Where Happiness Finds You Where Happiness Finds You Where

Transcription

LUXURY REAL ESTATE
Mexico - Luxury Destinations
INVESTMENTS
Medical Marijuana
LUXURY RIDES
Luxury Lifestyle Automobiles
FIJI
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TURNING POINT ENSEMBLE
Music of Ana Sokolovic, Julia Wolfe and Michael Oesterle
“The stone tells you
Contents
Cover Story
Travel & Resorts
14
26
Mexico – Luxury Destinations By Jay West
House & Home
36
you listen, it will
Fiji—Where Happiness Finds You By Terry Tremaine
Features
Luxury Real Estate
32
where to go, and if
take you on
an amazing
Snowbirds Looking To Nest in the U.S.A By David A Altro
journey.”
Culinary Delights
Sri Lankan King Prawn Curry By Peter Kuruvita
Style
42
Spring 2014 and Travel Necessities By Connie Ekelund
Health & Wellbeing
Luxury Rides
46
50
Strengthen Your Immune System in 30 Days By Lorna Vanderhaeghe
Luxury Lifestyle Automobiles By Tony Whitney
Investments
54
Medical Marijuana By Khurram Malik
Wealth
58
MARCH 29 & 30, 2014
TELUS STUDIO THEATRE
CHAN CENTRE
TICKETMASTER.CA
TURNINGPOINTENSEMBLE.CA
PRODUCTION
PARTNERS
NU:BC
Collective
“The stone tells
you where to go ...
RRSP — It’s Time to Get Serious in 2014 By Adrian Mastracci
Culture
61
400 Hundred Pencils By Rebecca Rothney
... and if you listen,
Profiles:
30
40
48
62
Nita Lake Lodge
Terrabella Wineries
Copeman Healthcare Centre
Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery
On the cover: Royal Davui Island Resort, Fiji
Photographer: Connie Ekelund
it will take you on
an amazing journey.”
C AT H RY N J E N K I N S
STONE SCUL PTOR
W W W. J E N K I N SSC U L P TO R. C O M
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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
David A. Altro is a Florida attorney & Canadian Legal Advisor. He is the Managing Partner at Altro Levy.
Mr. Altro’s practice primarily focuses on cross border tax, estate planning and real estate for high net-worth
individuals. [email protected]
Peter Kuruvita is an Australian chef, restaurateur and media personality, known for his rich culturally inspired
cooking, highly influenced by his Sri Lankan father and Austrian mother. [email protected]
Khurram Malik’s experience in equity research ranges from bulge bracket investment banks in New York
to boutique specialist firms in Toronto. He has covered a variety of industries over this period including nonlife insurance, specialty financials, conglomerates, civil/military aviation, transportation, and technology. More
recently his focus has been on energy technology and services and the global water sectors. Currently he is at
Jacob Securities, focusing on global energy and infrastructure markets. [email protected]
Adrian Mastracci is Portfolio Manager and Registered Financial Planner (R.F.P.) at KCM Wealth Management
Inc. KCM is an independent, “fee-only” portfolio management and financial advisory firm founded in 2000.
Their specialty is designing and managing long-term investment portfolios. With extensive expertise, Adrian
coordinates clients’ portfolios with their retirement aspirations, risk tolerances, estate matters, tax implications
and business planning needs.
Rebecca Rothney is the founder and chairperson of Pack for a Purpose. Rebecca took her first overseas trip
at age 11 and never looked back. She has visited 46 countries and 7 continents. She and her husband Scott
were married in Antarctica. After graduating Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Rebecca taught school
for 12 years and then ran a successful cufflink business RHCreations, Inc. for 23 years before starting Pack for a
Purpose. [email protected]
Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS, is Canada’s leading women’s health expert and has been researching
nutritional medicine for over 25 years. With degrees in nutrition and biochemistry, she is the author of ten
books, including her two newest, A Smart Woman’s Guide to Weight Loss and A Smart Woman’s Guide to Heart
Health, and is the founder of the SMART line of products for women’s health. For more information, visit www.
hormonehelp.com and sign up for her free monthly health letter.
Jay West is Owner/Broker of Windermere Real Estate in Los Cabos and a bi-national REALTOR® with more than
20 years in Mexico. He is a licensed managing broker with Windermere Real Estate Company in Seattle and a
Certified International and Resort & Second-home Property Specialist with the National Association of REALTORS®.
Jay is a two-time past president of AMPI Los Cabos, and can be reached at www.WindermereCabo.com &
www.SunLovers.com as well as LinkedIn and Facebook. [email protected] – (877) 909-2226.
Tony Whitney is a journalist and broadcaster specializing in the automobile sector. His work has appeared in
major newspapers across Canada and in business, lifestyle, automotive and specialist magazines and websites
in North America and abroad. Based in Steveston, B.C., he has appeared on the network TV show Driver’s
Seat for more than 20 years. Past president of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, he is a juror
for North American Car and Truck of the Year and a long-time adjudicator for the Canadian Motorsport Hall
of Fame. [email protected]
www.GoodLifeConnoisseur.com
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Volume 12 | Spring 2014
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
This time around we visited some new areas and they certainly lived up to expectations.
The one thing I was surprised by was the availability of private land holdings. Fiji has a
tradition of communal property whereby each new born Fijian is registered as sharing
in his family’s land holdings. An individual holding property was not possible. But in our
travels we saw “for sale” signs. Things have changed.
Next issue we will present our trip to Thailand. Having never been before we were
a little apprehensive as local media was focused on the political protests occurring at
the time. However, here again it was the people that enraptured us. Though there were
political differences at the time they had no impact on our journey whatsoever. I would
suggest the Thai are the most welcoming people we’ve experienced to date in our travels.
A Tailor Made
Journey by Private Jet
©2013 Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC CST #2007274-20
H
aving been to Fiji a few times it’s always a treat to return. It’s not
simply because of the lush tropical islands that are surrounded by
warm pacific waters containing a wealth of marine life. Really it’s the
people. There is no doubt you’re in Fiji when you hear “bula” and are
invited to participate in sharing some kava.
Passport to
the World
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want on an itinerary created just for
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service and insider–access moments that
make every visit an inspiring encounter.
If you have any interest in the equity markets please turn to the article on investing in
firms producing medical marijuana. As we publish this issue the investment interest in this
new sector is quite extraordinary. The article certainly will provide an overview as to what
to look for if you’re thinking of investing yourself.
As always compliments and criticism is most welcome.
Passport to the World
A Tailor Made Journey by Private Jet
Created for up to Eight Guests
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Osaka | Kyoto | Beijing
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Terry Tremaine
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For reservations or more information,
please contact Abercrombie & Kent at
888 755 3491 or your travel professional.
12 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014
®
P r i vATe J eT
Cousteau
FIJI
Where Happiness Finds You
TRAVEL & resorts
Connoisseur’s Choice
By Terry Tremaine
Photos By Connie Ekelund
“Not surprising with the name ‘Cousteau’ associated to the resort, it
has an emphasis on world-class scuba diving and snorkeling activities.”
W
hen returning to Fiji, it’s hearing the pleasant sound of ‘bula’, a greeting meaning welcome, which
reminds visitors of what a friendly people the Fijians are. The enthusiasm with which they greet visitors
and each other sets a unique warm tone for this lush group of south Pacific islands.
Our flight had been by way of the recently rebranded Fiji Airways, returning to their old name
from Air Pacific, after securing new Airbus A330-200 aircraft and upgrading their customer service. The comfort of their
business class was most appreciated for a flight of that duration, and we were pleased to discover they also have a topshelf lounge.
Cousteau
Cousteau
We were quite ready to find ourselves in one of six very well-appointed bures
available at the Fiji Orchid near Nadi Airport. This unique property caters to
travellers needing a day room to refresh themselves before continuing on their
journey. Originally the orchid planation of actor Raymond Burr known for his roles
in ‘Perry Mason’ and ‘Ironside’ the five acre property has been transformed into
a five-star tropical resort. With all the amenities expected of a luxury resort the
property not only attracts visitors looking for the complete Fijian holiday experience,
but also utilizes the closeness to the airport to attract those needing a few hours of
rest before continuing on.
Rest was required as we were on a mission prior to enjoying this tropical paradise.
One of our associates had a daughter who had volunteered to assist in teaching
the children attending the nearby Jasper Williams High School. Unfortunately, the
school library had suffered weather damage and the books were destroyed. The
call had gone out from daughter to Mom, “they need books.” Mom had taken the
challenge and started a drive for books. With us, included in our baggage were
a number of suitcases, full of the first shipment of books. First up on our agenda,
following a good nap, was the delivery of the books.
Fiji Orchid
Girl’s School
Girl’s School
The gratitude of the students and the teachers was remarkably heart-warming.
More so, when the look on one of the faces would suddenly go ‘wow’ when a
popular sought after title would be found while sorting through the cases. There is
an organization called Pack for a Purpose which can provide fellow travellers with a
similar experience. They encourage leaving room in your suitcase to carry supplies
required by the community you’re visiting. They suggest space for five pounds
and have an organization dedicated to providing details on the requirements of
communities around the world.
Next stop was the outstanding Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu on
Vanua Levu Island, northeast of the main island of Vita Levu. Not surprising with
the name ‘Cousteau’ associated to the resort, it has an emphasis on world-class
scuba diving and snorkeling activities. But, unique to this property is the emphasis
on the ecology. There is a full time ecologist working on ensuring the resort fulfills
its mandate to preserving the environment even to the extent of replanting the
mangroves which had been removed from the shoreline.
Cousteau
Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 17
What we did find surprising with this acclaimed 5-star resort was the services
available for families. They have what is called the Bula Club for the children.
Each child five and under has their own nanny while those five to twelve have a
buddy, meaning both parents and children have a wonderful relaxing time. There
are areas including dining that are restricted to adults only for those not looking
for a family experience. We were most impressed with how well it all worked for
everyone.
Cousteau
Our accommodation was The Villa, a luxury home unto itself, featuring two
separate buildings contained within a walled garden surrounding a central patio
with its own infinity pool. Of course there is an outdoor shower, but the indoor
shower has its own spa-tub and a waterfall. Naturally The Villa sits on its own
private beach. The resort has just 25 bures most with beach front.
Dining is excellent and all-inclusive. Each evening musicians provide live
entertainment and of course this being Fiji, invite guests to participate in the
traditional Kava ceremony. Kava is a mildly sedating drink made from the roots of
a type of pepper plant. Participants prepare a large bowl full and pass around a
cupful to those circled until the bowl is empty. A visit to Fiji would not be complete
without a round of Kava.
Cousteau
Of course there is also a very good spa. We had the pleasure of having our
massages in a bure on the beach overlooking the ocean. (Very relaxing to say the
least, not to mention the sounds of the crashing waves emphasizing the overall
ambience). It’s not surprising that this property has a reputation for being one of
the best resorts in the South Pacific.
“Each evening musicians provide live entertainment
and of course this being Fiji, invite guests to
participate in the traditional Kava ceremony.”
Cousteau
Cousteau
Cousteau
18 Good Life Connoisseur | Fall 2013
Cousteau
Cousteau
Cousteau
Cousteau
Intercontinental Fiji Golf & Resort
We returned to Nadi and headed over to the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort
and Spa. This is a large property with a host of facilities and could readily be a
destination unto itself. We enjoyed the Club Intercontinental which sits on top of
the hill the property is built around with gorgeous views of the surrounding beach
and ocean. Being at the Club also means guests enjoy personal butler service
making the stay most relaxing. Plus of course there is breakfast, lunch and happy
hour available in the club. This is in addition to the extensive array of fine dining
experiences found throughout the resort.
Intercontinental
Our own suite was spacious and featured its own plunge pool and patio area
plus an outdoor Jacuzzi tub. One evening we dined on the patio and then enjoyed
a romantic bubble, bath all strewn with flower petals.
