upcoming events president’s message · 2010. 11. 18. · the program is to provide members with...

FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005 1

www.scotiabank.com

Upcoming Events

Summer BBQSeptember

Info Session abcGTAOctober

Business LuncheonOctober

Scholarship Awards DinnerNovember

(continued on page 2)

Dear Members,As we approach six months of this

board’s mandate, it is appropriate to refl ect 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 ap-preciate your comments and suggestions. For this I say Thank-You.

The FPCBP’s priorities include the fol-lowing:

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 member-ship 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 suc-cess!

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 an-nounce 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 benefi ts beyond simple mem-bership, while increasing awareness of Portuguese businesses across Canada. We will encourage members to take ad-

vantage of these benefi ts by promoting the discounts in our newsletters and on our website. If you wish to have your busi-ness participate in this program, please contact us as soon as possible.

• Fostering the involvement and repre-sentation 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 commu-nity Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade. The OCC is the premier advocate of business in Ontario preparing soundly researched policy that refl ects the interests of its members with the intention of in-fl uencing government policy. The FPCBP Board believes it is important for the Federation to have its voice heard and be involved with other business organi-zations. The OCC website presently has a link to our website thus increasing the exposure of our organization, our activi-ties and our members to the mainstream community. We encourage our members to take full advantage of the immense ben-efi ts this new partnership has to offer and look forward to raising our profi le in the business community.

We also encourage our members to actively participate in other organiza-tions. The FPCBP has partnered with the Portuguese Canadian National Congress

President’s Message

Ana Bailão, FPCBP President

FPCBPMission Statement

To promote business activity, foster professionalism, develop network-ing opportunities, enhance political visibility, encourage academic excel-lence and, as the representative voice, advocate the prominence of our mem-bers within and outside the Portuguese Canadian Business and Professional community.

2 FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2005

to organize an information session with the Maytree Foundation on the abcGTA project aimed at increasing the involve-ment of our members in boards, agencies and commissions.

• Organizing monthly functions:Regular functions that feature quali-

fi ed speakers from a variety of entities on issues of interest to the Portuguese-Canadian Community are extremely im-portant 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 in-dustry will be discussed. Our next event will be a September BBQ to invite our

members and their families for an eve-ning of fun and food to join in celebrating our many accomplishments to date.

In November, the FPCBP will rec-ognize the outstanding achievements of our youth with the annual Scholarship Awards Dinner and in February, just be-fore the Annual General Meeting, the Federation will be hosting our Business Award Gala Dinner.

O potencial das nossas organizações comunitárias está no envolvimento, ca-pacidades organizativas e empenho dos corpos gerentes, assim como, de todos os associados. Agradecendo uma vez mais todo o apoio contamos consigo nas acti-vidades e projectos agendados para um futuro próximo.

Com os melhores cumprimentos,

Ana BailãoPresident, FPCBP

ESPECIALIZADOS EM PRODUTOS ALIMENTARES,

INCLUINDO PEIXE FRESCO, VINDO DE PORTUGAL

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]

Want to Increase Your Organization’sInvolvement 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 stu-dent at their school.

Based on the results of a survey con-ducted by Project Diploma, the desper-ate need for mentors in the Portuguese-Canadian 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-

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 con-tinuing 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-confi dence.

For more information or to apply for the program please call Project Diploma at 416-536-9069 or visit www.projectdi-ploma.com. Workplace presentations can also be arranged to outline the In-School

(continued from page 1)

Gold

Thank you to the 2005 FPCBP Sponsors

Silver

Bronze


Sold out weeks in advance, the Federation’s annual golf tour-nament 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, in-cluding $15,000 cash and a Porsche Boxter, thanks to hole-in-one sponsors RBC and World Fine Cars.

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

by Marbles of Portugal and sponsored by AGF Group of Funds.

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 certifi cate for a round of golf and many others offered prizes for our raffl e draw. Once again, thanks to all who participated and we look forward to more successful events in the future.

The lucky winners were:Closest to the Pin: Nick Ierfi no (Not present at awards cer-

emony)

Hole in one: FPCBP 2005 Annual Golf Tournament a great success

Tel: (416) 537-8874 • Fax: (416) 537-9706 • Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00am to 6:00pm

Ladies’ Longest Drive: Ann MartinsCésar Rodrigues receiving Closest to the Pin Award on behalf of Nick Ierfi no Ladies’ Low Net: Natalie Araujo-Schepis

Best Past President’s Foursome: Raimundo Favas, Fernando Rio, Fernando Rodrigues, and Tony Silva

Best Foursome: Bob Grodesky, Jurgen Schodenefeld, Greg Heferring, and John Ganton

Men’s Low Gross: Tony Silva Men’s Low Net: Paul Smith Men’s Longest Drive: Don Wallace


A Federação de Empresários e Profi ssionais 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 cir-cunstância, o Sr. Hélder Carvalho. Trata-se do Acqua Restaurante, no nº 10 da Front St, no BCE Place, bem perto da Yonge.

