Good Life Connoisseur Spring 2014

LUXURY REAL ESTATE Mexico - Luxury Destinations

INVESTMENTS Medical Marijuana

LUXURY RIDES

Luxury Lifestyle Automobiles

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“The stone tells you

Contents Cover Story Travel & Resorts 14

26

Mexico – Luxury Destinations By Jay West

House & Home

36

you listen, it will

Fiji—Where Happiness Finds You By Terry Tremaine

Features

Luxury Real Estate

32

where to go, and if

take you on

an amazing

Snowbirds Looking To Nest in the U.S.A By David A Altro

journey.”

Culinary Delights

Sri Lankan King Prawn Curry By Peter Kuruvita

Style 42

Spring 2014 and Travel Necessities By Connie Ekelund

Health & Wellbeing

Luxury Rides

46

50

Strengthen Your Immune System in 30 Days By Lorna Vanderhaeghe

Luxury Lifestyle Automobiles By Tony Whitney

Investments 54

Medical Marijuana By Khurram Malik

Wealth 58

“The stone tells you where to go ...

RRSP — It’s Time to Get Serious in 2014 By Adrian Mastracci

Culture 61

400 Hundred Pencils By Rebecca Rothney

... and if you listen, Profiles: 30 40 48 62

Nita Lake Lodge Terrabella Wineries Copeman Healthcare Centre Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery

On the cover: Royal Davui Island Resort, Fiji Photographer: Connie Ekelund

it will take you on an amazing journey.”

C AT H RY N J E N K I N S STON E SCU LPTOR W W W. J E N K I N SSC U L P TO R. C O M

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

David A. Altro is a Florida attorney & Canadian Legal Advisor. He is the Managing Partner at Altro Levy.

Mr. Altro’s practice primarily focuses on cross border tax, estate planning and real estate for high net-worth individuals. DavidAltro@GoodLifeConnoisseur.com

Peter Kuruvita is an Australian chef, restaurateur and media personality, known for his rich culturally inspired cooking, highly influenced by his Sri Lankan father and Austrian mother. P.Kuruvita@GoodLifeConnoisseur.com

Khurram Malik’s experience in equity research ranges from bulge bracket investment banks in New York to boutique specialist firms in Toronto. He has covered a variety of industries over this period including nonlife insurance, specialty financials, conglomerates, civil/military aviation, transportation, and technology. More recently his focus has been on energy technology and services and the global water sectors. Currently he is at Jacob Securities, focusing on global energy and infrastructure markets. Khurram@GoodLifeConnoisseur.com

Adrian Mastracci is Portfolio Manager and Registered Financial Planner (R.F.P.) at KCM Wealth Management Inc. KCM is an independent, “fee-only” portfolio management and financial advisory firm founded in 2000.

Their specialty is designing and managing long-term investment portfolios. With extensive expertise, Adrian coordinates clients’ portfolios with their retirement aspirations, risk tolerances, estate matters, tax implications and business planning needs.

Rebecca Rothney is the founder and chairperson of Pack for a Purpose. Rebecca took her first overseas trip at age 11 and never looked back. She has visited 46 countries and 7 continents. She and her husband Scott were married in Antarctica. After graduating Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Rebecca taught school for 12 years and then ran a successful cufflink business RHCreations, Inc. for 23 years before starting Pack for a Purpose. Rebecca@GoodLifeConnoisseur.com

Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS, is Canada’s leading women’s health expert and has been researching nutritional medicine for over 25 years. With degrees in nutrition and biochemistry, she is the author of ten books, including her two newest, A Smart Woman’s Guide to Weight Loss and A Smart Woman’s Guide to Heart Health, and is the founder of the SMART line of products for women’s health. For more information, visit www. hormonehelp.com and sign up for her free monthly health letter.

Jay West is Owner/Broker of Windermere Real Estate in Los Cabos and a bi-national REALTOR® with more than 20 years in Mexico. He is a licensed managing broker with Windermere Real Estate Company in Seattle and a Certified International and Resort & Second-home Property Specialist with the National Association of REALTORS®.

Jay is a two-time past president of AMPI Los Cabos, and can be reached at www.WindermereCabo.com & www.SunLovers.com as well as LinkedIn and Facebook. JayWest@Windermere.com – (877) 909-2226.

Tony Whitney is a journalist and broadcaster specializing in the automobile sector. His work has appeared in major newspapers across Canada and in business, lifestyle, automotive and specialist magazines and websites in North America and abroad. Based in Steveston, B.C., he has appeared on the network TV show Driver’s Seat for more than 20 years. Past president of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, he is a juror for North American Car and Truck of the Year and a long-time adjudicator for the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. Tony@GoodLifeConnoisseur.com

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

H

aving been to Fiji a few times it’s always a treat to return. It’s not simply because of the lush tropical islands that are surrounded by warm pacific waters containing a wealth of marine life. Really it’s the people. There is no doubt you’re in Fiji when you hear “bula” and are invited to participate in sharing some kava.

This time around we visited some new areas and they certainly lived up to expectations.

The one thing I was surprised by was the availability of private land holdings. Fiji has a tradition of communal property whereby each new born Fijian is registered as sharing in his family’s land holdings. An individual holding property was not possible. But in our travels we saw “for sale” signs. Things have changed.

Next issue we will present our trip to Thailand. Having never been before we were a little apprehensive as local media was focused on the political protests occurring at the time. However, here again it was the people that enraptured us. Though there were political differences at the time they had no impact on our journey whatsoever. I would suggest the Thai are the most welcoming people we’ve experienced to date in our travels.

If you have any interest in the equity markets please turn to the article on investing in firms producing medical marijuana. As we publish this issue the investment interest in this new sector is quite extraordinary. The article certainly will provide an overview as to what to look for if you’re thinking of investing yourself.

As always compliments and criticism is most welcome.

Terry Tremaine Publisher Terry@FusionPublishingInc.com

12 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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TRAVEL & resorts

Connoisseur’s Choice

By Terry Tremaine Photos By Connie Ekelund

“Not surprising with the name ‘Cousteau’ associated to the resort, it has an emphasis on world-class scuba diving and snorkeling activities.”

W

hen returning to Fiji, it’s hearing the pleasant sound of ‘bula’, a greeting meaning welcome, which reminds visitors of what a friendly people the Fijians are. The enthusiasm with which they greet visitors and each other sets a unique warm tone for this lush group of south Pacific islands.

Our flight had been by way of the recently rebranded Fiji Airways, returning to their old name from Air Pacific, after securing new Airbus A330-200 aircraft and upgrading their customer service. The comfort of their business class was most appreciated for a flight of that duration, and we were pleased to discover they also have a topshelf lounge.

14 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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Cousteau

Cousteau

We were quite ready to find ourselves in one of six very well-appointed bures available at the Fiji Orchid near Nadi Airport. This unique property caters to travellers needing a day room to refresh themselves before continuing on their journey. Originally the orchid planation of actor Raymond Burr known for his roles in ‘Perry Mason’ and ‘Ironside’ the five acre property has been transformed into a five-star tropical resort. With all the amenities expected of a luxury resort the property not only attracts visitors looking for the complete Fijian holiday experience, but also utilizes the closeness to the airport to attract those needing a few hours of rest before continuing on.

Rest was required as we were on a mission prior to enjoying this tropical paradise.

One of our associates had a daughter who had volunteered to assist in teaching the children attending the nearby Jasper Williams High School. Unfortunately, the school library had suffered weather damage and the books were destroyed. The call had gone out from daughter to Mom, “they need books.” Mom had taken the challenge and started a drive for books. With us, included in our baggage were a number of suitcases, full of the first shipment of books. First up on our agenda, following a good nap, was the delivery of the books.

Fiji Orchid

Girl’s School

Girl’s School

The gratitude of the students and the teachers was remarkably heart-warming.

More so, when the look on one of the faces would suddenly go ‘wow’ when a popular sought after title would be found while sorting through the cases. There is an organization called Pack for a Purpose which can provide fellow travellers with a similar experience. They encourage leaving room in your suitcase to carry supplies required by the community you’re visiting. They suggest space for five pounds and have an organization dedicated to providing details on the requirements of communities around the world.

Next stop was the outstanding Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu on Vanua Levu Island, northeast of the main island of Vita Levu. Not surprising with the name ‘Cousteau’ associated to the resort, it has an emphasis on world-class scuba diving and snorkeling activities. But, unique to this property is the emphasis on the ecology. There is a full time ecologist working on ensuring the resort fulfills its mandate to preserving the environment even to the extent of replanting the mangroves which had been removed from the shoreline.

Cousteau

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Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 17

What we did find surprising with this acclaimed 5-star resort was the services available for families. They have what is called the Bula Club for the children.

Each child five and under has their own nanny while those five to twelve have a buddy, meaning both parents and children have a wonderful relaxing time. There are areas including dining that are restricted to adults only for those not looking for a family experience. We were most impressed with how well it all worked for everyone.

Cousteau

Our accommodation was The Villa, a luxury home unto itself, featuring two separate buildings contained within a walled garden surrounding a central patio with its own infinity pool. Of course there is an outdoor shower, but the indoor shower has its own spa-tub and a waterfall. Naturally The Villa sits on its own private beach. The resort has just 25 bures most with beach front.

Dining is excellent and all-inclusive. Each evening musicians provide live entertainment and of course this being Fiji, invite guests to participate in the traditional Kava ceremony. Kava is a mildly sedating drink made from the roots of a type of pepper plant. Participants prepare a large bowl full and pass around a cupful to those circled until the bowl is empty. A visit to Fiji would not be complete without a round of Kava.

Cousteau

Of course there is also a very good spa. We had the pleasure of having our massages in a bure on the beach overlooking the ocean. (Very relaxing to say the least, not to mention the sounds of the crashing waves emphasizing the overall ambience). It’s not surprising that this property has a reputation for being one of the best resorts in the South Pacific.

“Each evening musicians provide live entertainment and of course this being Fiji, invite guests to participate in the traditional Kava ceremony.�

Cousteau

Cousteau

Cousteau 18 Good Life Connoisseur | Fall 2013

Cousteau

Cousteau

Cousteau

Cousteau

Intercontinental Fiji Golf & Resort

We returned to Nadi and headed over to the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. This is a large property with a host of facilities and could readily be a destination unto itself. We enjoyed the Club Intercontinental which sits on top of the hill the property is built around with gorgeous views of the surrounding beach and ocean. Being at the Club also means guests enjoy personal butler service making the stay most relaxing. Plus of course there is breakfast, lunch and happy hour available in the club. This is in addition to the extensive array of fine dining experiences found throughout the resort.

Intercontinental

Our own suite was spacious and featured its own plunge pool and patio area plus an outdoor Jacuzzi tub. One evening we dined on the patio and then enjoyed a romantic bubble, bath all strewn with flower petals.

Naturally, the resort features an expansive spa with very competent staff and a great stretch of white sand beach. But I would like to suggest the high point is the adjacent Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course. This is Fiji’s first international competition standard course. Golfing here, one can easily be distracted by the great views of white sand beaches and coral reefs.

20 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

Intercontinental

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Intercontinental

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Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 21

Intercontinental

Intercontinental

Intercontinental

“This property is highly rated as a ‘honeymoon’ property.”

Intercontinental

Royal Davui

While staying at the Intercontinental we took the opportunity to visit the nearby Kula Eco Park, Fiji’s only wildlife park. Here endangered species are provided habitat for breeding. One of the highlights is that visitors have the opportunity to have their photos taken with indigenous iguanas and snakes.

