benjamin pavard: France's Antoine Griezmann, front row from left, Blaise Matuidi, Benjamin Pavard, N'Golo Kante Kylian Mbappe and, back from from left, Paul Pogba, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Hernandez, Raphael Varane, Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris pose for a team photo prior to their World Cup semifinal game against Belgium on July 10, according to Toronto Star. France plays Croatia in the final on Sunday at 11 a.m. Because at a time of rising xenophobia and an anti-immigrant backlash on both sides of the Atlantic, France has made it to Sunday's World Cup final against Croatia with one of the most diverse and multi-ethnic rosters of any national team in any sport. EDT. FRANCOIS XAVIER MARIT / AFP/GETTY IMAGES Sixteen of the 23 players on the team come from families that recently immigrated to France from places like Zaire, Martinique, Cameroon, Morocco, Angola, Congo or Algeria. Defender Samuel Umtiti, who scored the goal that sent France to the final, was born in Cameroon. Forward Antoine Griezmann, the team's leading scorer, is half-German and half-Portuguese. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

farm goods: No matter where you look in ag right now, you see storm clouds on the horizon and some of those are a lot closer overhead than we'd care for, said Chad Hart, an agricultural economist with Iowa State University, according to CTV. Trump's tariff threats earlier this year against China, Mexico, Canada and European Union elicited quick retaliatory measures that depressed the prices of certain U.S. agricultural products, including corn, soybeans, pork. The threat of counter-tariffs on U.S. farm goods and the impact of President Donald Trump's other policies on immigration and biofuels, though, have some farmers more worried than ever about their ability to continue eking out an existence in agriculture. When 34 billion worth of tariffs against China took effect July 6 and China responded with tariffs of its own, U.S. farmers were already feeling the squeeze from lower crop prices, higher land prices and other factors. That projection is likely high, given what's transpired since. The Department of Agriculture predicted before the threat of tariffs and counter-tariffs that U.S. farm income would drop this year to 60 billion, or half the 120 billion of five years ago. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

opposition mlas: Kenney used a news conference to introduce his two new Opposition MLAs from Thursday's by-elections to portray Dreeshen's eight-month contribution to President Trump's 2016 election as likely to be a benefit to Alberta, according to Rabble. I think it's actually helpful to have in our caucus an MLA who can get people on the phone in the U.S. administration, said Kenney--suggesting, I guess, that Dreeshen, 30, can actually do that. But Jason Kenney, former Harper Government Cabinet minister and leader of Alberta's United Conservative Party, decided to double down yesterday and defend the efforts of Innisfail-Sylvan Lake UCP by-election victor Devin Dreeshen for his work two years ago on President Trump's campaign. Kenney went to some pains to ensure we all understood that neither he nor Dreeshen actually support Trump's trade policies -- vis- -vis Canada, anyway, if not the European Union. Dreeshen went even further in an interview with Lacombe Online, a community website in the region, telling reporter Joseph Ho When I was down there, I wasn't picking a particular candidate. Devin and I totally agree with each other in our opposition to the Trump Administration's protectionism, particularly our opposition to his unprovoked tariffs on our steel and aluminum industry, Kenney was quoted carefully claiming in a story by the Canadian Press. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

saturday accident: He said searchers were hindered by heavy rain, according to The Chronicle Herald. According to the Myanmar-language New Light of Myanmar, a state newspaper, there were 15 dead and more than 40 injured. Fifteen bodies were retrieved from the site of Saturday's accident near Lonekhin village but a search was ongoing for more, said Sein Myint Tun, a police officer in Hpakant Township in Kachin state, adding that the dead included 14 men and one woman. Khin Maung Myint, a member of parliament for the area belonging to the ruling National League for Democracy, said he saw 18 injured people from the Saturday accident at one hospital in Myitkyina, the state capital. More than 100 people were killed in a single landslide in November 2015. Such accidents are not rare because scavenging for jade remnants is dangerous and not well regulated. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

refugee status: But the month came and went without their expected flight confirmation from immigration authorities, according to Toronto Star. After 15 years apart, Wendy Mejia and her brother Brian were reunited with their parents in 2015, becoming among the first teenagers to be granted refugee status through the Central American Minor program. Her youngest daughter and her grandson were set to arrive in February 2017, thanks to a federal program that reunited Central American children with their parents in the United States. Patrick Semansky / The Associated Press file photo It wasn't until August that the mother, identified by her lawyers as S.A., found out that the program had ended. It still hurts not having them here. When I realized that everything had come crashing down, I suffered a lot, S.A., 52, said in a recent phone interview while on a break from her job at a lice-removal company. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

