immigrant neighbourhood: Instead, his starting point is a shady street corner in a bustling immigrant neighbourhood, according to CTV. Here, standing between gritty pawn shops and greasy kebab stores, the 34-year-old Syrian refugee introduces you to his own, very personal version of Berlin. To begin with, Zakri doesn't even meet the groups he guides in Berlin touristy Mitte district. Zakri is one of four refugee guides with "querstadtein," or "cross-city," a non-profit that initially started off offering tours of Berlin led by formerly homeless people. Like the homeless, refugees often can be isolated from other city-dwellers, a gap the organization is trying to bridge by bringing together people who cross paths without connecting, Hoeffken said. This year, reacting to the large number of migrants who came to Germany in 2015, the group added asylum seekers to its team and created a new refugee tour that features refugee shelters, Syrian restaurants and other relevant sights. "Our goal was to give the refugees a face and personalize them -- especially in times where so many people are only talking about the 'floods' or 'waves' of refugees," Tilmann Hoeffken, a project manager with "querstadtein," said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

migration patterns: Four countries — the U.S., the U.K., Canada and Australia — attract the vast majority of the world immigrants, the researchers have found, according to CBC. U.S. should pay Canada for top talent, tech CEO says Despite alarmist political movements and media coverage, the reality is that global immigration today has been largely steady for the past half-century, the data shows. In a working paper, researchers Sari Pekkala Kerr, William Kerr, Çaǧlar Özden and Christopher Parsons looked at migration patterns in recent decades to track any changes in either the volume of people moving around the world, or where they are coming from or going to. Worldwide, the percentage of people who live in a country other than the one they were born in is the same today as it was in 1960: about three per cent. Outside of a recent surge in people leaving certain parts of the world as refugees, there a clear pattern among people with education and above-average income levels voluntarily moving for economic reasons. "A pattern is emerging in which these high-skilled migrants are departing from a broader range of countries and heading to a narrower range of countries," the paper said, "in particular, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia." Skilled immigrants to get express entry to fill labour needs To be sure, the United States is still at the top of that list, well ahead of the next three. That not to say, however, that immigration trends are steady and unchanging. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

minister: Finance Minister Bill Morneau, according to Huffington Post Canada. An economic panel advising Morneau is expected to recommend to him raising immigration levels to 450,000 a year. Canada has been taking in roughly 250,000 to 300,000 immigrants annually in recent years, but the panel advising Finance Minister Bill Morneau will urge him to increase that number to 450,000 annually, the newspaper reported. The 14-member panel, chaired by Dominic Barton of the firm McKinsey and Co., is to deliver a set of recommendations to Morneau on Thursday. But, when asked about it, Immigration Minister John McCallum seemed to balk at the large number that the panel will propose, saying it may be too ambitious. The federal Liberals have recently suggested increasing immigration levels and opening the doors further to foreign students and investment. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

news release: In a news release, the CBSA said the man entered Canada on Aug. 2, 1969, according to CTV. He arrived in Montreal aboard train No. 9, via the Napierville Junction Rail Road. The CBSA said the man, who appears to be over the age of 65, has refused to reveal his true identity. The train had departed from New York City and investigators believe the man could have family in New York or elsewhere in the United States. A CBSA spokesperson told CTVNews.ca that the man has had several run-ins with immigration authorities over the years and was most recently detained in October 2014. Since his arrival he has claimed that he migrated to Canada to evade the military draft, the CBSA said in a news release. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

proactive measures: From his perspective, the Canadian identity is a fluid work in progress, not a static feature in need of proactive measures to ensure its preservation, according to Hamilton Spectator. He thinks of it as a living tree, not a dried flower stuck between two pages of history. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sees cultural diversity as one of the great strengths of modern-day Canada. The prime minister is convinced that Canada cultural diversity enriches and renews its fabric. As it happens, so does his Conservative vis-à-vis Rona Ambrose. On that basis, Trudeau abhors, among other coercive measures, the notion of submitting prospective immigrants to a cultural correctness test. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rubio: Trump to stop whining and go try to make his case to get votes," Obama said, standing next to Italy prime minister, according to Hamilton Spectator. A more thorough denunciation, however, came from another Republican. The day most compelling rebuke came from none other than President Barack Obama. "I'd invite Mr. During a debate in the Florida senate race, Marco Rubio — Trump nomination rival-turned-uneasy ally — delivered a passionate reprimand. Elections are run by the states, which in Florida means the Trump-supporting governor appoints the officials, Rubio said. His voice quivering, the young senator cited three reasons the election isn't rigged. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

