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A few people worth remembering from 2012

Written By Unknown on Senin, 31 Desember 2012 | 22.46

Here's a look at a few people who you might not have noticed who helped tell the story of Hamilton in 2012.

  • "Words can't really describe it, but I feel happy." - Devin Scullion

    Devin Scullion, the Hamilton 16-year-old who is living with progeria — a rare disease that causes rapid aging. Thanks to his involvement in a U.S. drug trial, his heart has gone from resembling that of an elderly person to being the healthy heart of a 16-year-old boy. His bones, his weight and hearing have also improved and he's getting stronger ever day.

    Devin Scullion, the Hamilton 16-year-old who is living with progeria — a rare disease that causes rapid aging. Thanks to his involvement in a U.S. drug trial, his heart has gone from resembling that of an elderly person to being the healthy heart of a 16-year-old boy. His bones, his weight and hearing have also improved and he's getting stronger ever day.

  • "I'm petrified of what the future holds." - Katherine Richards, Brayden's mother

    Brayden Richards, the Hamilton baby who has suffered from an undiagnosed mystery disease since birth. He has had no ability to gag, cough or swallow and suffers from muscle disfunctions and limited movement. There have been numerous neurological, genetic and metabolic tests done on Brayden, but none has solved the mystery.

    Brayden Richards, the Hamilton baby who has suffered from an undiagnosed mystery disease since birth. He has had no ability to gag, cough or swallow and suffers from muscle disfunctions and limited movement. There have been numerous neurological, genetic and metabolic tests done on Brayden, but none has solved the mystery.

  • "We're a smaller band from Hamilton trying to go on Letterman and it was pretty incredible the response we got." - Simon Edwards, vocalist for Of Gentlemen and Cowards

    Of Gentlemen and Cowards, the Hamilton band that got the chance to preform their song,

    Of Gentlemen and Cowards, the Hamilton band that got the chance to preform their song, "Save Me" on the Late Show with David Letterman. Guitarist Christian Fedele, drummer Jake Warren, vocalist Simon Edwards and bassist Josh Dawson — all McMaster University students — got the opportunity after winning a contest.

  • "It was very generous. He was like Santa Claus." - Wilma Stolk, one of the tenants at the home

    The anonymous Good Samaritan who bought a week's worth of groceries for a local group home when he saw one of its staff members shopping. He stepped out of line, paid for the groceries and simply went on his way. The home was one of the Homestead Christian Care Centres, which provides affordable housing and support services.

    The anonymous Good Samaritan who bought a week's worth of groceries for a local group home when he saw one of its staff members shopping. He stepped out of line, paid for the groceries and simply went on his way. The home was one of the Homestead Christian Care Centres, which provides affordable housing and support services.

  • "Now I see she was tormented more than I realized. She hid it well because she didn't want to bother anybody. That was Emily." - Cathy Jerome, Emily's mother

    Emily Jerome, the Saltfleet teen who commited suicide after being pushed to the brink by school bullying. Though not formally diagnosed, the teen struggled with suicidal thoughts for months, making a previous attempt earlier that year. Four months later, on June 16, fellow Saltfleet students Irn Mace and Alex McCormick fell from the Jolley Cut in what police eventually determined to be a joint suicide, spurring the community to talk about mental health and how to help struggling teens.

    Emily Jerome, the Saltfleet teen who commited suicide after being pushed to the brink by school bullying. Though not formally diagnosed, the teen struggled with suicidal thoughts for months, making a previous attempt earlier that year. Four months later, on June 16, fellow Saltfleet students Irn Mace and Alex McCormick fell from the Jolley Cut in what police eventually determined to be a joint suicide, spurring the community to talk about mental health and how to help struggling teens.

  • "It shouldn't be a token example; I shouldn't be the only one. It should be a normal thing because I want to be one of many." - Siobhan Stewart

    Siobhan Stewart, McMaster's first black student union president. The fifth-year anthropology student is an accomplished and active member of the community. She has tutored young kids at the Globe in downtown Hamilton, helped new immigrants improve their English, and is writing a review on the Good Shepherd Notre Dame House Meal Program for a social research project — all the while spending quality time with the organization's street-involved youth.

    Siobhan Stewart, McMaster's first black student union president. The fifth-year anthropology student is an accomplished and active member of the community. She has tutored young kids at the Globe in downtown Hamilton, helped new immigrants improve their English, and is writing a review on the Good Shepherd Notre Dame House Meal Program for a social research project — all the while spending quality time with the organization's street-involved youth.

  • "The saying in our family was 'you rise above,' and that came from what my great-grandfather did. It doesn't matter what life hands you, you rise above it." -Nerene Virgin, a great-granddaughter of Holland, and an organizer of the event

    The Holland Family, descendants of a fugitive slave who reunited in Hamilton this summer. Thomas John Holland was only 15 when he made the dangerous two-month trip to seek refuge in Hamilton. In July, the distant relatives came together to celebrate their ancestor in the city where he found freedom.

    The Holland Family, descendants of a fugitive slave who reunited in Hamilton this summer. Thomas John Holland was only 15 when he made the dangerous two-month trip to seek refuge in Hamilton. In July, the distant relatives came together to celebrate their ancestor in the city where he found freedom.

  • "Basically, it felt like I was drugged for an entire month. I was confused about a lot of things. I looked at my (school) notes and my notes weren't written properly. And my notes are always neat and I always write everything down." - Kaitlyn Terrana

    Kaitlyn Terrana, the Hamilton teen who suffers from 'sleeping beauty syndrome,' a fairy tale name for a debilitating syndrome. She experiences six-week cycles in which she has no choice but to take to her bed, slumbering for about 10 days at a time. There is no known cure for the condition, also called Klein-Levin syndrome, but sufferes often grow out of it once they reach their 20s.

    Kaitlyn Terrana, the Hamilton teen who suffers from 'sleeping beauty syndrome,' a fairy tale name for a debilitating syndrome. She experiences six-week cycles in which she has no choice but to take to her bed, slumbering for about 10 days at a time. There is no known cure for the condition, also called Klein-Levin syndrome, but sufferers often grow out of it once they reach their 20s.

  • "There is a persistence of cultural memory, no matter how much someone might try to shut it down." - Laura Cattari

    Laura Cattari, the Hamilton woman who discovered her family was one of hundreds of supposedly Catholic families stretching back to Italy who actually have Jewish roots. Years of persecution lead Italian Jews to convert or leave Italy to Catholicism. Those families might have abandoned outright depictions of their faith, but many practices stayed and bubbled under the surface, as in Cattari's family. Though she hasn't had outright confirmation, her research leads her to believe she has Jewish roots and has since converted to Judaism.

    Laura Cattari, the Hamilton woman who discovered her family was one of hundreds of supposedly Catholic families stretching back to Italy who actually have Jewish roots. Years of persecution lead Italian Jews to convert or leave Italy to Catholicism. Those families might have abandoned outright depictions of their faith, but many practices stayed and bubbled under the surface, as in Cattari's family. Though she hasn't had outright confirmation, her research leads her to believe she has Jewish roots and has since converted to Judaism.


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    Hamilton's top stories of 2012

    Lincoln Alexander, 1922-2012

    Lincoln Alexander, former Ontario lieutenant-governor and Canada's first black Member of Parliament, died Oct. 19 at age 90. The news triggered mourning and memorials from across the country, and an outpouring of public emotion in his home town of Hamilton.

    "Linc," as he was affectionately known, was elected to the House of Commons in 1968 as the Progressive Conservative candidate for Hamilton West, and was re-elected in 1972, 1979 and 1980. He served as the lieutenant governor of Ontario from 1985 to 1991. In 1992, Alexander was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada and to the Order of Ontario.

    Besides his political career, he was a proud Hamiltonian, a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran, a lawyer, a music fan and a supporter of education, serving five terms as chancellor of the University of Guelph.

    The public paid their respects as Alexander lay in state at Queen's Park, then at Hamilton's city hall. Thousands attended his state funeral in Hamilton on Oct. 26.

    Mental Health and Youth

    Mental Health 101 logo. (CBC)

    A series of deaths at Saltfleet District High School rocked the community and put a spotlight on the issue of mental health and Hamilton's youth in 2012.

    CBC Hamilton teamed up with Mohawk College, parents, students and local experts for a town hall session, Mental Health 101: Youth and the Hidden Crisis in Our Community.

    Hamilton's Olympians bring home medals

    Summer Mortimer celebrates after winning the gold medal at the women's 100-metre backstroke S10 final at the 2012 Paralympics in London.Summer Mortimer celebrates after winning the gold medal at the women's 100-metre backstroke S10 final at the 2012 Paralympics in London. (Lefteris Pitarakis/AP)

    All eyes were on London this summer for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and there was celebration in Hamilton as the city's athletes put on world-class performances.

    Ancaster's Summer Mortimer won four medals – two gold, a silver and a bronze – in Paralympic swimming.

    Melissa Trancredi brought home a bronze in Olympic women's soccer.

    Hamiltonians who competed at the Games included marathoner Reid Coolsaet, Swimmer Scott Dickens, cyclist Denise Ramsden, and basketball players Shona Thorburn and Rachael Vanderwal.

