On July 17 people will be allowed to visit parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas without having to pay a fee

Parks Canada will mark the 125th anniversary of Canada’s national parks system this year with a freebie. On July 17 people will be allowed to visit parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas without having to pay a fee.

Jim Prentice, minister responsible for Parks Canada, says the government will also continue a freeze on entry, camping and other fees this year.

He also says 32 post-secondary students will be hired to work in the parks system this summer and produce video reports on their experiences.

Parks Canada is trying to encourage more people to visit the parks after a drop in attendance over the past few years.

Officials have said the drop in visits is partly due to the fact that more people are living in urban areas and a growing number of Canadians have never gone camping before.

Cancun a popular wedding destination for Canadians

More and more Canadian couples are choosing to celebrate their once in a lifetime nuptials on the romantic soft, white sand beaches of Cancun. And it’s no surprise as Cancun is an enchanting Mexican Caribbean destination that combines the old and the new, the tranquil and the lively and has everything a couple needs for a majestic celebration of their love.

“From wedding consultants and honeymoon packages to spa treatments and unlimited entertainment options, Cancun takes care of a couple’s every need,” said Jeannette Vasconcelos, Marketing Manager of world-renowned Real Resorts in Cancun. “And, when you add our beautiful surroundings – the turquoise sea of the Caribbean, the lush jungle that surrounds us – we’re a package that’s hard for any couple to resist.”

According to the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau, the number of couples from Canada who get married in Cancun steadily increases each year. And it’s no wonder. Many of the larger hotels have their own wedding coordinators and offer services ranging from a simple Cancun beach wedding ceremony to a full-blown event with a reception, musicians, dancing, and honeymoon packages.

For example, Real Resorts has created all-inclusive wedding and honeymoon packages suitable to fit many tastes. “Real Resorts weddings are special, whether they’re nestled in the heart of Cancun or Playa del Carmen,” Vasconcelos added.

The Royal in Cancun, Gran Caribe Real Cancun, The Royal Playa del Carmen and Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen resorts all offer packages that can be customized with enhancements or couples can work individually with a wedding planner to create a unique ceremony and reception.

In fact, Real Resorts packages offer free wedding coordination services. “This ensures a seamless transition from when you make your booking to the final touches on the day,” she said. “This service is especially useful for couples when organizing a wedding from afar.”

This was the deciding factor for Toronto’s Emma Mclean, a self-proclaimed anti-bride, when she chose a Real Resorts wedding. “What I loved most about my wedding at the Royal in Cancun was that my wedding coordinator took care of everything…quite literally one-stop shopping. She emailed me flower choices, menu selections, photo packages and even music options.”

“Our resorts’ wedding planner will even coordinate the legal documents required by Mexican law,” explained Vasconcelos. These include original or certified copies of birth certificates, valid passports and the tourist card received upon entering Cancun, and blood tests taken two working days before the wedding in Cancun.

The romantic wedding and honeymoon packages at Real Resorts can include red carpet ceremonies with beautiful decorated gazebos, landscaped gardens and flowers, three course dinner receptions under the stars with a live Mariachi Band, massages, spa treatments and champagne breakfasts in bed for the wedding couple.

After their special day happy couples can relax and enjoy their honeymoon at the resort while their guests enjoy an extended vacation in stunning Mexico. More information on Cancun weddings is available at www.RealResorts.com/weddings.

- News Canada

Canadians enrich lives through charity work

In a recent survey conducted by American Express Canada, results showed that a growing number of Canadians—more than a quarter—are seeking ways to enrich their lives through engaging in activities that make a difference in their lives. One way that many Canadians choose to enrich their lives is through charity work.

Here are a couple of tips to help you realize your potential through volunteerism:

• Find a volunteer position for a cause or an organization that you truly care about. You’re not getting paid to do this, so make sure it’s something you’re passionate about so that you enjoy your time spent volunteering, and, perhaps even more importantly, you stick with it. For Toronto’s Margaret Bedi, the death of her mother made her realize she wanted to devote time to the terminally ill by providing emotional support and comfort, so she began to volunteer at the Victoria Order of Nurses Hospice. “I find it to be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience to be part of the lives of some amazing people who live with terminal illnesses,” she said. “It makes me realize how precious life is and how little time we have to live, laugh, and love.”

• Combine a skill or a passion with volunteering, and don’t try to force-fit yourself into an activity you don’t enjoy. Volunteering is something you do in your spare time, so make sure it is something you like to do. If swinging a hammer isn’t your thing, then don’t volunteer to help build a house. Match your skills and abilities with an organization for the best results. Toronto’s Chris Delombre, a passionate cyclist, discovered that he also had a passion for raising funds for charity when he combined riding with fundraising. He has founded his own philanthropic group for cyclists—Le Domestique—to raise money and awareness for a variety of charities while doing something they love to do.

