Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan closes New York Container Terminal Deal

TORONTO - The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Teachers') has completed its purchase of the New York Container Terminal on Staten Island, New York. The New York facility is the last of four marine container terminals to be purchased by Teachers' from Hong Kong's Orient Overseas (International) Ltd. for $2.4 billion US.
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KITCHENER MULTIPLE-FAMILY NEW CONSTRUCTION NUMBERS STRONG IN MAY

TORONTO - The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released Kitchener’s preliminary housing starts data for the month of May June 8, 2007. Construction began on a total of 302 homes in the Kitchener Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), an increase of 32 per cent from the 228 units started in the same month last year.
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Big City Residents Pay More: C.D. Howe Institute

TORONTO - Residents of Canada's nine major cities generally pay much more in taxes than they receive in government programs and services, according to a Commentary released June 7, 2007 by the C.D. Howe Institute.
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Ontario Government ENRICHes Ontario schools WITH GLOBAL EXPERIENCE OF internationally educated teachers

$800,000 Investment Helps Foreign-Trained Teachers Gain Certification

TORONTO – Internationally-trained teachers are being given the opportunity to contribute their unique global experience to Ontario’s classrooms thanks to the expansion of a dynamic bridging program funded by the Ontario government, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Mike Colle announced June 7, 2007.
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Canada's New Government Commits to Full Labour Mobility by 2009

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador - It was proposed June 7, 2007 that the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) be strengthened to ensure that Canadians enjoy the benefits of full labour mobility by April 1, 2009.
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IAMGOLD, division of Géant Dormant in Abitibi - Substantial Improvement in Severance Payments

ROUYN-NORANDA, QC - Seventy-seven percent of the 114 members of the United Steelworkers Union at the Géant Dormant division of IAMGOLD, have voted in favour of the company's latest offer.
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Sony Pictures Studios to Offer Twilight Tours

Visitors Can Discover One Of World's Most Famous Studio Lots On Thursday Evenings From June 14 To September 28

CULVER CITY, Calif. - Sony Pictures Studios announced today that beginning June 14, visitors will be able to take Twilight Tours of the historic studio every Thursday through September 28th.
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United States, Brazil seek a central America driven by biofuels
By Andrzej Zwaniecki

WASHINGTON – With the help of the United States and Brazil, three Central American countries and one Caribbean nation could become less dependent on oil imports by switching their economies to biofuels, according to U.S. and Brazilian officials.
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Study: SOX Rules Rob Investors of Ability to Build Wealth

Sarbanes-Oxley - Big Cost, Little Benefit

Washington, D.C.—Sarbanes-Oxley, the federal law aimed at protecting investors from corporate abuses, is actually hurting investors by preventing them from growing wealth, according to a new study published June 7, 2007 by the Competitive Enterprise Institute.
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Minister Lunn Announces $785,000 for Clean Energy Pipeline Project

OTTAWA - Waste pressure from natural gas pipelines may be the answer to providing the next generation of clean power for Canadian cities. The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $785,000 for Enbridge Gas Distribution to launch a project using a fuel-cell and gas expansion turbine plant in Toronto.
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9 in 10 Canadians Agree that Hiring More Nurses Would Address Long Wait Times for Medical Treatment

ST JOHN'S - The results of a new poll show that Canadians overwhelming (90%) agree hiring more nurses to reduce waiting times to receive medical or surgical attention.
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Toronto releases results of recent lead testing

TORONTO - The City of Toronto has completed the lead testing ordered by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on May 23 and submitted the results on June 6. Out of the 20 homes tested by Toronto Water, two (10 per cent) of the homes had samples that exceeded the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standard (ODWQS) of 10 ppb (parts per billion).
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CanWest Accepts Offer for its 70% Stake in CanWest MediaWorks (NZ) Limited

WINNIPEG - CanWest Global Communications Corp. (CanWest) announcedJune 8, 2007 that its subsidiary, CanWest MediaWorks Ireland Holdings (CMIH), has accepted a takeover offer from HT Media Limited (HT Media)
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Labour Force Survey for May 2007 saw little Month to Month Change

Employment was little changed for a second consecutive month in May, with full-time gains mostly offset by losses in part time. The unemployment rate held steady for the fourth straight month at 6.1%, a 33-year low.
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Canadian international merchandise trade for April 2007

Canadian merchandise trade imports declined in April, while there was little change in exports. In March, both imports and exports had registered strong increases as transportation flows returned to normal following a rail traffic disruption in February.
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Waterloo Region Business and Cultural Sectors Working Together on Strategic Initiative

Waterloo Region - On Monday, June 11, 2007, the Prosperity Council of Waterloo Region will be hosting Creative Intersections: A Call to Action.
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G8 Must Grasp Trade Deal Now Or Risk It Slipping Away: WTO Chief

