Rising world demand for food has put a spotlight on potash, a key ingredient of agricultural fertilizer. Market leader Potash Corp. remains in Canadian hands after a failed takeover bid. Although potash doesn’t have the universal visibility of oil, it is an essential source of energy. Join a tour of an underground potash mine.
Unmanned spy planes are used by the United States to keep an eye on its border with Canada, as well as the border with Mexico. The aircraft are flown along the 49th parallel, looking for signs of illegal activity. At a base in North Dakota, Predators are piloted remotely.
Canada is at the forefront of a new international trend nicknamed ‘designer immigration’. The country’s immigration system is increasingly focused on matching the supply of prospective newcomers to its own demand, particularly in the labour market. Since 1971, Canada has never attracted as many migrants as it does today.
Enduring harsh winters is the Canadian way. No winter phenomenon is unheard of in the ‘Great White North’. Blizzards, black ice, frostbite and wind chill: they’re all part of the Canadian winter experience. ‘Cold out, eh?’ A winter appreciation from Montreal.
The world is facing a shortage of rare earth metals, resources needed in small quantities to make hybrid cars, electronics and other products. China, the world’s main supplier, is keeping most of its production for itself. In California, Molycorp sees an opportunity to breathe new life into an old mine.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is on the rise in many parts of the world. In North America, the sport has eclipsed boxing as the most popular extreme fighting sport. The often bloody competition is worth billions of dollars. Critics reject the phenomenon as human cockfighting. Report on fight night.
World leaders of the G20 have agreed to reduce budget deficits at their summit in Toronto – but not at any price. The Americans and the Europeans both got what they wanted at the meeting: a delicate mix of austerity and stimulus.
World leaders of the G20 are meeting in Canada this weekend to talk about solutions to the economic crisis. Toronto, the financial heart of Canada, came through the crisis relatively well. Now it’s a fortress for the summit meeting. In the city’s banking district, skepticism prevails.
Dutch geophysicist Jacob Verhoef leads a Canadian multi-million dollar project to map the sea floor of the Arctic Ocean for the purpose of making territorial claims. From Halifax, he coordinates harsh Arctic expeditions involving seismic research from ice camps and icebreakers. For Canada, there is a lot at stake.
Some members of Canada’s First Nations are proud to be involved in the Olympic Winter Games. Others say the Games don’t help Native Canadians advance in society. The indigenous ‘Disney show’ presented in Vancouver is at odds with years of neglect, according to critics.
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