Canadian PM names first anti-Islamophobia adviser
Canada appointed its first special representative on combatting Islamophobia, a position created following several recent attacks on Muslims in the country.
Journalist and activist Amira Elghawaby will fill the post to "serve as a champion, adviser, expert and representative to support and enhance the federal government's efforts in the fight against Islamophobia, systemic racism, racial discrimination and religious intolerance," a statement by the prime minister's office said.
@maplechronicles
Canada appointed its first special representative on combatting Islamophobia, a position created following several recent attacks on Muslims in the country.
Journalist and activist Amira Elghawaby will fill the post to "serve as a champion, adviser, expert and representative to support and enhance the federal government's efforts in the fight against Islamophobia, systemic racism, racial discrimination and religious intolerance," a statement by the prime minister's office said.
@maplechronicles
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Poilievre challenges Trudeau to fix 'broken' Canada or 'get out of the way'
During the 20-minute speech in both French and English, Poilievre repeated many of the shots he’s taken at Trudeau in recent months.
He covered a wide range of issues both broad and specific, such as immigration, government spending, inflation, crime, passports, and planes and trains.
He reiterated his claim that “everything feels broken” in Canada that earned him a stern rebuke from the Prime Minister in a speech last fall.
Poilievre told his MPs that a Conservative government would:
▪️cap government spending
▪️reduce “waste” within the bureaucracy
▪️fire the “high-priced consultants” who have raked in billions of dollars in additional federal contracts since Trudeau was first elected in 2015.
@maplechronicles
During the 20-minute speech in both French and English, Poilievre repeated many of the shots he’s taken at Trudeau in recent months.
He covered a wide range of issues both broad and specific, such as immigration, government spending, inflation, crime, passports, and planes and trains.
He reiterated his claim that “everything feels broken” in Canada that earned him a stern rebuke from the Prime Minister in a speech last fall.
Poilievre told his MPs that a Conservative government would:
▪️cap government spending
▪️reduce “waste” within the bureaucracy
▪️fire the “high-priced consultants” who have raked in billions of dollars in additional federal contracts since Trudeau was first elected in 2015.
@maplechronicles
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More than 30 people arrested in child porn crackdown in Quebec
The suspects, ages 37 to 79, have already appeared in court in their respective regions in the wake of an operation that involved more than 275 officers from the SQ, as well as the Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Gatineau and Quebec City police departments.
Those arrested face charges including online luring of children, arranging to commit a sexual offence on a child, making sexually explicit material available to a child, sexual assault and possession and distribution of child pornography.
The arrests follow an investigation that began in the autumn of 2022.
#Quebec
@maplechronicles
The suspects, ages 37 to 79, have already appeared in court in their respective regions in the wake of an operation that involved more than 275 officers from the SQ, as well as the Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Gatineau and Quebec City police departments.
Those arrested face charges including online luring of children, arranging to commit a sexual offence on a child, making sexually explicit material available to a child, sexual assault and possession and distribution of child pornography.
The arrests follow an investigation that began in the autumn of 2022.
#Quebec
@maplechronicles
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B.C. approves 2.5% Vancouver accommodation tax to help city pay to host FIFA World Cup
Starting Feb. 1, booking a room in a Vancouver hotel, Airbnb or vacation rental by owner (VRBO) will come with an additional 2.5 per cent tax as the city seeks to raise revenue to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Major events tax will be in effect in Vancouver for 7 years to help city offset cost of hosting the games.
Vancouver and Toronto are among 16 North American host cities and will hold 10 of the event's 70 matches.
#BritishColumbia
@maplechronicles
Starting Feb. 1, booking a room in a Vancouver hotel, Airbnb or vacation rental by owner (VRBO) will come with an additional 2.5 per cent tax as the city seeks to raise revenue to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Major events tax will be in effect in Vancouver for 7 years to help city offset cost of hosting the games.
Vancouver and Toronto are among 16 North American host cities and will hold 10 of the event's 70 matches.
#BritishColumbia
@maplechronicles
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🇳🇬Over 28,000 Nigerians secured Canadian permanent residency in seven years
At least 28,358 Nigerians received invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residency from 2015 to 2021.
According to the report, Nigeria rose from seventh to the second most common country of citizenship of applicants who received an ITA from the Canadian authority in the four years spanning 2015 to 2019.
