NEW RECORD SET FOR HOME SALES IN KITCHENER-WATERLOO IN APRIL

KITCHENER – Sales of residential properties in April set a new single month record in Kitchener-Waterloo and area, and surpassed the 700 unit threshold for the first time. There were a total of 708 homes sold last month, the highest single month since sales statistics were first computerized in 1988.
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Politics Affects Judicial Appointments, New Study Finds

Guelph - When it comes to judicial appointments, politics appear to be influencing selection, according to new research by a University of Guelph political scientist.
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DALSA Origin captures Anthony Hopkins in 4K for Greenpeace

Waterloo - Greenpeace's latest anti-whaling ad, starring Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins, was shot in 4K using DALSA's Origin camera. The 60-second spot has been aired on network TV in North America.
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Laurier to offer unique Master of Science degree program

WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University will become the only university in Ontario to offer a Master of Science degree in integrative biology when it launches its new program in September 2007.
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Manulife Financial Corporation reports first quarter earnings highlights

Total funds under management reach record of $426 billion

TORONTO - Manulife Financial Corporation today reported first quarter shareholders' earnings of $986 million and earnings per share of $0.63. These results include the one-time charge to earnings of $69 million related to an asset realignment undertaken to more appropriately position Manulife Financial's assets under the new financial instrument accounting standards which became effective January 1, 2007.
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Life of an entrepreneur defined by a number of key events

New research shows events with the highest impact on the life of a small business owner

CHICAGO - Just like the birth of a child can be a life altering moment for a young couple, small business owners also experience events that may change them forever.
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Ontario Trillium Foundation honoured for commitment to diversity

TORONTO - The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) was recognized May 2 with a Maytree Foundation's Diversity in Governance Award for demonstrating boldness and innovation in achieving a culturally inclusive Board of Directors and regionally diverse Grant Review Teams.
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Industry Canada: Payday Lending Bill Becomes Law

OTTAWA - The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, together with the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., MP for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, welcomed the royal assent and coming into force of Bill C-26. This new law will result in greater consumer protection for Canadians who use the services of the payday lending industry.
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Visa's contactless technology offers convenience and the security benefits of chip card technology

TORONTO - Visa Canada Association announced the availability of its contactless technology, Visa payWave, in the Canadian market. Visa payWave-enabled products will deliver speed and convenience to participating merchants and Visa(R) cardholders while offering the security benefits inherent in EMV chip technology.
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Toronto Region tourism growth led by overseas and Canadian visitors

Tourism Toronto to leverage strong summer event line-up in marketing the region to travellers

TORONTO - Tourism across the Toronto region was bolstered in 2006 by record visitor numbers from overseas countries and from within Canada, Tourism Toronto reported May 3. Growth in these markets helped to offset continued challenges in the U.S. tourism market.
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A double for Datachrome

MONTREAL - For a second year in a row, Datachrome has won the Grand Gutenberg at the 2007 Gutenberg Gala which is celebrating this year its 25th anniversary. The Artisans des arts graphiques de Montréal jury has awarded this time around its Grand Prize to Datachrome for the promotional brochure of photographer Yanick Déry.
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Mission Accomplished: $180 Million Prototype Carbon Fund Meets Portfolio Targets

Carbon Expo, Cologne, GERMANY—The Prototype Carbon Fund (PCF), the world’s first global carbon fund and a pioneer effort by the World Bank, announced today that it had fulfilled its mission by completing its US$180 million portfolio.
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'Mad cow' vaccine effective in mice

U.S. scientists say they've developed a vaccine that protects mice from a brain condition similar to mad cow disease.
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Ontario Centres of Excellence and the Catalan Institute of Photonic Sciences collaborate to commercialize leading-edge photonics research

TORONTO - Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. has set the stage for joint technical, scientific and technology transfer activities with the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) in Catalonia, Spain. With members of a delegation from the Catalan region in Toronto this week for OCE's Discovery 2007:
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Penny Smiley appointed Commissioner, Human Resources

Waterloo Region – Penny Smiley has been appointed the new Commissioner of Human Resources for the Region of Waterloo, effective June 4, 2007.
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Alberta and Quebec highest Users of VoiP

December 2006Previous releaseWhile the majority of Canadian households rely on land-line telephone services, a full two-thirds also have cellular telephone service, according to new data from the Residential Telephone Service Survey.
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Rogers and RIM Introduce the New BlackBerry Curve Smartphone in Canada

