noite para recordar merry christmas parabÉns … · feliz natal e um ano novo repleto de sucessos,...

1 FPCBP Newsletter - Winter 2004

MENSAGEM DO PRESIDENTE

MERRY CHRISTMAS - FELIZ NATAL!!!FELIZ ANO NOVO- HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

As the year comes to an end and with the holiday season upon us again, the Board and Staff of the FPCBP “Federation of Portuguese Business and Professionals” would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the FPCBP and our Luso Canadian Community for all the support that we have received throughout the year 2004.

Please accept our warmest wishes for a Happy Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Nesta quadra de Natal e Ano Novo, a Direcção e colaboradores da FPCBP “Federação de Empresários e Profi ssionais Luso Canadianos” de-seja a todos os seus membros e re-spectivas famílias, bem como a toda a Comunidade Portuguesa, um Santo e Feliz Natal e um Ano Novo repleto de sucessos, paz e amor.

Aproveitamos ainda o ensejo para agradecer todo o suporte que a FPCBP recebeu durante este ano de 2004 e que nos permitiu eventos de sucesso e dos quais destacamos:

Concurso “o signifi cado de ser Português no Canadá“ suportado

(continuação na página 2)

OS NOSSOS JOVENS LUSO-CANADIANOS ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS – MERECEM

A 23ª. Edição da “SCHOLARSHIP AWARD”, patrocionada e organizada pela “FPCBP” – Federação dos Empresários e Profi ssionais Luso-Canadianos, fi ca a constituir um marco a registar na história desta comunidade.

É tradição, que a Federação “FPCBP” sempre que leva a efeito qualquer celebra-ção pública, o faça com classe, distinção e bom gosto. Desta vez e mantendo a regra, novo sucesso voltou a acontecer nesta úl-tima quinta-feira, em que se homenageava os nossos jovens estudates universitários.

Não fora já esta causa motivo sufi cien-te, pode-se acrescentar que a presença do Premier do Ontário, Dalton McGuinty e do “Dean” da Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade de Toronto entre outros altos dignitários, contribuiu e motivou a Organização a pôr de pé um programa muito imaginativo, cheio de côr e num ambiente de grande requinte, como raras vezes tem acontecido em eventos do gé-nero.

A começar pela recepção, cuidadosa-mente preparada e melhor servida, em

ambiente acolhedor e altamente distinto como é apanágio do “Pearson Convention Centre”, as cerca de três centenas e meia de pessoas presentes viveram sem dúvida uma noite diferente e memorável. O jantar e respectiva ementa estiveram certamente ao nível do acontecimento, bem acompa-nhada dos bons vinhos portugueses.

A alegria e emoção dos estudantes

distinguidos, bem como de familiares, pais e acompanhantes, era bem visível. Efectivamente, a Federação (FPCBP) está de parabéns, não só pelo programa apre-sentado, mas ainda pela maneira efi caz e criativa como o fez.

Esta iniciativa de distribuição de bol-sas de estudo que a Federação “FPCBP” é pioneira e mantém há vinte e três anos, constitui certamente a estratégia e medida mais acertada na conquista destes novos valores que o são estes jovens estudanters universitários luso-canadianos.

A Comunidade Portuguesa felicita a “Federation” na pessoa do seu presidente Sr. Leo Pereira e toda a sua Direcção que merecem não só o nosso melhor aplauso mas também todo o nosso suporte.

Article courtesy of Voice Newspaper

NOITE PARA RECORDAR

PARABÉNS COMUNIDADE. PARABÉNS FPCBP.

Offi cial Picture with students, sponsors, FPCBP Board and guests of honour


pelo “Trillium Foundation” e pela FPCBP e que colocou os jovens Luso-Canadianos em destaque.

Celebração da eleição de Mário Silva, primeiro luso-canadiano eleito para o Parlamento Federal do Canadá.

Atribuição de vinte e quatro bol-sas de estudo, com um montante recorde de $55,000 angariado na nossa Comunidade e distribuído aos estudantes universitários luso-cana-dianos e realização da cerimónia “SCHOLARSHIP DINNER” com a presença do Senhor Primeiro Ministro to Ontário, “Premier of Ontario, Honourable Dalton McGuinty” que pela primeira vez, ofi cialmente, visita a Comunidade Luso-Canadiana.

