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.

acceptance: Canada's acceptance of these people is neither a sign of weakness or misguided judgment, according to Toronto Star. The notion that our country is built on a foundation of protectionist statutes contradicts our recorded history. In his letter, Brock Turner implies that barring their entry would somehow be an expression of our foundational truths that our ancestors fought for. We are a nation of foreigners. As Mr. Toronto in particular has more ethnic groups within its borders than almost anywhere else in the world. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

adult life: They will be gladly calling me a racist, a self-hating Asian and even an Islamophobe, despite the fact that I have dedicated myself to community work, political activism, diversity and equity issues for the most part of my adult life, according to Huffington Post Canada. But now, given what is happening right around us and in the world at large, means that it is high time to pause and talk about things bothering some Canadians, and doing it without a political agenda, without interference, and without shouting down the other side. I am fully aware that once some people finish reading this, they will spare no time to stick a label on me. Whether we like it or not, the clash of cultures is at our doorstep, staring at us squarely in the face. We can pretend that political correctness has overridden all our primal instincts, and that we can put this to rest once and for all. We can pretend it doesn't exist. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ambassador: Swedish Ambassador Torkel Stiernlof says he met with Lim for 40 minutes last week, according to Hamilton Spectator. He said they discussed Lim's health and other matters, but refused to comment further. Hyeon Soo Lim, a pastor with the Light Korean Presbyterian Church of Mississauga, was sentenced in December 2015 by a North Korean court to life in prison with hard labour for what it called crimes against the state. The ambassador said in an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday that he and Lim weren't rushed. He was escorted in and out of the room without handcuffs by uniformed guards, Stiernlof said. He said there were two North Korean officials in civilian clothes and an official photographer present throughout the meeting, which was held in a conference room at a Pyongyang hotel. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bar mexican: Immigrants living illegally in the United States account for roughly 18 per cent of employment in agriculture, 13 per cent in construction and 10 per cent at restaurants, hotels and casinos, according to a study done last year by the National Bureau of Economic Research, according to Metro News. The economic shock would cause widespread ramifications, says Ben Gitis, director of labour market policy at the American Action Forum, a conservative think-tank . Addressing Congress on Tuesday night, Trump vowed to build a great, great wall to bar Mexican from entering the United States illegally. That's the view of many economists, who say the United States can't afford to suddenly lose vast numbers of the immigrants who work illegally picking fruit and vegetables, building houses, busing tables, staffing meat-packing plants and cleaning hotel rooms. Even as he spoke, the president said, U.S. authorities were deporting the bad ones. Yet what exactly Trump wants to do about illegal immigration remains hazy because he has said different things at different times. The president's tough talk followed remarks he had made to CBS's 60 Minutes after his November election He warned that his administration might deport 2 million to 3 million of those living in the country illegally. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

conference room: He said they discussed Lim's health and other matters, but refused to comment further, according to Huffington Post Canada. The ambassador said in an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday that he and Lim weren't rushed.'' He said there were two North Korean officials in civilian clothes and an official photographer present throughout the meeting, which was held in a conference room at a Pyongyang hotel. Swedish Ambassador Torkel Stiernlof says he met Hyeon Soo Lim for 40 minutes last week. Hyeon Soo Lim speaks at a news conference in Pyongyang, North Korea in 2015. We discussed his health and other things, of course, but I refrain from commenting on these matters.'' He added that Lim spoke over the phone with his family last Friday. Photo AP He was escorted in and out of the room without handcuffs by uniformed guards,'' Stiernlof said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

continents: They have travelled thousands of miles and crossed multiple continents, according to Huffington Post Canada. Their worldly possessions are contained in a single suitcase or bag. These same refugees experience hunger and severe frostbite. They have no money. They are then detained. Once they cross the border into Canada, they are handcuffed and processed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

government finances: That's not exactly what that report says, according to CTV. It says immigrants contribute to government finances by paying taxes and add expenditures by consuming public services. A look at some of his claims in his prime-time speech to Congress According to the National Academy of Sciences, our current immigration system costs America's taxpayers many billions of dollars a year. The report found that while first-generation immigrants are more expensive to governments than their native-born counterparts, primarily at the state and local level, immigrants' children are among the strongest economic and fiscal contributors in the population. We've saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the price of the F-35 jet fighter. The report found that the long-run fiscal impact of immigrants and their children would probably be seen as more positive if their role in sustaining labour force growth and contributing to innovation and entrepreneurial activity were taken into account. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

