NEW MODEL OF CANADIAN ECONOMY

ToTEM: The Bank of Canada’s

New Quarterly Projection Model

You may download the paper in the following format(s):

Publications and Research

Index of Working Papers | Index of Technical Reports

http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/index.html

GLOBAL POLICY FORUM

Reform

Secretary General

International Justice

Iraq

The Low Profile: CNN and the New York Times Execute a Denial of History
(December 31, 2006)
This Electronic Iraq article argues that the Saddam Hussein execution coverage by mainstream US media outlets was biased. The media failed to depict US support for
Hussein’s regime during the 1980s, focusing instead on portraying him as an “evil dictator” that the US deposed. The article concludes that such censorship is designed to “reassure Americans” that they really are blameless participants in “a cosmic struggle against ‘evil.'”
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/media/2007/1231husseinexecution.htmWill Iraq’s Oil Become a Curse? (December 22, 2006)
Foreign oil companies continue to pressure the fragmented Iraqi government into handing over control of the country’s vast oil sector “at a time when the Iraqi people are seeking to determine their own future while still under conditions of occupation.”
This Der Spiegel article draws attention to the murkiness surrounding the draft hydrocarbons law, which firms negotiated “behind closed doors” and with no input from those who stand to lose the most from the legislation – the Iraqi people. Though crucial for reconstruction and recovery, Iraq’s oil industry may ultimately plunge the country deeper into social and economic turmoil.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/oil/2006/1222oilcurse.htmIraqi Trade Union Statement on the Oil Law (December 14, 2006)
In a joint statement, trade union leaders rejected plans to “hand control” over Iraq’s oil production to foreign companies “whose aim is to make big profits at the expense of the Iraqi people, and to rob the national wealth, according to long-term,
unfair contracts, that undermine the sovereignty of the state and the dignity of the Iraqi people.” The US has repeatedly been calling for a law to encourage foreign investment in Iraq’s oil.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/oil/2006/1214tradeunion.htm
Census Counts 100,000 Contractors In Iraq (December 5, 2006)
According to a US military census, 100,000 US-government contractors currently operate in Iraq including US citizens, Iraqis and other third-party nationals. This Washington Post article reveals the Pentagon’s growing reliance on contractors to provide services such as security, interrogation and maintenance to the armed forces. Yet, the lack of coordination between the military and contractors raises legal and ethical
questions about the presence of civilians on the battlefield, with reports of contractors and US troops engaging in “friendly fire.”
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/contract/2006/1205census.htmThe Media’s Iraq Offensive (November 16, 2006)
While US media compare the current conflict in Iraq to the Vietnam War, the press fails to criticize US foreign policy – a failure also witnessed during coverage of the Vietnam War,
argues this TomPaine article. Mainstream news outlets continue to support the US war effort in Iraq despite growing public dissent. The author concludes that, similar to
coverage during the Vietnam War where the press “lagged way behind grassroots antiwar sentiment,” the media will continue to reject the consideration of a US withdrawal from Iraq, even though that view reflects the majority of public opinion.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/media/2006/1116offensive.htmInfluence Rises But Base Frays for Iraqi Cleric (November 13, 2006)
This New York Times piece analyzes the rise to power of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of Iraq’s largest Shiite militia, the Mahdi Army. Sadr controls the single largest portion of seats in the Iraqi Parliament and his coalition brought current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to power. However, the author points out that the increasingly violent attacks carried out by some of his once-loyal followers “mirrors the overall unraveling of Iraq,” with many of his supporters striking out on their own, forming new coalitions and militias.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/leaders/2006/1113basefrays.htmThe Courts Are Starting To Accept That the War against Iraq Is A Crime (October 17, 2006)
A British domestic court has ruled that the damage caused to military planes and equipment by two anti-war protestors was not illegal because the defendants sought “to prevent specific war crimes from being committed” in Iraq, where the planes and munitions would ultimately end up. Furthermore, in a German court an army major has successfully argued that the US and the UK did not legally invade Iraq, therefore he broke no laws in refusing to obey a military order. The author concludes that such decisions set a precedent for the recognition of the Iraq war as an act of aggression, and therefore a war crime – of which the British government should be very wary. (Guardian)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/attack/law/2006/1017courts.htm

