Canadian Immigrant - September 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017 | FREE c a n a d i a n im m i g r a n t.c a

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ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.

The Jobs Issue WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS › Career trends in Canada › What will the impact of automation be? › Adaptability in a changing labour market

ARCHITECT AZIZ BOOTWALA SAYS SUCCESS IS JUST PART OF THE IMMIGRANT JOURNEY

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CONTENTS 4

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PROFILE: Kayla A. Greaves on Black women’s hair NEWS: New in-demand jobs stream, newcomer youth program …

CANSPEAK: Words, expressions and sayings CANADIANA: Iconic Canadian Terry Fox

above Edmonton-based architect Aziz Bootwala was awarded a fellowship from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada this year.

SUCCESS STORY

Indian-born architect Aziz Bootwala says personal achievement is only part of your immigrant story; helping other newcomers comes next

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What the future holds for jobs in Canada: top careers, trends and automation

18 CAREERS AND EDUCATION

Start your career as a freelancer You Are Hired! book launch Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fairs SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Adaptability HIGHER LEARNING: A diverse education CAREER COACH: EQ versus IQ

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SETTLEMENT

PARENTING: Books for back to school TIPS FOR SETTLING IN FASTER: Advice for international students IMMIGRATION LAW: What jobs can a visitor do in Canada?

LIVING

Adib Razavi on the importance of sport

BACK PAGE HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO NATION OF IMMIGRANTS MULTICULTURAL CALENDAR

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People. News. Information.

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 8 SEPTEMBER 2017 Group Publishers Gautam Datt Sharma Sanjay Agnihotri

profile

Editor Margaret Jetelina mjetelina@metroland.com

Kayla A.

Editorial Design Terry Lankstead, Anne Nawrocka Courtland Shakespeare

Greaves

Digital Media Developer Kamil Mytnik Sr. Ad Manager Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170

Natural talent

By Margaret Jetelina

Sales, Events & Marketing Coordinator Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com

above Kayla A. Greaves was named a Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada.

Photo by Angelyn Francis

General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146

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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.

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rowing up in a Jamaican immigrant household in Montreal, Kayla A. Greaves did a lot of soul searching about what it means to be Caribbean, a Black woman and a Canadian. Luckily, she’s a journalist and has the platform to talk about these issues in forums such as the Huffington Post, where she’s currently an editor. Most recently, she’s been writing on the issue of natural hair for Black women, including newcomers from the Caribbean and Africa.

For those who don’t know much about the issues around natural hair among Black women, can you provide us with a little education?

For Black women, our relationship with hair is so complicated. A lot of us were never taught how to take care of it and embrace our hair in its natural state, but rather we’ve been conditioned by society and even our loved ones to use chemicals to straighten it. Or to put in a weave. Or find some other way to hide it.

When you’ve been told all your life that what grows out of your scalp naturally is “bad” or “ugly,” you internalize it. And you start to

believe that in order to be accepted or attractive, you need to mould yourself into something you’re not.

So, it’s an issue of discrimination?

No other race has hair like Black people — and we’re very aware of that. But, instead of embracing our differences, society has made it loud and clear that we’re the “other.” And, until we started to really push back, society wanted us to force our hair to do something it doesn’t do naturally (be straight) in order to make everyone else comfortable.

It’s 2017 and people are still dealing with being sent home from work because they have their hair in braids, little girls are being harassed by teachers for having afros, and people can’t find work because they’ve chosen to lock their hair.

It’s insane.

You wear your hair naturally now … what’s the reaction you have received?

When I first went natural I was terrified. All I ever heard growing up was negative things about my hair. So I really had to do a lot of unlearning before I mustered up the confidence to rock it.

And when I was wearing my hair in twists and braids to help grow

it out, I got told I had gone from Halle Berry to Bob Marley. People even touched my hair without asking. The folks I worked with at the time acted like they’d never seen a Black person before (and, honestly, maybe that was the case).

But, once I finally went natural and walked outside with my curls out, I didn’t care about the rude comments anymore. I was just happy to be me.

Does the discrimination ever go back the other way — women with natural hair judging those who still choose to straighten?

This is a really great question.

I wouldn’t necessarily call it discrimination, but I think more natural women ask women who use relaxers why they haven’t gone natural yet. Or see it as them hating themselves. In my opinion, I think it’s fine for Black women to wear their hair however it makes them feel most beautiful — so long as it’s beauty on their own terms.

Don’t women of all races have to deal with cultural beauty expectations?

Every type of woman has their own beauty battles for sure. But, for Black women, our hair is so unique and we’ve never really had the chance to fully embrace it. facebook.com/canimmigrant

T:3.7917”

news

New stream for in-demand jobs in Ontario

New to Canada?

Meet the bank that wants to meet you.

will be able to fi nd employment in Ontario more easily.

These occupations were selected as the government says workers for these specific jobs are especially in demand. “Ontario’s economic growth depends on attracting immigrants with the right skills to fi ll our labour market needs so that our employers and communities can thrive and excel,” says Laura Albanese, Ontario minister of citizenship and immigration.

Begin your new life simply and easily with CIBC. Get a credit card with no deposit or credit history required,1 a bank account with no monthly fee and unlimited transactions for 1 year,2 and more.

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The Province of Ontario launched a new pilot project for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): the Employer Job Offer InDemand Skills Stream.

Th is addition to OINP will help Ontario employers in the highdemand sectors of construction and agriculture to secure workers.

Foreign installers and servicers, heavy equipment operators, farmhands, greenhouse and nursery labourers, construction workers, and butchers and meat handlers

It’s all part of the CIBC Welcome to Canada Package.3

Get set up today.

