“This construction of the new bridge will create jobs and is necessary for our country’s economic viability,” said Minister Lebel. “Today, I am pleased to officially launch the environmental assessment for this project, an essential part of the planning process for the new bridge. Meanwhile, we will continue to ensure the safety of this vital crossing.”

The Harper government remains focused on the economy. With an estimated $20 billion worth of international trade crossing the bridge annually, this corridor is important for the regional economy and also benefits the national economy.

An environmental assessment consists of environmental and technical work to allow decisions on the design of a new bridge to be taken in an environmentally responsible manner. Alternative solutions will be studied and recommendations will be made to mitigate environmental and community effects. Transport Canada is leading the work program and the environmental assessment for the project. The public, local advisory councils, the private sector and community groups will have the opportunity to participate and comment throughout the environmental assessment phase.

Minister Lebel highlighted that the environmental assessment will provide an opportunity to continue close collaboration with key stakeholders. “As part of the federal environmental assessment, we will continue to collaborate with many federal departments, the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs du Québec, the Ministère des Transports du Québec and the municipalities. We will also have discussions with representatives from First Nations communities.”

The government has also invested in the safety and security of the Champlain Bridge. Since 2009, investments totalling $380 million will continue to keep this important bridge safe until the new crosing is complete.

Updates on progress and consultation activities will be provided throughout the planning and construction phase. The Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment is available online at http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/Viewer_e.cfm?CEAR_ID=65574.

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca/eng/tc-main.htm. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.
For further information:

Contacts: Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
and Minister of the Economic Development Agency
of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
Ottawa
613-991-0700 Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

Broadcasting decisions:

Application by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

https://services.crtc.gc.ca/pub/instances-proceedings/Default-Defaut.aspx?S=C&PA=B&PT=PT1&PST=A&Lang=eng

(CBC) to amend the broadcasting licence for the English-language radio
station CBU Vancouver in order to operate an FM transmitter at Pemberton
to replace its existing low-power AM transmitter CBXK Pemberton

Application by City West Cable and Telephone Corporation

https://services.crtc.gc.ca/pub/instances-proceedings/Default-Defaut.aspx?S=C&PA=B&PT=PT1&PST=A&Lang=eng

to add Hope Channel TV, a non-Canadian English-language service, to the
List of non-Canadian programming services authorized for distribution

Telecom Decisions:

Bruce Telecom – Implementation of local competition for Bragg
Communications Inc., operating as EastLink, and wireless number
portability for Rogers Communications, on behalf of Rogers Wireless – File
numbers: 8663-B7-200905052
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2009/8663/b7_200905052.htm and
8620-B7-200905599

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2009/8620/b7_200905599.htm

CoopTel – Implementation of local competition for Cogeco Cable Inc.
File number: 8663-C41-200813800

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2008/8663/c41_200813800.htm

Téléphone Guèvremont inc. – Implementation of local competition for Cogeco
Cable Inc.
File number: 8663-G1-200813776

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2008/8663/g1_200813776.htm

Hay Communications Co-operative Limited – Implementation of local
competition for Bragg Communications Inc., operating as EastLink – File
number: 8663-H3-200917503

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2009/8663/h3_200917503.htm

La Compagnie de Téléphone de Lambton Inc. – Implementation of local
competition for Cogeco Cable Inc. – File number: 8663-L2-200813742

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2008/8663/l2_200813742.htm

Téléphone Milot inc. – Implementation of local competition for Cogeco
Cable Inc.
File number: 8663-M4-200813841

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2008/8663/m4_200813841.htm

Mornington Communications Co-operative Limited – Implementation of local
competition for Bragg Communications Inc., operating as EastLink – File
number: 8663-M5-200907199

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2009/8663/m5_200907199.htm

Sogetel inc. – Implementation of local competition for Cogeco Cable Inc.
File number: 8663-S4-200813833

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2008/8663/s4_200813833.htm

La Compagnie de Téléphone de St Victor – Implementation of local
competition for Cogeco Cable Inc. – File number: 8663-S7-200813718

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2008/8663/s7_200813718.htm

Le Téléphone de St-Éphrem inc. – Implementation of local competition for
Cogeco Cable Inc.
File number: 8663-S6-200813726

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2008/8663/s6_200813726.htm

Tuckersmith Communications Co-operative Limited – Implementation of local
competition for Bragg Communications Inc., operating as EastLink – File
number: 8663-T7-200909640

