Newsletter - Summer 2005.indd - Federation of Portuguese

President’s Message
Upcoming Events
Dear Members,
As we approach six months of this
board’s mandate, it is appropriate to reflect
on some of our main priorities for 2005/06.
Allow me to once again thank all of those
who have supported the Federation; we
would not be able to host our events if it
was not for your consistent community
support and the constant involvement and
determination of our members. We always
look forward to your participation and appreciate your comments and suggestions.
For this I say Thank-You.
The FPCBP’s priorities include the following:
Summer BBQ
September
Info Session abcGTA
October
Business Luncheon
October
Scholarship Awards Dinner
November
FPCBP
Mission Statement
To promote business activity, foster
professionalism, develop networking opportunities, enhance political
visibility, encourage academic excellence and, as the representative voice,
advocate the prominence of our members within and outside the Portuguese
Canadian Business and Professional
community.
Attracting new members by involving
existing membership:
We believe it is important to keep
members involved in the organization.
Consequently, a good tool to attract new
members and involve the current membership is to create a “Buzz” in the Federation
through the Member get a Member
Campaign, which was launched in June at
Acqua Restaurant. The kick off was a success!
The Federation will begin to recognize
new members in our quarterly Newsletters
and all our future events will continue to
have incentive programs for members to
bring new members. I am pleased to announce that since March the FPCBP has
attracted over 30 new members.
But what else can we do? We think
it is time to develop a FPCBP Member
Rewards Program. For this we challenge
all our members to offer a discount rate
to other FPCBP Members. The intent of
the program is to provide members with
additional benefits beyond simple membership, while increasing awareness of
Portuguese businesses across Canada.
We will encourage members to take ad-
www.scotiabank.com
Ana Bailão, FPCBP President
vantage of these benefits by promoting the
discounts in our newsletters and on our
website. If you wish to have your business participate in this program, please
contact us as soon as possible.
• Fostering the involvement and representation of the FPCBP and its members
in main stream institutions:
We are pleased to announce that the
FPCBP has joined the Ontario Chamber
of Commerce (OCC) and will be able to
participate in the network of 160 community Chambers of Commerce and Boards
of Trade. The OCC is the premier advocate
of business in Ontario preparing soundly
researched policy that reflects the interests
of its members with the intention of influencing government policy. The FPCBP
Board believes it is important for the
Federation to have its voice heard and
be involved with other business organizations. The OCC website presently has
a link to our website thus increasing the
exposure of our organization, our activities and our members to the mainstream
community. We encourage our members
to take full advantage of the immense benefits this new partnership has to offer and
look forward to raising our profile in the
business community.
We also encourage our members to
actively participate in other organizations. The FPCBP has partnered with the
Portuguese Canadian National Congress
(continued on page 2)
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
1
(continued from page 1)
to organize an information session with
the Maytree Foundation on the abcGTA
project aimed at increasing the involvement of our members in boards, agencies
and commissions.
• Organizing monthly functions:
Regular functions that feature qualified speakers from a variety of entities
on issues of interest to the PortugueseCanadian Community are extremely important to the FPCBP. During the past few
months we had the pleasure of having
such keynote speakers as the Ontario
Minister of Finance and the Ontario
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
The Federation is currently planning other
events where issues such as taxation and
matters pertaining to the construction industry will be discussed. Our next event
will be a September BBQ to invite our
members and their families for an evening of fun and food to join in celebrating
our many accomplishments to date.
In November, the FPCBP will recognize the outstanding achievements of
our youth with
the annual Scholarship
Awards Dinner and in February, just before the Annual General Meeting, the
Federation will be hosting our Business
Award Gala Dinner.
O potencial das nossas organizações
comunitárias está no envolvimento, capacidades organizativas e empenho dos
corpos gerentes, assim como, de todos os
associados. Agradecendo uma vez mais
todo o apoio contamos consigo nas actividades e projectos agendados para um
futuro próximo.
Com os melhores cumprimentos,
Gold
Silver
Ana Bailão
President, FPCBP
Want to Increase Your Organization’s
Involvement in the Community?
The Project Diploma/Big Brothers and
Big Sisters of Toronto In-School Mentoring
Program is an ideal avenue through which
you and your employees can contribute to
the Portuguese-Canadian community. For
just one hour a week, you can be a role
model to a Portuguese-Canadian youth,
providing guidance and companionship
through a weekly one hour visit to the student at their school.
Based on the results of a survey conducted by Project Diploma, the desperate need for mentors in the PortugueseCanadian community is clear. Students
stated that a high degree of uncertainty, a
fear of failure and a lack of role models,
amongst others, were critical factors that
prevented them from pursuing higher edu-
Thank you to the 2005
FPCBP Sponsors
Bronze
cation. The In-School Mentoring Program’s
goal is to foster the positive development
of youth. Mentors will provide support that
enriches the student’s likelihood of continuing his or her education. Why in-school
Mentoring? Studies have shown that the
presence of a mentor in school results in a
marked improvement in a student’s grades,
attitudes and personal relationships. 64%
of students develop more positive attitudes
towards school, 55% were better able to
express their feelings and 64% developed
higher levels of self-confidence.
