It’s an experience few Canadians can appreciate. But the task of raising a family as an undocumented, essentially illegal, immigrant mother is a challenge faced by some Vancouver women. Sarah, whose identity is protected because of her vulnerable legal status in Canada, fled a violent relationship and is raising three children who each have what [...]
With just a few weeks to go until the May 12 provincial election, Premier Gordon Campbell and the BC Liberals put on their brightest smiles and their best kurta at Surrey’s Vasakhi parade, the celebration of Sikh New Year.
The BC NDP and the federal Conservatives were also out in full force. It marked an about-face [...]
Most Canadians consider this country a welcoming haven for refugees, with good reason.
Last year, more than 20,000 refugees became permanent residents of Canada – 9 per cent of all immigrants. Just under half are sponsored refugees, approved by the government before arriving. The remainder are accepted only after they or a family member [...]
Dolly Cartwright, 82, lives with her sister on a monthly pension of $1,750 that has not changed her husband passed away.
The funds are supposed to cover her property maintenance, food and transportation – in an area that includes one of the most expensive postal codes in Canada.
For Cartwright, the funds are not enough and she [...]
The for-sale sign in front of the house was the symbol Andy Chang had been waiting for. He and his family could now pack for their one-way trip back to Taiwan. He always knew this day would come.
“The first day I set foot on the Canadian soil twelve years ago, I knew one day I [...]
Mozhdah Jamalzadah is finding ways to insert politics into the commercial world of Afghan pop.
Jamalzadah writes lyrics with her father, an Afghan refugee in Vancouver who is working with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan. He helps her craft strongly political messages in Farsi that tackle topics from violence against women to Afghan patriotism.
“My music is [...]
The women of the Malalay Afghan sewing co-op in Burnaby have brought their needle-work skills to Canada. Having escaped 30 years of perpetual war in Afghanistan, many have been left traumatized.
But as Ryan Fletcher reports, the co-op’s women are learning to deal with the challenges of a new life and the scars of an old [...]
In 2005, Noriki Tamura immigrated to Vancouver with a dream of opening his own restaurant. With very little money, he set up a hotdog cart instead. Today, Japadog — an unlikely combination of hotdogs and sushi — is thriving despite the recession. Tamura will finally open his restaurant this spring.
Tamura’s story is part of Vancouver’s [...]
Vaisakhi, the celebration of the Sikh New Year, draws an audience of thousands of Punjabis and other Indo-Canadians every April. Politicians use the parade as an opportunity to impress the large and influential demographic. With the provincial election looming, this year was no exception.
Related: Premier woos Punjabis with overseas immigration office
Amid food, dancing, and floats, [...]
Mexico has long been known for its sun-soaked beaches, but increasing drug violence is changing that image. No one knows that better than the Mexicans who are fleeing to Canada. They come seeking the refugee status that would allow them to stay.
Canadian officials say refugee claims from Mexicans rose to more than 8,000 in 2008, [...]
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