Kurdistan: The group has identified 400 Yazidi women and their families, about 1,600 people in all, living in displaced persons camps in Kurdistan, according to Brandon Sun. It has a plan to bring them to Canada, but says the proposal is being ignored. One Free World International says in their drive to resettle more than 25,000 Syrian refugees, the Liberals are turning their backs on the most vulnerable — religious minorities who are often a direct target of warring factions in the ongoing conflicts in the region. Yazidis, ethnic Kurds whose faith dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, gained global attention in 2014 when fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant captured the town of Sinjar in northern Iraq, forcing nearly 50,000 to flee to a mountain top where they were besieged for weeks. Girls as young as nine are sold into sex slavery, tortured, forced to convert or be killed and yet the Canadian government is doing nothing to help, he told a House of Commons committee on Tuesday."The government has failed big time in helping them," he said."Even if the government brought only nine cases, what will this do to the community that is facing genocide "The question of whether what happening to the Yazidis amounts to genocide will get renewed attention in the House of Commons on Thursday. Their situation is in part what prompted then-prime minister Stephen Harper to join international air strikes against ISIL. But their fate is now forgotten, said Majed El Shafie, founder of the One Free World group. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Melissa Mark-Viverito: New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, with City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, speaks at a news conference outside Trump Tower in New York, Monday, June 6, 2016, according to Toronto Star. She was speaking out against comments made by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump regarding Judge Gonzalo Curiel. Curiel, whose handling of a lawsuit filed by former students of Donald Trump has drawn him into a political spotlight, once had to live in hiding after being threatened with assassination for his work prosecuting Mexican drug cartel members. Trump said the U.S. District Court Judge can't be impartial in the lawsuits regarding Trump University because his parents were born in Mexico and Trump wants to build a wall along the border. It a building that Curiel is familiar with, from his 13-year-long tenure as a narcotics prosecutor with the U.S. attorney office in San Diego, eventually rising to chief of the unit. By Star Wire Services Mon., June 6, 2016 Since the fall of 2012, U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel has quietly presided over hundreds of cases from a spacious wood-panelled courtroom on the second floor of the federal courthouse in downtown San Diego, drawing little attention outside the tight-knit federal legal community. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

financial information: The second scam involves a man who identifies himself as a bank manager, contacts senior citizens by phone and advises them that there is a problem with their account, a police release said. "The man then tells the person he is sending a cab to their home to pick them up and take them to the bank so they can have the issue corrected," said the release, according to CBC. Don't give financial information to callers Police say the calls are not legitimate and recommend that if people receive a call from the scammers, they should hang up and contact police, their bank and CRA. Financial crime investigators say to be suspicious of anyone calling and asking for money or credit card information. In one scam, the caller says he or she is an employee of the Canada Revenue Agency and threatens to call the police and/or have a warrant issued if the person refuses to provide credit card information for payment of an outstanding income tax debt. Victims of these scams should contact the financial crime unit at 902-490-5020, police said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: First, we need to be effective in keeping Canadians safe, according to Huffington Post Canada. And simultaneously, we need to safeguard Canadian values, our rights and freedoms, and the open, generous, inclusive character of our country -- in short, the very qualities that make Canada, Canada. Two critical imperatives, which must be accomplished in lock-step together, are woven through all of our security initiatives. We cannot enjoy our individual rights and freedoms without effective collective security, but we must achieve that collective security in ways that do not impair the very essence of that which we seek to protect. The Aga Khan has described Canada as the finest expression of pluralism the world has ever known. Built by diversity and stronger because of it, Canada is fundamentally a safe and peaceful nation. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

