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  • The State of the Canadian Economy- How Will It Affect My Financial Future?

    The State of the Canadian Economy- How Will It Affect My Financial Future?

    If you watch the financial news these days, you might be very confused. It might seem as if the state of Canada’s economy changes every day, and whether it is doing well or badly can vary with media news reports and people’s own opinions. The Canadian economy might improve or get worse, but whatever happens, you can always prepare yourself for the future.

    Have you ever thought of how much the economy affects you? Every time that you eat food from a store or go out shopping, you are contributing to the Canadian economy- if you are a consumer, you are a big part of Canada’s Capitalist society. You might also have a part-time job or already be in a training program for a special type of career.

    Almost all of the people in Canada participate in the economy in some way- some may say you start “participating” as soon as you are born.  If you buy supplies from stores, use electricity from the power system, or send your children to schools, you are participating in the economy. Most people are very closely connected to the economy through their jobs, homes, and almost everything that they do.

    In recent years, the economy has shown signs of trouble, especially since wages and job opportunities have not kept up with costs-especially housing. In 2008, a large number of people in the United States were unable to pay for the houses that they had bought. It is widely suggested that the crisis started “because banks were able to create too much money, too quickly, and used it to push up house prices and speculate on financial markets” (http://positivemoney.org/issues/recessions-crisis/ ).  The problem started a worldwide economic crash which is still affecting people today. In 1929, also, the stock market crashed because the prices no longer reflected what people were able to buy.

    Our Canadian dollar has been at an all-time low. The unemployment rate has been climbing, especially in Alberta, but also elsewhere in Canada. People in the United States are not buying much from Canada because their economy is also struggling. Meanwhile, the amount of money that people owe for their education, homes, or other purchases has grown to over 163% of their annual income. Unless they can find better jobs or reduce their spending, people could find themselves in a really bad position. Because of the oil crisis happening in Alberta (and echoing across the country), it has the highest debt ratio amongst residents, more than any province in Canada.

    What does all of this mean for the future, especially for young people? The economy might eventually recover enough to provide good jobs and homes to everyone, but young people should be prepared to live more frugally than their parents. They also might need to be very flexible about the kinds of work they do, although it is still useful to train for a particular job. Avoiding risky investments and learning new skills might also be good ways to prepare for the future. The most important thing for the youth of today to realize is that debt and unnecessary spending will hold you back and may put you in a really bad position, financially.

    Predicting the future of the Canadian economy is very difficult, and no one really knows what will happen next. However, you can help prepare yourself by learning new skills, being flexible, and learning as much as you can. That way, you will still be able to manage and even thrive, whether the economy recovers or fails.

    Bibliography:

    Conference Board of Canada. Canadian Outlook Long-Term Economic Forecast: 2016. http://www.conferenceboard.ca/e-library/abstract.aspx?did=7514.

    Economy Watch. “Canada Economy.” http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/canada/.

    Freeman, Sunny. “The Biggest Risks to Canada’s Economy in 2015, And Beyond.” http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/12/30/canada-economy-2015-risks_n_6392052.html.

    History.com. “Stock Market Crash of 1929.” http://www.history.com/topics/1929-stock-market-crash.

    Huffington Post. “OECD Slashes Canadian, Global Outlook, Calls for ‘Urgent Policy Response’.”  http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/02/18/canada-u-s-other-g7-countries-drag-down-oecd-s-forecast-for-economic-growth_n_9261762.html.

    Isfeld, Gordon. “Canada’s economy grows more than expected, lifting loonie higher.” http://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/canadas-economy-grows-more-than-expected-3.

    Marr, Garry. “Canada household debt ratio hits new record of 163.3%.” http://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/debt/canada-household-debt-ratio-hits-new-record-of-163-3.

    Sorensen, Chris. “Assume the crash position: How far will the stock market fall?” http://www.macleans.ca/economy/economicanalysis/assume-the-crash-position-how-much-worse-will-the-stock-market-get/

    Tencer, Daniel. “Canada’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 7.2% — Largest Gap with U.S. Rate in 14 Years.” http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/02/05/unemployment-canada-january-2016_n_9166884.html.

