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Dressedfor the up holidays GIFT IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Bus Driver Fatigue: A Fatal Threat The Seely Family — Ottawa’s Medical Pioneers

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Philadelphia Holiday Gift Guide Tim Hudak Canadian Coast Guard College1 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 DISPLAY UNTIL JANUARY 2014 * * *

It’s not by coincidence that Kash J. Pashootan & Nicholas Allaham each have 12 years of professional experience, both are Chartered accredited professionals in their respective field, both were top rising stars at their respective firms, and now have joined forces to disrupt the high-net-worth wealth management industry as we know it.

he is still ramping up and nowhere near thinking about retirement. Although, he has already established a reputation across Canada as a Portfolio Manager that delivers results for his clients. Kash is on top of the rolodex for the most highly respected media sources as the go-to expert for his insights with economic and market happenings. It is clear Kash takes the time that many don’t. Although headquartered in Ottawa, this year Kash has appeared in: Bloomberg, Globe and Mail, National Post, Washington Post, Hong Kong Times and the Wall Street Journal. This is over and above his frequent appearances on the Business News Network. When I asked him how it felt to receive such widespread recognition; “For me it’s just sharing the work we do every day. It is certainly a compliment but I am clear on what my main priority is each and every day: deliver results for my clients”. BUILT BY DESIGN BUILT

After building an impressive 10 year track record for portfolio management, it was time to further distinguish his practice from his competitors. He knew exactly how he was going to achieve this: combine portfolio management with in-depth wealth planning for his clients. Kash holds a firm belief that doing financial planning is simply not enough. Tax planning with regards to a client’s financial strategy needs to be incorporated into the planning. More importantly, it needs to be an ongoing commitment on behalf of advisory teams. When Nicholas Allaham and Kash J. Pashootan it came time to choose his business partner, Kash reflects “Nicholas was a clear choice; he is regarded as one of the As I walked into Kash Pashootan’s corner office, surrounded leading financial and tax planning specialists in Ottawa. While by windows I immediately noticed the attention to detail from working at Deloitte for over 10 years, planning and executing stark amethyst rock sculptures to black and white photography. strategies for high-net-worth clients, he has earned great I sat down on the couch and commented on how beautiful it respect among his clients and colleagues. My main concern was. Kash looked at me with intensity; he had several other at the time was that they weren’t going to let him go easy”. things on his mind, and with a half-smile said: “my furniture Both Nicholas and Kash had been working together for 8 years here gets used more than my furniture at home”. His focus and while Nicholas was at Deloitte. They had a handful of mutual passion was contagious. clients. Nicholas was looking after the tax planning strategy as the clients’ Chartered Accountant and Kash was looking after As a Vice-President and Portfolio Manager, Kash Pashootan their investment strategy as their Portfolio Manager. They holds the Chartered Investment Manager designation. He began meeting with clients together and saw how powerful manages the largest practice and is the sole advisor with this became for them. Working together naturally evolved and a Portfolio Manager accreditation in the Ottawa Raymond the advisory board concept was born. “Clients repeatedly told James’ offices. Without knowing his age, it was clear that us they have never had such depth to their financial strategy

PHOTOS: THEAK CHHUOM regular basis. This regular contact brings them closer to each client and is an ideal way to identify planning opportunities to further discuss with their respective accountant. “Our clients have an advantage”; Kash Pashootan states. “We deliver an equal commitment to wealth planning as we do to investment management by having a dedicated professional for each. Our approach extends to address much more than retirement planning, to also include income, tax and estate planning”. Is it working? Yes; First Avenue Advisory’s assets by having their tax plan correspond with their investment plan” under management have grown 20% per year over the last 5 Kash tells me as his eyes wander over to one of the several years, as their team is delivering this service at an all-in cost screens in his office reporting real-time market data. The two lower than a mutual fund management fee. Their passion for of them spent over a year discussing how their partnership the markets extends to our next generation with both of their would work. “It was a well thought out decision”, Nicholas active involvement with Ottawa’s Universities. Kash has been Allaham added. “I had great respect for Kash as I would see working since the beginning with Telfer School of Management firsthand how happy his clients were when I would meet them at University of Ottawa on their Capital Markets Mentorship given I was their tax advisor; when I was at my previous firm. Program which continues to grow each year. Alongside the They generally all had the same things to say: Kash has fierce mentorship program he is delivering guest lectures for a work ethic, he cares, and he has made us money”. Given variety of finance courses. Kash’s contributions earned him the Nicholas’ role as a Senior Manager in Tax at Deloitte, he has Dean’s List Outstanding Contribution Award in 2012 as well met with all of the prominent investment managers in Ottawa. as the Educator’s Honour Roll. Business partner, Nicholas is a What Kash was doing for his clients was preeminent compared lecturer at the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University to his competitors. Nicholas tells me, “When we started on such topics as Financial Accounting and Federal Income exploring a partnership we knew exactly what the opportunity Taxation in Canada. He has also served as Tutorial Leader for was: Delivering to high-net-worth families and professionals the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants’ In-Depth Tax an experience they were not currently receiving regardless of Course. what firm they were dealing with. It is not enough to simply have a sound investment manager and a tax advisor. There is I was interested to learn how Kash and Nicholas have leveraged a clear need to bridge the two with the pursuit of integrating First Avenue Advisory’s brand and influential client base to a client’s wealth strategy”. Although Nicholas is a Chartered support local causes here in Ottawa. They are actively involved Accountant, the First Avenue Advisory team is not looking to with causes ranging from Ottawa Cancer Foundation, Epilepsy replace the client’s existing accountant or compete for that Ottawa Carleton, and Ottawa Hospital Foundation. As I looked business. Nicholas’ role is to work closely with clients to at Kash’s desk which was covered with stock charts with customize their wealth management experience. This includes scribbles on it from his fountain pen and florescent highlights, identifying tax planning opportunities during the in-depth I felt these two didn’t re-invent the wheel but have figured out retirement planning that he does and work alongside the how to execute it. A Chartered Accountant and a Chartered client’s existing accountant to integrate investment strategy Investment Management working full-time on behalf of clients; with tax strategy. simplicity continues to be the ultimate sophistication.

The First Avenue Advisory team meets with their clients on a www.firstavenueadvisory.com DISPLAY UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 2013 Ottawa Life Magazine Spread.pdf 1 13-10-17 8:51 PM

Pair up with Hong Kong Your best partner in Asia

Canada may be thousands of miles from Hong Kong, but our Economic and Trade Office in Canada can help you bridge that gap.

Thanks to our prime location, global connectivity and enterprising culture, Hong Kong – Asia’s premier business hub – is the ideal partner for companies in Canada to tap opportunities in booming China and Asia.

Just like chopsticks – we can work better as a pair!

To find out how companies in Canada can benefit from Hong Kong’s many advantages, please contact:

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Tel: (416) 924-5544 E-mail: [email protected]

For more information on business opportunities, please visit www.InvestHK.gov.hk

Breakfast Networking Seminar “China Passage: Are We Missing The Boat?” Honourable Stockwell Day, Senior Strategic Advisor, McMillan LLP

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Parliamentary Restaurant 6th Floor, Centre Block Parliament Hill

Please register by e-mail at [email protected] by November 8th, 2013.

For help setting up your business in Hong Kong, visit www.InvestHK.gov.hk, or get in touch with the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Toronto. Tel: 416-924-5544; E-mail: [email protected] Ottawa Life Magazine Spread.pdf 1 13-10-17 8:51 PM

Pair up with Hong Kong Your best partner in Asia

Canada may be thousands of miles from Hong Kong, but our Economic and Trade Office in Canada can help you bridge that gap.

Thanks to our prime location, global connectivity and enterprising culture, Hong Kong – Asia’s premier business hub – is the ideal partner for companies in Canada to tap opportunities in booming China and Asia.

Just like chopsticks – we can work better as a pair!

To find out how companies in Canada can benefit from Hong Kong’s many advantages, please contact:

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Tel: (416) 924-5544 E-mail: [email protected]

For more information on business opportunities, please visit www.InvestHK.gov.hk

Breakfast Networking Seminar “China Passage: Are We Missing The Boat?” Honourable Stockwell Day, Senior Strategic Advisor, McMillan LLP

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Parliamentary Restaurant 6th Floor, Centre Block Parliament Hill

Please register by e-mail at [email protected] by November 8th, 2013.

For help setting up your business in Hong Kong, visit www.InvestHK.gov.hk, or get in touch with the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Toronto. Tel: 416-924-5544; E-mail: [email protected]

Republic. boulevards andmajesticarchitecture datebacktothe foundingofthe Philadelphia isoneofAmerica's greatest cities–onevery level!Itslarge Philadelphia Freedom Read allaboutthismedicaldynasty. significant advancementsandcontributionstotheirchosen profession. Centre (OICC)comesfrom afamilyofmedicalpioneerswhohavemade Dr. Dugald Seely, executivedirector oftheOttawaIntegrativeCancer A FamilyofMedicalPioneers director oftheHongKongEconomicandTrade Officein Toronto. of democracy and a good place in which to do business, says Gloria Lo, high-tech and financial centre second to none, still enjoying the privileges expanding into the vast market of mainland China, but it is an advanced Hong Kongisnotonlytheidealspringboard forbusinessesintenton Hong Kong:TheNever-ending EconomicMiracle The provincial Progressive ConservativeLeader'syear-end message. Tim Hudak–OnTarget potential disasterinthebuspassengerindustry. Marc Labelleinvestigates. is callingforimmediatechangestofederalsafetylawsprevent a Canada. NowATU 1624,akeyunionrepresenting passengerBusDrivers city's downtown)putasharpfocusontransportationsafetyissuesin The July6trainderailmentinLacMégantic,Quebec(whichleveledthe Bus DriverFatigue:AFatalThreat PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE 40

19 13 33 16 21 contents 21 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013VOLUME15 & stories columns 40 Arctic Series...... Far from Ordinary ...... Almont: ClosetoHome/ Health Series...... Opinion ...... and Fairness Labour, Jobs,Employers Kazakhstan/Canada Friends...... Op/ed bytheHon.EdFast...... Fashion: HauteHolidays...... Holiday Picks...... Capital Clips...... Publisher’s Message...... 22

PHOTO: JEAN-MARC CARISSE •

NUMBER 6 45

23 13 43 38 31 27 25 8 7 6 42

PHOTO: G. WIDMAN FOR GPTMC publisher’s message by dan donovan publisher/managing editor Dan Donovan

editor Harvey Chartrand

copy editor/features writer Past It’s Expiry Date: Time to Jennifer Hartley Get Rid of the National Capital Commission manager of operations Alessandra Gerebizza Ottawa is changing in a good way. The increased urbanization of the core has re- contributing writers energized communities like Westboro, Kitchissippi, Sandy Hill and parts of Lower Harvey F. Chartrand, Gary Corbett, Town. The renovation of Lansdowne Park proceeds apace, soon to breathe new Caleigh Dinicolantonio, Dan Donovan, Ed Fast, Emond Harnden, Tim Hudak, Marc Labelle, life into the Glebe and the downtown core (much to the delight of Ottawa sports Gloria Lo, Chris Rootham, Heidi Vincent lovers). The federal government is renovating the Parliament Buildings (and not a cover photo moment too soon) as well as the old Union Station/Government Conference Centre, Paul Couvrette which will house the Senate while the Senators’ offices on the Hill are renovated. photographers The largest barrier to success in Ottawa continues to be the massively incompetent Jean Marc Carisse, Paul Couvrette, National Capital Commission (NCC). It is astonishing to me that with the many cuts Martin Fortier/Arcticnet, the Harper government has implemented over the years, they have let this wasteful fashion Alexandra Gunn and useless agency remain. They deliver nothing of value to the region and constantly director of sales [email protected] interfere with Ottawa’s City Council, all elected officials. If you go to the NCC’s web accounts Joe Colas C.G.A site, they describe their mandate as the following: web developer Ben Chung Our goal is to ensure that Canada’s Capital Region is a source of national pride and significance. web administrator Caleigh Dinicolantonio

design Karen Temple

That is where the joke begins. If you walk a block from Parliament Hill, you see web & graphics Mariana Fernandez Magnou evidence of the NCC’s incompetence. Sparks Street remains a desolate place lacking technical support ohn Temple greenery and little life past 5 p.m. A block south of the Hill, the Rideau Street strip J corporate advisor J. Paul Harquail, between Sussex and King Edward remains a gritty, grimy scene full of meth addicts, Charles Franklin drug dealers and homeless people struggling with mental health challenges and other corporate counsel Paul Champagne issues. They need help. Real help. Currently “help” is four homeless shelters in the advertising information ByWard Market conveniently near a large LCBO store and The Beer Store. The For information on advertising rates, “shelters” are now a 25-year stop-gap solution where the homeless are given beds each visit www.ottawalife.com call (613) 688-LIFE (5433) or night, a meal in the morning and then sent on their way until the next night. Each e-mail [email protected] day, troubled homeless people with mental issues, drug addicts and petty criminals Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agree- go roaming about the ByWard Market, harassing people for money, breaking into ment #1199056. cars, defecating on lawns, destroying private property, selling drugs and generally Ottawa Life Magazine, 301 Metcalfe St. doing bad things. What has the NCC done about Sparks Street and Rideau Street and Lower Level, Ottawa. Ontario K2P 1R9 the ByWard Market as part of their mandate to ensure that Canada’s Capital Region tel: (613) 688-5433 fax: (613) 688-1994 e-mail: [email protected] is a source of national pride and significance? Well, they promote them as tourist Website: www.ottawalife.com destinations! Contrast that with what the world-famous Lonely Planet travel guide Follow us on Twitter @ottawalifers says to tourists visiting Ottawa: “Avoid Rideau Street between Sussex Drive and King Like us at www.Facebook.com/OttawaLifeMaga- Edward Avenue. In the daytime it’s cluttered with smoke-spewing buses and hordes zine of commuters, and in the evening it’s the preferred hangout for vagrants. The friendly Ottawa Life is listed in Canadian ByWard Market can get a bit of an edge in the late evening with minor drug use and Advertising Rates & Data (CARD). prostitute traffic.” Go NCC go! Ottawa Life subscription rates: one year $30.00, includes postage, plus HST (six issues). Two years $50.00, includes postage, Ottawa’s Rideau Street looks like it could be a set scene for an episode of The Walking plus HST (12 issues). Add $20 per year for postage Dead. A coordinated federal/provincial/municipal program is required to clean up the outside Canada. core of the Capital. The plan should focus on long-term solutions to help the homeless Subscriber service is 613-688-LIFE (5433) get off the streets and into long-term treatment programs or their own homes. A goal Ottawa Life Magazine is should be to permanently close the “homeless shelters” in the ByWard Market. printed in Canada on recycled paper. Providing temporary shelter, a bowl of soup and a bed for a night is not a solution to homelessness. There are truly exceptional citizens who give graciously of their time and effort to help the homeless in Ottawa. We must provide them with the tools and support required to deliver a more sustainable solution to homelessness. A great start would be for the feds to abolish the NCC and create a volunteer Agency of Citizens from our region – developers, councillors, police representatives and social workers – people who really care about our city and its people and reputation. Use annual NCC funds from the canceled agency to develop a long-term suitable plan to clean up the Market and help the homeless. I guarantee you this will work… and no one would even notice the NCC was gone. This city is worth it. Merry Christmas. n

6 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 capital clips

Art Makes the World Go Round At the recent National Arts Centre’s signature Gala benefitting the National Youth and Educational Trust (NYET), Paul Anka treated the audience to a spectacular show which included many of his timeless hits. In attendance was the charity’s Honourary Chair, Laureen Harper. The NYET provides artistic and educational programming in the arts for youth in the Ottawa region as right across the country.

