birth certificates: But when the two men returned to Milan with their newborns, a clerk at the registry office refused to transcribe the babies' birth certificates, barring the men from registering the boys as their legal children, according to The Waterloo Record. Cases like this have happened before in Italy, where surrogacy is illegal and Italian couples face problems in having babies born to surrogates abroad legally recognized as their own. The babies were the sons of a gay Italian couple who had used in vitro fertilization to have children. What's not common is the decision a court in Milan issued last week despite being twins, the court said, the two boys aren't brothers. The couple has decided to remain anonymous to preserve their privacy and the Italian media is not publishing their names. After the clerk's refusal, the couple in Milan had sued to be allowed to register as their children's parents. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

celebrity clique: On a second visit to the Mar-a-Lago club around New Year's, Fabio huddled with incoming White House press secretary Sean Spicer and offered his assistance on veterans' issues, according to Brandon Sun. I want to help, said Fabio, who plans to be in Washington for Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration. Fabio, who goes by his first name only, said he hit it off with the newly elected Republican, who asked the brawny model how he stays in shape. Fabio's embrace of Trump puts him in an exclusive and eclectic club celebrities who not only support the president-elect, but are willing to do so publicly. While most modern presidents have had a celebrity clique, Obama's crowd has been especially glitzy. The entertainment industry's liberal bent, combined with election-season outrage over Trump's controversial comments on women and minorities, left Trump persona non grata with many A-listers, particularly those who have rolled in President Barack Obama's circles. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

death: Soares died in the Red Cross hospital in Lisbon where he had been hospitalized since mid-December, according to Jos Barata, an official from the hospital, according to The Waterloo Record. Barata did not specify an exact cause of death. He was 92. His death was confirmed by Portugal's Socialist Party, The Associated Press reported. Soares, a lawyer, was a relentless foe of the fascist government of Prime Minister Ant nio de Oliveira Salazar, who ruled Portugal for more than 40 years. The party did not give further details. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

donald trump: May has said for months that she will invoke Article 50 of the EU's key treaty, triggering two years of EU exit talks, by March 31, according to Guelph Mercury. But she has refused to reveal details of Britain's goals or negotiating strategy. In her first interview of 2017, May also said Donald Trump had made unacceptable comments about women but stressed she's had good conversations with the U.S. president-elect about the vital trans-Atlantic relationship. May argues that to do so would weaken Britain's hand, but the lack of detail has fuelled allegations that government plans for Brexit are in disarray. In an interview with Sky News, May insisted the government is not at all muddled. Ivan Rogers, who resigned as Britain's EU envoy last week, criticized politicians' ill-founded arguments and muddled thinking about the EU exit. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

year: She said I am so excited for this new chapter in my life! And Lindsay's manager Scott Carlsen added to Mail Online Lindsay in a period of renewal, and is very excited for what the new year holds, according to The Waterloo Record. We are extremely happy here at team Lohan, thrilled to see everyone's reactions over the next year as we have some big projects lined up. The 30-year-old actress is in a period of renewal and has chosen to wipe her accounts so that she can start 2017 off with a clean slate. Lindsay recently revealed that having part of her finger ripped off in a fishing accident in Turkey last year helped her to put her life into perspective and has been a huge factor in her decision to continue volunteering with refugees. If that didn't happen to me, if I didn't lose a part of myself essentially - and I weirdly think about this when I meditate - I wouldn't have stayed in Turkey. She explained Losing half of my finger and getting it back was one of the best things that happened to me. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

