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St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (AHN) – Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale said Monday she will initiate talks with Ottawa to establish a stand-alone offshore oil safety regulator for the province.

Dunderdale told the province’s House of Assembly that she also supports the 28 other recommendations that the Offshore Helicopter Safety Inquiry made. The separate agency to regulate safety needs amendments to the Atlantic Accord Acts, so the federal government’s hand is required.

Newfoundland jointly manages offshore resources with the federal government under the Atlantic Accord.

The investigation was the result of the March 12, 2009, crash of a helicopter that took the lives of 17 of 18 people aboard the chopper. The commission tasked to probe the incident issued a report eight months after the tragedy.

An existing agency, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, oversees offshore safety. The board promised to work on the 27 recommendations of the commission, but maintained it is a strong, independent regulator.

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Toronto, Ontario, Canada (AHN) – The Ontario Teachers Pension Plan announced Wednesday it sold all its stake in Maple Leaf Foods Incorporated. The shares were sold at a 17 percent discount.

BMO Capital Markets and TD Securities, underwriters of the deal, bought 34.5 million common shares of Maple Leaf at $10.50 per common shares. The transaction grossed $362.4 million. The sold share represent 25.2 percent stake in Maple Leaf.

The underwriters originally said they would purchase only 15 percent of the teachers’ share in Maple Leaf, but eventually bought all the stocks of OTPP.

Before the announcement of the sale, Maple Leaf shares traded at $12.70. The stock sold only an average daily trading volume of 135,508 shares the past six months.

The sell-off ends a long relationship between the meat processor and teachers. Relationship between the two groups soured in summer because the OTPP was not happy with Maple Leaf’s attempt to boost stock price and the teachers were against a shareholders right plan adopted by Maple Leaf in June.

The teachers were also opposed to plans to spend $1.3 billion restructuring and modernizing the food firm’s processing plants to hike the volume of ready-made products, while cutting Maple Leaf’s traditional pork and poultry operations.

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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (AHN) – Manitoba Education Minister Nancy Allan announced Thursday the province will push for a new law that would increase the truancy age to 18. That means young residents would be required to acquire an education or training until they reach 18.

Allan said the change was necessary because of global educational and work benchmarks going higher and that a high school diploma is often not sufficient to acquire a good job or carve a successful career.

Allan said in a statement, “Success in the modern economy will be dependent on students having every opportunity to pursue post-secondary education, training and apprenticeships. Those opportunities are lost when a young person does not have a high-school diploma or equivalent. Raising the compulsory education age to 18 will help ensure kids stay in school and are well prepared for life beyond the classroom.”

The current law in Manitoba requires students to remain in school until they reach 16. While the present truancy age has yielded an improvement in high school graduation rate to 80.9 percent in 2009 from 72.4 percent in 2001, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said the planned change should not be seen as dictating to the youth what they should do, but as helping them become successful in life.

Ontario and New Brunswick were the first Canadian provinces to adjust upward their truancy age to 18 in 2006. Alberta will discuss a similar measure this weekend. Nova Scotia is mulling a similar policy.

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Montreal, Canada (AHN) – New research finds that the blood vessels of obese children show signs of stiffness normally seen in much older adults with cardiovascular disease.

“We were surprised to find that these obese children already have stiff blood vessels,” says Dr. Kevin Harris from B.C. Children’s Hospital. “Aortic stiffness is an early indicator of cardiovascular disease in obese children.” He says it is as if the aging process has been accelerated in their aorta.

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It carries and distributes oxygen-rich blood to all the other arteries and normally acts as a buffer to the pumping action of the heart.

Typically a marked increase in aorta stiffness is linked to aging and is a strong predictor of future cardiac events and mortality in adults.

“The normal aorta has elastic qualities that buffer the flow of blood. When that elasticity is lost, aortic stiffness results – a sign of developing cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Harris told the meeting. “Aortic stiffness is associated with cardiovascular events and early death.”

