canada re-engagement: That because Canada is home to hundreds of thousands of ethnic Tamils, the Sri Lankan minority group that fought a 26-year civil war against the mainly Sinhalese central government that ended in a final wave of bloodshed in May 2009, according to Metro News. In the aftermath, the previous Conservative government downgraded relations with Sri Lanka government as the Tamils continued to face persecution. The ultimate success of Canada re-engagement with Sri Lanka, which was formalized last month when Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion visited the south Asian country, will have domestic political implications for the Liberals government in the years ahead. At the same time, the Colombo government resisted international pressure for an independent investigation of war crimes committed by its military and the Tamil rebels in 2009. It raised hopes among many Canadians of Sri Lankan descent, including the large Tamil bloc mainly centered in Toronto. The stars realigned last year with the election of a more conciliatory Sri Lankan government and the arrival of Canada Liberals. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian debates: Hurtig was a passionate, progressive voice that attracted followers and ruffled feathers in roughly equal measure, according to Hamilton Spectator. But neither ally nor enemy could reasonably deny his contribution to the defining Canadian debates of our time. The author, entrepreneur and political activist, who died Tuesday at 84, left his father Edmonton fur shop in the mid-1950s to found first a chain of bookstores, then a publishing house and eventually a series of public projects all dedicated to promoting the ideas he held dear: that Canadians should be allowed to shape their own future and that prosperity should be fairly shared. Hurtig first came to prominence as a publisher, most notably of the massive Canadian Encyclopedia, an ambitious project hinting at the nationalism that would define his political life. Hurtig feared that with the North American Free Trade Agreement, Canada was selling off the resources that gave us our competitive advantage. After selling his publishing company, he became a key figure in the debates over free trade that divided the country in the 1980s. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

development trade: We are Canadian, according to CBC. We have integrated into the Canadian fabric, but we're also a very strong fabric on our own." The event launched an official year of the Ukrainian-Canadian in Alberta, where more than 345,000 people can trace their roots back to Ukraine. "This declaration recognizes and commemorates the accomplishments and contributions of Ukrainian-Canadians to our society in every way from culture and the arts, to education, to business and public service," said Deron Bilous, Alberta Minister of Economic Development and Trade. "They helped build this incredible province and — as one of their many descendants — I take tremendous pride in honouring that contribution on behalf of the Government of Alberta," he said. Their celebration marked the 125th anniversary of the first Ukrainian immigration to Canada. "Ukrainians have touched upon everybody lives," said Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Edmonton. "AsUkrainians we are farmers, we're agriculturalists, we're teachers, we're nurses, we're doctors. Stelmach House, the restored home of Alberta 13th premier Ed Stelmach, opened for a sneak preview during Ukrainian Day at the province Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. Visitors got a preview of Stelmach House, the restored home of Alberta 13th premier Ed Stelmach. Along with perogies and garlic sausage, the event served up a heaping helping of history. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

quebec city: In an address at the conference, Willy Nyamitwe, a communications advisor to President Pierre Nkurunziza, said reports of human rights abuses by Nkurunziza supporters are overblown, according to CBC. Burundi clashes kill almost 90 "I wanted the Canadian opinion to hear another part of the story about Burundi, because some news stories are really biased about Burundi," Nyamitwe told CBC News following his July 30 speech. Global Affairs Canada issued a sternly worded statement following a controversial event last week in Quebec City, at which a senior member of the current Burundian government spoke. International observers have grown alarmed about an ongoing crackdown on opposition groups in Burundi. Human Rights Watch has said abuses have also been committed by armed opposition groups. The United Nations and several rights groups have documented numerous cases of torture and extra-judicial killings in the East African country. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

