immigrantscanada.com

Independent topical source of current affairs, opinion and issues, featuring stories making news in Canada from immigrants, newcomers, minorities & ethnic communities' point of view and interests.

calgary: Last year, 445 children were enrolled in the day camp, according to CBC. Of the 585 kids enrolled this year, 128 are Syrian refugees. The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth said it been inundated with calls and has had to turn some children away. MORE CALGARY NEWS Calgary area hammered with rain and hail but no tornadoMORE CALGARY NEWS Calgary man dies while climbing in Kananaskis The Bridge Foundation helps subsidize camp costs for low-income families. "The Syrian refugee children that have been here just about a year will not pay at all," said Umashanie Reddy, the foundation executive director. Building skills, learning community The camp also aims to help kids build social skills and learn about their community. "We did a scavenger hunt with the junior high group downtown during Stampede, so they can get to know the city and learn how to use Calgary Transit," he said. "They the camp kids from Syria will be teaching kids Arabic and the kids will be teaching them English and they just work hand in hand, together, in order to learn and find out different ways to understand each other." "Sometimes you don't need the language to show someone they're welcome into Canada," Noel added. Camp co-ordinator Rodney Noel says simple things, like a soccer game on a sunny day, take on more meaning for kids at the camp. "Being able to just go and play and be kids will make a huge difference on these kids' lives because of where they came from," Noel said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

entertainment landscape: W. The banter is non-stop and effortless, a preview of things to come for their new flagship morning show, launching Aug. 22 to replace the venerable Canada AM. Mulroney: I do all the Harry Potter voices for my kids, according to Toronto Star. Here one. 'You're a wizard Harry.' Mediwake with a puzzled look: Who that Mulroney: It Hagrid. By Tony Wong Television Mon., Aug. 8, 2016 Ben Mulroney and Anne-Marie Mediwake are talking animatedly in a small office at CTV headquarters on Queen St. I didn't say I was good at impressions. As well as hosting Your Morning, Mulroney will continue to work for entertainment showe Talk. Mulroney so far is doing a pretty good Canadian take on American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, who seems to be everywhere in the entertainment landscape south of the border. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mori: Ignorant about what About the realities in their own country, according to Hamilton Spectator. Every year the London-based polling organization Ipsos Mori does its "Perils of Perception" poll, asking people in many countries what they believe about, say, the proportion of the population who are immigrants, or overweight, or over 65, and comparing their answers with the true numbers. And the five best informed are South Korea , followed by Ireland, Poland, China and the United States. Putting all the results together, Ipsos Mori then comes up with its famous Index of Ignorance. Take immigration. The level of ignorance is startling — and yet these mistaken beliefs can play a big role in the political choices that countries make. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

nkurunziza: 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 International observers have grown alarmed about an ongoing government crackdown on opposition groups in Burundi. 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. The United Nations and several rights groups have documented numerous cases of torture and extra-judicial killings in the East African country. But Global Affairs Canada cautioned the Nkurunziza government about trying to use Quebec large Burundian expatriate community as political leverage. "Canada was not officially informed of which participants were to take part in the Quebec City meeting," Global Affairs said in a statement to CBC News. "However, any attempt by Burundi authorities to move the debate to Canada would be a regrettable, useless and ill-timed distraction." UN cites 'extremely alarming' trends of gang rapes, torture in Burundi Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion in the House of Commons. Human Rights Watch has said abuses have also been committed by armed opposition groups. "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. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

official visits: Let unpack this, according to Globe and Mail. In less than two months, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defence Mohammed bin Salman made two visits to the United States to advance trade, defence and security interests. What should be worrisome to the Canadian government and business executives is that our number one trading partner – the United States – is taking full-advantage of Canada lack of interest in a $750-billion economy. On both official visits, Canada was overlooked. The Deputy Crown Prince also travelled to New York and Silicon Valley where he announced a $3.5-billion investment into Uber from the Saudi Public Investment Fund and he signed a deal with 3M, granting them a trading licence that makes them one of only three companies to be granted 100-per-cent ownership and the ability to operate and invest in the kingdom. In Washington, he met with President Barack Obama, the U.S. Secretary of Defence, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as executives of defence companies, including Boeing, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ont .,: After two tours in Iraq, Walcott, who now lives in Peterborough, Ont., fled to Canada to avoid fighting in the war, according to Toronto Star. By Craig Scott Mon., Aug. 8, 2016 The time has come for Prime Minister Trudeau to allow American deserters who resisted the war begun in Iraq by the U.S. and the U.K. in 2003 to stay in Canada. Dean Walcott is seen with his wife and two of his Canadian-born children in Toronto on Friday, July 22, 2016. During the election, he signalled this was where his moral instincts lay. One is that this government is prone to buying into certain Harper-era 'moral' and geopolitical arguments. Unfortunately, so far his Liberal government is not showing leadership on this issue.I have a double worry about where a Trudeau government may be heading. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rights-bearing people: The Indigenous Affairs department should provide permanent and enlarged funding to a kaleidoscope of Métis organizations, many of which now style themselves governments, according to Globe and Mail. These organizations will deliver social services to their own clientele, even though Métis people are scattered across the country. Here are some highlights from the report: The Métis should be treated, like First Nations, as a rights-bearing people under Section 35 of the Constitution Act. Ottawa, which is already trying to deal with more than 600 First Nations on a nation-to-nation basis, should deal with these Métis organizations on a basis. Cue the demands for impact-and-benefit agreements and ultimately for a share of natural-resource revenues . Most problematic, in my view, is the demand that Ottawa guarantee enhanced, long-term financial support for construction of a Métis registry, based on genealogical research as a first step in determining who is eligible for future benefits. And Métis governments must have the same right to be consulted on economic-development projects as the First Nations do, even though there are no legally defined Métis traditional territories. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