“Top industrialized nations must focus now on reaching a global trade deal or risk seeing the chance slip away, the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) warned on Wednesday.
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The Hamilton Spectator and The Guelph Mercury Take Top Prize at the Canadian Journalism Foundation Awards

TORONTO - The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) handed out its major awards June 6, 2007 at The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The Guelph Mercury won the Excellence in Journalism Award in the small, medium or local market category. "A feisty, intensely local paper demonstrates how quality journalism can be embraced in the smallest of newsrooms. Pound for pound, it is among the best in the country," said Donna Logan, Chair of the Excellence in Journalism Award Selection Committee.
The Hamilton Spectator won the Excellence in Journalism Award in the large or national media category, sponsored by the Jackman Foundation and the Canadian Journalism Foundation.
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Canada's New Government Announces Renewed Federal Shipbuilding Approach

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, announced a renewed approach intended to assist Canada's shipbuilding industry in dealing both with its current challenges and with its longer term needs.
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G8 Leaders Join Merkel For Talks On Climate Change, Kosovo, Africa Aid

“The G8 leaders start their first day of joint talks Thursday with tough issues like climate change and possible independence for Serbia's Kosovo province in front of them.
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Volkswagen Rabbit awarded category's top spot in Strategic Vision's 2007 total quality index

AJAX - Volkswagen Canada is pleased to announce that the Volkswagen Rabbit was selected as the best small multi-function car according to Strategic Vision's 2007 Total Quality Index.
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Canadian Intelligent Communities to Tell Their Story in Waterloo June 13 at Waterloo Inn

Waterloo - On the heels of the announcement that Waterloo was named the 2007 Intelligent Community of the Year, an open forum discussion will take place that brings together leaders from nine Canadian communities who have also been recognized globally as intelligent communities by the Intelligent Community Forum.
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Nova Scotia vulnerable to rising energy costs and supply shortfalls: report

HALIFAX - Nova Scotians need secure sources of energy if they are to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century, according to a report released June 7 by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).
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Canada's 30 Best Benefit Plans Offer Flexibility to Meet Employee Needs, According to Hewitt

TORONTO - When it comes to selecting the best benefits plans, the true judges are the employees who use them. For that reason, employee feedback was used by Hewitt Associates, a global human resources services company, to determine Benefits Canada magazine's list of "Canada's 30 Best Pension and Benefits Plans,"
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Top 20 under 20 - Leading the way!

TORONTO - More than 400 people gathered today to preview Canada's young leaders of today as the 2007 recipients of Youth in Motion's award and mentoring program - Top 20 Under 20(TM) - were celebrated at a breakfast event, sponsored by University of Ontario, Institute of Technology, at 89 Chestnut Residence.
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Thursday June 7, 2007

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Six Canadian-Made Models Perform Well in Initial Quality Study, But Competition Intensifies with Other North American Plants

Four Canadian Plants Rank in Top Fifteen in North and South America, Down from Six in 2006 Cambridge, Alliston and Oshawa still in the running.

TORONTO - Three Canadian-made vehicle models receive segment awards, and three additional Canadian-made models rank within the top three in their respective segments, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 U.S. Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS) released June 6.
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Fraser Institute hosting conference to examine links between Canadian immigration policy and terrorism

VANCOUVER - The Fraser Institute, Canada's leading independent research organization, is hosting a conference in Toronto to discuss immigration policy and how it relates to the threat of terrorism in Canada and the United States.
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Over 16,000 Canadian drivers join their counterparts around the world in embracing Toyota and Lexus hybrids

TORONTO - Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) announced that to date, over 16,000 Canadians joined with environmentally conscious consumers world wide to push hybrid sales to over 1 million units since Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) introduced the Toyota Prius - the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle - in 1997.
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DoCoMo and RIM Announce Japanese Text Input Support for BlackBerry

Tokyo, Japan - NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and Research In Motion (RIM) announced Japanese-language text input support for the BlackBerry® 8707h smartphone, which is available in Japan via DoCoMo.
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'EXTREME' BONDING: Survey Reveals Unusual Team-Building Activities

TORONTO - While many companies plan summer picnics and softball games to boost camaraderie, creative organizations may choose more challenging or inventive methods of building rapport. The Creative Group, recently asked 250 advertising and marketing executives to describe unusual team-building activities they have heard of or taken part in.
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UW will continue Campaign Waterloo to pursue opportunities in the next decade

WATERLOO - The University of Waterloo is continuing one of the most successful university fundraising campaigns in Canadian history in order to pursue the education and research opportunities outlined in its new strategic plan.
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Bringing the Real World into the Classroom - Engineer-in-Residence Community Event at the University of Waterloo

Waterloo - The Engineer-in-Residence (EIR) Program, the flagship education outreach activity of Professional Engineers Ontario, The University of Waterloo and PEO's Grand River Chapter will hold a Community Event in Waterloo on June 7, 2007.
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Canada's Oldest Property and Casualty Insurer Launches New Logo

