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.

freeland: Freeland says the agency will be operational next year and act as a one-stop shop for investors in an effort to boost employment and economic growth, according to Metro News. She says Canada may be the only industrialized nation in the West to be bucking the trend towards protectionism by continuing to stand up for an open society that welcomes immigrants and is open to trade. International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland says the money will go to the Invest in Canada Hub, which was announced last month during the fiscal update. Freeland made the announcement during a speech before the Toronto Region Board of Trade. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

fund lawyers: California lawmakers are proposing urgent bills to fund immigration lawyers and assist public defenders in helping protect immigrants in the state from President-elect Donald Trump plans for more deportations, according to Metro News. State Sen. The Latest on California lawmakers proposing bills to protect immigrants all times local 3 40 p.m. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, said Monday he is proposing the measure to fund lawyers for immigrants in deportation proceedings. The measures are among a series of proposals being discussed by lawmakers and immigrant advocates in California. Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, has introduced a bill to help public defenders assess the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration minister: We ve got to stop lecturing people on how they should feel and what they should say and start listening to them, says the former immigration minister who lost his Toronto-area seat in the 2015 election, according to CTV. Alexander notes that an estimated 100,000 Albertans have lost their jobs due to the downturn in the oil sector. At the same time, Alexander tells CTV News Channel he doesn t think it the job of politicians or media to chastise a crowd who is saying something very spontaneously on the basis of real emotion, adding The anger is real. He says the carbon tax, imposed by Notley NDP government with the federal Liberals blessing, will lead to even more job losses. Clinton use of a private email server during her time as secretary of state was under investigation, but she was not charged with any crime. Lock her up was frequently chanted when Hillary Clinton name came up at Donald Trump rallies during the U.S. election campaign. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

julie dubber: Sewing is a lost art in Canada, so it can be difficult finding Canadian-born workers with the right skills, says Julie Dubber, finance and human-resources manager, according to Globe and Mail. She hired a Syrian wife and husband in January, and the company now has about 20 workers who are Syrian refugees. In Hamilton, Coppley Ltd., a maker of custom-tailored, high-end men clothing that started in 1883, is one. These folks are amazing. I was speaking to a lady the other day and she actually was shot when she was in Syria. They are so thrilled to have the things that we take so much for granted their safety. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

pearson airport: When we landed in Pearson Airport and the very first person we shook hands was the prime minister, Vanig Garabedien said, according to Huffington Post Canada. He shared the words a Canadian official uttered to him before he and his family stepped on the plane. The prime minister sat down with Syrian refugees and sponsors over plates of pickled vegetables and cake in Toronto The Depanneur for a discussion on CBC Metro Morning on Friday. Sir, go and make Canada a better place. Watching you and your girls walk through this airport towards me, was a moment in which I understood just the kinds of things that we can do as a country, he said. Watch their exchange here Trudeau was moved. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

refugee advocates: Ramadan said through a translator, have been a challenge when it comes to money and refugee advocates say the financial situation for some Syrian refugees across the country could grow more dire when they enter Month 13 and shift from federal assistance to provincial assistance, according to Globe and Mail. Chris Friesen, director of settlement services with the Immigrant Services Society of B.C., said his organization is holding workshops this month to warn Syrian refugees who cannot yet support themselves that they could receive less funding once they have been in Canada for more than a year. Read more How The Globe found the catalyst of Syria civil war Read more Syrian exodus to Canada One year later, a look at who the refugees are and where they went Read more Meet the Edmonton doctor saving lives in Syria The last few days of each month, Ms. The bottom line is it going to mean further adjustment for these vulnerable families that they re not expecting, Mr. The federal Liberals last year vowed to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of 2015. Friesen said in an interview. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rosemary barton: More than 1,000 rally against carbon tax at Alberta legislature Alberta is struggling Notley defends carbon tax ultimatum Chris Alexander speaks to Rosemary Barton about Conservative leadership In a video posted on Twitter by Rebel Media reporter Sheila Gunn Reid, Alexander is nodding and smiling in front of the crowd of about 1,000 as they chant lock her up in response to his comments about Notley leadership, according to CBC. At no point in the video does Alexander attempt to calm the crowd or denounce their chanting. The former immigration minister was a speaker at the rally on Saturday, which was hosted by the right-wing Rebel Media group to protest the NDP government plan to impose a carbon tax in January. I could clearly hear what they were saying and I was uncomfortable, Alexander told CBC News on Sunday. I was smiling because I was trying to think of a way to change the chant. It was not something I initiated, it was not something I said at any point and it not something I agree with. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syrian refugee: Piali Roy, who was part of a community group that sponsored six family members to come to Canada, noted that one of them, a single male, had to stay behind in Beirut, according to CBC. Im proud to be here Syrian refugee has tearful reunion with Justin Trudeau Meet the refugees who met with Trudeau Roy told Trudeau that one of the biggest challenges she and the man family face is the difficulty with getting any information from the government about the file. Trudeau made the comments during a discussion with a small group of Syrian refugees, two sponsors, and CBC Metro Morning host Matt Galloway late last week in Toronto. So we have to go through our MP office to be able to get updates, and that been one of the frustrating parts of this process and we dont understand why the file doesnt get updated on the computer system, for example, she said. CBC Trudeau said he heard similar complaints when he was an MP in the Montreal riding of Papineau, where many newcomers settled when they arrived in Quebec, and it comes down to a question of resources. Piali Roy said it been difficult to get information about a man who was left behind after the rest of his family was allowed to come to Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

