b-girlz thursday: Hosted by the B-Girlz, according to NOW Magazine. Thursday, November 9. 7 00pm. 12 Alexander Street. Art auction, performances, prizes and more. Tickets and info available here. This welcoming approach extends to their annual gala fundraising event, where patrons of all cultural and financial backgrounds are brought together for one unforgettable party. Since its founding in 1979, Buddies in Bad Times has served as an inclusive space for Toronto's LGBTQ community and theatre-lovers of all kinds. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

echoes concerns: The board has for months been struggling with a rapidly growing caseload, pushing wait times for hearings from weeks to months, according to National Observer. In June, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen ordered a full review of the arms-length tribunal, and that was even before a surge of asylum seekers at the border placed additional pressure on the board's decision-makers. And I think that's important, especially at this time of great politicization. In August, more than 2,300 claims were filed from border crossers, and a further 5,390 were filed in September. Grandi said he echoes concerns from advocates who say that could risk politicizing the process. One idea under consideration is whether the Immigration department itself should take over the refugee determination process. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

law order: See listing, according to NOW Magazine. Rating NNNImagine an episode of Law & Order written by a cynical philosophy student and you'll have a good idea of Grimly Handsome. Photo by Barry McCluskey GRIMLY HANDSOME by Julia Jarcho Theatre Animal . At the Assembly Theatre 1479 Queen West . Runs to Nov 19. 20- 25. 416-802-0297. Julia Jarcho's intriguing play uses the tropes of the thriller and the police procedural to look at things like urban alienation, power dynamics and sexual selection. After the woman's body turns up butchered, two cops Irving and Sanders again one of whose wife is having an affair with the other, investigate, aided by a possible male eyewitness. In an unnamed American city, two immigrant Christmas tree-sellers Jeff Irving and Ben Sanders display their wares, one of them convincing a shy, bookish woman Julia Course to join him for a cup of coffee. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

years city: The free parking also extends to popular destinations, including Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, according to Vancouver Courier. The City offers the complimentary parking to recognize the military service and dedication Canadian men and women provided to our country and to facilitate their work distributing poppies.article continues below Trending Stories Condo developer lashes out at Vancouver's development permit board Popular East Vancouver vintage store Sellution to close after 32 years City of Vancouver identifies more neighbourhoods to house homeless Marpole residents protest modular housing complex for homeless Nov. 8National Aboriginal Veterans Day Victory Square Cenotaph10 45 a.m. Note Drivers of vehicles displaying B.C. veteran licence plates will enjoy free parking at City of Vancouver parking meters, in Easy Park parkades and in surface lots, as well as in park board operated facilities for Veterans Week, Nov. 4 to 11. Aboriginal veterans will hold a ceremony at the Victory Square Cenotaph following a march from the Carnegie Centre at the corner of Main and Hastings at 10 15 a.m. Nov. 10Duty Calls Men of Christ Church Go to War Christ Church Cathedral7 30 p.m.690 Burrard St. The official ceremony at the cenotaph begins at 10 45 a.m. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

brightenview development: Rules for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program SINP say if an immigrant establishes a company in Regina or Saskatoon, they have to employ at least two Canadians or permanent residents, according to CBC. That's potentially 600 new jobs at Brightenview's Global Trade and Exhibition Centre GTEC . Cash-for-jobs immigration consultant connected to Sask. government-backed Chinese megamall But the premier's office has confirmed that rule doesn't apply to businesses at the GTH even though it is inside city of Regina limits. Brightenview Development International is constructing a wholesale mall at the GTH, which the company says will house 300 businesses run by would-be Chinese immigrants wanting to sell their wares in the North American market. This map from the City of Regina website shows the GTH is within city limits. It is accurate to say that because the business would be outside of Saskatoon or Regina there are no employee requirements, a spokesperson wrote in an email to CBC. The NDP says the provincial government is so desperate to make the Chinese megamall successful, that it's manipulating Saskatchewan's immigration rules. City of Regina A spokesperson explained that's because according to its founding legislation, the GTH is designated as its own municipality, like an airport authority or a First Nations reserve. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

city garbi: He phoned me, according to CBC. When I opened the phone, he cried, and he told me, 'Omar, my son's died,' and closed his phone. I received call from my friend, Omar Garbi said. The man was calling from Derna, Libya, the city Garbi and his wife, Sagda Elnihum, fled with their two children in 2014. Many of the victims were children. The city was hit by an air strike Oct. 31 that killed at least 17 and wounded more than 30 people. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

