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  • ICCC - 13th Annual National Diwali Celebration - 09-11-13

    09 Nov 2013 2:00 PM | Anonymous

    13th National Diwali Celebration


    Prime Minister Stephen Harper lights the traditional Diwali lamp with Deepak Obhrai

    Prime Minister Right Hon. Stephen Harper lighted the traditional Diwali lamp Saturday November 9 at the International Centre in Mississauga while participating in the 13th Annual National Diwali celebrations organized by Hon. Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Human Rights.

    The 13th Annual National Diwali celebrations were held in the Greater Toronto Area for the first time. Till last year, Hon. Obhrai had organized the celebrations in Ottawa. The event saw enthusiastic participation from Indo-Canadians in the GTA. Prior to the speeches by the dignitaries, the audience was entertained by dancers who performed traditional dances from India.

    Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce was one of the sponsors of the event.

    Lauding the contributions of the Indo-Canadian community to the fabric of Canadian society, Prime Minister Harper said, “Our Indo-Canadian community, men and women, who, through their ingenuity, hard work and entrepreneurship are contributing to Canada’s prosperity. Men and women, who, through their commitment to family, faith and community, are helping to build a better Canada, men and women just like you.”

    He added, “This Diwali season, let us be thankful, first and foremost, for the health and safety of our families. Let us also be thankful for the opportunity to call this country, our Canada, home. A country where all citizens enjoy equality of opportunity, a country unwavering in its commitment to freedom, democracy, and justice, a country that is a model of peace, pluralism and prosperity.”

    To thunderous applause, the Prime Minister, emphasized, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your country, this is my country, a country of which we can all be very proud, a country to which you are making a tremendous contribution.”

    In his address, Hon. Deepak Obhrai, said, “Events like these make Canada the greatest country in the world. Diwali is truly a national Canadian celebration. We have 5,000 people here from the Greater Toronto Area, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary and more than 40 community, religious, and media outlets, who have come together as the sponsors of the 13th National Diwali Celebration. Together, they represent the best of multicultural Canada, where people from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds harmoniously co-exist in this great land, joyfully sharing their history and heritage with others.”

    Echoing the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister and Hon. Obhrai, Naval Bajaj, President, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), during his address said, “Today, Canadians of Indian origin are helping shape the destiny of Canada in so many different ways.

    “Indo-Canadians are second to none in helping build a new Canada – a Canada that is multicultural, a Canada that has a place for everyone, a Canada that respects and nurtures all ethnic identities. I am sure everyone present here will agree with me that we are proud to be citizens of a country that respects us for who we are and encourages us to participate in every facet of Canadian life without expecting us to abandon our roots.

    The ICCC President also said, “Today’s celebration in the presence of Honourable Prime Minister Harper is appropriate because he epitomizes renewal of the Canada-India relations like no other leader in Canada’s recent history. What the Prime Minister has achieved in a few years in improving Canada-India relations, hadn’t been achieved in the last few decades.”

  • ICCC - Canada-India Partnership in agriculture - Regina roundtable - 11-10-13

    11 Oct 2013 10:30 AM | Anonymous
    CEPA & Beyond - Canada-India Partnership in Agriculture & Food Processing
     
     Jointly organized by
     Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce & Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
     With support from
     University of Regina & Ministry of Economy (ECON) Government of Saskatchewan

