Canadian travel documents: It just the latest example of federal efforts to zero in on lawbreakers using biometrics -- physical identifiers such as images, fingerprints or iris scans, according to CTV. The photo-matching idea emerged from concerns that people wanted by the Canada Border Services Agency might use fake names to obtain genuine Canadian travel documents from the Immigration Department passport program, say internal memos released under the Access to Information Act. "Genuine Canadian passports and other travel documents are of high value to persons who seek to establish false identities," says a memorandum of understanding between the border and immigration agencies. "Individuals who have outstanding immigration arrest warrants can evade detection by law enforcement by using false identities to travel, or to live within communities while retaining access to benefits and services." Moreover, fraudulently obtained travel documents can allow someone to slip across the border undetected, the memorandum says. The Liberal government might make the facial-recognition scheme permanent to help find and arrest people ineligible to remain in Canada due to involvement with terrorism, organized crime or human rights violations. These could include a passport, emergency travel document, refugee travel document or certificate of identity -- a document issued to permanent residents of Canada who are not yet citizens. Fifteen matches turned up, prompting the border agency to pursue "appropriate enforcement action," said Esme Bailey, an agency spokeswoman. Initial encouraging tests led to a 2014 pilot project in which the border agency shared the photos and biographic information of 1,000 wanted individuals with a high-risk flag on their files to see if they had applied for -- or even obtained -- a Canadian travel document under a false identity. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

deep breathing technique: That is, until Alorfi learned a deep breathing technique at an innovative new program in Surrey to help Syrian refugees cope with past trauma. "When I remember the past, I use this method," he said, demonstrating by taking a long, slow inhale. "I do this trick to get over it." Alorfi and his family are among about 20 Syrian refugees participating in a five-week group session that deals with settlement issues "through a trauma lens," according to Corina Carroll, the manager of counselling services at Diversecity Community Resources Society, according to CBC. The program is funded by the United Way, and is a first step in alleviating what Carroll describes as a "huge gap" in serving Syrian refugees' mental health needs. Which is why the mere sight of a police station in his new home of Surrey left him struggling to breathe. A real policy problem' ISSofBC says that most Syrian refugees will be able to cope with their trauma without major interventions, and there no reason to believe that Alorfi and his family aren't in that category. Syrian refugees got a warm welcome when they arrived in Canada, including from political leaders such as Immigration Minister John McCallum, above, some are finding it hard to get by on the government funding they receive, which is about equivalent to social assistance. But advocates and settlement workers say there is inadequate federal and provincial funding to ensure refugees who need it, get ongoing mental health support. "We have a real policy problem in this country when it comes to refugee mental health," said Dylan Mazur, the executive director of the Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute: A Trump victory will boost the Canadian housing market, Linda Nazareth, a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, said at The Economist Canada Summit in Toronto, according to Huffington Post Canada. U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in San Jose, Calif. earlier this month. A Trump administration in the U.S. could send Canadian house prices even higher — perversely because the Republican would make the U.S. economy worse, a conference on Canada economic future heard Wednesday. The panel was discussing what ifs for Canada economy, and the possibility of a Trump presidency was the first hypothetical situation brought up. And since U.S. interest rates affect Canadian interest rates, that would mean lower interest rates — and lower mortgage payments — in Canada. Nazareth said Trump risky economic policies — such as opposition to free trade deals — would hurt the U.S. economy, forcing the country interest rates to stay low for longer. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Quebec: About 4000 Guatemalan workers come to Quebec each year to help plant and harvest, according to CTV. They are supposed to arrive at the beginning of May. The annual problem appears to have gotten worse this year, say farmers. Hundreds of Quebec farmers who sent paperwork in last fall are still awaiting approval. That number is supposed to take four to six weeks to be obtained and they took 16 weeks to deliver it, said farmer Pascal Forest, who hired a dozen Guatemalans and only four have just arrived. The paperwork didn't get transferred from Employment and Social Development Canada to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to Guatemala City until too late, creating a backlog for only three people at the Canadian Embassy to process. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: If you haven't read it yet, you should, according to Rabble. And we're going to help you with that. Find out how you can help build a new era in independent media! Author Lawrence Hill new book The Illegal, although fictional, delivers a much-needed dose of truth about the international refugee crisis. Visit our donation page here to find out how. Every day we learn of a worsening global refugee crisis. In The Illegal Hill takes on the most important issues of the day -- race, gender, sexuality, human rights, refugees -- on a universal level that elevates his book from relevant to influential. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

