scientist: It been shocking to watch news of the Brexit vote in Britain, Donald Trump promise to build a wall between Mexico and the U.S. and the ongoing threats and violence against ethnic minorities in many parts of the world, according to Rabble. I'm not a political or social scientist, but my training as a biologist gives me some insight. Chip in to keep stories like these coming. When I began my career as a scientist, geneticists were starting to analyze the molecular properties of single genes within a species. Examining one kind of protein controlled by a specific gene, we expected to find them all pretty much the same. When we started looking at highly evolved species such as fruit flies, we thought we would find that their genes had been honed through selection over time, so they would be relatively homogeneous within single species. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

sponsor refugees: We understand that the delays have been disappointing for some private sponsors and regret the challenges that we know this caused for many, said a recent letter from the immigration department to community groups trying to sponsor refugees on the blended visa office-referred list or blended cases who have been caught up in delays, according to Toronto Star. As a special exception given the pace and volume of the Syrian initiative, we will begin offering replacement cases in the coming weeks to those sponsors that have been impacted by these delays. By Nicholas Keung Immigration reporter Wed., Aug. 31, 2016 To sooth public discontent among sponsorship groups over the long wait in receiving their Syrian refugee families, Ottawa has offered the opportunity for them to trade in for ones that are travel-ready. The news comes as Canada is gearing up to welcome a second wave of some 6,000 government-assisted Syrian refugees by the end of the year. Some have been calling emergency meetings, contacting MPs and their families overseas. Sponsorship groups, including many in the Greater Toronto Area, were confused and torn over whether they should abandon the family they have committed to over the past year for a replacement group that they have yet to get to know. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syed hussan: Reforms must take into account experiences of racism and sexism documented by migrant workers and others like them, according to Metro News. And, they must deal with the influential power restaurant employers have over their employees, said Syed Hussan, coordinator of Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, a Toronto group advocating for temporary foreign workers. But some are already concerned new regulations won't go far enough to help some of the most precarious workers in the sector. Right now, the government has said very little about the effort it plans to launch this fall and it hard to assess what it could mean, he added. We simply need rules that include everyone, regardless of their race, gender and status, he said. If it all about enforcement, people will still be afraid to come out with complaints for fear of reprisals, he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

td branch: But Ramadan strong reputation didn't mean much to a TD bank branch that refused to let the activist withdraw money that had been sent to him from Germany, according to Huffington Post Canada. Danny Ramadan Twitter profile picture. The activist has long worked to raise awareness of the struggles of Syrian LGBT refugees, and was honoured this year by being asked to serve as grand marshal of the 2016 Vancouver Pride Parade. In June, Ramadan wrote article for a German research publication and was paid €200 , he wrote on Facebook. But Ramadan only found out about its arrival when he received a call from TD fraud department, saying the bank would "study his claims and release the money in two days." A TD Canada Trust branch. He had that money transferred to a TD branch in Vancouver, and it arrived on Aug. 15. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trudeau: Details of the agreement have not yet been released. ——— PM TRUDEAU ACTS TO BRING CANADA CLOSER TO CHINA Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has agreed to deepen Canada relationship with China and explore a possible free trade deal, according to The Chronicle Herald. After meeting with Trudeau today in Beijing, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told reporters through a translator that Canada and China will launch a feasibility study on an eventual free trade pact. ——— CANADA SIGNALS INTENT TO JOIN CHINA-LED BANK Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has officially submitted Canada bid to join a controversial new international infrastructure bank led by China — an initiative the Asian country hopes will help build its economic credibility around the world. The tentative agreement must still be ratified by more than 50,000 postal workers across the country before they become new contracts. China founded the US$100-billion Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank late last year to provide other countries in the region access to capital for investments in projects in areas such as transportation, power and telecommunications. ——— EXTENSION SECURED IN CANADA-CHINA CANOLA DISPUTE Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says existing dockage rules with China on canola exports have been extended beyond a Sept. 1 deadline as the two countries continue to negotiate a long-term solution. The Chinese government had given Canada until Thursday to cut the level of foreign material in its deliveries by more than half. ——— GRIM ECONOMIC READING FOR Q2 EXPECTED The latest reading on the state of the Canadian economy is coming this morning and expectations are the results will be grim. The two countries disagree on the level of "dockage" — foreign material such as weeds, other crops and detritus — that should be considered acceptable in Canada canola exports to China. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

