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.

access canada: But actually emigrating is not as simple as visiting a website before packing up the car for a quick jaunt to the Great White North, according to CTV. John McCool of North Carolina moved to his husband native Montreal in 2014. On the night of the election, Canada immigration website even crashed as a high volume of users with American IP addresses attempted to access the site. In the 27 months since then, he been unable to work, study, or access Canada universal health care system as he awaits the immigration status paperwork. McCool said he knew the visa process might take a while, but he had no idea it would be so time-consuming. I was excited to come to Canada to start a new life with my husband in his homeland, McCool told CTV Your Morning on Wednesday. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

affairs i: Since the election of Donald Trump, that relationship is even more fraught with peril, according to Rabble. We are now sleeping with a rabid elephant, which has a very thin skin and poor impulse control. Trudeau, Your father once observed that Canada relationship with the United States was like that of a mouse sleeping with an elephant. So how will your government deal with this terrible state of affairs I applaud your determination to keep to the high road and remain polite. How do we protect ourselves while remaining on speaking terms with a powerful government led by rabid elephants Have you looked to Lester Pearson for inspiration In 1956, Egypt legally nationalized the Suez Canal. However, push will come to shove at some point. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bing thom: Bing was one of Canada foremost architects, having received multiple honorary degrees, the Order of Canada and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada highest honour, the RAIC Gold Medal, according to Vancouver Observer. A cast of hundreds, maybe thousands, could write marvelous columns about Bing impact on their lives. No speeches, just a lone piano virtuoso, whose notes rang to every seat in the house with a pristine brilliance that Bing himself planned meticulously. This one is mine. He thought casinos were a scourge that had no place in the human city that he planned to help shape here. Bing Thom bankrolled Vancouver Not Vegas Many know that Bing opposed the proposed Vancouver mega-casino, but most don t know how much. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian press: The Security Council campaign is a key pillar of the Trudeau government foreign policy and the international politicking is in the early stages, according to Toronto Star. But it is clearly under way. Darko Vojinovic / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS file photo By Mike Blanchfield The Canadian Press Wed., Nov. 16, 2016 OTTAWA Canada has won the support of Serbia in its bid for a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2020, even though Canada went to war against it 17 years ago, says the country foreign minister. The public endorsement by a European country, albeit a small one, is important. Canada lost its last Security Council bid in 2010 to Portugal a loss that was at least partially attributable to what many analysts viewed as the solidarity of the European countries voting in a bloc for one of their own. Canada is running in the 2019 election for a two-year term starting the following year. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

combination isnt: You got two problems with this guy, promoter Kathy Duva remembers an HBO executive saying, according to Hamilton Spectator. One, he a light heavyweight. Not so fast, the network said. Two, he a Russian. The combination isnt particularly attractive to boxing fans, or the network that buys many of the biggest fights. Two problems, indeed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

community groups: That was because of the large resettlement for the Syrians that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had announced last year, according to CBC. So across the country there was a higher number of government-assisted refugees settled. Normally our year is about 250 refugees . So it been quite a larger number than normal, said Kathleen Thomas, the Executive Director of the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County. That not taking into account the privately-sponsored refugees, which we dont know those numbers, she said. We get a higher secondary migration because of our housing, because of community groups that are here, our ethno-cultural centres that are quite known here, she said. Windsor has also attracted many refugees who moved to Windsor after initially settling somewhere else, said Thomas. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

council: But it is clearly under way, according to Huffington Post Canada. Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion speaks at the UN headquarters in New York on March 16, 2016. The Security Council campaign is a key pillar of the Trudeau government foreign policy and the international politicking is in the early stages. Photo Jason Szenes/EPA via CP The public endorsement by a European country, albeit a small one, is important. Canada lost its last Security Council bid in 2010 to Portugal a loss that was at least partially attributable to what many analysts viewed as the solidarity of the European countries voting in a bloc for one of their own. Canada is running in the 2019 election for a two-year term starting the following year. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

