muchmor

Discover Your Canada

Canada Magazine issue 39 feb 09

Subscribe at www.readmuchmor.com to receive your FREE copy every month

Dogmushing: Yukon’s
winter adventure
Discover Hamiltons great outdoors.
Big White and Silver Star skiing in
British Columbia.
Feng Shui your home
using colour
Valentine recipes
Networking effectively

Boys & Girls clubs

of Canada

There’s more to Vegas than gambling

Immigration tips - shipping goods to Canada
Health - understanding Cholesterol

subscribe free online at www.readmuchmor.com

2 Editorial

Muchmor Media
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The opinions of readers and
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we cannot be held responsible for
their comments.
From the Editor
February brings with it love and romance and nothing
says “I love you” more than food. So on page 24 you will
find some beautiful recipes to put your loved one in the
romantic mood - and they are not just for the ladies to
make - men can wear an apron too!
We also take a look at dogmushing - Yukon style. This
popular activity can bring excitement and joy to people
of all ages and is one of those things everyone should try
at least once in their lifetime.
If you have never been to Las Vegas, then you really
are missing a treat. After all, as our story title suggests,
there is more to Vegas than gambling. But if Vegas isn’t
your style then how about skiing at two of the best
resorts in B.C? Big White and Silver Star offer excellent
opportunities for all winter sports enthusiasts.
Parents and kids alike will want to check out our
special feature on The Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.
This superb organization offers fantastic opportunities for
lots of children so read all about them in Kidzone.
For those of you not yet in Canada but hoping to be,
you might want to start your emigration plans with
Louise Green who gives some great pointers in her
article on page 50.
And lastly, we are launching our new Business Finder
on page 62. This will appear every month and will grow
as we go along and will act as a quick way to find
businesses throughout Canada. Get in touch if you want
your business included.
Jane Toombes
Editor
 Contents 3

Contents

Motoring
2009 Canadian Autoshow 40
Neglect wiper blade at your peril 40
Dealing with blind spots 41
Discover Canada New non-smoking law in Ontario 41
Dogmushing: Yukon style 4
Brandon: warm winter welcome 8 Kidzone
Hamilton: Beyond the skyway 10 The Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada 42
Photographers go-snapit 13
White & Silver the colour of skiing 14
Moving to Canada
Shipping your goods to Canada 46
Travel Permanent residence card 49
There’s more to Vegas than gambling 18 Start your emigration to Canada 50
Canada measures up 52
Lifestyle Foreign workers reigns tightened 53
Recipes for Valentine’s Day 24
The best of 2008 26 Health & Wellness
When only Canadian will do 28 Health coverage outside Canada 54
Top Canadian 29 Understanding cholesterol 55

Working Life Home & Garden

The slightly unusual 30 Staging your home for sale 56
Are you networking effectively 32 The real estate market in 2009 57
10 interview questions decoded 34 Reasons to love stainless steel 59
Use colour to Feng Shui your home 60
Money
Manage your credit 36 Business Finder
Recession proof your income 38 Muchmor Business Finder 62

4 Discover Canada

Dogmushing:
Yukon's winter
adventure
culture

© Government of Yukon YG Photo by J Bradely

By Darrell
Hookey

Gliding silently through the pristine
Yukon wilderness - literally lying in
bed while doing so as canine
companions happily provide the
locomotion - has to be one of the
most thrilling experiences of a
vacation well spent.
No, strike that … try this: Standing
on the runners of a sled, working as
a team with your dogs, you swish
through the jack pine of a boreal
forest in search of yet another
spectacular view. Oh if only your
friends could see you now.
Whether you are sitting back and
enjoying a dog sledding trip, or
running your own team, a Yukon dog
musher is there to show you the way
and to enlist your help often. First,
each dog needs booties on their
paws and harness around their
shoulders. Each of the dogs bark
excitedly because each knows a trip
is in the offing and do not want to be
left behind. You help calm the dogs
and coo reassurances as each are
hooked up to the sled. The dogs
strain at the anchor as they just
want to run. You catch up in their
enthusiasm and you are happy for
the dogs as they begin to gallop into
the trailhead that yawns open into
the Yukon forest.
“customers
do not just sit
in the basket;
they help with
the dogs”
The barking settles as the dogs
establish a comfortable pace and
your senses are freed to drink in the
smell of pine, the feel of the crystal
snow crunching beneath the
runners, the warmth of the sun on
your cheeks and the sight of a
ribbon of blue above the green of
the forest rushing past.
Those who opt for the leisurely
trip are laid out in the basket on a
layer of pillows with a blanket for
warmth and possibly a loved one
cuddled in close to share the
experience.
Discover Canada 5
© Government of Yukon YG Photo by J Bradely
The dog sled driver requires only a
minimum of attention to the well-
trained dogs and is available to
answer questions and provide a
running dialogue of what you are
seeing. Keep them talking because
you will learn that dog mushing is a
lifestyle for them and taking guests
out on the trail is a way for them to
share that love for the dogs and to
help pay for the dog food.
Anne Tayler, who owns Muktuk
Adventures with her husband, Frank
Turner, says if they didn’t have
customers to take out on trips, they
would still go out for runs.
These trips include four-hour trips
to multi-day trips. And, for special
occasions, they can arrange for one-
hour trips.
But, she says, they have no
interest in turning this into an
assembly line type of business.
Tayler says she is proud that Yukon
dog sled companies have avoided
the trap of putting through as many
customers as they can. She hears
about that all the time and she
wants her customers to know that
Muktuk Adventures offers “learning
adventures”.
 6 Discover Canada
© Government of Yukon YG Photo
“We are more interested in people
who care about learning how to
drive and how to take care of the
animals,” she says. “We promote
the care of animals according to a
Code of Practice.”
Tayler thinks for a moment and
then adds, “We all do. The Yukon is
the only region that has a Code of
Practice and that is there for the
well-being of the dogs.”
Her customers do not just sit in
the basket; they help with the dogs’
care and they actually drive the
team.
For their longer trips, they tend to
see a lot of father-and-son pairs and
even mother-and-daughter. Tayler
says it is a great bonding
experience for them.
Still others just want to enjoy the
Yukon’s scenery and the northern
lights in the most natural way they
can.
One thing they all have in
common is a love for dogs. Tayler
says customers become attached
to the dogs and, sometimes, there
are tears when it is time to part.
Many come back again and again.
Tayler says in this world of
whacky weather, Yukon’s dog
sledding business will continue to
© Government of Yukon YG Photo by W Towriss
thrive as snow is plentiful and sticks market and these visitors love the
around for a long time. unspoiled nature.
“They find the Yukon is
undisturbed and original,” says
“they find the Korner. “While they run the dogs, no
other houses, snowmobiles, skiers,
etc. crosses the trail.
Yukon is “It is one of the last frontiers to do
this sport.”
undisturbed Being south of Whitehorse, away
from the Yukon Quest Trail, Tagish
Wilderness Lodge has a much
and original” easier time finding virgin lands to
break trails on.
Even the drive from Whitehorse
As for finding her own niche in the out to the spruce log-built lodge
Yukon market, she says her with cozy and authentic log cabins
husband’s name helps a little. He is along the picturesque shores of
the ironman of the Yukon Quest Tagish Lake is a journey into
having run the race all but one year unspoiled nature. Indeed, the truck
since 1984. Some customers will only gets so close and a
ask for him specifically to hear his snowmobile must take guests the
tales from the trail. But, he isn’t a rest of the way.
household name Outside since the Yes, this is a true wilderness
Yukon Quest is not as famous as experience, but between trips
the less gruelling Iditarod. guests can enjoy the sauna, hot tub
Over at Tagish Wilderness Lodge, and fine dining.
it is this spectacular outdoor Korner says he has owned sled
wilderness experience that has dogs since 1985. He decided on
been the cornerstone to its success. moving to the Yukon because it was
Beat Korner says his business the best place to indulge in this
concentrates on the European hobby and to incorporate it into his
business.

There is yet another family, north
of Whitehorse, that has indulged in
their love of dogs and found a way
Yukon Dogsledding
to be around them all day and all
year. The Cathers family owns 80
dogs and lives with them on
property accessible only by
snowmobile in the winter and boat
in the summer. There is a rustic
experience that hop scotches from
cabin to heated wall tent along their
own trail.
Ned Cathers and his daughter,
Jeninne, take turns guiding most of
these tours just as they take turns
racing in the 1,600-kilometre Yukon
Quest International Sled Dog Race.
But, first, the experience begins
with “mushing school” that teaches
everything from developing a
rapport with the dogs to sledding
from forest to hill to lake trails. Many
customers choose to drive their own
team instead of riding in the basket.
These trips can be considered
“extreme” by many standards, but
Uncommon Journeys has packages
that will challenge the most
adventurous guests and reward
them with experiences of a lifetime.
For instance, there is one trip that
takes guests to Herschel Island.
This Arctic expedition can see
Discover Canada 7
© Government of Yukon YG Photo by J Bradely
extreme
Sign temperatures and weather
andin camping is on sea ice.
Then there is the trip to the village
Opportunities of Holman on the west shore of
Victoria Island up in the Arctic
Archipelago of Canada. There, the
MUKTUK KENNELS AND Inuvialuit are hosts for another
unforgettable experience.
SLED DOG TOURS - Frank
Another trip begins just south of
Turner and Anne Taylor the Arctic Circle on the world-
www.muktuk.com - (867) famous Dempster Highway and
668-3647 traverses through alpine terrain
and is surrounded by the
TAGISH LAKE WILDERNESS magnificent spires of the
LODGE - Beat & Jacqueline Tombstone Mountains.
Korner There is also a more instructional
package called Outward Bound
www.tagishwildernesslodg Dogsledding Course. It teaches
e.com - (867) 393-4097 how to care for a team, cold
CATHERS ADVENTURES - weather physiology, first aid,
canine first aid, navigation and
Ned, Mar and Jennine meal preparation on the trail.
Cathers There is a culture of dogsledding
www.cathersadventures.co in Yukon and an infrastructure that
m - (867) 667-6318 supports any level of activity a
visitor wants to experience.
UNCOMMON JOURNEYS -
Martha and Rob Taylor
www.uncommonyukon.com
- (867) 668-2255
8 Discover Canada

open
Your journey becomes sweeter when you meet
wonderful people along the way.

From the open road to open hearts, 1-888-729-2132

you belong in Brandon. www.econdev.brandon.ca
 Discover Canada 9

Brandon, Manitoba
A Warm Winter Welcome
Prairie winters have a reputation of being cold with fierce wind and snow. While the cold can not be denied,
Brandon provides a beautiful city where visitors can enjoy the many winter sports afforded by the season,
while being warmed by the welcoming nature of our people. Picture skating through winding trails with your
family, surrounded by beautiful light displays while the snowflakes drift down. The evening can end with
everyone snuggled into large chairs and couches by a fireplace, drinking hot chocolate and discussing the
activities of the day. The server in the coffee shop is helpful and friendly, and you relax and soak in the
moment. Images like this are easy to come by, and we welcome you to visit Brandon and create a memory of
your own.

The Waterfall of Lights is nestled in a stand of trees and rolling berms located along the Assiniboine
Riverbank which meanders through the heart of Brandon. This wintertime oasis is lit from December through
till the end of February each year, weather permitting and offers skating and cross-country skiing through
beautiful light displays. Onsite warm-up buildings, music, benches and fire pits allow visitors to take a break
from skating for a wiener roast or even a snowball fight. For those who prefer the speed and skill of hockey,
Brandon is home to 4 indoor rinks and 6 outdoor ice pads.

For cross country skiing enthusiasts, Brandon has a number of skiing options to choose from. The Brandon
Recreation & Sports Centre has 3.5 kms of lit classic and skating ski trails and 4 kms of unlit trails. The trails
are regularly groomed and offer a great work out right in the City. If you want to re-connect with nature,
consider the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area. Just 13 kms south of Brandon, the hills are a haven for
recreation and wildlife with over 17 km of trails suitable for cross-country skiing. There are three individual
loops ranging in distance from 2.5 km to 7.5 km with a warm-up hut and cook shelter available.

Tobogganing is a very popular winter activity enjoyed by people of all ages. Brandon recently opened
Hanbury Hill, featuring different sized runs, winter lighting and a warm up building. Other tobogganing
locations throughout the city provide smaller hills for younger ones to have their first experience.

Once you have enjoyed the fresh air and outdoor activities, there are lots of indoor activities to keep the
family entertained. Learn about the history of the area, the Military or World War II at Brandon’s world-class
museums. Or, take in an art exhibit or live theatre performance to satisfy your creative side. When it comes
to dining and shopping, Brandon can meet everyone’s needs from big box stores and chain restaurants to
speciality shops and local eateries.

To help plan your itinerary, there are a few events that should be included in your getaway plans. The
Lieutenant Governor’s Winter Festival is held annually in early February. The event is a celebration of different
cultures that have come to call Brandon home over its 126 year history and is focused on sharing ethnic
food, music and dance.

The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair will be held March 30-April 4, 2009 and attracts over 100,000 visitors from
around the world who come to see world-class show jumping and heavy horse competitions, livestock sales
and displays, a quality hands-on agricultural awareness program including Thru the Farm Gate, exceptional
live entertainers, over 300 commercial and agricultural exhibits and much more.

From cross-country skiing and skating to tobogganing or taking in the beautiful Waterfall of Lights winter
park, there is something to keep you busy in the winter months. Brandon boasts many activity options for the
outdoor enthusiast, as well as indoor events and festivals, for those who want to stay warm. The winter
weather may be colder, but the welcome is always warm, as you come to discover that you belong in
Brandon!

For more information on Brandon and the events and activities happening in and around the city contact
Brandon Tourism at 1-888-799-1111 or www.tourism.brandon.com.
10 Discover Canada

Beyond the
skyway
Hamilton's great
outdoors

Photo by: Hot Meteor

By John
Kernaghan
 Sequoia Club
Photo by: Derek Purdy
Dundas Valley Conservation Area
The view of Hamilton most widely
thought to represent the city is the
panorama from the Skyway Bridge
as it passes over Burlington Bay.
And the stark majesty of that
industrial front yard, with its steel kilometres, are devoted to an array
mills and attendant industry,
scarcely suggests an outdoor
mecca.
It is in fact a narrow look.
Sometime over the past two
decades, Hamilton went from gritty
to pretty. You just can't see it as you
hurtle across the heights of the
bridge.
It's there, though, in a very high
ratio of conservation areas and
recreational lands that offer hiking,
biking, in-line skating, swimming,
boating, birding and fishing, as well
as many winter sports opportunities.
And Hamilton may just be Canada's
capital of waterfalls, with over 60
documented falls amongst the many
streams that tumble down the
Niagara Escarpment.
"There's no chart comparing
percentages of recreational land for kilometre paved pathway along Lake
cities in Canada, but we believe we
rank very high," says Garnet Cowsill access to the lake. For some of its
of the Hamilton Conservation
Authority (HCA). "We believe we
compare very favourably with other
Photo by: Derek Purdy
cities in terms of open space." In
and around Hamilton, some 6,353
hectares of publicly owned lands, or the Beach Strip Trail also leads to
14 per cent of a watershed area with Wild Waterworks, boasting slides, a
a land component of 280 square
of recreational activities.
“We believe we
compare very
favourably with
other cities in
terms of open
space”
One of the newest additions is
almost right under the Skyway
Bridge. The Beach Strip Trail, a 10-
Ontario, has won back public
distance it covers the former Beach
Strip Promenade, a popular walkway
back when the area was a summer
Discover Canada 11
Sherman Falls
holiday retreat in the late 1800’s and
early 1900’s. At Confederation Park,
wave pool, restaurants, batting
cages, go-karts and fine picnic
areas as well as the lakefront
promenade. The new trail came
three years after the opening of the
Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail, a
10-kilometre magnet on the city's
west harbourfront for walkers and
joggers.
Dozens more trails wind through
several
there's
conservation areas. Then
the storied Bruce Trail, which
bisects the
Escarpment.
city along the Niagara
The uninterrupted
footpath follows the escarpment
from Queenston Heights near
Niagara Falls to Tobermory on Lake
Huron.
More paths have been added. The
Lafarge 2000 Trail, for instance, is
one of the HCA's two Millennium
projects. The 22-kilometre route in
suburban Flamborough links
conservation areas and ultimately
joins up with the Hamilton Harbour
and Lake Ontario Waterfront trails.
The other Millennium project, the
11.5-kilometre Dofasco 2000 Trail,
connects the Devil's Punch Bowl
 12 Discover Canada
Photo by: Derek Purdy
Sam Lawrence Park overlooking the city of Hamilton
Conservation Area with the
Vinemount Wetlands and the Bruce
Trail, in time continuing to a
conservation area on Lake Ontario.
A cycling favourite is the Hamilton
to Brantford Rail Trail, a 32-kilometre
multi-use trail that runs from west
Hamilton to Brantford. Canada's first
fully developed, multi-use interurban
trail system, it's also part of the Trans
Canada Trail network. Links to Paris
and Cambridge extend the trail to 80
kilometres. In fact the old rail bed
and good trails between Paris and
the Hamilton suburb of Ancaster has
sparked an annual cycling event
called the Paris to Ancaster classic, a
60-kilometre test of endurance which
often draws some of Canada's best
riders.
There are also 40 kilometres of
trails in the Dundas Valley
Conservation Area and 10-kilometre
systems at both the Valens and
Christie Lake conservation areas.
They're groomed for cross-country
skiing in winter, too. Valens also
offers clean, safe swimming in
chlorinated waters separated from
the rest of the lake by a special
screen. You can camp there year
round as well, at campsites nestled
in a pine and spruce forest, with
good access to modern washrooms
and showers (reservations are
recommended).
The Christie Lake Conservation
Area also offers clean, safe
swimming in an idyllic natural setting.
Like Valens, it has a chlorinated
beach area separated from the rest
of the lake by a screen. Nine ponds
in the conservation area are stocked
with rainbow trout from late April to
early July, but you can fish right into
September.
Meantime at Fifty Point
Conservation Area, anglers can fish
for salmon in Lake Ontario - salmon
charters are available at the marina -
or catch rainbow trout and bass in
the stocked pond. Fifty Point also
boasts one of the warmest and
cleanest beaches on Lake Ontario.
Boating is available at the Valens,
Christie Lake and Fifty Point
conservation areas. Christie Lake
and Valens rent canoes, paddleboats
and HydroBikes and offer boat
launch areas as well, though only
electric-powered boats are
permitted. Over at Fifty Point, the
full-service marina is one of the best
on western Lake Ontario, complete
with a double boat launch and
docking space for 312 craft.
For winter sports, the Dundas
Valley Conservation Area is a mecca
for cross-country skiers; the valley's
40-kilometre trail system offers a
challenging mix of terrain for
experienced skiers. Those looking for
more moderate conditions can try
the smooth, level surface of the
Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail, which
runs through the valley.
Birding is another popular activity
found at 23 locations in and around
Hamilton. The Beamer Memorial
Conservation Area offers peeks at
migrating hawks, falcons, and eagles
from March to early May, particularly
on sunny days with southeast winds.
Luther Marsh, meantime, boasts
various waterfowl, ospreys, sandhill
cranes and cormorants in spring and
summer. And right in the city, the
Red Hill Valley provides viewing of
long-eared owls and finches in winter
and breeding Carolinian zone
songbirds in spring and summer.
All in all, Hamilton's rich outdoor
opportunities are beginning to
change people's perspective of the
old industrial city.
Advertorial Discover Canada 13

Photographers -
go-snapit!

