city hall: Francelle Maria, who is best known for her time on Canada Got Talent, was among Friday performers. "It great to support the locals and our diversity, as well," said event co-ordinator Danielle Leger, according to CBC. The event is free and Leger hopes the event will highlight Acadian and local cultures, but will also introduce Syrian and immigrant cultures. "More than we realize there a huge influx of immigrants that are coming to Moncton. Food trucks, cultural teachers and musical acts like Ayrad, Papaya, among others, are set up in front of City Hall for the two-day event. I think that as a local it a great opportunity for us to learn about those just joining our city." Festival began July 15 and runs until 7 p.m. tonight Leger said the event features things for all ages including African hair-braiding, Shaiballa bracelets and Chinese and Arabic name singing. Cultural workshops are also planned and will feature topics like Mi'kmaq, Chinese, Russian and Syrian workshops. "Its a great opportunity for them to get to know us, too." (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

disrespect anthem: In a video posted on his Facebook page, an emotional Pereira said he knows O Canada is revered and he wasn't intending to disrespect the anthem, the people of Canada, or "the people who have fallen for this country to be free." PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 09: Musician Remigio Pereira of The Tenors performs onstage during Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night XXII at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on April 8 in Phoenix, Arizona, according to Huffington Post Canada. Pereira also said those who were offended by his "all lives matter" message should know that he not a racist. "I have a biracial daughter, grew up in a multicultural environment where my best friend was black. While singing a solo verse of the anthem, he changed the lyrics "With glowing hearts we see thee rise, the True North strong and free," to "We're all brothers and sisters, all lives matter to the great." He also held up a sign bearing the message "all lives matter" on one side and "united we stand" on the other, while standing alongside his fellow Tenors on the field. I grew up with friends from Laos, from Asia — people from all over the world," he said. "My intention was to bring unity and peace through loving one another. It deserves to be heard. That has always been my message." He also apologized directly to members of the Black Lives Matter movement. "I stand with you for your voice. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration custody: On Friday, the Special Investigations Unit said there are no reasonable grounds to charge the two officer, one from Peterborough police, the other from the Ontario Provincial Police, who were watching the 39-year-old man at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre where he was under medical treatment in June, according to Toronto Star. The issue that I need to determine is whether or not the actions of either of the subject officers were a significant contributing cause of the man death, SIU director Tony Loparco said in a statement. By Nicholas Keung Immigration reporter Fri., July 15, 2016 More than a year after Abdurahman Ibrahim Hassan died in immigration custody, Ontario police watchdog has cleared the officers responsible for guarding him at a hospital from any wrongdoing. My conclusion is that neither officer did anything that could reasonably satisfy the essential offence element of causation. The SIU has yet again found police not responsible for another black Somali refugee death. The same day, the provincial coroner office also called an inquest into the death of Hassan, who had been detained at the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay for three years and struggled for decades with mental illness and diabetes. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

letter: The letter also endorses the War Resisters Support Campaign, an organization founded in 2004 to help U.S. soldiers opposed to the Iraq War settle in Canada, according to Toronto Star. Watson has taken sanctuary at First United Church in Vancouver for the past six years and nine months, the letter said, because of concerns he could be deported to the U.S. He enlisted as a cook for financial reasons and was deployed to Mosul in 2005 with the promise that he wouldn't be in combat. By Brennan Doherty Staff Reporter Sat., July 16, 2016 Advocates for five Iraq War conscientious objectors fighting for asylum in Canada, including Rodney Watson, say the federal immigration minister has just 60 days left to quash judicial reviews of their cases.A letter from NDP critics addressed to both the Attorney General and the Ministry for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship is calling on the Liberal government to end the Harper government vendetta against U.S. war resisters in Canadian courts by… providing them with a pathway to citizenship. Instead, he wrote in an opinion piece in the Star, he was ordered to search local civilians and vehicles for weapons and explosives. Article Continued Below This was not what I had signed up for, Watson wrote. He wrote that he witnessed racism and physical abuse toward civilians, describing one case where fellow soldiers beat up an unarmed Iraqi civilian, using racial epithets, after he ventured into their camp, looking for work. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

