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.

bavarian arm: Seehofer has long criticized Merkel welcoming approach to migrants last year and is pressing for an annual refugee cap in Germany of 200,000, a call Merkel so far has rejected.A national election is expected next September, and the dispute has been overshadowing conservative preparations for it, according to Metro News. Seehofer told Sunday Bild am Sonntag newspaper that he hopes to resolve the argument this month but said: "I won't give up this core element just so that there is harmony.""I won't sell the soul of the CSU," he was quoted as saying. Horst Seehofer is Bavaria governor and the leader of the Christian Social Union, the Bavarian arm of Merkel Union bloc. Germany saw 890,000 asylum-seekers arrive last year. Seehofer said he was "satisfied" with that development, but insisted there needs to be "a clear limit and firm rules" in case an influx like last year is repeated. The influx has slowed drastically, with only 213,000 newcomers arriving in this year first nine months. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

kevin spacey: Later, though, it became possible to draw interesting lines between Trudeau Davos dance card and some important announcements he made after returning home, according to Hamilton Spectator. It was at Davos that Trudeau met Mary Barra, the chief executive officer of General Motors. The skepticism that attended the young prime minister late nights with Bono and Kevin Spacey was healthy and natural. Five months later in Oshawa, Trudeau was on hand when GM announced it will hire up to 750 engineers to develop self-driving cars. Nine months later in Toronto, the two announced the company will build a Toronto technology centre with 400 new jobs over two years, building perhaps to 1,500 jobs down the line. At Davos, Trudeau met Thomson Reuters CEO Jim Smith. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

lis: The very good news is that Lisée has promised that if his party manages to win Quebec next election in two years it won't hold another referendum on sovereignty until at least 2022, according to Toronto Star. That a big turnabout for a party founded on the principle of making Quebec independent, and anyone who cares about the unity of Canada should give at least two hearty cheers. Sun., Oct. 16, 2016 There good news and a healthy dose of bad news for the rest of Canada in the selection of Jean-François Lisée as the new leader of the Parti Québécois. The cynics, who know Lisée as a man of highly flexible principles, think he'll junk his promise if he thinks he can get away with it. At the same time, though, under its new leader the PQ is moving firmly to embrace the dark world of identity politics. But as a starting point, it excellent for federalists. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mini aquarium: A group of refugees takes a trip around the inner harbour in Petty Harbour in a wooden Grand Banks dory, according to CBC. Sharing traditions Fishing for Success is a non-profit group that shares and celebrates the traditional fishing knowledge and culture of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The families rowed Grand Banks dories, tasted fishermen cod stew, rinded sticks, and picked up live sea stars and sea urchins at the mini aquarium. Syrian kids meet some of the province sea creatures at the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium. Refugees burned their names into sticks that will later be incorporated into a building. Kimberly Orren, the executive director of Fishing For Success, was thrilled to have so many families on site to share food, experience the ocean and learn some traditional fishing techniques. "Leo has been cooking his fish stew all day and we've invited the new Canadians to share our fishing heritage," she said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

oonagh proudfoot: Fewer than four in 10 South Shore and Annapolis Valley candidates were women, according to The Chronicle Herald. But voters made women mayors in a third of Nova Scotia towns on Saturday. Not that many did. CBRM elected three young women, all newcomers to council: Kendra Coombes, Amanda McDougall and Earlene Mac Mullin. Newly elected to council are Wendy Elliott, Jodi Mac Kay and Oonagh Proudfoot. Windsor council is a woman-led majority with Anna Allen at the helm, but Wolfville made history electing five women to the six-member council. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

outshot winnipeg: The Wild came out stronger in the second and outshot Winnipeg 12-2 in the period, according to Globe and Mail. Stewart was known for his energy when he arrived in Minnesota via trade in 2015 and helped the Wild to the Western Conference semifinals. Louis on Thursday and was booed off the home ice following the first period Saturday after Wheeler tipped home a shot from Dustin Byfuglien with 2.6 seconds left. Stewart played 56 games for Boudreau in Anaheim last season, scoring eight goals with 12 assists. After a quick review, the officials' call stood as a good goal. The big forward shot from left of the crease deflected off Ehlers' skate and crossed the line before Hutchinson swiped the puck away. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