The results of the study were presented at the 2010 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, co-hosted by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

To see actual changes to the performance of the heart and blood vessels in obese children is extremely alarming, says Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson Dr. Beth Abramson.

“We know there is an association between unhealthy lifestyles and heart disease. Our kids are at risk,” she says. “Poor nutrition and inactivity are threatening their health and well-being. We must rethink the lifestyle standards we have accepted as a society to protect the future health of our kids.”

The rate of childhood obesity in North America has nearly tripled over the last 25 years and it continues to rise. The health risks to overweight and obese children include heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

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International students nowadays are on the lookout for new destinations to fulfill their dream of studying abroad. The main motive is to cut their cost of living and study which is normally high in more celebrated countries like the UK, USA, Canada, etc. Some of the European countries have made good developments in the field of international education by offering programs that are well-accepted throughout the world. These countries also make sure that students from other regions satisfy their academic goals in an affordable manner. Denmark, Belgium and Germany are instances of such countries where the assemblage of foreign students is growing day by day.

Denmark, located in Central Europe, boasts the most erstwhile monarchy in the world. But, the country is fully modern in its approach, culture and living standards. Denmark plays a significant role in global trade, politics and commerce. Having an affordable transport system, it is connected to all major European cities by rail. As far as the standards of international education are concerned, a study in Denmark is considered one of the most excellent in the world. Its higher education system is highly appealing for foreign students, teachers and researchers. High-quality research programs are in the offering in the areas of biotechnology, ecology and food. Most of the educational institutes in the country are publicly managed and categorized as science-only universities and arts and sciences universities. Various private institutes are also present, principally focusing on business administration. The list of popular universities includes Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen, Metropolitan University College, and University College Northern Denmark.

Belgium, which is strategically located in Europe, is another excellent study abroad option with low costs of living. It is an attractive and exhilarating place to pursue your higher education. By opting for a study in Belgium, you’ll get the golden opportunity to know a rich culture and many and different people that speak multiple languages like English, French, German and Dutch. In its pursuit to attract more and more international students, the Government of Belgium is injecting a huge amount of money into education each year. The country is the most desired place for PhD programs in areas like information technology, nanotechnology, and life sciences. The variety of courses offered is broad as well as you’ll find fundamental academic courses, higher academic courses, doctorial programs, postgraduate training and numerous international study programs in the master level. The University of Antwerp, Haute Ecole de la Province de Liège, Brussels School of International Studies and Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen University College are some of its renowned universities.

Germany is gradually making its mark in the international education scenario by offering scores of globally accredited degrees. Students going for a study in Germany have more than 12000 programs to select from. English-speaking students enjoy many advantages in the country because a lot of universities here offer programs in English. In Germany, both native and non-native students can acquire a degree without the need to learn in a second or third language. Various universities that are worth considering in the country include University of Marburg, University of Augsburg, University of Bayreuth and University of Freiburg. Several student scholarships are available to meet your living and study expenses in a better way.

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Mr. Pankaj is providing Infinite Courses, India’s top most informative and resourceful education portal. Explore Study in Denmark, Study in Belgium and much more.

India with 27 states and 7 union territories houses number of world known and reputed educational institutes, colleges and universities. All these education centers have got specialization in offering types of certifications, diplomas and degree programs. Prominent and high standard of education is always demanded by students from any theme. Indian education system has gain excellence in offering quality education in various types of themes with international standard. In these day many foreign universities moving ahead towards India in order to launch their degree programs in collaboration with Indian universities. Apart from these many types of foreign campaign or study abroad campaign, international scholarships and fellowships campaign are conducted by various world leading universities and colleges at the different sections of India. Asian countries prove to be an awesome business center for the various colleges and universities of abroad. UK, US, Canada, Australia, NZ, France, Holland and many more countries have shown their keen interest towards Asian students.

