Somya Abrol is a journalist based in Frankfurt, Germany. She specializes in Features relating to Culture, Health, Women's Issues, Travel, Lifestyle and Food, and has nine years of print and digital-journalism experience.

Mr Trudeau, you really didn't have to fly down an Indian chef from Canada

23 Feb 2018  |  www.indiatoday.in  |  English  |  International Relations

At a dinner party hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner in India, the presence of convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal and Vancouver-based celebrity chef Vikram Vij, who was flown in by the Canadian government, sparked controversy. The Canadian government defended the decision to bring Vij to showcase Canadian cuisine, stating he volunteered his time and would have expenses covered. Critics questioned the necessity of flying a chef from Canada when notable Indian chefs were available, suggesting that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cultural engagement might be superficial.

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Global Affairs Canada Canadian Government

Balanced

Factuality Scale

I'm a journalist with a graphic design background. I have worked for non-profits and news websites in Venezuela. Curious/Reliable/Organized.

Complexities of international sanctions: Recent cases shed light on delisting applications in Canada

05 Oct 2023  |  Lexology  |  English  |  Judicial Review

Canada's increasing use of international trade sanctions has led to complex compliance issues for companies operating abroad. Two recent cases highlight the challenges of delisting from sanctions: former Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Salvador Lamothe and Russian Formula 1 driver Dmitry Mazepin have both filed for judicial review in the Federal Court of Canada. Lamothe argues that his inclusion on the sanctions list violates procedural fairness, while Mazepin contends that his listing is unjustified and based solely on his familial connection to a close associate of Vladimir Putin. Both cases underscore the opaque nature of Canada's sanctions process compared to other countries like the UK and the US.

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Attorney General of Canada Global Affairs Canada Federal Court of Canada United Nations Special Economic Measures Act

Balanced

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I’m a freelance journalist in Toronto, Ontario. My main focuses are political, Indigenous and environmental news, and I’m also very interested in Latin American politics, which is a big chunk of the international news segment I cover.

I’ve been writing for six years for various publications, ...

Canada’s emergency powers evoke reflections on democracy, freedom

25 Feb 2022  |  www.princegeorgecitizen.com  |  English  |  Ethnic Media

The article explores the reflections and criticisms from ethnic media commentators on Canada's invocation and revocation of the Emergencies Act in response to the Freedom Convoy protests. It highlights perceived double standards in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's support for international protests while cracking down on domestic ones. Various ethnic communities, including Eastern European, Italian, and South Asian, express differing views on the protests and the government's actions. The article also touches on the impact of the protests on South Asian truckers and the controversy surrounding a proposed bill to ban hate symbols.

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Global Affairs Canada Canadian Government MIREMS Ltd. Freedom Convoy NDP

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Center-Left

Political View

Blair is a multimedia freelance journalist and emergency and critical care doctor based in Toronto, Canada.  He received his journalism training at the Munk School of Global Affairs and his research training at the Institute for Medical Sciences, both at U of Toronto. His medical training was at ...

The ultimate career… Physician-Astronaut?

08 Aug 2016  |  Blair Bigham  |  English  |  Medicine

Blair Bigham, a physician and flight paramedic, is reapplying to the Canadian Astronaut Corps, emphasizing his unique qualifications and extensive experience in medicine, science, and public communication. He highlights his integrity, judgment, reasoning, resourcefulness, and ability to synthesize plans, along with his strong communication and leadership skills. Bigham's motivation is driven by a lifelong fascination with exploration and a commitment to advancing space exploration. He seeks to represent Canada in the global space industry, leveraging his diverse background and determination to succeed.

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Resident Doctors of Canada MedicAlert Foundation of Canada University of Toronto Munk Centre for Global Affairs Canadian Space Agency Canadian Astronaut Corps Professional Association of Residents of Ontario

Opinionated

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Leyland is interested in projects relating to culture, social mobility, environmental economics, marginalization and security. He is a member of the Freelance Frontline Register. At present, he is based in Toronto, Canada. 

His  photos and writing have been commissioned by Al Jazeera America, ...

