Jan. 25, 2018

Entry for INMA Global Media Awards Category #9 — Best idea to encourage print readership or engagement Entry — Syrian Refugees: A New Home, A New Life — A Series of Stories and Special Reports Entrant — Herald-Calgary Sun team

Dear INMA Judges:

In 2015, Canada implemented a national project to welcome thousands of refugees from Syria who were fleeing their conflict-torn homeland. Ultimately, more than 48,000 Syrians settled in Canada over the next two years. Once the initial flurry of arrivals was completed, journalists in the Calgary Herald-Calgary Sun newsroom began to discuss a big question: What now? What would come next for these Syrian refugees? Would they be able to find work, learn English and live happily in a foreign, snowy land? How would their arrival impact the local education system and social supports? And, what would our city’s reaction be, as Syrian refugees settled into day-to-day life in Calgary? To answer these questions, the Calgary Herald-Calgary Sun did what newspapers do best — we committed to ongoing local coverage of this story throughout 2017. We committed to providing in-depth, contextual stories, analysis and photos. We made a decision to commit resources and ongoing space to tell the stories of Syrian refugees, as many hit the first-year anniversary of their arrival. At a time when many other media turned their attention and cameras elsewhere, we stayed on the story. The results were astounding. On days when we published material from this project, we experienced single copy circulation lifts up to 19 per cent. The stories were posted on bulletin boards across the city and shared by numerous social agencies which work with Syrian refugees. We also received feedback from Syrians and many others in the community, who thanked us for taking the time to follow this story for months on end. In addition to this increased use of, and engagement with, our print product, we achieved significant learnings in terms of how we can better work with diverse cultural groups. Those learnings included everything from how to appropriately enjoy tea with a Syrian family to communicating with non-English speakers via iPhone translation apps. This project resulted in increased diversification of our content and our journalists’ contact lists. They formed professional relationships with these new Canadians that continue today. One visual journalist heavily involved in the project, Leah Hennel, taught a young Syrian girl to use a camera; the girl gave Hennel the nickname of “Click-click,” reflecting the camera’s sound. A of other children taught Hennel rudimentary words in their native tongue. Several Syrian families trusted Hennel with their stories to such an extent that they invited her to key family events, including a wedding which led to a stunning photo essay (published in our weekend entertainment pull-out called Swerve, and included in this entry.) This ongoing project also enabled us to tell stories of how our city embraced Syrian refugees and share stories of their struggles and successes. It demonstrated how Syrians have made our community richer by opening new businesses (a catering company, a chocolate shop and a soap manufacturing business, for example) and by working to help the community that has welcomed them, through activities such as blood donor clinics, preparing meals for the homeless and day-to-day acts of kindness. We believe that this project — published in various instalments in print throughout the year — demonstrated excellence in journalism, growth in audience, creative engagement with a new community and lessons in collaboration and diversity. We appreciate you taking the time to consider this entry in the “best idea to encourage print readership or engagement” category of your esteemed awards. Thank you — or Shukraan, as they would say in Syria.

SUN SHINES ON FOLK FESTIVAL Attendance strong after slow start A2

FIGHTING CANCER Immune therapy shows promise C1

MONDAY, JULY 31, 2017 PROUDLY CALGARY SINCE 1883

SPECIAL REPORT: CALGARY’S SYRIAN REFUGEES

NEWS CITY HALL Tax hike urged to fund police body-worn cameras A3

POLITICS Kenney sticks to script, joins UCP leadership race A4

NP CANADA Fraudster tied Mohamed El Daher, 39, who came to Calgary from Syria a year ago with his wife Nahiama, 32, and their children, Aicha, 6, Raibeh, 5, and Aber, 3, has been farming on donated land. He aims to give some of his harvest to the needy this year before becoming a commercial organic farmer. LEAH HENNEL to hacking, threatening of media sites NP1 Searching for a place in new home VENEZUELA Contentious cent, are learning English; a major- into the labour market. The most Language, jobs remain challenges ity are using public transportation recent estimate provided to Post- election sparks as new arrivals adjust to life in city and nearly three-quarters have ob- media pegged the employment rate protests NP1 tained an driver’s licence, among privately sponsored refu- says Fariborz Birjandian, CEO of gees at 40 per cent, but some have the Calgary Catholic Immigration suggested the number could now MEGHAN POTKINS ing curve for the more than 3,800 Society (CCIS). be as high as 65 per cent. refugees estimated to have arrived But there are some serious chal- Helping refugees find their place With many of Calgary’s Syrian in the city since late 2015. lenges, too. in the local community is critical, refugee families having been in Problems that wouldn’t have Less than five per cent of gov- says Sam Nammoura, co-founder the city for a year and a half, the been insurmountable at home are ernment-sponsored refugees of the Syrian Refugee Support first blush of enthusiasm for their magnified in an unfamiliar place: have found full- or part-time em- Group (SRSG). new home has given way to the day- fixing a broken transmission on the ployment, according to CCIS, the He worries about the integra- to-day realities of building a life in family car; signing a rental agree- organization co-ordinating the tion of a younger generation that, a place that’s very different from ment and coming up with a deposit; settlement of government-assisted thanks to social media and in- SPORTS where they’ve come from. finding out your teen is being bul- refugees. CCIS is also preparing to creased connectivity, doesn’t feel Sprawling Calgary — with its lied at school. release the first comprehensive as- the same need to make new con- STAMPS harsh winters, high cost of living, But there are important signs sessment of refugees in Calgary. nections and friends. and varied cultural and gender of progress: the vast majority of Privately sponsored refugees ■ ■ SPECIAL SERIES A6-7 Mauling of the norms — presents a steep learn- Syrian newcomers, nearly 90 per have had an easier time breaking SEE SYRIAN REFUGEES ON A6 Ticats was one for the record “He’s up and walking around and he’s back with his owner,” books B1 Police dog stabbed in line said Lines. “(The owner) is taking it pretty hard but Jester is going GOLF of duty, youths charged to be fine.” According to his bio from the Vegas hits 2017 K9 calendar, Jester, who ANNA JUNKER ing when two people, both males, specializes in patrol and drug de- the jackpot in began to flee on foot. tection, loves his job, along with YOU Canadian Open A Calgary police K9 Unit dog will Staff Sgt. James Lines said Jester, “chasing a ball, chewing on a bone recover but may never return to a German shepherd who has been and belly rubs.” playoff B3 active duty after being stabbed with the force for five years, gave “I love to track: people, evidence, HEALTH multiple times in the head while chase and was stabbed multiple drugs, whatever they need me to chasing a break-in suspect Sunday, times with a knife during the pur- find, I’ll find it,” the bio reads. “I Working out to police say. suit. get called out hundreds of times a offset bad food Police responded to a break-in Jester was rushed to a veterinary year to dangerous situations like at Grant MacEwan school in Fal- hospital with life-threatening in- robberies, break and enters and choices misses conridge about 2 a.m., and had set juries. The animal’s condition has weapons calls.” the point C2 up a perimeter around the build- since been upgraded to stable. SEE POLICE DOG ON A3 Rain or shine, we’vegot you covered

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CAL00665991_1_1 A6 MONDAY, JULY 31, 2017 CALGARY HERALD CITY

— emotional, financial and physi- cal — between spouses and even siblings. The organization will in- tervene in those situations to refer families to different programs or services to support children and parents. “They’re trying to find them- selves,” Birjandian says. “All those dynamics are chang- ing: the role of the man, the wife’s role is changing. There is work to do in the areas of parenting and domestic harmony.”

