oil prices: The central bank forecast was released Wednesday along with its scheduled announcement on its benchmark interest rate, which it left at the rock-bottom level of 0.5 per cent, as expected."Essentially, the underlying forces that support a strengthening of growth in Canada remain the same, and the adjustment process of the economy to the lower oil prices is well underway," Carolyn Wilkins, Bank of Canada senior deputy governor, said in French after the announcement."That said, international and national factors have led us to lower our projections for growth in the ."Among its predictions, the bank for the first time released numbers on the potential impact of the U.K. referendum last month to exit the EU, also known as Brexit, according to Metro News. It said the fallout from the vote will reduce the level of global GDP by 0.2 per cent by the end of 2018 — and fall by 0.1 per cent in Canada over the same period. The effects of the disaster, which temporarily shuttered key oilsands facilities, took hold as the national economy struggled with disappointing exports numbers, feeble business investment and uncertainty around the United Kingdom vote to leave the European Union. According to the bank, the "modest" effect on Canada was largely due to the country small direct trade exposure to the U.K. It stressed that the scope of Brexit impact remained uncertain and will only be understood as the process unfolds. The fires cut oil production, led to Fort McMurray evacuation and destroyed more than 2,000 structures. The report also provided a more-detailed assessment of the effects of the huge Alberta wildfires that erupted in May. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

quebec city: Here are quick sketches of the candidates in the race so far, according to CTV. Maxime Bernier MP for Beauce, south of Quebec City Held cabinet posts including foreign affairs and industry Was demoted from foreign affairs minister after leaving sensitive documents at girlfriend homeA libertarian, he broke with his party over the 2009 General Motors and Chrysler bailouts Supports privatizing Canada Post, abolishing the CRTC, expanding free trade and ending supply management Says Conservatives need to offer Canadians not solutions involving Ottawa redistributing more money from some regions to others, but solutions based on a freer economy, on responsibility and fairness" Michael Chong MP for Wellington–Halton Hills, outside of Toronto Served as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Sport Resigned from cabinet over the Conservative government motion to recognize the Quebecois as a nation Disagreed with Harper policy of banning face coverings at citizenship ceremonies Supports lower taxes and preserving the environment, in part by using carbon pricing to lower income taxes. The party will vote on Stephen Harper replacement on May, 27, 2017. Championed a bill to try to give caucus more power Endorsed by former environment minister Peter Kent Child of Dutch and Chinese immigrants Told CTV Power Play that the party must reach out to new Canadians and re-earn their trust Tony Clement MP for Parry Sound--Muskoka in rural Ontario Served as industry minister and President of the Treasury Board An avid Twitter user Opposed usage-based billing for Internet Faced controversy for directing $100,000 in G8 summit infrastructure funds to a gazebo in his riding Said at his campaign launch that he will usher in an optimistic modern conservatism that appeals to urban Canadians, first-time voters, newcomers – while preserving those values that unite us Kellie Leitch MP for Simcoe--Grey, a rural Ontario riding Former Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for the Status of Women Worked as a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto Drew criticism for encouraging citizens to report "barbaric cultural practices to a government tip line Told CTV News in April she wants to rebuild a Conservative party that unifies the country Who else is considering running Peter Mac Kay, former Minister of Defence said he is undecided Kevin O'Leary, businessman and TVcontributor, "sees no advantage" in declaring early Lisa Raitt, former transport minister and current finance critic, said she hasn't decided (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

scarborough pool: She knew perfectly well how things were done here, according to Hamilton Spectator. He had different ideas. The woman, a public school teacher who had come to see me in order to file a human rights complaint, had been living in Canada for more than 35 years. The man asked them to leave the Scarborough pool because my client son and daughter were wearing long shorts and T-shirts. The man became irritated and mumbled something about people bringing their ways and changing this country. The single mom advised the man their outfits were made of swim material and she would not be leaving. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

