Newsline Canada
 

Skills Shortage In Canada A 'Significant Problem'
http://www.visabureau.com/canada/

Canada's skills shortage is heading for a crisis, with newspapers all over the country reporting severe shortages of skilled workers. Shortages in many sectors of the economy can only be met in the short term by people taking up Canadian immigration.

Finance minister Jim Flaherty has described Canada as being on the precipice of a major shortage of skilled workers, reported the London Free Press. "It's a significant problem. We're talking about thousands and thousands of vacancies for skilled workers across Canada," he told a meeting near Toronto.

In Ontario, St Lawrence College has warned the government it must increase student enrolment by 30,000 in the next four years or there will be serious skills shortage.

Chris Whitaker, president and chief executive officer of the college, told the Brockville Recorder & Times that the province is facing a "serious skills shortage" in the years ahead with retiring baby boomers and rapid technological changes affecting businesses and industries.

Africa: Fete Honours Great Goans
http://allafrica.com/stories/200708241100.html
East African Standard  (Nairobi) -  25 August 2007
Posted to the web 24 August 2007, Amos Kareithi And Philip Mwakio - Nairobi



Excerpts….
Goans in Kenya are marking 75 years since constructing the Goan Institute in Mombasa. The school, which has now changed its name to Sacred Heart, has seen some of Kenya's great leaders pass through its gates. The foundation and collaboration of the community saw the establishment of enduring institution in the 1930s.

"I am a product of the school. It has made me what I am today and I am proud of it," says Mvita MP and ODM presidential aspirant, Mr Najib Balala. "Sometimes I wish I was born a Goan. They have a legacy," he says.

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Eucharistic Congress Will Revive Christian Roots, Says Ouellet
Church Primate Says 2008 Gathering Is A Grace For Our Country
http://www.wcr.ab.ca/news/2007/0827/ouellet082707.shtml

By DEBORAH GYAPONG
Canadian Catholic News
Montreal

"I believe the Lord of history is inviting us to bear witness to his love and to challenge the forces of dissolution that are challenging our culture," said Ouellet, archbishop of Quebec and primate of the Church in Canada.

"This congress is a grace for our country," he said. There is a need to recover the depth and beauty of the Church's mission and to deepen the Gospel vision of a culture of love.

Ouellet, former rector of St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton, was speaking to the 600 delegates at the national convention of the Catholic Women's League Aug. 13.

The congress, set for June 15-22, will coincide with the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. Quebec is also Canada's oldest diocese, through which missionaries went on to evangelize the whole continent.

Ouellet said he hopes the congress will "give new life to the consciousness of the Christian roots of our country.

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India's Jet Airways prepares to take flight in Canada

In his four decades in the aviation business, Naresh Goyal has learned that airlines cannot survive on friendly service and low fares alone. They also need a smart route map with connecting flights to have a fighting chance of filling planes with paying customers.

The billionaire founder of Jet Airways (India) Ltd. believes he has the right stuff to make a profit on Toronto-New Delhi flights and is undaunted by Air Canada's money-losing experience on the route.

Mr. Goyal, 58, wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He started in the aviation business in 1967, earning $40 a month as an employee in a marketing firm. In 1993, he created Mumbai-based Jet after India's government opened the airline sector to private competition

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Commentary
 

News Clips from India
 

Priests In India Face Problems Plaguing Their Ministry, Church Leaders Say http://www.catholic.org/printer_friendly.php?id=25160&section=Cathcom 8/27/2007 NEW DELHI, India (UCAN) – Some church leaders in India say many priests in India suffer from intellectual inadequacy, careerism and loneliness, problems that affect their ministry. Lack of motivation and alcoholism are also problems, Archbishop Marampudi Joji of Hyderabad told UCA News ahead of an Asia-wide bishops' seminar on “Caring for Priests – Especially those in Difficult Situations.” The Office of Clergy of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conference (FABC) is conducting the Aug. 27-Sept. 1 seminar in Pattaya, southeastern Thailand. The archbishop, who is based in Hyderabad, capital of Andhra Pradesh state, 1,400 kilometers (about 870 miles) south of New Delhi, said the solution to most problems is counseling. The prelate, who is attending the seminar, added that he would identify good counselors for his priests. Bishop Govindu Joji of Nalgonda, also in Andhra Pradesh and also attending the seminar, told UCA News the problems that priests in the state face are "more or less the same" as problems faced by priests elsewhere. But he did not elaborate. Read More ...

