100th Investiture of the Order of Canada
The Governor General presents the insignia to Hector Jacques.
Excerpts from: http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=5205

OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presided over an investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday October 26, 2007. The Order of Canada, our country’s highest civilian honour, was awarded for the first time in 1967. Over the years, more than 5 000 people have been invested into the Order of Canada. This ceremony is the 100th investiture of the Order of Canada.

Hector J. Jacques, O.C. of Dartmouth, N.S. was made an Officer of the Order.

In 1972, Hector Jacques co-founded Jacques Whitford, an environmental consulting firm that has since become a world leader in earth sciences engineering. Now chair of Jacques Whitford, he is a visionary entrepreneur who has built a reputation for excellence, notably in environmental impact assessments and geotechnical engineering. A champion of economic development in Atlantic Canada, he has nurtured young engineers and business leaders by establishing a mentoring program at his firm. Also active in his community, he has served as a director on the Nova Scotia Voluntary Planning Board and on the Black Business Initiative Board.

Pope Benedict XVI Names 23 New Cardinals

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI named 23 new cardinals at the end of his weekly general audience Oct. 17 and said he would formally install the cardinals during a special consistory at the Vatican Nov. 24.

The new cardinals represent 15 countries on five continents. Eight of the new cardinals are current or retired Vatican officials, 13 are current or retired heads of archdioceses around the world and two are former rectors of the main pontifical universities in Rome.

Notable among the 23 are:
• Indian Archbishop Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, 62.
• Kenyan Archbishop John Njue of Nairobi, 63.

Archbishop Oswald Gracias of Mumbai
Most Rev. Gracias -- a native of Orlim -- is the fourth Cardinal of Goan origin, after Cardinal Valerian Gracias of Bombay, Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro of Karachi and Cardinal Ivan Dias of Bombay. Archbishop Gracias and 22 other prelates from different parts of the world, who were appointed Cardinals by Pope Benedict, will be created cardinals in a consistory on November 24, the eve of the Feast of Christ the King.

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Archbishop John Njue of Nairobi

Njue is the second cardinal in Kenya’s history, after the late Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga who was elevated to that rank by Pope Paul VI in 1973. Otunga died in 2003.

Njue will join the Sacred College of Cardinals, which assists the Holy Father in governing the universal Church. Cardinals below the age of 80 elect a new Pope.

According to a report by the Catholic News Agency, currently there are 105 cardinals under the age of 80 in the Sacred College of Cardinals, which leaves 15 vacancies to reach the normal total of 120.

This month the former Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano and American Cardinal Edmund Szoka will both turn 80, bringing the total number of open spots to 17.

Archbishop Njue was appointed head of Nairobi on October 6. Until then, he was Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri and chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC). He was also Apostolic Administrator of Murang'a Diocese.

Njue will be installed at the Holy Family Basilica on Thursday, November 1

Quebec Pension Fund Plans to Invest in India
http://www.thestar.com/default
October 23, 2007

Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, Canada's biggest pension-fund manager, plans to invest in Indian real estate for the first time and may spend up to $1.6 billion there in the next five years.
SITQ, the Caisse office-building unit that owns about $10.6 billion worth of property, may have as much as 15 per cent of its assets in India by 2012, chief executive Paul Campbell said. SITQ currently has no investments in the country.
The fund manager is moving into the world's second-most populous nation to boost returns as rising borrowing costs make U.S. assets less attractive. Real estate development in the country is forecast to increase to $90 billion (U.S.) by 2015 from $12 billion in 2005, Moody's Investors Service said in a June report.
"We are really focused on India right now," Campbell said in an interview at Caisse headquarters in Montreal. "This is the future, this is where the growth is going to be. We have no choice but to be there, or our returns over the next 20 years are going to lag."
Campbell, who plans to travel to India later this month, said SITQ would probably focus on cities such as Mumbai and Hyderabad. The company will work with local partners since Indian law limits foreign control of real estate.

