ETA Canada Travel Pass News

512 people undergo deportation procedures. Refugee applications drop sharply.

The deportation of North Korean refugees living in Canada is accelerating.

According to data obtained by Free Asia Broadcasting (USA) from the Canadian Border Service, 242 North Korean defectors were deported from Canada for about five years from 2018 to September 28 of this year.

5 in 2018, 37 in 2019, 13 in 2020, 41 last year, and 24 this year.

In addition, 512 North Korean defectors are undergoing deportation procedures.

“The deportation of those whose asylum applications are rejected and those who violate the immigration law is a necessary step to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system,” the Border Services Agency said.

The federal government maintains its position that North Korean defectors who have acquired South Korean citizenship cannot be recognized as refugees.

Asylum applications by North Korean defectors have decreased significantly since 2014. The number of applications decreased from 146 in 2013 to 8 in 2014, and there was no one in 2016 and 2018. In 2019, there were 11 new asylum applications.

In this regard, Kim Rok-bong, president of the Toronto North Korean Defectors Association, said in an interview with the Daily News on the 13th, “The federal government started to deprive North Koreans of their refugee status because they acquired Korean citizenship, and it is estimated that about 80% of North Koreans have been deported.” “The good news is that the federal government has recently softened its hardline position and is granting legal status to North Korean refugees currently living in Canada for humanitarian reasons. I am also out of the crisis of deportation,” he said.

Chairman Kim explained that the recent change of position was the background to the recent change of position, thanks to the continued support of the Korean community, that the federal government began to understand to some extent the threat to the safety of North Korean refugees deported from Canada and the issue of discrimination in South Korea.

In a situation in which rice producing countries are all banned from exporting all at once for food security reasons, and rice production in the United States is plummeting due to severe climate change, efforts by the Korean retail industry to stabilize the price of rice, a staple food of Koreans, are required.

Countries that mainly export rice, such as Thailand, Vietnam, and India, have recently tightened their export rein for food security reasons. Accordingly, in addition to inflation, rice prices around the world are fluctuating.

This impact is clearly felt in the Korean community in Toronto. The price of California rice, mainly sold at Korean food stores, was $14.95 to $17.98 based on 15 pounds in April 2018 alone. However, due to inflation and other factors, it is currently being sold at a price of over $20.

A Korean distribution official said, “In addition to the impact of price hikes, the price of rice is rising because of the frequent wildfires and drought in California, which has significantly reduced rice arable land every year.”

Some are saying that it should be used as an alternative to US rice by increasing imports of Korean rice, which is currently in decline.

In order to raise the price of rice, which is falling due to overproduction, the government recently introduced a rice price stabilization measure that requires the government to purchase a total of 900,000 tons of rice.

The wholesale price of 20 kg of rice was 43,800 won ($46) as of the 30th of last month, down 21.7% from a year ago.

However, the industry opinion is that even if the price of rice in Korea has fallen sharply, it is still difficult to show great price competitiveness in Toronto, as sea freight costs, which soared during the corona virus, are holding back.

Choi Jin-woo, president of Pan Asia Foods, said on the 4th, “Even though the situation has improved, Korean rice prices are still burdensome at a time when sea freight rates have risen significantly compared to before the pandemic.”

An H Mart official also said, “As a result of inquiring with the Korean rice export related organization, we did not receive a specific answer, but it is difficult to feel a price drop in Toronto as the Korean government regulates export prices to protect farmhouses regardless of the Korean market situation. “However, it may affect the price of newly imported Korean rice to some extent.”

Toronto average house price sales are down 4% from the previous year.

According to real estate statistics released by the Toronto Real Estate Commission on the 5th, the average price of a home sold in Toronto last month was $1,086,762, down 4.25% from the same period last year.

This is the first time since the real estate market entered a recession this spring, it recorded a year-on-year decline. However, it increased slightly from $1,079,705 in the previous month.

In this regard, real estate broker Namara said, “It is true that the market atmosphere has subsided somewhat in the aftermath of the base rate hike, but there is a wide variation by housing type or region. It’s very active,” he said on the 5th.

A total of 5,038 homes were sold in Toronto last month, down 44% from the same period last year and 10% from August.