Sabemos que o Novo Ano 2005 nos vai exigir bastante acção, sacrifício e energia, pois a Comunidade aguarda a todo o momento que a “Câmara de Comério” Canadá-Portugal –“Chamber of Commerce & Industry”entre em ac-tividade, o que, com a colaboração de todos os membros da FPCBP e da Comunidade em geral contamos tor-nar realidade em curto prazo.

É pois com atitude positiva e ex-pectante que recebemos o Ano Novo, desejando que o 2005 venha a consti-tuir um marco de gratas recordações e grandes sucessos para todos, a nível individual e comunitário.

Leo PereiraFPCBP - President

When used correctly, spousal RRSPs can be an effective tool in planning for a couple’s retirement. Spousal RRSPs can be a tricky concept, so it is important to understand the basics, before making this strategy part of your retirement plan. To help make this concept clearer, we should answer a few basic questions:

What is a spousal RRSP? A spousal RRSP is an account into which one spouse makes contributions to the other spouse’s RRSP who is in a lower tax bracket and the owner of the account. This means the owner spouse has control over the account in terms of investment decisions and when payments are received from the account.

Why use a spousal RRSP? The main ad-vantage of a spousal RRSP is to help divide assets that will produce future income and thereby reducing the family’s overall tax burden. Typically a couple with one wage earner is best suited for a spousal RRSP.

How does a spousal RRSP work? It sep-arates the income between both spouses. Typically, the higher income spouse will contribute to a spousal RRSP and receive a tax deduction at a high marginal tax rate. Then, in retirement or earlier, when the other spouse withdraws that money to produce income, it will generally result in a smaller income and be taxed at a lower tax rate.

What are attribution rules? The Income

Tax Act uses the attribution rule to prevent spouses from paying less tax than is pre-scribed. Any withdrawal within two calen-dar years will be taxed in the hands of the contributor and not the spouse.

Can I make contributions to my spouse’s existing RRSP? The short answer is yes. However, as soon as you combine or co-mingle your spousal contributions with their regular contributions, the account is considered a spousal account and subject to the attribution rules. In this case, if a withdrawal is made from the account, it may be taxed in the hands of the contrib-uting spouse. Depending on your circum-stances, it may be more appropriate to have two accounts so, if you need to make a withdrawal before retirement, you can make it from the account that makes most sense for tax purposes.

Spousal RRSPs can be a complicated concept and may not be appropriate for everyone. It is important to understand the basics before considering this tool for your retirement plan. To better understand if spousal RRSPs are appropriate for you and how they may fi t into your retirement plan, talk to a fi nancial planner.

Article courtesy of Scotiabank

Spousal RRSPs: Understanding how they work(continuação da página 1)


A Federação Luso-Canadiana de Empresas e Profi ssionais avançou com mais uma etapa na preparação do futuro, contando até com um padrinho inusitado, na pessoa do primeiro-ministro provincial, Dalton McGuinty. Uma etapa que haveria de se revestir de qualidades intrínsecas que pena será se alguém esquecer.

Há 23 anos que a Federação tem vindo a insistir no tema. Com esta ou outras palavras, sucessivas direc-ções entenderam que é preciso começar... pelo princípio. Ou seja, entenderam que os mais jovens que se preparam para o futuro necessitam de apoio.

Assim sendo, para colmatar eventuais difi culdades, esta or-ganização criou um programa de Bolsas de Estudo destina-das a auxiliar os estudantes de descendência portuguesa que frequentem as instituições educacionais canadianas.

É uma etapa a que este ano a direcção, liderada por Leo Pereira, deu ainda mais acutilância e força. Não apenas pelo mon-tante a atribuir – cerca de 50 mil dólares – mas, também, pela presença do “Premier” do Ontário.

E o que é facto é que a comunidade organizada entendeu a mensagem. No tocante às Bolsas, empresários e profi s-sionais engrossaram o montante a dar. No que respeita ao todo geral comunitário, foram algumas centenas os que estiveram presentes no Pearson Convention Center,

já em Brampton, como que a dizer que o Ontário não é apenas Toronto.

