alberta: Grant money is intended to either start or maintain programs aimed at improving the lives of women, according to Toronto Star. MLA Annie McKitrick, future business owner Nadifa Oma, and Status of Women Minister Danielle Larivee enjoy Oma's catering selection at a news conference Tuesday. The Status of Women Community Grants started in 2017 gave up to 50,000 to 32 different projects run by non-profit organizations across Alberta. Government of Alberta We're doing this because we know when women succeed, families succeed as do their communities and Alberta succeeds, said Danielle Larivee, Minister of Status of Women, at a press conference on Tuesday. One of these programs the Women's Centre of Calgary received nearly 30,000 to develop and pilot a leadership program for adult women. The 32 projects we've announced today will help women get good jobs and training, increase the number of women in leadership roles, and help prevent violence against women and girls. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

anti-immigrant group: Supporters gather outside the Discontent City in downtown Nanaimo on Sunday to face off against a rally of anti-homeless camp activists, including members of anti-immigrant group the Soldiers of Odin, according to Toronto Star. Photo via Facebook This is exactly the kind of strategy that the far right has been adopting for many years, Dutton said in an interview. Alan Dutton, director of the Canadian Anti-racism Education and Research Society, said becoming involved in contentious local issues is a trademark move designed to make extremist groups appear more palatable in the eyes of average citizens. Why would you adopt the name of a fascist organization if your intention is simply to help get social housing for the poor and clean up the streets The Sunday confrontation, which ended up being non-violent, pitted roughly 60 anti-homeless camp activists against nearly 150 supporters of Discontent City a tent city formed to protest Nanaimo city council's lack of action on developing supports for the city's exploding homeless population.A spokesperson for Action Against Discontent City AADC the citizens' group that organized the rally against the homeless camp, said the Soldiers of Odin SOO was brought in to protect members of his group from threats of violence, acknowledging they were also there to intimidate. Yeah, they are big guys, but that was the whole point. Article Continued Below I can see why people might be freaked out, said the spokesperson, who declined to provide his name, citing ongoing threats to his personal safety from supporters of Discontent City. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

crowds lack: Yet stoned audiences are often the toughest to make laugh, say standup comics, who note that what high crowds lack in audible appreciation they make up for in friendly feedback and less heckling than drinking audiences, according to The Chronicle Herald. They might not laugh at you the entire show but after they'll stop you outside and be like, 'Dude, that was the best show,' says comic Mike Rita, host of the Stoner Sundays comedy showcase at Vapor Central in Toronto. You just have to watch a Cheech and Chong movie to know that cannabis makes you susceptible to laughter, says Mark Breslin, founder of Yuk Yuk's comedy clubs in Canada. I'm like, 'But you didn't laugh.' They're like 'You don't have to laugh you've just got to feel it, man.' Vapor Central is among several 4/20-friendly Canadian comedy clubs that have been catering to medical marijuana users for several years now and are bracing for a possible influx of patrons or bylaw changes when Canada legalizes recreational cannabis use in October. You can feel how engaged they are. It's one of the most forgiving audiences, just because they're down to have fun, says comedian Andrew Packer, who runs the Jokes N Tokes comedy showcase at the Underground Cafe and Social Club in Toronto, where cannabis use is allowed inside. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

heritage: Tony Ince, the minister of African Nova Scotia Affairs, announced the designation under the Heritage Property Act during a ceremony Tuesday at Beechville Baptist Church, according to CTV. A developer has proposed a subdivision in the area, and the community had sought the heritage designation. The settlement in Beechville contains land plots settled by black refugees during the War of 1812. The province says it will ensure the defining elements of the site's character are preserved for future generations. Ince said the heritage recognition acknowledges the settlement's ties to the African Nova Scotian community and a place that contributes to our province's shared history. According to the Beechville Baptist Church web site, the first Black Loyalists arrived in 1816, and the province granted the refugees 1,000 acres of land. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