Also nearby, is a local pottery village. Here the women of the village take pride in showing off their handiwork. All the work is handcrafted right down to the resins hand painted on to give a decorative appeal. Naturally, no visit would be complete without a round of Kava.

Royal Davui

From here we headed to Royal Davui Island Resort, situated on its own small island. The island’s private launch takes guests from the mainland. This adult only resort has just sixteen private villas all with ocean views. The accommodations are most comfortable with lots of room including private plunge pools and separate living and sleeping areas. Plus of course there is a great balcony to enjoy the fabulous scenery. This property is highly rated as a ‘honeymoon’ property.

Dining is all inclusive and the chef most proficient. Marine activities abound.

Snorkeling around the island brings sightings of coral and endless verities of sea life.

Royal Davui

Of course, the property also has a spa. As a Fijian resort destination this property stands out.

Royal Davui

22 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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Westin Denarau

Our final destination was the Starwood properties on Denarau Island. The island is situated just 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport on the main island and attached by a short bridge. This island has been uniquely developed with a number of resort properties plus real estate offered for purchase. This is definitely an uncommon situation in Fiji where property is held communally and every new born Fijian has property rights.

The island has numerous facilities developed for tourists including a golf course, shopping areas and restaurants, all accessible through convenient and comfortable public transit.

Denerau

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Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 23

Connoisseur’s Choice in Fiji

Book your Fiji Getaway with our Fiji Matai Specialists

Fiji Orchid Saweni Beach Rd. Lautoka Lautoka, Fiji 679.664.0097

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Savusavu Vanua Levu Island, Fiji 1.800.246.3454

InterContinental Golf Resort & Spa Natadola Bay, Viti Levu, Fiji 1.800.496.7621

Westin Denerau

“They make visitors very welcome.”

A stay at one of the Starwood properties means the ability to access the facilities of all three which includes: the Sheraton Fiji, the Sheraton Denarau Villas and The Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa. As a guest at the Westin we were able to walk the beach to bring us to any of the other dining areas provided by the various properties. Or any of the other facilities available to guests at each of the properties.

Peter Kuruvita, the renowned Australian chef, has a particular influence in the properties plus there is a Steakhouse with his name.

Royal Davui Beqa Lagoon, Royal Davui Island 1.310.928.1182

Westin Denarau Denarau Island North, Nadi, Fiji 679.675.0000

Fiji Airways 1.800.227.4446

Basically, there is no need to leave the island during your stay in Fiji. Denarau has everything to make for a fabulous and relaxing holiday.

Having visited the Fijian islands a few times what stands out, aside from great snorkeling just about everywhere, is the friendliness of the Fijians themselves. They make visitors very welcome. It’s great to hear ‘Bula’ over and over again. And know it’s sincere. n 24 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

Pacific Destinationz 679.672.5177

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MEXICO

Luxury Destinations

luxury real estate

Connoisseur’s Choice

By Jay West

L

uxury real estate in Mexico is defined by location and amenities. World class resort destinations provide a variety of choices for the luxury investor in both high profile and discreet locations.

Notable among such premier destinations are Los Cabos and the Southern Baja peninsula including state capital of La Paz, Riviera Nayarit including Punta Mita and the mainland coastline north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco, and Riviera Maya on the eastern Quintana Roo coastline of the Caribbean, extending south from Cancun.

Each of these destinations offers the “trinity” of luxury amenities: exquisite signature Golf Courses, vast expanses of soft sand beaches accompanied by relaxing spas and private club facilities, and full service marinas able to accommodate professional sport cruisers as well as larger vessels over 120 feet in length.

Real estate offerings include ocean-front villas, luxury condominiums with concierge services and on-site spas and amenities, and gated view and golf properties located within some of North America’s most desirable vacation resort developments.

Foreign owners in Mexico’s exquisite coastal locations also benefit from the Fideicomiso, a 50-year renewable and transferable Bank Trust which allows irrevocable and absolute ownership rights to property in Mexico. This trust simplifies and protects the ownership rights of all of the beneficiaries and their heirs and designees by treaty, and also allows for a seamless transfer of ownership to these beneficiaries.

Informed investors know that Mexico offers security and safety, accessibility, a warm and nurturing climate, quality health-care services, and a family-oriented culture deeply rooted in a rich history.

26 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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It is estimated that two million foreign citizens currently own property in Mexico, mostly from the U.S. and Canada. It is not surprising that Mexico is currently the number one foreign retirement destination for North Americans, and during the next two decades, an additional four million retirees and real estate investors are expected to purchase and own real estate within Mexico. The number of foreigners who currently own property in Mexico is expected to almost triple by 2025.

Mexico is also a very sound economy for investment and it has surpassed Brazil as the country with the strongest GDP growth in Latin America, increasing at a rate of close to 4% since the recovery began in 2009 Tourism continues to also increase every year and Mexico’s growing middle class, strong international banks, stable government, abundant oil and natural resources, and friendly business climate will continue to drive a sustained and healthy growth path into the foreseeable future.

Tom Kelly, the long-time syndicated Seattle business writer, talk show host, and author of numerous books and articles on Mexico real estate, states the following in his recent book Bargains Beyond the Border, “In Mexico, you will discover not only high-quality health care but also an impressive standard of living. And, property taxes, which seem to rise annually in the States, are often less than 10 percent of a U.S. home.”

In June, 2012, Los Cabos in the State of Baja California Sur was host to the leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies at the G-20 Summit, emphasizing once again, the importance of Mexico and Cabo as a premier international destination. The G-20 Mexico Summit, The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum of 21 Pacific Rim countries, and similar international events held in Los Cabos in recent years, have made clear that foreign investment is greatly encouraged and ownership of real estate is protected by the Mexican government and by international Treaties.

The modern international airports located in Los Cabos, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta each receive dozens of international flights daily and these major destinations continue to be ports-of-call for some of the world’s most popular and discriminating cruise lines.

In recent years, foreign investors have discovered the process of buying and selling real estate in Mexico to be more familiar, safe and understandable. Companies specializing in Luxury real estate have established offices in premier destinations and introduced luxury names like Windermere Real Estate, Engels and Volker and Sotheby’s. Their offices are staffed with respected and knowledgeable professionals providing complete real estate services specifically for the luxury client.

These brands and similar well established companies are part of world-wide networks designed to more effectively market listings and create for the informed luxury investor a comfortable and successful transaction.

For safety sake, it is important to always work with a REALTOR® Member of the National Association of REALTORS® or the Canadian Association of REALTORS®, who is also a REALTOR® member in good standing with AMPI (Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals). These professionals are bound by a common Code of Professional Ethics and are pledged to protect their clients. u

Cabo beachfront luxury

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Los Cabos and La Paz

Los Cabos (“The Capes”) describes the twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo as well as the coastal area on the Sea of Cortez known as the East Cape, and the Pacific coastal town of Todos Santos.

This southernmost portion of the Baja California peninsula is the most accessible luxury resort destination from the Western United States and Canada. Known as the “Golf and Fishing Capital of Mexico”, Cabo boasts more than a dozen highly acclaimed signature golf courses and several more currently under construction.

Cabo also has some of the finest weather on earth with clean Pacific breezes tempering a warm arid land mass creating a diverse and healthy environment.

The “Corridor”, a 17-mile coastal highway from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo, is famous for luxury beach resort developments, hotels, and boutique spa properties. On the Pacific side of the peninsula, known as “Land’s End”, is the spectacular Pueblo Bonito resort at Sunset Beach. This master development known as Quivira, includes the new planned community of Copala, offering a variety of luxury real estate investment opportunities.

San Jose del Cabo enjoys vibrant growth with a new marina, additional five-star hotels and a number of new beach-front condominiums. The East Cape resorts in Los Barriles and Buena Vista offer anglers sport fishing in the Sea of Cortez which many claim to be the finest in the world.

La Paz is the historic 500-year-old Capital of the state of Baja California Sur founded along a spectacular bay by Hernán Cortés in 1535. It is also the home to one of Mexico’s most complete master-planned resort developments at CostaBaja. With the only Gary Player signature golf course in Mexico and a world class marina for vessels up to 225 feet in length, CostaBaja boasts a spectacular beach club, a fivestar Grand Heritage boutique hotel, a new Hyatt, and real estate offerings including luxury condominiums, hillside villas and panoramic view lots with custom home construction options.

Simply stated, “Cabo” represents a lifestyle recognized around the world. u Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 27

Tail of the Whale — Four Seasons Punta Mita

“Each of these destinations offers the “trinity” of luxury amenties.”

Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit

More than two million international passengers per year arrive at Puerto Vallarta airport in the state of Jalisco. The region boasts more than 40 four and five-star hotels. Most visitors remain in the city or seek out the newer resort developments in Nuevo Vallarta and farther north to the neighboring state of Nayarit and the blossoming Riviera Nayarit.

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with affluent Mexican tourists and easily accessible from population centers like Guadalajara.

As such, it enjoys a population reflecting the great diversity that is Mexico.

Riviera Nayarit is a 200-mile-long Pacific coastline from Nuevo Vallarta north to San Blas. Though still sparsely developed, it is speculated to become the home for numerous future resorts on this portion of mainland Mexico. A current centerpiece is the luxury Four Seasons Resort at Punta Mita with its marina and two signature Jack Nicklaus golf courses. The area also has numerous well established luxury hotels and time-share/fractional and full ownership real estate offerings.

28 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

Cancun and Riviera Maya

Located in the state of Quintana Roo, the resort city of Cancun has long been the chosen destination of vacationers from the eastern U.S. and Canada. In recent years, new developments along the spectacular beaches of the Caribbean coastline to the south have offered luxury vacation and recreation choices for visitors from Europe as well.

Protected by the second largest barrier reef in the world and the offshore island of Cozumel, the Riviera Maya extends from the city of Playa del Carmen south to the ancient Mayan village of Tulum. The uniqueness of this area of the Yucatan Peninsula with its renowned beaches and clear azure blue waters has inspired 20 year plans for establishing a number of future cities with modern infrastructure along the coastal highway 307.

All-inclusive resorts such as the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso and Paraiso Lindo, and the Spanish Barcelo Resorts offer luxury experiences for the most discriminating. Luxury yacht charters are also very popular for vacationers.

Real estate offerings include beachfront villas and condominiums as well as a number of luxury fractional vacation resorts through established companies like Elite Luxury Properties and others.

Mexico’s east coast is a spectacular international playground attracting visitors from Latin America, Europe, Canada and the U.S. n www.GoodLifeConnoisseur.com

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ita Lake Lodge is located in Whistler’s Creekside, a five-minute stroll to the gondola at the base of Whistler Mountain. Close to all the amenities of North America’s top rated ski resort, Nita also offers the benefits of being tucked away in a tranquil lakeside setting. Breathtaking views of the mountains, lake and forest surround this intimate laid-back lodge that also reflects the highest levels of style, comfort, cuisine and service.

At Creekside, guests will enjoy being amongst locals in the know and have access to a wide range of summer and winter activities.

Nita Lake Lodge has been named one of the Top 25 Hotels in Canada by TripAdvisor in their Travelers’ Choice awards, and is currently rated #1 in Whistler.

This Spring Nita Lake Lodge welcomed new Executive Chef Paul Moran. A Vancouver native Chef Moran has worked in outstanding restaurants around the world including Le Chantecler (2 Michelin stars) in Nice; Saturne, Paris; Marina, Dubai as well as Tournant, Montreal and West in Vancouver.