decision: The ministerial direction strengthens language to say the best interests of the child must be given primary consideration, rather than just being a factor in any decision, according to CBC. It also ensures the welfare of the child is considered before any decision is made on the parents' detention. Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale issued the new directive today designed to keep families together and kids out of detention as much as humanly possible. We are committed to an immigration system that protects public safety while treating people with fairness, dignity and compassion, Goodale told the House of Commons. Detention system constitutional, but not perfect Why Canada jails immigration detainees Landmark immigration detention case Alternatives include in-person reporting, cash or performance bonds, community supervision and voice reporting. Alternatives to detention will be actively and continuously sought when unconditional release is inappropriate, according to a news release from Goodale's office. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

filippo grandi: And I think that's important, especially at this time of great politicization, according to CTV. The board has for months been struggling with a rapidly growing caseload, pushing wait times for hearings from weeks to months. You have a body in this country that is insulated, relatively well insulated, from political pressures, Filippo Grandi said in an interview. In June, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen ordered a full review of the arms-length tribunal, and that was even before a surge of asylum seekers at the border placed additional pressure on the board's decision-makers. One idea under consideration is whether the Immigration department itself should take over the refugee determination process. In August, more than 2,300 claims were filed from border crossers, and a further 5,390 were filed in September. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

gun trafficking: The main targets, four men at four different homes, after a seven-month long OPP operation Project Landslide', targeting drug and weapons trafficking all believed to have connections to Ottawa street gang operations, according to CTV. Sources say through the seven-month long investigation, police seized an AK-47, AR-15 assault rifle, Uzi, glock handgun and 38-revolver. Monday Ontario Provincial Police pull off simultaneous, early morning raids at nine locations across Ottawa, Gatineau and Clarence-Rockland. Police also seized hundreds of thousands of methamphetamine pills. Budlakoti, convicted of drug and gun trafficking in 2010, he's also known as the Stateless Man after he was ordered deported after his run-ins with the law. Sources say the men arrested are Marco Dubien in Gatineau, Leopold Mercier and his son Matthiew Mercier, both from Clarence-Rockland and Deepan Budlakoti of Ottawa. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

sanctuary: She says she cannot go back to her country and does not want to leave her three kids, who are all U.S. citizens by birth, so she sought sanctuary at a house of worship, according to Metro News. Being cooped up like this is starting to drive me crazy, the 33-year-old said on a recent morning as her two oldest children headed off to school escorted by a volunteer and she stayed behind with her youngest. Morales has been living in two small rooms of the Holyrood Episcopal Church at the northern edge of Manhattan since August, shortly after immigration authorities ordered her deported to her homeland of Guatemala. Some nights I hardly sleep. Morales provided a glimpse of her experience to The Associated Press, describing a life of constant anxiety that involves staying hidden all day, except for a few furtive trips to a nearby dentist and occasional appearances on the church steps. At least two dozen immigrants have sought sanctuary at U.S. churches since the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency stepped up arrests by 40 per cent under President Donald Trump. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hollywood celebrities: Wednesday is the anniversary of Donald Trump's election victory and a reminder why such a law is required, according to The Chronicle Herald. A year after his stunning win, Trump is still blaming his problems on Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, past Republican and Democratic administrations and Congress. After that, the winner must knock it off, accept responsibility and run the province/state/country. He's still handing out childish nicknames to perceived enemies, hectoring Republicans who adore him insufficiently and picking fights with Hollywood celebrities. A year later, Trump continues in the role he played for his campaign the tough guy big brother of ordinary Americans. He's even still fighting the Civil War, and for the wrong side. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

increase access: The same is true at the global level, according to Rabble. A recent World Health Organization study found a ten-fold global increase in obesity among children and adolescents over the past four decades. One result of this more than a quarter of Canadian children are overweight or obese. Federal policymakers should take note of these grim statistic as they finalize Canada's first national food policy that will aim, among other things, to increase access to nutritious and affordable food. The disconnect between food production and consumption is also true for new Canadians, many of whom come to Canada from countries where subsistence agriculture is ubiquitous, only to end up in a downtown high rise with limited or no access to green space, never mind a plot of land for gardening. One way to address this growing problem is to make it easier for Canadians to grow their own food. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mehak saini: We are proud of our country and should celebrate its accomplishments, according to The Chronicle Herald. Also, we welcome change to better equip, accommodate and reconcile issues with visible minorities. Kudos to Mehak Saini for her comments in Dalhousie student slams anti-Canadian' motion Oct. 31 story . She clearly and succinctly summarized what I imagine are the sentiments of a majority of Dal students, let alone millions of Canadians. Surely the best way to effect these changes is through calm, intelligent, measured, factful and provocative interactions vs. the divisive, confrontational, isolating, sensational and, arguably, racist anti-white rant of Masuma Khan. Saini's methodology and work toward solutions, not promote conflict and dissension. All Canadians should embrace Ms. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