man mouth: He had been suffering from "significant" mental illness, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, according to a statement from the SIU about their investigation, according to CBC. The man had been ingesting his feces when the officers, along with five nurses and three security guards, entered his room that night to try to sedate him, the statement says. Secrecy surrounds hospital death of detainee, 39, in CBSA custodySIU investigating after man dies at Peterborough, Ont., hospital The man had been in isolation at the hospital on June 10, 2015, before he was to be deported. One officer "was instructed by a nurse to hold a towel to the man mouth to prevent him from biting and spitting," while the other "held his left arm" as medical staff gave him a sedative, the SIU statement says. Neither of the subject officers provided copies of their duty notes as part of the investigation, a decision within their legal rights, the statement added. SIU spokesperson Jason Gennaro told CBC News that officer is a member of the OPP while the other, who held the man arm, was a Peterborough Police Service member. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

state memory: Although there are certainly some differences in terms of broad historical contours, demographic patterns and patterns of migration, there are some really profound similarities, between Canada and the U.S., says Barrington Walker, a legal historian at Queen University, according to Globe and Mail. I do think that the history of anti-black racism that exists in Canada, that there is a kind of long, institutionalized state memory, the old idea that blacks do not belong as part of the Canadian landscape. So the emergence of the Black Lives Matter campaign against police discrimination in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver is not some copycat echo of a far more violent U.S. crisis; it is a reflection of the lived experiences of many black Canadians, which are measurably different, on average, from those of white and other minority Canadians. Dr. These findings have been confirmed over and over. Walker research has found a consistent pattern in Canadian courts of sharply different treatment of black defendants in trials, judgment and sentencing, and in likelihood of running afoul of the law. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syrian refugees: The 17-year-old Syrian refugee, who arrived on the plane from Lebanon carrying a portrait of her hero, met him at Calgary Centre MP Kent Herh pancake breakfast, according to Metro News. I met Justin, she said. And on Saturday, her dream finally came true. I am so happy. Metro first reported on Yassin story back in March, explaining how the young artist had painted a portrait of Trudeau with the hopes of meeting him and thanking him for allowing Syrian refugees to find a new home in Canada. The meeting has been a long time coming. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

turkey works: Goddard, formerly of Saint John, lives in Turkey and works for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees, according to CBC. She said their work is to ensure refugee rights are respected by governments. "That refugees have access to services they need — they have shelter, their human rights are respected, they have access to education, health. "So working with governments, working with NGOs, other governmental agencies to make sure refugees can access protection, we mean their respective rights, what they need, so it that." Goddard described her job as being multi-faceted. Brenda Goddard says it was a fluke that led her to her job as a refugee protection officer but it is one she enjoys. She said the job entails being able to do some legal work, creating and maintaining relationships with government, capacity building, having NGO partners able to respond to refugees needs. "That identifying people in need, unaccompanied kids on the move, women at risk." Life in Russia Goddard studied law at the University of New Brunswick and also took Russian and Soviet studies. Brenda Goddard is from Saint John and now lives in Turkey. "I wanted to work in the human rights field and it was just a fluke the high commissioner for refugees was looking for a lawyer to help with asylum claims." Goddard said she put her application in for the job and got a call a few months later asking if she wanted to work for them. After graduating with a masters, she moved to Russia thinking she would quickly land a job with a Russian law firm but that didn't happen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bastille day: The driver of the vehicle, identified as a French-Tunisian citizen, travelled about two kilometres down the promenade, swerving all over the road in an apparent attempt to hit more people, according to Brandon Sun. The images coming out of Nice are horrific. Reports began surfacing that evening of dozens of people killed in Nice, France, when a large truck plowed into a crowd of revellers watching the fireworks display celebrating Bastille Day along the Promenade des Anglais. It estimated that about 30,000 people were on the Promenade des Anglais at the time of the attack, according to a report by the BBC. As of Friday afternoon, the number of deaths stood at 84 individuals, with many more injured — some critically. Several tourists were also among the dead, including two American citizens, a Ukrainian, a Russian, and a Swiss woman. Many of the victims were children. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

algonquin college: On Friday, Algonquin College opened their clinic to Syrian Refugees to offer free dental services, according to CTV. Khaled Gonaym said it was his first visit to the dentist since coming to Canada from Syria in February. They suffer from gum infection, tooth decay, and rotten or discoloured teeth. Speaking through a translator, Gonaym said it was the only time he had experienced the tools used at dental clinics in Canada. Volunteers said many of the patients were coming through the door with severe pain. He called the feeling 'unusual'. Gonaym is one of roughly 100 Syrian Refugees scheduled to attend the free clinic throughout July and August. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

