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.

christmas cd: The acts that performed in the Big Tent in Privateer Park on Sun., June 25 were varied but the crowd in attendance appreciated the variety and quality of the entertainment, according to The Chronicle Herald. The Festival got underway at 11 a.m. with the Nova Scotia Mass Choir. The festival has been a part of Privateer Days in Liverpool for a few years an advantage for both organizations. The choir celebrated its 25th birthday last year with the release of a Christmas CD. One of the songs performed at the festival was Emanuel, a song from the CD. Another song that was a hit with the audience was, Today I'm Going to Try and Change the World. The choir director explained that the choir is truly multicultural and multiracial with members from many cultural backgrounds and faiths. Toes were tapping and heads were nodding in time with the music. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

dairy farmers: It's thanks to a national 150,000 grant the Champions Fund which doles out funds to support budding girl athletes, according to Metro News. In its second year, the grant expanded by 50,000. Now, many of the girls are donning burkinis for a new swimming program. Last year, one of the 20 distributed grants went to Winnipeg's Newcomer Soccer and Multisport Academy, teaching newcomer youth, mostly from Syria, about physical literacy and sport. Since receiving the grant last fall, the program now offers many sports an important factor for newcomers, said Trono. In the last 10 months, we've really been able to ramp up the quality because of various supports, dairy farmers being one, said program creator Carolyn Trono. function set Cookie related path / ; Related Soccer team helping connect Toronto's Syrian refugees Humber College initiative teaches swimming to international students Newcomer children most affected by lack of health insurance The program started last year with a focus on soccer, where Trono noticed the boys coming to the floor with more advanced skills than the girls, who hadn't had the same exposure. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hair hasn: Tomorrow is the 4th of July, 2036, and the great man now is 90, according to The Chronicle Herald. But his hair hasn't changed one iota. I was one of those folks who at first didn't appreciate America's Greatest President and undefeated five-time election winner President Donald J. Trump. His blondeness still defies time. But if anyone deserves a vacation, it's President Trump. Maybe Trump keeps his hair colour because he takes life easy. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

language: Pellerine has been working in the Middle East and Africa with populations of people he calls Migrant English Language Learners MELLs people who may find themselves working or studying in countries where English is the primary language, according to The Chronicle Herald. My main goal was to develop a teaching strategy using embedded visual arts he says. For Lower Sackville's Stephen Pellerine, he's using pictures to help his students become literate in one of the world's most difficult languages to learn English. I'd ask my students to take a digital camera and record a typical day in their lives. One of the positive results of this work was that his students picked up the English language more quickly than by using traditional literacy teaching techniques. Then I'd ask them to describe the things they photographed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

longest-running children: Now living in B.C., Lewis recently tried to renew his driver's licence and was informed by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia that he was short a piece of primary ID. So, I decided to apply for a permanent resident card, he said in a statement, according to Metro News. After all, that's what I was! Lewis arrived in Canada with his parents at the age of three. The actor posted about his ordeal on Facebook Lewis used to live in Calgary while filming the show, which ran 1967 to 1997 and is one of the longest-running children's shows in Canadian history. Canada Immigration and Citizenship CIC required evidence that he entered Canada through proper channels, so Lewis provided a copy of his British birth certificate, punched Landed Immigrant cards for his parents and part of the ship's log of the RMS Aquatania, which they travelled in. Supplied Neither the immigration card for Lewis's mother or father pictured included his name. He was not issued an immigration card because of his age. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tech hub: They bought a big house on a quiet, tree-lined street a stone's throw from the ocean, according to CTV. The family bought a boat. Rodgers, a veteran of Waterloo's tech startup scene, moved to the Nova Scotia capital a year ago with his wife and four kids. They eat supper together almost every night. They are part of a convergence of factors -- thriving manufacturing and construction sectors, healthy employment and income gains, strong housing and retail markets, off-the-charts population gains -- that have made Halifax one of the country's fastest-growing cities, and earned it the title of Canada's fifth-biggest tech hub. The kids joined sports teams, and Rodgers coaches hockey in the winter, baseball in the summer. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

