EIN Presswire: EU Politics Live Feed Press Releases

CFIA/Expanded Allergy Alert: Undeclared Egg, Milk and Wheat in Certain Bin Bin Brand Spicy Snow Rice Crackers

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:55:37 +0000

The public warning issued on January 30, 2012 has been expanded to include another product and additional allergens.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with allergies to egg, milk and wheat not to consume the Bin Bin brand Spicy Snow Rice Crackers described below. The affected product contains egg, milk and wheat which is not declared on the label.

All codes of the following product are affected by this alert:

Product	Size	UPC
Bin Bin brand Spicy Snow Rice Crackers	145g	8 852098 703163

This product has been distributed nationally.

There have been no reported allergic reactions associated with the consumption of this product.

Consumption of this product may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction in persons with allergies to egg, milk and wheat.

The CFIA is working with the Canadian importers to remove the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1 800 442-2342 / TTY 1 800 465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on egg, milk and wheat, three of the nine most common food allergens, visit the Food Allergens web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/allerg/allerge.shtml.

For information on all food recalls, visit the CFIA's Food Recall Report at: http://active.inspection.gc.ca/eng/corp/recarapp_dbe.asp.

To find out more about receiving recalls by e-mail, and other food safety facts, visit: www.foodsafety.gc.ca. Food and consumer product recalls are also available at http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations
613-773-6600

Fagerhult Light Hygena Stores With Xicato Spot Module

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:32:00 +0000

Hygena, owned by the kitchen group Nobia, is one of the best-known kitchen brands in France. Complete kitchen solutions are offered from about 127 wholly owned stores. All shops are between 100 and 600 m2, and include exhibition, shop and office area.

Hygena wanted to refurbish their shops at the end of 2011 and a part of this was to change the lighting. Fagerhult was contacted to replace existing LED luminaires where color and glare were issues.

The LED module selected by Fagerhult for this task was the 1300lm Xicato Spot Module, with a Correlated Color Temperature of 3000K and a Color Rendering Index of 80+. It was selected for its all-round performance including energy saving, perfect uniformity and sustained light quality (in terms of color point and lumen maintenance), all achieved via the foundation 'Corrected Cold Phosphor Technology™.' Xicato LED modules have seen vastly increasing usage since their launch in 2008, including by Fagerhult in such areas as retail, offices and museums, though globally retail uptake has been most prevalent.

Fagerhult designed an optimized lighting solution with downlighters and pendants which resulted in about half the number of luminaires previously used, yet giving 30% more light.

"Fagerhult developed a new solution for us that gave more and better light, cost less in investment and less in running costs," says Per Kaufmann Head of Continental European Retail at Nobia. "A total LED solution for a future-proof light," summarized Delphine Rousset, Retail Lighting Solutions, Fagerhult.

Luminaires: project versions of Fagerhult's Noc 1300 lumen, developed specifically for Hygena, incorporating Xicato's XSM 1300
Roll out: total of 117 Hygena shops in France

Xicato

Xicato is passionate about light. Light has an emotional effect on people and a direct impact on business profitability. It ultimately influences everything in our lives. Xicato is a recognized leader in creating LED modules that provide superior aesthetics, economics and durability. Xicato aspires to be the trusted partner of the global lighting design community and luminaire manufacturers.

For an overview of our customers' luminaires visit http://www.xicato.com.

For the best in lighting design, Xicato recommends a qualified lighting designer from the Professional Lighting Design Association (PLDA) or the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

For more information on Xicato contact:
Europe:
Roger Sexton
+44 7525715497 (EU)
Email Contact

Japan:
Noboru Kaito
+81 50 5534 3168 (Japan)
Email Contact

North America:
Ron Steen
+1 847 525 5048 (US)
Email Contact

San Jose Office: +1 866 223 8395 (US)

For press images contact
Jane Kingsley
JKS Communications
Email - Email Contact
www.xicato.com

Images by Sanna Fisher-Payne

Migrant Workers Family Support Fund-With All Proceeds Donated to the Families of the Workers Killed or Injured in the Hampstead, Ontario Tragedy

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:33:50 +0000

A fund has been set up by UFCW Canada and the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA) to assist the families of the workers who were killed, as well as the workers who were injured in a horrific accident that took place in Hampstead, Ontario on February 6.

