Canadian Refugee Stuck in U.S. Border Limbo as Health Ministers Convene Today
A Canadian refugee from Bangladesh finds himself detained in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Buffalo. Mahin Shahriar, who crossed into the U.S. accidentally on May 12, claims this event resulted from a human trafficking attempt. Now, he is unable to return to Canada.
Details of Mahin Shahriar’s Situation
Shahriar shared his story in a phone interview from ICE custody. He had been feeling depressed and was offered temporary accommodations by a friend near Montreal. The address led him to a rural road close to the Canada-U.S. border.
Health Ministers Convene in Calgary
Today, federal, provincial, and territorial health ministers are meeting in Calgary to discuss important issues. Topics on the agenda include interprovincial credential recognition and funding agreements.
Focus on Mental Health
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel aims to address mental health, addiction issues, and vaccination programs during these discussions. Alberta’s minister of primary and preventative health services, Adriana LaGrange, will co-chair the meeting with Michel.
Current Issues and Statistics in Canada
- Home Sales: In September, home sales in Canada increased by 5.2% compared to last year. This marks the highest activity for the month since 2021.
- Listings: There were 199,772 properties available for sale at the end of September, a 7.5% increase from the previous year.
- School Food Programs: Due to the teachers’ strike in Alberta, many children are experiencing hunger as access to school food programs has been halted.
As the strike continues, there are increasing concerns about the well-being of children who rely on these programs. It is crucial to address these pressing social issues alongside ongoing political and health discussions.
Other Noteworthy Events
In Vancouver, a strong gas odor at the domestic airport terminal led to a brief evacuation of passengers. The source of the smell was identified and contained quickly, with operations returning to normal shortly after the incident.
In sports, the Toronto Blue Jays achieved a decisive 13-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, marking a significant playoff moment for the team.