New Shen Yun

Performing Arts Show, PHOTO: JEAN-MARC CARISSE January 2-4, 2014 National Arts Centre Southam Hall Every year, New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts unveils a new lineup of dances, songs and musical scores. It's an exhilarating production on a grand scale, celebrating the grandeur of classical Chinese dance and music inspired by the myths, legends, and divine beauty of 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. Since 2007, the show has been seen by millions of people in more than 100 cities. The orchestra embraces Chinese and Western instruments in a dazzling fusion. The stunning costumes, brilliant choreography and state-of- the-art dynamic backdrops are extraordinary. Shen Yun is truly an event you shouldn't miss. http:/tickets.shenyun.com

The Nutcracker Canadian Style Holiday magic is made year after year by Ballet Jörgen Canada’s traditional treasure The Nutcracker, a Canadian Tradition. Created by acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director Bengt Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, this delightful classic is a favourite that brings magic to the holidays. A collaboration with Kleinburg’s world-renowned McMichael Canadian Art Collection, and with well over 100 costumes in richly coloured fabrics, The Nutcracker, a Canadian Tradition brings out the magic of Canada. 20th Century landscapes make up the stunning 30-foot backdrops, including Franklin Carmichael’s Church and Houses at Bisset (1931), Tom Thomson’s Snow in the Woods (1916) and L.L. FitzGerald’s Trees and Wildflowers (1922). Audiences are taken on Klara’s familiar, magical dream-journey as she arrives in Canada and experiences winter landscapes filled with snowflakes, lumberjacks, Mounties and creatures of the woods. The Nutcracker A Canadian Tradition (Dec. 14 – 17) at both Centrepointe Theatre -www.centrepointetheatre.com and Shenkman Centre.-www. shenkmanarts.ca or visit http://www.balletjorgen.ca

7 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 GIFTHoliday GUIDE Ottawa Life Magazine presents our top picks for the holiday season. Unique and creative gifts, our guide is sure to have something special for everyone on your list.

BRAVEN BRV-1 This water-resistant, lightweight portable speaker is perfect for those who love the outdoors — providing 12 hours of music. www.braven.com $149.99

Shopping for votes POWER BINDER Shopping for Votes: How Winner of the 2013 CES Innovations and Politicians Choose Us and We Engineering Award, this allows control of Choose Them by Susan Delacourt technology anytime, wherever you go and This is an insightful look at the features solar-powered technology. inside world of political marketing in www.powerstick.com. $199-$249 Canada and what this means about today’s state of democracy. Perfect Building the Orange Wave for the political junkie! Available by Brad Lavigne through your local bookseller and This insider’s account of Jack Layton online at www.indigo.ca or and the NDP’s rise to success is an www.amazon.ca $32.95 intriguing read that recounts the dramatic story of how Layton and his team executed a plan to make the party a major contender for government. Available through your local bookseller and online at www.indigo.ca $34.95

Conversations with a Dead Man: The Legacy of Duncan Campbell Scott by Mark Abley By using the techniques of creative non-fiction, the author sets out to finds the truths about the poet. Available through your local bookseller and online at www.indigo.ca or www.amazon.ca $32.95 Venque Backpacks This Canadian brand combines practicality and fashion with these backpacks. The unique fabrics and styles make these bags both a useful and thoughtful gift. www.venque.com $38-90

Geeky Jerseys These customized jerseys are the perfect gift for any hockey Burberry Wallet fan! With designs from your Ideal for the man with an favourite comics, movies and appreciation for high-quality, TV shows, these are looking this first-class wallet is good on or off the ice. 100% leather. www.geekyjerseys.com $95 www.holtrenfrew.com $350

8 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 Quo Emergency Kit This kit includes four lip gloss colours, four eye shadows, a blush hue and mini Ali Laure brushes. The must-have for any holiday Introducing the exclusive, parties, this kit will keep you looking GIFT GUIDE handcrafted jewellery by Ali pretty and fresh. Laure. These pieces are delicate Shoppers Drug Mart. $32 and unique. Individual sizing is available for her sterling silver pieces. www.etsy.com/shop/ Quo Cosmetic Crackers alilaure Prices vary. So cute and festive! Each cracker has a mini lip gloss and eye shadow by Quo Cosmetics. Crack one open for your holiday treat. Shoppers Drug Mart. $15

Evital Homme GOSH CC Cream Foundation Offering the finest in men’s skin-care Available in four shades, this foundation products, Evital Homme nourishes and provides light coverage and moisture in protects skin with natural oils, vitamins one step. This product helps to even skin and antioxidants. tone, hide blemishes and illuminate skin. Shoppers Drug Mart $13-32 Shoppers Drug Mart. $24

Nº7 Instant Illusion Filler Making skin smoother and younger, its light- Quo Men’s Manicure Set diffusing particles combine with fillers to bounce This compact and sleek grooming light away from the face and smooth over wrinkles. kit includes two nail clippers, a nail Shoppers Drug Mart. $19 file and scissors — all you need to keep nails in great shape. Shoppers Drug Mart. $15

The must-have accessory for every outfit, these scarves come in multiple patterns and colours to coordinate with any piece of winter wear. www.stelladot.com/rachelabella $59 Quo Shimmer Puff Add a shimmer to any of your holiday looks. Apply to your cheek and collar bones for a subtle and beautiful shine. Available in a limited edition box. Shoppers Drug Mart. $20

Biotherm Biosource Gift Set This nourishing set includes Quo Master Brush Set Hydra-Mineral Lotion Toning This set includes 10 cosmetic Water, Hydra-Mineral Cleanser brushes and a beautifully designed Toning Mousse and Aquasource bag to protect them. A limited Deep Serum making it the ideal edition, this set has you covered combo for radiant skin this holiday with all the brushes to perfectly season! apply your make up. Shoppers Drug Mart. $47 Shoppers Drug Mart. $60

9 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013

SQUASHED Tokidoki for Clek This is the world’s first ever cubic board These new designs and characters game! Players strategically eliminate by Tokidoki are jazzing up Clek’s opponents pawns placed on four sides Olli, Oobr and Foonf child passenger of the large cube “board” by squashing seats! The cutest child accessory for them for flipping the cube for a wipeout. any new parent. www.clekinc.com Available at specialty retailers and $124.99-549.99 www.amazon.ca $29.99

Drop Shot This exciting game is a race to the finish PlasmaBug line, up a ramp avoiding the drop shot This sturdy and lightweight ride-on-toy has balls and opponent’s gates blocking four standard wheels making maneuvering your way. With a roll of the dice players around easy and quick. With storage move their pieces forward in attempt to compartments in the front and back, even reach the top first but one bad roll can more toys can be brought along for the ride! change the game! Available at specialty Available at specialty stores and retailers and www.amazon.ca $29.99 www.amazon.ca $59.99 Twilight Carz- Red Lightning A step-up from the classic night- light, the Twilight Car projects a starry night sky or lightning bolts Threadz with illuminating headlights and These weaving and hooking kits are taillights. Available at Toys “R” Us perfect for crafty kids giving them the and other major retailers. $39.99 supplies to make a scarf, beanie or purse. Easy to use, a new accessory can be created in a few short hours. Available at specialty retailers and Switch & Go Dinos- Jagger the T-Rex www.amazon.ca $29.99 In just a few simple steps kids can transform this construction crane into a Tyrannosaurus Rex! Complete with voice Morphology recognition technology and sound effect This board game challenges players to button, this is one of the coolest pre- use their imagination in order to build or historic toys around- it evens shares animate shapes for the other players to dinosaur facts! Available at Walmart, recognize. Available at specialty retailers Toys “R” Us and Target. and www.amazon.ca $29.99

Sleep Sheep Smart-Sensor With a sound-activated smart sensor, this adorable companion makes restful nights for both baby See n’ Say Talking Game and parents. Available at Toys This game challenges children to think and “R” Us and other major retailers. develops their sensory skills. A game of matching $39.99 and memory, it comes with 20 animal match cards and a talking console. Available at Toys “R” Us, Canadian Tire and Sears. $24.99 InnoTab 3S Chatter Phone Talking Game This Wi-Fi enabled learning app tablet The Chatter Phone encourages kids allows kids to play educational but fun to problem solve with matching games, play your own videos and MP3s and memory games. It has multiple and connect with other InnoTab 3S difficulty levels that grow with tablets and smartphones to share ideas your child continue to add to their and creations! Available at Toys “R” thinking skills as they progress. Us, www.amazon.ca and VTech Canada. Available at Canadian Tire, Sears $109.99 and Target. $24.99

11 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 Prosecco Zonin The sweet taste of this prosecco Fresh Express makes it versatile and ideal for Risk-free and dishwasher safe, the holidays. The perfect gift for a the Fresh Express makes preparing host, the prosecco can be used to meals easy. It includes five unique mix cocktails, for cooking or toast cones for slicing, grating and this holiday season! Available at shredding. Blades are entirely the LCBO. $13.95 encased making the Fresh Express safe for all ages to use. Available at department and specialty stores or www.t-fal.ca $119.99

Two Oceans- Sparkling Sauvignon Infinity Press Blanc This super juicer features breakthrough This South African sparkling wine technology providing more health is the perfect host gift! Made with benefits by extracting 35% more juice, grapes from the Western Cape, this 30% more vitamins and 75% more wine has a fresh and fruity flavour. antioxidants than a traditional juicer. Available at the LCBO. $12.95 It comes with a pulp collector, recipe book and is one of the quietest juicers on the market and is dishwasher safe! Available at Canadian Tire location or www.moulinex.ca $299.99

Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum Both the 12 Year Old and Reserve Expressions are confident in taste and can transform oridany drinks into holiday cocktails or be enjoyed on the rocks. Available at the LCBO. $31.95 for the Reserve, $39.95 for the 12 Year

Optisteam Easy to use and has professional steaming results, the Optisteam has a 60-second heat up time and can save the average household thousands of dollars a year in dry-cleaning bills. Gyuoto Fujiwara Maboroshi Available at department and specialty It’s hard white carbon steel core is laminated stores or www.t-fal.ca $139.99 between softer stainless steel and its handle is virtually indestructible. Available at Knifewear locations and www.knifewear.com $364

Luksosowa Vodka Gyuoto Tojiro DP Collection This gluten-free vodka is the Extremely sharp, knives from this collection are best-selling potato vodka. With stainless and easy to maintain. This is perfect incomparable silky smoothness, for anyone with a culinary inclination. Available this vodka goes down easy at Knifewear locations and www.knifewear. and is perfect for the holidays! com $97 Available at the LCBO. $25.45

12 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 holiday looks by alexandra gunn

'Tis the season to sparkle and to stand out. Incorporate striking pieces into your holiday look.Try a beaded party gown, a winter-hued lace dress or make a crystal- embellished pair of shoes the focus of your ensemble.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Paul Couvrette CREATIVE AND STYLING: Alexandra Gunn ASSISTANTED BY: Alessandra Gerebizza HAIR & MAKEUP: Luca Tonon at E-ki-libre, Kate Maclaren & Katarina Kosiakova from xquisitehairconcepts.ca Sheri Coyle facebook.com/makeupbyshercoyle ANGIE’S MODELS AND TALENT: Ashley Fortin, Helena-Alexis Seymour, Enry Smith, Jihyeun Fox Chang, Betsy Leimbigler. DRESSES: Holt Renfrew and The Bay SHOES: Town Shoes JEWELRY: Unique Accessories at Carlingwood Mall Créations Estrela facebook.com/creationsestrela PALACE FURNITURE GALLERY: Quality living, dining and bedroom furniture to suit every taste and budget is on display in their 55,000 sq.ft. showroom located at 401 Coventry Rd. (at Belfast). www.palacefurnituregallery.ca 13 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 GET THE FUTURE OF ANSave AVERAGE OF BUSINESS PHONES o TODAY 50 /o We called the product UnlimitedPBX as we offer Voice If you are a new company, moving or are just ready to Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) differently than upgrade call us to arrange a demonstration and most other companies on the market. Our plans see for yourself how our many features can are not sold by lines but in bundles of minutes help with your corporate bottom line. Don’t which allow you unlimited number of phone re-install your old phone system and pay the lines (only limited by your internet speed) phone company lots of money to move your lines calling to North America and 50 countries all without speaking to us first. within the bundle. This gives you a “Pay as you Go” approach therefore saving you money. We Ask us about our fiber optics internet service regularly save our customers an average of 50 with a connection speed that is 100 times faster per cent over their existing service. than your existing DSL or Cable internet.

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14 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 money matters bmo nesbitt burns BMO NESBITT BURNS Having a TFSA works.

