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Ontario Field Strawberries are the Perfect Summer Treat

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First fruits of the season are now available at stores and farmers’ markets across the province Ontario field strawberries are now ripe, with Ontario’s berry growers saying this year’s cool spring is resulting in an exceptional crop.

“For most of us, Ontario strawberries are one of the great tastes of summer. You can enjoy these healthy and delicious fruits fresh on their own, baked in a dessert or made into jam,” says Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This Canada Day weekend, I encourage you to kick off your summer by choosing Ontario field strawberries and celebrate the good things that grow in Ontario.”

Whether you pick them up at your local grocery store and farmers’ market, or visit a pick-your-own farm, Ontario’s hardworking farmers have harvested the first fruits of the season for you to share today and throughout the summer.

“Ontario’s cool spring has done wonders for strawberry plants,” said Tom Heeman, Chairman of the Berry Growers of Ontario. “There really is no comparison to the taste and flavour of a true local Ontario strawberry, and this year they will be in great supply. Enjoy the taste of summer with the first fruits of the season!”

More than 1,900 acres of field strawberries are harvested in Ontario each year. Strawberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Visit Foodland Ontario for recipes and suggestions for enjoying strawberries at every meal. For more than 40 years, Foodland Ontario has connected with families on how to recognize, prepare and enjoy locally grown foods. Continue reading “Ontario Field Strawberries are the Perfect Summer Treat”

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Global Passport Seva Program for Indian Citizens

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The Consulate General of India (CGI), Toronto, rolled out the Government of India’s flagship Passport Seva Program (PSP) on 12 June 2019 to cater to the Indian passport services to Indian citizens living under its consular jurisdiction. ConsulGeneral Mr. Dinesh Bhatia handed over first few passports printed on the new system to the applicants at a function organized at the Consulate in the presence of community members and media.

The new system will further streamline and expedite passport services with better automation and user-friendly interface combined with data integrity and information security. It will facilitateefficient delivery of
passport servicesby the Consulatewith effect from Thursday, 13 June 2019.  Indian citizens living under the consular jurisdiction of CGI Toronto are advised to henceforth use the new portal – https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in for availing passport services, including new passport, passport renewal, reissue, Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) and Surrender Certificate.

The link to the new portal will be available on Consulate’s website – https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/ and
Consulate’s outsource agency’s website – http://www.blsindia-canada.com.

All the applications would need to be completed online only.  The PSP was launched by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with TATA Consultancy Services (TCS). It has completed 7 years of service in India and is now entering into the 8th year.

The consular jurisdiction of the CGI Toronto includes Ontario (Except applicants residing at Postal Code starting with letter K),Quebec (except applicants residing at Postal Codes starting with letters J,H, K),Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland Labrador. Continue reading “Global Passport Seva Program for Indian Citizens”

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“This historic playoff run galvanized and united not only Toronto, but all of Canada”-Mayor John Tory

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Mayor Tory awards the Key to the City to the 2019 NBA Championship Toronto Raptors and unveils Raptors Way

Mayor John Tory presented the Key to the City today to the Toronto Raptors to honour the entire team for their 2019 season that culminated with winning the 2019 NBA Championship.

The Mayor presented the team with the Key to the City in Nathan Phillips Square as part of the Raptors Championship rally. Kawhi Leonard – the NBA Finals MVP – accepted the key on behalf of the entire Raptors organization.

To further recognize the Raptors’ first championship win, the Mayor also announced that Bremner Boulevard outside the Scotiabank Arena – from York St. to Lake Shore Blvd. W. – will receive a ceremonial street dedication as Raptors Way. The Mayor will be bringing a motion to City Council this week to proceed with the street dedication.

During his first term in office, Mayor Tory presented Keys to the City to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Paul Beeston, Rush, Aubrey Graham (Drake), Zanana Akande, Susan Gapka, Wilmot and Judy Matthews, Pat Moore, Peter Oundjian, and Fran Sonshine.

The Mayor awards the Key to the City to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto and have contributed significantly to civic life. The Key to the City represents the highest honour that the City can confer on an individual or a group.

“We are so proud of our Toronto Raptors and their championship win. Presenting the entire organization with the City’s highest honour is our way of saying thank you on behalf of all Toronto residents. This historic playoff run galvanized and united not only Toronto, but all of Canada, bringing together fans from coast to coast to coast. The victory itself and the events surrounding it will inspire Torontonians, especially young people, for years to come.” said Mayor John Tory.

