The year of the Goat is a year of obstacles and extremes, with a lot of disturbances, predicts Sherman Tai a world renowned fortune teller and feng shui master from Vancouver. Here is his take on what’s in store for Canada in The Year of the Goat

By Sherman Tai

In 2015, to some extent, Canada will be directly affected by the declining economy of the United States. 
But on the whole, the Canadian economy will fare better due to its relatively conservative economic policy. 
Additionally, primary products, crude oil, gold, mining and other natural resources are plentiful, so there may even be a slight improvement in the economy. 
Even though there is no strong correction, the chances of economic decline are not high. I predicted previously that between 2005 and 2010, there will be at three federal elections and I predicted for 2010 that the Conservatives will have a majority government. 
The government’s conservative policy has a relatively negative impact on maintaining the economy. As a result, the Canadian dollar is weak, with the US dollar, $1 CAD to $0.80 USD and with the Hong Kong dollar, $1 CAD to $6.4 HKD. Interest rates continue to be stable and low for most of the year and in the winter, there may be a quarter of a percent increase.
Because the Canadian dollar is strong, it negatively affects export and internal retail spending. Precious metals, crude oil, mining products, high tech, and telecommunications will do better. However, forestry, automobile, paper, distribution, and retail will not see much improvement. GDP should increase by 2.2 – 2.5%. Unemployment rate is expected to be 6.5 – 7.2%. Inflation rate will be stable around 2%. To help the economy, the Harper government will try to improve relations with Asian countries, particularly with India and China. I predicted back in 2009 that the Canadian government would change policy that will limit immigration from China. Overtaking Chinese immigration are North Korea, India, Philippines, Middle East and Eastern Europe.
There is decline in real estate values in the year of the Goat. Particularly evident is in British Columbia, the areas with a lot of Chinese, mainly Richmond and Vancouver Westside, with a decline of 5% and 3% in other areas. The eastern shore and Ontario will see a 5 – 7% decline. However, Saskatchewan and Alberta, particularly Calgary and Edmonton will see a 4 - 5% increase in real estate values. Montreal and Ottawa will be stable.
The Canadian stock market will see an increase, but the TSX will not be higher than 13,000 points, but be careful, as the market will fluctuate greatly. Those with extra money to invest can consider gold, silver, precious metals, diamonds, or telecommunications stocks can have some returns, but don’t be too greedy and collect when it is good, but do not borrow money to invest as one can become poor with greed.
Government will be stable in 2015. 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. The government also needs to reduce taxes and encourage domestic retail spending. However, not only are taxes not reduced, the new taxes are a stranglehold for Canadians. Reduction of overseas taxation and HST has no hope. Reduced immigration and return of Chinese to their home country will continue to weaken the Chinese market and reduced retail spending.
There are many disputes about the politics and economy in 2015. Middle and small businesses will decrease and large businesses will shrink. They will also continue to make cuts in human resources and as a result of NDP’s policies, any good intentions they have produce negative results. Increase in taxation will be their strategy to maintain government spending and social benefits, resulting in the working people suffering more.
In the year of the Goat, 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. Pay special attention to your safety as it continues to be a problem with increasing organized gang shootings, youth violence, homicide and more home invasions.”