asian: Founders Arti Patel, Nikkjit Gill and Roohi Sahajpal met while studying journalism at Ryerson University, according to NOW Magazine. Patel, who works at Global News, says they came up with the idea for Didihood six years ago. This is why three South Asian women decided to start Didihood, which aims to connect South Asian women who work in media and creative industries to one another both on social media and in real life. She was inspired to finally get the project off the ground after attending a panel last fall about networking for professional women. She adds that while the South Asian community in Toronto is robust, it can be difficult for women in media and creative industries to connect with one another. Patel says she admires and takes inspiration from many other South Asian women on social media but have never reached out to them. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

border crossings: Immigration advocates have been calling on the government to suspend the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, which has been cited as a major factor in the spike of irregular border crossings, according to Vancouver Courier. The agreement prevents asylum seekers from asking for refugee protection when they present themselves at an official port of entry. Making such a change would give the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency more tools to deal with an ongoing influx of asylum seekers crossing the border at unofficial entry points in Quebec and Ontario, Rempel said in an interview Thursday.article continues below Trending Stories The Sellution is moving back to Main Street SeaBus hero 'The important thing is that you do something in these situations'Vancouver police looking for witnesses after parishioners locked in church Richmond lawyer claims bank failed to spot suspicious transactions I just really feel that unless we address this issue this is going to be unending and it's unsustainable, she said. They can only claim refugee status from inside Canada, which is why thousands have been crossing through unofficial entry points on foot. But Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale's office was quick to shut down the idea, saying it would create even greater problems and dangers along the 9,000-kilometre border. If Ottawa doesn't close that loophole, turning the entire border an official port of entry could offer an alternative solution, Rempel said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mike schreiner: Ford is offering simple answers, according to National Observer. I understand the appeal of it. Speaking to National Observer in a recent interview, Mike Schreiner said that he, too, is willing to be arrested to stop proposed mega-projects that could impact sensitive ecological areas. But these are complex issues, that simple answers and half-baked politics on the back of a napkin are not going to solve, Ontario Green Leader Mike Schreiner told natobserver The Green leader and local candidate for Guelph in the 2018 provincial election said he was proud of May, the leader of the federal Green Party, for standing up for what she believes in, and would absolutely get arrested conducting similar civil disobedience. She stood up for her principles and she stood up for her constituents...and protecting their coast from a pipeline that threatens the B.C. coast, he said in Ottawa on March 26. May, NDP MP Kennedy Stewart and others were arrested last month for violating a court injunction, at a protest in Burnaby, B.C. against Texas-based Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion. ; The federal party leader was charged with civil contempt of court, but special prosecutors are considering possible criminal charges, as contempt can be a civil or criminal matter. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trade agreement: Other topics immigration and diversity, for instance, and the contentious Canada-EU free trade deal that's currently awaiting ratification in France proved decidedly less popular, according to National Observer. The trade deal goes further than any other trade agreement in the world on the protection of human rights, the environment and the mobility of citizens, Trudeau said in French. Beneath the soaring, gilt-edged ceilings of the assembly's lower house, Trudeau delivered an impassioned defence of the virtues the two countries share and a few that not everyone in the chamber agreed with. ; The loudest, most enthusiastic standing ovations were reserved for his remarks about climate change, the shared history between Canada and France during the first and second world wars and Canada's efforts to preserve and protect French culture. It preserves the right of states to legislate and regulate in the public interest, to implement policies to support their cultural industries, in addition to protecting labour standards and promoting greater environmental co-operation. Officials say the government is also hoping the partnership will convince the French that Canada is serious about fighting climate change and as a result help with ratification of the deal. On Monday, Canada and France pledged to renew the fight against climate change, hoping to preserve momentum on the world stage now that U.S. President Donald Trump has withdrawn his country from the Paris climate agreement.A new France-Canada partnership that includes pushing for a global price on carbon falls in line with the Trudeau government's priorities for the G7 Summit in Quebec in June. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trump: Jerry Brown said, according to Vancouver Courier. The announcement Wednesday came after a week of uncertainty in which President Donald Trump bashed the governor's insistence that troops avoid immigration-related work.article continues below Trending Stories The Sellution is moving back to Main Street SeaBus hero 'The important thing is that you do something in these situations'Richmond lawyer claims bank failed to spot suspicious transactions Rio Theatre crowdfunding campaign makes history Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen wrote on Twitter that final details were still being worked out but we are looking forward to the support. California has reached an agreement with the federal government that the state's National Guard troops will deploy to the border to focus on fighting transnational gangs as well as drug and gun smugglers, Gov. Brown said he secured federal funding for terms similar to those outlined in last week's proposed contract The Guard cannot handle custody duties for anyone accused of immigration violations, build border barriers or have anything to do with immigration enforcement. Brown's office said Wednesday that the previous contract was unnecessary after he secured federal funding for his goals. Federal officials refused to sign the proposal because they said it was outside established protocol for the Guard. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canada i: But history is finally being considered from other perspectives, including stories from Indigenous folks and racialized immigrants to Canada, according to NOW Magazine. I looked up Canada Reads contenders from past years and browsed Toronto Public Library records to compile this list of books, which I hope will urge you to question the stories you have been told, and seek out the ones that have been kept from you.FICTIONThe Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline Jully Black wrote an article about her experience on Canada Reads, and in her own words, The Marrow Thieves is the story of quiet genocide that Indigenous peoples and their supporters often get criticized and harassed for talking about. Much of that history is packed with myths and lies, and it's told from a colonialist perspective. This is a futuristic story about survival and healing, love and longing. She moves through Nova Scotia and eventually, back to Africa. The Book Of Negroes by Lawrence Hill This fictional account features a strong female protagonist who is taken from Africa in 1755, enslaved in North America and then finds freedom. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

