enforcement officers: A proposed bylaw intended to curtail bullying in Whitehorse has rights experts worried it could end up increasing carding of Indigenous people and curtailing freedom of expression, according to Toronto Star. Rhiannon Russell Russell Knutson, chair of the Yukon Human Rights Commission, said the proposed bylaw appears to trample on both the Constitution and the Canadian Human Rights Act. It's a quandary that has plagued several jurisdictions that try to proactively stem bullying through legislation before the problem crosses a criminal line. If a bully is defined too broadly and the powers of discretion that are in the hands of enforcement officers are too broad, then you set yourself up for the potential of conflict, Knutson said. It also included creating a negative environment and objectionable or inappropriate comments, but excluded nuisance behaviours. The first draft of the bylaw defined bullying behaviour as repeated behaviour intended to cause, or that should have been known to cause, fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress or other forms of harm to another person. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

flagship fundraiser: The annual event originated as the flagship fundraiser for the Foundation of Hope, a Canadian organization whose goal is to enhance the lives of LGBTQ migrants and their families who are looking to flee countries where they're being prosecuted for their sexual orientation, according to CTV. Some of these stories are so heart wrenching, said Carl Meadows, president of the Foundation of Hope. Participants in the fourth annual Strut Vancouver walk-a-thon took a 1.6 kilometre stroll along the seawall sporting their most outrageous heels in support of LGBTQ refugees who may have faced persecution in their home countries because of their sexuality. Many of the women in these countries, particularly the female to male transgender people, can't even get access to documentation without males signing for them. It's one of those things that helps me sleep at night, knowing that we're doing something, Working with charities across the country, the foundation ensures these groups get the funding they need to provide essential services to LGBTQ refugees. The walk uses stilettos to defy gender norms while promoting inclusion and raising awareness of migrant suffering. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

g summit: While several governments have expressed concern about what is happening in Burma, none has taken concrete measures commensurate with the gravity of the situation, according to Toronto Star. As a host for the G7 summit, Canada has the opportunity to play a lead role in this effort. An estimated 81,000 women in the refugee camps are pregnant, according to the Bangladeshi Health Ministry, in the aftermath of gang rapes by Burma's military. As suggested in a recent report by Ottawa's special envoy to Burma, Bob Rae, the G7 nations can collectively form an independent impartial mechanism to document the crimes perpetrated by the Burma Armed Forces and take Burma to an international tribunal. The G7 can collectively impose sanctions. Members of the G7 that have ratified the Genocide Convention can invoke it upon Burma, which is also a signatory to the it. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hispanic workers: Bourdain, who died Friday in France in an apparent suicide at age 61, was an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's immigration policies and a fierce defender of Hispanic workers, according to The Chronicle Herald. The chef, global traveller and author, whose popularity grew with his CNN series Parts Unknown, often was the first to tip his hat to his employees from Central America or Mexico. He also was committed to the immigrant workers who toil in his and other kitchens throughout the restaurant industry. He promoted his Mexican-born sous chef, the late Carlos Llaguno Garcia, to run two of his New York restaurants and complained loudly about the United States' ridiculously hypocritical attitudes toward immigration. But in two decades as a chef and employer, I never had one American kid walk in my door and apply for a dishwashing job, a porter's position or even a job as prep cook. Some, of course, like to claim that Mexicans are stealing American jobs, Bourdain said in 2014. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

quebec solidaire: We've got to get going on inclusion, in job recognition, in diploma recognition, said Khadir, according to CTV. To that end, the party first wants to force public services to hire more minorities. Party spokesperson Manon Mass and MNA Amir Khadir presented their four-part policy at a news conference while surrounded by a diverse roster of party members. In the long run, Quebec Solidaire would like to see 18 per cent of public servants from cultural communities, and 13 per cent from visible minorities. Spread throughout Quebec, these centers would also encourage settlement in other regions of the province. The party also plans to create reception centers for refugees or asylum seekers where they would be welcomed and directed to resources. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rights commission: Russell Knutson, chair of the Yukon Human Rights Commission, said the proposed bylaw appears to trample on both the Constitution and the Canadian Human Rights Act, according to The Chronicle Herald. If a bully is defined too broadly and the powers of discretion that are in the hands of enforcement officers are too broad, then you set yourself up for the potential of conflict, Knutson said. It's a quandary that has plagued several jurisdictions that try to proactively stem bullying through legislation before the problem crosses a criminal line. The first draft of the bylaw defined bullying behaviour as repeated behaviour intended to cause, or that should have been known to cause, fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress or other forms of harm to another person. Beyond that, it grants an enforcement officer the power to require a person suspected of bullying to produce identification. It also included creating a negative environment and objectionable or inappropriate comments, but excluded nuisance behaviours. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

