In The News

A massive scholarship program in Saudi Arabia has led to an influx of international students in Canadian Universities. For the past 2 years Saudi Arabia has been footing the bill for about 62,000 students to attend foreign universities. Canada has quickly become a popular destination for the Saudi students (placing third after the United States and Britain). The Globe & Mail reports on the financial and cultural benefits this influx of students brings to Ontario's post-secondary institutions.

"In a small classroom at Toronto's York University, a handful of students gather each morning to practise their English."

"Saudi Arabia is a very safe country, so you can go anywhere," a young woman writes on the blackboard as they take up the day's lesson."

"In fact, all the students in this intensive language class are Saudis, here thanks to a decision by their government to pump billions of petrodollars into higher education. At York, the language school can't keep up with demand and has capped Saudi enrolment at 94 to comply with a policy that no single group should account for more than one-third of students."

"The scene at York is being duplicated across Canada as universities make the most of Saudi Arabia's massive scholarship program, which is footing the bill for about 62,000 students to attend foreign universities. Roughly 10,000 Saudi students are studying at Canadian institutions, including Dalhousie and the University of New Brunswick, and thousands more are on the way...It's a trend that promises needed relief for Canadian campuses as they struggle with funding shortfalls."

"Governments and schools are rolling out the welcome mat. At a recent fundraising dinner, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty looked to Australia, where educating foreign students is the country's third-largest industry, as an example to be emulated. "We could use the funds this generates to help expand our schools for our kids and create jobs," he said. "We could attract the best and brightest from around the world to study here."

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original source Globe & Mail

As reported by the Financial Times, academics from the University of Toronto are behind a study which found a correlation between wearing dark sunglasses and morally dubious behaviour. In partnership with the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina researchers from the Rotman School at the University of Toronto discovered through a series of experiments that wearing sunglasses consistently linked individuals with selfish behaviour. The findings of the study were recently published in Psychological Science.

"In a series of experiments, academics from the Rotman School at the University of Toronto and Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill discovered that wearing sunglasses - giving the illusion of darkness and a sense of anonymity led individuals to behave more selfishly. They also discovered that when faced with a series of tests linked to financial remuneration, those participants taking part in a darkened room tended to behave more dishonestly than those in a well-lit room."

"Across three studies we found that darkness, induced by room dimness or sunglasses, licensed self-interested and cheating behaviour. In addition, an illusory sense of anonymity seems to mediate this licensing effect of darkness." say the academics.""Darkness appears to induce a false sense of concealment, leading people to feel that their identities are hidden."

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original source Financial Times

The Toronto Star recently ran a feature on Fit Chicks, the enormously successful Toronto-based women's fitness company. Launched by two friends in September 2008 the company boast fitness classes at 13 locations across the GTA serving approximately 1,500 customers.

"In March 2008, best friends Laura Jackson and Amanda Quinn were in their townhouse chatting about the fitness classes � from belly dancing to hip hop � they had tried over the years. That night, the newly certified personal trainers decided to design a fitness program combining the best elements of all the classes."

"Fit Chicks, which launched in September 2008, runs fitness classes for women at 14 locations � 13 in the Greater Toronto Area and one in Ottawa. The company has 15 employees and nearly 1,500 women have enrolled in Fit Chicks' four-week programs. About 70 per cent return for additional sessions."

"Unlike traditional gyms, which own a particular building, Fit Chicks rents space in community centres, school gyms and churches. In warmer months, classes are held in parks. Renting hourly space keeps the company's costs down. It also lets Fit Chicks easily add classes in new locations as demand grows."

"The duo has some big plans for the company. By early 2011, Fit Chicks will be national, with bootcamp classes in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax."

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original source Toronto Star

A recent piece in the New York Times looks at the booming Toronto housing industry and the best real-estate available in the downtown core.

"In stark contrast to the sagging residential markets of most major international cities, the Toronto skyline is a gallery of giant cranes in action. Buildings are going up left and right, and prices are rising accordingly."

"It's the first time in my career where I'm starting to not recognize addresses because of the pace of development," said Steven Fudge, the sales agent for the property featured here, who has worked in Toronto real estate for 20 years. "It's absolutely phenomenal."

"In 2008, in the middle of the economic downturn, many Canadians chose not to put their properties on the market, which prevented housing prices from dropping significantly. In addition, Canadian banks lowered interest rates. Soon afterward, the market began its revival."

"Now that everyone thinks we're out of the woods, coupled with historically low interest rates, there is a furor to get into the market," said Paul Johnston, a downtown Toronto-based agent with Right at Home Realty."

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original source the New York Times

As reported by the Washington Post, television and film production companies spent nearly C$1 billion in Ontario last year, the highest level since 2002. A new provincial credit "that gives foreign moviemakers a 25 percent tax break on a range of production costs"  is credited with Toronto 's continued role world-centre for film and television production even as the strong Canadian dollar threatens Toronto's "competitive edge".

