TNTAO Annual Children's Christmas Party 121912

TNTAO Annual Childrens’ Christmas

Party puts smiles on kids faces

By Cindy Ramkumar TORONTO -- The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ontario Inc., once again hosted its annual Childrens’ Christmas party on December 8th at the Etobicoke Civic Centre.

The organisation provided drinks, eats and toys for 80 kids aged 0-12 years. These kids are children of members, friends, supporters and Urban Promise kids.

The organisation is committed to the community group Urban Promise Toronto. This is a non-profit Christian Organisation that focusses on the social and edu-

cational development of children, youth and families living in government housing communities, located in the Jane and Finch, Rexdale and Warden Woods community.

Every year The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ontario Inc., caters for 20 kids and mentors from Urban Promise Toronto, ensuring that these less fortunate kids spend a happy day enjoying the festive season, partaking in the treats and each receiving a Christmas present from Santa Rawle Elliot.

The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ontario Inc., expresses its gratitude to

its sponsors for this event, especially Brian Mathieu who gives a minimum of $1000.00 annually, and the Caribbean Camera who provides 7-10 cases of the drink Nutrament.

The success of this event could not have been accomplished without the help of the dedicated Childrens’ Christmas Planning Committee members Giselle Cole, Natasha Holtham and Rachel Benjamin.

President Horace Thorne and VP Jean Turner promises next on The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ontario Inc., agenda would be the Annual Mind Your Own Business Trade Fair Expo.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Caribbean Food Delights receives Pioneer Service Award

Tiffany,

is an influential Manager and leader in the recruitment and business development industry, while continuting to live vicariously and support others with her true passion of fitness, nutrition, and body science. She has a diverse background as a fitness model competitor in the IDFA and SAF - achieving first place and overall winner in Montreal in 2011 (IDFA), Miss Universe Canada delegate, Ring Girl for MMA, competitive rep ice hockey player, personal trainer and nutritional support aid for many.

Photo By Jamie Watling Photography

You could be our next editions “TC Girl”! To enter, send your photo and a brief description to info@torontocaribbean.com

JAMAICA (JO) -- Caribbean Bakery and its affiliate Royal Caribbean Food Delights were founded in 1978 by Vincent and Jeannette HoSang in the Bronx, New York. Both companies are privately owned and operated by the HoSang family, with the HoSang’s daughter Sabrina serving as chief operating officer.

Now located in Mount Vernon, New York, Royal Caribbean Bakery manufactures products such as hard-dough bread, spiced fruit buns, cakes and pastries; while Caribbean Food Delights, a 103,000-sq-ft, state-of-the-art facility on 10 acres of land located in Tappan, New York, manufactures a frozen line of Jamaican-style patties and a new line of puff pastry called Sabrina’s Delights.

Products from both companies are sold to over 7,000 retailers worldwide, including Costco, BJ’s, Sam’s Club, and Walmart, as well as many other national chains. They also serve 160 military commissaries worldwide. Caribbean Food Delights manufactures 40,000 patties an hour or over 83 million annually.

It is the only Jamaican frozen food manufacturing plant in the world that is SQL Level 3 certified (the highest level attainable). It is also EU certified.

The store’s principals believe in giving back to the community and as such, in 2002, they established the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation (VHFF), a 501c 3 charitable organisation. To name a few major contributions, full scholarships totalling US$150,000 were awarded to six students

pursuing the entrepreneurial programme at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. In 2005, the foundation donated a fully equipped mobile health clinic worth US$180,000 to Dr Roy Streete of the Organisation for International Development, which provides free medical services to the less fortunate.

Additionally, VHFF donated US$250,000 to Father Richard Ho Lung of Missionaries of the Poor to build a chapel.

Each April, Caribbean Food Delights serves over 3,600 meals to over 400 student athletes at the Penn Relays, which it has been doing for the past 18 years. The foundation is currently trying to raise US$5 million for two linear accelerator machines -- one for Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay and one for Kingston -- for treating cancer patients.

Together, the companies have been serving the community for over 34 years and they plan to continue serving the best quality, best tasting and genuine products with excellent customer service.

The HoSang family shares the belief that you get what you pay for, which means they will not compromise the quality or authenticity of their products for greater profits.

For its unwavering service to the Jamaican community in the United States and its continued support of initiatives to the lives of Jamaicans in need, Caribbean Food Delights is this year’s Pioneer Service awardee.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Support for new rules for Soca Monarch TRINIDAD (TG) -- The International Soca Monarch competition is the T&T Grammys and therefore requires sacrifice and dedication, says soca singer Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon. Belfon, who has been a finalist in the competition 13 times, made this comment in response to news of the “exclusivity” clause added to the competition’s rules for 2013.

A press release sent out on Thursday by Caribbean Prestige Foundation executive chairman William Munro said finalists would be required to perform exclusively at the Soca Monarch show on “Fantastic Friday” next year. The ban starts on Friday, February 8, and ends at 8 am on February 9, the release said.

The release also said: “Failure to comply with this mutually agreed upon amendment will result in a significant penalty that may impact your expected earnings.”

Belfon was one of many contestants who attended meetings over the past few months and she said that she had no objection to the change.

“I have no problem with the change, because at the end of the day, this is something we are taking to the world. I am a culprit of performing the day before and having no voice for Soca Monarch, and being hoarse on final night is unacceptable,” she said. Her sentiments were echoed by other artistes such as Nadia Batson, who said Soca

Monarch was one of the “biggest and best stages for Carnival.”

Batson has made it to the final for the past six years and told the T&T Guardian in a telephone interview she’d performed in two places on a Fantastic Friday only once.

“I wouldn’t do that again, because I understand the importance of the stage. We need to take this so much more seriously, because this is one of the best stages to get your songs to the world and not just T&T.” Another soca artiste and competitor contacted for comment said Caribbean Prestige was entitled to have rules for its competition especially if the company perceived a conflict of interest. Munro said prize money for the competition has been increased by 50 per cent for the fifth to tenth places.