streets of Toronto: Former Toronto Police detective Dave Perry, right, says Canada laws on DNA collection need to change, according to Toronto Star. By Michelle McQuigge The Canadian Press Wed., June 8, 2016 A man stalked the streets of Toronto, a 45-year-old mother of four in his sights. Aspiring fashion designer Erin Gilmour was just 22 when she was killed. He mapped her movements through her downtown neighbourhood, plotted his attack, then savagely struck one August night in 1983. Four months later, the scene played out again, this time during the Christmas rush in the heart of Yorkville — one of the city most posh neighbourhoods. When he was done, Susan Tice lay sexually assaulted, stabbed and breathing her last in her own bedroom. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: He was repeatedly challenged about the growing influx of migrants from elsewhere in the EU and the resultant pressure on public services, according to Toronto Star. Cameron main achievement of the evening actually came last month, when the format of the program was agreed. Appearing on ITV on Tuesday evening, the prime minister warned a so-called Brexit would mean less investment, less jobs. He avoided a head-to-head debate, or any direct confrontation with a fellow Conservative such as Justice Secretary Michael Gove or former London Mayor Boris Johnson. I want everyone to focus very clearly on the choice, Cameron said. The prime minister instead answered questions after Farage, the U.K. Independence Party leader, a figure seen by the Remain campaign as alienating many voters. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Federica Mogherini: He reiterated the message that Trudeau delivered on the British referendum."The fact is that Canada enjoys a lot, its relationship with a strong UK in a strong EU."Dion echoed Trudeau suggestion that it would be difficult for Britain to replicate its own version of the Canada-EU free trade deal, known as CETA."The prime minister made the point that it took for Canada five years to negotiate it," Dion said, according to Metro News. Mogherini refused to speculate on what would happen to CETA if the Brexit side prevailed. Federica Mogherini, the EU foreign policy chief, arrived in Ottawa Wednesday night for meetings with Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion and his cabinet colleagues as British voters are poised to hold a referendum on June 23 on whether to leave the EU — what called a "Brexit."Last month, Trudeau told the Reuters news agency that he wants to see Britain remain as part of a united Europe, where it would enjoy greater prosperity."I noticed that Prime Minister Trudeau sent a pretty powerful message underlying that whenever regions, countries, organizations stay united, they're stronger," Mogherini said on Parliament Hill prior to her evening meeting with Dion."This is exactly the same message that we . . . like to hear in Europe."Dion was meeting his European Union counterpart as the two sides push towards the final ratification of their comprehensive free trade deal. In addition to trade, Dion and Mogherini were to discuss climate change, the Arctic, the migration crisis in Europe and the ongoing security challenges in Syria and Ukraine. Both parties expect the deal, which has been seven years in the making, to come into force in early 2017. The talks are part of the preparation for a larger Canada-EU leaders' summit to be held this fall, which is expected to announce ratification of the trade deal. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Iga Janik: Wednesday morning, Kang constructed a round, well-shaped barrier out of hundreds of bananas outside Kitchener City Hall, according to CTV. By the afternoon, he had trapped himself inside – metaphorically, if not literally. It all part of The Well, an installation by Toronto artist Zhaoyi Kang, a Chinese immigrant to Canada. Iga Janik, who works for Cambridge Idea Exchange and helped curate and produce The Well, says the literal barrier is a stand-in for the racial barriers that we continue to have in society. His Chinese has lost his accent, so he doesn't feel native in Beijing anymore when he goes back, and yet here in Canada he hasn't really been welcomed as one part of our full society, she says. In Kang case, Janik says, the biggest barrier faced is a language issue. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Kang: Passersby stop to see what Toronto artist Zhaoyi Kang is doing with the bananas. "As a Canadian citizen but born in Beijing, China, the distinction of identity is a problematic one for Kang; no longer Chinese enough for those in China and, with imperfect English, not yet a native Canadian," the website describing Kang art explained. "The Well is a stand-in for the predicament that the artist faces, according to CBC. Being trapped in The Well during the performance is a metaphor for the artist trapped identity at a time of transition from one culture to another." The Well is a durational performance by Toronto artist Zhaoyi Kang. The performance piece by the Beijing-born artist uses the banana as a metaphor for Asian immigrant in Canada, the CAFKA website said. People were welcome to take a banana as Kang worked on his piece outside Kitchener City Hall. Kang is a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto and he is pursing a double major in studio and economics. "Kang likes to use artwork as a powerful tool to reveal social problems. Nearby, two young children munched on bananas as they wore toques on the chilly day and watched him work. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

