DISCOVER Magazine

Year 7 . Issue 14 . Spring 2016

www.discoverbrazil.ca

CANADA

Get to know Durham Region BRAZIL

SPECIAL REPORT

Maceió celebrates its 200th anniversary PORTUGAL

A golfers’ paradise CANADA IN FOCUS Interview Working for the community

CONTENTS

Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil

by Diego Barros

CONTRIBUTORS

BRAZIL PAGE

06 PAGE

12 PAGE

14

TOURISM Special Report: Maceió celebrates its 200th anniversary

CULTURE Rio 2016: The legacy of the games

16 PAGE

21

Brazilian companies: $54 million in business last year Jose Francisco Schuster has been a journalist for 30 years. He is the producer and host of the radio show “Fala Brasil”.

BUSINESS Get to know Durham Region

Luis Aparício

CULTURE

is a freelance journalist with experience in daily news in Portugal . He collaborates with local Portuguese newspapers in Toronto.

Working for the community

PORTUGAL PAGE

26

is a journalist and PR, who specializes in technology, economics, and tourism, having in her portfolio Culture TV, CBN Radio, McDonalds and Microsoft.

BUSINESS

CANADA PAGE

Ingrid Coifman

Rosana Dias

TOURISM

is a journalist and Public Relations Specialist. She has worked for companies such as Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper, Exame Magazine, Fiat Automoveis, and Embraer.

A golfers’ paradise

REGULARS PAGE

04

PAGE

YOUR LETTERS

19

NEWS IN BRIEF www.discoverbrazil.ca | DISCOVER | 2016 | 03

YOUR LETTERS

The newsroom continues to receive many compliments and words of encouragement from our readers in Canada, Brazil and Portugal. We welcome those comments and look forward to your ideas and feedback.

DISCOVER magazine is the missing element in the dissemination of information that crosses the world, as it represents the link between Brazil, Canada and Portugal, three countries that one way or another reaffirm the fact that there are more connections among those countries than we ever thought.

The magazine’s readers have the privilege to get to know a wide range of themes from various angles of the society - economically, socially and culturally.

I would like to congratulate Leila Monteiro Lins and the staff of DISCOVER magazine for the fantastic work they have been doing over the last seven years.

Once again DISCOVER magazine offers us the chance, through their articles, to find out and participate in the latest news from across Canada and around the world.

Our readers are privileged to have access to a magazine that brings them information from reliable sources in a simple, effective, and quick way.

The articles are written in a consistent and descriptive manner, casting no doubts on the veracity of the magazine’s sources.

I appreciate the opportunity the magazine gives us to feel closer to our country through their stories and articles.

Congratulations Leila Monteiro Lins!

Carla Viegas

Lina Melo

International Relations at the “Escola Superior

Immigration Consultant

Náutica” (Nautical College)

MELO Immigration & Paralegal Services

Lisbon, Portugal

Toronto/Canada

FROM THE PUBLISHER Durham College Student Centre, courtesy of City of Oshawa.

Executive Director | Founder Leila Monteiro Lins Director Teresa Oliveira Executive Editor Ingrid Coifman Contributors Francisco Alvim Jose Francisco Schuster Luis Aparício Rosana Dias Translator Rafael Alcantara

From the left to the right : Deputy Secretary for the Alagoas Department of Tourism, Jannyne Barbosa, artist Rogerio Sarmento and DISCOVER magazine’s CEO, Leila Monteiro Lins. “The idea of the Velas Arte” project is to value the traditional boats, which can be considered one of the biggest tourism symbols in Maceió and to display the art of Alagoas in a creative way, to attract tourists to the celebration of the city’s birthday, ”says Jannyne Barbosa

Copy Editors Cecilia Chin Joan Sheppard Art Director Bruna Lopes Social Media Specialist Renan Passatore

Portuguese-Brazilian-Canadians who inspire us!

Cartoonist Hemeterio Neto Photographers Diego Barros (Brazil) Dave Burke (Canada) Marketing Rodrigo Diniz (Brazil) Richard Turner (Canada) marketing@discoverbrazil.ca Digital Marketing Agencia Vetta

T

he consolidation of a Portuguese speaking community in Canada makes each one of us very proud. More and more, the sons and daughters and grandchildren of Portuguese and Brazilian immigrants, are participating actively

in all levels of Canadian society.

Frequency Is published twice a year (April & September)

It’s our goal to continue to cover their accomplishments, how they

represent our ideals in politics, economics and the arts. In this issue, we begin a series of interviews with leaders and professionals who are contributing their time, skills and energy to an inclusive, diverse Canadian society.

