North York Central Library Blog

National Day of Mourning - Remembering lives lost or injured in the workplace

In 1991, the federal government officially started recognizing April 28 as the National Day of Mourning after passing a Mourning Day Act  on February 1, 1991. This important day commemorates workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace as well as reminding us all to be committed to preventing further deaths and injuries by improving health and safety in the workplace. 

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) In 2011, 919 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada and between 1993 to  2011 17, 061 people lost their lives due to work-related causes. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) 2.02 million people die each year world wide from work related diseases 321,000 from workplace accidents, which means that:

• Every 15 seconds someone dies from a work related accident or disease

The National day of Mourning also known as Workers' Memorial Day is now recognized by approximately 80 countries around the world including: Argentina, Belgium, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Gibralter Panama, Peru, United States and many other countries. Workers' Memorial day was actually created by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in 1984. The CUPE website has honoured a few of the CUPE workers who have lost their lives since the last National Day of Mourning in 2012:

• Sylvain Ferland, 49, was killed in an accident while driving a bus in Montreal, Quebec.
• Normand Gauthier, 53, a longshoreman was killed during loading operations on a Europe bound ship in Port of Matane, Quebec. He leaves behind a wife and 3 children .
• Claude Picard, 48, a linesman who worked for Hydro Quebecwas killed after falling 13 meters while working on a hydro pole Saint-Félix-de-Valois, Quebec. He leaves behind a wife and a daughter.
• Hubert Fortin, 67, was killed when he was struck by a roller coaster at La Ronde, a Montreal amusement park where he was working. 
• Tara Lynn Veri, was killed when her car was hit by a cement truck. She was from Simcoe, Ontario. 

In international news, there are far more fatalities, our standards and regulations for health and safety are quite high in North America.  Just this past week there was a factory that collapsed killing over 200 people, I was watching CBC news yesterday and they said they are still pulling out bodies from the rubble, for more information you can read this article. Below is a video from CBC about improving unsafe work conditions overseas.  

 

 

Tomorrow, April 28 businesses are being encouraged to recognize this day and to remember to make worker health and safety a priority. There will be special ceremonies all over the country and in Parliament Hill the Canadian flag will be held at half mast. At the Toronto Public Library 2 minutes of silence will be observed to remember worker's lives which have been lost. In the business department on the 4th floor at North York Central Library, one of the librarians has made a beautiful display to honor the National day of Mourning. You should go up and take a look - here's a sneak peek:

National Day of Mourning Display - Business Department

At North York Central Library the Law books are held in the Business Department, we also have a lot of legal directories and leaflets. If you are looking for books on occupational health and safety, worker rights, joint health and safety committees etc. you can find them up on the fourth floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reveal the 8 Universal Truths about Your Money

 

 

 

Even though Money Matters Month is technically over here at North York Library we still have one more personal finance program to offer you 8 Universal Truths about Your Money: The Basics of Financial Planning

Tom Hamza, President of the non-profit Investor Education Fund (IEF) will discuss eight Universal Money Truths that apply to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Learn practical tips on budgeting, saving, borrowing, investing, and protecting your money from fraud.

FREE. Call 416-395-5613 to register.

Monday, March 27, 2013

6:30-8:00pm

Auditorium

There are a lot of great resources and tips on the IEF website for people in all financial stages of life. The IEF provides unbiased programs and tools to help consumers make better financial and investing decisions. Of course, you can always visit the North York Central Library's Business Department on the 4th floor and check out all of our personal finance, investment and economics books, DVDs, databases and newsletters. The staff at the reference desk are always happy to help you!

It's tax time! Let us help you Solve the Mysteries of Income Tax

The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.

-Albert Einstein.

Like it or not, it's that time of year again, tax time! As you can see even Albert Einstein, deemed one of the smartest men in history also had a hard time understanding taxes. Not to worry, the library is here to help. If you come visit us in the Business Department department up on the fourth floor, we have some free booklets prepared by Ontario's Certified General Accountants called Your Personal Tax Planning Guide. Every year we receive these booklets around January, just in time for you to start preparing your taxes. You can also view this free publication online as a PDF.