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2009/8663/t7_200909640.htm

La Compagnie de Téléphone Upton Inc. – Implementation of local competition
for Cogeco Cable Inc. – File number : 8663-U2-200813784

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/recherche-search/?q=8663-U2-200813784&n=e&d=crtc&m=

Wightman Communications Ltd. – Implementation of local competition for
Bragg Communications Inc., operating as EastLink – File number:
8663-W36-200910225

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2009/8663/w36_200910225.htm

NorthernTel, Limited Partnership – Application for forbearance from the
regulation of business local exchange services in the exchange of Kirkland
Lake, Ontario
File number: 8640-N51-201114256

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/Part1/eng/2011/8640/n51_201114256.htm

Télébec, Limited Partnership – Application for forbearance from the
regulation of business local exchange services in the exchange of
St-Grégoire, Quebec
File number: 8640-T78-201113232

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/Part1/eng/2011/8640/t78_201113232.htm

TORONTO, Jan. 26, 2012 /CNW/ – Tucked-behind the cornerstone of one of Canada’s most storied buildings was an object that few knew about – until now. Today, Ryerson University and Loblaw Companies Limited revealed the contents of a 1931 time capsule found inside the walls of Maple Leaf Gardens.

They are asking for your help in determining the meaning behind a mysterious ivory elephant, and what items could go into a new time capsule to be housed at the Peter Gilgan Athletic Centre at the Gardens.

“Maple Leaf Gardens holds a lot of special memories for millions of Canadians and, it turns out, it also held a few surprises from 1931 that were just waiting to be found,” said Sheldon Levy, president of Ryerson University. “We are thrilled to share the contents of the time capsule with all Canadians.”

The time capsule, a copper box measuring 30 centimeters by 20 centimeters by 20 centimeters, has no external markings or writing. The inside of the lid is hand-engraved, “M.B. Campbell 124 Lindsay Ave 21/9/31″.

Once opened, the time capsule revealed a dozen items that were included on September 21, 1931, including:

A four-page, typed letter from the directors of Maple Leaf Gardens describing the design and construction details of the new arena;
A stock prospectus for Maple Leaf Gardens;
Four newspapers from September 21, 1931 including the Toronto Daily Star, The Globe, The Mail and Empire and The Evening Telegram;
Three official hockey rule books, one each for the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, the Ontario Hockey Association and the National Hockey League;
A Red Ensign flag; and
A small ivory elephant with fragments of a blue ribbon.

Loblaw, which opened its new urban supermarket model, Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens on November 30, 2011, is equally excited about the discovery.

“The historic Maple Leaf Gardens holds a special place in the hearts of many here in Canada and around the world. With the opening of Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens we are happy to have the opportunity to breathe life back into this historic landmark,” said Jane Marshall, executive, vice president, Loblaw Properties and Business Strategy, Loblaw Companies, Limited. “We are curious to hear Canadians’ ideas for the new time capsule.”

Ryerson and Loblaw are asking the public for insight into the mysterious ivory elephant and for suggestions as to what to include in a time capsule that will be placed inside The Peter Gilgan Athletic Centre at the Gardens later this summer. The public can make suggestions by tweeting @RyersonNews or visiting Ryerson’s Facebook page.

The capsule, now jointly owned by Ryerson University and Loblaw, will be kept in a safe storage facility until a permanent display is created.

Ryerson University is Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 28,000 students, including 2,300 master’s and PhD students, nearly 2,700 faculty and staff, and more than 140,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past four years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada’s leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca

“We are extremely honoured that His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston has agreed to become Patron of our Imagineaction program. This program’s goals are very much aligned with His Excellency’s vision of a smart and caring nation that values the importance of civic engagement, empathy and community involvement,” says CTF President Paul Taillefer.

“Imagineaction is an innovative educational program which goes beyond the curriculum, using a critical thinking model to teach citizenship through active participation in community-based projects,” Taillefer adds. “Imagineaction is national in scope, providing English and French schools with funding subsidies to encourage student-initiated, developed and delivered social action projects to effect change at the community level.

“We are delighted that His Excellency has confidence in the Imagineaction program which provides the framework to support his three pillars as outlined in his 2010 installation speech,”concludes the CTF President.

Other patrons of the Imagineaction program include former governor general the Right Honourable Michëlle Jean (2005-2010) and former senator the Honourable Landon Pearson.

