By Norma Greenaway, Postmedia News October 6, 2010

OTTAWA — The next printing of a guide designed to educate immigrants applying for Canadian citizenship will contain references to gay rights — ones that Immigration Minister Jason Kenney had vetoed for the current version. Conservative MP Rick Dykstra, parliamentary secretary to Kenney, said Wednesday the government will include references to the legality of gay marriage in Canada and prohibitions against discrimination based on sexual orientation in the next version, due out within months. “As with everything else, the potential for evolution and improvement is there,” Dykstra said in an interview.

» click here to continue reading

Duncan Campbell in Vancouver, guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 7 September 2010 16.58 BST

The arrival off the west coast of Canada of a rusty boat containing nearly 500 exhausted Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers has sparked an angry debate about racism that has divided national opinion. The merchant vessel Sun Sea limped, under escort, into Esquimalt naval base in British Columbia on 13 August after a four month voyage from Songkhla in Thailand. The passengers spoke of grim conditions. One man died during the journey and was buried at sea. “It is a miracle that they survived,” David Poopalapillai of the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) told the Guardian. “The boat is very primitive, you wouldn’t even go out fishing in it.” He ascribed their survival to the fact that they had been living for many months in very hostile conditions in Sri Lanka.

» click here to continue reading

— CALL FOR CANADA-WIDE ACTIONS —

CANADA: STOP JAILING AND DEPORTING REFUGEES, LET THEM STAY!
SUPPORT THE TAMIL MIGRANTS! SAY NO TO RACISM!

In VANCOUVER, Unceded Coast Salish Territories: Saturday August 21 @ 3:30 pm. Gather at Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Side.

In UNSURRENDERED WET’SUWET’EN TERRITORY: Saturday August 21 “Solidarity with the Tamil Refugees and No One Is Illegal”. Moricetown Canyon, noon. Contact gitksanmanoct6@hotmail.com

In VICTORIA: Saturday August 21st 12:00pm – 4:00pm. Victoria Information Booth, Government and Belville. Organized by Victoria Anti-Racism Network (VARN).
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143826562315624

In OTTAWA: Monday August 23 @ Noon. Gather at corner of Kent and Laurier (Citizenship and Immigration Canada).
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119285261456467

In MONTREAL: Thursday August 26th from noon to 2 pm in front of Immigration and Refugee Board offices, 200 Boul. René Levesque. Organized by Friends of Tamil Refugees / Les AmiEs des RéfugiéEs Tamils. Contact 514-668-4751 or 514-449-9370.

In KITCHENER-WATERLOO: Monday August 23. Press Conference and gathering, details tbc. Contact rachel@peaceculture.org

In TORONTO: Toronto Welcomes Tamil Migrants! Saturday August 21st follow www.twitter.com/noii_to to see images of creative actions that we will be taking.

Join No One is Illegal to call for the immediate release of detained Tamil asylum seekers, and an end to racist and restrictive refugee policies. Justice, Freedom, and Status for All! Download poster PDF http://bit.ly/aq9HWI or JPG: http://bit.ly/c0VN60

» click here to continue reading

The Canadian Charger, August 13, 2010

Referring to the current Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, the immigration-advocacy group “No One is Illegal” organized a number of creative actions across Toronto-with simultaneous events in Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Winnipeg-to increase public awareness of Kenney’s record as one of the most repressive immigration ministers in Canadian history. On July 24, despite heavy rainfall, dozens of people gathered at Toronto’s Dufferin Grove Park to participate in the “National Day of Action: the People versus Jason Kenney (and everything he stands for).”

» click here to continue reading

On July 24, hundreds took to the streets in Burnaby/Vancouver to oppose Minister of Censorship and Deportation. Under his regime, deportations have increased, while the number of people accepted as refugees and sponsored family members have drastically dropped. Instead, Kenney has increased the number of temporary workers who are constantly exploited for their labour. Kenney is also a staunch supporter of imperialism, supporting the occupations of Afghanistan and Palestine. Finally, he is responsible for perpetuating oppression against queers and women through substantive public policy changes.

* Photos of the march
* Video “This Time We Steer the Ship” courtesy VMC

» click here to continue reading