TORONTO, Dec. 3 /CNW/ – As the anniversary to commemorate the Montreal Massacre draws near, Ontario nurses say the provincial government’s workplace violence legislation doesn’t go far enough to protect women.The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) says Bill 168 (the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act) will do little to stop forms of violence such as teasing, gossiping or bullying that can be just as dangerous as physical assaults. The association would have preferred a broader definition of workplace violence to include forms of harassment because statistics show violence in the workplace affects nurses, many of whom are women, disproportionately. An estimated 50 per cent of health-care workers will be physically assaulted during their professional careers, and nurses are three times more likely to experience violence than any other professional group.

“The reality for women in Ontario is that teasing, gossiping, bullying and harassment are also common forms of violence. This legislation doesn’t recognize that. Women have a right to a safe working environment that is free of any and all aggression,” says RNAO President Wendy Fucile.

Fucile says the association suggested the government adopt a wider definition such as the one incorporated in RNAO’s best practice guideline on Preventing and Managing Violence in the Workplace, which describes violence as a multi-dimensional phenomenon involving the misuse of power and includes all forms of harassment, bullying, intimidation, physical threats, assaults, robbery and other intrusive behaviours.

Another key improvement missing in the legislation is better whistleblower protection for those who report incidents or potential incidents of workplace violence or harassment. “We know nurses experience threats, intimidation, and other forms of physical violence. They put up with it because they fear losing their jobs, escalating the conflict or confrontation. Nurses deserve better. You can’t provide quality patient care if you can’t rely on a safe environment in which to practise,” says Irmajean Bajnok, Director of RNAO’s International Affairs and Best Practice Guidelines Program.

RNAO says Bill 168 is in response to recommendations made by a coroner’s jury that examined the death of Windsor nurse Lori Dupont. In 2005, she was murdered by her former boyfriend, Dr. Marc Daniel, while on shift at Hotel Dieu Hospital. RNAO Executive Director Doris Grinspun says if the government is serious about tackling workplace violence; it must redress the power imbalances that allow violence to continue. That includes replacing traditional hierarchical structures such as hospital Medical Advisory Committees (MAC) with Inter-Professional Advisory Committees (IPAC) so the views of all health professionals are represented.

“We know from the Dupont case that power differentials jeopardize both patient and workplace safety,” Grinspun says. “With the memory of Lori and her family clearly before us, we urge the McGuinty government to immediately address the shortcomings in Bill 168 through further legislative changes so that nurses and other women are afforded the protection they deserve in their places of work.”

The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses wherever they practise in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has lobbied for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses’ contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve.

For more information about RNAO and its BPG on Preventing and Managing Violence in the Workplace, visit our website at www.rnao.org. You can also check out our Facebook page at www.rnao.org/facebook or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/rnao.

For further information: To arrange an interview with a nurse, please contact: Marion Zych, Director of Communications, RNAO, Phone: 1-800-268-7199 ext. 209, Phone: (416) 408-5605, Cellular: (647) 406-5605

I am now starting to offer feedback on people’s writing from around the world. With the help of the internet and for a small fee – I will offer coaching to anyone in need of feedback on their writing. Please do contact me at: dkakonge@sympatico.ca for details.

As a teacher, I really admire anyone who goes to school. School is so important. It teaches you not only the basics about reading, writing, math and a concentrated area of study – it also teaches you a lot about yourself. It is a shame though that the cost of education often makes it difficult for some people to take the route of enlightenment.I recently heard about a woman who is an engineer and an architect and is currently on employment insurance. She is in her eighth month. She wants to switch careers to become a youth worker, however is finding it hard to come up with the money to go back to school. It is good though that she has the desire to do so, despite the fact she is not the age of the average student.

I know someone else who desperately needs to go back to school to upgrade because she does not even know how to use a computer. She keeps saying she will and it is like the Spanish expression, “manana, manana.” It is always tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow does not ever seem to come. I know that if she was aware of programs out there where she could upgrade her skills for free – she would do them.

In this economy, it is so important to be investing in yourself. If you already have the education, you are one of the lucky ones and I hope you are using it to your advantage. Investing in yourself will secure your future and give you more opportunities to choose from. I know my journalism and media studies degrees have been a tremendous benefit to me.

VALCARTIER GARRISON, QC, Dec. 1 /CNW Telbec/ – The media are invited to attend a leg of the Olympic Torch Relay at Valcartier Garrison.

