Loyalty may go with the cards

Alan Middleton, professor at York’s Schulich School of Business, thinks Second Cup could be making a big mistake by getting rid of its loyalty cards, reports the Toronto Star Jan. 16. “Unfortunately the people you are going to upset are your heavy users, loyal customers. What they may not have estimated is how annoyed people are going to be who are using it,” said Middleton, who believes the company likely decided the card wasn’t worth the hassle and expense.

Seymour Schulich No. 78

Seymour Schulich made No. 78 on Canadian Business magazine’s Rich 100 list this year. “After last year’s Rich 100, [Schulich] wrote in bemoaning the lack of attention to people’s philanthropic activities, signing his letter ‘Old No. 96′ (referring to his rank at the time). Fair enough,” wrote the magazine. “Schulich donated $15 million to eponymous business school at York University and has given away loads more cash to other causes…[is] the world’s largest gold producer [and] the 62-year-old can now sign his letters ‘Old No. 78′.”

Play the white man’s game

If Canada’s aboriginal people want to force Ottawa to recognize treaties, they should begin ignoring the Indian Act, Fred Lazar, an economics professor at York’s Schulich School of Business (incorrectly identified as a University of Toronto professor), told aboriginal leaders gathered in Winnipeg, reports CP Wire Jan. 16. He said the Indian Act wouldn’t survive a challenge in international court. “If you are sovereign nations, start acting like sovereign nations…[and] challenge Ottawa for your rightful share of resources,” he said. “When they don’t pay you, sue them. If you fail, then go to the international courts. Play the white man’s game.”