Naturally, the resort features an expansive spa with very competent staff and a
great stretch of white sand beach. But I would like to suggest the high point is the
adjacent Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course. This is Fiji’s first international
competition standard course. Golfing here, one can easily be distracted by the
great views of white sand beaches and coral reefs.
Intercontinental
Intercontinental
Intercontinental
Intercontinental
Intercontinental
“This property is highly rated as
a ‘honeymoon’ property.”
Intercontinental
Royal Davui
While staying at the Intercontinental we took the opportunity to visit the nearby
Kula Eco Park, Fiji’s only wildlife park. Here endangered species are provided
habitat for breeding. One of the highlights is that visitors have the opportunity to
have their photos taken with indigenous iguanas and snakes.
Also nearby, is a local pottery village. Here the women of the village take pride
in showing off their handiwork. All the work is handcrafted right down to the resins
hand painted on to give a decorative appeal. Naturally, no visit would be complete
without a round of Kava.
Royal Davui
Westin Denarau
From here we headed to Royal Davui Island Resort, situated on its own small
island. The island’s private launch takes guests from the mainland. This adult only
resort has just sixteen private villas all with ocean views. The accommodations are
most comfortable with lots of room including private plunge pools and separate
living and sleeping areas. Plus of course there is a great balcony to enjoy the
fabulous scenery. This property is highly rated as a ‘honeymoon’ property.
Dining is all inclusive and the chef most proficient. Marine activities abound.
Snorkeling around the island brings sightings of coral and endless verities of sea
life.
Royal Davui
Our final destination was the Starwood properties on Denarau Island. The
island is situated just 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport on the main island
and attached by a short bridge. This island has been uniquely developed with a
number of resort properties plus real estate offered for purchase. This is definitely
an uncommon situation in Fiji where property is held communally and every new
born Fijian has property rights.
The island has numerous facilities developed for tourists including a golf course,
shopping areas and restaurants, all accessible through convenient and comfortable
public transit.
Of course, the property also has a spa. As a Fijian resort destination this property
stands out.
Denerau
Royal Davui
Connoisseur’s Choice in Fiji
Book your Fiji Getaway with our Fiji Matai
Specialists
Fiji Orchid
Saweni Beach Rd. Lautoka
Lautoka, Fiji
679.664.0097
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
Savusavu Vanua Levu Island, Fiji
1.800.246.3454
InterContinental Golf Resort & Spa
Natadola Bay, Viti Levu, Fiji
1.800.496.7621
Westin Denerau
“They make visitors very welcome.”
A stay at one of the Starwood properties means the ability to access the facilities
of all three which includes: the Sheraton Fiji, the Sheraton Denarau Villas and The
Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa. As a guest at the Westin we were able to
walk the beach to bring us to any of the other dining areas provided by the various
properties. Or any of the other facilities available to guests at each of the properties.
Peter Kuruvita, the renowned Australian chef, has a particular influence in the
properties plus there is a Steakhouse with his name.
Royal Davui
Beqa Lagoon, Royal Davui Island
1.310.928.1182
Westin Denarau
Denarau Island North, Nadi, Fiji
679.675.0000
Call the Travel Lady today!
1-888-377-6884
Fiji Airways
1.800.227.4446
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on double, do not include air taxes of approximately $300 per person, and are
subject to change without notice. Valid for Sales: 27Jan14 to 20Mar15. Valid for Travel: 01Nov14 to 13Dec14 and 22Feb15 to 20Mar15
Basically, there is no need to leave the island during your stay in Fiji. Denarau has
everything to make for a fabulous and relaxing holiday.
Having visited the Fijian islands a few times what stands out, aside from great
snorkeling just about everywhere, is the friendliness of the Fijians themselves. They
make visitors very welcome. It’s great to hear ‘Bula’ over and over again. And know
it’s sincere. n
Pacific Destinationz
679.672.5177
Vista Mar Penthouse
MEXICO
Luxury Destinations
luxury real estate
By Jay West
L
uxury real estate in Mexico is defined by location and amenities. World class resort destinations
provide a variety of choices for the luxury investor in both high profile and discreet locations.
Notable among such premier destinations are Los Cabos and the Southern Baja peninsula
including state capital of La Paz, Riviera Nayarit including Punta Mita and the mainland coastline
north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco, and Riviera Maya on the eastern Quintana Roo coastline of the
Caribbean, extending south from Cancun.
Each of these destinations offers the “trinity” of luxury amenities: exquisite signature Golf Courses, vast expanses
of soft sand beaches accompanied by relaxing spas and private club facilities, and full service marinas able to
accommodate professional sport cruisers as well as larger vessels over 120 feet in length.
Real estate offerings include ocean-front villas, luxury condominiums with concierge services and on-site spas and
amenities, and gated view and golf properties located within some of North America’s most desirable vacation resort
developments.
Foreign owners in Mexico’s exquisite coastal locations also benefit from the Fideicomiso, a 50-year renewable
and transferable Bank Trust which allows irrevocable and absolute ownership rights to property in Mexico. This trust
simplifies and protects the ownership rights of all of the beneficiaries and their heirs and designees by treaty, and also
allows for a seamless transfer of ownership to these beneficiaries.
Informed investors know that Mexico offers security and safety, accessibility, a warm and nurturing climate, quality
health-care services, and a family-oriented culture deeply rooted in a rich history.
It is estimated that two million foreign citizens currently own property in Mexico, mostly
from the U.S. and Canada. It is not surprising that Mexico is currently the number one
foreign retirement destination for North Americans, and during the next two decades, an
additional four million retirees and real estate investors are expected to purchase and
own real estate within Mexico. The number of foreigners who currently own property in
Mexico is expected to almost triple by 2025. Mexico is also a very sound economy for investment and it has surpassed Brazil as the
country with the strongest GDP growth in Latin America, increasing at a rate of close to
4% since the recovery began in 2009
Tourism continues to also increase every year and Mexico’s growing middle class,
strong international banks, stable government, abundant oil and natural resources, and
friendly business climate will continue to drive a sustained and healthy growth path into
the foreseeable future.
Tom Kelly, the long-time syndicated Seattle business writer, talk show host, and author
of numerous books and articles on Mexico real estate, states the following in his recent
book Bargains Beyond the Border, “In Mexico, you will discover not only high-quality
health care but also an impressive standard of living. And, property taxes, which seem to
rise annually in the States, are often less than 10 percent of a U.S. home.”
In June, 2012, Los Cabos in the State of Baja California Sur was host to the leaders
of the world’s 20 largest economies at the G-20 Summit, emphasizing once again,
the importance of Mexico and Cabo as a premier international destination. The G-20
Mexico Summit, The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum of 21 Pacific
Rim countries, and similar international events held in Los Cabos in recent years, have
made clear that foreign investment is greatly encouraged and ownership of real estate is
protected by the Mexican government and by international Treaties.
The modern international airports located in Los Cabos, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta
each receive dozens of international flights daily and these major destinations continue
to be ports-of-call for some of the world’s most popular and discriminating cruise lines.
In recent years, foreign investors have discovered the process of buying and selling real
estate in Mexico to be more familiar, safe and understandable. Companies specializing
in Luxury real estate have established offices in premier destinations and introduced luxury
names like Windermere Real Estate, Engels and Volker and Sotheby’s. Their offices are
staffed with respected and knowledgeable professionals providing complete real estate
services specifically for the luxury client.
These brands and similar well established companies are part of world-wide networks
designed to more effectively market listings and create for the informed luxury investor a
comfortable and successful transaction.
For safety sake, it is important to always work with a REALTOR® Member of the
National Association of REALTORS® or the Canadian Association of REALTORS®, who
is also a REALTOR® member in good standing with AMPI (Mexican Association of Real
Estate Professionals). These professionals are bound by a common Code of Professional
Ethics and are pledged to protect their clients. u
Cabo beachfront luxury
Los Cabos and La Paz
Los Cabos (“The Capes”) describes the
twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose
del Cabo as well as the coastal area on the
Sea of Cortez known as the East Cape, and
the Pacific coastal town of Todos Santos.
This southernmost portion of the Baja
California peninsula is the most accessible
luxury resort destination from the Western
United States and Canada. Known as the
“Golf and Fishing Capital of Mexico”, Cabo
boasts more than a dozen highly acclaimed
signature golf courses and several more
currently under construction.
Cabo also has some of the finest
weather on earth with clean Pacific breezes
tempering a warm arid land mass creating
a diverse and healthy environment.
The “Corridor”, a 17-mile coastal
highway from Cabo San Lucas to San
Jose del Cabo, is famous for luxury beach
resort developments, hotels, and boutique
spa properties. On the Pacific side of the
peninsula, known as “Land’s End”, is the
spectacular Pueblo Bonito resort at Sunset
Beach. This master development known
as Quivira, includes the new planned
community of Copala, offering a variety of
luxury real estate investment opportunities.
San Jose del Cabo enjoys vibrant growth
with a new marina, additional five-star
hotels and a number of new beach-front
condominiums. The East Cape resorts in
Los Barriles and Buena Vista offer anglers
sport fishing in the Sea of Cortez which
many claim to be the finest in the world.
La Paz is the historic 500-year-old
Capital of the state of Baja California Sur
founded along a spectacular bay by Hernán
Cortés in 1535. It is also the home to one
of Mexico’s most complete master-planned
resort developments at CostaBaja. With
the only Gary Player signature golf course
in Mexico and a world class marina for
vessels up to 225 feet in length, CostaBaja
boasts a spectacular beach club, a fivestar Grand Heritage boutique hotel, a new
Hyatt, and real estate offerings including
luxury condominiums, hillside villas and
panoramic view lots with custom home
construction options.
Simply stated, “Cabo” represents a
lifestyle recognized around the world. u
THE VIEW IS ONLY AS
GOOD AS YOUR VISION
Tail of the Whale — Four Seasons Punta Mita
“Each of these destinations offers the “trinity” of luxury amenties.”
Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit
More than two million international passengers per year arrive
at Puerto Vallarta airport in the state of Jalisco. The region boasts
more than 40 four and five-star hotels. Most visitors remain in the
city or seek out the newer resort developments in Nuevo Vallarta
and farther north to the neighboring state of Nayarit and the
blossoming Riviera Nayarit.
Puerto Vallarta is very popular with affluent Mexican tourists
and easily accessible from population centers like Guadalajara.
As such, it enjoys a population reflecting the great diversity that
is Mexico.
Riviera Nayarit is a 200-mile-long Pacific coastline from Nuevo
Vallarta north to San Blas. Though still sparsely developed, it is
speculated to become the home for numerous future resorts on
this portion of mainland Mexico. A current centerpiece is the
luxury Four Seasons Resort at Punta Mita with its marina and two
signature Jack Nicklaus golf courses. The area also has numerous
well established luxury hotels and time-share/fractional and full
ownership real estate offerings.
Cancun and Riviera Maya
Located in the state of Quintana Roo, the resort city of Cancun
has long been the chosen destination of vacationers from the
eastern U.S. and Canada. In recent years, new developments
along the spectacular beaches of the Caribbean coastline to the
south have offered luxury vacation and recreation choices for
visitors from Europe as well.
Protected by the second largest barrier reef in the world and
the offshore island of Cozumel, the Riviera Maya extends from
the city of Playa del Carmen south to the ancient Mayan village of
Tulum. The uniqueness of this area of the Yucatan Peninsula with
its renowned beaches and clear azure blue waters has inspired 20
year plans for establishing a number of future cities with modern
infrastructure along the coastal highway 307.
All-inclusive resorts such as the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso
and Paraiso Lindo, and the Spanish Barcelo Resorts offer luxury
experiences for the most discriminating. Luxury yacht charters are
also very popular for vacationers.
Real estate offerings include beachfront villas and condominiums
as well as a number of luxury fractional vacation resorts through
established companies like Elite Luxury Properties and others.
Mexico’s east coast is a spectacular international playground
attracting visitors from Latin America, Europe, Canada and the U.S. n
Make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Start with a complete eye health and vision examination.