security forces: It expresses grave concern at reports of human rights violations in Rakhine by Myanmar's security forces against the Rohingya, according to CTV. These include the systematic use of force and intimidation, killing of men, women and children, sexual violence and ... the destruction and burning of homes and property, it says. The presidential statement calls on Myanmar's government to ensure no further excessive use of military force in Rakhine State and take immediate steps to respect human rights. Britain initially circulated a Security Council resolution with similar language, backed by the U.S., France and other council members. China is one of the five countries that have veto power on the council. But resolutions are legally binding and diplomats said China, a neighbour and ally of Myanmar, was strongly opposed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

albanian minority: The ethnic Albanian militant organization staged a nine-month insurgency in Macedonia in 2001, according to Metro News. Macedonia has a large ethnic Albanian minority, which comprises one-quarter of the country's population of 2.1 million. Protesters outside the court building in Skopje on Sunday demanded an independent inquiry and chanted UCK, the acronym of the disbanded National Liberation Army. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

census data: The latest census data shows more than 55 per cent of visible minority residents in Toronto are living on less than 30,000 a year, she adds, according to CBC. When they do get work, it's minimum wage, it's precarious, it's shift work, she says. Canada to admit nearly 1 million immigrants over next 3 years The rate of unemployment for racialized immigrant women is very, very high, says Catherine McNeely, the executive director of Newcomer Women's Services, a non-profit settlement organization. We serve a huge number of women who live just north of the Danforth, where ... 57 per cent of the households have incomes under 40,000. As executive director of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council, she stresses how most immigrants are highly educated, yet an economic divide persists. Margaret Eaton agrees. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

chicago residents: Over 1,500 Chicago residents have received free legal screenings, while immigrants have had representation in court for 766 cases, according to Metro News. Syracuse University officials called the spike sudden within a short frame time. The percentage of immigrants represented by lawyers at deportation hearings jumped from 30 per cent in May to 57 per cent in August, the Chicago Tribune reported citing a Syracuse University study. Chicago was among several cities nationwide that beefed up legal services for immigrants as a response to Donald Trump's election to the presidency and his aggressive promises to crack down on illegal immigration. Among other things, his administration has since tried to withhold federal funds from so-called sanctuary cities such as Chicago that he argues don't follow federal law, but the matter is being challenged in court. Chicago approved the fund in December before Trump took office. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

u.s: U.S. counter-terrorism agents want to make sure, according to CTV. Since the attack that killed eight people, the New York Police Department and the FBI have been working behind the scenes to study his past, question his family and friends, examine his cellphone and online activity and hunt for any clues that might identify others plotting similar attacks. He assured them he acted alone. That search has already revealed instances where Saipov had contact with other people who had drawn law enforcement scrutiny. Saipov, 29, came to the U.S. legally in 2010 from Uzbekistan, where officials say he had no history of trouble with the law. What we are looking for is how has he touched the subjects of other investigations, what is his connectivity to those people, said John Miller, the NYPD's top counterterrorism official. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

forces: Tanaka was among the 350 members of Japan's Ground Self-Defence Forces deployed on the United Nations' peacekeeping operation to bring stability and protect civilians caught in South Sudan's civil war, according to Toronto Star. The conflict between ethnic groups has killed at least 50,000 people since December 2013. Takaaki Tanaka had a chance to see firsthand his country's peacekeeping efforts. He cited the example of how UN forces were deterring the exploitation of civilians at checkpoints. I witnessed those things and recognized our worth, Tanaka said, speaking through an interpreter. Not wanting to get in trouble with UN personnel, those manning the checkpoint would let drivers pass without demanding a bribe if they saw patrols nearby. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

patients struggle: In the 30 years I've worked in HIV, I've dealt with a lot of poverty, but in the last few months I've had several patients say to me I'm hungry,' Claire Duchesneau, a social worker at the clinic, told CTV Montreal on Saturday, according to CTV. I have never heard patients openly say to me I'm hungry.' The fund comes as a lifeline to many of the 2,000 patients at the CVIS -- nearly a third of whom are migrants. The McGill University Health Centre's Chronic Viral Illness Service has set up a fund to help with patients' unexpected costs, including everything from housing to bus fare. Most of our patients struggle with psychosocial problems, with economic problems, said Dr. Carlos, who preferred to remain anonymous for this story, is one of the many people taking advantage of the service. Bertrand Lebouch a chronic virus clinician with the CVIS. You have to help them because if they don't have enough money to get food and to get housing security, housing safety, the HIV treatment will not be able to help them. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