city elections: Giving that community a political voice makes sense, says Ashvan Wal, a Canadian permanent resident living in Vancouver, according to Toronto Star. We pay taxes just as citizens do, we're contributing members of the society, we volunteer, we work, we pay for city services like community centres, schools, salaries, said the 20-year old. If passed, the motion on notice would direct the city to ask the B.C. government, which has jurisdiction over city elections, to grant Canadian permanent residents the right to vote at a municipal level. If our money is good enough, if we're good enough to work, then why are we not good enough to be included in important decisions that affect our lives Article Continued Below Wal participated in a Vancouver Foundation initiative called Lost VotesYVR last year that pushed for voter rights for permanent residents. There were 60,000 permanent residents living in Vancouver as of 2011 and about 10,000 more permanent residents arrive in Vancouver every year, according to Statistics Canada. Her family, who immigrated to Vancouver in 2010, has applied for Canadian citizenship. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ford: An additional 25% are non-identifying fans of Ford Nation, while 51% rejected the label, according to Rabble. In total, then, 30% of Ontario either labels itself as part of Ford Nation or is sympathetic to it. We find 5% of Ontarians would explicitly label themselves as members of Ford Nation. Ford Nation skews male and older, with few women under 30 identifying with the label. A greater proportion of Toronto and GTA residents fall into Ford Nation than those from other regions, but this group spans the province. Past PC voters and voters who self identify being on the right of the political spectrum are more likely to be part of Ford Nation than others. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

gavin wright: Patrick Stein, Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen were convicted of one count of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and one count of conspiracy against civil rights, according to The Chronicle Herald. Wright was convicted of a charge of lying to the FBI. Sentencing is set for June 27. Three Kansas militia members were convicted Wednesday of plotting to bomb a mosque and apartment complex housing Somali refugees, an attack thwarted by another member of the group who tipped off federal authorities about escalating threats of violence. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the verdicts a significant victory against domestic terrorism and hate crimes. That's not just illegal it's immoral and unacceptable, and we're not going to stand for it. The defendants in this case acted with clear premeditation in an attempt to kill people on the basis of their religion and national origin, Sessions said in a news release. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

justices concerns: Conviction for a crime of violence makes deportation a virtual certainty for an immigrant, no matter how long he has lived in the United States, Justice Elena Kagan wrote in her opinion for the court, according to The Chronicle Herald. The decision is a loss for President Donald Trump's administration, which has emphasized stricter enforcement of immigration law. The court's 5-4 decision in an unusual alignment in which new Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the four liberal justices concerns a catchall provision of immigration law that defines what makes a crime violent. In this case, President Barack Obama's administration took the same position in the Supreme Court in defence of the challenged provision. He ended by saying Keep America Safe! With the four other conservative justices in dissent, it was the vote of Trump-appointee Gorsuch that was decisive in striking down the provision at issue. President Donald Trump tweeted Tuesday evening that the court's decision means that Congress must close loopholes that block the removal of dangerous criminal aliens, including aggravated felons. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