    (from l to r): Dr. Braj M. Sinha, Dr. Shanthi Johnson,
    Minister Stewart, Naval Bajaj, Kant Bhargava
    A roundtable on the theme: CEPA and Beyond: Canada-India Partnership in Agriculture and Food Processing was jointly organized by Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) and Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) with support from University of Regina and Ministry of the Economy (ECON), Government of Saskatchewan, at the University of Regina on Friday, October 11, 2013.
    At the roundtable ICCC was represented by its President Naval Bajaj and Ambassador (Retd.) Kant K. Bhargava, Honorary Advisor of ICCC. Shastri Indo Canadian Institute was represented by Dr. Shanthi Johnson, President SICI and Dr. Braj M. Sinha, a Former President of SICI and Professor, University of Saskatchewan.
    The Regina roundtable brought together a mix of representatives from business, academia, and government. Hon’ble Bidhu Jha, Special Envoy for International Trade, Government of Manitoba; Mr. Robert Donald, Executive Director, Intergovernmental Affairs, Trade Policy, Government of Saskatchewan; and Ms. Jennifer Evancio, Senior Director, Trade Development, Agri-Value, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP); addressed the Plenary Session which was moderated by Kant K. Bhargava, Honorary Advisor, ICCC, and Dr. Braj Sinha, Former President of SICI.  
    A background note was made available to all roundtable participants on agriculture and food processing. The two sub-groups had comprehensive discussions on:
    • The role of governments, business and industry for building partnership in agriculture and food processing and for promoting food and nutrition security
    • Strengthening cooperation in agriculture research and biotechnology: Interface between academia, industry, business and government
    The need for more effective and sustained actions in these two areas was highlighted by the participants.
    In his address, President ICCC emphasized the stellar role that Saskatchewan has in Canada-India trade. “There cannot be a better venue than Regina to discuss agriculture – a sector that dominates bilateral trade between Canada and India. And as everyone here would know, of all the Canadian provinces, Saskatchewan has the most extensive trade relations with India. Till about five years ago, nearly 45% of Canada’s total exports to India came from Saskatchewan, with agricultural goods such as potash, peas, lentils and chickpeas at the top of the list,” Bajaj said.
    He also made a powerpoint presentation to all participants on India Mission 2014 that would be led by ICCC in January 2014 and will be focusing on agriculture, education and energy. You may download the presentation here: India Mission 2014. He invited interested participants from Saskatchewan to join this mission.
    The roundtable at Regina was part of ICCC’s ongoing project called The Future of Canada-India Relations: Unlocking the Full Potential. The main purpose of this project is to examine how best the growing resources, and the potential of the Indo-Canadian community can be harnessed in the progression of bilateral relations especially in the economic field. Chanchlani Foundation is the main sponsor of the project.
    Pivoted by ICCC, the project seeks to focus on the development of business networks especially for small businesses, educational linkages, science and innovation, biotechnology, energy, agriculture, mining and medicine.
    ICCC is collaborating with a number of business, trade and academic institutions for this project including the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI), Calgary; the HEC Montreal, Montreal; the Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Gandhinagar; iNDEXTb, Gandhinagar; the World Trade Centre, Bengaluru; Confederation of Indian Industries and the India Canada Business Chamber, Delhi; among others.
    Prior to the Regina one, roundtables have been held in Toronto, Montreal, and Delhi & Bengaluru. The next roundtable is scheduled in Ottawa on November 19.
    The President of ICCC, Naval Bajaj, had a 40-minutes meeting with Hon’ble Lyle Stewart, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Saskatchewan. Dr. Shanthi Johnson, President SICI and Ambassador (Retd.) Kant K. Bhargava accompanied him. Views were exchanged on strengthening bilateral trade and investment in this important sector.
    A joint report is being prepared by ICCC and SICI and will be disseminated to all concerned opinion, policy and decision makers. You may access the report of the proceedings of the earlier roundtables here: Project site

  • ICCC - Workplace safety & health seminar with St. John's Ambulance, Peel - 03-10-13

    03 Oct 2013 6:30 PM | Anonymous
    Workplace safety and health seminar


    An injury can happen at any time and to anyone, whether it’s at home, at school or at the workplace. Many times, it is the more harmless actions that one doesn’t think twice about that could lead to some of the most serious injuries.

    This is why organizations such as the St. John Ambulance, Peel, work hard to both inform about and promote occupational health and safety in communities across the region.

    On October 3rd, 2013 Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with St. John Ambulance, Peel, and the CCOHS and the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada, hosted an interactive, free seminar in Mississauga to educate community members about health and safety requirements for businesses in Ontario.

    Up-to-date with changing regulations, well-known and educated figures such as Steve Mahoney (President, Radiation Safety Institute of Canada) and Steve Horvath (President, CCOHS) spoke at the seminar to communicate:

    • What measures should be taken to ensure safety in the workplace
    • How to identify various workplace injuries
    • What measures should be taken if a workplace related injury were to occur

    This is what they had to say:


    Steve Mahoney: “It’s not about blame, it’s about responsibility. There is no excuse for occupational injuries. The key is prevention: preventing the wrong use of nuclear devices in the workplace through proper training. If you’re a CEO, think about safety and about prevention. SO your employees can go home safe every night.”

