cbc radio: For fun, I decided to call in and pose a question, according to NOW Magazine. Full disclosure I consider Joseph a friend. One lazy afternoon, I recognized the voice of Joseph Boyden being interviewed on CBC Radio. We're not best buddies; i.e., we never donated organs to each other. There's a complimentary blurb by him on the cover of my novel Motorcycles And Sweetgrass. But we've book-toured together, and in a crowded room we'd make the effort to find the time to chat and fill each other in on the latest literary gossip. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

chrystia freeland: I'm the youngest female appointed to cabinet in Canada's history, so that's pretty exciting, Gould said Tuesday, according to Guelph Mercury. Trudeau shook up his cabinet in a bid to adjust to the upheaval wrought by incoming American president Donald Trump to international affairs in general and Canada's relationship with the United States in particular. And at 29, she's making a mark even before opening a single file of her new Democratic Institutions posting. He entrusted to Chrystia Freeland a former economics journalist with extensive contacts in the United States the crucial responsibility of navigating the changing domestic and global dynamic as his Liberal government prepares to deal with an unpredictable and avowedly America-first Trump administration. And she will retain responsibility for Canada-U.S. trade relations. Freeland leaves the international trade portfolio, where she distinguished herself overcoming eleventh-hour obstacles to a Canada-European free trade agreement, to replace veteran Liberal MP St phane Dion at Global Affairs. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

islamic terrorism: He vowed at his confirmation hearing to stay independent from the White House and stand up to Trump when necessary, according to Brandon Sun. Sessions laid out a sharply conservative vision for the Justice Department he would oversee, pledging to crack down on illegal immigration, gun violence and the scourge of radical Islamic terrorism and expressing support for the continued use of the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba. Jeff Sessions fervently rejected damnably false accusations of past racist comments Tuesday as he challenged Democratic concerns about the civil rights commitment he would bring as Donald Trump's attorney general. But he also distanced himself from some of Trump's public pronouncements. Though he said he would prosecute immigrants who repeatedly enter the country illegally and criticized as constitutionally questionable an executive action by President Barack Obama that shielded certain immigrants from deportation, he said he did not support the idea that Muslims, as a religious group, should be denied admission to the United States. He said waterboarding, a now-banned harsh interrogation technique that Trump has at times expressed support for, was absolutely improper and illegal. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

neighbouring village: Romanian police halted shipping at midday for an undetermined period along a 900-kilometre stretch of the Danube River, which crosses Romania, according to Hamilton Spectator. Croatian and Serbian authorities also stopped river traffic on the Danube. The deep freeze has caused at least 61 deaths since it began last week, a third of those in Poland. In Serbia, shipping was banned on the River Sava because of icy conditions, which claimed another two lives in southern Serbia. Serbian state TV reported the two victims, discovered by a man delivering bread from a neighbouring village, were extremely poor. Authorities said an 88-year-old man and his son, 64, died from freezing temperatures in the village of Duga Poljana, in the south, which has been hardest-hit by the recent cold spell. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

outlines goals: He faces a tougher task in persuading skeptical Democrats he'll be fair and committed to civil rights as the country's top law enforcement official, according to The Chronicle Herald. The office of the Attorney General of the United States is not a political position, and anyone who holds it must have total fidelity to the laws and the Constitution of the United States, Sessions said in prepared testimony that also outlines goals of beefed-up drug, gun and immigration enforcement. Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, will outline his conservative priorities for the Justice Department as his confirmation hearings open Tuesday. Sessions also said he understands the history of civil rights and the horrendous impact that relentless and systemic discrimination and the denial of voting rights has had on our African-American brothers and sisters. Democrats are expected to use the two days of hearings to challenge Sessions' commitment to civil rights, a chief priority of the Justice Department during the Obama administration. I have witnessed it. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