For more information or to apply for
the program please call Project Diploma
at 416-536-9069 or visit www.projectdiploma.com. Workplace presentations can
also be arranged to outline the In-School
ESPECIALIZADOS EM PRODUTOS ALIMENTARES,
INCLUINDO PEIXE FRESCO, VINDO DE PORTUGAL
Tel.: 416-533-3591/2 • Fax.: 416-533-3485
1411 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON M6H 4C7
Email: [email protected]
2
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
Hole in one: FPCBP 2005 Annual Golf Tournament a great success
Sold out weeks in advance, the Federation’s annual golf tournament sponsored by Scotiabank was held on July 5 at the Royal
Ontario Golf Club. Thank you to all who participated and made
the tournament a success for both the Federation and the Society
of Portuguese Disabled Persons who received a donation of over
$1,900 from the putting contest proceeds. The 144 participants
were also given the chance to take home some great prizes, including $15,000 cash and a Porsche Boxter, thanks to hole-inone sponsors RBC and World Fine Cars.
by Marbles of Portugal and sponsored by AGF Group of Funds.
After a morning of golf, participants went to the Portuguese
Cultural Centre for lunch and the awards ceremony. The winners
from this year’s tournament were awarded marble trophies crafted
The lucky winners were:
Closest to the Pin: Nick Ierfino (Not present at awards ceremony)
Best Foursome: Bob Grodesky, Jurgen Schodenefeld, Greg Heferring, and
John Ganton
Best Past President’s Foursome: Raimundo Favas, Fernando Rio, Fernando
Rodrigues, and Tony Silva
There were several sponsors including corporate support from
Permacon, Cardinal Funeral Homes and Trican Masonry, as well
as numerous hole sponsors. Prize sponsors VistaSol donated a
trip for two to Portugal, the Royal Ontario Golf Club donated a
gift certificate for a round of golf and many others offered prizes
for our raffle draw. Once again, thanks to all who participated
and we look forward to more successful events in the future.
Ladies’ Longest Drive: Ann Martins
César Rodrigues receiving Closest to the Pin
Award on behalf of Nick Ierfino
Ladies’ Low Net: Natalie Araujo-Schepis
Men’s Low Gross: Tony Silva
Men’s Low Net: Paul Smith
Men’s Longest Drive: Don Wallace
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00am to 6:00pm
Tel: (416) 537-8874 • Fax: (416) 537-9706 • Email: [email protected]
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
3
Campanha Membro Traz Membro
A Federação de Empresários e Profissionais Luso-Canadianos
levou a cabo mais uma iniciativa de muito valor. Desta feita,
em causa, esteve o lançamento da campanha “Membro traz
Membro”, com uma extraordinária recepção num restaurante da
baixa de Toronto, por sinal propriedade de um Português, na circunstância, o Sr. Hélder Carvalho. Trata-se do Acqua Restaurante,
no nº 10 da Front St, no BCE Place, bem perto da Yonge.
Empresários e Profissionais Luso-Canadianos participaram
num convívio que teve também a participação do ICEP, com a
promoção de vinhos portugueses.
Julio de Jesus e estudantes da UTPA (University of Toronto Portuguese
Association). Foto cortesia de Portuguese Post
4
O
objectivo da
Federação era aumentar
o número de associados,
assim como proporcionar
um ambiente agradável
de network e a possibilidade de negócios a todos
os presentes.
Após se terem desenvolvido e evoluído
na Comunidade, os
Comerciantes
portu- Helder Carvalho, um dos proprietários do
gueses agradecem o Acqua Restaurante. Foto cortesia de SOL
Portugues
facto de possuirem uma
Federação que, congregando os vários sectores em que a actividade comercial se desenvolve, constituí um baluarte para a defesa dos legítimos interesses, quer colectivos quer individuais, de todos aqueles que,
com a maior dignidade e honrosamente são comerciantes e profissionais luso-canadianos.
Desta feita, a Federação de Empresários e Profissionais LusoCanadianos levou a cabo este convivio no requintado restaurante
português, com o patrocinio do ICEP, onde se incluiu uma prova
de vinhos portugueses que se traduziu em inovação, não só no
que concerne as bem elaboradas imagens das garrafas de uma
vitcultura bem portuguesa, mas também sem esquecer o objectivo da campanha intitulada MEMBRO TRAZ MEMBRO.
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
Ana Bailão with members of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce. Foto cortesia
de Portuguese Post
Muitos empresários e executivos, e também representantes da
Câmara do Comércio, organização de que a FPCBP faz parte,
estiveram presentes e cumpriu-se o objectivo pretendido. A união
de todos os empresários faz a força, que empurra os mesmos para
o sucesso, o que é, sem dúvida, a vontade de enfrentar o desafio
de abrirem os seus próprios negócios.
Somada a essa vontade, tem que haver a disposição para adquirir conhecimentos e para desenvolver comportamentos adequados, e empreendedores de sucesso, que identificam qualidades especiais, comuns a todos e responsáveis por garantirem o
seu lugar no mercado. Desde 1981 que a Federação tem unido
os comerciantes e profissionais da comunidade portuguesa, com
o objectivo de criar e desenvolver laços comerciais, dentro e fora
da comunidade portuguesa.