The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) is the voice of nearly 200,000 teachers across the country and Imagineaction is accessible to over 393,000 public education teachers.

Post-secondary students are being challenged to create campaigns that speak about the collective contribution of charities. First prize $50,000!

OTTAWA, Jan. 19, 2012 /CNW/ – When you think of the charitable sector, you probably picture individual charitable organizations and the excellent work they do. Or, perhaps larger sub-groups come to mind such as the health sector or the arts community. What about the bigger picture? How does the charitable sector as a whole ensure, improve and reflect the quality of life in Canada and around the world?

The charitable sector is massive and multifaceted. Consequently, its collective impact may not be evident. Students (Verb) Charities is a contest that asks students at publicly funded post-secondary institutions to produce a public awareness campaign that talks about the depth, scope and reach that the sector has as a whole. Contestants can submit campaigns in any form or medium. There is a total of $100,000 in cash prizes including a $50,000 first prize for the top entry, a second prize of $25,000, and a third prize of $10,000.

Bob Wyatt, Executive Director of the Muttart Foundation is looking forward to seeing how students use their creativity to reflect the contributions of the charitable sector. “We have deliberately kept the format and medium of the contest flexible because we want young people to be as creative as possible in helping us take a fresh look at ourselves.”

Marcel Lauzière, President and CEO of Imagine Canada added, “This is an opportunity for young people to become more engaged with charities. In addition to looking forward to seeing the campaigns, we also look forward to connecting with the next generation of leaders in our sector.”

Students (Verb) Charities
Show us (y)our stuff!
Visit www.studentsverbcharities.ca for contest rules and regular updates.

Imagine Canada is a national charitable organization whose cause is Canada’s charities and nonprofits. We strengthen the sector’s collective voice, serve as a forum and meeting place, and provide a supportive environment for organizations to build stronger communities. www.imaginecanada.ca

The Muttart Foundation considers a robust charitable sector as central to a strong, healthy society. Through their work charities build community and address key social issues and concerns. www.muttart.org

OTTAWA, Jan. 19, 2012 /CNW/ – The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) today released a report providing an update on the status of recommendations arising from the National Roundtables on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Canadian Extractive Industry in Developing Countries.

In 2007, Mining Association of Canada staff participated on an advisory group to the federal government that included representatives of the extractive industry, the investment community, civil society, academia and government. The advisory group reached an unprecedented consensus and produced a report that included 27 recommendations related to different aspects of CSR in the developing world. These recommendations remain an important reference for on-going discussions about CSR and the extractive industry in Canada.

The report released today by MAC is the result of a research project commissioned by MAC’s International Social Responsibility Committee to review, identify and understand the actions taken by government and other actors to implement the Roundtables’ recommendations, as well to identify current gaps. The report shows that 18 of the report’s 27 recommendations have been fully or partially implemented, such as the following:

The Government of Canada has become a participant country in the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and has joined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
CIDA has supported a number of new initiatives to help build capacity in Host Countries, including support for the Andean Regional Initiative for Promoting Effective Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Export Development Corporation became a signatory of the Equator Principles and applies the IFC Performance Standards and World Bank Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines in its lending practices.
The RCMP has established anti-corruption units in Ottawa and Calgary and launched investigations and prosecutions under Canada’s Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act.

“We are encouraged by the findings of this report that show that while more work can be done, Canada has not been idle and has taken meaningful steps to advance corporate social responsibility. This research will help us and others, including government, to take stock of progress made and what other opportunities may exist to make further progress on CSR,” stated Pierre Gratton, MAC’s President and CEO. “MAC looks forward to continuing to work with government and civil society on the development and implementation of CSR standards and best practices.”

This report is the first piece of research commissioned by MAC’s new International Social Responsibility Committee, itself an outcome of the Round Table process. Over the coming year, the committee will be commissioning and making available further research related to the Canadian extractive industry operating abroad. Two such projects include an analysis of the relevant international laws, standards and host country laws and regulations that the Canadian extractive companies are accountable to; and a look at the various transparency initiatives and requirements that apply to the Canadian mining sector operating in developing countries. The full report is available at http://tinyurl.com/83xqn9f

About the Mining Association of Canada:

The Mining Association of Canada is the national organization and voice of the Canadian mining industry. Its members account for most of Canada’s production of base and precious metals, uranium, diamonds, metallurgical coal, mined oil sands and industrial minerals and are actively engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication.

