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.

radio station: He said he had been invited to speak with the governor of Vermont, and was also planning to speak at a local school and a radio station about his family's successful business, Peace by Chocolate, in Antigonish, N.S. He thought the governor's invitation would be all he needed to cross the border, but he soon learned that most permanent residents of Canada require a visa and a passport to enter the United States, according to CTV. American border officials worked diligently for two hours to get him into Vermont, and even called the governor -- but they couldn't find a way around the rules, he said. Tareq Hadhad was on his way to Vermont on Sunday, when he was stopped at the Quebec-Vermont border. They offered every help they could to get me into the United States, he said Monday in an interview from Antigonish. It was disappointing in the beginning. They said, 'You have a great story to tell, and you're meeting with the governor is so important ... They worked really hard, and they said, 'You are welcome to come to the United States any time. ' Hadhad said he plans to resume the trip once his papers are in order. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

sales enquiries: Almost 28 per cent of agent survey respondents with Royal LePage indicated that Americans have expressed interest in a property in the Atlantic region since October 2016, with over half those enquiries taking place in Halifax, according to The Chronicle Herald. Atlantic Canada has seen the highest percentage of sales enquiries from Americans since October 2016. But tirekickers alone don't make a land rush and experts say the newly-inaugurated Cheeto in Chief isn't the only factor at play in a national marketplace the federal government is trying to cool. With 160,000 properties, their site is a good indicator of what's happening in the industry overall, said Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage. By comparison, after Barack Obama won in 2008, American enquiries about Canadian real estate rose just 10 per cent, Soper said. Immediately after the controversial billionaire won the U.S. presidential election, American queries about Canadian properties on the site took a 329 per cent spike. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rights activists: Sophie Cruz, a young immigration activist, moved the crowd with her empowering speech, calling on Americans to fight with love, according to Huffington Post Canada. We are here together, making a chain of love to protect our families, she exclaimed alongside her family on-stage. Everyone from entertainers, civil rights activists and other powerful figures were in attendance but one six-year-old may have stolen the show. Let us fight with love, faith and courage, so that our families will not be destroyed. I also want to tell the children not to be afraid, because we are not alone she said. That moment when a young child gives an infinitely better speech, IN 2 LANGUAGES, than the President sophiecruz Womens March OnWashington weasal Weasal January 21, 2017 But Cruz not only had a strong message of hope to share with adults, she also had some powerful words for children as well. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

samaah jaffer: Good afternoon everyone, according to Rabble. My name is Samaah Jaffer and it's my honour to be standing here today, in solidarity with the Women's March on Washington. The transcript of her speech is below. The determination demonstrated by our sisters south of the border, to defend our dignity, rights, and freedoms as women is tremendously inspiring, especially in this moment where we are witnessing the rise of an extraordinarily dangerous political movement. I recognize my great privilege as a settler living on this land, and I hope that the movements we support, such as this one, remain in solidarity with the struggles of the Indigenous peoples for their self-determination. I want to begin by acknowledging that we are on the unceded ancestral territories of the Coast Salish peoples, in particular, the Musqueam, the Squamish and the Tsleil-Waututh. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

shasini gamage: It started with thoughts, and then mutilation which is worse, she said, according to CTV. Gamage came to Canada as a one-year-old and was raised by a single mother. Shasini Gamage, an 18-year-old immigrant from Sri Lanka, remembers when she hit rock bottom. In her early teens, things started to change. Not that it's non-existent, but it's taboo to talk about it, especially in Sri Lanka, she said. I had body image issues and my home was a toxic place to be, she said, adding that he couldn't open up about what was going on in her mind. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

kitchener-waterloo: Telegdi is remembered as a strong advocate for new Canadians and social justice, according to The Waterloo Record. Andrew was always a champion for the little guy, says Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. He was first elected to represent the riding of Waterloo in Parliament in 1993 and went on to serve his riding later changed to Kitchener-Waterloo until 2008. He was certainly a strong and proud Liberal. She was his parliamentary assistant for several years. Waterloo Liberal MP Bardish Chaggar now represents his riding. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

math problems: He grew up playing tennis in snowy Canada, not sunny Florida, according to The Waterloo Record. And his parents, immigrants from Montenegro, knew nothing about tennis. Milos Raonic, though, has taken a slightly different path in life. On long drives to tournaments, his father would quiz him with math problems, not break down his forehand. And with Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic now out of the draw at the Australian Open, the third-ranked Raonic is suddenly the highest seed remaining. The Canadian has many passions in life, but make no mistake, he's still very focused on his career goal winning a Grand Slam. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