According to David Barnes, VP Communications at American Express, Bedi and Delombre’s passion and dedication for their volunteer work is in line with the results of the survey—people simply want to do more with their lives.

“For the potentialist, charity work is a natural avenue, as these sorts of people seek a genuine sense of personal fulfilment,” said Barnes. “It’s encouraging to see the number of potentialists in Canada on the rise.”

www.newscanada.com

Canadians want to live their dreams to the max

Most people agree buying a house or a new car is a rite of passage for lottery winners. However, when asked about how they would “live their dreams to the max” if they won the $50 Million jackpot, almost 45 per cent of Canadians said that they would go beyond these typical big win purchases.

In anticipation of the big $50 Million jackpot draw on Friday, February 26, a recent survey on behalf of Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, asked Canadians what they would do if they won an extra large jackpot like this. While most responded they would invest, save for retirement and help their family, almost half said they have “max dreams” to fulfill.

Highlights of the survey are as follows:

• 11% would buy a vacation property on every continent
• 10% of Canadians aged 18 to 34 would buy a yacht and travel the world
• 8% would buy an island and invite their friends
• 17% would start their own charity

Some even have out of this world dreams: 2% of Canadians responded they would want to be the first lottery winner in space.

“We’re happy to see that Canadians are dreaming big, which is why we developed Lotto Max in the first place,” said Greg McKenzie, Senior VP of Lottery at OLG.

Canadians now living longer

Life expectancy at birth in Canada reached 80.7 years for the three-year period between 2005 and 2007, up from the average of 80.5 between 2004 and 2006, and 78.4 a decade earlier between 1995 and 1997.

Gains during the past decade were stronger among men. Their life expectancy at birth rose by 2.9 years to 78.3 in 2005-2007, while among women it increased by 1.8 years to 83.0. The gap between the sexes has been closing for several years.

Life expectancy among seniors at the age of 65 has also been on an upward trend for several years. On average, a 65-year-old man could expect to live an additional 18.1 years in 2005-2007, an increase of 2.0 years from the previous decade. A 65-year-old woman could expect to live an additional 21.3 years, up by 1.3 years. Gains in life expectancy among seniors during the past decade have accounted for about 70% of the increase in life expectancy at birth.

Provincially, life expectancy at birth in British Columbia was 81.2 years in 2005-2007, highest among the provinces, followed by Ontario at 81.0 years. Life expectancy at birth in Quebec was at the national average. In the remaining provinces and territories, life expectancy at birth was below the national average. The lowest life expectancy was in the three territories combined (75.8 years).

Largest increase in deaths in 14 years

The number of deaths registered in Canada in 2007 recorded its largest increase since 1993, continuing a long-term upward trend resulting from a growing and aging population. In 2007, 235,217 people died in Canada, up 7,138 or 3.1% from 2006.

Both male and female deaths rose, but the increase was slightly larger among women, 3.2% compared with 3.1% for men.

More Canadians in the mood for love in 2010

It’s anybody’s guess why, but it seems more Canadians are in the mood for love this Valentine’s Day compared to last year. A Canadian Press Harris/Decima survey suggests 51 per cent of Canadians are planning to buy a gift or make special plans for today.

That compares to just 34 per cent in a survey done for Valentine’s Day in 2009.

Forty-one per cent said they don’t have any plans.

Harris/Decima vice-president Megan Tam says Canadians appear to be in better spirits this Valentine’s Day compared to 2009.

A total of 2,033 Canadians were questioned between Feb. 4 and Feb. 7 for the poll that has a margin of error of 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.

The poll also suggests that more men than women have made special Valentine’s Day plans.

Atlantic Canadians are the most likely to have plans — 58 per cent of respondents say they will do something special.

British Columbians perhaps are more focused on the Olympics than heart-shaped cards — just 43 per cent of B.C. respondents said they’re making plans.

Fifty-four per cent of Quebecers asked are making plans and for other regions of the country, the number was around 50 per cent.

Canadian relocation from a child's viewpoint

My name is Julie and I am 15 years old and I live in Brandon, Manitoba. I was born in Vancouver, British Columbia where my parents come from and I have a younger sister, Mary who is 11 years old.

We moved to Brandon about eighteen months ago because my dad was offered a job here. He said the offer was too good to turn down so we all moved.

When he first made this decision my mum was not very happy, as she liked Vancouver and had always lived there. She cried quite a lot back then, but we had only just lost my grandma, her mum, so the timing was not good for her.

Dad did ask us what we thought of the move and I said that I didn’t want to move because of missing all my friends and changing schools. Mary didn’t really want to move either but didn’t say that to dad.