stephanie levitz: The EU insists that since Canadians don't require visas to go to Europe, EU citizens should not need them to come to Canada, according to Toronto Star. In April, the Commission urged the European Parliament and council to take a position on the issue by July 12 — but neither did. By Stephanie Levitz The Canadian Press Wed., July 13, 2016 OTTAWA—The European Commission has again pushed off a decision on whether to require Canadians to have a visa to enter the EU. The commission says it now looking ahead to the Canada-EU summit this fall to see more progress on the issue of Canada removing visa restrictions on citizens of Romania and Bulgaria. The commission notes that high-level political talks — including a visit last week by Canadian Immigration Minister John McCallum — have demonstrated progress, but they still want the issue resolved. Achieving full visa waiver reciprocity for citizens of all member states is the objective for the European Commission and a fundamental principle of our common visa policy, he said in a statement Wednesday. Article Continued Below Top EU interior affairs official Dimitris Avramopoulos says the commission will continue to apply pressure. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tory voters: They ignored the advice of the Canadian prime minister, the U.S. President, and, of course, the former British prime minister, according to Hamilton Spectator. Labour voters ignored the strictures of their leader. Somehow over 52 per cent of the Brits voted to leave the European Union. Tory voters did the same. Brexit voters are labelled xenophobic, or racist, or just ignorant and irrational. The media seem to believe that prosperity follows in the wake of large scale political unions . They seem to love a laissez faire approach to labour mobility . Even the elderly are accused of ignoring the benefits of open borders for younger voters to move offshore. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

member states: In April, the Commission urged the European Parliament and council to "take a position" on the issue by July 12 — but neither did, according to The Waterloo Record. The commission notes that high-level political talks — including a visit last week by Canadian Immigration Minister John McCallum — have demonstrated progress, but they still want the issue resolved. The EU insists that since Canadians don't require visas to go to Europe, EU citizens should not need them to come to Canada. Top EU interior affairs official Dimitris Avramopoulos says the commission will continue to apply pressure. "Achieving full visa waiver reciprocity for citizens of all member states is the objective for the European Commission and a fundamental principle of our common visa policy," he said in a statement Wednesday. Officials from McCallum department travelled to Romania last month to examine progress by that country and are making a similar trip to Bulgaria this month. To decide whether to lift visa requirements, the Canadian government looks at several factors including how many visa applications are refused as well as immigration violation rates. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

oil prices: The central bank forecast was released Wednesday along with its scheduled announcement on its benchmark interest rate, which it left at the rock-bottom level of 0.5 per cent, as expected. "Essentially, the underlying forces that support a strengthening of growth in Canada remain the same, and the adjustment process of the economy to the lower oil prices is well underway," Carolyn Wilkins, Bank of Canada senior deputy governor, said in French after the announcement. "That said, international and national factors have led us to lower our projections for growth in the ." Among its predictions, the bank for the first time released numbers on the potential impact of the U.K. referendum last month to exit the EU, also known as Brexit, according to The Waterloo Record. It said the fallout from the vote will reduce the level of global GDP by 0.2 per cent by the end of 2018 — and fall by 0.1 per cent in Canada over the same period. The effects of the disaster, which temporarily shuttered key oilsands facilities, took hold as the national economy struggled with disappointing exports numbers, feeble business investment and uncertainty around the United Kingdom vote to leave the European Union. According to the bank, the "modest" effect on Canada was largely due to the country small direct trade exposure to the U.K. It stressed that the scope of Brexit impact remained uncertain and will only be understood as the process unfolds. The fires cut oil production, led to Fort McMurray evacuation and destroyed more than 2,000 structures. The report also provided a more-detailed assessment of the effects of the huge Alberta wildfires that erupted in May. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

