The Canadian government announced Thursday a ban on an additional 324 firearm models, continuing its efforts to restrict weapons deemed inappropriate for civilian use. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc characterized the targeted firearms as belonging “on the battlefield,” not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters. This latest move builds on the 2020 prohibition of 1,500 firearm models, a list that has since expanded to over 2,000 as new variants have been identified. The new ban addresses concerns from gun-control advocates that previous measures left many assault-style firearms unregulated. “These firearms can no longer be used,” LeBlanc stated. Guns for UkraineIn an unprecedented step, Canada is collaborating with Ukraine to donate some of the banned firearms to support its defense against Russia’s invasion. Defense Minister Bill Blair confirmed discussions with Ukrainian authorities, who expressed interest in the weapons. “Every bit of assistance we can offer to the Ukrainians is one step toward their victory,” Blair said. Planned Buyback ProgramThe federal government also reiterated its commitment to a national buyback program for prohibited firearms. The initiative, developed with provincial, territorial, and law enforcement agencies, aims to remove these weapons from private ownership. Read: Canada is already examining tariffs on certain US items following Trump's tariff threat A Response to Past TragediesThe announcement comes on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique shooting in Montreal, where a gunman killed 14 women before taking his own life. The Ruger Mini-14 used in that attack was among the firearms banned in 2020. Nathalie Provost, a survivor of the attack, voiced her support for the new measures. “These are just killing weapons, war weapons, military weapons,” she said. “I’m proud we are doing something.” Opposition CriticismConservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the measures, accusing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government of targeting “licensed and law-abiding hunters and sport shooters” in a political stunt. Read more: Canada to reduce immigration targets as Trudeau acknowledges his policy failed Despite fewer mass shootings compared to the United States, Canada faces challenges with illegal firearms smuggled across the border, which are often linked to criminal activities. Source: With inputs from agencies

Canada is renowned for its exceptional educational opportunities, making it a favored destination for those seeking a brighter future. The country's Permanent Residency (PR) pathway offers access to quality education, healthcare, and a vibrant job market. Language proficiency is a crucial requirement for securing PR status, and among the accepted tests, CELPIP stands out for its Canada-specific focus. Here’s a closer look at key details about the CELPIP language test for candidates in Bangladesh. What is CELPIP? The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program or CELPIP is a proficiency test tailored to evaluate English skills specifically within a Canadian context. The assessment test is conducted by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a branch of the University of British Columbia (UBC). The language evaluation process is offered in two categories to meet varying needs: One is CELPIP-General, which is suitable for individuals applying for Canadian permanent resident status. It is accepted under multiple immigration programs, including- - The Federal Skilled Worker Program- Federal Skilled Trades Program- Canadian Experience Class- Start-up Visa Program- Numerous Provincial Nominee Programs Another one is CELPIP-General LS. Tailored specifically for Canadian citizenship applicants, this version evaluates only Listening and Speaking skills. Read more: Top 10 Best Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students Format of CELPIP Test . CELPIP-General  Test The category assesses four key language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with a total test time of approximately 180 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of each section: Listening (47 minutes): This component has eight parts, though only seven will be included during the actual test. The omitted part is not disclosed to test takers, adding a layer of unpredictability. Reading (60 minutes): Unscored items may be randomly placed within the Reading section of this test. These items are used for ongoing test development, and test takers are not informed which items are unscored. Writing (53 minutes): This section assesses written communication skills, focusing on responses relevant to Canadian contexts. Speaking (20 minutes): Tasks in the Speaking component are crafted to assess verbal skills across a range of everyday scenarios. Read more: Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies CELPIP-General LS Test This option is comparatively shorter and intended to measure Listening and Speaking skills only. The total duration for this particular test is 67 minutes: Listening (47 minutes): Similar to the CELPIP-General, the Listening section includes eight parts, with one part omitted without prior indication. Speaking (20 minutes): Speaking tasks reflect situations commonly encountered in Canadian workplaces and social settings. Scoring System Both CELPIP versions are scored according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), with results ranging from 0 to 12 CLB levels. Scores of 0, 1, and 2 are designated as ‘M’ on the CELPIP scale, while levels from 3 to 12 are represented as whole numbers, without any half-band scores. A score of 12 is the highest possible CLB level, reflecting advanced language proficiency. Read more: TOEFL Practice Tests: 7 Full Free TOEFL Mock Tests to Take Online Pros and Cons of CELPIP When considering CELPIP for language proficiency assessment, it’s essential to weigh its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s dive into the standout benefits and potential challenges: Pros Canada-Specific Focus This test is tailored to assess English language skills in a Canadian context, which can be particularly beneficial for immigrants. The test content reflects everyday situations, workplace communication, and social interactions common in Canada. Faster Results One significant advantage of CELPIP is its quick turnaround time for results. Candidates can receive their scores in 3 to 4 business days, allowing for timely planning in their immigration or professional processes. Convenient Format Offered in an online/computer-based format, this assessment can help reduce test-day anxiety. This setup allows candidates