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.

gonzalez: He made seven starts as a rookie in 2015 and went 3-3 with a 7.92 ERA in 30 2-3 innings, according to The Waterloo Record. The trade was announced Tuesday. Gonzalez went 1-2 last year with a 5.60 ERA in 35 1-3 innings, all in relief for the Phillies. Gonzalez will compete for a spot in a deep and talented bullpen that could include newcomers Jeff Locke, Brad Ziegler and Junichi Tazawa. By The Associated Press (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

lake oahe: The pipeline would run from Canada to U.S. refineries in the Gulf Coast, according to National Observer. The U.S. government needed to approve the pipeline because it crossed the border. Former President Barack Obama stopped the proposed Keystone XL pipeline in late 2015, declaring it would have undercut U.S. efforts to clinch a global climate change deal that was a centerpiece of his environmental legacy. Separately, late last year, the Army Corps of Engineers declined to allow construction of the Dakota Access pipeline under Lake Oahe, saying alternative routes needed to be considered. The pipeline is to carry North Dakota oil through South Dakota and Iowa to a shipping point in Illinois. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe and its supporters say the project threatens drinking water and Native American sites, though Energy Transfer Partners, the company that wants to build the pipeline, disputes that and says the pipeline will be safe. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

people: The crisis in Syria remains one of most complex, volatile and violent in the world, U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien told a news conference, according to National Observer. Attempts to end the conflict in Syria have so far failed. Funds will be used to provide food, rent, education and health care.A separate appeal for an estimated 3.4 billion to fund its humanitarian operation to help 13.5 million people inside Syria after nearly six years of war, is being finalised. After two-day talks, Iran, Russia and Turkey earlier announced a trilateral mechanism to observe and ensure full compliance with a ceasefire. And even if peace was to take place from tonight, the humanitarian needs within Syria would continue for a good time to come. Of course we fear that it will get worse, O'Brien said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

playoff games: Perhaps no other unit for the Patriots has embodied Belichick's go-to phrase more than his defence this season, according to Brandon Sun. And if New England hopes to capture its fifth Super Bowl, no other group will be relied on more as the Patriots face an Atlanta Falcons offence that has scored a combined 80 points through two playoff games. It's placed in different spots in the locker room, it's on the walls around the team facility, and the coach himself repeats it often Do your job. Defensive back Duron Harmon, who had a huge touchdown-saving tackle in the second quarter of the Patriots' 36-17 AFC championship game win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, said that even in their tightknit world they couldn't help but notice the criticism that surrounded the defence earlier this season. We try not to focus too much on the media, but we hear it, it's everywhere, Harmon said. Oh yeah, definitely. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

somebody: Nobody knows the path of greatness, says Wally Buono, the CFL's most successful coach ever, according to Guelph Mercury. Did he deliver more than what we were anticipating Yes. Related Stories Smiling Hank hangs up his cleats CFL veteran Henry Burris announces... Few expected him to have the success he achieved in football, especially in Canada, where he won three Grey Cups during a roller-coaster 17-year career. I think you've got to be foolish to think you could foresee somebody playing 17 years, somebody doing what he's done. Unique indeed. But when you look at the personality, the mindset, the competitive nature, Henry is unique in many ways. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

abolade oluwabiyi: The Blades, the Open Door Society and a local business, Ecologik, teamed up to host the event, which organizers say was the first of its kind in Canada, according to The Chronicle Herald. The group recited their oath in front of about 4,200 fans, who gave them a standing ovation afterward. The group of 20 took the oath of citizenship Sunday at centre ice just before a game between the Western Hockey League's Saskatoon Blades and Swift Current Broncos in Saskatoon. The new Canadians also helped kick off the game by participating in a ceremonial puck drop. It's wonderful and a great experience, said Abolade Oluwabiyi, who is originally from Nigeria, but has been in Canada since 2012. Before the match, they received a crash course in hockey and later tried out their new skills. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