residence applications: It is alleged that Santos helped people with their permanent residence applications and helped individuals and businesses file Labour Market Impact Assessments, according to CBC. The CBSA suspects 11 people and nine business owners were affected by her consulting services between June 2011 and January 2014. Charie Santos faces one charge of representing individuals applying for status in Canada without authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Canadian Border Services Agency said in a news release Tuesday. Santos will make her first court appearance Tuesday in Fort McMurray provincial court. Santos will make her first court appearance Wednesday in Fort McMurray provincial court. The CBSA takes immigration fraud very seriously and is committed to fully investigating and prosecuting those who violate our laws and seek to profit illegitimately from our immigration system, Kim Scoville, regional director general for the CBSA's Prairie region, said in the news release. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ruling doesn: The ruling doesn't give Emilie Taman her job back, but it does clarify the rules for public servants running for office in the future, according to Globe and Mail. Ottawa public affairs firm Ensight has hired a top Liberal aide. The Federal Court of Appeal says a government lawyer was wrongly blocked from running for the NDP in the last election. According to iPolitics, John Delacourt won't be subject to the Accountability Act's five-year ban on lobbying because he worked for the party, and not the government. She may not remember that the answer for many used to be someone who's white. And your lunchtime read a deep profile of rocker-turned-politician Charlie Angus and his likely run for leader of the NDP. THE CHANGING IMMIGRATION DEBATE By John Ibbitson John Ibbitson By calling on immigrants to be screened for adherence to Canadian values, Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch has reopened a very old and tired debate over who makes a good Canadian. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

russian sister-in-law: The 31-year-old is the brother of Syed Rizwan Farook, who was killed along with his wife in a shootout with police after the Dec. 2, 2015 attack in which 14 people were slain and 22 injured, according to Metro News. Syed Raheel Farook, his wife and Russian sister-in-law were accused last year of conspiring to arrange a fraudulent marriage between the sister-in-law and Enrique Marquez Jr., who is charged with plotting with Syed Rizwan Farook to carry out earlier attacks and with supplying guns used in the 2015 killings.U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker said her office continues to seek justice for the victims of the San Bernardino killings. Syed Raheel Farook entered the plea in federal court in Riverside to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, the U.S. attorney's office said. As I have said many times, we are committed to leaving no stone unturned in this investigation, she said in a statement. He faces up to five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release and a 250,000 fine, the statement said.A message was left for defence attorney Ron Cordova seeking comment. Syed Raheel Farook is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 13. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