Empresários e Profi ssionais Luso-Canadianos participaram num convívio que teve também a participação do ICEP, com a promoção de vinhos portugueses.

O objectivo da Federação era aumentar o número de associados, assim como proporcionar um ambiente agradável de network e a possibili-dade de negócios a todos os presentes.

Após se terem de-senvolvido e evoluído na Comunidade, os Comerciantes portu-gueses agradecem o facto de possuirem uma Federação que, congre-gando os vários sectores em que a actividade comercial se de-senvolve, constituí um baluarte para a defesa dos legítimos in-teresses, quer colectivos quer individuais, de todos aqueles que, com a maior dignidade e honrosamente são comerciantes e pro-fi ssionais luso-canadianos.

Desta feita, a Federação de Empresários e Profi ssionais Luso-Canadianos 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 objec-tivo da campanha intitulada MEMBRO TRAZ MEMBRO.

Campanha Membro Traz Membro

Julio de Jesus e estudantes da UTPA (University of Toronto Portuguese Association). Foto cortesia de Portuguese Post

Helder Carvalho, um dos proprietários do Acqua Restaurante. Foto cortesia de SOL Portugues


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 desafi o de abrirem os seus próprios negócios.

Somada a essa vontade, tem que haver a disposição para ad-quirir conhecimentos e para desenvolver comportamentos ad-equados, e empreendedores de sucesso, que identifi cam quali-dades especiais, comuns a todos e responsáveis por garantirem o seu lugar no mercado. Desde 1981 que a Federação tem unido os comerciantes e profi ssionais da comunidade portuguesa, com o objectivo de criar e desenvolver laços comerciais, dentro e fora da comunidade portuguesa.

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 Profi ssionais 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 profi s-sionais luso-canadianos.

Parabéns por mais essa iniciativa e pelo sucesso alcançado.

Ana Bailão with members of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce. Foto cortesia de Portuguese Post

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.


Celebrar o mês de Junho como o mês da história e cultura portuguesas no Ontário é um dos objectivos da Federação de Empresários e Profi ssionais Luso-Canadianos. Para comemorar esta cele-bração, e pelo segundo ano consecutivo, a Federação organizou um concurso de composições, em português e em inglês, nas escolas onde estudam luso-descen-dentes.

As composições foram novamente su-bordinadas ao tema “Para mim, ser portu-guês é...” e dividiram-se em dois grupos: português e inglês junior que englobou alunos dos 8º ao 10º anos de escolarida-de; e português e inglês senior para os alu-nos dos 11º e 12º anos.

Assim, os seis contemplados de cada uma das quatro categorias foram premia-dos 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-

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 desta-car os jovens que com ela se identifi cam.

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 alu-nos, e tambem reconheceu as entidades ali presentes: cônsul geral de Portugal em Toronto, Dr. Emídio da Veiga Domingos, vereador municipal, Cesar Palácio, depu-tado provincial Peter Fonseca, Idalina da Silva em representação do deputado fede-

FPCBP celebra mês da história e cultura portuguesas

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.


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 jo-vem 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 mul-ticulturalismo.

Pela primeira vez presente em tal ce-rimónia, o cônsul geral de Portugal em Toronto deixou bem expresso o seu orgu-lho por ver tantos jovens a manter viva a “chama” de Portugal. Dr. Emidio da Veiga Domingos encorajou todos os patrocina-dores a continuarem a apoiar este género de iniciativas para que a comunidade ve-nha 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 certifi cado da Câmara Municipal em nome do presi-dente da câmara, David Miller, e em seu nome pessoal.

Convidada para enaltecer os jovens vencedores, a ministra da cidadania e imigração, Marie Bountrogianni, op-tou 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, re-ferindo-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 che-gou fi nalmente: Cidália Faria fez a apre-sentação dos vencedores do concurso das

composições, assim como dos respectivos patrocinadores. No fi nal desta notícia pu-blicámos a lista completa. Para fi nalizar a cerimónia, Cidália Faria agradeceu a to-dos os patrocinadores, ao apoio da OMNI e da Fundação Trillium.

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 secundá-rio, Manuela Marujo, professora de portu-guês 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.

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, pa-trocínio de MOD Club Theatre; 4º lugar: Raquel Almeida, patrocínio de Ambient Designs; 5º lugar: Daniel Martins da Silva, patrocínio de Trio Roofi ng; 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, pa-trocínio de Pearson Convention Centre; 4º lugar: Nancy Luis, patrocínio de Legacy Travel Services; 5º lugar: Victoria Moreira, patrocínio de Peter Ferreira, Trustee; 6º lu-

gar: Dylan Abreu-Coburn, patrocínio de Dreamcoast Homes.

