Hemisphere Highlights, Volume VII, Issue 10 - November 2008

Partisan divides in the parliament of Canada push the the country into a constitutional crisis. Rising levels of obesity in Mexico threaten to undermine the country’s gains in public health and life expectancy. Costa Rica announces that it will begin negotiations for a free-trade agreement with China. Recent media attention highlights potential areas for improvement in the relationship between Cuba and the Organization of American States. Colombia declares a state of emergency to crack down on illegal business practices after the collapse of a pyramid scheme robs investors of $240 million. Hugo Chávez’ candidates win in 17 of 22 states during regional and municipal elections in Venezuela. Brazil demonstrates its growing regional leadership as chair of the G-20 summit in Washington, DC. Ecuador shows signs it may default on its foreign debt. The president of Uruguay vetoes a bill to decriminalize abortion in the country. The government of Chile takes heat over its failure to notify HIV-positive healthcare patients of their condition. Argentina nationalizes $23 billion in private pension funds.