Asia Pacific Economic Summit: Air miles, anyone? , according to Winnipeg Free Press. Harper departs today for China, where he will meet with government and business leaders, and attend the opening of the Asia Pacific Economic Summit. Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons Monday November 3, 2014 in Ottawa. THE Adrian Wyld Stephen Harper is about to launch into a travel adventure that'll see the prime minister and his entourage travel more than 50,000 kilometres in less than two weeks. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Immigration Minister Chris Alexander: The new measures unveiled Tuesday will only be in effect until the federal government has exhausted its legal avenues in the ongoing battle over whether its health care coverage program for refugee claimants is unconstitutional. , according to Winnipeg Free Press. "We're only doing this, we hope, while our appeal is being heard," Alexander said in an interview. "We will continue to fight to ensure taxpayer resources are respected in our refugee health program." Medication for children and prenatal care will be among the new federal health care benefits available to those awaiting a decision on their refugee claim but only temporarily. Immigration Minister Chris Alexander said the government respects the role of the court, but disagrees with a court decision in July that invalidated the existing program, requiring a replacement to be devised. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Immigration Minister Chris Alexander: But as the government also intends to keep fighting the original Federal Court decision on the program, the measures set to be announced later today may end up being temporary, according to The Star. The program drastically scaled back the coverage available to people waiting for a decision on their refugee status, which the court found put lives at risk and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander says the government will comply with a court ruling that set today as a deadline to create a new refugee health care program. The Federal Court ruled in July that the interim federal health program for refugee claimants put in place after 2012 was unconstitutional. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Food Banks Canada: In the month of March 2014, more than 840,000 people received food bank assistance, one per cent higher than the same snapshot period last year. More than a third of them were children, and nearly half of households helped were families with children. , according to CBC. Food Banks Canada deliver fresh food to First Nations Food bank use in Canada increased slightly this year in comparison to 2013, and it remains significantly higher than it was before the economic recession, according to a report released Tuesday by Food Bank Canada. Ottawa food bank no junk food stance receives cheers and jeers online (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

refugee claimants: The new measures unveiled Tuesday will only be in effect until the federal government has exhausted its legal avenues in the ongoing battle over whether the health care coverage program for refugee claimants is unconstitutional, according to 660 News. That tiered approach remains in the temporary plan and certain classes of refugee claimants still do not have access to drug coverage, for example and Drugs for children and prenatal care will be among the new federal health care benefits available to those awaiting a decision on their refugee claim but only temporarily. Tuesdays measures do not go as far as restoring the comprehensive coverage that was in place prior to 2012, the year the Conservatives overhauled the system to create a tiered approach to paying for health care for refugee claimants. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

health care: Immigration Minister Chris Alexander told the Commons on Monday that he would have some "details" to announce in short order but that providing health care to "failed" refugee claimants was not part of the Conservative government repertoire of "basic Canadian values." , according to CBC. A decision by the Federal Court last July found that changes made by the federal government to refugee health-care funding in 2012 were unconstitutional. The effect of the cuts were deemed "cruel and unusual" and the court gave the government until Nov. 4 to review its policy. The federal government has until the end of day today to introduce more inclusive health-care coverage for refugees, after a Federal Court gave the Conservatives four months to draft new policy after overturning changes they made in 2012. Refugee health-care ruling adds to government legal losing streak (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Interim Federal Health Program: The revised health program measures unveiled Tuesday, which include medication for children and prenatal care, will be in effect only until Ottawa has exhausted legal avenues in the battle over whether its health-care program for refugee claimants is unconstitutional, according to The Star. Our government is complying with the recent federal court decision by implementing new measures under the Interim Federal Health Program . Our position has not changed, Alexander said in a statement and All refugees in various stages of the asylum process can once again access basic Canadian health care, after the federal government reluctantly agreed to comply with a court-ordered reinstatement. Immigration Minister Chris Alexander stressed that the new measures are just temporary and maintained that the government will continue to appeal the offside court decision against the cuts. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Refugee Marie Sifa: The Federal Court of Appeal decision Friday to uphold a ruling from earlier this summer demanding the Conservative government remedy its "cruel and unusual" cuts to refugee health care by today should be good news for people such as Marie Sifa. , according to Winnipeg Free Press. "It difficult to read," said the 19-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who arrived in December and is attending full-time classes at Gordon Bell High School. Advocates for refugees such as Sifa hope the federal government will honour the court decision and restore benefits to them under the Interim Federal Health Program. Refugee Marie Sifa cannot get the glasses she needs due to the Harper government cuts. Photo Store "When I go to school, I can't see small letters," said Sifa, who needs eyeglasses. As a privately sponsored refugee who arrived in Canada since the federal government killed extended health benefits for certain classes of refugees, she isn't covered and can't afford them. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Ashfaq Afridi: Waheeda and Ashfaq Afridi have been trying to get their little boy named Ajjab to Canada since he was born four years ago, according to 660 News. A Canadian immigration officer in Pakistan now has to process the paperwork, which could take a few weeks, she said and A Saskatoon couple has won an appeal and may soon be able to bring home their adopted son from Pakistan. The familys lawyer, Haidah Amirzadeh, said Tuesday that the appeal division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada ruled in the couples favour earlier this week, and granted the child a sponsorship visa. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Immigration Minister Chris Alexander: Immigration Minister Chris Alexander says the government will act soon, but has not indicated whether Ottawa will implement a new health care policy for refugee claimants, according to 660 News. The Tories implemented a new refugee health-care program in 2012 which critics say drastically reduced coverage, basing it not on need but rather on the nature of the refugee claim itself and The Harper government has until today to revamp health coverage for people who are in Canada as refugees. Last Friday the Federal Court of Appeal rejected the Conservative governments efforts to buy more time to deal with the issue. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

President Barack Obama: The electoral clouds look grim for U.S. President Barack Obama. His party faces a potentially historic soaking in Tuesday midterms. A deluge of poll data suggests his Democrats could be swept from precious perches of power. , according to Winnipeg Free Press. Americans will also be voting in hundreds of elections at the state level, including referendums on hot-button social issues like abortion, gun control and drug laws. Aaron Hubbard gets help from his 14-month-old daughter, Ashlee, dropping off his ballot in Portland, Ore., Monday, Nov. 3, 2014. Oregon elections are vote-by-mail with drop off sites also available to voters. AP Photo/Don Ryan The rest of Obama presidency could thus become a standoff against not one, but two hostile chambers of Congress which holds far-reaching implications, well beyond U.S. federal politics. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Toronto District School Board: Fundraising figures for elementary schools provided by the Toronto District School Board and analyzed by The found that children in those affluent neighbourhoods are getting almost as much as $900 each in educational extras, from new playgrounds to Scientists in Schools. The money is raised through events such as fun fairs and pizza lunches. Some schools in lower-income neighbourhoods raise as little as $3 a student. More Related to this Story, according to Globe and Mail. Private Schools More middle-class kids at private schools means more fundraising Schools in Torontos most affluent neighbourhoods are fundraising 300 times more money per student than needier schools, using the cash for field trips and playground renovations and raising questions about equity in the public-education system. Interactive School fundraising tool: See how each school stacks up (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Islamic State: Brig.-Gen. Hussam Alawak, who heads up intelligence for the Free Officers Movement one arm of the Free Syrian Army also warned in an interview with The Canadian Press that new anti-aircraft weapons threatening coalition jets come from looted stockpiles in Libya and more potent weapons may be on the way. More Related to this Story, according to Globe and Mail. Islamic State kills 322 Iraqi tribe members in countrys worst bloodshed in months A senior member of the opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assads regime says Canadas time, effort and money would be better spent training ground forces to retake territory from the Islamic State in both Iraq and Syria, rather than on a bombing campaign. Canadian warplanes launch air strikes against Islamic State militants (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