residence id: Despite gains like this in recent years for trans people, rally spokesperson Dalia Briki said that Article 71 of the Civil Code still prohibits immigrants from changing their name or gender identity on identification if they are not Canadian citizens, according to CTV. The activist group Euphorie dans le genre said they believe a single piece of permanent residence ID should be enough to allow trans people not to be marginalized. Last October Quebec Civil Code was changed; now a trans person can receive their ID cards with their chosen gender on it without the requirement for sex-reassignment surgery. Briki said it is essential migrant trans people have documents that are consistent with their identities, otherwise they can be discriminated against. In a daily way it can mean the tiny kinds of discriminations you can get. Spokesperson Caroline Trottier-Gascon explained. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canada re-engagement: That because Canada is home to hundreds of thousands of ethnic Tamils, the Sri Lankan minority group that fought a 26-year civil war against the mainly Sinhalese central government that ended in a final wave of bloodshed in May 2009, according to The Waterloo Record. In the aftermath, the previous Conservative government downgraded relations with Sri Lanka government as the Tamils continued to face persecution. The ultimate success of Canada re-engagement with Sri Lanka, which was formalized last month when Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion visited the south Asian country, will have domestic political implications for the Liberals government in the years ahead. At the same time, the Colombo government resisted international pressure for an independent investigation of war crimes committed by its military and the Tamil rebels in 2009. It raised hopes among many Canadians of Sri Lankan descent, including the large Tamil bloc mainly centered in Toronto. The stars realigned last year with the election of a more conciliatory Sri Lankan government and the arrival of Canada Liberals. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

class children: Order this photo In the obituary of Neli Davies, right, seen with husband Don, it was requested that donations be directed to the Star Fresh Air and Santa Claus funds, according to Toronto Star. By Sean Fitz-Gerald Sports Reporter Sat., Aug. 6, 2016 On many mornings during the school year, Melanie Michael said her mother, a long-time teacher, would make a birthday cake before dawn. Some readers have gone above and beyond to ensure kids get a chance to go to camp. She would read her paper while the cake was in the oven, then hop in the shower, and afterwards, get to work on the sandwiches. It was a daily assembly line for the children in her class; the children she knew would not have a lunch without her help. Neli Davies was not making them for her children, at least, not the biological ones. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

estes park: Family-owned and run Cinnamon Bakery is open daily for the morning rush, according to Toronto Star. There no shortage of spectacular views from The Stanley Hotel, which sits at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. Patrons of Inkwell & Brew can enjoy a locally roasted coffee, as well as browse books and stationery. By Bert Archer Travel Sat., Aug. 6, 2016 ESTES PARK, COLO.-Estes Park receives more than its fair share of tourists as the only town of any size near Rocky Mountain National Park. Nepalese food Colorado as a whole, but Estes Park in particular, has what at first seems like an odd number of Nepalese immigrants. While its main drag is mostly taffy, toffee and faux Old-West souvenirs, there good stuff, too:1. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

government surprise: Thousands of Metro Vancouver real estate deals caught by tax deadline Foreign buyer may abandon Vancouver bid, gamble it cheaper than taxB.C. foreign real estate buyer tax leaves Iranian man set to lose thousands on first home Notting and his wife, both 65, say they are paying a financial and emotional price in the wake of the B.C. government surprise — and retroactive — announcement of a 15 per cent foreign buyer tax on properties in Metro Vancouver, according to CBC. New home needed after knee surgeries and falls The Nottings made a deal to sell their home — subject to a home inspection — the day before the announcement. That doesn't work,'" he said. The following day, in the middle of the inspection, the buyers backed out unable to drop an extra $250,000. Meanwhile, the Nottings had already purchased a smaller, one-level home in Langley a few weeks earlier. The Nottings have had to re-list their White Rock home for less than the original list price and less than the offer that fell through after the tax was announced. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

oar row: Now more than ever, new faces will be visible in Brazil, which is the first South American nation to host the games, according to Huffington Post Canada. This year Olympics will have the most openly LGBT athletes competing and refugees are competing for the first time. Throughout the games, spectators and judges will gape at every judo foot sweep, swing of an oar row, gymnast flip and poolside plunge: all extraordinary feats that exemplify how people use sports to show their fullest potential. For those whose legacies are in the making, these mesmerizing photos capture moments where their Olympic spirit burned brightest. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rio: By Bruce Arthur Sports Columnist Fri., Aug. 5, 2016 RIO DE JANEIRO—So, Rio, according to Toronto Star. The money ran out and the problems piled up and still the Olympics come, whatever the price. Fireworks are set off during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The opening ceremony is the real start; after this it is truly irrevocable. Unlike anywhere else, it was South American. In Brazil, unlike Beijing or London, the budget was tight. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

