November 13, 2010 Panel Discussion

FINAL REPORT 

Click here to view the final report in Portuguese for the Social Inclusion and Cohesion Project that was put together throughout 2010 by the consular services in Toronto in light of the European Year to Combat Poverty and Social Inclusion

November 13, 2010 Panel Discussion

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1-It is of fundamental importance that political and civic participation among the Portuguese community is strengthened in an attempt to bring together both the various Canadian institutions and the individuals to which social inclusion and cohesion policies are being addressed.

2-Strengthen the role of Portuguese Canadian civil society within the framework of social responsibility among organizations, especially those that focus on cohesion in diversity and plurality based on education and qualification of individuals, families, and organizations.

3-Bring more accountability and responsibility to all levels of government (municipal, provincial and federal)

4-Create a web of information between the Consulate and the various social organizations that support the Portuguese community within the Greater Toronto Area

5-Improve the means by which support is provided to the groups of individuals that need it the most; especially the elderly, those suffering from drug addictions, those people on wheelchairs, and those with various other impairments.

6-Propose and promote various activities in order to bring more awareness among the active organs of the Portuguese community regarding the issues that surround social inclusion and cohesion.

7-Support social initiatives that arise within the Portuguese community  


Click here to view this information in Portuguese 

November 13, 2010 Panel Discussion

FINAL PROGRAM

Date: November 13, 2010

Time: 8:30AM to 5:00PM  

Location: Novotel Hotel 

45 the Esplanade in Toronto

Event to be held in the Champagne Ballroom

08:30 -Registration and distribution of supporting documents; breakfast to follow

09:30 -Opening remarks by the Consul-General

09:45 -FIRST INFORMATION PANEL:

Family Cohesion

Ways of overcoming obstacles in civil society (moderator, Dr. José Silveira - Head of the Psychiatry Dept. at St. Joseph´s Health Centre)

Sub-themes:

Obstacles (Marilene Santos - Luso Canadian Charitable Society)

Isolation (Marília dos Santos e Lina Costa – Abrigo Centre)

Drug addiction (Maria Benevides - Toronto Western Hospital

Old Age (Odete Nascimento – St. Christopher House

11:00 -Coffee Break

11:30 -Debate

12:30 -Performance by theater group HATS Mulheres 55+ (inter-generational piece) and St. Christopher House

1:00 -Buffet Lunch

2:30 -SECOND INFORMATION PANEL:

Social Inclusion Actions: (moderator, Drª Maria Elisa Oliveira – Toronto District School Board TDSB)

Sub themes:

'On Your Mark' Program (Vanda Henriques e Felicidade Macedo Rodrigues – Working Women CC)

Social Leadership (Eunice Machado, Lawyer)

The role of Portuguese associateship in Toronto (Rui Gomes and Maria Tavares – First Portuguese.C.C.C.)

3:30 -Debate

4:00 -Coffee Break

4:30 -Conclusions and recommendations

Note: Parking is available at the Novotel Hotel

Click here to view Portuguese version of program 

Click here to view moderator/speaker biographical notes 

For more inforamtion contact:

The Consulate-General of Portugal in Toronto

Tel: (416) 217-0966 ext. 234/232 

Fax: (416) 217-0973

E-mail: mail@toronto.dgaccp.pt or 

fgoncalves@toronto.dgaccp.pt

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What you need to know about Canada's 'Permanent Resident Card'

The Permanent Resident (PR) Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.  This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).  There have been some changes to the look of the PR Card, as well as some of its security features. The new cards began circulating August 24, 2009.  If you are a current permanent resident, you will only receive a new card when your existing card expires. If you are a new permanent resident, you will automatically receive your new card as part of the immigration process.  You can apply for a PR Card if:

• you received permanent resident status before June 28, 2002;
• you became a permanent resident after June 28, 2002 but did not receive a PR Card at that time; or
• you need to replace an expired, lost or stolen PR Card. 