Wealthy Indian Consumers Ring Up More Premium Phones http://www.ndtvprofit.com/homepage/news.asp?id=292093 August 29, 2007 By Rina Chandran MUMBAI (Reuters Life!) - At a charity auction of a limited-edition Nokia Vertu handset in a Mumbai nightclub last week, the bejewelled mobile phone went for more than $30,000 after frenzied bidding by movie stars and businessmen. Even at its regular price of 380,000 rupees ($9,250), there is growing demand for the Vertu Ferrari 1947 and other premium models in India, the world's fastest-growing mobile market. "The demand for luxury goods is rising, and we are seeing that reflected in phones, as well," said Rajiv Popley, director of Popley Group, a premium city jeweller, which sells the range. "We started last March with five Vertu phones. Today we stock 30 phones in two stores," he said, adding that the most popular Vertu phones cost about $14,600, with the most expensive model priced at more than $97,000 in his stores. Read More ...

Microsoft seeks to boost philanthropy in India http://www.ndtvgadgets.com/disclaimer.asp Tuesday, August 28, 2007 Microsoft Corp. will distribute free software to nonprofit groups to boost charity in India, a company official said recently. The software donation will be routed through a technology assistance program that India's NASSCOM Foundation is offering in partnership with TechSoup, a San Francisco-based group that partners in charity work with companies like Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Symantec. NASSCOM Foundation, the philanthropy arm of the trade body of technology companies operating in India, introduced the program - titled BiG Tech. BiG Tech is a Web-based program that allows nonprofits to apply for free software online. The foundation will charge a fee of up to four per cent to the nonprofit groups. Nearly 35,000 nonprofit groups in India will be eligible for such software donations. Microsoft sees BiG Tech as another opportunity to push its India strategy that has often tied business moves with philanthropy. "We think it is going to make a big impact in India," said Neelam Dhawan, managing director at Microsoft India. Microsoft is a major donor for TechSoup, which runs or partners similar technology assistance programs across 25 countries outside the United States. In the fiscal year 2008, TechSoup aims to distribute US$55 million (€40.4 million) worth of software. The group sees "an extraordinary opportunity in India," said Mike Yeaton, its global director. Yeaton said the BiG Tech program also offers an opportunity for Indian technology companies to channel their charity through TechSoup to countries in other parts of the world.

News Clips from Goa
 

Divar: Traditional Bonderam Festival Celebrated http://www.daijiworld.com Panaji, Aug 26: The annual traditional 'Bonderam' ('flags' in Konkani) festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people of Divar Village (8kms from Panaji) on Saturday. The festival is celebrated on the 4th Saturday of August every year. People from all walks of life come to take part in this event. Besides the traditional flag march, the festival includes dance competition and fancy dress competition. History During the Portuguese reign there were often disputes between the villagers of Divar Island overland issue and its ownership. To tackle the problem the Portuguese erected flags to mark the lines on account of which the villagers could'nt capture land belonging to the nearby villages. The tradition still lives on in the form of a flag march which is held during 'Bonderam'. The flag march goes into the village and check if there is any encroachment done by the nearby villagers. The main attraction is the float parade which comes with a positive social message. See more pics at above link

A truck transporting liquor from Goa to Mumbai met with an accident near the Merces Circle. However there were no casualties reported.

Gala time for gay marriages in Goa! PANAJI: Gay marriages in Goa which hitherto lacked social acceptance are now getting support from unexpected quarters - respective families. Two gay marriages held with traditional rituals last month in the state, had their family members blessing the couple. With no legal validity, the marriage solemnised in Goa, were not registered in the state. A non-government organisation working for gays claims that around 30 gay couples have got married in the last couple of years in the state. The NGO, during its work for the last seven years, has identified 6,000 gays in 14-lakh populated Goa itself.[GT]

Canacona residents favour Karwar fish vendors CANACONA: Residents of Canacona taluka have urged the Chief Officer of Canacona Municipal Council to allow fisherwomen from karwar to do business int he new fish market in Chaudi as local fisherwomen do not permit them to enter the market due to business rivalries. According to locals, although Karwar fisherwomen sell good, fresh fish at reasonable rates, hence local vendors oppose them. [GT]

CELEBRATIONS TODAY ONAM: The substantially large Malayalee community settled in Goa by virtue of its hospitable environs, will celebrate its unique festival of Onam today - August 27. Blended with secular fervour and cultural symphony, the celebrations of Onam, the faith of Kerala, reinvigorate the spirit of cordiality, goodwill and a feeling of oneness among the people, irrespective of religion, case or class. In Kerala the harvest festival is noted for the spectacular boat races and also display of an unique form of ancient martial arts. [GoaNewsClips]

