Canada's immigration and refugee
system is broken. The
Immigration and Refugee Act is
innately flawed and has created
a dangerously dysfunctional
immigration system in Canada.
The law is fraught with
loopholes and lax rules that
encourage fraud, pose security
threats to Canada and facilitate
illegal immigration while
creating roadblocks to
legitimate refugee claimants and
immigrants.
.
Catholic Bishop Slams
Facebook
"Friendship is
not a commodity," Sunday,
August 2, 2009 8:57 PM |
Newsmax.com
Facebook, Twitter, texts and
e-mails are undermining
communities, families and
friendships, according to the
leader of the Roman Catholic
Church in England and Wales.
Canadian Prime Minster
Stephen Harper greets
Indo-Canadian community on
India's Independence
Aug 09
2009: Prime Minister
Stephen Harper has extended
greetings to the Indo-Canadian
community as they mark the 62nd
Anniversary of India’s
Independence.
Immigration and Refugee Board
of Canada Recast
Aug 08
2009: Citizenship,
Immigration and Multiculturalism
Minister Jason Kenney announced
10 full-time appointments and
one full-time reappointment to
the Immigration and Refugee
Board of Canada (IRB).
An Australian legislator has
called for a sharp reduction in
the number of immigrants allowed
in the country, along with more
rigorous background checks on
new settlers. The intent is to
determine whether immigrants
from Africa or the Middle East
have links to fundamentalist
groups.
US Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton has described as
disappointing Kenya's failure to
investigate a bout of deadly
violence after the 2007
election. Speaking in Nairobi on
the first day of her African
tour, Mrs Clinton urged the
Kenyan authorities to end
impunity.
UNDP:
Poverty, Conflict Inhibit Arab
Development VOA
News | By Meredith Buel |
Washington, DC | 31 July 2009
UNDP
5th Arab Development Report:
A report by more than 100
intellectuals from Arab
countries says poverty,
unemployment, authoritarian rule
and conflict are undermining
freedoms and quality of life for
people in the Middle East and
North Africa, according to the
Arab Human Development Report,
which was presented at a recent
event in Washington.
Commentary
The
statements, opinions, or views in the articles may not
necessarily reflect that of the Goan Voice Canada.
Two years from now, Canada will reach a historic
turning point. There won't be enough new workers
joining the labour force to replace those who are
retiring. Employers will have to hire immigrants to
succeed.
Is
(Canadian) Citizenship Now Defined By The Colour Of Your Skin?
Suaad Hagi Mohamud gave all kinds of ID, but was
declared an "imposter." TheStar.com -
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/679862
August 12, 2009 | Christopher Hume
The DNA tests Suaad Hagi Mohamud was forced to undergo
last week proved not only that she is who she says she is, but also
that she is Canadian.
People Places and Things
WORLD GOA DAY
CELEBRATIONS –The World Over
Listing compiled by: Rene Barreto (goanint@yahoo.co.uk)
Overall Co-ordinator – World Goa Day
Pictures
captured by an Indo- Canadian tourist of a mid-air
collision of two aircraft in US, have become much
sought after. A sightseeing helicopter and a small
piper aircraft collided and crashed in the waters of
the Hudson River Saturday in New York and New
Jersey.
28-Jul-2009:
The three-day Punjabi World Conference,
inaugurated on July 24th by Jason Kenney, the
federal Minister Citizenship, Immigration and
Multiculturism, concluded on 26th July with a
magnificent farewell function. In the session,
embroidered with attractive cultural items, Ontario
cabinet minister Harinder Takhar along with member
parliament from Alberta Devinder Shorey and his
counterparts from Ontario Gurbax Singh Malhi and
Bonnie honoured about 60 visiting writers and
scholars who had gathered in city of Brampton from
India, Europe, Canada and USA. Vick Dhillon MPP was
also present.
News Clips from Goa
Central team arriving in Goa today
A special team from the national capital will arrive
in Goa on August 12 to monitor the HINI swine flu
situation in the state. The Chief Minister, Mr
Digambar Kamat told media persons on Tuesday evening
that he was informed about the arrival of the team
by the Union Health Minister, Mr Gulam Nabi Azad on
Tuesday morning, during a telephonic conversation.
