Award-winning doc on queer refugees fleeing to Canada screening for free on NFB website

December 7, 2012. 9:48 am • Section: Pop Tart

VANCOUVER, Canada — Tim Stephenson is a former Canadian government minister, a current city councillor of Vancouver, and an ordained pastor, while Reverend Gary Paterson holds one of the highest positions in the United Church of Canada as its elected leader/moderator.

But the extensive political and religious accomplishments of both men are not what these two Canadians are most known for.

KITCHENER — Four little boys — two and three years old — are having a grand time in their new home.

Last week they arrive with their mothers at Reception House, a home for government-sponsored refugees. The Somali boys have been living in refugee camps, where they are used to running around.

Gangs target financially successful families in the country’s ongoing drug war

When gangs targeted their children, the Balcortas fled to Calgary. (Chris Bolin)

In Mexico, Daniel Balcorta had it good. Three cars, a house with a pool, lavish meals at Cancun’s top restaurants—such were the perks of a successful realtor selling beachfront on the Yucatan coastline. A former professional soccer player, Balcorta had paired minor celebrity with a strong grasp of Internet commerce, and developed a thriving business catering to well-heeled snowbirds from the U.S. and Canada. “I even had a private jet I’d rent to fly around my clients viewing properties,” says the 34-year-old ruefully. “We lived a very comfortable life.”