dance cuisine: Dozens of refugees were joined by Colombia Toronto-based consul general, German Herrera, in what was their first time participating in the World Music Festival at Gage Park, according to The Waterloo Record. The three-day event, now in its third year, welcomed acts from Cameroon, Colombia, Italy, Mozambique, Senegal and the U.K. promoting musical styles as diverse as bluegrass, hip hop, folk and reggae — including a variety of local artists. And their message was serious: We are not drug dealers. But for this group, it was a chance to showcase more than song, dance and cuisine. "We want Hamiltonians to know our community is not a drug-dealing community," said Carlos Vasquez, president of the Colombian Refugees Association on Saturday. "We are far away from home. We want to integrate." Vasquez "drug dealer" comment stems from remarks made by Hamilton city councillor Lloyd Ferguson back in February. This is our home now. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

group: Immigration officials also told a House of Commons committee Monday that Yazidis were never highlighted specifically by the Conservatives as a group that should be prioritized for resettlement, even with their targeted approach to resettlement, according to The Waterloo Record. The data and the testimony Monday give both the Liberal and the Conservative arguments over Canada refugee policy some new energy after the file was a political flashpoint for most of 2015. Data from a controversial audit of Syrian refugee cases ordered by former prime minister Stephen Harper late last spring reveals of 546 people reviewed, three identified as Yazidi, a Kurdish minority group which practices an ancient faith. The Conservatives' areas-of-focus policy drew heavy criticism, with many arguing it flew in the face of international obligations that see the UN choose who is resettled. The Tories put religious minorities in that category, but the data obtained by The Canadian Press under access-to-information laws suggest the vast majority of landed Syrians whose files were audited were Sunni Muslim, as is the refugee population at large. The Tories argued that they were using the UN criteria, but were drilling down within them to ensure the most vulnerable were helped. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

olympic committee: While Monday report makes no recommendations for any discipline against Russia, saying that is not its mandate, the WADA executive board called on the International Olympic Committee to ban all Russian teams from Rio.——— A new report says Alberta current recession is expected to shrink the economy by more than double the average of the past four recessions, according to Brandon Sun. The TD Bank report released Monday said it estimates Alberta economy will contract 6.5 per cent over 2015 and 2016, which would widely exceed the 2.7 per cent average retreat of previous economic downturns going back to the early 1980s. An independent inquiry headed by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren alleges a plan to make positive tests in some 30 sports "disappear" was in force in Russia at least from late 2011 to August 2015. The estimate came after TD tripled this year expected GDP decline to three per cent, after factoring in the Fort McMurray fires and a higher than expected drop in industry activity.———FEDERAL PAY ISSUES AFFECT MORE THAN 80K: Government officials say more than 80,000 federal employees have experienced problems getting their proper paycheque. The majority of problems involve civil servants who didn't receive proper compensation for overtime and other extraneous payments. Officials apologized Monday for the magnitude of issues created by a new pay system known as Phoenix. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

policy: The data and the testimony Monday give both the Liberal and the Conservative arguments over Canada refugee policy some new energy after the file was a political flashpoint for most of 2015, according to National Observer. The Conservatives' areas-of-focus policy drew heavy criticism, with many arguing it flew in the face of international obligations that see the UN choose who is resettled. Immigration officials also told a House of Commons committee Monday that Yazidis were never highlighted specifically by the Conservatives as a group that should be prioritized for resettlement, even with their targeted approach to resettlement. The Tories argued that they were using the UN criteria, but were drilling down within them to ensure the most vulnerable were helped. About three dozen were Christian. The Tories put religious minorities in that category, but the data obtained by The Canadian Press under access-to-information laws suggest the vast majority of landed Syrians whose files were audited were Sunni Muslim, as is the refugee population at large. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tanavoli: I just continue doing my artwork, according to Brandon Sun. And this artwork, it was never, ever before questioned."Tanavoli said that on July 2, officials at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport took his Iranian passport when he tried to board a flight for speaking engagements at the British Museum and Asia House in London. I am not a political man. He posted on Facebook that he tried unsuccessfully to resolve the issue at Iran main passport office. Tanavoli son said Iranian officials returned his father passport several days ago, which allowed him to fly to Canada. Tanavoli said last week that Iranian officials had received a complaint that his art work was "disturbing public opinion" and "spreading lies," which he dismissed as "baseless." But after returning to Canada he said he wasn't sure the reason for his being detained. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

blackwood: Natasha Blackwood, who works with the Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council, said she was baffled when she heard repeatedly that Syrians who moved to Newfoundland and Labrador weren't allowed to drive because they didn't speak English. "I was like: what do you mean they aren't allowed to drive Of course they are allowed drive " Blackwood told the St, according to CBC. John Morning Show. "I've been to foreign countries where I couldn't speak the language and I was able to rent a car. John woman is going the extra mile to help Syrian refugees overcome a road block. Why aren't they allowed to drive " she said. I was like: what do you mean they aren't allowed to drive '- Natasha Blackwood "They said no they have to do it themselves," said Blackwood. "There are no Arabic interpreters — they have to be totally proficient in the English language which takes, like, at least a year and I didn't think that was right. So she called the Department of Motor Vehicle Registration to check it out herself. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