    McMaster at the Vanier Cup

    McMaster University Marauders quarterback Kyle Quinlan leaves the field following the loss to Laval University Rouge et Or at the 48th Vanier Cup championship game in Toronto on Nov. 23.McMaster University Marauders quarterback Kyle Quinlan leaves the field following the loss to Laval University Rouge et Or at the 48th Vanier Cup championship game in Toronto on Nov. 23. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)

    Closer to home, McMaster University's Marauders had local football fans on the edge of their seats, hoping the team would be just the fourth school in the country to repeat as back-to-back national champions.

    The Marauders demolished the Calgary Dinos 45-6 in the Mitchell Bowl to advance to their second straight national title game, but faltered in the final. Playing in front of a record Vanier Cup crowd of 37,098 at Toronto's Rogers Centre on Nov. 23, the Laval Rouge et Or beat the Marauders 37-14.

    "They brought their 'A' game," said McMaster head coach Stefan Ptaszek after the game. "They were razor sharp and we needed to bring our best, and we were something short of that."

    The game itself may have been a bust for McMaster fans, but the bus trip to Toronto was a blast (CBC Hamilton's was along for the ride), and Olympic kayak medalist and McMaster alumni Adam van Koeverden spiced things up after the game with a controversial Tweet.

    Downtown demolition debate

    The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board education centre.The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board education centre. (CBC)

    McMaster was also in the news this year because of the controversy surrounding the new McMaster Downtown Health Campus. The project called for the demolition of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board education centre at 100 Main St. W., but critics thought the building – built in 1966 — should be saved and remodeled.

    The demolition ultimately got the green light, and construction of the 195,000-square-foot centre started Dec. 3.

    The building is expected to cost $85-million and is scheduled to open in 2014. The campus will host about 4,000 medical students and 450 employees, as well as a Public Health office, family health clinic and maternity centre expected to handle about 54,000 patient-visits a year.

    Pan Am stadium highs, lows

    Controversy also dogged another demolition project in 2012 – the replacement of Ivor Wynne stadium with a new facility for the Pan Am games.

    The original Ivor Wynne stadium was built in 1928 for the first Commonwealth Games in 1930. The new $147.5 million stadium will be built on the same site, but will be rotated 90 degrees, and will host 32 men's and women's soccer games for the 2015 Pan Am games. It will also host the Tiger-Cats starting with the 2014 CFL season.

    The new stadium will have 22,500 fixed seats, fewer than the current stadium, but will be able to hold nearly 40,000 with temporary seats placed on the sidelines and endzones for special events.

    Local residents, councilors, Pan Am Games organizers and backers of the new stadium have all locked horns over the design of the facility. And while Hamilton soccer fans were thrilled at the news of the new stadium, many Ticats fans weren't as effusive, partly because they face a long drive to the smaller University of Guelph Alumni Stadium that will be the team's temporary home.

    City to Bulldogs: Stay

    Hamilton is signing a new Copps Coliseum lease with the Bulldogs.Hamilton is signing a new Copps Coliseum lease with the Bulldogs. (Eric Kayne/AP)

    On the heels of the news that the Tiger-Cats will have to leave Hamilton for a temporary home in Guelph while their new stadium is under construction, there was speculation that the hockey Bulldogs might be leaving town for good.

    There were reports that Geoff Molson, owner of the Montreal Canadiens as well as the Hamilton Bulldogs ( the American Hockey League affiliate of the Canadiens), wanted to move the Hamilton hockey team to the new 10,000-seat Place Bell sports complex in Laval, Que.

    Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were in the final year of their lease agreement with the city to use Copps Coliseum, and a renewal wasn't a sure thing. Global Spectrum, the new manager of Copps Coliseum, worked with city staff on a report about whether to extend the Bulldogs' lease or pursue an OHL team.

    And there were rumours the OHL's Erie Otters were sniffing around for a home in Hamilton.

    In the end, Bulldogs fans breathed sighs of relief when it was announced in early December that Hamilton would sign a new lease with the team.

    Ticats turnover

    Kent Austin says he's excited about the Tiger-Cats' strong ownership, passionate fans and the chance for immediate success on the field.Kent Austin says he's excited about the Tiger-Cats' strong ownership, passionate fans and the chance for immediate success on the field. (Frank Gunn/Canadian Press)

    The Hamilton Tiger-Cats started the new year with a change of coaches — and ended it the same way.

    George Cortez was named the Ticats' 21st head coach and director of football operations on January 7. He'd spent the previous two seasons as a quarterbacks coach with the NFL's Buffalo Bills. The 60-year-old joined the Ticats with an extensive CFL coaching resume that included working as the offensive co-ordinator and assistant head coach with the Calgary Stampeders from 2007 to 2009.

    On Dec. 11, about a month after the Ticats wrapped up a disappointing 6-12 season, the team announced it was dropping Cortez even though he had three years left in his contract.

    On Dec. 17, the team hired Kent Austin as head coach, general manager and vice-president of football operations. Austin won a Grey Cup as the Roughriders' head coach in 2007 and helped the Toronto Argonauts win a CFL title in 2004 as the team's offensive co-ordinator. The 49-year-old also earned championship rings as a quarterback with Saskatchewan in 1989 and B.C. in '94. He has been head coach at Cornell since 2010.

    Mayor Bob Bratina's 'Peggygate'

    Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina. Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina. (CBC)

    Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina stirred up controversy after his chief of staff, Peggy Chapman, was given a $30,000 raise in December 2011. Chapman's salary jumped 33 per cent to $120,000 from $90,000, igniting a firestorm at city hall that some referred to as "Peggygate."

    Hamilton city council challenged the mayor over the raise, and whether it contravened rules governing compensation of city employees. Bratina became the first mayor in post amalgamation Hamilton to be censured after a 15-1 council vote on March 28.

    Mayor Bratina was reprimanded June 8 by city integrity commissioner Earl Basse for his explanation of who reviewed Chapman's salary before the raise was given. In his report, Brasse indicated that Bratina had given erroneous information to the Hamilton Spectator editorial board, which had the potential of injuring the professional or ethical reputation of the City of Hamilton Human Resource staff.

    Hamilton casino

    iStockiStock

    One of the most divisive issues of 2012 was whether Hamilton should place a big social and economic bet on a downtown casino.

    Those in favour of a casino say it would give Hamilton's downtown and its businesses an economic boost, and bring much-needed revenue to the town's coffers.

    Those against the idea are worried a casino could aggravate social problems in the community, cause a spike in the number of people with gambling problems, and undermine other businesses in the region such as the horse-racing industry.

    With lots of strong feelings on both sides of the debate, expect this story to keep making headlines well into 2013.


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    Copps, Dryden to receive Order of Canada honours

    1972 Summit Series hero Paul Henderson and the CBC's Michael Enright, host of CBC Radio's Sunday Edition, are among 91 recipients.

    CBC News

    Posted: Dec 31, 2012 8:23 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 31, 2012 8:50 AM ET

     

    Former Member of Parliament for Hamilton East Sheila Copps and Hamilton-born NHL star turned author turned MP Ken Dryden are among 91 recipients of the Order of Canada, it was announced Sunday by the office of Governor General David Johnston.

    Dryden is joined by another former member of the 1972 Summit Series hockey team that defeated the Soviet Union — Paul Henderson.

    The list also featured Michael Enright, host of CBC Radio's Sunday Edition and Andy Barrie, former host of the CBC's Metro Morning.

    Copps was the first woman to hold the position of Deputy Prime Minister and spent 10 years in the federal cabinet. Her father, Victor Copps, was mayor of Hamilton from 1962 to 1976. Her mother, Geraldine Copps, was a Hamilton city councillor.

    Dryden was a member of the Montreal Canadiens for eight seasons and won six Stanley Cups during that time. His off-ice accomplishments are considerable as well. Besides his 1983 instant classic The Game, Dryden has written four other acclaimed books including Home Game, co-authored with Roy MacGregor, which was turned into an award-winning six-part series for CBC-TV.

    Dryden served as Liberal Party MP for York Centre in Toronto from 2004 until the spring of 2011 and was the minister of Social Development in Paul Martin's government from 2004 to 2006.

    Order of Canada members are recognized for "a lifetime of distinguished service" in their area, according to the Governor General's website. Among the new members are:

    • Michael Enright, host of CBC's The Sunday Edition, who was inducted to the order for "his contributions to Canadian print and broadcast journalism and for advocating on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities," according to a statement from the office of the secretary to the Governor General.
    • Stevie Cameron, an investigative journalist, received the honour for her contributions in her field and "her volunteer work on behalf of the disadvantaged."
    • Hockey legend Paul Henderson, who won the 1972 Summit Series for Canada against the U.S.S.R., made the list for "his engagement in support of a range of social and charitable causes" and his hockey achievements.
    • Quebec actress Marina Orsini was inducted to the order for "her contributions to Quebec culture" and charity support, especially Tel-jeunes — a free, confidential intervention service provided by counsellors and available 24/7 to all young Quebecers.

    In total, 56 new members were named. Other notables included Heather Reisman. Dryden was named an officer of the order of Canada. The designation, one step higher than member, celebrates "a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree."

    Former Supreme Court justice Louise Charron and banker L. Jacques Ménard were given the highest designation: companions. The rank "recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large."

    You can find the full list of Order of Canada recipients here.


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    Ontario teachers face midnight deadline

    CBC News

    Posted: Dec 31, 2012 7:50 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 31, 2012 10:23 AM ET

     

    The deadline for Ontario teachers to reach agreements with their local school boards is set to arrive at one minute before midnight on Monday.