At a CIBC Banking Centre cibc.com/newcomer 1 800 465-2422

1 To apply for the credit card, you must have (a) another eligible CIBC personal banking product in good standing, such as a chequing or savings account, loan, line of credit, or mortgage (for details please visit cibc.com/newcomer); OR (b) a minimum household income of $15,000 and meet CIBC’s credit criteria. ²Offer available only on a new CIBC Smart™ Account. A transaction includes cheques, withdrawals, transfers, pre-authorized payments, bill payments (including CIBC Credit Cards and CIBC Personal Lines of Credit) and debit purchases. The waived fee is the regular monthly account fee, which includes up to 12 transactions plus the additional transaction fee for each additional transaction over 12 up to the capped monthly account fee for unlimited transactions as shown in the Personal Account Service Fees brochure. Additional fee(s) apply to optional services such as withdrawals from non-CIBC bank machines and transactions in foreign currency (including cheques written in currencies other than the account currency). A fee applies if you purchase a booklet of cheques. Fee waiver is in effect for one year, after which regular monthly and transaction fees will automatically apply without prior notice. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Offer may not be combined with any other account offer or fee discount. Limit one per person. 3To be eligible for the CIBC Welcome to Canada Package, you must have received Canadian permanent resident status within the past 5 years; any time period longer than 5 years does not qualify. You must request the CIBC Newcomer benefits when applying for a product.

Other conditions may apply. *Trademark of Visa Int., used under license. The Contactless Indicator is a trademark of EMV Co. LLC. CIBC Cube Design & “Banking that fits your life.” are trademarks of CIBC. All other trademarks are owned by CIBC.

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September 2017

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canspeak...

Words, expressions and sayings

It’s back to school time — here are a few school-related idioms to learn.

‘A’ for effort As long as you tried your best, you will still get an “A” for effort, even if your project or work is not fully successful.

As easy as ABC Like a Kindergartener learning the alphabet, if your job or task is as easy as ABC, then it’s very simple indeed.

Make the grade Making the grade means you have met expectations, whether at school or in life.

See more words at canadianimmigrant.ca under “Work & Education > Language.”

Canadiana

A Canadian hero

In communities and schools across Canada in September, the Terry Fox Run is held annually to raise money for cancer research — a goal that started with Terry Fox himself almost 40 years ago. Fox was a young Canadian who lost his leg to cancer and made it his mission to raise awareness about the disease by running across the country.

Fox was diagnosed with bone cancer in his right leg in 1977 and had his leg amputated above the knee. While in hospital, Fox was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients that he decided to run across Canada to raise money

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for cancer research. In 1980, he embarked on his Marathon of Hope.

Starting in Newfoundland, he ran an average of 42 kilometres every day for 143 days. He ended his run in Thunder Bay, Ontario, when the cancer spread to his lungs. He returned home to B.C. and died in June 1981.

His dream of raising $1 for every Canadian was realized, however — the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope fund totalled $24.17 million by February 1981. Today, more than $700 million has been raised in his name.

The 2017 Terry Fox Run will be held on September 17 in every province in Canada and internationally.

news

New program to help immigrant and refugee youth This September, Vancouverbased immigrant settlement agency SUCCESS is launching the HSBC Youth Support Program to help newcomer youth in Metro Vancouver. The program will provide more than 300 youth with career support, mentorship and skills-building workshops to help them succeed, finish school and pursue further education or career options.

“Immigrant and refugee youth who arrive in Canada as teenagers may face challenges to grad-

uate high school in Canada due to many interacting factors, and there are very few programs to support youth who age out of school,” says Queenie Choo, CEO of SUCCESS. The program starts this September, and will run for three years in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Burnaby and the TriCities. In addition to financial support from HSBC to the tune of $300,000, HSBC employees will also volunteer as part of the program.

Filipino Canadian wins Silver Stevie Award One of Canadian Immigrant’s previous Immigrant Women of Inspiration honourees, Lourdes Gant recently won a Silver Stevie Award in the Woman of the Year category in the 14th Annual International Business Awards.

The business awards program is open to all individuals and organizations worldwide: public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The 2017 awards received entries from more than 60 nations and territories.

Gant, vice president of Manatee Holdings Ltd., a sustainable aquaculture company in Courtenay, B.C., was recognized in particular for her focus on sustainability and holistic practices. The awards will be presented to winners at a gala awards banquet in Barcelona, Spain, on October 21.

above Lourdes Gant.

The small minority, angry, frustrated group of racists don’t get to define who we are as a country.”

— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in response to anti-immigrant protests in August.

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SUCCESS STORY

DREAM BUILDER

Indian-born architect Aziz Bootwala says personal achievement is only part of your immigrant story; helping other newcomers comes next

By Nicola Enright-Morin

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any immigrants come to Canada to pursue new opportunities and strive for personal success.

But Aziz Bootwala, an architect who moved to North America from Mumbai, India, when he was 21 years old, says achieving your own success is only part of your immigrant story.

According to Bootwala, to consider yourself truly victorious, you should give back to the country that gave you your opportunities, especially to new immigrants facing the same challenges you once did.

A young Bootwala worked hard to achieve his own story of professional success in Canada, and today he is managing principal and vice president of business development at Edmonton-based Kasian, one of Canada’s largest architecture and engineering firms. He says it is a can-do attitude of hard work that is the secret to success for all immigrants. “You have to make sure that whatever you do, you’re doing it, not only the best that you can, but the best that there is,” he says. “I think whatever we take on, whether it’s a professional position or a volunteer position, we need to make sure that we are the best that best can be.”

This mantra has guided Bootwala’s career in architecture, starting with graduating from the Raheja School of Architecture in Mumbai and continuing his studies with a master’s in architecture at Kansas State University. Then Bootwala moved to Los Angeles, where he spent 10 years working with two prestigious architectural firms. But, while Bootwala was living in the United States, the rest of his family moved from Mumbai to Edmonton.

