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[Terrell]

Proud Boys were founded in Canada! Let's not pretend like these heinous roots weren't here to begin with or that there isn't a concerning growth of far-right cretins "thanks" to The Rebel. Canadian alt-right is still alt-right, regardless of whether they have a 2nd Amendment to get, for lack of a better word, to get up in arms about like their American counterparts.

Just because an alt-right movement started here doesn't mean that the seed was planted in fertile soil. And besides, saying it's "founded in Canada" just because that's where Gavin McInnes was raised doesn't make it founded in Canada. It's headquartered in New York City and McInnes has lived in the US for almost his entire adult life, so it's pretty clear where the influences to start that group came from. Honestly, it's La Meute, Soldiers of Odin and/or The III Percent that are much more credible alt-right threats and have the most potential for the growth of it domestically, and that's mostly being driven by folks in their 40s and up.

Also, how's Rebel Media doing these days? Last I heard, not great, because Canadians were clearly fed up with the "no no you've got us all wrong" bullshit act they were putting on after their coverage of and participation in Charlottesville made things plain as day.

Again, I'm not stating the alt-right doesn't exist here or that we can be complacent. I thought I made that abundantly clear. Andrew Scheer's flirtation with Rebel Media makes that more plain than ever.
But we can expect that even the barest minimum that Scheer has done to court the alt-right is something he'll be brutally pilloried for come election season, which is more than we can say for the blatant courting of the alt-right seen by politicians and the mainstream media in the US for well over a decade, which goes well beyond just the 2nd Amendment.

And in that comparison, you can clearly see that despite their existence, the alt-right will always be marginalized and backed into a corner in terms of their reach and relevance in Canada. And so long as we keep doing as we do and pushing back against it like we have for quite some time now, it'll stay that way.

 

[matthewwhatever]

I don’t think he knows but I think he’s being spoon fed an agenda by his advisors. I think the question is does he care?

I think negotiations are also being impacted by the total breakdown in the communications between the White House and the State Department. They're barely talking to each other any more, and any info that's being sent from State to the White House is viewed with suspicion, if not hostility. On top of that, the new U.S. Ambassador hasn't arrived in Canada yet, and I know from personal experience that the information being sent from the Embassy here back to Washington is being tailored in a way that will meet with White House approval (i.e. when Bernier was a leading contender for the CPC leadership, Washington were being told it was a sign that Canadians as a whole were revolting against supply management). Obviously, the White House agenda would be hostile to NAFTA no matter what, but I think there's more to it than just Trump having protectionist advisors.

Support for separation is at an all time low yeah, but nationalism is still strong.

Look at the Alt-Right, it's majorly composed of Millennials who are busy on social media.

and the Alt-Right is not exclusive to the US. Canada and Quebec have seen some of it on the internets and in stupid Facebook Groups

I think as the whole cycle of the Quiet Revolution/separatism/constitutional crises fades from memory for a lot of people, there's a decent chance Quebec shifts to the right. It's not going to become Alberta-East or anything as long as there's such a huge chunk of ridings and people in Montreal and Gatineau, but Quebec City is already more right-leaning than any other major city in Canada apart from maybe Calgary, and there are a lot of rural ridings. The Bloc may have been fairly left-leaning, but before they came into being you had Mulroney winning huge swaths of Quebec, the Creditistes, the Union Nationale...even in recent years, CAQ and the ADQ show that there's a market for nationalist right-leaning parties in Quebec. Like you said, separatism may be on the downswing, but the nationalist tendencies that fueled it could easy be channeled to the right.

Proud Boys were founded in Canada! Let's not pretend like these heinous roots weren't here to begin with or that there isn't a concerning growth of far-right cretins "thanks" to The Rebel. Canadian alt-right is still alt-right, regardless of whether they have a 2nd Amendment to get, for lack of a better word, to get up in arms about like their American counterparts.