If you received permanent resident status before June 28, 2002, you were issued an Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing (IMM 1000). You may need this document to apply for your first, or replacement, PR Card.  Since June 2002, all new permanent residents automatically receive their first PR Card as part of the immigration process.  Check the expiry date before you plan to travel outside Canada. Current processing times for a PR Card application are on this website.  You can also view the service standard for an initial PR Card. This details the specific level of service you can expect to receive under normal circumstances.


For more information go to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/pr-card/index.asp


Click here for PR card information in Portuguese 

The European Year of Volunteering 2011

While 2010 was designated the European Year to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion, the European Union has designated 2011 as the European Year of Volunteering.  The purpose of a European Year is to raise awareness among EU citizens and EU member states alike about a specific issue. And so, for one whole year, a given topic/issue i.e. volunteering becomes the main focus of the EU’s institutions and its member states.  Each European Year thus becomes the subject of a campaign that is geared at bringing about awareness at both the EU and national levels. 


Click here for more information on the European Year for Volunteering (2011)
Click here to view recent press releases on the 2011 EU Year
Click here to view a proposal for a council decision on the European Year of Volunteering (2011)

Opportunities for youth

 Opportunities for Youth!

Dear friends,

An exciting opportunity is available to young people in our community.
The Youth in Action grants program is working with the United Way of Peel Region and the Region of Peel to fund youth-led projects. Up to $2,000 will go towards each project, with a total of $20,000 available.  “We encourage projects that support youth in becoming more involved in their community, empower youth leadership within neighborhoods, and raise awareness about local issues,” says Nicole Dupuis, United Way’s Volunteer and Youth Engagement Associate. “By leading and implementing their own community projects, youth are empowered as emerging community leaders.”  Projects eligible for funding must be led by individuals or groups of young people between the ages of 14-2, and must be working with an eligible sponsoring organization. The sponsoring organization must be a registered charity based in or operating in Peel.  Information sessions for this amazing opportunity are being held on Tuesday, May 11^th from 6:00-7:00pm at the Region of Peel Building (10 Peel Centre Drive, Room 985B – enter through main entrance) in Brampton, Ontario and on Thursday, May 13^th from 6:00-7:00pm at the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness (14111 Regional Road 50 North) in Bolton, Ontario.  Further information and guidelines are available at www.unitedwaypeel.org or if interested, can contact Nicole Dupuis at 905-602-3622 or ndupuis@unitedwaypeel.org  The deadlines for all applications are due MONDAY, JUNE 7th, 2010.

Don't let great opportunities get away!

Good luck!

Peter Fonseca

Consular Presences - A Way to Promote Social Inclusion and Cohesion

A well-informed community is a more inclusive one. Take advantage of the Consulate-General of Portugal in Toronto's initiative to have various consular presences throughout Ontario. All through 2010, consular employees will be present in Chatham (14-15 May), Sault Ste. Marie (September), Kingston (October), London (November). The Consulate has already been present in Hamilton and Thunder Bay, where it provided information and services to the local Portuguese community. Learn more about this initiative by visiting, http://cgptoronto.blogspot.com.

Panel discussion - November 13, 2009 - Provisional Program

Following the panel discussion held on May 6 at Casa dos Açores, in light of the European Year to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion, on November 13, the second panel discussion will take place.  This panel discussion will target the Portuguese community in general.  All interested are invited to register for free using the proper registration form that will be posted shortly.  
click here to obtain a copy of the provisional program for the November panel discussion and click here for the same information in Portuguese

PROJECT: “The Promotion of Social Cohesion and Inclusion”

Supported by: The Secretariat of State for the Portuguese Communities - DGACCP

In light of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, the Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto along with ‘Centro Abrigo,’ Saint Christopher House, Working Women, the Portuguese Mental and Addiction Services, the Luso Canadian Charitable Society, as well as the elected representatives from the Council of Portuguese Communities in Toronto, would like to set up two panel discussions regarding this project.  