The spotlight is not only on people, but also on Canadian regions that are

offering opportunities for development and innovation. Durham, for instance, one of the fastest growing regions in North America, will be investing an estimated $20 billion PUBLISHER INFORMATION: LML COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING INC.

in infrastructure over the next 10 years.

Contact: Leila Monteiro Lins Email: leila@discoverbrazil.ca Website: www.discoverbrazil.ca Phone: 1- 647- 227-5514 Toronto, Canada

Distribution Brazil, Canada & Portugal ISSN nº1920-7859 Folow us on: Twitter: @DiscoverBrazilM Facebook: Discover Brazil Magazine Facebook: Connect Portugal & Brazil Linkedin: Discover Brazil Instagram: CanadaEmFoco There are more great content and exclusive features at Discoverbrazil.ca. To get there, simply download any of the free QR code readers available for your Smartphone and scan the square QR code on the left using your Smartphone’s camera.

The information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources the proprietors believe to be correct. However, no legal liability can be accepted for any errors. No part of the publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Our Special Report highlights the 200th anniversary of Maceió. Located in

the northeast of Brazil, the city is known for its gorgeous urban beaches that stretch across 40kms of sand, blue crystal-clear lagoons and palm trees. Still in Tourism, you can discover Portugal’s Algarve coast, ranked as a top golfing destination, attracting over a million people every year.

I hope you feel inspired after reading the stories of people who are making

a difference and giving back to the community. One thing they have in common is the desire to get involved, even if it means starting small and doing something good that people may not notice at first.

Enjoy the read!

Leila Monteiro Lins Publisher @DiscoverBrazilM Leila@discoverbrazil.ca

www.discoverbrazil.ca | DISCOVER | 2016 | 05

BRAZIL | TOURISM | ALAGOAS

Pajuçara Beach, Maceió, Alagoas

Maceió celebrates its 200th anniversary

By Leila Monteiro Lins / Photos by Diego Barros

The capital of the state of Alagoas, located on the border with the state of Sergipe, is a starting point for unforgettable trips to adjacent coastal destinations: from Piaçabuçu in the south, up to the crystal clear waters of Maragogi in the far north of the state.

M

aceió is not only the capital and postcard city of the state Alagoas, but it is also known for its hospitality and for having the most beautiful urban beaches in Brazil. Altogether, there are 40kms of idyllic beaches, natural pools, coconut trees and a sea of the most intense blue, warm and calm waters. The three main bays - Pajuçara, Ponta Verde and Jatiúca make up the area’s 6 km shoreline surrounded by a large coconut grove.

06 | 2016 | DISCOVER

Expression of popular African cultural roots on the beach of Pajuçara, Maceió.

One of the main celebrations of the Bicentenary of Maceió was outdoors, through the “Velas Arte” project. Fifteen jangadas (fishing rafts) were painted by 15 local artists, a true floating art gallery.

Interview

Jair Galvão, Maceió’s Secretary for the Promotion of Tourism “After defining the order of tours according to the tides, take the jangada that goes to the natural pools of Pajuçara, one of the most beautiful urban beaches of Maceió,” says Jair Galvão

Maceió’s Secretary for the Promotion of Tourism, Jair Galvão and DISCOVER magazine’s CEO, Leila Monteiro Lins on the Pajuçara beach, Maceió, Alagoas.

DISCOVER - What makes Maceió special in relation to the rest of the Brazilian coast?

Jair Galvão - Maceió is probably the only Brazilian capital city, surrounded by a massive coral reef that stretches along the coastline forming amazing natural pools. In addition to having warm waters that go from deep emerald green to sky blue, you will also find excellent dining options in Maceió with international and regional food - from seafood to the hearty and delectable Northeast cuisine. Our waterfront provides a variety of facilities with dedicated bike lanes and recreational paths that allow people to walk along the beach, public courts, free Wi-Fi and tons of great entertainment options.

district of Jaraguá, visit museums such as the Theo Brandao Museum of Anthropology and Folklore, then stop by the Arts & Crafts Market in Pontal da Barra with contemporary and traditional arts & crafts and finally try some of the local and traditional food made in wood burning stoves in Riacho Doce.

In addition to that, 2016 is a great leap forward year in terms of competitiveness for Maceió. We will have a direct flight from Buenos Aires to Maceió as of March 2017 and we are in negotiations with the European market. A totally new hotel district is being built in the northern area of the city offering a more preserved and natural beach that is uniquely beautiful.

