sponsorship applications: The government will also accept more parent and grandparent sponsorships in 2019, according to CTV. The current cap of 17,000 applications will be increased to 20,000 next year. Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen announced changes to the sponsorship program for parents and grandparents Monday, which will see the random selection process for sponsorship applications replaced with a first-come-first-served process. The so-called lottery system for this program drew criticism when it was introduced last year after many potential sponsors said they felt it was unfair. Canadians did express some concerns about the lottery, the random selection process, Hussen said. Ottawa is now responding to the feedback Hussen received during a cross-country listening tour last year, the minister said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

jim vibert: The politically motivated cheapshots that dominated recent coverage of Ottawa's handling of the cross-border asylum issue were also inexcusably divisive and deserved stronger criticism from the press than they got, according to The Chronicle Herald. However, I take exception to your blanket condemnation of Quebec MP Maxime Bernier's recent comments on the diversity file. Your Aug. 15 editorial as well as Jim Vibert's column express valid concerns about objectionable comments from some politicians about different Canadians. He had raised some important points which deserve nuanced, respectful debate, not contemptuous dismissal. I learn from you. Sure, immigration, tolerance, and diversity are fundamental to Canada's success, but you missed an equally important fourth bit integration. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

thursday night: That intolerance with regard to immigrants doesn't belong in Canada, according to CTV. That intolerance with regard to diversity, you don't belong in Canada, Trudeau said in French Thursday night. Trudeau was speaking at a rally in Sabrevois, Que., when a woman started yelling that she wanted back the 146 million from Quebecers that he's given to illegal immigrants, referring to the amount the Quebec government says asylum seekers have cost since a recent surge in irregular arrivals. Madame, your intolerance doesn't belong here. In a video posted online, Trudeau can be heard telling the woman her racism isn't welcome. The woman then asked Trudeau if he was tolerant toward Quebecois de souche, a reference to Quebecers who can trace their ancestry to the earliest French settlers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tickets: Preliminary estimates found there were over 445,000 visits across the 43 pavilions throughout the two-week multicultural festival, according to CTV. Guests from across the globe came out for the event with patrons visiting from Australia, China, Egypt, Mexico, Arizona, California and Minnesota, according to the news release. Just because the Festival has come to a close, it doesn't mean we are slowing down, said acting executive director Teresa Cotroneo in a news release. One of the innovations that is believed to have contributed to the high turnout is online tickets as around 40 per cent of people purches tickets online. Overall we are pleased with adoption of the new system by our loyal patrons and volunteers. We learned a lot this year and will strive to make it even better for next year, said Folklorama President Avrom Charach. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

trade show: There will be workshops on English pronunciation, career strategies, and presentations by Rana Zaman, named a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant of 2018, and Tareq Hadhad owner of Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish, according to The Chronicle Herald. According to a news release, the free trade show is being held in partnership with Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia and aims to provide information and inspiration to people who need it as they look for jobs, go back to school and settle into their new home. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

border crossings: The Quebec government has demanded Ottawa pay the full costs of social services provided to so-called irregular migrants who have crossed into Canada between established border crossings over the past couple of years costs the province says have reached 146 million so far, according to Vancouver Courier. The prime minister responded to the woman by accusing her of intolerance and racism and saying her sentiments were not welcome. Trudeau made the comments when asked whether he went too far in accusing a Quebec woman of racism and intolerance as she heckled him last week during a rally in Quebec.article continues below Trending Stories High blood pressure patients should check their prescriptions for recalled drug Lose the shirt and free the nipple Sunday in Vancouver Earthview images show smoke from B.C. wildfires is spreading across CanadaPNE ditches report card passes for easier access During a campaign-style rally Thursday southeast of Montreal, the woman shouted questions in French at Trudeau, asking him when the federal government would repay Quebec for costs it has incurred as a result of an influx of illegal immigrants coming over the Canada-U.S. border. At a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for a new Amazon distribution warehouse east of Ottawa, Trudeau said he fears a rise in extreme populism, particularly surrounding immigration issues, with some feeding fear and intolerance using partial truths and outright lies. And there are people who are trying to feed fears and intolerance for a broad range of reasons. ... I will remain positive and remain pulling people together, pulling communities together right across this country. There has been a polarization in our political discourse, Trudeau said as construction machinery clattered in the background. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

