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Venture Capital

iNovia Capital announces launch of $107 Million second venture capital fund

iNovia Capital announces launch of $107 Million second venture capital fund Will provide entrepreneurial capital to early stage companies

Montreal - iNovia Capital, a manager of seed and early stage venture capital funds, announced today the launch of its second fund, iNovia Investment Fund II L.P. ("iNovia II"), a $107 million Canadian seed and early stage venture capital fund focused on the information technology, life sciences and cleantech sectors.

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Study Online Gambling

Congress’s Online Gambling Ban – Burden Without Benefit, Says Study

Congress to Investigate Threat to U.S. Banking System

Washington, D.C.—The current laws about Internet gambling have had damaging unintended consequences far beyond their intended target, according to a study published March 27, 2008 by the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

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Education - Student Fees

Court expected to rule on students' class action lawsuit

Ruling expected this morning

TORONTO - The Honourable Justice Joan L. Lax of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice is expected to issue her ruling tomorrow on whether to allow the court to hear a $200 million class action lawsuit against the province's 24 community colleges.

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Fraud Prevention Month

To Mark Fraud Prevention Month, NCR Adds Two More Security Inks to Its Sales Receipt Paper Roll Line

Specialized inks for NCR Security POS Paper Rolls are invisible to the naked eye and make it difficult for criminals to copy sales receipts

MISSISSAUGA, ON – North America’s retail losses from organized crime activities are reaching the $40 billion mark Annually, and growing. Estimates indicate that retailers lose more than $8 million a day to store theft.

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Quarterly Update

DALSA Provides Operational Update

Waterloo - DALSA Corporation on March 27, 2008 announced that it is continuing to see strong product demand in its Digital Imaging and Semiconductor businesses and is expecting to report a sharp increase in revenue and earnings in the first quarter of 2008.

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Organic Food

Study: Organic from niche to mainstream 2006

Statscan - Consumers by now are used to seeing a range of organic fruits and vegetables for sale in their local grocery store, but the most common certified organic product reported by Canadian farmers is probably not what they think.

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Education Celebration

International Languages Program Celebrates 30 Years

Kitchener – This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s successful International Languages Elementary Program.

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Environment - Global News

Mongolia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand Join Methane to Markets Partnership to Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Washington, D.C. - Mongolia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand are the newest partners in the Methane to Markets program, which aims to reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas and clean energy source. Methane to Markets now numbers 25 partners.

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Water Security and Sustainability

Canada's Water Resources in Jeopardy, Prof Finds

Guelph - Canada isn't doing enough to ensure the security and sustainability of its water resources. That's the finding of a first-ever national assessment by researchers at the University of Guelph.

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Economy - Growth Rates

World Bank eyes lower growth rates for Asia

CLARK, Philippines (Reuters) - The economic slowdown in the United States and Europe will hit Asian growth this year, a senior World Bank official said on Thursday.

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Study Home Buying

Canadian Homeowners Consider Themselves 'Smart Spenders' According to Study

TORONTO - The majority of Canadian homeowners believe they are "smart spenders", according to a new Harris/Decima report. Respondents also say they want the flexibility to use credit in a responsible and timely manner so they don't miss out responding to challenges and opportunities.

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Environment - Controlling Imports

Taxing imports the only way to get China and other nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, finds a new report

Energy-intensive industries will look to return to North America

TORONTO - Imposing a carbon tax on Chinese imports may be the only way developed nations will be able to achieve real cuts in global greenhouse gases, finds a new report from CIBC World Markets.

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Human Resources - Minimum Wage

Minimum Wage Goes Up Monday - A Better Standard Of Living For Hard Working Families

TORONTO - When minimum wage earners in Ontario go to work Monday, they will be getting a raise.

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Digital Media Centre

Open Text Partners with the University of Waterloo to Create Leading Institute for Web 2.0 and Digital Media

Company's Support Will Create the Open Text Centre for Digital Media Research, Uniting Students, Educators and Professionals in Research and Innovation

Location in Arts Community of Stratford Will Bridge the Worlds of Business, Art and the Internet

WATERLOO- Open Text(TM) Corporation announced a partnership with the University of Waterloo to create one of the world's largest centres dedicated to research and innovation in digital media and Web 2.0 for business, government and cultural applications.

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Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Emergency Public Meeting re: proposed power plant

Toronto - There will be a public meeting, organized by the King Countryside Stewardship Alliance, this Sunday (March 30th) to discuss the proposed 350 megawatt power plant for Northern York Region (Newmarket, Aurora, King Township, etc.).

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Dofasco stands United without Union

Steelworkers' door remains open to Dofasco employees: USW steps back from process that would have led to bargaining with ArcelorMittal

HAMILTON - The United Steelworkers (USW) is stepping back from a process that may have led to a union for employees of ArcelorMittal Dofasco.