    Laurel Broten, Ontario's education minister, is urging those boards and teachers that haven't yet reached deals to do so before Monday's deadline.

    She says 65 ratified local agreements have been submitted so far and she's hoping others will follow.

    Broten has not said whether she will move to impose contracts on Jan. 1 — only that she has the option to do it under Bill 115.

    CBC's Jermaine Hylton reported Monday that there's uncertainty about what will happen when students return after the Christmas break. After contracts are imposed, any strike action would be illegal.

    "What will happen in the New Year isn't as clear," said Hylton. "While teachers aren't allowed to strike after Jan. 1, the public elementary and high school unions are warning they'll stage political protests of Bill 115 in the New Year."

    The legislation — which freezes the pay of most teachers, reduces their ability to bank sick days and limits their right to strike — has drawn protests from teachers' unions in the province.

    The union representing public elementary teachers held a series of rotating one-day strikes earlier this month as part of its fight against the controversial legislation and has warned of more protests.

    On Sunday, Broten announced a tentative deal with the Canadian Union of Public Employees which represents about 55,000 workers, including educational assistants, early childhood educators, instructors, custodians, librarians and secretaries.

    CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn says the union remains opposed to Bill 115 and will continue its campaign to repeal it, which includes a legal challenge.


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    Man exposes himself to woman, police say

    CBC News

    Posted: Dec 31, 2012 10:38 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 31, 2012 10:37 AM ET

    A man exposed himself to a woman Sunday afternoon near Merricourt Rd. and Beaucourt Rd., police say.

    The woman was walking in the area when the suspect, wearing a black jacket with a hood and black pants, flashed himself. Police are looking for a Hispanic man in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately 6' to 6'2" tall with a medium build.

    Police say they have received similar reports in the West Hamilton area, which they are investigating and are looking for anyone with information to contact them.

    "There have been some other reports that may be related," Catherine Martin, police spokesperson said. "We want to advise the public."


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    5 top viral videos of 2012

    Written By Unknown on Minggu, 30 Desember 2012 | 22.46

    It was the year in which Kony 2012, a video about Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army, alerted the YouTube generation to the evil of child soldiers overnight. The video, a fundraiser for Invisible Children, also stirred great controversy, especially when critics pointed out that it was out of date, as Kony had left Uganda in 2006. The plot deepened further when director Jason Russell had a breakdown that saw him running through streets naked. The video has since been taken down.

    It was also the year of the "cinnamon challenge," in which people attempted to swallow a spoonful of ground cinnamon in under 60 seconds without drinking, resulting in dozens of videos of people sputtering powder into the air. Do not try it, as there's a danger of inhaling the cinnamon and blocking your airway.

    There were plenty of animal shenanigans, including the cute Lil Bub, and the lion at the zoo who tries to get his paws on a little girl. Plus the usual complement of Edward and Bella parodies and guys who drive vehicles into walls or ponds in attempts to do a stunt worthy of video.

    Gangnam Style and its many imitators

    Psy's parody of a trendy class of young Koreans has done more to advance K-pop than anyone thought possible, setting an internet record with one billion views. The Korean lyrics, with just a throwaway in English, are no barrier, because the tune is catchy and the dance even more so. PSY's pudgy, slightly nerdy face turned up this year next to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Madonna and others trying to grab some of his 15 minutes in the spotlight. There have been so many imitators, we can't do them justice. Among the best:

    Call Me Maybe coins a star

    Call Me Maybe birthed a genuine international star in Mission, B.C.'s Carly Rae Jepsen. It was the inescapable song of the summer and notable for being discovered by Canada's other ubiquitous star, Justin Bieber. Call Me Maybe was so catchy, it spawned a score of parodies, including Cookie Monster's Share it Maybe, and Funny or Die's parody with an alternate ending.

    But Carly Rae was no teen sensation. At 27, she was an alt-folk music veteran before deciding to switch into a pop vibe. Her new video for This Kiss, with more than 10 million views already, proves she may be more than a one-hit wonder. As does her Grammy nod.

    Out of the mouths of babes

    Little Abby's tears, coming two weeks before the U.S. presidential vote, reflected what many of us were feeling at that point. There were plenty of sideshows posing as election politics: the Republican governors who wanted to disenfranchise voters, the strange pronouncements about rape, Donald Trump. Then the voters went to the polls and proved democracy was alive in the world's most influential country. The U.S. may be divided but is not undecided. And Abby reminded us of what we ought to know - at some point you have to let the system do its work and go home and pay attention to the kids.

    Best marriage proposal

    Actor Isaac Lumb set the bar so high for a public proposal, no other man may ever live up to it. His meticulously lip-dubbed performance to the Bruno Mars song Marry You involved 60 friends and family, from the gay neighbours to what appears to be a marching band in uniform. His unsuspecting girlfriend (inset) can be heard laughing through the whole thing, but by the time he goes down on one knee, she's completely overwhelmed...and so are we.

    The video that shouldn't have happened

    In Canada, the issue of bullying among teens coalesced around a video that Amanda Todd, a Port Coquitlam, B.C., girl, posted before she killed herself on Oct. 10. In it, she used a series of flash cards to tell of her experience of being blackmailed, bullied, and physically assaulted after being tricked into posing nude on the internet. Her story illustrates the double-edged sword of viral video. It promises instant fame, alluring for young people. At the same time it attracts the attention of trolls who can say any cruel thing they please and exploit any young person who ventures onto the internet unprotected, without ever answering for what they've done.


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    20-year-old student sets volunteer pace that's hard to match

    By Denise Davy, Special to CBC News

    Posted: Dec 29, 2012 9:31 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 29, 2012 9:40 AM ET

     

    When it comes to community volunteering, 20-year-old Mannat Malik sets a pace that's difficult to match.

    She first volunteered in grade 10, helping refugees practice their English through a local English Conversation Circle. Since then, the third-year McMaster University student has worked with at-risk youth, persons with a mental disability and kids in poverty. She devotes 20 to 30 hours a month to volunteering.

    In recognition of her commitment, Malik was recently honoured with the Hamilton/Burlington YMCA Peace Medal.

    CBC Hamilton sat down with Malik to talk about her causes, her convictions and the source of her incredible drive to help those in need in the community.

    CBC Hamilton: Why did you first get involved in volunteering?

    Mannat: I started with the English Conversation Circle because I saw it as a great opportunity to meet people from other countries.

    CBC: Tell me about your work with refugees.

    Mannat: I came into the experience thinking that I would have the opportunity to support people who needed it. But frankly, we've become support systems for one another. They changed me and I changed them.

    'I'm still not really sure about what I want to be, but I find volunteering sort of helps me gain clarity.'

    I've been working with two girls from Myanmar, who were 11 and 12 years old when they came to Canada. When they moved here they barely knew anyone. I've been helping them improve their English, but we've really become close friends. We call each other sisters and they're just really sweet girls.

    CBC: And your other volunteering?

    Mannat: I coach with CanSkate (learn to skate program) on Saturday mornings and I helped form a girls empowerment camp at the Eva Rothwell Centre.

    I'm also with the Best Buddies [a support program for people with a mental disability] and I meet with a mentally disabled woman and do crafts, go for walks and go into the city.

    In 2008 I went to India and set up a program [through an aunt who lives there] and I taught young children in the slums of New Delhi.

    CBC: What was that experience like?

    Mannat: I don't speak Hindu or Punjabi, so it was hard sometimes. But it was really amazing to see how happy they were with what they have.

    CBC: What's been the most challenging part of volunteering?

    Mannatt: When I was first getting to know Becky [in the Best Buddies program] it was challenging, because it was hard to get her to open up and talk.

    She's 42 and lives in Dundas, which is great because that's where I live, so I was able to visit her and we talked on the phone every few days. But getting her to open up and trust me was hard because she'd had other volunteers and they hadn't stayed long.

    Then last Christmas she gave me a card thanking me for being her friend. That was a big moment for me.

    CBC: You've been quoted as saying volunteering has helped you figure out who you are.

    Mannatt: I'm still not really sure about what I want to be, but I find volunteering sort of helps me gain clarity.

    It's taught me that making those personal connections is something I really value. I've also learned that your actions can define who you are, both how you see yourself and how others see you. It's also helped me to feel part of the Hamilton community.

    CBC: Has it taught you what you want to do with your future?

    Mannat: The more I get into volunteering the more I think I'd like to work in the field of international development or global studies.

    CBC: What would you say to high school students who have to do 40 hours of volunteer work?

    Mannat: I would tell them to find something they're interested in. If you find something that interests you then volunteering can really compliment what you're doing. I think volunteering has changed and shaped who I am more than anything.


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    Only one impaired driving arrest this holiday season, police say

    CBC News

    Posted: Dec 29, 2012 11:45 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 29, 2012 11:42 AM ET

     

    Despite the sudden shift into winter, Hamilton roads have remained fairly safe this holiday season, police say, with only one impaired driving arrest so far.

    On Saturday, though snow was falling and a few collisions occurred, police said for the most part people were driving carefully.

    "Usually when it snows all day people have time to adjust to the driving conditions and they have," Staff Sgt. Emidio Evangelista explained.

    "We haven't had an exceptional amount of accidents."

    Yesterday, police were proud to announce they hadn't had any impaired driving charges over the holiday season, although that number rose to one overnight. Still, Evangelista said the season has seen more responsible driving.