committee: Swift action is needed to meet that challenge, according to a compelling new Senate report. "Fine words and open arms . . . alone are not sufficient to address the very real and very urgent problems that lie ahead," warned Sen, according to Hamilton Spectator. Jim Munson, head of the Senate committee on human rights. But an equally important job remains to be done: ensuring that these newcomers put down roots and successfully integrate into their adopted homeland. Rather than waiting to issue its final report, due this fall, the committee released a series of interim recommendations last week urging immediate steps to bolster refugees' language skills, finances and mental health. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau government should heed the committee advice. It quite properly described such measures as a long-term investment in the country. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

iraqi kurdistan: Private sponsorship groups and the government have been trying to find a way to get refugees out of the area for months, but have been stymied by a lack of Canadian resources on the ground, according to Hamilton Spectator. That the Immigration Department is sending in a team is one result of ongoing political pressure on the Liberal government to continue a flat-out push to resettle refugees in the spirit of the program that saw 25,000 Syrians brought to Canada in a matter of months. It the first time Canadian staff will go to Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, expressly for that purpose. This week, the House of Commons immigration committee will apply more pressure. The fact there are few legal avenues beyond private sponsorship for those fleeing conflict to immigrate to Canada on humanitarian grounds is a quirk of United Nations definitions around refugees and displaced people and a resettlement policy that dates back to 1951, said Borys Wrzesnewskyj, the Liberal chair of the committee. They're holding an unprecedented series of summer meetings examining how to use immigration policy to help anyone, not just refugees, displaced by conflict come to Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

summer meetings: Private sponsorship groups and the government have been trying to find a way to get refugees out of the area for months, but have been stymied by a lack of Canadian resources on the ground, according to Huffington Post Canada. That the Immigration Department is sending in a team is one result of ongoing political pressure on the Liberal government to continue a flat-out push to resettle refugees in the spirit of the program that saw 25,000 Syrians brought to Canada in a matter of months. It the first time Canadian staff will go to Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, expressly for that purpose. A Syrian refugee family, sponsored by a local group called Ripple Refugee Project, pose for photos. They're holding an unprecedented series of summer meetings examining how to use immigration policy to help anyone, not just refugees, displaced by conflict come to Canada. This week, the House of Commons immigration committee will apply more pressure. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tonne truck: Roch neighbourhood, where the Rolls Royces and designer sunglasses of Nice famous waterfront seem more than a world away, according to Toronto Star. The bus follows the banks of the Paillon river, past Don Bosco High School, a prison and a slaughterhouse before letting passengers off at the gates of a garbage processing facility. By Marco Chown Oved Foreign Affairs Reporter Sun., July 17, 2016 NICE, FRANCE—It only 15 minutes on the number 4 bus from Massena square to the gritty St. Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, the man who killed 84 people by driving a 17-tonne truck through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day, lived on the fourth floor of a dingy walk-up building here. Unlike Rio de Janeiro, where the impoverished favelas are on the hills, here luxury condos loom over the poor neighbourhood. His name is misspelled on the intercom. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

war resister: It classified war resisters as criminals that were not eligible for residency in Canada under a policy called Operational Bulletin 202. "This is not a game, this is not a joke for me at all," Watson said from First United Church and addressed Trudeau directly. "I can see it in your eyes that you have far more compassion in your heart for than Stephen Harper had, or ever had for any war resister." War resister takes refuge in Vancouver church Drop war-resister policy: rights activists To live his life as an artist, photographer Corey Glass must stay in exile About 200 U.S. soldiers who fled the Iraq war came to Canada, and the policy reads that because deserting the military is a crime, war resisters may not be eligible for asylum, according to CBC. Now, Kwan, MP for Vancouver East, is calling on the Trudeau government to do away with the policy saying it is unfair to people like Watson. "He served in the Iraq war and when he left, he was being recalled to go back, and what he saw was something that prevented him from going back," she said "He is a conscientious objector, he believes strongly in having done the right thing in refusing to go back." Rodney Watson has been living in a Vancouver church for seven years after refusing to return to Iraq as part of the U.S. military. Watson and Kwan were joined by members of the B.C. NDP in calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reverse a policy implemented by the previous Conservative government. Watson said he deserted because of racial hatred he witnessed against Iraqis during his first tour of duty. Canada is estimated to have accepted around 50,000 conscientious objectors during the Vietnam War, including Dr. He has a son with a Canadian woman, but says he has never seen the boy outside of his makeshift church home. "His first steps were in this building while I was in sanctuary, I haven't been able to go to school to see his first day at school," said Watson. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

iraqi kurdistan: Private sponsorship groups and the government have been trying to find a way to get refugees out of the area for months, but have been stymied by a lack of Canadian resources on the ground, according to Guelph Mercury. That the Immigration Department is sending in a team is one result of ongoing political pressure on the Liberal government to continue a flat-out push to resettle refugees in the spirit of the program that saw 25,000 Syrians brought to Canada in a matter of months. It the first time Canadian staff will go to Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, expressly for that purpose. This week, the House of Commons immigration committee will apply more pressure. The fact there are few legal avenues beyond private sponsorship for those fleeing conflict to immigrate to Canada on humanitarian grounds is a quirk of United Nations definitions around refugees and displaced people and a resettlement policy that dates back to 1951, said Borys Wrzesnewskyj, the Liberal chair of the committee. They're holding an unprecedented series of summer meetings examining how to use immigration policy to help anyone, not just refugees, displaced by conflict come to Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

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.