Security Council

Membership of the Security Council for 2007
This page lists current member-countries, links to the profile of ambassadors, and provides information about presidencies.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/membship/mem07.htm
Resolution 1737 (December 23, 2006)
The Security Council unanimously imposed sanctions against Iran. The text, calling for steps required by the IAEA, bans trade with Iran of all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to Tehran’s uranium enrichment program and contains a list of persons and entities, whose assets are subject to a freeze. It also established a new sanctions committee to monitor compliance of the resolution.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/sanction/indxiran.htm#res1737
UN Security Council Imposes Sanctions on Iran (December 23, 2006)
After weeks of negotiations, the UN Security Council has overcome Russia and China’s opposition to the text imposing sanctions against Tehran. The resolution bans “all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology” which could contribute to Iran’s enrichment program and freezes financial assets for a list of persons and entities. Tehran immediately rejected the resolution. (Malaysia Sun)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/sanction/iran/2006/1223sanctions.htm
UN Approves Appeals over Terrorism Blacklist (December 21, 2006)
The UN Security Council adopted an appeal procedure for the delisting of individuals accused of terrorist activities from UN sanctions. Individuals will now be able to present their case for removal from the lists without depending solely on their government. Yet, they will still not have a right to participate in the review process by the Security Council. Human Rights advocates welcomed the resolution as a step forward, but argued that the US-drawn procedures remain far from attaining human rights standards, as they leave the final decision in the hands of the same ones who submitted the names in the first place (Wall Street Journal)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/sanction/gensanc/2006/1221appeals.htmSecurity Council Reiterates “Full Support” for Ivory Coast’s Prime Minister and Elections by Next October (December 21, 2006)
The Security Council has reaffirmed its support for Ivory Coast Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny. The Council’s statement comes just days after President Laurent Gbagbo, who has repeatedly expressed his opposition to UN intervention, announced his own plan for Ivory Coast’s future, which ignores the UN peace efforts for the country. (Associated Press)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/ivory/2006/1221fullsupport.htmUN Maintains Diamond Sanction, Demanding Better Government Controls (December 21, 2006)
The UN Security Council has renewed its diamond embargo against Liberia as the country has not demonstrated sufficient internal control necessary for certification. The African country’s lucrative mines must wait until June 2007 for the Council to review the situation. Yet, Liberian officials warned that despite government efforts, illegal diamond mining takes place in the country, which opens the door for smuggling. (Integrated Regional Information Networks)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/liberia/2006/1221bettercontrol.htmIvorian Diamond Trade Goes on Despite Ban (December 18, 2006)
By a unanimous resolution, the UN Security Council extended the UN peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast, as well as the arms and diamond embargoes. A recent report revealed that diamond smuggling via Mali and Ghana continued despite the rebels’ denial of violating the embargo. While Ghana may face suspension from the Kimberley certification scheme, Mali does not risk sanctions as it is not a member of the Kimberley Process. (Reuters)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/ivory/2006/1218despiteban.htm

Empire?

Somalia: New Hotbed of Anti-Americanism (January 3, 2007)
The US-backed Ethiopian invasion of Somalia has led to an increase of “anti-American” sentiment in the region, argues this Global Research article. The author claims that many Somalis – especially supporters of the United Islamic Courts (UIC) which controlled Mogadishu prior to the invasion – believe Ethiopia is acting at the behest of Washington. The article concludes that the Bush administration believed that toppling the UIC was essential to its “war on terrorism” because the Islamic government threatened US regional interests.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/intervention/2007/0103antiussomalis.htmMilitary Considers Recruiting Foreigners (December 26, 2006)
The US military considers a proposal to establish recruiting stations overseas and allow foreigners to “fast-track” their application for US citizenship if they volunteer to serve in the US armed forces. This proposal follows the passage of a US law that gives the Pentagon such authority as a way to cope with its overstretched forces.
This Boston Globe article cites officials within the US Army who believe that a push to attract immigrants would “smack of the decline of the American empire.”
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/challenges/overstretch/2006/1226militarycitizenship.htmUS Considers Naval Build-up as Warning to Iran (December 20, 2006)
The commander of US forces in Iraq, General John Abizaid, proposed that the Bush administration deploy another aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf to send a “warning” to Iran to discontinue its nuclear program. This Guardian article argues that by adopting a more confrontational position toward Iran the Bush administration desires to “strengthen” US military presence in the Middle East to protect its interests. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan stated that military intervention in Iran would be “unwise and disastrous.”
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/intervention/iran/general/2006/1220iranwarning.htmMilitarism and US Trade Policy (December 15, 2006)
This article from Foreign Policy In Focus argues that security and military considerations increasingly dictate US economic policies. The Bush administration in 2002 released its “National Security Strategy for the United States” which declares free trade a national security interest. The author concludes that activists promoting economic and environmental justice must develop a “common agenda” in order to challenge the new world order dominated by US policies that link economics with military interventions.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/intervention/2006/1215trademilitarism.htm

Social and Economic Policy

Disaster Funds “Unfairly Divided” (December 14, 2006)
With US$17 billion, governments and private individuals gave the largest amount of emergency aid ever in 2005. Yet, the disproportionate media focus on major crises has resulted in a very uneven distribution of funds among the world’s crises, says the ‘World Disasters Report 2006.’ The large number of small crises kill and affect much more people than a few major events. But while for instance donors only gave 40 percent of the funds pledged for emergencies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti and the Central African Republic, the Indian Ocean tsunami received 475 percent funding. (BBC)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/develop/oda/2006/1214disasterfunds.htmPress Release: Growth Prospects Are Strong, but Social, Environmental Pressures from Globalization Need More Attention (December 13, 2006)
Under the “central scenario” of the World Bank‘s Global Economic Prospects 2007 world GDP will roughly double over the 2005-2030 period with developing country exports accounting for a significant share of the increase. While this growth could halve the number of people living on less than a dollar a day by 2030, the report also acknowledges that growing income inequalities and global warming could “jeopardize long-term progress.” Along with reducing barriers to trade, the report calls for stronger international institutions to tackle the stresses on the ‘global commons.’ At the national level the Bank calls for government investments in education and infrastructure “to ensure that the poor are incorporated into the growth process.”
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/inequal/2006/1213wbprospects.htmPress Release: Humanitarian Agencies Appeal for $3.9 Billion in Aid for 2007 (November 30, 2006)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has launched the Humanitarian Appeal 2007. Some 140 NGOs and UN agencies seek US$3.9 billion for humanitarian work to help 27 million people in 29 countries, including Sudan, Somalia and the occupied Palestinian territory. The 2006 appeal received 63 percent of requested funding, which makes it the best year to date in terms of funding, excluding years that had “headline crises” like the Indian Ocean tsunami. (ReliefWeb)
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/develop/oda/2006/1130humappeal.htm