"Toronto, long a movie stand-in for New York, has led Ontario to an impressive rebound in the cutthroat film and television sector, but a strong Canadian dollar could dull the region's competitive edge."

"The industry spent nearly C$1 billion ($970 million) in Ontario last year, up 41 percent from 2008 and the highest level since 2002, according to the Ontario Media Development Corp, an agency of the provincial government."

"The rise reflected a hefty new provincial credit that gives foreign moviemakers a 25 percent tax break on a range of production costs, up from 25 percent on only eligible labor costs previously."

"But filmmakers say a stronger Canadian dollar could offset some of the gains, as the currency climbs toward parity with its U.S. counterpart."

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original source Washington Post

As reported by Exchange Magazine, the Waterloo-based software giant Open Text will hire as many as 400 workers at Ontario locations over next five years.  The new jobs -- to be spread between Waterloo, Richmond Hill and Ottawa -- come as part of the company's $225-million product development plan.

"One of the drivers for this investment is the digital media sector which offers opportunity for growth and innovation," said president and chief executive John Shackleton of Open Text."

"The Ontario government will contribute $33.75 million to the initiative."

"This is a strategic investment that anchors Open Text's operations in the province and furthers Ontario's reputation as a leader in digital media and information and communications technology," said Sandra Pupatello, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Trade."

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original source Exchange Magazine

"Mancakes" -- cupcakes designed especially for men -- is the newest term to enter the baking lexicon. The New York Times reports on the emergence of "manly" cupcakes in an attempt to dispel the notion that the dessert is intrinsically feminine. The article highlights Toronto's "For the Love of Cake" as being on the forefront of the cupcake's newest incarnation.

"Containing everything from bacon to beer, so-called "manly cupcakes" are a tongue-in-cheek response to the apparently too-prissy offerings that dominate display cases. As a female observer wryly put it on the blog Jezebel: "Pink frosting and/or sprinkles cause testicular shrinkage. Men just can't be too careful."

Of course, nobody's seriously suggesting baked goods are gendered. But by riffing on sexual stereotypes, business owners have uncovered a rich new market for cupcakes with cojones.

"In Toronto, For the Love of Cake has seen...a frenzy over its "mancakes," whose four available flavours are in such high demand that the shop has to keep two in the daily cupcake rotation at all times."

"It's been a great way of getting guys interested in cupcakes," says cakemaster Genevieve Griffin, whose hyper-masculine creations evoke images of Betty Crocker with a lip full of Skoal. "Anything with bacon or beer goes over really well with men."

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original source the New York Times

Restaurant and bars across the GTA were packed to the brim this Sunday, as Torontonains gathered to watch the Canadian men's hockey win a gold medal against the United States. As reported by the CBC, Toronto entrepreneur Scott McDonald found a way to funnel the hockey enthusiasm for a good cause. McDonald established a city-wide event called the "Golden Game" that saw over 100 bars, restaurants and clubs across the Toronto raise money on Sunday afternoon for athletic charities.

"Scott McDonald, a local entrepreneur, will use Toronto's passion for hockey to try to raise money for two athletic charities. He's behind a city-wide event called the Golden Game, which encourages bars and restaurants showing the game to raise money for the Canadian Athletes Now Fund and the Right To Play Foundation."

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original source CBC News

Josh Title, owner of the one-year-old Toronto-based company, Cate & Levi, has created his own niche in the toy making industry through his wholly innovative approach to product design. As reported by the Globe & Mail, Title, with the help of his two employees, creates original and eco-conscious products by transforming "old sweaters into whimsical, handmade, one-of-a-kind children's toys and artwork".

"Unlike many toy manufacturers, Mr. Title doesn't offshore production. Just as in his grandfathers' era, when Spadina Avenue was known as much for manufacturing as kosher delis, Mr. Title makes his products in Toronto.

Manufacturing locally "is sort of a lost art," he says. But there are benefits to it. "Within the kids' market, there is value attached to being made in Canada. People associate that with quality," the entrepreneur says.

"We sell to customers who care about one of three tenets: made in Canada, eco-conscious and/or one-of-a-kind."

"In the company's studio, which is on the second floor of a red brick building near Dovercourt and Dupont, three graduates of the Ontario College of Art and Design transform discarded sweaters into colourful hand puppets, artwork and stuffed animals of various shapes and sizes."

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original source Globe & Mail

Toronto is a leader in cleantech organization clusters, according to a list published last week by the Cleantech Group. Toronto organizations MaRS and the Ontario Clean Water Initiative both made the cut on a list that ranks the world's "Top 10 cleantech cluster organizations for 2010". 

