2007 Summer - Federation of Portuguese

Message from the President
The 2007 Board of Directors have
quickly geared up to what promises to be
another good year with a slew of events in
the making. This year’s board is comprised
of a number of members from very diverse
professional backgrounds. Join me in welcoming a number of new faces this year;
Lu Amaral, Josie Caldas, Jude Fernandes,
Fernando Martins, Cristina Marques and
Sergio Ruivo. I’m also very grateful for the
directors whom have opted to stay with
us; Francine Antonio, Avelino Fonseca,
Eunice Machado, Teresa Melo and Paul
Silva. This group has already displayed a
commitment to continuing the great work
carved out by the past 25 years of community involvement.
In the following pages we share the
successes of the already transpired events,
including: the Member-Get-A-Member
event on May 28, 2007 and the Portuguese
History and Heritage Essay Contest
Awards Ceremony on June 21, 2007. At
the time of this publication, the Annual
Golf Tournament was in full swing, and
we have faith that it will once again be a
crowd pleaser. A full recap will be included in our next newsletter.
Be sure to visit our website for a number
of upcoming events scheduled for the remainder of 2007 such as: Call to Election
Seminar in September, Construction and
a Professionals Seminar in October, the
Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner in
FPCBP
Mission Statement
To promote business activity, foster
professionalism, develop networking opportunities, enhance political
visibility, encourage academic excellence and, as the representative voice,
advocate the prominence of our members within and outside the Portuguese
Canadian Business and Professional
community.
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
November and in December a festive get
together. Full details will soon be posted.
With change being a constant in our
world, it is with mixed emotions that we say
good bye to Michael Sebastião, Executive
Co-ordinator for the FPCBP. Michael has
decided to return to school this fall. On
behalf of the board – present and past –
and all the members, I would like to take
this opportunity to wish Michael the very
best and to thank him for a job well done,
he will be greatly missed.
As one door closes another opens, and
we welcome Jennifer Abadesso to the post
of Executive Co-ordinator, Jennifer comes
very highly recommended and has already
proven herself to be an asset to our organization.
success of all FPCBP events. Participation
is the key ingredient.
I would like to thank the 2006 Board of
Directors for the fine job carried through
their term, this enabled this year’s board
to effortlessly and effectively takeover the
torch.
As we press on, we need the full support of our membership and our very generous sponsors to ensure the continued
Lena Barreto,
President
Applications for the FPCBP’s 2007 Scholarship
Awards are now being accepted
The FPCBP is once again recognizing the outstanding academic achievement of our youth.
Scholarhips ranging from $1,500 to $2,500, courtesy of our many sponsors, will be awarded at the
26th Annual Scholarship Dinner on November 8,
2007. For more information, and to download an
application form, visit our website at www.fpcbp.
com or call the office at 416-537-8874.
TM
www.scotiabank.com
1
Meet the FPCBP Board of Directors
Lena Barreto, President
A Branch Manager with RBC Royal
Bank, Lena has been working in the financial sector for more than 22 years
where she started as a Customer Service
Representative. In her leisure time, Lena
dedicates herself to various civic initiatives,
including Habitat for Humanity, fundraising for the Hospital for Sick Children,
Cancer Research, Junior Achievement and
a few different Portuguese organizations.
In 2000, Lena received a Mississauga
Local Heroes Award and in 2004 she received a Volunteer Award from the City of
Mississauga.
Avelino Fonseca, Vice-President
Avelino started his own business,
Carlane Masonry, in 1983. Together with
another partner, he also owns Trican
Masonry – a company that handles the masonry for several well-known builders and
employs more than 400 workers. Avelino
also builds houses, with a notable project
in Toronto completed and new projects on
the horizon.
Francine Antonio, Secretary
Francine Antonio is a Communications
Advisor with the City of Toronto. A Director
since 2005, she was the Editor-in-Chief of
the FPCBP’s 25th Anniversary Magazine,
which debuted in Dec. 2006. She is currently involved with Operanation IV – an
annual fundraiser for the Canadian Opera
Company, and continues to play a role
in the promotion of the Alte Hotel, her
family’s hotel in the Algarve. Francine received a BA (Hons.) in Philosophy from
York University and an MSc in Philosophy,
Policy and International Relations from the
London School of Economics and Political
Science.
Sergio Ruivo, Treasurer
Sergio has more than 20 years experience in public accounting/management
consulting. He spent several years within
industries in senior financial roles, before
moving into the commodity sales tax consulting field. Through his practice, Sergio
is dedicated to serving the needs of the
Portuguese business community.
Lu Amaral
Lu has held senior roles in the areas
of personal, commercial, private banking and investments. She is responsible
for business growth and ensuring that all
bcpbank Canada customers experience
superior customer service. In addition, she
will support the local community through
local sponsorship programs and events.
An active member of Toronto’s Portuguese
Canadian community, Lu is a member
and former President of Vasco da Gama
Cultural Centre of Brampton and a member of Carabram, The Zonta International
Club of Brampton-Caledon, and a board
member at Casa Dos Açores.
