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Newsletter. Issue 2008-11. May 24, 2008

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CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL & DAN TOURS
A 10-day fascinating trip to
Israel & The Holy Land
Dates: November 18th- 27th 2008
Click for Details

Newsline Canada

Proposed Immigration Changes 'Major Step Backwards,' Says Bar Association
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iYduvHLWyTgnj2ts9eBwU7qg76AA
May 12, 2008

OTTAWA — The Canadian Bar Association is urging Parliament to discard amendments to immigration legislation, calling them "a major step backwards in the evolution of Canadian immigration law." Bill C-50 would return Canada to a time when visas were given out on a discretionary basis, without sufficient objective criteria, the association's Stephen Green said Monday.

"The amendments are not necessary to meet Canada's immigration goals," Green said.

Read More...

Crucifix Will Not Be Removed From Quebec National Assembly
Let's move on, says Quebec accommodation commission
CBC News
Excerpts from: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2008

Quebec's national assembly voted unanimously to reject the commission's recommendation to remove the crucifix hanging over the Speaker's chair. After tabling the motion Thursday, Premier Jean Charest said the religious icon reflects Quebec's cultural and institutional heritage and should stay where it is.

"We cannot erase our history," Charest said Thursday in pledging to keep the crucifix where it is - hanging over the Speaker's chair. "The crucifix is about 350 years of history in Quebec that none of us are ever going to erase, and of a very strong presence, in particular of the Catholic Church. "And that's our reality. And those who come to Quebec are joining a society where that history is now something that is part of our story."

Photo: CLEMENT ALLARD/THE CANADIAN PRESS

The crucifix above the speaker's chair in the Quebec National Assembly that a report released May 23, 2008, urged to be removed. A motion by Premier Jean Charest to preserve the symbol was adopted

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'Cracks Are Appearing' In Canadian Housing Market:Scotia Economics
Thu May 15, 8:25 AM
By The Canadian Press

TORONTO - There is now convincing evidence that Canada's housing market has come off the boil, Bank of Nova Scotia economists say. Home resales have fallen for four consecutive months, and the inflation-adjusted average resale home price registered its first quarterly decline in seven years during the first three months of this year, Scotia Economics noted in a report Thursday.

"Cracks are appearing on the new home front as well," the bank said, as demand for new residential building permits has fallen sharply and price increases are moderating as inventories of unsold homes trend higher.

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A Slowing Economy Will Dampen Housing Activity In 2009

TORONTO, May 15 /CNW/ - Slower than expected economic growth across the province will dampen housing demand in 2009, according to the 2008 Second Quarter CMHC Housing Market Outlook - Canada Edition released today.

Highlights of the Ontario forecast include:

• U.S. and Canadian economic growth will decelerate but downturn is expected to be shallow.

• High Canadian dollar and slower U.S. consumer spending on durable goods will negatively affect international exports, impacting Ontario's economy.

• Ontario resale volumes will be moderate with 193,000 units this year and 181,000 units next year.

• Ontario home prices will grow at a slower rate, rising 3.5 per cent this year and 2.4 per cent in 2009.

• Windsor and St. Catharine's-Niagara will under-perform due to business ties to a slowing US economy, while Sudbury continues to benefit from high commodity prices.

• Ontario home starts will remain above historical averages with 72,000 units this year and 65,000 units in 2009.

• Apartments will continue to capture a larger share of new construction activity.

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Poll Finds That Many Canadians Not Financially Prepared For An Economic Downturn
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/21/c2478.html?view=print

TORONTO, May 21 /CNW/ - Despite the current volatile economic environment, only a quarter (22 per cent) of Canadians are saving more than they did before, according to a new Account Habits poll released today by RBC. In fact, 43 per cent of respondents are maintaining their current spending habits while one fifth (20 per cent) are spending more. "One need only look at the newspapers or television to see that North America is in an economic downturn," said Ashif Ratanshi, senior vice-president, RBC Branch Investments and Banking. "This is the time for Canadians to re-assess their own finances and ensure they are effectively managing their money so that they can withstand any sudden pitfalls or changes in their lives."

