Newsline Canada

Canadian Government to tell immigrants what is required in Canada before they immigrate.
Excerpts from Throne Speech.
OTTAWA-The Martin government has acknowledged there is a problem of qualified immigrants who can't find work in their fields in Canada because their credentials are not recognized.
"The government will do its part to ensure speedier recognition of foreign credentials and prior work experience," the Speech from the Throne stated.
The government also promised to tell immigrants what is required in Canada before they immigrate.
"It will also implement measures to inform prospective immigrants and encourage the acquisition of necessary credentials before they arrive in Canada," the speech said.
This has been a complaint of many immigrant communities in Canada, and Toronto-area MPs have been pressuring the government to address the issue.
Citizenship and Immigration Minister Judy Sgro has said that it is a high priority for her department.
The government also promised to devote more effort to helping immigrants integrate into the Canadian economy and the communities where they live.
"Immigrants have helped to build Canada from its conception and will be the key to our future prosperity," the Speech from the Throne stated.

Canada faces severe labour shortage, strain on pension system, by 2030
-- Watson Wyatt Canada comments on international pension readiness report --
    TORONTO, Jan. 26 /CNW/ - Canada faces a severe labour shortage by 2030 that will place significant strain on the country's public and private pension system, according to a new global report by the World Economic Forum and Watson Wyatt Worldwide. The report was released at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting last week in Davos, Switzerland.
    Looking at Canada, the report predicts the country's labour supply to grow more slowly than the population beginning in the coming decade, eventually stagnating, and then to begin to shrink in the 2020s -- thus creating a significant labour shortage. By 2030, Canada's total dependency rate is predicted to rise by 26 percent, while old age dependency will increase by 93 percent from rates in 2000. For full text click here.

Employment: The Weaknesses Are Showing
There are currently 1,266,900 Canadians who want to work but do not have a job.
OTTAWA, Feb. 6 /CNW/ - Statistics Canada's report on employment in January 2004 shows the unacknowledged weaknesses that have been growing for a while in the Canadian economy. The size of the labour force is stable, but job creation has stalled. "If the economy cannot create new jobs when the labour force is not growing, what does it mean for the future?" asks Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. "Youth unemployment is still growing, overall job creation in the private sector is down and overall job creation in the public sector seems to have reached its peak. Yet there are still 1.266 million Canadians looking for work and are not finding any. This is why this country needs a jobs' policy, an industrial strategy, a plan to address in a proactive way the setbacks in the manufacturing sector and the continued increase in youth unemployment." For full text click here.

Launch of Summer Work Experience 2004
    TORONTO, ON, Jan. 26 /CNW/ - The Honourable Joseph Volpe, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today launched Summer Work Experience 2004, formerly known as Student Summer Job Action. Summer Work Experience is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to help Canadian students find summer jobs that will help them develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to prepare for and participate in Canada's rapidly evolving labour market.
"Our future depends heavily on providing good employment opportunities for Canada's young people and helping them prepare for tomorrow's evolving labour market," said Minister Volpe. "Through these initiatives, and with the help of employers from all sectors of the economy, we are increasing their chances of getting a good start in their working life and developing the skills needed to succeed." For full text click here.

Ontario Government to end mandatory retirement
CBC News
Toronto - The Ontario government is crafting legislation that would end the practice of mandatory retirement at age 65.
The new law is expected to be introduced when the legislature resumes in the spring.
Under the current rules, employers in Ontario can force their workers to retire at 65.
The province's human rights commissioner calls that practice a form of age discrimination.

Ontario and Great Britain announce driver's licence exchange
QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Jan. 30 /CNW/ - Ontario and Great Britain have signed a memorandum of understanding which will recognize British drivers' licences as being acceptable for exchange in Ontario, Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar announced today as part of the McGuinty government's commitment to building a global Ontario.
Since July 1999, Ontarians who move to Great Britain have been able to exchange their Ontario class G driver's licence for the British equivalent without taking the required knowledge and road tests. From March 1, 2004, the same benefit will apply to British drivers who move to Ontario. To ensure safety, applicants will be required to pass a vision test and meet medical standards.
"We're committed to achieving our potential by building a truly global Ontario," said Takhar. "By making it easier for residents moving between Great Britain and Ontario to get settled and start sharing their skills, we're ultimately strengthening cooperation between our countries and helping to attract skilled talent from around the world."
David Reddaway, the British High Commissioner, who was in Toronto for the official signing of the memorandum of understanding, responded by saying, "The UK and Ontario enjoy a very wide range of valuable partnerships and exchanges. I am delighted that Ontario is now able to reciprocate the arrangements for the exchange of driving licences which we offer to Canadian drivers in Great Britain."
Ontario currently has reciprocal agreements with France, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, South Korea, 23 American states and all Canadian jurisdictions.