100% of the collected funds will be donated to the benefit of families of the injured or killed workers, who include 13 agriculture workers, as well as the driver of the colliding vehicle.

The AWA and UFCW Canada established the fund on February 7.

Donations to the Migrant Workers Family Support Fund can be made through PayPal at www.ufcw.ca/familysupportfund. Donations can also be made through the donor's preferred financial institution by direct transfer to the Fund's account:

The Migrant Workers Family Support Fund

TD Canada Trust

Account # 5221618

Transit # 1864

In addition to making a donation to the families of the workers killed or injured in the Hamstead tragedy, friends are also welcome to send their condolences to the families through a special memorial Facebook page: Hampstead Tragedy Memorial Page. The page has been set up to commemorate the workers who died or were injured, and to mark the tremendous contribution and sacrifices that farm workers - many of whom are migrants - make to our food supply and the Canadian agriculture industry.

UFCW Canada is the country's largest private-sector union, and for over two decades has led the campaign for safety and workplace rights for agriculture workers in Canada. In association with the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA), UFCW Canada also operates ten agriculture worker support centres across the country.

Agriculture Workers Alliance
Stan Raper, National Coordinator
416-523-0937
sraper@ufcw.ca

Europe and Eurasia: Bilateral Consultative Commission: Agreement Number 1 On Procedures for Conducting Demonstrations of Recording Media and/or Telemetric Information Playback Equipment

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:13:01 +0000

Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance

February 7, 2012

Geneva, Switzerland
February 7, 2012

The Delegation of the United States of America to the Bilateral Consultative Commission and the Delegation of the Russian Federation to the Bilateral Consultative Commission.

Acting in accordance with the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms of April 8, 2010, hereinafter referred to as the Treaty,

Taking into consideration that the Parties have conducted the initial demonstrations, required by the Treaty, of recording media and telemetric information playback equipment,

Have agreed as follows:

The Parties shall conduct subsequent demonstrations, in accordance with the Treaty, of recording media and/or telemetric information playback equipment using the following procedures:

1. During the demonstration the providing Party shall:

(a) describe its telemetric signal conversion processes (from reception to recording) associated with the recording medium and telemetric information playback equipment to be demonstrated, or provide data on telemetry systems that enable the conversion of telemetric information contained on the recording medium to the form (format) that originates on board the missile before broadcast;

(b) demonstrate each type of recording medium to be provided to the receiving Party in accordance with subparagraph 6(a) of Part Two of the Annex on Telemetric Information to the Protocol to the Treaty, hereinafter referred to as the Annex on Telemetric Information. Each such recording medium that is being demonstrated shall contain a recording of the following examples of telemetric information:

(i) actual telemetric information that was broadcast during the launch of an ICBM or SLBM; or

(ii) information with characteristic features of telemetric information that is broadcast during the launch of an ICBM or SLBM.

In this connection, the recording contained on the recording medium that is being demonstrated must be suitable for demonstrating the playback of the telemetric information on the appropriate telemetric information playback equipment;

(c) describe each type of recording medium that is being demonstrated, as well as describe the recording methods and formats that are used for each type of recording medium;

(d) demonstrate all the telemetric information playback equipment in a manner that allows the receiving Party to observe a display or indicator that demonstrates that the telemetric information playback equipment is operating properly. Such telemetric information playback equipment shall be demonstrated in operation using all the types of recording media that are being demonstrated in accordance with subparagraph (b) of this paragraph;

(e) answer questions of the receiving Party pertaining to its ability to play back telemetric information recorded on the demonstrated recording media;

(f) for the examples of telemetric information recorded on the recording media that are being demonstrated, provide corresponding illustrative examples of summaries of each of the demonstrated recording media that meet the requirements of paragraph 2 of Part Three of the Annex on Telemetric Information, and corresponding illustrative examples of interpretive data for the telemetric information that meet the requirements of paragraph 5 of Part Three of the Annex on Telemetric Information.