behaviour: If a bully is defined too broadly and the powers of discretion that are in the hands of enforcement officers are too broad, then you set yourself up for the potential of conflict, Knutson said, according to Vancouver Courier. The first draft of the bylaw defined bullying behaviour as repeated behaviour intended to cause, or that should have been known to cause, fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress or other forms of harm to another person. It's a quandary that has plagued several jurisdictions that try to proactively stem bullying through legislation before the problem crosses a criminal line.article continues below Trending Stories Vancouver has changed; its approach to schools must change, too Heavily armed police presence at Vancouver's Italian Day sparks public debateCTV Vancouver parts ways with Tamara Taggart and Mike Killeen Gangs of Vancouver Russell Knutson, chair of the Yukon Human Rights Commission, said the proposed bylaw appears to trample on both the Constitution and the Canadian Human Rights Act. It also included creating a negative environment and objectionable or inappropriate comments, but excluded nuisance behaviours. Knutson said the practice of random identification checks, or carding, can lead to racial discrimination because visible minorities are often confronted more often by enforcement officers. Beyond that, it grants an enforcement officer the power to require a person suspected of bullying to produce identification. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tamara taggart: Malta refused on Sunday.article continues below Trending Stories Vancouver has changed; its approach to schools must change, too Heavily armed police presence at Vancouver's Italian Day sparks public debateCTV Vancouver parts ways with Tamara Taggart and Mike Killeen Gangs of Vancouver Spain's new Socialist prime minister, Pedro Sanchez stepped in Monday, ordering authorities in Valencia to prepare for the ship's arrival, according to Vancouver Courier. It's our duty to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe and offer a secure port for these people, Sanchez said. The Aquarius, a rescue vessel operated by aid group SOS Mediterranee, has been stuck in the Mediterranean Sea since Saturday, when Italy refused its crew permission to dock and demanded that Malta do so. Both the ship and its passengers were caught up in a political dispute that might not have happened weeks ago. Evidently it pays to raise one's voice, something Italy hasn't done as long as one can remember, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, the League's leader, said Monday at party headquarters. One of the coalition partners in the populist government that took over in Italy on June 1, the right-wing League, promised voters other European Union countries would be made to share the burden of caring for asylum-seekers who set out for Europe on unseaworthy smugglers' boats. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hispanic workers: Bourdain, who died Friday in France in an apparent suicide at age 61, was an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's immigration policies and a fierce defender of Hispanic workers, according to CTV. The chef, global traveller and author, whose popularity grew with his CNN series Parts Unknown, often was the first to tip his hat to his employees from Central America or Mexico. He also was committed to the immigrant workers who toil in his and other kitchens throughout the restaurant industry. He promoted his Mexican-born sous chef, the late Carlos Llaguno Garcia, to run two of his New York restaurants and complained loudly about the United States' ridiculously hypocritical attitudes toward immigration. But in two decades as a chef and employer, I never had one American kid walk in my door and apply for a dishwashing job, a porter's position or even a job as prep cook. Some, of course, like to claim that Mexicans are stealing American jobs, Bourdain said in 2014. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