historicblack community: Tony Ince, the minister of African Nova Scotia Affairs, announced the designation under the Heritage Property Act during a ceremony Tuesday at Beechville Baptist Church, according to The Chronicle Herald. A developer has proposed a subdivision in the area, and the community had sought the heritage designation. The settlement in Beechville contains land plots settled by black refugees during the War of 1812. The province says it will ensure the defining elements of the site's character are preserved for future generations. Historicblack community of Beechville vanishing Ince said the heritage recognition acknowledges the settlement's ties to the African Nova Scotian community and a place that contributes to our province's shared history. According to the Beechville Baptist Church web site, the first Black Loyalists arrived in 1816, and the province granted the refugees 1,000 acres of land. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

sisterly trio: GIVE 'CHARMED' A CHANCE, CREATORS SAY The cast and producer of CW's new Charmed are defending the reboot as a story for its time, according to The Chronicle Herald. The drama series about three young half-sisters who are witches will confront modern issues including the MeToo movement, executive producer Jennie Snyder Urman told a TV critics' meeting Monday. A roundup of news Monday from the Television Critics Association summer meeting, at which TV networks and streaming services are presenting details on upcoming programs. The varied ethnicity of the sisterly trio white, Latina and African-American also gives the reboot more currency, Urman said. Most people she's talked to are in favour of the switch to characters of colour, said Urman. The women have the same mother but different fathers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

jewish supremacism: These thoughts ran through my mind as I struggled to write about Bernie Farber's standing among some leftists and liberals, according to Rabble. After Israel recently solidified its apartheid regime, a Facebook friend posted an opinion by illustrious pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim titled Today, I Am Ashamed to Be an Israeli. Consider the source. While expressing opposition to its recent entrenchment of Jewish supremacism, the story effectively denied the ethnic cleansing of Palestine by claiming, the founding fathers of the State of Israel who signed the Declaration of independence considered the principle of equality as the bedrock of the society they were building. In response to my complaint about citing the former CJC CEO approvingly, Farber wrote, I will continue to work for mutual understanding and do my best to see all sides. More than this sop to colonial history, my leftist Facebook friend's post piqued my ire because it highlighted that the article came from Farber, who worked at the now defunct Canadian Jewish Congress CJC between 1984 and 2011. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

career tuesday: Still beaming after the biggest win of his career, Auger-Aliassime explained the origin of his name to reporters, detailing how his father, an African immigrant, insisted that his mother's French name be included to give Felix more recognition in Quebec, according to Vancouver Courier. I hear all kinds of pronunciations like obviously in English 'ogre' is always present, Auger-Aliassime said with a laugh. After beating a Top-20 opponent for the first time in his career Tuesday, the Montreal teenager is doing what he can to make his name more memorable.article continues below Trending Stories Superyacht Cloudbreak anchors off Vancouver's coast Macdonald elementary renamed Xpey'Courage to Come Back nominations sought Lack of customers, high rents force Hobbs in Kerrisdale to close Auger-Aliassime pronounced oh-ZHAY ah-lee-ah-SEEM upset Lucas Pouille of France 6-4, 6-3 at the Rogers Cup, cruising into the second round of the tournament in his main draw singles debut. But no, it doesn't really matter if people who reached a career-high No. 133 world ranking heading into the week, needed just one hour 18 minutes to down the No. 18 Pouille on centre court at Aviva Centre. He also fired five aces including four in the second set alone and won 73 per cent of his first service points. The Canadian wild card saved 5-of-6 break points and converted on 3-of-6. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration documents: The allegations, which have not been proven in court, come just two months after two Charlottetown hoteliers were charged with aiding in immigration fraud, with the CBSA alleging 566 immigrants used the addresses of the siblings' hotel and home, according to National Observer. The siblings' lawyer recently denied the allegations of misrepresentation in comments to reporters, and said they intend to plead not guilty. Rather, she alleged their immigration documents are collected and sent on to them, at their real address elsewhere in Canada or back in China, she writes. However, the latest allegations, if they lead to charges, would bring the total number of address of convenience cases to about 1,000 in the provincial nominee program PNP with all but a few of these immigrants gaining permanent residency in Canada. They have most of the rights of citizens and can take advantage of social programs, but they can't vote, seek public office, obtain a Canadian passport or hold jobs that require a security clearance. Permanent residents are immigrants who are not Canadian citizens, but they have been given permission to stay and work in Canada for five years before applying for renewal. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