Canada intelligence operation put diplomats in legal ‘grey zone’ – report

21 Dec 2023  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Human Rights

A watchdog report criticizes Canada's global security reporting program (GSRP) for operating in a legal grey zone, putting officers at risk, and breaching diplomatic conventions. The program, which places officers in countries with poor human rights records, has come under scrutiny following the detention of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig in China. The report highlights inadequate training, insufficient risk assessment, and over-reliance on diplomatic immunity. Global Affairs Canada has accepted and is implementing the report's recommendations.

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Global Affairs Canada Five Eyes National Security and Intelligence Review Agency

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Center-Left

Political View

I'm a Canadian journalist living in Berlin - spent more than 15 years at the CBC News in Toronto as a writer/editor and reporter/producer.  I've written loads of arts and culture stories as well as news.
Check me out:  ****

Q&A with Daniel Turp, professor behind case against Saudi deal

26 Jan 2016  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Arms Trade

A $15-billion Canadian deal to supply light-armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia is under legal scrutiny led by Daniel Turp, a professor at the University of Montreal. Turp and his students argue that the deal violates Canadian export rules and international human rights commitments. The legal action targets Global Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion for issuing export permits despite Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record. The case highlights broader international condemnation of arms sales to Saudi Arabia, with calls for embargoes from organizations like Human Rights Watch and legislative bodies such as the European and Dutch Parliaments. The Liberal government's stance, citing pre-existing contracts and job dependencies, faces criticism for prioritizing economic interests over human rights.

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Global Affairs Canada University of Montreal Human Rights Watch United Nations European Parliament Dutch Parliament Saudi National Guard

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Left

Political View

Steve Dorsey is Executive Editor/Correspondent for CBS News Radio based in the Washington, D.C. Bureau. At CBS News, he has broken news about American diplomats mysteriously injured in Cuba that
triggered U.S. action and Congressional oversight, he was injured covering the Baltimore riots ...

Documents reveal Canada called U.S. diplomats in Havana targets of "acoustic attacks" months before U.S. acknowledged them

06 Jan 2018  |  www.cbsnews.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Declassified documents from Global Affairs Canada, obtained by CBS News, indicate that Canadian officials referred to incidents affecting American diplomats in Havana as "attacks" as early as April 26, well before the U.S. State Department publicly acknowledged them. Canadian and American personnel in Havana reported symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and hearing loss. Health Canada's Dr. Jeffrey Chernin visited Havana to investigate, and the situation led to increased security measures at the Canadian embassy. The documents also suggest that the issue was discussed outside of government and classified channels. U.S. Senator Jeff Flake relayed that the FBI found no evidence of sonic attacks, despite the use of the term. The U.S. has since reduced its embassy staff in Havana and expelled Cuban embassy officials from Washington.

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Health Canada Overseas Medical Advisor Global Affairs Canada U.S. State Department Cuban Interior Ministry FBI

Informative

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I am a widely-published and versatile freelance journalist with 15 years' experience currently in London. See **** for work. I am an Australian-Canadian dual citizen who has reported from across Africa, Asia, the UK, and Australia. I have been published with The Sydney Morning Herald, News Deeply, ...

Uganda’s diaspora wars take aim at Canada

01 Oct 2022  |  Open Canada  |  English  |  Human Rights

The article discusses the political conflict between Uganda's National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the National Unity Platform (NUP) playing out in Canada. The NRM, led by President Yoweri Museveni, held a symposium in Niagara Falls, which was met with protests from NUP supporters. The NUP accuses the NRM of human rights abuses and political repression. The article highlights the role of the Ugandan diaspora in Canada and the broader implications of Uganda's political situation on international relations. Key figures include Museveni, his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and NUP supporters like Ponsiano Ndyabahika and Bobi Wine.

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Global Affairs Canada National Resistance Movement National Unity Platform Uganda High Commission African Union Mission in Somalia

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Left

Political View

Bilal Hussain is an independent journalist and columnist with a wealth of experience in covering South Asia, and the Middle East with a particular emphasis on the socio-political landscape of Kashmir. His reporting has been featured in prominent news outlets and organizations such as Voice of ...