Smallest and Lightest Full QWERTY BlackBerry Handset; Includes Camera and Enhanced Multimedia Capabilities

Toronto and Waterloo, ON - Rogers Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM) introduced the BlackBerry® Curve™ smartphone - the smallest and lightest full QWERTY BlackBerry handset.
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Climate report shows affordable solutions; Baird's economic scaremongering discredited

TORONTO - An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report to be released Friday May 4 in Bangkok, Thailand, discredits the Harper government's economic forecasts for combating global warming, says Greenpeace Canada.
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International team discovers molecular oxygen in space

WATERLOO -- An international team of space scientists, including several Canadian astronomers, has discovered molecular oxygen in interstellar space. Oxygen is one of the main constituents of the Earth's atmosphere and was expected to be common in space too, but surprisingly this molecule appears to be quite rare in most of the universe.
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Carbon Market Trebled In 2006 - World Bank

“The global carbon market last year trebled to $30 billion from $11 billion in 2005, the World Bank's carbon finance unit said on Wednesday.
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Steelworkers end occupation of Hamilton Specialty Bar 0930 May 3

HAMILTON - A plant occupation at Hamilton Specialty Bar (HSB) has begun by members of the United Steelworkers' (USW) Local 4752 and their supporters, following the company's move to end about 500 retirees' medical and dental coverage as of Friday (May 4).
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Enhancing productivity of Small and Medium Enterprises

The Information and Communications Technology Council has released a report prepared for it by the Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity, “Enhancing productivity of Small and Medium Enterprises through greater adoption of Information and Communication Technology”.
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Georgian Bay, Ontario has been nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada.

CBC Radio, along with The National, (Canada's national broadcasting networks), are looking for the top seven wonders in Canada and are asking for nominations.
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Helix BioPharma awarded first U.S. Patent for DOS47

AURORA - Helix BioPharma Corp. announced the issuance of a patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,211,250) from the United States Patent & Trademark Office relating to the method and composition in combining DOS47 with targeting agents in the treatment of cancer.
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Panama Canal, Modal Shift-Short Sea Shipping and New

Innovations Highlight Thursday's World Ports Conference Work Sessions

HOUSTON - The $5.25 billion Panama Canal expansion project, once completed, "will impact the way transit will move in the future," declared Roberto Aleman Zubieta Thursday at the 25th International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) Conference being held in Houston.
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Fraser Institute continues bias against public education

TORONTO - The Fraser Institute released today the latest in a long line of in-house research studies claiming that private education is superior to public education.
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Canada's Accounting Standards Board seeks input on proposals for reporting by private companies

Toronto- Canada's Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) is asking for feedback on three options that will change financial reporting standards for privately-owned companies.
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Thursday May 3, 2007

Conestoga Students Excel: Win 18 Ontario Skills Medals

Waterloo Region - At the 18th annual Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC), held in Waterloo on April 30 and May 1, Conestoga College enjoyed outstanding success as 18 students earned post-secondary level medals for their knowledge and applied skills in a variety of competition categories.
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Dissatisfied with public schools, survey shows Ontario parents turning to private schools

TORONTO - Parents sending their children to Ontario private schools do so because of dissatisfaction with public schools, according to a new report published May 3, 2007 by The Fraser Institute, an independent Canadian research organization.
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Rick Mercer coming to Waterloo Region for first time to headline Tech
Leadership Conference

WATERLOO REGION - Tech Leadership Conference 2007, The Evolution of Innovation comes to Waterloo Region on May 10, 2007. The full-day conference for tech professionals will feature keynote addresses by Rick Mercer Canada's most innovative comedian, and New York Times bestselling author Michael Raynor, who wrote The Strategy Paradox and The Innovator's Solution.
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Newspaper Group Decries UN Body's Endorsement of Censorship

CNA Calls on Canada to Rally World Support for Press Freedom

OTTAWA - Anne Kothawala, President and CEO of the Canadian Newspaper Association, called on Canada's leaders today to rally the international community against efforts to legitimize restrictions on freedom of expression.
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Italy develolps drought-resistant tomato

ROME - Italian scientists have developed a tomato that can thrive on less than one-quarter of the water common varieties need.
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China, India, Brazil Hold Up Climate Change Talks

“A demand by China, India and Brazil that rich nations accept they are mainly responsible for global warming has held up progress at a key UN climate change conference [in Bangkok], delegates said Wednesday.
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Region of Waterloo and Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Union

Waterloo Region – The agreement between the Region of Waterloo and CAW Local 1106, representing the Region of Waterloo’s Sunnyside Home workers has received ratification.
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Decrease in Tech Enrollment: What are Students' Attitudes?