     

     

     

  • Sure-fire Tips to Spark Creativity

    Sure-fire Tips to Spark Creativity

    There is an age-old rumour that well-acclaimed author Stephen King mostly gets his inspiration for his books from his dreams. Unfortunately, if you are facing a deadline for a creative project for school, you don’t have the luxury of time to test out this theory. The good news is that there are sure-fire ways to bring out your inner creative self.

    Brainstorm.

    Whether the project is individual or group, it always helps to bounce ideas off with your peers. This way, you get to learn different perspectives, and eventually you will find how to approach your task at hand. You would be surprised how much you can learn from your peers just by a short brainstorming session. Just take note that brainstorming should be a healthy discussion – so avoid any conflicts.

    Get inspired by other accomplished artists.

    The best examples that showcase people’s creativity can be found in works of arts, music, and film. If you have time, head to an art gallery, concert, or movie theatre. Even if your creative project does not involve any of these mediums, you could still be inspired- a great idea, is a great idea.

    Take a walk.

    You don’t have to be a poet to commune with nature and be inspired. Sometimes walking is what you need to bring out your inner creative self. Of course, don’t underestimate the power of an idea spark—sometimes it comes in the most unexpected places. Some creative minds have been known to have that eureka moment while they were in the shower or doing mundane tasks like washing the dishes.

    Make a list.

    Since ideas can strike anywhere, the trick is to note them down somewhere when they do strike. Always keep a notebook to jot your ideas down. However, if you are all for technology, always keep your memo or notepad ready in your smartphone or tablet.

    Are you ready for the next big idea? Try out these tips and you will certainly unleash your creative powers!

    SOURCES:

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/communication-success/201402/how-unleash-your-creativity-and-find-inspiration-today

    http://www.virtuesforlife.com/10-ways-to-spark-creative-thinking/

    http://www.chopra.com/ccl/7-steps-to-inspire-creativity-within

    http://psychcentral.com/lib/20-ideas-from-creativity-connoisseurs-to-inspire-your-imagination/

  • Career Profile: Safety Inspector

    Career Profile: Safety Inspector

    Every job has its own dangers, but this can be especially true of the trades. When people work on high buildings in construction and use sharp saws to cut wood or steel, or work with chemicals and poisonous gases, they can easily be hurt or even killed. However, safety inspectors can help reduce the dangers by inspecting everything to make sure that tools are safe to use, and the space is safe to work in. This job is arguably one of the most important jobs in the Trades industry- it is the Safety Inspector’s job to keep employees alive and well. If something is over-looked during an inspection, it will be in large part, the Safety Inspector’s fault for not seeing it.

    An office job might be stressful but have few actual threats to safety. However, many of the trades can be quite dangerous. Electricians can potentially electrocute themselves, construction workers can drop heavy objects onto their feet or fall off of buildings, and factory employees can lose fingers or hands in machines. The job of a safety inspector is to identify these types of dangers and to try to correct the problems before someone is hurt.

    Any factory or construction site can be a place where safety inspectors work. They can work on oil pipelines to make sure that everything is working properly and that there are no leaks in the oil or gas lines. They might check a factory to make sure that the employees are all wearing the safety equipment that they need or that they are following all of the steps that are necessary to avoid accidents. Safety inspectors often work with checklists to be sure that they have not forgotten anything, but it helps to know the basics of how the industry works.

    Most people in this field start by getting several years of experience in the area that they later want to inspect. In some cases, getting a safety certificate might be enough education for a safety inspector, but many of them also have a degree or diploma in an area such as science or engineering. Normally, they work in the trades for several years before becoming inspectors. Depending on the work and their level of experience, they might earn from $16-34 per hour.

    Once they have the necessary education and background, safety inspectors can begin the job of making work safer for other people. Sometimes, this means that they have to go to dangerous places to find out how to change the working conditions. Being a safety inspector often involves travelling long distances to get to the oil rigs or factories where they check for problems. When they have found out what they need to know, they write reports on what they think should be changed and how they think the business can make the work safer.