“That is three times more than they would make in any fete on that night,” he said in a telephone interview. He added: “We don’t want anybody to be advertised as singing somewhere else on Friday. Fantastic Friday is our Friday,” he said.

NIS investment in CLICO responsible for huge deficit- PSC GUYANA (DW) -- The Private Sector Commission (PSC) says the approximately 20% of the National Insurance Scheme’s (NIS) investment portfolio tied up in the now failed CLICO insurance company is responsible for the huge deficit recorded by the social security agency last year.

The 8th Actuarial Review has revealed that the NIS recorded a GUY$371 million deficit last year and could go broke in another 10 years if major reforms are not implemented immediately.

In a Position Paper on the NIS, the PSC expressed concern that the portion of the investment portfolio has not been earning any returns since the Judicial Management of CLICO in 2009.

“The PSC is also of the view that if this portion of the investment was active, the deficit situation in 2011 would not have occurred,” the business organisation states in the draft paper dated 11 December.

The PSC recalled that a unanimous parliamentary resolution was passed in 2009 guaranteeing State support for the recovery of the NIS investment in CLICO. However, the PSC wants to know when this will be done and whether it will be met with cash, bonds, real estate or another financial instrument. “This avenue should be explored with the utmost urgency,” states the commission.

In turn, CLICO had invested US$34 million or 53 percent of its assets in

Clico (Bahamas) which then had invested it in Florida’s failed real estate sector. Guyana has taken legal action against the liquidator of CLICO (Bahamas) in an effort to recover that investment.

In terms of the actuary’s recommendations about how the NIS should deal with investments, thee PSC says it supports the development of an appropriate investment policy to replace the current prudential investment framework.

“The investment policy should give

due consideration to the current financial position of the fund and current and future market conditions. The policy should include the roles and responsibilities of the various parties, investment objectives, strategies, constraints and asset allocations,” adds the PSC. That umbrella business organisation, which interfaces directly with government, wants the risk management portfolio to be strengthened by enhancing asset diversification across asset classes, issuers and geographic boundaries.

Ministry targets removal of 20 homeless per day TRINIDAD (TG) -- Andrew Boodhoo, head of the Inter-Agency Unit, Ministry of the People and Social Development, says the unit is optimistic about getting homeless people off the streets in the shortest possible time. “We began on Thursday evening, where we were able to take 17 people off the streets. Our target is to take at least 20 persons a day,” he said.

On Thursday, the ministry began the mobilisation exercise to take the homeless off the streets. At the moment, he said, it was assessing how the project develops.

“With that batch we have taken off the street on Thursday, we are getting them medical attention. We are also putting them in differ-

ent categories of the help that is needed. So we are looking at who needs medication and whatever else is needed,” he said.

Boodhoo said many street dwellers want to leave the streets for better accommodation and this has made the task easier for the ministry. “So far it has not been difficult because many of them are happy to be given the assistance to get off the streets. We are working together with them.”

Glenn Ramadharsingh, Minister of the People and Social Development, last week said the plan will run for six months.

He said the street dwellers will be picked up on a voluntary basis and will be interviewed and offered alternative living quarters. He

said the ministry will spend $16 million to rid the streets of Port-of-Spain and Chaguanas of homeless people.

A walk around Port-of-Spain yesterday revealed there were still vagrants around but they were less conspicuous than before the exercise started. There were fewer than five in Woodford Square, while on the Brian Lara Promenade there were about three. On Tamarind Square where there are usually many vagrants, there was none when the T&T Guardian visited. Also Frederick, Chacon, Henry and Charlotte Streets were more or less clear of the socially displaced people.

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Warner: Accountant’s oversight in not declaring asset

Tewarie: Development can take place only in climate of peace

TRINIDAD (TG) -- National Security Minister Jack Warner blames his accountant for failing to declare his $600,000 in assets at the Teachers’ Credit Union to the Integrity Commission. Speaking briefly to reporters yesterday, Warner conceded that non-disclosure of the asset at the credit union was a “mistake.”

Asked to comment on why he did not declare, Warner responded: “Darling, ask them! Ask the writer Ria Taitt. I have an accountant. I don’t have anybody else. I have to do my work, so don’t worry yourself.” Pressed further to clarify whether he did in fact fail to declare, Warner responded: “I don’t know. I have an accountant.”

Pressed as to how his accountant had made a mistake when filing, Warner said: “It is not the first time that somebody made an error and it won’t be the last time.

My account is 29 years old!” A story in the newspaper yesterday claimed Warner has shares in his name valued at $611,126.23 as at January 1, 2011.

However, an examination of the Register of Interests, specifically with respect to Warner’s last three declarations to the Integrity Commission, did not reflect this asset. According to his 2009, 2010 and 2011 declarations, income and liabilities, Warner revealed that he received income from a government pension; distributions from Unit Trust Corporation, a salary as an MP and bank interest from Scotiabank, First Citizens’ and Republic Bank.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-

TRINIDAD (TG) -- The spiralling crime situation in Laventille and nearby districts in east Port-of-Spain is impacting negatively on the development of those communities. This is according to Planning and Sustainable Development Minister Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie.

As such he is making a direct appeal to the people of the volatile east Port-ofSpain region, including Laventille, Morvant and Belmont to make the communities more peaceful to allow for infrastructural development on a significant scale.

The Laventille/East Port-of-Spain region has the highest murder rate in the country and the Government has been implementing several initiatives aimed at reducing criminal activity over the past several months.

Tewarie said yesterday that to residents in Belmont before opening a link road on Layan Hill. He said the community has to take responsibility for creating an environment of peace.

“If you have a place that is a war zone, you can’t have development. You need peace, you need a certain amount of order to make the development happen,” Tewarie told the residents. He added that it was only when that happens “the state will play its role and we can development the place.” Earlier Tewarie talked about the level of crime in areas of east Port-of-Spain.

One resident told Tewarie while he agreed with the comments there is still a role for the Government to play to deal with the crime problem in the specific areas. One of the more popular initiatives was the Hoop of Life which is a basketball competition across the

Bissessar yesterday declined to speak about Warner’s failure to declare his assets. She said: “You will have to ask Mr Warner yourself. I have not spoken to him about it.” The Integrity Commission Act makes allowances for human error and a person can be charged only if he cannot reasonably explain why the assets were not declared.