services minister: Conservative MP Michelle Rempel is calling on the House of Commons immigration committee to hold two more meetings this summer in hopes of learning more about what the federal government intends to do about asylum seekers, according to Toronto Star. Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS file photo She walked out of the meeting after a testy exchange with federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen, who later publicly accused Ontario of fear-mongering on asylum seekers. As Ford's community and social services minister, Mac Leod is butting heads with the Liberal government over its handling of the asylum-seeker issue, and she was at it again Friday after the main federal, provincial and territorial players gathered for a meeting on the matter in Winnipeg. She called his comments mean-spirited and demanded an apology. Rempel will introduce a motion calling on the committee to undertake a study to review the adequacy of the federal government's response to the impact of increased asylum seekers crossing into Canada from the United States. At Monday's emergency meeting of the House of Commons immigration committee, opposition members will try to put some political pressure on the government by urging their Liberal counterparts to examine the problem, as well as the pressure it is putting on provinces. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

services minister: She walked out of the meeting after a testy exchange with federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen, who later publicly accused Ontario of fear-mongering on asylum seekers, according to CTV. She called his comments mean-spirited and demanded an apology. As Ford's community and social services minister, Mac Leod is butting heads with the Liberal government over its handling of the asylum-seeker issue, and she was at it again Friday after the main federal, provincial and territorial players gathered for a meeting on the matter in Winnipeg. At Monday's emergency meeting of the House of Commons immigration committee, opposition members will try to put some political pressure on the government by urging their Liberal counterparts to examine the problem, as well as the pressure it is putting on provinces. She and NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan are calling on the committee to hold two more meetings this summer in hopes of learning more about what the government intends to do. Rempel will introduce a motion calling on the committee to undertake a study to review the adequacy of the federal government's response to the impact of increased asylum seekers crossing into Canada from the United States. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syrian refugees: In a statement released Friday, Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope is quoted, As Canada's first welcoming community for Syrian refugees, we have shown the capability and the willingness to provide humanitarian aid and a chance to help newcomers begin a new life, according to CTV. Mayor Hope says communities across Ontario are considering how they can help in regard to the current need. Following a conference call this week by the Large Urban Mayors Caucus of Ontario LUMCO Toronto Mayor John Tory issued a statement asking mayors to adopt a regional strategy and find ways to help relocate some of the more than 3,300 persons now in that city's shelter program. In the statement, Chatham-Kent CAO Don Shropshire says the municipality is in contact with officials in Toronto to assess which individuals may be interested in coming to this area. Ideally, we want to bring people here who can obtain employment, relocate and make this their new home. It's not simply a question of saying we will take X number of people, he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

asylum-seeker issue: She called his comments mean-spirited and demanded an apology, according to Vancouver Courier. At Monday's emergency meeting of the House of Commons immigration committee, opposition members will try to put some political pressure on the government by urging their Liberal counterparts to examine the problem, as well as the pressure it is putting on provinces. As Ford's community and social services minister, Mac Leod is butting heads with the Liberal government over its handling of the asylum-seeker issue, and she was at it again Friday after the main federal, provincial and territorial players gathered for a meeting on the matter in Winnipeg.article continues below Trending Stories Video of overcrowded pigs by animal rights group prompts investigation Have your say Do you want a direct train line to UBC Uncle Fester has bloomed and it's a big stinky deal for thousands of Vancouverites Remembering Megan Scraper adventurer was gifted athlete, social media maven She walked out of the meeting after a testy exchange with federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen, who later publicly accused Ontario of fear-mongering on asylum seekers. Rempel will introduce a motion calling on the committee to undertake a study to review the adequacy of the federal government's response to the impact of increased asylum seekers crossing into Canada from the United States. The motion calls on Hussen to testify, for the committee to meet at least twice more this summer and that the study be concluded before Aug. 3. She and NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan are calling on the committee to hold two more meetings this summer in hopes of learning more about what the government intends to do. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