travel documents: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tom HansonOTTAWA - Federal officials used photo-matching technology to identify 15 high-risk people — all wanted on immigration warrants — who used false identities to apply for travel documents, according to Brandon Sun. The Liberal government might make the facial-recognition scheme permanent to help find and arrest people ineligible to remain in Canada due to involvement with terrorism, organized crime or human rights violations. Federal officials used photo-matching technology to identify 15 high-risk people - all wanted on immigration warrants - who used false identities to apply for travel documents. It just the latest example of federal efforts to zero in on lawbreakers using biometrics — physical identifiers such as images, fingerprints or iris scans. These could include a passport, emergency travel document, refugee travel document or certificate of identity — a document issued to permanent residents of Canada who are not yet citizens. The photo-matching idea emerged from concerns that people wanted by the Canada Border Services Agency might use fake names to obtain genuine Canadian travel documents from the Immigration Department passport program, say internal memos released under the Access to Information Act."Genuine Canadian passports and other travel documents are of high value to persons who seek to establish false identities," says a memorandum of understanding between the border and immigration agencies."Individuals who have outstanding immigration arrest warrants can evade detection by law enforcement by using false identities to travel, or to live within communities while retaining access to benefits and services."Moreover, fraudulently obtained travel documents can allow someone to slip across the border undetected, the memorandum says. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Erin Gilmour: When he was done, Susan Tice lay sexually assaulted, stabbed and breathing her last in her own bedroom, according to The Waterloo Record. Four months later, the scene played out again, this time during the Christmas rush in the heart of Yorkville — one of the city most posh neighbourhoods. Related Stories Pain doesn't fade for cold case... Death penalty in 'Grim Sleeper'... Cold case units across Canada pore... He mapped her movements through her downtown neighbourhood, plotted his attack, then savagely struck one August night in 1983. The victim, 22-year-old aspiring fashion designer Erin Gilmour, suffered the same horrific fate. In both cases, they say the assailants left behind traces of his DNA, captured by police. That what detectives at the Toronto cold case unit believe happened. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

defence lawyers: The Justice Department has now committed to maintaining the level of additional funding at $30 million a year to further boost legal aid services for people who cannot afford to pay for defence lawyers, according to The Waterloo Record. That level of additional funding will not be reached until 2021 — two years after the next election — but provincial governments, criminal defence lawyers and advocates welcomed the renewed federal involvement in the file as an important first step to a better system. "It a step in the right direction and I would like to keep moving in that direction," said Karen Hudson, executive director of the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission. "I see it also as a validation of action and not just talk that legal aid is essential," said Hudson, who is also chair of the Association of Legal Aid Plans of Canada but insisted Wednesday she was speaking personally, rather than on its behalf. The Liberal government committed $88 million over five years in the federal budget, beginning with $9 million this fiscal year. Since 2003, the federal contribution to provincially run criminal legal aid programs has remained around $112 million per year, which has become a shrinking fraction of the nearly $800 million in total government investment for all kinds of legal aid, including family law. "For years, the provinces and territories, through their justice ministers, have not stopped demanding for a return to a more equitable sharing of legal aid costs," Quebec Justice Minister Stephanie Vallee said in a statement emailed by spokeswoman Emilie Simard. "We are therefore pleased the appeal was heard," said Vallee. Legal Aid Ontario says the funding will go towards expanding its work for the criminal justice system, particularly for clients who are indigenous, ethnic minorities or experiencing mental health issues. After so many years, the provinces already have plans for the funding. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Federica Mogherini: He reiterated the message that Trudeau delivered on the British referendum."The fact is that Canada enjoys a lot, its relationship with a strong UK in a strong EU."Dion echoed Trudeau suggestion that it would be difficult for Britain to replicate its own version of the Canada-EU free trade deal, known as CETA."The prime minister made the point that it took for Canada five years to negotiate it," Dion said, according to Brandon Sun. Mogherini refused to speculate on what would happen to CETA if the Brexit side prevailed. Federica Mogherini, the EU foreign policy chief, arrived in Ottawa Wednesday night for meetings with Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion and his cabinet colleagues as British voters are poised to hold a referendum on June 23 on whether to leave the EU — what called a "Brexit."Last month, Trudeau told the Reuters news agency that he wants to see Britain remain as part of a united Europe, where it would enjoy greater prosperity."I noticed that Prime Minister Trudeau sent a pretty powerful message underlying that whenever regions, countries, organizations stay united, they're stronger," Mogherini said on Parliament Hill prior to her evening meeting with Dion."This is exactly the same message that we . . . like to hear in Europe."Dion was meeting his European Union counterpart as the two sides push towards the final ratification of their comprehensive free trade deal. In addition to trade, Dion and Mogherini were to discuss climate change, the Arctic, the migration crisis in Europe and the ongoing security challenges in Syria and Ukraine. Both parties expect the deal, which has been seven years in the making, to come into force in early 2017. The talks are part of the preparation for a larger Canada-EU leaders' summit to be held this fall, which is expected to announce ratification of the trade deal. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