Results from study to be announced at special event and Web cast - May 7

TORONTO - CIPS, Canada's association of Information Technology (IT) professionals, is holding a special event and interactive Web cast for educators across the country. The objective of the event and "LIVE" meeting Web cast, entitled, "National Academic IT Youth Forum," is to announce the results of a study about students' attitudes toward technology and what attracts them to computer science courses.
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Brown And Benn Lead World Education Drive

“Chancellor Gordon Brown and International Development Secretary Hilary Benn will lead a drive [Wednes]day to boost the rich world's aid to education in developing countries.
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The Lost Art of Persuasion: Drop the PowerPoint® Crutch—and Win Over Even the Toughest Group

Hoboken, NJ - If you present for a living--whether you're a CEO selling your ideas to the board or a salesperson trying to win new business--your job is tougher than ever.
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Ontario's restaurant industry yet to recover from impact of 9/11, SARS

TORONTO - More than five years after it began, the "perfect storm" is still being felt by Ontario's restaurateurs and bar owners.
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Rowntree Enterprises breaks ground with Toyota Canada Inc. for Lexus on the Park and Toyota on the Park

Project combines dealerships, shops, services and an adult lifestyle retirement residence in an innovative approach to urban automobile dealerships

TORONTO - Rowntree Enterprises together with Toyota Canada Inc. broke ground today for Lexus on the Park and Toyota on the Park - the first step in a multi-phase project that will combine the two automobile dealerships with shops, services and an adult lifestyle retirement residence to create a new landmark development in Toronto's first planned community of Don Mills.
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CAP condemns the passage of fixed election dates

Connie Fogal ,Leader CAP/PAC: condemned the unanimous passage May 1, 2007 of fixed election dates putting a Canadian election off until 2009 .
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Canada's Best Places to Live - Guelph is one of the country's top communities?

MoneySense magazine presents Canada's only by-the-numbers guide to the best places to live, along with rankings for the best weather, the best places to retire and the cheapest real estate.

TORONTO - MoneySense magazine reveals its second annual list of Canada's Best Places to Live. The ranking is the most complete and objective guide to finding paradise within our borders - ideal for Canadians considering a move, looking to invest, pondering where to retire, or simply wondering how their city rates against others.
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RIM Introduces the BlackBerry Curve Smartphone

Waterloo - Research In Motion (RIM) introduced the BlackBerry® Curve™ smartphone - the smallest and lightest full QWERTY* BlackBerry smartphone. With its smooth and friendly design encompassing a large display, easy-to-use keyboard and intuitive trackball navigation system
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UW awards 17 honorary degrees at spring convocation

WATERLOO - Malcolm Gladwell, a visionary and influential author, and Jim Balsillie, a high-tech executive and philanthropist, are among those receiving honorary degrees during the University of Waterloo's convocation to be held June 13-16 in UW's 50th anniversary year.
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Income of Canadians remained stable in 2005

Median after-tax income rose slightly for most Canadian families in 2005, and remained stable for unattached individuals, according to new data from the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics
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Open Text Reports Third Quarter 2007 Financial Results

Company Achieves Strong Cash Flow, Accelerates Debt Payment

WATERLOO - Open Text(TM) Corporation, a leading provider of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) software, today reported unaudited financial results for its third quarter that ended March 31, 2007.(1)
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Consolidated government finance: Assets and liabilities March 31, 2005

The consolidated net financial debt of the federal, provincial, territorial general and local governments, defined as the excess of liabilities over financial assets, decreased to $791.2 billion as of March 31, 2005, down $2.1 billion or 0.3% from March 31, 2004.
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Canada's first online portal for complete coverage of universities and colleges: macleans.ca/universities

TORONTO - Canada's most comprehensive online destination site for current and potential post-secondary students has finally arrived. Announcing the launch of macleans.ca/university, the first website in Canada to offer continuously updated higher education news, from campuses across the country.
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PwC Volunteers Spring Clean With House of Friendship

KITCHENER – It’s spring cleaning time—and volunteers from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) were out of the office to help House of Friendship in Kitchener.
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Southern Research opens new carbon-to-liquids development center in North Carolina

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Southern Research Institute announced today that it plans to open its Carbon-to-Liquids (C2L) Development Center in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina.
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GM First Quarter Financial Results - Number of Cars sold goes Up gets Better Control of Loss.

