Ottawa Life Magazine - May/June 15

MAY/JUNE 2015

NEWS/POLITICS/BUSINESS/FOOD/ARTS/SPORTS/FASHION/LIFESTYLE $3.95

Christine Sinclair

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

TM

Canada Prepares for the World’s Most Elite Female Soccer Players to Take the Field

U.S. Ambassador Bruce A. Heyman

An Exclusive Interview Exploring Canadian Forces, Ukraine and Keystone.

Summer with Ottawa’s Craft Beer Scene Canada-China Friendship Series

SERIES

www.ottawalife.com

Khaki is Back * Rail Series * Reason to Smile Series * Feng Shui Your Office * Punta Cana

SEE THE BEST IN THE WORLD PLAY THE BEST IN THE WORLD. STADIUM: STEVE KINGSMAN

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Kozue Ando, Japan Saskia Bartusiak, Germany

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PHOTO: FIFA VIA GETTY IMAGES

FIFA.COM/CANADA2015

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MAY/JUNE 2014 VOLUME 17 • NUMBER 3

PHOTO: BY VILLE VUORINEN/©CANADASOCCER

44

The countdown is on until the world’s most elite female soccer players take to the field for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada™.

It promises to be a competition like Canada has never seen before.

contents

U.S. Ambassador Praises Canada

columns

21 17

In this exclusive interview with OLM, U.S. Ambassador Bruce A. Heyman touches on hot topics including the Canadian Forces, Ukraine and Keystone.

Let's Get Crafty

21

The craft beer scene continues to grow in popularity. With companies like Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company, Whitewater Brewing Company and Brew Donkey, Ottawa is the place to access some of the best craft beer Ontario has to offer.

Dangerous Cargo

27

The Railway and Safe Transit series explores the issues of transporting dangerous cargo and the possible disasters that can ensue. What steps can be taken to improve rail safety?

Next Generation of Website Development

Publisher’s Message ..................... 4 Best Picks ..................................... 5 Homes ......................................... 9 In Search of Style.......................... 13 Savvy Selections ........................... 19 Profile: Blair Animal Hospital......... 25 Profile: Outside the Box............... 28 Profile: Quicksilk........................... 29 Opinion: Michael Coren................ 30

series

Reason to Smile............................. 23 Rail and Safe Transit...................... 27 Women, Wages & The Workplace...31 Métis............................................ 32 Canada/China Friends................... 35 Canada/Kazakhstan Friends ......... 40

29

How does your small business manage its website? QuickSilk is here with a simple, safe and secure way to create stunning websites with ease—no coding required.

Canada-China Friendship Series

37

OLM’s newest series with the Chinese Embassy will explore the growing positive relationship between Canada and China. Learn how China is working to promote inclusivity and learning between civilizations.

Travel

43

Thinking of taking a few days off to enjoy some RR? Head to Toronto or enter our contest to win a trip to Punta Cana.

13

publisher’s message by Dan Donovan

21st Century Lynching and Shakespearean Tragedy Take Centre Stage

T

he Mike Duffy trial is a public showcase for all the secrets and lies that are the realpolitik of the capital. Duffy has already been tried and convicted in the public eye. For theatre, he was first drawn and quartered by Canada’s national media in what can only be described as a 21st century lynching. I worked for many years on Parliament Hill as a speechwriter, legislative assistant and political staffer.

The place has its own rules and more importantly, its own governing conventions.

The Parliamentary press can be a self-involved and pretty sanctimonious bunch.

Duffy’s trial at the Ottawa Courthouse is having the dual effect of bringing out the real story about his expenses while exposing the shallowness and callousness of the Parliamentary press and the elitism of the “pundit class” at Canada’s major broadcasters. The national media narrative is that Senator Duffy pilfered taxpayers dollars and broke spending rules and got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

In fact, it goes further and suggests that he took the whole cookie jar...whatever that is. Even though these journalists work in the parliamentary precinct and have access to the players and procedures or conventions that govern the Senate, few, if any of them took the time to investigate or explain the conventions of the Senate related to spending. The trial is exposing much of this and shedding some new light on Senator Duffy. He, like all senators seems to have run his affairs as a senator using the vagary of Senate rules and conventions. The issue about his residency and related expenses is key. He has been consistent that he expensed these within the rules. Ironically, the Senate still refuses to release to the public several audits which show how other senators dealt with housing expenses. The release of this information could greatly help bring clarity to the Duffy affair. If the convention was that it was ok to claim part of housing expenses in various ways and all senators did this, than Duffy has done nothing to break the rules.

Duffy’s problem was that he was both popular and ambitious, which can be a deadly combo in Ottawa. He is a former award-winning and respected journalist who, for years, was one of the most popular political broadcasters in Canada. MPs from all parties and their staff would seek him out and share information or give him stories that they wouldn’t give to others. He had a great reputation, was always gracious and never betrayed anyone’s trust. People genuinely liked and trusted “Mike”. He loved Parliament and he knew “the game”. The evidence to date seems to indicate his Senate expense claims were not for personal enrichment but were used to pay people for tasks he was involved with as a senator. The duplicity of the press regarding their outrage and the amount of time they have spent over the expense receipts for his makeup is laughable. This, coming from the very same people that use makeup in their jobs on a daily basis, understanding that makeup is as important to a broadcast journalist as a stick is to a hockey player.

It would have been far more responsible for at least one journalist covering the Duffy case to get the RCMP to explain why he was charged with bribery. Bribery requires a “bribee” and a “briber”. According to the RCMP investigator, Duffy is apparently the person accepting a bribe...yet no one was charged with giving him one. Duffy maintains he never accepted any bribe and it appears his lawyer is making that case for him. Proportionality and fairness in broadcasting must be put back into play regarding Senator Duffy. Regardless of what you think of Mike Duffy, his rise to prominence and fall from grace are like a Shakespearian tragedy.

The Shakespearian comedy in this is watching broadcasters, especially those at the CBC (who are paid with taxpayers’ money), sanctimoniously rail away at Duffy for betraying the public trust when they themselves have accepted large personal payments from private corporations to give speeches and attend conferences. Talk about a hand in the cookie jar n

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publisher/managing editor

Dan Donovan copy editor/features writer

Jennifer Hartley director of operations

Alessandra Gerebizza

art director Karen Temple web & graphics manager

Mariana Fernandez Magnou

web copy editor/features writer Marie Waine print & web coordinator Madelaine Manson cover Photo of Christine Sinclair: by Jeff Vinnick/TSN Photo of Team Canada at the 2015 Cyprus Women’s Cup: by Ville Vuorinen photographers

Paul Couvrette, Brittany Gawley, Martin Girard, Sylvain Lalande, John Major, Natalie Mireault, Tim Richmond, Karen Temple, Ville Vuorinen fashion editor Alexandra Gunn accounts Joe Colas C.G.A web developer Ben Chung contributing writers

Candace Amis, Brandelyn Cameron, Michael Coren, Dan Donovan, Alessandra Gerebizza, John Gordon, Alexandra Gunn, Katie Hartai, Jennifer Hartley, Madelaine Manson, Debbie Trenholm, Candice Vetter, Marie Waine corporate advisor J. Paul Harquail, Charles Franklin corporate counsel Paul Champagne editor emeritus Harvey F. Chartrand student intern Katie Hartai, Julia Simioni advertising information

For information on advertising rates, visit www.ottawalife.com call (613) 688-LIFE (5433) or e-mail info@ottawalife.com Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement #1199056.

Ottawa Life Magazine, 301 Metcalfe St. Lower Level, Ottawa. Ontario K2P 1R9 tel: (613) 688-5433 fax: (613) 688 -1994 e-mail: info@ottawalife.com Web site: www.ottawalife.com Follow us on Twitter @ottawalifers Like us at www.Facebook.com/OttawaLifeMagazine Ottawa Life is listed in Canadian Advertising Rates & Data (CARD).

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Subscriber service is 613-688-LIFE (5433) Ottawa Life Magazine is printed in Canada on recycled paper.

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Catch Them Before They Are Gone Cirque du Soleil descends from the sky for 7 shows at the Canadian Tire Centre. Varekai is an extraordinary production complete with fantastical creatures, a mystical forest and an ancient prophecy, July 2-5, 2015. cirquedusoleil.com/varekai

Designed for a busy lifestyle, the Venturo slim laptop backpack has all the features needed for an effortless commute. With weatherresistant material and dedicated pockets for laptops, tablets, battery packs and various cables and chargers, it’s never been easier to stay connected. Available in four colours. moshi.com

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Pure Water

5 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

Anne Loosen with Andrew Wright’s Boulder #2, 2005, Lightjet print, Fuji crystal paper, 119.4 x 152.4 inches.

Anne Loosen with Andrew Wright’s Boulder #2, 2005, Lightjet print, Fuji crystal paper, 119.4 x 152.4 inches.

ART COLLECTING 101: Buying Your First Piece of Art at Le pARTy Art Auction ART COLLECTING 101: Buying Your First Piece of Art at Le pARTy Art Auction Anne Loosen, an economist with the federal government Anne anherself economist thecollector, federal and government doesn’tLoosen, consider to bewith an art yet she doesn’t consider be an art collector, and yet she does buy art and herself owns atogrowing number of works by updoes buy artCanadian and owns a growing of works and-coming artists.

One of number her favourite piecesbyin upher and-coming artists. by One of her favourite pieces in her art collection,Canadian a photograph Andrew Wright titled Boulder art photograph byOttawa AndrewArt Wright titledannual Boulder #2 collection, (2005), wasaacquired at the Gallery’s art #2 (2005), was acquired at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s annual auction, Le pARTy in 2013. The artist was recently presentedart in auction, Le pARTyAndrew in 2013.Wright: The artist was Lofty recently a solo exhibition, Pretty andpresented Heavy All in at aOnce, solo exhibition, Andrew Wright: Pretty Lofty and Heavy All at at the Ottawa Art Gallery.

Once, at the Ottawa Art Gallery.

Loosen could not resist placing a bid on Wright’s large-scale Loosen couldofnot resist placing a bid on Wright’s photograph a boulder because it directly spokelarge-scale to one of photograph of a boulder directly spoke to oneare of her abiding passions: “I‘m because into rock itclimbing, so boulders her abiding passions: “I‘m into rockher climbing, sobouldering, boulders area a really big deal for me.”

Spending free time afree-climbing really big deal for me.”

Spending her free time bouldering, activity without a harness, has inspired her to looka free-climbing activity without a harness, has inspired her to look carefully at rocks and examine their surfaces, and contemplate carefully at rocks and examine their surfaces, and contemplate about how to climb them. What attracted Loosen to the rock in about how to climb them.

What attracted Loosenscale. to the rock in this photograph is the ambibuity of the object’s this photograph is the ambibuity of the object’s scale.

She asks, “Is it the size of a bread box or is it the size of something She it the want size ofto a bread boxclimb?” or is it the sizeassociates of something that asks, you “Is might actually She the that you might want to actually climb?”

She associates the experience of looking at this artwork to climbing in real life: experience of looking at this artwork to climbing in real life: “You don’t actually know what you’re dealing with until you truly “You don’t actually know what you’re dealing with until you truly

engage with it. Each boulder, like a work of art, presents its own engage with it. Each boulder, like a work of art, presents its own unique challenges.” unique challenges.”

“I also like the fact that the boulder kind of looks surprised, like also caught like the in fact that of looks surprised, like it“I was the actthe of boulder being a kind boulder,” Loosen said. The itphotograph was caughtisinofthe act of being a boulder,” Loosen said. a large rock in the dark of night, alight

by The the photograph is of a large rock in the dark of night, alight by the camera’s flash. camera’s flash.

“I love to be surrounded by art,” Loosen said. She enjoys the “I love toofbe surrounded by art,” Loosen enjoys the feelings intimacy and familiarity from a said. workShe of art that she feelings of for intimacy and of familiarity a work ofphotograph art that she has owned a number years. In from addition to the hasOttawa-based owned for a number ofWright, years. InLoosen addition to the photograph by Andrew owns work by other

by Ottawa-based Andrew Wright,Kyle Loosen workHepburn, by other rising Canadian artists, including Beal,owns Megan rising including Kyle Megan Hepburn, Gavin Canadian Lynch, Rahartists, Eleh, Theo Pelmus andBeal, Andrew Smith.

Loosen Gavin Lynch, Rah Eleh, Theo Pelmus and Andrew Smith.

Loosen likes that she is making an investment in Canadian art and artists likes that she is making an investment in Canadian art and when she makes her purchases. “I know many young artistsartists and when makes purchases.

