Summer 2008 Vol.2, Nº43 President’s Message · Summer 2008 Vol.2, Nº43 To promote business activity, foster professionalism, develop networ-king opportunities, enhance political

It is a pleasure to be writing to you as the new President of the FPCBP for

2008. I look forward to what I hope will be a very successful year for the FPCBP. This organization is well respected in the Portuguese Canadian community, which is due to the hard work of the past FPCBP Presidents and Directors. To-gether with this year’s dynamic Board of Directors, I would like to continue the successes of the past while pursuing new ideas that will hopefully benefit FPCBP Members. Our launch event this year was our Member Get a Member event, which took place May 21, 2008 at Adega Res-taurant in Toronto. Based upon the feed-back that we received, the event was quite successful. Anthony De Sa, a Por-tuguese Canadian author who recently released a book called “Barnacle Love” was the guest of honour. The audience was captivated by Anthony’s personal

stories of growing up in Toronto, which most who were in attendance could relate to, and which formed the foun-dation of his new book. There were a number of new faces at the event all of whom became new members. I want to formally welcome these new mem-bers to the FPCBP and thank the current members who invited these new mem-bers to attend the event. A complete list of all new FPCBP members can also be found in this issue. On June 12, 2008 we held our 5th Annual Essay Contest at the Portuguese Consulate in Toronto. This celebration fell within the Portugal week festivities and highlighted the FPCBP’s continued commitment to promoting the impor-tance of education amongst the youth in the Portuguese Canadian community. As a result of the generous sponsorship by Scotiabank, BMO Bank of Montreal, Banco Santander Totta, and Dreamcoast Homes we were able to give $1,000 to four deserving students. Those in atten-dance were also treated to the inspir-ing words of Dra. Maria Amélia Paiva, Consul General, who is such a tremen-dous asset to the Portuguese Canadian community. On another note, I have been work-ing on another project that will be offi-cially announced in the next few months and involves the FPCBP’s cooperation on joint projects with three other busi-ness organizations in the GTA that have similar objectives to those of the FPCBP. These organizations are the Toronto Chi-nese Business Association, the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Toronto, and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce. An example of a joint event that show-

cased how cooperation between the four organizations could benefit the FPCBP was during the last municipal election when the FPCBP along with these three other organizations jointly hosted a City of Toronto Mayoral Candidates Debate, which was broadcast on Omni television. By working together, all four organiza-tions benefited from an opportunity that may not have been possible for any one of these organizations to have pursued alone. We envision future joint events such as a business networking event with the four organizations, as well as access for FPCBP members to organized trade missions to China and India. In my view,

President’s Message

Summer 2008 Vol.2, Nº43

To promote business activity, foster professionalism, develop networ-king opportunities, enhance political visibility, encourage academic ex-cellence and, as the representative voice, advocate the prominence of our members within and outside the Portuguese Canadian Business and Professional community.

MISSION STATEMENT

722 College St., Suite 301Toronto, Ont. M6G 1C4

(416) 537 8874 - TEL(416) 537 9706 - FAX

www.fpcbp.com

Paul Silva, FPCBP President

continued on page 2

the FPCBP is mature enough as an organization to enable us to be seated at the table with other organizations in the GTA with similar objectives. Stay tuned for more exciting information on this front.

You may also have heard that we have recently hired a new Executive Coordinator at the FPCBP. Lucy de Souza joined us in May and comes to us with a great deal of experi-ence having worked for a number of respected companies in the past. Lucy will be the person you speak to when contact-

ing the FPCBP office and I urge you to join me in welcoming her aboard. I hope everyone has a very enjoyable and safe summer. We will be communicating with you regarding our upcom-ing events. I look forward to seeing you at all of our future events! Kind regards, Paul Silva President, FPCBP

On May 21, 2008, the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals (FPCBP) held its annual Member Get A Member event at Adega Restaurant in Toronto. This year’s event was particularly special with guest of honour Anthony De Sa, author of the newly released book, Barnacle Love. FPCBP members and guests were treated to a rare oppor-tunity to hear De Sa speak about the inspiration for his first book, Barnacle Love, which tells the story of his upbring-ing in Toronto’s Portuguese community. De Sa also expressed how warmed he is by the community’s reception and interest in his book. All the books available for sale at the event were completely sold out.