european: But it is clearly under way, according to The Chronicle Herald. The public endorsement by a European country, albeit a small one, is important. The Security Council campaign is a key pillar of the Trudeau government foreign policy and the international politicking is in the early stages. Canada is running in the 2019 election for a two-year term starting the following year. Canada competes in the Western European and Others Group of the UN, and will face stiff competition in 2019 from Ireland and Norway. Canada lost its last Security Council bid in 2010 to Portugal a loss that was at least partially attributable to what many analysts viewed as the solidarity of the European countries voting in a bloc for one of their own. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

facebook post: Hamidi, an Iranian immigrant who has lived in Canada for approximately 12 years, says when she was on the subway last week, a Latino man threw down his skates and sat down in front of her holding his head repeatedly saying, Oh, God, according to CBC. Sorry, America study shows Canadians really are more polite The complicated kindness of befriending a refugee Opinion But then a fellow passenger reached out. Hamidi said strangers young and old and from different backgrounds came together on the TTC to help a man who was running late for a job interview. The Russian guy sitting beside him asked if everything was OK in a pretty heavy accent, Hamidi said in a Facebook post. That when Hamidi offered him an Advil. He said he has a horrible headache and is running late for an interview. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

i love: Rumeysa Hanci says she has not been able to speak to her husband since he was allowed a phone call shortly after he was detained, according to Huffington Post Canada. I just want him to be safe there and to come home as soon as possible, she said from Toronto, where she is staying with family. Davud Hanci, who has Canadian and Turkish citizenship, was arrested in July shortly after a failed coup attempt. I love him so much and I miss him so much. Rumeysa Hanci says her husband is being wrongfully detained in Turkey. She said Canadian government officials have not been able to see him. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

markets dont: How did we get to this point of narrowing the political options to two dismal alternatives -- neoliberal globalization and various forms of ethno- or religio-nationalism with the structure of feeling, if not the exact policies, of fascism Not that the two are necessarily antagonistic; as Samir Amin put it in Monthly Review as early as 1996, culturalism and imperialism are complementary; and the markets dont necessarily mind fascism, according to Rabble. Indeed, nationalism, the glorification of military power, and the assault on labour and human rights can serve their interests especially sectors like defence and fossil energy production quite well. What understandings are relevant to the political action that our collective survival now necessitates A rock and a harder place 1. But if we are to rebuild an inclusive and universalizing progressive alternative, we need to understand the various historical factors -- from the hollowing out of social democracy in the West, to U.S. support for Islamicism as a way to undercut socialist and secular nationalism in the Middle East. The F-word 2. By 2016, these vectors have forced progressives to pin their hopes on a longstanding supporter of corporate-friendly free trade deals who promoted racially biased neoliberal welfare reform and the demonization of Black youth during the 1990s Clinton administration. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

newcomers advocates: Ahmed and other newcomers advocates say the relationship between refugees and Winnipeg police has improved over the last seven years, as police have put more emphasis on educating immigrants about what they do and building relationships with the community, according to CBC. Winnipeg programs aim to steer young refugees away from gangs Winnipeg Police Service lags behind city racial diversity There more things being done by the police, Ahmed said. A lot has changed for the good because we put down more pressure, said Abdikheir Ahmed, who has been working with refugees since 2007. The police are more open to contributions from community members. The report included allegations of racism, assault and harassment. His comments contrast starkly with what he told the media about city police in 2009, when the now-defunct Winnipeg Police Advisory Board received a report detailing 15 newcomers perspectives on police. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canada: A cast of hundreds, maybe thousands, could write marvelous columns about Bing impact on their lives, according to National Observer. This one is mine. Bing was one of Canada foremost architects, having received multiple honorary degrees, the Order of Canada and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada highest honour, the RAIC Gold Medal. Bing Thom bankrolled Vancouver Not Vegas Many know that Bing opposed the proposed Vancouver mega-casino, but most don t know how much. It was Bing who bankrolled the community-based opposition group, Vancouver Not Vegas. He thought casinos were a scourge that had no place in the human city that he planned to help shape here. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