Conceitos e empenhamentobem patenteados

Do acontecimento, já todos falaram. Importará agora dar resenha de conceitos e de empenhamento, sobretudo para que nos anais de Sol Português – sempre na

vanguarda destas tarefas da boa cidadania – fi gurem casos e factos.

Diga-se, desde já, que três mil estudan-tes universitários luso-canadianos ainda não é a meta ideal – como lembrou, na altura, quinta-feira passada, dia 25 de Novembro, frente ao primeiro-ministro provincial do Ontário, Dalton McGuinty, o presidente da Federação Luso-Canadiana de Empresas e Profi ssionais, Leonardo Pereira.

Para ele, “não obstante o número de estudantes luso-canadianos a frequentar as universidades e institutos do Ontário e Canadá no presente ano escolar de 2004-

2005 ultrapassar os três mil, a comuni-dade luso-canadiana está ciente de que ainda não foi atingida a meta ideal em termos de participação de ensino supe-rior”. Lembrou, no entanto que “o facto de reconhecermos que tal número não é ainda satisfatório, não deve impedir que celebremos com alegria e orgulho o cali-bre e a alta qualidade dos nossos estudan-

tes luso-canadianos como hoje podemos aqui constatar”.

Entenda-se, como também o disse o presidente da Federação, que “a Comunidade tem defi ni-tivamente de saber assumir tam-bém os sucessos que já há muito vêm acontecendo nos diversos sectores da nossa sociedade e tem a obrigação de celebrar es-ses mesmos sucessos sem inibi-ção e com a maturidade própria de uma comunidade que sabe

donde vem, onde está e para onde vai”.

O contributo dos portugueses no CanadáPalavras que, certamente, o primeiro-

ministro provincial ouviu com atenção. Até porque, logo a seguir, quando do seu discurso, aquele governante haveria de te-cer comentários de bom tom e de verdade aos portugueses e à sua gesta.

O primeiro-ministro do Ontário, Dalton McGuinty, que fez questão de estar pre-sente nesta 23.ª edição da cerimónia de entrega das Bolsas de Estudo da Federação,

Comunidade luso-canadiana prepara o futuro

(continuação na página 5)


afi rmou que “os luso-canadianos contri-buíram muito para esta comunidade, para esta província e para este país”, lembran-do que os portugueses têm o seu nome escrito na história mundial e, ao ajudarem agora, os mais jovens a avançar no sector do Ensino “entendem, claramente, que a melhor maneira de celebrar o sucesso dos jovens é ajudá-los a atingirem ainda maior sucesso”.

Lembrou aos estudantes que receberam as Bolsas de Estudo que a melhor maneira de agradecer “é continuar a trabalhar arduamente, conti-nuando a dar-nos razões para estarmos orgulhosos e a nunca esquecerem as vossas raízes e as vossas famílias”.

O primeiro-ministro, que fez questão de se deixar foto-grafar com todos os estudan-tes a quem foram concedidas as 24 bol-sas, elogiou a comunidade empresarial e profi ssional luso-canadiana “não apenas por terem feita desta noite um sucesso, mas por tudo o que têm feito para fazer do Ontário um caso de sucesso”.

O “Premier” da EducaçãoTalvez por isso, Fernando Clotildes, na

introdução da noite, haveria de considerar que Dalton McGuinty gostava de ser con-siderado como “Premier” da Educação, o que dá para entender pela sua disponibi-lidade em estar presente em cerimónia de tanto signifi cado.

O líder do governo provincial fez “com-parações” que acabam por nos honrar e à nossa gesta. “Os vossos ancestrais foram os primeiros a avançar longe e certo, da Europa, descobrindo e explorando grande parte da África, da Ásia, do Atlântico e da América do Sul”, acentuando, então, que agora “estão vocês a ajudar 24 dos vos-sos mais brilhantes estudantes a irem mais longe na sua educação”.