Get one working forTo you. claim the Closer Connection Canadian Snowbirds Exception, you must file Form 8840, with the IRS by the June 15, 2014 and U.S. Income Tax filing deadline (assuming you did not earn wages as a U.S. employee). Withdrawals f you plan to spend your winters in 183 days in the current year, you Canada-U.S. Income Tax the U.S., you should be concerned may be eligible Withdrawals to claim the from Closer a TFSA Treaty are tax-free. Tie-Breaker An amount Rules I BMO NESBITT BURNS with more than just ensuringCanadian your Connection Snowbirds Exceptionwithdrawn and (explained in the current year will be added to your passport is up-to-date andU.S. that Income below) and Tax avoidcontribution being considered room at a the beginningIf you were of the present following in the year. U.S. for your bags are packed. Snowbirds – U.S. resident for ForU.S. example, tax purposes. assume a $5,500more contribution than 182 days is made in the in current Canadian residents who spend part of January 2013, followed byyear, a withdrawal you will notof $5,900 be eligible for the each year in the United States – need Since the Substantial($5,500 Presence contribution Test + $400Closer gain) Connection in October Exception2013. On and are to fbe you aware plan to spendof the your potential winters in liability the U.S., to calculationIf the total number considers ofJanuary days spent days 1,in the2014, (including U.S. anfrom additional the considered $5,900 to will be abe U.S. added resident to for tax you should be concerned with more than test exceeds 182 days, you have met the Substantial pay U.S. income tax on the same basis partial days) of presenceyour TFSA in contribution the U.S. room.purposes under U.S. tax law. However, Ijust ensuring your passport is up-to-date and Presence Test and you may be subject to U.S. tax thatas youra permanent bags are packed. U.S. Snowbirds resident. – Canadian duringon your worldwide the current income. However, and the if you were two if you are also considered to be a tax residents who spend part of each year in the United precedingpresent in the years, U.S. forOther less it isthan importantPlanning 183 days in the thatOpportunities resident of Canada, you may be able StatesU.S. – need citizens to be aware andof the potential Green liability Card to youcurrent keep year, a you record may be eligible of the to numberclaim the Closer of to claim that you are a non-resident of Given the tax-free nature of the investment income and payholders U.S. income must tax payon the U.S. same basistaxes as aon permanent their theseConnection days Exceptionyou were (explained physically below) present and avoid the U.S. by applying the Canada-U.S. U.S.worldwide resident. income, regardless of their inbeing the considered U.S. a during U.S.flexibility resident each for U.S.regarding calendar tax purposes. withdrawals Income Tax and Treaty re-contributions, Tie-Breaker Rulesthere are many opportunities that you and your Investment Advisor hecountry Tax-Free of Savings residence. Account Even (TFSA) though was introducedyear.Since the Substantial Presence Test calculation (Tie-Breaker Rules). If you maintain a U.S. citizens and Green Card holders must pay U.S. can explore to incorporate a TFSA into your overall wealth intaxessnowbirds 2009 on their and worldwide offersonly visit Canadians income, the regardless U.S. a unique for of the and flexibleconsiders days (including partial days) of presence permanent home in Canada and your planningtheirwinter country months, opportunity of residence. there Even to is thoughsave the for snowbirdspotential their financial Closerin the U.S.goals. Connection during themanagement current and Exception the two plan. preceding personal and economic ties are closer to T only visit the U.S. for the winter months, there years, it is important that you keep a record of the that they can be considered U.S. Canada than the U.S., you would likely Your contributions to a TFSA are not tax deductiblenumber for income of these days• youTFSAs were physically offer a presentsignificant in income splitting opportunity. isresidents the potential for that income they can betax considered purposes U.S. and If you have met the Substantial be considered to be a non-resident of tax purposes, however your savings grow tax-free insidethe U.S. yourduring each calendarYou can year. provide funds to your spouse, common law partner residentstaxed infor incomethe U.S. tax purposes,accordingly. and, in certain Presence Test, you will be considered the U.S. under the Tie-Breaker Rules. account.circumstances, In addition, they there may be is taxed no taxin the payable U.S. on their when you make a or adult children to allow them to contribute to their own a Closer U.S. Connection resident Exception alien and required withdrawalworldwide from income. your TFSA. TFSA (subject to their personal TFSA contribution limit). Counting days in the U.S. toIf you file have amet U.S. the Substantial individual Presence income Test, you tax Before you fly South None of the income earned within their TFSA is attributed The savingsCounting you days accumulate in the U.S. in your TFSA can be returnusedwill be at considered (Form a 1040) U.S. resident to reportalien and yourrequired to file a U.S. individual backincome to tax you. return (Form 1040) anytimeIf Ifand you you are for not wereany a Green purpose present Card holder – in it’s or the completelya U.S. U.S. citizen, for up toworldwide you. income. However, if you As tax filing requirements and residency to report your worldwide income. However, if you Whetheryoumore you may are stillthan savingbe 30considered days for in aa U.S.new the resident currentcar or for a tax yearhome purchase,were present in the• Consider U.S. for holding less than investments determination in a TFSA can that be would complex, it is purposes if you were present in the U.S. for more than were present in the U.S. for less than 183 days during your child’sand educationmeet the Substantial or your own Presence retirement, Test a TFSA183 dayscan during the current year important that you consult with a 30 days in the current year, and meet the Substantial the current year and canotherwise demonstrate bethat taxed you have at high rates outside a registered account, help youPresenceoutlined reach Test your below, outlined goal below.you sooner. could get hit. anda closer can connection demonstrate to Canadasuch that thanas interest the you U.S., have you income. may professional tax advisor experienced a be closer able to claim connection a Closer Connection to Canada Exception, than and in cross-border taxation to ensure you • Since neither the income earned nor withdrawals from a ContributionsSubstantial Presence Test thebe treatedU.S., as you a non-resident may be ofable the U.S. to Theclaim Internal a are in compliance with any and all tax Revenue Service (IRS) willTFSA consider will the affect following your eligibility for federal income-tested (1) Number of 1days spent in the U.S. in the 2Closer Connection Exception, and be obligations south of the border. Upon Canadians age 18 and over can contribute____ x 1 = $5,500 factors in their determination of a closer connection: current year treated as a non-residentbenefits of and the credits U.S. (e.g.request, Old Age your Security, BMO GST Nesbitt credit, age Burns annually to a TFSA. Since 2009, the annual contribution• Location of permanent home (2) Number of days spent in the U.S. in the The Internal Revenuecredit), Service consider (IRS) depositing Investment your surplus Advisor RRIF canor pension introduce x 1 limit was $5,000. Effective in 2013,____ the annual/3 = year prior to the current year will• Location consider of family the income following into your factors TFSA. you to an external cross-border tax contribution(3) Number limit of days has spent been in the increasedU.S. two to $5,500. ____ x 1/ = • Location of personal belongings Contributionyears prior limits to the current are yearindexed to inflation6 in $500in their determination of a closer professional for assistance with your • Country where your driver’s licence was issued n increments. Any unused contributionTotal room, Days datingconnection: personal situation. When counting days for the above calculation, partial days • Location• Country of residence permanentPlease listed onhomecontact official usdocuments for more information on how to get a TFSA back to 2009spent in or the theU.S. are year counted you as full turn days. 18, carries forward so it can be used in a future year. So if you have never contributed• Location• Country whereof family youworking derived the for majority you. ofWe your have threePlease conveniently contact us for located more information. branches • Locationincome in of the personal currentin taxthe belongings year Ottawa region: to a TFSA, your contribution limit for 2013 will be $25,500. We have three conveniently-located So, for example, if the total number • Country where your driver’s licence Ottawa (West): 613-798-4200branches in the Ottawa region: Your annual TFSA contribution limit is reported on your of days spent in the U.S. from the was issued annual Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Ottawa (Capital Centre): 613-567-6232 Lindatest Leung exceeds, CPA,TEP 182 days, you have met • Country of residence listed on Ottawa (West): 613-798-4200 AgencySenior (CRA).the Manager, Substantial In U.S. general, Tax Planning Presence a TFSA Test is permitted and you to holdofficial documentsOttawa (Market): 613-562-6400 Enterprise Wealth Planning Group Ottawa (Capital Centre): 613-567-6232 similar typesmay of be investments subject to U.S.as an tax RRSP. on your • Country where you derived the Ottawa (Market): 613-562-6400 worldwide income. However, if you majority of your income in the 1 Individuals mustwere be the present age of majority in inthe their provinceU.S. offor residence less tothan open a TFSA withcurrent BMO Nesbitt tax Burns. year For B.C., N.S., N.B., Newfoundland., Yukon, NorthWest Territories and Nunavut, the age of majority is 19. 2 The $5,500 annual contribution limit is indexed to inflation and increases will be made periodically in $500 increments.

BMO Nesbitt Burns publishes reports on a variety of investing, tax and estate planning topics. Readers of this article may also be interested in: U.S. Estate Tax For Canadians or Canadian Ownership of U.S. Real Property. Please contact your BMO Nesbitt Burns Investment Advisor for a copy of the above articles, or for more information about our publications call one of the numbers listed above. The comments included in the publication are not intended to be a definitive analysis of tax law. The comments contained hereinThe are comments general inincluded nature inand the professional publication advice are not regarding intended an to individual’s be a definitive particular analysis tax positionof tax law. The should be attainedcomments in respect contained of any hereinperson’s are specific general circumstances in nature and . professional® “BMO (M-bar advice Roundel regarding symbol)” an individual’sand “Making Moneyparticular Make Sense” tax position are registered should betrade-marks attained in of respect Bank of of Montreal, any person’s used specific under licence. circumstances “Nesbitt .Burns” ® “BMO is a registered (M-bartrademark Roundel of BMO symbol)” Nesbitt andBurns “Making Inc. Money Make Sense” are registered trade-marks of Bank of Member-CanadianMontreal, used Investor under licence.Protection “Nesbitt Fund Burns” is a registered trademark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund 15 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 driver fatigue by marc labelle

Bus Driver Fatigue: A Fatal Threat

he memory of the fatal freight train and safer limits on transportation safely driving millions of Canadians Tderailment that occurred this past and most specifically on the rules from city to city. According to the July in the scenic Quebec town of Lac- governing drivers in the motor coach ATU Local 1624, there are 1510 bus Mégantic lingers as an unnecessary vehicle transportation industry. lines in Canada. Each motor coach tragedy. Measuring 1.5 kilometres in vehicle can carry between 40 and 80 length, the New Brunswick-bound, A safety audit of the December 30th passengers. 74-car, unmanned freight which accident revealed certain discrepancies belonged to the Montreal, Maine with the tour operator’s records. Due to the pressures from some and Atlantic (MMA) Railway Ltd., According to the audit, the company operators, driver fatigue has become was travelling at excessive speeds, did not properly log its drivers’ time an increasingly important area of carrying a highly flammable cargo behind the wheel. “There are serious concern. “A driver’s day usually of crude oil. The derailment resulted concerns regarding record keeping consists of 16 hours; 13 of those are in a devastating explosion leaving 47 for hours of service. The carrier does hours that are physical driving behind casualties in its charred wake. not monitor the hours of service the wheel leaving only 8 hours and no supporting documents were between shifts.” If you think about it, On December 30th, 2012, a provided at the time of the audit.” that is not sufficient time for workers Vancouver-based tour bus plummeted Consequently, officials revoked the to drive back to their residence, sleep down a steep embankment in Oregon, company’s license. and drive back to work the following leaving 9 dead. The bus, owned by day. And, according to ATU, the cycle Mi Joo Tour and Travel Ltd., was Record keeping is an essential can continue for up to 14 consecutive returning to British Columbia after component of a driver’s daily work days and thus causing severe fatigue. a nine-day tour of Las Vegas. Of the requirements. According to Motor many suspected causes, one hit an Coach Canada’s Bus Driver’s Handbook, The Canadian Centre for alarming note: driver fatigue. “accurate records must be kept to Occupational Health and Safety account for every hour of the day.” states, “research studies have shown Accidents such as these bring Such records enable the driver, as that when workers have slept for less transportation safety issues to the well as the company, “to keep track of than 5 hours before work or when forefront of the public’s mind and put hours to prevent violations” and “for workers have been awake for more it into the political sphere. enforcement officers to determine than 16 hours, their chance of making compliance at roadside or during mistakes at work due to fatigue are The Amalgamated Transit Union facility audits.” significantly increased.” (ATU) Local 1624 has been one of the voices calling for improved policies Each year, the industry is tasked with The ATU Local 1624 has launched a

16 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 petition which calls for a change in legislation. The petition, addressed to Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt, calls for amendments that include, “10 hour-maximum drive time per day, CLanOguNagVe ESeRrvSicAes 14 hour-maximum on duty per day, [and] 10 hour-minimum guarantee learn... for rest between shifts.” French According to Allan Medd, president and business agent of ATU Local 1624, “our governments are not Upgrade your Career! looking at the long-term effects of the current legislation. These 16 hours a Spanish day can have a dramatic impact on our mothers, brothers, sisters and children who get on our buses. We need to Travel, Enjoy, Live, Experience! have full legislation changes.” Government Standards Intent on promoting road safety, the Customized Programs ATU also requests that “all motor to preventable accidents is paramount Enhanced, Fast-track Learning coach vehicles be equipped with to the ATU’s cause. According to the Private, Semi-Private, Groups electronic logging technology” which ATU report Sudden Death Overtime, will monitor every movement that the the National Transit Safety Board bus makes through a graphic system, (NTSB), an independent American F R E E capturing speed, distance covered, and agency tasked with investigating language assessment location. Such devices are “accurate significant transport-related accidents, Conversa Language Services to the minute”. estimates that “36 per cent of motor 154 MacLaren Street, 613 742-7251 coach crash fatalities over the past w w w . c o n v e r s a . c a The ATU is also asking that a firm decade have been due to driver distinction be made “between motor fatigue. It is the number one cause of coach vehicles and trucks.” As Medd fatal accidents.” states, “the primary difference [between buses and trucks] is we’ve Such statistics should serve as a severe got 56 pumping hearts behind us warning for Canadians. “We are when we’re driving and the trucker relatively fortunate in Canada that not doesn’t have that.” With each a lot of this has occurred,” says Medd. passenger comes further responsibility. “But there have been several serious “We have schedules to keep,” adds collisions in the US directly resulting Medd. “We have people on our bus from fatigue that have cost numerous who are expecting to get to their lives and we want to stop that from destinations.” happening in Canada.”