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Letter to the Editor

Steelworker campaign at Arcelor-Mittal kicks into high gear

You should get your facts right before you print articles. The USW are in high gear, but out the door. Remember the old Dofasco slogan "Our Product is Steel and Our Strength is People". We stand UNITED without a union.

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United Steelworkers

Arcelor Mittal: closure of Lachine wire mill

The Horror Story Continues

MONTREAL - Just two years after acquiring it, Arcelor Mittal recently announced the closure of its wire mill in Lachine. "Our horror story with this company continues. It's their approach that's so brutal.

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Architecture Firm Expands

Kasian announces the appointment of nine global design leaders

VANCOUVER - Kasian, one of Canada's largest architecture and interior design firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of two Principals and seven Associates company wide.

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Online Lottery Tickets

eLOT Receives Canadian Patent for the Online Sales of Provincial Lottery Tickets

STAMFORD, Conn. - eLOT, Inc. announced March 27, 2008 it had received a patent from the Canadian government for eLOTTERY's e-commerce system that will facilitate Internet sales of lottery tickets in the country's five provincially approved lottery corporations with a screening and verification function on the Internet.

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CAW meets at Port Elgin Resort

Hargrove Addresses Bargaining Challenges at CAW Council Today

TORONTO and PORT ELGIN, ON - Hundreds of elected delegates to CAW Council from across the country will come together to meet in Port Elgin, Ontario at the CAW's Family Education Centre on March 28-30 2008.

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Annual Report

Sun Life Financial's 2007 Annual Report and 2008 Management Information Circular now available

TORONTO - Sun Life Financial Inc.today announced that its 2007 Annual Report and its Notice of Annual Meeting and Management Information Circular for the May 14, 2008 Annual Meeting are now available online.

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Morning Column

When The Going Gets Tough …
By Michael Guld

You've heard all the headlines … "rising gas prices, housing sales down, auto sales down, the escalating credit crunch, rising inflation, looming recession and possibility of stagflation."

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Environment Air Quality

EPA Announces Results of the Sixteenth Annual Sulfur Dioxide Auction

USA - On March 25, 2008, EPA held the acid rain auction giving private citizens, brokers and power plants the opportunity to buy and sell sulfur dioxide (SO2) allowances, as part of the cap and trade program to reduce acid rain. When fully implemented in 2010, the Acid Rain Program will have cut SO2 emissions by 50 percent from 1990 levels.

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Global Markets

Celtel, EMS and RIM Introduce the BlackBerry Solution in Zambia

Lusaka, Zambia and Waterloo, ON - Celtel Zambia, Research In Motion (RIM) and Emitac Mobile Solutions LLC (EMS) launched the BlackBerry® solution in Zambia.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Ontario Budget Reflects Strategy for the Knowledge Based Economy

OTTAWA - The Honourable Dwight Duncan, Ontario Minister of Finance delivered a budget that asserts the Province's determination to build a strong knowledge based economy and provide an attractive environment for investment by knowledge based enterprises. It also helps lay the foundation for a strong information and communications technology strategy for Ontario.

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Media - Teachers Pension

CRTC approves BCE purchase with conditions

OTTAWA and GATINEAU - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved, subject to certain conditions, the purchase of BCE Inc.'s (BCE) broadcasting assets by a group that includes the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Teachers') and three American private-equity firms, Providence Equity Partners L.P., Madison Dearborn Capital Partners L.P. and Merrill Lynch Global Partners Inc.

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Education - New Campus

Ontario grant for a Stratford campus

Waterloo - A $10 million grant announced in yesterday’s Ontario budget is a big step towards making UW’s proposed campus in Stratford, a half-hour drive west of Waterloo, a reality.

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Immigrant Mentoring

The Mentoring Partnership Celebrates nearly 3,000 Matches

Program for Skilled Immigrants Honours Those Who Went Above & Beyond

TORONTO - The Mentoring Partnership, a program of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) that matches skilled immigrants with established professionals who share the same occupation, will celebrate the dedication of its mentors, mentees and partners this week during a special celebration event - Above & Beyond.

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Nurturing Business

Study: The business of nurturing businesses in 2005

Statscan - Business incubation activity is significantly more common in the economy than business incubators alone would suggest. Many business organizations offer incubation services to start-up companies.

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Canada's population estimates

Fourth quarter 2007

Statscan - Saskatchewan posted the strongest growth in population among the provinces during the three last months of 2007. Gaining people from every part of the country, Saskatchewan led the provinces in demographic growth for a second quarter in a row.

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Education in Financial Services

Investing in education and innovation in financial services

Toronto Receives $4 Million Boost for Skills and Technology

TORONTO - To help the Toronto Region attract and develop the best and brightest financial sector talent to compete globally, the Ontario government will help establish the Centre of Excellence for Education in Financial Services and provide it with $4 million over three years.

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Energy Program

City of Toronto and Enbridge Gas Distribution Announce New Design Assistance and Financial Incentives for Energy-Efficient New Construction and Major Renovations

TORONTO – The City of Toronto and Enbridge Gas Distribution (Enbridge) yesterday announced the launch of two new conservation programs offered by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA).