O embaixador de Portugal no Canadá,

Silveira de Carvalho, falando para os es-tudantes, considerou que “o sonho dos vossos avós e dos vossos pais que vieram para o Canadá à procura de uma vida e de uma educação melhores para os fi lhos vai realizar-se”, já que “através deste pro-grama de bolsas, todos os patrocinadores encorajam e apoiam o acesso ao ensino superior a todos os níveis e em todas as áreas do saber para tantos jovens luso-ca-nadianos”.

De lembrar que, este ano, a Federação Luso-Canadiana de Empresários e Profi ssionais recebeu 83 pedidos de Bolsas, satisfazendo 24, com um montan-

te global a ultrapassar os 50.000 dólares.

“Padrinhos” signifi cativosPara “apadrinhar” o sucesso da inicia-

tiva, para além do primeiro-ministro pro-vincial do Ontário, e do embaixador de Portugal em Otava, entre as personalida-des presentes, contavam-se o deputado federal Mário Silva; o deputado provin-cial Peter Fonseca; o deão da Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas e Engenharia da

Universidade de Toronto, Anastasios Venetsanopoulos; o cônsul-geral de Portugal, Emídio da Veiga Domingos; e o professor da Universidade de Toronto, Elvino de Sousa. Isto, naturalmente, para além do comité de bolsas de estu-do, dirigido pelo secretário da Direcção, Fernando Clotildes, e que contou com John Paul Macedo, Dr. Elvino Sousa, Nuno Ferreira, Leo Pereira,

Aldina Costa, Fernando Costa, Maggie Unção, Ana Bento, Irene Maria Blayer, Joseph C. Curto, Irene Faria e Júlio Sousa.

Para Natasha Santos, que foi mestre de cerimónias, ela própria uma jovem que passou para o lado do futuro-futuro, a certeza de ter cumprido mais uma missão que decerto lhe deu satisfação. Como da-ria, também, a Emanuel da Silva e Susana Miranda, dois dos recipientes de Bolsas, que usaram da palavra.

Por Fernando Cruz GomesArticle courtesy of Sol Português

(continuação da página 3)


The Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals was honoured with the pres-ence of the Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario. During his speech, he touched on some of the main questions facing his Government in the areas of education, health and fi nan-cial stability. He indicated that his role is not an easy one and made the audience laugh when he suggested that his seat is available for anyone who would like his headaches.

On the health issue he mentioned that 14 years ago 30% of Ontario’s Budget was allocated to this area. It was later increased to 50% and now he will allocate 60% of the provincial budget to healthcare. Yet, he commented, many people continue to in-

sist that healthcare requires additional funding. He asked what amount is suffi cient. Would we have to spend 70% or 80% of the provincial budget?

His speech was active, vibrant and it addressed many issues with a traditional perspective. He demonstrated his leadership through his speech, which was not just political in nature, but also empowered the audience and the scholarship recipients to face the future.

The provincial leader placed strong emphasis on the role of the family, and the solidarity that it teaches and creates within its structure. He told a simple story from his life as a teenager.

“I was 16 years old, my younger brother, was two, and there eight others between us. We were walking to church with our

mother when I walked faster and away from the group. My moth-er mentioned that I should slow down and stay with the group. I told her that I was the oldest, stron-gest, and fastest, and did not have to follow their pace!? My moth-er’s reply was that we were a family, which should always be together, in the happy moments, in the sad moments, never leaving anyone behind, since the family give us the structure and strength. I never forgot

her words and the importance of the family. We Ontarians should think as one, strong, and capable of reaching our maximum po-tential. We are all winners.”

The 400 guests showed their satisfaction with applauses dur-ing various stages of his speech and at the end the Honourable Dalton McGuinty received a well deserved standing ovation. In

attendance were several community leaders and various repre-sentatives of community organizations and business people who sponsored the scholarships awarded.

It was a memorable evening for all involved especially for our 24 scholarship recipients and their families.

By Kelly da Fonseca

Some of the FPCBP Board Members presenting a Gift with commemorative stamp honouring Pedro Da Silva, known as “dit-le-portugais” the fi rst Letter Carrier in New France -1705 (Canada)

The Premier, Dalton McGuinty with Irene Faria, sponsorship Donour from Rui and Louisa Faria Scholarship Fund

The Premier, Dalton McGuinty with Dr Anastasios Venetsanopoulos, Dean of Faculty of App. Science & Engineering, Prof. Elvino Sousa, Professor at Univ-eristy of Toronto, and FPCBP Secretary, Fernando Clotildes.

