Currently trying out for the Royal Canadian Mounting Police (RCMP), Purna traces her journey from a new immigrant to the confident woman she has become today. Although seventeen when she first stepped onto Canadian soil, she admits to having felt no social or cultural disconnect that is the usual case with new immigrants.

She admits that “there is a fair bit of media exposure [back in Bangladesh]” that prepared her for Canada. But she also admits to feeling a bit too “mature” for her high school peers, as well as discovering the education system to be “easier” than the system in Bangladesh. She chuckles as she remembers doing calculus in grade twelve in Canada, which she had already been introduced to in grade nine in Bangladesh.

Talking of her community, she feels that her community is still not open to issues such as interracial dating or homosexuality. While interracial dating is still tolerable to certain socially conscious liberal minded families like hers, homosexuality is a “hush-hush” issue. According to her, homophobia is “very, very wrong”. She admits to having gay friends who she feels are “sometimes even nicer” than her straight friends. She attributes this quality to the many hardships that homosexual or bisexual individuals usually go through, and which is why “they know not to discriminate or judge”. Purna feels that homophobia is “just a judgmental thing… [as] people are scared of… anything that is different”. She sees South Asians as a “repressive [race]” who “tend to repress… and overlook the history of bisexuality and homosexuality” in the history of South Asians.

When asked about her involvement with the BSA, and the reason behind the group’s formation, she explains, “Our goal is to promote our own culture…which is distinctly different from the rest of South Asia”. Purna elaborates that even though initially there was a discussion on naming the group as Bengali Students Association in an attempt to include Bengalis from other countries, it was not possible as “BSA specifically supports charities that are based in Bangladesh”. “And why is that?” I wonder aloud. “It was not to alienate others deliberately, but because I believe that first we must help ourselves before we help others and at the moment, Bangladesh needs our help”.

Purna also feels that BSA is a necessary platform for Bangladeshi students to build social skills. She laughs and says, “I don’t want to generalize but [Bangladeshis] lack a bit of social skills because we are so ingrained into our studies…Studies [always] come first… We tend to overlook being confident on a social platform… being able to speak publicly… have leadership skills etc. We want to provide [these skills] to our members and our students”.

She also confesses that even though she is a graduate with a Bachelor of Science from University of Toronto and her initial instinct was to fulfill her mother’s dream of becoming a doctor, currently her heart is set on the RCMP.

Archie made her film debut in the smash hit Film Four/Miramax comedy EAST IS EAST in 1999. The film received a standing ovation in Cannes and was the year’s biggest home-grown hit. “British magic returns to cinema” said The Times. In this 70s set comedy drama Archie played the scene-stealing Meenah, a soccer mad teenage tomboy. The Vancouver Sun described Archie’s hilarious Bollywood broomstick dance as a “comedy classic.” East is East won The Evening Standard Best Film Award and the prestigious Alexander Korda Bafta Award for Best British Film in 2000.

Archie went onto work on the Oscar winning film The CONSTANT GARDENER. Based on the popular John Le Carre novel, the film was directed by Oscar nominated Fernando Meirelles. Archie played Ghita Pearson. When her close friend (Rachel Weisz) is found murdered, Ghita helps her husband (Ralph Fiennes) to discover the sinister truth behind the murder. The film was nominated for ten Baftas and went onto win an Oscar.

Next Archie was cast as the lead in the critically acclaimed award winning film YASMIN, written by Oscar nominated writer of The Full Monty, Simon Beaufoy. It tells the story of a young British Muslim woman whose life is torn apart in the aftermath of September 11. Archie received excellent reviews and the film was reshown on Channel Four six months later. The Daily Mail said her “funny, sad and touching performance will not only rocket her to instant stardom, but will have given all who witnessed it food for thought for many years to come.”

Later in 2005 Ridley Scott cast her as Gemma, Russell Crowe’s scene stealing mischievous and savvy executive assistant in the 20th Century Fox romantic comedy A GOOD YEAR, an adaptation of Peter Mayle’s popular novel featuring Marion Cotillard. On working with her, Ridley Scott described Archie as “smart and sensitive enough as an actress to make anything fly, comedy or drama, an unusual talent.”

