FPCBP Bulletin - Edition 1 for Web.indd

MENSAGEM DO PRESIDENTE
MERRY CHRISTMAS
- FELIZ NATAL!!!
FELIZ ANO NOVO
- HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
NOITE PARA RECORDAR
PARABÉNS COMUNIDADE. PARABÉNS FPCBP.
OS NOSSOS JOVENS LUSOCANADIANOS ESTUDANTES
UNIVERSITÁRIOS – MERECEM
A 23ª. Edição da “SCHOLARSHIP
AWARD”, patrocionada e organizada pela
“FPCBP” – Federação dos Empresários e
Profissionais Luso-Canadianos, fica a
constituir um marco a registar na história
desta comunidade.
ambiente acolhedor e altamente distinto
como é apanágio do “Pearson Convention
Centre”, as cerca de três centenas e meia
de pessoas presentes viveram sem dúvida
uma noite diferente e memorável. O jantar
e respectiva ementa estiveram certamente
ao nível do acontecimento, bem acompanhada dos bons vinhos portugueses.
A alegria e emoção dos estudantes
As the year comes to an end and
with the holiday season upon us again,
the Board and Staff of the FPCBP
“Federation of Portuguese Business
and Professionals” would like to take
this opportunity to thank all members
of the FPCBP and our Luso Canadian
Community for all the support that
we have received throughout the year
2004.
Please accept our warmest wishes
for a Happy Christmas and a safe and
Happy New Year.
Nesta quadra de Natal e Ano
Novo, a Direcção e colaboradores da
FPCBP “Federação de Empresários e
Profissionais Luso Canadianos” deseja a todos os seus membros e respectivas famílias, bem como a toda a
Comunidade Portuguesa, um Santo e
Feliz Natal e um Ano Novo repleto de
sucessos, paz e amor.
Aproveitamos ainda o ensejo para
agradecer todo o suporte que a FPCBP
recebeu durante este ano de 2004 e
que nos permitiu eventos de sucesso e
dos quais destacamos:
Concurso “o significado de ser
Português no Canadá“ suportado
(continuação na página 2)
1
Official Picture with students, sponsors, FPCBP Board and guests of honour
É tradição, que a Federação “FPCBP”
sempre que leva a efeito qualquer celebração pública, o faça com classe, distinção e
bom gosto. Desta vez e mantendo a regra,
novo sucesso voltou a acontecer nesta última quinta-feira, em que se homenageava
os nossos jovens estudates universitários.
Não fora já esta causa motivo suficiente, pode-se acrescentar que a presença do
Premier do Ontário, Dalton McGuinty e
do “Dean” da Faculdade de Engenharia
da Universidade de Toronto entre outros
altos dignitários, contribuiu e motivou a
Organização a pôr de pé um programa
muito imaginativo, cheio de côr e num
ambiente de grande requinte, como raras
vezes tem acontecido em eventos do género.
A começar pela recepção, cuidadosamente preparada e melhor servida, em
distinguidos, bem como de familiares,
pais e acompanhantes, era bem visível.
Efectivamente, a Federação (FPCBP) está
de parabéns, não só pelo programa apresentado, mas ainda pela maneira eficaz e
criativa como o fez.
Esta iniciativa de distribuição de bolsas de estudo que a Federação “FPCBP”
é pioneira e mantém há vinte e três anos,
constitui certamente a estratégia e medida
mais acertada na conquista destes novos
valores que o são estes jovens estudanters
universitários luso-canadianos.
A Comunidade Portuguesa felicita a
“Federation” na pessoa do seu presidente
Sr. Leo Pereira e toda a sua Direcção que
merecem não só o nosso melhor aplauso
mas também todo o nosso suporte.
Article courtesy of Voice Newspaper
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
(continuação da página 1)
pelo “Trillium Foundation” e pela
FPCBP e que colocou os jovens LusoCanadianos em destaque.
Celebração da eleição de Mário
Silva, primeiro luso-canadiano eleito
para o Parlamento Federal do Canadá.
Atribuição de vinte e quatro bolsas de estudo, com um montante
recorde de $55,000 angariado na
nossa Comunidade e distribuído aos
estudantes universitários luso-canadianos e realização da cerimónia
“SCHOLARSHIP DINNER” com a
presença do Senhor Primeiro Ministro
to Ontário, “Premier of Ontario,
Honourable Dalton McGuinty” que
pela primeira vez, oficialmente, visita
a Comunidade Luso-Canadiana.