 

Continue reading ““This historic playoff run galvanized and united not only Toronto, but all of Canada”-Mayor John Tory”

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Madaari Mania Hits North America

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The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir – In Cinemas June 21

Madaari Mania is hitting fans from the across the world with millions of hits from people of all demographics and crossing all age barriers.  Sung by Vishal Dadlani and Nikhita Gandhi and music by Amit Trivedi, the Madaari song, that has everyone swinging and tapping their toes, is from the film The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir that will be released in cinemas in Canada June 21.

Renowned actor Dhanush stars as the lead in the international film co-produced by France, India and Belgium. Directed by Ken Scott, the film also features Berenice Bejo, Barkhad Abdi, Erin Moriarty and Abel Jafri as well as Gérard Jugnot, Ben Miller, Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse, and Stefano Cassetti.

Dhanush plays Ajatashatru Lavash Patel, a poor boy who grows up to be a street magician and embarks on an extraordinary voyage across Europe in search of his estranged father. During his trip, he finds love in a Swedish furniture store in Paris, but danger with Somalian migrants ensues and he ends up in London, then more threats follow the young man until he finds himself in Rome, where an unlikely threat shadows the hustler on to a hot-air balloon that rides across the Med.

The film has been adapted from Romain Puértolas’ best-selling novel The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir Who Got Caught In An Ikea Wardrobe.  The screenplay of the film was written by Puértolas and Luc Bossi who is also producing through his Paris-based company Brio Films. Other co-producers include Vamonos Films, Little Red Car Films, Scope Pictures, M! Capital Ventures, Impact Films and Golden Ratio Films.

The film has won many awards, distributed in Canada by A-Z films and will be in cinemas across Canada on June 21.

Dhanush speaks candidly to his fans and audiences about the film:

The screenplay

It had a fantastic message to send out to the world, combined with irresistible humor. It was also the promise of a journey I hadn’t yet dared to take in my career. You rarely get the chance of being offered a role like that. Continue reading “Madaari Mania Hits North America”

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Italian stars Virginia Raffaele and Luca Barbareschi in Toronto for launch of ICFF 2019

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The 2019 edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival kicked off yesterday with a sold-out screening of Dolceroma at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, where the film’s producer and lead actor Luca Barbareschi charmed the crowd, alongside Italian actress Virginia Raffaele, whose comedic antics entertained the audience. Following the Opening Film, a Dolceroma-themed cocktail party launched the official start of the eighth edition of the Festival; a massive celebration enhanced by the Raptors’ NBA Championship win. 

Some of the biggest stars and starlets of Italian cinema are descending on Toronto for the eighth edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, launching nine days of films and special events across the country. Italian superstar producer, director and actor Luca Barbareschi presented his latest work Dolceroma at TIFF Bell Lightbox, ahead of the Opening Party at Ricarda’s. Barbareschi, who says he was most inspired by Steven Spielberg in his career, notes the film is set against the beauty and the tragedy of the eternal city, saying “Rome is condemned to never die. It’s slowly dying, but it will never die.”

As a tribute to Barbareschi’s extensive career, he will present two other films during this year’s festival, the comedy Airplane Mode/Modalita’ aereo, a hilarious commentary on the destructive power of social media in the age of celebrity, and the stunning biopic I Am Mia/Io sono Mia, the tragic true story of one of the greatest Italian singers of all time, Mia Martini. Barbareschi will be receiving the ICFF 2019 Best Producer Award.

In honour of the opening film, the ICFF Opening Party was a true celebration of Roman decadence and culture, held at one of the best and most beautiful Italian restaurants in Toronto, Ricarda’s at the Queen Richmond Centre. More than a thousand guests filled the stunning atrium with its 70-foot ceilings, Continue reading “Italian stars Virginia Raffaele and Luca Barbareschi in Toronto for launch of ICFF 2019”
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We the Champs: Celebrate the Win!!

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GO TRANSIT GEARS UP FOR RAPTORS CHAMPIONSHIP PARADE

Raptors fans are still rejoicing their team’s historic win at the NBA championship. The celebrations continue on! All the GTA fans have  another chance to party on Monday during the official championship parade and rally.