monday: The father, Siraj Ibn Wahhaj, had told his wife he wanted to perform an exorcism on the child, authorities said, according to Vancouver Courier. We discovered the remains yesterday on Abdul's fourth birthday, Hogrefe said, appearing to fight back tears. It's not yet certain the remains are of Abdul-ghani Wahhaj, who would have turned 4 on Monday.article continues below Trending Stories Superyacht Cloudbreak anchors off Vancouver's coast Macdonald elementary renamed Xpey'Courage to Come Back nominations sought Lack of customers, high rents force Hobbs in Kerrisdale to close But Taos County Sheriff Jerry Hogrefe indicated the body appeared to be that of a boy similar in age to Abdul-ghani, who suffers from seizures and was reported missing in December after his father said he was taking him to a park in Jonesboro, Georgia, south of Atlanta. The search for Abdul-ghani led authorities Friday to the compound shielded by old tires, wooden pallets and an earthen wall studded with broken glass. Investigators said they found the heavily armed Wahhaj along with four other adults and 11 hungry children living in filthy conditions. It's located on the outskirts of Amalia, a tiny, remote town near the Colorado border marked by scattered homes, sagebrush and open plains. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

province: The province says it will ensure the defining elements of the site's character are preserved for future generations, according to Vancouver Courier. According to the Beechville Baptist Church web site, the first Black Loyalists arrived in 1816, and the province granted the refugees 1,000 acres of land. The settlement in Beechville contains land plots settled by black refugees during the War of 1812.article continues below Trending Stories Superyacht Cloudbreak anchors off Vancouver's coast Macdonald elementary renamed Xpey'Courage to Come Back nominations sought Lack of customers, high rents force Hobbs in Kerrisdale to close Tony Ince, the minister of African Nova Scotia Affairs, announced the designation under the Heritage Property Act during a ceremony Tuesday at Beechville Baptist Church.A developer has proposed a subdivision in the area, and the community had sought the heritage designation. Ince said the heritage recognition acknowledges the settlement's ties to the African Nova Scotian community and a place that contributes to our province's shared history. We are honoured that many from our senior generation are here to witness their long-time efforts contributing to this significant announcement. Designating this site as a historical property is another proud day for us in Beechville, Danielle Wright, a resident of the community, said in a statement released by the province. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

quebec: The trolls said that Canada, too, has a bevy of internal issues it needs to resolve, according to National Observer. Saudi Arabia's social media campaign to discredit and shame Canada internationally has been bizarre, writes toulastake particularly its decision to focus on Quebec independence. qcpoli cdnpoli Saudi Arabia humanrights The online retaliatory outburst took a strange turn when bots started tweeting in support of Quebec independence, implying that Saudi Arabia could have interfered with the 1995 Quebec referendum and supported the province's bid to separate, but graciously chose to remain on the sidelines. Attempting to publicly shame Canada for interfering in their internal affairs, an army of Saudi Arabian online accounts started trolling the Canadian government this past Sunday with a batch of insults. Going back 23 years in time to dig up an issue that most Quebecers are no longer that passionate about is probably not the most effective method of penalizing Canada for meddling in Saudi business. ; The Saudi trolls' strategy was lazy and destined to be a bust. This whole saga started on August 2, when, compelled by the recent arrest of Samar Badawi, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland denounced the Saudi Arabian government over their human rights violations via a tweet. If only they had spent a little more time digging, they would have noticed that Quebec voices have been among the most vocal critics of the Saudi regime and unlikely to ally themselves in this type of fight against the Canadian government. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

