terrorism plot: First, news and video footage of the heartbreaking and unjustifiable death of a mentally ill Canadian-Somali man in Ottawa as a result of a police intervention, according to Toronto Star. Then, a B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled that the RCMP were the key architects of a terrorism plot that was used to entrap two marginalized individuals who had recently converted to Islam. By Amira Elghawaby Wed., Aug. 17, 2016 The past few weeks have deeply shaken whatever trust exists between Canadian Muslim communities and law enforcement agencies. Both of these cases have spotlighted some troubling excesses in our country security establishments. Those who would defend the established systems would argue that these two cases represent isolated incidents, if they would acknowledge mistakes at all. They further underscore the need for Canadians to continually question the unequal power balances in our society that can and do sometimes lead to violations of the human rights and dignity of fellow community members. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

today i: In Ontario, the main law concerning the bargaining rights of employees is called the Labour Relations Act, according to Rabble. Officially, it is called the Labour Relations Act, 1995. Chip in to keep stories like these coming. For some readers, 1995 may not seem like a long time ago. Today I represent clients in court as a lawyer with Legal Aid Ontario. But I was seven years old in 1995 and spent my days learning how to read cursive writing and how to cross the street safely. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

toronto: What does that make him My mother was born in the Philippines, and my sister and I were born in Toronto, according to Huffington Post Canada. What does that make us Asian Yes. My father was born in Pakistan, his siblings and parents were born in Goa, India, and all of his great-grandparents were born in Portugal. Mixed Obviously. Does it matter Not in the least. Canadian Absolutely. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tuesday night: He was a great friend, tireless MP and brave fighter," Trudeau tweeted. "The entire Parliamentary family mourns his loss." Belanger, 61, died after a fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig disease, according to Huffington Post Canada. Mauril Bélanger had been battling ALS. He was diagnosed with the devastating disease in November 2015, just weeks after winning re-election in his Ottawa-Vanier riding for the eighth consecutive time since entering federal politics in a February 1995 byelection. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used Twitter to announce Belanger death on Tuesday night. "Mauril Belanger has passed away. News of Belanger death triggered a flood of tributes from those of all political stripes on Tuesday night. NDP Leader Tom Mulcair described Belanger as a "very well-liked and respected colleague," and sent condolences to the politician loved ones. Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose called Belanger a friend and a "great parliamentarian," saying on Twitter that she would miss him. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

workers tourists: He is also conducting a series of consultations across Canada, according to CTV. Speaking after a roundtable of experts and business leaders in Vancouver, he said he hearing that the aging population means more young blood is needed to propel the economy, especially outside of big cities. "We would like to spread the immigrants across the country relatively evenly. John McCallum recently returned from a trip to China, where he lobbied officials to double or even triple the number of visa application centres in the country in an effort to open more doors for Chinese students, workers and tourists. The last thing we want is that every immigrant either goes to Toronto or Vancouver," he said Wednesday. McCallum said the government has not yet made a decision on how many immigrants it will propose for 2017. The immigration minister trip to Beijing comes just before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to travel to China for the G20 summit in September. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

income supplement: And putting them all together they don't come anywhere near the refugees' maximum, according to The Waterloo Record. Ironically, however, putting our incomes together does disqualify us for the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement which is supposed to bridge these economic gaps. I just turned 77, and my spouse and I have been trying to survive on our CPP and Old Age Security , plus a small annuity. My spouse is ill, recovering from a series of strokes. Oh, and in case you should ask, yes, we did buy into a private health plan when we retired — a plan which frequently requires a running gun-battle just to get a partial payment. And because our overrated public health plan is not all-inclusive, every "spare" dollar we have goes toward keeping her alive. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ralph goodale: Driver, 24, was under a court-ordered peace bond intended to limit his activities but he was able to obtain explosives, plan an apparent attack and film a martyrdom video, according to Brandon Sun. Police got wind of his plans through a tip from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and intercepted him as he was leaving his southwestern Ontario home in a taxi.____ The federal public safety minister says Canadians need to consider how far police should be allowed to go in accessing their electronic devices and communications. Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale floated the idea one week after jihadi sympathizer Aaron Driver was killed by police in Strathroy, Ont. Ralph Goodale says a federal review of cybersecurity will provide a chance to discuss a proposal from Canada police chiefs for a new law that would compel people to hand over passwords with a judge consent. John McCallum recently returned from China where he lobbied officials to double or even triple the number of visa application centres in the country, in an effort to court Chinese students, workers and visitors. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police says the measure is needed to fight criminals in cyberspace who increasingly use tools to hide their identities and IMMIGRANTS NEEDED ACROSS CANADA, Canada immigration minister says the country needs more newcomers, but as housing prices skyrocket in Vancouver and Toronto the government hopes to attract them to other cities. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tuesday night: He was a great friend, tireless MP and brave fighter," Trudeau tweeted. "The entire Parliamentary family mourns his loss." Belanger, 61, died after a fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig disease, according to The Waterloo Record. He was diagnosed with the devastating disease in November 2015, just weeks after winning re-election in his Ottawa-Vanier riding for the eighth consecutive time since entering federal politics in a February 1995 byelection. Related Stories ALS prognosis grim, but hope for... Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used Twitter to announce Belanger death on Tuesday night. "Mauril Belanger has passed away. News of Belanger death triggered a flood of tributes from those of all political stripes on Tuesday night. NDP Leader Tom Mulcair described Belanger as a "very well-liked and respected colleague," and sent condolences to the politician loved ones. Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose called Belanger a friend and a "great parliamentarian," saying on Twitter that she would miss him. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