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Give Respect To Gain Respect'
"I am Joachim de Figueiredo, and I will turn 100 on May 29, 2008."
http://www.canada.com/burnabynow/news/story.html

Jennifer Moreau, Burnaby Now
Published: Saturday, May 17, 2008

Who are you?
"I am Joachim de Figueiredo, and I will turn 100 on May 29, 2008."

Tell me about yourself:
Something to celebrate:City resident Joachim de Figueiredo reflects on his 100th birthday.

"I am of Goan (Indian) heritage, born in Pemba, an island off the coast of Tanzania, Africa. At the age of five, I went to live in India and studied there until 1927, when I came back to Africa and worked in Kenya as an accountant for the civil service until I retired in 1968. I was married to my wife, Ivy, for 53 years and had five children, four of whom immigrated to British Columbia. In 1973, we chose to leave Kenya due to the political instability and have since enjoyed the beauty of Vancouver, the security and opportunities offered in Canada together with its friendly people."

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Dr. Indira V. Samarasekera, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Alberta, new member of the Scotiabank 's Board of Directors

TORONTO, May 22 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced the appointment of Dr. Indira V. Samarasekera, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Alberta, and Mr. Thomas C. O'Neill, retired Chair of PwC Consulting, as new members of the Bank's Board of Directors, effective May 26, 2008. "The Board welcomes Dr. Indira Samarasekera and Mr. Thomas O'Neill as new Directors," said Arthur Scace, Chairman of the Board, Scotiabank. "The addition of such capable Canadians reinforces the Board's ability to provide stewardship of the Bank and to supervise the management of the Bank's business and affairs."

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GTA News

A Mother's Day Gift – Mississauga, Ontario
Date: Mon, 12 May 2008
From: dr_ribeiro_goan_school@googlegroups.com

Daughter Desiree won a $10,000 shopping spree at Mall from Radio Station Chum FM for writing a letter to them about her mother Ida Gomes . Her letter was chosen from thousands of letters!

Listen to the winning call and the letter she wrote:
http://www.chumfm.com/Contests/ContestDetails.asp?ContestID=995

TEGSA’S MOTHERS' DAY SPECIAL

Rosalind wins Bingo Prize	8 Mothers Make Karoke
Click to enlarge pictures

It should have been called the Mothers' Day Spectacular. Every lady that walked in was greeted with a chocolate Rose to celebrate all Mothers. The food, catered by Patsy's Catering consisted of shrimp with okra, beef chilli fry, tuna cutlets, mango curry, plain rice and fruit custard for dessert. Could it get more Goan than that? Absolutely delicious.

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Commentary

Zoomers Need To Stop And Think
May 18, 2008
Dow Marmur - http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/426761

Old age is being rebranded. Baby boomers – women and men born soon after World War II and now reaching retirement age – are not to be described as old or seniors, or even as "55 and better," but as zoomers – "boomers with zip."

The term, apparently invented in the United States, has been taken up in Canada by Moses Znaimer, the media entrepreneur, now himself a zoomer.

According to Age Venture, a U.S. online magazine dedicated to "youth'n up your life," a zoomer knows the difference between inevitable and reversible aging, performs daily exercise such as aerobics, eats carefully, has a social support system, a passion "for living life to the fullest" and has put away enough money before retiring. This last point identifies the new retirees, in their vain belief in "reversible aging," as market fodder. Znaimer is reported to have acquired a financial interest in a company promoting zoomer-like activities. He is acting on the fact that zoomers have more money to spend than the previous generation.

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Fighting the mega projects
By Devika Sequeira
Posted on: http://www.GOANET.org

Grassroots resistance to mega housing projects in villages across Goa is redefining the role and the power of the gram sabhas in this tourist destination. Gram sabhas have traditionally been active in Goa. But the spate of protests against the upscale urbanisation of rural Goa that is spreading like a contagion from village to village and gram sabha to gram sabha, is turning the unique sociological phenomenon into a political and legal challenge for the Congress-led government.

In early April, the gram sabha of Carmona in South Goa, resisting the transformation of the small scenic village into an "urban Eldorado for the rich" from outside Goa gave the thumbs down to K Raheja. The realty major's plans to implant an enclave of luxury villas with 93 individual plunge pools into the heart of the village have been frozen by the village panchayat since. Similar upmarket projects are being stonewalled through gram sabhas in the villages of Aldona, Benaulim, Bambolim, Siridao, Chorao to name just a few.