area gora: The trio have published a mixed style of investigative reportage in Global Warming and the Sweetness of Life A Tar Sands Tale MIT Press that combines a road trip with political analysis, investigative reporting and in-depth interviews to provide a 360-degree view of the tar sands.rabble.ca's June Chua caught up with Johal to unpack the objectives and the stories behind the book's journey, according to Rabble. This interview has been edited and condensed. Johal, who works at Simon Fraser University's Vancity Office of Community Engagement, and Hern, an activist and writer based in Vancouver, managed to also corral Joe Sacco, the eminent comic book artist known for such acclaimed graphic novels as Palestine, Safe Area Gora de and The Fixer. June Chua Joe Sacco is an internationally recognized comic book artist and journalist, he's gone to war zones and many areas of conflict, how did he get involved Am Johal I work at Simon Fraser University at the School for Contemporary Arts and part of my role is to invite speakers and I've been a fan of Joe for a long time, so he got invited to come and speak. Matt is also a friend of mine and he was writing this book called What is a city for about the displacement of African-Americans in Portland due to gentrification. We became friends. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

billett: Murray Billett, a former commissioner with the Edmonton Police Service, says police should issue a formal apology to the city's LGBTQ community, according to Toronto Star. Codie McLachlan / Star Metro Edmonton Murray Billett, who served on the Edmonton Police Commission for several years until 2009 and is gay, said he is disappointed an apology did not come from Edmonton first. Calgary police Chief Roger Chaffin formally apologized on July 27 for the service's role in the marginalization of and discrimination against LGBTQ Calgarians. We were really persecuted by the police. And I would like to see Chief Rod Knecht do it himself, Billett said. So I think it's timely that they do, and they certainly should. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

charlottetown homes: Lead investigator Lana Hicks says in the document, filed June 13, that she suspects the immigrants didn't come to the Island and settle, contrary to the requirements of the provincial program, according to CTV. Rather, she alleged their immigration documents are collected and sent on to them, at their real address elsewhere in Canada or back in China, she writes. A search warrant from the Canada Border Services Agency CBSA alleges 462 applicants to the provincial nominee program used Charlottetown homes belonging to two Chinese immigrants over the past four years as addresses of convenience. The allegations, which have not been proven in court, come just two months after two Charlottetown hoteliers were charged with aiding in immigration fraud, with the CBSA alleging 566 immigrants used the addresses of the siblings' hotel and home. However, the latest allegations, if they lead to charges, would bring the total number of address of convenience cases to about 1,000 in the provincial nominee program PNP with all but a few of these immigrants gaining permanent residency in Canada. The siblings' lawyer recently denied the allegations of misrepresentation in comments to reporters, and said they intend to plead not guilty. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

dhs official: The official said an immigration judge ordered on June 13, 2016, that Al Khammasi be removed from the country, according to The Chronicle Herald. Four months later, federal prosecutors ended the deportation proceedings, citing an unrelated 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that found a portion of federal immigration law defining what makes crimes violent and making it easier to deport someone convicted of such a crime too vague. The DHS official, who was not authorized to discuss the case on the record and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Monday that federal immigration authorities began deportation proceedings against Karrar Noaman Al Khammasi after he violated probation terms of a felony trespassing plea in 2015. He was released on Nov. 7, 2016, the official said. On appeal, Golicov argued that federal law outlining classes of immigrants who could be deported, including those convicted of a crime of violence, was unconstitutionally vague and should not be used to justify his removal from the country. In the appeals case, Moldova native Constantine Fedor Golicov was convicted in Utah of failing to stop at a police officer's command, prompting immigration officials to begin deportation proceedings against him. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

