|
Help Stop Deep Integration (SPP, NAU) in Canada (pg. 2)
|
View this Thread in Original format
| culorut |
Mexico and the United States need more from Canada then Canada needs from Mexico and the United States at the moment.
Canada is on the loosing end of the stick with this deal. I for one would never open up Canada's resources to other nations that will eventually swallow it dry.
Mexico and the United States can keep those fuking Amero dollars to themselves. |
|
|
| infinity HiGH |
| quote: | Originally posted by Fir3start3r
Don't know about you, but I'm still employed and RIM has since expanded into the States...
btw, there is nothing wrong with corporations making an actual profit... |
The world doesn't revolve around you. Just cause you're employed and have job security doesn't mean it's like that for everyone else in this country. And while there isn't a problem with corporations making money, there is a problem when a corporations sole objective is maximizing profits, because then the people at the bottom lose out. Quality tends to drop as well. All in the name of $$$.
It's amazing how you're so up for this when it's obvious that the States just wants this for easier access to our natural resources (among other things), which we'll get screwed on in the end. I fail to see how Canadians, either corporations or citizens, stand to gain anything out of this. If anything, this'll just make it easier for American corporations to take over markets that they previously didn't have access to. Do you HONESTLY think Bell or Rogers can realistically compete with say...Verizon or Comcast? How will this help the Canadian economy exactly, when our largest telecomm companies start dropping out or get bought out by the significantly larger American companies? Or by moving their call centres to Mexico and in turn terminating thousands of jobs?
And you keep mentioning RIM. Who the hell is RIM? You think they can honestly compete against the likes of Nokia, Motorola or Apple in the Smartphone market? |
|
|
| LazFX |
| quote: | Originally posted by infinity HiGH
And you keep mentioning RIM. Who the hell is RIM? You think they can honestly compete against the likes of Nokia, Motorola or Apple in the Smartphone market? |
ha ha ha ha ignorance is such bliss... ;) |
|
|
| infinity HiGH |
| quote: | Originally posted by LazFX
ha ha ha ha ignorance is such bliss... ;) |
what do you mean? who are you referring to exactly? |
|
|
| LazFX |
| quote: | Originally posted by infinity HiGH
what do you mean? |
RIM is one of the most duplicated wireless biz out there.... Blackberry mean anything to you. I don't know one biz man or woman in N. America that does not use a black berry. all of the fed employees in the US use black berry ie; RIM.
RIM is one of Canada's Top employers, their tech was ground breaking in the late 80's and to this day is often imitated but never duplicated.
Those other companies you listed can only dream of getting the market that RIM holds. I cursed the day I was given a Black Berry cause it was just to easy to reach me on my days off... ;)
I have been putting off signing for my new RIM device for my current position....
| quote: | Research In Motion Limited / RIM
www.rim.com - Jobs - Map
176 Columbia St, Waterloo, ON N2L 3L3
Highlights:
* gives you a free BlackBerry on your first day
* offers tuition subsidies and is only a short walk to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University
* celebrated its 20th anniversary with a private concert featuring Aerosmith and the Barenaked Ladies
* doubled its BlackBerry subscriber base last year and created over 2,000 new jobs around the world
Employer Background
Research In Motion Limited (RIM) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless communications products and services. Best recognized for its ubiquitous BlackBerry line of handheld devices, the company's integrated hardware, software and services support multiple network standards around the world, providing individual users with seamless access to email, phone, text messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM's wireless technology platforms also enable third-party developers and manufacturers to connect their devices to the company's network.
Founded in 1984, the publicly-traded company serves over five million BlackBerry subscribers, which is more than double the previous year. The company recently introduced several new BlackBerry handset models worldwide and has over 160 carrier partnerships in 60 countries (after adding over 100 new carriers last year). RIM recently announced the expansion of its network into China and continues to develop new products and services independently and through partnership agreements with Novell, Microsoft, IBM, AOL, Yahoo, Google and Intel Corporation.
As a result of is impressive international success, RIM added over 2,000 new employees last year at locations in North America, Europe and Asia. In addition to the Waterloo head office, the company has Canadian offices in Mississauga, Ottawa and Halifax.
