StatsCan 2006 Report - One in Five Canadians Born Overseas

Highlights….

The 2006 Census enumerated 6,186,950 foreign-born people in Canada. They accounted for virtually one in five (19.8%) of the total population, the highest proportion in 75 years.

Between 2001 and 2006, Canada's foreign-born population increased by 13.6%. This was four times higher than the growth rate of 3.3% for the Canadian-born population during the same period.

Recent immigrants born in Asia (including the Middle East) made up the largest proportion (58.3%) of newcomers to Canada. This was virtually unchanged from 59.4% in 2001. In contrast, in 1971, only 12.1% of recent immigrants for this period were born in Asia.

Newcomers born in Europe made up the second largest group (16.1%) of recent immigrants. Europe used to be the main source region of immigrants. In 1971, they accounted for 61.6% of newcomers to Canada.

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"The Invisible Border" - Canadian Retailers could see further losses to the U.S.

CALGARY, Nov. 29 /CNW/ - This Christmas season more Canadians than ever will be shopping in the U.S. - without leaving their homes. A new national research study, conducted by ZINC Research and its partner Dufferin Research, shows that the recent dollar parity has created a spike in online shopping across the nation, most notably in the west. "This is a significant and unsettling finding," says Brian F. Singh, Managing Director of ZINC Research. "U.S. shopping is no longer restricted to Canadians living near the border. With the current value of our dollar, Canadians are jumping on the on-line bandwagon to grab US deals, and our retailers are likely to take the hit."

Nearly half (48%) of the 1,200 respondents said they will do on-line shopping for Christmas, and a full 70% of those said they would or might buy in the U.S.. Of those, 45% said they would do more on-line shopping in the US than they did last year.

"With dollars increasing going south, Canadian retailers could likely be hurt during the Christmas shopping season," said Singh. "Not just will more people shop from home instead of the malls, but they are critical comparison shoppers and have no issues going beyond borders and shopping online."

Canadians Speak Out On Rudeness Ahead Of The Holiday Travel  Season

TORONTO, Dec. 4 /CNW/ - By now, most Canadians have already made their travel plans for the hectic holiday season. Flights are booked, cars are rented, and accommodations have been reserved. But no matter how organized the plans are, most Canadians have not prepared for the frustrations they may face getting to their holiday destination. According to Travelocity.ca's Air Travel Tolerance poll, 97.5 percent of Canadians say that they expect to sometimes or always experience travel delays, either at the gate, on the tarmac, or in the air  Naturally, when people are faced with unforeseen travel delays, tempers fray and emotions can erupt.

The bad news, according to the poll findings, is that Canadian travellers in this heightened-security world are not getting any more patient when it comes to handling such situations. Thirty nine percent of respondents believe that their travelling cohorts are less polite than in years past.

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Visible Minority Women Lack Of Critical Relationships Limits Advancement

TORONTO, Nov. 28 /CNW/ - Visible minorities in some of Canada's biggest organizations feel excluded from relationships that are critical for career advancement, according to the latest Catalyst study, "Career Advancement in Corporate Canada: A Focus on Visible Minorities ~ Critical Relationships."

"Our study confirms that corporate Canada is not maximizing the potential "brain gain" offered by skilled immigrants, most of whom are visible minorities," says Deborah Gillis, vice president, Canada, Catalyst. "We know that having a network, mentor and champion are critical for career advancement. Unfortunately, visible minorities, especially women, feel excluded from the kind of relationships that help individuals - and ultimately the businesses they work for - succeed.

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UK equality watchdog joins HSMP Indians' cause
(*Highly Skilled Migrant Programme)
Excerpt from: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/
2 Dec 2007,
IST,Rashmee Roshan Lall,TNN

LONDON: Britain's lead equality watchdog has weighed in with criticism of the UK government's treatment of an estimated 30,000 Indians and 19,000 others who claim they were suddenly disenfranchised by hardline new rules for highly-skilled migrant workers. The trenchant criticism by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), a non-departmental public body established under Britain's Equality Act 2006, comes as the Indians wait for the second hearing of their high court appeal to reverse the new immigration rules.

The initial hearing was held on November 30 and the second is expected within two months.