2. Upon completion of the demonstration, the providing Party shall provide to the receiving Party all the demonstrated recording media with the examples of telemetric information recorded on them, examples of summaries of each of the demonstrated recording media and examples of interpretive data for the telemetric information on the recording media, as well as other information that is additionally provided in order to achieve the objectives of the demonstration.

3. The Demonstration must be sufficient for the receiving Party to be able to get an idea of the full set of telemetric information playback equipment, as well as the technical requirements necessary for playing back the examples of telemetric information recorded on the demonstrated recording media.

4. During the demonstration the procedures for playing back telemetric information shall be demonstrated. The providing Party shall provide a description of those types of modulation, methods, modes, and recording formats, as well as methods for encoding telemetric information contained on recording media that allow the receiving Party to convert the telemetric information contained on the recording medium to the form (format) that originates on board the missile before broadcast.

5. Ambiguities and unresolved questions in connection with the demonstration shall be considered within the framework of the Bilateral Consultative Commission.

6. The provisions of paragraphs 2-6 of Part Six of the Annex on Telemetric Information, which are applicable to the trainee team members, shall also apply to representatives of the receiving Party participating in demonstrations.

7. This Agreement shall enter into force as of the date of signature and shall remain in force so long as the Treaty remains in force.

Done at Geneva on February 7, 2012, in two originals, each in the English and Russian languages, both texts being equally authentic.

Commissioner of
the United States of America to
the Bilateral Consultative
Commission

John M. Ordway

Commissioner of
the Russian Federation to
the Bilateral Consultative
Commission

Vladimir L. Leontyev

Europe and Eurasia: Bilateral Consultative Commission: Agreement Number 2 On the Amount of Telemetric Information on ICBM and SLBM Launches That Each Party Shall Provide

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:13:01 +0000

Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance

February 7, 2012

Geneva, Switzerland
February 7, 2012

The Delegation of the United States of America to the Bilateral Consultative Commission and the Delegation of the Russian Federation to the Bilateral Consultative Commission.

Have agreed as follows:

1. For each launch of an ICBM or SLBM for which telemetric information is provided in accordance with Article IX of the Treaty, Part Seven of the Protocol to the Treaty, and the Annex on Telemetric Information to the Protocol to the Treaty, the Party conducting the launch shall provide telemetric information to the other Party beginning from the time of ignition of the first stage motor of the ICBM or SLBM, until:

(a) the end of issuance of the command for separation of the self-contained dispensing mechanism from the final stage of the ICBM or SLBM; or;

(b) the end of issuance of the command for separation of the first of the other objects installed on the ICBM or SLBM for the purpose of being delivered into the upper atmosphere or space, from the final stage of the ICBM or SLBM; or

(c) the expiration of one second after loss of active control of the missile’s control system (when the active stage of the missile does not respond to control signals), if such loss occurred prior to separation of the self-contained dispensing mechanism or the first of the other objects installed on the ICBM or SLBM for the purpose of being delivered into the upper atmosphere or space, from the final stage of the ICBM or SLBM, or until the moment of loss of the telemetric signal coincident with such loss of active control, whichever occurred earlier.

2. Each Party shall provide, in the interpretive data for the telemetric information, names of data elements and their location in the telemetry frame, as well as descriptions necessary to identify the command for separation of the self-contained dispensing mechanism or the first of the other objects installed on the ICBM or SLBM for the purpose of being delivered into the upper atmosphere or space, from the final stage of the ICBM or SLBM.

3. This Agreement shall enter into force as of the date of signature and shall remain in force so long as the Treaty remains in force.

Done at Geneva on February 7, 2012, in two originals, each in the English and Russian languages, both texts being equally authentic.

Commissioner of
the United States of America to
the Bilateral Consultative
Commission

John M. Ordway

Commissioner of
the Russian Federation to
the Bilateral Consultative
Commission

Vladimir L. Leontyev

Europe and Eurasia: Bilateral Consultative Commission: Decision on the Number of Launches of ICBMs and SLBMs Conducted in 2011, on Which an Exchange of Telemetric Information Will Be Carried Out in 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:13:01 +0000

Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance

February 7, 2012

Geneva, Switzerland
February 7, 2012

In accordance with paragraph 2 of Part Seven of the Protocol to the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms of April 8, 2010, the Delegation of the United States of America to the Bilateral Consultative Commission and the Delegation of the Russian Federation to the Bilateral Consultative Commission decided that the Parties would exchange, in 2012, telemetric information on one launch of an ICBM or SLBM conducted by each Party during the period from February 5, 2011, to December 31, 2011.