* Reported net income $62 million
* Record first quarter global sales of 2.26 million units
* Improved automotive operations, reported net income of $272 million
* Adjusted automotive operating cash flow of $300 million

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2007. The company posted record global sales, and improved automotive profitability and operating cash flow for the quarter.
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Wednesday May 2, 2007

Closing Ceremony is a highlight of Education Week

Waterloo Region - Over 1, 300 guests will gather at Bingeman’s Marshall Hall this morning for the much anticipated Closing Ceremony of the Ontario Technological Skills Competition.
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April 2007 New Car Sales released May 1, 2007

Not all Canadian boomers in a hurry to pay off mortgage

TORONTO - In contrast to other age groups in Canada, the boomer generation of homeowners isn't as concerned about being mortgage-free when they retire, according to the latest findings in RBC's 14th Annual Homeownership Survey.
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Traveller accommodation industries Much Better in Second quarter 2007

According to the recent results from the Business Conditions Survey for the traveller accommodation industries, the outlook of Canadian hotels operators' is much better than in the first quarter. Compared to the previous three quarters, expectations for the anticipated number of room nights booked, occupancy rates, number of business travellers, average daily room rates and number of hours worked are very positive.
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Canada Post Makes it an Even Dozen for Consecutive Years of Profitability

OTTAWA - In its 2006 Annual Report tabled in Parliament, Canada Post Corporation reported its twelfth consecutive year of profit for its Group of Companies.
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Cadbury Adams Partners With UNICEF to Support the Schools for Africa Programme

TORONTO - Cadbury Adams Canada, the country's leading confectionery manufacturer, has signed a three-year partnership with UNICEF Canada to support and promote the Schools for Africa programme.
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Black Holes In Organizations shows organizations how to identify and eradicate debilitating and destructive forces

RICHMOND HILL - Corporate Streamlining Company Inc., announced the release of new book by Ron Lutka CMA, ACIS, P.ADM., CorpS - Black Holes in Organizations.
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Armada Data and CAA partner to launch new car price service

MISSISSAUGA - Armada Data Corporation announced May 1, 2007 that it has entered into an agreement with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). This groundbreaking agreement paves the way for the launch of an innovative New Car Price Service that will assist CAA members in making more informed decisions when buying or leasing new vehicles.
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Molson and Heineken Strengthen Existing Relationship in Canada

TORONTO - Molson and Heineken are pleased to announce a renewal of their Agreement to market, sell and distribute the Heineken brand in Canada.
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Student Leaders Elect Two New Student Trustees

Kitchener – Student leaders from Waterloo Region’s five Catholic high schools yesterday elected Ian McKellar and Brendan Steven from St. David Catholic Secondary School to represent students on the Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s Board of Trustees.
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China Seeks Advice on Health Overhauls

The Wall Street Journal writes that “China’s government can't agree on how to fix its ailing health-care system -- through private competition or more state services -- and has turned to the World Health Organization, the World Bank, McKinsey & Co. and others for advice.
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New Global Alliance to Catalyse Education Reform Announced

Brussels, Belgium – The private sector, governments, international organizations and donors have joined forces in an unprecedented partnership to accelerate progress towards Education for All (EFA).
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Students Fund Eco-Friendly Home for Fellow Students with Disabilities

University of Guelph students are funding a $650,000 state-of-the-art lodging house that combines accessibility and green technology.
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RIM to Present at 9th Annual Piper Jaffray Hardware and Communications Conference

Waterloo, ON - Edel Ebbs, Vice-President, Investor Relations at Research In Motion will present at the 9th Annual Piper Jaffray Hardware and Communications Conference in New York, NY on Thursday, May 10, 2007.
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Training and learning spending stagnant in Canada

OTTAWA - Canadian organizations spend an average of more than $850 per employee on training, learning and development (TLD), but this level of investment has remained stagnant for the past decade, according to the Conference Board's Learning and Development Outlook 2007.
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The Facts Concerning Doctors Who Trained Abroad Wishing to Practise in Quebec - Several Parties Have a Role to Play

MONTREAL - The Collège des médecins du Québec outlined the facts at a press conference this morning concerning the processes and procedures that must be followed by international medical graduates in order to practise in Quebec.
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Study shows children's mental health still taboo in Canada

More than one-third of all Canadians would be embarrassed to admit their child struggles with mental health issues

TORONTO - On the eve of Children's Mental Health Week (May 6 to 12), Kinark Child and Family Services, a not-for-profit children's mental health organization in Ontario that provides expert help to children and youth, their families and communities, released the results of a nation-wide study that found 38 per cent of Canadians would be embarrassed to admit their children suffer from anxiety or depression.
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New Name - New Lower Prices - New Live Shows: An Even Better Amusement Park!