Since the act was passed, two former Government ministers were charged with failing to declare assets. They are former prime minister Basdeo Panday and former energy minister Finbar Ganga.

country with the winning team receiving $1 million and the fortunes of the participating team dependent on the players having to keep a clean police record.

US basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal was brought to T&T a role model to the people of the economically depressed communities to launch the competition. And in recent months National Security Minister Jack Warner, along with acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams and Chief of Defence Staff Kenrick Maharaj have been visiting the so-called hot spots and meeting with the people of the affected areas with a view to addressing the crime problem.

Warner has also initiated a URP-type programme where the people of the communities are being employed at a rate of $69 a day to undertake certain projects which are under the direct supervision of military personnel.

Later, at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Tewarie re-emphasised his point that there must be a change from a climate of conflict and tension to one of peace for development to take place.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony MP for Port-of-Spain North/St Ann’s West Patricia Mc Intosh appealed to Tewarie to influence the Government to cut the bush in the area. Mc Intosh said there were mosquitoes in the area because of the uncut bush. She said it was posing a threat to the health of residents.

The MP also appealed for improved street lighting.

The projects are expected to cost in excess of $1 million. Several other projects are to be launched in coming months the T&T Guardian was told.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Bolt named BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year JAMAICA (JO) -- Usain Bolt was named the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year yesterday after the sprinter repeated his triple Olympic win at the London Games last summer.

This is the third time the sprinter, who won both sprints and the sprint relay in London, has claimed the honour after winning in 2008 and 2009.

Bolt, who was recently named

Male Athlete of the Year by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), was nominated alongside American swimmer Michael Phelps and 800m world record holder David Rudisha of Kenya.

Other winners of the British media house’s award have included tennis stars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, as well as 400m record holder, Michael Johnson.

61 Jamaicans receive Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medals JAMAICA (JO) -- A total 61 Jamaicans were recognised for outstanding contribution to nation building through service in the fields of health, security and emergency care, at a special Diamond Jubilee Medal Awards ceremony held yesterday at King’s House.

The commemorative Diamond Jubilee medals are in recognition of the 60th year of the reign of Her Majesty, The Queen.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, who presided over the function, congratulated the awardees for their selfless service and contribution to the nation’s safety and protection of the nation.

“I warmly commend you for your career achievements in your respective organisations and hope that you will continue to give of your best in the service of your homeland,” he said.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, in offering commendation to the awardees, noted that the quality of their contribution to the country is a “fine example of patriotism that makes us proud”.

“Over the years you continue to attract admiration and honour, not only within our nation, but in other parts of the world where you have served,” she stated. “The award of these commemorative Diamond Jubilee medals by Her Majesty, The Queen, further underscores the recognition of your distinguished service and contribution.”

Six persons were presented with medals for their service at the helm of a state agency or organisation dedicated to security, and health and emergency services. These were: Chief of Defence Staff Major General Antony Anderson; Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington; Commandant, Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), James Golding; Commissioner of Corrections Lt Colonel Garfield Prender-

gast; Commissioner, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Laurie Williams; and Principal Medical Officer/Director of Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services, Ministry of Health, Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse.

Additionally, 45 uniformed personnel received awards for their service in the field of security. These included nine officers from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF); nine from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); nine from the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF); nine from the Department of Correctional Services; and nine from the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

In the meantime, 10 persons from the Ministry of Health were presented with medals for their contribution to the development of health and emergency services.

These were: Chief Medical Officer Dr Eva Lewis-Fuller; Director, Health Services Planning and Integration, Dr Denise Duncan-Goffe; Senior Medical Officer, (Health), Dr Pauline Weir; Senior Medical Officer Dr Cecil Batchelor; Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Leila McWhinney-Dehaney; Regional Nursing Supervisor Ilene BuckleBrown; Deputy Matron Jennifer Price-Miller; Nurse Anaesthetist, Hyacinth Rankine; and Community Nurse Vivine Martin.

Diamond Jubilee medals have also been presented to individuals in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the Commonwealth.

The awards ceremony was the final feature of the country’s celebrations of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Celebratory activities in Jamaica began with the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Henry from March 5 to 8, and included four beacon lighting ceremonies at central points across the island, and a special church service at the St Andrew Parish Church during the month of June.

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PM hinges hopes of economic recovery on tourism JAMAICA (JO) -- Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has expressed optimism that the economy will rebound and record growth at a reasonable pace. She, however, did not provide a time frame in which it was expected to occur.

“I am very confident that our country will overcome the present challenges and realise our objective of reducing our debts, creating jobs and getting our economy to grow at an acceptable rate,” she said.

Faced with a national debt of some $1.5 trillion, the drying up of the Net Internal Revenue (NIR) and a plunging dollar against its international counterparts, the country is anxiously awaiting the signing of an agreement with the International Monteray Fund (IMF) to place the economy on stable footing.

Saturday, which signalled the start of the winter tourism season, Simpson Miller, who was speaking at the official opening of Club MoBay — a VIP lounge established at Sangster International Airport — pinned her hopes on the tourism sector rescuing the ailing economy.

“Our tourism industry offers us solid reason for confidence. Every step forward that our industry makes must be recognised and celebrated,” argued the prime minister.

The industry raked in US$2 billion last year.

Among other things, Club MoBay offers state-of-the-art arrival and departure lounges consisting of showers, a premium bar, complimentary drinks and snacks, unlimited free Wi-Fi via high-speed Internet

access, a business centre, a kiddies area, and a spa offering express treatments. Guests of Club MoBay will also enjoy fast-tracked access through security and immigration, as well as a personal escort to their departure gate.

“We have just opened up our escort service which allows one to have VIP treatment from the moment they land in Jamaica to the moment they leave. What we really do is we meet the persons on the plane, we bring them down to the brand new, state-ofthe-art arrivals lounge [to] have a nice drink et cetera. Then they have a nice vacation in Jamaica and on their way out again, they are fast-tracked out of the airport,” CEO of Club MoBay David Hall told the Jamaica Observer.

