Sustainable health care
Conference Board fostering debate on sustainable health care
According to the National Health Expenditure Trends report released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information in early November, health care spending in Canada will exceed $200 billion in 2011.
Between 1999 and 2009, Canadian public sector health care spending increased by an average of 7.4 per cent, far outpacing our GDP. Health care consumes more than 40 per cent of some provincial budgets.
National energy strategy B.C.
B.C. energy policy a balancing act
British Columbia’s approach to energy policy has long been regarded among the most enlightened in Canada. These days, however, that policy landscape is becoming increasingly complex as the province grapples with its competing energy interests as well as a need to consider B.C.’s role in a proposed national energy strategy.
Nearly 10 years ago, the B.C. government launched an ambitious plan to invigorate the province’s energy sector. Energy for Our Future: A Plan for BC was built around four cornerstones: low electricity rates and public ownership of BC Hydro; secure, reliable supply; more private sector opportunities; and environmental responsibility with no nuclear power sources.
Saskatoon
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business incentives add to allure of booming provincial economy
Canada’s fastest growing city is having no trouble attracting corporations, entrepreneurs and talented individuals looking for a better and more prosperous life in one of the North America’s hottest economies.
“It’s not a flash in the pan,” says Tim LeClair, CEO of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA). “You’re not looking at a boom-and-bust phenomenon.”
2014 Health Accord
With Canada’s current health care accord set to expire in 2014, leading health care professionals and other experts are bringing their ideas to Ottawa in a bid to help shape a better future for all Canadians.
With a goal of ensuring Canadians will have the best health and the best health care in the world by 2025, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) are spearheading a drive to transform health care for the better when the current health accord expires in 2014.
Insurance trends
Extreme year highlights the importance of dealing with a qualified insurance professional
By Peter Hohman, MBA, FCIP, ICD.D, President and CEO, The Insurance Institute of Canada
By the middle of this year, natural disasters around the world had already made 2011 the most expensive on record. According to Munich Re, a multinational reinsurer, the $256 billion in damages far outstripped 2005, once the costliest year on record as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
Flu + vaccines
Arming yourself with information is the first best defence this cold and flu season
Q&A with Dr. Bonnie Henry,
Chair, Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion
As we approach flu season, what measures should we take to protect ourselves and our children?
The best ways to prevent any type of respiratory virus are simple: wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough, and sneeze into your sleeve. If you have a fever, stay home, because fever is a good indicator that you’re fighting off something that might be contagious to others.
Philanthropy Day 2011
Trends, challenges and the importance of philanthropy in Canada
Meeting the needs of every worthy cause they come across may be the dream of all philanthropists, but in reality, it’s just not possible. That’s why it’s important for donors to know that they are making an impact with their gifts, and why they should think ahead about their giving and set goals.
Ron Bailey CFRE, president of Ron Bailey and Associates in Winnipeg, says professional fundraisers working within charities help donors set their goals and ensure they create the impact they are looking for.
World Diabetes Day
Fighting the quiet pandemic. Taking action to reduce the burden of diabetes
It is a quiet global pandemic that rarely hits the headlines. More than nine million Canadians live with diabetes, prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes today. More than 20 people are diagnosed with diabetes every hour of every day.
But with a seminal report and evidence-based policy, health care and education recommendations, the Canadian Diabetes Association is working to change that devastating trajectory.
Credit Card Rewards
Reward programs make it easier to travel the world – or walk the red carpet
Canadians love their reward cards. That’s what a study by research firm Maritz revealed earlier this year, when it found that 94 per cent of Canadians belong to at least one rewards program.
As rewards programs have become more popular, consumers have also become savvier about how they’re earning and redeeming their rewards. Credit card companies have responded with products that give consumers more of what they want: flexibility, ease of use and enhanced rewards.
Go Organic
Organic Week 2011, October 15 to 22, is the perfect chance to make the foray into organic eating. The results will be better for you, better for the environment and better for our communities.
By Matthew Holmes, Executive Director, Canada Organic Trade Association
When you ask people what’s special about organic food, they generally say organic farmers do not use toxic chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). That’s part of the picture, but there is much more to it.