“I know and I want she to be able her to support them at the many outsetyoung of theirartists careers,” I want to be able to support them at the outset of their careers,” she states. she states.

“Ottawa Art Gallery’s Le pARTy Art Auction is a great way for “Ottawaartists Art Gallery’s Le pARTy Art Auction is a great waytheir for regional to gain recognition and for art lovers to buy regional artists to gain recognition and for art lovers to buy their first piece,” Loosen says. “I look forward to this year’s event as I fi rst piece,” says.

“I look forward to this year’s event as I have my eyeLoosen on a few pieces already.” have my eye on a few pieces already.”

Tips to start your own collection Tips to start your own collection 1.

Do your research. Attend exhibition openings, meet artists, talk to gallerists, art students, and fellow 1.

2.

2.

3.

3.

Do your research.

Attend exhibition meet artists, talk to gallerists, collectors.

Get to know the artist andopenings, the arts community that inspire you! art students, and fellow collectors. know theyour artistprice and the artsYou community thattoinspire Buy art thatGet youto love within range. don’t need spendyou! a fortune to make an investment.

Buy art that you lovemoney within on your price range.

You don’t need to spend make If you’re spending the artwork, you will want to invest in thea fortune framingto and careanofinvestment. the work If you’re spending money on the artwork, you will want to invest in the framing and care of the work to ensure the longevity of the piece. to ensure the longevity of the piece.

Le pARTy Art Auction is Ottawa Art Gallery's signature fundraising event, Le pARTy Auction Artartworks Gallery'sby signature event, a silent artArt auction of is65Ottawa original regionalfundraising artists working in silent art 6521, original artworks aa variety ofauction media. of May 2015 at Ottawa by Artregional Gallery, artists 2 Daly,working Ottawa. in a variety media.

Mayat21, 2015 at Ottawa Art Gallery, 2 Daly, Ottawa.

Buy your of tickets today www.ottawaartgallery.ca Buy your tickets today at www.ottawaartgallery.ca

6 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

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8 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

PHOTO: © SYLVAIN LALANDE

homes by John Gordon and Katie Hartai

John’s Reno Tips

LEFT: Recently completed bathroom reno included proper wall prep and installation of a linear drain. ABOVE: A look below the surface of the DITRAHEAT system.

Giving Your Bathroom A Makeover Remodelling the bathroom is no small task and if not properly planned, mistakes can be catastrophic. Before getting started, here are a few reno tips.

Q

How do heating systems for tile floors work and will they be too thick?

A

There are two main types of infloor heating systems for tiled floors: hydronic and electrical heating cable.

While hydronic heating has many benefits, it needs to be incorporated into the entire design of the house.

It would typically replace primary heating systems.

Electric heating cables on the other hand, normally provide supplementary heat to warm tiles. Especially in northern regions like Ottawa, many people find floors too cool for comfort. With electric heating cables controlled by a separate thermostat, homeowners can set the temperature to their preference based on the time of year.

It is recommended to install an uncoupling membrane on all tile floors with electric heating cables to reduce the risk of cracks. Protecting against the expansion and contraction of floor materials, the membrane allows for natural movement to happen without causing stress to the tiles and grout on top.

The combination of heating cables and uncoupling membrane can

result in thicker floors and uneven transitions between heated tiles and regular flooring. To avoid this build up, Your Reno Guys prefer to use Schluter®’s DITRA-HEAT system. It allows heating cables to be snapped into place within the uncoupling membrane making the total assembly thinner.

Q

How do I prevent mould from growing in my new tiled shower?

A

Mould requires moisture, food and warmth to grow. In order to stop mould at least one of these conditions must be removed. This can be challenging to do in a shower area where there is plenty of all three.

The best way to prevent mould, is by making sure the shower area dries out completely between uses. Installing and using a bathroom fan is a good start. It is also important to build a waterproof enclosure, guaranteeing all moisture either goes down the drain or evaporates after each use. This can be done by installing tiles on products like Schluter®’s KERDI membrane or KERDI-BOARD building panels which ensure there is no opportunity for moisture to be absorbed and held in the walls or floor.

Q

We want to remove the Jacuzzi tub from our master bathroom. What can be done to use the space and make it a comfortable, functional room?

A

Large soaker tubs with jets were common for many years and although some homeowners continue to enjoy them, many people are realizing the area could be put to better use. A desired trend is to expand showers, install benches, rain shower heads, linear drains and shorter or non-existent curbs.

By using the right materials and construction techniques, what would have been an extremely expensive and difficult-to-build shower in the past is now much more attainable. New construction materials are a large part of this change. Preformed shower trays, ramps, wall niches, as well as wallboard and building panels with pre-applied waterproof membranes, make it much easier and faster to build unique designs.

Showers no longer require a 6” curb and 4” drain in the centre. Linear drains are gaining popularity as they can be disguised along the shower wall. Also, in many instances the curb can be completely eliminated allowing a smooth transition between the bathroom floor and shower.

The realistic possibilities for bathroom renovations have changed dramatically in recent years so dream big and speak with an expert about how to make it happen n

John Gordon, owner of Your Reno Guys, has been a renovations contractor for 20 years. Visit YourRenoGuys.com for more information about John and the services he offers.

9 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

Solid Hardwood • Exotic Hardwood Flooring Engineered Flooring • Laminate• Tile • Vinyl • Cork Railing & Staircases • Recapping Staircase • Refacing Staircase

10 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

homes by Brandelyn Cameron To increase wealth, place a laughing Buddha, Chinese coins or a money plant on the top left corner of your desk.

A DIY GUIDE TO

Feng Shui in Your Office When Jana Mitchell, CEO of Wheels for the Wise, wanted to revamp her office space, she went to Brandelyn Cameron. Below Brandelyn discusses the inspiration behind the plan.

Feng Shui is the ancient art of channeling energy flow, or Chi, in a room or space in order to increase positive vibes. For hundreds of years, Chinese tradition has taught that arranging objects in a particular fashion has a direct impact on how the energy flows through the space in a positive or negative way, possibly changing the outcome of situations.

Use the map to determine which area of the grid corresponds to the area of your life that you would like to improve. For example, if you were looking to attract or enhance love and relationships into your life, you would place an object on the top right hand side of your desk

A Bagua map is made up of 9 sections

If you are looking to channel positive energy in your office, here are some basic Feng Shui principles to apply.

The Bagua map is your guide. It is a grid that is broken down into 9 sections that correspond to a specific life situation that you may wish to change. to enhance that energy. Appropriate items for this purpose would include flowers to attract love or a photo of you and your loved ones to enhance the relationship.

Perhaps you are looking to increase your wealth. If we follow the Bagua Map, it is suggested that you place a wealth vase, laughing Buddha, Chinese coins or a money plant on the top left corner of your desk.

To enhance a relationship, place a photo top right corner of your desk.

Regardless of what life situation you are trying to improve, it is always recommended that the centre of

your desk remain clear and free from clutter as this area represents the flow of energy to your mind, body and spirit.

It is also advised that you place your desk immediately across from the door facing the entry. Improve indoor air quality by introducing plants into your workspace and incorporate artwork that resonates with you. In the case of the transformation of Mitchell’s dated 1980s office space, we applied the principles of Feng Shui throughout the renovation in an effort to enable the positive energy to flow n 11 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

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Micheal Kors

Donna Karan

Ralph Lauren

Marc Jacobs

Gucci

in search of style by Alexandra Gunn

Follow Alex on Twitter: @AlexandraGunn

Cool Khaki

Khaki is back with a bang. Appearing in varying styles and from a number of fashion houses, sleek khaki-coloured dresses appeared on the Gucci and Donna Karan runways. Marc Jacobs offered military silhouettes and Ralph Lauren opted for safari-style glamour. The updated khaki trend works brilliantly as a new hue for your staples but it can also make a statement on its own. Try a khaki cargo pant and pair it with black or white to keep things simple or team it with a loose floral print blouse for a prettier edge. An easy way to update your wardrobe is by incorporating a khaki-coloured jacket, like the one on the right from Jean Machine, available at Bayshore.

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Ripped jeans have transitioned from a sloppy aesthetic to a wardrobe must. Distressed denim has become a staple for casual dressing so don’t be hesitant to give this trend a try. The look is a testament to effortless style as seen on a variety of celebrities, from supermodel Jessica Alba, Mad Men star January Jones to Olivia Palermo. These famous faces wear their denim tattered at the knee or slashed throughout. If you think the look is too casual, try pairing your jeans with a dress shirt for a modern twist.

WEDDING SEASON STYLE

Q

I have three weddings to attend this summer and I’m hoping you can help me find a few new dresses. One of the weddings is black tie and I’m struggling to find a formal dress that doesn’t look like a bridesmaid's dress. Do you know of any affordable formal gowns?

Formal gowns only end up getting worn once or twice before they sit at the back of the closet. So, why buy when you can rent? Newly opened in Ottawa is Rent Frock Repeat. The one-stop shop gives you access to highend designer labels for a fraction of the retail cost. You can choose to either shop online or in the store. Find a dress you love and they will send you in two sizes for four or eight days.

Then simply return them. Rent the dresses you need for each wedding without worrying about cluttering your wardrobe.

A

13 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

cover by Marie Waine

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ The Countdown Is On. “Knowing that this competition is national, from coast to coast to coast, in six host cities, with five time zones and executed simultaneously— it’s a pretty big undertaking for Canada,” says Valerie Hughes, Ottawa venue general manager for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™.

On June 6, the country will be ready to host the world’s best female soccer players on Canadian soil. The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ will be played across six Canadian cities: Ottawa, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Edmonton,Alberta; Montreal, Quebec; Moncton, New Brunswick; and Vancouver, British Columbia.

“This is a great way to showcase Canada because it shows that not only can we host a world class competition, but we can do it very well,” says Hughes.

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ABOVE: Team Canada plays in a Women's International Friendly in Bondoufle, France.

April 2015. PHOTO: CANADA SOCCER VILLE VUORINEN

Women’s soccer continues to grow in popularity, with more spectators following and attending matches. Stars like Christine Sinclair, Erin McLeod and Diana Matheson are attracting fans of all ages to the sport.

The Ottawa venue team now has the task of continuing the momentum and excitement for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ coming this summer.

The Canadian national team will take to the field in Edmonton for its first two matches. In Ottawa, fans can come out to watch world No1 ranked

Germany, third-ranked France and many more impressive teams from around the world, including Spain, Norway, Thailand and Côte d’Ivoire.

A total of nine games in six match days, including a quarter final match, will be played at Lansdowne Stadium.

Expect the opening match day on June 7 in Ottawa to draw big crowds, with a double-header featuring Germany versus Côte d’Ivoire and Norway versus Thailand. Ticket prices are affordable and start as low as $20.15, which includes both games if there is a double-header.

The Ontario Soccer Association, which is the governing body of soccer in Ontario, and the Eastern Ontario Soccer Association District fully support all efforts by the Ottawa venue team.

“Many of their clubs and teams have shown their support by purchasing tickets in great quantities,” says Hughes.

“It really tells you about the leadership in this community for soccer.They see the benefit of exposing their players to the top female soccer players in the world.”

The Norway versus Germany match on June 11 is also sure to be a fan favourite. One of the last times these two teams met was in the UEFA Women’s 2013 Euro Final, where Germany beat Norway in penalty kicks for the championship title. The rematch here in Ottawa will bring great power and skill.

“Once this competition has been held in Canada, I think that not only our country, but the world as well, will know that the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ is the most elite female sporting event,” says Hughes.

Hughes says Ottawa is one of the leading cities for support from its soccer clubs for ticket sales and participation in special events.

“We’ve engaged our soccer community to help us with some promotional events, such as the oneyear countdown and the unveiling of our countdown clock, currently at City Hall” says Hughes. “There was also a special announcement during the week of the competition’s Official Draw here last December that included an event with youth soccer players and Canadian icon Christine Sinclair, Captain of Canada’s national women’s team, as well as Head Coach John Herdman.”

The ongoing exposure continues to drive excitement with large soccer associations, local soccer clubs and community members.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson poses with FIFA Ottawa officials. PHOTO: JOHN MAJOR

Once this competition has been held in Canada, I think that not only our country, but the world as well, will know that the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ is the most elite female sporting event.

Young female soccer fans from across the Ottawa area will also have the chance to interact with some top talent. On May 3, FIFA is bringing the Live Your Goals program to Ottawa for 200 lucky girls under the age of 12.

“They will be able to come and experience a fun day of soccer filled with skills and drills,” says Hughes.

