brooklyn bauman: Front row, from left: Carter Gray, Emma Sul, Danielle Isfeld, Jose Padilla, Sophia Padilla, Saron Teklit, according to Brandon Sun. Saron Teklit, a refugee from Eritrea, knows what it like to stand up for what she believes in. Back row, from left: Emily Liang, Abbie Whetter, Brooklyn Bauman, Abby Wakewich, Sinead Osiuwemu, Abby Grindey, Alejandra Valle. In an African country where Christians can face persecution, she and her family fled. Enlarge Image Alejandra Valle, left, and her tearful friend Sophia Padilla delight in the news Monday they will be flying to Calgary on an all-expenses paid trip to attend a We Day youth empowerment event. They found safe haven in Sudan before they settled, only five months ago, in Brandon. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

diversity: The federal Liberals had been under fire for indicating their selection process would not necessarily follow the custom, according to The Waterloo Record. Robert Wright, a black social worker who has pushed for diversity on the Nova Scotia bench, says he believes the Liberal government relented under pressure, and could have done more to convince the public of the need for racial diversity. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday he recommending Justice Malcolm Rowe of Newfoundland and Labrador for the Supreme Court of Canada, following the constitutional precedent of regional choices. A report in Policy Options magazine estimated earlier this year that just one per cent of Canada 2,160 judges in the provincial superior and lower courts are aboriginal, while three per cent are racial minorities. By The Canadian Press Wright argues the principle of diversity that lies beneath appointing people from different regions needed to be altered to recognize the increasing number of Canadians from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

health: In the most recent assessment of the quality of 11 international health systems, the USA came last, according to Huffington Post Canada. But we should pause and take a deep breath, because Canada came second last. After all, our health system is better than that of the USA. We see this to be self-evident, but it is also backed by data. Perhaps while we focus on comparisons with the USA we miss the fact that other health systems are improving and outperforming us. Canada rated especially poorly on equity. Looking up at these other systems rather than looking down at the USA may help us deliver better health across Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

opening ceremonies: Related stories:Surrey program encourages immigrants to help other immigrants Surrey initiative offers refugees a toolkit to tackle trauma Meet your neighbour: Metro chats with refugees in Vancouver The designation was announced Monday as part of the opening ceremonies of the three-day Creative City Conference in Surrey this week, according to Metro News. We'd like to bring a writer at risk because of their work to come to Surrey — who needs refuge because in their country they're not able to write freely, explained Surrey Coun. The move to bring one refugee to the city on a sort of artist-in-residence fellowship, with support from the city libraries, Simon Fraser University, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University, will make B.C. fastest-growing municipality the third of its kind on the continent. Judy Villeneuve, co-chair of the city Local Immigrant Partnership committee, and was herself long-involved in the Writers' Union of Canada. It a part we can play in the international effort to promote the democratic process — and of people being able to be creative and express their opinions. We want to be a beacon to other cities in Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

police car: After passing the man, the woman noticed an unmarked police car behind her activate its lights, according to Hamilton Spectator. The vehicle pulled in front of the pedestrian and cut him off; a plainclothes officer emerged and accused the man of walking in the middle of the road. Just moments before, she had passed a black man who had been walking on the shoulder of the street, seemingly to avoid construction along the sidewalk. The allegation shocked her, the woman later said, and as she witnessed the officer take the man by the back of his jacket, she sensed she needed to do something. I was against what he was doing." What Rowles recorded was a seven-minute video of a tense exchange that led to an arrest — a video that has gone viral after Rowles uploaded it to You Tube last week. So she left her car and began recording. " I was watching something that I didn't think was very fair," the woman, identified by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune as Janet Rowles, told the newspaper. "I'm not against the police. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

power-play performance: Against Boston, we had a tough time, according to Toronto Star. They were quick and they pressured us in our own zone, so set-up is very important, Gardiner said after the Leafs worked diligently on their power-play game plan for a second straight day before heading out on a three-game road trip that starts Wednesday night in Winnipeg. Order this photo By Mark Zwolinski Sports reporter Tues., Oct. 18, 2016 They come from widely different hockey backgrounds, but defencemen Jake Gardiner and Nikita Zaitsev share the same perspective on the Leafs' so-far fruitless power-play performance: it very much a work in progress. Gardiner was referring to the Leafs' 4-1 home-opener win over Boston on Saturday, in which they went 0 for 4 with the man advantage to make it 0 for 8 through two games. Having several newcomers on the power play, including top rookies Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, is a factor but not an excuse, the Leafs say. While it a small sample size, special teams production is a high priority after a season in which the Leafs had the second-worst conversion rate in the NHL and the fourth-fewest power-play goals. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