Within that period, the number of Nigerians who received ITAs rose by a whopping 889 per cent.
@maplechronicles
At least 28,358 Nigerians received invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residency from 2015 to 2021.
According to the report, Nigeria rose from seventh to the second most common country of citizenship of applicants who received an ITA from the Canadian authority in the four years spanning 2015 to 2019.
Within that period, the number of Nigerians who received ITAs rose by a whopping 889 per cent.
@maplechronicles
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The real newcomer numbers
The federal government has been touting the record numbers of immigrants arriving in Canada, but the over 431,000 it cites is in fact less than half the number of newcomers who came to the country last year.
Once combined with non-permanent residents, the number of newcomers in 2022 amounted to an estimated 955,000, which represents “an unprecedented swing in housing demand in a single year that is currently not fully reflected in official figures,” according to a Jan. 25 CIBC report.
The number of new international arrivals in 2023 could reach a million.
@maplechronicles
The federal government has been touting the record numbers of immigrants arriving in Canada, but the over 431,000 it cites is in fact less than half the number of newcomers who came to the country last year.
Once combined with non-permanent residents, the number of newcomers in 2022 amounted to an estimated 955,000, which represents “an unprecedented swing in housing demand in a single year that is currently not fully reflected in official figures,” according to a Jan. 25 CIBC report.
The number of new international arrivals in 2023 could reach a million.
@maplechronicles
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Forwarded from Topic du jour
🇨🇦Canadian theater sparks outrage after announcing black-only performances
A taxpayer-funded Canadian theater organization has sparked outrage after announcing an event that will only allow “Black-identifying audiences” to attend.
The National Arts Centre in Ottawa is putting on a “Black Out” night at its Babs Asper Theatre on Feb. 17 — the middle of Black History Month — for the performance of “Is God Is,” a play written by and starring Black women.
“A Black Out is an open invitation to Black-identifying audiences to come and experience performances with their community,” the theater announced earlier this month.
“The evenings will provide a dedicated space for Black theatregoers to witness a show that reflects the vivid kaleidoscope that is the Black experience.”
@topicdujour
A taxpayer-funded Canadian theater organization has sparked outrage after announcing an event that will only allow “Black-identifying audiences” to attend.
The National Arts Centre in Ottawa is putting on a “Black Out” night at its Babs Asper Theatre on Feb. 17 — the middle of Black History Month — for the performance of “Is God Is,” a play written by and starring Black women.
“A Black Out is an open invitation to Black-identifying audiences to come and experience performances with their community,” the theater announced earlier this month.
“The evenings will provide a dedicated space for Black theatregoers to witness a show that reflects the vivid kaleidoscope that is the Black experience.”
@topicdujour
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🇨🇦🇲🇽One of Canada's 'most wanted' arrested in Mexico for alleged pimping and sexual offences
A Canada-wide warrant had been placed for Blake Charbonneau's arrest, with a reward of up to $50,000 offered last year for information that could lead to his capture.
Charbonneau was arrested by Mexican authorities and brought to Toronto, and then finally transferred to the custody of the Sûreté du Québec's integrated pimping squad.
Charbonneau will appear at the Quebec City courthouse to face charges of sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, aggravated sexual assault, obtaining sexual services for a fee (including from minors), and aggravated sexual assault.
@maplechronicles
A Canada-wide warrant had been placed for Blake Charbonneau's arrest, with a reward of up to $50,000 offered last year for information that could lead to his capture.
Charbonneau was arrested by Mexican authorities and brought to Toronto, and then finally transferred to the custody of the Sûreté du Québec's integrated pimping squad.
Charbonneau will appear at the Quebec City courthouse to face charges of sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, aggravated sexual assault, obtaining sexual services for a fee (including from minors), and aggravated sexual assault.
@maplechronicles
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Recent voting intentions poll shows Liberals and Conservatives are tied
According to the latest federal voting intentions poll by Léger, support for the Liberal Party is now 34%, 4 percentage points higher than last month. The Conservative Party of Canada is also polling at 34%, up 1 point from last month, while support for the NDP has decreased 2 points to 19%.
The next Canadian federal election will take place in 2025.
@maplechronicles
According to the latest federal voting intentions poll by Léger, support for the Liberal Party is now 34%, 4 percentage points higher than last month. The Conservative Party of Canada is also polling at 34%, up 1 point from last month, while support for the NDP has decreased 2 points to 19%.