Josie Caldas
Josie is a law student at Queens
University. She has been extensively
involved with the Portuguese community working at local community centres since she was 16 years old. She has
a Bachelor of Business Administration
from the Schulich School of Business at
York University, where she specialized
in Marketing. Josie also spent six months
studying at L’Institut Européen d’Etudes
Commerciales Supérieures de Strasbourg
in Strasbourg, France.
Jude Fernandes
Jude is employed by the Government of
Ontario to provide support and services to
continued on page 3
New to the FPCBP team – Jennifer Abadesso!
Jennifer Abadesso has recently joined
the Federation of Portuguese Canadian
Business Professionals (FPCBP) as the
Executive Co-ordinator. For those unfamiliar with her past endeavours, Jennifer
has been active in the Portuguese community through her singing, volunteering and humanitarian projects, most notably her involvement with the Canadian
Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. One
hundred per cent of the proceeds of her
latest musical undertaking, entitled “This
Time,” were donated to the Toronto West
Unit’s Cancer division.
Most recently, Jennifer has completed
her degree in Professional Writing from
York University and aspires to be a journalist. For the past several years, she has
worked alongside her parents at their
bookkeeping firm R.M.A. Bookkeeping
Services Ltd.
At this juncture in her life, Jennifer
is thrilled to be joining the FPCBP, an
organization brimming with ingenuity
and talent. Besides the rewarding learning experience that is bound to ensue,
Jennifer hopes to form an amicable rapport with the assembled membership.
Thank you to the 2007 FPCBP Sponsors
TM
2
Representative Office
Banco Santander totta SA
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
Courtesy of Jamie Iria
community. Fernando specializes in immigration, employment and criminal law. He
is also an active member of the Portuguese
Canadian Lawyers Association.
FPCBP 2007 Board of Directors and staff, from lt to rt: Jennifer Abadesso, Teresa Melo, Jude Fernandes,
Eunice Machado, Paul Silva, Lena Barreto, Josie Caldas, Cristina Marques, Michael Sebastião, Francine
Antonio and Avelino Fonseca. Absent: Lu Amaral, Fernando Martins and Sergio Ruivo
continued from page 2
various political projects. He has a background of life-long learning, with degrees
in physiology, biochemistry, marketing
management, computer networks, project management and a master’s degree in
business specializing in corporate culture.
Eunice Machado
Eunice earned an Honours Bachelor
of Arts degree with distinction from the
University of Western Ontario in 1999 and
a Juris Doctor degree from the University
of Toronto in 2002. She was called to the
Ontario Bar in 2003. She is a lawyer at
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP where she
has a general corporate litigation practice
Teresa Melo
Teresa Melo has worked at Scotiabank
since 1987 and has held progressively senior positions within the branch network.
Most recently, Teresa has been appointed
Branch Manager at the Dundas and Brock
location. This assignment is especially
dear to Teresa as it allows her to reconnect with her roots and work within the
Portuguese community, contributing to its
success and progress.
Cristina Marques
Cristina is the co-owner of Dreamcoast
Homes. She has been an entrepreneur in
the Portuguese Community since 1975.
Cristina is also active in various initiatives,
some of which include, being a member
of the Assessment Review Board, Chair
of the Advisory Board of General Arts &
Sciences Department at Humber College
and President of the Federal Liberal Riding
– Davenport.
Paul Silva
Paul graduated from the University of
Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Arts
degree in Canadian History and a Bachelor
of Social Science in Political Science in
1998. In the summer of 1998, he worked at
Expo ‘98 in Lisboa as a Hospitality Officer
at the Canadian Pavilion. He then went on
to study at the University of Windsor Law
School where he graduated with an L.L.B.
in 2001. More recently, Paul accepted a
position to work as a lawyer for a leading title insurance company in downtown
Toronto after having practiced real estate
law for almost four years in the GTA.
Fernando D. Martins
Fernando currently has his own law
practice in the heart of the Portuguese
FPCBP Trustees
Ana Bailão, Avelino Fonseca, Silvia
Jacinto
and specializes in franchise and class action litigation.
MINHO
ROOFING
Reparamos e fazemos
de novo todos os tipos
de telhados
LTD.
Flat Roofs | Shingles | Calhas de Agua
RESIDENCIAL • COMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
Para orçamentos
grátis contacte: Manuel Ferreira
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
416.533.8616 | Cell: 416.816.2460
3
Member-Get-A-Member Event a Success!
The Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business Professionals
(FPCBP) held their annual Member-Get-A-Member event at
Chiado Restaurant on May 28, 2007. The event was a great success with about 48 guests in attendance. A number of prominent
members showed their support, as well as the Consul general of
Portugal in Toronto, Dr. Maria Amélia Paiva.
Upon arrival, guests were offered a distinctively flavourful selection of Portuguese wine, red and white, generously supplied
by ICEP. On the food front, Chiado Restaurant treated guests to
a wide assortment of delicacies, including salmon puffs and vegetable rolls, which have become signatures of Chiado’s meticulous, world-renowned gastronomy.
As the evening wore on, attention wafted over to the door prizes. Business cards had been collected earlier, for the raffling of
Eunice Machado, FPCBP Director; Ana Bailão, FPCBP Past President; Lena
Barreto, FPCBP President; Cidalia C. Faria
two individual tickets to the Federation’s Annual Golf Tournament
being held at the prestigious Royal Ontario Golf Club on June 27,
2007. FPCBP members (and previous Directors) Paula Oliveira
and John Peter Ferreira walked away winners.