LEAVING LITTLE SYRIA BEHIND There is another worry that weighs on Birjandian’s mind, and it has to do with a map in his office that he looks at from time to time. The map plots the locations of every Syrian family that has re- settled in Calgary, and, despite the best efforts of his organization, it still shows some concentrated pockets in the northeast and For- est Lawn. One complex of town- houses in Forest Lawn is home to more than two dozen refugee families dubbed “Little Syria” or “Syriatown” by the community. “A big concentration like that is not a healthy practice,” Birjandian says, noting examples in France and the Netherlands where some ethnic communities have congre- gated in areas with rundown social housing. The problem is nowhere near Yahya Al Masalmeh and Seham in Falconridge with three of their children; daughter Najat and sons Mohammad and Yousef. GAVIN YOUNG as serious in Calgary, Birjandian says, but when the first influx of Syrian refugees arrived there was a scramble to find housing that resulted in some concentrated Some women delay English lessons settlement. “In many cities they ignore it. They’ve ignored it for many years SYRIAN REFUGEES FROM A1 membering how her children ran comes to home life and the roles “If there’s anything you can and now it’s a huge social prob- between the kitchen sink and the played within a marriage you can’t spend money on for these new- lem.” “Where do I see the Syrians in fire, tossing small cups of water on stereotype Syrian families. Each comers, it’s daycare,” Jamal says, In the beginning, Birjandian 10 years? If we stay like this, sta- the flames until the fire was out, one is different. adding that some language cen- says, many of the Syrian families tus quo, this could be one of the but the memory of the pain still While gender roles, especially tres do provide child care but not wanted to stay together and would slowest communities to integrate brings her up short. among government-sponsored it’s not nearly enough to meet the resist CCIS’s attempts to settle within Canada,” Nammoura says. At the hospital, her tearful eight- refugees from more conservative need. them in different areas of the city. The burns on her hands and year-old daughter did her best to or rural backgrounds, can be rigid, “Once you educate the mom, the “Now, they’re coming one by one arms blistered her skin, but that convey what happened to the some families push their mothers whole family will be on the right to say: ‘Can I move from here? I wasn’t Seham Al Masalmeh’s only nurses and doctors. And though and daughters to get a driver’s li- track.” want to go to other places.’ ” worry. the burns are healing, the memo- cence and pursue studies or work The added pressures on a large The Al Masalmeh family moved The young Syrian mother of four ry, amid a tumultuous 18 months outside of the home. family suddenly finding them- out of Little Syria a couple of wondered how she would explain since the Al Masalmeh family But there are still some Syrian selves in close quarters in an apart- months ago into a bigger house in to the doctor in her broken Eng- arrived in Calgary as refugees, women who resist taking English ment or townhouse — because it’s the northeast with cheaper rent, lish what had happened: that her brings up anxieties familiar to any classes, either out of a reluctance all they can afford — can be huge, good light and a kitchen that smells youngest daughter had acciden- newcomer to Canada. to leave their duties at home or be- volunteers say. Old family dynam- of oranges and cardamom from Se- tally lit the curtains on fire while “It’s still the hardest part,” Se- cause of difficulty obtaining child ics crumble and are reforged, as ham’s baking. playing with candles, that the ham says through a translator. care, says Saima Jamal of SRSG. adults find themselves relying on “We’re a strong family,” Seham curtains had dropped on Seham’s “The language is still the biggest Some Syrian women have de- their children to help them com- says. “And love is the most impor- bare arms as she grabbed at them problem we have.” layed taking English classes to care municate to accomplish the most tant thing in this house.” to prevent the fire from spreading There is one line that is tread for infants. Others can only fit them basic of tasks. [email protected] in their rented townhouse. very carefully by volunteers work- in part-time in the evenings when CCIS volunteers have noted — Special thanks to Arwa Alrajeh for She laughs about it now, re- ing with Syrian families: when it their partner has returned home. some forms of domestic violence her translation services.

FROM ALEPPO TO CALGARY A Syrian boy’s journey of hard work and success

EVA FERGUSON fit me, that hard work will actually get you somewhere here.” He remembers fondly the peace- Now 20, Nerses is still baffled ful, ancient retreat Aleppo once by the open spaces of his new Al- was. berta home, from the farmland the As a boy, Mahran Nerses would Rockies to the giant produce and walk to school every morning, bulk food sections of local grocery wrapped in the warmth of the stores. sun, a backpack full of books, col- “Even the parking lot at Super- lecting friends along his street as store, it’s unbelievable,” he smiles they joked and jostled each other shyly. “Our entire malls are about on their way. that big in Aleppo.” Evenings were spent playing After a full year of university, soccer for hours; weekends meant Nerses maintains an impres- sharing meals with extended fam- sive work ethic, maintaining a ily, huge gatherings with aunties, full-time night shift at a 24-hour uncles and countless cousins. grocery store, stocking shelves or Things began changing when the minding the cash register. By day, protests started, part of a wider he attends a spring class at U of C, wave of unrest ignited by the 2011 a 19th-century history course. He Arab Spring. Growing discontent travels by bus or LRT and helps his led to government crackdowns, parents pay the bills. which led to shootings, which led His mother, father, and even his to unimaginable violence, destruc- little sister have been able to join tion and now the most horrific civil him in Calgary over the last several war the region has seen. months, thanks to another private “I was about 14, or 15, when my sponsor. dad said it was time for me to go, While his mother attends Eng- that I had to get out,” he recalls. lish classes and his sister finishes Syrian refugee Mahran Nerses has been in Calgary over a year and works night shifts at a grocery store, takes the “Everyone could feel it; there was high school, his father has found bus home for breakfast with his family, and then goes to university for his history class. PHOTOS: LEAH HENNEL just too much government cor- work cutting steel for a roofing ruption. No matter how hard you company. making new friends continue to worked, you could see there was “He is lucky because his work be a challenge. no future.” doesn’t need him to speak that “The only hard part is the life- Nerses went to Beirut, Lebanon, much English,” Nerses says. style here is so different,” he says. to live with his aunt, his mother’s Everyone in the family takes “It was much easier to meet people younger sister. He completed high transit to work and school, saving back home; families are always get- school, much of it in English, to every penny possible to help pay ting together, introducing one an- prepare for his journey west. for rent once their private spon- other to new friends. He arrived in Calgary in January sorship ends next fall. “Here, people like to keep to 2016, sponsored privately by a sec- “My dad is so careful with his themselves.” ond aunt, his mother’s older sister. money. Even though he has a Nerses hopes to be accepted He continued English lessons and good job, and I do too, he puts as into the international relations found work at McDonald’s within much money away as he can. And program by this fall, and look to months. we know that taking the bus is way meet new friends at some student- He was able to enrol in open cheaper than having a car.” led clubs, maybe even a fun soccer studies at the University of Cal- Christian in faith, Nerses’ roots league. gary, studying a range of liberal can be traced back to Armenia, just By then his life, he smiles, might arts courses, from economics to south of Turkey, meaning their come full circle, heading to school, history. transition to another country has a backpack full of books, and “I learned very quickly that it happened before, making it a little kicking around a soccer ball with was important to work hard here easier for his parents. friends. in Canada. And, that it would bene- But meeting new people and [email protected] Mahran with his mother and sister at their home in Calgary. CITY MONDAY, JULY 31, 2017 CALGARY HERALD A7