Canada's Wonderland Opens for the 27th Season

VAUGHAN - Canada's Wonderland, home of the most exhilarating collection of rides and roller coasters in all of Canada, opens Sunday, May 6th, with new ownership lowering front gate prices for the first time in the park's history, adding two brand new restaurants and heating up the summer with an all new sizzling line up of two award-winning live shows - it's going to be a summer to remember!
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3 out 5 - Class of 2000 students owe money for student loans 3 years after

Two out of five graduates from the class of 2000 who had left school owing money to government student loans had completely repaid their debt five years after graduation.
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Ontario Government Brings Digital Futures Initiative to Life

New Support Adds Interactive Digital Media Program to Ontario College of Art & Design

TORONTO - Postsecondary students in Ontario will have the opportunity to improve existing technology using innovative design methods, Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, announced May 1, 2007.
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Steve Jobs to Kick Off Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference 2007

CUPERTINO, California—Apple® announced that Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, will kick off its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote address beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2007 at San Francisco’s Moscone West.
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Toronto Star Union questions decisions and executive compensation - suggests shareholders do the same at TORSTAR Annual General Meeting

EXECUTIVE PAY GOES UP AS SHARES GO DOWN

TORONTO - The morning of May 2, 2007, representatives of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP, Canada's Largest Media Union) will be distributing information to shareholders which suggest that TORSTAR is making unwise business decisions and paying excessive executive compensation.
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Toronto Star Announces New Look, New Size

Comprehensive changes to drive readership, better serve Advertisers and strengthen Star's leadership position

TORONTO - The Toronto Star announced today it is launching a series of major editorial and advertising initiatives in response to a rapidly evolving media landscape. "As the most read newspaper in Canada, we are incorporating some of the best thinking from around the globe and continuing to take a leadership role in shaping the future of Canadian media," Publisher Jagoda Pike said.
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Is linking children with a career professional an important parenting responsibility?

Yes, and, it can also help ensure their long term good health.

TORONTO - If you had the chance to go back and do "it" all again, would you? Four in ten Canadians seriously regret never having had any career counselling, says a new IPSOS Reid/CERIC (Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling) survey.
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Lifting of UN Diamond Ban to Boost Liberian Economy

Agence France Presse reports that Liberians have roundly welcomed the lifting of a UN ban on diamond mining and exports, a move that is expected to bring back some desperately needed sparkle to the battered economy.
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Mazak Corporation Canada opens its Canada Headquarters and Technology Centre in Cambridge

Waterloo Region - A new Headquarters and Canadian Technology Centre is set to have its official grand opening tomorrow. Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc welcomes Mazak Corporation, a prestigious firm that is the North American manufacturing, sales and support arm of the leading international machine tool builder, Yamazaki Mazak Corporation of Oguchi, Japan.
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Immigrants Slow Rate Of Money Transfers

The Washington Post reports that “the amount of money Latin American immigrants sent home from the United States grew at a slower rate during the first two months of the year than in the same period a year ago, according to the Inter-American Development Bank.
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CAW and Alcan Reach Tentative Agreement in Kitimat

KITIMAT, BC - CAW Local 2301 and Alcan in Kitimat B.C. have reached a tentative agreement on behalf of 1300 production and maintenance workers on a transition collective agreement.
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The Evolution of Innovation – 2007 Tech Leadership Conference

Don’t miss Communitech’s 2007 Tech Leadership Conference featuring New York Times bestselling author MICHAEL RAYNOR, The Strategy Paradox. Explore the latest industry trends in a Tech NEXT debate with MARK EVANS, VP operations, b5media and former National Post tech columnist, RICK SEGAL, partner, JLA Ventures, and TED HASTINGS, president, Geosign. Close the day with RICK MERCER, Canada’s most innovative comedian.
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New plan strongly affirms vital importance of sexual and reproductive health