    William Sterritt: “Don’t be complacent and don’t be afraid. You can’t be afraid of everything. Be proactive. Safety is a behavior and safety should be part of your life every single day.”Today’s program is also aimed at our small business members


    Speaking on the occasion, Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC, said, “I am a small business owner, and as a small business owners, we have little choice but to do everything that is required to be done to firstly to survive, then to grow and finally to prosper. Sacrifice and change are the two constants in a small business. We can sacrifice as much as we can on most aspects of our business, there is one aspect that we cannot and should not compromise at all. And that is health and safety.

    Expanding on this theme, Naval emphasized, “Awareness about Health and Safety is a must for everyone who works in any capacity. In our province of Ontario it is also a legal requirement. Your workplace should meet with the health and safety regulations that taken into account issues such as a health and safety policy, fire safety plan, first aid, use and management of hazardous substance on the business premise. I must add here that we need to look at the stipulations of the regulation not merely from a compliance angle, but also because adhering to these provisions make for eminent business sense.”

     

  • ICCC - Welcome dinner reception for Consul General Akhilesh Mishra - 02-10-13

    02 Oct 2013 6:00 PM | Anonymous
    Welcome business reception for
     Akhilesh Mishra
     Consul General of India in Toronto
     

     ICCC President Naval Bajaj welcomes Consul General Akhilesh Mishra

    India and Canada are strategic partners and share common values of democracy, pluralism, liberty, multiculturalism and a common economic vision, Akhilesh Mishra, Consul General of India in Toronto, said at a welcome dinner reception given in his honour by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) at Hotel Radisson Plaza, Mississauga Wednesday, October 2, 2013.
     
     ICCC's board of directors with CG Mishra and his wife Reeti Mishra
          

    CG Mishra highlighted the Canada’s strength in pioneering high-end technology, economic development, mining, inclusive model of development, public service delivery mechanism, and citizen focused approach to policy and planning. He added that Canada India trade and economic potential is under-utilized and have more scope for development as both countries have only $5billion annual trade.
     
     Hon. Harinder Takhar and his wife with CG Mishra

    The recent visit of Indian foreign minister Hon. Salman Khurshid to Canada and the starting of the dialogue on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries will pave the way for more economic and cultural engagement. The million-strong India diaspora, and organisations such as ICCC will play an important role in developing such relationship, he said.
     
     Hon. Amrit Mangat presenting a memento to CG Mishra

    In his remarks, Mr. Naval Bajaj, President ICCC welcomed the new Consul General to Canada and emphasized that the welcome reception coincided with the 144th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He said that the 36 year old chamber with councils in five Canadian cities, is actively involved in promoting bilateral trade and providing the inputs to the ongoing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations. He said the ICCC is also working on a project on Future Agenda for Canada India Partnership: Unlocking its Full Potential to examine the implications on trade post-CEPA.
     
     Hon. Kyle Seeback with CG Mishra

    Mr. Bajaj assured the new Consul General that the ICCC would continue to provide fullest support to consulate office in its efforts to enhance trade ties between the two countries. The ICCC President said the Chamber has encouraged the small and medium businesses to explore the vast Indian market through its annual India trade mission with active involvement of suburban Canadian cities. While seeking the support of the Consulate General of India in Toronto, Mr. Bajaj said India Mission 2014 will visit Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, New Delhi, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune and focus on agriculture, agri-food, education and energy.
     
    CG Mishra welcomes Her Worship Hazel McCallion to the table

    Mr. Kyle Seeback, Member of Parliament, appreciated the work done by chamber in strengthening ties with India- largest democracy of the world and also for working hard to taking the relationship at a new level.

    Ms. Amrit Mangat, Member of Provincial Parliament, Ontario, said that the Ontario government has taken two trade delegations to India and looking forward to improve social, economic and cultural ties with India. She also read the message from Premier Kathleen Wynne for the New Consul General.

    Her Worship Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga, lauded the investments from Indian companies in the city which were resulted from her two trade missions to India, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. She said that the Indian entrepreneurs established good businesses in the city and the city still has immense potential for more investment.
     
     Hon. Kyle Seeback, Hon. Dr. Asha Seth and Hon. Brad Butt

    Mr. Jagdish Bajaj, Vice President ICCC announced that ICCC’s Winter Gala will be held on 29th November 2013 and will be themed on Films, Television, Animation and Visual Media. Canada has a beautiful natural landscape which can be promoted for shootings of films etc. and the chamber can play a bridge builder role in its promotion.

