Chapter 3

“NDP health critic Dix draws line on doctors dabbling in private care”

Should health care be privately or publicly funded? This has always been the question but do we think about the people behind? This article is showing perspectives from the doctors and the NDP health critic, Adrian Dix. Although the election still has a long way to come, there is not much word about the changes that would be made if the New Democratic Party were returned to power, such as the health care issue. Adrian Dix, the NDP health critic made a commitment for some people working in the health care system. Through the interview, we know there are doctors who do regular shifts in the operating room, and also choose to work extra work in the private system. Does the NDP see anything wrong with that? The anesthesiologist, Dr. Ian Courtise believes this is a normal situation in a democratic society. The NDP believes if the doctors all going over to the private system, it will create a longer wait lists in the public system. During this interview, the conflict between the NDP and the supporters of privatized health care. Some doctors believe it is absolutely alright to work on both public and private system under a democratic society. Anyhow, the NDP believes ones who benefit from the public system; they should be in the public system. NDP definitely disagree with doctors working on both sides.

Relationships to Chapter 3 – Medicare

As we learn in chapter 3, there is a combination of private and public health care but which one is better? How are people being affected? While the Opposition, NDP disagrees that the doctors should only work in the public system, the doctors prefer working under private system because they get better pay and a better working environment. If a portion of doctors are going to private clinics, not only they will get a better pay, it will affects the social issues. For example, there are complaints about the long line ups for surgeries under the public health care system. If there is a private healthcare to back-up the public system, the line ups would be much faster. Additionally, the reason why Canada is having a huge problem on doctor shortages is due to the income. The income for doctors has always been around the same. Not like privatized healthcare, doctors get better pay and this would encourage more students to become a doctor. Finally, there is positive third-party effects associated with the disease control if everyone in the community is guaranteed at least a certain level of care. There is still a long way until the government can make a decision on whether the healthcare should be privatized or not but I think it is definitely a bigger concern on low income people because they are always the one who has the most affect.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=c00ae6cf-b923-4bec-9234-e7ebe5018547&k=10524&p=1

Chapter 2

“Oil prices rise ahead of weekend” – Vancouver Sun on June 16, 2006

The oil prices continue to rise in New York and there are concerns on the demand and the prices from rising above $75 US a barrel. It is a fact that the central bank would face problems on inflation. If the price of oil keeps rising, it could hurt fuel demand. Analyst, John Kilduff has mentioned that the factor that keeps the prices up isn’t supply, it’s demand. The International Energy Agency changed its prediction for growth in demand during 2006 to 1.24 million barrels a day from 1.25 million barrels a day. It is reduced by 30 percent from its growth estimate in January. Oil supply from Africa and the Middle East is also a cause of the inflation. Also, prices have been inflated for months by concern over the nuclear program of Iran, which has seen its output of 2.5 million barrels daily cut about 20 percent by militants. The development between the United States and Iran caused prices likely to stay in the $68 to $72 a barrel range. Another factor affecting oil prices is the threat of weather. For example, the threat of hurricane season and unseasonably high temperatures in some parts of the United States are raising expectations for high gas and power demand starting in fall. Natural gas supply is at its highest level ever for this time of year.

Relationships to Chapter 2 – supply and demand (oil)

This articles refers how gas demand is rising and how the interaction between supply meets the demand of the public. We know from chapter 2 that factors that cause prices to increase could be the demand is increased, supply is pinched, profit margins are low, substitutes for the specific resource, etc. What the article says is that demand is rising, even though the amount of oil production remains the same, prices are still on the rise. The only reason that can explain this is because of demand. We simply want more oil everyday for energy. And thus if we keep the supply constant, demand for oil will rise and so does the price. In this case, the tense situation between the United States and the Middle East will also cause the price of oil. Another factor could be weather too. In this article, they mentioned the demand of oil in United States will increase because the weather will get cold and people require more energy, such as oil. In summer, the demand of oil will decrease. For example, the threat of hurricane season high temperatures in some parts of the United States are raising expectations for high gas and power demand starting in Fall. I think since oil is still inelastic in the world, the change of demand might be still constant but as prices still rising up, there will always a point where oil will become more elastic because other resources can be replaced oil.

http://www.canada.com/topics/finance/briefing/story.html?id=7da107bf-fd61-4bfd-8b72-410185e68a34&rfp=dta

Chapter 1

“Scarce industrial land must be preserved by cities’ economic health” – Vancouver Sun on July 10th, 2006

This article is referring to the scarce of land use of industries. Canada is the third largest country in the world; however, we often overlooked the scarcity of industrial land. It is hard to mix land use, including residential, commercial and industrial. There would be little reason to live in Canada if the amount of spaces is so restricted and limited. Due to this fact, Vancouver economy would be dependent on tourism. Industry is primary in the economy. Not only it provides employments, but some businesses need suppliers to deliver products. In 1972, Vancouver had about 2, 400 acres of industrial-zoned land. By 1995, the figure had dropped to about 1, 700 acres. Ideas came on to city council to adopt policies to preserve what was left. However, the latest inventory shows there are only 89 acres designated for industrial uses remain undeveloped. The only land left is usually located or vulnerable to traffic congestion and this cause the limitation of businesses. The shortage of industrial land leads to an increased in price which well exceeds prices of residential property. This caused pressure both economically and politically. People have also became more interested in the construction of houses. Preserving industrial land has become a priority. Also, a regulatory system is needed for the city councils.

Relationships to Chapter 1 – resources (land for industries) – scarcity

As we learned in chapter 1, scarcity is “an insufficient amount or supply.” In economic terms, anything that has a limited supply is considered as scarce. That states almost everything is scarce. Even though Canada is a large country, most lands in Canada are used for residential use. Industrial work accounts for a big part of our economy and with it being scarce, our economy will have a big negative impact. Also, increased in population will cause more people living within one space. Land will not grow while population grows With the limited land we have in Canada, the price will increase quickly. This is because there’s a high demand, yet the supply available is limited. Like the article has addressed, people will turn away from these high prices and move elsewhere. This will affect Canada’s economy as it depends greatly on the exporting of products manufactured from industries. I think preserving the land is definitely important to our economic. Land can be preserved by regulations controlled by the city councils, use it sustainable or put more restrictions on people who buys the lands.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=7e9f24d2-58a8-4a14-a81d-70fbb403a63e