act antisocially: Behave normally or go away, he said, according to CBC. Dutch voters say No in referendum to EU-Ukraine deal Dutch court finds Geert Wilders guilty of hate speech While Rutte's message did not mention Wilders or his Party for Freedom, it was clearly aimed at winning over voters who would likely back Wilders's hard-line platform. In a full-page newspaper message, Rutte said we have to actively defend our values against people who reject those values and act antisocially. Rutte, leader of the centre-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, said he understands calls for people who don't integrate to leave the Netherlands. I believe we are witnessing historic times'- Geert Wilders. I have that feeling, too, he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

america: His inaugural speech caused great gnashing of teeth and rending of garments in Ottawa and other national capitals around the world, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has already shuffled his cabinet in anticipation of Trump's nationalist agenda -- but there's more he needs to do, according to Huffington Post Canada. Much more. Photo Christinne Muschi/Reuters Donald Trump became the 45th president of the United States on Friday. The theme of Trump's inaugural speech, like the theme of his campaign and the theme of his administration, is simple America First. From this moment on, it's going to be America First. From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

amirpour: It was stressful, very disappointing, depressing and time consuming constantly, and at the end, what I got was a useless piece of paper named, 'Judgment,' said Amirpour, who filed a plaintiff's claim in small claims court in 2014, according to CBC. She had sued Angelina Codina, who had represented herself as an immigration consultant. It took a year and four months. Codina charged Amirpour 24,000 to help her younger brother and his friend immigrate to Canada from Iran, but failed to deliver any services. He remains in Iran and is considering applying to live in the U.S. now. Hossein Amirpour Dolatshahi's sister Golrokh paid Angelina Codina 12,000 to help him immigrate to Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canada: Telegdi was born in Hungary, according to CTV. When he was a child, his family arrived in Canada as refugees. Information on his cause of death has not been released. Before moving into politics, Telegdi attended the University of Waterloo, majoring in political science and psychology. He won four more elections for the Liberal Party after the riding's name was changed to Kitchener-Waterloo. He was first elected as the MP for Waterloo in 1993, having previously served as a city and regional councillor. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

death toll: In a rare admission, air force officials said it was an accident and formed a panel of senior officers to investigate, according to Toronto Star. Just two days after the bombing, more than 100 Boko Haram extremists attacked the camp, and soldiers had to battle for hours in order to repel them, residents and aid workers said. Doctors Without Borders / NYT By Haruna Umar Associated Press Mon., Jan. 23, 2017 MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA The death toll from the bombing of a refugee camp by Nigeria's air force has climbed to 236, a local official said Monday a sharp increase from earlier counts.A total of 234 victims were buried in Rann, where the camp is located, while two others died after being evacuated to the city of Maiduguri for medical care, said Babagana Malarima, chairman of the Kala Balge local government council of northeast Borno state On Jan. 17, Nigeria's air force bombed the camp housing Boko Haram refugees near the Cameroonian border multiple times. Last Friday, medical charity Doctors Without Borders put the death toll from the bombing at around 90 but also noted that community leaders said it could have been much higher. The group has called for compensation for families of the dead as well as those injured in the bombing. Article Continued Below Satellite imagery supports witness accounts that the camp was struck with multiple airdropped munitions even though tents should have been easily visible, Human Rights Watch said last week. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

defeat daesh: After the first weekend of Trump's presidency, we have a few clues, according to Toronto Star. Trump believes in peace through strength and wants to revitalize an American military he claims is depleted. Every day I send back the same cable saying, We don't really know,' one foreign ambassador told the New Yorker. In his inaugural address, he vowed to defeat Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL, and eradicate radical Islamic terrorism a phrase he is not afraid to repeat ad nauseam completely from the face of the earth. But there is one clear message to be heard Trump's mantra of America First. How his administration intends to achieve any of that remains to be seen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

jordan: It was the beginning of the war, he said, according to Hamilton Spectator. We went to Jordan, after the house was destroyed, under a UN program. Through an Arabic interpreter, the Syrian refugee now living in Kitchener said it was a sad moment but he knew he could rebuild. During his four years in Jordan, Bakhash was not able to do as much of the intricate plastering work that made him a highly sought after artisan in his homeland. The UN said 'would you like to go to Canada ' he recalled. Then, an unexpected opportunity arose. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