times blacks: Filmmaker Chris Phillips of Ferguson, Missouri, says he likely will attend a family barbecue just like every Fourth of July, according to Metro News. But the 36-year-old black man says he can't help but feel perplexed about honouring the birth of the nation after three officers were recently cleared in police shootings. How do you celebrate during what some people of colour consider troubling times Blacks, Latinos and immigrant rights advocates say the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, recent non-convictions of police officers charged in the shootings of black men, and the stepped-up detentions of immigrants and refugees for deportation have them questioning equality and the promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in the United States. POLICE SHOOTINGSSince the 2014 police shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, officer shootings of black males in particular have drawn scrutiny, sparking protests nationwide. Despite video, suburban St. Few officers ever face charges, and convictions are rare. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian flag: Google Canada marked the occasion with a Google Doodle, including the flags of the 13 provinces and territories, according to Toronto Star. Except they left one out. By Bryann Aguilar Staff Reporter Sun., July 2, 2017 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wasn't the only one who forgot a province during the Canada 150 celebrations. In the doodle, a cake with a Canadian flag is surrounded by different pastries holding flags, all saying Happy Birthday Canada and Bonne Fete Canada. It's hard to tell which one since both provinces have almost identical flags but with different shields. However, only 12 flags were on display with either Ontario or Manitoba missing. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ctv news: They're among the roughly half of Syrian refugees in B.C. who have settled in Surrey, according to CTV. The family was forced to flee because of the Syrian civil war. Nabil Al Halabi and his family came to Canada on Dec. 1, 2016. When the war started and the bombing started and the shooting started, it was an unsafe area, Al Halabi told CTV News. We don't take anything with us. We leave quickly. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

elias: A man is treated for smoke inhalation by Red Cross members after a fire tore through a camp for Syrian refugees, near the town of Qab Elias, in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, according to CBC. Hassan Abdallah/Reuters Reuters TV footage showed the blaze had virtually razed the camp as a fire truck doused down the still-smouldering ground. Flames and thick clouds of black smoke rose from the site near the town of Qab Elias, around a hour's drive east of Beirut, in footage broadcast by Lebanon's MTV, and at least one explosion was seen. A Syrian refugee said many of the people living at the camp had come to Lebanon from the Raqqa area of Syria. Qab Elias Emergency Services via AP UNHCR spokesperson Dana Sleiman said the camp had been home to 102 families. One child from the camp is among the dead. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hockey background: The event has a variety of routes for different skill levels, including a new 150 kilometre trail was added this year for 150 years of confederation, according to CTV. Many Canadians confirmed their citizenship at Diefenbaker Park in the reaffirmation ceremony, restating their oath. Many cyclists joined the park event after the Prairie Gran Fondo an annual cycling event raising money for organizations. Six-time Stanley Cup winner Bryan Trottier joined the celebrations. The diversity in Canada and how everyone embraces it, is something to celebrate, Trottier, from Val Marie, Sask., said. I'm very proud of my roots, very proud of my hockey background and my native heritage. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

jaggi singh: Dozens of activists from Solidarity Across Borders lined the Roxam Road border crossing in Hemmingford hours before members of the Ultra-Nationalist group Storm Alliance arrived, according to CTV. Last week, the head of Storm Alliance called for a July 1st demonstration. But another group, ready to counter-protest, arrived first. Supported by fellow Nationalist group La Meute, Storm alliance says it aims to defend the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and ultimately protect Canadian values. We refuse to accept that a group of-- essentially racists can come here and intimidate refugees, said Jaggi Singh of Solidarity Across Borders. But their presence or overall M.O. -- is scrutinized by migrant activist groups, who dismiss their crusade as one that spreads intolerance. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

medals: For Elizabeth II, the jubilee medals were based on the British ones, but Canadian versions, according to The Chronicle Herald. When it comes to the last category of commemorative medals Confederation medals they are uniquely Canadian. Canadians have received medals for the coronations of Edward VII, George V, George VI and Elizabeth II. They have also been recipients of medals for the silver jubilees of George VI and Elizabeth II, golden jubilee of Elizabeth II and diamond jubilees of Victoria and Elizabeth II. All but the jubilee medals for Elizabeth II were exactly the same as the British ones. In fact, the very first medal ever issued by the new country of Canada was the Confederation Medal, presented the year after union to British and Canadian dignitaries associated with Confederation. Later governments followed this with the Centennial Medal of 1967 and the Canada 125 Medal of 1992. It was different from all other medals in that it did not have a ribbon and was never meant to be worn. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