So, in the early 1990s, Bootwala was faced with a life-changing decision: the sunshine state or a hockey town?

Choosing Canada was an easy decision for him. And he hasn’t looked back since.

“The quality of life in Canada versus America was very promising. The access to facilities, the freedom to follow your faith and just be a part of the pluralistic society made Canada feel a lot more promising for the future,” he says.

However, when Bootwala first settled in Canada, he admits there were challenges. “Life in the early 1990s was a lot different than it is today,” he says. “Today, the U.S. and Canada are far more advanced in their approach to accepting people from different cultures and communities than they were back then.”

There was little support for him and he had to make his own way.

Fortunately, he found a job in his field with a very welcoming company in 1994; in fact, he says that being a part of the Kasian team has been intrinsic to his immigrant journey. “I feel I owe a large part of my success to the vision and the welcoming nature of Kasian,” says Bootwala, who moved up from employee to principal partner.

Benefiting from his international background, Bootwala represented Kasian in the Middle East in 2007, opening their offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Mumbai. In 2011, still based in Dubai, Bootwala moved on to an opportunity as managing principal for Stantec Middle East, expanding his expertise in master planning for largescale mixed-use developments and hospitals. But he was more than happy to return to Canada and Kasian. “It’s always felt like home and that’s why when I moved back to Edmonton in 2015, it wasn’t just a homecoming to my family, it was also a homecoming to the company who I warmly respect and who also respected me for who I am.”

And his love for architecture itself has never wavered either.

Bootwala says he feels fortunate to work in a field that is not only rewarding for him professionally, but one that creates a better life for everyone. “The key thing about architecture is that a good design

right Architect Aziz Bootwala stands inside the federal building, which he helped design.

Photo by Kevin Tuong/Metro News

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September 2017

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SUCCESS STORY

above Aziz Bootwala designed this South Edmonton Common shopping centre.

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will help enhance people’s lives. More than anything else, architecture is a profession that allows you to realize people’s dreams,” he says. “When clients have a dream, we listen to that and make it happen. It’s among very few professions that blend art and science, and it allows you to look into the past and learn from it; what has been done what has not been done and see the impact of various cultures on the design of buildings.”

Bootwala adds that he has worked on some tremendous ventures — such as the South Edmonton Common shopping space and the federal building near the Alberta legislature — but says ones that benefit the community, such as his recent focus on seniors’ homes and assisted living projects, are particularly rewarding.

For Bootwala, a passion to help others is central to who he is, and he is particularly enthusiastic about mentoring immigrant architects. This May, Bootwala was awarded a fellowship from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, not only for his work, but also for his commitment to mentoring. “The fellowship is an acknowledgement from my colleagues and peers who believe I have the best interests at heart of moving the profession of architecture along and, more importantly, of helping young architects achieve their dreams,” he says.

Bootwala is humbled on a personal level, particularly as an immigrant, to receive the fellowship. “A lot of people may not know the struggles and challenges I faced to move to North America; to be able to support myself through university and then support my family. It is an accomplishment and I’m really thankful that people believed that I have the skills and passion to be able to represent architecture at that level.”

Helping others so they don’t face the same challenges he did is the driving force behind his passion for mentoring. “I swore to myself, that every opportunity that I would get, I would make sure I would help others so they don’t have to go through what I went through,” says Bootwala, who will be a speaker at the Edmonton Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair on October 30.

“There are a lot of new immigrants moving to Canada who are in the architectural profession and I like helping them understand the immigration process and challenges they may face before getting approved. For example, it’s important to make sure that they have the right qualifications, because it’s very difficult when a qualified architect moves to Canada, only to then realize they will not be able to practise because the school that they went to is not recognized in Canada.”

To newcomers, he advises, to keep going and remember to ask for help when you feel alone. “Always keep your head high and do not underestimate your power — you will be amazed at what you can do yourself. You have to be willing to work hard, have commitment and dedication to what you are doing, and have faith in yourself,” Bootwala says.

“Once you believe in yourself, it’s amazing how much the world around you will rally for you. Always seek a mentor, because there are always others like myself who are truly invested in helping others be successful. And then, when you become successful, make sure that you find opportunities to give back to your community, too.” facebook.com/canimmigrant

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Construction and Trades

COVER STORY

What direction is the Canadian labour market going? Canadian Immigrant takes a look at current stats, and some of the in-demand professions today and for the future + a special focus on how automation will impact the future of work

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o look at the numbers, the jobs outlook in Canada is moving along a positive path. This spring, the labour market saw a strong wave of new jobs, as hiring rose in the private sector, particularly in full-time work, according to Statistics Canada.

And the national unemployment rate declined this July to 6.3 per cent. That’s the lowest rate since October 2008, before the onset of the global economic downturn.

Things are looking up. When you look at the past 12 months, employment rose by more than 2.1 per cent, or 353,500 jobs, the bulk of which have been in full-time work. In July alone, the economy created 35,100 full-time jobs while dropping 24,300 part-time jobs.

While the job gain in July was actually lower than the average over the previous few months, the numbers point to a healthy labour market.

Top job areas There are also more job vacancies. That’s a good sign for newcomers looking for work, but not all industries are alike. Certain areas of the Canadian labour market are more in hiring mode than others.

So, what are the top areas overall?

Statistics Canada’s July 2017 Labour Force Survey noted a rise in employment in wholesale and retail trade, continuing an up-

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ward trend since late 2016. And the number of people working in manufacturing rose by 14,000 this July, the third notable gain in five months. This increase in manufacturing was mainly in Quebec. Nationally, manufacturing jobs are up by more than three per cent compared to last year, translating to 53,000 jobs.

