Open letter calling for the citizenship application of Leila Heidari's mother, Khadijeh, to be processed immediately

To Minister Chris Alexander:

Several months ago, Leila Heidari launched a petition on Change.org, stating that her mother, Khadijeh, had submitted her citizenship application in 1994. At the time, Khadijeh was told by officials from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that they would make a decision regarding her national status by 2001. It is now 2013, and Khadijeh's citizenship application still has not been processed. Khadijeh now has severe dementia and is being denied the health care she desperately needs, because she is not recognized as a Canadian citizen. More information about her condition is available at the following link: http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/citizenship-and-immigration-canada-stop-denying-my-92-year-old-mother-health-care

I would like to know why it is taking so long for Khadijeh's citizenship application to be processed. Almost 20 years have passed by, and no progress has been made regarding her application. Khadijeh is now 92 years old, and her health is failing. In addition to her severe dementia, Khadijeh also needs to be treated for injuries on her face, arms, and hands, after she lost her balance on June 4, 2013. Evidence of Khadijeh's injuries can be found through the following link: https://www.facebook.com/MakeItRightForKhadijeh

It is impossible for Leila Heidari to get proper health care for her mother when Khadijeh is not even recognized as a Canadian citizen. Leila Heidari is a hard-working Canadian citizen who is not only trying to help her ailing mother, but is also struggling to raise her daughter, who has severe autism. Additional information about Leila Heidari's daughter with severe autism can be found on her petition and in a May 30, 2013 Facebook post. Please show compassion to Leila Heidari's family, and grant Khadijeh Canadian status immediately.

Sincerely,
Karen Akhtar

Despite government claims of stabilization, the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan continues

Philippine typhoon death toll rises above 5,000, expected to climb | CTV News 

 

It is heartbreaking to read that over 5,000 Filipinos have died from Typhoon Haiyan and its effects; the fact that the death toll is most likely to increase is depressing as well. It is clear that more work needs to be done to help the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan--more effort needs to put into locating those who are still missing. More aid also needs to be sent, and every effort should be made to ensure that survivors get the help that they need. I thank all of the organizations that are in the Philippines right now who are genuinely trying to make a difference.

 

Another way to help is to sign KD Faustino's petition, who is trying to get major Canadian phone companies to temporarily waive fees for Filipino Canadians, so they can stay connected with loved ones still suffering in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. For more information, please visit: http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/rogers-bell-and-telus-please-help-us-reach-our-families-in-the-philippines-by-temporarily-waiving-long-distance-fees

Aid to the Philippines is good, but major improvements could be made

Philippine government defends typhoon response as death toll passes 3,600 | CTV News

The stories of Renee Patron, Susan Tan, and Johnny Ogriman illustrate just how desperate things have become in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Susan Tan had everything stolen from her warehouse and grocery store from people struggling to survive, yet she is STILL trying to help those in need! Aid organizations and the Filipino government should learn from Susan Tan's example and use every resource available to help the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. The outpouring of relief for the Philippines is wonderful, but it is clear that much more work needs to be done. Anyone who can help the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan should do so, and I applaud anyone who makes a genuine effort to help those in need.

 

To help with relief efforts, please visit: http://www.redcross.ca/donate/donate-online/donate-to-the-typhoon-haiyan-fund

Ford family remains in denial about Rob Ford's criminal behaviour

Rob Ford's brother, lawyer suggesting leave may be one option for mayor | CTV News 

 

Rob Ford doesn't need help--he needs to resign and be put in jail! The new video showing him to be threatening someone while drunk, coupled with his admitted drug use, show what an irresponsible person he is! He is not fit to be the mayor of Toronto; time and time again, he shows himself to be someone who has no class or dignity! He is not a helpless victim who deserves sympathy; he chose to create his own problems by behaving recklessly! The Ford family deserves to be questioned as well, as they continue to make excuses for Rob Ford's behaviour. His continued position as mayor is a MAJOR injustice to the city of Toronto, and to the Canadian legal system itself!

 

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The Senate scandal is making Canada look like a joke!

Suspended senators will accrue pension eligibility while banished: Senate | CTV News 

 

Senators Brazeau, Duffy, and Wallin do NOT deserve continued benefits--they have claimed inappropriate expenses and should face the consequences for their actions! They already enjoy lavish salaries and connections to political power, yet they STILL stole taxpayer money! They shouldn't just be suspended--they should be fired and imprisoned! Clearly, the concept of equality does NOT exist in Canada--senators are somehow above the law, even when they break the law! Canadian democracy needs an overhaul IMMEDIATELY!!!

 

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Toronto Mayor Rob Ford must be FORCED to resign!

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says 'I have smoked crack cocaine' but won't resign | CTV News 

 

It is absolutely outrageous that Toronto Mayor Rob Ford will be staying in power, after admitting to smoking crack cocaine! He must be FORCED to resign--his behaviour is completely unprofessional, and he's making Toronto look like a joke! I am also tired of the people who continue to defend his behaviour and act as if he's a victim--Rob Ford is an ADULT who CHOSE to do drugs while in public office! This is not "a little mistake"--Rob's Ford's criminal behaviour is having HUGE CONSEQUENCES on the city of Toronto! When someone is better known for doing drugs and getting drunk rather than creating good public policies, he or she is in no position to be holding public office! I don't buy his apology either--he's manipulated everyone for far too long, and has completely broken the public trust! STEP DOWN ROB FORD!!!

 

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