point plan: He released an 18-point plan for actions that would push forward sweeping ethics reforms and potentially undo scores of regulations, according to Brandon Sun. And he promised to fundamentally change the nation's approach to immigration and begin work on an impenetrable wall along the southern border all on his first day. He declared that repealing and replacing his predecessor's health care law would be one of his first acts as president. Some of Trump's proposals would be easy They require executive action or simply announcing his intention to do something. The list is long and ambitious and there's no indication from the White House that the president has any intention of taking them all up on Monday. Related Items Articles Trump makes good on promise to pull U.S. out of Trans-Pacific Partnership Others, however, require congressional approval and would likely draw numerous legal challenges. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

radio station: He said he had been invited to speak with the governor of Vermont, and was also planning to speak at a local school and a radio station about his family's successful business, Peace by Chocolate, in Antigonish, N.S. He thought the governor's invitation would be all he needed to cross the border, but he soon learned that most permanent residents of Canada require a visa and a passport to enter the United States, according to Guelph Mercury. American border officials worked diligently for two hours to get him into Vermont, and even called the governor but they couldn't find a way around the rules, he said. Tareq Hadhad was on his way to Vermont on Sunday, when he was stopped at the Quebec-Vermont border. They offered every help they could to get me into the United States, he said Monday in an interview from Antigonish. It was disappointing in the beginning. They said, 'You have a great story to tell, and you're meeting with the governor is so important ... They worked really hard, and they said, 'You are welcome to come to the United States any time.' Hadhad said he plans to resume the trip once his papers are in order. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trans folk: Washington, DC Friday morning January 20 began before sunrise for Black Lives Matter, according to NOW Magazine. The inauguration of Donald Trump had our local Washington, DC chapter working overtime. Scene from Mic Network Inc. short documentary on Black Lives Matter actions at Trump inauguration in Washington, DC Friday, January 20. Along with other organizations in The Movement for Black Lives, we were on our way to shut down one of several checkpoints leading into Washington Mall. Protesters successfully shut down many of them as angry Trump supporters tried unsuccessfully to break through our ranks. A group of largely young Black women, queer and trans folk chained themselves to the steel barricades at several entry points. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

atlantic canada: Atlantic Canada saw the highest percentage of sales enquiries from Americans since October, according to The Chronicle Herald. During the fourth quarter, Royal LePage's data showed a year-over-year increase in U.S. website sessions of 180.4 per cent, 125.5. per cent, 53.4 per cent and 41.7 per cent for New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, respectively. Almost 28 per cent of agent survey respondents indicated that Americans have expressed interest in a property in the Atlantic region since October 2016, with more than half the enquiries and purchases taking place in Halifax. Royal LePage reports sharp rise in American interest in Canadian real estate Russian political elites revel in Trump's inauguration Inauguration Day Trump to become America's 45th president10 promises Trump made for his first day Protesters, Trump supporters clash outside 'Deplora Ball'Actors, mayors rally at inauguration eve Trump demonstration As Trump takes the oath, many voters still can't believe it The company says American web traffic on its website surged 329 per cent the day after the U.S. election on Nov. 8 and had climbed 210.1 per cent year-over-year the week after Trump's victory. During that three-month period, the report says American interest in real estate was primarily focused on Canada's largest markets, with Ontario, B.C. and Quebec receiving 72.7 per cent of all U.S. regional page views on royallepage.ca. For all of November, says Royal LePage, U.S. traffic to its site grew 73.7 per cent year over year, compared to the same period in 2015, and rose 40.9 per cent annually in the fourth quarter. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

cameroonian: The Brampton IT analyst has kept a low profile and worked hard to establish himself in his adopted country, and did not picture himself hoisting protest signs in public, until recently, according to Toronto Star. As unrest deepens in his homeland amid rising tension between Cameroon's English-speaking minorities and the governing francophone administration, Asah and his fellow Cameroonian Canadians have come together to plead with their compatriots for peace and calm. SOUTHERN CAMEROONIAN TORONTO By Nicholas Keung Immigration reporter Sun., Jan. 22, 2017 Like other newcomers to Canada, Cameroonian Hippolyte Asah came here eight years ago for a better future. Since November, members of the young but growing community mostly anglophone in Ontario and francophone in Quebec have staged small rallies in Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa and Montreal, hoping to draw attention to the worsening conflict under the regime of President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 35 years. The marginalization of the anglophone people has caused so much civil disturbances, said Asah, 42, father of a boy and two girls, and one of the organizers in the community that numbers about 6,500 in the country, according to Statistics Canada. The situation in Cameroon is getting worse by the day. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

climate change: Now the Liberals are girding for a major reset with Washington, which is expected to be the preoccupying pastime for Liberal ministers during their upcoming meetings, according to Hamilton Spectator. Discussions will be held over the next few days including with Stephen Schwarzman, the CEO of the Blackstone Group investment firm appointed in December to lead the president's Strategic and Policy Forum, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed Sunday. Up to now, Trudeau has had a relatively smooth ride guiding Canada's relations with the United States thanks to being so simpatico with Barack Obama natural allies on climate change, with a close personal relationship that oozed brotherly affection. Dominic Barton, the head of the Trudeau government's influential council of economic advisers, is also set to attend. The Liberal government hopes to send a message to the Trump administration that Canada and the U.S. have a shared agenda, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr said Sunday in Calgary. Earlier this month, he cautioned that Trump's pledges on trade and taxation must be taken seriously in Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