nova scotia: I'd spent time in Nova Scotia already and it seemed like a haven from much of what I thought was wrong with the world crime, corruption, consumerism, pollution, blind patriotism and paranoia, according to The Chronicle Herald. And it was just that. In 1978 I was a restless and rebellious young man living in New Jersey looking for some other place in the world where I could feel more at home. And to some degree still is. We've been infected here over the years by those things on my list. But I was an idealist then and today I am more of a realist. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

right occasion: I'm celebrating Canada Day today in style, because I'm getting my Canadian citizenship, Robinson-Enebeli, according to CBC. Not only on Canada Day, but on Canada Day 150. On Saturday, the 21-year-old Nigerian immigrant finally found the right occasion. That only happens once ever. Becoming a citizen means I've been accepted into a society and a country that sees strength in diversity, said Robinson-Enebeli. A country that sees strength in diversity' Robinson-Enebeli wore the tie proudly as he recited Canada's oath of citizenship along with 52 other people from more than 20 different countries at a ceremony in Halifax. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

robinson-enebeli: I'm celebrating Canada Day today in style, because I'm getting my Canadian citizenship, Robinson-Enebeli, according to The Chronicle Herald. Not only on Canada Day, but on Canada Day 150. On Saturday, the 21-year-old Nigerian immigrant finally found the right occasion. That only happens once ever. Becoming a citizen means I've been accepted into a society and a country that sees strength in diversity, said Robinson-Enebeli. Robinson-Enebeli wore the tie proudly as he recited Canada's oath of citizenship along with 52 other people from more than 20 different countries at a ceremony in Halifax. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

summer home: Through August 19 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane, according to Toronto Star. Soulpepper.ca and 416-866-8666. Michael Cooper By Karen Fricker Theatre Critic Sun., July 2, 2017 Confederation Parts I and II By Michael Hollingsworth, directed by Hollingsworth and Deanne Taylor. In 1982, amidst the spectacle of Constitutional repatriation, Toronto-based indie theatre artist Michael Hollingsworth realized he knew painfully little about this country's history. Article Continued Below Since 2013, Soulpepper has provided a summer home for Video Cab's performances. The over 20-play cycle that resulted, The History of the Village of the Small Huts, has become its own improbable saga a satirical retelling of Canadian history that Hollingsworth, co-director Deanne Taylor and an evolving group of artists and artisans keep on retooling, presenting and revising year after year, under the aegis of their company Video Cabaret. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tented settlements: Sleiman and a Lebanese security source had initially put the death toll at three, according to Globe and Mail. Lebanon is hosting at least 1 million registered Syrian refugees, many of them living in tented settlements scattered around the country. We are waiting to confirm that. The government says that in total there are about 1.5 million Syrians in Lebanon. Report Typo/Error (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

uranium city: This 'human flag' was created on the Legislature grounds in Regina, Sask. as part of the Canada 150 celebration, according to CBC. On Canada Day, CBC Radio's Shauna Powers hosted a Canada 150 Panel on her show, Saskatchewan Weekend, with three people from Saskatoon. While some celebrated with face paint and fireworks, others protested on behalf of Indigenous communities. Shannon Loutitt is the co-founder and CEO of International Indigenous Speakers Bureau and an honour runner. She now lives in Saskatoon. Loutitt was born in Yellowknife but raised in Uranium City. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

york times: Twenty-four storeys tall, with a single stairwell escape route, where those who defied fire department orders to stay put picked their way over victims who'd collapsed on the steps as they fled, according to Toronto Star. Youngest victim of the June 14 conflagration worst London fire in more than a century appears to be a baby not yet born, delivered to a mother in an induced coma, the seven-month fetus already dead in the womb from poisonous fumes. ANDREW TESTA / The New York Times By Rosie DiManno Columnist Sun., July 2, 2017 LONDON It sticks up into the sky like a charcoal-blackened finger, a husk of a building with blank eyes where every single window was blown out. Yet almost three weeks after the blaze that consumed Grenfell Tower, part of the Lancaster West Estate public housing for poor people the exact number of casualties, at least 80 lives lost, is not yet known and may never be known. In the absence of any official list of casualties, frustrated next-of-kin are turning to volunteer demographers and independent data analysts who've poured over floor plans and spreadsheets, colour-coding apartment units according to confirmed dead, presumed dead, still unaccounted for and known survivors. It defies comprehension, in an age of digitalized information saturation, that such basic facts seem beyond the reach of officials, most especially the Kensington and Chelsea council that managed the property with such colossal dereliction of duty. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