television audience: It's only been six weeks, according to Globe and Mail. Addressing Congress was a second chance to make a first impression. The sloppiness of his White House has cost him three prospective cabinet secretaries, left key jobs unfilled in his administration, created an illegal ban on Muslim immigrants and forced the resignation of his national security adviser. Mr. Before the largest television audience he is likely to face this year, he created a spectacle. Trump needed to change the channel. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

leadership politics: Meanwhile, 40 per cent felt the right number of refugees was being admitted and 30 per cent thought that figure was too high, according to Metro News. The 2016 survey was done long before immigration and refugee policy became a centrepiece of the U.S. presidential campaign and the eventual new administration of Donald Trump, and before the question of what values immigrants to Canada ought to hold became a centrepiece of Conservative leadership politics here. While 52 per cent of those polled in the Immigration Department's annual tracking study felt the right number of immigrants were coming to Canada, 23 per cent thought it was too high. So while the data might not reflect how attitudes have shifted since those developments, it's telling for what it was probing for in the first place, suggested Jack Jedwab, the executive vice president of the Association for Canadian Studies and co-chairman of an upcoming conference on integration and immigration. While the survey did suggest some differences in viewpoints on refugees versus other classes of immigrants, Jedwab said they aren't substantial. I think what the government is trying to get at is the issue of the extent to which people are more preoccupied by the increase in refugees that's happening in a lot other places in the world, he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

letter: I don't always agree with the positions you take, according to Hamilton Spectator. I understand that, as a new president, you need some time to formulate and solidify your policies. President Fake news Dear President Trump This is my second letter to you. I have a question. It is not my intent to offend. You may find it offensive. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bill c: The legislation would revoke some of the measures passed by the previous Conservative government, including a provision that would allow the government to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals convicted of terrorism or treason, according to The Waterloo Record. The bill also eases up some residency and language requirements imposed by the Conservatives. He says he would carefully consider any amendments the Senate proposes to Bill C-6, echoing comments made last fall by his predecessor, John McCallum. Hussen has defended the bill before the Senate social affairs committee. While the bill ends the possibility of taking citizenship from dual nationals involved in terrorism, it still allows for revoking the citizenship of people who make false applications, or for reasons of criminality or human rights abuses. He says he believes the legislation is sound, even though there is no guarantee of an independent appeal when someone loses their citizenship because of a fraudulent application. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

city americano: Expand Get to know Jennifer Villaverde Best place to grab coffee in the city Americano from Cluny in the Distillery District, according to NOW Magazine. I'm also a big fan of Neo Coffee Bar on Frederick. Experience more of the company's 20th anniversary season here. What was the last book you read All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews. I loved it. It was devastating. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

kerrisdale church: In the kitchen, women in head scarves are busy peeling, slicing, and putting final touches on a massive dinner they've been planning for weeks, according to National Observer. All are Syrian refugees, recent arrivals to Canada, getting ready to greet 100 guests who have bought tickets for Tayybeh A Celebration of Syrian Cuisine. Mary's Kerrisdale Church, a gorgeous place of worship in a quiet residential corner of Vancouver, B.C. ; Further inside the church's nearby event hall however, and a very different kind of music is playing pots and pans, clattering dishes, conversation and laughter. It's a pop-up dinner event to raise money for Syrian refugees and showcase the Middle Eastern country's culinary culture, which is known throughout the region for its hearty flavours. Nothing is ready to serve just yet, but the smell alone is to die for. Each of the six bustling cooks Hasne Shekh from Idlib and her daughter Heba Najib, Leena Alhamad from Homs, Rawaa Mahouk from Aleppo, Raghda Hassan from Latakia, Maha Almarabaani from Damascus are making dishes that reflect their regional specialties. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

leadership politics: Meanwhile, 40 per cent felt the right number of refugees was being admitted and 30 per cent thought that figure was too high, according to The Waterloo Record. The 2016 survey was done long before immigration and refugee policy became a centrepiece of the U.S. presidential campaign and the eventual new administration of Donald Trump, and before the question of what values immigrants to Canada ought to hold became a centrepiece of Conservative leadership politics here. While 52 per cent of those polled in the Immigration Department's annual tracking study felt the right number of immigrants were coming to Canada, 23 per cent thought it was too high. So while the data might not reflect how attitudes have shifted since those developments, it's telling for what it was probing for in the first place, suggested Jack Jedwab, the executive vice president of the Association for Canadian Studies and co-chairman of an upcoming conference on integration and immigration. While the survey did suggest some differences in viewpoints on refugees versus other classes of immigrants, Jedwab said they aren't substantial. I think what the government is trying to get at is the issue of the extent to which people are more preoccupied by the increase in refugees that's happening in a lot other places in the world, he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