CAMBRIDGE - Gore Mutual is pleased to announce a new logo as part of their new corporate brand strategy. The strategy's goal is to highlight the company's identity as a strong Canadian mutual company as well as build awareness of their commitment to the professional advice delivered by independent insurance brokers.
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Steelworkers applaud class action on bank workers' overtime

TORONTO - The United Steelworkers (USW), which represents more than 1,000 financial services workers in banks and credit unions across Canada, says the class action launched against the CIBC is another important step in the battle to improve working conditions for all bank workers.
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Canadian Idol Peaks at Beyond 2 Million Viewers Last Night with Biggest Debut of Summer Season on Canadian TV

CTV's Canadian Idol returned June 5 to once again stake its claim as the most-watched summer television program in the country. The Season Five premiere episode peaked at 2.06 million viewers, finishing with 1.6 million viewers for the 90-minute episode.
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UW holds groundbreaking for optometry's new expansion, recognizes $500,000 gift

WATERLOO - The University of Waterloo school of optometry, Canada's only English-speaking optometric training institution, will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking Friday for a new addition to expand its top-level teaching and research program in vision care.
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CEOs And Business Leaders Look Forward to Continued Growth while keeping an eye on environmental responsibilities and the challenges of finding skilled staff

CALGARY - T.E.C. (The Executive Committee) Ltd.: The CEO Index score is on the rise, inching upwards with the second quarter results measuring 112.2 points, up 2.6 points from the last quarter results that stood at 109.6.
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Mercedes-Benz earns three top awards for vehicle quality in Initial Quality Study

TORONTO - Mercedes-Benz received three top awards for the highest ranked vehicle quality in the respective market segments: this year, the E-Class (total), S-Class (in a tie) and SL-Class were recipients of a J.D. Power and Associates award.
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Voter Turnout Survey Results Discussed

KITCHENER - A meeting to discuss the results of a survey that studied Kitchener's low voter turnout rates in the last municipal election, will take place at 4:30 p.m. today in the Conestoga Room at City Hall.
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Study: Recent trends in the Canadian lumber industry 1995 to 2006

Canada's lumber industry has undergone extensive restructuring, and has remained profitable despite the impact of various trade and economic pressures during recent years, a new study has found.
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ACTRA protests skewed, all-American "Canadian TV"

TORONTO - CTV and Global threw themselves some parties this week to celebrate spending hundreds of millions of Canadian dollars to stuff Canada's primetime television with American dramas. And hundreds of Canadian actors and other industry workers were out on the sidewalk protesting.
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Ontario Government Investing In Local Tourism Festivals And Events Help Build A Strong And Prosperous Economy

ORANGEVILLE - The McGuinty government is helping to market and expand this year's Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival held May 31 - June 3, through an investment of $52,500, Jim Bradley, Minister of Tourism, announced June 6, 2007.
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Climate Change, Urban Growth Threaten To Worsen Disasters, UN Says

“Rapid urban growth combined with the effects of climate change will cause more and bigger disasters unless the world better prepares itself for them, senior UN officials said Tuesday.
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SHAOLIN WARRIORS THE KUNGFU MASTERS OF CHINA

Kitchener - Direct from China’s legendary Shaolin Temple, this fully choreographed theatrical production, Shaolin Warriors: Legendary Masters of Kung-Fu, brings the remarkable skill, stunning movement, and spectacular imagery of Kung Fu to Kitchener’s Centre In The Square on Sunday, September 16th, tickets on sale June 8th, 2007
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Drive Clean Program Overly Strict, Costly, Study Finds

Ontario's Drive Clean Progam would achieve close to the same emission reduction and save taxpayers millions by targeting only older cars and testing less frequently, according to a groundbreaking evaluation by University of Guelph researchers.
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2007 Canada Day Guide Now Available

Ontario - Festivals & Events Ontario, in partnership with the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, has produced the Canada Day Guide for 2007. This one-of-a-kind consumer publication is the ultimate source for Canada Day events taking place in Ontario and is now available for download.
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MKS Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2007 Financial Results

Waterloo - MKS Inc. (MKS) announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended April 30, 2007. Net loss of ($2.8) million or ($0.06) per share compared to net income of $9.1 million, or $0.20 per share ($3.9 million or $0.09 per share, before income tax recovery)
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iPhone to Debut in U.S. on June 29

According to Reuters, Apple has confirmed that its iPhone multimedia device will hit the U.S. market on June 29, available exclusively through AT&T Inc.
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CAA Partners With Universal Music Canada For Savings On Recorded Music Purchases

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and Universal Music Canada announced a “harmonious” partnership that, as of June 4, will provide CAA members with discounts on music CDs, DVDs and downloads at an exclusive online store at www.caa.ca/music.
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Conestoga Sailing Club to host Weekend Warm Water Regatta and Open House

What: Warm Water Regatta to be held on June 9 and June 10th.
When: First Race starts at around 9:30 am June 9th, and ends about noon on Sunday June 10th
Where: Conestoga Sailing Club. Turn north at Dorking from Highway 86 going to Listowel, about 25 minutes from Waterloo.