WASHINGTON, D.C.,- The World Bank launched a new health, nutrition, and population, strategy that will help developing countries strengthen their health systems to improve the health and well-being of millions of the world's poorest people
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Canadian Technology Law Expert Joins World Chambers Network Board - Appointment Strengthens WCN Technology Group and Vancouver's Role as Asia Pacific Gateway Center

VANCOUVER and PARIS - The Paris, France-based World Chambers of Commerce Network Consortium (WCN) has appointed Vancouver technology law specialist Karl E. Gustafson, Q.C. to its board of directors.
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Tuesday May 1, 2007

2006 Canadian Online Advertising Tops $1 Billion

Online Ad Revenue Surges Forward As Variety Of Factors Combine for Growth

TORONTO - The Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada (IAB) today announced that 2006 Canadian Online Advertising Revenues surged to an unprecedented $1.01 billion dollars for the year.
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ARISE Technologies Corporation welcomes new CFO at company

WATERLOO - Following its announcement of April 11, 2007, ARISE Technologies Corporation is pleased to announce that David Chornaby has started with the Company as Chief Financial Officer, effective April 25, 2007.
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Sun Life Financial reports record fully diluted operating earnings per share of $0.96, up 14.3% over Q1 2006

Operating ROE of 13.5% up 30 basis points

TORONTO - Sun Life Financial Inc. announced record fully diluted operating earnings per share (EPS) of $0.96 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, up 14.3% over fully diluted operating EPS of $0.84 in the first quarter of 2006. Operating return on equity (ROE) was 13.5% for the quarter, up from 13.2% in the first quarter of 2006.
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Ontario Centres of Excellence Investment Accelerates Three Ontario Start-ups

TORONTO - Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. announced the investment of $750,000 in three high-potential, innovative Ontario technology start-ups: Northern Nanotechnologies; Sketch2 Corp.; and Vennsa Technologies.
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Waterloo Region’s spring compost giveaway day

No backyard composters, vermicomposters or rain barrels will be distributed at this compost giveaway.

Waterloo Region - The Region of Waterloo will once again be hosting a spring compost giveaway day on Saturday, May 12, 2007, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at the following locations:
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Kitchener-Waterloo's Iron Horse Trail celebrates 10th anniversary

Kitchener/Waterloo - On Friday, May 4th at 11:30 a.m., Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr and Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran along with their respective Councils will come together on the Iron Horse Trail to officially celebrate and honour the 10th anniversary of this special piece of the Trans Canada Trail.
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Province provides $1 million for Laurier Brantford's proposed Academic Centre

BRANTFORD — Post-secondary education in downtown Brantford received a $2-million boost on April 30, 2007 from the Ontario government.
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Cuba lifts ban on U.S. long-grain rice

Cuba has lifted a ban on imports of U.S. long-grain rice that it put in place last year because of fears about genetic contamination.
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Port to introduce industry-leading container truck safety and environmental standards

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) today announced that it would introduce more rigorous and demanding container truck safety and environmental standards by July 2007. The VPA also registered its support for ongoing container truck inspections and called on its transportation industry partners to implement tougher inspection standards.
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U.S. Doctor Shortage Threatens Access to Care in Ontario

New OMA president calls for retention program to ensure province does not lose more doctors

TORONTO - Dr. Janice Willett, the 126th president of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), warned physician leaders from across Ontario about the growing doctor shortage south of the border.
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Ontario Strengthens Consumer Protection On Payday Lending

Public Consultation To Look At Provincial Regulation

QUEEN'S PARK - The Ontario government is strengthening protections for consumers who access the payday lending industry, said Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips.
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COM DEV announces Major Civil Space Contract

CAMBRIDGE - COM DEV International Ltd. announced April 30, 2007 that it has been awarded a follow-on civil space contract valued at $39 million. Work will begin immediately on this phase of the program and is expected to be completed by the end of COM DEV's 2009 fiscal year.
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Manulife Financial's 2006 Public Accountability Statement now available on-line

TORONTO - Manulife Financial Corporation's 2006 Public Accountability Statement, detailing the Company's philanthropic and sustainability efforts.
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Stelco reports first quarter results

HAMILTON - Stelco Inc. reported EBITDA(*) of $13 million and a loss before income tax of $35 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2007, a substantial improvement over the negative $82 million EBITDA(*) and $145 million loss before income tax reported in the fourth quarter 2006.
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Coverity to Regularly Scan Security and Quality of 250 Open Source Projects

