Are multi-billion dollar disasters on the rise?

Severe weather is everyone's problem.
Working together on adaptation is the solution, IBC CEO says.

HALIFAX, February 23, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Don Forgeron, President & CEO of Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), was in Halifax today to talk about an issue that he believes has become everyone's problem: severe weather, with an emphasis on water. In an address to The Halifax Club, Mr. Forgeron said that too much unwanted water is getting a lot of attention today in Nova Scotia, across Canada and on the global stage.

"Insured water losses in this province rose from more than $20 million in 2005 to more than $38 million in 2009. In other words, they almost doubled in four years."

Multi-billion dollar disasters are becoming more common around the world. The number of extreme floods tripled between 1980 and 2010. Munich Re, a global reinsurance company, reported recently that in 2011 world-wide economic losses from natural catastrophes were a record $378 billion.

Mr. Forgeron said that water and the problems it creates belong to all of us. It's everyone's issue.

"Severe weather matters to all of us. It's playing out dramatically on global, national, and neighbourhood stages. So why do we care? Because insurance premiums and taxes are not the solution to this problem. No. We need a collaborative effort and insightful public policy. As a society, as businessmen, and as neighbours, we need to join together."

Mr. Forgeron gave examples of how flooding and water damage are tearing apart communities in Nova Scotia.

...Last August, Hurricane Irene drenched many communities, disrupting essential services and air travel.

...In the fall of 2010, more than 200 millimetres of rain fell over four days in south-west Nova Scotia, forcing 120 families out of their homes.

...Earlier in 2010, Tropical Storm Earl lashed Nova Scotia with high winds and heavy rain, earlier toppling trees and power lines and cutting power to about 200,000 homes.

He applauded the province for investing in adaptation through the Atlantic Climate Solutions Project, a co-operative enterprise of the Atlantic provinces that brings together communities, organizations and universities to work on adaptation strategies.

"We are excited about partnerships like this because water is not just my industry's problem - it has become everyone's problem. At the same time, we recognize that our industry has a responsibility to develop solutions and work with government partners, the private sector, citizens and community groups to minimize the impact of severe weather," he said, adding that IBC has put together a comprehensive adaptation plan to do just that.

Across Canada aging water and sewer infrastructure failure is to blame for most of the water damage. In 2007, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities released a study showing that Canada has a water and sewage infrastructure deficit of $31 billion. While Mr. Forgeron said senior levels of government are now including adaptation measures in their climate change plans, he urged them to do more.

"The $150 million the federal government has committed to adaptation is a good start but it's not enough to address the adaptation problems our country faces," he said. "We need focused, intergovernmental co-operation to build resilience to severe weather patterns and minimize associated economic and insured losses."

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the private property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

To view media releases and information, visit the Media Centre of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca.

Guelph Chamber Choir releases new CD “Remember”

GUELPH, Ontario February 7, 2012 - The Guelph Chamber Choir, under the direction of Gerald Neufeld, is pleased to announce the release of its fifth recording, Remember. The official launch date is March 3, at the GCC concert at Harcourt Memorial United Church in Guelph.

Remember contains 15 tracks, including arrangements of well-known folk songs. As Neufeld writes in the CD’s notes, “Music is a potent medium for remembering our past, our joys and sorrows, and those we love. Songs marry poetry to music’s passion, thus conjuring a strong potion that takes us back in time to where we feel the thoughts of a bygone era.”

The GCC was thrilled to be joined by renowned folk singer, guitarist and composer James Gordon on this project. James performs his signature tune, Frobisher Bay, with the women of the choir, and he is backed up by the GCC men on the beloved Stan Rogers piece North West Passage, as well as Carrick Fergus, arranged by Mark Sirett. Also among the 15 tracks are works by Canadian composers Eleanor Daley (Paradise), Stephen Chatman (Remember), and Jeff Smallman (Prairie Greyhounds).

The choir is accompanied by Alison MacNeill on piano, who has been with the GCC for over twenty years, violinist Trevor Dick, clarinettist Gerald Stephenson and percussionist Ian Dickieson. Vocal soloists are from the choir and include mezzos Carolynne Godin and Janice Coles (both OYC alumnae and former Choirs Ontario board members) and bass Neil McLaren.

For a full listing of the tracks, plus audio samples, please visit the GCC website, www.guelphchamberchoir.ca

Remember is now available for $20 from GCC choir or board members or by contacting info@guelphchamberchoir.ca . Remember can also be downloaded through iTunes – follow the link from www.guelphchamberchoir.ca

Guelph’s Lakeside Church set to pay $1 million for Norfolk United

Downtown church sold Norfolk Street United Church in downtown Guelph has been conditionally sold for $1 million.