    Mr. Kasi Rao, Vice President and Director, Asia Pacific Foundation, Toronto office commended the work done by ICCC on the Canada India file. He was also the Master of Ceremony.

    Over 100 guests from different walks of life attended the dinner reception; among them were Hon. Harinder Takhar, Minister, Government of Ontario; Dr. Asha Seth, Senator, Senate of Canada; Hon. Mark Adler, Hon. Brad Butt, Hon. Kristy Duncan, Members of Parliament.
     
     CIF's Deepak Ruparell and Vasu Chanchlani with CG Mishra
    For more photographs of the event, click here: CG's welcome reception

  • ICCC Mentoring Program 2013 - 5th module launched - 01-10-13

    01 Oct 2013 9:00 AM | Anonymous

    The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the 5th round of its mentoring program.

    The program intends to help newcomers settle into the Canadian society better and faster by helping internationally trained Indo-Canadian newcomers connect with successful professionals to help them build useful networks, familiarize them with the Canadian work culture and assist them in job search. The preceding four sessions have met its objectives.

    We are actively seeking Mentors and Mentees for this session. The mentors for the program will be carefully chosen from the professional pool of talent available within ICCC's membership to help the mentee in their professional networking and job search strategies.


    Objectives of the program

    • Help skilled newcomers by matching them with a mentor with a similar background
    • Assist them with developing their professional networks and making educated career decisions
    • Increase their understanding of Canadian workplace culture and the reality of transferring professional designations
    • Strengthen the knowledge of community resources and linkages to settlement services, skills development, job search resources, language and literacy programming among other services

    Advantages of the program

    Mentee Benefits

    • Increased self-knowledge and awareness
    • Obtain strategic tools for ongoing career development and success
    • Enhance communication skills
    • Develop professional etiquette
    • Identify talents needed in the Canadian workplace
    • Build their network for work and career success
    • Become employed in their field of expertise

    Mentor Benefits

    • Increased self-knowledge and self-awareness
    • Optimize coaching and mentoring skills
    • Build leadership excellence
    • Dialogue with and learn from the experiences of internationally trained people
    • Share knowledge and wisdom and explore new ideas and perspectives
    • Learn about and contribute to the community
    • Recognition from ICCC

    Action plan

    • If you are a newcomer to Canada or a seasoned Canadian professional, we encourage you to be a part of this program.
    • If you are interested in the mentoring program either as a mentor or mentee please follow the links to fill out the appropriate form as well as kindly email your resume to mentoring@iccc.org

    Mentee Application Form (Mentee Application Form.pdf)

     Mentor Application Form (Mentor Application Form.pdf)

    Please note that the deadline for submissions is Sept 30th, 2013.

    For further information please contact:

    SPONSORSHIP - If you are interested in sponsoring this ICCC initiative, please email us at iccc@iccc.org

    VOLUNTEERING - If you want to join the New Immigrants Committee to assist with this program, please email us at mentoring@iccc.org

    For any other inquires, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Pawan Chankotra (Mentoring Program Coordinator) at mentoring@iccc.org or 416-224-0090 x 545


  • ICCC-WEP: The Boat Cruise - 29-09-13

    29 Sep 2013 6:30 PM | Anonymous
    ICCC-WEP: The Boat Cruise
    The Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals (WEP) committee revives the traditional end-of-summer boat cruise
     
     
     Naval Bajaj, ICCC President, with WEP Committee

    The delayed start to the fall season proved to be a boon for the first all-women boat cruise organized by Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce’s (ICCC) Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals (WEP) committee.
     
     
     Members and guests waiting to board the yacht

    In the past, the Chamber, in its role as the largest representative of the Indian Diaspora, used to organize similar boat cruises on Lake Ontario.
     
     
     Enjoying the evening breeze atop the yacht

    The WEP committee revived the tradition last month when on Sunday September 29 evening it lead a large group of spirited women to a boat cruise on the two-storied yacht operated by Mariposa Cruise.
     
     
     Impromptu performances were the highlight of the evening
    Ravinder Malhi and other members of the WEP committee including Smita Dayal, Shibani Sahney, Ginni Sethi and Mini Khurana welcomed the guests on behalf of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce.
     
