National
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Canada’s wireless outperforms US
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Canada’s wireless speed is reportedly much faster than our southern neighbours. A new study, conducted by an online computer magazine, PC magazine, investigated the speed and reliability of Canadian courier networks, comparing our “big three” (Rogers, Bell and Telus) to the United State’s “big four” (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint). The study found that while…
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Inquiry finds fault with Aboriginal treatment
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Following an investigation into the conditions of Canada’s Aboriginal population, United Nations Special Rapporteur James Anaya is recommending that the government launch an inquiry into the treatment of Canada’s Aboriginal population, with particular attention to the high rate of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Anaya toured Canada for nine days, speaking with various members of…
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Minimum wage recipients increase
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A global recession has left lingering effects. The changing labour market has dramatically altered the workforce in Ontario, with the number of people earning minimum wage having doubled since 2003. Out of Ontario’s workforce, 9 per cent are working for minimum wage, up from 4.3 per cent in 2003. Sheila Block, director of economic Analysis…
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Province to evaluate flat-rate tuition billing
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The Ontario government may soon be changing the way tuition is administered across the province’s universities. For nine out of the 20 universities in Ontario, the tuition framework has a much different model than the rest, something known as flat-fee rates. Flat-fee tuition is the practice where students who are enrolled in a 60 to…
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Regulations restrict pot production
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The laws on marijuana are changing. Right now, people who are authorized to use medical marijuana are permitted to do so by one of three ways: growing in their own homes, buying it through Health Canada or designating someone else to grow it. However, beginning April 1, 2014, medical marijuana users will no longer be…
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Province seeks feedback on specialization
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A paper leaked in early September revealed potential intentions by the Ontario government for universities and colleges to differentiate among themselves and to specialize in more ‘niche’ areas. The proposal, titled Ontario’s Proposed Differentiation Policy Framework: Draft Discussion Paper, sets out to “preserve educational quality and institutional excellence within a sustainable cost structure.” Following eight…
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Cyber hackers target schools
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“It’s just a sign of the times,” said Jason Testart, director of information security services at the University of Waterloo, on the growing concern over cyber security at Canadian universities. In an environment that celebrates the sharing and accessibility of information, there are ever-present concerns over the security of intellectual property. But does this issue…
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Canada in brief
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Topless protest disrupts legislature A group of protestors, reacting against the Parti Quebecois’ proposed Charter of Values, began taking off their clothes during question period on Tuesday when premier Marois answered a question. The group of women are part of an organization called FEMEN Quebec. Protestors were criticizing the alleged hypocrisy of the values charter,…
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Youth struggle to find employment
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It’s no surprise that Ontario’s youth are some of the most commonly unemployed people in the nation. A new study released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives in Ontario evaluated youth unemployment rates in Canada and determined that Ontario has the worst rates. The term “youth” was used to distinguish those in the age…
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New stats on mental health emerge
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It has been nine years since Statistics Canada has evaluated mental health and wellness on a national level. Now, new information has surfaced revealing just how many Canadians are afflicted with mental health and substance abuse disorders. These findings show an estimated 2.8 million Canadians have reported symptoms in the last year. “That’s one in…
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