Deisy Buitrago: "No, there has not been any type of communication," Foreign Minster Elias Jaua told state television when asked about the case. "We are waiting until Monday to know whether he ratifies his wish to take asylum in Venezuela." , according to Reuters. Reporting by Daniel Wallis and Deisy Buitrago; Editing by Sandra Maler CARACAS - Venezuela said on Saturday it had not had any contact with former U.S. security contractor Edward Snowden, a day after President Nicolas Maduro offered him asylum in defiance of Washington. Washington is demanding the arrest of Snowden, who is believed to be holed up in the transit area of a Moscow airport, for leaking details of secret U.S. surveillance programs. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Nicolas Maduro: But there were no immediate signs that efforts were underway to bring him to either nation after Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela and Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua made their offers during separate speeches in their home countries Friday, according to The Star. Snowden, who is being sought by the United States, has asked for asylum in more than 20 countries, including Nicaragua and Venezuela. Many another nations have turned him down and CARACAS, VENEZUELA The quest by NSA leaker Edward Snowden for a safe haven has taken a turn toward Latin America, with offers for asylum coming from the leftist presidents of Nicaragua and Venezuela . The offers came one day after leftist South American leaders gathered to denounce the rerouting of Bolivian President Evo Morales plane over Europe amid reports that the fugitive American was aboard. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

director Chris Spence: The most recent example remember last years $143 pencil sharpener installation? is the trustee-generated request for a provincial spending audit of former director Chris Spence and the boards Focus on Youth summer camp program for at-risk kids, according to The Star. Sure, Ontarios ministry of education must proceed with an investigation of Spences spending, months after he resigned in a plagiarism scandal. But its far from clear that theres any need for an expensive investigation into the Focus on Youth program. It has faced many previous audits, some quite recent, and none has found significant problems and The students may eventually mature but, sadly, the adult antics never seem to end at the Toronto District School Board . While the school boards audit committee chair, Elizabeth Moyer, and several other committee members allege some sort of fiscal malfeasance, the motivation for the audit of the camp program is becoming increasingly murky. And thats why this sorry saga could be another waste of education dollars as much as $450,000, to be exact. Imagine how that tidy sum could help the TDSB music programs that seem to always be in danger. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Edward Snowden: LA PAZ/CARACAS - Bolivia offered asylum on Saturday to former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden, joining leftist allies Venezuela and Nicaragua in defiance of Washington, which is demanding his arrest for divulging details of secret U.S. spy programs. , according to Reuters. Bolivian President Evo Morales had said earlier this week that he would consider granting asylum to Snowden. But he took a harder line on Saturday, angered that some European countries banned his plane from their airspace this week on suspicion it carried Snowden. By Daniel Ramos and Daniel Wallis Snowden, 30, is believed to be holed up in the transit area of Moscow's Sheremetyevo international airport and has been trying to find a country that would give him sanctuary after he landed there from Hong Kong on June 23. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Marc Frank Castro: HAVANA - Cuban President Raul Castro on Sunday backed offers of asylum by Venezuela and other Latin American countries to fugitive U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden and criticized the United States for what he described as bullying other nations, according to Reuters. Foreign journalists were barred from the parliament meeting and By Marc Frank Castro, speaking behind closed doors to Cuba's National Assembly, said Venezuela and other countries in the region have the right to grant asylum "to those persecuted for their ideals or struggles for democracy, according to our tradition," according to the official Prensa Latina News Agency. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Edward Snowden: Gen. Martin Dempsey told CNN's "State of the Union" in an interview broadcast Sunday that the U.S. will "work our way back. But it has set us back temporarily.", according to Times Colonist. Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua have offered asylum and WASHINGTON - The Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman says NSA leaker Edward Snowden's disclosures about U.S. surveillance programs have undermined U.S. relationships with other countries and affected what he calls "the importance of trust." Russian officials say Snowden has been stuck in the transit area of a Moscow airport since arriving on a flight from Hong Kong two weeks ago. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Edward Snowden: Alexei Pushkov, who heads the international affairs committee in Russia's parliament, posted a message on Twitter saying: "Venezuela is waiting for an answer from Snowden. This, perhaps, is his last chance to receive political asylum.", according to CBC. He has been unable to travel further because the United States annulled his passport.Jaua said he expects to consult with Russian officials on Monday about Snowden's situation and An influential Russian parliament member who often speaks for the Kremlin encouraged NSA leaker Edward Snowden on Sunday to accept Venezuela's offer of asylum. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said Saturday that his country has not yet been in contact with Snowden, who Russian officials say has been stuck in the transit area of Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport since arriving on a flight from Hong Kong two weeks ago. Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, shakes hands with Venezuelian President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelan officials say they have not been in touch with Snowden. Alexi Nikolsky/RIA Novosti/Associated Press (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Hamoon Ekhtiari: Young people will create their own opportunities if we give them the chance, says the 26-year-old, with a knowing smile, according to The Star. Last month, Ekhtiaris online collaborative venture, CatalystsX , was one of seven youth-focused social enterprises awarded $4.2 million in Ontario Trillium Foundation Future Fund grants and Governments must stop talking about creating opportunities for youth and get out of the way, says Hamoon Ekhtiari. The immigrant from Iran has been creating opportunities for himself and others since he arrived in Toronto with his family as a teen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Abu Qatada: The arrival is a victory for Jordan, whose extradition request was blocked in British and European courts for over a decade. Jordanian and Western intelligence accuse Abu Qatada of being a key al-Qaeda operative in Europe. He had been previously sentenced in absentia to life in jail, but that has been lifted now that he faces a new trial, according to CBC. The move comes after Britain and Jordan ratified a treaty on torture aimed at easing human rights concerns that had blocked previous attempts to deport him and Radical Muslim preacher Abu Qatada arrived in Jordan on Sunday to face retrial on terrorism charges after his deportation from Britain, a Jordanian military prosecutor said. Information Minister Mohammed Momani said Jordan "is keen on credibility and transparency" in handling Abu Qatada, whose real name is Omar Mahmoud Mohammed Othman. The deportation of the Palestinian-born Jordanian cleric, he said, "sends a message to all fugitives that they will face justice in Jordan." (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Hesjedal: The blue jersey, signed by Hesjedal, fetched $1,775 after a week of bidding on eBay. Proceeds from the sale will go to support up-and-coming cyclists in Canada and to promote the sport of cycling throughout North America. , according to Times Colonist. Ryder is an inspiration to so many young cyclists and proceeds from this auction will help them in their athletic pursuits. For the fan who wins the auction, its a pretty neat piece of sports memorabilia as well. Going once, going twice, sold. The Ryders Cycling Society of Canada has sold by auction a jersey worn by Ryder Hesjedal in the 2012 Tour de France. Its a great way to celebrate the Tour de France and raise funds to support cycling in Canada, said Cody Graham, director of the society and longtime friend of Hesjedal. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.