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Canadian society stands to become a much bleaker place if religious attendance continues to decline as it has over the past two decades.
By DEBORAH GYAPONG
Canadian Catholic News
http://www.wcr.ab.ca/news/2007/1203/reg120307.shtml

Excerpts..
"The whole country is going to suffer a significant loss in terms of civility," warns University of Lethbridge sociologist Reginald Bibby.

Carleton University social sciences professor Paul Reed sees fragility in the volunteer sector, the tiny fraction of Canadians who provide the bulk of the assistance to others, from helping isolated elderly people remain in their homes, to running Scout troops for children to participating in volunteer fire departments.
Profound need

Since Reed became involved in the creation of the website www.canadawhocares.ca , he said anecdotal evidence from volunteer organizations of their need for volunteers has been pouring in.

"They are desperate across this country. You have no idea."

His scientific research has been probing the characteristics that make up this cadre of volunteers who are so crucial to the smooth running of society.

What both social scientists have observed in their separate research is the relationship of church attendance to a desire to help others.
Virtuous souls

Bibby has found Canadians who believe in God - theists - are consistently more likely to value a range of values from honesty, kindness and family life to politeness and patience than do nonbelievers or atheists.

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Church People Oppose Garbage Plant Near Old Goa
http://www.the-examiner.org/national.asp
Church people are campaigning against a proposed garbage-processing plant near ancient churches and monuments in Old Goa.

On Nov. 19, about 150 people from seven villages around the historic area in Goa state along with Catholic priests met Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

Their memorandum demanded the scrapping of a government move to acquire about 170,000sqmts. of land in Bainguinim, a village near Old Goa.

The government decided to acquire the land after a public outcry and court intervention forced the closure of three garbage dumps, leading to a garbage management crisis. Currently, Panaji’s garbage is being dumped within the city precincts.

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CBCI wants cuts in Shekhar Kapoor’s film ‘Elizabeth’ The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), the apex body of the Catholic Church in India, has urged chairperson of the Central Board of Films Certification (CBFC) in India, Sharmila Tagore, to consider the sentiments of millions of followers of Christianity in the country before giving its approval to English movie ‘Elizabeth’ directed by Shekhar Kapoor, which is to be released shortly. In a letter November 21, to Sharmila, Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes, the secretary general of CBCI, appealed for censoring of “anti-Catholic scenes” in the controversial film. The archbishop also requested the CBFC chairperson to consult the CBCI before the film is released. The CBCI had intervened last year before the film ‘The Da Vinci Code’ was released. The CBFC had invited the CBCI to view the film before its release. The Board had accepted the suggestions put forward by the CBCI on ‘Da Vinci Code’. As a result the film was shown with a disclaimer that it was a work of fiction. Read More ...

Several Churches In Bahrain Face Closure http://www.the-examiner.org/national.asp At least 10 Christian churches run mostly by the Indian community are under the threat of closure in this Gulf country. According to local sources, the Manama Municipal Council has given two weeks time to “unlicensed churches” in its territory to shut down or prove their legality. The Council says these churches, most of them belonging to Indian Christians, have been operating from residential premises without required sanction. The Manama authorities have decided on “relocating” at least seven churches. Local sources say there are at least ten churches facing shut down. According to local authorities, for a church to operate in this Gulf region, licence has to be obtained from the Manama Municipality, the Social Development Ministry or the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry. [ICNS]

Collage of Msgr. Terence D’Souza - The Church of St. Francis Xavier which he founded – The street leading to Church named after him.

(Click on image)

EIGHT YEAR OLD IVANA FURTADO RETAINS WORLD UNDER 8 CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

PANJIM: Chess prodigy, Ivana Furtado, wrote another chapter in the annals of world chess when she retained the Under-8 title at the World Youth Chess Championship, which concluded on November 28 at Antalay, Turkey. The Goan girl, thus, became the first Indian to win successive world titles after drawing her last round match against a higher ranked opponent from Kazakhistan, Zhansaya Abdumalik, who was the 4th seed here. Ivana collected 9 points from a maximum possible 11, while Zhansaya (8) finished fourth behind Azerbainan girls Gunay Mamadzada and Aydan Hojatova, both of whom had 8.5 points each.