The next Canadian federal election will take place in 2025.
@maplechronicles
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Canada hosts 2023 Arctic Winter Games
The opening ceremony of the 2023 Arctic Winter Games took place on January 29. This year, the Games will be hosted in Wood Buffalo, Alberta, on Treaty 8 Territory.
An international contingent of 2,100 athletes, coaches, mission staff, officials, and artists from five Canadian jurisdictions (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, and Nunavik), Alaska (United States), Greenland and the Sami region (Finland, Sweden, and Norway) will take part in the Games.
The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada, has invested $2.5 million in the Arctic Winter Games, one of the largest and most important sport and cultural events in the circumpolar north. A total of 20 sports will be held at 13 venues across the regional municipality.
@maplechronicles
The opening ceremony of the 2023 Arctic Winter Games took place on January 29. This year, the Games will be hosted in Wood Buffalo, Alberta, on Treaty 8 Territory.
An international contingent of 2,100 athletes, coaches, mission staff, officials, and artists from five Canadian jurisdictions (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, and Nunavik), Alaska (United States), Greenland and the Sami region (Finland, Sweden, and Norway) will take part in the Games.
The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada, has invested $2.5 million in the Arctic Winter Games, one of the largest and most important sport and cultural events in the circumpolar north. A total of 20 sports will be held at 13 venues across the regional municipality.
@maplechronicles
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National Arts Centre cancels much-criticized plan for 'Black-only' performance
The Art Centre, which previously invited only "black-identifying audience" to attend the Feb. 17 performance, now states that it "will welcome Black audiences" without specifying that non-Black patrons should make other plans.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The Art Centre, which previously invited only "black-identifying audience" to attend the Feb. 17 performance, now states that it "will welcome Black audiences" without specifying that non-Black patrons should make other plans.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Telegram
Topic du jour
🇨🇦Canadian theater sparks outrage after announcing black-only performances
A taxpayer-funded Canadian theater organization has sparked outrage after announcing an event that will only allow “Black-identifying audiences” to attend.
The National Arts Centre…
A taxpayer-funded Canadian theater organization has sparked outrage after announcing an event that will only allow “Black-identifying audiences” to attend.
The National Arts Centre…
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⚡️Drug decriminalization in B.C. begins today
Adults are allowed to possess a total of 2.5 grams of opioids like heroin and fentanyl, as well as crack and powder cocaine, meth and MDMA.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Adults are allowed to possess a total of 2.5 grams of opioids like heroin and fentanyl, as well as crack and powder cocaine, meth and MDMA.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Quebec wants Trudeau government's anti-Islamophobia adviser removed over Bill 21 comments
Amira Elghawaby faces criticism over her opinion on Quebec’s secularism law, Bill 21.
🔹The law bans public employees in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols such as a kippah, turban or hijab while on the job.
In 2019 Elghawaby referenced a poll, that found 88 per cent of Quebecers who held negative views of Islam supported the secularism law’s ban on religious symbols.
“The majority of Quebecers appear to be swayed not by the rule of law, but by anti-Muslim sentiment.” - she wrote in her opinion piece.
Elghawaby has recently clarified that she does not believe Quebecers are Islamophobic and that her comments were only in reference to the Bill 21 poll.
Nevertheless, Quebec officials consider her comments "inappropriate" and call for her resignation.
#Quebec
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Amira Elghawaby faces criticism over her opinion on Quebec’s secularism law, Bill 21.
🔹The law bans public employees in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols such as a kippah, turban or hijab while on the job.
In 2019 Elghawaby referenced a poll, that found 88 per cent of Quebecers who held negative views of Islam supported the secularism law’s ban on religious symbols.
“The majority of Quebecers appear to be swayed not by the rule of law, but by anti-Muslim sentiment.” - she wrote in her opinion piece.
Elghawaby has recently clarified that she does not believe Quebecers are Islamophobic and that her comments were only in reference to the Bill 21 poll.
Nevertheless, Quebec officials consider her comments "inappropriate" and call for her resignation.
#Quebec
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Canadian province tries decriminalizing drugs to fight overdose crisis
British Columbia began a three-year pilot program to stop prosecuting people for carrying small amounts of heroin, meth, ecstasy, or crack cocaine, as part of an effort to fight a drug overdose crisis.