Son of Indian immigrants pledges to change Louisiana's reputation for corruption
The Associated PressPublished: October 21, 2007

KENNER, Louisiana: Louisiana's new governor-elect, the son of Indian immigrants, wants to strike at the heart of the state's reputation for cronyism and corruption.

A day after Bobby Jindal's historic win, the Republican congressman pressed ahead with his campaign pledge to clean up the state's image. He said in an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday that one of his first acts will be to call a special legislative session to reform ethics laws.

"I think we're setting the bar too low when we say, 'Look, isn't it great that we haven't had a statewide elected official go to jail recently?'" Jindal said.

"The reality is there are a lot of practices that are accepted ways of doing business in Baton Rouge that are considered unethical in other parts of the country, that are considered illegal in other parts of the country," Jindal said.

The son of immigrants on Saturday won more than 50 percent of the vote in a primary election to make him Louisiana's first non-white governor since the 1970s and the United States' first Indian-American chief executive. That tally averted the need for a November runoff election.

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The future of the Goan Overeas Association (G.O.A.) as seen in 1953
Excerpt from Dr. Ribeiro Goan School – Silver Jubilee Brochure

SOME THOUGHTS AT RANDOM
By R. A. OLIVER. M.B.E.

Harking back to the past, when the community faced many handicaps in adjusting itself to provide amenities which make for a contented and a worthwhile existence amongst the conglomeration of races, my thoughts turned to the Goan Overseas Association and its child, the Dr. Ribeiro Goan School. I felt a flutter when I realised the school had a quarter of a century’s existence behind it and I could not help but admire its efforts to equip the younger generation of Goans with the means to enable them to go out into the world to fend for themselves and hold their own; the untold benefits the community enjoys in the boon of unsplit homes and family life were not possible in the time of our less fortunate pioneers; and how the Association tries to keep before the public and the authorities the importance of a community which has been here and served the country and the Government from the very inception of British rule in these territories.

Turning to the Goan Overseas Association, which is the only representative institution of the community, it is badly in need of more workers and greater membership.

Why is it that these institutions lack that whole-hearted co-operation and goodwill which some few may be willing to give and many more hold back? Is it due to lack of real leadership or of the will to help themselves as a community?

When questioned recently at a meeting of Europeans, Colonel Grogan replied that there was no one leader, as the term is generally understood, since everyone was an individualist. Is this then the case with us also? Superficially this would appear to be so, but I have a feeling that it is not. Is it then that we have no willing followers? For if there are no followers there can be no question of leadership. This also cannot be the case, as, if you look around you see the other social clubs enjoy popularity and all are progressing. They have huge structures raised at great cost to themselves in labour and money given with a hearty goodwill.

Individually also many are prospering in their careers or in their private affairs. This then seems to be the root of the evil and we are content to adopt the slogan ‘each one for himself’.

None perhaps can quarrel with this, but then this gives rise to the thought of whether a community can get on and progress without a representative institution of its own in a country where all are ‘receivers” and where the competition amongst its individual components is great.

In my opinion no community can get very far if it has no representative institution to fight for it; to bring before the authorities and its members all its aspirations and intentions; to further the case for its advancement. A well-supported institution is also essential to give a community importance amongst the other sister communities.

Well, what is our share in the effort and why the lethargy. Some who could do a measure of good in social work keep away. A good many others keep away because they cannot bear being ignored or are content to let matters be, and yet will not hesitate to grab, almost jumping over the shoulders of others to do so, the benefits obtained through the efforts of others.

We today cannot live as individualistically as we desire, as our survival calls for a life making demands on us and confronting us with responsibilities which we cannot shirk.

We who have grown old and hoary and have only a short span of life left and having heard the whistle, must down tools and quit sooner or later. As old owls we can only hoot in the lofts now. The service of the community will be the burden of the younger men and women and it will be their responsibility to carry on the work of their elders. If they think the older people have been failures they must profit by these failures and do better. They must keep their citadel unconquered and their flags flying for those who will come after them and who are still in the school which this year celebrates its silver jubilee.

