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Survey of Manufacturing

Manufacturers' factory sales rose by a sharp 2.0% in April 2008 to $49.8 billion, following a weak March 2008 (-1.7%).

Statscan - Gains were led by the petroleum products industry but still were broadly based as 17 of the 21 manufacturing industries, representing 80% of total sales, reported increases.

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Open Source

Rise of Collaboration Part 1

TED - Yochai Benkler explains how collaborative projects like Wikipedia and Linux represent the next stage of human organization.

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Health Services

Announcement regarding potential disruptions to Emergency Medical Services in Region of Waterloo

Will they leave us to bleed?

Waterloo Region – Discussions are continuing between the Region of Waterloo and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 791 (Emergency Medical Services).
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Copyright Law

Government of Canada Proposes Update to Copyright Law: Balanced Approach to Truly Benefit Canadians

OTTAWA - Yesterday the Government of Canada introduced long-overdue and much-needed amendments to the Copyright Act that will bring it in line with advances in technology and current international standards.

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Yahoo And Google

Yahoo! to Strengthen Competitive Position in Online Advertising Through Non-Exclusive Agreement With Google

Agreement Advances Yahoo!’s Open Strategy; Enhances Ability to Compete in Converging Search and Display Marketplace

SUNNYVALE, Calif.— Yahoo! Inc. announced today that it has reached an agreement with Google Inc. that will enhance its ability to compete in the converging search and display marketplace, advancing the company’s open strategy.

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New Contracts

The envision Group Awarded Over $10 Million in New Contracts

OTTAWA - The envision Group is pleased to announce that it has recently been awarded over $10 million in new contracts. The new contracts are in addition to our current standing offer agreements and multi-year contracts.

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Book Launch

OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE “NOISE”

Global growth is now being heavily influenced by nations that previously had little or no systemic influence. Former debtor nations are building unforeseen wealth and, thus, enjoying unprecedented influence and facing unusual challenges.

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Student Walkabout

Canadian Students ready for a voyage of a lifetime!

North Dumfries/Cambridge - The wait is over. With the help of rare Charitable Research Reserve, one student from Southwood Secondary School in Cambridge, Ontario and another from Carson Graham Secondary School in North Vancouver, British Columbia have learned they have been selected to go on a voyage of a lifetime!

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Science and Engineering

UW ranks high in NSERC scholarships

Waterloo - The University of Waterloo is once again among the top three universities to receive scholarships from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. NSERC is awarding more than $4.5 million to UW student researchers in departments across the university. The research covers such topics as climate change to advances in wireless technology.

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Socially Responsible Investing

New EDC research chair to promote green business

WATERLOO - The University of Waterloo and Export Development Canada (EDC) announced the creation of a new research chair, funded by EDC, to identify financial tools and practices that will help companies adopt better business practices, such as socially responsible investing and a triple bottom-line performance.

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Health Care

Heart and Stroke Foundation Report reveals Canadians don't get the 9-1-1 on stroke

TORONTO - At least half of Canadians do not treat stroke as a medical emergency, warns the Heart and Stroke Foundation Report on Stroke. In a national poll of adults, the Heart and Stroke Foundation found that less than half would call 9-1-1 if they or someone they know experienced warning signs of stroke.

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Neurological Institute

CIBC donates $500,000 to the Montreal Neurological Institute for the CIBC Fellowship in Brain Imaging

Donation to facilitate ground-breaking research project looking into autism triggers in children

MONTREAL - CIBC is donating $500,000 to the Montreal Neurological Institute's (MNI) "Thinking Ahead" campaign to create the CIBC Fellowship in Brain Imaging.

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Growing Globally

ARISE Technologies Signs First Contract for Sale of 7N+ Silicon

WATERLOO - ARISE Technologies Corporation, which is dedicated to becoming a leader in high-performance, cost-effective solar technology, today announced that Sino-American Silicon Products Inc. (SAS) has contracted with ARISE to purchase 120 tonnes of 7N+ solar-grade polysilicon.

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Quarterly Reports

Virtek reports fiscal 2009 first quarter results

WATERLOO - Virtek Vision International Inc., a leading provider of high value industrial laser solutions, announced its financial results for the first quarter ended April 30, 2008.