‘Contrary to popular belief, Pakistan among our best-performing markets’

10 Oct 2023  |  Brecorder  |  English  |  Investment

Philip Skinner, Managing Director at GuarantCo, highlights Pakistan as one of the company's best-performing markets despite common misconceptions. GuarantCo, which provides local currency guarantees for infrastructure projects in low-income countries, has successfully facilitated significant transactions in Pakistan without needing to restructure loans or pay out guarantees. The company emphasizes the untapped potential of Pakistan's financial market and its large consumer base. GuarantCo's model, which mitigates currency risks by guaranteeing local currency debt, is presented as well-suited for Pakistan's economic environment. The article underscores the positive impact of GuarantCo's investments on infrastructure development and job creation in Pakistan.

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Global Affairs Canada Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) Trust InfraCo Asia Karandaaz

Informative

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Award-winning journalist with two decades of audio, television and digital experience in live reporting, breaking news, investigative journalism, global diplomacy coverage and documentaries.

Currently based in Berlin, Germany. Available for TV and radio live hits as well as packaged audio ...

UN expert demands transparency in trial of Saudi men accused in Khashoggi killing

28 Mar 2019  |  www.cbc.ca  |  English  |  Legal Proceedings

The UN expert investigating Jamal Khashoggi's murder calls for Saudi Arabia to disclose the names and evidence against the accused and to allow independent observers at the trial. Khashoggi, a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Saudi Arabia has indicted 11 people, seeking the death penalty for five. Agnes Callamard, the UN rapporteur, criticizes the secretive nature of the trial and urges for international, independent monitors. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and international NGOs like Human Rights Watch also call for transparency. The article highlights the diplomatic tensions and international responses following Khashoggi's murder, including Canada's support for a thorough investigation.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Reykjavik Global Affairs Canada United Nations Saudi Government Human Rights Watch British Foreign and Commonwealth Office International Bar Association European Union

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Political View

Shenaz Kermalli is a freelance journalist based in Toronto, Canada. She currently teaches journalism at Humber College in Toronto.
 
Shenaz is a former producer and writer with Al Jazeera English, BBC News, and CBC Television. Her writing has appeared in The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The ...

Families mourning victims of Saudi mass execution accuse Canada of complicity in human-rights violations

25 Mar 2022  |  The Globe and Mail  |  English  |  Canada's Arms Trade

The article discusses the aftermath of the largest mass execution in Saudi Arabia's modern history, where 81 men, mostly Shia dissidents, were executed. Families of the victims, now in Canada, accuse the Canadian government of complicity in human-rights violations due to its continued arms trade with Saudi Arabia. The article highlights the systemic discrimination against Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia and the use of Canadian-made light armoured vehicles against peaceful protesters. Human rights organizations call for Canada to revoke arms export permits to Saudi Arabia, citing violations of the Arms Trade Treaty.

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Amnesty International Canada Global Affairs Canada Saudi Government Project Ploughshares

Interpretive

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Left

Political View

Lovemore Khomo is a journalist based in Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi.
I understand that the world is in our hands and there is need to work together and make a difference to people lives.
I have been working with Farm Radio International Weekly also known as Barza Wire farmradio.fm as a ...

Struggling with gender-based violence in Malawi

04 Aug 2023  |  Barza Wire  |  English  |  Legal intervention

The article discusses the plight of Jennifer Kabiya and Malita Jonathan, two women from Malawi who have suffered from gender-based violence and neglect. Jennifer Kabiya, who is pregnant and already has a daughter, is struggling due to her husband's lack of support. She sought help from the Forum for Concerned Young People (FOCOYOPE), which provided her with counseling and legal assistance. Malita Jonathan, a mother of three, faced similar issues with her husband, leading to police involvement and a court case. The article highlights the role of community-based organizations and police in addressing gender-based violence in Malawi. It also mentions the financial support of the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada for The Innovations in Health, Rights and Development (iHEARD) project, which is implemented by a consortium including Farm Radio International, CODE, Marie Stopes International, and others.