career-high: Hill scored a career-high 20 points to lead Virginia Tech to a 99-73 victory over High Point, according to The Waterloo Record. Hill missed last season with a knee injury, but in the second game of his return, he hit 7 of 12 from the floor and connected on a career-high six 3-pointers for the Hokies 2-0 who never trailed and hit 12 3-pointers. I didnt really have to aim, Hill said. Seth Allen added 17 points. Virginia Tech blitzed the Panthers right from the opening tip. Andre Fox paced High Point 1-1 with a career-high 23 points. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

details trump: A spokesperson for Kobach did not respond to a request for further details, according to Guelph Mercury. Trump said a year ago that he would support the creation of a database to register Muslims, telling NBC News that he would certainly implement that - absolutely. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who is considered one of Trump top advisers and also a possible candidate for attorney general, told Reuters that the president-elect advisers have discussed preparing a policy proposal for a registry. Kobach helped design a similar program after the 9/11 terrorist attacks while serving under former president George W. Bush, Reuters reported. Some men were also expected to follow a parole-like system by periodically checking in with local authorities. That program, known as the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, required people from countries deemed higher risk to undergo interrogations and fingerprinting upon arrival. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

european: But it is clearly under way, according to The Waterloo Record. The public endorsement by a European country, albeit a small one, is important. The Security Council campaign is a key pillar of the Trudeau government foreign policy and the international politicking is in the early stages. Canada is running in the 2019 election for a two-year term starting the following year. Canada competes in the Western European and Others Group of the UN, and will face stiff competition in 2019 from Ireland and Norway. Canada lost its last Security Council bid in 2010 to Portugal a loss that was at least partially attributable to what many analysts viewed as the solidarity of the European countries voting in a bloc for one of their own. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

history i: What I did find, however, from the vantage point of that nation capitol, was an electorate moved more by hate and fear than by hope and glory, according to Vancouver Courier. In a country where folks are hypersensitive about race, Donald Trump won because he activated a population of voters who are primarily white, small town and rural. It just didn t turn out to be the history I expected to experience. They felt they were let down by big government. That change came in the form of a billionaire bully who plays fast and loose with the truth and has never before served in political office. They wanted change. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

maintenance works: The U.S. president lingered at the base of the Parthenon, gazing up at the columns and glancing around at the panoramic view of Athens as he chatted with his guide, Eleni Banou of the Culture Ministry antiquities division, according to Guelph Mercury. The 5th Century B.C. Parthenon temple is surrounded these days by scaffolding as part of maintenance works. Obama entered the complex through the Propylaea, the monumental gateway that serves as an entrance to the site, and walked along the Parthenon temple, which was dedicated to the goddess Athena, considered the patron god of the city of Athens. The entire site was closed to the public for the day for Obama visit, which has taken place amid draconian security measures that have also banned demonstrations in parts of Athens, and shut down roads and subway stations. It has pinned its hopes on him persuading some of the financially stricken country more reluctant international creditors to grant debt relief, as well as pressuring other European countries to share more of the burden of the continent refugee crisis. Greece government has hailed Obama visit the first official visit of a sitting U.S. president since a 1999 trip here by Bill Clinton as being of massive importance. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

muslim communities: The election of Donald Trump has me worried, according to NOW Magazine. Indeed, for the first time in memory, distinguished members of both the American Jewish and Muslim communities are coming together to form what can only be seen as a defensive alliance. It been a long time since I ve had to worry about right-wing extremist racism in the United States, or for that matter in Canada. The American Jewish Committee, a century-old human rights group, and the Islamic Society of North America have joined forces to establish a Muslim-Jewish Advisory Committee convened to unite recognized business, political and religious leaders to jointly advocate on issues of common concern. Sadly, there is good reason for such a council. The two groups, who ve been at best quiet protagonists, have made a commitment to watch each other backs. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

padrones: Sometimes she sends treats like Pringles, Oreos and jars of Nutella, according to Vancouver Courier. It a tradition she started after leaving home. And any snacks that I can find on sale, said Padrones. Padrones was working at an office in the Philippines until she left for Hong Kong in 2002 to see the world. Padrones cared for three families there before coming to Canada in 2008 under the live-in caregiver program. She was 36. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