    "As far as we're concerned, we've only had one and that's definitely a good sign," he said, adding police will continue RIDE checks throughout the weekend and New Year's Eve to make sure impaired drivers stay off the roads.

    When driving in snowy conditions, police recommend the following tips to keep you and other drivers safe:

    • Obey the speed limits. The limits were set for ideal driving conditions. If the weather dictates less than ideal conditions, slow down.
    • Expect the unexpected. In winter conditions the possibility of black ice and white outs could be present along with the standard snow and slush conditions.
    • Do not tail gate. The stopping and following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front should be increased in winter conditions.
    • As always, do not drink and drive.
    • Avoid aggressive drivers. Get out of their way and do not challenge them.
    • Always wear your seatbelt.
    • Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. The weather and road conditions could change unexpectedly.
    • Check with the weather service for weather conditions on your planned route.
    • Start your trip well rested and alert. If you get tired along the way, take a break.

    Police also recommend you make sure your car is in tip-top shape before setting out in winter weather by going over the following checklist:

    • Check the oil, water, brake, washer fluid and other fluid levels.
    • Make sure the windshield is clean and the rearview mirrors are properly adjusted for good visibility
    • The windshield wipers should be in good condition, and able to remove the snow and ice that may build up on your windshield.
    • Make sure that all your lights and turn signals are in good working order.
    • Check tire conditions and pressure. If possible, install winter tires on your vehicle. These will assist in traction and the ability to stop.
    • Have a safety/survival kit on board. Flares, blanket, shovel, candles, matches, road salt, non perishable food and a fully charged cell phone if possible
    • Maintain a full tank of gas.

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    5 can't-miss fashion trends for 2013

    • CBC.ca
    • News news drop down menu
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    Hamilton dietitian offers health tips for 2013

    With the start of another new year comes a swath of resolutions.

    "Probably one of the most common resolutions is to lose weight," said Helen Van deMark, a dietitian and manager of clinical nutrition at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

    It's also one that's easily broken, she noted.

    But failure, Van deMark added, isn't inevitable. She's offered a handy list of tips to help your reach your health goals in 2013.

    Crush the pop addiction

    Van deMark said that while many people looking to lose weight target fatty foods in their diet, they often overlook another major source of calories.

    "They forget about all the calories we consume in liquid form," she said, pointing to sugary sodas, energy drinks and even fruit juices as the major culprits.

    Van deMark said that drinking one sugary drink a day clocks in at about 150 to 160 calories. Over the course of a year, that works out to something in the ballpark of 55,000 calories, which translates to about 15 pounds of weight gain.

    Van deMark says oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option. Van deMark says oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

    "I often call it liquid candy," she said.

    Van deMark also warns about consuming pure fruit juices.

    She said that while such juices often have vitamins of real fruit, they lack the fibre that makes the body feel full after eating an apple or a banana.

    "You get more health benefits from eating the fruit the juice came from."

    The most important meal of the day

    "Most people that lose weight and keep it off eat breakfast," Van deMark said.

    She said people who tend to skip breakfast will often overeat later in the day to compensate.

    "Eat a small breakfast and that will regulate your appetite."

    Food choices for breakfast are also important, she said.

    Van deMark recommends breads that have whole grains and are high in fibre.Van deMark recommends breads that have whole grains and are high in fibre. (Christine T. Nguyen/Associated Press)

    Sources of fibre like whole grain toast and oatmeal, as well as protein-rich foods, like peanut butter, are important.

    Get those 40 winks

    "Generally, we find that those who are sleep-deprived put weight on," said Van deMark.

    She said this is especially difficult coming out of the holiday season, when overeating combined with a sleep schedule that is often disrupted by holiday activities can lead to weight gain.

    Each person has their own ideal amount of sleep that they should get each night, she said, warning that oversleeping can cause similar problems to not getting enough shut-eye.

    "We see people with weight problems at both ends of the spectrum," she said.

    Move it to lose it

    While changing diet or sleep patterns is key to healthy living, Van deMark said one of the most important components is still exercise.

    "Thirty minutes of exercise a day helps with a lot of things," she said.

    She said the activity doesn't need to be strenuous, and even something as simple as going for a daily walk will wind up helping in the long term.

    Up your fibre intake

    Eating enough fibre is an important part of a healthy diet, Van deMark said, as it is not only healthy but also makes the body feel full, which prevents overeating.

    "Fresh fruits and vegetables, and at least half of the time it should be 100 per cent whole grain breads and pasta," she said, pointing out some of the most fibre-rich foods.

    When picking out high-fibre breads, she said, it's best to reach for breads that have 100 per cent whole grains.

    "Labels are really best used to compare products to each other," she said, adding that consumers should be buying whole grain products with the highest amount of fibre per serving.

    Set realistic goals

    Van deMark said one of the biggest problems is that people set resolutions that are hard to achieve.

    "Don't set resolutions, set SMART goals," she said.

    SMART — an acronym for specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and timely — is method used to set personal goals that are easier to accomplish.

    She said losing 10 pounds by the end of February by walking the dog every day is a good example of a SMART goal.

    The goal meets all five of the categories in the acronym, and it's easy to figure out whether or not the goal has been reached, she said.

    "You know exactly if you've failed or not," she said. "It helps you problem-solve because you know exactly what you didn't do."


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    5 top viral videos of 2012

    It was the year in which Kony 2012, a video about Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army, alerted the YouTube generation to the evil of child soldiers overnight. The video, a fundraiser for Invisible Children, also stirred great controversy, especially when critics pointed out that it was out of date, as Kony had left Uganda in 2006. The plot deepened further when director Jason Russell had a breakdown that saw him running through streets naked. The video has since been taken down.

    It was also the year of the "cinnamon challenge," in which people attempted to swallow a spoonful of ground cinnamon in under 60 seconds without drinking, resulting in dozens of videos of people sputtering powder into the air. Do not try it, as there's a danger of inhaling the cinnamon and blocking your airway.

    There were plenty of animal shenanigans, including the cute Lil Bub, and the lion at the zoo who tries to get his paws on a little girl. Plus the usual complement of Edward and Bella parodies and guys who drive vehicles into walls or ponds in attempts to do a stunt worthy of video.

    Gangnam Style and its many imitators

    Psy's parody of a trendy class of young Koreans has done more to advance K-pop than anyone thought possible, setting an internet record with one billion views. The Korean lyrics, with just a throwaway in English, are no barrier, because the tune is catchy and the dance even more so. PSY's pudgy, slightly nerdy face turned up this year next to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Madonna and others trying to grab some of his 15 minutes in the spotlight. There have been so many imitators, we can't do them justice. Among the best:

    Call Me Maybe coins a star

    Call Me Maybe birthed a genuine international star in Mission, B.C.'s Carly Rae Jepsen. It was the inescapable song of the summer and notable for being discovered by Canada's other ubiquitous star, Justin Bieber. Call Me Maybe was so catchy, it spawned a score of parodies, including Cookie Monster's Share it Maybe, and Funny or Die's parody with an alternate ending.

    But Carly Rae was no teen sensation. At 27, she was an alt-folk music veteran before deciding to switch into a pop vibe. Her new video for This Kiss, with more than 10 million views already, proves she may be more than a one-hit wonder. As does her Grammy nod.

    Out of the mouths of babes

    Little Abby's tears, coming two weeks before the U.S. presidential vote, reflected what many of us were feeling at that point. There were plenty of sideshows posing as election politics: the Republican governors who wanted to disenfranchise voters, the strange pronouncements about rape, Donald Trump. Then the voters went to the polls and proved democracy was alive in the world's most influential country. The U.S. may be divided but is not undecided. And Abby reminded us of what we ought to know - at some point you have to let the system do its work and go home and pay attention to the kids.

    Best marriage proposal

    Actor Isaac Lumb set the bar so high for a public proposal, no other man may ever live up to it. His meticulously lip-dubbed performance to the Bruno Mars song Marry You involved 60 friends and family, from the gay neighbours to what appears to be a marching band in uniform. His unsuspecting girlfriend (inset) can be heard laughing through the whole thing, but by the time he goes down on one knee, she's completely overwhelmed...and so are we.

    The video that shouldn't have happened

    In Canada, the issue of bullying among teens coalesced around a video that Amanda Todd, a Port Coquitlam, B.C., girl, posted before she killed herself on Oct. 10. In it, she used a series of flash cards to tell of her experience of being blackmailed, bullied, and physically assaulted after being tricked into posing nude on the internet. Her story illustrates the double-edged sword of viral video. It promises instant fame, alluring for young people. At the same time it attracts the attention of trolls who can say any cruel thing they please and exploit any young person who ventures onto the internet unprotected, without ever answering for what they've done.


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    20-year-old student sets volunteer pace that's hard to match

    By Denise Davy, Special to CBC News

    Posted: Dec 29, 2012 9:31 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 29, 2012 9:40 AM ET

     

    When it comes to community volunteering, 20-year-old Mannat Malik sets a pace that's difficult to match.

    She first volunteered in grade 10, helping refugees practice their English through a local English Conversation Circle. Since then, the third-year McMaster University student has worked with at-risk youth, persons with a mental disability and kids in poverty. She devotes 20 to 30 hours a month to volunteering.

    In recognition of her commitment, Malik was recently honoured with the Hamilton/Burlington YMCA Peace Medal.

