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.

driver race: The data revealed that drivers perceived to be Middle Eastern accounted for 12.3 per cent of the stops, about 3.3 times what you would expect based on their proportion of Ottawa population, according to CTV. Those thought to be black accounted for 8.8 per cent of the stops, roughly 2.3 times higher than anticipated based on population size. Researchers at York University looked at 81,902 traffic stops between 2013 and 2015 where officers were asked to approximate the driver race, sex, and age, as well the reason for the traffic stop and the outcome. The disparities were even more pronounced among young men. Young black men were 8.3 times more likely to be stopped. Middle Eastern males between the ages of 16 to 24 were 12 times more likely to be pulled over. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

economy: At least three-quarters of respondents in every group in Canada believe immigration has a positive effect on the economy, with support the strongest in Toronto, and among those with a university degree, according to Globe and Mail. Most Canadians continue to believe that immigration is good for the economy, and there is growing confidence in the country ability to manage refugees and potential criminal elements, said the survey, which was conducted this month and has tracked trends dating to the 1980s. The answer, the authors say, is no. Elsewhere, tensions are rising. In the United States, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall to keep Mexicans out, and has called for a complete shutdown of Muslims entering the country. In Europe, waves of migrants have prompted some countries to implement stricter border controls, while attacks against immigrants are growing. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

european parliament: Millions of people across Europe and Canada have rejected this deal, including many Members of European Parliament, unions, environmental groups and farmers." Green Party leader Elizabeth May is almost as pleased. "I applaud the Wallonian regional parliament for standing firmly against this bad deal, according to Rabble. In its current form, the agreement will increase pharmaceutical costs and hurt farmers, manufacturing sectors, and Canadian sovereignty." The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is unhappy, to put it mildly. Please consider supporting his work with a monthly donation Support Karl on Patreon today for as little as $1 per month! The Council of Canadians is exultant about the potential demise of a Canada/EU trade agreement. "Democracy has prevailed and the agenda to boost corporate rights is in tatters," says Maude Barlow, the Council national chairperson. "This isn't about internal Belgian politics. It believes the collapse of talks between Canada and the EU represents a "serious set-back for efforts to restore economic growth." "It would be hard to find two partners that are better-suited to building an economic alliance, so it incredibly disappointing to see the agreement fall short of the finish line by a few inches," says a chagrined Perrin Beatty, the Chamber CEO. The Official Opposition Conservatives are also, officially, disappointed. Conservatives point out that for most of their tenure in office they kept the talks going, productively. But their tears seem, perhaps, a bit crocodilian. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration process: He says the Liberals will support a Conservative motion calling for more support for the Yazidis, who have been singled out for particularly brutal treatment by Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL. McCallum says his department has dispatched people to the region to begin the immigration process, although he hasn't committed to a set number of Yazidi refugees, according to Toronto Star. He says, though, that they are a priority for the government. By The Canadian Press Mon., Oct. 24, 2016 OTTAWA—Immigration Minister John McCallum says the Liberal government is prepared to start bringing Yazidi refugees into the country within four months. One problem has been that the Yazidis have been mainly caught up in isolated combat zones, far from the refugee camps in Syria and Turkey which allow far easier access to officials seeking to screen and process newcomers. They have been targeted by Daesh militants, who have used rape, torture and mass murder against them. Article Continued Below The Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking religious minority who used to dwell mainly in northern Iraq. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration program: True, Canadians responded with compassion to the Syrian crisis, with ordinary citizens sponsoring more than 31,000 refugees, according to Globe and Mail. And our immigration program remains robust; this year set a record for immigrant inflows to Canada. Some have asked whether this tide of xenophobic sentiment is also evident here. But is the xenophobia we see elsewhere also gaining ground here Are racist political messages in Europe and the United States emboldening Canadians to unleash previously suppressed hostility The latest Focus Canada survey, fielded a few weeks ago and updating questions tracked since the 1970s and 80s, finds that Canadians have recently become less hostile to immigrants. Most Canadians continue to believe that immigration is good for the economy, disagree that immigration levels are too high and express growing confidence in the country ability to manage any challenges associated with immigrants and refugees. Attitudes about immigration have held steady or grown noticeably more positive over the past 15 months. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