In 2007 Michael Winterbottom cast Archie alongside Angelina Jolie in A MIGHTY HEART. The film is based on Mariane Pearl’s bestselling memoir about the murdered Wall Street Journal writer Daniel Pearl. Archie played the role of Asra Nomani, an Indian-American journalist and very close friend of Daniel Pearl. When Daniel fails to return from his interview both Asra and Marianne embark of an intense search effort. The film received a standing ovation in Cannes and continues to receive superb reviews, often picking out Archie’s stand out performance. There is already talk of Oscars. Archie won The Chopard Trophy in Cannes 2007 for her performance in A MIGHTY HEART. Previous winners of this award include Gael Garcia and Marion Cotillard.

In 2005 Archie went onto to work on A VERY SOCIAL SECRETARY, a Channel 4 satire on David Blunkett’s affair with the American publisher of The Spectator, which led to the former Home Secretary’s resignation. It was nominated for a Bafta and an Emmy. Archie played Blunkett’s (Bernard Hill) loyal but principled political aide, the only one who was sympathetic to the blind man. The Telegraph said “Archie is superb as Ashley.”

“We all have a responsibility to help those in need and we have a very strong and successful South Asian community here in Ward 5 that can get together with the larger community to make a difference,” said Kaur. “I commend the organizers of this event for pulling it together so quickly and working hard to get help to the people of Pakistan.”

Kaur donated rice, lentils, juice and laundry soap to the cause and assisted the volunteers with unloading, sorting and packing boxes for shipping to Pakistan.

The event was organized by the Zafar Sultan Memorial Trust and the Pakistani community of Mississauga and Oakville. Mr. Haroon Khan, Mr. Altaf Kapadia, Mr. Taufiq Yusuf and Mr. Raheem Mawani and Asif Aziz were all instrumental in organizing the event. More than 50 volunteers were on hand and many people came by to donate high need items such as powdered milk, water bottles, cooking oil and candles.

“I have known Simerjit for many years and I knew I could count on her to come out and support us,” said key organizer Haroon Khan. “The entire community should support her so she can continue to do more good work for us as Mississauga City Hall.”

The group will continue accepting donations of food items on Saturday September 4 – Sunday September 5, from 11 am – 5 pm at 2855 Derry Road East (one block west or Airport Road in Subway Sandwich complex). They are also looking for volunteers to help pack boxes on Wednesday September 1st  and on September 4 & 5th. Those interested in volunteering may call 416-540-8477.

Simerjit Kaur is running in Ward 5 Mississauga. Election Day is October 25. For more information visit. www.simerkaur.com

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At-Risk Youths Urge Mayoral Candidates to Support Social Initiatives on Youth Crime

Mayoral Candidates debate happens 3km away from Non-Profit Organizations’ own platform

At precisely the same time that Toronto’s mayoral candidates debate strategies at the Youth Priority Symposium taking place at Ryerson University on September 2^nd, 2010, tackling issues such as youth violence and homicide, the marginalization of youth, and the value of social initiatives engaging youth, less than 3km away, at-risk youth who are a key focus of this debate will be at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts bringing their own platform and voices to the stage.

Volunteers

The campaign has been motivated by the Canadian government’s dollar-to-dollar matching commitment.  “We were pleased with the federal government’s announcement and felt the responsibility to let others know in order to maximize its outcome,” said Sadia Qureshi, Hope for Pakistan’s Executive Associate Director.

Running until September 12, 2010, the last date by which donations will be matched, the campaign will drive donations through its website (hopeforpakistan.ca).

According to the 2006 Census, Pakistan is the third largest source country of newcomers to the Toronto area.  Pakistan’s national language, Urdu, also experienced the largest growth in Canada of all non-official language mother tongues, from 87,000 in 2001 to 156,000 in 2006.  South Asians also form Canada’s largest visible minority community.  “We are confident that through a proactive approach, members of our local communities will come through, if even by donating a few dollars each.  In Pakistan, one Canadian dollar can feed a family of four for one day so it is no understatement to say that your dollar will really go a long way,” said Qureshi.  Key GTA-based media and businesses have committed to spreading the word and will be featured at hopeforpakistan.ca.

The Canadian public’s aid response has been far less than expected, even in light of the United Nations confirmation that the floods have affected more people than the Southeast Asian tsunami and the recent earthquakes in Kashmir and Haiti combined.  This has been attributed, in part, to an image deficit facing Pakistan.

“Given Canada’s outstanding reputation in providing international disaster relief, we were saddened by the Canadian public’s response to the floods. “Our team believes that this crisis begs to be seen through more of a humanitarian lens when the World Health Organization itself has concluded that there are at least six million people in need of life-saving assistance,” said Qureshi.