Book your appointment today: 1.800.363.6378
NITA LAKE
LODGE
Lakeside patio
N
SECRET LOCATION
Visit Whistler’s No. 1 Rated Lakeside Lodge
ita Lake Lodge is located in Whistler’s
Creekside, a five-minute stroll to the gondola
at the base of Whistler Mountain. Close to all
the amenities of North America’s top rated ski
resort, Nita also offers the benefits of being tucked away in a
tranquil lakeside setting. Breathtaking views of the mountains,
lake and forest surround this intimate laid-back lodge that also
reflects the highest levels of style, comfort, cuisine and service.
At Creekside, guests will enjoy being amongst locals in the know
and have access to a wide range of summer and winter activities.
Nita Lake Lodge has been named one of the Top 25 Hotels in
Canada by TripAdvisor in their Travelers’ Choice awards, and is
currently rated #1 in Whistler.
This Spring Nita Lake Lodge welcomed new Executive Chef
Paul Moran. A Vancouver native Chef Moran has worked in
outstanding restaurants around the world including Le Chantecler
(2 Michelin stars) in Nice; Saturne, Paris; Marina, Dubai as well
as Tournant, Montreal and West in Vancouver.
Pool and hot tub
Travellers seeking a holistic hideaway can head to Nita Lake
Lodge to enjoy a wellness escape inspired by the natural beauty.
Like a breath of fresh mountain air, the 2013 modern redesign
of The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge offers a haven of natural fabrics,
cozy blankets and plush rugs with spectacular Whistler Mountain
views from both the lounge and rooftop hot tubs. The Spa at
Nita Lake Lodge is naturally relaxing with a treatment menu of
soothing massages, exfoliation, steam baths and herbal oils
using eco friendly products. The ultimate destination for health
and wellness Nita Lake Lodge also offers Jivamukti Yoga classes
in studio and personal trainers at Innovative Fitness Gym on site
at the property. Outside the lodge, the extensive Valley Trail is on
the doorstep connecting all of Whistler’s lakes and parks with
a paved, accessible and scenic path that’s perfect for jogging,
walking and sightseeing with hiking and biking routes. Skiing and
snowshoeing are available on the surrounding mountains and
in warmer months Nita offers complimentary bicycles, kayaks,
canoes and stand up paddleboards for guest’s use.
Visit www.nitalakelodge.com or call 1-888-755-6482 to book
your relaxing Whistler getaway. n
Aura Restaurant’s ingredients
are sourced daily from local
farms,
foragers,
fisheries,
and Nita Lake Lodge’s own
rooftop garden where over 30
types of herbs and 40 different
vegetables are grown. Cure
Lounge features casual dining
choices made from scratch that
couple nicely with a selection of
fine wines, craft beer, and local
distillery spirits. Fix Café offers
raw juices, smoothies, housemade pastries, sandwiches, and
delicious gluten free options,
complemented with a gourmet
coffee program.
Two bedroom
Nita Lake Lodge
2131 Lake Placid Road
Whistler, BC V0N 1B2
Phone: 604.966.5700
Fax: 604.966.5709
Toll Free: 888.755.6482
Aura Restaurant
House & Home
“...there are
import
ant
factors to
consider...”
If the answer to the first question is yes, but the second question
is no, then Canadians are exempt from paying U.S. estate tax. The
$5,340,000 exemption amount is current for 2014 and will rise
with inflation in coming years.
So, if a Canadian owns a U.S. vacation property worth
$1,000,000, but his or her worldwide estate is $3,000,000, that
person will not owe U.S. estate tax upon his or her death.
It is important to note that everything is included when
calculating a Canadian’s worldwide estate, including RRSPs and
life insurance. However, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”)
does not tax 40% on the value of the worldwide estate – only the
value of the U.S. assets are taxed.
There are ways to structure your ownership of U.S. assets in order
to minimize or eliminate U.S. estate tax, so you should consult a
cross-border professional if you think you might be exposed.
SNOWBIRDS LOOKING TO NEST
IN THE u.s.a. — tAX AND lEGAL
dEVELOPMENTS FOR 2014
By David A. Altro, Altro Levy LLP
B
uying a vacation home in the U.S. is a dream that has become reality for
many Canadians. The top five snowbird destinations – Florida, Arizona,
California, Hawaii and Texas – are already home to thousands of snowbirds
and Canadian permanent residents.
Whether you already own property in the U.S. or are simply entertaining the
idea of entering the U.S. real estate market in 2014, there are several U.S. tax and legal
developments to consider this year.
U.S. Estate Tax
Canadians who own assets in the U.S. may be subject to U.S. estate tax. This tax is based
on the fair market value of all U.S. assets owned at the time of death. It can climb up
to 40% depending on the value of the U.S. asset and the value of the worldwide estate.
However, not all Canadians who own U.S. assets will be subject to U.S. estate tax.
The law in 2014 is that Canadians’ U.S. estate tax liability depends on the following two
questions:
1. Is the value of their U.S. estate more than $60,000? and
2. Is the value of their worldwide estate greater than $5,340,000?
Immigration
In June 2013, the U.S. Senate approved an immigration reform bill
that, if made into law, will overhaul the U.S. immigration system.
Despite the controversy surrounding the bill (House Republicans
are opposed to it, primarily because of its aim to create a path
to citizenship for illegal U.S. immigrants), the bill is likely to be
passed in piecemeal fashion starting in 2014.
Snowbirds should pay attention to the status of the bill because
it includes key provisions that increase the number of days some
Canadians will be able to spend in the U.S.:
1. Generally, from an immigration perspective, Canadians
can spend six months in the U.S. in a rolling twelve-month
period, or 180 days in a rolling year. The bill proposes
extending this to eight months, or 240 days, in a rolling
twelve-month period for those Canadian citizens who are
over age 55, maintain a residence in Canada, own or
rent a residence in the U.S. and who will not work or seek
public assistance in the U.S.
2. Another important proposal included in the bill is the
retiree visa, which would allow Canadians who meet the
above criteria to obtain a renewable three-year visa as
long as they could show that they have purchased one
or more properties in the U.S. worth a combined total
of at least $500,000 USD, have U.S. health insurance
coverage, and reside in the U.S. for at least 180 days
per year.
While these reforms seem like winning solutions for snowbirds
looking to spend more time in the American sun each year, there
will be important factors to consider before capitalizing on them if
they do come to fruition, such as tax implications and provincial
health care coverage.
Canadian Health Care
The rules around the number of days you are allowed
to spend abroad without affecting your residential status –
and therefore your provincial health care coverage – vary by
province. Most provincial health ministries require physical
presence in the province for 183 days per calendar year or
183 days in any twelve-month period.
It is possible to extend your health care coverage if you
will be out of your province for a longer period. In Ontario,
for example, you will be able to retain your provincial health
care coverage if you are out of the province for as many as
212 days in any twelve-month period as long as Ontario is
still your primary place of residence. If you will be gone for
more than 212 days, you may apply for continuous health
care coverage, but there are specific requirements that must
be met to qualify.
If you have been in the U.S. for more than 182 days in
a calendar year, then you have the option of filing a treatybased U.S. tax return so that you are only taxed by the IRS on
certain U.S. income. Income earned outside the U.S. would
be exempt.
Tax Implications
Spending too many days in the U.S. also puts snowbirds at
risk of being designated as U.S. residents for tax purposes.
The IRS calculates residency based on a complicated
formula known as the Substantial Presence Test (“SPT”). Many
Canadian snowbirds think that if they spend less than 182
days in the U.S. per calendar year, they will not be considered
U.S. residents for income tax purposes. However, if you meet
the criteria of the SPT, you may be considered a U.S. resident.
To be considered a U.S. resident under the SPT, you must
be in the U.S. for at least 183 days during a three-year period
that includes the current year and the two years preceding it.
The days are calculated as follows:
• Add all the days you were present in the current year;
• plus 1/3 of the days you were present in the previous
year; and
• 1/6 of the days you were present in the year before that.
If the result is 183 days or more, then you may be taxed
as a U.S. resident, on your worldwide income. As you can
appreciate, it is better to steer clear of these complicated
calculations.
There are, however, circumstances that may exempt you
from the consequences of the SPT.
If you have spent less than 182 days in the U.S. in a
calendar year and can clearly show that you have a closer
connection to Canada than the U.S., the IRS will treat you as
a nonresident regardless of the SPT. To claim the exemption,
you must file Form 8840 with the IRS.
Entry/Exit Initiative
Although it is difficult to say when the immigration reform bill will
be signed into law, 2014 marks the year of increased vigilance
regarding border crossings between Canada and the U.S. The
“Entry/Exit Initiative,” a cooperative endeavour between Canada
and the U.S., will implement its final phase on June 30, 2014.
After this date, Canada and the U.S. will begin sharing border
crossing information with each other. The initiative aims to use the
record of a land entry into one country as an exit record from the
other. This means that the number of days a Canadian snowbird
is present within the U.S. will be much more clear. Snowbirds will
have to keep close watch on the number of days they spend in the
U.S., acknowledging the residency rules regarding taxation.
Additionally, Canadian snowbirds who spend more than 180
days in the U.S. in a rolling twelve-month period without a proper
visa may be considered unlawfully present. Now that day counts
will be monitored more accurately, the chances of being deemed
unlawfully present in the U.S. will increase. The consequences? A
three-year travel ban to the U.S. for being unlawfully present for
between 180 and 365 days or a ten-year ban for being unlawfully
present for more than 365 days.
Health Care
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”),
which was adopted in 2010, brings major health care reform
to the U.S. As of January 2014, under Obamacare, green card
holders and lawful temporary residents of the U.S., such as
Canadian snowbirds, can no longer be denied health insurance
because of pre-existing medical conditions or because they are
over the age of 65.
Canadian snowbirds over 65 who have held their green card
for a minimum of five years are eligible for U.S. Medicare. But
what do you do while you wait for the five years to elapse so you
can get Medicare? You obtain private health care insurance. Prior
to Obamacare, however, Canadian snowbirds over 65 had great
difficulty doing so because of their age – especially if they had
any pre-existing medical conditions. Obamacare is good news
for Canadian snowbirds.
The U.S. legal and tax landscape is complex, but that is no
reason to shy away from enjoying the sunbelt to the south. With
the right planning and guidance from cross border professionals,
Canadian snowbirds will be well equipped to nest in the U.S. in
2014 and beyond. n
many have tried to copy...
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Vi-Spring were the inventors of the modern day mattress in 1901.
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only the finest certified natural materials, for perfect comfort.
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Valley Ridge Furniture
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Jordans Interiors
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Handcrafted since 1901
THE QUEEN’S AWARD
OF EXCELLENCE
THE CAMPAIGN FOR WOOL
PATRON: HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES
B
orn in London to an Austrian mother and Sri Lankan father, Peter Kuruvita spent much of his childhood
in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, where he was introduced to the wonders of cooking by observing
his grandmother prepare age-old Sri Lankan dishes in her simple kitchen.
These early memories of the joy of cooking and the kitchen as the hub of the household formed the
path of Peter’s future. The family moved to Sydney, Australia and Peter applied for a chef apprenticeship
once he left school and started his long career working in restaurants as a chef.
After three decades as an award-winning chef and restaurateur, Peter has now diversified his career to encompass
the roles of TV presenter, author, industry speaker and restaurant consultant.
After establishing himself as a well-known chef in Australia and cooking around the globe, Peter opened Sydney’s
award-winning Flying Fish Restaurant & Bar in 2004, and successfully led the kitchen team as Executive Chef for
eight years. Today his legacy still lives on through its’ creative modern dishes with a strong seafood focus and great
reputation.
In 2008, Peter replicated this successful model, in partnership with Starwood Hotel group, at Flying Fish at Sheraton
Fiji Resort. Located on the beach, ‘Flying Fish Fiji’ features a menu designed by Peter Kuruvita focusing on fresh, local
produce and sumptuous seafood, and is now known as the best restaurant in Fiji. Flying Fish Fiji recently received a
Tripadvisor award for the Top 10 Restaurants in the Pacific region
After the success of this venture, Steakhouse by Peter Kuruvita opened in February 2013, at neighboring resort The
Westin, Denarau Island. Also overlooking the Pacific sea, the menu focuses on unique cuts of superior imported meat,
attentive service, fine wines and stunning location.
