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.

penn .,: Shingara, 67, is a member of the Oath Keepers, a right-wing militia group, and he has a plan for civil disobedience, according to Metro News. If Trump loses the presidential election on Tuesday, he will drive into the drive-thru lane of a restaurant he thinks is employing an illegal immigrant. He'll go to McDonald's. You park the car in the drive-thru lane and you lock the keys in it, he explained outside Trump Friday rally in Hershey, Penn., where he was part of the stage-assembly crew. Trump still has a real chance to beat Hillary Clinton. You call 911 and say, 'There an illegal working here, the McDonald owner should be arrested for hiring an illegal.' People think there nothing they can do There an example of what they can do. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

opening night: The entire two-week run was sold out even before opening night, according to Vancouver Observer. The same went for its just-completed stint as the only Canadian entry in last month Asian American Theatre Festival at the prestigious Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon. At least not in Vancouver during its current engagement at The Cultch intimate Lab Theatre. You might – if you hurry to book in advance – be able to catch the show on its upcoming tour of Ottawa, Montreal or Toronto, should you happen to be headed that way over the next couple of months.I missed Empire of the Son at its premiere last year, which emerged as the surprise hit of the city 2015 live stage season . The play propelled its sponsoring troupe, the Vancouver Asian-Canadian Theatre , into the front ranks of local drama companies. So here, for the record, is my impression of what all the excitement is about. Given its track record of success, there could well be future chances to catch "Empire of the Son" again here in town. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

paul davidson: There was a blip after 9/11 of international students coming to Canada, said Paul Davidson, the president of Universities Canada, according to Globe and Mail. Similarly, the double-digit increases in international students arriving here in the past several years were partly due to a drop in those choosing Australia or New Zealand. Other security issues or global conflicts in the past have drawn international students to Canada safety, observers point out. Now, in the wake of a divisive election debate in the United States and with Brexit sowing uncertainty, students from many countries will likely once again look beyond the top three destinations of the United States, the U.K. and Australia, Mr. Even before the Brexit vote, Britain was seeing its market share erode in the wake of more restrictive visa rules that made it harder for former international graduates to stay and work in the country. Davidson suggested. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syrian families: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared their success at a speech to the United Nations in October, according to CBC. While the family thrived in their new home and opened a chocolate-making business, emotionally the parents struggled with the choice they had to make to come to Canada: leave behind one of their adult daughters and her two children. The Hadhad family moved to Antigonish in January, and since then they've become one of the most well-known Syrian families in the country. Batoul Hadhad can't believe her sister is finally moving to Antigonish. @carolynraycbc Alaa Hadhad and her children Omar and Sana have been living in hiding since her family left for Canada. Because his whereabouts are unknown, Alaa Hadhad was an unregistered refugee, her brother Tareq said, making her case far more complicated as she sought to come to Canada. Her husband was arrested nearly three years ago in Syria and the family hasn't heard from him since. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

transit: The video goes on for about 2 ½ minutes as the train is pulling into the Anderson station, according to CTV. Calgary Transit officials say there has been a spike in incidents like these on CTrains recently, something that has authorities concerned. "There nothing we can do if it not reported directly to us, said Brian Whitelaw, Calgary Transit. The video was taken by a 15-year-old boy who was also riding the train at about 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5. We have learned of a number of situations that are similar related like this in the last little while." Those who work with immigrants say it unfortunate to find these attitudes in the city. They've come from situations and circumstances that the average Canadian would never have to deal with thankfully and they come over here looking for respect, equality, opportunity," said David Hohol, Centre for Newcomers. Calgary Centre for Newcomers works with immigrants to help them adjust to life in Canada, and show them how to handle confrontations like these, saying most people can hold their own. "They are resilient. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

election day: That a relief to the state Democrats, according to The Waterloo Record. Democratic city officials were worried that the strike could affect turnout at the polls Tuesday. Philadelphia public transit system will be up and running in time for Election Day now that a weeklong strike has ended. Pennsylvania does not offer early voting, so Election Day turnout is key. Democrat Hillary Clinton is counting on strong support in the Philadelphia area. The state has favoured Democrats in recent presidential elections, but polls suggest the race is tightening. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