The Premier Dalton McGuinty; Hi Wife Terri McGuinty; Leonel Ramos, Banco Espirito Santo Toronto Offi ce; John Santos, FPCBP Past President; Virgilio Pires, Business Owner; FPCBP President, Leo Pereira; Ivo Sousa, Business Owner

Premier Dalton McGuinty Speaking

Premier of Ontario speaks to the FPCBP scholarship recipients

The Premier, the Portuguese Ambassador and the President of FPCBP


Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of the Province of Ontario; Excelentissimo Sr. Embaixador de Portugal no Canada, Dr. Jose Pedro da Silveira Carvalho; M.P. Mario Silva, Member of the Federal Parliament of Canada; M.P.P. Peter Fonseca, Member of the Provincial Parliament of Ontario; Professor Dr. Anastasious Ve n e t s a n o p o u l o s , Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Toronto; Senhor Consul Geral de Portugal no Canada, Dr. Emidio da Veiga Domingos; Mr. Glen Gowland, Vice-President of the Scotiabank; Distinguished Guests; Past-Presidents and Members of the Federation; Media Representatives; Ladies and Gentlemen

Today, we are here to celebrate the achievements of a new generation of Luso-Canadians, and to show our support for their continued success.

The young men and women here tonight not only exemplify the spirit of hard work and dedication that can be found in all Lusitanos, it also shows the love and sacrifi ce of their families as well. Many of your parents left Portugal to provide a better life for you, leaving behind their families, friends and their way of life, but seeing all of you here tonight, I can say with confi dence that you are realizing their dreams.

Premier McGuinty, we thank you for honouring us with your presence tonight, and for your concern with post secondary edu-cation, as you made this issue a main topic of your electoral cam-paign. We congratulate your Government for the effort demon-strated with the introduction of increased funding for the colleges and universities of Ontario. We understand that as the result of your action, post-secondary education in Ontario is more acces-sible, and better able to meet the demands of today’s generation.

The Federation of Portuguese-Canadian Business and Professionals is proud to foster the oldest and largest scholarship

From the Left, Dr. Emidio Da Veiga Domingos, Consul General for Portugal in Toronto; FPCB Vice President, John Paul Macedo; FPCBP President, Leo Pereira; Nelly Pedro, Past President FPCBP; Hon. Mario Silva, MP; Premier of Ontario, Hon. Dalton McGuinty; Premier’s Wife, Terri McGuinty; Peter Fon-seca, MPP: Dr. João Pedro da Silveira Carvalho, Ambassador for Portugal in Ottawa

Ana Bento, representing Scotiabank, Event Sponsor and Scholarship Sponsor

Premier Dalton Mcguinty addressing the Crowd

The Head Table with the Premier Dalton McGuinty and guests of Honour.

FPCBP President, Leo Pereira, addressing the audience

(continued on page 10)

Speech of the FPCBP President, Leo Pereira


Doctoral Candidates

Emanuel Angelo Da Silva

Sociolinguistics, University of TorontoEmanuel is a sec-ond year Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto. He re-ceived an Honours

Bachelor of Arts (French Language and Linguistics, Portuguese, Italian) and Master of Arts (French Linguistics) from the University of Toronto. Emanuel has been a research assistant for several pro-fessors and has participated in a myriad of exchange programs. He is currently a vol-unteer for Project Diploma. Emanuel’s the-sis will examine the relation between the reconstructions of identity and language practices of our youth from a sociolinguis-tic and ethnographic perspective.

Susana Paula Miranda

History, York UniversitySusana is a second year Ph.D. student at York University. She received an Honours Bachelor of Science from the

University of Toronto (Human Physiology) and a Master of Arts (History) from York University. Susana has had much of her work in print and hopes to one day pub-lish her research in her own book. Her thesis is focused on the role of Portuguese men and women in the Toronto cleaning industry.

