balkhi: At rear, father Riad Al Balkhi and mother Nadia Alswedan are flanked by sons Mohammad, 16, Aosam, 13, and daughter Shahd, 13, according to Toronto Star. Marcus Oleniuk / Toronto Star From left, members of the interfaith sponsorship group, Abdul Qayyum Mufti, Katy Joaquim, Sandra Onufryk, Dr. Aliya Khan, both members of the sponsorship group Abraham Children Together are shown with five members of the Al Balkhi family at the Shaarei Beth-El Synagogue in Oakville. Moar Murray-Hayes, Rabbi Stephen Wise, and Imran Tariq sit on a donated couch that would eventually go to the home of the Al Balkhi family. RABBI STEPHEN WISE PHOTO By Nicholas Keung Immigration reporter Sun., Nov. 27, 2016 In the end, their religious differences didn t matter a bit. Cole Burston / Toronto Star File Photo Members of Abraham Children Together volunteers are shown with the Al Balkhi family, shortly after they arrived in Canada last December. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bank account: Despite attending English classes offered by the federal government, she still struggled to find answers to basic questions how to get a phone connection, open a bank account or register for a course at the University of Toronto, according to CBC. It was very hard, she says. The 24-year-old arrived in Toronto in July with her parents and younger sister, dreaming that she could go to school again to study computer science and catch up on the five years of education that she missed. I couldnt understand anything. Hazar Najjar Feeling frustrated and scared is just part of what many Syrians describe as the newcomer experience in Canada, according to community groups across the country like the Syrian Refugee Support Group and the Syrian Women Club in Calgary. Najjar, far right, sits beside her sister Taiba Najjar and her mother, Farida Abdulaziz, centre, along with members of an Iraqi-Canadian family. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

cabinet ministers: We were coming back from the U.S. and customs agents pulled us aside, the Burlington, Ont., mother said Sunday at a public consultation on national security hosted by three federal cabinet ministers, according to Metro News. They didnt tell us anything, except for the person who took us into a back room, who asked us what we did wrong, Pierre said following the event in Markham, Ont. Natalie Pierre says her 16-year-old son Michael has been on a no-fly list since he was just four or five years old. Canada no-fly list dominated the conversation as Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, Health Minister Jane Philpott and Immigration Minister John McCallum listened to citizens comments and recommendations in a high school cafeteria. The issue came to public attention after a six-year-old boy, Adam Ahmed, was flagged as being on the no-fly list last year. While the floor was open to discuss many different security issues, the no-fly list was mentioned more than any other topic. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

donald trump: For the past several months, Rutland has been getting ready to receive 100 mostly Syrian refugees beginning early next year, according to CTV. But with Donald Trump taking office in late January, Rutland plans and those of other U.S. cities that have agreed to take in people fleeing the civil war have been thrown into question, given the incoming president hostility to Muslim immigrants. High school students are helping collect furniture and housewares for them, and employers have inquired about giving them jobs. I am not even going to hazard a guess about the fate of the program, said Mayor Christopher Louras, who invited the newcomers in the hope they can help revitalize this shrinking, post-industrial, heroin-plagued city of 15,800. During the campaign, Trump proposed a ban on Muslims entering the country and called for a moratorium on accepting Syrian refugees for fear of terrorists slipping through. In the fiscal year that just ended, the Obama administration screened and admitted nearly 12,600 Syrian refugees, who were resettled in cities and towns across the U.S. Thousands more are scheduled to arrive in the coming year. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigrant: But I have other issues, according to CBC. Most of the time, the women from the different cultures, they are staying at home. I can go outside by myself, no problem with the security, she said. They are not allowed to go outside, or sometimes they have some fear or they dont have the courage or the confidence to show that they will go outside to explore the world. Chand Gul now works with the Immigrant Women Integration Network. She now works with the Immigrant Women Integration Network trying to help make the transition easier for others, especially those who might be in vulnerable situations. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