National Microbiology Lab: The bulk of the money announced on Monday $23.5-million will be spent on testing a Canadian vaccine and an experimental therapy, ZMapp, both of which were developed largely at the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg. More Related to this Story, according to Globe and Mail. Canada Canada wont issue visas to residents of countries battling Ebola Canada is spending another $30.5-million to fight Ebola, but Ottawa is still not answering pleas from international aid organizations for medical personnel to care for the ill in West Africa. Globe Editorial Ottawas Ebola overkill (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Robert Dziekanski: Const. Kwesi Millington shocked Dziekanski multiple times with a Taser during a confrontation in October 2007. He was among four officers called to the airport, according to CTV. Millington is the third officer to face trial. Const. Bill Bentley was acquitted of the same charge last year, while former corporal Benjamin Monty Robinson trial began last week and continued Monday in another courtroom and - The officer who stunned Robert Dziekanski with a Taser at Vancouver airport was in court Monday to face a charge of perjury, as the Crown again alleged the four Mounties involved in Dziekanski death lied to a public inquiry. The officers were forced to explain their actions at a public inquiry that was held two years later, and all four were later charged with perjury for their testimony. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Letter to the Editor: -- White Horse Send a Letter to the Editor , according to Winnipeg Free Press. To send a letter for consideration on our Letters page: Fill out our online form at the link above, or Email letters@freepress.mb.ca, or Fax 204 697-7412, or Mail Letters to the Editor, 1355 Mountain Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2X 3B6. Re: Abused Nigerian kicked out Nov. 1 . How many times have we heard about criminals who were immigrants being kept here, incarcerated and then set free and allowed to remain here in Canada? Yet this poor woman, a hard-working church-goer who contributed to Canadian society, is sent back to possible abuse or even death. Where is the compassion? Makes me cry. The Free Press welcomes letters from readers (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Democratic Senate: One-hundred-and-sixty-four reasons, to be more precise, according to CTV. The figures show that all but one of 165 bills that included Buy American provisions failed to make it through Congress since that body became split four years ago between a Republican House and a Democratic Senate and - Even if Americans are historically unhappy with their Congress as they head to the polls this week, there are a few good reasons for Canadians and other foreigners to celebrate this era of legislative lethargy. That the number of protectionist Buy American measures that have stalled, according to a tally from the last four years compiled by the Canadian government. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Federal Appeals Court: Judge rejects Ottawa refugee policy appeal, Nov. 1, according to The Star. At the last minute they went to the Federal Appeals Court to ask for more time. They didnt get it, thank goodness; thanks to the insight of Justice Wyman W. Webb, the amazing lawyers, the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, Canadian Doctors for Refugee Care, the growing chorus of Canadas outraged health providers and others in the media and our professional medical organizations and Re: Judge rejects Ottawa refugee policy appeal, Nov. 1 Citing them as cruel and harmful, Federal Court Justice Ann MacTavish on July 4 overturned the cuts to refugee healthcare implemeted by Canadas federal Conservative government. The government was given four months to appeal. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Jian Ghomeshi: The front page story was about Jian Ghomeshi but it was a glowing profile of the broadcaster focused on his experiences as an immigrant to Canada, according to The Star. The story itself was published online on Oct. 20, part of a year-long series on new immigrants that profiles Toronto among other cities and In the free Sunday Extra copy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette it was as if this past week never happened. There was no mention of the nine women alleging the fired CBC radio star physically and sexually assaulted them Ghomeshi has maintained all his sexual interactions were consensual or the ongoing criminal investigation by the sex crimes unit. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Free Syrian Army: Brig.