View video: http://vimeo.com/observers2010 >>
British Columbia Civil Liberties Association
February 15, 2010
For immediate release
Police visit media centre, observer office
Vancouver, B.C. – Uniformed members of the Vancouver Police Department and two uniformed members of the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) walked through the ground floor of an independent Olympic media centre and tried to enter private offices in the back before being asked to leave by building management.
They did not produce any search warrant and said they had attended to view an art show that was taking place in the building. During their self-guided tour of the W2 Culture and Media House, they entered the technical hub of the building, which services more than 100 journalists and the Legal Observer program for the 2010 Olympics, and appeared to be attempting to access upper floors that host the Observer Program.
"The police are well aware that this space is dedicated to media, and that the Legal Observer office is in this building as well," said David Eby, Executive Director of the BCCLA. "All of the groups in this space have positive relationships with the police, there is no need for this kind of show of force."
Officers from the CBSA have been seen at all of the major demonstrations to date by the BCCLA's legal observers, raising concerns that VISU is using nationality to target particular protesters.
"In light of a number of issues at the border involving those who disagree with the Olympics being detained, harassed or turned back, it's hardly reassuring that the CBSA is on the front lines policing these protests and visiting media and Observer spaces," said Eby.
The BCCLA will be sending the details of the incident to the Vancouver Police Department to request a formal explanation.
View video: http://vimeo.com/observers2010 >>
MEDIA CONTACTS:
David Eby, Executive Director, (778) 865-7997
Micheal Vonn, Policy Director, (778) 829-3471
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Are you familiar with Carbon Offsets?
CJSF would be interested in having someone who is familiar with this concept or will do the research to understand its controversial elements to cover this story. Let me know if that is you. - FW
Media Advisory
February 14, 2010
Managing the carbon footprint of the 2010 Winter Games
Offsetters Clean Tech Partners help to leave a legacy of clean energy projects
What: Accredited media for the BC International Media Centre (BCMC) are invited to an announcement by Offsetters, the first ever Official Carbon Offset Supplier of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Linda Coady, Vice President, Sustainability of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will review the ambitious carbon management program for the 2010 Winter Games including the strategy, reduction plans and carbon offsetting program followed by an introduction of the BC Clean Tech Partners who are creating the carbon offset projects for the 2010 Legacy Portfolio. The first BC-based clean technology projects for the 2010 Legacy Portfolio will also be announced.
The strategy and tactics of the voluntary offsetting campaign targeted at spectators, locals and visitors will be highlighted, including the fictional demonstration sport of ‘Bobwheeling’.
Why: Working with Offsetters, VANOC will offset all the direct carbon footprint for the 2010 Winter Games which is estimated to be 118,000 tonnes. This is the first time that an organizing committee will offset the entire organizing period of a Games in Olympic Games history. Offsetters is also the first Official Supplier of Carbon Offsets in Olympic Games history.
In addition, a spectator engagement program is being implemented to encourage the voluntary offsetting of 150,000 tonnes of carbon that is estimated will be produced from spectators, sponsors and media during the Games period.
Where: BC Media Centre, Press Theatre
When: Monday February 15, 2010 2:00 pm
Who:
James Tansey, CEO and Co-Founder, Offsetters
Linda Coady, Vice President Sustainability, VANOC
Malcolm Metcalfe, CTO and Founder, Sempa Power
Offsetters Clean Tech Partners
About Offsetters:
As Canada’s first and leading carbon management provider, Offsetters helps individuals and companies understand, reduce, track and offset their climate impact – in that order. Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Offsetters is the first ever Official Supplier of Carbon Offsets to an Olympic Games and will be providing the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) with carbon credits sourced from clean technologies developed in BC’s Lower Mainland. In 2009, Offsetters was also selected by the Pacific Carbon Trust as the first supplier of carbon offsets to the BC Crown Corporation.