Calling all photographers, both professional and amateur. Muchmor Media has
just launched a brand new project aimed at capturing everyday life in Canada as
seen by ordinary people.

We want you to submit your photographs to our website www.gosnapit.com. They

can be photographs of absolutely anything as long as it reflects Canada or Canadian
life. This is your chance to submit photos you already have or an excuse to get out
and take some more.

The tag line of the website is “Life as you see it” and that is exactly what this project
is all about.

Over the next few months we will be accepting submissions from the website and the
ultimate aim is to select the best photographs and produce a book that captures the
real essence of Canada and how Canadians see life around them.

So “go-snapit” and send it in

14 Discover Canada Travel 14

White and
Silver - the
colour of
skiing

If you want to get away from it all, head to

Big White and Silver Star where you can
leave reality behind and escape to the
winter wonderlands of majestic
mountains, panoramic views and famous
Okanagan Champagne Powder.
Visit www.readmuchmor.com
to read all our back issues
and find muchmor.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll
be enchanted by the magical
atmosphere and friendly charm of
the family resorts.
Located in the mild Okanagan
Valley, Big White and Silver Star are
uniquely blessed with an average
mild temperature of -5C creating a
pleasant environment for everyone
to get out and enjoy BC’s
wilderness.
Big White lives up to its motto “It’s
the Snow!” with an average of seven
meters (24.5 feet) of Mother Nature’s
finest, driest champagne powder
blanketing the mountain each year.
From the immaculate cruising runs
to the alpine bowls and world-
famous “Snow Ghosts”, Big White
provides an exhilarating ski and
snowboarding experience for
beginners and experts alike. With
five powder bowls, 118 marked runs
fanning from the peak, and endless
lines through the trees, there is a
great range of terrain and conditions
for everyone!
“the largest
totally Ski-in
Ski Out resort
in North
America”
If you want to session in one of
North America’s greatest terrain
parks then head to the award
winning TELUS terrain park which
features a half pipe, boarder/skier
cross rails, and a progressive terrain
park which are all serviced by a
double chairlift. The TELUS terrain
park is fully equipped with a state of
the art sound system and is part of
Discover Canada 15
Big White
the 1,600 feet vertical night skiing
area – the largest in the West.
As the largest totally Ski-in Ski Out
resort in North America, Big White's
family friendly village boasts
Canada’s most modern ski-in/ski-out
resort properties. Big White has
everything for the entire family, and
with room for over 17,000 guests,
there is literally something for every
taste and budget. Hotels, luxury
apartments, vacation homes, and
charming log cabins with private hot
tubs dot the snowy slopes. No
matter where you lay your head,
great skiing and snowboarding is
literally at your doorstep.
As BC’s premier Family holiday
destination, Big White has a great
range of family events and activities
to keep you entertained on and off
the slopes. The Village Centre Mall is
the centre of Big White’s activity’s
and fun with the Ski School, rental
shop, main ticket office, and retail
shops all centrally located to create
great access and a fun atmosphere
for guests. Twice a week, it's the
home of Carnival night, with family-
friendly games, a jumping castle,
free popcorn and candy floss, its
great fun for kids and the whole
family.
16 Discover Canada
Big White
Big White Facts
Average annual snowfall
750 cm (24.5 ft)
Summit elevation 2,319 m
(7,606 ft)
Resort area: 7,355 acres
(3,052 hectares)
Runs: 18% beginner, 54%
intermediate, 22% expert
and 6% extreme
Total of 105 km (65 miles)
of marked runs
Vertical drop 777 m
(2,550 ft)
17 restaurants, cafes and
delis
Over 100 qualified
instructors
3 hotels, 25 condos, 244
vacations homes and a
youth hostel
Entertainment and nightlife
including après-ski
For Après entertainment and
family fun activities, Happy Valley is Big White, Silver Star enjoys over
located just a short gondola ride
from the Village Centre Mall and is
the home of Blockbuster Video
Nights, Bingo Night, Big White Idol,
ice skating on Canada's largest
high-altitude skating rink, the Mega-
Snow Coaster tubing park, guided
snowmobile tours, mini 'Mini-Z's',
horse sleigh rides and Nordic
skiing. There’s something for
everyone at Big White so
experience for yourself why Big
White has received so many awards
and praise from the international
snow sports media including Condé
Nast’s award for Best Snow!
From the moment you arrive, the
personable Silver Star community
strives to deliver the winter holiday
of a life time. Located in the heart of The magical village offers an
British Columbia, Silver Star is
Canada's skiing and snowboarding purpose-built international ski
Mecca. With 115-plus runs, 3,065
acres of skiable terrain and 12
modern lifts, skiers and
snowboarders experience the
ultimate riding experience. Just like
700 cm (23 feet) of light, dry,
powder snow annually. Combine
that with the mild average
temperatures, and the result is
unbelievable skiing and
snowboarding. From easy, cruiser-
friendly Vance Creek to expert-
haven Putnam Creek, there is
literally something for everyone.
With its rare mid-mountain location,
the uniquely colourful village offers
a variety of fantastic ski-in, ski-out
access.
Silver Star also offers exceptional
Nordic skiing with many Olympic
teams including the USA, Sweden,
Australia and New Zealand
choosing to train on the resort’s 105
km of trails, two fully certified
biathlon ranges and 4km of lit trails
in preparation for the 2010 Winter
Olympics to be hosted by
Vancouver & Whistler.  
The charming, Victorian inspired
village offers convenient ski-in, ski-
out access to Silver Star’s boutique
retail shops, restaurants and cafés.
excellent selection of hotels, a
hostel, award-winning vacation
homes, and suites and condos
each with their own unique style
and warm hospitality. This
 Discover Canada 17

Silver Star Silver Star

Vacation Homes Village Sleigh

pedestrian only, mid-mountain prefer to discover the natural

village provides ski-in, ski-out
access from every doorstep.
“Silver Star
wilderness of the mountain on an Silver Star Facts
unforgettable guided snowshoe tour
or sleigh ride. Whatever you choose
to do, you will have a fantastic time Average annual snowfall
at the world class resort.
Silver Star has something for
over 700 cm (23 ft)

is Canada's everyone.
There’s no better time to head to
Summit elevation 1,915 m
(6,280 ft)
skiing and Big White and Silver Star with great
conditions and unbeatable deals Skiable acres: 3,065 (1,240
with WestJet including 5 Night, 4 hectares)
snowboarding Day Air Inclusive Packages with
from $578 per person at Big White Runs: 20% beginner, 50%

Mecca” and $553 per person at Silver Star.

Big White and Silver Star are
intermediate, 20% expert
and 10% extreme
incredibly easy to get to, less than
an hour's shuttle from the Kelowna Total of 93 km (58 miles) of
There are so many exciting International Airport, which enjoys marked runs
activities at Silver Star that you’ll non-stop direct service from
want to extend your holiday just to Toronto, Seattle, Vancouver, Vertical drop 760 m
fit them all in. Whether you want to Calgary, Edmonton, and even Las (2,500 ft)
test your prowess on the mountain, Vegas and Honolulu. Plan your
or just relax beside a romantic stone vacation through our 125 qualified instructors
fireplace, the choices are endless. www.bigwhite.com website, or talk
At Adventure Park, you can speed directly with one of the on-mountain
downhill on truck-sized inner tubes, reservation agents at 2 hotels and many condos,
the kids can ride their own suites, vacation homes and
1-800-663-2772.
snowmobile and Brewer's Pond is a hostel
ideal for a classic Canadian game of
hockey or a leisurely ice skate. If 12 lifts available
you are looking for something
different, why not view the scenery Visit www.readmuchmor.com
around Silver Star's beautiful village to read all our back issues Entertainment and nightlife
on a thrilling snowmobile ride available in village
and find muchmor.
through the picturesque snow
covered trees? Or perhaps you’d
18 Travel

There’s more
to Vegas than
gambling

PHOTO CREDIT: LAS VEGAS NEWS BUREAU

By Jane
Toombes
 Sequoia Club
PHOTO CREDIT: LAS VEGAS NEWS BUREAU
Elvis Presley once sang “If you see
it once, you’ll never be the same
again.” in the hit song Viva Las
Vegas. Well, he was right. Anyone
who has experienced the wonder
and amazement of Vegas will never
forget it. Anyone who hasn’t, should
experience it at least once.
Las Vegas is known the world
over as being the gaming
destination of the world, but if you
visit Vegas only for the gambling you
are missing out on so much.
Las Vegas has come a long way
since it’s humble beginnings back in
1931 when the Northern Club was
established on Fremont Street.
During the 40’s and 50’s further
development took place and hotels
and casinos sprang up along the
road now known simply as The
Strip.
During the 60’s and 70’s Las
Vegas was made famous by artists
such as Frank Sinatra, his Rat Pack
and of course Elvis Presley. But it
was the late 1980’s, 1989 to be
precise when the Vegas we know
today really started to evolve. Steve
Wynn, a developer, was the first
person to establish what is referred
to as a mega-resort when he built
The Mirage along The Strip.
The Mirage featured an indoor
forest and volcano along with
opulent rooms and services. It cost
$630 million to build and became an
instant success. Wynn has since
built several resorts in Vegas making
his name synonymous with the city’s
history. Other resorts of his include
Treasure Island Resort and Casino,
The Bellagio, The Venetian, Paris
Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay.
“There is a is
misconception
that you will
have to spend
tons of cash in
Vegas”
In 2000 Wynn sold the above
hotels to MGM Grand Inc. for $6.6
billion, but he obviously missed the
buzz of owning part of Vegas so in
2005 his latest self-named hotel
Wynn Las Vegas Resort and
Travel 19
Country Club opened. This resort is
one of the most opulent in Vegas
and cost $2.7 billion to build.
As of October 2008, Las Vegas
had 137,690 hotel and motel rooms
available at an average cost of $115
per room per night.
Of the 25 largest hotels in the
world (by number of rooms), 19 are
located in Las Vegas. These hotels
between them have 69,745 rooms.
The gaming scene
The big draw in Vegas are the slots
with over 65% of visitors saying
they played the slot machines
during their stay. Blackjack and
poker come in distant second and
third place at 14% and 6% of
visitors playing respectively. If you
want to get involved in the gaming
scene but have no idea how to play
there are many gaming lessons
available. Most of the larger casinos
offer complimentary lessons on
games such as Craps, Poker,
Roulette, Blackjack, Omaha and
Texas Hold ’Em. Some hotels offer
in-room television channels
dedicated to gaming tutorials, so
there is no excuse not to get
 20 Travel
PHOTO CREDIT: LAS VEGAS NEWS BUREAU

PHOTO CREDIT: LAS VEGAS NEWS BUREAU

Fremont Street

involved, even if it is simply putting a

which we know as the Las Vegas
few dollars in the slots. Strip, or simply The Strip. This Las Vegas Facts
There is a misconception that you portion of the road is 4 miles long
will have to spend tons of cash in and the vast majority of the mega-
Vegas, but this simply is not true. If resorts are located here. It is these
you do have a lot of money to spend resorts that are the key to the Around 40 million people
then you certainly have the thriving economy of Vegas. No visit Las Vegas each year
opportunity of spending it, but if you other city in the world can boast
There are 137,690 rooms
just want to dabble now and again that it is the hotels themselves that
you can easily get away with are the attractions. available
spending very little on gaming, but There are over 30 hotels and The average daily room rate
still have fun. resorts along The Strip, each with
You can play many of the slots its own attractions and themes. for 2008 was $122
from as little as 1 cent, so as you canMost people choose to stay in one Gaming revenue averages
see by playing the right machines of these major hotels and resorts $8.4 billion a year
even $10 can go a long way. All of as by doing this they feel part of
the large casinos also have slots that the Vegas vibe. But, if funds are The average visitor spends
pay out multi-million dollar prizes, tight or you simply do not mind $560 on gaming per visit
but obviously the stakes are a little staying off-Strip then significant
higher than 1 cent to play those. savings can be made by staying in The average age of a visitor
a smaller, less-grand hotel. Other is 49 years
If not gaming, then what? than the rooms, you will not miss
out on any of the action as all Nearly 24,000 conventions
resorts and casinos are open to are held here every year
When you sum up Las Vegas it everyone, not just residents.
basically boils down to a couple of The average visitor spends
If you have never been to Vegas
roads with lots of hotels and casinos. you might still be wondering what a 3.5 nights in Vegas
Although the actual city of Vegas hotel can offer you by way of
sprawls over many miles of the Average hotel occupancy
entertainment, especially if you are
desert landscape, the Las Vegas the not so interested in gaming. Well, rate is 95%
tourist sees is actually quite small. never fear, Las Vegas is not called
The main artery road that runs the “entertainment capital of the
through Vegas is Las Vegas world” for nothing.
Boulevard, the southern portion of
 Sequoia Club Travel 21

Travel the world The Venetian is yet another Italian

New York - New York Hotel
Okay, so you are in Nevada, but
perhaps you want to stay in New
York - no problem. The New York -
New York Hotel and Casino is just
the place for you.
The exterior of the hotel comes
complete with twelve skyscrapers (⅓
scale), a 47-story Empire State
Building, Statue of Liberty and of
course lets not forget the Brooklyn
Bridge - honest! Oh, and one other
thing, a Roller Coaster which winds
itself both inside and outside the
hotel.
“Thrill-seekers
will love the
Stratosphere
themed hotel but at this one you can
glide down the Grand Canal in an
authentic Venetian gondola
serenaded by your host as you pass
quaint shops and sail under bridges.
The little more adventurous
among you will want to visit Egypt.
No trip to Vegas is complete without
a trip to The Luxor Hotel. The Luxor
is one of the most recognizable
buildings in Las Vegas with its huge
30-story black pyramid and Sphinx
which guards the hotel entrance. On
top of the pyramid is a spotlight
which points directly into the sky and
is the brightest beam in the world. It
is claimed that the beam can be seen
from space.
Something for everyone
If you love animals you will want to
discover the wild side of Las Vegas.
Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at

Hotel where The Flamingo Hotel and see Chilean

flamingos, swans, ducks, koi,
goldfish and turtles. Venture over to
you will find The Mirage for the Siegfried & Roy's
Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

