bill: Ratna Omidvar, who is sponsoring another citizenship-related bill in the upper house, says she hopeful the Senate will amend the bill to do away with a law that allows the government to revoke the citizenship of anyone deemed to have misrepresented themselves, according to Metro News. It a law that could potentially ensnare Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef, who revealed last week that she was born in Iran, not Afghanistan as she'd always believed. Independent Sen. The law, part of a citizenship bill passed by the previous Conservative government, was denounced by the Liberals when they were in opposition but lawyers say they've been aggressively enforcing it since forming government. The Liberal government chose not to deal with the issue in Bill C-6, which repeals other aspects of the Conservatives' citizenship regime, including a provision empowering the government to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals who are convicted of high treason or terrorism. The British Columbia Civil Liberties Association and the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers on Monday launched a constitutional challenge of the law, which they argue violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mentorship program: In 2014, the company Cambridge office participated in the Hamilton Immigrant Mentoring Partnership, organized by Workforce Planning Hamilton, according to Hamilton Spectator. Klager was one of the 70 Rockwell employees paired with internationally trained professionals. But the experience was eye-opening for him, too. "Before this experience, I personally took for granted many of the cultural challenges that some of my customers and internationally trained colleagues experience on a daily basis," said Klager, account manager at Rockwell Automation, which manufactures automation equipment. "I think participating in a mentorship program definitely changed me and helped me to better promote inclusiveness while respecting cultural heritage." Mentoring programs connecting new employees, including newcomers, to more experienced colleagues are a particular focus at Rockwell. The mentoring program helped newcomers understand the Canadian business culture, primed them on what to expect during job searches, and exposed them to the Canadian workplace. Both sides gained from this experience, and the cross-cultural learning helped open our eyes to other ways of thinking and doing business." Understanding other cultures and business practices in different countries is vital for Rockwell. Through role-playing and mock interviews, Klager helped his mentee promote himself to local employers. "This experience helped both mentees and mentors learn from each other," said sales manager Craig Blondin. "It helped Rockwell staff understand other cultures and different perspectives, while mentees took away practical tips and a better understanding of how it is to work in Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

head: Two agents were wounded — one by a bullet and another hit on the head with the butt of a pistol, according to Metro News. Later, as immigration agents transported those detained, five people on motorcycles attacked the vehicle with gunfire. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ndp government: Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council executive director Rita Chahal runs Welcome Place, according to CTV. She said the province is still expecting more than 900 Syrian refugees, as well as more refugees from other countries by the end of year. Manitoba is expected to welcome 2000 Syrian refugees to the province by the end of 2016. Chahal said a rent supplement program for refugees to help cover the costs of permanent housing run by the previous NDP government is being reviewed by the new PC government. Chahal said the rent supplement offered by the previous government ran from December 2015 to May 2016. She is worried the program will be discontinued. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

prince william: There no question the two couples enjoy each other company, according to Huffington Post Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, react while watching children play during a visit to the Immigrant Services Society in Vancouver on September 25, 2016. Of course, such a royal occasion requires a proper welcome by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, journalist Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. They likely have a lot to chat about as Trudeau youngest son, two-year-old Hadrien, is right between Prince George and Princess Charlotte in age. But that is not all these two families have in common. Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau during a visit to the Immigrant Services Society in Vancouver. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

refugee claim: She said her mother, who fled Afghanistan with her daughters when Monsef was 11, didn't think it mattered where the minister was born since she was still legally considered an Afghan citizen, according to The Chronicle Herald. Monsef has said she will have to correct her birthplace information on her passport. The democratic institutions minister revealed last week that she was born in Iran, not Afghanistan as she'd long believed. Maryam Monsef, Canada first Afghan cabinet minister, says she was born in Iran If Monsef birthplace was misrepresented on her refugee claim and was relevant to the ruling on her case, her citizenship could be revoked, regardless of whether it was an innocent mistake or the fault of her mother, said immigration lawyer Lorne Waldman. The minister office did not respond to a question about the place of birth recorded on Monsef citizenship, permanent residency and refugee applications, saying in a statement only that the minister "is committed to addressing this matter and has stated she will work to resolve it." The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers and the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association argue that the citizenship revocation law, known as Bill C-24, is procedurally unfair and a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. She could even be deported, said Waldman, part of a group that launched a constitutional challenge of the law Monday. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