land acquisition: And when you empower children to take action on the environment, they can astonish you with their commitment, generosity and effectiveness, according to Hamilton Spectator. For example, our Bring Back the Wild program provides children with tools, tips and resources to raise funds for species protection, conservation research, land acquisition and habitat stewardship. As Canada's largest conservation organization by membership, Earth Rangers have been doing just that for over a decade. While you wouldn't think a child's bake sale, lemonade stand or arts-and-crafts fair would make much difference, you'd be surprised at the results. In fact, when children are provided with the right tools and have clear goals, they can accomplish extraordinary things. Since Bring Back the Wild started, our members have raised over 2.5 million for conservation programs in Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

leadership convention: Several cities followed suit and a March in Toronto was also organized, according to Rabble. According to the event's Facebook page, about 13,000 attended. The idea was for all women to rally in solidarity for health and safety rights, at a time when the overall society marginalizes women and discursively regularizes interpretations of sexual violence. People gathered at Queen's Park, marched towards the U.S. Consulate and later to the City Hall, at Nathan Philip Square. I have not been to anything comparable since the education workers' rally at the Ontario Liberal Leadership Convention held on January 2013. Numbers were indeed impressive. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

lgbt refugees: We've done a call out to the community to ask for help in providing additional hours to our counsellors, said Mike Tutthill, the centre's executive director, according to CBC. He added staff are hoping to get more government funding and donations to pay for the increased demand in counselling. The Rainbow Resource Centre calls the increase over the last two weeks dramatic, and says its counsellors are becoming overwhelmed with calls from refugees, their lawyers and settlement workers. Frostbitten refugee will lose fingers after trek to cross U.S.-Canada border Gay Syrian finds refuge in Winnipeg The story of LGBT refugees coming to Winnipeg in search of a better life hit the spotlight this month after two Ghanaian men fled to Canada on Christmas Eve in the bitter cold. Just a few weeks prior, a gay man from Syria arrived in Winnipeg, ending a five-year search for refuge that some of his friend didn't survive. The journey left both men severely injured with serious frostbite requiring amputation. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

marchers: It was around 10 am, and the sea of pink was marching in solidarity with the Women's March on Washington, held to protest the Jan. 20 inauguration of Republican President Donald Trump, according to Vancouver Observer. One of 670 sister marches in 75 countries around the globe, the Vancouver turnout was originally anticipated to draw 5,000 marchers. The marchers were of all ages and backgrounds and their reasons for being at this rapidly swelling protest were as varied as they were. The reality exceeded expectations, with an estimated 15,000 joining the ranks of protestors. Monckton found out about it through Facebook, then realized there was a lack of organizers to pull the march together. Organizer Samantha Monckton said that planning for the march only started a couple of weeks ago. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

abolade oluwabiyi: The Blades, the Open Door Society and a local business, Ecologik, teamed up to host the event, which organizers say was the first of its kind in Canada, according to Guelph Mercury. The group recited their oath in front of about 4,200 fans, who gave them a standing ovation afterward. The group of 20 took the oath of citizenship Sunday at centre ice just before a game between the Western Hockey League's Saskatoon Blades and Swift Current Broncos in Saskatoon. The new Canadians also helped kick off the game by participating in a ceremonial puck drop. It's wonderful and a great experience, said Abolade Oluwabiyi, who is originally from Nigeria, but has been in Canada since 2012. Before the match, they received a crash course in hockey and later tried out their new skills. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

december: 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, according to National Observer. Dominic Barton, the head of the Trudeau government's influential council of economic advisers, is also set to attend. 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. Earlier this month, he cautioned that Trump's pledges on trade and taxation must be taken seriously in Canada. Obviously some of the rhetoric around protectionism is worrisome, he said as he arrived in downtown Calgary for the retreat, where he is to update cabinet on discussions with the new U.S. administration. 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. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