Afraa Bilan, 22, and her husband Muhammad Bilan, 29, with their three children, Nael, 3, left, Naya, 5 and Justin Trudeau Adam, born May 4, at their home in Calgary. PHOTOS: LEAH HENNEL For single mother, Growing family grateful settlement in Canada remains a challenge for safety and freedom MICHELE JARVIE rested and questioned by the Syr- “It’s good because we meet Cana- ian Arab Army. Fearful, they went dian people and we can learn from YOLANDE COLE They are learning English, and The tidy house, like its occupants, to Lebanon but jobs there were each other.” have made friends, both with Ca- represents a melange of cultures. A scarce and, now with two young Both Afraa and Muhammad ad- When Fatima al-Rajab arrived in nadian children and other Syrians, plaque in Arabic scroll shares a liv- children, they wanted a more se- mit it has been a challenge to adapt Canada in January 2016, she felt in the complex where they live. ing room wall with a poster printed cure future. When war broke out to a new country, new language hopeful. Al-Rajab says some of the high- in English. Guests are served or- in Syria and they knew they could and new culture where “every- That sentiment quickly led to lights of coming to Canada, aside ange juice as well as lovely little not return, they applied for refu- thing is different. There is noth- the realization of how tough it from the children being happy in bundles of foreign sweets wrapped gee status in Canada. ing the same as Syria or Lebanon,” would be to make a new life in a school, include the fact that the in lace. “It’s no safe. Right now the Afraa says. place where she was surrounded houses are much nicer, and that It’s a complex venture, trying schools are very bad. If you go to “When my son was born, the by strangers and a language she “the places in general are very to forge a life in a foreign land but school, you don’t know if they’ll support group made a baby shower didn’t speak. beautiful.” Afraa and Muhammad Bilan are come home. There is no safe,” said for him,” she recalls. “I didn’t know After her husband was killed by She has also made friends with quietly finding their way in Cal- Afraa in remarkably good English. what that was.” a sniper in Syria, al-Rajab was left other Syrian women in the neigh- gary. That’s a far cry from their cir- The cultural differences are the to raise her four young children bourhood, and she has gone from The Syrian couple is part of the cumstances here. The Bilans plan hardest for Muhammad, 29, who is on her own — a feat challenging being worried to take the CTrain wave of 40,000 refugees welcomed for daughter Naya, 5, to attend shy about speaking in English. He enough without starting from on her own when she first arrived, by the Trudeau government. They kindergarten this fall once they de- is happy his brother is with them scratch in an unfamiliar country. to finding her way around easily. arrived in February, in the dead in termine where they will be living. and they have made friends with About a year and a half after tak- If she goes somewhere once, she winter, a little family of four which The lease is up at the end of July on others in the Syrian community. ing that step, the single mother has remembers the route. has since become five. their rental house in Rosscarrock For Afraa, the biggest challenge grown more accustomed to her Above all, it is much safer here. Justin Trudeau Adam Bilan was and their government and church to life in Canada is being separated new home. She is taking English But settlement remains a major born May 4 and during Stampede sponsorships have ended. Muham- from her parents. classes and has gotten to know hurdle for the mother, who admits he came face to face with the man mad, 29, who worked as a barber “Our parents are safe for now, her way around the local transit that if her husband were still alive, his family credits for their freedom. in Syria, only has sporadic, on-call but we always worry about them system. “life would be much easier.” Afraa, 22, her husband and three work with a grocery wholesaler, because we don’t know about the But in an interview in her Forest She misses her family, and some- children met the prime minister although his younger brother, who future,” she says. “They know Can- Lawn home, al-Rajab says she still times thinks about going to Jordan at a community pancake breakfast lives with them, is working. ada is so far from Syria and we can’t misses her Syrian home, and she to see her mother, who lives there on July 15 when Trudeau flew into “We are doing OK. But it is get- come back to visit. It will be a long hopes to return. with some of al-Rajab’s siblings. the city for the day. He cuddled the ting harder. We are so happy to be time.” “I feel like a stranger (here),” Since arriving in Canada, al-Rajab baby and chatted with the family here, everything is good, but it is Despite those drawbacks, she al-Rajab says through a translator. has been confronted with grief for a few minutes. getting more difficult with money,” says they are so happy to be in The family’s journey from the once again, this time after losing “We appreciate the prime min- says Afraa who is grateful for help Canada and want to become citi- city of Homs to Canada started a a sister in Lebanon to cancer. ister. It is maybe a small thank- from the Syrian Refugee Support zens. They hope to one day sponsor few months after al-Rajab’s hus- She feels conflicted between the you,” says Afraa, explaining why Group. Through it, they’ve received their parents to come to Canada, band was killed. They spent the longings for family and familiarity, she chose that name. furniture, clothing, even children’s where their life is full of promise. next three years moving around and providing stability for her chil- The Bilans have only been in bicycles and giant stuffies. It has “It’s hard to explain. It’s every- between refugee camps in Leba- dren, who have grown accustomed Canada for a year but it’s been six also given them a place to socialize thing, the people are nice, the non. to life here. since they left their home — and with other Syrians and make new schools are good,” she says. “Life Despite living conditions she de- During the interview, the chil- extended family — in Damascus, friends. Afraa volunteered there is better. (My children) will have scribes as “very, very tough,” the dren run in and out of a back door after Muhammad was twice ar- before the baby was born. a better life.” family took comfort in the fact that to play with neighbour friends they were still close to their home and lounge on a couch in the country. kitchen near their mother as she “You have that feeling that at any prepares coffee, appearing at home moment you’re going to go back to in their southeast Calgary commu- Syrian farmer tills life in new country Syria,” she explains. nity. Most of the children, except for “They love Canada so much,” BILL KAUFMANN the oldest daughter, were so young says al-Rajab. when they left Syria that they don’t She acknowledges that life has War sowed the bitter harvest of ex- remember their country, describ- become easier since the family’s odus for Syrian farmer Mohamed ing Lebanon as where they are arrival. When asked if she expects El Daher and his then-new wife. from. things to continue to improve, she But the wiry El Daher hopes his The kids have happily made Cal- says: “This is what people tell me love of tilling the soil will help root gary their new home, glad to have all the time: Just at the beginning his family in a new country he so activities in school to keep them it’s hard, and then it’s going to be emphatically embraces. busy — a far cry from the refugee fine.” “Everything is good because my camps they lived in for so long. [email protected] children are very, very happy. … Recent Syrian refugees Mohamed El Daher, 39 and his wife Nahiama, 32, It is beautiful,” says El Daher, as have made their backyard in the city’s northwest into a huge garden. his trio of kids, aged three to six, scamper about their rental house. dreams for the family that fled its fession as a construction plasterer When his family of five arrived home in the city of Hama shortly would mean a more stable income, in Calgary a year ago, El Daher after the Syrian war began. he said, which is essential since a wasted little time in plowing un- “Everything went bad because of fourth child is on the way. der the lawn in the backyard of his the war — for children, babies it’s But El Daher adds he’s upbeat Ranchlands home, planting veg- no good,” says El Daher, who still about his prospects and a plan that etables among the furrows. has extended family back in Syria some of the food he’ll harvest from More recently, the Syrian Refu- with whom he’s in contact. “Some his backyard and farm field plots gees Support Group Calgary con- days are bad for them, some days can be given to the needy as a sign nected him to Abdullah Chybli, good,” he notes. El Daher is relieved of gratitude to Canada. “The gov- whose parents hail from Lebanon to be in a peaceful country and has ernment gave me money, so I will and Syria. Chybli has lent El Daher no plans to return, especially be- plant to give free to people,” he says. 1.2 hectares of farmland northeast cause his children are happy here. When he’s not attending English of the city, so El Daher can grow a However, the benefits of the El classes at Bow Valley College, El firmer financial footing. El Daher’s Daher family’s one-year spon- Daher is tending to his vegetables. enthusiasm for farming seemed sorship hybrid, from the federal Next year, the plan is to be a com- genuine and the farmland seemed government and auditing giant mercial organic farmer, said El Da- fertile ground to help a refugee KPMG, expired in June. And veg- her, as he inspects baby sprouts of adapt and contribute, said Chybli. etables take time to mature into a peppers and beans emerging from Syrian refugee and single mom, Fatima al-Rajab, at her home in Calgary El Daher, 39, has already pur- cash crop. “I need work,” says El his sloping backyard. with her children Mourad, 6, left, Hanadi, 11, Amani, 8 and Ahmed, 10, has chased a small, decades-old trac- Daher in halting English. [email protected] been in Canada over a year now, and sometimes feels like going home. tor to work what’s become a field of A job carrying on his other pro- twitter: @BillKaufmannjrn CITY TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017 CALGARY HERALD A7