Paris Hotel three of the The Secret Garden is home to royal

Gondola ride at the Venetian
Luxor Hotel
white tigers, white lions, black
panthers, a snow leopard, and
world’s highest golden tigers. The Dolphin Habitat,
adjacent to the Secret Garden,
rides” houses an extended family of
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. At
MGM Grand, see The Lion Habitat, a
If you don’t fancy New York, how showcase for public education and
about Paris? Yes you can visit Paris appreciation of this majestic
whilst in Vegas via the Paris Hotel. creature. The lions live in custom
This hotel boasts its own half-scale accommodations on an 8.5-acre
Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triomphe, Paris ranch 12 miles from MGM Grand and
Opera House and Louvre facade. visit the habitat daily. Get up close
You can travel to the top of the Eiffel and personal with endangered and
Tower for superb views of Vegas unusual aquatic animals at Mandalay
both by day and night. There is even Bay's Shark Reef. Visitors journey
a restaurant at the 11th floor where through a replica of an ancient
you can eat whilst enjoying the view. temple ruin and a sunken galleon
If you prefer Italy, then perhaps ship surrounded by several varieties
you might want to visit the Bellagio, of sharks.
the 3,933 room luxury hotel with a Thrill-seekers will love the
Tuscan theme. This hotel is home to Stratosphere Hotel where you will
the famous dancing fountain which find three of the world’s highest
entertains visitors every day with rides: Xscream (which teeters riders
spectacular choreographed water over the edge of the tower 900 feet
displays which are lit at night for that above the ground), the Big Shot - a
extra special wow. thrill ride that shoots fun-lovers 50
Another hotel with an Italian flare is meters into the air at a force of 4G's
Caesars Palace. This opulent hotel is before letting them free-fall back to
home to the Colosseum where stars the launching pad - and Insanity, an
such as Cher, Elton John and Bette appropriately named, dizzying
Midler perform. spinning ride that dangles
passengers over the edge of the
 22 Travel
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
tower before whirling them around at
speeds approaching 40 miles per
hour.
Other thrill rides include Speed -
The Ride at the Sahara which takes
passengers around a roller coaster
loop and up a 224-foot climb at
speeds topping 70 mph and then
retraces the same path...in reverse.
The Roller Coaster at New York-New
York Hotel & Casino is an exciting
roller coaster with twists, loops and
dives around the resort. It features
the first-ever heart line roll, which
provides a sensation similar to that
felt by a pilot during a barrel roll in an
airplane.
The Adventuredome at Circus
Circus Hotel is America’s largest
indoor theme park with 21 rides and
attractions.
Downtown's famous, casino-lined
Fremont Street has been converted
into a 175,700-square-foot
pedestrian area covered by a
continuous canopy studded with
more than 14 million lights. Called
the Fremont Street Experience, this
canopy showcases spectacular light-
and-sound shows every hour on the
hour during the evenings.
Helicopter tours are also available
so you can see the city from above.
A night tour is particularly good.
Shop till you drop covered with façades representative
of real Parisian districts.
At the Planet Hollywood Hotel you
If you want it, Vegas has it. From will find the Miracle Mile Shops
designer splurges to bargain deals, where over 170 shops and 15
Las Vegas has become a one-stop restaurants are set in a futuristic
shopping Mecca. Everything from setting.
colorful souvenir shops to haute Nearly every resort hotel in Vegas
couture boutiques can be found in offers a host of shopping
retail centers along the Las Vegas opportunities, but if you want
Strip and surrounding areas. exclusive names in clothing and
Enter any casino resort and you'll accessories then visit The Wynn
discover amazing shopping Esplanade - just remember to being
opportunities around every corner. Of your credit card!
notable interest, you won't want to In addition to the hotels there are
miss The Forum Shops at Caesars many malls located along The Strip
Palace, which has around 160 and at other nearby locations. The
boutiques and shops and 13 Boulevard Mall is one of Nevada’s
restaurants all with a unique Roman largest shopping malls with over one
decor. million square feet of retail space.
Cobblestone walkways line The There are also several outlet malls to
Grand Canal Shoppes with over 70 explore.
shops and restaurants within The
Venetian. This indoor shopping area
features an authentic reproduction of The buffet capital
Venice's Grand Canal (complete with
gondolas) and a replica of St. Mark's Although Las Vegas is full of
Square, which serves as the restaurants and eateries covering all
centerpiece of the mall area. tastes and pockets it is famous for its
Paris Las Vegas features upscale all-you-can-eat buffets. You can
French retail shopping, located within choose to have a buffet for breakfast,
the resort's quaint Le Boulevard lunch or dinner at any number of
District. The interior buildings are locations. These buffets offer huge
selections of just about every type of
 Travel 23

Hoover Dam The Grand Canyon

food you can imagine from fruit and can stand on the dam with one foot Weddings Vegas style
salads to meats, vegetables and in each state - how cool is that?
seafood. These are ideal for fussy Another great place to visit from
eaters or those who want to try Vegas is Red Rock Canyon. Again it No feature about Las Vegas is
something new without ordering a is a short drive away and features complete without mentioning
full meal from a restaurant. After all, if
stunning landscapes of red rock weddings. Vegas is almost as
you don’t like what you choose, (what else!) and if you are lucky famous for weddings as it is for
leave it and try something else. wildlife such as big horn sheep, casinos with more than 120,000
Remember you can eat at any hotel foxes and snakes. marriage licences issued annually.
regardless of where you are lodging. Valley of Fire State Park is also Part of the allure of getting married
One of the best known buffets can close by and is Nevada’s oldest state in Las Vegas is that it offers the
be found at Planet Hollywood: The park. Like Red Rock you will see ultimate freedom of choice, ranging
Spice Market Buffet where you will stunning sandstone formations along from Elvis presiding over a 24-hour,
find cuisine on offer from all over the
with plenty of wildlife. drive-through chapel to a lavish
world. The Carnival World Buffet About 40 miles northwest of Las soiree at one of the world's premier
located at the Rio has recently Vegas you will find Mt. Charleston a resorts. In addition, Las Vegas has
upgraded its award winning buffet to 7,717 ft elevation offering not only minimal requirements and no waiting
include over 300 dishes prepared spectacular views but great hiking period, making "quickie" weddings
daily. opportunities. an attractive possibility.
One of the biggest draws in the Even the rich and famous have
area however is the Grand Canyon chosen Vegas for their nuptials
Leaving Las Vegas including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra,
and the best way to get to it is by
helicopter. Several companies offer Angelina Jolie (to Billy Bob not Brad),
Although Vegas has more than helicopter flights to the Canyon with Jon Bon Jovi, Tony Curtis, Michael
enough to occupy the average tourist various ad-ons such as a picnic in Jordan and of course the ill-fated
for many days, there is also a lot to the Canyon or sunset trips, limousine marriage of Britney Spears.
see nearby. There are many tour pick up, etc. Depending on the type
companies offering specialist tours of trip booked you should allow in So whatever your reason for visiting
but you can explore on your own too. excess of three hours for the trip, but Vegas, one thing is for sure - “If you
The Hoover Dam is a short drive it will be one of the best three hours see it once, you’ll never be the same
from Vegas and should not be of your life. again.”
missed. It spans Lake Mead and is
where Nevada meets Arizona. You
 24 Lifestyle

Sweet recipes
Red Velvet Cake
Ingredients:

Cake: 100 g shortening

300 g white sugar
2 eggs
10 g cocoa
60 ml red food coloring
6 g salt
5 ml vanilla extract
235 ml buttermilk
310 g sifted all-purpose flour
7 g baking soda
15 ml distilled white vinegar
Icing: 40 g all-purpose flour
235 ml milk
200 g white sugar
225 g butter
5 ml vanilla extract

Grease two 9 inch round pans. Preheat

oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cream shortening and sugar well then add eggs and beat well. Make a paste of cocoa and red food coloring. Add to
creamed mixture. Mix salt, vanilla and buttermilk together. Add alternately the flour with the milk mixture to the
creamed mixture. Mix soda and vinegar and fold into cake batter. Bake for 30 minutes. To Make Icing: Cook flour and
milk over low heat till thick, stirring constantly. Cool. While cooling, cream other ingredients and beat till light and fluffy.
Add to flour mixture and beat until of a good spreading consistency. Ice cake once cooled.

Valentine Cookies
Ingredients:
225 g butter, softened
310 g sifted all-purpose flour
125 g sifted confectioners' sugar
15 ml milk
5 ml vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (170

degrees C). Mix butter in a mixer until
light, add remaining ingredients. Knead
until velvety. Roll one-half of the dough
at a time to about 1/4 inch thickness
using the smallest amount of flour
possible. Cut out shapes using heart
shaped cutter and bake on a lightly
greased pan for 12 minutes. Decorate as
required using icing, fruit, chocolate or
any topping of your choice.
 Lifestyle 25

for Valentine’s Day

Black Forest Cake
Ingredients:

235 ml milk
15 ml vinegar
220 g all-purpose flour
400 g white sugar
65 g unsweetened cocoa powder
3 g baking powder
9 g baking soda
3 g salt
2 eggs
120 ml vegetable oil
235 ml strong brewed coffee, cold
5 ml vanilla extract
595 g cherry pie filling
120 ml cherry liqueur

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175

degrees C). Grease and flour two 8 inch
cake pans. Make sour milk by
combining milk and vinegar. Set aside.
Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk
together the eggs, oil, coffee and vanilla. Stir in the sour milk. Gradually beat in the flour mixture, mixing just until
incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick
inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow cake layers to cool completely before filling. To make
the cherry filling: Combine the cherry pie filling and cherry liquor. Refrigerate cherry mixture until chilled, then fill
cake. Decorate with cream, cherry and chocolate.

Chocolate Covered
Strawberries
Ingredients:

450 g milk chocolate chips

25 g shortening
455 g fresh strawberries (with or without
leaves)
Toothpicks (optional)

Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate

and shortening, stirring occasionally until
smooth. If you do not have a double
boiler use a bowl over a pot of hot water.
Dip the strawberries into the chocolate
mixture (using toothpicks if preferred).
Lay strawberries on foil or wax paper to
cool. If you are using toothpicks you can
insert them into Styrofoam or half an
orange to allow cooling. The
strawberries can be left in the fridge to
cool.
26Sequoia
Lifestyle
Club

The best of 2008

Well, the figures are out and we now know what the best of
everything was in 2008. Did you read a bestseller or watch the
highest grossing film?
You might be surprised by some of the results.

Bestselling Fiction Books of 2008 Bestselling Non-Fiction Books of 2008

1. Heart and Soul, Maeve 1. Audition: A Memoir,

Binchy Barbara Walters
2. Through Black Spruce, 2. The Snowball: Warren
Joseph Boyden Buffett And The Business
3. The Cellist Of Sarajevo, Of Life, Alice Schroeder
Steven Galloway 3. Outliers: The Story of
4. A Most Wanted Man, Success, Malcolm
John Le Carre Gladwell
5. Given Day, Dennis 4. In Defense Of Food,
LeHane Michael Pollan
6. The Guernsey Literary 5. Payback: Debt and the
And Potato Peel Pie Shadow Side of Wealth,
Society, Mary Ann Margaret Atwood
Shaffer 6. Human Smoke: The Beginnings of World War II,
7. The Story Of Edgar Sawtelle, David Wroblewski the End of Civilization, Nicholson Baker
8. The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity, 7. Don Cherry's Hockey Stories And Stuff, Don
William P. Young Cherry
9. The Host, Stephanie Meyer 8. When You Are Engulfed in Flames, David Sedaris
10. The Hour I First Believed, Wally Lamb 9. Cobain Unseen, Charles R Cross
10. My Stroke of Insight, Jill Taylor
Courtesy of Chapters.Indigo
Courtesy of Chapters.Indigo

Bestselling Teen Books of 2008 Bestselling Kids Books of 2008

1. Breaking Dawn, 1. The Tales of Beedle the

Stephanie Meyer Bard, JK Rowling
2. The Hunger Games, 2. Inkdeath, Cornelia Funke
Suzanne Collins 3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid:
3. BRISINGR: Inheritance, Rodrick Rules, Jeff
Book III, Christopher Kinney
Paolini 4. Before Green Gables,
4. The Sweet Far Thing, Budge Wilson
Libba Bray 5. The 39 Clues Book One:
5. The Darkest Powers The Maze of Bones, Rick
Series, Book 1: The Riordan
Summoning, Kelley 6. Scaredy Squirrel at the
Armstrong Beach, Melanie Watt
6. Identical, Ellen Hopkins 7. The Artemis Fowl: Time
7. Twilight Collector’s Edition, Stephanie Meyer Paradox, Eoin Colfer
8. Lost and Key, Sarah Dessen 8. Bone #8: Treasure Hunters, Jeff Smith
9. Untamed: A House of Night Novel, Kristin Cast 9. The Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book
10. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X, James Four: Battle of the Labyrinth, Rick Riordan
Patterson 10. Raven Rise, D.J. MacHale

Courtesy of Chapters.Indigo Courtesy of Chapters.Indigo

 Lifestyle 27

Top Grossing Films of 2008 Top Movie Rentals of 2008

1. The Dark Knight 1.The Dark Knight

($997,063,938) 2.I Am Legend
2. Indiana Jones and the 3.No Country for Old Men
Kingdom of the Crystal 4.Burn After Reading
Skull ($786,636,033) 5.Iron Man
3. Kung Fu Panda 6.Hancock
($631,908,951) 7.American Gangster
4. Hancock 8.21
($624,386,746) 9.National Treasure 2: Book
5. Iron Man of Secrets
($582,030,528) 10.Get Smart
6. Mamma Mia!
($573,034,202) Courtesy of Rogers
7. Madagascar: Escape 2
Africa ($558,281,654)
8. Quantum of Solace
($551,354,412)
9. WALL-E ($528,616,453)
10. The Chronicles of
Narnia: Prince Caspian
($419,649,113)

Worldwide gross figures

in US dollars
28 Lifestyle
When only Canadian will do
These days more and more people want to buy Canadian if they possibly can. The “buy
locally” mantra has been embraced by many Canadians and with this in mind an
entrepreneur from Quebec set up a website which allows vendors of Canadian products
to showcase their wares and for fellow Canadians to purchase them.
Last year an Angus
Reid survey revealed
that 43% of Canadians
were trying to buy
Canadian products
rather than foreign
produced goods but
many had problems
finding them. This got
Isabelle Remy of
Quebec thinking….what
if there was a website which showcased Canadian
products?
Last year she took on the task of developing such a
website which would showcase everything from furniture
to clothing and all things in between. Isabelle wanted to
build a vehicle by which fellow Canadians could search
for and find Canadian-made goods and from there
BuyCanadianFirst.ca was born.
"It's a pro-Canadian site, not anti-globalization or
boycott imports," Isabelle stressed. "We wanted a name
that conveyed the concept of buying Canadian first, not
buying Canadian only."
Since this first idea Isabella has built the website and
launched a business with several staff.
So what does it offer shoppers?
The website has catalogues of products which visitors
can search and view. There are many categories
including electronics, clothing, gifts, furniture, home
wares, food and even musical instruments. The only
things not featured are tobacco-related items and
pornography. Each product is listed with a photo,
description and link to the sellers website for purchase or
a link to retail outlets carrying the product.
“We are not a transactional website,” says Melissa
Thibodeau,Partner and Director, Marketing & Business
Development, “we showcase the products and allow the
buyer to trade directly with the seller.
“All products must meet the guideline set by the
federal government stipulating that the “Made in
Canada” or “Product of Canada” label can only be used
if at least 51% of the value has been made in Canada.
Some of our products carry the Super Canadian icon
meaning that 100% of the product is made in Canada.
This has to include the packaging and labeling too.”
Buyers can also see if items are made by Aboriginals,
are eco-friendly or recycled by way of easy to identify
icons.
www.buycanadianfirst.ca
“We cannot guarantee
the quality of the
products featured on
our site.” says
Isabelle.”Any country is
capable of producing
low-quality products,
Canada included
(unfortunately). This is
why we ask our
shoppers to rate and
review and take ownership of the products. We expect to
hear about their likes and dislikes, and we welcome
them!”
And what about merchants?
Merchants become members of BuyCanadianFirst.ca in
order to promote their Canadian products. The site puts
their products in front of motivated and targeted
customers and directs the sales to them via links to
websites, promotional microsite or traditional brick and
mortar retail outlets.
“We offer specialized tools and services to assist
members in their business to consumer as well as with
their business to business efforts, allowing them to
continue to grow and remain in Canada and thus
continue to employ Canadians.” says Melissa.
Member packages start from $500 per year and can
be customized to suit the needs of the company
depending on the type and number of products they
want to showcase.
So, what’s next for BuyCanadianFirst.ca?
“We are still a very young company.” says Melissa, “but
already we are seeing a huge growth. Since launching in
August 2008 we have seen an increase of over 400% in
unique visitors. Most of our traffic comes from the big
cities such as Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and
Winnipeg but we have visitors from all over Canada.”
“We want to build a community of buyers and sellers
who have a common goal: to promote the “Made in
Canada” brand.” says Isabelle, ‘By choosing products
made closer to home, consumers support Canadian jobs
and the local economy while also cutting down on the
environmental costs of moving products around the
world. We want to promote the great and wonderful
things made in Canada and the companies who make
them”
 Lifestyle 29

Top Canadian…
TV shows
1. C.S.I. - 2.89 7. Law and Order: SVU - 1.61
2. House - 2.24 8. Survivor: Gabon Reunion -
3. C.S.I. New York - 2.13 1.55
4. Criminal Minds - 1.89 9. ER - 1.48
5. Survivor: Gabon - 1.85 10. CTV Evening News - 1.36
6. C.S.I. Miami - 1.65