Commissioner of
the United States of America to
the Bilateral Consultative
Commission

John M. Ordway

Commissioner of
the Russian Federation to
the Bilateral Consultative
Commission

Vladimir L. Leontyev

Statement by the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, on the Passing of the World's Last Known First World War Veteran

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:01:05 +0000

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today issued the following statement:

"On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I extend my most sincere condolences to the family of Florence Green who is the world's last known First World War Veteran. Ms. Green passed away on Saturday in King's Lynn, England, just two weeks before her 111^th birthday.

"Ms. Green joined the Women's Royal Air Force in September 1918 at the age of 17. She worked as a waitress in the officers' mess at RAF (Royal Air Force) Marham in eastern England until the war ended.

"The passing of Florence Green is another reminder that all of us must continue to remember and honour the sacrifices of all Veterans. The First World War shaped Canada as a nation. More than 650,000 brave Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the First World War and we will remember them.

"In 2010, Canada's last known First World Veteran, John Babcock, passed away. This marked the end of an era in Canadian history. With the passing of Ms. Green, we mark another significant milestone in the history of the First World War."

Media Inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
Codie Taylor
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Minister Peter Penashue Announces the Appointment of Joseph Hincke to the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:46:25 +0000

Today Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, announced the appointment of Mr. Joseph Hincke to the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board (CTAISB).

Mr. Hincke has served in a number of positions within the Canadian Forces, most notably as a pilot and senior staff member in the Royal Canadian Air Force. During his 37 years with the Canadian Forces, Mr. Hincke served as a pilot, working in operational aviation and in flight safety management before becoming Assistant Chief of the Air Staff. As Assistant Chief, he was involved with the investigation and reporting of aviation accidents. He has also served in a number of executive positions at National Defence Headquarters.

"Mr. Hincke's extensive experience not only as a pilot, but working with the investigative processes related to aviation accidents will make him a strong asset to the Board," said Minister Penashue. "His knowledge of the technical requirements for airworthiness and the regulations surrounding aviation in Canada are well-suited to assist the work of the CTAISB."

The CTAISB is responsible for investigating major transportation accidents in Canada, identifying their possible causes, and recommending measures to reduce the risk of accidents in the future.

For more information on the CTAISB, please visit www.tsb.gc.ca.

Cory Hann
Office of the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada
613-943-1838

Judicial Watch Announces a CPAC Press Conference: "The 2012 Election Integrity Project"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:39:00 +0000

Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced it will host a press conference: "The 2012 Election Integrity Project." The press conference will detail a major investigative and legal effort to uphold the integrity of the 2012 elections.

Speakers will include: Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton; the Election Law Center's J. Christian Adams; True the Vote President Catherine Engelbrecht.

Date: Thursday, February 9
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Virginia Ballroom
Marriott Wardman Park
2660 Woodley Road NW
Washington, DC 20024

A mult box will be available.

Contact:
Jill Farrell
202-646-5188

Sick Kids Friends Foundation Donates ditto™ to Scotland's Royal Hospital for Sick Children

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:27:00 +0000

Sick Kids Friends Foundation Donates ditto™ to Scotland's Royal Hospital for Sick Children

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, February 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- Edinburgh hospital gets device proven to reduce anxiety, lower treatment times and improve outcomes in pediatric patients

The Royal Hospital for Sick Children is one of the latest medical facilities to receive Diversionary Therapy Technologies' (DTT) groundbreaking ditto™ device. Located in Edinburgh, Scotland, the facility is devoted solely to pediatric care and also known as the Royal Hospital for Sick Kids. The machine was donated to the hospital by The Sick Kids Friends Foundation, which supports the hospital.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120124/NY41361LOGO-b )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120124/NY41361-a )

DTT's ditto™ device uses diversionary therapy to lower anxiety in children prior to and during otherwise painful, traumatic procedures. The concept behind the device is to incorporate the latest research on using distraction and educational techniques simultaneously to reduce stress. The ditto™ uses augmented reality, a multi-modal sensory-based distraction medium, to engage children. Its interactive touch screen, colorful marker keys and response to physical movement distinguish the ditto™ from traditional video game systems.