workers tourists: He is also conducting a series of consultations across Canada, according to Brandon Sun. Speaking after a roundtable of experts and business leaders in Vancouver, he said he hearing that the aging population means more young blood is needed to propel the economy, especially outside of big cities."We would like to spread the immigrants across the country relatively evenly. John McCallum recently returned from a trip to China, where he lobbied officials to double or even triple the number of visa application centres in the country in an effort to open more doors for Chinese students, workers and tourists. The last thing we want is that every immigrant either goes to Toronto or Vancouver," he said Wednesday. McCallum said the government has not yet made a decision on how many immigrants it will propose for 2017. The immigration minister trip to Beijing comes just before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to travel to China for the G20 summit in September. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

change agent: These are the original change agents, according to Huffington Post Canada. Change agents are catalysts for social change. Fortunately, the buzzwords have a concrete meaning thanks to innovators in the not-for-profit world who implemented the approaches in the first place -- long before the jargon existed. They tackle health and social issues head-on by listening and responding to those who often don't have a voice. In addition to healthcare, the refugees received referrals to address any number of needs like clothing, housing, education, and jobs. In my previous article, I shared a change agent innovative approach of establishing a 'pop-up' clinic to help Syrian refugees. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

executive producer: She was exonerated after about 30 years behind bars, according to The Chronicle Herald. The script comes from "Away From Her" scribe Sarah Polley and is directed by "American Psycho" Mary Harron. The six-hour miniseries is inspired by the true story of a poor Irish immigrant who was convicted of killing her employers in 1843. Shooting began Aug. 15 in Ontario. "Alias Grace" will be broadcast on CBC in Canada, and will stream on Netflix elsewhere. "Anna is an incredibly versatile performer who always makes complex, unpredictable and fascinating choices in her work," Polley, also an executive producer, said Tuesday in a release. "It always a marvel to watch her and we're thrilled to have her join the cast." Source Source The Canadian Press (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

irish immigrant: She was exonerated after about 30 years behind bars, according to CTV. The script comes from "Away From Her" scribe Sarah Polley and is directed by "American Psycho" Mary Harron. The six-hour miniseries is inspired by the true story of a poor Irish immigrant who was convicted of killing her employers in 1843. Shooting began Aug. 15 in Ontario. "Alias Grace" will be broadcast on CBC in Canada, and will stream on Netflix elsewhere. "Anna is an incredibly versatile performer who always makes complex, unpredictable and fascinating choices in her work," Polley, also an executive producer, said Tuesday in a release. "It always a marvel to watch her and we're thrilled to have her join the cast." (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

n.l .,: We need to make sure that we're folding in all sorts of different aspects to get the best possible people to sit on the Supreme Court, he told reporters in Corner Brook, N.L., as he began a string of East Coast visits, according to The Chronicle Herald. Having the perspective from Atlantic Canada is an extremely important one, and we're looking forward to making sure we make the right choice. Trudeau said Monday his Liberal government is weighing several factors as it considers the next vacancy on the Supreme Court of Canada. Comedian Mark Critch turns tables on Trudeau with bare-chested photobomb Justice Thomas Cromwell of Nova Scotia retires next month, but Trudeau appears to be departing from the convention of automatically filling that place with another judge from the region. The seven-member independent panel, led by former prime minister Kim Campbell, will review candidates from across the country. That prospect drew criticism last week after the government announced it would make the selection process more transparent by having a new non-partisan advisory board develop a short list of potential new judges. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ontario jails: In fact, 17 of 50 detainees in two Ontario jails who ended a hunger strike in July responded to Goodale invitation conveyed to them by Canada Border Services Agency officials, according to Toronto Star. Syed Hussan, a member of the End Immigration Detention Network, told the Star that many wrote Goodale to make their individual case, and others did not. By Tonda Mac Charles Ottawa Bureau reporter Tues., Aug. 16, 2016 OTTAWA—Advocates for a group of hunger-striking immigration detainees were shocked Monday to hear Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale say none had replied to his request for details of why their detention was unfair. Many of the detainees refused to participate. They didn't know it came from Goodale office, Hussan said, adding many felt that, the onus is not on the detainee to prove why he shouldn't be in there. They didn't know what it was for. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

