ONTARIO
CELEBRATES SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH
TORONTO - South Asian Heritage Month in May is an opportunity
for all Ontarians to enhance their understanding and appreciation
of the rich culture, heritage and traditions of the South
Asian community, said Citizenship Minister Carl DeFaria.
"Our government strongly supports South Asian Heritage
Month," said DeFaria. "Ontario's diverse society
contributes to the economic, social and cultural well-being
of the province, and the South Asian community is a strong
contributor to the strength of Ontario. I urge Ontarians
to join in the many cultural and heritage events planned
for this month." The minister paid tribute to MPP
Raminder Gill who spearheaded the passage of the South
Asian Heritage Act, 2001.
South Asians comprise more than five per cent of Ontario's
population and draw upon their heritage and traditions
while contributing to many aspects of culture, commerce
and public service across Ontario. More than 60 per cent
of Canadians of South Asian origin reside in Ontario.
A month-long celebration of Ontario's diverse South Asian
community is being co-ordinated through the South Asian
Heritage Foundation, the Gerrard India Bazaar Business
Improvement Area and the Jyafest Arts Collective. "I
urge all Ontarians to take time this month to celebrate
the heritage and to learn about the legacy of south Asians
in Ontario. It is a rich and important component of our
province's proud history of accomplishments," said
Harry Mann, chair of the South Asian Heritage Foundation.
For a listing of this year's events, visit www.southasianheritagefestival.com.
Health
Minister Dosanjh announces $75 million initiative to bring
more internationally educated professionals into health
care system
VANCOUVER - Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh today announced
a $75 million federal initiative that is expected to assist
more than 2,000 internationally educated health care professionals
to put their skills to work in Canada's health care system.
"The whole country benefits when immigrants and internationally
educated Canadians are able to make full use of their
knowledge and experience," said Minister Dosanjh.
"This initiative will strengthen our health system
by helping to increase the supply of health care professionals,
which will improve access to quality health care and reduce
wait times."
The $75 million, which was included in Budget 2005, will
be provided over five years. During this period, it is
estimated the funding will assist in the assessment and
integration into the workforce of up to 1,000 physicians,
800 nurses and 500 other regulated health care professionals.
The numbers will vary, however, according to the priorities
of provincial and territorial governments.
Ontario
and Ottawa on Friday announced an agreement in principle
that will see almost $1.9 billion invested in the province's
child-care system over the next five years.
CBC News
The
money is part of the $5 billion Prime Minister Paul Martin
promised to spend on child care during the last election
campaign. The sum was also contained in February's budget,
which has not yet been passed in Parliament. The pending
vote on the budget could bring down the Liberal minority
government, precipitating new elections, but Conservative
Leader Stephen Harper has said his party would honour
Liberal commitments on child care if it was elected.
Martin, Federal Social Development Minister Ken Dryden
and Ontario Children and Youth Services Minister Marie
Bountrogianni were at a Hamilton day care on Friday to
present the $1.9-billion agreement. "Today is a day
that shows why politics matter," Dryden said. The
deal follows similar agreements with Saskatchewan and
Manitoba last week.
Goa-America
Cardiac Center
An alliance between Goa-America Heart Foundation and an
existing medical facility in Goa
Goa-America
Heart Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established
to promote state-of-the-art cardiac care in Goa, along
with more effective methods of health care delivery [read
more...] link +http://www.gaheartfoundation.org/