In transportation and warehousing, employment increased by 8,400 in July, largely in Ontario, again seeing an overall upward trend from last year.

Some industries are also reporting labour gaps. A need for workers in Ontario’s construction and agriculture sectors is the motivation behind the provincial immigration department’s new Employer Job Offer In-Demand Skills Stream. The focus is on the following jobs: installers and servicers, heavy equipment operators, farmhands, greenhouse and nursery labourers, construction workers, and butchers and meat handlers.

In British Columbia, health care remains a top industry. Not only is it one of the largest sectors in terms of number of workers, but it is also one of the fastest-growing industries, with employment growing at an average rate of 3.2 per cent each year in the past decade, according to WorkBC. Some of the top jobs include registered nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, ultrasonographer, medical lab technologist, among others. Employment in the health sector is

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WHERE THE JOBS ARE According to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey, July 2017, here is the current makeup of workers per industry: NUMBER OF WORKERS

CHANGE FROM LAST YEAR

2,824,400 2,399,900 1,742,500 1,471,300 1,394,300 1,157,800 1,259,900 1,208,900 950,000 945,800 793,900 753,400 335,100 278,500 133,500

3.4% 2.1% 3.1% 5.4% 1.9% 2.7% -0.5% -1.2% 5.3% 3.6% 1.8% -2.5% 6.3% -5.3% -1.8%

Trade Health care and social assistance Manufacturing Professional, scientific and technical services Construction Financing, insurance, real estate Educational services Accommodation and food services Public administration Transportations and warehousing Information, culture and recreation Business, building and other support services Natural resources Agriculture Utilities

forecast to increase by an annual average rate of 2.3 per cent to 2025.

Information technology (IT) also continues to be a hot industry in B.C. and across Canada. According to Randstad Canada, the hottest technology trends of 2017 revolve around development and data analysis. Coding ability also remains incredibly in demand, due to slow growth of talent in this sector (Java is the most in-demand programming language, with SQL, C# and web development languages such as HTML, CSS and PHP not far behind.

Future outlook Looking to the future nationally, we asked Employment and Social Development Canada what else we can expect, and the focus across the board seems to be on higher skilled workers. According to spokesperson Josh Bueckert, “Over the next few years, the best outlooks for the Canadian economy will be concentrated in many occupations, including those related to health, social sciences, business, finance and administration.”

For example, in Ontario, the best outlooks are for occupations requiring post-secondary credentials or management skills, particularly in natural and applied sciences, as well as in sales and services, explains Bueckert.

“For Alberta, occupations in education and agriculture will also

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experience good outlooks. Similarly, in British Columbia, occupations related to education, as well as manufacturing and utilities show the most promise.”

These trends indicate that jobseekers with a higher education and management skills, across a variety of sectors, have good prospects.

On the flip side, Bueckert points out that career opportunities are declining in some lower skilled work. “Over the next few years, occupations requiring at most a high school diploma or on-the-job training, especially in primary industries, including agriculture, mining, forestry, fishing and hunting, are expected to have the least favourable outlooks.”

What’s influencing such changes? “The labour market is influenced most by technological changes, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, posing challenges in terms of displacing workers,” Bueckert notes, adding that another challenge is ensuring that appropriate workers are in place to take advantage of these technologies (see our related story “Automation at work” on the next page).

“This trend is at the forefront with regards to the impacts on the labour market, while globalization and the effects of demographics and an aging workforce continue to have important consequences, [too].”

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COVER STORY

at work

By Nirushan Sivagnanasuntharam

I

t’s no secret that technology is playing an increasingly bigger role in our work and life — whether it is how you order your lunch at a fastfood restaurant, how you purchase a phone, how you communicate with loved ones or how you do your job. Technological advancements are everywhere and more are coming by the day.

What is uncertain, however, is the exact impact technology will have in the world of work. Many types of jobs and industries will be impacted by technological advancements, but which jobs and how exactly?

A report from the Brookfield Institute released in June 2016 claims that 42 per cent of the Canadian labour force is at high risk of being replaced by automation — just 36 per cent is at low risk of being replaced. In general, the report finds that low-skilled jobs are at higher risk of replacement than high-skilled jobs, but that certainly does not mean that every highskilled job is safe and that every low-skilled job is at risk.

Looming changes U.K.-born Sunil Johal, policy director at the Mowat Centre, a public policy think tank at the University of Toronto that has done its own research on the role of automation in the workplace, says, “There’s a perception that automation is only happening in the manufacturing plant or warehouse, with blue-collar workers being affected. But, the spectre of automation looms over many different types of white-collar office jobs, ranging from accountants and financial advisors to lawyers and medical professionals.”

As one example, Johal adds, “Goldman Sachs replaced 598 of its 600 U.S. equity traders in New York over the past 15 years with 200 software engineers. These were people making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, and now algorithms do their job. As technological advances continue, there are very few jobs, whether white-collar or blue-collar, that are certain to remain unaffected.”

Johal says that jobs that are constantly changing are probably unlikely to be replaced by automation. “The types of jobs that are less likely to be

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COVER STORY left Sunil Johal, policy director at Toronto’s Mowat Centre, is a leading expert on the topic of automation in the workplace.

affected by automation are those which change on a day-to-day, or hour-to-hour basis and don’t consist of a lot of repetitive tasks,” he says.

“Jobs in the nursing or therapy fields, which demand a high-level of social acuity, are unlikely to disappear any time soon. Many jobs in the

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skilled trades, such as electricians and plumbers, are so different on a project-to-project basis that they’re relatively automation proof for the time being. And any role that demands creativity and judgment, such as a CEO or architect is also tough to replace with an algorithm.”

