immigrantscanada.com

Independent topical source of current affairs, opinion and issues, featuring stories making news in Canada from immigrants, newcomers, minorities & ethnic communities' point of view and interests.

conte: Conte referred to declarations made at an EU summit in late June promising to help Italy and other Mediterranean countries deal with the burden of migrants rescued from human traffickers' unseaworthy boats.article continues below Trending StoriesCTV Vancouver reveals its 'major refresh' as former anchor prepares to give her side of the story Here's what we know about Matthew Navas-Rivas, Vancouver's 12th murder victim of 2018Neptune 5 testing the wave-power waters off Point Grey Want to head into Whistler's backcountry Whistler wants you to be prepared In his role as head of a nearly three-month-old populist coalition government, Conte said Italy under current conditions doesn't consider it possible to express adhesion to a proposed budget that underpins a policy so incoherent on the social level, according to Vancouver Courier. Earlier in the week, some in the government threatened to withhold nearly 20 billion euros 23 billion in contributions to the EU if member nations didn't volunteer to take the last group of rescued migrants reaching Italy. Italy must take note that the 'spirit of solidarity is struggling to translate into concrete acts, Conte said in a statement. Brussels sharply reminded Italy it was legally obliged to pay. Just before Conte announced the drama's resolution, Salvini told party supporters at a rally in northern Italy that a Sicily-based prosecutor, Luigi Patronaggio, had put him under investigation for suspected abduction for refusing to let the migrants disembark. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who leads the anti-migrant League party, refused to let the migrants off the coast guard vessel Diciotti until other EU nations pledged to take the asylum-seekers, most of them young men from Eritrea. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

camp: Thousands were killed in the violence. 25th August Black Day, one banner announced Saturday, according to Vancouver Courier. The protesters men, women and children marched through the muddy camp, chanting slogans such as No more genocide, we want justice. More than 15,000 gathered in the morning on a hilltop in the Kutupalong refugee camp, part of a sprawling web of settlements that are now home to nearly 900,000 Rohingya who have fled Myanmar to escape violence.article continues below Trending StoriesCTV Vancouver reveals its 'major refresh' as former anchor prepares to give her side of the story Here's what we know about Matthew Navas-Rivas, Vancouver's 12th murder victim of 2018Massive fire destroys East Vancouver printing business Michael's story the life and death of a homeless man The camps exploded in size last year after Myanmar's army launched a wave of anti-Rohingya attacks on Aug. 25, with some 700,000 Rohingya eventually pouring across the border. At a mass prayer rally, one speaker repeatedly shouted, Who are we to which the crowd responded in chorus Rohingya! Rohingya! Most people cried as they raised their hands while an imam who led the prayer sought God's blessings, saying, Please consider the people who have been killed as martyrs and place them in heaven. Newly setup shops inside the camp were closed during the protest, which lasted several hours. Some of the protesters carried paper flags of Myanmar. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

cpc-bernier schism: While a deepening rift between Bernier and CPC Leader Andrew Scheer has become apparent over the past year, fresh drama unfolded this week after Bernier issued a series of embittered, racist tweets criticizing Trudeau's extreme multiculturalism and cult of diversity as conspiracies to consolidate government power, and calling immigrants and newcomers threats to Canadian read settler, white identity, according to Rabble. Bernier's racism runs deep. Does the CPC-Bernier schism represent a conservative implosion And if so, how does this bode for Canadian federal politics Let's rewind. Just days earlier, writes Pamela Palmater, he unleashed a string of vitriolic tweets trashing the Liberal government's plan to follow the TRC's recommendations and designate a statutory holiday in commemoration of the structural violence inflicted on Indigenous communities by the residential school system. Read about the national commemorative holiday here. Bernier called the proposed holiday another sick characteristic of extreme PC political correctness and multiculturalism. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