amer saka: Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church allegedly obtained the money from over 20 people under the guise of a sponsorship program to bring refugee families into Canada, according to Huffington Post Canada. Police in London, Ont. say that a priest from St. Police say Amer Saka of St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church took hundreds of thousands of dollars that donors thought was for refugees. Saka, 51, was arrested on Wednesday and faces two charges — fraud exceeding $5,000 and possess proceeds of property or thing exceeding $5,000. London police say the investigation began in February with the co-operation of the Hamilton Catholic Diocese and spanned throughout Ontario, the United States and other countries where refugees were trying to come to Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

amer saka: Police say Amer Saka of the St, according to Toronto Star. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church allegedly obtained the money from over 20 people under the guise of a sponsorship program to bring refugee families into Canada. By The Canadian Press Fri., July 15, 2016 LONDON, ONT.—A priest in London, Ont., has been charged with fraud in the alleged theft of more than $500,000 meant for refugees. London police say the investigation began in February with the co-operation of the Hamilton Catholic Diocese and spanned throughout Ontario, the United States and other countries where refugees were trying to come to Canada. The investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have had dealings with Saka is encouraged to contact London police. Saka, 51, was arrested on Wednesday and faces two charges — fraud exceeding $5,000 and possess proceeds of property or thing exceeding $5,000. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

brothers sisters: While singing a solo verse of the anthem, he changed the lyrics With glowing hearts we see thee rise, the True North strong and free, to We're all brothers and sisters, all lives matter to the great, according to Toronto Star. He also held up a sign bearing the message all lives matter on one side and united we stand on the other, while standing alongside his fellow Tenors on the field. By The Canadian Pres Fri., July 15, 2016 The Tenors member Remigio Pereira is officially apologizing for altering the lyrics to O Canada before this week Major League Baseball all-star game. In a video posted on his Facebook page on Friday, an emotional Pereira says he knows 'O Canada' is revered, and he was not intending to disrespect the anthem, the people of Canada, or the people who have fallen for this country to be free. Article Continued Below He also apologized directly to members of the Black Lives Matter movement who were offended by his actions. He says those who were offended by his all lives matter message should know that he not a racist, noting that he grew up in a multicultural environment. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

business: Journalist Bal Brach explores the massive growth of the industry in a new documentary called "Little India Big Business," airing on CBC on July 23. "I was stunned to hear the average cost of an Indian wedding is $100,000 and most of the time, it hard-working immigrant parents footing the bill for week-long celebrations." Brach says Indian wedding vendors in the Lower Mainland are booking clients two to three years in advance. "It an incredibly lucrative business, if you have the energy to compete." Dave Singh of Well Groomed Designs helps a bridal client find the perfect outfit, according to CBC. Remarkable success stories Brach says she was most struck by the business startup stories of some of the vendors. They're often lavish, extravagant, week-long affairs with anywhere from 600 to 1,200 guests. Dave Singh immigrated to Canada in 2008 and started his clothing business, Well-Groomed, in his basement. "In his first year of business, Dave had 12 clients," said Brach. He even opened other locations in Toronto and California. "He known as the 'Sabyasachi of Surrey,'" Brach said, referring to India famous clothing designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. This year, Singh is set to dress 400 brides and has clients travelling from all over the world to shop at his store. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

care support: Police said the diocese cooperated with officers in the investigation, according to Hamilton Spectator. The Bishop of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Mar Addai of Toronto had suspended Saka from his parish. London Police announced Thursday charges have been laid against 51-year-old Amer Saka after an investigation into misappropriated funds was launched in February. Bishop Douglas Crosby issued a brief statement on the situation to The Spectator. "I wish to affirm that the Diocese of Hamilton remains committed to the continuing care and support of all refugees under the Diocese refugee sponsorship program, including those whose sponsorship may have involved Father Saka," said Bishop Crosby. After the investigation became public in March, Hamilton Msgr. The Hamilton diocese knew there were about 10 or 11 of Saka refugees who had arrived in Southern Ontario within the past few months, and one or two of those could be living in Hamilton. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

coast rica: Montoya moved his family to Canada when he accepted a job as an environmental studies professor at York University, according to Metro News. But, when they applied for permanent residency in 2013, the Montoyas were told their son could be an undue burden to the country health system. They had promised news for me by the end of June but now are saying I will have to wait until fall, Felipe Montoya told Metro in an email from Coast Rica. The family appealed the decision and has been waiting for an update since late last year. They felt so much stress and frustration about this uncertainty, said Hadayt Nazami, a lawyer acting on the family behalf. They moved out of their Richmond Hill home two weeks ago. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