The Herald celebrates 20 inspiring Calgarians to keep an eye on in the coming year and beyond. Stories by Rita Mingo and Barb Livingstone, 20 for the Calgary Herald. Compelling Calgarians

RITA KHANCHET KALLAS: SYRIAN REFUGEE, ENTREPRENEUR

After escaping wartorn Syria, Rita here, she dreams of expanding her Khanchet Kallas’ immediate re- business to provide jobs for other action was fear when government Syrian women. officials knocked on her Calgary “Some have spent five years in door. camps, some don’t have a lot of “And then, the first thing they say English or education. But they is: 'We are here to help you.' And can cook, be independent and help they did.” earn money for their families.” Health and civic officials and the When extremists arrived in DR. ARDYTHE TAYLOR: Syrian Refugee Support Group Aleppo, Kallas’ family fled to her Calgary helped Kallas — a broad- home town, only to have her fa- cast engineer in her homeland — ther — driving an ambulance to MEDICAL DIRECTOR, open her catering business, Syrian been a constant theme. save wounded — killed by a bomb. Cuisine Made with Love. It started with the Fort McMur- Private sponsorship allowed the As the first Syrian refugee to re- ray wildfires. Kallas organized Syr- family to escape to Canada, with a BREAST CANCER ceive a business licence in the city, ian refugees to donate and provide 22-kilogram bag each. her small operation represents fi- hampers to evacuees. “We left many things behind but SUPPORTIVE CARE nancial independence — and a val- “No one can understand the we filled one bag with my son’s toys. entine to her new country. people of Fort McMurray like us. They are his history.” It wasn’t her idea, Dr. Ardythe Tay- you know, maybe something big- “Made With Love, because we are We lost everything; they lost ev- And while Kallas recognizes lor insists; she just took the ball and ger than me is operating here and making a new life in Canada, with erything. We had to stand for each some Canadians don’t support Syr- ran with it. maybe I should take a look at this.” love; this country deserves love,” other,” says Kallas, awarded a peace ian refugees, she focuses on those Taylor is the medical director at First, there was a fellowship an- she said. and human-rights award for her ef- who have opened their arms and Breast Cancer Supportive Care. nouncement for family doctors In the year since her family (law- forts. hearts. Stricken with the disease 18 years interested in getting expertise in yer husband and five-year-old son) This year, while her husband “If we hadn’t come, we may be ago, the notion of a care centre was women’s health. She applied and arrived in Canada, giving back has works to be certified as a lawyer dead.” born through a support group of was successful. Then, remember- friends in a similar situation. ing a memo from the Tom Baker “It was about four years after, Centre noting that patients were we were at one of the gals’ places, being sent back to family doctors reflecting, and I put out the ques- because of the high rate of diagno- tion spontaneously to the group,” ses, she found her supervisor at the TATE she recalled. "Do you guys have any centre. sense of any way that someone like “There is a strong sense of it was me, as a family doctor who has ex- meant to be,” she said. MCRAE: perienced breast cancer, could be The non-profit centre is funded helpful to people like us? by donations, for which Taylor, “Immediately, three or four all originally from B.C., is truly grate- DANCER said versions of the same thing. ful, because the need for after-care They said it would be great if some- — be it medical, psychological, nu- She’s only 13 years old, but Tate one like you could have a clinic to tritional, etc. — is critical. McRae already has many memo- help someone like us. I discounted “The World Health Organization ries that will last forever. it; it wasn’t like a big light bulb went declared breast cancer the very And in 2016 alone. off for me.” first cancer that fits the criteria of This past summer, the Calgary However, the serendipity of it all a chronic medical condition,” she youngster finished third in the amazes her. said. “This whole supportive care popular So You Think You Can “In the next few weeks,” she is now springing up in different Dance reality TV show, while also said, “in quite a noticeable way, places because it’s the new piece getting the opportunity to be on a number of doors unexpectedly that’s needed . . . for people who are stage with teen idol Justin Bieber. berta Ballet, McRae practises said. “It was so crazy, I have to say, opened for me and made me think, living longer.” “This year has been absolutely ballet three hours each morning, it was the best concert ever. He was surreal,” said McRae. "Getting the has actual Grade 8 studies for five very busy, but he asked our names chance to be on So You Think You hours, then it’s back to training at on stage and gave us high-fives, and Can Dance was the journey of a life- her mother’s YYC Dance Project that’s all I needed.” time, and I think I grew so much as studio. Also an actress, McRae has done a dancer and as a person. “It’s always been my dream to commercials and voice-over work BO LEVI MITCHELL: “It was crazy that I even made top share my passion for dance with with Nickelodeon. This winter, she 10,” she said. “Getting that far was everyone in the world,” she said, heads to Cabo San Lucas for a gala crazy because no one in Canada “and I think that sort of happened and in March she’s in Australia STAMPEDERS could vote — my family, my friends, this summer, which is so cool.” for another performance with her who were so supportive and had my Then there was the Bieber ad- mentor, Kathryn McCormick. back the whole time, none of them. venture. “I have very many dreams,” she QUARTERBACK So I was relying on giving it all I had “It was my first concert ever and said. “I have a jam-packed sched- on that stage.” we got to perform on stage with him ule, but I love what I do. Every It wasn’t the end he and his team- A student at the School of Al- for a whole four-minute piece,” she single second is awesome.” mates wanted. After a CFL season of records and all-star performances, the lost the Grey Cup in overtime to the Redblacks. But for league Most Outstand- DARBY LEE YOUNG: ADVOCATE ing Player Bo Levi Mitchell, there’s much to take away from 2016. “Without a doubt it takes away a FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES bit of the sparkle, if you will,” the quarterback said of the loss. “It was Darby Lee Young wants Calgary to let’s give her a chance.' " a very special season for the entire “Christmas is my favourite time be among the most accessible cities The focus of Level Playing Field organization. We’re not satisfied, of the year,” he said. "I used to love in Canada, and she’s doing her part is in line with her work on the city’s obviously, because we had a sin- it because of the presents. But I’ll to realize that objective. advisory committee on accessibility. gular goal in mind that we didn’t never forget the feeling of going to “Absolutely my hope and dream,” “Sitting on this committee, I no- accomplish but, hey, it’s motivation school after that and asking, hey, said Young. “In order for accessi- ticed that a lot of the accessibility to give us something to strive for what did you get and then you talk bility to work, period, everyone wasn’t to the extent of how we use next year.” to some friends and you see how needs to be on the same plan. My the facility. It’s what the designers Mitchell, who just finished his tough some families have it. That’s favourite line is, as soon as there’s thought looked good on paper.” fifth campaign with the Stamps, always hit me hard. a barrier, my independence is gone. Medically classified as a quad- has come to embrace this city just “I’ve striven to make this one We should be removing those bar- riplegic, few are as well versed in as fans have embraced him. the biggest deal I can, because the riers so everyone can get in and feel the issues of getting around this “It’s definitely mutual,” he said. thought of some kids waking up inclusive. And not only people with gary Stampede, an institution near city than Young, who was born “I’m pretty ecstatic that the entire to either very little or nothing is disabilities; we’re talking seniors, and dear to her heart. and raised here and lived one year city has accepted me the way it has pretty heartbreaking to me.” families with strollers, we’re talk- “My first ever job was with the in Denver as part of the national but, obviously, I’m going to try to The new year not only means ing everybody.” Stampede at 14,” Young said. “To para-alpine ski team. Bringing continue to do more things in the training for next season, it’ll also Young was born with mild cere- win was extremely personal be- Calgary up to par with a place like city.” welcome a baby girl to the Mitchell bral palsy and is principal strate- cause it not only highlights and Vancouver is her ideal. That includes being front-and- family as his wife is due in Febru- gist with Level Playing Field, a shows that people understand all “We’ve definitely got a lot of dif- centre with various charities. One ary. And though they’re from Tex- consulting company that provides the accessibility work that I’ve done ferent projects,” she said. “We’re of his favourite projects is Mitch- as, there’s no question where the universal design solutions. This over the years, but trying to make a consultants to East Village and ell Miracle Day, a holiday initiative baby will be born. past summer she was recognized difference with Level Playing Field. making sure a lot of their projects in which he and his wife, Madison, “It’ll be a Canadian baby,” he said with the 2016 Western Legacy The Stampede were the first ones to will incorporate accessibility to the take underprivileged kids shop- with a chuckle. “No Trump babies Award for Innovation by the Cal- look past my disability and say 'hey, extent where it’s actually usable.” ping. around here.”

