alexander: I understand he renounced his British citizenship before I was born because he was a proud Australian, Alexander said in a statement about his father, who died in 1987, according to CTV. As my father was born in the U.K., and consistent with the plan of action outlined by the prime minister yesterday, I am making further enquiries, he added. Ruling party lawmaker John Alexander said Tuesday he was seeking verification from London on whether he had inherited British citizenship from his father. If Alexander proved to be a dual citizen he would become the seventh lawmaker to be forced from office since the High Court last month made a ruling to enforce a 116-year-old constitutional ban on foreign citizens sitting in Parliament. House of Representatives lawmakers found to be dual citizens must renounce their foreign citizenship and then win a byelection if they want to return to their seat. That has created an unprecedented political crisis that could threaten the majority of Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull's conservative coalition. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

arte util: It's not just about poster-making to create awareness about an issue, but you want people to think of other ways to implement new solutions for our problems, said Bruguera, who will give a free public talk Wednesday evening at OCAD's McCaul St. campus about arte util useful art a movement she founded to harness art's potential to shift perspectives and bring about social, political and cultural change, according to Toronto Star. I want to do art where people are part of the process, and not just a passive audience, but sitting at the table. To the renowned Cuban-American performance and installation artist, art is the impetus for social change, whether the issue is anti-immigration backlash, poverty, gender inequality, racism or global warming. Article Continued Below Read more Migrant worker use art to protest for rights, recognition, permanent status Asian OCAD student's mock resum forces other to see who I am' react-empty 174 Bruguera, a daughter of a diplomat, is no stranger to controversy. In Queens, N.Y., she started Immigrant Movement International, a multimedia project sparked by her spending a year in 2011 with five immigrants and their children. She was arrested by Cuban authorities for planning a public performance that left an open microphone to fellow Cubans to let them express their thoughts after the U.S. resumed its diplomatic ties with the nation in 2014. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

cbc news: Man's appeal to be declared Canadian citizen dismissed by Supreme Court Deepan Budlakoti gets conditions eased by immigration board The 28-year-old appeared in court Monday following the arrest and was remanded in custody pending his next court appearance, scheduled for Thursday, according to CBC. His criminal lawyer, Natasha Calvinho, told CBC News she is still waiting for disclosure from the Crown and could not comment on the new charges. Court filings show Deepan Budlakoti is accused of possessing several high-powered firearms, including semi-automatic rifles, semi-automatic handguns, machine guns and several rounds of ammunition. The alleged offences took place from June 30 to Nov. 6 of this year, according to court filings. OPP to hold news conference The OPP said in a news release a news conference will be held Wednesday at its Ottawa detachment to announce details of a six-month, multi-jurisdictional investigation. None of the allegations has been tested in court. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration status: It requires local law enforcement agencies to honour federal immigration requests to detain people in local jails for possible deportation, according to Metro News. The law also allows police to inquire about people's immigration status during routine interactions such as traffic stops. The Texas Legislature approved the law in the spring. It subjects some law enforcement officials with removal from office and criminal charges if they don't comply with the law. The critics also argue that some parts of the law are unconstitutional because they are vague as to exactly how local officers are to fulfil their duties with respect to immigration law. Opponents argue, among other things, that the law illegally puts local law enforcement officers in the role of federal immigration officers, and that it puts local officers in the position of violating detainees' constitutional rights against illegal search and seizure. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration: But over the course of those 12 months, Canadian views on immigration appear to have shifted in that same direction, according to the survey the federal government carries out each year as part of its immigration planning process, according to Toronto Star. Partial results of the internal survey were posted online in connection with last week's release of the plan, which calls for 310,000 people admitted to be admitted in 2018, up from 300,000 this year. It was a subtle jab at the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has cracked down on immigration in the name of the America First sentiment that got him elected a year ago Tuesday. Read more Article Continued Below Canadian government to raise annual immigration intake by 13% by 2020With 650 Yazidis now in Canada, immigration officials say target of 1,200 in sightA wise approach on immigration Editorial react-empty 156 By 2020, the level of new admissions will rise to 340,000. While the survey is done annually, the questions aren't always the same, and the sample size also varies. About 27 per cent of the survey's 2,503 respondents said they felt that number is too high an increase of four percentage points over the responses to the same question in the 2016 survey, which had only about 1,600 respondents. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