Job-hunting trends for 2004
Career Expert Cites Tactics That are 'In' and 'Out' When Looking for Work
TORONTO, Jan. 28 /CNW/ - Just as tastes in clothing and music change over time, so do the preferences of hiring managers, notes Tracey Turner, executive director of The Creative Group, a specialized staffing firm placing creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals. According to Turner, candidates who understand the current mindset of employers have an edge in the job hunt. For full text click here.

Facts Canadian Permanent Resident Card - Fact Sheet
The PR card replaces the paper IMM 1000 Record of Landing document and is the proof-of-status document required by permanent residents seeking to re- enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus). A permanent resident is someone who has been allowed to enter Canada as an immigrant but who has not become a Canadian citizen. Application forms for temporary travel documents are available at Canadian visa offices overseas or on-line at www.cic.gc.ca To obtain a travel document, you will need to prove your identity and your permanent resident status. You also need to meet the residency obligation of a permanent resident. Refer to the Document Checklist on-line at www.cic.gc.ca for more information on the documents you need to submit with your application. Click for latest report.

News Clips from Goa
by Joel D'Souza & Fred Noronha

Dudhsagar rail tours
Eco tourism in the State is set for a big boost with the rail tour to Dudhsagar Waterfalls planned by Goa Tourism Development Corporation starting from January 31. The train will depart from Vasco Railway Station at 6.40 in the morning and arrive at Margao station at 7.25 a.m. The train will make halts at Sanvordem, Collem stations, before reaching Dudhsagar at 9.15 am. The train will return from Dudhsagar at 2.30 p.m. GTDC officials say the introduction of the tour train will facilitate tourists and Goans, particularly students from schools and colleges, besides other institutions for excursions. The carrying capacity of the coach is 108 seats. The fare is fixed at Rs 400, which is inclusive of breakfast and lunch.

Willy-Rane handshake
Nationalist Congress Party chief in Goa, Dr Wilfred de Souza, personally wishing the Opposition leader, Pratapsingh Rane, on his birthday in Sattari on January 28 afternoon led to speculations that the over two-decade old enmity between the two veteran politicians is coming to an end. This round of birthday diplomacy also assumes significance in the political arena of Goa, as the stability which the BJP’s local government boasts about may come under test.

Anjuna, footprints across centuries

It’s a beach village today better known as a hippy haunt. But over the centuries, the coastal village of Anjuna has been one which has thrown up big achievers—even at global scale—and played an interesting if unusual place in history. So says a just-released book, written by historical researcher Dr Teresa Albuquerque, titled “Under the Archangel’s Wings”. It has been released to mark the 400th anniversary of the village church of St Michael.

Kashinath Mahale passes away
Renowned educationist, French Scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, Dr Kashinath J Mahale, 79, of Chorao, expired after a brief illness at the GMC on February 4. Dr Mahale was suffering from a viral infection ‘Gillian Barys’, which affects the nerves. Born on 3 May 1924 at Chorao, Mahale rose to great heights after he had a humble beginning. He was MA in French, LLB and twice PhD in French Literature and Public International Law from Sorbonne, Paris University. He was a fellow in French at Wilson College, Bombay, in 1949 and ended as a Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University after having occupied key teaching positions in several premier educational institutions. He was awarded many a scholarships by Indian and French government and also awarded the knighthood “Chevalier de l’orde des Palmes Academiques” by the Ministry of Education, Government of France, in 1984.

Parrikar pledges to implement language act Brushing aside criticism that he is playing a diplomatic game between the Konkani and Marathi camps, the Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar, on February 4 said his government has already created the Official Language Department and added that the Official Language Act would be implemented in right earnest, and in another 2-3 years things will fall in place.

Events

People Places and Things

Would you choose love over career?
    NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 26 /CNW/ - The age old question of choosing a career over love is one faced by millions of couples the world over. Based on this common scenario, Date.com, a leading online dating site, posed this question to its members: Maria Shriver is considering taking an extended leave from her job as a Dateline NBC contributing anchor to support her husband, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Would you give up your career for someone you love?
    An overwhelming majority of 70 percent of both male and female members answered that "Yes, I would do it because I loved him/her, and sometimes that means putting your partner's needs ahead of your own."
    The remaining 30 percent answered: "No, I would be happier in the relationship if I could achieve my own dreams and contribute monetarily."
    "The Date.com results show that despite being a nation of workaholics, many people are willing to trade it all in for a loving relationship," said Brenda Ross, relationship advisor for Date.com.
    "It's nice to see that the vast majority of people are firm believers in the importance of love, even if it means putting on hold or giving up their careers," she added.
    This poll generated 1609 respondents.
    Date.com, "the new way to date," was launched on Valentine's Day 1997.
Date.com has more than two million male and female members worldwide who come to the site because it offers a convenient and safe way for singles to meet.
The site is adding new members at a rate of 200,000 per month and has hundreds of success stories. Date.com is headquartered in New York.