Sabemos que o Novo Ano 2005 nos
vai exigir bastante acção, sacrifício e
energia, pois a Comunidade aguarda
a todo o momento que a “Câmara de
Comério” Canadá-Portugal –“Chamber
of Commerce & Industry”entre em actividade, o que, com a colaboração
de todos os membros da FPCBP e da
Comunidade em geral contamos tornar realidade em curto prazo.
É pois com atitude positiva e expectante que recebemos o Ano Novo,
desejando que o 2005 venha a constituir um marco de gratas recordações
e grandes sucessos para todos, a nível
individual e comunitário.
Spousal RRSPs: Understanding how they work
When used correctly, spousal RRSPs
can be an effective tool in planning for a
couple’s retirement. Spousal RRSPs can
be a tricky concept, so it is important to
understand the basics, before making this
strategy part of your retirement plan. To
help make this concept clearer, we should
answer a few basic questions:
What is a spousal RRSP? A spousal
RRSP is an account into which one spouse
makes contributions to the other spouse’s
RRSP who is in a lower tax bracket and
the owner of the account. This means the
owner spouse has control over the account
in terms of investment decisions and when
payments are received from the account.
Why use a spousal RRSP? The main advantage of a spousal RRSP is to help divide
assets that will produce future income and
thereby reducing the family’s overall tax
burden. Typically a couple with one wage
earner is best suited for a spousal RRSP.
How does a spousal RRSP work? It separates the income between both spouses.
Typically, the higher income spouse will
contribute to a spousal RRSP and receive
a tax deduction at a high marginal tax
rate. Then, in retirement or earlier, when
the other spouse withdraws that money to
produce income, it will generally result in
a smaller income and be taxed at a lower
tax rate.
Tax Act uses the attribution rule to prevent
spouses from paying less tax than is prescribed. Any withdrawal within two calendar years will be taxed in the hands of the
contributor and not the spouse.
Can I make contributions to my spouse’s
existing RRSP? The short answer is yes.
However, as soon as you combine or comingle your spousal contributions with
their regular contributions, the account is
considered a spousal account and subject
to the attribution rules. In this case, if a
withdrawal is made from the account, it
may be taxed in the hands of the contributing spouse. Depending on your circumstances, it may be more appropriate to
have two accounts so, if you need to make
a withdrawal before retirement, you can
make it from the account that makes most
sense for tax purposes.
Spousal RRSPs can be a complicated
concept and may not be appropriate for
everyone. It is important to understand
the basics before considering this tool for
your retirement plan. To better understand
if spousal RRSPs are appropriate for you
and how they may fit into your retirement
plan, talk to a financial planner.
Article courtesy of Scotiabank
What are attribution rules? The Income
Leo Pereira
FPCBP - President
2
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
Comunidade luso-canadiana prepara o futuro
A Federação Luso-Canadiana de
Empresas e Profissionais avançou com
mais uma etapa na preparação do futuro,
contando até com um padrinho inusitado,
na pessoa do primeiro-ministro provincial,
Dalton McGuinty. Uma etapa que haveria
de se revestir de qualidades intrínsecas
que pena será se alguém esquecer.
Há 23 anos que a Federação tem vindo
a insistir no tema. Com esta ou
outras palavras, sucessivas direcções entenderam que é preciso
começar... pelo princípio. Ou
seja, entenderam que os mais
jovens que se preparam para o
futuro necessitam de apoio.
Assim sendo, para colmatar
eventuais dificuldades, esta organização criou um programa
de Bolsas de Estudo destinadas a auxiliar os estudantes de
descendência portuguesa que
frequentem as instituições educacionais
canadianas.
É uma etapa a que este ano a direcção,
liderada por Leo Pereira, deu ainda mais
acutilância e força. Não apenas pelo montante a atribuir – cerca de 50 mil dólares –
mas, também, pela presença do “Premier”
do Ontário.
E o que é facto é que a comunidade
organizada entendeu a mensagem. No
tocante às Bolsas, empresários e profissionais engrossaram o montante a dar. No
que respeita ao todo geral comunitário,
foram algumas centenas os que estiveram
presentes no Pearson Convention Center,
3
já em Brampton, como que a dizer que o
Ontário não é apenas Toronto.
Conceitos e empenhamento
bem patenteados
Do acontecimento, já todos falaram.
Importará agora dar resenha de conceitos
e de empenhamento, sobretudo para que
nos anais de Sol Português – sempre na
vanguarda destas tarefas da boa cidadania
– figurem casos e factos.
Diga-se, desde já, que três mil estudantes universitários luso-canadianos ainda
não é a meta ideal – como lembrou, na
altura, quinta-feira passada, dia 25 de
Novembro, frente ao primeiro-ministro
provincial do Ontário, Dalton McGuinty, o
presidente da Federação Luso-Canadiana
de Empresas e Profissionais, Leonardo
Pereira.
Para ele, “não obstante o número de
estudantes luso-canadianos a frequentar
as universidades e institutos do Ontário e
Canadá no presente ano escolar de 2004-
2005 ultrapassar os três mil, a comunidade luso-canadiana está ciente de que
ainda não foi atingida a meta ideal em
termos de participação de ensino superior”. Lembrou, no entanto que “o facto
de reconhecermos que tal número não é
ainda satisfatório, não deve impedir que
celebremos com alegria e orgulho o calibre e a alta qualidade dos nossos estudantes luso-canadianos como hoje
podemos aqui constatar”.
Entenda-se, como também o
disse o presidente da Federação,
que “a Comunidade tem definitivamente de saber assumir também os sucessos que já há muito
vêm acontecendo nos diversos
sectores da nossa sociedade e
tem a obrigação de celebrar esses mesmos sucessos sem inibição e com a maturidade própria
de uma comunidade que sabe
donde vem, onde está e para onde vai”.
O contributo dos portugueses no Canadá
Palavras que, certamente, o primeiroministro provincial ouviu com atenção.
Até porque, logo a seguir, quando do seu
discurso, aquele governante haveria de tecer comentários de bom tom e de verdade
aos portugueses e à sua gesta.
O primeiro-ministro do Ontário, Dalton
McGuinty, que fez questão de estar presente nesta 23.ª edição da cerimónia de
entrega das Bolsas de Estudo da Federação,
(continuação na página 5)
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
4
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
(continuação da página 3)
afirmou que “os luso-canadianos contribuíram muito para esta comunidade, para
esta província e para este país”, lembrando que os portugueses têm o seu nome
escrito na história mundial e, ao ajudarem
agora, os mais jovens a avançar no sector
do Ensino “entendem, claramente, que a
melhor maneira de celebrar o sucesso dos
jovens é ajudá-los a atingirem ainda maior
sucesso”.
Lembrou aos estudantes
que receberam as Bolsas de
Estudo que a melhor maneira
de agradecer “é continuar a
trabalhar arduamente, continuando a dar-nos razões para
estarmos orgulhosos e a nunca
esquecerem as vossas raízes e
as vossas famílias”.
O primeiro-ministro, que
fez questão de se deixar fotografar com todos os estudantes a quem foram concedidas as 24 bolsas, elogiou a comunidade empresarial e
profissional luso-canadiana “não apenas
por terem feita desta noite um sucesso,
mas por tudo o que têm feito para fazer do
Ontário um caso de sucesso”.
O “Premier” da Educação
Talvez por isso, Fernando Clotildes, na
introdução da noite, haveria de considerar
que Dalton McGuinty gostava de ser considerado como “Premier” da Educação, o
que dá para entender pela sua disponibilidade em estar presente em cerimónia de
tanto significado.
5
O líder do governo provincial fez “comparações” que acabam por nos honrar e à
nossa gesta. “Os vossos ancestrais foram
os primeiros a avançar longe e certo, da
Europa, descobrindo e explorando grande
parte da África, da Ásia, do Atlântico e da
América do Sul”, acentuando, então, que
agora “estão vocês a ajudar 24 dos vossos mais brilhantes estudantes a irem mais
longe na sua educação”.
O embaixador de Portugal no Canadá,
Silveira de Carvalho, falando para os estudantes, considerou que “o sonho dos
vossos avós e dos vossos pais que vieram
para o Canadá à procura de uma vida e
de uma educação melhores para os filhos
vai realizar-se”, já que “através deste programa de bolsas, todos os patrocinadores
encorajam e apoiam o acesso ao ensino
superior a todos os níveis e em todas as
áreas do saber para tantos jovens luso-canadianos”.
De lembrar que, este ano, a Federação
Luso-Canadiana de Empresários e
Profissionais recebeu 83 pedidos de
Bolsas, satisfazendo 24, com um montan-
te global a ultrapassar os 50.000 dólares.
“Padrinhos” significativos
Para “apadrinhar” o sucesso da iniciativa, para além do primeiro-ministro provincial do Ontário, e do embaixador de
Portugal em Otava, entre as personalidades presentes, contavam-se o deputado
federal Mário Silva; o deputado provincial Peter Fonseca; o deão da Faculdade
de Ciências Aplicadas e Engenharia da
Universidade de Toronto,
Anastasios Venetsanopoulos;
o cônsul-geral de Portugal,
Emídio da Veiga Domingos;
e o professor da Universidade
de Toronto, Elvino de Sousa.
Isto, naturalmente, para além
do comité de bolsas de estudo, dirigido pelo secretário da
Direcção, Fernando Clotildes,
e que contou com John Paul
Macedo, Dr. Elvino Sousa,
Nuno Ferreira, Leo Pereira,
Aldina Costa, Fernando Costa, Maggie
Unção, Ana Bento, Irene Maria Blayer,
Joseph C. Curto, Irene Faria e Júlio Sousa.
Para Natasha Santos, que foi mestre de
cerimónias, ela própria uma jovem que
passou para o lado do futuro-futuro, a
certeza de ter cumprido mais uma missão
que decerto lhe deu satisfação. Como daria, também, a Emanuel da Silva e Susana
Miranda, dois dos recipientes de Bolsas,
que usaram da palavra.
Por Fernando Cruz Gomes
Article courtesy of Sol Português
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
Premier of Ontario speaks to the FPCBP scholarship recipients
The
Federation
of
Portuguese
Canadian
Business and Professionals
was honoured with the presence of the Honourable
Dalton McGuinty, Premier of
Ontario. During his speech,
he touched on some of the
main questions facing his
Government in the areas of
education, health and financial stability. He indicated
that his role is not an easy
one and made the audience
laugh when he suggested Premier Dalton McGuinty Speaking
that his seat is available for
anyone who would like his headaches.
On the health issue he mentioned that 14 years ago 30% of
Ontario’s Budget was allocated to this area. It was later increased
to 50% and now he will allocate 60% of the provincial budget
to healthcare. Yet, he commented, many people continue to in-
Some of the FPCBP Board Members presenting a Gift with commemorative
stamp honouring Pedro Da Silva, known as “dit-le-portugais” the first Letter
Carrier in New France -1705 (Canada)
sist that healthcare requires additional funding. He asked what
amount is sufficient. Would we have to spend 70% or 80% of the
provincial budget?
His speech was active, vibrant and it addressed many issues
with a traditional perspective. He demonstrated his leadership
through his speech, which was not just political in nature, but
also empowered the audience and the scholarship recipients to
face the future.
The provincial leader placed strong emphasis on the role of
the family, and the solidarity that it teaches and creates within its
structure. He told a simple story from his life as a teenager.
“I was 16 years old, my younger brother, was two, and there
eight others between us. We were walking to church with our
mother when I
walked faster and
away from the
group. My mother
mentioned
that I should slow
down and stay
with the group. I
told her that I was
the oldest, strongest, and fastest,
and did not have
to follow their The Premier, the Portuguese Ambassador and the
pace!? My moth- President of FPCBP
er’s reply was that
we were a family, which should always be together, in the happy
moments, in the sad moments, never leaving anyone behind,
since the family give us the structure and strength. I never forgot
The Premier, Dalton McGuinty with Irene Faria, sponsorship Donour from Rui
and Louisa Faria Scholarship Fund
her words and the importance of the family. We Ontarians should
think as one, strong, and capable of reaching our maximum potential. We are all winners.”
The 400 guests showed their satisfaction with applauses during various stages of his speech and at the end the Honourable
Dalton McGuinty received a well deserved standing ovation. In
The Premier, Dalton McGuinty with Dr Anastasios Venetsanopoulos, Dean of
Faculty of App. Science & Engineering, Prof. Elvino Sousa, Professor at Univeristy of Toronto, and FPCBP Secretary, Fernando Clotildes.
The Premier Dalton McGuinty; Hi Wife Terri McGuinty; Leonel Ramos, Banco
Espirito Santo Toronto Office; John Santos, FPCBP Past President; Virgilio Pires,
Business Owner; FPCBP President, Leo Pereira; Ivo Sousa, Business Owner
6
attendance were several community leaders and various representatives of community organizations and business people who
sponsored the scholarships awarded.
It was a memorable evening for all involved especially for our
24 scholarship recipients and their families.
By Kelly da Fonseca
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
Speech of the FPCBP President, Leo Pereira
Honourable Dalton
McGuinty,
Premier
of the Province of
Ontario; Excelentissimo
Sr. Embaixador de
Portugal no Canada, Dr.
Jose Pedro da Silveira
Carvalho; M.P. Mario
Silva, Member of the
Federal Parliament of
Canada; M.P.P. Peter
Fonseca, Member of the
Provincial Parliament
of Ontario; Professor
Dr.
Anastasious
Ve n e t s a n o p o u l o s ,
Dean of the Faculty FPCBP President, Leo Pereira, addressing the
of Engineering of the audience
University of Toronto;
Senhor Consul Geral de Portugal no Canada, Dr. Emidio da Veiga
Domingos; Mr. Glen Gowland, Vice-President of the Scotiabank;
Distinguished Guests; Past-Presidents and Members of the
Federation; Media Representatives; Ladies and Gentlemen
From the Left, Dr. Emidio Da Veiga Domingos, Consul General for Portugal
in Toronto; FPCB Vice President, John Paul Macedo; FPCBP President, Leo
Pereira; Nelly Pedro, Past President FPCBP; Hon. Mario Silva, MP; Premier of
Ontario, Hon. Dalton McGuinty; Premier’s Wife, Terri McGuinty; Peter Fonseca, MPP: Dr. João Pedro da Silveira Carvalho, Ambassador for Portugal in
Ottawa
The young men and women here tonight not only exemplify
the spirit of hard work and dedication that can be found in all
Lusitanos, it also shows the love and sacrifice of their families as
well. Many of your parents left Portugal to provide a better life for
you, leaving behind their families, friends and their way of life,
but seeing all of you here tonight, I can say with confidence that
you are realizing their dreams.
Premier Dalton Mcguinty addressing the Crowd
Today, we are here to celebrate the achievements of a new
generation of Luso-Canadians, and to show our support for their
continued success.
Ana Bento, representing Scotiabank, Event Sponsor and Scholarship Sponsor
Premier McGuinty, we thank you for honouring us with your
presence tonight, and for your concern with post secondary education, as you made this issue a main topic of your electoral campaign. We congratulate your Government for the effort demonstrated with the introduction of increased funding for the colleges
and universities of Ontario. We understand that as the result of
your action, post-secondary education in Ontario is more accessible, and better able to meet the demands of today’s generation.
The Federation of Portuguese-Canadian Business and
Professionals is proud to foster the oldest and largest scholarship
The Head Table with the Premier Dalton McGuinty and guests of Honour.
7
(continued on page 10)
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
Scholarship Recipients 2004
Biographies of 10 of the 24 FPCBP Scholarship Recipients. The remaining biographies will be on the next issue of this newsletter.
D o c t o ra l C and id ates
Emanuel Angelo Da Silva
Sociolinguistics,
University of
Toronto
Emanuel is a second year Ph.D.
candidate at the
University
of
Toronto.
He received an Honours
Bachelor of Arts (French Language and
Linguistics, Portuguese, Italian) and
Master of Arts (French Linguistics) from
the University of Toronto. Emanuel has
been a research assistant for several professors and has participated in a myriad of
exchange programs. He is currently a volunteer for Project Diploma. Emanuel’s thesis will examine the relation between the
reconstructions of identity and language
practices of our youth from a sociolinguistic and ethnographic perspective.
Susana Paula Miranda
History, York
University
Susana is a second
year Ph.D. student
at York University.
She received an
Honours Bachelor
of Science from the
8
University of Toronto (Human Physiology)
and a Master of Arts (History) from York
University. Susana has had much of her
work in print and hopes to one day publish her research in her own book. Her
thesis is focused on the role of Portuguese
men and women in the Toronto cleaning
industry.
Eric Monteiro
Medicine,
University of
Toronto
Eric is a first year
Medical student at
the University of
Toronto. In 2004,
he graduated from
The
University
of Western Ontario with an Honours
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Eric
has won numerous athletic accolades and
done extensive volunteer work. He is passionate about his native Portuguese language and culture and is looking forward
to doing medical research in Portugal.
Debbie Fonseca
Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
Debbie is a second year dentistry student at
the University of Western Ontario. During
her academic career she has received an
Honours Bachelor of Science (Biology and
Environmental Science) and Bachelor of
Arts (Psychology)
from
McMaster
University, and a
Master of Science
(Nutritional
Sciences)
from
the University of
Toronto.
Debbie
has volunteered as
a tutor and mentor for Working Women
and has had several research papers published.
Mast ers Cand ida t e s
Rui Couto
Civil Engineering,
University of
Toronto
After
graduating in June with
a
Bachelor
of
Applied
Science
and
Engineering
(Collaborative
Environmental and Civil Engineering
Program), Rui has decided to stay at the
University of Toronto in order to pursue his Masters of Applied Science and
Engineering (Civil Engineering). His research interests are primarily focused in
geotechnical engineering. Rui has tutored
and worked as a junior engineer and is
currently a member of the UTPA.
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
Melissa Azevedo
Sandra M. Pereira
Law, Osgoode Hall
Law School (York
U)
After receiving her
Honours Bachelor
of Arts from the
University
of
Toronto, Melissa is
now pursuing her
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Program from York
University’s Osgoode Hall Law School.
Her current work, providing legal assistance to new Canadians, has resulted in
a desire to specialize in immigration law.
Her goal is to continue to assist those who
have recently arrived in Canada and find
themselves in a position of economic
strain. She also has had extensive experience working with the disabled by striving to increase public accessibility in their
daily lives.
Dietetics and
Human Nutrition,
McGill University
After completing
her Honours B.Sc.
at the University
of Toronto, Sandra
is currently pursuing her Master of
Science in Dietetics and Human Nutrition
at McGill University. Her extensive research in diabetes at the University Health
Network has led her to become interested
in pursuing a career in medical research.
Ultimately, she envisions a career in academia, where she will be able to pursue
research interests and instruct future generations of students.
Susy Oliveira
Sandra Cardoso
Fine Arts,
University of
Waterloo
After
graduating
from the Ontario
College of Applied
Art and Design
in 2000 with an
Honours
degree
in drawing and painting, Susy is currently pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts at
the University of Waterloo. She hopes to
one day pass on her love of art to others.
Teaching is a central part of her philosophy as an artist and she is excited that her
current studies will include a teaching
component.
Chemical
Engineering,
University of
Western Ontario
Sandra is currently
in her third year
working towards
her Bachelor of
Biochemical and
Chemical Engineering Degree at London’s
University of Western Ontario. She was the
Youth Director for the Central/Southwest
Region of Ontario for the Portuguese
Canadian National Congress and is currently the co-chair of the Youth Advisory
Committee for the London District School
Board. Previously, Sandra had been ac-
9
Undergraduat es
tive in the Portuguese Club of London’s
folk-dancing group and just last year she
founded “The Portuguese Connection”,
Western’s official Portuguese club oncampus.
David Baptista Dos Reis
Education, York
University
David is a third-year
student attending
York
University’s
Concurrent
Bachelor
of
E d u c a t i o n
Programme. He is
working towards his Honours Bachelor of
Arts (double-majoring in Law & Society
and History) and his Bachelor of Education.
David is a volunteer for the Canadian
Race Relations Foundation, a volunteer
Catechism Teacher and a folk-dancer at
the Clube Transmontano. Future plans for
David include opening a Legal Aid clinic
for Portuguese-speaking persons.
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
(continued from page 7)
program in the Portuguese community. For
the last 23 years, the FPCBP has awarded
over 200 scholarships totaling more than
$400,000 in the creation and sustainability of a post-secondary bursary program for
deserving students of Portuguese descent.
The FPCBP would like to thank its
sponsors without whom this night and the
awarding of these scholarships would not
be possible. We would like to thank all
those in attendance tonight, especially our
esteemed guest of honour The Honourable
Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, and
other notable dignitaries. Also, I would like
to take this opportunity to personally congratulate the scholarship award winners.
Tonight we honour your dedication and
perseverance in your studies. We want to
demonstrate that the Portuguese-Canadian
community is supportive of its leaders of
tomorrow.
Não obstante o número de estudantes
luso-canadianos a frequentar as universidades e institutos do Ontário e Canadá no
presente ano escolar de 2004-2005 ultrapassar os três mil, a Comunidade lusocanadiana está ciente de que ainda não
foi atingida a meta ideal em termos de
participação de ensino superior. Contudo,
o facto de reconhecermos que tal número
não é ainda satisfatório, não deve impedir que celebremos com alegria e orgulho
o calibre e a alta qualidade dos nossos
estudantes luso-canadianos como hoje
podemos aqui constatar.
10
A Comunidade tem defenitivamente de
saber assumir também os sucessos que já
há muito vêm acontecendo nos diversos
sectores da nossa sociedade e tem a obrigação de celebrar esses mesmos sucessos
sem inibição e com a maturidade própria
de uma comunidade que sabe donde vem,
onde está e para onde vai.
I would like to thank the distinguished
members of the Selection Committee for
their involvement in the process to determine this year’s recipients. The Committee
has provided an invaluable service to the
Community.
I would like to thank the generosity of
our main sponsor, Scotia Bank, for sponsoring not only this evening event, but also
the scholarship program and the yearly
events program.
I would also like to thank the Scholarship
Committee, the Fund Raising Committee,
all members of the Board, and the support
staff of the Federation for all their hard
work and effort.
A special and deserved reference, as well
as my admiration, go to the Scholarship
Committee for the significant hard work
and plan of action that under the guidance
and leadership of the Committee Chair
Fernando Clotildes transformed a difficult
task in a simple but very pleasant event.
for the successful coordination, efficient
work and great results reflected in the
amount of the funds raised that constitutes
a pleasant record of twenty four scholarships as being awarded today.
Finally, my heartfelt thanks go to the
Portuguese-Canadian Community for the
support to the Federation. My goal, as
president, is that the Federation will strive
to continue to offerto our Luso-Canadian
Youth, to us, to Portugal and to Canada, a
continuous, proud, respectable and stronger Portuguese Community. Once again
congratulations to all Recipients. We wish
you all the best in your academic dreams
with only one request, that once you are
established in life, please look back to this
community that is proudly supporting you
today, and help us to continue our mission
in helping others that certainly will follow
you in the future.
Thank you.
Leo Pereira
President FPCBP
November 25, 2004
Our gratitude and appreciation go also
to the Fund Raising Committee and John
Paul Macedo, the elm of the Committee,
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
Business opportunities
The Government Keeps Canada’s Economy on Track
Oportunidades de negócio
In November, Finance Minister Ralph
Goodale delivered his first Economic and
Fiscal Update to the House of Commons
Standing Committee on Finance. The minister clearly outlined the fact that the government has maintained Canada’s economy on the right track. The Fiscal Update
showed that the government is continuing
to pay down the country’s debt and in so
doing ensuring that our economy remains
vibrant and strong.
Investimento – Campo de golfe
“New venture” procura investidor interessado. Inclui construção de um hotel nos
Açores.
Fabricante de ceramica
Procura representante
e distribuidor para o Canadá.
Fabricante de calçado
Procura representante
e distribuidor para o Canadá.
Fabricante de sumos
Procura representante
e distribuidor para o Canadá.
Fabricante de nova marca de cerveja
Procura representante e distribuidor para
o Canadá.
Produtor de Vinho do Porto
Nova Marca, Procura Representante
no Canada
Produtor de Vinho Tinto e Branco
Norte de Portugal, Procura Representante
no Canada
Contacte a Federação
de Empresários e Profissionais
Luso-Canadianos (416) 537-8874.
Nota: Informações para FPCBP membros custo mínimo. Informações a
não membros custo obrígatório
Pedidos de informação somente por
escrito.
11
In the past 14 months, due to the government’s sound fiscal policies, the Canadian
economy has created nearly 400,000 new
full-time jobs.
Since 1997, when the government
eliminated the budget deficit, Canada has
ranked first among all G-7 countries for
growth in living standards, with the average standard of living rising faster in the
past 7 years than in the previous 17 years.