minister supporters: President! President! chanted the former prime minister supporters as he declared victory over Alain Jupp in a nationwide runoff election, according to Toronto Star. Polls suggest the 62-year-old Fillon, prime minister from 2007-2012 under ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy, would have a good chance of winning the French presidency in the April-May election. Reuters By Sylvie Corbet The Associated Press Sun., Nov. 27, 2016 PARIS Fran ois Fillon won France first-ever conservative presidential primary Sunday after promising drastic free-market reforms and a crackdown on immigration and Islamic extremism, beating a more moderate rival who had warned of encroaching populism. Fillon campaigned on promises of slashing public spending, capping immigration, support for traditional family values and friendlier ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a sober victory speech, Fillon promised to defend French values and said France needs a complete change of software. Fillon enjoyed a surprise surge in popularity in recent weeks over longtime front-runner Jupp who also previously served as the country prime minister. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

novel life: Random House Canada By Robert Wiersema Special to the Star Sun., Nov. 27, 2016 Rajiv Surendra first heard of Yann Martel Booker Prize-winning novel Life of Pi on the set of Mean Girls, according to Toronto Star. The young Toronto actor was on a break from playing rapping mathlete Kevin Gnapoor, waiting for a toaster for his bagel, when a cameraman made a more-than-literary recommendation You ve gotta read it, bud. Luke Fontana The Elephants in my Backyard, by Rajiv Surendra, Random House of Canada, 288 pages, 29.95. It a book about you, he said. The similarities between the lives of the fictional Pi and the teenage Surendra first-generation Canadian, the son of Tamil immigrants seem overwhelming. As Surendra recounts in his charming new memoir The Elephants in My Backyard, he quickly comes to agree. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ottawa police: Even in blustery weather, there was a long line outside of the synagogue, according to Rabble. But once inside, I felt nothing but warmth. Earlier in the week, someone painted racist and Nazi graffiti on two Ottawa synagogues and a mosque, as well as a United Church whose minister is a person of colour and the residence of a Jewish woman, who teaches in her home. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson spoke, together with the rabbi, imam and minister whose places of worship had been defaced. As well, Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau told the gathering to applause that an arrest had been made and that a 17-year-old faced charges. The three religious leaders even embraced each other on stage. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

president hostility: High school students are helping collect furniture and housewares for them, and employers have inquired about giving them jobs, according to The Chronicle Herald. For the past several months, Rutland has been getting ready to receive 100 mostly Syrian refugees beginning early next year. Arabic language classes are drawing 25 to 30 people a week in preparation for the new arrivals in town. But with Donald Trump taking office in late January, Rutland plans and those of other U.S. cities that have agreed to take in people fleeing the civil war have been thrown into question, given the incoming president hostility to Muslim immigrants. In the fiscal year that just ended, the Obama administration screened and admitted nearly 12,600 Syrian refugees, who were resettled in cities and towns across the U.S. Thousands more are scheduled to arrive in the coming year. I am not even going to hazard a guess about the fate of the program, said Mayor Christopher Louras, who invited the newcomers in the hope they can help revitalize this shrinking, post-industrial, heroin-plagued city of 15,800. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

alain juppe: Polls suggest the sober, authoritative Fillon, 62, would have a strong chance of winning the French presidency in the April-May election, amid widespread frustration with France current Socialist leadership, according to Brandon Sun. Fillon, who was prime minister from 2007-2012 under ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy, enjoyed a surprise surge in popularity in recent weeks. President! President! chanted the former prime minister supporters as he declared victory over Alain Juppe in a nationwide runoff election. A rise in nationalist sentiment across Europe may have favoured his strict conservative positions over Juppe more centrist stance. Among his promises slash public spending, cap immigration, support traditional family values and reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin. France needs a complete change of software, Fillon said, promising in his victory speech to defend French values. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