Unprecedented crowds are expected to gather downtown on Monday to celebrate the Toronto Raptors’ historic NBA championship win. GO Transit is warning customers to plan ahead and prepare for trains and platforms to be far busier than usual.

The Raptors’ championship parade will begin at Exhibition Place at 10 a.m. and will eventually make its way past Union Station toward Nathan Philips Square. This will require a series of full and rolling road closures beginning at 9 a.m. Monday.

Extra GO trains will be available if needed to shuttle fans between Union Station and Exhibition GO. Given the huge number of fans including groups of children (Kids GO Free) expected for this celebration, the “Kawhi-it Zone” will likely be much noisier than usual, so the patience and understanding of all our regular commuting customers is greatly appreciated.

Parade Route & Rally

Starting at Exhibition Place, the parade will culminate with a rally at Nathan Phillips Square that will begin when the procession arrives.

10 a.m. Parade departs Exhibition Place, Princes’ Gates, runs east along Lakeshore Boulevard West, then north on York Street and University Avenue to Queen Street West.

12:30 p.m. Rally at Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West.

Here is all the critical information you need to know if GO Transit or UP Express are your rides to Monday’s parade:

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The Best Father’s Day Gift-A Long, Healthy Life with the Mediterranean Diet

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 By Amy Riolo

With Father’s Day just around the corner, most of us are busy planning the perfect present for Dad. The usual gifts of cards, neckties, and watches are nice ideas, but the greatest gift you could give your father is helping him achieve lasting health.

The best way to show love to your dad on Father’s Day is by making a meaningful contribution to his life. Let your dad know that you love him, and that’s why you want him to live a long, healthy, and happy life. Introducing him to the healthful and delicious dishes from the Mediterranean region is a great way to do just that.

You’ve likely heard of the Mediterranean diet, which was recently named best overall diet of 2019 and has been shown to help extend your lifespan by roughly a decade. This eating pattern has also been linked to preventing heart attacks, strokes, certain cancers, and diabetes, and reducing inflammation. It may even help lower your risk of dementia by a third.

The Mediterranean eating pattern centers around seasonal produce, fish and seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy, and small amounts of meat and sweets. Part of what makes this diet so successful is that people in the Mediterranean region consider food to be a friend and ally—a source of pleasure, nutrition, history, medicine, and tradition. When combined with lifestyle choices like communal eating and physical activity, the Mediterranean diet is believed to contribute to remarkable longevity in the region. For example, residents in Sardinia are ten times more likely to live past 100 than people in the United States.

Father’s Day is the perfect time to help your dad make the lifestyle changes that can give him a longer and more joyful life. Read on for two ways you can celebrate your love for your dad and help him start living a healthier life.

Prepare a delicious Mediterranean-style Father’s Day lunch. Show Dad how much you love him by preparing him a special Father’s Day meal. Continue reading “The Best Father’s Day Gift-A Long, Healthy Life with the Mediterranean Diet”

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MARTY Awards Honours Top Mississauga Artists

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– -Jatin Naik

Mississauga’s very own MARTY Awards was celebrated late last month on Thursday May 23. Leading artists from diverse fields were honoured at the 2019 MARTY awards ceremony hosted by the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC). The awards were presented at the Mississauga Convention Centre to a house full of attendees. This year, the MAC celebrated the 25th anniversary of the MARTY Awards. A large number of nominated artists, who are chosen based on criteria demonstrating excellence in their work,  walked the red carpet.

Artists, including nominees and their family members and friends were present, as well as prominent Mississauga politicians, celebrities  and business leaders. We also saw arts patrons, volunteers, and so many engaged art lovers in the community. The cocktail area, as always, was very lively and our emerging artists loved to meet the movers and shakers in the city, including media personnel.

The Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) established in 1981 by City Resolution, is a non-profit registered charity governed by a Board of Directors. Their mission is to foster, develop, support and champion a vibrant, dynamic arts community in Mississauga. The MAC is instrumental in advocating for the building of Arts spaces including Meadowvale Theatre, the Art Gallery of Mississauga and the Living Arts Centre. The MAC regularly hosts and promotes events each year to create a vibrant arts and culture community in the city. The MARTYS is also known as the Mississauga Arts Awards, an awards ceremony that has been recognizing excellence in the field of arts, in the city of Mississauga, since the past 25 years.