Peter’s latest venture, Noosa Beach House opened in May 2013, in partnership with Sheraton Noosa Resort, on
iconic Hastings St. Peter brings his signature style and focus on local seafood to the famous foodie holiday strip. The
relaxed holiday vibe of the open terrace and bar evolves into a stylish restaurant and cocktail bar as the day progresses.
Flying Fish Fiji. Photo by: Anson Smart
CULINARY DELIGHTS
PETER KURUVITA:
CHEF, RESTAURATEUR, AUTHOR TV PRESENTER
Tuna Black Pepper Caramel signature dish
PK Kitchen. Photo by Sabrina Horn
With his career as a chef, restaurateur and
consultant well established and well known, Peter
decided to venture into putting his experiences and
recipes onto paper and film.
Memories of his idyllic childhood spent in Sri
Lanka, inspired his first cook book “Serendip – My
Sri Lankan Kitchen”. The book takes food lovers
on a journey through the kitchen experiences of
his childhood with traditional recipes and stunning
photography.
Peter then began to present Television series
produced by The Precinct Studios for SBS Television,
which air on many networks worldwide.
His shows combine beautiful scenery with
sensational local cuisine as he immerses himself in
the cultures of the unique lands he travels through.
The first of these was “My Sri Lanka with Peter
Kuruvita” which combines breath-taking scenery
with spectacular spicy fare as Peter travels across
the country, experiencing the wealth of Sri Lanka’s
beauty, culture and culinary diversity.
“My Sri Lanka” was nominated for the ‘The
Rockies’ Banff World Media Awards 2012’ and
Peter nominated for an Australian ‘Logies 2012
Award’ in the “Best New Male Talent” category.
In 2012, Peter’s next series “Island Feast with
Peter Kuruvita” combined beautiful locations and
scenery with sensational local cuisine through the
islands of Indonesia, Vanuatu, Philippines and
Cook Islands.
These popular TV series inspired his next cook
book “My Feast with Peter Kuruvita” and takes food
lovers on a culinary and cultural journey through
the islands communities of Asia and the South
Pacific. Released November 2012.
His third10-part series, “Mexican Fiesta” is
currently premiering on SBS television in Australia
and sees Peter travelling the length and breadth
of Mexico, looking deeply into the ingredients,
dishes and culture of that exciting and sometimes
misunderstood country.
One of Peter’s signature dishes which is wellknown and loved by many in Fiji and Australia
is his Sri Lankan King Prawn Curry. The layers of
aromatic spices and coconut compliment the fresh
sweetness of the prawns perfectly. Enjoy! u
Island Feast Vanuatu. Photo by: SBS Television
“His shows combine beautiful scenery with sensational local cuisine...”
Recipe:
Sri Lankan King Prawn Curry
R
500g (1 lb 2oz) green U8 prawns, peeled with tails in tact (a U8 prawn is a medium green prawn)
150 g coconut powder mixed with 300 ml hot water
50 g (1 ¾ oz) ghee
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
5cm (2 in) knob of ginger, thinly sliced
1 sprig curry leaves, leaves picked
5 cm (2 in) piece pandanus leaf
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
2 cardamom pods, bruised
½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1 teaspoon chilli powder
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground coriander
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon fish curry powder
2 long green chillies, chopped
½ lime
Prawn Curry. Photo by: Anson Smart
Peel the prawns leaving the tail on, reserve the heads and de vein them by cutting the digestive tract out of the center of their back.
Clean the reserved prawn heads by removing the shell and washing out the guts, you should be left with just the legs and eyes.
Add 200ml water in a food processor and blend until a smooth paste forms, then strain through a fine sieve, extracting as much liquid
as possible.
Discard the solids then combine the paste with the coconut cream.
Heat the ghee in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat, add the onion, garlic, ginger, curry leaves and pandanus leaf and
cook over low heat for 6-8 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add the prawns and all the remaining ingredients except for the prawn paste and stir continuously for 5 minutes. Add 300ml water
to the pan, combine well and cook for another 7 minutes, then reduce to a low heat, stir in the prawn paste and cook for another 8
minutes or until the flavours are well combined, the sauce has thickened and the ‘raw curry’ flavour has gone. Do not let the curry boil
or it will split. Remove from the heat and stand the curry for 1 hour to allow flavours to combine.
TERRABELLA
WINERIES
Perseus Winery building
Perseus Winery Bar
O
PERSEUS WINERY
n the outskirts of beautiful Penticton, BC, Perseus
Winery welcomes you to the renowned Naramata
Bench, undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking wine
landscapes in the world.
With its contemporary star-motif label, the winery takes its name
from the Perseus constellation, which can be seen from the winter
night sky. The goal of the Perseus Winery team is to produce wines
of character and distinction from some of British Columbia’s finest
terroirs. Grapes are sourced from the winery’s estate vineyards Lower Bench Vineyard in Naramata and Sunrise Vineyard in West
Kelowna, as well as from renowned growers who farm in some of
the most famous locations in both the Similkameen and Okanagan
Valleys. These include, but are not limited to, Silver Station Vineyard
overlooking Skaha Lake, Blind Creek Vineyard in Cawston,
and Nk’Mip Vineyards in Oliver. By nurturing these celebrated
mesoclimates, Perseus makes a small but exciting collection of red,
white and blended VQA wines. Only the best fruit is used, which
determines from year to year the wines on offer.
Wine lovers and critics alike have been singing high praise for
the winery and its wines. The specialties so far are rich and aromatic
Viognier and Pinot Gris, as well as bold, age worthy reds from
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Malbec. The
signature Perseus wine is a Bordeaux inspired blend, Invictus, which
is latin for ‘unconquerable’. This summer will also see the inaugural
release of two sparkling wines that will be the perfect match to the
Okanagan sun. Capturing numerous awards since the summer
of 2013, and having earned several 90-point-plus scores on the
current release wines, Perseus has in only a short time hit the top of
wine lovers’ must-haves list. One of Canada’s most influential critics,
Beppi Crosariol of the Globe and Mail, included the 2010 Invictus
in his top 5 BC reds of 2013.
The winery itself is situated in a re-purposed 1950s house, and
is a welcoming, must-visit spot featuring a bright, open tasting bar
and a huge deck overlooking Penticton and Lake Okanagan. Here,
knowledgeable staff will guide you through a tasting while you take
in the stunning views.
You can meet your friends for some sips while you plan the rest of
your
Naramata Bench Wineries tour, stroll the vineyard with a glass
Stewart and Rebecca Stephenson
of Pinot Gris from those very vines, or purchase some “simply fresh
food” supplied by Chef Paul Cecconi from Brodo Kitchen. There is
no better way to start or end your Naramata Bench experience than
a visit to Perseus winery.
Learn more at www.perseuswinery.com and see what critics have
to say, and why Perseus is the perfect place to find that special wine
for your cellar or next occasion. n
134 Lower Bench Road
Penticton, BC V2A 1A8
Phone: 250.490.8829 | Toll Free: 888.880.6605
Fax: 250.490.8809 | Toll Free Fax: 888.880.1651
St
yle
WOMEN
T
Jimmy Jimmy Crop in Naomi Destructed
Description: The boyfriend jean, only effortlessly sexier. Part of the Paige core
collection, it’s relaxed at the waist, slim in all the right places and not too slouchy
through the thigh and leg. With flawlessly worn in destruction on a light wash, this is the
go to wash for the spring/summer season. Retail: $299
WHAT’S TRENDING SPRING 2014
“Everything
is
reimagined...
giving...a
rugged,
street-smart
By Connie Ekelund
his season denim reflects fashion’s new super laid-back style being
bruised and battered. Everything is reimagined in frayed and faded
blues, givinga even the sophisticated fashionista, a rugged, streetsmart swagger. In our favorite Demin House PAIGE you’ll find this
to be true. Finish off the look with some strapped colour blocked
heels for her or some derby silhouette Walk-Overs. u
Indio ZipColor in Optic White
A mid-rise, super stretch ultra
skinny that hugs the leg down to the
leg opening with single zippers at the
hips. $262.00
Paige Denim
Vermont Jacket in Kirby
Everyday classic meets
downtown cool with our
essential denim jacket,
reimagined in a slim fit
with a 6-button closure. It’s
snug at the shoulders and
crops above the waist, with
ample cuffs for easy rolling.
$285.00
MICHAEL KORS
Lorah Colorblock City Sandal
• Aqua colorblock leather upper.
• Band at open toe.
• Adjustable slingback.
• 3” chunky heel.
• Leather sole.
$425.00
RAG & BONE
Wyatt Sandal
• Italian cow leather upper
• 4 “heel
• Metal collar button closure at strap
• Elastic gore insets at ankle
• Cross stitch detail
• Slip on style
$580.00
MEN
Men’s PAIGE Denim Twills - Made
from the highest grade Japanese cotton,
the deluxe woven twill offers comfortable
stretch and retains its shape from day to
night. Twills are the perfect alternative to
classic denim for the guy who requires
comfort while maintaining a refined look.
$255.00
Anderson’s
The collection is endless but wanted to
show you some of our top sellers that are
in major retailers across Canada including
Harry Rosen and Holt Renfrew. Nautical
theme, camo and colours are all big this
season. $140.00
Walk-Over shoes
These are all exclusive styles to Harry Rosen.
A nice compliment to denim or twills, these
affordable luxury shoes are handmade
and finish off any outfit. $340.00
TRAVEL NECESSICITIES
Secret Sweater
For the jetsetter the Secret Sweater’s demure size and handy
carrying case make it the perfect companion for wherever the
road leads. When not in use keep it folded and safe in its own
case, which tucks neatly into purses, luggage, and carry-on bags.
The Secret Sweater claims its name from its clever design, which
features 3/4 length sleeves, a body length that hits at the waist for
the optimum range of movement, and a deeply cut away front so
it can be easily hidden under blazers and jackets, or it can be worn
as a cute cover up over dresses. $40.00
Magellan’s is your trusted source for travel accessories,
travel clothing, portable electronics, luggage, gifts, and gear for
all your travel planning.
Desert Pucker Short Sleeve
Shirt
• Made by Royal Robbins®
• Feels like a silk shirt
• Has UPF 27+ sun-protective
material
• Made of machine washable
modal rayon and polyester.
• Wrinkle-resistant
and
has side vents. Extremely
lightweight and packable.
$52.00
Reversible Leather Belt
•Non-metal buckle so it doesn’t
need to be removed for
airport security checkpoints
•Lightweight (3 oz)
•Reverses from black to brown
so you’ll only need one belt
for all your outfits. $37.50
RobeTowl
•Extremely soft and made of anti-microbial
polyester/nylon blend
•Comes with a travel pouch for easy
packing
•Soaks up four times its weight in water
and wrings nearly dry
•Comes with extra-deep pockets for
carrying toiletries and a hood $74.95
Jamie Travel Sneaker
•Made by Dr. Scholl’s®
•Comes with a removable Energy
Wave insole that contains Dr. Scholl’s
Massaging Gel and ensures proper
arch support.
•Also has Dri-Lex® lining to wick
away moisture, and Aegis Microbe
Shield® that controls odor. $65.00
Power Monkey
•Pocket-sized: 4”x1.5”x1.5”
•Huge battery reserve to charge: iPods for 40 hours add’l play
time, 96-hours of add’l stand-by time for phones, 1600 add’l
pictures for digital cameras
• Cannot charge larger
items like tablets or laptops
• Includes four adapter
plugs, a 110-240v adapter,
connectors for iPods and
most mobile phones, and
comes with a travel pouch.
$69.00. n
“To ensure a healthy immune system...we can take
”
immune nutrients that keep our immune system strong.