It's definitely a mistake to think that there's no history of right-wing movements in Canada. I went through Quebec above. When the Reform Party started off, it had a major problem with white supremacists and Neo-Nazis. Alberta was practically a right-wing theocracy for a time under Bill Aberhart and Ernest Manning, complete with anti-Semitism and eugenics. BC had all kinds of SoCred weirdness in its history, and the BC Interior has always been pretty right-wing. The far-right hasn't been as prominent in other provinces (though even Ontario had the Mike Harris years), but it's still been an undercurrent for a long, long time. Luckily, we're innoculated from it a little more than the US, since our political system rewards moderation and parties that do well in the cities and suburbs, whereas theirs institutionalizes the power of the states where the far-right flourises, but it'd be a mistake to think that it's not a force at all.

 

[maharg]

I think Quebec is already more conservative than Alberta. At least in terms of actual policy.

Burka bans aren't even on the table here. And while racist sentiments to immigrants are not uncommon, no one is talking about actively restricting their ability to move or live here. Even something being labelled as a terrorist attack in Edmonton hasn't been met with a massive cry for anti-immigration policy in the province. Mostly just "let's get on with our lives".

*waits to be jumped on by people who've never stepped foot in Alberta*

 

[Pedrito]

I think Quebec is already more conservative than Alberta. At least in terms of actual policy.

Maybe if the entire political spectrum was based only on identity/immigration policies.

Which is pretty much the case nowadays so I guess you're right.

 

[gutter_trash]

I think Quebec is already more conservative than Alberta. At least in terms of actual policy.

Burka bans aren't even on the table here. And while racist sentiments to immigrants are not uncommon, no one is talking about actively restricting their ability to move or live here. Even something being labelled as a terrorist attack in Edmonton hasn't been met with a massive cry for anti-immigration policy in the province. Mostly just "let's get on with our lives".

*waits to be jumped on by people who've never stepped foot in Alberta*

Alberta is still globally more Right Wing on all all issues from public services, taxes, enterprise, energy, religion and everything else. Also Alberta prides itself on being Conservative..

Quebec doesn't pride itself on a Conservative label but they do like to parrot the Nationalisme Label without realizing that Nationalism is a Conservative construct.

On identity politics; Yes, Quebec is Far-Right on that issue

 

[Pedrito]

On identity politics; Yes, Quebec is Far-Right on that issue

LOL. Far-Right doesn't mean anything anymore.

It's like conservatives saying that Obama and Trudeau are communists.

 

[maharg]

Oh look. Just as predicted.

 

[Pedrito]

Saying that you're right means being "jumped on"? Oh boy.

 

[maharg]

Saying that you're right means being "jumped on"? Oh boy.

Trust me, I wasn't talking about you.

 

[Pedrito]

Trust me, I wasn't talking about you.

My apologies then. I think GT was also mostly in agreement (before editing at least).

 

[SRG01]

I don't see how GT is wrong with respect to the conservatism in Alberta. It is by far the most conservative province in the confederation. And not just the politics, but the day to day stuff along with the cultural attitudes you see every day.

I keep telling people that far-right elements have always existed in the prairies -- to a larger degree than most people believe. It's insidious, subtle, but it's there.

 

[mlclmtckr]

Is Alberta more conservative than Saskatchewan though

 

[SRG01]

Is Alberta more conservative than Saskatchewan though

When we look at their relative histories, politics, and development? Yes I would say Alberta is more conservative.

Saskatchewan has strong populist/socialist roots. Tommy Douglas was from Saskatchewan too.

edit: Even today, I wouldn't say modern Saskatchewan politics and society is particularly conservative. Brad Wall isn't that conservative...

 

[KernelPanic]

I think negotiations are also being impacted by the total breakdown in the communications between the White House and the State Department. They're barely talking to each other any more, and any info that's being sent from State to the White House is viewed with suspicion, if not hostility. On top of that, the new U.S. Ambassador hasn't arrived in Canada yet, and I know from personal experience that the information being sent from the Embassy here back to Washington is being tailored in a way that will meet with White House approval (i.e. when Bernier was a leading contender for the CPC leadership, Washington were being told it was a sign that Canadians as a whole were revolting against supply management). Obviously, the White House agenda would be hostile to NAFTA no matter what, but I think there's more to it than just Trump having protectionist advisors.

You’re absolutely correct.

