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.

american students: The 2017 recipients were chosen from 882 applicants who were endorsed by 311 colleges and universities, according to Brandon Sun. Next they will pursue post-graduate studies at Oxford University. The Rhodes Trust announced the 32 American men and women chosen as scholars early Sunday. The American students will join an international group of scholars chosen from 18 jurisdictions around the world. Scholarships cover all expenses for two or three years of study at the prestigious university in England starting next October. A total of 95 scholars will be selected worldwide this year. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian press: Im hoping that actually maybe the new president of the United States will see this as an example with its closest neighbour and will be hopefully inspired by our position I mean Canada position in the world, Jean, the former Canadian governor general, said from Paris, according to The Waterloo Record. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau travels this week to Antananarivo, Madagascar, where la Francophonie is holding a leaders summit next weekend. I think Canada as a sovereign country has a very strong voice and we all realize and we can see how Canada wants its voice to be heard again, the secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie said in an interview with The Canadian Press. The stop is part of Trudeau first visit to Africa since his Liberal government came to power last year. Canada is the second-largest contributor to la Francophonie and Canadian officials see the summit as an opportunity to discuss the migration and refugee crisis, climate change, gender inequality and how those challenges impact global security. The Liberals have promised a renewed engagement with Africa when it comes to international development assistance, and since 31 of the 80 governments and states who make up la Francophonie are from the continent, it is also an ideal place to talk up their approach and back it up with some funding announcements. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

francois fillon: The race was seen as an early measure of how the terror attacks in France over the past two years and the nationalist wave sweeping Europe and the U.S. have shaped the country political landscape, according to Brandon Sun. With more than 3.8 million votes counted from about 92 per cent of polling stations, Francois Fillon had 44.2 per cent, Alain Juppe 28.4 per cent and Sarkozy 20.7 per cent. Two ex-prime ministers will instead meet in a runoff next week for the nomination. The final results are not expected until Monday. In a speech from his campaign headquarters in Paris, Sarkozy called on his supporters to vote for Fillon his prime minister from 2007 to 2012 in the second round. The top two vote-getters will compete in the Nov. 27 runoff. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

pension plan: But there work to be done, according to The Waterloo Record. Now that government is back in session, your first order of business is to pass an immigration bill that will require multi-party support. It was a hard fought election, but you yes you are now a member of Canada Parliament, with all the perks that implies free travel, complimentary hotel rooms, a generous pension plan, 16 glasses of orange juice. Because were all Canadian, we all share the same goal of integrating immigrants in an effective way that expands our culture and diversity, notes University of Waterloo student Carol Trudell, representing the conservative point of view at a mock parliament this past weekend in the university Hagey Hall. But here the rub while everyone agrees immigrants are good for Canada economy and the country multicultural mosaic, a left versus right divide has emerged over the fine points that could easily hijack the proceedings. At the end of the day it all about passing the bill. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

world stage: Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan told reporters Sunday that he reserving his opinions of the incoming administration until Trump takes office and looks forward to building a solid relationship with his new American counterpart, according to Guelph Mercury. Sajjan reiterated the importance of multilateralism in today uneasy geopolitical climate, offering a Canadian contrast to Trump America first approach to foreign relations. Canadian politicians made it clear that whatever the president-elect foreign policy may entail, the country is prepared to hold its own on the world stage with or without its neighbour. No one nation has all the solutions, Sajjan said. Sajjan said Canada would hold firm on issues where the country principles may conflict with Trump expressed policy views, like his push to bring back waterboarding as an interrogation technique or his murky stance on Russia actions in Ukraine. It important for us to continue to be able to work together, bring our strengths to the table and be able to deal with a threat. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

americans: To Americans upset with the election result Re Moving to Canada Hello neighbours, according to The Chronicle Herald. Canada is a big country, a bit larger than the United States, but with 11 per cent of the population. Transparency is always a good thing, so herewith is a proposed disclosure for one particular group, although it might work equally well with others. Like you, more than 80 per cent of us live in urban areas. We have heard that some discouraged Americans may want to come to Canada. Obviously there is room for a lot more people and we are enthusiastic receivers of newcomers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ballot: They cannot receive a special mail-in ballot, and although they can technically come to Canada vote in person, they have a near impossible task of proving residency here, according to Huffington Post Canada. Two sources told Huff Post that Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef is looking at tabling legislation that would give expatriate Canadians the right to vote by special ballot no matter how long they have been away. Canadians who have lived abroad for more than five years are essentially banned from casting a ballot right now. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case in February involving two Canadians who live in the United States and want to vote. Maryam Monsef Minister of Democratic Institutions responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 2, 2016. Jamie Duong and Gillian Frank first challenged the law in an Ontario court and won in 2014, placing an estimated 1.4 million Canadians back on the voter rolls, but the Conservative government successfully appealed the ruling before last year election. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