myanmar: On Wednesday, Myanmar and UN agencies signed an agreement that could -- eventually -- lead to the return of some of the 700,000 Rohingya who fled persecution in their homeland and are now crowded into makeshift camps in Bangladesh, according to CTV. While the refugees welcomed the talks, they have also heard years of empty promises from the government in Yangon. Most refugees say they are desperate to go home, but fear going back unless they are given protection and citizenship. Mohammed Toiteb Ali, who fled brutal attacks last year that sent hundreds of thousands of Rohingya across the border, said Yangon could first give citizenship to the Rohingya who remain in Myanmar. Many said they would not be truly happy with an agreement unless it announces that the Rohingya will get citizenship and the return of the property they lost in the pogroms. When we are assured by seeing and knowing that they are enjoying their citizenship, then we will go back, Ali said Friday, while strolling through the crowded market of the Kutupalong refugee camp. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

police: Protesters held up the Edmonton Pride Parade Saturday, demanding police and military be prohibited from marching in future parades, according to Toronto Star. Ameya Charnalia / Star Metro Edmonton We feel strongly that police should not be welcomed to march in pride parades because police have done little to seriously address the constant mistreatment of trans people, Indigenous people, Black people, people of colour and the homeless community, the group's media liaison Agnieszka Kucharska said in a statement. Protestors say their demands were met after they consulted with Edmonton Pride Festival Society representatives at the blockade, which took place after 11 a.m. on the parade route at Whyte Avenue and 104 Street. Engaging in civil disobedience is the true meaning of the history of pride, which was and is the struggle to create a better world for all. Article Continued Below The Edmonton Police Service EPS could not be reached immediately for comment. The group, which billed itself as a coalition of queer and trans people of colour, additionally demanded the Edmonton Pride Festival Society restructure its board and staff to have better representation of ethnic minorities and trans people. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

world bank: International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau told a news conference Saturday that she has visited refugees across the globe, including Iraq and Bangladesh, according to CTV. She said women and girls have suffered unspeakable violence and still live in a vulnerable environment. That's includes a 400-million investment from Canada as part of the overall three-year commitment, and also includes contributions from G7 partners and the World Bank. These mothers all share the same dream -- they see their kids in school, for them to have hope in their future. The summit in Quebec's Charlevoix region wrapped up Saturday afternoon. The money raised exceeds the US 1.3 billion over three years that a coalition of 30 non-governmental organizations had called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to raise as part of his chairmanship of the G7 this year. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

g partners: She said women and girls have suffered unspeakable violence and still live in a vulnerable environment, according to Vancouver Courier. These mothers all share the same dream they see their kids in school, for them to have hope in their future. That's includes a 400-million investment from Canada as part of the overall three-year commitment, and also includes contributions from G7 partners and the World Bank.article continues below Trending Stories Adriane Carr will not run for mayor of Vancouver Teacher leaves classroom behind for life as police officer Minimum wage increases go into effect June 1 across B.C. Fixed link advocates offer alternative Squamish to Powell River option International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau told a news conference Saturday that she has visited refugees across the globe, including Iraq and Bangladesh. The money raised exceeds the US 1.3 billion over three years that a coalition of 30 non-governmental organizations had called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to raise as part of his chairmanship of the G7 this year. The coalition, which includes groups such as Save the Children and World Vision, offered the government widespread public praise on Saturday. The summit in Quebec's Charlevoix region wrapped up Saturday afternoon. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

hispanic workers.article: Bourdain, who died Friday in France in an apparent suicide at age 61, was an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's immigration policies and a fierce defender of Hispanic workers.article continues below Trending Stories Adriane Carr will not run for mayor of Vancouver Teacher leaves classroom behind for life as police officer Minimum wage increases go into effect June 1 across B.C. Fixed link advocates offer alternative Squamish to Powell River option The chef, global traveller and author, whose popularity grew with his CNN series Parts Unknown, often was the first to tip his hat to his employees from Central America or Mexico, according to Vancouver Courier. He promoted his Mexican-born sous chef, the late Carlos Llaguno Garcia, to run two of his New York restaurants and complained loudly about the United States' ridiculously hypocritical attitudes toward immigration. He also was committed to the immigrant workers who toil in his and other kitchens throughout the restaurant industry. Some, of course, like to claim that Mexicans are stealing American jobs, Bourdain said in 2014. During the 2016 presidential campaign season, Bourdain slammed Trump's promises to deport immigrants in the U.S. illegally and build a wall along the Mexican border. But in two decades as a chef and employer, I never had one American kid walk in my door and apply for a dishwashing job, a porter's position or even a job as prep cook. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