A4 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 CALGARY HERALD CITY

INSIDE POLITICS Trump trade policies outweigh carbon tax: economist

GORDON KENT

Alberta businesses should be more worried about the effect of American trade policies on their competi- tiveness than the carbon tax, a University of Alberta energy economist says. “Looking at the (U.S. Premier Rachel Notley and Audrey Poitras, president of the Metis Nation of Alberta, share a laugh after a signing ceremony at the Alberta Legislature President Donald) Trump on Wednesday. The province and the Metis body signed a 10-year framework agreement designed to sustain an enduring, collaborative relationship to administration that’s be- promote the social and economic well-being of Metis Nation of Alberta members. LARRY WONG coming more protection- ist, if they use trade levers to put controls on oil and gas imports, that could have 10 times the impact of the Alberta will take more refugees if carbon levy,” Andrew Leach said Wednesday. Some Canadians have expressed concern that national and provincial Ottawa raises the cap, Notley says carbon pricing, such as the $20-a-tonne fee that began Province will request more funding sponsored refugees this year. stone XL pipeline, said Canada can Jan. 1 in Alberta, will drive Nenshi called this week for that work to further its economic inter- investment south of the to assist with any additional arrivals 1,000 cap to be increased, as has ests while still retaining its values, border. federal NDP Leader Tom Mulcair. which include respect for human But Leach, who chaired Fariborz Birjandian, CEO of the rights, the rule of law and diversity. the provincial govern- JAMES WOOD federal government to the prov- CCIS, said it is important for the “Things are moving very, very ment’s climate change inces who receive these refugees. province to give its public support quickly, and so everyday is a new advisory panel, said this is Alberta is able and willing to take But as I’ve said before, our province to bringing in more refugees. day,” she said when asked whether only one of the costs com- in more refugees if the federal is one of inclusivity that respects “This is something that needs to Alberta’s economic relationship panies must consider when government raises the number diversity.” happen,” he said, noting the prov- with the U.S. could be affected by deciding where to spend Canada takes in, Premier Rachel According to the province, Alber- ince’s key role in providing health Trump’s travel ban. their money, and other fac- Notley said Wednesday. ta received 7,004 refugees between and education services. “We are lucky because we can In response to U.S. President Nov. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2016. Of “If both the federal government make an argument to the U.S. Donald Trump’s refugee ban, that amount, 4,921 were Syrian. and provincial government decide about the benefit of maintaining both the federal NDP and Mayor The Calgary Catholic Immigra- to bring more, as far as the services a strong trade relationship with Naheed Nenshi have called on Ot- tion Society (CCIS) estimates in Calgary, we need more resourc- Alberta and with Canada in terms tawa to lift the cap on the number about 3,400 refugees landed in es, but it is doable.” that actually benefit the U.S. as well of Syrian refugees allowed into the Calgary last year. The Trump administration’s . . . I don’t think that will change the country. The NDP government last year actions have meant a high-wire way Canadians approach certain Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pushed for additional federal fund- act for the Trudeau government, values, which are fundamentally tweeted on Saturday that Canada ing to help cover housing costs for which is concerned with maintain- Canadian.” will remain open to those fleeing the refugees fleeing wartorn Syria. ing Canada’s crucial trade relation- Alberta Chambers of Com- persecution but his Liberal gov- The federal government provided ship with the U.S. in the face of the merce president Ken Kobly said he Andrew Leach ernment has taken no action to an extra $6.6 million paid directly new president’s sharply protec- couldn’t address whether the con- increase refugee numbers, though to resettlement assistance pro- tionist rhetoric. troversy over American refugee tors such health-care costs it has offered temporary residence gram providers. Notley, who last week welcomed policy would affect the economic might favour Canada. status to travellers stranded be- Over the weekend, Trump signed Trump giving new life to the Key- ties between the two countries. No one expected Trump cause of Trump’s order. an executive order banning citizens But he said businesses are hop- or rival Hillary Clinton to Notley, who took part in a week- from seven predominantly Muslim ing for “stability” in the association introduce broad-based end conference call with Trudeau countries from entering the U.S. for between the two countries. carbon pricing in the Unit- and the other premiers on the new 90 days, and suspending all refugee We’d be very “I wish the Canadian govern- ed States once elected, he U.S. policy, said she believes Ottawa admission for 120 days, leading to ment and the Alberta government said following a speech is considering allowing more refu- scenes of chaos at some American happy to work well in building relationships with organized by the Bennett gees. airports and mass demonstrations with them to the United States, but there are Jones law firm. “What certainly we indicated in both the U.S. and Canada. some things that obviously both “The biggest concern to them at the time is that we’d be During last year’s resettlement increase that the Canadian government and the with Trump isn’t that back- very happy to work with them to in- campaign, Canada welcomed close number if that’s government of Alberta will have to away from environmental crease that number if that’s the di- to 39,000 Syrian refugees, about determine when they disagree with policies … It’s what’s going rection they choose to go,” she said one-third of whom were privately the direction the current administration,” said to happen to our industries in a news conference Wednesday. sponsored. But due to a growing they choose Kobly. which are very dependent “We, of course, also had conver- backlog of applications, the feder- “It’s a tough job for them.” on the U.S. market,” he said. sations about ensuring that there is al government has since created a to go. [email protected] “Think of something like adequate levels of support from the cap of no more than 1,000 privately a $2-a-barrel import tax. That would swamp any im- pact of the carbon price in terms of our relative com- petitiveness, and these are things being discussed. I think that’s where our focus needs to be.” Leach criticized the pro- vincial energy efficiency plan rolled out last week that will initially include free installation of LED lights, low-flow shower heads and programmable The Alberta government’s new Child Intervention Panel met for the first time at Government House in on Wednesday. LARRY WONG thermostats for homes. This approach was inef- fective when it was last tried in Hansard, restricted instead to on a large scale in the 1990s Heed youth in the system, child panel told a summary. and should be replaced by Microphones were turned off programs that use modern and TV cameras had to leave after technology to gain public EMMA GRANEY nobody. I felt I didn’t belong, I the public to present to the panel introductory remarks from Lari- support, he said. wasn’t loved, I didn’t matter,” she Wednesday — that will come later. vee, although reporters and the For example, he suggest- Shauna Parks was a teenager in told Postmedia on Wednesday. Instead, it spent a good chunk public could stay in the room. ed sending out links to a government care when she con- “A lot of consultation done by the of time grappling with process, in- Still, Parks was heartened to hear site such as MyHeat, which tributed to an overhaul of Alberta’s government is very cookie-cutter, cluding how much of its work will panel members embrace the idea features an aerial map that child welfare act 20 years ago. very prescriptive, and I think be made public, and how, exactly, of garnering input from people shows the amount of ener- Now with a master’s degree in so- meaningful and genuine engage- it will hear from Albertans. with experience in the system. gy escaping from buildings cial work, she travelled Wednesday ment is what young people deserve. Much of the discussion revolved Much like Larivee, who asked and how homes compare to to Edmonton from Calgary for the I’m here to hold the panel account- around privacy and the delicate the panel to refrain from turning their neighbours. first meeting of the province’s child able to that,” she said. balancing act between protecting its work into a witch hunt, Parks Large energy users could intervention panel. Children’s Services Minister the rights of children and families, wants the committee to find solu- be sent coupons for devices Parks came armed with a poster Danielle Larivee acknowledged and hearing their stories. tions, not point fingers and cast to cut their gas and power and a mission — to ask, “Where are those voices as essential to under- Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark, blame. consumption, he said. the voices of youth in care?” and standing what changes need to be one of the four opposition parties’ A big part of that, Parks said, is “You just like to have press the panel to listen to young made, and said Wednesday they panel members, said taking meet- hearing stories and asking hard something that grabs them people who have lived through the will form a key part of the panel’s ings behind closed doors should questions about the flaws in the and pulls them in, as op- child welfare system. work. Overall, she said, the first have a high litmus test. system. posed to something that When she aged out of care, Parks meeting went well and stayed fo- “One of the things we’re look- “We all own that — not just our confirms preconceived no- admits she was “a bit rough around cused on the work ahead. ing to overcome here is secrecy — elected officials, not just the folks tions about ‘What is this the edges,” but said contributing to Seventy-three children and too much secrecy,” he said. “Our who work in the department, but program? It’s just govern- that government review was piv- youths in the system died between default position should be more the public as well,” she said. “We ment handing stuff out for otal to her success in life, both as a April 1, 2014, and the end of 2016. public, rather than more secret.” are all responsible for children in free,’ ” Leach said. mother and in her career. The bulk of those — 32 — were at That was put to the test early. this province. We all share that.” [email protected] “That point in time for me was the initial assessment stage. Although a public meeting, the [email protected] twitter.com/GKentEJ so critical, because I felt like I was There was no formal chance for panel’s work isn’t being recorded twitter.com/EmmaLGraney CITY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017 CALGARY HERALD A9

