Newsline Canada

Toronto mourns the loss of Cecilia Zhang
	Excerpts from Toronto Star A community that came together in its fear is united once again in sorrow. The discovery of Cecilia Zhang's remains in a wooded area in Mississauga on the weekend, more than five months after she disappeared, dashed all remaining hopes that the 9-year-old would return safely to her family. For full text click here.

W ho are the working poor ? -
From: http://www.cbc.ca/paidtobepoor/
According to the 2001 census data, the average income for a Canadian working all year at a full-time job is $43,231. According to that same data there are 1.4 million Canadians working full-time jobs who make less than $20,000 a year.
According to a study released March 26, 2004, by Statistics Canada, less than one half of Canadian workers who had a low-paying job in 1996 had managed to climb out of it by 2001.
The study, which used data from the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics, showed that in December 1996, nearly one-third of Canadian workers, or about 1.7 million people, were in low-paying jobs.
"The 53 per cent of workers (around 900,000) who remained ‘trapped’ in low-paid work in 2001 tended to be older women and those who had only high school education or less. Such individuals were more likely to be working part time for small, non-unionized organizations."
-Taken from Low-paid Employment and "Moving Up."

How do minorities fare in corporate Canada?
Canadian Business magazine (in partnership with OMNI Television) reveals first-ever look at 50 great workplaces for visible minorities
TORONTO, March 29 /CNW/ - Canadian Business magazine, in partnership with OMNI Television, today released the first list of top workplaces for visible minorities. There are approximately four million visible minorities in Canada, and they are important players in the workforce. While it may be expected that many companies are embracing diversity, the reasons for doing so surprise. For full text click here.

Oh Canada! Study Reveals that Toronto's Working Poor Fare No Better than in the U.S.
- Daily Bread Food Bank Releases Startling Report on Canada's Working Poor -
TORONTO, March 29 /CNW/ - A report released by The Daily Bread Food Bank at the launch of their annual Spring Food Drive shows that American-style social problems are now creeping into Canada's largest city. The report "Working to be Poor: Employment and Food Bank Use in the GTA" shows that the percentage of food bank clients in Greater Toronto with at least one family member in the work force is virtually identical to numbers reported by food
banks in the United States. It also shows that the problem of working adults being unable to afford basics such as food is far worse than food banks originally thought. For full text click here.

Ontario's new interim electricity prices take effect April 1
OEB to take over pricing mechanism by May 1, 2005
QUEEN'S PARK, ON, March 31 /CNW/ - The Ontario government's new interim electricity pricing structure, which will replace the current 4.3 cent per kilowatt hour (kWh) price cap, goes into April 1 , 2004 Residential, low-volume and other designated consumers will pay 4.7 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the first 750 kilowatt hours (kWh) consumed per month, and 5.5 cents per kWh for consumption above that level. This structure will also apply to consumers in condominiums, apartments, co-ops and other multi-unit premises.To read more click here.

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

For two seats alone
Enthusiasm is still lukewarm among Goans as far as the forthcoming parliamentary poll scheduled for 26 April is concerned. Unlike the Goa Assembly polls, the parliamentary elections do not excite the Goan electorate much, perhaps because it is just a case of sending merely two Goans to the Indian parliament, the Lok Sabha. For full text click here.

Neri installed Archbishop

Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao was installed as the 34th Archbishop of Goa and Daman in a solemn religious ceremony attended by over 10,000 faithful, religious leaders and others at the Se Cathedral in Old Goa on March 21. Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, installed the Archbishop-designate in his episcopal seat and outgoing Archbishop Raul Gonsalves handed over the crozier (episcopal staff) to Ferrao at the ceremony preceding the Eucharistic celebration. For full text click here.

For and against ‘IFFI’
Following a stir by the NGOs, led by People’s Movement for Civic Action, regarding plans for infrastructure development vis-à-vis the International Film Festival of India 2004, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar assured to provide information to non-governmental organisations, who have sought detailed project reports and technical documentation to citizens on the infrastructure development related to the holding of International Film Festival of India 2004, within the next fortnight. For full text click here.

BSNL cuts long distance call rates
Despite fall in revenue per line, BSNL yesterday announced a sharp cut in long distance call rates and reported more than 100 per cent increase in net profit for the just concluded fiscal year. Up to 25 per cent reduction in ISD rates for the US, Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asian countries, Gulf region, Africa and SAARC nations by the country’s largest telecom operator will be effected from 10 April. Inter-circle STD rates from fixed lines beyond 200 km will also be slashed by 25 per cent from the same date.

“Spying” on politicians probe
A two-member committee set up by the Election Commission to conduct a probe into the controversial memo episode quizzed several government officials vis-à-vis the complaints of violation of the model code of conduct yesterday. For full text click here.