police officer: We just need to have a little more swagger as a country, a little more of an ability to promote and demonstrate how awesome we are, according to Vancouver Courier. We don't often do that. Speaking at e-commerce giant Shopify Inc.'s annual conference in Toronto on Tuesday, he praised Canada's entrepreneurs, but lamented how susceptible their innovations are to overseas investors.article continues below Trending Stories Adriane Carr will not run for mayor of Vancouver Teacher leaves classroom behind for life as police officer Minimum wage increases go into effect June 1 across B.C. Fixed link advocates offer alternative Squamish to Powell River option As soon as we come up with a really great idea, someone with really deep pockets comes up from the States or somewhere else in the world and says, 'Oh great, I am going to incorporate that into my platform,' he said. We don't do that enough. He said there's also a flurry of Canadians returning home from the U.S., but did not elaborate further. Trudeau said he has seen a lot of funding flowing to Canada from Silicon Valley, where major American technology companies have built their businesses, but we need to do a better job of generating that capital here. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

alice-anne simard: We are here to denounce the violence from the neoliberal policies of the G7 members. -- Alice-Anne Simard, Eau Secours. -- I'm marching with a simple message to open the border, according to CTV. It's important that we all unify. Here's a taste of what the demonstrators had to say to the leaders attending the summit in La Malbaie -- We will not condemn acts that have not been committed. What's happening in Quebec is, the right and populist politicians are using refugees and migrants to essentially try to blame them for austerity messages, which have nothing to do with migrants coming into the country and everything to do with political choices. -- Moira Kilmainham, protester from Montreal. Each has to draw a conclusion on their own role in it. We all have to ensure life on earth before profit. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

executive director: Syma Habib said the Alex Community Food Centre sees about 300 people a week, most of whom are on social assistance and are from a marginalized groups, according to Toronto Star. Mary Getaneh Franco Savoia, executive director of Vibrant Communities Calgary, said the report is a snapshot of the rate of low-income residents in the city, based on Statistics Canada's Census 2016. The report, released earlier this week, is from Vibrant Communities Calgary, a non-profit that works at reducing the number of Calgarians living in poverty. In 2005 the per cent of people living below the low income tax was about 10.3 per cent, now it is at 8.1 per cent, said Savoia. Though there are more people living poverty now, said Savoia. When you take the population, we grew as a city, but our poverty did not grow correspondingly. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

rakocevic: Tom Rakocevic has claimed Humber River-Black Creek for the NDP. SUBMITTED IMAGE It was a sweet win for Rakocevic after his two previous defeats in the same riding, according to Toronto Star. The riding, formerly known as York West, had been a Liberal stronghold since 1999 when Mario Sergio took it from the Progressive Conservatives. After two previous defeats in the races in Humber River Black Creek riding, formerly known as York West, Tom Rakocevic snagged the seat for the New Democrats on Thursday, defeating Liberal Deanna Sgro and PC Cyma Musarat with 37.4 per cent of the vote in a tight three-way race. Despite the growing support for the New Democrats in the last two elections, the Liberals were hardly challenged, with the PC a distant third. Article Continued Below Situated in the northwest of the city, the riding has a large immigrant and working class population. With Sergio not seeking re-election and the rising blue tide led by PC leader Doug Ford, the riding became an open race. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

government-added encumbrances: The latest example of this is LG, which is to open an artificial intelligence lab in Toronto, according to The Chronicle Herald. I am pretty sure that work could just as easily be performed in Nova Scotia and all of their employees could afford a house here, and in most cases, go home for lunch. Vancouver and Toronto continue to appeal to new businesses despite the fact that most of their employees won't be able to buy a home and will most probably have at least a half-hour commute. Our politicians have to get the word out to potential clients and sell them on our advantages, after eliminating government-added encumbrances. Ron Young, New Glasgow Change, but only in small doses Think of a place with all the things you need and want. Maybe a committee should be set up for this very reason. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