winnipeg jets: Stewart scored to start the comeback and assisted on Matt Dumba power-play goal that tied it, then Staal capped the three-goal second period to lead 3-2. "I have high praise for Stew and what he does," Dumba said. "Tonight, he showed why he so valuable, according to Hamilton Spectator. He contributed lots and really got this ball rolling." Stewart was known for his exuberance when he arrived in Minnesota via trade in 2015 and helped the Wild to the Western Conference semifinals. Stewart had a goal, an assist and finished his second period with a fight, while Staal got his first goal with his new team to help the Wild overcome a two-goal deficit and beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 on Saturday night. Stewart played 56 games for new Wild coach Bruce Boudreau in Anaheim last season, scoring eight goals with 12 assists. After a quick review, the officials' call stood as a good goal. The big forward shot from left of the crease deflected off Ehlers' skate and crossed the line before goalie Michael Hutchinson swiped the puck away. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration authorities: Since last November, the federal government has been revoking citizenship for similar violations, in the interest of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system — all without giving anyone the benefit of a hearing, according to The Waterloo Record. Yet Ms. Then why is she allowed to sit in the House of Commons By her own admission her mother lied to immigration authorities to gain access to Canada, a violation of Bill C-24. Monsef still sits in the House of Parliament and the leader of our country, Prime Minister Trudeau, is doing nothing, nor would it seem is the Department of Immigration led by John McCallum. Did he or John McCallum allow Ms. Trudeau promised a more open, honest system of government, yet here he is setting a double standard for citizenship based on position. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

news agency: But the rise of the Islamic State group and the drop in global oil prices has caused growing concerns in this major OPEC member, according to Brandon Sun. Kuwait state-run television station and its news agency announced the parliament dissolving on Sunday afternoon, just a few hours after government officials held an emergency meeting. Parliaments typically don't serve out their full terms in the stalwart U.S. ally, but lawmakers elected in Kuwait last vote in 2013 largely sided with the government as they served in the wake of Arab Spring protests. The Cabinet was expected to resign, as those sitting on the 12-member board also likely will be contesting their parliamentary seats. In his decree, Kuwait ruling emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah said "regional circumstances" and "security challenges" required dissolving parliament. A caretaker government was expected to be announced in the coming hours. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

winnipeg jets: Stewart scored to start the comeback and assisted on Matt Dumba power-play goal that tied it, then Staal capped the three-goal second period to lead 3-2. "I have high praise for Stew and what he does," Dumba said. "Tonight, he showed why he so valuable, according to The Waterloo Record. He contributed lots and really got this ball rolling." Stewart was known for his exuberance when he arrived in Minnesota via trade in 2015 and helped the Wild to the Western Conference semifinals. Stewart had a goal, an assist and finished his second period with a fight, while Staal got his first goal with his new team to help the Wild overcome a two-goal deficit and beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 on Saturday night. Stewart played 56 games for new Wild coach Bruce Boudreau in Anaheim last season, scoring eight goals with 12 assists. After a quick review, the officials' call stood as a good goal. The big forward shot from left of the crease deflected off Ehlers' skate and crossed the line before goalie Michael Hutchinson swiped the puck away. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

age adults: Between November 2015 and the end of July 2016, 1,421 Syrian refugees arrived in New Brunswick, according to CTV. Of those, 583 are over 18-years-old, and 103 of them are employed. Now in New Brunswick, attention has turned towards getting more newcomers employed, to keep them on the east coast. Finding employment for the other 80% is now the challenge. "I think having 20% the working age adults connected to the labour market is a great success, given they've only been here for eight to 10 months, says New Brunswick Multicultural Council executive director Alex Leblanc. "The ideal scenario right now is that the Syrians are able to work part-time while also developing the language for long term integration. He says he been told by Ottawa, if New Brunswick wants to continue accepting newcomers to the region, the province will need to improve its retention rate. So if an employer has part-time jobs, or if they're looking at creating a position, engage with the multicultural association in your region." The minister responsible for training and labour, Donald Arseneault says the current employment numbers are expected, but they need to be improved. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