3 Super Immune Nutrients
To ensure a healthy immune system that protects us from colds,
flu, viruses, bacteria, cancers and other invaders we can take
immune nutrients that keep our immune system strong. Immune
boosters are not the answer as they can cause the immune system
to become overactive promoting inflammation and autoimmune
disease. Daily immune support is the answer. The following
immune nutrients to be taken on a daily basis should ensure you
make it through flu season unscathed.
STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM IN 30 DAYS
HEALTH & WELLBEING
By Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, M.S.
Y
our immune system is a highly specialized front-line defense army that identifies, remembers, attacks
and destroys disease-causing invaders and transformed or infected cells. The immune system seeks,
recognizes and destroys the body’s enemies. When functioning optimally, the immune system is a
powerful protector. Few viruses, bacteria, fungi, cancer cells and parasites are allowed to set up
house and wreak havoc if the immune system is operating at peak performance. So determined to destroy invaders
that the immune system can often go awry and start damaging the body itself. We see this with autoimmune diseases
like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Boosting the immune system is not the answer as that can worsen allergies and
autoimmune diseases. Creating a strong and healthy immune system that keeps you protected and does not become
overactive is the answer. Symptoms of Immune Dysfunction
• Frequent colds and flu
• Herpes (cold sore) outbreaks
• Allergies
• Painful joints and muscles
• HPV and abnormal PAP smears
• Psoriasis, eczema, hives or rashes
• Rhinitis or constant runny nose
• Autoimmune disorders
• Candida overgrowth
• Parasite infections
• Bowel disorders
Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucans
Beta 1,3/1,6 glucans are a natural gluco polysaccharide derived
from the cell walls of a highly purified, proprietary strain of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Beta glucans support a healthy and
strong immune system. Several peer-reviewed research studies
have shown that when beta 1,3/1,6 glucan are swallowed the
immune cells in the digestive tract transport them to the immune
system throughout the body. One double-blind, placebocontrolled trial lasting 90 days in 100 healthy people given
250mg of beta 1,3/1,6 glucans who had developed upper
respiratory infections had the total number of days they were sick
and symptoms reduce significantly.
We know that those who exercise strenuously are more prone
to colds and flu due to the stress on the body. In one study it was
found that those who took beta 1,3/1,6 glucans had improved
immune response and less colds and flu post work out. .Experts
don’t recommend immune boosters be taken as they can have
a negative effect in the body. Several conditions like allergies
are associated with an already overactive immune system and
immune boosters can make symptoms much worse. Beta 1,3/1,6
glucans are not immune boosters but balance and normalize the
immune response making for a strong immune system. One study
that allergy sufferers taking beta 1,3/1,6 glucans the severity of
their allergy symptoms, runny nose and itchy eyes reduced and
quality of life improved.
Vitamin C Super Nutrient
Vitamin C also known as ascorbate and ascorbic acid is the most
important immune vitamin. Vitamin C is antiviral, antibacterial
and anticancer. Vitamin C has been found to increase antibodies.
Antibodies are produced to teach your immune system to
recognize a virus and kill it quickly if you are exposed to that
same virus in the future. Only 9 percent of North American’s are
getting enough vitamin C in their diet. Vitamin C protects against
viral infections by causing the immune system to send out special
immune cells (phagocytes) that engulf and destroy invaders.
In the elderly simply taking 500mg of vitamin C per day for 10
days before a flu vaccine will cause the immune system to make
more antibodies to the vaccine thereby improving the benefit of
the vaccine. Many older individuals do not benefit from vaccines
because their immune system is too weak to make antibodies.
Vitamin C also enhances glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that
aids the immune system. Vitamin C also dramatically enhances
natural killer cells the cells that destroy malignant cells. Buffered
vitamin C — magnesium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate, calcium
ascorbate which are far more absorbable forms and much easier
on the stomach than straight ascorbic acid or ascorbate. Zinc: The Thymus Booster
The thymus gland is like the commanding officer of a very large
army. Without a healthy thymus, the immune system can’t do its
job. Zinc is the most important mineral to the thymus gland. It is so
important that if you have an undersized or malfunctioning thymus
just simply taking zinc citrate can reverse or rejuvenate the thymus.
Over 300 enzyme systems in the body require zinc. As little as
10mg of elemental zinc per day given to the elderly was found to
improve the action of T-cells, immune cells that attack invaders.
Zinc’s antiviral activity was looked at in 37 cold-infected people
in a double-blind, placebo controlled study where zinc citrate was
given over 7 days. After 1 week over 85% of the participants were
symptom free compared to half the group not taking zinc. Zinc
deficiency causes a reduction in T-cells, natural killer cells and
thymic hormone which are all important components of a healthy
immune system.
Remember to wash your hands with soap and water often
throughout the day as most viruses and bacteria enter the body
because we touch our eyes, nose and mouth with infected fingers.
Do not use antibacterial soaps as Tuft’s University researchers
found that over time these anti-bacterial agents are making
super-bug strains of bacteria. Drink several glasses of water to
stay well hydrated. The fluid around your eyes, nose and mouth
are rich in immune army cells that destroy invaders but if we are
dehydrated they can’t do their job of protecting us. And reduce
your consumption of sugar. One teaspoon of white sugar will turn
off your immune army for six to eight hours.
Lorna Vanderhaeghe is the author of 11 books. With degrees
in biochemistry and nutrition she is a nutritional medicine expert.
Her first two books were written on the immune system including
The Immune System Cure and Healthy Immunity. Visit her website
at www.healthyimmunity.com for more information. n
Copeman
Healthcare
Dr. Shawnda Lanting, Copeman Healthcare Centre Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuropsychology
WELLNESS BEGINS WITH A HEALTHY BRAIN
The importance of cognitive assessments for healthy aging
T
By Nicole Aubertin
oday, when people refer to the concept of
“wellness,” they usually describe a state of integrated
psychological and physical health. But there is much
more to true wellness than simply finding harmony in
body and mind. The brain, a very special organ, must be looked at
quite separately from general physical health. Brain function must be
assessed and improved in unique ways that generally fall outside the
realm of primary healthcare. The often neglected third dimension of
true wellness is brain health and few organizations really understand
the subtle interplay between mind, body and brain.
The Brain Health Program at Copeman Healthcare is based on
recent discoveries in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Based on
strong scientific evidence, we now understand more completely how
declining brain health can have a profound impact on both physical
and psychological health. Basic cognitive functions can be assessed
and “baselined” in order to detect any early signs of disease or agerelated cognitive decline. More importantly, such decline in many
cases can be prevented or delayed.
Copeman Healthcare pays special attention to your brain,
beginning with a Brief Cognitive Measure (BCM) or a Memory and
Cognition Assessment (MCA) that is used to establish a baseline
before tailoring a program suited to your individual needs.
Cognitive assessments evaluate important areas of brain
function. These include: memory, concentration, processing speed,
language, and reasoning capabilities. In recent years, it has become
clear that baseline assessments are essential to tracking complete
wellness because they establish a personalized benchmark for future
comparison. Just as changes in blood pressure or waistline help
your physician track your risk of metabolic syndrome, cognitive
assessments allow your neuropsychologist to track changes in your
brain health. This enables your care team to identify early signs
of problems and take action immediately. A baseline assessment
provides a reference point to measure against in the case of problems
or concerns (including major illness or injury). It also helps you and
your team focus on specific areas when developing a treatment and
prevention plan.
Dr. Elisabeth Sherman, Director of Neuropsychology at Copeman Healthcare Centre
Although appropriate for clients of all ages and in all phases of
life, Brief Cognitive Measures (BCM) and Memory and Cognition
Assessments (MCA) may be of greatest interest to those:
• aged 55 or older
• interested in early detection, prevention, and optimization of
overall health
• with cardiac, vascular or other chronic health conditions
• with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or
neurological conditions
• involved in activities that put them at increased risk for head
injuries (e.g., sports, occupational hazard)
Note that obtaining a baseline may be particularly important
for children and adolescents who tend to have active lifestyles and
rapidly developing cognitive skills. Brief Cognitive Measures may be
repeated every 1 to 5 years.
Baseline assessments typically include:
• Clinical consultation with a Neuropsychologist (Ph.D. expert in
brain health)
• Standardized testing
• Recommendations to optimize brain health (provided to the
client and their family physician)
Fees generally range from $550 to $3500 depending upon
the nature of the services required. Brain Health services are
available in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. Visit us online at
www.copemanhealthcare.com for more information. n
Copeman Healthcare
Toll free: 1.888.922.2792
www.copemanhealthcare.com
Vancouver or West Vancouver Centre:
Tia Young: 604.707.2273
[email protected]
Calgary Centre:
Cristle Jasken: 403.270.2273
[email protected]
Edmonton Centre:
Treena Popowich: 780.392.0716
[email protected]
Porsche Panera E-Hybrid
Porsche had one key factor in mind when it decided to
build a hybrid version of the Panamera. Thrifty and clean it
might be, but it had to have the performance and handling
that all Porsche’s are famed for — even the SUVs. There
could be no sacrifices in that respect. Buyers would get
an economical, clean-running car, but it get up and go
when called on to do so and handle like the sports car it is
beneath its largish “4-door coupé” bodywork. The result
is quite amazing. The Panamera is a delight to drive and
visits to petrol stations are blessedly less frequent than they
would be with any comparable car.
The E Hybrid uses a similar powerplant to the Cayenne
Hybrid SUV and it’s a fine piece of engineering. It’s
based on a supercharged and direct-injected 3.0-litre V-6
working in unison with an electric motor (bigger for 2014)
for a combined 416-horsepower.
“The Panera is a delight to drive and visits to petrol stations are
blessedly less frequent than they would be with any comparable car.”
Porsche Panera E Hybrid
LUXURY LIFESTYLE AUTOMOBILES
By Tony Whitney
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
luxury RIDES
T
here are lots of people out there who like the idea of driving a fuel-sipping hybrid car, but their
sense of style and love of fine motoring machinery makes them shrink from owning something that
looks like a diminutive, road-going jellybean.
For those who don’t want to abandon sporty motoring, but would like to make some kind of
“green gesture,” the choices are widening and leading the pack right now is the splendid Porsche Panamera E
Hybrid.
It might be a good plan to recap the Panamera because it’s one of the most fascinating and radical cars Porsche
has ever built. The Panamera was launched following years of speculation and rumours surrounding a 4-door
Porsche of some kind - an idea that horrified purists of the marque, as was to be expected! The Panamera not only
has four doors, but it really does have room for two full-sized people in the back and they’re not just crammed in
there either. I’m 187 cm or so and can sit comfortably in a Panamera, even when their are tall people up front. The
rear doors are quite wide too, so access is no problem either.
The car looks very low and sleek with a slightly bulbous rear roofline — a design feature that allows the rear
passengers to sit with their heads held high and not folded awkwardly on their chests. It’s a much more successful
design effort by Porsche than that of their rivals over at Ferrari, whose new FF 4-seater looks decidedly awkward in
the styling department with its “humped” roofline. And the Ferrari only has two doors. The unkindest comment that’s
been made about the Panamera is that it looks like an oversized 911, but the car has sold well and is contributing
strongly to Porsche’s record sales in many parts of the world.
Transmission is an 8-speed (yes, eight!) automatic with manual option and it’s an outstanding piece of work. Hybrids can be very
smooth and “torquey” and this one, with its 416 horses — is very exhilarating and actually feels a lot like a V-8. With the electric assist,
there’s a feeling that you’ve got a special kind of power on tap. As with pure electric cars, electric motors provide full performance “right
now” and don’t need time to spool up as petrol engines do. If anything, it’s a more satisfying motoring experience than that provided by a
Panamera with a conventional petrol engine alone. Porsche tells us that it’s the most efficient vehicle they’ve ever produced. Under certain
circumstances, it’s more economical than the manufacturer’s Boxster model.
As with other hybrid vehicles, the Panamera uses a large nickel/metal-hydride battery and it’s mounted somewhere under the trunk floor.
