Ottawa Star - Volume 2 Issue 6

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Ottawa Star The Voice of New Canadians www.OttawaStar.com • December 1, 2014 • Volume 2, Issue 6

For Canada & World News visit Ottawa Star.com

Last year’s passport fee hike poured millions more into federal coffers Canadians paid $462.5 million in passport fees last year, but it cost the government only $256.5 million

By Stephanie Levitz, The Canadian Press

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TTAWA—A hike in passport fees has turned out to be a cash cow for the federal government, but Canadians won’t be getting any cash back as a result.

Recently released figures show Canadians paid $462.5 million in passport fees last year, but it cost the government only $256.5 million to produce the necessary documents.

The way Passport Canada’s funds are managed allows it to simply bank the rest, Citizenship and Immigration spokesperson Nancy Caron said in an email.

“We are not forecasting any change to passport fees to cover revolving fund requirements at this time,’’ Caron said.

The cost for a five-year passport increased to $120 from $87 last year, while a new 10-year passport was introduced at a cost of $160.

Approximately 4.9 million passports were issued in 2013-2014, which government records suggest is down slightly from the year before.

In 2012-2013, passport fees on 5.1 million passports brought in $312.5 million at a cost of $333.5 million to the government.

When the fee increases were introduced, Passport Canada said they were essential.

“At a time when Canadians are increasingly concerned about identity fraud, Passport Canada is quickly reaching a point where not only will new advancements be impossible, but the organization’s ability to maintain current operations will be jeopardized,’’ the agency said when it outlined the new fee structure.

Continued on page 10

An El-Funoun artist at their debut performance in Ottawa. Story on Page 3

Dubai selling fun, sun and plastic surgery to vacationers in new medical tourism bid 120,000 medical tourists generated revenue of $200 million in 2013

By Aya Batrawy, The Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates— Dubai, the emirate known for its celebration of over-the-top glamour and luxury, is racing ahead to dominate the Middle East’s plastic surgery

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market with plans to attract half a million medical tourists in six years.

Where cosmopolitan Beirut was once the region’s best known city for going under the knife, turmoil in Syria and violence often spilling into Lebanon is driving away wealthy

Arab tourists. After splashing out on medical infrastructure over the past years, Dubai already ranks globally and aims to move up the list of top international destinations for medical tourism.

Continued on page 14

Space station’s 3-D printer pops out 1st creation, A sample replacement part for itself

By Marcia Dunn, The Associated Press

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Photo: PGA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—The first 3-D printer in space has popped out its first creation.

The 3-D printer delivered to the International Space Station two months ago made a sample part for itself during last week on November.

It churned out a faceplate for the print head casing.

Space station commander Butch Wilmore removed the small plastic creation from the printer Nov 25 for eventual return to Earth. About 20 objects will be printed in the next few weeks for analysis back home, NASA Continued on page 14

First output from the 3-D printer in space Photo: Made In Space, Inc

Community

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Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

ICOBC gala awards five Indo-Canadians

By Staff Reporter

It was a sold-out crowd of more than 300 at the annual Indo-Canada Ottawa Business Chamber Gala and Awards of Excellence Night held on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata.

The ICOBC presented four 2014 Awards of Excellence to members of the Indo-Canadian community for their success and contribution in their professional fields and to the society at large. This year’s award recipients were Marvin Hough, Amar Varma, Veena Rawat O.C., and Baljit Nagpal.

New this year was the highly coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded to recipient Bill Malhotra, president of Claridge Homes. The 65-year-old condo king’s most recent architectural undertaking is the construction of a 45-storey luxurious condo built in Little Italy at Carling Avenue and Preston Street. Towering over all other condos, the city begins digging the foundation for Icon on December 1.

“We could not be more proud of our business community and contributions made by Indo-Canadians to the City of Ottawa and at a national level,” said ICOBC Chair Karunakar Papala. “We extend our sincere congratulations to all of the award winners for their outstanding achievements. These businesses truly exemplify the incredible work and spirit our community is so known for.”

Papala also expressed his thanks to the ICOBC sponsors and partners for supporting the chamber’s initiatives. Part of the funds raised at the gala will be donated to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

As with every ICOBC gala, guests enjoyed an evening of song and dance sequences as well as sumptuous Indian culinary delights. His Excellency High Commissioner of India to Canada Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma, MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean Bob Chiarelli and other elected representatives also attended the gala.

The Indo-Canada Ottawa Business Chamber Board of Directors.

Baljit Nagpal (right) receiving Veena Rawat award from Parminder Chhatwal receiving the award

The ICOBC annual gala has been held since its inception in 2006 and has become an important social and celebratory event for the Indo-Canadian community, businesses and politicians for their contributions and achievements. The gala is one of more than a dozen events the ICOBC holds each year including networking dinners, business seminars, galas and hosting visiting political and trade delegations.

ICOBC has over 650 members comprised of professionals and business persons that extend beyond just the IndoCanadian community and is actively involved in enhancing the profile of its members at the city and national level. It is also working on improving economic, political, trade and investment relations between Canada and India.

Marvin Hough draws on 30 years of experience with Export Development Canada. He retired from EDC as Regional Vice-President, Asia in 2008 and is currently an executive-in-residence at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, president of the Hong Kong Canada Business Association (Ottawa Chapter) and serves on the board of the Canada-India Business Council.

Minister Bob Chiarelli presenting Lifetime Achievement Award to President Bill Malhotra. Also seen are High Commissioner of India to Canada Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma, and ICOBC Chair Karunakar Papala

(right) Amar Varma (right) receiving award from Seema Arora

About Veena Rawat Veena Rawat is an internationally acclaimed expert in telecommunications engineering. Rawat worked as vicepresident at Research in Motion and spent 28 years within the Canadian government where she held executive positions managing programs related to radio frequency spectrum engineering. She was the first woman to hold a PhD in electrical engineering from Queen’s University and the first Canadian to chair the World Radio Conference. In 2014, she was named Officer of the Order of Canada.

About Baljit Nagpal Baljit Nagpal worked at Canadian Wildlife Service Environment Canada for nine years. He collaborated with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was sent to India on short assignments working with the Bombay Natural History Society. He then was promoted to the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, IT field. Nagpal also worked as a Canadian Diplomat in Ghana managing development projects in rural telecommunications and in Islamabad managing governance projects for CIDA.

The Gift of Education CBET fundraiser raises money for scholarships

By Tasfia Ahmed

Spirits were high at the St. Elias Banquet Hall on Sunday, Oct. 19, as more than $15,000 was raised at the second annual fundraising dinner held by the Canada Bangladesh Education Trust (CBET).

The event brought out a crowd of over 150 Mayor Jim Watson, Fabliha people, including guest attendees Mayor Jim Ahad, recognized for her Watson and councillors of Barrhaven and Orleans. outstanding achievement “The money we raised will go to needy, but in high school, and Fakruz promising, students in Bangladesh,” said Fakruz Zaman, General Secretary Zaman, General Secretary of CBET. “Within of CBET. Photo: CBET just one year since becoming established as a Canadian charity, CBET was able to provide over

80 scholarships in districts all over Bangladesh, but our goal for 2015 is to distribute 200 scholarships of $150 each.” When converted to Bangladeshi taka, just $150 can go a long way.

CBET is a charity organization with the aim to raise money to provide scholarships for underprivileged and impoverished children in Bangladesh. It was created in August 2012 by a group of Ottawa locals and is driven by the belief that there is no better gift than the gift of education—a gift that can not only change the life of a child, but can help an entire family and their community.

“By educating our children, we give them the tools for a better tomorrow and help them to break

Marvin Hough (right) receiving award from High Commissioner Nirmal Verma Photos: ICOBC

About Amar Varma Amar Varma is one of North America’s foremost experts in mobile. Varma cofounded Xtreme Labs to capitalize on the emerging mobile ecosystem in 2007.

He was a director for VenGrowth Capital Partners where he focused on investments in the technology sector and has created over $1 billion in equity value through other various ventures. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo.

About Bill Malhotra Bill Malhotra is the CEO and founder of Claridge Homes and has built over 12,000 homes in the NationalCapital Region, including 37 high rise buildings, making Claridge a market leader in homebuilding and high-rise condominiums. Malhotra has given generously to numerous charitable organizations in Ottawa and is the recipient of several past awards including 2002 Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce “Business Person of the Year;” the 2005 Ottawa Chamber of Commerce “Scotiabank Business Person of the Year;” and the 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.

free of the cycle of poverty,” said CBET President Dr. Emdad Khan.

For many Canadian children, the right to education is often taken for granted. In developing countries, however, education is a privilege as only those with financial support and limited familial responsibilities are able to advance in their schooling.

Since CBET’s launch in 2012, the Canadian charity has evolved to support youth in Ottawa as well by recognizing nine recent high school graduates in Ottawa for their academic achievement at this year’s fundraising dinner. A handful of local members of the community were also recognized for their contribution and community involvement to make Ottawa a better place to live.

For more information on how you can give tax-deductible donations, please visit www.cbet. ca or email info@cbet.ca.

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

Community

The El-Funoun Palestinian Dance Troupe have dinner with Palestinian Chief Representative Said Hamad before their debut Ottawa performance. Photo: By Samantha Ammoun

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Performance by El-Funoun artists Photo: PGD

El-Funoun’s first Canadian tour brings art, beauty to Ottawa

By Samantha Ammoun

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rom slow and soulful dances to high-energy and joyous Dabke, ElFunoun captivated the audience for the entirety of their show.

The theatrics of dance can capture the hearts and minds of an audience in a matter of seconds. Through a single leap, a twirl or the pounding of feet on solid ground, there is something about dance that transcends the power of speech and mere sound.

“We have lost faith in each other and it is now time for reconciliation and forgiveness. We come to you in this hall of art in the spirit of common humanity, to share our history, to recall the continuous quest of our people, the quest for freedom, peace and dignity. El-Funoun is a gift, a passion and a prayer,” said Chief Representative of the Palestinian General Delegation Said Hamad, in his opening words to the audience.

