The Media Roundup provides links to recent and archived articles, in both English and French, on immigration and diversity appearing in the national and local news. Some international content is also included. Articles are updated weekly.
Global News – Canadian Pot Sector Workers Could Face Big Troubles at the U.S. Borders Says Analyst
As Canada prepares for the legalization of marijuana nation-wide, people who invest in the booming pot sector could risk a life-time at the border, according to a senior official who oversees the United States border operations. Todd Owen, executive assistant commissioner for the Office of Field Operations, told online news outlet Politico that the U.S. will continue to enforce its prohibition come Oct 17, when recreational Cannabis becomes legal. Because of that, U.S. Immigration Attorney Len Saunders says people working in Canada’s pot industry could face challenges.
Toronto Star – Online Service Shutdown Wreaks Havoc for Travellers, Immigration Applicants
For almost 12 hours this week, the immigration department’s online services were down, creating havoc for Canada-bound travellers and visa applicants with deadlines to meet for immigration, work or study permits. While some are demanding refunds from Ottawa for missed flights because they couldn’t get their pre-boarding authorization on time, others are unsure what will happen to their immigration applications for failing to submit documentation by deadline.
Globe and Mail – Maxime Bernier Taps into Immigration Controversy as He Launches People’s Party of Canada
Former Conservative MP Maxime Bernier has officially launched the People’s Party of Canada, saying the nascent political formation will fight for new rules to determine which immigrants are allowed into Canada and a smaller annual intake of refugees. A former Conservative leadership candidate, Mr. Bernier said he wants his new party to be known for its “intelligent populism.” Unveiling the name and logo of his new party on Friday, he attacked “extreme multiculturalism” and the “cult of diversity at all cost.”
Global News – Protests Outside Vancouver Court Ahead of Marrisa Shen Murder Suspect Appearance
A man accused of murdering 13-year-old Marrisa Shen appeared briefly in court on Friday. Ibrahim Ali is charged with first-degree murder in connection with Shen’s death. Members of Metro Vancouver’s Syrian community, meanwhile, held a vigil outside of the court, holding up signs that read “Justice for Marrisa Shen.” “The Syrian community has made it very clear — we are with the family, we are against the crime,” organizer Mohammed Alsaleh said ahead of the vigil.
CBC News – Citing Concerns, P.E.I. Shutting Down PNP’s Immigrant Entrepreneur Program
The government announced the closure of the entrepreneur stream of the Provincial Nominee Program Wednesday morning. “The program wasn’t meeting the expectations of Islanders, and it wasn’t meeting the expectations of government,” said Economic Development Minister Chris Palmer. Palmer said it is clear there are concerns about the entrepreneur program, so government decided to eliminate it entirely. There will be one final draw for the program on Sept. 20, with a maximum of 10 applicants selected. That last draw, said government, is to provide adequate notice.
Radio-Canada – L’Île-du-Prince-Édouard met fin à un programme controversé d’immigration
Le gouvernement de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard met fin à un programme controversé d’immigration économique. […] Entre 2012 et 2016, la plus petite province a attiré un peu plus de 7500 immigrants économiques en vertu de son Programme des candidats. Le programme garantissait à ces investisseurs, venus de Chine pour la plupart, le statut de résident permanent au Canada dès leur arrivée, en échange d’un dépôt de 200 000 dollars.