to feel more comfortable and perform at their best throughout the evaluation process. Single Sitting Test Arrangement With a single sitting lasting approximately three hours, candidates can complete all sections in one go, simplifying scheduling. This format minimizes the stress of multiple test days and helps maintain focus throughout the assessment. Read more: Free Websites for Online IELTS Mock Tests Cons Limited Test Centers Although this proficiency evaluation is recognized in Canada, its availability is limited internationally. For instance, there is only one test center in Bangladesh, located in Dhaka. Candidates outside of Dhaka may find it challenging to reach a testing facility, potentially requiring travel. Cost Considerations The registration fee for this test is BDT 21,000 excluding taxes, which is relatively high, especially for candidates on a tight budget. This cost may pose a barrier for some individuals seeking to take the exam. Limited Recognition Worldwide Unlike globally recognized tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, CELPIP has limited acceptance outside of Canada. This restricts its utility for candidates who may need to demonstrate English proficiency for opportunities in other countries. Read more: How to Register for TOEFL Exam in Bangladesh? How to Register for the CELPIP Test from Bangladesh . Creating an Account on the CELPIP Website Applicants have to begin by navigating to the official CELPIP website https://www.celpip.ca/. This site contains comprehensive information about the test, including registration details, test formats, and preparation resources. First-time applicants must create an account, allowing for the management of registration, viewing test dates, and accessing results. Selection of the Test Type and Schedule After logging in, choose the appropriate version of the assessment among the two categories based on specific requirements. Subsequently, select an available test date and time from the options provided on the site, as specific test sessions are scheduled in advance. Completion of the Registration Form Fill out the registration form with the necessary details, including personal information, preferred test date, and test center location. All information provided must align with a valid passport booklet and refugee travel document. These documents are required to be presented at the center on the day of the exam. Registration Fee Payment After completing the registration form, applicants will be prompted to pay the registration fee. In Bangladesh, the fee is approximately BDT 21,000 plus taxes. Receiving Confirmation After successful registration, a confirmation email will be sent containing important information about the exam date, time, and location. Read more: IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for study abroad? In Conclusion The CELPIP test—offering a computer-based format and a single-sitting arrangement—is a valuable option for those seeking Canadian immigration or citizenship. Candidates receive their scores faster than with many other popular English proficiency tests. However, individuals aiming to meet global English standards may encounter some limitations, as the test is not as widely recognized internationally. Read more: How to Register for IELTS Exam in Bangladesh

In a move that marks a significant shift in its immigration policy, the Canadian government has announced a plan to limit the number of international student permits over the next two years. This decision, as reported by CBC, comes amidst growing concerns over housing availability and the operations of certain private colleges in the country. The federal government plans to approve approximately 360,000 undergraduate study permits for 2024, which is a 35% reduction compared to the numbers from 2023. This cap will be distributed across Canadian provinces and territories based on population, leading to potentially sharper decreases in regions where the growth of the international student population has been deemed unsustainable. Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller highlighted that in some provinces, the reduction in permits might reach around 50 percent. Provinces and territories will have the autonomy to decide the allocation of permits among their universities and colleges. This cap is set to remain for two years, with a reassessment planned for the end of this year regarding the number of permits to be issued in 2025. Read: US embassy holds “Super Friday” to help meet huge demand for student visa interviews The immigration minister expressed concerns about the practices of some small private colleges, criticizing their exploitation of international students. He accused these institutions of operating under-resourced campuses, lacking adequate student support, while charging high tuition fees and substantially increasing their intake of international students. In a detailed interview with the CBC, Miller spoke about institutions offering dubious business degrees, with possibly hundreds of such schools operating in Canada, a number that has surged in recent years. Alongside the permit cap, the Canadian government announced significant changes to the post-graduation work permit program. Starting September, international students enrolled in programs under curriculum licensing arrangements with private colleges will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits. Conversely, graduates from master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be able to apply for a three-year work permit. Spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs will also be eligible for open work permits. Read: Bangladesh requests Germany to expedite student visa processing  The housing crisis in Canada, exacerbated by the influx of international students, played a critical role in this policy change. Mike Moffatt, an assistant professor at the Ivey Business School at Western University and a senior director at the Smart Prosperity Institute, emphasized the urgent need for such measures. He pointed out the substantial impact of international students on housing markets in various cities, with low-income renters struggling for limited rental spots and investors buying single-family homes for student rentals, which hinders first-time home buyers. Read more: Australia changes int'l student visa rules Recent polls indicate increasing public concern about the influence of immigration levels on the housing situation in Canada. This policy shift by the federal government reflects an attempt to address these multifaceted issues, balancing the needs of the education sector, international students, and the broader Canadian community.

Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory. World Economic Forum invites PM Hasina to attend its annual meeting in Switzerland “As members of the Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, we would like to congratulate you for winning your fifth term as Prime Minister,” a message to PM Hasina reads. “We look forward to further deepening the ties between Canada and Bangladesh and will continue working with you and your government to that end,” the message further reads. Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles “We wish you all the best as you form your new government and continue guiding your country forward,” it says. Chair of Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, Brad Redekopp, MP; Vice Chair Salma Ataullahjan; Kevin Waugh, MP; Larry Brock, MP; and Ken Hardie, MP jointly sent the congratulatory message. Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU

Canada has said it remains “committed to support” the people of Bangladesh in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future. “Fair elections with a viable opposition, independent democratic institutions and freedom of the press are critical to ensuring a strong and healthy democracy,” said the Canadian government in a statement. Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU Canada expressed its “disappointment” that this electoral process has “fallen short of” the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded, and called on the relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh. New Bangladesh Ambassador Rezina Ahmed presents credentials to Portuguese president Global Affairs Canada on January 9 issued the statement regarding the parliamentary election held in Bangladesh on January 7, 2024.  “Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections,” said the Canadian government. Scottish MP congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, praises election process The country extended sympathy to all of those who have been affected by the violence that has occurred. Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.

International observers, including from the US and Canada, on Sunday described the just-held 12th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh "free, fair and peaceful." They congratulated the Election Commission for conducting the elections successfully and efficiently. "I found very peaceful, free and fair elections," Jim Bates, former US congressman and an election observer from the US, told reporters at a media briefing Sunday evening. "I’d like to say it’s a free and fair election already," he added. “The thing they keep talking about is low turnout: that’s a misnomer. In some countries, voting goes on till 5/6 pm or even months,” Jim Bates said. National Election: Palak wins 4th term He said Bangladesh has the shortest voting time in the world. “So when they say ‘low turnout,’ that’s something to manoueuvre the press,” Bates said. Jim Bates is an American former politician who served as a Democratic elected official from San Diego, California. He served four terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 1991. Chandra Arya , Member of Parliament, Canada and Victor Oh, Senator, Canada also briefed the media separately. The independent election observers from Canada said, "Today is one of the important days in the history of Bangladesh. Today the citizens of Bangladesh have exercised their fundamental and valuable right to vote and chose their representatives. Today, in the true spirit of democracy, the people of Bangladesh have determined who get their mandate to take the country forward for the next 5 years." Chandra Arya said they all will now wait to see the newly elected representatives of the people who will shoulder the responsibility of governing the country and deliver the commitments made during the course of election campaign. "We noted that even with the call for boycott a record number of female candidates and a transgender candidate among the 28 political parties and over 1900 candidates including independents contesting the elections," he said. No pressure on voters to vote, but leaflets from ‘a party’ asking not to go, says FS quoting CEC They also noted the efforts of the Bangladesh Election Commission to reach out to voters and specifically to the younger generation to encourage them to participate in the elections. "We confirmed there was a process within the Bangladesh Election Commission to address any complaints from the voters or the political parties or the candidates," Chandra Arya said. "We wish to congratulate the Bangladesh Election Commission on successfully conducting a free and fair elections," he added. "With one of us being an elected Member of Canadian Parliament and having contested and won three times in row, we are personally aware of the complexity of managing an election." The Canadian observers recognized and commended the excellent work of Bangladesh Election Commission in marshaling all the institutions of the state and delivering a "free, fair and successful" elections. In a separate briefing, Head of the Russian election monitoring delegation Andrey Y Shuvot said they are satisfied with the peaceful elections. “These elections are legitimate," he told reporters. Scottish MP Martyn Day in his brief remarks, said the elections were fairly smooth, but voters' turnout was relatively low. Chief Electoral Officer of Palestine Hisham Kuhali on Sunday said Bangladeshis should be proud of electoral procedures that are in place and expressed satisfaction over the smooth completion of the vote casting. "We noticed quiet and peaceful election. We have not noticed any sign of violence," he told reporters at a media briefing at a Dhaka hotel. Independent candidate for Sylhet-3 says election rally attacked by AL candidate's campaigners Kuhali said the procedures of casting votes were very simple and straightforward. "This is very good by international standards," he said, referring to time it takes to cast a vote. The international observer said people are well informed and well trained who are helping voters to cast their votes. Asked about the voters' turnout, he said, "We are here to judge the voting procedures. You should be proud of your process." Member of Arab Parliament Abdihakim Moalliam described the elections as "smooth" and conducted in a very efficient way. He appreciated the democratic exercise in Bangladesh, noting that it was a shining example of peace and unity. The foreign observers visited several centres. Around 127 foreign observers are currently in Dhaka to observe the 12th National Parliamentary Election.