proactive measures: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sees cultural diversity as one of the great strengths of modern-day Canada, according to Toronto Star. From his perspective, the Canadian identity is a fluid work in progress, not a static feature in need of proactive measures to ensure its preservation. By Chantal Hébert National Affairs Columnist Tues., Oct. 18, 2016 OTTAWA—Here is a much abbreviated list of the current and former Canadian politicians who believe that when it comes to cultural diversity, Canada should be exporting its live-and-let-live model, not looking for inspiration from countries such as France that have put in place coercive measures to affirm their national identity. He thinks of it as a living tree, not a dried flower stuck between two pages of history. On that basis, Trudeau abhors, among other coercive measures, the notion of submitting prospective immigrants to a cultural correctness test. The prime minister is convinced that Canada cultural diversity enriches and renews its fabric. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

queen park: Copps — known as Gerry, her husband nickname for her — also helped inspired her daughter Sheila to enter politics and watched her have a career that stretched more than two decades, from the halls of Queen Park in to the cabinet room and the post of deputy prime minister on Parliament Hill, according to Hamilton Spectator. Copps, who also served as a citizenship court judge, died Monday night with her family at her side in the palliative care unit of Queensway-Carleton Hospital in Ottawa. She served on Hamilton city council for 15 years, and became well-known for her feistiness and a focus on issues involving the environment, welfare and the physically disabled. She was 91. "Every child who can have a mother like her — it a blessing," said Sheila Copps, who was the Hamilton East MP from 1984-2004. "Right to the end she was a fighter. She had a great life." Geraldine Copps had lived at the Valley Stream Retirement Community in Nepean for the last two years due to failing health and to be near daughter Sheila. She had been in here since last Wednesday. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

selection process: If formally named to the court, it will be a historic first for the province, according to Huffington Post Canada. However, scholars and aboriginal jurists had hoped Trudeau new selection process might set aside the constitutional convention of regionally based appointments, and focus on putting an aboriginal or black judge into the job. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that Justice Malcolm Rowe from Newfoundland and Labrador has been nominated for the Supreme Court of Canada. Lightening-Earle said while Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have waited a number of decades for a representative on the court, aboriginal Canadians have deeper historic claims to a place in the judiciary. "They have been waiting a long time, but we've been waiting a little bit longer," she said. "It another white male ... It the exact thing we've been doing for years." Lightening-Earle said in a telephone interview a rare opportunity has been missed, and indigenous lawyers are wondering why they bothered applying to the government advisory board for the position. Principle of diversity needs to shift Wright argues the principle of diversity that lies beneath appointing people from different regions needed to be shifted to recognize the increasing number of Canadians from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. A report in Policy Options magazine estimated earlier this year that just one per cent of Canada 2,160 judges in the provincial superior and lower courts are aboriginal, while three per cent are racial minorities — prompting a Dalhousie University law professor to describe the Canadian bench as a "judiciary of whiteness." Robert Wright, a black social worker who has served on a Nova Scotia board that recommends judicial appointments, said the announcement is a disappointment given the Trudeau government earlier signals it might adjust the system. "There are an increasing number of Canadians who ... are not caught up in what I call the historical regional nature of the various Canadian identities we used to focus on," he said in a telephone interview from Halifax. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

son hand: When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he embraced the man holding a sign with the family name written in both Arabic and English, according to CBC. It was Naser Ibrahim, the family translator, who belongs to the University of Manitoba Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, the group of faculty and students that privately sponsored the family to Canada. "He very happy to be here," Ibrahim said, translating for Hasan Hamidi, whose sons range in age from seven to 13 years old. Hasan Hamidi held his youngest son hand as he descended the stairs to the arrivals area at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, his wife and three other sons close behind. The boys clutched stuffed animals given to them by people who greeted them. "They were so scared that they would not find anyone to receive them, but they really appreciate the fact that we are here and we are here to receive them." he translated for Hasan wife, Kevser Abduvahid. Home, in the war-ravaged city of Aleppo, is harder to talk about. "His house was completely destroyed in Syria, bombarded, basically there no house anymore, it completely destroyed," said the interpreter, translating for 13-year-old Salih Hamidi. The family said their months spent in the refugee camp were difficult, and they worked hard there to afford the basics and struggled to survive. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

