Canada's New Government Launches First Phase of Foreign Credentials Referral Office
Too many newcomers can't get jobs they have been trained for.

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - May 24, 2007) - The first phase of the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) was launched today by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. The FCRO is designed to help internationally trained individuals who plan to work in Canada get their credentials assessed and recognized more quickly. As outlined in Budget 2007, $32.2 million has been set aside for the first five years of the FCRO's operation.

"Too many newcomers can't get jobs they have been trained for. That's a terrible waste, for them and for the country. Today, we are delivering on our commitment to do something about it," said Minister Finley. "In our first phase, the Foreign Credentials Referral Office will help newcomers access what they need to become accredited, both in Canada for those newcomers already here, and abroad for those waiting for an opportunity to come to our country."

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Ontario Government Making It Easier For Employers To Attract Skilled Immigrants
Provincial Nominee Program Begins On Pilot Basis
 
TORONTO, May 24 /CNW/ - Ontario businesses will now be able to attract the skilled immigrants they need thanks to a new provincial program that gets newcomers settled more quickly, Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Mike Colle announced today.

"With this new program, for the first time, Ontario will be able to select immigrants whose skills match the needs of the province's labour market," said Colle. "The pilot Provincial Nominee Program is the latest step our government is taking to strengthen our economy through immigration."

Provincial Nominee Programs, which are in place across the country, allow provinces to nominate individuals for immigration based on labour needs and provincial priorities. This pilot program enables Ontario employers and multinational corporations investing in Ontario to recruit and retain internationally trained individuals, including international students enrolled in Ontario. The employer category helps employers fill labour needs in specific fields. The investor category helps companies bring in key employees who will contribute to the long-term success of the investment.

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Clash of the Ages
Four Generations in the Workplace Are Creating Challenges for Employees,
New Monster.ca Poll Reveals

TORONTO, May 24 /CNW/ - About nine out of 10 Canadian workplaces today employ up to four generations of workers and nearly half of the Canadians who work in a multi-generation environment admit to experiencing a clash with older or younger workers, according to a new poll by Monster Canada.

"For the first time in Canadian history, there are four generations of people in the workforce at the same time," said Gabriel Bouchard, vice president and general manager, Monster Canada. "These different generations have grown up experiencing significantly different events that have shaped their values and beliefs. As diverse generations cross paths on the job, we sometimes see a clash of attitudes, ethics, values and behaviours that can result in misunderstandings and potential conflict."

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55+ Delites Mothers
(Click on Thumbnails for larger view)

The 55Plus Goan Association (55 PGA) celebrated Mother's day with Pizzaz, Fun and Gaiety, on Tuesday, May 15th at the Gateway Centre, in Mississauga.. The hall was packed with over 90 members attending.

The event started out with our Social Secretary, Juliet Rebello, reciting the opening prayer and welcoming each and everyone to this DELITE-FUL Mother's day special.!

It was touching indeed to see all the members, especially THE MOTHER'S, who braved the stormy weather and came out in full swing, put their best foot forward and strutted their stuff on the dance floor to a Line -dancing performance, to the ever popular "ACHY -BREAKY HEART", headed by none other than the experts, Ed & Violet Fernandes.

While some of the ladies were warming up - the others joined the enthusiastic card players to a game of trouque, which was organized by our Vice President, Paul Nazareth who is an avid player, assisted by his wife, Juliet.

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Goan Overseas Association meets with Goan Seniors Associations to Plan United Initiatives
News Release by Glynis Viegas, VP Administration G.O.A.

The Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A.) invited members of the Executive Committees of the 55 Plus Goan Association, West GTA, Toronto East Goan Seniors Association, West End Seniors, Canorient Christian Seniors Association and the St. Francis Xavier East End Seniors Associations to meet with them, discuss and exchange ideas on how the individual associations/organizations/clubs could work together and liaise for the benefit of their members. The meeting took place on May 6, 2007 at the Eatonville Library and was well attended.

Oscar Furtado, President of the G.O.A. chaired the meeting. The main purpose of the meeting was to maintain unity and determine ways of collaborating to hold joint functions and forums that would be of benefit to the members of the individual organizations. All recognized the fact that the various associations/clubs serve the needs of the seniors within their respective areas, however, it was also noted that there was opportunity for joint efforts. All in attendance were in agreement on this point, and further discussion ensued. It was agreed that the St. Francis Xavier's Feast and a Health and Wellness Forum were events for collaborative consideration in 2007. While many more events could be hosted jointly, many of the individual associations/clubs already have their plans in place for the said events for this year and these would be discussed further and considered for 2008.