Other distinguished guests included FPCBP Past Presi-dents, Fernando Costa, Raimundo Favas, Nellie Pedro, Ar-mindo Silva and MPP Charles Sousa. The FPCBP would like to thank Anthony De Sa for an ex-traordinary evening and Adega Restaurant for their continued support and the wonderful wine and hors d’oeuvres. By Josie Caldas, FPCBP Secretary

2 FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2008

FPCBP’s Member Get A Member event with Author Anthony De Sa

FPCBP Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pmTel.: 416-537-8874 • Fax: 416-537-9706 • Email: [email protected]

Paul Silva, FPCBP President; MPP Charles Sousa, FPCBP Past President; and Raimundo Favas, FPCBP Past President

Guest of honour Anthony De Sa

continued on page 3

3FPCBP Newsletter - Summer 2008

Quotes from Barnacle Love

“It was an annual event – a matança – the killing. This was the kind of thing that embarrassed me; here we were in a big city with butcher shops throughout Kensington Market and yet the farmer mentality brought over from the Azores had survived.” .... “For our par-ents, Palmerston Avenue was “back home.” Nothing had ever really changed. There were always eyes be-hind curtained windows, like

those of Senhora Gloria, who saw and heard and thrived on all things seen and heard. Fados sifted through screen doors, the smell of barbecued sardines wove through the chainlink fences, and colourful clothing and bleached towels flapped in the warm wind until they were hard and crunchy on the clotheslines. Our backyards were contra-dictions, with their neat rows of beans and tomatoes and kale propped up by a mishmash of weathered dowels, old hockey sticks, and scraps of quarter-round. Nothing was ever thrown out. Everything was to be used.”

Lena Barreto, FPCBP Director and Past President; Armindo Silva, FPCBP Past President; Anthony De Sa; and Connie Freitas

Anthony De SaPhoto credit: Laura Bombier

Ana Vitorino, FPCBP Director; Keith Veira: Jude Fernandes, FPCBP Director; and William Ribeiro, FPCBP Director


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FPCBP’s 5th Annual Essay Contest In celebration of Portuguese History and Heritage month, the FPCBP held its 5th Annual Essay Contest. Students in grades 7-12 submitted essays with the theme “To me, being Portuguese means…” or “Para mim, ser Português é…” This year the FPCBP received 98 entries from across Ontario. This proves that while an ocean away from Portugal, Luso-Canadian youth in Ontario main-tain a strong and proud connection to their Portuguese roots. On June 12, 2008 at the Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto, four stu-dents were awarded $1,000 for their win-ning essays. This years’ winners were Sarah Vieira for the Gr. 7-9 English cate-gory, Jonathan Ribau Costa for the Gr. 7-9 Portuguese category, Stephanie Pacheco for the Gr. 10-12 English category and James Kelly Carrusca McCowan for the Gr. 10-12 Portuguese category. In her winning essay Sarah Vieira wrote about how important being Portu-guese is to her. She writes, “Remember-ing all of these fun filled memories really brings a smile to my face, and I’m sure it does the same to many others, but be-ing Portuguese is really a huge part of

my life.” Sarah’s prize was generously donated by Scotiabank. Jonathan Ribau Costa wrote about how proud he is to be Portuguese. He writes, “Para mim, ser Portu-guês é um orgulho. Um orgulho de vir de um país geograficamente pequeno, mas com um povo co- nhecido pelo mundo todo, como luta-dor e humilde. Um orgulho de ver os Portugueses conseguirem chegar cada vez mais alto, em diferentes cate- gorias, como por exemplo a medicina, a technologia, a ní- vel desportivo...Um orgulho de eu poder afirmar que eu falo a língua portuguesa,

a sexta língua mais falada no mundo.” Jonathan’s prize was generously donated by Banco Santander Totta. Stephanie Pacheco wrote about Por-tuguese resilience. She writes, “Although Portugal is geographically smaller than,