Events

Friday April 23rd 2004 (note change in date)
Event:	Meeting for Enrolment of Members & Election of Executive Committee
Organised by	NEW 55+SENIORS GROUP FOR GREATER TORONTO AREA -EAST
Venue	Our Lady of the Rosary Church (parish hall) 2950 Midland Ave,Scarborough (just south of Finch Ave)
The inaugural meeting was held on Wednesday November 26,2003, to form a seniors group (55+) serving the Scarborough/Pickering/Ajax/Markham/Thornhill/North York /Richmond Hill and York Region The Steering Committee resulting from the meeting will be holding an enrolment/election meeting on April, 23rd, 2004 @ 7.30 p.m for the following: to enroll members to review and comment on the constitution of the organization to elect the first Executive Committee to plan activities and events. Potential members have to pay a fee to be eligible to vote. The figure decided was $10 per person as an entrance fee and it will be non-refundable. A membership fee will also be charged and the membership year for 2004 will be from the Spring meeting to December. Enrolment forms can be downloaded by clicking the Forms image below or go to http://www.goanvoice.ca/2004/issue6/fiftyfive_plus.doc Please bring the completed enrolment form and the $10 enrolment fee to the meeting to be eligible for participating in the election of the new executive. Those who are unable to attend can send the completed form and cash with a friend or relative to the meeting, while others, who cannot access a computer, can fill the form at the meeting.
For more information please call any of the following: Enrolment Form Cecil D’Cruz  416 431 9549 Romero Dias,  905-884-9688 Elsie Fernandes,  416 286 8337 Claude Gomes,  416 299 0492 Or go to http://www.goanvoice.ca/2004/issue6/fiftyfive_plus.doc (Click to view the form)

People Places and Things

The Gospel of John Comes to Canada
TORONTO, March 29 /CNW/ - The Canadian Bible Society has teamed up with Visual Bible International, producer of the critically acclaimed film, The Gospel of John, to bring the film to Canada's Christian community. The film, hailed as "superior to almost all religious films ever made" by the Toronto Sun and "a handsome, polished production with textual integrity" by the Globe and Mail, is a word for word adaptation of the Good News Translation of the Bible.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Bible Society becomes the exclusive distributor of The Gospel of John on DVD and VHS to the Christian community in Canada, and can negotiate licensing arrangements with churches for public showings of the film. For full text click here.

He lives in his Father's House Priest from India joyfully recounts his spiritual journey By RAMON GONZALEZ WCR Staff Writer Edmonton
	Father Alfredo Pereira was about 10 years old when he entered a minor seminary in the Indian state of Goa, a tourist destination that houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier, the state's patron saint. Becoming a priest was part of a deal the lonely young lad had made with God in exchange for his mother's return. For full text click here.

Music from Goa!
The Blue Note Trio is currently making a big splash in Goa. Hear sample mp3 tracks of the band at http://www.hullocheck.com/bluenote

The Best of Goan Cooking by Gilda Mendonsa

16 used & new from $3.25 from www.amazon.ca Editorial Reviews Book Description This book is a rare and authentic collection of the finest Goan recipes. Starting with exotic Goan cocktails and appetizers to set the mood, the book moves on to savour fish, poultry and meats. Some unusual vegetarian preparations make interesting accompaniments. Delicious desserts finish the meal, while a special section brings you tea-time snacks and savouries. Includes color illustrations.

Rude Canadians: Maclean's presents eight kinds of modern jerks In the issue hitting newsstands today, an examination of an epidemic of incivility
TORONTO, March 29 /CNW/ - Tired of hearing cell phones ring at the movie theater? Offended by the stench of pot while out for an urban Saturday stroll? Ever been called fat when you were pregnant? In the issue hitting newsstands today, Maclean's looks at the rude awakening Canadians are suffering. For full text click here.

Obituary

26 March.Siolim. JOAQUIL MINGUEL D'SOUZA. Beloved husband of Romaldina D'Souza, Father of Filu/Jhonny Franco,Agnelo/Zito,Hilda/Victor Vaz (Canada), Tony/ Bessie and Veronica/Savio Temudo. Grand father of Hazel,Sheldon, Valene, Vernon, Charmaine, Stanwyn, Shane & Cindy.
Brother of Late Pascaol/Late Maurocine, Joseph, Esperance, Mary/Peter and Secretine/Late William.

