CBC Our Toronto: Everyone been Anarkali at one point in their life, and I think that why everyone relates to her." Rai herself has a huge social media following, with more than one million views of her video blogs and 37,000 Instagram followers, according to CBC. Kiran Rai, star of Anarkali, tells CBC Our Toronto she didn't think she would ever have a starring role in a series. That because the eponymous Youtube series follows a young South Asian woman navigating the complex world of dating, while trying to balance — or ignore — her cultural and familial expectations. "We don't get to see what it like to be dating on-screen in the diaspora," Rai told CBC Our Toronto. "So I think for me, Anarkali is basically everyone I know, it their story. Anarkali is produced by a small team in Brampton, but has a massive worldwide following online. But one fan group support is particularly special for the show creator, Rakhi Mutta: parents. "I guess the more open-minded or modern ones have come up and said, 'thank you so much for creating this kind of content because as an immigrant I have no idea what my child is going through over here, so now I have an understanding and can kind of speak to them,'" Mutta told Our Toronto. "And I think that the best compliment that we could ever receive as content creators." The series began with the young woman getting dumped by her fiancé, which kicked off a story that part romantic comedy and part cultural study on South Asian immigrants in North America. The series' two seasons have more than 650,000 views and 20,000 subscribers as far away as the United Kingdom and Australia. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Canadian Red Cross: This has just been phenomenal . . . we're at just over $100 million that been donated by Canadians, Smith said from her Dartmouth office, according to The Chronicle Herald. A concert at the Maritime Atlantic Canadian Forces junior ranks' mess in Halifax, the Fleet Club, was one of the latest event-based fund-raising efforts in Nova Scotia, Smith said. Response has exceeded the outpouring made for the victims of the Alberta floods, said Elizabeth Smith, Atlantic region senior manager of corporate and community engagement for the Canadian Red Cross. They raised just over $21,000, and TD matched it up to $10,000. It ends up being over $51,000, when you tack on that government match, she said. The nice part is that $21,000 is individual donations, which will be matched by the federal government. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

indoor version: It not a cold-climate sport like hockey, but it is a winter sport, at least in its indoor version, according to Globe and Mail. Its popularity overseas, from Asia to South America to Africa and Europe mirrors our country increasingly worldly outlook, nurtured by an immigrant population that at 50 per cent in this city, 20 per cent across the country, and growing by a million people every four years. Oddly enough, this burgeoning global game – one invented by a Canadian no less – remains something of a niche interest in this country. In two of Canada top immigration source countries, China and the Philippines, basketball is hugely popular. As Raptors forward Patrick Patterson, who grew up in West Virginia, wrote in April, even the players are impressed by the diversity of their fans. Anyone who has watched images of Jurassic Park, the raucous pen outside the Air Canada Centre where the devoted gather, can see instantly that its denizens are younger and more multicultural than the audience for other pro sports. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

physical alteration: Liberal MPs applaud after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered an apology in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada May 19, 2016 following a physical alteration the previous day, according to Huffington Post Canada. The drama managed to drown out or throw off course several other developments that affect everyday lives. The Trudeau government apologized no fewer than six times over a 24-hour period for transgressions past and present, and had to walk back a contentious proposal to impose stricter controls over debate in the House of Commons. Here are three other developments in practical politics this week that will touch Canadians after the din of "Elbowgate'' dies down. First, serious discussion was delayed by last year federal election. The law that would allow some Canadians access to medically assisted death has been knocked about by politics yet again. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

abusive relationships: Now, representatives from the Arab Community Centre of Toronto say many are speaking up to say they are living in abusive relationships, according to CBC. Federal spending spiked during final scramble to meet Syrian refugee deadline5 things to know about Canada Syrian refugee program Lubna Shaban, a settlement counsellor at the centre, said many of the women are scared to come forward, especially because their language skills are limited and they're unsure of the potential repercussions — including a concern that they may be deported. "Many try to stay silent, as in many cultures," Shaban told CBC News. "Even in Canadian society many stay in abusive relationships before deciding to disclose." Shaban and others working at the centre hope the federal government, which has set aside nearly $1 billion in funding to help settle the refugees, will allow some of that money to be spent on social issues like helping families deal with and prevent abuse. More than 25,000 refugees from Syria have fled the civil war in that country and settled in Canada, with many arriving during the winter months. In some cases, Shaban said, the main issue is education as the men need to learn that they don't control every aspect of their wife life, such as when they're allowed to leave the house. In Canada, one in five women experience some form of abuse in their intimate relationship, figures from the Battered Women Support Services group show. The issue of domestic violence isn't limited to Syrians. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