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Productivity

Labour productivity, hourly compensation and unit labour cost

Recent revisions in Canadian productivity estimates have little impact on the gap between Canada and the United States

Statscan - In the first quarter of 2008, the labour productivity of Canadian businesses declined for a second consecutive quarter, in a context of inclement weather, reduced working hours, and a widespread drop in manufacturing output, especially in the motor vehicle industry.

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Award Recognition

ROGERS TV’S STRUCTURES WINS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Kitchener - Rogers TV Producer Lynn Osborne-Way was one of five recipients of the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation’s Awards of Excellence for her work on the series Structures.

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Respect

AFN National Chief says apology shows Canada coming to terms with its past

TORONTO - In his first public speech since the federal government's formal apology to aboriginal students who suffered abuse and torment in the residential schooling system, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine said today the apology shows Canada is coming to terms with its past.

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Social and Economic Development

Government Moves Ahead on Improvements to Northern Regulatory Regime

OTTAWA - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, announced an amendment to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement today that will eliminate duplication in federal environmental assessment processes in Nunavut.

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Environment

Feng Shui Your Office to Create Success Energy
By Pat Heydlauff
S
Does your office support you? You may have never asked yourself that question, but you should. Your office should support you energetically. Are the colors on the walls conducive to productivity? Is the entrance clutter-free, and welcoming? Does it reflect a successful business?


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Barrier Making Summer Money

Steelworkers say no to students displacing workers

Union rhetoric, "OK for US but not OK for them" strategy ultimatley prevents Students from making a summer wage, getting a foot up.

THOMPSON, MB - The United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6166 opposes Vale Inco's plan to use summer students to displace its refinery workers and expose these students to a high risk of injury or illness.

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Health Care

Kellogg Canada Reports Progress on its Health and Nutrition Initiatives

MISSISSAUGA - Kellogg Canada reported on the progress it has made in its ongoing health and nutrition initiatives to help consumers successfully manage both sides of the calories in/calories out equation.

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Book Launch

Union economist aims to bring economics to rank-and-file Canadians

OTTAWA - The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is pleased to announce the release of Economics for Everyone: A Short Guide to the Economics of Capitalism by Jim Stanford.

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Alumni Awards

UW captures 12 national, international alumni awards

WATERLOO - The 50th anniversary year has once again proven to be golden for the University of Waterloo.

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Health Care

Prof Discovers Possible Solution to Salmonella Outbreaks in Tomatoes

Guelph - The answer to preventing future Salmonella outbreaks in tomatoes is fighting microbes with microbes, according to new research by a University of Guelph food science professor.

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Corruption

UN Report Says Poor Suffer As Asia Beset By Petty Corruption

“A few hundred baht here, a few thousand rupees there - a major UN report released Thursday said ‘petty corruption’ is a massive drain on Asian economic growth and hits the poor hardest.

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Energy

PG&E contracts 107MW of fully renewable solar thermal-biomass hybrid power

Coalinga, California - California utility PG&E Corp has contracted with a renewable energy unit of Portuguese conglomerate Martifer for 106.8 megawatts (MW) of solar thermal-biomass hybrid power.

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Rates Remains Unchanged

WSIB Releases Preliminary Average Premium Rate for 2009

TORONTO - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced the 2009 preliminary average premium rate for Schedule 1 employers.

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Printing

Transcontinental reports continued good performance in second quarter and maintains focus on its development

MONTREAL - Transcontinental posted another good performance in the second quarter ended April 30, 2008, despite the negative impact of the foreign exchange rate. The Corporation kept its focus on growth by continuing to invest in new technologies and developing its digital media while making strategic acquisitions.

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Workload

Survey: One-Third of Executives Dread Work Pileup After Being Away From the Job

TORONTO - Time away from the office is meant to be enjoyed, but for some executives, the mounds of work they come back to may make them feel like they need, well, a vacation.


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Quarterly Report

COM DEV Announces Second Quarter FY2008 Results

CAMBRIDGE - COM DEV International Ltd. announced its second quarter financial results for the three-month period ended April 30, 2008. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

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Environment Transportation

UW researchers lead projects to develop green and safer cars

WATERLOO - Automotive researchers at the University of Waterloo will help pave the way in developing greener and safer cars after receiving about $2.4 million in project funding from the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence.