In order for the changes to be effective, The ATU wants the federal govern- all parties involved – government, ment and Transport Canada to carriers and passengers alike – need exercise foresight, to change the to agree upon the ATU’s requests, legislation before an accident occurs, assuring that the laws are respected not after, as was the case with the while violations committed for the Lac-Mégantic derailment. “Safety sake of profit will result in severe in the transportation of dangerous penalties. “All the companies out there goods before Lac-Mégantic will be have to be held accountable,” says very different from what it is going Medd. “There needs to be a culture of to be post- Lac-Mégantic,” Raitt said change. Everyone has to do the same at the 59th annual Oakville Chamber thing so that company A is not stealing of Commerce Chair’s Dinner in customers from company B and that September. the most responsible company is not suffering a loss of business because Driver fatigue in the motor coach they are being responsible.” industry is another serious public policy matter. There is no question Promoting safety and putting an end that changes are required. n

17 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 Fatigue Kills! Help stop the carnage President and Business Agent From: Allan Medd ATU Local 1624 SIGN THE PETITION AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

18 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 opinion by tim hudak

Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says Ontario Taxpayers Deserve Better Tim Hudak is the leader of the Ontario PC Party

Any day now, perhaps even as this was and the geographic location to succeed Our province's deficit is now going to press, the Liberal government in a 21st century economy, but only bigger than all the other provinces of Premier Kathleen Wynne will table the Ontario PCs have a plan to lead combined. its fall economic statement. the way. In fact, if you were to graphically It will not be pretty. We will get Ontario’s fiscal house in compare Ontario’s projected order with a focused government and $11.7-billion deficit to the others, The news will be grim because every the balanced budgets that will restore Ontario's looks like the CN Tower hard-working taxpayer in Ontario is investor confidence. standing beside a string of low-rise already feeling the consequences and apartment buildings. paying the costs for the most reckless We will stick to our economic government in the province's history. fundamentals of lower taxes, affordable That’s quite the accomplishment. energy costs and the expansion of trade The facts cannot be argued. Never has opportunities for Ontario’s exports. Premier Wynne argues she needs more it been more evident that the Ontario “revenue tools” — additional taxes, PCs, under my leadership, is the We will give workers control over tolls and user fees — to bring Ontario's only party that actually has a plan of their careers, and strengthen our economy back to health. economic action already made public skilled trades to meet the challenges of that will, and can, put this province on new technologies. She could not be more wrong. the path to prosperity. And we will end the red tape that Ontario does not have a revenue We even asked the Liberals to steal it if makes doing business in Ontario so problem, it has a serious spending that’s what it would take to get some costly and burdensome. problem. action from them. When the Liberals took power in 2003, Instead of cutting back, however, two Former Liberal Premier Dalton Ontario's debt systematically began to out of three government bureaucracies McGuinty has left the scene, of grow to the point that its current load have actually increased their spending. course, and is now a senior fellow at of $273 billion is double what it was Harvard, where his research interests at their outset. This year alone, $20 billion in new are posted as being “the re-emergence debt will be added, and that does of manufacturing in Ontario and the THE LIBERALS not include the $1.1 billion Premier Great Lakes states post-recession.” HAVE ONTARIO Wynne signed off on in order to cancel two gas-fired power plants, its This is somewhat perplexing DROWNING deliberate purpose being to save two considering the state of Ontario's IN DEBT Liberal seats in the 2011 election. ailing manufacturing sector and its loss of over 300,000 jobs. She admitted, in fact, to canceling those plants for “political reasons,” If there is going to be any “re- feigned an apology and then shrugged emergence” of manufacturing in it off as if water under a bridge. Ontario, it will only happen under an Ontario PC government, and Once Ontario’s auditor general tabled certainly not under Kathleen Wynne, her report, the gas-plant cancellations or her political enabler, NDP Leader became more than just the biggest Andrea Horwath. political scandal in Ontario's history. They became a confirmation that the Ontario has the workers, the resources Liberals' have a chronic pattern of

19 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 Tim Hudak> from page 19 BRADDA PRINTING SERVICES INC. putting political interests first. Since 1978

There is no denying this.

There is also no denying their reckless OTTAWA’S LARGEST abuse of the public's taxes had them DOWNTOWN PRINTER giving not a second thought to who they hurt and who would have to pay LOCAL for their overt self-interest. RELIABLE They did not stop for a moment to think about the senior citizen on fixed DEDICATED income who will have to dig even deeper, or the retail clerk working two PROFESSIONAL jobs to pay the rent, or the employee who lost his job because his employer INNOVATIVE THE NUTCRACKER had to shutter his business because of A CANADIAN TRADITION disappearing margins. COMPETITIVE Dec 14, 2013 1 P M & 4 : 3 0 P M GREEN None of those people cared to them. Dec 15, 2013 1PM CENTREPOINTE THEATRE 613.580.2700 No, what Kathleen Wynne did, instead, www.centrepointetheatre.com was ignore the tough question about 130 SLATER STREET the impact her deliberate decisions had OTTAWA ON K1P 6E2 Dec 16, 2013 7PM on the lives of average people, and asked Dec 17, 2013 1:30PM & 7PM 613-238-5433 SHENKMAN ARTS CENTRE Ontarians to simply turn the page. braddaprinting.com 613.580.2700 www.shenkmanarts.ca My goal is to turn this province around, and the reason I talk about the debt and the deficit so much is because they put the things we care about a risk, stifle the economic growth we need and compound the other problems Ontario faces.

Getting Ontario on track will be tough, without question, but it is do- able and it must be done.

An amount of $1.1 billion to cancel two gas plants is almost as unfathomable to comprehend as it is flushing it away for pure political self interest.

But it’s a lot of money.

For someone earning the average Ontario wage of $45,000 a year, for example, it would take almost 24,445 years to singularly pay off what the Liberals just squandered in a nanosecond for the political self interest of winning two seats in the last provincial election.

Remember that when you go to the polls. It will be up to you, and then it will be up to me. But, together, we can make Ontario better. n

20 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 canada/china good neighbours by gloria lo

Bang a Gong for Hong Kong

Over the past two decades, Hong Kong's economy has more than doubled ABOVE (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) Street merchant in size and its GDP has grown at an average of 4.5 per cent for the past selling a favourite snack, sweet potatoes; Dragon sculpture in Hong Kong’s Repulse Bay 10 years in real terms. Hong Kong's government runs a good surplus Temple; A major tourist attraction, trams are and its current fiscal reserve is large enough to cover almost two years one of the most environmentally-friendly ways of travelling in Hong Kong. of operating expenditure. On top of that, Hong Kong enjoys almost full PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK employment. The people of Hong Kong work hard but they also play hard and enjoy life.

A Strong Work Ethic and has maintained the basics of its social In fact, Hong Kong is actually moving Talent Everywhere You Look fabric — legal system, independent forward and doing better than ever. judiciary, financial system, clean Hong Kong is consistently ranked as Many visitors to Hong Kong are government, independent anti- the freest economy in the world. It is impressed by its hustle and bustle, corruption authority, level playing easier to do business in Hong Kong speed and efficiency. But the people field, simple and low tax regime. This than in most other places. In 2012, it of Hong Kong are also praised for is reassuring for business and trading introduced legislation implementing their tenacity and resilience. Just partners. Hong Kong is a decent stronger consequences for anti- think of all the difficult challenges and caring society. There is a great competition conduct, it modernized Hong Kong has faced over the years freedom, freedom of expression and mediation and arbitration laws and – from the financial turmoil in Asia press freedom. Nowadays there are regarding taxes, Hong Kong signed to a series of public health crises and vigorous debates in Hong Kong's media an agreement with the Canadian the last global financial crisis. With on various issues. The government government in 2012 for comprehensive each struggle, Hong Kong not only has to be more open, transparent and avoidance of double taxation. The survives, but thrives. accountable. This means that civil agreement is expected to come into servants must work harder but this effect in early 2014. Hong Kong continues to enjoy a is good for Hong Kong, not just for degree of autonomy under the “one people living there, but for those who Hong Kong also has strong protection country, two systems principle” and do business with Hong Kong. of intellectual property rights with its

21 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 World Trade Organization-compliant IP legislation and strong enforcement. Many technology companies do business in Hong Kong because of its effective platform for IP trading and IP exports to the Mainland. Hong Kong has good business sense for customizing a new product or technology to cater to Mainland markets. Seen as the trendsetter in Asia, Hong Kong is an ideal first stop for international brands to test market their products before moving into Mainland China.

Hong Kong is an important market for technology products, with expertise in sourcing and marketing, innovation and commercialization. Its Science Park and Cyberport will continue to provide nurturing ground for R&D and the running of Information and Communications Technology /digital content business. Start-ups and small enterprises will A view down Gloucester Road in Hong Kong. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK continue to enjoy financial incentives and more land will be made available for the development of data centres. completion of a cross-border express While businesspeople have growing rail link and a cross-harbour bridge in interests in attracting investments With a city of 7.1 million people, Hong the next two years, the traveling and from Mainland China, let’s not miss Kong has a vibrant cultural and arts turnaround time between Hong Kong the point that Hong Kong is also a community and Lo says promoting and other parts of the Pearl River platform for Mainland enterprises culture and creative industries, in Delta Region will be substantially to go global. Many companies in particular film production, is another reduced. Mainland China choose to list in priority. The ongoing West Kowloon Hong Kong or to set up local offices or Cultural District project will build a Above all, Hong Kong-based regional operations there, using Hong cluster of arts and performance venues companies enjoy easier access to the Kong as the platform for fund-raising, in hopes that there will be more Mainland with Closer Economic market intelligence, and professional international cultural exchanges. And Partnership Arrangements, the services for overseas investment. if wine is your thing, it should be bilateral free trade agreement between noted that Hong Kong is the world’s Hong Kong and Mainland China. Think Asia, Think Hong Kong largest wine auction centre and the This means that companies in Hong key wine trading and distribution Kong can use duty-free imported Hong Kong is also the platform to centre in Asia. raw materials and components to access other markets in Asia. The 10 manufacture goods of Hong Kong countries covered by the Association Gateway to Mainland China’s origin for export to the Mainland of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets on a zero tariff basis, while service are Hong Kong’s second largest companies could enjoy easier access to trading partner. This underlines our Hong Kong is the prime gateway to 48 service sectors in Mainland China, strong presence and experience in Mainland markets supported by a with lower entry requirements, other Asian markets. huge population of 1.3 billion. Taking less restriction on the scope and the first-mover advantage to tap into geographical location of business. Hong Kong is indeed a world city in Mainland markets since the late 70s, Foreign companies operating in Asia and a hub for trading, logistics and Hong Kong’s business community Mainland China through Hong Kong financial services in the region. More has accumulated vast experience and could also enjoy tax benefits and have than just a trade middleman, it is also established strong connections to the more flexibility in controlling the a multiplier for capital and business. If Mainland. Its strategic location also flow of capital from the Mainland. you are interested in Asia, if you want enables access to the fast developing In short, there are a host of benefits to advance your long-term interests, Pearl River Delta Region, which for a foreign company to do business and if you are looking for a stable, is modernizing production and in Mainland China through Hong safe and favourable environment for promoting service industries. Upon Kong. business, think Hong Kong. n

22 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 canada/china good neighbours by ed fast

Canada Makes A Good Business Partner

he year 2012 was a landmark over just the past two years. Just as The Honourable Ed Fast is Canada’s Tin Canada-China commercial exciting are Canada’s export figures, Minister of International Trade relations. For the first time, China which grew by 15.2 per cent in became Canada’s second-largest 2012. Exciting, too, is the fact that transactions valued at more than trading partner. Despite its recent in 2012, Canadian investment in $60 million. These new officers join economic slowdown, China remains China reached its highest level ever, fellow Canadian trade commissioners one of the world’s fastest-growing increasing more than 35 per cent over who have been active in China for economies. And that is why it has 2011 investment levels. decades, at our diplomatic missions become a priority market under the in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Government of Canada’s Global I also visited Hong Kong in April Hong Kong and Chongqing. Commerce Strategy and our pro- this year, my second visit in just six trade plan to drive economic growth months. In 2012, Hong Kong was In April, my colleague, Minister and job creation. Canada's 11th-largest market for Alice Wong, and I visited the Harbin goods and our seventh-largest market Economic Technical Development We know that relationships matter in for services. That is also the year in Zone, where I saw the successes of Asia, perhaps more so than anywhere which Canada and Hong Kong signed Canadian companies McCain Foods else in the world. So does consistency an agreement for the avoidance of Ltd. and Wesley Clover. More recently, of engagement. That’s why Prime double taxation and the prevention of I saw the success of Bombardier Inc. Minister Stephen Harper has been fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on in establishing production facilities to China twice in the last four years, income. for its Q400 and C-Series aircraft in and why there have been more than Shenyang. These are just a few of the 80 high-level visits to China since Hong Kong provides a critical Canadian success stories. 2006. Just this October, I visited stepping stone for Canadians to China, as did Governor General access mainland China and other Of course, I have also heard about David Johnston, Foreign Affairs Asian markets. Hong Kong’s rule of the significant challenges Canadian Minister John Baird and Minister of law, intellectual property protection companies face when doing business Natural Resources Joe Oliver, as well and business-friendly climate make it in China. That is one of the reasons as delegations from Alberta, Ontario an excellent launch pad for Canadian why my ministerial colleagues and I and Quebec. small and medium-sized companies remain engaged at the highest political to penetrate Asian markets. level in advocating for Canadian In fact, October’s visit was my second Partnering with Hong Kong firms interests. It's also why we signed a to China just this year. Obviously, also provides access for Canadian foreign investment promotion and it’s a big country, and I have a lot companies to well-developed retail protection agreement with China, of ground to cover. In addition to networks that have been established to provide stronger protection for visits to the capital city of Beijing, throughout the Chinese mainland. Canadians investing in China. I am trying to visit many of China’s Common languages, the rule of other cities, which also present law, sound business practices and Our efforts to deepen Canada’s trade real opportunities for Canadian highly sophisticated infrastructure and investment ties in China are companies. In meetings with Chinese all contribute to make Hong Kong also being facilitated by our strategic party secretaries, mayors, company an ideal platform for doing business investments and partnerships in representatives and ministers, I have with China. building the Asia-Pacific Gateway. reiterated the importance of the These investments are positioning Canada-China relationship. I also Canada’s Trade Commissioner Canada as the preferred gateway highlighted the obvious, namely that Service is there to help. Since our of choice between Asia and North Canadian companies make great, new trade offices opened in Chengdu, America. In fact, Canada’s west coast trusted business partners. Nanjing, Qingdao, Shenyang, ports are more than two days closer to Shenzhen and Wuhan a few years China than any other North American These visits are paying off. Two-way ago, trade commissioners in these six port. To date, the Government of merchandise trade between Canada cities have provided more than 1,800 Canada, together with our provincial, and China amounted to $70.1 billion key services to Canadian clients municipal and private sector partners, in 2012, up a whopping $10 billion and have facilitated commercial have invested almost $4 billion in

23 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 Canada Makes a Good Business Partner>> from page 23

strategic gateway infrastructure projects.

Canada and China have also enhanced our Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. Originally signed in 1994, our countries recently signed a supplementary protocol that will help Canadian uranium companies increase their exports to China. China represents the fastest-growing market for Canadian uranium in the world.

Canada is fortunate to home to a large Chinese community, nearly 1.5 million strong, which acts as a bridge between Canada, China and Hong Kong. Cultural awareness is a key success factor in doing business in China. When doing business in China, it doesn't hurt to speak the local l a n g u a g e ! T he m a i n r e g ion a l C h i ne s e d i a le c t s of M a nd a r i n , Cantonese and Taiwanese are, collectively, Canada’s third most spoken language.