[NT]
Dry spell yet to prick agriculture dept
Although the total seasonal rainfall (194.48) up to
now is just about the same as past averages, the
state is witnessing an extreme dry spell which has
now stretched to almost 18 days, worrying farmers
and officials in the water resources department.
According to the Met office at Altinho, a meager
5.48 cms of rainfall has been recorded till date
since July 23. [GT]
Shubha Mudgal and Goa
Almost everyone in Goa may have heard of singer
Shubha Mudgal, the Indian classical singer par
excellence. Her track 'Dholna' has been covered by
just about every popular band in Goa. Not many may
know that her band features two accomplished Goan
musicians, keyboard wizard Merlin D'Souza and jazz
bassplayer Colin D'Cruz. Merlin and Colin have been
a part of Shubha Mudgals fusion ensemble called 'Koshish'
for close to a decade.
Govt criticized for amending Panchayati Raj Act
The Aquem Baixo village panchayat gram sabha witness
protest against the amendment to the Panchayati Raj
Act in the recently concluded session of the Goa
Legislative Assembly. The members as well as the
panchas felt that the government by this has
curtailed the powers of the elected representatives
giving sweeping powers to the panchayats secretary.
[NT]
English versions of Konkani songs worry Tomazinho
Would translating popular Konkani lyrics into
English, with rhyme and meter, make expats lose the
possibility of buildings links with home via
language and culture? Former Speaker Tomazinho
Cardozo, a man of Konkani stage and music world who
even performed while he was in the Speaker’s chair,
feels so. [GT]
Leaf insect, a true marvel of Mhadei wildlife
Sanctuary
When the attention is diverted from the beaches due
to monsoons, Goa’s rural-scale has laid a green
carpet for the enthusiasts who will see the nature
at its best. Right from the Malabar gliding frog
that is found only in Sahyadri hill to the tiny
insects hanging on the trees, it’s entire a new
adventurous world in the lap of Mother Nature.
[H]
Salgaocar to donate ferry boat to govt
The Sanvordem MLA and noted industrialist, Mr Anil
Salgaocar will donate a new ferry boat, remodeled to
work efficiently in the Goan conditions, to the
state government. The ferry boat, which will carry
passengers and two-wheelers, besides ambulances, is
expected to ply on the Volvoi – Surla/ Maina route
from December 19, 2009.
[NT]
Twelve mines face closure
Around twelve mines face closure for operating
without mandatory permissions including those which
are in close proximity to the wildlife sanctuaries
in the state. Director of Department of science,
Technology and Environment Michael D’Souza, through
a letter, has directed the Goa State Pollution
Control Board (GSPCB), to stop mines which have not
obtained any clearances from the statutory
authorities. [H]
With India’s central government dilly-dallying on
some pressing NRI issues, including the proposed
welfare fund for recession-hit returnees, some major
manpower exporting states have taken the lead in
taking substantive steps for the welfare of their
diaspora.
Migration from Goa,especially among Christians,
started in the early 16th century and continues till
today A curious but not surprising detail has been
brought to light by the Goa Migration Study 2008.
That seventy-four per cent of those who emigrate
from Goa are Christian.
Christians are a mere 2.5 per cent of the
country’s population. But, the Church in India
suffers from a case of plenty, says Remy Denis, All
India Catholic Union President.
Church authorities control funds equivalent to the
Indian Navy’s annual budget. The Church is also the
second largest employer after the government, he
said.
PANAJI:
Goans can now sing along with their
preferred singers as all time Konkani favourites
like Cathrina', Claudia', Bandra Festak', and other
hit songs of the yesteryears have been put together
in one book.
Original hits of the last 50 years are available, in
Konkani, besides some popular Portuguese and Swahili
songs too, have been compiled by non resident Goans
from Toronto, Canada, Francis Rodrigues. Unavailable
music of the likes of Chris Perry, Frank Fernand, M
Boyer, Alfred Rose and others is now available -
transcribed note-for-note.