    CBC Hamilton sat down with Malik to talk about her causes, her convictions and the source of her incredible drive to help those in need in the community.

    CBC Hamilton: Why did you first get involved in volunteering?

    Mannat: I started with the English Conversation Circle because I saw it as a great opportunity to meet people from other countries.

    CBC: Tell me about your work with refugees.

    Mannat: I came into the experience thinking that I would have the opportunity to support people who needed it. But frankly, we've become support systems for one another. They changed me and I changed them.

    'I'm still not really sure about what I want to be, but I find volunteering sort of helps me gain clarity.'

    I've been working with two girls from Myanmar, who were 11 and 12 years old when they came to Canada. When they moved here they barely knew anyone. I've been helping them improve their English, but we've really become close friends. We call each other sisters and they're just really sweet girls.

    CBC: And your other volunteering?

    Mannat: I coach with CanSkate (learn to skate program) on Saturday mornings and I helped form a girls empowerment camp at the Eva Rothwell Centre.

    I'm also with the Best Buddies [a support program for people with a mental disability] and I meet with a mentally disabled woman and do crafts, go for walks and go into the city.

    In 2008 I went to India and set up a program [through an aunt who lives there] and I taught young children in the slums of New Delhi.

    CBC: What was that experience like?

    Mannat: I don't speak Hindu or Punjabi, so it was hard sometimes. But it was really amazing to see how happy they were with what they have.

    CBC: What's been the most challenging part of volunteering?

    Mannatt: When I was first getting to know Becky [in the Best Buddies program] it was challenging, because it was hard to get her to open up and talk.

    She's 42 and lives in Dundas, which is great because that's where I live, so I was able to visit her and we talked on the phone every few days. But getting her to open up and trust me was hard because she'd had other volunteers and they hadn't stayed long.

    Then last Christmas she gave me a card thanking me for being her friend. That was a big moment for me.

    CBC: You've been quoted as saying volunteering has helped you figure out who you are.

    Mannatt: I'm still not really sure about what I want to be, but I find volunteering sort of helps me gain clarity.

    It's taught me that making those personal connections is something I really value. I've also learned that your actions can define who you are, both how you see yourself and how others see you. It's also helped me to feel part of the Hamilton community.

    CBC: Has it taught you what you want to do with your future?

    Mannat: The more I get into volunteering the more I think I'd like to work in the field of international development or global studies.

    CBC: What would you say to high school students who have to do 40 hours of volunteer work?

    Mannat: I would tell them to find something they're interested in. If you find something that interests you then volunteering can really compliment what you're doing. I think volunteering has changed and shaped who I am more than anything.


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    Only one impaired driving arrest this holiday season, police say

    CBC News

    Posted: Dec 29, 2012 11:45 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 29, 2012 11:42 AM ET

     

    Despite the sudden shift into winter, Hamilton roads have remained fairly safe this holiday season, police say, with only one impaired driving arrest so far.

    On Saturday, though snow was falling and a few collisions occurred, police said for the most part people were driving carefully.

    "Usually when it snows all day people have time to adjust to the driving conditions and they have," Staff Sgt. Emidio Evangelista explained.

    "We haven't had an exceptional amount of accidents."

    Yesterday, police were proud to announce they hadn't had any impaired driving charges over the holiday season, although that number rose to one overnight. Still, Evangelista said the season has seen more responsible driving.

    "As far as we're concerned, we've only had one and that's definitely a good sign," he said, adding police will continue RIDE checks throughout the weekend and New Year's Eve to make sure impaired drivers stay off the roads.

    When driving in snowy conditions, police recommend the following tips to keep you and other drivers safe:

    • Obey the speed limits. The limits were set for ideal driving conditions. If the weather dictates less than ideal conditions, slow down.
    • Expect the unexpected. In winter conditions the possibility of black ice and white outs could be present along with the standard snow and slush conditions.
    • Do not tail gate. The stopping and following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front should be increased in winter conditions.
    • As always, do not drink and drive.
    • Avoid aggressive drivers. Get out of their way and do not challenge them.
    • Always wear your seatbelt.
    • Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. The weather and road conditions could change unexpectedly.
    • Check with the weather service for weather conditions on your planned route.
    • Start your trip well rested and alert. If you get tired along the way, take a break.

    Police also recommend you make sure your car is in tip-top shape before setting out in winter weather by going over the following checklist:

    • Check the oil, water, brake, washer fluid and other fluid levels.
    • Make sure the windshield is clean and the rearview mirrors are properly adjusted for good visibility
    • The windshield wipers should be in good condition, and able to remove the snow and ice that may build up on your windshield.
    • Make sure that all your lights and turn signals are in good working order.
    • Check tire conditions and pressure. If possible, install winter tires on your vehicle. These will assist in traction and the ability to stop.
    • Have a safety/survival kit on board. Flares, blanket, shovel, candles, matches, road salt, non perishable food and a fully charged cell phone if possible
    • Maintain a full tank of gas.

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    5 can't-miss fashion trends for 2013

    • CBC.ca
    • News news drop down menu
    • Sports sports drop down menu
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    Hamilton dietitian offers health tips for 2013

    With the start of another new year comes a swath of resolutions.

    "Probably one of the most common resolutions is to lose weight," said Helen Van deMark, a dietitian and manager of clinical nutrition at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

    It's also one that's easily broken, she noted.

    But failure, Van deMark added, isn't inevitable. She's offered a handy list of tips to help your reach your health goals in 2013.

    Crush the pop addiction

    Van deMark said that while many people looking to lose weight target fatty foods in their diet, they often overlook another major source of calories.

    "They forget about all the calories we consume in liquid form," she said, pointing to sugary sodas, energy drinks and even fruit juices as the major culprits.

    Van deMark said that drinking one sugary drink a day clocks in at about 150 to 160 calories. Over the course of a year, that works out to something in the ballpark of 55,000 calories, which translates to about 15 pounds of weight gain.

    Van deMark says oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option. Van deMark says oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

    "I often call it liquid candy," she said.

    Van deMark also warns about consuming pure fruit juices.

    She said that while such juices often have vitamins of real fruit, they lack the fibre that makes the body feel full after eating an apple or a banana.

    "You get more health benefits from eating the fruit the juice came from."

    The most important meal of the day

    "Most people that lose weight and keep it off eat breakfast," Van deMark said.

    She said people who tend to skip breakfast will often overeat later in the day to compensate.

    "Eat a small breakfast and that will regulate your appetite."

    Food choices for breakfast are also important, she said.

    Van deMark recommends breads that have whole grains and are high in fibre.Van deMark recommends breads that have whole grains and are high in fibre. (Christine T. Nguyen/Associated Press)

    Sources of fibre like whole grain toast and oatmeal, as well as protein-rich foods, like peanut butter, are important.

    Get those 40 winks

    "Generally, we find that those who are sleep-deprived put weight on," said Van deMark.

    She said this is especially difficult coming out of the holiday season, when overeating combined with a sleep schedule that is often disrupted by holiday activities can lead to weight gain.

    Each person has their own ideal amount of sleep that they should get each night, she said, warning that oversleeping can cause similar problems to not getting enough shut-eye.

    "We see people with weight problems at both ends of the spectrum," she said.

    Move it to lose it

    While changing diet or sleep patterns is key to healthy living, Van deMark said one of the most important components is still exercise.

    "Thirty minutes of exercise a day helps with a lot of things," she said.

    She said the activity doesn't need to be strenuous, and even something as simple as going for a daily walk will wind up helping in the long term.

    Up your fibre intake

    Eating enough fibre is an important part of a healthy diet, Van deMark said, as it is not only healthy but also makes the body feel full, which prevents overeating.

    "Fresh fruits and vegetables, and at least half of the time it should be 100 per cent whole grain breads and pasta," she said, pointing out some of the most fibre-rich foods.

    When picking out high-fibre breads, she said, it's best to reach for breads that have 100 per cent whole grains.

    "Labels are really best used to compare products to each other," she said, adding that consumers should be buying whole grain products with the highest amount of fibre per serving.

    Set realistic goals

    Van deMark said one of the biggest problems is that people set resolutions that are hard to achieve.

    "Don't set resolutions, set SMART goals," she said.

    SMART — an acronym for specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and timely — is method used to set personal goals that are easier to accomplish.

    She said losing 10 pounds by the end of February by walking the dog every day is a good example of a SMART goal.

    The goal meets all five of the categories in the acronym, and it's easy to figure out whether or not the goal has been reached, she said.

    "You know exactly if you've failed or not," she said. "It helps you problem-solve because you know exactly what you didn't do."


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    McMaster prof likens Idle No More to Arab Spring

    Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 29 Desember 2012 | 22.46

    CBC News

    Posted: Dec 28, 2012 1:11 PM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 28, 2012 1:33 PM ET

     

    A McMaster sociology professor is comparing Idle No More — the First Nations' rights campaign that's sprung up across Canada — to the Arab Spring, the youth-driven pro-democracy push that took hold in North Africa and the Middle East starting in late-2010.

    "Aboriginal peoples are a very young population," Jeff Denis, who studies the relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians, told CBC Thunder Bay's Superior Morning on Friday. "They are the fastest-growing population in Canada. They are increasingly well-educated and aware of injustice."

    "They have high expectations for the future, but they still face tremendous barriers in terms of racism, lack of job opportunities, cuts to social programs and so forth," added the Harvard-educated prof.