sex: Actually, I think men in general can't win, according to NOW Magazine. Thoughtful, well-meaning men at least. I have this weird possibly misogynistic belief that, when it comes to sex, I can't win. It comes down to this During sex, if the man doesn't come, it's the man's fault, because he clearly has problems with his dick and is barely even a man and should be ashamed of himself. So am I a misogynist or just a guy with issues Any advice for me moving forward Yeah, I Got Issues If you've been with women who blamed you when you didn't come, YIGI, and then turned around and blamed you when they didn't come, well, that had to be annoying. If the woman doesn't come, it's also the man's fault, because he's clearly bad at sex and doesn't even care and is barely even a man and should be ashamed of himself. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

live-action beauty: Laurie Sparham / Walt Disney Studios By Elahe Izadi The Washington Post Wed., March 1, 2017 There will be some marked changes to the forthcoming live-action Beauty and the Beast, according to Toronto Star. According to the director, the movie will break ground as Disney features an openly gay character. Gad said on Twitter that he is beyond proud to play a gay character in a Disney film. Gaston's sidekick LeFou, played by Josh Gad, will have a small subplot relating to his sexuality, Attitude magazine reported. He's confused about what he wants. LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston, director Bill Condon told the magazine. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

lower-skilled immigrants: WATCH Trump's full speech to CongressANALYSIS No Republican cakewalk for Trump and 115th CongressANALYSIS Trump's party controls Congress, but he won't have free rein Trump said a broad immigration reform plan was possible if both Republicans and Democrats in Congress were willing to compromise, according to CBC. He said U.S. immigration should be based on a merit-based system, rather than relying on lower-skilled immigrants. '887025219938', 'playlist Selector' 'container Selector' ' container80102617', 'ciid' 'caffeine14004036' ; Canada comes up as Trump talks immigration1 29 Comprehensive immigration reform eluded his two predecessors because of deep divisions within Congress and among Americans over the issue. Trump, in a prime-time address to a country that remains divided over his leadership, emphasized his desire to focus on problems at home by boosting the U.S. economy with tax reform, a 1-trillion infrastructure effort and an overhaul of former president Barack Obama's signature health-care law, known as Obamacare. Trump said reform would raise wages and help struggling families enter the middle class. Short on details Trump voiced a need to persuade Americans to rally behind his agenda after a bitterly fought election, but he made his argument in terms of getting behind his effort for a new chapter of American greatness. I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation's security, and to restore respect for our laws, said the Republican president, who took a hard line against illegal immigrants in his 2016 campaign. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

news stories: That brand of information war can range from pushing fake news stories and conspiracy theories to fanning the flames of existing problems all serving to undermine public confidence in governments and institutions, according to Toronto Star. Elsewhere in the Baltics and former Soviet Union, Russian-linked disinformation has worked to stoke panic and force local governments into knee-jerk, counterproductive responses that have boosted Kremlin goals across the region. Roni Rekomaa / Bloomberg By Reid Standish Foreign Policy Wed., March 1, 2017 With elections coming up this year in France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and perhaps Italy, European intelligence services across the continent have been sounding the alarm about Russian attempts to influence the outcome through targeted disinformation and propaganda, as they appeared to do in the U.S. presidential election. But in the face of this mounting pressure, one of Russia's neighbours has emerged unusually resistant to the wider information war waged by Moscow across Europe Finland. These attacks have sought to undermine the government and often coincided with military shows of forces along the Russian border. Like other countries along the Baltic Sea or in Eastern Europe, Finland has seen a notable increase in fake news stories and propaganda targeted against it that can be linked back to Russia since Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

non-status migrants: Becoming a Sanctuary City means that refugees and non-status migrants have safe access to essential services like health care, education and social services, according to Rabble. It means that municipal services -- and the police in particular -- do not report refugees or undocumented migrants to border authorities or immigration officials. Grassroots migrant justice organizers are raising concerns and seeking to centre migrant voices and actions in response. In a Sanctuary City, everyone, including non-status migrants, can use city services without fear of deportation. Trump comes into the picture and a series of mayors and city councils across the country are trying to quickly differentiate themselves from him, Syed Hussan, a member of No One is Illegal-Toronto, told rabble. Though an increasing number of cities across Canada are considering adopting Sanctuary City declarations that claim to welcome refugees and undocumented migrants, deportations persist and basic public services to non-status migrants are still not being provided. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tash: I know how they feel, I know what they've been through, according to CBC. I can feel their families. I feel for the refugees. They are so happy to be here and they're safe, said Omar Rahimi. Before we came to Canada, we lived in the Al Tash refugee camp in the desert of western Iraq. My family came here in 2001. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