B.C. is at the epicenter of Canada's drug overdose and trafficking crisis that has killed more than 32,000 nationally since 2016, when the province declared it a public health emergency.
Preliminary data released by the province showed there were 2,272 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths in 2022.
The fed government said in May it would let B.C. decriminalize the drugs in a first-of-its-kind exemption. By not prosecuting people carrying small amounts of drugs, the B.C. government hopes to tackle the issue as a health problem rather than through the criminal justice system.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
British Columbia began a three-year pilot program to stop prosecuting people for carrying small amounts of heroin, meth, ecstasy, or crack cocaine, as part of an effort to fight a drug overdose crisis.
B.C. is at the epicenter of Canada's drug overdose and trafficking crisis that has killed more than 32,000 nationally since 2016, when the province declared it a public health emergency.
Preliminary data released by the province showed there were 2,272 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths in 2022.
The fed government said in May it would let B.C. decriminalize the drugs in a first-of-its-kind exemption. By not prosecuting people carrying small amounts of drugs, the B.C. government hopes to tackle the issue as a health problem rather than through the criminal justice system.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇨🇦🇺🇸Quebec police rescued man trying to cross U.S. border on foot through woods
A man tried to cross the border on foot in the Mansonville area, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, in hopes of claiming asylum.
When found by police, he was conscious, but appeared to be suffering from hypothermia and frostbite.
Police are concerned that some people are putting their lives at risk to cross the border in “incredibly dangerous” conditions.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are reporting a surge in the number of people trying to cross the border from Canada in between official crossings.
#US
🍁 Maple Chronicles
A man tried to cross the border on foot in the Mansonville area, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, in hopes of claiming asylum.
When found by police, he was conscious, but appeared to be suffering from hypothermia and frostbite.
Police are concerned that some people are putting their lives at risk to cross the border in “incredibly dangerous” conditions.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are reporting a surge in the number of people trying to cross the border from Canada in between official crossings.
#US
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Toronto opens fourth warming centre as temperatures drop
The new centre will offer space for 30 unhoused people to spend the night.
The location brings the total number of indoor spots being offered at city-run warming centres to 142 — 75 of which are downtown.
According to the Shelter and Housing Justice Network, it’s hardly enough to meet demand in a city where more than 10,000 people have no place to stay on any given night.
Toronto’s Board of Health urges the city to keep its warming centres open 24/7 until April 15.
Currently, the city-run centres open at 7 p.m. after an extreme weather alert is declared and remain open for the next 24 hours only.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The new centre will offer space for 30 unhoused people to spend the night.
The location brings the total number of indoor spots being offered at city-run warming centres to 142 — 75 of which are downtown.
According to the Shelter and Housing Justice Network, it’s hardly enough to meet demand in a city where more than 10,000 people have no place to stay on any given night.
Toronto’s Board of Health urges the city to keep its warming centres open 24/7 until April 15.
Currently, the city-run centres open at 7 p.m. after an extreme weather alert is declared and remain open for the next 24 hours only.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇨🇦🇵🇪Trudeau government’s interest in supporting Peruvian coup regime
Canada’s Ambassador to Peru, Louis Marcotte, is actively trying to cooperate with the new President - Dina Boluarte. Canada shows clear support of the new government. Why?
Canada has massive mining interests in Peru.
Canadian mining companies dominate in Peru, with 71 Canadian firms operating the country. They have $9.9 billion in assets, which was equivalent to 4.5 percent of Peru’s GDP in 2021.
When Castillo was running for President, he criticized foreign mining companies. He promised stronger environmental regulations and that some profits would go to communities in mining regions. If Castillo had achieved what he wanted, it would have had a negative impact on business opportunities for Canada.
Meanwhile, Canada has already poured tens of millions of dollars into Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines and mining related initiatives since the early 2000s.
So with Boluarte in power, Canada spends a lot of diplomatic energy into cooperating with the new government in an attempt to preserve its achievements in the Andean region.
#Peru
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Canada’s Ambassador to Peru, Louis Marcotte, is actively trying to cooperate with the new President - Dina Boluarte. Canada shows clear support of the new government. Why?
Canada has massive mining interests in Peru.
Canadian mining companies dominate in Peru, with 71 Canadian firms operating the country. They have $9.9 billion in assets, which was equivalent to 4.5 percent of Peru’s GDP in 2021.
