Canada-India Foundation brings out its Weekly E-Newsletter Feb 2022
CIF E-Newsletter
Volume 37 Issue #24 February 2022
Chair’s Message
Bringing Ontario’s Smaller Municipalities into the Canada India Dialogue
Hello friends. Hope is in the air. At least that is the sense we are getting on the pandemic front. More countries and regions are relaxing the strict Covid-19 protocols put in place at the height of the pandemic. Now that the latest variant, Omicron, while highly transmissible, does not pack the lethality of earlier versions of the virus.
According to many experts, we will soon be settling into a situation when the virus becomes endemic. This means that it will never leave us alone completely, rearing its ugly heads here and there, catching us by surprise. But the good thing is that after two years of its destructive grip on us, we might be ready to live our lives more normally. A word of caution: It is not yet time to celebrate. In the meanwhile, let us continue to be careful and observe public health advice from experts.
This month I want to share with you details on an initiative that CIF is actively working on. A while ago, after consultations with several people, we had concluded that one way we can extend and deepen engagement between Canada and India is by identifying opportunities in our smaller municipalities. We at CIF believe that this is a critical area of cooperation that can turn very productive in the near future. (Read more)
A Tribute to Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar
(1929–2022)
On February 6, 2022, India lost its most beloved voice in the person of Lata Mangeshkar who died at age 92. In an incredible musical journey that spanned eight decades, this ‘nightingale of India’ broke several world records in the number of songs she helmed, the diversity of languages that she lent her melodious voice to and the fan base that matched the world’s most popular singers, stretching across the world.
Canada India Foundation condoles the death of this legendary figure who inspired and entertained countless Indians over multiple generations. “We will miss her presence deeply and we extend our condolences to her family and fans all over the world. Lata Mangeshkar was not just a great singer and entertainment personality; her voice brought a whole nation together in celebration or even in tragedy,” said Satish Thakkar, Chair CIF.
In the immediate aftermath of the India China border war in 1962, she sang the famous Aye mere watan ke logo that energized and inspired a stunning nation and according to reports of the day, brought tears to the eyes of India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Lata Mangeshkar was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna, in 2001, in acknowledgement of decades-long contributions to the entertainment world as well for enhancing India’s soft power in the rest of the world.
Lata Mangeshkar performed at the most prestigious concert venues in every major city during her career, including Toronto where she made her special connection to Canada. During a United Way fundraiser in 1985, Lata, at the request of Canadian legend Anne Murray, sang You Needed Me in English to the great surprise of the audience. “Even though we have so many talented singers in India today, Lataji’s contributions will remain unmatched, and her voice will continue to ring through even more generations to come,” added Ritesh Malik, National Convener, CIF.
Ottawa dropping pre-arrival PCR test for fully vaccinated travellers as of Feb. 28
Fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada will no longer have to take a pre-arrival molecular test — such as a PCR — as of Feb. 28, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced Tuesday. Travellers will still be required to take a pre-arrival test, but they can instead opt for an authorized clinic-administered rapid antigen test taken no more than one day before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border.
(Read more)
Ontario to Drop Vaccine Passports Soon
Premier Doug Ford indicated that proof of vaccination requirement and capacity limits in indoor settings will be dropped if cases and hospitalization continue to drop. (Read more.)
Expert Predicts Return of Brick and mortal Retail Trade
In spite of the pandemic related widespread shutdown of retail-oriented businesses, the chief executive of RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust says rent collections and occupancy levels have been healthy. (Read More)
$40 billion added to Canada’s Economy Since Cannabis Legalization
The controversial move by the Trudeau government to legalize the production and distribution of marijuana in Canada is paying rich dividends to the economy. (Read more.)
‘The deal is done: India signs ‘pathbreaking’ India-UAE CEPA
Union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal today said both India and UAE are entering a golden era of economic and trade cooperation with the signing of the India-UAE CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement). (Read more)
Investigations Into Migrant Tragedy on Canada US Border
Investigations are on in three countries over the deaths of four migrants including two children from Gujarat trying to cross into the US. (Read more.)
UK, Australia, Italy, UAE and Singapore Among Top Destinations for Indian Investors
Encouraged by a spirit of enterprise and a desire to spread their wings internationally, Indian entrepreneurs are looking outside India for opportunities. (Read more.)
GTA Hindu Temples Report Multiple Break-ins
Police are asking the public’s help to identify the culprits who have stolen money from Hindu Temples donation boxes to the tune of $25,000. (Read More)
Top Indian Virologist Says Covid Entering Endemic Stage
According to Dr Gagandeep Kang, India will soon enter a stage when Covid will become endemic, allowing for most pandemic related restrictions to be lifted. (Read More)
ISRO’s First Launch of 2022 Puts Three Satellites into Orbit
Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) successful launch of a PSLV heavy rocket in the new year augurs well for the Agency that had suffered a couple of setbacks recently. (Read more.)