    "If we think about other recent social movements around the world — including the Arab Spring, for example — those are just some of the factors that might be expected to facilitate this type of movement."

    Social media, Denis said, has played a big role in the Idle No More protests, adding tools such as Facebook and Twitter "have enabled this new, younger generation of activists to quickly and efficiently spread the word and organize across and also increasingly internationally."

    The Idle No More campaign developed in response to the federal Bill-C45, which includes changes to the Indian Act about how reserve lands are managed and removes thousands of lakes and streams from the list of federally protected bodies of water.

    The movement has also rallied around the activism of Theresa Spence, the chief of Attawapiskat, a First Nations territory in Northern Ontario. The Cree leader has been staging a hunger strike near Parliament Hill since Dec. 11, trying to force Prime Minister Stephen Harper to meet about Bill C-45. She also aims to raise greater awareness about living conditions on First Nations reserves.


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    Peruvian man recovers slowly in Hamilton after crash that killed co-workers

    Temporary farm worker and 2 others survived, while 11 died northeast of Stratford

    CBC News

    Posted: Dec 28, 2012 2:47 PM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 28, 2012 3:01 PM ET

     

    A Peruvian man who spent nearly four months in a coma after surviving one of the deadliest car crashes in Ontario history says has shown significant improvement in a Hamilton hospital but still cannot walk or talk, his sister has told CBC.

    Edgar Sulla-Puma is one of three survivors of the Feb. 6 crash in Hampstead, Ont., northeast of Stratford, which killed 11 men. The victims included migrant farm workers in a passenger van and the driver of the truck that collided with their vehicle.

    The driver of the 15-seat minivan had failed to stop at a rural intersection and drove into the path of the oncoming transport truck. The men in the van had just finished their first day of work vaccinating chickens at a poultry farm.

    Matilde Sulla-Puma helps her brother, Edgar, at a long-term care facility in Hamilton, Ont., in December 2012 where he is undergoing rehabilitation. Matilde Sulla-Puma helps her brother, Edgar, at a long-term care facility in Hamilton, Ont., in December 2012 where he is undergoing rehabilitation. (CBC)

    Edgar's sister, Matilde Sulla-Puma, spoke to the CBC's Ivy Cuervo about his slow recovery. The 27-year-old was moved to a long-term care facility in Hamilton nearly two months ago to undergo rehabilitation. He was initially airlifted to Hamilton General after the accident, while two other survivors were taken to London, Ont.

    Most of Edgar's days are spent in therapy, working to strengthen his muscles. Often, Matilde is by his side, holding the hands of her younger brother and offering words of encouragement.

    "I love you so much. Everything is going to be okay," she whispered in Edgar's ear. "I don't know how much he understands or if he knows who am I because he can't talk," she told Cuervo. Edgar has a limited ability to move his left arm. However, he needs help eating.

    "His condition is serious. That's why the neurologist told us that he would essentially be a vegetable," his sister said. Doctors believed Edgar would remain in a persistent vegetative state, but he came out of his coma and opened his eyes in late May.

    Matilde said she doesn't like to talk about what happened that day last February. But as her brother remained unconscious she never gave up hoping he would get better.

    "Even when my brother was in a coma I never stopped believing in the possibility that God could perform a miracle," she said. "I tell him he had an accident. I try. But the problem is he can get really anxious and I protect him a lot because of that," Matilde said. "I don't like it when people talk to him about the accident, because he remembers and he gets frustrated."


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    Hamilton police seek 20-year-old offender in ticket fraud case

    CBC News

    Posted: Dec 28, 2012 4:45 PM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 28, 2012 4:44 PM ET

    Hamilton police are looking for a 20-year-old offender in a fraud case involving online sales of tickets and electronics.

    Jacob Miranda was arrested in August for using Kijiji, Facebook and Blackberry Messenger groups to sell discounted concert or sporting events tickets and electronics like iPhones, iPods and laptops, said Det. Duncan McCulloch of the Hamilton Police Major Fraud Unit.

    Miranda wouldn't send the purchased items once he received the money.

    Police allege Miranda has since re-offended. He last accepted money for sports tickets on Dec. 22.

    "I know of 30 victims residing across Canada," McCulloch said, adding he expects more to come forward.

    He estimates a total of $50,000 was taken from the known victims.

    Miranda has been active since May 2011, McCulloch said. After being arrested in the summer, he served jail time in Hamilton.

    McCulloch said Miranda was released in October on recognizance, but has since failed to show up to scheduled court appearances.

    McCulloch believes he is in Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford or Toronto.

    Miranda is described as male, white, 5'8, 184 lbs. with short red hair.


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    95-year-old Grimsby curler still going strong

    By Julia Chapman, CBC News

    Posted: Dec 29, 2012 9:23 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 29, 2012 9:18 AM ET

     

    It's midday on a Monday at the Grimsby Curling Club and the rink is filled with senior women laughing and enjoying a recreational game of a classic Canadian sport.

    But onlookers can hear some strong and serious instructions coming from the left rink.

    "HAAARRRRRRD."

    That big voice is coming from the smallest of the Grimsby Day Ladies: 95-year-old Helen Lofthouse.

    Even at her age, Lofthouse is still throwing rocks with impeccable skill and ease. She's the club's oldest member, playing recreationally twice a week and participating in as many tournaments as she can handle.

    "It's good for my health and I like being with people," she said of why she still curls.

    Lofthouse, a nurse by trade, moved to Hamilton after the Second World War. She met her husband Robert, a doctor, in the navy. He set up a practice in Hamilton while she raised their four daughters.

    Lofthouse is originally from the tiny town of Hamiota, Manitoba.

    "About 500 people lived there at most, so you had to behave yourself," she said.

    There was a local curling club in Hamiota, but children weren't allowed to play, so Lofthouse would just watch. But curling didn't enter her family until her teens, when her mother took up the sport.

    Lofthouse herself didn't begin curling until her mid-40s, after her family was getting older and her career was winding down.

    She has played at curling clubs in Hamilton and Dundas.

    "[Lofthouse] is a real good influence to curlers starting later in life," said teammate Judy Polstra.

    'You can't do it all by yourself'

    Back at the Grimsby rink, it's Lofthouse's turn to throw the rock. She just recently started using a support stick to throw, something her teammates decades younger have been relying on for years.

    Lofthouse makes it look easy, but the 50 years of experience she has under her belt definitely help. She stares down the rock, giving pointed instructions to her sweepers.

    The rock knocks four others out, a play that elicits cheers from fellow curlers. It's the best throw of the day. Her team is up 7-1.

    "She's deadly with that stick," said Bernadette Weeks, who was, unluckily, one of Lofthouse's opponents on this day.

    Despite her age, Lofthouse is still a leader in the local curling scene. Up until seven years ago, she coached a team of blind curlers.

    "They had quite a sense of humour," she said, laughing.

    The great-grandmother of three is cherished by her fellow Day Ladies. They help her get to and from the rink now that she has stopped driving.

    "Everyone steps up to the plate," said Polstra.

    On this day, with Lofthouse as skip, her team gains three more points in no time. Soon, the score is a lopsided 10-1.

    "She likes more challenge than we're giving her," said Elaine Hughes, another opposing player.

    Lofthouse is competitive, but she'll give her opponents some slack today.

    "If they get one [point], I won't mind," she said with a smirk.

    Sure enough, they do. Final score: 10-2. Another good win for Lofthouse, but as she eyes her happy teammates, she knows she can't take all the credit.

    "You can't do it all by yourself."


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    20-year-old student sets volunteer pace that's hard to match

    By Denise Davy, Special to CBC News

    Posted: Dec 29, 2012 9:31 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 29, 2012 9:40 AM ET

     

    When it comes to community volunteering, 20-year-old Mannat Malik sets a pace that's difficult to match.

    She first volunteered in grade 10, helping refugees practice their English through a local English Conversation Circle. Since then, the third-year McMaster University student has worked with at-risk youth, persons with a mental disability and kids in poverty. She devotes 20 to 30 hours a month to volunteering.

    In recognition of her commitment, Malik was recently honoured with the Hamilton/Burlington YMCA Peace Medal.

    CBC Hamilton sat down with Malik to talk about her causes, her convictions and the source of her incredible drive to help those in need in the community.

    CBC Hamilton: Why did you first get involved in volunteering?

    Mannat: I started with the English Conversation Circle because I saw it as a great opportunity to meet people from other countries.

    CBC: Tell me about your work with refugees.

    Mannat: I came into the experience thinking that I would have the opportunity to support people who needed it. But frankly, we've become support systems for one another. They changed me and I changed them.

    'I'm still not really sure about what I want to be, but I find volunteering sort of helps me gain clarity.'

    I've been working with two girls from Myanmar, who were 11 and 12 years old when they came to Canada. When they moved here they barely knew anyone. I've been helping them improve their English, but we've really become close friends. We call each other sisters and they're just really sweet girls.

    CBC: And your other volunteering?

    Mannat: I coach with CanSkate (learn to skate program) on Saturday mornings and I helped form a girls empowerment camp at the Eva Rothwell Centre.

    I'm also with the Best Buddies [a support program for people with a mental disability] and I meet with a mentally disabled woman and do crafts, go for walks and go into the city.

    In 2008 I went to India and set up a program [through an aunt who lives there] and I taught young children in the slums of New Delhi.

