ISSUE 110 | FEB 2025

February is here with our 110th edition of the MBE Business Magazine.

The dog days of winter are officially here. Seasonal temps to sometime unbearable frigid temps enveloped most of Ontario for the month. January has left southern Ontario with a crisp cool blanket of white snow. We had very little or no snow to speak of in the early to mid-part of the month only to receive a fresh blast from Mother Nature during its last week. It’s her way of reminding everyone that winter is still here. Just think, only two months until spring!

Some important days for the month of February are as follows: Groundhog Day celebrated on February 2nd, is a special day when a groundhog predicts the weather. The premise is that every year sometime in the morning of this day, a groundhog comes out of its den, and if it sees its shadow on the ground and returns into the hole, that means there will be six more weeks of winter from that date. However, if the groundhog does not see its shadow, and stays out of its hole, it means that spring is near, and will arrive early.

Tu BiShvat or the New Year of the Trees will be celebrated on February 13th. It is observed on the 15th day of Shevat according to the Hebrew Calendar. Trees are an important element in Judaism that symbolizes life. On this day, Jewish people plant trees and celebrate by dancing, singing, and playing games.

The day of love or as we call it Valentine's Day is celebrated every year on February 14th and this day is also known as Saint Valentine's Day or Feast of Saint Valentine. February has also been known as the month of love and romance for centuries and on the 14th lovers exchange special gifts among themselves like roses, chocolates, or even jewelry. They may also treat their partner to a meal in a restaurant or a night in a luxury hotel. Many people will take the opportunity on this day to declare their affection for their crushes, often disguised as secret admirers.

Monday February 17th is a holiday throughout most of Canada with many different names. Family day is celebrated in the provinces of BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick; Manitoba celebrates Louis Riel Day; Nova Scotia celebrates Nova Scotia Heritage Day; PEI celebrates Islander Day and on February 21st is Yukon Heritage Day celebrated in the Yukon Territories. All these holidays are public holidays and schools and most businesses are closed.

In this issue, you will find contributing articles from many different personalities including the MBE team of - Mr. Mansoor Naqvi, Minhal Naqvi and Mr. Alamdar Hussain.

You will find this issue just as interesting and informative as before. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring this issue to you on our digital and social media platforms. We have also launched our magazine website as well enabling us to reach the maximum number of people via electronic media.