24 Mar. Harrow Weald, Middlesex, UK. LEO (Lalush) DESOUZA (born 1947, ex Nairobi South B). Husband of Florence. Father of Lynsey, Lawrence and Lillian. Son of Vera and Late Lawrence. Brother of Daniel (Danny) Francis (Dede) and Blanche. Funeral Service on Friday 2 Apr. 10.00 am at St Joseph Church, 191 High Road, Harrow Wealdstone, Middx. Followed by a Cremation service at 11.15am at Ruislip Crematorium, Breakspear Road, Ruislip Middx. Condolences to dededesouza@hotmail.com

Rodrigues, Laurentius, Edited from Regina Leader Post- Regina, SK Canada
	16 March. LAURENTIUS (LAWRENCE) RODRIGUES. Born on February 25, 1936. RODRIGUES Laurentius (Lawrence) Glennie Roberto Caeserio Rodrigues, late of Regina, Sask., ( ex-Nairobi ). He was predeceased by his father Custodio J.M. Rodrigues. He is survived by his loving wife Teresa (Tessie), his mother Maria, sister, Lourdes, brothers, Cajetan (Pat), Reis (Ivy), Sancio (Marta), Honory (Christine) and Cass (Gloria), nieces and nephews; Michael, Rebecca, Aaron (Shannon), Donna (Lenard), Kevin, David, Michelle, Rachel, Jason and Tanya, great nephew and niece, Simon and Claire.
Expressions of sympathy to Tessi can be sent to : Mrs. Tessie Rodrigues, 1231 Rossi Drive Regina, Sask. S4N 6Z6

10 Mar. Mississauga, Canada. LINDA MARIA D'SOUZA (R.N. Retired - Toronto Western Hospital, ex-Nairobi). Wife of Capt. Angelo Martin D'Souza. Mother of Liana and Dieter Schill, Sandra and Neil Pereira, Nina and Stephen Coutts and Michelle and Dr. Shekhar Pandey. Daughter of the late Angela and Joseph D'Souza. Condolences to MPereira@osgoode.yorku.ca

Announcements

World Goa Day - 2004
This year World Goa Day (www.goaday.com) is being celebrated Aug 21, 22 or at times convenient to Goan organizations based on their calendars.
This year's main theme is "JOBS FOR GOANS" - not just in Goa but around the world. One of the most significant issues facing the world-wide Goan community is jobs and our economic future. There are other important issues too. However, we should focus on this theme during the WORLD GOA DAY celebrations. In the past, Rene and I have been pleased with the events, but sometimes they did not have a serious, meaningful element. For full text click here.

Goan Organization of America is organizing the 7th biennial GOA convention in Toronto from July 3-5, 2004.
Convention venue in Toronto: Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conf Center. Call the hotel at
905-639-4443 before June 1, 2004 to get the reduced rate of $US74 per night for standard room - up to 4 adults. To get the reduced rate mention "Goan Organization of America".
Cost to attend convention, including meals but not hotel:
BEFORE May 15, 2004, US$139 for ages 13 & over: US$69 for ages 5-12; under 5 free.
AFTER May 15, 2004, US$150 for ages 13 & over: US$69 for ages 5-12; under 5 free.
Contact: Guirish Sardesai at 905-639-7369 or email: sardesai@sympatico.ca for more information and to register.

Health & Wellness

Old Age Security Benefit Rates to Increase on April 1, 2004
OTTAWA, March 26 /CNW/ - Social Development Canada today announced that Old Age Security (OAS) benefit rates will increase as of April 1, 2004.
The basic OAS pension, paid to people 65 years of age and over, will be $463.39 per month. This is an increase of 0.2 percent over the rate for the previous three months.
The maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Allowance payments, which are based on the recipient's family income during the previous year, will also increase by 0.2 percent. For full text click here.

Canada - Tough new energy efficiency standards help protect the environment and save consumers money
QUEEN'S PARK, ON, March 26 /CNW/ - A regulation setting tough new energy efficiency standards for nine products will increase energy conservation, help protect the environment and result in savings for consumers, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan announced today.
"This regulation is good news for consumers and good news for a healthier environment," said Duncan. "Efficient energy use saves consumers money and helps keep our air clean by reducing our reliance on coal-fired electricity and other energy sources that generate greenhouse gases." For full text click here.

Want to be in driver's seat on your mental health?
TORONTO, March 26 /CNW/ - The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario and the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) today launched Mental Health Tune Up 2004, a two-day event scheduled for May 4 and 5 that brings over 80 mental health and wellness organizations together to help everyone build their own tool kit to handle the bumps in life's road. The event will challenge all Ontarians to put themselves in the driver's seat when it comes to their mental health. For full text click here.

Treating Rover's arthritis
OTTAWA, March 26 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cervid Council is pleased to announce the publication in the Canadian Veterinary Medical Journal of a study outlining the positive effects of elk velvet antler on arthritic dogs. For further information on velvet antler products and their availability contact the Canadian Cervid Council office at (613) 798-9994 or e-mail cccinfo@deerandelkcanada.ca. For full text click here.