Cabot Links: The economy in and around Inverness will be the big winner as a result of a second golf course and hotel expansion at Cabot Links, says the provinces economic development minister, according to The Chronicle Herald. The Nova Scotia government's $8.25-million loan to Cabot Links is: UPDATED 7:52 p.m. The government announced Sunday it will loan $8.25 million to Cabot Links for the project. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Statistics Canada: A spate of fresh data and yet one more market-cooling tweak from Ottawa last week has put one of the most important sectors in the Canadian economy, and the most important asset-source for most Canadians, on a kind of death watch. , according to Winnipeg Free Press. Last week, Statistics Canada reported that building permits in the residential sector fell 12.9 per cent in June, and permits for multi-unit dwellings mostly condos sank even further by 18.8 per cent. OTTAWA - Canada's much-watched housing market is sending out mixed signals these days even for analysts. That's because while some of the data, such as home prices and starts, is pointing to the soothing "soft landing" that homeowners, economists, banks and politicians are fingers-crossed hoping for, others, like land purchases and building permits suggest the real message is: the crash is coming. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Ibrahim Boubacar Keita: Mali's next president will be tasked with not only rebuilding the country's shattered economy but also resolving a simmering separatist movement in the far north. Voters heading to the polls on Sunday said they wanted a leader who could bring a lasting calm to the country following a year and a half of turmoil, according to CBC. "People are saying 'Will the turnout be what we hope?' but I am certain it will be," Keita told reporters in Bamako after casting his own ballot. "And the rain here is a blessing and a good sign." From the ancient desert town of Timbuktu to refugee camps in neighbouring countries, voters chose Sunday who should lead Mali out of the political upheaval that left the country's north in the hands of al-Qaeda-linked militants for much of last year. It was former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita's race to lose after winning nearly 40 per cent of the first-round vote and receiving endorsements from almost all the other candidates. He faced former Finance Minister Soumaila Cisse, and results are expected by Friday. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

India-Canada Cultural Association of Victorias: A more realistic, and eye-opening, glimpse of Indian culture and more could be found this week at the India-Canada Cultural Association of Victorias fourth annual India Fest that continues from noon until 7 p.m. today at Centennial Square. , according to Times Colonist. At last count, there were an estimated 5,000 families of India descent living in the community, according to organizers. You neednt travel to India to realize theres more to the exotic Asian subcontinent than spices, spirituality and Bollywood, or to dispel clichs such as Delhi belly or that most Indians love cricket, practice yoga, eat curry and work in call centres. Its a way to educate the mainstream community, and for our kids born and raised here so they ll understand their culture, said ICCA past president and event co-chair Sunil Bhatia midway through the Mela, an ancient, multi-cultural celebration. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

comprehensive examination: The article deals with the howls of pain expected from island residents with respect to potential increases in ferry rates. Isnt it surprising that the smaller the island, the louder the screams will likely be? , according to Times Colonist. Our decision to move here followed a comprehensive examination of all the differences it would mean. We concluded that Victoria would best serve our lifestyle. We did not choose to live in one of the smaller communities up-Island as the cultural activity in the Victoria area is more accessible, and we wouldnt have to drive over icy roads in the dark, as we would if we had chosen an up-Island location. Re: Outcry expected over cuts to ferry routes, Aug. 8. We moved to Vancouver Island from Winnipeg 26 years ago, but not before we spent some time here and carefully considered the implications of using the ferry service. It has worked well for us partly because we seldom drive to the mainland, unless we plan for an extended stay where we want a car. We can readily go to Vancouver for a day without a car; public transportation works well and is much less costly. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

TD Canada Trust: Quick facts, according to Winnipeg Free Press. By the numbers: TD Canada Trust did a recent survey of newcomers and found: Settlement assistance counsellor Dhirta Subedi in her office at the Welcome Place. PHIL HOSSACK / Photo Store (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

United States and Canada: Election preparation and speculation are keeping MLAs from events this month with fellow legislators from the northeastern United States and Canada, according to The Chronicle Herald. Also, each party usually sends at least one MLA to the organizations summer executive meeting, but no ones lined up for the event in Baltimore from Aug. 23 to 25 and Cape Breton North Tory Eddie Orrell ended up giving last weeks Council of State Governments-Eastern Regional Conference leadership academy in Philadelphia a pass. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Edward Snowden: Neither Lon Snowden nor his attorney Bruce Fein has spoken directly with the former NSA analyst since he fled the United States and received asylum in Russia, they said. But the father and lawyer also said they look forward to meeting with Edward Snowden to consider options for the leaker to return to the United States at some point, according to Times Colonist. But the elder Snowden isn't convinced his son would get a fair hearing in court, given what he called "absolutely irresponsible" descriptions of his son's actions from President Barack Obama, his administration and top lawmakers from both parties and WASHINGTON - National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden's father has secured documents to visit his son in Russia and plans to discuss how he could fight espionage charges, Lon Snowden and his attorney said Sunday. "As a father, I want my son to come home if I believe that the justice system ... is going to be applied correctly," Lon Snowden said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Ibrahim Boubacar Keita: BAMAKO - Poll workers in Mali began counting votes in Sunday's high stakes presidential runoff, with former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita tipped to claim the difficult job of stabilizing the West African nation after more than a year of turmoil. , according to Reuters. He must also tackle deep-rooted corruption and forge a lasting peace with northern Tuaregs after decades of sporadic uprisings, problems that led to the overthrow of president Amadou Toumani Toure in a March 2012 coup and allowed the Islamists to seize the northern two-thirds of the country. By Daniel Flynn and Tiemoko Diallo The winner of the vote will be able to draw on more than $4 billion in foreign aid promised to rebuild the country after a French-led military intervention in January routed al Qaeda-linked rebels occupying the desert north. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

detention centres: Greece, struggling to exit its worst financial crisis in decades, has become a frontier for immigrants mainly from Asia and Africa, who seek a better life in Europe but often end up living in cramped detention centres. More Related to this Story, according to Globe and Mail. IMF approves $2.3-billion aid for Greece Dozens of illegal immigrants being held in a Greek detention centre hurled stones at police guards and set mattresses on fire in protest over the extension of their detention, Greek police said on Sunday. Brazil refused to back new IMF aid for Greece, putting billions at risk (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.