police officer: Ian Mac Donald says the scam artist presents himself as a police officer and uses caller ID 'spoofing' to display the APD phone number, according to CBC. The suspect then suggests the victim has immigration issues, and requests personal and family information — and eventually looks for payment. "The cash could take the form of a wire transfer, it could be a breach of your credit card information, or they might even try to compel you to buy gift cards for them," Mac Donald said. Const. MacDonald says there have been similar scams where a caller poses as a Canada Revenue Agency officer. "They prey on people who might be vulnerable, in the sense that they might be immigrants to Canada — new and old — and suggests that they could be deported or they could be in trouble with Immigration Canada," Mac Donald said. The victim who picked up the call said a man identified himself as "Steve Miller" and told the victim the family failed to fill out proper paper work when they immigrated to Canada several years ago. Four complaints in one day Mac Donald says police received four complaints on Monday. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rights freedoms: Montoya, have immense respect for him, and am thrilled that he and his family will be returning to Canada, according to Toronto Star. But Canada 2008 signing of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities should mean that all families of differently abled people, and indeed all people, deserve to be considered equally in immigration status reviews. Felipe Montoya family relief from inadmissibility on humanitarian and compassionate grounds misses several important points.I work with Prof. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms also guarantees all people equal rights under the law. These abhorrent side payments are usually calculated based on the estimated life expectancy of the differently abled family member times the average health/services cost of all Canadians. It is illegal and immoral for Canada to require side payments from taxpaying immigrants who have a differently abled family member as a condition for obtaining permanent residency and eventually becoming citizens. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

something: Marketing manager Erik de Vries told Stephen Quinn on CBC The Early Edition the company has three paid internships available for Syrian refugees. "We were looking for talent anyway; why don't we consider hiring people from Syria " he said, according to CBC. De Vries said his coworkers knew the difficulty Syrian immigrants faced getting work and settling into their new lives, so they decided to something themselves. "We wanted to do something for the community that was more than just a one time donation. That why Globalme — a local company specializing in technology and language — is hoping to help Syrian newcomers get a head start. We wanted to do something structural," he said. The company worked with MOSAIC — a local immigrant services agency — to get matched up with skilled Syrian refugees. "It very important that candidates know English. Eric de Vries is the marketing manager of Globalme — a tech start up in Vancouver offering Syrian refugees a three month paid internship. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tahedl: When the Canada Post building was demolished, the mosaic panels were saved and now sit outside the new museum on 104th Avenue, according to CBC. When Tahedl, 74, heard about the planned demolition, she thought her artwork might be destroyed. "I lost a few commissions before and thought, 'Here we go again,' " said Tahedl. "Interestingly, I got an email from the historic department from the city of Edmonton asking if I was still alive." Tahedl moved to Montreal before the panels were ever placed in the post office. She created mosaic panels in 1965 that were installed on the wall of the Canada Post building, which used to occupy the site of the new museum. More than five decades later, she came back to Edmonton to see them installed in their new location. She didn't know a word of English, but said she had no trouble finding work as an artist. Ernestine Tehedl worked on the mosiac panels 50 years ago and is thrilled they were saved and are on display. ) "It terrific, particularly because I feel very strongly they have new life and they have a more vibrant placement than the previous commission," she said. "They're very prominent and somehow have more impact." Tehedl emigrated from Vienna, Austria, not long before she started work on the mosaic. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

irish immigrant: She was exonerated after about 30 years behind bars, according to Guelph Mercury. The script comes from "Away From Her" scribe Sarah Polley and is directed by "American Psycho" Mary Harron. The six-hour miniseries is inspired by the true story of a poor Irish immigrant who was convicted of killing her employers in 1843. Shooting began Aug. 15 in Ontario. "Alias Grace" will be broadcast on CBC in Canada, and will stream on Netflix elsewhere. "Anna is an incredibly versatile performer who always makes complex, unpredictable and fascinating choices in her work," Polley, also an executive producer, said Tuesday in a release. "It always a marvel to watch her and we're thrilled to have her join the cast." By The Canadian Press (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