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Credit Professionals

Credit Industry Certification provides much needed 'Credit-ability'

TORONTO - "After two years of extensive review, the Credit Institute of Canada is proud to announce that the new designation of CCP, Certified Credit Professional, has been approved.

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Education - Illiteracy

Low literacy levels threaten Canada's economic future: ABC CANADA comments on new report Reading the Future

TORONTO - ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation believes the Canadian Council on Learning's Reading the Future offers a clear picture of Canada's low literacy levels. According to Reading the Future, the forecasted number of Canadians with low skills will increase by more than three million to 15 million by 2031.


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Food Prices

Study: Food prices: A boon for producers, a buffer for consumers June 2008

Canada is uniquely positioned to weather the storm of sharply-rising prices for grains and rice, and is even poised to profit from the current surge, according to a study released today in the Canadian Economic Observer.

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Communication

Globalstar Satellite Data Coverage Expands to All of Alaska Plus Surrounding Pacific and Arctic Maritime Regions

Simplex Applique Installation Continues Planned Market Expansion for Asset Tracking, Data Monitoring and SPOT Satellite Messenger Products

MILPITAS, Calif. - Globalstar, Inc., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, governments, and individuals, today announced that it has expanded its satellite Simplex data coverage to include all of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and the surrounding maritime regions including the Gulf of Alaska and portions of both the north Pacific and south Arctic Oceans.

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Investing and Social Media

RBC Direct Investing offers social media searching and customizable tools to help manage investments

TORONTO - RBC Direct Investing today announced that it is giving online investors access to a wide array of resources to help them create, build and make decisions about their investment portfolio. Blogs and discussion forums will now be made available to online investors looking for additional sources of information about what's happening in the markets.

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Education - Balanced Budget

Administration Presents Catholic Trustees With $211.6 Million Balanced Budget

Kitchener – Trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board tonight received the Board’s 2008-09 school year budget. The budget vote is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2008.

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Quarterly Report

Russel Metals to Exceed Street Expectations for Second Quarter Earnings

TORONTO - Russel Metals Inc. announced that the average analysts consensus earnings of $0.78 for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008 are understated by 35% to 45%.

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Discover Local Buy Local

This summer treat your taste buds to a cross-Canada culinary adventure

New podcast series helps Canadians discover fantastic `foodie' destinations and exquisite Canadian cheeses

MONTREAL, Quebec — Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) released the June installment of their Pursuit of Pleasure podcast series. The audio series takes lovers of fine food and travel on monthly trips across Canada as they discover fantastic new artisanal Canadian cheeses and culinary tourist hotspots.

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Global Economies

Global sourcing on the rise - but costs not always clear and product safety still a concern

Toronto — Global sourcing in the retail and consumer sector is thriving, but many companies are not particularly clear on their cost savings nor are they confident of product safety and other risks, according to a survey launched today by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

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Energy Manufacturing

ARISE Technologies Signs Six-Year Agreement for Supply of Silicon Wafers From ReneSola

WATERLOO - ARISE Technologies Corporation, which is dedicated to becoming a leader in high-performance, cost-effective solar technology, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, ARISE Technologies Deutschland GmbH (ARISE Germany) has signed a six-year agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of ReneSola Ltd to supply ARISE with 203.5 MW of silicon wafers. ReneSola Ltd is a leading solar wafer manufacturer based in China.

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Innovation

Innovation in Ontario: TD Capital Selected to Manage New Ontario Venture Capital Fund

Commitments from leading Canadian private equity investors - including $30 million from TD Bank - reinforce Fund's focus on long-term returns

TORONTO - TD Capital Private Equity Investors has been selected to manage the new $205 million Ontario Venture Capital Fund spearheaded by the Province of Ontario and leading Canadian institutional investors, including TD Bank.

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Economy

Canadian economy stronger than it looks: CIBC World Markets

TORONTO - Weakening conditions in sectors like manufacturing are masking the true state of the Canadian economy, notes a new report from CIBC World Markets.

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Letter from Paul Moist, CUPE

Top Five Things Brian Day Doesn't Get (Or Doesn't Want You To Know)

OTTAWA - The head of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), Dr. Brian Day, continues to either ignore or deny critical facts about the privatization of health care.