    Being a safety inspector requires a lot of detailed work, and it is not always pleasant. However, if you like the idea of helping to keep other people safe, it might be the right job for you.

    Bibliography:

    Alberta Learning Information Service. “Occupational Profile: Occupational Health and Safety Officer.”

    http://occinfo.alis.alberta.ca/occinfopreview/info/browse-occupations/occupation-profile.html?id=71002659.

    Monster.ca. “Safety Inspector.” http://my.monster.ca/job-profiles/safety-inspector.aspx.

    Oilsands Infomine. “Health, Safety & Environment Advisors – Pipeline.” http://oilsands.infomine.com/careers/jobs/listings/1.571732/health.safety.environment.advisors.pipeline.aspx.

    Payscale.com. “Construction Inspector Salary (Canada).”

    http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Construction_Inspector/Hourly_Rate

  • Ace That Test: Skills to Hit the Mark on Your Exams

    Ace That Test: Skills to Hit the Mark on Your Exams

    We’ve all been there. We’ve pulled in an all-nighter for our exams – or as the old folks would say, “Burnt the candle at both ends”; this does not always work well. If this is a recurring issue for you, here are some pointers that will help you ace that test and, more importantly, without sacrificing a good night’s sleep.

    Take baby steps one day at a time.

    If you expect that you will magically know what you need to know in one sitting, then you will have better luck relying on pixie dust to get a high score. Just as your parents have always reminded you, don’t take more food than you can handle when you’re at a party, and it is the same for your studies. Rather than trying to cram in all the information in one sitting, review your notes in chunks day by day. You will find that you can absorb more information this way.

    Write it down.

    Your ever-reliable notepad or memo on your mobile devices might have done a good job of saving your grocery list or your favourite aunt’s new address; it won’t be enough to help you remember information for your exams. Write notes down the good old’ fashioned way on clean sheets of paper. Now is the time to put your penmanship skills to the test!

    Read aloud.

    Most people think that reading quietly will do the trick to help them retain information. While your neighbourhood librarians will definitely approve of this, it pays much better to read the information aloud. Recording it and listening to it while you are on the go can also help.

    Eat well.

    It’s not an urban legend. There are certain foods that will make you remember things better. Good examples are foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as certain fish, nuts like walnuts and almonds, and olive oil. Research even said that eating a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids before the big exam can help reduce anxiety.

    Study with a group.

    No man is an island, and that is true as well when you are preparing for an exam. Studying with your peers will keep you on your toes as you bounce off ideas from one another. You can also take turns in asking each other questions to test your knowledge. How to make this even more fun? The one who answers all questions asked of him or her should get a treat like free coffee for a whole week.

    Studying for those all-important quizzes should not be something that causes you anxiety as if you are getting a root canal. There are ways to pace yourself and hit the mark in return.

    Sources:

    http://learningfundamentals.com.au/blog/top-10-tips-for-taking-exams/

    https://www.examtime.com/blog/study-hacks/

    https://frontpage.gcsu.edu/event/monday-morning-mentor-what-concepts-improve-student-learning-and-memory

    http://al.nd.edu/news/63684-psychology-graduate-student-research-improving- memory/

    http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/diet/four-foods-that-will-improve-your-memory-and-brain-health/news-story/96d905dcafc4242513fc38b343d3471b

  • What I Would Tell My Younger Self About University

    What I Would Tell My Younger Self About University

    There are many things I’d like to tell my younger self about what to expect when I got to University. I think the most important thing would be the importance of balance. It’s easy to get caught up in socializing and recreational activities. There’s so much to do and so many new things to experience and sometimes classes can lose their priority. But balance is the key to ensuring you have a fun, well-rounded experience.

    Spending too much time partying or hanging out with friends can not only have a negative impact on your studies, but it can also have a negative impact on your bank account. For most students, university is the first opportunity they’ve had to manage their own finances, live on their own and be independent. Without learning how to balance all aspects of your life, these changes can sometimes become overwhelming. When we become overwhelmed it can be more difficult to complete tasks on time, get to class, eat right and take care of ourselves. All the things we need to do to stay healthy and happy can be pushed to the side, causing us to become easily agitated or depressed.