dog-whistling politician: I take no pleasure in saying this but, right now, it feels like there has never been a more exciting time to be a dog-whistling politician or race-baiting commentator in Australia, Soutphommasane said at a Sydney university, according to CTV. Five years ago, I wouldn't have said it was likely that we would see the resurgence of far-right politics. Tim Soutphommasane said in the final speech of his five-year tenure as race discrimination commissioner that as politicians take advantage of voter fears of some ethnic groups, sections of the Australian media are exploiting racism to earn revenue from racist audiences. I wouldn't have expected that the biggest threats to racial harmony would come from within our parliaments and from sections of our media. Conservative government Sen. Yet here we are, he added. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hollywood blockbusters: The next day they watched a boy's basketball tournament in Matera's piazza where a team from Toronto placed second, according to Toronto Star. Surrounding them was the same craggy skyline that set the scene for Hollywood blockbusters. One night the taxpayer-funded delegation listened to musicians play in an old quarry cave. Councillor Vincent Crisanti front left signs the memorandum of understanding alongside Matera officials during the trip last year. Francesco Sorbara / Twitter Other days they toured beyond the hillside city, discovering the lush Basilicata region with vineyards and vegetables, and to factories where machines spun out pasta. MPs Judy Sgro and Francesco Sorbara stand in the centre back row. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

love: A phrase we've heard so much these days that it almost loses all meaning, according to The Chronicle Herald. I think it's very reassuring when people talk about supporting local, and indicate their local love in hashtags on their farmer's market hauls, but I think there is more to it than that. Eat local. We pursue the knowledge and cultural illumination which comes with eating a simple bowl of chowder or a platter of smoked meats. Our journey, and our love of what local inherently means to us. In our modern world, social media is where we come together as a community to share our discovery. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

sherwood inn: Nathan Rochford / THE CANADIAN PRESS Lead investigator Lana Hicks says in the document, filed June 13, that she suspects the immigrants didn't come to the Island and settle, contrary to the requirements of the provincial program, according to Toronto Star. Rather, she alleged their immigration documents are collected and sent on to them, at their real address elsewhere in Canada or back in China, she writes. Two siblings, owners of the Sherwood Inn and Motel in Charlottetown, P.E.I, were charged with aiding in immigration fraud in May. The allegations, which have not been proven in court, come just two months after two Charlottetown hoteliers were charged with aiding in immigration fraud, with the CBSA alleging 566 immigrants used the addresses of the siblings' hotel and home. Read more Foreign students claim abuse of P.E.I. business immigration program'Help newcomers feel at home' P.E.I. plans to boost population through immigration Immigration pilot program aims to draw newcomers to Atlantic Canada react-empty 135 However, the latest allegations, if they lead to charges, would bring the total number of address of convenience cases to about 1,000 in the provincial nominee program PNP with all but a few of these immigrants gaining permanent residency in Canada. Article Continued Below The siblings' lawyer recently denied the allegations of misrepresentation in comments to reporters, and said they intend to plead not guilty. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration authorities: Four months later, federal prosecutors ended the deportation proceedings, citing an unrelated 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that found a portion of federal immigration law defining what makes crimes violent and making it easier to deport someone convicted of such a crime too vague, according to Vancouver Courier. He was released on Nov. 7, 2016, the official said. The DHS official, who was not authorized to discuss the case on the record and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Monday that federal immigration authorities began deportation proceedings against Karrar Noaman Al Khammasi after he violated probation terms of a felony trespassing plea in 2015.article continues below Trending StoriesB.C.'s youth voters targeted in Apathy is Boring campaign Keepers of East Van book box want to stamp out re-selling East Van house fire results in city's sixth fire-related death in 2018No need to fret, Vancouver guitar festival is back and bigger than ever The official said an immigration judge ordered on June 13, 2016, that Al Khammasi be removed from the country. In the appeals case, Moldova native Constantine Fedor Golicov was convicted in Utah of failing to stop at a police officer's command, prompting immigration officials to begin deportation proceedings against him. The U.S. Supreme Court took up a similar case this year, striking down part of federal immigration law making it easier to deport immigrants convicted of a crime of violence. On appeal, Golicov argued that federal law outlining classes of immigrants who could be deported, including those convicted of a crime of violence, was unconstitutionally vague and should not be used to justify his removal from the country. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration documents: The allegations, which have not been proven in court, come just two months after two Charlottetown hoteliers were charged with aiding in immigration fraud, with the CBSA alleging 566 immigrants used the addresses of the siblings' hotel and home, according to Vancouver Courier. The siblings' lawyer recently denied the allegations of misrepresentation in comments to reporters, and said they intend to plead not guilty. Rather, she alleged their immigration documents are collected and sent on to them, at their real address elsewhere in Canada or back in China, she writes. However, the latest allegations, if they lead to charges, would bring the total number of address of convenience cases to about 1,000 in the provincial nominee program PNP with all but a few of these immigrants gaining permanent residency in Canada. They have most of the rights of citizens and can take advantage of social programs, but they can't vote, seek public office, obtain a Canadian passport or hold jobs that require a security clearance. Permanent residents are immigrants who are not Canadian citizens, but they have been given permission to stay and work in Canada for five years before applying for renewal. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

