plan to enforce tough new regulations on industry to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions today.
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Media Agriculture
Ontario Federation of Agriculture Adds Print to News Services
TORONTO - Research funded by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and partners has shown a need and desire for agricultural content among community media as well as urban outlets.
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CUPE - Injured Workers
Injured workers 20 per cent behind in compensation; Province needs to act before more fall into poverty
TORONTO - It's time for the Ontario government to reverse the effects of a law that has caused injured workers to lose 20 per cent in compensation earnings over the last decade while providing savings and reward payments to employers, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario.
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Energy at Work and Home
Environment and Natural Resources Ministers Launch Clean Energy Software
Ottawa - The Government of Canada has officially launched the latest version of the RETScreen International Clean Energy Project Analysis Software. The RETScreen software, available free-of-charge to industry and the public, is a software tool developed to help decision makers assess the viability of clean energy options.
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World Economy
Study Finds Wide Gaps In Asian Incomes
“Brunei topped the list of Asia's richest economies by per capita income and Hong Kong emerged as the biggest spender, according to a study released Monday. Nepal, meanwhile, was the region's poorest by both measures.
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Tuesday December 11, 2007
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Human Resources
FAIR HIRING CLIMATE EXPECTED FOR KITCHENER/CAMBRIDGE AREA
Kitchener - Kitchener and Cambridge area employers expect a moderate hiring pace for the first quarter of 2008, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
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Health Care
The 2007-2008 Influenza Season has started in Waterloo Region
Waterloo -The 2007-2008 influenza season has started in Waterloo Region. Two laboratory confirmed cases of influenza were reported to Region of Waterloo Public Health late last week. Surrounding areas have also recently reported cases of influenza.
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Financial Alliance
The Co-operators forms Alliance with AGCO Corporation to Offer Commercial Property and Casualty Dealer Insurance
GUELPH - The Co-operators has formed an alliance with AGCO Corporation to offer a comprehensive package of commercial property and casualty insurance to AGCO's agricultural equipment dealers.
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Unions Anti-Equality Agenda
Unions call on government to halt the anti-equality agenda
OTTAWA - Several major unions are stepping forward to give financial support to women's organizations that have been punished under the Conservative government's anti-equality agenda. Their announcement coincides with the 26th anniversary of Canada's ratification of the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.
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Entrepreneurship - Opportunities
The best businesses to go in to now
PROFIT Magazine's 12th annual Opportunity Guide, arriving on newsstands
today, presents today's best startup, expansion and sales prospects for
Canadian entrepreneurs.
TORONTO - PROFIT Magazine is pointing Canadian entrepreneurs toward their next big thing. Today, PROFIT reveals its 12th annual report on the best niches for starting a business, growing an existing company and finding hot sales prospects.
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Manufacturing
CAW Continues Fight to Save St. Thomas Assembly Plant
TORONTO - The Canadian Auto Workers is continuing its fight to save the Ford car assembly plant in St. Thomas, Ontario, and has received no indication whatsoever that Ford has decided to close the plant, despite a story in the Detroit News this weekend.
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Rogers Appointment
Kathryn Humphreys Joins Rogers Media
TORONTO - Rogers Media Inc. announced that sportscaster Kathryn Humphreys will be joining Rogers Media. Beginning Monday, December 10, viewers can enjoy Humphreys unique reporting style on everything from little league heroes to the pros on both the 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Citytv's CityNews.
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Manufacturing Automobiles
Global Steel Industry Announces Future Steel Vehicle Research Program
Lightweight Prototype Body Aimed at Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
BALI, INDONESIA- In the quest for more environmentally friendly automobiles, global steel companies have aims to reinvent the steel automobile body.
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Economy - Education
Canada's prosperity at risk without a national road map for post secondary education, new report says
Recommendation from the Canadian Council on Learning's second annual report on post-secondary education supported by broad coalition of leaders and educators
OTTAWA - The Canadian Council on Learning, with support from organizations across the country, says that without the development of a national post-secondary education strategy-such as those adopted by many other nations around the world-Canada's prosperity will be at risk and its competitive edge compromised.
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Agribiz
Grain Industry Committee Prepares for Removal of KVD by 2010
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - The Industry Committee on Removal of Kernel Visual Distinguishability (KVD) continues to work on the process required to replace KVD as a grain identification system in Canada.
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Climate Change
Deloitte: Minimal Government Direction and Executive Leadership Root of Lacklustre Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management
Deloitte survey finds Canadian companies recognize the issue but lack the strategic impetus to implement meaningful climate change
TORONTO - Lack of executive accountability, together with ongoing regulatory uncertainty are the two key factors explaining why Canadian companies are slow to adopt climate change strategies, according to a recent Deloitte survey, Managing greenhouse gas emissions, released December 10, 2007.