Meanwhile, the prime minister, who hailed the addition of the new facility, noted that it was a result of private/public sector partnership.

“Being entertained in any attractive, comfortable setting at any airport after or before air travel is a sought-after experience. Users of our airports — visitors or locals; vacationers and business people — do deserve such a facility. The new service has been made possible through partnership between the public and private sector. What we are seeing today is the outcome of [a] successful pooling of resources,” Simpson Miller said.

“The VIP lounge at the Sangster International Airport is off to a very good start.

I congratulate all who worked on this project,” she continued.

Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill also expressed his delight at the addition of the new offering to the industry.

“I am pleased that Jamaica is the destination chosen for this first-class facility and that it is also a first for the Caribbean,” the tourism minister declared.

“Club MoBay is a welcome addition to the Sangster International Airport and comes at a time when — despite challenges from Hurricane Sandy — the industry is robust and ready for business,” he added.

Opposition spokesman on tourism, Edmund Bartlett also welcomed the new facility as a “most important development in

enabling the destination to transcend that point of being third world, moving into first world presentations for tourism”.

“The opening of this VIP lounge is the culmination of the efforts of really putting world-class atractions with the points of entry into the country,” he said.

“All popular, well-heeled destinations have points of entry with lounges that are state-of-the-art, and Club MoBay has now become that signature statement for Jamaica. So our visitors now will be able to compare with any other airport for creature comfort and for luxury,” Bartlett noted.

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Swanky lifestyle for Gayle at Sydney Thunder

SYDNEY (TG) -- Big Bash outfit Sydney Thunder have dished out the luxury again for West Indies Twenty20 mega star Chris Gayle. Media reports say the big-hitting left-hander has been put up at a ritzy penthouse with a fabulous view of the city’s skyline and given access to a hired car, for the duration of his stint.

In contrast, his fellow players will stay at modest apartments in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta and make do with transportation via the team bus. A spokesman for Sydney Thunder said Gayle had been afforded the same courtesies last year and it had not been a problem for his teammates.

“At the end of the day, when

you’re one of the superstars in the game like Chris is, you’re entitled to certain things,” the spokesman said. “All the players are happy at Parramatta. Rooty Hill RSL (accommodation in Western Sydney) was great, but geographically, Parramatta is a lot closer.”

Gayle, perhaps the hottest commodity on the international Twenty20 circuit, is the Thunder’s marquee player for the Big Bash which got going last week.

The Jamaican has plied his trade in a myriad of overseas T20 leagues and remains one of the most sought after batsmen in the modern game. He was a member of the West Indies team on the just concluded tour of Bangladesh.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Caribbean Pot: Caribbean spiced nuts

Chris De La Rosa Contributor In keeping with the “party food” theme for the month of November, I knew I’d have to share this classic spiced nuts recipe with you all. Roasted with a wonderful glaze to give you that sweet crunchy taste and texture and spiced up with some lovely elements of the Caribbean. I must warn you though that you won’t be able to stop at just a handful, so be prepared for the bowl disappearing in front of your eyes as your guests zero in.

The scotch bonnet pepper will give this a subtle kick, but if you’re overly concerned, you can tame things down with a touch of paprika and cayenne instead.

Ingredients 1 cup unsalted peanuts 1 cup raw pecan halves 1 cup unsalted, dry roasted almonds 1 cup unsalted, dry roasted cashews 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper 1/4 teaspoon curry powder (madras)

For the syrup: 1 or 2 tbsp butter 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup water Notes: The first thing we need to do is create the simple glaze we’ll be using. In a sauce pan, place the water, sugar and butter.

Bring to a boil (med heat), then lower to a simmer, whisk and cook for 1 minute.

Empty the nuts into a large metal bowl and toss in the other ingredients (mix well). Please remember to chop the scotch bonnet pepper as fine as you can and do wash your hands with soap immediately after. Don’t include any of the seeds form the

pepper as the heat will then be very intense.

Pour in the glaze we made and toss well. The idea is to coat each nut with the glaze and spices. Pre-heat your oven at 350F and we’ll be using the middle rack. Now line a cookie sheet with tin foil and spray on some cooking spray or as I did.. brush on some veg oil.

Pour the now coated nuts onto the lined sheet and spread evenly (one layer).

Place in the oven for 10 minutes., then remove and toss well. There will be melted glaze on the lined cookie sheet, the idea is to pick up all of that as you move the nuts around. It will take a couple minutes and you will notice that the nuts may start to clump together and form a coating at the

same time.

Place it back in the oven now for an additional 6 minutes on the middle rack.

And that’s about it. Your kitchen will have the lovely scent of freshly roasted nuts and the bit of spices we used will only enhance this captivating aroma. Please allow to cool, then transfer to your serving bowl and enjoy.

Store in an air-tight container. These are very similar to beer nuts as well as honey roasted peanuts.. but with more flair!

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

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Influenza - What you need to know

Trish Browning Contributor The influenza virus spreads by respiratory droplets spread by infected persons through coughing, sneezing or talking. It is also spread through direct contact with objects contaminated by the influenza virus, such as toys, eating utensils, and unwashed hands.

Influenza usually starts with the sudden onset of a headache, sore throat and muscle aches.

But even as the flu season unfolds, there’s much you can do to substantially lower your own risk of getting sick. First, assess your vulnerability by familiarizing yourself with the signs of impaired immunity. Then adopt the following strategies, where you’ll find all the tools you need to boost your immunity, fight off the flu (as well as the plain old cold), and keep you and your family healthy this winter and beyond.

1. Fight back with food: Research shows that adding certain foods to an already healthful diet can increase your ability to fend off colds and flu this season. Here’s what to start eating now: Yogurt live active cultures found in yogurt (probiotics) are healthy bacteria that keep the stomach and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs.

Garlic contains allicin, a potent bacteria fighter, and other infection-fighting compounds; it’s even more effective in raw food form.

