Taseko demonstrates the steps it will take in mitigating the mines’ effect on the environment in their video. However, it is hard to believe that the project will come at the cost of minimal damage and minimal risk. The federal government has rejected the company’s proposal on two separate appeals claiming that the tailings of the mine will eventually destroy Fish Lake. From Taseko’s perspective, they must be frustrated. They have the world’s largest copper gold deposit right in front of them, yet they cannot monetize it, especially after the Tsilhqot’in Park Plan.

Taseko must realize how large of a stakeholder First Nations are. The Vice President’s comments in regard to the Tribal Park is unacceptable; “I don’t really know what it means. I don’t know what a tribal park is, how it’s constituted, and what may or may not be allowed.” His comment shows a lack of understanding and appreciation for First Nations and their society. In order for Taseko to have any chance of harnessing BC’s invaluable resources, they must develop genuine relationships with their key partners, the First Nations. If the two sides are on the same page, perhaps, it is possible for the First Nations to see potential benefits such as job opportunities. With proper training, First Nations can acquire skills that can lead to long term careers. The collective potential of projects like this is enormous in terms of fiscal and economic benefits for British Columbia.

CBC Article 

Project Website

After reading Jackie’s article about Toyota and their new hydrogen powered car set to launch in 2015, I understood the surrounding criticism. Initially, I would expect that Toyota’s ability to innovate within an industry would make their new model a hot commodity. However, Jackie argues that the benefits of driving a fuel cell car and an electric car are similar. She adds that the consumers will be uncertain about the premise of hydrogen cars. Therefore, it would be difficult to sway consumers away from electric cars and towards hydrogen cars.

The inevitable problem of needing to create a market is not necessarily a bad one. Toyota faces a very similar problem they had in 1997 when they first introduced hybrids. However, by becoming the first supplier of hybrids, Toyota gained a huge competitive advantage over its future competitors. Al Ries and Jack Trout describe this as “getting into the  mind of a consumer.” Evidently, the Toyota Prius is currently the best selling hybrid / electric car in the US. I agree with Jackie’s assumption of the difficulties involved in pushing for a fuel cell vehicle. Problems such as a complete lack of global hydrogen fuelling stations can single handedly dissuade consumers. Nevertheless, in the long run, these problems are fixable; if fuel cell vehicles become mainstream within the auto industry, Toyota will benefit by having become the first entrant into the market. This is why I believe Toyota is making the right decision, despite the surrounding criticism of the 2015 Toyota FCV.

Jackie’s blogpost

BBC Article and Toyota FCV image

Burger King’s decision to buy the Tim Horton’s chain on the 26th of August and to ultimately relocate as a combined firm in Canada has spurred enormous controversy. There is continuously an ongoing debate in the US about the corporate tax system and Burger King has brought this issue to the forefront once again. Burger King claims that purchasing Tim Horton’s will allow for growth and expansion of its franchise. However, the public sees this move as a tax inversion and something that is unethical. Earlier this summer, Obama addressed this corporate issue saying “I don’t care if it’s legal, it’s wrong.”

In my opinion, Burger King’s actions are ultimately unethical, however, they are justifiable to a certain extent. In the past decade, Burger King has been oppressed by fast food giants such as McDonalds and it has struggled to break even. However, this does not give the company the right to not pay its taxes. Although tax inversion is probably the driver of Burger King’s move, Tim Horton’s as a breakfast franchise gives Burger King an opportunity to leverage itself above fellow competitors abroad. The company is poised to potentially expand Tim Horton’s into the 100 countries in which it operates within. Burger King faced the inevitable problem of business ethics. If I were the CEO of Burger King, I would find it difficult to choose not to minimize costs. In theory, it should be in my best interest to relocate and cut corporate taxes. However, I believe that the implicit costs outweigh the explicit costs. This means that relocation will create such a negative image of Burger King that the loss of customers and support will make tangible cost benefits inconsequential. Furthermore, it is not just unethical, it is immoral to escape from taxes, as it disrupts the whole economy at the expense of one company’s benefit.

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/aug/26/burger-king-tim-hortons-11bn-deal

http://www.bnn.ca/News/2014/8/26/Tim-Hortons-poised-to-bolster-Burger-King-breakfast-fare.aspx

Tim Horton’s Burger King Cup