The meeting concluded with each association/club agreeing to put forward a representative who would meet and further the united initiatives.

Affordable Housing A Distant Memory
http://www.wcr.ab.ca/columns/editorials/2007/editorial052107.shtml
Week of May 21, 2007

Private property is an essential part of a healthy social order and a democratic society. But the right to own private property is not absolute and untouchable. It is subordinate to the right of all to a fair share of the goods of creation. In fact, private property needs to be regulated in order to ensure that all people have access to their rightful share of society's goods. That, in a nutshell, is the Catholic teaching on private property. While it is a teaching that can be explained in terms of divine revelation, it is at heart based on natural justice. If we want a good society, private property cannot be abolished. Nor can it be allowed to take priority over meeting human needs.

This social teaching is of great relevance to the current skyrocketing housing prices and rental costs in Alberta. The ability of middle and low-income Albertans to find and keep affordable housing has been seriously compromised by a booming economy. Sale prices for homes in the province's major centres have shot through the roof over the last couple of years, seriously impairing the ability of people to buy their own homes. Rents have also skyrocketed, in some cases by $1,000 or more a month. In one well-publicized case, the rent on a basement suite for a low-income couple was cranked up from $495 to $1,695 a month.

Likely the majority of landlords have avoided giving their tenants outrageous increases. But some have been openly exploitive of a situation of low vacancy rates combined with growing numbers of well-paid workers. The ability of middle and low-income Albertans to find and keep affordable housing has been seriously compromised by a booming economy.Meanwhile, the likelihood of more rental units being built in a climate of high construction costs is low. Relief for tenants is nowhere in sight.

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Grooving at Coconut Grove
http://www.expresstravelworld.com/200705/gogoa36502.shtml

The narrow road, hair-pin turns, old Goan villages, verdant rice fields, women drawing water out of wells and the promenade of coconut trees welcomes the guests at Coconut Grove, The Goan Beach Retreat. Located just 250 metres from Betalbatim Beach, with 36 deluxe rooms and 2 cottages, Coconut Grove is set among swaying palms in the quiet village of Betalbatim in south Goa. The resort's design is a tribute to Goan architecture with visible laterite stones and sloping roofs.

Remy Vaz, assistant  general manager, Coconut Grove, says, "Goa is exceptionally green in the monsoons. Our resort is located far away from the hustle and bustle of the city thus providing a quiet ambience to guests who need timeout from their busy lives. The property is built in old Portuguese style with rooms that are cozy with a clear view of the sea." In the ambience one can find serenity, seclusion and an escape from the stress of city life. Tastefully decorated private lodges allow the guests to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings. In this intimate environment one can indulge with a drink at the bar or relax by the pool and have fun.

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Monsoon magic in Goa

Traditional feasts high on native revelry, fantastic hotel packages and lush green landscape makes Goa an endearing destination in the rains, writes Sigmund de Souza. As the first showers arrive, small clear-water brooks form along the roadsides, gradually joining traditional drains (called vau in Konkani) on their way to an endless number of gurgling rivulets that lend character to the lush green landscape. In the nearby pond, the green frogs (rana tigrina), who are out only for the rains, sing bass in the all-toad choir, as the wind gets the trees to sway in natural rhythm to this magical music. The Goan Monsoon has arrived!

The monsoon experience in Goa is unparalleled anywhere else in the country. Because, after nature plays its part, the http://www.expresstravelworld.com/200705/gogoa36501 .shtmlregion's culture steps in - an intoxicating blend of native customs and an imbibed Western legacy.

There is something very romantic about the rains in Goa - it's the cool climate, the smell of nature, and the native revelry that causes it. Since the last few years, an ever, increasing number of young tourists, especially honeymooners, have started visiting Goa in the monsoon, standing testimony to this ancient land's rising popularity as a monsoon tourist destination.

