It’s easy to take technology for granted, especially when we all carry around a phone with more computing power than NASA had when it was sending astronauts to the moon. But today in The Conversation Canada, we have a story of how technology can truly help change the lives of Canadians who live in northern communities. Ivar Mendez, head of the department of surgery at the University of Saskatchewan, tells us how remote robotics are connecting doctors with patients hundreds of kilometres apart.

Other good Wednesday reads:

• Canada has been lauded for the academic achievement of its immigrant students, but researchers have no data to determine what impact race and racism has on educational success.
• The United Nations Declaration on sustainable development stresses “leaving no one behind.” But what about the factors that cause many to be behind in the first place?
• Last month’s wildfires in California are another example of how bad things happen when communities expand into areas surrounded by forests. But smart planning and some simple things – like cleaning out your eavestrough – can help minimize the impact.

And finally...if you’re wearing out your credit card this holiday season, a small consolation may be that you’re racking up the loyalty points. We’ve got two business school profs – Michael Armstrong of Brock University and Aaron Luntala Nsakanda of Carleton University – who explain how and why businesses bother with loyalty programs.

Regards,