For 35 years, El-Funoun has worked tirelessly with marginalized Palestinian communities to empower youth through artistic expression. The independent, non-profit artistic organization gathers hundreds of volunteers who strive to give young dancers a campus for growth and expression.

As its finest dancers took the stage Nov. 19 at the National Art Centre, the energy was apparent and the pace was accentuated by the dancers’ speed, vibrancy and synchronization. Although much of the vitality was highly attributable to the age of the dancers, ranging from 18 to 30, the troupe harmonized greatly together and warmed up to the crowd as the dance numbers progressed.

The beauty of the art of dance is in its showcase of emotional extremes. ElFunoun brought those extremes to life with great success.

The slow and melancholic lyrical choreographies, which were finely decorated with folkloric steps, illustrated a strong yet beautiful portrait of the relentless struggle of the Palestinian people in the face of continuous occupation and its endless spheres of oppression.

These moments were accompanied by very little lighting and at times little to no sound. Every step echoed in the theatre hall bringing the audiences’ attention to the expressions of each dancer who often seemed as though looking to illustrate a call for help or of desperation.

With a sudden brightening of lights, the pace and energy changed and the beautifully arranged costumes and colours flourished from blacks and reds to yellows and blues. Joy spilled over the stage as dancers tossed, flipped, turned, held hands and danced the well-known folkloric dance Dabke accompanied by high-spirited tunes. These choreographies showed another facet of the Palestinian people: the believer, the charmer, the beautiful, the bold and the intellectual.

“It was very professional, I loved how everything was choreographed, everything was in sync and my favorite thing in the show was actually the costumes and the way Palestinian culture was portrayed,” said Islam Balbaa, stage director and writer in Ottawa. “It was a true show and it was not what I expected at all – it was better.”

As the dancers pounded their feet and called out in joy, the audience could not help but respond. Rhythmic applauses echoed in the theatre—as though a part of the show’s choreography—and finally brought the audience to its feet for the traditional El-Funoun closing number.

“There is always a lot of debate about the kind of dancing we showcase, which we love, because we are inspired

by the Palestinian folklore. However, we believe in the development of the arts and our message is that things move forward,” said Public Relations Officer Jamal Haddad, a former dancer who hopes there will be more Canadian performances in the near future. “We are proud to share this message in Canada.

It was always difficult to find an address here, but finally His Excellency made it happen for us this year.”

Ambassador Hamad knew bringing El-Funoun was going to be a success in Canada and was determined to make it happen years ago.

“I watched them in Washington in the ‘90s and they stayed in my mind. I was determined to bring them,” he said, noting the challenges in organizing such a large event.

“It’s a historic trip for them and historic for me…This group represents peace, freedom and democracy.

I thought bringing them here would bridge the gap between Canadian and Palestinian people. An ambassador should be promoting all aspects of Palestine and that includes the arts and cul-

ture…I would consider El-Funoun the true ambassadors of Palestine.”

Mississauga, Ottawa and Montreal were the three stops on the troupe’s first Canadian tour.

Roula Shraydeh, an activist and volunteer with the Palestinian embassy, said she worked day and night to spread the word about the event, selling more than 300 tickets herself.

“I was born in Palestine and it means a lot to me to bring such a great group to give a great impression of our culture. I have personally seen their show more than four times and it’s just outstanding,” she said.

Ruba Zaghmouri, who has danced with El-Funoun for over 20 years, calls the dance troupe her family and is honoured to represent her country across the world.

“I’m very confident of our message and the uniqueness of our troupe. We are different in almost every way, our music, our dance moves, and our style in general.

It’s what makes us truly special,” said Zaghmouri. “My husband also dances with us and I met him with El-Funoun. It’s great to share that together.”

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Community

PAGE 4 • www.OttawaStar.com

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

A toast to Lebanon Indo-Canadian despite times of turmoil named Canadian High Commissioner to India

By Samantha Ammoun

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s hundreds of Lebanese and Ottawans from all backgrounds joined her Excellency Ambassadress Micheline AbiSamra to celebrate the open invitation to Lebanon’s 71st Independence Day anniversary on Nov.27, it would be difficult to understand why turmoil could possibly be ripping apart such a beautiful homeland.

From a delicious Lebanese buffet to the traditional Dabke dance presented by the Al-Arz Lebanese Dance Group, and the beautiful red, green and white drapes that covered the entrance of the St. Elias Centre, the evening truly highlighted what it is to be Lebanese.

“We’re proud of our nation, were still celebrating despite everything we are going through right now,” said Caren Abou Assi, president of the Lebanese Culture Club at the University of Ottawa.

“We’re here tonight to support the ambassadress, celebrating Lebanon and of course to meet new people. It’s a great opportunity for us as a Lebanese culture club to be present at an event like this,” said club vice-president Ramzi Khatib.

The Lebanese Embassy strived to place emphasis on the fact that even though millions of Lebanese people reside beyond the border, that unity, peace, the arts and the joie de vivre of the Lebanese still exists, despite havoc occurring in the torn Middle Eastern nation.

Lebanon has been without a president for almost eight months, as members of parliament have yet to agree on a figure to represent the nation.

The president is an important symbolic figure in Lebanon particularly as

By Staff Reporter

Ambassadress Micheline Abi-Samra Photo by Samantha Ammoun

it is selected from the country’s Maronite Christian community.

The 22nd of November usually marks the day of independence ceremonies in Lebanon, in remembrance of the liberation from the French mandate.

However, because of the current turmoil within the nation and its neighbour Syria, all ceremonies were cancelled by Prime Minister Tammam Salam.

“Tonight people are enjoying great music, food, dance and the company of friends. It is great to see such a great turnout,” said event coordinator Karine Ghaleb Ojeil.

“Lebanese people have always believed in a better tomorrow despite everything that is happening back home. We are always hopeful. It’s not the first time our nation goes through tough times, we always seem to come back stronger.”

Canada’s newly appointed High Commissioner to India Mr. Nadir Patel was welcomed with a reception held by the Indo-Canada Ottawa Business Chamber on Thursday, Nov. 20 at Haveli Indian restaurant. Attending the event was a house-full of ICOBC members and local business owners.

Also a member of the ICOBC, Patel was the recipient of an Award of Excellence in 2011. An Indo-Canadian, 44-year-old Patel was born in Gujarat, the same state as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and speaks Gujarati at home. He immigrated to Canada when he was young with his parents.

Patel’s appointment as Canada’s new high commissioner in the Republic of India was announced Friday, Oct. 10 by Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and International Trade Minister Ed Fast.

“Patel brings a wealth of experience and will strengthen even further the CanadaIndia relationship, including on bilateral trade and international security,” said Baird and Fast in a joint statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.

During the ICOBC reception, Patel chatted informally with attendees, speaking of the opportunities that exist between India-Canada trade relations and encouraged ICOBC members to actively engage with Government of Canada.

Patel lauded the ICOBC efforts to foster trade between Canada and India and

A taste of Russia in Ottawa

By Anaïs Lynn Voski

Upon stepping into the Pushkin Cultural Centre on a crisp sunny afternoon, visitors instantly felt like they had time travelled to a distant small village somewhere in Eastern Europe or Russia.

The look and smell of the room—even the tables, chairs, and music—gave Ottawans a small glimpse into the sense of unchanging and deeply historical atmosphere of places in the hidden and mysterious lands of the East.

The third Taste of Russia festival, organized on Nov. 2, was once again a great success in introducing Russian cuisine and traditions to Canadians and fundraising for the local Russian Orthodox Church situated right beside the centre.

The annual cultural event hosted hundreds of attendees and featured authentic Russian food and drinks such as Shashlik, Siberian dumplings, and vodka, while the entertainers and artists performed various Russian songs and dances.

According to organizer Anya Pjawka, the festival attracted a multicultural audience rather than just Russian expatriates. She said the organizers worked harder than ever this year to appeal to different communities.

“People here in Ottawa want to try things that they don’t normally eat and see performances and hear music that they don’t normally get a chance to,” she explained.

Irina Ribchinsky, a dancer and administrative director with the Russian folk dance group Kalinka, was one of

also emphasized the new and emerging dimensions to the Canada-India trade including free trade negotiations.

“I am delighted that our own ICOBC member is our new high commissioner,” said Chair Karunakar Papala. “I hope to see the free trade negotiations will come to realization in his term. I am looking forward to working with Mr. Patel.”

Succeeding Stewart Beck, Patel served as consul general in Shanghai from 2009 to 2011. Upon returning to Ottawa, he served as assistant deputy minister for corporate planning, finance and information technology, and as chief financial officer at Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.

Patel attended Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo where he finished his undergraduate degree in 1993. He also went on to finish his MBA at New York University, London School of Economics and Political Science and HEC Paris in 2009.

His career began in 1990 at the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, gradually moving up the ladder to senior positions in offices across Ontario, including KitchenerWaterloo, Ottawa and Montréal.

In 2003, he transferred to the Privy Council Office and served as chief of staff to the national security advisor to the prime minister, associate secretary to the Cabinet, and deputy minister to the deputy prime minister. From 2005 to 2006, he served as senior policy adviser to the clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the Cabinet and following that was appointed as Canada’s chief air negotiator.

Taste of Russia festival organizer Anya Pjawka.

Photo: Anaïs Lynn Voski

many performers who showcased authentic routines throughout the day. Kalinka was formed about seven years ago by eight expatriate women from different former Soviet member states.

Ribchinsky says the group members speak Russian with each other and get together after every performance.

“We have a little party and sing some Russian songs, which we all remember. So essentially, we have two cultures,” she said.

Ribchinsky thinks the Russian community is well integrated in Canada,

as they have good jobs, speak English, and are generally very thankful to Canada for being so welcoming.

“At home we speak Russian, even the girls too, only some of them don’t have Russian husbands. At the same time, we’re very involved in Canadian everyday life,” she said. “I miss my family, because for me it’s only the three of us here. I try to go back every two years but I still want to come back to Canada every time I go. My family is there, but my home is here.”