space winnipeg: In Winnipeg, at least 20 grassroots groups including unions, students, immigrants, refugees and members of the LGBTQ community have signed on to march down Portage Avenue, according to Metro News. Alexa Potashnik, the founder of Black Space Winnipeg, will emcee the event. What started as thousands of people RSVPing to a single march in Washington, D.C. has turned into synchronized sister marches across the globe. She notes everyone is marching for different reasons, not necessarily to protest Trump. The march in Washington, from what I know, is really centred around anti-Trump. We're really coming together to take a stand against oppression and stand up for human rights and women's rights, she said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trade: Freeland leaves the international trade portfolio, where she distinguished herself overcoming eleventh-hour obstacles to a Canada-European free trade agreement, to replace veteran Liberal MP Stephane Dion at Global Affairs, according to CTV. And she will retain responsibility for Canada-U.S. trade relations. He entrusted to Chrystia Freeland -- a former economics journalist with extensive contacts in the United States -- the crucial responsibility of navigating the changing domestic and global dynamic as his Liberal government prepares to deal with an unpredictable and avowedly America-first Trump administration. Obviously, the new administration to the south will present particular both opportunities and challenges as well as a shifting global context, Trudeau told a news conference following a swearing-in ceremony that saw Dion and fellow veteran John McCallum leave politics altogether, Mary Ann Mihychuk return to the backbenches and three newcomers welcomed into the inner circle. Trudeau expressed confidence in his government's ability to work with the Trump administration, which officially takes over on Jan. 20. We are always going to be expected by Canadians to adjust and to put our best team forward in dealing with the important issues that matter to Canadians, whether it be the relationship with the United States, whether it be the relationship with China, whether it be how we engage with Europe. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trudeau government: Chrystia Freeland's promotion to that portfolio is the most significant change to come from Tuesday's cabinet shuffle that also saw Burlington MP Karina Gould take over the troubled Democratic Institutions portfolio, according to Hamilton Spectator. Freeland has her work cut out for her. So it makes sense that in the days leading up to Donald Trump's taking over the presidency, the Trudeau government has put one of its leading lights in the critical Global Affairs post. She has to deal with a mercurial and unpredictable U.S. president and administration, keeping Canadian interests on the radar but not painting a target on our back, which could have happened had prickly St phane Dion remained in the Global Affairs job. But Freeland's track record suggests she's up to the task. She has to be lead navigator for Canada on the world stage, no small challenge given the ascension of Vladimir Putin's Russia to a position of influence rivalling what the United States has traditionally held. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trudeau: The former bank economist was relied on to handle one of the new government's most challenging files upon taking office in 2015, managing the Liberal pledge to welcome thousands of Syrian refugees, according to Globe and Mail. Trudeau on shuffling cabinet ahead of Trump inauguration The Canadian Press Read more Freeland tasked by Trudeau to negotiate with Trump administration Analysis Trudeau cabinet shuffle about protecting crucial U.S., China relations Read more From refugee to immigration minister Ahmed Hussen appointed cabinet role As ambassador, Mr. John McCallum is leaving elected politics as part of Tuesday's cabinet shuffle to become Canada's next ambassador to China. McCallum will now play a key role in expanding Canada's trading relationship with China, including a possible free-trade agreement between the two countries. Trudeau's leadership. Chinese officials have spoken of rare, historical opportunities between China and Canada under Mr. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trump: Protesters wearing Ku Klux Klan garb disrupt Sessions confirmation hearing Reuters At the time Sessions told The Weekly Standard magazine he would not characterize the behavior as sexual assault, according to Globe and Mail. He later said the comments were taken out of context. Questioned by a U.S. Senate committee tasked with confirming his appointment, Senator Jeff Sessions distanced himself from comments he had made defending Trump from criticism over a 2005 video that emerged in October showing Trump boasting about grabbing women's genitals. Asked on Tuesday whether grabbing a woman by her genitals without consent is ... sexual assault, he replied, Clearly, it would be. As attorney general, he will serve as the top U.S. federal prosecutor and be responsible for giving unbiased legal advice to the president and executive agencies. Read also As confirmation hearings begin, Trump nominees in for a tense, rushed grilling Read more Ahead of confirmation hearings, several of Trump's Cabinet picks have incomplete ethics reviews Read more Donald Trump's cabinet picks reflect Republicans Party's conservative wing With 10 days to go before Trump enters the White House, Sessions, 70, was the first of his Cabinet nominees to go before a Senate committee. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mr trudeau: It's for Mr, according to Brandon Sun. Trudeau to decide, but I know the people on his economic team, Champagne said soon after his election victory in 2015. Here's a closer look Francois-Philippe Champagne International Trade The Liberal MP representing the Quebec riding of Saint-Maurice-Champlain had made no secret of his desire to be in cabinet one day. That did not happen right away, but Champagne built up a profile as the parliamentary secretary to Finance Minister Bill Morneau. That being said, Freeland, who is moving to replace Stephane Dion as foreign affairs minister, will remain the lead on the trading relationship between Canada and the U.S. Champagne was upbeat Tuesday about the remainder of the file, saying there are a lot of trade issues and relationships around the world in need of some development. He has now been granted a much bigger role, taking over international trade from Chrystia Freeland a key economic portfolio at a time when the Canadian government is grappling with how to handle the protectionist promises of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ralph goodale: Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, according to The Waterloo Record. Lawrence Mac Aulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Here's what it looks like now Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Youth. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

