Canadian Immigrant November 2017

NOV / DEC 2017 | FREE

arrive. succeed. inspire.

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Mosaic

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equality

culture LOVE Injustice

system

shift

Ontario Minister Michael Coteau is fighting to fix systemic racism Blog to success Don’t miss the Mississauga Fair!

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CONTENTS 4

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PROFILE: Mortgage pro Andreia Guariento CANSPEAK: Wintery expressions NEWS: Inspiration in Mississauga CANADIANA: Remembering Gord Downie

above One million immigrants will be coming to Canada in the next three years.

success story

In his fight against systemic racism, Minister Michael Coteau is trying to level the playing field for all

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12 IMMIGRATION

Canada is one big diverse nation, according to new data, but there is more to consider than just numbers

16 CAREERS AND EDUCATION

CAREER COACH: Blog to success SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Problem-solving Winners of the Lilian To Bursaries for Immigrants HIGHER LEARNING: Is your English good enough?

20 LIVING

Beating the winter blues

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SETTLEMENT

TIPS FOR SETTLING IN FASTER: Get ready for 2018 with these five resolutions IMMIGRATION LAW: Common-law proof The parenting shift after immigrating Author Sukhjit Singh on opening doors to opportunity

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SETTLEMENT GUIDE

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CULTURE

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BACK PAGE

Chan Hon Goh’s Nutcracker in Vancouver HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO

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People. News. Information.

Volume 14, Issue 10 november/december 2017

profile

Group Publishers Gautam Datt Sharma Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Margaret Jetelina mjetelina@metroland.com Editorial Design Terry Lankstead, Anne Nawrocka Courtland Shakespeare Digital Media Developer Kamil Mytnik Sr. Ad Manager Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170

Andreia

Guariento Dream home maker

By Margaret Jetelina

Sales, Events & Marketing Coordinator Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146

Subscription rate in Canada: $47.99 plus HST for 12 issues Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher

Publications mail agreement number: 40065097 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 3145 Wolfedale Road Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 3A9 Printed on recycled paper.

Toronto Circulation 50,000 copies Vancouver Circulation 30,000 copies Calgary Circulation 3,000 copies Canadian Immigrant is published monthly and distributed free throughout Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. Canadian Immigrant welcomes submissions, but is not responsiblefor unsolicited material.

Canadian Immigrant is a publication of Metroland Media Group, a division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited.

Entire contents property of Canadian Immigrant.

canadianimmigrant.ca Toronto 3145 Wolfedale Road, Mississauga Ontario, L5C 3A9 Tel: 905 273 8111, Fax: 905 277 9917

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wning a home in Canada is an important goal for most immigrants, but with a heated real estate market in Canada’s big cities like Vancouver and Toronto, it could feel out of reach for many.

Andreia Guariento is here to help.

A teacher from Brazil, Guariento is today a mortgage broker with Xeva Mortgage in Surrey, B.C., helping people to purchase homes by providing personalized mortgage planning and education. She is also passionate about helping other immigrants like herself succeed, and shares her mantra: “Think big.

Anything is possible.”

Why ‘think big’?

My journey from Brazil to Canada has been guided by these words.

I am passionate about sharing this philosophy with other talented and educated immigrants struggling through their first years in Canada.

What kind of struggles?

Starting over is something every immigrant inherently understands. It’s more than just moving away from home or striking out on your own. It’s a willingness to look forward and forge a new path despite what you’ve achieved before.

I understand it, too, although I didn’t at first. My immigrant story

has been a roller coaster of excitement and disappointments, huge doubts and small victories. Eventually, though, I found my way. My journey has taught me that out of any challenge comes immense reward.

You were a teacher in Brazil?

Yes, I’ve been an educator all my life. I taught preschool, elementary, middle school and high school, worked as a school principal and even owned my own school. Naturally, when I came with my family to Canada, I looked for a job in education, expecting that’s where my talents and experience would find the perfect fit.

My expectation turned to shock and dismay as I learned my credentials did not get me very far in Canada. Like many immigrants unable to work in their chosen field, I had to adjust my thinking — shift my expectations.

Is that when you became a mortgage professional?

It wasn’t until my husband and I decided to purchase a house that my path took an unexpected turn.

When we made our appointment with the bank, we didn’t know anything about credit, lenders, mortgages or the Canadian financial structure. Needless to say, the bank declined our mortgage application.

The reason, our bank manager

left Brazilian-born Andreia Guariento helps homebuyers navigate the mortgage process in Canada.

said, was because we needed to establish a stronger financial relationship (in other words, credit history) … The result of that meeting was that I became determined and motivated to learn all I could about credit, insurance, financial planning and mortgages. I spent six months studying for the mortgage broker exam, and I enrolled for financial, marketing and English classes at UBC. I’m now able to advise and help people make life-changing decisions, and give immigrants the support I wish I’d had in the beginning.

What are your best tips for immigrants in the market?

I always believed that real estate is a great investment. Don’t wait too much; prepare yourself and just purchase it.

And have an open mind with your first property; it is just your first step toward your target home.

It doesn’t have to meet all your requirements.

Run the numbers, make sure you can afford it monthly and remember the real estate rule: location, location, location.

If you are currently renting, it’s likely you are paying someone’s mortgage. If you can afford to rent in the Lower Mainland and other cities, you can most likely afford to buy.

Read more of Andreia Guariento’s mortgage tips at canadianimmigrant.ca.

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canspeak...

Words, expressions and sayings Winter is coming … and here are a few icy expressions.

Break the ice If you are looking to meet new people, you will want to know how to “break the ice.” Breaking the ice is a way to start a conversation with someone. Anything that gets someone relaxed and talking is a good ice breaker.

Leave someone out in the cold If you prevent someone from joining a group, meeting or activity, you are shutting them out, or leaving them “out in the cold.” Not very nice, especially in a workplace setting.

Walking on thin ice Metaphorically speaking, you might be at risk or in danger if someone says you’re “walking on thin ice.” A frozen lake can easily break if the ice is thin and you’ll fall through.

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news

Don’t miss the Mississauga immigrant fair!

Brave the winter weather and come network and be inspired at our upcoming Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair on Friday, December 8, 2017, in Mississauga at the Living Arts Centre. Following up on our successful Toronto fair in June, we’re bringing our dynamic immigrant fair westward

to reach more people.

Highlights of the free fair, which runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., include a tradeshow of diverse exhibitors, including employment services, educational institutes and social service agencies, plus hiring employers! The event offers newcomers plenty of opportunities to learn about available services, while meeting new people and making lasting connections.

We are also planning an exciting lineup of speakers, including the welcome return of HR expert Sujay Vardhmane, whose success strategies for immigrants always motivate. Also, don’t miss oneon-one coaching by our “Career Coach” columnist Murali Murthy, our popular Resumé Clinic, our new Industry Insights panel and more.

Learn more and register at canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair/ mississauga.

above Gord Downie.

Who was Gord Downie, and why the Tragically Hip is considered utterly Canadian

As a new Canadian, you may not have heard about the rock band the Tragically Hip — aka, the Hip — before immigrating to Canada. On October 18, 2017, the nation mourned after its lead singer Gord Downie died of brain cancer.

In a statement announcing his passing, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau couldn’t hold back his tears as he said Canada will be “less” without Downie.