opening ceremony: Instead, tens of thousands of people stood up and cheered for the Refugee Olympic Team, according to Huffington Post Canada. The Refugee Olympic Team arrives for the opening ceremony. But it wasn't for the Brazilian team — that would come later. The squad is made up of 10 athletes from around the world: five are from South Sudan, two from Syria, two from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one from Ethiopia. The UN Refugee Agency estimates that 65.3 million people have been forcibly displaced throughout the world. They are all competing under the Olympic flag in an effort to raise awareness of the global refugee crisis, the IOC said last month. "These refugees have no home, no team, no flag, no national anthem," IOC President Thomas Bach said in a news release. "These refugee athletes will show the world that despite the unimaginable tragedies that they have faced, anyone can contribute to society through their talent, skills and strength of the human spirit." Almost time!! Opening ceremony march! #Refugee Olympic Team Refugee Olympic Team August 6, 2016 The refugee team got the warmest welcome of the night at #rio2016 #olympics #Rio House Photo courtesy : @RYOTnews Omar Mansoor August 6, 2016 From helplessness to hope: huge #inspiration from the Refugee Olympic Team. #Team Refugees #Rio2016 #Opening Ceremony Chris Percival August 5, 2016 Follow The Huffington Post Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

world cities: Graphic projections of world cities being swamped by rising seas set Rio de Janeiro otherwise fun and festive gala apart from the more self-congratulatory and lavish celebrations that Beijing and London wowed with in 2008 and 2012. "The heat is melting the icecap," a voice intoned in the Maracana Stadium. "It disappearing very quickly." But it wasn't all doom and gloom, according to The Chronicle Herald. After all, nowhere parties quite like Rio. With a limited budget, the consequence of a biting recession that roiled preparations for South America first Olympics, Brazil laced its high-energy opening party for the games of the 31st Olympiad with a sobering message of the dangers of global warming. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen shimmered to the tune of "The Girl from Ipanema." Fireworks formed the word "Rio" in the skies. Dancers, all hips and wobble, grooved to thumping funk and sultry samba. The colossal Christ the Redeemer statue was bathed in Brazilian yellow and green. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

world cities: Graphic projections of world cities being swamped by rising seas set Rio de Janeiro otherwise fun and festive gala apart from the more self-congratulatory and lavish celebrations that Beijing and London wowed with in 2008 and 2012."The heat is melting the icecap," a voice intoned in the Maracana Stadium. "It disappearing very quickly."But it wasn't all doom and gloom, according to Brandon Sun. After all, nowhere parties quite like Rio. With a limited budget, the consequence of a biting recession that roiled preparations for South America first Olympics, Brazil laced its high-energy opening party for the games of the 31st Olympiad with a sobering message of the dangers of global warming. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen shimmered to the tune of "The Girl from Ipanema." Fireworks formed the word "Rio" in the skies. Dancers, all hips and wobble, grooved to thumping funk and sultry samba. The colossal Christ the Redeemer statue was bathed in Brazilian yellow and green. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canada: After Brexit, the attempted military coup in Turkey, the murders of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, Donald Trump grip on the Republican nomination, the collapse of the Democratic National Convention, and the numerous terrorist attacks around the world, many Canadians are relieved to call Canada home, according to Rabble. Some even took to Twitter to revel in Canadian tolerance, using #Meanwhilein Canada to celebrate Justin Trudeau participation in Toronto Pride parade, Peel-region police enjoying a mindfulness meditation session, Ontario provincial police officers rescuing ducklings, police officers dancing alongside Black folks, and excitement over the 2016 census. Chip in to keep stories like these coming. But wrapping yourself in Canada national myths and taking comfort in our self-identifying feminist prime minister amounts to an act of violence: the myths erase histories of oppression and lived experience of discrimination in Canada. We have preserved the original format and content of each statement and assembled them in no particular order. rabble also recognizes that the list of myths and responses is not exhaustive. Canada has a lot of work to do. rabble spoke to multiple individuals and organizations involved on the frontlines about the impacts of these pervasive myths. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