beall: A confidential source attended meetings of a militia group called the Kansas Security Force in an investigation of its activities against Muslims in southwestern Kansas, according to Hamilton Spectator. The suspects conspired to detonate a bomb at a Garden City apartment complex where Somali-Americans were among roughly 120 residents, Beall said. Acting U.S. attorney Tom Beall said Curtis Wayne Allen, 49; Patrick Eugene Stein, 47; and Gavin Wayne Wright, 49, are members of a small group that calls itself "the Crusaders." The arrests were the culmination of an eight-month FBI investigation that took agents "deep into a hidden culture of hatred and violence," Beall said. The men, who were arrested on Friday morning, performed surveillance of the apartment building and prepared a manifesto, Beall said. Eric Jackson, special agent in charge of the Kansas City, Mo., FBI field office, said the Crusaders has militia and sovereign citizen ties. If convicted, the men could be sentenced to up to life in federal prison without parole. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

beliefs prosecutors: Prosecutors said the men don't yet have attorneys, according to Metro News. The suspects planned to detonate truck bombs around a small apartment complex where about 120 Somali residents live, according to the complaint. The men are members of a small militia group that calls itself "the Crusaders," and whose members espouse sovereign citizen, anti-government, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant extremist beliefs, according to the complaint. Prosecutors also said the men talked about attacking some of the area churches that have helped settle refugees and helped them get jobs at Tyson Foods, the meat packing company that has drawn a diverse immigrant population to the area. But he says he likes it in Garden City and wants "to stay a long time. Hundreds of Somalians, Malaysians, Burmese and others gathered around FBI agents and law enforcement officers for a briefing early Saturday, The Wichita Eagle reported only answer I can give you about why this happened is that they wanted to attack your religious beliefs," Police Chief Michael Utz said. "But you need to know that whether you are an immigrant or not, you are all Garden Citians.""Some of you have said you can't go to your mosque to pray, or that you can't go to your homes because you are afraid," Utz said. "But we and the sheriff and the FBI are here to say that you are safe in Garden City, and safe in the United States of America."Dalma Ali Warsame, a 34-year-old Somalian, said Somalia had no government "and no safety," which was why he came to the U.S. Now he has a wife and two daughters, ages 1 and 3, who are frightened, as is he. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian values: Kellie Leitch asks supporters if we should screen immigrants for cultural values Her leadership ambitions have been known for several months, and she was a registered candidate before Saturday announcement, according to CBC. First elected in 2011, Leitch has received attention in recent months for her stance on immigration and a call for "Canadian values." She has said immigrants and refugees should be screened for "anti-Canadian values." Following her campaign launch, Leitch told reporters the other candidates want to talk about values, but aren't necessarily willing to do anything about it. "What I'm focused on today is face-to-face interviews," she said. "Right now, only one in five individuals is receiving a face-to-face interview with an immigration officer." Former veterans affairs minister Erin O'Toole launched his campaign on Friday, joining the other registered candidates in the race against MPs Maxime Bernier, Andrew Scheer, Michael Chong, Deepak Obhrai and Brad Trost. Leitch made the announcement in Collingwood, Ont., which is in her Simcoe-Grey riding. Ontario MP Kellie Leitch speaks to reporters after officially launching her campaign to become leader of the federal Conservative Party. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

european union: By Anthony Faiola The Washington Post Fri., Oct. 14, 2016 DIAVATA REFUGEE CAMP, GREECE—When Europe abruptly closed its land borders last Spring to refugees fleeing war, it made a much-heralded promise: Wealthy nations across the European Union would take in tens of thousands of desperate Syrians and Iraqis who had made it as far as near-bankrupt Greece only to find themselves trapped, according to Toronto Star. But one by one, those nations have reneged, turning primitive camps into dire symbols of Europe broken pledge. Because of its location, Greece has beared the brunt of the Syrian refugee crisis. Amid allegations of mismanagement by the Greek government, a site on the grounds of an abandoned toilet paper factory still lacks basic heat, even as nighttime temperatures dip into the low 50s. A 14-year-old Syrian girl was recently raped. Mosquitos infest the white canvas tents of refugee families stranded here for months. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

