READER ALERTS PEOPLE TO PHONE SCAMS
Editor:
This note is meant to 'alert' everyone to the ongoing phone scam: You have won a cruise “ simply press 9 for more details.rnAccording to Phone Busters (at 1-888-495-8501), you will likely be safe as long as you do not provide credit card numbers.
However, you are best protected if you hang up immediately and never press the 9. If you did use the '9', just watch your phone bill and report scammed usage of your phone number to Telus.
Please share this with everyone that you know.
Lorraine SniderrnOsoyoos
— (OSOYOOS TIMES — Jan. 31, 2007)
[b]MINISTER SAYS BE PROUD OF ROLE IN AFGHANISTAN[/b]
Editor:
Canadians can be proud of the work we are doing in Afghanistan “ progress is taking place.
On my recent visit to the country, I saw firsthand the difference Canada, alongside 36 other countries as part of a United Nations-sanctioned NATO mission, is making in the lives of ordinary Afghans.
I met young men training to become carpenters, welders, and metal workers at a vocational school in Kabul, which will also be launched in Kandahar “ both schools are funded by Canada. Projects like these give Afghans hope for a brighter future as these young men learn skills they can teach others back in their villages.
I also met women benefitting from access to small loans to start their own businesses “ another project funded by Canada. Opportunities like this are enabling Afghan women to support themselves and their families.
These projects are helping Afghanistan build a stable, democratic, and self-sufficient society.
In Kandahar, I also witnessed the dedication of the Afghan National Police force where they are working to enforce the law and protect Afghan citizens. During my visit, I presented the force with much-needed supplies to do their job, including new winter gloves and jackets made in Afghanistan by local entrepreneurs. I also announced a $10 million contribution that will allow members of the Afghan National Police to receive their full salaries directly from banks, instead of receiving their pay through unreliable or irregular methods.
Speaking in Quebec last week, my colleague Josée Verner, Minister of the Canadian International Development Agency, also made several funding announcements to help improve the lives of the Afghan people. These include funding to UNICEF in support of maternal health and women's literacy, as well as funding for reconstruction programs, various community-led development projects and de-mining activities in Kandahar Province.
It is clear to me that amidst persistent challenges, the Afghan people are determined to build a brighter future for themselves. The progress taking place in Afghanistan is a testament to the will and fortitude of the Afghan people.
Security improvements are being achieved due to efforts of the Canadian military along with our international partners. Establishing security is crucial so that development and reconstruction can occur.
Canada has a noble tradition of taking an active role in bringing peace and stability to parts of the world that have seen turmoil and upheaval. Canadians are in Afghanistan at the invitation of the democratically-elected government, along with our international partners, and in a collective effort to promote security, economic and social development, and governance.
Our efforts do not go unappreciated. During my visit, I met with the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, who spoke of the generous spirit of Canadians and of our efforts to help his people build a stable, democratic, and self-sufficient society. He expressed some of his appreciation by saying that Canadians are putting their lives on the line to bring our country out of poverty and exploitation. They are coming here all the way from Canada with good in their hearts “ and we are grateful.
Peter MacKayrnMinister of Foreign Affairs, Ottawa
— (OSOYOOS TIMES — Jan. 31, 2007)