Aura Restaurant’s ingredients are sourced daily from local farms, foragers, fisheries, and Nita Lake Lodge’s own rooftop garden where over 30 types of herbs and 40 different vegetables are grown. Cure Lounge features casual dining choices made from scratch that couple nicely with a selection of fine wines, craft beer, and local distillery spirits. Fix Café offers raw juices, smoothies, housemade pastries, sandwiches, and delicious gluten free options, complemented with a gourmet coffee program.

Aura Restaurant

30 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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Lakeside patio

Pool and hot tub

Travellers seeking a holistic hideaway can head to Nita Lake Lodge to enjoy a wellness escape inspired by the natural beauty.

Like a breath of fresh mountain air, the 2013 modern redesign of The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge offers a haven of natural fabrics, cozy blankets and plush rugs with spectacular Whistler Mountain views from both the lounge and rooftop hot tubs. The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge is naturally relaxing with a treatment menu of soothing massages, exfoliation, steam baths and herbal oils using eco friendly products. The ultimate destination for health and wellness Nita Lake Lodge also offers Jivamukti Yoga classes in studio and personal trainers at Innovative Fitness Gym on site at the property. Outside the lodge, the extensive Valley Trail is on the doorstep connecting all of Whistler’s lakes and parks with a paved, accessible and scenic path that’s perfect for jogging, walking and sightseeing with hiking and biking routes. Skiing and snowshoeing are available on the surrounding mountains and in warmer months Nita offers complimentary bicycles, kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards for guest’s use.

Visit www.nitalakelodge.com or call 1-888-755-6482 to book your relaxing Whistler getaway. n

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Two bedroom

Nita Lake Lodge 2131 Lake Placid Road Whistler, BC V0N 1B2 Phone: 604.966.5700 Fax: 604.966.5709 Toll Free: 888.755.6482

Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 31

House & Home

“...there are import ant

factors to

consider...”

32 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

SNOWBIRDS LOOKING TO NEST IN THE u.s.a. — tAX AND lEGAL dEVELOPMENTS FOR 2014

By David A. Altro, Altro Levy LLP

B

uying a vacation home in the U.S. is a dream that has become reality for many Canadians. The top five snowbird destinations – Florida, Arizona, California, Hawaii and Texas – are already home to thousands of snowbirds and Canadian permanent residents.

Whether you already own property in the U.S. or are simply entertaining the idea of entering the U.S. real estate market in 2014, there are several U.S. tax and legal developments to consider this year.

U.S. Estate Tax Canadians who own assets in the U.S. may be subject to U.S. estate tax. This tax is based on the fair market value of all U.S. assets owned at the time of death. It can climb up to 40% depending on the value of the U.S. asset and the value of the worldwide estate.

However, not all Canadians who own U.S. assets will be subject to U.S. estate tax.

The law in 2014 is that Canadians’ U.S. estate tax liability depends on the following two questions: 1. Is the value of their U.S. estate more than $60,000? and 2. Is the value of their worldwide estate greater than $5,340,000?

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If the answer to the first question is yes, but the second question is no, then Canadians are exempt from paying U.S. estate tax. The $5,340,000 exemption amount is current for 2014 and will rise with inflation in coming years.

So, if a Canadian owns a U.S. vacation property worth $1,000,000, but his or her worldwide estate is $3,000,000, that person will not owe U.S. estate tax upon his or her death.

It is important to note that everything is included when calculating a Canadian’s worldwide estate, including RRSPs and life insurance. However, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) does not tax 40% on the value of the worldwide estate – only the value of the U.S. assets are taxed.

There are ways to structure your ownership of U.S. assets in order to minimize or eliminate U.S. estate tax, so you should consult a cross-border professional if you think you might be exposed.

Immigration In June 2013, the U.S. Senate approved an immigration reform bill that, if made into law, will overhaul the U.S. immigration system.

Despite the controversy surrounding the bill (House Republicans are opposed to it, primarily because of its aim to create a path to citizenship for illegal U.S. immigrants), the bill is likely to be passed in piecemeal fashion starting in 2014.

Snowbirds should pay attention to the status of the bill because it includes key provisions that increase the number of days some Canadians will be able to spend in the U.S.: 1. Generally, from an immigration perspective, Canadians can spend six months in the U.S. in a rolling twelve-month period, or 180 days in a rolling year. The bill proposes extending this to eight months, or 240 days, in a rolling twelve-month period for those Canadian citizens who are over age 55, maintain a residence in Canada, own or rent a residence in the U.S. and who will not work or seek public assistance in the U.S. 2. Another important proposal included in the bill is the retiree visa, which would allow Canadians who meet the above criteria to obtain a renewable three-year visa as long as they could show that they have purchased one or more properties in the U.S. worth a combined total of at least $500,000 USD, have U.S. health insurance coverage, and reside in the U.S. for at least 180 days per year.

While these reforms seem like winning solutions for snowbirds looking to spend more time in the American sun each year, there will be important factors to consider before capitalizing on them if they do come to fruition, such as tax implications and provincial health care coverage.

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Canadian Health Care The rules around the number of days you are allowed to spend abroad without affecting your residential status – and therefore your provincial health care coverage – vary by province. Most provincial health ministries require physical presence in the province for 183 days per calendar year or 183 days in any twelve-month period.

It is possible to extend your health care coverage if you will be out of your province for a longer period. In Ontario, for example, you will be able to retain your provincial health care coverage if you are out of the province for as many as 212 days in any twelve-month period as long as Ontario is still your primary place of residence. If you will be gone for more than 212 days, you may apply for continuous health care coverage, but there are specific requirements that must be met to qualify.

Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 33

If you have been in the U.S. for more than 182 days in a calendar year, then you have the option of filing a treatybased U.S. tax return so that you are only taxed by the IRS on certain U.S. income. Income earned outside the U.S. would be exempt.

Tax Implications Spending too many days in the U.S. also puts snowbirds at risk of being designated as U.S. residents for tax purposes.

The IRS calculates residency based on a complicated formula known as the Substantial Presence Test (“SPT”). Many Canadian snowbirds think that if they spend less than 182 days in the U.S. per calendar year, they will not be considered U.S. residents for income tax purposes. However, if you meet the criteria of the SPT, you may be considered a U.S. resident.

To be considered a U.S. resident under the SPT, you must be in the U.S. for at least 183 days during a three-year period that includes the current year and the two years preceding it.

The days are calculated as follows: • Add all the days you were present in the current year; • plus 1/3 of the days you were present in the previous year; and • 1/6 of the days you were present in the year before that.

If the result is 183 days or more, then you may be taxed as a U.S. resident, on your worldwide income. As you can appreciate, it is better to steer clear of these complicated calculations.

There are, however, circumstances that may exempt you from the consequences of the SPT. If you have spent less than 182 days in the U.S. in a calendar year and can clearly show that you have a closer connection to Canada than the U.S., the IRS will treat you as a nonresident regardless of the SPT. To claim the exemption, you must file Form 8840 with the IRS.

34 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

Entry/Exit Initiative Although it is difficult to say when the immigration reform bill will be signed into law, 2014 marks the year of increased vigilance regarding border crossings between Canada and the U.S. The “Entry/Exit Initiative,” a cooperative endeavour between Canada and the U.S., will implement its final phase on June 30, 2014.

After this date, Canada and the U.S. will begin sharing border crossing information with each other. The initiative aims to use the record of a land entry into one country as an exit record from the other. This means that the number of days a Canadian snowbird is present within the U.S. will be much more clear. Snowbirds will have to keep close watch on the number of days they spend in the U.S., acknowledging the residency rules regarding taxation.

Additionally, Canadian snowbirds who spend more than 180 days in the U.S. in a rolling twelve-month period without a proper visa may be considered unlawfully present. Now that day counts will be monitored more accurately, the chances of being deemed unlawfully present in the U.S. will increase. The consequences? A three-year travel ban to the U.S. for being unlawfully present for between 180 and 365 days or a ten-year ban for being unlawfully present for more than 365 days.

Health Care The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”), which was adopted in 2010, brings major health care reform to the U.S. As of January 2014, under Obamacare, green card holders and lawful temporary residents of the U.S., such as Canadian snowbirds, can no longer be denied health insurance because of pre-existing medical conditions or because they are over the age of 65.

Canadian snowbirds over 65 who have held their green card for a minimum of five years are eligible for U.S. Medicare. But what do you do while you wait for the five years to elapse so you can get Medicare? You obtain private health care insurance. Prior to Obamacare, however, Canadian snowbirds over 65 had great difficulty doing so because of their age – especially if they had any pre-existing medical conditions. Obamacare is good news for Canadian snowbirds.

The U.S. legal and tax landscape is complex, but that is no reason to shy away from enjoying the sunbelt to the south. With the right planning and guidance from cross border professionals, Canadian snowbirds will be well equipped to nest in the U.S. in 2014 and beyond. n

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many have tried to copy... no one has been able to equal Vi-Spring were the inventors of the modern day mattress in 1901.

Today we continue to set the standard for the most luxurious beds. Handcrafted with our patented support system and from only the finest certified natural materials, for perfect comfort.

Why would you sleep on anything else?

Toll free 1.866.611.1199 info@vispring.com * vispring.com LONDON ANTWERP PARIS ROME MOSCOW BEIJING New York - ABC Home & Carpet Chicago Luxury Beds Chicago Edwin Pepper Interiors St. Louis Atlanta Mattress Atlanta Brickell Mattress Miami Gallery Furniture Houston Cantoni Dallas Urban Mattress Denver Urban Mattress Boulder Scottsdale - European Home Las Vegas - Ergo Bedroom Los Angeles - Vi-Spring on Beverly

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Handcrafted since 1901

THE QUEEN’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

THE CAMPAIGN FOR WOOL

PATRON: HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES

PK Kitchen. Photo by Sabrina Horn

CULINARY DELIGHTS

Connoisseur’s Choice

PETER KURUVITA: CHEF, RESTAURATEUR, AUTHOR TV PRESENTER

B

orn in London to an Austrian mother and Sri Lankan father, Peter Kuruvita spent much of his childhood in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, where he was introduced to the wonders of cooking by observing his grandmother prepare age-old Sri Lankan dishes in her simple kitchen.

These early memories of the joy of cooking and the kitchen as the hub of the household formed the path of Peter’s future. The family moved to Sydney, Australia and Peter applied for a chef apprenticeship once he left school and started his long career working in restaurants as a chef.

After three decades as an award-winning chef and restaurateur, Peter has now diversified his career to encompass the roles of TV presenter, author, industry speaker and restaurant consultant.

After establishing himself as a well-known chef in Australia and cooking around the globe, Peter opened Sydney’s award-winning Flying Fish Restaurant & Bar in 2004, and successfully led the kitchen team as Executive Chef for eight years. Today his legacy still lives on through its’ creative modern dishes with a strong seafood focus and great reputation.

In 2008, Peter replicated this successful model, in partnership with Starwood Hotel group, at Flying Fish at Sheraton Fiji Resort. Located on the beach, ‘Flying Fish Fiji’ features a menu designed by Peter Kuruvita focusing on fresh, local produce and sumptuous seafood, and is now known as the best restaurant in Fiji. Flying Fish Fiji recently received a Tripadvisor award for the Top 10 Restaurants in the Pacific region After the success of this venture, Steakhouse by Peter Kuruvita opened in February 2013, at neighboring resort The Westin, Denarau Island. Also overlooking the Pacific sea, the menu focuses on unique cuts of superior imported meat, attentive service, fine wines and stunning location.

