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.”