t governments: Anybody reading a newspaper or watching TV is surely aware that robots, drones, computers and gadgets yet to be discovered will all have an effect on future employment, according to Toronto Star. Which raises the question: From the taxpayer point of view, instead of funding immigrants, why don't governments pay a lot more attention to helping the unemployed get employed Article Continued Below Roy Smith, Whitby The Morning Headlines Newsletter Delivered daily to your inbox. A quick Internet search shows that Canada youth unemployment last year was about 13 per cent; in the U.S. it was about 11 per cent; in the U.K. 13 per cent; in France 23 per cent; and in Italy and Germany, 39 per cent and 7 per cent respectively. Sign up react-empty: 141 (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

taxes: Her economic agenda calls for middle-class tax cuts and she has repeatedly said she would not raise taxes on middle incomes, according to Huffington Post Canada. In a speech in Omaha, Nebraska, last week, she talked about "fairer rules for the middle class'' and delivered a line that was difficult to understand: either "we are going to raise taxes on the middle class'' or "we aren't.'' If she said the former, it was obviously a flub. A look at some of his claims and how they compare with the facts: "She said she wanted to raise taxes on the middle class.'' If Clinton said that — and it debatable — it clear she didn't mean to. Her policy on middle-class taxes has been consistent — no increases. There are clear signs that new business formation has slowed, but it hasn't ground to the halt that he suggests. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a post Republican Convention campaign event in Cleveland, Ohio, July 22, 2016. "You cannot ever start a small business under the tremendous regulatory burden that you have today in our country.'' Trump is exaggerating. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

year conference: Canet said he sent 2,000 letters of inquiry to conference invitees asking about their travel plans and 70 per cent of the 315 people who replied said their visa application had been rejected by the Canadian government, according to CTV. Co-organizer Carminda Mac Lorin said Canada reputation as a free and open society will be "tainted" if there are fewer people at this year conference. Twenty-four hours before the beginning of the international event, conference co-coordinator Raphael Canet told reporters the number of people denied entry to Canada hasn't changed much since he raised the issue a week ago. The majority of the people denied entry visas are from Africa, and many are from Latin America, organizers said. World Social Forum is an annual conference that is being held in North America for the first time. Immigration Canada blamed conference officials and said rules for visitor visas need to be followed rigorously, while the event directors said they did all they could to facilitate the visa process. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

puerto ricans: They also tried chico, but that didn't get to him either, according to NOW Magazine. Vidal recognized chico as a slur in the US against Puerto Ricans and other Latinos. When Francisco Vidal arrived in Toronto as a refugee from El Salvador civil war in 1991, his classmates called him spic, a word he didn't understand. But as a Salvadoran new to Canada, it wasn't part of his history. They tried to offend me with some other people insult, says Vidal, who manages community programs at the Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples in Toronto. The bullies didn't have the cultural knowledge to get under his skin. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

year conference: Canet said he sent 2,000 letters of inquiry to conference invitees asking about their travel plans and 70 per cent of the 315 people who replied said their visa application had been rejected by the Canadian government, according to Brandon Sun. Co-organizer Carminda Mac Lorin said Canada reputation as a free and open society will be "tainted" if there are fewer people at this year conference. Twenty-four hours before the beginning of the international event, conference co-coordinator Raphael Canet told reporters the number of people denied entry to Canada hasn't changed much since he raised the issue a week ago. The majority of the people denied entry visas are from Africa, and many are from Latin America, organizers said. World Social Forum is an annual conference that is being held in North America for the first time. Immigration Canada blamed conference officials and said rules for visitor visas need to be followed rigorously, while the event directors said they did all they could to facilitate the visa process. (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 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.