This year will see a more than 20 boats competing in the Warm Water Regatta including teams from Southwest Ontario. Races will be held at the Conestoga Sailing Club on Conestoga Lake.
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Laurier to graduate largest number of students in university’s history

WATERLOO – Nearly 2,500 students will officially graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University during six convocation ceremonies June 6-13. This year’s convocation represents the largest group of graduating students in the university’s history, as the double cohort students complete their undergraduate programs.
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Foreign affiliate trade continues to rise on 2005 says Statscan

Sales of goods and services and employment by foreign affiliates of Canadian businesses continued to rise in 2005, largely as a result of growth in the retail trade and finance sectors. It is the first time that both sales and employment have increased for a second consecutive year since foreign affiliate trade statistics were first compiled in 1999.
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Ontario Government Connecting Rural Communities

Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program Invites Applications From Rural Municipalities In Southern Ontario

QUEEN'S PARK - The Ontario government announced June 6 that it is now accepting applications for Rural Connections ... The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program.
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Air Canada reports Mainline passenger load factor of 83.8% - highest ever for May

MONTREAL - Air Canada reported a record load factor for the mainline of 83.8 per cent in May 2007, the highest ever for the month. The mainline carrier flew 0.2 per cent fewer revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in May 2007 than in May 2006, according to preliminary traffic figures.
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Wednesday June 6, 2007

Waterloo to Host First Ever Canadian Intelligent Communities Forum

The City of Waterloo is delighted to be hosting the Municipal Information Systems Association's Annual Conference and Tradeshow June 10 thru 13, 2007 at RIM Park. Business Leaders are invite you to attend the first ever Canadian Intelligent Communities Forum (CICF) which will be held in Waterloo as the closing session for the 2007 annual Misa Conference on June 13th, 2007.
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PwC Kitchener-Waterloo Volunteer Of The Year Honoured With A $1000 Donation To Her Charity

KITCHENER — PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has recognized staff member Valerie Kropf as the 2007 PwC Kitchener-Waterloo Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding work with the Tavistock Missionary Church. A cash donation of $1,000 will be made to Valerie’s church in recognition of her contributions.
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Statscan Reports Kitchener CMA January -April, (year to year) Value Building permits declines 28%

The total value of building permits declined in April as construction intentions fell in both the residential and non-residential sectors as well as in nine provinces. Contractors took out permits worth $5.6 billion, down 8.4% from March.
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Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association (WRHBA) is pleased to announce its 34th President, Mr. Peter Armbruster.



Waterloo - Peter has been a Director on WRHBA’s Board since 2003 and was elected President on May 30th 2007.
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National Post Selects Virtual Reach to Mobilize its Breaking News

All of the day's headlines and stories now delivered in real-time to mobile devices

TORONTO - National Post and Virtual Reach Inc., the developer of the breakthrough mobile platform Viigo(TM), announced they have partnered to deliver real-time access to the Post's breaking news, commentary and analysis on mobile devices.
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Rental vacancy rates are lowest in Alberta and British Columbia due to strong population growth

ONTARIO RENTAL VACANCY RATES ARE AT HIGH LEVELS IN 2007; KITCHENER RATES AVERAGE

OTTAWA - The average rental apartment vacancy rate in Canada's 35 major centres(1) was 2.8 per cent in April 2007, according to the new spring Rental Market Survey released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
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CAW members ratify new agreement with Extendicare

TORONTO - CAW members in 10 Extendicare long term care homes across Ontario have ratified a significant new collective agreement by 88 per cent. The three-year agreement will affect 1100 members working in facilities in Sault Ste.Marie, the London area, Kingston, Windsor, Oakville and Ottawa.
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J2X Technologies Inc. announces release of Handheld Contact for Pocket PCs and Treo Smartphones

Waterloo – J2X Technologies Inc, announced the release of Handheld Contact for Pocket PCs and Treo Smartphones with the Windows Mobile operating system late May.
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Mercer Report for Social Investment Forum Finds Two in Five Plan Sponsors Now Without SRI Option Say They Plan to Offer Choice in Next Three Years; Separately, Resource Guide Issued for Plan Sponsors Seeking to Learn More.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - More and more Americans are getting a socially responsible investment (SRI) option in their defined contribution (DC) plans at work, according to new Mercer Investing Consulting data released June 5, 2007 by the Social Investment Forum, which commissioned the groundbreaking research.
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Kitchener Gains Stronger Voice at FCM Table

KITCHENER -The City was well represented at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) annual conference, held this past weekend in Calgary, Alta.
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G-8 Summit and Climate Change
by Katherine Sierra