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Media Contact:
Melanie Wong, Offsetters, (604) 699-2652 or (cell) (604) 838-6248 melanie@offsetters.ca
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Guidelines for Use of Legislature Video
Guidelines for Use of Hansard Video
The Speaker of the Legislature of British Columbia grants permission to replay the webcast video of the proceedings of the Legislature for use in schools and for other purposes such as private study, research, criticism, review or newspaper summary. Television and radio broadcasters may make use of excerpts of the webcast video in their news or public affairs programs for the purpose of fair and accurate reports of proceedings. Program material may not be purposefully distorted or used for political party advertising, election campaigns or any other politically partisan activity. Any other commercial use or rebroadcast of the webcast video requires the express written approval of the Speaker.
The Speaker of the Legislature of British Columbia grants permission to replay the webcast video of the proceedings of the Legislature for use in schools and for other purposes such as private study, research, criticism, review or newspaper summary. Television and radio broadcasters may make use of excerpts of the webcast video in their news or public affairs programs for the purpose of fair and accurate reports of proceedings. Program material may not be purposefully distorted or used for political party advertising, election campaigns or any other politically partisan activity. Any other commercial use or rebroadcast of the webcast video requires the express written approval of the Speaker.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
“Free speech zone” crowded with pro-Olympic displays
British Columbia Civil Liberties Association
February 9, 2010
For immediate release
“Free speech zone” crowded with pro-Olympic displays
Vancouver, B.C. – The BCCLA is disappointed that the organizers of the 2010 Olympics have crowded an area designated for free speech with pro-Olympic displays, making large demonstrations practically impossible in the Olympic city.
“Beijing created protest zones where people who wanted to protest could peacefully assemble,” said Robert Holmes, President of the BCCLA. “But the Vancouver Olympics organizers seem to think that even the tiny patch of green behind the Vancouver Art Gallery is too much to allow for those who don’t agree with the Olympics.”
The Civil Liberties Advisory Committee which met with the Integrated Security Unit, Vancouver City Hall, and VANOC had recommended the North lawn of the Vancouver Art Gallery be kept clear and available for public organizing, recognizing the traditional use of the space as a gathering point for rallies and demonstrations. The recommendation appears to have been completely ignored, as the space now features a pro-Olympic poster display, a provincial government log cabin, and a bobsled.
“Free speech needs air and room in which to be spoken and heard,” said Holmes. “With this effort to crowd out others, the Olympics organizers are offending the Canadian democratic principles that our governments committed themselves to uphold. For an organization supposedly dedicated to competition among athletes to be so fearful of competition of ideas is sad indeed. Speakers will be deprived of the right to express themselves and listeners deprived of their right to hear. This is a sorry start to the Olympics and must be quickly overturned by those in authority.”
This tactic of trying to block out the opportunity for others to communicate a message was used by VANOC in the fall of 2008 when it purchased all outdoor advertising in Vancouver and Whistler and resold it only to approved sponsors. The Hughes Commission into demonstrations related to APEC made recommendations that demonstrations not be unreasonably confined.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Robert Holmes, President, (604) 681-1310
David Eby, Executive Director, (778) 865-7997
February 9, 2010
For immediate release
“Free speech zone” crowded with pro-Olympic displays
Vancouver, B.C. – The BCCLA is disappointed that the organizers of the 2010 Olympics have crowded an area designated for free speech with pro-Olympic displays, making large demonstrations practically impossible in the Olympic city.
“Beijing created protest zones where people who wanted to protest could peacefully assemble,” said Robert Holmes, President of the BCCLA. “But the Vancouver Olympics organizers seem to think that even the tiny patch of green behind the Vancouver Art Gallery is too much to allow for those who don’t agree with the Olympics.”
The Civil Liberties Advisory Committee which met with the Integrated Security Unit, Vancouver City Hall, and VANOC had recommended the North lawn of the Vancouver Art Gallery be kept clear and available for public organizing, recognizing the traditional use of the space as a gathering point for rallies and demonstrations. The recommendation appears to have been completely ignored, as the space now features a pro-Olympic poster display, a provincial government log cabin, and a bobsled.
“Free speech needs air and room in which to be spoken and heard,” said Holmes. “With this effort to crowd out others, the Olympics organizers are offending the Canadian democratic principles that our governments committed themselves to uphold. For an organization supposedly dedicated to competition among athletes to be so fearful of competition of ideas is sad indeed. Speakers will be deprived of the right to express themselves and listeners deprived of their right to hear. This is a sorry start to the Olympics and must be quickly overturned by those in authority.”