Guelph Mercury
by Rob O'Flanagan

GUELPH , Ontario, February 8, 2012 — One of Guelph’s oldest churches may soon have a new owner.

Norfolk Street United Church and Lakeside Church have reached an agreement of sale that will see Lakeside pay $1 million for the 156-year-old limestone structure at the corner of Cork and Norfolk streets in downtown Guelph. Norfolk Street United began as a congregation 175 years ago.

“We get to have a fantastic facility to do some great things in the city, and bring care to the inner city of Guelph,” said Dave Ralph, lead pastor of Lakeside Church, an independent, non-denominational Christian organization. It is located on Conservation Road, in Guelph-Eramosa, near Guelph Lake.

Officials involved in the deal say the price of sale was fair market value, and that the sale is a “win-win situation” for both parties.

“That is a fair price,” said Allan Knapp, council chair for Norfolk United. “We had an independent appraisal done which set the ballpark price, and we talked with architects and developers in town. We looked at options for the church, whether the best price would be based on the vacant land, commercial use or as a church. In every case, being used as a church gave us the best price.”

The agreement allows Norfolk’s roughly 200 parishioners to stay on for three years, continuing to use the church section of the complex for worship until the congregation is able to merge with another United Church in the city, Knapp said Wednesday.

He added that other than an upgrade to the boiler system, the building does not need major repairs.

“I would say I am very sure,” said Knapp, when asked how certain he was that the conditional deal will go through. “The key for us is that we can stay up to three years, and it continues to be a church, which for us is wonderful news.”

Once taking ownership, Lakeside will begin establishing Lakeside HOPE (Helping Overcome Poverty Everywhere) House at the location. A community outreach facility, it will offer services for local people living in poverty.

Talk began to circulate last year that Lakeside Church might be interested in buying Norfolk United, which celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2011. The idea to establish Lakeside HOPE House was hatched over a year ago, and discussions began with Norfolk United in August, officials said.

Lakeside Church now has to raise the funds to purchase the downtown structure, and other conditions have to be met prior to the June 30 closing date on the sale. The sale has to be approved by upper levels of United Church governance, a detailed building inspection must be done, and a purchase and sale agreement has to be signed.

“I have full confidence in our community to raise the funds,” said Ralph. “I know our community. I know their passion and enthusiasm. We are all pretty comfortable that is going to be achievable. There is a strong sense of confidence on both sides that this is going to become a reality.”

Ralph said the primary purpose of Lakeside HOPE House will be to “pick up some of the gaps in poverty elimination needs” in the community, while avoiding duplication of existing services in that area. Lakeside will work closely with city and social services officials in crafting the services of HOPE House.

“I think long-term what we would want to see is, people who have tangible needs could get many of those needs met in a single location,” Ralph said, adding that current users of the building will be considered on a case-by-case basis as to what their future occupancy will be. There are certain spaces that Lakeside needs immediately and tenants of those spaces will have to move.

Ralph said Lakeside Church is also interested in exploring alternative uses for the church hall part of the structure, once Norfolk United’s congregation has moved on. He said it “will always remain an auditorium of some sort,” and might have a future as a small concert hall. Some form of partnership with the University of Guelph may also be explored.

“What we want to do is be good citizens of downtown Guelph and allow our facility to be used as part of being good citizens of downtown Guelph,” Ralph added.

The church began its religious life as a Methodist congregation back in 1836. The actual downtown church was built in 1856 and still holds the inscription “Wesleyan Methodist Church” above its front entrance. Prime Minister Lester Pearson’s father, Rev. Edwin Pearson, was a Methodist minister at the church between 1917 and 1921.

“We didn’t want to see the church turned into condos or other things,” said Knapp. Parts of the church are currently rented out to a number of organizations for a number of purposes. Alcoholics Anonymous uses it for meetings, and Lilliput Land Nursery School is located in the building.

There are two options for the proceeds from the sale, Knapp said. If the Norfolk United congregation is able to merge with another congregation locally, the money will be used by that new entity, with some possibly being donated to non-profit groups in the city. If a merger doesn’t take place, the funds would become general revenue for the United Church of Canada.

Knapp said the first option is preferable.

The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust...A Lasting Tribute for a Lifetime of Giving

Celebrating sixty years. From and for all generations of the Commonwealth Family

LONDON, February 5, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today marks the formal launch of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, on the 60th anniversary of the accession of the Queen to the throne.

The establishment of the Trust was originally announced at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Perth, Australia in 2011. The Trust aims to celebrate HM The Queen's enormous contribution and unswerving dedication to the Commonwealth over the course of her 60 year reign.