Two years ago, the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland promised to advance a clean development agenda and mobilize financial support for greener growth in the key emerging market economies. This year’s meeting, in Heligendamm, Germany, must deliver on that promise.
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Time for fairness for farmers: Tory

Tory says PC Government will add $300 million more annually for farmers by end of first term

BRESLAU - Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory today said that a PC Government will give farmers the fairness they deserve and end the neglect of the McGuinty Liberals.
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ATS signs second long-term polysilicon wafer supply agreement with Deutsche Solar AG

CAMBRIDGE - ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. today announced that its Photowatt France subsidiary has entered into a second contract with Deutsche Solar AG for the long-term supply of polysilicon wafers. Deutsche Solar is one of Europe's largest wafer manufacturers and a subsidiary of SolarWorld AG.
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Statistics Canada to survey Waterloo region residents on community connectedness and health related topics

Ottawa – What makes people feel connected to their community and how does this relate to their general health? Statistics Canada will ask Region of Waterloo residents their views on this topic and others in an upcoming survey.
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Dubai-based international airline Emirates makes Toronto its 91st destination worldwide

DUBAI, U.A.E. - Emirates, one of the world's most successful and fastest-growing international airlines, has announced its plans to start services from Toronto to Dubai, a first gateway for the airline in Canada starting Monday, October 29th, 2007.
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Survey: Orientation Programs Effective but Not Offered by a Third of Employers

TORONTO - Although businesses want new staff to "hit the ground running," some firms may be hindering employees by not offering enough resources during their first days on the job.
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Descartes Receives Operational Research Award

WATERLOO -Descartes Systems Group, a global on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions provider, announced that it was awarded the Omond Solandt award of the Canadian Operational Research Society (CORS) for 2007.
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Warner Music Japan Catalog Now Available on the iTunes Store in Japan

Top Japanese & International Artists Including Ayaka, Kobukuro, Rip Slyme, Linkin Park, Madonna & Red Hot Chili Peppers Now on iTunes

TOKYO —Warner Music Japan and Apple® announced the addition of the Warner Music Japan catalog to the iTunes® Store in Japan (www.apple.com/jp/itunes/). The Warner Music Japan catalog brings top J-POP and international artists to the iTunes Store including Ayaka, Bonnie Pink, Green Day, Kobukuro, Linkin Park, Madonna, Mariya Takeuchi, My Chemical Romance, Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M. and Rip Slyme.
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G8: guest brings biofuel arguments to summit
By Fabiana Frayssinet

RIO DE JANEIRO - As a guest at the G8 summit this week in Germany, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will present arguments to convince the leaders of the world's eight richest countries of the importance of biofuels in the fight against global warming.
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Women and stroke - special risks, worse prognosis

OTTAWA - Strokes kill 45% more women than men in Canada, according to a new data analysis released today by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. And that's why Canadian women have a strong reason to be aware of the warning signs of stroke, says the Foundation.
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Tuesday June 5, 2007

COM DEV Begins Production on $39 Million Contract for NASA's Successor to the Hubble

New Ottawa Facility to Lead Work on James Webb Space Telescope Project

CAMBRIDGE - COM DEV International Ltd., Canada's largest manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, announced that it has begun the production phase of its work on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
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HOME SALES SET ANOTHER RECORD IN KITCHENER-WATERLOO AND AREA

KITCHENER – May was another record month for the Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Board, with a total of 774 home sales, a 20 percent increase over May 2006. May’s sales results surpassed the single month record of 713 sales set in April.
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New study shows Ontario's farmers are environmental leaders

Better farming practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions taking 125,000 cars off the road

GUELPH - A new study, Caring for the Land - Our Farm Environmental Commitment, shows that Ontario's farmers are environmental leaders.
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Canadian Companies Bearing the Costs of Post-9/11 Border Policies

OTTAWA - Contrary to the images of trucks lined up at the border, new border security policies introduced since 9/11 have not reduced Canadian export volumes to the United States. The new border security environment, however, has raised the cost of access to the U.S. market for many companies, according to the findings of two new Conference Board studies released June 4, 2007.
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IT Staff Could Benefit from Enhanced Technical and Project Management Skills, Survey Shows

TORONTO - As technology changes, so do the job requirements for a company's information technology staff. In a new survey, chief information officers (CIOs) ranked technical ability and project management skills equally at 24 per cent, as areas in which their IT staff could most use improvement. Organizational abilities were third with 19 per cent of the response.
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Canadian Retailers Honoured at National Excellence in Retailing Awards Event

TORONTO - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) awarded 18 prestigious industry awards at the annual Excellence in Retailing Awards Dinner last night. These awards recognize the retail industry's top achievers and were presented as part of STORE 2007 - Canada's Retail Conference.
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National Magazine Awards Foundation Announces Vote for the Best Magazine Cover of all time

