consumer sentiment: The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigans preliminary reading on the overall index on consumer sentiment edged down to 83.9 from 84.1 in June, shy of forecasts for 85. More Related to this Story, according to Globe and Mail. Canada Competes Japan aims to return to Walkman glory days U.S. consumer sentiment waned slightly in early July, as Americans were more optimistic about current economic conditions than they have been in six years, but that was offset by a decline in confidence over the recoverys prospects, a survey released on Friday showed. U.S. producer prices rise, give positive economic signal (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Denise Balkissoon Tots: Denise Balkissoon Tots and frocks aside, the royals have overstayed their welcome, according to Globe and Mail. Amid visa delays, Bogota embassy advises would-be visitors to Canada to stay home The Watch A small group of landed immigrants with republican views who have refused Canadian citizenship because the ceremony involves swearing an oath to the Queen will be in a Toronto courtroom on Friday, facing off with the federal government in an attempt to have this citizenship requirement declared unconstitutional. More Related to this Story JOCELYN L TOURNEAU Multiculturalism died, and Harper replaced it with #034;royalization #034; (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Ontario Works: The average time spent on Ontario Works before the 2009 recession was 18 months. So far in 2013, it's more than two years- 27.5 months, according to CBC. Ontario Works by the numbers New figures show that the number of Hamilton residents on social assistance is slowly returning to pre-recession levels. But those receiving it are having a harder time getting off. The city is spending $5,735,800 over the next two years to try to bring those numbers down. To do that it will keep 30 workers hired to work more intensely with local OW recipients, said Joe-Anne Priel, general manager of community services. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Josh Ritter: BIRDS HILL PARK --Thursday night's mainstage concert at the Winnipeg Folk Festival was a celebration of master storytellers, and no one fits that description better than American singer/songwriter and all-around lady-killer Josh Ritter. Roundly regarded as one of America's greatest living songwriters, the Idaho native earned a standing ovation for a set that easily will go down as one of the best of the festival. , according to Winnipeg Free Press. It was obvious Ritter and his players genuinely enjoyed making music together. Their performances had a welcome, laid-back jam-band feel -- particularly on tracks that offer lots of room to let loose, such as the rocker Rumors and the driving, foot-stomper Lillian, Egypt. Winnipeg Folk Festival attendees enjoy the sunset and prairie grass at Birds Hill Park. Photo Store With a handsome, boyish grin that never left his face, Ritter -- along with estimable backing outfit the Royal City Band -- treated festival-goers to a groove-filled set under a sinking evening sun. Ritter has a shiny new album to promote, March's The Beast in its Tracks, and the new songs sounded great, particularly the spunky New Lover. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hundreds of thousands: But throw sticky weather, lineups and hundreds of thousands of people into the mix, and you ve got a recipe for a hot mess of congestion, according to The Star. Some people say large crowds diminish the charm of some of Torontos summer outdoor offerings. Salsa on St. Clair is gearing up for its ninth year on Saturday and Sunday, when it will close off St. Clair Ave. W. from Christie Ave. to Winona Ave. to make space for Latin live music, food and dancing and Salsa dancers brave sweaty crowds and the risk of getting stabbed in the foot with a stiletto on a regular basis. From Greek food to jazz, rib-fests and salsa, Toronto offers a host of vibrant summer festivals, but is it possible that they re too popular for their own good? (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Edward Snowden: Washington wants Mr. Snowden arrested on espionage charges after he divulged extensive, secret U.S. surveillance programs. Stuck in the transit area of Moscows international airport since late June, he is seeking asylum in various countries. More Related to this Story, according to Globe and Mail. Cuban president supports asylum efforts for Snowden South American leaders had strong words for Washington on Friday over allegations of U.S. spying in the region and defended their right to offer asylum to fugitive former U.S spy agency contractor Edward Snowden. Snowden prepared to stop leaking data for asylum in Russia: lawmaker (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Point Douglas: But that's where the differences end and the ugly similarities begin, according to CBC. Authorities may have shut down the Point Douglas red light district, but they couldn't shut down the sex trade. Instead, madams relocated their brothels throughout the rest of the city, especially Winnipeg's west end, where the familiar cycle of prostituion, drugs and violence continued and One century ago, Point Douglas sex-trade workers wore kimonos instead of Spandex, worked from the home and not on the streets, and paid off private investigators instead of pimps and it was all somewhat legal. Back then, like today, Point Douglas residents wanted them out. Then, like today, these sex-trade workers were often the city's most vulnerable. Some were immigrants, others were drug addicts, many were destitute. Death of Elie Tasker Winnipeg Police Service Archives (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

prime minister Jean Chretien: TORONTO - New citizens would be swearing an oath to Canada rather than to the Queen had former prime minister Jean Chretien not gotten cold feet at the last minute, his former citizenship minister said Friday. , according to Winnipeg Free Press. "I was very much of the belief that while we're a constitutional monarchy, we should be swearing an oath of allegiance to Canada," Marchi told The Canadian Press from Geneva. Michael McAteer is pictured in his Toronto home on Thursday, July 11, 2013. The former journalist, originally from Ireland, is one of three would-be citizens challenging the requirement to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young As three permanent residents and the federal government argued the issue in court, Sergio Marchi said he had been poised to scrap the pledge of allegiance to the Queen two decades ago. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Valerie Loveys: New Glasgow mom Valerie Loveys lost her home and ran up thousands of dollars of debt during her daughters battle with cancer, according to The Chronicle Herald. I had to weather so many storms all at once, Loveys recalled during an interview from her New Waterford apartment Friday afternoon and Her youngest daughter, Stephanie, was 18 when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Loveys immediately decided to stop working and focus on caring for her. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Strait Regional School Board: Over the past couple of years, as an outside observer close to the school review process, I have had a chance to ponder the actions of the Strait Regional School Board, the parents, and the provincial government with, at times, utter disbelief, utter amazement and utter disappointment at the behaviour exhibited by some, according to The Chronicle Herald. My daughter will attend Tamarac Education Centre for her first year in the fall. Her world is far different than the one in which I was educated. For her to have success in her chosen career, whatever that career may be, she will need to compete with people from Beijing, Moscow, London, and Christchurch. We must be able, with declining enrolment and funding, to offer world-class preparation to our children. No corner must be cut. No child can be shortchanged and The main focus of the school review process must be the future of our children. When I attended public school in the 1970s and 80s, I was being prepared to compete for employment with people from Sydney, Halifax, Moncton, etc. I received a wonderful education and a rock-solid foundation that has allowed me to be a lifelong learner. My education has never ended. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.