House of Commons: The drama managed to drown out or throw off course several other developments that affect everyday lives, according to Hamilton Spectator. Here are three other developments in practical politics this week that will touch Canadians after the din of "Elbowgate" dies down. The Trudeau government apologized no fewer than six times over a 24-hour period for transgressions past and present, and had to walk back a contentious proposal to impose stricter controls over debate in the House of Commons. The law that would allow some Canadians access to medically assisted death has been knocked about by politics yet again. Then, the new government took time to set up a committee and consult, asking the court for an extension to comply with its order to allow access. First, serious discussion was delayed by last year federal election. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

bike lanes: Order this photo Sat., May 21, 2016 Re: Put bike plan in the fast lane, Editorial May 11Re: Toronto cringeworthy bike lanes debate, Opinion May 10Put bike plan in the fast lane, Editorial May 11Perhaps it is time to declare a truce in the car vs bike war in Toronto, according to Toronto Star. What is needed here is a combination of compromise, conciliation and a reality check. As the weather heats up, so does the debate between Toronto cyclists and drivers. Our streets have been here since the city was founded. There is no debate that removing space to make room for bike lanes reduces traffic flow. Once clogged with horses, buggies, the odd car and pedestrians, they are now just clogged. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Komagata Maru incident: So as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau concluded his formal apology Wednesday for the Komagata Maru incident of 1914, Amarjeet Singh Sidhu, who had travelled from outside Toronto to watch the event, could not restrain himself, according to Toronto Star. With a turban proudly on his head and a chest full of medals for his Canadian community service, he rose to his feet in the public gallery of the House of Commons and shouted the phrase for all to hear. By Stephanie Levitz The Canadian Press Fri., May 20, 2016 OTTAWA—There a Punjabi phrase shouted to give thanks for victories: the truth will always prevail. And the hundreds of Indo-Canadians in attendance Wednesday for the historic moment roared back their thanks in union. Article Continued Below It wasn't always that way. This is a country for people who bring prosperity to be part of the mainstream, work together, play together, pray together, Sidhu said afterwards. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Jesse Rayan: From cooking, to ice cream making and even tailoring, they want Calgarians to try their services, according to Metro News. In Syria, Mery Makhoul and husband Antoine Rayan were a teacher and civil engineer respectively, but now, in a new country where they don't speak the language, the couple is hoping their traditional Syrian cuisine can wow Calgarians. Metro met with four Syrian refugees who are looking to make a name for themselves in their new homes by opening their own businesses. In their home kitchen business, Aleppo Kitchen, Makhoul cooks traditional Aleppo dishes while Rayan helps in the kitchen and delivers the food. My mom is a very good cook, especially traditional Aleppo food, said Jesse. Speaking through their daughter Jesse Rayan, who translated, the couple said they want only to be able to support themselves—and introduce others to their delicious cuisine. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Likud Party: Netanyahu reportedly intends to appoint former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman to the post of defence minister, according to Toronto Star. The 57-year-old Lieberman is one of Israel most polarizing politicians. The departure of Moshe Yaalon — one of the last moderate voices in the Likud Party — deepens the rift in the Cabinet between the security establishment and the hard-line politicians. Over three decades, he has at times been Netanyahu closest ally and at other times a fierce rival. Lieberman limited military experience raises further questions about the appointment. If Yaalon is replaced as expected by Lieberman, command of the Defence Ministry will transition from a general who led one of Israel most elite commando units — and later was its chief of staff — to a politician who held the rank of corporal, almost the lowest military rank. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: He thought she'd just taken them to school and so waited until the end of the day, according to CTV. But when they didn't return, he went to the police, where he was promptly arrested: his wife had accused him of abuse. He told refugee settlement workers he'd come home to find his wife and two children missing. Centre staff say they don't know what happened to her. But on average, at least one Syrian woman a week is disclosing to them they are a victim of domestic violence. "This is not something that is prevalent within this particular group, it is prevalent within all refugee and newcomer populations," Huda Bukhari, the centre executive director, said Wednesday in an interview. "But because this particular group has come in all at once, then we see a lot more." Close to $1 billion in federal funds has been set aside for the Syrian refugee program, although a breakdown of how it being spent hasn't been released. Rumour has it she fled to Vancouver. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