     
     A synchronized dance number keeps everyone riveted

    The cruise began with a 30-minute business networking on the two-storied yacht operated by Mariposa cruise. This was followed by a talent show in which most members and guests who were on the cruise participated. Gugni Gill was the emcee for the talent show, which also included performances by the members and the guests.
     
     
     Gugni Gill (r), the emcee for the evening, with Ravi Malhi (l) of WEP

    Subsequently, Ravider Malhi and Smita Dayal gave information about the ICCC to all the guests. The information session was followed by a buffet dinner.
     

     A talent show that had many talented women performing

    A DJ was at the scene, ensuring everyone had a rollicking time.
     
     Gifts and prizes galore were won by many
     
    For more photographs of the event, click here: Boat Cruise Photos

  • ICCC - Quebec - Conference on Canada & free trade with Asia - 24-09-13

    24 Sep 2013 10:30 AM | Anonymous
    Canada & free trade with Asia
     
     Participants at the international business conference in Montreal September 24, 2013

    The Montreal branch of the Canadian International Council, The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada’s National Conversation on Asia, the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations, and the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce jointly organized a bilingual half-day international business conference on Canada and Free Trade with Asia in Montreal on September 24.

    Among the speakers were Pierre Marc Johnson, Former Premier of Québec, & Chief Negotiator for the Québec Government in the Canada – European Union Trade Negotiations; François-Philippe Champagne, Strategic Development Director and Member of the Group Management Committee, AMEC; Pierre Fournier, Geopolitical analyst with National Bank of Canada; Joseph Caron, served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Peoples’ Republic of China, with concurrent accreditation to North Korea and Mongolia, as Canada’s Ambassador to Japan, and as High Commissioner to the Republic of India; Pierre Lortie, Senior Business Advisor at Dentons Canada LLP; Douglas Goold, Director, National Conversation on Asia and Senior Editor of APFC; Donald Stephenson, Chief Trade Negotiator, Canada, India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
      
     ICCC President Naval Bajaj delivering his special address on India

    Naval Bajaj, President, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce gave a special address on India. In his address, the ICCC President highlighted the effective work that the Chamber has been doing for the last three-and-a-half decades to foster bilateral relations between Canada and India. He also gave a brief overview of the new strategies that ICCC has adopted to enable small businesses to become globally competitive and explore the Indian market through ICCC’s India Missions.
     
     Panel on India had Don Stephenson and Douglas Goold as speakers

    Don Stephenson, Canada’s Chief Negotiator with India on CEPA, during his presentation stressed on the following issues: Global trade is important, for Canada, the US is important. But for trade to grow, Canada will have to look beyond the US. For Canada, the first tier of trade partners would include the USA, Japan and the EU. The second tier would include BRICS – the emerging economies, the third tier would include Indonesia, Turkey, Nigeria and South Africa. Stephenson also emphasized that trade should be part of overall improvement of bilateral relations. 
     
     Panel on North East Asia

    The discussants raised several important issues pertaining to Canada’s trade with India not merely from a normative standpoint but even from a pragmatic, policy formulation standpoint. Among the salient points that emerged during the conference are:

    • 35% growth in trade with China is equivalent to 2% in growth in trade with USA – therefore, overall growth is important and not just percent number
    • There is a distinct lack of long term vision to develop trade ties between Canada and the Asian countries – for example no infrastructure to transport gasoline to other countries from Canada
    • Also, an acute lack of awareness about commercialization of innovation and building value chain – for example USA, Japan, Taiwan, Korea have all smart phone value chain, but Canada hasn’t
    • Need to integrate Canadian manufacturers and producers into the global supply chains especially with Asia to derive benefits from free trade – China, Japan and Korea have all developed intricate trade ties with the USA; Canada needs to emulate the US
    • For a long time, Canada didn’t sign any trade accord with any Asian country – this lacuna will imperil Canada’s future and reduce it to a marginal player globally; also why is it so difficult for Canada to finalize a trade deals?
    • Canada needs to emulate Australia too – in Australia, no matter which government is in power, the policy on trade remains unchanged – it keeps pushing forward and has involved other variables such as educational institutions and trade bodies to whittle down resistance it may face
    • Canada has signed trade agreements with minor economies where the combined trade is worth $1billion, which is less than 20 hours of total Canadian exports ($1.2billion per day on an average)
    • The result is Canada’s share in world trade is 0.5 %
    • The delay in developing trade ties in Asia may prove to be disastrous as many Asian countries have already decided and agreed on their most favoured trading partners; Canada may be just too late
    • Priority markets may be EU, Japan, Korea, China, ASEAN
    • In the Far East, Canada should prioritize trade agreements with Japan, Korea and China, with Japan a prefect accord is possible because of the tremendous opportunities for Canadian companies in the Japanese economy; with Korea, the size of the population (45 million) makes it similar to Canada; with China, despite the generally antagonistic public mood, Canada should make it a priority to sign the agreement
    • Agriculture sector is as important as oil and gas