brandon koppers: Set scores were 25-11, 25-22 and 25-21 box score for the U Sports no. 3-ranked Marauders, who moved to 4-0 on the season with the result, according to Hamilton Spectator. After opening their season with a win over the Trent Excalibur, fellow newcomers to the OUA in 2016-17, the Badgers dropped to 1-1. McMaster ultimately dispatched Brock in straight sets, but not before some encouraging volleyball from the new boys of the conference. Brandon Koppers led the Marauders, and the match, with 11.5 points, including nine kills, two aces and a block assist, while Andrew Richards had 28 assists over the course of the three-set win and led his team with 10 digs. Rookie opposite John Elgersma had 11 points, including eight kills and three aces, to lead his team in a losing effort. Struggling to create offence throughout Friday encounter, the Badgers were held to just .014 hitting, with 21 errors versus 22 kills. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

dean list: In June, he began volunteer mentoring and event-coordinating for Syrian refugees, according to Vancouver Observer. In September, Attar won two separate excellence awards for his volunteer work. He studied hard at university and by the end of his first year had made the Dean list. He spoke with me on condition of anonymity and I ve changed his name, but all other details are as he shared with me over a series of conversations and email exchanges from June to October 2016. Of course, because of the nature of my volunteer work, we get along very well and I try not to talk about politics, but I can feel how unhappy they become when they hear even Iran name. In June Attar wrote me in an email, My experience volunteering is fulfilling, enjoyable and, yet, upsetting I cannot believe the degree of hatred and dislike that many Syrian refugees have about my country because of its interfering and destructive policies. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

donald trump: It was a time when more people joined our movement then sic ever before and when our ideas began invading the mainstream, according to Hamilton Spectator. The conference is expected to draw dozens if not hundreds of protesters, who have launched a Facebook page asking that people join them to defeat this hate. The past 12 months might be remembered as the year of Donald Trump ... and the year of the Alt Right, according to the website for the National Policy Institute, which is hosting the event. The institute president, Richard Spencer, who coined the term alt-right, is a leading promoter of white identity. The Southern Poverty Law Center describes the National Policy Institute as an extreme right-wing group whose core belief is that white identity is under attack by multicultural forces using political correctness and social justice to undermine white people and their civilization. He and his followers oppose immigration and multiculturalism. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

jorge salazar: One of the youth leaders profiled this week is a former young refugee, who four years ago, was also given the award, according to CBC. Jorge Salazar as a teenager in Colombia with some of his aunts and cousins. The event caps multicultural week put on by the Ministry of International Trade. His family fled the country, worried they would not survive attacks from paramilitary groups. These are conversations that we have to have, even though there a lot of emotions that goes along with them, Salazar said. Jorge Salazar was just a teenager when he fled his close-knit La Pradera neighbourhood in Medellin, Colombia with his mom, dad, sister and brother, leaving dozens of close friends and family behind. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

minority groups: The selections are in line with Trump campaign rhetoric, which was openly bigoted against Muslims and frequently insulting to the black community, according to Metro News. To the dismay and apprehension of minority groups, they are an early signal that the unorthodox Republican is not planning to attempt a post-election pivot to some kind of inclusive moderation. Four of his picks, including the three announced on Friday, have demeaned Muslims or African-Americans. Trump choices make it more likely that Muslims will face intrusions on their civil liberties, as Trump has promised. They likely mean the death of a bipartisan effort to reform the criminal justice system, which was never certain to pass. They suggest that Trump intends to follow through on his crackdown on illegal immigration. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

restaurant owner: When you really love what you do, you will be successful 100 per cent, said Abdul kader Sadieh, a restaurant owner, who immigrated to Canada 10 years ago, according to CBC. He provided lunch at the event and was on hand to dispense wisdom, which he said is even more important for an entrepreneur than money. The two-day event provided childcare while participants learn employment skills all in Arabic from business owners. Besides the funding, they need the advice because of the new culture for them. The money was fundraised by the non-profit community group Fusion Halifax and the student entrepreneurship club Enactus Dalhousie. Business owner Akram Al-Otumi delivers a workshop for Syrian immigrants Stephanie van Kampen/CBC At the end of the event participants were asked to present their business ideas to a panel of judges, who would award cash prizes. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