Apart from these colleges and universities, India itself comprises number of well reputed colleges and universities like singhania university rajasthan. It is one of the prominent and world class universities that offers number of degree programs like B.Tech., M.Tech., Ph.D., MBA, Mass Communication, Medical, LLM, Arts, Nursing, Humanities, Management, M.Phil, Tourism and Hotel Management, Life Science, MCA, Pharmacy, IT and lots more. All these types of degree programs comprise latest contents, per module examinations, semester wise revision and other types of facilities are also available to the students. singhania university ugc is one of the universities in the state of Rajasthan of India. Singhania University has been recognized under the section 2F of the UGC act of 1956, established by the government of Rajasthan. It is located at Pacheri Bari Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan in India. Modular, modern and professional education system is one of the unique features of university that are stated while keeping in view the emerging employment and business opportunities in the corporate world.

Singhania University is one of the favorable universities of Indian that is located in the state of Rajasthan, which offers various types of professional and engineering degree courses to build student’s future and career prospects. Here you will find Ph.D. with two year courses. Singhania university phd comprises four faculties including Management, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering and Bio-Technology along with highly qualified and experienced faculties, world-class infrastructure and excellent environment for higher studies that suits to international standard, where the evaluation of the students are done on the basis of practical examination as well as theory examination with equal importance. Besides these courses, getting an admission to Singhania University is not simple task. Singhania university admission includes four steps of group diction, entrance exam, group interview and final personal interview. You can buy admission form from the provided list of THE BANK OF RAJASTHAN LTD Branches and there is also a provision of online admission form where you need to use demand draft for fees structure. All these universities are the major elements of the country that makes India as one of the major destinations of India.

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For higher education in india singhania university is the right place, singhania university rajasthan is famous name in india, like B.Tech,M.Tech, B.Sc. Courses, M.Sc(Hons) courses,singhania university phd, M.Phil courses, Law Courses and many more courses just visit singhaniauniversity.com.

Higher education abroad yet remains a fad along with most Indian students, mainly because of the foreign tag or stamp that they will have in their biodata after successful completion of their educational programmes. A large chunk of Indian students are going abroad for coveted diplomas or degrees in varied fields, so that they can move into the fast-track career path. Absolutely, education abroad lends vast credibility, for aspirants as well as industry are aware of the quality being delivered by various of the institutions across the globe, though some have opened as mere shops too, which we must to be careful about. Countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, France, New Zealand, etc., offer programmes across all sectors; recently name one and you will notice a plethora of them starting from foundation to specialised levels.

There are a little valuable aspects of study abroad that we need to appear at before we really land up in an offshore country. Let’s look at them one by one:

How to decide a programme – Tab your aptitude first and go for subjects and programmes that you are involved in. Don’t get influenced by the current trends. A course catering to a particular industry may not fetch the similar high salary after 3 to 5 years, which it is offering to applicants currently. But if you find interest in a particular subject then you will always find ways to shine in your work area; you can even reflect of opening your own venture in the connected field, in the future.

Countries and popular programmes – Programmes in Information Technology, business and management are largely popular with countries like the US, UK, France and Singapore. You can find Germany to be the best place for science and engineering programmes. Medicine and Aeronautics programmes are quite known in the US and Russia. Programmes in finance and accounting are something that the USA and Australia suggest in full swing. For hospitality and travel programmes, you can look at the UK, Australia and Singapore. While, for fashion and design programmes, Italy and France are favourite destination.

Start doing research – Make a detailed study of the sources for scholarships, fellowships, financial aid, work study or other assistance available. Opportunities for parttime work and related regulations in the university must be studied well in advance, though the first priority should only be studies. Find the academic requirements, including the acceptability of Indian qualifications, confirmed by the admission authorities. Search engines of Google, embassies and foreign offices of many overseas universities in India can provide you with all details about the programme you intend to go for in a exact country.

Visa interview – You require a valid student visa to study in a country offshore. Interview is a part of your visa application process. The visa officer’s aim is to be convinced that your study plans are genuine and workable. First, you should dress up in a formal outfit. Take all the supporting documents in a presentation folder. Get the order of documents so that in case a visa officer asks for any document then you should be quick enough to present that. Be prepared to clearly state your learning goals; your major; why you chose that major; your graduate school plans, future plans, etc. In addition you should be clear about the cost of living, the course and the finances part. Always maintain eye contact with the visa officer while answering the questions. Don’t be tense, you might skip valuable information.