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European Drug Cartels Target Goa

CANACONA, May 13: Property prices in coastal Goa have seen an unprecedented boom with real estate giants from across the world, including the Russian drug mafia, making a beeline for a sliver of land here. "Tourists from Russia, especially those staying in Goa on long visas, are coming under increasing scrutiny after allegations that east European drug cartels are attempting to turn Goa into a base for their activities," said a home ministry official. [Tony Martin, oHerald]

Dabolim to be world class airport

MAPUSA: The Union Minister for Civil Aviation and NCP general secretary Praful Patel promised to give Goa a secular government and called upon the people to elect Congress and NCP candidates. The Central minister said that the Centre has decided to make Dabolim airport a world class airport with direct travel from Goa to other countries of the world. "Land acquisition issue had been resolved and Rs.500-crore would be spent on developing the airport," Patel said. [GT]

GoCelebrate offer from GoAir

PANJIM: GoAir announced its special GoCelebrate Offer, a unique offering that allows customers to plan and book tickets to celebrate the upcoming festive season beginning July to September 2007 for tickets priced as low as Rs.225, for short haul flights between Mumbai-Goa, Ahmedabad-Delhi and Rs.525 for long haul flights like Mumbai-Delhi, Mumbai-Jaipur, Bengalooru-Mumbai, Mumbai-Chennai. The offer will be valid from May 21 to May 25, 2007, for travel between July to September 2007, and passengers can log on to the GoaAir website www.goair.in to avail of the offer. [H]

Fire officials rescue Colvale resident from 70-ft deep well

MAPUSA, May 10: Mr Satyanan Jardhan Parab (21), a resident of Colvale, was rescued from a 70-feet deep well by the fire officials from Mapusa, today. [NT]

SELAULIM PIPELINE BURSTS YET AGAIN

SANGUEM: The breakdown prone Selaulim water main ruptured yet again yesterday with enormously large amounts of water gushing out at Uguem and disrupting water supply to large areas in the vicinity. According to officials, the welding on the joints of the pipeline gave way. Fortunately, no major damage was done to property or humans despite the high pressure with which the water was gushing out. [GT]

Luizinho wants to make Navelim model city

MARGAO, May 17: The Education Minister, Mr Luizinho Faleiro, yesterday said that his motto was to achieve all-round development of Navelim besides making it Goa’a model city. [NT]

DEMPO DOES GOA PROUD

PANJIM: Dempo are the champions of the 11th ONGC National Football League for the second time in the club's history. Dempo has 33 points with 17 matches while Mahindra United has 27 points from the same number of matches. Armando Colaco's side emerged as NFL champions after other title contenders Mahindra United slipped to East Bengal in Kolkata, thereby giving the Goan side 5 points lead over second placed JCT, with a game to go. Now it's a toss up between Mahindra United, East Bengal, JCT and Churchill Brothers for the second position with the final round of matches yet to be played. [GT]

TSKK BOOK RELEASES

PORVORIM: Recently Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK), Porvorim released 11th issue of SÔD Research bulletin and "Hansat Gayat Nachat" at the public function held at TSKK premises. The "Sod" issue contains research articles such as Vixoyanchi porospor pod’dhot, Konknni Bhaxikancho Her Bhaxikam kodden so’bond ani vevhar in Konknni, Thomas Stephens, The vehicles of vision, A short history of Konknni in Goa in the Roman Script from 1556, The suppression of Konknni in Goa and Facts related to Konknni in English. "Hansat Gayat Nachat" is booklet of Konknni nursery rhymes in Roman script. This booklet contains the nursery rhymes from the Two volumes of nursery rhymes CDs of TSKK. Both these books are available at TSKK office at Porvorim. [GoaNewsClips]

Writing for a Cause
BY SARA LOFTSON
The Catholic Register- Toronto
www.catholicregister.org

At the ripe old age of seven Caroline D’Souza penned her first two stories and sold them to family and friends to raise funds for needy children m India. The now 10-year-old Caroline handwrites and illustrates the 15-page stories, then her parents type them up on the computer, photocopy and staple them together. I just like using my imagination a lot," the Grade 5 student at St. Dominic Savio Catholic School in Toronto said.

Caroline's first story, called Tools or Toys, is about a boy who learns the difference between tools and toys. Tools can be dangerous and cause hurt while toys are for everyone to play with. Her other story, A Dream Come True, is about a girl who raises enough money to buy a unicorn by helping around the neighbourhood.

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RUTH FERNANDES CROWNED SUMMER QUEEN 2007
From daijiworld.com

Kuwait, May 17: The Goan Cultural Centre-Kuwait recently held its traditional Annual Summer Queen Ball 2007 at the Ramada Hotel Riggai, Kuwait. The full-house event was a tremendous success and acclaimed enormous value. The function was well-attended by a large number of guests including Manmohan Singh, head consular, Embassy of India, Kuwait, diplomats, film star Aman Verma, VIPs, sponsors and host of other dignitaries from India, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE and Kuwait.