Overall, the FPCBP secured 17 new members, which only
serves as a testament to the organization’s widespread appeal.
One guest in particular, Armando Lopes, whom subsequently
became a student member, summed it up best when he said:
“When’s the next event?”
The FPCBP wishes to thank Mr. Albino Silva, owner of Chiado
Restaurant and Senhor Antonio Tapas, for hosting the FPCBP’s annual Member-Get-A-Member event.
Teresa Melo, Director; John Lopes; Scotiabank; Arletta Santos, ScotiaMcLeod
By Jennifer Abadesso
Social Functions
Corporate Functions
The Pearson Convention Center is Toronto’s newest and most sumptuous
venue for successful corporate events or fashionable social affairs. Close to
Pearson International Airport, in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, the
60,000 square-foot Pearson Convention Center is equipped with the latest in
hightech facilities and telecommunications services, in a setting rich with a
timeless elegance of design, exquisite amenities and good old-fashioned
comfort.
Offering a full range of rooms to comfortably host every kind of group - from
intimate gatherings for fewer than a dozen guests, all the way up to
spectacular live shows with an audience of two thousand - the Pearson
Convention Center is a superb environment that will fully adapt to your needs
and your vision,to make your event a perfect and memorable success.
Your Success is our Success!
2638 Steeles Avenue East, Brampton
Tel: 905.494.0444 • Fax: 905.494.0344
www.pearsonconventioncenter.com
4
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
FPCBP Member-Get-A-Member Evento um Successo!
No passado dia 28 de Maio, com a presença de 48 convidados, teve lugar no Restaurante Chiado localizado no no 864
College Street, um cocktail para angariação de membros para a
Federação dos Empresários Luso-canadianos. Este evento anual,
“Member-get-a-Member” já consagrado no calendário da FPBCP,
contou com a presença da Cônsul-geral de Portugal em Toronto
a Dra. Maria Amélia Paiva assim como a de distintos e dedicados
membros da Federação.
Os presentes puderam apreciar diversos vinhos representativos da excelente vinicultura portuguesa, uma generosa oferta do
ICEP, assim como desfrutar do supremo gosto gastronómico a
que o senhor Albino Silva - proprietário do Chiado - nos tem já
habituado ao longo dos anos.
É de realçar, igualmente o facto, que durante o decorrer desta
agradável reunião, foram recolhidos os cartões de visita de todos
os profissionais e empresários que se encontravam presentes, e
Dra. Maria Amélia Paiva, Cônsul-geral de Portugal em Toronto;
Lena Barreto, Presidente da FPCBP; Lu Amaral, Directora da FPCBP
posteriormente, sortearam-se dois bilhetes para o torneio anual
de golfe da FPCBP a realizar-se no dia 27 de Junho do corrente
no Royal Ontario Golf Club. Os dois membros vencedores deste
sorteio, Paula Oliveira e John Peter Ferreira, não puderam esconder o contentamento de terem sido os sorteados.
Por último, o sucesso deste evento traduziu-se com a angariação de 17 novos membros para a FPCBP que marca assim o
grande dinamismo e envolvimento de todos os elementos que
integram esta associação. Dinamismo este, que ficou muito bem
demarcado com o comentário feito no fim desta reunião, pelo
estudante e novo membro da FPCBP , Armando Lopes que afirmou “Quando é que está previsto o próximo evento?”
Jude Fernandes, Director da FPCBP; Paula Oliveira, bcpbank; John Martinho;
Carlos Teixeira, antigo Presidente da FPCBP
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
Por: Jennifer Abadesso
Tradução por: Paula Oliveira
5
FPCBP Past President Charles Sousa
is looking for a seat at the political table
Courtesy of Medeiros Photography
Born in 1958 and raised in Mississauga South, Charles Sousa
was acclaimed as the Liberal candidate for his hometown riding on May 29, 2007. A proud first generation Portuguese
Canadian, Charles speaks to FPCBP Director and Newsletter
Editor, Francine Antonio about his decision to enter politics and
the role of Portuguese organizations, like the FPCBP, as fertile
training grounds for tomorrow’s politicians, professionals and
business leaders.
Charles is a long-standing community volunteer for such
groups as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Credit Valley
Hospital Foundation, and of course, the FPCBP where he served
as President in 2000, and continues to be an active member.
Charles believes strongly in the role of Portuguese organizations, like the FPCBP, in raising the profile and political visibility
of the community. “Organizations like the FPCBP, the Congress
and the Alliance serve an important role in supporting the community in a broader sense, but they also prepare their members
in other capacities – be it in politics or business,” he says. “The
FPCBP provides the fertile ground to build the confidence and
abilities of its members and volunteers – I know I certainly benefitted.”
Professionally, Charles has been with RBC Financial Group
for more than 20 years. He is currently the director for business
development in the RBC Commercial Financial Services sector.
Previously, he was senior manager with RBC Financial Group’s
Government and Community Affairs, which required him to deal
with various levels of government in promoting the bank’s corporate affairs strategies, while also assisting in public policy.