“It will be run by the Ontario Soccer Association, so they’ll have very high level coaches there to provide great direction that will hopefully turn these young players into lifelong fans.”

It is moments like these that create lasting memories and lifetime fans of a great game.

Hughes says she has always been a fan of sport. She found a niche in international sporting events and is now working on her third FIFA event.

“I moved to Ottawa in 1997 and I have not left. To be able to put on these competitions and welcome the world here and see elite athletes compete in our hometown is very rewarding,” says Hughes. “It’s great to see the positive impact it not only has on national team players that are competing here, especially for Canadian players competing on home soil with home crowds cheering them on, but also for our volunteers who commit so much time and resources in executing the competition.”

Hughes says much of the success of the tournament relies on the host cities, venue teams and community volunteers.

“Our goal is to ensure fans of soccer and international sporting events know the quality of play they will see live in a beautifully restored stadium right here in Ottawa,” says Hughes.

“The quality of play is the highest level for these athletes. It is a very exciting, very skillful game.”

For soccer fans, FIFA World Cup events are the sporting pinnacle. To experience one live is unparalleled.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ offers a once-in-a lifetime chance to be a part of something big. Be there live and catch the excitement.”

There are limited tickets remaining for select matches. Fans should not wait to purchase seats at FIFA.com/ Canada2015 n 15 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

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613-519-0659 16 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

interview by Dan Donovan

U.S. Ambassador, Bruce A. Heyman, Praises Canada, Says Canadian Forces Are Playing Important and Vital Role in Iraq, Comments on Ukraine and Keystone.

OTTAWA LIFE MAGAZINE EXCLUSIVE

The United States Ambassador to Canada, Bruce A. Heyman, arrived in Ottawa last summer and has been one of the most active U.S. ambassadors in decades. In less than a year, Heyman has hosted seven senior United States cabinet members in Canada, including several visits by Secretary of State John Kerry. He also personally invited all U.S. governors to visit Canada. To date, ten have accepted.

Heyman has been visiting the provinces and territories and has reached out to all premiers to promote trade and business relations with the United States.

PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE

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Heyman is well briefed on Canada. His appointment as President Obama's personal representative to Canada was well received here. He is a 33-year veteran of Goldman Sachs, where he served as a regional managing director of the Midwest private wealth management group, covering 13 states and half of Canada, from 1999 until December of 2013. He recently ensured 84 delegates from Canada attended the Select USA Investment Summit in Washington, which provides insight into how to do business in the United States. The stakes in the Canada-U.S. relationship are high. In 2014, there was $759 billion in trade and $650 billion in bilateral investment between the two countries.

The Ambassador’s April 8, 2015, interview occurred days before Parliament committed to sending Canadian soldiers to an expanded mission in Iraq as well as to sending Canadian soldiers to Ukraine on a training mission. Ambassador Heyman was refreshingly candid and took on all questions about the Canada-U.S. relationship.

OLM: Can you comment on the Government of Canada's decision to expand the mission in Iraq and Syria?

Ambassador Heyman: The United States

could not ask for a better partner in the fight against ISIL. Canada has an important and vital role to play in Iraq and I want to express the appreciation of the United States government for all that Canada has done and continues to do, both militarily and otherwise.There are now 62 other nations involved in efforts to stop ISIL.We realize the ISIL problem will not be resolved through the military alone. We must continue to stop the flow of foreign fighters and address humanitarian relief, and it is also important that we continue to figure out and expose the true nature of ISIL to further delegitimize them.

OLM: Prime Minister Harper has been very firm on Canada's position on Russian incursions into the Ukraine.

Does the United States support this position?

Ambassador

Heyman: The United States and Canada stand shoulder-toshoulder with Ukrainians to govern their country free from outside interference. The United States joins Canada and all NATO colleagues in urging Russia to fully comply with the Minsk Agreement.

OLM: What has been the issue that comes up the most since you arrived last summer?

Ambassador Heyman: I'm told almost 18 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

everywhere I go that people are most concerned about the proper functioning of the U.S.-Canada border. It’s not a new issue, but it is one with which both countries have made great progress. It’s complex because you have to balance security, free trade and travel. We’ve announced

The United StatesCanada relationship is unique in the world.

We are linked by culture, values, trade and a comprehensive commitment to shared prosperity. many changes regarding preclearance provisions on land, rail and marine that are having a significant impact. The Beyond the Border program has been very successful. On February 18, 2015, the United States, Canada and the state of Michigan signed an agreement to finance the proposed New International Trade Crossing (NITC) that will link Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.This was the result of several years of discussions and cooperation between officials and agencies from both countries. So, we have improved technologies and techniques at border crossings and representatives from both countries

have worked to ensure we are getting this right.

OLM: What about climate change?

Canada and the United States seem to be approaching this differently.

Ambassador Heyman: Climate change is

real and the President takes it seriously.

We recognize the climate is changing and we must adapt to this change because it affects us all. We have a shared Arctic that is diminishing.

When I was in Tuktoyuktuk, locals told me they have seen the change and that things are different. We have to reduce the human impact on the environment. I’m excited that many of our states and Canada’s provinces are working on this problem together.The one thing about climate change is it has no borders.

OLM: Can you comment on Keystone?

Ambassador Heyman: Keystone is still

under consideration and it is being reviewed in a comprehensive transparent way by the State Department.

OLM: Many in Canada are under the impression Keystone is dead.

Ambassador Heyman: No, the process is not at a halt and is still under consideration. The State Department is reviewing it and we will see where that review leads.

OLM: Can you comment on the dispute regarding Buy America requirements for steel, iron and manufactured products?

As you know, Canadian officials have called the requirement to only use U.S. steel on Canadian soil unacceptable.

Ambassador

Heyman: The United States will honour all international agreements and we are continuously working with Canadian officials on trade and other issues. It is important to remember that the United StatesCanada relationship is unique in the world. We are linked by culture, values, trade and a comprehensive commitment to shared prosperity.

There are always challenges that exist in families and between good friends.

There is more that binds our countries than distracts us n

savvy selections by Debbie Trenholm

Wine & Art. A Natural Match.

Looking to organize an event? Ottawa has come a long way. Gone are the days when hotel ballrooms and restaurant backrooms were the only options. Whether you are looking for somewhere to host an eclectic ‘cinq à sept’ cocktail reception or even an elaborate dinner, the Capital is an übercool, hopping place with interesting venues around town.

Finding these hidden gems, the perfect places to host private & corporate events or unique soirées (like Savvy Company’s wine Taste and Buys) is not only less of a challenge but downright fun. If a working brewery, a private revolving room showcasing the entire city, a TV studio, art galleries, a loft packed from floor to ceiling with boxes of board games, are what you want, Ottawa has it. Or, perhaps a firehall transformed into a gourmet kitchen is more your style. Roof top patios above or bank vaults below (as in 7 storeys underground) are unique options too.

One of the newest funky places is Orange Art Gallery. It is located in the community of hip new businesses in the City Centre. Orange Art Gallery outgrew its original space near the Parkdale Market. So, a year ago, owners Ingrid Hollander and her husband Matthew Jeffery set up shop in a 100year old building that was once the bank for CN Rail. “When we found this place, we knew it was going to be perfect for our gallery,” remembers Ingrid. “The building is full of history which adds to the cool character of the space – perfect for art and special events.”

While old on the outside, the rooms inside are now full of stunning contemporary artwork.

Savvy brought Orange to the attention of Marcel Morgenstern, director of sales at Pondview Estates Winery located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. He chose Orange as the location for the PHOTOS: COURTESY SAVVY COMPANY

LEFT TO RIGHT: Lou Puglisi of Pondview Estate Winery pours away. Marcel Morgenstern, Jennifer Hanniman and Mathieu Deshales toast the night. The Taste and Buy at Orange Gallery was a great success.

winery’s portfolio wine tasting in Ottawa. “The Orange Art Gallery fit perfectly. It showcases the talent of local artists and our wine event was all about showcasing the winemaking talent at our winery. This venue was a natural choice.”

Pondview and Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, also located in Niagara, made a special trip to Ottawa to host an evening where over 250 people were invited to sample their wines. Few of the wineries' products are available at the LCBO, so this event organized

by Savvy Company provided ticketholders with the opportunity to meet the winery owners and winemakers, try their hard-to-findwines and order their favourite wines to be delivered to their home or office. “It is the new way to buy Ontario wine. It is like trying on clothes, you feel the material, try on various sizes, then buy what you like and what fits you best. It is definitely

a more personal and enjoyable way to shop than buying wines at the LCBO by reviews or reading shelf talkers,” Morgenstern explains.

It’s not just the wine industry that is getting in on these type of unique events and locations. Don Cook, investment advisor at RBC Wealth Management says, “I’m definitely keeping this place in mind to host an event for my investment clients.”

“I’ve never been here before and coincidentally, my office is nearby. It’s a cool space, there is free parking.” It is a winning combination n www.orangeartgallery.ca 290 City Centre Avenue, Ottawa (steps away from Artisan Bakery) To attend a Savvy Company event, email cheers@savvycompany.ca Debbie Trenholm, Sommelier & Founder of Savvy Company 19 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

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beer by Marie Waine

t e G s ’ t Le

CRAFTY

P

atio season is upon us. There’s no better way to enjoy it than with a cold one from a local craft beer maker.

The craft beer industry is incredibly trendy right now, and for good reason.

Ontario breweries are creating a diverse marketplace of flavours to savour.

There are currently over 100 craft breweries in Ontario, employing over 1000 people. Twenty of those 100 are in the Ottawa area alone. These breweries contribute a lot to the economy. According to Ontario's Craft Brewers (OCB), craft beer continues to be the fastest growing segment within the LCBO’s beer category, growing at anywhere from 20 to 30 per cent per year. In 2013, The OCB estimated there were approximately $250 million in sales in Ontario.

Furthermore, craft breweries play a role in Ontario tourism, hosting festivals, sponsoring major events and working with local restaurants.

Whitewater Brewing Company, founded on the banks of the Ottawa River, is a local company dedicated to using local ingredients. “To myself and Whitewater Brewing Company, craft beer in Ontario is an opportunity for us to showcase the wonderful local ingredients that help to create such incredible beers. It’s a delicious stage for adventurous discussion and storytelling,” said Christopher Thompson, owner and founder of Whitewater Brewing Company, located in Foresters Falls.

“We use our products to partner with other local businesses, whether they are bars and restaurants, or artists,

woodworkers and musicians to help grow and develop the community.”

One incredibly successful local brewery is Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company in Vankleek Hill. “I believe craft beer represents quality, working with your community and, in the case of Beau’s, it represents family. That’s really what we’re all about,” said Tim Duncan, a marketing representative at Beau’s.

From new beers to new hires, Beau’s has seen incredible growth since it entered the craft beer industry nine years ago. “I think it’s a really exciting time right now. There are some really quality craft beers in the area, not just Ottawa, but Ontario,” said Duncan.

“There is this passion people have for it. There is a strong community sense between breweries. We are all helping each other out.”

One problem craft breweries in Ontario face is gaining access to markets. Companies like Brew Donkey have sprung out of the woodwork to help get craft beer out to the public.

The company offers Ottawa-area craft brewery tours and a craft beer delivery service.

Brew Donkey began in October 2013 when Brad Campeau, founder of Brew Donkey, visited British Columbia and saw how the local breweries were so accessible.

“At this time, Ottawa had about seven or eight craft breweries, but they were nowhere near each other. So I thought, ‘this is something Ottawa needs—a way to get in between the different breweries,’” he says.

“Everyone wants to buy a local product they can connect with,” says Campeau.

“You can walk up to a counter at any of the breweries in Ottawa and have a chance to meet not just people who work there, but who are probably the owners too. People like the idea of being that much more connected to their products and the items they’re consuming.”

Clients can expect beer samples, lunch, facility tours and transportation when they sign up for a tour with Brew Donkey.

“On our tours, when we are the tour guide, we are telling clients how craft beer is made and giving them a basic primer,” says Campeau.“We pass around some of the ingredients so they can see what the ingredients actually look like before they get to the brewery.”

In addition to running weekly tours of local breweries, Brew Donkey offers a delivery service. “With Brew Donkey, you go to our online store, you pick the beer you want and you pick the day you want it delivered. And voilà, it’s yours,” says Campeau.

The craft beer scene will continue to grow and become accessible thanks to local breweries, Brew Donkey and new impending legislation that will result in a new craft category at the Beer Store, increasing access. That is something we can raise our glasses to and celebrate n 21 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

Inspiring Canadians - In Sport & Life

Announcing the clAss of 2015!