CD’s
1. The Fame, Lady GaGa 6. Muchmdance 2009, Various
2. Dark Horse, Nickelback 7. Freedom, Akon
3. Circus, Britney Spears 8. Black Ice, AC/DC
4. Twilight, Soundtrack 9. 808s & Heartbeat, Kanye West
5. Fearless, Taylor Swift 10. Funhouse, Pink

DVD & Blue-ray

1. Max Payne (14A) 6. Righteous Kill (14A)

2. My Best Friends Girl (18A) 7. Igor (PG)
3. Pineapple Express (18A) 8. Brideshead Revisited (TBD)
4. Saw V (18A) 9. Appaloosa (14A)
5. City of Ember (PG) 10. Mirrors (18A)

Fiction paperbacks
1. The Shack, William P Young 6. The White Tiger, Aravind Adiga
2. The Book of Negroes, 7. Three Day Road, Joseph
Lawrence Hill Boyden
3. Thousand Splendid Suns, 8. World Without End, Ken Follett
Khaked Hosseini 9. Heart and Soul, Maeve Binchy
4. The Appeal, John Grisham 10. A prisoner of Birth, Jeffery
5. Water for Elephants, Sara Archer
Gruen

Fiction hardbacks
1. The Host, Stephanie Meyer
2. Through Black Spruce, Joseph
Boyden
3. The Guernsey Literary and
Potato Peel Pie Society,
Barrows & Shaffer
4. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle,
David Wroblewski
5. The Flying Troutmans, Miriam
Toews
6. The Hour I First Believed, Wally
Lamb
7. The Origin of Species, Nino
Ricci
8. A Most Wanted Man, John le
Carre
9. Just After Sunset, Stephen King
10. The Gargoyle, Andrew
Davidson
30 Working Life
Sequoia Club
The slightly unusual
Over the past few months we have been taking a look at people who have slightly unusual
careers and this month is no exception. We talk to Moonlyn, an independent singer/
songwriter from Toronto who is currently working on her second album.
Moonlyn, please tell us about
yourself
I am a singer/songwriter and am
currently working on my 2nd
album of songs. I create all my
songs from top to bottom all
alone. The only time I
collaborate with others is in the
final stages of the songs, with
the mixing and mastering. All my
songs are programmed
electronically and the only real
instrument ever used thus far- is a
keyboard. I also occasionally act and
model on the side.
How did you start in this line
of work?
I began writing my first album
"Butterfly Girl" in 2001 and released
it at the beginning of 2004. However,
I've been singing since I was a little
girl, mainly in church and school
choirs. I self-taught myself how to
play the piano a couple years before
I began composing my own music.
 Before I began concentrating
more on music, I used to model and
act more and even delved into
painting and drawing.
With all these different
interests, what is your
favorite?
My absolute favourite thing to do in
life is to do music. Every stage fulfills
me, whether it's the creation of a
new piece, or making it come to life
on my computer, or producing my
songs, or performing them live. Each
part of the process exhilarates my
soul, even the more tedious stages
like editing and remixing.
And a common
misconception?
I would have to say that the most
Photo by: Randy Chipkar
common misconception about my
job is that all musical artists are
mindless party animals. I live a
very quiet and lonely life. It takes
a lot of time and energy and focus
to get as far as I have in this
industry as an independent solo
artist. My friends all tell me that I'm
the biggest dork they know and the
most obsessive workaholic and I
have to admit, I fully agree with them.
What is your greatest 
What is the most difficult part achievement so far?
of your job?
I try to take everything in my stride
and appreciate every success and
The most difficult part of my job thus
far has been dealing with other
people. I find it hard to collaborate
and associate with the people in the
music industry, who mainly consist of
men. I find I have to work really hard
to get them to take me seriously and
really listen to what I have to say and
to give me the respect I require.
And the best part?
The absolute best part of my job
would have to be the positive
feedback and support from strangers
and the expressions on people's
faces during a live performance. But
to be honest, there are so many
great parts. Even just hearing
someone else singing along to one of
Photo by: David Susilo
my songs and seemingly enjoying
themselves. I can't say I write to help
others and to save the world, I write
to empty my mind of the music that
frequently fills it... but it is nice when
my art has a positive affect on
others.
 Sequoia Club
positive occurrence, no matter how
great or how small. If I had to choose, I
would say my greatest achievement so
far was getting some of my songs off of
my first album "Butterfly Girl", on the
radio and also having them licensed on
a television program and in an indie film.
What was your best moment of
2008?
2008 was a difficult year for me, with a
Photo by: Moonlyn’s mum
lot of struggles and disappointments,
but it did end awesome.. I have nearly
finished mixing my upcoming new
album and I met my soulmate.
Is there anything strange or
unusual about your job you
would like to share?
The thing I find the most unusual about
being a musician, is some of the
negative attention from strangers.
Being a public figure with information
Working Life 31
and photos and various musical profiles
all over the web, invites attention from all
kinds of shady characters. I'm relatively
unknown to the world and even to
Toronto, yet I have a bizarre assortment
of obsessive fans and stalkers. If they
only saw what I am like on a daily basis,
cycling around and being my regular
nerdy self- they would probably be very
disappointed by the girl behind the sexy
facade.
You can check out Moonlyn on her
MySpace page at www.myspace.com/
moonlynmusic. You can also listen to and
purchase her CD “Butterfly Girl.”
32Sequoia
Working
Club Life
Are you networking
effectively for 2009?
By Tina Dezsi acquired contacts IS absolutely the
place to start.
First, lets take a look at the key
ingredients to true networking.
Entering a room where you hardly
know a soul can be scary indeed,
however seeing a familiar face is
most welcoming. Upon arrival, most
people scan the room and look for
the people they know, which always
makes us feel comfortable. You
should acknowledge the contacts
you know and strengthen those
relationships. All relationships
require some form of nurturing to
continue to grow and business is no
different. Be sure to find out how
they are doing and if there is
anything you can do for them.
The next step is to get outside
your comfort zone and start
approaching new people or ask your
warm contacts you have spoken
with for an introduction to someone
Networking. What does that mean they might know in the room that are
to you as a business person? For new to you. Always, shake their
most people it means going to hand, introduce yourself and ask
meetings where you can meet them about themselves…. THEN
others who might do business with SHUT UP AND LISTEN….. sounds
you. The truth is, there is so much harsh? It is. This is one of the
more to networking for business or ultimate keys to your networking
personal reasons than this. However success.
most people just don’t get it! People love to talk about
Operating a women’s networking themselves and share what they do,
organization gives me a birds eye what they are passionate about and
view of how people operate while mostly what they need from you.
networking and beyond… and how You as an intent listener will be
they don’t get business, yes that is welcomed into their circle with open
right, how they don’t get business. arms. Ask what you can do for them
In this months article we will or offer suggestions about referrals
explore the reasons why and look at you can make for them – however,
ways you can change yourself to be sincere and make sure that you
increase your business by using can follow up on your word.
simple steps in networking etiquette. Exchange business cards by
Being honest with yourself regarding asking for theirs – NEVER, NEVER
your methods of networking, follow- shove your card in a persons hand
up, referring others to your newly that has not asked for it! This is not
only rude, it makes the other person
Advertorial
believe that you
are only in this
relationship for
what you need
and don’t care
about theirs.
Notice
anything
familiar here
that could
pertain to
all other
relationships in your life?
Follow up is absolutely required
and as the saying goes, if it is to be,
it is up to me……it is ten-fold here.
Do not wait until your new contact
gets around to contacting you.
Within the first 24-48 hours send
them an email or a handwritten card
saying how nice it was to meet
them, acknowledge something you
discussed, possibly something they
shared with you about a new
contract, their vacation or whatever
else that shows them that you are
interested in their success as well as
your own.
Lastly, and most importantly is
something that most people ignore
or worse don’t think it applies to
them (truth is they are usually the
ones it does apply to), however
being in the business I am in, I am
here to tell you this is the ULTIMATE
INGREDIENT to your success using
networking as part of your marketing
strategy.
Being positive should be a given -
yes? WRONG - so many people are
not even aware of their own negative
attitude and conversations with
others. There is no polite way for me
to say this, but IT TURNS PEOPLE
OFF! When you are approached by
someone at a networking meeting
who starts a conversation off with
everything that is wrong about the
 Sequoia Club
venue, the food, the climate, the
organization or anything else that
they see fit makes people want to
run the other way and fast. How
does that affect you? Not only does
it leave a bad taste in your mouth
about the organization but it actually
turns you right off that person. You
can’t wait to get away from them
and never ever see them again. Who
wants to do business with someone
like this?
This leads me to the biggest
mistake you can do to ensure you
will not be successful at obtaining
business through networking or
anything else for that matter…..
GOSSIPPING!
Gossip can only lead you down
the wrong path both personally and
professionally. People may listen to
you once, maybe twice before they
realize quite quickly what type of
person you are. Most times you only
get one chance to make your good
impression and in business your
reputation and integrity are what
smart consumers expect. Gossip is
the key ingredient to a sure disaster.
When networking you must never
engage in any kind of gossip about
the organization or its members.
Others in the group will start to see
you as a person who is not only
negative but is a bad influence and
will begin avoiding you. You may be
a long standing member who is not
getting any business and blaming
the group or others in the group for
your lack of success instead of
looking at yourself and your
decorum.
In my experience watching the
dynamics of this type of issue within
POWE, my suggestion is to take
your blinders off, be real with
yourself and take a good long look
at how you are handling yourself at
POWE networking meeting
meetings. Ask yourself if you are
following the key steps above. Are
you being positive, are you avoiding
gossip, are you being helpful and
referring others to your contacts,
are you following up? These steps
are not options - they are
mandatory ingredients to successful
networking.
Leaving out or substituting a key
ingredient can spoil any recipe and
it will indeed guarantee you will not
be successful at networking. As we
enter a brand new year, make sure
to stir in the above ingredients into
your action plan for success.
Tina Dezsi, CEO, Founder Power
of Women Exchange, a networking
group for women entrepreneurs,
executives and business
professionals that provides the tools
for women to empower themselves
to create success on their own
terms.
Tina is a writer, facilitator,
business coach and leader in
inspiring people to plan their path to
success. She teaches marketing
and sales for the womens market
and building mutually beneficial
relationships with networking. Tina
offers tips on her blog at
www.powe.ca. Tina provides
numerous workshops on these
subjects. She is also a successful
Canadian Jewelry Designer of her
own line called Jewelry by T. Check
out her site at
www.tinadezsidesigns.com.
Working Life 33
POWE Chapters
Bay of Quinte
Meets at the Holiday Inn, Trenton on
the 4th Tuesday of each month
Registration from 11:00 am.
Clarington
Meets at Bobby C’s Dockside in
Bowmanville on the 4th Tuesday of
each month. Registration from 6:30
pm.
Durham East
Get together at the The Oshawa and
District Shrine Club in Oshawa on the
1st Tuesday of each month.
Registration from 11:00 am.
Durham West
The Forest Brook Community Church
in Ajax is the location of this meeting
on the 3rd Tuesday of each month
with registration from 11:00 am.
Markham
This chapter meets at Victoria
Square Community Centre on the 2nd
Tuesday of the month with
registration at 11:00 am.
Ottawa West
Meet at City View United Church,
Ottawa on the 1st Tuesday of each
month. Registration starts at 11:00
am.
Coming Soon….
Scugog/Uxbridge
Kitchener Waterloo
Visit www.readmuchmor.com
to read all our back issues
and find muchmor.
34 Working Life

10 interview questions
decoded
Job interviews are stressful at the best of times, but if you are not properly
prepared you can throw good chances down the drain. By anticipating
questions and having answers to hand you will better your chances of
getting that dream job

By Selena Dehne, JIST

Publishing

Anyone who's ever spent time in a

job search has probably walked
away from at least one interview
knowing right away that he botched
it. Quite often, people who do feel
confident about their last interview
know they still could have answered
one or two questions much better
than they did.
The problem behind such
scenarios is that too often, job
seekers misunderstand or
underestimate what they're being
asked during an interview, according
to Jack Warner and Clyde Bryan,
co-authors of "Inside Secrets of
Finding a Teaching Job." A question
such as, "Do you have any more
questions for me?" may seem
innocent and simple enough to
answer, but candidates who give a
weak response are usually the ones
screened out of consideration for the
job. speech" that overviews your Tips: Present your weakness as a
Job seekers should be aware that experience and achievements. positive. Don't talk too long or
every question an interviewer asks is emphasize your downfalls.
an opportunity to sell themselves as What are your greatest
the most outstanding, must-have strengths? Why are you interested in
candidate for the job. In their book,
Warner and Bryan identify some of
working here?
the most popular interview What they're really asking: How
questions, reveal what interviewers do you perceive your talents and What they're really asking: How
really want to know when asking abilities as a professional? Will you dedicated are you? Do you have a
them and offer tips to help job be an asset to our organization? passion for this type of work?
seekers develop a savvy response. Tips: Sell yourself. If you don't Tips: Keep your answer simple
These questions include: promote your strengths, nobody else and to the point. Stay away from
will. Prepare six or seven responses. such responses as, "Many of my
Be "confidently humble." friends have worked here." This
Tell us about yourself. response isn't very impressive.
What they're really asking: What
What are your greatest
makes you special? Why should we weaknesses? Why should we hire you?
hire you?
Tips: Prepare several selling points What they're really asking: How What they're really asking: Can
about yourself. Give a quick "elevator honest are you being about yourself you convince us you're "the one?"
with us? How realistic are you? Can you sell your "product?"
 Data Entry Clerk design surveys, compile and evaluate the succeed. Suggest that you ease into it --
Like administrative assistants, job data and make recommendations to their spending a few days to a few weeks in the
prospects should be best for those with client or employer based upon their
Working
office at the outset, Life
meeting people and35
expertise in computer software findings. getting to know procedures. Then, during
applications. By typing text, entering data the first three to six months on the new
Tips: Make a powerful statement about the value serious thought to their question and are genuinely
job, make frequent visits.
you'll into
bringa computer,
to their and Toot your ownParalegal
performing other
organization. horn, interested in the job."
but beclerical
waryduties,
of sounding arrogant.
these workers ensure While lawyers assume ultimate
Katewriter
Lorenzfor
is the article and advice
companies keep up with information and responsibility for legal Selena
work, they Dehne is a career
delegate JIST Publishing
Where do you see yourself five years
technology. much from who
of their work to shares the latesteditor
paralegals.
for CareerBuilder.ca.
occupational, career and She job
researches and writes about job search
now? Paralegals not only search
assist in information
preparation available with job seekers and career
changers. strategy, career management, hiring
Insurance Underwriter for closings, hearings, trials, andHer articles help people find meaningful
corporate
trends and workplace issues.
Insurancereally
What they're underwriters
asking: serve
Willasyou
the be meetings, onlyalsowork,
here for they performdevelop
a numbertheir
of career and life plans, and carry out
year amain link between
before movingthe on,insurance carrier
or are you to functionseffective
other vital
committed job search campaigns.
including draft
staying here for a while? Are you a stable person? Can
and the insurance agent. Underwriters contracts, mortgages, separation
you set goalsinsurance
analyze for yourself?
applications, calculate agreements, trust instruments and may
Tips:
theBeriskaware thatpolicyholders,
of loss from they might decide
not wantassist
to hire
in preparing tax returns and
someonewhetherwho will be
to issue thearound forestablish
policy and only a year or two.
planning Feel With employers Visit
estates. reducingwww.readmuchmor.com
free toappropriate
say that premium
you have one goal at the moment:
rates. to be duties once tended to
costs by replacing
the very best employee for that particular job. to read all our back issues
by lawyers with paralegals, growth of this
profession is expected. and find muchmor.
What are some of your hobbies?

What they're really asking: How well-rounded are

you? What do you do outside of work that might
transfer positively into the workplace?
Tips: Emphasize any hobbies or activities that may
relate to the job. Help the interviewer learn more about
you and perceive you as a person, rather than a job
candidate. Therefore, don't just answer questions,
respond to them.
Subscribe to Muchmor Magazine and CareerBuilder® is one of
Wouldnotyouonly
be willing to pursue
will you an extra
be reminded when
certificate
Canada’s top job sites
everyornewcredential?
issue is published but you
allowing you to get the best
Whatwill alsoreally
they're be placed
asking: into a your
How is draw to win
attitude?
How flexible are you?
a $50 TimCard™
and most up-to-date
Tips: Tell the interviewer how important professional
growth is to you. Understand that the person who will
employment information
impress the interviewer the most is the one willing to do available.
the extra work.

What were you hoping we'd ask today, but Sign up completely free to
didn't?
receive job
What read
they'remuchmor for Is
really asking: the latest
there winner
anything special recommendations or add
about yourself thatand
you want us to know?
to subscribe at
Tips: Consider this a "show and tell" opportunity. your resume to allow
readmuchmor.com
Use materials from your portfolio to convince them how
valuable you'll be to their organization. employers to search for
you.
Do you have any questions for us?