Trump is slowly dismantling the US government and building his nationalist plutocracy. A functional state department would get in the way.

 

[maharg]

When we look at their relative histories, politics, and development? Yes I would say Alberta is more conservative.

Saskatchewan has strong populist/socialist roots. Tommy Douglas was from Saskatchewan too.

edit: Even today, I wouldn't say modern Saskatchewan politics and society is particularly conservative. Brad Wall isn't that conservative...

And Alberta (Calgary even!) is where the CCF was founded. Socialist politics in Canada have a lot of roots in all of the prairies because the prairies were hit hardest by the depression and the dustbowl one-two punch.

And if you're gonna give credit to SK for their current premier then... um... where is there an NDP government again...? Hm...

I'm not saying Alberta doesn't have racists or right wing people in it, or that they don't permeate culture, but it's been 10 years of reactionaries getting thrown out of office whenever they tilt right now since the Ralph cult ended. I think it's time to accept that things are changing a fair bit.

 

[SRG01]

And Alberta (Calgary even!) is where the CCF was founded. Socialist politics in Canada have a lot of roots in all of the prairies because the prairies were hit hardest by the depression and the dustbowl one-two punch.

And if you're gonna give credit to SK for their current premier then... um... where is there an NDP government again...? Hm...

I'm not saying Alberta doesn't have racists or right wing people in it, or that they don't permeate culture, but it's been 10 years of reactionaries getting thrown out of office whenever they tilt right now since the Ralph cult ended. I think it's time to accept that things are changing a fair bit.

I feel like I've said this already in this thread, but the NDP between provinces (or even federally) are very distinct. Our NDP is a fair bit more centrist, and definitely with a more populist emphasis, compared to other movements.

But I do agree that Albertan politics has been a bit weird since Klein was thrown out. I personally feel that it's a product of the Reagan/Nixonian outrage machine that's prevalent in conservative circles, more than a reflection of a real change in our province. We seem to feed on momentary outrage and anger more than any actual need for social justice.

 

[gutter_trash]

Is Alberta more conservative than Saskatchewan though

Albertans are proud to display Torryism as a badge of honour.

Other parts of Canada, it's more frowned upon.

Quebec likes to "pretend" that they are progressive not realizing that Identity Nationalism is a Conservative trait

 

[SRG01]

Albertans are proud to display Torryism as a badge of honour.

Other parts of Canada, it's more frowned upon.

Okay, I'm not sure about that part...

 

[firehawk12]

Is it more that Alberta hates the Liberals than it is they love the Conservatives? lol

 

[gutter_trash]

Is it more that Alberta hates the Liberals than it is they love the Conservatives? lol

Federally, perhaps. An unrational hatred.

but Provincially, no other Province voted in for 40 years the same Provincial PC Party over and over until the Notley NDP government broke that streak

 

[Terrell]

Is Alberta more conservative than Saskatchewan though

In key areas, absolutely. Anti-immigrant sentiment is certainly higher in Alberta. And I'd say less accepting of social progress (remember the time Alberta was one of the only provinces looking to invoke the notwithstanding clause on the gay marriage debate?)

That being said, the negative sentiment towards Indigenous people in both provinces can be quite high, but it's worse in Saskatchewan because of how prevalent it is in the urban populations compared to Alberta, though I only have personal experience to go on.

That being said, Saskatchewan has less political history with conservativism than Alberta does and politically seem to value centrism pretty highly when achievable with no love for political extremes since the Industrial Revolution. And that's reflected in daily life with a "you do you, I'll do me and nary the twain shall meet" mentality of sorts.

Meanwhile, Alberta elected Social Credit, a unabashedly puritanical Christian party, for decades until they lost favour with Canadians in the 70s, then falling onto whatever conservative option was available. Rachel Notley's NDP is, quite frankly, an aberration in their political history, as a left leaning party hasn't held power there since the 1930s.

 

[maharg]

In key areas, absolutely. Anti-immigrant sentiment is certainly higher in Alberta. And I'd say less accepting of social progress (remember the time Alberta was one of the only provinces looking to invoke the notwithstanding clause on the gay marriage debate?)

