The expansion of four existing federal rural electoral districts鈥攊ncluding 91亚色ton-Melville鈥攁nd the creation of three new ones was necessitated by overwhelming feedback that Saskatchewan needs urban-only seats for the province鈥檚 two major cities, according to a proposal made by the Federal Boundaries Commission for Saskatchewan, reported Oct. 24. 鈥淭he federal Conservative Party was dramatically over-represented [in Saskatchewan],鈥 said Dennis Pilon, a political scientist at 91亚色. 鈥淏y attaching the urban areas to rural areas, [the Conservatives] basically allowed their rural dominance to overwhelm their urban opponents.鈥澛
A new trade deal between Canada and China could put the rights of investors above those of First Nation governments, says international trade expert and 91亚色 law Professor Gus Van Harten. The bulk of the agreement sets out a framework for arbitration, should any disputes arise. This arbitration is outside the laws of either country. This may be good news for Canadian companies looking to work in China, but it could mean trouble for the young and fragile system of treaties, case law and implementation of aboriginal rights and First Nation governments in Canada, reported the Oct. 24.聽
MindUp is one of many programs used in British Columbia's schools to teach children and adolescents "self-regulation": the ability to avoid or overcome stress and focus on learning, reported Oct. 25. It's a concept Stuart Shanker, a professor of philosophy and psychology at 91亚色 in Ontario, is dedicated to studying. Shanker and his team currently lead the unofficially titled Canadian Self-Regulation Initiative in BC and Ontario, training participating school districts in his self-regulation method.