Black tea: Drinking 5 cups a day for 2 weeks can turn your immune system’s T cells into “Hulk cells” that produce 10 times more interferon, a protein that battles cold and flu infections, according to a Harvard study. Don’t like black tea? The green variety will also do the trick. If you can’t stomach drinking that much, you can still get added protection with fewer cups.

Mushrooms: They contain more than 300 compounds that rev up immunity, in part by escalating the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and making them more aggressive. Shiitake, maitake, and reishi varieties contain the most immune-boosting chemicals, but plain old button mushrooms will also do the job.

Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, herring, and other fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which increase activity of phagocytes — cells that fight flu by eating up bacteria. They also contain selenium, which helps white blood cells produce cytokines, proteins that help clear viruses. Other research shows that omega-3s increase airflow and protect lungs from colds and respiratory infections. DHA and EPA (the two main forms of omega-3s) benefit the immune system at the most basic level, enabling cell membranes to efficiently absorb nutrients and remove toxins.

2. Shield yourself from germs: The best defense against viruses is to keep them

— and the people and objects they infect — at a safe remove. “Germs can lurk on most surfaces for up to 3 days Wash often and well. “Washing your hands is the best way to fight viruses and germs.

Soap the top and bottom of your hands (including under your nails). When you can’t get to a sink, a gel containing 60 percent or more alcohol will effectively remove cold germs, and helps protect against the flu by dissolving the outer layer of the virus. Hand wipes also work, but buy only those labeled disinfecting or sanitizing.

Don’t share toothpaste tubes. Most people touch their brush to the opening, passing along germs.

At home, replace bathroom and kitchen towels with disposable ones during flu season. At the office, use paper to open the office fridge and microwave, turn off a bathroom faucet, and exit the restroom.

Deploy disinfectant. Your phone, computer keyboard, and desktop all harbor more harmful germs than the average toilet seat does. Wipe them down at the end of each day. At the gym, disinfect free weights, yoga mats, and other equipment before using them. If you’re staying at a hotel, wipe down the remote control, phone, clock radio, light switches, and door handles. The cleaning staff probably hasn’t cleaned these things in months, if ever.

Use creative barriers. Press the elevator button with your keys, a knuckle, or your elbow. When using an ATM or a ticketing machine, use gloves, or press the buttons

with your ATM card. Observe the 5-foot rule.

Maintain at least 5 feet of distance between you and a coughing or sneezing co-worker.

Gravity forces the droplets that carry germs to fall rather than land much farther away.

When traveling — on a train or bus — try to sit at least three rows behind someone who’s obviously sick.

3. Buy supplements: Certain natural remedies can help you stay healthy this winter. Here’s what might work best for you.

If you don’t like fish... try omega-3 fatty acids. Get the same protection with a daily dose of purified fish oil capsules containing at least 1 g combined of EPA and DHA. If you don’t get enough sunlight... try vitamin D. People who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily had 70 percent fewer colds and flu than those taking a placebo, according to a 3-year study published in Epidemiology and Infection 4. Play hard, and then get some rest: Exercise and sleep are powerful natural immunity boosters. Here’s how to get the right amount of both.

Get moving. Moderate exercise — around 20 to 30 minutes a day — increases blood flow, speeding nutrients to your cells, and decreases stress hormones, which dampen immune response. According to a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, regular physical activity — as long as it’s not extreme — lowers your overall risk of upper-respiratory infections.

Snooze for at least 7 hours a night.

“A single night of sleep deprivation can depress your immune system

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Exercise and the holiday season

Monique Bartlett Contributor The holiday season is here and between family, friends and holiday activities, there are only so many hours in the day. Planning a vacation? Don’t feel bad about taking some well deserved time off. It takes more than a week of non activity before you’ll reverse any progress you’ve made on an exercise plan. Still, if you’d like to take your fitness routine on the road, you can. Working out while traveling can help reduce stress, pro-

vide much needed energy, improve sleep and keep your healthy habits on track. The trick to making it work is to be creative and know exactly what to pack to make exercise possible while you are away.

First things first, pack wisely. Bring your running shoes, a skipping rope, resistant tube, an exercise or yoga DVD, and your laptop, if you have one. That way, you can work out right in your room. Use a DVD player or laptop to play your fitness video, pull out your skipping rope, get in a strength session with your resistant tubes or do some stretching. Don’t forget the best exercise equipment you have is your body weight. Do sit ups, push ups and leg lifts.

Do some research. Try to book a hotel with a fitness center. If you can’t, ask the front desk about local gyms. Many hotels have relationships with gyms, so you can get a discounted rate or complimentary

visit. You can also check with your gym at home to see if they belong to a network, which would allow you to use your membership at other locations. Don’t stress if your hotel doesn’t offer any of these options, you can always find a way to exercise. Many of the hotels also offer exercise programs while you are there as well.

Walk wherever you can. Skip escalators in the airport, take a quick walk during layovers and flight. Park far enough away from hotel and restaurant entrances so that you are getting some exercise. Visit local sites. Set aside an extra day for a bicycle or walking tour, day hike or even a round of golf. Skip the golf cart and carry your bags for a real workout on the golf course. Every little bit counts so make an effort to do some form of fitness activity over the holidays and enjoy your well deserved time off!

yellow, gray mixed in. Also the same natural shade may appear white in darker skin.

Fewer and fewer patients under the age of fifty years seem satisfied with the natural color of their teeth.

Some people have discolored teeth which may be a result of genetics, trauma, external staining or aging. Some medication as tetracycline can cause unsightly staining of the teeth.

There are many whitening products advertised but none are as safe and effective as the whitening treatment you would receive from your dentist.

Not everyone is a good candidate for treatment especially if you have dental restorations such as bonding, crowns or ve-

neers. The whitening products only bleach natural teeth without changing the color of the restorations, so if your natural teeth become lighter in color, you have the costly decision of the changing your restorations in the esthetic zone. Therefore it is most important to see your dentist first.

If you have brown and very sensitive teeth it could be that most of the enamel is lost and bleaching could make them more sensitive.