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Health Living - Seniors Tips

Maintaining Seniors' Independence - Stay independent - and in your home - longer

Canada - As our health and lives change, so do our housing needs. Across Canada, the overwhelming majority of seniors prefer to continue to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. However, many homes are simply not designed to meet seniors' changing needs.

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Trends Fourth Quarter 2007

Canadian PC/Notebook Market

The Canadian microcomputer market finished 2007 in lackluster fashion. Shipments during Q4 2007 were only 3% higher than during Q4 2007. The results from Q4 2007 might be an indicator that the economy is slowing.

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Morning Column

BOTOX for PROBLEM SOLVING
By Francie Dalton

When problem solving gets to be as easy as swimming through molasses, it's not likely due to the intricacies of the problem itself, but to the emotions of the parties involved. This article describes 5 tools to help subordinate emotions to a process that eases and accelerates problem solving.

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Media Golf Web

MastersGolf.ca Launches with $1,000,000 Contest

Canada's Official Site of the 2008 Masters Tournament goes Live with Internet, Video and Mobile Services; Site to Feature Live Streaming of Masters Amen Corner, Hole 15 and 16, and Masters Highlights

Toronto - Graham Sanborn Media Ltd., in association with Augusta National, Inc. and Carlson Marketing Canada, today announced the launch of Canada's Official Site of the 2008 Masters Tournament at MastersGolf.ca.

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Tax Feeds

Canada Revenue Agency Finds New Ways to Reach Canadian

OTTAWA - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is pleased to offer new and enhanced communication tools to better communicate with Canadians and to help them stay informed of important tax information.

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Merger

Harper Group Inc. merges its dealership operations

Harper Freightliner Inc. and Harper Ontario Truck Centres Inc. merge to form Harper Truck Centres Inc.

TORONTO - Paul and Steve Harper co-owners of Harper Group Inc. are pleased to announce the merger of their truck dealerships under the new name Harper Truck Centres Inc. According to Paul Harper, "The merger is scheduled to be completed by May 1, 2008."

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National tourism indicators

Tourism spending advanced 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2007 as outlays by both Canadians and non-residents visiting Canada increased.

Statscan - This was the fastest quarterly pace set in 2007, bringing the growth in tourism expenditures to 4.3% for the year.

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Postal Workers - New Plan?

Union holds alternative public consultations on Canada Post's plan

OTTAWA - The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is hosting a public forum on the future of public postal services in light of Canada Post's recent announcement to invest 1.9 billion dollars in capital expenditures to "modernize" the post office.

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Education - Discussion in Politics

UW holds panel discussion on women in politics

WATERLOO - A University of Waterloo public event this week will explore the challenges and opportunities facing women politicians in Canada.

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Small Business Study

Fewer Small Businesses in Canada Considering Expansion Says Latest Small Business Research Board Study;

Second Consecutive Quarterly Drop Parallels Decline in Business Confidence

TORONTO - The Small Business Research Board (SBRB) reported that only 22% of the small businesses in Canada are considering expansion the next 12 to 24 months. It is the second consecutive quarter that the percentage of owners and managers considering expanding their businesses has declined.

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Small Business Expansion

Real Clean Gear Opens New Equine Division Facility in Guelph, Ontario!

Announces the expansion of their Waterloo based operations to Guelph, Ontario.

Guelph/Waterloo - Real Clean Gear also welcomes Suzy Bender and Cindy Thrower to the team. With their combined years of equine education, knowledge and experience, Suzy and Cindy will only further enhance the efforts and the strides being made in this specific segment. The new facility will specifically focus on the equine industry, providing cleaning/sanitizing and repair services for horse and rider alike.

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Environment Waste

Study: Disposal of household special wastes in 2005

Statscan - Despite the environmental, health and safety risks posed by improper disposal of household special waste, many of these items such as expired medication and dead batteries end up on the curb, according to a new study.

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Global Expansion

Globalstar Closes Agreement to Purchase Brazilian Service Provider

Registration Statement for the Shares of Stock Issued as Consideration in the Transaction Declared Effective by the SEC

MILPITAS, Calif. - Globalstar, Inc., announced that it has closed the transaction with Loral Space & Communications Inc. and various affiliated entities to purchase the Brazilian Globalstar independent gateway operator, which owns and operates three satellite gateway ground stations in Brazil.

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US Rural Wireless Expansion

Open Range Receives Financing to Provide Mobile Satellite and Wireless Broadband Service Using Globalstar ATC Spectrum Authority

Open Range Plans to Offer Wireless Broadband Services to Over 500 Rural Communities

MILPITAS, Calif - Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, governments, and individuals, announced that Open Range Communications, Inc. has secured approval for a $267 million broadband loan from the US Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Program.

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Real Estate Investors

Institutional Investor News is proud to announce the winners of the 2008 20 Rising Stars of Real Estate.