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News Clips from India

India to be eighth wealthiest by 2017
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&sectid=51
Thursday, May 08, 2008

New Delhi: India, with its increasing number of millionaires, is projected to be in the 8th position among the world’s top 10 wealth centres by 2017, says a report by banking giant Barclays. The report further says that emerging markets like India, China and Russia are fast catching up with the rich countries in terms of their wealth. Moreover, by 2017 the four emerging markets - India, China, Brazil and Russia - will have so many millionaires that it would be inappropriate to call them emerging markets, Barclays added.

Worried About Earthquakes ?

Take a look at Map. Zone V highest risk. Zone I least
Web author: vu2rss@eth.net

A View Of Seismic Zones In India

Source - Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)

Britain's First Asian Woman Lord Mayor
15 May 2008, 1320 hrs IST,PTI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indians_Abroad

LONDON: Britain will get its first Asian woman Lord Mayor on Thursday when Ludhiana-born Manjula Sood will take over as the first citizen of the multicultural town of Leicester in the East Midlands. Sood, a teacher and councillor for several decades, will hold the office of Lord Mayor for one year. Until today, Sood was the High Bailiff of Leicester.

Each year the longest serving city councillor is offered the role. That councillor may defer it and if so it is then offered to the next in line and so on. Any member of the public who becomes a city councillor may become Lord Mayor if the person is re-elected enough number of times.

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India To Undertake Massive Uranium Exploration: Kakodkar
http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=77552#

Mumbai, May 12 (IANS) India is making large-scale investments in uranium exploration, helping reduce its dependence on the fate of its nuclear deal with the US to meet energy needs, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman Anil Kakodkar indicated here Sunday.

"We are making massive investment in uranium exploration and if we hit a huge find then the problem is over," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here to mark the 10th anniversary of the Pokhran-II nuclear tests. He said India had already discussed the deal with other countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "Now the rest of the decision is not technical," said Kakodkar, pointing out that the matter was now before the political leadership.

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Ban South Asian Cousin-Marriage: British MP

London, May 11 (IANS) A veteran MP has called for a ban on cousin-marriage - practised by South Asian Muslims - in Britain, claiming it is leading to a striking rise in the incidence of rare recessive disorders, many of them fatal. We give warnings about the dangers of smoking, drinking and taking drugs. It is now time that primary care trusts started doing the same for cousin marriages, said Anne Cryer, an MP from the ruling Labour party and a leading British campaigner on social issues. Cryer's potentially controversial call comes ahead of a major debate to be held by the Royal Society of Medicine later this month to mark 100 years of medical genetics. Cryer said she had Asian constituents whose children were severely disabled.

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India Rice Production May Rise to a Record Next Year on Prices
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=anAmciD.VNwI&refer=india
By Thomas Kutty Abraham

May 16 (Bloomberg) -- India, the world's biggest grower of rice after China, may boost production to a record for a second year as farmers plant more of the crop to benefit from prices at an all-time high, an exporters' group said. Output may climb at least 5 percent from the 95.7 metric million tons forecast this year by the farm ministry, Vijay Sethia, president of the All India Rice Exporters' Association, said in a phone interview. Forecast for a near-normal monsoon, crucial for rain-fed crops including rice, may aid sowing in the year beginning July 1, he said.

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News Clips from Goa

Konkan FRUIT FEST

The 3-day Konkan Fruit Fest held at Campal Promenade in Panjim concluded yesterday after giving glimpses of different varieties of fruits of the Konkan region including exotic ones on display. There were 20 stalls exhibiting not only mangoes and other fruits of Konkan but also different fruit products including wine.

Intel ready to enter Goan classrooms
NT NETWORK
http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=05153

Panaji - Cost-effective Internet-centric computers, dubbed ‘netbooks’ and ‘nettops’ are all set to hit the Goan market with Intel’s smallest processor, the Intel Atom, trying to percolate this product into secondary schools in the state.