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
Fernando Costa, fundador da FPCBP; Charles Sousa, antigo Presidente da
FPCBP; e Victor Sinclair, The American Chamber of Commerce In Canada.
Foto cortesia de Portuguese Post.
A jovem Presidente Ana Bailão, agradeceu a todos pela sua
presenca, ao ICEP na pessoa do Dr.Luís Moura, assim como a
todos os patrocinadores que ao longo de todo o ano apoiam a
Federação.
A Federação de Empresários e Profissionais Luso-Canadianos,
orgulha-se de, no decurso dos seus anos de existência, ter sido
abençoada por uma plêiada de bons e dedicados dirigentes a
quem se devem canseiras, espírito de sacrifício e devoção, postos
na defesa intransigente dos interesses dos comerciantes e profissionais luso-canadianos.
Parabéns por mais essa iniciativa e pelo sucesso alcançado.
5
FPCBP celebra mês da história e cultura portuguesas
Celebrar o mês de Junho como o mês
da história e cultura portuguesas no
Ontário é um dos objectivos da Federação
de Empresários e Profissionais LusoCanadianos. Para comemorar esta celebração, e pelo segundo ano consecutivo,
a Federação organizou um concurso de
composições, em português e em inglês,
nas escolas onde estudam luso-descendentes.
As composições foram novamente subordinadas ao tema “Para mim, ser português é...” e dividiram-se em dois grupos:
português e inglês junior que englobou
alunos dos 8º ao 10º anos de escolaridade; e português e inglês senior para os alunos dos 11º e 12º anos.
Assim, os seis contemplados de cada
uma das quatro categorias foram premiados esta quarta-feira, numa cerimónia
simples, mas bonita e até académica, que
teve lugar na sala sala de debates da Casa
Hart (Hart House) da Universidade de
Toronto.
A coordenadora do comité do projecto,
Cidália Faria, fez a apresentação do even-
6
Ana Bailao; Vereador da Câmara Municipal César Palacio; Cônsul-Geral de Portugal em Toronto,
Emídio da Veiga Domingos; e a Ministra da Cidadania e Emigração do Governo do Ontário, Marie
Bountrogianni.
to. Começando por explicar o projecto
das composições, apoiado em grande
parte pela Fundação Trillium do Ontário,
Cidália Faria apresentou algumas frases
das composições vencedoras, como forma
de celebrar a cultura portuguesa e destacar os jovens que com ela se identificam.
A actual presidente da federação, Ana
Bailão, deu as boas-vindas a todos, em
especial aos patrocinadores que juntos
deram $10,000 em prémios para os alunos, e tambem reconheceu as entidades
ali presentes: cônsul geral de Portugal em
Toronto, Dr. Emídio da Veiga Domingos,
vereador municipal, Cesar Palácio, deputado provincial Peter Fonseca, Idalina da
Silva em representação do deputado fede-
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
composições, assim como dos respectivos
patrocinadores. No final desta notícia publicámos a lista completa. Para finalizar a
cerimónia, Cidália Faria agradeceu a todos os patrocinadores, ao apoio da OMNI
e da Fundação Trillium.
Diana Fillici e Charles Sousa de RBC Financial
Group.
ral Mário Silva e a ministra da cidadania e
imigração, Dr. Marie Bountrogianni.
Ana Bailão quis de igual modo deixar
o seu próprio testemunho, sendo uma jovem que imigrou para o Canadá aos 15
anos, mas que sempre manteve o contacto
com a sua comunidade, em parte devido
à oportunidade que o Canadá dá ao multiculturalismo.
Cidália quis deixar, em nome da
Federação, um agradecimento especial
aos membros do juri pela avaliação das
composições: Steve de Quintal, professor
de educação especial e religião do ensino
secundário, Ana Fernandes-Iria, professora
de línguas e História do ensino secundário, Manuela Marujo, professora de português da Universidade de Toronto, Helder
Ramos, instrutor de português do ensino
básico, Cláudia Santos, professora de
Francês e História do ensino secundário,
Filomena Silva, professora de Francês e
Português do ensino secundário e Maggie
Unção, professora do ensino básico.
Pela primeira vez presente em tal cerimónia, o cônsul geral de Portugal em
Toronto deixou bem expresso o seu orgulho por ver tantos jovens a manter viva a
“chama” de Portugal. Dr. Emidio da Veiga
Domingos encorajou todos os patrocinadores a continuarem a apoiar este género
de iniciativas para que a comunidade venha a ser ainda mais forte e vísivel.
Com a missão de proclamar o mês de
Junho como o Mês da História e Cultura
Portuguesas, o vereador Cesar Palacio
apresentou à Federação um certificado
da Câmara Municipal em nome do presidente da câmara, David Miller, e em seu
nome pessoal.
Convidada para enaltecer os jovens
vencedores, a ministra da cidadania e
imigração, Marie Bountrogianni, optou por fazer um resumo da história de
Portugal, nalgumas linhas, e por lembrar
aos jovens modelos de inspiração que se
orgulham das suas raízes portuguesas, referindo-se em particular a Shawn Desman
e a Nellie Furtado. Uma lição que todos
conheciam... mas que é sempre bom ver
lembrada por uma ministra da cidadania
e imigração.