PANAJI: Goa
expects to pool about 21.5 MW of power from the
‘Ratnagiri combined cycle power project’ to meet its
rising electricity demands, State Power Minister, Mr
Alexio Sequiera, said. “In all, 21.5 MW power is
allocated from Ratnagiri combined cycle power
project, for which the power purchase agreement (PPA)
is to be executed with Ratnagiri Gas and Power
Project Ltd,” Mr Sequiera, told the State
Legislative Assembly last week.
News Clips from India
India pays couples to put off having children The Observer, Sunday 2 August
2009-
guardian.co.uk
home
First cash payouts to families who delay having
a child as India's population threatens to overtake
China's
Thousands of couples in India who agreed to put off
having babies for at least two years after their
wedding will collect cash payments this month as
health officials attempt to curb the country's rapidly
growing population.
Six Christians have been killed in religious unrest in
Pakistan's central Punjab, after days of tension
sparked by the rumoured desecration of a Koran.
Two years after the British army abandoned a proposal
to raise a Sikh regiment, the country's reining
monarch has got her first Sikh bodyguards. Queen
Elizabeth II, Britain's 83-year-old sovereign, will be
guarded by two turbaned and bearded men in their 20s.
“I will even walk barefoot for the minorities if
any of their rights or freedom is violated,” said
governor Hans Raj Bharadwaj
Karnataka governor has reiterated his pledge to
protect minority Christians and Muslims in the state
when he called on Archbishop Bernard Moras at his
residence on August 10, to greet the prelate on his
birthday.
Indian petroleum giant Essar Group acquires stake
in Kenya refinery Published on 01/08/2009 | By
Morris Aron
Indian petroleum giant, Essar Group, has concluded its
bid to acquire a 50 per cent stake in Kenya Petroleum
Refineries Ltd (KPRL).
Researchers have been testing a new type of
drought-tolerant rice that could be the next big thing
for India’s agriculture industry, especially its dry
eastern region. And it goes against the grain,
considering rice is usually quite a water guzzler.
Obituary
+Ninfa de Souza
Passed away peacefully on August 12,2009, in her 89th year. Predeceased by her husband Jovita. Beloved mother of Robert (Isabel) and Grandmother of Filipe and Sonia. Sister of the late Rufino (Nina), Idilho and Crispo (Celina) Sister-in-law of the late Francisco (Palmira), Florence, and Mario. Funeral services and interment were held on August 24, 2009 in Toronto, Canada.
+ Peter Rocha
16
Aug: Brampton, Ont. Canada PETER
ROCHA. (Ex Mombasa/Tanga/Kampala). Beloved husband of
Renee. Loving father of Fiona/James, Iona & Floyd. Cherished
"Granddad" of Matthew & Mark. Dear brother of Lena, Sabena &
Philomena & of the late Felix & Hilary. Visitation will be
held at Brampton Memorial Chapel and Visitation Centre 10061
Chinguacousy Road, at Bovaird on Fri. August 21 from 2-4 and 7-9
p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at St Jerome's Church 8530
Chinguacousy Road, North of Steeles, Brampton on Saturday August 22
at 9.30a.m, followed by cremation. In memory of Peter, donations to
the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Condolences to
floyd.rocha@hotmail.com
+ Lloyd Thomas
THOMAS, Lloyd - Lloyd passed
away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2009 at the Rouge Valley
Centenary Hospital in Scarborough. Beloved husband to Margaret,
loving father to Michael, Christopher and Nicholas. Cherished son to
Edwin and the late Iris Thomas. Devoted to sisters Lorraine Aubry
(John), Karen Vallee (Curtis), brother Trevor (Bonnie),
parents-in-law Charles and Zita D'Cruz, their children and extended
family. Lloyd will be remembered by family and friends as a
wonderful and talented man, a great husband, father and godfather
and for his quick wit and humour. His countless acts of kindness and
generosity will never be forgotten. A visitation will be held at the
Highland Funeral Home, 3280 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough on
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 from 6-9 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 19
from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday,
August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Church, 59 Heather Road,
Scarborough. Interment to follow at Christ the King Cemetery. For
those who wish, donations may be made to the Easter Seals Society or
to Providence Healthcare Centre. Your passing is a loss to all. We
love you and miss you.