In the end, us kids didn’t really have much choice as mum and dad had already decided that we were going to move and that was it. This is why I wanted to tell my story, so that other kids in our situation can see what we went through and learn by it.

From the time that dad announced we were moving to when we actually did was about three months. It all happened really quickly and we were so busy we really didn’t have too much time to think about it all. Our house in Vancouver had been sold and we were going to be renting in Brandon until mum and dad could find a house to buy.

We moved during the summer break so that Mary and me could start new schools in September. I remember having a really hard time saying goodbye to all my friends and telling them they could all visit and that I would visit them not realising how far away we would actually be. I have never been so unhappy in all my life, or scared.

On the day we finally left Vancouver we said goodbye to a few last friends and family. Saying goodbye to my grandpa was the worst thing as he was now all on his own. Mum was very upset and cried most of the way to the airport.

On the flight we were all very quiet and dad tried his best to cheer us up, but it didn’t really work. We landed in Winnipeg and had to drive for a couple of hours to reach Brandon. We didn’t have much stuff with us because all lour furniture and big items were in storage until we could find a house.

When we arrived at our rented house we were quite surprised as it was actually quite nice. In Vancouver we lived in an apartment, which was really nice, but to have a whole house to ourselves was awesome. It was in a cul-d-sac, which meant that it was safe for us to play outside. When we arrived there was a few other kids playing basketball, they looked younger than me but similar age to Mary.

The first few days were spent getting to know the house and where everything was. My bedroom was bigger than my old room, which was good, but Mary’s was a bit smaller and she was not so happy. Mum had cheered up a bit as she really liked the house and also she was really busy so it kept her mind off everything.

Dad had to start work the week after we moved, so it was up to mum and us to sort everything else out. Mum took us to see our new school, we couldn’t go in but it looked ok from the outside. It was much smaller than our old school, but a lot newer.

The next few weeks were busy with dad working; mum making friends with the neighbours and me and Mary trying to make new friends. I met a girl who lived a few houses down and because we were the same age and would be going to the same school we seemed to get along well. Mary had made several friends, as most of the kids in our street were closer to her age than mine.

In September we started school and mum was more upset than we were. I think she was worried about suddenly being on her own most of the day. I was not looking forward to school, but my new mate Becky from down the road assured me it was a good school and that I would like it. She was right as I really enjoyed my first few days. I was a bit of celebrity as I came from Vancouver and lots of people wanted to talk to me about coming from a big city. I even had to do a presentation to the rest of the class about my old life and how we came to move to Brandon.

When we had been here about two months, mum and dad started to look for a house to buy. Dad was getting on well in his job, we kids liked our school and had made friends and mum was feeling more settled. We all wanted to stay in the same area so we could keep our friends and stay at the same school.

One evening mum and dad said they had found a house they wanted us to see. It turned out to be in the cul-d-sac, which backed onto ours, so the location was great. When we went to see it, it was very similar to the house we were renting but had four bedrooms instead of three and best of all had a swimming pool in the garden. We had never had a swimming pool, so Mary and I were really keen to move to this house. After a few days mum told us we would be moving to the new house but that by the time we did it would be too cold to use the pool but that we could look forward to using it the following year.

We moved into the new house about three weeks before Christmas and all our furniture from Vancouver arrived. This was nice as it really felt like home with our own beds and sofa etc. Dad went out and got an enormous Christmas tree and we spent a couple of evenings decorating the house inside and out. Grandpa came to stay with us over Christmas and New Year and we all had a really great time, although mum and grandpa were sad sometimes when they remembered grandma. I also felt sad when I got a present from my best friend in Vancouver. It was a DVD of all my old friends sending me messages and I have to admit it made me remember how much I missed them all.

The winter weather was much colder and snowier than we had in Vancouver. We were used to snow because we did get it in Vancouver and we used to go skiing and skating in the winter, but we usually had to travel to see large amounts of it. In Manitoba we had it on our doorstep, literally. The cold was also a shock as we had rarely experienced really low temperatures and some days it was -20C and lower. Mary really hated it and sometimes refused to go outside although I cannot blame her. By the spring the weather was much warmer and more like our old winters in B.C.

The spring and summer have been pretty uneventful. We all seem to have settled in pretty well and Grandpa has visited a few times. In June we had a huge storm that was really exciting but also very scary. We are used to rain in Vancouver, but this was really, really heavy. We also had huge hailstones, which reportedly damaged property and peoples cars. The rain also meant that a lot of the city was flooded and some of the streets looked more like rivers.

In July we all went to Yellowstone National Park for a holiday. We drove to the park, or rather dad did as he said it would be more interesting than flying. As it was the land we drove through was quite boring, at least Mary and I thought so, but it was worth it. It took two days to drive there and we stopped off half way in a hotel, which was quite exciting for Mary and me as we had our own room. Dad told us off though for using the drinks from the room fridge. He said it would have been a lot cheaper from the vending machine in the hallway.