Not Attached? Not a Problem.
Dating Expert Shares Single Survival Tips for Valentine's Day
TORONTO, Feb. 2 /CNW/ - Valentine's Day. It's supposed to be a celebration of love and romance. But for Canada's singles, Valentine's Day is just another day - or worse. Not surprisingly, almost half of Canadian singles feel there is too much hype about February 14th and close to a third feel lonely or left out on this Hallmark holiday.
But singles don't despair. Ditch the couch, that tub of rocky road and your Sleepless in Seattle DVD - get out and celebrate your singledom this February 14th. To help you this Valentine's, dating coach, Kateryna Spiwak, will be available on Thursday, February 12th, to share her secrets to surviving the ultimate couple's holiday as a swinging single. Find out:
- What's hot (and what's not) - for those flying solo this Feb. 14th.
- Why confidence is key to navigating the treacherous waters of the single scene.
- Work? Bar? Or Internet? Where is the BEST (and worst) place to meet Mr. or Ms. Right?
- First impressions - what counts (your breath, your conversation skills) and what doesn't (your car, your exes).
- How to escape a bad first date - or turn a first date into a second.
WHO: Kateryna Spiwak dating expert and interpersonal skills coach - guru of the single scene.
WHAT: Talk to Kateryna for tips on how to survive the Valentine's Day hype as a bachelor or bachelorette.
WHEN: Thursday, February 12th
For further information: To arrange an interview, please contact
Jennifer Duggan/Sarah Lewis, Environics Communications, (416) 969-2846,
(416) 969-2759, jduggan@environicspr.com/slewis@environicspr.com

Obituary

Eulogy delivered at the funeral of Natty Rodrigues by Oretta Sequeira

We gather here today with saddened and heavy hearts to mourn our loss, yet, we have reason also to celebrate the joyous life of Natty or Natalie, as others may have known her by. She was born in Aldona, Goa and spent her school years there before moving to Bombay, where she met the love of her life, Martin, of course! Natty had endeared herself to all of us in the different life roles she was called upon to play. She took them seriously and accepted them lovingly fully cognizant that they were especially entrusted to her, by her Heavenly Father. For full text click here.

2 Feb. Vancouver, Canada. JULIO ABREU (Ex-Kenya Police, Ex-Mombasa, born 1927). Husband of Dora (Vancouver). Father of Genevieve/Afrodision (Toronto), Astrida/Victor (Vancouver), Elaine/Julius (California), Conrad (Vancouver). Grandfather of Andrea, Avril, Alithia, Chantelle, Sasha and Abigail. Uncle of Natalie, Danny/Vianca, Flory/Maggie, Gloria/Cass, Maria/John, Margaret/Mike and Brian/Melanie (all Canada and USA). Brother-in-law of Caesar/Margaret and Wilfred (all UK). Funeral was on Feb 5. Condolences to conabr@yahoo.com

From Toronto Star
28 Jan. DIAS, DOUGLAS ''Dougie'' LUCAS. Died suddenly, on Wednesday, while vacationing with his family in Cancun, Mexico. Beloved husband of 44 years to Daphne (LeRoy). Father to Denise Bacon, Douglas Jr., Danielle Giggie, Denzil, Dianne and David. Grand father of Christopher, Mathew, Jessica, Jonathan, Jennifer, Sara, Julia, Sabrina, Hannah and Asia. Brother to Emma Gamma-Pinto (Ottawa), and Joyce Mendoza (London, England). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. A passionate and accomplished bridge master, Doug was a lay minister in St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church in Scarborough, a coordinator of Seniors' Bridge in several local community centres, an avid cyclist and an accomplished tennis player. Funeral Mass held at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church, 2210 Lawrence Avenue East in Scarborough on Tuesday, February 3.

27 Jan REMEDIOS MARGARIDA (Maggie) (Formerly of Mombasa, Kenya). Died peacefully in the presence of her family at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, in her 79th year. Margaret, beloved wife of John. Loving mother of Aurora (Joe), Joey (Lucia), Felix (Yvonne), Tony (Ranji), Xavier (Lynn), Rita (Harry), Tim (Rhonda), Laura (Tony), Lorraine (John) and the late Matthew and his wife Rita. Fondly remembered grandmother of her 16 grandchildren. Sister of Ursula Periera, Francis Lobo and the late Cajetan Lobo. Mass of Christian Burial held on Saturday, January 31st, 2004 in St. Christopher's Church, 1171 Clarkson Rd. N., Mississauga followed by interment in Assumption Cemetery.

