BC Hydro’s new hydroelectric dam project known as “Site C” is garnering much attention from British Columbians. Although Site C will be a useful and cost effective source of power in the future, panels have said that they believe it is unnecessary to begin construction. In addition, the environmental effects have prompted both citizens and First Nations to question this project.

The First Nations People have a long history of disagreements with projects that affect their land or customs. An example would be Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipeline, where the First Nations adamantly refused to allow Enbridge to use Kitimat as a terminus for the pipeline. Therefore, negotiations between BC Hydro and the First Nations People will likely be unsuccessful as they will remain a firm stand on their decision.

Site C, the new hydroelectric damn project proposed by BC Hydro.

So what does this mean for BC Hydro?

BC Hydro will need to conduct more research to find a new location on the river for the dam that will not affect the wildlife or the grounds of the First Nations, nor the Peace Canyon Dam at the end of the river. This relocation may cost BC Hydro more than its original plan.

It is true that we cannot predict whether or not we’ll need this new source of power ten years from now. However, if BC Hydro forces the project to begin construction without proper consent from the First Nations, they will be more unwilling to cooperate in the future if there is a need for joint projects between them other businesses.

Sources: First Nation chiefs to stage Site C showdown
BC First Nations challenge Northern Gateway pipeline in new court action
Site C dam best option for new energy, but BC Hydro hasn’t proven need for project now: report
Image: http://www.vancouversun.com/cms/binary/9192073.jpg

With the release of Blackberry’s new product, it is safe to say that Blackberry is no longer under the threat of demolition. On the first day of its release, it collected orders over 200,000. So what makes the Passport any different from its previous products? First and foremost, Blackberry is now using a focus strategy with a mixture of both a low cost and a differentiation strategy. Not only have they limited their target audience to business owners, but also professionals in health care and financial industries. The phone is available for $599 in the United States, $50 less than what the iPhone 6 went on sale for. Aside from the lower cost, the size of the screens have taken into becoming a square 4.5 x 4.5 inch screen with a keypad that serves as a touch-sensitive swipe pad.

Even with the Passport, Blackberry may find itself to have difficulties winning over their consumers. In addition to the narrow market segment, they are also competing with the ever popular release of the iPhone 6 and the Nexus 5. The key feature – its square screen – may serve as a weakness as well. Their target market may not enjoy the the screen size, which prevents them from typing with one hand. CEO Chen might want to reconsider the size of the Passport albeit it being a distinctive feature of their new product. Celebrity endorsements may raise consumers’ interests, and instead of inviting a sports player (as they had with Wayne Gretzky) they may want to consider inviting a well known player in the finance or health care industry to endorse their product. By doing so, it will boost the consumers’ confidence in the Passport, inducing them to purchase it as well.

There are still lots of room for improvement in Blackberry’s new product and hopefully they will be able to solve these issues for their next release a few years from now.

Source: Blackberry’s Square Passport Phone Targets Business Users
Image: http://www.loadthegame.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/nexus-6-vs-passport-2.jpg

With the protests currently raging the streets of Hongkong, citizens worldwide question the Hongkong government’s lack of response to Hongkong citizens’ demands. Leung Chun-ying, Hongkong’s leader, objected the possibility of resignation but did not deny the possibility of democracy in Hongkong. From an outsider’s perspective, it is to our knowledge that their demands for Leung’s resignation and university suffrage will not be fulfilled.

But that isn’t stopping the protesters.

The struggle for democracy began in 1997, when Hongkong was handed back to be ruled under China. Since Since 1997, there has been distrust between citizens and their leader, who’s been caught in questionable lies one after another. The anger building up over the years has unleashed at once in this single movement. However, if protests were to escalate, the government may take the matter into extreme measures with weapons even more dangerous than tear gas and rubber bullets.

Protest leaders demand for the resignation of Leung Chun-ying and open elections.

Hongkong will have a very slim chance in achieving democracy with this movement. It is expected for the number of protesters to decrease as they continue but this protest will definitely have an unforgettable mark in Hongkong’s history. Citizens have demonstrated unmistakable dedication and unity but protesters may not be able to stand united long enough for an agreement to be reached before they are shut down.

Source: Hongkong’s leader and protesters agree to talk
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