The Brookfield report lists retail and wholesale managers, and teachers from kindergarten to secondary school as also safe from automation. But the report lists retail salespersons, food service workers, truck drivers and administrative assistants at high risk of being replaced. Automation has, in fact, already started to replace many of these jobs. Machines are already taking orders performed by retail and food service workers, and trucks are already being driven by robots. And it is no secret that an increasing number of companies are experimenting to see how effectively certain aspects of their business can be run by automation.

Creig Lamb, a policy analyst at the Brookfield Institute, points to the tech sector as also being automation resistant. “Canada’s tech sector is also a world leader when it comes to the development and creation of automation technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics,” he says. “Take, for example, Montreal startup Element AI. Th is company translates world-leading AI research into business solutions. It received a historic $102 mil-

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lion in seed funding this year and is expected to create 250 jobs across Toronto and Asia by January 2018.”

Are we ready?

How ready is Canada for the change in technology? Johal points out that with the increasing role of technology in the workforce, employees will need to be retrained, but “Canada ranks near the bottom of developed countries when it comes to investing in training and skills supports.”

The increased use of technology in the workforce will also decrease the number of salaried jobs available, with more people working on a contract and or part-time basis.

There will be less commuting to office spaces, too, with more and more people working from home.

The changes are coming slow, but they are coming, and Johal says that there are real concerns that Canada is not prepared for the disruptions that technology will have on the future of work.

Lamb has three recommendations for governments, private institutions and educational institutions to better prepare individuals for the future. One, understand the skills for the jobs of tomorrow, which likely include digital literacy and entrepreneurial capacities.

Two, explore new models of education and

training that involve partnerships between traditional post-secondary institutions, the private sector and alternative education providers such as coding bootcamps.

Finally, ensure a robust social safety net to cushion individuals who may be displaced from the labour market and enable them to find new jobs elsewhere in the economy.

But Lamb says it is a mistake to think that

job, it will also improve individual’s ability to perform their tasks that are above and beyond what technology is capable of performing.”

Lamb also points out that just because the technology exists, it doesn’t mean every company or organization will choose to automate.

There are other factors such as the purchasing power of the firm, the cost of technology versus human labour, the availability and actual capabilities of technology, the economic benefits, as well as regulatory and social acceptance.

As technological advances continue, there are very few jobs, whether white-collar or blue-collar, that are certain to remain unaffected.”

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— Sunil

automation “will begin to replace more jobs than it will create, resulting in drastic increases in unemployment.” This view doesn’t take into account the fact that improved technology will result “in increasing productivity and creating demand for jobs across the economy.”

He also thinks it is a mistake to think that robotics will replace entire jobs. “While technology could replace many tasks in an individual’s

Tips for skilled workers

When asked what recommendations he has for new Canadians who want to prepare themselves for the technological changes ahead, Lamb says to look at education as a lifelong process. “As technology shapes and reshapes the labour market, individuals will Johal need to stay abreast of the latest skills in demand.”

Johal adds, “While it is impossible to predict the future, the safest bet is to be prepared for a career that will take many twists and turns.

And don’t expect to work in a field that will stay the same for 30 or 40 years. The more you can prepare yourself for work in a dynamic, everevolving field, the less likely it is that a machine will be competing for your paycheque.”

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CAREERS & EDUCATION

Professional for hire Start your career in Canada as a freelancer, says contract work expert

By Vera Gavizon

S

o, you are a recent immigrant and seeking employment. You have probably already heard all the right advice. Design a great resumé. Send out effective cover letters. Create a full online profi le, and network, network, network.

You are doing it all, but not getting the offers you want.

One way to turn things around is to consider freelancing.

Freelancing can be a shortterm option or a long-term career choice. Indeed, more and more professionals are offering their services on a freelance basis and subscribing to the flexibility that freelancing offers. Today, graphic designers, writers, translators, web developers, bloggers, social media experts, SEO professionals and so forth are selling their skills by the hour or by the job. They are embracing an entrepreneurial lifestyle.

turn into a permanent, full-time hire.

The employer can make sure that you fit in with their company culture and that you work well with those around them. On the flip side, it is a chance to see if you feel comfortable with the new employer and co-workers. Ultimately, it is an opportunity to show an employer what you have to offer them and get your foot in the door.

Local references

A good place for freelancing Canada is one of the best places in the world to be self-employed as a freelancer.

Canada’s publicly funded health care system is one of the reasons freelancers have the ability to

begin strong. Unlike the private health care systems in other countries where the self-employed struggle to pay large insurance premiums, access to coverage is not a roadblock to Canadian workers. In addition, there is also a lot of help from both the federal and provincial government in Canada to get a freelance business off the ground such as loans, subsidies and startup funds.

It’s a career-builder

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One particular advantage of freelancing, that is specific to immigrants, is the ability to gain local references. It tends to be a lot easier to fi nd a short-term freelance project or contract job than a permanent one. It is sometimes a test run for you and an employer, and often these short-term jobs

Regardless of the length of the employment, if you do a great job, you suddenly have a local company to add to your resumé. Being able to list a local reference and local experience on your resumé can give you the additional edge you need. You are essentially showing a potential employer that you already have an understanding of Canadian culture. This is especially important when working with others or in the service industry.

Employers also are more inclined to call a local reference.

The option of freelancing, whether as a stepping stone to a more permanent position or the beginning of an entrepreneurial career, is a great way to build networks and acquire new skills.

In Canada for 15 years, Vera Gavizon is co-founder of WorkHoppers. com, a Canadian online platform that matches companies with freelance or part-time help.

JOIN THE LIXAR FAMILY if YOU are creative, innovative & love technology!