]]> http://www.sagennext.com/2010/09/01/%e2%80%98hope-for-pakistan%e2%80%99-grassroots-campaign-urges-south-asian-community-to-donate-generously/feed/ 0 http://www.sagennext.com/2010/09/01/preserving-values-%e2%80%93-shamsa-and-qaadri-jr/ http://www.sagennext.com/2010/09/01/preserving-values-%e2%80%93-shamsa-and-qaadri-jr/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:25:03 +0000 . http://www.sagennext.com/?p=5812 The best part of Canada is its diversity and how Canadian values are a beautiful mosaic of various religions, cultures, traditions and values. In one of his speeches, Premier Dalton McGuinty especially thanked parents and grandparents for imparting and passing on the values to their kids.

MPP Dr. Qaadri with Shamsa and Qaadri Jr.

Premier McGuinty has much to thank for to MPP Dr. Shafiq Qaadri’s parents’ who have raised MPP Qaadri and are, now, nurturing, their grandkids.

At his public events, Dr. Qaadri, an MPP from Etobicoke North, is seen with his kids. His kids Shamsa and Shafiq Qaadri Jr. were at Pakistan Day Independence Day celebrations at Queens Park on August 14^th, and they were at International Muslim Organization (IMO) centre at Rexdale.

“It really feels nice to be at all these great events especially to the ones that are religious,” Shamsa said.

Dressed in blue shalwar kameez with her head covered with dupatta, Shamsa is fasting in the holy month of Ramadan every other day.

Shafiq Qaadri Jr. with her sister Shamsa at Jinnah's tomb in Karachi

Shamsa, who is starting grade 6, and her brother Qaadri Jr., who is starting grade 4 in Fall, have just been back from their trip to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

“We went for Umrah,” she tells us excitedly. Shamsa and her brother were told by her maternal grandfather that whatever you ask for with the first sight at Ka’aba in Mecca, “it will come true.”

So Qaadri kids and family prayed “Allah mian, whatever dua we make, please make it come true.”

This was the first time that they had gone to Mecca, though their grandparents have been to Saudi Arabia for Umrahs and Hajj multiple times.”

Qaadri kids had gone to Pakistan after about six years.

“Pakistan is one of the best countries of the world I’ve been to,” says Shamsa, the politician-in-making.

In one of his interviews with Generation Next, Dr. Qaadri had said my kids are “trained campaigners.”

By: Staff Writer

Varun Malia, international culinary arts student at Humber College

Humber residence had racks of brouchers at the entrance for students who are not from Toronto to visit in an effort to alleviate the feelings of loneliness. For its students, Humber College offers various choices when it comes to choosing who the students wish to spend their time at college with. There is a floor for noisy students and quiet floor for those who prefer hushed down corridor. There is a floor for international students where the support is available to familiarize these new students with Canadian culture, places to visit and Humber traditions.

From L – R: Mother, Daughter, Arjun (electronic engineering student at Humber), gradma Kanwal and father Taranyit

Various companies offer meal plans to students. While dietary needs like Halal or vegetarian food only can be compensated, students have to be cognizant of their own needs.

The new students were helped and guided by senior students and Humber staff.

One of these older students, Varun Malia, works in housekeeping. He, with a group of few students, was guiding new students of dos and don’ts of living at Humber residence.

Varun Malia, an international student from Chandigarh, India, will be starting his third semester at Humber’s culinary program. He has enjoyed his time at Humber because of the support base provided by the college administration. He likes his housekeeping job at Humber. “It’s totally different here,” but it is not “awkward anymore,” he says about his experience at Humber and Canada.

Amid the entire crowd, we noticed a South Asian dad with a grandma.

Not a traditional father, Taranyit Chowdhary, a dentist by training from India, was seeing his son, Arjun, off at Humber College residence. Next to him sat Arjun’s grandmother Kanwal Chowdhary who had come all the way from India to see her grandson off to college.

Mr. Chowdhary said that he is having his son move from Mississauga to keep alive family tradition of moving away from home for college and to have his son “meet all the good looking girls.”

The grandma was not so keen of the idea though. “I want him to do very well, study well, spend time beautifully and make full use of it,” said Arjun’s grandma who thinks of Arjun as “a very sensible boy.”