u.s.-cuba flight: Trump heading to Mexico: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says he agreed to visit Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto, according to CTV. In typical fashion, Trump made the announcement on Twitter. 3. Airport evacuated: Officials say Terminal 1 of the Frankfurt Airport in Germany has been evacuated this morning after a person entered a secure area without undergoing required searches. 2. PM talks trade: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in China today, where he aims to deepen relations between the country and Canada. U.S.-Cuba flight takes off: The first commercial flight between the U.S. and Cuba is scheduled to take off this morning. A senior Canadian official said the two counties have ongoing technical discussions on free trade, but that there are no negotiations underway. 4. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

venture capital: One big implication of this is that we have only a small pool of experienced managers who can mentor the next cohort of startups, especially leaders who have grown companies to $100-million from $10-million, according to Globe and Mail. It not technological talent they lack. How bad is it In 2014-15, Canada had no growth in sales or mergers of companies funded by venture capital. As a Lazaridis Institute study revealed last year, the talent gaps are in sales, marketing and product management – the very skills needed to take a small company with a great idea to where it can really experience fast growth – beyond Canada small domestic market and into the global arena. Fully 95 per cent of our $450-million in sales this year are exported to over 100 countries. The company I've led for 16 years, Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc., of Kitchener, has more than 700 employees and is the headquarters for Christie global R&D operations. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

wes denyer: They thought the family they had been matched with would arrive last winter, according to CBC. Over the past year, the group has been working to lay the groundwork for the family arrival, communicating with them in Jordan and their relatives in Toronto, collecting furniture and housewares, and even buying toys for the family two young children. "What going to be told to them Are they going to be told that this group that they've been in touch with has dropped them in favour of another family " asked Denyer. But last week, the committee received news that the family they had been matched with may never make it to Canada. and they can ask for a "replacement" refugee family instead. "It genuinely heart-wrenching for many of the people," said Wes Denyer, minister of the Rosedale Presbyterian church, the lead church in the committee. "People feel attachment and loyalty to this family that we've been expecting for eight or nine months." Kirk and Claire Dunn, Sheila Rennie and Mark McElwain are among the members of the Tri-Church Syrian Refugee Sponsorship Committee. Bad choice to put on people, group says A statement by the refugee advocacy group Canada4Refugees called Ottawa offer "discouraging." "It indicates the unwillingness of the government to take the action needed to ensure that families are processed quickly." Group spokesman Doug Earl said it was a bad choice to put on people, "especially considering we should be finding a way to bring all of these people in." "What are you supposed to do Consign a family to long-term limbo on the refugee list " The government replacement offer only applies to families on the Blended Visa Office-Referred list — for which the government and private sponsors split the costs. The government says delayed BVOR families who are replaced by other families will be able to enter the country as government-assisted refugees once they are approved. About 140 BVOR Syrians have been delayed since March, including the family that the Tri-Church committee is awaiting. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

world war: How Canada and the U.S. compare on Syrian refugees5 things to know about Canada Syrian refugee program Private sponsors given choice of swapping delayed Syrian refugees for others To hear the White House describe it, the effort was a success by several measures, demonstrating an ability to securely resettle migrants fleeing the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War, and doing so nearly a month ahead of a Sept. 30 deadline, according to CBC. But the per capita number of Syrian refugees accepted to the U.S. in fiscal 2016 remains dwarfed by goals set by Canada and some other nations. By Monday, the government had fulfilled its pledge. The 10,000 number might even sound low compared to the target of 65,000 that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has proposed. This is the basement," said Jennifer Quigley, the refugee protection advocacy strategist for Human Rights First. Just how low "This isn't even the floor. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