DISCOVER - What does Maceió have to celebrate in its 200 years of history?

Jair Galvão - Every day Maceió reaffirms its tourist vocation. In addition to having one of the country’s most beautiful beachfronts, we want to show Brazil and the world our colourful culture and rhythms, our unique flavours, our creativity and our unique way of celebrating 200 years of history. Maceió is driven by the rhythm of the coconut, marked by the joy of quadrilhas or square dancing, the architecture of its museums, the colours of its art galleries and the refinement of filet lace. To fully immerse yourself in the intense culture of the city, you should go for a walk through the historic

The filet lace in Alagoas is nationally recognized as a rich form of embroidery characterized by a background of tiny knots on which different motifs are created.

www.discoverbrazil.ca | DISCOVER | 2016 | 07

NORTH COAST OF ALAGOAS Maragogi’s beaches

Coral coasts, coconut trees, fine sands and sea of rare beauty and tranquility

Natural pools on Xaréu Beach, in Maragogi.

This is a must do!

Maragogi is a smal beach town 130 km from Maceió. It is one of the most visited destinations in the state thanks to its natural beauty and tourism infrastructure, world-class hotels, farm hotels, small inns (pousadas), restaurants, arts & crafts centres and several other leisure options.

Several milieus make up Maragogi’s attractions: a fishing village, farms with natural trails in the Atlantic rain forest, plenty of coconut trees and beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. The Visgueiro Trail, for example, is a destination for tourists. Located in a settlement 18 km from the city centre, the walk lasts for about two hours, with stops to contemplate nature and to bathe under one of the several waterspouts. Along the way you can see the Gran Visgueiro, a 500-year-old tree.

Maragogi has one of the most important ecosystems in Brazil and a diverse marine wildlife with

Using the same technique to make filet lace, The “Mulheres de Fibra” Association comes from a rural settlement in the city of Maragogi, and members supplement their family incomes by creating utility crafts from banana fiber, an abundant raw material made after harvesting and stem treatment.

several species to fascinate those who love scuba diving and other water sports such as stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing and kayaking.

Maragogi has a remarkably impressive range of traditional arts and crafts. The Mulheres de Fibra Association stands out as one of the main producers of crafts using banana fiber. The regional cuisine is extraordinarily rich and the tapioca flour cookies, locally known as sequilhos, are a must-try! Mouth-watering seafood dishes, especially lobster dishes, are very popular and particularly in September when the Lobster Festival takes place in Maragogi. The festival lasts for 27 days and offers several dishes created by renowned chefs at great prices.

One of Maragogi’s most delicious specialties is “tapioca” flour cookies, made at Marlene Matos’ house in the village of São Benedito. Some of the ingredients are: coconut, sugar, salt, margarine, egg yolks and tapioca flour.

SOUTH COAST OF ALAGOAS Photo by Andre Palmeira, SEDETUR

Praia do Francês

In the region called the Lakes and the South Seas (Lagoas and Mares do Sul), besides the lush natural environment, the history and cultural heritage are remarkably striking because of a diverse mix of customs and traditions, music, crafts and a regional cuisine that uses ingredients taken from the waters of this rich and varied area.

The famous Praia do Francês (French Beach) is located right in this area and it is one of the state’s most important tourist destinations. The beach has blue, crystal clear water and attracts both local and international tourists due to the great infrastructure it offers. It is definitely one of the best places for a weekend getaway.

Barra de São Miguel is a trendy resort in Alagoas, with hotels, restaurants and a great tourist infrastructure, where tourists can enjoy Carnival and practice water sports, especially in January.

Jequiá Beach is an ecological retreat with a wild fauna and flora ecosystem, a complex lake system formed by three rivers and seven lakes - featuring the following lakes: Azeda, Jacarecica and Jequiá - the latter being Brazil’s third largest lake, as well as several

Marapé dunes: a privileged natural area, synonymous with tranquility and calm waters. It is situated 65 km from Maceio and Duas Barras, on Jequiá Beach.

exotic beaches such as Jacarecida do Sul and Barra de Jequiá. In addition to being a place where the local vegetation is well preserved, it also has an excellent tourist infrastructure with pousadas (inns), restaurants and a recreational area - all built right into nature.

Tourists will be delighted with the opportunity to see beautiful wild animals as well.

Services Tábua das Marés ( Tide Tables )

The Weather

The availability of vacation packages and tours is determined by the table of tides. For detailed information, please check the website of the Brazilian Navy at: http://goo.gl/YQlhVF (in Portuguese) to find out the best time to travel and the best time of day to visit the natural pools.