That being said, the negative sentiment towards Indigenous people in both provinces can be quite high, but it's worse in Saskatchewan because of how prevalent it is in the urban populations compared to Alberta, though I only have personal experience to go on.

That being said, Saskatchewan has less political history with conservativism than Alberta does and politically seem to value centrism pretty highly when achievable with no love for political extremes since the Industrial Revolution. And that's reflected in daily life with a "you do you, I'll do me and nary the twain shall meet" mentality of sorts.

Meanwhile, Alberta elected Social Credit, a unabashedly puritanical Christian party, for decades until they lost favour with Canadians in the 70s, then falling onto whatever conservative option was available. Rachel Notley's NDP is, quite frankly, an aberration in their political history, as a left leaning party hasn't held power there since the 1930s.

Look, this is what I'm talking about.

LOOK HOW CONSERVATIVE ALBERTA IS!!! [lists nothing from the last ten years in support of that statement, digs into fucking bible bill times to support it]

 

[Terrell]

Look, this is what I'm talking about.

LOOK HOW CONSERVATIVE ALBERTA IS!!! [lists nothing from the last ten years in support of that statement, digs into fucking bible bill times to support it]

The III Percent, a de-facto alt-right militia group, has by far its largest and most active membership in Alberta. How's that for something in the last 10 years to support Alberta's conservative tastes?

Seriously, the question was not whether or not Alberta was improving on its socio-political leanings, it was about where it stands right now in comparison to another province. And yes, to paint that picture, history is important. One NDP election win provincially does not wash that all away.

There are certainly regional differences, though. The nickname "Redmonton" doesn't come from nothing.

 

[CazTGG]

Is it more that Alberta hates the Liberals than it is they love the Conservatives? lol

On a federal level, yes but that's mainly due to the energy program that Pierre's government implemented which severely damaged Alberta's economy.

 

[matthewwhatever]

Federally, perhaps. An unrational hatred.

but Provincially, no other Province voted in for 40 years the same Provincial PC Party over and over until the Notley NDP government broke that streak

... Ontario had a PC government from 1944 to 1985.

But, admittedly, the Alberta PC dynasty replaced the Alberta SoCred dynasty, which was so right-wing, the PCs were practically commies by comparison.

Look, this is what I'm talking about.

LOOK HOW CONSERVATIVE ALBERTA IS!!! [lists nothing from the last ten years in support of that statement, digs into fucking bible bill times to support it]

Spoiler

Consider the source.

I think that as long as Alberta's economy is tied up in the energy sector, its perception as a bastion of conservatism will be hard to shake. Plus you also have people like Jason Kenney and Tom Flanagan (and Derek Fildebrandt and the spectre of Stephen Harper...) working hard to promote the idea that Alberta is some kind of crazy far-right utopia.

And there's the whole cowboy chic thing.

That said, I think as Calgary and Edmonton grow, and the economy inevitably diversifies, and Notley/Nenshi/Iveson keep doing what they've been doing, the perception will get weaker. In the meantime, you have to deal with some of the comments above, but I think people are starting to recognize that things are changing.

 

[Mr.Mike]

Detroit fronting like they have wind turbines by putting ours in frame in their Amazon pitch video.

 

[gutter_trash]

Detroit fronting like they have wind turbines by putting ours in frame in their Amazon pitch video.

 

[valkillmore]

Sorry if already discussed or posted but can someone please link to an article detailing the federal NDP platform? Did some searching and couldn't find anything.

 

[Mr.Mike]

Sorry if already discussed or posted but can someone please link to an article detailing the federal NDP platform? Did some searching and couldn't find anything.

Jagmeets policy page from the campaign is still up. http://www.jagmeetsingh.ca/policy

There's also the NDP's policy thing. http://xfer.ndp.ca/2017/Documents/2016_POLICY-EN.pdf

 

[matthewwhatever]

Sorry if already discussed or posted but can someone please link to an article detailing the federal NDP platform? Did some searching and couldn't find anything.