“The networks of the future will be primarily based on Internet Protocol,”
said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. “We have
established basic principles to ensure this technology becomes the
industry standard for voice networks as quickly as possible. The industry
was able to reach a consensus on many key issues during this proceeding,
and we appreciate their commitment.”

At the moment, companies are at different stages in their adoption of IP.
Large telephone companies have traditionally relied on voice
circuit-switched technology (known as TDM) to transfer telephone calls to
and from other service providers. Although they are gradually migrating
their networks to IP, large telephone companies continue to rely on the
older technology.

By comparison, companies that began offering telephone services in the
last few years, such as cable companies and wireless providers, have built
IP-based networks. At present, they are responsible for converting their
IP telephone calls to the older TDM standard.

In areas where a large telephone company uses IP to transfer telephone
calls to either an affiliated or unaffiliated provider, it must provide a
similar arrangement to any other provider that asks for it. The CRTC is
requiring large telephone companies to negotiate such arrangements within
six months of a formal request.

The CRTC has also simplified the rules under which the costs of
transferring telephone calls between a wireless and a wireline provider
are shared. A key point was the different obligations between independent
wireless providers and those that are affiliated with a larger
communications company. Currently, independent providers are responsible
for paying the entire cost unless they allow alternative long-distance
providers access to their networks.

Under the CRTC’s new policy, wireless providers will no longer be required
to give this access to alternative long-distance providers since they
already offer a variety of plans and Canadians can choose from other
long-distance options, such as prepaid cards and local access numbers.
These changes will reduce costs for many wireless providers, particularly
for those that have recently entered the Canadian wireless market, and
level the playing field between independent providers and those that are
affiliated with a larger communications company.

Today’s decision follows a proceeding that included a public hearing that
was held in Gatineau, Que., from October 24 to November 1, 2011.

By the end of the month, the CRTC will have completed a comprehensive
review of its major telecommunications regulations. This exercise was
launched in response to the government’s policy direction to rely as much
as possible on market forces, and today’s decision represents one of the
last steps. During the last five years, the CRTC has deregulated many
segments of the telecommunications market and reduced the scope of
existing regulations.

Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2012-24

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2012/2012-24.htm

Reference document:
Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-206

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2011/2011-206.htm

Host Hugh Reilly

Liquid Lunch is is ThatChannel’s flagship TV show. Host Hugh Reilly and co-hosts (including Janette Burke, Natalie Filippelli, Stella Hunt, Erin Ademoglu and Marla Lukofsky) talk to the real heroes in Toronto and beyond every weekday from noon through 2pm.

ThatChannel.com is Canada’s Number 1 Internet broadcaster since 2004, and now a pioneer in Internet TV reaching over a hundred thousand viewers monthly. Our mission is to “make a difference and have as much fun as possible—not necessarily in that order”.
Besides the live audience, your interview can live on forever on your website, Youtube, or Facebook to keep working for you long after the live interview.

TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2012 /CNW/ – As mothers, wives, daughters, friends and pillars of their communities, many Canadian women are quick to put their own needs aside for the benefit of others. Whether it’s caring for an aging parent, dropping everything for a sick child, or inspiring those around them to be and do their best, women are no strangers to self-sacrifice. Yet while their hearts are in the right place, their heart health may not be – and as a result, one in three Canadian women die each year from heart disease and stroke.

That’s why Becel®, the founding sponsor of The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s The Heart Truth™ campaign, has partnered with award-winning Canadian opera singer Measha Brueggergosman to spread a potentially lifesaving message to help empower Canadian women to protect their heart health. Measha underwent emergency open-heart surgery in 2009 after a near brush with death due to a dissected aorta.

“Even though I spent a lot of time in my 20s trying to get and stay ‘healthy’ by losing weight, I completely neglected factors like blood pressure and high cholesterol. As a result, I ended up in a scary emergency situation and now need to keep a close eye on my heart health for the rest of my life,” said Brueggergosman. “So many women don’t realize that if they don’t look after their own hearts first, they might not be there to take care of the people they love. I hope my story reminds Canadian women to protect and cherish their heart health.”

The facts are heartbreaking but true: heart disease and stroke is the #1 killer of women in Canada – and in 2008 alone, there were seven times more deaths among Canadian women from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer2.

Know Your Number, Know Your Risk
A survey conducted by Becel® found that almost 70 per cent of Canadians – about 20 million people – don’t know their own cholesterol number3. Yet it’s estimated that as many as 10 million Canadian adults have a cholesterol level that is higher than the recommended target4.