"... a cleantech cluster organization as an economic development organization aimed at growing jobs in a specific geographic region. Among a cleantech cluster's main goals are to promote innovation and investment."

"MaRS provides business advice and mentorship, market intelligence, entrepreneurship education, seed capital and access to critical talent, customer and partner networks...."

"The Ontario Clean Water Initiative is a collaboration of organizations dedicated to developing Ontario as a global center of expertise for safe, clean, affordable and sustainable water and sanitation solutions. Ontario has considerable water related assets, from one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world to a strong regulatory regime, an internationally recognized research community, and an established track record in world class water tech (e.g. ZENON, acquired by GE, and Trojan Technologies)."

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original source CleanTech Group

The TTC's $1.2 billion contract with Bombardier to replace its 204 again streetcars has led to fierce competition to snatch up a "lucrative piece" of the contract. As reported by the Toronto Star, if Vaughan company Sherwood Electromotion, wins the contract to assemble all or part of the motors for the new fleet of streetcars, hundreds of new GTA jobs would be created.

"Richard Williams, a project manager at Bombardier Transportation, said three companies � Sherwood, which is primarily a motor repairer and refurbisher, IEC Holden, a motor manufacturer, and Toronto-based Ainsworth Inc., a supplier of electrical, communications, mechanical and control systems � have all been "very entrepreneurial" in trying to win a piece of the streetcar prize."

"All were very aggressive in trying to get into Bombardier because this is a huge contract; it's (believed to be) the biggest tram contract in the history of the world, 204 (cars and) there might be more coming," he said, adding the car produced "could be used as a platform for the North American market."

"There is no requirement in the contract for GTA jobs but "naturally if we can re-invest the monies into the Toronto area, naturally that's greatly appreciated by the customer and by everybody," he said.

"Last June, after Toronto city council passed a motion to ratify the deal which will see the "light rail vehicles" built in Thunder Bay, Mayor David Miller told reporters: "This is probably my proudest moment as mayor of Toronto."

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full story Toronto Star

A feature on InsideToronto.com, looked at the success of the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) in jump-starting the careers of emerging local designers. The 16-year old non-profit organization helps young fashion entrepreneurs grow their business by providing affordable workspace, mentorship and industry connections.

"The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) is a non-profit organization that helps young entrepreneurs start and grow a fashion business, said Susan Langdon, executive director of TFI for the last 16 years. Langdon said any one involved in fashion - from fashion, accessory and jewelry designers to stylists and bridal consultants - can be a TFI resident."

"Residents get the benefit of using one of TFI's 10 in-house studios, which are leased yearly for $275 to $500 per month, are able to use their machinery and space, but more importantly, Langdon said receive the benefit of being surrounded by like-minded people who are there to support and mentor them."

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original source InsideToronto

Toronto's National Home Show, the largest and longest running show of its kind in Canada ended its ten day-run last week on February 28th.  As reported by Epoch Times, this year's exhibition--housed at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place--featured companies and design-celebrities from around the world.

"The home show, which runs from Feb. 19-28 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, aims to inspire, present new ideas and products, and bring consumers in touch directly with retailers, contractors, and designers. The "everything under one roof" approach of the show allows visitors to research, ask questions, find contractors and even buy products without the extra travel."

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original source Epoch Times

A BlogTo interview with Toronto entrepreneur Dufflet Rosenberg's reveals what the pastry chef loves about her hometown. Rosenberg is the owner and founder of Dufflet Pastry, arguably the most recognizable name in the Toronto dessert scene.

"There are few ways to elicit delight more reliably than by announcing that you've brought 'Dufflet's' for dessert. Self-taught and self-assured, Toronto's very own 'Queen of Cake' Dufflet Rosenberg has been helping people make people happy for nearly three decades now. A staple at weddings around town--let alone the hundreds of restaurants, cafes and shops--the desserts of Dufflet Pastries are synonymous with celebrating the sweeter things in life."


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original source BlogTo

As reported on by the National Post, George Brown College broke ground this month on the $175-million Waterfront Campus that will go up at the foot of Sherbourne Street, south of Queens Quay. When completed the campus is expected to liven up the waterfront by bringing a diversity of uses (i.e food, study space, workout facilities) into what would otherwise be a sea of condos.

"George Brown, using $61.5-million in provincial money, $30-million from Ottawa, and its own money plus fundraising dollars, plans two buildings totalling half a million square feet, on land the school will lease from the City of Toronto."

"The first college building, closest to Lake Ontario, will house nursing, dental, health and wellness, gerontology  and other programs."

The school wants to talk to the city about teaming up to design the second building, which will house a gym -- open to the public evenings and weekends -- along with, potentially, a community centre. A street, known right now as Dockside Drive, will bisect the two buildings, east-west."

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original source National Post