It doesn’t seem to rob the car of any cargo space, which is very good. The battery is charged different ways to maximize efficiency, including
plug-in capability for 2014, regenerative braking (waste energy from braking is directed to a battery-charging role) and an automatic
engine stop-start system. Stop at a light and the engine turns off — a disconcerting feeling at first, but I’ve never known one of these to fail
when the time came to drive on. Several models have this feature. All this eco-technology results in an impressive 7.1-litres/100 km using
the European fuel consumption rating system, although the distance you can go on electricity alone is quite modest.
The cockpit is wonderful to behold and confirms Porsche’s reputation for producing “drivers’ cars.” The driving position is just about
perfect and on long runs, the car is exceptionally comfortable. The front seats have just the right amount of side bolstering without making
them confining. There’s a very comprehensive array of dials confronting the driver and this all takes a bit of getting used to. It’s a process
that most people would be very happy to get involved with.
There’s an almost baffling array of switches on the central console, but it’s all a matter of driver familiarity. Once you get used to them,
it’s a matter of time before everything becomes intuitive and there’s no need to glance away from the road once you’ve figured out where
everything is. The navigation system is easy to set up without going through the hefty owner’s manual and I found it deadly accurate in
use, pinpointing house numbers or points of interest very effectively. The only instrument/control layout change I’d like to see is a move for
the hands-free phone button from the console to the steering wheel, even though it would to some extent spoil the look of the beautiful
aluminum and leather wheel.
The car is superbly finished inside and out and Porsche deserves full
credit for proving that it is possible to combine green driving with one
of the world’s finest and most desirable sports sedans. If there are any ENGINE: 3.0-litre hybrid V-6, 416-horsepower.
doubters that the words “hybrid” and “performance” don’t go together, TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with semi-auto option
they only have to take a look at the results of the legendary Le Mans 24- ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in approx. 6-seconds.
PRICE: $110,000-plus, MSRP
hour race for the last few years and Audi’s hybrid successes. u
http://www.porsche.com/canada/en/
In short...
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Edition 1, (C117), 2012
Audi S7 Sportback Luxury
4-Door Performance ‘Coupe’
When Audi decided to add performance versions of most of its vehicles a few years back, it took the rather subtle step of simply
replacing the traditional “A,” as in A4, A6, A8 and so on, with the letter “S.” It may seem to be a modest way of trumpeting your fastest
and most agile cars, but Audi likes it that way and so, it seems, do its customers. The cars are very popular and the S now has a special
cachet with Audi products that’s every bit as significant as the AMG of Mercedes-Benz or the M of BMW.
The best way of finding out how good these cars can be is to get behind the wheel of a few 2014 models, as I did recently, and go
for a drive. My most recent experience was with an S7 Sportback, which is certainly the most visually striking of all Audi S-cars.
“The best way of finding out how good these cars can be
is to get behind the wheel of a few 2014 models.”
One glance at an Audi S7 Sportback (or the less powerful A7 Sportback for that matter) and it’s clear that the car is bound to be
compared with the Mercedes-Benz CLS. When Mercedes first introduced the motoring world to the ”four-door coupe” configuration
with its CLS, it was clear that other upscale manufacturers would follow with versions of their own. The idea of a full five-seat (four with
some makes) automobile that looks more like a sporty coupe was well accepted by buyers of luxury cars. It wasn’t long before BMW
had a contender with its rather awkward-looking 5-Series Gran Turismo and even VW got into the act with its Passat CC.
The great thing about Audi’s S7 Sportback is that it has a nice big hatchback which opens to reveal an impressive load floor —
especially when the rear seats are folded down. Quite apart from the car’s many dynamic qualities, this must make it one of the best
luxury touring cars on the market and quite possibly the most practical of its class ever developed. During my test, I used the car to
move some fairly large pieces of furniture, which it swallowed quite easily in its 1,390-litre cargo space. I felt a little guilty for using this
amazing and powerful machine for mere load-hauling, but it does prove that a supercar (and the S7 fits that category, as we’ll see)
can be practical too.
The S7 is a thoroughly modern design and has great “road presence” which prompts lots of curious glances out on the highway.
It’s a great car for someone who values individuality in an automobile and doesn’t want to drive the same luxury car as thousands of
others out there. If the S7 is a little too much in terms of flat-out performance, buyers can opt for the less potent A7 with its V-6 engine.
The S7 is powered by a remarkable and highly-responsive 420-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 that provides what seems like limitless
power and silky smoothness. It’s mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shifters on the steering wheel. This impressive
level of power is nicely controlled by Audi’s outstanding Quattro all-wheel drive, so it’s not one of those powerhouse cars that will get
away from you on a rain-drenched corner. The power is so effortless that it’s wise to keep a close eye on the speedometer - aided on the
model I drove by a very clear and easy-to-scan head-up display projected onto a patch on the windshield. The speed display sits almost
in the average driver’s line of sight without being obtrusive so it takes barely a glance to read it. A similar engine to the one under the
bonnet of this Audi is used in the Bentley Continental GT (Bentley being part of the VW/Audi Group) and I’d rate this outstanding piece
of engineering as among the very best power units anywhere in the world right now.
As with even the least expensive Audi, the interior is very well executed — I especially liked the quilted leather seats which looked both
racy and luxurious. Sitting behind the wheel of an S7 is a very rewarding experience and the cabin ambiance is as good as anything
in the industry — especially from a design standpoint. Everything is pretty well where it should be and there are some interesting safety
features too. My test S7 came with a blind spot warning system which functions by displaying LEDs on the back of the door mirror when
a vehicle is sitting in your blind spot. We’ve all had the experience of beginning a lane change when a passing vehicle isn’t visible
either by mirrors or an over-the-shoulder glance (every car ever built has a blind spot somewhere, it seems). Another remarkable safety
system that’s available as an extra with the A7 is a night vision camera that displays
an image on an instrument panel screen. It shows up people and even small animals
way down the road that you’d never spot with the naked eye at night. It’s a bit like
watching the closing scenes of the movie Zero Dark Thirty, which is viewed through
the night vision goggles of the attacking Navy SEAL unit, but it sure adds a road safety ENGINE: 4.0-litre twin turbo V-8
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic with
bonus.
The S7 Sportback certainly rates among the world’s great cars right now. It is manual mode
expensive, as might be expected, but it has great individuality, a most impressive ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in approx
twin-turbo V-8 engine, superlative comfort and ready-for-the-track handling. There’s 3.9-seconds
not much more you can ask of a luxury saloon that delivers not only serious power, PRICE: $92,100 MSRP
http://www.audi.ca
but surprising practicality too. n
In short...
Medical Marijuana
Where There is Smoke...
Medical Marijuana
By Khurram Malik
Where There is Smoke…
THC Effects/Benefits
CBD Effects/Benefits
Non Desirable Side Effects
Higher Mental Relaxation
Lowers Anxiety
Increases Appetite
Increases Focus
Stimulates Creativity
Fights Depression
Increases Energy
Relieves Physical Pain
Relaxes Muscles
Relieves Spasms & Seizures
Reduces Inflammation
Sleep Aid
Reduces Nausea
Calms Overactive Nerves
Loss of Memory
Increases Sense of Paranoia & Fear
Hallucinations
Sense of Losing Control
Risk of Over-Excitation
Can Lower Blood Pressure
Impairment of Reflexes & Loss of Sensations
By Khurram Malik
M
arijuana or Marihuana is the most widely produced and consumed illicit drug in the world today. About
5%widely
of theproduced
world’s adult
populationillicit
(aged
18 in
tothe
64)world
had consumed
Marijuana at least once in 2010
Marijuana or Marihuana is the most
and consumed
drug
today. About
to64)
the had
UN.consumed Marijuana at least once in 2010
5% of the world’s adult population according
(aged 18 to
Marijuana
is
one
of the oldest cultivated crops in human history and its plant history dates back
according to the UN.
almost 40 million years. Marijuana wasn’t widely criminalized until the early part of the 20th century in many parts of
Marijuana is one
of the oldest
cropswhen
in human
and its plant
history
dates
the world.
In the cultivated
United States,
morehistory
“conventional”
drugs
came
ontoback
the almost
scene at40turn of the 20th century that
million years.had
Marijuana
wasn’t
widely
criminalized
until
the
early
part
of
the
20th
century
in
many
partspopularity
of
better consistency in terms of quality/potency and were easier to store, Marijuana’s
shifted more towards
the world. In the
United
States,
when
more
“conventional”
drugs
came
onto
the
scene
at
turn
of
the
20th
recreational use. The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 banned recreational use and in 1942 it became illegal to use for medicinal
century that had
better consistency
in termsitsofuse
quality/potency
andUnited
were easier
Marijuana’s
applications.
Canada banned
earlier than the
States to
by store,
adding
it to its Opium and Drug Act of 1923.
popularity shifted
more
towards
recreational
use.
The
Marijuana
Tax
Act
of
1937
banned
usepurposely crossed to produce
There are two main kinds of marijuana plants) with unique properties. Theserecreational
two plants are
and in 1942 it became illegal to use for medicinal applications. Canada banned its use earlier than the
hundreds of marijuana strains for consumption:
United States by adding it to its Opium and Drug Act of 1923.
There are twoCannabis
main kindsSativa:
of marijuana plants) with unique properties. These two plants are purposely
• Comparatively
tallto(5-6
meters)
and thinofplants
crossed
produce
hundreds
marijuana strains for consumption:
1)
•
Have a light green color with narrow leaves
•
Originated in Colombia, Mexico, and South East Asia
•
Can take 10-16 weeks to mature once flowering has begun
Cannabis Indica:
• Comparatively
short (1-2
meters) and dense plants
Cannabis
Indica:
•
Have
a
dark
green
color
with
broad leaves
•
Comparatively short (1-2 meters)
and dense plants
•
Afghanistan,
and
Tibet
• Originated
Have a in
dark
green colorMorocco,
with broad
leaves
•
take 6-8 weeks
to mature Morocco,
once flowering
has begun
• CanOriginated
in Afghanistan,
and Tibet
•
Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR)
In 2001, the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR)
came online and marked the arrival of medical marijuana in
Canada. Under this program, individuals can gain access in three
different ways:
1.It could be grown by the user with a Personal Use Production
License (PUPL)
2.The user could designate someone else to grow it for them via
a Designated Production License (DPPL)
3.It could be purchased directly from Health Canada, which was
supplied by one private company, Prairie Plant Systems Inc.
Only one strain was available using this option at a fixed and
subsidized price for the licensed user.
Licensed participants under MMAR have grown from 477 in
2002 to around 40,000 by the end of 2013. The majority of
license holders grow medical marijuana themselves—this is the
cheapest way to gain access. For the sake of comparison, Health
Canada charges $5/gram, the black market cost can be in excess
of $10/gram, and homegrown supplies can cost considerably
less than $1/gram. Certain participants consume in excess of 10
grams a day—At Health Canada prices, this would equate to over
Can take 6-8 weeks to mature once flowering has begun
Exhibit 1: Sativa vs. Indica Plants & Leaves
Sativa
Indica
INVESTMENTS
There are about 500
natural compounds
found within a
marijuana plant. These
compounds, which are
largely unique to
marijuana plants are
called cannabinoids.
Two particular
c
a Source: theweedblog.com
n
n
abinoids are the main focus of research/production for both medicinal and
recreational use of Marijuana:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
• Most well-known and abundant cannabinoid
• It binds with CB1 receptors that are plentiful in the brain to
produce psychoactive effects. The “high” that most associate
with Marijuana
• It is found in higher concentrations in the Sativa plant.
Cannabidiol (CBD):
• Second most abundant cannabinoid
• It does not bind with CB1 receptors in the brain so it doesn’t
produce psychoactive effects. In fact, it can counter the “high”
produced THC
• Shows greater potential to treat a broader range of ailments
• It is found in higher concentrations in the Indica plant
• Have a light green color with narrow leaves
• Originated inCannabis
Colombia,Sativa:
Mexico, and South East Asia
•
Comparatively
meters)
thin plants
• Can take 10-16 weekstallto(5-6
mature
onceand
flowering
has begun
2)
There are about 500 natural compounds found within a
marijuana plant. These compounds, which are largely unique to
marijuana plants are called cannabinoids.