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Reverse Takeover
Carthew Bay Technologies Signs Letter of Intent For a Reverse Takeover Transaction
TORONTO - Carthew Bay Technologies Inc., formerly Astris Energi Inc., announced December 10, 2007 that it has executed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Colorep Inc. ("Colorep"), relating to a transaction whereby shares of CBT will be exchanged for all of the issued and outstanding shares of Colorep ("RTO").
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International Mail
Postal union wants comprehensive and public review of international mail issue
OTTAWA - The international mail issue should be subject to a comprehensive and public review said the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) in response to statements made by the Canadian International Mail Association (CIMA).
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Municipal Affairs
City of Kawartha Lakes municipal workers united to protect public services
LINDSAY - Armed with strong strike votes from both the inside workers (100 per cent) and outside workers (99 per cent), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 400 City of Kawartha Lakes municipal workers, will fight to protect public services and address issues of poor morale and unfair management practices, in upcoming contract talks.
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Construction - Residential
Housing starts remain stable in November
OTTAWA - The seasonally adjusted annual rate(1) of housing starts was 227,900 units in November, essentially unchanged from 227,600 units in October, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
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Ottawa Mayor Charged by OPP
Ontario Provincial Police charge Ottawa mayor
ORILLIA - As a result of an 8 month Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigation undertaken in March, 2007 at the request of the Ottawa Police Service, the OPP Anti-Rackets Section has charged Larry O'Brien, the Mayor of the City of Ottawa with 2 charges under the Criminal Code:
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Human Resources - Healthy Outlook
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Reveals Employers Expect a Healthy Hiring Climate in Canada for the First Quarter of 2008
TORONTO - Canadian employers expect a healthy hiring climate for the January to March period of 2008 according to the latest results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, the most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the world.
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Economy - US Rebound
U.S. recession fears overblown: CIBC World Markets
TSX likely to hit new highs by end of '08
TORONTO - The U.S. economy will "re- accelerate" in 2008 leading North American stocks to new highs if the Federal Reserve Board makes additional rate cuts as expected, notes a new CIBC World Markets report.
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Wilfrid Laurier University
Four Laurier professors reach semi-finals of TVO’s Best Lecturer Competition
The judges in TVO’s Best Lecturer Competition are looking for teachers who engage their listeners with passion, flair and clarity, and who convey their knowledge with genuine conviction.
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Water
Canada’s Only Groundwater Guardian Celebrates 10 Years
NA Groundwater Foundation Designated Cambridge More than A Decade Ago
Cambridge - It’s been a decade since the Groundwater Foundation based in Nebraska, US, recognized Cambridge as a Groundwater Guardian Community. Currently Canada’s only Groundwater Guardian, it demonstrates the proactive establishment of this subcommittee of the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC).
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Manufacturing
Brick Brewing Third Quarter Report Net Loss of $858 thousand
Company incurres increased production taxes, one time costs related to Strategic Review and severance costs to streamline operations
WATERLOO - Brick Brewing Co. Limited released its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended October 31, 2007.
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BioFuel - New Facility
Biofuel centre launched in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland - The first biofuel research centre of its kind in the UK to find sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based energy has been set up in Edinburgh. The Biofuel Research Centre (BRC) is to develop second-generation biofuel from a range of non-food crops and waste.
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Consumer Prosumer
Canadian households spent over $8 billion on beverages in 2007
Annual beverage study shows beverages consistently part of Canadian shopping baskets
MARKHAM, - The Nielsen Company announced the release of the 2007 edition of the annual Beverage Study. The report provides confirmation that Canadians have a healthy thirst for beverages.
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Financial Markets
Governor Dodge Says Transparency Essential for Financial Market Efficiency
TORONTO - Recent market events have shown how important it is to have appropriate levels of transparency and disclosure of information for financial markets to function well, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge said today.
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Energy - Wind Power
New wind power project sends electricity to Ontario grid
Acciona and Suncor celebrate start up of first Ontario wind power
project.
RIPLEY - The Ripley Wind Power Project, a $176 million joint venture project between Acciona Energy and Suncor Energy Products Inc. began generating power on November 24, sending electricity to Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator.
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All New Hybrid
All-new 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: passenger car comfort and handling with SUV versatility deliver greater value - plus hybrid power and eco-friendly fuel efficiency and emissions
TORONTO - Toyota Canada Inc. unveiled the all-new 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
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Global Opportunities
British PM Calls On Private Sector In 'Development Emergency'.
"British Prime Minister Gordon Brown wants private sector firms to provide their expertise to spur growth in developing countries and help the United Nations meet its ambitious poverty-reduction goals, he said Monday.
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Growing Diversity
Goldman Sachs’ US Hispanization Research Report Released at Multicultural Marketing Summit
Compelling data for investment in the US Hispanic market presented
Miami, FL — More than 200 industry leaders attended The 4th annual Multicultural Marketing Summit from October 24-26, 2007 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Miami-Florida.