House of Commons: The drama managed to drown out or throw off course several other developments that affect everyday lives, according to Metro News. Here are three other developments in practical politics this week that will touch Canadians after the din of "Elbowgate" dies down. The Trudeau government apologized no fewer than six times over a 24-hour period for transgressions past and present, and had to walk back a contentious proposal to impose stricter controls over debate in the House of Commons. The law that would allow some Canadians access to medically assisted death has been knocked about by politics yet again. Then, the new government took time to set up a committee and consult, asking the court for an extension to comply with its order to allow access. First, serious discussion was delayed by last year federal election. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: Your commute will be long and interrupted living outside the city and if you need daycare, senior care or if you even care then your time here in Toronto is going to be difficult, according to Toronto Star. Our dollar is so low, which makes all that sweet real estate such a bargain for those not living in our country. For recent immigrants, those working in the health and service or the arts industries for minimum wage, rent is painful enough, never mind trying to own something. There are no rules in place to protect the working poor still living here. Article Continued Below Those that can are laughing and loving it as their sweet dollar signs grow and grow. We are being pushed out of a city we love. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Italian accent: You speak with an Italian accent, according to CBC. So forget it." Then she told the high school students, "all people who speak to a child like she spoke to me should be killed, massacred, thrown away, I don't know where or I can't say." The comments elicited giggles from the crowd. She said her teacher told her, "dear, you're never going to succeed in life. She later apologized via Twitter, saying in French "this morning, my words went beyond my thoughts and I apologize, I strongly condemn violence in all its forms." 1/3 Ce matin, mes mots ont largement dépassé mes pensées et je m'en excuse, je condamne fermement la violence sous toutes ses formes— @R_de_Santis She also tweeted that as a minister, she should be setting a better example. 3/3 on ne devrait jamais empêcher les enfants de rêver, mais en tant que ministre, je dois donner l'exemple. However, she did not back away from the heart of her comments. "I want us to encourage children. Je regrette mes propos.— @R_de_Santis After the event, the MNA for Bourassa-Sauvé said she an "emotional person" but shouldn't have used such strong language. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