Eric Monteiro

Medicine, University of TorontoEric is a fi rst year Medical student at the University of Toronto. In 2004, he graduated from The University

of Western Ontario with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Eric has won numerous athletic accolades and done extensive volunteer work. He is pas-sionate about his native Portuguese lan-guage and culture and is looking forward to doing medical research in Portugal.

Debbie Fonseca

Dentistry, University of Western OntarioDebbie is a second year dentistry student at the University of Western Ontario. During her academic career she has received an Honours Bachelor of Science (Biology and Environmental Science) and Bachelor of

Arts (Psychology) from McMaster University, and a Master of Science ( N u t r i t i o n a l Sciences) from the University of Toronto. Debbie has volunteered as

a tutor and mentor for Working Women and has had several research papers pub-lished.

Masters Candidates

Rui Couto

Civil Engineering, University of TorontoAfter graduat-ing in June with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Engineering ( C o l l a b o r a t i v e

Environmental and Civil Engineering Program), Rui has decided to stay at the University of Toronto in order to pur-sue his Masters of Applied Science and Engineering (Civil Engineering). His re-search interests are primarily focused in geotechnical engineering. Rui has tutored and worked as a junior engineer and is currently a member of the UTPA.

Scholarship Recipients 2004Biographies of 10 of the 24 FPCBP Scholarship Recipients. The remaining biographies will be on the next issue of this newsletter.


Melissa Azevedo

Law, Osgoode Hall Law School (York U)After receiving her Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, Melissa is now pursuing her

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Program from York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School. Her current work, providing legal assis-tance to new Canadians, has resulted in a desire to specialize in immigration law. Her goal is to continue to assist those who have recently arrived in Canada and fi nd themselves in a position of economic strain. She also has had extensive experi-ence working with the disabled by striv-ing to increase public accessibility in their daily lives.

Susy Oliveira

Fine Arts, University of WaterlooAfter graduating from the Ontario College of Applied Art and Design in 2000 with an Honours degree

in drawing and painting, Susy is cur-rently pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo. She hopes to one day pass on her love of art to others. Teaching is a central part of her philoso-phy as an artist and she is excited that her current studies will include a teaching component.

Sandra M. Pereira

Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill UniversityAfter completing her Honours B.Sc. at the University of Toronto, Sandra is currently pursu-ing her Master of

Science in Dietetics and Human Nutrition at McGill University. Her extensive re-search in diabetes at the University Health Network has led her to become interested in pursuing a career in medical research. Ultimately, she envisions a career in aca-demia, where she will be able to pursue research interests and instruct future gen-erations of students.

Undergraduates

Sandra Cardoso

Chemical Engineering, University of Western OntarioSandra is currently in her third year working towards her Bachelor of Biochemical and

Chemical Engineering Degree at London’s University of Western Ontario. She was the Youth Director for the Central/Southwest Region of Ontario for the Portuguese Canadian National Congress and is cur-rently the co-chair of the Youth Advisory Committee for the London District School Board. Previously, Sandra had been ac-

tive in the Portuguese Club of London’s folk-dancing group and just last year she founded “The Portuguese Connection”, Western’s offi cial Portuguese club on-campus.

David Baptista Dos Reis

Education, York UniversityDavid is a third-year student attending York University’s C o n c u r r e n t Bachelor of E d u c a t i o n Programme. He is

working towards his Honours Bachelor of Arts (double-majoring in Law & Society and History) and his Bachelor of Education. David is a volunteer for the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, a volunteer Catechism Teacher and a folk-dancer at the Clube Transmontano. Future plans for David include opening a Legal Aid clinic for Portuguese-speaking persons.


program in the Portuguese community. For the last 23 years, the FPCBP has awarded over 200 scholarships totaling more than $400,000 in the creation and sustainabili-ty of a post-secondary bursary program for deserving students of Portuguese descent.

The FPCBP would like to thank its sponsors without whom this night and the awarding of these scholarships would not be possible. We would like to thank all those in attendance tonight, especially our esteemed guest of honour The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, and other notable dignitaries. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to personally con-gratulate the scholarship award winners. Tonight we honour your dedication and perseverance in your studies. We want to demonstrate that the Portuguese-Canadian community is supportive of its leaders of tomorrow.