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Construction Residential
ONTARIO SINGLE DETACHED HOME STARTS SHOW RESILIENCE
Toronto - Ontario home starts moved higher in November. The Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of urban* starts rose to 70,200 units, up 12.7 per cent from 62,300 unit starts registered in October.
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Conference Board Document
China’s Productivity Boom: The Contribution of Restructuring to Growth and Competitiveness
Report by Pieter Bottelier, Haiyan Deng, John Haltiwanger, Yaodong Liu, Yuqi Liu, Robert H. McGuckin, III, Jianyi Xu
While Chinese firms still operate at productivity levels well below their foreign counterparts, this report shows that they are making startling progress.
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Technology Appointment
Dan White Appointed President Of COM DEV USA
EL SEGUNDO, CA - COM DEV International Ltd. announced that Dan White has been appointed as President of COM DEV USA. Mr. White will be responsible for establishing a US domestic source in the area of the Company's core competency and completing the build-out of the Company's new Los Angeles-area manufacturing facility.
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2007 Income Tax
Time is Running Out on Opportunities to Lower Your 2007 Tax Bill Says BMO Nesbitt Burns
TORONTO - While the annual tax filing deadline is still a few months away, Canadians should take action now to ensure they meet applicable year-end tax deadlines and take advantage of available tax breaks.
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Biofuel - US Government
US farm bill could set fivefold boost in biofuels
By Charles Abbott
WASHINGTON - The new U.S. farm law would require use of 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022, five times more than this year's output, under an amendment offered on Monday as a fallback in case an energy bill falters.
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Science and Technology
Federal government spending on science and technology 2007/2008
Statscan - The federal government's spending on science and technology is expected to reach $9.5 billion in the fiscal year 2007/2008, after surpassing $9 billion in 2005/2006. Research and development will be the main beneficiary of this federal investment.
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Biofuel Plant - Ontario
GreenField Ethanol now posting corn bids for its Johnstown plant
JOHNSTOWN - GreenField Ethanol, Canada's leading ethanol producer, announced today that it is now buying corn for its Johnstown plant in Eastern Ontario under the newly expanded Ontario Buy Direct Program.
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New Era of Entertainment
Cineplex Entertainment Sets New Standard for Theatres Throughout North America
WATERLOO REGION – Christie, a global leader in Digital Cinema, is delighted to announce its acclaimed Digital Cinema projectors are installed and ready to usher in a new era of entertainment at Canada’s newest and largest Digital Cinema complex, SilverCity Oakville Cinemas, in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
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Waterloo Wellington Work Force
November 2007 edition of Work Force Focus.
Waterloo/Wellington - This issue focuses on the Non-Profit &Voluntary Sector.
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Natural Resources
Study: Natural resource wealth in Canada 1997 to 2006
Fuelled by soaring resource prices, Canada's natural resource wealth—the estimated dollar value of its energy, mineral and timber reserves—increased 10% a year on average between 1997 and 2006, according to a new study.
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Tourism Travel Trends
American Express Predicts Business Travel Prices Will Increase in 2008
--Strong Canadian dollar will help contain rising international air costs—
--Outlook expected to fuel tougher negotiating environment--
MARKHAM – Overall business travel costs are expected to increase in 2008, creating a much tougher environment for negotiating air, hotel and car rental rates for Canadian companies, says American Express Business Travel.
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Biofuels News
India to add 1700MW of biomass co-generation by 2012
Biopact - Under its 11th Plan period (2007-2012), the government of India aims to add 1,700 MW capacity through biomass and bagasse cogeneration in various states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the Lok Sabha (Lower House) was informed.
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Canada and the Environment
Canada takes action to help developing countries fight climate change
NUSA DUA, BALI, INDONESIA- Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, announced December 9, 2007 that Canada will be making a major contribution to the Global Environment Facility's Special Climate Change Fund. With this new $7.5 million contribution, Canada's total contribution to the Special Climate Change Fund is $13.5 million.
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Guidelines for State-Owned Enterprises
Government of Canada Clarifies Rules on Foreign Investment for State-Owned Enterprises
OTTAWA - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, issued Guidelines clarifying the application of the Investment Canada Act as it relates to foreign state-owned enterprises (SOEs) investing in Canada
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Union
CAW Presents Award to 'Youngest' Union Organizer
TORONTO - On December 7, 2007 CAW President Buzz Hargrove presented Sudbury resident and retired worker Jack Quenneville with an award of lifetime achievement for his commitment to social justice and workers' rights.
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Manufacturing BMW
Magna to build MINI Sports Activity Vehicle for BMW Group
AURORA - Magna International Inc. confirmed that, as announced by BMW Group earlier the week of December 3, that its Magna Steyr unit will be responsible for serial development and production of the MINI Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).