Nations and States

Aborigines Reclaim Ownership of Tribal Homeland (January 3, 2006)
An Australian aboriginal tribe – the Githabul – won “native title” rights to large parcels of ancestral land in the state of New South Wales. Native title rights do not give the aborigines exclusive ownership, but recognize their right to shared access – ensuring that they will not be prosecuted for engaging in traditional acts such as hunting. This Independent article argues that the ruling is a major victory for the Australian aboriginal population as they have routinely been subject to discrimination by the Australian government.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/nations/sovereign/sover/emerg/2007/0103ausaboriginalwin.htm

Island Populations Thinning Out From Migration (January 2, 2007)
This Inter Press Service article argues that high migration from Pacific island nations to developed countries threatens the continued existence of the island states. The high migration is especially prominent among doctors and teachers as they leave in search of higher wages and a more stable political environment. This in turn jeopardizes the ability of these nations to provide basic services to their citizens such as healthcare and education and might ultimately lead to the collapse of governments in these countries.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/nations/micro/2007/0102islandpopshrinks.htm

Disappearing World: Global Warming Claims Tropical Island (December 24, 2006)
Rising sea levels caused by global warming have led to the disappearance of India’s Lohachara island – the first inhabited island to be permanently inundated – and researchers state that other islands in the area are also at risk. This Independent article argues that numerous islands and even entire island nations such as the Maldives are at risk of submerging beneath the rising seas in the coming years.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/nations/micro/2006/1224islandlost.htm What Future for the African Union? (November 15, 2006)
This article by the European Center for Development Policy Management analyzes the progress of the African Union (AU) in the first four years since its transition from the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The author argues that the AU has succeeded in achieving recognition as a “legitimate” partner in the international arena and in developing an African peace and security architecture – by creating a Peace and Security Council – that will help maintain peace on the continent. However, the article concludes that the AU must work to ensure that member states see its institutions as “allies” and not as “competitors.”
http://www.globalpolicy.org/nations/sovereign/integrate/2006/1115aufuture.htm

UN Reform

Stabbing UN Reform in the Back (January 3, 2007)
According to this TomPaine piece, Washington pushes for reforms ostensibly to strengthen the UN but with the hidden aim of reducing the organization’s autonomy.
Specifically, the author cites alleged US resistance to protect whistleblowers at the UN as an example of US hypocrisy about making the world body more effective. Furthermore, the article points out that the governments of poor countries – though often criticized by their rich counterparts for “blocking” change – actually support legitimate and substantive reforms.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/reform/topics/manage/2007/0103backstabbing.htm

Secretary General

Annan Leaves A Mixed Legacy (January 2, 2007)
This Inter Press Service article discusses the complex legacy left by Kofi Annan, whose ten-year term as the highest ranking official at the United Nations ended on December 31, 2006. The former UN chief weathered harsh criticism – especially over the “oil-for-food” scandal – from mostly conservative US politicians who often sought to discredit the organization. Global Policy Forum’s Executive Director James Paul says that “for all his faults, [Annan] should be seen as a strong Secretary General who served the United Nations well.”
http://www.globalpolicy.org/secgen/annan/2007/0102legacy.htm

International Justice

Rule of Noose (December 31, 2006)
The trial and hasty execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein failed to deliver truth, accountability and, least of all, reconciliation, reports The Nation. The criminal proceedings against Hussein represented an opportunity to establish the rule of law in Iraq and possibly bring relief to survivors of his brutal regime. Instead, the highly-politicized judicial process remained “in tune with everything else askew in American-occupied Iraq.”
http://www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/tribunals/iraq/2006/1231noose.htm

Pinochet’s Death Spares Bush Family (December 12, 2006)
This Consortium News piece analyzes previous US administrations’ attempts to “cover up” the crimes of Chile’s former ruler Augusto Pinochet, who died in December 2006 without ever standing trial. In particular, the author focuses on one-time CIA director and former US President George H.W. Bush’s constant support for Pinochet, despite the brutal tactics the former dictator used to silence his critics. The article highlights the problem of high-ranking officials protecting their “reputations” at the expense of truth and justice.
http://www.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/wanted/2006/1212bushfamily.htm 

Global Policy Forum