scandinavian countries: Scandinavian countries are wrestling with coalition governments that include extremists, according to Globe and Mail. And Russia, which has been lost for a long time, seems poised to establish a bloc of states with illiberal, authoritarian governments aimed against the liberal democracies a bloc that could now come to include the United States. Poland and Hungary have extreme, xenophobic governments that are withdrawing from international co-operation. Scanning the horizon from Berlin in search of safe partnerships, there Canada. We could not have imagined, a year ago, that we d experience the dark irony of Germany becoming the safe harbour against extremism in the West and Canada its last shoulder to lean on. And, as Germans kept telling me this week, not much else. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

turkish politician: There been speculation in the American media that the new administration friendly attitude towards the Tayyip Erdogan regime could increase the likelihood the U.S. will extradite Fethullah Gulen to his native Turkey before the cleric can seek asylum in Canada or another country, according to Toronto Star. Omer Celik, the minister in charge of Turkey negotiations with the European Union, said granting Gulen refugee status would be akin to providing a safe haven to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Chris Post / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS By The Canadian Press Sat., Nov. 19, 2016 HALIFAX A senior Turkish politician attending the Halifax International Security Forum says Donald Trump election could spell trouble for relations with Canada if a U.S.-based Muslim dissident his country wants extradited seeks refuge north of the border. What kind of implications would that have with respect to Canada relations with the U.S., with the Western world Celik said in an interview Saturday, aided by a translator. They re supposed to fight against the enemies. Allies are not supposed to host the enemies of one another. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syrian baklava: Originally from Syria, she has been drawing nearly her entire life, according to CBC. Now 17 years old and living in Saskatoon, she showed off some of her work at Saturday 2nd Annual International Bazaar. My drawing, it can say to other people what I feel or what I am. International bazaar celebrates newcomer talent in Saskatoon There were 20 countries represented at Saturday 2nd Annual International Bazaar. In all, 20 countries were represented. Trevor Bothorel/CBC Held by the Saskatoon Open Door Society, the bazaar featured everything from Nigerian and Filipino jewellery to Syrian baklava, and other home-cooked food from Mexico Pakistan and Bangladesh. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

world celik: Omer Celik, the minister in charge of Turkey negotiations with the European Union, said granting Gulen refugee status would be akin to providing a safe haven to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, according to CTV. What kind of implications would that have with respect to Canada relations with the U.S., with the Western world Celik said in an interview Saturday, aided by a translator. There been speculation in the American media that the new administration friendly attitude towards the Tayyip Erdogan regime could increase the likelihood the U.S. will extradite Fethullah Gulen to his native Turkey before the cleric can seek asylum in Canada or another country. Allies are not supposed to host the enemies of one another. Retired Lt.-Gen. Theyre supposed to fight against the enemies. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

defence secretary: Pence said that Mitt Romney was under active and serious consideration to become the nation next secretary of state, according to Brandon Sun. Trump said retired Marine Corps Gen. Trump and the vice-president-elect, Mike Pence, did drop some hints. James Mattis was an impressive prospect for defence secretary. We really had some incredible meetings. I think we have some really incredible people going to be working for the country, Trump said Sunday evening. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

downtown brandon: The Brandon Santa Parade is scheduled tonight at 6 p.m. as local charities, businesses and schools come together in the spirit of the holidays, according to Brandon Sun. Enlarge Image The parade heads along Rosser and Princess avenues in the heart of downtown Brandon. Snow may be a little late this year, but Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive in Brandon right on time. SUBMITTED Around 35 floats are expected to take part in the parade this year, decorated to match the theme, Parade of Lights, said parade organizer Karlheinz Sawatzky-Dyck. It just sort of changes the atmosphere and creates a little bit of a different kind of parade. People can decorate their float with a whole bunch of Christmas lights so people can see it at night, Sawatzky-Dyck said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