High River homes can be yours for a song, but with a catch

SHAWN LOGAN province, which shelled out $92.9 million to displaced homeowners. Assessed at nearly $1 million pri- Of those, 54 were slated for demoli- or to the 2013 flood, a High River tion with the 26 now up for auction estate home could be yours for as considered salvageable. Another 14 little as a few thousand dollars. properties, all in High River, are The two-storey, red brick home awaiting a decision on their fate. at 1577 Gascony Lane is one of 26 Paul McCann, owner of McCann’s houses being auctioned off by the Building Movers in Calgary, said province with no reserve bid in phone calls and emails from “tire place, as it tries to unload several kickers” have been pouring in since properties salvaged from the dev- the government posted the auction astating deluge. As of Tuesday, the on its surplus website. highest bid on the 5,400 sq.-ft. es- But given the complexity, he not- tate sat at a mere $3,000. ed some prospective homeowners Which could mean bidders could may be in for more than they bar- be in for a steal of a real estate deal, gained for. with one not-so-small catch: Suc- “They look good on paper, but cessful bidders have 160 days from when you get down to it you’re the auction’s closing to relocate the gonna have to put a lot of lipstick properties so the province can re- on these to get them to living condi- mediate the flood-impacted land. tion,” McCann said. Also, the properties are sold as is, “We’re telling people who want to though each comes with a thorough get quotes to make sure they read structural and environmental as- the terms and conditions and do sessment by the province. your due diligence.” Ibtesam Alkarnake with her son, Eyad, at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre on Wednesday. The Alkarnake “We wanted to give people the op- In addition to winning bidders family had arrived in Canada the night before from a refugee camp in Jordan. FORT CITY CHURCH portunity to purchase these homes agreeing to relocate the properties that were deemed structurally sal- within 160 days, payment must be vageable,” said Alberta Infrastruc- made to the province with 45 days, ture spokesman Dallas Huybregts. along with a refundable $20,000 “We also wanted to make sure the moving security deposit. interests of the Alberta taxpayers McCann said costs for moving Refugee delivers child were met so we’re looking to re- homes a moderate distance can cover whatever money we could range anywhere from $25,000 to from these structures.” $40,000, but the High River homes Prior to the June 2013 flood, the in question will in almost all cases hours after safe landing affluent neighbourhood on High need to have their roofs removed River’s west side brimmed with for the move, adding to the price life. Today the area is a virtual ghost tag. Prospective property owners Syrian woman endures 24-hour trip them integrate into Canadian so- town, its remaining homes boarded will also have to shell out to power ciety. Kim Huygen, who is part of up, a rocky levee blocking the road line companies to raise the lines for to have her baby born in Canada the refugee committee, said the that once connected the commu- the move, a factor that will further family is anxious to find work. But nity to the rest of the town south inflate the cost. for now, mastering English is their of Calgary. On one roof, someone All in, he said the final cost could VINCENT MCDERMOTT the apartment, she pulled (aside) top priority. has scrawled in blue spray paint the easily run into the six digits. He our committee organizer and The church’s leadership openly Donald Trump rallying cry “Make added that in his company’s as- FORT MCMURRAY At some point translator and explained her situ- discussed their plans with the con- America great again.” sessment, at least 20 per cent of between leaving a refugee camp ation,” said Doyle. gregation throughout the vetting A quick scan of the available the properties aren’t movable at all. in Jordan and getting settled at The birth ended the family’s two- process. Many were supportive, properties, of which 25 are in and Huybregts said the province her new home in Fort McMurray, year ordeal to enter Canada, after although some were skeptical. around flood-ravaged High River had previously made a dozen of Ibtesam Alkarnake’s water broke. they were forced to flee their home The turnaround came after May’s and another in Sundre, shows a the properties available for pur- She did not tell her husband, in Daraa nearly six years ago, during wildfire forced them to flee their range of housing types, with a hand- chase by public tender last Au- Medyan, or her three sons and the early days of the Syrian civil war. own homes. ful of rustic rural properties and gust, and though three bids were daughter, because she hoped the When the family arrived in Jordan, “I think our congregation reflects modest family dwellings mingled offered, they were later rescinded, baby would be born in Canada. Al- they lived in a refugee camp with ap- the diversity of opinion you would with large and well-appointed es- prompting the province to post karnake’s family had no clue how proximately 100,000 other people. find in Fort McMurray,” said Doyle. tate homes. Most of the properties them as surplus properties with close the baby was to being born About two years ago, Fort City “It was amazing how many people are in the High River community no reserve. as they spent nearly 24 hours in Church decided it would sponsor started thinking of them when they of Beachwood Estates, an area de- He noted there’s already been the air. a refugee family and partnered with left their own homes that were lost termined to be in the flood plain of significant interest with a public Neither did the sponsors from or in danger. The reservations the Highwood River. showing of the homes in January, Fort City Church or the handful disappeared when they felt what Bids on the properties are also and another will be held Feb. 8, of residents who showed up to it was like to be driven out of your wide ranging, with some bids bare- from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those inter- greet the arriving family Tuesday She was so home.” ly scraping over $100 on Tuesday, ested in the viewings are asked to evening know she would soon give On Tuesday, there was no trace with a high water mark coming in email [email protected] to birth to a healthy boy, Eyad. They determined to ... of those concerns as dozens of resi- at $6,500. schedule a time. had been in Canada just under 10 have her baby dents cheered their arrival, waving Under the province’s Floodway The auction closes Feb. 17. hours when the baby arrived. signs welcoming them to Canada. Relocation Program, some 94 [email protected] “She was so determined to get in Canada. We Miguel Borges, who is not a mem- properties were acquired by the On Twitter: @ShawnLogan403 here and have her baby in Cana- thought she was ber of the church, brought his three da,” said Pastor Doug Doyle. “We children and wife to welcome them thought she was about seven- or about seven- or when he heard about the event on- eight-months pregnant. She had eight-months line. already been cleared to fly after she Borges’ father is a refugee who had a medical check in Jordan.” pregnant. came to Canada from Portugal in Before landing in Fort McMur- the 1970s. At the time, Portugal was ray just after 8 p.m., the family had the Mafraq Alliance Church in Jor- ruled by a fascist dictatorship, and boarded a plane from Amman, Jor- dan for help. A selection committee was fighting lengthy wars in An- dan, to Frankfurt, Germany. From felt the Alkarnake family would fit gola, Mozambique and Guinea- there, they flew directly to Calgary, in well with Canada. Medyan is a Bissau. where they spent a few hours be- trained truck driver and mechanic, He was getting on a fishing boat fore boarding an Air Canada flight and also has work experience in a when he was drafted, and jumped north. bakery. ship when it docked in Newfound- When the family reached their “Those jobs he was trained in are land. apartment with Doyle and mem- in high demand. We felt he had a “I’m glad to be in Canada. We bers of his church, Alkarnake was skill set we thought was very em- have an obligation to welcome finally comfortable telling some- ployable,” said Doyle. newcomers,” he said. “The coun- An empty home sits in the town of High River. The Alberta government is one she was about to give birth. The church has raised $70,000 try was founded by immigrants.” auctioning off houses in the flood-zone community with the caveat that “Once everything was settled in for the family and plans to help [email protected] buyers move them within 160 days. LYLE ASPINALL