O momento esperado por todos chegou finalmente: Cidália Faria fez a apresentação dos vencedores do concurso das
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
David Miguel e Tony Belas de Ferma Import &
Export.
gar: Dylan Abreu-Coburn, patrocínio de
Dreamcoast Homes.
No grupo português junior:
1º lugar: David Miguel, patrocínio de Ferma Import & Export; 2º lugar:
Nicole Garcia, patrocínio de Capelas
Construction; 3º lugar: Daniela Costa,
patrocínio de Bento de São José; 4º lugar: Sandra Amorim, patrocínio de World
Fine Cars; 5º lugar: Melanie Vanessa Dias
Pereira, patrocínio Teixeira Accounting
Firm; 6º lugar: Jenny Marcos, patrocínio
de Dreamcoast Homes.
Anita Marques e John Paul Macedo de
Scotiabank.
De seguida a lista de vencedores.
No grupo inglês junior:
1º lugar: Diana Fillici, patrocínio de
RBC Financial Group; 2º lugar: Tanya
Silva, patrocínio de Regional Insurance
Services; 3º lugar: Sandy Gonçalves, patrocínio de MOD Club Theatre; 4º lugar:
Raquel Almeida, patrocínio de Ambient
Designs; 5º lugar: Daniel Martins da Silva,
patrocínio de Trio Roofing; 6º lugar: Jessica
Pires, patrocínio de Dreamcoast Homes.
No grupo inglês senior:
1º lugar: Anita Marques, patrocínio de
Scotiabank; 2º lugar: Averill Stephanie
Che, patrocínio de Cardinal Funeral
Homes; 3º lugar: Christopher Freitas, patrocínio de Pearson Convention Centre; 4º
lugar: Nancy Luis, patrocínio de Legacy
Travel Services; 5º lugar: Victoria Moreira,
patrocínio de Peter Ferreira, Trustee; 6º lu-
Sara Couto e Ricardo Valadares de bcpbank.
No grupo português senior:
1º lugar: Sara Couto, patrocínio de bcpbank; 2º lugar: Stephanie Governo, patrocínio de Borges Foods; 3º lugar: Silvia
Rocha Rodrigues, patrocínio de Montepio
Geral; 4º lugar: Fernanda Travassos, patrocínio de Humberview Insurance Brokers;
5º lugar: Carla Barcelos, patrocínio de
Favas Insurance; 6º lugar: Diane Gomes,
patrocínio de Dreamcoast Homes.
Artigo courtesia PT Virtual.com
7
Acapo agradece a Comerciantes e Empresários
Amir Klink, - chamado navegador solitário – escreveu um dia: “o pior naufrágio é
aquele de quem não saiu do porto”, e mais
uma vez este ano os membros da Aliança
dos Clubes e Associações Portuguesas do
Ontário sairam dos seus portos - que são
os seus clubes e associações - para em
conjunto comemorarmos a 18_ Semana
de Portugal ACAPO!
Claro que todos os que vieram assistir aos Jogos da Taça Camões, ao Içar da
Bandeira, à Parada, ao Festival de Folclore
e Espectáculos Musicais no Bellowoods
Park, – e não só - foram bem vindos, porque como diz Amir o pior é não sair para
colaborar nos eventos.
Este ano quatro novas organizações
aderiram à Aliança dos Clubes, sendo
uma delas o “Toronto Eagles” que tem
2600 jovens como adeptos! Temos a certeza que entre estes estarão futuros directores de colectividades, e como tal, também da ACAPO. Acima de tudo eles serão
a continuidade das nossas tradições, da
nossa língua, e entre eles devem também
estar futuros desportistas, que também são
de grande importância para as Selecções
8
futuras, que sem dúvida também nesse
campo se pode honrar Portugal. É também com muito orgulho que temos entre
nós o Vasco da Gama Futebol Clube que
vem da cidade de Hamilton para assim se
abrirem novos caminhos num intercâmbio de culturas. Tivemos ainda neste ano e
na nossa companhia, o Grupo Folclórico
Português de Oakville, que decidiu alistarse como membro da Aliança dos Clubes
e Associações Portuguesas do Ontário, o
que para nós é muito honroso, pois vem
enriquecer com sua danças e cantares a
nossa organização que está aberta a todos
os que nela se integrarem, dando-lhe assim mais força e mais variedade cultural.
A Aliança dos Clubes quer dar as boas
vindas e dar votos de muito sucesso a
Presidentes de Clubes e Associações que
pela primeira vez se encarregaram de um
cargo que não é nada fácil, mas que com
o apoio e suporte das direcções se tornará
menos pesado. A todos eles os meus votos
de parabéns.
O quarto novo elemento que veio até
nós, foi o Clube Amigu di Macau Toronto,
que é uma representação desta cidade chi-
nesa que esteve sempre ligada a Portugal,
antes porque era uma dádiva de reis da
China ao nosso País, e agora pelos laços
culturais que lá deixamos, e que jamais se
extinguirão.