There are two commonly used bleaching procedures. One uses a light and bleaching chemicals. This is done in the office within an hour. The other procedure utilized a bleaching tray with a bleaching chemical.

Teeth Whitening Dr. Matthew S Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Contributor Ever since the appearance of smiling faces on magazines and celebrities showing off their pearly white teeth, whitening or bleaching has become the most prescribed cosmetic dental procedure in the world due to the ever increasing demand. Natural teeth come in different shades of white with tinges of

Holiday Health and Safety Tips The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and reflect. They are also a time to pay special attention to your health. Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips.

Wash your hands often: Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

Stay warm: Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.

Manage stress: The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health and pocketbook. Keep a check on overcommitment and overspending. Balance work, home, and play.

Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Make sure to get proper sleep.

Travel safely: Whether you’re traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive.

Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster

seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age.

Be smoke-free: Avoid smoking and breathing other people’s smoke. If you smoke, quit today!

Get check-ups and vaccinations: Exams and screenings can help find potential problems before they start. They can also help find health issues early, when the chances for treatment and cure are often times better.

Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Schedule a visit with your health care provider for a yearly exam. Ask what vaccinations and tests you should get based on your age, lifestyle, travel plans, medical history, and family health history.

Watch the kids: Children are at high risk for injuries. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they’re eating and playing. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy), and other objects out of kids’ reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking. Make sure toys are used properly. Develop and reinforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors, including electronic media.

Prevent injuries: Injuries can occur anywhere and some often occur around the holidays. Use step stools instead of furniture when hanging decorations. Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Wear a bicycle helmet to help prevent head injuries. Wear a

helmet when riding a bicycle or skateboarding to help prevent head injuries. Keep vaccinations up-to-date.

Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains.

Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended. Don’t use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.

Handle and prepare food safely: As you prepare holiday meals, and any meals, keep yourself and your family safe from foodrelated illness. Wash hands and surfaces often.

Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.

Eat healthy, and be active: With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Select just one or two of your favorites from the host of tempting foods. Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week.

Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 15

Immigration matters: : Ways to Immigrate to Canada (Part II)

Marva Kollar Contributor Canada immigration recently experienced major changes and for those whose mother tongue is not one of Canada’s Official Language, the first order of business will be to learn English, French or both.

Choosing the right immigration program allow individuals and their accompanying family members to legally obtain temporary or permanent residence status in Canada. An Authorized Representative will advise you according to your unique case, guide you through the “immigration maze” and ensure that you understand the risks of running afoul of the law as the slightest noncompliance of Canada’s immigration law can result in refusal if application, revocation of status and removal from Canada.

Before your consultation ends, you may also wish to ask your Authorized Representative, “have we looked at all the options that apply to my situation and what are some of the exceptions for foreign nationals from

my country?” In addition to Part 1, below are viable options under which Canada may allow you to enter, stay or remain in Canada, legally: Group of 5 Sponsorship: Are you a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH), Community Sponsor (CS) or Group-of-Five Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents who needs to know more about this category of sponsorship?

Humanitarian & Compassionate Grounds: This is a category for individuals who do not fit into any Class.

International Experience Canada Working Holiday: An excellent program that allows individuals to travel and work in Canada for up to 1-year.

Live-in-Caregiver: This category of immigration goes well beyond the minimum requirement of work experience or classroom training. Even with a job offer, to meet work permit criteria, depends on the country you completed high school, you may be ineligible.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Most provinces and territories will accept individuals meeting PNP criteria.

Get nominated and take advantage of substantially lesser points than Federal Skilled Workers.

Super Visa: Allows Parents & Grandparents to visit and remain in Canada for 2-years. Both Recipient and applicant

How to think your way to success

JG Francoeur Contributor SOME principles are so simple that we often overlook their significance. For instance, success is lack of failure; each failure is due to some mistake; each mistake in action originates in some mistake in thinking. To change from failure to success, it is necessary to develop those processes of thought which prevent mistakes, and which lead to success.

There is a process of success. It is a dual process. The first step is vivid imaging in thinking. It is the subject of this article. The second step is idealized doing.

This dual process—vivid imaging and idealized doing —guarantees success.

You have often been told that success comes to the man who “uses his brain”— that is, to the man who thinks. But mere thinking will not prevent him from making mistakes; neither will purposeful thinking, nor well thought out plans.

Thinking in vivid images is the only process which always prevents mistakes.

Even great experts make mistakes when they fail to think in vivid images.

In his mind, the successful inventive genius forms vivid images of every

part of the machine which he is constructing. Before it is made, he mentally sees each part separately, and all parts assembled and working together. After examining a new machine he is able at any time to re-image a picture of the machine. He resees the image when the physical object is no longer present. That is thinking in vivid images.

You look at the same machine; but, after leaving it, you are able “only to think about it.” That is thinking in ideas.

Vividness is a quality of mind which makes geniuses, and it can be developed. When you read “the iron is hot,” you think of the idea of heat. When you accidentally put your finger tip on the red hot iron, your mind thinks in vivid images of special heat.

In order to think your way to success, you must envision your future success before you can achieve that success.

Most people believe that ‘they will believe it when they see it” when in fact the opposite is true. “They will see it when they believe it”.

A famous author once said “If you can hold it in your head, you can hold it in your hand”.

Your first task as you go into the holidays should be sit quietly for some time and think about 2013 and what you’d like to achieve.

The best way to form a picture in your mind is to ask yourself a question.

Ask questions like; what does success look like? What would I like to achieve and why do I want to achieve those goals?

must meet individual criteria.

Temporary Resident - Student Visa: A study permit is required to study legally in Canada however, depends on the duration of the course; some individuals are exempt from obtaining a study permit. Some students may be eligible for work permit offcampus, post graduate work permit and even permanent residence status.

Temporary Resident - Visitor`s Visa: Not all visitors who enter Canada require a visitors visa but all visitors who enters Canada must uphold their temporary obligations. On September 12, 2012, citizens of St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland, lost their visa-exempt status.