unsavoury tactics: He is a formidable publicist and organizer who punches well above his intellectual weight in right-wing circles, but he is seen by many Canadians as an online bully with extremist views, unsavoury tactics and a high level of tolerance for people with opinions most of us would consider well, intolerant, according to Rabble. People who offend him may find themselves on the receiving end of furious campaigns of vilification, assisted by a group of online supporters who seem to see the world in precisely the same way as their hero. Rebel Media is the political vehicle of Ezra Levant, the former Sun Media broadcaster who now operates his own far-right video blog website and has a reputation as one of Canada most prominent online nuisances. I speak from personal experience. Given this, I was surprised that both federal and provincial opposition parties, led by people who presumably want to appear to voters to be serious people and governments in waiting, allowed themselves to be seen so closely associated with a showman like Levant who, notwithstanding his vocal and enthusiastic fans, is reviled by so many Canadians. Sometimes the victims of these campaigns even discover websites registered in their names that redirect to Rebel Media pages or other apparently ironically chosen websites -- readers can check out Sandra Jansen.ca, Oneil Carlier.ca or Climenhaga as examples. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

years: He was easygoing, loyal and a good listener qualities I needed at the time, according to Hamilton Spectator. Even years later, when I found many more friends at school, he retained a special status among them. When we were children, perhaps eight or nine, the guy Ill call Rob was a friend to me when no one else would be, when I was bullied and ostracized and alone. After many an evening spent at his place, we would take the long way back through the neighbourhood in the dark, walking and talking about games and cartoons, and later, philosophy and current events. The two of us grew up in stable, Protestant, nuclear families in a quiet suburb of Toronto. He loved to pontificate about the Western canon, Russian and Roman history, the workings of empires and economies. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

right thing: I dont think it fair, according to National Observer. I dont think it the right thing to say at a rally or elsewhere, and that why I didnt join it, Alexander said Sunday. I totally disapprove of that particular chant. Premier Notley is about to introduce the provincial carbon tax to ensure that polluters are paying for emissions that are contributing to global warming. But the crowd of people blamed the government for making their lives worse, bringing their anger to the legislature. The tax is part of a comprehensive plan to diversify Alberta oil-rich economy, which has lost tens of thousands of jobs and been hammered by the plunge in global commodity prices. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

software programmer: Founded four years ago by Seattle-based Hadi Partovi, the Hour of Code aims to ensure that every student in the developed world has an opportunity to, at the very least, learn the basic building blocks of computer coding, according to Guelph Mercury. Kids at this age, in eighth grade, ninth grade, should be exposed to the basics of computer science, says Partovi. Trudeau joined the co-founders of Canada Learning Code and Code.org to mark the launch of Computer Science Education Week at an event called Hour of Code. But it doesnt mean that every student needs to be a software programmer, Trudeau told several dozen students gathered around small tables at e-commerce firm Shopify downtown Ottawa headquarters. While nearly all youth in Canada are tech consumers, they arent given enough opportunities to actually build the technology they use, said Melissa Sariffodeen, who heads Ladies Learning Code. Every job were going to do in the future will rely on technology and be benefited if you are powerful users of the technology that surrounds us, Trudeau said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syrian women: We appreciate what Canadians and Canada has done for us, said Leena Al Ahmad through translator and settlement worker Sherifa Azzab while the meal was being prepped, according to Vancouver Courier. We want to give back, to say thank you to Canada. That was the theme of a dinner the refugees hosted Saturday at the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House for 100 guests, a feast of authentic Syrian cuisine open to anyone. A group of Syrian women hosted a dinner at the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Saturday to say thanks to the help they received in settling into their new home country. Photo Rebecca Blissett Al Ahmad was one of the nine women who spent the afternoon in the kitchen with fellow Syrian women, including Asmaa Qawas and Manar Alsaid Ahmed. The women said they did not expect such a warm welcome and now want to give back to the community that made them feel valued. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

