World Economic Growth Slowing, Unemployment At 6.3 Per Cent: UN.

"The world economy has been growing more slowly after global unemployment jumped to 6.3 percent last year, the highest in a decade, the UN reported. ...
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Who are Canada's richest Canadians? (Hint: more than half of them are billionaires)

Canadian Business magazine's 9th-annual Rich 100 list arrives on newsstands - Waterloo has two of the top ten.

TORONTO - This year's Rich 100, Canadian Business magazine's exclusive annual ranking of the wealthiest Canadians, is populated by a bumper crop of billionaires. For the first time ever, more than half of the list is made up of people who have hit the 10-digit mark; 54 of them, in fact, up from 46 in last year's ranking.
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Canadian economic accounts Third quarter 2007 and September 2007

Economic growth moderated in the third quarter as real gross domestic product (GDP) advanced 0.7%, down from 0.9% in the second quarter. Economic output was up 0.1% in September, after increasing 0.2% in August and 0.1% in July. Final domestic demand remained buoyant (+1.1%), outpacing GDP for the 11th quarter in the past 12.
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Manulife Financial signs health care product agreement with AccelMD

WATERLOO - Manulife Financial Corporation announced that its Group Benefits business selected AccelMD, a leading supplier of healthcare services and solutions, to provide plan member health care services to Manulife Financial's group benefits clients.
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A COMPANY’S REPUTATION AND PERFORMANCE INFLUENCE OPINIONS OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT

-The Kenexa Research Institute Examines the Impact of a Company’s Performance and Reputation on Employees’ Views of Senior Management -

WAYNE, Pa. – Research conducted by the Kenexa Research Institute (KRI), a division of Kenexa®. The report is based on the analysis of data drawn from a representative sample of workers surveyed in 2007 through WorkTrends™, KRI’s annual survey of worker opinions.
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Children's Museum earns modest operating surplus

Positive Momentum carries Museum to a successful financial year

Kitchener, ON - Yesterday evening, under their recently appointed President, Tim Jackson, Children's Museum staff and the Board of Directors held their fourth Annual General Meeting and reported on what has proven to be a successful financial year which ended June 30th.
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Plan it! Waterloo: City of Waterloo Official Plan Review

Waterloo - On December 10, 2007, staff report DS-07-58 “Plan it! Waterloo: Final Objectives” will be presented to City Council for their consideration. The report sets out objectives for the new City Official Plan for a number of key theme areas including: City Form; Transportation; Arts, Culture, Heritage, Recreation and Leisure; Environment and Energy; Economy; Knowledge and Technology; and, Governance.
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Steelworkers Provide Home Testing for Toxic Toys: Union Urges Politicians to end 'Toxic Trade'

VANCOUVER - Appearing in a Vancouver home with children and concerned parents this morning, representatives of the United Steelworkers (USW) conducted lead testing of the children's toys with kits that the union provides to the public.
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Room for improvement: Canada ranks 99th in global tax survey

Toronto — While Canada ranks 99th out of 178 for total tax rate and fairs moderately well in ease of paying taxes and administering taxes there is room for improvement in Canada’s corporate taxation system.
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Record number of Laurier undergrads qualify for national business competition finals

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) business students qualified for seven out of the eight categories in last week’s 2007 Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC) and will move to the final round held in January. Only one other university had as high a standing as WLU.
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N.C. State scientists brewing energy from sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes, a staple on holiday dinner tables, are being re-engineered by North Carolina State University scientists as source of ethanol to help the U.S. reduce its dependence on imported oil and ease the biofuel industry's troublesome reliance on corn.
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Eighty-six percent of companies say an increased tax incentive would stimulate more R&D in Canada, a KPMG study reveals

TORONTO - Eighty-six percent of respondents to a survey by KPMG LLP say that increased Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentives would influence their company's decisions regarding supporting further Research and Development (R&D) investments in Canada.
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Ontario Universities Welcome Throne Speech Commitments To Achieving a Better Educated, More Highly Skilled Ontario

TORONTO - The Council of Ontario Universities welcomed the Ontario Government's Throne Speech and its commitment to "Moving Forward the Ontario Way" with initiatives designed to achieve a "better educated, more highly skilled Ontario."
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Manulife Investments wins Best New Initiative and marketing honour at 2007 Canadian Investment Awards

TORONTO - Manulife Investments has won two 2007 Canadian Investment Awards related to the launch of IncomePlus, the first-of-its-kind product that helps Canadians manage their retirement savings.
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CRA/Warning: Investing in Schemes That Promise You Tax-Free Withdrawals from RRSPs and RRIFs Could Result in You Losing Your Retirement Savings

OTTAWA - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is finding an increasing number of questionable Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) tax-free withdrawal schemes.
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Thursday November 29, 2007

Government of Canada renews three Networks of Centres of Excellence

Investment of $68.8 million over the next four years to fund continued research in stem cells, water and the automotive industry. University of Waterloo Water Network one of three.