islamic state: Nadia Mura Basee Taha is recognized by the speaker after Question Period on Tuesday, according to Huffington Post Canada. She received an ovation from the House before MPs voted 313-0 to adopt a Conservative motion calling on the Liberal government to help her fellow Yazidis within the next 120 days. Nadia Murad, described by the Conservatives as a victim of sex trafficking at the hands of members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, has been lobbying MPs this week on behalf of her hard-hit fellow Yazidis. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his personal assurance that help is in the offing. "I am pleased to see Nadia again today and reassure her that in the coming months we are committed to bring in ... vulnerable Yazidi refugees," he said during question period. Thousands of Yazidi men were killed, while thousands of women and girls were carried off, bought and sold in slave markets. The Yazidis, a Kurdish-speaking religious minority who used to dwell mainly in northern Iraq, have been targeted by ISIL militants over the last two years. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mass murder: McCallum says his department has dispatched people to the region to begin the immigration process, although he hasn't committed to a set number of Yazidi refugees, according to The Chronicle Herald. He says, though, that they are a priority for the government. He says the Liberals will support a Conservative motion calling for more support for the Yazidis, who have been singled out for particularly brutal treatment by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. One problem has been that the Yazidis have been mainly caught up in isolated combat zones, far from the refugee camps in Syria and Turkey which allow far easier access to officials seeking to screen and process newcomers. They have been targeted by ISIL militants, who have used rape, torture and mass murder against them. The Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking religious minority who used to dwell mainly in northern Iraq. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mazhar: Many Muslim women fear backlash for speaking out, according to Hamilton Spectator. Instead, they feel they should be grateful and "count their blessings" as immigrant women living in Canada, she said. During a question period at the meeting on Monday night, Fauzia Mazhar of Kitchener told the crowd of about 200 people at Kitchener City Hall that Muslim women in Waterloo Region face "chronic unemployment." "We can fill this room," Mazhar told Michael Coteau, provincial minister of children and youth services and the minister responsible for the Anti-Racism Directorate. Mazhar, who works as a social worker, said Muslim women face three strikes against them: they are women, they are a visible minority and they outwardly display their faith. "My religion is so visible. She said many Muslim women have degrees from their homeland and then attend university here, often receiving a master degree in social work. I wear it everyday on my head," said Mazhar, who wears a hijab. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

medicine hat: The mother supports what she says is the child wish to identify and dress as a girl, but the father does not and blames the mother for the child gender confusion, according to Hamilton Spectator. Last year, a judge ruled the child could only wear girls' clothes in private. The case involves a couple in Medicine Hat fighting over custody of the five-year-old. A second judge later upheld the decision. He said the case makes it clear that the "next frontier" of awareness and education for the courts is gender identity, particularly involving young children. A third judge recently removed the restriction and said the child can choose what clothes to wear. "These kinds of decisions shouldn't be happening, particularly when our human rights legislation has changed," Kris Wells with the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services at the University of Alberta said Monday. "Some of these attitudes need to be challenged and corrected." Wells has been helping the mother and said she doesn't want the family identified. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

regulation time: Jakub Voracek scored the lone goal for the visiting Flyers . Steve Mason stopped 30-of-32 shots in defeat, according to CTV. Gallagher scored on the power play at 13:08 of the third period, just four seconds into Montreal man advantage. Shea Weber and Alexander Radulov, into the empty net, also scored for Montreal . Carey Price made 31 saves for his third consecutive win to start the season. The pesky winger deflected Radulov shot from the point past Mason. First-place Montreal remains the only NHL team unbeaten in regulation time. Gallagher got the play going after winning the faceoff to the left of Mason before scoring his team-leading fourth goal of the season. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

memphis grizzlies: Udrih is entering his 13th NBA season, according to The Waterloo Record. He has averaged 8.5 points and 3.4 assists in his career. Detroit made the moves Monday, two days before opening the season at Toronto. He played for the Heat and Memphis Grizzlies last season, averaging 4.7 points and 2.6 assists. McCallum has averaged six points a game over three seasons with the Kings, Spurs and Grizzlies. The 6-foot-4 native of Slovenia was drafted in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs in 2004 and also played for Sacramento, Orlando and New York. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

misdemeanour conviction: Arpaio could face up to six months in jail if convicted, according to Brandon Sun. A misdemeanour conviction would not bar Arpaio from serving as sheriff. The U.S. Department of Justice promised two weeks ago that it would prosecute Sheriff Joe Arpaio, but the misdemeanour count wasn't officially filed against him until U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton signed it. Democratic challenger Paul Penzone said Arpaio, through his acts of political defiance, has no one to blame but himself for the charge."It another example of the sheriff putting his own personal objectives ahead of the best interest of the community at our expense," Penzone said. McDonald said Arpaio will not be arrested and no mugshot will be taken. Arpaio lawyer Mel McDonald said the sheriff will contest the charge. "We believe that when the final chapter is written, he will be vindicated," McDonald said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

