Immigrant
talent being squandered
From
Toronto Star
In the Greater Toronto Area — indeed, throughout
Canada — we take so much pride in our acceptance
of newcomers that we practically take them for granted.
As a measure of tolerance, that is good.
But from the perspective of what new immigrants need from
us, it is discouraging to them, and costly to all of us,
because we are wasting so much talent. The Conference
Board of Canada estimates this country loses $4 billion
to $6 billion a year for one simple reason: our failure
to take into account the skills and qualifications new
immigrants bring to Canada.
Consider the facts. More than 40 per cent of immigrants
to Canada in the 1990s had at least one university degree,
nearly twice the Canadian average. Yet far too many of
them are unemployed or under-employed.
For the university-educated population, the jobless rate
for recent newcomers is at least three times the rate
for Canadian-born citizens. When they get a job, six out
of 10 immigrants end up working in areas other than those
for which they are qualified. As a result, one in four
new male immigrants with a university degree finds himself
working in a low-education, low-wage job. For women the
rate is worse, at almost 40 per cent.
Canada cannot afford such waste. In just six more years,
this country will have to rely on immigration for all
of its net labour force growth.
TORONTO
EAST GOAN SENIORS ASSOCIATION -Year end report
By: Netto Noronha
A thanksgiving Mass for togetherness and wellness of the
members was held on March 3rd at the Commander Blvd. Arena.
Rev Father Krzysztof Stabrawa, associate pastor at the
Prince
of Peace, celebrated the mass. In his homily he mentioned
it was a good time (lent) to give thanks and pray for
family and friends. He wished the community well in all
their endeavors.
Jerry and Eva lead the choir with great renditions of
hymns in English and Konkani. The mass was followed by
bingo and cards. Snacks with pop proved very popular and
were all sold out.
The evening was well patronized by over 120 members and
friends.
Schedule of Toronto East Goan Seniors Association events
for 2005.
*Annual general meeting will be held on march 31 at commander
hall, 140 commander blvd, at 7pm.
*Trip to Casino Rama on Friday may 6. (Details to follow)
*Anniversary dance at our lady of rosary, midland ave.
on Saturday may 28.
*Taste of Goa (location to be decided) on June 26. 11am
to 6pm.
*Annual picnic at Milliken Park on Sunday august 14.
*Christmas dance at St clement hall on Saturday December
17.
Goan Voice Canada Note:
A similar organization to TEGSA is being planned for the
many 55+ Goan Seniors in the Mississauga/Brampton Area.
Stay tuned. Expressions of Interest can be sent to info@goanvoice.ca
Goan
Overseas Association Annual Report for 2004
The
G.O.A. announced in their Financial Report that they made
a profit in excess of $60K last year. The outstanding
principle balance for the 10 acre Kirby/Hwy 400 property,
is expected to be fully paid off by the end of 2005.
At the next AGM the General Body will be presented with
an appraisal on the value of the property, and request
specific directions on next steps. The 7th Viva Goa Festival
attracted 5000 people, with many out-of -town visitors
planning their visit to Toronto to include this event.
The New Year's Event "ran like clockwork" with
an attendance approaching 1000 party goers of which 320
were young adults in an adjacent hall. The event raised
$7500 for the Goan Charitable Organization's Tsunami Fund.
The Association seems to be well favoured in the Corporate
world with more than 30% of it's total revenue of $75,000
derived from banks and financial institutions.
The next annual general meeting is to take place on April
24, 2005 For more information on G.O.A. visit http://www.goatoronto.com