emma halpern: Advocates fighting for three Nova Scotia-based women to remain in Canada say their cases are unusual, but not uncommon, according to The Waterloo Record. And they're hoping attention around their plight prompts governments to address what they say is a gap in youth protection policies for young people that become wards of the state, but whose residency status is not addressed by children aid workers, foster families or their biological parents. "There is this legal gap that no one is really looking at because it doesn't strictly fall under child protection, it doesn't strictly fall under criminal law, it doesn't strictly speaking fall under refugee law," says Emma Halpern, a lawyer with the Elizabeth Fry Society who is handling the women cases. "So it hard to figure out who is going to put all of the pieces of this puzzle together so that we don't end up with extremely vulnerable people in our society losing their ability to stay in a country they've lived for their whole lives." Halpern handles cases only involving women through the Elizabeth Fry Society, but the problem similarly affects men across the country. They have spent much of their lives in Canada, had children, voted and held down jobs, but now find themselves facing deportation because of immigration issues that were never resolved when they were brought to the country as children and ended up in the care of the state. In many cases, they only become aware of their lack of citizenship when they get in trouble with the law as adults and face the prospect of deportation. Cramman, whose four young daughters were born in Ontario, only became aware that she was not a Canadian citizen following a drug conviction and incarceration. The issue gained prominence recently when Fliss Cramman, a 33-year-old woman who grew up in Ontario, learned that she was to be deported back to England despite having left the country with her family when she was eight. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration lawyers: The number of people receiving Canadian work permits in the first eight months of the year soared 54 per cent over the same period in 2015, according to The Waterloo Record. Both the government and immigration lawyers say there have not been any policies to account for the increase. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada shows a significant spike in the number of work permits being granted to American residents. Elsewhere, job seeking company Monster Worldwide released figures showing the number of American site users searching for jobs based in Canada has surged 58 per cent so far in 2016. Brett Bruin, who once worked as the director of global engagement for U.S. President Barack Obama and now works as a consultant for businesses setting up outside the United States, said Canada is a particularly appealing destination for Americans whose political views skew to the left. Experts say they suspect the uptick in people both expressing interest and actually obtaining jobs in Canada is a direct result of the U.S. election and the hostile political climate that likely won't dissipate once the ballots are counted. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

jesse jackson: In Philadelphia, the minister reminded congregants others had died for their chance to cast a ballot, according to Brandon Sun. The Rev. On the final weekend of the presidential campaign, a pastor in Detroit spoke of voting and citizenship. Jesse Jackson spoke to a few hundred people in front of City Hall in Tallahassee, Florida, before they marched a block over to the county courthouse to vote early. However, early voting data from key states indicate turnout will not be as high this year as it was four years ago, when Barack Obama, the nation first African-American president, was on the ballot. Along with women and Hispanics, African-Americans are seen as critical to Clinton chances against Republican Donald Trump. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ohio: Coach Kevin McGuff hopes they are among the missing pieces that will get No. 7 Ohio State deeper into the post-season. "The chemistry is very good, the work ethic has been excellent," McGuff said. "It really nice to have the amount of players we have out there, and right now if we stay healthy — knock on wood — looks like we could have a deep team." Besides Mitchell, a 5-foot-8 junior guard who averaged 26 points a game last year, Ohio State returns two other starters, forward Alexa Hart and guard Asia Doss . Shayla Cooper, a 6-foot-2 forward and the team lone senior, also provides experience inside, according to Guelph Mercury. Mitchell twin sister, Chelsea, also returns as a bit player; their father, Mark, is an Ohio State assistant coach. This season, not only do the Buckeyes have All-American Kelsey Mitchell returning to anchor the lineup, they've got some new bigs — namely 6-foot-3 North Carolina transfer Stephanie Mavunga and 6-foot-4 freshman Tori McCoy, a five-star recruit and McDonald All-American. Lost were Ohio State second-leading scorer last year, guard Ameryst Alston , now a rookie with the WNBA New York Liberty, as well as guard Cait Craft, a defensive stalwart and team leader. LOTS OF NEW FACES Adding to Ohio State depth are three transfers, who all sat out last year, and three freshmen who collected buckets of prep accolades. The Buckeyes open the season Nov. 11 against Duquesne. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