We had great weather and the sights at Yellowstone are stunning. We saw lots of geysers erupting including the famous Old Faithful. One area we went to was really smelly from the sulphur and it made it hard to breath. I had always wanted to see the pool called Morning Glory after seeing a picture of it, but it was much smaller than I thought it would be although it was still very beautiful.

We also saw lots of animals such as deer, which were really tame and came really close to us. Dad said he saw a bear, but no one else did so we don’t believe him. We did all see lots of bison either wandering around or laying close to the geysers. When we got back from Yellowstone we had two more weeks left of summer before we had to go back to school.

It was the day before school when Mary fell over on the deck round our pool and broke her arm. She was outside with some friends and they were running around which mum had always warned us not to do when she slipped and fell. Mum was a few doors away chatting to a neighbour, so I ran round to fetch her. She nearly fainted when she saw Mary’s arm as it was a funny shape where the bone had broken. The neighbour that mum had been with took us all to the local hospital and after being seen by a doctor Mary had x-rays done. Fortunately they said it was a clean break and would mend without any surgery or pins etc. She had to have her arm put in plaster which after she got over all the initial shock and pain she thought rather cool.

We went back to school a couple of weeks ago and after the first day the plaster cast Mary had was full of drawings and messages. She says she wants to keep it when it is removed, which should be in a few weeks time.

When I was first told about moving to Manitoba I was really worried and really did not want to go. I think if it had been up to us girls and mum we would never have left Vancouver. However, now I am glad we are here as I have just as many friends, I love school and I love the after schools activities. The weather has more extremes, as it is a lot colder in the winter and a lot hotter in the summer.

Our house is bigger than the apartment we had before and we have a garden, with a pool, which is excellent. Mum and dad are thinking of making our basement into a separate living area for grandpa. He is getting old now and cannot get about like he used to and of course he is on his own, so this might be a good idea.

Looking back, the move had been good and I don’t really regret it. I do still miss some of my old friends and I know mum misses some of hers, but she has new ones here just like I do. Dad seems to be enjoying his job and has been promoted so is earning more money. Mum is going to start looking for a part-time job to give her something to do in the day whilst we are all out.

This coming Christmas we are going to stay back in Vancouver so we are close to Grandpa, unless he is living with us by then. It will be nice to visit the old places again and possibly escape some of the harsher Brandon weather.

For other young people who are worried about moving I would say try not to worry too much. It is stressful and you will miss people, but it is also a big adventure. Also, if you are lucky like me you might also gain a swimming pool.

Canadians will show their love on February 14

Canadians will show their love on February 14, but their motivations for doing so vary greatly, reveals the second annual MasterCard Canada Valentine’s Day Survey. According to the survey, almost three times (19 per cent) as many men than women (seven per cent) say they feel they have to buy their sweetheart something to say “Be Mine” this Valentine’s Day. Meanwhile, women use Valentine’s Day to reach out to a wider circle of friends and family with a growing list of gift recipients that goes beyond significant others to include parents (65 per cent), grandparents (13 per cent), siblings (54 per cent) and even friends (58 per cent) and colleagues (13 per cent).

“The reasons why people are buying gifts and who they are buying them for are changing,” says Julie Wilson, Director, Public Affairs, MasterCard Canada. “Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples anymore, Canadians are using the holiday to show those around them – friends, family and even colleagues – that they are priceless.”

Nothing says, “I love you” more than chocolate or a…toilet seat?!

While most Canadians tend to give tried-and-true Valentine’s Day gifts, some get practical and some even get creative. Seven per cent of Canadians admit to receiving practical items such as furniture, tools and appliances – including toilet seats – but nearly one in five (19 per cent) say they’ve received toys, gag gifts, funny clothing or novelty items.

Individual survey results reveal some of the more creative gifts that Canadians have received, including: rubber chickens, dead / fake flowers and ‘romantic’ dinners at fast food restaurants – or the giftee being stuck with the bill!

It’s the thought that counts

The survey also shows that most Canadians (77 per cent) are planning to spend the same (66 per cent) or more (11 per cent) compared to last year. Over two thirds (67 per cent) of Canadians plan to spend less than $50 on Valentine’s Day this year.

“Canadians prefer to express their love through classic gifts, such as cards and chocolates,” says Wilson. “We know a little can mean a lot, because at the end of the day, it’s the thought that counts.”

Chocolate, cards and flowers – oh my!