state newspaper: He said searchers were hindered by heavy rain.article continues below Trending Stories Have your say Do you want a direct train line to UBC According to the Myanmar-language New Light of Myanmar, a state newspaper, there were 15 dead and more than 40 injured, according to Vancouver Courier. Khin Maung Myint, a member of parliament for the area belonging to the ruling National League for Democracy, said he saw 18 injured people from the Saturday accident at one hospital in Myitkyina, the state capital. Fifteen bodies were retrieved from the site of Saturday's accident near Lonekhin village but a search was ongoing for more, said Sein Myint Tun, a police officer in Hpakant Township in Kachin state, adding that the dead included 14 men and one woman. Such accidents are not rare because scavenging for jade remnants is dangerous and not well regulated. The accidents usually occur at the foot of giant mounds of discarded earth that has been mined in bulk by heavy machinery. More than 100 people were killed in a single landslide in November 2015. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

american woman: Kingston police say that over the course of 11 months, the woman was told she couldn't leave the home unless accompanied by a member of her family, according to The Chronicle Herald. They allege the family isolated her, monitored her calls and took her citizenship papers and jewelry away from her. Police say the American woman came to Canada last year, married a man from Kingston, Ont., and moved into his home, where he lived with his mother, father and brother. Police say starting in April, the family members became increasingly violent towards the woman, allegedly hitting her and threatening to kill her. They say the woman's 29-year-old husband, her 52-year-old mother-in-law and 27-year-old brother-in-law were all charged. Investigators say the woman escaped earlier this month after she was allegedly burned with a hot pair of tongs and reported the incident to police. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

minister: Ontario immigration minister Lisa Macleod demanded an apology after federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said the province was promoting fear around asylum seekers, according to Toronto Star. Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILE PHOTO Federal, provincial and territorial ministers were meeting in Winnipeg to discuss immigration issues when Hussen was asked about Ontario Premier Doug Ford demanding that federal government pay millions to provide supports for asylum seekers. Maybe the minister should sit down and have a nice cup of tea, calm down a little bit and maybe phone me and apologize for calling me un Canadian, Lisa Mac Leod said Friday. Ford has said the federal government is ushering people across the border and asylum seekers, whom he calls illegal border crossers, have caused a housing crisis in Ontario. Article Continued Below It's divisive. Hussen said the new premier's messaging is irresponsible. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

day ordeal: Doctors said that Friday, when the videos were recorded, would be the last day they'd have to wear them, according to CTV. Public Health Minister Dr. In video messages of the boys shown at a news conference on Saturday, they are seen wearing surgical masks, a safeguard against infection that's been taken since the last of them were pulled from the Tham Luang cave on Tuesday, ending an 18-day ordeal. Piyasakol Sakolsattayatorn, who led the news conference at Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, said all 13 -- the dozen boys, who range in age from 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach -- were expected to be discharged from the hospital on Thursday. Regarding infections, through the medical evaluations in the first days there may be some of them that had minor pneumonia, but now all is cleared, no fever, Piyasakol said. All of the 13 people, their physical bodies are strong, and fit. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

news conference: Doctors said that Friday, when the videos were recorded, would be the last day they'd have to wear them, according to Toronto Star. The Thai soccer team rescued from a flooded cave are seen wearing surgical masks, a safeguard against infection that's been taken since the last of them were rescued. In video messages of the boys shown at a news conference on Saturday, they are seen wearing surgical masks, a safeguard against infection that's been taken since the last of them were pulled from the Tham Luang cave on Tuesday, ending an 18-day ordeal. Doctors said that Friday, when the videos were recorded, would be the last day they'd have to wear them. Piyasakol Sakolsattayatorn, who led the news conference at Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, said all 13 the dozen boys, who range in age from 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach were expected to be discharged from the hospital on Thursday. HANDOUT / AFP/GETTY IMAGES Public Health Minister Dr. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

success: Canada took in about 300,000 immigrants in each of 2016 and 2017, according to The Chronicle Herald. Those who are chosen, from large numbers of applicants, show good probability of success, both economically and socially. A flood of asylum seekers threatens our warm acceptance of the other two. It is a system that works well and contributes enormously to Canada's success. Canada's immigrants also include refugees. Canadians are largely supportive. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