This was only one of the many roles Charles occupied that
allowed him to satisfy his growng desire to affect public policy,
and contribute to the political, social and economic well-being of
Ontario, and the Portuguese community he holds so close to his
heart. “The Portuguese are a proud people,” says Charles. “The
community is fortunate to have a range of successful people that
only serve as examples…the political, social, economic beacons
of success that we’re all trying to achieve – I’m just doing my
part.”
Charles’ extensive campaign experience in all three levels of
government, his long-standing community involvement and volunteerism, and the immense community support around him
made the decision to run for public office easy.
“The Portuguese community has been really great,” he says.
“Even as President of the FPCBP, people encouraged me to run
for political office…the same people that want representation and
a voice in government. I’m not running because I’m Portuguese.
For me, it’s about doing something effectively, giving back and
accomplishing things that matter to our everyday lives…like supporting heathcare and education. Running provincially will allow
me to achieve those goals.”
In Ontario, and Canada, there exists a growing trend of
Portuguese Canadians seeking election to political office, and a
voice to help shape public policy. “Portuguese Canadians have
always had a role in political campaigns, but they’ve historically
been missing from the political table,” says Charles. “Portuguese
Canadians bring a diversity that has been lacking. The community
has had a long stay in the Canadian establishment (since the first
immigrants arrived in 1953, including Charles’ father). With many
first, second and now third generation Portuguese Canadians, I
believe we’ll see more and more Portuguese Canadians entering
politics.”
Supreme Realty
BROKERAGE
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
A Community Bank for a
Community Business
www.bankbcp.com | 1.866.77mybcp
6
www.realestate2buyandsell.com
DIRECTOR’S
PLATINUM
AWARD
Filipe Ferreira
Real Estate Broker
Direct: 647.298.9299
BUS: 416.535.8000 | FAX: 416.539.9223
Email: [email protected]
1245 Dupont St., Mezzanine Floor Toronto, Ontario M6H 2A6
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
The FPCBP commences a “rapprochement” with the Chambers of Commerce
from the Italian, Indian, and Chinese communities
The current Board of Directors of the FPCBP is continuing talks
with other Chambers of Commerce in the Toronto area. In late
2006, a rapprochement of sorts was born when the FPCBP in
partnership with the Italian Chamber of Commerce, the Toronto
Chinese Business Association, and the Indo-Canada Chamber of
Commerce joined the European Union Chamber of Commerce in
Toronto to launch a new initiative being undertaken in the fall of
2007 to promote Toronto as a global city that is ready to do business with the world.
As all parties worked to jointly supporting this initiative, it soon
became clear that our organizations share similar objectives and
concerns. Chief amongst these shared goals is promoting the
business interests of our membership, and supporting our members at the local, provincial and federal levels.
One of the positive benefits raised by these early discussions
was the creation of an environment of co-operation between
these various business organizations, providing the support of
a broader metropolitan community on issues that affect us all.
For example, when the undocumented workers issue arose in
Toronto some months ago, this was seen as an issue where the
FPCBP could have benefited from the support of other organizations, including those listed above, in presenting a more united
position with respect to the plight of these individuals.
assistance is needed. A peripheral objective in this exercise is
the expansion of business opportunities for the membership of
the various Chambers, thereby offering additional benefits to the
members who may wish to transcend cultural lines in the interest
of promoting their business. For example, our members who may
be interested in doing business in China or India would gain the
advantage of being invited on trade missions to these countries,
or conversely, members from other Chambers would be invited
on trade missions to Portugal.
Although the interests and objectives of all of the organizations
are not identical, there are similarities, and it is these common
bonds that are worth exploring for the benefit of all. A committee is currently undertaking a review of the possible mandate
for such an alliance, and how a formal framework will be put
in place to facilitate supporting one another in the times where
Stay tuned for future articles highlighting developments between the FPCBP and other Chambers of Commerce in Toronto.
As a Board, we are always looking for ways to increase the value
of your membership.
By Paul Silva, FPCBP Director
António F. Azevedo
416.533.7133
Barristers
&
Solicitors
892 College Street, Toronto, ON M6H 1A4
Motor Vehicle Accidents, Slip and Falls, Insurance
Disability, Family, Criminal, Wrongful Dismissal
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
7
The FPCBP’s 4th Annual Essay Contest:
Celebrating Portuguese History and Heritage
In celebration of Portuguese History and Heritage, the FPCBP
held its 4th Annual Essay Contest. Students in grades 7-12 submitted essays with the theme “To me, being Portuguese means…”
or “Para mim, ser Português é…” Despite that most of the LusoCanadian youth are first generation Canadians, these essays
proved the strong connection and sense of pride that the LusoCanadian youth still feel for their Portuguese roots.
“Para mim, ser Protuguesa é uma honra,” writes Amanda Pires,
winner in the grade 9-10 Portuguese category. She goes on to
write that “Para mim, ser Portuguesa é ter Portugal no coração...
é sentir saudades daquele país tão lindo, onde os nossos pais na-
From lt to rt: Eunice Machado, Co-Chair of the FPCBP’s 4th Annual Essay
Awards Contest; Lena Barreto, FPCBP President; Josie Caldas, Co-Chair of
the FPCBP’s 4th Annual Essay Awards Contest
sceram e cresceram.” A similar feeling is felt by Sarah Rodrigues,
winner of the grade 9-10 English category. She writes, “To me
being Portuguese means being blessed with a culture of strength,
pride and happiness… being Portuguese means having pride, being proud of your culture and being proud of your name. Every
time someone asks me, ‘What’s your background?’ I am proud to
say ‘Portuguese!’”