Workforce at a Glance:Number of full-time employees: 3698. At this location: 3374. Worldwide: 5000. New jobs created across Canada last year: 870. Voluntary employee turnover across Canada last year: 8.4%. Percentage of Canadian workforce employed on contract basis: 9%. Longest period any worker in Canada has stayed on contract: 1.5 years. Percentage of employees who are women: 34. Of managers: 27. Percentage of employees who are visible minorities: 19. Of managers: 8. Resumes received by their HR staff in past year: 204032. Average employee age: 29. Years longest-serving employee has worked there: 21.
Physical Workplace Rating: A
RIM's physical workplace is rated as above-average. The headquarters includes 12 buildings that are home to the company's research, manufacturing and admininistrative offices. Located in the heart of Canada's technology triangle, the head office campus is only a short walk to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Physical Workplace at a Glance:Their employee lounge and rest areas feature: comfortable couches; meditation or religious observance room; first-aid rooms in every building. For food and refreshment, RIM offers: free coffee and tea; subsidized vending machines; self-serve kitchen areas; outdoor eating area; discounts at local restaurants. The company has a full-service onsite cafeteria that features: subsidized meals (a turkey sandwich costs $3.50); healthy menu items; special diet menus. Nearby amenities include: major shopping mall; Tim Hortons; daycare; fitness facility (with subsidized memberships); walking trail; park/wilderness area (Waterloo Park and Columbia Lake); recreation centre (Waterloo Recreation Complex). For commuters, RIM offers: nearby public transit; free onsite car parking; organized car pools; escort walking service to cars in the evening; secure bicycle parking; shower facilities.
Work Atmosphere & Social Rating: A+
RIM's work atmosphere is rated as exceptional. Employees at RIM enjoy business casual dress daily. There is also a company-subsidized social committee, which has operated since 1996. The company sponsors a variety of social events for employees every year, including an evening dinner and dance during the Christmas season for employees and their guests, a summer family barbeque at a local waterpark (with free company merchandise and prizes), and free ice cream days twice a year. RIM also sponsors employee softball, tennis, badminton, volleyball and hockey teams that compete in local leagues the company is one of the founding members of the city's popular hockey league for high-tech firms.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the company recently hosted a "surprise" rock concert for all of its employees. RIM rented a 6,000-seat arena where employees and business partners from across North America gathered to enjoy live performances by Aerosmith and the Barenaked Ladies.
Health, Financial & Family Benefits Rating: A
RIM's health benefits plan is managed by Sun Life and is rated as above-average. RIM pays 100% of the premiums associated with the plan. The company also pays 100% of the health premiums necessary to cover each employee's family. Full-time and part-time employees who work more than 25 hours per week are covered by the plan. There is no waiting period before new employees are eligible for coverage. RIM also pays the health insurance premiums for retired employees until the age of 70.
Health Benefits at a Glance:RIM's health plan includes the following coverage: routine dental (90% of eligible costs, to $1500 each year); restorative dental (90% of eligible costs, to $1500 each year); orthodontics (50% of eligible costs with a lifetime maximum of $2000); eyecare (to $200 every 2 years); prescription drug; offsite fitness club subsidy (to $200 each year); nutrition planning; home care; speech therapy; naturopathy; podiatry; osteopathy; chiropractor; physiotherapy; massage therapy; subsidized onsite massage therapy; travel medical insurance; semi-private hospital room; personal and family counselling; medical equipment and supplies; employee assistance plan (EAP) for substance abuse/mental health.
The company's salary and financial benefits are rated as above-average. To keep pay-levels competitive, RIM participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. The company offers a group RSP that allows employees to contribute up to 3% of their salary, with matching employer contributions.
Financial Benefits at a Glance:RIM provides a variety of financial benefits, including: life and disability insurance; profit-sharing plan for all employees; discounted home computers; free BlackBerry with service and usage fees included; free RIM clothing; signing bonuses for some employees; year-end bonuses.
RIM's family-friendly benefits are rated as above-average. Employees with pre-school children have access to a daycare facility located nearby. For mothers who take maternity leave, RIM provides a sliding top-up payment (from 100% to 70% of salary) for the first 6 weeks week of their leave. Other family-friendly benefits include: flexible start and finish hours; telecommuting and working from home; earned days off program (depending on the position).