Peter’s latest venture, Noosa Beach House opened in May 2013, in partnership with Sheraton Noosa Resort, on iconic Hastings St. Peter brings his signature style and focus on local seafood to the famous foodie holiday strip. The relaxed holiday vibe of the open terrace and bar evolves into a stylish restaurant and cocktail bar as the day progresses.

36 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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Flying Fish Fiji. Photo by: Anson Smart Tuna Black Pepper Caramel signature dish

With his career as a chef, restaurateur and consultant well established and well known, Peter decided to venture into putting his experiences and recipes onto paper and film.

Memories of his idyllic childhood spent in Sri Lanka, inspired his first cook book “Serendip – My Sri Lankan Kitchen”. The book takes food lovers on a journey through the kitchen experiences of his childhood with traditional recipes and stunning photography.

Peter then began to present Television series produced by The Precinct Studios for SBS Television, which air on many networks worldwide.

His shows combine beautiful scenery with sensational local cuisine as he immerses himself in the cultures of the unique lands he travels through.

The first of these was “My Sri Lanka with Peter Kuruvita” which combines breath-taking scenery with spectacular spicy fare as Peter travels across the country, experiencing the wealth of Sri Lanka’s beauty, culture and culinary diversity.

“My Sri Lanka” was nominated for the ‘The Rockies’ Banff World Media Awards 2012’ and Peter nominated for an Australian ‘Logies 2012 Award’ in the “Best New Male Talent” category.

In 2012, Peter’s next series “Island Feast with Peter Kuruvita” combined beautiful locations and scenery with sensational local cuisine through the islands of Indonesia, Vanuatu, Philippines and Cook Islands.

These popular TV series inspired his next cook book “My Feast with Peter Kuruvita” and takes food lovers on a culinary and cultural journey through the islands communities of Asia and the South Pacific. Released November 2012.

His third10-part series, “Mexican Fiesta” is currently premiering on SBS television in Australia and sees Peter travelling the length and breadth of Mexico, looking deeply into the ingredients, dishes and culture of that exciting and sometimes misunderstood country.

One of Peter’s signature dishes which is wellknown and loved by many in Fiji and Australia is his Sri Lankan King Prawn Curry. The layers of aromatic spices and coconut compliment the fresh sweetness of the prawns perfectly. Enjoy! u

Island Feast Vanuatu. Photo by: SBS Television

“His shows combine beautiful scenery with sensational local cuisine...”

Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 37

Recipe: Sri Lankan King Prawn Curry

R 500g (1 lb 2oz) green U8 prawns, peeled with tails in tact (a U8 prawn is a medium green prawn) 150 g coconut powder mixed with 300 ml hot water 50 g (1 ¾ oz) ghee 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 5cm (2 in) knob of ginger, thinly sliced 1 sprig curry leaves, leaves picked 5 cm (2 in) piece pandanus leaf 1 cinnamon stick 2 cloves 2 cardamom pods, bruised ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds 1 teaspoon chilli powder ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground coriander ½ teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon fish curry powder 2 long green chillies, chopped ½ lime

Prawn Curry. Photo by: Anson Smart

Peel the prawns leaving the tail on, reserve the heads and de vein them by cutting the digestive tract out of the center of their back.

Clean the reserved prawn heads by removing the shell and washing out the guts, you should be left with just the legs and eyes.

Add 200ml water in a food processor and blend until a smooth paste forms, then strain through a fine sieve, extracting as much liquid as possible.

Discard the solids then combine the paste with the coconut cream.

Heat the ghee in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat, add the onion, garlic, ginger, curry leaves and pandanus leaf and cook over low heat for 6-8 minutes or until the onions are translucent.

Add the prawns and all the remaining ingredients except for the prawn paste and stir continuously for 5 minutes. Add 300ml water to the pan, combine well and cook for another 7 minutes, then reduce to a low heat, stir in the prawn paste and cook for another 8 minutes or until the flavours are well combined, the sauce has thickened and the ‘raw curry’ flavour has gone. Do not let the curry boil or it will split. Remove from the heat and stand the curry for 1 hour to allow flavours to combine.

38 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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TERRABELLA WINERIES

O

PERSEUS WINERY

n the outskirts of beautiful Penticton, BC, Perseus Winery welcomes you to the renowned Naramata Bench, undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking wine landscapes in the world.

With its contemporary star-motif label, the winery takes its name from the Perseus constellation, which can be seen from the winter night sky. The goal of the Perseus Winery team is to produce wines of character and distinction from some of British Columbia’s finest terroirs. Grapes are sourced from the winery’s estate vineyards Lower Bench Vineyard in Naramata and Sunrise Vineyard in West Kelowna, as well as from renowned growers who farm in some of the most famous locations in both the Similkameen and Okanagan Valleys. These include, but are not limited to, Silver Station Vineyard overlooking Skaha Lake, Blind Creek Vineyard in Cawston, and Nk’Mip Vineyards in Oliver. By nurturing these celebrated mesoclimates, Perseus makes a small but exciting collection of red, white and blended VQA wines. Only the best fruit is used, which determines from year to year the wines on offer.

40 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

Wine lovers and critics alike have been singing high praise for the winery and its wines. The specialties so far are rich and aromatic Viognier and Pinot Gris, as well as bold, age worthy reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Malbec. The signature Perseus wine is a Bordeaux inspired blend, Invictus, which is latin for ‘unconquerable’. This summer will also see the inaugural release of two sparkling wines that will be the perfect match to the Okanagan sun. Capturing numerous awards since the summer of 2013, and having earned several 90-point-plus scores on the current release wines, Perseus has in only a short time hit the top of wine lovers’ must-haves list. One of Canada’s most influential critics, Beppi Crosariol of the Globe and Mail, included the 2010 Invictus in his top 5 BC reds of 2013.

The winery itself is situated in a re-purposed 1950s house, and is a welcoming, must-visit spot featuring a bright, open tasting bar and a huge deck overlooking Penticton and Lake Okanagan. Here, knowledgeable staff will guide you through a tasting while you take in the stunning views.

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Perseus Winery building Perseus Winery Bar

You can meet your friends for some sips while you plan the rest of your Naramata Bench Wineries tour, stroll the vineyard with a glass Stewart and Rebecca Stephenson of Pinot Gris from those very vines, or purchase some “simply fresh food� supplied by Chef Paul Cecconi from Brodo Kitchen. There is no better way to start or end your Naramata Bench experience than a visit to Perseus winery.

Learn more at www.perseuswinery.com and see what critics have to say, and why Perseus is the perfect place to find that special wine for your cellar or next occasion. n

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134 Lower Bench Road Penticton, BC V2A 1A8 Phone: 250.490.8829 | Toll Free: 888.880.6605 Fax: 250.490.8809 | Toll Free Fax: 888.880.1651

Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 41

St yle

T

WHAT’S TRENDING SPRING 2014

“Everything is

reimagined... giving...a rugged,

street-smart 42 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

By Connie Ekelund

his season denim reflects fashion’s new super laid-back style being bruised and battered. Everything is reimagined in frayed and faded blues, givinga even the sophisticated fashionista, a rugged, streetsmart swagger. In our favorite Demin House PAIGE you’ll find this to be true. Finish off the look with some strapped colour blocked heels for her or some derby silhouette Walk-Overs. u

Connoisseur’s Choice Paige Denim

Vermont Jacket in Kirby Everyday classic meets downtown cool with our essential denim jacket, reimagined in a slim fit with a 6-button closure. It’s snug at the shoulders and crops above the waist, with ample cuffs for easy rolling. $285.00

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WOMEN Jimmy Jimmy Crop in Naomi Destructed Description: The boyfriend jean, only effortlessly sexier. Part of the Paige core collection, it’s relaxed at the waist, slim in all the right places and not too slouchy through the thigh and leg. With flawlessly worn in destruction on a light wash, this is the go to wash for the spring/summer season. Retail: $299

Indio ZipColor in Optic White A mid-rise, super stretch ultra skinny that hugs the leg down to the leg opening with single zippers at the hips. $262.00

MICHAEL KORS Lorah Colorblock City Sandal • Aqua colorblock leather upper.

• Band at open toe.

• Adjustable slingback.

• 3” chunky heel.

• Leather sole. $425.00

RAG & BONE Wyatt Sandal • Italian cow leather upper • 4 “heel • Metal collar button closure at strap • Elastic gore insets at ankle • Cross stitch detail • Slip on style $580.00

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Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 43

MEN Connoisseur’s Choice Men’s PAIGE Denim Twills - Made from the highest grade Japanese cotton, the deluxe woven twill offers comfortable stretch and retains its shape from day to night. Twills are the perfect alternative to classic denim for the guy who requires comfort while maintaining a refined look. $255.00 Anderson’s The collection is endless but wanted to show you some of our top sellers that are in major retailers across Canada including Harry Rosen and Holt Renfrew. Nautical theme, camo and colours are all big this season. $140.00 Walk-Over shoes These are all exclusive styles to Harry Rosen.

A nice compliment to denim or twills, these affordable luxury shoes are handmade and finish off any outfit. $340.00

44 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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TRAVEL NECESSICITIES Connoisseur’s Choice

Secret Sweater For the jetsetter the Secret Sweater’s demure size and handy carrying case make it the perfect companion for wherever the road leads. When not in use keep it folded and safe in its own case, which tucks neatly into purses, luggage, and carry-on bags.

The Secret Sweater claims its name from its clever design, which features 3/4 length sleeves, a body length that hits at the waist for the optimum range of movement, and a deeply cut away front so it can be easily hidden under blazers and jackets, or it can be worn as a cute cover up over dresses. $40.00 Magellan’s is your trusted source for travel accessories, travel clothing, portable electronics, luggage, gifts, and gear for all your travel planning.

Desert Pucker Short Sleeve Shirt • Made by Royal Robbins® • Feels like a silk shirt • Has UPF 27+ sun-protective material • Made of machine washable modal rayon and polyester.

• Wrinkle-resistant and has side vents. Extremely lightweight and packable. $52.00

Reversible Leather Belt • Non-metal buckle so it doesn’t need to be removed for airport security checkpoints • Lightweight (3 oz) • Reverses from black to brown so you’ll only need one belt for all your outfits. $37.50 www.facebook.com/GoodLifeConnoisseur

RobeTowl • Extremely soft and made of anti-microbial polyester/nylon blend • Comes with a travel pouch for easy packing • Soaks up four times its weight in water and wrings nearly dry • Comes with extra-deep pockets for carrying toiletries and a hood $74.95 Jamie Travel Sneaker • Made by Dr. Scholl’s® • Comes with a removable Energy Wave insole that contains Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel and ensures proper arch support.

• Also has Dri-Lex® lining to wick away moisture, and Aegis Microbe Shield® that controls odor. $65.00 Power Monkey • Pocket-sized: 4”x1.5”x1.5” • Huge battery reserve to charge: iPods for 40 hours add’l play time, 96-hours of add’l stand-by time for phones, 1600 add’l pictures for digital cameras • Cannot charge larger items like tablets or laptops • Includes four adapter plugs, a 110-240v adapter, connectors for iPods and most mobile phones, and comes with a travel pouch. $69.00. n Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 45

STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM IN 30 DAYS

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Connoisseur’s Choice

By Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, M.S.