betsy ng: Elephant Garden is heading to 2080 Commercial Drive in a new build that's adjacent to a sushi restaurant, and steps from numerous other popular neighbourhood spots.article continues below Trending Storiesrelated Get wacky, pop music-inspired sundaes from this Vancouver shop Iconic matcha caf Tsujiri opens first Metro Vancouver location this summer Where to get that internet famous watermelon ice cream sandwich in Richmond Currently in the construction phase of the build-out, Elephant Garden says they are hoping to be open later in August great news for those summertime scoops, according to Vancouver Courier. Elephant Garden is the project of local siblings Bruce and Betsy Ng. Now the artisanal ice cream maker has announced they have an address and a target opening. The ice cream maker sells pints of flavours like Hong Kong Milk Tea, Malted Milk Chocolate, and Avocado Milk at places like the Vancouver Farmers' Markets. Read Related Topics ul ul ul 2018 Vancouver Courier Click here to take part in our readers survey Read more from the Vancouver Is Awesome With the new shop, fans and newcomers to their line of signature ice creams, many influenced by Asian flavours and foods, will have what Betsy Ng promises to be a safe and happy spot to enjoy ice cream in a tranquil, comfortable space. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ont .,: They allege the family isolated her, monitored her calls and took her citizenship papers and jewelry away from her, according to Vancouver Courier. Police say starting in April, the family members became increasingly violent towards the woman, allegedly hitting her and threatening to kill her. Police say the American woman came to Canada last year, married a man from Kingston, Ont., and moved into his home, where he lived with his mother, father and brother.article continues below Trending Stories Smell you later Vancouver corpse flower will open up very soonUBC biologist killed during research trip was a leading authority in his field Have your say Do you want a direct train line to UBC Video of overcrowded pigs by animal rights group prompts investigation Kingston police say that over the course of 11 months, the woman was told she couldn't leave the home unless accompanied by a member of her family. Investigators say the woman escaped earlier this month after she was allegedly burned with a hot pair of tongs and reported the incident to police. They face charges including forcible confinement, assault and harassment. They say the woman's 29-year-old husband, her 52-year-old mother-in-law and 27-year-old brother-in-law were all charged. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ubc video: Doctors said that Friday, when the videos were recorded, would be the last day they'd have to wear them.article continues below Trending Stories Smell you later Vancouver corpse flower will open up very soon Have your say Do you want a direct train line to UBC Video of overcrowded pigs by animal rights group prompts investigation Northeast Vancouver may be getting a little greenway love Public Health Minister Dr, according to Vancouver Courier. Piyasakol Sakolsattayatorn, who led the news conference at Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, said all 13 the dozen boys, who range in age from 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach were expected to be discharged from the hospital on Thursday. In video messages of the boys shown at a news conference on Saturday, they are seen wearing surgical masks, a safeguard against infection that's been taken since the last of them were pulled from the Tham Luang cave on Tuesday, ending an 18-day ordeal. All of the 13 people, their physical bodies are strong, and fit. Several were also reported earlier to be recovering from minor lung and middle ear infections. Regarding infections, through the medical evaluations in the first days there may be some of them that had minor pneumonia, but now all is cleared, no fever, Piyasakol said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

fishing boat: But Malta retorted that when Rome's maritime rescue co-ordinationcentre informed it about the vessel, the boat was already far closer to the tiny Sicilian island of Lampedusa than it was to Maltese shores, according to CTV. The Maltese interior ministry also said that persons aboard the vessel announced their intention to proceed to Lampedusa. Italian Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli had tweeted that Malta was obliged under maritime law to rescue the migrants since they were in the Maltese search-and-rescue area earlier on Friday and also provide the fishing boat with safe harbour. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who's leading the new populist's government campaign to keep more migrants from reaching Italian shores, was adamant that the boat wouldn't dock in any Italian port. We already have given, you understand. This boat cannot, must not arrive, Salvini tweeted. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