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Global Affairs Canada Forum for Concerned Young People FOCOYOPE Plan International Farm Radio International CODE Marie Stopes International MSI Farm Radio Trust Women and Children First Girl Effect Viamo The Innovations in Health, Rights and Development iHEARD

I'm a freelance journalist, based in Bogotá, Colombia. I cover human rights, gender equality, social movements, culture and the environment. My work has appeared in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Vice, NACLA, Women's Media Center, Remezcla and more. 

As a Texas-born Colombian-American, I strive to ...

In post-conflict Colombia, one determined survivor fights to reach women no one else can

07 Jul 2023  |  Canada's National Observer  |  English  |  Human Rights

In post-conflict Colombia, Landazury, a determined survivor, fights to support women affected by the armed conflict. Despite bureaucratic hurdles and inefficiencies in state institutions, she founded the nonprofit Fundación Social Memoria de Mujer to educate and empower women on gender-based violence and their rights. Supported by organizations like Lawyers Without Borders Canada, Landazury's workshops reach thousands, filling the void left by the state. The article highlights the challenges and resilience of survivors, the shortcomings of the Victims Unit, and the ongoing need for support and empowerment in vulnerable communities.

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Global Affairs Canada Lawyers Without Borders Canada United Self-Defense Forces Public Ministry Fundación Social Memoria de Mujer Victims Unit

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Center-Left

Political View

Veteran reporter based on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada filing regularly to print, web, radio, television and magazines.

Meet Oscar, the Canadian-built, AI-driven recycling system helping governments go green

07 Jun 2023  |  CBC  |  English  |  Government Initiatives

Oscar, an AI-driven recycling system developed by B.C.-based startup Intuitive AI, is being implemented in federal government buildings in Canada to improve waste management. Co-founded by Hassan Murad and Vivek Vyas, Intuitive AI's Oscar Sort stations are now in 20 countries. The system, which uses artificial intelligence to guide users in sorting their waste, is part of the Canadian government's efforts to increase recycling rates. The stations provide data to help identify and address contamination in waste streams. Positive employee feedback and increased usage of the stations have been reported, and other organizations have expressed interest in the technology.

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Public Services and Procurement Canada Global Affairs Canada Simon Fraser University

Factual

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Maina Waruru is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.
With over 15 years experience I specialize in Science, Business and Development news and features writing. I have published widely including with the BBC, The Scientist magazine, University World News, Research Africa,Down to Earth magazine,...

High study visa refusals: Is the recruitment model to blame?

08 Nov 2023  |  www.universityworldnews.com  |  English  |  Recruitment Models

The high study permit refusal rate for African students seeking to study in Canada is attributed to the recruitment model that invites mass applications and relies on inexperienced agents. This trend is not limited to Africa but affects students globally. Between 2018 and April 2023, Canada rejected a significant percentage of visa applications from African students. While racism is considered a factor, the primary reasons include the aggregator recruitment model and inexperienced agents. Recommendations include further research and regulation of education agents, and a two-tier international student intake stream.

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Global Affairs Canada Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ApplyBoard

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Zecharias Zelalem is a journalist focusing on Ethiopian affairs and the Horn of Africa as a whole.

Canadian miners pursue prospects in war-torn Tigray

22 Sept 2023  |  The Globe and Mail  |  English  |  Canadian Investments

Canadian mining companies are pursuing opportunities in the Tigray region of Ethiopia despite the ongoing conflict and allegations of human rights abuses. East Africa Metals Inc. and Parallel Mining Corp. are among the companies seeking mineral rights, with East Africa Metals claiming significant gold reserves. The involvement of Canadian miners has sparked criticism from activists who argue that these investments could influence Canada's stance on the conflict and potentially support Ethiopia's military efforts. The Ethiopian government is eager to expand its mining sector, relying on foreign expertise and investment. The Canadian government has been accused of prioritizing mining interests over human rights, although it denies these claims.

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Global Affairs Canada Ethiopian government Tigray People’s Liberation Front

Interpretive

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Political View