“We have spoken to the Education Department about introducing this low cost version of the laptop in schools. We have received a positive reply from them,” said Mr Rajesh Gupta, director, sales and marketing, Intel India. After its successful production in Madhya Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Karnataka, Goa is next on the map of Intel. Sold at a cost of Rs 10,000 to 12,000 these products are equipped with Intel Atom processor.

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Heavenly xit-kodi
The staple diet of xit-kodi is not only the crowning glory of Goa’s cuisine but also the common bond shared by Goans all over the world says Sudha S Amonkar
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp

STAPLE AND SAVOURY: Boiled rice, fish curry, sol kadi, bhaji, kismur, pickle, papad, tisreo... and a host of fried fish to choose from, makes the xit-kodi a delight for Goans and visitors alike. I received a phone call from a friend visiting Goa, who asked a most unexpected question to which I hesitated whilst answering. “What is xit-kodi”? I was silent for a few seconds simply because I was reluctant to give my Bangalore friend a literal translation.

We all know and I am sure my fellow Goans will agree that xit-kodi is not just fish curry and rice. Xit-kodi is a symbol and an integral part of Goan life. Goa has a unique culture where east and west co-exist harmoniously. This sets it apart from any other region in India. The rich and diverse Goan culture is reflected in its cuisine, which is a rich blend of flavours and truly world class.

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Fishermen get hooked on to TUNA
PANAJI: Goan fishermen need not fear about the threat in the decline of the fish catch. Yellow fin tuna abounds in the waters and Indian fishermen recorded an astounding export of this variety worth 29.54 million US in 2006-07. The state fisheries department and the Fisheries Survey of India, last month, jointly conducted workshops at Cutbona, Malim and Vasco jetties to create an awareness about tuna fishing. Excited by this new avenue, 15 trawlers from Goa are in the list for conversion into liners. [Ramdas Volvoikar & Shripad Merchant, TOI]

Another CASINO comes sailing
PANJIM: Even as the BJP in the state has sounded the war bugle against offshore casinos,a third paradise for gamblers is all set to sail in Goa waters. A huge vessel "Pride of Goa, Mumbai" of the Goa Coastal Resorts & Recreation Private Limited has come calling and docked opposite the Panjim ferry wharf. The government has so far received eight applications. They are from Goa Coastal Resorts & recreation Pvt Ltd, Victor Hotels & Motels Ltd, Creative Gaming Solutions Pvt Ltd, UB Infrastructure Projects Ltd, Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Highstreet Cruises & Entertainment P)vt Ltd, VM Salgaocar & Bros Pvt Ltd and Hotel Leela Ventures Ltd.[WE-GT]

Keith Vaz hosts lunch for Churchill Alemao in London
LONDON, May 16: Goa's PWD Minister and Navelim MLA Churchill Alemao enjoyed his birthday today at a lunch held in his honour in the House of Commons by the Rt Hon Keith Vaz, Member of Parliament for Leicester East. Alemao, who was joined by family and friends including singing tiatrist Rita Rose to celebrate his 57th birthday, will make a short tour of the parliamentary estate. Alemao visited 10 Downing Street as part of his visit and he met Chancellor of the Exchequer, MP Alistair Darling. MP Keith Vaz said, “I am thrilled that Churchill Alemao was able to join us in London for his birthday. I know that he has many important meetings to attend whilst he is in London and I am grateful that he has taken the time to celebrate his birthday with us.” Vaz added, “It is important to build strong links with regional as well as central Government.” "HIGHAM, Sara" <HIGHAMS@parliament.uk>

Mother files theft complaint against daughter
MARGAO: A 78-year-old senior citizen has registered a complaint of theft against her own married daughter and son-in-law for their alleged failure to return back to her the gold ornaments valued at Rs.2.10 lakh that were kept in their custody. Colva PSI Brittano Peixote said that "the complainant Mariana Vales of Seraulim has accused her daughter Pilaria Cardozo and her husband Tadeo, residing at Vasco, of having allegedly conspired to steal her gold ornaments when the duo had admitted her to an old age home at Porvorim in 2005". [GT]