The main focus of the project is to provide the Portuguese Community residing in Ontario ample knowledge regarding the various services that are available to them in hopes of bettering their quality of life and civil society in general.  This project will target Portuguese youth in particular, seniors, as well as individuals with disabilities and various other needs. In addition, the following ought to be taken into consideration:

• Every individual has the right to live in dignity and play an active role in society;
• Both the public and private sectors are equally responsible in the combat against poverty and social exclusion; 
• In order to eradicate poverty and build a more cohesive society, it is necessary that all levels of society get involved;
• Recognize that ‘socially excluded individuals’ have the right to and should play an active role in society;
• Highlight the fact that everyone is responsible in the fight against poverty;
• Promote social cohesion as well as efficient social inclusion practices; and
• Make sure that project participants commit to adopting more efficient practices.  

The European Commission designated 2010 as the European Year to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion.  On the European Commission's website, one can find, among other documents, the Decision of the EU Parliament and Council [COM(2007) 797 de 12.12.97] with regards to this EU Year.  

For more information visit: 

http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=637


click here to view all the above information in Portuguese 

PROJECT: The Promotion of Social Cohesion and Inclusion

1- Project Organizer:

Consulate-General of Portugal in Toronto

438 University Ave, Suite 1400, Box 41

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2K8 Canada

Tel.: 416 217 0966

Fax.: 416 217 0973

E-mail: mail@toronto.dgaccp.pt

2- Participating Organizations: 

(See: column on right hand side)  

3-Project Dates:

Play titled: “Aging at Home” presented by Mulheres 55+

-Event took place on March 16th at the Consulate-General of Portugal 

click here to view event photos

A) Panel Discussion 

-May 6th from 9:30AM to 12:00PM at Casa dos Açores in Toronto

This panel discussion is open specifically to key members of all social support groups that assist the Portuguese-speaking community. Registration form

Program:

9:00 AM Guests sign in followed by distribution of supporting documentation

9:30 AM Welcoming speech by Casa dos Açores President - Sr. Carlos Botelho

9:35 AM Opening speech by Consul-General of Portugal in Toronto – Dr. Júlio Vilela (click here for copy of Dr. Júlio Vilela's opening speech)

9:45 AM Information Sessions:

• Fernando Gonçalves 
• Pensions
• Sonia Parker 
• Vital Statistics:
• Succession Affidavits
• Last Will and Testaments 
• Birth Registrations
• Carlos Feliciano
• Powers of Attorney 
• Notary Matters
• João Rodrigues
• Health Insurance and Support for Travelers

10:45 AM Coffee Break

11:15 AM Discussion

12:00 PM End of event, followed by a buffet lunch at Casa dos Açores 
Registration required
Registration limit– 40 people. 
Registration deadline– APRIL 30th

B) Panel Discussion

November 13 from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Novotel in Toronto

Program for this project is in progress and will be available shortly. 

This panel discussion will be open to the Portuguese community in general - Registration is mandatory.  (Registration is free for all those interested) Registration forms will be available soon online.   

4- Main objectives of this project:

• The purpose of this project is to discuss and inform the resident Portuguese community in Ontario (in particular seniors, youth and people living with disabilities) about the various services that are available to them, in order to improve their quality of life.  
• This Project also seeks to develop joint dialogue as well as to propose key initiatives that will be aimed at assisting the most ill-favored individuals with a strong emphasis on equal opportunity and social cohesion in our community.
• This project will have two target groups – the first, (key individuals from various social organizations) on May 6th and the second, (the Portuguese community in general) in November 2010.

5- Project goals and proposed actions:

• To set up an information forum from which the Consulate, and various organizations that work with the Portuguese community can work from.  
• Improve support/care for senior citizens
• To develop strategies aimed at making various social services more accessible to those who require them.
• To promote better living standards for seniors and individuals with disabilities. 
• To develop dynamic activities geared at bringing about awareness of social inclusion and cohesion issues.  These issues can hopefully be resolved by  existing Portuguese community organizations.  
• To support local social programs, both current and upcoming, in accordance with the needs of the Portuguese community.
• To maximize the involvement of various groups that work with the Portuguese community to ensure the overall success of this project.   
• To hold preparatory meetings for the consecutive panel discussion to be held in November (between the project organizer and participating organizations) in June, September and October. 

December: Final Report of Project

click here to view this project in Portuguese