treasury board: Andrew Saxton speaks in the House of Commons in Ottawa on May 3, 2013, according to Huffington Post Canada. The two highlighted their experience in the business world. "I am the only candidate who has significant financial experience in both the private sector and in government," said Saxton, who served as parliamentary secretary to two finance ministers and the president of the Treasury Board during his time in the previous Conservative government. Andrew Saxton, Conservative MP for North Vancouver for seven years before losing his seat in the last election, and Vancouver businessman Rick Peterson both launched campaigns Tuesday to replace former prime minister Stephen Harper as party leader. Saxton underlined that experience, which he said included being part of the team that helped the country weather the 2008 recession. Peterson, meanwhile, said he plans to focus his campaign on his ideas for the economy, such as getting rid of corporate income taxes. Economic focus "I would be committed to taking steps that would create a vibrant, free and unfettered economy that gives every Canadian the opportunity to both contribute to and share in our nation progress and prosperity," Saxton said in remarks prepared for his campaign opening. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

wedding planner: They went ahead with February ceremony without a license to make it official, but they aren't giving up on legally tying the knot, according to The Chronicle Herald. Vo, a 31-year-old U.S. citizen who was born in an Indonesian refugee camp, sued Tuesday in federal court to challenge a law that has prevented other immigrants from getting married for the same reason he couldn't. "I don't understand the law. The couple had spent thousands of dollars on a wedding planner, caterer, florist, disc jockey and a reception hall for 350 guests before they learned that a newly amended Louisiana law would block them from getting married. I just want them to fix it, to make things right," Vo told The Associated Press during an interview in his Lafayette hometown. Neither the law critics nor officials with the National Conference of State Legislatures are aware of such legislation elsewhere, although NCSL spokesman Mick Bullock noted that the organization doesn't closely track marriage license requirements. It not clear whether the lawsuit could have implications outside of the state. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

nation progress: The two highlighted their experience in the business world. "I am the only candidate who has significant financial experience in both the private sector and in government," said Saxton, who served as parliamentary secretary to two finance ministers and the president of the Treasury Board during his time in the previous Conservative government, according to The Waterloo Record. Saxton underlined that experience, which he said included being part of the team that helped the country weather the 2008 recession. "I would be committed to taking steps that would create a vibrant, free and unfettered economy that gives every Canadian the opportunity to both contribute to and share in our nation progress and prosperity," Saxton said in remarks prepared for his campaign opening. Andrew Saxton, Conservative MP for North Vancouver for seven years before losing his seat in the last election, and Vancouver businessman Rick Peterson both launched campaigns Tuesday to replace former prime minister Stephen Harper as party leader. Peterson, meanwhile, said he plans to focus his campaign on his ideas for the economy, such as getting rid of corporate income taxes. Peterson said he would also help ensure the Conservative grassroots have a stronger voice in the party, by giving more power and resources to local riding associations. Peterson, a bilingual Alberta native who lost a 2014 bid to lead the B.C. Conservative party, also wants to boost terrorist surveillance and enhance security screening for immigrants, but stops short of a values test like the one put forward by rival Kellie Leitch. "I will say no to an idea that would inevitably lead to an Orwellian 'citizenship values committee,' staffed with busybody bureaucrats," Peterson said in speaking notes sent by his campaign for his own launch event. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

platinum age: He called the opening skit a hit job, and said Baldwin impersonation stinks. "Time to retire the boring and unfunny show," Trump tweeted. "Trump doing this is like an endorsement for the rest of the world," said David Bianculli, author of the upcoming book "The Platinum Age of Television." Less than a year ago, the venerable NBC late-night show earned big ratings — and a lot of heat — for having Trump as a guest host, according to Guelph Mercury. Critics savaged the show. Hours after seeing himself portrayed by Alec Baldwin opposite Kate McKinnon Hillary Clinton impersonation for the third straight week, the Republican presidential candidate took to Twitter to complain. NBC, which that summer had gone out of the beauty pageant business with Trump after his comments about Mexican immigrants and cut ties with him on "Celebrity Apprentice" after he announced his presidential bid, was questioned about whether it was inconsistent to bring him on as "SNL" host. Based on preliminary ratings, this past Saturday third week will be the same. During its first two weeks on the air this fall, NBC had bigger season-opening audiences than at any point since Tina Fey was doing her memorable Sarah Palin impersonation in 2008, the Nielsen company said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rubio: Trump to stop whining and go try to make his case to get votes," Obama said, standing next to Italy prime minister.A more thorough denunciation, however, came from another Republican, according to National Observer. During a debate in the Florida senate race, Marco Rubio — Trump nomination rival-turned-uneasy ally — delivered a passionate reprimand. The day most compelling rebuke came from none other than President Barack Obama."I'd invite Mr. His voice quivering, the young senator cited three reasons the election isn't rigged. Also, 67 counties organize local ballots. Elections are run by the states, which in Florida means the Trump-supporting governor appoints the officials, Rubio said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