york billionaire: Trump and the Mexican president, who has compared the New York billionaire to Adolf Hitler, addressed reporters from adjacent lecterns before a Mexican flag, according to Huffington Post Canada. Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump shake hands after a joint statement at Los Pinos, the presidential official residence, in Mexico City, on Aug. 31, 2016. Trump, who previously derided Mexico as a source of rapists and criminals, praised Mexicans Wednesday as "amazing people" following a closed-door meeting at the official residence of the country president, Enrique Pena Nieto. The trip, 10 weeks before America presidential Election Day, came just hours before the Republican nominee was to deliver a highly anticipated speech in Arizona about illegal immigration. Cooperation toward achieving this shared objective — and it will be shared — of safety for all citizens is paramount to both the United States and to Mexico." Trump presence on Wednesday, his first meeting with a head of state abroad as a presidential candidate, sparked anger and protests across Mexico capital city. That has been a defining issue of his presidential campaign, but also one on which he appeared to waver in recent days With political risks high for both men, Trump stayed on script, declining to repeat his promise to force Mexico to pay for a wall along the border between the two countries when pressed by reporters. "Having a secure border is a sovereign right and mutually beneficial," he said, reading from prepared remarks. "We recognize and respect the right of any country to build a physical barrier or wall on any of its borders to stop the illegal movement of people, drugs and weapons. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

radiation oncologist: Those who build must ensure their property includes Western architectural features such as a metal roof or overhang, according to Brandon Sun. But some Indian-Americans are questioning the sincerity of that standard after the City Council rejected a proposal for a Hindu cultural centre on a hilltop partly on grounds that the large, domed building wouldn't fit in. Local leaders celebrate that rural, equestrian lifestyle and are protective of it. They think the decision — which came after residents urged the city to keep its culture and questioned why proponents chose the site — is discriminatory. Krupali Tejura, a radiation oncologist who grew up in nearby Corona and works at an area hospital, got involved in the debate because she was offended by those who argued the centre didn't fit."How does a community or a city decide it doesn't fit in with their lifestyle How far does this go " she asked. Dr. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

food prices: The federal agency said real gross domestic product fell at an annualized rate of 1.6 per cent in the three-month period, due in large part to the wildfires that destroyed parts of Fort McMurray, Alta, according to Brandon Sun. That the biggest quarterly decline since the second quarter of 2009 when Canada was in the midst of the global financial crisis.___ Restaurateurs are crying foul over a second industrial milk price increase this year set to take effect Thursday, which they say will likely lead to higher food prices. Ambassador Guy Saint-Jacques highlighted those sticking points Wednesday after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Canada and China would soon launch a feasibility study on an eventual free trade deal.___ECONOMY POSTS WORST SHOWING SINCE 2009: The Canadian economy shrivelled in the second quarter to its worst performance in seven years, Statistics Canada said Wednesday. In July, the Canadian Dairy Commission decided to raise the price of industrial milk — which is processed into yogurt, ice cream, cheese and butter — by 2.76 per cent. The CDC said the hikes came because producer revenues "decreased rapidly" last fall, in part due to a decrease in global demand from importing countries and changing consumer preferences — and revenues did not stabilize by early spring as anticipated.___ China says it will lift a fast-approaching deadline to introduce rule changes on Canadian canola shipments that threatened to inflict damage on the multibillion-dollar sector. That on top of a 2.2 per cent hike that occurred in February. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tv show: If anything, he struck me as more liberal than conservative on social policy, according to NOW Magazine. Indeed, he posted the following on my Facebook page in response to my column in these pages last week on Conservative Christians and their crusade against LGBTQ rights abroad: "Great article Michael Coren... it's a powerful reminder we need to do more internationally to combat homophobia." Which is why he was incredibly frustrated and surprised, he told me last weekend, when he came back from cottage country to discover the mess he was in. He was a regular guest on my old TV show when he was a federal MP.I never got the impression that he was especially concerned with sex education or gay issues. It not been a good week for Brown. A vital by-election in Scarborough-Rouge River happens on Thursday . The controversy is over the new Ontario sex education curriculum, which has led some parents to remove their children from school and provoked hysteria in social conservatives and right-wing Christian leaders over, among other things, the teaching of different sexual identities. In the space of a few days, doubt has been cast on the rebranding of the PC Party as more progressive on social issues that he undertaken since his election as leader last year. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