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Technology - 2.0

Open Text Enhances Web 2.0 Solutions, Offers New Social Computing Tools

New Solutions Let Customers Deploy Powerful Social Computing Capabilities on the Web and Across the Enterprise, While Addressing Compliance and Legal Requirements

ENTERPRISE 2.0 CONFERENCE, BOSTON - Open Text(TM) Corporation announced enhancements to its portfolio of Enterprise 2.0 solutions, including a powerful offering that lets customers manage compliance rules for social computing capabilities, such as blogs, wikis and forums on websites, and a set of collaboration tools for more dynamic employee interaction within the enterprise.

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Internet Use

Canadian Internet Use Survey

Statscan - Canadians are making greater and more diverse use of the Internet, but a digital divide persists among various groups, according to new data for 2007 from the Canadian Internet Use Survey.

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Communication

Cell Phone Fees – Fair or Unfair? The FCC Decides

Statement of Cord Blomquist Technology Policy Analyst, Competitive Enterprise Institute

Washington, D.C. — The Federal Communications Commission will hear testimony on “early termination” fees for customers who cancel their mobile phone, cable or Internet service contracts early.

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Appointment

Nanotechnology: NanoQuébec appoints a President and Chief Executive Officer

MONTREAL - NanoQuébec has taken a new step in its organizational development by naming its first President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Jean Bourbonnais, Chairman of the Board of Directors, announces the appointment of Dr. Robert Crawhall to the position effective July 2.

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International Development

PRESIDENT OF CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO JOIN WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Robert Greenhill, President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), appointed Chief Business Officer, World Economic Forum

Greenhill to forge deeper relations with Members and Partners in pursuit of the Forum’s mission

Geneva, Switzerland - The President of the Canadian International Development Agency, Robert Greenhill, is to join the World Economic Forum as Chief Business Officer.

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Ratified Agreement

Steelworkers ratify agreements with Teck Cominco Metals Ltd.

TRAIL, BC - Members of the United Steelworkers (USW) Locals 480 and 9705 have ratified a settlement with Teck Cominco Metals Ltd. that includes a $5,000 signing bonus and total wage increases of 15 per cent over four years.

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Innovation and Vision

Top 50 Tech Visionaries
by Christopher Null, PCWorld

Without the imagination and hard work of these fifty innovators, technologies you use every day might never have been invented.

It's easy to look at a laptop, an iPod, or a laser printer as nothing more than a tool to get work done with or to while away your free time on, but these and many other high-tech devices didn't fall off a tree.

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Financial Investments

Manulife Mutual Funds enters an exclusive arrangement with Mawer Investment Management

TORONTO - Manulife Mutual Funds has reached an agreement that will allow it to offer, on an exclusive basis through financial advisors, a family of mutual funds sub-advised by Mawer Investment Management Limited's acclaimed investment management team.

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Fund Raising

U of G Helps Raise $18,000 at Wheels in Motion

The University of Guelph community helped raised more than $18,000 to provide recreational and fitness opportunities for people with spinal cord injuries during the fifth annual Wheels in Motion.

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Energy

Government of Canada Supports Solar Water Heating for Ottawa Homes

OTTAWA – Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Orleans, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, announced today that the Government of Canada will provide $312,500 in support of the Sustainable Ottawa Community Energy Co-operative's Solar H2Ottawa program. Through this program, 250 solar domestic water heating systems will be made available to the public at substantial discounts.

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Global Markets

World Bank: Developing Nations Hold Up Well Amid Financial Turmoil

"Developing countries are proving to be surprisingly resilient to the economic slowdown and financial market upheaval engulfing their more advanced neighbors, with the World Bank predicting only modest declines in growth rates and investment this year.

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Entrepreneurial - To Do's

Keeping Things Simple for Entrepreneurs

Virtual Assistant Shares Tips for “Simplify Your Life Week”

Brampton – Answering phone, Reviewing emails, Billing customers, Updating websites, Networking and Marketing. For many entrepreneurs, the daily grind of running a business is getting in the way of doing business. But according to one local virtual assistant, a small business owner can focus on profitable business tasks by simplifying their to-do list.