The device includes a variety of interactive games, stories and procedural preparation tools. Handheld and waterproof, the ditto™ is portable and easy-to-operate for children of all ages.

"We find the ditto™ very helpful for diversional therapy as the children pick up the ditto™ and are able to use it very quickly after a brief explanation," says Hilary Taylor, a staff nurse at the hospital. She says that children ages five through eight respond best to the games, while younger children use it with a parent, and enjoy the music, stories and procedural explanations.

The ditto™ is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, lower treatment times, and improve patient outcomes. In fact, it was developed with doctors, surgeons, nurses, play specialists, and animation experts over the course of six years. Eight independent randomized clinical trials have proven the efficacy of ditto™ and its technology. Fresh content continues to be added to the range of programs available.

Taylor says that approximately 12 to 14 patients are seen daily at the facility, which has been using the ditto™ for a few months. The device is used in the plastic dressing clinic on children that experience burns, scalds and other similar injuries.

About Diversionary Therapy Technologies

Diversionary Therapy Technologies is a global company headquartered in Australia that masterminded the development of ditto™ portable device. DTT worked with The Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, to create the handheld, waterproof device that is used prior to and during painful medical procedures to reduce children's anxiety. Learn more at http://www.dtt.net.au.

About The Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Sick Kids Friends Foundation

The Royal Hospital for Sick Children has been caring for children and young people in the Lothians and beyond for over 150 years. The 266-bed hospital, also known as Sick Kids, is part of NHS Lothian's University Hospitals Division. The Sick Kids Friends Foundation was set up in 1992 to support the work of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. The Hospital receives over 100,000 children through its doors each year from all over the East of Scotland. Learn more at http://www.nhsggc.org.uk.

Harper Government's Agriflexibility Fund Increasing Sales of Canola in China

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:25:22 +0000

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

As part of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's trade mission to China, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz was pleased to announce that Tongwei Co. Ltd., a major Chinese feed company, intends to increase its purchase of Canadian canola meal by up to $240 million annually by 2015. Tongwei believes their imports of Canadian canola could rise to $900 million over the next decade. This increased demand for canola meal was facilitated by research funded by the Harper Government's Economic Action Plan.

"Tongwei's interest in Canadian canola is a perfect example of how the Harper Government's partnership with industry and investments in research are returning more dollars to the farm gate," said Minister Ritz. "Canadian canola is second to none when it comes to quality and consistency of supply which is why our Government continues to work with industry to increase demand and improve predictability of market access for the long term."

Using funding provided through the Agricultural Flexibility Fund (AgriFlexibility), the Canola Council of Canada has been working with a number of Chinese dairy and aquaculture processing companies, including Tongwei, to demonstrate the superior quality and nutritional benefits of canola meal. As a result, Tongwei intends to increase its use of Canadian canola meal in its aquafeed and to include it in other animal feed rations. In the dairy feeding research it was observed that canola meal is cost effective, has superior nutritional value and contributes to increased milk production in dairy cattle.

In 2010, $1.8 billion worth of canola was exported to China, making it the largest market for Canadian canola. This growing trade relationship creates benefits for both countries. Increased use of Canadian canola will help Chinese farmers achieve the goal of doubling milk production by 2015 as outlined in China's 5 Year Plan. Chinese consumers will also benefit from increased access to canola oil, a "heart-smart" cooking oil.

Major increases in market demand, such as Tongwei's, illustrate why Minister Ritz remains committed to improving the long-term trade of Canadian canola. In 2009, China imposed trade restrictions on Canadian canola seed due to the presence of blackleg. Transition measures have been negotiated to allow continued exports of Canadian canola seed, but Canada remains committed to resolving the issue, ensuring predictable trade for Canadian canola exporters.