Sarah Rodrigues, winner of the grade 9-10 English category,
with a family member
Seguros de Vida
Seguros de Hipoteca
Seguros Invalidez
Doenças Graves
Cuidados a Longo Prazo
Planos de saúde e Dentários
Visitantes e Viagens
Empregados (Grupo)
RRSPs / RIFs / LIFs
RESPs (Educação)
Planos de Poupança
Fundos Mútuos
Fundos Segregados
Planeamento Financeiro
Planeamento de legados
Planeamento de Reforma
MEMBER
MILLION
DOLLAR
ROUND
TABLE
Advocis
Member
Victor Ferreira, EPC, RFC
Ao serviço da região Sul
do Ontario desde 1994
* Corretor de Seguros
*Corretor de Investimentos
Conselheiro Financeiro
Serviço conveniente em
sua casa ou escritório
O insucesso não é planeado... é falta de planeamento!
Escr: 905-939-2930 • Toll Free: 1-866-939-2930
Cell: 416-709-2716 • Fax: 905-939-4524
8
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
Given Canada’s vast immigrant community, assimilation can often be a challenge.
However, Alexandra Raposo, winner of
the grade 7-8 Portuguese category, has not
forgotten her pedigree. She writes, “Para
mim, ser Portuguese é uma grande parte de
quem eu sou: uma pessoa que faz parte de
uma historia, cultura e tradição magnífica.
Eu sou canadiana e portuguesa. Porque
sem isso, minha identidade não está completa. Era como se eu fosse um tapete de
Arrailols meio acabado, ou uma toalha de
linho meia bordada, ou uma canção meia
cantada, um fado desafinado.”
FPCBP Student Essay Contest Award winners and judges
Christmas holidays it is tradition to make
the traditional dessert called “Bolo Rei”
which is also known as fruit cake. It is custom to have one of these through out the
Courtesy of Jamie Iria
A common theme in many essays was
the focus on Portuguese traditions. From
rancho to fado, to food and festas, it is clear
that Luso-Canadians are still very much
living a Portuguese life. Kelly Henriques,
winner of the grade 7-8 English category,
says “the traditions in the Portuguese cul-
FPCBP Student Essay Contest Award winners with award sponsors (Scotiabank and Dreamcoast
Homes), FPCBP Board Members and Consul General of Portugal in Toronto
ture are amazing; they have been fun for
me and many others that are part of this
culture. Every year there is a traditional
celebration of Portugal Day on June 10th,
we celebrate Portugal and our culture. For
Christmas season. Cod fish is another well
known tradition because every Christmas
dinner cod is served.”
It is also clear that one cannot speak
Avelino Fonseca, FPCBP Director; Lena Barreto, FPCBP President; Dr. Maria
Amélia Paiva, Consul General of Portugal in Toronto; Paul Silva, FPCBP Director
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
of Portuguese traditions without speaking of the family bond that the Portuguese
hold so dear. Chantal Lopes, winner of the
grade 11-12 Portuguese category, writes
“As tradições portuguesas e a sua cultura
em geral, ensinaram-me a importância do
laço familiar, um pilar para os meus valores morais e éticos.” Amanda Caldas,
winner of the grade 11-12 English category recalls, “Some of my fondest memories are of my family’s lunches on Sunday
afternoons. No one would ever dream of
missing Sunday lunch at my grandparents’
house.”
In celebration of their outstanding essays and inspiring words, all six winners were awarded $1,000 towards a
Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP)
on June 21, 2007 at the Consulado Geral
de Portugal in Toronto. Congratulations!
By Josie Caldas and Eunice Machado
FPCBP Directors and Co-Chairs of the
4th Annual Essay Awards Contest
The FPCBP wishes to thank the dedicated
judges, and On Your Mark! for promoting
the Essay Contest Awards.
Chantel Lopes, winner of the grade 11-12 Portuguese category,
with her family
9
Paul Ferreira: a working class kid from the Azores
who’s achieved something special
At 34, Paul Ferreira became one of
the youngest Members of Provincial
Parliament when he was elected in the
riding of York South-Weston on February
8, 2007 under the NDP banner. He also
became the first Azorean-Canadian ever
elected to Ontario’s legislature, a fact that
makes him, his parents and his two sisters
proud. Freelance journalist Philip Alves
spoke to Paul about his journey from São
Roque to Queen’s Park.
PA: When and where were you born?
PF: I was born January the 7th, 1973 in
the Azores in a town called São Roque ...
on the island of São Miguel.
PA: When did you come to Canada?
PF: We came to Canada in March of 1979.
I was six years old at the time.
PA: Have you always lived in your riding
of York South-Weston?
PF: No. In fact my parents settled in
Brampton where my grandmother was.
She had come to Canada many years before us. I grew up in Brampton and then
went off to university in Ottawa. I moved
to Toronto in 1999 ... and now call York
South-Weston home.
PA: Has your family always been active
politically?