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Immigration - Union

Steelworkers and Migrante-Ontario call on federal government to let ailing worker stay

TORONTO - A new association aimed at providing representation for home workers has been set up by the United Steelworkers (USW) and Migrante-Ontario. Its first act is to call on the Federal Citizenship and Immigration Minister to allow a terminally-ill live-in caregiver in Toronto to remain in Canada.

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Anniversary Ride

The legend lives on: Harley-Davidson rides proudly to 105

Harley-Davidson ignites the 105th Anniversary with nationwide celebrations across 5 routes, 30 stops and 3 rocking celebrations in Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg

TORONTO - With a twist of the throttle comes an unmistakable rumble and The Ride Home tour becomes the next adventure.

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Globalized World Conference

Laurier hosts international economics conference

Deputy governor of the Bank of Canada to speak Friday

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University will be hosting the second Small Open Economies in a Globalized World conference June 12-15.

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Inflation Worries

Canadian Labour Congress: Disappointment With the Bank of Canada

OTTAWA - The Canadian Labour Congress today expressed its disappointment that the Bank of Canada left its target for the overnight rate at 3%. Many economists had expected, with reason, a quarter point interest rate cut yesterday, in addition to the last half point cut announced on April 22nd.

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Media Development

Best Western Appoints VRX Studios Preferred Supplier

VANCOUVER - VRX Worldwide Inc. and Best Western International, Inc. announced today they have signed an agreement appointing VRX Studios Inc. as preferred provider of rich media content services for Best Western International. VRX Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of VRX Worldwide.

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Display Innovation

New Canadian tech enables video clip to play on your Coke can
By Grant Buckler

It sounds like something out of Star Trek - morphing displays that can change shape or form, be wrapped around a pop can, worn like a shirt or rolled up and slipped into your pocket. But these displays may soon be available, and put to a variety of uses - thanks to contributions by Canadian researchers.

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Education

Laurier appoints inaugural dean of Faculty of Education

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Colleen Willard-Holt as the inaugural dean of its Faculty of Education. Willard-Holt’s five-year term begins July 1.

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Municipal Restrictions

City council adopts more restrictive policies that limit access to event tickets and golf passes

KITCHENER - Two new, more restrictive policies involving Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex (KMAC) event and game tickets, and municipally owned golf course passes that are made available to members of council were adopted earlier this evening.

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Freedom of the Press - Globally

China - Disturbing new regulations prior to Olympic Games, increased control in Sichuan

MONTREAL - Reporters Without Borders is alarmed by the introduction of new rules aimed at reinforcing controls over Chinese "fixers" working for foreign journalists and over all foreigners visiting China during the Olympic Games.

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Expanding Centre

UPS to expand logistics campus in Burlington, Ontario

Larger Distribution Centre to Provide Quicker Turn-around for Customers

BURLINGTON - Less than two years after its grand opening, UPS Canada is already expanding its Burlington strategic logistics campus. The expansion of more than 175,000 square feet will support faster shipping turn-around for the local, national and international businesses UPS serves in the area.

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Morning Column

Awaken The Sleeping Giants & Slay The Dragons
by Naseem Javed

Behind every effort and every move of any company of any size lies a very simple and a powerful fact. That is, the outside world responds to the Name identity of a company before they part money.


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New Look

HMV Canada launches 'new look' in celebration of 20th Anniversary

TORONTO - HMV Canada's 20th Anniversary celebrations continue with a complete rebranding, to be unveiled at the launch of the new Bloor St. "Store of the Future", on June 17, 2008.

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Laid-off Workers

Conestoga Committed to Support Unemployed Workers Through Second Career Strategy

A new campaign has been launched to urge laid-off workers seeking retraining to consider programs at Ontario*s public colleges and institutes. Under this initiative, applicants may be eligible for funding to help with their retraining costs under the Ontario government*s new Second Career Strategy program.

Award Recognition

London Resident and Quixtar Canada Manager Robin Bell Earns Ivan P. Phelan Award Award is the Direct Sellers Association’s Top Individual honour

LONDON, ON - Quixtar Canada is pleased to announce that Robin Bell, the company’s Manager of Technical/Quality Services, is the recipient of the Canadian Direct Sellers Association’s coveted Ivan P. Phelan award.