This tactic of trying to block out the opportunity for others to communicate a message was used by VANOC in the fall of 2008 when it purchased all outdoor advertising in Vancouver and Whistler and resold it only to approved sponsors. The Hughes Commission into demonstrations related to APEC made recommendations that demonstrations not be unreasonably confined.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Robert Holmes, President, (604) 681-1310
David Eby, Executive Director, (778) 865-7997
Monday, February 8, 2010
Audio Editor Availability at CJSF
Bernard can fit in some editing. He is studying editing at BCIT and CJSF.
Jeinny is at the station full-time and is a skilled editor.
Sehee is at the station full-time and has been trained in basic audio editing.
Bea is at the station part-time and is a very experienced editor.
Do you have things that need editing?
Do you want to add your name to the list?
Jeinny is at the station full-time and is a skilled editor.
Sehee is at the station full-time and has been trained in basic audio editing.
Bea is at the station part-time and is a very experienced editor.
Do you have things that need editing?
Do you want to add your name to the list?
TAKEN: Ribbon-cutting at W2 Feb. 10
This Wednesday February 10th, W2 invites you to a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Gregor Robertson! The reception will be between 9 am and 10 am, with the ribbon cutting at 9:30 am. Enjoy Salt Spring Coffee Co. and fresh croissants!
SARAH BUCHANAN WILL BE THERE TO COVER IT.
SARAH BUCHANAN WILL BE THERE TO COVER IT.
Olympic Literacy Practice
fromCommunications, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation
tomedia@abc-canada.org
dateMon, Feb 8, 2010 at 7:39 AM
subjectMedia Release: Olympic Literacy Tips
hide details 7:39 AM (7 hours ago)
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Become A Literacy Champion!
Literacy tips and activities for the month of February
(Toronto, ON, February 8, 2010) – The Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics offer an excellent opportunity to cheer on your country while practicing literacy skills.
ABC CANADA offers the following list of literacy tips and activity ideas that your family can practice over the next month:
1. Find out where the Olympic torch has travelled by looking at a map. You can practice your numeracy skills by calculating the distance travelled. A detailed map can be found at: http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/olympic-torch-relay/olympic-torch-relay-interactive-map/
2. Write a note of congratulations and send it to your favourite Canadian athlete.
3. Keep track of the number of gold, silver and bronze medals won by Canadian athletes in a spreadsheet to improve numeracy and computer literacy skills.
4. Find out more about Vancouver. Read about popular tourist attractions in British Columbia like the Rocky Mountains.
5. Read about interesting Olympic sports, such as bobsledding and skeleton.
6. Sing the Canadian national anthem to cheer on the teams.
7. Record all of the new competition records.
8. Research information about your favourite athlete; find out where they grew up, how they train, what their favourite food is, etc.
9. Invite friends and family to take part in your own competition – why not hold a Math Challenge?
10. Collect Olympic commemorative coins and add up your total.
11. Write trivia inspired by the Olympics, ex. Clara Hughes is the only Canadian athlete to win a medal at both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
12. Learn the history of the Olympics: origins, past and future host cities, and then locate these host cities on a map.
13. During timed events, calculate the difference between the top athletes’ performances to improve numeracy.
14. Identify all of the colours of the Olympic rings and match each to the flag of a participating country.
15. Find out your family’s heritage and follow the progress of your ancestors’ native countries.
16. Pick a sport that you are least familiar with and read up on its rules.
17. Spell the name of one participating country that starts with each letter of the alphabet.
For more information on literacy please visit ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation’s website: www.abc-canada.org .
Contact information:
Ashley Tilley
Communications Coordinator
ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation
Phone: 416-218-0010 ext.127
Toll-free: 1-800-303-1004 ext.127
Email: atilley@abc-canada.org
Nikki Luscombe
Communications Manager
ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation
Phone: 416-218-0010 ext.122
Toll-free: 1-800-303-1004 ext.122
Email: nluscombe@abc-canada.org
tomedia@abc-canada.org
dateMon, Feb 8, 2010 at 7:39 AM
subjectMedia Release: Olympic Literacy Tips
hide details 7:39 AM (7 hours ago)
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Become A Literacy Champion!