The Chronicle Herald: Four of these women shared their story with The Chronicle Herald at the start of the War Brides Reunion, according to The Chronicle Herald. Joan Reichardt, president of Canadian War Brides Wartime England was a damned hungry, place for the young Joan, a land scarred by food shortages, ration cards, and growling stomachs as people struggled to survive. On Friday, these now-elderly wives reunited in the very city that was their gateway to a new life, bringing their children and grandchildren to an emotional gathering in Halifax. During the war it was total deprivation. She grew up in Richmond, just outside London and took the train to work downtown, when German bombs, V-1 'doodlebug' rockets, and V-2 missiles levelled entire streets and killed thousands. If it wasn't rationed it was unobtainable It was just a constant struggle to get food, said Reichardt. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Komagata Maru incident: So as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau concluded his formal apology Wednesday for the Komagata Maru incident of 1914, Amarjeet Singh Sidhu, who had travelled from outside Toronto to watch the event, could not restrain himself, according to Brandon Sun. With a turban proudly on his head and a chest full of medals for his Canadian community service, he rose to his feet in the public gallery of the House of Commons and shouted the phrase for all to hear. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - There a Punjabi phrase shouted to give thanks for victories: the truth will always prevail. And the hundreds of Indo-Canadians in attendance Wednesday for the historic moment roared back their thanks in union. "This is a country for people who bring prosperity to be part of the mainstream, work together, play together, pray together," Sidhu said afterwards. In 1914, the Canadian government turned away most of the passengers of the Japanese steamship Komagata Maru, nearly all Sikhs, who'd hoped to start a new life in Canada. It wasn't always that way. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Guelph: He was responding to an inquiry about why refugee families don't seem to be arriving in Guelph as quickly as they were expected, according to Guelph Mercury. Concerns were raised by Danby CEO Jim Estill, who late last year pledged a significant sum of money to bring 50 refugee families to Guelph and has been working with local volunteers and community benefit organizations to get the job done. The speed and generosity of Guelph stepping forward was underestimated, as was the number of communities across Canada offering volunteers and foods to help with resettlement efforts, Longfield said in an email. Earlier this month, Estill said only about a dozen of those 50 families have arrived, and not knowing when more will be coming has been taxing on those who have volunteered time and resources to settle them. Sayyed said another family is expected to arrive before the end of May and three more are expected in the first week of June, but beyond that he unsure when more will be arriving. We'd like to see them coming faster, said Muhammed Sayyed, president of the Muslim Society of Guelph, which has taken a lead role in the process to bring those 50 families and settle them in the city. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Victoria Park: Part of the purpose was to serve as a way to "celebrate the stories of this historic building in downtown Kitchener, and the community it has served for a century and more." The following year this festival of was presented in conjunction with the K-W Multicultural Festival in Victoria Park on the weekend before Canada Day, according to The Waterloo Record. This proved to be a winning combination. After a long gestation period, the event was first held in 2006 as part of the 100th anniversary of Trinity United Church. The theme — "tales from around the world" told through spoken word, music, dance, drama and visual art — was compatible with the region premier celebration of diversity. Latitudes regulars could find their way to the special storytelling programming, while others from among the many thousands attracted to sounds, smells and flavours of the K-W Multicultural Festival came upon it by chance as they made through the park over the course of the weekend. It also helped build an audience. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

House of Commons: The drama managed to drown out or throw off course several other developments that affect everyday lives, according to Brandon Sun. Here are three other developments in practical politics this week that will touch Canadians after the din of "Elbowgate" dies down. The Trudeau government apologized no fewer than six times over a 24-hour period for transgressions past and present, and had to walk back a contentious proposal to impose stricter controls over debate in the House of Commons. The law that would allow some Canadians access to medically assisted death has been knocked about by politics yet again. Then, the new government took time to set up a committee and consult, asking the court for an extension to comply with its order to allow access. First, serious discussion was delayed by last year federal election. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: Based on a scale of 0 to 100, Globe Scan, the consulting firm commissioned for the study, came up with the Refugees Welcome Index based on responses to standard questions to measure participants' attitudes toward refugees, according to Metro News. China topped the ranking with a score of 85, followed by Germany , the U.K. and Canada , with Australia rounding off the top five. The survey by Amnesty International found that 80 per cent of 27,000 respondents would welcome refugees with open arms and take them into their own homes. These figures speak for themselves. Governments must heed these results, which clearly show the vast majority of people ready and willing to make refugees welcome in their country. People are ready to make refugees welcome, but governments' inhumane responses to the refugee crisis are badly out of touch with the views of their own citizens, Amnesty International Secretary General Salil Shetty said in a statement. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: The survey by Amnesty International found that 80 per cent of 27,000 respondents would welcome refugees with open arms and take them into their own homes, according to Toronto Star. Based on a scale of 0 to 100, Globe Scan, the consulting firm commissioned for the study, came up with the Refugees Welcome Index based on responses to standard questions to measure participants' attitudes toward refugees. By Nicholas Keung Immigration reporter Thu., May 19, 2016 A survey of citizens in 27 countries ranks Canada fourth among the world most welcoming countries for refugees after China, Germany and the United Kingdom. China topped the ranking with a score of 85, followed by Germany , the U.K. and Canada , with Australia rounding off the top five. People are ready to make refugees welcome, but governments' inhumane responses to the refugee crisis are badly out of touch with the views of their own citizens, Amnesty International Secretary General Salil Shetty said in a statement. These figures speak for themselves. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Mustafa Dzhemilev: NATO vs, according to CBC. Putin sabre-rattling raises Cold War concerns: Brian Stewart Liberals follow Tory lead in stalling sanctions over killing of Russian whistleblower Ukraine approves Poroshenko ally Volodymyr Groysman as PM The Tatars, a largely Sunni Muslim ethnic group, have faced increasing persecution since Moscow annexation of Crimea in the spring of 2014. Mustafa Dzhemilev, the leader of Crimean Tatars, delivered the message to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and senior members of the Liberal cabinet, including International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, who has been a high-profile advocate for Ukraine. Both Amnesty International and most recently a spokesman for the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights criticized their treatment at the hands of government officials. "Human dignity is constantly being violated," Dzhemilev told CBC News in an interview through a translator, prior to testimony before the Senate foreign affairs committee on Wednesday. "If Western countries decide to re-establish relationships with Russia and become friends again, it is a disaster for the entire Crimean Tartar people." Liberals shift approach Dzhemilev remarksare likely to deepen divisions within the government caucus over Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion refusal to honour a Liberal campaign pledge toenact legislation to freeze assets and ban visasof Russians accused of involvement in human rights violations. He has resisted public and private pleas from high-profile Liberals to change his mind. Last year, the House of Commons unanimously passed a motion calling for such a measure, but Dion recently told Parliament he doesn't feel obligated to do so. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