cara anna: The results remained too close to call in the country largest city, Johannesburg, and the Tshwane metropolitan area around the capital, Pretoria, according to Toronto Star. The opposition Democratic Alliance was challenging the African National Congress in both municipalities. By Cara Anna The Associated Press Fri., Aug. 5, 2016 JOHANNESBURG—With 95 per cent of votes counted Friday in municipal elections, South Africa ruling party appears to be headed for its biggest electoral blow since it won power at the end of apartheid 22 years ago. Neither party appeared to be winning a majority in those two cities that would allow it to govern alone, raising the possibility of coalition governments. The ANC lost a key municipality named after its star, Nelson Mandela Bay, to the Democratic Alliance. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa told reporters it was too early to analyze the election results, saying it would be like reading somebody tombstone before they die. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

centre island: Order this photo By Brennan Doherty Staff Reporter Fri., Aug. 5, 2016 Revelers packed Centre Island, 50,000 strong, for Toronto first-ever Caribana, starting August 5, 1967, according to Toronto Star. Organizers were unfazed. The festival drew 50,000 Torontonians to the Islands over a week, and cemented a legacy as one of the city biggest summer events. In the Caribbean, 200,000 people dance through the streets . . . and we do it every year, one told the Star on one of the festival quieter nights. Caribana '67 — held as part of Canada centennial — was the city first celebration of the Caribbean festival of Carnival. The Caribbean community in Toronto at the time only comprised about 12,000 people. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ndp: With the event less than a week away, and visa concerns mounting, the NDP is demanding Immigration Minister John McCallum hold an emergency meeting with organizers. "We learned that there are a great number of people who cannot get temporary visas to come to Canada to participate in the World Social Forum," said the NDP immigration critic, Jenny Kwan. "This is extremely troubling." World Social Forum to focus on nuclear disarmament Next week meeting in Montreal marks the first time the event — which brings together activists and leftist intellectuals from around the world — has been held in a North American city, according to CBC. NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan called the visas issues "extremely troubling." Organizers said they issued around 2,000 invitation letters to assist delegates in acquiring Canadian visas. More than 10,000 delegates are expected to attend the event, which bills itself as a progressive alternative to the World Economic Forum held each year in Davos, Switzerland. In what they described as a preliminary estimate, they said as many as 70 per cent of these delegates had their applications denied. Haiti athletes invited to Canada face visa obstacles Calling on Ottawa to fix the problem ​"If the massive number of refusals raises indignation, the reasons invoked by Canadian officials arouses anger," the organizers said in a news release circulated Friday. Most of the denied delegates came from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Iran, Nigeria, Haiti and Nepal. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

nation i: Francis High School, grew from humble beginnings during the mass exodus of refugees from the war-torn nation, according to CTV. I just got a group of high school kids together and we just kind of started meeting at my house just to do what we can to help out, recalled Janbey, a Syrian-Canadian. Canadian Youth for Syria, the brainchild of Grade 12 student Selma Janbey of St. I'm actually Syrian-Canadian and I felt a little bit of responsibility, an obligation, to help Syrians in need. The organization raised a total of more than $4,000 through fundraising initiatives at their high school and a successful entry in the Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial - Westmount Charter School Interact Fast Pitch competition for young people with business ideas. The group decided to assist young newcomers to Calgary by hosting a week-long camp. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

olympics games: Unfortunately, Greece lost, according to Huffington Post Canada. No, not the Olympics themselves -- they ranked 15th overall, including a half-dozen gold medals -- but Greece lost the gamble that hosting the Olympics Games would benefit the nation and its citizens. Twelve summers ago, the Olympic torch was lit in Athens, marking the glorious return of the international games to their original birthplace. And they lost big. The country became a veritable war zone in reaction to severe austerity measures announced by the government to reign in the country debt crisis. By 2010, somewhere between 100,000 and 500,000 Greeks were rioting in the streets -- and three people lost their lives after protestors threw petrol bombs at a bank, burning it to the ground. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

