Archive 1997-2016
Centretown’s economic well-being has declined over the last decade, matching national trends, according to some community and business leaders.
A study released by Lars Osberg, a Dalhousie University economist, and Andrew Sharpe, Centre for the Study of Living Standards executive director, in October shows that, although Canada’s gross domestic product rose by 2.5 per cent in the last decade, economic well-being was down 8.7 per cent from a peak period in 1989.
The word “retirement” evokes scenes of Florida beaches, shiny Winnebagos and relaxing days. At least, that’s how retirement looks in Freedom 55 commercials. But according to a recent poll by Compas Research, 62 per cent of Canadians believe they will work after they formally retire. Whether they will continue to run a multi-million dollar conglomerate, push paper or shovel fries, most Canadians don’t expect to be sipping cocktails come the golden years.
Brian McGarry is determined to prevent large conglomerates, such as the company that owns McEvoy Shields Funeral Homes and Chapels on Kent Street, from buying up other Canadian funeral homes.
McGarry, majority owner of Hulse, Playfair and McGarry Funeral Homes, has now spoken to 14 independent funeral firms who want the opportunity to buy Canadian assets of Loewen Group Inc. if they come up for sale.
This year, the Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority is predicting a 15-per-cent decrease in overnight bus tourism.
The drop is being linked to foreign companies that refuse to hire local tour guides. By only using their guides, these companies are able to tour Ottawa in just a couple of hours instead of a couple of days, said Dawn Murray, manager of media relations for the Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority.