Brampton Update

Lions win big in Brampton – Mississauga

Brampton Updates — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:47:00 +0000

Lions win big in Brampton
Mississauga
BRAMPTON — The Erindale Lions bantam AA blue baseball team played a couple of thrilling games to win the Brampton Majors tournament this past weekend (June 15-16). The Lions defeated the Sudbury Renegades 4-0 in the championship final after …

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Goodwin joins Battalion bench

Brampton Updates — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:17:21 +0000

NORTH BAY, Ont. – John Goodwin has joined the North Bay Battalion as an assistant coach, the Ontario Hockey League club announced Tuesday.

Of turbans, donations, and newcomer success

Brampton Updates — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:15:45 +0000

The Quebec controversy over turbans has finally been laid to rest.
After a tumultuous few days which ignited a firestorm of criticism, the Quebec Soccer Federation announced late last week that it was lifting its ban on the wearing of turbans by Sikh players with immediate effect.
The federation’s move, which came only after it’s earlier ban on children with a turban being banned from playing soccer touched off an uproar from across Canada and attracted unfavourable attention worldwide, also prompted the world soccer governing body FIFA to announce it authorized the wearing of male head covers in all areas and on all levels of Canadian soccer.
Just before rescinding its ban, the Quebec Soccer Federation said it welcomed the FIFA directive “with enthusiasm and relief”. So everyone could declare victory and move on… until the next time.
This week’s edition also features a Q&A with Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Pakistani Consul General in Toronto. In this, our cover story, Zakaria unflinchingly addresses issues of interest to South Asian communities, as well as to wider Canada — even answering possibly uncomfortable questions, such as those to do with charitable donations the government collects, or of the war on terrorism Islamabad is fighting.
The Consul General also tells SAF his top priority is to boost Pakistan-Canada ties across all fronts, extending from economic content to bilateral relations.
Another string to this edition’s bow is based on something close to all Canadians’ hearts — newcomer success. We are a nation of immigrants, and when newcomers succeed, we all do too. And our edition this week features the results of this year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant awards.
This people’s choice award celebrates the untold stories of outstanding immigrants, who are being honoured at a ceremony in Toronto today, June 20.
Meanwhile Canadian Immigrant magazine also presents the 3rd annual Career, Education & Settlement Fair, to be held Tuesday, June 25, at the prestigious Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
“The 2013 Fair brings to life our mission to inform, educate and motivate new Canadians,” says Gautam Sharma, Publisher of Canadian Immigrant (and of South Asian Focus).
Our package this week also has all our popular regular sections, including Community, Business, National/International, Subcontinent, Entertainment, Lifestyle, etc.
We hope you like our stories this week — and we’d like to hear from you. Do get back to us with your comments on our cover story, or on any article or issue of interest to you, at letters@southasianfocus.com.
Until next time…

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Canadians of Pakistani origin are strong link between Ottawa and Islamabad: Zakaria

Brampton Updates — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:11:22 +0000

By NOUMAN KHALIL
Staff Writer
Pakistan is looking forward to further strengthen the relationship between Ottawa and Islamabad at all levels and its Toronto-based mission has taken up the lead to carry the task.
The mission is urging its local citizens to continue playing their due role in achieving the goal and termed them a ‘strong link between Pakistan and Canada’.
“In Canada’s social and economic fields, Pakistanis’ contribution is enormous. I’m so proud that above all, they are also working for humanitarian causes such as raising funds for hospitals and people affected by natural disasters in other parts of the world,” said Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Pakistani Consul General in Toronto, while speaking to SAF in an exclusive interview. “They are a source of strength for both countries and provide a very strong link between Canada and Pakistan.”
Zakaria is a career diplomat from the foreign services of Pakistan. During his 25-year career, he has served in four different countries — Abu Dhabi (UAE in 1992), Indonesia, Thailand and England.
For the first time in Canada, he took over charge as Pakistan’s Consul General in Toronto in December 2012.
He said his top priority is to boost Pak-Canada ties, from the economic content to strong bilateral relations.
Zakaria started his career from the Foreign Services in Islamabad in various capacities and served as administrator, director general of Europe and director of Arab affairs.
In the late ’90s, Zakaria had the opportunity of having a unique experience in Indonesia to witness a lot of transitions during the fall of Suharto followed by severe economic and political crises.
Before Toronto, he served in England as consul general for three years and was later promoted to deputy high commissioner. From England, he was posted to Toronto in December 2012.
Excepts:
What are your priorities in terms of serving the community here in a better, timely and more convenient way?
In fact all consulates are about community services, I know people before me were doing a good job, but every time when you get feedback from the community, you try to improve and take it to the next level.
My priorities are that Pakistanis should be able to contribute as much as possible to Canadian society, culture, economy and politics. They have done a tremendous job and enjoyed a great amount of respect and reputation as compared to any other country. It means they have done a great job.
In which areas do you want Pakistanis to work more?
In Canada’s social and economic fields, Pakistanis’ contribution is enormous. I’m so proud that above all, they are also working for humanitarian causes such as raising funds for hospitals and people affected by natural disasters in other parts of the world.
I am aware that many Pakistani organizations are also working for humanitarian causes such as raising funds for hospitals and people affected by natural disasters in other parts of the world. They are a source of strength as well, and provide a very strong link between Canada and Pakistan.
They are the people who can reinforce efforts at government levels to have stronger relationship in various fields like cultural, social, in parliamentarian interactions or at political or defense level. In all these areas we would like Pakistanis to provide support, and that is one of my priorities.
I want them to continue playing their role in a manner that we are able to further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Canada.
My top priority is to strengthen economic content to our bilateral relations. Trade or any sort of in terms of investment, industrial, energy or any other sector which can benefit Pakistan. Canada is a very advanced country and actually can benefit Pakistan.
What are you doing to achieve this goal?
I am engaging with various chambers of commerce and Canadian officials who are dealing with the economic matters of relationships with other countries. I am also looking at avenues and persons who are willing to invest in Pakistan where Canada can actually sell its technology.
Over the past decade, Pakistani media did grow up like mushrooms and it can be one of the investment ideas for Canadian investors.
You have recently met Ontario’s premier along with Pakistani High Commissioner in Ottawa. What have you discussed?
She (Premier Kathleen Wynne) is a fabulous person and liked by any Pakistani community member here. It’s amazing to see how a non-Pakistani leader is so famous among Pakistanis. She has a very special place in the hearts of Pakistanis living in Ontario.
I had the opportunity of meeting her recently along with the high commissioner of Pakistan. She was very optimistic and talked about various issues. We talked about how to strengthen bilateral ties between Pakistan and Ontario, which has the largest number of Pakistanis, as compared to any other province. It’s a big consumer market for Pakistanis because we always look for our own products.
She identified a number of areas where we agreed and assured her that we will work on it and improve or add to those to our economic content. Improving bilateral and trade ties was our top priority.
Did you discuss issues faced by Pakistanis?
Yes, we discussed problems being faced by Pakistanis living in Ontario such as immigration, visa problems and things like settlement barriers. She assured us that she is going to look into those issues. She had a very logical approach and we are optimistic of resolving all those issues.
In recent years, we have witnessed disasters like earthquakes and floods in Pakistan. Here many people sent donations, but generally people like to send donations through Red Cross or Edhi Foundation because they don’t have trust in Pakistani politicians such as President Zardari. How would you win back people’s confidence?
First of all it is their choice through which means they want to send donations. If someone wants to give relief to an affected person or area, it’s a noble cause. If someone has reservations with the government of Pakistan, it’s their choice. They can choose whatever they want.
Can you believe the area affected by the floods in Pakistan was equal to the size of England (UK). Let me tell you that there is no country on this planet that can provide relief on such a massive scale. It was the Pakistani government which took that challenge and reached out to the people.
But what about people’s grievances?
Ok, let’s talk about the modern world. Even after Hurricane Katrina and other such disasters, people had grievances with their governments. I mean it’s all about your own thinking. If people want to donate, it’s a noble cause. But those who don’t want to donate make these excuses.
What are your thoughts on the recent elections?
Pakistan has been passing through a very challenging time. Besides many other challenges, we fought terrorism and achieved success to a great extent. But at the same time, democracy is flourishing in Pakistan. It is the first time that one government has completed its tenure and then peacefully marked the democratic transition of power to the new elected government.
We know Toronto mission had made all arrangements. Are you disappointed Overseas Pakistanis couldn’t cast their ballot?
I think voting is the democratic right of all citizens, whether they are single or dual nationals. But this time we had limited resources and time was very short. In future, I hope Pakistanis (here) would be able to vote.

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More than four million visitors helped by new CIC online Help Centre

Brampton Updates — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:11:21 +0000

Staff Report
More than four million people have been helped by Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) new online Help Centre since it was launched just six months ago, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced recently.
“The government is committed to improving service and the new online Help Centre is part of that plan,” said Kenney. “People have questions about how to come to Canada, and this new user-friendly and convenient web tool provides the practical information that they need in a quick and effective manner.”
The Help Centre is a one-stop web portal with an advanced search function where visitors can find quick and direct answers, including how to complete application forms, extend visas as well as other permits, and replace lost documents, such as permanent resident cards.
The portal contains more than 600 commonly asked questions and answers as well as more than 200 glossary terms, which may be found easily by searching by keyword or simply by browsing. If also enables people to easily access help tools, how-to-videos as well as application forms and guides.
The Help Centre registers more than 150,000 visits every week and the clear success of the tool is reflected in visitor feedback, Kenney indicated. One person comments that it is “a very useful site with lots of helpful answers” and another notes that the “easiest way to get quick answers to your questions is to use CIC’s Help Centre”.
The new online Help Centre is part of a growing suite of online Web tools available on the CIC website. This includes the Come to Canada site, which helps potential immigrants to Canada determine the immigration programs they may be eligible for. Also, the new interactive Living in Canada tool for newcomers helps them adjust to life in Canada and find services, including an interactive map that allows people to find settlement organizations in their area.
In addition, there are several CIC videos to guide applicants through the process, explain recent reforms and highlight immigrant success stories.
All these new tools are part of the government’s efforts to create a more responsive, user-friendly and efficient immigration process that benefits applicants, immigrants and Canadians alike.
For more information, visit www.cic.gc.ca

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CIBC offers banking solutions for newcomers looking to establish credit history

Brampton Updates — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:11:21 +0000

Staff Report
As part of an enhanced CIBC Welcome to Canada Package, CIBC has introduced a range of new unsecured credit card options to help new Canadians address their challenges with establishing a credit history in Canada.
“New Canadians tell us that establishing a credit history in Canada can be challenging — and they are often unable to get a credit card without pledging a security deposit,” said Teresa Tazumi, CIBC’s Director of Cultural Business Development.
“To help them establish a financial foothold in their new home, CIBC is pleased to introduce a range of CIBC credit cards for newcomers without a deposit or credit history requirement when they hold eligible CIBC personal banking products.”
CIBC’s Welcome to Canada Package is available to permanent residents who have been in Canada for less than three years. It offers foundational banking products such as a free CIBC Everyday chequing account with unlimited transactions for one year; a mortgage with great rates and a streamlined approval process; and a range of credit card options, subject to conditions.
The new unsecured credit card solution is available as part of this package for qualified clients holding an eligible CIBC product. Other unsecured card options are available for clients meeting CIBC’s minimum household income and credit criteria.
CIBC recently launched a nationwide campaign, translated into seven languages, with special focus on large newcomer communities across the country. The campaign promotes the CIBC Welcome to Canada Package and highlights the unsecured card options.
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. It offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, and has offices in the United States and around the world.
For further detail visit www.cibc.com

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Batsman Park opened in Brampton

Brampton Updates — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:11:21 +0000

Staff Report
The City of Brampton officially opened Batsman Park.
Named after the ‘batsman’, which is a position in the game of cricket, the park is situated adjacent to Lougheed Middle School at 475 Father Tobin Road.
Brampton councillors John Sprovieri and Vicky Dhillon inaugurated the park in presence of a large number of students, teachers and principal from Lougheed Middle School.
Batsman Park, formerly known as Springdale Central Community Park, features approximately 23 acres (9.3 hectares) plus 6.8 acres (2.7 hectares) of woodlot, some four senior soccer fields, two cricket pitches (synthetic wicket surface, natural grass fields),
splash pad, junior and senior playgrounds, three half-court basketball courts, comfort station (washrooms and vending machines), and more than 1km of lit asphalt walkways, with benches throughout park.
For more information, visit www.brampton.ca.