    When:    December 3, 2009, at 6:30 am (relay will begin at 6:50 am).

    Where:   Starting from Building 516 (Sports Centre) and along Général
             T. L. Tremblay Street.Valcartier Garrison is one of 10 Canadian Forces bases to have the honour of being selected to welcome the Olympic torch.

The team of 20 Olympic torchbearers from Valcartier Garrison represents National Defence’s multidisciplinary character well. The team, which is composed of Canadian Forces members and civilians from a variety of units and occupations, will carry the Olympic flame for one kilometre.

Media members who would like to attend the Olympic Torch Relay are asked to notify 5 ASG Public Affairs personnel using the contact information below. Everyone must arrive at the Valcartier Garrison main gate no later than 6:30 am. Please be advised that latecomers will be refused access, because the main road will be closed as the Olympic torch travels through the garrison.

For further information: Captain Evelyne Lemire, 5 ASG Public Affairs Officer, (418) 844-5000, ext 5880; General information: Torchbearers and military representatives on site will grant interviews according to their availability.

Dear friends,

We want to invite you to two extremely special events in the coming weeks. Dec 3 @ 6.30 PM marks the launch of ‘Spiritual Theatre/ Drama’ at UrbanEdge. We will be hosting the screening of the first performance of the ‘Lonely people – why and what to do’. This play is produced and Directed by The Walking Monk – Bhaktimarga Swami and features artists who are all practitioners of Yoga and Meditation. Check event details and RSVP at http://www.urbanedgeyoga.com/index.php?d=current&p=current&event=miEvent1

Dec 7 @ 6.30 PM Kirtan with a Monk, conversations on the sacred art of chanting: Move away from manic Mondays – move on to a fresh and beautiful way to start your week. Join us for a soul stirring Kirtan with a visiting Monk – His Grace Vaisesika Dasa who has been practicing Kirtan Yoga for over 35 years. It is a must have kirtan(musical meditation) event of the year ! Check details and RSVP at http://urbanedgeyoga.com/index.php?d=current&p=current&event=miEvent2

Wed, Dec 2 – Story of a warrior – Negotiating the battlefield of life: Where do you think the ancient knowledge of yoga as known to modern humans was revealed? A journey through history, find more at  http://urbanedgeyoga.com/index.php?d=current&p=current&event=event1

Fri, Dec 4 – Dec 4 Uncommon sense – what is real: Wondered what reality is? Is there something out there over and beyond we see? Check details and RSVP at http://urbanedgeyoga.com/index.php?d=current&p=current&event=miEvent3

Don’t forget, we have a delicious vegan feast which will be awaiting you!

Check the month’s calendar at http://yoga.meetup.com/512/calendar/#12

Quote of the week: The soul is the substantive reality while the mind is only his perverted reflection in the mirror of limited existence. The mind is the material shadow, so to say, of the soul who is the spiritual substance.

 See you soon,

Mangal-aarti

Urban Edge Yoga

The CRTC seeks input from Canadians as it undertakes an online
consultation on the implications of implementing a compensation regime for
the value of local television signalsOTTAWA-GATINEAU, November 30, 2009 —The Canadian Radio-television and
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today opened an online consultation
to receive the comments of Canadians on the future of television. This
consultation is part of the public hearing that will begin on December 7,
2009, in Gatineau, Que. The government has requested that the CRTC submit
a report following the public hearing.

The Canadian broadcasting system is evolving quickly, and some regulatory
changes may prove necessary. The Commission is looking at various options,
including the possibility of negotiations between local stations and cable
and satellite companies to determine the value of signals, and the
transition of television signals from analog to digital. With this online
consultation, the CRTC is seeking the views of consumers and the industry
on the impact such developments could have on:

    * the availability of local television services, including local news,
information and public affairs programming
    * the ability to choose different types of channels and packages
    * the affordability of cable and satellite television services
    * the industry as it adapts to the new digital communications
environment, and
    * the industry’s current or future business plans.

The CRTC has already received numerous comments since the public hearing
was announced. These were submitted by fax, e-mail or through the online
form. With the online consultation, the CRTC is offering consumers a new
way to express their opinions. The CRTC will take all comments received
into account when preparing its report.