Downie was one of Canada’s most revered singer-songwriters, often called a poet, producing many 1990s hits including “New Orleans Is Sinking,” “Blow at High Dough,” “Courage (For Hugh MacLennan),” “Ahead By a Century” and “Bobcaygeon.”

The Hip was described as quintessentially Canadian, although its music wasn’t political or even necessarily about Canada. But, somehow, it seemed to capture the pulse of Canadians in the band’s heyday.

“I haven’t written too many political lyrics,” he said in an interview with the Canadian Press in 2014. “Music brings people together. So my function in anything I do is to help bring people closer in.”

The band continued to produce music in the 2000s, and Downie has also done solo work, with his last solo album, Introduce Yerself, released on October 27.

After his terminal cancer diagnosis in 2016, Downie and the Hip set off on an emotional cross-country farewell tour that ended with a big show in his hometown of Kingston, Ontario.

After the tour, Downie released his fifth solo album, The Secret Path, in September 2016. It told the story of 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack, who died of exposure after escaping a residential school. The album was paired with a graphic novel and the creation of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, which aims to foster reconciliation. Downie’s work on Indigenous issues led him to be honoured at an Assembly of First Nations ceremony in December 2016, where he was given the Lakota spirit name, “He who walks with the stars.”

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success story

changing

the game Ontario Minister Michael Coteau wants to level the playing field for Canadians of all races, and make a big dent in systemic racism

By Denise Hansen

I

’m early for my interview with Ontario Minister Michael Coteau, so I sit and wait at the Tim Hortons around the corner from his Queen’s Park office in downtown Toronto. In the span of 20 minutes (over a coffee and some potato wedges), I hear at least three different languages spoken, and see people of all races, ages and ethnic backgrounds, from the older Persian woman who asks me for help connecting to the WiFi, to the diverse group of schoolboys frantically gathering quarters to buy the franchise’s collectible hockey cards. It’s your typical Tim Hortons. Typical Canada.

Minister Coteau’s experience growing up in Toronto’s multicultural neighbourhood of Flemingdon Park in the 1980s mirrors what is now common in the country’s cities (and Tim Hortons alike): different cultures, different tongues and different faiths, living side by side.

As I sit down with Minister Coteau to chat about his Canadian journey, starting with his early upbringing, I’m struck by his extensive childhood memories; they obviously made a big mark. “My neighbourhood was made up of people from around the world. We had the Chessmans from Holland, the De La Cruzes from the Philippines, the Alafoginannis and Tonis from Greece, the Niles from Barbados and the Yus from Korea, to name a few,” Coteau recalls.

He himself was born in Huddersfield, England, to a British mother and father from the small Caribbean island of Grenada. They immigrated to Canada in 1976 when he was a child.

For Coteau, the description of multiculturalism — a cultural mosaic of diverse ethnic groups, languages and cultures living harmoniously as one — is a wonderful picture, but a one-dimensional one that misses a more nuanced reality, back then and still today.

After rattling off the names of his old neighbours, he explains to me,

in the same breath, that while the multicultural neighbourhood of his childhood allowed him to learn about and get along with people from different cultures, it also was the beginnings of him seeing separations taking place as a result of ethnic and socio-economic status.

“I saw streaming take place, although at the time I didn’t know what it was,” Coteau says. He’s referring to the practice that separates middle school students into university-bound academic level classes or the more hands-on applied options.

“Kids were going to different classes, different schools, so your observation starts to kick in, you see the separation starting to happen [between classmates of different ethnic backgrounds], but you can’t explain it, you don’t know the technical terms for it,” he says.

Other Flemingdon Park friends of Coteau’s were increasingly getting into trouble with the law, dropping out of high school and worse. It wasn’t until a friend of his father’s gave him $40 to apply to university that Coteau even considered post-secondary education as an option available to him.

He applied to Carleton University with a paltry 62 per cent average. He was accepted thanks to an open-door policy at the university at the time that allowed all students entry to Carleton, but restricted further study to those who did well during their first year.

And so Coteau was determined to do well. He studied political science and Canadian history, while also studying the university system and how to succeed within it. He got involved in student council, a fraternity and student politics, becoming president of the Carleton Young Liberals. It’s where he also met his future wife, Lori.

Before teaching English in South Korea for two years, Coteau kicked off his career working as an assistant for a government office after

right Minister Michael Coteau is trying to make a difference for the community he grew up, Flemingdon Park, and beyond.

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success story “Life is kind of like a game of monopoly,” Coteau says, responding to my question on what is driving him to fight injustice and racism. “Imagine playing a game of monopoly and all the property has been already bought, and they say to you, ‘Now you can play.’ So you jump on the board. Now, what’s going to happen to you is, eventually, you’re done. You can’t win.”

He goes on. “Society is the same, everything is bought. And you have groups of people — Blacks, ethnic communities, Indigenous communities — who want to play, but the system is set up in a certain way that it’s difficult to move on the board, let alone understand the rules. I want to level the playing field for racialized communities so they can have a better opportunity to play. It’s just about fairness.”

As a politician, Coteau knows he may only have a short window to enact change, and he acknowledges that his mandate to end systemic racism is impossible. “I can’t just stop racism,” he admits, emphatically, “but what I can do, is have a real dent in its trajectory, and call it out for what it is.”

Imagine playing a game of monopoly and all the property has been already bought, and they say to you, ‘Now you can play.’”

— Minister Michael Coteau

above Minister Michael Coteau is also an advocate for youth as minister of Child and Youth Services. completing university. But he had always had a passion for politics, sparked by an incident in his youth when he called on local politicians to protect kids who were playing on an unsafe outdoor pool, icing over in wintertime. So, after returning home to Canada, he took his first step into the political ring himself, as a school board trustee.

As a trustee and later vice-chair of the Toronto District School Board, Coteau worked to support after-school programs for children and brought forward nutritional changes that increased awareness around student hunger. The impact he made as a trustee for eight years fuelled his political desire further, and he ran in the general election in 2011 to become a member of provincial parliament (MPP). He won, representing the riding of Don Valley East, which includes Flemingdon Park, the very neighbourhood he grew up in.

The junior MPP was promptly given the additional duty of parliamentary assistant to the minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and, in 2013, he became a minister himself, taking on the portfolio of Citizenship and Immigration first, then back to Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Re-elected in 2014, today Coteau is minister of Child and Youth Services and the minister responsible for Anti-Racism. He leads the Anti-Racism Directorate, formed in 2016 to increase public education and awareness of racism, as well as to combat the systemic racism that exists in government policies, programs and services.

These are not easy portfolios, but Coteau, a father of two daughters, is leading them with a fighting spirit and a drive to change things not only for his kids — his “most important mandate” — but all kids in Canada, regardless of their ethnic background.

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His efforts have included the first-ever address to the Economic Club of Canada on the issue of racism in the country, and introducing Ontario’s first-ever piece of legislation addressing anti-racism, on top of all his efforts over the years in advocating for free tuition for low-income families, the collection of race-based data in schools, and the empowerment of racialized young people through mentorship and other programs.

“I still go into rooms and see myself as the only Black person in the room,” Coteau admits. But he never feels like a token, and his efforts speak for themselves. “I want to be able to walk out of here knowing I did the best job possible to have people be able to better understand each other.”