Arjun chose to come to Humber College because it “offered more career choices and specialized programs.”  Arjun has been enrolled in electronic engineering program, a career same as his grandfather who had passed away a few days ago. He wanted to live in residence “to meet all people.” He was all set to take advantage of opportunities of getting involved in activities offered at Humber, and was looking forward to Frosh week.

While Arjun and I talked, the DJ made an announcement that So You Think You Can Dance stars will be coming to Humber College on Sunday night. And Arjun’s younger sister was all awed and ready to move to residence herself.

Both countries are supposed to be coming out of recession. Yet America primarily depends on China and Great Britain has targeted India. President Obama is coming to India in November to assess if New Delhi could fit in somewhere in Washington’s efforts to avoid another recession. Prime Minister Cameron was recently in India and reports say that he has been able to persuade Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to use British technology and services more than India has done so far. More businessmen and industrialists accompanied Prime Minister Cameron to India than to America.

Whether President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron are doing their best to stall another round of recession is difficult to say because their critics feel that their countries have been so reckless in the past — having no supervision on any financial institution — that D-Day can be postponed but not avoided.

However, I saw America doing a bit better than it was a few months ago. More customers are visiting shops, which are relatively full of goods (made in China). But unemployment is more than nine per cent and the dole itself is a heavy burden on the exchequer. Prices of houses have generally come down by 50 to 60 per cent.

The UK has been able to save the pound from going down further. This may have happened because of a successful tourist season. Customers in shops have not yet come back in the numbers they did a couple of years ago. Many industrial units have stopped because of lack of demand. Yet the impression is that the efforts that Prime Minister Cameron is making through visits abroad, particularly to India, will pay dividends sooner or later. People have expectations of India’s growth which is eight per cent.

London is looking to the European Union, hoping that countries like Spain and Portugal will be saved like Greece, which narrowly avoided bankruptcy earlier this year. But if this calculation does not come through, Britain thinks that it may be next to face the danger. Germany is not liked because it has put a different foot forward and does not want to involve itself outside, despite the distress calls from other European partners.

India is being respected and wooed like never before. Prime Minister Cameron even went to the extent of condemning Pakistan on Indian soil. President Asif Zardari visited London soon after Cameron’s remarks but the latter did not offer any apology. What London hopes for now is that in return New Delhi opens up its markets to British exports. England has already responded with more lenient visa procedures for Indians. However, America has not relaxed its visa policy to benefit India or South Asia. In fact, Washington’s security at airports is humiliating.

Obama’s recognition of India is apparent from the number of people of Indian origin he has appointed in the White House. They total more than any other ethnic community. Sadly, America is not willing to give up on the use of carbon. The world expected Washington to agree to cap green house gases but it is clear that this may not happen. Legislators are abandoning the effort to approve an energy/climate bill that would have paved the way for renewable energy.

It’s a pity that the West, which has already consumed a substantial part of the world’s natural resources, has still not woken up to the devastation it has caused. The developing world will have to exert collective pressure on America; the UK and European countries must stop plundering whatever is left. India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been badly hit by climate change. The devastating floods in Pakistan are a recent example.

What I missed both in America and the UK was the liberal thought that once attracted intellectuals and others to look towards Washington and London. It is true that 9/11 and subsequent terrorist attacks in the UK have scared people. Still, I hoped that there would be some individuals or organisations raising their voice against shrinking political space and personal freedoms.

Muslims are the main suspects in both countries and what they undergo is a slur on democratic liberty. I thought the permission by the New York City Council to build an Islamic cultural centre near the 9/11 site was worth commending. But the manner in which even President Obama has gone back on his words of religious equality indicates the lengthening shadows of parochialism in America.

Liberal voices, both in the public and the media, can retrieve the situation to some extent. But the fact is that even those people who feel that democracy is being deformed and mutilated do not speak out. Protests have become fewer, feeble and all too respectful of the establishment. Famous universities, which once raised the banner of defiance, are busy with meaningless curricula and looking out for ways to collect more and more money.

I am not expecting Prof Laski or John Kenneth Galbraith to rise from their graves. But I expect those who remember their sane, liberal and moderate voices to take a stand against the narrowness and parochialism which is consuming whatever is left of free thinking. Who else will fight the encroaching darkness?

Author: Kuldip Nayar

The latest and ill-timed controversy was initiated by the MQM chief, Altaf Hussain, on August 22.  He said in a telephonic talk from London: “The MQM will openly support the patriotic generals if they take any martial law type action against corrupt politicians and feudal lords.”  He also said, “If these generals can topple political and democratic governments they can also take steps to weed out corrupt politicians and feudal lords.” Defending these statements, Farooq Sattar, a senior MQM leader, said that “the country [was] in the ICU (intensive care unit) and needs surgery.”