nikki glaser: Noah, star of The Daily Show, will host two galas on the same night, according to CTV. The festival will have galas over five evenings at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts. Organizers say Haddish, who skyrocketed to fame in last year's film Girls Trip, will host a gala featuring comedians and special guests on July 28. Other performers in the lineup include Jo Koy, Jimmy Carr, and previously announced Kevin Hart. The Nasty Show, hosted by Robert Kelly, will include Brad Williams, Nikki Glaser, Mike Britt, Ms. Names added to The Ethnic Show lineup include Francisco Ramos and Matteo Lane, with special guest Orny Adams. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

province deal: We've been proposing solutions and tonight there was a real openness for solutions, according to CTV. A working group has been struck to reach an agreement on how Quebec will be reimbursed for 146 million in unanticipated costs it says it has shouldered as a result of the influx of border crossers last year. Following a meeting of the ad hoc intergovernmental task force on irregular migration in Ottawa, Quebec Immigration Minister David Heurtel said he felt some progress had finally been made on measures he has been calling for to help his province deal with mounting pressures caused by the spike in irregular migrants. A triage system will be also set up to ask asylum seekers arriving in Quebec where in Canada they are ultimately hoping to stay - something Heurtel said he has also been pushing for. For those who want to stay, work permits are now being issued faster thanks to a recent cut in wait times. He wants Ottawa to help those aiming to settle outside of Quebec to get where they want to go. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

refugee crisis: In 2017, Quebec received roughly 25,000 asylum seekers who entered from legal and illegal border crossings, representing half of the total in Canada, according to Toronto Star. Read more Quebec preparing for up to 400 asylum seekers a day at the U.S. border this summer Article Continued Below Opinion There's nothing illegal' about asylum seekers So far this year, 6,074 people have entered the province from the United States triple the number of people compared with the same period in 2017. On Wednesday, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said Ottawa's response to his request for assistance on the refugee crisis reflects a complete ignorance of what's going on at the border between his province and New York state. Quebec has asked Ottawa for a plan on how to manage the influx of people and has requested additional funds to cover the 146 million in unprecedented expenses the province paid in 2017, when the crisis began. react-empty 142 In a written response to Quebec's request, federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen seemed to chastise the province for its current handling of asylum seekers. This risks creating delays at the border and triggering an unacceptable humanitarian situation. While last summer, Quebec was operating 13 temporary shelters to welcome asylum seekers, I have noticed that only four are currently available, he said in his letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Canadian Press. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

research: Basically, we're looking to learn which molecules change in our bodies after exercise and which molecules transmit the benefits to the organs and tissues that aren't directly involved in physical activity, said Dr, according to CTV. Tuomo Rankinen, an associate professor at Louisiana State University's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and co-leader of Pennington's share of the study. Decades of research have shown that exercise is good for people, but scientists don't know what's going on at the body's most basic level. Pennington is among 12 universities and institutions working together to study 2,400 sedentary adults and 300 who work out at least four hours a week. Forty per cent of the sedentary people will be chosen at random for four hours a week of supervised endurance training, 40 per cent for supervised resistance training and the rest will be assigned to remain couch potatoes. They'll be looking for people from a variety of racial and ethnic groups. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trump tweeted: Read more California rejects border duties for National Guard troops Trump administration sues California to block its sanctuary laws Article Continued Below Trump tweeted There is a Revolution going on in California, according to Toronto Star. Soooo many Sanctuary areas want OUT of this ridiculous, crime infested & breeding concept. Trump's morning tweet was his latest salvo at the nation's most populous state, whose laws the president and his administration contend are too friendly to undocumented immigrants. Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Last month, the Justice Department asked a federal judge to block three California laws, which among other things, restrict how state businesses and law enforcement agencies can co-operate with immigration authorities. Want Security & Safety NOW! Trump claimed that there is now a Revolution going on in California and that many residents have come to agree with him about the dangers of the policies of the state and local jurisdictions. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