palestine refugees: International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau speaks in Ottawa on Nov. 16, 2016, according to Huffington Post Canada. Photo Adrian Wyld/CP The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, also known as UNRWA, lost federal funding in 2010 amid allegations it was tied too closely to a group Canada considers a terrorist group. International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau made the announcement at a news conference and also during question period in the House of Commons news that was greeted by cries of shame from the opposition benches. Bibeau says 20 million will go support education, health and social services for millions of vulnerable Palestinian refugees, as well as urgent humanitarian assistance. We want to see Palestinian refugee children in classrooms The government says the money will be accompanied by enhanced due diligence, including a very robust oversight and reporting framework that includes regular site visits and anti-terrorism provisions. An additional 5 million is being provided in response to the agency appeal for help for those impacted by the crisis in Syria and its environs. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

people: On his last foreign trip as president, Obama has repeatedly tried to draw lessons from Donald Trump victory in the U.S. presidential election, hoping it can serve as wake-up call in the U.S. and abroad, according to CTV. Conceding that many feel left behind by globalization, Obama said there was an understandable impulse toward isolationism and that if people feel their futures are at risk, theyll push back. He argued it wasnt too late for a course correction. People have to know that theyre being heard, Obama said in a speech to the Greek people in Athens. We have to look forward. But, he added, We cant look backward for answers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

policy proposals: Policy proposals on immigration, trade and security dominated the U.S. presidential campaign, according to Hamilton Spectator. Not much was said about agriculture or food policies. Now, the American president-elect is poised to push up the cost of the food on those same tables. But a new approach in Washington, with a Republican president and a Republican-dominated Congress, could affect what North Americans eat and how much it will cost. Not so for budget-conscious consumers. Food prices have been dropping in recent weeks in Canada, so any increase in prices would be welcomed by the industry. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

question period: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, also known as UNRWA, lost federal funding in 2010 amid allegations it was tied too closely to a group Canada considers a terrorist group, according to The Chronicle Herald. Bibeau says 20 million will go support education, health and social services for millions of vulnerable Palestinian refugees, as well as urgent humanitarian assistance. International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau made the announcement at a news conference and also during question period in the House of Commons news that was greeted by cries of shame from the opposition benches. An additional 5 million is being provided in response to the agency appeal for help for those impacted by the crisis in Syria and its environs. Millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East have the right to receive basic services such as health care and to send their children to school, Bibeau said in a statement. The government says the money will be accompanied by enhanced due diligence, including a very robust oversight and reporting framework that includes regular site visits and anti-terrorism provisions. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

question period: By The Canadian Press Wed., Nov. 16, 2016 OTTAWA The federal Liberals are providing 25 million to a UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees that was cut off by the previous Conservative government for alleged ties to Hamas, according to Toronto Star. International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau made the announcement at a news conference and also during question period in the House of Commons news that was greeted by cries of shame from the opposition benches. Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose suggests the move could endanger Israelis. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, also known as UNRWA, lost federal funding in 2010 amid allegations it was tied too closely to a group Canada considers a terrorist group. An additional 5 million is being provided in response to the agency appeal for help for those impacted by the crisis in Syria and its environs. Bibeau says 20 million will support education, health and social services for millions of vulnerable Palestinian refugees, as well as urgent humanitarian assistance. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

refugee life: From enrolling in ESL classes and buying a cellphone or a computer to navigating public transit or visiting a museum, the needs seemed endless, according to Metro News. Almawi had an even more pressing issue He was having heart complications and needed access to a specialist for treatments. Safe from constant fighting in their native town of Homs, Syria, and away from the hardships of refugee life in Lebanon and Turkey, the family faced a multitude of challenges after arriving in Canada this September and trying to find their footing. Thanks to Together Project, a new local initiative matching government-assisted refugees with Canadian families to help with assimilation, most of these needs have been met. It like I m back in my own home now, Almawi said this week as he interacted with his three grandchildren in Thorncliffe Park apartment. I am happy and thankful. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.