HHOF Images

COC/Mike Ridewood

The Canadian Press/Tom Hanson

The Canadian Press/Paul Chiasson

The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

The Canadian Press/John Ulan

The Class of 2015 includes (from left to right) Susan Auch (Speed Skating), Paul Coffey (Ice Hockey), Michael Edgson (Para-swimming), Sharon and Shirley Firth (Cross-Country Skiing), Craig Forrest (Soccer), Nicolas Gill (Judo), Danielle Goyette (Ice Hockey). Jennifer Heil (Freestyle Skiing), Lori-Ann Muenzer (Cycling), Jocelyn Bourassa (Golf Builder) and Marina Van Der Merwe (Field Hockey Builder). These Athletes and Builders who will receive the highest sporting honour in Canada were chosen not only for their outstanding athletic accomplishments, but also for the core values they demonstrated along their journeys to success, and for their enormous contribution to their sport and country. The Class of 2015 will officially be inducted on October 21, 2015.

2015 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Year of Sport as declared by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.

/CANSPORTSHALL scAn code for Video teAser tour

@CANSPORTSHALL WWW.SPORTSHALL.CA

Located at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary 22 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

reason to smile by Dr. Hassan G. Moghadam DDS, M.Sc, FRCD(C)

Teeth In a Day D

ental implant technology has changed significantly and in doing so has revolutionized care.

Traditionally, patients may have been reluctant to get dental help.

Because they may not wanted to have a period without teeth while the implants integrate with the bone. The traditional procedure requires removal of the teeth, placement of the implants and waiting 3-6 months for healing time. However, a new alternative is now available.

Argyle Associates in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can provide teeth in a day or even better, teeth in 5 hours. This technique requires a team of skilled professionals. The process is performed by certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons and a dentist to complete the final phase and a highly-trained staff on-site during the surgery.

The patient receives sedation or general anaesthesia, the teeth in the upper or lower arch are removed, a minimum of 4 implants are placed in the jaw and the prosthesis is fabricated on-site and inserted immediately. The prosthesis is screwed into the implants which means the teeth are fixed and not removed.

Candidates of teeth in a day are either completely without teeth or have teeth that can’t be saved. The general medical health of the patient is considered, as in any surgical intervention, however, if medical issues exist, oral and maxillofacial surgeons have the privilege of operating out of the Ottawa Hospital.

The main criteria for immediate teeth, or more accurately, immediate loading of implants, are that the bone has to be adequate to have an insertion torque of the implants into the bone at 35 Ncm (they have to be tight in the bone). If we can’t get the

Essentially you walk in with teeth and you leave with teeth. The process generally takes 4 to 5 hours, however, as with any surgical procedure every case is different and the length of the procedure will vary.

The patient below is a 76-yearold male. As you can see, age is not a factor. He was frustrated with multiple broken teeth and chronic

a in

BEFORE

“ A S t p s p

BEFORE

X-RAY OF IMPLANTS

There are several advantages to this technique. First, there is a faster return to function and work, significantly less pain because the denture is not rubbing over where the teeth were removed and the new prosthesis acts as a bandaid protecting the site. The patient can comfortably eat solid foods, has immediate improved cosmetics, as well as a new confident smile.

seven hundred and eight implants in 165 patients had a cumulative success rate of 99.6 per cent.The process starts by being referred to our office by your dentist or by directly contacting us for a consultation. A treatment plan will be developed that suits the patient’s needs. There are several options, starting with the least expensive traditional removable dentures to the most complex reconstruction with multiple implants.

AFTER

implants stable at time of surgery, we will place the implants and wait the traditional 3-6 months before placing the final prosthesis but they can have a traditional removable prosthesis during the healing time.

This concept has been available for over 10 years and has a high success rate.

A recent study by Babbush et al, placing

pain. He wanted a total treatment option not just fixing one problem at a time. He also wanted only one surgery. We created a digital treatment plan and proceeded to perform the surgery under sedation in the office.

The all-in-4 treatment was delivered in one day. He had an immediate return to function, minimal pain and was satisfied with the final result n

Case file and images belong to Dr. Hassan Moghadam, DDS, MSc, FRCD(C. The surgery was performed by Dr. Moghadam at Argyle Associates in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. www.argyleassociates.com 23 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

reason to smile by Katie Hartai

‘GumDocs’

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy & Happy

Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems Canadian adults face.

Often developing slowly with no symptoms, this silent predator attacks the bone and gum tissue surrounding teeth. If not dealt with properly, teeth are at risk of becoming loose or even falling out. Local specialists in periodontal care, the GumDocs team of friendly dental professionals ensure people suffering from gum disease receive the highest standard of treatment available.

Periodontitis, better known as gum disease, starts when tartar moves under the gums and causes infection. In its early stages, the infection is called gingivitis. As it worsens, the infection destroys the bone, ligament and gum tissue holding teeth in place.

It might not stop there either. The bacteria causing gums to become inflamed has been found in recent reports to travel throughout the body and impact overall health. When entering the bloodstream, the infection can spread to other parts of the body where it has been associated with cardiovascular conditions (heart disease and strokes), diabetes and respiratory problems.

The good news is that in almost every case gum disease can be avoided or even reversed in its early stages.

Dr. Gordon Schwartz, one of the six periodontists at GumDocs, says the best weapon against preventing and fighting off mild gum disease is good oral hygiene. This means flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice daily to reduce plaque build-up.

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As well, regularly visit a dentist or dental hygienist for cleaning. Using mouthwash can also help, removing any food particles brushing and flossing may have missed.

In serious cases of gum disease, surgical treatment is often necessary.

Traditionally, flap surgery was the prescribed course of action for dealing with matured gum disease. In this procedure, the gum is lifted and rolled back providing access to scrape out tartar and infected gum tissue. If needed, the bone is smoothed and reshaped, reducing the areas prone to bacteria growth. The flap is secured

Both surgeries have their advantages and disadvantages, according to Dr. Schwartz, but overwhelmingly people prefer LANAP®.

“There are fewer side effects and it is easier on them,” he says. “One of the downsides to conventional treatment is that you lower the gum height such that between teeth can be exposed. In areas that are aesthetic, people would rather lose their teeth or replace them, than have something that doesn’t look great.”

LANAP® causes little to no gum recession, as well there is minimal bleeding, less pain and a quicker, much easier recovery of about 24 hours compared to flap surgery’s 1-2 weeks.

It is also safe for patients with health ILLUSTRATION : OLM STAFF

Our mouths are complex masterpieces.

Supported by the jawbone, teeth are held firmly in place by a combination of ligaments and soft tissues, also known as gums. The main threat to healthy teeth and their surrounding tissues is dental plaque — a clear, sticky coating of bacteria that forms daily. If plaque is not removed regularly from teeth and along the gumline by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar which can only be removed by professional cleaning.

Attachment Procedure, or LANAP®, uses laser technology to safely remove periodontitis-causing bacteria and diseased tissues in problematic areas while leaving the healthy gum tissue intact.

ABOVE: The Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is a new, less intrusive method to remove bacteria and disease tissue from the gums without damaging healthy gum tissue.

shut with a stitch allowing the gums and ligaments to reattach themselves over time. After the gum is completely healed, the pocket is shallower and more tooth is visible because of a lower gumline.

GumDocs is one of the few locations in Ottawa to offer a modern, less traumatic treatment for people suffering with gum disease. The Laser Assisted New

concerns like diabetes, HIV, hemophilia or those on specific medications.

GumDocs is proud to offer both the traditional and laser surgical treatments for clients suffering with gum disease.

The experts will ensure the best care, making the road to recovery as easy as possible n gumdocs.com

profile by Madelaine Manson

Blair Animal Hospital Customizing Pet Care

Pets are family. They hold a special place in our hearts. As pet owners, it is important to provide them with veterinary care to support their health and quality of life.

T

he team at Blair Animal Hospital (AH) is committed to providing individualized veterinary care that maximizes the wellbeing of their patients.

Dr. Sean Walter, Medical Director at Blair AH, is passionate about providing the ideal care for your pet that includes traditional and alternative veterinary care.

“A holistic approach for us is combining all facets of medicine,” Walter says. “Ultimately what you want is an individualized approach for your animal that has a good balance between traditional and alternative medicine. We’re not saying that we won’t practice Western medicine, rather that Western medicine is one of the tools we have at our disposal.”

By taking a holistic approach to preventative care and disease treatment, the team at Blair AH is able to collaboratively devise a treatment plan that is custom-made for individual patients.

“At our clinic we have veterinarians that are Western traditional who work hand-in-hand with our holistic veterinarians. We refer cases to each other to supplement our approaches,” Walter explains. “If I’m struggling with a patient suffering with arthritis, for example, I’ve learned that I would include acupuncture a lot earlier in their treatment plan and hopefully

be able to avoid or delay introducing certain medications with potential side effects.”

This individualized approach that Blair AH mobilizes in their practice aims to optimize pet protection and quality of life. They take all factors of care into consideration, including nutrition, which plays a vital role in overall health.

“We always consider what kinds of rejigging can we do with the treatment plan of an animal to help optimize their quality of life,” Walter says.

“Nutrition is a big part of it. Good quality food and natural supplements that have a proven track record with respect to well-researched studies can be extremely beneficial.”

At Blair AH, pet owners are able to access a unique kind of custom care for their pets that isn’t always easy to come by. Some of the unique services include acupuncture, osteopathy and many other homeopathic therapies.

Walter’s outlook on vaccines and medications reflects this individualized approach.

“If I can maximize their protection, but minimize the amount of shots I’m giving them over their lifetime, that can only have some benefits,” he says.

“You must consider the side effects when treating a patient. You don’t want the side effects of the medication

to be worse than the disease you’re treating.”

Marnie Beaton, Practice Administrator at Blair AH, witnesses first hand the transformative care provided to pets at the clinic.

“Every animal is an individual, so the care they receive should reflect that,” she says. “I truly enjoy when our team comes together to satisfy the needs of the pets. When the clients walk out happy, I know I’ve done my job because I’ve empowered the team with the tools they need to do their jobs well.”

When a pet is suffering, it can be a truly heartbreaking experience for the pet owner. For Walter, the opportunity to facilitate in these situations drives his passion for this work.

“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing an owner overjoyed with how their animal has improved from a disease they thought was going to be the end. When I’m able to work through a challenging case to a diagnosis and then help that animal recover and drastically improve their quality of life, nothing is more rewarding,” he says.

There to provide superior care for your pets, Blair Animal Hospital is pioneering the next chapter in veterinary care n www.ovg.ca/bah.aspx.

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Service Professionalism Safety

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railway and safe transit series by Candice Vetter

Dangerous Cargo he average number of rail accidents per year in Canada has changed very little over the years. While it’s fair to say that rail transportation is extremely safe, the number of those accidents which have involved dangerous cargo has risen. The new king of that cargo, crude oil, has had devastating effects on human lives, communities and the environment.

Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada boast of the rail safety record in Canada. Considering the huge volumes of cargo and the thousands of kilometres of track over every type of terrain, the safety record is high. About 99.998 per cent of dangerous goods shipments arrive at their destination without incident, according to the Railway Association.

to be used to haul crude oil. However, while it is a step forward it is not the total solution. Some recent derailments with explosions and fires had upgraded rail cars in use.

Calls by communities to know what is passing through their centres have also been heeded somewhat. Last year, the City of Hamilton called for rail companies to share daily, real-time information about shipments within the city, but has since said it is satisfied with amended information-sharing policies. Now that rail companies are to share the possible cargo contents quarterly, and in the case of disaster are to have information quickly

required to ship whatever is a legal commodity. But now CP is asking for the ability to refuse shipment of certain goods, or of rolling stock containing dangerous cargo moving through major centres like Toronto and Chicago.

Of course regulatory changes, increased safety standards, better rail cars, better monitoring and maintenance, improved communications, more training for first responders, and reduction of the percentage of cars carrying hazardous goods per train are all steps in the right direction. They’re also steps that the Teamsters Canada Railway Conference has been calling PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

T

However, organizations such as the Council of Canadians claim the accident figures given out by Transport Canada, for example, are significantly less than reality.

Regardless of this perceived discrepancy, the trend is clear. Rail accidents involving explosive, flammable, toxic or environmentally dangerous cargo have increased. The average number of reported accidents with dangerous goods between 2009 and 2013 is 59 while the number in 2013 alone was 61 and even higher in 2014 at 74.