No grupo português junior: 1º lugar: David Miguel, patrocí-

nio de Ferma Import & Export; 2º lugar: Nicole Garcia, patrocínio de Capelas Construction; 3º lugar: Daniela Costa, patrocínio de Bento de São José; 4º lu-gar: 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.

No grupo português senior: 1º lugar: Sara Couto, patrocínio de bcp-

bank; 2º lugar: Stephanie Governo, pa-trocínio de Borges Foods; 3º lugar: Silvia Rocha Rodrigues, patrocínio de Montepio Geral; 4º lugar: Fernanda Travassos, patro-cínio 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

Diana Fillici e Charles Sousa de RBC Financial Group.

David Miguel e Tony Belas de Ferma Import & Export.

Sara Couto e Ricardo Valadares de bcpbank.

Anita Marques e John Paul Macedo de Scotiabank.


Amir Klink, - chamado navegador soli-tário – 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 assis-tir 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, por-que 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 cer-teza que entre estes estarão futuros direc-tores de colectividades, e como tal, tam-bém 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

futuras, que sem dúvida também nesse campo se pode honrar Portugal. É tam-bém 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 intercâm-bio de culturas. Tivemos ainda neste ano e na nossa companhia, o Grupo Folclórico Português de Oakville, que decidiu alistar-se 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 as-sim 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 co-merciantes e companhias que patrocina-ram 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 reconhecimen-to por aqueles que contribuem fi nancei-ramente para a continuidade destes dias que tanto nos projectam como comuni-dade amiga da cultura dos lugares onde nasceram, ou de onde vieram seus ante-passados.

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

Acapo agradece a Comerciantes e Empresários


On the road to “have not” status - Ontario needs fairness restored 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 be-coming increasingly apparent in Ontario.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Phase 1 report, part of its ongoing Fairness in Confederation study, has found that be-cause of the increasing pressures of fund-ing the equalization and transfer programs the province will become a “have not” jurisdiction within fi ve years, affecting the future prosperity of Canada.

“Ontario has never shirked its respon-sibilities to the federation - neither has it questioned the principles behind equal-ization programs,” said Len Crispino, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “However, the current for-mula doesn’t work for Ontario - and it doesn’t work for Canada.”

The report examined the federal equal-ization and transfer programs, including their sustainability and their successes (or lack thereof). The report’s fi ndings show a clear trend of transferring too much wealth from the “have” provinces for too few re-sults 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.

“While the rest of Canada has more access to government services than Ontario due to the transfers - they remain economi-cally stagnant.”

An equally troubling problem identifi ed by the report is the inability of governments to measure the results of the federal trans-fer 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 gov-ernments 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 au-thored by David MacKinnon on behalf of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. In re-searching the issues surrounding Canada’s transfer system, MacKinnon met chambers of commerce and boards of trade across the province, along with a number of for-mer political leaders. He also drew on sig-nifi cant 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 fi xing the current system, while restoring the fundamen-tal principle of fairness and equality to Confederation.

The full report and supplementary ma-terials can be found at www.occ.on.ca.


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The Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals has joined efforts with the Portuguese Canadian National Congress to or-ganize an information session about the abcGTA Project in October 2005.

The purpose of abc-GTA, 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 refl ect this diversity.

Diversity is more than statistics, ratios and numbers. Real di-versity brings added value to organizations and to society at large as it allows us to tap into and benefi t 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 im-migrant communities on agencies, boards and commissions in the GTA.

Maytree has created a directory of 100 candidates from across the GTA who are qualifi ed, 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.

abcGTA: Find out more about appointments to agencies, boards and commissions

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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 oppor-tunity 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 recom-mending a Mixed Member Proportional system. Ontario has cre-ated 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 citi-zens 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 refl ects their desires. At the federal level in this country there have been mus-ings for some time now that the time is right for change. Indeed,

if one was to view even briefl y the statistics on how governments are elected the case for change may not be so diffi cult to make.

One of the main criticisms is that a party’s political share of the national vote is rarely refl ected in an accurate way in terms of the results. For example, in only 134 of 308 ridings in the 2004 gen-eral election were candidates elected with a majority of 50% of the vote or more. In four of the last fi ve general elections (1988-2004) the governing party received less that 50% of the popular vote and these were majority governments. Perhaps more bla-tantly, 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 phe-nomenon more deeply rooted than simply changing the elector-al 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 citi-zens 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 con-structive manner. It is imperative that time not be lost in making progress in this area for what is at stake may well be the demo-cratic process that is one of the greatest gifts handed down to us by our ancestors.

