Nirmal Adhikari: The only thing I thought about Thanksgiving was getting together and having turkeys, said the familys eldest son, Satsang Adhikari, according to CTV. Its a good opportunity to learn culture, a real Canadian culture, said Nirmal and Nirmal Adhikari and his family arrived at their first Thanksgiving dinner unsure of what to expect. They knew there would be a lot of food, but had little foresight into how the night would unfold. Thanksgiving, a time to spend with friends and family while giving thanks for what you have, is a new tradition for the Adhikaris. Thats one of the reasons the family said being invited to spend the holiday with Ottawa locals was so special. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Christian Faure: Faure opened a pastry shop and cooking school in a renovated 300-year-old greystone on a busy street in Old Montreal, according to CTV. "In Montreal, it still possible. It a city of arts and theatre, and it encourages young people." - When Christian Faure moved to Montreal last summer, the renowned chef saw a chance to start fresh in a new city, freed from the constraints of his native France. "It would be totally impossible to open a similar patisserie in a historic quarter in Paris and Lyon," said Faure, who had a stint as director of the Cordon Bleu chef school in Ottawa before moving to the city. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

city officials: At a late afternoon news conference, city officials said they have four special ambulances that would be sent out to any calls that may involve or be suspected of involving, a case of Ebola. , according to CBC. "The medical supervisor, as a supervisor, is watching the donning and doffing of the personal protective equipment that is all designed to minimize the exposure to the personnel," Grierson told reporters. Winnipeg city and health officials moved quickly on Tuesday to pour water on allegations from the firefighter union that the city is not ready for a case of the Ebola virus. Each ambulance will be equipped with protective gear and staffed by two paramedics and one medical supervisor with proper training and the support of a doctor, said Dr. Robert Grierson, medical director of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Toronto: In a city whose motto is, Diversity Our Strength, an understanding of race relations is the single most important quality Toronto needs of our mayor and city councilors, according to The Star. Seeing some fears about Torontos changing complexion playing out now in this election, where discussion of white privilege has become the latest hot-button issue, I think we are. It might seem to some people that if the non-white majority of the population are no longer racial minorities, then questions of white privilege need not be on the table and Questions of race and racism has become the central issue of Toronto mayoral race. Bring it on. For many Canadians, the idea of diversity is about attending a multi-cultural lunch or acknowledging holidays that are not mainstream. Beyond putting roti on your plate, or wishing your neighbour a Happy Diwali, diversity is mostly about race. Racial diversity is a fact of life, on display every day on the subway and in schools, and most of us are pretty comfortable with it. At the same time, we know that Toronto is on the cusp of becoming a population where the majority of racialized non-white people will outnumber white folks. Is Toronto truly comfortable with that demographic shift? (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

David Matas: The Supreme Court of Canada closing the door on a lawsuit against the Iranian government by the family of murdered Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi means its open season on Canadians abroad, says a Winnipeg man who says he was tortured by Qatar. , according to Winnipeg Free Press. The 40-year-old hired human rights lawyer David Matas to try to get answers from the Qatar embassy in Ottawa. Matas wrote to Qatars ambassador in May demanding an investigation of Ismaeils case, his hospital records, an apology, compensation and prosecution of those who victimized him. Yousif Ismaeil Photo Store "Its scary for all Canadians," said Yousif Ibrahim Ismaeil. The Canadian citizen says he was stripped of his passport, tortured and held for two months while taking part in Sudan peace talks hosted by Qatar in 2010. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Correctional Service: Newly disclosed documents show Canada Border Services Agency president Luc Portelance raised the possibility with the federal Correctional Service because the border agency feared running out of space to hold people. , according to Hamilton Spectator. The idea was ultimately rejected earlier this year. Canada border agency pursued the idea of putting immigrant detainees in federal prison despite concerns about locking up newcomers with violent offenders. In a letter to Correctional Service commissioner Don Head, Portelance noted the border agency was assessing options for increasing capacity and wanted to explore the prison service expertise and facilities. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Homestead Land Holdings: Samir Sidahmed said he was contacted by his former landlord, Homestead Land Holdings, last week following an Oct. 4 Spectator article about his family situation. , according to Hamilton Spectator. "I'm happy they backed off the $16,000, but we're still in the same struggle," said Sidahmed, who is living with his wife and two children, ages 1 and 3, in one room at a relative house. "I didn't have that money to begin with." A young family who lost everything in a July fire at Landmark Place caused by another tenant is no longer on the hook for $16,000 in damages, but they are still without a place to live. The 26-year-old Sudanese immigrant said the company offered to waive its demand that he pay for repairs to his burned-out unit in the building at the corner of Main Street East and Catharine Street South, but still won't let him rent another apartment. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Royson James: Living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada is akin to being bathed in grace unmerited favour, an unexpected, unearned, unending shower of blessing, according to The Star. More from Royson James on thestar.com Forty-five Octobers ago, I celebrated my first Canadian Thanksgiving, acquired a taste for cranberry sauce but not pumpkin pie and learned to carve a turkey. Mom and dad have moved on, but the overwhelming sense of gratitude remains. There are warmer places, richer countries, more beautiful cities on the planet; but nobodys got it better than us. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Correctional Service: Canada Border Services Agency president Luc Portelance raised the possibility with the federal Correctional Service because the border agency feared running out of space to hold people, newly disclosed documents show, according to The Star. In a letter to Correctional Service commissioner Don Head, Portelance noted the border agency was assessing options for increasing its capacity and wanted to explore the prison services expertise and facilities to hold immigration detainees and Canadas border agency pursued the idea of putting immigrant detainees in federal prison despite concerns about locking up newcomers with violent offenders. The proposal provides an inside glimpse of a federal organization straining to find accommodation for the immigrants it puts behind bars as the government was bolstering its powers to detain more newcomers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Fen Osler Hampson: and If the WHO cant stop Ebola, find someone who can, according to Globe and Mail. and needs U.S. leadership and a return to action Derek H. Burney was Canadas ambassador to the U.S. from 1989-1993. He was directly involved in negotiating the free-trade agreement with the U.S.; Fen Osler Hampson is a distinguished fellow and director of Global Security at the Centre for International Governance Innovation and Chancellors Professor on leave at Carleton University. They are the authors of Brave New Canada: Meeting the Challenge of a Changing World. More Related to this Story AND Obamas IS strategy: Too little far too late (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Canada Border Services Agency: Canada Border Services Agency president Luc Portelance raised the possibility with the federal Correctional Service because the border agency feared running out of space to hold people, newly disclosed documents show. More Related to this Story, according to Globe and Mail. Red Cross probe finds cramped conditions for immigration detainees Canadas border agency pursued the idea of putting immigrant detainees in federal prison despite concerns about locking up newcomers with violent offenders. Air Canada and Canada Border Services Agency top list of bilingualism complaints (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

international engineering firm: Q. Whats it been like, as a woman, rising up through the business ranks from an assistant to running the Toronto office of an international engineering firm as the Second World War was coming to an end, and then getting into politics?, according to The Star. When I ran in 78 as mayor of Mississauga, I believe the women played a large role in getting me elected. A lot changed over that decade. I know of many families where the husband was working for my opponent and the wife was working for me. In 10 years there was a difference. It just shows, you need women supporting women . . . both in the public sector and the private sector and A few weeks before she officially steps down after 36 years on the job, Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion sat down with to talk about the city shes built, working in a mans world, what she wishes she d done differently and what the future holds for this 93-year-old. The interview has been edited for length. A. Women have to work harder; theres no question about it. When I ran as deputy reeve of Streetsville in 1967, the women worked against me. They couldnt understand how a woman would want to get into a mans world, because the mayor and all the members of council were men. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Sauli Niinisto: In an interview with The , Sauli Niinisto said his country, which shares a 1,300-kilometre border with Russia, is fully supportive of European Union sanctions and was quick to condemn the annexation of Crimea. More Related to this Story, according to Globe and Mail. Ukraine leader expects tough talks with Putin next week The crisis in Ukraine could lead to a resurgence of Cold War-style policies if Russia and the West are unable to maintain a constructive dialogue, Finlands President is warning. Ukraine s defence minister resigns; Putin orders pullback (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Torontos FCJ Refugee Centre: It is still a Wild West, says Francisco Rico-Martinez, co-director of Torontos FCJ Refugee Centre. The ghosts still operate out there. People still fall victim to them, according to The Star. A few of these ghost consultants, who sometimes counsel clients to commit fraud, have been arrested and charged under the new laws, which provide for up to five years in jail and $100,000 in fines and Three years after Ottawa launched a new regulatory body to police the immigration consultant industry, critics say there are as many illegal ghost consultants as ever preying on would-be immigrants. Experts say that despite stiffer new penalties for those who operate without licences or oversight, unscrupulous consultants continue to take advantage of refugee claimants and immigration applicants struggling to navigate Canadas confusing and ever-changing system. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

suburban housing: Greater Vancouver housing sales soar during usually slow September, according to Globe and Mail and Entire city block in upscale Vancouver neighbourhood listed for $28-million B.C. millennials warm to suburban housing Topics: Vancouver, British Columbia Asia China Real Estate Hong Kong Shanghai Beijing Canada Comments A A (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Minister Chris Alexander: Sorry to bother you, but I have some questions I m hoping you can answer. Ready? Here they are:, according to The Star. How many were rejected and Dear Hon. Minister Chris Alexander, How many Filipinos applied to have their visa applications fast-tracked under the special measures enacted last November for victims of Typhoon Haiyan? (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca: Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca sent a letter to federal Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney saying that partnering with the does not align" with his ministry mandate to make roads as safe as possible. , according to Hamilton Spectator. "As a result, effective immediately, the ministry will no longer partner with the on commercial motor vehicle enforcement initiatives," wrote Del Duca. Ontario will no longer allow the Canada Border Services Agency to join the province road safety blitzes, which federal agents have used to make arrests on immigration violations, the government announced Friday. Ontario Liberal government ordered the review of the partnership with the after a joint commercial vehicle roadside blitz in Toronto in mid-August led to the arrest of 21 undocumented workers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper: Prime Minister Stephen Harper pledged to make Malala Yousafzai, 17, an honorary citizen during last year speech from the throne, but it wasn't until Friday that the government made another public reference to her citizenship. , according to Hamilton Spectator. "We look forward to pursuing our collaborative efforts on children education," he said. The young Pakistani education activist who shared this year Nobel Peace Prize will formally receive honorary Canadian citizenship this month. In a statement, Harper said Yousafzai will visit Ottawa on Oct. 22. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Maqsood Ahmed: Maqsood Ahmed owned the Calgary Produce Market in the community of Castleridge. It also had a Western Union money transfer business inside. Maqsood Ahmed, who owned the Calgary Produce Market in northeast Calgary, was stabbed to death late Wednesday night. Facebook , according to CBC. Ahmed later died from his injuries. Hundreds gathered at a northeast Calgary mosque Friday afternoon to remember a businessman who was robbed and fatally stabbed this week. Maqsood Ahmed stabbed to death in northeast Calgary He was leaving the store with a bag of money Wednesday night when he was attacked. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Martin Frobisher: The tradition of expressing thanks for good fortune in Canada dates back to the 18th century, when explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew were encouraged to give thanks to the gods for delivering them safely, across the ocean, from England to Canada, according to The Star. Over the centuries, Thanksgiving has evolved into a celebration of a bountiful harvest, and all Canadians should take a moment this weekend to reflect on the many blessings that we enjoy in Canada, in addition to food, farming and harvests and In preparing for Thanksgiving making travel arrangements, cooking meals, stocking fridges , its easy to lose sight of why we commemorate this festive occasion. Decades later, when other settlers voyaged here such as Samuel de Champlain , they, too, hosted ceremonies of thanks to celebrate their safe passage to this new land. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Csaba Csizmar: Csizmar isnt accused of smuggling; he hasnt made a refugee claim. Hes been ordered to leave the country and has a plane ticket home, but remains stuck in a cell trapped in an administrative limbo , neither allowed to enter Canada nor allowed to leave, according to The Star. Hes lost some weight, and while hes able to shower every day, he cant cut his hair and it extends in waves and Tucked between used car lots and nondescript warehouses on Rexdale Blvd. is the Canada Border Services Agency detention centre where Csaba Csizmar has been held for more than a month. I wish no one ever has to go through what I ve been through, said Csizmar, clad in a grey T-shirt and warm-up pants, during a 30-minute interview at the detention centre Friday. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Bank of Canada: The promising job data came out the same day the Bank of Canada published its own survey results that found Canadian businesses expected to hire more workers and boost equipment investments during the coming year, according to The Telegram. Overall, hiring in the third quarter was actually pretty strong. It was one of the strongest quarters we ve seen in a couple of years, said Leslie Preston of TD Economics and The September gain, which follows a loss of 11,000 jobs in August, includes the creation of 69,300 full-time positions, according to the monthly Statistics Canada employment survey released Friday. The hiring push already appears headed in the right direction, one bank economist said Friday. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Minister Rob Nicholson: ISILs brutality is matched only by its depravity. These terrorists stretch their delusional fantasies across generations and across borders, according to The Telegram. We must take action. We will take action. We seek support for the governments motion in order to prevent these violent, merciless radicals from further inflicting their twisted beliefs and deadly violence upon the innocent and Thats federal Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird in the House of Commons this week. Mr. Speaker, has been carrying out a murderous rampage across Iraq, seizing territory and killing children, Defence Minister Rob Nicholson said during the same debate. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Ari Goldkind: The debate between John Tory, Ari Goldkind and Olivia Chow got off to a rocky start when lesser-known and uninvited candidate Dionne Ren e who spells her name D!onne Ren e crashed the stage. , according to CBC. "Shame on you if you're kicking out a black female our voice should be reflected on this table," she said while organizers, struggling to control the situation, looked to police officers in the room for help. The disarray that marked the run up to the latest Toronto mayoral debate continued Friday night as candidates and organizers alike struggled with questions, answers and a gate-crasher. Ren e refused to leave, complaining loudly that the other candidates were not representative of the minorities in the north Toronto neighbourhood. She took the seat left vacant for Doug Ford, who earlier told organizers he would not attend the debate if it included Goldkind. Doug Ford, John Tory spar over Goldkind snub Mix, match and create your dream candidate Which candidate best represents your views? Try Vote Compass (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Torontos FCJ Refugee Centre: It is still a Wild West, says Francisco Rico-Martinez, co-director of Torontos FCJ Refugee Centre. The ghosts still operate out there. People still fall victim to them, according to The Star. A few of these ghost consultants, who sometimes counsel clients to commit fraud, have been arrested and charged under the new laws, which provide for up to five years in jail and $100,000 in fines and Three years after Ottawa launched a new regulatory body to police the immigration consultant industry, critics say there are as many illegal ghost consultants as ever preying on would-be immigrants. Experts say that despite stiffer new penalties for those who operate without licences or oversight, unscrupulous consultants continue to take advantage of refugee claimants and immigration applicants struggling to navigate Canadas confusing and ever-changing system. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Jason Kenney: The Live-In Caregiver Program was by and large excluded from reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program announced by the government in June, but the government said an overhaul to the caregiver program would be coming this fall. Changes needed for Canada live-in caregiver program Jason Kenney details harsher penalties for foreign worker abuse Skilled immigrants under 'express entry' to fill labour market needs , according to CBC. Gruber Hersch has been critical of earlier reforms brought to the program by Jason Kenney, Alexander predecessor, and more recently with the $1,000 fee Kenney imposed on employers looking to hire foreign workers, which also applies to Canadian families looking for foreign caregivers and nannies. Groups representing live-in caregivers say Immigration Minister Chris Alexander is considering moving the foreign caregiver program over to its new express entry immigration system, as he seeks input from various stakeholders ahead of much-anticipated reforms. Manuela Gruber Hersch, president of the Association of Caregiver Nanny Agencies Canada, said Alexander floated the idea during a consultation meeting she attended in Vancouver this July. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.