The impact of some of these accidents, which are so much more dangerous than other accidents or derailments, can be devastating on communities or natural areas.

There are plenty of ideas in the works to improve the situation and some have been implemented since the Lac Mégantic tragedy. Dot 111 tank cars (a type of rail car — the long black, oval shaped one you sometimes see speeding by) have caused problems in the past and are no longer supposed

In the event of a derailment or accident, Ottawa: 613-992-4624 the Transportation of Dangerous Goods section Atlantic: 1-866-814-1477 of Transport Canada can be reached at: Quebec: 1-514-283-5722 Ontario: 1-416-973-1868 available, the hope is that response to a derailment, fire or explosion will be more effective. Rail cars are marked with a label listing the contents inside, but when there is an accident, getting close enough to read the label may be impossible.

The reality is that highly explosive, flammable or poisonous substances will spill if there’s a crash. But are railways totally to blame? According to Hunter Harrison, CEO of Canadian Pacific, railways are

for—in some cases, repeatedly and for a long time.

It seems that it takes a series of disasters, including significant loss of life, to make authorities listen to what the front line workers have been saying for years. Dangerous cargo should be reduced, it should be moved in better rail cars, it should be communicated to the people to whom it really matters, and other factors that increase the likelihood of accident, such as fatigue, should be changed n 27 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

profile by Marie Waine

Outside the Box

The Go-To Assembly Team A

fter hours of walking through the furniture store, picking out pieces you like, loading them into your car and heaving them into your house, the last thing you feel like doing is building your new desk/closet/shelving unit.

in fact has hired others to help out.

Service has been working at Outside the Box full time for the past two years and in the spring and summer he has five employees who work with him to get the job done.

Thanks to Outside the Box Assembly Service, help is just a phone call away.

Now you can kick back and relax while a team of professionals puts together anything and everything you need.

Outside the Box will put together almost anything. From fitness equipment and shelving units to play structures and gazebos, the team will build it for you. Service and his team will help with all of your outdoor summer projects, including patio furniture, sheds, play structures and gazebos.

The company was founded by Justin Service four years ago. “I was starting a different business at the time. I had bought a desk and it took way too long to put together and thought there had to be someone I could hire to do that type of thing. I looked around and I couldn’t find anybody.”

So he put out feelers out on Kijiji to assess interest in a furniture-building service. “I got a lot of responses and thought, ‘Hey, this is way better than what I was going to do for my business!’ So I started doing furniture instead.”

At the time he set about creating his own business, he was actually working full time at another job. He had to slowly build Outside from the ground up on off hours.“When I started, it was a struggle to work a full-time job and do this on the side,” he says. “I have a daughter and another kid on the way, and balancing everything has always been difficult.” He has succeeded and 28 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

Outside the Box will put together almost anything.

From fitness equipment and shelving units to play structures and gazebos, the team will build it for you.

“Lots of research goes into each build,” says Service. He says that aspect alone could almost be a full-time job itself.

He wants to provide safety to clients and be as efficient as possible.

Outside the Box will complete the average assembly in about two hours, rarely taking more than a day and that is usually only if there are multiple pieces for the project.A typical job will cost an average of $90, depending on how much work needs to be done.

“When clients look at their project and are happy, then I am happy.When they have the look like, ‘I could never have done this myself,’ that makes me so glad I do what I do. Customer service and satisfaction are very important to me.”

Furthermore, Service understands the frustrations people face when having to do this kind of work. “There was a time before I started doing this where I had to put something together and I said, ‘That’s it! I’m never doing this again!’” says Service. “And so I get it.

But I’ve done thousands of jobs now, and after you’ve done it enough times, it’s no problem.”

Outside the Box delivers reliable, quality workmanship. One phone call will have you sitting back in your new furniture and enjoying a cold one in no time, without all the stress of having had to waste your time getting angry over hard-to-follow directions.

It’s worth that call n

profile by Marie Waine

The Next Generation of Website Development H

ave you ever tried to build a blog or a website for yourself or your company? At first, the sites you have always heard of for “easy” website building seem like a good idea. But after 30 minutes of clicking around, you begin to understand the limitations and realize there is very little you can do without some technical help.

Garry Brownrigg

QuickSilk will change that. It is an intuitive, simple to use, safe and secure software package for building stunning websites faster and better than anything else on the market.

“QuickSilk allows clients to very quickly design, build, manage and analyze the performance of their websites, microsites and e-commerce sites,” says Garry Brownrigg, founder and CEO of QuickSilk.

“The majority of people turn to open source software (OSS), such as WordPress, to build websites because they believe OSS is free,” says Brownrigg. “The software itself may be free, but unless you’re a technical person and can write code you have to hire somebody to build the website.

Even after the site is built, you have ongoing support requirements from a technical developer to modify and add site content and ensure the ongoing ‘health’ of the website; that the plugins are up to date and there aren’t compatibility issues.”

In the end, unless you have strong technical skills, you will most likely have to hire someone of Brownrigg’s ability to manage your site.

QuickSilk allows clients to take full control of their websites, without any of the maintenance issues.

“We provide our clients with a very powerful drag and drop content management system,” says Brownrigg.

maintenance and support. They could not manage the sites themselves.

“With this, our clients can take a design template from our library, and modify it and easily design and build the site themselves.”

The company commissioned studies proving QuickSilk can build websites up to 90 per cent faster and with up to 75 per cent lower operating expenses than other website development software.

“QuickSilk came about because I lost the functional capability to speak for nearly ten years. I was diagnosed with a disorder known as laryngeal dystonia,” says Brownrigg. “At the time, I was working for the Royal Bank of Canada and I had to find a way to earn a living. So in 2000, I turned to the Internet, taught myself how to code and started developing websites and web applications.”

Between 2000 and 2008, Brownrigg’s team built a portfolio of clients who used a variety of open source and commercial content management systems. However, Brownrigg says his clients found the systems difficult to use and would have security breaches.

His clients had to continually go to Brownrigg’s team for ongoing

“I became frustrated with that process for my clients. QuickSilk was born out of this frustration,” says Brownrigg.

“I wanted a better solution for my clients.”

To date, QuickSilk has users in 22 countries and in 14 languages.

Today, QuickSilk is seeking to grow and expand with its next generation website platform. The company recently completed an Indiegogo campaign where it raised 168 per cent of its $15,000 goal. QuickSilk raised $25,260 from 130 contributions, in 7 countries, in 30 days. The campaign aimed at small businesses with five or less employees.

QuickSilk aims to empower clients to build a website from start to finish.

The money from the Indiegogo campaign will help QuickSilk create more templates for clients to use as a canvas for their web visions.

“What’s most fulfilling to me is that the vision we had 10 years ago is coming to fruition; the very people I built it for are quickly seeing the value that QuickSilk brings to the table and are moving their sites to QuickSilk,” says Brownrigg n 29 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

building a better canada op-ed by Michael Coren

The Church and State Debate

O

h Mr. Lunney, whatever are you playing at? Long-time Nanaimo MP James Lunney announced recently that he was leaving the Conservatives

because he could no longer speak as a Christian while being part of the party caucus. There was, he said, a nasty sense of religious persecution in the Ottawa air. That will be news to many people, a lot of them devout Christians and Tory MPs. All of this became an issue when Lunney tweeted his support for an Ontario MPP who had criticized evolution. In that evolution is accepted by all credible scientists and most credible theologians it’s hardly a surprise that poor old James came in for a fair amount of mockery and even abuse.

His response was not to question his own rather flimsy ideas but to allege that “militant atheists” were now controlling the agenda, that Canadian Christians were persecuted and that there were “deliberate attempts to suppress a Christian worldview from professional and economic opportunity in law, medicine, and academia.”

As yet we have seen no supporting evidence for these somewhat hysterical claims and I can tell you as a Christian with a fairly high public profile that while I have been forced to defend and justify my faith I have never lost a job or been attacked because of my religion, there is no conspiracy of Godhaters and that to speak of persecution in the same week as dozens of Kenyan Christians were slaughtered was at best careless and perhaps downright obscene.

What Lunney seems to be talking about is not the right to believe that Jesus is the Son of God or born of a virgin but the political consequences of holding to conservative Christian 30 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

ideas. Namely, of course, that abortion is wrong, marriage is exclusively between a man and a woman and that Canada is a Christian nation fighting to uphold its heritage.

All of these themes are vital and deserving of intelligent debate but none of them mark people out as Christians. In other words, nonChristians could oppose abortion and same-sex marriage and, for that matter, Christians could and some certainly do believe that marriage between people of the same gender is completely acceptable and part of a deeper understanding of Christ’s teaching.

A minority of Christians…tend to reduce the great faith of Christianity to a series of flawed and easily deflated positions based not on science and research but on a refusal to understand the metaphorical aspects of Scripture.

In the past few months alone, we have seen a political and legal dispute

around the right of Trinity Western University in Langley, BC to be able to exclude people in gay marriages from enrolling in their proposed law school. We have seen a heated discussion taking place in Ontario over the provincial government’s sex education curriculum, and nationally around the conscience rights of doctors concerning abortion, contraception and, likely in the near future, euthanasia. Again, all deeply significant subjects but if the courts and state decide in one particular manner is does not signify the persecution of Christians.

When it comes to evolution, the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, mainstream Protestants and even many evangelicals see no contradiction between God the creator and the explanation of evolution.

In fact it is a fringe, a minority of Christians who still ride the – forgive the pun — roaring dinosaur of literal creationism! With all due respect they tend to reduce the great faith of Christianity to a series of flawed and easily deflated positions based not on science and research but on a refusal to understand the metaphorical aspects of Scripture. They minimize God, put Him in a box, enable those “militant atheists” to make Christians appear foolish.

None of this is about the right of Canadian Christians to live their faith and if you think James Lunney is a victim of persecution you probably believe Mike Duffy uses public transport so as to save taxpayers’ money. There is certainly a national conversation that needs to take place about church and state and the place of faith in the public square but it has to be based on fact, not fable n

Women, Wages The Workplace

&

by Marie Waine

OPSEU’s Provincial Women’s Committee continues to focus on the struggle for women and wage equality. For women like Sue McKenna, OPSEU is helping to end gender discrimination.

Advocating for Equity Y

ou are a female working a job alongside many male counterparts. You work on similar daily tasks and have the same hours. So why, when the paycheque comes, are these men making more money?

As a woman in the workplace, McKenna joined OPSEU in 1990 under the Association of Allied Health Professionals of Ontario (AAHPO). Twenty-five years later, McKenna continues to enjoy the community OPSEU creates for her.

The Ontario government’s Pay Equity Commission states, “Statisticians estimate that as much as 10 to 15 per cent of the gender wage gap is due to discrimination.”

What attracts you to OPSEU?

A few of the reasons for the gap and discrimination include women having to choose or needing to leave and re-enter the workforce for family responsibilities.

In 1987, the Pay Equity Act was passed in order to narrow the divide between wages for men and women. Although the difference between these numbers has slowly changed—in 1987 the gender wage gap in Ontario was 36 per cent and in 2011 it was 26 per cent for full-time, full-year workers.

Equity for women and wages in the workplace still does not exist.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Equity Unit is dedicated to providing strategic expertise and support to staff and individual members in relation to matters around equity and human rights.

The Provincial Women’s Committee advocates for women within the union, supports them in the workplace and develops strategies to encourage the community to support public services. According to OPSEU, “History demonstrates that by organizing into unions, working people have achieved better wages, working conditions, benefits, job security, human rights and equity protection.”

For many years, women, wages and the workplace have been of interest to OPSEU. In some instances, there has been great success in obtaining pay equity. Here is one of those stories.

Susan McKenna, 51, is the Quality and Safety Pharmacist Clinical Lead at Kingston General Hospital. She began as a student pharmacist at Kingston General Hospital after obtaining a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in biochemistry from Queen’s University and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Toronto.

I became involved at the point of transition from AAHPO to OPSEU. I found it was a great time to learn about what a labour community like OPSEU provides to its members and affiliates. I embarked upon my learning curve at that point. I began to learn about both the strengths and areas for improvement in the community.

What is the best part about the community?

OPSEU offers strong education opportunities for its members. Diablogue provides articles on orgazinational improvement as well as personal growth. Within our health professionals division, OPSEU provides a common purpose for allied health professional members. We can come together to discuss and appreciate how truly similar our issues are and build upon one another’s gains. We share a lot locally and within the health professionals division. The sharing happens on a broader sense too, as the divisions build on others’ successes and learn from one another’s struggles.

Do you find a discrepancy in wages between men and women in your workplace?