end credits: That's significant, I'm sure, though not surprising, according to National Observer. China is now such a key market for the American film industry that making this one doesn't seem like that much of a gamble; more probably a natural evolution playing to where the money is. You know the first major Hollywood film in 25 years with an all-Asian cast. Add in that it's from a very popular book the first of a trilogy and you can appreciate why some screenings have already been selling out since it opened on Wednesday. But enough of this background. There's even a clip in the end credits that seems to be pointing to a sequel. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

reconciliation efforts: The weeklong event, the first of its kind in nearly three years, was arranged as the rival Koreas boost reconciliation efforts amid a diplomatic push to resolve a standoff over North Korea's nuclear weapons program, according to Vancouver Courier. Hugging the woman he'd last seen when he was 4, Ri showed his mother a photo of her late husband, who had stayed behind in North Korea with him after being separated from his wife while fleeing south. How many children do you have Do you have a son Lee Keum-seom asked her son Ri Sang Chol during their long-awaited encounter at the North's Diamond Mountain resort.article continues below Trending Stories Lose the shirt and free the nipple Sunday in Vancouver High blood pressure patients should check their prescriptions for recalled drug Earthview images show smoke from B.C. wildfires is spreading across Canada Unravelling an unprecedented natural disaster why is B.C. burning every summer The emotional reunion came after dozens of elderly South Koreans crossed the heavily fortified border into North Korea to meet temporarily with their relatives. Mother, this is how my father looked, Ri said. Most of the participants in the reunions are in their 70s or older and are eager to see their loved ones once more before they die. Before leaving for North Korea, Lee said she wanted to ask her son how he grew up without his mom and how his father raised him. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

sponsorship applications: The current cap of 17,000 applications will be increased to 20,000 next year, according to Vancouver Courier. The so-called lottery system for this program drew criticism when it was introduced last year after many potential sponsors said they felt it was unfair. Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen announced changes to the sponsorship program for parents and grandparents Monday, which will see the random selection process for sponsorship applications replaced with a first-come-first-served process.article continues below Trending Stories Lose the shirt and free the nipple Sunday in Vancouver High blood pressure patients should check their prescriptions for recalled drug Earthview images show smoke from B.C. wildfires is spreading across Canada Unravelling an unprecedented natural disaster why is B.C. burning every summer The government will also accept more parent and grandparent sponsorships in 2019. Ottawa is now responding to the feedback Hussen received during a cross-country listening tour last year, the minister said. What I'm announcing this morning is feedback that we got from Canadians that they would like to see changes in the selection process. Canadians did express some concerns about the lottery, the random selection process, Hussen said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

venezuela: Calls to the ministry for details went unanswered, according to CTV. Pacaraima is a major border crossing with Venezuela, where economic and political turmoil has driven tens of thousands to cross into Brazil over the past few years. Government-run news agency Agencia Brasil said Sunday that the Public Security Ministry plans to send at least 60 soldiers of the elite National Force to Pacaraima. Authorities have said that Saturday's violence erupted after a local storeowner was robbed, stabbed and beaten in an assault blamed on four migrants. The army's Humanitarian Logistics Task Force inn Roraima said Sunday that at least 1,200 immigrants fled Pacaraima to escape the violence and returned to Venezuela. Groups of angry residents then roamed the town hurling rocks at the immigrants and setting fire to their belongings. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