donald trump: For the past several months, Rutland has been getting ready to receive 100 mostly Syrian refugees beginning early next year, according to Brandon Sun. But with Donald Trump taking office in late January, Rutland plans and those of other U.S. cities that have agreed to take in people fleeing the civil war have been thrown into question, given the incoming president hostility to Muslim immigrants. High school students are helping collect furniture and housewares for them, and employers have inquired about giving them jobs. I am not even going to hazard a guess about the fate of the program, said Mayor Christopher Louras, who invited the newcomers in the hope they can help revitalize this shrinking, post-industrial, heroin-plagued city of 15,800. During the campaign, Trump proposed a ban on Muslims entering the country and called for a moratorium on accepting Syrian refugees for fear of terrorists slipping through. Related Items Articles Trump drama rolls on Disputes, falsehoods hit transition Michigan vote certified for Trump but recount requests loom In the fiscal year that just ended, the Obama administration screened and admitted nearly 12,600 Syrian refugees, who were resettled in cities and towns across the U.S. Thousands more are scheduled to arrive in the coming year. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

lions quest: The Waterloo Region-based project enlists the help of companies, schools, service clubs, families and individuals who provide cash donations or fill stockings with gifts that are distributed through local charities, according to The Waterloo Record. Each year, Lions Quest donates stockings to go to Monica Place, Parks said. It these kids that tug on Carolyn Parks heart strings and the reason she started Stuffin Stockings in 2010. They are a youth-oriented company and so love to give to youth. The success of the program has allowed Stuffin Stockings to expand, providing gifts for babies, teenagers and young adults into their 20s as well as lonely seniors. This shows how clubs and associations can get involved and donate to a charity that resonates with their mission. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

school community: Mark School of Texas headmaster David Dini issued the statement of criticism after a Nov. 19 rally in Washington where Spencer, a member of St, according to Brandon Sun. Marks Class of 1997, shouted Hail Trump! Hail our people! Hail victory! as supporters raised their arms in Nazi salutes. St. Without referring to Spencer by name, Dini said his activities have been deeply troubling and terribly upsetting to our whole school community. In his statement, posted on the school Facebook page, Dini hailed other St. We reject racism and bigotry in all its forms and expressions. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bcadurl: But it is still sobering to witness the passing of a historic figure. try var bcadurl catch err // configure ad code url document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; document.write ; if typeof bcadurl string document.write ; document.write ; Fidel Castro dies aged 90 Reuters A man of sometimes mercurial temperament, iron will and resolve, and unflagging confidence and belief in his own ability and historic destiny, it is hard to think of a modern world leader who had more direct personal impact on the direction of a country than Fidel Castro did in Cuba over seven decades, according to Globe and Mail. He was 100 per cent Cuban, his beliefs formed and forged in the crucible of Cuban history, which he understood, interpreted and drew around himself as the protector of the heritage of Jos Mart 19th century father of Cuban independence and philosopher-king of Cuban nationalism. Several months ago, Fidel Castro Ruz himself publicly reminded Cuba that he would soon be 90 years old and would not last much longer. Obituary Fidel Castro, 1926-2016 The 20th century bears his indelible stamp Doug Saunders Fidel Castro revolution succeeded, but his promises evaporated Read more Trudeau criticized for laudatory statement on Fidel Castro death The coming week will be solemn in Cuba as Cubans on the Island mourn the passing of Fidel, many privately and emotionally, and almost all with a sense of respect for the historic role he played as symbol of the Cuban nation to the world. The dancing in the street in Miami by several thousand Cuban Americans is one sliver of the nuanced Cuban reality, but there are many millions of Cubans who live in Cuba itself who will not be dancing, not because they are afraid of the police, but because of a sense of loss and regard for the patriotic integrity of the Republic of Cuba. It is the Fidel who channeled Mart that they mourn or recognize rather than Fidel as socialist theoretician. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