policy report: Among the projections, the bank for the first time released numbers on the potential impact of the U.K. referendum last month to exit the EU, also known as Brexit, according to National Observer. It said the fallout from the vote will lower global GDP by 0.2 per cent by the end of 2018, with most of that expected to be tied to an extended period of uncertainty around investment."The impact on the level of Canadian GDP over the projection period is likewise anticipated to be modest, about −0.1 per cent, reflecting, among other factors, Canada small direct trade exposure to the UK," the bank said in its latest monetary policy report. The central bank forecast was released Wednesday along with its scheduled announcement on its benchmark interest rate, which governor Stephen Poloz left at its rock−bottom level of 0.5 per cent, as expected. The bank underlined the difficulty of determining the scope of Brexit impact on factors like financial conditions, trade and confidence."Assessing all of these effects is particularly challenging, since many important elements will be understood only as the process unfolds," the report said. The fires cut oil production, led to Fort McMurray evacuation and destroyed more than 2,000 structures. The report also provided a more−detailed assessment of the effects of the huge Alberta wildfires that erupted in May. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syrian women: The women, who came from Syria as part of the federal government sponsorship program for refugees, were housed for months in hotels with no access to a kitchen to prepare food for their families, according to Guelph Mercury. The Newcomer Kitchen in Toronto is the brainchild of Len Senater, founder and owner of The Depanneur, which hosts pop-up food events and workshops. Chopped onions bring a tear to the eye, the scents of lemon and mint mingle in the air, and amid the clatter of utensils and pots is the sound of happy chatter as Syrian women discuss combining the ingredients for yalanji — stuffed grape leaves — and gossip a little. When he heard about the plight of the refugee families, he decided to open his kitchen to them to cook and enjoy communal meals. The young couple, government-sponsored refugees from Sweida in Syria, did social work in their native country and worked as interpreters in refugee camps in Turkey. It wasn't easy to connect with the Syrian women until Rahaf Alakbani and her husband Esmaeel Abofakher became volunteers and then co-ordinators with the Newcomer Kitchen project. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

wife son: Monday searching for two men with guns, according to The Waterloo Record. A woman had called police with the report. Police went out to the area of Ladyslipper Drive at 4:10 p.m. They arrived at the house and found the homeowner at home with his wife and son. The homeowner told police that earlier in the day he had received a call from someone claiming to be from Immigration Canada. They had not called police. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

angela merkel: Both women have a track record of cautious pragmatism, according to Metro News. Merkel famously will sit on the fence on many issues waiting for consensus to build before she commits herself to whichever side is more likely to work. But those taking a closer look see more in common with Europe most powerful woman today: Germany "iron chancellor," Angela Merkel. May demonstrated her own grasp of patient tactics, opting to stay on the policy sidelines during Britain bruising referendum on European Union membership — positioned in the middle, seemingly the best spot from which to take charge of a divided Conservative Party in the wake of David Cameron resignation."It often said that you cannot tell what Merkel thinks about an issue until the last moment, if even then. She waits for her moment," said Hans Kundnani, a London-based foreign policy analyst at the German Marshall Fund think-tank ."Everyone seems to want to compare women leaders to Thatcher. May seems to be similarly inscrutable. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