    CBC: What was that experience like?

    Mannat: I don't speak Hindu or Punjabi, so it was hard sometimes. But it was really amazing to see how happy they were with what they have.

    CBC: What's been the most challenging part of volunteering?

    Mannatt: When I was first getting to know Becky [in the Best Buddies program] it was challenging, because it was hard to get her to open up and talk.

    She's 42 and lives in Dundas, which is great because that's where I live, so I was able to visit her and we talked on the phone every few days. But getting her to open up and trust me was hard because she'd had other volunteers and they hadn't stayed long.

    Then last Christmas she gave me a card thanking me for being her friend. That was a big moment for me.

    CBC: You've been quoted as saying volunteering has helped you figure out who you are.

    Mannatt: I'm still not really sure about what I want to be, but I find volunteering sort of helps me gain clarity.

    It's taught me that making those personal connections is something I really value. I've also learned that your actions can define who you are, both how you see yourself and how others see you. It's also helped me to feel part of the Hamilton community.

    CBC: Has it taught you what you want to do with your future?

    Mannat: The more I get into volunteering the more I think I'd like to work in the field of international development or global studies.

    CBC: What would you say to high school students who have to do 40 hours of volunteer work?

    Mannat: I would tell them to find something they're interested in. If you find something that interests you then volunteering can really compliment what you're doing. I think volunteering has changed and shaped who I am more than anything.


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    The Instagram dust-up: Is anything really free online?

    Written By Unknown on Jumat, 28 Desember 2012 | 22.46

    User outrage could hardly be contained earlier this month when Facebook suggested it would change some of the terms of service for its photo-sharing site, Instagram.

    The ire raised by the thought that shared personal photos might be used in ads was hardly surprising.

    Facebook itself is no stranger to privacy crises and it only seems natural that users of social media would get their dander up when something that seemed to be free might suddenly come with unexpected and very unappealing strings attached.

    'They're not providing their services for free and if you're not paying with money, you're paying with something else.'—David Fewer

    The Instagram controversy, however, highlights a more universal truth: very little in life — online or otherwise — really is free.

    No matter how seductive the internet can be, and how entitled users of various services may feel, there is ultimately a cost to every keystroke or click, even if no money changes hands.

    "Those online service providers are asking for something in return," says David Fewer, director of the Samuelson-Glushko Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic at the University of Ottawa.

    "They're not providing their services for free and if you're not paying with money, you're paying with something else.

    "That's true all the time whether they're using your images or just using the information they glean from your website or whether they're following you around on the internet in some way."

    No surprises

    The University of Ottawa's public interest clinic has long been critical of online services not being very upfront about how they utilize user information.

    And Facebook has subsequently said it will change some of the wording on its new Instagram policy, which had users interpreting it to mean that the social networking service could sell uploaded photos or related information.

    But as Fewer notes, "there's an exchange happening here, and it should be like when you go to buy something at a store you know what it's costing.

    The University of Ottawa's David Fewer.The University of Ottawa's David Fewer. (CIPPIC / University of Ottawa)

    "We get really outraged when the full costs aren't presented to us upfront," he says.

    Though he also notes that most people "don't seem to have the same ethic around non-financial costs and we ought to.

    "We don't do as much work to find out the nonpecuniary costs of these services, and services themselves don't nearly enough work to communicate the terms of the exchange."

    Even though internet sites provide their terms of use, and people have to click acceptance, how many people really pay attention to what they've agreed to?

    Sidneyeve Matrix, a media professor at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., says "it's ridiculous" what's required to fully understand terms of service for mobile apps and social sites, and suggests you need a law degree, a background in computer science and a magnifying glass to figure these things out.

    "Maybe in order to head off these kinds of massive push-backs and backlashes, start-ups will have to be more transparent and they'll have to provide terms of service that users understand."

    Ultimately, though, money will enter into the equation.

    "A lot of these start-ups get a critical mass of users by offering us a lot of bells and whistles for free whether it's photo filters or just really slickly designed apps," says Matrix.

    "But as soon as they catch the attention of the big players like Facebook you know it becomes so important that they think about revenue generation and getting into the black. With Facebook, that always means selling our data and it bothers people so much."

    Privacy settings

    At the University of Ottawa privacy clinic, Fewer looks back in time to the old Internet Explorer web browser as a good example of a way an online service could ensure users are familiar with what will happen once they're on board.

    "You couldn't install it before setting your privacy settings," he says.

    "I always loved that you couldn't do it before talking about privacy and you couldn't install before actually communicating your privacy preferences."

    So where does that leave the site user who doesn't have that legal degree or doesn't want to pay more — either through a fee or by having posted information somehow used by the service provider?

    Fewer says the marketplace and the law can offer some relief.

    "The best thing that can happen to a site that violates user expectations is that it loses customers," he says, noting, however, that it usually has to be something "big and bold" before a user revolt takes hold.

    "Instagram was just very … rash in what they decided to do. They thought they could get away with anything, that they could rush to the Facebook model … and from what I understand they grabbed more than they needed in their terms of use and that was a big problem."

    Hard to change

    Had the proposed changes been done more incrementally, Fewer is concerned there might not have been a user revolt.

    Other options for Canadians include launching privacy complaints or class-action lawsuits, but both those would require resources, expertise and experience often outside the realm of an individual.

    "Class action is the ultimate discipline," says Fewer. "But it's a high hurdle" to initiate a class-action suit against large organizations.

    Fewer says the discipline of the marketplace is "probably the best remedy we have," but it isn't absolute either.

    The photo-sharing service Flickr stepped up promptly amid the Instagram controversy to tell potential users about the kind of service it offers in hopes of appearing more appealing than Instagram.

    But then what happens if Flickr changes its terms of service down the road, too?

    Even if the marketplace provides the best discipline, though, users upset with a site's policies may not feel they can ultimately leave.

    "It's not like these services are necessarily freely transferable. It's a lot of work to change from Instagram … or to go from Facebook to Google Plus," says Fewer.

    "The major issue is the network. People are on Facebook because their friends are on Facebook. That's where their network is.

    "They're not necessarily on Facebook because of its wonderful services …or its unfailing responsiveness to consumer concerns. That's not why they're there and that's the biggest barrier to the marketplace functioning as it needs to function."


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    5 things health experts wish we'd resolve to do better in 2013

    'Tis the season for resolutions. And many of us are already busy pledging that come Jan. 1 we will do more of some things, less of others, or stop doing still other things altogether.

    But what if experts made your health-related resolutions for you? What changes might they try to persuade you to make in your life?

    We asked a number of doctors, health organizations and public health experts whose expertise we draw on from time to time to name for us the one health-related resolution they wish people would make for 2013. Dr. Gordon Guyatt at McMaster University wishes that we would all be more engaged and informed when making decisions with family physicians.

    Some of the answers from other health care professionals are predictable. Some are surprising. Here goes:

    1. Get some exercise.

    It doesn't have to be a lot — just some, and on a regular basis. With an increasing number of studies suggesting that prolonged sitting is unhealthy and that even short bursts of exercise are beneficial, it's no wonder this was the most suggested resolution to come forward from our experts.

    Dr. Mike Evans, a family physician and health information advocate at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, puts it this way:

    "There are 24 hours in a day, and you might spend most of it caring for family, sitting at work, couch surfing, obviously sleeping and eating," Evans says.

    "The evidence shows that the best thing you can do for your health is being active for half an hour each day and that, if you can do it, you can realize great health benefits."

    The Canadian Cancer Society, diabetes expert Dr. Hertzel Gerstein (McMaster University), Dr. Perry Kendall, who is B.C.'s chief medical officer of health, and a number of others asked people to make a point of getting regular but moderate exercise.

    "It doesn't have to be extreme," says Dr. Michael Gardam, an infectious diseases expert at Toronto's University Health Network, who suggests starting slow and gradually building up your endurance.

    "A lot of people go crazy in the new year and ultimately fail because they start too fast and try to do too much."

    2. Choose better foods — and tell your government you want their help to do so.

    Several of our experts suggested variations on this theme. The Heart and Stroke Foundation would like people to resolve to eat five to 10 portions of vegetables and fruit a day for a heart-healthy 2013.

    Dr. Tiffany Chow, a senior clinician-scientist at Baycrest Health Sciences' Ross Memory Clinic in Toronto, suggests people organize their meals so that produce is the main attraction and meat is more of a side dish.

    Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, an Ottawa-based weight loss expert, would like to see people cook more meals from fresh ingredients and eat them, as a family, around a table.

    "The corollary to that resolution would be markedly reducing purchased, convenient and heavily processed meals," Freedhoff says.

    And the University of Calgary's Dr. Norm Campbell, who specializes in the treatment of high blood pressure, wishes Canadians would push the federal government to put consumers' interests over those of the food industry.

    Campbell says good food policy could prevent a substantial portion of chronic disease in Canada. "But our politicians introduce solutions that maintain the status quo and then blame us for making poor dietary choices," he says.

    "If we want to stay healthy, it is likely our most critical health choice is in voting and advocating to politicians to introduce effective health policy."

    3. Make the tough decisions — and let your family know about them.

    Perhaps the recent Supreme Court of Canada hearing on the Hassan Rasouli case, which centres on end-of-life decisions, put some of our experts in a pensive mood. But several suggested Canadians should give serious thought to the degree of medical intervention they want when their time comes.