Literacy tips and activities for the month of February
(Toronto, ON, February 8, 2010) – The Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics offer an excellent opportunity to cheer on your country while practicing literacy skills.
ABC CANADA offers the following list of literacy tips and activity ideas that your family can practice over the next month:
1. Find out where the Olympic torch has travelled by looking at a map. You can practice your numeracy skills by calculating the distance travelled. A detailed map can be found at: http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/olympic-torch-relay/olympic-torch-relay-interactive-map/
2. Write a note of congratulations and send it to your favourite Canadian athlete.
3. Keep track of the number of gold, silver and bronze medals won by Canadian athletes in a spreadsheet to improve numeracy and computer literacy skills.
4. Find out more about Vancouver. Read about popular tourist attractions in British Columbia like the Rocky Mountains.
5. Read about interesting Olympic sports, such as bobsledding and skeleton.
6. Sing the Canadian national anthem to cheer on the teams.
7. Record all of the new competition records.
8. Research information about your favourite athlete; find out where they grew up, how they train, what their favourite food is, etc.
9. Invite friends and family to take part in your own competition – why not hold a Math Challenge?
10. Collect Olympic commemorative coins and add up your total.
11. Write trivia inspired by the Olympics, ex. Clara Hughes is the only Canadian athlete to win a medal at both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
12. Learn the history of the Olympics: origins, past and future host cities, and then locate these host cities on a map.
13. During timed events, calculate the difference between the top athletes’ performances to improve numeracy.
14. Identify all of the colours of the Olympic rings and match each to the flag of a participating country.
15. Find out your family’s heritage and follow the progress of your ancestors’ native countries.
16. Pick a sport that you are least familiar with and read up on its rules.
17. Spell the name of one participating country that starts with each letter of the alphabet.
For more information on literacy please visit ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation’s website: www.abc-canada.org
Contact information:
Ashley Tilley
Communications Coordinator
ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation
Phone: 416-218-0010 ext.127
Toll-free: 1-800-303-1004 ext.127
Email: atilley@abc-canada.org
Nikki Luscombe
Communications Manager
ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation
Phone: 416-218-0010 ext.122
Toll-free: 1-800-303-1004 ext.122
Email: nluscombe@abc-canada.org
Saturday, February 6, 2010
CiTR Olympic Coverage Plan - content needed
CiTR Olympic Coverage Plan - content needed
Brad from the CiTR news team presented to CJSF volunteers on January 29. We are invited to supply content for their coverage, and welcome to use theirs. Here is the outline of their plan, fully updated through Feb. 6:
1. Currently, CiTR has newscasts on Mondays and Fridays, 5-6 pm. Starting February 8th, they will begin 3 weeks of special Olympics coverage on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-6 pm. So, three hours a week to fill.
2. On Feb. 8th, CITR will produce an hour with the best of their CITR pre-Olympic coverage.
3. On Feb. 11th, they will be getting coverage of the Torch Relay at UBC.
4. On Feb. 12th, they will do a live broadcast of the protest at the Vancouve
r Art Gallery.
5. After that, each M-W-F the Olympics reports will be hosted live, 5-6 pm, from their UBC studio, with all-Olympic coverage, both pre-recorded and live interview segments and reports.
6. Daily they will produce 5 minutes of Olympic headlines and post them to the NCRA Program Exchange. At 8, 12, and 5, CiTR will be playing these headlines - promoting upcoming shows and highlighting previous coverage.
7. On Mondays and Fridays in the news hour, they will be doing regular segments with spokespeople from BCCLA and Pivot Legal Society.
8. They have launched a segment called "Eyes on the Street" that will serve as their user-generated Olympic coverage by means of a Twitter account (username: CiTRnews), voice mail (604-822-5334), and email (news@citr.ca).