boko haram: The United Nations last month appealed for 1 billion to tackle Africa's worst humanitarian crisis in which 5.1 million refugees face starvation in northeast Nigeria, according to Metro News. It warns many more could die in famine than the 20,000-plus killed in the seven-year Islamic uprising. Refugees have almost doubled the population of Maiduguri, the birthplace of Boko Haram, to 2.5 million. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian values: Dr, according to Globe and Mail. Leitch, a pediatric surgeon and MP for Simcoe-Grey, north of Toronto, galvanized the campaign by declaring that every immigrant entering Canada should be subject to a face-to-face interview and screened for Canadian values, which she defines as a commitment to freedom, equality of opportunity, hard work and generosity. Gary Mason Will Kevin O'Leary be stopped Mark Milke Why Canadian norms and values matter What, exactly, are the values that animate the Conservative candidates when it comes to immigration What changes would they make to the system, as prime minister In essence, the debate pits Kellie Leitch against the rest. I do believe that we should sort of slow it down so that we can make sure that the individuals who are coming into our country share our values and to integrate the immigrant better, she told The Globe and Mail. On the latter point, my intent will be to transfer the cost to the immigrant, Dr. Such a lengthy procedure would likely decrease the number of immigrants admitted to Canada, each year, while also increasing the costs of admitting them. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

donald election: The sharp divisions over Donald Trump's election have politicians, celebrities and even high school students debating whether taking part in the inauguration is a political act that demonstrates support for the new president and his agenda or a nonpartisan tribute to democratic traditions and the peaceful transfer of power, according to CTV. Among critics of the president-elect, everyone from Hillary Clinton and Hollywood A-listers to the band director at tiny Madawaska Middle/High School in northern Maine and singers in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is wrestling with this issue -- and reaching different conclusions. Who wouldn't want to be part of such a historic event This time, though, it's different. Bill and Hillary Clinton served belated notice this past week that they'll be on the inaugural podium when Trump takes the oath of office Jan. 20. In Utah, singer Jan Chamberlin was so dismayed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's decision to perform at the swearing-in that she decided not only to sit out the event but to resign from the choir she dearly loves. At least two legislators have said they'll boycott the ceremony. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canon ft: Vincenzo Pietropaolo By Nicholas Keung Immigration reporter Sat., Jan. 7, 2017 Since 1969, Vincenzo Pietropaolo has attended the Good Friday processions in Toronto's Little Italy every year except one, in 1996, when a work project took him out of the country, according to Toronto Star. In the early days, the young Italian migrant would use his Canon FT a gift from his father and Leica cameras to photograph the actors in theatrical biblical costumes, tireless volunteers behind the scenes and mesmerized spectators along the route in the heart of the Italian Canadian community. Francis of Assisi Church at the end of the 1981 Good Friday procession in Toronto's Little Italy. The religious procession one of the largest outside of Italy isn't just an annual Easter weekend ritual for Pietropaolo and many generations of Italian Canadians, but now has turned into a photography book documenting the changing face of the community over a 46-year span through its single most visible public event. For one day, the streets belong to us, said the documentary photographer, who settled in Toronto with his family from Calabria at age 11 in 1963, a year after the event was inaugurated. The procession provides the community a means to express and affirm itself in the city. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

river: It is very hard to express in words the situation, according to CBC. The reason that he was running away was to save his life, he said Friday. It's the feeling of having no choice but to risk your life. Samatar made a similar journey in August 2015 when he swam across the Red River from North Dakota into Manitoba. They don't have any other options. As long as there is still that situation back in their countries, they have to run. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

screening everyone: Kellie Leitch calls comparisons with Donald Trump unfair'Irresponsible' populism Lisa Raitt slams Kevin O'Leary, Kellie Leitch Prior to our Conservative government, the Liberals had brought in a fee for individuals that were immigrating to Canada and my intention would be to bring back that fee, according to CBC. Introduced by then-finance minister Paul Martin in 1995, the 975 right-of-landing fee was reduced to 490 and renamed the right of permanent residence fee under the Stephen Harper government during the 2006 budget. For myself, screening everyone for Canadian values, screening everyone at the border is important ... My intention is to transfer that cost to the individual who is immigrating here, the Simcoe-Grey MP told the CBC's Catherine Cullen on The House. Leitch said it would be a jumping off point, but any fee would have to be adjusted for inflation and the number of immigrants coming to Canada. Refugees would, however, still have to take the test. The fee would only apply to immigrants, not refugees, she added. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syrian family: The Hadhads are arguably the best-known former refugees to land in Canada, according to CBC. Their story has evolved far beyond how any of them could have imagined. The Hadhads are so successful they now employ 10 people at their small chocolate shop. The Hadhads had never been on a plane before they made their journey to Nova Scotia. The Hadhad family, shown moments after landing in Halifax in January 2016, were the first Syrian family to move to Antigonish, N.S. Steve Berry/CBC The universal language of chocolate We were thinking that finding a job would be hard for me and my family, Tareq Hadhad, the eldest son, told CBC News. They landed with no belongings but a few bags of clothing, tired and nervous about what was to come. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

