Podcast Summary
Internet Evolution, Essential Workers: The pandemic has underscored the importance of essential workers and public services while also revealing the growing influence of tech companies and corporations in our lives, necessitating a reevaluation of government responsibilities and societal values.
We've come a long way since the early days of the internet, but its privatization and the increasing power of tech companies have led to unintended consequences. Meanwhile, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of appreciating essential workers and the potential pitfalls of unfettered government power. Alison Haynes in the Gazette reflects on the lessons learned during the pandemic, including the importance of not taking public services and essential workers for granted. In another piece, Jake Petrie discusses the internet's evolution and the growing dominance of technology and corporations over our lives. Additionally, there are ongoing debates about government responsibilities and the potential for free menstrual products, highlighting the capacity to pay and the need to address selective indignation over violence against women.
Irish Week sales challenge: During Irish Week, Hurley's Irish pub experiences increased sales but faces challenges like demand surges and limited space. Montreal's rental market also saw a significant increase, with average rents exceeding $2,000 and some areas reporting up to 28% increases.
During Irish Week in Montreal, businesses like Hurley's Irish pub on Crescent Street experience a significant increase in sales, especially for beer, due to the large crowds and festive atmosphere. However, Rod Applebee, the general manager, mentioned that they face challenges such as keeping up with demand and limited space. Additionally, Montreal's rental market has seen a significant increase, with the average apartment or condo rental rate now surpassing $2,000, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. The largest increase was reportedly 28% in Point Claire. While discussing these topics, the issue of violence against women in immigrant communities was briefly touched upon, with the importance of addressing it despite potential backlash.
Inflation impact on living expenses: Canadian average asking rent rose 21% or $384 per month over 2 years, while cost of mortgages, food, and consumer products also increased. Shared accommodation listings grew 72% due to affordability issues.
Inflation, specifically rent increases, is making it increasingly difficult for people to cover their living expenses. According to a new report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation, average asking rent in Canada has risen 21% or $384 per month over the past two years. This increase is not limited to rent, as the cost of mortgages, food, and consumer products have also gone up. In addition, the number of shared accommodation listings has grown by 72% in February compared to the previous year. The entertainment industry also experienced some notable moments during the Oscars, including John Cena's "naked" appearance, which was actually him wearing skin-colored patches for safety reasons. Emma Stone's dress malfunction was also addressed, and she was quickly sewn back into it. Al Pacino's anticlimactic Best Picture announcement was also discussed, as well as the inclusion of a Quebecois sugar treat, Segar, worth $1,300 in the Oscar gift bags. Overall, these topics highlight the challenges of inflation on everyday life and the excitement of the entertainment industry.
Quebec budget controversy: The Quebec budget announcement faced controversy due to its location and potential deficit, with economist Tom Mulcair acknowledging the challenges of tough questioning and unexpected costs from ongoing negotiations with teachers.
Celine Dion, known for her powerful vocal performances, made a surprise appearance in a hockey locker room, and economist Tom Mulcair discussed the upcoming Quebec budget, which is expected to face criticism due to its announcement location and potential deficit. Quebec's finance minister, Eric Girard, announced the budget outside of Quebec City, sparking controversy among local politicians. Mulcair noted that the budget exercise may be challenging due to the potential for tough questioning and uncertainty surrounding the deficit numbers. Additionally, Mulcair mentioned the ongoing negotiation with teachers, which resulted in increased spending, and the resulting backlash from those who felt blindsided by the unexpected costs. Despite these challenges, Mulcair acknowledged the necessity of addressing the needs of the population, even if it means making difficult financial decisions. The popularity of Quebec Premier Francois Legault has also dipped, with him sharing the second least popular spot in the country with Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick.
Political Leaders' Approval Ratings: Despite facing criticism, former mayors Doug Ford and Francois Legault have approval ratings in the low 30s. Naheed Nenshi, a former Calgary Mayor, joined the NDP race to replace Jagmeet Singh, potentially making him a game changer for the party in Alberta.