primetime address: His private comments raised expectations that he might make a similar call in his primetime address, according to Metro News. He hinted that he was open to legislation, saying that real and positive immigration reform is possible, but still pledged to vigorously target those he says make the country unsafe. But hours later, in his first address to Congress, he pledged to vigorously target people living in the U.S. illegally who threaten our communities and prey on innocent citizens. The mixed messages underscore the thorniness of an issue that Republicans have been struggling to address for years and on which Trump appears to be torn. A person with knowledge of the discussion confirmed his comments to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. The president, in a lunch with news anchors ahead of his address to Congress, said, The time is right for an immigration bill as long as there is compromise on both sides. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

refugee: This is an irregular unplanned flow of refugee claimants, Zaifman said, according to CTV. Right now if the numbers dramatically increase where are we going to house them, how are they going to be supported, he said. THERE'S A LIMIT' KEN ZAIFMAN Winnipeg immigration lawyer Ken Zaifman said Canada does have a cap on refugees the country can only financially support so many refugees. Zaifman believes the burden is going to fall on municipalities, or non-governmental organizations. He said Canada has two systems, a refugee determination process in Canada and a refugee selection process outside of Canada. It's not jumping the queue, it's a different way to make, seek admission to Canada, Zaifman said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tibetan refugees: They were seeking travel visas to participate in the Dallas Cup soccer tournament scheduled to take place April 9-16 Childers, who is from New Jersey, said in an email from India that embassy officials did not glance at the documents nor provide any other reasons or explanations, according to Hamilton Spectator. All but two of the 16 who visited the embassy hold Indian Identity Certificates, which are issued by the Indian government for Tibetan refugees. Cassie Childers, a coach and executive director for Tibet Women's Soccer, said that 16 members of the team were told at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, that they have no good reason to visit the U.S., during their visit on Feb. 24. They function as passports even though they do not represent citizenship to India. Four players, who live in Nepal and have Nepal passports, had interviews in Kathmandu on Feb. 4. The other two, which includes the head coach, hold Indian passports. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trump order: They had urged the White House to reconsider Iraq's inclusion given its key role in fighting the Islamic State group, according to CBC. Trump is expected to sign the new order in the coming days. Four officials say the administration's decision follows pressure from the Pentagon and State Department. It is designed to replace an earlier Trump order that was blocked by federal courts. Those bans are effective for 90 days. Citizens of six other predominantly Muslim countries Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen will remain on the travel ban list, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the order before it is signed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tuesday night: A person with knowledge of the discussion confirmed his comments to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, according to CTV. Trump campaigned as an immigration hardliner, vowing to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and pledging to step up deportations. The president, in a lunch with news anchors ahead of his address to Congress on Tuesday night, said, The time is right for an immigration bill as long as there is compromise on both sides. Since taking office, some of his policy moves have hewed closely to those promises, including new guidance from the Department of Homeland Security that would subject any immigrant in the country illegally to deportation if they are charged or convicted of any offence, or even suspected of a crime. Although he railed against President Barack Obama's executive actions to protect those immigrants from deportation during the campaign, Trump has not rolled back those safeguards and has suggested he has other priorities. But the president also has suggested he is open to finding a solution for the so-called Dreamers -- those who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

party members: Instead, he held his own gathering with party members at a downtown hotel across the street, according to National Observer. In a 90 minute question and answer session, O'Leary reiterated his goal to run the federal government on a rational, business oriented framework, one aimed at creating jobs and opportunities for the 18 35 year old cohort he believes is so key to forming a majority government. The 14th candidate, maverick businessman Kevin O'Leary, opted out of the debate, claiming the all candidates format is little more than a series of 10 second sound bites. He also renewed his attack on Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, saying her team has made the low oil slump much worse by introducing new levies such as the carbon tax and by failing to provide incentives for oilpatch development. She is a toxic cocktail of mediocrity and incompetence blended into one drink. If she worked for me in any of my companies, I would have fired her a long time ago, O'Leary said to applause. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.