countries canada: Financed by deficits, additional and bigger subsidies are available for provinces, territories and municipalities, indigenous communities, students, veterans, researchers and educators, arts and culture professionals, select families, environmental groups, and poor countries, according to Huffington Post Canada. Canada will see their immigration intake increase to 300,000 a year, as more spaces have been allocated for parents, grandparents and refugees. In just eight months, we got a lot of significant changes in government policy from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his ministers: Ottawa no longer has the power to revoke the citizenship of terrorists.A law that says the government should balance the budget and reduce the debt is effectively scrapped. Our men and women in the military and the foreign service will be in more nations around the world in peace keeping roles, starting with Latvia and maybe Columbia. Prime minister Trudeau and his ministers have promoted them aggressively, while the opposition parties have politicized and made big issues out of them equally as aggressively. These changes in policy have not gone unnoticed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

day study: MacEwan Provost John Corlett told reporters that Bazelevskyy and a male student had gone down to the Promenade des Anglais to watch Bastille Day fireworks when a terrorist drove into crowds of revellers, killing at least 84, according to CTV. Corlett said the male student who was with Misha was quite close to the attack and feels fortunate to be alive. Ukrainian national Mykhaylo Bazelevskyy, 22, had not been located as of Friday afternoon, according to Mac Ewan University in Edmonton. He said that three other Canadian students had begun heading toward the promenade earlier in the evening, but turned around due to bad weather. Corlett said they are safe and in the student residence the five of them share. The other four students participating in a 15-day study abroad trip are Derek Anderson, Alanna Brokop, Ismail Khalil and Rebecca Smillie. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

disrespect anthem: In a video posted on his Facebook page, an emotional Pereira said he knows O Canada is revered and he wasn't intending to disrespect the anthem, the people of Canada, or "the people who have fallen for this country to be free." PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 09: Musician Remigio Pereira of The Tenors performs onstage during Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night XXII at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on April 8 in Phoenix, Arizona, according to Huffington Post Canada. Pereira also said those who were offended by his "all lives matter" message should know that he not a racist. "I have a biracial daughter, grew up in a multicultural environment where my best friend was black. While singing a solo verse of the anthem, he changed the lyrics "With glowing hearts we see thee rise, the True North strong and free," to "We're all brothers and sisters, all lives matter to the great." He also held up a sign bearing the message "all lives matter" on one side and "united we stand" on the other, while standing alongside his fellow Tenors on the field. I grew up with friends from Laos, from Asia — people from all over the world," he said. "My intention was to bring unity and peace through loving one another. It deserves to be heard. That has always been my message." He also apologized directly to members of the Black Lives Matter movement. "I stand with you for your voice. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

facebook page: In a video posted on his Facebook page, an emotional Pereira said he knows O Canada is revered and he wasn't intending to disrespect the anthem, the people of Canada, or "the people who have fallen for this country to be free." Pereira also said those who were offended by his "all lives matter" message should know that he not a racist. "I have a biracial daughter, grew up in a multicultural environment where my best friend was black, according to Hamilton Spectator. I grew up with friends from Laos, from Asia — people from all over the world," he said. "My intention was to bring unity and peace through loving one another. While singing a solo verse of the anthem, he changed the lyrics "With glowing hearts we see thee rise, the True North strong and free," to "We're all brothers and sisters, all lives matter to the great." He also held up a sign bearing the message "all lives matter" on one side and "united we stand" on the other, while standing alongside his fellow Tenors on the field. That has always been my message. It deserves to be heard. He also apologized directly to members of the Black Lives Matter movement. "I stand with you for your voice. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ctv london: Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church allegedly obtained the money from over 20 people under the guise of a sponsorship program to bring refugee families into Canada, according to Guelph Mercury. London police say the investigation began in February with the co-operation of the Hamilton Catholic Diocese and spanned throughout Ontario, the United States and other countries where refugees were trying to come to Canada. Related Stories London priest charged with stealing... London priest facing multiple fraud... Police say Amer Saka of the St. Saka, 51, was arrested on Wednesday and faces two charges — fraud exceeding $5,000 and possess proceeds of property or thing exceeding $5,000. Saka lawyer told CTV London that her client remains devoted to his parishoners. "It a very difficult time for him," said Iryna Revutsky. "He is a man of God and these allegations, it very early in the process, so at this point in time we don't know how they're going to be resolved." By The Canadian Press The investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have had dealings with Saka is encouraged to contact London police. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