Going bananas!
Moira, which is situated close to Mapusa, is unique for growing giant bananas, often referred to as one of the biggest in the world. Cultivating these large bananas is the main tradition of the village, which has over 100 families tending their farms. This practice, however, was nearing an end. But these "wise fools" (history gives Moira villagers this name), worked towards reviving banana cultivation. The revenue generated from the sale of these bananas has made Moira banana farming a lucrative business. [Joseph Zuzarte, TOI]

Goans turning away from beaches
PANAJI: An increasing number of Goans, who had enjoyed a visit to the beaches in the past, are beginning to feel alienated from the beaches because of the overwhelming presence of tourists and tourist-related businesses and the resulting chaos in the seashore environment. The inflow of large number of tourists over the years from different parts of the country as well as abroad has changed the scenario on the Goan beaches with locals now having to struggle to find places. [NT]

New bridge on the Zuari river
PANAJI: The next time you plan a celebratory meal, you may want to consider a restaurant that offers a 360-degree aerial view of a shimmering Zuari river. For if the designs for the proposed new four-lane Zuari bridge take shape, the overpass will do more than just ferry people across the river. On the designer's palette for this cable-stayed bridge is a revolving restaurant, perched atop a pylon (tall metal structure), 110 metres above the deck. A second bridge on the Zuari has been necessitated after its 25-year-old counterpart showed signs of distress due to 'high salinity and increased traffic'. [Joaquim Fernandes, TOI]

 Obituary

John Anthony D’Souza
Contributed by Philomena D'Souza

It is with great sadness that the family of John (Johno) Anthony D’Souza announces his passing after a brief illness, on Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 at Trillium Hospital in Mississauga, Ontario. Johno was born on April 27th, 1940 - Nairobi, Kenya.

Johno attended the Catholic Parochial & St.Teresa’s Boy’s School. His favorite sport was soccer and he played for the Crusaders. He worked for R.S. Campbell in Nairobi and later immigrated to Canada in the early 1970’s, and settled with his parents (Fortunado & Anna Clara) in Mississauga, Ontario. He worked for many years as a Mechanic for Canadian Tire Store #152 at Dixie & Dundas, Mississauga.

Johno will be sadly missed by his dear brothers/sister-in-law Quintin/Philomena D’Souza and Francis D’Souza (Montreal) and his dear sisters/brothers-in-law: Lucy/Frank Fernandes; Rose/Rufino Soares (Orillia); Angela Fernandes and Marie/Robert D’Costa (England). He will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

People Places and Things

Canadians shine in Rosemarie Meschi Awards

Jeannine Pereira was the recipient of the prestigious Rosemary Merchi Award for her passion and effective execution of inclusiveness strategies at a gala dinner event at Toronto's Westin Harbour Castle with more than 900 attendees of Ernst & Young's Women's Leadership Conference which honoured the service of six outstanding advocates for gender equity at Ernst & Young. Jeannine is also highly gifted in many other areas - a true all-rounder! Jeannine is the daughter of Delphine & Errol Francis and daughter-in-law of Audrey & Hubert Pereira, well known for their high level of commitment to the Goan community.

Aaron Pereira, Named In List Of Young Global Leaders By The World Economic Forum.
http://www.weforum.org/en/Communities/Young%20Global%20Leaders/index.htm

Aaron Pereira, co-founder of the non-profits Canada Helps and Vartana, along with Canada's environment minister John Baird, CBC Television's programming director Kirstine Layfield, and Stornoway Diamonds Corp. CEO Eira Thomas, are among four Canadians named as young global leaders by the World Economic Forum.

See list at: http://www.weforum.org/pdf/YGL.pdf

Aaron is the son of Flavia & Tony Pereira from Mississauga.

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Dance of the Peacock
Cheryl Antao Xavier launched her collection of poems entitled Dance of the Peacock at the Streetsville Arts Fest (Mississauga) on Friday, 23rd May . Many of her poems are based on life in Karachi and have a strong South Asian flavour. It would be entertaining reading. Attached is a poster of the book and you can get further information at the following link:

http://www.federationofpoets.com/feature.htm
Published by In Our Words
In association with A Type of Magic
Reviews for Dance of the Peacock:

"Dance of the Peacock is a beautifully crafted display of scintillating poetry in a divine layout that is delicious to the senses. It is a gracious voyage through a lifetime of experiences and observations. Cheryl conquers any topic and extracts gifts that you may not be conscious of, but are now immediately aware. She uses all elements of creativity to provide not just a reading adventure, but a destination of enlightenment."