Pietro’s Book on Goa’s most popular feast – Sam Juanv ANJUNA: “Kristak Battovpi Sam Juanv Bautistachi Porob”, an illustrated, informative Konkani book, is the latest publication by Goa’s popular Konkani novelist-musician Bonaventure D’Pietro, under Pietro’s well-received “Arso” series. The publication carries selected photographs and a painstakingly sketched account of “how, when, where and why” of the celebrations of Sam Juanv in Goa. Articles have been contributed by renowned writers like Fr Moren de Souza, SJ, Domnic Fernandes (Dharan-Anjuna), Pascoal Fernandes and Aleixinho Fernandes, Tomazinho Cardozo, Inacio Verdes Fernandes, Felix P da Cruz, Daniel F de Souza (Saligao/Vasco), Brazinho Soares Kalapurkar, Fr Nascimento Mascarenhas and others. “Kristak Battovpi” also features articles of general interest. Priced at Rs.60, the book by D’Pietro Publications, Anjuna, will be released at the TB Cunha Hall, Panjim, on August 30, at the hands of Menino Peres, Director of Information and Publicity, in the presence Joseph Rego, Chief Engineer-PWD, Tomazinho Cardozo, president of Dalgado Konknni Akademi, and Pundalik Naik, President, Goa Konknni Akademi. [GoaNewsClips].

GRAF’S Konkani Writing Contest – 2007 MUMBAIA, Aug 26: Goan Review Art Foundation (GRAF) will organise a Konkani Essay and short story writing contest for amateur writers, irrespective of age. The subject will be of the writer’s choice. One contestant can take part in both the categories, however one contestant cannot submit 2 entries in one category. Articles already published will not be accepted. Essay should be of 1000 words and short story of 1600 words in Roman Konkani only. Prizes for the contest will be first prize Rs. 800/- and second prize Rs 500/- in each category. Contestant’s name, address and telephone no. along with a passport size photo should be written on a separate page and sent along with the matter, in a sealed envelope on or before 2nd.October to “The Goan Review”, 14, Nafees Chambers, 121/123 Mody Street Fort, Mumbai 400 001. Contact 9821228684.

Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrates centenary NT Staff Reporter Panaji, Aug 28 - The centenary year celebrations of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) will open on September 1, in the presence of the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat and the MD and CEO of the ICICI Bank, Mr K V Kamath, at a special inaugural function, in the city. The GCCI, which is one of the oldest chambers in the country, is completing 100 years of its existence, besides those at Mumbai, Chennai and Cochin, were found on September 3, 1907, and was earlier known as ‘Associaçao Comercial da India Portuguesa’. The centenary programmes will include release of books, ‘Commercial History of Goa’ and ‘History of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry’ as well as the chamber directory, release of a commemorative GCCI stamp by the postal department, and interactive sessions with the Goan NRIs, who are achievers in the field of trade and commerce. The GCCI will also felicitate its surviving past presidents and important members. Read More ...

 Obituary
 

+Lourdina (Lulu) D’Souza Lourdina (Lulu) D'Souza peacefully in her sleep on August 27 in Lonavla, India. Loving sister of late Angela D’Souza (Mumbai, India), Cassilda (Cassy) Fernandes (Mississauga, Canada) and Leocardia Fernandes (Lonavla, India). Lulu D'Souza taught in several schools in India and also at St. Xavier's School (formerly The Goan School) in Dar es Salaam Tanzania, in the 1960s. Lulu will be fondly remembered in her ancestral village, Badem, Assagao, and in Parra, where she spent many years in retirement.

22 Aug: Scarborough, Ontario Toronto. BRADLEY FERNANDES (aged 16) Beloved son of Mary and Alwin. Loving brother of Amanda. Dear nephew of Queenie, Doreen, Eunice, Jasmine, Ivan, Cynthia, Kevin, Margaret and cousins. Funeral Mass celebrated on Saturday, August 25th at St. Aidan's Church, 3501 Finch Ave. East followed by Interment Christ the King Cemetery.

People Places and Things

Announcements
 

Health & Wellness Fair – Jointly hosted by the Goan Overseas Association and 55 Plus Goan Association in Etobicoke – Toronto West

We are pleased to inform you that a Health & Wellness Fair has been arranged jointly by our 55 PGA and the GOA at the St. Clement Church Hall (Bloor St. at Markland Dr. in Etobicoke W.) on Sunday, October 21, between 2:00 to 6:00 PM. This fine idea had been considered separately in the past by both the GOA and the 55 PGA and it is exciting that it will be taking place soon as a jointly hosted function. This is a fine opportunity for our members to take advantage of, since it will be a value-packed event.