Reminder for tickets to the Gala on June 15th Our new logo for our 30th Anniversary Scott Feschuk to host this year's Awards Gala

TORONTO - The National Magazine Awards Foundation (NMAF) still has tickets available to the 30th Anniversary National Magazine Awards Gala on June 15th at the Carlu in Toronto.
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Canadian Environment Awards Announces Winners for 2007

MONTREAL - The Canadian Environment Awards hosted a gala evening June 4, 2007 at the Montréal Science Centre to recognize the 2007 winners of its annual celebration of environmental achievement. One of Canadian Environment Week's major events, the Canadian Environment Awards celebrates the commitment of Canadians who are helping to protect, preserve and restore the country's environment.
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Ten Tips to Avoid Email Attacks
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Industry Canada: Amendments to Intellectual Property Regulations Benefit Universities and Businesses

OTTAWA - The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), a special operating agency of Industry Canada, announced the coming into force of regulatory amendments effective June 2, 2007, ensuring Canada's intellectual property (IP) regime is more user-friendly, cost-effective and responsive to the needs of Canadian universities and businesses.
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Jay Leno is instituting "The Jay Leno Car Award" for world's largest car show Power Big Meet in Sweden.

Power Big Meet July 5-7 in Vasteras, Sweden, celebrates 30th anniversary this year expecting 15 000 cars and more visitors than ever before from 40 countries. The biggest news so far is the collaboration with the high-profile car collector and talk show host Mr Jay Leno.
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German Chancellor To Make Climate Protection Top Priority At G-8

“German Chancellor Angela Merkel described President George W. Bush's new initiative on global warming as ‘very welcome’ but cautioned it would have to be part of the UN treaty negotiating framework.
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Indonesia World's No. 3 Greenhouse Gas Emitter – Report

“Indonesia is among the world's top three greenhouse gas emitters because of deforestation, peat land degradation and forest fires, a report sponsored by the World Bank and Britain's development arm said.
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Open Text To Demonstrate Latest ECM Solutions for Libraries at SLA Conference

Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Open Text Conduct Joint Presentation on the Challenges of Integrating Access to Diverse Content Types in Libraries

CHICAGO - Open Text(TM) Corporation, the largest independent provider of enterprise content management (ECM) software and solutions, today announced that it will be exhibiting the latest in ECM solutions for libraries and participating in a key presentation on how libraries can integrate access to their physical collections with access to the growing range of digital content at the upcoming Special Libraries Association (SLA) 2007 Conference, June 3-5 in Denver, Colorado.
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Guelph expands lead-testing. Test results from four homes with lead services show elevated lead levels.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health reassures residents Guelph has high quality drinking water.

The City of Guelph has now received the results of water tests from taps in 20 homes with lead services, along with those from a number of tests performed on water in the distribution system.
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What do Americans know about Canada?

OTTAWA - While tourism is big business in Canada and a key driver of economic growth, it must do more to pique the interest of its biggest source of visitors, according to a new report on American travellers' perceptions of Canada released in conjunction with Tourism Week in Canada, June 4-10, 2007.
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Young Ontarians Honoured For Outstanding Leadership And Initiative
Role Models For Tomorrow's Community Leaders

QUEEN'S PARK - Eleven young people will receive Ontario's most prestigious award for young volunteers, the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, announced June 4, 2007.
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Will rising gas prices drive a wedge in Canadians' cottage plans this summer?

- Survey finds recreational property prices continue to rise -

TORONTO - Despite rising cottage and gas prices, the number of Canadians committed to owning their own getaway retreat has increased since last summer, with 12 per cent of Canadians planning to or considering buying a recreational property in the next three years, according to the 2007 Royal LePage Recreational Property Report released June 5, 2007.
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CIGI Advises on Asia’s Economic Future in Three New Working Papers

Waterloo, Canada – Underlying changes in Asia’s emerging economies are examined in three new working papers released by the Canadian-based international think tank, CIGI (Centre for International Governance Innovation). All three papers bring new and relevant findings from preliminary research on a range of issues from bilateral monetary swaps to the future of the textiles industry.
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Study: Lower income and declines in self-rated health 1994/1995 to 1996/1997

Individuals living in households with combined incomes of less than $20,000 are almost three times more likely to experience a decline in self-rated health than people with the highest incomes, according to a new study.
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Ontario's fastest-growing companies revealed: The annual PROFIT 100 ranking

PROFIT magazine reveals its exclusive annual ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies

TORONTO - "Should we pursue this opportunity?" is a question that confronts all growing businesses. The phenomenal revenue growth of the 2007 PROFIT 100 companies-averaging 2,095% over the past five years-shows how skillfully they've picked and seized the best opportunities out there.
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State-of-the-art technology results in big energy savings at Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning (North Campus)

Chief Energy Conservation Officer of Ontario awards Certificate of Recognition

Etobicoke - Chief Energy Conservation Officer of Ontario Peter Love presented a Certificate of Recognition to Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning for their energy conservation efforts at their North Campus.
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United Arab Emirates sets up permanent representation at ICAO's Montreal HQ