food preparation: The placements are broken up into four categories sewing, gardening and farming, leather work, and food preparation, according to CTV. Now we're focusing more on an employment area so that we could help them get used to workplace culture, interact with local employers and then have an opportunity in the future to update their resume and potentially get a job faster, said Trevor Pfahl of Altered Minds Inc. For the first time, students in Altered Minds Inc.'s Living English program will concentrate on English four days a week and attend a workplace for the fifth. The program worked with eight employer partners who helped facilitate the placements. It is funded by Manitoba's Refugee Employment Development Initiative. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

g licence: Four months after settling in Mississauga, the 40-year-old Aleppo native had passed his G1 exam and got a G2 licence and hoped to land a job so he could help support his family of 12 in their adopted country, according to Toronto Star. Shyesh Al-Turki is headed to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario on Friday to fight for changes to a licensing process he says is discrimantory for refugees from war-torn countries. With 15 years of driving experience behind him, Al-Turki was keen to get a job as a deliveryman or as an Uber or taxi driver after he and his family arrived in Canada in 2016. Rick Madonik / Toronto Star But Al-Turki soon found out he'd have to wait a full year before he could get a restriction-free full licence unless he could provide the transportation ministry with written authentication of his Syrian licence an impossible demand for someone from a war-torn country where there's no longer a licensing agency to verify the document. Changing this policy will help a lot of people find work. On Friday, Al-Turki will appear before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario to argue how the 12-month waiting period for a G2 licence-holder to graduate to a full licence and the requirement of written authentication discriminates against refugee drivers from war-torn countries where such documentation is out of reach. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

i love: And then she got in the car and she was waving at me through the window, according to CTV. And I waved back at her until I couldn't see the car anymore He got to know his wife Madison McCool from Alabama in a Facebook group. I hugged her and she was crying. The two shared a common interest in superheroes. I love him. Klassen says she came to visit him in Saskatoon in December. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

japanese descent: Unfortunately, during the Second World War, that same house saw its confiscation from the Kogawa family by the Canadian government, according to Rabble. A similar fate awaited other houses, properties, boats and farms belonging to Japanese Canadians after the Pearl Harbour attack. It is a privilege to be in a place that saw some of the childhood years of one of the most important literary figures in Canada, the poet and novelist of Japanese descent, Joy Kogawa. Joy Kogawa and her family, along with 22,000 Canadian Japanese, were banned from living anywhere within 100 miles of the Pacific Coast and were forcibly sent to internment camps throughout B.C. and other parts of Canada. That decision, which by today's standards seems arbitrary and unfair, was actually perfectly legal -- approved by Canada's Parliament, the country's main newspapers and a majority of Canadians. In the case of Joy Kogawa and her family, they were interned in the small town of Slocan, in the Kootenays. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

maxime bernier: The Boy on the Beach 3-year-old Alan Kurdi, who drowned in the Mediterranean on Sept. 2, 2015, according to Toronto Star. Maxime Bernier announced his abandonment of the federal Tories on Thursday on the heels of a tweet barrage fomenting anger against immigrants and The Other, writes Rosie DiManno. We remember one of them. Justin Tang / THE CANADIAN PRESS Because that Syrian child had a name. Scarce attention has been paid to all the other Kurdis and their families who've perished in desperate flight attempts across the Mediterranean.2014 3,283 Article Continued Below 2015 3,7832016 5,1432017 3,1302018 as of Aug. 18 1,527Yes, it's happening far away from us, the bountiful nation that is Canada. Because there was a heart-wrenching photo of a Turkish paramilitary officer carrying the toddler's body, an image burned into the world's conscience. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