In another interview Altaf Hussain demanded that the Supreme Court should invoke article 190 of the Constitution to summon the military to take action against the corrupt leaders and exploiters, including the feudal elements.

It is interesting to note that despite wooing the generals, Altaf Hussain thinks that he is neither encouraging the generals to remove the existing political and constitutional framework nor asking them to impose martial law.   This view is not shared by other political parties that have condemned his statements.  They think that Altaf Hussain is giving subtle signal to the military to directly enter the political domain. These leaders also do not favour the Supreme Court assuming executive authority to take action on the lines suggested by Altaf Hussain.

Martial law type action cannot be undertaken without imposing martial law. The military cannot take such an action without removing the present political order and setting aside the constitution.    Similarly, if the Supreme Court acts on the advice of Altaf Hussain, it will amount to overwhelming the executive which will adversely affect the prospect of democracy and political stability in Pakistan.

Altaf Hussain’s statement has three major problems.   First, there is no provision in the constitution that allows the military to take “martial law type” action to purge what he calls corrupt politicians and feudal lords. Similarly, expansion of the role of the Supreme Court on the lines suggested by the MQM will be harmful for the future of democracy.

Second, the MQM is part of the coalition government at the federal level and in the province of Sindh. It should have used its influence with the ruling partners to deal with these issues. The MQM could have moved a resolution in both houses of the parliament and in Sindh Assembly in support of its demand. Alternatively, the MQM could have moved a bill in the National Assembly for making laws to strip the feudal of their land.  Instead, it has bypassed the parliament and its coalition partners and made a direct appeal to the military for a direct intervention in the political domain.

Third, Altaf Hussain wants to use the military and the Supreme Court for fulfilling its party agenda. If these two institutions follow the advice, Pakistan will face more problems.  Pakistan’s experience suggests that the military does not play any political party’s game. If it ever assumes power in the future, it will pursue its own agenda.

Altaf Hussain’s statement is an attempt to deflect the pressures generated by other political parties on its monopolistic position in urban Sindh, especially Karachi. The ANP is more active in Karachi now than was the case three years ago.  The Sunni Tehrik is also making inroads into Karachi.  Further, militant/sectarian groups are beyond the control of the MQM. The same can be said about various gangs that engage in land grabbing and other criminal activities.

Consequently, the MQM finds it hard to sustain its capacity to control reward and punishment in Karachi.  The MQM anger is building not only against the ANP but also against the PPP.  In this fight for domain in Karachi, Altaf Hussain wants to solicit the military’s support.

Another possible explanation is that Altaf Hussain must have come to the belief that the latest speculative reports that the Supreme Court might disqualify President Asif Ali Zardari and the military might apply pressure to replace the federal government with a government of its choice.  Therefore, he may have decided to pre-position the MQM for the post-PPP era.   It is a message to the military and the superior judiciary that if they take action against the present rulers the MQM’s support will be available.

Pakistan’s experience suggests that the military rule and the administrative solutions do not resolve the political and economic problems. The MQM’s latest agenda would undermine constitutionalism and democracy and drag the military into unnecessary controversies, diverting its attention from helping the flood-affected people and countering terrorism.

Author: Dr. Hassan Askari

It can breed tolerance of or, worse yet, support for radicalism and terrorism, and it can stimulate opposition to American policies as well as to local leaders in Arab and Muslim-majority countries who associate themselves with the United States.

Richard Hass, President of Council on Foreign Relations

We tend to think of foreign policy as something conceived and carried out by diplomats in the State Department, but in many cases the most significant foreign policy is that done by Americans going about their lives. Call it foreign policy by example.

Thanks to satellite television and the Internet and foreign visitors, what happens here in the United States quickly spreads to the rest of the world. The debate over the proposed Islamic Community Center near Ground Zero in New York City is a domestic debate, but one with international repercussions. The initial reaction in the Arab and Muslim worlds has thus far been relatively muted. There are expressions of respect for American tolerance in allowing a Muslim religious institution to be built near so sensitive a site. And there is concern that the negative public reaction in this country might set back the cause of Muslim integration in the United States.