national organization: It a national organization that looks to expand end-of-life choices, according to Hamilton Spectator. In short, it wants to make dying better. That three strikes."I have a lot of fear," Gabriela Luchsinger admits. "I'm afraid I'm going to develop dementia, and that body won't be me."If I can't speak to my sons, if I can't recognize my grandchildren, if I can't remember the foods I like, I don't want to carry on with my existence."Gabriela channeled that worry and last year co-founded the Hamilton chapter of Dying With Dignity. How we die is talked about a lot right now, with Canada on the eve of a new law on assisted dying. Gabriela will speak. Tomorrow there a symposium in Hamilton on the topic. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Syrian refugees: Syrian refugees: New arrivals struggle to find work Some of those refugees met with Brown on Monday, grateful for the help in adjusting to a new life in Canada. "Our community partners moved in incredible ways," said Lina Fernandes of the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre. "We have found homes for every family, according to CBC. They are currently waiting for English classes, children are in school, so I would say it been very successful." Anticipating challenge Settling so many refugees in such a short period of time appeared daunting for some staff at the Learner Centre. Since December of last year, more than 1,000 Syrian refugees have landed in London after fleeing their country and the ongoing violent conflict. Organizers relied on the experience they have from 45 years of helping people resettle in the city. "We have the experience, we know the settlement process, we know what the needs are," Fernandes told CBC Afternoon Drive host Bob Steele. "It was challenging and lots of work, but successful in the end." The large number fo children coming to the city caught some members of the team off guard. "We didn't have a lot of resources in our centre for children — day care and toys and strollers were a great need at that time," Fernandes said. "We had to move community partners very quickly to take care of that many children." Now that every refugee family has been housed, there are other challenges many of them face. Fernandes said there are waiting lists for people looking to take English courses. Most refugees are ready to work, but learning English has been a challenge and often a barrier to finding work. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

New Brunswickers: But the largely white province has long sought immigrants as its population shrinks, and Alex LeBlanc, executive director of the New Brunswick Multicultural Council, said he would have rather seen the government name a minister for immigration and cultural affairs."Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario have all done that, according to Metro News. It could be a strong signal for New Brunswickers and for the federal government that we take those issues seriously," he said. The appointment of Lisa Harris, an educator, former bakery owner and MLA for Miramichi, was widely seen as a sop to anglophone voters angry over bilingualism requirements. He said the Celtic Affairs portfolio came as a surprise: "It wasn't something that was coming up on our radar, but I don't see any downside to having a minister responsible," he said. Thomas University in Fredericton, called the appointment "laughable.""The only explanation I can think of is that the government has been sensitive to claims that it is too pro-French language, too pro-Acadian and it is doing this in some way to try to correct the balance. Political critics called it a waste of money, but Premier Brian Gallant said 40 per cent of New Brunswickers claim some link or ancestry that Celtic, and the ministry comes with no added cost."It a nice way for us to have a co-ordinated approach to the investments that we make in that realm," Gallant said as he announced the new portfolio during a major cabinet shuffle Monday in Fredericton. "Many festivals are supported by the government, whether it the Irish festival in the Miramichi or whether it Scottish festivals that happen in many communities."Green Leader David Coon said the government is facing pressure on requirements for bilingual employees and the need for separate French and English school buses, and he thinks it is playing politics by adding Celtic Affairs."I think they're trying to send a message that somehow they're promoting at least one part of the anglophone side," he said. "It would have been fair to have in the department, perhaps a culture section for Celtic Affairs with someone with that responsibility, but actually to appoint a minister of Celtic Affairs seems unnecessary."Tom Bateman, who teaches political science at St. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: However, Canada foremost constitutional authority has predicted it would be struck down by the courts as unconstitutional, according to Metro News. Peter Hogg said Bill C-14 is inconsistent with last year landmark Carter decision, which struck down the ban on assisted dying as a violation of the charter right to life, liberty and security of the person. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the medically assisted dying bill is an appropriate balance between defending the rights and freedoms of Canadians while protecting the most vulnerable. The court suspended its ruling for a year — and later extended the deadline by four months — to give the federal government time to respond with a new law. The Draft Lisa Raitt campaign calls itself a coalition of students, business people and public servants who want to show Raitt she has broad public support. That deadline arrived Monday, with C-14 still under examination by independent-minded senators.__ A grassroots effort is underway to persuade longtime Conservative MP Lisa Raitt to run for the Tory leadership. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Rosemary: The restoration of the Rosemary has already taken about three years, and the work is still ongoing, according to CBC. The Rosemary is one of Vancouver most recognizable homes. It takes a fish-eye lens to properly capture the size of the property. Zhao is a retired property developer from Beijing who told CBC News he made his first fortune trading in flax and grains before moving on to real estate. He took CBC News on a tour of the mansion recently to proudly show off the work that been done. Now 60, he admits to a net worth of over $1 billion Cdn and says he chose to retire to Vancouver for the "clean air" and good education for his son. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Fort McMurray: On right, Julaton phone camera photo of her exodus from Fort Mac on May 4, according to Tyee. Fort McMurray Communist Moment The wildfire sparked a crisis that, for a time at least, burned anti-social attitudes to ashes. Photo by Mychaylo Prystupa. Fleeing Fort McMurray... for Good Locals speak with pride about 'resilience' -- tested now like never before. Read more: Rights + Justice, Housing image: Sign Up for the Tyee Newsletter It a sign that Canada oilsands city will not only rebuild, but thrive in the face of the wildfire disaster. Fort McMurray Fire Teaches Us a Lesson Hope that your city reacts like this when disasters come its way. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

policy decision: Attack of the Super Bugs John Mac Lachlan Gray memoir of the innards life of a Canadian baby boomer, according to Tyee. The final chapter. Idea #6: Assess the Public Health Impact of New Laws How many Canadian lives are sacrificed with every policy decision Sixth in a series. Timid Bureaucrats Can Be Lethal Caution: Government embarrassment may be hazardous to your health. Read more: Health, Federal Politics, BC Politics image: Sign Up for the Tyee Newsletter Cleaning Up: How Hospital Outsourcing Is Hurting Workers and Endangering Patients Dan ZuberiILR Press/Cornell University Press Over a decade of blogging disease outbreaks and public health disasters did not prepare me for this book. Epidemics prove it. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Peter Hogg: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the medically assisted dying bill is an appropriate balance between defending the rights and freedoms of Canadians while protecting the most vulnerable, according to Brandon Sun. However, Canada foremost constitutional authority has predicted it would be struck down by the courts as unconstitutional. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Highlights from the news file for Monday, June 6:__The Trudeau government doubled down Monday in defence of its proposed new law on medically assisted dying. Peter Hogg said Bill C-14 is inconsistent with last year landmark Carter decision, which struck down the ban on assisted dying as a violation of the charter right to life, liberty and security of the person. That deadline arrived Monday, with C-14 still under examination by independent-minded senators.__ A grassroots effort is underway to persuade longtime Conservative MP Lisa Raitt to run for the Tory leadership. The court suspended its ruling for a year — and later extended the deadline by four months — to give the federal government time to respond with a new law. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mental health programs: Vancouver refugee centre 'first of its kind in the world' Chris Friesen of the Immigrant Services Society of B.C. said the Welcome Centre has mental health programs, and in future it will also have a primary health care clinic. "In this facility we have brought everything that a new immigrant or refugee would require for their first few months in this country," Chris Friesen of ISS of B.C. told On the Coast story producer Vivian Luk, according to CBC. The finishing touches are still being put on parts of the building, and Friesen said that eventually the centre will also have a primary health care clinic and a range of programs specifically for youth, children and women. The facility, which was built by the Immigrant Services Society of B.C., offers English language classes, employment and settlement programs, a mental-health program and more. The centre has residential units with 138 beds for government-sponsored refugees and while each residential unit has a number, it also features a word such as "perseverance." "We've also been very intentional about capturing an emotion or a feeling that an immigrant or a refugee would experience as part of their migration to Canada, and we've named each of the residential units after this," Friesen said. The $24.5 million facility is located near the Commercial-Broadway Sky Train station and the first family expected to arrive by June 12. A view inside one of the suites available for government-assisted refugees in the Welcome Centre. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Canada Afghan: The authors examined four diaspora communities in Canada — Afghan, Somali, Syrian and Tamil — and found them to be willing allies for rooting out extremism among their often young and isolated members. "More resilient diaspora communities represent the best line of defence against violent extremism," says the March 30 report, obtained by CBC News under the Access to Information Act. "Some unfortunate things happened towards the end of the Harper government that kind of maligned the trust we had built with communities and put us back a few steps." "Diasporas are not a threat, as some of the mainstream discourse on counterterrorism has often implied, but rather Canada most valued asset in the fight against terrorism." The authors found a mutual distrust between these communities and security agencies, driven partly by news media and academics who have "framed diaspora communities as partly complicit in terrorist activity, a source of threat for host countries like Canada." "It has fostered suspicion and even discrimination against certain diaspora groups." The research says security agencies such as the RCMP and CSIS need to build trust, especially among Muslim groups in Canada who can often alert police to potential terror activity. "Dispelling Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination should be a centrepiece of any community engagement strategy surrounding anti-radicalization, as it has fuelled distrust of the state and wider Canadian society in Muslim diaspora communities." Helps restore balance The $180,000 study for Public Safety Canada was carried out over a year by the Kitchener, Ont.-based Security Governance Group, a private consultant firm, according to Huffington Post Canada. Former Canadian Security Intelligence Service analyst Phil Gurski, a specialist in homegrown radicalization, applauded the findings, saying they can help restore the balance between "hard security" — surveillance, arrests and charges — and "soft security," or building trust within ethnic communities. "We had the balance fairly good a couple of years ago, and then some unfortunate things happened towards the end of the Harper government that kind of maligned the trust we had built with communities and put us back a few steps," Gurski said in an interview. "More resilient diaspora communities represent the best line of defence against violent extremism." Among those setbacks was the government removal of Hussein Hamdani in April 2015 from the Cross Cultural Roundtable on National Security, after a Quebec blogger alleged Hamdani harboured terrorist sympathies. The research, ordered by the Harper government in 2014, appears to repudiate Conservative measures that alienated Muslim communities in the months before last year election. The removal resulting from "baseless allegations" was "the biggest blow to the government relationship with the Muslim community," said Gurski, who was Hamdani colleague and friend. "It had a chilling effect." The incident was followed by last summer niqab controversy, in which the Harper government pressed to have Muslim women remove their face covering at citizenship ceremonies, and the Oct. 2 announcement by Conservatives Kellie Leitch and Chris Alexander of a "barbaric cultural practices tip line," allowing citizens to call RCMP anonymously with allegations about their neighbours. Sara Thompson, who teaches criminology at Toronto Ryerson University, said the report findings parallel her own work with the Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism, Security and Society. "Our findings are remarkably consistent: on the whole the communities under examination should not be viewed as 'suspect' but rather as important allies in efforts to prevent radicalization," she said. "Community-based tripwires are often activated via a concept known as 'leakage' — the tendency among radicalized individuals to broadcast their views and intentions to commit violent acts in advance, typically to friends, family, acquaintances and/or community members." Counter-radicalization office to be established The Trudeau government campaigned last year on a promise to create an Office of the Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Co-ordinator, working with provinces and others to build bridges to Canada ethnic communities. Not too late Gurski, who was a CSIS officer from 2001 to 2013 and then with Public Safety until retirement last year, said it not too late to rebuild trust. "The communities are willing to play ball again, despite the disappointments they had toward the end of the Harper