Written by:
Curtis Matwychuk-Goodman
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“Ben Franklin may have discovered electricity – but it is the man who invented the meter who made the money”
- Earl Warren-
Introduction to the Issue
conomic growth and electricity consumption are directly correlated. As a nation’s electricity consumption increases so does the gross domestic product.[1] It is generally accepted that access to electricity is a necessary element for a healthy economy; in today’s day and age electricity is required for production of both goods and services. Without access to reliable sources of electricity the efficiency and productivity of the North American economy would tumble.
This paper seeks to investigate the current trade policy between Canada and the United States in the case of International Power Lines (IPL) and the international sale of electricity. The specific case of the Montana-Alberta Tie Limited (MATL) project provides an excellent case study of the Canada-U.S. relations on electrical energy. MATL will be the first direct merchant-based grid interconnection between the province of Alberta and the state of Montana and will provide context for the regulatory environment of each country. This paper will present the case from the Alberta perspective. It will, however, provide analysis of both the federal and sub-federal governments from both Canada and the U.S. and their related jurisdictional authority over the MATL project. In doing so, this paper will discuss the context surrounding the construction of an International Power Line (IPL). The recent final approval of the MATL project demonstrates the continuing harmonization of the North American electricity grid; which will briefly be discussed.
In addition, this paper will directly examine the popular notion that Alberta is an energy superpower in the North American marketplace; albeit perhaps not a leader in the electric energy industry specifically. In fact, this paper seeks to demonstrate that Alberta has tremendous growth opportunities but currently lacks the adequate infrastructure to exert such influence even in the North American marketplace. To begin our discussion, let us first explore exactly what electricity is.
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Written by
Curtis Matwychuk-Goodman
—
“Women now stand on the threshold of achieving more political power than they have ever had before. A possible dream can become real if women translate their beliefs and votes into an organized electoral and political force”
Bella Abzug 1984, page 11
his paper will first define gender and what a gender gap is. It will introduce relevant evidence of the existence of a gender gap in Canadian public opinion in addition to identifying a number of areas of both convergence and divergence of public opinion when gender is considered. Furthermore, this paper will provide an update on recent developments in the study of gender and public opinion by identifying and explaining the findings of relevant literature. Finally, this paper will discuss the importance of understanding gender as it applies to the Canadian political system in terms of the three elements of political culture: ideology, policy, and practice.
This paper will find that the way women live their lives today is different than twenty-five years ago. This would imply that a meaningful difference may have arisen in women’s public opinion over this same time period. However, there is little evidence suggesting a predictable and stable gender gap on particular issues of public opinion in Canada over time. Although there have been instances of a gender gap existing, like in the 1988 Free Trade Election and the 1993 and 1997 federal elections. The most concerning gap that does exist in Canada is the underrepresentation of women in the federal government. This has implications for issues of equality and there should be a significant consideration of all political parties operating within Canada. View Full Article »
Written by:
Curtis M Goodman
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Introduction to the Issue
Canada has an internationally respected professional services sector which is responsible for a significant share of total gross domestic product. In today’s globalized society a majority of economic output can be attributed to the efforts of professionals in a wide-variety of fields; from accounting and architecture to engineering and legal services. In fact, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the professional services sector accounted for over $4 billion dollars in export revenue in 2008 and employed almost three-hundred thousand people in Canada. Accounting firms alone represent the majority of professional’s – employing over 191,000 Canadians many of whom are involved in some way with the financial services sector.[1]
The events which led up to the financial crisis in 2008 were the results of poor-decisions and perhaps negligence of innumerable professional’s in the financial service sector from all over the world. The resulting fallout of these events still remains unknown as the global economy faces a severe recession going into the second quarter of 2009. If government economic assistance is any measure of the severity of the situation, it is safe to estimate the cost is well into the trillions of dollars. This begs the question – who is responsible? For this reason professional liability and negligence should be among the most significant matters concerning any professional today.
Nearly all business transactions performed on a day-to-day basis will have some risk of professional liability. Be it the real estate agent offering advice to clients; accountants preparing financial statements; or the financial advisor’s market speculations – all professionals have a special relationship with the clients they serve. They offer services based on their specialized knowledge or skill – which are relied upon by the client as being the best solutions to their problems. At times issues arise as a result of these services, where clients may be discontented over the quality of work performed; which may have resulted in economic hardship, or in some cases physical harm. As the business environment continues to globalize and increase in complexity, as does the need to understand the obligations and responsibilities of professionals.
This paper seeks to provide readers with an overview of professional liability in an international context. To begin with this paper will define what professional services are and will identify market access barriers for professionals hoping to do business abroad. Furthermore it will outline international cooperation directly pertaining to professional services; which in turn provides references for international law. A significant share of the paper will identify the fundamental areas of professional liability within the Canadian legal system, including: duty of care; standard of care; fiduciary duty; and reasonable reliance. In this part of the discussion case examples of private international law will provide useful insight into major areas of concern. In addition this paper will briefly identify: significant barriers for professionals abroad; the importance of errors and omissions insurance; and the role of risk management. This will provide the reader with a greater understanding of the legal framework of professional liability within society. Overall this paper is most relevant for young Canadian professionals seeking cross-border service opportunities. View Full Article »