chamber members: The majority does not have the right to determine the fate of everyone else, Osama al-Nujaifi, one of Iraq three vice-presidents and a senior Sunni politician, told reporters after the vote, which was boycotted by many Sunni lawmakers, according to CTV. There should be genuine political inclusion. The legislation, supported by 208 of the chamber 327 members, was quickly rejected by Sunni Arab politicians and lawmakers as proof of the dictatorship of the country Shiite majority and evidence of its failure to honour promises of inclusion. This law must be revised. The legislation aborts nation building, he said, adding it would pave the way for a dangerous parallel to the military and police. Another Sunni politician, legislator Ahmed al-Masary, said the law cast doubt on the participation in the political process by all of Iraq religious and ethnic factions. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

clients: One year ago, Wang, 47, was convicted of one of the biggest immigration scams in Canadian history making 10 million by filing fraudulent immigration applications for his clients, according to CBC. In one of his ploys, Wang falsely used his own home in Richmond as an address for 114 of his clients who didnt live in Canada. CBC News has learned 320 immigrants, who each paid thousands of dollars to New Can Consulting and owner Xun Sunny Wang, are now facing deportation to China. Convicted immigration fraudster Xun Sunny Wang used his own home in Richmond as a fake address for at least 114 of his clients. Three of his former employees will be sentenced in January and three more are awaiting trial. Mike Zimmer/CBC His appeal of his seven-year prison term and 900,000 fine was rejected last month. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hail trump: The Ku Klux Klan plans to mark Trump victory with a parade next month in North Carolina, according to Hamilton Spectator. Civil rights advocates have recoiled, citing an uptick in harassment and incidents of hate crimes affecting African-Americans, Jewish-Americans, Muslims, Latinos, gays, lesbians and other minority groups since the vote. Members of the self-declared alt-right have exulted over the Nov. 8 results with public cries of Hail Trump! and reprises of the Nazi salute. The president-elect has drawn repeated criticism for being slow to offer his condemnation of white supremacists. Further, Trump has named Stephen Bannon, the conservative media provocateur who shaped the final months of Trump campaign, as a White House chief strategist who will work steps from the Oval Office. His strongest denunciation of the movement has not come voluntarily, only when asked, and he occasionally trafficked in retweets of racist social media posts during his campaign. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

father teachings: The oldest of six children, Christmas often found himself in a leadership role in his Membertou-based family at a young age, according to The Chronicle Herald. He encouraged his younger siblings, gave a hand to his mother around the house when needed, and even joined his dad at his various work spots. He just knew his father teachings would buoy him along the way and that was going to be more than good enough. But when Christmas and his family were hit with the unexpected passing of their father, he was thrust into what would be his eventual full-time calling in life leading and he hasn t looked back since. My dad never wanted me to get involved with politics because my grandfather was the Chief of Membertou for many years and my dad didn t like what politics did for his father. Getting in politics was really by accident, Christmas says. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hand power: Friday, according to Huffington Post Canada. He ended the announcement by shouting the revolutionary slogan Toward victory, always! Castro reign over the island-nation 90 miles 145 kilometres from Florida was marked by the U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis a year later that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. With a shaking voice, President Raul Castro said on state television that his older brother died at 10 29 p.m. The bearded revolutionary, who survived a crippling U.S. trade embargo as well as dozens, possibly hundreds, of assassination plots, died 10 years after ill health forced him to hand power over to Raul. On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and many, many supporters of Mr. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who visited Cuba last month, issued a statement from the summit of la Francophonie in Antananarivo, Madagascar, expressing his deep sorrow over the news of Castro death. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

history isnt: Across Europe, borders have hardened again as countries insist on asserting their sovereignty to check the flow of unwanted newcomers, according to Globe and Mail. The common people have rejected their leaders with a thunderous roar. Then Trump. We don t care what you think is good for us, they said. Opinion We can only hope history isnt repeating itself From the archives Munich, Nice, Turkey, Brexit, Trump It all connected Opinion Pushing back against populism In this context, the Trump triumph is not so baffling. We want our country back. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