Globe - In selecting finalists for our third edition, we tried to be representative of the commercial real estate market's diversity. As you will see, this year's 20 Rising Stars of Real Estate represent a mix of industry players, including six lenders, three investment bankers, two investment managers, two developers, two property investors, two property brokers, two lawyers and a consultant.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Conference Board of Canada - 2008 Ontario Budget:

Hits the Right Notes, Based on Cautious Outlook

Overview
With the headwinds challenging Ontario’s economy, the provincial government put forth a very careful budget for 2008. A cautious economic outlook underpins an even more cautious revenue forecast.

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Abu Dhabi - Alliance

Abu Dhabi's Sorouh Strikes Strategic Alliance With MGM and Rubicon to Explore the Development of Unique Entertainment Opportunities

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Sorouh Real Estate, one of the largest real estate developers listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market with a market cap close to AED 24 billion ($6.5 billion USD), announced it has signed an agreement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

McGuinty's war on poverty: Corporations get $750 million - The poor $167 million

TORONTO - Despite the signal that this Ontario budget would focus on poverty the McGuinty government has missed the mark, said Sid Ryan the Ontario president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

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KW Chamber - Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Sensible Measures Will Invest in People

Kitchener, ON – Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced the framework for Ontario’s 2008 budget. At the core of the announcement was increased investment toward skills training, an overall reduction in business taxes, and an increase in capital infrastructure.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Budget Allocation for Education Welcome but More Needed

TORONTO - Every new dollar allocated to public education in Ontario is welcome, but more investment is needed to ensure that elementary students receive the quality education they deserve, say Ontario's elementary teachers.

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Comment - 2008 Ontario Budget

Ontario budget fails manufacturing and forestry - Steelworkers

TORONTO - The Ontario Liberal government failed again today in its budget to take serious action to deal with the crisis in manufacturing and forestry, said United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Ontario budget prepares workers for upcoming economic challenges, says CAW President

TORONTO - The Ontario government's budget announcement MArch 25, 2008 that it will spend over $2 billion on job creation, training and much needed infrastructure projects as well as millions of dollars on poverty reduction are important steps toward preparing workers for challenging economic times, CAW President Buzz Hargrove says.

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Comment - 2008 Ontario Budget

Students Call Ontario Budget “Impoverished”

Ontario's Budget Ignores Financial Barriers to Post-Secondary Education

Toronto—Ontario’s students and families who are struggling to afford postsecondary education will find no relief in today’s Ontario budget, according to the Canadian Federation of Students.

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Comment - 2008 Ontario Budget

Builders Welcome Balanced Budget

Infrastructure Investments Support Prosperity

TORONTO - Ontario Home Builders' Association President Mark Basciano supports the infrastructure investments announced in the 2008 Ontario Budget. The OHBA congratulates the province on balancing the budget and believes that planned future reserves bode well for economic stability in the province.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Ontario Budget Fails to Address Nursing Home and Home Care Quality of Care Concerns

TORONTO - Even though the Ontario budget increases overall health care spending by 6 percent, the money is spread over so many programs, no one service receives special consideration even though the needs may be greater in some areas such as home care and nursing homes.

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Canadian Music Industry

Raw Country Music launches in Calgary, Alberta

TORONTO - The love of Canadian Country Music continues to flourish nationwide, with Calgary's romance clearly, the longest and strongest. Dubbed "Nashville North" Calgary boasts some of the world's best country talent including, Paul Brandt, Terri Clarke, Duane Steele, and Gil Grand.

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Grass is Greener

Survey: 80 Per Cent of Executives Comfortable Job Searching While Employed

TORONTO - Job seekers don't mind setting their sights on greener pastures even while on their current employers' payrolls, according to executives interviewed recently. Four out of every five (80 per cent) respondents said they would be comfortable looking for a new job while still working.

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2008 Youth Action Awards

Nomination deadline for 11th Annual Kitchener Youth Action Council awards is April 4

KITCHENER - Time is running short for anyone who wants to nominate a youth or group of youths for the city's 11th Annual Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) awards.

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Transportation- Ontario Air Travel

Bearskin Airlines introduces “Through Fares” to North Eastern Ontario destinations

Save time and money while collecting Aeroplan Points with every flight

Waterloo Region – Bearskin Airlines announced they will introduce “Through Fares” for guests travelling through the Region of Waterloo International Airport to destinations in North Eastern Ontario.

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Expanding Franchise

CFL awards conditional franchise to Ottawa group

Local "dream team" looks to "restore the glory" in the national capital

OTTAWA - The Canadian Football League (CFL) has awarded a conditional Ottawa franchise to a local "dream team" with a passion for the game and a proven track record of success and service in the nation's capital, Commissioner Mark Cohon announced March 25, 2008.

Quarterly Annual Report

Cyberplex Inc. Reports Record Fourth Quarter and 2007 Results

Total Revenue More Than Triples Year-Over-Year

TORONTO - Cyberplex Inc. Cyberplex Inc. announced its financial results for the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2007 and fourth quarter-ended December 31, 2007.