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

Community

Remembrance in the Capital Ottawa’s overwhelming response and a spotlight on veteran Gus Este

By Brandon Rushton

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his year’s national Remembrance Day ceremony felt larger than most —and for good reason.

On the morning of November 11th, more than 50,000 Canadians filled the streets of downtown Ottawa, surrounding the National War Memorial to give thanks and pay their respects to the 118,000 servicemen and women who have fallen in military service for their country.

The day was bright, unseasonably warm, and hundreds of maple leaves— both on the ground at people’s feet and adorning signs and Canadian flags— blew proudly in the November breeze.

Organized by the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command, the annual ceremony saw special guests The Princess Royal (Princess Anne), Prime Minister Stephan Harper, Governor General David Johnston and this year’s Silver Cross Mother Giséle Michaud sit alongside intensely proud yet humble military veterans who fought for the freedoms Canadians enjoy every day.

Mayor Jim Watson, who days earlier hosted the Official Naming Ceremony of the Vimy Memorial Bridge, was also in attendance. The Barrhaven bridge that spans over the Rideau River, was named to commemorate Canada’s triumphs in the battle of Vimy Ridge during World War I. After the viceregal party arrived and the hundreds of military contingents paraded through the streets to take their positions

From left: Ambassador Cho of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Canada; Mrs. Olive Este; Mr. Gus Este; Mayor Jim More than 50,000 people lined up as Watson; Former Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches; and Hon. early as 6 a.m. holding homemade Pierre Poilievre, MP Nepean-Carleton. Photo Credit: City of Ottawa signs and flags. Photo by Ellen O’Connor

around the memorial, the last sound that was heard before the moment of silence at the 11th hour was the buzzing of the crowd.

Canadian-born spectators who had been to dozens of past ceremonies throughout their lives were standing in silence beside new Canadians taking in their very first Remembrance Day service. The beautiful moment ended as seamlessly as it began, with both parties sharing one, singular feeling—pride.

Clarence “Gus” Este, a former captain in the Canadian Postal Corps, spent his Remembrance Day at the War Memorial, where he represented the Korean War Veterans Association.

“I did present a wreath on behalf of the Korean War veterans,” Este said proudly. The native of St. Hubert, Que., spent almost 35 years in the military, beginning with the Korean War in 1950.

As a respected African-Canadian military veteran, Este has been a strong

voice for minority military personnel. He experienced segregation first-hand while training in Seattle as a private in the early 1950’s. However, much has changed since then.

“There’s a lot less antagonism as there was way back then,” said Este. “There are a lot of black folks in the military, male and female, and they are achieving great things.”

African-Canadians have been serving in the military from as early as World War I in 1914 and according to Gus, Canada’s respect for their courage and sacrifice has never waned.

This respect was displayed earlier this year when the City of Ottawa honoured Este’s military and public service by renaming a Barrhaven park. Now named Gus Este Park, it is located in the heart of the suburb.

The sign was officially revealed this past July, with Este and his entire family in attendance.

The honour comes as no surprise to those who know this man who, since retiring from the military in 1987, has devoted a

www.OttawaStar.com • PAGE 5 significant amount of time to his community.

He has led and organized groups such as the Ontario Lung Association, The Lions Club, the Head Injury Association, the Nepean Public Library Association, and was Mayor of Nepean’s Task Force on Visible Minorities.

His proudest position was his former presidency at the Legion Branch 641.

The more than 1,400 legion branches across Canada act as hubs to promote remembrance and serve veterans, military personnel, communities and their families.

He is a familiar face all over Barrhaven, but nowhere more so than the Barrhaven Legion on Fallowfield Road where his picture hangs regally on the wall.

Though his body is fighting him, Este remains heavily involved with the Legion’s many projects and initiatives. This year he noticed an “increased interest and increased participation” while selling poppies during the annual Poppy Campaign, which hit a record high of more than 19 million poppies distributed this year.

The Legion Dominion Command speculated that the heightened sales and interest were due to a confluence of recent events including the end of war in Afghanistan, the current operations against ISIS, and for most people, the recent deaths of Corporal Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent. While the spike is positive, Gus explained that “it’s bad that it takes something like that for Canadians to get involved when they should be involved with remembrance all of the time.”

While this Remembrance Day ceremony brought the country to full attention on a more personal note than ever before, for Gus, and likely many veterans, the Remembrance Day closest to his heart will always be his first after arriving home.

Canada Korea Society celebrates 30th anniversary

By Staff Reporter

In celebration of the Society’s 30th Anniversary this year, the Canada Korea Society’s Annual General Meeting & Banquet took place on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club.

Society President Young-Hae Lee, who welcomed the 140 attendees, noted the significance of the 30th anniversary of the society. It followed last year’s celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of Canada-Korea diplomatic relations and the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and the Opening Gala, which the society hosted for approximately 400 Korean War veterans and guests from across Canada.

President Lee commented on historic photos being shown on two screens of trade minister Jean-Luc Pépin who visited in 1972 as bilateral relations developed between the two countries. Korean Minister Chang-seob Han proposed a toast with a short speech on behalf of Ambassador Cho Hee-yong, in which he congratulated the society and wished them continued success in promoting bi-lateral relations,

co-operation and understanding between Canada and the Republic of Korea.

The excellent and timely address by the Minister of International Trade Ed Fast was well received by the enthusiastic audience, including his announcement earlier that day that the historic Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement had passed third reading in the Senate and was to receive Royal Assent the following day. The agreement had been signed by the President of the Republic of Korea Park Geun-hye and Prime Minister Stephen Harper during Park Geun-hye’s state visit to Canada.

The minister noted that under the agreement, nearly 90% of Canada’s current exports to the Republic of Korea would be duty free when the agreement enters into force, with the rest to be phased in over time. He also indicated that South Korea has been named a priority market under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan, the government’s blueprint to drive job creation and economic growth through freer and more open trade.

Special emphasis, he said, was being focused on non-exporting SMEs to prepare

CKS co-Vice President Andrew de Schulthess (left), CKS President Young-Hae Lee, Minister Ed Fast, CKS co-Vice President Hamish Sturton. Photo by Robert Vibert.

them for export markets with support from the Trade Commissioner Service, Export Development Canada, Canadian Commercial Corporation and the Business Development Bank of Canada.

He particularly noted that the agreement would restore the level playing field for Canada vis-à-vis the United States and the European Union who already benefit from lower tariffs and preferential access due to their own trade agreements with South Korea. The agreement would make it easier for Canadian business, especially SMEs to use Korea as a strategic gateway to the rest of Asia.

Fast also announced that he will be leading a multi-sector trade mission to Seoul and Busan next February.

Delightful background music was played by the Polished Brass Quintet during the networking reception. This was followed by the playing—and singing—of the National Anthems and the Korean folk classic “Arirang.” The short AGM was then called to order and the current Board Members acclaimed.

The awaited musical moments of the evening were two superb performances by the Canadian-born violin prodigy Judy Kang, both of which received standing ovations.

Many dignitaries were in attendance including senators and parliamentarians, ambassadors, Korean diplomats, leaders of the Korean community, honoured Korean War veterans, members of the academia and business community and attendees from Toronto and Montréal.

Door prizes were awarded to lucky recipients through the night including a Samsung Tablet and each attendee received a gift bag from Toronto’s WineSoju Inc.

Opinion

PAGE 6 • www.OttawaStar.com

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

Editorial

Money does buy happiness Thalidomiders Neglected, exhausted Lots of it yet resilient!

I don’t think there is a group more deserving of government compensation for the physical and mental trauma caused than Canada’s thalidomide survivors.

Thalidomide, “miracle” drug for insomnia and morning sickness was a hidden time bomb that worked its devastation in the womb. It was a drug used in the early 1960s to prevent morning sickness in expectant mothers, resulted in severe medical problems to the babies, including missing or stunted limbs, missing or malformed organs, deafness, blindness and other physical defects.

Nearly half of the babies did not survive.

These babies were damaged in the womb by a drug that Ottawa approved without proper study. Now, the 95 remaining victims in their 50s are suffering increased pain and diminishing mobility related to their condition. They are beginning to require constant care.

They need help, and they are asking Ottawa for it.

Canada’s thalidomide victims have been very resilient, and put up a brave fight. But now as they age they are exhausted and weary. New problems are emerging as they age.

Standing for extended periods causes excruciating pain. They tire easily. Many who worked can no longer do so. Half of the remaining 95 rely on aging parents and friends.

“It’s just been forgotten here, almost swept under the carpet,” Elizabeth Beeston says of the tragedy. “But thalidomide destroyed a lot of families. I don’t think anybody should forget.”

The Government of Canada gave a lump sum to survivors in 1991, ranging from $52,000 to

$82,000—an amount which isn’t nearly enough to cover expenses related to their health.

Why do we need to compensate the Thalidomide’s now?

The reason being Ottawa once told their pregnant mothers it was okay to take a problematic drug, even though the testing was incomplete and our neighbor the U.S. refused to approve it. These people have been the innocent victims of a very bad decision. It is not only a regulatory question but also a moral responsibility. In normal circumstances, Ottawa would make the necessary payouts to the victims without hesitation.

Our drug approval system failed these Canadians, and now it is the government’s responsibility to assist the nearly 100 Canadians living with severe disability due to Thalidomide exposure.

Governments can correct the wrongs and in Germany, where the drug was invented and did the most damage, the government compensates 2,700 victims with annual pensions of as much as $110,000.

There are very valuable lessons to be learned and internalized for all of us for regulatory, ethical, societal and humanitarian reasons. Let us not allow this tragedy to repeat itself. Let us remember not to forget the lesson learnt because if we do, we are doomed to repeat it.

As they say it’s better to be late than never. Although we have neglected, abandoned and forgotten them we can right the wrong and mitigate the terrible damage done to them. Canadian government has the moral responsibility and the money to make the remaining years of our 95 thalidomide victims bearable and dignified. Let us do it, and do it quickly!