When Castillo was running for President, he criticized foreign mining companies. He promised stronger environmental regulations and that some profits would go to communities in mining regions. If Castillo had achieved what he wanted, it would have had a negative impact on business opportunities for Canada.
Meanwhile, Canada has already poured tens of millions of dollars into Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines and mining related initiatives since the early 2000s.
So with Boluarte in power, Canada spends a lot of diplomatic energy into cooperating with the new government in an attempt to preserve its achievements in the Andean region.
#Peru
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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U.S. raises concerns over Canada’s 'online news and streaming' bills
◾️Bill C-11 would update Canada’s broadcast laws, giving the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) the power to regulate streaming platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime and Spotify.
The streaming platforms would have to promote Canadian content – including films, TV shows, music and music videos – and fund its creation.
◾️Bill C-18 would force Google and Facebook to strike deals with news organizations, including broadcasters, to compensate them for using their work.
Both bills are making their way through Canada’s Parliament. Bill C-11 reached a third-reading debate in the Senate on Tuesday.
U.S. experts and politicians have raised concerns about the trade implications of the new bills, especially when it comes to U.S. technology companies.
#US
🍁 Maple Chronicles
◾️Bill C-11 would update Canada’s broadcast laws, giving the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) the power to regulate streaming platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime and Spotify.
The streaming platforms would have to promote Canadian content – including films, TV shows, music and music videos – and fund its creation.
◾️Bill C-18 would force Google and Facebook to strike deals with news organizations, including broadcasters, to compensate them for using their work.
Both bills are making their way through Canada’s Parliament. Bill C-11 reached a third-reading debate in the Senate on Tuesday.
U.S. experts and politicians have raised concerns about the trade implications of the new bills, especially when it comes to U.S. technology companies.
#US
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🇮🇳India raises ‘hate crime’ concern with Canada after heritage Hindu temple defaced with anti-India graffiti
A heritage Hindu temple was defaced with anti-India graffiti in Brampton. The Indian Consulate General in Toronto said that the defacing of the temple has deeply “hurt the sentiments” of the Indian community in Canada.
The Canadian authorities are currently investigating the incident.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
A heritage Hindu temple was defaced with anti-India graffiti in Brampton. The Indian Consulate General in Toronto said that the defacing of the temple has deeply “hurt the sentiments” of the Indian community in Canada.
The Canadian authorities are currently investigating the incident.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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❗️Canada spent nearly $400 million on COVID-19 quarantine hotels over 3 years
The federal government designated 38 quarantine facilities in 14 cities across Canada, all of which have been phased out.
Tammy Jarbeau, a spokeswoman for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, confirmed that the government spent $388.7 million on Designated Quarantine Facilities between March 2020 and September 2022.
The costs associated with this program included lodging, meals, security, traveller support and transportation.
As of now, there are no designated quarantine facilities remaining in the country.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The federal government designated 38 quarantine facilities in 14 cities across Canada, all of which have been phased out.
Tammy Jarbeau, a spokeswoman for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, confirmed that the government spent $388.7 million on Designated Quarantine Facilities between March 2020 and September 2022.
The costs associated with this program included lodging, meals, security, traveller support and transportation.
As of now, there are no designated quarantine facilities remaining in the country.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Canadian lawmakers pass motion to accept 10,000 Uyghur refugees
Canada’s parliament on Wednesday unanimously passed a motion to resettle 10,000 Uyghur refugees to Canada in response to the Chinese government’s efforts to forcibly return members of the mostly Muslim group back to China, where they are at risk of persecution.
The Canadian government will develop a plan to resettle Uyghurs in the country over two years beginning in 2024,
❗️The program will focus on Uyghurs from other countries (Turkey and Central Asia), as there is no safe way to take in Uyghurs directly from China, lawmakers say.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Canada’s parliament on Wednesday unanimously passed a motion to resettle 10,000 Uyghur refugees to Canada in response to the Chinese government’s efforts to forcibly return members of the mostly Muslim group back to China, where they are at risk of persecution.
The Canadian government will develop a plan to resettle Uyghurs in the country over two years beginning in 2024,
❗️The program will focus on Uyghurs from other countries (Turkey and Central Asia), as there is no safe way to take in Uyghurs directly from China, lawmakers say.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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