News Pick from Toronto Metro 21st July 2011

"The federal government intends to revoke the citizenship of at least 1,800 people who allegedly used fraudulent means to become Canadians. According to Immigration Minister Jason Kennedy, most of the targeted individuals were counselled by three or four crooked immigration consultants on how to concoct fake proof of residency in Canada....The consultants marketed their services to people living primarily in overseas tax havens or in certain Middle Eastern countries, where Kenney said a Canadian passport holder can earn double the salary."


"The City of Toronto issued an extreme heat alert yesterday with humidex values expected to reach up to 40C or higher all over southern Ontario."

News Pick from Toronto Metro 20h July 2011

The first of the new six-car trains (the new Toronto Rocket subway trains) officially goes into service from Downsview station tomorrow sometime after the morning rush. The $1-billion cost of the new 70 new trains is being covered by all three levels of government.


The new models will be delivered between now and November 2013. The new subway cars accommodate 10 per cent more TTC riders or 199 standing up. They also have open gangways similar to an articulated bus that will allow riders to see from one end of the train to the other and more easily find room to sit or stand. New light up maps, ceiling mounted displays  and an improved public-address system will assist riders. An anti-microbial coating on the poles in the trains will help reduce the spread of germs.

News Pick from Toronto Metro 19h July 2011

Federal Natural Resource Minister Joe Oliver holds the view that oilsands (in Alberta) can be developed in a sustainable way. He wants to do it in a socially and environmentally acceptable way, for the benefit of Canadians. Meanwhile, a group of environmentalists took out a full-page ad in The Globe and Mail newspaper, asking if the meeting would be "All Hat, No Cattle" - a metaphor for empty talk.

News Pick from Toronto Metro 18h July 2011

Immigration drops by 25%


2010 was a banner year in immigration, welcoming 280,000 permanent residents, the highest in 50 years. In 2009, 265,000 immigrants were granted permanent status. 


Canada let 25 per cent fewer immigrants into the country in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2010.

China and USA - Who gets the Preferential Treatment?

The following is an extract from The Epoch Times dated July 14, Thursday:


<Baird will visit China even before the United States, describing the move as a sign of importance of the relationship. "This is basically an early signal that we value the relationship and want to take it to the next level," Baird told reporters in a teleconference Wednesday.>


John Baird is the newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister in Canada.

Popular Names

FIDO - telephone 

ROGERS, BELL, TEKSAVVY - internet 

BLOOR, SHEPPARD-YONGE, EGLINTON, DUNDAS, SPADINA, ST CLAIR - subway

METRO, NO FRILLS - supermarkets

TORONTO STAR, TORONTO SUN, HAMILTON SPECTATOR -newspapers

When you come to Toronto, these are some of the names that you will grow used to saying. 

Enjoy Toronto, it's natural..you can truly be yourself here cos no one is going to be bothered about how you dress, what shoes you wear or what watches you wear. Of course, in every society, elitism is present. But as far as I have been here, I don't sense any elitism. This is why I feel good where I am. This is a place of true character. Toronto, you are amazing!

Who Says It Was Easy?

Seriously, if you so decide to come to Toronto, you must be prepared for challenges ahead, challenges that will toughen your resolve. Seriously, among the people I've met, doctors from China, Brazil, engineers from Iran, HR personnel from Venezuela, backstage crew from Manchester, accountants from Peru, workers from Trinidad, aestheticians from Cayman Islands, managers from Italy, administrative managers from Mexico and many others from many other parts of the world, we all have something in common. We all didn't have it easy when we first started. Somehow, along the way, for survival, each of us learnt to be flexible, adaptable and we learnt to let go of things we stubbornly held on to previously. Many of us gave up so much to come, wanting and thinking of a better life. Many of us, who are here longer, feel that the first winter was the worst and the first year was really not easy. Soon enough, we all get used to it and soon we get fully integrated into the whole society naturally, with so much in Common, so much Canadian, so much Character of Strength and Forbearance. Toronto is a safe place, a wonderful home. The struggles that each of us go through only make us stronger and more resolved by the day. If you think you like what you have read, carry on reading, I'll fill you in with more of amazing Toronto.