New framework allows rapid expansion of scan.coverity.com - 400 percent Increase in 45 Days

SAN FRANCISCO and MONTREAL - Coverity, Inc., makers of the world's most advanced source code analysis solution, today announced a major infrastructure upgrade to scan.coverity.com, an open source software quality and security analysis site.
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The CRTC announces new pricing rules for local telephone services

OTTAWA and GATINEAU - In a decision issued April 30, 2008, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) established new pricing rules to govern the rates charged by large telephone companies for local telephone services.
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CRTC Abandons Canadian Telephone Customers to Phone Companies' Price Hikes

OTTAWA - Canadians will be paying more for their local phone service beginning June 1, 2007 after the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) took the lid off rates for local phone service in a decision April 30, 2007.
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Prices for manufactured goods surged in March 2007

Prices for petroleum and primary metal products caused prices for manufactured goods to surge in March. Raw material prices were pushed up mainly by prices for non-ferrous metals.
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Ontario Government Making It Easier For Manufacturers To Do Business

New Information Centre Launched To Help Manufacturers Of Plastic Products Understand And Meet Legal Responsibilities

TORONTO - The Ontario government is helping small businesses that manufacture plastic products understand and comply with provincial legislation affecting their business by providing a new online compliance information centre, Labour Minister Steve Peters announced May 1, 2007.
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Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo Reap Benefits of Joint Services Initiative Program

KITCHENER - Since its creation in 2004, the Kitchener-Waterloo Joint Services Initiative program between the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo has been an unprecedented success, enabling the Cities to deliver services to citizens in both communities more efficiently and effectively.
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Top Global Scientists Gather On Climate Change

“The world's leading climate change experts gathered Monday in Bangkok to consider how to lower greenhouse gas emissions to save the planet from the worst effects of global warming. At least 400 experts from about 120 countries will attend the third session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
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Graphic Design Association elects Ottawa Design Firm Owner as President

TORONTO- The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario) elected its first woman President, Nicole Vallée, amongst the 2007 Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting in Toronto on April 28.
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CAO Larry Kotseff leaves the City of Guelph

Guelph - It is with regret that we announce that Larry Kotseff has decided to leave the position of Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Guelph.
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Mallory Alexander Selects Descartes for Multimodal Shipment Visibility

WATERLOO - Descartes Systems Group, announced that Mallory Alexander International Logistics - a global third party logistics company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee - has selected Descartes to provide visibility into its multimodal shipments.
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Baby boomers living large in recreational property markets across Canada; Upper-end set to soar in 2007, says RE/MAX

Boomer attitude is "go big or stay home"

MISSISSAUGA, ON- Luxury recreational property sales are set to soar in coming months as affluent baby boomers drive demand for upscale product from coast-to-coast, according to a report released by RE/MAX.
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U.S. and Canada wide mobilizations declare "Immigrant Rights are Workers Rights"

TORONTO - Last May, millions of immigrant workers across North America took to the streets in "The Great American Boycott: A Day Without an Immigrant".
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Peregrine Falcon and Sea Otter No Longer Threatened with Extinction

OTTAWA - The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) met at the Station écotouristique Duchesnay near Quebec City, Quebec, April 23-27, 2007 where the conservation status of 48 species was assessed.
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Canada's new Government announces Blue Sky agreement with Ireland

OTTAWA - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade, today announced an Open Skies agreement with Ireland under the Government of Canada's Blue Sky policy.
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Four Canadian Organizations Honoured for Business Excellence in Coaching

International Coach Federation GTA PRISM Awards to be presented May 25

TORONTO - Four Canadian organizations will be honoured at the 2007 International Coach Federation (ICF) GTA PRISM Awards for achieving excellence in performance and leadership through coaching.
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GTA's best builders, communities and design honoured

TORONTO - The year's most outstanding builders, communities, building design and people were honoured at the 27th annual home builder awards presented by the Greater Toronto Home Builders' Association - Urban Development Institute and attended by more than 900 home builders, developers and associate members.
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Monday April 30, 2007

Bioenergy races on
By Ike Wilson

Several U.S. states have introduced plans to capitalize on the country's emerging biofuels industry, producing technologies to end or reduce the nation's $1 billion-a-day expense on imported oil.
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Gore Calls Canada Climate Plan a 'Fraud'