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About a year after their arrival in Calgary, Yahya Al Masalmeh, centre, his wife Seham Talab and daughter Najat, celebrate Mohammad’s first birthday. While enjoying safety

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Najat Al Masalmeh puts a party hat on her brother, Mohammad, on his first birthday. Mohammad was the first baby born in Calgary to recent Syrian refugee parents. LEAH HENNEL

housing unit soon — and they’re poverty line,” Nammoura says. not alone. Around 40 per cent of privately Syrians facing crunch The city says there are approxi- sponsored refugees have been able mately 40 Syrian families cur- to find jobs, since many of them ar- rently on the wait list for afford- rived with better language skills able housing, including many of and more education, says Fariborz as federal supports end the refugee families living in the Birjandian, CEO of Calgary Catho- Forest Lawn townhouse complex lic Immigration Society. some have dubbed Little Syria. He says it’s been harder for gov- Children are adapting but parents often ways enough, even for milk and Sam Nammoura with the Syrian ernment-sponsored families to bread. There is nothing left over.” Refugee Support Group says the progress to the job-search stage. struggle with language, lack of work The monthly rent on the Al Ma- end of the federal funding dollars “If you look at the composition salmehs’ townhouse has jumped hit some families hard. of a Syrian family sponsored by more than $300. The landlord of “They feel vulnerable,” Nam- government, it’s a family of eight MEGHAN POTKINS With federal funding for Syr- their southeast complex, where moura says. “The majority don’t or nine with no language ability,” ian newcomers ending after 12 many other Syrian families re- speak English, the majority don’t Birjandian says. “If you’re in that Gathered around a colourful cake months, families are struggling to side, has offered to continue the work and they have to rely on position, you have far more chal- in their southeast townhouse, the navigate the bureaucracy of local discounted rate if they agree to a (provincial assistance). But it’s lenges to secure a job.” Al Masalmeh family sing Happy and provincial agencies stepping six-month lease, but the family is just enough to cover the basics. But Birjandian says in the long Birthday to baby Mohammad, in to fill the void. trying to avoid getting locked into a Everybody is going to be short.” term investment in refugee fami- born one year ago just days after Many families are also in the pro- contract while they look for some- While some families have not lies will pay off and for the volun- their arrival in Canada. cess of either renewing their leases thing more affordable. seen a significant decrease in the teers and social workers that help It’s a joyous moment, marking or seeking new accommodations While the Al Masalmeh chil- amount of assistance they receive them, there is hope on the horizon both Mohammad’s birthday and as introductory rental rates begin dren go to school, their parents as they transition from federal in the form of the next generation. the family’s first year in their new to expire. are working hard to improve dollars to the province’s Alberta “The kids are speaking good home. For the Al Masalmeh family, it’s their English. Yahya is still recov- Works assistance program, others English now,” Nammoura says. But for this family and many meant some tight monthly budget- ering from a bombing that left a have seen a big drop in income. “They’re doing the translations. other government-sponsored Syr- ing. two-centimetre piece of shrapnel Nammoura estimates some fami- The kids are doing extremely well. ian refugees in Calgary, the finan- “We are limited to what we can lodged in his back, but he hopes to lies have seen a drop between 30 That’s where our investment is re- cial supports sustaining them are buy,” says Seham, through an in- find work as a driver. and 40 per cent, depending on the ally paying off and it’s an invest- shifting and, in some cases, ceasing terpreter. In the meantime, the family size of the family. ment in the future.” altogether. “Just the basics and it’s not al- is hoping to secure a subsidized “It’s just enough to live above the [email protected] Balloon Man who beheaded bus trickster passenger gains freedom STEVE LAMBERT Baker started living on his own in a apartment last No- is short WINNIPEG A schizophrenic man vember but was still subject to who was found not criminally re- rules and nightly monitoring to sponsible for beheading and can- ensure he took his medication. His on cash nibalizing a fellow passenger on lawyer has asked the review board a Greyhound bus was granted an Monday to strip away the remain- absolute discharge Friday. ing conditions and give Baker com- That means he will no longer plete freedom. Court delays full be subject to any conditions or The victim’s mother, Carol de payment to charity monitoring to ensure he takes his Delley, has been outspoken against medication. granting Baker freedom, arguing for another month Manitoba’s Criminal Code Re- there would be no way to ensure he view Board granted a request from continued to take his medication. Will Baker’s lawyer to give Baker She declined to comment Friday. KEVIN MARTIN Daniel Boria, who flew high into the sky in a plastic lawn chair tied to more his full freedom, nine years after Conservative MP James Bezan than 100 helium balloons, hoping to parachute into the Stampede chuck- the brutal stabbing that horrified has also criticized Baker’s re- The sentencing of a Calgary man wagon races, arrives at the Calgary Courts Centre, Friday. LEAH HENNEL passengers. lease. He said earlier in the week who soared over the city in a lawn- The board “is of the opinion that it would be an insult to de Delley chair strapped to helium balloons “That’s part of the joint submis- tether, taking off to the skies. the weight of evidence does not and McLean’s other relatives. has been delayed because he hasn’t sion.” But Boria miscalculated his land- substantiate that Mr. Baker poses Baker’s defenders include Chris yet made a voluntary charitable During Boria’s sentencing hear- ing and instead of parachuting into a significant threat to the safety of Summerville, executive director of donation. ing, Dalidowicz said the offender the rodeo grounds he landed near the public,” the written decision the Manitoba Schizophrenia Soci- Dubbed the “balloon-atic” for rode a lawn chair hooked to heli- the 1600 block of Ogden Rd. S.E. read in part. ety, who has met and worked with his July 5, 2015, stunt, Daniel Bo- um balloons at a height in excess Dalidowicz said Boria paid more Baker, formerly known as Vince him over the years. ria was supposed to pay $20,000 to of 13,000 feet as part of a stunt than $13,300 to put his flying con- Li, was initially kept in a secure “He is no longer a violent per- the veterans’ food bank by Friday. which was supposed to see him traption together. wing of a psychiatric hospital. He son,” Summerville said. But defence lawyer Alain Hep- land by parachute in the Calgary He said air traffic controllers was granted more freedom and On the night of the attack, Bak- ner