E por último o meu renovado e nunca
esquecido agradecimento a todos os comerciantes e companhias que patrocinaram todos os eventos, pois sem eles e sem
o seu contributo nada seria possível neste
e nos anteriores anos, assim como nos que
virão, e para os quais peço a todos os que
me lêem, que tenhamos reconhecimento por aqueles que contribuem financeiramente para a continuidade destes dias
que tanto nos projectam como comunidade amiga da cultura dos lugares onde
nasceram, ou de onde vieram seus antepassados.
E já agora volto a lembrar que “o pior
naufrágio é aquele de quem não saiu do
porto”. Por isso venha viver estes dias que
são de todos os que amam a sua terra e a
língua portuguesa.
Por Joe Eustáquio
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
On the road to “have not” status - Ontario needs fairness restored
The principle of fairness has been taken
out of confederation, and the cost is becoming increasingly apparent in Ontario.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s
Phase 1 report, part of its ongoing Fairness
in Confederation study, has found that because of the increasing pressures of funding the equalization and transfer programs
the province will become a “have not”
jurisdiction within five years, affecting the
future prosperity of Canada.
“Ontario has never shirked its responsibilities to the federation - neither has it
questioned the principles behind equalization programs,” said Len Crispino,
President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber
of Commerce. “However, the current formula doesn’t work for Ontario - and it
doesn’t work for Canada.”
The report examined the federal equalization and transfer programs, including
their sustainability and their successes (or
lack thereof). The report’s findings show a
clear trend of transferring too much wealth
from the “have” provinces for too few results in the “have not” provinces.
“The burden that Ontario bears would
be easier to justify if the end results were
good - but they are not,” said Crispino.
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
“While the rest of Canada has more access
to government services than Ontario due
to the transfers - they remain economically stagnant.”
An equally troubling problem identified
by the report is the inability of governments
to measure the results of the federal transfer system, resulting in disparities between
jurisdictions and an inability to gauge the
results of government investments.
“The Canadian equalization program
is the largest ongoing transfer of wealth
in the world,” said Crispino. “Yet our governments are unable to tell the taxpayers
how those transfers have improved the
receiving provinces and Confederation
as a whole. Beyond that, there is no data
collected on how that transfer of wealth
affects the contributing provinces like
Ontario and Alberta.”
The study was conducted and authored by David MacKinnon on behalf of
the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. In researching the issues surrounding Canada’s
transfer system, MacKinnon met chambers
of commerce and boards of trade across
the province, along with a number of former political leaders. He also drew on significant new research by Ontario’s Institute
for Competitiveness and Prosperity and the
work of the Atlantic Institute for Market
Studies and other publicly available data.
Phase 2 of the Fairness in Confederation
study will focus on fixing the current
system, while restoring the fundamental principle of fairness and equality to
Confederation.
The full report and supplementary materials can be found at www.occ.on.ca.
9
abcGTA: Find out more about appointments to agencies, boards and commissions
The Federation of
Portuguese
Canadian
Business and Professionals
has joined efforts with
the Portuguese Canadian
National Congress to organize an information
session about the abcGTA
Project in October 2005.
The purpose of abcGTA, a project of The
Maytree Foundation, is to address the imbalance between the
proportion of immigrants and visible minorities in the Greater
Toronto Area (GTA) and their relative lack of representation on
public agencies, boards and commissions (abcs).
The demographic facts are clear. The ethnic diversity of the
GTA is striking. In the City of Toronto 50% of all residents are
foreign-born and 40% are visible minorities. In the GTA 30% of
residents are visible minorities. However, the number of visible
minorities appointed to agencies, boards and commissions does
not reflect this diversity.
Diversity is more than statistics, ratios and numbers. Real diversity brings added value to organizations and to society at large
as it allows us to tap into and benefit from broader perspectives,
experiences, networks and knowledge. Diversity also helps pub-
lic institutions to strengthen their ties with all stakeholders and to
increase their accountability to the public they serve.
This project’s objective, in this initial stage, is to facilitate the
appointment of diverse candidates from visible minority and immigrant communities on agencies, boards and commissions in
the GTA.
Maytree has created a directory of 100 candidates from across
the GTA who are qualified, willing and able to serve of boards of
public institutions. The FPCBP strongly encourages its members
to bring their CVs to be added to this list.
&
Carlos Botelho
construtor de casas novas • empreiteiro de carpintaria (framing)
casas por encomenda (custom made) 50x150 aproximadamente
Tel.: 905.7923.600 | Fax.: 905.792.3626
14202 Hurontario St., R.R.1 Inglewood, ON L0N 1K0
Social Functions
Corporate Functions
The Pearson Convention Center is Toronto’s newest and most
sumptuous venue for successful corporate events or fashionable
social affairs. Close to Pearson International Airport, in the heart of
the Greater Toronto Area, the 60,000 square-foot Pearson
Convention Center is equipped with the latest in hightech facilities
and telecommunications services, in a setting rich with a timeless
elegance of design, exquisite amenities and good old-fashioned
comfort.
Offering a full range of rooms to comfortably host every kind of
group - from intimate gatherings for fewer than a dozen guests, all
the way up to spectacular live shows with an audience of two
thousand - the Pearson Convention Center is a superb environment
that will fully adapt to your needs and your vision, to make your
event a perfect and memorable success.