  • ICCC - YP: The Beginning - 18-09-13

    18 Sep 2013 6:30 PM | Anonymous
    ICCC-YP: The Beginning 
    Young Professionals kick off 2013-14 with a buzzing networking session
     
     

    On September 18, the Young Professional’s (YP) committee of Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce kicked off the year with their first networking event called “The Beginning”.

    The event was a success with a crowd of 45 attendees networking throughout the evening. The attendees included established members of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), as well as new members looking to understand the South Asian business environment in Canada.

    It also provided grounds to introduce the 2013-14 Young Professionals committee, with introductions made by co-chairs Shreya Tekriwal and Oeishi Bhattacharjee. Plans for this year’s YP events along with a YP conference were also announced at the event as a means to generate audience interest and gather feedback.

    The ICCC president, Naval Bajaj, also spoke at the event. He introduced the Chamber and announced ICCC's main events for this year and opening of the new ICCC office, a building owned by the Chamber – a first in its history.

    The evening was held at the Kathi Roll Express, a new South Asian restaurant that showcases street food found on Indian street corners in a dhaba-style ambiance. Everyone enjoyed a truly delicious array of beverages and food items throughout the evening.

     

    Overall, the success of the event was evident in the fun-filled conversations and the promises to see each other soon at future events. After all, this is only the beginning. 

    The YP team for 2013-14 is:

    • Avi Goel, Director
    • Oeishi  Bhattacharjee, Co-Chair
    • Shreya Tekriwal, Co-Chair
    • Mandeep Gandhi
    • Apoorv Gupta
    • Anupriya Gupta
    • Arpan Khanna
    • Taarisha Kochhar
    • Siddharth Maheshwari
    • Aditya Purohit
    • Sarina Rehal
    • Henna Sethi 
     

  • ICCC - 15th Annual Golf Classic - 12-09-13

    12 Sep 2013 12:00 PM | Anonymous

    ICCC's 15th Annual Golf Classic
     
       
    ICCC President Naval Bajaj
    		 Golf Committee Chair Anil Shah

    Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce's (ICCC) 15th Annual Golf Classic was an overwhelming success with over 140 enthusiastic amateur golfers having a great time. Thursday, September 12, 2013 turned out to be a perfect day for golf, and the Blue Springs, at Acton ON, a perfect venue. In the past, ICCC’s golf tourneys have supported registered charities. However, this year the tournament’s revenue would be utilized for ICCC’s newly acquired headquarters at The East Mall in Toronto. The golfers – an eclectic combination of the Chamber’s long-time and new members, and guests – began arriving mid-morning. After collecting the registration gifts they were treated to sumptuous culinary delights specially prepared by the expert chefs of Aroma Fine Indian Cuisine, and Warraich Meats. The tournament started around noon with a shotgun start – scramble format.
     

     Member of Parliament Hon. Parm Gill
    The team comprising Rahul Mehta, Anuj Luthra, Neil D’souza and Harpinder Gill won the tournament. Consul General Mr. Akhilesh Mishra and Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC, presented the winning team with the rotating trophy. Fortuitously, ICCC’s golf tourney became the first public event for Akhilesh Mishra, the new consul general of India in Toronto, who has assumed charge in early September.
       
     Consul General of India in Toronto Akhilesh Mishra
    		  

    Speaking at the occasion Mr. Mishra said that the consulate would work in tandem with the community organizations to meet the aspirations of the Indo-Canadian community. He lauded the ICCC for its role in promoting bilateral relations between Canada and India, and promised to continue working closely with the chamber.
     