barack obama: Now the Liberals are girding for a major reset with Washington, which is expected to be the main topic for Liberal ministers during their upcoming meetings, according to Guelph Mercury. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed Sunday that discussions will be held over the next few days including with Stephen Schwarzman, the CEO of the Blackstone Group investment firm appointed in December to lead the President's Strategic and Policy Forum. Up to now, Trudeau has had a relatively smooth ride guiding Canada's relations with the U.S., thanks to being so simpatico with Barack Obama natural allies on climate change, with a close personal relationship that oozed brotherly affection. Dominic Barton, the head of the Trudeau government's influential council of economic advisers, is also set to attend. David Mac Naughton, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., said he's been hearing from some businesses worried about the Trump's America First stance. Earlier this month, he cautioned that Trump's pledges on trade and taxation must be taken seriously in Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

climate change: Now the Liberals are girding for a major reset with Washington, which is expected to be the preoccupying pastime for Liberal ministers during their upcoming meetings, according to The Waterloo Record. Discussions will be held over the next few days including with Stephen Schwarzman, the CEO of the Blackstone Group investment firm appointed in December to lead the president's Strategic and Policy Forum, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed Sunday. Up to now, Trudeau has had a relatively smooth ride guiding Canada's relations with the United States thanks to being so simpatico with Barack Obama natural allies on climate change, with a close personal relationship that oozed brotherly affection. Dominic Barton, the head of the Trudeau government's influential council of economic advisers, is also set to attend. The Liberal government hopes to send a message to the Trump administration that Canada and the U.S. have a shared agenda, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr said Sunday in Calgary. Earlier this month, he cautioned that Trump's pledges on trade and taxation must be taken seriously in Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

government minister: Whoever wins the Jan. 29 run-off will face the April-May presidential election and be battling more popular candidates from the far right to the far left riding frustration with immigration and economic stagnation, according to Hamilton Spectator. Tough-talking, centre-leaning Valls jumped in the presidential race in December few days after Socialist President Fran ois Hollande declined to seek re-election after acknowledging his personal unpopularity would lead his Socialist party to defeat in the presidential battle. Hamon, a former government minister, was leading with 35.2 per cent followed by Valls with 31.6 per cent, based on more than one-third of the vote count, organizers of Sunday's first round of primary voting said. Valls, 54, has faced fierce attacks from harder-left rivals who associate him with Hollande's unpopular moves to relax labour protections to encourage hiring. The Spanish-born politician, naturalized French at the age of 20, is promising to decrease taxes for modest and middle-class households and to boost police and defence. He argues that he has the experience that France's next leader will need as the country is facing the threat of extremist attacks, and to revitalize a lagging economy. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

way: What a beautiful way to celebrate these people becoming Canadian, Blades president Steve Hogle said, according to CTV. There's nothing more Canadian than hockey or few things more Canadian than hockey and to have them be part of our country at a hockey rink, at a hockey game, is just perfect. The Saskatoon Blades, Open Door Society and local business Ecologik teamed up to host a citizenship ceremony at a Saskatoon Blades game. The location was a bit out of the ordinary, but the new Canadians wouldn't have it any other way. I think it's one of the games most Canadians love so much, and this is the very day we're having the ceremony as well. It's a long-awaited day and it's coming out in a very good and ceremonious way, new Canadian Abolade Oluwabiyi said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

loaf pan: Moto, a substitute for firewood, is made from recycled coffee grounds, paraffin wax and sugar, according to CBC. Grant Linton/CBC Its premise is simple. A group of University of Toronto students has created Moto, an alternative to firewood made from recycled coffee grounds. Take dried-out coffee grounds, paraffin wax and sugar; mix, mould in a loaf pan and bake to create a firewood substitute. Moto is moulded in a loaf pan. Super low-tech' Keeping it super low-tech and making use of waste coffee grounds was key, said Sam Bennett, an MBA student at the Rotman School of Management. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

pointy-eared pussyhats: During the presidential campaign Trump came under fire for his comments on women and minorities, according to CTV. Protestors mocked the president with signs and pink pointy-eared pussyhats. We march today for the moral code of this nation against which our new president is waging a war, said actress America Ferrera. Some of those protestors included Canadians. Waterloo resident Sara Bingham was amoung them. They chartered buses to the U.S. capitol to walk in solidarity with their neighbours to the south. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