i dont: On Monday night the association will hold what it is calling an annual community meeting, to look back on the accomplishments and challenges of the last year and to thank the community for being so supportive, according to CBC. It was an extraordinary year, said Yvette Doucette, the association information officer. The staff and volunteers welcomed 1,786 newcomers to the Island, including hundreds of refugees from Syria. There were almost 300 Syrian refugees that were settled on the Island. New challenges It was a challenge that was unprecedented for the organization. Per capita, Prince Edward Island received more refugees than any other province, so I dont know if a lot of people know that. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

superhero avatar: The flattered young men erupted in cheers and Nazi salutes, according to Globe and Mail. It looked like a video game of Germany in the 1930s led by a superhero avatar. In rapturous phrases, he designated the white supremacists standing before him as children of the sun who would rise and triumph in the name of Donald Trump. Except it wasn t. Trump known to some as the god-emperor was about to become the most powerful man on the planet, and his foot soldiers were growing bolder. Mr. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trump: He made the remarks when asked what the U.S. president-elect would do about the North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump has said he will rip up if he cant get concessions on the 22-year-old pact, according to CTV. If you had an insane uncle, who had taken over your house, and did five things in a row that didnt make any sense ... whatever he does, it wont make a lot of sense from where you re sitting right now, Jones said. In an exclusive interview with Evan Solomon, host of CTV Question Period, Jones said it hard to describe just how unpredictable Trump has been - even for Trump own advisers. Ive had the opportunity to be sitting next to his campaign surrogates on national television where at the break they said Donald Trump is going to do XYZ, and then Trump comes out and does P, D, Q and 7. So I have no idea what he going to do, nor do you. And his own surrogates are taken off balance in the middle of the news cycle. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian civility: Yet now, five months after Obama paean to Canadian civility, tolerance and openness to the world, it appears the president was right, according to The Waterloo Record. Everywhere you look, people are losing faith in what Obama applauds as the liberal, market-based democratic order that has created unprecedented prosperity and security for the world. Modesty is as Canadian as maple syrup, and while the American president praise during his state visit to Ottawa was deeply satisfying, no one wanted to get a swelled head or succumb to a very un Canadian sense of smug superiority. And everywhere you look, frightened, angry and disillusioned people are turning to populist politicians who prescribe tariffs, closed borders and minority punching bags as the panaceas for whatever ails the citizenry. That mantle is falling as the new president finalizes plans to shred trade deals, deport millions of migrants and build a wall to keep out the Mexicans. This month election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president only sharpened the focus on the rise of protectionism and xenophobia in America, the nation that until recently was, whatever its shortcomings, hailed as leader of the free world. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hail trump: The Ku Klux Klan plans to mark Trump victory with a parade next month in North Carolina, according to The Waterloo Record. Civil rights advocates have recoiled, citing an uptick in harassment and incidents of hate crimes affecting African-Americans, Jewish-Americans, Muslims, Latinos, gays, lesbians and other minority groups since the vote. Members of the self-declared alt-right have exulted over the Nov. 8 results with public cries of Hail Trump! and reprises of the Nazi salute. The president-elect has drawn repeated criticism for being slow to offer his condemnation of white supremacists. Further, Trump has named Stephen Bannon, the conservative media provocateur who shaped the final months of Trump campaign, as a White House chief strategist who will work steps from the Oval Office. His strongest denunciation of the movement has not come voluntarily, only when asked, and he occasionally trafficked in retweets of racist social media posts during his campaign. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

nominee program: It can be done better, Pallister said when asked of specifics after his press conference at Westman Immigrant Services, according to Brandon Sun. We got to do a better job of helping them land on their feet when they come here. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister announced yesterday in Brandon his government will improve the provincial nominee program such as eliminating the backlog of applications but he did not divulge how. They re coming here with hope, they re not coming here to want to sit at home or in rented accommodation or in a shelter. COLIN CORNEAU/THE BRANDON SUN The premier explained his enhancements include prioritizing entrepreneurs and skilled workers, which is already the program intention. Enlarge Image Premier Brian Pallister speaks with Joy Escalera after Friday announcement. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.