parti quebecois: The Liberals and Parti Quebecois, who both hold ridings on the island of Montreal, publicly supported the project, despite acknowledging the embryonic plan was many years away if it ever came to fruition, according to The Chronicle Herald. Legault and his party, which is popular in the far-flung suburban ridings surrounding the greater Montreal area, weren't enamoured of the project. Valerie Plante's pink line helped her win the 2017 municipal election as Montrealers dreamed of a shiny new transit project with stations to be named after women and minorities who helped build the multicultural city. We have concluded it's not the priority, Legault told reporters at his party's convention in May. And while the party has one or two chances of picking up a Montreal riding, its political base is in Quebec City and the surrounding areas known as the regions. Pollsters have indicated the Coalition, which was created in 2011 and has never held power, can win the Oct. 1 provincial election without any of the 27 ridings on the island of Montreal. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

alderney landing: Police say the organizers left the area, and protesters dispersed shortly afterward, according to The Chronicle Herald. The group tried to hold a rally at the same venue on Saturday, but decided to reschedule after they were shouted down by demonstrators. Five members of the National Citizens Alliance tried to hold a rally at Alderney Landing but a much larger group of 60 to 80 protesters showed up and interrupted their plans. In June, they tried to gather in a central Halifax park after being denied the use of three indoor venues, but they ended up leaving after they were quickly outnumbered by protesters. While we welcome immigrants, we feel that the extreme multiculturalism and mass immigration policies are a failure, as they result in a divisive and fractured society, the group says in a document titled Our Story. On its Facebook page, the National Citizens Alliance asks all Canadians to join us in our mission to return Canada to the country it was intended to be, saying extreme multiculturalism is a failed policy. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tents: Brown and his three buddies hadn't any notice of Saturday's Halifax waterfront multicultural festival, that they would be fitted with genuine turbans at no charge, compliments of the Maritime Sikh Society, according to The Chronicle Herald. They were simply walking in the neighbourhood and felt compelled to join in. I always thought they looked comfortable and now I know they are, like I'm lying on a pillow, said Brown with a laugh. It seemed like the natural thing to do when we heard the music, saw all the tents and people having a good time, said Brown. The semitransparent cotton cloth they transformed into religious headdress came in a multitude of bright colours to choose from. Why wouldn't you want to check it out I always thought cultural diversity was a great thing and who am I not to participate in a cool event like this A few friendly Sikh men worked non-stop fitting a lineup of people with their very own turban. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

years: At first glance, it's an exhibit of rather eclectic dresses each one is a patchwork of objects woven together to tell a story, according to CTV. Carolina Echeverria immigrated to Canada from Chile in the 1980's, and she says the experience was, at times, a painful one. For the last five years, the members of Native Immigrant' have been creating dresses that tell the stories of Canada's oldest and newest inhabitants. She started the collective five years ago. She says immigrants and Indigenous people felt left out of the conversation. At the time, the province's proposed Charter of Values was dividing Quebecers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

right foot: The left-footed Montreal Impact fullback volleyed in a ball with his right foot in added time to give the Montreal Impact a 2-1 victory over the slumping Chicago Fire on Saturday night.article continues below Trending Stories Vancouver council candidate Jean Swanson reflects on her time in prison Vancouver Bird Festival takes off starting today Dunsmuir viaduct land to be transformed into housing for homeless Waterfront Sea Bus terminal to get over-40 facelift Moments before the goal, on a rebound from Saphir Taider's corner kick, Lovitz had been on the ground writhing in pain from a shot to his left ankle, according to Vancouver Courier. Then he got up and scored. He couldn't have plotted a better scenario. I didn't know what form it would take, I just knew that it would come, Lovitz said of his first goal. I'm happy. When I became a defender I thought chances were going to be harder to come by, but sometimes you have to be in the right place at the right time and believe in what you're doing. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