Vacation & Time Off Rating: A
RIM's vacation and time off are rated as above-average. New employees receive 3 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year, which increases to 4 weeks after 5 years of service. Each year, RIM also provides employees with a paid holiday shutdown from Christmas to New Year's. Employees at the company can also apply for unpaid leaves of absence. (Recently, one employee took an extended leave of absence to complete a Masters degree)
Employee Communications Rating: A
RIM's internal communications program is rated as above-average. To keep employees informed about new developments, RIM publishes an in-house newsletter. The company also has a well-developed intranet site, which keeps employees informed about news and human resource policies that affect their work. To solicit feedback from employees, the company operates a traditional suggestion box program and an email suggestion box. An employee satisfaction survey is conducted by having employees complete questionnaires every 12 months. An outside consultant compiles the survey results for RIM's management team.
Performance Management Rating: A+
RIM's performance management program is rated as exceptional. The company operates a well-designed performance management program. Once a year, employees and managers meet for review sessions. (Managers receive training in how to conduct effective reviews.) Employees can also use an online career planning tool to set training objectives for the coming year, and employees and managers utilize online communications to monitor progress throughout the year. RIM recognizes exceptional performance with a variable incentive program that incorporates individual and company performance. The company also has a unique patent incentive program that helps cultivate new ideas.
Training & Skills Development Rating: A
RIM's training and skills development program is rated as above-average. The company provides tuition subsidies for courses related to an employee's current position (to an annual maximum of $3300). The company assists employees' career development with: reimbursement for professional association dues; in-house training (primarily technical and management programs); online training. RIM also provides additional "training dollars" for each employee, which can be used for industry conferences and specific training programs.
Community Involvement Rating: A+
RIM's community involvement program is rated as exceptional. An outstanding corporate citizen, RIM actively supports a variety of local charitable initiatives. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted by the company. Last year, the company contributed a total of $1,000,000 to charitable groups.
As part of RIM's charitable program, a group of employees meet regularly to review new proposals. The company primarily focuses on providing support for science, engineering and business education initiatives. Every year, RIM supports students of all ages through a variety of programs, such as the Waterloo-Wellington Science and Engineering Fair, the Scientists in School program, and the FIRST Robotics initiative. The company also provides financial support and opportunities for university graduate students as well as teams of students who participate in engineering and business competitions.
In addition to its corporate support, the company's co-CEOs, Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, are widely recognized for their personal generosity within the community. Incredibly, the duo has given over $160 million in support of basic research initiatives, including: the University of Waterloo's Institute of Quantum Computing; the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics; and the Centre for International Governance Innovation. Their generosity has percolated down and helped to inspire a culture of giving amongst RIM's employees, who volunteer and support a variety of charitable initiatives every year, including blood donor clinics, the Kitchener-Waterloo food bank, the Angel Tree Foundation, the Waterloo Region Commuter Challenge and the annual United Way campaign.
|
>>SOURCE<< |
|
|
| infinity HiGH |
| Don't get me wrong, RIM is a groundbreaking and definitely one of Canada's finest. I wish only the best for them. But they're a little puppy compared to those other companies. They barely hold 3% of the "smartphone" marketshare. |
|
|
| Fir3start3r |
| quote: | Originally posted by infinity HiGH
Don't get me wrong, RIM is a groundbreaking and definitely one of Canada's finest. I wish only the best for them. But they're a little puppy compared to those other companies. They barely hold 3% of the "smartphone" marketshare. |
Wait, you complain about Canadian companies in one hand and then wish them the best? :conf:
We should be applauding ALL our companies because they supply JOBS.
Everyone is so afraid that all the companies are going to hi-tail it down to Mexico.
On what grounds??
This argument of profits and cheap labour, while somewhat true, isn't the only mantra companies have. It IS possible to make a profit FROM Canada as other companies have proven.
You all sound like Chicken Little and frankly I'm surprised at the lack of faith in our Canadian companies.
A major employer isn't just going to cut and run just because Mexico is a little more open.
Hell, the door swings both ways here people; it's just as easy for a company to come over and set up shop here; employing Canadian labour.
What so wrong with that again? |
|
|
| DJ Shibby |
Yeah...