    It’s equally as important to remember not to focus so much on school you forget to experience the other aspects of university life. Academics are important, but a well-rounded education and a fulfilling university experience are also important. Get involved in clubs, sports teams or volunteer activities. Meet people. Go to a few parties. Hang out at the library. Eat the bad cafeteria food. Get involved in student politics. Try new things.

    Remember, university is a time to discover what interests you. So, take a variety of courses, talk to an advisor about how to best reach your goals. Keep your options open (especially in your first year). Give yourself some time to get settled and to adjust to your new life before you make any major decisions.

    After university it’s time to enter the “real world” so allow yourself to enjoy the process. Have fun. Don’t take things too seriously, but don’t goof off too much either. After all you are preparing for your future. Balance really is the key to success.

     

  • Making the Most Out of E-Learning

    Making the Most Out of E-Learning

    In today’s fast-paced way of living, it is not surprising that a number of educational institutions have modified their learning opportunities as well. Colleges and universities recognize that most students are aiming to be renaissance men and women; they want to ( or have to) make the most out of life by pursuing their respective degrees while they and hold down a part-time job, devote time to family and friends, and indulge in hobbies and sports.

    As such, these students can delve into the world of e-learning where they can study at their own time and generally at their own pace. It does sound more relaxed and less time-consuming, but if you are considering an online class, know that it does require the same amount of devotion and responsibilities as in a classroom setup. The only difference is that you don’t have to worry about the time aspect of the course- you choose what time to do your work (and you don’t have to worry about waiting in traffic!)

    Here then are ways to make the most out of E-learning:

    Know the syllabus by heart.

    It is easy to get lost in an online class if you do not understand the syllabus and what the learning objectives are. As such, make sure to go through the syllabus so that everything is clear from the start. If there is something that confuses you, let the instructor know so clarifications can be made early-on.

    Manage your time.

    Just because the online class is flexible does not mean you can get away with slacking. There are still assignments to be turned in at specific times. For this reason, you will have to discipline yourself to make the deadlines.

    Participate.

    Most online classes have a discussion board where your classmates can share your opinions and ideas. Participate as much as you can. It is certainly a good substitute for classroom interaction. As in a classroom setup, have an open mind and respect your classmates’ views no matter how different it might be from yours- no online attacks.

    Apply focus and discipline.

    One of the most difficult things to do in an online class is to stay focused on the topics or subjects at hand. After all, you are online and it is so easy to go on your social networking accounts or to search for a video on YouTube. Do not click on any unrelated website until you are done with your school tasks.

    Create your space.

    Just because you don’t have a classroom doesn’t mean you don’t need a sacred space for your online class. It is important you have space to fully concentrate and attend to your school tasks. Go to the library if you must.

    Some people choose the online class route simply because they think it is easy. However, online classes are just as challenging as traditional classes. Follow the tips above, and you will be able to have a fulfilling learning experience.

    Sources:

    http://elearninginfographics.com/5-great-study-tips-for-online-students-infographic/

    http://www.growthengineering.co.uk/3-tips-for-elearning-efficiency/

    http://bestonlineuniversities.com/101-elearning-tips-from-the-experts/

  • The Health Benefits of Yoga in School

    The Health Benefits of Yoga in School

    School breeds stress, and stress can be the cause of a whole array of health issues. While finding time to exercise can seem impossible it is important—but so is taking care of your mind. Luckily, yoga has many benefits. This practice has swept North America at a stunningly fast rate as more and more people realize it not only helps fitness and personal health, but also fights depression and provides learning and coping attributes. First, let us go through the main long-term benefits of regular yoga practice and how it applies to YOUR health while in university of college.

    Taking on life in a calm and relaxing manner while applying yoga techniques to learning

    Yoga practice promotes relaxed feelings while expanding meditative skills and easing the body. In most forms of yoga patience, concentration and repetition are necessary and a main focus for the instructor and students. The skills you learn here will seep into how you handle the stress of school, balance work and studies, and how you memorize and approach work and study time lines. As a calm mind lends itself well to focus, yoga uses this to help pave the way to improved memory, IQ scores, reaction times and coordination. You’ll find that the patience and breathing skills learned in yoga will help immensely with problem solving.