The online consultation will conclude on December 21, 2009, at midnight
(EST). You may participate by visiting the following Web address:
http://television.askingcanadians.com.
The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises
broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

Reference documents:
News release, “The CRTC seeks consumer input on television services,”
October 2, 2009  http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/news/releases/2009/r091002.htm
News release, “CRTC to seek views on a compensation regime for the value
of local television services,” September 17, 2009  http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/news/releases/2009/r090917.htm
Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2009-614 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2009/2009-614.htm

“Let all the human rights organizations hear my voice and ask them to

save me from this inhuman environment.” Negar Azizmoradi

MONTREAL, Nov. 28 /CNW Telbec/ – According to a statement released today by the International Raelian Movement, Negar Azizmoradi, leader of the Raelian Movement in Iran, has become seriously ill with a severe lung infection while being held in Istanbul’s deportation center.Raelians worldwide are demanding her immediate release and her right to asylum in a neutral country. Protests are organized in front of Turkish Embassies in most major countries and in Canada will be held on Thursday, December 3rd,197 Wurtemburg Street, Ottawa.

“This brave woman was arrested in Turkey a few days ago after escaping from Iran, where she faced a likely death sentence for publicly declaring herself to be an atheist,” said Brigitte Boisselier, spokesperson for the International Raelian Movement. “It’s bad enough that she had to leave her family and her country because of her beliefs, but she now has a serious lung infection as well. We are asking our worldwide membership to refrain from buying any Turkish products and to protest Turkey’s policy until Negar Azizmoradi is free and safe.”

Boisselier explained that Azizmoradi’s lung condition has deteriorated because Turkish incarceration facilities reek heavily of cigarette and cigar smoke.

“These facilities are extremely unhealthy, crowded and filthy,” she said. “No one, not even a real criminal, deserves to suffer such inhumane conditions, but Negar did nothing more than honestly state her beliefs. She should be released immediately to an international human rights agency and then be granted asylum. Already many British and German citizens have offered to welcome and support her.”

Boisselier said time is of the essence.

“Every moment counts,” she said. “Action needs to be taken very, very soon, because Negar’s life is now in serious danger on two fronts rather than one. If she’s sent back to Iran, she’s certain to receive a death sentence. But if she stays where she is now, her health will continue to deteriorate. Her condition is of great concern to us.”

Abdollah Asadi, head of the International Federation of Iranian Refugees (IFIR), said Azizmoradi told him in a phone conversation that she is being held “in a contaminated ward with extremely nasty bathrooms.”

“The way Turkish police treat us is worse than what an animal would do to other animals,” the confined Raelian leader told Asadi.

In a subsequent conversation with IFIR officials on Nov. 19, Azizmoradi reported that the Turkish authorities had confiscated all of her belongings, including her laptop computer and camera.

“I kept all of my documents and proof there,” she said. “They took everything I had.”

Coughing severely and barely able to speak, Azizmoradi pleaded with the IFIR to get her message out.

“Let all the human rights organizations hear my voice and ask them to save me from this inhuman environment,” she said.

“Negar’s physical suffering and detention in such a disgusting environment because of her beliefs should affect every human conscience deeply,” Boisselier said. “Her condition is deteriorating on a daily basis and her life is in grave danger. No civilized country allows such a thing to happen, so the least the Turkish authorities can do is put things right. They need to do that now.”

For further information: or interview, contact Stella (514) 793-3126

- Big birds, cool cats and cartoon celebrities entertain at Yonge-Dundas
Square -

TORONTO, Nov. 27 /CNW/ – A mob of teeny toddlers will descend on Yonge-Dundas Square for a fun-filled weekend of kid-friendly rides, face-painting, crafts and interactive performances at the Downtown Yonge BIA’s Kidzfest – a free two-day event with guest appearances from cartoon celebrities Max & Ruby, Dora & Diego and Spongebob Squarepants on his 10th anniversary tour. On November 28th and 29th, adventurous tots will swing around the square in a colourful swing carousel, whirl around on the ladybug ride and take their ‘coverkid’ moment posing in a faux magazine shoot. Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs pack prehistoric fun into the first performance of the weekend, followed by a slew of musical guests including David Archibald and Maggie G. Fun will ‘let fly’ with Birds of Prey on Saturday, and Jungle Cat World brings a rip-roaring good time to Sunday.Kidzfest is a free event that takes place on Saturday and Sunday, November 28th and 29th as part of the Downtown Yonge BIA’s Winter Magic festivities. Further information is available at www.wintermagic.ca.