u.s: Though Canada shares similar cultures to the U.S. and U.K., it does not share the protectionist streak displayed by those allies, he said, according to Metro News. Canada hasn't seen the same sort of fiscal tightening, which is increasing inequality and leaving people behind. This is potentially a bigger deal if this is a first step into a reversal of globalization, he told a panel at the Toronto Region Board of Trade. Nor has it seen a decline in real wage growth or anti-immigration sentiment that is behind a backlash in the U.K. and the U.S., he said. Jaime Watt, executive chairman at public strategy firm Navigator Ltd. said the anti-immigration sentiment spreading in the U.S. and U.K. could actually be beneficial for investment in Canada. Further, he added, Canada social safety net has healed to ensure no Canadian is left behind by the deeper integration of global economies. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canada economy: This is potentially a bigger deal if this is a first step into a reversal of globalization, he told a panel at the Toronto Region Board of Trade, according to Toronto Star. Though Canada shares similar cultures to the U.S. and U.K., it does not share the protectionist streak displayed by those allies, he said. By Sunny Freeman Business Reporter Tues., July 12, 2016 Canada is less susceptible than some of its international allies to the anti-globalization forces that have created Brexit and a potential U.S president Trump, experts in a panel discussion suggested Tuesday.CIBC economist Andrew Grantham said the trade and investment impact of Brexit — the U.K. decision to exit the EU — on Canada economy will likely be small, but consequences could be much greater if the anti-globalization sentiment is the start of a broader trend. Canada hasn't seen the same sort of fiscal tightening, which is increasing inequality and leaving people behind. Article Continued Below Further, he added, Canada social safety net has helped to ensure no Canadian is left behind by the deeper integration of global economies. Nor has it seen a decline in real wage growth or anti-immigration sentiment that is behind a backlash in the U.K. and the U.S., he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian media: Virani, the parliamentary secretary for immigration, was asked about a recent cover story in the New York Times about Canada headlined, "Refugees Encounter a Foreign Word: Welcome." The moderator, David Rennie, asked, "Why is Canada so different " Virani responded by referring to different factors — including the role of Canadian media in sharing positive stories about the refugees, like those who helped with fundraising in the aftermath of the Alberta forest fires, according to Hamilton Spectator. He cited the role of Canada private sponsorship program, which other countries have been studying as a possible model in the midst of a historic migration crisis. Arif Virani shared some observations about his country experience during a briefing session on Capitol Hill attended by a number of United States congressional staffers and moderated by the Washington bureau chief of The Economist magazine. Virani said private citizens hoping to sponsor refugees have pressured the Canadian government to open the door, not shut it. "The response has been extremely overwhelming," he told a panel hosted by the U.S. National Immigration Forum. "To the point where it might seem a bit odd for people in this room, or in this country, but the criticism we get in Canada about refugee resettlement is, 'Why is it so slow Why is it not faster Why are people not coming sooner Why have you stopped bringing in charter planes ' "So there are challenges — but the challenges are very different." Canada and the U.S. have both received a mere fraction of the number of migrants spilling into the Middle East and Europe. Canada has welcomed 28,000 refugees so far and expects almost 45,000 by year end, Virani explained; in the U.S., the Obama administration has been dealing with political blowback over its plan to bring in 10,000. However, the political reaction in the neighbouring North American countries has been a study in contrasts. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ont .,: Drawing attention to his well-known Twitter presence, Clement said he would use social media more effectively to reach out to all Canadians and engage them, according to CBC. He joked that the first draft of his campaign launch speech was only 140 characters long — the maximum length of a tweet. Clement made the announcement surrounded by supporters in Mississauga, Ont., promising he is the "leader, who represents the experience, and the innovation, who can win back the trust of Canadians in suburban and urban communities alike across the land." Clement said he was "tested, and ready today, to earn back the confidence of families, of millennials, of moms and dads, of urban and rural Canadians, and of small business leaders, and seniors who want government to be an empowering force for good." Michael Chong enters Conservative race, saying party story must be told Tory leadership candidate Kellie Leitch fights back tears over tip line misstep Maxime Bernier says he 'running to win' in bid for Tory leadership Clement is something of a social media maven who has been critical of the party campaign in the last election. I am proud to announce my candidacy for #Leader of @CPC_HQ with an aim to #Empower our members, caucus & taxpayers to succeed #cdnpoli— @TonyclementCPC A former minister in Stephen Harper cabinet, Clement spoke at length about his roots as an immigrant from the United Kingdom who was brought up on strong family values. "Values that I was brought up with from those early immigrant days in Hamilton in a small upstairs apartment. Clement also cited his experience as the former minister of health for the Ontario Progressive Conservative government of Mike Harris. "For greater prosperity and more opportunity, I am your leader. Values that are strongly embraced across my beautiful riding," Clement said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

david boothby: Years ago, probably 20, I was part of the police chief youth advisory council in Toronto, according to Rabble. It was a diverse group of engaged young people who met monthly with the Chief, David Boothby at the time, to discuss how the force could better its relations with youth and especially diverse youth. Chip in to keep stories like these coming. We discussed hiring practices, community outreach and some issues around enforcement. I have the picture somewhere but never look at it and never will. One day we went to the marine unit for a tour and a boat ride, a nice photo op for the chief. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