world war: More than one-third of the total appeal 8.1 billion aims to help people in Syria and refugees from it, and another 4.4 billion would support people inside or fleeing war-torn Yemen and South Sudan, according to The Waterloo Record. It is the highest amount the agency has ever requested, said OCHA chief Stephen OBrien. The appeal announced Monday from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs seeks to help nearly 93 million people in 33 countries nearly two-thirds of them in Africa. This is a reflection of a state of humanitarian need in the world not witnessed since the Second World War more than 128 million people urgently need our support and solidarity to survive and live in safety and dignity, he said. More than 80 per cent of the needs stem from man-made conflicts, many of which are now protracted and push up demand for relief year after year, OBrien told reporters in Geneva. The 93 million among them targeted by the appeal are some of the most desperate, he added. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

years: He was easygoing, loyal and a good listener qualities I needed at the time, according to Guelph Mercury. Even years later, when I found many more friends at school, he retained a special status among them. When we were children, perhaps eight or nine, the guy Ill call Rob was a friend to me when no one else would be, when I was bullied and ostracized and alone. After many an evening spent at his place, we would take the long way back through the neighbourhood in the dark, walking and talking about games and cartoons, and later, philosophy and current events. The two of us grew up in stable, Protestant, nuclear families in a quiet suburb of Toronto. He loved to pontificate about the Western canon, Russian and Roman history, the workings of empires and economies. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

halifax resident: The program matches a family of new Canadians with a volunteer who helps them integrate into the community, according to Metro News. Lori has provided support and information about living in Canada, practiced conversational English and engaged them the family in several community activities, said ISANS volunteer program coordinator Denise Scott. The Halifax resident began working with the organization Community Connections Program about two years ago. Lori has brought has been a fantastic support to the family in welcoming them to Canada. They re now counted among her good friends, which is why she doesn t consider what she does volunteering and was reluctant to be dubbed a Halifax Hero. Ward was placed with a family originally from Sudan. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

minister trudeau: In the fall of 2014, the Harper Conservative government sent Canadian Special Forces trainers to Iraq for the purpose of combating the spread of the then-rampant Daesh evil-doers, according to The Chronicle Herald. Canadians were told that our troops were going to Iraq because it made things seem a little simpler than was actually the case. The weapons were originally promised by Prime Minister Trudeau back in February, but that when things got a little bit sticky. Our Special Forces Operatives were sent to the city of Erbil and when they stepped off the plane, they were greeted by a sign reading Welcome to Kurdistan. These Kurds are very open about their desire to establish an internationally recognized, independent nation. It has indeed been Kurdish fighters that our soldiers have been training and assisting for the past two years. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

nominee program: The best way to achieve this is to ensure that immigrants have jobs in this province on day one, according to CBC. Under the current system, many if not most of the immigrants that come to Manitoba arrive without jobs. New fee for provincial nominees as province looks to clear backlog The whole point of the provincial nominee program is to attract skilled workers to Manitoba who will have a positive economic impact on the province. While many are skilled and eventually are successful, these immigrants must first deal with being unemployed in a foreign country. The better solution is to ensure these immigrants have jobs as soon as they arrive. Because of this, the government has programs funded by taxpayers to assist these new immigrants in finding jobs. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