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New Book by Blanche D'Souza launched on May 1 2008.

Title: Harnessing the Trade Winds
Author: Blanche Rocha D'Souza
ISBN: 9966712321
Extent: 204 pages
Date of Publication: May 1 2008
Publishers: Zand Graphics Ltd (Publishers of Challenge to Colonialism, Unquiet - the life and times of Makhan Singh)
Email of author: johbla@africaonline.co.ke

Goan Recipe
Chicken Cafreal
Chef: Mrs.Cafrina Martins Corner Belbatin, Goa

Ingredients:
2 pieces chicken
1 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp chopped coriander
1 piece cinnamon
6 cloves
1 small piece ginger
5 green chillies
6 pieces garlic
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
2 pieces cardamom
1 tsp vinegar4 tsp white rum
4 tbsp oil
10 onion rings

Method: Add salt to chicken and cook in water on full flame for 3 minutes.

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Announcements

Message From Antonio Mascarenhas
President -Calangute Association, Canada
E-mail: villa.fatima@sympatico.ca

May 18th, 2008: On behalf of the members of the Calangute Association, Canada, I send our best wishes to all the Goans around the world on the 9th Anniversary of the World Goa Day to be held on August 20th, 2008. Let us toast ourselves to our past, present and future and to our unique Goan heritage!  We have designated our forthcoming event, the Seventeenth Anniversary Gala Ball / Annual Social of the Calangute Association, Canada to be held on Saturday September 13 th, 2008, to be part of our Goa Day celebrations and we invite all Goans to attend our 2008 forthcoming event to be held in Rexdale (Toronto), Canada.

Best wishes to all Goans around the World.

Antonio Mascarenhas
President- Calangute Association, Canada

Events

TORONTO EAST GOAN SENIORS ASSOCIATION (T E G S A) - 2008 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 2008

2008 Goan International Conference, Toronto

Download Forms Here

For more information see: http://2008goanconvention.com/program2.php
Click to Download Trifold Flyer which gives details of all events

Health & Wellness

High Blood Pressure Rates Still Very High, Particularly For Some Ethnic Groups, Warns Heart And Stroke Foundation
Those of South Asian or Black descent are three times more likely to be hypertensive
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/19/c9206.html?view=print

TORONTO, May 19 /CNW/ - A recent study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario warns that blood pressure rates represent a significant risk to the general population and are particularly high in key ethnic groups. Results from a new study, the Ontario Survey on the Prevalence and Control of Hypertension (ON-BP) were published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

The study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Statistics Canada found that in 2006, nearly 1.5 million or 21% of Ontarians are living with hypertension. Of these, more than 500,000 Ontarians were suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure.

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There's something lurking in the soil this gardening season - and most Canadians don't know it's there!

-National survey shows 30 per cent of Canadians are not protected against tetanus and more than half aren't aware that tetanus bacteria are found in soil-

OTTAWA, May 12 /CNW/ - With the May long weekend just over, many Canadians are gearing up for gardening season! But those who have not had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years could be putting themselves at risk of contracting this serious, potentially deadly disease. A recent Leger Marketing survey found that while most Canadians are aware of the tetanus shot, three in 10 said they have not received a tetanus shot in more than 10 years. To help people feel confident and protected while gardening this May long weekend, the Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion (CCIAP) is calling on all Canadians to check their immunization records, and to visit their doctor or local clinic if they are due for a booster.

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Seniors 'Discover The Possibilities'
Ontario Government Kicks Off Seniors' Month

TORONTO, May 21 /CNW/ - Seniors can 'Discover the Possibilities' during this year's 24th annual Seniors' Month. The province has designated June as a time to recognize and celebrate the ongoing contributions seniors make to the province, their communities and their families. This year's theme - 'Discover the Possibilities' - was kicked off in Niagara-on-the-Lake with the launch of the SeniorsInfo.ca ( http://seniorsinfo.ca/ ) website. The website will make it easier for seniors to access local information, programs and services from all levels of government.