border crossings: In the past three years, no refugee claimants were intercepted at Westman's border crossings, according to Canada Border Services Agency, according to Brandon Sun. In comparison, hundreds tried crossing south of Winnipeg during the same time span. Yet, this same influx of asylum-seekers many finding solace in Canada's sympathetic ear to refugee claims has not bothered with western Manitoba. CBSA counted 954 attempts between April 2013 and early December 2016. There used to be an underground railroad for American slaves, trying to flee north to safety, said Karin Gordon, executive director at Hospitality House Refugee Ministry in Winnipeg. The majority of asylum-seekers used to live in Somalia. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

donald election: The sharp divisions over Donald Trump's election have politicians, celebrities and even high school students debating whether taking part in the inauguration is a political act that demonstrates support for the new president and his agenda or a nonpartisan tribute to democratic traditions and the peaceful transfer of power, according to Brandon Sun. Among critics of the president-elect, everyone from Hillary Clinton and Hollywood A-listers to the band director at tiny Madawaska Middle/High School in northern Maine and singers in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is wrestling with this issue and reaching different conclusions. Who wouldn't want to be part of such a historic event This time, though, it's different. Bill and Hillary Clinton served belated notice this past week that they'll be on the inaugural podium when Trump takes the oath of office Jan. 20. In Utah, singer Jan Chamberlin was so dismayed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's decision to perform at the swearing-in that she decided not only to sit out the event but to resign from the choir she dearly loves. At least two legislators have said they'll boycott the ceremony. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

spring contest: The timing is so bad just months before the spring contest that Le Pen, a leading candidate, smells a rat, according to Brandon Sun. The National Front party president rails at a system she wants to break, but claims is out to break her. But some things are spinning out of her carefully controlled orbit, like a movie that presents an unflattering picture and real-life legal problems. She vows it won't. Le Pen spent years working to detoxify the image of her anti-immigration party, a pariah in French politics before she took it over in 2011 from her father, founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, who was convicted multiple times of racism and anti-Semitism. I can only say we will defend ourselves with all our means, but it's not a democratic way of functioning, Le Pen said, blasting the European Union Parliament in which she serves as a deputy and French prosecutors probing her party. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

anti-immigrant sentiment: In this, Canada appears to stand alone, according to CTV. By all accounts, we have created a peaceful society with a robust welfare state, in a multi-cultural high-immigrant context with little of the populist backlash we have seen abroad. Address of the event Hotel Sofitel, 1155 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montr al, QC H3A 2N3 A short description of the event As the new year begins, one issue is certain to dominate our attention in the months to come the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment and of the right-wing populism that fueled Brexit, the victory of Donald Trump, and the growth of nationalist movements across Europe. On Thursday, February 9th and Friday, February 10, 2017, in celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary, the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada will hold its 22nd annual conference on the theme of immigration and multiculturalism. Beginning with a presentation of fresh data from a nation-wide poll on Canadian attitudes towards immigrants, and concluding with a roundtable discussion, this two-day conference will explore the past, present and future of Canada's exceptional status amongst western nations. This conference, entitled Canadian Exceptionalism Are we good or are we lucky asks whether Canada is indeed unique, and if so, whether this is a matter of history or geography or circumstance, or because there is something in our policies, institutions, or character. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

