Power Panel foreign service workers strike

Let's look at CBC NEWS about this strike. I think Treasury Board should do something to stop this strike. Because we gonna lose more, not only money, but also good reputation and images in foreign countries  if it is continuing.

Striking foreign service workers want binding arbitration

The union representing Canada's striking foreign service workers is asking Treasury Board President Tony Clement to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.

Tim Edwards, the president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers, made the offer Thursday in a letter to Clement.

The letter, which sets a deadline for the offer of noon Tuesday, says the job action is having an impact on tourism, education, air transport and agriculture, and is also delaying the processing of visas and immigration applications.

Clement has told the union he has made a fair and reasonable offer, and has urged its members to return to work. 

For me, I sincerely believe that Canadian taxpayers and Canada's economy have suffered enough and it is time to bring closure to our dispute.

Job action started in April

Alternatively, Edwards said the union would be satisfied to return to the bargaining table if the government brought a new offer. Talks between the sides broke down in early June when Treasury Board returned to the table with no new offer.

The union's 1,350 members have been in a legal strike position since April, and have been staging rotating job action in Ottawa and at foreign missions.

The union wants wage parity with their counterparts in other federal departments that make as much as $14,000 more for doing similar work. Earlier this week, Edwards and Clement got into in a public argument over Twitter. The minister told The Canadian Press he wasn't going to "fold like a $3 suitcase" under the union's pressure.

In my opinion, it is negotiating in good faith towards a deal that is fair to taxpayers as well as employees. Personally I think the foreign service jobs are well-paid and highly sought after.

Impact on education and tourism 

Conway said the government wasn't going to address the union's particular concerns in public in order to respect the confidentiality and legal obligations of collective bargaining and to bargain in good faith.

Tourism groups have estimated that the strike could cost the industry $280 million this summer. Also,some foreign students have been forced to withdraw from Canadian university courses because they can't get visas in time.

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations said earlier this week that international students are dependent on receiving their study permits. International students contributed $8 billion to the Canadian economy in 2010, the alliance said.

Students waiting for permits will start their courses late or be denied admission altogether. Edwards said visa processing dropped 65 per cent in June at the three major processing centres in Beijing, Mexico City and New Delhi targeted by the strike.

He also said that more than a dozen trips by federal cabinet ministers have been cut short or cancelled because of the targeted withdrawal of services by its members abroad.

America and the Chinese International Student

Beautiful documentary about the Chinese students' experience. 

International students give Queen's top marks!

Recently, I saw an article that indicated the learning experience at Queen’s University is the best in Canada and one of the best in the world for international students. This result comes from a survey conducted by the International Student Barometer (ISB).

The ISB Survey involves thousands of students from about 200 institutions worldwide. The survey asks students about a range of topics, including pre-arrival experience, arrival experience, learning experience, living experience, student support, career plans and service expectations. 

With respect to learning experience, the 2012 ISB report ranks Queen’s number one in Canada and 34th globally among undergraduate students; number one in Canada and 48th globally among doctoral students; and number two in Canada and 25th globally among master’s students. Queen’s also places number one across Canada for student support, including health counselling and international centre resources, and number two among Canadian universities for the student living experience.

“These figures confirm the extremely high-quality student experience that is a trademark of Queen’s,” says Jim Lee, Vice-Provost (International). 

In my opinion, it is unfortunate that few of the well-known world university rankings include this significant factor-learning experience in their ranking schemes and this highlights a key problem in solely using such rankings to make decisions about the quality of educational institutions. Significantly, this survey tells us that international students place Queen’s among the world’s top 50 institutions in terms of the international student learning experience. Therefore, when choosing your abroad university, academic ranking is important but I think the more important is the learning experience and supports you will have.

According to the ISB survey, undergraduate students ranked Queen’s very highly in student and learning support, notably in academic advising, expert lecturers, and the library. Graduate students gave the university high marks for expert lecturers, guidance in the selection of topics, level of research activity, and opportunities to teach. The results showed students were very satisfied with sport facilities, safety, and the campus environment.