thanksgiving: The din of chatter was so loud you had to lean in to hear. 400 plus people - were hosted at Pier 21 as part of Share Thanksgiving project, keeping the Pier 21 Bear mascot busy posing with guests, according to The Chronicle Herald. Staff But it wasn t a wedding. Kids running and playing, friends hugging, babies passed from person to person all in a huge room with dinner set for 400 people. It was Share Thanksgiving an event put on by Engage Nova Scotia which brings new immigrants together with host families, Nova Scotians looking to welcome newcomers with a Thanksgiving feast. Sitting at each table are new Nova Scotians, old Nova Scotians, and sometimes interpreters. The event helps break down barriers between cultures, and often establishes life-long friendships. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hat: Pissed off the rest of the judges because they all voted for Hillary, so, according to Hamilton Spectator. I was the only Trump supporter up there but that okay, Ontario Court Justice Bernd Zabel is quoted as saying just before court closed for the day on Nov. 9, according to a certified transcript obtained by the Toronto Star. Brief appearance with the hat. Trump hat judge faces potential bias application Another Hamilton official brings a Trump hat to work Hamilton judge Zabel sorry for lapse in judgment in wearing Trump hat As first reported by The Globe and Mail, Zabel, who was appointed to the bench by the provincial government in 1990, showed up for court the morning after the Nov. 8 election wearing a red Make America Great Again ball cap. Almost a week later, Zabel apologized for wearing it, acknowledging it was a lapse in judgment and a breach of the principles of judicial office. The Globe reported he then placed the hat on the bench in front of him. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

blaine gabbert: Crossing patterns and shovel passes, according to Brandon Sun. Nothing worked. Deep throws and out routes. Call it a snow day for San Francisco aerial attack. San Francisco 1-11 finished with a record-low 6 yards passing while strengthening its position for at least the No. 2 overall pick in next year NFL draft, handing a third win to one of their main competitors for those prized selections at the top of each round. Kaepernick completed just one pass for 4 yards before he was replaced by Blaine Gabbert in the fourth quarter, and the lowly 49ers dropped their 11th straight game with a 26-6 loss to the Chicago Bears at a wintry Soldier Field on Sunday. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rebel media: I totally disapprove of that particular chant, according to Guelph Mercury. I dont think it fair. The former immigration minister was speaking at a rally against the provincial NDPs planned carbon tax Saturday when protesters began the lock her up chant popularized during president-elect Donald Trump campaign. I dont think it the right thing to say at a rally or elsewhere, and that why I didnt join it, Alexander said Sunday. The video shows the ralliers start by chanting Vote her out, but as they grow louder, the message changes. The Edmonton rally was organized by Rebel Media, a right-wing opinion outlet, and video of the incident was posted on Twitter by the website Alberta bureau chief Sheila Gunn Reid. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian food: To practice English with them and teach them some Arabic, more about Arabic food, to learn more about Canadian food, he said, according to CBC. To make a mix, I want to make mix. Alzoubi, a Syrian refugee, is looking forward to welcoming a Canadian family to his home and sharing his culture. RECIPE Chickpea fateyh, a traditional Syrian breakfast Syrian boys warm to Canada beautiful game Alzoubi has signed up for the Friends of the Family pilot project through Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization. Alzoubi has a wife and three young children four-year-old Amir, two-year-old Maria, and one-year-old Moussa. The three month project, funded by RBC Foundation, United for Refugees and other private donors, will pair 30 government-assisted refugee families with established Canadian families and groups of friends. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

college administrators: New Mexico has a higher percentage of Latino residents than any other state, according to The Chronicle Herald. Meanwhile, pressure is building from advocates in California, Illinois, Minnesota and Texas for universities there to provide sanctuary to these immigrant students, known as DREAMers. College administrators in New Mexico are looking into proposals that would grant immigrant students living in the country illegally protections while they pursue their studies. Some advocates and professors are asking colleges not to co-operate with federal authorities on immigrant issues, while others want administrators to block federal immigration authorities from searching campuses. He also vowed to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities. The movement comes after President-elect Donald Trump promised to end an executive order that granted temporary status to students living in the country illegally. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mustafa: There were rockets that came and actually hit my brother-in-law and killed him, said Mustafa in Arabic, according to CBC. Mustafa, his wife, and four children were the first Syrian refugees to arrive in Yellowknife just over a month ago. Syria was at war, being torn apart; and so were her people. For the first time this week, they sat down with CBC News and shared their story. Mustafa said he had to pick up his flesh from the walls. Yellowknife welcomes first family of Syrian refugees And my nephew was in pieces on the walls, he said through a translator. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

non-indigenous canadians: To have a one-on-one experience with this woman was quite profound for me, Molloy, 25, said, according to Huffington Post Canada. We really got to feel the importance of her role. She sat with the medicine woman of Beardy and Okemasis First Nation, who showed her the natural remedies she forages and explained the significance of her position. Molloy is white, but has Plains Cree siblings. Rands was also part of a student union movement to create bridges between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians, something she also aspired to. She comes from a long line of activists her grandparents advocated for health care services in Saskatchewan and her father, Brian Rands, lived on a northern Saskatchewan First Nation to build relations with the indigenous community there. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.