santiago i: Of course that led to a kerfuffle with critics saying Lisée wanted to create two classe of immigrants, and Lisée saying he was misinterpreted. "I talked about Shanghai, Bamako, Tangiers, Santiago, according to CTV. I mean, what else is to be said " said Lisée. On Monday Lisée called for Quebec to have the "best immigration possible" and listing three apparently preferred European countries: France, Belgium and Spain. Provincial Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil was having none of it. "People don't usually discriminate in their comments -- certainly not here in parliament -- about the origin of somebody, and who a better immigrant than another," Weil said. Si je comprends bien, je suis un immigrant de seconde classe. �� #CoursePQ #PQ https://t.co/5MfWlTAjb3— Maka Kotto September 26, 2016 Kotto is backing Lisée leadership rival, Alexandre Cloutier. PQ MNA Maka Kotto, the only member of a visible minority in the PQ caucus and an immigrant from Cameroon took shots at Lisée. "If I understand correctly, I'm a second-class immigrant," he wrote. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

scotia: We like to say we are building community one meal at a time, according to The Chronicle Herald. Engage Nova Scotia has brought the Share Thanksgiving initiative to Nova Scotia. Share Thanksgiving creates an opportunity for Nova Scotians and newcomers to Nova Scotia to come together and share a Thanksgiving meal, says Danny Graham, chief engagement officer of Engage Nova Scotia. The concept sees hosts families share a Thanksgiving meal with a newcomer family or international student. Guests and hosts seem to benefit equally, says Graham. It has matched 500 guests with hosts since its inception in the province. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

status: Practiced versus improvisational, according to Toronto Star. Mostly factual versus — frequently not even close. By Daniel Dale Washington Bureau Mon., Sept. 26, 2016 WASHINGTON—Measured versus agitated. If anyone in America still believed there is no real difference between Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, a dramatic and acrimonious first debate likely disabused them. Clinton, smiling and quieter, painted Trump as a bigoted and dangerous charlatan with dark financial secrets and a long record of mistreating average people. Hectoring and grimacing, Trump pressed a populist economic message that sought to portray Clinton as a do-nothing agent of a failed status quo. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

work stages: The authors of the study blame the situation on Quebec government cutbacks and austerity measures, the reduced French course offerings, the closure of Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion offices in some regions, as well as cuts to community organizations, according to CTV. The researchers say the province should recognize qualifications and experience obtained abroad, offer job placements and work stages, and create equal opportunity programs for private companies. The socio-economic research institute, known as IRIS, states that over-qualification, lower incomes and higher unemployment rates are common among newcomers – and especially female newcomers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

meeting i: They'll be surrounded by several veterans who joined the Clippers in the off-season, including 12-year pro Dorell Wright, 11-year pros Brandon Bass and Raymond Felton, eight-year pro Marreese Speights, who left Golden State, and seven-year pro Alan Anderson. "This feels like the perfect storm with guys who want to win," said Crawford, who won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award for the third time last season. "It not about anything individual, according to Guelph Mercury. It all about winning." Rookies Brice Johnson of North Carolina and Diamond Stone of Maryland will try to fight their way off the bench under Doc Rivers, not known for playing newcomers much. "We got a lot of new guys," Redick said. "Our first meeting I only recognized like six guys in there. DeAndre Jordan, fresh off helping the U.S. win gold at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, J.J. Redick and Jamal Crawford also are back, with the team opting to keep its core group together. It about getting everyone acclimated to how we play. Wesley Johnson, Luc Mbah a Moute and Austin Rivers are back, too. "We're one of the better teams and now we have to back that up on the floor," the elder Rivers said at the team media day. We're going to be one of the best teams in the league." Paul Pierce said Monday he is returning for this 19th and final NBA season. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

post-season series: I don't look at it that way." The Mavericks have made the playoffs all but one season since the constant turnover started after owner Mark Cuban chose salary cap flexibility over keeping a few key players when a new labour agreement was reached six months after his team won the title in 2011, according to The Waterloo Record. But Dallas still hasn't won a post-season series since beating Miami in six games in those NBA Finals. It fresh every year. "Really, that wasn't meant to be a joke," he added. "If you view it as a negative, there a pretty good chance it going to be a negative. Repeated efforts to land big names in free agency failed, which this year led to the additions of Barnes and Bogut from 2015 champion Golden State after the Warriors lured Kevin Durant from Oklahoma City and had to unload both starters to make cap room for the four-time NBA scoring champion. Over his four seasons with the Warriors, he was always a role player behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. "It going to be bigger expectations and I'm going to have a larger role on this team," Barnes said. "I feel like we have a lot of pieces this year, either coming back off injury, guys who are motivated, have a lot to prove. Barnes headlines the group of newcomers because he'll be a top option on offence after signing a four-year, $94 million max contract. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