nova choir: We want to make a splash in Halifax, Karen Burke, Toronto director and conductor, said Saturday morning, according to CTV. She said the union of the two choirs is significant because there aren't many gospel choirs left in Canada, and both of them have lasted for decades. The Toronto Mass Choir is in Halifax for the first time to perform a Saturday night show with the Nova Scotia Mass Choir, and members from both ensembles gathered on the Halifax waterfront to give onlookers a taste of what they do. Toronto's choir celebrated its 30th anniversary in October, and Nova Scotia's choir isn't far behind at 26. We're celebrating the fact that cultures are together, so it's an inter-provincial, but also a multicultural expression of gospel music, Burke said. Though both choirs began with mostly black members, they now have a mix of people from all sorts of backgrounds, with Burke saying the Toronto choir has members from South Korea, Jamaica, South Africa and India. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian bank: Their Toronto restaurant, Zezafoun, which is now also staffed by a number of part-time employees, nearly didn't come to fruition, according to CTV. It's almost impossible to start anything, said Aleid of her family's frustrating experience applying for a loan from a Canadian bank. But that was far from the biggest financial feat they faced. She said the bank didn't give her family a reason for their failed application. The bank rejected Aleid mother's loan application, so the family found a work around combining their savings and borrowing from family. In addition to the typical hurdles recent newcomers face such as language and cultural differences, those who want to start a business in their new country face unique challenges, including difficulties securing credit because they lack credit history or collateral. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

pavilions dot: The Edmonton Heritage Festival runs until 8 p.m. on Monday in Hawrelak Park, according to Toronto Star. The 2018 iteration of the festival features the largest number of pavilions yet 72 in total, representing cultural performances and food from 100 countries. Stretching into the distance, dozens of pavilions dot the park landscape, all in preparation for one of the most popular summer festivals in the city the Edmonton Heritage Festival, taking place from Saturday to Monday. Putting together a festival that draws more than 430,000 visitors is no easy feat. Preparations for raising the tents begins a month before the August long weekend festival. Cultural groups need to apply for pavilions months in advance and meet strict health and safety requirements to serve food. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

zoning rules: A group of manufacturers, landlords, designers and politicians has a plan to preserve a remnant of the garment industry in a neighbourhood where about 5,000 people are still employed in workshops mostly serving higher-end designers, while doing away with zoning rules that critics said put onerous restrictions on prime real estate, according to CTV. City Hall wants to preserve at least 300,000 square feet for garment manufacturing, but allow real estate developers to bring in more 21st century businesses. But the city's garment district isn't dead yet. Property owners have already pledged to fill 300,000 square feet with apparel manufacturing, and the city is seeking to add more. The plan, if approved by the City Council, would lift 1987 zoning that reserved about 4 million square feet of space in the garment district's high-rises for apparel-production businesses. For now, that's millions of fewer square feet than factories occupied in the industry's glory days from the 1920s to the 1960s. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.