Commitment to 'open sky' policy, safety & security efforts stressed

MONTREAL - The United Arab Emirates today announced the establishment of permanent representation at the headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal.
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UN Reports the Chilling Facts on Organ Harvesting from Live Falun Gong Practitioners

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture Suggests Mechanisms to Hold States Accountable

On March 20, 2007, Manfred Nowak, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture issued a report that corroborates previous findings in 2006 about persecution, abuse and torture of Chinese citizens.
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The Supreme Court Victory of Transat Tours Canada Establishes a Precedent Favourable to Canadian Businesses Concerning Injunctions and Private International Law

MONTREAL - On May 25, 2007, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered a unanimous decision in favour of Transat Tours Canada Inc., a client of Lavery, de Billy and a subsidiary of the Transat A.T. Inc. group, which ranks among the ten largest tourism businesses in the world. This precedent is of crucial importance for Canadian firms carrying on business abroad.
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Biotech Remained Flat in May 2007

SAN FRANCISCO - The summer blues seem to have started early for biotech. Despite a record setting attendance of over 22,000 at the Biotechnology Industry Organization International Convention in Boston, a nearly 15% increase from the previous year, the event failed to boost the industry on Wall Street.
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Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame inductees highlight a dynamic industry

OTTAWA - Canada's tourism products and services are among the best in the world in no small part because of committed people like the five individuals being inducted, in conjunction with Tourism Week in Canada, June 4-10 into the 2007 Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame.
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McAfee Inc. Releases 2007 'North America Criminology Report: Organized Crime and the Internet'

New Report Details 'How Cybercrime Pays' For Those Preying on Unwary Canadian Businesses and Home Computer Users... And How Canadians Can Protect Themselves

MARKHAM - McAfee Inc. released in Toronto the results and availability of the McAfee North America Criminology Report: Organized Crime and the Internet 2007.
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Canada's Airports Applaud EU Air Talks Progress

Canada-EU Open Aviation Area would be good for Canadian trade and tourism

OTTAWA - The Canadian Airports Council today applauded the federal government's progress with European Union on talks as early as this fall on a new air regime across the North Atlantic. Reforms to the air regime with Canada's second biggest trade and tourism partner - ideally an Open Skies type Open Aviation Area - will be good for Canada, the group says.
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Monday June 4, 2007

Signs Point to a Cooling Housing Market, says Scotiabank Economist

TORONTO - Short-term cyclical factors are consistent with a gradual cooling off in Canada's housing market over the next several years, according to the latest Real Estate Trends, released June 4 by Scotia Economics. At the same time, long-term fundamentals, including slower population growth, are expected to dampen the demand for housing.
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New Welding Program in Line for Waterloo Campus

Waterloo - As Conestoga builds the profile and capabilities of its new campus in Waterloo, the College is adding programming consistent with its goal of making Waterloo a centre of excellence for trades education associated with the construction industry.
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Lead levels in water samples taken from 20 Waterloo residences found to be safe

Waterloo - Test results from 20 Waterloo residences show lead levels in tap water to be well within the allowable levels.
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May 2007 Auto Sales
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Cirque du Soleil's Guy Laliberte named Ernst & Young 2007 World Entrepreneur Of The Year

MONTE CARLO, MONACO - Guy Laliberte, Founder and CEO of Canada's Cirque du Soleil was last night named the 2007 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year at a glittering awards ceremony in Monte Carlo. Laliberte was picked from among 39 contestants, all of whom had already been named Entrepreneurs Of The Year in their home countries.
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Competition Authorities Agree to Develop Merger and Unilateral Conduct Guidance, Emphasize Co-operation, Outreach, Implementation

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Competition authorities from around the world have agreed to work on a new set of recommendations on key substantive merger issues, produce guidance in the area of unilateral conduct, and promote further co-operation in anti-cartel enforcement. The decisions were made at the International Competition Network's (ICN) 6th Annual Conference, which ended June 1, 2007
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Stelco plans for 'strategic review' cause for concern say Steelworkers

TORONTO - United Steelworkers' (USW) National Director Ken Neumann said Friday the announcement by Stelco that it is engaged in a 'strategic review' is a cause for concern for the union, so soon after the struggle to save the company, its workforce and its retirees' pensions during the protracted restructuring process.
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Upbeat outlook for biofuels industry
By Philip Hopkins

Australia could have a big biofuels industry if there is a strong alternative energy policy that is focused on new technologies, according to a leading grains research group.
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Bicyclists Invited to Join Ninth Annual Cross-State Bicycle Tour along Erie Canal 400-mile tour from Buffalo to Albany Takes Place July 8-15

Albany, NY- In 1825 it was called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," a man-made waterway that stretched into the western wilderness to touch the Great Lakes. Today, the Erie Canal and the villages along it are being rediscovered as a unique and easily accessible corridor with a rich role in the history of Colonial America, the American Revolution, commerce and women's rights.
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Enough is Enough, Already!