interpretation services: Officials confirmed the government is on track to meet its target, and that 81 per cent of the 807 people resettled so far are Yazidi, according to CBC. But under questioning from MPs today, officials outlined challenges with the complex resettlement process, ranging from translation and interpretation services, to medical treatment to specialized trauma and mental health care. MPs on the immigration committee are receiving briefings this week on Canada's special program to bring 1,200 Yazidis and other survivors of ISIS by the end of the year. While health services are normally covered by the provinces and territories, the federal government provides funding for refugees through an interim federal health care program. What the Canadian Mental Health Association has told us is in situations like this, you have the initial euphoria when people arrive in Canada, and then their mental health needs resurface six to 24 months in, said Dawn Edlund, a senior operations official with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel let out an audible gasp when an immigration department official revealed that fewer than five resettled Yazidis have accessed individualized counselling. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

islamic militants: Of those already here, 81 per cent are Yazidi, a minority sect from Iraq specifically targeted by Islamic militants over the course of the conflict in Iraq, according to The Chronicle Herald. The House of Commons unanimously passed a motion in 2016 calling the persecution of Yazidis a genocide and committing to provide asylum to Yazidi women and girls. A total of 807 people had arrived in Canada by the end of October out of the 1,383 who've been selected for resettlement, and the remaining files are being processed, officials told the House of Commons immigration committee. A subsequent commitment to bringing in 1,200 people by the end of 2017 was made last February. Some 200,000 Yazidis were displaced in the initial clashes between militants, Iraqi government forces and the Kurdish militia. Islamic State militants have taken a systematic approach to trying to eradicate the Yazidi population since the outbreak of conflict in Iraq in 2014. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

italian parts: The Emmy winner has played Germans, Greeks, Hispanics and Russians and even a space alien in the Men in Black films, according to CTV. On Broadway in Act One, he actually played three characters -- one with a Cockney accent, one with just a hint of a British accent and one who was an urbane Northeasterner. After all, he spends so much time onstage and onscreen trying on other peoples' accents. He's often gravitated toward Italian parts, playing immigrants from that country in the film Big Night and Golden Boy onstage and a Fiat 500 in Cars. Let's just say it was a bit of a hybrid, he says. And for eight seasons, he adopted a weird Maine-Italian dialect on Wings that even he's not sure about. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

jury pool: For the last two days, Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court on Duckworth Street in St, according to CBC. John's has been a beehive of activity. But the stakes are much higher. Sheriff's officers, lawyers, court clerks and other justice workers moving swiftly to whittle 215 potential jurors down to 12 impartial and capable of fairly deciding whether 29-year-old Brandon Phillips is guilty or not guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Larry Wellman. There are 75 people left in the prospective jury pool. By the end of Tuesday, nine jurors five women and four men were selected using a process called challenge for cause. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

terrorism prosecutor: It ordered the government to pay lawyers when they are on standby, according to Rabble. Ursula Hendel, president of the Association of Justice Counsel AJC the union representing lawyers, said the court's decision affirms the importance of the labour movement. In a 7-2 decision handed down on November 3, the country's highest court agreed with a previous decision that said it was unreasonable for lawyers not to be paid for their scheduled standby shifts. Hendel, a former terrorism prosecutor, said lawyers are willing to work flexible hours, and understand they need to respond to matters after work hours. It's part of employment and we deserve compensation, she said, describing the whole case as, extremely litigious. We just wanted recognition that standby is part of work. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