In addition, there are only 11,237 units for sale, and listings are down 17% from a year ago. This is the lowest monthly figure since 2002.

In response, the Federal Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) said home prices could fall 15% from their peak.

In this regard, Yoo Jong-myeon, a real estate broker, said, “Personally, I judge the current market situation to be weak. It’s a good idea to consider.”

The morality police and leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are targeted by Canadian sanctions. Several days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement, the federal government finally unveiled a list of 25 people and 9 Iranian entities newly targeted by Canadian sanctions.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announces a freeze on assets in Canada and an inadmissibility for senior officials playing a leading role in the implementation of repressive measures and persons in Iran. The list, obtained by Radio-Canada, includes prominent leaders of the Islamic Republic. The Canadian government also places on its list of sanctioned persons and entities the head of the morality police, Mohammad Rostami Cheshmeh, and the secretary of the Iranian headquarters for the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice, Mohammad Saleh. Among the entities targeted are the morality police and Evin prison, where political prisoners are held.

Ottawa thus wishes to put pressure on the Iranian regime and denounce “serious violations of human rights” as well as its blatant disregard for human lives. Since the death of young Mahsa Amini, Iran has been rocked by a wave of protests and a bloody crackdown by the ruling regime. two weeks, at least 92 protesters have since died, according to the non-governmental organization (NGO) Iran Human Rights (IHR).

These targeted sanctions are a good decision and can potentially have a greater impact than generalized sanctions which are more difficult to implement, and which can be circumvented, according to Thomas Juneau, professor of international affairs at the University. The importance of enforcing sanctions Professor Thomas Juneau considers it essential that the sanctions regime is then applied.

“Announcing sanctions is a chosen thing; implanting them is another. » — A quote from Thomas Juneau, professor of international affairs at the University of Ottawa Even if many of the people targeted by Ottawa have no connection with Canada and will not be reimbursed directly by the punitive measures, they must be important, according to Thomas Juneau. They send a signal to Canadians, to our allies, to the Iranian government and – very importantly – to the Iranian population that Canada opposes violence, explains the professor.

Note that the Trudeau government has still not designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, as the Conservatives in Ottawa have long demanded. They want to follow up on a motion to this effect adopted in the House of Commons in 2018.

This is good news for travellers who have been dreaming of going to, or leaving, Canada for many months: the restrictions have finally been lifted, starting this Saturday, October 1. No more sanitary requirements and “Covid formalities”. Back to an unmissable destination and a little reminder of the classic formalities to get there.

It’s official, the Canadian authorities have put an end to this (too) long list of restrictions, like its neighbours on the other side of the Pacific, the strict Japan and Thailand. Each traveller, regardless of their nationality, will therefore no longer have to fill in the information requested on the “ArriveCan” application, namely providing proof of vaccination, carrying out tests before departure or on arrival, quarantine, or self-monitor once you arrive in the territory. On the cruise side, travellers are now also exempt from screening before boarding, from presenting their vaccination certificate or from completing the ArriveCAN form. Finally, regarding wearing a mask, the obligation was also lifted last Saturday on planes and on trains.

Canadian authorities advise international travellers to continue to wear it when traveling. Head for Canada, a huge playground with endless possibilities! Let’s talk little, let’s talk formalities as a reminder, French and European travellers are exempt from visas. However, they must complete an electronic travel authorization (AVE) allowing them to fly to the destination. The Canadian eTA is valid for 5 years, or until the passport expires, and allows you to make several stays of 180 days in Canada.

Please note that the passport must display an expiry date of less than 6 months after leaving Canada. Although the “ArriveCan” form is no longer mandatory, it is still recommended to fill it out to speed up the immigration process, at the airports of Toronto (Pearson), Vancouver, Montreal and soon Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Quebec, Halifax, and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Good news also for tourism professionals, including airlines. Indeed, ground staff will be able to save time and will no longer have to check passenger information in the ArriveCAN application before boarding, unless they choose to fill it in, as specified above. Tour operators and travel agencies, travelers will naturally continue to ask you questions about Covid formalities. However, do not hesitate to delegate the administrative formalities part of your customers and refocus on your core business. Canada, a country known for its iconic cities.