heart: We'd spend long hours together, listening to hardworking Canadian entrepreneurs pitch their businesses, which, all too often, led to real-life stories of enormous struggle, according to The Waterloo Record. You get a window into somebody's character by the way they treat people, particularly those who are vulnerable and need help or guidance. For seven years, I sat shoulder-to-shoulder with Kevin, she said. Kevin's total lack of empathy toward these Canadians who put their heart and soul on the line, I can assure you, was genuine. O'Leary, of course, has been inspired by that other entrepreneur and pseudoreality star, Donald Trump, into thinking that he can be prime minister of Canada. Ouch. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

japan-born father: Rating NNNNArtistic son has ambivalent relationship with distant, stern immigrant father, according to NOW Magazine. It's a common subject, but BC's Tetsuro Shigematsu breathes new life into it in Empire Of The Son, one of the more affecting solo shows you'll see this season. See listing. When Shigematsu's Japan-born father, Akira, falls ill, the son finds himself looking after him, and bits of the father's life gradually come into focus, including his career as a broadcaster at the BBC in London where Tetsuro was born and the family's move to Canada in the mid-1970s. The two men one from the old world, one fully inhabiting the new clash, most dramatically in a scene in which the father criticizes the son's skateboarding. Here, Akira found broadcasting work at the CBC, only to be later demoted, thanks to cutbacks, to the mailroom. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

phillip primeau: Bordeleau said he has high confidence in the overall study, despite what Brown and Primeau found, according to Metro News. The York research team assured us that they had enough quality-assurance measures in place, to ensure that the data and the scope and the size of the amount of information were collected was accurate, he said. According to a study done by two Ottawa researchers, Gregory Brown and Phillip Primeau, officers fears that the project would be used against them lead to some officers avoiding parts of the city, incorrectly entering information and failing to do traffic stops all together . The data from traffic stops lead to a report by researchers at York University that found no direct evidence of racial profiling, but did find that black and Middle Eastern drivers were more likely to be pulled over. He said they commissioned Primeau and Brown's report to get a broader picture. Sulaimon Giwa, a researcher and case manager at the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization said he's not surprised officers mistrusted the program. We wanted to make sure that our officers had an opportunity to express their views, and we wanted to enrich the outcome of the study, he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

math problems: He grew up playing tennis in snowy Canada, not sunny Florida, according to Hamilton Spectator. 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.

panel discussion: They also pushed back against the idea that Trump is taking us back in time, reminding the audience that North America has always been plagued by discrimination and prejudice, the veil is just now coming off again, when really, the ideologies and senseless acts of white supremacists have always been there, have always been taking place, according to Huffington Post Canada. Now, these radicalists have someone in power to whom they credit their beliefs, actions and words. On January 18, I attended a panel discussion called Canada in a Trump World, where diverse leaders and prominent figures of influence shared their experiences and perspectives on the impact a Trump presidency would have on Canada. On January 20, I sat at my desk at work and hesitated to tune into the inauguration. I was more interested in the analysis. I didn't want to listen at first, so I set my dial to CBC's The Current to hear host Anna Maria Tremonti speak to Canadians and Americans about what this means. (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 Metro News. 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. Others, however, require congressional approval and would likely draw numerous legal challenges. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

president barack: While White House spokesman Sean Spicer, at his first press briefing, did not explicitly rule out action on the program known as DACA, his comments suggest that Trump's initial policies will be similar to Obama's, according to Metro News. Spicer noted Trump has said his focus would be on immigrants in the country illegally who have a criminal record or pose a threat. Those protected from deportation under former President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program have been worried that Trump would follow through on a campaign pledge to immediately end the illegal amnesty. That's where the priority's going to be, and then we're going to continue to work through the entire number of folks that are here illegally, he said. Spicer's comments echo what Trump said in an interview shortly after the election, when he told CBS' 60 Minutes that the focus would on probably 2 million, it could be even 3 million criminals living in the country illegally. He added that those immigrants who have overstayed visas will also be among the administration's enforcement priorities. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.