Students, sponsors, FPCBP Board of Directors with Dra. Maria Amélia Paiva

Suzy Melo and Josie Caldas, Essay Contest Co-Chairs

and not as populous as its European counterparts, they have accomplished a great deal. Although the Portu-guese have had their share of failures, they have always managed to rise back to the top. The trials, tribulations, and the successes of the Portuguese throughout his-tory, are certainly reflective of the Portuguese culture, proving that the Portuguese are capable of overcoming obstacles thrown in their path.” Stephanie’s prize was generously donated by BMO Bank of Montreal. Finally, James Kelly Carrusca McCowan wrote about the honour that it is to be Portuguese and recalls a story told to him by his grandfather. He writes, “Para mim ser Português, é uma honra. E a propósito, recor-do-me duma história contada pelo meu avô acerca de um amigo dele que estava na tropa. Um dia, todos os soldados foram avisados da visita de um oficial supe-rior ao quartel. Foram informados que deveriam ter as suas camas limpas e arranjadas. Quase todos decoraram as suas camas com flores. Ora este amigo do meu avô, como não tinha dinheiro para flores, escreveu num papel um verso: “Não tem flores nao tem nada, / esta cama que aqui vês. / Mas é limpa e asseada, / como a honra de um Português.” James’ prize was generously donated by Dreamcoast Homes. The FPCBP would like to thank Ana Fernandes, Steve De Quintal, Sergio Gomes, Marisa Neiva, Ana Rodrigues, Elisa Rebelo, Alicia Conrad and Anthony De Sa, the teachers who graciously volunteered their time to be this year’s jury. The FPCBP would also like to thank On Your Mark for their tireless efforts in promoting the essay contest, Dreamcoast Homes, Scotiabank, BMO Bank of Mon-treal and Banco Santander Totta for generously spon-soring the awards and for their continued commitment to promoting education amongst Portuguese Canadian youth. Finally, the FPCBP would like to thank the Con-sul General of Portugal in Toronto, Dra. Maria Amélia Paiva, Nova Era Bakery, and Lusitania Groceries for their continued support.


Dra. Maria Amélia Paiva; Co-Chair Josie Caldas, FPCBP Secre-tary; Gabriela Cavaco; Banco Santander Totta and Jonathan Ribau Costa, award winner


Conselho das Comunidades Portuguesas The Conselho das Comunidades Por-tuguesas (C.C.P.) is a consultative body of elected representatives (63 elected and 10 delegated) from the various Portuguese communities around the world. The C.C.P. work with the Portuguese government on policies relating to Portuguese immigra-tion and on emerging issues impacting the respective communities. This body is orga-nized through the Secretary of Communi-ties of the Foreign Ministry of Portugal. On April 17, 2008 elections for the Conselho das Comunidades Portuguesas

took place all over the world, including elections in our community for the Consul-ar areas of Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia. Ultimately, there were four elected members in all of Canada. List B was part of the candidacy hold-ing a progressive and ambitious platform and a vibrant group of individuals made up of Portuguese professionals from dif-ferent sectors. This group secured two out of three representatives for this electoral area (consulate of Portugal’s jurisdiction of Toronto and Montreal). This consultant body should actively pursue opportunities to liaise and build strong partnerships that sustain cultural as well as socio-economic benefits for both. The Portuguese immigration in Canada has reached a milestone, celebrating their golden anniversary, 50 years. As we have seen with other ethnic groups, second and third generations often gravitate away from their heritage. Maintaining vibrant ties be-tween both countries provides a contempo-rary outlook that younger generations can identify with bringing both continents a little closer in this global village. Team work and collective effort is the spirit of List B, which started with a group of individuals brain-storming about com-munity capacity building and civic en-gagement that is inclusive of the diverse community and that fosters community engagement. This ambitious group was drawn together under the leadership of Fe-licidade Rodrigues of the Centre of Work-ing Women, and the idea to participate in the Conselho das Comunidades was born. The List B group is committed to serv-ing the community through increased active government relations and efforts to build greater awareness of the community’s ac-complishments and resources. Advancing the community image and profiling the wealth of its successes professionally, cul-

turally and politically can accomplish this. List B is committed to working with community organizations, leaders and policy makers to identify issues directly affecting the community and recommend solutions. Some of the proposed challenges for the future include: • obtaining community representation and inclusive participation• co-ordinating community collaboration and strengthening networks and partner-ships with community associations, orga-nizations, youth groups, religious groups, etc.• further engaging Portuguese officials on issues and concerns of interest for Luso-Canadians• repatriation• promoting Portuguese language and culture• receiving continued support for youth exchange programs (education, culture, sport)• Consular Affairs – ensuring quality of ser-vice to the areas represented by the group. As the elected representatives of List B, we offer our skills, experience – both pro-fessional and personal – and our willingness to work with the community to advance the areas listed above. Furthermore we are con-fident we will learn from the resilience and hard-working nature of our community to persevere and never give up. Thank you for your support.By Martin Medeiros