Alagoas is hot all year round, but the low season months (from the end of Carnival until early September) coincide with the rainy season. From spring through summer, the weather is almost always sunny, but the hotel rates are more expensive.

WHERE TO STAY: Maceió & Maragogi Jatiúca Resort

Pratagy Beach Resort

“Foot on the beach”. Just cross the wooden bridge over the Lagoa da Anta in Maceió to get to the beach. Rates start at R$600 ($210) for two people. Reservations: reservas@hoteljatiuca.com.br | www.hoteljatiuca.com.br.

“All inclusive”. 10 km from Maceió. A family oriented hotel for a fun-filled family break - Reservations: 55 82 3337.5819 | www.pratagy.com.br.

Salinas do Maragogi Located on the beach of Ipioca, the all-inclusive resort features a daily buffet with a six- meal-a-day system already included in the price - the hotel specializes in seafood. Reservations: reservas@salinas.com.br | 55 82 4020.3296 | www.salinas.com.br.

EATING OUT : Maceió Bodega do Sertão – Jatiúca, Maceió – 55 82 3327- 4446 | www.bodegadosertao.com.br Sueca Comedoria – Pajuçara beach, Maceió – 55 82 3327-0359 | www.suecacomedoria.com.br Wanchako Restaurant – Peruvian cuisine - Simone Bert Jatiúca, Maceió – 55 82 3377-6024 www.wanchako.com.br

BRAZIL | SPORTS

RIO 2016: The Legacy of the Games INTERVIEW: Eduardo Paes, mayor of Rio de Janeiro, explains how the Olympics will transform the city beyond 2016.

By Leila Monteiro Lins | Photos by Beth Santos

DISCOVER – Did the planning for the 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro follow any specific strategy? Were the experiences of other host cities, such as London, taken into consideration?

Eduardo Paes - The Barcelona Olympic Games served as an example to us since the beginning. Mr. Pasqual Maragall, who was Barcelona’s mayor during the Barcelona Olympics, told me something when I first met him that I carry with me to this day: there are two kinds of Olympic Games: those that take advantage of the city and those that benefit the city. We are definitely looking for the latter. Based on that idea, we have taken advantage of the attention and the investments generated by this mega-event to get infrastructure projects off the drawing board. Among those are the urban mobility projects connecting the entire city through an efficient public transportation network and the revitalization of a 5-million square meter area in the port of Rio.

“The Olympic Games have provided a massive boost to Rio’s economy and infrastructure - such as the new expressways TransOlimpica, TransOeste and TransCarioca integrating different areas of the city and the international airport,” says Eduardo Paes.

12 | 2016 | DISCOVER

Mayor Eduardo Paes and DISCOVER magazine’s CEO, Leila Monteiro Lins.

DISCOVER – What were the actions considered essential to make this mega-event a great success?

Eduardo Paes - The Olympic Games in Rio follow three important commandments. First, they are the ‘The Legacy Games’. For every R$1 (Real - Brazil currency) spent on sporting facilities, R$5 have been invested in legacy projects that will improve the quality of life of the population. The Olympic Games have already left a legacy for the people with new leisure and sports venues to improved sanitation facilities.

The second commandment is ‘saving public money’. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, more than half of the investments will come from the private sector, reducing taxpayer burden.

Out of the estimated R$38.2 billion (Approximately $13 billion), only 43% come from public funds. The other 57% will come from the private sector. This way the government is free to invest public money in primary issues such as health and education. That was only possible through the use of intelligent project finance models such as the Public-Private Partnerships.

In the third place, ‘Games delivered on time with no white elephants’, with simple, functional and sustainable facilities. We have created the concept of a ‘nomadic architecture’, which means the arenas have been built in a way they can be turned into different facilities after the Olympic Games. For example, the handball arena will be converted into four public schools and the Olympic Aquatics Stadium will become two gymnasiums in poor areas of the city.

BRAZIL | Business

INTERVIEW DAVID BARIONI NETO, APEX’S NEW CHAIRMAN

By José Francisco Schuster

Targeting a management style built on efficiency and with an expansionist view, David Barioni Neto took over as President of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brazil) last year. Apex-Brazil is a private entity that holds a management agreement with the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC). Mr. Barioni Neto holds a degree in business administration with a specialization in finance.

DISCOVER – Canada is considered one of the priority markets for Brazil’s National Export Plan 2015-2018. What is the importance of this plan and what is Apex-Brazil’s role in it?