Temporary Resident - Work Permit: Individuals may work in Canada with or without a work permit. In either case, it is illegal to charge foreign workers to find a job in Canada. Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan are some provinces which impose hefty fines on recruiters who charge temporary foreign workers to find jobs in Canada.

Depends on the profession, a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) is required to obtain a work permit. Nonetheless, Free Trade Agreement, North America Free Trade

Agreements & General Agreement on Trade in Services etcetera allows more than 60 professions to work in Canada temporarily without obtaining a LMO. Notably, there have been vast changes to the temporary foreign worker program and either the Employer or Worker should consult an Authorized Representative to address provincial, education accreditation and language requirements.

Temporary Residence Permit: This is an excellent”second chance”` for individuals who are medically or criminally inadmissible to Canada.

Indeed, Canadian immigration is complex! Each case is unique and foreign nationals may be eligible for several categories of immigration. Parts 1 & II of Ways to Migrate to Canada merely scratches the surface and individuals seeking to enter, stay or remain in Canada must exercise their Right to Counsel.

Warning: Under the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act – the penalty for Unauthorized Representatives is $100,000 and/or a 2-year jail term upon conviction. Individuals who engage in this service can also face a 2-year barred from Canada.

16 Wednesday, December 19, 2012

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Your Horoscope - December 19th 2012 Aries Horoscope (March 21-April 20): As of Thursday, you’ll thrust onto an acceleration curve. You can gain, attain, or accomplish what wasn’t within sight only a short time ago. Easy come, aptly timed, or readymade, Thursday through Saturday delivers the goods. Sunday morning is for savouring and lazing about. Monday delivers major news and/or a big decision. Financial or social, Wednesday is fortuitous.

Taurus Horoscope (April 21-May 21): Thursday’s supermoon revs up financial and/or intimate-relationship matters. Once it sparks, that undeniable sense of destiny, déjà vu, or soul-mate connection follows, so much so that you can switch onto a fresh page without a second glance. Thursday through Saturday and mid next week onward, high hopes and expectations show good promise. Still, keep a grip on reality.

Gemini Horoscope (May 23-June 20): A social cycle and/or shopping spree now boosts you with a dynamic second wind. Thursday’s supermoon also fans the fire of desire.

Wherever you aim, whatever you say, it’ll work for you exceptionally well Thursday through Sunday. Enjoy, partake, dance, laugh, lavish, or charge it up. On Monday and Tuesday, you can feel stretched, confused, or out of sorts. Wednesday puts you on a fast bounce-back.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21-July 20): On Thursday and Friday, you should find yourself especially quick on the uptake. Once you get your information, answer, or opportunity, don’t overlook or override it; race ahead with it. Correct, heal, repair, or revive where necessary. Searching for a better solution, agent, advisor, or job? This next week offers up better prospects and shortens the route to your goal.

Leo Horoscope (July 21Aug. 22): If the holiday onslaught hasn’t gotten to you yet, it will now. Thursday’s supermoon is especially animating. You’ll be the most effervescent elf in the room, or you’ll be completely preoccupied with planning your best escape route. Thursday through Saturday, your actions, words, personal connections, performance skills, luck, and opportunities are at a peak. Monday and Tuesday can drain, flood, or sweep you away.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23Sept. 22): A new home-andfamily chapter begins. You should find that plans fall into place naturally and readily. A social weekend couldn’t be better timed. Aim to wrap up shopping or other loose ends while the stars are on your side.

Thursday’s raise-the-bar supermoon also launches an important living-with-yourself chapter. Monday/Tuesday delivers increase, release, surprise opportunity, or an announcement.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23Oct. 22): Thursday through Saturday, you’ll see talks, plans, prospects, and gatherings click together very well, just as they should. The Sagittarius supermoon sets legal matters, contract negotiations, and paperwork into faster motion.

It also increases opportunity for travel, teaching, publishing, performing, and financial gain. No matter what role he or she plays, someone new can be of tremendous benefit or influence.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Whether you’ve designed it or it’s evolving on its own, a future course is now setting the next play into action. On the biggerpicture scale, there’s more to things than you know. Thursday, Friday, and next Wednesday are especially opportune.

Ambitions, activities, and interactions can meet with instant gratification. Monday’s stars prompt a big expenditure, a major output, or a big step forward.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22-Dec. 20): The Sagittarius supermoon could shoot you out of the starting gate like a racehorse on a mission. Thursday through Saturday and next Wednesday/Thursday, you are especially hot stuff. Let your playfulness, creativity, or consciousness run free. Starting Saturday, Venus brightens prospects and encourages you to go for it. It turns you into quite the attention-getter too. On Monday, you can’t hold back. Don’t.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 21-Jan. 20): You have a lot more going on than most would know. So far, you’ve been able to keep it under cover well.

Watch for Thursday’s new moon and Monday’s Mercury/Jupiter opposition to reveal, expose, or instigate. Thursday through Saturday and Wednesday/Thursday, synchronicity and intuition thrust you a big step ahead of the game—yours and theirs.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 21-Feb. 18): Firing full steam ahead, Thursday’s supermoon can herald a sendoff, a sign-off, or the start of an excellent adventure. Through the weekend, the spark’s alive and the signal’s coming on strong. You could bump into more people, spot the perfect “it”, be a super salesperson, and/or find yourself ready with great ideas, plans, and conversation.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 18-March 20): Expect to be up to your eyeballs in family back and forth. You may not want the added responsibility or headache, but you’re the best person to take charge of organization. Through Saturday, the stars bless you with clever thinking, ease, instant rapport, and pleasing results. Monday to Thursday delivers even more.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 17

Relaxing the Mind

Geeta Maraj Contributor We are very aware of the importance of relaxation to the body. “Relax” is now a part of our daily lingo: we are told by our family and friends to relax; our physicians advise that we relax; we tell ourselves that we need to relax; but what is it that we need to do to relax? Where should we really begin?

We know the benefits to our health when we avoid the general stressors of life.