Last year, the Anti-Racism Directorate hosted 10 public community meetings across the province to hear Ontarians’ perspectives and recommendations for fighting systemic racism. I was at one of those meetings and remembered the hundreds of people, the nuanced dynamics, and the heated and hurt emotions that packed themselves into that small Regent Park auditorium on a rainy day.

As messy and chaotic as some say those initial meetings were, it’s hard to imagine them having gone otherwise. They were a raw, uncomfortable yet invaluable opportunity for people to try to understand each other. It’s in meetings like these where that one-dimensional notion of multiculturalism gets honest, where people from different ethnic and economic backgrounds can have their voices heard, sharing their experiences of unfair practices and racism, even in a country like Canada.

“At the end of the day, people want to be here [in Canada]. To feel safe. To be able to raise a family. They want to be able to buy a house and maybe go on vacation once in a while. Retire peacefully. Make sure their kids are set up for success,” Coteau says. “There may be differences [among us], but we all want the same things.” facebook.com/canimmigrant

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IMMIGRATION

ONE BIG DIVERSE NATION The data supports this vision, but there is more to consider than just numbers

By Margaret Jetelina

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anada is “one big social experiment.” That’s what former citizenship judge Sandra Wilking — one of the first people profi led in Canadian Immigrant magazine — once told me. Her words have stuck in my head. The image they evoke is an apt one — mixing and blending people from different backgrounds, cultures, faiths and perspectives together in one place, and calling them compatriots.

Today, the metaphor remains just as relevant; after all, the population continues to evolve in this so-called nation of immigrants. Recently released data from the 2016 Census reveals a vivid multicultural mixture; 21.9 per cent of Canada’s total population, or one-fi fth, is made up of immigrants. It’s the highest number among G7 countries.

This number has been steadily rising, from about 15 per cent in the 1950s, to 19.8 per cent in 2006 to 20.6 per cent in 2011. It’s a result of increasing immigration levels, combined with the gradual rise in the number of deaths and the relatively low fertility levels in Canada.

Between 2011 and 2016 alone, 1,212,075 new immigrants had permanently settled in Canada. Upcoming immigration targets, released

by Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen on November 1, are more ambitious — one million immigrants and refugees will be welcomed to Canada over the next three years.

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The plan begins with 310,000 new permanent residents in 2018, and grows to 330,000 in 2019 and 340,000 in 2020, with about 60 per cent from the economic category.

“Our government believes that newcomers play a vital role in our society,” said Minister Hussen upon the release of the 2018 immigration plan. “Generations of newcomers have come from the four corners of the globe, contributing to our prosperity, diversity and culture.

I’m proud to say that I myself was one of those newcomers. Immigration has been, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of Canada’s success.”

For people who question the need for so much immigration, Somalian-born Hussen has this to say: “Why do we need immigration?

Well, five million Canadians are set to retire by 2035. And we have fewer people working to support seniors and retirees. Immigration supports GDP growth by creating jobs, attracting investment and driving innovation.”

The new multi-year immigration plan received widespread support from influencers in the immigration arena, from provincial immigration ministers, to settlement agencies, even from former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

Hong Kong-born Clarkson, who is now co-chair of the Institute for facebook.com/canimmigrant

IMMIGRATION TARGETS FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS YEAR

ECONOMIC CLASS

FAMILY CLASS

REFUGEES

2018

74,900

66,000

16,000

2019

81,400

68,000

16,500

2020

85,800

70,000

17,000

most 2.2 million children under the age of 15 were foreign-born or had at least one foreign-born parent, representing 37.5 per cent, or two in five, of all Canadian children. Almost three-quarters of these children trace their countries of ancestry to Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Bermuda, and Central and South America.

As a result, the number of visible minorities (both foreign-born and first-generation Canadians) is growing; 22.3 per cent, or one-fi fth,

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Canadian Citizenship, says, “This is an important step in the right direction, which reaffirms Canada’s belief in immigration and citizenship as a principle which has helped to build, and which will continue to build, the country.”

Statistics Canada now projects that the proportion of Canada’s immigrant population could reach between 24.5 and 30 per cent by 2036.

Immigrants are coming So, we know what the future holds — more immigrants are coming. And the mix is changing, too. While Asia (including the Middle East) remains the top source continent, Africa is now in second place over Europe.

The majority of newcomers, however, will continue to be economic immigrants (see sidebar “Immigration targets for the next three years”). And many more are headed to the Prairies than ever before.

Over the past 15 years, the share of recent immigrants in Alberta (6.9 to 17.1 per cent), Manitoba (1.8 to 5.2 per cent) and Saskatchewan (one to four per cent) has more than doubled. Atlantic Canada also saw a doubling in its numbers, while Ontario’s share of immigrants dropped from 55.9 to 39 per cent. British Columbia also saw its share of recent immigrants decrease over the past 15 years, from 19.9 to 14.5 per cent. Quebec has remained steady for the last few years at roughly 17 per cent.

This geographic distribution reveals the important part the provincial nominee programs have come to play in Canadian immigration as provinces actively recruit newcomers away from the traditional migration to Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

Canadian immigrants are also having more children. Altwitter.com/@canimmigrant

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of Canada’s population identified as belonging to the visible minority population (three in 10 of whom were born in Canada).

“We’ve been seeing this for 20 years now, that Canada is becoming more and more diverse,” said Jean-Pierre Corbeil, Statistics Canada’s assistant director of social and Aboriginal statistics, to the Toronto Star. “It’s not surprising that we see the share of people identified as visible minorities … increasing for sure.”

Preventing populism As our national “experiment” evolves and immigration numbers continue to rise, Canada will need to be proactive in ensuring people mix together well. Part of that is ensuring the successful integration of newcomers.

While Minister Hussen says immigration is an economic driver for the country, many skilled professionals still struggle in integrating into the labour market due to licensing and other systemic barriers. Statistics Canada’s newly released Labour Force Survey shows there is still work to be done. Landed immigrants who arrived within five years or less have significantly higher unemployment rates than the total population — 10.6 per cent compared to six per cent as of October 2017. It is only after 10 years in Canada that rates of unemployment among immigrants level out with those born here.

As Ontario Minister Michael Coteau reflects in his interview (see page 8), we need to “level the playing field” for Canadians of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

Successful economic integration will also help prevent the global trend of populism. At the Conference Board of Canada’s annual Canadian Immigration Summit in Ottawa last spring, Keith Banting, Queen’s University research chair in public policy, discussed what Canada can learn from the rise of populism in other countries like the United Kingdom and the United States.

He explained that there are three main drivers of populism: economic, cultural and political. If a segment of a population is economically and culturally insecure, and if the right political incentives are in place, populism may rise.

Banting further noted that, while Canadians are generally supportive of immigration, their support is conditional. He pointed to recent polls that show some eight out of 10 Canadians believe immigration has a positive economic impact, while about six out of 10 feel immigration levels are too high.

He further added that only about one-third of Canadians support multiculturalism, while one-third support it conditionally. So Canada cannot continue to assume that the country’s multiculturalism and pro-immigration policies will prevent anti-immigrant sentiment among the populace.

Canada is definitely not immune to it. At the same time Canada saw the campaigning and election of the first turbaned Sikh to lead a federal political party, we also saw that same candidate get verbally attacked by a protestor spewing racist misinformation at a campaign event. Jagmeet Singh, now the NDP leader, responded with a message of love. This moment showed the best and worst of Canada.