alison auld: She only recently discovered that her legal guardians never secured her Canadian citizenship, an oversight which now leaves her vulnerable to deportation, according to Toronto Star. By Alison Auld The Canadian Press Sun., Nov. 6, 2016 HALIFAX — They have been deemed women without status for failings dating back to their childhoods, say their supporters. Cramman left England when she was eight years old and grew up in Ontario. They have spent much of their lives in Canada, had children, voted and held down jobs, but now find themselves facing deportation because of immigration issues that were never resolved when they were brought to the country as children and ended up in the care of the state. And they're hoping attention around their plight prompts governments to address what they say is a gap in youth protection policies for young people that become wards of the state, but whose residency status is not addressed by children aid workers, foster families or their biological parents. Advocates fighting for three Nova Scotia-based women to remain in Canada say their cases are unusual, but not uncommon. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian officials: HILLARY CLINTON Connections: Clinton is a known quantity to Canadian officials from her time as a U.S. senator and secretary of state, which has also given her an understanding of Canada role in the world, says Gordon Giffin, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada: "Sometimes there too much focus on what we sell back and forth across the 49th parallel and not enough attention to the fact that Canada is quite engaged with the United States all over the world on issues and principles and values that we share, according to Hamilton Spectator. And she knows all of that, so she starts from a pretty strong foundation of engagement with Canada." Trade: Frustrations over the long-running dispute over softwood lumber could receive a boost with Clinton in the White House, as Giffin predicts Clinton would want to resolve the years-long impasse with a long-term agreement. Each are proposing different agendas for the U.S. that pose questions, opportunities and challenges to cross-border relations. Clinton is also likely to look for changes to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, having expressed criticisms on the campaign trail in a bid to maintain support from Bernie Sanders backers. Another trade opportunity: Changes to the cross-border labour mobility rules in the North American Free Trade Agreement that Clinton may also be open to updating. Canada is among the countries negotiating the agreement, and could use the opportunity to find changes for Clinton that help Canada and the United States. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

children: Advocates fighting for three Nova Scotia-based women to remain in Canada say their cases are unusual, but not uncommon, according to CBC. And they're hoping attention around their plight prompts governments to address what they say is a gap in youth protection policies for young people that become wards of the state, but whose residency status is not addressed by children aid workers, foster families or their biological parents. They have spent much of their lives in Canada, had children, voted and held down jobs, but now find themselves facing deportation because of immigration issues that were never resolved when they were brought to the country as children and ended up in the care of the state. Falling through the cracks "There is this legal gap that no one is really looking at because it doesn't strictly fall under child protection, it doesn't strictly fall under criminal law, it doesn't strictly speaking fall under refugee law," says Emma Halpern, a lawyer with the Elizabeth Fry Society who is handling the women cases. "So it hard to figure out who is going to put all of the pieces of this puzzle together so that we don't end up with extremely vulnerable people in our society losing their ability to stay in a country they've lived for their whole lives." Halpern handles cases only involving women through the Elizabeth Fry Society, but the problem similarly affects men across the country. Unaware of lack of citizenship In many cases, they only become aware of their lack of citizenship when they get in trouble with the law as adults and face the prospect of deportation. The Elizabeth Fry Society Emma Halpern says Fliss Cramman is being punished by a system that was supposed to care for her. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

christian church: Saad, 32, and Altabra, 47, are lucky in that they had the money and their sponsors had the foresight to ask for it upfront to ensure there were funds to help the family get through their first year in Quebec, according to Huffington Post Canada. Many refugees, however, were sponsored by private citizens who meant well but didn't have the means to care for them, according to several community groups interviewed by The Canadian Press. The cash belongs to them because they paid a Christian church $12,000 to come to Canada and are getting the money back in 12 monthly instalments. From left, Samir Altabra, Fadi , Reem and Dania Saad, a Syrian family who came to Canada eight months ago, pose for a photograph at a community centre in Laval, Que., on Oct. 29, 2016. Only after one year can refugees unable to find work apply for welfare. "We had schools calling us because kids were coming in with nothing to eat, while others called and said the rent couldn't be paid,'' Bourret said. Moreover, these groups and the Quebec government are now looking to what known as the "13th month'' — when privately sponsored refugees become responsible for their own financial well-being after a year in the province. "Some families had nothing to eat, no furniture, often not even appliances,'' said Marie Bourret, co-ordinator with CLICS Laval, a volunteer centre that has been helping refugees integrate into the province. "We've had people come to us who had been here five months and didn't even have a refrigerator.'' Privately sponsored refugees were not meant to be in this situation. "We've had people come to us who had been here five months and didn't even have a refrigerator.'' As opposed to refugees taken in by the province who are immediately eligible for welfare, privately sponsored individuals and families are supposed to be under the care of their benefactors for 12 months. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