-Gen. Hussam Alawak, who heads up intelligence for the Free Officers Movement one arm of the Free Syrian Army also warned in an interview with The Canadian Press that new anti-aircraft weapons threatening coalition jets come from looted stockpiles in Libya and more potent weapons may be on the way. , according to CBC. Operations involving Canadian fighter-bombers continued over the weekend with two CF-18s dropping bombs on targets near Fallujah, west of Baghdad, but the air force refused to provide updated details on the mission other than to say all aircraft returned safely to base. A senior member of the opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad regime says Canada time, effort and money would be better spent training ground forces to retake territory from the Islamic State in both Iraq and Syria, rather than on a bombing campaign. Canada forces faces daunting mission against in Iraq mission: Canadian CF-18s drop laser-guided bombs over Iraq mission: Canadian CF-18s complete operational flights in Iraq Alawak, who defected prior to the Arab Spring uprising, says the current U.S.-led bombing campaign will not dislodge the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and may drive up recruitment to the group. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Canada: Canada is behind countries such as Norway, which tops the list for a second year, Switzerland, New Zealand and Denmark, but ahead of Australia, the U.S., U.K. and Germany. The prosperity index ranks 142 countries, with Chad and Central African Republic at the bottom of the list. , according to CBC. New Zealand moved ahead of Canada, up two places to No. 3 on the index, after showing high levels of social capital and an improved economy. Noted Canadian tolerance Canada ranks No. 5 on an international prosperity index produced by the Legatum Institute of London that combines measures of economic progress, health, opportunity and personal freedom. Canada has slipped one position from the ranking of fourth it achieved last year, after receiving lower marks in social capital, a measure of civic engagement including how many people have volunteered, donated to charity or helped a stranger. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Islamic State: A senior member of the opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad regime says Canada time, effort and money would be better spent training ground forces to retake territory from the Islamic State in both Iraq and Syria, rather than on a bombing campaign. , according to Hamilton Spectator. Alawak, who defected prior to the Arab Spring uprising, says the current U.S.-led bombing campaign will not dislodge the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and may drive up recruitment to the group. Brig.-Gen. Hussam Alawak, who heads up intelligence for the Free Officers Movement one arm of the Free Syrian Army also warned in an interview with The Canadian Press that new anti-aircraft weapons threatening coalition jets come from looted stockpiles in Libya and more potent weapons may be on the way. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

France Occupation: Came to Canada: May 2011 , according to Hamilton Spectator. Where are you employed? Country of origin: France Occupation: Development officer, R gionale Hamilton (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Hassan Diab: In arguments filed with the Supreme Court, lawyers for sociology professor Hassan Diab say France reliance on secret information raises fundamental issues of constitutionality and procedural fairness, according to CTV. French authorities suspect Diab, 60, was involved in the anti-Semitic bombing of a Paris synagogue in 1980 that killed four people and injured dozens of others -- an allegation Diab denies and - An Ottawa man facing extradition to France in a terrorism case says the Supreme Court of Canada should hear his appeal due to crucial questions about the use of untested intelligence in a criminal prosecution. The Canadian government says Diab request for a high-court hearing "raises no issue of public importance" and should be dismissed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Hassan Diab: An Ottawa man facing extradition to France in a terrorism case says the Supreme Court of Canada should hear his appeal due to crucial questions about the use of untested intelligence in a criminal prosecution. , according to Winnipeg Free Press. The Canadian government says Diab request for a high-court hearing "raises no issue of public importance" and should be dismissed. Hassan Diab listens to his lawyer speak at a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, April 13, 2012. Diab, an Ottawa man facing extradition to France in a terrorism case, says the Supreme Court of Canada should hear his appeal due to crucial questions about the use of untested intelligence in a criminal prosecution. THE Patrick Doyle In arguments filed with the Supreme Court, lawyers for sociology professor Hassan Diab say France reliance on secret information raises fundamental issues of constitutionality and procedural fairness. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Democratic Senate: One-hundred-and-sixty-four reasons, to be more precise, according to CTV. The figures show that all but one of 165 bills that included Buy American provisions failed to make it through Congress since that body became split four years ago between a Republican House and a Democratic Senate and - Even if Americans are historically unhappy with their Congress as they head to the polls this week, there are a few good reasons for Canadians and other foreigners to celebrate this era of legislative lethargy. That the number of protectionist Buy American measures that have stalled, according to a tally from the last four years compiled by the Canadian government. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.