spanish citizenship: He was arrested in June while taking part in a nationwide recall campaign against President Nicolas Maduro, according to Metro News. Prosecutors said Marquez had nearly $3,000 in local currency and was trying to foment violence. Francisco Marquez immediately left the country under the terms of his release on Tuesday. His backers say the allegation is false and meant to intimidate government opponents. The other activist, who has dual Spanish citizenship, was released in September and went into exile in Spain. Marquez was arrested along with a fellow activist from the Popular Will opposition party. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

street corner: Instead, his starting point is a shady street corner in a bustling immigrant neighbourhood . Here, standing between gritty pawn shops and greasy kebab stores, the 34-year-old Syrian refugee introduces you to his own, very personal version of Berlin, according to Metro News. Zakri is one of four refugee guides with "querstadtein," or "cross-city," a non-profit that initially started off offering tours of Berlin led by formerly homeless people. To begin with, Zakri doesn't even meet the groups he guides in Berlin touristy Mitte district. This year, reacting to the large number of migrants who came to Germany in 2015, the group added asylum seekers to its team and created a new refugee tour that features refugee shelters, Syrian restaurants and other relevant sights."Our goal was to give the refugees a face and personalize them — especially in times where so many people are only talking about the 'floods' or 'waves' of refugees," Tilmann Hoeffken, a project manager with "querstadtein," said. The tours also try to change perspectives by asking participants to see Berlin through the eyes of its newcomers. Like the homeless, refugees often can be isolated from other city-dwellers, a gap the organization is trying to bridge by bringing together people who cross paths without connecting, Hoeffken said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

subscriber log: That includes making it easier for highly skilled and entrepreneurial foreigners to enter the country, according to Globe and Mail. X To continue reading this article, you must be a Globe Unlimited subscriber. The Globe and Mail reported on Wednesday that an advisory committee wants to see a 50-per-cent increase in immigration to 450,000 people annually over five years. Don't stop here. Already a Globe Unlimited subscriber Log in to keep reading. Go unlimited.A Globe Unlimited subscription also gives you:Full access to all our award-winning news articles and exclusive features Access and availability on all devices and platforms Real-time Stock Quotes that remove the 15-minute stock price delay on all Canadian stock portals Reuters Financial News providing key insights from the world best economies and markets newsroom Subscribe to Globe Unlimited now! Already a print newspaper subscriber Click here to get full access to Globe Unlimited. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

students tourists: The measure would target skilled, entrepreneurial newcomers in an attempt to stimulate economic growth, according to CBC. McCallum acknowledges internal Liberal debate on immigration file Canada wants more Chinese workers, students & tourists, says McCallum McCallum wants to 'substantially increase' immigration to fill labour needs The 14-member panel, chaired by Dominic Barton of the firm McKinsey and Co., is to deliver a set of recommendations to Finance Minister Bill Morneau on Thursday. McCallum said Wednesday he read the report by the Advisory Council on Economic Growth that calls for a 50-per-cent increase in targets to 450,000 people a year. McCallum said meeting the target suggested by Barton group would be costly and might not find broad national support. "The figure he gives is a huge figure," McCallum said. "But this is not a universal view across the country." Discussions are continuing and the government will announce immigration targets for 2017 next month, McCallum added. But he stopped short of endorsing the target in Barton report. "Clearly he demonstrating an opportunity for Canada," Bains said. "We value our diversity, we value our multicultural society and we recognize immigration is an opportunity to create jobs." The need for skilled labour Bains said the government would need to sell the idea of higher immigration levels to the public. "We, as a government, need to focus on communicating the benefits of growing the economy and part of that growth is investing in people and part of that equation is immigration." Bains said bringing in more skilled workers is part of the government broader agenda that includes investing in research and development, creating jobs and helping companies grow. McCallum cabinet colleague, Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, told The Canadian Press on Wednesday that he "worked very closely" with Barton panel, and favours increased immigration levels. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