gop lawmakers: A day after a handful of House progressives introduced legislation to erase the federal agency, GOP lawmakers on Friday were considering scheduling a vote on the effort, according to The Chronicle Herald. That would force Democrats to take a stand on a proposal many of them would rather avoid because either way, they risk alienating voters. Republicans like it too, but think a better use for the proposal is to cause campaign-season headaches for Democrats. The bill has no chance of passage by the Republican-dominated chamber. In hopes of blunting GOP efforts to embarrass and divide them, Democrats said Friday they would oppose their own legislation en masse if Republicans forced a vote. It was unclear if the vote, if held, would be on the Democratic legislation or a similar measure. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigrant children: The agency is also reviewing a new round of proposals amid a growing effort by the White House to keep immigrant children in government custody, according to Toronto Star. Activists stage a protest against a private prison company with contracts to hold immigrants on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the headquarters of Management and Training Corporation in Centerville, Ore. Health and Human Services HHS grants for shelters, foster care and other child welfare services for detained unaccompanied and separated children soared from 74.5 million U.S. in 2007 to 958 million in 2017. Currently, more than 11,800 children, from a few months old to 17, are housed in nearly 90 facilities in 15 states Francisco Kjolseth / The Associated Press Currently, more than 11,800 children, from a few months old to 17, are housed in nearly 90 facilities in 15 states Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington. In May, the agency issued requests for bids for five projects that could total more than 500 million for beds, foster and therapeutic care, and secure care, which means employing guards. They are being held while their parents await immigration proceedings or, if the children arrived unaccompanied, are reviewed for possible asylum themselves. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration issues: Federal, provincial and territorial ministers were meeting in Winnipeg to discuss immigration issues when Hussen was asked about Ontario Premier Doug Ford demanding that federal government pay millions to provide supports for asylum seekers, according to CTV. Ford has said the federal government is ushering people across the border and asylum seekers, whom he calls illegal border crossers, have caused a housing crisis in Ontario. Maybe the minister should sit down and have a nice cup of tea, calm down a little bit and maybe phone me and apologize for calling me un Canadian, Lisa Mac Leod said Friday. Hussen said the new premier's messaging is irresponsible. It's fear-mongering and it's not Canadian. It's divisive. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigrant children: The agency is also reviewing a new round of proposals amid a growing effort by the White House to keep immigrant children in government custody, according to The Chronicle Herald. Currently, more than 11,800 children, from a few months old to 17, are housed in nearly 90 facilities in 15 states Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Health and Human Services grants for shelters, foster care and other child welfare services for detained unaccompanied and separated children soared from 74.5 million in 2007 to US 958 million in 2017. They are being held while their parents await immigration proceedings or, if the children arrived unaccompanied, are reviewed for possible asylum themselves. More contracts are expected to come up for bids in October. In May, the agency issued requests for bids for five projects that could total more than US 500 million for beds, foster and therapeutic care, and secure care, which means employing guards. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

management targets: To meet management targets, people stop being people and start becoming numbers, said Crystal Warner, centre, national executive vice-president of the Canada Employment and Immigration Union, which represents 550 Immigration and Refugee Board employees, according to Toronto Star. Nathan Graham / Canada Employment and Immigration Union They fear changes recently recommended in a government report could make things worse. Immigration and Refugee Board employees told the Star they are overworked and frustrated by organizational challenges. To meet management targets, people stop being people and start becoming numbers, said Crystal Warner, national executive vice-president of the Canada Employment and Immigration Union, which represents 550 of the board's 1,000 employees. There is only so much you can do when you don't have enough resources to go around. The morale is really low at the moment. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trump backtracked: But he reiterated his belief that Europe's decision to accept migrants from Middle Eastern and African countries is a very negative thing for Europe, according to CTV. Standing next to May at Chequers, the prime minister's official country estate, Trump acknowledged that his remarks were politically not necessarily correct. During a news conference with British Prime Minster Theresa May, Trump backtracked on the criticism of May that he made in an explosive interview released as he began his visit to the country. But he said European countries need to watch themselves. Trump was reiterating a position he articulated in an interview released Thursday by The Sun, in which he also criticized May's handling of Brexit negotiations and said I think allowing millions and millions of people to come into Europe is very, very sad. You are changing culture, you are changing a lot of things, he said, adding, You see the same terror attacks that I do. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

world cup: An oasis from the madness, you'd hope it's been busy these past few weeks as the world descended upon the city, according to Toronto Star. The stage is set for Sunday's World Cup final at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, a match that will have repercussions for soccer worldwide no matter who wins. Leo Tolstoy's house sits perfectly preserved just one stop from Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow's Khamovniki district, encircled by linden trees and assorted greenery. Laurence Griffiths / GETTY IMAGES It really has been a hell of a month for the dreamers here in Russia. Read more France-Croatia World Cup final invokes memories of infamous dive in 1998 Article Continued Below Croatia makes it to the World Cup finals, surpassing the great Yugoslav teams of the past England may be out of the World Cup, but it found an unlikely hero in coach Gareth Southgate There've been nightmares too. A World Cup that has rolled from one reverie to the next at a relentless clip has wrapped the blow-ins and the locals up and around it in a haze of blurringly brilliant soccer, mind-bending twists of fate and faith too, names and games decided and then undecided as a new narrative interjected without invitation. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.