It is up to you, young men and women; “No one can lower you, or cheapen you, or rob you of your goodness except yourselves. You do not have to accept bad thoughts that originate in other minds. You can close your minds to those bad thoughts by thinking good thoughts of your own. Give yourselves the breaks. Think well of yourselves. Prove your goodness by demonstrating it. You will lear

Agonda sailor succumbs to attack in England
CANACONA, Oct 22: A young sailor from Agonda employed on cargo ship "The Garonne" was killed on October 20 night after he was mercilessly attacked by a group of 20 teenagers outside a hotel in Southampton-England. The death of Gregory Kiran Fernandes (32) has outraged people all over England and has shocked residents of the coastal villages in Canacona taluka. He had gone on a night-out at the Falcon hotel in Southampton along with a colleague.[H]

‘Sea level rise may spell doom for Goa’ Dated 2007-10-20 If Goa experiences one metre sea level rise (SLR), the State is likely to lose nearly 4.5% of its total area, warned Dr Nandkumar Kamat of Goa University. He gave a detailed presentation on what impact Goa is likely to face if SLR rises steadily, at a two-day media workshop organised by Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh, National Institute of Oceanography, World Wildlife Fund and Goa Government being held at Dona Paula. He said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, representing the thinking of the world community of climate scientists presented a report in February this year, stating that by 2100 the seas would probably rise by 18-59 centimetres. The worse case scenario is about one metre, he said. Seas, he said are rising faster than predictions of most pessimistic computer models adding that there are danger signs for Indians emanating from these developments. Studies have shown that sea level has risen at the rate of 2.5 mm per year along the Indian coastline since 1950s. The mean SLR for India’s coast is between 15 and 38 cm by mid-21st century, Dr Kamat said. The rapid urbanisation along the coast might spell doom for the cities.

The Snakes of Goa Literati invites you to a session on The Snakes of Goa by Rahul Alvares on 28th October 2007 at 11.30 a.m. There will be a slide presentation followed by a discussion. The talk will cover different aspects described in his book The Call of the Snake including how to identify snakes, myths about snakes, how to deal with snake bites etc. Rahul’s travels through the snake world of India which resulted in his book "Free From School" in which he describes the benefits of his year away from school shall naturally be a essential part of his presentation. For those of you who don’t know Rahul, Rahul learnt snake handling at the Pune snake park, spider rearing at Madras, and croc handling under Romulus Whitaker at the Croc bank in Mammallapuram. Rahul has been retrieving snakes from human habitations in north Goa for the last eleven years and has rescued more than 800 snakes. He also edits an on-line newsletter on this work called "The Creepy Times".

Divine Retreat Centre to start branch, spiritual channel in Goa MARGAO: Fr Augustine Valooran, the director of Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala, called up the PWD Minister and Save Goa Front president Churchill Alemao at his Varca residence on Friday afternoon regarding the acquisition of land for the commencement of a retreat centre at Verna, as well as the spiritual Divine channel that is to start shortly in the state. [GT]

LAND DEMAND UP AS DABOLIM AIRPORT EXPANDS PANJIM: On May 12, 2006, when officials from Airport Authority of India, Ministry of Defence and Goa's Deputy Chief Minister met in New Delhi, the agenda was simple - AAI wanted land from the Navy and state government to expand Goa's only airport at Dabolim. While Navy agreed to give 9 acres of land to jointly develop with AAI a parallel taxi track and also provide more additional space for Indian Oil fuel dump, the state government agreed to provide 5 acre land to shift the present Airport Authority House Colony, besides additional land for parking between the railway line and highway. Though the deal had been fixed on paper, in reality, this has led to an internecine conflict between each embroiled party. Despite the fact that the Navy has handed over 8.8 acre land in March 2007, AAI is unhappy that 2.52 acre of this land is the same land, which was handed over to them by the state government in 2006. In other words, AAI claims that they have only got 6.25 acre land from the Navy and are demanding the remaining 2.52 acre. [Preetu Nair, GT]