The Goan girl had won the title last year in Batumi, Georgia. Considering the fact that the Russians and Chinese were were in Turkey in full force, Ivana's second World Championship can be rated as even more commendable than the first one. Dronacharya awardee Raghunandan Gokhale advised Ivana to use the Pirc Defence for the second consecutive time in two days and she won a pawn in the opening itself. Thereafter, she gradually outplayed her opponent to come up with a winning position. [GT]

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Dr. Quincy Almeida Wins Prestigious John Charles Polanyi Prize.
November 23, 2007
WATERLOO

A Wilfrid Laurier University scientist who is working on physical exercise as an alternative to drug therapy for people with Parkinson's disease has won a prestigious John Charles Polanyi Prize.

Quincy Almeida is one of five Ontario researchers whose achievements are being recognized this year, John Milloy, minister of training, colleges and universities, said in an announcement yesterday.

"These five individuals represent some of the best and brightest researchers in our province," Milloy said in a statement. The awards, valued at $20,000, are given to researchers in the early stages of their careers who plan to continue post-doctoral studies at an Ontario university. They're named after John Polanyi of the University of Toronto, who was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in chemistry.

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Kristina DoRosario named Most Outstanding (Field Hockey)
Player of the Atlantic 10 Tournament in Philadelphia.
Nov. 7, 2007

AMHERST, MASS. - Senior Kristina DoRosario (Oakville, Ontario) was named UMass/Dinn Bros. Athlete of the Week after an outstanding weekend in the Atlantic 10 Tournament in Philadelphia. DoRosario was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Atlantic 10 Tournament after helping lead UMass to its first title in six years. DoRosario was also named First Team All- Conference by the Atlantic 10. In the semifinal win over Richmond, DoRosario assisted on both UMass goals. DoRosario was also the Minutewomen's leader on defense throughout the tournament shutting down both Richmond and Saint Joseph's leading scorers. DoRosario and her team are NCAA bound and will be headed to Storrs, Connecticut on Saturday to face Big East Champion No.4-seed UConn.
(Kristina is the daughter of Clement and Joan DoRosario of Oakville, Ontario)

YULETIDE SERENADE

Oerwhelmed by TEGSA’s success of earlier shows it was not surprising that the Yuletide event held on 30th November was “sold out”. The Hall was filled to capacity as members arrived early to have a full evenings entertainment.

The evening started off with an authentic Goan meal of Sorpotel, Sannas, Pulao, Roast Turkey and gravy, Mixed Vegetables and for dessert a bag containing Goan sweets and a slice of fruit cake. This we enjoyed. Tea and coffee was also available.

Vendors were on hand to sell their delicious Christmas sweets, snacks and Goa sausages. They sold out fast.

And then the celebrations commenced. Befitting the meal, Romeo on his guitar sang a comedic melody “Sorpotel” and we joined in the chorus. This was followed by the renowned UPPER CANADA CHORDSMEN who performed ACAPPELLA in a four part harmony. Back by popular demand were Jennifer and Ritchie, the well known and acclaimed vocalist and musician who led the audience in the singing of Christmas carols. Needless to say TEGSA members did us proud.

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Date

Event

Details

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.

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

Watch Your Behaviour at Company Christmas Parties

TORONTO, Nov. 29 /CNW/ - For many professionals, company parties are predictable; but for those in the creative industry, these festivities can be full of surprises "Company events are meant to be fun, but employees must remember their actions are still on display for coworkers and supervisors to see," said Dave Willmer, executive director of The Creative Group. "Inappropriate behaviour can make a lasting negative impression that's hard to overcome."

Willmer noted that office parties, no matter how festive, are still business functions. "Any indication that you lack good judgment is a strike against you professionally," he said. "Conversely, exhibiting strong social graces can help position you for a potential leadership role."

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Tax Planning Is A Year-Round Activity - Not Just At April Tax Filing Time
Excerpts from
http://newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2007/04/c7115.html?view=print

TORONTO, Dec. 4 /CNW/ - Most Canadians do not give much thought to reducing their personal taxes until the early spring when the deadline to file their return is fast approaching. Unfortunately, by then, many tax saving opportunities have been lost. With some careful attention, planning ahead and developing a tax strategy for the year, Canadians can save money at tax time and all year round.

"Tax planning should be an important part of your efforts to get the most out of your financial resources," said Paul Woolford, Tax Partner, KPMG's Enterprise practice. "Though you only have to file your tax return once a year, it's the tax planning steps you take throughout the year that will help you save money at tax time."

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