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Politics in Canada
Right Decision Important To Ensure Better Quality Of Life, Future Meeting with Carl DeFaria, Minister of Citizenship with Responsibility for Seniors By Javed Zaheer TORONTO: Decisions are important part of our lives. At the crucial time of elections, decisions help shape and change the destiny of the people and nations. One wrong one could lead to disaster. It is time to make people understand the importance of vote and selection of candidates to ensure better system, quality of life and future. This is the main aim, goal and objective. All makes promises and commitments but what counts is the contribution. It is the best parameter to judge the leadership quality. And people are the best judge. Those with mere hollow slogans and sweet dreams have never been helpful and fruitful. Their thinking begins and ends with only their vested interests. They are master of deceptions and confuse and let down the people. People need a strong voice for the community, experienced leadership and a leader who is dedicated to serve and not rule. Such persons are few but fortunately always available. One of such leaders is Carl DeFaria, Minister of Citizenship with Responsibility for Seniors. He has dedicated himself to serving the people of Mississauga and believes in preserving traditional family values. He’s done a lot and promises to do more. Carl DeFaria was elected MPP in 1995. Because of his sincere efforts, practical and positive contributions he won both the heart and confidence of the people and was re-elected in 1999. His experience includes Vice-Chair of Standing Committee on Justice and Parliamentary Assistant to a Cabinet Minister. His contribution includes his volunteer/leadership role in the construction of $40 million Senior and Social Housing. He got Bachelor of Arts Degree (Economic & Finance) from University of Toronto and Bachelor of Law Degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. Carl DeFaria and his family lived in the Applewood neighborhood (Dixie & Bloor) for over 25 years. I had the opportunity of hearing Carl DeFaria’s impressive speech at the Celebration of 125 years of one of the world’s greatest poet, philosopher, legend and the national poet of Pakistan, Sir Dr Mohammad Iqbal, which was held in Mississauga on June 29, 2003, and organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan in collaboration with CanPak Chamber of Commerce. The event was a tremendous success. He takes active part in all such events and loves mixing with South Asians, particularly Pakistanis. Impressed by his track record, I had the desire of meeting him. Shahid Hashmi, Chairman, CanPak Chamber of Commerce, who is very close to him and other such leaders as a friend and fan, provided me the opportunity. Earlier, he had also arranged my meeting with Frank Klees, Minister of Transportation, who is contesting to be re-elected as MPP in Oak Ridges. Shahid Hashmi’s main aim is to bridge the gap and enable the community and the people to understand and accept the system in order to become active and important part of the mainstream and member of the society. CanPak Chamber of Commerce has become and been recognized as an important platform in this connection, because of his sincere, dedicated, voluntary and tireless efforts. On September 18, the interview of Carl DeFaria was broadcast on Saz-O-Awaz, a very popular program, produced by Arifa Muzaffar. Syed Aftab Rizvi, famous and experienced MC, Shahid Hashmi and Arifa Muzaffar conducted it. Various important issues were discussed including immigration, traditional family values, respect of seniors, importance of respect of people of all backgrounds and no discrimination against any community. The listeners enjoyed the 30 minutes program and a lot of calls were made for comments and appreciation of the proceedings. It is important to mention here that Carl DeFaria received the Ethnic Press Council 2003 Award for support of different ethnic communities. He remained very involved in South Asian, particularly Pakistani, community, for eight long years and attended and supported the community initiatives. Also, he says he remained in the ethnic news more than any politician in Canada because he takes interest and participates in their activities. Carl DeFaria enjoys confidence of vast majority of Pakistani community and is very much hopeful of his success because of their vote and support in Mississauga East. He said the people support him so that he continues to help and serve them practically and they could benefit in the real sense. This is his aim, ambition and commitment. So after the radio program I met him and had a very good discussion. He explained the priorities of his PC party: · Mortgage interest payments tax deductible (Up to $5,000) · Seniors property tax rebate (average $475 savings whether you own or rent). · Keep insurance fair and affordable for Ontario drivers. Cut rates by up to 15%. · Elimination of mandatory retirement at 65. · No strikes, lockouts or work-to-rule during the school year. · Additional $2 billion increase in annual public education funding to a record $16 billion. · No increase of residential property tax without referendum. · Balanced budget guaranty plus debt repayment: Paid $5 billion already and will pay further $5 billion. · $1 billion investment to find a cure for breast and prostrate cancer. · 1000 more new nurse practitioners, more doctors and hospitals and shorter waits. · 1000 more police on our streets. Safety and security at our homes and streets. · Stop abuse of welfare, OHIP & legal aid by deportees, illegal immigrants and others. Carl DeFaria said the plan to meet the changing needs of Ontario seniors and their families includes: · Establishing a Tele-Senior phone service to give seniors `one stop shopping’ for all provincial government services. · New measures to protect seniors from telemarketing fraud and elder abuse. · Introducing a family caregiver tax credit for people taking care of aged, infirm or disabled relatives. · Making major new investments in health care services for the elderly including osteoporosis, cataract surgery and long-term care. · Will exempt life leases sponsored by a registered charity or non-profit organization from land transfer taxes. · Amending the Human Rights Code and a host of other laws to prohibit mandatory retirement at any specific age. He said that for supporting the Ontario’s seniors the emphasis will be on 1) Keeping seniors financially secure 2) Protecting seniors at risk and 3) Caring for the elderly 4) A break on property taxes 5) Investments in health care 6) Support for caregivers and 7) Support for working seniors. For keeping the economy strong, the emphasis will be on 1) Tax cuts for jobs 2) Tax cuts for homeowners 3) Tax cut for seniors 4) Tax cut for caregivers 5) Balanced budgets and 6) Cutting waste. Carl DeFaria while explaining about his portfolio said Ontario