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Survey Petroleum Investment
The Fraser Institute: Global Petroleum Survey Views Investment in Newfoundland as Carrying Same Risk as Russia and Iran
CALGARY - Newfoundland & Labrador is considered by petroleum industry experts as the worst province in Canada for investment in oil and gas exploration and development
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Environment Auto Rebates
Toyota Canada welcomes the federal government's extension of the ecoAUTO Rebate Program
TORONTO - Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) commended the Government of Canada's decision to extend the ecoAUTO Rebate Program. The program encourages Canadians to choose environmentally friendly vehicles by offering a rebate of up to $2,000 on fuel-efficient, made-for-Canada cars and trucks.
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Appointment Commercial Real Estate
John Frederickson Appointed Managing Director of Colliers International in Edmonton
EDMONTON - George Dawson, Managing Director of Colliers International, is pleased to announce that John Frederickson will be taking over his position of Managing Director.
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Income Tax 2008
Canada Revenue Agency Interest Rates for the First Calendar Quarter
OTTAWA - On December 7, 2007 The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced the prescribed annual interest rates that will apply to any amounts owed to the CRA and to any amounts the CRA owes to individuals and corporations.
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Education Awards
National Wood Council Presents Awards to Conestoga Students
Waterloo Region - Five Conestoga College woodworking students have received major awards from the Canadian Wood Council for their work in designing innovative wood products, as well as developing marketing plans for these products.
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Entrepreneurship
Business Students Earn Top Prizes at Competition
Guelph - Gluten-free beer and biodegradable plastics were the business ideas of the U of G teams that captured two of the top three places in the iGNITION $1K Pitch competition last week.
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Kitchener - Environment
City's Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) will be the focus of public workshop
KITCHENER - The second of two public workshops that will help shape the city's updated Strategic Plan for the Environment will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., at City Hall.
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Lifestyle Trip Chaining
Study: "Trip chaining" while driving
When it comes to making complex trips with multiple stops in the family car, women have it hands down over men, according to a new study.
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Jane Goodall
World class exhibit coming to Children's Museum
Discovering Chimpanzees: The Remarkable Story of Jane Goodall
Kitchener - Beginning January 24th, 2008 The Children's Museum of Waterloo Region will present a stunning exhibit which will transport visitors to the African tropical forest.
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Marketing - Greenwashing Consumers
Nine in 10 at U.N. Climate Change Conference Believe Greenwashing is a Problem
Consumers around Globe Called on to Judge Environmental Claims of Companies - 46 of 54 randomly selected respondents agreed with the statement, "Some companies are advertising products and services with environmental claims that could be considered false, unsubstantiated and/or unethical."
BALI, INDONESIA - Nine of 10 delegates and participants attending the U.N. Climate Change Conference believe companies are "greenwashing," according to a survey conducted by EnviroMedia Social Marketing, Inc.
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Biofuel Investment
Synthetic biology company secures funding for next generation biofuels technology
Biopact- OPX Biotechnologies, Inc., a new company dedicated to enabling economically viable biofuels and biorefined chemicals through synthetic biology research announces that it has secured $3.6 million in venture funding led by Mohr Davidow Ventures (MDV), a leading Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm.
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Frame Work of Fairness
CAW Council Delegates Vote in Favour of Magna Agreement
TORONTO - On Decemebe 7, 2007 delegates to CAW Council in Toronto have overwhelmingly endorsed the union's Framework of Fairness Agreement with auto parts maker Magna.
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Manufacturing
Magna announces management changes
AURORA - Magna International Inc. announced that its President, Mark Hogan, has decided to leave Magna effective December 31, 2007, to pursue other opportunities
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Security
Security-Enhanced Ontario Driver's Licenses ready for Circulation
One of the most secure Cards in North America
TORONTO - The Ontario Ministry of Transportation, together with Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) launches the next generation of Ontario Driver's Licence.
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Organized Crime
Global Fight Against Corruption Is Making Progress According to World Economic Forum Survey
Companies are backing their commitment to stamp out corruption with action
Geneva, Switzerland – Preliminary findings of a survey conducted by the World Economic Forum’s Partnering Against Corruption Initiative (PACI) show that companies, whose CEOs publicly commit to engage on the issue, ensure their commitment is followed with tangible, practical action.
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Personal Habits
Poll 'Uncovers' Quirky Canadian Sleep Habits Beneath the Sheets Gender, regional differences apparent when it comes to intimacy, snoring and stuffed animals
TORONTO - Men sleep in the nude more frequently than women, Quebecers are intimate more often than other Canadians, and 18- to 34-year-olds enjoy cuddling more than baby boomers, according to a recent poll on Canadian sleep preferences commissioned by Sunbeam and conducted by Harris/Decima.
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