CBC Maritimes

Does the birth rate matter as much as such other population factors - such as immigration and job opportunities - to the future sustainability of the Maritime Provinces ?

When New Brunswick MLA Carl Urquhart posted a message on his Facebook page ("Girls, we need more babies or we will never be able to support our future"), the negative reaction was immediate, and an apology soon followed.
But leaving the media frenzy over his comments aside, the episode  raises some interesting questions.
What is the connection between maintaining a stable population - or increasing it - and the ability of a region like the Maritimes not only to survive, but prosper ?
What is the link - if any - between the population of the three provinces and our ability to provide a decent and sustainable standard of living for all ?  
We asked Dr. Melvin Cross, an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Dalhousie University.   
(And to see births and birth rates by province and territory, click here.)


It would be pleasant to believe the history of the world is one of  continuous evolution towards peace. However, the evidence indicates it's anything but that.
In his long career as a Member of Parliament, Ambassador and Senator, Douglas Roche has observed that you can never assume governments will act to curb the warlike impulses in humanity.
Dr Roche is the author of several books, including "Creative Dissent: A Politician's Struggle for Peace". He's in the Maritimes to give some free public talks. He shared his perspectives on both the apparent contradictions in Barack Obama's decisions and Canada's proper role on the world stage.

If ever there was a time to take "people pictures", it's December, with all its  parties, concerts and reunions. And while you'll want to document the celebrations, isn't it time to get beyond those posed shots of family and friends gathered at the table ?  
But taking good candid shots is easier said than done. And if you're like many Maritimers now armed with a digital camera, the tendency is to keep pressing that button, knowing you can junk the bad shots.
Perhaps it's time for some planning - to consider the basics of lighting and composition. And many people who own digital cameras really don't take advantage of all the creative options the devices have to offer.
Len Wagg and Jeff Harper are professional photographers extraordinaire, and they answered questions about taking better quality shots, achieving certain effects, uploading pictures, and recovering lost digital files.