Editorial by Sangeetha Arya

Ottawa Star 303 Moodie Dr, Suite 400, Ottawa, ON K2H 9R4 • 613.627.3869

Every effort is made by the Ottawa Star to ensure that information published is accurate. The Ottawa Star reserves the right to report unsolicited material being sent through to the publication. Reproduction in whole or in part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the publisher.

By Robert Roach

C

ALGARY, AB, Troy Media—No one wants to appear shallow, So it’s no surprise that there are countless books and articles out there that go to great lengths to convince us that money does not buy happiness.

The problem with the money-doesn’t-buy-happiness theory is that the facts don’t support it. A large body of empirical research reveals a strong positive correlation between money and happiness. Not everyone who is poor is unhappy and not everyone who is rich is happy. Nonetheless, the higher your annual household income, the more likely you are to report that you are happy on a day-to-day basis and that you are satisfied with how your life is going.

The bigger problem with the money-doesn’t-buy-happiness theory is that its well-intentioned efforts to remind us that there is more to life than money can take the focus off the ongoing need to create the jobs and economic conditions that facilitate happier lives.

A recent piece by Robert Fulford in the National Post entitled “Explaining the rich man’s misery” is a case in point.

Fulford is right: some rich people are very unhappy. This should not be a big surprise to anyone. Unless you are like Scrooge McDuck and enjoy diving into piles of coins, you probably agree that money alone is not enough to ensure a happy life. Good relationships, a sense of purpose, time to relax and genetics are just some of the other factors that affect an individual’s happiness.

But this does not mean, as Fulford suggests, that “psychologists, sociologists and other

Publisher: Chandrakanth Arya Chief Editor: Sangeetha Arya Editor: Ellen O’Connor

social scientists have discovered that money does not in fact bring happiness.”

A 2009 Gallup survey that included 450,000 interviews with Americans was used by two Princeton happiness experts to show that day-to-day happiness grows with household income up to about $75,000. (Unfortunately, we don’t have good data like this for Canada, but the basic pattern is likely to be the same.) Day-to-day happiness is measured by asking respondents a battery of questions about how they felt the day before the survey such as did you feel joy, were you stressed-out and did you laugh and smile a lot?

Because it’s often left out when the Princeton study is cited, it’s important to note that day-to-day happiness plateaus, but does not drop, after $75,000. More money does not lead to more misery.

According to the same study, a second measure of happiness—a person’s sense of satisfaction with their life overall —rises with income and keeps rising past $75,000.

These statistics are averages, so there are exceptions.

Nonetheless, someone with a household income of $20,000 is more likely to say they are less happy (on both a day-to-day basis and in terms of life satisfaction) than someone with a

household income of $40,000 or $80,000 or $160,000.

Admittedly, we do not fully understand the relationship between happiness and income.

This is especially true when comparing the average happiness levels of different countries. Paraguay, for example, is the happiest country in the world in terms of day-to-day happiness, but it doesn’t even make the top 100 when it comes to per capita GDP. Despite this, we know that money and happiness are linked on an individual level for most people.

It may not be intentional, but the mantra that money does not buy happiness implies that being poor may not be such a bad thing and that efforts to raise incomes are misguided.

It’s easy for the guy who has quit his well-paying job and retired to his mortgage-free cabin to denounce soul-destroying materialism and celebrate the joys of a more simple life. It’s a lot harder to take this path when you are working two low-paying jobs just to make the rent and feed your kids. For most of us, money makes life better.

Robert Roach is a Senior Analyst & Thought Leader, Economics and Research, with ATB Financial.

The opinions expressed in this column are his own. Article courtesy www. troymedia.com

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Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

Opinion

Manufactured fear a Canadian epidemic With power its only objective, the federal government has become paranoid, devious and ruthless

Q

By Ray Grigg

UATHIASKI COVE, BC, Troy Media—Canada is becoming a nation of fear. Threat is lurking everywhere.

But the source is not terrorism. The fear now haunting Canada is a creeping and insidious sense of unease that has been rising almost unnoticed for a decade. It is now infecting the mood of the whole country.

Much of this fear is invented and unjustified, manufactured for political purposes. The Russians are going to claim the natural resources of our country’s Arctic so we need a strong and resolute national government to protect our interests.

Crime is making Canada a dangerous place to live – even though statistics show the crime rate has been falling for decades, attributed almost exclusively to fewer youth as our demographics shift to an ag-

ing population. Addiction, of course, is profiled as destroying society so the perennially ineffective “war on drugs” must be intensified, punishment increased, incarceration mandatory, and socially beneficial injection facilities such as Vancouver’s In-Site subjected to exhaustive government legal challenges. An economically vulnerable Canada must rush to finalize those few multinational trade agreements that are still available. And any celebration or declaration of war, together with any publicity about a lurking enemy, always raises the level of useful fear.

The fear eroding Canadian comfort is difficult to articulate because it is the gradual accumulation of multiple events.

In Parliament, it has been the cavalier use of prorogation, the omnibus bills that prevent the adequate examination of hidden legislation, the unprecedented closure on important debates, the so-called “Fair Elections Act” that makes a mockery of both “fair” and “elections”, the evisceration of the Fisheries Act, and the wholesale gutting of the country’s other environmental safeguards. Related to these events are the

hidden layers of the Senate scandal and the robo-call fiasco threatening the electoral process itself. Meanwhile, the government’s numerous failed appeals to the Supreme Court suggest that only an apolitical judiciary stands between Canada’s Charter and enacted laws that contradict Canadians’ rights and freedoms.

Fear also haunts civil servants. Any escaped and uncontrolled information is deemed dangerous to a government that is attempting to micromanage message and image. Federally employed scientists are muzzled, their interviews curtailed, their movements supervised, their communication with the press carefully vetted, their scientific conclusions adjusted to be more ideologically appropriate, and their collaboration with other scientists handicapped by implicit or explicit censure. In federal ministries, the climate of anxiety and threat is so pervasive that employees are afraid to discuss their work, to innovate, or to deviate from explicit managerial directions. Closed research facilities and libraries create fear by propagating ignorance. Even librarians of federal institutions are fearful of speaking openly lest they divulge knowledge or opinion that conflicts with official objectives. An atmosphere of stringent control from the political top to the bottom of civil servants has now created sufficient intimidation that the result is self-censure, contagious fear and oppressive silence – a model demonstration of fear’s political usefulness.

As for the public, innocuous nonprofit organizations such as bird-watchers are being monitored to ensure they don’t engage in political activity incompatible with the current government’s agenda.

www.OttawaStar.com • PAGE 7 Canada’s spy agency has been collaborating with industry to thwart protesters who might object to federally sanctioned projects such as Alberta’s oil sands and its associated pipelines of Northern Gateway, Trans Mountain and Keystone XL. The National Energy Board has been granted powers to promote these projects by overriding provincial, city and municipal laws.

In the process, the NEB has set evidence parameters that are so dysfunctionally narrow as to prevent an adequate examination of the “public interest”, has allowed the proponents to avoid answering pertinent questions, and has compounded its conspicuous bias by eliminating the critical cross-examination of evidence.

A government that pursues power for power’s sake manufactures fear.

When power is its only objective, such a government becomes paranoid, devious and ruthless, so anxious for its own survival that it spreads its fear everywhere, so fixated on its own security that it is incapable of recognizing or responding to the real fears haunting Canadians.

The principal fear now seems to be environmental, a deep and creeping dread that is casting doubt and controversy on almost everything we are attempting to accomplish in this country. When this dread is not addressed or even recognized, people become restive, trust erodes, confidence falters, institutions are questioned, laws are challenged, social order is shaken, and the fear feeds more fear.

Ray Grigg is the author of seven internationally published books on Oriental philosophy, specifically Zen and Taoism. Article courtesy: www.troymedia.com

Homelessness remains a national crisis

By Jino Distasio

W

INNIPEG, MB, Troy Media— Homelessness in Canada remains a national crisis despite the best efforts of social groups, housing advocates and all levels of government. In the 2014 State of Homelessness in Canada Report Card released recently, the most startling number remains that on any given night 35,000 Canadians have no place to call home.

Even more damning is that throughout the year an estimated 235,000 different individuals will experience the harshness of having no housing. Among industrialized nations, Forbes ranks Canada among the top 20 richest nations, yet we have failed to tackle homelessness in Canada despite years of sustained effort.

The mid-1990s were less than kind to Canadian cities. The economy was stag-

nant and the federal government shifted its policies on social housing, transferring responsibility from the federal government to the provinces. This period was marked by a significant shortfall in building affordable housing across the country and a lack of supports within a healthcare system that was already maxed out. A flashpoint was in 1999, when images of Tent City, an encampment of homeless persons in Toronto, thrust Canada into the limelight for the entire world to see that we could not house people in one of our most prosperous cities.

In reactionary fashion, the Federal government stepped in amidst an international shaming and growing pubic fervour that something had to be done.

The outcome was the establishment of a large-scale intervention big enough to have an immediate impact. Seeded with $750 million, a national program was launched in Canada’s largest cities.

While the funding was not enough, the wheels were set in motion to help address the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.

Over the next 15 years the emphasis shifted from building homeless shelters to include a much broader focus in areas such

as labour reintegration, supportive housing and acknowledging that our mental healthcare system has failed to address the complex needs of a large number of persons.

Today, the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is Canada’s main source of federal policy with funds directed toward ending homelessness. HPS funds are deployed to cities via local community entities that are responsible for the implementation and distribution of dollars. This has created an important delivery mechanism by which federal monies are able to flow to local jurisdictions without much complexity. In its most current iteration, the HPS has taken the lead by promoting “Housing First” which is an intervention aimed at ending homelessness by providing specialized supports along with housing. Housing First has been proven to be highly effective in ending homelessness for persons with mental health issues.

The 2014 Report Card notes the impact of homelessness to the Canadian economy is upwards of $7 billion annually, with a substantive portion attributed to the over consumption of services and supports related to mental health and social services.