     
     The winning team led by Rahul Mehta (second from left)

    Addressing golfers at the cocktail reception, Naval Bajaj, ICCC’s President, said the Chamber had broken its tradition of donating the golf tourney’s proceeds to a registered charity this year because the revenues would be utilized for the Chamber’s new headquarters. Giving information about the new 6,000 square feet headquarters, the ICCC President said the building will have 2000 square feet area exclusively dedicated for events. In addition to serving as the headquarters of the 36-year-old institution, the building would also house a Centre for Excellence for Small Business. The proposed centre would encourage entrepreneurship and provide key inputs to Canadians of Indian origin wishing to launch their new ventures. “The centre will also provide information, coaching, hand-holding on all vital aspects of business,” he said.
     
     
     Golf committee member Tavinder Malhotra (left) with guest

    The ICCC golf committee comprises of Anil Shah (Chair), Naval Bajaj, Pradeep Sood, Tavinder Malhotra, Vikram Dua and Rahul Mehta.

  • ICCC - Interactive session with Hon. Chris Alexander - 16-08-13

    16 Aug 2013 11:30 AM | Anonymous

    Interactive session with Minister Chris Alexander


    ICCC President Naval Bajaj with
    Canada's Minister for Citizenship & Immigration Hon. Chris Alexander

    Hon. Chris Alexander, Canada’s new minister for Citizenship and Immigration emphasized that when dealing with immigration, the government understands that change is a constant. The Minister was addressing members of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce at an interactive session last week in Toronto.

    Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC welcomed the minister and introduced him to the members of the chamber.  He said that the ICCC is a 36 year old business organization with twin objectives of fostering bilateral trade between Canada and India, and creating business and professional opportunities for the Indian Diaspora in Canada. “As a business organization with a coast-to-coast presence, we are constantly working with both the federal and other provincial governments on many issues including immigration,” Bajaj said.

    He added that the ICCC is committed to promoting Canada India economic partnership with special emphasis on small and medium entrepreneurs. Bajaj assured the Minister that the ICCC would continue to play a pivotal role in fostering ties between the two countries and work with the minister. “We have had the privilege of organizing a number of interactive sessions Hon. Jason Kenny. And we will continue to do so with you,” he said. 

     Minister Alexander expressed confidence in ICCC’s leadership and its commitment to fostering bilateral ties between Canada and India. He underscored India’s critical importance to the Canada’s immigration program. “India is one of the largest sources of immigrants to Canada so the support of community leaders is very important,” the Minister said.

    He also emphasized that small businesses are the lifeline of Canadian economy and to make it stronger; Canada needs professionals and skilled human resources in which India can play an important role. Canada is more interested in investors and entrepreneurs to invest here and create more job opportunities for the Canadians.

    Hon. Minister Alexander stressed on making a professional reservoir of professionals to fulfill the future immigration needs and to expand the visa program for young investors and entrepreneurs. He didn’t rule out making changes in the immigration policy to make it more people friendly and avoid the fraudulent practices. Minister also informed that his ministry has cleared more than 21,000 pending applications last year and targeted to clear more in the current year. The Minister also wanted to strengthen the provincial nominee investors program for attracting more entrepreneurs to invest in the Canadian provinces and asked for more recommendations from the chamber for investor program for immigration.

    Mr. Jagdish Bajaj, Vice President & Director ICCC, appreciated the ministry’s efforts in speeding up the process of fast track visa for students. It provided them the timely admission in their chosen courses in different Canadian universities and colleges.

    Several prominent members of the Chamber and community leaders attended the interactive session. Mr. Deepak Ruparell of the Canada-India Foundation said that ministry should address the challenge of granting tourist visa as it directly effects the growing tourism industry in Canada. Government can identify some focussed groups or trusted operators for the promotion of tourism as Canada has vast areas of tourist attraction. Mr. Stephen Green from Green & Spiegel LLP, an immigration law firm, advocated sorting out issues related to investors program and identify their sources of Income in which some trusted banks can help. Mr. Vasu Chanchlani, a renowned entrepreneur, said that the role of provinces in the provincial immigration category should be increased to fulfill the needs of skilled workers. Mr. Sampat Poddar, Advisory Board Member of ICCC, said that the ministry should look into the matter of family class visa for relatives living at back home to attend the family functions in Canada.

    Hon. Asha Seth, Senator, Senate of Canada and Hon. Vim Kochar, former senator, Senate of Canada also graced the interactive session. Members of ICCC board, ICCC sponsors and media persons were also present at the session.