proactive measures: From his perspective, the Canadian identity is a fluid work in progress, not a static feature in need of proactive measures to ensure its preservation, according to The Waterloo Record. He thinks of it as a living tree, not a dried flower stuck between two pages of history. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sees cultural diversity as one of the great strengths of modern-day Canada. The prime minister is convinced that Canada cultural diversity enriches and renews its fabric. As it happens, so does his Conservative vis-à-vis Rona Ambrose. On that basis, Trudeau abhors, among other coercive measures, the notion of submitting prospective immigrants to a cultural correctness test. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

times dwarf: Opens Friday . See listings, according to NOW Magazine. Rating: NNNNGianfranco Rosi haunting documentary is set on and around the small Italian island of Lampedusa, which is mostly a quiet, old-fashioned place but in the past decades has become a site where thousands of refugees crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa end up, dead or alive. Subtitled. This is true observational filmmaking. Rosi captures it all with balance and dignity, allowing a bit of humour in an impromptu game of soccer among the refugees and letting the immensity of the sea and sky at times dwarf the human experience. No judgments are made about the refugees and their harrowing ordeals, or the native Italians, including a physician, a preadolescent boy obsessed with slingshots and a devout woman who phones in requests to the local radio station. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

varsity theatre: Discussion to follow. 7 pm, according to NOW Magazine. Free. Varsity Theatre, 55 Bloor W. Place Organic Film Screening about environmental warriors who have contributed to the long-term ecological viability of agriculture in Ontario. Room 212. Onibaba Japan Foundation, Toronto presents the 1964 film by Kaneto Shindo. The Big Carrot, 348 Danforth. thebigcarrot.ca. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

video tuesday: The action that was misinterpreted as part of a protest movement started by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick created such a firestorm on social media that Allen and the Indianapolis Colts released a video Tuesday explaining what had happened, according to Brandon Sun. In the video, some of the hateful comments Allen received on social media were superimposed on the screen as Allen explained that he loves America and only wants this world to be a better place before vowing to continue praying on the sideline. So when he offered his customary pregame prayer Sunday night, he never imagined the furor it would cause. On Wednesday, Allen hobbled into the locker room on crutches and then went even further by explaining he doesn't know Kaepernick or some of the other players who have been protesting police treatment of minorities. If you want to show patriotism, show patriotism, have pride about this great nation, show your love and devotion about this great nation. He criticized those who use vitriol, hyperbole and racial comments cloaked in the name of patriotism."I was not protesting, I was praying," Allen said. "Whether I was protesting or not, it doesn't give the right for others to use those words of hate. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

visit refugees: The 'Just My Luck' star has partnered with German energy drink company Mintanine, and the beverage - which is also available at the star Greek nightclub - will be delivered to the refugee camps, according to The Waterloo Record. A source told New York Post Page Six column: "There hardly food, water or anything, so at this point sending anything is helpful. The 30-year-old actress recently made a humanitarian visit to Turkey to visit refugees from the war torn city of Aleppo in Syria, and plans to continue her efforts from home. This is all part of Lindsay mission to help refugees." Mintanine is described on its website as "blue lemonade", but also boasts that it doesn't contain any "synthetic flavors". The site says: "We do not use synthetic flavors or caffeine, no taurin, no aspartam, no inosit, but natural guarana." It was previously revealed the 'Mean Girls' actress was "passionate" about working with young refugees. Listening to them, hearing their stories. A source said: "She spends time interacting with the kids. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

cbc news: Refugees afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression are even less likely to access services, according to CBC. The report says Canada must "urgently" develop a mental health strategy aimed at boosting service uptake, on the grounds of both equity and cost-efficiency. The sweeping study by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, obtained by CBC News, finds that immigrants generally arrive with better mental health than the Canadian-born population — something referred to as the "healthy immigrant effect." Health ministers at odds over funding Doctors gear up for Syrian refugees Syrians feel 'hopeless' But their condition tends to deteriorate over time, and they don't get help due to stigma, fear of being removed from the country, or a lack of treatment that meets their cultural or language needs. Reduce overall costs "By working to reduce disparities in access to services, the appropriateness of services used, and mental health outcomes, Canada can reduce overall system costs," the report concludes. There are also indirect economic effects, such as lost productivity and costs to the criminal justice system. Failure to access early treatment leads to more expensive emergency department visits or hospital admissions. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