central branch: Singh hopes that won't be the case for future would-be musicians thanks to Vancouver Public Library newest program — the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library, based at the central branch, which launched Tuesday, according to Vancouver Courier. With this program, hopefully every Vancouverite will get to play the instrument they always wanted — and be able to hear it too, she said. Not being able to actually hear myself play was so dispiriting, said the city chief librarian, who grew up in a low-income, first-generation immigrant family. As the first program of its kind in Vancouver, and just the second in a Canadian public library, the free program will provide library card holders the opportunity to borrow a variety of instruments for up to nine weeks. Public libraries have always been a platform for encouraging creativity, ideas and talent, Singh said. Sun Life donated $130,000, as well as 100 instruments, including guitars, banjos, violins and keyboards to jumpstart the program. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Saint-Jacques: Terry Milewski: China 'microphone diplomacy' misfires again Chinese foreign minister berates Canadian reporter for asking about human rights Trudeau says Canada expressed 'dissatisfaction' over Chinese minister outburst An internal report last October by Ambassador Guy Saint-Jacques details a raft of complaints from an official with the China Mining Council about the unwanted surprises some mining companies encountered in Canada, according to CBC. Wang Jiahua "concerns seem to centre mostly in what he called less-developed, remote areas, where climate is harsh, infrastructure is less developed, and workforce is scarce," Saint-Jacques wrote. That sour note may help to explain declines in Chinese investment in Canada in favour of the United States, and serves as a backdrop to recent diplomatic jousting between the two countries. David Mulroney, Canada former ambassador to China, says Chinese resource companies want Canada to relax its regulations. "Some members felt that, when promoting potential investment projects, the provinces did not disclose the full picture about the mining environment, namely the risks and challenges, and that this led to misinformed decision." "Mr. Investors seek changes The document provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into troubled Chinese mining investments in Canada. Wang emphasized repeatedly the need for the Canadian side to be more comprehensive and forthcoming when presenting the mining environment in various regions of Canada." The obstacles should be "more clearly flagged." Saint-Jacques Oct. 13, 2015, report, circulated within Global Affairs as well as Natural Resources Canada, was obtained by CBC News under the Access to Information Act. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

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 CTV. 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.

Hyde Park: As a young teen studying at the Illinois School of Ballet, I didn't follow sports much, which is probably why I didn't recognize the big man right away, according to Rabble. He was standing on the outside sidewalk of Hyde Park new Harper Court shopping mall, looking out, streetward. Chip in to keep stories like these coming. He was well dressed in slacks and a blazer, a light-skinned African American with closely cropped hair. The top of my head came to the bent elbow of his folded arms. I actually stood next to him for a moment, figuring out where I wanted to go next. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Canadian government: By Stephanie Levitz The Canadian Press10:19 PM, Tues., June 7, 2016 OTTAWA—At least 400 Yazidi women raped and tortured by Islamic militants could have safe passage to Canada if the government would heed a proposal to rescue them, a religious freedoms organization says, according to Toronto Star. 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. A religious freedoms group wants the Canadian government to take action and rescue at 400 Yazidi women, who have been raped and tortured. The group has identified 400 Yazidi women and their families, about 1,600 people in all, living in displaced persons camps in Kurdistan. 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. It has a plan to bring them to Canada, but says the proposal is being ignored. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