The survey also noted several areas for improvement, particularly in career services, IT support, public transportation links, and the quality of off-campus accommodation.

Free Canadian

It is all about freedom!

Happy Canada Day!

• History of Canada Day

             Canada Day occurs on July 1st, the anniversary of Canada's confederation. Canadians commemorate the day with parades, fireworks, cookouts, and concerts. The popularity of the holiday has been on the incline since the late 1960's and has since become a nationwide celebration.

       Formerly known as "Dominion Day," Canada Day marks the 
anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867, joining Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province (now Ontario and Quebec) into a single country. The Constitution Act granted Canada a substantial amount of independence from England, although complete independence was not given until 1982. Prior to 1900, there was little Canadian nationalism as many Canadians regarded themselves as British citizens. The first official celebration was held in 1917 to honor Canada's 50th birthday. It was not until 1946 that Phileas Cote, a member of the Quebec House of Commons, sent a private member's bill to rename Dominion Day as Canada Day. The Senate responded by recommending the holiday be named the "National Holiday of Canada." Since no one could agree on the name, the bill was defeated. The government first recognized Canada Day in 1958 by holding a trooping of the color on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. 

• Breakthroughts

            In addition to independence from the United Kingdom, Canada Day also marks a number of revolutionary breakthroughs and significant events. The first national radio hookup was initiated by the Canadian National Railway on July 1, 1927. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) held their first cross-country broadcast on Canada Day in 1958. The first color television transmission in Canada was held on July 1st of 1966. In 1967, the Order of Canada was inaugurated. "O Canada" was also named the official national anthem on Canada Day, 1980.

• Activities

     Canada Day  is recognized with parades, fireworks, carnivals, outdoor concerts, and festivals. Many Canadians also engage in popular outdoor activities like sports, barbecues, and trips to the beach. 

     The biggest celebration is held in Canada's capital, Ottawa, Ontario. Events are held in museums and parks across the city. Onlookers can find historical presentations, live music, children's activities, and sports games throughout the day of July 1st. The festival ends with a grand finale of fireworks over Parliament Hill. The Queen of England is often in attendance.

     Canada Day is celebrated in conjunction with the United States' Independence Day during the International Freedom Festival. Fireworks are shot off over the Detroit River, and residents of Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario come together in joint-celebration.

      It is no coincidence that Canada Day is celebrated during one of the warmest months of the year. Whether you spend the day in the sun or participating in your favorite Canadian event, I suggest that you must plan the perfect activity for this holiday. I have come up with a list of unique indoor and outdoor activities geared to celebrating our heritage and summer.

• Go to the beach. Use the holiday as an excuse to bake in the sun, enjoy the warm weather and cool water.
• Go to the park, fly a kite or walk your dog. Most Canadians spend this holiday outdoors so you will be able to take advantage of the summer heat and maybe make a new friend.
• Have your family and friends over for an old fashioned barbecue. Sip on Labatt Blue beer and appreciate what it means to be Canadian.
• Go to your towns local parade. Show your pride by dressing up in all red and white, you will get extra points from your friends if face paint is involved.
• Go to a carnival. Eat fried dough, snack on cotton candy, drink beer, go on all of your favorite rides and play all the games.
• Look up local concerts in your area. Many cities and towns hold festivals where bands will play music at outdoor venues.
• Lounge by the pool and read a good book. Maybe have a nice cold ice cream and enjoy the weather.
• Go for a ride in a hot air balloon. This fun activity lets you admire our beautiful country from thousands of feet in the air.
• Go to your local brewery. Canadians love beer, so there is no better way to celebrate our birthday than to take a tour of your favorite brewery. Many of these tours are free and come with samples.
• Go camping. Take a couple days off of work and enjoy everything that the Canadian wilderness has to offer.
• There is nothing more Canadian than hockey. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame. Take an exhibit tour and honor your favorite players.
• Go to a citizenship ceremony. There is nothing more patriotic than watching new citizens take an oath to love honor and respect our country.
• Go to your local fireworks show. There is nothing more beautiful and patriotic than watching the colorful explosions light up the sky.
• Go fishing. Canada is famous for their awesome bass fishing and this is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate Canada.
• Go on a bear watch. This unique activity allow you to get up close and personal with grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
• Go white water rafting. Canada's rivers offer a variety of different difficulty levels so whether your a rafting pro or a rookie in search of an adventure rafting is always a fun activity.