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Retailing

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Comment - 2008 Ontario Budget

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT’S 2008 BUDGET STRENGTHENS ONTARIO AND CREATES OPPORTUNITY IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO

$1.5 billion investment in skills training and $1 billion for infrastructure

Toronto - The 2008 Ontario Budget is making major investments in skills training and infrastructure while balancing the budget and enhancing business competitiveness.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Hampton: McGuinty budget shortchanges Ontario

QUEEN'S PARK - NDP Leader Howard Hampton says the McGuinty Liberals' budget overwhelmingly underdelivers and shortchanges Ontarians.

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Changing Perception

Green Municipal Fund Invests $2,223,899 to Promote City of Guelph Community Sustainability and Environmental Waste Management

GUELPH - Guelph Councillor Lise Burcher, representing the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), and the Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills, announced today Green Municipal Fund (GMF) support totalling $2,223,899 for the City of Guelph.

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Comment - 2008 Ontario Budget

Good start, but clock is ticking on poverty reduction plan

TORONTO - The Ontario budget made an important down payment on the province's poverty reduction plan. The budget announced:

- $135 million over three years to provide dental care to low-income Ontarians
- $100 million to municipalities to repair the housing stock, as well as $500 million in loans to repair social housing
- $32 million over three years for student nutrition programs
- A 2% increase in social assistance rates

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Budget's Jobs Focus and Additional Funding Good News for Municipalities

TORONTO - AMO President Doug Reycraft applauded the 2008 Provincial Budget with its focus on job creation and additional investment in communities.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Provincial Budget Responds to Voice of Residents and Families

MARKHAM - The Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) welcomes the government's response to the request of over 50,000 residents and families for 'more than a band aid' for long term care in today's budget, particularly with respect to more staff for homes.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Government Boost to Knowledge Infrastructure Good for Students, Good for the Economy

TORONTO - The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) welcomed the Ontario budget with its announcement of $200 million for university facilities renewal and its commitment of $250 million over the next five years for investment in research infrastructure. Together these investments represent a major boost to "the knowledge infrastructure" of the Ontario economy.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Ontario Hospital Association Welcomes Investments in Emergency Services, Nursing and E-Health

Budget Silent on Inflationary Relief to Help Hospitals Balance Budgets

TORONTO - The 2008 Ontario Budget makes important investments in emergency services, nursing and e-Health, but further action and information is needed to ensure that Ontario's hospitals and their health system partners can address inflationary pressures and meet the needs of a growing and aging population, said Tom Closson, President and CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA).

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Lack of Significant Water Funding in Budget confirms that Water Legislation is Needed Now

TORONTO - While the Ontario government has responded positively with $1 billion to concerns about the crumbling provincial and municipal infrastructure, virtually all of that new funding confirmed on March 25, 2008 is for public transit, roads and bridges.

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Comment 2008 Ontario Budget

Ontario Doctors Welcome Plan to Reduce Wait Times

Increased workloads and team-based care models have helped thousands of patients get access to care.

TORONTO - The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) welcomed the provincial government's budget commitments to reduce emergency room wait times and improve access to diagnostic tests and surgeries.

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Religion and Global Living

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS URGENT NEED FOR BETTER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND NON-MUSLIMS

In Brief:

World Economic Forum officially launches first Islam and the West: Annual Report on the State of Dialogue at Symposium on Muslim Communities in Europe

At a symposium in London today Muslim leaders from a number of European countries stressed the willingness of their communities to integrate into mainstream culture.

The symposium identified growing radicalization, and blamed social and economic marginalization, but also ideological and financial interference from outside Europe.

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Education - 2008 University Budget

Senate recommends deficit budget

Waterloo - A budget that will see UW spend more than it takes in during 2008-09 got the okay from the university senate last night, and will go to the board of governors for final approval next week.

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Municipal - Pesticide Use

City of Waterloo Pesticide Task Force Seeks Public Comment

Waterloo - The City of Waterloo Pesticide By-law Review Task Force is taking its work to the community and seeking input on a draft bylaw that could put year-round restrictions on pesticide use in Waterloo.

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Intergration Leads too ...

RedDot Launches Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Document Management Integration

Open Text Web Solutions Enable Organizations to Expand the Web Visibility of Their Microsoft SharePoint Document Libraries Securely to Any Online Media

CHICAGO - Open Text(TM) Corporation announced that RedDot, the Open Text Web Solutions Group, has released its Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Document Management Integration.

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Growth in Cambridge

Vacuum Technology World Leader Schmalz Opens Canadian Headquarters in Cambridge, Ontario

Waterloo Region - Canada's Technology Triangle Inc is pleased to announce that J. Schmalz GmbH of Glatten, Germany, has opened its Canadian branch office in Cambridge, Ontario.

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Tax Tip: Tax Perks for Students!

Did you know...