Letter By: The Honourable Paul Hellyer, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Founder of Canadian Action Party

Enough is enough, already! The Government of Canada must say no to any takeover of Alcan, and the sale of BCE to the vultures, and they must do so immediately. Not to do so will be a treasonous failure to act in the best interests of Canada. The same "no" must apply to any future billion dollar transactions which cannot be proven to be of significant tangible benefit to Canada and the Canadian people.
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Human Behaviour At Petting Zoos Poses Risk, Study Finds

People visiting petting zoos may be meeting critters other than the typical rabbits, sheep and goats. They may also encounter pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella because few people wash their hands after a visit or take other precautions to protect themselves from zoonotic agents, according to a new study by University of Guelph researchers.
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Heritage Plaque to be Unveiled at Hartman Bridge in New Hamburg

Waterloo Region – Join us on Friday, June 8 in Kirkpatrick Park in New Hamburg to celebrate the Hartman Bridge, one of most attractive Truss Bridges in the region.
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Canadians fail to make the grade in first Oral Health Report Card

Dental hygienists propel action for 4th annual Gingivitis Week

TORONTO - The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is starting the fourth annual LISTERINE(*) Gingivitis Week by announcing the results of its first national Oral Health Report Card - a comprehensive "cross country check-up" of Canadians oral hygiene knowledge(1).
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Green energy conference in Pasadena to introduce significant new technologies

Pasadena - GreenTech 2007, a day-long company showcase, will introduce the most exciting innovations in green and sustainable energy emerging from three academic powerhouses of scientific invention, CalTech, UCLA and USC.
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Manulife Bike and Hike for Heart reaches goal as riders, walkers raise $200,000 for cardiac care in Waterloo Region

WATERLOO - More than 1,200 cyclists, walkers and volunteers took part in the 15th annual Manulife Bike and Hike for Heart today and helped raise $200,000 for St. Mary's Regional Cardiac Care Centre in Kitchener. In its 15-year history, the event has raised more than $2 million for heart health in Waterloo Region.
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New Brand Aims to Inspire Everyone to Embrace the Olympic Spirit - and Make2012 'Everyone's Games'

- New Brand and Vision Revealed for London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games



LONDON - The new brand and vision for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games was launched in London this morning by Sebastian Coe and a team of London 2012 ambassadors.
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Legendary hotel to debut new spa in 2008

Toronto - Hotel Bel-Air is proud to announce plans for their new spa, a 12,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, secluded amid the hotel’s 12 lush acres. The extensive project will break ground this September and debut in August 2008.
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Tree Canada to be recognized at Canadian Environmental Awards

Ottawa -Tree Canada will be recognized at the Canadian Environmental Awards in Montréal, Quebec on June 4th during a prestigious awards ceremony that honours Canada's greenest individuals and organizations. Coinciding with Environment Week, the awards ceremony will recognize the exceptional environmental contributions of people and organizations across Canada.
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IBM's Printing Systems Division Becomes InfoPrint Solutions Company

Billion-Dollar Joint Venture Poised for Growth With Investments in R&D and Professional Services

BOULDER, COLO.- InfoPrint Solutions Company (IPS), the joint venture printing company announced earlier this year by IBM and Ricoh, has begun operations with 1,200 employees around the world.
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Choice Hotels makes it easy to win Aeroplan Miles this summer

TORONTO - This summer travellers can instantly win Aeroplan(R) Miles and hotel discounts at any Comfort(TM), Comfort Suites(R), Quality(R), Sleep Inn(R), Clarion(R), Econo Lodge(R) and Rodeway Inn(R) hotel in Canada.
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Canadian Entrepreneur Follows Personal Conviction to Create Environmental Building

LANGE Transportation Proves to be Mover and Shaker in Environmental Sustainability

Toronto – The momentum for business to think and live green has never been more urgent. From the Academy Award-winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, to the ongoing developments in Federal Environmental benefits, business is quickly waking up to the realities of a corporate environment that measures success on both sustainability achievement and fiscal health.
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Workplaces and Retailers to be Awarded for being Tobacco-Free Leaders

Waterloo Region - The awards, called the “Breathe Easy” Tobacco-Free Initiative Awards, are being launched to mark World No Tobacco Day, a day created by member states of the World Health Unit to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes.
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Farm Product Price Index for March 2007

Prices farmers received for their commodities rose 9.4% in March from the same month a year earlier, as most crop, livestock and animal product prices increased.
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Farm Input Price Index 2006

In 2006, the Farm Input Price Index for Canada was 139.3 (1992=100), up 3.3% from 2005. All major groups, except property taxes, contributed to the increase in the total index.
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