*IFSE Institute (IFSE) is a distance education institute wholly owned by the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC).

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CAREERS & EDUCATION

Helping you get hired Murali Murthy turns his ‘Career Coach’ column into new book for jobseekers left Murali Murthy celebrated the launch of his new book You Are Hired! in Toronto in August. Many wellwishers, including Ishan Dhingra (group photo, centre) came to the event to share how Murthy’s advice has helped them in their careers.

Photos by Saajid Motala

C

anadian Immigrant’s resident “Career Coach” columnist has lots of great job advice each month. From using LinkedIn to networking to understanding emotional intelligence (see page 24), his advice has helped countless new immigrants in their Canadian job search. Recently, he was encouraged to publish his articles into a book. The result is You Are Hired!, published by Friesen Press. The book is comprised of 40 chapters, split into sets of 10 articles four distinctive sections: self-development; career enhancement; media mastery; and success strategies.

“The articles have helped thousands of people around the world improve their job searches

and professional development,” says Murthy, who celebrated the launch of his book at an event at the North York Civic Centre on August 10.

“These articles deal with expert tips and ready-to-implement strategies on a variety of subjects including self-image building, goal setting, social media awareness, interview preparation, industrythought leadership and many other aspects of career-building,” he says.

Several people at the launch event stood up to speak about the impact Murthy’s advice has had on their success in Canada. One of them was Ishan Dhingra, a sales and marketing professional.

According to Dhingra, Murthy

is “an amazing career coach and the best mentor anyone could ever ask for. Your teaching method is so unique, crystal clear and divine,

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it not only helped me in landing a right job, it gave me clarity on how to live life in a positive manner and be a successful leader.”

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CAREERS & EDUCATION

Making a connection Network, learn and be inspired at our upcoming Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fairs

T

here’s nothing like making a connection in person. Even in today’s age of social networking, when you meet a potential employer or new contact in person, a stronger connection is made. That’s why attending events like our Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair can make such a big difference in an immigrant’s life.

In addition to a tradeshow of diverse exhibitors, including employment services, education institutes and social service agencies, the free event offers newcomers plenty of opportunities to learn, network and even get hired.

Canadian Immigrant magazine’s third annual Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is set for Friday, September 8, 2017, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the World Trade and Convention Centre, with our western fairs to follow in October and November, capping off 2017 with our December fair in Mississauga.

Here are the details: • Calgary, October 28, Saturday, Telus Convention Centre • Edmonton, October 30, Monday, Shaw Conference Centre • Vancouver, November 9, Thursday, Vancouver Convention Centre East • Mississauga, December 8, Friday, Living Arts Centre Get tips on taking the CELPIP test with Paragon Testing Enterprises, learn what it takes to become a CPA, get tips on applying for permanent residency through Express Entry, and get inspired by the stories of immigrants who have walked in your shoes and succeeded. Take a look at some top takeaways from a few of our spring Toronto and Winnipeg fair speakers on the next page.

Learn more at canadianimmigrant.ca/ careerfair.

Immigrating to Canada?

Applying for citizenship?

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CAREERS & EDUCATION

Fair takeaways

Perla Javate

Anan Palanichamy

Intercultural support worker

Founder and CEO, Dr Beetroot Canada

President of the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba, Perla Javate spoke on “Finding Your Place in Canada” at the Winnipeg fair.

“You have to keep your fighting spirit alive. Do not allow the trials and tribulations get the better of you. You are not alone. Find out all the resources availables to newcomers. Ask questions and ask for help.”

In his Winnipeg fair speaking session, Anan Palanichamy shared the story of his company Dr Beetroot and several startup strategies immigrant entrepreneurs like him can take.

“Don’t invest too much upfront.

Slow and steady. Experiment every move, decision, moment in business. Once you feel comfortable or have a foundation laid, then you can think about investing or expanding.”

Zeeshan Mansoor

Majid Kazmi

HR professional

Entrepreneur, banking professional and author of The First Dancer

In his dynamic Toronto fair presentation, “What Brought Me 38 Interviews in Three Months!” Zeeshan Mansoor shared many practical tips to get the job.

“Use comparemyresume.co to beat applicant tracking system robots by scanning your resumé against the job posting and make modifications based on recommendations you get. Applicant tracking systems will read your resumé, and then rank and score your qualifications versus the job description. Only those applicants who receive high scores will get a call for an interview.”

Get certified with OACETT and turn your knowledge into career success

In Majid Kazmi’s speech at the Toronto fair in June, Kazmi talked about why the Canadian economy is a good place to start a business.

“Historically, immigrants have proven to be more successful in business and self-employment than their Canadian-born peers. Over 40 per cent of small businesses in Toronto are owned by people born outside of Canada. Also, companies owned by recent immigrants are among the fastest growing SMEs. Opportunities available for immigrant entrepreneurs include small business loans, incubators and accelerators, grants, government financing programs, tax credits and more.”

Certified Engineering Technologists (C.E.T.) and Certified Technicians (C.Tech.) Have the Expertise Employers Want in Today’s Competitive Market OACETT certification increases employer confidence in your ability to meet high standards.

Completion of OACETT’s Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE) demontrates your knowledge of and adherence to law, ethics, codes and standards, which are highly valued by today’s employers.

Plus, completion of the IEPPE means that mandatory Canadian work experience is not required. Two years of verified experience from any country is acceptable.

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For more information, contact Trishia Tedoldi at ttedoldi@oacett.org or visit www.oacett.org.

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September 2017

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CAREERS & EDUCATION

SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

I

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

Adaptability

Soft skill no.4: Adaptability As an immigrant, you know what it takes to adapt to a new environment. After all, you’ve been doing it since you first stepped foot in Canada. You’ve adapted to a new country, culture and even language. Being adaptable to change is also an essential soft skill to have in the Canadian workplace.