Canadians are traditional when it comes to buying Valentine’s Day presents and plan on giving cards (36 per cent), romantic dinners (32 per cent) and candy / chocolate (30 per cent). Other popular gifts include:

• A bouquet of flowers (19 per cent)
• Wine or alcohol is a popular present this year (16 per cent)
• Afraid you’ll buy the wrong thing? Let your Valentine choose their own gift by giving a gift card (13 per cent)
• Knowing your Valentine’s taste in lingerie, perfume or jewelry will help you give the perfect gift (4 per cent each)

Good manners trump good looks say Red Prince

Nearly nine out of 10 Canadians (89%) report that they would be more attracted to an average looking person with great manners, versus a good looking person with poor manners, proving you do not have to look like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie to get a date, according to a recent Poll commissioned by the new Red Prince apple. To underscore the importance of manners, the Red Prince, of Red Prince apples, today launches a civility movement in Toronto’s business district. Despite the fact that civilized conduct seems to be highly valued, Canadians do not appear to be incorporating society’s esteemed code in their daily lives. In fact:

• Two thirds of Canadians (65%) say they witness lack of common courtesies on a regular basis, such as saying please, thank you or hello;
• More women (41%) than men (29%) report witnessing rude commuters on a regular basis;
• Three-in-five respondents (59%) complain of regular exposure to road rage, such as tailgating and cutting off other drivers; and
• More than half of respondents (54%) report witnessing technology abuse regularly, such as the use of cell phones and PDAs during meetings or while on a date.
• The old adage, the older the wiser, rings true as a whopping 95 per cent of adults aged 55 plus said they would be more attracted to a less attractive person with good manners than a good looking person with bad manners.
• In contrast, 20 per cent of 18 to 34 year olds said they are more attracted to a good looking person with poor manners.
• Only four per cent of Canadians report witnessing no examples of bad manners on a regular basis.

“I suspect this behaviour comes down to anonymity,” says Louise Fox, owner of the Etiquette Ladies. “We are always more polite to people we know, such as our neighbours and our co-workers because we know we will see them again. Whereas, road rage and lack of common courtesies are often directed at strangers and we feel there will be no repercussions.”

One place however, where Canadians do seem to exhibit overwhelmingly good manners is the workplace, with more than 71 per cent of Canadians rating their coworkers’ manners as good or very good. Is there motive behind good manners at work? Poll findings revealed that 83 per cent of Canadians would consider improving their manners if it improved their chances of a promotion or finding a romantic partner.

Fox added: “Ideally, respect for ourselves and one another should be all the motivation required to improve one’s manners. Imagine the positive effects on society if each person decided to exhibit simple good manners and be civil towards everyone they encountered.”

The Red Prince’s civility event

As such, to help promote the return of civility and manners to society and to encourage acts of kindness, the Red Prince, and his team of royal assistants, will distribute more than 10,000 locally grown Red Prince apples to the public today (Friday Feb 5 2010) in the underground PATH system at the Exchange Tower (130 King Street West) and First Canadian Place (100 King Street West) between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“This new apple represents a new way of thinking, in terms of how it is grown and how we wish it to be affiliated. We hope the Red Prince apple will become a symbol and a reminder of respect, in the same way that children take an apple to their teacher. With the Red Prince’s civility event, we are optimistic that we may start to slowly effect positive change, one apple at a time,” say Marius and Irma Botden, exclusive growers of the Red Prince apple in Canada.

During the event, the Red Prince and the Adelaide Spa will also indulge passersby with the royal treatment by offering free hand massages for men and women during their lunch hour, in the hope that these good deeds will inspire others to pay them forward. Louise Fox, owner of The Etiquette Ladies, will also be onsite to provide useful etiquette tips proven to be beneficial in business situations, family life and dating.

The 30-day civility challenge

To inspire Canadians to perform good deeds everyday for one month, and ideally beyond, the Red Prince today launches the 30-day civility challenge. The Red Prince will tweet a challenge every day for 30 days such as “offer your seat to someone in the subway,” and “hold the door open for someone today” from his Twitter account @RedPrinceApple. To sign up for or download a copy of the 30 day civility challenge, visit www.redprinceapple.ca.

“The study, The Future Bio-pathways Project, focuses on the triple bottom line: clean energy, high employment and economic recovery. The results are clear – integrating the production of bio-products and bio-energy into the existing industry is a winner on all fronts,” says Avrim Lazar, President and CEO of FPAC.

Promising Bio-Future for Canada's Forest Products Industry

The Future Bio-pathways Project is one of the first and most exhaustive studies in the world to examine a wide range of options for renewal of the Canadian forest products industry. The project involved more than 65 top Canadian experts in fields as diverse as bio-technology, investment banking and carbon pricing.

“This study produced a blueprint for change that is both surprising and welcome,” says Lazar. “It places traditional products, especially lumber and pulp, at the heart of a new, green business model that has the potential to make the forest products industry a pivotal force in Canada’s effort to become a clean energy super-power. If we follow this new model we will be able to produce power on the scale of nine nuclear reactors, enough to meet the energy needs of 2.5 million homes, or one out of every five homes across Canada.”