asian country: Trudeau made the pitch during the first event of his week-long visit to China, where he aims to improve Canada gloomy growth prospects by deepening business ties with the rapidly growing Asian country.___30 The Canadian Armed Forces says it is making progress in the fight against sexual misconduct in the ranks, but much more work needs to be done, according to Metro News. In an update Tuesday, the military said it completed 51 investigations into inappropriate sexual behaviour between April and July. The prime minister tried to sell China on the idea that strengthening its connection to Canada would ease international concerns about the stunning rise of the economic superpower. As a result, 30 people had received "career-impacting" punishments ranging from fines to outright dismissal from the forces. The province is the first jurisdiction in Canada to allow leave as a way to seek medical attention, relocate to a safe place, attend court hearings, seek counselling and benefit from other services that are difficult to access outside weekday hours. Three more were referred to civilian authorities while the perpetrators in four cases could not be identified.___FEDS WATCHING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MEASURES IN MANITOBA, The federal government is paying close attention to Manitoba legislation that allows a combination of paid and unpaid leave from the workplace for victims of domestic violence, according to a memo prepared for Labour Minister Mary Ann Mihychuk. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

goussous works: It affecting us really badly in our settlement jobs, said Carmen Goussous in an interview, according to Huffington Post Canada. I chase behind employers to return my calls and emails. It horrible. Sometimes I book appointments to go visit them, try to talk to them, convince them to take clients. Goussous works with Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, a non-profit that provides settlement and integration services for newcomers. A resident walks in a hallway at the Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre in Calgary on Dec. 2, 2015. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

haven t: Dominique Anglade abandons CAQ over identity, immigration views Leader François Legault announced his party newest idea in Saint-Jérôme Tuesday, the last day of caucus meetings ahead of the fall parliamentary session, according to CBC. He said thousands of immigrants haven't mastered French and haven't entered the job market. "We have to open our eyes. The right-leaning party says it would reduce the province immigration threshold by 20 per cent, from 50,000 to 40,000 people per year. We have a real problem," he said. In April, Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil said the provincial government is planning to keep the threshold at 50,000 people for 2017. When asked whether current immigration policies threaten Quebec identity, Legault said that he can "objectively" see that certain people who live in the province "don'tadhere to a fundamental value,equalitybetween men and women." However, Legault said he still believes the majority of Quebecers believe in that equality. "But we have to be careful, we have to ask questions, like the ones they're asking in Europe," he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hillary clinton: By Jose A. DelReal The Washington Post Tues., Aug. 30, 2016 Immigrants and refugees are taking jobs from black workers, according to Toronto Star. Undocumented criminals prey on American women. While the group echoed many of Donald Trump arguments, they all plan to vote for Hillary Clinton, and nearly all believe Trump latest rhetorical outreach to minority groups is actually aimed at white voters. Muslims pose a threat to gays and lesbians. Poor Hispanics and African-American citizens are the first to lose a job or see a pay cut when we don't control our borders, Trump said at a rally last week in Akron, Ohio, adding that blacks in particular should vote for him because their lives are so terrible: What do you have to lose You'll be able to walk down the street without getting shot. For Donald Trump, appealing to minority groups and women often amounts to an us vs. them proposition — warning one group that they are being threatened or victimized by another, using exaggerated contrasts and a very broad brush. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