What they're really asking: Are you prepared to ask

questions? How interested are you in this position?
Tips: List five or six questions on an index card. Ask Sticking your head in the sand won’t help.
at least one question, even if all of your prepared
questions have been answered. Never say, "No, you've
answered all of my questions."

Warner and Clyde remind job seekers that it's

important to sound natural and thoughtful when Marketing your business will.
replying to such questions, saying, "Don't let your Websites & graphic design
responses sound 'canned' or rehearsed. It's important Email marketing polodesign.ca
to make the interviewer feel as though you've given Banners & trade show displays 613•392•2011
36 Money
This year's resolution: manage
your credit
With 2009 underway, many New Year's resolutions may
have fallen to the wayside, but one that should stay at
the top of every consumer's list is reducing debt and
improving credit standing.
"While losing weight is typically at the forefront of
Canadian’s minds as they enter the new year, managing
credit health should take precedence for consumers this
year," says Lucy Duni, vice president of consumer
education at TrueCredit.com by TransUnion.
"Consumers who play a more active role in managing
their credit will establish important lifelong habits that
can enable them to have a truly holistic view of their
finances."
Here are five easy tips to help keep Canadians on the
right path with their credit resolutions in 2009.
Tip 1: Always pay your bills on time.
While it may sound like a no-brainer, making payments
on time is essential whether consumers are trying to
boost or maintain their credit score. Yet, TrueCredit's
2007 survey revealed that one in four (25 percent)
respondents had missed making one or more on-time
bill payments.
Tip 2: Don't overspend.
Keep debt below 35 percent of your limits. Although it
can be tempting and easy to overspend, it's important
for consumers to keep their credit card balances low
and not to max them out. Part of a lender's evaluation
includes reviewing a consumer's available credit. If
consumers are nearing or have over extended their
credit, it may impact their ability to be approved for a
loan at a competitive rate.
Tip 3: Keep tabs on your credit report.
In order to maintain a "healthy" credit score and to
position yourself best with creditors, it's important for
consumers to monitor their report regularly to provide an
up-to-date view on credit card activity and debt. It also
enables consumers to identify possible signs of
 Money 37

fraudulent activity, as the potential for identity theft

remains high. Retreat-on-Trent
Relax - Recharge - Rejuvenate
Tip 4: Monitor leases and loans closely
where you are the co-signer.

When consumers open a joint account or co-sign a

loan, they are taking on legal responsibility for the
account. Any activity on these shared accounts, good
or bad, will be reflected in both credit reports.
Barbara & Dave Phillips
11 McGill Street, Trenton
Tip 5: Long-standing credit card accounts Ontario, K8V 3J1
can help your credit score. Tel: 613 - 392 - 8310

Consumers should be cautious when thinking about Email: barbara@futurian.ca

closing credit card accounts where they have been
making punctual payments over a long period of time.
In addition to lowering your available credit, canceling
old credit accounts can also ultimately lower your credit
score by making your credit history appear shorter.
To learn more about managing your credit, visit
www.transunion.ca
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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38Sequoia
Money Club

How to recession-proof your

income
Unless you live in the wilderness, such as rent and
you know the news on the economy utilities. And, by
is not good. Employers have been working from
cutting workers from their payrolls for home you'll
six months straight, and economists eliminate all
don't expect the job market to commuting
improve any time soon. With all this costs, which is
talk about a recession, it's hard to especially
feel any kind of job security lately. important with
However, starting an online business the rapid
can be a quick and affordable way to increases of gas
make additional money and, it prices this year,"
provides a safe back-up plan if you says Strauss.
fear your job might be in jeopardy. There can
Steven D. Strauss is a lawyer, also be
author and speaker who specializes significant tax
in small business and write-offs
entrepreneurship. He writes a column associated with own pace and around your own
in USA Today and his latest book is having a home office and using your schedule.
"The Small Business Bible." He vehicle for business purposes. So, not only does an at-home
offers several tips on how to online business afford you the
recession-proof your income in Go global without going anywhere: opportunity to create actual income,
uncertain economic times. When looking at the various types of rather than the debt and loans that
home-based small businesses, starting a traditional storefront
Do what you love: Having trouble online businesses are not only the business would require, but also
coming up with a business idea? most affordable; they also have the allows you to make your own
Starting a small business is not only highest impact. Over the last several schedule.
a great strategy for protecting and years there has been an increasing
increasing your income; it's also an trend for businesses, large and small, Look every bit as big as the
opportunity to make a living doing to get online.
competition: "Even if you're working
something you truly love. Start by With an online storefront you can
alone from a laptop on your sofa, an
thinking of all of the things you enjoy sell anywhere. Even if your area is in
online storefront allows you the
doing in your spare time, and then a recession, it's important to keep in
opportunity to appear as established
see if you can come up with a way to mind that other places around the
and professional as the "big boys".
make them profitable. For example, if world are not, and you can easily
With strategic Web design and online
you're constantly knitting clothing for reach those global markets with a
marketing, the Web works for you
your friends and family, why not offer good Search Engine Optimization
and can even the playing field
your products to the masses? Or, if (SEO) campaign. Drop-shipping -a
between retailers of all sizes," says
you've been collecting baseball supply technique in which the retailer
Strauss.
cards since you were a kid, you transfers customer orders to
could create a database for people wholesalers who then ship the goods
directly to the customer - is cost- Don't be afraid to ask for help:
to buy, sell and trade them. The While establishing your small
possibilities are virtually endless effective, completely eliminates all
storage costs and keeps your home business, you should look for an
when you get creative. online services partner like Network
office clutter-free.
Solutions that offers around-the-
Make your home your home-base: clock customer service and a wide
Setting up a small business in your Take time to make time: One of the
array of design, marketing and e-
home is one of the easiest and most many benefits to having an at-home
commerce tools that can help make
cost effective ways to build a start- online business is that you can work
your Web site stand out.
up - especially during a recession. In around your own schedule. Whether
fact, small businesses have you're choosing to start a business
For more information about doing
generated 60 to 80 percent of new for extra income to supplement your
business online and tips from other
net jobs annually in North America day job, or if you've recently left or
small business experts, visit
during the last decade. lost your full-time job and are
www.MySolutionSpot.com.
"By working out of your home you choosing to venture out on your own
can avoid the not insignificant costs - an online business provides you Courtesy of ARAcontent
of a brick-and-mortar storefront, with the flexibility to work at your
 Money 39

RENT or CHILDCARE

Over 1 million Canadians can’t afford both. The high cost of

Transport
housing forces many people to make choices no one should
Canada brochure
have to make. You can choose to help. To donate, participate or
advocate visit www.habitat.ca

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*-!.(-2)+'<! Canada Magazine.
A*-!9*-2!&),*-9(+&*)!*)!?*64)+22-&)/!*-!1*)(+&)/!+*!!
"#$%8!.62('2!?&'&+!*4-!>27'&+2!(+!>>><B(2*<*-/!*-!! If a registered charity wants to take
3*)+(3+!C(+:622)!D4++*)8!E2/&*)(6!F&-23+*-!*,!G-*/-(9'! advantage of this offer simply contact us at
(+!HIJ;KLM;MKHM!N!OMIK!!!!=:4++*)PB(2*<*-/!! editor@muchmormagazine.com
!
Muchmor Media will place ads on a rotating basis
each month and reserves the right to amend
or refuse ads.
40Sequoia
Motoring
Club

2009 Canadian
International
AutoShow
be held in the North & South Metro Toronto Convention
Centre and Rogers Centre.
This month sees the return of the Canadian Admission for adults is $20 and children aged 7-12
International AutoShow in Toronto - and Muchmor will $7. Children under 6 years of age get in free. You might
be there to bring you all the latest news and trends from also want to consider a family pass (2 adults and 2
the motor trade. children under 12 years) for $40. A adult multi-day pass
If you want to go along yourselves, there is still time. which is valid any two days can also be purchased for
Simply go to www.autoshow.ca and purchase tickets $30.
online. Tickets can also be purchased at the event. If you cannot get along yourself then look out for the
The show is open to the public between February special feature in next month’s issue of Muchmor
13th and 22nd. Hours are from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm Canada.
with the final Sunday closing at 6:00 pm. The show will

Neglect wiper blades at your peril

Many of us are aware of the many safety features
available on our vehicles these days such as anti-lock
breaks, stability control and airbags, but what about
wiper blades?
Most of us don’t consider wiper blades in any great
detail, they are just something on our car that we use
when it rains or we need to clean our windshields.
However the wiper blade is an essential safety tool and
should not be neglected.
In order to keep your wiper blades in tip-top condition
they need replacing regularly - but how regularly?
Well according to surveys it seems that most
Canadians change their blades every two or three years,
but research shows that we should be changing them at
least once a year and in some cases more often.
We all know how frustrating it is when we get that
smear on the screen just in your line of sight or a bird
leaves you an unwanted message. Usually a quick spray There are certain things you can do to help your wipers
of the screen wash and a few swipes of the wiper blade stay “healthy” longer.
and we are good to go. But when the wiper creates more 1. Never use them dry, always use windshield washer
mess than you started with it’s a good indication that as this helps the wiper glide over the glass without
your blades need changing. Another sign that your damaging either.
wipers need changing is if the blades become noisy to 2. Never use the wipers to clear large amounts of
use or they jump across the screen. snow from the windshield. Instead clear the snow with
Many things take their toll on wipers, the weather is a brush before activating the wipers.
the biggest culprit. Sun and heat can do as much 3. Never use the wipers to remove ice from the screen
damage as ice and snow and everyone should check for the same reasons as snow. Scrape the ice off first
their wipers seasonally. using a proper scraper.
Go into any car accessory store and you will be 4. Remove debris such as leaves from the wipers to
amazed by the sheer array of wipers now available. stop them getting clogged and deformed, stopping
Gone are the days when you simply had to know the them contacting properly with the windshield.
length of the wiper you require. Now we can even buy 5. If they need replacing do it whilst you think about it.
wipers specifically designed for winter driving. They are Don’t leave it until you really need them and they are
tougher than summer blades to allow them to cope with past performing.
the heavy snow and ice build up.
 Motoring 41

Car safety: dealing with blind

spots
With SUVs, trucks and large cars growing in size,
backing up can pose a serious problem for drivers.
Even the most accomplished driver can’t see blind
spots, which can lead to costly repairs or serious
injury.
A back-up camera is a small investment to protect
your car, and those around you. It is especially a good
idea if you live in an area with many pets or children.
Between 2001 and 2003 alone, over 7,400 children
ages one to 14 were treated for injuries after being hit
by a car backing up. Many of these accidents could
have been avoided through enhanced vehicle safety
features, such as a back-up camera.
Some new cars come standard with some kind of
sensory device or camera to help drivers with
rearward motion. A small camera system is mounted
above the rear license plate and a color LCD monitor
mounts to the inside front windshield with suction and life saving. It’s a small investment to make your
cups. The screen can be anywhere from 2.5 inches to vehicle safer and provide great peace of mind.
seven inches, in size for easy viewing, and is In addition to, or as an alternative to cameras,
wirelessly connected to the camera. The system drivers can also become more alert and take
provides greatly improved rearward visibility when measures into their own hands with other tactics.
backing up and helps drivers judge distances better Mirrors are often bumped in tight garages or even
when maneuvering backwards to park. while a car is out on the street. Checking to be sure
In addition to being a must-have safety device, a they’re properly aligned, even just once a week, can
back-up camera also saves users a lot of money from make a big difference in being able to see. Also,
repairs needed from avoidable accidents. While the checking blind spots before getting into a vehicle, and
average back-up camera costs $100, repairs to a again before making any sudden movements, is
mirror can be as much as $500, and back bumper always good idea.
replacements and repairs can run as high as $2,000. Regardless of how you do it, making sure your
A PEAK Back-Up Camera System assists with blind spots are addressed when driving a vehicle of
parking and general rearward motion. It is relatively any size can not only save you money and insurance
inexpensive, easy to install and can bring much piece headaches, it may just save a life.
of mind. Back-up cameras aren’t just shiny new
gadgets built for luxury. They can be cost effective Courtesy of ARAcontent

Ontario brings in new

no-smoking law in cars with kids
In order to protect children from the hazards of second-hand smoke Ontario has implemented a law which
prohibits smoking in vehicles where children under 16 years are present.
The new law came into effect on January 21st 2009 and anyone caught breaking the law faces fines of up to
$250.
Canada Health reports that second-hand smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, 50 of which are associated
with cancer.
The concentration of smoke in a vehicle can be up to 27 times greater than found in a smoker’s home. This
makes it highly toxic for the developing lungs of children.
Nova Scotia was the first province to ban smoking in cars with children nearly a year ago and British Columbia
has also passed a law but is yet to put it into effect. Other provinces and U.S. States are also considering similar
bans.
42 Kidzone

The Boys
and Girls
Clubs of
Canada

Our Mission
To provide a safe, supportive place where children and
youth can experience new opportunities, overcome
barriers, build positive relationships and develop
confidence and skills for life.
“I love the Boys and Girls Club because everyone gets to be
included, we learn to play together and have fun, we do fun
activities like bowling, swimming, arts & crafts and cooking and
we learn to follow the rules and get rewarded when we do.”
Emily, Age 8 and her Mom - Okanagan Boys and Girls Club -
Summerland
What We Do
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a national charitable
organization providing after-school programs that
support the healthy physical, educational and social
development of 200,000 young people and their
families each year.
Through an association of Boys and Girls Clubs in
700 community locations across Canada, dedicated,
trained staff and volunteers offer programs after-school,
and at other times when children are not in school such
Kidzone 43
as weekends, evenings, and summer and school
holidays.
Club Programs focus on key areas essential to
healthy child development:
Physical Recreation, Health and Safety
With child obesity reaching epidemic proportions, the
need for physical recreation opportunities for children
has never been greater. Boys and Girls Clubs of
Canada understands the critical role that physical
recreation and nutrition play in the life-long health of
Canadian children. Clubs encourage daily physical
activity through a variety of programs, from team
sports, ballet and karate, to rock climbing and outdoor
adventure, as well as cooking classes, healthy lifestyle
and nutrition education. Club programs also focus on
other areas important to children’s safety and health
such as substance abuse prevention, conflict resolution
and street proofing.
Leadership, Growth and Empowerment
Boys and Girls Clubs provide a place of belonging for
young people to feel accepted and supported to
develop and express themselves. Whether through
music and the arts, outdoor adventure or community
leadership, our clubs provide a wealth of opportunities
and experiences for children and youth to develop
confidence and skills for life.
44Sequoia
Kidzone
Club
Educational Support and Technology
Learning
For today’s children, a good education is critical to
finding work, achieving financial security and being able
to contribute to society as adults. Through access to
computers and technology training, tutoring and
academic support programs, and employment training,
clubs give young people opportunities to strengthen
and acquire new academic skills, test their abilities and
enhance career readiness, as well as develop a thirst
for life-long learning.
The Arts
Clubs provide children and youth opportunities to
express their creativity through crafts, music, dance,
drama and digital arts exploration.
Youth Leadership
Clubs provide youth with a variety of opportunities to
build self-esteem and life and career skills through
involvement in youth driven volunteer activities and
employment counseling.
Community Services
Boys and Girls Clubs work to establish programs that
strengthen children, families and community.
Family and parent support programs, meal programs
for hungry children, emergency services to youth on the
street and working with young offenders to get them
back on the right track are just a few of the programs
clubs provide in this area:
• Meals
• Family support programs
• Drug addiction prevention and treatment
• Emergency shelter for homeless youth
• Youth employment and job training
Each club creates a safe, positive environment where
children and youth, ranging in age from pre-school to
young adulthood, can find support to explore their
interests, build positive relationships with peers and
adult role models, overcome personal challenges and
develop confidence and skills that will sustain them in
life. Boys and Girls Clubs have been helping young
Canadians to discover, develop and achieve their
potential, for over 100 years.
“I like the happy environment at the Boys and Girls Club Youth
Centre...and I really enjoy just hanging out with the other teens
and staff. I have always considered the staff to be role models for
me.”
Krisalynn Neilson, Age 14 - Okanagan Boys and Girls Club -
Westside
Our Approach
Boys and Girls Clubs are concerned with the well-being
of children and youth in Canada. With over one million
young people living in poverty, there is a need to level
the playing field so that all children and youth have
opportunities to develop to their fullest potential. Boys
and Girls Clubs address this need by offering fun,
challenging experiences and opportunities that teach
children and youth about the importance of healthy
living, personal growth, learning, and community
involvement. Young people come to the club to have fun
and hang out, but end up doing so much more.
“I have two children aged 7 & 8...They are involved in the after-
school program, swimming lessons and go to the summer camp.
They also love the Friday evening program and the extra outings
and events the club offers...just wanted to say thank you for a
great organization and keep up the great work.”
The McElligotts - Eastview (Oshawa) Boys and Girls Club
BGCC Facts
• Youth Served by Age Group:
• 5 and under (8%)
January
• 6 to 12 (56%) July
• 13+ (36%)
• Clubs also provide additional family support services
February
to 70,000 Canadian families August
• All children are welcome. Membership fees are
March for all and fees are reduced or waived for
affordable
children and families in need.September
• Over 14,000 community volunteers - including 5,000
April– contribute over 530,000
youth hours annually
October
providing direct, community-based program
leadership, together with 3,000 trained full and part-
Maystaff.
time November
“We’d run just to get to the club, because that was our safe
June
haven, it was like running home.” December
Ron Kennedy, Boys and Girls Club of Calgary Alumnus
1968-1975
We Instill Values
In our work with children, youth, families and
communities, all Boys and Girls Clubs are guided by the
following Core Values, which guide us in our work with