Diversity and immigration will only continue to grow in the years to come, and, according to Banting, Canada must find ways to better integrate immigrants into the economy, and ensure the economy and social safety net is strong so immigration is not seen as having a negative impact on the country.

Either way, Canada’s policies on immigration will remain ambitious. As Minister Hussen says, “There are more and more countries that are closing their doors to people, they’re closing their doors to talent, to skills and, yes, to those who are seeking protection from persecution. We are emphatically and unapologetically taking the opposite approach.”

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careers & education c a r ee r c o a c h

Blog your way to success 7 blogging rules to promote yourself in today’s job market

C

ontent is still king, and a blog can be the key to get you to your dream job faster. Yes, savvy jobseekers are putting their skills to the test and blogging their way to rapid success.

If you already have a blog, you already know that it’s a great way to establish your personal brand, share your opinion, inspire discussion and demonstrate industry expertise.

Since these are the very skills that recruiters typically look for, every serious job hunter should have a well-maintained blog.

So, how do you get started?

1

Create a site

There are a number of free or paid sites that offer blogging platforms for even the most inexperienced website user. WordPress is easily the most popular blogging platform available. The free version

questions or feedback. Also, never respond negatively. If someone is clearly an internet troll, just delete them from your comments.

offers limited customization, but, for a basic site, it is easy and simple to set up. Blogger.com is equally good and is Google’s blogging platform to boot.

2

Set up the basic pages

Once you set up your blog, be sure to include the following

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Be open to new skills

7

Get noticed!

When you start blogging, you will begin to naturally improve upon a number of skills like writing, researching, promotions and social media. These skills, in turn, will open you up to far more job opportunities.

BE PRESENT

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basic pages: your profile page with a picture, a portfolio and a contact information page.

3

Identify your audience

4

Start posting articles

5

Engage with your audience

Before you begin writing, define your audience. If you want to use your blog to further your career, you need to write about the industry you want to work in, which means you need to write for those already in the industry.

Now that you’ve got your blog set up and know your audience, it’s time to start posting.

There are multiple types of article styles including the most popular ones: how-to or DIY blogs, reviews, personal stories or interviews. A well-written how-to post or review can help show off your expertise.

Personal stories tell people more about you. And interviewing other experts in the field shows your versatility and is a great networking tool, too!

If your audience begins to comment on your blog, make sure you thank them and respond to any

A well-crafted blog can help you get noticed by the right people, and build your reputation. It can be a great way to show that you are: • intelligent, creative and able to write clearly on relevant topics • motivated, interested and an expert in your industry • passionate about your profession eager to engage in discussion with like-minded people.

Positive digital footprint Whenever you apply for a job, the first thing a recruiter will do is investigate you online. Having a blog is a positive digital footprint that will give potential employers a picture of who you are and how you carry yourself, both personally and professionally.

It also helps you build a network.

Employers are not only looking for employees who bring knowledge and a superior skillset to the table, they also want someone who is well connected. So, while you might have 500+ connections on LinkedIn, having a blog that has a dedicated readership shows that you know how to create — and keep — connections, both in the digital and the real world.

Murali Murthy is an acclaimed public speaker, life coach and best-selling author of The ACE Principle, The ACE Awakening, The ACE Abundance and You Are HIRED! He is also chairperson of CAMP Networking Canada. Learn more at aceworldfoundation.com. facebook.com/canimmigrant

11/9/17 3:28 PM

careers & education

Soft Skills for Success

I

n this Canadian Immigrant series, we will look at the most in-demand soft skills, and how you can show them off. We started off with communication skills, business etiquette, teamwork and adaptability; our fifth important skill is problem-solving.

Problem-solving

4 5 6

Soft skill no.5: Problem-solving In any business environment, there will be situations where you’ll have to demonstrate your ability to solve problems — sometimes quickly and under pressure. Otherwise known as critical thinking, it’s the ability for you to identify and assess a problem, and come up with goals or solutions to improve or solve it. Becoming known as a problem-solver can solidify your reputation as not only a great team member, but also a leader in your organization.

Show an employer that you have the critical thinking skills to identify and solve problems with these eight tips.

Decision-making is an important soft skill in itself!

If a problem arises that is unexpected or volatile, stay calm and focused. This will demonstrate your ability to work well under pressure.

Focus on solutions to the problem, not pointing fingers on who is to blame.

Creativity is a big part of problem-solving, so don’t be afraid to come up with innovative, new ideas. In business jargon terms, “think outside the box.”

When coming up with solutions or ideas, share your thoughts openly, but listen to others’ opinions as well, and be willing to collaborate. Often the best solutions will be a collective effort.

Ensure the problem does not keep reoccurring by implementing preventative measures for the long term. Listen to feedback and adjust the solutions as needed down the road.

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Identifying a problem in a business starts with great observational skills. Be aware of what is going around you and if something seems amiss, don’t be afraid to point out the real or potential problem.

Pointing out a problem is just the first step; the next one is

2

to analyze the situation, especially when dealing with more complex problems. Do some research or investigation in the problem to start coming up with good solutions.

After your analysis, review your potential solutions and make a decision or recommendation on the best course of action.

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See “Soft Skills for Success” at canadianimmigrant.ca for the other installments of this series.

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careers & education

Free tuition for newcomers Two winners receive 2017 Lilian To Bursaries at Ashton College

above Ashton College bursary winner Jaime Joel Monje will study HR management.

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wo outstanding newcomers have received a 2017 Lilian To Bursary for Immigrants at Ashton College, co-sponsored

by Canadian Immigrant magazine. The bursaries cover full-time tuition for the Ashton program of their choice. And the winners are: Jaime Joel Monje and Qaiser Jamil.

Jaime Joel Monje Monje first came to Canada in 2013 as a skilled worker, a chemical engineer by profession with a master’s degree in business administration from his home country, the Philippines. Monje was happy about getting a job in his field after immigrating to Canada.

“I’ve been working in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical indus-

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tries for several years back in the Philippines,” says Monje. “This experience helped me get my current position as a production trainer in a pharmaceutical field.”

At the same time, he recognizes that his current position is much lower than the ones he had in the Philippines. “The main goal for me is to achieve the same position as I held in the Philippines. Doing this will help me support my family here in Canada and get my daughter through university.”

Monje is willing and able to work hard, but financial limitations were stopping him from investing into his education and career growth. “I have the necessary experience, having worked with multiple international and wellrecognized organizations,” he

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above Qaiser Jamil plans to add to his HR training at Ashton College. says. “But I am missing Canadian business knowledge and Canadian credentials. The Lilian To Bursary at Ashton College will definitely help me fill this missing piece.”

Qaiser Jamil Jamil first came to Canada from Pakistan in 2016, and was able to get permanent residency status early in 2017. “I have worked as an HR professional for more than 10 years, and many of those years were with global companies,” says Jamil. “But instead of applying for HR jobs in Canada, I chose an alternative route and applied for administrative roles.”

Jamil realized that, even with his experience, getting HR jobs in Canada would require more training. “I can’t expect to come

to Canada and get the same senior HR position that I held in my country,” Jamil points out. “I need to become more familiar with the Canadian system and get Canadian credentials first.”