quebec solidaire: Marissal is trying to pry the seat from Jean-Francois Lisee, the leader of the PQ. Earlier in the day, Nadeau-Dubois was in the riding of Laurier-Dorion with fellow co-spokesperson Manon Masse, according to CTV. It's the riding vacated by former Liberal MNA Gerry Sklavounos, who resigned from caucus following sexual misconduct allegations. Party co-spokesperson Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois was in Rosemont with Vincent Marissal, a former La Presse reporter running under the Quebec Solidaire banner. Masse and Nadeau-Dubois said that the environment and climate change are at the top of their agenda. Quebec Solidaire is the youngest of the political parties in this election, with the average candidate being 41 years old. 53 percent of its candidates are female, and 10 percent are visible minorities, both the highest among the parties. They also promised free education for Quebecers, and an increase to the minimum wage. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

shyesh al-turki: And refusing to waive the 12-month waiting period for a full-licence road test denies them job opportunities, he added, according to Toronto Star. Shyesh Al-Turki, a Syrian refugee who now lives in Mississauga, says changing Ontario's policy on driver's licences will help many refugees find work and be productive sooner. Getting written authentication of a licence is an impossible task for refugees from war-torn countries without putting their lives at risk, said Hassan Ahmad, lawyer for Syrian refugee Shyesh Al-Turki, in the opening of his tribunal hearing Friday. Rick Madonik / Toronto Star A driver's licence is a ticket to freedom, Ahmad told adjudicator Jos e Bouchard. Bouchard was presiding over a hearing involving a complaint by Al-Turki, who came here with his family in 2016 but was prohibited from working as a deliveryperson or as an Uber or taxi driver because he was unable to get his Syrian licence authenticated. Driving jobs are the most practical and profitable occupations a newcomer can reasonably obtain. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

time capsule: Instead it's about some of the inspiring people and events he felt should be given an ounce of public recognition they might not otherwise receive, according to The Chronicle Herald. It isn't about me, said Moore during a recent interview. It isn't even autobiographical. It is about the people I had the privilege to speak about. It is a bit of a time capsule of the time I was in the Senate, he said. Calling it an important record, Moore's book For the Record Bravery, Courage People, Extraordinary Acts brings together the statements and tributes he made during his more than 20 years in the Senate. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

ted cruz: Ted Cruz and Virginia Senate candidate Corey Stewart.article continues below Trending Stories Workers find human bone while digging in Kamloops'It's raining, can I get a hell yeah' Vancouverites rejoice in weather change Burnaby man killed after striking retaining wall in Vancouver's West Side Minimum wage increases go into effect June 1 across B.C. Schlinger is the president of Campaign Headquarters, a call centre that makes fundraising calls, identifies supporters and helps turn out voters for conservative candidates and groups, according to Vancouver Courier. Her business is one of the largest in Brooklyn, the central Iowa town where Tibbetts disappeared while out for a run on July 18. Nicole Schlinger has long been a key fundraiser and campaign contractor for GOP politicians in Iowa and beyond, including this cycle for Texas Sen. Schlinger is married to Eric Lang, the president of the family-owned dairy that has acknowledged providing employment and housing for the last four years to Cristhian Bahena Rivera, the man charged with murder in Tibbetts' death. She said Rivera lived there for the duration of his employment, and about half of the farm's other 10 workers do so as well. The couple along with her husband's brother Craig Lang and his wife own farmland outside Brooklyn that includes trailers where some of the dairy's employees live for free as a benefit of their employment, farm spokeswoman Eileen Wixted confirmed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