    Sleeping Better

    That relaxation we talked about above…that will not only impact your yoga sessions and school life but also your sleeping time. Yoga loosens you up and positively affects your health—a tense body and troubled mind disrupts sleep. The more you progress with yoga, the deeper you will sleep. This will leave you rested and ready for school and all the troubles that come with it.

    Fewer colds and illnesses, relieves depression

    According to YogaJournal.com, regular yoga practice drains your lymphs—through the stretching of muscles and moving around of organs, it progressively boosts immunity. This helps your lymphatic system kill cancerous cells, battle infection, and rid the body of the toxic waste produced by cellular functioning. Regular yoga practice ups your heart rate, and this is instrumental in relieving depression. Not only does it promote a healthy mind, but it is also common for those involved with yoga to develop healthier eating lifestyles. This dietary change and the constant movement of yoga prevent digestive problems. If all of these problems sound familiar to you personally, it is because university is a particular breeding ground for all of it. Let yoga help you.

    Improving flexibility and intake of oxygen

    All the movement and bending you do in yoga goes a long way to improve your quality of life. The unavoidable improvement of flexibility will help with posture, and this actually helps you to feel good and more focused in school and when studying. Regular patterns of breathing help with focus and relaxation, both of which will make learning a lot less stressful.

    Different types of yoga and their focuses:

    • Restorative Yoga—Focuses primarily on relaxation. Let yourself drop out of your troubles.
    • Anusara Yoga—Heart-opening poses.
    • Iyengar Yoga—A strong focus on alignment and prop use including blocks, harnesses, straps and cushions.
    • Ashtanga Yoga—Push your body with this extreme power yoga.
    • Kundalini Yoga—A core workout that focuses on the area around your lower spine.
    • Vinyasa Yoga—A flow yoga that can be called the most popular type—begin with a sun salutation.
    • Hatha Yoga—A wind down. Slow and gentle movements.
    • Bikrram Yoga—Hot yoga! 26 poses that often focus on alignment in 105-degree heat and 40% humidity.

    Source: www.yogajournal.com

  • Upcoming Job Fairs in Ontario – Don’t Miss Out!

    Upcoming Job Fairs in Ontario – Don’t Miss Out!

    Job fairs are a fantastic opportunity for any job-seeker, whether you are a new grad or someone considering a career change. They are an efficient use of time: you are exposed to many potential employers over one or a few days. There is an invaluable advantage to speaking to hiring managers and company representatives in person. Prepare questions to ask—what is it like working for company Y? What do you like most about working there? What opportunities for advancement are there?

    With that said, take a look at the schedule of upcoming job fairs in Ontario. If your resumes and cover letters are not yielding any interviews, a job fair may make a difference!

    Event: 2016 Toronto Career Fair
    Date: April 13, 2016 11AM to 3PM
    Location: Roy Thomson Hall 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto ON
    Admission: free, open to the general public
    About: Presented by TorontoJobs.ca, this job fair brings you some of the top employers of the GTA to a venue in the heart of downtown Toronto. Complimentary resume critiques are also available! (2)

    Event: Hire Canada Job Fair & Training Expo
    Date: June 15, 2016 11AM to 3PM
    Location: Pearson Convention Centre 2628 Steeles Ave. E, Brampton ON
    Admission: free, open to the general public, registration required
    About: Hire Canada organizes multiple Job Fair & Training Expo events a year to connect job seekers with jobs. Not only that, there will be recruiters and career specialists on site, offering services such as resume critiquing. (3)

    References:

    1. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/canada-job-expo-2016-tickets-7224248923
    2. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2016-toronto-career-fair-presented-by-torontojobsca-tickets-22228106866?aff=erelexpmlt
    3. http://www.hirecanada.ca/register.html

  • Trying New Things

    Trying New Things

    Trying new things can bring up a variety of emotions like fear, anxiety, frustration, excitement and pride. It involves taking a risk, but that risk might be very rewarding. It’s often hard to remember but everything you know how to do was once new. You had to learn to walk, talk, read, ride a bike, use a computer etc. all of your favorite foods were once new, too. Branching out and trying new things can have a number of benefits:

    1. You might learn new skills that will be useful in the future. Think about how participating in sports has taught you teamwork, patience and hand-eye coordination. Or how playing video games has honed your computer skills and problem solving techniques. New activities will lead to new skills you can put to good use in other aspects of your life.