This includes the overuse of hospital and

primary care centres, the deployment of police, as well as other areas of our social safety net that could be better used if more people had decent housing and the supports necessary to succeed.

What is needed now is the momentum to deal with homelessness in a more comprehensive manner. Solutions must come from the community, such as the Task Force to End Homelessness in Winnipeg which has penned a plan, to the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness’s bold announcement of launching the “20,000 Homes Campaign” with the objective to house 20,000 of Canada’s most vulnerable by 2018.

All levels of government and the private sector must begin to see the tremendous social and economic benefits of doing the right thing. Canada can end homelessness and our elected officials have a duty to work together on funding community based solutions.

Jino Distasio is an expert advisor with EvidenceNetwork.ca Associate Professor of Geography and Director of the Institute of Urban Studies at the University of Winnipeg. He is also the co-principal investigator for the Winnipeg site of the At Home Chez Soi Project. Article courtesy: www.troymedia.com.

PAGE 8 • www.OttawaStar.com

Community

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

Suhaag South Asian Wedding Show

By Maryam Mirza

I

t was a full day of wedding bliss at the 6th annual Ottawa Suhaag show held on Sunday, Nov. 23 at the Hilton Lac-Leamy.

The South Asian event was an eight-hour showcase of everything that a bride— or groom, of course—would want for their dream wedding.

From the food to the talented photographers, makeup artists and designers, it gave all in attendance an idea of the choices available and what it takes to put together the perfect day to tie the knot.

From the moment you descended from the conference centre escalator, the aroma, sounds and sights kicked your senses in to high gear. The hall was decorated beautifully by local wedding décor businesses and packed with food stalls from restaurants like East India Company handing outs samples of Indian dishes.

Nearly every business that was present was Ottawa-based, giving local businesses a chance to showcase and promote their services under one roof, including everything from entertainment and photography to decor, food, and of course, fashion.

“We wanted to create a scene for local businesses, local designers. A show that they could call their own,” said Hunsdeep Rangar, host of Mirch Masala Radio and one of the presenters and main organizers of Suhaag.

Laughter filled the room as families drifted from one stall to the other—completely absorbed in the events activities.

The event brought out people

Sharon Philipose models clothing from local designers at the Ottawa Suhaag Show. Photo by Smiles Photography

of all ages, young and old, and couples who went from stall to stall collecting ideas and inspiration for their wedding.

“My wedding is in August and it’s nice to not have to drive all the way to Toronto or Montreal to plan for my wedding,” said glowing bride-to-be Aleya Chaudhry. “I’ll still do my re-

search, but it’s nice to know I have options here as well.”

During the fashion show, models showed off sarees, wedding gowns, sherwanis, and formal wear from designers like Ottawa’s Nayaab Boutique and Dinesh Ramsay from Toronto. Their designs were also displayed for purchase.

Apart from indulging in the extravagant food, clothing and jewellery, attendees were switching from getting their henna done by Henna by Sana and makeup by Al-Nisa whose businesses are both based in Ottawa.

“The idea is that people live here, breathe here, they

want to soak their roots here and cultivate businesses here,” said Rangar.

Encompassing details big and small of wedding planning, the Ottawa Suhaag show excited the senses and even left those who weren’t wearing a ring, ready to plan their own future wedding.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

6594 Fourth Line, North Gower

613-489-2278

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

Canada

www.OttawaStar.com • PAGE 9

From taking ‘personal time’ to facing sex assault charges a month of Ghomeshi news

By The Canadian Press

T

ORONTO—There has been a month of news about former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi leading up to the charges against him Nov 26 of four counts of sexual assault and one count of what is called “overcome resistance - choking.’’ His lawyer says he will plead not guilty. Here are some of the key developments in the weeks leading up to the charges: Oct. 24: CBC says Ghomeshi is taking an undetermined amount of time away from the network “to deal with some personal issues.’’ And Ghomeshi tweets: “Thanks for all the well wishes, you guys.

I’m OK.’’ He says he is taking some “much needed personal time’’ away from the CBC. Oct. 26: CBC announces it has cut ties with Ghomeshi, the host of the radio program “Q ,” after receiving “information’’ about him.

Oct. 26: Ghomeshi issues a lengthy Facebook post saying he has engaged in rough sex, but says it was always consensual. He says he was fired from CBC because of the risk that his sex life would become public “as a result of a campaign of false allegations.’’

Oct. 27: The Toronto Star publishes a report detailing allegations from three women who say Ghomeshi was physically violent to them without their consent during sexual encounters or in the run-up to such encounters. Ghomeshi—through his lawyer - responded that he “does not engage in nonconsensual role play or sex and any suggestion

of the contrary is defamatory.’’ The Star reported none of the women filed police complaints. The newspaper also reported that a fourth woman who worked at the CBC alleged that Ghomeshi “approached her from behind and cupped her rear end in the Q studio’’ and made a sexually obscene comment to her during a story meeting. The Star reported Ghomeshi told the newspaper that he did not understand why it was continuing to pursue allegations when “my lawyers have already told you it is untrue.’’

Oct. 27: Ghomeshi’s lawyers file a lawsuit suing the CBC for $55 million plus special damages and alleging breach of confidence, bad faith and defamation.

The CBC did not immediately file a formal statement of defence, but a spokesman said the public broadcaster plans to “contest this matter vigorously.’’

Oct. 28: The CBC issues an internal memo saying it is conducting a “continuing investigation’’ into a claim of misconduct against one of its employees. The memo never named Ghomeshi directly, but said it became aware of the claim through a story published in the Toronto Star.

Oct. 29: CBC current affairs radio show “As it Happens’’ airs an interview with a woman who alleges Ghomeshi punched her repeatedly in the head without warning.

The woman said she did not go to police and felt emboldened to come forward after reading the allegations in the Toronto Star.

The woman was not named.

Oct. 29: The Toronto Star publishes

another article, saying eight women now allege abusive behaviour by Ghomeshi.

“Trailer Park Boys’’ actress Lucy DeCoutere agrees to be identified in connection with her allegations against Ghomeshi. DeCoutere accused Ghomeshi of choking her “to the point she could not breathe’’ and slapping her “hard three times on the side of her head.’’ The Star said Ghomeshi, his lawyers and public relations staff had not responded to allegations in their latest report.

Oct. 30: Ghomeshi issues a Facebook post saying that he intends to “meet these allegations directly,’’ but adding he will not communicate with the media.

Oct. 30: The CBC says it is hiring a third-party company to conduct an investigation in the wake of allegations against Ghomeshi. It also says CBC is making counsellors available to employees.

Oct. 30: Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair says there is no investigation underway against Ghomeshi, adding someone must lodge a formal complaint in order for a probe to be launched. None of Ghomeshi’s accusers had reported going to police with their allegations.

Oct. 30: Two public relations firms, Navigator and Rock-it Promotions, issue statements saying they no longer represent Ghomeshi Oct, 30: Another woman, identifying herself as Reva Seth, writes an article for the Huffington Post involving her own allegations of an aggressive, non-consensual encounter with Ghomeshi.

Oct. 31: CBC issues a memo to

RCMP has dropped Internet related probes following high court decision

By Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA—The RCMP has abandoned some investigations because of a key Supreme Court ruling that said police require a warrant or other legal tool to obtain basic Internet subscriber information, an internal government memo says.

The Mounties and Canada’s spy and border agencies are “very concerned’’ about increased paperwork and delays now involved in obtaining such information, the newly disclosed memo says.

In addition, the Justice Department is “examining the need for potential remedies’’ following the landmark June ruling. The Public Safety Canada note is perhaps the first concrete indication from federal police and intelligence officials of how the Supreme Court decision is affecting their work. A copy of the memo was released to The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act. Basic subscriber information includes a person’s name, phone number and Internet protocol (IP) address, but not the actual

content of messages or their metadata, such as time stamps and routing codes.

Before the Supreme Court decision, lawenforcement agencies submitted hundreds of thousands of warrantless requests for such data annually to telecommunications companies, and they complied in about 95 per cent of cases.

At least two major telecommunication firms, Rogers and Telus, have since stopped routinely disclosing basic customer information without a warrant or production order..

The memo says telecom companies “have erred on the side of caution’’ by requiring warrants for all basic subscriber information requests except listed landlines and emergency demands. The RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency and Canadian Security Intelligence Service “are very concerned about the potentially unsustainable resource and operational fallout’’ from the June ruling, the memo adds.

Prior to the court decision, the RCMP and border agency estimate, it took about five minutes to complete the less than one page of

documentation needed to ask for subscriber information, and the company usually turned it over immediately or within one day.

The agencies say that following the Supreme Court ruling about 10 hours are needed to complete the 10-to-20 pages of documentation for a request, and an answer can take up to 30 days.

Applying for a production order requires that all the elements of an offence under the Criminal Code have been met but—posing a Catch-22—basic subscriber information is often needed to meet that threshold, the memo says.

For instance, a child could receive a “creepy’’ email from someone, but that might not be enough to fulfil the requirements of a child-luring offence.

“Evidence is limited at this early stage, but some cases have already been abandoned by the RCMP as a result of not having enough information to get a production order to obtain (basis subscriber information),’’ the memo says.

Continued on page 11

staff saying it saw “graphic evidence’’ that Ghomeshi had caused physical injury to a woman. This evidence, it said, was seen on Oct. 23 and was the reason behind the decision to fire the “Q’’ host. In the memo, Executive Vice-President Heather Conway said Ghomeshi also had a letter from two journalists that made allegations about his private life. The Star never contacted the corporation directly about them, she said. “When directly confronted, Jian firmly denied there was any truth to those allegations,’’ Conway said. CBC president Hubert Lacroix issues a public statement saying he’s shocked, saddened and angry at the torrent of allegations against Ghomeshi.

Oct. 31: The Toronto Star publishes a story saying Ghomeshi showed CBC executives videos of some of his sexual encounters.

