Every year we take a look back at some of the biggest stories of the year. There were plenty, ranging from the explosion in Lac-Mégantic, the Calgary Floods and Rob Ford, and that was just in Canada. Internationally there was Syria, the typhoon in the Philippines and the death of Nelson Mandela. These may have been the biggest national and international stories but there were big stories in every field. We asked our expert contributors to share what was the biggest story in their field and to forecast what they think will be the biggest story in 2014.
The other scandal has been the Rob Ford crack admission. The issue has brought international attention to Canada and Toronto. It has also raised questions about the accountability of politicians and whether there should be formal mechanisms to impeach or recall a mayor.
Thus far, there are signs economic growth has been picking up in Canada, the US and the EU. However, job growth remains anaemic. 2014 could be a year where the global economy rebounds, or it could be another period of recession. There are many potential problems that could arise in 2014. The ineffectual US political system could hamper economic growth and the EU could experience another debt crisis. For good or ill, the economy will be a major focus for many in 2014.
– Brandon Tozzo, Political Studies, US Politics, International Relations and International Economics
With true grit and western spirit, communities and corporations banded together to make sure the outdoor rodeo went off without a hitch. The town of Banff remained largely untouched, but Canmore was affected as was the famed Kananaskis Golf Course. Several hiking trails and camp grounds were completely destroyed, and there’s still no word on whether the golf course will reopen. A Kananaskis Fall Festival was held over five weekends this autumn to lure visitors back to the region. The recovery efforts were top-notch, and over one million visitors galloped over to Stampede.
In 2014, I see the biggest story being the Olympics. Much like in 2010 in Vancouver, hockey is going to be the premier event and Russian national pride will be on the line like Canadian pride was in Vancouver.
“What’s next for 2014? Mother Nature’s wrath or another out of control politician? Whatever we face let’s hope the leaders involved embrace the situation with integrity and compassion.
– Jane Wilcox, Owner and president of Xposure PR
I am looking with keen interest at what the identities of both the Office Depot/OfficeMax merger and Loblaws’ acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart will look like in 2014.
– Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President, Shikatani Lacroix
This topic is relevant to my field because it touches upon cognitive dissonance reduction among the voting population, certain personality types and problematic behaviours/substance use. And although these issues pertain to Rob Ford at present, they can apply to other politicians or other people in the public spotlight, thus they will always be relevant.
– Doctor Oren Amitay, registered psychologist
Next year will be about the disconnection of the family. In addition to the technology aspect of disconnection, we are also talking about families not spending time together due to fuller schedules, higher pressure to “make the team” or be part of every activity, higher pressure to be the perfect parent, earn more money so that we can buy more stuff so less time with kids; increased commercialism – focussing on stuff rather than people.
– Julie Freedman Smith and Gail Bell, Parenting Power
The story I’m looking forward to in 2014 is coverage from the International Probiotics Association’s 4th World Congress, taking place in Greece in May. I’m sure it will uncover a lot of new research on probiotics and what they can do for our digestive health – and beyond.
–Erin Letson, Editor, Fix My Gut
In 2014, I hope the trend in the media of the image of yoga moves away from stereotypes of the ultimate asana-obsessed body and more towards images of everyday yogis. This image creates barriers for a lot of people trying yoga for the first time. ‘I’m not athletic enough’. Yoga is more than just asana (movement). Let’s create a trend of talking about the importance of connecting the breath, mindful meditation to the movement. Yoga is for all bodies.’
–Rhonda Major, Owner, You Defined. Yoga teacher, personal trainer, nutritionist, life skills coach
The biggest political story in Canada for 2014 will be the Senate/PMO scandal. No charges have been laid yet, but I expect that there will be. More revelations will be coming. Incredibly damaging to the Harper government and it is not going away.
– Duane Bratt, Chair, Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University
For 2014, announcements and decisions about major pipelines in Canada and North America will again start the year off and certainly hold sway for a top issue throughout. Interestingly the discussion is really about climate change and the pipelines are just the foil for that debate. However, if there was a Black Swan event in 2014 it would be a 20 percent reduction in the price of crude. Not in the best interests of conventional producers like the Saudis and certainly not for unconventional producers like Alberta, Brazil, etc. but the transportation sector would love it as would the Chinese and India.
– Richard Dixon, Executive Director, CABREE
Transportation, Senate scandals, Rob Ford and hockey – some of the top stories to watch for in 2014. Other top stories from 2014? The birth of Prince George, the Quebec Charter of Values and the death of Cory Monteith.
Click here more of our top stories of 2013 and to vote on yours.
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