The Summer Queen 2007 event with Goa’s premiere music band “Forefront” and Mumbai’s dynamic music group “SHYlite” with Sharmila Diaz, Steve and Stephen enthralled the audience with their foot tapping music. True to the Goan spirit and hospitality, the organizers, Goan Cultural Centre-Kuwait, left no stone unturned to make it a memorable event.

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Solar Flashlight Lets Africa’s Sun Deliver the Luxury of Light to the Poorest Villages
By WILL CONNORS and RALPH BLUMENTHAL
May 20, 2007

FUGNIDO, Ethiopia — At 10 p.m. in a sweltering refugee camp here in western Ethiopia, a group of foreigners was making its way past thatch-roofed huts when a tall, rail-thin man approached a silver-haired American and took hold of his hands.
The man, a Sudanese refugee, announced that his wife had just given birth, and the boy would be honored with the visitor’s name. After several awkward translation attempts of “Mark Bent,” it was settled. “Mar,” he said, will grow up hearing stories of his namesake, the man who handed out flashlights powered by the sun.

Since August 2005, when visits to an Eritrean village prompted him to research global access to artificial light, Mr. Bent, 49, a former foreign service officer and Houston oilman, has spent $250,000 to develop and manufacture a solar-powered flashlight.
His invention gives up to seven hours of light on a daily solar recharge and can last nearly three years between replacements of three AA batteries costing 80 cents.
Over the last year, he said, he and corporate benefactors like Exxon Mobil have donated 10,500 flashlights to United Nations refugee camps and African aid charities.
Another 10,000 have been provided through a sales program, and 10,000 more have just arrived in Houston awaiting distribution by his company, SunNight Solar.

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55PGA Nets Mississauga Seniors' Centre for Monthly Events

The 55 Plus Goan Association will be holding their 2007 monthly (Tuesday ) events at the Mississauga Seniors Centre on Cawthra Road. The 150 capacity auditorium will be used for meetings, card games, line dancing and a host of activities.

The Mississauga Seniors' Centre is located on Cawthra Road, just south of the QEW, (at Arbor Road) to the east of the Cawthra Community Centre & Arena. For transportation take Mississauga Transit bus route # 8

The Centre is a recreational facility for older adults 60 years and older, and has more than 1300 members. 55PGA members can join the center on their own .and participate in 24/7 activities there.The 2007 Mississauga Seniors' Centre membership fee is $22.34 for Mississauga residents and $27.34 for qualifying non-residents. For more information, contact the centre.

Mailing Address:
1389 Cawthra Road
Mississauga, ON, L5G 4L1
905-615-4810

Finale of South Asian Heritage Month

RBC desiFEST is a street celebration and the grand finale to a month long celebration of South Asian Heritage Month. RBC desiFEST will be showcasing Canada’s top South Asian artist during a 12 hour music marathon.

RBC desiFEST takes place from 11am on Saturday, May 26 to 11 pm. RBC desiFEST is the ultimate weekend celebration of South Asian cultural and heritage in the city of Toronto. Yonge & Dundas Square will be converted into a South Asian Bazaar packed with musicians, South Asian crafts, and exotic and spicy foods.

• 30+ South Asian artist from across Canada
• Vendors offering a variety of South Asian foods
• 15+ merchandise vendors
• RBC Bollywood Cafe
• desiFEST Urbanzone
• Telus Interactive Zone
• Toronto Star Children's Zone

We encourage you to bring your entire family and join us for a fun day of culture and music

Goan Overseas Association Vision Survey

The Goan Overseas Association has initiated an assessment to better understand the needs of the Goan community. The G.O.A. understands and appreciates that we must adapt our services to better reflect your needs, in turn providing increased value to the Goan community.

We are seeking feedback from both members and non-members to help form a new vision for the future. We invite you to complete the vision survey and attend the vision workshop on Sunday July 8, 2007 at the Valhalla Inn in Etobicoke.

The survey and workshop are an opportunity to express your thoughts on how you would like the G.O.A. to serve your needs and that of our community into the future. In addition to getting your feedback on the G.O.A.'s social, cultural, physical

Go to www.goatoronto.com  to complete form

 TORONTO EAST GOAN SENIORS ASSOCIATION (T E G S A) - 2007 Events
 

Please mark you calendars for the following exciting events:
All events will be held at Commander Hall Arena, unless otherwise advised.