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Celebration of longevity with diabetes

Brampton Updates — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:11:20 +0000

Staff Report
Even while living with diabetes, a long and healthy life is very much possible — as long as patients control their sugar levels, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.
This was the message community members heard recently at an event titled Celebration of longevity with diabetes.
A team of concerned diabetes specialist physicians, medical professionals and community workers from Brampton — led by Dr Harpreet Singh Bajaj — came together to present the unique public awareness event.
The reasons for the twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity were also discussed during the event, with an emphasis on prevention and lifestyle modification, so as to reduce the burden of this disease in our community.
The event, held free for the public, also saw four patients who have successfully completed 50 years of living with diabetes, being awarded by Linda Jeffery, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Jagmeet Singh, MPP, Bramalea-Gore-Malton.
Two of the award recipients shared their life experiences with the audience, bringing home the theme of the celebration event — that medical advances over 50 years of their lifespan have made it possible for the majority of patients with diabetes to live long and healthy lives.
Dr Bajaj also addressed participants on the issue of Diabetes prevention and management: the myth-buster. Diabetes specialists Dr Nikhil Gupta and Dr Sanam Shorey, as well as diabetes educator nurses and dieticians from Brampton, also held workshops, in English and Punjabi, on: Navigating the challenges of diabetes at the workplace; Managing hypoglycemia and precautions while driving a motor vehicle; and Healthy and balanced nutrition education.
Bramalea Community Health Centre Diabetes Education Program supported Dr Bajaj in bringing this initiative to the community. A free blood sugar testing clinic was also set up at the premises.
The event, attended by about 250 community members from the GTA, was well received. Attendees also urged that such informative events should happen more frequently to help increase public awareness on this important health issue facing our community.

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Quebec Soccer Federation ends contentious turban ban

Brampton Updates — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:11:20 +0000

Staff Report
The Quebec Soccer Federation announced late last week that it was lifting its ban on the wearing of turbans by Sikh players with immediate effect.
The federation’s move, which came only after it’s earlier ban on children with a turban being banned from playing soccer touched off a firestorm of criticism from across Canada and attracted unfavourable attention worldwide, also prompted the world soccer governing body FIFA to announce it authorized the wearing of male head covers in all areas and on all levels of Canadian soccer.
Just before rescinding its ban, the Quebec Soccer Federation said it welcomed the FIFA directive “with enthusiasm and relief”.
The move was widely welcomed by various sports and other bodies, including politicians of all stripes. Most of all, it was welcomed by the children.
Leading the chorus was the World Sikh Organization of Canada, which said it welcomed the long overdue move and hoped Sikh children who had previously been excluded will now be given the chance to rejoin their friends on the pitch.
The QSF announcement followed the statement from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA expressly authorizing the wearing of male head covers in all areas and on all levels of Canadian soccer.
WSO President Prem Singh Vinning said, “The lifting of the turban ban by the QSF was long overdue. Common sense would dictate that if the turban is worn on soccer pitches across Canada without incident and was worn even in Quebec for many years prior to 2012, it can and should be permitted.
“It’s unfortunate that it took this long and this much effort for the QSF to realize that Sikh children should be allowed to play,” Vinning added.
WSO had initially written to the QSF about its prohibition on religious headgear in June 2011, which was followed by several subsequent attempts. The WSO’s most recent letter requesting a dialogue with the QSF was sent on June 6, 2013.
No reply was ever received from the QSF, the WSO said.
WSO Vice President for Quebec Mukhbir Singh said, “While it’s certainly good news that the ban on the turban has been lifted by the QSF, we hope that those Sikh children who were not able to register for this season because of the ban will now be given an opportunity to do so. It would be incredibly unfortunate if despite the lifting of this ban, Sikh children in places like Lasalle will have to sit out another season because registration has now been closed.”
FIFA earlier clarified that male players in Canada are permitted to wear head covers as well, as long as certain conditions are respected. The head cover must:
* Be of the same colour as the jersey;
* Be in keeping with the professional appearance of the player’s equipment;
* Not be attached to the jersey; and
* Not pose any danger to the player wearing it or any other player (eg opening/closing mechanism around neck).

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Brampton, Ont. may be a model for how Canada deals with planning – Globe and Mail

Brampton Updates — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Brampton, Ont. may be a model for how Canada deals with planning
Globe and Mail
With its pedestrian-friendly design, a major transit station at its nucleus and mid-rise buildings that place condominiums above hair salons, Mount Pleasant Village is one of Canada's most progressive subdivisions – and it's in Brampton, Ont., a city …

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