+ ELIZA FERNANDES

Excerpt from the Toronto Star
FERNANDES, Eliza Peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 12, 2007. Beloved daughter of Adu and Aurora; beloved sister of Loreta, Olivia, Olinda, Eva and Lorna; beloved aunt of Vanessa and Jim, Lauren and Jason; cherished great-aunt of Ashley and Joshua; sister-in-law to Salim, Peter and Mark. Friend and mentor to so many.. Funeral mass held at St. Timothy's Church, , North York on Monday, October 15th followed by interment at Christ the King Cemetery,

TSKK FOUNDING MEMBER'S DEMISE
Excerpts from http://www.goacom.com/joel/news/2007/oct/16oct07.htm

On 14 October, at 7.30 p.m. Fr Moreno de Souza, S.J., a founding member and the first Executive Director of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, left this world for his heavenly abode. Fr. Moreno de Souza, S.J., a pillar of Konknni, was born on 3 November 1923 at Pilerne at his mother’s house; his father was from Marna, Siolim. But later they shifted to Pilerne permanently. In 1944, he joined the Society of Jesus and did his priestly training in Mumbai, Shembaganur (Tamil Nadu), Ranchi, Belgaum, Granada and Salamanca in Spain, before being ordained priest on 15 July 1958 in Granada, Spain.

Fr Moreno loved his mother tongue Konknni very ardently. His two maternal uncles were priests and musicians, which made him take interest in composing songs, hymns and poetry. He knew Latin, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalina, Marathi, Tamil and Hindi. Soon after his ordination he regularly started contributing to ‘Aitarachem Vachop’, a Konknni weekly of Salesian priests, and later contributed to ‘Udentechem Neketr’, a weekly from Bombay, and also to 'Vavraddeancho Ixtt'.

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Senior Tiatrist Prem Kumar passes away
NT News Desk

Panaji, Oct 12 The Dalgado Konknni Akademy today mourned the death of veteran Konkani Tiatrist, Prem Kumar, who passed away today in Mumbai. In a press release, the DKA chief, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo said, “In almost 55 years of active association with the Tiatr stage, he produced about 50 Tiatrs which have created a lasting impression on the minds of the audience. His masterpieces include ‘Vavraddi’, ‘Rinn’, ‘Dukh’, ‘Kakut’, ‘Jivit Ek Sopon’, ‘Konnank Mhunnonk Maim’, ‘Abdul Narayan D’Souza’, ‘Ordhi Bakhri’, ‘Jawan’ and ‘Peleache Vostuchi Axea Korum Naie’.’’

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Health & Wellness Fair - October 21, 2007
Jointly hosted by the Goan Overseas Association and 55 Plus Goan Association in Etobicoke – Toronto West

Report by Juliet Rebello (55PGA)
Photos by Uvy Lopes & Tim de Mello

The Health & Wellness Fair turned out to be a well worth attending seminar, even though it meant giving up a beautiful sunny and warm, October afternoon to sit indoors for 4 hours. The majority of the people there were truly appreciative of this event, and hope that we can keep this item as annual event Opening the Fair was Dr Colin Saldahna, who talked about the Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes & Hypertension. Sharon Rodrigues, the Dietician spoke about THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY in reference to our FAT consumption, and imparted some advice as to a healthy diet, with reference to the DASH DIET.

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'Adeus' Konkani Tiatro Staged In Toronto

Jr. Menezes steals the show in the best Konkani Tiatro so far in Toronto, Canada!
A Review By Silviano C. Barbosa, Canada
Excerpts…
For complete article go to mangalorean.com



The Goan Konkani audience at Michael Power School Auditorium in Etobicoke, Toronto left the hall in frenzy and with great satisfaction after watching a Konkani Tiatro written and directed by Jr. Menezes, a.k.a Raymond Menezes, born in Quepem, Goa, now residing in Toronto, Canada.
This Tiatro was reminiscent of the amazing Tiatros produced and directed by the likes of J.P. Souzalin and Prem Kumar, the great directors who brought us Tiatros filled with scenes/scenarios, special effects, revolving stage and other props and sets.