Your Success is our Success!
2638 Steeles Avenue East, Brampton
Tel: 905.494.0444 • Fax: 905.494.0344
www.pearsonconventioncenter.com
10
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
Electoral Reform Op-Ed
It is no surprise that in recent years voters have displayed an
increasingly apathetic view towards their political system. The
steady decline in the number of eligible voters actually casting
their ballots is as clear a call as any one might need to review our
political system. Indeed, if one were to question the belief that all
across this country, and indeed around the world, there is a desire
for electoral reform a brief survey of this issue at the provincial
level would put the argument to rest.
For example, British Columbians will soon have the opportunity to vote on a “single transferable vote” system chosen by
their Citizens’ Assembly. This vote comes in May of 2005. New
Brunswick will review a report released in January 2005 recommending a Mixed Member Proportional system. Ontario has created the Democratic Renewal Secretariat to modernize Ontario’s
democratic institutions. Prince Edward Island has appointed an
eight person commission to look at the province’s electoral future.
And, Quebec has a draft bill before it what is now to be studied
by a parliamentary committee through public consultations.
Indeed, it should be noted this is only what is occurring in
Canada. We see similar trends in democratic jurisdictions across
the world.
Clearly, no matter where one lives their is a prevailing mindset
that states not so much that democracy is dysfunctional as much
as there is need for renewal. We need to look at engaging citizens more directly in the political process and to do so we must
change the way governments are elected. Voters must clearly
see that their system of electing representatives truly reflects their
desires. At the federal level in this country there have been musings for some time now that the time is right for change. Indeed,
if one was to view even briefly the statistics on how governments
are elected the case for change may not be so difficult to make.
One of the main criticisms is that a party’s political share of the
national vote is rarely reflected in an accurate way in terms of the
results. For example, in only 134 of 308 ridings in the 2004 general election were candidates elected with a majority of 50% of
the vote or more. In four of the last five general elections (19882004) the governing party received less that 50% of the popular
vote and these were majority governments. Perhaps more blatantly, in the 1993 general election the Progressive Conservative
Party received 16% of the national vote but only two seats (0.7%
of the total). Clearly, not a representative result of voter support.
It should be noted that there is no shortage of studies making
recommendations on how to change the system including the
Pepin-Robarts Task Force in 1979 or the Macdonald Commission
in 1985. What is clear to all who look objectively at our political
system is that change is required. If we fail to act we risk further
alienating the electorate from the people they choose to represent
them in Ottawa.
The example of British Columbia is one that deserves close
scrutiny from those who support change at the federal level.
Citizens must feel that they are part of the system that develops
reform proposals in terms of the political system. In the spring of
2005 British Columbians will decide whether to accept or reject
the recommendation of their Citizens’ Assembly. Regardless of
the outcome at least the matter has been discussed and at least
they have been engaged in meaningful dialogue.
There is little doubt that voter apathy may indeed be a phenomenon more deeply rooted than simply changing the electoral system. The examples of Scotland and Wales come to mind
where despite changes in the manner in which representatives
are elected voter turnout remained less than enthusiastic.
However, it is incumbent upon us as parliamentarians and citizens that we at least make the effort to consider alternatives to
the political system we currently have in place. These can range
from proportional representation, the single transferable voter or
the mixed member proportional system. All possibilities should
be considered. Democratic reform may not solve all the pressing
issues facing our political system or those around the world, but
it is clearly an opportunity to engage voters in a positive and constructive manner. It is imperative that time not be lost in making
progress in this area for what is at stake may well be the democratic process that is one of the greatest gifts handed down to us
by our ancestors.
By Mário Silva, M.P.
A Community Bank for a
Community Business
www.bankbcp.com | 1.866.77mybcp
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
11
Our Congress, Our Voice
PCNC Launches New Projects to Address Community Needs and Build Youth Leadership
What is the Congress?
Created in 1993 to represent the 400,000 Canadians of
Portuguese descent, the Congress’ mandate is to act on the social, economic, cultural and political development of the community, including promoting the full participation of community
members in Canadian society. Here are some of the ways our
Executive, Directors, staff and volunteers fulfill this goal.
Our projects and services strive to unite communities and facilitate collaborative ventures to address localized concerns. For
instance, between 2002 and 2004, we successfully implemented
a national project called Meeting for Action/Reunir Para Agir to
promote integration, capacity-building and government-community partnerships. A series of Regional Roundtables were held
in communities across Canada to prioritize local concerns and
develop initiatives to address these issues. A National Policy and
Planning Meeting concluded the project, including a review of
draft policy statements on education and youth, multiculturalism,
health care services and social inclusion. [For more information
about Meeting for Action, see the Final Report available from the
Congress home page, www.congresso.ca.]
We provide opportunities for youth (between the ages of
18 and 26) to add their voice to community discussions and
Congress program development by coordinating National Youth
Conferences (1997 & 2003), encouraging community youth to
act as members of our Project Steering Committees and by acting
as Congress Youth Delegates, Youth Directors, and Youth Regional
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Vice-Presidents. (A list of our representatives may be found online at www.congresso.ca, under “Features”/ “About”).