By Mário Silva, M.P.

Electoral Reform Op-Ed

www.bank .com | 1.866.77mybcp bcp

A Community Bank for aCommunity Business


What is the Congress?Created in 1993 to represent the 400,000 Canadians of

Portuguese descent, the Congress’ mandate is to act on the so-cial, economic, cultural and political development of the com-munity, including promoting the full participation of community members in Canadian society. Here are some of the ways our Executive, Directors, staff and volunteers fulfi ll this goal.

Our projects and services strive to unite communities and fa-cilitate 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-commu-nity 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

Vice-Presidents. (A list of our representatives may be found on-line at www.congresso.ca, under “Features”/ “About”).

We facilitate communication between our isolated communi-ties 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 inaugu-ral 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 ca-pacity 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

Our Congress, Our Voice

PCNC Launches New Projects to Address Community Needs and Build Youth Leadership


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 capac-ity of Luso-Canadians to undertake initiatives that combat dis-crimination, 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 recom-mendation 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 sup-port the work of community groups across the country, includ-ing a National Portuguese-Canadian Educators’ Network and a Portuguese-Canadian Lawyers’ Network.

2. “Thinking Civically” Civic Engagementand Youth Leadership Project (Ontario)

A direct result of the Meeting for Action Regional Roundtable held in Toronto on the Civic and Political Participation of Luso-Canadians, “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 commu-nity 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

“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 fi nal phase of the project.

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

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.

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: 416-532-8703Web: www.congresso.caListserv: http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/congresso_list/


Government Says No to Selling LCBO The Beverage Alcohol System Review, an expert panel ap-

pointed by the government to review Ontario’s beverage alcohol system, released its Strategy for Transforming Ontario’s Beverage Alcohol System. The report - the fi rst of its kind in more than 75 years - recommends a more open and competitive system to max-imize government revenue. Immediately following the release of the report on July 18, Finance Minister Greg Sorbara confi rmed 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 defi cit, about 60 per cent of respondents said “no,” according to the 2004 Pre-Budget Survey.

The Panel’s report proposed a new strategy that would con-tinue 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 benefi t 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.bevera-gealcoholreview.on.ca/en/report.htm.

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 pre-liminary average premium rate at $2.26 for every $100 of insur-able 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 be-cause 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-

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 fi nancial 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 fi scal position, we believe the 2004 Ontario Health Premium addresses the govern-ment’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 be-lieves that increasing WSIB premium rates - a direct increase in payroll taxes - is not warranted.

News from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce


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).

2005 Board of DirectorsPast PresidentsFrank 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

Arnaldo Santos

John Santos

Armindo Silva

Charles Sousa

Carlos Teixeira

FoundersLaura Bulger

Fernando Costa

Vasco D’Avillez

Cesar de Morais

Germano Gonçalves

Delkar Maia

Alberto Pereira

Octavio Sampaio

John F. Santos

Armindo Silva

New Membersfrom June 21 to August 15

Brad Danchuk, MRS Group of Companies

Denise Costa, Royal Bank of Canada

Joe Esteireiro, Royal Bank of Canada

Helmut Scheffl erTAC International Computer

Alfredo CatarinoAC Concrete Forming Ltd.

Sung Ho KimTwins Peak Construction Ltd.

Elio LealUniversal Structural Restorations

Josué Manata, Manata Jewellery

Orlando da SilvaBorden Ladner Gervais LLP

Eunice Machado,Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP

Elizabeth Mourao, Ricketss, Harris LLP

Miguel Madeira, Brad Lamb Realty Inc.

Albino Silva, Chiado Restaurant

Manuel Ferreira, Minho Roofi ng Ltd.

Jay Vieira, Himelfarb Proszanski LLP

Rui Rocha, York Chicken Wholesale Ltd

Eric Arruda, Student

Leandra Franklin, Student

Lisa Rodrigues, Student

Sylvie Rodrigues, Student

To adver tise in this newsletter,

please contact the FPCBP office at (416) 537-8874

www.cardinalfuneralhomes.com

Established 1925

“Our People Make the Difference”

Bathurst Chapel366 Bathurst Street

Toronto, ON M5T 2S6Tel 416•603•1444

Annette Chapel92 Annette Street

Toronto, ON M6P 1N6Tel 416•762•8141

Earle Elliott Chapel715 Dovercourt Road

Toronto, ON M6H 2W7Tel 416•532•3301


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 fi ll in the following form and submit it to our offi ce with the necessary documents before November 4, 2005 at 6:00 pm.

FPCBP 2005 Scholarship Application

upcoming events president’s message · 2010. 11. 18. · the program is to provide members with...

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