    "Without being too macabre, I think too many folks do not address how they wish to exit this world and leave it to others to try and figure it out," says University of Alberta cardiologist Dr. Paul Armstrong.

    Do you want doctors to try everything possible to keep you alive under any circumstances? Or would you prefer health workers not use heroic measures, if you are near the end?

    Armstrong suggests people should make these decisions and communicate their wishes verbally and in writing to their loved ones.

    Dr. Ross Upshur, an ethicist and primary care physician, agrees.

    If you haven't designated a surrogate decision maker — someone who has the legal right to make choices about your care if you cannot — or haven't given someone power of attorney, set those things up, Upshur suggests, adding that you need to talk through your choices with the people you ask to fill those roles.

    "We are all mortal and technology is increasingly powerful. We leave the discussions too late and then the situation is usually too fraught with exigency and emotion," says Upshur, who practises at Toronto's Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, which is the hospital caring for Rasouli.

    Dr. Rob Fowler, who is Rasouli's physician, is even more to the point: "While eating turkey on the holidays, 'Talk turkey' with your family about your wishes for end-of-life care."

    4. Learn to manage stress levels.

    "Decrease stress by not overcommitting yourself and finding the right balance between work and leisure," says Dr. Jean-Pierre Chanoine, head of the endocrinology and diabetes unit at B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver.

    Chow offers similar advice. (The Baycrest doctor cheated a little and offered two resolutions under the umbrella of taking care of your brain health and lowering your risk of developing dementia.)

    People should recognize sooner when their stress level is unsustainable, Chow says, and ask earlier "Do I really need to do this (or) take responsibility for this by myself?"

    "The answer is usually No!"

    5. There was no clear-cut fifth resolution, but we did get a bunch of interesting individual suggestions. Here are some:

    — Resolve to drink less alcohol, suggests Dr. Joel Ray of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. "Give the money to someone else to buy food."

    — Make sure your vaccinations, and those of your family, are up to date, says Dr. Bonnie Henry, medical director for communicable disease prevention and control services at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

    — Give your kids a healthy start, says Dr. David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health for Toronto. "Feed breakfast to your kids, walk your kids to school, teach them to wash their hands properly, teach them to swim, talk and read to them, hug them. Small lessons learned early last a lifetime and makes a healthy community."

    — Resist the urge to seek or take medicine, advises Dr. David Juurlink, head of clinical pharmacology and toxicology at Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital. He says people are too quick to take prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, suggesting they should be used sparingly and only when the likelihood of benefit is real.

    — Learn to engage in informed decision making with your physician, says Dr. Gordon Guyatt, a professor of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics at McMaster University in Hamilton.

    And finally, from Canada's Chief Medical Officer of Health comes some poignant advice. Dr. David Butler-Jones is working his way back from a stroke he had earlier in the year.

    "Do not let anyone else limit your expectations of how much you can recover or become as you are more likely to get what you expect," he suggests.


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    Hamilton teen charged after car hits hydro poll, downs wires near escarpment

    CBC News

    Posted: Dec 28, 2012 9:43 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 28, 2012 9:42 AM ET

    Emergency crews staged a delicate early-morning rescue on Friday after a car struck a hydro poll in Stoney Creek.

    Around 3 a.m., a vehicle ran into the hydro poll located at Upper Centennial and Ridge Road.

    Live hydro wires fell on the vehicle, stranding three occupants inside.

    The car sat on a "precarious perch" on the edge of an escarpment, right beside a "10-to-12-foot drop," according to Catherine Martin, a police spokesperson.

    Crews contacted hydro officials, who came to the site to clear the wires before EMS were able to extract the occupants from the vehicle.

    The operation took about 30 minutes, Martin said.

    "Police and ambulances crews were in contact with the occupants throughout this," she added.

    EMS crews treated two passengers on site and transported the driver to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

    The driver, an 18-year-old male from Stoney Creek, has been charged with careless driving.

    Alcohol was not involved in the collision, Martin said.


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    Local woman hopes Hamilton will 'pay it forward'

    By Joseph Engelhardt, CBC News

    Posted: Dec 28, 2012 9:29 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 28, 2012 10:11 AM ET

     

    When it comes to birthday wishes, you're not supposed to tell. Karen Cumming doesn't mind. She's 51 and not shy about it. Cumming hopes her birthday wish will turn into 51 "random acts of kindness" over the course of the next year.

    Cumming is a teacher and freelance writer. She turned 51 on December 27 and decided to forgo traditional material gifts this year.

    "I thought it would be fun to do something that came from the inside," she said.

    Cumming created the Facebook page "Pay It forward Burlington/Hamilton," and reached out to her friends to provide ideas for 51 acts of kindness to perform.

    Pay It Forward is now a global movement.Pay It Forward is now a global movement. (Supplied)

    She said she also wants to use the page so members of the community can reach out and share stories about their own experiences.

    "Each one of us has the power to do something," she said.

    After researching the idea, Cumming said she discovered the Pay It Forward movement, which is a global movement advocating the power of simple acts of kindness.

    "This is an idea that's existed for thousands of years," said Charley Johnson, founder of the Pay It Forward movement.

    Johnson, who used to own a manufacturing company, said he quit his job and founded the movement about 18 months ago.

    He said one of the best things about the movement is that it's an idea that is universal.

    "There is no religious affiliation," he said. "There is absolutely no political affiliation."

    Johnson said that while he's not sure of the exact number of individual Pay It Forward movements there are in the world, he does know that 1.7 million of the Pay it Forward bracelets the organization sells have been distributed among 123 countries.

    He said he feels that when individual people, like Cumming, choose to start a community movement, it can be extremely successful.

    "If they latch onto it and decide to do it in their community, it spreads like wildfire," he said.

    Hamilton woman looks for 51 ways to Pay It Forward(Facebook)

    Karen Cumming said that's exactly what she hopes her arm of Pay it Forward will do, and has already spoken to Johnson about starting Pay It Forward in Hamilton/ Burlington.

    "Think of the ripple effect," Cumming said. "I'd love for people to put it on Facebook, like the page and start to tell their stories."

    You can deliver your suggestions for random acts of kindness to Cumming's Facebook page.


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    2 suspects sought in Dundas pharmacy robbery

    CBC News

    Posted: Dec 28, 2012 10:08 AM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 28, 2012 10:06 AM ET

    Police are seeking two suspects in connection with a case of narcotics theft at a pharmacy in downtown Dundas.

    Around 6 p.m., a man and a woman wearing scarves over their faces entered a store on King Street West near Sydenham Street.

    The male suspect, police said, demanded prescription drugs from behind the counter, which a store employee then handed over.

    The pair fled then fled the store. Hamilton police continue to investigate.


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    Hamilton's port expanding beyond steel into grain shipments

    Written By Unknown on Kamis, 27 Desember 2012 | 22.46

    By Julia Chapman, CBC News

    Posted: Dec 26, 2012 12:32 PM ET

    Last Updated: Dec 26, 2012 12:26 PM ET

     

    On a grey December day, a packed freight ship sails out of Hamilton's port on a delivery to Italy. Not an uncommon sight, but the contents of the large containers aren't what's considered traditional Hamilton cargo.

    This ship isn't loaded with locally produced steel — it's carrying tonnes and tonnes of wheat.

    "We see that tradition as Steel City, but there are some new kids on the block." said Jay Fretz, Hamilton terminal director for grain company Parrish and Heimbecker. "It's the grain business here."

    'It's a high capacity, high efficiency facility that's geared to receive truckloads of grain quickly and load the vessels efficiently and have rapid turnaround.'—Jay Fretz, Hamilton terminal director

    The Canadian exporting giant signed a long-term agreement with the port about two years ago and they have been serving markets abroad from Hamilton since, Fretz said.

    The port is now home to 100 clients. Three are agricultural based, said Bruce Wood, CEO of the Hamilton Port Authority, and they're looking for more.

    "We created a long term strategic plan [in 2008] and part of it was to diversify away from the steel plants," Wood said.

    Business at the port has grown by 35 per cent since it began diversifying to export agricultural commodities, according to statistics from Hamilton's Economic Development office. The industry now contributes $1.3 billion to the city's economy.

    These clients are happy with their new digs.

    "It's a high capacity, high efficiency facility that's geared to receive truckloads of grain quickly and load the vessels efficiently and have rapid turnaround," said Fretz, or the two large production domes that now adorn the port's skyline.

    About seven to eight million acres worth of soybeans, wheat and corn produced in Ontario, he said, so that high turnaround is needed. It also keeps Parrish and Heimbacker's customers content.

    "Ontario is a net exporter of soybeans — we can't consume all the soybeans we produce," Fretz said. "Producers are getting excellent at producing a soy bean that is wanted in export markets, so we're happy to be part of that."

    While the agricultural industry in Ontario booming, its presence on the port is still new, and needs a boost.

    "It is still in its infancy," Wood said. "It's still growing but its not growing as fast as tenants that have been around for years and years."

    Despite some stunted expansion, Wood is confident the grain business is the way Hamilton's port should go and will be happy to announce new clients for 2013 soon.

    "Crops may be down one year and may booming the next year, but people still need to eat. If we had the opportunity to put a flourmill down here, we would do it," he said. "But that's not our business, so we put infrastructure in the ground and we work with our customers."

    with files from Radio-Canada's Mark Chambers

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