Canada column for
Sunday, July 14/19
THE CANADIAN REPORT
(c) By Jim Fox
The U.S. Buy
America Act is being mentioned as major reason for 550 workers losing their
jobs with Bombardier Inc.
The multinational
manufacturer of airliners, trains and public transport equipment announced the
termination of half its workforce in Thunder Bay, Ontario by year’s end.
The company’s
orders are winding down and the affected railway car plant is seeking more
government work within Canada.
Provincial
government leaders are calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to negotiate an
exemption to the act.
It provides U.S. cities
with financial assistance for public transit systems including buses, subways
and commuter rail when 65 percent of the steel, iron and manufactured
goods used are produced in America.
Bombardier said it
has “no choice” but to move work to the U.S. as has Winnipeg bus manufacturer New
Flyer.
---
“Severe and
unexpected turbulence” over the Pacific Ocean resulted in injuries to 37
passengers on an Air Canada flight en route to Australia.
Nine were said to
have “serious” injuries on the flight that originated in Toronto and stopped at
Vancouver.
The Boeing 777-200
was carrying 269 passengers and 15 crew members when it suddenly jerked
downward, sending passengers flying out of their seats.
The pilot turned
back and made an emergency landing at Honolulu where the passengers received
medical treatment.
---
News in brief:
- Even as the
Conservatives have a slight lead nationally, the governing Liberals are holding
a “commanding lead” in the Toronto region for the fall election. Forum Research
found 46 percent intend to vote Liberal on Oct. 21. Conservatives follow with
26 percent, New Democrats have 12 percent and there was 10 percent for the Green
Party and four for the People’s Party.
- Bank of Canada
Governor Stephen Poloz is giving no indication an interest rate cut is being
considered as the central bank’s trendsetting rate remains at 1.75 percent. The
rate balances domestic economic improvements with an expanding global slowdown
caused by trade conflicts, he said.
- U.S. presidential
hopeful Bernie Sanders is going to do some shopping in Canada with people with diabetes.
The Vermont senator wants U.S. drug makers to lower prices, noting that a vial
of insulin costs $30 in Canada compared with more than $300 in the U.S. Last
month, a group went to London, Ontario from Minnesota to buy insulin.
---
Facts and figures:
The Canadian dollar
is higher at 76.75 cents U.S. while the U.S. dollar returns $1.302 Canadian before
exchange fees.
The Bank of Canada’s
key interest rate remains at 1.75 percent while the prime-lending rate is 3.95 percent.
Stock markets are lower, with the Toronto
exchange index at 16,487 points and the TSX Venture index 578 points.
The average price for gas in Canada is higher at
$1.25 a liter or $4.75 (Canadian) for a U.S. gallon.
Lotto 6/49: (July 10) 7, 15,
22, 28, 43 and 49; bonus 45. (July 6) 10, 28, 38, 39, 40 and 43; bonus 45.
Lotto Max: (July 9) 10, 13, 31, 32, 36, 40 and 41; bonus 17.
(July 5) 1, 4, 8, 28, 32, 36 and 43; bonus 40.
---
Regional briefs:
- Three horses have
died in the Calgary Stampede’s much criticized chuck wagon races. The driver involved
in the latest death was fined $10,000 and disqualified from further racing this
year. Calgary and Vancouver humane societies have strongly criticized the
races.
- The British
Columbia Court of Appeal has quashed a bylaw prohibiting single-use plastic
bags in Victoria. The Canadian Plastic Bag Association said cities don’t have
the right to block a legal product.
- Police suggest it
was a real “hoser” of an idea when they stopped a car where a youngster was
sitting on a case of beer used as a makeshift booster seat. Ontario Provincial
Police gave the 22-year-old male driver a ticket for failing to ensure the child
was properly belted.
-30-
Jim Fox can be reached at canadareport@hotmail.com
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