knife-wielding stranger: Both suffered non-life threatening injuries but Shayke now faces at least six months away from his new construction job due to the serious wrist injury he sustained in the assault, according to Metro News. The ambulance bill for the incident has also set the family back more than $1,000. Recent immigrants Talia Gohari and her husband, Shayke, were on break during a settlement orientation course when they were attacked by a knife-wielding stranger outside Altered Minds on Portage Avenue Thursday evening. Grace Eidse, executive director of Altered Minds, says the immigration services community – many of which are situated on the block – are accepting donations for the victims and will be meeting soon to address public safety concerns. We need to be more vigilant, she said. While there haven't been any other serious assaults involving newcomers in the area, Eidse worries about the effect Thursday incident had on students in the ENTRY Program, which helps 5,000 new immigrants settle in Winnipeg each year. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

pension changes: Both sides said late Monday that they would continue to negotiate with the help of a special mediator into Tuesday, according to The Chronicle Herald. Canada Post has been bargaining with its employees for more than nine months, but both sides were far apart as of late last week on key issues including pension changes and pay scales. ——— NEB CANCELS OPENING DAY OF ENERGY EAST HEARINGS Protesters forced the cancellation on Monday of the first day of hearings in Montreal into Trans Canada Energy East Pipeline project with police making three arrests. Trudeau has called the weeklong trip an opportunity to do a bit of a "reset" of a relationship that he said was hot and cold under the previous Harper government. ——— CANADA POST, CUPW AGREE TO NEW EXTENSION Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have agreed to extend mediation by another 24 hours. The National Energy Board said it was also postponing today session because of what it called a "violent disruption." The board said it would release details today on how it will proceed with the Montreal hearings. ——— SECOND PROGRESS REPORT ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN MILITARY TO BE RELEASED Chief of Defence Staff will release the second progress report addressing sexual misconduct in the Canadian military. Jonathan Vance said the new sexual misconduct response centre fielded more than 100 complaints of sexual assault or harassment since it opened in September, resulting in eight investigations. ——— IMMIGRATION DETENTION FACES LEGAL CHALLENGE A Jamaican man gets a rare chance today to ask a Superior Court in Toronto to look at whether his ongoing immigration detention is justified. When its first progress report was released in February in February, Gen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

portage avenue: The attack has left the couple, who just moved to Canada from Israel at the beginning of July, unsure of what to do next. "We cannot move on in our lives because of this situation," said Talia, according to CBC. Doctors have told the couple that Shayke injuries are severe enough to require surgery. Shayke hand was severely cut when he tried to grab his wife purse back from a thief in front of 259 Portage Avenue. At home and waiting for an appointment for the operation, Shayke is unsure if any of the damage is permanent and when and if he might be able to return to work. "He cut me very deep," Shayke said, adding that he has lost feeling in two of his fingers and that he has problems moving his thumb. The couple was on a quick break from an entry program for immigrants and refugees, outside of 259 Portage Avenue last Thursday evening, when a man walked over and offered to sell them stolen property. Shayke Gohari and Talia Gohari talk to CBC about being robbed and assaulted with a knife in downtown Winnipeg last week. "I understand after that, that it a robbery ," said Shayke. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

robbery conviction: The government wants to deport him following a robbery conviction but Jamaica won't issue him travel documents, according to CTV. Last year, Ontario top court cleared the way for today legal challenge when it ruled provincial courts have the jurisdiction to hear such cases. Alvin Brown, a 40-year-old who was a permanent resident of Canada since he was eight, has already spent five years behind bars. Federal Court normally deals with immigration matters but critics say it provides little oversight of what can amount to indefinite imprisonment. Last month, detainees went on hunger strike to press for an end to the practice. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