video evidence: We must confront the implications, according to Rabble. On Friday, the court heard several hours of video evidence showing Alexandre Bissonnette eventually opening up to a police officer about why he committed the deadly attack. His own words now strongly suggest otherwise. I was watching TV and I learned that the Canadian government was going to take more refugees, you know, who couldn't go to the United States, and they were coming here, Mr. I saw that and I, like, lost my mind. Bissonnette explained. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mongol expansion: Terrified by the ruthless hordes, most of the Russian princes surrender their lands on enemy terms, according to NOW Magazine. The invaders pillage and burn down cities, flooding Russian soil with blood, until a Ryazan swordsman Evpaty Kolovrat stands in their way. Mid-13th-century Russia is fragmented into principalities that fall one by one before the westward Mongol expansion led by Batu Khan. Kolovrat leads a detachment of several hundred brave souls to avenge his love, his people, and his homeland. The legendary warrior's name forever remains in his people's memory, and his heroic feat lives on in the annals of history. Kolovrat's courage is so astounding, even Batu Khan himself is humbled by it. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ball: Elizabeth Ball who argued it was a gift to vote and a privilege that comes with being and becoming a Canadian citizen.article continues below Trending Stories Vancouver Park Board doubles down on doobies at Sunset Beach Fancy a walk down Electric Alley' Design concept for Arbutus Greenway released Rio Theatre crowdfunding campaign makes history Vancouver police roll out new electronic ticketing technologyrelated Task force recommends sweeping changes for 2018 civic election Should permanent residents be allowed to vote in the next civic election Does ballot order matter in elections Coming to Canada and becoming a citizen is highly coveted all around the world, she told council, according to Vancouver Courier. There are reasons why it's coveted because we are a civilized society with rules, and those rules allow us all to live together in a relatively happy way. The vote, however, didn't come without some reservations from NPA Coun. Ball said the motion brought forward by Vision Vancouver Coun. She requested city staff provide an analysis and legal opinion of what changing voting requirements would mean for the municipal election. Andrea Reimer to allow permanent residents to vote didn't outline the responsibilities of becoming a Canadian citizen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

design concept: Before the flash of The Hulkster, the electricity of The Rock and the foul-mouth of Stone Cold, all Sammartino required to become wrestling's biggest box office draw was a pair of tights, boots and an honest promo that made fans believe in the most illegitimate of sports.article continues below Trending Stories Fancy a walk down Electric Alley' Design concept for Arbutus Greenway released Vancouver Park Board doubles down on doobies at Sunset Beach Vancouver police looking for dash cam footage following Granville Street crashNPA president demands apology from municipal affairs minister Sammartino, professional wrestling's Living Legend and one of its longest-reigning champions, has died, according to Vancouver Courier. He was 82. The son of Italian immigrants, Bruno Sammartino fled the Nazis as a child and built a career beating a string of bad guys that thrilled fans and made him reign as the conscientious champ for more than a decade. One of the finest men I knew, in life and in business, WWE chairman Vince McMahon said. He will be missed. Bruno Sammartino proved that hard work can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

marginalized communities: Life within marginalized communities is difficult on the best days, but things get exponentially more complicated when you're living with HIV. Maintaining stable employment while accessing critical healthcare resources and raising a healthy family would be nearly impossible without help, according to NOW Magazine. Celebrating a 30-year anniversary, Fife House is the largest provider of housing and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the Greater Toronto Area. Dozens of Toronto restaurants are set to donate a portion of their gross proceeds from evening sales on April 25 to support people and families living with HIV/AIDS. Full information here. These services can range from accessing housing or crisis intervention services, to basic assistance for refugee claims and a variety of legal issues. This spring will bring about the construction of a new housing initiative, which will transform the former Casey House hospital for HIV/AIDS care into 20 rooms of transitional housing. As one of Toronto's first points of contact with underprivileged communities, Fife House has grown significantly over its decades-long evolution and now serves hundreds of residents and clients through outreach and housing programs. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rights wright: Patrick Stein, Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen were convicted of one count of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and one count of conspiracy against civil rights, according to Vancouver Courier. Wright was convicted of a charge of lying to the FBI. Sentencing is set for June 27.article continues below Trending Stories Fancy a walk down Electric Alley' Design concept for Arbutus Greenway released Vancouver Park Board doubles down on doobies at Sunset Beach Vancouver police looking for dash cam footage following Granville Street crash Vancouver council pushes province to allow permanent residents right to voteU.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the verdicts a significant victory against domestic terrorism and hate crimes. Three Kansas militia members were convicted Wednesday of plotting to bomb a mosque and apartment complex housing Somali refugees, an attack thwarted by another member of the group who tipped off federal authorities about escalating threats of violence. The defendants in this case acted with clear premeditation in an attempt to kill people on the basis of their religion and national origin, Sessions said in a news release. Defence attorneys declined to comment following the verdict. That's not just illegal it's immoral and unacceptable, and we're not going to stand for it. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