halifax park: The group tried to hold a rally at the same venue on Saturday, but decided to reschedule after they were shouted down by demonstrators, according to Vancouver Courier. In June, they tried to gather in a central Halifax park after being denied the use of three indoor venues, but they ended up leaving after they were quickly outnumbered by protesters. Five members of the National Citizens Alliance tried to hold a rally at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth, but a much larger group of 60 to 80 protesters showed up and interrupted their plans.article continues below Trending Stories Vancouver council candidate Jean Swanson reflects on her time in prison Vancouver Bird Festival takes off starting today Dunsmuir viaduct land to be transformed into housing for homeless Waterfront Sea Bus terminal to get over-40 facelift Police say the organizers left the area, and protesters dispersed shortly afterward. On its Facebook page, the National Citizens Alliance asks all Canadians to join us in our mission to return Canada to the country it was intended to be, saying extreme multiculturalism is a failed policy. Read Related Topics var related Url var related Link Class relatedlink-processed ; if related Url && ! -1 var related UrlFrags related Url.split '/' ; related Url './' -1 ; related Link Class ul var related Url var related Link Class relatedlink-processed ; if related Url && ! -1 var related UrlFrags related Url.split '/' ; related Url './' -1 ; related Link Class ul var related Url var related Link Class relatedlink-processed ; if related Url && ! -1 var related UrlFrags related Url.split '/' ; related Url './' -1 ; related Link Class ul var related Url var related Link Class relatedlink-processed ; if related Url && ! -1 var related UrlFrags related Url.split '/' ; related Url './' -1 ; related Link Class ul 2018 Vancouver Courier While we welcome immigrants, we feel that the extreme multiculturalism and mass immigration policies are a failure, as they result in a divisive and fractured society, the group says in a document titled Our Story. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

security procedures: Most participants said they believe immigration has a positive effect on Canada, on the country's economic prospects and on shaping Canada's cultural mosaic, the study found, according to National Observer. Some respondents, however, expressed doubt about the fairness of the system, considering the influx of people who have been entering Canada at unofficial border crossings since 2017 in order to apply for asylum.A perception exists that so-called irregular migrants are exploiting the system to get express entry into Canada and that security procedures are being compromised as a result, the survey found. The study, conducted in March by the polling firm Ipsos, solicited the opinions of newcomers, established immigrants living in Canada and the general public through a series of focus groups, as well as surveys conducted via telephone and online. ; It was commissioned, with a price tag of 245,000, by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as part of ongoing research to gain a better understanding of the attitudes of Canadians toward immigrants and the federal government's immigration programs. Few had heard of the Safe Third Country Agreement a treaty between Canada and the U.S. that blocks visitors from seeking refugee protection at an official port of entry. Some said the information helped their understanding of the situation but others were unmoved. Those who enter elsewhere are able to apply once on Canadian soil, prompting thousands to make the crossing at unofficial entry points primarily in Quebec.A fact sheet was provided to study participants addressing the myth of asylum seekers as queue-jumpers and explaining more broadly the process for dealing with irregular migrants. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

transit project: Legault and his party, which is popular in the far-flung suburban ridings surrounding the greater Montreal area, weren't enamoured of the project, according to Vancouver Courier. We have concluded it's not the priority, Legault told reporters at his party's convention in May. Valerie Plante's pink line helped her win the 2017 municipal election as Montrealers dreamed of a shiny new transit project with stations to be named after women and minorities who helped build the multicultural city.article continues below Trending Stories Vancouver council candidate Jean Swanson reflects on her time in prison Vancouver Bird Festival takes off starting today Dunsmuir viaduct land to be transformed into housing for homeless Waterfront Sea Bus terminal to get over-40 facelift The Liberals and Parti Quebecois, who both hold ridings on the island of Montreal, publicly supported the project, despite acknowledging the embryonic plan was many years away if it ever came to fruition. Pollsters have indicated the Coalition, which was created in 2011 and has never held power, can win the Oct. 1 provincial election without any of the 27 ridings on the island of Montreal. A major question is where the country's second-largest city and Quebec's economic engine will rank in the Coalition's list of priorities should it take power. And while the party has one or two chances of picking up a Montreal riding, its political base is in Quebec City and the surrounding areas known as the regions. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian museum: I find it interesting to see how people grappled with making decisions in the past, and that continues to inspire me as a historian, according to The Chronicle Herald. It's this interest in surprising, and perhaps unknown tales, that led Conlin to curation, first at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic as curator of marine history from about 1995 to 2014, and now at Pier 21. It's the idea that . . . events unfolded in ways that surprise you and how, often, we see familiar issues in history, says Conlin, curator at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. But Conlin's interest in history didn't start with museums; it started at home. Due to this, he became interested in airplanes and, later, trains and marine vessels when they came to Nova Scotia on vacation. Born in Berwick, N.S. Conlin and his family travelled a lot, as his father was a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