For Jamil, the Lilian To Bursary opened a whole new realm of possibilities. “I am thankful to have gotten a job here in Canada, but I am excited to work toward my HR career.”

Jamil is taking the diploma in human resources management at Ashton College and is looking forward to getting one step closer to his chartered professional in human resources (CPHR) certification.

“This is an amazing opportunity, and I will definitely make the best use of it,” he says. facebook.com/canimmigrant

11/9/17 3:28 PM

careers & education

Language skills Is my English good enough for success in post-secondary studies?

W

ant to further your postsecondary education but not sure your English skills are good enough to succeed academically? There are a few things to consider when you are evaluating whether you have the needed language skills or not.

What you will study The discipline you choose and the level you intend to achieve are two key elements to consider.

A two-year college program in a technical area, for instance, will require less writing proficiency than a university degree in the humanities, but still may require excellent listening and presentation skills.

If you choose a program that requires a lot of writing (e.g., English, history, political science, etc.), your reading and writing skills will need to be strong. While making use of the writing centres and tutors that schools often offer

for free will help you with term papers, you will be on your own when there is an in-class essay on an examination.

Even if you have the minimum skills your program calls for, if you plan to go further academically, you may find that greater fluency is required to be competitive and successful.

Am I ready?

While your English level will likely improve over time, other resources may be needed. Here are two options. You could go into a program where your language skills are already sufficient and make use of the various institutional services to help you improve along the way.

Another option to assess your readiness to study in English is to take a course that requires essay writing (e.g., through a school’s continuing education depart-

ment). Not only would this improve your writing skills, but you may also get to practise your oral communication skills through group work and presentations.

More importantly, it would allow you to get feedback from your professor, which will give you a better idea if you’re ready for post-secondary education or need further preparation.

How will my English level be assessed?

Some schools’ admissions departments require that you take a standardized test to demonstrate your English skills level such as the TOEFL or the IELTS. Others do

not require these assessments, but may ask you to take a placement test. Based on your score, you may be placed in an English foundation course, which will help improve your skills, but you may find the program very challenging if a lot of writing is required.

Having more than the minimum skills in English literacy will make your academic life easier. Getting those skills beforehand will be worth the time and effort. Colleges, universities, social agencies and school adult learning centres have programs to give you the English preparation you will need in order to increase your chances of academic success.

Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer have extensive experience working in university and college settings, providing career, academic and personal counselling to international and immigrant students.

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LIVING

Winter blues

As the cold weather sets in, don’t be surprised if you start feeling a bit blah, but there is light at the end of it

A

s 10-year-old Carlos Castano exited Toronto Pearson Airport, he was greeted by brisk, Canadian air for the first time in his life. It was a happy moment, as the Colombian-born boy was ready to take on the new adventure of immigrating to Canada with his family.

“As a kid, it was exciting to learn a new language, to see a new country, to see snow,” says the now 27-year-old. “Everything we saw on TV about Canada, now we got to experience it.”

Unfortunately, while settling into their new home, the Castano family experienced an issue that

20

By Kaitlin Jingco they hadn’t anticipated: the winter blues; the new environment that Castano once looked forward to experiencing began to take a toll.

Many Canadians experience the winter blues or blahs, where they face symptoms such as low mood, oversleeping, weight gain and feelings of hopelessness. Sometimes it can lead to a form of clinical depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), typically beginning in the fall, lasting through the winter and ending in the spring.

About two to three per cent of Canadians are expected to experience the mood disorder in their lifetimes.

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“It was really hard,” says Castano, remembering his first encounter with the seasonal blahs during his family’s first Canadian winter.

“We wanted to see snow, and it did snow, so that was really exciting. But after that it got to be like, when does it stop? When does the sun come out? When can we take all these clothes off? I started feeling tired. I remember wanting to feel the sun on my skin.”

Why we get SAD While the exact cause of seasonal mood problems isn’t certain, Dr. Raymond Lam, the associate head for research at the University

of British Columbia’s department of psychiatry, says Castano’s situation is in line with current findings. He explains that in countries near the equator, like Colombia, that get lots of sunlight, SAD is very uncommon. But in countries at higher latitudes, like Canada, where there is less and varied sunlight throughout the year, the issue becomes much more prevalent.

“Immigrants moving to Canada may start noticing problems in the winter and not realize what’s happening,” says Dr. Lam. “They may think it’s just the immigration, but it might actually be the winter.” facebook.com/canimmigrant

11/9/17 3:29 PM

Regardless of the circumstances — whether one is struggling with settlement, the winter season or other personal issues — Dr. Lam says it’s important that people seek help from their doctor when experiencing depressive symptoms.

Seek support Hana Pinthus Rotchild, a clinical therapist who specializes in working with immigrants in transition, adds that therapy and counselling can also be very helpful. Therapists can act as an outside confidant and also provide ideas and resources for improvement.

When the winter blues hit the Castanos, they sought support from health professionals who provided them with some unique tips.

“We had an apartment with a nice balcony door,” Castano recalls.

“So one of the helpful things that we used to do is open the blinds, and when the sun would come in through the window … we would put blankets in front of the door, and we would lay there to kind of just get some sun after school.”

For those who work long hours and are unable get sun exposure

during the shorter days of the year, Dr. Lam says that light therapy is an effective alternative. Using this technique, individuals get the benefits of brightness by sitting near light boxes for about half an hour a day.

“That helps two-thirds of people, even with more severe winter depression, in terms of feeling better during the winter months,” he says.

Enjoy the season For those who don’t have a light device, Pinthus Rotchild tells her clients with SAD symptoms, “Be curious. Try to learn what Canadian culture has to offer in the wintertime … Go tobogganing.

Go cross-country skiing in the forest. Build a snowman. Have warm clothes so you’re not so limited … Meet people, be social, take your kids out in nature. All these activities are very therapeutic.”

For Castano, getting involved with winter activities helped significantly. “My parents would take us skating, tobogganing or things like that,” he says. “To sweat a little bit … to kind of get out and do something different, that really helped.”

What also assisted in alleviating SAD symptoms was when Castano discovered indoor soccer.

Having been an avid soccer player in Colombia, the opportunity to play his favourite sport in the wintertime allowed him to reconnect to something he loved from his birth country, meet new friends and get through the season.

“I didn’t know about indoor soccer because back home we don’t have the bubbles and domes to play in,” he says. “That helped a lot, too, to be able to play all year round.”

Today, Castano continues to play soccer throughout the winter.

He also skis often, plans to learn to snowboard and is looking forward to an upcoming winter trip to a snowy mountain in Quebec.

While he still feels the winter blues from time to time, Castano says that his life in Canada has certainly met the expectations he had when he stepped out of the Toronto airport 17 years ago.

“I love Canada,” he says. “I’ve learned to like — not love — winter, but I wouldn’t want to live in any other country.”

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SETTLEMENT T i p s f o r S e tt l i n g i n F ast e r

Reflect and move ahead 5 New Year’s resolutions for new Canadians

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s 2017 approaches year end, the opportunity to reflect on the year that has past, and set new goals for 2018 is a way to start the New Year off right.

In Canada, a common tradition at the end of each year is to set New Year’s resolutions; these are personal goals or commitments that improve one’s behaviour or lifestyle in some way for the year ahead.

As you prepare for 2018, here are five New Year’s resolution ideas to consider.

