To the question “Are you in favour of the Agreement in Principle concluded between the Action démocratique du Québec and the Coalition Avenir Québec in view of their merger”, submitted to 2,521 members of the ADQ during the voting period between January 9 and January 19, 2012, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton confirms the following results:

- 1,373 members participated in the voting process. Of this number, 35 ballots were found to be spoiled and were rejected. 1,338 ballots were considered valid. Here are the results:

943 responded in favour of the merger (representing 70,48 %),
388 responded not in favour of the merger (representing 29,00 %),
7 annulled their vote (representing 0,52 %).

About Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton

Founded in 1948, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton is a leader in the fields of assurance, taxation, consulting, business turnaround and insolvency. This strength is based on a staff of over 2,000 people, including over 225 partners in more than 90 offices in Quebec, Eastern Ontario and New Brunswick. The extent of its network makes the firm the leader in its field of activity. For over 30 years, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton has been a member of Grant Thornton International Ltd., providing clients with access to member firms and representative offices in over 100 countries.

For further information:
For information: Source:
Mr. Pierre Garant, CA Mrs. Carole-Anne Dugré
Partner
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Regional Director of Communications and Business Development
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton
Cell: 418-563-3853 Cell: 418-955-3792
Email: garant.pierre@rcgt.com Email: dugre.carole-anne@rcgt.com

Through athletic competition, as well as educational and cultural activities, young athletes adopted and experienced the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship.

Our Canadian athletes demonstrated skill and determination, and I am certain that their experience will serve them well in the future both as individuals and as athletes.

I would like to thank the International Olympic Committee and the Innsbruck Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee, as well as the many volunteers who ensured the success of this precedent-setting event for their passion and devotion to the Games.
For further information:

For more information (media only), please contact:

Dustin van Vugt
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
dustin.vanvugt@pch.gc.ca

About CANMARC Real Estate Investment Trust

CANMARC (www.canmarc.ca) is an unincorporated open-ended real estate investment trust established pursuant to a declaration of trust under the laws of the Province of Quebec. Managed internally, CANMARC owns a portfolio of Canadian income-producing commercial properties, consisting of retail and office properties with certain industrial properties. In total, CANMARC properties comprise approximately 9.4 million square feet of commercial gross leasable area and 464 multi-family residential units located in Quebec, Atlantic Canada, Western Canada and Ontario.

“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.