public-private partnerships: It would reserve profitable public infrastructure for the private sector, but have governments alone foot the bill for those schemes — such as environmental remediation and First Nations projects — that are destined to lose money, according to The Waterloo Record. It would have the government set up a new agency to convince foreign investors that Canada is open for business. The scheme, worked out by Finance Minister Bill Morneau hand-picked advisory panel, relies on privatization, deregulation, public-private partnerships and user fees. The jargon is modern. By and large, however, the message is old: Canada is in danger of lagging. The report, released last week, talks several times about creating "a flywheel of institutional capital participation" — whatever that means. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rights front: On every human rights front, you will find an internal battle within Islamic society, according to NOW Magazine. There are those who push for LGBT inclusion, and those who push to keep things non-inclusive. Modernity, science and internet-connectivity take us forward and water down strict adherence to religion – but they also trigger reactionary pushback. If you're a liberal, ex-Muslim atheist like I am, you're likely to find yourself caught in a 'hate sandwich.' On the one hand, you're ostracized and shamed by conservatives in your own community for fighting for equality, progress and freedom from religion. One side thinks you're not Muslim enough. On the other hand, you're probably also a target of xenophobic anti-Muslim bigotry, the product of increasing anti-immigrant hate in these Trumpian times. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

utah jazz: A maximum of 15 players are allowed on the 30 NBA teams, according to Brandon Sun. The NBA said Tuesday that the Utah Jazz lead the way with seven international players. The 113 international players come from 41 countries and territories. Every team has at least one such player. Eleven players from Canada are on NBA rosters, followed by France at 10, Brazil at nine, and Australia and Spain at eight. Canadians are most represented for the third straight year. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

business talent: It a target, according to Huffington Post Canada. Holiday shopping crowds at Toronto Yorkdale Mall. For two of the most prominent voices inside the Trudeau government influential council of economic advisers, it much more than a passing fancy. Canada would see its population triple by the end of the century under a proposal put forward by some of the Trudeau government economic advisors. One of their first recommendations, released last week, called for a gradual increase in permanent immigration to 450,000 people a year by 2021 — with a focus on top business talent and international students. The 14-member council was assembled by Finance Minister Bill Morneau to provide "bold'' advice on how best to guide Canada struggling economy out of its slow-growth rut. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

donald trump: Democrat Hillary Clinton features a softer approach that embraces diversity and the value of keeping immigrant families together, even as her critics accuse her of promoting "open borders." It not just talk, according to CTV. The White House contenders' policies would send the country -- and the lives of roughly 11 million people -- down very different paths. In tone, Republican Donald Trump often highlights violent crimes perpetrated by immigrants in the country illegally, with aggressive rhetoric that emphasizes nationalism. Trump says he would build a massive wall, target millions for deportation and deny legal status to anyone currently in the country illegally. Here is a summary of their proposals: She promises to propose immigration legislation in her first 100 days that would include a route to citizenship. Clinton would offer a pathway to citizenship for most immigrants regardless of how they arrived, continue to defer enforcement action against families, and offer health care options to immigrants here illegally. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration consultant: If another person has to die because the government doesn't take action -- we've had three deaths this year -- is that what this takes " Mac Donald Scott, an immigration consultant and organizer with No One Is Illegal, told rabble in a telephone interview, according to Rabble. Hunger strike highlights injustice of indefinite detention Kashif Ali is one of the detainees on strike. The hunger strike is the third of its kind this year, and detainees' demands remain unchanged: an end to indefinite detention of migrants with a 90-day limit on detentions as an interim measure. "We want an end to indefinite detention, we don't want to be locked up in maximum security prisons, and we want real access to effective legal remedies to contest our detention," stated one of the strike organizers, according to a No One Is Illegal press release. "Not only are these completely understandable demands, but the 90-day demand falls in with American, European and international law. Ali, a 50-year old Ghanaian asylum seeker, has been in immigration detention for a total of 12 years. "I swear every night I sleep three or four hours, I don't know if I will be released or put on a plane. People like me, I am not fighting them, but we can't be deported, we should be released, given ID and papers and the support to work. They are making me go crazy, I can't sleep, I am depressed, I have stomach problems. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

islamic state: McCallum says his department has dispatched people to the region to begin the immigration process, although he hasn't committed to a set number of Yazidi refugees, according to The Waterloo Record. He says, though, that they are a priority for the government. He says the Liberals will support a Conservative motion calling for more support for the Yazidis, who have been singled out for particularly brutal treatment by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. One problem has been that the Yazidis have been mainly caught up in isolated combat zones, far from the refugee camps in Syria and Turkey which allow far easier access to officials seeking to screen and process newcomers. They have been targeted by IS militants, who have used rape, torture and mass murder against them. The Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking religious minority who used to dwell mainly in northern Iraq. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

