New to Canada? StartRight(TM) with Scotiabank
New program offers solutions to challenges of settling in new country

TORONTO, May 5 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today launched the new Scotiabank StartRight(TM) program, a complete financial services suite created to meet the financial needs of recently arrived new Canadians.

"At Scotiabank, we understand the challenges of getting started and getting settled in a new country. We conducted extensive research to identify the most pressing needs of new immigrants, and found that the initial banking needs of new Canadians extend beyond just "parking" funds in a bank," said Rania Llewellyn, Vice President of Multicultural Banking, Scotiabank. "They're looking for a simplified process to establish their bank account, obtain a credit card to start building their credit history, have access to foreign exchange services and transfer money between Canada and their home country." She added, "the Scotiabank StartRight(TM) program not only addresses these needs, but offers financial tools to help recently arrived new Canadians build a richer life for themselves and their families."

"As Canada's most international bank with a presence in some 50 countries around the world, Scotiabank is committed to the multicultural communities it serves, both here in Canada and internationally," said Ms. Llewellyn. "With over 200,000 immigrants arriving in Canada each year, there is an increasing need to look at the services we provide to the multicultural communities we serve."

The Scotiabank StartRight(TM) program offers simple yet complete financial solutions in one convenient package, including substantial savings on personal banking such as:

• Establishing a free Scotiabank Day-to-Day banking account for one year

• Building credit history with a No-Fee Scotia Moneyback(R) VISA card

• Securing valuables with a free Safety Deposit Box

Buying A Used Car This Spring?
McGuinty Government Advises Buyers To Be Careful
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/01/c3786.html?view=print

TORONTO, May 1 /CNW/ - Springtime is prime car-buying season, especially for thousands of Ontarians on the hunt for a great deal on a used car, van or truck. As with most other consumer purchases, however, it is always best for buyers to beware, and be aware. Consumers need to be especially careful of dealing with so-called "curbsiders" in the marketplace. Curbsiders pose as private sellers but are really in the business of selling stolen, damaged, or odometer-tampered vehicles.

Ontarians are encouraged to understand the history of any car by obtaining a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) from the Ministry of Transportation, or from the seller themselves. Accident history searches may also be purchased through www.carproof.ca  or www.carfax.com .Used car buyers should always ask for proof of ownership from the seller, have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic they trust, and purchase the car by issuing a cheque to the current owner listed on the UVIP.

QUOTES

"We want all Ontarians to shop smart this spring when making a used vehicle purchase. Recognizing the potential pitfalls and knowing what to do before buying is the best way to protect yourself in this market," said Ted McMeekin, Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

QUICK FACTS

• The Canadian Red Book contains guidelines for determining the value of used vehicles, and is available in most public libraries or online at www.canadianredbook.com

• The Ontario Safety Standards Certificate is not a warranty on a used vehicle; only a minimum set of safety standards approved on the day the vehicle was examined.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about buying and selling used vehicles: www.omvic.on.ca
Read more about your consumer rights and responsibilities: www.ontario.ca/consumerprotection

Study shows seven out of 10 Canadian parents concerned about future emotional well-being of their children
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2008/30/c2716.html?view=print

TORONTO, April 30 /CNW/ - On the eve of Children's Mental Health Week  (May 3 to 10), Kinark Child and Family Services released the results of a nation-wide study that found a full 70 per cent of Canadian parents worry about the future emotional well-being of their children. Among other things, parents believe that problems with school and teachers, body image, bullying and problems with themselves as parents cause their children to experience feelings of depression, stress and/or anxiety.

Kinark is a not-for-profit children's mental health organization in Ontario that provides expert help to children and youth, their families and communities. The survey was conducted by Leger Marketing between April 14 and 20, 2008 with a nationally representative sample of 500 Canadians, including 300 parents with children aged 12 to 17 and 200 youth aged 12 to 17. The results are accurate to within +/-4.4 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

"With one quarter of Canadians aged 12 to 17 struggling with depression and anxiety, parents' worries are justified," says Kinark Executive Director Peter Moore. "However, it is important for these parents to know that services to help children, parents and families are available and that treatment works."

The study identified problems with school (49 per cent) and fear of disappointing parents (34 per cent) as leading causes for depression and anxiety among Canadian youth. Mothers are the primary source of support with 39 per cent of those surveyed confiding in her most often, followed by friends at 28 per cent. Only 9 per cent of youths go to their fathers first.
 
"As we're seeing that kids will more likely speak to their mother about their feelings before going to a teacher, councilor or any other professional, it is important to empower Mom with the information and tools she needs to provide the necessary support," says Dr. Richard Meen, Clinical Director. "At Kinark, we have developed a website specifically for parents (www.helpingfamilies.ca), so that they have the resources they need to help their kids and ensure they are emotionally prepared for the future."

"In addition, we recognize the need to link mental health services with school-based settings," adds Dr. Meen, "which includes educating our youth about mental well-being."