lessons i: More than 500 people gathered in downtown Toronto to discuss systemic racism, according to Rabble. The event marked the first of nine public meeting across the province aimed at engaging the public as part of the Ontario Government Anti-Racism Directorate. Chip in to keep stories like these coming. The Anti-Racism Directorate is a collection of governmental experts with a mandate to "apply an anti-racism lens in developing, implementing and evaluating government policies, programs and services." Below you'll find some lessons I took from the first meeting as well as a few powerful soundbytes from community members. 1. This pain compelled some to wait in line for more than two hours to have their story heard. "Your people brought slavery here.... When I hear 'shut up,' that comes from the residential school era and I will not 'shut up.'" 2. Trauma abounds From victims of health care providers that dehumanize patients and constrain medical benefits to survivors of residential schools, members of the community shared heartbreaking stories of trauma and violence. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

material effect: The attack came during a week of soul-searching in Canada defence community over the country appropriate role in this new world order — where terrorists hide amongst civilians, and where social inequities undermine global stability, according to The Chronicle Herald. Canadian policy-makers also wrestled this week with the fallout of Brexit and its effects on the Canadian economy. Sorrow quickly turned to despair for the state of international relations. And domestically, while some of our challenges may seem petty at a time of such ugly global fissures, the positioning of federal and provincial politicians this week on funding health care — the part of government that matters most to people — will eventually have a material effect on everyday life in Canada. At the same time, the federal government is in the midst of ramping up Canada presence in the Middle East in the war against ISIL, with the new Liberal effort to replace the previous Conservative version now taking firm shape. Here are three ways politics mattered this week: TROOPS, TENSIONS, In the space of just a few days, Canada offered up hundreds of troops, equipment, expertise, leadership and credibility to NATO in its deterrence efforts against Russia; and also signalled that we are ready to send peacekeepers to Africa — maybe Mali — to conbat the spread of terrorism. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

way: Mr, according to Globe and Mail. Zanotti takes the reins as the United Way undergoes a period of massive change. And our commitment is to give those individuals, wherever they are, that chance at a good life. The organization is going through a fundamental redrawing of the way it hands out the tens of millions of dollars to about 200 social-service agencies across the city. There is a lot riding on its success, as Toronto continues to grapple with rapidly growing inequality. And it is accelerating efforts to appeal to a new generation of donors as fundraising growth slows. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

camp: Up your camp cuisine with this Chinese hot pot recipe Walk in the woods helps youth with mental health issues Offered at parks across the country, the program tries to teach participants the basics of outdoor survival, according to CBC. Teresa Chan came to Canada from Hong Kong in 1993 where she says camping was not a common pastime. The idea of packing up, setting up, and tearing down can seem like a chore, but Parks Canada is hoping to change that — especially for new immigrants — with its Learn to Camp program. But within five years of her arrival, a couple decided to give her a crash course in the great outdoors — and Chan fell in love. So she got involved with Parks Canada and its Learn to Camp program at Rouge Park four years ago. "Camping is a lot of fun and it includes lots of cool activities," she said. "We have to bring simple tools, simple gear and live for four days and three nights in a campground — and we have to be real creative." Although Jacky Lau used to camp in his homeland of Hong Kong, he said the experience in Canada is a very different one. "Camping in Hong Kong, you have to pack very light," the camper said. "Everything you have to combine in one backpack and then usually you have to hike for two to three hours to find a campsite." Jacky Lau and Teresa Chan tell CBC Matt Galloway about how, as immigrants, they embraced a critical part of Canadian culture: camping. A real Canadian experience' Now, she teaches young Chinese immigrants to camp. "I find that camping is a real Canadian experience that I really wanted them to enjoy," she said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

phone interview: Provincial criminal courts in particular lagged with a mere 44 per cent of public confidence, according to Metro News. When you have numbers close to half or below 50 to 60 per cent, that would give rise to raised eyebrows, said the institute executive director, Shachi Kurl, in a phone interview. But would you consider that a good enough average mark for your country justice system That the average level of Canadians' confidence in our courts, according to new Angus Reid Institute opinion poll. It also speaks to a sense of, 'Do we feel safe in our communities, well-protected, and have access to fairness in this country ' However, Kurl said there are two more positive findings of this year survey that outshine the negatives. Prior to 2012 … our institutions related to justice were not necessarily inspiring a lot of confidence in Canadians, she explained, citing the botched investigation of serial killer Robert Pickton and the tasering death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski in Vancouver airport. For one, the results have actually improved dramatically over time for both police and courts — particularly compared to 2012, in some cases nearly doubling in confidence since the institute first justice survey. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.