This Tiatro in no way will be any different than the Tiatros produced by today's directors in Goa, like Prince Jacob, Roseferns and Mario Menezes. The artistes who performed this Tiatro in Toronto are very much well-versed in fluent Konkani as can be witnessed by the solid dialogues that were exchanged in perfect delivery. Jr. Menezes made history in Konkani Theatre in North America by donning a Goan Kashtty on stage, one of the only 2 Goan Tiatrists to do so after the late Prem Kumar held this record in his Tiatro, “Vavraddi”. Incidentally the audience was asked to observe a minute's silence in honour of the great Goan Director, actor and innovator of the Konkani Tiatro, Prem Kumar, a.k.a. Peter Da Costa, who died a day earlier to this performance.

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Peace Second To Computers On Holiday Wish Lists
'The fact that they want computers over clothing and peace and happiness is amazing.'
—Shawn DuBravac, Consumer Electronics Association

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2007/10/16/computer-wishlist.html
October 16, 2007 The Associated Press

Computers outrank peace, happiness and clothes this year as the most wished-for gifts, according to an annual U.S. survey by the consumer electronics industry's largest trade organization. Last year, the most popular answer to the survey's open-ended query about holiday desires was clothing, followed by peace and happiness, money and then computers. This year, peace and happiness came second, after computers, followed by a big-screen TV, clothes and then money.

Enthusiasm for computers, TVs and other electronics will help drive electronics sales in America up seven per cent from a year ago to $48.1 billion US in the fourth quarter, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.

By comparison, the overall U.S. retail industry is forecast to see holiday sales grow four per cent, according to the National Retail Federation. "We're looking at a very solid season for consumer electronics, and it's certainly a bright spot for the economy," said Joe Bates, CEA's director of research.

For all of 2007, electronics sales in the United States are expected to reach $160 billion US, up eight per cent from last year, according to the CEA forecast. The organization's annual survey of holiday hopes and intentions involved random telephone calls to 1,003 adults in late September; the poll claims a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.

Caledon (Ont) Family On TV Reality Show
http://www.caledoncitizen.com/news/2007/1024/arts_ent/031.html

A Caledon family got a first-hand view at a reality TV show. The D'Souza family and their daughter Christine will be featured on an upcoming episode of Guess What, You're Moving Out!, an innovative design show with an edge. Part While You Were Out, part Candid Camera, the series boldly combines great design with hilarious hidden camera surprises. Guess What, You're Moving Out! gives adult kids the gentle but firm nudge they need to move out of their parents' home. Yes, it's time to toss the baby bird out of the nest and give them a fabulous nest of their own.

The show conspires with parents across the country, to get unsuspecting "kids" out of the house so show staff can move in, move their stuff out and get them gone for good! But they're not kicked to the curb - they're set up in their own personally designed pad.

With the help of mom and dad and a few good friends or siblings - they'll get the kid out of the house for the weekend. Designer/host Andrika Lawren and her design team then has 48 hours to pack up all of "junior's" old stuff, relocate it to a new apartment and design a space that will have "junior" loving their new home and hopefully embracing their new-found independence.

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STATEMENT BY SHRI EDUARDO FALEIRO, COMMISSIONER FOR NRI AFFAIRS, AT HIS PRESS BRIEFING (OCTOBER 16, 2007)

I shall be visiting the Gulf countries in the months of November and December next to interact with Goan emigrants and to meet officials of the local Government dealing with questions of emigration at the political and other senior levels. My tour to the different countries of the Gulf region is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and by our Embassies in those countries. I will be accompanied by the Chairman of the Overseas Employment Agency of Goa, Vice Admiral (retd.) John d’ Silva and the Director for NRI Affairs, Shri U.D. Kamat.

In the first leg of my visit to the Gulf region I shall visit Kuwait from November 7-9 and Doha (Qatar) from November 11-13. During my visit to Kuwait I shall meet the Minister of Social Welfare and Labour of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, hold discussions with Kuwaiti officials, meet the community organizations and other relevant organizations and discuss matters concerning attestation, documentation etc. with Al-Haqooq lawyers who manage the legal affairs of our Embassy in Kuwait. I will also attend the Goa Day celebrations organized by the Goan Welfare Society on November 9 and participate in a seminar arranged by the Society. My visit to Doha (Qatar) will be on November 11-13 and broadly on the lines of the visit to Kuwait. The visits to Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Muscat will be held by the end of November and in December next.