prove-it contract: And that just what the 28-year-old former first-round draft pick intends to do — on and off the court."Sometimes, an experience, you have to grow from it," Lawson said Monday at the Kings' media day. "I think I've grown a lot and I'm just ready to move forward, according to Brandon Sun. I heard a GM said, 'I think he lost a step. Following a tumultuous year in which he was arrested twice for DUI and entered alcohol rehab, lost his starting job with the Houston Rockets and spent the final 13 games of the season mostly coming off the bench in Indiana, the veteran point guard is in Sacramento on a one-year prove-it contract. He can't shoot anymore.' I've got a lot to prove and I got a chip on my shoulder to prove it."Lawson joins a crowded depth chart at point guard that includes holdover Darren Collison along with newcomers Garrett Temple and Jordan Farmar. Coach Dave Joerger, who takes over the Kings after spending the last three seasons in Memphis, made it clear he got high expectations for Lawson."I'm counting on Ty to be a pro," Joerger said. "It an important year for him. With Collison facing a likely NBA suspension following his conviction on a misdemeanour domestic abuse charge stemming from an incident in May, Lawson is projected as the season-opening starter. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

refugee families: Harrison is a member of St, according to Guelph Mercury. Andrew Presbyterian Church, which has partnered with the First Baptist Church of Guelph and Knox Presbyterian Church to bring a family of Syrian refugees to Guelph. We have all of this furniture that we're going to have to put together, Joanne Harrison said with a laugh. We can take a little bit larger family because we've got the three groups, Harrison said, explaining that together the three church groups have collected enough donations to sponsor a family of from eight to 13 people. But that didn't stop the group from applying to Ikea Canada for support when they heard earlier this year the company was offering donations of home furnishings for refugee families to the charitable organizations sponsoring them. The groups connected through the Guelph Refugee Forum last fall, and almost a year later they still know nothing about the family that will be coming. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trump: False, according to Brandon Sun. As debate moderator Lester Holt correctly noted, Trump has regularly raised the same doubts about Obama citizenship even after the president, in an attempt to end the discussion, released his birth certificate. ."Was it a birth certificate You tell me," Trump said in a 2012 interview."He was perhaps born in Kenya. Trump claimed he dropped the issue after Obama made his birth certificate public in 2011. Very simple, OK " Trump said in 2014."Who knows about Obama," Trump said in January 2016. No one in Clinton camp publicly questioned Obama citizenship, and when Clinton got wind of smears about Obama roots or religion, she either rejected or ignored them.EDITOR'S NOTE _ A look at the veracity of claims by political figures Trump claim that Hillary Clinton loyalists started the false rumour about Obama citizenship also doesn't hold up to scrutiny, as the AP and other news outlets have noted. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

birthplace information: She said her mother, who fled Afghanistan with her daughters when Monsef was 11, didn't think it mattered where the minister was born since she was still legally considered an Afghan citizen, according to Huffington Post Canada. Monsef has said she will have to correct her birthplace information on her passport. The democratic institutions minister revealed last week that she was born in Iran, not Afghanistan as she'd long believed. Maryam Monsef citizenship could be revoked without a hearing. And if the misrepresentation was on her permanent residence and refugee applications, she could even be deported, said Waldman, part of a group that launched a constitutional challenge of the law Monday. If Monsef birthplace was misrepresented on her citizenship application as well, that would be grounds for revocation of citizenship, regardless of whether it was an innocent mistake or the fault of her mother, said immigration lawyer Lorne Waldman. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

birthplace information: She said her mother, who fled Afghanistan with her daughters when Monsef was 11, didn't think it mattered where the minister was born since she was still legally considered an Afghan citizen, according to Hamilton Spectator. Monsef has said she will have to correct her birthplace information on her passport. The democratic institutions minister revealed last week that she was born in Iran, not Afghanistan as she'd long believed. If Monsef birthplace was misrepresented on her citizenship application as well, that would be grounds for revocation of citizenship, regardless of whether it was an innocent mistake or the fault of her mother, said immigration lawyer Lorne Waldman. The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers and the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association argue that the law, known as Bill C-24, is procedurally unfair and a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. And if the misrepresentation was on her permanent residence and refugee applications, she could even be deported, said Waldman, part of a group that launched a constitutional challenge of the law Monday. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian history: We know we look different — sometimes, not even like our parents, according to Huffington Post Canada. Some of us don't know about our parents' cultures or speak the languages, yet, there often a desire for others to categorize us as belonging to one culture or the other. Many second-gen Canadians — individuals born to at least one immigrant parent — who are mixed particularly find that latter question the toughest to answer. Why isn't it enough to say we're Canadian We were born and raised in Canada, we grew up eating "Canadian food", watching Canadian shows, and learning Canadian history. As part of the Huffington Post Canada Born And Raised series, some of our editors of mixed backgrounds revealed how they respond to questions about their identities. But because there is a struggle to define what it means to be Canadian, it can get more complex with other identities in the mix. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