The Program consists of key topics of interest to our members such as High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Osteoporosis & Prostate, Colon and Breast Cancer. Leading physicians will present the latest medical information and answer your questions. Another key topic is Lifestyle Adjustments for the Goan Community presented by a hospital-based Dietician. A nutritious Refreshment Break has also been planned. Attendees will be able to have their free Health Risk Profile from Medical Experts during the event. Some useful health literature will also be available that addresses your needs.

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Events
 

55 PLUS GOAN ASSOCIATION – West GTA

Table A Combined Listing Of Our Events And Trips

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

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
 

Health & Wellness

Canadian Obesity Network-Ethnicity Determines Risks from Obesity: Study
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/rel_ca_print.jsp?id=762992

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 22, 2007) - Canadian researchers have verified that ethnic heritage determines where the body stores fat, meaning some ethnicities, particularly those of Chinese or South Asian descent, face higher risks for diseases related to obesity. Dr. Scott Lear, Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University and Canadian Obesity Network Investigator led the team that discovered Chinese and South Asians have more dangerous abdominal fat than Europeans, putting them at greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other complications.

As well, Lear's research suggests current measuring techniques for healthy body fat are not as accurate when used in those ethnic populations, leading to difficulty in diagnosis and treatment.

"We now have definitive proof that current targets for waist circumference and body mass index measurements used by physicians, which were developed based on Caucasian populations, are not able to accurately determine health risks in these groups," Lear explains. "Clearly, we can no longer use a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to diagnosing these serious medical conditions."

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Aging at Home Strategy Good News for Seniors

TORONTO, Aug. 29 /CNW/ - The government's announcement of $702 million for an Aging at Home Strategy that will expand community-based services is great news for Ontario's seniors and their families. "Community agencies are at the grassroots of healthcare, providing very important services and supports such as supportive housing, meals, transportation, shopping and adult day programs, all of which help to keep people where they want to be - in their own homes for as long as possible," said Donna Rubin, CEO of the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors.

The Aging at Home Strategy will roll out over three years starting April 1, 2008, and will be led by the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs). A portion of the funding is earmarked for innovative approaches to service delivery that address the needs of culturally diverse populations, marginalized and at risk seniors and that build capacity for members of the community to help each other.

"This very significant investment is a huge boost for a sector that is so passionate, hardworking and committed to helping seniors live healthy, independent lives. It is truly exciting to consider the innovative thinking and creative solutions that will come out of this initiative," added Rubin

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Study: Participation of older workers

Older workers are staying in the workforce longer and, as a result, may be dampening the threat of a sudden and severe labour shortage as baby boomers retire, a new study suggests. An estimated 2.1 million individuals aged 55 to 64 were either employed or looking for work in 2006, more than double the total in 1976, according to the study "Participation of older workers," published today in Perspectives on Labour and Income.

They represented 12% of the total labour force in 2006, compared with 10% three decades earlier. The two main forces behind these increases are an aging population and rising labour force participation rates among older workers.

In 2006, these older workers represented 14% of the total population, up from 11% in 1976. At the same time, the overall labour force participation rate for this group increased from 53% to 59%.

The study examined labour market trends among the population aged 55 to 64 between 1976 and 2006, using data from the Labour Force Survey.

Data showed that the majority of individuals in their late 50s were still working last year. Among men aged 55 to 59, three-quarters (76%) either had a job or were looking for one. This rate was below the 1976 high of 84%, but above the 1998 low of 71%.

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Understanding Alzheimer's

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/mental-health/alzheimer.html
CBC News
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and affects one in 20 Canadians over 65 — about 290,000. The number rises to one in four in those over 85.

10 warning signs
Some warning signs to look for if you suspect someone has Alzheimer's disease, from the Alzheimer Society of Canada:

1. Memory loss that affects day-to-day function May forget things more often and not remember them later, especially things that have happened more recently.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks May have trouble with tasks, such as preparing a meal, that have been familiar all of a person's life.

3. Problems with language May forget simple words or substitute words, making sentences difficult to understand.

4. Disorientation of time and place May even become lost on his or her own street, not knowing how he or she got there or how to get home.

5. Poor or decreased judgment For example, not recognizing a medical problem that needs attention or wearing heavy clothing on a hot day.

6. Problems with abstract thinking May have significant difficulties with tasks that require abstract thinking, such as balancing a chequebook, for example, not recognizing what the numbers in the chequebook mean.

7. Misplacing things May put things in inappropriate places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

8. Extreme changes in mood and behaviour Having varied mood swings - from calm, to tears, to anger - for no apparent reason.

9. Changes in personality May become confused, suspicious or withdrawn. Changes may also include apathy, fearfulness or acting out of character.

10. Loss of initiative May become very passive, and require cues and prompting to become involved.

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