We facilitate communication between our isolated communities through the publication of newsletters and reports, hosting
of conferences and other events, and by providing an electronic
discussion and information group, Congresso_list, now featuring
240 members across Canada.
We celebrate the successes of our community members by
highlighting individuals, community organizations and/or events
on Congresso_list and by hosting the Celebrating Outstanding
Portuguese-Canadian Achievement Awards (COPA), an inaugural gala where 26 Luso-Canadians of Distinction were honoured
in the areas of arts/culture, athletics, education/academia, vision
and leadership.
What are Current Congress Priorities?
This year the Congress has launched two exciting projects to
meet key priorities (namely, to continue to build community capacity to address issues of concern, to increase civic engagement
and participation and to build youth leadership):
1. Meeting for Action Consolidation Phase (National)
Despite the success of Meeting for Action, it became clear that
important initiatives launched over the past several months could
not be sustained by local communities unless supported by a more
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
substantive capacity-building effort. The Congress, with support
from Canadian Heritage (Multiculturalism Branch), is therefore
implementing the Meeting for Action Consolidation Phase from
February 2005 to June 2006, continuing where Meeting for Action
left off by further enhancing the individual and collective capacity of Luso-Canadians to undertake initiatives that combat discrimination, promote organizational change and ensure they take
their rightful place in Canadian society. This includes following
up with a Meeting for Action National Policy Meeting recommendation to create National Networks of Portuguese-Canadian
professional to act as a community resource. The Congress is
in the midst of developing national volunteer networks to support the work of community groups across the country, including a National Portuguese-Canadian Educators’ Network and a
Portuguese-Canadian Lawyers’ Network.
“youth leaders”, identifying local barriers to civic participation,
developing and implementing localized strategies to increase
opportunities for Portuguese-Canadian youth involvement, and
hosting a Youth Summit as the final phase of the project.
2. “Thinking Civically” Civic Engagement
and Youth Leadership Project (Ontario)
Locally, we are represented by: Domingos Marques, Toronto
Director, and the following Toronto Delegates: Elita Alves, MariLu
Amaral, David Cavaco, Ana Fernandes, Valter Lopes, Paulino
Nunes, Antonio F. Ribeiro, Mena Silva.
A direct result of the Meeting for Action Regional Roundtable
held in Toronto on the Civic and Political Participation of LusoCanadians, “Thinking Civically” is a two year project (March
2005-March 2007) funded by the Ontario Region of Canadian
Heritage, Multiculturalism Branch, that aims to: (1) build community leadership and activism skills among Portuguese-Canadian
youth; and, (2) increase opportunities for the civic participation
of youth of Portuguese descent. With approximately 70% of
Portuguese-Canadians residing in Ontario, the Congress will be
working with Portuguese-Ontarian youth and community activists
in Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener-Waterloo, London and Toronto.
Key components of the project consist of recruiting and training
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
Who is the Congress?
The Congress is represented by more than 70 Delegates,
Directors and Vice-Presidents coast-to-coast. Our National
Executive is comprised of:
Peter Ferreira, National President; Dr. Fernando Nunes, National
Vice-President; Emanuel Linhares, Regional Vice-President,
Eastern Canada; Marcie Ponte, Regional Vice-President, Ontario;
Eric Arruda, Regional Youth Vice-President, Ontario; Terry Costa,
Regional Vice-President, Western Canada
For more information on the Congress or our current projects,
or to discuss ways you can get involved, please do not hesitate
to contact staff.
Ana Paula Almeida, [email protected]; Debbie Pacheco,
[email protected]
Tel: 416-532-3233 • Fax: 416-532-8703
Web: www.congresso.ca
Listserv: http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/congresso_list/
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News from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Government Says No to Selling LCBO
The Beverage Alcohol System Review, an expert panel appointed by the government to review Ontario’s beverage alcohol
system, released its Strategy for Transforming Ontario’s Beverage
Alcohol System. The report - the first of its kind in more than 75
years - recommends a more open and competitive system to maximize government revenue. Immediately following the release of
the report on July 18, Finance Minister Greg Sorbara confirmed
that the government would not sell the Liquor Control Board of
Ontario.
Past OCC member surveys reveal that most members oppose
the sale of public assets. According to the 2005 Pre-Budget Survey
about 70 per cent of respondents believe that the government
should only consider selling off public assets when there are new
ways to deliver better-quality services, while 20 per cent said they
should “never” considering selling off their assets. When asked
whether or not the government should consider selling its assets
as an action to balance its books and reduce the deficit, about
60 per cent of respondents said “no,” according to the 2004 PreBudget Survey.
The Panel’s report proposed a new strategy that would continue to provide the province approximately $1.5 billion a year
in revenue from Ontario’s beverage alcohol system and, after a
transition period, generate additional revenue in excess of $200
million annually for the benefit of hospitals, schools and other
public needs. The primary source of this new revenue would be
licence fees paid to operate retail and wholesale businesses.
For more information or to view the report please visit the
Beverage Alcohol System Review’s website at http://www.beveragealcoholreview.on.ca/en/report.htm.
ums have not kept up with rising costs and the unfunded liability
has risen to be among the highest of all Canadian jurisdictions.