It seems as if every year there is something new which we have to learn and include in our taxes. One of the nice features of the free booklet I mentioned above is that it includes a section called Major 2012 Federal and Provincial Changes Affecting Individuals. One of the major changes this year is that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is no longer mailing income tax and benefit packages, we are all being encouraged to file online. However, this doesn't mean that you can't file your taxes on paper you can request a paper package, and it will still be accepted. You can also call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 (press * star key to speak with an agent).

At North York Central Library, we have our annual income tax clinic:

This is a FREE, community income tax program provided by Certified General Accountants, using software supplied by Canada Revenue Agency. It is available to single persons with incomes under $30,000 or families with an income of under $35,000. Qualified accountants will help individuals to fill out their 2012 Income Tax Returns. Interest income must be under $1000. Sessions are on a First come/First served basis.

Please note clinic dates & times:

Saturdays, March 2, March 9, April 6, April 20, & April 27 - Hours are 10:00am-5pm, last client taken at 4:15pm. Concourse level.

Thursdays, March 7, March 14, March 28, April 11 & 25 - Hours are 6:00pm-8:30pm, last client taken at 7:45pm. Concourse Level.

Please call 416-395-5614 after Jan. 28, 2013 if you need more information.

If you have mobility issues, you can contact Wheel-Trans Customer Service at 416-393-4111 to arrange to be picked up or you can even book a wheel trans trip online. 

There are other tax clinics available all across Ontario, the CRA has a great list of Volunteer Tax Preparation Clinics. Also, 211toronto.ca has a list of clinics available across the GTA. If you come up to the Business Department, our staff will be happy to assist you with questions you may have about your income tax, we have a great deal of resources to help you or we can direct you to other places which may help you.

Don't forget that there are always books available to help you prepare your taxes as well if you'd like to do your taxes on your own, here's a couple you can take a peek at:

 

                                                 

                                      

      

Gordon Pape, Canadian Personal Finance Expert will also be coming to North York Central Library next Monday evening to present his program Retirement's Harsh New Realities where he'll discuss important things every Canadian should know including information about minimizing your taxes and protecting your financial future. 

All the best with your taxes!

Check your Stocks with Value Line, now available online anywhere!

Today as I was working extra hours at the Don Mills Library, a man asked me if he could see the Value Line Records and Ratings Reports. When I presented him with the large binder, he was disappointed to find that the latest print issue was from November. I asked him if he knew that the database was available online and he didn't. At both my home branch North York Central Library and the Toronto Reference Library the Value Line Research Centre Database has been available online for the past year. However, for the past few months the database has been available online, anywhere even the comfort of your own home as long as you have an active library card. 

Value Line has been around since the 1931 and was discovered by Arnold Berhnhard it is one of the most trusted and popular investment reports that the Toronto Public Library subscribes to. Value Line provides stock reports and covers most actively traded U.S. exchange-listed stocks, small and mid-cap stocks, mutual funds, options, convertibles and special situations.

Here's an example of one of the reports you would see from Value Line, this is the Boeing December 14, 2012:

You can also analyze specific industries (onlne not in print), historical stock tracking, analysts views and newsletters. It is very important to do your research it could be the difference between you making a great deal or losing it.  For more information on other great sources with company information to make you a savvy investor check out my colleague Teresa's blog Thinking of investing in an IPO? It pays to do your homework.

Value Line also has an excellent website, with a wealth of information including video commentary, new videos are added on monthly basis, check this one out it's about the investment outlook for the company KRAFT (KFT)

Remember, you can always stop by the business department at either North York Central Library or Toronto Reference Library to look at other great investment resources.

Small Business Month may be over, but our Small Business Programs aren't!

Even though small business month is technically in October, in the Business Department at North York Central Library we decided to extend it until the end of the year! Did you know that in Ontario roughly half of us work for small and medium size enterprises (SME's), and they generate approximately $250 million annually?

"Small business owners and entrepreneurs are truly exemplary Ontarians. After all, they are key contributors to innovation, investment and job creation in every part of our province. They are the drivers of our economy, and while we pay special tribute to them this month, their efforts are felt year round."

- Harinder Takhar - Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship

We know that every year our patrons look forward to our annual small business month programs. Based on your feedback, we've realized that a lot of people wondered why small business programs were limited to October so we've got more planned for you entrepreneurs. We understand that finding the right information for your small business can be difficult and sometimes costly. All of the programs offered at the library are free, so why not stop by and learn something new?