The feed research was funded through the AgriFlexibility fund, a five-year (2009-14) initiative aimed at implementing new initiatives that will help the agriculture sector adapt to pressures and improve its competitiveness by reducing production costs, improving environmental sustainability, promoting innovation and responding to market challenges.

For more information, please visit: www.agr.gc.ca/cb/index_e.php?s1=n&s2=2010&page=n100415

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120207-AAFC_Chengdu_800.jpg

Caption:

As part of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's trade mission to China, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, Senator JoAnne Buth and the agriculture delegation toured Tongwei Co., Ltd.'s research facility in Chengdu, China today. Tongwei Co., Inc. intends to increase its purchase of Canadian canola by $240 million based on research funded by the Harper Government and conducted by the Canola Council of Canada. This research demonstrated canola's cost effectiveness and superior quality as an ingredient in fish and animal feed. The Canadian agriculture industry was represented at Tongwei by Jim Everson (Canola Council of Canada), Stephen Vandervalk (Grain Growers of Canada) and Ian White (Canadian Wheat Board).

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

As part of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's trade mission to China, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, Senator JoAnne Buth and the agriculture delegation toured Tongwei Co., Ltd.'s research facility in Chengdu, China today. The Canadian agriculture industry was represented at Tongwei by Jim Everson (Canola Council of Canada), Stephen Vandervalk (Grain Growers of Canada) and Ian White (Canadian Wheat Board).

"Political And Economic Stability In Russia Will Attract Foreign Investment" Claims Institute

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:11:00 +0000

"Political And Economic Stability In Russia Will Attract Foreign Investment" Claims Institute

PR Newswire

ROME, February 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Konstantin Zavinovsky of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Geopolitics and Auxiliary Sciences, has said that relative economic growth in Russia in recent years has improved the quality of life in Russia, and the prospect of foreign direct investment into the country.

Zavinovsky said: "The Russian economy in the last decade has seen a steady growth. After the economic crisis in the late 90s, starting from 2000 GDP per capita in Russia increased steadily rising from about $ 7600 in 2000 to nearly $ 17000 in 2011. This means that the index more than doubled in 10 years. The growth was interrupted only for a year because of the 2008 financial crisis which produced a slight decline in GDP per capita in 2009. But already next year, in 2010, this index started to grow and almost reached pre-crisis level. According to the forecasts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the index will grow steadily over the next year to nearly $ 22000 in 2016. We should add that in the same period inflation in the country declined from 20.78% in 2000 to 8.8% in 2011 (6.1%, according to the Russian Ministry of Finance - Minfin) and according to the forecast of the IMF inflation in Russia is to diminish in future and will reach 6.64% in 2014 (4.5%, according to Minfin).

"With the rise of income the quality of life of Russian citizens in recent years has improved considerably. And thus the image of Russians in the world has also changed. For example, in Italy 10 years ago the Russians were seen as a backward people, rather poor and far away from European civilization, now the Russians have become a symbol of wealth and economic well-being. Russian customers are very appreciated in Italy both by small traders on the narrow streets of Rome, Florence andVenice and by the great Italian fashion designers such as Salvatore Ferragamo, who believes Russians to be "customers number one in Europe". Precisely for this reason at the end of last year the Michele Norsa CEO announced that "over the next five years we expect to double sales volume in Russia, where the growth will be +20% annually over the past 24 months". Dirk Bikkemberg also stated that Russian clients are the target of extreme importance because thanks to them flagship store in Milan, considered by many as a loss, not only got in balance with the accounts but also opened 47 new stores in 2011. Italian newspapers say that due to purchases of Russian clients sales of the Italian outlets in contrast to the general crisis. The most important Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore suggested making investments in the Russian ruble bacause Russia has a high economic growth and its national debt is very low. The tourism industry that made Italy famous also makes plans with a focus on the Russian customers. The examples are numerous and cover many sectors, while news of this kind are discussed widely in the Italian press. This shows that currently the Italian business world has confidence in the Russian market and is ready to invest in it.