Y

our immune system is a highly specialized front-line defense army that identifies, remembers, attacks and destroys disease-causing invaders and transformed or infected cells. The immune system seeks, recognizes and destroys the body’s enemies. When functioning optimally, the immune system is a powerful protector. Few viruses, bacteria, fungi, cancer cells and parasites are allowed to set up house and wreak havoc if the immune system is operating at peak performance. So determined to destroy invaders that the immune system can often go awry and start damaging the body itself. We see this with autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Boosting the immune system is not the answer as that can worsen allergies and autoimmune diseases. Creating a strong and healthy immune system that keeps you protected and does not become overactive is the answer.

Symptoms of Immune Dysfunction • Frequent colds and flu • Herpes (cold sore) outbreaks • Allergies • Painful joints and muscles • HPV and abnormal PAP smears • Psoriasis, eczema, hives or rashes

46 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

• Rhinitis or constant runny nose • Autoimmune disorders • Candida overgrowth • Parasite infections • Bowel disorders

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“To ensure a healthy immune system...we can take

”

immune nutrients that keep our immune system strong.

3 Super Immune Nutrients To ensure a healthy immune system that protects us from colds, flu, viruses, bacteria, cancers and other invaders we can take immune nutrients that keep our immune system strong. Immune boosters are not the answer as they can cause the immune system to become overactive promoting inflammation and autoimmune disease. Daily immune support is the answer. The following immune nutrients to be taken on a daily basis should ensure you make it through flu season unscathed.

Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucans Beta 1,3/1,6 glucans are a natural gluco polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of a highly purified, proprietary strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Beta glucans support a healthy and strong immune system. Several peer-reviewed research studies have shown that when beta 1,3/1,6 glucan are swallowed the immune cells in the digestive tract transport them to the immune system throughout the body. One double-blind, placebocontrolled trial lasting 90 days in 100 healthy people given 250mg of beta 1,3/1,6 glucans who had developed upper respiratory infections had the total number of days they were sick and symptoms reduce significantly.

We know that those who exercise strenuously are more prone to colds and flu due to the stress on the body. In one study it was found that those who took beta 1,3/1,6 glucans had improved immune response and less colds and flu post work out. .Experts don’t recommend immune boosters be taken as they can have a negative effect in the body. Several conditions like allergies are associated with an already overactive immune system and immune boosters can make symptoms much worse. Beta 1,3/1,6 glucans are not immune boosters but balance and normalize the immune response making for a strong immune system. One study that allergy sufferers taking beta 1,3/1,6 glucans the severity of their allergy symptoms, runny nose and itchy eyes reduced and quality of life improved.

Vitamin C Super Nutrient Vitamin C also known as ascorbate and ascorbic acid is the most important immune vitamin. Vitamin C is antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer. Vitamin C has been found to increase antibodies.

Antibodies are produced to teach your immune system to recognize a virus and kill it quickly if you are exposed to that same virus in the future. Only 9 percent of North American’s are getting enough vitamin C in their diet. Vitamin C protects against viral infections by causing the immune system to send out special immune cells (phagocytes) that engulf and destroy invaders. www.facebook.com/GoodLifeConnoisseur

In the elderly simply taking 500mg of vitamin C per day for 10 days before a flu vaccine will cause the immune system to make more antibodies to the vaccine thereby improving the benefit of the vaccine. Many older individuals do not benefit from vaccines because their immune system is too weak to make antibodies.

Vitamin C also enhances glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that aids the immune system. Vitamin C also dramatically enhances natural killer cells the cells that destroy malignant cells. Buffered vitamin C — magnesium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate which are far more absorbable forms and much easier on the stomach than straight ascorbic acid or ascorbate.

Zinc: The Thymus Booster The thymus gland is like the commanding officer of a very large army. Without a healthy thymus, the immune system can’t do its job. Zinc is the most important mineral to the thymus gland. It is so important that if you have an undersized or malfunctioning thymus just simply taking zinc citrate can reverse or rejuvenate the thymus.

Over 300 enzyme systems in the body require zinc. As little as 10mg of elemental zinc per day given to the elderly was found to improve the action of T-cells, immune cells that attack invaders.

Zinc’s antiviral activity was looked at in 37 cold-infected people in a double-blind, placebo controlled study where zinc citrate was given over 7 days. After 1 week over 85% of the participants were symptom free compared to half the group not taking zinc. Zinc deficiency causes a reduction in T-cells, natural killer cells and thymic hormone which are all important components of a healthy immune system.

Remember to wash your hands with soap and water often throughout the day as most viruses and bacteria enter the body because we touch our eyes, nose and mouth with infected fingers.

Do not use antibacterial soaps as Tuft’s University researchers found that over time these anti-bacterial agents are making super-bug strains of bacteria. Drink several glasses of water to stay well hydrated. The fluid around your eyes, nose and mouth are rich in immune army cells that destroy invaders but if we are dehydrated they can’t do their job of protecting us. And reduce your consumption of sugar. One teaspoon of white sugar will turn off your immune army for six to eight hours.

Lorna Vanderhaeghe is the author of 11 books. With degrees in biochemistry and nutrition she is a nutritional medicine expert.

Her first two books were written on the immune system including The Immune System Cure and Healthy Immunity. Visit her website at www.healthyimmunity.com for more information. n

Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 47

Copeman Healthcare

Dr. Shawnda Lanting, Copeman Healthcare Centre Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuropsychology

WELLNESS BEGINS WITH A HEALTHY BRAIN The importance of cognitive assessments for healthy aging

T

By Nicole Aubertin

oday, when people refer to the concept of “wellness,” they usually describe a state of integrated psychological and physical health. But there is much more to true wellness than simply finding harmony in body and mind. The brain, a very special organ, must be looked at quite separately from general physical health. Brain function must be assessed and improved in unique ways that generally fall outside the realm of primary healthcare. The often neglected third dimension of true wellness is brain health and few organizations really understand the subtle interplay between mind, body and brain.

The Brain Health Program at Copeman Healthcare is based on recent discoveries in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Based on strong scientific evidence, we now understand more completely how declining brain health can have a profound impact on both physical and psychological health. Basic cognitive functions can be assessed and “baselined” in order to detect any early signs of disease or agerelated cognitive decline. More importantly, such decline in many cases can be prevented or delayed.

48 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

Copeman Healthcare pays special attention to your brain, beginning with a Brief Cognitive Measure (BCM) or a Memory and Cognition Assessment (MCA) that is used to establish a baseline before tailoring a program suited to your individual needs.

Cognitive assessments evaluate important areas of brain function. These include: memory, concentration, processing speed, language, and reasoning capabilities. In recent years, it has become clear that baseline assessments are essential to tracking complete wellness because they establish a personalized benchmark for future comparison. Just as changes in blood pressure or waistline help your physician track your risk of metabolic syndrome, cognitive assessments allow your neuropsychologist to track changes in your brain health. This enables your care team to identify early signs of problems and take action immediately. A baseline assessment provides a reference point to measure against in the case of problems or concerns (including major illness or injury). It also helps you and your team focus on specific areas when developing a treatment and prevention plan.

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Dr. Elisabeth Sherman, Director of Neuropsychology at Copeman Healthcare Centre

Although appropriate for clients of all ages and in all phases of life, Brief Cognitive Measures (BCM) and Memory and Cognition Assessments (MCA) may be of greatest interest to those: • aged 55 or older • interested in early detection, prevention, and optimization of overall health • with cardiac, vascular or other chronic health conditions • with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or neurological conditions • involved in activities that put them at increased risk for head injuries (e.g., sports, occupational hazard) Note that obtaining a baseline may be particularly important for children and adolescents who tend to have active lifestyles and rapidly developing cognitive skills. Brief Cognitive Measures may be repeated every 1 to 5 years.

Baseline assessments typically include: • Clinical consultation with a Neuropsychologist (Ph.D. expert in brain health) • Standardized testing • Recommendations to optimize brain health (provided to the client and their family physician)

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Fees generally range from $550 to $3500 depending upon the nature of the services required. Brain Health services are available in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. Visit us online at www.copemanhealthcare.com for more information. n

Copeman Healthcare Toll free: 1.888.922.2792 www.copemanhealthcare.com Vancouver or West Vancouver Centre: Tia Young: 604.707.2273 tyoung@copemanhealthcare.com Calgary Centre: Cristle Jasken: 403.270.2273 cjasken@copemanhealthcare.com Edmonton Centre: Treena Popowich: 780.392.0716 tpopowich@copemanhealthcare.com

Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 49

Porsche Panera E-Hybrid

Porsche Panera E Hybrid

LUXURY LIFESTYLE AUTOMOBILES

By Tony Whitney 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

luxury RIDES

Connoisseur’s Choice

T

here are lots of people out there who like the idea of driving a fuel-sipping hybrid car, but their sense of style and love of fine motoring machinery makes them shrink from owning something that looks like a diminutive, road-going jellybean.

For those who don’t want to abandon sporty motoring, but would like to make some kind of “green gesture,” the choices are widening and leading the pack right now is the splendid Porsche Panamera E Hybrid.

It might be a good plan to recap the Panamera because it’s one of the most fascinating and radical cars Porsche has ever built. The Panamera was launched following years of speculation and rumours surrounding a 4-door Porsche of some kind - an idea that horrified purists of the marque, as was to be expected! The Panamera not only has four doors, but it really does have room for two full-sized people in the back and they’re not just crammed in there either. I’m 187 cm or so and can sit comfortably in a Panamera, even when their are tall people up front. The rear doors are quite wide too, so access is no problem either.

The car looks very low and sleek with a slightly bulbous rear roofline — a design feature that allows the rear passengers to sit with their heads held high and not folded awkwardly on their chests. It’s a much more successful design effort by Porsche than that of their rivals over at Ferrari, whose new FF 4-seater looks decidedly awkward in the styling department with its “humped” roofline. And the Ferrari only has two doors. The unkindest comment that’s been made about the Panamera is that it looks like an oversized 911, but the car has sold well and is contributing strongly to Porsche’s record sales in many parts of the world.

50 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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Porsche had one key factor in mind when it decided to build a hybrid version of the Panamera. Thrifty and clean it might be, but it had to have the performance and handling that all Porsche’s are famed for — even the SUVs. There could be no sacrifices in that respect. Buyers would get an economical, clean-running car, but it get up and go when called on to do so and handle like the sports car it is beneath its largish “4-door coupé” bodywork. The result is quite amazing. The Panamera is a delight to drive and visits to petrol stations are blessedly less frequent than they would be with any comparable car.

The E Hybrid uses a similar powerplant to the Cayenne Hybrid SUV and it’s a fine piece of engineering. It’s based on a supercharged and direct-injected 3.0-litre V-6 working in unison with an electric motor (bigger for 2014) for a combined 416-horsepower.

“The Panera is a delight to drive and visits to petrol stations are blessedly less frequent than they would be with any comparable car.”

Transmission is an 8-speed (yes, eight!) automatic with manual option and it’s an outstanding piece of work. Hybrids can be very smooth and “torquey” and this one, with its 416 horses — is very exhilarating and actually feels a lot like a V-8. With the electric assist, there’s a feeling that you’ve got a special kind of power on tap. As with pure electric cars, electric motors provide full performance “right now” and don’t need time to spool up as petrol engines do. If anything, it’s a more satisfying motoring experience than that provided by a Panamera with a conventional petrol engine alone. Porsche tells us that it’s the most efficient vehicle they’ve ever produced. Under certain circumstances, it’s more economical than the manufacturer’s Boxster model.

