Lynn Desjardins
Lynn Desjardins
Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Lynn has dedicated her working life to journalism. After decades in the field, she still believes journalism to be a pillar of democracy and she remains committed to telling stories she believes are important or interesting. Lynn loves Canada and embraces all seasons: skiing, skating, and sledding in winter, hiking, swimming and playing tennis in summer and running all the time. She is a voracious consumer of Canadian literature, public radio programs and classical music. Family and friends are most important. Good and unusual foods are fun. She travels when possible and enjoys the wilderness.

Immigration & Refugees, International, Society

U.S. scrutinizes Canada’s screening of refugees

The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is hearing testimony on Canada’s process of quickly bringing in 25,000 Syrian refugees. Some prominent American leaders have expressed concern that Canada’s screening of refugees may not be adequate and »

Immigration & Refugees, International, Society

Calls to reassess rejected Roma refugee claimants

Roma asylum-seekers who were deported back to Hungary deserve to finally get a fair hearing in Canada, says Jennifer Danch, a Toronto law student and Roma refugee advocate. Danch made a five-month trip to Hungary to see what has become »

International, Society

Forces not trained enough for peacekeeping: report

A new study recommends “a major overhaul and upgrading of peacekeeping education, training and exercises” in order for Canadian Armed Forces to be ready to take part in UN peace operations. Canada has not done much peacekeeping recently, but while »

International, Society

Illegal goods get through Canada’s border: auditor

“The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) did not fully have what it needed to carry out its enforcement priorities in 2015,” says a report from Canada’s auditor general. As a result, illegal goods left the country. The audit applied to »

Society

New historical video for Black History Month

Viola Desmond challenged segregation in the eastern province of Nova Scotia in the 1940s. And while she did not win her case, her story became a catalyst for change. And the story will now be brought to the Canadian public »

Immigration & Refugees, Society

Some Syrian refugees face delays in settling

Some Syrian refugees are upset that they have been housed in hotels for longer than expected and not all are getting the same kinds of support. In Canada, there are asylum-seekers who are the responsibility of the government and others »

Health, Society

Shovelling snow dangerous for inactive people

Most of Canada gets plenty of snow in winter, and most Canadians have to shovel it in order to get down their walks or to move their cars. The problem is that many Canadians are physically inactive and shovelling snow »

Economy, Society

Not recognizing credentials costs billions: report

An estimated 844,000 Canadians are not getting the jobs they should because their credentials are not being recognized, says the Conference Board of Canada. Many immigrants come to Canada only to find their university degrees or professional training is not »

Politics, Society

Leader agrees to radically new interview format

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has agreed to a radically different way to answer questions on television. Traditionally, Canadian prime ministers have been periodically interviewed by news anchors, usually one-on-one, sitting down in an office. CBC anchor Peter Mansbridge (standing) greets »

Health, Internet, Science & Technology, Society

Exercise during pregnancy good for baby and mom

A new study suggests pregnant women should exercise to combat high blood pressure, excessive weight gain and babies who are born too big. Hypertension is hard to control in pregnant women, and sometimes they must be hospitalized. Too much weight »