TAN – The Afro News

Canada Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney

Ottawa, December 13, 2011 —Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today announced the expansion of the international visa application centre (VAC) network into West Africa. Read the full story

Canadian aid being delivered to Pakistan.

Ottawa (Ontario) ─ A shipment of Canadian supplies has arrived in Pakistan, bringing 1,000 all-weather tents, 7,060 jerry cans, 1,000 tarps and 3,840 mosquito nets in support of ongoing emergency relief operations by the International Federation of Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS).

“Canada was one of the first countries to respond to this devastating flood, and our relief efforts are helping save the lives of thousands of people,” said the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation. “Canadians can be extremely proud of the ongoing work we are doing to help alleviate the suffering created by this humanitarian disaster.”

The relief supplies, which arrived in Pakistan on August 17, have been transported to Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for distribution to flood-ravaged areas. Canada’s contribution will help meet priority needs, which include food, water and sanitation, emergency medical care and shelter, essential household goods, and logistics and coordination efforts.

The flooding in Pakistan has worsened considerably since the monsoon rains began. On August 14, the Government of Canada announced that it was increasing its response to up to $33 million to respond to the most urgent needs of people hit hardest by the floods

The shipment is part of the Government of Canada’s response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the worst flooding in at least 80 years in Pakistan, which has left millions in need of emergency assistance.

“Canada continues to monitor the situation closely and our total contribution of $33 million will go a long way to meeting the needs of the affected populations,” added Minister Oda.

Canada’s contribution builds on more than $69 million in CIDA funding for Pakistan since 2009. This includes bilateral aid programming, as well as $37 million for humanitarian assistance, for initiatives such as food assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation facilities, and basic health care for conflict-affected people in Pakistan.

Government of Canada Helps Canadian Companies Compete Globally to Create Jobs and Prosperity at Home

Canada International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan

announces funding for 30 Canadian business associations

(August 17, 2010) The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today announced that 30 Canadian associations will receive $2.3 million to help the businesses and industries they represent compete globally. The funding is part of the Government of Canada’s 2010-11 Global Opportunities for Associations program.

“Business associations play a key role in helping Canadian businesses compete in the global economy,” said Minister Van Loan. “Our government’s support will help Canadian business associations attract foreign direct investment, encourage innovation and create opportunities for Canadian businesses to market their products and services to the world.

“The Global Opportunities for Associations program is just one way we are helping Canadian businesses compete in the global marketplace.”

Minister Van Loan made the announcement during a keynote speech to the Vancouver Board of Trade.

“Through our aggressive free trade agenda, our government is creating new opportunities for businesses in markets around the world,” the Minister said.

“In less than four years, our government has concluded free trade negotiations with Colombia, Jordan, Panama, Peru and the European Free Trade Association. We are also moving forward on trade negotiations with India and the European Union.”

The recipients of funding through Global Opportunities for Associations represent a wide range of Canadian economic sectors. They include automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, life sciences, clean technology, information and communications technologies, and defence. This Government of Canada program matches up to 50 percent of the recipient’s eligible expenses for activities such as trade shows, trade missions, the development of marketing tools and research.

“Whenever the Canadian private sector succeeds globally, it translates into jobs and prosperity at home,” added Minister Van Loan. “Our partnerships with business associations and community organizations that are encouraging trade and foreign investment are steps our government is taking to ensure that Canada emerges from the economic downturn stronger, and in better fiscal shape, than nearly every other industrialized country.”

Eligible associations may apply for funding once a year. Each application is subject to a review process that involves detailed evaluation. Successful applicants receive non-repayable contributions of up to $150,000. For more information, please consult Global Opportunities for Associations. For further information, media representatives may contact:

Monika Bujalska

GO CANADA GO

GO CANADA GO – www.vancouver2010.com Official Government of Canada site for the Paralympics. It provides up-to-date schedule-changes due to weather factors; ticket purchasing and some live feed for selected events that might NOT be broadcast by CTV. Canadians across Canada and Americans are frustrated that there is not more televised coverage for these games. 95% of the events (Alpine Skiing, Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing) are held at various venues at Whistler. VANOC/IPC were forced to make schedule changes due to weather conditions especially in the Alpine Skiing events. The forecast is predicted to be sunny and cold starting this coming Wednesday increasing visibility. Affected event account holders will be refunded following the conclusion of the 2010 Winter Games. Note: refunds will not be issued at the ticket box offices. The sea-to-sky highway no longer requires a permit. So, purchase your tickets online or call 1-800-TICKETS (1-800-842-5387). Make the trek to Whistler regardless of weather conditions. Every day the metal ceremonies stage commences at 7:00pm: Fee entry includes complementary hot beverages and followed by live entertainment. The best part is that you can see ALL the athletes up close! NOTE: THE CLOSING CEREMONIES TAKES PLACE IN WHISTLER ON MARCH 21ST.

We won three silver metals yesterday and we are tied with Austria.

1. Colette Bourgonje from Saskatoon in the Women’s 10 km, Sitting in Cross-Country Skiing. Colette will always be remembered to be the first person to win a metal on Canadian soil. Back in 1980 she suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident. She has been inducted into the Saskatoon Sport Hall of Fame in 1998 and in 1996; Colette was named the Saskatoon Athlete of the Year. Her first Paralympic Winter Games was 1992 in Tignes-Albertville, France, then 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006. Highlights: In 1998; 2 silvers (5km and 2.5km cross-country in Japan). In 2006; 2 bronzes (5km and 10km cross-country in Italy. Her occupation is a Grade 4 – Teacher.

2. Viviane Forest from Edmonton in the Women’s Slalom – Visually Impaired – Alpine Skiing and her Guide was Lindsay Debou. Viviane’s debut was in the 2007 and the highlights of 2009 World Champions: Ranked First in Super Combined – Visually Impaired and Ranked Second in Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super-G and Downhill. Her motto: “Always try to reach for the moon, because even if you miss you will reach the stars”.

3. Josh Dueck from Vernon in the Men’s Slalom – Sitting – Alpine Skiing. Before his accident he completed in freestyle skiing at the Provincial level and now Coaches. Josh has several nicknames: Duey, Rajun Cajun Popman Dueck and Duck! Career highlights in 2008 World Cups: Super-G, Super Combined and Downhill – Sitting.

By Nina Halliday-Thompson