texas: The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Tuesday on whether it should block the law enacted by the Texas Legislature in the spring, according to Metro News. It requires local law enforcement agencies to honour federal immigration requests to detain people in local jails for possible deportation. Lawyers for numerous Texas municipalities and immigration advocacy groups have told a federal appeals court that a state law cracking down on so-called sanctuary cities puts an illegal burden on local law enforcement agencies. It also holds the possibility of criminal sanctions against local officials who are deemed to limit federal immigration enforcement. The Texas Legislature approved the law in the spring. The three-judge 5th Circuit panel did not indicate when it would rule. 4 30 a.m.A federal appeals court in New Orleans is set to hear arguments over a Texas law cracking down on so-called sanctuary cities. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

yazidi women: Read more Tearful mother-and-child reunion after 12-year-old former Daesh captive arrives in Winnipeg Article Continued Below Trump administration denounces Daesh for genocide' of Christians, Yazidis, Shiite Muslims Canada to send as many as 20 police officers to Iraq as part of fight against Daesh The House of Commons unanimously passed a motion in 2016 calling the persecution of Yazidis a genocide and committing to provide asylum to Yazidi women and girls. react-empty 159 A subsequent commitment to bringing in 1,200 people by the end of 2017 was made last February, according to Toronto Star. Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, militants have taken a systematic approach to trying to eradicate the Yazidi population since the outbreak of conflict in Iraq in 2014. Of those already here, 81 per cent are Yazidi, a minority sect from Iraq specifically targeted by Islamic militants over the course of the conflict in Iraq. Some 200,000 Yazidis were displaced in the initial clashes between militants, Iraqi government forces and the Kurdish militia. Given the extensive trauma these individuals have survived, including torture, sexual violence, death of their family members in front of them, there are a tremendous amount of psychosocial supports that need to be put in place, Dawn Edlund, an official with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, told the committee. Yazidi women, girls and boys were routinely sold into slavery, while older men were forced to convert or be killed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

b-girlz thursday: Hosted by the B-Girlz, according to NOW Magazine. Thursday, November 9. 7 00pm. 12 Alexander Street. Art auction, performances, prizes and more. Tickets and info available here. This welcoming approach extends to their annual gala fundraising event, where patrons of all cultural and financial backgrounds are brought together for one unforgettable party. Since its founding in 1979, Buddies in Bad Times has served as an inclusive space for Toronto's LGBTQ community and theatre-lovers of all kinds. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

echoes concerns: The board has for months been struggling with a rapidly growing caseload, pushing wait times for hearings from weeks to months, according to National Observer. In June, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen ordered a full review of the arms-length tribunal, and that was even before a surge of asylum seekers at the border placed additional pressure on the board's decision-makers. And I think that's important, especially at this time of great politicization. In August, more than 2,300 claims were filed from border crossers, and a further 5,390 were filed in September. Grandi said he echoes concerns from advocates who say that could risk politicizing the process. One idea under consideration is whether the Immigration department itself should take over the refugee determination process. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

law order: See listing, according to NOW Magazine. Rating NNNImagine an episode of Law & Order written by a cynical philosophy student and you'll have a good idea of Grimly Handsome. Photo by Barry McCluskey GRIMLY HANDSOME by Julia Jarcho Theatre Animal . At the Assembly Theatre 1479 Queen West . Runs to Nov 19. 20- 25. 416-802-0297. Julia Jarcho's intriguing play uses the tropes of the thriller and the police procedural to look at things like urban alienation, power dynamics and sexual selection. After the woman's body turns up butchered, two cops Irving and Sanders again one of whose wife is having an affair with the other, investigate, aided by a possible male eyewitness. In an unnamed American city, two immigrant Christmas tree-sellers Jeff Irving and Ben Sanders display their wares, one of them convincing a shy, bookish woman Julia Course to join him for a cup of coffee. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