Here's what's coming up in November:

Hot or Not: How to Know if Your Business Idea Will Fly or Fail

Sean Wise a Ryerson Professor, author and past Dragon's Den coach will discuss ideas based on his 2012 bestseller. 

There are many copies of the book available at the library, check it out:

 

 

Best Business Tools  

Miriam Tuerk our first ever Entrepreneur in Residence will discuss both cost and time effective productivity tools. This program was actually rescheduled. Originally it was scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2012, however due to illness, the program will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 in the Concourse.

                     
                          

And this is what's on in December:

  Why Privacy Makes Good Business Sense        

Any business owner who collects, uses or keeps personal information about clients has a responsibility to protect this information according to guidelines set out in the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Lonny Kates from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada will teach you how to keep your business in compliance with the law.

 

 From Renos to Riches

Ian Szabo, is an expert house flipper and author of the only Canadian title in the field of investing in renovations From Renos to Riches: The Canadian Real Estate Investor's Guide to Practical and Profitable Renovations.  Learn about house flipping, the Canadian way.

 

You can check out the book too:

 

Please call 416-395-5613 to register, hope to see you!

 

 

The Business of Fitness, Check out this new magazine!

                                         

                                                                      Fitness Then

    Want to know more about the fitness industry in Canada? We have a new fitness industry magazine in the Business Department at North York Central Library called Fitness Business Canada! Fitness Business Canada is the only national magazine serving fitness professionals throughout the health/fitness industry in Canada. Fitness has evolved over the years from Jane Fonda's aerobics videos, Sweatin' to the Oldies with Richard Simmons, Suzanne Somer's Thigh master to Yoga, the extreme Crossfit Kettlebell training (I've tried it - it's intense) and Zumba. Just like everything else, there are trends in the fitness world.

 

                                 
                                                                       Fitness Now

    The magazine is full of interesting articles primarily for people in the industry. The articles range in topic from sales strategies for success for fitness club owners, new fitness trends, new products and equipment from fitness industry suppliers. Whether you're in the fitness industry or just interested in what's new in the fitness world - you should take a peek at this magazine.

I looked over the March/April issue, I was interested in the article on the cover Dispelling Weight Training Myths - one myth that was dispelled was that weight training makes you inflexible - apparently not. DId you know that Olympic weightlifters are the second most flexible athletes next to gymnasts? Here's a peek at some of the other interesting articles: 

The State of the Global Fitness Industry 2012 - The Economy and weather disasters are just two factors that have affected the buy in to fitness.

Motivational Closing - Help your team members improve their closing ratios.

The Power of Group Exercise - It's a sales tool and a retention tool, and for some members its the only reason they go to the gym. Let a strong group exercise program create the fans your club needs to succeed.

One nice feature of the magazine is that each issue has a section called "FBC Trainers" which features articles for fitness trainers such as The Fitness Professional's Quick Guide to Menopause. Even if you aren't a trainer, the information could be useful for your own workouts.

To check out other Fitness Business Canada magazines, come visit the Business Department on the 4th floor at North York Central Library and as they used to say on  Participaction "keep fit and have fun!".

 

 

 

 

                          

 

 

Discover Toronto's Neighbourhoods - One Click at a Time!

The Beautiful Downtown Toronto illuminated at night

The City of Toronto (aka, Hogtown, "The City of Neighbourhoods" or "The City that works") is the largest city in Canada, the provincial capital of Ontario and part of Southern Ontario's Golden Horseshoe. It is a city known for its diversity, abundance of culture/arts, having a population of over 2.7 million people who speak over 100 languages! Personally, one of the things that I love most about Toronto is the neighbourhoods - there are over 240 of them!

Some of Toronto's 240 neighbourhoods.

 

Next month - June, is Senior's Month and at North York Central Library, the Business department is hosting a program called Neighbourhoods at Your Fingertips :

In this session Cynthia Fisher from Toronto Reference Library will discuss how to use the City of Toronto's website to discover your neighbourhood and find out about services, programs and special events from the site's seniors' portal. Learn to pay a bill, who your Councillor is and much more. All are welcome. Call 416-395-5613 to register.

June 7, 3:00-4:30pm, Auditorium.

 

 

Are you an Ecofriendly Traveller?

A car powered by 100% vegetable oil 

Ride the new rocket!