List B RepresentativesMartin Medeiros

Gila RaposoAna Fernandes

List B AlternatesCarlos MirandaConnie FreitasLena Barreto

City News


Retail holiday shopping locations and hours remain unchangedA report outlining new options for holiday shopping was received for information only by Council, which means the status quo remains. Most stores in the City must continue to close on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Chapter 510 of the Municipal Code lists 15 categories of ex-empt store types that are permitted to re-main open. In addition, stores in the Eaton Centre, Distillery District, Queen’s Quay Terminal, Downtown Yonge BIA and the Bloor Yorkville BIA are permitted to re-main open on certain designated holidays. Leaf and yard waste collection and Christmas tree pick-up extendedCouncil voted to extend the current leaf and yard waste, as well as Christmas tree collection schedules starting in September 2008. Given that religious holiday cel-ebrations now extend into the second and third weeks of January, and that changing climate conditions have altered seasonal weather patterns, the extended spring and fall leaf and yard waste collection, and extended Christmas tree collection will provide better service to residents. Under the new schedule, bi-weekly collection of leaf and yard waste will occur from March 16 through to December 31, and Christ-mas tree pick-up will take place bi-weekly from January 5 to 23. Currently, the City

provides single-family residences with curb side collection of leaf and yard waste beginning the first full week of April and continuing through until the first week of December, on an alternating weekly/bi-weekly schedule. Christmas trees are cur-rently collected from single-family resi-dences weekly during the first two weeks of January. Banning handguns in CanadaCity Council approved a motion asking the federal government to ban handguns in Canada, including the sale, purchase and possession of any handgun. Police officers and military personnel would be excluded from the ban. Council also voted to ask the Government of Canada to institute a mandatory five-year minimum sentence for any person found guilty of handgun possession and those persons involved in the sale or purchase of such firearms. A na-tional handgun ban is just one of a number of initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of Toronto neighbourhoods and communi-ties. Other initiatives include advocating for stronger border security to stop illegal guns from being smuggled into Canada from the U.S., pushing for tougher laws to address the illegal use of guns, and building on the success of the Toronto Police Service’s Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS).

Increased penalties for running a red lightCouncil recommended a package of stiffer penalties for red-light running offences. The proposed new fines and penalties will be sent to the Government of Ontario for consideration and implementation. As part of the package, the City is requesting the Province to consider raising the fine from $180 to $500, and increasing the demerit points from three to five for red-light run-ning offences. Council is also calling for the immediate suspension of the driver’s licence of any driver convicted of multiple red-light running offences or who causes an injury as a result of running a red light. Red-light cameras have resulted in signifi-cant reductions in the number of collisions at red-light camera locations. In May 2006, City Council approved an expansion of the program from the initial 10 cameras in 37 locations to a total of 98 cameras in 169 locations by the end of 2009. The City has operated red-light cameras since Novem-ber 2000. New underground PATH pedestrian tunnelCouncil endorsed the expansion of the existing underground PATH system to in-clude a new underground York St. pedes-

continued on page 8


trian connection between Union Station and Wellington St. W. The $65-million project is based on the need to plan and prepare for the significant increase in pedestrian demands within Union Station over the next 15 to 20 years. The additional pedestrian facilities are required to relieve congestion and support future downtown growth and pedestrian activities generated in part by GO Transit’s ongoing service expansion. Motorcycles and scooters permitted in HOV LanesCouncil agreed to allow motorcycles and scooters to use the City’s High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes. This change will take ef-fect once the existing HOV signs are altered to include a motor-cycle/scooter pictogram, which is expected to be completed over the next couple of months. Since HOV Lanes are situated next to the curb, safety for these motorists is expected to be improved. Unanimous approval for incentives to attract industry to TorontoCity Council unanimously approved its first-ever city-wide finan-cial incentives program to stimulate growth in key value-added economic sectors, including manufacturing, bio-medical, envi-ronmental, information technology, creative industries and tour-ism. The new investment will produce new jobs, and eventually increased City revenue through property taxes. All properties and projects affected by the program will continue to pay base taxes, but will receive grants of up to 60 per cent of the tax increase resulting from new investment. It is anticipated that by delaying receipt of approximately $6 million in taxes over 10 years, the program will result in: $904 million in new capital investment, 11,000 new jobs and $43 million in new tax revenue.

Council endorses action to improve tourism for TorontoCouncil endorsed actions from the report Making Toronto the Best It Can Be, which has recommendations from industry lead-ers, City staff and Member of Council to enhance Toronto’s abil-ity to serve as a premier tourist destination and reap the economic benefits. The City participated in the Toronto’s Premier Ranked Tourism Destination project which identifies 93 action items. These include attracting new ‘blockbuster exhibits,’ renewing and creating tourist magnets like a revitalized waterfront, telling the story of Toronto’s history in a more captivating way, and for people involved in the tourism industry to elevate the level of service offered to tourists. Live Green TorontoThe City of Toronto launched Live Green Toronto – a major five-year, $20-million dollar program to promote and support neigh-bourhood and community-based actions to reduce emissions, clean our air and protect our climate. A key component of Toron-to’s Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan, which targets an 80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas

emissions by 2050, Live Green Toronto will significantly enhance residents’ ability to undertake community based projects that make a real difference, and help create a more liveable and sustainable Toronto. Live Green Toronto will support community-initiated and based projects such as those that increase water conservation, tree planting, energy efficiency, renewable energy production, lo-cal food production and green roofs. More information about Live Green Toronto is available at www.livegreentoronto.ca. For more information, visit the City of Toronto’s website at www.toronto.ca.