Oct. 31: Various organizations and individuals all announce they are parting company with Ghomeshi. Penguin Canada says it will no longer publish his next book, talent management company “The Agency Group’’ stated it would no longer represent him, and pop singer Lights issued a Facebook statement saying she was dropping Ghomeshi as her manager after 12 years of working together.

Oct. 31: Toronto police say they are investigating Ghomeshi after two women have come forward with complaints.

Nov. 1: Toronto police say three women have now filed abuse complaints against Ghomeshi and investigators are looking into reports of a “graphic’’ video in the network’s possession.

Nov. 4: CBC announces a Toronto employment lawyer with expertise in workplace harassment will lead an independent investigation into the scandal that erupted around Ghomeshi. In an email to staff, executive vice-president Heather Conway said Janice Rubin would begin her work immediately. Conway urged anyone who worked on “Q’’ or an earlier Ghomeshi show—“Play’’—to contact Rubin with any complaints.

Nov. 25: CBC says Ghomeshi has reached an agreement with the network to withdraw his $55-million lawsuit against the public broadcaster. The lawsuit was launched after termination of his employment, alleging defamation and breach of confidence. CBC argued that Ghomeshi’s allegations were frivolous or vexatious. “The suit is being withdrawn with costs in favour of CBC,’’ said CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson, who said Ghomeshi is expected to pay $18,000 in legal costs to the CBC. Nov. 26: Ghomeshi is charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count what is called “overcome resistance - choking.’’ He is granted bail. His lawyer, Marie Henein, says he will plead not guilty.

“We will address these allegations fully and directly in a courtroom,’’ she says, a sombrelooking Ghomeshi standing by her side.

Canada

PAGE 10 • www.OttawaStar.com

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

Ottawa lets $125M in aid to Peladeau enters PQ poor countries lapse amid leadership race, says sovereignty his only goal new spending on kids, moms

By Mike Blanchfield, The Canadian Press

By Pierre Saint-Arnaud, The Canadian Press

M

ONTREAL—Categorically stating that achieving Quebec independence is his only political goal, media magnate Pierre Karl Peladeau announced Nov 27 he will seek the leadership of the Parti Quebecois.

While Peladeau confirmed what people had long been expecting, he broke the news in unusual fashion— in response to a university student who asked him after a speech whether he was going to take the plunge.

Later, when another student asked him what could motivate a rich man like him to want to become PQ leader, he repeated the dramatic phrase that marked his entry into politics last spring: “To make Quebec a country.’’

The one difference this time was the absence of any fist pump to accompany the declaration. The gesture and the words were widely considered to have had a negative impact on the PQ just days into the election campaign.

The stunning move forced the PQ to address an issue it normally avoids come election time. After days musing about a post-secession Quebec, the party spent much of the campaign backpedalling as it dropped in the polls.

Later on Nov 27, Peladeau made his way to PQ headquarters, where he was again grilled by reporters.

Asked what his main theme will be during the leadership campaign, he replied without hesitation: “Sovereignty.’’

“Sovereignty, yes,’’ he said. “I think it’s clear that I’ve committed to achieving Quebec sovereignty. It is my objective, my only objective.’’

While the new PQ leader will be chosen in May 2015, the next election is scheduled to be held in September 2018.

Peladeau said that, if elected leader, he will spend the next few years explaining what he considers the benefits of sovereignty to Quebecers.

When asked whether sovereignty could be negotiated with Ottawa, he replied: “I don’t think the legitimacy of a nation, of a people, can be negotiated.’’

Polls have suggested the controlling shareholder of Quebecor Inc. would be the front-runner in the race to succeed Pauline Marois as leader.

The man known in Quebec simply as PKP has been criticized in some quarters for refusing to sell his shares in Quebecor, whose extensive media

Pierre Karl Peladeau announced Nov 27 he will seek the leadership of the Parti Quebecois. Photo: Pierre Karl Peladeau

holdings include the TVA television network, Le Journal de Montreal and the Videotron cable company.

He repeated he would be willing to put his shares in a trust if he becomes PQ leader.

Peladeau joins caucus colleagues Jean-Francois Lisee, Bernard Drainville, Alexandre Cloutier and Martine Ouellet in the race. Another candidate is Pierre Cere, a spokesman for a group that defends the unemployed.

He will have to collect at least 2,000 signatures by next Jan. 30 as well as fork over a deposit of $20,000 to the party.

OTTAWA—Almost 14 per cent of the money that Canada’s newly amalgamated Foreign Affairs Department planned to spend alleviating poverty in poor countries in the last year has been returned, unspent, to the Finance Department.

Foreign Affairs managed to spend just shy of $792 million on aid to low-income countries in 2013-14, but had $917 million available, leaving more than $125 million in lapsed funding.

The figures are contained in the recently released performance report for Foreign Affairs, the first since the department absorbed the nowdefunct Canadian International Development Agency.

Those figures emerged in a week in which the Conservative government had trumpeted spending announcements of about $28 million to help end early child forced marriage and to combat violence against children in developing countries.

Liberal foreign affairs critic Marc Garneau said the lapsed aid funding, combined with unspent money in other departments, is part of a government plan to fatten the overall surplus in time for next year’s federal election.

Earlier in November, The Canadian Press reported that Veterans Affairs Canada has returned $1.13-billion in unspent funds to the treasury since 2006.

“Government ministers are not signing off on authorized spending programs so they can return this money to general revenue and have bigger surplus for re-election purposes,’’ said Garneau.

Regardless of the motivation, the figures show the government is clearly saving money on the backs of the world’s poorest

people, said Roland Paris, founding director of the University of Ottawa’s Centre for International Policy Studies.

“This is program spending that’s been authorized by Parliament and that is intended to reduce poverty and improve the lives of the people in low-income countries,’’ said Paris.

“The government has been saving money is a stealthy way by not spending the money that it’s authorized to spend.’’

The government announced in 2010 it would freeze foreign aid for five years to balance the budget and announced further spending cuts two years later.

When it folded CIDA into the Foreign Affairs Department, many observers warned that could lead to a reduced emphasis on poverty reduction.

Amid the cuts, the Conservative government has launched some high-profile aid initiatives.

These include Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s maternal and newborn child health initiative and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird’s campaign to end forced child marriage.

Baird announced $10 million towards that initiative at a high-profile ceremony this week that featured Dutch Princess Mabel van Oranje.

On Nov 20, Development Minister Christian Paradis announced $17.3 million worth of programs targeting child violence and promoting access to education during a 90-minute panel discussion at a downtown Ottawa public school.

Garneau said the Liberals fully support these development priorities, but he criticized how those high-profile announcements contrast with the lapsed spending that was buried in a mandatory government spending report.

Continued on page 11

Last year’s passport fee hike poured millions more into federal coffers Continued from page 1

The agency said the new fees allow it to be self-sustaining for the next 10 years, given that the 10-year passport means fewer yearly renewals and in turn fewer fee payments.

For every $160 spent on a 10-year passport, about $94 covers the cost of the passport itself, according to a breakdown provided by the Citizenship and Immigration Department, which manages the program.

The rest goes to the department.

With passports now a necessary document for any Canadian to leave the country, it’s duplicitous of the government to hike fees when they cover far more than the cost of the document itself, said the NDP’s foreign affairs critic Paul Dewar.

“It’s a way in which the Conservatives can grab money and pretend that’s not

anything other than a tax on people travelling and doing business abroad,’’ he said.

The government is required to disclose each year how much they collect in user fees versus how much the service costs.

The figures from 2013-2014 show that while taxpayers pay more than it costs to receive passports, those immigrating to Canada actually pay far less for their documents, despite a slew of recent fee increases.

For example, it cost the government $393 million to process permanent residency applications in 2013-14, but it only received $137 million in return from applicants.

Those seeking special permission to enter Canada due to prior criminal convictions or other inadmissibility reasons cost the government $6.5 million, but paid only $1.7 million in fees. Earlier this year, the government did increase the

cost of obtaining citizenship to $300 per application from $100, on the grounds that the old price tag barely covered the cost.

But the department’s chart on user fees suggests the costs of the citizenship program overall still far exceed what is recouped in fees.

Kevin Menard, a spokesman for Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, said the government is sensitive to the discrepancy.

“We are moving toward greater cost recovery in other immigration programs, too,’’ Menard said in an email.

“As for visas, prices are set to ensure that Canada remains competitive with other countries and a destination of choice for visitors, students and business people who contribute to our economy and help create jobs for Canadians.’’

Canada

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

www.OttawaStar.com • PAGE 11

Canada silent as U.S. debates policy RCMP drops probe shift in Islamic State war strategy Continued from page 9

By Murray Brewster, The Canadian Press

O

TTAWA—The Obama administration is under increasing pressure to broaden its role in helping local forces battle Islamic State militants in Iraq —and it’s far from clear whether Canada would feel obliged to follow suit.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told CNN in November he’ll consider placing ground forces in Iraq to help locate targets if that’s the recommendation of U.S. Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Dempsey said in November that when it comes to retaking Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, it’s possible American troops might be needed to help guide airstrikes and provide support in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

“I’m not predicting they’ll need to be accompanied by U.S. forces, but we’re certainly considering it,’’ Dempsey told Congress.

Like the U.S., Canada has a nocombat prohibition on its roughly 69 special forces troops in northern Iraq, and the current combat mission explicitly rules out the deployment of conventional ground forces.

But Roland Paris, an international security expert at the University of Ottawa, says Washington’s policy appears to be drifting towards another ground war in Middle East and it’s important Canada not follow suit.

“My concern is that this mission has the potential to evolve into something different in the coming months,’’ Paris said.

“There are a lot of pressures on the U.S. president to expand America’s military involvement in Iraq and Syria. I would expect there may be a change in posture of American ground forces in Iraq

and if that all happens, there’s likely going to be pressure on allies to broaden their involvement as well.’’

The U.S. was also very specific recently about how it intends to conduct training for Iraqi forces, Paris added.