government," he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Canada Afghan: The authors examined four diaspora communities in Canada — Afghan, Somali, Syrian and Tamil — and found them to be willing allies for rooting out extremism among their often young and isolated members, according to CBC. Phil Gurski, a former CSIS analyst, says trust between Muslim communities and security officials was damaged by Harper government measures last year. "More resilient diaspora communities represent the best line of defence against violent extremism," says the March 30 report, obtained by CBC News under the Access to Information Act. "Diasporas are not a threat, as some of the mainstream discourse on counterterrorism has often implied, but rather Canada most valued asset in the fight against terrorism." The authors found a mutual distrust between these communities and security agencies, driven partly by news media and academics who have "framed diaspora communities as partly complicit in terrorist activity, a source of threat for host countries like Canada." "It has fostered suspicion and even discrimination against certain diaspora groups." The research says security agencies such as the RCMP and CSIS need to build trust, especially among Muslim groups in Canada who can often alert police to potential terror activity. "Dispelling Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination should be a centrepiece of any community engagement strategy surrounding anti-radicalization, as it has fuelled distrust of the state and wider Canadian society in Muslim diaspora communities." Helps restore balance The $180,000 study for Public Safety Canada was carried out over a year by the Kitchener, Ont.-based Security Governance Group, a private consultant firm. The research, ordered by the Harper government in 2014, appears to repudiate Conservative measures that alienated Muslim communities in the months before last year election. Former Canadian Security Intelligence Service analyst Phil Gurski, a specialist in homegrown radicalization, applauded the findings, saying they can help restore the balance between "hard security" — surveillance, arrests and charges — and "soft security," or building trust within ethnic communities. "We had the balance fairly good a couple of years ago, and then some unfortunate things happened towards the end of the Harper government that kind of maligned the trust we had built with communities and put us back a few steps," Gurski said in an interview. The removal resulting from "baseless allegations" was "the biggest blow to the government relationship with the Muslim community," said Gurski, who was Hamdani colleague and friend. "It had a chilling effect." Hussein Hamdani, a Hamilton-based corporate and real estate lawyer, was removed last year from the Canadian government Cross-Cultural Roundtable on National Security after unsubstantiated allegations by a blogger. It had a chilling effect.'- Former CSIS analyst Phil Gurski on the Harper government removal of a Muslim community leader from a federal panel Among those setbacks was the government removal of Hussein Hamdani in April 2015 from the Cross Cultural Roundtable on National Security, after a Quebec blogger alleged Hamdani harboured terrorist sympathies. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

South Sudan: All of the members come from the Ma'di region of South Sudan, according to CTV. Many of these refugees came to Canada escaping violence in South Sudan. A group of more than 30 refugees are starting their very own Lions Club chapter called Ma'di. "We are working together to involve, to service our community in the City of Winnipeg," said Akeri Isara. The Lions Club of Winnipeg presented the group with their charter at a ceremony Saturday night. They have come here through various refugee camps and through other countries on their way here, and when they arrived here, they decided that they wanted to do something to give something back to the community that welcomed them, said Whitson. Alan Whitson of the Lions Club of Winnipeg has worked with the group to set them up as a chapter of the Lions Club. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bed bugs: Now some them are now dealing with the frustration of bedbugs, according to CBC. One of the bed bugs found in Saint John Crescent Valley neighbourhood. Several Syrian refugee families have settled in the area. The insects have been leaving behind welts on their children. Syrian refugee Abdel Wahed is frustrated with the bed bug infestation in his home. "The YMCA is trying to provide information sessions and I know the Department of Social Development is getting things translated so they can actually hand it to them and they can read it on their own in their own language," said Shilo Boucher of the Saint John Y. Dr. The infestation has put a sour tone on Abdel Wahed new home. "Other than that," he said, "Canada is good." The local YMCA, which has been providing resettlement assistance to Syrians in the area, is trying to help them understand what is going on. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Ben Spurr Transportation: The 24-year-old works 20 hours a week at Pearson as a passenger service agent, a precarious job that earns her $12.75 an hour, according to Toronto Star. The commute from her Brampton home requires two buses and can take more than an hour and a half. Order this photo By Ben Spurr Transportation Reporter Sat., June 4, 2016 When Aretha Reid arrives at the airport in the middle of the night, it not because she there to catch a plane. Because on some days buses stop running before midnight, she sometimes has to leave at 10:30 p.m. to make a shift that starts at 2 a.m. I just have to sit, she said, adding that her shifts are usually only four to five hours long. I'm there probably an hour or two hours before my shift starts. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Fallujah: A member of Iraqi security forces takes his position with his weapon in Fallujah, Iraq, May 31, 2016, according to CBC. The group has suffered some pretty stunning losses, as Iraqi forces have recaptured formerly ISIS-held territory such as Ramadi and the town of Hit. But whether the Islamic State is on its last legs or is still capable of waging an indefinite campaign, attention is now being focussed on just what happens on the so-called "day after." Iraq stalls fight with ISIS over Fallujah 'to protect civilians'ISIS fighting near Fallujah creates 'dire situation' "The West should have no illusion that the Islamic State will simply slump into defeat," wrote Brian Michael Jenkins and Colin Clarke, both of the Rand Corporation, which specializes in insurgency and transnational terrorism. "Instead, it must focus on thwarting the group Plan B." That the group has formulated such a contingency plan is still a subject of speculation, and expert opinions differ on how close it is to actual defeat. "After maybe years of really stunning success, I think the Islamic State has run into trouble," said Austin Long, assistant professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University and a former adviser to the multinational force in Iraq. Now the Iraqi forces have their sights set on retaking Fallujah, the first major Iraqi city that fell to the group in 2014. Fighter strength in some locations is now estimated in the hundreds, when previously it was in the thousands. Recruitment for ISIS may not have dried up, but it certainly down, Long said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: Myriam mother, who is pregnant, decided to remain behind, according to CTV. Myriam six-year-old sister was killed in the house bombing and Myriam, who was inside at the time, suffered serious burns all over her body, but somehow survived. Myriam and her two brothers arrived in Canada two months ago with their aunt, who led them out of Syria after their house was bombed in January 2015. It hurts, Myriam told CTV Winnipeg through a translator as she held up her arms. Now it hard for me to use my hands and my skin is pulling on me. I was able to use my hands before. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: The commute from her Brampton home requires two buses and can take more than an hour and a half, according to Hamilton Spectator. Because on some days buses stop running before midnight, she sometimes has to leave at 10:30 p.m. to make a shift that starts at 2 a.m. The 24-year-old works 20 hours a week at Pearson as a passenger service agent, a precarious job that earns her $12.75 an hour. I'm there probably an hour or two hours before my shift starts. The mother of two, who came to Toronto from Jamaica about seven years ago, said her inefficient commute means she doesn't get enough sleep, and it taxes her time and well-being. I just have to sit, she said, adding that her shifts are usually only four to five hours long. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: Clement said it`s more about the friendship than the walking, because building a sense of community is a key part of getting newcomers to stay where they land. "It easy to meet somebody and just say hello on the street as you pass," she said. "Islanders tend to be very friendly and do that a lot, which is great, but to actually have a more in-depth conversation." The numbers Friday night were low, but Clement said they are growing, often having more than a dozen people join in, according to CBC. Connections being made They have been going on for the past three weeks, and she said she has seen real and important connections forming. "Someone who lived in Stratford and was on one of these walks, and I just asked him if he liked gardening," Clement said. "Now he got a community plot out in Stratford and he invited a neighbour of his to the community garden so there a bit of a trickle down effect. "Another example is someone who is in the same field as another newcomer and she ended up contacting her with information about a potential job opportunity." Ali Saidat, a newcomer to P.E.I. and Canada, says the program has helped him make friends. Every Friday until the weather turns too cold, they are hosting what they call a friendship walk in Charlottetown, explained Nancy Clement, the community