population demographics: Also, charging doctors 30 per cent toward collaborative practice costs seems excessive when what can be charged per patient visit is restrictive, according to The Chronicle Herald. Seriously, isn't it true that multiple symptoms can be indicative of one ailment and that it takes an assessment of the whole person to lead to a proper diagnosis Let start listening more sensitively to our doctors and paying attention to our population demographics, while making these important policy decisions for our healthcare choices. Possibly a treatment for many of our high health-care costs could lie in eliminating so many of the executive and administrative roles in these government departments, particularly those that are duplications in both areas. It is disheartening to keep listening to the rhetoric of politicians and executives in relation to these issues. I regularly visit HMCS Sackville and can't but notice the contrast between it — a ship being carefully cared for and maintained — and the scruffy, unmaintained Acadia, with its dirty paint, rusty hull and rotten decks. Sandra Bauld, HRM A CRIME OF NEGLECT I want to thank Rod Desborough for his Reader Corner item, Acadia neglected . I had started to write a similar letter to this paper, with a title that reflected the provincial government criminal neglect of what should be a showcase tourist attraction on our waterfront. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

province: I'm preparing to move to Victoria, B.C., where there appears to be a lot more job offerings than here in New Brunswick, says Nackawic resident Daniel Andrews, according to CTV. Born and raised in the province, Andrews says he hasn't been able to find a good job that he qualified for at home. Even with the plan in mind, many have already decided it too late. After the province cancelled the tuition rebate program, the enticement to stay has disappeared for him too. It really seems that, at the end of the day, the students and recent graduates of New Brunswick are shouldering the burden of the poor economic situation in the province, says Andrews. He decided to move his two degrees and his skills out west in just a couple of weeks. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

road closures: Friday from Broadview to Jones Avenues until 1 a.m, according to CBC. Monday. Danforth Avenue, in both directions, will be closed starting at 11 a.m. The closure includes all intersections along this stretch of the Danforth. More than 1.6 million people are expected this weekend to attend the Friday to Sunday event, which is an annual celebration of Greek food and culture in Toronto east end. Police urge motorists to consider the road closures when planning their travels. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

roma heritage: On Thursday, the order was rescinded, according to CTV. Gilda Lakatos, 17, arrived in Canada in June 2011 along with her mother Katalin Lakatos and her brother and father. The Canada Border Services Agency told the Lakatos family on July 28 that they had to leave the country by Aug. 11. The family claimed asylum on the grounds that they had faced racist police and healthcare providers in Hungary due to their Roma heritage. They refused to leave, but last March the father and brother were sent back to Hungary. The family was denied asylum and ordered deported last October. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

times: Dialing up a classic TV rerun from a simpler era, according to Hamilton Spectator. Escaping the ambiguity and frenetic nature of our times, fraught as they are with insecurity, uncertainty and vulnerability. Going back to the good old days. But at some point, wallowing in simpler times becomes not only counterproductive but harmful. "Bonanza," "The Waltons," "Happy Days" … they were idealized representations of life back in their day. But going backwards to simpler times is exactly what many people want. Today they're quaint and comforting and even more fake than they were then. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trump people: During a recent extended stay in California, I arranged for Trump people to send me two samples, according to Globe and Mail. The wines have been exported to Canada but were not recently available on store shelves in Ontario, so it was bureaucratically less onerous for the company to ship across state lines rather than dealing with Canadian customs. There are now more than 250 wineries in the state giving life to Jefferson dream. For the record, my favourite of the two bottles was a $26 2009 Blanc de Blanc brut sparkling wine crafted in the méthode champenoise style, with its creamy texture, orchard-fruit richness and doughy-brioche depth, the latter owing to 36 months of maturation on spent yeast cells, or lees. Also good, though, was the 2014 Meritage, a $20 Bordeaux-style red blend of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot, that tasted of cassis, dark chocolate and tobacco, with disciplined oak and ripe tannins. It took home a coveted double-gold medal at the 2015 San Francisco International Wine Competition and would not be out of place at a White House state dinner, I think. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.