PF: Both my parents were active trade
unionists, so certainly there’s that part of
the ideological upbringing. My family –
going back to Portugal – there was some
activist involvement. I had a cousin who
was involved in the student movement in
the Azores in the 1960s. Perhaps some of
it runs in the genes, I don’t know.
PA: Fill me in on what you did before
politics. In other words, what led you to
run for office?
PF: The first time that I ran was in 1997 as
a 24-year-old and that was in Brampton.
We arrived here in 1979 and, frankly, my
parents didn’t arrive with much. They had
to spend most of their savings to get the
four of us over here, my sister Grace and I,
and the two of them. We were very fortunate that we were given an opportunity to
get ahead in life. We lived in social housing for the first year of our time here in
Canada. There were programs made available to my sister and I through the school
system that we were very grateful for. What
really stirred me to run for office was my
strong belief that everyone, regardless of
where you’re born and who your parents
are and what your financial circumstance
may be, that everyone deserves the same
opportunity to get ahead in life and to
achieve success.
PA: What does it feel like to be the
first Azorean elected to the Legislative
Assembly of Ontario?
PF: Azoreans, at least in large numbers,
have been coming into Canada for the better part of 50-odd years. For me to be able
to say, or to be seen as the first to hold a
seat at Queen’s Park is tremendously humbling and something that I’m extremely
proud of. I also hope that my accomplishment leads others to get involved in the
same way. ... Especially amongst young
people, I hope that it encourages them to
get involved in the life of their community,
wherever they happen to live, and to get
involved politically and to strive to hold
elected office. I think it’s a very noble profession.
PA: So you gladly accept the title of role
model then?
continued on page 10
Full Banking Services
Now at our new location
1168 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON M6J 1X4
Tel: 416-533-9245 | Fax: 416-533-2578
www.pccufinancial.com
PORTUGUESE CANADIAN CREDIT UNION
10
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
continued from page 10
PF: Absolutely. Role model, mentor –
whatever you want to call me.
PA: What did being the first Azorean
elected to Queen’s Park mean to your
family?
PF: On my election night, my mom was
able to be there and one of my sisters
was able to be there. My dad was actually working that night; he was on night
shift at the steel plant. ... Halfway through
my victory speech, he managed to walk
in! He managed to get away and he was
able to join me up on stage. It was an ab-
solutely wonderful feeling to be able to
share that with them. ... I’m just a working
class kid from the Azores who’s been able
to achieve something special.
PA: How has the Portuguese-Canadian
community supported you?
PF: Folks have encouraged me to run. I’ve
had members of the community who have
actively campaigned on my behalf.
PA: What are your thoughts on
Portuguese organizations like the FPCBP
in terms of raising the clout and the profile of the community?
PF: They have a very important role to play
Twentieth Annual Portugal Day Parade
On Sunday, June 10, 2007, Portuguese passion, flair and creativity graced the streets of Portugal Square at the 20th annual
Portugal Day Parade. Thousands of Luso-descendants flooded
Dundas St. W. to celebrate Portugal Day, and to see the many
celebratory floats put together by various community businesses, clubs and associations.
in advancing the interests of the community, but also in bringing people together.
... I think that the cultural groups, the service clubs, the professional associations,
they all have a very important role to play
in unifying the community and in making
it stronger.
PA: Anything that you would like to add?
PF: I hope that the folks who read this are
encouraged to get involved in the political
discourse of their community. Partisanship
aside – it doesn’t matter who you decide
to get involved with, just get involved!
We have a tremendous role to play, the
Portuguese-Canadian community.
The Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and
Professionals (FPCBP) was a proud and customary participant at the parade, where it took the opportunity to promote
the 2007 FPCBP Scholarship Program to the youth in attendance and distribute copies of its renowned 25th Anniversary
Commemorative Magazine.
Amongst those present in the FPCBP float, were four 2006
FPCBP Scholarship recipients – Nicole Oliveira, Moises Maria,
Steven Gonçalves and Diana Pontes. The FPCBP would like to
thank them for their service and commitment to the PortugueseCanadian community. Finally, the FPCBP would like to thank
the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario
for another vibrant Portugal Week celebration.
FORÇA PORTUGAL!
By Michael Sebastião
Preventive Maintenance… An Investment for your peace of mind. Repairs to all makes-Foreign & Domestic | Road Assistance
Bento’s
Auto & Service Centre
“Government Safety Inspection”
OPEN
24 Hours
for your service
Tel: 416-533-2500
Fax: 416-588-2258
2000 Dundas St. W.
Toronto, ON M6R 1W6
Repairs to cars, trucks, pickups, and all at very
convenient time.
At Bento's we care about your busy schedule, and
regardless of the time, if your car needs service call us
with the symptoms are, we will order all parts that we
suspect may be the problem, with no commitment on
your part, when you bring your car later we will repair it
into the night and you will be up and running without
interruption on your busy lifestyle.
If have a fleet of trucks or administer a fleet call me for
your supply needs if you need: oil, tires, lubricants or
any other large truck parts we can get them for you at
very competitive prices.
Bento’s
Ontario's Drive
Clean Program
65+ will get
a $5.00 rebate
on the test.