buffs: A strong enough majority of Americans voted against him, according to Rabble. It wasn't because of racism, fear of immigrants or misogyny. Won the Electoral College, not the election. White supremacists and Confederate flag buffs didn't do it -- though they backed him. Hillary didn't even campaign there. He won because he carried four states in the rust belt, where factories once guaranteed people decent lives and which Democrats had always taken for granted. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

cbsa spokeswoman: They almost froze to death' Refugees frostbitten after walking to Manitoba border Number of asylum-seekers crossing illegally into Quebec from U.S. spikes The Canada Border Services Agency CBSA said 410 refugee claimants have been intercepted near the Emerson port of entry while crossing into Canada between April 1, 2016 and Dec. 8, 2016, according to CBC. Individuals attempting an illegal border crossing are intercepted by the RCMP and brought to the Emerson border crossing, where they can make a refugee claim, said Jacquie Callin, a CBSA spokeswoman. The revelation comes following news that two refugees from Ghana were hospitalized in Winnipeg after getting frostbite while they were lost on Christmas Eve morning on Highway 75 near the Canada-U.S. border. The majority of refugees entering near Emerson are from Somalia, said Callin. Ongoing issue for years The agency declined to comment when asked by CBC how hundreds of people could be making their way into Canada. The border services agency said it is only responsible for designated border crossings and not the areas that surround them. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

change front: There is even a sense of optimism rooted in the old left-wing shibboleth that the worse things get, the better -- meaning, of course that if things get really, really bad, people will rise up and overthrow the 1% . But the truth is much simpler if less optimistic the worse things get, the worse they are, according to Rabble. There is no measure of misery beyond which revolution pops up out the ground. One result of the annus horribilis is that activists everywhere have pledged to try harder -- at what is clearly not working. And if there is any popping to be done it is clearly not guaranteed, nor even these days remotely likely that it will be socialist. Obstacles to change It's not that there is no good news on the social change front. The victory of Donald Trump and the rise of right-wing parties across Europe demonstrate how much easier it is to play to fear, insecurity, hatred and retribution than it is to attract people to competing visions of the good life, rooted in science and delivered by the state -- a state that has been openly complicit in making things worse for two generations. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

citizenship canada: Since 2015 the Toronto man has made three failed attempts to help Ofelia Chavez Ruiz obtain a visitor visa to see him and his wife but could not figure out the reasons for the rejections, which occurred despite documentation showing the 76-year-old woman's strong ties and desire to return to her homeland, according to Toronto Star. However, Campbell-Durufle said a recent response from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to an MP on his family's behalf might have explained the realreason for the decisions. FAMILY PHOTO By Nicholas Keung Immigration reporter Fri., Jan. 6, 2017 For 18 months, Christopher Campbell-Durufle has been trying to convince immigration officials that his mother-in-law in Colombia is a legitimate traveller with no intent to overstay her welcome in Canada. In the case that interests you, a note to our electronic file indicates that the applicant is a widow and that she was unable to convince the officers of the visa office in Bogota that she was firmly established in her country, the department noted in an email to New Democrat Leader Thomas Mulcair, whose office took up the family's case. Article Continued Below Campbell-Durufle, a University of Toronto PhD student in international law, said he was shocked by the widow reference in his mother-in-law's file. In previous rejection letters, officials had only cited the woman's lack of travel history, wealth and a purpose for the visit, as well as her ties to Canada through her daughter, as reasons for the refusals. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