Click to download form to join TEGSA or renew membership for 2007
 

55 PLUS GOAN ASSOCIATION – West GTA

Click to Download Form to join 55PGA or renew membership for 2007

• Our Second Anniversary Dance: Saturday, June 09, 2007, @ 6.30 p.m.
  at the Renaissance Convention Centre Click for Flier.
  You can reserve your table by sending E-mail to 55PGA@goanseniors.net
   
• Summer Picnic in the Park - Sunday July 15, 2007
  East (TEGSA) meets West (55PGA) Picnic.
  Erindale Park., at Dundas and Mississauga Road.
  Picnic Coordinator: Juliet Rebello 55PGA@goanseniors.net
  Click for Flier

Summer Job Safety
From: Toronto Star
May 22, 2007 04:30 AM

Dan Kramp of Guelph was just 15 and working as a summer student at a meat processing plant when his arm was mangled by a meat auger. Today, eight years later, he still has limited use of his hand and arm.

He didn't know he had the right to refuse unsafe work. Or to ask his boss for proper safety training before he took up his assigned tasks.

But he did have those rights, as the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is insistently reminding young people in its annual safety campaign.

An average of 42 young Ontario workers are injured, sickened or killed on the job every day. Last year alone, 10 young workers died.

"Every one of those deaths represents a life cut short, potential never realized and families changed forever," WSIB chair Steve Mahoney said at the launch of the campaign.

Young workers are particularly vulnerable because of their age and lack of experience. They may be unaware of the dangers of hazardous chemicals and materials or of powerful machines they may not have learned how to operate safely.

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It Pays for Young Workers to Learn about Workplace Safety
WSIB Launches Young Worker Safety Campaign and Awards Winners of the 2007 Student Video Contest

TORONTO, May 17 /CNW/ - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) today launched its newest safety campaign that provides incentives to young workers for learning about workplace safety. The winning videos from the WSIB's sixth annual Student Video Contest were also screened at today's launch event, attended by 200 high school students, and the winners presented with their awards.

It's important to educate young people about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace now, as thousands of young workers are set to begin summer jobs across the province. It's even more critical given last year's statistics - in 2006, 10 young Ontario workers, 15 to 24 years of age, lost their lives due to injuries and illnesses.

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First Heat Alert Of 2007
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2007/24/c4486.html

TORONTO, May 24 /CNW/ - Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health has issued the first heat alert for the season for today, Thursday, May 24. The first heat alert of 2006 occurred last year on May 29.  During a heat alert the public is encouraged to call or visit friends and neighbours who are at risk of suffering health consequences because of hot weather. People at greatest risk include the elderly, infants and young children, the chronically ill, and those taking certain medications. Hot weather early in the season can have a more significant impact on vulnerable people as they have not yet adjusted to warmer temperatures.

The public is advised to "Beat the Heat" by taking these precautions:
- drink lots of water and natural fruit juices
- stay out of the blazing sun or heat
- avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors
- go to air conditioned places, including shopping malls, one of Toronto's 96 libraries, or 81 community centres
- never leave the elderly, children or pets unattended in a car
- landlords of buildings without air conditioning are encouraged to set up dedicated cool rooms and check on vulnerable tenants.

Protect Yourself from the Sun
The Canadian Cancer Society Supports Sun Awareness Week, May 28 to June 7

TORONTO, May 24 /CNW/ - This year, tens of thousands of Canadians will develop skin cancer primarily because of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canada. During Sun Awareness Week, the Canadian Cancer Society urges Canadians to protect themselves and their families from overexposure to the sun. In Canada, sunlight is strong enough to cause skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.

The risk of skin cancer is increasing because people are spending more time outdoors, often without proper protection. In addition, people are exposed to more ultraviolet rays because the ozone layer is thinning. Taking steps to protect yourself from UV light is the best way you can protect yourself from skin cancer.

When you are outside, reduce your risk of cancer by following the Canadian Cancer Society's SunSense guidelines:
- Reduce your sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Seek shade or create your own
- When you are in the sun, always remember SLIP, SLAP, SLOP
- SLIP on clothing to cover your arms and legs
- SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat
- SLOP on sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
- Keep babies under one year old out of direct sun.