toronto area: We're in a much better situation, according to Globe and Mail. Experience from the first phase, combined with a longer lead-up time, means the many lessons learned can be put into practice in preparation for the fall, he said. Friesen said in an interview Monday, laughing heartily. Mr. Mario Calla, head of COSTI Immigrant Services in the Toronto area, said he also expects the fall to be less intense because of a lower number of expected arrivals. Friesen said those lessons include expanded orientation, more education around tracking down permanent housing and better measures to accommodate large families. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

travel documents: However, Brown lawyers are skeptical, noting Jamaica has failed in the past to give him travel documents, according to CBC. Brown, a permanent resident of Canada since he was eight, has been found inadmissible because of his drug and robbery convictions. Government lawyers tell Ontario Superior Court in Toronto today that Alvin Brown, 40, is scheduled to leave Canada on Sept. 7. Ontario top court ruled last year provincial courts have jurisdiction to hear detention matters and Brown is seeking his release in Superior Court. Brown has spent five years behind bars. Lawyers for Brown were expected to ask the court to look at whether his ongoing immigration detention was justified. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

unemployment levels: The current number is 51,000, according to CTV. Leader Francois Legault announced the policy during the last day of the party caucus meetings in St. Under the CAQ plan, 40,000 new arrivals would be permitted per year. Jerome, days before the National Assembly fall session begins. The Liberal party since 2003 didn't invest enough in the integration. Legault cited immigration budgets not keeping up with the number of newcomers as a reason for the policy and said immigrants are poorly integrated into the province, with high unemployment levels and insufficient levels of French fluency. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

anada post: Both sides said late Monday that they would continue to negotiate with the help of a special mediator into Tuesday, according to Brandon Sun. Canada Post has been bargaining with its employees for more than nine months, but both sides were far apart as of late last week on key issues including pension changes and pay scales.———NEB CANCELS OPENING DAY OF ENERGY EAST HEARINGSProtesters forced the cancellation on Monday of the first day of hearings in Montreal into Trans Canada Energy East Pipeline project with police making three arrests. Trudeau has called the weeklong trip an opportunity to do a bit of a "reset" of a relationship that he said was hot and cold under the previous Harper government.———CANADA POST, CUPW AGREE TO NEW EXTENSIONCanada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have agreed to extend mediation by another 24 hours. The National Energy Board said it was also postponing today session because of what it called a "violent disruption." The board said it would release details today on how it will proceed with the Montreal hearings.———SECOND PROGRESS REPORT ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN MILITARY TO BE RELEASEDChief of Defence Staff will release the second progress report addressing sexual misconduct in the Canadian military. Jonathan Vance said the new sexual misconduct response centre fielded more than 100 complaints of sexual assault or harassment since it opened in September, resulting in eight DETENTION FACES LEGAL CHALLENGEA Jamaican man gets a rare chance today to ask a Superior Court in Toronto to look at whether his ongoing immigration detention is justified. When its first progress report was released in February in February, Gen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

asian country: Trudeau made the pitch during the first event of his week-long visit to China, where he aims to improve Canada gloomy growth prospects by deepening business ties with the rapidly growing Asian country.___30 The Canadian Armed Forces says it is making progress in the fight against sexual misconduct in the ranks, but much more work needs to be done, according to Brandon Sun. In an update Tuesday, the military said it completed 51 investigations into inappropriate sexual behaviour between April and July. The prime minister tried to sell China on the idea that strengthening its connection to Canada would ease international concerns about the stunning rise of the economic superpower. As a result, 30 people had received "career-impacting" punishments ranging from fines to outright dismissal from the forces. The province is the first jurisdiction in Canada to allow leave as a way to seek medical attention, relocate to a safe place, attend court hearings, seek counselling and benefit from other services that are difficult to access outside weekday hours. Three more were referred to civilian authorities while the perpetrators in four cases could not be identified.___FEDS WATCHING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MEASURES IN MANITOBA, The federal government is paying close attention to Manitoba legislation that allows a combination of paid and unpaid leave from the workplace for victims of domestic violence, according to a memo prepared for Labour Minister Mary Ann Mihychuk. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.