filipino association: On the main stage, starting at 3 p.m., audiences will enjoy performances by Jeri Brown, Elsy Makhlouf, Diaga Irish Dance, Atlantic Kids Bhangra Group, the Korean Association of Nova Scotia Drum Group, Arsoniste, Shan-E-Punjab, the Filipino Association of Nova Scotia, Rush! Bahamian Culture, Dancing Divas, SMU Taiko, Vibeat Dance Studio, East Coast Combat Hapkido, Serpentine Studios and Evolution Sounds, according to The Chronicle Herald. Organized by the Halifax immigration platform My Halifax Experience, the inaugural event intends to break the mould of past multicultural festivals with a carnival-inspired display of colourful culture. Starting with a parade at 2 p.m. along Lower Water Street, the celebration of the region's diversity will continue with a waterfront party at Salter Lot until 9 p.m. We can't wait to showcase the talent we have in this city, said Ifeanyi Emesih, founder of My Halifax Experience and Mosaic Festival, in a news release. There will be singing, dancing, incredible food, vendors selling clothing, chocolate, jewelery and more. So many cultures will be represented in the parade, on stage and in the vendors area. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ghanian diplomat: The Nobel Peace Prize-winning former UN leader died early Saturday at the age of 80 following a short illness, the Kofi Annan Foundation announced, according to The Chronicle Herald. Martin, whose tenure as prime minister overlapped with Annan's as secretary-general, described his friend as one of the greats. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former prime minister Paul Martin were among the Canadians who added their voices to the tributes pouring from around the globe following the death of the Ghanian diplomat. He had a very broad vision which enveloped everybody, and he was always looking ahead, he told The Canadian Press. Martin, who worked with Annan on several occasions, said he believed the former UN head would be remembered most for his commitment to multilateral institutions in an age of globalization. He was one of those few people who were able to understand it wasn't just the rich and powerful nations that counted ... that the rich and powerful nations were going to be very dependent, ultimately, on the poorer nations doing well. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

u.s: Maria del Carmen Venegas, who gave birth, told KMEX-TV that agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement asked her and her husband for identification, according to Toronto Star. Allen J. Schaben / TNS She tells KMEX-TV that agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement questioned the couple at the gas station and asked for identification. Maria del Carmen Venegas says she and her husband, Joel Arrona Lara, were driving to the hospital Wednesday when they stopped for gas in San Bernardino, just east of Los Angeles. She was able to provide hers but says Arrona had left his at home in their rush to the hospital. Article Continued Below Venegas gave birth and remains at the hospital. Venegas says Arrona has been living in the U.S. for 12 years without legal authorization. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