As with other hybrid vehicles, the Panamera uses a large nickel/metal-hydride battery and it’s mounted somewhere under the trunk floor.

It doesn’t seem to rob the car of any cargo space, which is very good. The battery is charged different ways to maximize efficiency, including plug-in capability for 2014, regenerative braking (waste energy from braking is directed to a battery-charging role) and an automatic engine stop-start system. Stop at a light and the engine turns off — a disconcerting feeling at first, but I’ve never known one of these to fail when the time came to drive on. Several models have this feature. All this eco-technology results in an impressive 7.1-litres/100 km using the European fuel consumption rating system, although the distance you can go on electricity alone is quite modest.

The cockpit is wonderful to behold and confirms Porsche’s reputation for producing “drivers’ cars.” The driving position is just about perfect and on long runs, the car is exceptionally comfortable. The front seats have just the right amount of side bolstering without making them confining. There’s a very comprehensive array of dials confronting the driver and this all takes a bit of getting used to. It’s a process that most people would be very happy to get involved with.

There’s an almost baffling array of switches on the central console, but it’s all a matter of driver familiarity. Once you get used to them, it’s a matter of time before everything becomes intuitive and there’s no need to glance away from the road once you’ve figured out where everything is. The navigation system is easy to set up without going through the hefty owner’s manual and I found it deadly accurate in use, pinpointing house numbers or points of interest very effectively. The only instrument/control layout change I’d like to see is a move for the hands-free phone button from the console to the steering wheel, even though it would to some extent spoil the look of the beautiful aluminum and leather wheel.

The car is superbly finished inside and out and Porsche deserves full credit for proving that it is possible to combine green driving with one of the world’s finest and most desirable sports sedans. If there are any ENGINE: 3.0-litre hybrid V-6, 416-horsepower. doubters that the words “hybrid” and “performance” don’t go together, TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with semi-auto option they only have to take a look at the results of the legendary Le Mans 24- ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in approx. 6-seconds.

PRICE: $110,000-plus, MSRP hour race for the last few years and Audi’s hybrid successes. u http://www.porsche.com/canada/en/

In short...

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Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 51 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Edition 1, (C117), 2012

Audi S7 Sportback Luxury 4-Door Performance ‘Coupe’ When Audi decided to add performance versions of most of its vehicles a few years back, it took the rather subtle step of simply replacing the traditional “A,” as in A4, A6, A8 and so on, with the letter “S.” It may seem to be a modest way of trumpeting your fastest and most agile cars, but Audi likes it that way and so, it seems, do its customers. The cars are very popular and the S now has a special cachet with Audi products that’s every bit as significant as the AMG of Mercedes-Benz or the M of BMW. The best way of finding out how good these cars can be is to get behind the wheel of a few 2014 models, as I did recently, and go for a drive. My most recent experience was with an S7 Sportback, which is certainly the most visually striking of all Audi S-cars.

“The best way of finding out how good these cars can be is to get behind the wheel of a few 2014 models.”

One glance at an Audi S7 Sportback (or the less powerful A7 Sportback for that matter) and it’s clear that the car is bound to be compared with the Mercedes-Benz CLS. When Mercedes first introduced the motoring world to the ”four-door coupe” configuration with its CLS, it was clear that other upscale manufacturers would follow with versions of their own. The idea of a full five-seat (four with some makes) automobile that looks more like a sporty coupe was well accepted by buyers of luxury cars. It wasn’t long before BMW had a contender with its rather awkward-looking 5-Series Gran Turismo and even VW got into the act with its Passat CC. The great thing about Audi’s S7 Sportback is that it has a nice big hatchback which opens to reveal an impressive load floor — especially when the rear seats are folded down. Quite apart from the car’s many dynamic qualities, this must make it one of the best luxury touring cars on the market and quite possibly the most practical of its class ever developed. During my test, I used the car to move some fairly large pieces of furniture, which it swallowed quite easily in its 1,390-litre cargo space. I felt a little guilty for using this amazing and powerful machine for mere load-hauling, but it does prove that a supercar (and the S7 fits that category, as we’ll see) can be practical too.

52 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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The S7 is a thoroughly modern design and has great “road presence” which prompts lots of curious glances out on the highway.

It’s a great car for someone who values individuality in an automobile and doesn’t want to drive the same luxury car as thousands of others out there. If the S7 is a little too much in terms of flat-out performance, buyers can opt for the less potent A7 with its V-6 engine.

The S7 is powered by a remarkable and highly-responsive 420-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 that provides what seems like limitless power and silky smoothness. It’s mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shifters on the steering wheel. This impressive level of power is nicely controlled by Audi’s outstanding Quattro all-wheel drive, so it’s not one of those powerhouse cars that will get away from you on a rain-drenched corner. The power is so effortless that it’s wise to keep a close eye on the speedometer - aided on the model I drove by a very clear and easy-to-scan head-up display projected onto a patch on the windshield. The speed display sits almost in the average driver’s line of sight without being obtrusive so it takes barely a glance to read it. A similar engine to the one under the bonnet of this Audi is used in the Bentley Continental GT (Bentley being part of the VW/Audi Group) and I’d rate this outstanding piece of engineering as among the very best power units anywhere in the world right now.

As with even the least expensive Audi, the interior is very well executed — I especially liked the quilted leather seats which looked both racy and luxurious. Sitting behind the wheel of an S7 is a very rewarding experience and the cabin ambiance is as good as anything in the industry — especially from a design standpoint. Everything is pretty well where it should be and there are some interesting safety features too. My test S7 came with a blind spot warning system which functions by displaying LEDs on the back of the door mirror when a vehicle is sitting in your blind spot. We’ve all had the experience of beginning a lane change when a passing vehicle isn’t visible either by mirrors or an over-the-shoulder glance (every car ever built has a blind spot somewhere, it seems). Another remarkable safety system that’s available as an extra with the A7 is a night vision camera that displays an image on an instrument panel screen. It shows up people and even small animals way down the road that you’d never spot with the naked eye at night. It’s a bit like watching the closing scenes of the movie Zero Dark Thirty, which is viewed through the night vision goggles of the attacking Navy SEAL unit, but it sure adds a road safety ENGINE: 4.0-litre twin turbo V-8 TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic with bonus.

The S7 Sportback certainly rates among the world’s great cars right now. It is manual mode expensive, as might be expected, but it has great individuality, a most impressive ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in approx twin-turbo V-8 engine, superlative comfort and ready-for-the-track handling. There’s 3.9-seconds not much more you can ask of a luxury saloon that delivers not only serious power, PRICE: $92,100 MSRP http://www.audi.ca but surprising practicality too. n

In short...

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Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 53

Medical Marijuana Where There is Smoke...

Medical Marijuana

By Khurram Malik Where There is Smoke…

By Khurram Malik

M

arijuana or Marihuana is the most widely produced and consumed illicit drug in the world today. About 5%widely of theproduced world’s adult populationillicit (aged 18 in tothe 64)world had consumed Marijuana at least once in 2010 Marijuana or Marihuana is the most and consumed drug today. About to64) the had UN.consumed Marijuana at least once in 2010 5% of the world’s adult population according (aged 18 to Marijuana is one of the oldest cultivated crops in human history and its plant history dates back according to the UN. almost 40 million years. Marijuana wasn’t widely criminalized until the early part of the 20th century in many parts of Marijuana is one of the oldest cropswhen in human and its plant history dates the world.

In the cultivated United States, morehistory “conventional” drugs came ontoback the almost scene at40turn of the 20th century that million years.had Marijuana wasn’t widely criminalized until the early part of the 20th century in many partspopularity of better consistency in terms of quality/potency and were easier to store, Marijuana’s shifted more towards the world. In the United States, when more “conventional” drugs came onto the scene at turn of the 20th recreational use. The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 banned recreational use and in 1942 it became illegal to use for medicinal century that had better consistency in termsitsofuse quality/potency andUnited were easier Marijuana’s applications.

Canada banned earlier than the States to by store, adding it to its Opium and Drug Act of 1923. popularity shifted more towards recreational use.

The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 banned usepurposely crossed to produce There are two main kinds of marijuana plants) with unique properties. Theserecreational two plants are and in 1942 it became illegal to use for medicinal applications. Canada banned its use earlier than the hundreds of marijuana strains for consumption: United States by adding it to its Opium and Drug Act of 1923.

There are twoCannabis main kindsSativa: of marijuana plants) with unique properties. These two plants are purposely • Comparatively tallto(5-6 meters) and thinofplants crossed produce hundreds marijuana strains for consumption: 1)

• Have a light green color with narrow leaves • Originated inCannabis Colombia,Sativa: Mexico, and South East Asia • Comparatively meters) thin plants • Can take 10-16 weekstallto(5-6 mature onceand flowering has begun

• Have a light green color with narrow leaves • Originated in Colombia, Mexico, and South East Asia • Can take 10-16 weeks to mature once flowering has begun Cannabis Indica:

2)

• Comparatively short (1-2 meters) and dense plants Cannabis Indica: • Have a dark green color with broad leaves • Comparatively short (1-2 meters) and dense plants • Afghanistan, and Tibet • Originated Have a in dark green colorMorocco, with broad leaves • take 6-8 weeks to mature Morocco, once flowering has begun • CanOriginated in Afghanistan, and Tibet •

Can take 6-8 weeks to mature once flowering has begun Exhibit 1: Sativa vs. Indica Plants & Leaves Sativa

Indica

INVESTMENTS

Connoisseur’s Choice

There are about 500 natural compounds found within a marijuana plant. These compounds, which are largely unique to marijuana plants are called cannabinoids.

Two particular

c a Source: theweedblog.com n n abinoids are the main focus of research/production for both medicinal and 54 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014 recreational use of Marijuana:

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THC Effects/Benefits

CBD Effects/Benefits

Non Desirable Side Effects

Higher Mental Relaxation Lowers Anxiety Increases Appetite Increases Focus Stimulates Creativity Fights Depression Increases Energy

Relieves Physical Pain Relaxes Muscles Relieves Spasms & Seizures Reduces Inflammation Sleep Aid Reduces Nausea Calms Overactive Nerves

Loss of Memory Increases Sense of Paranoia & Fear Hallucinations Sense of Losing Control Risk of Over-Excitation Can Lower Blood Pressure Impairment of Reflexes & Loss of Sensations

There are about 500 natural compounds found within a marijuana plant. These compounds, which are largely unique to marijuana plants are called cannabinoids.

Two particular cannabinoids are the main focus of research/ production for both medicinal and recreational use of Marijuana: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): • Most well-known and abundant cannabinoid • It binds with CB1 receptors that are plentiful in the brain to produce psychoactive effects. The “high” that most associate with Marijuana • It is found in higher concentrations in the Sativa plant.

Cannabidiol (CBD): • Second most abundant cannabinoid • It does not bind with CB1 receptors in the brain so it doesn’t produce psychoactive effects. In fact, it can counter the “high” produced THC • Shows greater potential to treat a broader range of ailments • It is found in higher concentrations in the Indica plant Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) In 2001, the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) came online and marked the arrival of medical marijuana in Canada. Under this program, individuals can gain access in three different ways: 1. It could be grown by the user with a Personal Use Production License (PUPL) 2. The user could designate someone else to grow it for them via a Designated Production License (DPPL) 3. It could be purchased directly from Health Canada, which was supplied by one private company, Prairie Plant Systems Inc. Only one strain was available using this option at a fixed and subsidized price for the licensed user.

