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In honour of Chinese New Year, Vancouver fortuneteller and feng shui expert Sherman Tai, who has more than 25 years experience, presents his predictions for Canada in the Year of the Dog.

In 2006, the Canadian economy will be slow, but not necessarily weak, and will continue to be influenced in a major way by the U.S. economy. Domestic production will rise approximately 13 percent or higher, and the unemployment rate will hover at about 6.5 percent; however, on the West Coast, the unemployment rate will be higher, closer to seven percent or higher.

In 2003, I predicted that Canada would fare well financially in 2004 and 2005. But in light of the fact that we carry a national debt of about $600 billion, any surplus is negligible. On the positive side, the Canadian dollar will continue to grow stronger. At the end of 2004 and the beginning of 2005, I predicted that the exchange rate for the Canadian dollar to the Hong Kong dollar would be about 6.3, and that has been accurate. In 2006, it will be about 6.7. Therefore, in the Year of the Dog, the Canadian dollar will be one of the strongest currencies in the world.

Oil, mining, telecommunications, and pharmaceutical industries will do well in 2006. However, forestry, paper, and agricultural industries will change for the worse, becoming relatively slow and weak this year. The East Coast and Alberta will have the strongest economies in the country.

There will be only a slight average increase in property values, approximately three to four percent. The property/housing market in British Columbia will experience a downturn and slowing, with a decline of approximately eight to 10 percent from 2005. If you purchase something to live in, that's fine, but I do not recommend buying and selling property as an investment.

In the year 2000, I predicted that the GST and income tax on overseas employment would not be removed or decreased, but, rather, might even increase, negatively affecting the retail industry. Although the retail industry will improve this year, it will only be evident on the East Coast and in Alberta; the retail industry in B.C. will show little growth.

Canadian stocks will fare well, in particular the Toronto Stock Exchange, which will remain at more than 10,000 points for the year. If you intend to invest, consider oil, gold, and diamonds. However, bear in mind that there is a great deal of risk in the Canadian investment scene, so be aware of fluctuations in stock values, leading to financial loss.

With respect to immigration from the Far East, there will be a continued increase; however, the majority of the immigration will be from mainland China. There will be a decline in immigration from Hong Kong and Taiwan, as many people continue to return to their native countries because of the burden of taxation, overseas income tax, and GST. With the decline of immigration from Hong Kong and Taiwan, the trend will be a rise from India, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.

In 2006, there will be fewer natural disasters and less human suffering. Be aware of natural disasters such as forest fires, as well as an increase in the incidence of explosions and traffic accidents. In terms of crime, there will be a rise in home invasion, robbery, and youth criminal activity. Therefore, we all need to be vigilant and cautious.

In the realm of politics, I said in 2004 that the Liberal party would continue in government and that Chrétien would step down in 2005. With the recent Conservative victory and minority government, there will be a division of power and a lack of communication between different levels of government administration. Therefore, what should and could have been an improvement in the economy will take a turn for the worse in 2006 for Canada.

To determine what your Chinese zodiac sign is, find your year of birth below:

Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996

Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997

Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Goat: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

For extensive, individual Chinese zodiac predictions, visit Sherman's Web site at www.shermantai.com/eng/chinese_zodiac.html. He can be reached at 604-278-8381 or sherman@shermantai.com.