The danger is that a third reaction will gain hold abroad. What I have in mind is anti-Americanism, a possible response to increasingly strident statements by Americans that appear to be anti-Muslim. And such anti-Americanism has unfortunate potential: It can breed tolerance of or, worse yet, support for radicalism and terrorism, and it can stimulate opposition to American policies as well as to local leaders in Arab and Muslim-majority countries who associate themselves with the United States. This has the potential to take a toll on prospects for U.S. policies throughout the greater Middle East, including U.S. efforts designed to promote peace, stabilize Iraq and Afghanistan, and isolate Iran.

That would be tragic. The central issue that needs to be aired is what more can be done to discourage individuals from committing acts of terrorism in the name of Islam. Ideally, such actions and such individuals would be delegitimized by their fellow Muslims, who are in a unique position to challenge them. But this requires that those Muslims–many of whom live in America–who represent a more modern and tolerant vision of Islam have the opportunity to show that there is a better way. It is time to move ahead with the community center–either as planned or nearby–and get on with this larger debate.

In the minds of those who are swayed by the most radical interpretations of Islam, the “Ground Zero Mosque” will not be seen as a center for peace and reconciliation. It will rather be celebrated as a monument erected on the site of a great “military” victory.

Daniel Senor, CFR Adjunct Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies

Supporters of the Ground Zero Mosque typically cite religious freedom. I do not object to the mosque because it is a mosque, nor do I have any wish to curtail Islamic freedom of worship. Where a particular facility is sited is not a matter of religious liberty. My concern is that two blocks from Ground Zero is an inappropriate and insensitive location for this center.

In the minds of those who are swayed by the most radical interpretations of Islam, the “Ground Zero Mosque” will not be seen as a center for peace and reconciliation. It will rather be celebrated as a monument erected on the site of a great “military” victory. This reality is clear enough after studying the recruitment propaganda used by terrorist groups that exists on the web and elsewhere. Progressive Muslim leaders who reject the link between Islam and the radicalism espoused by al-Qaeda must be wary of helping to further this rhetoric, even inadvertently.

My deeper concern is what effect the Ground Zero Mosque would have on the families of 9/11 victims, survivors of and first responders to the attacks, and New Yorkers in general. Many understandably see the area as sacred ground. Nearly all of them also reject the equation of Islam with terrorism. But many believe that Ground Zero should be reserved for memorials to the event itself and to its victims.

Another site–not just away from Ground Zero but also closer to residential neighborhoods–would serve the institution and the city better. Worshipers would be closer and the communities that need help would also benefit from proximity. New York City’s elected officials and business and civic leaders should help Imam Rauf select and secure another site, to overcome regulatory hurdles, and to make up for any lost time.

Simply choosing another site would meet my concern about symbolism without curtailing worshipers’ freedom by one iota.

If those desiring the mosque truly are seeking greater interfaith understanding and reconciliation, they will hear the pain of their fellow Americans and will graciously agree to move their mosque two or three blocks farther away from Ground Zero

Richard Land, President, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, Southern Baptist Convention

The controversy over the new mosque, proposed in the immediate proximity to Ground Zero of the 9/11 attacks, symbolizes that the trauma of 9/11 is still a raw and unhealed emotional wound in American society. It is perhaps most analogous to a similar sneak attack on American soil at Pearl Harbor, HI, on December 7, 1941. These two events, both costing approximately three thousand American lives, were premeditated attacks by enemies of the United States. The fact that they occurred on American soil, and not at some overseas site, brought them close to home.

If those desiring the mosque truly are seeking greater interfaith understanding and reconciliation, they will hear the pain and concern expressed by their fellow Americans and will graciously agree to move their mosque two or three blocks farther away from Ground Zero.

Even sixty-nine years later, it would be unacceptable for most Americans to have a Japanese Shinto shrine within sight of USS Arizona. There is a Shinto shrine in Honolulu approximately three miles from the USS Arizona, and that is as it should be. Japanese-American followers of the Shinto religion have the right to have places of worship in close proximity to where they live. They do not, however, have the right to build a shrine right next to the USS Arizona. That ground has been hallowed by the deaths of the American sailors who perished there.

Similarly, Americans have overwhelmingly decided that Ground Zero is hallowed ground consecrated by the nearly three thousand people who died there. And while the overwhelming majority of Muslims–American and otherwise–repudiate the radical Islamic Jihadism of those who perpetrated the attack on the World Trade Center, it is still the case that it was done in the name of a perverted understanding of Islam. If those desiring the mosque truly are seeking greater interfaith understanding and reconciliation, they will hear the pain and concern expressed by their fellow Americans and will graciously agree to move their mosque two or three blocks farther away from Ground Zero.