1

Get involved in your community

One way to familiarize yourself with new surroundings is by getting involved in your local community. Examples include volunteering, joining a cultural organization, or attending a local event or festival.

Community involvement can

provide you with a variety of benefits, including expanding your social network and helping you feel more connected to your local area.

Feeling homesick is normal when moving to a new place because it is different and unfamiliar. Exploring your community can help you feel more at home. Your local community centre or neighbourhood newspaper can provide more information about such opportunities.

2

Focus on your financial health

Upon arrival in Canada, you may have noticed a difference in banking technology or products. Feeling rushed in decision-making or not fully understanding banking terms or requirements at first can often feel overwhelming. Booking an appointment with a financial advisor is an easy way to learn more about your banking services and financial goals. You may even

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explore other options such as savings and investments that might fit well with your personal financial situation.

Seek out Canadian experiences

Canada is known for its multiculturalism, making it possible to stay comfortable within your home community. As you prepare for the New Year, including a few Canadian experiences in your resolutions can help you enjoy and appreciate what this great country has to offer. Experiencing Canadian culture may include watching a hockey game, visiting well-known landmarks such as the CN Tower and Niagara Falls, enjoying a Nanaimo bar or poutine, or building a snowman when the flurries come.

4

Focus on your career

Finding employment in a new country can be challenging.

Focus on adapting your resumé for the Canadian workplace, building your network and, if needed, up-

grading your skills and growing your language proficiency to help you qualify for the career you want.

A New Year brings new opportunities; 2018 might be your year to start on a path toward a career you most aspire to.

5

Keep active

Staying physically and mentally fit is an important part of leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle. By joining a local gym or trying a new exercise class, you can stay active while also incorporating new ways to meet others.

Focusing on your mental health is just as important. Find activities or hobbies that make you happy; whether it’s yoga, reading, cooking or exploring the neighbourhood, exercising the brain will help reduce stress and anxiety, and increase awareness. Life can get busy especially while you adjust to change, so remember to take time for yourself.

May the year ahead bring you joy, success and prosperity.

Ivy Chiu is the senior director, cultural markets, at RBC. Once a newcomer herself, Chiu is interested in helping newcomers integrate to life in Canada. Are you new to Canada or know someone who is? Visit rbc.com/newcomers for more advice. facebook.com/canimmigrant

11/9/17 3:31 PM

SETTLEMENT

I m m i g r at i o n L aw

Am I in a common-law relationship?

M

ost Canadian citizens and permanent residents who fall in love with and get married to a non-Canadian understand that they can sponsor their spouses to immigrate to Canada, and will often do so shortly after they get married. Many Canadians also understand that they don’t have to be technically married; they can sponsor common-law partners to immigrate to Canada, too. However, many do not fully understand the definition of a common-law partner for Canadian immigration purposes (as opposed to family law and tax purposes) or understand the documentation requirements. So many people apply for sponsorship later than they actually could have.

What is a common-law partnership?

Canadian immigration law defines a common-law partner as being a person who is cohabiting with a person in a conjugal relationship, for a period of at least one year. So, in order to sponsor a common-law partner to immigrate to Canada, you must demonstrate that you have cohabited for one year and that you are in a conjugal relationship.

Cohabitation must be continuous Cohabitation means that you are living together, and to qualify under Canadian immigration law, the cohabitation must be continuous for one year. It cannot be intermittent, adding up to one year.

Of course, it is permissible for you to temporarily leave the home for work or business travel, family obligations and so on, from time to time. But there is no fixed rule on how short such trips must be. So you must make a judgment call on how long one of you can be away, so as not to jeopardize meeting the 12-month cohabitation rule.

You must also live together full time. Couples who live together, say, five days a week, but maintain separate residences and live apart twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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And what’s the proof needed to show it?

two days a week are not considered cohabiting.

Proof of living together The onus is on the prospective immigrant to demonstrate that they are cohabiting with their Canadian sponsor, but what constitutes proof? Many people mistakenly delay submitting their application if they do not have a joint lease or rental agreement, or own their home together.

This is a mistake. In addition to such proof, other acceptable evidence of cohabitation can include joint utility accounts (e.g., electricity, gas, telephone, internet), joint credit card accounts, joint bank accounts, vehicle insurance papers showing both partners as living at the same address, or copies of government-issued documents showing that both people reside at the same address. Indeed, cell phone bills, pay stubs, tax forms, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies, etc., which show that you live at the same address, are acceptable. And, in some situations, even reference letters from friends confirming the cohabitation may be sufficient.

After the one-year mark It is also important to note that the one-year cohabitation requirement only needs to be strictly in-

terpreted for one year. From that date on, couples are considered to be in a common-law relationship until the relationship is ended. So, while you must still cohabit after the initial year, you may live apart for periods of time without legally breaking the cohabitation requirement. Acceptable reasons for living apart can include work and educational requirements. In such circumstances, Canada’s immigration department requires evidence that you are continuing the relationship, such as visits and correspondence, and intend to live together again as soon as possible.

als as being a couple. All conjugal relationships should feature some degree of mutual commitment to a shared life, exclusivity, intimacy, permanence and interdependency.

In order to demonstrate that a cohabiting couple is in a conjugal relationship, Canada’s immigration department accepts as proof the existence of children resulting from the relationship, photos, important documents showing that the couple is recognized as common-law partners (such as insurance or tax documents), evidence of financial support or shared expenses, reference letters and social media posts about the relationship.

In addition to demonstrating cohabitation, common-law partners must demonstrate that they are also in a conjugal relationship.

A conjugal relationship is one in which there is a significant degree of attachment between two partners. Factors that are considered include sleeping arrangements, fidelity, commitment, sharing household responsibilities, and whether family and community members view the two individu-

The best proof

Conjugal relationship, too

In the modern digital age, social media posts and email archives are often the best source of evidence to demonstrate both cohabitation and the existence of a conjugal relationship. It seems that posts about a couple on Facebook will generate dozens of likes, demonstrating that the relationship is public. With such proof, people often meet the definition of common-law partner much sooner than they think.

Steven Meurrens is an immigration lawyer with Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver. Contact him at 604-681-9887, by email at steven.meurrens@larlee.com, or visit his blog at smeurrens.com. canadianimmigrant.ca November/December 2017

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SETTLEMENT

The parenting shift Raising kids in a new country means adapting to new ways of thinking

By Dilnawaz Qamar

A

lthough the majority of immigrants try their best to embrace the culture and values of their new country, it is not always easy, especially when it comes to parenting. It’s challenging for immigrant parents to understand how to raise and discipline their children in the Canadian context.

More old-school styles of discipline including yelling or punishing physically is generally not acceptable in Canada, and, as a result, probably won’t work on your children. Immigrant parents who try such authoritarian techniques, and fail, think that their children are becoming spoiled and disrespectful. Sometimes they say their kids have started acting “Canadian.”

In Canada, emphasis is laid upon the individual. Children are taught to respect themselves and are allowed to question their parents with respect. Immigrant children who learn such values in school but have more traditional parents may become confused and act out.

At first, it may seem incomprehensible to parents that it is not the child who is wrong, but that they, the parents, need to re-examine the style of their parenting to fit the new country.

So, if your child is not responding well to you and you’re not sure what to do next, here are five helpful tips to help you raise your Canadian children.