What: KIDZFEST

When: Saturday and Sunday, November 28th and 29th, 11:00am – 5:00pm

Where: Yonge-Dundas Square

Photo Op: Hundreds of kids take over Yonge-Dundas Square to enjoy
rides, crafts, live music, cartoon character meet & greets
and performances from Max & Ruby, Birds of Prey and Jungle
Cat World.

Lineup of Kidzfest Events:

Saturday, November 28th

11am – 5pm Face-painting, crafts, treats and rides
11am & 2pm Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs show, followed by meet
and greet
12pm & 3pm David Archibald’s zany musical adventure
1pm & 4pm Birds of Prey
1pm – 3pm Spongebob Squarepants meet and greet

Sunday, November 29th

11am – 5pm Face-painting, crafts, treats and rides
11am & 2pm Max & Ruby show, followed by meet and greet
12pm & 3pm Around the House with Maggie G
1pm & 4pm Jungle Cat World
1pm – 3pm Dora the Explorer & Diego meet and greet

About Downtown Yonge BIA

The Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area (B.I.A) is an association of 2000 businesses and property owners in downtown Toronto. Founded in 2001, the mandate is to revitalize and position Downtown Yonge as Canada’s premier business, shopping and entertainment destination. For further information: www.downtownyonge.com

For further information: Helen Jamer, Julia Harper, Idea Workshop, helen@ideaworkshop.ca, julia@ideaworkshop.ca, (416) 504-3977 x27, (647) 330-4706 (cell)

CALGARY, Nov. 27 /CNW/ – Canadian Pacific (TSX/NYSE: CP) and Natural Resources Canada have partnered on an industry-leading biodiesel fuel pilot project under the National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative, announced Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, and Fred Green, Canadian Pacific President and CEO, today. It is the first time biodiesel will be used in Canadian cold-weather rail service.

“The Government of Canada is working closely with industry partners like Canadian Pacific to support the use of renewable diesel in the Canadian fuel market,” said Mr. Richardson. “Our Government is investing over $800,000 in this important step forward to help reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Government of Canada has announced its intent to regulate an average five percent renewable fuel content based on the national gasoline pool by 2010 as well as a requirement for an average two percent renewable content in diesel fuel and heating oil by 2011 or earlier, subject to technical feasibility. The National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative provides an opportunity for real-world testing and performance evaluation in advance of regulatory action.

“Rail is already the most efficient means to move goods long-haul,” said Green. “This initiative positions CP to make a lasting impact by further reducing our network’s environmental footprint. This partnership with the Government of Canada is an opportunity to test the reliability of biodiesel in cold weather, ensuring we continue to provide safe and efficient operations for customers across North America.”

Biodiesel is a cleaner renewable alternative to traditional fuels, made from either vegetable oil or animal fats. Biodiesel reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter and also acts as a natural lubricant.

As part of the five-month test cycle, CP will operate four GE AC4400 Diesel Locomotives with FDL-16 engines in captive service between Calgary and Edmonton. General Electric and Calgary-based fuel supplier 4Refuels are cooperating with CP during this testing phase, which began in early November and will run through the end of March.

Canadian Pacific will undertake routine detailed mechanical examinations of the locomotives in the pilot project. The information gathered will be used to determine if a biodiesel mixture of five percent (B5) has any significant adverse effects on a locomotive or its associated systems in cold-climate operation. Impact to reliability, potential changes to the overhaul or maintenance work scope and reviews of specific components on the locomotives will also be monitored.

About the National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative:

The National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative (NRDDI) supports projects that demonstrate how renewable diesel fuel will perform under Canadian conditions. This research is in support of the Government’s intention to regulate renewable fuel content, specifically the proposed requirement for an average of two percent renewable fuel content in diesel fuel and heating oil by 2011 or earlier. This requirement is however conditional upon the technical feasibility of biodiesel use being demonstrated under a range of Canadian conditions. This is a part of the Government of Canada’s Renewable Fuels Strategy.

About Canadian Pacific:

Canadian Pacific, through the ingenuity of its employees located across Canada and in the United States, remains committed to being the safest, most fluid railway in North America. Our people are the key to delivering innovative transportation solutions to our customers and to ensuring the safe operation of our trains through the more than 1,100 communities where we operate. Come and visit us at www.cpr.ca to see how we can put our ingenuity to work for you. Canadian Pacific is proud to be the official rail freight services provider for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.