9. They will post all their pieces to the NCRA Program Exchange. [yes!]
Things they plan to cover include: Torch Relay at UBC on Thursday Feb. 11. Olympics opening ceremonies Feb. 12. Big protest at the Art Gallery on the 12th. Women's March to end violence in the Downtown Eastside.
They ask for help with both content creation and involving citizens to report.
Pieces you post to the NCRA Program Exchange will be available to them.
Contact info:
News Department
CiTR Radio 101.9FM
233-6138 SUB Blvd.
Vancouver, B.C.
V6T 1Z1
phone: 604-822-5334 (newsroom)
email: news@citr.ca
web: www.citr.ca
follow us on twitter: @CiTRnews
become a fan on facebook: CiTR News
================
Hi Frieda,
It's Andrew - the other Co-Director of CiTR News 101. Everything is pretty accurate - there are only a few things I would add:
1. The Wednesday broadcast from 5-6pm will primarily be Olympics coverage from an arts perspective (hosted by Tracy Fuller of the Arts Report).
4. 12 Feb - We will not be broadcasting live from the protest because we would need either a landline or a hard internet connection. But we will have reporters there who we will be talking to us live from the protest. While four of us have accreditation for the media centre at Robson Square, we don't have access to the actual opening ceremonies inside BC Place.
7. We will probably promo stories we are working on very briefly in the 5-min daily headlines. The headlines will be made available no later than 10pm each night through the NCRA program exchange in order to be played the following day.
10. We will upload individual stories to the program exchange as well, which stations can play as stand-alone pieces, if they wish.
Thanks for spreading the word. We'll be in touch.
Cheers,
Andrew Longhurst
Brad from the CiTR news team presented to CJSF volunteers on January 29. We are invited to supply content for their coverage, and welcome to use theirs. Here is the outline of their plan, fully updated through Feb. 6:
1. Currently, CiTR has newscasts on Mondays and Fridays, 5-6 pm. Starting February 8th, they will begin 3 weeks of special Olympics coverage on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-6 pm. So, three hours a week to fill.
2. On Feb. 8th, CITR will produce an hour with the best of their CITR pre-Olympic coverage.
3. On Feb. 11th, they will be getting coverage of the Torch Relay at UBC.
4. On Feb. 12th, they will do a live broadcast of the protest at the Vancouve
r Art Gallery.
5. After that, each M-W-F the Olympics reports will be hosted live, 5-6 pm, from their UBC studio, with all-Olympic coverage, both pre-recorded and live interview segments and reports.
6. Daily they will produce 5 minutes of Olympic headlines and post them to the NCRA Program Exchange. At 8, 12, and 5, CiTR will be playing these headlines - promoting upcoming shows and highlighting previous coverage.
7. On Mondays and Fridays in the news hour, they will be doing regular segments with spokespeople from BCCLA and Pivot Legal Society.
8. They have launched a segment called "Eyes on the Street" that will serve as their user-generated Olympic coverage by means of a Twitter account (username: CiTRnews), voice mail (604-822-5334), and email (news@citr.ca).
9. They will post all their pieces to the NCRA Program Exchange. [yes!]
Things they plan to cover include: Torch Relay at UBC on Thursday Feb. 11. Olympics opening ceremonies Feb. 12. Big protest at the Art Gallery on the 12th. Women's March to end violence in the Downtown Eastside.
They ask for help with both content creation and involving citizens to report.
Pieces you post to the NCRA Program Exchange will be available to them.
Contact info:
News Department
CiTR Radio 101.9FM
233-6138 SUB Blvd.
Vancouver, B.C.
V6T 1Z1
phone: 604-822-5334 (newsroom)
email: news@citr.ca
web: www.citr.ca
follow us on twitter: @CiTRnews
become a fan on facebook: CiTR News
================
Hi Frieda,
It's Andrew - the other Co-Director of CiTR News 101. Everything is pretty accurate - there are only a few things I would add:
1. The Wednesday broadcast from 5-6pm will primarily be Olympics coverage from an arts perspective (hosted by Tracy Fuller of the Arts Report).