1. Be empathetic

While new immigrants are going through many challenges in settling in Canada, they must realize their children are also going through similar things. Language issues, conflict at school, cultural identity confusion, to name a few. If parents are not empathetic, they will never come to know the difficulties the child faces at school. You need to try to understand your children’s feelings and communicate that understanding with them.

2. Be consistent

Consistent parenting is a skill that needs to be mastered by all parents. It can be hard to do. You may lay down a rule, but may not follow through with it because you are tired or in a hurry. Without consistent parenting, a child receives mixed messages and does not know

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how to behave. Inconsistency produces anxiety in children because they can never predict the parents’ response.

3. Be respectful

Respect between parents and children is very important. Sometimes parents dictate to their children, expecting their demands to be respected, without showing respect to their kids’ point of view. In order to earn respect, you need to show (or give) respect. Respect at home helps your child develop high self-esteem.

4. Communicate with your child

Lack of communication is a source of conflict in not only parent-child relationship, but in every relationship. This communication gap becomes more serious when parents are dealing with adjustment issues in the new country. Understand that you will settle in over time, but if you stop communicating well with your child, the bond between you may be broken.

5. Use humour

Humour can be an effective tool when you’re faced with unco-operative behaviour from your kids. Sometimes parents make a big deal of something that can actually be dealt with in a simpler, humorous manner. For example, if your child refuses to do a chore, instead of yelling or threatening, you could make a game of it — “How fast can we get the toys in the toy box?” You have shifted the focus, and the task gets done without any anger or yelling.

The right balance Most parents struggle to learn how to be effective, particularly if they are also dealing with adapting to a new environment. However, if parents and their children don’t adapt to the new culture, they will remain foreigners in their adopted land. Parents should be strong enough to impart their values to children, but create a balance between their traditional culture and the Canadian way of life.

Pakistan-born Dilnawaz Qamar is a mental health counsellor with Brampton Multicultural Community Centre. She can be reached at dilnawazasghar@gmail.com.

facebook.com/canimmigrant

11/9/17 3:32 PM

What’s your parenting style?

A parenting style refers to the overall attitude and behaviour that parents use when interacting with their kids. There are four predominant parenting styles, some more effective than others.

1

Permissive parenting style. Permissive parents are warm and accepting, and attempt to avoid confrontation with their children.

They make few demands of their kids. They attempt to reason with their kids rather than exercise control over them.

The effect: Research suggests that children of permissive parents have difficulty regulating their emotions and controlling their impulses. They are reluctant to accept responsibility, are more likely to engage in problematic behaviour, and tend to perform poorly in school. But these kids have relatively high levels of self-esteem and low levels of depression.

2

Uninvolved parenting style. Like permissive parents, they make few demands of their children, but they show little warmth or responsiveness.

The effect: Children of uninvolved parents tend to be the least

well-adjusted. They have relatively poor social skills, difficulty regulating their emotions and impulses, and frequently engage in problematic or antisocial behaviour. They also tend to perform poorly in school and have relatively high levels of depression.

3

Authoritarian parenting style. Authoritarian parents provide highly structured and well-ordered environments for their children. They emphasize respect for authority, work, order and tradition.

They expect their children to obey explicit standards and rules, without question or dissent.

The effect: Children of authoritarian parents have been found to have relatively poor social skills. They are more anxious and withdrawn than other children, and have relatively low levels of self-esteem and high levels of depression. They are less likely to engage in problematic or antisocial behaviour, however, and tend to perform well in school.

4

Authoritative parenting style. Authoritative parents expect their children to respect authority and provide them with explicit standards and rules, but they prefer to reason or negotiate with their children when attempting to resolve conflict. These parents encourage their children to be both assertive and self-controlled.

The effect: Children of authoritative parents appear to be the best adjusted; they tend to have better social skills, are able to effectively regulate their emotions and impulses, and are less likely to engage in problematic or antisocial behaviour. These children have relatively high levels of self-esteem and happy dispositions.

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Diploma in Human Resources Management Ashton College’s DHRM program follows the competency framework laid out by the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) and meets the requirements for CPHR designation.

Take the next step. Speak with an admissions officer today.

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BRITISH COLUMBIA Vancouver (604) 899-0803

Abbotsford (604) 625-1150

ONLINE LEARNING (604) 628-5784 1(844) 628-5784

www.ashtoncollege.ca

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Immigrant Settlement Guide For getting your listing included, please call Ricky Bajaj at 416-856-6304 or Johnny Zhang at 416-803-3931

2017

Agency

General Services and Specialty Programs

Languages

Brampton Multicultural Centre (BMC)

Not for profit, registered charity providing multilingual and culturally appropriate programs and services for free to help clients enhance their community engagement and social capital while integrating into the Canadian society. Programs: Programs and services include Settlement support , employment readiness workshops, enhancing immigrant community connections through schools and libraries, advocacy and solution-focused counselling, interpretation and translation, volunteer and placement opportunities, mental health support services, seniors and women abuse and engagement services. A unique portfolio of youth programming is also available such as: Youth leadership development, life skills coaching, client-centred counselling, paid internships at various workplaces, gang prevention workshops, one-on-one intervention meetings based on individualized work plans.

Email: services@bmccentre.org www.bmccentre.org

• English • Arabic • Farsi • French • Gujarati • Hindi • Punjabi • Spanish • Tamil • Urdu • Tagalog (Filipino)

TCET provides Language, Employment, & Settlement programs that empower people in fulfilling their potential. Our LINC Home Study program provides Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) via distance education. The self-paced curriculum is offered either online or by correspondence. The program includes a weekly lesson via phone or VOIP with a certified instructor.

Email: help@linchomestudy.ca www.linchomestudy.ca

• English • Some services available in French and other languages

197 County Court Blvd.

Suite 303 Brampton ON L6W 4P6 Phone: 905-790-8482 Fax: 905-874-6100

Centre for Education & Training (TCET) Head Office: 90 Burnhamthorpe Road W, Suite 210, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C3

Locations across the Greater Toronto Area and virtual services across Ontario & Canada Phone: 905-949-0049, Toll free at 1-800-668-1179, Email: Info@tcet.com, www.tcet.com Centre for Education & Training Language Assessment Centre York-Simcoe-Durham 420 Highway 7 East Suite 204 B Richmond Hill ON L4B 3K2 Toll free: 1-855-330-8655 Job Skills Employment & Business Programs & Supports Locations in Markham, Brampton, Keswick and Newmarket Phone: 1-866-592-6278 Multinational Small & Medium Business Community Center (Msmbcc) 211 Consumers Road, Suite 300, North York, M2J 4G8 Phone: 647-343-8288 The National Association of Humanity Science and Technology (NAHST) 4675 Steeles Ave. E Unit 2D22 Toronto On M1v 4S5 Or: 3-2375 Brimley Rd. Unit 351 Toronto ON M1s 3L6 Welcome Centre Immigrant Services 7 Locations in York & Durham Regions 1-877-761-1155

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Completing a language assessment is the first step to accessing English language classes in your • English community. Language Assessment Centres provide no cost English language assessments and referrals to classes for eligible immigrants seeking language training.

Language Assessments services are available on a scheduled and pre-booked basis. If you live in York region, Simcoe County and Durham Region please call 1-855-330-8655 to schedule an appointment.