Employers want employees who are flexible, willing to change and make progress. If you’re unwilling to look at new ways of doing things, you will be left behind in a labour market that is constantly changing due to demographics, the economy and technology.

Impress an employer with these

when faced with unexpected projects. Be willing to take on such urgent tasks for the benefit of your company.

When faced with change or a problem, stay calm and cooperative.

Don’t get stuck on the roles outlined in your job description. Things change and you may have to accept new tasks to help your fellow team members, especially in fast-paced industries.

Be co-operative and helpful when you are asked to take on something new. If your automatic instinct is to say “I can’t” or “I don’t have time,” you will likely be viewed as inflexible and difficult to work with. If you welcome new opportunities, you will develop a reputation as someone who is flexible. You’ll develop new skills at the same time.

Be willing to learn new skills and further your own professional development every chance you get.

5 6 7

eight adaptability traits.

1

Demonstrate your ability to adapt to the Canadian workplace culture by being open, working well with others and following Canadian etiquette basics.

Share your ideas, but be willing to bend your idea or con-

2

sider alternate solutions if it does not go over well with others.

Listen to other people’s ideas and approaches with an open mind.

Don’t let surprise assignments or last-minute tasks stress you out. People who aren’t adaptable tend to become uncomfortable

3 4

8

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

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Continuing your medical career in Canada

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

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CAREERS & EDUCATION HIGHER LEARNING

An education in diversity

I

Embracing cultural differences at school

f you have studied with people primarily from your own cultural and linguistic background in the past, things may seem a little different when your classmates and professors come from diverse upbringings. Studying in a Canadian school, especially in a larger city, presents a unique chance to experience a multitude of cultural backgrounds. Whether you are a newcomer or born here, there are some things you might encounter if studying in one of Canada’s multicultural post-secondary schools.

How students and faculty relate Each school may have a culture of its own, with its size, location, student body and reputation all accounting for some of its uniqueness. However, there are some common elements in how things are conducted in a Canadian postsecondary school.

One thing newcomers may notice is the way students relate to faculty. While respect is always important, you may sense an air of informality toward professors. It is not unusual for faculty to share jokes or personal information with their students. Faculty members are often called by their first names, especially in college settings. How professors are to be addressed is usually made known in the first class. If unclear, it is best to err on the side of caution and go with the formal address, which is “Professor [last name].”

Despite this air of informality, students are expected to show up on time for classes and appointments, and to offer explanations if important deadlines or exams have to be missed.

Some newcomer students or faculty may bring more formal manners with them and may be reluctant to change to a less formal style. But fairness to all students is still expected. Unfair treatment toward students based on their cultural background is considered twitter.com/@canimmigrant

discrimination and against the Human Rights Code.

Many professors are newcomers themselves. It is not unusual for them to also speak with an accent, which can make understanding lectures challenging. Reviewing the written material provided and going over class notes with your peers may help you grasp the concepts you need to learn.

How and what is studied In a multicultural educational environment, subject matter, class discussion and even school atmosphere can take some students outside of their comfort zone.

Newcomers may not be used to the amount of class participation required or the emphasis on essay writing and group work in many classes. Adjusting to these differences is as much a part of a newcomer’s work as mastering the academic material.

Problems associated with diversity can be overcome by recognizing the assets that individual students and faculty bring. For instance, among some newcomers, English speaking and writing skills may be weaker, while mathematical and computer abilities could be stronger. If you are working in a group with students with limited writing skills, you will want to assign tasks where they are strong.

Perhaps they have skills in researching or being the group communicator or the designer of the project.

terest. They could equate accented language as incompetence. They may see complaints about discrimination as overreactions. Humility or lack of eye contact may be interpreted as a lack of self-confidence.

A loud voice and expressive behaviour may feel too assertive, while a quiet voice may seem unsure or timid.

When you don’t have a shared culture and experience, you can expect misunderstandings to develop. But connecting only with students of your own background can restrict your social network and give you a more limited view

of the world. Studying in a diverse student population is an opportunity to gain multiple perspectives on the world, and be better prepared to live and work in a multicultural society.

Cultural comfort Post-secondary schools in major Canadian cities are increasingly an amalgam of many cultures. This is a reflection of our society and we need to be comfortable with it. Being aware of how others live and being tolerant of differences can make things easier, more productive and interesting.

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.

How students treat one another Until you get to know your classmates, you may not grasp how their educational, cultural and social experiences differ from your own.

Being friendly and helpful to other students is a good idea. But understand there will be differences and misinterpretations.

People born in Canada may not be aware of how things are done in your country. They may misinterpret shyness as aloofness or disincanadianimmigrant.ca

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CAREERS & EDUCATION CAREER COACH

EQ versus IQ

Why emotional intelligence is vital for career advancement

A

s a potential candidate, you might look great on paper, but do you have the emotional intelligence it takes to be a great addition to your employer’s team?

How well you do in your career and life is not determined by how high your IQ is, but rather your EQ. So, what’s the difference between IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient)? Traditional measures of intelligence (IQ scores) do not encompass the full range of capabilities a person has, while EQ measures your ability to monitor, express and communicate with emotions in a way that is beneficial to everyone involved.

Strong EQ for succes While a good IQ may open doors, studies show that it only accounts for 20 per cent of success in life. In the real world, success is strongly influenced by personal qualities such as perseverance, self-control and skill in getting along with others — in other words, a strong EQ. Most recruiters live by this adage: “Hire for personality; train for skill” and are likely to look for people who possess a high EQ. In fact, many organizations now include EQ tests before hiring employees and others have initiated EQ training programs in the workplace.

face of change, and are open to new ideas.

others feel, they are in a better position to motivate them.

