Monthly Archives: October 2014

Just A Pipe Dream

The proposed Enbridge Northern Pipeline project is threatening the pristine Nak’azdli territory, home of the Yinka Dene Alliance, a coalition of six First Nations. The pipeline would risk destroying the precious waterways the Nak’azdli and the region’s other groups hold so dear to their hearts. A puncture, even as small as a “pinhole” leak, would alter decimate the salmon stock. The chances of that happening are once in 79 years (about 1.2 per cent a year)- A risk the First Nations aren’t willing to take. Roughly 40 per cent of First Nations in B.C. directly affected by the project have signed deals to take a financial stake in the pipeline, according to Enbridge’s calculations.

Protestors against the Enbridge Pipeline (imafe from forestethics.org)

Protestors against the Enbridge Pipeline (image from forestethics.org)

However, this does not include the five coastal First Nations that are so unwaveringly opposed, a key component why the pipeline construction has not been solidified. When such a large group of people is so vehemently opposed to the project, they can make a difference. The socio- cultural analysis of the area states that the coastal aboriginal peoples want no part of an oil pipeline. Risking their livelihoods and traditions passed on by generations for money is simply not an option for them. This is a prime example of external forces from the social-cultural facet affecting major economic factors of a business plan. In this case, Enbridge is forced to negotiate terms with the First Nations, and can’t simply steam role over them.

 

Works Cited

Hoekstra, Gordon. “There will be no pipeline.” http://www.vancouversun.com. Aug. 16, 2014 2014.Web. <http://www.vancouversun.com/news/There+will+pipeline/10122968/story.html>.

“Understanding Pest Analysis with Definitions and Examples.” http://pestleanalysis.com. Dec. 31, 2013 2013.Web. <http://pestleanalysis.com/pest-analysis/>.

A Cause For Concern: Counterfeit Jerseys

Counterfeit Vancouver Canucks Kesler Jersey (image from vansunsportsblogs.com)

Counterfeit Vancouver Canucks Kesler Jersey (image from vansunsportsblogs.com)

Illicit reproduction goods are flooding the market, and reportedly cost American businesses alone over $200 billion dollars a year. The counterfeit jersey epidemic originates primarily from manufacturers in China that bombard the US market. Last year during the build up to Super Bowl XLVIII, the FBI and the NFL seized $21.6 million worth of fake Super Bowl jerseys, hats and other items in a counterfeit goods crackdown. This seizure is just one of many, as the demand for cheap, authentic looking sport jerseys is unbelievable. According to authorities however, buyers reportedly only receive an estimated 10 percent price break and wind up with poor quality fake goods. Additionally, the losses caused by the counterfeiting increases the price of legitimate goods. As an avid sports fan myself, the urge to buy counterfeit jerseys at a fraction of the price is extremely tempting, especially since licensed jerseys cost such an incredulous amount. Questionable quality that takes away from the economy here isn’t worth it for me however. The problem is that it is only against the law to sell counterfeit jerseys, not the purchase of them. Penalizing the consumer would curb this issue promptly. For now, the battle rages on, as law enforcement continue to shut down hundreds of websites selling fake jerseys.

 

Works Cited

“Feds Seize $21.6 Million In NFL Counterfeit Merchandise Before Super Bowl.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com. Jan. 30, 2014 2014.Web. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/30/nfl-counterfeit-merchandies-super-bowl-seized_n_4695640.html>.

May, Caroline. “DHS seizes $21.6 million in fake NFL merchandise, arrests 50 involved.” http://dailycaller.com. Jan. 30 2014 2014.Web. <http://dailycaller.com/2014/01/30/dhs-seizes-21-6-million-in-fake-nfl-merchandise-arrests-50-involved/>.