The Canadian Consulate General monthly e-newsletter for Canadians and Friends of CanadaMay 2014

In this month’s newsletter:

1. Canadian Happy Hour on May 21st2. CCBC Lunch3. Concordia University College of Alberta Choir, May 54. Visit to Minas Gerais5. Good luck Danae6. Rio Harp Festival: Welcome back Josh!7. Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Rio de Janeiro

1. Canadian Happy Hour, May 21

Do not miss this month’s great networking event on the 21st of May, from 18h00 to 20h00 at our traditional spot, Amir Restaurant (www.amirrestaurante.com.br). Free snacks and discounted drinks courtesy of Canadian owner Nicolas. Thanks, Nicolas, for your wonderful generosity!

Amir: Rua Ronald de Carvalho, 55 C, Praça do Lido

2. CCBC Lunch

On April 16, the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce held a lunch at the Windsor Atlantica Hotel in conjunction with the Consulate General of Canada, with speaker Dr. Adriano Pires, Director of the Brazilian Infrastructure Centre. Over 70 people from the Canadian and local business community participated in the luncheon including State officials, municipal officials, representatives of Vale (Brazil’s largest investor in Canada) and Antenor Barros Leal, President of the Commercial Association of Rio de Janeiro. Esther Nunes, National President of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce, also made a special trip from Sao Paulo to co-host the luncheon with Consul General Sanjeev Chowdhury.

1

3.Concordia University College of Alberta Choir

On May 5, the Concordia University College of Alberta choir will perform at 18h00 at PUC Rio. Everyone is welcome! Consul General Chowdhury will be in attendance.Address: PUC-Rio, Rua Marques de sao Vicente, 225--Salao do Igreja Sagrado Coacao de Jesus

4. Visit to Minas Gerais

During the week of May 12, Consul General Sanjeev Chowdhury will travel to Ouro Preto and Belo Horizonte. While in Ouro Preto, Mr. Chowdhury will attend the SIMEXMIN mining show, visit the Federal University of Ouro Preto and speak to the Rotary Club of Ouro Preto. While in Belo Horizonte, Mr. Chowdhury will speak to the Rotary Club of Belo Horizonte and visit Santo Agostinho High School.

5. Good luck, Danae

After 9 years at the Consulate General of Canada, Danae Balcon, Consular Assistant, has moved to Montreal. During an impressive career at the Consulate, Danae had an opportunity to meet many of our Canadian citizens and, more importantly, help them during times of happiness and sadness. We wish Danae well and will miss her. Filling in for Danae is Ilana Belaciano, another of our long-serving Consulate officers.

Picture: The Canadian Consulate General Staff with Danae Balcon

2

6.Rio Harp Festival :Welcome back Josh!

Canadian Harpist Josh Layne returns to Rio in May to perform at the World Harp festival. Come out and see him. Free admission.

March 21 – 14 hrs: Centro Cultural, Banco do BrasilMarch 22 – 14 hrs: Centro Cultural, Banco do BrasilMarch 23 – 14 hrs: Centro Cultural, Banco do Brasil

7. Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Rio de Janeiro

Visa Application Centre (VAC) of Rio de Janeiro is located in Barra da Tijuca. All visa applicants (visitors, students and temporary workers) are encouraged to use the VAC services. Please apply for your visa at least 6 weeks prior to travel.

Visa Application Centre – Rio de JaneiroAv das Americas, Nº 3500 - Ed Hong Kong - Sala 612-615Rio de Janeiro – RJ – Brasil – CEP 22640-102Working Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through FridayPhone Number: +55 21 3958 7015Email Address:   Info.canRio@vfshelpline.com

Further details on using the VAC are available at www.vfsglobal.ca/Canada/brazil

3