Some ideas for your customers it is difficult to present Canada in a few lines as this country has so much to offer. Iconic cities like Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, or Toronto are bursting with life and are sure to please your travellers. In the capital Ottawa, visitors who are thirsty for adventure or culinary discovery will be charmed. A museum that turns into a discotheque, mini golf in the dark or a cinema showing many works little known to the public: Ottawa will never cease to surprise! The must-see city of Montreal is an invigorating mix of cultures, languages and gastronomy that can be visited all year round. It is ideal for an urban city trip of a few days.

As for Vancouver, it is possible to juggle between festivals, concerts, gallery tours, tasting of seasonal products as well as nature with kayaking and hiking. In short, in Canada, a stay in the city can also be synonymous with adventure. Take the example of Vancouver where it is possible to climb the famous Grouse Grind hiking trail, a three-kilometre climb. A descent by cable car is recommended to try to spot the bears in search of food. … and especially for its preserved and omnipresent nature Canadians have always learned to live in communion with nature. Thanks to this, the landscapes are preserved and more incredible. Thanks to its natural potential, activities in Canada abound watching the Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories, hiking galore, Arctic safaris, animal watching or Whitewater activities (rafting, canyoning, etc.).

Travelers are not left out when it comes to national parks. Indeed, there are 42 national parks and national park reserves. It’s hard to choose! This destination is therefore perfect for your clients looking for adventure as well as a rich gastronomic and cultural offer. With the bonus of being able to combine the two, which brings an undeniable added value.

Mercer today released the results of its 2023 compensation planning survey. These results reveal that inflation continues to put tremendous pressure on salary envelopes and the salary forecasts of Canadian employers. Canadian employers surveyed say they plan to budget 3.4% for merit increases and 3.9% for total increases in 2023. Total compensation budgets include other adjustments, such as promotions and cost-of-living adjustments, in addition to merit increases.

Merit and total budget increases increased by 2.6% and 2.8% respectively in 2022. Across Canada, the largest increases in total budgets occurred in Montreal (4.5%), Greater Edmonton (4.3%), Saskatchewan (4.2%) and Greater Calgary (4.1%). In addition, the survey includes data from over 550 organizations of varying sizes operating in 15 industries. This link allows you to access other findings from the survey. Although budgets are higher than in recent years, the planned increases will not be enough to offset the 12-month inflation rate, which in June 2022 reached a 40-year high of 8.1%, for decline thereafter and settle at 7.6% in July and 7.0% in August. Organizations have always relied on the labor market and competition for talent acquisition, not inflation, to set their compensation strategies.

Against this backdrop of high inflation, the survey found that more than a third (34%) of organizations are considering reviewing or adjusting salaries, on an ad hoc, off-cycle basis, to combat turnover and the challenges of recruiting for key positions. This data is therefore up compared to March 2022 (19%). “High inflation is leading to higher compensation expectations and salary forecasts for Canadian employees, who are seeing the cost of living rise significantly,” said Elizabeth English, Senior Advisor – Mercer Canada. “With 2023 salary envelope increases falling far short of inflation-proofing, organizations need to focus on managing employee expectations through internal communications, scenario planning, and adoption. a more open view of total rewards to attract and retain talent, which can translate into investment in benefit programs.

Many organizations are already enhancing their benefits programs to support their employee value proposition. Plan sponsors added new gender affirmation and fertility benefits, as well as amounts to cover adoption costs, to support diversity strategies, equity and inclusion. Additionally, plan sponsors continued to invest in wellness measures, offering more mental health support or new digital solutions for employees to take control of their wellbeing. Health care accounts are also becoming increasingly popular because they offer flexibility to employees. They can thus obtain reimbursement for a wide range of expenses related to well-being.

The Maritime provinces have been on the alert for several hours and are preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Fiona which could hit the coasts as early as Friday evening, a situation which should also become more and more frequent due to the changes climate, according to an expert. The weather system continued to progress throughout the day on Friday, driven by winds of 200 km / h.

