From coups in Africa to historic changes to housing policy in British Columbia, and tens of thousands of layoffs in the U.S. trucking industry, the world is rife with economic turmoil…

Commodities are central to politics and economic policy, which makes every story we covered last week important to catch up on.

What’s been called the most transformative housing legislation in Canada’s history could be a game-changer for British Columbia, but it’s not without concerns…

BC’s new housing legislation ends single-family zoning in towns with over 5,000 people, potentially paving the way for Canada’s first 15-minute cities…

Aaron questions whether or not this sweeping policy will actually bring down the cost per square foot in places like Vancouver.

Why Isn’t the Rule of Law Being Upheld?

Many workers in Canada can’t catch a break…

Some Canadians are actually paying their employer to work!

The crime of dining and dashing is rising across parts of Canada, and Ontario is proposing legislation that prevents employers from deducting dine-and-dash costs from employees’ wages.

The bigger issue is why criminals feel emboldened to engage in this type of crime. According to one Ottawa restauranteur, some of the dine and dashers are repeat offenders!

Trucking Companies Under Pressure as Economy Stalls

This past summer, 30,000 workers lost their jobs when one of America’s oldest and largest trucking companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The freight industry is in the midst of one of its worst downturns ever, and the pandemic is partly to blame, given the ramp-up in capacity when everyone was cooped up at home, going crazy ordering goods online.

Aaron contends that the freight and shipping industries serve as a bellwether for economic activity and may be good predictors of future market sentiment. After all, the fewer goods moving about, the higher the likelihood the American consumer is running out of savings.

African Coups Point to Global Commodities Shakeup

Coups in Africa are par for the course…

Since 1950, at least 242 successful military coups have been conducted globally, and 106 have happened in Africa.

In Gabon, a small nation rich in natural resources, a military junta recently rose up. Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967-2009 and implanted his son as President in 2009, but he was overthrown following disputed elections, which would have seen him win a third term.

Gabon has long been known for its mineral wealth, with an abundance of gold, diamonds, manganese and uranium.

It’s no secret that Africa is loaded with natural resources, ranging from critical minerals to precious metals and fossil fuels.

Over the last three years, there have been eight coups in Africa, representing a massive change in control over nations and their natural resource treasure troves.

Alex believes the turmoil within the continent may have to do with the U.S. not having as much influence as it once did.