David Baroni - In the National Export Plan there is a great deal of convergence of national actions to promote Brazil’s exports abroad and it involves several areas of action. Apex-Brazil’s role consists in developing initiatives to facilitate the access of Brazilian companies to foreign markets and to empower them to export their products and to promote global trade through thousands of events organized by Apex-Brazil each year.

DISCOVER – Which sectors have greater opportunities to export to Canada?

David Baroni - Canada offers opportunities for industrialized chicken meat, raw and refined sugar, honey, orange juice, leather, coffee and its by-products, wood, earthmoving equipment and drilling machines, 14 | 2016 | DISCOVER

David Barioni Neto

metals and precious stones, aluminum ores and cellulose, among others.

These sectors have already been exporting to Canada for a while but they may have a greater chance to grow. We have also identified other opportunities where Canada imports a lot and Brazil produces a lot, but there is no consolidated trade between the two nations. The following markets have greater growth opportunities: eggs, agricultural pesticides, soy oil, aircraft engines, commercial vehicles and farming machinery. We have also mapped out some niche markets with high value-added products where competition isn’t based on price but on product differentiation. Brazilians can also increase the exports of products such as glass, pharmaceutical products, plastic, stationery, musical instruments, machinery and equipment.

DISCOVER – What are the most recent results of Apex-Brazil’s trade mission in Canada?

David Baroni - The latest action taken by Apex-Brazil in Canada was in March of last year, when a trade mission took 14 Brazilian companies to the annual convention of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC 2015) in Toronto in partnership with the Agency for Technological Development of the Brazilian Mining Industry (ADIMB); 130 business contacts were made, resulting in US$ 41 million in business. During the event, basic industry companies were promoted as they are considered capital-intensive industries, which require large-scale production and state-of-the-art technology, such as cement, mining and metallurgy, steel, prospecting and research in the mineral industry.

CANADA | Durham Region

Township of Uxbridge Photos: Courtesy of Durham Region

Get to know Durham Region Durham Region is the eastern gateway to the Greater Toronto Area and offers prime access to Canada’s largest market of more than five million people and 135 million more American and Canadian consumers. It’s located in one of the fastest growing region in North America – the Greater Golden Horseshoe – that generates two-thirds of Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product.

Durham Region is made up of eight municipalities ranging from large, urban centres to small towns, hamlets and villages. These include the cities of Oshawa and Pickering; the towns of Ajax and Whitby; the Municipality of Clarington; and the townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge.

T

he region has a rich and diverse economy and is one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities.

Over the last two decades, the population of Durham Region has risen from 409,000 people in 1991

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to more than 650,000 people in 2015. There will be an estimated $20 billion in infrastructure investments over the next 10 years, supporting future expansion and development across the region.

Durham Region

The fastest growing region in North America

As a manufacturing and engineering hub, with strengths in automotive, energy and technology sectors, Durham also holds the largest expanse of agricultural land in the Toronto area, making it a hub of food excellence and farm-to-table innovation.

Companies are drawn to Durham because of its stable and growing economy, skilled and reliable workforce, environment of innovation and collaboration, proximity to market, competitive business costs, high quality of life and affordable cost of living.

Bowmanview farm

Durham Region is a multicultural community that celebrates diversity and the unique strengths different cultures bring to form a diverse and dynamic place to live. With affordable living accommodations including single family and executive homes, apartment rentals, townhouses, and condominiums set in both urban and rural settings, there are plenty of choices for everyone.

“Space Invaders”, Oshawa

In addition to the excellent primary and secondary schools, there are five leading post-secondary institutions with a presence in Durham Region, including University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Trent University, Queen’s University, Durham College and Centennial College.

In just minutes, you can drive from an urban downtown to a rural village. Stop to enjoy fresh, newly picked apples on your way home or discover a lakefront-hiking trail. Cheer on your favourite hockey team on a modern sports complex or strap on your skis to make the most of a winter day. Add superb shopping, dining, arts and culture, and you have all the urban comforts that make a well-rounded lifestyle.

Whitby’s harbourfront

www.discoverbrazil.ca | DISCOVER | 2016 | 17

NEWS IN BRIEF

Azores Airlines unveils new image in Canada The President of the SATA Group, Paulo Menezes presented, the new image of the Azores Airlines last month in Toronto.

The logo of International SATA - Azores Airlines is based on the green color, distributed in nine different shades and shapes, representing all the islands of the Azores. It also represents the tail of a whale, one of the unmistakable symbols of the archipelago, currently one of the largest whales’ sanctuaries of the world.

