Brodie McLaughlin's Blog

When the Nisga’a gained sovereignty in 2000 as a result of their hard fought battle for the Nisga’a Final Agreement, they set the benchmark for Canada’s First Nations. Throughout the 2000’s the Nisga’a served as inspiration to other Nations in how they regained their right to self-governance. Nestled in the Nass Valley, the Nisga’a hold their own Provincial Park, meeting or exceeding provincial standards for this standing. As taken from one of my previous blog posts, Canada’s Parks are undergoing substantial influence from business to reconfigure park boundaries for the…read more

The topic of our food systems in one that has intrigued me a lot lately. Upon reading Sam Wong‘s post about Loblaw’s shift towards simpler food marketing, it reminded me about today’s smaller, local food movements. While getting involved with Community Supported Agriculture may seem intimidating to most, having the ability to purchase better food from the supermarket seems like a good start. By tracking trends, Lowblaw’s will effectively maximize their targeted market, and hopefully increase it. Better food not only means better ingredients but also sustainably grown, and sourced…read more

In response to Tsz Ching‘s blog post with regards to the higher costs of manufacturing products that are healthier for the environment. I agree with her statement that consumers are finding fashion “trends” in these products. In using environmentally friendly products, consumers feel better when using or wearing them. As consumers, we are brand conscious, and to be an educated consumer involves understanding where the goods comes from, and all of the processes that go into their manufacturing and shipment. The more educated that consumers become about the product they are…read more

As the US Senate elections near, Canadian corporations are on the push to fund United States political parties. By funding Political Action Committees (PACs), companies are able to provide that party with more ammunition to win the vote of Americans, in the state. In order to secure a better future for their business, corporations are tying thousands, sometimes millions, of dollars to these political party’s. By funding their campaign, these corporations hope to use the American political system to better their company.  PACs can only be funded by individuals, not…read more

Canada’s National Parks employs over 40 000 Canadians, while generating close to three billion dollars a year. With visitors to Canada’s parks providing most of its funding for staff, services, and scientific research, the Canadian government is sidelining its efforts to support one of its largest, sustainable businesses. The Globe and Mail reports an increase in resource exploration in parks, with corporations placing pressure on the Canadian government to allow for the parks’ exploitation. Canada’s increase of interest in international trade has the potential to loosen regulation of recreation and…read more

While the purchase of Canada’s Tim Hortons by Burger King has been met with resistance and questions from many parties, the environmental concerns of the acquisition have received less attention. There is no denying that a buyout from an American company may pose a threat to the classic Tim Hortons Canadian tradition, however, the buyout could increase the stress on the Southeast Asia rainforest. The increased global demand for palm oil has lead to massive deforestation, highly concentrated in Southeast Asia. Both Burger King and Tim Hortons use palm oil, and…read more

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