church: Saad, 32, and Altabra, 47, are lucky in that they had the money and their sponsors had the foresight to ask for it upfront to ensure there were funds to help the family get through their first year in Quebec, according to The Chronicle Herald. Many refugees, however, were sponsored by private citizens who meant well but didn't have the means to care for them, according to several community groups interviewed by The Canadian Press. The cash belongs to them because they paid a Christian church $12,000 to come to Canada and are getting the money back in 12 monthly instalments. Moreover, these groups and the Quebec government are now looking to what known as the "13th month" — when privately sponsored refugees become responsible for their own financial well-being after a year in the province. "Some families had nothing to eat, no furniture, often not even appliances," said Marie Bourret, co-ordinator with CLICS Laval, a volunteer centre that has been helping refugees integrate into the province. "We've had people come to us who had been here five months and didn't even have a refrigerator." Privately sponsored refugees were not meant to be in this situation. Only after one year can refugees unable to find work apply for welfare. "We had schools calling us because kids were coming in with nothing to eat, while others called and said the rent couldn't be paid," Bourret said. As opposed to refugees taken in by the province who are immediately eligible for welfare, privately sponsored individuals and families are supposed to be under the care of their benefactors for 12 months. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian officials: HILLARY CLINTON Connections: Clinton is a known quantity to Canadian officials from her time as a U.S. senator and secretary of state, which has also given her an understanding of Canada role in the world, says Gordon Giffin, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada: "Sometimes there too much focus on what we sell back and forth across the 49th parallel and not enough attention to the fact that Canada is quite engaged with the United States all over the world on issues and principles and values that we share, according to The Waterloo Record. And she knows all of that, so she starts from a pretty strong foundation of engagement with Canada." Trade: Frustrations over the long-running dispute over softwood lumber could receive a boost with Clinton in the White House, as Giffin predicts Clinton would want to resolve the years-long impasse with a long-term agreement. Each are proposing different agendas for the U.S. that pose questions, opportunities and challenges to cross-border relations. Clinton is also likely to look for changes to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, having expressed criticisms on the campaign trail in a bid to maintain support from Bernie Sanders backers. Another trade opportunity: Changes to the cross-border labour mobility rules in the North American Free Trade Agreement that Clinton may also be open to updating. Canada is among the countries negotiating the agreement, and could use the opportunity to find changes for Clinton that help Canada and the United States. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

emma halpern: And they're hoping attention around their plight prompts governments to address what they say is a gap in youth protection policies for young people that become wards of the state, but whose residency status is not addressed by children aid workers, foster families or their biological parents."There is this legal gap that no one is really looking at because it doesn't strictly fall under child protection, it doesn't strictly fall under criminal law, it doesn't strictly speaking fall under refugee law," says Emma Halpern, a lawyer with the Elizabeth Fry Society who is handling the women cases."So it hard to figure out who is going to put all of the pieces of this puzzle together so that we don't end up with extremely vulnerable people in our society losing their ability to stay in a country they've lived for their whole lives."In many cases, they only become aware of their lack of citizenship when they get in trouble with the law as adults and face the prospect of deportation, according to National Observer. The issue gained prominence recently when Fliss Cramman, a 33-year-old woman who grew up in Ontario, learned that she was to be deported back to England despite having left the country with her family when she was eight. Advocates fighting for three Nova Scotia-based women to remain in Canada say their cases are unusual, but not uncommon. Cramman, whose four young daughters were born in Ontario, only became aware that she was not a Canadian citizen following a drug conviction and incarceration. As a result, the Canada Border Services Agency says she will be deported by Dec. 16, despite her physician assertion that she is in fragile health and needs to remain in the country for months to recover from surgeries done after she was rushed to hospital from a prison facility in Dartmouth on Aug. 12. It was discovered that her parents and several foster care families that took her in at the age of 11 did not secure her Canadian citizenship. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