Two particular cannabinoids are the main focus of research/
production for both medicinal and recreational use of Marijuana:
$91,000 per annum in expense in a country where insurance
really doesn’t exist for this treatment option.
With such a large jump in participants, Health Canada in recent
years has decided to phase out MMAR for a different program.
The biggest issues with MMAR that needed to be addressed were:
At 40,00 participants, it was becoming an administrative
burden for Health Canada
The subsidy cost was becoming a bigger drain on Health
Canada’s operating budgets
There still was not enough accessibility for individuals seeking
this treatment
Having over a million plants being grown under personal
license (often in residential settings) was a safety hazard and
was leading to an increase in criminal activity in residential
neighborhoods. There also were not enough enforcement tools
for local law enforcements.
The quality and safety of medical marijuana grown was a
growing concern (i.e. mold is a bigger safety issue than a person
consuming too much).
They won’t admit it, but the potential for considerable tax
revenue was not being realized under MMAR
Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR)
MMAR is being replaced by the Marihuana for Medical Purposes
Regulations (MMPR) program. This new program went fully live
on April 1, 2014. The basic premise of this new approach allows
Health Canada to have more control over the program, increase
accessibility, and earn significant tax revenue.
Effectively, Health Canada under MMPR will only license and
regulate a small number of commercial producers. Individuals
can no longer grow medical marijuana for themselves. As shown
in the process chain diagram, Health Canada has completely
removed itself from the medical marijuana sector in Canada
except for its control over these new commercial scale producers
(Prairie Plant Systems Inc. is licensed under MMPR and will now
have competition).
Here is how a user gains access under MMPR:
Step 1: An interested user gets a prescription from a licensed
medical professional (same as before, but the medical professional
has less liability and can prescribe it for a much broader range of
ailments—no regulatory body decides what these ailments could
be).
“There are over 400 applications in the system
awaiting Health Canada’s approval. ”
Step 2: It is then up to the interested user to choose which
producer to use.
Step 3: The producer verifies the prescription and dosage with
the medical professional.
Step 4: The producer works with the verified user to find the
appropriate strain(s) and can supply up to a one month supply of
product via a licensed shipping company (i.e. FedEx).
If done properly, it can now take less than 24 hours from
the prescription being written to the verified user receiving his/
her supply of marijuana. For producers, this is now a consumer
branding exercise and attracting users with limited marketing tools
and retaining these customers (it is a minor inconvenience for a
user to switch producers) will be key.
Step 1
User
Doctor /
Nurse
Step 4
The Bottlenecks
There are over 400 applications in the system awaiting Health
Canada’s approval. The vast majority of these applications will not
meet the strict requirements to qualify for a license. If an applicant
meets the requirements, it should technically get a production
license. However, Health Canada can approve these at an
unknown pace of its own choosing. This is the supply bottleneck.
There are currently 12 licensed producers under MMPR and we
expect this number to increase significantly over the balance of
this year.
Step 3
Producer
Regular Back
& Forth
Step 2
Health
Canada
The majority of medical professionals including Health
Canada do not recognize marijuana as a legitimate treatment
for any ailment. Also doctors and nurses are being asked to write
prescriptions with little understanding of dosage and no detailed
medical studies. These detailed studies cost hundreds of millions
of dollars and take many years to conduct. They are also typically
done by pharmaceutical companies who have little involvement
in the medical marijuana business at present, so no one should
expect similar studies in the near future. This is the demand
bottleneck as the doctors and nurses are now the gate keepers to
growing the market under this new program.
Size of Market
Health Canada expects the current 40,000 participant count to
increase at roughly 25% per year to arrive at 450,000 licensed
users in 10 years, which would result in $1.3 billion in revenue for
producers. We feel this projection is very conservative, since the
growth rate from 2012/2013 was closer to 100% under the less
effective MMAR program. The black market in Canada is several
multiples larger than the existing MMAR user base. This black
market is the true target of these new licensed producers who can
offer the following advantages:
• In most cases cheaper product
• Greater number of strains
• Higher and more consistent quality
• A more convenient method of supply
• The user is no longer breaking the law
For these and other reasons (largely tied to less hurdles for
doctors/nurses writing prescriptions), we expect the Canadian
market to reach 450,000 licensed users in less than ten years.
The Injunction
On March 22, 2014, a federal judge ruled that MMPR would put
an undue economic hardship on MMAR users that are currently
growing their own supply. The judge also put an injunction that
prevents MMAR from expiring on March 31, 2014 until a new
hearing is conducted to address this issue. This hearing will not
happen for another 9-12 months. However, no MMAR licenses
will be issued to new participants. On March 31, 2014, Health
Canada launched an appeal challenging this injunction. If nothing
else changes, licensed producers or hopeful applicants targeting
these 40,000 licensed users under MMAR as the principal source
of their initial customers under MMPR in 2014 are negatively
impacted. Those producers principally targeting the black market
and first time users who will have an easier time getting access to
medical marijuana under MMPR are less affected.
Investor Considerations
Most investors can only gain exposure through investing in public
companies. There are few ways to currently get this exposure on
Canadian exchanges right now. There are a large number of
stocks on US OTC exchanges that have performed very well in
recent months and have exposure to marijuana markets in states
like Colorado and Washington (includes exposure to recreational
use as well). By and large these are very high risk investments
with a large percentage of companies that will never achieve
operational self-sufficiency.
The Canadian market is considerably more stable and
transparent than what is happening in the US. Therefore our
bias is towards Canadian exposure. The first licensed producer
under MMPR is expected to start trading on a Canadian exchange
during the first week of April. There will be others that will join it
over the balance of 2014. For most investors we recommend
waiting until the end of 2014 before making investments in this
space (it is still early days with plenty of upside to take advantage
of in the coming years). For those looking to get involved in small
speculative investments in the near-term, we would recommend
looking for the following attributes:
• A company that is well capitalized before going public
• Has a professional management team with public market
experience that is supported with an experienced operational/
growing team
• Has a defined customer service and branding strategy
• Scale and properly structured first movers will have certain
advantages
• Producers with a large number of high quality strains will also
be better positioned
There are a large number of junior companies on Canadian
and US exchanges (typically junior mining plays) that have recently
announced their intention to “hunt” for Canadian medical
marijuana licenses. The majority of these companies have no
understanding or experience in this field. They are also working
with a target market where most license holders have no interest
in going public at this point. So the bulk of their negotiations are
with other start-ups that have applications in to Health Canada.
We would avoid these stocks until there is clarity on legitimate
license acquisitions.
Disclaimer
The author of this article works for a full service investment bank
that is actively involved with a large number of private and public/
go public medical marijuana companies. Additional information
on this space including specific information on individual medical
marijuana companies can be gained by contacting the author
directly at [email protected].
Here is my four-prong approach.
1. Your 2014 RRSP Limit
Your 2014 RRSP limit is 18% of your 2013 “earned income,” to
a maximum of $24,270. This amount is reduced by your pension
adjustment from your 2013 employment slip. Your past service
contributions may also affect it.
Earned income for most people consists primarily of employer
salary. It can also include income such as bonuses, commissions,
business, professional, farming, along with net rental income. Note
that rental losses reduce earned income; hence, the RRSP deposit.
“One family goal is to achieve
similar taxation for each
spouse during retirement.”
rrsp — iT’S TIME TO GET SERIOUS IN 2014
By Adrian Mastracci, Portfolio Manager, KCM Wealth Management Inc.
WEALTH
Y
ou’ve just finished taking care of your RRSP needs for the 2013 tax year. Hence, this is a great time to
pay serious attention to your RRSP matters for 2014. One major goal is to make that portion of the nest
egg last to age 90, or longer, for both spouses.
The venerable RRSP was introduced in 1957 as a $1,500 contribution. Since
then, it has slowly and methodically developed into the primary foundation for family retirement plans.
Leading edge boomers are particularly attached to RRSPs.
The self-employed too use the RRSP as the most important substitute for the lack of employer pension plans.
Individual RRSP account values often exceed $500,000. Of course, someone has to coordinate and steward the
investments for the lifetime of the spouses.
• Three sound reasons to encourage and pursue RRSP accumulations stand out:
• Long-term, tax deferred investment growth.
• Future income withdrawals, ideally at lower income tax rates.
• Deductions provide current income tax savings.
Get serious in 2014 about how the RRSP fits into your total plan. You will agree that there is much to synchronize all
at once. Understanding the RRSP regime makes it easier to plan and coordinate your particular retirement marathon.
This methodology works best:
• Reflect on what you need to accomplish for your retirement.
• Figure out what’s in your best interests before you take any action.
Maximum 2014 RRSP entitlement is reached with earned
income of $134,800 in 2013. RRSP deposits must be made by
March 01, 2015 to be deducted in your 2014 income tax filing.
Your allowable RRSP contribution room includes carry-forward
amounts from previous years. A 1% monthly penalty applies to
RRSP deposits that exceed allowable limits.
The CRA notice of assessment (NOA) from your 2013 tax filing
calculates your 2014 RRSP room. Note that the allowable $2,000
over contribution amount is not included in your NOA room. Be
careful if your NOA indicates you have unused RRSP contributions
at bottom of that page. It usually means you’ve made some RRSP
deposits that have not yet been deducted.
This table illustrates the progression of annual RRSP limits:
Tax Year
RRSP Limit
Earned Income Required*
2011
$22,450
$124,700 in 2010
2012
$22,970
$127,600 in 2011
2013
$23,820
$132,300 in 2012
2014
$24,270
$134,800 in 2013
2015
$24,930
$138,500 in 2014
* Figures rounded.
2. Sensible RRSP Strategies
A key strategy is to treat the RRSP as an integral part of your total
game plan, not in isolation. Pay special attention to how the RRSP
fits with your goals and objectives. A retirement projection is a
good tool to start with. It estimates required savings injections,
necessary capital and investment returns for your specific situation.
RRSP deposits can be made to your account, spousal, or
combination of both. A family can also make all deposits to one
spouse and later switch to the other. Spousal RRSPs can play a
key part in equalizing a family’s retirement income. Especially, if
one spouse will be in a low, or lower, income tax bracket during
retirement.
One family goal is to achieve similar taxation for each spouse
during retirement. Splitting of income that qualifies for the $2,000
pension income deduction also helps. The income split is an
allocation decision that can be changed annually to suit your
needs. The decision is made at income tax filing time.
You don’t have to make RRSP deposits every year. Unused RRSP
room can be carried forward until funds are available. You can
also make the allowable RRSP deposit and elect to deduct part or
all in a future year. Be careful not to double count and create an
over contribution exceeding $2,000. Deposits can be made in
cash or “in kind.” However, be aware of the “deemed” disposition
rules for “in-kind” contributions.
3. Our Sage RRSP Advice
First, design and follow a well diversified investment plan suitable
for you. Coordinate your RRSP investing approach with the rest of
your portfolio. Location of investments in your various accounts is
an important consideration. Some investments, like equities, may
make more sense outside the RRSP.
Never place income tax provisions ahead of sensible
investment strategies. If investments don’t make sense without tax
considerations, look elsewhere. Be fully aware of the investment
risks incurred within your RRSP. Remember that capital losses can’t
be used inside RRSPs.
Capital gains are not taxed favourably in RRSPs as they are
personally. Everything withdrawn from RRSPs is fully taxed as
income. Understand the investments currently owned and being
considered. Resist rushing into buying something if you’re not
comfortable.
If you borrow, the interest paid on RRSP loans is not deductible.
It’s wise to repay RRSP loans quickly, preferably within one year.
Your tax refunds help.
4. Jump Start Your 2014 RRSP
RRSP contributions for 2014 can be made until March 01, 2015.