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Fund Raising

TWELTH ANNUAL “DRIVE FOR HOPE” RAISES AN OUTSTANDING $194,000 FOR THE HOPESPRING CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE

Kitchener-Waterloo -- A remarkable $194,000 was raised for the HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre at the 12th annual Drive for Hope Invitational golf tournament, held on May 29, 2008.

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Energy Appointment

John Ng Named Schneider Power Inc. Chief Financial Officer

TORONTO - Schneider Power Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of John Ng to the senior management team as Chief Financial Officer.

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Immigration Workforce

ACLU to Testify Before House Judiciary Subcommittee on Electronic Employment Verification

E-Verify would dramatically increase ID theft and create a ‘No-Work’ list

WASHINGTON – Timothy Sparapani, senior legislative counsel for the ACLU, will testify before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law about the effects of implementing a mandatory electronic employment verification system in the United States.

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Revenue and Customer Retention

Virgin Entertainment Group Chooses INETCO Insight to Drive Revenue and Build Customer Retention

Transaction intelligence provides insight into how backend IT performance affects the end-customer experience

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - INETCO Systems Limited, a leading provider of business transaction intelligence software and communications gateway products for the retail and payment processing industries.

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Education Funding

U of G Gets $2.8 Million from Industry Canada

The University of Guelph will receive $2.8 million over the next seven years from Industry Canada through the renewal of two prestigious Canada Research Chairs (CRC), it was announced yesterday.

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Enlightenment

Wade Davis: The worldwide web of belief and ritual

TED - Anthropologist Wade Davis muses on the worldwide web of belief and ritual that makes us human. He shares breathtaking photos and stories of the Elder Brothers, a group of Sierra Nevada indians whose spiritual practice holds the world in balance.

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Manufacturers Movement

The movement is worth fighting for: Moist to deliver a strong message to CAW

OTTAWA - The national president of Canada's largest public sector union will deliver a message of solidarity to delegates at the Canadian Auto Workers 2008 Bargaining and Political Action conference, taking place this week in Toronto.

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Boomers and Retirement

Red Hat Society, CARP, Toastmasters and Lions: Top Groups for Semi-Retiring Boomers, Author Says

HAMILTON - "Ten million Canadian boomers are starting a new lifestyle by re-balancing their time, their talents and their resources. Most will not retire, but will invent semi-retirement.

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Production Capacity

Industrial capacity utilization rates

Canadian industries significantly reduced their use of production capacity in the first quarter, pushing the rate to its lowest level in 15 years. Most of the sectors that make up the industrial group, particularly the automotive sector, contributed to the decline.

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New Housing Price Index

New housing prices increased at their slowest pace in more than two and a half years April 2008

Statscan - The slower increase is despite strong markets in Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

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Health Care

Starting aerobics two weeks after a stroke can improve mobility

Treadmill training and stationary cycling just two weeks after a stroke can help patients become fitter, walk further and enjoy better cardiovascular health than those who remain inactive, according to a CIHR-funded study at Toronto Rehab Institute led by Drs. Dina Brooks (University of Toronto) and William McIlroy (University of Waterloo).

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All Things Summer

Survey: What's more taboo than swimming naked?

A look at Canadians' views on all things summer

TORONTO - Despite the fact it is almost impossible for Canadians to find a vacant patio chair on sunny Friday afternoons in the summer, only 33 per cent admit to playing hooky or calling in sick to enjoy the warm weather. In fact, according to the recent Malibu(R) First Day of Summer Survey(*) conducted by Leger Marketing, a higher percentage will actually celebrate the summer season with a skinny-dip (40 per cent).

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Energy

11 Nations Agree To Set Up Int'l Framework For Saving Energy

"Energy ministers of 11 nations on Sunday ended their two-day meeting in ... [Aomori] by agreeing to set up an international framework to promote energy-saving efforts. The G8 countries plus China, India and South Korea ... adopted a joint statement on energy issues for the first time.

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Theatre Festival

Magnetic North Theatre Festival to Visit Kitchener-Waterloo in 2010

VANCOUVER – The Magnetic North Theatre Festival, Canada’s highly acclaimed national festival of contemporary Canadian theatre in English, announced that its home in 2010 would be Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.

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Appointment

Moneris Solutions Appoints New Chief Financial Officer, Samir Zabaneh, to Executive Team

TORONTO - Jim Baumgartner, President and CEO, Moneris Solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Samir Zabaneh as Moneris Solutions' new Chief Financial Officer.