world leaders: He launched the UN Millennium Development Goals at a summit of world leaders in 2000 to cut extreme poverty by half, promote equality for women, ensure every child has a primary school education, reduce maternal and child mortality, and halt the spread of AIDS -- all by 2015, according to CTV. Those goals -- only a few of which were fully achieved -- were succeeded by an expanded list of UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 that adds issues such as climate action, affordable and clean energy, and promoting peace and justice. As secretary-general of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006, Annan saw as his greatest achievements the programs and policies he put in place to reduce inequality within and between countries, to combat infectious diseases and to promote human rights and protect civilians from war crimes including genocide. The updated list is a major focus of the UN's current agenda. When he became UN chief, Annan launched a doctrine of humanitarian intervention to prevent governments and leaders from massacring their own people. As UN peacekeeping chief just before becoming secretary-general, Annan shared blame for the failure of UN troops he deployed to prevent the genocides in Rwanda in 1994 and in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica in July 1995. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ghanian diplomat.article: Martin, whose tenure as prime minister overlapped with Annan's as secretary-general, described his friend as one of the greats, according to Vancouver Courier. He had a very broad vision which enveloped everybody, and he was always looking ahead, he told The Canadian Press. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former prime minister Paul Martin were among the Canadians who added their voices to the tributes pouring from around the globe following the death of the Ghanian diplomat.article continues below Trending Stories Moving out Vancouver families leave city for better housing options Vancouver overdose deaths reached 'historical high' in 2017This is what the B.C. wildfires look like from space Adult education centre's move to Gladstone secondary in limbo The Nobel Peace Prize-winning former UN leader died early Saturday at the age of 80 following a short illness, the Kofi Annan Foundation announced. He was one of those few people who were able to understand it wasn't just the rich and powerful nations that counted ... that the rich and powerful nations were going to be very dependent, ultimately, on the poorer nations doing well. In today's age, when many of the world's leaders seem to think the national interest can prevail against the global interest, that was certainly not his view, it would not have been his view and he expressed it unequivocally, he said. Martin, who worked with Annan on several occasions, said he believed the former UN head would be remembered most for his commitment to multilateral institutions in an age of globalization. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

montreal university: Representatives of all four major parties were there to take questions that had been sent in advance from Quebecers between the ages of 18 and 35, according to National Observer. Legault was joined on stage by Liberal leader and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, the Parti Qu b cois' Jean-Fran ois Lis e and Qu bec Solidaire spokesperson Manon Mass . Couillard rejected Legault's approach. Fran ois Legault, leader of the right-leaning Coalition Avenir Qu bec party, provoked the reaction after outlining one of his promises to require immigrants to pass a French test within three years of arrival in order to not find themselves in an illegal situation. ; Legault's comments came during an event, billed as a dialogue with youth, at the Montreal university. The best way to integrate an immigrant person into our society, it's not to push them away for six months and put them in a class, but it is to put them in a work environment, with Quebecers, who are going to welcome them and help them learn French, he said. His remarks drew some applause, possibly comforting the premier who was the only one to be booed when he arrived on stage at the beginning of the event. Couillard also made a point of noting his commitment to Canada with a party that is unambiguously federalist, saying he was proud to be Canadian and that being a Quebecer is my way of being a proud Canadian. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

u.n: The statement remembered the Nobel Peace Prize winner as radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did. article continues below Trending Stories Moving out Vancouver families leave city for better housing options Vancouver overdose deaths reached 'historical high' in 2017This is what the B.C. wildfires look like from space Adult education centre's move to Gladstone secondary in limbo He died peacefully in his sleep, the president of Ghana, where Annan was born, said after speaking to his wife, according to Vancouver Courier. At U.N. headquarters in New York, the U.N. flag flew at half-staff and a bouquet of flowers was placed under Annan's portrait. Tributes flowed in from around the world after his foundation announced his death in the Swiss capital, Bern, after a short and unspecified illness. Reflecting the widespread regard that won him a groundbreaking uncontested election to a second term, leaders from Russia, India, Israel, France and elsewhere expressed condolences for a man Bill Gates called one of the great peacemakers of our time. His aristocratic style, cool-tempered elegance and political savvy helped guide his ascent to become its seventh secretary-general, and the first hired from within. Annan spent virtually his entire career as an administrator in the United Nations. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.