summer: A political backlash threatens the governing systems of the European Union and many of its members, according to Brandon Sun. In response, several governments are taking actions that contradict the spirit and the legal framework that have defined for decades the rights of those seeking asylum. Since summer 2015, the massive influx of refugees from the Middle East and parts of Africa has challenged long-held conventions and policies on immigration in Europe. Germany has been at the epicentre of these developments. The choreography of change, especially in an open democracy like Germany, is an intricate play of forces fascinating and admirable to observe firsthand — but, for those involved, difficult to manage with various competing outcomes. Since Chancellor Angela Merkel historic announcement last September that opened Germany borders to an estimated million refugees, citizens and governments at the national, regional and local level have been wrestling with tough questions on what this surge of newcomers from outside of Europe means for their accepted notions of governance and identity. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

wedding planner: They went ahead with February ceremony without a license to make it official, but they aren't giving up on legally tying the knot, according to Brandon Sun. Vo, a 31-year-old U.S. citizen who was born in an Indonesian refugee camp, sued Tuesday in federal court to challenge a law that has prevented other immigrants from getting married for the same reason he couldn't."I don't understand the law. The couple had spent thousands of dollars on a wedding planner, caterer, florist, disc jockey and a reception hall for 350 guests before they learned that a newly amended Louisiana law would block them from getting married. I just want them to fix it, to make things right," Vo told The Associated Press during an interview in his Lafayette hometown. Neither the law critics nor officials with the National Conference of State Legislatures are aware of such legislation elsewhere, although NCSL spokesman Mick Bullock noted that the organization doesn't closely track marriage license requirements. It not clear whether the lawsuit could have implications outside of the state. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

brampton example: On Wednesday — as a federal debate on the issue draws near and with new Ontario legislation that gives cities the option of ranked balloting — Brampton council voted 11-0 against the idea, according to Toronto Star. Meanwhile, Canada first-past-the-post electoral method is being used by fewer and fewer democratic nations around the world because it recognized as a system that too often puts people in power despite their having little voter support. Ranked Order this photo By San Grewal Urban Affairs Reporter Mon., Oct. 17, 2016 For voters across the country who think politicians might replace an outdated election system in favour of one that might help governments better reflect its citizens, Brampton example suggests otherwise. Each city councillor in Brampton has the support, on average, of less than 4 per cent of the city voters, yet they're making decisions that affect the entire city, says Pat McGrail, chair of Fair Vote Peel, who made a presentation to council Wednesday, advocating for a proportional ranked-ballot system. It works by allowing voters to rank at least three top candidates . The candidate who receives the least first place votes is eliminated in each round and their votes are redistributed until one candidate has a majority. Brampton councillors who responded to the Star said they voted against ranked balloting because voters might find the system too confusing. (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 The Chronicle Herald. 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.

leadership table: Smith decisively won a seven-way race for the city north-end district with about 52 per cent of the vote, according to CTV. The 26-year-old will be the first black city councillor elected since 2000 -- when Graham Downey, the only other visible minority member to serve in Halifax regional council since its inception in 1996, lost the seat Smith now occupies. "For the black community, it like we have somebody who at the leadership table," Smith says. "It almost this sigh of relief like, 'Wow, it took this long." Smith predecessor, outgoing councillor Jennifer Watts, did not seek re-election in the north-end district. The numbers show ... something different is needed," Smith said after Halifax municipal elections wrapped up over the weekend. "When someone comes in and starts asking questions, people realize, 'We don't know why we still do it that way."' Towns and cities across Nova Scotia made modest gains in diversity with the results of municipal elections on Saturday, but Smith and others note the province still has a long way to go. She expressed hope this election would change the composition of the then all-white, three-quarters male and "predominately older" council to better reflect the city it serves. Meanwhile, the number of female councillors in City Hall shrunk from four to two. "It great that we have someone who not of European descent and is not over fifty, but we need to have all different voices," Smith says. Despite having a more diverse roster of candidates this year -- including seven visible minorities and the city first openly transgender candidate -- Smith was the only member of a previously unrepresented group to get elected. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