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily extended the validity of issued Biometric Instruction Letters (BILs) and Passport Submission letters by an additional 30 days due to unprecedented demand for appointments at Visa Application Centres in Bangladesh, said a VFS Global spokesperson on Friday. For applicants, the spokesperson said, this means that their IRCC BIL or Passport Request letter will remain valid for another 30 days after the expiry date indicated in the letter. Bangladesh keen to consider Teesta projects if China comes forward Applicants who are unable to schedule an appointment or submit their passports even with this extended validity period should contact IRCC to request a new BIL or Passport Submission letter, according to a media statement. Any newly issued letters will only be valid for the standard 30 days. Any conflict, war in region can deviate Bangladesh from achieving its development goals: FS "We urge applicants to plan their travel early and apply for their Canada visa or permit in advance to avoid the last-minute rush," said the spokesperson. Journalists play critical role everywhere strengthening democratic institutions: US Embassy Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the department of the Government of Canada with responsibility for matters dealing with immigration to Canada, refugees, and Canadian citizenship.

Canada has recalled 41 of its diplomats from India after the Indian government said it would revoke their diplomatic immunity, the foreign minister said Thursday, in an escalation of their dispute over the slaying of a Sikh separatist in Canada. The moves come after Canada's allegations that India may have been involved in the June killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in suburban Vancouver. India has accused Canada of harboring separatists and "terrorists," but dismissed the allegation of its involvement in the killing as "absurd" and has taken diplomatic steps to express its anger over the accusation. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said Thursday that 41 of Canada's 62 diplomats in India have been removed, along with their dependents. Joly said exceptions have been made for 21 Canadian diplomats who will remain in India. India-Canada row: Trudeau speaks with Jordan King and UAE President "Forty-one Canadian diplomats and their 42 dependents were in danger of having their immunity stripped on an arbitrary date and this would put their personal safety at risk," Joly said. "Our diplomats and their families have now left." Joly said removing diplomatic immunity is not only unprecedented but contrary to international law, and said for that reason Canada wouldn't threaten to do the same thing with Indian diplomats. "A unilateral revocation of the diplomatic privilege and immunity is contrary to international law and a clear violation of the Geneva Convention on diplomatic relations. Threatening to do so is unreasonable and escalatory," Joly said. Joly said India's decision will impact the level of services to citizens of both countries. She said Canada is pausing in-person services in Chandigarh, Mumbai and Bangalore. India's Ministry of External Affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had previously called for a reduction in Canadian diplomats in India, saying they outnumbered India's staffing in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last month that there were "credible allegations" of Indian involvement in the slaying of Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh leader who was killed by masked gunmen in June in Surrey, outside Vancouver. Canada is here to cooperate with and support Bangladesh, says its high commissioner For years, India had said that Nijjar, a Canadian citizen born in India, had links to terrorism, an allegation Nijjar denied. India also has canceled visas for Canadians, and Canada has not retaliated for that. India previously expelled a senior Canadian diplomat after Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat. Trudeau has previously appeared to try to calm the diplomatic clash, telling reporters that Canada is "not looking to provoke or escalate." The allegation of India's involvement in the killing is based in part on surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, including intelligence provided by a major ally, a separate Canadian official previously told The Associated Press. The official said that the communications involved Indian officials and diplomats in Canada and that some of the intelligence was provided by a member of the "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand, in addition to Canada. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The latest expulsions by India have escalated tensions between the countries. Trudeau had frosty encounters with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent Group of 20 meeting in New Delhi, and a few days later, Canada canceled a trade mission to India planned for the fall. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with India's foreign minister amid the simmering row. A U.S. official said the topic was raised. U.S. officials have acknowledged that the fallout from the allegations could have an impact on relations with India, but have been careful not to cast blame in the killing of Nijjar. Nijjar, a plumber, was also a leader in what remains of a once-strong movement to create an independent Sikh homeland, known as Khalistan. A bloody decade-long Sikh insurgency shook north India in the 1970s and 1980s, until it was crushed in a government crackdown in which thousands of people were killed, including prominent Sikh leaders. US rejects report saying India-Canada dispute is threatening Washington’s ties with Delhi The Khalistan movement has lost much of its political power but still has supporters in the Indian state of Punjab, as well as in the sizable overseas Sikh diaspora. While the active insurgency ended years ago, the Indian government has warned repeatedly that Sikh separatists were trying to make a comeback. Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller noted that in 2022 India was the top country for permanent residents, temporary foreign workers and international students in Canada. Miller said as a result of India's decision to remove immunity Canada's immigration department will be significantly reducing the number of Canadian employees in India. Miller said the lower staff levels will hamper the issuing of visas and permits. Senior Canadian officials said India was firm on the number and rank of Canadian diplomats for whom it would lift diplomatic immunity. India also indicated it would cancel various permits, such as those permitting spouses to work in India and allowing the use of diplomatic plates on cars, officials said. Nelson Wiseman, a political scientist at the University of Toronto, said there would be no point in Canada retaliating over India's latest move. "The expulsions of the Canadian diplomats reveal the thin skin of the Indians; it suggests that they know they are complicit in the murder of a Canadian in Canada," Wiseman said. "They are trying to deflect attention from their lack of cooperation with Canada in the investigation of the murder."

Ottawa believes in having a “strong diplomatic footprint” in India, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has said. Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that Ottawa is not aiming to “escalate” tensions with India. His government has stated that “private” conversations are being held in order to preserve a “strong diplomatic footprint” in India, reports NDTV. Also read: How India’s relations with Canada hit rock bottom Trudeau addressed the media after the Financial Times reported that India wants 41 of the 62 Canadian diplomats out of the country after Trudeau alleged that the Indian government was involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil, it said. According to CBC News, in response to a question on whether Canada will request India to remove diplomats, he stated, “We’re not looking to escalate, as I’ve said, we’re going to be doing the work that matters in continuing to have constructive relations with India through this extremely difficult time.” Also read: Despite dispute, Canada remains committed to its relationship with India: Trudeau In a similar vein, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that Ottawa believes in establishing a “strong diplomatic footprint” in India. “We are in contact with the government of India. We take Canadian diplomats’ safety very seriously, and we will continue to engage privately because we think that diplomatic conversations are best when they remain private,” she was quoted as saying by Global News, the report said. “In moments of tensions – because indeed there are tensions between both our governments more than ever – it’s important that diplomats be on the ground, and that’s why we believe in the importance of having a strong diplomatic footprint in India,” she added. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist leader involved with the Khalistan movement, was killed by masked gunmen in British Columbia in June. The Indian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act labelled the 45-year-old as a “terrorist,” the NDTV report said. Trudeau accused India of being involved in Nijjar’s death a few weeks ago. “Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” he said, adding, “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.” Also read: India and Canada steer clear, in UN speeches, of their dispute over Sikh separatist leader’s killing This sparked a diplomatic uproar. The claims were described as “absurd” and “motivated” by India. Following this, both Canada and India removed top ambassadors and issued travel cautions.

The Indian government has asked Canada to withdraw over 40 of its diplomats from the country, the Financial Times has reported. New Delhi has set a deadline of October 10 for the repatriation, reads the report. Canada has 62 diplomats in India, and earlier, New Delhi had said the total number should be reduced by 41, the report said. Read: Despite dispute, Canada remains committed to its relationship with India: Trudeau India had asked Canada to curtail its diplomatic presence in the country as relations between the two countries plunged to the lowest point following Ottawa's allegations against New Delhi over the killing of a Khalistani separatist on Canadian soil. Read: Blinken meets Indian foreign minister as row between India and Canada simmers However, India has outright rejected the claim, calling it absurd. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently said there was a "climate of violence" and an "atmosphere of intimidation" against Indian diplomats in Canada. Read: Intelligence from 'Five Eyes' nations helped Canada link India to Sikh’s killing, US diplomat says