However, it was our original understanding that the argument
for this rate increase was being blamed on rising health care
costs, and in particular, to address prevention and occupational
diseases. Yet, not only is the WSIB in a secure financial position
but industrial accident rates have dropped by over 60 per cent
since the late 1980s and are projected to continue to decline.
According to the WSIB’s own Chief Actuary, “the system is not
in crisis - it is very manageable,” as stated in the WSIB Funding
Session, March 2005. As well, the Ministry of Labour continues
to be committed to improving workplace safety in Ontario and
plans to further reduce injuries by 20 per cent by 2008.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce provided its views on the
potentially negative consequences a rate increase would have on
Ontario employers and the province’s competitiveness prior to
the WSIB’s board meeting on July 20. The OCC sent a letter to
Premier Dalton McGuinty, Labour Minister Steve Peters, Finance
Minister Greg Sorbara and WSIB President Jill Hutcheon. Though
the OCC appreciates the government’s current fiscal position, we
believe the 2004 Ontario Health Premium addresses the government’s need to help fund health care. Ontario taxpayers were
told that the new taxation revenue from this premium would be
used to invest in the reduction of wait times, improving access,
enhancing preventative health measures and expanding mental
health services. As such, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce believes that increasing WSIB premium rates - a direct increase in
payroll taxes - is not warranted.
OCC Opposes WSIB Premium Rate Hike
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce believes that the recent
premium rate hike announced by the WSIB on Thursday will
limit job creation and deter investment in Ontario. Ontario’s
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) set the 2006 preliminary average premium rate at $2.26 for every $100 of insurable earnings. This is an increase of three per cent from the 2005
premium of $2.19.
The WSIB board declared that the increase is necessary because of a lack of resources to fund compensation claims - known
as the “unfunded liability.” The unfunded liability is the difference
between the total cost of claims and the funds in the system to
pay for them. The WSIB says that over the last several years premi-
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FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
Past Presidents
2005 Board of Directors
Frank Alvarez
Ermidio Alves
Luis Arruda
David Costa
Fernando Costa
Ricardo Castro-Lopo
Raimundo Favas
Almiro Fonseca
Louis Louro, Jr.
João Neves
Nellie Pedro
Leo Pereira
Joe Pinto
In order from left to right: John Peter Ferreira, Julio de Jesus, Aldina Costa, Silvia Jacinto (Treasurer), Ana
Bailão (President), Avelino Fonseca, Kelly Da Fonseca, Cristina Marques (Vice-President), Pedro Pinto,
Cidalia Faria, Francine Antonio. Absent: Fernando Clotildes (Secretary).
Arnaldo Santos
New Members
John Santos
from June 21 to August 15
Armindo Silva
Charles Sousa
Brad Danchuk,
MRS Group of Companies
Carlos Teixeira
Denise Costa, Royal Bank of Canada
Joe Esteireiro, Royal Bank of Canada
Founders
Laura Bulger
Fernando Costa
Vasco D’Avillez
Cesar de Morais
Germano Gonçalves
Delkar Maia
Orlando da Silva
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Eunice Machado,
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Elizabeth Mourao, Ricketss, Harris LLP
Miguel Madeira, Brad Lamb Realty Inc.
Albino Silva, Chiado Restaurant
Helmut Scheffler
TAC International Computer
Manuel Ferreira, Minho Roofing Ltd.
Alfredo Catarino
AC Concrete Forming Ltd.
Rui Rocha, York Chicken Wholesale Ltd
Sung Ho Kim
Twins Peak Construction Ltd.
Elio Leal
Universal Structural Restorations
Josué Manata, Manata Jewellery
Jay Vieira, Himelfarb Proszanski LLP
Eric Arruda, Student
Leandra Franklin, Student
Lisa Rodrigues, Student
Sylvie Rodrigues, Student
Alberto Pereira
Octavio Sampaio
John F. Santos
Armindo Silva
To adver tise in this newsletter,
please contact the FPCBP office at (416) 537-8874
Bathurst Chapel
366 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M5T 2S6
Tel 416•603•1444
Annette Chapel
92 Annette Street
Toronto, ON M6P 1N6
Tel 416•762•8141
Established 1925
“Our People Make the Difference”
www.cardinalfuneralhomes.com
FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005
Earle Elliott Chapel
715 Dovercourt Road
Toronto, ON M6H 2W7
Tel 416•532•3301
15
FPCBP 2005 Scholarship Application
The Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business & Professionals is once again recognizing the outstanding achievements of our
youth. We are pleased to announce that in November 2005, the Federation will be holding its 24th Annual Scholarship Awards
Dinner. These scholarships, courtesy of our many sponsors, will be awarded to outstanding students from the Portuguese Community.
Scholarships will be awarded in the following categories: Grade 12, Undergraduate degree, masters, and doctoral. Applications will
be accepted from anywhere in Canada. However, please be advised that all successful applicants are required to attend the Annual
Awards Dinner.
Applications are now being accepted. Please fill in the following form and submit it to our office with the necessary documents
before November 4, 2005 at 6:00 pm.
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FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005