    2. Successfully conquering something new can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. Even though it may seem difficult at first, it can be very rewarding. It can help improve self-esteem and self-confidence.

    3. Trying new things might help alleviate boredom. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and do the same things day after day. But it can be fun to mix things up once and awhile and try something you’ve never done.

    4. You might find something new you really enjoy like a new favorite food, sport, hobby or song.

    5. You might discover a future career path or interest you might like to study and learn more about. Trying new things can lead to discovering hidden talents you never knew you had.

    6. When you try new things you will inevitably grow as a person. Growth helps you adopt new ways of thinking and seeing the world.

    7. Learning new skills can be fun. Remember back to when you learned to ride a bike, or a skateboard or play your favorite video game it was probably exciting and exhilarating to succeed and improve.

    8. Trying new activities can help you meet new people and might lead to new friendships. People participating in the same activities as you will probably share similar interests as you.

    Although routine is important in many ways (it can help you become more disciplined, accountable and reliable). Too much routine can sometimes lead to boredom or a mundane feeling about your daily activities. The best way to alleviate these feelings is to try something new. Think of it as an adventure. If you are really afraid or nervous to try something talk with someone about your apprehensions. Not doing something you really want to do out of fear of the unknown may lead you to regret your decision in the future. It might help to voice your concerns out loud. Try not to let your fear control you. Trying new things makes life much more interesting and enjoyable.

  • My friend is bossy—how to confront a friend at school

    My friend is bossy—how to confront a friend at school

    No one likes to be bossed around, and it is even worse if the person bossing you around is a friend. Everyone has a different type of personality, and some lean more towards the confident and controlling side than others; you might hear it referred to as “A Type” personality. While this can evolve into strong leadership skills, sometimes it can make those less controlling feel targeted and even bullied.

    Bossiness can come in a few forms: a person can be aware that they are being bossy and not care, or they can be unaware of it. If your friend is TRULY your friend, he or she will listen to you if you come forward about how their bossiness is hurting you. Often times an initial reaction to this kind of honesty may be denial or anger, but if you tell them how you really feel in a calm manner and give them space they will eventually come around. If they do not, they do not have your best interests at heart nor do they value the friendship you two share.

    Confronting a friend is always hard. But maybe you feel like their bossiness has embarrassed you in front of others, or demeaned you, or made you think less of yourself. Whatever emotions it raises, being on the receiving end of bossiness at a friend level rather than a boss/employee level can seriously damage your self-esteem and make going to school hard. Here are some ways you can approach the friend in question:

    1. Treat your friend to something or share a special snack.

    Ask to spend a lunch break together and treat your friend to a soft drink or share something special your parent packed in your lunch. This kindness will put forward a sense of comradery and friendship. Once you’ve relaxed into the break a little, calmly bring up a situation where they were being bossy, mention that it had hurt you and that you need to talk about it.

    2. If you are worried about how to confront your friend, ask for a teacher’s help.

    This can be tricky, because your friend might feel ganged up on. But if you explain to your teacher that you just want your friendship to be fun again, he/she will understand and try to make things as smooth as possible. Maybe ask that the three of you sit down and that the teacher mediate a discussion between you and your friend. Sometimes all it takes is a strong role model present to allow you to feel the freedom and courage to say what you need to.

    3. Explain what you are feeling in a way that makes his/her friendship valuable to you.

    Everyone has different feelings when a friend is being bossy, but usually one of those is that you no longer look forward to spending time with them. Start the conversation by saying that you like being their friend, but when they are bossy to you it makes you feel less close and even scared of spending time with them. Say that you don’t want that to happen.