evin prison: It happened as she was about to board a plane to Ireland, where her daughter lives, according to CTV. Behkish said security agents did not tell her why they stopped her from boarding and took her passport at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport on Sept. 16. Mansoureh Behkish, who been jailed several times for her past advocacy work, had her passport confiscated indefinitely and without explanation by authorities. She was told that in order to get her passport back she must report to Evin revolutionary tribunal court, located in the same complex as the notorious Evin Prison where she has several times been incarcerated for her human rights advocacy work. I am aware that resisting injustice and oppression has a price, and I am prepared for it. It is possible that, during the interrogation, they might arrest me, or threaten me with a heavier sentence, which I would strongly protest, Behkish wrote in an open letter. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

independence day: Those steps have included joining the European Union and NATO in 2004 and becoming a respected member of most of the world most important organizations, like the United Nations, according to The Chronicle Herald. Last week, Kersti Kaljulaid, 46, a former EU budget auditor, mother of two and a grandmother was elected president of Estonia. The swearing in this month of the country first woman president and the opening of a national museum in the university city of Tartu marked more steps in the tiny country evolution since the split with the USSR in 1991. Next year Estonia will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union and in 2018 it will celebrate its 100th Independence Day on Feb. 24. In recent years, Estonia has placed great emphasis on innovation, particularly in the area of computerization and it now prides itself in operating an e-government and having initiated electronic voting in Europe and developing Skype. Independence was interrupted by Soviet and German occupations after 1940. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

men basketball: The BCA also dissolved in large part because of a lack of funding, according to Hamilton Spectator. The AAE mission was to promote minorities in leadership positions in major college sports, where they account for 14 per cent of head coaches in men basketball and 12 per cent in women basketball, according to AAE statistics. The AAE announced the decision Friday, two years after it was formed as part of an NCAA-steered restructuring of the Black Coaches and Administrators organization. The AAE was separate from the National Association for Coaching Equity and Development, which was founded last year independent of the NCAA and is funded by dues from the coaches and private donations. By The Associated Press (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

game: They were really excited, said Ossama Nasrallah, the Vice President of Student Affairs for the Saint Mary University Students Association . We prepared our Husky Patrol to go there and bring all the Syrian refugees, according to Metro News. Nasrallah is part of the Enactus 360 Project, a group of SMU students whose goal is to help empower refugees through programs and workshops. Francis Xavier University. They're still new here… they're trying their best every day to learn the language, and it not easy for them, he said. Rebecca Dingwell/For Metro Before the game, students and children played in the "fun zone."Nasrallah helped translate some reactions to the game. Before the game there was a barbeque with Halal food options and activities to participate in. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

saaq statistics: That success rate drops to 48 per cent for Spanish speakers and 38 per cent for Arabic speakers, according to statistics from January 2015 to September 2016, according to CBC. Not getting licence called barrier to immigrant integration, advocates say Quebec City shopowner Saroj Kumar Chhetri says he heard dozens of customers complain about failing the SAAQ written theory exam. According to the SAAQ statistics, about 70 to 80 per cent of francophones passed the written theory exam for a driver licence in the last five years. Chhetri opened his dépanneur two years ago mostly for newcomers looking for clothes, toys and food from their home countries. So it doesn't give the sense," said Without a driver licence, many immigrants have a harder time finding jobs and decide to leave Quebec altogether, Chhetri says. He said many of his customers have told him the exam questions weren't clear. "They are using like a Google translator. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

san: On the second night of back-to-back games, Casey decided to rest his big guns, according to Hamilton Spectator. But the young players got no slack from the coach, who lamented a defensive effort that he called "non-existent." "Our rotations, our tags, our defensive disposition," said Casey. "We had no defensive focus tonight whatsoever. Fred Van Vleet scored 31 points to lead the Raptors in a 122-105 pre-season win over San Lorenzo de Almagro, taking another step closer to clinching his spot on the Raptors' roster. And that what I was looking for. Jerome Meyinsee scored 20 points, while Gustavo Nicolas Aguirre scored 17 to top San Lorenzo, who won Argentina top pro league last season. So tonight I didn't see a lot, so still everything is in flux." Norman Powell added 17 points, including a couple of big dunks, while Pascal Siakam had 16, and Jakob Poeltl finished with 12 points and a team-high six rebounds. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