abousfian abdelrazik: Abdelrazik, 56, came from Africa as a refugee in 1990 and attained Canadian citizenship five years later, according to Vancouver Courier. He was arrested, but not charged, during a 2003 visit to see his ailing mother in Sudan. The federal government recently nixed the planned mediation sessions in the case of Abousfian Abdelrazik just before they were to begin, said lawyer Paul Champ, who has fought on behalf of his client for years.article continues below Trending Stories Rio Theatre crowdfunding campaign makes history Is rapid transit in Delta on horizon Court orders closure of Vancouver sex shop Police seek accused 'sugar daddy' scammer Champ accused the government Tuesday of shelving the prospect of a resolution with Abdelrazik over political blowback from a multimillion-dollar settlement in a lawsuit filed by Toronto-born Omar Khadr. While in Sudanese custody, he was interrogated by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service about suspected extremist links. He denies involvement in terrorism and seeks financial compensation and an apology from the federal government for his prolonged ordeal in Sudan. Abdelrazik claims he was tortured by Sudanese intelligence officials during two periods of detention, but Canada says it knew nothing of the alleged abuse. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

atlantic canadians: As a recruitment professional, I want to see our young people stay in the region as much as countless other Atlantic Canadians who lament the move west for opportunity mentality, according to The Chronicle Herald. To limit the conversation to retention ignores strategies that offer local organizations distinct market advantages while growing our economy. The premise being that there simply aren't enough millennials entering through the front door to replace the retirees exiting out the back door. In a global economy, organizations do not need to halt operations due to limited local resources. Attracting people is a more important and more complex endeavour than sourcing inputs, such as raw materials or machinery. Rather, successful organizations look to the world to find the necessary resources and determine how best to acquire them. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

businesses: There are many ways that business in our region can make investments with the intention that a return will follow, according to The Chronicle Herald. Sometimes it is in research and development related to new product. Businesses highlighted in the next few pages are investing in Nova Scotia from reimagining the future of a province that is accessible, to taking advantage of the untapped opportunities that the ocean sector may provide, or to simply supporting one another as members of a community. With other businesses it is an investment in a physical space, through new facilities or equipment. It's the latter that holds the most significant and immediate opportunity for our region. And with others, it is investment in people new and diverse talent that can create value for both customers and shareholders through capability, ingenuity and good old-fashioned service. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

changes fall: Advocates and critics say, however, they are disappointed the proposed changes fall short of a full repeal of the excessive medical demand clause, and that people with disabilities continue to be viewed as liabilities, according to Toronto Star. A full repeal was recommended by a parliamentary immigration committee in a study released in December. The change will be made as part of the government's inclusive agenda. On Monday, federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen announced that he will update the 40-year-old policy that bars prospective immigrants deemed medically inadmissible to Canada, with new criteria of medical demand for immigration assessment taking effect on June 1. The proposed changes will raise the cost threshold for medical inadmissibility to three times that level, or 19,965, and remove references to special education, social and vocational services and personal support services needed by the applicants. Vote now Under current law, medical demand is found to be excessive if it exceeds the average annual health-care costs for a Canadian, which is estimated at 6,655. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

emeline b: Under the current regime, immigration applicants whose annual medical costs would exceed 6,655 the average annual cost for a Canadian are considered too expensive, according to Toronto Star. The changes, which triple the threshold, to 19,965, come into effect on June 1. The Immigration Act will be amended to decrease the number of people found medically inadmissible to Canada. The announcement was seen as a victory for some families in B.C. whose applications had been denied because of the old rules. Article Continued Below In 2017, her application for permanent residency for her and her 12-year-old son, Laurence, whom she had been forced to leave behind in the Philippines, was denied. Emeline B., who requested anonymity due to an ongoing immigration application, is a single mother from the Philippines who came to the country eight years ago under the live-in caregiver program. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.