russian sister-in-law: The 31-year-old is the brother of Syed Rizwan Farook, who was killed along with his wife in a shootout with police after the Dec. 2, 2015 attack in which 14 people were slain and 22 injured, according to Brandon Sun. Syed Raheel Farook, his wife and Russian sister-in-law were accused last year of conspiring to arrange a fraudulent marriage between the sister-in-law and Enrique Marquez Jr., who is charged with plotting with Syed Rizwan Farook to carry out earlier attacks and with supplying guns used in the 2015 killings.U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker said her office continues to seek justice for the victims of the San Bernardino killings. Syed Raheel Farook entered the plea in federal court in Riverside to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, the U.S. attorney's office said. As I have said many times, we are committed to leaving no stone unturned in this investigation, she said in a statement. He faces up to five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release and a 250,000 fine, the statement said.A message was left for defence attorney Ron Cordova seeking comment. Syed Raheel Farook is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 13. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

training room: In other words, the freshmen do whatever's asked of them, according to The Waterloo Record. Sometimes after practice we tell them, 'You've got to get the Gatorade out of the training room,' junior guard Ja'Quan Newton said Tuesday. The Miami Hurricanes' deep, versatile freshman class is providing scoring, rebounding and even hot water. Or they have to turn the showers on when everybody's tired. It can be easy to forget, because they're not playing like it. It's a way for the upperclassmen to remind the newcomers they're still freshmen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trudeau cabinet: Freeland leaves the international trade portfolio, where she distinguished herself overcoming eleventh-hour obstacles to a Canada-European free trade agreement, to replace veteran Liberal MP Stephane Dion at Global Affairs, according to The Waterloo Record. And she will retain responsibility for Canada-U.S. trade relations. Related Stories The Trudeau cabinet after Tuesday's... Cabinet shuffle meet the newcomers He entrusted to Chrystia Freeland a former economics journalist with extensive contacts in the United States the crucial responsibility of navigating the changing domestic and global dynamic as his Liberal government prepares to deal with an unpredictable and avowedly America-first Trump administration. Obviously, the new administration to the south will present particular both opportunities and challenges as well as a shifting global context, Trudeau told a news conference following a swearing-in ceremony that saw Dion and fellow veteran John McCallum leave politics altogether, Mary Ann Mihychuk return to the backbenches and three newcomers welcomed into the inner circle. Trudeau expressed confidence in his government's ability to work with the Trump administration, which officially takes over on Jan. 20. We are always going to be expected by Canadians to adjust and to put our best team forward in dealing with the important issues that matter to Canadians, whether it be the relationship with the United States, whether it be the relationship with China, whether it be how we engage with Europe. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

anti-immigration parties: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan Immigration has become a very contentious issue in politics, according to Huffington Post Canada. We've seen in recent years the rise of anti-immigration parties in Europe. Conservatives vote for a new party leader on May 27, 2017. It featured prominently in the U.S. presidential election. Canada has always been a country largely open to immigration, because of its vastness and its relative youth. And it has become part of the debate in the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

carson grove: He's a Syrian refugee, who's now in grade five at Carson Grove Elementary in Gloucester, according to CTV. Ali has been through quite a journey. When we are in Syria, everyone...they don't go to school, explains 10-year-old Ali Mahil Altammo. I'm from Syira, I go to Turkey, from Turkey I go to the Turkey school, then I go to the Arabic school...then I come to Canada and I go to English school, he explains. A big part of why is his teacher, Julie Hanna. Ali is thriving at school. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

city jail: Steinle's shooting death thrust San Francisco into the national debate over immigration The man charged with murder in the July 2015 slaying, Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, was a repeat drug offender who was transferred to the city jail to face a marijuana sales charge after he completed a federal prison sentence for illegally reentering the country, according to Metro News. The district attorney dropped charges, and the sheriff's department released Lopez-Sanchez three months before Steinle's death, ignoring a request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to keep him behind bars. The judge, however, allowed a negligence claim against the federal government to move forward. San Francisco's so-called sanctuary policy bars city employees from co-operating with federal immigration officials in deportation efforts. In their lawsuit, Steinle's family cited a statement by immigration authorities that Lopez-Sanchez would have been deported and Steinle's death prevented if sheriff's officials had notified them about his pending release. Mirkarimi cited the law in a 2015 memo to deputies that prohibited them from providing certain information to federal immigration authorities, including the date an inmate is released, according to Spero's ruling. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