growth promoter: It offers two accelerators: Launch and Build, according to The Chronicle Herald. Launch is for pre-revenue companies while Build focuses on early revenue startups. Begun in 2004 in Saint John, it has evolved from a tech promotion group to a thriving growth promoter. Programs are delivered with the help of regional partners. It also considering ways to help companies that don't fit into existing programs. Punamiya said Propel is now looking at developing a program for mature companies with the name Growth. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Erica McClary: Erica McClary, a Kitchener-Waterloo market analyst, said there are many factors contributing to the increase, including a strong demand for single-detached houses, combined with increasing incomes, according to CBC. As well, many people are beginning to move from the GTA to the Waterloo region, where housing costs are lower. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, last year 995 semi-detached houses were built in the region, and this year they are expecting between 1000 and 1100 houses to be built. McClary said average home in Toronto costs upwards of $650,000, whereas a typical house in the Waterloo region costs less than $350,000. Last year, there were 2217 new units created, while this year the CMHC expects between 1800 and 2000 units to be built, which includes apartments, townhouses and semi-detached homes. No more student-housing needed Although semi-detached house construction is on the rise, there will be slightly fewer apartments being built than last year, which is largely due to the amount of student housing that is already available. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

classified records: The Trudeau government plans to usher in a national security committee of parliamentarians, whose members would have access to classified records, according to CTV. It is also studying gaps in the current web of watchdogs that monitor intelligence services to ensure a comprehensive system is in place. The RCMP fears more eyes looking over its shoulder could compromise criminal investigations, while the electronic spies at the Communications Security Establishment warn against creating a super-watchdog with its associated "burden and costs," say notes obtained under the Access to Information Act. Existing review bodies cannot look at issues beyond their specific agency of focus, and have "limited authority" to collaborate with one another, say briefing notes prepared for Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. The Liberals are looking at fostering such co-operation - known as inter-agency review - because many watchdog investigations involve a need to scrutinize the actions of more than one outfit. It means the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission, which oversees the RCMP national security activities, might be barred from exchanging notes on an alleged scandal with the watchdog that keeps an eye on the Communications Security Establishment. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

: Based on a survey of more than 27,000 people, conducted between Dec. 2015 and April 2016, the Refugee Welcome Index released Thursday ranks countries on a scale of zero to 100, with zero meaning respondents would refuse refugees entering their country and 100 meaning they would accept them in their neighbourhood or home, according to CTV. China topped the rankings as the most accepting country followed by Germany and the U.K. . The least support for more government action on refugees came from Russia , Thailand and India . The global survey found that 80 per cent of people would accept refugees in their country while one in 10 respondents would go a step further and take them in to their homes. The human rights group commissioned Globe Scan strategy consultancy to find out people willingness to allow refugees to live in their homes, neighbourhoods, towns and countries. Amnesty Secretary General, Salil Shetty, said the organization was surprised by the global support for helping refugees. They want to do what they can to help, not turn their backs, he said in a statement. We did not expect to see such strong levels of solidarity with refugees, but the results reflect the inspiring human compassion people feel to those fleeing war. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.