Both Doug Ford and Francois Legault, once strong political leaders, have seen their approval ratings drop significantly, leaving them in the low 30s in recent polls. Ford, who was known for his brash confidence, now faces criticism for his handling of the province's finances, as Quebec is expected to reveal a large deficit. Meanwhile, in the federal leadership race, former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi has joined the NDP race to replace Jagmeet Singh. Nenshi's experience as a three-term mayor and his ability to appeal to a broader audience could make him a game changer for the NDP in Alberta, where they have been in opposition for years. Despite facing adversity, Nenshi remains optimistic about the party's chances of winning an election, which he believes is his prime selling point.
Leadership transparency, Snoring causes: Transparency in sharing past interviews and social media posts is vital during leadership races, while addressing snoring symptoms early can prevent serious health issues.
During a provincial leadership race, transparency in providing past interviews and social media posts is crucial, even if it's a lengthy process. In the case of high-profile individuals, this requirement can lead to significant public interest. On a different note, if you or someone you know is dealing with snoring, it's essential not to dismiss it as normal. Look for underlying causes, such as allergies or sleeping position, and consider simpler solutions like positioning or oral appliances before resorting to continuous positive airway pressure machines. If symptoms persist, seek professional assessment for potential sleep apnea. Remember, addressing underlying health issues early can prevent more serious consequences.
Health issues from snoring: Snoring can be a sign of underlying health issues like obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Ignoring it or dealing with it harmfully isn't the solution, addressing the root cause is essential.
Snoring isn't normal and could be a sign of underlying health issues such as obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Ignoring or dealing with it in harmful ways like using a pillow to obstruct someone's face or creating separate rooms isn't the solution. Instead, addressing the root cause is essential. Changing the subject, Joe Shettler spoke with 2010 Olympic Bronze Medalist and 2009 World Silver Medalist Becky Calhoun about her trophies and her role as an ambassador for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships taking place at the Bell Center next week. The athletes competing are better than before due to advancements in nutrition, conditions, and techniques. Some Canadians to look out for include figure skaters.
Figure Skating - Age is Just a Number: Retired figure skaters Maxime Deshais and Diena Estelato, 41 and 31 respectively, continue to compete at a high level, while Jeanie Agassette, a former skater, is now pursuing a career as a doctor at age 35, demonstrating that age is just a number in both sports and careers.
The world of figure skating continues to inspire and captivate, even for those who have retired from competition. Maxime Deshais and Diena Estelato, a Canadian pair skating team, are making waves in the competitive scene, despite Deshais being 41 years old. They recently won the Four Continents Championship and are eager to make it to the podium at the World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal. Meanwhile, Jeanie Agassette, a former figure skater who retired around 13 years ago, is now pursuing a career as a doctor. She's currently in her eighth year of a 10-year journey to become an anesthesiologist. Agassette shared that the process of becoming a doctor is a long one, but she's enjoying the experience of starting over in a new field and gaining a new identity. The figure skating community continues to be a source of inspiration and perseverance, with many skaters showing that age is just a number. Tickets for the World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal can be purchased on Venko or Google. The event promises to showcase high-level skating from skaters all over the world.
Business Insolvencies: Business insolvencies rose by 31% in 2023 due to inflation, higher costs, labor shortages, and weaker consumer spending, disproportionately affecting small businesses, with uncertainty around interest rates and economic growth adding to concerns.
Business insolvencies have been on the rise since the pandemic, with numbers up by 31% in 2023 compared to the year before. This trend is attributed to a combination of factors including inflation, higher costs, labor shortages, and weaker consumer spending. Small businesses, which tend to have fewer financing options and less runway to restructure, are most affected. While business failures are a regular part of the economic cycle, the current economic uncertainty and lack of clear direction from the Bank of Canada regarding interest rates and economic growth are causing concern for small business owners. The decline in business openings in November further highlights this uncertainty. The Bank of Canada has indicated that interest rates will remain data-dependent, with no clear indication of when they will come down.