Message from Toronto Star
+ Custodio Pereira
Died gracefully in his 98th year on Sunday, August 16, 2009. He will
be deeply missed by his wife of 65 years, Bella. He will be fondly
remembered by his sons Rev. Martin Pereira (Pastor, St. Pius X
Church, Toronto), Manuel (Lydia) and Maurice (Fatima). He will be
greatly missed by his grandchildren Anastasia, Terence, Leon and
Glynis. The family would like to thank all those who cared for
Custodio, especially the palliative care team at Dorothy Ley Hospice
for the wonderful care they provided. Friends may call at the Turner
& Porter “Peel” Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St. Mississauga (Hwy. 10, N.
of QEW) 905-279-7663 from 6 – 8:30 pm on Tuesday, August 18, 2009.
Prayers at 6 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 19,
2009 at 10:30 am at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, 4070 Central Parkway
E., Mississauga. Interment Assumption Cemetery. For those who wish,
donations to St. Pius X Renovation Fund, (2305 Bloor St. W.,
Toronto, ON M6S 1P1) would be greatly appreciated by the family as
your expression of sympathy.
D'SOUZA, Joanita - Passed away peacefully on August 11, 2009, our
dearest mother Joanita Mary D'Souza of Mississauga, Ontario, at the
age of 84. Beloved wife of the late Thomas D'Souza. Loving mother of
Trevor (Elie), Stephen (Thelma), Denzil (Cookie), Henry, Melvyn
(May), and Joyce (Keith); proud grandmother and great-grandmother.
Funeral Mass held at Merciful Redeemer Roman Catholic Church,
Mississauga on Saturday, August 15, with Interment Assumption
Cemetery.
Notice based on Toronto Star
announcement
Announcements
Railway Goan Institute Centenary
On Sunday September 20, 2009,
former members of the Railway Goan Institute will be
celebrating the centenary of the club with a social in
Mississauga.
Click for Flyer
The
Goan Archives Project
Mission:
The Goan Archives mission is to assemble, preserve,
organize, and store, publications and documents generated by
Goan Community Groups in Canada over the last 40 years. The
intent is to facilitate study and understanding of the
Community by scholars and researchers in the future.
Events
55
PLUS GOAN ASSOCIATION – West GTA
55PLUS GOAN ASSOCIATION- WEST GTA
INC is pleased to share with you some of the highlights of our
summer achievements.....
The spread of swine flu is fast emerging as
No 1 healthcare emergency not just in the
country but the world over. Despite the
issue being in the media for a long time,
there continue to be ignorance and
mis-information about the disease and how to
handle it. Indian Medical Association,
Nagpur Centre, has come up with a
information dossier on the subject. We
reproduce it here for the benefit of our
readers.
With a
Broken Hip Comes Higher Risk for Dying
Expert warns that consequences of
osteoporosis go far beyond weak bones
By Ed Edelson | HealthDay Reporter | Posted
August 4, 2009
TUESDAY, Aug. 4 (HealthDay
News) -- Older people who break a
hip have nearly a 25 percent chance of dying
in the next five years, a Canadian study has
found.
NEW YORK -
A common treatment that uses medical
cement to fix cracks in the spinal bones of
elderly people worked no better than a sham
treatment, the first rigorous studies of the
popular procedure reveal.
Remember when your parents used to say that
tea would stunt your growth? That couldn't
be farther from the truth. Medicinal
properties in tea are beneficial to your
health and well-being. Tea contains
vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A cup
of tea has less than half the caffeine of
coffee and is gentler on the body. While tea
may not give you the fast kick that you get
with a cup of coffee, it will certainly
boost your energy levels and your immune
system.
Goan
Voice designed and compiled by
Demerg Systems India
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