From right to the left: Director of SATA Express Canada, Carlos Botelho; President of SATA Group, Paulo Menezes; Regional Secretary of Tourism and Transportation of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Paulo Menezes; and Consul General of Portugal in Toronto, Mr. Luis Barros.

Photo by Teresa Oliveira

Ambassador of Rio: Consul Sanjeev Chowdhury 2015 was a great year for the Consulate General of Canada in Rio de Janeiro. The Consul Sanjeev Chowdhury was elected Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of Rio de Janeiro, getting the honorary Doctorate from the University Augusto Motta, and the Honorary Citizenship of Rio de Janeiro. In May, Mr. Chowdhury will be named “Ambassador of Rio” for 2016 in a big ceremony at Casa de Arte e Cultura Julieta Serpa.

Congratulations Consul Sanjeev!

Photo by Leila Monteiro Lins

International Women’s Day at Queen’s Park Brazilian artist Andrea Auerbach Vieira donated one of her works to the Honourable Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, at the International Women’s Day Ceremony, on March 8th, Queen’s Park. Vieira has been recognized as one of the most important artists of her generation. She was nominated Top 60 Master of Contemporary Art Worldwide for the third year in a row, and also represented Brazilian Visual Arts at Pan Am Games/ Toronto 2015.

From the right to the left: Artist Andrea Vieira,Premier of Ontario, Hon. Katleen Wynne and MPP Cristina Martins.

Photo by Teresa Oliveira

NEWS IN BRIEF

One Million Tourists in Rio de Janeiro Carnival Data released by state and municipal agencies, as well as hotel associations, show a significant increase in the number of foreign tourists who visited Brazil this Carnival, achieving record results.

“Due to the appreciation of the US currency and also the promotion of Brazil abroad by Embratur for this season, we were able to achieve an excellent result in

the arrival of foreign visitors,” reports Vinicius Lummertz, president of the Institute. Only Rio de Janeiro itself has received more than one million tourists so far this year and more than US$ 3 billion dollars were injected in the estate’s economy, according to the City Hall.

Photos 1 e 2 – Samba School “Salgueiro”. Photo 3 - Cris Vianna – The Queen of the Drums of the Imperatriz Leopoldinense.

Photos by Diego Barros

CANADA | Community

Working for the Community

By Luis Aparicio

Working for local communities is a great way for people and organizations to contribute to the social, economic and cultural life of a country.

Fortunately, Portuguese-speaking communities in Ontario can take pride in having people and organizations in active leadership roles, particularly in the political scene and with labour unions, facilitating their process of integration and recognition.

DISCOVER Magazine highlights some of these examples in the Greater Toronto Area.

Charles Sousa

Charles Sousa points out that in his constituency area (Mississauga South) there are many Portuguese people, but he is aware that they do not make up the majority. However, the Portuguese community has played an important role in the support he has received in recent years, which gives him the strength to continue working for the communities living in Ontario and to increase the visibility of the local Portuguese-Canadian.

Proud of his Portuguese roots, Sousa notes that the province of Quebec also has a

Charles Sousa, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Mississauga South, during the proclamation ceremony for the Day of Portugal at Queen’s Park.

Canadian-Portuguese Minister of Finance, Carlos Leitão, a clear indication of labour and community strength over the years in Canada.

The Minister of Finance of Ontario states that he has been trying, whenever possible, and beyond the official languages (English and French), to speak Portuguese in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and to reveal the contribution of the Portuguese to the country’s growth.

“Canada was built with the blood, sweat and tears of the Portuguese, and I want them to know it,” he stresses.

www.discoverbrazil.ca | DISCOVER | 2016 | 21

Cristina Martins

MPP Cristina Martins reinforces the idea that Luso Canadian politicians play a very important role in “terms of bringing greater awareness to the importance of political commitment towards our communities.”

Speaking about the initiatives taken in her first year as MPP, including the recognition by Ontario’s government of the outstanding contributions of volunteers across the province in the Volunteer Service Awards program, Martins highlights the raising of the Portuguese and Brazilian flags at Queen’s Park as prestigious moments for Portuguese-speaking communities.

Martins strongly believes that it is necessary to bring the Parliament closer to people so that MPPs become aware of the existence of the Portuguese-speaking community and its invaluable contribution to the province.

Ana Bailão (centre), City Councillor for Ward 18 Davenport, during the ribbon cutting and official opening of the EU office in Davenport

Ana Bailão

Cristina Martins (centre), Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Davenport, at the first annual BBQ held for the Davenport community, in Dufferin Grove Park, Toronto.

