We are often amused - and somewhat flattered - to note that the annual International Economic Forum of the Americas/Conférence de Montréal
(which unlike Wednesday Night seems to have slightly altered its name over the years) echoes issues and opinions that have been voiced around the Wednesday Night Table well ahead of the Conference events.

Under the umbrella of this year's theme - one which WN might well take as its own - Thriving in Turbulent Times: Challenges and Prospects, the participants in the CdeM will seek explanations and solutions for the uncertainties of international markets, the explosive growth of the Brazilian, Chinese and Indian economies, competition between the euro and the dollar, currency fluctuations and the role of state in a global economy - sound familiar? http://press.arrivenet.com/nfp/article.php/617442.html

The associated International Energy Forum will focus on: water, energy and climate change, all frequent WN agenda topics; and a new initiative is the three-part International Health Forum program that will address several urgent concerns in modern societies - we suggest that it will be no less interesting than last week's WN session on Child welfare and health care (see http://www.wednesday-night.com/Wed1212.asp)

Of course we share a number of participants (Stephen Poloz, Bernard Colas, Donald Johnston) and/or their associates, so it is perhaps not surprising that, for instance, we learn today that Bank of Canada's David Dodge has chided the U.S. for its spendthrift ways, while telling China to stop rigging its currency. (He must have been talking to Jacques!)

So, secure in the understanding that Wednesday Night is indeed on the right track - and no doubt enjoys sharper - certainly less politically correct - debate, more humour and more active participation from the entire audience at a more than reasonable entry fee, we will continue this week to cover our usual vast array of local, national and international topics including the NON vote on the EU Constitution
http://www.wednesday-night.com/Wed1213.asp