demands: Despite Justin Trudeau considerable star power, his appearance at last Sunday Toronto Pride parade has been eclipsed by the sit-in staged by Black Lives Matter Toronto, and the ensuing fallout, according to Rabble. The group had a series of demands for Pride organizers, including more funding for events for people of colour, the hiring of more trans people and racial and ethnic minorities, and for the exclusion of police floats and a reduction in numbers of police in uniform. Chip in to keep stories like these coming. Pride executive director Mathieu Chantelois agreed to all of the BLM demands, signing a document to that effect. But BLM tactics and its demands have ignited a huge controversy within the LGBT community and have led to a backlash against BLM, who report a large number of hostile emails since Sunday parade. The parade proceeded and it appeared the intervention was over. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

angela merkel: Both women have a track record of cautious pragmatism, according to Brandon Sun. Merkel famously will sit on the fence on many issues waiting for consensus to build before she commits herself to whichever side is more likely to work. But those taking a closer look see more in common with Europe most powerful woman today: Germany "iron chancellor," Angela Merkel. May demonstrated her own grasp of patient tactics, opting to stay on the policy sidelines during Britain bruising referendum on European Union membership — positioned in the middle, seemingly the best spot from which to take charge of a divided Conservative Party in the wake of David Cameron resignation."It often said that you cannot tell what Merkel thinks about an issue until the last moment, if even then. She waits for her moment," said Hans Kundnani, a London-based foreign policy analyst at the German Marshall Fund think-tank ."Everyone seems to want to compare women leaders to Thatcher. May seems to be similarly inscrutable. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

id checks: You needed to be careful leaving gay bars late at night or the cops might pick you up and take you down to Cherry Beach, which was mostly deserted back then, according to NOW Magazine. There they would beat you up and leave you to make your way back home on foot. When I came out in 1974, one of the first pieces of lore I learned about Toronto was the Cherry Beach express. Cherry Beach was one end of a spectrum of police abuse against queers that included harassment, ID checks, entrapment and arrests on spurious charges. But the relaxation of Canada racist immigration policies at the end of the 60s was changing the complexion of the city. Toronto was a pretty white place in the 1970s, almost 96 per cent Caucasian, according to the census. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

deadline rashly: In principle, and on most occasions, politicians should be expected to keep the promises they make to voters, according to The Waterloo Record. But in this case, what at stake is the future of Canada democratic system. If this sounds like heresy or a recipe for political suicide, it not. Getting electoral reform right must be the priority that guides the federal government — not slavishly adhering to an entirely arbitrary deadline rashly made to win votes. If the Liberals want a new system of voting in place for the next election in 2019 as they've promised, Parliament must approve of the changes by no later than May 2017 so that Elections Canada can get everything ready, Mayrand said. The imposing obstacles to any quick fix to the electoral system were clearly explained to members of Parliament last week by Canada outgoing chief electoral officer, Marc Mayrand. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

health issues: Our country will welcome roughly 300,000 new arrivals this year, and even refugee claimants who arrive on our shores unannounced are for the most part quickly released, according to Globe and Mail. Most arrivals to Canada are never detained at all, and for those who are, the median detention time is 25 days, according to one watchdog group. The magnitude of the problem shouldn't be overstated. Border and immigration officials have the legal power to hold and investigate someone they believe presents a danger to public safety; it hard to see how it could be otherwise. It is also clear that many, if not most of the long-term detainees, some of whom suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or profound mental health issues, don't belong in a criminal jail. However, human rights advocates are right to raise concerns about the risk of arbitrariness in the system. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