german immigrant: Friedrich Trump had been in North America a few years when he set out for the Yukon, says the author of a new edition of her multi-generational family biography, according to Metro News. That Canadian chapter proved pivotal for the entrepreneurial German immigrant, says Gwenda Blair, author of "The Trumps: Three Generations That Built An Empire.""It allowed him to get together the nest egg he'd come to the United States for," the author and Columbia University journalism professor said in an interview."Whether he could've accumulated that much money somewhere else, in that short a period of time, as a young man with no connections, and initially not even English, is certainly ... unlikely."He'd left Europe in 1885 at age 16, a barber apprentice whose father died young. Trump grandfather started the family fortune in an adventure that involved the Klondike gold rush, the Mounties, prostitution and twists of fate that pushed him to New York City. Trump wanted a life outside the barber shop, far from the family-owned vineyards his ancestors had been working since they'd settled in Germany Kallstadt region in the 1600s carrying the soon-altered surname Drumpf. Within five years he'd anglicized his name to Frederick; moved to the young timber town of Seattle; and amassed enough cash to buy tables and chairs for a restaurant. He sailed in steerage to join his sister in New York. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

money: Saad, 32, and Altabra, 47, are lucky in that they had the money and their sponsors had the foresight to ask for it upfront to ensure there were funds to help the family get through their first year in Quebec, according to CTV. Many refugees, however, were sponsored by private citizens who meant well but didn't have the means to care for them, according to several community groups interviewed by The Canadian Press. The cash belongs to them because they paid a Christian church $12,000 to come to Canada and are getting the money back in 12 monthly instalments. Moreover, these groups and the Quebec government are now looking to what known as the "13th month" -- when privately sponsored refugees become responsible for their own financial well-being after a year in the province. "Some families had nothing to eat, no furniture, often not even appliances," said Marie Bourret, co-ordinator with CLICS Laval, a volunteer centre that has been helping refugees integrate into the province. "We've had people come to us who had been here five months and didn't even have a refrigerator." Privately sponsored refugees were not meant to be in this situation. Only after one year can refugees unable to find work apply for welfare. "We had schools calling us because kids were coming in with nothing to eat, while others called and said the rent couldn't be paid," Bourret said. As opposed to refugees taken in by the province who are immediately eligible for welfare, privately sponsored individuals and families are supposed to be under the care of their benefactors for 12 months. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

peruvian-born grandmother: An unprecedented number of Latinos are voting in this election, casting early ballots with an enthusiasm that could sink the presidential hopes of Republicans in the must-win, always-close state of Florida, according to Metro News. Early in-person voting has more than doubled among Latinos in that state, as people like Osores, a Peruvian-born grandmother, rush to cast ballots against the man who stirred new passions for civic participation. She joined a wave. She cut off a question about Donald Trump.''No, no, no. The sexism."Osores came to the U.S. to join her daughter in 2000. No way," Osores said."The racism. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

photo participants: Order this photo Participants in a University of Toronto program that matches up students with Syrian newcomers in a cultural and language exchange enjoy a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum Saturday, according to Toronto Star. Order this photo Visitors study a mosaic in the Middle Eastern section of the Royal Ontario Museum on Saturday as part of a cultural and language exchange program involving the University of Toronto and Syrian newcomers. Order this photo University of Toronto students and Syrian newcomers look at some of the antiquities in the Middle Eastern section of the Royal Ontario Museum during a visit on Saturday. Order this photo Members of a cultural and language exchange involving Syrian newcomers and U of T students pose for a group photo at ROM on Saturday. However, the 24-year-old law graduate is grateful and proud to see her culture and heritage preserved at the museum Middle East Gallery in Toronto, her new home. Order this photo By Nicholas Keung Immigration reporter Sun., Nov. 6, 2016 Training her eyes on the Syrian artifacts on display at the Royal Ontario Museum, Ghazel Alkak couldn't help thinking of her now-ruined home near Aleppo. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