FPCBP’s 2008 Scholarship AwardsThe FPCBP is proud to recognize the outstanding academ-ic achievement of our youth. Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,500, courtesy of our many generous sponsors, will be awarded at an upcoming Gala event. Stay tuned for details! More information will be available on our website at www.fpcbp.com or by contacting the FPCBP Office at 416-537-8874.

Portugal Day Parade 2008The FPCBP once again participated in the Portugal Day Parade, organized by ACAPO. This year, World Fine Cars generously provided the use of one of its luxury vehicles – a convertible Mercedes Benz, CLK 500. Organized by ACAPO, the parade sees members of the Portuguese com-munity lined up along Dundas St. W., from Lansdowne Ave. to Bathurst St. to cheer on participants. The FPCBP is proud to take part in this important long-standing tradition and congratulates ACAPO on another successful event! Special thanks to World Fine Cars for their continued support.



RBC Dexia-FPCBP International Internship At the FPCBP’s 2008 Business Excellence Awards Gala in February, keynote speaker José Placido announced an exciting annual international internship that would be awarded to one successful youth in the Portuguese com-munity. In an effort to give back to his community, Mr. Placido worked to create this opportunity for one exceptional Por-tuguese Canadian student, which will be awarded by the FPCBP through its annual Scholarship Program.

About RBC Dexia

RBC Dexia is a leading investor services provider to some of the world’s largest mutual fund and investment manage-ment companies. Established in January 2006, the company is equally owned by RBC and Dexia, and ranks among the world’s top 10 global custodians, with USD 2.9 trillion in client assets under administration. The RBC Dexia-FPCBP International Internship award offers university students exposure and experience to the in-ternational business world through a summer job placement in one of four RBC Dexia offices: London, Paris, Luxem-bourg or Dublin.

Program:

• Summer 2009* internship in one of four RBC Dexia offices: London, Paris, Luxembourg or Dublin• Local salary and spending allowance to support living expenses• Assistance to locate accommodations• CDN $2,000 bonus upon completion• RBC Dexia would have right of first refusal regarding a permanent job offer once the award recipient graduates * May to August 2009 or as defined by award recipient and RBC Dexia

Eligibility:

• Third or fourth year university student• Commerce or Finance major – interest in international business• Minimum B average• Community involvement• French language skills preferred if Paris or Luxembourg location is selected Stay tuned for more information about the application deadline and criteria. Contact the FPCBP Office or visit our website at www.fpcbp.com for updates.


2008-2009 FPCBP Board of Directors

PresidentPaul Silva

Vice - PresidentFrancine Antonio

Lena Barreto Ana Fernandes

Fernando Martins Jude Fernandes

TreasurerSergio Ruivo

SecretaryJosie Caldas

William Ribeiro Ana Vitorino

Suzy Melo Elder Marques

Ana Vitorino, CIBCGary Couto, CIBCHumberta Araujo, Nove IlhasIngrid Coleman XimenesJoel Martins, NestleJohn Homem, BMO Bank of MontrealKeith Veira, Veira IT ConsultingMarie KaganPedro Maia, Maia & AssociatesPreciosa Leal, Alliance SolutionsSusana Miranda, StudentSuzy Melo, BMO Bank of MontrealTeresa Marques, York University Foundation

Frank AlvarezErmidio AlvesLuis ArrudaAna BailaoLena BarretoRichard BrutonDavid CostaFernando CostaRaimundo FavasAlmiro Fonseca

Louis Louro, Jr.João NevesNellie PedroLeo PereiraJoe PintoArnaldo SantosJohn SantosArmindo SilvaCharles SousaCarlos Teixeira

New Members Past Presidents

FoundersLaura BulgerFernando CostaVasco D’AvillezCesar de MoraisGermano Gonçalves

Delkar MaiaAlberto PereiraOctavio SampaioJohn F. SantosArmindo Silva

Documents

Summer 2008 Vol.2, Nº43 President’s Message · Summer 2008 Vol.2, Nº43 To promote business activity, foster professionalism, develop networ-king opportunities, enhance political