Since we're between elections and they only just picked a new leader, they won't have an official platform yet. There are the policy documents posted above, but I wouldn't consider those a platform -- leadership race policy documents are notorious for being targeted mainly at party members, and policy convention platforms aren't really tied to official party policy (maybe a little more in the NDP than the other two parties, but it's still a vague connection).

Right now, between elections and until...probably around September 2019, if history is a guide, their platform will be whatever they put forward in the House and in Committee. So on Labour, you'd see what Sheri Benson has said publicly, for Democratic Reform you'd look up Nathan Cullen, you'd look up Don Davies for Health, etc. It's not a platform, since there's no coordinated message, but it's where they stand right now on issues.

 

[firehawk12]

This Bill Morneau thing is such a Liberal scandal that it's funny. I guess it's a refreshing change from killing the census or foreign funding for family planning clinics.

 

[killer rin]

This Bill Morneau thing is such a Liberal scandal that it's funny. I guess it's a refreshing change from killing the census or foreign funding for family planning clinics.

The entire situation was handled so badly that it feels like what they really wanted to do was drop the business tax rate, but had to come up with a lengthy setup of justifications to convince people to let it happen

 

[djkimothy]

The entire situation was handled so badly that it feels like what they really wanted to do was drop the business tax rate, but had to come up with a lengthy setup of justifications to convince people to let it happen

I think he’s referring to the french villa thing.

The closing of tax loopholes is just incompetent coms handling. Still, close those holes.

 

[matthewwhatever]

Patrick Brown on Bill 62:

If feds won't lead Canada, and this racist law passes, ON must support a Charter challenge

(Note: avoid reading the comments.)

On the one hand, it's a little surprising (in a good way) to see a Tory jumping to the defense of minorities and calling something racist.

On the other, I was talking to some Tories a few weeks ago, and apparently a key part of why he won the leadership in the first place was because he did a lot to court ethnic minorities in the 905 belt. I think that, like Jason Kenney, he understands that some of those communities have a streak of social conservatism (which came out during the sex-ed curriculum debate), and that it helps his party in the long run to cultivate those voters, rather than writing them off because of the colour of their skin.

The closing of tax loopholes is just incompetent coms handling. Still, close those holes.

1) Phrasing!

2) It feels like we saw a similar approach to comms from Obama: they both devoted a tonne of energy to developing messaging during their respective campaigns, but then after they won, the comms planning wasn't nearly as thorough. So even if they were doing some good stuff, they allowed the opposition to set the tone of the debate. Maybe I'm wrong, and it was a problem for Harper too, but it always felt like the CPC did a much better job of developing messaging to go with their policy.

 

[gutter_trash]

 

[Mr.Mike]

There's that, but also Patrick Brown seems desperate to not get branded as a social conservative by his opponents.

 

[matthewwhatever]

There's that, but also Patrick Brown seems desperate to not get branded as a social conservative by his opponents.

It's the Harper approach -- even if he's a pretty hardcore social conservative, he knows that most people just don't want to talk about that stuff. He'll have work at keeping his language coded so that he can appeal to the socons without alienating everyone else, but as we saw with Harper, as long as it's just oblique nods and not overt, he can get away with it.

He also knows that that after 15 years (as of next year) of Liberal rule, it's not like the Tory base is about to jump ship to Kathleen Wynne, so he can take his voters a little for granted. They might be a little pissed off at him for the way he's running the party, but I think that most will swallow their discomfort and vote for him anyway.

 

[firehawk12]

So Australia just lost it's final car manufacturing plant:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/20/world/australia/holden-automaker-factory-closes.html

And it just makes me think about how artificial a lot of jobs really are, considering all cars could probably be made in China if it weren't for every nation imposing high tariffs and other protectionist measures.

I guess in Australia's case, trying to put up trade barriers to protect car manufacturing wasn't worth it. But I wonder what would happen in Canada if we just stopped making cars here altogether and imported directly from Asia or America.

 

[killer rin]

So Australia just lost it's final car manufacturing plant:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/20/world/australia/holden-automaker-factory-closes.html

And it just makes me think about how artificial a lot of jobs really are, considering all cars could probably be made in China if it weren't for every nation imposing high tariffs and other protectionist measures.