court: However, scholars and aboriginal jurists had hoped Trudeau new selection process might set aside the constitutional convention of regionally based appointments, and focus on putting an aboriginal or black judge into the job, according to CTV. Lightening-Earle said while Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have waited a number of decades for a representative on the court, aboriginal Canadians have deeper historic claims to a place in the judiciary. "They have been waiting a long time, but we've been waiting a little bit longer," she said. If formally named to the court, it will be a historic first for the province. Lightening-Earle said in a telephone interview a rare opportunity has been missed, and indigenous lawyers are wondering why they bothered applying to the government advisory board for the position. Wright argues the principle of diversity that lies beneath appointing people from different regions needed to be shifted to recognize the increasing number of Canadians from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. A report in Policy Options magazine estimated earlier this year that just one per cent of Canada 2,160 judges in the provincial superior and lower courts are aboriginal, while three per cent are racial minorities -- prompting a Dalhousie University law professor to describe the Canadian bench as a "judiciary of whiteness." Robert Wright, a black social worker who has served on a Nova Scotia board that recommends judicial appointments, said the announcement is a disappointment given the Trudeau government earlier signals it might adjust the system. "There are an increasing number of Canadians who ... are not caught up in what I call the historical regional nature of the various Canadian identities we used to focus on," he said in a telephone interview from Halifax. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

diversity: The federal Liberals had been under fire for indicating their selection process would not necessarily follow the custom, according to The Chronicle Herald. Robert Wright, a black social worker who has pushed for diversity on the Nova Scotia bench, says he believes the Liberal government relented under pressure, and could have done more to convince the public of the need for racial diversity. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday he recommending Justice Malcolm Rowe of Newfoundland and Labrador for the Supreme Court of Canada, following the constitutional precedent of regional choices. A report in Policy Options magazine estimated earlier this year that just one per cent of Canada 2,160 judges in the provincial superior and lower courts are aboriginal, while three per cent are racial minorities. Wright argues the principle of diversity that lies beneath appointing people from different regions needed to be altered to recognize the increasing number of Canadians from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

elliot spagat: For others, it didn't go far enough, according to Toronto Star. For many, it was just right. By Elliot Spagat Associated Press Tues., Oct. 18, 2016 SAN DIEGO—For some, the apology went too far. The president of one of the largest police organizations in the United States on Monday apologized for historical mistreatment of minorities, calling it a dark side of our shared history that must be acknowledged and overcome. He was not more specific. Terrence Cunningham, president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, said at the group annual conference that police have historically been a face of oppression, enforcing laws that ensured legalized discrimination and denial of basic rights. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

brooklyn bauman: Front row, from left: Carter Gray, Emma Sul, Danielle Isfeld, Jose Padilla, Sophia Padilla, Saron Teklit, according to Brandon Sun. Saron Teklit, a refugee from Eritrea, knows what it like to stand up for what she believes in. Back row, from left: Emily Liang, Abbie Whetter, Brooklyn Bauman, Abby Wakewich, Sinead Osiuwemu, Abby Grindey, Alejandra Valle. In an African country where Christians can face persecution, she and her family fled. Enlarge Image Alejandra Valle, left, and her tearful friend Sophia Padilla delight in the news Monday they will be flying to Calgary on an all-expenses paid trip to attend a We Day youth empowerment event. They found safe haven in Sudan before they settled, only five months ago, in Brandon. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

diversity: The federal Liberals had been under fire for indicating their selection process would not necessarily follow the custom, according to The Waterloo Record. Robert Wright, a black social worker who has pushed for diversity on the Nova Scotia bench, says he believes the Liberal government relented under pressure, and could have done more to convince the public of the need for racial diversity. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday he recommending Justice Malcolm Rowe of Newfoundland and Labrador for the Supreme Court of Canada, following the constitutional precedent of regional choices. A report in Policy Options magazine estimated earlier this year that just one per cent of Canada 2,160 judges in the provincial superior and lower courts are aboriginal, while three per cent are racial minorities. By The Canadian Press Wright argues the principle of diversity that lies beneath appointing people from different regions needed to be altered to recognize the increasing number of Canadians from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