No, luckily in pharmacy wage discrepancy is not an issue.

How do you feel knowing in-equality exists in the workplace?

I believe inequality exists on many different levels in the workplace, not just economic. But I also believe that inequality is being better recognized. There are more individuals with common decency who are taking on these important issues n For more information on OPSEU, visit opseu.org. There is a variety of information on the history of equity in the workplace, for women and for all 31 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

métis series by Candice Vetter

THE MÉTIS —

Ignored No Longer There are emerging signs that the Federal Government is finaly recognizing Métis land claims.

T

he people of the Métis Nation number 350,000 who are spread across much of Canada and some of the northwestern U.S.A. The definition of the members of the Métis Nation put forward by the Métis National Council is: those who self-identify as Métis, are distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, are of historic Métis ancestry and who are accepted by the Métis Nation.

This unique identity, unlike any other in the world, began in the 1700s, when European fur traders and voyageurs, mostly French, met and married the indigenous women of North America, often Cree or Ojibwe, and their children and descendants through the generations were raised in a fusion of colonial and aboriginal cultures.

Consequently, written history, oral history, and legal records have enabled the Métis Nation to document their treatment by governments, whether French, British, Canadian, territorial or provincial, and that treatment has been conclusively lacking in fairness, honesty, or honour.

One of the paper trails which enables Métis to trace their roots includes the infamous scrip, a piece of paper given to Métis children of the Red River Settlement as a way of giving those 7,000 children a “head start” since they 32 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

were already living in a place which the government was determined to open to settlement.

Why additional settlement was encouraged seems impossible to comprehend now. If they already had 12,000 settlers, of which 10,000 were Métis, why was there any need to bring in more? Of course the settlers coming in from Ontario were English and Protestant, at a time when systemic discrimination against French, Catholics, Aboriginal North Americans, and “half-breeds” (as Métis were then called) was an established and condoned practice of the British Empire and the Government of Canada.

When surveyors arrived at Red River in 1869 Métis including Louis Riel turned them back. The leaders were neither stupid nor naïve and they were well aware (as later actions on all sides showed) that the transfer of the Red River portion of Rupert’s Land by the British Crown to Canada was done without giving any thought to the thousands of people already there.

Their flourishing home and vibrant culture would be swept aside as if it had never been if the Crown had their way.

Thus was born the Red River Rebellion in which Riel’s provisional government was finally able to win

negotiations with the Crown. Those negotiations resulted in 1.4 million acres being set aside for the Métis children and their descendants in exchange for the annexation of Manitoba.

The Manitoba Métis, as negotiating partners, agreed to lay down arms and allow the province to be formed and annexed to Canada. This foundational deal, or compact, led to the westward expansion which ultimately included the western provinces and many riches for the country.

“These compacts go to the heart and soul of Canada,” say Jean Teillet and Jason Madden of the law firm Pape Salter Teillet in a summary. “Manitoba became part of Canada on July 15, 1870. The Manitoba Act was made part of the Constitution of Canada in 1871.”

Numerous delays and errors defeated the purpose of the agreement, however. Meanwhile, settlers and speculators were already moving in.

Strife arose between the new people from Ontario claiming land and the existing inhabitants, resulting in many Métis being effectively driven from their homes by English vigilantes. In the end many Métis moved outside the province which they had helped found. The situation was aggravated by needed migration for hunting or harvesting purposes in different seasons—a semi-nomadic lifestyle— PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: OLM STAFF

making dismissal of land claims easier.

Practically no children ever received land, but Canada received untold riches by the opening of the West.

The diaspora of the Métis, combined with the limited opportunities for education of that time and place— especially lack of literacy—meant territorial, provincial and federal governments could ignore the displaced and dispersed Métis descendants.

Over the centuries Aboriginal rights were barely recognized in Canada, and only for First Nations and Inuit peoples. It was not until 1970 that a high court stated that the “doctrine of discovery” was incorrect, as the people who were here first had the rights to interest in the lands, forcing a change in government policy.

But the Métis were ignored completely, or brushed off with excuses. Sometimes it was convenient for governments to claim they had been European settlers who had individual property rights dealt with through scrip, extinguishing any collective rights including traditional harvesting/hunting rights.

Other times government argued they were nomadic and therefore had no specific territory to lay claim to, something generally used to establish a First Nations or Inuit land claim.

In fact the Métis were not recognized as a unique group with specific rights until The Constitution Act of 1982, and there were no efforts made towards reconciliation. It was not until 2003 that Supreme Court heard the Powley case, regarding hunting in Ontario, and unanimously agreed that Métis shared Aboriginal rights.

Even worse, it was not until a Supreme Court decision issued in 2013, over 140 years after Canada gained Manitoba, that Canada was at last forced to acknowledge that the government of John A. Macdonald, although it had given the original scrip to individuals, had not acted with the Honour of the Crown, and that Canada would now have to treat the outstanding land claim as collective.

So far Canada has not undertaken

negotiations with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), who brought the case to court, but the MMF is building capacity for that reconciliation, which will come eventually.

“The Métis have been around since the 1700s,” says Al Benoit, MMF advisor.

“We’re still here, but governments come and go.” Currently Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair have both stated they will act on the Court’s decision.

The government in power has not.

“Eventually there will be sufficient political pressure,” Benoit says.

Lawyer Jason Madden agrees. “The trajectory of Métis’ rights is a given,” he says. “It is government’s nature to stall, delay and obstruct, but the way forward is clear. The idea of recognizing only two of three groups with Aboriginal ancestry is a non-starter. The reality is the time has come to finally negotiate with the Métis.”

140 years after Canada gained Manitoba…

Canada was at last forced to acknowledge that the government of John A. Macdonald, although it had given the original scrip to individuals, had not acted with the Honour of the Crown.

Regarding what can be reasonably expected the land, of course, is now almost all in private ownership, so the claim may end up being a broad package, presumably including some Crown land, some funds which would likely go into a trust, and some benefits.

“We are forward-looking,” says Benoit.

“The original scrip was to benefit the children of Red River. Those children were cheated of their inheritance. So a trust would provide long-range benefits for our children, by making investments in areas like education, funds for first-

time homebuyers or start-up grants for young entrepreneurs.”

Not all Métis have a share in the claim— only those who descended from the Red River Settlement, although other groups may have other claims. Red River had the greatest concentration of Métis people at the time, but many other small Métis communities were scattered across the north and west.

Some of those groups are working on their own reconciliation with provincial governments.

Changes to the way the Métis have been viewed (or not) have been incremental over time. Section 35 of the Constitution Act states that Métis citizens’ settlements are also known as local communities, and that communities, traditional territories, and common culture are what makes up the Métis Nation. A community is made up of people bound together by culture, history, and social and kinship relationships. In this the legal definition is similar to that used by the Métis National Council, so it seems the two nations are finally drawing together in their understanding.

Recognition of the Métis as a distinct nation with reconciliation between the Canadian government and the Métis still has a long way to go, but the path is becoming clear. In his report just released this April, Ministerial Special Representative Douglas R. Eyford said, “Canada must do more in its relationship with the Métis to ensure their section 35 rights are appropriately recognized and can be meaningfully exercised. As the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples observed in 2013, ‘reconciliation (with Métis groups) is necessary in order to provide a solid foundation for present and future generations of Métis in Canada.’…Canada should develop a reconciliation process to support the exercise of Métis section 35 rights and to reconcile their interests.”

The Métis are a vital, important part of Canada’s citizenry who have been unfairly treated.

At last the time has come to set that right n 33 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

canada-china friendship series by Candace Amis

Canada-China:

WIN-WIN COOPERATION The Ottawa Life Magazine Canada-China Friendship series will focus on the importance of the growing bilateral business relationship in the areas of energy, transportation services, manufacturing, technology, real estate, and building and development. We will examine ties in education, culture, global security, government and the Chinese Diaspora in Canada. Contributors to the series will include Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, Luo Zhaohui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of P.R. China to Canada and the Embassy of China, several Canadian MPs, Ministers, academics and business leaders involved in Chinese-Canada enterprises. Here are some facts on the Canada-China relationship.

China has the world’s second largest economy representing 14.2 per cent of the world’s wealth, in 2015. Canada represents 2.94 per cent of the global economy. China is Canada’s second largest trading partner and leading source of both imports and exports.The Chinese have invested $54-billion U.S. dollars into the Canadian economy, 90 per cent of which goes to one per cent of bilateral trade in the energy sector. Chinese regulators have approved an initial 8.2 billion U.S. dollar grant to Canadian financial institutions under the Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor program. This agreement will further help advance and simplify economic relations between the Canadian and Chinese governments.

Canada currently ranks sixth on the world’s social progress index, (www. socialprogressimperative.org) a system that measures national basic human needs and foundations of well-being.

China is much further down the list but improving annually.

34 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

In November 2014, Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper and Chinese Chairman Zhang Dejiang met and finalized a twenty-section agreement to improve bilateral market access of agricultural products, air transport, trade services, visa applications, economic and environmental sustainability. The intent of the agreement is to enhance trade, growth in infrastructure, nuclear energy strategies, environmental purification and to put a priority focus on jointly fighting corruption. The long-term goal is to have a free trade agreement between China and Canada.

To highlight Canada’s commitment to China, Prime Minister Harper announced the opening of new trade offices in Hangzhou, Xi’an, Xiamen and Tianjin to attract investment for Chinese businesses in Canada. These offices will help drive the export of Canadian machinery, technology and other products and help maintain Canada as one of the largest overseas investment destinations for China.

The Harper government also supports the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

(APEC) summit goals which begin this year that will see a bilateral currency swap agreement, an updated free-trade agreement and the development of environmentally safe maritime energy corridors.

Unresolved issues involving human rights and consular issues will continue to remain a challenge with the Chinese and Canadian governments. It is hoped that progress on these fronts can be secured through universal bilateral objectives. Another stumbling is Canada’s decision not to sign on as a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

The AIIB seeks to improve roads, railways, and transport opportunities in China. Twenty one Asian countries and many western countries, including England, Germany, France, Italy and Israel are signators. The NDP and the Liberals support the idea of joining AIIB in order to further boost economic ties. The Harper government is still reticent but has left the door open to joining at a later date.

As the series opener, Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi explains Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision for China to pursue a new type of international relations “of win-win cooperation” which builds on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter n

canada-china friendship series by OLM Staff

THE GREAT CITY OF

Tianjin, China T

he largest seaport in northern China and the maritime gateway to Beijing rarely conjures up visions of living in beautiful displays of nature and lush green sustainable environments, but the Tianjin EconomicTechnological Development Area (TEDA) is not like any other economic development zone in the world. Located just east of Beijing, this remarkably successful, state of the art, technologically advanced city and role model for environmental sustainability, is a rare hidden treasure of China.

China’s leadership, in the new 21st century has combined forwardthinking policy and unwavering commitment.The desire is to showcase an economic city both as a magnate for the global business elite and also to serve as a model eco-friendly green city.

China turned to international awardwinning Harvard infrastructure expert Ellis Kirkland and her team. Kirkland was immediately captivated by their ideas and was truly honoured to partner with China in the development of the TEDA City Centre.

The result has been one of the greatest model cities to ever exist was created.

“China’s leadership is sensitive to the delicate balance between both the need for economic growth and improved quality of urban life,” says Kirkland.

To balance the dynamism and intensity of the vibrant economic financial world, the next steps were easy. It

started with Kirkland’s deep respect for the Chinese culture. She then incorporated feng shui, the Chinese philosophical system harmonizing people and environment.

Add in China’s 3,000 year ancient garden tradition and the product is TEDA’s public gardens. They are a rare and extensive display of China’s great garden traditions. They offer a sophisticated array of public squares, fountains, courtyards, tree-lined streets, lush gardens and parks, in a network of public open spaces, greenery and water.

“The urban development strategy gives the dreams and visions a crucial structural framework,” says Kirkland.

TEDA has become the most successful, dynamic economic development zone internationally and the most avantgarde sustainable eco-friendly green city in the world. Incorporating the key qualities of healthy cities and minimizing the carbon footprint through the eco-friendly overlay of abundant greenery creates an astonishingly liveable, elegant and graceful environ.

It is vibrant, sophisticated, modern and concentrated. Not shying away from density, it embraces activity, encourages business to thrive and caters to the most demanding needs of technologically advanced global businesses. TEDA’s infrastructure is state of the art. It showcases China’s advanced, clean technologies, including high speed rail and other infrastructure, while connecting the local, regional and

national areas together. This supports the business and private needs of both companies and families living in TEDA. The proof of TEDA’s remarkable success rests in its existing roster of tenants, the crème de la crème of the global fortune 500. The Samsung Group, Motorola, Sanyo, Honeywell, Emerson, Schneider, Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola, Novozymes, Novo Nordisk, among many others, are there.