years city: The free parking also extends to popular destinations, including Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, according to Vancouver Courier. The City offers the complimentary parking to recognize the military service and dedication Canadian men and women provided to our country and to facilitate their work distributing poppies.article continues below Trending Stories Condo developer lashes out at Vancouver's development permit board Popular East Vancouver vintage store Sellution to close after 32 years City of Vancouver identifies more neighbourhoods to house homeless Marpole residents protest modular housing complex for homeless Nov. 8National Aboriginal Veterans Day Victory Square Cenotaph10 45 a.m. Note Drivers of vehicles displaying B.C. veteran licence plates will enjoy free parking at City of Vancouver parking meters, in Easy Park parkades and in surface lots, as well as in park board operated facilities for Veterans Week, Nov. 4 to 11. Aboriginal veterans will hold a ceremony at the Victory Square Cenotaph following a march from the Carnegie Centre at the corner of Main and Hastings at 10 15 a.m. Nov. 10Duty Calls Men of Christ Church Go to War Christ Church Cathedral7 30 p.m.690 Burrard St. The official ceremony at the cenotaph begins at 10 45 a.m. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

brightenview development: Rules for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program SINP say if an immigrant establishes a company in Regina or Saskatoon, they have to employ at least two Canadians or permanent residents, according to CBC. That's potentially 600 new jobs at Brightenview's Global Trade and Exhibition Centre GTEC . Cash-for-jobs immigration consultant connected to Sask. government-backed Chinese megamall But the premier's office has confirmed that rule doesn't apply to businesses at the GTH even though it is inside city of Regina limits. Brightenview Development International is constructing a wholesale mall at the GTH, which the company says will house 300 businesses run by would-be Chinese immigrants wanting to sell their wares in the North American market. This map from the City of Regina website shows the GTH is within city limits. It is accurate to say that because the business would be outside of Saskatoon or Regina there are no employee requirements, a spokesperson wrote in an email to CBC. The NDP says the provincial government is so desperate to make the Chinese megamall successful, that it's manipulating Saskatchewan's immigration rules. City of Regina A spokesperson explained that's because according to its founding legislation, the GTH is designated as its own municipality, like an airport authority or a First Nations reserve. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

city garbi: He phoned me, according to CBC. When I opened the phone, he cried, and he told me, 'Omar, my son's died,' and closed his phone. I received call from my friend, Omar Garbi said. The man was calling from Derna, Libya, the city Garbi and his wife, Sagda Elnihum, fled with their two children in 2014. Many of the victims were children. The city was hit by an air strike Oct. 31 that killed at least 17 and wounded more than 30 people. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

decision: The ministerial direction strengthens language to say the best interests of the child must be given primary consideration, rather than just being a factor in any decision, according to CBC. It also ensures the welfare of the child is considered before any decision is made on the parents' detention. Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale issued the new directive today designed to keep families together and kids out of detention as much as humanly possible. We are committed to an immigration system that protects public safety while treating people with fairness, dignity and compassion, Goodale told the House of Commons. Detention system constitutional, but not perfect Why Canada jails immigration detainees Landmark immigration detention case Alternatives include in-person reporting, cash or performance bonds, community supervision and voice reporting. Alternatives to detention will be actively and continuously sought when unconditional release is inappropriate, according to a news release from Goodale's office. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

filippo grandi: And I think that's important, especially at this time of great politicization, according to CTV. The board has for months been struggling with a rapidly growing caseload, pushing wait times for hearings from weeks to months. You have a body in this country that is insulated, relatively well insulated, from political pressures, Filippo Grandi said in an interview. In June, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen ordered a full review of the arms-length tribunal, and that was even before a surge of asylum seekers at the border placed additional pressure on the board's decision-makers. One idea under consideration is whether the Immigration department itself should take over the refugee determination process. In August, more than 2,300 claims were filed from border crossers, and a further 5,390 were filed in September. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