If you have a luxury automobile
and need special care
visit our location at
2000 Dundas St. W.
Auto & Service Centre
Tel: 416-531-9981 | 416-531-9982 | Fax: 416-531-1934
1544 Dundas Street Toronto, ON M6K 1T5
(Just West of Dufferin Street)
Do you own a Diesel Light Truck, Car or Vans?
Bento's auto now has licensed mechanics to serve you. 24 HOURS A DAY TO SERVE YOU.
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
11
PAYE Initiative:
A way for employers to give back to the community without paying a cent
PAYE (Partnership to Advance Youth Employment) is a joint initiative between private employers and the City of Toronto. This
program is designed to engage the participation of corporate sector employers in Toronto in order to increase economic activities
for youth from certain priority neighbourhoods in the city. The
City of Toronto has enlisted the participation of various employers
in the GTA who are assisting by providing support for this program. City staff provide ground level support for PAYE initiatives
by matching qualified youth to the employment opportunities
offered by PAYE supporters. In addition, City staff will provide
ongoing assistance and support to those youth who become employed under this program.
The organizers of the PAYE initiative recently contacted the
Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals
(FPCBP) to inquire as to whether or not members from our organization would be interested in partnering with the City of Toronto
for this initiative. We decided that because the program is a winwin opportunity for both participating employers and youth, we
would present it to our members. We believe it is win-win because it allows youth who are unemployed to gain the experience
and responsibility required to earn a pay check, and allows them
to become more confident in themselves, while staying out of the
trouble. For participating employers, there is no cost to participate in the program. The City of Toronto provides free recruitment
services by screening and matching candidates with employers.
In addition, the employer benefits greatly from the publicity associated with being a sponsor of the program, while giving back
to the GTA community.
For FPCBP members that might be interested in becoming
sponsors of the program, the youth that are considered under this
program are:
• individuals seeking general entry level
positions or better depending on qualifications.
Employers
who
have already decided
to join this program
as participants and
sponsors
include:
Black Business and
Professional Association; Canadian Tire; CIBC World Markets
Inc.; Deloitte & Touche LLP; Heenan Blaikie LLP; IBM Canada;
Italian Chamber of Commerce; McCarthy-Tétrault LLP; Microsoft;
RBC Financial Group; Toronto Board of Trade; TD Bank Financial
Group; United Way of Greater Toronto.
This is a prominent group of companies, and it would be a
great opportunity to be listed along side them.
Recruitment occurs at job fairs that are held in priority neighbourhoods throughout the GTA. For example, a participating corporate sector employer will submit a job description for a position currently available with their company prior to a job fair and
City staff will attempt to match properly qualified candidates with
that employer. The employer at the job fair then conducts interviews with matched candidates. Youth are pre-screened by youth
employment experts for employability skills, aptitude, personal
preferences, interests, and goals. The more detail provided by the
participating company, the better the match will be. All normal
HR practices of employers are to be followed regarding probationary periods and wage levels, and benefits should be market
rate and commensurate with the position.
• up to 29 years of age
• high school graduates, internationally-educated workers
with post-secondary education in need of Canadian experience,
or youth looking for a fresh start after leaving school early for family, societal, or economic reasons
• a diverse group with a wide range of skills, education, and
experience
The next job fair will be held within the next couple of months.
If you are an interested employer that wants to provide opportunities to youth, or if you would like further information about this
exciting opportunity, please contact Devi from the City of Toronto
at 416-397-1475. Please mention that you were invited to participate by Paul Silva at the FPCBP.
By Paul Silva, FPCBP Director
Make the most of your dreams
TM
12
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
City News
Water service capital improvements and water rates
At its meeting in February, Council approved a nine per cent
increase in water rates for Toronto Water for its operating and
capital budgets. Because the increase will take place part way
through the fiscal year, the increase will be shown as 10.8 per
cent as it is charged on future water bills. The increase will help
the City complete projects to repair the water infrastructure and
to keep the water delivery and waste water system in good repair,
to ensure the City is in compliance with new provincial legislation requirements for drinking water safety and reporting, to help
clean up City beaches for public swimming, and to acquire land
to preserve source water.
New design for street name signs
At its March meeting, Council adopted a new street name design style for the City of Toronto that introduces commonality of
colour and shape, improves legibility, and proposes consistency
and distinctiveness for those neighbourhoods and BIAs that request specific identification and branding. The City replaces between 2,000 and 2,500 street name signs each year. The new
street name signs will be introduced, as the old signs require regular replacement. City staff will provide options for the disposal
of decommissioned signs, including the sale of old signs with proceeds benefiting the community. Staff will also report on a program to permit existing signs to remain in heritage conservation
districts, and in older neighbourhoods and historic communities
in the city, as well as in areas where current multilingual signs
exist. Council’s decision to consolidate and co-ordinate the City’s
street name signage supports the beautification and cleanliness
of Toronto’s roads, and preserves the unique quality of Toronto’s
many distinct neighbourhoods.
Enhanced property standards for heritage buildings
In March, Council agreed to a set of minimum property standards to protect heritage properties designated under the Ontario
Heritage Act. Designated properties that fail to comply with the
new standards will be required to undergo repairs and maintenance work to ensure compliance with the standards. In addition,
staff will prepare a report on the use of the City’s powers under
the City of Toronto Act to carry out emergency repairs to protect
the structural integrity, and prevent the deterioration of Toronto’s
heritage properties from neglect.