future v.p: We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, said Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, the nation third vice-president, according to Brandon Sun. We truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. Actor Brandon Victor Dixon told the Republican vice-president-elect after the curtain call Friday night that the Broadway hit multiracial and multicultural cast is concerned about the Trump administration. All of us. Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theatre by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing, the Republican Trump tweeted Saturday. Related Items Articles Views on Trump at security conference vary from divisive force to opportunity Trump opponents try to beat him at the Electoral College Trump and Romney, once bitter rivals, smile and shake hands Trump quickly settles university lawsuits after a long fight Pence ducked out before Dixon finished the unprecedented message but heard the full remarks from the hallway outside the auditorium. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

right: Trump has been caught in so many lies, if he ever told the truth, he d have to rinse out his mouth to get rid of the strange taste, according to Guelph Mercury. To say that such a disreputable individual was the only option on the ballot for change from the status quo is at the very least a questionable observation. Surely he is aware that Donald Trump has, by his own words and actions, proven himself to be a bigoted, misogynistic, homophobic conman and demagogue who exploits the fears and prejudices of his supporters. For one who professes to be a centrist politically, the mayor certainly laced his statement with a lot of terminology straight out of the handbook of right wing rhetoric big government, politicians the elite and silent majority. Hillary Clinton got over a 150,000 more votes than Trump. Actually, Trump supporters are not at all silent, and they aren t even a majority. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

world celik: Omer Celik, the minister in charge of Turkey negotiations with the European Union, said granting Gulen refugee status would be akin to providing a safe haven to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, according to The Waterloo Record. What kind of implications would that have with respect to Canada relations with the U.S., with the Western world Celik said in an interview Saturday, aided by a translator. There been speculation in the American media that the new administration friendly attitude towards the Tayyip Erdogan regime could increase the likelihood the U.S. will extradite Fethullah Gulen to his native Turkey before the cleric can seek asylum in Canada or another country. Allies are not supposed to host the enemies of one another. Retired Lt.-Gen. Theyre supposed to fight against the enemies. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

advocacy groups: Public schools are fielding frantic questions from parents and students, according to Metro News. Since the election, Donald Trump tough talk on immigration has stirred anxiety nationwide among immigrants regardless of legal status. Legal clinics are seeing an influx of clients. They are turning to lawyers, schools, advocacy groups and congressional offices for help. In Chicago, a hotline run by the state largest immigrant-rights group received more than 330 calls in the week after the election, compared with the usual 100 or so. Were operating with a lot of unknowns, and a certain amount of fear comes with that, said Vanessa Esparza-L pez, a managing attorney at the Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian strengths: We are strong in research, academic citations and invention, according to Globe and Mail. Education remains more affordable here than in the United States. We possess obvious advantages a society open to immigrants and a commitment to the idea that every voice has value. Despite contrary assumptions, the Conference Board of Canada has shown that we are entrepreneurial and willing to take risks, and that there is money to support new enterprises for those who look. In particular, we need to speed up the immigration process for foreign students and researchers, and experiment with public policy that plays to Canadian strengths and contributes to prosperity. To take advantage, Canada must focus more on attracting and building skills needed to transform what we already do well basic research and invention into innovation. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

considerations i: But in an unexpected move, Immigration Minister John McCallum intervened in the high-profile case Friday, saying the 33-year-old mother of four could stay in Canada as a permanent resident, based on humanitarian considerations, according to Hamilton Spectator. I feel overwhelmed and happy really, really happy, Cramman said at the conclusion of a brief Immigration and Refugee Board hearing at the Dartmouth General Hospital. The Canada Border Services Agency wanted to deport Fliss Cramman after she was convicted of a drug offence in 2014 and served 27 months in prison. It surprised me big time ... To be honest, it shocked me. At the age of 11, she was moved into foster care, where her status as a citizen was never resolved. Having lived in Canada since she was eight years old, Cramman said the deportation order never made sense to her because she didnt know she wasnt a citizen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

farm industry: It is primarily for these reasons that farmers have been coming to Manitoba to establish themselves for centuries, according to Huffington Post Canada. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program has a Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business. The province of Manitoba is located in central Canada, bordering on North Dakota and Minnesota, USA. It is located in the heart of the Red River Valley, which is known to be amongst the richest farmland in the world. The purpose of the program is to bring new farmers to Manitoba. The farm is expected to operate in accordance with Manitoba current farm industry. The farm initiative is intended for those applicants that have proven farm/business experience, the requisite capital to invest, and who wish to operate a farm in rural Manitoba. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.