Al Gore condemned Canada's new plan to reduce greenhouse gases, saying it was "a complete and total fraud" because it lacks specifics and gives industry a way to actually increase emissions.
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Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada -2005

Most new immigrants are pleased to be living here and have positive views of Canada's social and political environment. However, after four years in the country, their biggest difficulties are still finding an adequate job, and dealing with the language barrier, according to two new reports from the third wave of the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC).
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MONEY PROVIDED TO HELP WITH WAIT TIMES IN WATERLOO REGION AS NEED FOR MORE PROCEDURES INCREASES

$10,746,635 Million for Cancer and Cataract Surgeries, Cardiac Procedures,

WATERLOO REGION– The Ontario government is building on its successful wait times strategy by funding an additional 14,370 medical procedures this year at St. Mary’s, Grand River and Cambridge Memorial Hospital
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China Needs To Update Information Technology Strategy - World Bank

“China needs to urgently implement reforms in information and communication technologies (ICT), a sector which plays a vital role in managing the country's growth challenges, the World Bank said.
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Message From the President of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Concerning the Accidental Death of CPRail Locomotive Engineer Lonnie Plasko

OTTAWA - "We are all shocked and saddened by the accidental death of our Union Brother Lonnie Plasko, who did not survive a tragic train derailment in Trail, B.C.
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Lutsel K'e and Kache Dene and De Beers Canada conclude Snap Lake Impact Benefit Agreement

YELLOWKNIFE, NW - De Beers Canada Inc. is pleased to announce that an Agreement has been reached on the terms of an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) for the Snap Lake Mine.
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Citizens, Former Candidates Sought to Examine Voter Turnout Issue

KITCHENER - Citizens at large and former municipal candidates can play a role in helping the City of Kitchener determine how to increase voter turnout at municipal elections in the future.
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Biofuels boost fertilizer demand

SASKATOON – Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. saw first-quarter profit jump 58 per cent as world crop production surged for food and biofuels, boosting demand for fertilizer.
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Safe Communities on the Grand is proud to celebrate its tenth anniversary by hosting a breakfast networking meeting while recognizing North America Occupational Health and Safety Week.

Safe Communities on the Grand, a non-profit grass roots organization that provides programs and services in Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener and Waterloo, has been instrumental in reducing workplace injuries and illnesses by promoting health and safety activities throughout the community.
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Gross domestic product by industry on whole grew by .2% - less utilities and oil/gas extraction in February 2007

After growing 0.1% in January, the Canadian economy increased 0.4% in February as energy production returned to a more normal level. Excluding oil and gas extraction and utilities, economic activity grew 0.2%.
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KITCHENERS CANADA CORDAGE BUILDING SOLD TO SELF-STORAGE COMPANY

KITCHENER - Peter Benninger and Joe Benninger of Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty are pleased to announce the sale of 50 Ottawa Street South in Kitchener, a 193,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility for $2,600,000 to Access Property Developments Inc. (operating as Access Storage).
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Steelworkers and IOC - Recognition of Seniority, a Five-year Contract and a $3.00-an-hour Raise

SEPT-ILES, QC - Of the 286 Steelworkers (members of Local 9344) who work at IOC's Sept-Iles facility, 67% voted at midday today to accept management's most recent offer.
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Iceland Glitnir Bank First Quarter Results for 2007

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND - ISK 7.0 Billion (EUR 78 m) Profit after Tax - - 20.5% Return on Equity. Highlights of Glitnir Bank's financial statements for the first quarter of 2007 are as follows:
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Family & Children’s Services Foundation and Montana’s (Kitchener) Team Up to put every Child in a Canoe!

Kitchener – Starting this Sunday the enthusiastic staff team at Montana’s Kitchener will paper their cookhouse with tiny canoes to help ensure needy children across the Waterloo Region will have a chance to experience the simple joys of summer.
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Alcan and Ma'aden sign heads of agreement for proposed US$7 billion "mine-to-metal" joint venture

RIYADH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Alcan announced today that it has signed a Heads of Agreement with Saudi Arabian mining company Ma'aden to develop a proposed US$7-billion integrated aluminum "mine-to-metal" project including bauxite mining, alumina refining, power generation and aluminum smelting. Alcan would hold a 49-percent stake in the project and would provide technology and operating management support, with Ma'aden holding the balance of 51-percent ownership.
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