health: In the most recent assessment of the quality of 11 international health systems, the USA came last, according to Huffington Post Canada. But we should pause and take a deep breath, because Canada came second last. After all, our health system is better than that of the USA. We see this to be self-evident, but it is also backed by data. Perhaps while we focus on comparisons with the USA we miss the fact that other health systems are improving and outperforming us. Canada rated especially poorly on equity. Looking up at these other systems rather than looking down at the USA may help us deliver better health across Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

opening ceremonies: Related stories:Surrey program encourages immigrants to help other immigrants Surrey initiative offers refugees a toolkit to tackle trauma Meet your neighbour: Metro chats with refugees in Vancouver The designation was announced Monday as part of the opening ceremonies of the three-day Creative City Conference in Surrey this week, according to Metro News. We'd like to bring a writer at risk because of their work to come to Surrey — who needs refuge because in their country they're not able to write freely, explained Surrey Coun. The move to bring one refugee to the city on a sort of artist-in-residence fellowship, with support from the city libraries, Simon Fraser University, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University, will make B.C. fastest-growing municipality the third of its kind on the continent. Judy Villeneuve, co-chair of the city Local Immigrant Partnership committee, and was herself long-involved in the Writers' Union of Canada. It a part we can play in the international effort to promote the democratic process — and of people being able to be creative and express their opinions. We want to be a beacon to other cities in Canada. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

police car: After passing the man, the woman noticed an unmarked police car behind her activate its lights, according to Hamilton Spectator. The vehicle pulled in front of the pedestrian and cut him off; a plainclothes officer emerged and accused the man of walking in the middle of the road. Just moments before, she had passed a black man who had been walking on the shoulder of the street, seemingly to avoid construction along the sidewalk. The allegation shocked her, the woman later said, and as she witnessed the officer take the man by the back of his jacket, she sensed she needed to do something. I was against what he was doing." What Rowles recorded was a seven-minute video of a tense exchange that led to an arrest — a video that has gone viral after Rowles uploaded it to You Tube last week. So she left her car and began recording. " I was watching something that I didn't think was very fair," the woman, identified by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune as Janet Rowles, told the newspaper. "I'm not against the police. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

power-play performance: Against Boston, we had a tough time, according to Toronto Star. They were quick and they pressured us in our own zone, so set-up is very important, Gardiner said after the Leafs worked diligently on their power-play game plan for a second straight day before heading out on a three-game road trip that starts Wednesday night in Winnipeg. Order this photo By Mark Zwolinski Sports reporter Tues., Oct. 18, 2016 They come from widely different hockey backgrounds, but defencemen Jake Gardiner and Nikita Zaitsev share the same perspective on the Leafs' so-far fruitless power-play performance: it very much a work in progress. Gardiner was referring to the Leafs' 4-1 home-opener win over Boston on Saturday, in which they went 0 for 4 with the man advantage to make it 0 for 8 through two games. Having several newcomers on the power play, including top rookies Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, is a factor but not an excuse, the Leafs say. While it a small sample size, special teams production is a high priority after a season in which the Leafs had the second-worst conversion rate in the NHL and the fourth-fewest power-play goals. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

proactive measures: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sees cultural diversity as one of the great strengths of modern-day Canada, according to Toronto Star. From his perspective, the Canadian identity is a fluid work in progress, not a static feature in need of proactive measures to ensure its preservation. By Chantal Hébert National Affairs Columnist Tues., Oct. 18, 2016 OTTAWA—Here is a much abbreviated list of the current and former Canadian politicians who believe that when it comes to cultural diversity, Canada should be exporting its live-and-let-live model, not looking for inspiration from countries such as France that have put in place coercive measures to affirm their national identity. He thinks of it as a living tree, not a dried flower stuck between two pages of history. On that basis, Trudeau abhors, among other coercive measures, the notion of submitting prospective immigrants to a cultural correctness test. The prime minister is convinced that Canada cultural diversity enriches and renews its fabric. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.