brian mentuck: Trent Miner stopped 27 shots from the Hawks . In Kenora, Ont., Ryan Heino recorded two goals and two assists, while Eric Lemoine had four helpers as the Yellowhead Chiefs improved to 5-0-0-0 with a 7-4 win over the host Thistles . Chad Nychuk found the back of the net twice, with Brian Mentuck, John Belcher and Benoit Mowbray adding singles, according to Brandon Sun. Reese Jones stopped 26 shots for the Chiefs. Nolan Twerdoclib, Tate Popple, Drayson Collyer and Christian Halls scored for Brandon in the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League contest. Meanwhile, in Manitoba Female Midget Hockey League play in Hartney, the Westman Wildcats dropped to 1-1-1 with a 2-1overtime loss to the Pembina Valley Hawks . Ashton Bell had the marker for the Wildcats, with Paige Hubbard picking up the assist. Kaitlyn Slator made 22 saves for Westman.» The Brandon Sun Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition October 15, 2016 (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

equal-opportunity dissing: The Trump ski shows him wearing a button with the message "#1 most disliked," while Clinton is wearing a "#2 most disliked" button, according to Guelph Mercury. The Clinton ski features police tape, for those who think she a walking crime scene, while the Trump ski features a border wall, for his widely panned anti-illegal immigration plan. The Burlington Free Press reports that Renoun, in Burlington, has introduced the pair showing intricate artwork, with equal-opportunity dissing of both candidates. But at more than $2,000 a pair, the skis may be only for moguls. By The Associated Press (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

half-day forum: Ahmed Taris, 36, stepped forward, according to The Waterloo Record. So did many in the crowd of about 100 who had gathered for a free half-day forum on labour laws and workplace safety in their new country. Federal Immigration Minister John McCallum started shaking hands and posing for photos with appreciative Syrian refugees, now new Canadians, who filled a meeting hall at the Christian Labour Association of Canada member centre in Hespeler. They surrounded McCallum, held up their phones and clicked away countless selfies. A government minister was here to speak to him. This was a big deal to Taris, one of 1,200 Syrian refugees to settle in Waterloo Region as Canada welcomed an initial wave of 25,000 between last November and March. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rupp arena: Similar events took place at Michigan State, Arizona, Maryland, Iowa State and Connecticut among other schools, according to The Waterloo Record. Coming off a loss in the NCAA championship game on a last-second 3-pointer to Villanova, the Tar Heels held their "Late Night" event featuring the men and women basketball teams in front of a crowd of more than 15,000 fans at the Smith Center. From North Carolina "Late Night With Roy" event to Kentucky "Big Blue Madness" that drew a packed crowd to Rupp Arena, Friday night featured a busy schedule of Midnight Madness-style events around the country that stand as the ceremonial kickoff to the 2016-17 season. Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams drew a standing ovation as he walked onto the court ahead of player introductions for a veteran squad, while the players quickly commenced with a series of skills contests and dancing for fans before capping the night with an intrasquad scrimmage. "I think we've had a pretty good structure out there: guys knew where to go," Tar Heels junior Theo Pinson said. "It was good playing in front of a crowd, to get used to it for the freshmen and us getting the feel of it again. The school also unveiled a new scoreboard above centre court and a newly designed playing court, part of renovations at Rupp Arena for its 40th anniversary. It was fun." In Lexington, Kentucky, the Wildcats stepped out on the blue carpet to offer the first look at John Calipari latest heralded freshman class. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

san: On the second night of back-to-back games, Casey decided to rest his big guns, according to The Waterloo Record. But the young players got no slack from the coach, who lamented a defensive effort that he called "non-existent." "Our rotations, our tags, our defensive disposition," said Casey. "We had no defensive focus tonight whatsoever. Fred Van Vleet scored 31 points to lead the Raptors in a 122-105 pre-season win over San Lorenzo de Almagro, taking another step closer to clinching his spot on the Raptors' roster. And that what I was looking for. Jerome Meyinsee scored 20 points, while Gustavo Nicolas Aguirre scored 17 to top San Lorenzo, who won Argentina top pro league last season. So tonight I didn't see a lot, so still everything is in flux." Norman Powell added 17 points, including a couple of big dunks, while Pascal Siakam had 16, and Jakob Poeltl finished with 12 points and a team-high six rebounds. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.