Não obstante o número de estudantes luso-canadianos a frequentar as universi-dades e institutos do Ontário e Canadá no presente ano escolar de 2004-2005 ultra-passar os três mil, a Comunidade luso-canadiana está ciente de que ainda não foi atingida a meta ideal em termos de participação de ensino superior. Contudo, o facto de reconhecermos que tal número não é ainda satisfatório, não deve impe-dir que celebremos com alegria e orgulho o calibre e a alta qualidade dos nossos estudantes luso-canadianos como hoje podemos aqui constatar.

A Comunidade tem defenitivamente de saber assumir também os sucessos que já há muito vêm acontecendo nos diversos sectores da nossa sociedade e tem a ob-rigação de celebrar esses mesmos sucessos sem inibição e com a maturidade própria de uma comunidade que sabe donde vem, onde está e para onde vai.

I would like to thank the distinguished members of the Selection Committee for their involvement in the process to deter-mine this year’s recipients. The Committee has provided an invaluable service to the Community.

I would like to thank the generosity of our main sponsor, Scotia Bank, for spon-soring not only this evening event, but also the scholarship program and the yearly events program.

I would also like to thank the Scholarship Committee, the Fund Raising Committee, all members of the Board, and the support staff of the Federation for all their hard work and effort.

A special and deserved reference, as well as my admiration, go to the Scholarship Committee for the signifi cant hard work and plan of action that under the guidance and leadership of the Committee Chair Fernando Clotildes transformed a diffi cult task in a simple but very pleasant event.

Our gratitude and appreciation go also to the Fund Raising Committee and John Paul Macedo, the elm of the Committee,

for the successful coordination, effi cient work and great results refl ected in the amount of the funds raised that constitutes a pleasant record of twenty four scholar-ships as being awarded today.

Finally, my heartfelt thanks go to the Portuguese-Canadian Community for the support to the Federation. My goal, as president, is that the Federation will strive to continue to offerto our Luso-Canadian Youth, to us, to Portugal and to Canada, a continuous, proud, respectable and stron-ger Portuguese Community. Once again congratulations to all Recipients. We wish you all the best in your academic dreams with only one request, that once you are established in life, please look back to this community that is proudly supporting you today, and help us to continue our mission in helping others that certainly will follow you in the future.

Thank you.

Leo PereiraPresident FPCBP

November 25, 2004

(continued from page 7)


In November, Finance Minister Ralph Goodale delivered his fi rst Economic and Fiscal Update to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. The min-ister clearly outlined the fact that the gov-ernment has maintained Canada’s econo-my on the right track. The Fiscal Update showed that the government is continuing to pay down the country’s debt and in so doing ensuring that our economy remains vibrant and strong.

In the past 14 months, due to the govern-ment’s sound fi scal policies, the Canadian economy has created nearly 400,000 new full-time jobs.

Since 1997, when the government eliminated the budget defi cit, Canada has ranked fi rst among all G-7 countries for growth in living standards, with the aver-age standard of living rising faster in the past 7 years than in the previous 17 years.

The Government’s effective manage-ment of the economy and paying down our country’s debt has already resulted in annual savings of $3 billion on interest charges.

As our population ages the government recognizes that this will have a signifi cant impact upon our nation’s economy. It is for this reason that the government has set a goal of reducing the federal debt as a percentage of GDP to 25 per cent within the next 10 years. At the same time we are

working to support innovation, productiv-ity and international competitiveness to ensure that Canada remains an economic leader.

Based on forecasts we are expecting economic growth of 3% in 2004 and 3.2% in 2005.

In short, the government is effectively managing Canada’s economy and by pay-ing down our debt it is ensuring that we pass on to our children a strong and vi-brant national economy.

Article courtesy of Mario SilvaMPP for Davenport

The Government Keeps Canada’s Economy on TrackBusiness opportunitiesOportunidades de negócio

Investimento – Campo de golfe“New venture” procura investidor interes-sado. Inclui construção de um hotel nos

Açores.

Fabricante de ceramicaProcura representante

e distribuidor para o Canadá.

Fabricante de calçadoProcura representante


Fabricante de sumosProcura representante


Fabricante de nova marca de cervejaProcura representante e distribuidor para

o Canadá.