“Astutely, China invests as much in their cultural and environmental values as they do in their economic growth,” says Kirkland. “Finding this type of insightful leadership is a gift.”

“The comprehensive development guidelines are a key part of the success of the strategy. International investors want stability, quality, predictability, reliability, and dependency. Global businesses look for the best quality business environment as well as the best quality living environment for their families,” says Kirkland. “The question is, do the key elements in providing the highest quality, healthiest, most livable and sustainable city exist?”

Kirkland says that, “This grand and spectacular infrastructure could not be created without teamwork, respect and dedication to a common vision.

The creation of a unique cultural icon, symbol and city for millions is truly one of China's greatest unsung treasures.”n 35 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

36 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

canada-china friendship series

Speech by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Luncheon of the China Development Forum Beijing, 23 March 2015

Toward a New Type of International Relations

OF WIN-WIN COOPERATION

70

years ago, in the wake of victory of the world's antifascist war, nations on earth created an international order and a corresponding international system with the United Nations as the core underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

The past seven decades has witnessed overall peace and stability of the world and unprecedented progress in mankind's development. At the same time, globalization and the shift of international forces have posed new challenges to the existing international order and system.

Now, 70 years after the founding of the United Nations, it is highly necessary that we think over the question of what kind of international relations to foster under new historical conditions so that we could continue to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and better safeguard and bring forward the international system with the United Nations at its core.

What China proposes as a solution is to build a new type of international relations of win-win cooperation.This major concept, proposed by President Xi Jinping on the basis of grasping the overall world trend, actually builds on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. At the same time, it goes beyond the traditional theory of international relations. Its

PHOTO: COURTESY MINISTER WANG YI

impact on the future development of international relations will surely be profound and significant.

Well, people might ask, what makes this type of international relations new? To put it simply, such a new type of international relations is aimed at replacing confrontation with cooperation, and exclusiveness with win-win cooperation. What it rejects is the practice of zero-sum game and the winner-takes-all approach.

Politically, we need to foster a new thinking of building partnerships.

International relations, in the traditional sense, are often about making a choice between alliance and confrontation. To build partnerships, however, is to find a new path of having dialogue without confrontation and making partners without forming alliance. As President Xi Jinping put it, countries, with or without agreement, could all be partners. It is true that political alliance does exist, and China respects countries’ right to independently choose their foreign policy. In the meantime, we hope that parties may, by acting along the trend of the times, explore a new type of partnership that is more inclusive and constructive, that is not targeted at a hypothetical enemy or against a third party. As far as China is concerned, we have in recent years established partnerships of various forms with 75 countries and 5 regions or regional

organizations in an effort to build a global network of partnerships of peace, development and cooperation and of equality, inclusiveness and winwin development.

China and the United States have worked to build a new model of major-country relations. The two countries focusing more on strategic communication and practical cooperation and better managing differences and disputes serves not only the interests of the two peoples, but also peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. We look forward to new and fruitful results to be achieved by President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the United States this fall.

The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has accomplished high level of development. The two countries have made breakthroughs in major cooperation projects and increased their strategic coordination. ChinaEU relations have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership and are moving toward the partnership for peace, growth, reform and progress of civilizations. China’s solidarity and coordination with emerging markets and developing countries are growing from strength to strength.

More substance has been added to the new type of strategic partnership between China and Africa, and China and Latin America have established a comprehensive cooperative partner37 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

38 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

ship of equality, mutual benefit and common development. We could all so proudly state that China’s circle of friends and partners is getting bigger and bigger as we make more and more friends in the world.

Economically, we need to foster new prospects of common development.

This year, the United Nations will formulate the post-2015 development agenda. Over the past 15 years since the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals, the target of halving the world’s population living in extreme poverty has been basically met, yet more than 1 billion people are still living under the line of extreme poverty. Development imbalance is not a mere economic issue. It is at the root of many of the problems facing our world today. China calls on all countries to foster a true sense of community of shared interests and work to secure the greatest common interests possible in seeking common development.

Such is the vision we have in mind when the Chinese government put forward the initiative of building “the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road”, which has already got positive response from about 60 countries. Inspired by the ancient Silk Road, the “Belt and Road” initiative is designed to embrace the tremendous need for cooperation among countries concerned by prioritizing the development of infrastructure facilities for transportation on the Eurasian Continent. Currently in Asia alone, infrastructure needs to be upgraded for many countries and regions, for which the funding from existing financing institutions is hardly sufficient. That is where we see the potential and opportunity to turn demand into driving force for development. And that is why we believe the proposal to establish a US$100 billion Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is most opportune. In fact, the proposal has been warmly received by many countries, and the latest application for admission by the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Switzerland will make the founding membership of the AIIB more broadbased and representative.

On the security front, we need to commit ourselves to building a world of security for all. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. For our world, peace has not come easily and must be preserved however hard we need to work. We need to better leverage the safeguard mechanisms established by the UN Charter to prevent war and uphold peace. We need to lend support to a more effective role of the UN and its Security Council to enhance the capacity of conflict prevention. We must make sure that the Cold War mentality, whatever its form, gives way to a shared commitment to common, cooperative, comprehensive and sustainable security. Disputes between countries should be addressed through dialogue and consultation instead of the use or threat of force. This way, we will ensure that peace and security are enjoyed and safeguarded by all countries in the world.

Disputes between countries should be addressed through dialogue and consultation instead of the use or threat of force. This way, we will ensure that peace and security are enjoyed and safeguarded by all countries in the world.

China is an active contributor to international peace and security operations. It has sent nearly 30,000 men and women to UN peacekeeping operations, more than other permanent members of the UN Security Council.

A 700-soldier infantry battalion has just arrived in South Sudan to join UNMISS. By now, 19 Chinese fleets have conducted escort missions for the safe passage of over 5,800 ships in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

China is actively involved in the peaceful settling of hotspot issues in the hope to provide a Chinese perspective to the solution of relevant

issues. China believes in the following three principles in handling hotspot issues, i.e. no country should interfere in other countries' internal affairs or impose its own will on others; countries concerned should act in an impartial and objective manner and refrain from seeking selfish interests; and political solutions, not the use of force, should be sought in addressing hotspot issues. China's commitment has been honored with real actions, from its dedication to peace, stability and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula to the successful hosting of the fourth Ministerial Conference of the Istanbul Process on Afghanistan, from its active involvement in negotiations over the Iranian nuclear issue to active shuttle diplomacy by special Chinese envoys to the Middle East, and to the “Special Consultation in Support of the IGAD-led South Sudan Peace Process” that China initiated. On the question of Myanmar, China used its resources and played a mediating role to facilitate the process of national reconciliation within Myanmar, efforts that contributed to long-term peace of Myanmar and to peace and stability along the China-Myanmar border.

Culturally, we should promote inclusiveness and mutual learning between civilizations. The world we live in is home to over 200 countries and regions and more than 2,500 ethnic groups and various religions, and is thus blessed with a remarkable cultural diversity. Each civilization is proudly unique of its own and all add to the common asset of the human race. The Chinese nation values inclusiveness and accommodation.

For millennia, different cultures and faiths, including Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Islam, have co-existed in harmony on this land, which is in fact not commonplace elsewhere in the world.The history of progress of the Chinese civilization is a powerful example of how different cultures and faiths could interact and thrive together without doing each other harm. The secret to that, I believe, is nothing but equality, mutual appreciation and accommodation n This article is an excerpt from a speech

by Minister Wang Yi made in Beijing March 23, 2015.

39 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

canada/kazakstan friends by OLM staff

Kazakhstan Is Moving Ahead There is no question that the the global financial and economic crisis and difficult geopolitical situation that exists today has left few countries in the world unaffected.

The recent collapse of oil prices has created substantial economic challenges for many countries, including Canada, which, in part depends on its oil exports. The effects of were visible in the recently-tabled budget in Alberta that introduced tough measures to overcome the developing economic turmoil. Moreover, according to the Bank of Canada, cheaper oil prices are now affecting far more than just the energy sector.

Canada is not the only oil rich country that must face these issues, which is why it may be interesting to look at how its international partners are dealing with this difficult situation.

Consider the example of Kazakhstan.

Despite the fact that Kazakhstan’s economy grew by 4.3 per cent in 2014, and retained its position among the top 50 most competitive countries according to the World Economic Forum rating, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan is aware of the need to plan ahead and not be complacent. Kazakhstan’s 40 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

economic base relies heavily on its natural resources and their export.

Like Canada, it is not immune to fluctuations in oil and metals prices.

In November 2014, in his annual state of the nation address, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev proposed the government’s new economic policy Nurly Zhol - Path to the Future. The new programme is focused on infrastructure development and prioritizes further expansion of transportation, industrial, energy, housing and social infrastructure in Kazakhstan. Its design is to help overcome economic difficulties

(including falling oil prices on world markets).

According to the Ministry of National Economy of Kazakhstan, implementation of the Nurly Zhol programme will create almost 400 thousand new jobs. In terms of housing, 1.4 million square metres of rental space will be built. Thirty-five billion tenge ($190 million) will be allocated to support the development of domestic manufacturing. Over 300 billion tenge ($1.6 billion) will be invested in construction and reconstruction of roads while 75.3 billion tenge ($407 million) will be put into new railroad and logistics projects in Kazakhstan.

It is not surprising for Kazakhstan to focus on infrastructure. Just like

Kazakhstan is interested in attracting Canadian investment and leading technologies as it works to implement objectives of the Nurly Zhol. The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Ottawa published a specialized Business Guide on investment opportunities in Kazakhstan. It is aimed at the Canadian business community looking for opportunities to open or expand its presence in Kazakhstan. The launch of this initiative in Toronto was highly welcomed. Those interested may browse the electronic version of the Kazakhstan-Canada Business Guide on the Embassy’s website (www.kazembassy.ca).

Canada, Kazakhstan is a vast country.

The ninth largest country in the world, Kazakhstan requires an adequate infrastructure to promote and support its sustainable development. Experts also believe that implementation of the Nurly Zhol will unite the efforts of the government, public and business sectors in creating an effective response to emerging challenges. The new infrastructure development plan is expected to attract more than 100 foreign companies to work on various projects in Kazakhstan. By March 2015, Kazakhstan had already signed thirtythree cooperation agreements with China, worth $23.6 billion, some of which will support projects under the umbrella of the Nurly Zhol economic programme.

Many people in Kazakhstan believed the government required a mandate from its citizens in order to implement the plan as well as other economic, political and social development measures. With that in mind, and with the support of both chambers of Parliament, President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced the country would hold early presidential elections.

Three candidates were approved by the Central Election Commission to run in these elections, including the Communist People’s Party of Kazakhstan’s Turgun Syzdykov, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan Abelgazy Kussainov and incumbent Nursultan Nazarbayev, who was nominated by the Nur Otan Party.

During the election campaign, President Nazarbayev proposed a number of institutional reforms, including formation of a modern public service, strengthening rule of law, diversification of industrialization and economic growth, ensuring transparency and accountability of the state and others. Implementation of these reforms can create conditions for introducing a new system of electing local executive bodies. President Nazarbayev said that a constitutional reform must be gradually implemented that envisages redistribution of power from the President to the Parliament and the government.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, is one of the most successful and ambitious development projects in Central Asia. LEFT: Medeo is an outdoor skating rink that is located in a mountain valley on the outskirts of Almaty. It was one of the venues that hosted 2011 Asian Winter Games. More than 70 Canadian companies attended a presentation of the Business Guide in Toronto on March 5, 2015.

RIGHT: Kazakhstan is one of the world’s major exporters of oil, with annual exports amounting to 1.4 million bbl/d.

Italy is the largest recipient of oil and gas condensate from Kazakhstan followed by China, the Netherlands, France, Austria, Switzerland and other countries, mainly from Europe.

The elections took place on April 26, 2015 and President Nazarbayev won a resounding majority.

Following up on his campaign promises, one of the first decisions of President Nazarbayev was the establishment of the National Modernization Commission.

Its mandate is the implementation of institutional reforms in the sphere of public service, rule of law, economy and business, and social development and democratization.

Despite the economic challenges, both Kazakhstan and Canada are committed to maintaining the current high level of bilateral engagement and are looking for new areas of partnership.