faith-based organizations: Operation Ezra is the work of several faith-based organizations in Manitoba, including the Winnipeg Jewish Federation of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Multifaith Council, according to CTV. Dozens gathered to welcome the family of eight, which includes a mother, father and six children, whose flight was delayed following attacks at an Istanbul airport June 29. The refugees arrived in Winnipeg thanks to Operation Ezra, a venture to bring in danger Yazidi families caught in the violence in Iraq to Winnipeg. The family was just 30 minutes away from the airport when the bombs went off. It was amazing," said father Khudher Naso through the voice of a translator. It was one of the most joyful moments of my life, for me coming down the escalator and seeing that big of a crowd. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

detainees: The End Immigration Detention Network says the detainees are protesting prison conditions that include increasing lockdowns and the use of solitary confinement, and are calling for an end to indefinite detentions in maximum security prisons, according to Toronto Star. The immigration detainees are asking for a meeting with Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale to discuss their concerns. By The Canadian Press Mon., July 11, 2016 A group advocating for full immigration status for all immigrants says more than 50 immigration detainees began refusing food Monday in two Ontario centres. A spokesperson from Goodale office was not immediately available for comment. The End Immigration Detention Network says immigration detainees previously went on a hunger strike that began on April 21, and met with officials from Canada Border Services Agency. Those taking part in the protest are housed at the maximum security Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ont., and the Toronto East Detention Centre. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration matter: Why are these related Why might they be more important collectively than individually Each of these files has been on the boil for some time, according to The Chronicle Herald. Unresolved, each is an encumbrance on economic growth. One was a collaborative initiative by the feds and Atlantic premiers on immigration, another marked progress on internal free trade and the third found a basis for agreement on important revisions to the Canada Pension Plan, removing the threat Ontario would implement its own plan. That why we should be excited that progress appears real. The perception generally is that immigrants fill jobs that would otherwise be available to unemployed Canadians, or worse, that immigrants end up dependent on social support programs. The immigration matter is widely misunderstood, particularly in Atlantic Canada, where unemployment has traditionally been at levels higher than the national average. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ladyslipper drive: Tuesday. received a report of two men, armed with guns, trying to access a residence, said police spokesperson Alana Russell, according to CTV. As a result of the seriousness of that call, we responded with our tactical unit. For police, the series of events began a little after 4 p.m. The caller claimed they were at a home on Ladyslipper Drive in northwest Waterloo. They knocked on the door, and learned that the man inside was just as confused as they were. When police got to the house, they didn't see any guns or any other sort of suspicious activity. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

orlando attacks: Thus the British exit from the European Union and the rise of Donald Trump in the U.S. Trump took to his proverbial soapbox right after the Orlando attacks to rail against what he saw as the establishment pathetic "political correct response," something that, according to him, keeps America from "thinking clearly." This same culture of crippling "political correctness" and appeasement toward Muslims and immigrants is what pro-Brexit voices like the U.K. Independence Party Nigel Farage and his supporters rant and rave about when criticizing European liberalism, according to CBC. The issue of anti-terrorism has fused with anti-immigration arguments on the domestic front, playing right into the narrative that Muslim extremists around the world — particularly ISIS — love to push: The West hates Islam and doesn't want Muslims in their countries, so come join us. As the U.S. and its allies sink deeper and deeper in Syria and Iraq, unable to solve the ISIS conundrum, nativist blowhards in both Britain and America have succeeded in using/exploiting anti-immigration and anti-Muslim sentiment for political gain. At the root of this dynamic is a deep socio-economic dissatisfaction among the citizens of Western democracies, a significant portion of whom have turned to scapegoating as a way to explain their predicament. Immigrant vs. non-immigrant possibilities Attacks in Orlando and Istanbul have given extra ammunition to right-wing nativists laying out just how irreconcilable the relationship between immigrants and "the West" truly is. If Canada fails to extricate itself from this globalizing trend and falls into a similar situation, no amount of "pro-tolerance" rhetoric from the Trudeau leadership is going to hold off a corresponding wave of nativist sentiment that'll surely come to the fore, something former PM Stephen Harper demonstrated many times during his tenure. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.