opium act: It was a tough economic time, and resentment was growing toward Chinese and other immigrants working for low wages, according to NOW Magazine. After race riots in 1907, Mackenzie King, the deputy minister of labour at the time, visited opium dens in Vancouver and became concerned with apparent increased opium use, particularly by white people and women. The 1908 Opium Act was the first Canadian law that prohibited drugs, and it was at least a partially racist response to Chinese immigrants associated with opium use at the time. That visit is said to have been a catalyst for the Opium Act. Some people point to The Black Candle, a book by so-called and famed feminist Emily Murphy, who linked drug use to specific risks to white women. In 1923, the government added marijuana to the schedule of prohibited drugs in the Opium and Narcotic Control Act. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bedtime stories: I remember all of the bedtime stories being read to me before I closed my eyes to sleep, according to Huffington Post Canada. But I also remember at times not always feeling like I was doing enough to make them proud. I remember the times my dad would take me on bike rides to the library, then we'd scoot over to Baskin Robbins for a scoop of my favourite ice cream. When it comes to most children of immigrant parents, our childhood experience often differs from those of our friends whose parents grew up in Canada. I wanted so badly to make them proud. And for those of us who grew up in a Caribbean household, that sometimes meant we wouldn't regularly hear our parents utter the words we so often craved to hear -- "I'm proud of you." When I was younger I craved the approval of my parents. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

breast: People pay attention to that sort of thing," said Bras Across the Bridge spokesperson Aimee Pascua, according to CBC. After the event, the bras will be donated to the YWCA and the Regina Immigrant Women Centre. A menagerie of 900 colourful bras has been strung across the bridge to raise awareness about breast cancer and research of the disease. "I think that it eye-catching. Aimee Pascua and other volunteers were at Regina Albert Street Bridge on Monday to raise awareness of breast cancer. The bras will be donated after the event to women groups in the city. Run for the Cure The aim of the event is to get more people signing up and donating to the Run for the Cure, which takes place Oct. 2 in Regina. "I know personally a couple of women that have been affected by breast cancer, and I just think it just great to get the community involved," Pascua said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

construction jobs: At least that what he says immigration officials had told him, according to Hamilton Spectator. Trouble is, it wasn't true. Decade after decade, the now 77-year-old Mississauga man tried to stay under the radar, working in construction jobs, even living in a motel, fearing if he was picked up by immigration he'd get the boot. Now, Dugalin is fighting to get his life back and collect almost a decade worth of Old Age Security pension payments he missed out on during the years he was trying to lay low. This has ruined my life. If it wasn't for the government mistake, saying I was here illegally, I wouldn't have had to endure the hardship, says Dugalin, who came to Canada as a government-sponsored refugee from Hungary in 1957. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

detainees guards: In addition, a community supervision program will be developed for released detainees, according to Huffington Post Canada. Guards stand outside the gates of an immigrant holding centre in Laval, Que., on August 15, 2016. The federal government will also move ahead with plans to expand the range of alternatives to locking up immigrants, with the aim of making detention a last resort, said Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. Goodale announced the details Monday during a visit to the aging Laval facility. The Canadian Red Cross Society has found numerous shortcomings at facilities for immigrant detainees, including overcrowding and lack of mental health care. The Canada Border Services Agency holds people who are considered a flight risk or a danger to the public and those whose identities cannot be confirmed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

flight risk: In addition, a community supervision program will be developed for released detainees, according to Vancouver Observer. Goodale announced the details Monday during a visit to the aging Laval facility. The federal government will also move ahead with plans to expand the range of alternatives to locking up immigrants, with the aim of making detention a last resort, said Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. The Canada Border Services Agency holds people who are considered a flight risk or a danger to the public and those whose identities cannot be confirmed. Newcomers are often held in provincial jails or police facilities alongside suspected gang members and violent offenders. The Canadian Red Cross Society has found numerous shortcomings at facilities for immigrant detainees, including overcrowding and lack of mental health care. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

goodale: Canada Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale made the $138-million announcement Monday morning at the Laval Immigration Holding Centre, according to CBC. He said the objective is to make detention a last resort. "In my first few months as minister responsible for Canada Border Services Agency, I have certainly heard the concerns about immigration detention, and I've studied those concerns with great care," Goodale said. "The government is anxious to address the weaknesses that exist and to do better." Deaths in CBSA custody renew calls for immigration detention reform Federal government reviewing immigration detention process after string of deaths Samer Muscati, the director of the University of Toronto International Human Rights Program, said it was reassuring to hear Goodale address concerns about excessive use of detention in his remarks today. "He saying the right things and it a positive development that he saying these things, but of course we'll need to see what happens in terms of actions that follow," he said. "The proof will be in the pudding." The government will soon begin consultations with stakeholders with the aim of finding alternatives and ways to minimize the number of minors in detention. ​According to the Canada Border Services Agency, there are, on average, 450 to 500 people who are detained at any given time under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Immigration detention facilities in Vancouver and Laval, Que., are also set to be replaced. The End Immigration Detention Network says 15 people have died in detention while in CBSA custody since 2000. It should end, not be expanded by throwing over a hundred million dollars at it," said the Network spokesperson Tings Chak. It says reforms are welcome, but the system is inherently unfair. "Immigration detention including in immigration holding centres is imprisonment without charges or trial. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.