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City Councillor Ana Bailão points out that all the development that is being done in Davenport helps clubs and associations.

Bailão speaks of her role on the City Council, which she considers particularly important to many Portuguese businesses on Dundas St. W, for example, from street art activism to the championing of the Portugal Day Celebrations and the Portuguese flag raising, among other important issues for the Portuguese.

All that work is being done to raise cultural awareness and to connect countries, which will ultimately lead to the integration of these communities.

Ana Bailão mentions the commitment of the City Council to sponsoring organizations like the Abrigo Centre or Working Women, who support the integration of immigrants into the community and facilitate their active participation in city life.

In essence, we would like to support the economic and social development of the local community itself and later on to take this connection to other countries; especially those with a great potential.

Jack Oliveira, business manager of Local Liuna 183

Jack Oliveira LIUNA LOCAL 183 Jack Oliveira emphasizes that the union works very hard everyday to protect workers by advocating and fighting for their rights. That work becomes especially hard when the Union must deal with and adapt to new legislations that are always being passed by the government. He also mentions that there are other missions aimed at helping union members and particularly pensioners to continue to have the same standard of living they had when they were working, including college scholarships for union member families.

Oliveira refers to the work LIUNA has been doing and says that it speaks for itself. “The public isn’t aware of how much LIUNA gives back to the communities”, he adds, especially when there are a lot of organizations that don’t get any government assistance, and LIUNA is there to help them.

With the LIUNA brand being promoted across Canada, and becoming increasingly popular in the United States, Jack Oliveira believes that the union has a lot to offer prospective employees.

José Eustáquio As President of the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs & Associations of Ontario (ACAPO) and organizer of several editions of the “Portugal Week” in Toronto, one of the biggest celebrations of the Portuguese culture in the world, Eustáquio believes that the Alliance has never been stronger or as united as it is at the moment.

Eustaquio is promising a big advertising blitz for Portugal Week in 2016, with Pedro Abrunhosa, Canario and Jorge Ferreira, as well as one or two artists still to be invited.

‘Any leader of the Portuguese community should be working to make the dream of the “Casa de Portugal” come true, as that dream has existed for many years,” Eustáquio says.

Carmen Principato, Business Manager of Local Liuna 506 and mayor of Toronto, John Tory (right).

Carmem Principato LIUNA LOCAL 506 Carmen Principato notes that the union has a very social role to play in sponsoring fundraising that helps various communities.

Moreover, people are more familiar now with the LIUNA brand in Canada and the US, and this is due to the work of Joseph Mancinelli, the International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada of LIUNA.

“Joseph Mancinelli worked very hard on it and we have one of the best leaders,” says Principato.

José Eustáquio, president of the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario.

Giving back to the community

By Rosana Dias

In 2013, 12.7 million Canadians or 44% of people, aged 15 years and older, participated in some type of volunteer work - devoting almost 2 billion hours to their activities, or the equivalent of about 1 million full-time jobs. But numbers alone cannot measure effectively the high impact and value that volunteerism has on society.

DISCOVER magazine talked with Brazilians committed to giving back to their own community.

By practicing informal volunteering, they network and participate in community activities, as well as create opportunities to engage and lend a helping hand as part of their cultural norms of giving and reciprocity.

Flavio Ferreira, Enterpreneur DISCOVER - How did the “Terras do Norte” group start?

Flavio Ferreira - Back in 2007, I was already living in Canada, a friend of mine asked me to help 2 families in Brazil who wanted to move here. One of the members suggested creating a closed group through e-mail. By word of mouth, people heard of the group and wanted to join it. As in the original group, only current members can invite new members.

DISCOVER – How many members do you have in your group?

Ferreira - Today we have members of all ages and from

all walks of life. Most of them are in Canada. Currently we have 800 members.

DISCOVER - What are the hottest topics?

Ferreira - Children and school adaptation in Canada, winter clothes, how to get a driver’s license, taxes, insurance and investments. They even talk about pressure cookers!

Angela Mesquita, entrepreneur and owner of Brasil Remittance DISCOVER - When did you start doing volunteer work?

Angela Mesquita Since Brasil Remittance’s founding in 1993, I have been taking part in and promoting cultural activities as a volunteer.

DISCOVER – What were the most exciting moments?

Mesquita - Helping those in need has always been my motto, but Our Lady of Aparecida’s celebration at St Anthony’s Church is the one that encourages me the most. There are a lot of kids who spend the whole year waiting for this donation that will benefit them at Christmas dinner.

DISCOVER - What are your plans for the future?