Canadian military commanders acknowledged last month that the U.S. was casting about among allies to see if there was any interest in taking part in a training mission, but the Harper government has not said if it would be interested, beyond the special forces commitment Canada has already made.

Last month, deputy defence minister Richard Fadden met with U.S. counterpart Robert Work. The two discussed “collaboration on counter-ISIL operations in Iraq,’’ among other things, according to the Pentagon. There was also Canadian participation at a recent planning conference of coalition military partners in Florida. The Harper government has been very precise and sparing in its public statements.

When asked what Canada’s position was on the evolving debate in Washington, Johanna Quinney, a spokeswoman for Defence Minister Rob Nicholson, listed bullet points from a six-weekold government backgrounder.

Quinney then added: “We will continue working with our coalition partners on the mission going forward.’’ The government has said that the objective of the war is to “degrade and destroy’’ ISIL, but has not defined what that means.

With no independent media access to the task force in Kuwait, information on the air force bombing campaign is being funnelled through—and filtered by—National Defence headquarters in Ottawa.

That has worked against the government, especially when other

nations, in particular the U.S., get out ahead in reporting on operations where Canadians are involved.

The military has been active on social media, but strictly limits its comments and independent access to decision-makers through media briefings in Ottawa, of which there have been just two since the first combat missions took place.

The government has also refused to estimate the cost of the campaign, unlike the U.S., which provides a running tabulation. NDP foreign affairs critic Paul Dewar says the U.S secretary of defence is far more engaged in explaining and defending the coalition war strategy than Nicholson.

“In the United States, you’re getting details on what their goals are; how many people are involved; what their timelines are; (and) how much it’s going to cost,’’ Dewar said. “From our government we don’t get exactly what the strategy is, what the goals are, and what is exactly is happening. So things could not be any more different.’’

The Commons foreign affairs committee—at the NDP’s insistence— is about to take up a study of the Iraq mission. Dewar says there has been no accountability to Parliament since the combat mission was launched. The only appearance Nicholson, military chiefs and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird have made before MPs was in September, when only the special forces commitment was on the table.

Heading into an election year, Paris said the Conservatives should rely on the Canadian public to have trust in the government’s ability to manage war, rather than hiding behind spin control.

“Establishing regular communication on what this mission is, what its doing, how it might evolve will be critical for Canadians to judge whether this operation should continue.’’

Other concerns outlined in the note: —Some telecom providers keep Internet protocol logs for 30 days or less, and they may be erased by the time a company processes a production order; —Banks, hotels, and car rental companies are reviewing the Supreme Court decision and “a few have signalled less voluntary co-operation’’ in future.

Still, the federal privacy commissioner said Nov 20 there appears to be wide variation in how the Supreme Court ruling is being interpreted. As a result, Canadians are still in the dark about what may happen to their personal information, Therrien told a Senate committee studying the government’s cyberbullying bill.

Complicating matters is an immunity provision of the bill that would protect companies from legal liability should they voluntarily disclose personal information in response to requests without a warrant.

Therrien urged Parliament to put an end to the ambiguity and clarify what—if anything—remains of the common-law policing powers to obtain information without a warrant.

The Public Safety memo says the department and other federal agencies continue to “document the resource and investigative impacts’’ of the court decision.

“Justice Canada is gathering information and examining the need for potential remedies.’’

Aid lapse Continued from page 10

“They (the Conservatives) hope the rhetoric via the communiques and the announcements is the only details Canadians will actually retain,’’ he said.

NDP development critic Helene Laverdiere said the lapsed funding amounted to a “backdoor’’ spending cut.

“The Conservatives are trying to balance the books on the backs of some of the most vulnerable people who need our support.’’

Laverdiere noted that Canada’s overall development spending is far short of the United Nations target of 0.7 per cent of GDP. Canada’s current level is less than 0.3 per cent of GDP. Maxime Robert, a Paradis spokesman, said the government has also responded to individual crises, allocating $175 million more than planned to address troubles in Philippines, Syria, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

“The world is facing an unprecedented number of extreme humanitarian crises,’’ he said.

“We continue to be at the forefront of international responses to international crises.’’

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World

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

British brothers jailed for attending terrorist training camp in Syria The Associated Press

L

ONDON—Two British brothers were sent to prison Nov 26 for conspiring to attend a terrorist training camp in Syria, becoming the first Britons jailed after returning from the war-torn country.

Hamza and Mohommod Nawaz, from London, were arrested in September 2013 after arriving in England by ferry from France. Police say they were

carrying AK-47 ammunition brought home as a trophy as well as photos and videos from their time in Syria.

The brothers pleaded guilty, and on Wednesday 23-year-old Hamza Nawaz was sentenced to three years in prison.

His 31-year-old brother, described as the instigator of the plan, received fourand-a-half years.

Judge Christopher Moss told the brothers they had been training “to sup-

port the rebel fighting in Syria.’’

“In fairness to you both there is no evidence of you actually engaged in such fighting,’’ he said. The brothers - whose family had contacted police to report them missing - returned from Syria after a few weeks.

Officials say more than 500 Britons have travelled to Syria since it descended into civil war, many to fight with the Islamic State group and other militant

organizations. Officials are concerned some may come back and launch attacks in the U.K. Police say at least 16 people have been charged this year after returning from Syria.

In the latest arrests, a 20-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were detained at Heathrow airport on Nov 25 as they arrived from Istanbul. Police said they were suspected of Syria-related terrorism offences.

UN chief: Recognition of Palestinian state gains momentum with lack of political solution

By Edith M. Lederer, The Associated Press

S

ecretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Nov 24 the international community’s failure to advance a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is spurring governments and parliaments to take action to recognize the state of Palestine - and “that momentum will grow.’’

The U.N. chief said at the U.N. commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People that the international community must assume “a collective failure’’ for not being able to get a peace deal.

“Indeed - as we see around the world - governments and parliaments are taking action,’’ Ban said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in a statement read at the commemoration, welcomed changes in popular sentiment in the West that have reached “official political levels,’’ starting with Sweden’s recognition of the state of Palestine and the overwhelming motions supporting recognition by parliaments in Britain, Ireland and Spain.

He said these actions, and upcoming votes in France (scheduled for Dec 2) and other European countries, are “positive developments which enhance the opportunities for peace and security and stability in the region.’’

“Does Israel, the occupying power, understand all of the messages in this regard?,’’ Abbas asked.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Ron Prosor told the General Assembly later on Nov 24 that Sweden and European parliaments supporting recognition of a Palestinians are taking away any incentive for the Palestinians to negotiate, compromise or renounce violence and are giving them exactly what they want —“statehood without peace.’’

Secretary-General Ban warned that incitement and provocative acts at the holy

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Photo: World Economic Forum

sites in Jerusalem ``are fanning the flames of conflict far beyond the holy city.’’

“Extremists on both sides are dictating the agenda,’’ Ban said. “I call on the parties to step back from the brink and find the path of peace before hope and time run out.’’

Much of the recent violence has stemmed from tensions surrounding Jerusalem’s hilltop complex that is revered

by Muslims and Jews. The collapse of U.S.-brokered peace talks, Israel’s war

last summer in the Gaza Strip against the Islamic militant group Hamas, and continued Israeli settlement construction in east Jerusalem have added to Israeli-Palestinian distrust.

Abbas accused Israel of trying to alter or erase the Palestinian and Christian and Muslim presence in Jerusalem and of taking measures aimed at turning East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want as the capital of their future state, into a Jewish area.

Prosor accused Abbas of inciting violence against Jews at the Jerusalem hilltop complex. He said Israel “will make sure that the holy places remain open to all people of all faiths for all time.’’

Abbas reiterated that the Palestinians are seeking a U.N. Security Council resolution that would set November 2016 as the deadline for Israeli troops to withdraw from all Palestinian territory. Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour indicated there will not be a vote in November.

World

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

www.OttawaStar.com • PAGE 13

Winners and losers: Obama brings joy to millions of immigrants, sorrow to many others “It just makes a tremendous difference in terms of humanizing people and giving them the ability to stand on their own and not having to rely on others for their day-to-day activities,’’ he said.

Ghica questioned why parents whose children were born in the U.S. are allowed to stay and she isn’t.

“What is the difference? We all had the same dream.’’

By Elliot Spagat, The Associated Press

S

AN DIEGO—President Barack Obama unveiled one of the most sweeping changes to the U.S. immigration system in decades, shielding millions from deportation.

Among those breathing easier: a Mexican woman in Birmingham, Alabama, who barely missed qualifying for a reprieve in 2012 but can apply now because she has three U.S.-born children; a pair of 9- and 11-year-old brothers in Tucson, Arizona, who can stay under more generous guidelines for immigrants who arrived as children.

About 5 million people are expected to qualify under the measures outlined Thursday. But about 6 million who are in the country illegally will be left out.

Many who were recently deported also miss out.

The Associated Press interviewed immigrants around the country - and in Mexico - for examples of who wins and who loses.

WINNER: Reyna Garcia, 32, almost qualified for Obama’s 2012 reprieve that allowed hundreds of thousands who came to the country as young children to remain. Her mistake was going to work for a cleaning crew instead of enrolling in high school. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program requires applicants to be attending high school or graduated.

The Mexican native has lived in Alabama for most of the last 17 years and gave birth to three children in the U.S. Parents of U.S. citizens or legal residents who have been in the country for more than five years are eligible.

Her oldest daughter, Yulexi Plata, 14, says it will be a relief for her parents to live without fear of deportation.

“If they’ve been here so long, why not more?’’ she asks.

But after having missed out once, Garcia worries.

“I have this fear that I may be missing something again. What might be the problem this time?’’

LOSER: Liana Ghica, 49, was a lawyer in Romania who came to the U.S. in 2001. She has unsteady work cleaning houses and managing bookkeeping in the Los Angeles area.

Ghica’s son studies at the University of California, Los Angeles and is allowed to stay under the DACA program for immigrants who came to the country when they were young. However, their parents are ineligible under Obama’s plans.