is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world. We come from 120 different countries and speak 60 different languages. Except for the First Nations of Ontario, all of us are within a few years of generations of being immigrants to this province, he added. He said that this diversity is an incredible source of strength and opportunity. Ontario, home to 60% of the newcomers to Canada, has benefited enormously from immigration. The experiences and skills that new Canadians bring and the contributions they will make will continue to be welcomed, he assured. He stated that since immigration is so important to this province, indeed vital to its future, therefore Ontario deserves a hand in shaping the policies that bring newcomers here. This is important to remove confusion. Currently people think Carl DeFaria is responsible for the decisions and policies because of his portfolio whereas the responsibilities lie with the Federal Government. He said Quebec and the federal government have already negotiated a special agreement governing immigration to the province. Several other provinces also have agreements with Ottawa, he added. Carl said that we too would negotiate our own immigration agreement with the federal government, using that made-for-Ontario agreement to achieve the following: · Ensure that more new immigrants to Ontario settle outside the GTA to help meet the need for skilled labor across the province. · Test potential immigrants before they come to Ontario to identify those with the skills and qualifications the province needs most---Using Ontario standards as the benchmark. · Give first priority to fully trained medical professionals, business investors and skilled workers who agree to settle where the need for their services is greatest. · Do a much better job than Ottawa has of keeping out security risks including people tied to terrorist or criminal organizations, those who have been previously deported and anyone else who poses a security threat. · End free legal aid for immigration and refugee cases. Stop illegal immigrants from using OHIP. Prevent welfare recipients from sponsoring immigrants. · Allow `special circumstances family reunification’ for immigrants who normally would not qualify under Ontario rules, but whose families have agreed to provide for their needs. He said there is a large demand in Ontario for skilled workers and that is why we want to bring them in a period of 6 months. The process needed to be simplified and speeded up for skilled workers with trades and profession. Presently it takes years and as a result we are losing the needed skilled and professional immigrants, he added. PAKISTANI COMMUNITY: Because of the keen interest taken by Canadian leaders including Jim Karygiannis, MP, Frank Klees, MPP, Carl DeFaria, MPP, the Pakistani community is getting proper attention and importance now. The community leaders too have become very active and are supporting the community in the move ahead towards progress and prosperity. Irrespective of party affiliations, they need to work in the best interest of the community, people and the country. There is still a lot of lacking in this connection. The need is to create a bridge to meet, mix and move freely and understandably. The efforts and developments are indeed very important and vitally needed for encouragement, education of people and creation of proper awareness. Two such occasions organized on September 18 and attended by me were notable. Certificates were announced for the winners of debate contest held in connection with the Independence Day of Pakistan Celebrations. This announcement was in continuation of the hours long radio program organized by Saz-O-Awaz on August 14, which was produced by Arifa Muzaffar and directed by Nazimuddin Nazim. Syed Aftab Rizvi, Fahim Hamid Ali, Tariq Hussain, and Arifa Muzaffar hosted it. Shahid Hashmi, Chairman, CanPak Chamber of Commerce introduced and interviewed leading personalities and dignitaries. The debate judges were Shahid Hashmi and Sofia Rizvi. On behalf of the Federal Government, Jim Karygiannis, MP Scarborough- Agincourt, issued the certificates. Frank Klees, MPP, Oak Ridges, and Minister for Transportation, issued on behalf of the Ontario Government. The winners were Miss Waliya Chaudhry, First Prize, Mr Hamza Arif, Second Prize, and Miss Uroosa Arif, Third Prize. Arco Computers Ltd announced gift certificates for the three winners---$100 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third. Mansoor Qureshi of Arco was present on the occasion along with Shahid Hashmi. The certificates were handed over to the producer of the program, Arifa Muzaffar, for distribution to the winners. The winner of the quiz contest was Farah Naz. Shahid Hashmi presented her the $50 award on behalf of CanPak Chamber of Commerce. On the occasion, it was discovered that she was a very good writer. She was assured of introduction to the media so that the community could benefit from her talent. FAMILY TRADITION: The second occasion was a condolence meeting organized by Anis Faruqui, Managing Editor of Toronto Times, at his residence for the mother of Ghalib Iqbal, Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto, who passed away recently. Holy Quran was recited and prayer held for the departed soul. The significance of the occasion was the announcement by Anis Faruqui that the community members of any status are one big family and it is our duty and responsibility to share the joy and sorrow of each other. No one should be allowed to feel isolated and alone. He established a good tradition, which needs to be encouraged and promoted. This will bring the people closer, create understanding, love and unity. It will help bring the people on a common platform. It may be pointed out that Ghalib Iqbal takes active part and keen interest in the community activities. Unlike other Pakistani diplomats, he is found genuinely helping the people and listening and attending to their problems. The people are happy with his presence here. He has also streamlined the working of the Pakistan Consulate. Present on the occasion, which was largely attended by families, included Ghalib Iqbal, Anjum Qureshi, Editor-in-Chief, Toronto Times, Shahid Hashmi, CanPak Chamber of Commerce, Muhammad Asif Qasmi, Ameer of Jamia Islamia Canada, who belongs to the internationally renowned Qasmi family of Pakistan, Hafizur Rehman of Rehman International Ltd, Iqbal Bhatti of Nikhaar Radio, Arshad Bhatti. The Pakistani community must extend full support to the sincere and experienced Canadian leaders of any party they choose so that they can serve them better. This is very important to develop better understanding and relationship. The need to bridge the gap must be seriously felt. All working in this direction must be encouraged sincerely and practically. Their contributions must be acknowledged, recognized and they be elected to enable them to deliver their best. 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