home hardware: They'll also be joined by producer Tawgs Salter Josh Groban, Alan Doyle and Nashville pop/soul/EDM writer and performer Thomas Daniel, according to The Chronicle Herald. Tickets for the concert are on sale now at the Keltic Lodge, Doucette's Market and Home Hardware in Ingonish. The camp is four days of intensive songwriting from July 8-12, with Grammy Award-winner Sampson overseeing returning alumni like Port Cities, Quake Matthews, Jodi Guthro and Dave Sampson, as well as newcomers MAJE, Makayla Lynn, Maura Whitman and more. For more about the Gordie Sampson Songcamp, visit (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

night wasn: The NDP will form Official Opposition with more seats than they had before the election, and more than have been elected in Ontario in a generation, Horwath pointed out, according to CTV. Supporters relished each successful candidate, both incumbent and newcomers wiping out longtime MPPs. Though, the night wasn't without gains. I told the premier-designate that New Democrats will work each and every day for the change that families need to make lives better for all of us, she told the crowd of emotional supporters gathered at the Hamilton Convention Centre. I respect that decision and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the official opposition and hold this government to account because lord knows, they're going to need to be held to account, Horwath said. The people of Ontario made their decision tonight. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

shock doctrine: While Naomi Klein is known for her big, blockbuster books including This Changes Everything and, more importantly in connection with her newest book, The Shock Doctrine The Rise of Disaster Capitalism, according to Toronto Star. This time she has written a small, 77-page look at how Puerto Rico and its citizens have fared in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. They're very different one more narrative and descriptive, the other filled with observations made over many years and both powerful in very different ways. Humanity by Ai Weiwei, Princeton University Press. Equipped with solar panels, it became a beacon of hope during the dark days and nights after the storms hit. Princeton University Press The Battle for Paradise, Naomi Klein, Haymarket Books Haymarket Books In The Battle For Paradise Puerto Rico Takes On The Disaster Capitalists, a compelling and accessible read and work of reportage, she chronicles her visit to the island and, particularly, a community and ecology centre called Casa Pueblo. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

artifacts: Now collected in one book, The Ward Uncovered is an essential Toronto time capsule, according to NOW Magazine. Book launch with dramatic readings music, and artifacts on display. 7-9 pm. Discovered underneath were half a million artifacts from the area's days as The Ward, a poor but vibrant 'arrival city' home to Irish, African-American, Jewish and Chinese immigrants between 1840-1950. Free. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

health concerns: A previous case in Guangzhou, disclosed last month, prompted the tests, according to Vancouver Courier. The incidents have raised fears the unexplained issues that started in Cuba in 2016 have expanded to other countries. The alert urged Americans to seek medical help in the event they suffered any unusual, unexplained physical symptoms or events, auditory or sensory phenomena, or other health concerns. article continues below Trending Stories Charge laid in death of senior assaulted outside Costco Heather Lands proposed as site for temporary modular housing Randomized ballot a go for Vancouver's 2018 civic election Lacrosse community mourns Delta crash victim The alert comes as a U.S. medical team is screening more Americans who work at the Guangzhou consulate. China says it has uncovered no information that could point to a cause. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said a number of individuals had been brought to the U.S. but didn't say how many were affected or evacuated. The most recent evacuations followed medical testing that revealed they might have been affected. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

jazz: Expand What's your most recent work Le bonheur est un parfum sans nom about Happiness and jazz, according to NOW Magazine. Do you have anything specific you do for your writing process No special method. See all of the profiles here. I just sit down and write. The fact of winning the Trillium Book Award helped me some. Describe one opportunity that improved your life as a writer. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

affairs institute: Canadian special forces are preparing to work with the Iraqi military to secure the war-ravaged city of Mosul, where Vance said ISIL remains a threat even as thousands of displaced families return home, according to CTV. Yet before that can happen, the Iraqis need to form a new government -- which has proven difficult following elections last month -- and indicate whether it still wants international forces operating in the country. Jonathan Vance said Thursday. There are a number of factors affecting mission planning for Iraq as we go forward, Vance said after an event organized by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. So that's Job 1. The government of Iraq needs to form a government and signal its intent as it relates to future military operations by coalition or on a bilateral basis in Iraq. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.