"So in only 10 years, Russia managed to change her image in Italy (in Europe and the world). Today it appears as a stable country, a country with an economic growth and with many investment opportunities. This change wasn't an easy one and required great efforts from the Russian government in 2000 when Russia was economically weak - in 2000 GDP was almost half of that of 1992. Today Russia's GDP is nearly 7 times bigger than that of 2000 and amounts to nearly 2 trillion dollars. According to IMF, this figure is expected to rise and in 2016 GDP will amount to 3 trillion.

The increase of Russia's prestige in the eyes of the Europeans and the strong economic growth were possible thanks to political and economic stability of the country which was a merit of politicians who led Russia in recent years. The political destabilization of Russia would lead to distrust of the future of the Russian market and foreign capitals would flee from the country. So Russia should continue to move in the same direction of political stability if it wants to preserve and enhance the economic well-being and thus to remain an attractive country for foreign investment."

Konstantin Zavinovsky is editor of "Geopolitics" magazine and researcher at the Institute of Advanced Studies in Geopolitics and Auxiliary Sciences (ISAG)

Russia Insights

http://www.Russia-Insights.com

Canada Foundation for Innovation Dialogues at UBC Robson Square Sheds Light on Early Child Development

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:33:44 +0000

As aging baby boomers create a growing market for brain-teaser games and memory improvement workshops, two University of British Columbia researchers are uncovering new evidence that childhood remains the most crucial period for enhancing - or undermining - a person's cognitive abilities.

Adele Diamond and Clyde Hertzman, both Canada Research Chairs, are experts in the factors and activities that determine whether a person thrives or struggles in the face of challenges that require a nimble, resilient and creative mind. They will share their perspectives in a public lecture sponsored by UBC and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Diamond, a professor in UBC's Department of Psychiatry, is one of the world's leading researchers on the development of executive functions - reasoning, working memory, self-control, flexibility and problem-solving. Executive functions are key to children's academic success, Diamond says; improving them will reduce the number of diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cut school dropout rates and slash the incidence of crime and drug addiction.

With help from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Prof. Diamond is conducting a pilot study in British Columbia of a program called Tools of the Mind, which aims to promote the development of executive functions in young children. Diamond found that the program, with its use of props and dramatic play, significantly improved children's academic performance.

"While it seems logical that if you want to improve academic success you should concentrate on academic teaching, that's not correct. You also have to address children's social, physical and emotional needs," she says.

Hertzman, meanwhile, examines how the conditions of early childhood, including parents' stress levels, stability of a neighbourhood or availability of books, can leave permanent marks on a person's brain - or on an even deeper level, the functioning of their genes.

"Even 40 years later, there's an imprint on their DNA," affecting up to five per cent of their genes, Hertzman says.

B.C. was the first jurisdiction in the world to carry out a complete population-based monitoring of children by neighbourhood.

"We have demonstrated here in B.C. that when you go from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, there's a huge difference in children by the time they reach school age," he says. "In some neighbourhoods less than five per cent of the children are behind where we'd like them to be in physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. And in other neighbourhoods it's more than 60 per cent."

The survey's data have affected hundreds of policies and projects, Hertzman says. Victoria's library system, for example, built a new branch in a neighbourhood with particularly low scores in language and cognitive skills, and started an outreach program to families living there.

In the lead-up to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting this month in Vancouver, the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the University of British Columbia are teaming up to present a four-part lecture series celebrating Canadian innovation. These lectures will cover a range of Canadian research, from brain imaging, to child development, to quantum computing. Details are available at www.innovation.ca and aaas.ubc.ca.

Event: Canada Foundation for Innovation Dialogues at UBC Robson Square presents Adele Diamond and Clyde Hertzman - a public lecture on early child development

Date/Time: 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012

Location: Plaza Lounge, UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver

Details: Everyone welcome. Admissions free, no RSVP necessary. Talk will be followed by Q&A and light refreshments. Visit innovation.ca or aaas.ubc.ca for more info.

About the Canada Foundation for Innovation

The Canada Foundation for Innovation gives researchers the tools they need to think big and innovate. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment in Canada's universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions, the CFI is helping to attract and retain the world's top talent, to train the next generation of researchers, to support private-sector innovation and to create high-quality jobs that strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life for all Canadians. For more information, visit innovation.ca.