• Fireworks

        It's time to light the candles for Canada's 146th birthday! Time to party like it's 1867! I have compiled all the information you need to know about Canada Day festivities in Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto, and Halifax. Each city has its own unique way of commemorating the Constitution Act, from skateboarding competitions and pancake breakfasts to live performances and choreographed fireworks. 

      This section lists all the vital details on where to go and what to do in each city, including dates, times, locations, tips, and schedules. Whether you are celebrating atop Parliament Hill or on the shores of Lake Ontario, make sure you bring your maple leaf flag and lots of Canadian pride.

  #1 Ottawa

     Ottawa throws the biggest Canada Day bash in the country. The capital city is  hosting fireworks and live performances by some of the world's biggest 

musicians.

    Canada Day 2013 will be bigger and better than ever in Ottawa, Ontario. A plethora of events will be held all over the city from dawn til dusk, from skateboarding competitions to historical presentations. The biggest festivities can be found on Parliament Hill beginning at noon with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage. 

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Parliament Hill
Time: 6:30pm Concert, 10:00pm Fireworks
Address: 33 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5C4

 #2 Vancouver

         Vancouver is known for hosting some of the most popular Canada Day celebrations. Participants can celebrate our birthday with live music, great food, bike races and fireworks.

     Every year, thousands of Canadians participate in Vancouver's Canada Day celebrations. The city features numerous patriotic events, all of which include beautiful venues and fun activities. The biggest Canada Day celebration is being held at Granville Island, one of Vancouver's most famous landmarks. From 7am until midnight, Canadians can enjoy a pancake breakfast, live jazz music, and a South Asian cultural extravaganza, which includes traditional dances, bollywood fashion and ethnic food.

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Granville Island
Time: 7:00am to Midnight
Address: Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

  #3 Halifax

      With free food, parades, fireworks and a live concert, Halifax and Dartmouth's Canada Day celebration is one of the most phenomenal in the country.

     Dartmouth Crossings is hosting one of 2013's biggest Canada Day celebrations. The events take place in various locations throughout Halifax and Dartmouth. Enjoy a pancake breakfast and then go watch the Royal Nova Scotial international tattoo parade in downtown Halifax from 10:30 to 11:30. The parade begins at Sackville Street and continues to Metro Centre. For families with younger children, the Great Canadian Family Fun-Fest on the Commons will be held from 12 to 4pm.

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Dartmouth and Halifax
Time: 8:00am to Midnight
Address: Alderney Landing, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

#4 Toronto

        Toronto's Canada Day festivities include free concerts, street performances, 

and a spectacular display of fireworks over Mel Lastman Square.

      Toronto is celebrating Canada's 146th Birthday on Friday July 1st at Mel Lastman Square. 2011 Canada Day is anticipated to be the biggest yet. The city will host ongoing festivities throughout the day, but the biggest events will occur between 8 PM and 10:30 PM. The entertainment events will begin at 8 PM with a concert from Canadian native Ray Robinson. He will begin with the Canadian National anthem followed by R&B, soul, and gospel music. 

Date: July 1st 2013
Location: Mel Lastman Square
Time: 5:00pm Entertainment, 10:15pm Fireworks
Address: 5100 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2M, Canada

Have fun with your family and friends on Canada Day :)
Again, Happy Birthday Canada!

Canada Day 2013 Celebrations

Happy Birthday Canada :)