decision monday: The move is part of a rapid rise for a player who had never started a college game until this season but is now projected as a potential first-round pick, according to Hamilton Spectator. Trubisky said in a teleconference he wanted to jump right in to learning NFL offences. The junior announced his decision Monday to leave school on The Players Tribune. I know I could've come back to North Carolina and they would've prepared me and got me ready for next year, Trubisky said. In his only season as the Tar Heels' starter, Trubisky set program records with 3,748 yards passing and 30 touchdowns, as well as for completions 304 attempts 447 and total offence 4,056 . The Mentor, Ohio native also ranked in the top 10 nationally by completing 68 per cent of his passes after two seasons seeing spot duty. But I just feel like since the opportunity is here, the best opportunity for my career is to take the next step and develop and get ready for the NFL this way. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

eddie papazian: Gregory Armenian Church attended services there this weekend, according to CBC. Syrian refugee Ara Strak says he and his family marked Orthodox Christmas with prayers of thanks for their safety in Canada after fleeing war-torn Aleppo. He and a handful of other Syrian refugees sponsored by Richmond B.C.'s St. Tina Lovgreen/CBC We are here ... safe, and that's the biggest thing that we needed in our life, said Strak. A lot of adjustments that they have to do, culture is different, the language is different, education system is different, settling really nicely, a lot of them are relieved they are out of Syria, said Eddie Papazian who works with the sponsorship committee for the church. The church has sponsored 35 families over the past year. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

jeff sessions: The Alabama lawmaker is known as one of the most staunchly conservative members of the Senate, and has already drawn opposition from at least two Democrats, New Jersey Sen, according to Metro News. Cory Booker and Ohio Sen. Jeff Sessions, when he appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee over his hard-line stand on immigration, past record on civil rights and whether he supports community policing. Sherrod Brown. In a statement, Booker accused Sessions of having a concerning record on civil rights and criminal justice reform and called his decision a call to conscience. In a dramatic turn, Booker one of three black senators said he will testify against Sessions on Wednesday, marking a rare instance in which a senator has testified against a colleague seeking a Cabinet post. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

july slaying: The judge, however, allowed a negligence claim against the federal government to move forward, according to The Chronicle Herald. Steinle's shooting death thrust San Francisco into the national debate over immigration The man charged with murder in the July 2015 slaying, Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, was a repeat drug offender who was transferred to the city jail to face a marijuana sales charge after he completed a federal prison sentence for illegally reentering the country. U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Spero dismissed wrongful death claims filed by the family of 32-year-old Kathryn Steinle against the city and Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi. The district attorney dropped charges, and the sheriff's department released Lopez-Sanchez three months before Steinle's death, ignoring a request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to keep him behind bars. Mirkarimi cited the law in a 2015 memo to deputies that prohibited them from providing certain information to federal immigration authorities, including the date an inmate is released, according to Spero's ruling. San Francisco's so-called sanctuary policy bars city employees from co-operating with federal immigration officials in deportation efforts. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

aid: Legal Aid funds three refugee law clinics one in Toronto, Hamilton and Ottawa, according to NOW Magazine. The clinics provide an array of services, from assistance with various refugee applications to representation at hearings. I will pick up on these themes today as I address Legal Aid's role in refugee and immigration, tenancy, disability, employment, social assistance and consumer law matters. People living outside of those cities should contact Legal Aid Ontario to see what kind of assistance they can receive from the clinics or other sources of help. If Legal Aid Ontario LAO staff determine that your matter has merit and you are financially eligible, they may provide you with a certificate for a lawyer of your choice to work a specific number of hours on your case. Immigration matters are generally funded through the certificate program, which is the same system as criminal and family matters. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.