OTTAWA - That as a student, you may be able to claim a tax credit for the tuition fees you paid for post-secondary level courses you attended during the year? You may also be able to claim an education amount of $400 as a full-time student and $120 as a part-time student for each whole or part month you were enrolled in a qualifying program. In addition, you may be able to claim the non-refundable textbook credit to help with the cost of your textbooks.

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Retail trade January 2008

Retailers began 2008 on a strong note, as sales increased 1.5% in January to an estimated $35.8 billion

Statscan - January 2008 was the third consecutive month of strong gains in retail sales. Following moderate sales in mid-2007, retail sales have returned to the rapid growth that began in 2004.

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Biofuels - Venture Capitalist

Why venture capitalist John Doerr is bullish on green investments
By Jeffrey Ball

Silicon Valley's venture capitalists have embraced green technology in a big way, pouring money into companies developing alternative fuels, fuel-efficient devices and other "clean" technologies. One of the most influential venture firms, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, is devoting about one-third of its investments to green technology.


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Education - Reduction of Poverty

Ontario Students Seek Acknowledgment of Post-Secondary as a Core Tool in Poverty Reduction

TORONTO - Representatives of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance will be available for comments following the release of tomorrow's provincial budget.

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Fund Raiser Event

2008 Manulife Bike & Hike for Heart Launch Event Today

Waterloo - Dr. Marla Shapiro, author, columnist, CTV’s Canada AM Medical Contributor and Honorary Chair of the 2008 Manulife Bike & Hike for Heart; Paul Rooney, President and CEO, Manulife Canada will be launching the 16th annual Manulife Bike & Hike for Heart.

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Travel - Deal Hunting

Comparison.travel Launches Meta-Travel Site Making it Easier to Compare Major Travel Sites at the Same Time

Comparison.travel enables users to search the top 20 travel web sites such as Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Priceline, Kayak, Hotels.com and other major travel sites at the same time with one click.

LOS ANGELES- Comparison Corporation operator of popular online web properties today announced the launch of Comparison.travel; a tool that enables users to search the top 20 travel web sites such as Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Priceline, Kayak, HotWire, SideStep, Hotels.com and other major travel websites.

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Climate Change - Insurance

Climate change tops insurance risk list

Toronto - Insurance companies need a strong grasp of current trends to successfully manage risk, optimize performance and increase operational effectiveness.

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Education - Science and Engneering

The 35h Annual WATERLOO WELLINGTON SCIENCE and ENGINEERING FAIR

Kitchener - The Fair will feature approximately 300 students from grade six to grade twelve from Waterloo Region and Wellington County. Student's projects will be judged in the following categories: Biotechnology, Earth Science, Engineering, Life Science and Physical Science.

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Distribution - Mail

U.S. Postal Service Expands Facilities Deploying I.D.

Systems' Wireless Industrial Vehicle Management Solutions

HACKENSACK, N.J. - I.D. Systems, Inc. announced that it has received purchase orders from the United States Postal Service (USPS) to deploy I.D. Systems' Wireless Asset Net(r) industrial vehicle management system at 16 additional mail distribution facilities.

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Education - Salary Settlement

University of Waterloo Staff salary settlement will go to BoG

Increased salary ranges to be implemented over two years, and longer vacation time, are among the recommendations the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Staff Compensation will submit to the Board of Governors on April 1.

Waterloo - Universtiy of Waterloo Provost Amit Chakma has approved the settlement worked out by the committee.

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Super Cities

China Urged To Shift Urban Growth To Supercities

China - “Shifting China's model of urbanization to favor huge supercities could boost per capita output, improve energy efficiency and help contain the loss of arable land, the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) said on Monday.

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Biotech - Increased Spending

R&D Spending by U.S. Biopharmaceutical Companies Reaches Record $58.8 Billion in 2007

SAN FRANCISCO - New statistics just released reveal that R&D investment in new medicines by the biopharmaceutical industry was $58.8 billion in 2007, according to a combined analysis conducted by Burrill & Company

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Canada - Ontario - Taxes

It's Time to Budget for Lower Business Taxes in Ontario

TORONTO - On the eve of the Ontario Budget, Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, remained hopeful Premier Dalton McGuinty will reduce Ontario's business taxes.

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Education - Stay in School

2007-2008 Economics of Staying in School Season in Waterloo Region:

Waterloo - 38 volunteers including Mayor Brenda Halloran, members of the Waterloo Rotary Club, Wilfrid Laurier University’s Corporate Social Responsibility Board and the City of Waterloo Mayor’s Student Advisory Council will be facilitating the day long

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Energy - Manufacturing

ARISE Technologies Corporation Signs Four Silicon Wafer Supply Agreements

- ARISE now has six supply agreements in place with volume to meet approximately 80% of its expected 2008 production requirements
- New PV cell plant in Germany on schedule for initial production in April on Line 1
- Line 2 start-up expected in first quarter 2009
- Commerzbank AG increases credit facilities with the addition of a $14 million inventory purchase line

WATERLOO - ARISE Technologies Corporation, which is dedicated to becoming a leader in high-performance, cost-effective solar technology, today announced that it has signed supply agreements with four additional silicon wafer suppliers for deliveries beginning in 2008.

