Consumers used to love to hate these machines. But things have changed
Self-checkouts have long been an unloved tool in the world of retail. In the beginning, nothing worked as it should, especially at the grocery store where an order for 20 items brought a new form of despair. But even if the mere presence of self-checkouts bothered many consumers, Canadians have apparently befriended them in some…
An overview of the extensive training that cloud providers offer to help information professionals
As more and more organizations move applications from their on-premises computing environment to their favourite cloud service provider, information system (IS) professionals need to build their cloud skills. Here’s an overview of the extensive training that the major cloud service providers offer to help IS professionals. It isn’t easy to choose among these excellent, in-depth…
Today’s guest is Dave Collyer (see his bio below). Dave reviews the frustrations of the industry and its current challenges. He advances the importance of frank dialogue, collaboration, and Net-Zero as an economic challenge. He considers the diversity of potential solutions and the need to simultaneously sustain Canada’s economy while also pursuing Net-Zero. Finally, he…
21,000 jobs, $890 million in taxes and about $2.5 billion in annual GDP
There’s been a big step forward for a major proposed Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) project that’s seen as an opportunity for economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities and help to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Partners in the Ksi Lisims LNG project, including the Nisga’a Nation, have applied for a 40-year LNG export licence and…
Energy economy and carbon tech sector have become a 'new buffalo'
First Nations and Metis communities are becoming heavily involved in carbon capture and storage projects in Alberta, capitalizing on developments that would see carbon emissions from industrial sites get buried deep underground. Indigenous groups have obtained ownership stakes for two proposed carbon removal projects, the Open Access Wabamun Carbon Hub and Wolf Midstream Sequestration Hub,…
A ban will impact some 93,000 jobs in the plastics industry. Most in Ontario
All signs point to the federal government going ahead with a ban on certain single-use plastic products, which would be a mistake. This restrictive measure will likely not have the effects hoped for, and even if it does, you can be sure that the Canadian economy will suffer from those gains. The Canadian plastics industry,…
Despite the sanctions, Russian oil revenues are soaring
The energy pieces on the global chessboard are altering geopolitical realities, with serious consequences. China is boosting the volume of crude oil it purchases in order to increase its strategic reserves, Reuters’ Clyde Russell reported on Friday. China, the world’s largest crude importer, is buying more oil at a point when the demand-supply balance is…
Oil sands companies spent a record $2.4 billion with 275 Indigenous businesses in 2019
Canadian oil sands producer Imperial Oil says it has signed two of its largest-ever contracts with Indigenous businesses. Two joint ventures – one with the Fort McKay First Nation and another with the Mikisew Cree First Nation – will provide Imperial large-scale earthwork, land reclamation, and mining support services at its Kearl oil sands mine…
Always be raising, always be closing, always be talking about the business
Being a startup CEO is tough. Work life balance, as nice as it is, is not easy. Many leadership gurus – who invest in or mentor startup founders – often find CEOs struggle with the pace. One of the biggest challenges startup founders faces is balancing the continuous need to raise capital while running the…
While timing is important, action is more important. From action comes the fundamentals of success
Peter told me about his latest and greatest idea to improve his business. He was so excited because this new revenue stream was going to ensure his organization had stable income and would thrive again. This particular business seemed to have had its glory days 40 years ago. But this new leader was adamant that…
One of the greatest peacetime policy failures in Canada’s history
COVID-19 just ain’t what it used to be. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was never as deadly as feared in its early days and has evolved to be even less so today. The vaccines rushed to production in response weren’t the answer that some hoped and they’ve proved less effective as the virus evolves. It’s high time…
There are 2,449 coal-fired plants operating worldwide, 189 under construction and 292 planned
Coal use around the world is rising in what the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) calls “a sobering reality check” for targets to reduce emissions. Against that backdrop, global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is soaring, in part because it can help displace coal power and reduce emissions by half – or…
Today's guest is Eddie Isaacs (see his bio below). Eddie provides a background on the contribution of crude oil to Canada’s economy and innovations for achieving Net-Zero. The series was produced by KEI Network for Troy Media. We welcome your comments below. Bios of today’s moderator and guest: James Carter James Carter retired from…
Its largest baby formula plant ships all its products to China
Parents of toddlers are concerned about baby formula shortages due to a combination of factors. A major recall in the United States affecting the top manufacturer of baby formula, coupled with supply chain challenges, has made things difficult for parents. In the U.S., some parents are driving hours just to get the right product for…
Canadian LNG exports are expected to replace coal power, primarily for growing markets in Asia
In the world’s race for cleaner energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Canada has an advantage. To start with, it comes with a smaller footprint – the lowest emissions intensity of LNG projects in the world. But why? Canada leads among countries able to export natural gas to displace coal,…