This morning as I was riding the sleek new Bombardier rocket style TTC, I was thinking "perfect timing, tonight is our program" Transit Around the World featuring author Taras Grescoe. I love the design of the new subways, they're nice and clean, spacious, you can walk from one end to the other, the list goes on.

 

How about a bike ride through the city?

For those of you who don't know April is Keep Toronto Reading month at the library, with over 100 events happening at library branches. We're asking you what you're reading and where? Tonight from 7:00 - 8:30, we are focusing on the theme of public transit with Taras Grescoe who wrote Straphanger a book focussing on the post-automobile age. Over the weekend there was an interesting article in the Globe & Mail titled Global Gridlock about the book Straphanger. So, a straphanger is someone who is a lifelong user of public transport which many of us are in Toronto - I just finished driving school at the ripe old age of 26 and a lot of my friends don't drive either.

So, come join us tonight and learn about the post-automobile age (unless of course you drive a car that's powered by 100% vegetable oil). How do you stay eco friendly?

 

♫ 'Tis the season to save money, fa la la...♫

So, the holiday season has come and gone and unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to escape spending more money than usual in December and around holiday time. The temptation to spend is very hard to resist especially with the endless sales. There are gifts to buy, holiday outings, food to make - yummy...I hope you all had a happy holiday and wish you all good things for the New Year!

I don't know about the rest of you but this past November I was surprised when I realized what a big deal Black Friday was in Canada. Black Friday is an American shopping holiday, which is a day after their Thanksgiving and there are some serious sales; customers lining up hours before, mall stampedes - pepper spray may be required (kidding!). Not to mention Cyber Monday two days later - which is a day of online sales to end the weekend of shopping.

I was reading an article on holiday spending in the Canadian Huffington Post and it was predicted that Canadians were going to spend 7% more this holiday season than they did in 2010. Sometimes after the holidays our bills tend to be bigger and our wallets emptier. But, don't despair even though the shopping season is over there is still hope for your wallet in 2012. Here are a few tips:

Automate your investments and savings.

Most financial institutions offer automatic withdrawals on specified dates from your bank account. When you don't have to think about putting money away, the money is never in your hands - so it is more difficult to spend it. Some workplaces also offer automatic payroll deductions to investments like Canada Savings Bonds. Ask your bank or employer for more information. 

Make your children become financially literate.

Give your children (or children you know if you don't have your own) the gift of investment - stocks, bonds etc for the next holiday. Even if they are young they may thank you later when they're using the money for tuition, car, or other large purchase. Also, you can teach them the value of owning savings and assets at an early age so they may do it themselves in the future. 

BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET.

It is simple, when you plan your purchases and your savings - you're more likely to put money away. There are a lot of budgeting tools available online, some are even available as apps you can download to your mobile device. I use Mint - a free online money manager which allows you to see all of your accounts, categorizes transactions and helps you budget and invest - pretty easy!

Use Cash$$$

Besides not being able to immediately see how much money you actually have, when you use a debit card sometimes there are hidden fees like Point of Sale (POS) - which is sometimes charged when you use your PIN at a retailer. Also, cash is accepted everywhere - make it easier for yourself.

Make a Christmas list for 2012 early and shop early through out the year

If you spread out your shopping throughout the year, you won't have to cram all your holiday purchases between November and December. Take advantage of sales and clearances throughout the year so you don't have to experience the holiday shopping frenzy.

Visit the library - educate yourself on finance, in 2012 at North York Central Library we kick off the year with our Personal Finance Series, here's a sneak peek of our upcoming programs:

Making Your Mortgage Work for You - Tuesday, January 24, 2012/ 6:30 - 8:00pm/ Auditorium
Where to Invest Your RRSP Money -  Thursday, January 26, 2012/ 6:30 - 8:00pm/ Auditorium
Home Sweet Home Buying: Exploring Your Options - Thursday, February 9, 2012/ 6:30 - 8:00pm/ Auditorium
Top Ten Tax Saving Strategies - Tuesday, February 28, 2012/ 6:30 - 8:00pm/ Auditorium
Newcomers to Canada and Income Tax- Tuesday, March 6, 2012/ 6:30 - 8:00pm/ Auditorium 

Hope to see you there - Happy New Year and all the best this 2012. If you have any of your own budgeting tips, feel free to share!