Licensed participants under MMAR have grown from 477 in 2002 to around 40,000 by the end of 2013. The majority of license holders grow medical marijuana themselves—this is the cheapest way to gain access. For the sake of comparison, Health Canada charges $5/gram, the black market cost can be in excess of $10/gram, and homegrown supplies can cost considerably less than $1/gram. Certain participants consume in excess of 10 grams a day—At Health Canada prices, this would equate to over www.facebook.com/GoodLifeConnoisseur

$91,000 per annum in expense in a country where insurance really doesn’t exist for this treatment option.

With such a large jump in participants, Health Canada in recent years has decided to phase out MMAR for a different program.

The biggest issues with MMAR that needed to be addressed were: At 40,00 participants, it was becoming an administrative burden for Health Canada The subsidy cost was becoming a bigger drain on Health Canada’s operating budgets There still was not enough accessibility for individuals seeking this treatment Having over a million plants being grown under personal license (often in residential settings) was a safety hazard and was leading to an increase in criminal activity in residential neighborhoods. There also were not enough enforcement tools for local law enforcements.

The quality and safety of medical marijuana grown was a growing concern (i.e. mold is a bigger safety issue than a person consuming too much).

They won’t admit it, but the potential for considerable tax revenue was not being realized under MMAR Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) MMAR is being replaced by the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) program. This new program went fully live on April 1, 2014. The basic premise of this new approach allows Health Canada to have more control over the program, increase accessibility, and earn significant tax revenue.

Effectively, Health Canada under MMPR will only license and regulate a small number of commercial producers. Individuals can no longer grow medical marijuana for themselves. As shown in the process chain diagram, Health Canada has completely removed itself from the medical marijuana sector in Canada except for its control over these new commercial scale producers (Prairie Plant Systems Inc. is licensed under MMPR and will now have competition).

Here is how a user gains access under MMPR: Step 1: An interested user gets a prescription from a licensed medical professional (same as before, but the medical professional has less liability and can prescribe it for a much broader range of ailments—no regulatory body decides what these ailments could be).

Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 55

“There are over 400 applications in the system awaiting Health Canada’s approval. ” Step 2: It is then up to the interested user to choose which producer to use.

Step 3: The producer verifies the prescription and dosage with the medical professional.

Step 4: The producer works with the verified user to find the appropriate strain(s) and can supply up to a one month supply of product via a licensed shipping company (i.e. FedEx).

If done properly, it can now take less than 24 hours from the prescription being written to the verified user receiving his/ her supply of marijuana. For producers, this is now a consumer branding exercise and attracting users with limited marketing tools and retaining these customers (it is a minor inconvenience for a user to switch producers) will be key.

Step 1

User

Doctor / Nurse

Step 4

The Bottlenecks There are over 400 applications in the system awaiting Health Canada’s approval. The vast majority of these applications will not meet the strict requirements to qualify for a license. If an applicant meets the requirements, it should technically get a production license. However, Health Canada can approve these at an unknown pace of its own choosing. This is the supply bottleneck.

There are currently 12 licensed producers under MMPR and we expect this number to increase significantly over the balance of this year.

Step 3

Producer Regular Back & Forth

Step 2

56 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

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The majority of medical professionals including Health Canada do not recognize marijuana as a legitimate treatment for any ailment. Also doctors and nurses are being asked to write prescriptions with little understanding of dosage and no detailed medical studies. These detailed studies cost hundreds of millions of dollars and take many years to conduct. They are also typically done by pharmaceutical companies who have little involvement in the medical marijuana business at present, so no one should expect similar studies in the near future. This is the demand bottleneck as the doctors and nurses are now the gate keepers to growing the market under this new program.

Size of Market Health Canada expects the current 40,000 participant count to increase at roughly 25% per year to arrive at 450,000 licensed users in 10 years, which would result in $1.3 billion in revenue for producers. We feel this projection is very conservative, since the growth rate from 2012/2013 was closer to 100% under the less effective MMAR program. The black market in Canada is several multiples larger than the existing MMAR user base. This black market is the true target of these new licensed producers who can offer the following advantages: • In most cases cheaper product • Greater number of strains • Higher and more consistent quality • A more convenient method of supply • The user is no longer breaking the law For these and other reasons (largely tied to less hurdles for doctors/nurses writing prescriptions), we expect the Canadian market to reach 450,000 licensed users in less than ten years.

The Injunction On March 22, 2014, a federal judge ruled that MMPR would put an undue economic hardship on MMAR users that are currently growing their own supply. The judge also put an injunction that prevents MMAR from expiring on March 31, 2014 until a new hearing is conducted to address this issue. This hearing will not happen for another 9-12 months. However, no MMAR licenses will be issued to new participants. On March 31, 2014, Health Canada launched an appeal challenging this injunction. If nothing else changes, licensed producers or hopeful applicants targeting these 40,000 licensed users under MMAR as the principal source of their initial customers under MMPR in 2014 are negatively impacted. Those producers principally targeting the black market and first time users who will have an easier time getting access to medical marijuana under MMPR are less affected.

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Investor Considerations Most investors can only gain exposure through investing in public companies. There are few ways to currently get this exposure on Canadian exchanges right now. There are a large number of stocks on US OTC exchanges that have performed very well in recent months and have exposure to marijuana markets in states like Colorado and Washington (includes exposure to recreational use as well). By and large these are very high risk investments with a large percentage of companies that will never achieve operational self-sufficiency.

The Canadian market is considerably more stable and transparent than what is happening in the US. Therefore our bias is towards Canadian exposure. The first licensed producer under MMPR is expected to start trading on a Canadian exchange during the first week of April. There will be others that will join it over the balance of 2014. For most investors we recommend waiting until the end of 2014 before making investments in this space (it is still early days with plenty of upside to take advantage of in the coming years). For those looking to get involved in small speculative investments in the near-term, we would recommend looking for the following attributes: • A company that is well capitalized before going public • Has a professional management team with public market experience that is supported with an experienced operational/ growing team • Has a defined customer service and branding strategy • Scale and properly structured first movers will have certain advantages • Producers with a large number of high quality strains will also be better positioned There are a large number of junior companies on Canadian and US exchanges (typically junior mining plays) that have recently announced their intention to “hunt” for Canadian medical marijuana licenses. The majority of these companies have no understanding or experience in this field. They are also working with a target market where most license holders have no interest in going public at this point. So the bulk of their negotiations are with other start-ups that have applications in to Health Canada.

We would avoid these stocks until there is clarity on legitimate license acquisitions.

Disclaimer The author of this article works for a full service investment bank that is actively involved with a large number of private and public/ go public medical marijuana companies. Additional information on this space including specific information on individual medical marijuana companies can be gained by contacting the author directly at kmalik@jacobsecurities.com.

Spring 2014 | Good Life Connoisseur 57

rrsp — iT’S TIME TO GET SERIOUS IN 2014

By Adrian Mastracci, Portfolio Manager, KCM Wealth Management Inc.

WEALTH

Connoisseur’s Choice

Y

ou’ve just finished taking care of your RRSP needs for the 2013 tax year. Hence, this is a great time to pay serious attention to your RRSP matters for 2014. One major goal is to make that portion of the nest egg last to age 90, or longer, for both spouses.

The venerable RRSP was introduced in 1957 as a $1,500 contribution. Since then, it has slowly and methodically developed into the primary foundation for family retirement plans.

Leading edge boomers are particularly attached to RRSPs. The self-employed too use the RRSP as the most important substitute for the lack of employer pension plans.

Individual RRSP account values often exceed $500,000. Of course, someone has to coordinate and steward the investments for the lifetime of the spouses.

• Three sound reasons to encourage and pursue RRSP accumulations stand out: • Long-term, tax deferred investment growth.

• Future income withdrawals, ideally at lower income tax rates.

• Deductions provide current income tax savings.

Get serious in 2014 about how the RRSP fits into your total plan. You will agree that there is much to synchronize all at once. Understanding the RRSP regime makes it easier to plan and coordinate your particular retirement marathon.

This methodology works best: • Reflect on what you need to accomplish for your retirement.

• Figure out what’s in your best interests before you take any action.

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Here is my four-prong approach.

1. Your 2014 RRSP Limit Your 2014 RRSP limit is 18% of your 2013 “earned income,” to a maximum of $24,270. This amount is reduced by your pension adjustment from your 2013 employment slip. Your past service contributions may also affect it.

Earned income for most people consists primarily of employer salary. It can also include income such as bonuses, commissions, business, professional, farming, along with net rental income. Note that rental losses reduce earned income; hence, the RRSP deposit.

“One family goal is to achieve similar taxation for each spouse during retirement.”

Maximum 2014 RRSP entitlement is reached with earned income of $134,800 in 2013. RRSP deposits must be made by March 01, 2015 to be deducted in your 2014 income tax filing.

Your allowable RRSP contribution room includes carry-forward amounts from previous years. A 1% monthly penalty applies to RRSP deposits that exceed allowable limits.

The CRA notice of assessment (NOA) from your 2013 tax filing calculates your 2014 RRSP room. Note that the allowable $2,000 over contribution amount is not included in your NOA room. Be careful if your NOA indicates you have unused RRSP contributions at bottom of that page. It usually means you’ve made some RRSP deposits that have not yet been deducted.

This table illustrates the progression of annual RRSP limits: Tax Year

RRSP Limit

Earned Income Required*

2011

$22,450

$124,700 in 2010

2012

$22,970

$127,600 in 2011

2013

$23,820

$132,300 in 2012

2014

$24,270

$134,800 in 2013

2015

$24,930

$138,500 in 2014

* Figures rounded.

2. Sensible RRSP Strategies A key strategy is to treat the RRSP as an integral part of your total game plan, not in isolation. Pay special attention to how the RRSP fits with your goals and objectives. A retirement projection is a good tool to start with. It estimates required savings injections, necessary capital and investment returns for your specific situation. www.facebook.com/GoodLifeConnoisseur

RRSP deposits can be made to your account, spousal, or combination of both. A family can also make all deposits to one spouse and later switch to the other. Spousal RRSPs can play a key part in equalizing a family’s retirement income. Especially, if one spouse will be in a low, or lower, income tax bracket during retirement.

One family goal is to achieve similar taxation for each spouse during retirement. Splitting of income that qualifies for the $2,000 pension income deduction also helps. The income split is an allocation decision that can be changed annually to suit your needs. The decision is made at income tax filing time.

You don’t have to make RRSP deposits every year. Unused RRSP room can be carried forward until funds are available. You can also make the allowable RRSP deposit and elect to deduct part or all in a future year. Be careful not to double count and create an over contribution exceeding $2,000. Deposits can be made in cash or “in kind.” However, be aware of the “deemed” disposition rules for “in-kind” contributions.

3. Our Sage RRSP Advice First, design and follow a well diversified investment plan suitable for you. Coordinate your RRSP investing approach with the rest of your portfolio. Location of investments in your various accounts is an important consideration. Some investments, like equities, may make more sense outside the RRSP. Never place income tax provisions ahead of sensible investment strategies. If investments don’t make sense without tax considerations, look elsewhere. Be fully aware of the investment risks incurred within your RRSP. Remember that capital losses can’t be used inside RRSPs. Capital gains are not taxed favourably in RRSPs as they are personally. Everything withdrawn from RRSPs is fully taxed as income. Understand the investments currently owned and being considered. Resist rushing into buying something if you’re not comfortable.

If you borrow, the interest paid on RRSP loans is not deductible.

It’s wise to repay RRSP loans quickly, preferably within one year.

Your tax refunds help.

