news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1166159Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced changes to the spousal sponsorship program, under which a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their common law partner, conjugal partner, or spouse to become a permanent resident.
The changes, to come into effect December 15, 2017, will merge the "out of Canada" and the "in Canada" application processes.  The government is promising a reduction in processing times - currently 26 months for In Canada and 18 months for out of Canada applications - to 12 months.
There will be new forms and guide.  However, people in the middle of making an application have till January 2017 to submit applications using the old forms.
In related news, the "open work permit" program, which entitled in-Canada applicants to applly for a work permit while their application is being processed, is being extended for one year. 
​For details, go here.

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Trans Care BC is organizing two Information Sessions with parents and caregivers of transgender, Two-Spirit and gender creative children and youth over the next two months and we would like your help in spreading the word.
 
This 1 hour toll-free teleconference call will provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers to:
 
• Learn about how the new Trans Care BC program is moving forward with communities, community agencies, health providers and health authorities in supporting transgender, Two-Spirit and gender creative children, youth and their families in BC
 
• Meet and get connected with Trans Care BC staff
 
• Ask questions about the program
 
WHEN: There are two dates for parents and caregivers to choose from. Both sessions will be the same so we hope parents and caregivers will join us for one of the calls:
 
Wednesday December 14, 2016 from 12:00-1:00pm OR
Wednesday January 18, 2017 from 6:00-7:00pm                  
 
Trans Care BC was established as a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) in Fall 2015 as a result of input from members of transgender communities, parents, health care providers and stakeholders. This program continues to evolve and support the delivery of equitable and accessible care, surgical planning, and peer and community support for transgender, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people across BC.
 
Please see the attached poster for more information and share it widely across your networks so that we can reach as many parents and caregivers as possible.
 
If you have QUESTIONS about the teleconference calls and/or if parents and caregivers want to REGISTER for one of the teleconference calls, please contact:
Cindy Holmes, Family Network Consultant: [email protected]
 
For more information about