said his client has so far only Stampede rodeo. at Calgary International Airport privileges every year at his review er sat next to 22-year-old Tim been able to come up with half the Dalidowicz said Boria risked initially spotted Boria’s aircraft board hearings, starting with McLean — a complete stranger — money and needs another month the lives of passengers on incom- rapidly rising from the ground, escorted walks on the hospital after the young man smiled at him to make the payment. ing and departing flights by taking but started to lose sight of him as grounds. and asked how he was doing. “I have $10,000 of that amount his homemade aircraft above Cal- he rose into scattered clouds at His doctors described him as a Baker said he heard the voice of in my trust account,” Hepner told gary’s skies. around 4,000 feet. model patient who had not been God telling him to kill the young provincial court Judge Bruce Fra- “In a scenario where an aircraft The tower had to advise an in- treated for schizophrenia at the carnival worker or “die imme- ser. travelling at 300 km/h makes con- coming WestJet flight of the dan- time of his attack. After his arrest diately.” He repeatedly stabbed “Business has been a little rough tact with an uncontrollable object gerous balloon cluster, the pros- and placement at the hospital, he McLean while the young man for the company,” the lawyer said. weighing 150-200 pounds, the re- ecutor said. responded well to medication and fought for his life. As passengers “He’s asking another 30 days to sults would be catastrophic dam- “They were last observed at understood that he must continue fled the bus, Baker continued stab- get that done.” age to the airframe, engine and/ about 7,000 feet from ground lev- to take it to keep his illness at bay, bing and mutilating the body. Boria, 27, pleaded guilty in De- or control surfaces,” Dalidowicz el at an 11 o’clock position to the they said. The Canadian Press cember to a charge of dangerous continued. incoming airplane, before tower operation of an aircraft. “Of greatest concern would be controllers lost sight of them com- Because Crown prosecutor Matt that the cockpit windshields may pletely as they climbed through Dalidowicz proceeded by sum- be compromised and one or both another layer of clouds.” mary conviction, the maximum flight crew members become inca- Dalidowicz said the stunt was ex- penalty Boria faces is six months pacitated,” he said. tremely risky for both Boria and in jail and a $5,000 fine. “This scenario could result in the the general public. But since Boria agreed to make loss of the aircraft and the lives of “Some have called him a balloon- the charitable donation as well, the those on board.” atic,” he said. prosecutor agreed with Hepner a Dalidowicz said Boria took off Hepner noted his client fully sufficient punishment would be from the now-closed Highland co-operated with police when ar- the maximum fine. golf course in northwest Calgary rested shortly after parachuting to Fraser said the donation will and floated over the city heading the ground. have to be made before Boria re- toward Stampede Park. “He gave a complete confession,” turns to court on March 17. He hooked up more than 100 he- the lawyer said. “He’ll have to do it by that date,” lium filled balloons to a Canadian [email protected] Will Baker, formerly known as Vince Li, leaves the Law Courts building in Fraser told Hepner. Tire-bought lawn chair and cut his On Twitter: @KMartinCourts Winnipeg earlier this week. 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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2017 PROUDLY CALGARY SINCE 1883 Refugee arrivals testing schools NEWS Demand rises for language lessons, CITY HALL counselling Councillor urges tax break EVA FERGUSON for private Calgary school districts have taken golf courses A3 in about 450 new refugee students this school year, all with complex EDUCATION needs — not only in finding seats in schools near low-income housing, Inflated grades but also language learning and psy- chological supports after suffering create unfair the traumas of war. playing field Calgary public schools have had to make room for another 256 for students A4 refugee students so far this year, a number still expected to grow, on top of the 640 refugees added to the system last year. The Calgary Catholic School District has received 192 refugee students since the fall, slightly less than the 214 received last year. “Many are coming from re- ally difficult circumstances,” said Christine Oliver, CBE supervisor for English Language Learning. NP “Being in a refugee camp, they have likely missed a lot of school, CANADA so there are a lot of gaps in their learning. Vice-admiral’s “Or, if they have been in school, it firing remains likely looked a lot different in that they had limited access to books a mystery NP1 or computers, they may have only attended once a week, or they were HEALTH in a room with 50 other kids of all different ages and levels.” Some doctors Of the 256 refugee students CBE MARK RALSTON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES schools took in this year, 157 were backing out from wartorn Syria, while others of assisted were from a variety of countries, including Iran, Iraq, Somalia and death NP1 Congo. Of the 192 refugee students the CCSD took in this year, 63 are LA LA LANDSLIDE from Syria. While more are expected by the end of this school year, Oliver says Emma Stone accepts the award for best actress for her role in the numbers are still more man- ageable than last year’s surge of 512 La La Land at the 89th Academy Awards show on Sunday. The Syrian refugee kids at the CBE, a movie collected six Oscars, but was denied the award for best majority of the total number of refugee students arriving last year. YOU picture after initially being announced as the winner. C1 SEE REFUGEE STUDENTS ON A3

HEALTH explosion,” Rex said. “I literally thought someone had thrown a Calling yoga Exploding e-cig battery Molotov cocktail at us.” a workout The couple was standing out- side on the steps of the restaurant, isn’t such a badly burns city father chatting with their server who had stretch C3 escorted them outside after din- SPORTS ANNA BROOKS barcadero Wine & Oyster bar on ner. Johnson said he didn’t even 17th Avenue S.E. for a date night have an e-cigarette on him — it was A romantic evening turned into a Friday — something the pair said later discovered a loose e-cigarette HOCKEY nightmare for a Calgary man when they hadn’t had a chance to do in battery reacted with some change an e-cigarette battery exploded in awhile. in his pants pocket, triggering a Calgary Inferno his pocket, sending him to hospital Rex called it a perfect night out small explosion. off to women’s with third-degree burns. before her husband was inexplica- “I describe it as a flare going off Terrence Johnson, 32, and his bly engulfed in flames. in my pocket,” Johnson said. hockey final B1 wife, Rachel Rex, were at The Em- “All of a sudden there was an SEE PANTS ON A8 Bank For some of the highest GIC rates in Canada, call 403-692-4749 or visit oaken.com on us Come see us at our store, or we can come to you!

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