“Knowing their cholesterol number is one easy step that all Canadians can take to help reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke, since high blood cholesterol is a key risk factor for the disease,” said Maria Ricupero, registered dietitian. “In fact, women can proactively reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke by as much as 80 per cent by making lifestyle changes and taking action to improve their health.”

To help address this issue, Becel®, in its role as founding sponsor of the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s The Heart Truth™ campaign, is offering free cholesterol screening tests at eight malls and in more than 200 stores across the country during the month of February. Visit www.becel.ca for more information about testing locations and to learn more about heart healthy living, or speak with a doctor about getting a cholesterol test.

Get pro.activ about Heart Health
Brueggergosman’s family has also seen its share of heart issues. In fact, her father had to undergo a quadruple bypass a few years ago, and there is a history of heart problems and diabetes in her family. Her mother, Ann Gosman, is also now acutely aware of how lifestyle choices can impact heart health.

“My family has seen so much heartache – literally – over the past few years, and I can truly say from experience that the time is now for a wake-up call for Canadian women to start taking care of their heart health,” said Gosman. “I want women to know that they should feel empowered when it comes to their heart health, because it is possible to help control this disease. Proper diet and exercise are priorities in my life, and I make sure to get my cholesterol checked on a regular basis.”

Diet plays a critical role in heart health, and a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats may reduce the risk of heart disease. Eating foods with plant sterols can also help significantly reduce cholesterol levels.

“Plant sterols can help lower blood cholesterol by partially blocking cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream,” said Ricupero. “They’re found naturally in vegetables, fruits and nuts, but it’s challenging to get the amount recommended to lower cholesterol from these foods alone – so that’s why foods with plant sterols can help.”

One serving (two teaspoons) of Becel® pro.activ® calorie-reduced margarine with plant sterols provides 40 per cent of the daily amount of plant sterols shown to help lower cholesterol in adults.

For more information, visit www.becel.ca.

About The Heart Truth™ campaign
The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s The Heart Truth campaign is calling on women to put their own health first, make heart healthy lifestyle changes, recognize heart attack and stroke symptoms and seek prompt treatment. Heart disease and stroke is the # 1 killer of women in Canada, but most don’t know it. Heart disease is not a “man’s disease”: women are more likely than men to die of a heart attack or stroke. But by taking care of themselves and making incremental heart healthy lifestyle changes, women can add more years to their life and more life to their years. In fact, women can reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke by as much as 80 per cent by making lifestyle changes. The Red Dress is the official symbol of The Heart Truth campaign. It represents women’s courage, passion and their power for change as they share the truth with others and raise awareness about the importance of heart health. To find out more, visit www.thehearttruth.ca.

About Becel®
Becel® has always believed in the importance of caring for your heart. It’s why Becel® margarine was created, and why the brand remains dedicated to educating Canadians about the importance of heart healthy living. Through its development of educational resources to help Canadians manage their heart health, its founding sponsorship of The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s The Heart Truth™ campaign, and in the development of products such as Becel® pro.activ® calorie-reduced margarine with plant sterols, the first food with plant sterols in Canada, Becel® maintains its commitment to heart health innovation and education. For more information, visit www.becel.ca.

About Unilever
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong operations in more than 100 countries and sales in 180. With products that are used over two billion times a day around the world, we work to create a better future every day and help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others. In Canada the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Becel, Ben & Jerry’s, Bertolli, Breyers, Degree, Dove personal care products, Good Humor, Hellmann’s, Klondike, Knorr, Lipton, Nexxus, Noxzema, Popsicle, Q-Tips, Ragu, Skippy, St. Ives, TIGI, TRESemmé, and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Unilever Canada employs more than 1,600 people generating approximately $1.4 billion in sales in 2011. For more information, please visit www.unilever.ca.

____________________________________
1 Statistics Canada. Mortality Summary list of Causes, 2008.
2Statistics Canada. CVD – 34,909; Breast cancer – 4,955. 34,909 divided by 4,955 = 7.046. Per Stats Canada, November 2011.
3 A total of 1,521 Canadians over the age of 18 answered an online survey between December 6th and December 9th, 2010. The survey was conducted by Leger Marketing. For a copy of the survey results, please contact Edelman.
4 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3483991/k.34A8/Statistics.htm Accessed October 11, 2011.)