OTTAWA - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, today announced an investment of $68.8 million over four years to renew three Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCEs).
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REALTORS FROM COLDWELL BANKER PETER BENNINGER REALTY TO GIVE AWAY 100 TREES AND 200 WREATHS AT TREES FOR TOYS HOLIDAY EVENT

Waterloo Region, Ontario, November 28, 2007 – On Saturday December 1st from 10am until 1pm, Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty will host Trees for Toys a special by-invitation customer appreciation event and toy drive being held by a group of its sales representatives at their office located at 508 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener.
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Laurier celebrates $100-million fundraising milestone

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University has raised more than $100 million through its most recent fundraising campaign — a record-setting milestone for Laurier that will be celebrated with a series of events to thank the university’s supporters, including students, staff, faculty, alumni, retirees and external friends.
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Government Opts for More Competition in the Wireless Sector

OTTAWA - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, released details on how the auction for Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum, to be held on May 27, 2008, will be conducted. Of the 105 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum to be made available, 40 MHz will be set aside exclusively for new entrants to bid on.
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Survey Reveals Wacky Behaviour at Company Events

TORONTO - For many professionals, company parties are predictable; but for those in the creative industry, these festivities can be full of surprises. The Creative Group recently asked 250 advertising and marketing executives to describe the most off-the-wall employee behaviour they'd heard of at a company event.
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Acta deal brings hydrogen fuel 10 years closer
By Chris Wills

LONDON - Acta says a transport system fuelled by hydrogen is a decade closer after striking a deal with an Asian firm, described by the UK chemicals company as one of the world's largest corporations and which analysts say is a carmaker.
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UN demands free trade in biofuels to tackle climate change

Biopact - The landmark Human Development Report 2007/2008 which focused on the impacts of climate change on development, urges wealthy countries to open their markets for efficient biofuels made in developing countries in the subtropics and the tropics.
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Vancouver most over-taxed business jurisdiction in Canada, Survey shows

TORONTO - When it comes to doing business in Canada, there are a few cities you may want to think twice about before locating or relocating your business.
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More Than 1 Billion Trees Planted In 2007-U.N.

“The world has surpassed a UN goal of planting 1 billion trees in 2007 to help slow climate change, led by huge forestry projects in Ethiopia and Mexico, the UN Environment Program (UNEP) said on Wednesday.
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Ontario Trillium Foundation 2007 Great Grants Award winners: Hamilton

HAMILTON - Six remarkable Ontario not-for-profit organizations will be honoured for the difference they have made in their communities at the Ontario Trillium Foundation's 25th Anniversary celebration in Hamilton, November 28, 2007. The evening will be hosted by Kate Bursey, a member of the Foundation's Grant Review Team.
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Driven entrepreneur Chris Rowland credits college for business success

TORONTO - Christopher Rowland, a driven entrepreneur who helped the U.S. government distribute temporary housing in the Gulf region in the wake of hurricane Katrina, has won a 2007 Premier's Award for outstanding Ontario college graduate - one of six recipients officially announced November 27, 2007.
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10 Calls to Action by Canada's Research Hospitals on Strategic Framework for Science & Technology...

OTTAWA - The Association of Canadian Academic Healthcare Organizations (ACAHO), the national voice of Teaching Hospitals, Regional Health Authorities and their Research Institutes (known as "Research Hospitals") has released a groundbreaking report "Moving at the Speed of Discovery:
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Canada's population by age and sex As of July 1, 2007

Canada's population continues to age, but it is still one of the youngest of the world's developed nations, according to new preliminary estimates.
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Wednesday November 27, 2007

New Chair for Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc Regional Economic Development Partnership to be Led by John Doherty

Waterloo Region - John S. Doherty is the new Chair of Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc, the public-private regional economic development partnership marketing Waterloo Region and the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo to the world.
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CBC/Radio-Canada reinforces the need for a contract with Canadians

OTTAWA - CBC/Radio-Canada needs a contract with Canadians if it is to reach its potential as the national public broadcaster Canada needs. This is the message that Robert Rabinovitch, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, delivered on behalf of the Corporation to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage as part of its review of the role of a public broadcaster in the 21st century.
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Celebrating the Leaders of our Community - 11th Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala

Last week to enjoy Early Bird pricing!