citizen festival: Interspersing performances from some of the world most sought-after artists with rapid speeches and videos, the fifth edition of the festival put a special focus on solidarity with refugees amid the mass exodus from war-ravaged Syria, according to CTV. Electronic duo Major Lazer kicked off the more than six-hour festival that also brought out leading pop singers Demi Lovato, Ellie Goulding and Rihanna -- who noted to the crowd that she herself migrated from Barbados. The Global Citizen Festival, broadcast live from the vast lawn of New York Central Park, distributes tickets to fans who commit to petitions and other actions aimed at ending extreme poverty. Metallica played one of the band few shows ahead of the metal icons' upcoming album, ripping through five of their most classic tunes at a decibel level rarely heard in the halls of international diplomacy. Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder teamed up separately with Yusuf and with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, with whom he sang a two-guitar version of Patti Smith "People Have the Power." Vedder, long outspoken in his left-leaning politics, made veiled criticism of US presidential contender Donald Trump, saying that election-season "bigotry" would not endure in "this modern world of communication and acceptance." "This is one last gasp -- they know that these are antiquated ideals that are going away." Rapper Kendrick Lamar put on the festival most extensive set, culminating in an energetic "Alright," his unofficial anthem of the Black Lives Matter movement. - Humanizing refugees - In one of the evening more unlikely stars, a six-year-old New York boy named Alex took the stage, waving with precocious grace. Yusuf, the folk rocker known as Cat Stevens before his conversion to Islam, appealed to the crowd to ensure that no one is "stigmatized" on account of identity. "This globe is big enough for everybody to share," he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

freaky friday: Boynukalin says media were not told about Lohan visit ahead of time to avoid creating a spectacle and he didn't specify when it took place, according to Brandon Sun. He said, "The important thing is that a Hollywood star take this matter seriously and bring it to the world stage."Boynukalin says the star of such films as "Mean Girls" and "Freaky Friday" was moved by the hospital, which employs only Syrian doctors and treats refugees, and offered to volunteer there. The Anadolu agency reported Monday that the 30-year-old actress was accompanied by Turkey youth and sports deputy minister, Abdurrahim Boynukalin. Lohan also gave gifts to the refugee family. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

crisis: The cards would be topped up monthly, with payments dependent on the size and needs of the families, according to Brandon Sun. The program has been billed as the EU largest humanitarian program."I am here today in person to demonstrate that the EU stands with Turkey, "said EU Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Commissioner Christos Stylianides at the program launch."An unprecedented crisis requires an unprecedented response," Stylianides said. "We are launching a ground-breaking humanitarian program to respond to this crisis."The program is part of an agreement the EU has with Turkey to provide a total of 3 billion euros in 2016 and 2017 to help Turkey support Syrian migrants. The refugees, living outside of camps, are to receive debit cards that will allow them to buy their own food and pay for other basic needs. The EU has also agreed to fast track membership talks and ease visa restrictions for Turkish citizens travelling to Europe in return for Turkey co-operation in stopping migrants heading to Europe. Turkey has criticized the EU for alleged delays in the disbursement of the funds and the fact that the money is not being sent to Turkey directly to spend on the refugees."We welcome the EU ... support," said Omer Celik, the Turkish minister in charge of EU affairs. "But we have criticisms concerning the way this support is being transferred to Turkey. However, plans to loosen visa rules came to a standstill after Turkey balked at the EU demand that it relax its anti-terrorism laws. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

freaky friday: Boynukalin says media were not told about Lohan visit ahead of time to avoid creating a spectacle and he didn't specify when it took place, according to CTV. He said, "The important thing is that a Hollywood star take this matter seriously and bring it to the world stage." Boynukalin says the star of such films as "Mean Girls" and "Freaky Friday" was moved by the hospital, which employs only Syrian doctors and treats refugees, and offered to volunteer there. The Anadolu agency reported Monday that the 30-year-old actress was accompanied by Turkey youth and sports deputy minister, Abdurrahim Boynukalin. Lohan also gave gifts to the refugee family. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

