Month: September 2016

Public sector does the most to improve August job scene

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Canada created 26,000 jobs in August but the increase was largely caused by an jump of 57,000 jobs in the public sector. Only 8,000 private sector jobs were created and self-employed ranks fell by 39,000. The unemployment rate rose as expected to 7 per cent from 6.9 per cent in July. It is a mixed picture with elements that brighten the state of the economy somewhat — but not a lot — from July where there was a net loss of 31,200 positions.

Liberals in a pickle about how to reduce high hydro rates

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The linked Global News story more or less states the obvious for anyone paying attention to the awful cost of hydro electric power in Ontario. It says the Liberal government, stinging from a byelection loss and huge arrears in unpaid power bills by consumers, is unable to do anything about this festering political issue. The reason is the well-known, long-term determination of the government to re-make hydro generation in a greener form by signing long-term agreements with power generators — or would-be power generators. Economist Brady Yauch told Global: “Over the long term, the province can stop giving new contracts. It can stop contracting for more capacity, it can be potentially more aggressive with some of the utilities through the OEB, or hopes the OEB is more aggressive with utilities. But you can’t suddenly just erase 10 years of policy to suddenly lower rates.” Global News

United Church to defrock atheist minister Gretta Vosper

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A committee of the United Church of Canada has voted to expel Rev. Gretta Vosper for her steadfast atheism. The panel judging the reverend said she would not be eligible for admission given her beliefs. Four members of the 23-member committee however voted to support Vosper. They concluded that she was “suitable” as a minister. They said the church has evolved since its founding and must continue doing so to meet the spiritual needs of Canadians. For her part, the former pastor of West Hill United Church argues that her spiritual home has always been about “ethos” not belief. This seems to suggest that fellowship, kindness and similar upstanding qualities are sufficient to qualify one for such a position in the church.

Growing teen brains no place for marijuana say doctors

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The Canadian Medical Association is calling for a minimum age of 21 to purchase even low-level potency marijuana. The CMA told a federal task force that young brains are still growing at 25 and “ideally” the minimum pot-smoking age should be 25. But it acknowledges that the pressure to make legislation workable probably requires a lower limit like 21. The doctors say they do not oppose marijuana legalization but strongly recommend a go-slow approach. It urges more money be spent on research, medical and social services for addictions treatment, a ban on home cultivation, a ban on smoking non-medical marijuana in public places and pilot projects before a full national rollout of legalized marijuana. The CMA notes that even now with the use of pot illegal use among youth aged 15 to 24 is double that of the general population. It says that 17 percent of teens using marijuana go on to become seriously addicted to it.

Swiss Chalet selling “dipping sauce” Lays potato chips

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Swiss Chalet is selling Lay’s potato chips flavoured to match the narcotic appeal of its signature dipping sauce. The chips are only available at Swiss Chalet restaurants. Who knows if that will change. “This uniquely Canadian potato chip was the perfect way to bring two iconic Canadian flavours to the masses in a new and exciting way,” Lindsay Robison, Swiss Chalet’s director of marketing, said in a news release. Swiss Chalet says its sauce as a “staple with Canadian families since 1954.”

What is the MPP for Don Valley West planning for herself?

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Premier Wynne is proroguing the Legislature so her government can deliver a new throne speech. But the real question is: What does the Premier have in mind for herself? It’s less than two years to the next provincial election. A speech from the throne offers the voting public a chance to see the government differently. The Premier knows that she is unpopular in a political sense. So is her party. The challenges facing Ontario are enormous — starting with its elephant-sized $300 billion debt.  Politics is knowing how to win. Does the Premier still have a belief that she can do that?