Mesquita - Our community is always very cooperative, but I dream of creating an association that can help those in need. At the moment, I am short on time, but who knows, it might happen when I am retired!

Read the full interviews on www.discoverbrazil.com

PORTUGAL | Sports

Portugal: a golfers’ paradise

The Algarve coast: Top golfing destination with courses located in picture-postcard sceneries.

Royal Course Golf in Algarve, Portugal. Photo by Joao Paulo

By Ingrid Coifman

P

ortugal is not only filled with gorgeous, hills and castles, cobblestone streets, exquisite seafood and wine. Its Algarve coast offers an ideal climate year round, as well as stunning views and top notch golf courses that appeal to golf lovers from all over the globe.

Ranked as a top golfing destination by international magazines and associations, the Algarve attracts over a million people at the height of summer.

Located on the tip of Europe, in the south of Portugal, it includes 100 sandy beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, along a coastline that varies in fauna and soil.

Its most central area, between Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, San Lorenzo and Vale do Lobo, has an impeccable golfing infra-structure in place. DISCOVER magazine researched some hot spots for beginners and pros alike that are looking for an unforgettable weeklong golfing trip.

Vilamoura

No less than five championship golf courses are nestled in and around Vilamoura, which hosts Portugal’s largest marina facility. In this region, a round of golf can easily become a breath- taking immersion in nature with panoramic views over the River Guadiana, the mountains and Ria Formosa. Elegant resorts, designer stores and a variety of restaurants attract crowds to the area, which makes people watching a favourite past-time. The 26 | 2016 | DISCOVER

Portugal Masters is part of the PGA European Tour and has been held in Vilamoura since 2007.

Quinta do Lago

The greatest concentration of Algarve courses is less than an hour away from Faro, with over 20 golf clubs spread along the coast. Quinta do Lago has put Portugal on the sports map, with its 2,000 acres dedicated to golf and leisure. Another hot destination, San Lorenzo, is ranked second among the top-rated golf courses in Europe.

High quality courses can also be found in Tavira to the east, and Penina, to the west. The Penina is considered one of Europe’s favourite golf resorts and was designed by Sir Henry Cotton, one of the greatest golfing figures in the 20th century.

Lisbon and Porto

The capital, Lisbon is also notable for more than a dozen easily accessible courses, including Tróia Golf Course, with its varying degrees of difficulty, even

for experienced golfers. Porto, a city to the north, offers six courses and one of these, Oporto Golf Course, is the second oldest in Europe.

Golf courses in Portugal are hosts to international tournaments, such as the Algarve World Cup and the Cup of Nations. Some of the country’s accolades include Portugal World’s Leading Golf Destination 2013 - World Travel Awards, and Best Golf destination in the World in 2014/2006/2000 - IAGTO, International Association of Golf Tour Operators.

More Information: https://www.visitportugal.com (Illustration/Map): http://portugalgolf.pt/algarveC.htm

Colourful houses and cobble stone streets are Obidos’ trademark. Photo

by Jose Manuel

BOOKING ONLINE The Algarve region attracts not only golf pros.

Courses for beginners are provided by the Professional Golfers Association (PGA). You can join www.portugalgolfmembership.com, an online club that is free and includes discounts at hotels and courses.

Another platform, www.portugalgolfbooking. com, allows players to book various golf courses in different areas of the country and benefit from promotions.

The entire town has been declared a national monument and is known as the “Wedding Present Town” because it was a gift King Dinis gave to Queen Isabel on their wedding day in the 13th century.

A popular attraction is the medieval castle, which offers a stunning view of the town. The ramparts date back to Roman and Moorish times and were partially restored in

Óbidos is one of Portugal’s picturesque gems. the 12C, 13C and 16C. The whitewashed, bougainvillaea-draped and colourful

Local crafts, delicacies and liqueurs abound in houses which overhang a hill, cobble stone streets, the shops that line up on the main street, including the vineyards, and whirling windmills make this place famed Ginginha, a sweet brandy liqueur made with unique in the world. local cherries. A great day trip to nearby Lagoa de Óbidos allows for swimming and windsurfing.

The Medieval Castle, with its stunning view of The fine sandy beaches Obidos, is a must-see attraction. Photo by Nuno Calvet. around Peniche are famous for surfing. From Peniche, you can hire a boat and travel six miles offshore to the pristine Berlenga Islands, where hiking, kayaking and snorkeling offer a terrific experience. For golf, don’t miss Torres Vedras.

The romantic and medieval Óbidos

www.discoverbrazil.ca | DISCOVER | 2016 | 27