February 21, 2008
6:00 - 10:00 pm
Bingemans, Marshall Hall, Kitchener
Reception, Dinner & Awards Ceremony featuring Celebrity Co-host Marci Ien

The Chamber recognizes outstanding leaders in our business community at our 11th Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala.
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Characteristics of international travellers Second quarter 2007

Canadians continued to head out of the country between April and June 2007, setting a new record for overnight trips abroad. This was the third consecutive year that a new record was established during the second quarter.
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New method for making diesel fuel uses vegetable oils
By Matthew L. Wald

A Portuguese oil company, Galp Energia, plans to announce November 27, 2007 that it is building a 6,500-barrel-a-day plant to make diesel fuel from vegetable oils using a method akin to refining oil.
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Major study explores why young people don't pursue higher learning

TORONTO - Ontario's 24 colleges have commissioned the most comprehensive research study ever conducted into the attitudes of high school students who won't be pursuing any postsecondary education after high school.
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Ontario's food banks and wine industry ask Ontarians to buy local and share local

Ontario wineries launch campaign to support food banks through VQA purchases at LCBO

TORONTO - Wine buyers can help reduce hunger this holiday season by purchasing Ontario VQA wines at LCBO stores throughout the province.
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City of Oshawa wins gold at prestigious international awards competition

OSHAWA - The City of Oshawa achieved a gold award at the 2007 International Awards for Liveable Communities. Municipalities who receive a gold award are recognized as being in the top 15 percent in sustainability and liveable communities' practices world-wide. Oshawa also won third place in its population category of 75,001 - 200,000.
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Amika Mobile Wins Business Achievement Award

OTTAWA - Amika Mobile, the pioneer in the delivery of key content to any mobile phone, receives Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Best Small Business Silver Award for 2007.
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Lloyd Axworthy to deliver keynote at Landmines Conference hosted by CIGI

Waterloo, Canada- November 27, 2007 – On December 1st and 2nd, the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) will host a conference in recognition of the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines.
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Federal government employment in census metropolitan areas September 2007

Three out of every four federal government employees worked in a census metropolitan area (CMA) as of September.
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Canadian Vehicle Survey January to March 2007

Vehicles registered in Canada traveled an estimated 75.1 billion kilometres in the first quarter of 2007. This represented an increase of 5.6% over the same quarter of 2006. It is also the highest total for the first quarter ever recorded by the survey.
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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Ladies: When it comes to investing, are you a Panicked Paula or a Confident Kate? Poll finds four distinct personality types among female investors

- Most Canadian women are disengaged from investing, conservative and risk-averse

- Yet more than half are happy or satisfied with their investments

TORONTO - Four distinct investor types emerge from the 2007 TD Waterhouse Female Investor Poll, a comprehensive annual study of Canadian women's attitudes towards investing.
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Trustee Louise Ervin Receives Prestigious Catholic Principals’ Council Award

Kitchener – Long-time Waterloo Catholic District School Board Trustee, Louise Ervin, has been named the 2008 recipient of the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario (CPCO) Father John Redmond Award for Outstanding Contributions to Catholic Education.
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THE GUELPH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $104,000

Guelph - The Guelph Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the recipients of our fall 2007 grants. The grants come from a range of The Foundation's funds that support the arts, children and youth, student awards and the broader charitable sector.
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WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM PUBLISHES OPEN FORUM PROGRAMME ON A WIKI

Geneva, Switzerland – The World Economic Forum has published the entire programme of the Open Forum 2008 in Davos.
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Christmas at the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank

“Christmas is not a day or a season, but a condition of Heart and Mind”

Cambridge - The Canadian Pacific Railway's Holiday Train is making a stop in Cambridge again this year.
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NASDAQ Stock Market Announces New Head of NASDAQ

International and Vice President of the Eastern Region of the United States

NEW YORK - The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ) today announced the appointment of Jeff Singer as Senior Vice President and Head of NASDAQ International and Eric Bernbach as Vice President of the Eastern Region of the United States.
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UW students hold physical activity workshop at local public school

WATERLOO - University of Waterloo students will conduct a workshop this week discussing how local public school pupils can exercise more than they do now in their daily lives.
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Firefighters, Students and Community Pulling Trucks for Charity

Kitchener - The Kitchener Fire Department and the Kitchener Professional Firefighters Association (KPFFA) will be hosting a two-part lifesaving charity event at Conestoga College on Nov. 27 and everyone is invited to participate.
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Plants 'could withstand' warming

Liverpool, UK - Crops could be developed to withstand the impact of global warming, Edinburgh University scientists have said. A five-year study aims to gain a greater understanding of how warmer winters and summers and changing season lengths affect crop yields.
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No Change 18 Years Later - New Report Shows Child Poverty at 1989 Levels