For Children's Mental Health Week, Kinark will be supporting the Green Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness of children's mental health. In recent years the green ribbon has been adopted by children's mental health agencies across North America in an effort to break down the barriers which prevent children, youth and families from seeking help.

The colour green has been synonymous with mental health since the early 1900s. Back then it was used to identify and label individuals as insane. In the 1970s, in an effort to create a positive symbol for the future, the colour green was re-introduced as a sign of hope for those struggling with mental health issues.

Key Statistics on Children's Mental Health

• One-in-five Ontario youth struggle with mental health issues (Children's Mental Health Ontario);

• Young people with mental health disorders are at greater risk for dropping out of school, ending up in jail and of not being fully functional members of society in adulthood (UNICEF, "Adolescence: A time that matters", 2002);

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 19 year olds (24 per cent of all deaths). The leading cause of death among this group is accidents (Statistics Canada, "Canada Yearbook 1999");

• Depression is affecting younger and younger people - adolescents and teenagers (Lane R.E. (2000) "The Loss of Happiness in Market Democracies". Yale University Press); and

• Mental health services for children and youth should be provided in the school setting by school-based mental health teams (Out of the Shadows at Last - Final Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology - 2006).

"Children's Mental Health Week from May 3 to 10 provides an opportunity for parents to open the lines of communication with their kids and discuss some of the fears and anxieties that they face. We hope that during this week, families, teachers, government agencies and the kids themselves will talk about how we can better support children and youth suffering from mental illness and bring them out from the shadows once and for all," adds Mr. Moore.

Grill Safely This Barbecue Season
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2008/28/c2100.html?view=print

TORONTO, April 28 /CNW/ - With the barbecue season already underway across most of Ontario, the Office of the Fire Marshal recommends taking a few safety precautions before grilling that first outdoor meal of the year.

"Barbecuing is one of the great pleasures of summer and the fire service wants to make sure everyone enjoys the season safely," said Patrick Burke, Fire Marshal of Ontario. "Before you fire it up for this first time this year, check and clean your propane barbecue following the manufacturer's instructions."

To get your barbecue ready for grilling season, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority recommends making this three-step safety check part of your spring cleaning routine:

1. CLEAN: use a pipe cleaner or wire to make sure the burner ports are free of rust, dust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.
    

2. CHECK: examine the hose leading from the fuel supply to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged.
    

3. TEST: find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to all fuel and hose connections. If bubbles appear, tighten the connections and/or replace the damaged parts and always re-test.

Remember that barbecues are for outdoor use only. If used in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide - an odourless, colourless, poisonous gas - will gather and reach dangerous exposure levels, which can lead to serious health effects, or even death.

For more information and safety tips about propane barbecues, visit the Technical Standards and Safety Authority website: www.tssa.org

Business Meal Faux Pas
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-2960986,prtpage-1.cms

18 Apr, 2008 Shital Kakkar Mehra,
Frequently, in business, we say “let’s catch up over lunch” to an associate or a client. A business meal sounds casual but there are several skills, besides your dining skills, which are on display.

Here are a few reasons how a business meal can go wrong:

Arriving late:
Not acceptable. Reach a few minutes before your guests, request for your table and wait in the lobby area/ at your table. While waiting, order nothing for yourself. To avoid confusion about time & place, follow up verbal invites with an email.
Rudeness to the wait staff:
It’s acceptable to politely ask the wait staff questions about the menu or bring to their notice problems with your order. Beckon the waiter by making eye contact or briefly raising your hand.

Wrong choice of restaurant:
Know your restaurant by referring to reliable sources. Ideal business restaurants are those where the seating is in discreet booths, making it difficult for the other patrons to see/ hear you.

Not knowing your guest:
Some business persons enjoy leisurely four-course meals in up market restaurants, while others are happier with a quick sandwich in a coffee-shop . Ask your guest for his/her preference of food — the best seafood restaurant is of no use to a guest who is vegetarian.

Wrong table:
The restaurant may the best in the business; the food may be divine but you end up being seated with an important client, right next to the buffet counter. There is no way you can discuss any business in the chaos — a wrong table can be a deal-breaker . When making the reservation, mention that you are entertaining important business contacts and would prefer privacy.

Wrong Timing:
The appropriate time to start business discussions is driven by culture. In the US, it is after ordering the drinks & starters, while in Europe you wait till the host raises the toast. When in doubt, follow your instinct and take cues from those around you. Generally, breakfasts & lunches are business meals where you launch into business talk quicker than dinners, which are ‘socio-business’ .

Overdoing the alcohol:
Several companies have a ‘no alcohol’ policy for lunch. If you decide to order a martini, go easy during the lunch hour.

Weak follow-up :
End the meal with a firm handshake and a warm “thank you” . As handwritten notes stand out in today’s paperless offices, send one to your host/client thanking him/her for the meal. This note can be used effectively to highlight your discussions during the meal. If you wish to cancel a business meal appointment, call personally, explain your reason for doing so and offer to reschedule it at a later date.

The author is the founder of Soft Skills International.