Another interesting initiative for Canadian companies is the EXPO2017 that will be held in Kazakhstan’s

PHOTOS: COURTESY EMBASSY OF THE RUPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN TO CANADA

capital Astana. It will be devoted to the theme of renewable and clean energy.

The EXPO will be also bring tourism to Kazakhstan and the country expects to receive up to five million visitors.

Kazakhstan can expect more foreign visitors if the country succeeds in securing the bid to host 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The candidate city, Almaty, is the largest city in Kazakhstan and its major commercial and cultural centre.

Almaty’s location, nestled at the foothills of the Tian Shan mountain range, makes it a natural home of winter sports.

There are many possibilities of international cooperation in between Kazakhstan and Canada and Kazakhstan looks forward to further developing the friendship between our two countries n 41 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

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PHOTO: JUDY BAXTER

travel by Jennifer Hartley

EXPLORE THE BIG SMOKE

Family Getaway I

f thoughts are moving from snow to long summer days and you are looking for holiday ideas, especially ones not involving a long road trip, load the kids in the car and head to Toronto. It’s one thing to go there for business but to experience the city as a tourist is a whole other experience, especially with kids.

dip in the over-18 pool. You can also lounge outside on the hotel’s adultonly deck.

While you could easily have a staycation at the hotel, venture out. The hotel has its own designated beach area, so be sure to head to the Chelsea Beach in Toronto Island Park. The beach has every amenity required for a fun and safe day out, including change rooms, a first aid station, a snack bar and a bike rental facility. Best of all, this beach has a Blue Flag rating — an international eco-label awarded to beaches for excellence in water quality. The ferry ride over is fun in and of itself. The hotel will prepare a lunch box full of healthy, kid-friendly meal options for the family to take over.

For starters, stay at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto. The hotel almost has a resort-type of feel, a destination unto itself. It is Canada’s largest hotel with 1,590 guest rooms, four restaurants and bars. The hotel’s best kept secret is the Market Garden Patio, a private oasis for guests to enjoy the hotel’s very own food truck. In addition, live bands perform an “unplugged” set on the patio from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday to Friday.

With your alone time, you can hit the Chelsea's fantastic gym or take a

PHOTO:EATON CHELSEA

While traveling with kids is fun, sometimes you just need time alone.

The hotel offers a reasonably-priced babysitting service. If you want a longer kid-free break, the Chelsea Hotel has a day camp as well.

PHOTO:EATON CHELSEA

The hotel offers a full range of services to keep the younger ones busy, including the Family Fun Zone, Kids Centre and Club 33 Teen Lounge.

The Chelsea Hotel is home to the Corkscrew, downtown Toronto’s only indoor waterslide. As the name implies, it is a swirly pool slide that thrills kids of all ages (including those over the age of 10). The pool is open late, well into the night by most kids’ standards, until 10 p.m.

While you are there on the Island, be sure to hit the Centreville Amusement Park. It will remind you of amusement parks of days gone by.There are 30 rides with something for kids of all ages.

There are bumper cars, roller coasters (not huge but still fun), a haunted cable car ride and pony rides. Be sure

ABOVE: Centreville Amusement Park is a great family fun. The best view of downtown Toronto is from the island ferry. BELOW: The Chelsea Hotel Toronto is centrally located.

to slide down the Saugreen Lumber Mill Log Flume Ride for a great thrill. There are games and enough cotton candy to keep your kids wired for days. It’s a fun day outside and a nice addition to the beach time at the Chelsea private beach.

To help explore the city, the hotel has special “show your key and get a discount” at a variety of tourist sites such as Legoland Discovery Centre, the Art Gallery of Ontario as well as Ripley’s Aquarium. While the name Ripley’s might conjure up the word gimmick, nothing could be further from the truth. Ripley’s Aquarium is an incredible education centre that will blow your mind with fascinating information on the various aquatic life you see. There are enormous tanks that are at least 30 feet high brimming with fish. Wander through a tunnel that surrounds you with other fish of varying sizes and colours, sharks and manta rays. The experience is breathtaking. It is impossible to get closer to these sea creatures unless you were deep sea diving.

In another part of the Aquarium, there are manta rays your kids can touch and you can watch marine biologists feeding them. The jelly fish section is extraordinary. It’s the best education outing under the guise of fun. If your kids really get into the place, there is a summer day camp available in July and August.

continued >> page 45 43 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

travel by Alessandra Gerebizza

The Royal Treatment with Paradisus Paradisus Palma Real & Paradisus Punta Cana Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, has become one of the most popular year-round tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Its name refers to the cane palms in the region, and literally means “Tip of the White Cane Palms.” Its climate is constant, the temperature warm and the land absolutely beautiful. Located at the junction of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Punta Cana is situated at the most eastern tip of the country. It’s hard to believe that the history of Punta Cana really only began in 1969 when investors arrived in the area, purchased just over 50 square kilometres of beach and built paradise. Being at the junction of these two bodies of water with their differing currents, the area has incredible biodiversity and its fine, white sandy beaches are breathtaking.

Located right on that idyllic stretch of beach, and specifically the Bavaro Beach, are the luxury hotels Paradisus Punta Cana Resort and its sister resort, the Paradisus Palma Real. Their extensive and comfortable facilities, lush gardens and tropical mangroves, their wide range of activities and entertainment and the quality of their services make either location the perfect dream holiday.

Furthermore, Bavaro Beach was declared one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by UNESCO due to its fine, white sand and crystal clear waters. It is 2 kilometres long 44 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

and protected by a coral reef which makes the sea calm.

A stay at either the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort or the Paradisus Palma Real brings with it your own butler.

All butlers have been certified by the International Butler Academy. Before your arrival, your butler will send you a preference form via email to get a sense of what you’re interested in and help organize any activities. During your stay, your butler will set you up with a cell phone that reaches him/her directly at any time The YHI Spa is an oasis within an

oasis. It’s a world within the resort that’s tranquil and relaxing beyond expectations. Spa aromas surround you and themed massages, facials, body treatments, or wraps take your body to a new level of calm.YHI also provides salon services and access to the fitness club. Be sure to take advantage of the Water Ritual Centre where you can enjoy the sauna, herbal steam room, chromo therapy shower, hydrotherapy shower and whirlpool, before or after any spa treatment.

Both locations offer a family concierge package and an adult only Royal Service package which provides guests with the VIP treatment during their stay. The adults’ only package offers access to private pools with Bali beds, access to the private beach area with a concierge service, complimentary wifi, entry to private restaurants for Royal Service guests only, and access to the Royal Service lounge for private check ins/outs alongside breakfast, international newspapers, cocktails, premium bar and hors d’oeuvres.

Both Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana have an extensive selection of restaurants and bars to

The Big Smoke >> from page 43

Burn off those calories dancing the night away, or in a dance class, on a tennis court, playing beach volleyball or water sports, all the activities you expect from an all-inclusive resort.

There is also golf and an adventure park with a batting area, archery, bikes and a climbing wall.

Paradisus is a playground of fun for everyone of all ages in every regard.

Once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave. Don’t worry, your butler can take care of that for you n

PHOTO: STU SPIVACK

Each restaurant at either property is uniquely innovative. However, the cuisine claim to fame for Paradisus is most definitely Passion by Michelin Star Chef Martin Berastategui.

Awarded the 4-Diamond standing by AAA, the Passion experience is like no other. The restaurant is elegantly decorated with a black, white and red colour palate. Guests may choose to dine à la carte or sample Berastategui’s creations and try the chef ’s tasting menu which is based on seasonal and local ingredients as well as recipes from his Spanish roots.

Each dish is made with care and plated to perfection. Upon your first bite, you’ll realize why Martin has earned Michelin stars.

Ripley’s is also just a few blocks from the Hockey Hall of Fame, another great museum to hit. Sure there is the Ontario Science Centre and the Royal Ontario Museum, which are amazing places to say the least, but coming from Ottawa where we are lucky to have phenomenal museums, it’s really a treat to visit places in TO that truly are different from what you can get at home. Ripley’s and the Hockey Hall of Fame are two such locations.

PHOTO: MICHAEL HOPE

suit any taste. At Palma Real, Aqua highlights the best in Mediterranean fusion. At the Paradisus Punta Cana, try Fuego for out of this world Latin fusion. After dinner enjoy a cocktail and a dance or two at Avenue bar or Gabi Club bar.

ABOVE: Sea turtle at Ripley's Aquarium.

Canada's crown jewel, the Stanley Cup, at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Paradisus Punta Cana and OLM are teaming up to bring one lucky family of 4 a dream vacation.Vacation gift certificate includes a 4-night stay at Paradisus Punta Cana for 2 adults and 2 kid.

To enter, visit Ottawa Life at Facebook/OttawaLifeMagazine or on Twitter @Ottawalifers and share your family photo to be entered into a draw for the grand prize.

Draw takes place July 1, 2015. The winner will be announced on Facebook and on Twitter.

The prize is valid for one year. Blackout dates apply.

Full contest details available at ottawalife.com

When you are feeling peckish, there are endless possibilities in downtown Toronto but for something that is funky, satisfying and family friendly (which is not always the case with trendy restaurants), head to Wvrst on King Street West. The name, pronounced “verst,” is imperfectly German, but the concept is genius.

It’s simple, with just four things on the menu, five if you count the bread: beer, fresh sausages, French fries and dipping sauces. It’s unpretentious, with counter service and communal tables.

Plus the beer list is excellent. The guys who started it wanted a place where families could go but at night could transform into a hot spot for hipsters.

It succeeds in both.

The Chelsea Toronto Hotel is near it all and makes Toronto a perfect family getaway n 45 OTTAWALIFE MAY/JUNE 2015

education by Richard Feist

Take Time for Truth I

n his sonnets, Shakespeare pines over the sad fact that the great monuments we build in brass and stone—even the world’s boundless sea—are helpless before the onslaught of time. Time’s terrible hand will “blunt the lion’s paws” and “pluck the keen teeth from the fierce tiger’s jaws.” Nothing escapes the ravages of time; our loved ones, someday, will be taken away from us.

What a “fearful meditation” Shakespeare calls such thoughts—and rightly so.

However, such freighted musings on time could be lightly leavened. My wife recently received a birthday card stating that because life was but a brief spark between dark eternities, get out there and buy those shoes.

Our time is more ravaging than Shakespeare’s. Through technological means we tamed much of nature, more so than Shakespeare would have known, but we have plunged into a different sound and fury. The modern technological tempest runs deep into our lives. In a finger’s snap we have gone from sporadically answering landline phones to frequently checking email and now incessantly texting on portable devices.We even had to pass a law prohibiting texting while driving, but how readily one spots drivers on any given day flouting the law.

There are many consequences of these days of distraction. Historians

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point out that today people read more than ever, but what they read is less complex and shorter.Who remembers phone numbers now? Publishers refuse long manuscripts while the population dines on sound bites and tweets. Technology’s assault on our attention spans is a kind of war, and as the old saw goes, the first casualty of war is truth.

Various outlets and venues vie for our attention, struggle to ensure that we see the world in a certain way, and insist on what the truth is. Thinking is one of the few things that one can be completely lazy about and still have done. If you refuse to think, there is always someone who will happily do it for you. Truth is similar since if you lack it, someone will always give you theirs.

If you refuse to think, there is always someone who will happily do it for you. Truth is similar since if you lack it, someone will always give you theirs.

Academics and advertisers know that distracted people are the easiest to convince. The more one does, the busier one is, the more susceptible one is to suggestion. This has not

gone unnoticed outside the walls of academia and marketing. A few years ago the British Government set up a “Behavioural Insight Team”, nicknamed the “Nudge Unit”. Its job is to ascertain how to subtly influence busy citizens, by nudging them, to accomplish desired tasks. Nudging allows busy people to think that they are still completely in control of their own decisions. The Canadian Government is currently studying ways of having its own “Nudge Unit”.

This year Canadians will be nudged frequently. In the midst of our busy lives, we will be nudged to think in certain ways about deepening our involvement in the confrontation with ISIS, how much surveillance we should allow of our private lives and who will be our next government.

Nudging, the science of behavioural economics, is here to stay. We are influenced in more subtle ways than ever. There is no magic solution for combating all these nudges. But there is a simple, albeit old-fashioned one.

Once in a while, one must put the cell phone down, back away slowly and take time to think, to get the facts and ponder them carefully. At Saint Paul University, a small, quiet place, we provide an oasis in which time, somehow, eases off a little and people have a chance to talk, to read and to think n Professor Richard Feist. Associate professor.

Faculty of Philosophy at Saint Paul University.

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