Why should Muslims work with us overseas, on any issue, if the perception grows worldwide that Americans cannot treat their fellow American-Muslims with respect?

Chris Seiple, President, Institute for Global Engagement

This discussion has been reduced to a false choice between constitutional right and earnest emotion. We must engage the emotion in order to sustain the right. If I had to choose today, I would of course support the Lockean principles of conscience and property. But I don’t think we need to choose just yet.

The folks I know–from across the political and theological spectrum–have never been more disappointed in the state of our public discourse. They seek an honest discussion. And if peace-building is the purpose of the proposed mosque, then the building is now less important than the conversation it has catalyzed and how we treat each other.

Indeed, if we cannot embody a principled pluralism in this conversation–agreeing to disagree with respectful and mutual courtesy over our deepest differences–then how dare we promote such ideas abroad? Why should Muslims work with us overseas, on any issue, if the perception grows worldwide that Americans cannot treat their fellow American-Muslims with respect?

Make no mistake, the conduct of this conversation speaks to the essence of our beliefs, our resulting way of life, and therefore the reason we send our troops overseas.

So why not take a step back, take a deep breath, and have an intentional, national conversation? (As I have suggested at the Washington Post and on our Facebook page.) As a result, we might increase mutual understanding and respect, according to the best of our faith traditions and the best of America . . . and maybe all parties can agree on the most appropriate site for the mosque.

If we can seize this moment, and be the best of who we are, we will also ensure our ultimate victory over the terrorists.

I suspect that many who defended freedom of speech over religious sensibilities during the Rushdie affair are now arguing that the planners of this project forgo their right for the sake others’ sensitivities.

Kambiz GhaneaBassiri, Associate Professor of Religion and Humanities, Reed College, Author of “A History of Islam in America”

The planned Park 51 project [the site for the intended community center] symbolizes the role religious minorities have historically played in shaping American national identity. If we step back from the current hysteria and look at the debates surrounding this project through the lens of the history of American Islam, remarkably what is lost by many is that in defending religious freedom on a national stage, American Muslims are actively defining precisely what it means to be American.

This is not the first time American Muslims have played a significant role in shaping America’s national identity. During the civil rights movement, they struggled to help realize the ideal of racial equality, and their activism has been emblematically memorialized in American history through Malcolm X (Malik al-Shabazz). During the protests against Salman Rushdie’s Satanic Verses, American Muslims played an important role in preempting the divisions that this affair engendered in Europe. They defended freedom of speech while appealing to non-Muslims to understand their religious sensibilities. American Muslim activists sought a balance between freedom of speech and cultural sensitivity.

I suspect that many who defended freedom of speech over religious sensibilities during the Rushdie affair are now arguing that the planners of this project forgo their right for the sake others’ sensitivities.

There is an important lesson about American Islam in this irony. In their long history of both positive and negative engagement with non-Muslims, American Muslims have generally believed in an American sense of fair play. Today, their defense of the First Amendment on the national stage shows they continue to believe that as long as they play their part as citizens, their mosques and Islamic centers will be accepted for what they are–American institutions. The resolution of this controversy lies in this realization.

Source: http://www.cfr.org/publication/22830/is_a_mosque_near_ground_zero_a_bad_idea.html

On August 27^th, the Government of Canada is funding two projects that will help internationally trained nurses put their knowledge and skills to work sooner. The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

The College of Nurses of Ontario will receive over $776,000 in Foreign Credential Recognition Program funding for its project entitled Moving Ahead: Assessment of Internationally Educated Nurses – Part 2, as well as its Nursing National Benchmark project.

“The Government of Canada is helping internationally educated health professionals enter the labour market to improve the quality of life of all Canadians,” said Minister of State Fletcher. “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are working with partners to develop a common approach to foreign credential recognition. These projects contribute to a fair, efficient and timely system that will help internationally trained nurses find work in communities across Canada.”

The College of Nurses of Ontario will work with nursing regulators across Canada to harmonize national registration requirements for foreign-trained nurses, including language standards. The College will also collaborate with partners to develop a model for a future national assessment service.

Additionally, a database of international nursing education programs will be established to provide for fairer and faster assessment of international education.