police: A chase ensued before the van was brought to a halt, according to Metro News. Inside the vehicle, officers found men, women and children 30 from Syria, 19 from Iraq and one from Afghanistan. Police said the van was spotted on a highway near the Greece-Turkey border on Saturday, but sped off when officers signalled for the driver to stop. Police said Sunday that the refugees paid 1,500 euros 1,742 each to be transported into Greece. Police said another man was caught Saturday transporting 10 Afghans. The driver has been charged with endangering the lives of his passengers, who had to stand in the tightly packed van. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

question period: We don't have to make a choice between the two, according to CTV. You can be rigorous in your screening for security, for health, for criminality. Hussen called Canada a world leader in settling and integrating immigrants, and said despite security concerns raised by some -- including Trump -- it's possible to increase immigration while mitigating potential security concerns. At the same time be ambitious in immigration, said Hussen in an interview with Evan Solomon, host of CTV's Question Period, championing Canada's different direction as the right economic move. South of the border, U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking an immigration clampdown and vowed to step up the Department of Homeland Security's extreme vetting program following Tuesday's terror attack in New York. On Wednesday the federal government announced a three-year plan that will see Canada admitting 340,000 immigrants a year by 2020, an increase of 13 per cent overall. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

host thousands: The UNHCR's Filippo Grandi made a passionate appeal Thursday to the UN Security Council a body on which Canada is hoping to gain a seat in four year's time for more action and advocacy in the face of multiplying crises around the world displacing tens of millions of people, according to National Observer. Many refugee-hosting states, particularly those neighbouring conflict zones, keep their borders open and generously host thousands sometimes millions of refugees, Grandi said. That's despite a massive push by the agency to find more resettlement spaces for the estimated 1.2 million people it believes will need new homes next year at a time when finding those spots is becoming harder and harder. But certain states often those least impacted by refugee flows, and often wealthy ones have closed borders, restricting access to asylum and deterring entry. The plan released by Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen on Wednesday calls for Canada to take in 43,000 refugees and protected people next year an increase of just 3,000 over this year. The United States, which for years has been the largest recipient of UN-referred refugees, appears poised to more than halve its intake in 2018, going from a cap of 110,000 planned admissions in 2017 to just 45,000 in 2018. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

right mix: Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said the plan he unveiled Wednesday is the right mix for Canada, for now, according to National Observer. The gradual increase over time was designed so the system could adjust, he said. At 340,000 people, the increase by 2020 represents the highest intake since before the First World War, though it stops short of the 450,000 target suggested by the government's economic advisory council in a report last year. Bringing a newcomer to Canada is half of the job; we have to make sure people are being given the tools they need to succeed once they get here, Hussen told a news conference in Toronto. The switch to a longer-term planning approach marks a major pivot for the federal government, which has for decades relied on setting only annual targets. We have to make sure we have the absorptive capacity, we have to make sure that our partners on the ground with the settlement and integration processes that they engage in every day have the tools necessary so they can plan ahead, so they can adjust to the numbers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tax fraud: The legislation, like that of other countries, including the United States, is linked to the Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky, who died in a Moscow prison in 2009 after accusing officials of a 230-million tax fraud, according to National Observer. The first sanctions under that act are aimed at 30 individuals tied to Russia, 19 Venezuelan officials, including Maduro, and three individuals from South Sudan. The law allows for sanctions against individuals who the federal government holds responsible for, or complicit in, gross violations of internationally recognized human rights or acts of significant corruption. The law will freeze any assets they may hold in Canada and render them inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. It almost immediately drew the ire of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who complained that Canada was playing unconstructive political games. The Russians named Friday are linked to fraud uncovered by Magnitsky and to the violations of his legal and human rights during his investigation and pretrial detention, including psychological and physical abuse that led to his death. ; The Magnitsky law was passed with cross-party support in Parliament. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

altona: You can see the private resettlement project in Altona probably one of the best examples that you get and then you can go to Emerson and see what's called the irregular border crossers, and, you know, that was a big story for us in the U.S. '1088237635784', 'playlist Selector' 'container Selector' ' container8471251', 'ciid' 'caffeine14387596' ; Journalism students from U.S. Ivy League school visited Winnipeg, Emerson, Altona3 55 Students spoke to officials dealing with incoming asylum seekers in Emerson, met refugees in Altona, toured a Winnipeg resettlement agency, and took in a Jets game on Thursday night, according to CBC. I don't think it changed attitudes. If you want to look at all the aspects of Canadian refugee policy, this is the place to do it, said Deborah Amos, a journalist with NPR and Princeton journalism professor. I think it deepened understanding, and that was the point of this trip, Amos said. I think that we think of living in the United States as a safe country for refugees and just seeing the reasons that people are coming across the border has been both horrifying but also a very important learning experience, he said. Update on number of asylum seekers only tells part of the story Kieran Murphy, one of Amos's students, said he was struck by the personal stories of some of the refugees he met. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.