There is no reason to wait to the last minute where funds are
available. Your 2013 NOA will outline 2014 RRSP room. Form
T1213 can be sent to CRA to reduce payroll taxes after your 2014
RRSP deposit is made.
Business owners and self-employed should start planning
their 2014 “earned income”. Revisiting the 2014 remuneration
composition helps the process. Business owners may also assess
whether the Individual Pension Plan (IPP) suits better than the RRSP.
The pros and cons of IPPs have to be weighed for each case. u
guidance is cautious, markets can slip. If earnings forecasts point
to added optimism, markets can move higher.
Some companies provide no guidance; others issue guidance
that is easily achieved. Remember that revenue growth is the
biggest challenge for companies in this environment. Uncertainty
can muddy the markets all too quickly, so simplify the money
matters. Look upon accepting short-term portfolio volatility as the
tradeoff for long-term investing potential.
Position the portfolio for low returns to continue well past this
year. Keep bond ladder maturities under five years and start selling
longer maturities. Many portfolios fare better by reducing needless
investment risks. Especially, those whose stocks and mutual funds
exceed 60% of total portfolio value.
Prudent investors skip the fanciness and focus closely on where
they are headed. For the rest of this year and thereafter. Investors
have enjoyed a bull market since March 2009 without long
corrections. However, many gurus think things could change.
Hordes of predictions are making the rounds. They run the
gambit from substantial pullbacks, slowdowns, sideways steps
and more upsides. All flavours can be heard on the same day. So,
should investors be concerned? Is it time to jump ship? Perhaps,
run and hide? Reality is that nobody really knows.
The right answer should be no, unless the nest egg is truly in
tatters. A well-designed portfolio ought to ease investment jitters
and concerns most times. A couple of smart moves improve
retirement portfolios year-round in a pension-like fashion.
To borrow a phrase from a previous Ford advertising
campaign, “quality is job one”. Serious money portfolios benefit
from owning a healthy splash of quality. It’s wise to stick with
quality investments, especially for the core selections. Make sure
the portfolio foundations are fortified with quality. Both for the
equity and fixed income mix.
It’s far too easy to trade in quality for the lure of higher yields.
The last few years have been brutal on fixed income returns, so
it’s completely understandable. Just not always wise. Quality is a
best friend of prudent long-term investors. Remember the phrase
from children’s books that reads something like “slow and steady
wins the race.”
In baseball, it’s preferable to get on base frequently rather than
always aiming for home runs. The same applies to retirement
portfolios. If some excitement must be part of the portfolio, carve
out a small portion. Something that won’t hurt much if it crumbles.
Hitting investment home runs is exciting. However, trying to achieve
high returns on a few hot selections is a low percentage strategy.
Strikeouts can inflict serious portfolio damage, often for a long
time. So, limit exposures to single stock investments to sensible
accumulations. Particularly, if the company is also the employer.
Individual stock levels above 4% raise the caution flags. Also
refrain from loading up on the must have sizzling bandwagons
of the day.
Adopt these moves for year-round investing. Keep your line of
sight on how pension plans think and invest to deliver long run
income for decades. Just don’t bet the farm for any reason. n
Culture
WHEN 400 PENCILS ARE THE
PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT
By Rebecca Rothney
“Small space, little effort
, big impact. ”
If turning age 71 during 2014, you are subject to the rules
converting the RRSP by December 31, likely to a RRIF. Hence, you
can begin planning the RRSP conversion. Such conversions require
all RRSP deposits to be made by December 31, 2014 unless there
is a younger spouse. Lastly, making RRSP deposits early in the year
achieves higher investment growth for your retirement.
It makes good sense to keep your RRSP strategies simple and
smart. There is no need to over think the approach and make
it complicated. Start by pursuing what you know and build on
that platform. A second set of eyes may have merit. Investing is a
logical exercise.
RRSPs are one vital cornerstone of the retirement puzzle. Get
serious about your RRSP and treat it with special care, especially
if you’re near or in retirement. I’ve highlighted that there is much
to resolve and coordinate about your RRSP. The payoff is that
you will be depending on it during your marathon of retirement.
Questions are always invited..
That is, the need to deliver better-than-expected results.
Quarter, after quarter, after every quarter! Analyst estimates and
expectations have become benchmarks to match or beat for each
quarter. A very tall order for any company, quarter in and quarter
out.
Companies live or die under the magnifying glass comparisons
to analyst figures. Investors often make sweeping portfolio
changes based only on one quarter’s results. Heaven forbid when
corporate margins shrink over several quarters. Dare to miss on
revenues, profits or guidance and corporate fortunes can change
very quickly.
Consequently, companies are always trying to manage analyst
and investor expectations. Stock prices can easily slide if reported
results don’t measure up to predictions.
Think for a moment about this Herculean task. Analyst estimates
can be adjusted frequently, like a moving target. Delivering
increasingly better quarterly results is neither easy nor realistic.
Investing lasts a lifetime; investor patience can boil over in one
quarter.
Companies are in need of some relief for periodic slippage.
Longer term directions of the results are more important measures
than one quarter’s results. Pursuing quarterly improvements is
akin to the trader mentality. It does nothing to foster the long run
investing approach.
“Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his
neck out,” said American chemist James Bryant Conant. Global
economic headlines continue to show signs of a weak recovery.
Investors are anxious about sticking their necks out.
Stock and bond markets are confused. As the joke goes, figure
out the logical investment move then do the opposite. Investing is
not likely to be a cakewalk, so best to be fully prepared. Like the
turtle, investors too may also be sticking their necks out.
A few simple steps help steer through the investing curves
ahead. Expect to encounter more market volatility, in both
directions. Design loss/gain and buy/sell strategies carefully in
view of sudden price moves. If the overall tone of the future
M
y mother always told me that when you visit
someone and experience their hospitality, you
need to bring a hostess gift. This was one of the
founding principles of Pack for a Purpose the
global non-profit I founded four years ago.
During our first trip to Africa, my husband Scott and I realized that the
airline allowed us 90kgs of checked luggage in addition to 18 kgs each
of carryon bags. However, our safari, once we landed in Botswana only
allowed 18 kgs of luggage per person. I realized that we could put our
checked luggage allotment to good use by bringing a meaningful gift of
appreciation to the host country on our next trip.
On our second trip to Africa, we planned to visit the Mabele Primary School near Kasane Botswana. As a former
teacher of 12 years, I understood how difficult it can be to get school supplies for a classroom.
With help from Wilderness Safaris, a highly respected ecotourism operator in Southern Africa, we were able to identify
items needed by the school, and delivered 64kgs of requested school supplies and soccer balls. It was enormously
rewarding to be able to help the people in the community that had given us such a life-changing experience.
After several trips where we and friends delivered supplies to communities in Botswana and South Africa, I began to
explore a way to include other travelers in this meaningful opportunity. When I asked our travel agent why other travelers
did not use their luggage allotment this way, he simply told me other people did not think about it. I realized that if more
travelers were involved, they could make a huge impact on the lives of those in need. In order for my idea to become a
reality, I knew I would need assistance from many of my talented friends.
With their help, the Pack for a Purpose website went live in December of 2009. The process is simple: select a
destination, find a lodging or nearby tour company, choose the supplies you wish to bring from the list of items they
request, and then drop them off when you arrive. Pack for a Purpose currently partners with lodging destinations and
tour companies to provide over 370 locations in over 50 countries. All lodgings or tour companies affiliated with Pack
for a Purpose are delighted to accept supplies, regardless of whether or not a traveler is staying there.
Our all volunteer, nonprofit organization makes it very easy to make an impact in a meaningful way. Most travelers do
not realize that by setting aside space for less than 3 kgs in their luggage, they can provide 400 pencils or five deflated
soccer balls for a school or an orphanage. For the same weight, travelers can bring a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff,
and 500 band-aids for a clinic. With that one stethoscope, a traveler can touch 10,000 hearts.
In the past four years, Pack for a Purpose has become a successful, impactful reality. Global travelers have brought
over 14,000 kgs of supplies to community projects in over 50 countries around the world. We have received several
awards including the Travel & Leisure Global Vision Award in 2012, and we were shortlisted for The Observer Ethical
Award in the Travel category in 2013.
Pack for a Purpose’s motto is “Small space, little effort, big impact.” Before your next trip, I would encourage you to
spend time exploring our website www.packforapurpose.org to see how easy it is to positively influence a community
near your destination. Pack for a Purpose gives travelers a way to add value to their vacation, making sure the trip they
take goes much farther than the miles they travel! n
Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery
Stewart Stephenson painting the Flower “Sass” Series
STEWART
STEPHENSON
MODERN ART
GALLERY
S
STEWART STEPHENSON, KISS MY SASS
Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery, Vancouver, May 1 to June 1
tewart Stephenson was born in London, Ontario in
1966. Although arts played a dominant role throughout
his life, he never received formal training. In 2011,
this Vancouver-based multidisciplinary artist barreled
into the Vancouver visual art scene with his unique perceptions
and vivaciously joyful expressions of colour and light. Working
within a diverse range of styles, Stephenson allows his emotional
response to his surrounding to influence and guide his projects.
Currently Stephenson is immersed in a project that he holds
very close to his heart. The show entitled Kiss My Sass, will feature
works from his Flower Sass Series, taking these whimsical flowers
to incredible heights and depths. Art is known to play a key role
in promoting a safe and calming environment for those during
the healing process. This is the reasoning behind Stephenson’s
choice of his Flower Sass Series to raise funds for the Canadian
Cancer Society. A fundraising event will be held at the Stewart
Stephenson Modern Art Gallery at 1300 Robson Street on May
1st. Stephenson is also donating net proceeds of the sales of
designated Sass paintings to support the eradication of cancer and
the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.
Stephenson addresses the traditional floral scene with a vibrant
and playful approach in his Flower “Sass” Series. He prompts the
viewer to pause and look at the beauty of daily life with a slight
smile. In his efforts to create a positive synergy with in his work,
Stephenson blurs the line of what we know and what we believe.
Although seemingly quite simple, they demand a complex
appreciation from the viewer, as one is left with a sense of warmth
and well-being. Stephenson focuses on movement created with
intense colours and bold lines in hopes to transcend the ordinary
and move from the certain to the unbounded. Viewing his work
is like stepping into another world, one that is light and full of
laughter. A beautiful moment without traffic, deadlines or crowds;
a moment to yourself. Stephenson maintains, “I conscientiously
put forth an effort to produce art which visually establishes a
positive relationship with the viewer. If I have aroused an emotion
from the viewer, be it curiosity, wonder, pleasure or even humor,
then I feel I have done my job as an artist.”
After experimenting with various finishes, Stephenson
developed a unique system of applying hand-laid high gloss
resin, resulting in a flawless museum quality finish.
The glossy surface
encourages the viewer’s
interaction,
prompting
them to get up close
and personal with the
art. By adding this glasslike surface to his work,
Stephenson
delivers
paintings in a nontraditional manner to
test the boundaries of
viewer’s perspectives and
perceptions.
About The Gallery:
Opening its’ doors in
December 2012, Stewart
Stephenson Modern Art
Gallery has become
a hub for all things
vibrant and funky in the
Vancouver art scene.
Focusing on exhibiting
innovative original works
by local contemporary
artists,
the
gallery
Stewart and Rebecca Stephenson
displays up to 200 local
works at any given time.
The gallery is operated by Stewart Stephenson and his wife
Rebecca Stephenson, Gallery Director, and is located in the heart
of downtown Vancouver.
For more information on this artist or the upcoming
exhibition please visit us at 1300 Robson Street or online
www.stewartstephenson.com. n
Lil Sass, 2012. Stewart Stephenson, mixed media on board, 36” x 50”
Gozo, 2013. Stewart Stephenson, mixed media on board, 48” x 96”
Stewart Stephenson
Modern Art Gallery
1300 Robson Street Vancouver
BC V6E 1C5 Canada
Phone: 1.877.ART.7100

Where Happiness Finds You Where Happiness Finds You Where

Transcription

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