air quality: This is my job as a member of Parliament, according to Vancouver Courier. Moreover, it is my duty, as a Conservative member of Parliament, to contribute to debates and to offer policy solutions from a conservative perspective. The full text of the hard-hitting statement he read aloud during his news conference article continues below Trending StoriesCTV Vancouver reveals its 'major refresh' as former anchor prepares to give her side of the story Missing Vancouver tourist has been found Amanda Tapping on coping with miscarriage Breathe easy Vancouver our air quality advisory has been lifted Over the past few months, I have been raising policy issues which I believe are crucially important for the future of our country. Otherwise, what is the point of being involved in politics I am in politics to defend ideas, real conservative ideas. Because I know that the free-market conservative philosophy has the best solutions to ensure our society is more prosperous, secure, and peaceful. Because I passionately care about Canada's future. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bill c: Justin Tang / The Canadian Press The Liberal government can say all these nice words and make themselves sound different from the Conservatives, Kwan said in a phone interview, according to Toronto Star. But while the Conservatives' policies targeted immigrants, for instance with Bill C-24 Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act as second-class citizens, the Liberals' fixes are just creating new problems. NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan, MP for Vancouver East, criticized federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen for his remarks in Surrey that suggested government targets must be accountable to public opinion. Kwan was reacting to Hussen's comments after he announced the country's family reunification limit for parents and grandparents of newcomers already here would rise next year to 20,000 which he said would double the current cap on new applications and quadruple the number before the Liberals took office. Article Continued Below Here's the challenge that we have as a government we can only set targets based on support from Canadians, Hussen said in response to a question at a Surrey Board of Trade event Tuesday. But Hussen cautioned that his government remains challenged by public acceptance of immigration's benefits. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

crimes incidents: As a prominent LGBTQ activist there, Stojanovic says he was often the target of violent crimes incidents he says weren't pursued by police, according to Toronto Star. Kelly Ernst and Boban Stojanovic said there is a huge need for programs like Rainbow Railroad Station. Stojanovic and his partner fled Serbia in 2016. Mary Getaneh / Star Metro My apartment was attacked twice by neo-Nazi groups and nothing happened, he said. I received thousands of death threats and nothing happened. I was beaten multiple times on the street and nothing happened. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

cristhian rivera: A body believed to be Tibbetts' was found buried beneath cornstalks on a farm outside town, according to Toronto Star. The authorities charged Cristhian Rivera, who they said is an unauthorized immigrant from Mexico, with first-degree murder in her death. After hundreds of tips and interviews, and after countless prayer vigils and donations to a reward fund, investigators got a tragic break in their case Tuesday. Authorities say University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts, 20, was found dead about a month after she went missing in Brooklyn, Iowa, on July 18. Mollie Tibbetts, an incredible young woman, is now permanently separated from her family, Trump said Wednesday evening in a Twitter message. Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office U.S. President Donald Trump and other conservatives quickly cited the arrest of Rivera, who worked on a farm owned by a prominent Republican family, as proof of the flawed immigration system and lax border security the president has long warned about. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

lino: It is not only our story that can be discovered here, but the family histories of the many immigrants whose contributions helped shape Canada, said Lino at the announcement, surrounded by his family, according to The Chronicle Herald. It means so much to us to be able to share this moment with our children and grandchildren. The family, who owns the dairy-producing company Saputo, made the announcement at Pier 21 on Aug. 14 in Halifax. Lino and Mirella arrived at Pier 21 from Sicily and Veneto in the 1950s, before moving to Montreal. Today, Saputo produces dairy products in Canada, the United States, Argentina and Australia. In 1954, Giuseppe Saputo, Lino's father, founded a cheese-making company. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

homeland security: She spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity over fears about her safety, according to The Chronicle Herald. I felt so horrible because of so many things they told us, that they were gonna deport us, that our kids were gonna stay here, she said of her experience after being separated from her son at the border this spring. The officer put his hands in a motion imitating choking someone and told her that's what he'd do to her if she were his wife, the woman said in an interview Thursday. A complaint filed against the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday alleges many parents were coerced into signing paperwork they didn't understand and that they were verbally and emotionally abused while detained and away from their children. In other examples, parents who had been reunited were threatened with another separation if they didn't agree to be deported with their children, the complaint said. In some of the cases, parents gave away rights to be reunited with their children when the non-English speaking mothers and fathers signed documents in English they could not read, according to the complaint provided to the AP before it was filed with the Department of Homeland Security. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