Whether it's our premium seafood and agricultural products or our world class forestry, mining and other products, Chinese are buying more and more of what we produce in Canada, thus contributing to the prosperity of all regions of Canada.

Canada’s economic and social relationship with China is one of our government's most important. The future economic security and prosperity of Canada depends on it. n

24 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 kazakhstan/canada friends by harvey chartrand

In our continuing series on Canada-Kazakhstan relations, we look at Kazakhstan’s expanding uranium mining sector and its position in the vanguard of middle-power countries supporting nuclear non-proliferation.

Kazakhstan: at the forefront of nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy

he decision of Kazakhstan The Monument “Stronger than Death” was TPresident Nursultan Nazarbayev opened on August 29, 2001, on Polkovnichy in 1991 to eliminate the nuclear test Island to honour the victims of the Semipa- site in Kazakhstan ended 40 years of latinsk nuclear testing site in Kazakhstan. nuclear tests in the country, the effects of which are felt among Kazakhstan’s population to this day. From 1949 to experience with nuclear testing is the that the experience of his country 1991, more than 450 tests of nuclear reason for our principled position on would be useful to Iran – Kazakhstan's weapons occurred in the Semipalatinsk nuclear security,” Zhigalov said. neighbour across the Caspian Sea. Nuclear Test Site in the eastern part of Kazakhstan, affecting over 1.5 million Kazakhstan and Canada have become In the early 1990s, Kazakhstan gave people who lived in this region. How partners in promoting international up its nuclear arsenal, considered at were these people affected, and what nuclear disarmament and the non- the time the fourth largest in the impact did 40+ years of nuclear testing proliferation of atomic weapons since world. (With more than 110 ballistic have on this region? establishing diplomatic relations over missiles with 1,200 nuclear warheads, 20 years ago. Kazakhstan was able to reach any point “Nuclear on Earth). The fact that this action was weapons and Both countries are strong supporters the result of the will of the people has radiation are of non-proliferation efforts within great significance, because it was taken not a distant various international and multilateral when Kazakhstan was still part of the theory for bodies, such as the United Nations Soviet Union. It was Kazakhstan’s the people of and the Organization for Security decisive step towards independence. Kazakhstan but and Cooperation in Europe. In 2012, a sad reality,” Mr. Konstantin Zhigalov. Kazakhstan officially joined the Group In 2009, in recognition of Kazakhstan’s said Konstantin of Eight Global Partnership against the positive record in the sphere of nuclear Zhigalov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass non-proliferation, the UN General Canada. “Explosions were carried out Destruction. This important initiative Assembly established August 29 as the in the atmosphere, underground and was launched during the Canadian International Day against Nuclear Tests. above ground on the test site and had presidency of the G8. Canada also This date is symbolic because it also devastating consequences. Day-to-day contributed to physical upgrades to marks the closing of the Semipalatinsk radiation poisoned steppes, rivers and protect civilian nuclear facilities in Nuclear Test Site. lakes, slowly destroying all life around Kazakhstan. the testing ground. Children who were Significant achievements were made born deformed to the inhabitants of The issue of nuclear non-proliferation at a major international conference Eastern Kazakhstan bear witness to the is an important matter for the global hosted by Kazakhstan on August 29, tragedy. ” community and the danger of a nuclear 2012: From Nuclear Test Ban to Nuclear conflict still exists. Weapons-Free World – organized jointly One of the broader impacts of the with the network of Parliamentarians nuclear tests in Kazakhstan was the Last February and April, Kazakhstan for Nuclear Non-proliferation formation of a nuclear-weapons-free hosted two rounds of talks between Iran and Disarmament (PNND). This zone in Central Asia in 2006, which and the group of six countries (China, international event drew more than Kazakhstan helped initiate. As party France, Russia, UK, US, Germany) on 200 participants from more than to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran’s nuclear program. Kazakhstan’s 75 countries and 20+ international the country pledged to be a nuclear- President Nazarbayev offered Almaty organizations, including the UN and weapons-free state. “Our first-hand as a venue for negotiations in the hope the International Atomic Energy

25 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 Agency. The conference included participants from more than 70 parliaments from around the world. The participation of PNND founder and former Canadian Senator Douglas Roche and Ottawa MP Paul Dewar was instrumental in the conference’s success.

Besides discussions on key nuclear disarmament issues, the conference included a trip to Semipalatinsk RIGHT: The Decree of the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan and to the Kazakhstan Radiation Nazarbayev, to close the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. Research Centre and launched a new international initiative — the ATOM Project. The conference also aimed to of Kazatomprom. a lot of use. It once produced about 80 promote the implementation of the “Another area for per cent of nuclear fuel for the Soviet- Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty cooperation is the type reactors. However, today the and the development of practical creation of the production capacities of the plant are recommendations for the effective Ulba Conversion not fully loaded.” implementation of nuclear-weapons- Mr. Vladimir Shkolnik joint venture. free zones. It includes On the other hand, Kazakhstan is the construction of the plant in a world leader in the production In May, Zhigalov was invited to Ust-Kamenogorsk in the Eastern of uranium that is exported as a speak at the Canadian Parliament’s Kazakhstan region to obtain uranium crude product. Naturally, to increase launch of the Inter-Parliamentary trioxide from raw materials, using efficiency of the country’s nuclear Union/Parliamentarians for Nuclear Cameco technology.” industry, it is necessary to develop a Non-proliferation and Disarmament deeper refinement of uranium onsite. Handbook for Parliamentarians on Kazatomprom also cooperates with Supporting Nuclear Non-proliferation two Canadian corporations – Cameco This year, Kazatomprom, in a joint and Disarmament. He also spoke at and Uranium One – in the field of venture with Russia in Angarsk, has the conference on the Role of Public peaceful uses of nuclear energy. There begun one of the most advanced Pressure in Securing a Nuclear-Weapons- is joint uranium mining with Uranium production in uranium isotope Free World. One in Kazakhstan. Together with separation in Novouralsk (Russia). Cameco Corporation, Kazatomprom “Participation of our Embassy in is implementing projects on joint “We are interested in developing these and similar events provides an uranium mining and plans to have an industry in Kazakhstan, which opportunity to share the experience shared conversion production. would produce high value-added of Kazakhstan in the area of nuclear products, effectively using uranium non-proliferation, and also highlights With its high scientific and reserves on the country’s territory the positive experience of cooperation technical potential, Kazatomprom is and developing subsequent links in between Kazakhstan and Canada, implementing a number of innovative the nuclear fuel cycle,” says Zhantikin. which can definitely be viewed as an projects in the field of adoption “Ideally, Kazakhstan’s nuclear industry example in promoting international of technology for alternative and could provide ready-made nuclear security and stability,” Zhigalov said. renewable energy, as well as in the field fuel to the market for various of rare earth metals, and chemicals. types of reactors. We have technical Kazakhstan is the world’s number capabilities and experience for this one uranium producer and Canada is Kazakhstan has work. However, it requires painstaking number two. The countries’ biggest a major plant work on certification of products uranium companies (Kazatomprom making nuclear from Kazakhstan’s enterprises for their National Atomic Company and fuel pellets and further use on the market. Cameco) signed an agreement aims eventually to in September 2012 to broaden sell value-added Speaking of the benefits of supplying Mr. Timur Zhantikin cooperation. fuel rather than nuclear fuel instead of crude uranium, just uranium. it is obvious that the production with “Further cooperation between Explains Timur Zhantikin, Deputy high-value-added, which is the ready- Kazatomprom and Cameco will Chairman of the Atomic Energy made nuclear fuel, is economically include the continuation of the Inkai Committee of Kazakhstan: “This is one more profitable for the supplier. It joint venture as an operator in the of the oldest nuclear fuel cycle plants; creates jobs and also develops the high- implementation of uranium mining it is located in Ust-Kamenogorsk City technology industry, which has an projects in Kazakhstan,” says Vladimir in the eastern part of Kazakhstan. The overall positive effect on the country’s Shkolnik, CEO and Board Member plant is over 60 years old and has seen economic development.” n

26 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 labour, jobs, employers and fairness by chris rootham

Treating Parents Right: Flexibility is Key in Accommodating Family Status

ne of the questions that often types or biases are not overt, and to at lunch, when it may be easier for Oarises in workplaces is how far sometimes are perhaps not even employees with young children to an employer must go to accommodate intentional. When employees become attend. employees who have child care parents or take on other significant responsibilities. The law is currently care-giving responsibilities, they may For a time, the law appeared to only evolving towards a requirement find themselves shunted on to the prohibit discrimination on the basis of that employers accommodate an “parent track”, and passed over for family status when there was serious employee’s basic childcare obligations promotions, learning opportunities, interference with a substantial parental to the point of undue hardship. This and recognition, even when they or other family duty or obligation. accommodation can often be as continue to work full-time and More recently, however, parents of straightforward as flexibility on the perform well. There may be an young children have successfully part of the employer. assumption that the person with advanced claims when employers fail family responsibilities is unable to to accommodate regular child care Family Status has been a prohibited take on bigger responsibilities. In requirements to the point of undue ground of discrimination in Ontario other cases, the bias is much more hardship. since 1982, and means “the status overt. There may be comments of being in a parent and child about leaving early or not pulling Accommodating care-giving needs relationship”. Discrimination on the one’s weight when time is taken for is usually not burdensome or costly basis of family status includes any parental leave or to fulfill care-giving for employers. It is often a matter of distinction based on the status of commitments flexibility. Flexible working hours, being in a parent and child relation- working from home and careful ship. It means, fairly obviously, Employees with family responsi- scheduling of meetings and events refusing to hire somebody because bilities may also face greater systemic can go a long way to avoiding issues they are a parent would be illegal. barriers. There may be patterns of with regard to family status. Further, Instead of directly discriminating behaviour, policies or practices that employees (even parents) are not against parents, however, workplaces are part of the social or administrative entitled to perfect accommodation: may discriminate against parents structures of an organization, and they are entitled to accommodation more subtly: by creating rigid work which create or perpetuate a position they need for their actual family status schedules that make it impossible of relative disadvantage for people situation, not to design the hours or for a parent to arrange for child with care-giving commitments. responsibilities of the dream job they care, refusing reasonable requests While these systems and structures want. Child care arrangements can for (unpaid) time off to deal with may appear neutral on the surface, typically be accommodated by an childcare emergencies, or tempo- they have a disproportionate effect employer being flexible. rarily transferring an employee on certain employees. An example out-of-town where child care may is the practice of always scheduling I have always adopted this simple rule: not be as available. client meetings at dinner when many would I have wanted my parents to parents with small children will have have been treated that way when I Often, the negative attitudes, stereo- childcare commitments, as opposed was young? n

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK 27 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013

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28 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 labour, jobs, employers and fairness by emond harnden LLP

Family Status Issues in the Workplace

n 2010, the Canadian Human can accommodate the employee’s employees than that of Ontario. In IRights Tribunal released a landmark family care obligations without undue the federal cases, the focus is whether human rights decision and ruled that hardship. a term or condition of employment “ f a m i l y s t a t u s ”, o n e o f t h e e n u m e r a t e d creates a serious interference with a grounds of discrimination in human These issues were illustrated in the parental or other family obligation, rights legislation, includes the decision of the Ontario Human and as a consequence, the employee family care obligations of employees Rights Tribunal in Devaney v. ZRV is unable to participate equally and ( Johnstone v. Canadian Border Services Holdings Limited (August, 2012). fully in employment. The level of Agency). Recent decisions in Ontario The employee, with 27 years’ of “serious interference” necessary and at the federal level confirm service, was the primary caregiver to establish discrimination has this ruling. As a result, employers of his ailing mother. His care-giving been criticized as being an overly may be under a legal obligation duties were extensive and often low threshold - whether the to accommodate the family care resulted working from home and employee’s ability to fulfill the responsibilities of employees.Failure being late or absent. The employer family obligation is impacted in to meet this obligation may result issued numerous warnings to the a realistic way. Employers have in discrimination claims under the employee and eventually terminated argued for a higher threshold and applicable human rights code. his employment. The Ontario have encouraged decision-makers Human Rights Tribunal discussed to give weight to the requirement “Family status” under the Ontario the distinction between the family of “serious” interference. This has Human Rights Code is defined as the care responsibilities and choices or generally been rejected on the basis status of being in a parent and child preferences. The Tribunal stated that that such an approach would impose relationship. In other jurisdictions, if it is the caregiver's choice, rather a higher threshold for human rights “family status” is not explicitly than need, that precludes the caregiver claims based on family status than defined. from attending work, discrimination the threshold for claims based on is not established. This was consistent other prohibited grounds. Family care obligations generally with the human rights principle that fall within two broad categories: accommodation is required for human In light of these developments, child care obligations; and elder care rights needs, not preferences. employers may find that there are obligations. Child care obligations increasing requests by employees can generally be seen as the parental The Tribunal found that the employee's for accommodation of family care responsibilities that an employee has family care responsibilities were a needs. An analysis should first be to his or her children. Elder care significant factor in the dismissal and done of the steps taken, if any, by obligations are responsibilities that an that the employer's strict requirements the employee to balance family and employee may have to an aging parent for attendance had an adverse work responsibilities before turning or relative. impact on the employee, given these to the employer for accommodation. responsibilities. Discrimination was Employers may consider implementing The family status discrimination cases established since the employer did not policies for addressing such requests, that have been litigated generally make any attempts to accommodate but must remember that each request involve a work requirement that the needs of the employee and there must be considered on an individual conflicts with an employee’s family was no evidence of undue hardship. basis. In most cases, an employer will care responsibilities. Decision The employee was awarded $15,000 be able to meet the legal obligation to makers have considered whether the for injury to his dignity, feelings and accommodate the family care needs employee’s family care responsibilities self-respect. The employer was also of employees by simply providing are genuine and substantial, and if ordered to develop a human rights more flexibility and options to all so, whether the conflicting work policy and to provide mandatory employees. The Ontario Human requirement prevents the employee human rights training to management Rights Commission recommends from participating fully in the and staff. that employers consider options for workplace. Consideration is given flexible hours, compressed work to whether the work requirement The federal approach to claims weeks, reduced work hours, and even is a bona fide requirement, in other of discrimination on the basis of job-sharing. There are options for words necessary to the employer’s family status involving family care accommodation if everyone works operation, and whether the employer obligations appears more generous to together. n

29 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 30 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 labour, jobs, employers and fairness opinion by gary corbett