crisis: The cards would be topped up monthly, with payments dependent on the size and needs of the families, according to Metro News. The program has been billed as the EU largest humanitarian program."I am here today in person to demonstrate that the EU stands with Turkey, "said EU Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Commissioner Christos Stylianides at the program launch."An unprecedented crisis requires an unprecedented response," Stylianides said. "We are launching a ground-breaking humanitarian program to respond to this crisis."The program is part of an agreement the EU has with Turkey to provide a total of 3 billion euros in 2016 and 2017 to help Turkey support Syrian migrants. The refugees, living outside of camps, are to receive debit cards that will allow them to buy their own food and pay for other basic needs. The EU has also agreed to fast track membership talks and ease visa restrictions for Turkish citizens travelling to Europe in return for Turkey co-operation in stopping migrants heading to Europe. Turkey has criticized the EU for alleged delays in the disbursement of the funds and the fact that the money is not being sent to Turkey directly to spend on the refugees."We welcome the EU ... support," said Omer Celik, the Turkish minister in charge of EU affairs. "But we have criticisms concerning the way this support is being transferred to Turkey. However, plans to loosen visa rules came to a standstill after Turkey balked at the EU demand that it relax its anti-terrorism laws. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

culture: So the director of the small but award-winning Circlesnake Productions was inspired to help Syrian refugees experience Canadian culture by offering free tickets to his company three upcoming productions, according to Toronto Star. Even when I moved from Ottawa to Victoria, which is so nowhere near that degree of change, I was so lonely, he says. By Carly Maga Theatre Critic Mon., Sept. 26, 2016 Although he knows it can't compare to the upheaval experienced by a refugee from a war-torn country, Alec Toller has known the loneliness of moving from one place to another. There a really warm sense of welcoming that I think is something that the arts can do really well; to bring people into the culture we have. In Toronto, that includes smaller outfits like Nightwood Theatre and Coleman-Lemieux & Compagnie, and big ones like the Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet of Canada. Across Canada, 68 companies are offering complimentary tickets to Syrian newcomers to any production or event until March 31, 2017 as part of a Canada Council for the Arts initiative. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

i couldn: But why Halifax It not like the city is famous for its long list of job openings, according to The Chronicle Herald. And no one, especially Italians and Africans, ever moved to the Maritimes for the weather, right Explains Mabota-Calvert, In Italy, you have the best food and history. And when it comes to building a business and raising a family, Halifax is Mabota-Calvert quick and easy pick over all three of those places — as well as the northern England city of Leeds, where she also lived for half a year. But it very difficult to integrate . Tradition is very strong there and people don't always like change, she says. They aren't racist, just ignorant. For example, I couldn't eat with my Italian boyfriend in public, because I was black. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

perception vs: Expenses 101: Liberals get painful lesson in perception vs. reality Gerald Butts and Katie Telford to return $65K in 'unreasonable' expenses Trudeau Liberals spent $1.1M to move political staff A spokesperson for Immigration Minister John McCallum said Monday that Bernard Derible, the minister director of issues management, first came to Ottawa as a contract employee in the fall of 2015, according to CBC. The hotel costs for the months of November and December were covered by taxpayers as a part of the terms of his contract. Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel confronted the government during question period, pressing the Liberals to "come clean" on the expenses front. "We've just learned that it appears the immigration minister hid the cost of moving a senior Liberal staffer to Ottawa from Thailand," Rempel said. "In an official response to Parliament the immigration minister said no such expenses existed, but moments ago we received documents that tell us otherwise." "Are there any other Liberal ministers that want to come clean with these expenses " she asked. After two months Derible was offered a full-time position. Half his flight was also covered. "The original contract was for temporary work, and did not necessitate 'moving/relocation' expenses," a statement from McCallum office read. "Under the terms of the original contract, the flight from his residence in Bangkok along with temporary accommodation and a monthly fee were agreed upon." Early Tuesday, McCallum office contacted CBC News to further explain that Deribe came urgently to Ottawa to assist with the refugee resettlement effort. "He did not claim any expenses to relocate his family from Thailand to Ottawa," Camielle Edwards wrote. He continued to live in a hotel until he moved himself and his family into a home he bought in February, but picked up the bill for his remaining hotel stay himself, according to the spokesperson. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.