half truth: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of leading movie stars tweeted condolence messages shortly after Puri's death was announced Friday morning, according to CTV. The artists will all miss him and it's a big loss to the industry. He was 66. His name was taken along the great artists of the world, not just India, film director Prakash Jha said, as he joined several people from the Indian film industry outside Puri's Mumbai home. His breakthrough film was the 1983 gritty drama Ardh Satya, or Half Truth, about a young policeman's crisis of conscience as he deals with the nexus of crime and politics in India. In a career spanning more than three decades, Puri had won a slew of national awards and international fame for his work in several critically acclaimed films. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration minister: In her first public statement since the alleged incident, Lena Diab spoke in a quiet, halting voice as she described enduring a very tragic, sad, private and personal matter, according to Toronto Star. I am grateful for the support that I have received from the entire community, she said after a cabinet meeting. Andrew Vaughan / THE CANADIAN PRESS By Michael Mac Donald The Canadian Press Thu., Jan. 5, 2017 HALIFAX Nova Scotia's immigration minister thanked the entire community for its support Thursday, as her husband was released on bail on charges he assaulted, threatened and choked her on New Year's Eve. As always, I will continue to be focused on the very good work that we are doing in this very beautiful province of ours. Diab's husband, Maroun Diab, was released on a series of conditions in Halifax provincial court Thursday. The cabinet minister and entrepreneur declined to respond to questions, but colleagues offered their support. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

jeopardy speech: Secretary of State John Kerry attempted some very public CPR in his impassioned address last week, explaining why the Obama administration refused on Dec. 23 to veto a United Nations resolution condemning the proliferation of Israeli settlements that place the two-state solution in jeopardy, according to Hamilton Spectator. Kerry's speech was an excellent primer for why the only other option a one-state solution is a recipe for endless misery. But that doesn't mean it can't be saved. Israel would carve what it wants from the West Bank and perpetually occupy or isolate the remainder and Gaza. For the past 17 years, three successive American administrations have tried to achieve the grand-slam of a Middle East agreement, each failing. Palestinians in the annexed territory would either have to be granted full Israeli citizenship adding their embittered population to a growing Arab-Israeli society that would someday outnumber and outvote their Jewish counterparts or be relegated second-class citizens. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

man .,: Major system brings weather warnings to southern Manitoba Christmas Day snowstorm to blow into southern Manitoba A truck driver, who has not come forward publicly, stopped to help the men, according to CBC. The driver called 911 and an ambulance took the men to the hospital in the town of Morris, Man., before rushing the pair to the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. The men, aged 24 and 34, were found on Highway 75 just north of Letellier, Man., on the morning of Christmas Eve after walking in the cold for several hours. It's not clear how the men were able to make it over the border without being stopped, but both were disoriented and asking where immigration was when the truck driver stopped. They almost froze to death, said Ghezae Hagos, a refugee claim counsellor at Welcome Place, a home for refugees in Winnipeg. A very shocking sight' The 24-year-old man spoke to CBC on the phone on Tuesday and said he is happy to be in Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

deputy mayor: It's never too late to make things happen, according to Guelph Mercury. Tartans have been around for centuries, Halliday said in an email sparked by a recent Mercury Tribune story. Related Stories Guelph's tartan stash on way out as... All is not lost as Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and all things old are new again, says Stewart Halliday, who lived in Guelph from 1977 to 2000 and is now deputy mayor of the Grey Highlands municipality in Grey County. Last month, council directed the city clerk to develop a new policy on the sale and distribution of Guelph's tartan material and items made from it, which should make it easier to get rid of the Guelph Tartan inventory now stored at city hall. However, Halliday said a former mill manager from West Coast Woollens is now an agent for a Scottish worsted mill, so more fabric using Guelph's official tartan design could be purchased from Scotland. West Coast Woollen Mills, the manufacturer of the Guelph Tartan fabric, is no longer in business, and if city hall can get rid of its tartan inventory it doesn't intend to get any more, says a city staff report. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

half truth: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of leading movie stars tweeted condolence messages shortly after Puri's death was announced Friday morning, according to Guelph Mercury. The artists will all miss him and it's a big loss to the industry. He was 66. His name was taken along the great artists of the world, not just India, film director Prakash Jha said, as he joined several people from the Indian film industry outside Puri's Mumbai home. His breakthrough film was the 1983 gritty drama Ardh Satya, or Half Truth, about a young policeman's crisis of conscience as he deals with the nexus of crime and politics in India. In a career spanning more than three decades, Puri had won a slew of national awards and international fame for his work in several critically acclaimed films. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.