quebec government: Paul Clarke, with Action Refugies Montreal, says many people were compassionate, but didn't fully appreciate the size of the responsibility of sponsoring a family and ultimately failed to hold up their end of the bargain, according to CTV. These groups and the Quebec government are now looking to what known as the "13th month" -- when privately sponsored refugees become responsible for their own financial well-being. In Quebec, private sponsors are responsible for the financial and social well-being of the refugees they bring in for 12 months -- only after a year can privately sponsored refugees apply for welfare. After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged during the 2015 election campaign to accept 25-thousand Syrian refugees, Quebec welcomed just over 2,000 by the end of that year. Syrian refugees became permanent residents as soon as they landed in Canada and all families, whether state or privately sponsored, were immediately eligible for children-aid programs. Only 15 were state-sponsored, with the rest under the care of individual citizens or community and religious groups. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

robin v: What could be more absurd than the concept of an 'all Canadian' boy or girl A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate, according to Toronto Star. That was Pierre Trudeau in 1971 defending his determination to increase both the scale and the diversity of immigration to Canada. By Robin V. Sears Sun., Nov. 6, 2016 There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. He made the declaration to the Ukranian Canadian National Congress. There was a clear line connecting his government legacy of immigration success and the sight at Pearson Airport last Christmas. It was no doubt a compelling message for a Canadian community whose parents had often suffered sneers as Russian peasants who don't share Canadian values. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

source government: Source: Government of Canada, according to The Chronicle Herald. Source Source The Canadian Press Source: Quebec Immigration Department ——— Number of Syrian refugees settled in Canada Since Nov. 4, 2015, 33,239 Syrian refugees have come to Canada. 12,402 of them have been privately sponsored. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

sunday rally: However, Banik explained this is just the latest in decades of violence toward this and other religious minorities, according to CBC. That is why they called people together of all backgrounds and religions to take part in Sunday rally. "In this demonstration, we have multicultural people — people of different religion … they will get a knowledge that we are brothers here and we have to live in a society in a harmony way." Jebunnessa Chapola led the group in singing Oh Canada and Bangladesh national anthem, Amar Sonar Bangla. Banik said it was only one week ago when he was hearing reports of the minority Hindu people in Bangladesh being tortured and homes being burned. Chapola said it was a way to show not only the connection of the two countries, but a trans-national solidarity. Organizer of Sunday rally said it is important to know that people and governments are aware of what happening to religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh. "We want to raise our voice which we want to share with Canadian government because we are very hopeful that Canadian government will help us to talk to our government." Banik said it important to help make sure people know about what happening. "We are asking government to look into this matter because we believe that if government are aware, they can stop it." People stood outside of Saskatoon City Hall Sunday singing in protest of the violence toward and torture of religious minorities in Bangladesh. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

values test: Quebec MP Steven Blaney has gone further, echoing the need for a modified citizenship test but adding a call to force women to remove any face veils before taking the citizenship oath, and calling for a Royal Commission into Canadian identity, according to CTV. Raitt says she is friends with Leitch and Blaney, both of whom have the right to raise these issues during the leadership race. In an interview with Evan Solomon, host of CTV Question Period, Raitt said any debate around immigration should be about helping to grow the country. "Putting something like a values test in that place, in that space, I think is going to have the opposite effect and it'll chill people wanting to come here," Raitt said. "I don't think it helps if you sign up on a questionnaire that says 'do you like freedom or maple syrup'." Whether aspiring Canadians should face a values test has been a major question in the Conservative leadership race so far after Ontario MP Kellie Leitch said she wants to see immigrants screened for their beliefs before they become citizens. But, she says, if security or education are a concern, those are the systems that should be improved. "I don't agree with them," Raitt said. The 12 confirmed Conservative candidates will have the chance to face off for the first time in a leadership debate Wednesday night in Saskatoon. A number of other Conservative leadership candidates have said they disagree with Leitch and Blaney, including Ontario MP Michael Chong, who is the son of immigrants, and Calgary MP Deepak Obhrai, who moved to Canada from Tanzania. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.