On the employment front the research shows that an integrated mill – one that produces wood, pulp or paper as well as bio-energy and bio-materials – provides five times as many jobs as a stand-alone bio-operation. It also shows that the industry’s 270,000 jobs will be best sustained by following this integrated road to recovery.

“Years of intensive research and development have produced technologies that open up a world of possibility for the forest products industry in Canada. We can now rapidly convert wood fibre into a wide variety of high-value products such as bio-fuels to heat homes or power vehicles as well as bio-chemicals to make cosmetics, solvents, food additives and renewable plastics,” says Pierre Lapointe, President and CEO, FPInnovations.

FPAC notes that by integrating the production of bio-products into existing forestry operations, they will be subject to the same high and increasingly stringent environmental standards that have made Canada a world leader in sustainable forest management.

With the international community moving aggressively to realize the huge gains that stand to be made on the bio-technology front in forestry, the Canadian government needs to act quickly to accelerate progressive change in Canada’s own forest products industry by:

• developing a Made-In-Canada clean energy action plan that will help Canada become a clean energy economy and advance the development of Canadian technology;
• creating a repayable revolving fund that addresses the need for capital investment in clean energy;
• leveraging the tax system (e.g.: creating a capital investment tax credit similar to the US approach) to encourage private sector investment in a new, integrated forest products industry;
• expanding and extending existing government programs (eg: commercial adoption and pilot demonstration programs) that drive the integration of clean technology in the forest products industry;
• increasing investment in research, development and innovation.

“This new integrated model will cause investors to take a fresh and more optimistic look at the economic potential of Canada’s forest products industry. That is why governments should follow this study’s roadmap as it best defines where investors will want to put their money,” says Don Roberts, Managing Director, CIBC World Markets and leader of the FPAC study.

“Our research shows this new bio-pathway is the business model for the future of Canada’s forest products industry. With 300 Canadian communities depending on the health of the forest products industry for their survival, we must embrace the opportunities it presents,” says Lazar.

For more information please click here

Vancouver Eco Fashion Week Feb 19 2010

With all eyes on Vancouver during the Olympics, Eco Fashion Forward Fundraising Night is the perfect way to showcase Vancouver’s long established commitment to sustainable style. So join the party on February 19 at the Vancouver Public Library to enjoy an evening filled with eco fashion, music and art!

When people think of Paris they think of haute couture. When people think of Vancouver, we want them to automatically think about eco fashion,” says Myriam Laroche, President of Vancouver Eco Fashion Week, set to premiere April 20-22, 2010. “Hosting Eco Fashion Forward during the Olympics will secure our city’s status as a leader in the green fashion movement.”

Enjoy an evening filled with live music by international performers Jill Barber, Vince Vaccaro, Adam Thomas and the Mike Allen Quartet, live painting by Caroline Weave, and DJ Phoenix Olivia. Opening speeches will be given by Lindsay Coulter from the David Suzuki Foundation and Our Social Fabric’s Kim Cathers.

You won’t want to miss the fashion show featuring favourite eco-friendly designers like Adhesif Clothing (adhesifclothing.com), Ashley Watson (ashleywatson.net), Dotted Loop (dottedloop.com), Kim Cathers Elements (kimcathers.com), Nixxi (nixxi.ca), and WE3 (we3.ca).

To find out more about this fun-filled event and to keep updated on Vancouver Eco Fashion Week buzz, visit www.vefw.com.

Organic food is better

Almost half of Canadians believe it is more important a food be labelled natural than organic, even though organic foods are more heavily regulated, a new survey suggests.

Sixty per cent of Canadian consumers believe it’s important a new product be made from “all-natural ingredients,” while 45 per cent have “greater trust” in natural products than those labelled organic, the poll by BrandSpark International suggests.

The Toronto-based brand strategy firm polled 25,000 Canadians online on their eating and food-buying habits. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points 95 per cent of the time, the company said.

BrandSpark president Robert Levy said he was surprised at the apparent consumer disconnect in trust levels about food, given “natural” claims are not regulated. On the other hand, organic foods are regulated by several industry and government bodies.

Levy said between 60 and 70 per cent of consumers surveyed about food safety said they were most concerned about chemicals and preservatives.

“So logically, if they are concerned about chemicals and preservatives, you can fix that by buying organic,” Levy said in an interview.

Yet this isn’t what happens, according to the poll. And Levy said cost and trust are the main reasons.

When asked why they don’t buy organic, 75 per cent of consumers surveyed cited cost, while 53 per cent said they “don’t trust that all products labelled as organic are actually organic.”