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Global Goan Seniors Directory

The Directory will be released in the Fall of 2008 and is part of the ”Save Goa” * initiative.
By listing their names in the Directory, Goan Seniors will be making a statement:
- They are here and are part of the local and worldwide seniors community.
- They value their Goan heritage .
- They are concerned for the well being of Goa and can be counted on for support to keep Goa – Goan.


The new directory is a not-for-profit venture and will be a sequel to Goan Directories published in 2001+ 1997, & 1988 by Celaz Print Shop of Toronto.

These have served the community well, with new version in the works.

Click to download form for free listing.

Email information form to seniorsdirectory@goanseniors.net 

For more information and business advertising Contact Address:
Celaz Print Shop
2 Green Spring Drive, Toronto, Ontario M1V 2B1
call (416) 292 1653 – Fax: (416) 292-0776
or email :lazaruspereira@rogers.com

Saturday, November 17th, 2007

32nd Navelim Fest

Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary

Claireport Place Banquet & Convention Centre
65 Claireport Cres., Etobicoke (Hwy 27/Albion Rd.)

Sunday November 18th 2007

Divarkars of Greater Toronto

Sangam Banquet Hall
6991 Millcrek Drive, Mississauga
Ontario L5N 6B9 Tel: (905) 821-9688

Date

Event

Details

Christmas Bazaar (Open To All)
 

Christmas Gala At The Oasis Banquet Hall.

To avoid disappointment form your tables of 8 or 10 and send the cheques to 55PGA , 100 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, on, L5B 3C6

Yuletide Get-Together

To ensure a spot for this event please send in your cheque.

All events must be paid for in advance to ensure reservations. See above for details of cheque payments.

Mass for the Deceased Members and their Families.

on November 2nd, 2007 - 6:30 pm sharp at
Commander Park Hall, Scarborough

Click for Flyer

"SOLD OUT"

Whist Drive
A Snack plate will be served
Cost: $6.00 (Members)
$8.00 (Guests)
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

To register, please call:
Vicki D’Souza: (416) 497-5111
Charles Fernandes: (416) 286-8970
Joan Menezes: (416) 927-0895
Gerry DaSilva: (416) 297-7218

Click for Flyer

NIAGARA CASINO & CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TOUR

Departure: 10:00 am – Agincourt Mall (parking behind Wal-Mart) Winery Tour 11:00 – 11:30 am - Visit to Magnotta Winery – wine tasting

Lunch: 12:00 noon – 1:15 pm @ Betty’s Restaurant. Main course, Choice of Roast Beef, Roast Chicken or Fish and Chips.
Casino: 1:30 pm – 6:45 pm. Buffet dinner coupon included.
Sightseeing: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Tour of the Christmas Lights.
Return: Arrival in Toronto approx. 9:00 pm

"SOLD OUT"

Yuletide Festivities – Choral Group in Attendance
Live Music – X’mas Bazaar
Authentic Goan Food and Sweets
Cost: $10.00 (Members)
$14.00 (Guests)
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

Your Executive invites you to do yet another good deed for the less fortunate. Please donate at least one food can of your choice, which will collectively be donated to the FOOD BANK, during the festive season.

Click for Flyer

Christmas Dance
St. Clement of Ohrid Banquet Hall
76 Overlea Boulevard
Cost: $40.00 (Members)
$45.00 (Guests)
Cocktails and Appertizers at 6:30 p.m.
Sit-down dinner at 7:30 p.m.