Ryan Saxby Hill
ryansaxbyhill@innovation.ca
613-294-6247 (mobile)

Jacques Laforge Appointed New CEO of Dairy Commission

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:43:16 +0000

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced the appointment of Jacques Laforge as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC).

"I'm very pleased to announce Mr. Laforge's appointment to the Canadian Dairy Commission," said Minister Ritz. "As both a farmer and a former president of the Dairy Farmers of Canada, Mr. Laforge has established himself as a driving force in the Canadian dairy industry. I am certain that his knowledge and passion for the industry will continue to serve our dairy producers and processors well as he takes on this important new role."

Mr. Laforge will work with producers, processors, the restaurant industry, and consumers to build a long-term vision for the CDC and its stakeholders that will include innovative ways to continue to build a strong, sustainable dairy industry.

The CDC is a Crown corporation established in 1966 to coordinate federal and provincial dairy policies and create a control mechanism for stabilizing milk production and revenues. The CDC plays a key role in shaping dairy policy in Canada and provides a framework for the effective management of the industry as a whole, which is a jurisdiction shared by the federal government and the provinces.

Mr. Laforge's appointment is effective immediately for a term of three years. A biographical note is attached.

To learn more about the CDC, please visit www.cdc-ccl.gc.ca/CDC/index.php.

Biographical Note - Jacques Laforge

Mr. Laforge is well known for his leadership in agriculture both nationally and in his home province of New Brunswick, where he and his wife Patsy have operated a successful 1,000-acre mixed farming operation since 1980. Throughout his farming career, Mr. Laforge has shown a strong dedication to serving his fellow farmers. He served as an executive on the Dairy Farmers of New Brunswick board of directors for 10 years before taking on the role of chairman from 1995 to 2000. While leading the Dairy Farmers of New Brunswick, he also served as chairman of the Atlantic Dairy and Forage Institute from 1997 to 2000. Mr. Laforge's leadership and expertise in the dairy industry have benefited the sector across the country. Having served on the board of directors of the Dairy Farmers of Canada since the 1980s, he joined the executive in 1999. In 2004, he took on the role of president, a title he held until 2011. Last year, Mr. Laforge received the Order of New Brunswick in recognition of his passion for agriculture and his work to ensure a bright future for Canadian farmers.

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Students Can Learn the Financial Realities of Life-And Have a Chance to Win a Laptop Computer

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:34:23 +0000

New contest launched for The City: A Financial Life Skills Resource

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is offering Canadian students the chance to win one of three laptop computers while they learn about budgeting, savings, credit, debt and financial planning. The City provides students with a fun and effective way to learn important money management concepts. Using The City and entering the contest is class work that really pays off!

The City is a free, Web-based learning program developed by FCAC and the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC). The City is easily accessible and can be used by teachers and students online or on paper. In order to qualify to win the laptops, students face a "100% challenge": they must complete four modules in The City and score 100 percent on a follow-up quiz. The three winners will be chosen randomly from a draw of all qualified entrants. The contest is open until March 31, 2012.

The contest rules are available on FCAC's website, or can be obtained by calling the Agency's Consumer Services Centre toll-free at 1-866-461-3222.

Teachers and students who have used The City talk about their experience in FCAC's Success Stories videos featuring students in Alberta and New Brunswick.

About FCAC

With educational materials and interactive tools, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) provides objective information about financial products and services to help Canadians increase their financial knowledge and confidence in managing their personal finances. FCAC informs consumers about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with banks and federally regulated trust, loan and insurance companies. FCAC also makes sure that federally regulated financial institutions, payment card network operators and external complaints bodies comply with legislation and industry commitments intended to protect consumers.

You can reach us through the FCAC Consumer Services Centre by calling toll-free 1-866-461-3222 (TTY: 613-947-7771 or 1-866-914-6097) or by visiting our website: fcac.gc.ca.

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Disponible en franÃ§ais

Julie Hauser
Media Relations Officer
613-941-4168
julie.hauser@fcac-acfc.gc.ca