Thank You For Smoking

I would just like to take a few minutes and thank everyone who smokes tobacco. People just don’t understand how much hard work is put into the sale and marketing of these deadly products. It must be a tough sell. I’ve heard of selling ice to an Eskimo, but this is ridiculous. We all should thank the executives, founders, employees and retailers that are responsible for ensuring that these precious cigarettes reach our lips, and the lips of our youth. In a world that is becoming more and more anti-tobacco, we as smokers must unite. I for one am sick of being banished to the dark alleys and cold stairwells to enjoy the pleasure that can only be received from a cigarette.

Open Letter to Montie Brewer, CEO of Air Canada

I am calling for you resignation as CEO of Air Canada. The company is in a shamble and you, like your predecessors, are clearly incapable of cleaning up this horrid excuse for an airline. Air Canada is the butt of every joke (ex. Air Canada. We’re not happy unless you’re unhappy). And it’s completely understandable. Lost luggage, oversold flights, long delays, slipshod customer service: The list goes on and on.

What is the price of progress in a modern day boomtown?

A lot has been said about Alberta and its opportunity for the good life. In 2005 Calgary’s population grew by more than 98 people a day—an increase of 35,681 from 2004. There is a cost, however, to living in this modern day boomtown.

Big Business and Mother Earth: New Best Friends?

Traditionally business has only had to worry about the environment, after governments stiffen up environmental laws. Well it seems now-a-days governments are either playing down the urgency of our environmental crisis, or cleverly tardying any process towards progress that could be made. That where it seems private enterprise has come to save the day! Since the ball dropped for 2007 many private enterprises have taken their own initiative towards progressive and innovative ways to fight a number of environmental challenges. Climate change and renewable resources taking the fore front of these initiatives.

Is $10 Too High for a Minimum Wage?

A debate is raging about Ontario's minimum wage. Certain people would like to see it raised to $10.00 per hour, while some believe that it's just too much and will cripple that provinces economy. Some of the arguments I've read for the wage increase seem to center around the gap between this country's rich and our poor.

Are Banks Really Gouging You?

To most the answer to this question is an obvious answer. However to some--those accustomed to just paying whatever comes at them because that's the way it is--the answer may be a little murky. One thing I do know is that no one likes to pay bank fees. So just how badly is our collective wallet being raped?

Is There a Cab Conspiracy in Calgary?

If you live in Calgary you know that we are having a huge issue with taxis as of late. You either know from experience, or have seen any number of newscasts about the "problem." If you have tried calling a cab any time in the past few months you have most likely got a busy signal, or, worse yet, simply did not have your call answered. On the news the cab company execs are saying that they are short drivers—about 200 of them—this number will be important soon. Well, I had an interesting chat with a taxi driver on my way to the airport last week.