Forty-eight per cent of consumers in the survey said they “are confused by what the term organic actually guarantees.”

“Natural always trumps organic even though organics provide the mechanism if you want to be protected from chemicals and preservatives,” Levy said. “It appears that further consumer education is required in the natural versus organic debate.”

Overall, Canadians also have a healthy degree of skepticism when it comes to products that make environmental claims, the survey indicates.

Eight-two per cent of thos polled said they felt companies are exploiting environmentally friendly claims for marketing purposes. Last year’s survey revealed a similar finding.

Packaging is one of the top environmental concerns of consumers, and 89 per cent who took part in the survey believe manufacturers have a long way to go in this area.

Sixty-nine per cent of Canadians polled said they felt a new product should be better for the environment. This compares to 76 per cent in 2009.

The study is also used to compile the Best New Product Awards, where consumers vote on 144 products in 47 product categories. This year’s winners include: Astro Zer0 Superfruit Yogourt for best in show, Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil in the health and beauty category, and Ziploc Evolve Sandwich Bags for household products.

Snowboarders Safety Tips

Discovering and learning something new can be a little nerve-wrecking, but exciting at the same time. During National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week, January 16-24, 2010, many Ontario ski areas are ready to help make your new snow sport experience the best it can be. So what’s the best way to start? Learn how to be safe.

Here are 5 main safety tips to ensure a fun and safe winter sport experience:

1. Dress appropriately: Dress in layers and avoid wearing cotton. Remember to bring water-resistant gloves or mittens, goggles and sunscreen.
2. Get the right gear: Use the rental shop at your local ski hill to get properly fit boots, bindings, poles and skis/snowboards. Helmets are also often rentable and recommended – just be sure to educate yourself on the benefits and limitations. Check on any mandatory helmet requirements being enforced at the ski hill your visiting.
3. Take a lesson: Gain some good basics. Most ski hills offer lessons with trained and certified ski and snowboard instructors that will help you get comfortable on the slopes.
4. Follow the rules: Follow the Alpine Responsibility Code and colour-coded symbol trail signs. Your primary safety consideration and obligation is to ski and ride in a controlled and responsible manner.
5. Ride safe on ski lifts: Listen to the lift attendants and be aware of all signs during your ski lift ride. If you’re unsure, look for instructional posters and ask the attendant for help. For chair lifts, always use the safety bar. And remember – only lift the bar when you’ve reached the “Raise Bar Here” sign.

So what’s the last thing to remember? Know your limits. Skiing and snowboarding can be tiring, so take lots of breaks and pack it in for the day if you feel exhausted.

During National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week and throughout the season, look for Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s (TSSA’s) RideSmart Crew at a major snow resort near you. You could win a snow resort gift certificate and walk away with more ski lift safety tips.

For these and other important public safety tips, visit www.safetyinfo.ca.

Love your heart

Knowledge is the key to good health, especially when it comes to cholesterol levels. Elevated levels of cholesterol rarely produce symptoms and often go undiagnosed until identified by a physician. Once it’s understood, simple lifestyle changes are often enough to keep mild to moderately elevated cholesterol levels in check. By working with a family doctor to make modifications to diet and fitness routines, Canadians can get healthy – from the inside out.

“Everyone should know the dangers of high cholesterol,” says Dr. Lawrie Graham, family physician. “Visit your doctor and talk about your potential risk factors. You can then work together to determine if you need to be screened, what your cholesterol levels should be, how to maintain those levels, or develop a proactive, manageable plan to manage cholesterol and overall health.”

If left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to significant health problems down the road including heart disease and stroke. Ensuring a simple and daily routine for your fibre intake is vital to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, but according the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadians consume only half of the fibre they require each day – about 15 grams of the recommended 21 to 38 grams. In fact, a study conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of Metamucil in 2008(1), revealed that while 96 per cent of Canadians acknowledged that fibre is an important part of a healthy diet, only 49 per cent actually knew how much fibre is required and what kind is best for them.

Getting enough fibre can be a daunting task – 38 grams of fibre is equivalent to nine and a half cups of broccoli. For those who find it challenging to get enough fibre from regular food sources, Metamucil Orange and Berry Burst powders with psyllium husk, are a convenient way to obtain the recommended daily fiber intake indicated as an effective, over-the-counter, cholesterol-lowering fibre supplement. Additionally, psyllium husk, as found in Metamucil is proven as an effective cholesterol-lowering dietary fibre.

“When taken as directed, and in consultation with your doctor, over the counter therapies like Metamucil, in conjunction with a low-fat diet and exercise, can help reduce mild to moderately elevated cholesterol levels,” continues Dr. Graham. “Psyllium appears to be an effective fibre supplement and the only one widely available for lowering LDL-cholesterol”

“Maintaining good cholesterol levels is an important step in reducing the risk of heart disease or stroke, and getting enough fibre is an easy way for Canadians to take charge of their own health and well-being,” says Dr. Jacques Genest, Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson. “We encourage Canadians to speak to their healthcare provider about their risk of heart disease and stroke and whether they need to get their own levels checked.”