outreach coordinator. "It kind of an extension of something we did through the winter, which was Friday friendship hour, and that was at different restaurants around town, we kind of rotated between different restaurants," Clement explained. "Basically anyone was invited, but the focus was to get newcomers, fairly recent to the Island together with established Islanders, and that was really successful and we figured, well for the spring, summer, fall, let take that idea outdoors." Nancy Clement, from the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada, said the walks followed winter gatherings in restaurants, when they decided to take the idea outdoors. Newcomer Ali Saidat experienced the same thing. It not just beneficial to the newcomers, Saidat pointed out. He has made a few friends in the program, which he explained helps bridge a tough gap. "I think for most immigrants it like that," he said "They probably come here with a family, it could be two or three people or maybe four or sometimes they are alone and they don't know anyone here at first, so I think this program is really nice. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

KFC: But this spring, as he attended a job fair in Toronto, the newly arrived refugee was optimistic he would soon find a job in a fast-food restaurant, according to Toronto Star. That because he was learning English. Order this photo Sat., June 4, 2016 Basel Mahmoud was a manager at a KFC in Damascus before his life was torn apart by the brutal war in Syria. I'm getting better at it every day, said the father of three. But Mahmoud may now be one of 1,800 Syrian refugees in Toronto who have found their hopes of quick employment dashed. I'm hopeful I can find a job in a few months. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Max Kerman: Tickets for the sold-out show went for $100 a piece with all artists donating their time and talent to raise funds for music, arts and recreation programs for Syrian youth who are newcomers to Hamilton, according to Hamilton Spectator. The funds will be distributed by Wesley Urban Ministries. Besides The National, the concert included performances by Max Kerman of the Arkells, Terra Lightfoot, Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene and Toronto singer-songwriter Hayden. Opening the benefit show was Syrian-born Hamilton hip-hop performer Tarek Ajak, who still has relatives living in the war-torn nation. Potocic said the organizing team worked hundreds of hours planning and setting up the concert, including making about $2,000 worth of needed repairs to the church plumbing and seating to help accommodate the audience. Others are awaiting refugee settlement in Europe and Turkey. "Much of the young generation has left," said Ajak, who performs under the name Mother Tareka. "I have lots of cousins, many who went to Europe as refugees." Ajak said his family is trying to sponsor an uncle, currently living in Turkey, as a refugee to Canada. "We're hoping it just a matter of time before they process him," Ajak said before the concert. "On paper it a 'yes,' but reality in the Middle East is a whole other thing." Backed by fellow rapper Lee Reed and local harpist Rachel Nolan, Ajak welcomed the audience with a rap song he wrote in Arabic for the show. "We crafted a song specifically to welcome the Syrians, something I rap in Arabic, a very family-friendly kind of rap," explained Ajak, who is also a youth worker at the New Generation drop-in centre, which is housed in the New Vision church building at Mac Nab and Main West. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Muslim women men: I want to build a bridge between the Muslim community and the larger community." She will be among 11 pairs of Muslim women and men participating in an interactive discussion at an outreach event open to the public on Saturday at Kitchener City Hall, according to The Waterloo Record. The sixth annual event from 1 to 7 p.m. is organized by the Coalition of Muslim Women of KW. The event, titled "Meet the Men who Stand Behind Us" is a celebration of Muslim men, including sons, husbands, fathers, who support Muslim women. This is not true," said the 54-year-old Waterloo mother. "There are so many misunderstandings. There will also be a panel discussion with imams, including one local imam, with a question-and-answer session. Ala Rashi will be accompanied by her 27-year-old son Hsain Al-Shihabi. The talk with the couples will begin around 4:45 or 5 p.m. and last about 45 minutes. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

American population: What, the Olympics No, according to Huffington Post Canada. What, leap year No. And 2016 is no exception. What, an American election You're getting closer. And the people professing to leave are left-wing Democrats who think they can escape to some mythical socialist paradise. Every four years a huge chunk of the American population professes a sudden urge to move to Canada..."if that so-and-so running for the White House gets elected." Usually "that so-and-so" is a right-wing Republican. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.