justin trudeau: I would also say that my colleague has a choice to make, according to CTV. Does he want Andrew Scheer to win or Justin Trudeau to win Rempel, the Conservative immigration critic, held a press conference Wednesday morning to suggest a range of changes she wants to see to the Canadian immigration system, and said she hopes it moves the debate past the polarizing language of the past few weeks. Max has never come to talk to me about immigration, Rempel said when asked whether his outspokenness is helpful. Half an hour before the press conference started, Bernier tweeted to criticize party leader Andrew Scheer, who distanced himself last week from Bernier's controversial tweets about multiculturalism. Bernier was criticized last week for a series of tweets on multiculturalism that included arguing more diversity will not be our strength, it will destroy what has made us such a great country. So, after disavowing me last week for raising the issue and telling me to shut up, my colleagues have just realized that this is something Canadians find important and want to hear about Great example of strong leadership! Bernier said on Twitter. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

legault: Fran ois Legault is banking on the concept of change, according to National Observer. Legault is the leader of the populist Coalition Avenir Qu bec party, which currently holds 21 seats in Quebec's National Assembly and is considered to be the front-runner in the race to win the Oct. 1 provincial election, according to a L ger poll for daily newspaper Le Journal de Montr al and the LCN television news network that was released last Saturday. The Liberal leader, elected to form a majority government in 2014, was the only one out of four to be greeted with boos and jeers. ; After 15 years of Liberal government, people want change, explains Concordia political science professor Daniel Sal e. On Friday, representatives from the four parties were gathered at Concordia University for a special discussion organized by non-profit l'Institut du Nouveau Monde. They wanted answers from politicians about the issues that keep them up at night. It brought together several hundred young Quebecers between the ages of 18 and 35, who now make up one of the largest voting blocks in the province. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

love story: Rating NIf it had been released 15 years ago, Little Italy would feel like a lazy knockoff of My Big Fat Greek Wedding a broad, pandering comedy that trots out a few ethnic stereotypes that middle-aged mainstream audiences can laugh at without feeling guilty, and folds in a one-dimensional love story to draw in the kids, according to NOW Magazine. Maybe Garry Marshall would have been attached to it. Opens Friday August 24 . See listing. He could have made this kind of movie in his sleep. Garry Marshall is dead. But it's 2018. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

party: With only a little over a month for each party to convince voters that they deserve a chance to be the ones in power, things aren't bound to stay civil long, according to National Observer. When Fran ois Legault says the CAQ defends our values one has to ask whose values, what values, and who is the them pitted against the our in this equation Read more from Toulastake at natobserver qcpoli polqc cdnpoli With the province-wide gap between the CAQ and the Liberals narrowed down from nine to six points over the summer, the Parti Qu b cois PQ lagging behind considerably to the point that it now runs the risk of losing official party status, and with a recent L ger poll indicating that a resounding 45 per cent of voters would change their mind on how they would vote, it's obvious that the number of political orphans not particularly compelled by any of the leaders or their platforms is running high. Even though the government is declaring an early start to the campaign, hoping that will give some extra time for the front-running Fran ois Legault and his Coalition Avenir Qu bec party to trip up and lose its lead, everything will still be decided during a relatively brief period of 39 days. Those who have thrown their hats in the political ring know they have to offer something audacious or populist enough to grab their attention and motivate them to cast their ballot in a months' time. All parties have declared their intent not to make it a point of contention even the PQ. That means Quebecers will have the luxury or the very strange sensation of not having to vote for or against a party with that specific threat or goal, depending on which side of the political spectrum you find yourself being on their mind. ; Given the number of uninspired and undecided voters there is no question that this election will be first and foremost about identity politics. An added element in the Oct. 1 election is that for the first time in a long time, the topic of Quebec sovereignty won't be a primary voting issue. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