To register, please call:
Vicki D’Souza: (416) 497-5111
Charles Fernandes: (416) 286-8970
Joan Menezes: (416) 927-0895
Gerry DaSilva: (416) 297-7218

Click for Flyer

Innovative Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy Helps Seniors Live Safely, With Dignity
Ontario Marks Elder Abuse Awareness Day
http://www.cnw.ca/en/releases/archive/October2007/19/c5908.html?view=print

TORONTO, Oct. 19 /CNW/ - Ontario is working hard to address and prevent elder abuse and help seniors live safely and with dignity, said Minister Responsible for Seniors Jim Bradley today as the province observes Elder Abuse Awareness Day. "There is no place for elder abuse in Ontario," said Bradley. "Making Ontarians aware of elder abuse and working with community partners to intervene, prevent and combat this growing problem is crucial to eliminating elder abuse in this province."

Ontario's Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse is the first provincial strategy of its kind in Canada and focuses on three priorities:
- Co-ordination of community services
- Training for front-line staff
- Raising public awareness about elder abuse.

The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA) received an additional $1.65 million to continue the strategy to 2008-09. The funding supports ONPEA's seven regional elder abuse consultants who work with more than 50 elder abuse networks and coordinating committees across the province. In addition, the government has helped ONPEA launch television public service announcements to raise awareness of financial, physical and verbal abuse of seniors. The government also supports a province-wide, toll-free Victims' Support line at 1-888-579-2888. Earlier this year, the government also provided 55 local elder abuse networks with $453,000 in operational funding to support their community efforts to combat this serious problem.

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Cold medicine bad for children under 6
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/World/2007/10/20/pf-4591463.html
October 20, 2007 By AP

WASHINGTON -- The medicines long used by parents to treat their children's coughs and colds don't work and shouldn't be used in those younger than six, U.S. federal health advisers recommended yesterday. The over-the-counter medicines should be studied further, even after decades in which children have received billions of doses a year, the outside experts told the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA isn't required to follow the advice of its panels of outside experts but does so most of the time.

"The data that we have now is they don't seem to work," said Sean Hennessy, a University of Pennsylvania epidemiologist, one of the FDA experts gathered to examine the medicines sold to treat common cold symptoms. The recommendation applies to medicines containing one or more of the following ingredients: decongestants, antihistamines and antitussives. It doesn't apply to expectorants.

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Media Technology Makes Good Servant but Bad Master?
http://www.vifamily.ca/newsroom/press_oct_15_07.html

Ottawa—Instant messaging. Webcams. Music and film downloads. Camera cell phones. Blogging. The proliferation of so many new forms of electronic technologies is having profound and far-reaching effects on children and families, according to a new Contemporary Family Trends paper, “Good Servant, Bad Master: Electronic Media and the Family,” released today by the Vanier Institute of the Family.

Author Arlene Moscovitch reviews Canadian and international research to document the explosion of media technologies and their pervasiveness in our lives:
Kids spend nearly six and a half hours per day with media, often simultaneously interacting with several.
Preschoolers are the fastest growing group of online users.
Almost 70% of children under two in the U.S. spend roughly two hours a day watching television programs or videos.

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Large Variations In How Long Admitted Patients Wait In Emergency Rooms For Hospital Beds
Waits tend to be longer for older patients, during the day, and on weekdays

Information on: Understanding Emergency Department Wait Times
October 18, 2007—Most patients admitted to an acute care hospital for reasons other than childbirth come through Canada’s emergency departments (60% outside Quebec), and the length of time these patients wait for hospital beds varies greatly, according to a new report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). The report found that in 2005, half of all patients admitted to hospital through Canada’s emergency departments (EDs) waited 1.7 hours or less for hospital beds once the decision to admit had been made, while the rest had longer waits. For example, the 10% of patients with the shortest waits were transferred immediately to acute care beds; the 10% with the longest waits waited 15.1 hours or more.

Understanding Emergency Department Wait Times: Access to Inpatient Beds and Patient Flow is the third in a three-report series examining factors associated with the length of time patients spend in EDs. Every year, Canadians make 14 million visits to EDs—with more than one million patients being admitted to hospital as a result. Based on data from 277 hospitals outside of Quebec—which collect wait time data in a similar fashion—this latest report provides new insight on the length of time patients spend in the ED from the moment a physician decides to admit a patient to hospital from the ED to the moment that the patient is transferred into an acute care bed.

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