4. 12 Feb - We will not be broadcasting live from the protest because we would need either a landline or a hard internet connection. But we will have reporters there who we will be talking to us live from the protest. While four of us have accreditation for the media centre at Robson Square, we don't have access to the actual opening ceremonies inside BC Place.
7. We will probably promo stories we are working on very briefly in the 5-min daily headlines. The headlines will be made available no later than 10pm each night through the NCRA program exchange in order to be played the following day.
10. We will upload individual stories to the program exchange as well, which stations can play as stand-alone pieces, if they wish.
Thanks for spreading the word. We'll be in touch.
Cheers,
Andrew Longhurst
Friday, February 5, 2010
Workopolis Exclusive Contract with Olympics
I think this might be an interesting labour-related Olympics story - especially the fact that Workopolis is "the exclusive Official Supplier of Online Recruitment Services for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games." Would be interesting to find out who they actually are, what services they supplied, how well the services worked for people, and what the financial arrangements were with them. I just went to the website and found only 1 job listing, and a place to click to volunteer.
Montreal Hotel Concierge Named Workopolis Ambassador at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Montreal, QC, February 5, 2010 – Hilton Montreal Bonaventure is proud to announce Concierge, Chantal Beaudoin, has won the coveted role as Workopolis Ambassador at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The one-of-a-kind job offered by Workopolis, who is the exclusive Official Supplier of Online Recruitment Services for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, received hundreds of entries from across the country. Beaudoin’s submission which spoke to her talent, exceptional skill set and passion, garnered more than 2/3 of the over 73,000 votes and the prize position.
As the Workopolis Ambassador, Chantal will have the chance of a lifetime to experience the the Games first hand. In addition to gaining valuable work experience, she will have the opportunity to attend exclusive events and will assist Workopolis with their supplier hospitality programs. Beaudoin will be a face of Workopolis during the Games, and will need to draw upon her experience in the hospitality industry to meet the needs of the guests.
As a former tour guide, photographer, teacher, entertainer and even mascot, Beaudoin’s extensive work experience will come in handy for her new role. Fluent in French, English and Spanish, she has been working as a concierge for the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure for many years and the team at the Hilton is thrilled for her to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Beaudoin is very excited about the upcoming event “I can't wait to be there. I have been preparing for this event since October when I first applied for this dream job. I have worked hard but I also know that a lot of people believed in me, voted for me and I thank you very much for that – this really is a once in a lifetime experience” Chantal says.
Beaudoin will be blogging about her behind the scenes experiences via a Blog on www.ambassador.workopolis.com. As part of the prize, she will also earn a salary of $7,000 for the three-week job plus receive free accommodation, transportation and meals and have access to at least 18 sporting events and ceremonies.
About Workopolis:
Workopolis (www.workopolis.com) is the best resource for Canadians considering job transition and for employers seeking qualified job candidates.
Workopolis provides a fully bilingual suite of industry-leading products and solutions including:
Tools to help job seekers find the right next job, including career alerts, newsletters, and Resume Rescue consultation services; Tools to help currently employed individuals, considering a mid-term career move make a better decision; including expert career advice and an online salary calculator; NicheNetwork: Canada’s largest network of trade- and sector-specific job boards; ideal for accessing hard-to-find highly skilled candidates; A powerful resume database including user-friendly search functions and intuitive screening tools which are ideal to reach not only highly engaged job-seekers but also those casually interested in a mid-term job change.
Workopolis has 160 staff in 9 offices across Canada. Workopolis is an equal partnership of Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd. and Square Victoria Digital Properties Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada.
Workopolis is the exclusive Official Supplier of Online Recruitment Services for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
About Hilton Montreal Bonaventure
The Hilton Montreal Bonaventure is owned and operated by SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts. SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts is one of Canada’s leading hotel management companies and manages 24 hotels and resorts across Canada. The company manages independent hotels and hotels operating under major franchise brands, such as Crowne Plaza, Radisson, Hilton, Quality, Gouverneur, Best Western and Ramada.
–30 –
Image and bio available upon request. Video capturing the announcement can be viewed at www.ambassador.workopolis.com.