TORONTO - Eighteen years after the 1989 all-party resolution of the House of Commons to end child poverty in Canada the rate is exactly the same, says a new report from Campaign 2000.
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Canadian Television Pioneer Moses Znaimer to Receive 2008 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award

TORONTO- One of the world’s most innovative television pioneers, Moses Znaimer, has been selected as the recipient of the 2008 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recognizing an outstanding individual who has contributed to the growth and advancement of the Canadian music industry.
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More Canadians saving, more money being saved

Survey also reports strong RRSP investment intentions

WINNIPEG - A record-breaking 75 per cent of Canadians own RRSPs according to the sixth annual RRSP Investment Intentions poll from Investors Group. RRSP ownership has increased from 64 per cent last year, the second consecutive year this number has grown by 10 points or more.
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Union Gas announces acquisition of natural gas storage reservoir in Southwestern Ontario

CHATHAM - Union Gas Limited today announced it has acquired a 1 billion cubic feet (Bcf) natural gas storage pool, located near Sarnia, Ontario, from Midway Petroleum Company.
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Ontario and Quebec lower interprovincial trade barriers
THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO - The federal government must "do its share'' to help manufacturers in Ontario and Quebec deal with a soaring loonie and record oil prices, the premiers of Canada's two largest provinces said yesterday as they announced a joint assault on interprovincial trade barriers.
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Growth in labour productivity eased in all provinces in 2006, except for the four Atlantic provinces.

For a second straight year, Manitoba and Alberta recorded the strongest gains in productivity among the provinces, although in each case the gains were significantly slower than in 2005.
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Monday November 26, 2007

RDM Corporation reports record revenues and earnings in fiscal 2007

Company achieves 39% revenue growth

WATERLOO RDM Corporation reported its financial results for the three and twelve-month periods ended September 30, 2007."A 39% increase in revenues and the second year in a row of record earnings are a great testament to the employees of RDM who have worked with great dedication and creativity over the past 12 months," said Douglas Newman, President and CEO of RDM Corporation.
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Farm cash receipts January to September 2007

Market cash receipts for farmers climbed to a record high during the first nine months of 2007 in the wake of strong gains in revenue from the sale of crops. Livestock receipts also rose, but higher prices for grains and oilseeds translated into higher costs for feed, a major input for producers.
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Conestoga Marketing Team Wins Bronze Medal at Ontario College Competition

Kitchener - A team of 15 students from the Business Administration - Marketing program of Conestoga College has just returned from Fanshawe College in London having earned the team bronze medal in the annual Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition (OCMC), a test of multiple skills in marketing involving teams from 15 Ontario colleges. OCMC 2007 took place on November 15-16.
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ENTERTAINMENT, LIFESTYLE TOURISME MONTRÉAL UNVEILS WINTER PROGRAMMING

Sweet Deals up 15.5% in last two years

Montréal – This winter, Montréal will have an even wider array of attractions to appeal to visitors looking for winter getaways. With fine dining, exhibits, shows, spas and boutiques, Montréal offers an incredible range of options for entertainment and relaxation in an exciting urban setting.
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Communitech launches Titan Learning Series

WATERLOO REGION - On Tuesday November 27th, Communitech launches the 2007-2008 Titan Learning Series, designed to fill specific knowledge and skills gaps within Waterloo Region technology companies.
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Da Silva Wins Federal Liberal Nomination in Kitchener-Conestoga

KITCHENER - Local Liberals have nominated long-time community activist and lawyer Orlando Da Silva to be the Liberal candidate in the federal riding of Kitchener-Conestoga.
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STEELWORKERS TO SET UP PICKETS AT MIDNIGHT, IMT PARTNERSHIP

PORT COLBORNE - United Steelworkers (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser said Sunday that members of USW Local 8190 will be on strike tonight at midnight after union members rejected an IMT Partnership-PCForge offer that demands deep concessions from the workers.
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Net farm income falls in 2006

Canadian producers saw their realized net income fall for the second consecutive year in 2006 and hit its lowest level since 2003. Rising interest, wage and fuel costs, together with falling hog receipts and program payments, more than offset increases in revenue from crops and cattle.
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Biofuels on the farm
By Patrick Mazza

While growing biofuels feedstocks on farms is becoming commonplace, actually making biofuels on the farm is fairly rare. Pacific Northwest efforts to develop advanced technologies for farm-scale production illustrate significant potential to produce fuels from local feedstocks for local use.
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Surge In Vehicle Imports Dampens Prices In Canada, Says Scotiabank Economist

TORONTO - Vehicle imports from the United States have surged as the Canadian dollar climbed above parity with the U.S. greenback, pressuring sales in Canada, as well as prices for new and used vehicles, according to the latest Global Auto Report released today by Scotia Economics.
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