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Media - Music Industry

The New War on MP3s: EMI's Push to Ban Remote Music Storage
by Ryan Radia

USA - Like never before, intellectual property is a hot issue, with media companies waging a global legal campaign against copyright infringement. The music industry has gone to court to combat perceived threats ranging from multinational piracy rings to casual file sharers.

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Innovative Technology

Beckham Bends It in DALSA 4K

Waterloo and LA, CA - Motorola's promotion launch for its new MotoPure H12 features soccer star David Beckham captured with the DALSA Origin 4K camera. Shot in-studio against greenscreen by I.E. Effects of Culver City, CA, the commercial has been preloaded onto 13 million Motorola cell phones and dubbed into six international languages.

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Education - News Broadcasting

CTV News Chief to Address Conestoga Broadcasting Awards Dinner

Kitchener - Robert Hurst, President of CTV News, will be the keynote speaker at the 34th annual awards dinner presented by the Broadcasting programs of Conestoga College on Tuesday, April 1.

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Women Entrepreneurs

Economic Forum Explores the Economic Climate for Women Entrepreneurs

TORONTO - Women Entrepreneurs of Canada, along with STAPLES Business Depot will present an economic forum that discusses what the year ahead will bring for Canadian women business owners.

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Art of the Deal

Inaugural 2007 Canadian Dealmakers Awards Celebrate Art of the Deal

Deloitte, Lexpert(R); Globe and Mail; Thomson Financial to Host Dinner and Awards Presentation

Toronto -- Thomson Financial announced that Deloitte, Lexpert(R), The Globe and Mail, and Thomson Financial will host the inaugural 2007 Canadian Dealmakers Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation at the Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Canada, Tuesday, April 15, 2008.

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Education - Outstanding Women

Finalists announced for Outstanding Women of Laurier Award

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University has announced the four finalists for the third annual Outstanding Women of Laurier Award. This prestigious award will be presented at a luncheon on Thursday, April 3 at the Waterloo Inn & Conference Centre.

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BlackBerry - WiFi

T-Mobile USA Launches BlackBerry 8820

New BlackBerry 8820 Supports Wi-Fi Calling With T-Mobile HotSpot @Home Service and Features Built-In GPS

Bellevue, WA and Waterloo, ON - T-Mobile USA, Inc., and Research In Motion (RIM) announced the national availability of the BlackBerry® 8820 smartphone, featuring built-in GPS and support for T-Mobile’s HotSpot @HomeSM service for Wi-Fi® calling.

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Sale of Some Assets

Safety-Kleen Sells Chicago and Hebron Plants

PLANO, Texas -- Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc., a leading North American provider of environmental services and industrial solutions, announced the sale of its solvent recycling facilities in Chicago, IL, and Hebron, OH, to Clean Harbors for $12.5 million in cash.

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Administration Professionals Week

The Ever-Expanding Administrative Role

More Responsibilities, Improved Career Prospects for Support Staff, Survey Shows

TORONTO - With Administrative Professionals Week (APW) around the corner, executives will be thanking their "right-hand" person. This year they may have more reasons to thank them, a new survey shows.

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International Investment

US strikes investment deals with Abu Dhabi, Singapore funds

The US Treasury said Thursday it had struck a series of agreements with big sovereign wealth funds based in Abu Dhabi and Singapore on investments in US markets.

WASHINGTON (AFP) -The US Treasury said Thursday it had reached a series of agreements with two powerful sovereign wealth funds based in Abu Dhabi and Singapore covering investments in US markets.

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Cultural Partnership

Museum and King Street Theatre Centre announce co-production

Children's play based on Robert Munsch and Michael Kusugak story

Kitchener, ON - The King Street Theatre Centre and Children's Museum are pleased to present a children's theatre production based on a story of the Canadian Arctic.

Growing Family

Welcome Wagon coordinates its 2nd annual baby shower for expectant mothers in Cambridge, Ontario

Welcome Wagon proudly presents its Spring Baby Shower on Sunday April 13, 2008 from 1:00PM – 4:00PM at the Future Inns Cambridge located in Cambridge, Ontario at 700 Hespeler Road (Hwy. 24 South & Hwy. 401).

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Manufacturing

Delay in MDA sale good, stopping it would be better, says CAW

TORONTO - The CAW is lauding the decision by the federal government to delay the sale of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates' space and robotics division to U.S. arms manufacturer Alliant Techsystems (ATK).


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Education - 2008 Ontario Budget

Ontario Students' Federation Chairperson to Comment on 2008 Budget

Students Say Anti-Poverty Strategy Must Include a Tuition Fee Reduction

TORONTO - Representatives of the Canadian Federation of Students - Ontario will be participating in the 2008 Ontario Budget lock-up and will be available to provide comments throughout the day on Tuesday, March 25.

