U2 Canada's Competitive Advantages

Question 1

What are the positive and negative effects of international business for Canada?

Answer 1

• Positive effects of international business for Canada: increased employment, access to better technology and new products/services.
• Negative effects of international business for Canada: loss of manufacturing jobs, introduction of unsafe products, loss of Canadian culture and identity.

Question 2

What are Canada’s competitive advantages and what do they depend on

Answer 2

• Canada’s competitive advantages: better production than its competitors.
• based on technology, access to raw materials, marketing, management, quality, price, productivity, warranty, or service.

Question 3

What is the current situation regarding Canada’s visible competitive advantages globally and what should Canada focus on?

Answer 3

• Canada’s lack of visible competitive advantages globally.
• Canada should focus on developing and marketing its high-quality goods and services to establish a strong “Brand Canada.”

Question 4

What are the key features of Canada’s banking industry, including its dominance and regulation?

Answer 4

• Canada’s banking industry: soundest banking system globally, no need for bailouts during the 2008 recession.
• Dominated by the “Big Six” banks, larger in size and have greater reserves than European and American competitors.
• Tightly regulated by the federal government, strict rules on domestic and foreign ownership.

Question 5

How have Canadian banks expanded internationally, and what areas do they excel in?

Answer 5

capital markets divisions, buying/selling stocks, bonds, and commodities worldwide.

Question 6

Describe Cirque du Soleil, its origin, and its international presence.

Answer 6

• Cirque du Soleil: Montreal-based circus arts and street entertainment company.
• Performers from around the world, elaborate costumes, and unique shows.
• Expanded internationally with permanent shows in Las Vegas, Tokyo, Macau, and several cities in the United States.

Question 7

What is Canada’s cultural industry, and how does it contribute to the country’s identity and employment?

Answer 7

• Canada’s cultural industry: strong and vibrant, includes publishing, theatre, visual art, music, and film.
• Cultural products inform the world about Canada’s distinctive identity and provide employment.

Question 8

What is the significance of Canada’s technology industry, and what are some notable success stories?

Answer 8

• Canada’s technology industry: essential for connecting businesses and individuals across vast distances.
• Success stories include the BlackBerry by Research In Motion (RIM) and strong software and digital entertainment sectors.
• Canadian companies excel in creating software, gaming, special effects, animation, and simulation products.