25 Jan Arusha, Tanzania. ERIC GOMES (23 yrs). Son of Maria (ex-Nakuru) and Iggie Gomes (ex-Tanga), in s motor accident, brother of ElsaYusuf & Nelson Gomes, Nephew of (All from Tanga) - Carmina Rathod, Anna Gomes,Agnelo Gomes, Dominic Gomes, Dorothy D'souza the late Helena Gomes, Candy DeSouza, AnthonyGomes, Elizabeth Gomes, and the late Agnes, (Ex-Nakuru) - Dominic Vaz (UK), Johnny Vaz (UK), Francis Vaz (UK), Ida Fernandes (UK), Jackie Rodrigues(USA), Rachael Cameron (UK), Marqueine Tew (UK), Philo Vaz (UK), Mary Olton(UK), Emilia Palazo (UK) and Argentina Vaz (UK). Condolence messages to gomesfamily@habari.co.tz

Health & Wellness

International pension readiness report finds most major industrial countries unprepared for coming crisis
Standards of Living in Mature Economies Jeopardized by Impact of Aging
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 26 /CNW/ - The combined effects of slower  labour-force growth and population aging could undermine the pension systems and broader economic prospects of many developed countries, according to a major new study by the World Economic Forum in partnership with Watson Wyatt Worldwide.
    The study, released at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos last week, raises profound questions around labour participation and productivity, the cross-border flow of capital, the globalization of labour markets, the financial viability of social insurance programs, and how economic output is shared between working-age and retiree populations.
The report highlights demographic trends sweeping the globe and their economic consequences. For full text click here

Media Advisory - Tax Tips to Keep in Mind when Investing
TORONTO, Feb. 2 /CNW/ -
- Set up a separate bank account under your child's name to deposit your Child Tax Benefit cheques. As long as the child's income is less than the basic personal amount, the money will earn interest tax-free.
- A lower-income spouse should use their funds to make investments since the income earned will be taxed at a lower rate.
- Interest on loans used to buy non-registered investments, such as stocks and bonds, is tax deductible. However, interest on RRSP loans is not. You can maximize your tax advantage by using cash to buy RRSPs and borrowing to buy non-registered plans.
- Interest receives less preferential tax treatment than dividends or capital gains. Keep interest-earning investments in RRSPs so they will not be taxed and keep investments generating dividends or capital gains in non-registered plans.
- When holding mutual funds outside of your RRSP, keep a record of any distributions that are reinvested to buy more units. These are added to the Adjusted Cost Base of the units and reduce the capital gain when they are redeemed.
- If non-registered investments are transferred to an RRSP, they are considered sold for Fair Market Value. While any resulting capital gain is taxable, a special rule deems a resulting capital loss to be nil. This rule can be avoided by simply selling investments and having the RRSP reacquire them.
- When capital losses exceed capital gains, apply the resulting net capital loss to capital gains incurred in any of the three prior years or in any future year. Assuming income levels remain the same, it will generally be more advantageous to carry them back since tax rates were marginally higher in those years. It will be especially advantageous to carry them back to 2000 if your inclusion rate for that year was higher than 50 per cent

Grapefruit Diet: Fact, Not Fiction
Scripps Clinic Research Verifies Link between Grapefruit and Weight Loss
    SAN DIEGO, CA, Jan. 22 /CNW/ - The grapefruit diet is not a myth. That's what a new study by the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center at Scripps Clinic confirmed. Researchers there found that the simple act of adding grapefruit and grapefruit juice to one's diet can result in weight loss.
    The 12-week pilot study, led by Dr. Ken Fujioka, monitored weight and metabolic factors, such as insulin secretion, of the 100 men and women who participated in the Scripps Clinic "Grapefruit Diet" study. On average, participants who ate half a grapefruit with each meal lost 3.6 pounds, while those who drank a serving of grapefruit juice three times a day lost 3.3 pounds. However, many patients in the study lost more than 10 pounds. For full text click here.

Retirees should keep working - on their RRSPs, according to RBC poll
TORONTO, Jan. 28 /CNW/ - Canadian retirees may be missing the opportunity to take full advantage of the benefits of investing in an RRSP, based on results of the 13th annual RBC/Ipsos-Reid RRSP poll, which shows that almost 80 per cent of retirees under 69 years of age are not contributing to their RRSPs. This is substantiated by a Statistics Canada report in October 2003, which showed that nearly 80 per cent of Canadians who filed a 2002 tax return had unused RRSP contribution room.
"Many retirees under 69 years old may think because they are no longer working they are ineligible to contribute to their RRSP," said Michael Walker, director & vice president, Financial Advisory Solutions Team at RBC Investments. "If they have unused contribution room available, investing right up to age 69 can be a great strategy to defer taxes, lower taxable income and shelter growth inside an RRSP." For full text click here.