children and youth and teach our kids the importance of
mutual respect, teamwork and being socially
responsible.
• Inclusion & Opportunity
• Respect & Belonging
• Empowerment
• Collaboration
• Speaking Out on behalf of children, youth and their
families
“The rewards in this job are endless! I love seeing a child’s face
light up with excitement and pride because they have acquired a
new skill. Learning and growing is an everyday occurrence and
the club - for both staff and the kids. On a daily basis these
children teach me lessons about myself and about life that I will
carry with me forever.”
Robin Bressette - Okanagan Boys and Girls Club - Westside
All Local Boys and Girls Clubs Are:
• Safe, supervised facilities offering daily programs that
encourage the healthy physical, social and
educational development of children and youth, from
pre-school to young adulthood
• Founded on a belief in the positive potential of every
child. Caring adults help build self-esteem and
encourage the development of positive values and
skills for life during critical periods of childhood
growth
• Responsive to the unique needs of each child and
each community Managed by an experienced
executive director, assisted by full and part-time youth
development professionals and an army of dedicate
community volunteers
Kidzone 45
• Private, non-profit, community-based agencies with
policy set by an autonomous voluntary board
comprised of local residents
Our National Spokesperson: Toronto Raptor
Chris Bosh
Toronto Raptors’ player, Chris Bosh and Boys and Girls
Clubs of Canada (BGCC) have teamed up to help kids
“shoot for their best in life” as Bosh was named a
national spokesperson for Boys and Girls Clubs of
Canada. In recognition of this honour, Bosh has donated
$75,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. The
money will be used to support an arts and culture grants
program for children and youth who attend the Clubs.
"Growing up, I had a lot of opportunities that many
other kids didn’t,” said Bosh. “I have done well and want
to give other kids that same chance at being their best."
Boy and Girls Clubs of Canada are thrilled that Chris
has chosen to lend his name as a fantastic role model for
kids to BGCC, as well as his personal support for the
artistic aspirations and talents of children and youth
through this generous donation. As a Boys and Girls
Club alumnus, Chris is an ideal figure to be promoting
the value of the Clubs for kids.
To learn more, visit www.bgccan.com.
To Find a Club near you. Click here
46 Moving to Canada

Shipping
your goods
to Canada

Downtown Calgary

Pastures

When we make the decision to move example Charlotte,
to another country we often get
confused by the more mundane
things such as whether to take all
your worldly goods with you or start
afresh when you get there.
There are many things to take into
consideration when deciding what to
take with you and how and who to
use when you do it. Although this is
something that is done pretty much
at the last minute before moving you
should consider it well in advance to
avoid mistakes and confusion.
Knowing what to take
This is the most important
questions as the answer will dictate
to some extent how you ship. Do you Method of shipping
want to pack up everything in your
house and take it with you?
There is a lot to be said for taking option, especially if you are shipping and shipped together. Again this can
your entire house contents with you.
• Your new home will feel more
familiar if you have your own
possessions in it.
• Children often don’t like to part
with even the smallest toy so
taking kids stuff with you might be but will be more expensive. You
important.
• You might have items that are
worth a lot of money or have great soon after arrival. Airfreight can be
sentimental value to you. Or
• You simply really like your bed or
sofa and don’t want to part with it.
However, before you decide to
take everything you should know
how much it is going to cost you.
In order to send all your house
contents to Canada it will be placed
in a container by your chosen
removals company. The container is
costed by its size and not by how
much you take. You can choose to
have a half container if your items will
not fill a complete container. The cost
will depend upon where you are
shipping to and from and the type of
transportation used.
If you decide that you only need to
take personal items such as clothing,
books, CD’s etc you can reduce the
shipping costs considerably. You
may even get away with taking them
as excess baggage on your flight.
One thing to remember when
deciding what to take is that the
Canadian electrical system is
different from some other countries.
If you are moving from the United
States then it will not affect you but
anyone from Europe or Asia for
will need to beDebra
aware of
& the Land: Obviously
Carl hiking in Arnicathis option is only
differences.
In canada the voltage is 110 volts
whereas the United Kingdom it is
240, the cycles are different too: 50
in the UK and 60 in Canada. This put
simply means that items such as
fridges, washers and dryers will not
work in canada and should not be
taken with you.
You will be able to take things
such as laptop computers and items
that work off a transformer. Smaller
items such as hairdryers, which are
duel voltage, will work with the
addition of a socket adaptor, but you
are best to leave all your other
electrical items behind.
Sea: This is the most cost effective grouped together into one container
large containers. It will take longer to save on costs, but delays can result,
reach your destination, so you
should not pack things in this
shipment that you will need on or
soon after arrival in Canada.
Air: This is the quickest method,
should use airfreight for essential
items you will need immediately or
limited by size and weight.
Moving to Canada 47
Lake
available if you are moving from a
North or South American country.
Shipping types
Sole Use Container: This means
that you have a 20’ or 40’ container
for your sole use. Once packed, it is
sealed and delivered straight to the
port for transportation.
Shared Container: As the name
suggests if you haven’t got enough
property to fill a complete container,
you share one with another party.
This can save in costs, but can delay
shipment if there is no one else
needing to share a container for the
time or destination you need.
Part Loads: This is where a
number of smaller shipments are
as your shipment has to wait until a
container is full.
Excess Baggage: If you only have
a small amount of baggage you can
send it as excess baggage. You may
choose to take this with you on your
outward flight and pay the airlines
excess baggage fee. Alternatively
there are a number of companies
who will collect your baggage and
transport it to your destination, either
48 Moving to Canada
















to the airport or port or door to door. access the quotes and to get advice
This option will cost you slightly from the different companies. Three
more but it does mean that you do months prior to move should be the
not have to struggle with the luggage latest you leave this process.
yourself. Start by contacting the
companies and ask for a home
Choosing a shipping survey. You should never have to
pay for this and if you are asked to
company do so, walk away.
You should have a clear idea of
When you decide to move your what you want to take with you and
possessions to Canada, you want to allow the estimator to walk round
be as sure as you can be that you your house to view the items to be
are using the right company. After all, shipped. Before the meeting, make
you are often putting everything you a list of questions as you think of
own into their hands and if your them, so you can go through these
goods were to be damaged or lost, whilst he is there. Take notes, so
then you could loose everything. that you can remember what has
As with many things it is a good been said and don’t be afraid to
idea to go by recommendation. Use contact the company at a later date
the Internet to research companies to ask more questions or to clarify
and get other people’s experiences, any points.
be they good or bad. Look at forums Here are some questions you
and discussion groups related to may want to ask:
immigration to see if others have • How long will it take to pack up
used the companies you might be my goods?
considering. This will enable you to • Professional or self-packing?
narrow down your search to a few • What is the best method of
recommended companies. shipping (air, sea)?
The next thing you need to check • How long will it take for my
is the company’s credentials or goods to arrive at their
licences. Each country has its own destination?
body which regulates the industry • What type of insurance will I of an item that gets damaged in
locally. This is the first step to finding need? transit. But in the worst case
a good, reliable removal company. • What happens if there is a scenario, if anything were to happen
In the United Kingdom removers problem? to your shipment you may loose
should be members of the British • What paperwork will be needed? everything so insurance is a must.
Association of Removers (BAR). In • Are there things I can’t take?
America the American Moving and • Can you ship my pet too?
Storage Association sets the • Can you store my goods if
Final decision
standards and in Australia the needed?
Australian International Movers Make sure you get like-for-like Once you have met with several
Association (AIMA) is the regulatory quotes. Are they all quoting for the companies and have comparable
body and so on. same amount of goods, professional quotes you can make a decision on
In addition to these local packing or customer self-packing, which to use. Remember if there is
regulators anyone using a removal door to door service etc. anything you are unsure of, go back
company for international shipping to them to ask questions.
should also check the company is a Insurance Once you have made the decision,
member of the International book the company as far in advance
Federation of International Furniture as possible to ensure they can
Removers (FIDI). FIDI is the largest Regardless of which company you accommodate your request at a date
global alliance of independent quality use or what type of shipping service that suits you.
international removal companies. always make sure you are Make sure you know what you
Every member of FIDI is adequately insured. You should have have to do yourself by way of
independently audited on site to a policy which gives full replacement packing or preparation and what the
check that it meets quality value on all goods. process is once your goods arrive in
requirements. FIDI ensures that the All shipping companies have Canada.
standards and qualities are extended recommended insurance policies Once you know your goods are in
throughout the world. which can be purchased. Although safe hands you can concentrate on
Once you have established which the cost may seem high, remember moving yourselves to Canada.
companies you are interested in it is you are insuring the safe arrival of
time to contact them for quotes. You your goods in Canada. Sometimes
should do this well in advance of you might need the insurance to
your move to give you time to cover the replacement or repair cost
 Moving to Canada 49

Permanent
Residence
Card
When you become a permanent resident (PR) in
Canada you will be issued with a permanent resident
card. This is a small plastic card, about the size of a
credit card that you will need in order to prove your
status when re-entering the country. Everyone,
including infants will be issued with a PR card.
When landing in Canada, you will be asked to
provide a mailing address to which your card will be
sent. If you cannot provide this initially on landing,
don’t worry; you have six months to submit one.
However any delay in providing an address will mean
you do not receive your card until much later. If you
want to leave and re-enter Canada during this time
you will need to apply for a temporary travel
document.
The cost of the card has already been incorporated
into your immigration fees, so there will be nothing
extra to pay. The card is valid for five years and
replacement cards will cost you $50.
Once you have given a mailing address, either on
landing or later, you should receive your PR card within
30 days. You will need to contact CIC if you don’t receive
yours within this time.
If during the coming years you decide to become a
Canadian citizen, your PR card will be taken from you
and you will then need to apply for a Canadian passport
in order to travel and re-enter Canada.
If you need to travel internationally before you are able
to obtain your PR card, your application can be
prioritized. When you complete your PR application you
should include a copy of your travel documents i.e. plane
tickets and mark it “Urgent – proof of travel included” on
The card is designed to improve border security and the envelope. Your application will then be processed on
also provide the cardholder with proof of their a priority basis.
entitlement to reside in Canada. Whenever you leave
Canada and return via a commercial carrier such as
airplane, boat, train or bus you will need to show your PR
card to gain re-entry. If you drive across the border in a
private car, you will not need to show your card.
The card has many security features ensuring that the
details held on it are only accessible by authorized
persons. It has a laser engraved photograph and
signature of the cardholder on the front, along with
details such as name, sex, nationality and date of birth.
The card also has a magnetic strip that contains
further information taken from your immigration papers.
Although the strip looks like those found on the back of
credit cards, it is, according to Citizenship and Visit www.readmuchmor.com
Immigration Canada (CIC) much more advanced, making to read all our back issues
it impossible to change, erase or add information already
encoded. and find muchmor.
 50 Moving to Canada Advertorial

Step by step guide to

start your emigration to
Canada
By Louise Green brackets[ ] so you can find relevant info. E.G. If you are
thinking of Ontario [PROVINCE immigration] the search
term becomes [Ontario immigration]
You have decided you List your sources, and save them as favourites in your
want to emigrate to browser making it easier to access them frequently.
Canada. Where do you Keep a record of which gives you the best info as you
start? The internet is progress and switch if it’s not working.
fantastic at providing
information yet the very
amount of information How are you going to get there?
available can be
overwhelming. You can Lets start with visas, because you really aren’t going
end up going in circles, anywhere without that! The aim of this section is to know
with information overload. your visa options and choose the best one for your
You’ll be excited, scared, circumstances.
exhilarated and frustrated • Collect your work experience, qualifications, family
all at the same time. history, job descriptions, CV’s etc: you will need this
If the only thing you know right now it that you want to to check your eligibility. Get everyone’s details so you
move to Canada, that’s OK. Everyone who emigrated can see who is most suitable.
has been in exactly the same position as you. Everyone • Learn all you can about visa types, use official
has to research, learn, and investigate what is going to Citizenship and Immigration Canada site, and check
work for them. provincial immigration sites. [PROVINCE immigration]
Is it possible to have a simple step by step checklist to • Check immigration consultants/lawyers websites
get you started? Yes, up to a point, and by the time you for free assessments and more information
worked through this, you’ll be so much more informed [immigration lawyers Canada]
and clear about what’s going on you’ll know where to go • List the types of visa you can you qualify for; you
to get further advice and help. might find concentrating on different work experience
In the beginning, there are three questions you need to will expand your options.
answer: • Check processing times on government websites to
• Where are you going to go to? LOCATION/AREA see what fits with your timescales.
• What are you going to do when you get there? • Pick the best visa option to fit your circumstances
CAREER/WORK
• How are you going to get there? VISA OPTIONS
These three things go hand in hand and are
dependent upon each other. The type of visa you
choose may be dependent upon your work experience,
availability of work will dictate where you move to etc.
So be prepared to return to each question and change
your answers as you find out more.

Pick your sources

A combination of official websites, discussion forums

and social networking sites will give you a cross section What will you do when you get there?
of information. You will be able to confirm and validate
your findings. Pick a couple of each and stick to those, The aim of this section is to find out the type of job you
to avoid chasing too many sources. Search engines will
can do, if it can support your lifestyle and what demand
be vital in finding what you need. Rather than list
there is for your experience.
specific websites, I’ve included search terms in the

 Advertorial
Sequoia Club Moving to Canada 51

• Create a Canadian resume, with job descriptions

from the HRDC website [Canada resume examples]
• National Occupation List will help you categorize
your current job and experience to see what category
it comes under. I’ve given you this link because it’s
hard to find.
• Check provinces for in demand occupations
[PROVINCE immigration program]
• Check average salaries province/nationally
[Canadian average salaries]
• Check HRDC for job availability [job bank Canada]
• Contact trade associations for information if
available [JOB trade associations PROVINCE]
• Use job websites and local papers to assess job
availability

Where are you going to?

The aim of this section is to shortlist some suitable

locations that fit your requirements
• List what you want and need from where you live, if
it helps think about where you live now, what is good
and what more do you want.
• Use maps and guide books to begin your broad
search pick some starters
• Check facilities/amenities town websites, proximity
to airports etc. [TOWN, PROVINCE]
• What activities and leisure options do they have
• Job availability [jobs TOWN] and [job bank]
• Get some average cost of living information - use
discussion forums.
• Schooling [education TOWN/CITY] [schools
TOWN/CITY]
• Check average house and rental prices [realtor.ca]
Visit www.readmuchmor.com
Your Next Step to read all our back issues
and find muchmor.
Now you are on a roll, keep it going there’s loads more
about moving to Canada, on the Emigration
Research – Getting Started Audio Series.
Here you will find important information
about the 2008 immigration process
changes, using expat discussion forums for
MOVING 2 ALBERTA
research, tips to secure a job, how to Contact Helen Parnell a property relocation
calculate the cost of a mortgage, and what
action to take NOW that will make life easier specialist who has helped many
as you get closer to emigrating CLICK HERE
for more details. expats settle here after making
You can also Sign up to hear FREE
interviews with families who have the move herself.
successfully immigrated to Canada. These
free interviews give a valuable insight into Free assistance on • Accommodation
what it’s like to emigrate to Canada. • Real Estate • Insurance
Written and submitted by Louise Green • Mortgages • Airport meet and greet
of The Expat Coach – helping emigrants • Serving Calgary and South Alberta
get the answers they need to research,
move to and succeed in Canada. Tel: 001 403 932 5670
Email: Helenparnell@shaw.ca
www.moving2alberta.com

 52 Moving to Canada

Canada measures up
When moving to canada you should remember that not everything will
measure up the same

Bed Sizes

We often get asked about bed sizes, so here are the standard bed sizes. This is something you need to take into
account if you are planning on bringing either furniture or bedding with you from your home country.