What is blood cholesterol?

Cholesterol is one of the fats in your blood. Your body uses it to make cell membranes, vitamin D and hormones. There are two main types of cholesterol:

1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL is often called the bad cholesterol because high levels in the blood promotes the buildup of plaque in the artery walls.
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is called the good cholesterol because it helps carry LDL-cholesterol away from the artery walls.

Triglycerides are not a type of cholesterol. However, they are a type of fat that is found in the blood. High triglycerides are associated with excess weight, excess alcohol consumption and diabetes. Your triglyceride level is usually measured at the same time as your blood cholesterol.

Cholesterol, heart disease and stroke

High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. By lowering your cholesterol, you can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in the artery walls, narrowing your arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. It can make it more difficult for blood to flow through your heart and body, putting you at increased risk of circulatory problems, heart disease and stroke.

Ten ways to get your cholesterol in check

1. Test your cholesterol. Ask your doctor to check it if:
   • You are male and over 40.
   • You are female and over 50 or post-menopausal.
   • You have heart disease, stroke, diabetes or high blood pressure.
   • Your waist measures more than 102 centimetres (40 inches) for men or 88 centimetres (35 inches) for women.
   • You have a family history of heart disease or stroke.
2. Reduce your fat intake to between 20 and 35 per cent of your daily calories.
3. Choose healthy fats such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, found mainly in vegetable oils, nuts and fish.
4. Limit your intake of saturated fat, found mainly in red meat and high-fat dairy products.
5. Avoid trans fats often found in foods made with shortening or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, including hard margarines, fast foods and many pre-made foods. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol.
6. Use Canada’s Food Guide to plan a healthier diet. Eat more vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
7. Snack wisely. Choose low-salt pretzels, plain popcorn or fruit, rather than higher-fat or junk food snacks.
8. Use lower-fat cooking methods such as baking, broiling or steaming. Avoid fried food.
9. Be smoke-free. Smoking increases LDL (bad) blood cholesterol.
10. Get physically active. Being physically active at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week, can improve good cholesterol levels.

For more information on cholesterol, please read our brochure Living with Cholesterol. Canadians can also visit www.loweryourcholesterol.ca and take the 30-day challenge.

Last month, CAAMP surveyed members who issued more than 40,000 mortgage loans totalling $10 billion, which were funded during 2009 (the data is for home purchases only and excludes renewals or refinances of existing mortgages). The dataset represents about one-sixth of total mortgage activity for home purchases in Canada. The research is published in a report titled Revisiting the Mortgage Market – risk is small and contained.

Key findings include:

• 86 per cent of these home buyers chose fixed rate mortgages. This share fell late in the year as variable rates became more attractive (at 2.25 percent compared to 4 percent for fixed rates)
• Among borrowers who chose fixed rates, a significant number opted for longer terms – less than 5 per cent chose terms of two years or less. 20 percent took three year terms, 5 per cent four years, leaving 70 percent with a fixed rate for five years or more
• The vast majority of people who took out their first mortgage last year borrowed less than they could afford to, as their Gross Debt Service (“GDS”) ratios are far below allowed maximums, even at the higher interest rates that are used to qualifying them for their mortgage
• The high share of fixed rate mortgages and low GDS ratios for home buyers are contrary to perceptions that consumers and financial institutions are taking on more risk

“This new research shows that Canadians are assessing their abilities and vulnerabilities,” said Jim Murphy, AMP, President and CEO of CAAMP. “They are being prudent and the vast majority of Canadian mortgage borrowers are not taking on undue risks. They have factored rising interest rates in to their mortgage decisions.”

Will Dunning, CAAMP Chief Economist and author of this new report said that a small minority of homebuyers are cutting it close when it comes to affordability. He stressed that “this dataset is primarily focused on first-time homebuyers who are considered to be most at risk. Each year, about 2.5 to 3 per cent of Canadian households make a first-time home purchase. Our data shows that only a small percentage of them are pushing-the-envelope – about 4,000 households which amounts to a tiny fraction of the 13.25 million homeowners in Canada. For those who borrowed in prior years, risks are even lower.”

Speaking to the stress tests conducted by CAAMP, Dunning said that “the bottom line from the simulations is that even though mortgage payments will probably rise for most borrowers, the increase in their incomes will more than offset the higher payments. All in all, the degree of risk from rising mortgage rates appears to be small and manageable.”

For a copy of the report Revisiting the Mortgage Market – risk is small and contained, please visit: www.caamp.org.