4. Jump Start Your 2014 RRSP RRSP contributions for 2014 can be made until March 01, 2015.

There is no reason to wait to the last minute where funds are available. Your 2013 NOA will outline 2014 RRSP room. Form T1213 can be sent to CRA to reduce payroll taxes after your 2014 RRSP deposit is made.

Business owners and self-employed should start planning their 2014 “earned income”. Revisiting the 2014 remuneration composition helps the process. Business owners may also assess whether the Individual Pension Plan (IPP) suits better than the RRSP. The pros and cons of IPPs have to be weighed for each case. u

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If turning age 71 during 2014, you are subject to the rules converting the RRSP by December 31, likely to a RRIF. Hence, you can begin planning the RRSP conversion. Such conversions require all RRSP deposits to be made by December 31, 2014 unless there is a younger spouse. Lastly, making RRSP deposits early in the year achieves higher investment growth for your retirement.

It makes good sense to keep your RRSP strategies simple and smart. There is no need to over think the approach and make it complicated. Start by pursuing what you know and build on that platform. A second set of eyes may have merit. Investing is a logical exercise.

RRSPs are one vital cornerstone of the retirement puzzle. Get serious about your RRSP and treat it with special care, especially if you’re near or in retirement. I’ve highlighted that there is much to resolve and coordinate about your RRSP. The payoff is that you will be depending on it during your marathon of retirement.

Questions are always invited..

That is, the need to deliver better-than-expected results.

Quarter, after quarter, after every quarter! Analyst estimates and expectations have become benchmarks to match or beat for each quarter. A very tall order for any company, quarter in and quarter out.

Companies live or die under the magnifying glass comparisons to analyst figures. Investors often make sweeping portfolio changes based only on one quarter’s results. Heaven forbid when corporate margins shrink over several quarters. Dare to miss on revenues, profits or guidance and corporate fortunes can change very quickly.

Consequently, companies are always trying to manage analyst and investor expectations. Stock prices can easily slide if reported results don’t measure up to predictions.

Think for a moment about this Herculean task. Analyst estimates can be adjusted frequently, like a moving target. Delivering increasingly better quarterly results is neither easy nor realistic.

Investing lasts a lifetime; investor patience can boil over in one quarter.

Companies are in need of some relief for periodic slippage.

Longer term directions of the results are more important measures than one quarter’s results. Pursuing quarterly improvements is akin to the trader mentality. It does nothing to foster the long run investing approach.

“Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out,” said American chemist James Bryant Conant. Global economic headlines continue to show signs of a weak recovery.

Investors are anxious about sticking their necks out.

Stock and bond markets are confused. As the joke goes, figure out the logical investment move then do the opposite. Investing is not likely to be a cakewalk, so best to be fully prepared. Like the turtle, investors too may also be sticking their necks out.

A few simple steps help steer through the investing curves ahead. Expect to encounter more market volatility, in both directions. Design loss/gain and buy/sell strategies carefully in view of sudden price moves. If the overall tone of the future 60 Good Life Connoisseur | Spring 2014

guidance is cautious, markets can slip. If earnings forecasts point to added optimism, markets can move higher.

Some companies provide no guidance; others issue guidance that is easily achieved. Remember that revenue growth is the biggest challenge for companies in this environment. Uncertainty can muddy the markets all too quickly, so simplify the money matters. Look upon accepting short-term portfolio volatility as the tradeoff for long-term investing potential.

Position the portfolio for low returns to continue well past this year. Keep bond ladder maturities under five years and start selling longer maturities. Many portfolios fare better by reducing needless investment risks. Especially, those whose stocks and mutual funds exceed 60% of total portfolio value.

Prudent investors skip the fanciness and focus closely on where they are headed. For the rest of this year and thereafter. Investors have enjoyed a bull market since March 2009 without long corrections. However, many gurus think things could change.

Hordes of predictions are making the rounds. They run the gambit from substantial pullbacks, slowdowns, sideways steps and more upsides. All flavours can be heard on the same day. So, should investors be concerned? Is it time to jump ship? Perhaps, run and hide? Reality is that nobody really knows.

The right answer should be no, unless the nest egg is truly in tatters. A well-designed portfolio ought to ease investment jitters and concerns most times. A couple of smart moves improve retirement portfolios year-round in a pension-like fashion.

To borrow a phrase from a previous Ford advertising campaign, “quality is job one”. Serious money portfolios benefit from owning a healthy splash of quality. It’s wise to stick with quality investments, especially for the core selections. Make sure the portfolio foundations are fortified with quality. Both for the equity and fixed income mix.

It’s far too easy to trade in quality for the lure of higher yields.

The last few years have been brutal on fixed income returns, so it’s completely understandable. Just not always wise. Quality is a best friend of prudent long-term investors. Remember the phrase from children’s books that reads something like “slow and steady wins the race.”

In baseball, it’s preferable to get on base frequently rather than always aiming for home runs. The same applies to retirement portfolios. If some excitement must be part of the portfolio, carve out a small portion. Something that won’t hurt much if it crumbles.

Hitting investment home runs is exciting. However, trying to achieve high returns on a few hot selections is a low percentage strategy.

Strikeouts can inflict serious portfolio damage, often for a long time. So, limit exposures to single stock investments to sensible accumulations. Particularly, if the company is also the employer.

Individual stock levels above 4% raise the caution flags. Also refrain from loading up on the must have sizzling bandwagons of the day.

Adopt these moves for year-round investing. Keep your line of sight on how pension plans think and invest to deliver long run income for decades. Just don’t bet the farm for any reason. n www.GoodLifeConnoisseur.com

Culture WHEN 400 PENCILS ARE THE PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT

“Small space, little effort , big impact. ”

By Rebecca Rothney

M

y mother always told me that when you visit someone and experience their hospitality, you need to bring a hostess gift. This was one of the founding principles of Pack for a Purpose the global non-profit I founded four years ago.

During our first trip to Africa, my husband Scott and I realized that the airline allowed us 90kgs of checked luggage in addition to 18 kgs each of carryon bags. However, our safari, once we landed in Botswana only allowed 18 kgs of luggage per person. I realized that we could put our checked luggage allotment to good use by bringing a meaningful gift of appreciation to the host country on our next trip.

On our second trip to Africa, we planned to visit the Mabele Primary School near Kasane Botswana. As a former teacher of 12 years, I understood how difficult it can be to get school supplies for a classroom.

With help from Wilderness Safaris, a highly respected ecotourism operator in Southern Africa, we were able to identify items needed by the school, and delivered 64kgs of requested school supplies and soccer balls. It was enormously rewarding to be able to help the people in the community that had given us such a life-changing experience.

After several trips where we and friends delivered supplies to communities in Botswana and South Africa, I began to explore a way to include other travelers in this meaningful opportunity. When I asked our travel agent why other travelers did not use their luggage allotment this way, he simply told me other people did not think about it. I realized that if more travelers were involved, they could make a huge impact on the lives of those in need. In order for my idea to become a reality, I knew I would need assistance from many of my talented friends.

With their help, the Pack for a Purpose website went live in December of 2009. The process is simple: select a destination, find a lodging or nearby tour company, choose the supplies you wish to bring from the list of items they request, and then drop them off when you arrive. Pack for a Purpose currently partners with lodging destinations and tour companies to provide over 370 locations in over 50 countries. All lodgings or tour companies affiliated with Pack for a Purpose are delighted to accept supplies, regardless of whether or not a traveler is staying there.

Our all volunteer, nonprofit organization makes it very easy to make an impact in a meaningful way. Most travelers do not realize that by setting aside space for less than 3 kgs in their luggage, they can provide 400 pencils or five deflated soccer balls for a school or an orphanage. For the same weight, travelers can bring a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and 500 band-aids for a clinic. With that one stethoscope, a traveler can touch 10,000 hearts.

In the past four years, Pack for a Purpose has become a successful, impactful reality. Global travelers have brought over 14,000 kgs of supplies to community projects in over 50 countries around the world. We have received several awards including the Travel & Leisure Global Vision Award in 2012, and we were shortlisted for The Observer Ethical Award in the Travel category in 2013.

Pack for a Purpose’s motto is “Small space, little effort, big impact.” Before your next trip, I would encourage you to spend time exploring our website www.packforapurpose.org to see how easy it is to positively influence a community near your destination. Pack for a Purpose gives travelers a way to add value to their vacation, making sure the trip they take goes much farther than the miles they travel! n

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Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery

Stewart Stephenson painting the Flower “Sass” Series

STEWART STEPHENSON MODERN ART GALLERY

S

STEWART STEPHENSON, KISS MY SASS Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery, Vancouver, May 1 to June 1

tewart Stephenson was born in London, Ontario in 1966. Although arts played a dominant role throughout his life, he never received formal training. In 2011, this Vancouver-based multidisciplinary artist barreled into the Vancouver visual art scene with his unique perceptions and vivaciously joyful expressions of colour and light. Working within a diverse range of styles, Stephenson allows his emotional response to his surrounding to influence and guide his projects.

Currently Stephenson is immersed in a project that he holds very close to his heart. The show entitled Kiss My Sass, will feature works from his Flower Sass Series, taking these whimsical flowers to incredible heights and depths. Art is known to play a key role in promoting a safe and calming environment for those during the healing process. This is the reasoning behind Stephenson’s choice of his Flower Sass Series to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. A fundraising event will be held at the Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery at 1300 Robson Street on May 1st. Stephenson is also donating net proceeds of the sales of designated Sass paintings to support the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.

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Stephenson addresses the traditional floral scene with a vibrant and playful approach in his Flower “Sass” Series. He prompts the viewer to pause and look at the beauty of daily life with a slight smile. In his efforts to create a positive synergy with in his work, Stephenson blurs the line of what we know and what we believe.

Although seemingly quite simple, they demand a complex appreciation from the viewer, as one is left with a sense of warmth and well-being. Stephenson focuses on movement created with intense colours and bold lines in hopes to transcend the ordinary and move from the certain to the unbounded. Viewing his work is like stepping into another world, one that is light and full of laughter. A beautiful moment without traffic, deadlines or crowds; a moment to yourself. Stephenson maintains, “I conscientiously put forth an effort to produce art which visually establishes a positive relationship with the viewer. If I have aroused an emotion from the viewer, be it curiosity, wonder, pleasure or even humor, then I feel I have done my job as an artist.”

After experimenting with various finishes, Stephenson developed a unique system of applying hand-laid high gloss resin, resulting in a flawless museum quality finish.

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The glossy surface encourages the viewer’s interaction, prompting them to get up close and personal with the art. By adding this glasslike surface to his work, Stephenson delivers paintings in a nontraditional manner to test the boundaries of viewer’s perspectives and perceptions.

About The Gallery: Opening its’ doors in December 2012, Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery has become a hub for all things vibrant and funky in the Vancouver art scene.

Focusing on exhibiting innovative original works by local contemporary artists, the gallery Stewart and Rebecca Stephenson displays up to 200 local works at any given time.

The gallery is operated by Stewart Stephenson and his wife Rebecca Stephenson, Gallery Director, and is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

For more information on this artist or the upcoming exhibition please visit us at 1300 Robson Street or online www.stewartstephenson.com. n

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Lil Sass, 2012. Stewart Stephenson, mixed media on board, 36” x 50”

Gozo, 2013. Stewart Stephenson, mixed media on board, 48” x 96”

Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery 1300 Robson Street Vancouver BC V6E 1C5 Canada Phone: 1.877.ART.7100

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