Size Canada / USA United Kingdom Europe Australia

Single / Twin 39 x 75 in 36 x 75 in 35 x 79 in 36 x 75 in
(97 x 191 cm) (91 x 191 cm) (90 x 200 cm) (91 x 191 cm)

Double / Full 54 x 75 in 54 x 75 in 55 x 79 in 54 x 75 in
(137 x 191 cm) (137 x 191 cm) (140 x 200 cm) (137 x 191 cm)

Queen 60 x 80 in n/a 63 x 79 in 60 x 80 in
(152 x 203 cm) (160 x 200 cm) (152 x 203 cm)

King 76 x 80 in 60 x 78 in 71 x 79 in 72 x 80 in
(193 x 203 cm) (152 x 198 cm) (180 x 200 cm) (183 x 203 cm)

Temperatures
Canada uses the Celsius temperature chart. To convert
Fahrenheit to Celsius subtract 32 and divide by 1.8
To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit multiply by 1.8 and add
32

Weights
Canada uses metric weights (kilograms)

1 lb = 0.45 kg
1 kg = 2.2 lb

Distance
All road signs, speeds and distances are in kilometres

1 mile – 1.61 km
1 km = 0.62 mile

30 miles per hour = 48 km per hour

50 miles per hour = 80 km per hour
70 miles per hour = 112 km per hour

HRSDC tightens the reigns on
foreign workers
By Guidy Mamann
It is not surprising for countries
facing tough economic times to
implement measures intended to
better protect their domestic
workers.
In Canada, this responsibility falls efforts must be made during the
on the shoulders of Human
Resources and Skills Development
Canada (HRSDC).
Subject to certain exceptions,
Canadian employers who wish to
recruit foreign workers must
demonstrate to HRSDC how the
entry of the foreign worker(s) will
transfer skills and knowledge to
Canadians, fill a labour shortage, or
directly create or retain job
opportunities for other Canadians.
Canadian employers who wish to
recruit overseas must first make an
application to HRSDC for a Labour
Market Opinion (LMO). If HRSDC is
satisfied that the recruitment of a
foreigner is in our interests, it will being offered to
issue a positive LMO which then
paves the way for the chosen foreign counterparts.
worker to submit a work permit
application at a Canadian visa post
overseas.
On January 1st, HRSDC
implemented a national advertising
requirement for all occupations.
The failure to comply with these
minimum advertising requirements
“will result in the application for a
LMO being denied”.
As a general rule of thumb, the
more complex the position, the less
advertising is needed since those
combinations of skills are believed to occupations)
be harder to find here. The “lower”
the position, the more likely it is
perceived that we should be able to must conduct
find someone locally to do the job.
Accordingly, employers who are
offering positions in management or consistent with
in occupations which usually require the practice in the
a university degree (i.e. positions
described in our National
Occupations Classification as skill
levels O and A) must advertise the
position on the national job bank
(www.jobbank.gc.ca) for at least 14
calendar days. Alternatively, they can
Moving to Canada 53
conduct similar recruitment activities demonstrate reasonable “ongoing”
consistent with the practices recruitment efforts in communities
prevailing within that occupation. which face barriers to employment
This can include advertising in i.e. Aboriginals, seniors, and other
professional journals, newsletters, disadvantaged groups.
national newspapers, or even HRSDC makes it clear that these
consulting with unions or requirements are the minimum
professional associations. These efforts that can be expended and
reserves the right to impose
three months prior to the LMO additional requirements.
application. From a public policy point of view,
For occupations which usually the recruitment of foreign workers is
require college education or tricky business at the best of times.
apprenticeship training (i.e. NOC B In the worst of times, the public
occupations) advertising in the insists on greater protection.
national job bank is mandatory and Now, it’s been delivered.
cannot be substituted with the
alternatives listed above. Guidy Mamann practices law in
Additionally, the advertisements Toronto at Mamann, Sandaluk and is
must include the employers name
certified by the Law Society of Upper
and address and must disclose the Canada as an immigration specialist.
wages being offered. This latter
Reach him confidentially at
requirement will make this type of
416-862-0000 or at
recruitment more delicate since
existing employees will have access metro@migrationlaw.com.
to the wages
their foreign
Lastly,
employers who
are recruiting Relocation Specialists
those in
occupations
which require only
high school
education,
occupation- Exit Realty Metro
specific training, 1687 Bedford Hwy, Suite 1
or on-the-job
Bedford, Nova Scotia,
B4A 1G1
training (i.e. NOC Donna McNeil Mark Spindloe
C and D
Cell 902-222-4937 Cell 902 877-1208
Fax 902-835-5538 Fax 902-405-0749
must advertise on donnamcneil@exitmetro.ca markspindloe@exitmetro.ca
the job bank and
other recruitment
www.100metro.ca
activities
Meet US At Emigrate 2009
occupation in February 28 & March 1 th st
question, all
within three
Stand 38
months of the
LMO application
Sandown Racecourse
They must also London UK
 54 Health & Wellness
Photo by: Yasir Haniff

here because this would come in Are you aware that traveling to
What are the very expensive especially if you are other provinces within Canadian

provincial out of your own country. This is territory could necessitate a need for
where travel health insurances come you to secure travel insurance to get

plan’s coverage in handy. you covered? There are a number of

Travel insurance is the answer to provinces and areas in Canada

when traveling supplement provincial plan coverage

and thus, ensure full coverage for
where you can find yourself
uncovered; there are a number of

outside of medical emergencies, unexpected

illnesses and accidents while on
exceptions in the Provincial Health
Plan policy. Items that are not

Canada? vacation outside Canada. Services

like emergency hospitalization,
covered include medicines
prescribed in the course of
physician fees, medical assistance, consultation, dental services under
emergency medical transportation, certain instances and circumstances,
health care monitoring and other expenses incurred from bringing a
By Ronald Chan related services can be provided as family member to the ill person’s
well. bedside, ambulatory services for
Out of the budget medical In order for you to be eligible for transport to a better facility, costs of
emergencies can be extremely coverage in your provincial health returning the vehicle, appliance rental
overwhelming and can be so plans, most Canadian provinces like wheel chairs, crutches, braces
burdensome. Especially when you require a minimum number of days and the like, and also costs of
are out on a trip with your family and that one should spend in the accommodation of a travel
friends, or on that important business province each year. In Ontario, you companion.
trip only to find out that your should stay for a minimum of 153 This only means one thing: buying
Provincial Health Insurance will not days in that province within a 12- and securing yourself with a travel
cover your medical expenses; such a month period to be covered by the health insurance is a necessity,
nightmare! Ontario Health Insurance Plan. In whether you are traveling in or out of
Provincial government health Alberta, the minimum number of Canada.
insurance plans will only cover days of residency required is 183
emergency care up to a certain days in a 12-month period to be Ronald Chan is the editor of
extent, and that extent is dependent eligible for care under the province Travelinsurancequotes.ca, the best
upon the service that would have health insurance plan; same is true travel insurance quotation system on
been expended in your home with the most of the other Canadian the web. Visit Travel Insurance
province. The rest should be paid for provinces.
by you, and this is the difficult part Canada for you free travel medical
insurance quotation.
 Health & Wellness 55

Understanding the cholesterol

trans fat connection
In the last year or so the food are capable of raising cholesterol disposed of and excreted out of the
additive trans fat seems to be in the levels to unsafe levels. body. Trans fat lowers HDL levels
news health reports nearly everyday. Trans fats are bad for the simple while increasing LDL levels which is
Trans fat was first developed in the reason that they raise the level of the exact opposite of what we need
1940's by adding hydrogen LDL cholesterol to have happen in the prevention of
molecules into vegetable oil, which in the blood stream. LDL, or low heart disease.
partially hardens the oil which can density lipoproteins, are the bad half There are alternatives to trans fat
be used in a variety of foods. It of the cholesterol equation. A high and saturated fat. Food and food
gives foods a better taste and level of LDL cholesterol in the blood products such as olive oil, peanut
extends their shelf life. Up until stream leads to excessive plaque oil, and canola oil contain
about 1990 it was considered safe build-up which blocks and clogs the monounsaturated fats, which when
because it was produced from arteries. This increase the risk for eaten in moderation can lower blood
vegetable oils but ongoing research coronary artery disease which is a cholesterol levels. Another good
soon discovered that trans fats major risk factor for heart disease choice are foods that are rich in
increase cholesterol levels which and stroke, particularly if any of Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish
can increase the risk for coronary these plaque formations breaks free and nuts. Omega-3's have been
artery disease, heart disease, and of the artery wall in the form of a shown to help protect against the
strokes. blood clot. risk of heart disease and its
This is one case where creating a complications.
Although many food
Trans fat does
food product did not have the
desired results. Trans fat does not manufacturers and restaurants are
occur naturally and was developed moving away from trans fats it still is
to help processed foods last longer
while making them palatable.
not occur important to read the nutrition labels
on the food products you buy. Avoid
restaurants that continue to use
Unfortunately its effects on human
physiology were never fully naturally trans fat in their cooking processes
and stop using cooking oils that are
researched until 50 years after its
development because it was high in trans fat and saturated fat for
assumed that vegetable oils derived The other half of the cholesterol home cooking. Doing these simple
from plant sources were safe. As equation is high density lipoproteins, things can significantly reduce the
science has learned more about the or HDL cholesterol, which is the risk of heart disease for you and
effects of different fats on the body good cholesterol. It is considered your family.
this is no longer true. While some beneficial because it function is to
types of fat are safe others such as pick up the excess bad LDL
saturated fats and trans fats both cholesterol in the blood stream and
return it to the liver where it is

(BMB
-VODIFPO
Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front Street West
Thursday, May 28, 2009 12:00 - 2:00p.m.
?dZ_l_ZkWbJ_Ya[ji0'+&$&& 8dciVXi/9Vg^cVAVcYVVi)&+#.''#++%%Zmi#'(%)
dgYVg^cV#aVcYV5bhhdX^Zin#XV
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<ehj^[X[d[\_je\0 CVi^dcVaK^XZ"8]V^g!ZcYBH8VbeV^\c
EgZh^YZci8:D!7Zaa@ZVgch6hhdX^ViZhAiY#
;dgbZgEgZh^YZcid[C6H96F8VcVYV
=k[ijIf[Wa[h0 :[[:[[Co[hi
6ji]dg[dgbZg8a^cidc
L]^iZ=djhZEgZhhHZXgZiVgn
56 Home & Garden

Staging your home for

sale in this slow market
By Birgit
Wartenberg
Thinking of selling your
home, but not sure were
to start in this slow
market ? Have you
considered spending a
little before you list in
order to help improve the
look and feel of your
space? The potential
benefit of “Staging”
before you list is profit on
your investment.
Homeowners often fail to
realize they have to market
their house as a product - just like Tim Horton’s
markets it’s muffins or BMW market their cars.
Quality sells, particularly in a competitive market
where a lot of “for sale” signs can allow buyers to
become fussy customers. Studies also show that
buyers are willing to spend more if the house is seen
as move-in ready.
“This is the first
A stager’s goal is to highlight the best features and
architectural details of the home rather than draw
attention to a client’s particular tastes or way of living
which might not match up to the buyers.
 
Staging is a three step process:
Step one - typically, a staging professional will
begin with a consultation that includes a room-by-
room written report, detailing what the homeowner
can do to better prepare the home for sale.    
Step two – clean up! This is the part the home
owner has to do before the stager comes back. Pick
up all litter and garbage on your property. Scrub
doors and windows, do all the suggested repairs and
re- paint according to the colours suggested by your
stager.
Step three – The stager will return to the home
and will rearrange furniture, reduce clutter and stage
your home in a way in which it will appeal to a buyer.
They will add accent colours which will further
enhance the home in the eyes of the buyer.
Lastly the stager will give you some advise how to
live in a staged house and what to do if you have a
showing.
Staging is a great marketing tool. Home buyers are

impression, make it a aware of what’s out there and are very sophisticated
in knowing what they want and what to expect. In
order to sell your house faster and smarter in a
lasting one ! competitive market you have to “go the extra mile.”
This means marketing your property correctly - after
You never get a second all it is probably the biggest investment you make in
your life. It’s YOUR HOUSE ! Call a Certified Staging
Professional to reach your goal !
chance to make a first Birgit Wartenberg, C.S.P is the owner of Staging
impression !” for Success Inc. Located in the Quinte area of
Ontario. Birgit and her trained team of professionals
will provide you with a definite edge over the
  competition in your neighbourhood.
Did you know?

• 81% of potential buyers look at MLS before

employing the services of a Realtor
• 77% drive by before booking a viewing, often
dismissing a property at this point Visit www.readmuchmor.com
• Buyers know in the first 30 seconds if they  are to read all our back issues
comfortable in a house, if it is going to be their
home. Remember – buying is an emotional
and find muchmor.
decision.

The real estate market
in 2009
By Stef Lukas - Lukas Group
Realty, Calgary, Alberta
With the global financial crisis still
sending waves of uncertainty
through the Canadian Economy and
real estate market, we turned to
experts from various parts of the
business to help us and you, make
sense of it all, and project what
might lie ahead in 2009.
 Today's buyer's and seller's need
to look at their real estate
transaction as an investment,
regardless whether its their first
home purchase or sale of their
existing residence. After all, for most
of us, the either transaction
represents the largest amount of
money we will ever spend or
accumulate in our life time. And,
where would you rather park your
money these days- in real estate or
in the stock market, mutual funds or
other more volatile investment
vehicles? To be sure, with seemingly
daily market swings and fluctuations
in just about every major financial
influence, some calmness needs to
be restored amid all the talk of doom Today's home buyers will find a
and gloom.
Question to Gregory Klump, chief for sale at more affordable prices.
economist, Canadian Real Estate
Association
 How would characterize the
health of the Canadian real estate advantage of the narrowing spread
market as we approach the 2009
first quarter?
 Answer: While Canadian housing 'Armageddon', we may see some
market cycle peaked in 2007,
national sales activity remains
healthy and is on a completely
different footing than the US.
Mortgage defaults and home
foreclosures in the US. Are soaring;
in Canada, they remain very low.
When annual sales activity in
Canada is finalized for 2008, it is
expected to rank among the best
five years ever.
Question to Bob Dugan, chief
economist, Canadian Mortgage and 2009?
Housing Corp.
Where do you see the best
opportunity?
 Answer: As more new listings
enter the resale market and existing
home sales continue to ease, the
rate of growth in house prices will
slow significantly in 2009. This may
inspire more activity by new buyers.
Any Final thoughts?
 Answer: The real estate market in
Canada will remain strong with
housing starts existing home sales
decreasing from historically very
high levels. The outlook for 2009
represents a transition to a pace for
housing starts and existing home
sales that more in line long-run
demographic demand.
Question to Michael Polzler,
executive vice-president, regional
director, Re/Max
What do you see as the biggest
opportunity in 2009?
 Answer: After years of seller's
market conditions, buyers are in the
driver's seat. They have faced
unprecedented demand, extremely
tight inventory and multiple offers
situations, especially at entry-level.
good selection of properties listed
They'll have a luxury of time to make
decisions. Opportunities will exist for
move-up buyers who can now take
in the marketplace. Given the
steadiness of real estate in the face
of what's been described as
bounce back in housing- as we did
after October 1987- when investors
moved their money out of the stock
market into tangible investments
such as bricks and mortar.
Question to Phil Soper, president
and CEO, Royal LePage Real Estate
Services
What do you foresee will be the
biggest challenge facing the
Canadian real estate market in
 Answer: Unrealistic expectations
by some sellers, buyers and even
Home & Garden 57
realtors. We've moved into different
market than we had in the past few
years- mindsets of buyers and
sellers must catch up. Sellers should
plan for longer sales cycles and
moderating price levels. In most
regions, prices should be relatively
stable, but an 'add 10%' mentality
may result in a difficult property to
move.
And the biggest opportunity?
Answer: Buyers who have
frustrated by short inventory levels,
rapid price appreciation and
unconditional purchase agreements
will be able to make a sober look at
the market and make these
important decisions in a less hurried
and pressured environment.
What would be your top three
tips for Canadian buyers to keep
in mind over next 12 months?
Answer: 1) Do your research. 2)
Hire a realtor who is very
experienced in the region and
property type you are interested in.
3) Prearrange financing. The
Canadian residential market has
been remarkably reliable over the
past few decades. It has
experienced compound growth at
over 10% over the past 30 years.
Invest for a long term, whether in a
principal residence, or, as an
educated professional investor and
time will work in your favor- as
history has shown us.
Question to Don Bayer, president
MonsterMortgage.ca
What about mortgage market
for 2009?
 Answer: Patience and
intelligence. Next year will be a
market that favors the buyer, and
patience will be rewarded. Low
interest rates will continue to
stimulate affordability. The intelligent
consumer will sell before they
purchase, get a four-month rate
guarantee in writing and shop the
entire marketplace for the best
opportunities. Individuals renewing
their mortgages in 2009 will be in for
a few surprises.
58Sequoia
Home Club& Garden

Carol Brough - Sales Representative

CENTURY 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage*
102 Main Street, Picton, ON K0K 2T0
Tel: (0) 613-476-8039
Email: carolbroughc21@hotmail.com

MLS: 2076639 Price: $935,000 Province: Ontario

City: Picton Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4

Located on prestigious Loyalist Parkway overlooking Picton Bay stands this fifties vintage
structure renovated & added to in a "Southwestern" style. Prince Edward County Glenora
Road lakeside living at it's best. Beautiful sunsets, easy access to sheltered water,
substantial lake activity(birds, sailing school, kayaking, world class fishing, seaplanes, power
& sailing yachts), an award winning saltwater pool & hot tub & a myriad of lake facing rooms
including the substantial in-law suite. The custom designed large well equipped commercial
kitchen is a Chef's dream. B&B potential

MLS: 2085960 Price: $399,900 Province: Ontario

City: Picton Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

Unique 4 year old custom built, bright, open concept home with commanding view of Smith's
Bay and convenient waterfront access. Many exciting features include living and dining area
with vaulted ceiling, skylights, gas fireplace and three sets of French doors opening onto a
wrap around balcony overlooking the bay. Main floor family room, stunning kitchen with
island. Full basement with 9' ceiling, double car garage with loft plus single carport and triple
parking. Close to marina and vineyards.