numbers show: Lindell Smith will be Halifax first black city councillor elected since 2000, according to Huffington Post Canada. Smith decisively won a seven-way race for the city north-end district with about 52 per cent of the vote. The numbers show ... something different is needed,'' Smith said after Halifax municipal elections wrapped up over the weekend. "When someone comes in and starts asking questions, people realize, 'We don't know why we still do it that way.'" Towns and cities across Nova Scotia made modest gains in diversity with the results of municipal elections on Saturday, but Smith and others note the province still has a long way to go. The 26-year-old will be the first black city councillor elected since 2000 — when Graham Downey, the only other visible minority member to serve in Halifax regional council since its inception in 1996, lost the seat Smith now occupies. "For the black community, it like we have somebody who at the leadership table,'' Smith says. "It almost this sigh of relief like, 'Wow, it took this long.'' Smith predecessor, outgoing councillor Jennifer Watts, did not seek re-election in the north-end district. We need to have different voices' Despite having a more diverse roster of candidates this year — including seven visible minorities and the city first openly transgender candidate — Smith was the only member of a previously unrepresented group to get elected. She expressed hope this election would change the composition of the then all-white, three-quarters male and "predominately older'' council to better reflect the city it serves. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

pad china: Zhang Youxia, replied: "Proceed!" followed by blaring marching music as the astronauts boarded a bus to take them to the launch pad, according to CTV. China, Russia and the United States are the only countries that have independently launched humans into space, and while the others have more experience in manned space travel, China military-backed program has made methodical progress in comparatively short time. Ahead of the launch, one astronaut shouted: "We are ready! Please give instructions!" in front of dozens of people dressed in colorful dress representing China ethnic minorities, in footage shown prominently on Chinese TV. The commander-in-chief of the manned space program, Gen. The launch is China sixth manned mission, the previous longest being about two weeks. A fully functioning space station is on course to begin operating six years from now and slated to run for at least a decade. For this mission, the astronauts will dock their spacecraft with the Tiangong 2 station within two days, conduct experiments in medicine and space-related technologies, and test systems and processes in preparation for the launching of the station core module in 2018. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

police organizations: For many, it was just right, according to Metro News. The president of one of the largest police organizations in the United States on Monday apologized for historical mistreatment of minorities, calling it a "dark side of our shared history" that must be acknowledged and overcome. For others, it didn't go far enough. Terrence Cunningham, president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, said at the group annual conference that police have historically been a face of oppression, enforcing laws that ensured legalized discrimination and denial of basic rights. Cunningham said today officers are not to blame for past injustices. He was not more specific. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

polls: You cite polls showing a widespread dislike of increased immigration, according to Toronto Star. The reason your opinion is at odds with the opinion of the polls is because it is the culture of future immigrants, not specifically their numbers, that is important. You give two reasons for more immigrants — our moral responsibility and our self-interest in acquiring future labour. Article Continued Below Robert Heard, Toronto The Morning Headlines Newsletter Delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up react-empty: 141 (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rights group: The London-based human rights group found in an investigation that it appeared that no Nauruan had been held to account despite allegations of dozens of sexual assaults and physical attacks from 1,159 asylum seekers and refugees who live among 10,000 local residents on the tiny island, according to Toronto Star. According to confidential information provided to Amnesty International in September 2016, in the preceding two years there had not been a single prosecution involving refugees or asylum seekers as complainants in cases of assault, rape and theft, the report said. By Rod McGuirk The Associated Press Mon., Oct. 17, 2016 CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA—Authorities failed to adequately investigate complaints of violent crimes committed against asylum seekers held at Australia expense on the Pacific atoll nation of Nauru, Amnesty International said Monday. Australia Department of Immigration and Border Protection said the report repeated claims that had already been refuted. Australia attempts to deter asylum seekers from Africa, the Middle East and Asia from trying to reach Australian shores by boat from Indonesian ports by sending them to immigration camps at Nauru or Papua New Guinea. It said Amnesty International had failed to approach the Australian government to verify its allegations. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rights group: Australia Department of Immigration and Border Protection said the report repeated claims that had already been refuted, according to Metro News. It said Amnesty International had failed to approach the Australian government to verify its allegations. The London-based human rights group found in an investigation that it appeared that no Nauruan had been held to account despite allegations of dozens of sexual assaults and physical attacks from 1,159 asylum seekers and refugees who live among 10,000 local residents on the tiny island."According to confidential information provided to Amnesty International in September 2016, in the preceding two years there had not been a single prosecution involving refugees or asylum seekers as complainants in cases of assault, rape and theft," the report said. Australia attempts to deter asylum seekers from Africa, the Middle East and Asia from trying to reach Australian shores by boat from Indonesian ports by sending them to immigration camps at Nauru or Papua New Guinea. The Guardian newspaper in August published more than 2,000 leaked incident reports from Nauru that included allegations of sexual abuse, assaults and self-harm among asylum seekers. Genuine refugees among them are told they will never be resettled in Australia. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.