Conference Centre proposed for Exhibition Place
At its meeting in March, Council approved $29 million in capital funding, including a $21.2 million loan from the City, to construct and furnish a new Conference Centre at Exhibition Place.
Under the proposed plan, the Automotive Building will be renovated to accommodate the new conference facility. City heritage
Preservation staff will work with Exhibition Place staff to ensure
the heritage character of the building, which is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, is preserved. The lack of available
meeting space is an important issue as trade shows often incorporate seminars and break-out sessions as part of their activities.
Exhibition Place’s shortage of meeting space has resulted in the
loss of clients to other facilities. The new Conference Centre will
enable Exhibition Place to better compete to host major North
American events.
Toronto Just For Laughs Comedy Festival
In March, Council authorized the approval of a $500,000 loan
to establish an annual Toronto Just For Laughs Comedy Festival,
beginning in July 2007. The Tourism Event Development Loan is a
Council-approved program that is designed to help bring significant events and festivals to Toronto. Just For Laughs is a globallyrecognized entertainment brand with a long history of providing quality comedic entertainment. The Toronto Just For Laughs
Comedy Festival is positioned as part of the organization’s 25th
anniversary celebrations and will be a positive addition to the
Toronto tourism, entertainment and cultural landscape.
City of Toronto 2007 Capital Budget
and 2008-2011 Capital Plan
At a special meeting on March 7, Council approved the City’s
$1.432 billion 2007 Capital Budget, with 50 per cent of the budget earmarked for the TTC. For the first time, Council also approved a five-year Capital Plan of $6.7 billion with two-thirds of
the budget focused on improving city transit and transportation
infrastructure. Included in the five-year Capital Plan are investments in projects to make Toronto a safer, cleaner, greener and
beautiful city. State of good repair spending will average $1 billion each year from 2007 to 2011.
City of Toronto 2007 Operating Budget
At a special meeting on April 20 and 23, Council approved the
City’s $7.8 billion 2007 Operating Budget that maintains important municipal services, including police, fire, emergency services, libraries, roads, transit, waste collection, recycling, and parks
and recreation. To balance the 2007 Operating Budget, Council
approved a property tax increase of 3.8 per cent for residents and
1.26 per cent for commercial and industrial properties. The City
will also use $278 million from its reserve funds as a one-time solution to fill the budget gap. Toronto taxpayers continue to pay for
provincially mandated social service programs that put a strain
on the City’s Operating Budget each year. For the 2008 budget
and future years, the City’s plan calls for the uploading of social
services costs to the province, a share of new revenues that grow
with the economy, such as one cent of the GST, the creation of
a national transit strategy and using the revenue tools granted by
the new City of Toronto Act.
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00am to 6:00pm
Tel: (416) 537-8874 • Fax: (416) 537-9706 • Email: [email protected]
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
13
722 College Street,Toronto, ON M6G 1C4
Tel.: 416-588-4663 • Tel.: 416-588-7329
www.themodclub.com
14
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
Past Presidents
2007 Board of Directors
Frank Alvarez
Ermidio Alves
Luis Arruda
Ana Bailão
David Costa
President
Lena Barreto
Treasurer
Sérgio Ruivo
Vice-President
Avelino Fonseca
Secretary
Francine António
Lu Amaral
Cristina Marques
Josie Caldas
Fernando D. Martins
Jude Fernandes
Teresa Melo
Eunice Machado
Paul Silva
Fernando Costa
Ricardo Castro-Lopo
Raimundo Favas
Almiro Fonseca
Louis Louro, Jr.
João Neves
Nellie Pedro
Leo Pereira
Joe Pinto
Arnaldo Santos
John Santos
Armindo Silva
Charles Sousa
Carlos Teixeira
New Members
Lu Amaral, bcpbank
Fernanda Amaral-Mendonça, The Mortgage Centre
Nelson Baptista, Volvo of Oakville
Josie Caldas, Student
Ana Fernandes, bcpbank
Roosevelt Fernandes, Royal Bank
Rui Fernandes, Fernandes Hearn LLP
Founders
Laura Bulger
Susana Ferreira
Dennis Gil
John Lopes, Scotia Bank
Fernando Costa
John Martino, bcpbank
Vasco D’Avillez
Michael Medina, Centennial College
Cesar de Morais
Diane Rocha, Student
Germano Gonçalves
Joao Simões
Delkar Maia
Regina Suliman, Prive Spa & Hair Studio
Alberto Pereira
Octavio Sampaio
John F. Santos
Armindo Silva
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007
To advertise in this newsletter,
please contact the FPCBP office at (416) 537-8874
15
Macdonald Sager Manis LLP
Lawyers & Trade-Mark Agents
Connie Freitas, B.A. LL.B.
Advogada
Business Law
“A única Advogada Portuguesa dedicada
ao direito de empresas e lei commercial”
"The only Portuguese-speaking lawyer whose
practice is dedicated to corporate
& commercial law.”
150 York Street, Suite 800
Toronto, ON M5H 3S5
16
T. 416.364.1553
F. 416.364.1453
w w w. m s m l a w. n e t
FPCBP Newsletter - June 2007