report: There is a report in the package, she said, according to CBC. But there are certain issues that I didn't want to touch upon. The publicly-funded organization provides resettlement and support services for immigrants and refugees in central B.C. Problems started when executive director Baljit Sethi, who founded IMSS forty years ago, refused to report on the society's operations. Sethi, 83, said she didn't want to report on details of the society's operations because when she came to to pick up a cheque during a recent leave of absence, she found a letter from the board asking her to retire when the leave was over. It has not been discussed with me. I do not agree with that, she said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

year colonization: But President Donald Trump has proven surprisingly good at pushing buttons in Seoul in recent months, according to The Chronicle Herald. During his campaign, Trump suggested that the United States would let South Korea defend itself from North Korean aggression if Seoul didn't pay more for the stationing of 28,500 American troops in the country. Here's a nation-by-nation look at Asia's figurative, and in one case literal, sacred cows SOUTH KOREA South Korea takes offence first, and most regularly, with Japan, largely over disputes stemming from Tokyo's 35-year colonization of the Korean Peninsula in the early 20th century. He also described a 2012 bilateral free trade agreement that was portrayed as a major landmark as killing American jobs. And then there's Seoul's northern rival. Fewer or no U.S. boots on the ground and calls for re-negotiating the trade accord would raise serious questions for many in South Korea about the decadeslong military alliance between the countries that was forged in the bloodshed of the Korean War. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

resource development: They highlight language, employment, housing, dental care and family reunification as major obstacles, according to Hamilton Spectator. The focus right now is language, says Andrea Buttars, manager of resource development at Wesley Urban Ministries, which contributed to the documents. Two reports will be presented to the city's Emergency and Community Services committee on Monday. You can't get a job if you don't speak the language, Buttars says. It's not surprising. And you can't pay the bills without an income. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

right post: Everything just fell into place and the right person just had to see the right post, to make the right phone call to have the right warehouses donated, according to CBC. We are full' Calgary group desperate for warehouse space for Syrian refugee donations The group was desperate for space to house donations that were scattered throughout the homes of volunteers after their original space, donated for a short period of time, was closed. We just did not know how it came about, but it was almost like serendipity, said co-founder Saima Jamal. Time was a critical factor as more refugees begin arriving in the city. Terri Trembath/CBC Calgary philanthropist Brett Wilson heard about the group's plea through a friend of a friend and quickly offered two 2,500 square-foot warehouses just three doors down from each other. Donation of empty spaces Local businessman and philanthropist Brett Wilson donated the two warehouse spaces for five months to the Syrian Refugee Support Group. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

square feet: Saima Jamal, co-founder of the refugee support group, said it's difficult enough for anyone coming to a new country, but this addition to their lives should help make the transition smoother, according to Metro News. Usually they get invited to different classes and different events, but don't really have a space they can come to on a daily basis that is free, Jamal said. On Saturday, Calgary business owner and former Dragon's Den personality Brett Wilson, alongside members of the Syrian Refugee Support Group, cut the ribbon on 5,000 square feet of space to be used as both a community hub and a physical donation drop off point. They can come together and just do what they want to do, she added. As for his involvement, Brett Wilson said he got a call from a long-time friend who has been heavily involved in helping Syrian refugees get on their feet in Ontario, and got the ball rolling immediately on finding a property to let the newcomers use free of charge. Jamal believes the space will help not only the next wave of newcomers in Calgary but also those who were among the first wave to arrive more than a year ago. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syrian dancing: We had tons of food and now we're almost sold out, according to The Chronicle Herald. We should have prepared more items I guess, but the community has been very supportive, said spokeswoman Sylvia Gawad. Founded by three young Syrian refugees, Piece of the East handed out tasty treats such as flavoured pistachios and chunks of savoury Zataar Bread, after an opening ceremony featuring traditional Syrian dancing. All in all, it was a successful day for Rafat Harb and brothers Alaa and Ahmad Alhraki, who met Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax MP Andy Fillmore and Nova Scotia's Immigration Minister Lena Diab. The trio started Piece of the East by joining forces with the Parker Street Food Bank to upcycle' excess food into jam, pickles, banana bread and other delicacies after they noticing perfectly edible food being thrown out consistently around Halifax. After the Womens March I went to Hfxseaport Mrkt where Sylvia Gawad introduces Piece of the East Fram Dinshaw Fram Dinshaw January 21, 2017 This event has been amazing, said Diab. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

future challenges: But with the faith in each other and the faith in God, we will get the job done, the president said, according to Guelph Mercury. We will prove worthy of this moment in history. Speaking in the White House East Room during a swearing-in ceremony for top aides, the president warned his staff of future challenges but declared he believed they were ready. And I think it may very well be a great moment in history. He said his staff was in the White House not to help ourselves but to devote ourselves to the national good. Trump's reassurance came after a day marked by global protests against his presidency and his own complaints about media coverage of his inauguration. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.