Contacts:
Jennifer Couvelier, The Tartan Group
Cell: (250) 592.3838
jennifer@tartangroup.ca
Montreal Hotel Concierge Named Workopolis Ambassador at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Montreal, QC, February 5, 2010 – Hilton Montreal Bonaventure is proud to announce Concierge, Chantal Beaudoin, has won the coveted role as Workopolis Ambassador at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The one-of-a-kind job offered by Workopolis, who is the exclusive Official Supplier of Online Recruitment Services for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, received hundreds of entries from across the country. Beaudoin’s submission which spoke to her talent, exceptional skill set and passion, garnered more than 2/3 of the over 73,000 votes and the prize position.
As the Workopolis Ambassador, Chantal will have the chance of a lifetime to experience the the Games first hand. In addition to gaining valuable work experience, she will have the opportunity to attend exclusive events and will assist Workopolis with their supplier hospitality programs. Beaudoin will be a face of Workopolis during the Games, and will need to draw upon her experience in the hospitality industry to meet the needs of the guests.
As a former tour guide, photographer, teacher, entertainer and even mascot, Beaudoin’s extensive work experience will come in handy for her new role. Fluent in French, English and Spanish, she has been working as a concierge for the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure for many years and the team at the Hilton is thrilled for her to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Beaudoin is very excited about the upcoming event “I can't wait to be there. I have been preparing for this event since October when I first applied for this dream job. I have worked hard but I also know that a lot of people believed in me, voted for me and I thank you very much for that – this really is a once in a lifetime experience” Chantal says.
Beaudoin will be blogging about her behind the scenes experiences via a Blog on www.ambassador.workopolis.com. As part of the prize, she will also earn a salary of $7,000 for the three-week job plus receive free accommodation, transportation and meals and have access to at least 18 sporting events and ceremonies.
About Workopolis:
Workopolis (www.workopolis.com) is the best resource for Canadians considering job transition and for employers seeking qualified job candidates.
Workopolis provides a fully bilingual suite of industry-leading products and solutions including:
Tools to help job seekers find the right next job, including career alerts, newsletters, and Resume Rescue consultation services; Tools to help currently employed individuals, considering a mid-term career move make a better decision; including expert career advice and an online salary calculator; NicheNetwork: Canada’s largest network of trade- and sector-specific job boards; ideal for accessing hard-to-find highly skilled candidates; A powerful resume database including user-friendly search functions and intuitive screening tools which are ideal to reach not only highly engaged job-seekers but also those casually interested in a mid-term job change.
Workopolis has 160 staff in 9 offices across Canada. Workopolis is an equal partnership of Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd. and Square Victoria Digital Properties Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada.
Workopolis is the exclusive Official Supplier of Online Recruitment Services for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
About Hilton Montreal Bonaventure
The Hilton Montreal Bonaventure is owned and operated by SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts. SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts is one of Canada’s leading hotel management companies and manages 24 hotels and resorts across Canada. The company manages independent hotels and hotels operating under major franchise brands, such as Crowne Plaza, Radisson, Hilton, Quality, Gouverneur, Best Western and Ramada.
–30 –
Image and bio available upon request. Video capturing the announcement can be viewed at www.ambassador.workopolis.com.
Contacts:
Jennifer Couvelier, The Tartan Group
Cell: (250) 592.3838
jennifer@tartangroup.ca
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression Olympic monitoring project
3 February 2010
Guardians of the Winter Olympics restrict free expression
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) has launched a campaign to monitor free expression violations related to the Winter Olympics. CJFE's Olympic Watch is highlighting recent incidents where the protection of the Olympic brand has led to threats to free expression.
U.S. journalist Amy Goodman, host of Democracy Now!, was stopped at the British Columbia-Washington border on her way to Vancouver and interrogated about a speech she was scheduled to give, in order to determine if she was going to criticise the Olympics, reports CJFE.
Two "Toronto Sun" newspaper journalists were attacked while they were covering the torch relay in Ontario. One of the journalists, photographer Ian Roberts, 60, was treated for a head injury after he was pushed to the ground by security officers for the Torch.