larranaga worries: The Hurricanes attempted to perform one, and then sheepishly acknowledged to the Seals that while good, it could have been better. "The message is we're going to do all the little things correctly," Larranaga said. "And we're not going to be very good until we get it exactly right, according to The Waterloo Record. Not close to right — exactly right. The Navy Seals paid a visit in September, and among the topics discussed was the perfect jumping jack. Because if one guy is out of step, the play doesn't work." With a young team short on experience, Larranaga worries about the little things. Larranaga has only 10 scholarship players, five of them newcomers. The top two scorers and top rebounder departed from last season team, which went 27-8 and reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mass murder: McCallum says his department has dispatched people to the region to begin the immigration process, although he hasn't committed to a set number of Yazidi refugees, according to Guelph Mercury. He says, though, that they are a priority for the government. He says the Liberals will support a Conservative motion calling for more support for the Yazidis, who have been singled out for particularly brutal treatment by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. One problem has been that the Yazidis have been mainly caught up in isolated combat zones, far from the refugee camps in Syria and Turkey which allow far easier access to officials seeking to screen and process newcomers. They have been targeted by ISIL militants, who have used rape, torture and mass murder against them. The Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking religious minority who used to dwell mainly in northern Iraq. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration process: John McCallum answers a question in the House of Commons, Oct. 24, according to Huffington Post Canada. McCallum says his department has dispatched people to the region to begin the immigration process, although he hasn't committed to a set number of Yazidi refugees. He says the Liberals will support a Conservative motion calling for more support for the Yazidis, who have been singled out for particularly brutal treatment by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. He says, though, that they are a priority for the government. The Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking religious minority who used to dwell mainly in northern Iraq. One problem has been that the Yazidis have been mainly caught up in isolated combat zones, far from the refugee camps in Syria and Turkey which allow far easier access to officials seeking to screen and process newcomers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

islamic state: McCallum says his department has dispatched people to the region to begin the immigration process, although he hasn't committed to a set number of Yazidi refugees, according to Hamilton Spectator. He says, though, that they are a priority for the government. He says the Liberals will support a Conservative motion calling for more support for the Yazidis, who have been singled out for particularly brutal treatment by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. One problem has been that the Yazidis have been mainly caught up in isolated combat zones, far from the refugee camps in Syria and Turkey which allow far easier access to officials seeking to screen and process newcomers. They have been targeted by IS militants, who have used rape, torture and mass murder against them. The Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking religious minority who used to dwell mainly in northern Iraq. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

larranaga worries: The Hurricanes attempted to perform one, and then sheepishly acknowledged to the Seals that while good, it could have been better. "The message is we're going to do all the little things correctly," Larranaga said. "And we're not going to be very good until we get it exactly right, according to Hamilton Spectator. Not close to right — exactly right. The Navy Seals paid a visit in September, and among the topics discussed was the perfect jumping jack. Because if one guy is out of step, the play doesn't work." With a young team short on experience, Larranaga worries about the little things. Larranaga has only 10 scholarship players, five of them newcomers. The top two scorers and top rebounder departed from last season team, which went 27-8 and reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

leadership race: The former public safety minister says he would bring back a new face-covering law as a way of stemming what he calls the slow and steady erosion of Canadian values, according to The Chronicle Herald. Related:Conservative leadership race — who in, who out, who still thinking it over Under the proposed rules, all federal officials — regardless of whether they offer services on the front lines — would be forbidden from having their face covered when dealing with the public. In his first policy announcement since revealing his leadership bid on the weekend, Blaney said Monday it time for a discussion on Canadian identity. The entire public service, whether in direct contact with the population, must reflect Canadian society, he said. We must ensure that these new Canadians we welcome understand how we live, Blaney said. A Blaney-led government wouldn't hesitate to use the notwithstanding clause to stop the Supreme Court of Canada from striking down the measure. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mass murder: McCallum says his department has dispatched people to the region to begin the immigration process, although he hasn't committed to a set number of Yazidi refugees, according to CTV. He says, though, that they are a priority for the government. He says the Liberals will support a Conservative motion calling for more support for the Yazidis, who have been singled out for particularly brutal treatment by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. One problem has been that the Yazidis have been mainly caught up in isolated combat zones, far from the refugee camps in Syria and Turkey which allow far easier access to officials seeking to screen and process newcomers. They have been targeted by ISIL militants, who have used rape, torture and mass murder against them. The Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking religious minority who used to dwell mainly in northern Iraq. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.