safety.article: She spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity over fears about her safety.article continues below Trending Stories I felt so horrible because of so many things they told us, that they were gonna deport us, that our kids were gonna stay here, she said of her experience after being separated from her son at the border this spring.A complaint filed against the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday alleges many parents were coerced into signing paperwork they didn't understand and that they were verbally and emotionally abused while detained and away from their children, according to Vancouver Courier. In some of the cases, parents gave away rights to be reunited with their children when the non-English speaking mothers and fathers signed documents in English they could not read, according to the complaint provided to the AP before it was filed with the Department of Homeland Security. The officer put his hands in a motion imitating choking someone and told her that's what he'd do to her if she were his wife, the woman said in an interview Thursday. In other examples, parents who had been reunited were threatened with another separation if they didn't agree to be deported with their children, the complaint said. All of them said they weren't allowed to ask what would happen if they signed the form. The complaint was filed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the American Immigration Council, who say attorneys spoke with 76 parents who said they were asked to sign forms affecting their rights to reunify with their children. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

storiesctv vancouver: She spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity over fears about her safety.article continues below Trending StoriesCTV Vancouver reveals its 'major refresh' as former anchor prepares to give her side of the story Missing Vancouver tourist has been found Amanda Tapping on coping with miscarriage Breathe easy Vancouver our air quality advisory has been lifted I felt so horrible because of so many things they told us, that they were gonna deport us, that our kids were gonna stay here, she said of her experience after being separated from her son at the border this spring.A complaint filed against the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday alleges many parents were coerced into signing paperwork they didn't understand and that they were verbally and emotionally abused while detained and away from their children, according to Vancouver Courier. In some of the cases, parents gave away rights to be reunited with their children when the non-English speaking mothers and fathers signed documents in English they could not read, according to the complaint provided to the AP before it was filed with the Department of Homeland Security. The officer put his hands in a motion imitating choking someone and told her that's what he'd do to her if she were his wife, the woman said in an interview Thursday. In other examples, parents who had been reunited were threatened with another separation if they didn't agree to be deported with their children, the complaint said. All of them said they weren't allowed to ask what would happen if they signed the form. The complaint was filed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the American Immigration Council, who say attorneys spoke with 76 parents who said they were asked to sign forms affecting their rights to reunify with their children. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

canadian elections: Trudeau's first order of business was to meet with B.C. Premier John Horgan, who had toured one of the hardest hit fire zones in the northern part of the province earlier in the day, according to Vancouver Courier. U.S. TO SLAP DUTIES ON CANADIAN PIPEThe U.S. has opened a new front in its trade war with the world, announcing preliminary anti-dumping duties on large-diameter welded pipe from Canada and five other countries. The ministers are to discuss plans for the fall sitting of Parliament, including proposals to beef up measures aimed at protecting Canadian elections from foreign interference. The United States will immediately begin collecting 24.38 per cent cash deposits on imports from Canada that were worth almost US 180 million in 2017. BIG BANKS SET TO REPORT QUARTERLY EARNINGSThe big banks are expected to report yet another strong quarter as the housing market shows signs of stability and rising interest rates add to their bottom line. The other countries being hit with duties are China, Greece, India, Korea, and Turkey. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration plan: This has led to a polarization of debate over how Canada should manage the flow of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, she said, according to Vancouver Courier. Canada needs a multi-pronged and detailed immigration plan given competing demands, Rempel said. Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel and treasury board critic Gerard Deltell held a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday to unveil the party's immigration platform, which includes a plan to travel across the country to hear Canadians' views.article continues below Trending StoriesCTV Vancouver reveals its 'major refresh' as former anchor prepares to give her side of the story Unravelling an unprecedented natural disaster why is B.C. burning every summer Minimum wage increases go into effect June 1 across B.C. Vancouver Park Board marks a Canadian first with new hire Rempel criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for what she says has been the lack of a clear vision on immigration policy. She pointed to calls from advocacy groups for Canada to take more refugees amid an influx of tens of thousands of irregular border crossers, as well as requests from industry and business groups for more immigration to sustain local economies in areas that also face high unemployment rates. The question is under what principles and what policy the question is how, not if. Canada is and should remain a country that welcomes newcomers, she said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.