american leadership: What I was worried about was, 'What are they going to write about me 20 years from now when I look back ' Obama has largely stayed away from U.S. politics and the Trump administration, but he did tout one of his accomplishments while in office, according to The Chronicle Herald. In Paris, we came together around the most ambitious agreement in history about climate change, an agreement that even with the temporary absence of American leadership, can still give our children a fighting chance, he said. I wasn't worried about what was in the newspapers today, former President Barack Obama said Saturday during a nostalgic visit to Indonesia's capital, his childhood home. Trump shocked many countries last month by announcing he was pulling out of the accord. Obama stressed the importance of stepping away from news sites where only like-minded views are shared, and warned about social media giving rise to resentment of minorities and bad treatment of people. He has also had a difficult relationship with members of the press and was recently condemned by Democrats and Republicans for a tweet that attacked a female MSNBC host. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canada day: Wynne said the greatest strengths of Ontario and Canada have always been the diversity of its people, and the willingness of immigrants to the province to try to build a better society than the ones they left behind, according to CTV. She said the contribution of Indigenous Peoples - who she noted are not immigrants - were more significant than any others. Premier Kathleen Wynne helped welcome 150 Canadians who were granted citizenship as part of Canada 150 celebrations. Without their knowledge and friendship, and the treaties that were signed, Canada could literally have never come into being, Wynne said. John's, NL. Festivities to celebrate Canada Day were to take place at Queen's Park until late Saturday evening. The ceremony at Queen's Park was one of 55 similar ceremonies held across the country on Saturday - from Whitehorse, to St. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canada day: So far, I've done this on three occasions and, to celebrate Canada Day and our country's 150th birthday, I am officiating again today at a ceremony for new Canadians in Ajax, according to Toronto Star. When we think about what it means to be Canadian, I imagine very few people's thoughts would turn to gardening. Dreamstime By Mark Cullen Green spaces Sat., July 1, 2017 As a member of the Order of Canada, I can officiate at citizenship ceremonies. Allow me to illuminate you gardening is very much a part of being Canadian. Rich history. Here is how 1. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canada place: It is going to be the most special Canada Day for me, not one that I'm going to forget, said Funk, who has lived in Canada almost her entire life after moving here from Mexico with her family in 1980 when she was 2 months old, according to Metro News. You don't really give your national identity too much thought until you don't have one. The holiday will take on a new meaning for the 37-year-old Squamish, B.C.-woman this year, when she will be sworn in as a new Canadian at a ceremony at Canada Place in Vancouver, nine years after she was unknowingly stripped of her citizenship. The fireworks on this Canada Day are going to be for me. Until last year Funk did not know that Canada changed its Citizenship Act in 1977, requiring those born outside the country to a foreign-born Canadian parent to reapply for citizenship before their 28th birthday if they were born between Feb. 15, 1977 and April 16, 1981, the date the law was repealed. The entire country is going to be celebrating with me. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

fireworks demonstration: Premier Kathleen Wynne addressed the ceremony, saying that the province's greatest strength has always been the diversity of its people, according to CTV. She also stressed that, with the exception of Indigenous peoples, all Canadians have immigrant backgrounds. The ceremony at Queen's Park was one of 55 similar ceremonies held across the country for today's sesquicentennial. Festivities to celebrate Canada Day will take place at Queen's Park until late this evening. Organizers of one such celebration at the Baitul Islam Mosque in Vaughan, Ont., expect to see about 5,000 people from across the province show up. Toronto will also see a day's worth of official celebrations, ending with a massive fireworks demonstration over Lake Ontario this evening. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

friday: He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, according to Metro News. Five suicide bombers blew themselves up Friday during military raids in two refugee settlements in Arsal, near the border with Syria. The military official said the detention of 355 Syrians is not a directed aggression against anyone, and that not all would be charged with terrorism. One of them detonated his payload among a Syrian refugee family, killing a girl. During the early Friday raid attackers also tossed explosives at the troops. Another wounded three soldiers, leaving two of them in critical condition, the official said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.