And in Vancouver, the city used an anti-graffiti bylaw to have a piece of art removed from a local gallery. The work of art depicted five rings, four with unhappy faces.
During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing there were widespread reports of arrests, convictions, censorship and surveillance of journalists.
More and contact info at: http://www.cjfe.org/releases/2010/18012010olympicwatch.html
Guardians of the Winter Olympics restrict free expression
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) has launched a campaign to monitor free expression violations related to the Winter Olympics. CJFE's Olympic Watch is highlighting recent incidents where the protection of the Olympic brand has led to threats to free expression.
U.S. journalist Amy Goodman, host of Democracy Now!, was stopped at the British Columbia-Washington border on her way to Vancouver and interrogated about a speech she was scheduled to give, in order to determine if she was going to criticise the Olympics, reports CJFE.
Two "Toronto Sun" newspaper journalists were attacked while they were covering the torch relay in Ontario. One of the journalists, photographer Ian Roberts, 60, was treated for a head injury after he was pushed to the ground by security officers for the Torch.
And in Vancouver, the city used an anti-graffiti bylaw to have a piece of art removed from a local gallery. The work of art depicted five rings, four with unhappy faces.
During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing there were widespread reports of arrests, convictions, censorship and surveillance of journalists.
More and contact info at: http://www.cjfe.org/releases/2010/18012010olympicwatch.html
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Rights during the Olympics
BC Civil Liberties Association Legal Observers Program http://2010observers.bccla.org/
Protesters' rights page: http://olympicresistance.net/content/know-your-rights
Protesters' rights page: http://olympicresistance.net/content/know-your-rights
Monday, February 1, 2010
Live remote broadcasting - some notes
Reply to Jay's inquiry about livecasting his show remotely:
Live broadcasting would require that you have access to preferably wired broadband internet at the venue; a computer than can run Winamp and Shoutcast; a mixer, mics and peripherals you might need such as CD player; and also of course the consent of the venue to broadcast from that space for that period of time. It is possible to do live broadcasting over a phone line as well, we have the equipment, although that sound is likely to be a bit thinner. And of course you'd have to tie up a phone line for the duration of the show..
There are also coordination issues with live broadcasting over internet. We would have to have someone at the controls in the station to take responsibility for the starting and stopping of the feed during the livecast, as well as covering if anything goes wrong during it. There is also an issue of "latency" (i.e., delay). From Harbour Centre to CJSF the latency was 45 seconds and we had to synchronize watches. I don't know if the latency from the venue you want to use is the same or not - would be a good idea to test it. I'm also not sure if the latency is consistent or depends to some degree on traffic - we'd have to experiment. Whoever is in the studio can play music and do a cross-fade when the signal starts to come through. It would also be valuable to have a telephone connection as well as the internet, for feedback about conditions between the two ends of the feed - though perhaps it could be done with chat. So, as you can see, live remote broadcasting isn't entirely cut and dried, especially when it's not a permanent hookup.
Live broadcasting would require that you have access to preferably wired broadband internet at the venue; a computer than can run Winamp and Shoutcast; a mixer, mics and peripherals you might need such as CD player; and also of course the consent of the venue to broadcast from that space for that period of time. It is possible to do live broadcasting over a phone line as well, we have the equipment, although that sound is likely to be a bit thinner. And of course you'd have to tie up a phone line for the duration of the show..
There are also coordination issues with live broadcasting over internet. We would have to have someone at the controls in the station to take responsibility for the starting and stopping of the feed during the livecast, as well as covering if anything goes wrong during it. There is also an issue of "latency" (i.e., delay). From Harbour Centre to CJSF the latency was 45 seconds and we had to synchronize watches. I don't know if the latency from the venue you want to use is the same or not - would be a good idea to test it. I'm also not sure if the latency is consistent or depends to some degree on traffic - we'd have to experiment. Whoever is in the studio can play music and do a cross-fade when the signal starts to come through. It would also be valuable to have a telephone connection as well as the internet, for feedback about conditions between the two ends of the feed - though perhaps it could be done with chat. So, as you can see, live remote broadcasting isn't entirely cut and dried, especially when it's not a permanent hookup.
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