http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?artic...bCategoryId=471
Beverly Hanck, executive director of the Infertility Awareness Association of Canada, reported that while the population of the world as a whole continues to rise, the populations of Western Europe, Canada and some parts of South East Asia are falling. Canada today is not seeing sufficient births to meet population replacement needs and by year 2035 will experience further decline in population.
Longevity has increased steadily and this trend will continue beyond 2050 and the country will be faced with an aging population. At only 1.6 children per couple, Canada’s total fertility rate is well below the replacement level, which would be 2.1 children per couple. By year 2015, the number of senior citizens in Canada will be greater than the number of school age children.
Winnipeg is now being acclaimed as an increasingly popular destination for newcomers from around the world and Canada. Winnipeg’s economy is expected to grow by 1.1 percent this year despite the economic uncertainties and massive job losses. It is the third most economically stable in the country and the unemployment rate is at a low 4.7 percent.
According to a new survey, one-third of Canadian adults say they would consider moving to Winnipeg under the right circumstances, naming job and economic opportunities as attractive lures. Winnipeg has one of the most affordable housing markets in the country.
It is also very multicultural with more than 100 ethnic groups. The multicultural society can be attributed to the immigration policy of its provincial government. The Canada-Manitoba Immigration Agreement was established to meet the needs of the immigrants as the province seeks qualified workers and business people. They are assisted to succeed in the progressive province.
North American movie box offices are doing great business since the start of 2009, despite the economic downturn. But it is the Canadian moviegoers who are driving the biggest increase in ticket sales, specially the 3-D theater. In Canada, the box-office returns increased by 17 percent, compared to last year’s lukewarm performance. And the 3-D theaters sell as many as four times the tickets as its regular theaters.
Canadians are apparently willing to pay extra few dollars per ticket to see a movie utilizing the updated 3-D technology. Other trends helped increase box office earnings such as heavier slate of films, concerts and opera showings aimed at a mature audience.
Mable Elmore, a daughter of a Filipina nurse from Cebu, made a political breakthrough by winning the nomination of the NDP Party for Vancouver-Kensington riding in this year’s May 12 provincial election.
She’s unconventional, she’s a peace activist and trade unionist, community leader, 40 years old, a woman, transit operator for many years and has an alternative lifestyle.
Election day came and at the end of the day, Mable Elmore won, beating a popular Liberal candidate. When the Parliament of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia opens its 39th session, Elmore will walk its halls as the first Filipino Canadian ( Filipino descent) elected to the assembly.
Mable Elmore’s success can be attributed to the strength of the Filipinos in her riding (I2.7 percent) as well as the help of different Filipino organizations outside her area. Her riding is 40% Chinese. Her winning is an indication that the Philippine community in Vancouver has matured as progressive voters and that there is a changing of guards in the conservative, provincial well-knit Filipino community in the province. Elmore has lived in her riding for 20 years and would like to improve better transit and the addition of more buses into the public transit system.
The survey by the National Geographic Society found that 58 percent of Canadians rate the economy as the most important national issue, compared with just 3 percent who named the environment.
Canadians are less likely to agree that their personal lifestyle has a harmful effect on the environment or that they feel guilty about their environmental impacts. However, 55% agreed they are trying hard to reduce their negative environmental impact.
The survey noted that people in developing countries tend to use more environmentally friendly means of transportation such as walking, cycling and public transportation.
Canadians’ lifestyle and love of fish, beef and chicken is partly the reason why Canada scored less in the survey. There are the sustainability issues and resources need to provide the people with grains, fruits and vegetables.
The general consensus is that people will cut down on entertainment expenses. But in British Columbia and other parts of Canada, “live” entertainment is booming. There are stage musicals, film festivals, pop and classical concerts, stand-up comics, Shakespeare, jazz festivals, ballet, opera, ethnic celebrations, street festivals and the list goes on. Many Filipinos are looking forward to the Inspired Tour of Lea Salonga at River Rock Casino this coming September. FINALLY, A CLASS ACT FROM THE PHILIPPINES.