I guess in Australia's case, trying to put up trade barriers to protect car manufacturing wasn't worth it. But I wonder what would happen in Canada if we just stopped making cars here altogether and imported directly from Asia or America.

Well, Windsor would become a Ghost city overnight. Probably end up worse than Detroit at its worst. London would get hit hard as well, but they have done a better job at diversifying their economy. But in general the entirety of South-Western Ontario would collapse.

 

[firehawk12]

Well, Windsor would become a Ghost city overnight. Probably end up worse than Detroit at its worst. London would get hit hard as well, but they have done a better job at diversifying their economy. But in general the entirety of South-Western Ontario would collapse.

Yeah, which is why it's crazy to think of a country basically letting the car manufacturing industry die as a whole. I can't even fathom that happening here because of how devastating it would be. (Not that Ontario hasn't been hit with plant closures and winding down of manufacturing, of course).

I guess it also makes me think about how globalization isn't actually real, since every country will try to impose some rules to protect domestic manufacturing. This Bombardier spat is another example of that, and I suppose if we really did have true globalization with free trade, nothing would actually be made in the "first world" countries where the products are being used.

 

[Gitaroo]

Anyone FEW SE shipped from amazon yet?

 

[djkimothy]

Patrick Brown on Bill 62:



(Note: avoid reading the comments.)

On the one hand, it's a little surprising (in a good way) to see a Tory jumping to the defense of minorities and calling something racist.

On the other, I was talking to some Tories a few weeks ago, and apparently a key part of why he won the leadership in the first place was because he did a lot to court ethnic minorities in the 905 belt. I think that, like Jason Kenney, he understands that some of those communities have a streak of social conservatism (which came out during the sex-ed curriculum debate), and that it helps his party in the long run to cultivate those voters, rather than writing them off because of the colour of their skin.



1) Phrasing!

2) It feels like we saw a similar approach to comms from Obama: they both devoted a tonne of energy to developing messaging during their respective campaigns, but then after they won, the comms planning wasn't nearly as thorough. So even if they were doing some good stuff, they allowed the opposition to set the tone of the debate. Maybe I'm wrong, and it was a problem for Harper too, but it always felt like the CPC did a much better job of developing messaging to go with their policy.

Yah. i could have phrased that better.

In addition to your point 2. I found that the special interest groups were also quick to be activated and dominated the narrative.

 

[SRG01]

I think that as long as Alberta's economy is tied up in the energy sector, its perception as a bastion of conservatism will be hard to shake. Plus you also have people like Jason Kenney and Tom Flanagan (and Derek Fildebrandt and the spectre of Stephen Harper...) working hard to promote the idea that Alberta is some kind of crazy far-right utopia.

And there's the whole cowboy chic thing.

That said, I think as Calgary and Edmonton grow, and the economy inevitably diversifies, and Notley/Nenshi/Iveson keep doing what they've been doing, the perception will get weaker. In the meantime, you have to deal with some of the comments above, but I think people are starting to recognize that things are changing.

I should write some words to add on this:

- Alberta is more conservative than other provinces
- Alberta is less conservative than its prior history -- that is natural for all societies
- Alberta does have stubborn right/far-right/alt-right elements, especially as percentage of its population
- Alberta does have progressive elements in its urban regions

And ultimately, this leads to:

- Alberta has a fundamental imbalance with rural vs urban ridings, which coincidentally was partially addressed in the final report released yesterday (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/electoral-division-boundaries-final-report-1.4362921)

 

[Terrell]

There's that, but also Patrick Brown seems desperate to not get branded as a social conservative by his opponents.

Funny you mention him, he's potentially about to be sued for libel by Kathleen Wynne.

 

[matthewwhatever]

And ultimately, this leads to:

- Alberta has a fundamental imbalance with rural vs urban ridings, which coincidentally was partially addressed in the final report released yesterday (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/electoral-division-boundaries-final-report-1.4362921)

I don't think that's unique to Alberta -- it's ingrained into our system. PEI has four seats, even though its total population is just a little more than some of the ridings in Ontario. With Newfoundland, Atlantic Canada has more representation in the Senate than Western Canada. If urban ridings were properly represented, they'd totally overwhelm rural ones. (Depending on your point of view, that may not be the worst thing.)

