Dispatches
Madagascar’s missing resource
For many in the Western world, Madagascar will conjure up images of exotic species such as the native lemur, found nowhere else in the world, or the distinctive baobab tree, with its swollen trunk and short, outstretched branches. They think of it as resource-rich nation boasting exotic spices such as vanilla and the much-desired commodity, rosewood, or as a far-flung holiday destination for […]
From veil to victory
Along with India’s varied culture and diversity, there’s also an overwhelming reality — a distinct lack of basics such as clean water to drink, accessible toilets and good hygiene practices. Compounding that is the country’s tremendous population of more than 1.3 billion people, or 17.7 per cent of the world’s total population. As I travel […]
Wanting water and sanitation for all
Turning on a tap: It was probably the first thing you did this morning. However, for 844 million people around the world, this everyday essential — this human right, no less — is out of reach. Earlier this year, Cape Town hit the headlines in the lead-up to what its mayor dubbed “Day Zero,” the […]
Day-trip dreamin’
Admit it: You need a micro-vacation. A few hours away from the grinding routine and a chance to savour new places, things and faces without the expense and trouble of a full-blown holiday. A couple of day trips may be a perfect solution. We’ve rounded up some of what’s available. The websites will tell you […]
Sun, sand, surf, city life and so much more
It may seem audacious to choose 15 vacation spots that check off all the items on a traveller’s list, but we see it as a something-for-everyone approach. Or put another way, you can spare one person from inevitable sunburn and beach boredom and another from tedious shopping and historical sites, while another escapes long hot […]
Getting China on board for trade
In the global race to increase trade with China, Canada is still far behind many other industrialized nations. It has been a long, winding and often rocky path to get to a much more substantial exchange of goods, services and intellectual property. Simply put, enhanced trade between the two countries remains a major work in […]
Mapping migrant patterns
It’s a dramatic number — 258 million. It comes from the United Nations’ International Migration Report 2017 and represents the estimated number of “international migrants,” which the organization defines as individuals who live in a state other than their state of birth or citizenship. They account for what the report calls a “relatively small share […]
World Bee Day’s inauguration
After more than three years of lobbying by 155 United Nations member states, including Canada, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring May 20 World Bee Day. Every year, this occasion will draw the global public’s attention to the importance of preserving bees and other pollinators. People will be reminded of the crucial role […]
Putin’s predictable election
At press time in early March, it appeared that victory by Russian President Vladimir Putin in this spring’s election was a certainty. The candidates allowed to run against him were figureheads. Putin had ample use of official resources for campaigning. His officials counted the ballots. What remained to be seen was the size of the […]
Canada and India: Where to now?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s much-discussed state visit to India in February was seen as an opportunity for a major reset on bilateral relations with the world’s largest democracy. However, things did not go as planned. Canada isn’t alone in its desire to improve relations with the massive country. India, with a GDP of more than […]
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