StatsCan: The share of federal and provincial taxes paid by the richest one per cent of earners fell to 20.8 per cent in 2011, from 23.3 per cent in 2007 , says an analysis from the Globe and Mails Economy Lab, according to Huffington Post. Its another potential sign that Canadas tax system is incrementally becoming more favourable to high-income earners, as well as to corporations and Canadas wealthiest people are paying a shrinking amount of the countrys total tax burden, according to an analysis of new StatsCan data . Thats not because the rich are getting poorer; StatsCans data on high-income earnings finds l ittle change in recent years in the share of income taken by the wealthiest Canadians. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Paul Poirier.: She wasn't a Canadian yet, but had fingers crossed her citizenship would come through in time to compete at the Sochi Olympics with ice dance partner Paul Poirier. , according to Hamilton Spectator. "I have felt like a Canadian citizen for some time and I am extremely excited that it is now official," Gilles said in a release. "I've dreamed about competing in the Olympics my whole life and hope to be in Sochi next year. There is no bigger stage than the Olympics and it would be an honour to represent Canada in front of the entire world." TORONTO At the world figure skating championships last spring, Piper Gilles wore a bejewelled Canadian flag that she'd crafted herself on the right shoulder of her bodysuit. Her dream was realized Tuesday at a citizenship ceremony in Toronto. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Quebecs Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms: The ease with which Quebecs Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms can be changed, even abolished, has convinced me of the relevance of the Canadian federal system, Mourani writes in a letter released Wednesday afternoon, according to CTV. Earlier Wednesday, as reporters anticipated the letters release, speculation about Mouranis political future included whether she would be joining one of the other federal parties and Independent MP Maria Mourani, who was booted from the Bloc Quebecois caucus after denouncing Quebecs Values Charter, says she is no longer a sovereigntist. I have come to the conclusion that my belonging to Canada, including its Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, better protects the Quebec identity of all citizens of Quebec. I am no longer an independentist. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

stock markets: The announcement sent stock markets higher and long-term bond yields lower, which could translate into lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses in Canada as well as the U.S, according to The Star. But the central bank also hedged its bets by saying its benchmark overnight interest rate would remain near zero well past the time unemployment dips below 6.5 per cent, especially if inflation remains below 2 per cent Investors cheered the U.S. Federal Reserves decision Wednesday to begin tapering its massive bond purchase program in January, taking it as a sign the worlds largest economy is finally on the mend. Citing falling employment and low inflation, U.S. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said the central bank would begin reducing its monthly bond purchases by $10 billion U.S. , lowering the total amount to $75 billion. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

theme parks: Well, here's one more list to add to your collection. It too, features castles and theme parks but also promises next to no line-ups or crowds to get in. That's partially because most of these abandoned destinations haven't seen a single living soul in ages, according to Huffington Post and The year's almost at and end and that means there are plenty of bucket lists floating around, featuring interesting places like castles and theme parks. Some, like this abandoned nursing school in Ronse, Belgium , once responsible for holding kids, now holds a treasure trove of Batman-inspired graffiti, just waiting to be explored by curious Redditors . (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Christine Melnick: PREMIER Greg Selinger admits he punted Winnipeg MLA Christine Melnick from cabinet, in part, because she lied about her involvement in a decision to invite immigrants and service groups to a debate at the legislature last year. , according to Winnipeg Free Press. Ben Rempel, an assistant deputy minister working under Melnick, the immigration and multiculturalism minister, sent out hundreds of invitations to attend a legislative debate on April 19, 2012, concerning Ottawa's plans to wrest control of federally funded immigrant support services from the province. Christine Melnick apologized last week. ARCHIVES Photo Store Related Items Articles Tory leader calls on premier to 'come clean' Tories want inquiry after Mba premier admits knowing minister misled legislature Selinger certain census snafu can be resolved In a year-end interview Tuesday, Selinger said he did not know of Melnick's deception until after the provincial ombudsman launched an investigation into a senior bureaucrat's handling of the affair. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

WINNIPEG Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger: Instead, he waited 18 months as the provincial ombudsman investigated former immigration minister Christine Melnick, according to 660 News. The ombudsman had asked for that information and we wanted him to complete his investigation and WINNIPEG Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said Tuesday he did not go public with the knowledge that one of his ministers misled the legislature about a staged immigration debate. Relatively early on, I was aware of the fact that she may have issues with information she put on the public record, Selinger said in an interview with The Canadian Press. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Canadian Doctors for Refugee Care: Lawyers for Canadian Doctors for Refugee Care and the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers told a federal court the move wasn't an act of Parliament, nor was it a regulation -- which they argue makes it invalid, according to CTV. "This is not a law, this is not a regulation, so what is it then?" TORONTO -- Ottawa overstepped its bounds when it clawed back health-care coverage for refugee claimants without consulting the provinces and other stakeholders, doctors and lawyers charged Tuesday. "When governments act, they have to have the legal authority to act -- they can pass a law or enact a regulation," Lorne Waldman, who represents the doctors, said outside court. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Canada Pension Plan: In her first comments since the federal government shot down an attempt to enhance the Canada Pension Plan earlier this week, Ms. Wynne vowed Wednesday to unveil a provincial program this spring. It would come around the same time as a budget that the opposition parties are expected to vote down, toppling the minority Liberal government and triggering an election. More Related to this Story, according to Globe and Mail. Economy Ottawa #039;s shift leaves Ontario with $640-million less in federal transfers Kathleen Wynne is ready to fight an election on a new Ontario pension plan, putting her political future on the line over an ambitious bid to ramp up retirement benefits. Pensions With no consensus on CPP reform, Ontario pledges to go its own way (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Edward Snowden: Baird told The Canadian Press that Snowdens actions have compromised global security, according to 660 News. The U.S. wants to prosecute Snowden, who was granted temporary asylum in Russia. The move angered the Obama administration and has chilled relations between Moscow and Washington and OTTAWA National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden should abandon his bid for asylum in Brazil and surrender himself to the United States, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said Wednesday. I think I probably agree with the Obama administration on this one, Baird said. I think hes done significant damage to national security, of the free world. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.