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Managing Resources

TrigPoint Solutions Selected by Ensign Drilling To Track and Manage Assets

DENVER, COLORADO - TrigPoint Solutions, Inc. ("TrigPoint") announced that Ensign United States Drilling Inc. ("Ensign") will utilize TrigPoint's PROMPTT(TM) SYSTEM (PROMPTT(TM)) to track and manage assets across their entire drilling rig fleet and yard operations.

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Innovation Recognition

Symantec Announces 2008 Visionary Award Winners

IT Leaders From AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, HSBC Mexico S.A., JPMorgan Chase, Meredith Corporation, Polkomtel, Rodyk & Davidson LLP, and Texas Children's Hospital Receive 2008 Visionary Awards

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Water Quality Good in KW

City strategy will look at eliminating sale and purchase of bottled water in some municipal facilities

KITCHENER - At the direction of the finance and corporate services committee earlier today, Kitchener Utilities staff will work on creating a strategy to eliminate the purchase and sale of bottled water in some of the city's facilities and raise awareness of why tap water is safe, economical and environmentally friendly.

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Global Rankings

Emerging-Market Cities Climb World Rankings

“Cities in emerging markets such as Asia and eastern Europe are rapidly building influence in global commerce, according to new research.

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Quarterly Report

Brick Brewing First Quarter Report

Brick Brewing reports improved EBITDA(*) by $1.1 million in the first quarter compared to last year

WATERLOO - Brick Brewing Co. Limited, Ontario's largest Canadian-owned and Canadian-based publicly held brewery, today released its financial results for the first quarter ended April 30, 2008.

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Family Work Balance

Time Away From Family Tough for Working Fathers

Dads in the Workplace Poll reveals child-care duties are difficult for Dads

TORONTO - Balancing late nights in the board room with late nights in the baby's room can be tricky for working dads, according to new findings from the Workopolis Dads in the Workplace Poll.

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Enjoy the Summer

Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Reveals Employers Expect a Steady Hiring Climate for the Third Quarter of 2008

TORONTO - Canadian employers expect a steady hiring climate for the July to September period of 2008 according to the latest results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, the most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the world.

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International Merchandise Trade

Canada's trade surplus with the world decreased for the first time in four months

Statscan - Canada's trade surplus declined to $5.1 billion in April 2008 from a revised $5.7 billion in March, as the growth in imports outpaced the growth in exports.

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Financing Cleantech

Critical step for renewables market, RESCoLease launches Vendor Finance

TORONTO - RESCoLease Corp. announced today the launch of a Vendor Finance Program (VFP) to support manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of renewable energy systems.

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Skill Trade Development

The Government of Canada Supports Skilled Trades

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA - The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, continued the federal government's investment in skilled workers with the announcement of two new projects that will promote apprenticeship as an effective training model and will contribute to the development of a highly skilled, educated, and mobile Canadian labour force.

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Photovoltaic

NanoGram Corporation Receives Award From US Department of Energy Recognizing Photovoltaic Technology Innovation

MILPITAS, Calif. - NanoGram Corporation, a leading developer and licensor of core advanced materials process technology, tools and solutions for optical, electronic and energy applications, today announced that it has been awarded an Energy Innovator Award from the US Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

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Education

Wide Awards Honour Outstanding Students, Alumni, Faculty at Conestoga College

Honourary diploma to Gerhard O. (Dick) Kappeler for his outstanding leadership in helping establish the new masonry training centre at the Waterloo campus.

As part of the 40th Convocation ceremonies of Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning on June 11-12, President John Tibbits will present a number of College-wide achievement honours.

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Kitchener Housing Performance

CMHC REPORTS DETACHED HOMES POPULAR IN KITCHENER

TORONTO – The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released Kitchener’s preliminary housing starts data for the month of May yesterday. Construction began on 234 homes in the Kitchener Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), down more than 20 per cent from the 302 units started in the same month last year.

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Housing

Waterloo Landlords invited to Information Session

Waterloo – Landlords in the City of Waterloo are being offered an opportunity to brush-up on government legislation and other important information that affects their business and tenants.