gun trafficking: The main targets, four men at four different homes, after a seven-month long OPP operation Project Landslide', targeting drug and weapons trafficking all believed to have connections to Ottawa street gang operations, according to CTV. Sources say through the seven-month long investigation, police seized an AK-47, AR-15 assault rifle, Uzi, glock handgun and 38-revolver. Monday Ontario Provincial Police pull off simultaneous, early morning raids at nine locations across Ottawa, Gatineau and Clarence-Rockland. Police also seized hundreds of thousands of methamphetamine pills. Budlakoti, convicted of drug and gun trafficking in 2010, he's also known as the Stateless Man after he was ordered deported after his run-ins with the law. Sources say the men arrested are Marco Dubien in Gatineau, Leopold Mercier and his son Matthiew Mercier, both from Clarence-Rockland and Deepan Budlakoti of Ottawa. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

sanctuary: She says she cannot go back to her country and does not want to leave her three kids, who are all U.S. citizens by birth, so she sought sanctuary at a house of worship, according to Metro News. Being cooped up like this is starting to drive me crazy, the 33-year-old said on a recent morning as her two oldest children headed off to school escorted by a volunteer and she stayed behind with her youngest. Morales has been living in two small rooms of the Holyrood Episcopal Church at the northern edge of Manhattan since August, shortly after immigration authorities ordered her deported to her homeland of Guatemala. Some nights I hardly sleep. Morales provided a glimpse of her experience to The Associated Press, describing a life of constant anxiety that involves staying hidden all day, except for a few furtive trips to a nearby dentist and occasional appearances on the church steps. At least two dozen immigrants have sought sanctuary at U.S. churches since the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency stepped up arrests by 40 per cent under President Donald Trump. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hollywood celebrities: Wednesday is the anniversary of Donald Trump's election victory and a reminder why such a law is required, according to The Chronicle Herald. A year after his stunning win, Trump is still blaming his problems on Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, past Republican and Democratic administrations and Congress. After that, the winner must knock it off, accept responsibility and run the province/state/country. He's still handing out childish nicknames to perceived enemies, hectoring Republicans who adore him insufficiently and picking fights with Hollywood celebrities. A year later, Trump continues in the role he played for his campaign the tough guy big brother of ordinary Americans. He's even still fighting the Civil War, and for the wrong side. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

increase access: The same is true at the global level, according to Rabble. A recent World Health Organization study found a ten-fold global increase in obesity among children and adolescents over the past four decades. One result of this more than a quarter of Canadian children are overweight or obese. Federal policymakers should take note of these grim statistic as they finalize Canada's first national food policy that will aim, among other things, to increase access to nutritious and affordable food. The disconnect between food production and consumption is also true for new Canadians, many of whom come to Canada from countries where subsistence agriculture is ubiquitous, only to end up in a downtown high rise with limited or no access to green space, never mind a plot of land for gardening. One way to address this growing problem is to make it easier for Canadians to grow their own food. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

mehak saini: We are proud of our country and should celebrate its accomplishments, according to The Chronicle Herald. Also, we welcome change to better equip, accommodate and reconcile issues with visible minorities. Kudos to Mehak Saini for her comments in Dalhousie student slams anti-Canadian' motion Oct. 31 story . She clearly and succinctly summarized what I imagine are the sentiments of a majority of Dal students, let alone millions of Canadians. Surely the best way to effect these changes is through calm, intelligent, measured, factful and provocative interactions vs. the divisive, confrontational, isolating, sensational and, arguably, racist anti-white rant of Masuma Khan. Saini's methodology and work toward solutions, not promote conflict and dissension. All Canadians should embrace Ms. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

security forces: It expresses grave concern at reports of human rights violations in Rakhine by Myanmar's security forces against the Rohingya, according to CTV. These include the systematic use of force and intimidation, killing of men, women and children, sexual violence and ... the destruction and burning of homes and property, it says. The presidential statement calls on Myanmar's government to ensure no further excessive use of military force in Rakhine State and take immediate steps to respect human rights. Britain initially circulated a Security Council resolution with similar language, backed by the U.S., France and other council members. China is one of the five countries that have veto power on the council. But resolutions are legally binding and diplomats said China, a neighbour and ally of Myanmar, was strongly opposed. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.