MLS: 2081104 Price: $259,900 Province: Ontario

City: Adolphustown Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2

Hobby farm for horses. Newly renovated home on hill top. Original hardwood in living and
dining rooms. All new windows (2007). New flooring in kitchen and bathrooms (2008). Main
floor laundry and walk out to deck. Hill top views of orchard and Adolphus Reach from front
porch. 10+ acres with two quonset huts. One is used for stable for horses. 100' x 125' riding
ring plus 4+ acres fenced pasture. Virtual tour: http://www.Obeo.com/464998

MLS: 2082916 Price: $398,90 Province: Ontario

City: Warkworth Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

Large custom built eat-in-kitchen featuring cedar posts and lots of pine. Wood stove, 2
skylights, loads of countertop and kitchen garage. 9ft. Ceilings original hardwood and trim in
dining room. Beautiful wood staircase and railings. 3 season sunroom with lovely views of
the rolling countryside, walk in closet in Master Bedroom, media room with wood stove,
attached 2 car garage, 2 wells plus year round stream and large pond, machine shop with
hydro and 32x16 inground pool.
 Advertorial
Sequoia Club
Six reasons to love
stainless steel
Glistening metal discretely mounted beneath acres of gleaming granite – clearly, this is not
the utilitarian stainless steel sink your grandmother washed dishes in decades ago. Briefly
deemed too industrial-looking by some designers to be included in contemporary, upscale
kitchens, stainless steel is back, better and more beautiful than ever.
“A well-made stainless steel
sink is the little black dress for
your kitchen,” says Ken Fey,
vice president at stainless steel
sink maker Houzer Inc.
“Stainless steel has
transitioned from industrial
applications like medical and
food-service to residential use
for very good reasons.
Stainless steel offers
exceptional hygienic and
durability qualities, it ages
gracefully and beautifully and
it’s a ‘green’ building material.”
Stainless steel is again
enjoying a place of honor in
American kitchens. Here are
six reasons to love stainless
steel:
1. It’s ‘Green’
The trend towards “green” building
and decor is still going strong, with
more homeowners, builders and
designers looking for materials and
practices that will reduce a home’s
environmental impact. Stainless steel
fits the “green” bill because it is
recyclable. And modern stainless
steel sinks, like Houzer’s Novus Sink
Series, are often made from recycled
materials. In addition, stainless
steel’s durability ensures years of
use and beauty, minimizing the need
to replace and discard older, worn
out sinks – thereby keeping them out
of the waste stream.
2. It Looks Great
Gleaming, clean-looking with
elegant lines, stainless steel easily
pairs well with a range of decorating
styles – from modern to
contemporary to country. Stainless
steel sinks also develop character as
Home & Garden 59
4. It’s Durable
Stainless steel is relatively light
when compared to other sink
materials, yet it offers strength
and durability that ensure years
of use when properly cared for.
Modern styles achieve strength
and a modern look without
seams and mount well under
the counter. Stainless is also
easy to clean and naturally
germ resistant.
5. It’s Budget Friendly
Whether you have the budget
of a home improvement show
or a more modest amount to
they age. Scratches in your enamel spend on your kitchen renovation,
or solid surface sink might spell the you can find a stainless steel sink to
end for the fixture, but stainless steel fit your budget. It’s possible to find
develops a patina of small scratches an affordable, modest stainless sink
over years of use, lending it a natural for a few hundred dollars. And
depth of character that can easily be designer sinks, like the Novus line,
cleaned and buffed to shine like new. sell at prices that compete credibly
with high-end designer sinks of more
3. It’s Versatile trendy materials.
Versatility is as important as beauty 6. It’s Timeless
in modern kitchen design, and new
stainless steel sinks are more Stainless steel lends itself to the
versatile than ever. With design classic clean lines of many
options ranging from two- and three- contemporary kitchen designs,
bowl sinks and the ability to be lifestyles and tastes. Once a
mounted beneath countertops, to stainless steel sink becomes the
the capability of expanding a cook’s showpiece of a kitchen, its versatility
usable work space, stainless steel and durability ensure that multiple
sinks afford wide adaptability. owners will be able to use and enjoy
Extending countertop space is a it for many years.
popular feature, and sinks like
Houzers Novus series meet the
challenge with two sliding, To learn more about the advantages
removable platforms -- one with an of stainless and to find a Houzer
integrated drainboard -- that are dealer near you, go to
perfect for meal prep, staging and www.houzersink.com.
cleanup.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
60 Home & Garden




Advertorial

Use colour to Feng Shui your

home & life
Many people are aware of Dark blue is also the
the ancient Chinese art of colour of wisdom.
Feng Shui but are unsure Blues are best used in
how to incorporate it into bedrooms and places
their lives. These days where relaxation is
there are many required but only in the
practitioners around who lighter tones. Light blues
(for a small fee) will guide on ceilings give the
you through the principles impression of sky and
of bringing about a can be very calming to
harmonious environment children.
to promote good health, Dark tones should be
happiness, love, wealth used more sparingly.
and so many other things Green: The colour green
we crave in our lives. is symbolic of growth and
One easy way we can refreshment and healing
incorporate Feng Shui into as it is the colour of
our homes is by using nature.
colour. Each color is an Using different shades of
expression of one of the green in the home
five Feng Shui elements: creates the best balance
Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and green can be used
and Wood. Colours have almost anywhere.
their own qualities both Orange: Orange is
positive and negative and associated with
used in the right way in the concentration and
right places can affect the organization, so is often
way we live. used where creativity is
required such as an
Red: This is a dominant office. It is also known to
colour representing energy promote conversation so
used in abundance can bring about can be useful in a living room or
and fire. Using red in a balanced way anger and restlessness.
in your home will bring excitement, family room.
Purple: Purple is a strong, vibrant White: This is the colour of purity,
joy and passion. Red is also the colour holding great significance in
Chinese colour of luck and confidence and trust. It can be used
Feng Shui where it is associated with anywhere in your home and is
happiness and is often associated mental health and spiritual
with love and romance. especially useful to use with other
awareness. colours to maximize their qualities.
Red should be used as an accent Purple should be used sparingly in
colour rather than a main colour as Black: Money and prosperity are
rooms although lighter tones such as
qualities of the colour black. It is
lavender can be used more freely.
thought to bring about good fortune
One of the best
and so combining black with metallic
ways of
colours is good for the career. Using
STIRLING introducing
purple to your
items in your work with black and
metallic colours such as a pen or cell
CARPET & FLOORING home is through
What’s under your feet? phone is a good use of black.
the use of
amethyst, one of Yellow: This is an auspicious
the most colour and like the sun represents
Brian & Kim Suurdt powerful warmth and happiness.
crystals in Feng Using yellow in the home will
400 West Front Street, Stirling, Shui. promote cheerfulness and will be
Ontario, K0K 3E0 uplifting. It can also increase self-
Blue: This
Tel: 613.395.1400 Fax: 613.395.4705 esteem and strengthen well-being.
Toll Free: 877.847.5464 colour is
associated with
Email: info@stirlingflooring.com peace, healing
Web: www.stirlingflooring.com and relaxation.
 Sequoia Club Home & Garden 61

Helen Parnell
Tel: 403-932-8888
www.moving2alberta.com

MLS: C3356955 Price: $293,500 Province: Alberta

City: Cochrane Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Fantastic fully finished attached home, Kitchen and both bathrooms have just been
re-done and look fantastic. 4 bedrooms,(lower recroom is being used as 5th
bedroom). This home has a HUGE back-yard with a double detached garage.
Fantastic for RV parking off the back lane. Walking distance to shopping. Quick
possession possible

MLS: C3358883 Price:$384,000 Province: Alberta

City: Cochrane Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 2
One of the larger units in popular Riverview villas. View of the river valley from the
great room. Kitchen is open concept to great room with centre island and large nook.
The home has a den at the front, large dining room, kitchen,nook and great room
with gas fireplace, 1/2 bath, large master bedroom with walk in closet and 4pc
ensuite. Carpet and lino thru-out, Well maintained. The lower level has a finished
4pc bathroom and the rest of the lower level with 9 foot ceilings is ready for your
ideas. This home is set up with handicap accessories and has a collapsible wheelchair
ramp in garage.
MLS: C3353017 Price: $459,900 Province: Alberta
City: Cochrane Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
One of a kind bilevel that you will love. Enter the home from the front porch into
the foyer and be welcomed by the formal living room and bedroom(used as a den).
Up the few stairs to the Kitchen with oak cabinets,high quality laminate
flooring,breakfast nook and great room with corner gas fp. The door leads to a
deck that overlooks the golf course(2&3 holes). Off the kitchen are two bedrooms
and a 4pc bathroom. The lower level has another bedroom, 3pc bathroom with
shower stall, a large family room with corner gas fireplace.

MLS: C3355621 Price: $259,900 Province: Alberta

City: Calgary Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2

PRICE REDUCED BY $20,000. Rent to own option! $15,000 cash to mortgage.

Beautiful brand new 2 bedroom 2 bath condo in 45+ unit. Maximum upgrades
and warm colours. Main floor unit located a few doors from the open 2 story
social area with catering kitchen, media room, library, fireplace and Exercise
facility. Elevator from titled underground parking. Full LAKE PRIVILEGES.
Trails overlooking Bow River & proposed 26 hole Champ golf course. A MUST
SEE!

MLS: C3353988 Price: $684,900 Province: Alberta

City: Cochrane Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
Executive living in an exclusive neighborhood close to three schools & the
Cochrane Ranche. A green space w/park backs this 1739 sf walkout bungalow w/
mtn view & the 285 sf bonus room with freestanding gas fireplace and vaulted
ceiling(presently used as an office) gives you 2024 sf of main living space. The
lower level approx 1400 sf has a wetbar with cinnamon maple cabinets,
dishwasher, second large fridge, tile flooring and accompanies the family and
games area. Two bedrooms and 4pc bathroom, large storage area and in-floor heat
make this area a comfort to enjoy family or entertaining.
62 Muchmor Business Finder
Business Services
D’s Bookkeeping - Bookkeeping solutions for small
businesses and independent contractors
764 Hearns Road, Frankford
Ontario, K0K 2C0
Tel: 613-398-7964
Email: denise@bookkeepingbyd.com
MBN Muchmor Business Network - Free online
business network that enables Canadian businesses
and people to network, promote their services and
exchange ideas.
Tel: 613-396-5531 Fax: 613-396-3463
Email: mbn@muchmormedia.com
Power of Women Exchange - A networking group
from professional women and entrepreneurs.
Meetings throughout Ontario
Tel: 905-668-6687 Fax: 877-876-6585
Email: cheryl@powe.ca
Success For Women - Aprille Janes, a Certified
Professional Co-Active Coach and business
consultant.
PO Box 5, Port Perry, Ontario, Canada, L9L 1A2
Tel: 905-985-6454 Fax: 905-985-7090
Email: aprille@ajanesinc.com
The Office Rescue - Delivering trustworthy and
accurate bookkeeping & administration.
598 Sidney Street, Belleville
Ontario, K8P 4A6
Tel: 613-849-1844 Fax: 613-962-9776
Email: info@theofficerescue.com
Careers
CareerBuilder Canada - Jobs from the Canada
Job Bank, the largest web-based network of job
postings available to Canadians as well as jobs from
some of Canada’s top employers
Charities & Non-profit
Children’s Aid Society of Brant - A non-profit
agency mandated under the provincial legislation of
the Child & Family Services Act to protect children.
The Family Resource Centre, 14 Henry Street,
Brantford, Ontario
Tel: 519-752-9094
Habitat for Humanity - National, non-profit, faith-
based organization working for a world where
everyone has a safe and decent place to live.
Tel: 800-667-5137 Fax: 519-885-5225
Email: habitat@habitat.ca
Junior Achievement - Dedicated to educating and
inspiring young people about business and
economics through hands-on learning and mentoring.
Tel; 905-432-2492 Fax: 905-432-7514
Email: info@jaeo.org
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - Our
Mission :To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple
sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to
enhance their quality of life.
Tel: 416-922-6600 x 2304 Fax: 647-435-4961
Email: darina.landa@mssociety.ca
YWCA Durham - Serving women and their families
in Durham region since 1945
Higgins House, 33 McGrigor Street
Oshawa, ON L1H 1X8
Tel: 905-576-6356 Fax: 905-576-0816
Email: admin@ywcadurham.org
Put Your Business Here
You can put your business in front of thousands of
readers for just $85 per year. Listings feature in
Muchmor Canada Magazine and the MBN Magazine
and include links to website and email addresses.
Just $85 per year for listings in two online magazines.
Click here for details.
Communities
Brandon Economic Development - Marketing
Brandon as a great place to live, work and invest in.
City of Brandon 410-9th Street
Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A2
Tel: 204-729-2132 Fax: 204-729-8244
Email: econdev@brandon.ca
Government of Alberta - The best place in the
world to live, work and do business. Information
about economy, development, productivity,
immigration and all things Alberta
Tel: 780 427-2711
MyCollingwood - The most popular website for
Collingwood and surrounding area of Ontario
20 Forest Drive, Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 4W5
Tel: 705-444-0123
Email: jcard@mycollingwood.ca
Mymuchmor - This Canadian online social network
enables people to meet, blog, post photos, chat and
promote local events in a friendly and safe
environment.
Tel: 613-396-5531 Fax: 613-396-3463

Education
Lansbridge University - Only accredited eLearning
institution in Canada for in MBA and eMBA Degree
Programs
412 Queen Street, Fredericton NB, E3B 1B6
Tel: 506-443-0780 Fax: 506-459-2909
Email: admissions@lansbridge.edu
Home Services
Staging For Success - Let certified Canadian
Staging Professional ™ Birgit Wartenberg help you to
transform your home. Serving the Quinte area of
Ontario.
Tel: 613-771-0075 Email: info@stagingforsuccess.ca
Money & Finance
Cedarlane Financial- Independent financial
services advisor servicing Quinte Region, Eastern
Ontario
RR#2, Shannonville, Ontario K0K 3A0
Tel: 613-922-6699 Fax: 613-962-6736
Email: heatherlcfc@kos.net
Hemlock Investments - Investors who specialize in
residential real estate in Ontario, and Alberta.
Quinte, Ontario
Tel: 613-921-2535 Fax: 613-473-0014
Email:info@hemlockinvestments.ca
HiFX Currency Specialists - HiFX helps over
30,000 people buy and sell currency every year for
personal and business needs.
Worldwide locations
Sciore & Associates Inc - Certified Financial
Planner, Insurance Specialist, Retirement Income
Specialist
102 King St E, Bowmanville, Ontario, L1C 1N5
Tel: 905-697-2262
Email: laura_sciore@cooperators.ca
Health & Wellness
Forces of Nature - Naturopathic, chiropractic,
massage therapy and psychotherapy
2443 ½ Yonge St, Toronto
Ontario, Canada M4P 2E7
Tel: 416-481-0222
Email: PFrankND@ForcesofNature.ca
MaxGXL - is a complex nutritional supplement that
uses an ideal combination of nutrients to facilitate
glutathione replenishment. Sherry Turner Independent
Associate, 101 Trentview Crescent,
Campbellford Ontario, K0L 1L0
Tel: 705-653-5117 Email: s_turner@sympatico.ca
Muchmor Business Finder 63
Photography
Go-Snapit - The aim of this project is to capture
everyday life in Canada as seen by ordinary
Canadians. The goal is to select the best photos from
those sent in and produce a book that captures the
real essence of how Canadians see life around them.
Put Your Business Here
You can put your business in front of thousands of
readers for just $85 per year. Listings feature in
Muchmor Canada Magazine and the MBN Magazine
and include links to website and email addresses. Just
$85 per year for listings in two online magazines.
Click here for details.
Real Estate
Century 21 Lanthorn - Carol Brough - Sales
Representative covering the Quinte area of Ontario
102 Main Street, Picton, Ontario, K0K 2T0
Tel: 613-476-8039
Email: carolbroughc21@hotmail.com
Stagecoach GMAC - Helen Parnell - Sales
Representative covering the Cochrane and Calgary
area of Alberta
Tel: 403-92-5670
Email: helenparnell@shaw.ca
Relocation
Moving 2 Alberta - Real estate, relocation and
settlement services by Helen Parnell for people
moving to the Calgary & Southern Alberta area
Tel: 403-92-5670
Email: helenparnell@shaw.ca
The Expat Coach - Relocation services for
emigration and living in Canada
136 Cougar Point Road, Canmore
Alberta, T1W 1A1
Tel: 403-675-2039
Email: coaching@theexpatcoach.com
Web Services
poloDesign - Graphic design, website design, email
marketing and photo imaging
Quinte, Ontario
Tel: 613-392-2011 Fax:
Email: penny@polodesign.ca
64 Home
32Sequoia Club& Garden
Working Life

IF YOU DON’T LIKE

YOUR JOB
THEN MAYBE YOU
SHOULD GET
ANOTHER
JOB