Let the Science Speak

ast month, the union I represent information about its policies, record (because an email would be Lreleased the results of an on- programs, services and initiatives.” subject to an [access-to-information] line Environics survey designed to request) that we have to refer enquiries gauge the actual extent and impact However, whatever the Harper about the new 30-year climate of muzzling and political interference government may have promised, normals (1980-2010) that have been among federal scientists. Over 4,000 these objectives are not being met. delayed to media relations.” of the more than 15,000 federal Science is increasingly being frozen scientists, researchers and engineers out of policy decisions and scientists When did the weather become invited took part – a remarkable themselves are not able to provide a national secret? response rate. Not only did the survey timely, vital scientific information to reveal that muzzling and political Canadians. According to the survey, Why can’t Canadians expect timely interference are far bigger problems over one-third (37 per cent) report that answers to straightforward scientific than at first thought, but the silencing they were prevented from responding questions from a government that of science through a combination to questions from the public and prides itself on “retail” politics? of cuts, excessive control of media by public relations staff or Whose interest, if not the public’s, is communications, and direct inter- management over the past five years. served by continuing to delay, defund, ference is clearly putting Canadians’ More alarming, nearly a quarter (24 alter, suppress and, yes, muzzle even health and safety, the environment, per cent) report being directly asked the most basic scientific findings on and our economic prosperity at risk. to exclude or alter information for the climate? Where do we turn, if non-scientific reasons. In fact, 7 out not to federal scientists, for “timely, We called our report The Big Chill, for of 10 (74 per cent) of federal scientists accurate, clear, objective, and complete reasons that became apparent almost believe the sharing of government information?” immediately. According to the survey, science findings with the public has 90 per cent of federal scientists do become too restricted over the past The day the survey results were not feel they can speak freely about five years. And a further 7 out of 10 released, the office of the new Minister their work to the media. This alone (71 per cent) believe that the federal of State for Science and Technology, will be alarming to Canadians who government’s ability to develop policy, Greg Rickford – whose local riding expect openness and accountability law and programs based on scientific association had recently described from their government. But even evidence has been compromised by scientists in a fundraising letter to more troubling is the discovery that, political interference. Conservative supporters as “radical faced with a departmental decision or ideologues”– responded by repeating action that could harm public health, Clearly, if allowed to continue, this the tired, questionable (and irrelevant) safety or the environment, nearly as poses a risk to public health, safety talking point: “Our government has many scientists (86 per cent) do not and the environment. (Fifty per cent made record investments in science.” believe they could share their concerns of survey respondents said it already with the media or public without does.) The federal government’s efforts to censure or retaliation. control the science message are out In fact, the impact has already been of control. They do not serve science. In other words, a “chill” has settled on noticeably felt in departments such as They do not serve the environment. federal government science that is even Environment Canada and Fisheries They do not serve the economy. And greater than that suggested by the cases and Oceans, where 62 per cent of they do not serve Canadians. It’s time so far reported by the media, or that can scientists believe their departments the government admitted as much be blamed simply on poorly designed do not incorporate the best climate and let the science speak. n or implemented communications science in their policies. policies. The Conservatives’ signature Gary Corbett is President of the Professional 2006 communications policy of the Sometimes the urge to control has Institute of the Public Service of Canada, Government of Canada clearly states no other apparent objective than the largest union of scientists and other that the federal public service must to control. As one scientist who professionals in Canada. To read the full report, “provide the public with timely, participated in the survey remarked, The Big Chill: Silencing Public Interest Science, accurate, clear, objective and complete “Currently, we are being told off the A Survey, visit www.pipsc.ca/bigchill

31 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 health series/open arms by caleigh dinicolantonio

What is Cancer? The science will tell you that cancer is a disease that starts in our cells. It is when abnormal cells divide and multiply uncontrollably forming lumps or tumors or spread through the blood stream or lymphatic system.

Malignant or cancerous tumors can Again, while there are different frequently diagnosed cancer for men spread to other parts of the body by types of survival statistics, generally while for women it would be breast invading the surrounding tissue. The speaking survival is measured by cancer in 2013. cancer cells that spread to other parts the number of people who are alive of the body are “metastases”. Often at a certain point in time after their For Canadian men the leading types times when a malignant tumor has diagnosis, the most often used being of cancers causing death are lung and spread, the lymph nodes of that area five years. colorectal and for Canadian women it will start to swell however almost is lung and breast cancer. any part of the body can be hit by The Canadian Cancer Society says cancerous cells and it may not always that about 52 per cent of all new Accountable for about 30 per cent of be obvious. cancer cases will be either lung, all deaths, cancer is the leading cause breast, colorectal or prostate cancers. of death in Canada. The Canadian There are many different types of In general, 63 per cent of Canadian Cancer Society had estimated that cancer but the National Cancer diagnosed with cancer will survive at 500 people would be diagnosed with Institute breaks them down into least five years after their diagnosis. cancer every day and 200 people five main categories. Carcinoma They estimated that in Ontario, would die from cancer every day is cancers that begin in the skin or prostate cancer will be the most in 2013. Although cancer diagnosis in tissues lining internal organs. rates are increasing so are the survival Sarcoma is generally cancer that starts rates. in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or blood vessels. Leukemia is cancer There is not one single cause of that starts in blood-forming tissue cancer and what’s more scary is that and causes cancerous cells to enter anyone can be affected. There are the blood. Lymphoma and myeloma risk factors that potentially increase begin in the immune system and the chance of getting cancer but this finally Central Nervous System would even include uncontrollable Cancers start in the brain or things such as genetics. Other risk spinal cord. Cancers are then factors include lifestyle choices named after the part of the and exposure to carcinogens. body that it originates in (ie. lung cancer, bladder cancer, What the science and statistics etc.). can’t tell you are the affects that this disease can have not only physically A prognosis is a doctor’s best but emotionally and mentally. estimate of how cancer will Virtually everyone will in some affect a person. While there way be touched by cancer. For are many factors that affect this reason, it is so important that a prognosis survival statistics a variety of treatments be offered are the most commonly used and we never lose hope of one tools to determine a prognosis. day finding a cure. n

32 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 health series/open arms by olm staff

THE SEELY’S — A Family of Medical Pioneers

he Ottawa Integrative Cancer The late Dr. John F. Seely (LEFT) and his Seely comes from a family of TC e n t r e ( O I C C ) i s a n e w c a n c e r c a r e family; daughters Dr. Jean Seely and Dr. movers and shakers who have made and research facility that incorporates Alison Seely; his wife, Dr. Janet Christie- significant pioneering advancements the use of naturopathic medicine Seely; and his sons, Dr. Andrew Seely and and contributions in the Ottawa and other compatible whole-person Dr. Dugald Seely. medical community. Seely’s treatments with standard cancer care greatest inspiration comes from his to meet the goals of improving the Portraits by Karsh and Couvrette father, the late Dr. John F. Seely, overall quality of life for those living an internationally-recognized and with cancer. Through the Centre, Seely is an revered clinician who passed away innovator of a new approach to cancer from cancer in 2009. John Seely was Naturopathic doctor, Founder and care; one that provides complementary highly regarded among Ottawa’s Executive Director of the OICC, therapeutic support for patients medical community for his depth of Dugald Seely says the Centre is alongside conventional treatments. compassion and devotion to patient something he had wanted to start Seely believes so much more can care. For many years, he was the Dean for many years. He credits the be done to improve quality of life of the Faculty of Medicine at the leadership of the Canadian College of for patients. Through an evidence- University of Ottawa but eventually Naturopathic Medicine in supporting informed approach, his team strives stepped down to return to clinical its creation and the Lotte and John to assess and reduce possible causes care to focus his attention on helping Hecht Memorial Foundation for of cancer while exploring innovative terminally ill patients. Working with contributing operational funding. integrative treatments. lifelong friend Dr. Balfour Mount, The OICC emphasizes whole-person, the founder of palliative care in patient-centred care and is the first As a Fellow of the American Board of Canada, he developed the palliative of its kind in central and eastern Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO), care program for The Ottawa Canada. Dugald is one of only 12 naturopathic Hospital. doctors in Canada who are board “Patient-centred care focuses on the certified in naturopathic oncology. “My father was greatly supportive of needs of the patient first, the quality Alongside leading the OICC, he is the vision for the OICC and joined the of life or things defined by the patient also Director of Research and Clinical board of governors of the Canadian as important,” said Seely. “Patients Epidemiology for the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine are empowered to make choices for College of Naturopathic Medicine, of which the Centre is a part”, said themselves and encouraged to take an Affiliate Investigator with the Seely. “He fully believed in and an active role in their healing process Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, exemplified whole-person, patient- through the adoption of self-care and board member for the Society of centred care. A medical doctor like practices.” Integrative Oncology. many in my family, my father wasn’t

33 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 When your child is sick. It matters.

When your aging parent needs a home. It matters.

When an emergency happens. It matters.

Quality Health Care Matters.

Choose a trusted health care organization accredited by

1-800-814-7769 • www.accreditation.ca biased towards a limited perception Breast Health Centre, as well as are revolutionary and more accurate of what medicine is, but rather was Associate Professor at the University in finding and correctly diagnosing biased entirely towards what benefits of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, breast cancers that may not otherwise the patient.” Department of Medical Imaging and be diagnosed. is the Regional Breast Imaging Lead Among many other thoughtful words for the Ontario Breast Screening Dr. Andrew Seely is an Intensivist and Dr. Balfour Mount used to describe Program. Jean Seely is a highly- Thoracic Surgeon with The Ottawa Dr. John Seely, “invaluable” was one respected radiologist who continues Hospital. He is Associate Scientist and of them. “…he was a remarkable to pursue education and professional Associate Professor with the Ottawa listener,” said Mount. “He had the development through teaching, Hospital Research Institute and the capacity for radical presence. That research, and clinical practice. Her University of Ottawa, performing was the kind of person he was and underlying goal is to improve on ways research in thoracic surgery and it showed in his clinical work or in to see early on what may be amiss in critical care medicine. His research conversations with a friend.” order to help save peoples’ lives. is rooted in complex systems science, and is focussed on monitoring When John’s former patients tell their In an effort to have a greater impact the underlying system as a whole. story of being unwell, they talk of on early detection, Jean began the Andrew is an international leader in his reassuring voice, his incredible the bedside application of complexity warmth, his smile, and his ease with science using mathematical analysis words. When he spoke, it was to of patterns of variation of vital explain to the patient exactly what signs. Andrew is pioneering the was happening, to ease concerns, to technological development and inquire how they were coping, to clinical evaluation of a clinical deci- talk to them of spiritual needs. Never sion support system to help improve in a rush, and taking the time each COUVRETTE PHOTO: PAUL care for patients in critical care. This day to visit his patients even if they novel technology is patented, is being hadn't requested it. commercialized in partnership with Therapeutic Monitoring Systems More than their achievements, (www.thereapeuticmonitoring.com), perhaps their character traits, warmth, and has the potential to improve and natural kindness are what set this efficiency and quality of critical care family apart. What makes the Seely in hospitals. family story so worth telling is the unique way in which they approach Andrew and Dugald are collabora- and treat the people in their care. ting as Co-Principal Investigators on a fi r st of it s k i nd resea rch t r ia l to deter- Seely’s great-grandfather and mine if melatonin affects patients with name-sake, Dugald Christie, was a Dugald Seely is one of lung cancer and improves long-term missionary and medical doctor who four children who are all survival after surgery. This study is the established the first Western hospital involved in the medical largest clinical trial in the world for in China and is still greatly admired testing the use of this natural health today for his accomplishments. community. product in cancer care. To date, 550 Seely’s grandfather, Ronald Christie, participants have been recruited and was a pioneer respiratory researcher, as a result of collaborating with the worked with Fleming on penicillin, Canadian Association of Thoracic and was Dean of Medicine at McGill breast MRI program at The Ottawa Surgeons, this trial is now enrolling University. His grandmother, Phoebe Hospital in 2001. This program in eight hospital centres across Seely, was one of the founders of was the first of its kind in Ottawa Canada; with The Ottawa Hospital as Meals on Wheels. and has been a resounding success the primary site. If trial results reflect in the community in providing what has been shown in other studies, Dugald Seely is one of four children excellent care for women in the there is real potential for reducing who are all involved in the medical region. Jean also helped introduce lung cancer recurrence after lung community. They have each made and a new technology, digital breast cancer resection, and thus improving are continuing to make considerable tomosynthesis, to the Ottawa region quality and efficiency of care to the advancements within this community in 2009. Tomosynthesis technology health care system through the use of as all four share a sense of compassion reduces false positives and improves this low cost non-patentable natural and dedication to helping others. sensitivity and overall accuracy of health product. digital mammograms. The Ottawa Dr. Jean Seely is the eldest of the four. Hospital is working towards studying This study is a compelling example of She is the Head of Breast Imaging at this technology in screening patients the pioneering complementary cancer The Ottawa Hospital and Women’s for breast cancer. These programs care research efforts led by Dugald

35 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 36 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 and Andrew Seely. Foundations and how it helps them understand illness. philanthropic donations are critical She was Author-Editor of a textbook, for this kind of innovative research Working w ith the Family in P r imar y Care : given the lack of industry funding a Systems Approach to Health and Illness. available to support studies on the Starting off with research on the lung benefits of natural health products. she then became a Family Physician. Funding to the tune of nearly one Janet expanded her knowledge, million dollars, for this particular moving into the field of family trial was provided by the Lotte and therapy and hasn’t looked back. She John Hecht Memorial Foundation founded the Satir Learning Centre of and the Gateway for Cancer Research Ottawa, and has traveled the globe,

