Local fortune teller Sherman Tai writes about how Canada will be affected by the Year of the Snake.
Government will be stable in 2013. The Harper government needs to decrease reliance on the American economy, strengthen its relationship and trade with Asia, to invest in high tech, telecommunications and natural resources industries. Reduced immigration and return of Chinese to their home country will continue to weaken the Chinese market.
Discontent within the provinces continue to increase, particularly with British Columbia and with the upcoming election. The Liberals will not be able to stay in power and it will change to an NDP government.
In the year of the Snake, natural disasters will be relatively fewer than in the past. There will be fewer wind problems and forest fires. However, climate continues to fluctuate at extremes. Water, fire and traffic accidents tend to be more prevalent. Safety continues to be a problem with increasing organized gang shootings, youth violence, homicide and more home invasions.
Though economy is not improved much, it is stable and is something Canadians can feel comfortable with.
Canada's economy will be relatively better than the U.S. The GDP is expected to be about 2 - 2.5 per cent. The unemployment rate is expected to range from 6 - 7.5 per cent. Precious metals, mining products and natural gas will be relatively stable this year.
Real estate will continue to be stable, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario, where the beginning of the year will have a good market with increasing values.
However, it will tend to fluctuate, so it is not advised to invest in real estate, especially in B.C. What we will see, particularly in B.C., are initial increases in real estate values in the late spring and early summer; however, in the fall, after September, there will be a large correction, especially in Westside Vancouver, Vancouver city centre and Richmond.
I believe the Harper government will create stronger ties with Asia in terms of trading, economy and politics, which will encourage export to Asia, especially with wood, crude oil, telecommunications and high tech.
There is also no hope of eliminating overseas income taxation, which will further increase the number of Asian immigrants particularly China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan returning to their home country and thus there is continued decrease in spending amongst the Chinese community.
For the full prediction, visit www.shermantai.com.
Look out for the next edition of the Richmond News to see Tai's horoscope predictions for the Year of the Snake.