The  following winners during the ceremony in the below mentioned categories:

Festival of the Year – Bollywood Monster Mashup

Lifetime Achievement – Lata Pada
Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year – Michael Buchert
Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts – Heather Snell
Emerging Visual Arts – Katherine A. Laird Continue reading “MARTY Awards Honours Top Mississauga Artists”

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Second Season of Global T20 to take place in the City of Brampton

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Organizers for Global T20 Canada have agreed to move the championship to a new Venue in the City of Brampton.

After completing its inaugural season in King’s City in 2018, Bombay Sports Company Ltd formally Mercuri Canada, the league organisers evaluated the impact of hosting the event in a more central location and listened to the feedback of the cricket fans. In collaboration with the City of Brampton and Mayor Patrick Brown the decision was taken to move the 2019 edition to west of Toronto and into the heart of the cricket loving community from July 25- August 11, 2019

Mayor Patrick Brown who was present at the conference delightedly said that,“I’m proud to say that Brampton is hosting the GT20 Cricket Tournament this year! As a healthy and safe city where cricket is especially popular, Brampton is an ideal location for this renowned event. We invite local, national and international audiences to attend what is sure to be a thrilling tournament this summer.”

Brampton has a largely immigrant population; individuals who have played the game or casual fans.  Weekly thousands of weekend warriors participate for local clubs across the city. The Brampton Etobicoke District League and others facilitate matches for thousands across the multiple venues.

“We thank the Mayor for his vision and interest in having Brampton host GT20, said Karan Kohli, son of GT20 financer Gurmeet Singh Bhamrah. “To deliver this tournament to the city of Brampton and Canada as a whole will not only bring joy to the fans but opportunities for local businesses and vendors.”

According to Mayor Brown, bringing GT20 to Brampton and furthering developing the fields in the City is delivering on a campaign promise.

“Brampton has the biggest cricket fans in Canada,” Mayor Brown said. “Just a few weeks ago we saw the Indian Premier League finals and fans in Brampton stayed up to the early hours to watch the finals. That’s how passionate our fans are.”

Mayor Brown added, “The City of Brampton has committed to more cricket infrastructure development in the city, currently two existing venues are getting lights and we are in discussions on the feasibility of a multi purpose complex that includes a cricket stadium.” Continue reading “Second Season of Global T20 to take place in the City of Brampton”

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Monster World MashUp heats up a cold and wet Spring!

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–Lachman Balani

It has been a cold, wet and dreary Spring!

Never fear though because festival season is upon us to heat things up!

This past weekend Brampton got its fair share of energy and a hot spell as Vikas Kohli’s third annual Monster World Mashup (MWM) took over the ski chalet at Chinguacousy Park and Brampton’s Garden Square (temporarily named Jurassic Square for the NBA finals as Toronto’s team, the Raptors, take on the Warriors from Oakland in California).

MWM kicked off on May 31. After opening remarks from Councilor Charmaine Williams and Kohli, the ski chalet wound up being a non-stop laugh heaven as Brandon Ash-Mohammed opened up the night by splitting the sides of all attendees with his wisecracks.

Then followed a zany bunch of hilarious jesters including Johnny Batta, Harpreet Sehmbi, EDwOrld Kim, Vandad Kardar and headliner Nick Reynoldson cracking joke after joke after joke as the crowd egged them on with uncontrollable fits of laughter. Vandad, of Iranian descent, was the most brazen and frank comic of them all with one fan telling him he had a lot of “cojones”.

The comedians were Canadians of all different origins representing the natural habitat of Brampton.

The whole show was hosted by well known comedian Amish Patel of Fade to Brown who had some people laughing so hard that they cried!

MWM continued the next day transforming the Garden Square in Brampton into “Chutney and Bollywood” square, as one spectator exclaimed,  with a non-stop music show from 5 pm onwards that was hosted by Randy Persaud and headlined by Parichay.

Parichay is a Bollywood playback singer, composer and producer who is currently based in Toronto. He has collaborated with the likes of Vishal Dadlani, Nargis Fakhri, Kardinal Offishall and Sean Kingston and his youtube portfolio has more than 100 million views.

Parichay has this knack of infusing lyrics from old Hindi movie songs and he didn’t disappoint this time thrilling the crowd right from the get-go with Mohd. Rafi’s “yeh mera prem patra padhkar, ke tum naaraaz na hona…”. His performance was par excellence! Continue reading “Monster World MashUp heats up a cold and wet Spring!”