We're definitely still too young and dumb to even hope to go about something requiring this much maturity. |
|
|
| infinity HiGH |
| quote: | Originally posted by Fir3start3r
This argument of profits and cheap labour, while somewhat true, isn't the only mantra companies have. It IS possible to make a profit FROM Canada as other companies have proven. |
Yes, it is. But you have to look at it from their point-of-view. And not just today, or tomorrow, but 5-10 years down the road, when they could have no barriers holding them back. If they need to cut costs to compete: how long before they start moving offices down to cheaper area's to stay alive, because their American rivals are 10 times bigger? At that point, it won't be about being "Canadian", it'll be about making money and fighting for survival. And our companies up here just aren't ready for that. TBH, even Mexico would be screwed, but not as much as us.
| quote: | | You all sound like Chicken Little and frankly I'm surprised at the lack of faith in our Canadian companies. |
This'll sound cliche but there's a difference between faith and being realistic. And, as Leaf fans, we should know that sometimes, faith just isn't enough sometimes (but it does make money in this case!!)
| quote: | Hell, the door swings both ways here people; it's just as easy for a company to come over and set up shop here; employing Canadian labour.
What so wrong with that again? |
Costs more money. |
|
|
| Fir3start3r |
| quote: | Originally posted by infinity HiGH
Yes, it is. But you have to look at it from their point-of-view. And not just today, or tomorrow, but 5-10 years down the road, when they could have no barriers holding them back. If they need to cut costs to compete: how long before they start moving offices down to cheaper area's to stay alive, because their American rivals are 10 times bigger? At that point, it won't be about being "Canadian", it'll be about making money and fighting for survival. And our companies up here just aren't ready for that. TBH, even Mexico would be screwed, but not as much as us.
|
The jury is out on this line of thinking though.
Remember, everyone thought we were screwed when NAFTA came into effect too and look where we are?
We're doing just fine.
This isn't a new trade agreement, this is to enhance what's already going on.
| quote: |
This'll sound cliche but there's a difference between faith and being realistic. And, as Leaf fans, we should know that sometimes, faith just isn't enough sometimes (but it does make money in this case!!)
|
Funny thing is, Leaf fans can always blame the fact that we didn't trade Sundin if things go to e this season...
Most companies will expand into new regions, not pick up and leave completely.
Hey, that creates more jobs! ;) |
|
|
| EvilTree |
Let's have a little history lesson in Canadian economics.
Before WW2, Canada's trade was done in a 3 way triangle between Britain, US and Canada. Canada tried to have as much trade as possible with Britain because of political ties with Britain and ended up doing trade with US just because US is close and willing to buy Canadian products.
After WW2 and subsequent ruination of British economy, Canada had to look for another trade partner. Well, unfortunately there was no real nation that Canada could trade with... except US.
Canada kept trying to trade with Europe and Britain, but they were slowly rebuilding. By the 60s came along, there was this European Economic Community thing which pretty much barred Canadian products from entering European market. So, Canada had to trade more with US, since there was no other nation that can take in Canadian products as much as US could.
This trend continued until modern days. Sure, there are other emerging nations, but they are more interested in selling Canada their products rather than buying Canadian stuff, other than natural resources.
NAFTA made it simpler and more economically viable to sell to US because US wants to buy Canadian products and it is cheaper to transport to US than any other nation.
Currently Canada does what, 85% of its trade with US.
Trying to change the dynamics of Canadian economy simply won't work, because 1. to whom will Canada trade with who can take in as much Canadian products? 2. are you willing to muck with economic prosperity that Canada is enjoying right now?
You can scream and yell about Canadian sovereignty and whatnot, but the thing is, economic sovereignty has been lost since WW2 when US became the dominant trading partner. Whether you like it or not, Canada is in a symbiotic economic existence with US.
So, I don't see any other future except continued economic relationship with US. US has the money and Canada has the resources that needs to be explored.
I dunno about you guys, but this seems like a fait accompli to me |
|
|
| Moral Hazard |
| quote: | Originally posted by infinity HiGH
Don't get me wrong, RIM is a groundbreaking and definitely one of Canada's finest. I wish only the best for them. But they're a little puppy compared to those other companies. They barely hold 3% of the "smartphone" marketshare. |
Just and FYI for you Pete.... RIM doesn't actually base it's business on the sale of hardware. Where RIM really makes it's money is through the tranfering/processing of data. Regardless of which smartphone you're using, RIM gets paid for each and every packet of data you send or receive. |
|
|
|
|