MP Mário Silva
The Government’s effective management of the economy and paying down
our country’s debt has already resulted
in annual savings of $3 billion on interest
charges.
Based on forecasts we are expecting
economic growth of 3% in 2004 and 3.2%
in 2005.
As our population ages the government
recognizes that this will have a significant
impact upon our nation’s economy. It is
for this reason that the government has set
a goal of reducing the federal debt as a
percentage of GDP to 25 per cent within
the next 10 years. At the same time we are
working to support innovation, productivity and international competitiveness to
ensure that Canada remains an economic
leader.
In short, the government is effectively
managing Canada’s economy and by paying down our debt it is ensuring that we
pass on to our children a strong and vibrant national economy.
Article courtesy of Mario Silva
MPP for Davenport
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004
Speech of FPCBP scholarship recipient Emanuel A. da Silva
For my part, I’d like to focus on two
questions: why are we here and what can
/are we doing?
As Susana mentioned we are here because these scholarships recognize the
value of education in the PortugueseCanadian community. The way I see it, education is important because it gives you
access to resources (economic, political,
social, etc.) that would otherwise be out
of reach.
Sadly, as we all know, education seems
to be out of the reach of many young
people in our community, according to
the statistics of various institutions. To pick
up on one of Premier McGuinty’s stories:
some of us are lagging behind. Of course,
we shouldn’t put all our faith in statistics;
in fact we’re here to prove them wrong!
Mas porque é que a educação é um
obstáculo na nossa comunidade? É muito facil culpar as pessoas individuais,
mas isso nao ajuda, acho que é melhor
fucalizar o contexto mais largo: a sociedade, por exemplo. The socio-economic
2004 Board of Directors
Leo Pereira, President
John P. Macedo, Vice-President
Fernando Clotildes, Secretary
Ermidio F. Alves, Treasurer
Antonio Aires
Aldina Costa
Kelly Da Fonseca
Avelino Fonseca
Cristina Marques
Fernando Rio
12
integration of immigrants into Canadian
society has been and continues to be difficult. While we may suffer from academic
underachievement, other ethnic groups
suffer from academic overachievement, in
the sense that there are certified doctors,
lawyers and engineers driving our cabs or
taking our food orders because our society
refuses to recognize their diplomas.
The problem is very complex, but it
begs the question: what can be or is being
done about it? One way is to support our
youth: physically, emotionally, financially,
etc. For the last 23 years, the FPCBP and
the many generous sponsors have been
doing just that: by awarding scholarships
to youth of Portuguese descent. Every year
gets bigger and better, with new categories being added as our youth forge ahead
in different disciplines, and this is a great
sign! As well, the current provincial government’s commitment to education deserves to be recognized: freezing tuition
fees for two years was incredible. But two
years is not enough. I think all the students
here would agree: tuition should be frozen
indefinitely, if not reduced, so that everyone has access to higher education. We as
a community can’t expect our high school
students to want to go to college or university if they think they can’t afford it? Estas
bolsas de estudo permitem aos jovens de
não terem dois ou tres trabalhos part-time
ou full-time enquanto estão a estudar.
Se podia deixar uma palavrinha aos
pais e familiaires seria esta: paciencia! Os
estudos dos vossos filhos podem demorar
muito tempo para se desenvolver. Tenham
paciencia, dêem todo o apoio possivel et
prestem atenção ao que eles estão a estudar.
My advice to students is the same: paciencia! Your programs won’t be easy, but
as long as you’re doing something you’re
passionate about you will finish! I challenge you to get your family and friends
involved in what you’re studying. If knowledge is power, share it and you’ll learn
even more. Strive to be the best, but remember that success isn’t measured in diplomas, houses or cars, it’s in giving your
all – something I’m sure your parents have
taught you. Which is why these awards are
as much theirs as they are ours.
Antes de acabar queria agredecer mais
uma vez a Federação e aos vários patrocinadores por estas bolsas de estudo, queria
dar os meus parabens a todos que ganharam e a todas as familias aqui presente.
Queria tambem lembrar que ha outros jovens, alias muitos aqui presente, que estão
a fazer coisas extraordinárias para a nossa
communidade e o nosso país. Tambem
merecem o nosso apoio e reconhecimento. Somos uma comunidade com sucesso,
e no futuro, todos juntos, vamos ter ainda
mais.
FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004