Produtor de Vinho do PortoNova Marca, Procura Representante

no Canada

Produtor de Vinho Tinto e BrancoNorte de Portugal, Procura Representante

no Canada

Contacte a Federaçãode Empresários e Profi ssionais

Luso-Canadianos (416) 537-8874.

Nota: Informações para FPCBP mem-bros custo mínimo. Informações a

não membros custo obrígatório

Pedidos de informação somente por escrito.

MP Mário Silva


For my part, I’d like to focus on two questions: why are we here and what can /are we doing?

As Susana mentioned we are here be-cause these scholarships recognize the value of education in the Portuguese-Canadian community. The way I see it, ed-ucation is important because it gives you access to resources (economic, political, social, etc.) that would otherwise be out of reach.

Sadly, as we all know, education seems to be out of the reach of many young people in our community, according to the statistics of various institutions. To pick up on one of Premier McGuinty’s stories: some of us are lagging behind. Of course, we shouldn’t put all our faith in statistics; in fact we’re here to prove them wrong!

Mas porque é que a educação é um obstáculo na nossa comunidade? É mui-to facil culpar as pessoas individuais, mas isso nao ajuda, acho que é melhor fucalizar o contexto mais largo: a socie-dade, por exemplo. The socio-economic

integration of immigrants into Canadian society has been and continues to be dif-fi cult. While we may suffer from academic underachievement, other ethnic groups suffer from academic overachievement, in the sense that there are certifi ed doctors, lawyers and engineers driving our cabs or taking our food orders because our society refuses to recognize their diplomas.

The problem is very complex, but it begs the question: what can be or is being done about it? One way is to support our youth: physically, emotionally, fi nancially, etc. For the last 23 years, the FPCBP and the many generous sponsors have been doing just that: by awarding scholarships to youth of Portuguese descent. Every year gets bigger and better, with new catego-ries being added as our youth forge ahead in different disciplines, and this is a great sign! As well, the current provincial gov-ernment’s commitment to education de-serves to be recognized: freezing tuition fees for two years was incredible. But two years is not enough. I think all the students here would agree: tuition should be frozen indefi nitely, if not reduced, so that every-one has access to higher education. We as a community can’t expect our high school students to want to go to college or univer-sity if they think they can’t afford it? Estas bolsas de estudo permitem aos jovens de não terem dois ou tres trabalhos part-time ou full-time enquanto estão a estudar.

Se podia deixar uma palavrinha aos pais e familiaires seria esta: paciencia! Os estudos dos vossos fi lhos podem demorar muito tempo para se desenvolver. Tenham paciencia, dêem todo o apoio possivel et prestem atenção ao que eles estão a es-tudar.

My advice to students is the same: pa-ciencia! Your programs won’t be easy, but as long as you’re doing something you’re passionate about you will fi nish! I chal-lenge you to get your family and friends involved in what you’re studying. If knowl-edge is power, share it and you’ll learn even more. Strive to be the best, but re-member that success isn’t measured in di-plomas, houses or cars, it’s in giving your all – something I’m sure your parents have taught you. Which is why these awards are as much theirs as they are ours.

Antes de acabar queria agredecer mais uma vez a Federação e aos vários patroci-nadores por estas bolsas de estudo, queria dar os meus parabens a todos que gan-haram e a todas as familias aqui presente. Queria tambem lembrar que ha outros jo-vens, alias muitos aqui presente, que estão a fazer coisas extraordinárias para a nossa communidade e o nosso país. Tambem merecem o nosso apoio e reconhecimen-to. Somos uma comunidade com sucesso, e no futuro, todos juntos, vamos ter ainda mais.

2004 Board of DirectorsLeo Pereira, President

John P. Macedo, Vice-PresidentFernando Clotildes, Secretary

Ermidio F. Alves, Treasurer

Antonio AiresAldina Costa

Kelly Da FonsecaAvelino FonsecaCristina Marques

Fernando Rio

Speech of FPCBP scholarship recipient Emanuel A. da Silva

noite para recordar merry christmas parabÉns … · feliz natal e um ano novo repleto de sucessos,...

Documents