Email: ysla@tcet.com www.tcet.com/assessments Facebook: www.facebook.com/Language.Assessment.Centre.YSD/# Twitter: twitter.com/LAC_YSD Find out how to: get the skills you need to find work, including: work experience, resume help, interview techniques, entrepreneurial options and more. We offer: Job Search Workshops Program, Job Find Club for Internationally Trained Individuals, Bridge to HR, Practice Firm, Self-Employment Pathways for Newcomer and Employment Ontario Employment Services.

Email: info@jobskills.org www.jobskills.org

• English Interpreters are available

Help small and medium business from starting business with business plans for success: business registration; business planning; corporate problem solving; corporate culture tutoring; legal, politics and social requirements service and fund assistant application from government. Specialty program: business guide in Canada and Asia countries;enterprise assistant program; free tax services for new comers and seniors; Seniors program for social networking and conversational Café and special events to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation..

Email: info@sbsccanada.org www.sbsccanada.org

• English • Chinese

Community services for cultural and recreational activities, including classic poetry recitation events and Chinese traditional music concerts, with funds collected from its own members; supports for seniors groups for cultural and recreational activities; promotions for cultural exchange with the main stream society and many minorities’ cultural groups.

Email: thomas@nahst.org www.nahst.org

• English • Mandarin • Cantonese

Settlement Services assist immigrants to integrate and become established and contributing members of Canadian society. English Language Classes are instructor-led, and supported by a computer lab.

Job-specific, advanced-level Enhanced Language Training available. Supports to assist in developing the skills needed to find work: resume/cover letter preparation, interview readiness and information about accreditation, workplace practices, Canadian employer expectations. Other services available.

Languages of service: English, interpreters are available Email: info@welcomecentre.ca www.welcomecentre.ca

• English Interpreters are available

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settlement

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When opportunity knocks …

ndian-born Sukhjit Singh is one of those people who has an upbeat, positive attitude that makes you think anything is possible. It’s why he was named an RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant back in 2013, after only being in Canada for three years. And it’s no doubt why the career and settlement specialist with Peel Multicultural Council in Mississauga has now

By Margaret Jetelina written a book to share everything he has learned, overcome and contributed as a Canadian immigrant.

His book, Same Shoes, Different Doors, is a framework to inspire readers to have the courage of the unknown, take risks and give back to your community, even when you’re unsure if your efforts will be welcome or reciprocated.

“Though I came to Canada prepared by attending pre-arrival workshops and by doing a lot of research, after landing, the informaleft Sukhjit Singh. tion overflow and managing relevant information was a challenge,” are not accepted, past work experi- lenges will be doubled.”

Singh, who is today an avid imrecalls Singh. “The biggest shock ence is not considered and, above to me was that as immigrants, all, if you have a turban and beard migrant mentor, speaker and comwe need to prove ourselves in the — in my case, being a Sikh, I wear munity volunteer, including as 1 2017-11-07 8:25 AM turban, either matching chair of the Institute for Canadian job marketVCD_candianimmigration_1-2.pdf and start almost from a colourful scratch. International credentials it with my shirt or tie — your chal- Citizenship – Peel Chapter, de-

Author Sukhjit Singh says ‘open the door’

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Design.

Create.

Inspire.

cided to write the book to share his experiences and help other newcomers.

“I am often invited to speak at events where I am asked to share my story of immigration, the challenges I faced and how I overcame those challenges,” says Singh.

“Many of those who listened to my story came back and told me that they need to keep my story as source of motivation. There could be no other better way than to put my story in the form of a book.”

Three key takeaways from Singh’s book are: 1. Never ever give up.

2. Be innovative in your job search.

3. Give back to the community as much as you can and as soon as you can.

“This book is an effort to share a story that will inspire readers. I have tried to encompass all those things that I think I did right to quickly pass through my days of struggle when I came to Canada as an immigrant,” says Singh.

The book is available on Amazon.ca and via Singh’s website sukhforchange.ca.

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VCAD offers exceptional career-focused design education across a variety of disciplines:

Learn how you can get started today.

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CAREER

EDUCATION & SETTLEMENT

FAIR IMMIGRANT

MISSISSAUGA

December 8, 2017

FREE 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ADMISSION Living Arts Centre (4141 Living Arts Dr.)

A LANGUAGE SCHOOL, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OR AN EDUCATION INSTITUTE?

What to expect at the Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair:

ARE YOU AN IMMIGRANT SETTLEMENT OR REFUGEE SERVICE PROVIDER OR AN IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM?

Inspirational Immigrant Speakers • Resumé Clinic

ARE YOU A RECRUITER LOOKING TO HIRE A NEWCOMER?

BECOME AN EXHIBITOR:

Tradeshow of Exhibitors • One-on-One Coaching Hiring Employers • Industry Insights Panel

canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair

Learn more and pre-register today:

Contact Ricky Bajaj at rbajaj@metroland.com or 416.856.6304

www.canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair

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CULTURE

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t’s a global holiday tradition — taking the family to the ballet to see The Nutcracker. Dance companies around the country and the world present their own take on the classic E.T.A. Hoff man story, featuring a Mouse King and a Sugar Plum Fairy set to Tchaikovsky’s music, and Vancouver has its very own ballet, courtesy of Goh Ballet.

Goh Ballet is, of course, led by ballerina and RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant (2017) Chan Hon Goh. When the retired National Ballet of Canada principal dancer came home to Vancouver to take over the Goh Ballet Academy and youth company from her parents, Choo Chiat and Lin Yee, in 2010, producing their annual Nutcracker was an important part of her role. Th is year marks the ninth season the Goh Ballet has produced the show, running December 14-19, 2017, at the Centre on Homer Street in Vancouver.

“Growing up in Vancouver and loving dance, it was of vital importance that we now give back to the community by creating a Nutcracker that we in Vancouver can

Must-see ballet

Chan Hon Goh brings the Goh Ballet’s classic Nutcracker back to Vancouver for the ninth year

By Margaret Jetelina

above Chan Hon Goh.

above The Nutcracker by the Goh Ballet. call our very own for our future generations to follow and grow up with,” says Goh. She herself has fond memories of the ballet as a young dancer. “The Nutcracker was the ballet where I was given my first opportunity at

portunity to many local dancers. “I am proud of the fact that we have a cast of more than 200 local dancers from across the Lower Mainland who audition for a part and perform with international guest artists as well as musicians from the Vancouver Opera Orchestra,” she says, adding that this year the show will feature guest artists from the National Ballet of China as the

performing the principal role as the Sugar Plum Fairy with the National Ballet of Canada. At the age of 19 and having joined the company for only one year, it was the ballet that launched my career.”

Goh is now giving that same op-

Bridge Delivery for International Medical Graduates

Snow Queen and Snow King.

“We aim to provide a memorable experience for the audience and an unforgettable one for the cast members as they reach new artistic heights.”

Tickets can be purchased at gohnutcracker.com.

info@ccnm.edu www.ccnm.edu

Continuing your medical career in Canada

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Educating naturopathic doctors for almost 40 years

twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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BACK PAGE

Connect with CI! /canimmigrant @canimmigrant canimmigrant

jobs.vancouver.ca MakingVaCC_CEF_NOV2017.pdf Vancouver a great place to live, work and play.

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