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Public Transit

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE EASYGO TRAVELLER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

KITCHENER — June 6 marked the official launch of the EasyGO traveller information systems for the Region of Waterloo. EasyGO is being funded by Transport Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Region of Waterloo.

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Automotive Manufacturing

General Motors Sets New Standard for Quality in Automotive Industry

Partners with Dyadem to Deploy Stature Quality Lifecycle Management Global Platform

TORONTO - Dyadem announced that General Motors has selected Dyadem's Stature platform to manage quality across its engineering and manufacturing divisions globally. Dyadem is a leader in Quality and Risk Lifecycle Management.

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Recreational Property

Balance returns to recreational property markets across Canada this year, says RE/MAX

"We're coming off the longest period of economic expansion since World War II," says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada.

KELOWNA, BC - After an extended period of extraordinary growth, more balanced market conditions have emerged in recreational property markets across the country, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

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Morning Column

Effectively Manage Your Multi-Tasking Day
By Michael Guld

Do you sometimes feel as though you're on a treadmill in your professional life? You were coasting along comfortably at a "five" setting, yet the speed just bumped up to 10. While you may be able to keep up briefly, you're exhausted just trying to maintain. You constantly fear being thrown off and everything crashing down.

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Awards

National Magazine Awards Foundation Announces The Winners of the 31st Annual National Magazine Awards

TORONTO - The National Magazine Awards Foundation (NMAF) announced the winners of the 31st annual National Magazine Awards at the Carlu in Toronto. The complete list of winners is online at www.magazine-awards.com.

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Blockade and Family BBQ

Top Canadian labour leaders to address workers at Oshawa GM blockade

TORONTO - Canadian Labour Congress President Ken Georgetti and Secretary-Treasurer Hassan Yussuff are addressed workers at the blockade at GM headquarters in Oshawa yesterday morning at 9 a.m. to lend their support for the effort.

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CAW and GM

CAW's Hargrove Disappointed and Frustrated after GM Meeting

TORONTO - Representatives of the CAW remain frustrated and disappointed following a meeting this morning in Detroit with top executives from General Motors, including chief executive officer Rick Wagoner.

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Dispute - Settlement

Canada needs a stronger dispute-settlement system to ensure open interprovincial trade, coalition says

VANCOUVER - Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments should take advantage of this week's meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade to craft an effective dispute-settlement mechanism that ensures free and open interprovincial trade, says a national coalition of ten business, industry and professional associations.

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Philanthropy

GORE MUTUAL FOUNDATION AND ADVOCATE INSURANCE GROUP MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER

Cambridge - Gore Mutual Insurance Company Foundation, together with Advocate Insurance Group, is proud to make a donation in the amount of $15,000 to support Cambridge Family Early Years Centre. Funds from this donation will go towards enhancing and offering more programs to the community, as well as purchasing resources such as toys, books and supplies.

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Environment Protection

Ontario Nature honours provincial conservation heroes

City of Orillia and Region of Waterloo, Sudbury area water quality group and residents of Lakefield, Kirkfield, Hamilton, Cobourg, Bright's Grove, Oakville and Peterborough recognized for leadership in conservation and nature protection

The Region of Waterloo was recognized for designating two Environmentally Significant Landscapes (ESL) in their Regional Official Plan - a first in the province.

Kirkfield - This weekend, Ontario Nature (ON) acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organizations who have contributed to the protection of natural habitats through program development, education and leadership.


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Book Review

Newly Released Book Shows Rookie Agents How to Sell Real Estate without Selling Their Souls

Denver, Colorado - Even in so-called “boom” markets, rookie real estate agents almost always find their new careers to be harder than anticipated, but today, even experienced agents are failing in record numbers.

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Marketing

Brand building tactics for the 21st century; Community sponsorships are good business not benevolence

Corporate Massage and Canadian Liver Foundation collaborate to connect Ottawa communities with health and wellness information and services

OTTAWA - The Canadian Liver Foundation's Ottawa Chapter fundraiser, Stroll for Liver will be getting a nice pat on the back from its friends at Corporate Massage Therapy this June 8th, 2008. Literally.

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Housing Starts

Housing starts move higher in May

OTTAWA - The seasonally adjusted annual rate(1) of housing starts was 221,300 units in May, up from 213,900 units in April, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).