Foundation. BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO: DWAYNE teaching in 16 countries as far flung as Azerbaijan and Hong Kong. Never Dr. Alison Seely said that as early as one to be stopped, as some might be, she could talk she said an emphatic no in attempting to teach other cultures to studying medicine. Yet her love of a whole new therapeutic language, animals has brought her back to the Janet easily overcomes this, seeing family fold in the field of veterinary instead the possibilities in expanding medicine. She is one of the few The Ottawa Integrative the skill sets of doctors around the veterinarians in Ottawa that also Cancer Centre teaches world, despite cultural or language provides chiropractic care for animals integrative oncology to barriers. - in fact she said that the chiropractic care now takes up the majority of her help patients and The OICC is just one recent example practice. cancer care of the major health care contributions professionals alike. that has arisen from the Seely family “We love animals,” she explains. here in Ottawa. “What sustains and “Animals though do not typically love inspires me daily is the incredible vets. But animals love chiropractic. I courage of the patients we see at see dogs tugging at their leashes to All four of the Seely children have the Centre and the phenomenal come in.” what Andrew called “grittiness” as dedication of the team at the OICC they are each driven by a passion to to provide the best care possible to Alison has won the hearts of pet contribute and leave something bigger each person that comes through our owners throughout the Ottawa than themselves in this world. doors,” said Dugald. Valley, bringing them a whole new set of options to ease the unnecessary Each Seely attributed his/her Dugald, the youngest of the crew, is a pain and discomfort that their beloved compassion to their parents, unique example of vision and courage pets have by adding chiropractic to explaining that they were not only in grappling with current medical her veterinary belt. While most vets powerful influences in their career issues and a societal shift towards are in their clinics, Alison drives from and life choices but huge inspirations more patient-centred care. Dugald stable to stable adjusting horses, and overall. has pursued a path that embraces operates out of three clinics (Carp the best of what complementary Road Animal Hospital, Pembroke “We’re really fortunate to have had and alternative medicine has to offer Animal Hospital, and Deep River incredibly supportive parents,” said while recognizing the importance Veterinary services) to adjust dogs Dr. Jean Seely. “They have really and value of conventional medicine. and cats, improving their quality of wanted to help people and gave a Always ready to take on a challenge, life and addressing needs that regular perfect example of how to do that.” and clearly starting up a new model veterinary care cannot. for cancer care was a challenge Their mother, Dr. Janet Christie- indeed, Dugald Seely is dedicated Alison Seely said she really loves what Seely is a Family Therapist, a Professor to supporting his patients where she does as there is an immediate of Family Medicine at the University they need support the most. He has and visible result with essentially no of Ottawa, and also practices family pursued his vision of starting the negative reactions. therapy at the OICC. Janet focuses OICC with a determination to make on “systems theory” in her practice a difference and to improve the lives Aside from her work as a vet, a passion which is a way of looking at family of those living with cancer. of hers and her husband are in the interactions or the family as a whole pursuit of Iron Man competitions and how it correlates with illness. She The Seely children are all pioneers around the globe of which she has trained with Virginia Satir, a pioneer and honour the family’s legacy in the already run more than a dozen full and family therapist. Dr. Christie-Seely way they care for their patients, and half Ironman races with the goal of has been a great advocate for systems in their approach to medicine with qualifying for the Hawaii Kona race. theory and helping family doctors see open minds and open arms. n

37 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 health series by caleigh dinicolantonio

Where mental health is concerned there is still an overwhelming discrimination attached that makes it uncomfortable to talk about. Changing the way we see things is never easy but Dr. Heather Stuart is making a valiant effort to do just that.

Woman on a Mission Dr. Heather Stuart

Let’s face it. When it comes to mental health issues. She worked with the worse,” said Stuart. “We need to health, there is still some taboo World Psychiatric Association and know why that is. What helps students sentiment that exists in society. Fear of started a program in the 1990s that learn and how can that be applied on a judgement and fear of discrimination focused on dealing with the prejudice greater scale?” prevent those who suffer mental attached to schizophrenia. “At the illness from speaking out. Rightly time, there was no literature on the Stuart stresses an approach that she so because sadly, that judgement and subject,” said Stuart. “So our Canadian calls “Contact Based Education” discrimination do continue to exist. pilot project was working on that.” where people who deal with mental It takes time and effort to chip away health issues now speak about at those attitudes, and Dr. Heather Stuart then worked as an associate their experiences through various Stuart, a professor of Community professor the University of Calgary community outreach programs and Health and Epidemiology at Queen’s until she moved to Kingston and joined projects.“It is very effective across the University is doing her part to achieve Queen’s Epidemiology department. board,” she said. that. (Her husband became the Head of the Department of Psychology at For Stuart, these kinds of results show She has launched a campaign to Queen’s). the success of the work that she has eliminate the stigma associated been a part of. She finds the most with mental health. The goal of this Now in addition to teaching, Stuart exciting part of her job working with campaign is to open up the dialogue, runs an applied research program with people and programs in this field that so mental health can be talked about the Mental Health Commission of she feels so passionate about. It is comfortably in any setting. Stuart Canada and people in the community. always personally challenging and it is has been trying to understand the Her particular area of focus group fulfilling to help others. experience of this discrimination from is with youth and how educational the perspective of people dealing with approaches can be used to reduce “We are always adapting our material, mental illness. The campaign brings stigma and increase an acceptance and trying some things different to see if people together to discuss mental understanding of the issue. we’re missing a mark or what can be health and learn from one another’s improved,” she said. successes and mistakes. Together, they are working to find the most effective “active ingredients” Mental health issues are prevalent. The Growing up in Guelph, Ontario that can be used in high school Canadian Mental Health Association Stuart worked at a health centre that programs. They want to ensure that says that 20 per cent of Canadians will specialized in mental health treatment moving forward they are using the personally experience a mental health and providing services for those with best practice standards and to do this issue. She said, “we need to change psychiatric and addiction issues. From they are trying to find answers to the way people think about mental there, her passion to help grew. She some complicated questions. When illness so that those affected will be earned her Honours BA and Masters children and teenagers are concerned, treated fairly and without prejudice in Sociology at Western University things can be unpredictable, as can or stigma.” and went on to get her PhD of their reactions. Epidemiology at the University of Stuart is also the Bell Canada Mental Calgary. She conducted research at “We want to know why some people Health and Anti-Stigma Research the Calgary General Hospital which are so ready to change [their views] Chair and the Senior Consultant further nourished her interest in while others stay on the fence and Opening Minds, Mental Health working with those who have mental a few, a very small few actually get Commission of Canada.n

38 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 health series hearing things by caleigh dinicolantonio Do You Hear What I Hear? Hearing loss affects more than one loss occurs so the damage could be Hearing loss affects one in three people million adults across Canada- a number done to a variety of places in the over the age of 65. While hearing loss is that could actually be even larger outer or inner ear, eardrum, or nerve often associated with people reaching considering a study done by Stats pathways. an older age, many children are affected Canada showed that people quite often as well. The Hearing Foundation of under-report their condition. There are many causes for hearing Canada says that the first three years of loss however most of them are a person’s life are critical in developing There are three different kinds of uncontrollable. Cogential hearing loss their long-term communication hearing loss that are categorized happens at birth and can be a result skills. This is one of the reasons why depending on which part of the of being born prematurely, low birth hearing health begins with screening auditory system is impaired. Conduc- weight, genetics or because of birth for hearing loss at birth. One in five tive Hearing Loss involves a decrease in injuries. Hearing loss that occurs after teenagers aged 12-19 are suffering sound level and will produce a struggle birth or acquired hearing loss is often from hearing loss at some kind of to hear fainter sounds. This is when a result of illness such as meningitis, degree. Thirty-two million children sound isn’t properly being conducted severe ear infections or chicken pox. around the world have some type of from the outer ear to the eardrum and Noise exposure is perhaps one of the disabling hearing loss according to the the middle ear. Sensorineural Hearing only controllable causes of hearing loss. World Health Organization. Loss is the most common type of Both the volume of noise and how long permanent hearing loss and cannot you are exposed to it can drastically Most people who identify their hearing usually be cured as it is caused by impact noise-induced hearing loss. loss early can benefit from the different damage done to the inner ear or to the Generally if you have to raise your types of intervention and management. nerve pathways connecting the inner voice to be heard over noise or cannot One of the most common form of ear to the brain. Mixed Hearing Loss hear someone three feet away from sensory loss, it is important to do the is when a combination of conductive you, you are listening to something at a little things that make a big difference hearing loss and sensorineural hearing dangerous level. in your hearing health. n

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39 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 travel by dan donovan

Philadelphia Freedom So Much To Do —So Little Time

t’s easy to get to by air but we Pablo Picasso, Henri Rousseau, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: The Philadelphia Museum Idecided to drive. Traveling through Amedeo Modigliani, Chaim Soutine of Art crowns the mile-long Benjamin Franklin New York State is one of the great road and Giorgio de Chirico, as well as Parkway which is home to many parks, public trips you can take. You pass through a American masters Charles Demuth, works of arts and museums. PHOTO: B. KRIST majestic landscape, wonderful rolling William Glackens, Horace Pippin and FOR GPTMC. Once Upon A Nation, historic hills and low mountainous terrains. It is Maurice Prendergast. The collection is interpreters take visitors back in time in historic about a seven-hour drive from Ottawa so eclectic. It also includes Old Master neighbourhoods of Philadelphia. PHOTO: K. CIAPPA to Philly. We arrived in Philadelphia paintings, African sculpture and FOR GPTMC. The Liberty Bell, the icon of freedom, at night and were immediate seized Native American ceramics, jewelry on display at the Liberty Bell Center with by the size and grandeur of its large and textiles, American paintings and Independence Hall pictured in the background. boulevards and grand buildings. decorative arts and antiquities from PHOTO: R KENNEDY FOR GPTMC the Mediterranean and Asia. It is all We were fortunate to be booked into so interesting and impressive that we the historic Kimpton Hotel Palomar lost track of time. This is a must-see. could easily spend two or three days (www.hotelpalomar-philadelphia. making your way through the many com), a LEED Gold-certified Art Philadelphia has a plethora of interesting exhibits. Since we only Deco boutique-style hotel housed in wonderful restaurant choices. The had one afternoon, we decided on one the 80-year-old American Institute city is known for its pretzels, tomato called Spy: Secret World of Espionage – a of Architects Building in downtown pizza and Philly cheese steaks. Before fascinating exhibit that took a behind- Philly. If you visit, be sure to dine at heading to our next stop we visited a the-scenes look at true stories of Square 1682, the hotel’s restaurant local diner and ordered one of each. international intrigue and espionage which features local American cuisine And it was worth every carb. and featured more than 200 items and combined with world influences. unusual artifacts, such as the ice axe Re-energized, we headed over to the used to kill Leon Trotsky, CIA items Philly is a great walking city – Philadelphia Museum of Art (www. never before shown to the public, and especially in the core. Our first stop philamuseum.org). With a collection the famous ENIGMA machine used was at The Barnes Foundation (www. of more than 227,000 works of art by Germany in WWII to send coded barnesfoundation.org). This museum and more than 200 galleries with messages to its military. Special pins was established by Albert C. Barnes painting, sculpture, works on paper, given to all undercover OSS agents in 1922 and holds one of the finest photography, decorative arts, textiles, in WW2, a two-man submarine, a collections of post-impressionist and architectural settings from Asia, robotic catfish used by the CIA, as and early modern paintings, with Europe, Latin America, and the well as numerous disguises and the extensive works by Pierre-Auguste United States, it’s one of the largest stories behind the agents who used Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, museums in the United States. You them are all on display.

40 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 Next was a visit to the National who envisioned his Philadelphia to combines food tasting with a walk Constitution Center (NCC) be the perfect combination of city around the city. You learn about at Independence Mall (www. and country. He built the city around Benjamin Franklin, William Penn, constitutioncenter.org). The NCC a plan that incorporated five major and how they got a Philadelphia is the only museum in the world squares with wide streets to act as Flyers Jersey on the Penn Statue atop dedicated to the United States barriers against fires. He encouraged City Hall plus other local trivia while Constitution and explores the four- families to build homes with large tasting pretzels, cheese steaks, tomato page document through exhibitions gardens by deliberately distributing pie, Philadelphia cream cheese and and artifacts. It is a spectacular the land in large plots to encourage a many other treats. Half the fun is tribute to Democracy and the U.S. low population density. Penn was also listening to the very interesting and Founding Fathers. First you enter an a Quaker who promoted religious charismatic native Philadelphian amphitheatre and with the help of an tolerance and this inclusiveness guide share all kinds of gems about interpreter and a unique historical attracted people of many different the city’s fascinating history and video, you are taken through the birth faiths to Philadelphia. characters. The best part of this of America’s history, pre-Indepen- excursion was being able to go dence to the present day. Afterward Within 20 years of Penn's arrival, the where the locals really eat — all you are shuffled out into one of the experiment for his visionary city had low-key, independently owned, most impressive historical museums worked and Philadelphia was the third charming places that speak to the in the world. You can rent an audio largest city in the new colonies, behind city’s unpretentious and fun nature. A guide or read the script next to each Boston and New York. Penn was an trip highlight for me was visiting the display that narrates in some detail the early supporter of colonial unification impressive City Hall—the second- great moments in U.S. history. The and was the first to press for a Union largest municipal building in the last display is a large room with life- of all the English colonies in what United States. Often described as size bronze statues of all the Founding was later to become the United States an architectural treasure inside and Fathers as they would have appeared of America. By the 18th century, out, the exterior is covered with in 1776. American exceptionalism is Philadelphia had become the United sculptures representing the seasons the overriding narrative here and it States' largest city – first capital and and continents, as well as allegorical works. home of the Liberty Bell, Declaration figures, heads and masks, including a of Independence, and Constitution. As 27-ton statue of city founder William Our last stop of the day was the we walked through the grand parks Penn atop the tower. Liberty Bell Center (www.nps.gov/ and crossed wide boulevards, it was Inde/Liberty-Bell-Center.htm). The easy for us to see that Philly has Of all the things we did in Philly — 2,080-pound Liberty Bell is a famous proudly retained its founder's vision as and they were all fantastic — symbol of independence for American a beautiful and wonderfully modern DeTours Urban Excursions citizens and has a biblical inscription: metropolis that still places a high (www.detourstouring.com) was “Proclaim liberty throughout all the premium on its parks, trees, gardens, unexpectedly my favourite. It was my land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” lawns and green spaces. first time ever on a Segway tour. There When the bell arrived in Philadelphia is a 20- minute training program in 1752, it was hung in place and when Cityfoodtours.com/philadelphia is before you head out I can’t think of tested, it immediately cracked. Two an informative sightseeing tour that a better way to tour a city. Our guide artisans were hired to recast it twice. was great. Halfway through, it started It was first called the “Liberty Bell” in pouring rain and we all pulled out the the 1830s, by a group of abolitionists ponchos provided to us and kept going. who adopted it as a symbol of their It was warm out and the rain felt good cause to end slavery. In the late 1800s, on our faces as we skirted through the Liberty Bell traveled around the the streets of Philly marveling at its USA to expositions and fairs to help modern skyscrapers, historic colonial heal the divisions of the Civil War. houses, grand neighbourhoods, pleasant shopping districts and the Happily exhausted with all the PHOTO: G. WIDMAN FOR GPTMC many buildings covered with graffiti ground we had covered that day, we art (Philly has the largest public mural walked back to the hotel. Philadelphia art program in the world). You can is located at the confluence of the cover in three hours what would take Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. almost two days if you were walking. Known as the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia was founded by William As we headed out of the city on the Penn in 1681 when King Charles II drive home, we knew one thing for ceded a large piece of his American sure about Philadelphia. We’ll be back land holdings to Penn to satisfy a to this incredible city! n debt the King owed to Penn’s father. Penn was a real estate entrepreneur www.visitphilly.com or www.uwishunu.com