We, however, struggle to keep this concept at the forefront of our daily activities, especially when leading very busy lives. Signs that we need to relax and take a moment for ourselves include feeling irritable, getting short-tempered at the simplest of situations, a general feeling of disappointment in ourselves and others, not being able to focus or retain important information, poor eating habits and a lack of proper sleep.

The first step in learning to relax is to let go of the guilt you feel when you know you need to relax. You will make a better friend, relative and worker with proper rest and knowing when to take a moment for yourself. The old adage “taking care of yourself so that you can better take care of others” holds true when it comes to our ability to know when to care for ourselves. Start by

allotting a special time each day for yourself.

Either set your alarm or block out a specific time in your agenda as your “me time”. Finding that moment first thing in the morning is best at preparing you for your day. Use this moment to do something which benefits you personally.

Practice of proper breathing techniques so as to calm your body and relax your mind is an important and crucial step in learning to relax. We hardly realize that our breathing pattern affects our health and causes tension to be built in our body. However, there is a correct way of breathing, as there is an incorrect way of breathing. The correct way to breathe is to ensure when you inhale that your chest rises, and your abdomen extends. When you exhale, your chest should collapse as your abdomen contracts pushing all the stale air out of your lungs. By paying attention to this correct way of breathing during the day, we can help to decrease the stress we feel in our body as the day progresses.

The incorrect way of breathing would be that when we breathe in our abdomen contracts at the same time. This is common at various times in the day when our body begins to feel stressed. Therefore, it is always important to check your breathing pattern. The way in which you correct your breathing is to exhale all your breath till your abdomen contracts tightly. Upon inhaling your next breath, your breathing rhythm will automatically be corrected.

Our diet is equally important in keeping our body relaxed. Avoid high fat and excessive sugar in your diet. Carbohydrates equally convert to sugar when broken

down in the body and affects our blood sugar level, causing us to become irritable based on the fluctuations of our glucose level. Eating fresh foods and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables help to decrease stress in our body.

Avoiding excess caffeine, but drinking at least 8 cups of liquid daily, also helps to keep our body cleansed and decreases stress.

Though daily exercise is beneficial in relaxing the body, if this is not practical, try to exercise at least 3 to 4 times weekly.

Whether it is just a half an hour walk, swim, bike, or yoga – these all will help to overcome aches and pains caused by a build up of stress in the body.

Meditation is also vital in making us relax and learn to let go of our general stressors. Finding a time and place to meditate can be as easy as sitting in a chair or at the end of your bed when you awake in the morning. Just take a moment to breathe deeply to cleanse your lungs, and begin to focus your thoughts through a silent chant, so as to calm

your mind. In time, meditation can be practiced in a special corner of your home, on a meditation mat at a particular time each day.

Meditation is known to keep our blood pressure more stable, prevents cardiac issues, depression and even slows the aging process.

Getting a massage is an additional great way to relax. If you cannot afford a massage at a local spa, ask a relative or loved one you are comfortable with for a massage.

Massages help to undo knots in the muscles built up as a result of stress. Most importantly, we can relax through the best medicine of all - laughter. When we laugh, endorphins are released into the blood stream causing us to feel happy and relaxed.

Our body is a gift; it is the vehicle through which we travel this sojourn. We carry in it the key necessary to keep ourselves happy, relaxed and healthy. All that is required is for us to tap into this ability. So conquer your stress and anxiety by learning to breathe, laugh, love and relax!

18 Wednesday, December 19, 2012

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Talks swirl about tolling DVP & Gardener Express Wau & 407ETR

Tammy Flores Contributor I was told privatizing Highway 407 and putting tolls on the DVP & the Gardener Expressway are two different arguments.

Are they really? Well if you want to look at it from the standpoint that the 400 series highways are provincially owned and the City of Toronto owns the DVP & the Gardener Expressway I can agree with that.

But are there really any other differences in the debate? Some people will still say yes. People will say nobody wants to sell of their roads to private interests and that this money will be a revenue stream for the city to pay for road repairs, transit and expansion. I am going to take you back into history and remind you how we were sold on tolling Highway 407. I already wrote this in my June 21st, 2012 article entitled “Can Highway 407 Ease Our Congestion Woes?”, but I think we need a reminder.

April 19th, 1997-The Toronto Star’s, Jim Kenzie writes, “Open Up Highway 407 and let drivers try it for free. If commuters fall in love with the toll way, it’ll cut traffic elsewhere”…

June 12th, 1997-The Toronto Star’s Bob Mitchell writes “Toll Road Fi-

nally Open” and quoted excited commuters.

June 14th, 1997-The Toronto Star’s Jim Kenzie writes, “Highway 407 is worth itfor free True value will be seen in how 401 congestion is relieved” September 28th, 1997-The Toronto Star received a letter from Wayne Debly of Maple where he did some math and the 407 toll figures were 4 times higher than in the U.S. and that is when the tolls were about $.10/KM Most noticeable was this article in the Toronto Star of October 15th, 1997; the day people were charged to use the toll highway. It was a retreat back to the 401.

Minister Al Palladini, who drove the toll way during the morning rush hour with his successor, Tony Clement is quoted as saying, “There’s no question traffic was very light, but once motorists get tired of getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Highway 401 and other routes, they’ll be back.” This was when we were only paying about $.10/KM. The minute they started to charge a toll on the 407, the increase in traffic on the 401 and other vital routes was duly visible. This is something we cannot ignore given the increase in the amount of Vehicle Registrations and Vehicle Kilometers Traveled that took place in the GTA since 1997, the lack of reliable data from 407ETR and the model of optimizing trips to generate ever increasing EBITA to enrich owners instead of trip optimization actions and alternatives for congestion relief.

The Province has a responsibility to act on one of 3 triggers in the Concessions Agreement with the 407 ETR that would bring in at least $1 billion dollars to the public purse and some much needed relief for drivers. So far the Province has not acted responsibly in this manner and

you want us to believe the City of Toronto is on the right track? It’s always said that history repeats itself. Until I see some action with respects to 407ETR issues, I will not have any confidence in what is being proposed with respect to tolls at the City of Toronto.

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