Sir John Major, Chairman of the Trustee Board said,

"I am delighted and honoured to have been invited to Chair the Diamond Jubilee Trust.The purpose of the Trust is to raise funds throughout the Commonwealth, and then work with strategic partners to identify charitable projects that will enrich the lives and opportunities of all its citizens

- across generations and geographical boundaries
- in order to provide a lasting legacy for HM The Queen.

It is our hope that individuals, organisations and countries will all wish to contribute to the Trust, as a tangible and enduring way of honouring HM The Queen, and to demonstrate the enormous respect and affection in which she is held, not only within the Commonwealth family, but also the wider world."

The Trust aims to reflect the qualities that citizens respect and value in Her Majesty. It will identify investments in legacy projects which will have a transforming impact on the life of Commonwealth citizens. The Trust will aim in particular to invest in some projects which encourage generations to work together for the benefit of communities, and activities that bring Commonwealth citizens together across geographical boundaries.

The Commonwealth Secretary General, Kamalesh Sharma, also on the board of Trustees, said,

"Throughout sixty years of dedicated service and leadership as Head of the Commonwealth, The Queen has shown personal and unwavering commitment to all that the Commonwealth represents and holds dear - especially our shared values of democracy, development and diversity. The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust is an opportunity for Commonwealth citizens everywhere both to contribute and to be associated with initiatives that will ensure Her Majesty's commitment and service are celebrated in ways that are to the enduring benefit of our global Commonwealth family."

Details of some of the initial planned investments and partnerships will be announced in due course.

During the Jubilee year, individuals, groups, organisations and companies inside or outside the Commonwealth are invited to contribute to the Trust, as a lasting tribute to HM The Queen.

More details about the Trust, including a way to contribute, can be found at the Trust's website: http://www.jubileetribute.org

Notes:

...The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth which has 54 states and 2 billion people. She is The Queen of 16 of these Commonwealth countries, known as Commonwealth Realms.

...The Trust will be run and administered to ensure that every donation is used to the maximum benefit of commonwealth citizens and delivers results that make a real difference to people's lives. It will not establish a major new institution. It will work with established partner charities and organisations across the Commonwealth, both in the UK and elsewhere, to deliver iconic projects that are a fitting tribute to The Queen.

...As announced at CHOGM this may include tackling curable diseases, promoting all forms of education and culture and other Commonwealth priorities.

...The trustees are: The Rt Hon Sir John Major (Chairman), The Commonwealth Secretary General, The Rt Hon Lord Robertson, Professor Sir Mervyn King, The Rt Hon Sir Christopher Geidt & the Rt Rev and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, Bishop of London.

...Projects will be chosen by the Trustees, who will consult widely before reaching decisions

On Toque Tuesday, help 'put a (cheery red) cap on youth homelessness'!

NATIONAL, February 2, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Raising the Roof's annual Toque Tuesday is on February 7. Across Canada, from dawn to dusk, volunteers from Intact Financial Corporation and community groups will take to the streets, shopping malls and transit hubs encouraging commuters to purchase a toasty-warm toque in support of homeless youth. This year's goal is to sell 50,000 toques across Canada!

The Toque Campaign brings together communities - big and small - in a collective effort to "put a cap" on youth homelessness in Canada. Coast-to-coast, an estimated 65,000 youth are without a place to call home.

Past campaign sales have allowed Raising the Roof to grant almost $3.3 million to 145 local community agencies serving the homeless across the country. Part of this year's proceeds will also help fund Raising the Roof's Youthworks initiative, focused on long-term solutions to youth homelessness. We thank and celebrate our 2012 National Toque Campaign partners, Intact Financial Corporation and Canadian Traffic Network.

The difference a toque makes…

...Every $10 toque sold supports real solutions. For example, one toque sale will cover the cost of a bus pass or some clothing for a youth who needs to attend an all-important job interview;

...10 toques will fund supportive housing for one youth for a week, so that he or she can get help to develop important life-skills and break away from street culture.

Purchase your toque on your way to/from work, from your local participating community agency OR on-line at www.raisingtheroof.org.

Looking for more reasons why you should purchase a toque? Check out our 'brilliant' TV public service announcements created for us pro bono by Leo Burnett Toronto.

Show your (virtual) support by 'toquing' your Facebook pic using the 'toque app' on our Facebook page.

About Raising the Roof
Raising the Roof is a national Canadian charity focused on long-term solutions to homelessness. We fund local, grass-roots agencies working to alleviate homelessness in their communities; build awareness among Canadians about the true nature of homelessness today and educate them about how to prevent it in the future; and build partnerships by giving people, corporations and organizations the opportunity to participate in solutions.