citizenship immigration: The burden placed on refugees who have to pay for their travel costs, according to Huffington Post Canada. Those are a few of the issues MPs on the citizenship and immigration committee have heard about as they spent the past month questioning federal officials, private sponsors, resettlement agencies and refugees themselves about the government efforts to resettle 25,000 people displaced by the Syrian conflict. Gaps in dental care under the interim federal health care program. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets and gives winter clothes to Syrian refugees 16 month-old Madeleine Jamkossian, second right, and her father Kevork Jamkossian at Pearson International airport in Toronto on Friday, December 11, 2015. In the three months since the Liberal government reached its goal, about 2,580 more Syrians have arrived in Canada as part of the ongoing efforts. An extraordinary amount of government resources were deployed in a period of four months, from November to the end of February, in an effort to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Donald Trump: However, in some cases we must make business exceptions: we don't run cigarette ads because they are hazardous to our health, and we won't accept Trump ads for the exact same reason, according to Toronto Star. In April, the Republican National Committee signed an agreement with the popular online news outlet to spend a significant amount on political advertisements during the fall election cycle, Peretti said. We certainly don't like to turn away revenue that funds all the important work we do across the company, Chief Executive Officer Jonah Peretti said in a memo to employees Monday. Since then, Donald Trump has become the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and the tone and substance of his campaign are unique in the history of modern U.S. politics, Peretti said, citing the candidate support for banning Muslims from traveling to the U.S. and his disparaging comments about women and immigrants. Article Continued Below Peretti added that Buzz Feed still accepts advertisements from other Republican candidates and Democrats, and that the decision to cancel the advertising deal will have no influence on our continuing coverage of the campaign. The Trump campaign didn't have an immediate comment. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

citizenship immigration: The burden placed on refugees who have to pay for their travel costs, according to CBC. Those are a few of the issues MPs on the citizenship and immigration committee have heard about as they spent the past month questioning federal officials, private sponsors, resettlement agencies and refugees themselves about the government efforts to resettle 25,000 people displaced by the Syrian conflict. Gaps in dental care under the interim federal health care program. An extraordinary amount of government resources were deployed in a period of four months, from November to the end of February, in an effort to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees. Ottawa dispatches 40 more staff to Mideast to reduce Syrian refugee backlog Funding shortfall means no English classes for Syrian refugees over summer Staffing boost underway for privately sponsored Syrian refugees amid complaints The Liberal-dominated Commons committee had originally agreed to continue its study until June 7, at a cost of $39,200, but last week MPs decided to extend that by another two weeks — until June 21, days before the House is expected to adjourn for the summer. In the three months since the Liberal government reached its goal, about 2,580 more Syrians have arrived in Canada as part of the ongoing efforts. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

John Haggie: Health minister John Haggie said Monday that using a hookah is "simply another form of smoking" and poses a public health risk, according to CBC. Hookah is an instrument used to smoke shisha, which is a blend of flavoured herbs. John only hookah lounge says the government decision to ban hookah bars is hypocritical and "makes no sense." "I'm speechless," said Tareq Yousef, co-owner of Aladdin Hookah Lounge. "I'm trying to make sense of it and it doesn't add up." Take it outside: N.L. e-cigarette, vape shop rule changes coming in 2017 The restrictions on hookahs are part of the newly-introduced Bill 35, which regulates electronic cigarettes, flavoured tobacco and other inhalants. Yousef said his shisha does not contain tobacco or nicotine. While he agreed that inhaling anything other than oxygen isn't healthy, Yousef said banning hookah bars is "hypocritical" when government allows the sale of cigarettes, alcohol and other potentially harmful substances. "There no problem opening up a club or a bar, or a strip club, But when it comes to a little hookah lounge, that a big no," he said. "If they're concerned about health, let sit down and talk scientific, statistical facts, and see what is the main issue...I don't think hookah would make it to the top of that list. Health Minister John Haggie said smoking hookah poses similar health risks as smoking cigarettes or other inhalants. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

incredible journey: Clinton mathematical stranglehold on the nomination was expected to become crystallized Tuesday when six states vote in the last major set of primaries, according to Metro News. She wouldn't claim the title yet."I'm obviously really excited about that. The news came a day early. But I'm not letting myself focus on that yet," Clinton said Monday, when asked about her apparent lock on the nomination."It been an incredible journey. His backing now would offer a touch of historical symmetry. And I will have a lot to say about it ."The White House also suggested that President Barack Obama was awaiting Tuesday results to endorse her candidacy. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Immigration Minister John McCallum: Rempel rose in the House of Commons Tuesday to share concerns raised at a parliamentary committee that Syrian refugees and other immigrants are not receiving proper language training, according to Huffington Post Canada. A faculty member from the Vancouver Community College told MPs that classes for more than 220 refugees and immigrants were cancelled because of a federal funding cut, Postmedia reported. And in an unusual turn of events, Tory MP Michelle Rempel even scolded the House Speaker for laughing. Immigration Minister John McCallum and Conservative MP Michelle Rempel are shown in question period Tuesday. McCallum was ready with a witty retort. "Mr. Though McCallum earlier denied any cut, Rempel demanded to know why the training was being cancelled for those in need. "Yesterday, when the minister stood here and glibly claimed that he had a plan to address language training, was he looking at these cuts or was he just planning his next photo-op " she asked. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

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.