The gusts, however, hit Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and the Magdalen Islands at 140 or 150 km / h. *Follow our special coverage of the arrival of Hurricane Fiona on Canadian shores with our journalists in Gaspésie, Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Halifax* “It is a very powerful category 3 hurricane that is fed by waters much warmer than what we have observed in the last decades […], which gives more energy to the hurricane” , explained Alain Bourque, general manager of Ouranos, in an interview with LCN on Friday.

This warming of the waters observed for several years would explain the multiplication of these phenomena along the Canadian coasts, according to the expert. “A hurricane, in order to fully develop, requires water temperatures of at least 26 degrees Celsius,” said Bourque, adding that the temperature of tropical waters is a few degrees higher. “The upper winds are not super favorable, so we can assume that the same hurricane that occurs 30 years ago would be much less powerful,” he added. Places like the Magdalen Islands should therefore be the target of such events more and more frequently, and not only be hit by remnants of hurricanes, as during Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

“The hurricanes will be able to travel much further unlike what they did before,” said Mr. Bourque. These phenomena should, however, be less present in tropical regions due to climate change, but those that will still exist will be much more powerful. “Climate changes influence a phenomenon that is natural at the base […] except that the frequency, duration, intensity and route change,” summarized the specialist.

There is direct evidence that the pandemic has adversely affected the mental health of Canadians.

According to a report released by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association on the 15th, life, health, and retirement-related insurance claims totaled $113 billion last year, nearly $10 billion more than in 2019.

The association believes that the main cause of the increase in claims is the deterioration of the mental health of customers.

According to the report, a total of $580 million in mental health benefits were paid out last year through individual and group health insurance benefits, a 75% increase over 2019.

Despite the growing importance of mental health-related support, some businesses are ignoring it. According to a study by Benefit Canada, which deals with workers’ pension and health benefits, only 19 percent of Canadian companies increased their support for their employees’ mental health last year, according to a study.

The Bank of Nova Scotia has increased the mental health insurance limit for eligible employees and their dependents from $3,000 to $10,000 per year. Coca-Cola Canada also expanded its mental health insurance coverage from $1,500 to $5,000 per year.

Meanwhile, some insurers are of the opinion that it is difficult to estimate the extent of the pandemic’s damage to Canadians’ mental health from the amount of claims alone.

According to a report by Sunlife Financial, the effects of large-scale disasters such as SARS and Corona on mental health are not immediate.

Police doubled the bounty for reporting a gondola cable cut in a popular Vancouver suburban tourist attraction.

The police announced on the 14th that they would raise the bounty for reporting to $500,000 when they released a late-night infrared video showing the criminal cutting the cable two years ago on the 14th.

The gondola where the incident occurred is on the peak of Mount Squamish, about an hour’s drive from Vancouver. It is a tourist attraction where you can ride a gondola to see the surrounding mountainous terrain and the coast.

The gondola cable was cut twice within a year, but the culprit is still unknown.

In August 2019, gondolas that had been suspended in the air due to cable cuts were found falling to the ground in a pile. At that time, the cable was cut sharply. It was a crime aimed at killing people.

The operator resumed operations in February 2020 after completing restoration work at a cost of 5 million dollars but reopened in May of the same year after a temporary suspension due to the corona crisis.

However, four months later, the on-site security team found the site where the cable had been cut with precision and reported it to the police.

When the same incident was repeated for the first time in a year, the police offered a bounty of $250,000 to provide clues to the investigation, but this time it was raised to $500,000.

The highest number of speeding tickets for surveillance cameras from June to July

The Toronto High Park area, famous for speeding vehicles and frequent traffic accidents, accounted for more than 10% of traffic violation tickets caught by speed cameras in June and July.

According to data released by the City of Toronto on the 6th, out of a total of 43,412 tickets issued by a total of 50 cameras installed in the city, 4,539 tickets, the most for a single camera, were issued at Parkside Drive south of Algonquin Avenue.

This straight road down the east side of High Park connects Bloor Street, Queensway, Lakeshore Boulevard, and the Gardiner Highway.

The area has been frequently cited by locals as a speeding problem, and in October of last year, a 71-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman were killed by a speeding vehicle.

First introduced by the City of Toronto in July 2020, 50 surveillance cameras are currently installed in 25 locations in the city, changing locations every few months.

The Toronto City Council recently approved 25 additional cameras, for a total of 75 cameras.