“It is a slap in our faces,’’ Ghica says.

“Personally I think (Obama) damaged us even more with this.’’

WINNER: Rosa Robles Loreto’s 9- and 11-year-old sons were born in Mexico but have lived in Arizona for years. They didn’t qualify for a reprieve under the DACA, but Obama is expanding it to lift age restrictions and make anyone eligible who arrived before January 1, 2010.

“It feels good my kids are in. They’re the reason I’m here fighting,’’ she said after watching Obama’s speech at the Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, where she has been taking sanctuary for more than 100 days.

But she was sad that, after a summer of living in a small room with bunk beds, a TV, books and little more, she will not be able to go home. She faces a deportation order after being stopped for a traffic infraction years ago.

She has been living in the U.S. illegally since the early 1990s and returned to Mexico to give birth to each of her sons because she couldn’t afford health care.

President of the United States Barack Obama. Photo: Lance Cpl. Michael J. Ayotte, USMC

Immigrant rights march for amnesty in downtown Los Angeles, California on May Day, 2006.

Photo: Wikipedia user Jonathan McIntosh

Ghica came to the U.S. with a visa and job offer that fell through. She stayed, she said, to give her son a chance at the American dream.

Her son, Vlad Stoicescu-Ghica, 21, said DACA has enabled him to get campus jobs, put household bills in his name and get a credit card.

LOSER: Eduardo Vidal, 36, was deported to Mexico less than three weeks before Obama’s announcement, separated from his Salvadoran wife and five U.S.-born children after police in the Los Angeles suburb of Palmdale stopped him for a broken tail light and discovered he had three driving under the influence convictions.

Vidal spent much of his 22 years in the United States cleaning offices in Las Vegas and Southern California. He has no idea what to do next.

“I don’t know my way around. I have no money,’’ Vidal said as he waited with hundreds of others for a free meal of ground beef, squash, rice and beans at Tijuana’s Padre Chava breakfast hall.

Many at the breakfast hall are fluent in English and products of American schools. They have parents, spouses and children living in the U.S., often legally.

Sonia Vidal wants her husband to rejoin her in California. She is in the U.S. legally but doesn’t have permission to live in Mexico.

“The easiest thing would be for him to come here,’’ she said.

An administrator saw shock and fear in Vidal’s eyes as he waited in line. She offered him a free bed.

World

PAGE 14 • www.OttawaStar.com

Ottawa Star • December 1, 2014

A view of Dubai’s skyline. Photo: Wikiepedia

Dubai selling fun, sun and plastic surgery to vacationers in new medical tourism bid 120,000 medical tourists generated revenue of $200 million in 2013 Continued from page 1

It plans to attract 20 million tourists by 2020—with half a million medical tourists bringing in revenues of 2.6 billion dirhams ($710 million). The Dubai Health Authority says that around 120,000 medical tourists came last year, generating revenue of around $200 million—a 12 per cent boost from the previous year.

That already puts it ahead of Turkey, with 110,000 medical travellers, and Costa Rica, with 40,000 to 65,000, according to 2013 figures from Patients Beyond Borders, a U.S. group that collects data on the industry.

Lebanon does not rank among top countries for medical travel, but Beirut was once the region’s premier spot for nips and tucks, notably drawing many Arab celebrities.

Globally, medical tourism is big business. It is estimated to generate $50 billion to $60 billion a year and grow to an annual $100 billion in the next decade.

To cash in on the boom, Dubai has rolled out three-month renewable visas for medical tourists and their companions and launched a campaign to brand itself as the Middle East’s top destination for wellness and plastic surgery.

Vasilica Baltateanu, who started up the United Arab Emirates’ first plastic surgery consultancy, Vasilica Aesthetics, said Dubai’s glamour factor is driving the trend among the region’s well-heeled tourists who want to shop, indulge in spas and relax in opulent hotels.

“You don’t find them going anymore to Beirut and (they) are coming to Dubai. Why? It’s much safer in Dubai,’’ she said. “I think they also choose Dubai because there are the best restaurants here, the best hotels. So you do a surgery and at the same time you can have a nice holiday.’’

The World Travel & Tourism Council said in its annual 2014 report that the UAE was expected to attract 12.2 million international tourists this year, with Lebanon welcoming just 1.3 million.

A company specialized in laser treatments, Silkor, says it brought its business to Dubai instead of waiting for Gulf clients to come to Lebanon, where it has opened eight branches since its founding 15 years ago. In less than half that time, the company established six branches in the UAE and has plans to open two more.

“Gulf clients would come to Lebanon in the past,’’ said Owner Representative Sylva Wayzany, adding that now “unfortunately the situation in Lebanon doesn’t help’’ to make it attractive for medical tourists.

To cater to the Gulf ’s demand for cosmetic procedures, Dr. Luiz Toledo, one of the world’s most famous plastic surgeons in liposuction and the “Brazilian butt lift,’’ closed his practice in Brazil and moved to Dubai in 2006 because he saw less competition in the Gulf and an opportunity to keep quality and prices up.

The Dubai Health Authority says there are around 150 licensed plastic surgeons in Dubai alone.

Emma Jordan, a 33 year-old British resident of Dubai and mother of three, chose to undergo breast augmentation and stretch mark removal here instead of in London, because while the price was similar at around $9,200, waiting times were shorter and the procedure more personal.

“I think possibly back home, it’s more clinical. You have a consultation; you don’t always see the surgeon before and after. Sometimes you see a nurse (instead),’’ she said. “It’s a huge difference.’’

Do You Wear Compression Soc Made in space a tool from a rock, it couldn’t have been conceived that one day we’d be replicating the same fundamental idea in space,’’ Aaron Kemmer, chief executive officer, said in a statement.

Similar 3-D items will be duplicated at the company’s offices for comparison.

The company will replace the orbiting demo machine with a much bigger commercial printer next year. The European Space Agency, meanwhile, plans to fly its own 3-D printer in 2015.

Continued from page 1

said. The space agency hopes to one day use 3-D printing to make parts for broken equipment in space.

Made in Space, the California company that supplied the space station’s 3-D printer, called it “a transformative moment.’’ The newly created, rectangular faceplate—considered functional by the company—includes the Made in Space name, as well as NASA’s.

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“If you think about 20 years ago, nobody in the world heard about Dubai.

And today there is not a person in the world that hasn’t heard about it,’’ said Toledo.

Last year, he saw patients from 73 different countries. His new practice has a private wing for high-rolling Arab clientele.

Dubai has rapidly become home to one of the world’s highest saturations of plastic surgeons. Toledo says that in the U.S. there are 20 plastic surgeons for every 1 million people, compared to 52 per million in Dubai. The Emirates Plastic Surgery Society, a professional group where he is a board member, says its membership has more than doubled to 150 in the past eight years.

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World

www.OttawaStar.com • PAGE 15

Longer visas for Chinese visitors seen as boon to US that could bring $85 billion by 2021

By Deepti Hajela, The Associated Press

N

EW YORK—A rule change allowing Chinese visitors to return to the U.S. multiple times over a 10-year period is being hailed as a boon to American tourism, with the federal government predicting the economic impact could be $85 billion by 2021.

Chinese visitors are already familiar faces in major U.S. destinations such as New York City, San Francisco and Las Vegas, but other parts of the country could also see some a boost.

“One simple decision like this ... is going to reap tremendous benefits to the country,’’ said Chris Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for marketing the United States as a travel destination.

The U.S. and China jointly announced the change last month at a conference of world leaders in Beijing, and it has already gone into effect. Business and short-term visas that currently expire after one year will now be valid for 10 years, while student and cultural exchange visas will last for five.

Obtaining a U.S. visa involves waiting in long lines at a consulate during the

work day, passing an interview and then waiting at least three days, a process that won’t change under the new rules.

“That is going to allow many folk the encouragement to go ahead and apply for the visa no matter how hard it is. ...

It’s worth the effort,’’ said Harry Chen, operator of San Francisco-based Joy Holiday, which books tours for Chinese tourists in the western U.S. Ling Cong, manager of the American department at Beijing-based tourism company China Travel Service, said the longer visas would allow Chinese visitors to launch spur-of-the-moment trips.

“Before when Chinese travellers saw some cheap air tickets, they often didn’t seize the opportunity because of the issue of getting a visa,’’ Ling said.

Chinese have been among the fastest-growing and highest-spending U.S. visitors in recent years. In 2013, there were about 1.8 million Chinese visitors to the U.S., contributing about $21 billion to the economy.

According to government figures, Chinese visitors spend about $7,000 per person in the U.S., compared with the average of $4,500 for all overseas visitors.

In announcing the visa change, the White

Intersection of Mott Street and Canal Street in Chinatown, Manhattan, New York City. Photo: Wikipedia user Chensiyuan

House said it could result in $85 billion economic impact in the U.S. by 2021.

In New York City, Chinese visitors have increased more than 300 per cent over the past five years, with 646,000 in 2013 and 743,000 expected by the end of this year. Las Vegas gets an estimated 300,000 Chinese visitors annually, and officials hope to see that number increase

to more than 1 million by 2021.

Li Qing, a woman in her 30s who works for a securities company in Shenzhen, said in a telephone interview that she has been to the U.S. but would go more often with a 10-year visa. She hopes to get one soon, to go along with a 10-year visa she recently obtained for Canada, so that she can do combined trips to the two countries.

“This should have happened years ago,’’ she said. “In offering the 10-year visa now, I guess politics is making a concession to money.’’

Catherine Prather, senior vice-president of the National Tour Association, said the United States is “a dream destination’’ for Chinese travellers and said the rule changes could lead to more visits to national parks or smaller cities.

The benefits extend in both directions, as frequent American travellers to China will now be able to bypass the yearly effort to get visas. That process could be a tedious one, requiring long waits in lines.

“I go to China quite often,’’ said Phil Otterson, president of Abercrombie & Kent USA, a luxury tour company that offers trips to China. “It’s going to be a lot easier for me now.’’

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