That said, this:

The United Conservative Party criticized the report, saying it places too much emphasis on the number of people in each riding.

"While this report has made some changes to riding sizes and boundaries, it continues to miss the mark by placing too large of a value on population," said interim UCP leader Nathan Cooper.

...is insane. I get that they need to spin it somehow, but to just come out and say that they think empty land deserves a vote is crazy. It's the same attitude as in the US, with the maps that show Trump won overwhelmingly by land area, as if that makes up for the fact that no one lives there.

 

[Mr.Mike]

Chinese wages have been rising rapidly and at this point they are far from the cheapest place to manufacture. Their strengths now are increasingly good infrastructure, education and automation.

'Made in China' isn't so cheap anymore, and that could spell headache for Beijing

Chinese factory workers are now getting paid more than ever: Average hourly wages hit $3.60 last year, spiking 64 percent from 2011, according to market research firm Euromonitor. That's more than five times hourly manufacturing wages in India, and is more on par with countries such as Portugal and South Africa.

As China's economy expanded at breakneck speed, so has pay for employees. But the wage increase has translated to higher costs for companies with assembly lines in China. Some firms are now taking their business elsewhere, which also means China could start losing jobs to other developing countries like Sri Lanka, where hourly factory wages are $0.50.

...

Companies are also investing in robots in efforts to automate as much as possible to offset labor costs, according to Jefferies analysts Sean Darby and Kenneth Chan. China's industrial robotics market became the world's largest in 2013, and is continuing to grow.

With fewer jobs available — and perhaps more robots buzzing on factory floors — experts maintain unemployment will be an ongoing concern, especially as the government works to maneuver the world's second-largest economy away from manufacturing and toward services.

And there was a moment where a Chinese company was going to open a bus factory in Windsor, although they've gone to California instead.

 

[killer rin]

Funny you mention him, he's potentially about to be sued for libel by Kathleen Wynne.

I still think it's stupid he never apologized and is risking putting himself through this. It would be so easy to call back the statement while turning it onto a massive hit against the OLP in general. Keeping the essence of the statement, giving it extra wings and political time while hammering the point home.

It could have just been something easy like "Now I apologize for what I said earlier. Kathleen Wynne didn't do those things. But you know who did. Her party which has shown time and time again to be corrupt. This is just another example of one of the many incidents we have grown accustomed to"

 

[SRG01]

I don't think that's unique to Alberta -- it's ingrained into our system. PEI has four seats, even though its total population is just a little more than some of the ridings in Ontario. With Newfoundland, Atlantic Canada has more representation in the Senate than Western Canada. If urban ridings were properly represented, they'd totally overwhelm rural ones. (Depending on your point of view, that may not be the worst thing.)

That said, this:



...is insane. I get that they need to spin it somehow, but to just come out and say that they think empty land deserves a vote is crazy. It's the same attitude as in the US, with the maps that show Trump won overwhelmingly by land area, as if that makes up for the fact that no one lives there.

Yeah, I read a comment that we're only starting to approach the proper population to riding percentage.

 

[Parch]

The overwhelming majority of Albertans are not anywhere near as "far right" as some in the east want to believe.

 

[firehawk12]

Chinese wages have been rising rapidly and at this point they are far from the cheapest place to manufacture. Their strengths now are increasingly good infrastructure, education and automation.

'Made in China' isn't so cheap anymore, and that could spell headache for Beijing

And there was a moment where a Chinese company was going to open a bus factory in Windsor, although they've gone to California instead.

I mean, eventually we'll run out of wage slaves to exploit unless we as a society decide to go back to real slavery (by like, forcing prison inmates to build iPhones for us or something). But a lot of that is mitigated by isolationism/protectionism that demands companies "artificially" create jobs in a country in order to sell their products there. I guess it's something I haven't really considered too deeply.

I assume Canadian agriculture is basically propped up by the same trade protections that prevent Asian/African products from just flooding our supermarkets and destroying the farming industry here.