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World Car Design 2008

Audi R8 Named 2008 World Performance Car and 2008 World Car Design of the Year

- Double victory for Audi R8 at the 2008 World Car of the Year awards
- Audi R8 receives awards won last year by Audi RS 4 and Audi TT
- Audi most successful manufacturer ever at World Car of the Year

AJAX, ON, and NEW YORK - After claiming the triple crown of Canadian automotive awards from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada with the recent naming of the Audi R8 as the Canadian Car of the Year, "Best New Design" and "Most Coveted" awards, the new Audi R8 today achieved a double victory at the 2008 World Car of the Year awards.

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Passion for Innovation 2008

Experience Innovation - Engineering Students Showcase Design Projects

Waterloo - Engineering projects pushing the boundaries of innovation will be on display at the annual Systems Design Engineering Project Symposium. The exhibit will showcase design projects from third and fourth-year Systems Design Engineering students.

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Tax Tip: It pays to get fit!

Did you know...

OTTAWA - That for 2007, you may be able to claim the fees paid for physical fitness programs for your children under the age of 16 at the beginning of the year?

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Health Care

UW study shows smoking in cars hazardous to health

WATERLOO - A new study from the University of Waterloo is one of the first to show that smoking in a car poses a potentially serious health hazard to occupants -- particularly children -- and that common methods of ventilation do not eliminate the hazard.

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Human Resources

Generation Y: coping with an abundance of job opportunities

Job Interview Two Way Split

MONTREAL - Since the first wave of baby boomers reached the age of 60 in 2006 and have entered retirement, an increasing number of professionals are leaving the job market each year.

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Future Climate - Social Trends

The Co-operators studies future climate, social trends

GUELPH - Environmental and demographic changes could greatly affect the way insurance companies provide products and services in the years and decades ahead, according to a study commissioned by The Co-operators.

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Municipal Conflict of Interest

Experts to present Conflict of Interest information to Guelph City Council in public session

GUELPH – George Rust-D’Eye and Robert Mullin, recognized municipal law practitioners, will present information to Guelph City Council on the topic of conflicts of interest on Wednesday, March 26, 2008.

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Tentative Agreement

Tentative agreement reached between the CAW and Dana Canada

CAMBRIDGE, ON and TORONTO - A first tentative agreement between the CAW and Dana Canada was reached the morning of March 20, for workers in the Oakville, Mount Forest and Brantford facilities.

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2008 Women Leader

Nominate a woman leader for 2008 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100(TM) Awards

Women's Executive Network (WXN)(TM) announces nominations are now open for 2008 Top 100 Awards

TORONTO - Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100(TM) Awards has become one of the most recognizable awards bestowed on Canada's most successful women. Offered under the leadership of the Women's Executive Network

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Climate Change

2008 Ontario Budget Expectations on Climate Change

Backgrounder - In June 2007, the government of Ontario set significant greenhouse gas reduction target, but its climate plan is short on details as to how these will be met. In order to achieve these targets, WWF-Canada expects to see the following in the March 25 budget.

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Environment

EPA awards $51,840 grant to city of Chicago for clean-diesel project

Chicago, Ill. - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has awarded a $51,840 grant to the city of Chicago for an idling reduction project to cut diesel emissions from city garbage trucks.

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Communities in Conflict

First Nation leaders jailed for defending traditional lands from exploitation called "Political Prisoners in Canada"

Police and Fire Department extinguish Sacred Fire tended by Elders in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay - The Chief and Council of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) who took a stand to defend their traditional territory from exploitation have been jailed. They are a government in exile jailed in the correctional system of the Province of Ontario and Canada. They are now political prisoners in a democratic country called Canada.

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Education - Accomodation Review

Public Meeting Dates Set For East Kitchener & West Waterloo Accommodation Reviews

Kitchener – Dates have been established for a second set of public meetings in the Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s ongoing East Kitchener and West Waterloo elementary school accommodation reviews.

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Tax Fraud Warrants Issued

CRA Executes Large-Scale Search in Significant Tax Fraud Investigation

OTTAWA - Over 300 of Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) investigators and other CRA officers have been executing search warrants across western Canada. The searches, which began last week, were conducted at over 50 separate locations as a result of alleged involvement in fraud related to fictitious Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), investment scams, and other tax evasion.

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Snowmobile Racing

Professional Snowmobile Racers Compete at Kitchener's

Kitchener - March 29 & 30th, hundreds of the Worlds best snowmobile racers roll into Kitchener, Ontario to compete at the Chicopee Pro Snowmobile races.

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Education Donation

PACE to announce largest ever in-kind donation to UOIT

UOIT only the sixth Canadian university to become a PACE institution

OSHAWA, Ont. – Representatives from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will welcome officials from the Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education (PACE) to the university’s Oshawa campus next week to announce details about UOIT becoming a PACE institution.