41 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 close to home/far from ordinary by caitlin carpenter

THE TRANSFORMATION OF Authentic Almonte

nce a sleepy farm town, today artistic community, Rob purchased Chef Trisha at The Riverside Kitchen offers local OAlmonte is anything but. The one of the original grand homes, menu; Unravelling Tension is now on display past five years have seen abandoned built in 1882 by Almonte’s first town at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum; The mills transformed into upscale councillor and lawyer. He painstaking- Almonte Riverside Inn and Kitchen condos, luring urbanites looking for a ly renovated the stone manor to hold taste of country life. A lively artists’ six relaxing rooms, keeping as many community flourishes here, with of the original features as possible – with artistic talent. One of the best galleries and unique boutiques lining such as moldings and flooring – while studio tours in the Ottawa area is the historic and downtown streets. An still modernizing to create high-end Crown and Pumpkin, held annually astounding number – given Almonte’s bathrooms and other comforts. on a weekend in mid-October. In still relatively small size – of fantastic particular, you’ll want to visit Chris gastronomic establishments and Dinner is overseen by Chef Trisha Van Zanten (glass), Richard Skrobecki charming B&Bs and country inns are Donaldson, who served as chef in (clay), Clement Hoeck (pottery), and here for the taking throughout the restaurants from BC to Ottawa, Hyesuk Kim (Korean paper and textile year. including the Black Cat Bistro and art). the Oz Kafe. The philosophy here is to Still firmly rooted in its community have many of the bases and sauces be In town, a must-visit destination traditions – as exemplified by its gluten-free and vegan, and then add is The General, a retail art gallery famous agricultural fair – Almonte meat and dairy as options. This means opened earlier this year by Skrobecki has evolved into one of the quaintest that there isn’t just one token option and ceramic artist Chandler Swain. villages in the province. for those with dietary restrictions. Featuring work by Ontario and Quebec artists, the gallery also has Enjoy Authentic Almonte. One of the best parts of a stay at a wonderfully, curated and themed the inn is the amazing breakfast monthly exhibit – including topics Almonte Riverside Inn menu. Choose from healthy, yet as diverse as puppetry and body and Kitchen decadent, options such as a peameal adornment. While there are several great B&B bacon and egg-filled croissant or a options in the region, the Almonte baked dish of shirred eggs, brie, and Events with Country Charm and Riverside Inn and Kitchen exemplifies greens topped with bread crumbs. Quirky Distinctiveness the youthful revitalization of this Choices are made the night before, village (plus, you can’t beat its central, so everything’s all ready when you For 15 years, Almonte has hosted yet serene location). come down for breakfast in the open Celtfest, a music event celebrating concept kitchen-dining room. Here, Celtic culture in early July. Performers After years of working at some of the you can chat with Rob as he cooks from as far away as Wales and British best hospitality establishments in the your breakfast, and you can mine his Columbia headline the fest’s concerts country (including the Elora Mill Inn knowledge of fun, local finds. with fiddles, banjo, and even electric and Deerhurst Resort), Rob Prior guitars. (hailing from Carp) chose to open his Art Galore own inn in Almonte in 2012. Charmed For a community of a few thousand If you’re looking to hit up a classic by the village’s friendly vibe and people, Almonte is overflowing fair, Almonte’s is one of the best and

42 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 arctic series by olm staff

Arctic Inspiration Prize NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

Six teams have been shortlisted for the 2013 Arctic Inspiration Prize in recognition support, regional roundtables and of their plans to mobilize knowledge into action in the Canadian Arctic. In its conferences, community-targeted second year, the $1 million prize was established by the S. and A. Inspiration initiatives, profiling of success stories, Foundation to recognize and promote the extraordinary contribution made by and the creation of parent toolkits with teams in the gathering of Arctic knowledge and their plans to implement this tips on how parents can support their knowledge to real world applications for the benefit of the Canadian Arctic, children’s education, the National Arctic Peoples and therefore Canada as a whole. Parent Mobilization Initiative wants to encourage northern students to This year’s nominees include multidisciplinary teams working on important attend school regularly and succeed. issues in the Canadian Arctic including Inuit health, northern education and housing, environmental monitoring, and knowledge exchange between the The Hudson Bay Network: After North and South. A total of $1 million will be awarded to between one and five conducting successful community- of these teams at the 2013 prize ceremony taking place in Halifax on December based research programs in the 11, 2013. The 2014 award ceremony will be hosted in Ottawa. Hudson Bay region of Nunavut, The Arctic Eider Society along with The AVATIVUT Program: Implemented out in Aklavik, NT, by members community leaders from Sanikiluaq, in 2012, the AVATIVUT Program of the CANHelp Working Group. Kuujjuarapik, Inukjuak and Umiujaq involves Inuit high school students Researchers from the University and researchers from Carleton from 14 communities across Nunavik of Alberta working with northern University and the Department of in community-based environmental community leaders recruited local Fisheries and Oceans are proposing monitoring while providing the residents to create innovative and to expand their project to the coastal opportunity for hands-on student meaningful ways to communicate regions of Nunavik. Their multi- learning on topics including Inuit the results of their findings to the community research and monitoring culture and climate change. The community. The CANHelp team is proposal for eastern Hudson Bay would project team, made up of participants proposing to expand their program combine community-based training from Université du Québec à to other northern communities to in oceanographic and ecological Trois-Rivières, Institut national de address concerns about the health research techniques with data sharing la recherche scientifique, Kativik risks from H. pylori infection in the and outreach through an interactive School Board, University of British broader Arctic. web platform and social media. The Columbia, and Kuujjuaq High School, project would address community is proposing to build on and expand First Canadians, Canadian First: The concerns regarding environmental the program to the level of a national, National Strategy on Inuit Education change in the coastal region, including then global education program while – National Parent Mobilization changing sea ice conditions and continuing to produce innovative Initiative: Low school attendance effects on wildlife while strengthening and culturally relevant educational rates are a serious problem in Inuit integration between Inuit Traditional material for Inuit students that bridges communities in Canada and involving Knowledge and science. scientific and local knowledge. parents in their children’s education is critical to improving education Ikaarvik: From Barriers to Bridges: CANHelp Working Group: Research has outcomes in the North. The National Ikaarvik builds on the success of the demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori Committee on Inuit Education and 2011 Arctic Connections Southern infection, a bacterial infection of the the Amaujaq National Centre for Inuit Expedition which inspired the creation stomach, is linked to high frequencies Education have initiated a national of ARCTIConnexion, a program of stomach diseases in Arctic campaign to mobilize parents, with dedicated to building more effective populations. A successful pilot project the key message: “Getting children to relationships between researchers and to encourage knowledge exchange school every day, all day, well rested Arctic communities. Ikaarvik is led by regarding the bacteria was carried and ready to learn”. Through media community leaders from Cambridge

43 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 44 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 Almonte>> from page 42 Arctic Inspiration Award Nominees>> from page 43 longest standing. Held in late July, the fair offers crafts Bay, Pond Inlet, Kugluktuk, Pangnirtung and Gjoa Haven; and food created by local farmers and artisans, contests researchers from the Université du Québec à Rimouski and (best pie, preserves, etc.), horse and farm animal shows, the Institute of Ocean Sciences; and the Vancouver Aquarium and sheep shearing demonstrations. and will facilitate the linking of Inuit knowledge with Western science by connecting five Inuit communities with scientific You might associate a quirky puppet festival with the researchers and southern zoos and aquariums. Additionally, the streets of Montmartre rather than Lanark County, but Ikaarvik team seeks to transform the Canadian Rangers Ocean Puppets Up! is a great family and artistic event held Watch program into a true partnership where communities and in August. The festival is overseen by Almonte’s own scientists work together in the acquisition and interpretation of award-winning puppeteer and puppet builder, Noreen scientific knowledge. Young (a designer, writer, and executive producer of Under the Umbrella Tree). Ten puppet troupes put on SakKijânginnatuk Nunalik: Access to culturally suitable and 60 performances (including one in French) in tented environmentally-adapted housing is one of the most important theatres and historic buildings, and there are also issues facing Northerners across Canada. Drawing on local Inuit street performances and an afternoon parade through knowledge, professional assessments and literature reviews, team downtown. members from the Nunatsiavut Government, the Nunatsiavut Joint Management Committee and the Nain Research Shopping Mill Street: Something for Everyone Centre as well as researchers from Memorial University of Almonte’s main drag offers everything from women’s Newfoundland and Labrador, have established requirements clothes to children’s toys. A few spots to hit up for housing needs in the region. SakKijânginnatuk Nunalik include Blackbird (funky home finds), the Tin Barn would use this baseline information to build and monitor Market (stylish reclaimed and repurposed items for Nunatsiavut’s first sustainable, multi-unit residential dwelling the home), and Kehla Design (beautiful jewellery and establish a prototype for Northern housing development made on-site). that addresses the changing northern climate, infrastructure requirements and Inuit housing needs and preferences and Mississippi Valley Textile Museum could potentially be applied across Canada. n The top floor of this national historic site is a permanent collection of mill machines and explanatory text www.arcticinspirationprize.ca on how wool was turned into fabric and garments during the 19th century. However, the first floor of this former Rosamond Woolen Company building is where the excellent temporary exhibits are displayed. These showcase talent from around the world and display textile artwork typically only found at urban galleries. The current exhibit is Unravelling Tension, a colourful, modern art knitting display.

Heirloom Café In Almonte, you can not only visit or live in a former mill, but eat lunch there as well. Heirloom Café offers a fresh menu of gourmet flatbreads and massive salads, served in the beautiful Victoria Woolen Mill.

Mill of Kintail West of Almonte, this 1830s grist mill was the summer home and studio of Robert Tait Mackenzie. This attractive museum has a picturesque setting on the Indian River. Displays chronicle Tait’s fascinating career as a military doctor, physical education specialist, and artist (the second storey displays some of his fine works). The picturesque mill is also a popular wedding venue and a great place to get some photos. There are also trails through the forest and along the river to be enjoyed.

Whatever the season, Almonte is a perfect place to visit. You’re sure to take home great memories and probably a new glass vase or hand-made quilt as well. n

45 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013 arctic series from coast-to-coast-to-coast by caleigh dinicolantonio

The Canadian Coast Guard College

As one of the most formidable institutions developing strong Canadians responsible for protecting our northern waters, the Canadian Coast Guard College continues to live up to its solid reputation.

he Canadian Coat Guard College is those involved with marine and Ta state-of-the-art facility dedicated environmental protection. Although to turning out the greatest defenders some of what is taught takes place in of Canada’s 243 000 kilometre coast the classroom cadets receive realistic line. applied training. Sometimes using simulators, they are faced with true- Established in 1965, the College is to-life situations that could arise while known for its quality education and on the job. reliable and distinctive programs Training is offered in both French “There is an academic portion strong sense of commitment.” and English and the College includes including math, physics, labs and a training facility, administration where students learn theory,” said At the College, cadets work around building and a residential building, Leblanc. “But it is also very hands- a very irregular schedule so Leblanc making it unique on an international on. They will learn seamanship, the said that an ability to adapt is also not spectrum. Located on Cape Breton specific machinery. Engineering only helpful but necessary. Island, Nova Scotia, students have easy cadets learn welding and about the access to the environment they will equipment.” The College covers many of the later be defending. expenses for successful applicants who Leblanc says, “we’re also pretty heavy are admitted to the Officer-Cadet The College recruits by going to on physical fitness.We have a great program. Tuition, room, board and career or job fairs and by visiting facility for cadets to maintain their books are paid for. Furthermore, all high schools to educate students on health. All in all, it’s a very well- graduates of the College are guaran- its programs. Canadian Coast Guard rounded program.” teed a position with the Canadian College hopefuls can apply to the Coast Guard. College online. The selection process Honing its slogan “Nil sine cura” or is difficult and the competition is “Attention to Detail”, the Canadian “Their pension and health care start stiff. According to College Executive Coast Guard College looks for from day one. They put in their four Director, Brian Leblanc, “there are applicants who not only meet the years here, we ask that they give back hard and fast academic requirements.” grade and academic requirements but a four-year commitment once they’ve have an active interest in navigation graduated,” explained Leblanc. Full transcripts and academic records or engineering and, of course, it can’t from secondary and post-secondary hurt to have a background working However, most stay with the Coast institutions are reviewed. While certain around water. Other values they look Guard for a lot longer academic requirements vary from for in applicants are professionalism province to province or territory, all and integrity. Leblanc was one of them. He started applicants must have at least a Grade in 1983 when attending the Canadian 12 language credit and be proficient “We look for candidates who have Coast Guard College meant a three- in certain math and physics courses. strong organizational skills and year program but he never left. He has communication skills,” said Leblanc. been working with the Coast Guard The Canadian Coast Guard College “People who are clear-headed, logical ever since. provides training for Officer Cadets and can be a team player are often as well as for other employees successful [here]. We appreciate a taste “It has been a long and very rewarding of the Canadian Coast Guard or for adventure and travel as well as a career,” said Leblanc. n

46 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013

We believe Public education is the cornerstone of tolerance and democracy in Ontario To ensure student success, public education must provide – • Equal access to a comprehensive and well-rounded education • Class sizes that allow individual attention • Professional resources and programs provided by school board staff • A safe, positive and well-maintained learning environment • Shared decision-making with parents, teachers and education workers

A message from Ontario’s public high school teachers and education workers. 48 OTTAWALIFE NOVEMBER 2013

4516 OSSTFAd_OttawaLife.indd 1 11/18/09 12:06:31 PM OLM_Dec2013.indd 48 11/7/13 8:30:36 AM Publication: Ottawa Life Trim: 8.125" x 10.875" Ad Name: We believe Insertion Date: November Issue Material Due Date: ASAP

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REFERENCES 1. Sasaki H, Sunagawa Y, Takahashi K, et al. Innovative preparation of curcumin for improved oral bioavailability. Biol Pharm Bull. 2011;34(5):660-5. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/34/5/34_5_660/_article 2. Kanai M, Imaizumi A, Otsuka Y, et al. Dose-escalation and pharmacokinetic study of nanoparticle curcumin, a potential anticancer agent with improved bioavailability, in healthy human volunteers. Cancer Chemother50 OTTAWAPharmacol.LIFE 2012NOVEMBER Jan;69(1):65-70. 2013 3. Shimatsu, A., Kakeya, H., Imaizumi, A., Morimoto, T., Kanai, M., Maeda, S., Clinical application of "curcumin", a multi-functional substance. Anti-Aging Med 2012;March 30. http://www.anti-aging.gr.jp/english/ Proudly pdf/2012/9(2)7583.pdf Canadian

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