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Study Aborad is forever effective for indian students, mainly because of the overseas tag or stamp in their biodata. If you would like more information related with Study Abroad or Degree Abroad log on to Free Articles Directory.

Waterloo, Quebec, Canada (AHN) – Parents of elementary students at the Ecole Notre-Dame in Waterloo, Quebec are creating noise over a new school policy that requires the pupils to be silent when eating their lunch. The policy, put in place at the start of the school year, runs for 15 minutes only when the students dine at the gymnasium.

Louise Gagnon, the mother of a seven-year old boy enrolled in Ecole Notre-Dame, complained about the new policy to the Val-des-Cerfs School Commission, which has oversight over Ecole Notre-Dame. She also initiated a petition to stop the practice, got 100 signatures and sent the complaint to the commission.

Students who are caught violating the “silence only” rule are moved, while frequent violators of the rule are suspended. Gagnon’s son has been suspended twice.

Gagnon blames the policy for changes in her son’s behavior. From a calm child, her son became a furious and aggressive boy demonstrated by his running everywhere, jumping on furniture, being noisy and speaking loudly. She initially thought he was being bullied by other students.

The commission has defended the policy. Commission Chair Andre Messier said the board approved the school’s idea because of complaints from parents and teachers that the children suffer from headaches due to the noise and most of the students hardly ate lunch because they were too busy socializing.

Messier claimed the Ecole Notre-Dame students are now calm, happy and eating better. Messier pointed out students have the rest of the lunch break to run, play and make noise in the school’s play area.

If the policy is successful, the commission may consider applying it in other schools in the area.

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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (AHN) – The federal government of Canada and the Public Service Alliance of Canada have entered into a tentative agreement that would cover about 95,000 public employees. Treasury Board President Stockwell Day announced the deal Monday with Canada’s largest federal union.

The pact provides for a 5.3 percent salary increase spread over three years. It is an indicator that despite Ottawa’s huge budget deficit, the federal government has no plans to freeze salaries of public workers.

Included in the deal are the Program and Administrative Services Group, the Education and Library Science Group and the Operational Services Group. Excluded are the Technical Group and the Border Services Group.

PSAC President John Gordon said bargaining for the last two groups will go on until February 2011.

Payroll is the second largest expense of Ottawa’s $239 billion annual budget. The top is transfer payments, which totaled $138 billion in 2008-09, manpower is third at $36 billion and public debt charges fourth at $31 billion.

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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (AHN) – The federal government of Canada will announce on Thursday that it will lift the freeze on Employment Insurance premiums. The freeze was part of the economic stimulus package offered by Ottawa to battle the recession.

The lifting of the freeze was originally scheduled Jan. 1, 2010, but the federal government listened to the warning from business leaders, labor representatives and the political opposition that the move would stymie Canada’s recovery.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said Ottawa is still reviewing how much the EI rates would go up, but he hinted it would be less than the amount recommended by a rate setting board established by the federal government.

The current rate is $2.42 for employers and $1.73 for employees for every $100 income of the worker. The board recommended a 21 cents hike for employers and 15 cents increase for employees.

On Wednesday, Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff withdrew his support for a bill that would improve EI benefits. Ignatieff explained his change of stand to the enhancements being too expensive and no longer needed because it was a product of the recession.

Ignatieff used the EI reforms last year to push for a federal election. His withdraw of support for the bill filed by Bloc Quebecois MP Yves Lessard is a personal stand, not a party stand, Ignatieff clarified.

Lessard’s bill proposed reducing the qualifying period for EI from the present 420 hours minimum to 360 hours, hiking the weekly earnings from 55 percent to 60 percent of past earnings and increasing the length of time benefits could be collected.

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