QUOTES
"This year's theme for Seniors' Month is 'Discover the Possibilities' and what better place for our kick-off event than in a library surfing the net," said Aileen Carroll, Ontario Minister of Culture and Minister Responsible for Seniors.

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Health Canada Finds 2,4-D Can Be Used Safely

OTTAWA, May 16 /CNW Telbec/ - Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) concluded its re-evaluation of the popular herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), finding that the herbicide can be used safely according to label directions for a variety of lawn, turf and agricultural applications.

In issuing the decision, the PMRA stated in its Information Note, "Health Canada also consulted an independent Science Advisory Panel comprised of government and university experts/researchers in toxicology, epidemiology and biology. The Panel agreed with Health Canada's assessment that 2,4-D can be used safely when used according to label directions, with some uses requiring additional protective measures."

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Forum Brings Together Experts To Tackle Issue Of Aging Drivers

TORONTO, May 8 /CNW/ - Stakeholders from across the country converged on Toronto today for the Aging Driver Mobility Forum. The Forum addressed the challenges Ontario will face as the aging population puts more older drivers on Ontario's roads.

"Everybody ages differently and we don't want to send the message that all older drivers are dangerous, because it's simply not true," said Mark Yakabuski, President & CEO, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). "Really, the problem we need to address is medically-at-risk drivers."

The Forum is sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, the Ontario Safety League, IBC and Ontario Seniors' Secretariat. Experts in medical reporting, driver licensing, road safety and social support are taking a comprehensive look at the issue of medically-at-risk drivers. Attendees aren't just concerned with keeping Canada's roads safe. They are discussing innovative ways to support medically-at-risk drivers and their families in maintaining mobility and quality of life.

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Retired Or Planning To Retire ?
Take Control Now: Advice From Canadian Retirees To Those Next In Line

First TD Waterhouse Canadians and Retirement survey reveals state of retirement in Canada

• More than half (54%) of retirees say it's important to start saving early and make it a priority

• 59% urge pre-retirees to take the time now to understand what they want from retirement

• Majority (53%) advise pre-retirees to pay off debt before they retire

• Close to two-thirds recommend pre-retirees take care of physical and emotional health

TORONTO, May 12 /CNW/ - Start saving early, make saving a priority and pay off debts before you stop working, or you may not live your retirement dreams. This is the top advice from Canadian retirees in TD Waterhouse's first Canadians and Retirement survey, a national survey of retired people. The Canadians and Retirement survey polled retired Canadians from across the country to provide insight for the next generation of retirees. Of retired Canadians, 43% feel confident that they planned well and saved enough, but only 15% say they are completely living out their retirement dreams.

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Juice 'prevents clogged arteries'
BBC NEWS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7405566.stm

Juices made from apples or purple grapes - and the fruit themselves - protect against developing clogged arteries, a study suggests. Researchers fed hamsters the fruit and juice or water, plus a fatty diet. The animals who were fed grape juice had the lowest risk of developing artery problems, Molecular Nutrition and Food Research reports. The University of Montpellier team said the juice's benefits came from its high levels of phenols - an antioxidant. Antioxidants in various foods have been regularly cited as being beneficial to heart health. The French team looked at how juicing affected the phenol content of fruit - because most studies look at raw fruit.

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Certified General Accountants Association Of Ontario Launches Grassroots Governance Guide For Non-Profit Sector

TORONTO, May 8 /CNW/ - Transparency and accountability are key factors to the success of non-profit organizations. Answering the call for a comprehensive reference tool for this sector, The Certified General Accountants of Ontario recently launched a new guide entitled Grassroots
Governance: Governance and the Non-Profit Sector.

Good governance practices are important to every economic sector. For small volunteer-driven non-profits, however, good governance is up close and personal. "This booklet covers good governance basics in plain language as well as many of the issues volunteers frequently ask to have addressed," says Michelle Causton, FCGA, author of the booklet. Grassroots Governance provides a great starting point for volunteers and board members who want information on good governance for their grassroots organization. Chiefly, the booklet addresses the top issues facing volunteer boards of directors. These include the role of volunteers in good governance, ways to balance transparency and accountability, and how to guide the organization as it matures and grows.

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