“The Moving Ahead initiative will foster greater labour mobility, retention and recruitment of licensed nurses, while helping to reduce some barriers currently faced by internationally educated applicants,” said Ms. Laurel Brunke, Chair of the National Nursing Assessment Service Steering Committee, and Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia. “The Steering Committee looks forward to continued support of this initiative and is inspired by the impact it will have on creating a stronger Canadian health care system.”

“The College is very pleased with the progress of the language fluency benchmarking initiative to date,” added Ms. Anne Coghlan, Registered Nurse, and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the College of Nurses of Ontario. “Once implemented, the fluency benchmarking project will assist in harmonizing the requirements for language fluency of applicants across the country, and will support the work being done under the Moving Ahead initiative.”

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Investing in Tomorrow’s Scientists

U of A grad student Nathan Deisman with engineering professor Rick Chalaturnyk’ and Gary Goodyear, minister of state (science and technology)

Researchers across Canada will benefit from new facilities and equipment, and universities will have more opportunities to develop and attract top scientists, thanks to a major Economic Action Plan investment by the Government of Canada. The announcement was made by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, while touring labs at the University of Alberta and the Université du Québec en Outaouais, respectively.

“Our government is investing in science and technology to strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life of Canadians,” said Minister of State Goodyear. “This significant investment will help develop, attract and retain the world’s best researchers at Canadian universities while strengthening Canada’s long-term economic competitiveness.”

The federal government will invest in the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Leading Edge Fund and New Initiatives Fund. The funding is supporting the renewal and expansion of research infrastructure across Canada that will support exceptional researchers and improve labs and facilities.

“As Canada begins to emerge from the global recession, investments in science, research and innovation are essential to creating and securing well-paid, skilled jobs, both now and in the future,” said Minister Cannon.

“Tomorrow’s prosperity depends on our ability to compete within a diverse, global economy — to get there, we need to start with competitive infrastructure,” said Dr. Indira Samarasekera, President of the University of Alberta. “World-class facilities are a magnet for global talent, and these funds make a tremendous difference in researchers’ capacity to conduct leading-edge interdisciplinary research and discovery learning.”

“The Leading Edge and the New Initiative funds have been instrumental in supporting state-of-the-art research infrastructure in institutions across the country,” said Dr. Gilles G. Patry, President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. “This additional investment from the Government of Canada will ensure our researchers continue to have the tools they need to remain competitive in the global economy.”

The government will invest $200.5 million in the Leading Edge Fund and the New Initiatives Fund. Funding for this program will be drawn from a $600-million investment for research excellence as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Through these investments, the Government of Canada is working to ensure that the world’s best science and innovation opportunities — as well as the world’s best researchers — are right here on Canadian soil.

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Green Makeover for Peel schools

Students in Mississauga now have seven cleaner, greener and more energy-efficient places to learn.

Through Ontario’s Green Schools Pilot Initiative, schools are able to install new technology to help make them more energy-efficient. Seven local schools are benefitting from this initiative: Glen Forest SS, John Fraser SS, Clarkson SS, McBride PS, Ruth Thompson MS, Philip Pocock CSS, and Corpus Christie ES.

These schools are among 150 across the province that have received support through this initiative.

This $2.4 million investment for Mississauga supports Ontario’s efforts to reduce environmental footprints in its publicly funded schools.

This investment promotes better, greener learning environments and helps teach our students the importance of energy conservation,” said Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Education.

It is also an important part of the government’s Open Ontario plan to strengthen education, which has already delivered results:  smaller class sizes, higher test scores and an improved graduation rate. It also creates local economic benefits and supports a stronger, cleaner, greener economy.

“By using green products and technologies in our schools, we are setting new standards for school energy efficiency while supporting jobs in Ontario’s new green economy,” said Minister of Government Services Harinder Takhar.

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BRT Makes Key Improvements to Service Schedule as Back to School Season Approaches

Councillor John Sprovieri, Councillor Bob Callahan, Councillor John Sanderson, Councillor John Hutton, Councillor Grant Gibson, Councillor Elaine Moore, Councillor Sandra Hames, Councillor Gael Miles, Mayor Susan Fennell and Councillor Vicky Dhillon (AP)

Brampton Transit will implement a number of major service improvements this September, designed to address increased demand for the back-to-school season and fully integrate conventional transit routes with the new Züm Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, launching on September 20.

As part of Brampton Transit’s goal to improve service across the city, changes will be made to existing routes and schedules. For detailed information on all new routes, schedules and services, please visit www.bramptontransit.com or call 905.874.2999.