Immigrants need help learning Canada’s ‘secret rules’, researchers say
By Louisa Taylor, The Ottawa Citizen May 31, 2012 7:03 PM

OTTAWA — Immigrants need help learning not just Canada’s two official languages, but also the “secret rules” of Canadian life in order to fit into their new home, according to the authors of a report released Thursday.

The ability to speak and read English or French is viewed as key to the economic success of newcomers, and the federal government is implementing mandatory language testing for immigrants in their country of origin and increasing the level of proficiency required. But in their report for the Institute for Research on Public Policy, Tracey Derwing and Erin Waugh looked at the role of language and cultural practices in how immigrants develop friendships, join social organizations and build networks within the mainstream.

Indo-Canadian Women’s Association: In the Name of Honour Conference
Tuesday, June 5 from 6 – 10pm
Wednesday, June 6 from 8 – 5pm
MacEwan University – Robbins Health Learning Centre – 10910-104 Avenue
In The Heart of the Robbins; Room #9-100 (main floor)

This conference is part of a two-year project by the Indo-Canadian Women’s Association focused on stopping harmful cultural practices that hurt women and girls. The project also aims to mobilize the community to have zero tolerance for honour-based violence while aiming to empower girls and women who are vulnerable to this type of abuse.

Hosted by CBC Edmonton’s Portia Clark.

Don’t miss this fascinating conference. Registration is only $75 and $40 for students. For more information, or registration click here.

British intellectual Kenan Malik says Canada is repeating Europe’s errors.

Author Kenan Malik slams Canada’s “illiberal” immigration policies

British intellectual Kenan Malik says Canada is repeating Europe’s errors.

By Charlie Smith, May 31, 2012

A British author and broadcaster has claimed that Canada’s Conservative government has embarked on a “disastrous policy” by bringing in more temporary foreign workers to deal with labour-market demands. In a phone interview from his home in London, England, Kenan Malik told the Georgia Straight that this approach has created deep social, cultural, and political divisions and greater religious extremism in Germany, France, and other countries.

“You have a whole group of workers who have few rights, no access to services, and no access to citizenship,” Malik said. “That can only create the kind of problems that we’ve had in Europe with the guest-worker system over here.”

Graphic video appeared on Edmonton-based website days before body parts were mailed
BY GLEN MCGREGOR, THE OTTAWA CITIZEN MAY 30, 2012 11:00 PM

(…)
WARNING: The following story contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some readers.

A horrifying and graphic video believed to show the aftermath of a death linked to the body parts case was posted on an Alberta-based website four days before a severed hand and foot were sent through Canada Post to political party offices in Ottawa.

The video, titled “1 lunatic 1 ice pick”, depicts a person committing gross indignities to a naked body.

The assailant wears a black hoodie throughout the clip and cannot be identified. The victim is Asian and appears be in his 20s or 30s.

Toronto-based Daughters for Life foundation awarded female students from the Islamic University in Gaza were: Eman Farrag, Esra Qawash, Reem Safi, Shireen Qasem, and Zaina Muhaisen.

July – 17 – 2011
Dr. Abuelaish received a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. Rustom, Vice President of the Islamic University for Foreign Relations and Information Technology, on July 17, 2011. Once again, the Daughters for Life foundation awarded smart young women who achieved academic brilliance. The awardees of the Islamic University in Gaza were: Eman Farrag, Esra Qawash, Reem Safi, Shireen Qasem, and Zaina Muhaisen.
Dr. Khozondar, Coordinator of the External Relations Office of the Vice President for External Relations, and Prof. Ayesh, Deputy Director of Public Relations, also attended the ceremony.

DFLF  website