1

3

5

Self-awareness

In order to control your emotions, you must be aware of them.

This is where self-awareness comes into play. Those who are self-aware are able to tune into their emotions, which makes them more confident about what they can do and what they have to offer.

2

Self-regulation

If you’re not in control of your emotions, you can become combative in the workplace or resistant to change. Those who can control their emotions, however, avoid the temptation to indulge impulses, take responsibility for their own actions, adapt well in the

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September 2017

Most recruiters live by this adage: “Hire for personality; train for skill.”

Motivation

Social skills

Motivated individuals are constantly striving to improve, to meet the next milestone. They are also less likely to get discouraged when faced with setbacks or opposition. Motivated individuals make great sales and marketing professionals, and are often the morale boosters of an organization.

Social skills are important regardless of what type of career you have. Successful people communicate effectively. Great communicators are needed for conflict management, team management, leadership roles and tasks where co-operation is necessary.

4

As you might guess, these five EQ traits can determine how suc-

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to recognize how people feel and how your actions can affect them.

Those with empathy are perfect for the service sector, and they also make great mediators and negotiators. Since they can pick up on how

Be a good employee

cessful you’ll become in the workplace, as well as in your personal relationships as well.

In a world where information is just a click away, emotional intelligence will gain greater significance in the days to come. In the modern workplace, the ideal candidate would have a highly analytical brain, while still carrying the attributes of an emotionally intelligent person. A good employee with high EQ can do wonders for a company, take them to new levels and be a source of sustained growth.

Be that employee!

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

CAREERS & EDUCATION

F

rom preschool to kindergarten to high school, starting school in September comes with mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety for both students and their parents. While anxious feelings are common, it is still important for parents to help ease their children’s transition to school as best they can.

Start with a positive attitude and outlook. Then familiarize yourselves with the school environment, teachers and routines. And don’t be scared to address the feelings you and your kids have about starting school. For support, you can reach out to a school counsellor, teacher, principal or other parents for more ideas on how to ease children’s anxiety.

Children’s books can be a helpful and powerful tool for parents to use as a starting point to discuss their feelings. It is a safe and appealing way to invite children to discuss their concerns they have about starting school. Let children know that it is normal to feel anxious, and provide them some practical strategies in how to overcome anxiety.

Below are my top 10 favourite

PARENTING

Books on cultural differences

School starts

Ease your child’s transition with these 10 storybooks books suitable for children starting a new school term. Do visit your local public libraries or bookstores for many more great books.

Storybooks on separation anxiety These three heartwarming stories comfort and reassure children that they are connected to their loved ones, regardless of whether they are actually together or apart.

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak • I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas, illustrated by Priscilla Burris • The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Geoff Stevenson

First day at school stories

These adorable stories help children see the fun and wonderful places and activities they get to participate in at school.

• Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Adam Rex • Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, by Eric Litwin, illustrated

by James Dean • On the First Day of Kindergarten

by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Laura Hughes • Wow! School! by Robert Neubecker

These powerful stories helps children embrace diversity and their ethnic identity when they start school in the new country.

• Sumi’s First Day of School Ever, by Soyung Pak, illustrated by Joung Un Kim • My Name Is Yoon by Helen Recorvits, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska • The Name Jar Paperback by Yangsook Choi Last, but not least, it is equally important to address parents’ worries and anxiety about their children starting school! Read this storybook: Mom! It’s My First Day of Kindergarten! by Hyewon Yum. In conclusion, starting school is a very big step for any child and/or parents, and preparation is the key. A little effort and preparation goes a long way to get them excited and be ready for a new and great school year!

Cheryl Song, an immigrant from Malaysia, has more than 20 years’ experience of working in early learning and family programs. Contact her at cheryl@learnwithsong.com or visit her website at learnwithsong.com.

Looking to improve your English and French Language Skills?

Do you want to take Occupation Specific Language Training and Enhanced Language Training programs?

CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE AT NO COST • Beginner to advanced levels • Full time or part time • In class, online and home study • Daytime, evenings & weekends

CALL US TODAY AT 416-925-5462

Find your nearest YMCA Language Assessment and Referral Centre at: ymcagta.org/language Downtown/Etobicoke/North York (East/West)/Scarborough

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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

• • • • • •

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

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

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 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

• English

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

September 2017

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SETTLEMENT T IP S F OR SE T T L ING IN FA S T E R

Student settlement

C

Adjusting to life as an international student

anada attracts students from all over the world. At last count, there were 266,620 international students enrolled across the country, according to Statistics Canada (2016).

International students have high hopes when they enroll in a Canadian college or university. Many choose Canada because of the quality of the Canadian education system and opportunities offered, but tuition fees can seem daunting. The Canadian Federation of Students estimates international students’ tuition is on average more than three times that of domestic students.

Besides tuition, once international students are enrolled in a university or college, they face a number of challenges. According to the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities’ paper International Education, Future Citizens and the Labour Market: Prospects and Challenges for Ontario, here are the top four.

load in another country, they have to learn to manage their money.

When setting up a Canadian bank account, students can seek financial advice from their financial institution. Online tools are also available to help students with budgeting.

1

According to a study by the Canadian Bureau for International Education, 51 per cent of international students plan to apply for permanent residence in Canada after graduation, but many also feel the labour market is difficult to access. Here are two suggestions that may help. First, strive to obtain a co-op placement through school to gain Canadian work experience.

Second, network with friends and members of various communities by joining clubs and attending events to widen your exposure.

International students face unique barriers when obtaining an education in Canada. Taking the first step and participating in programs already in place can help you feel integrated and settled, and lead you to achieving success.

Feeling alienated

Adjusting to living and studying in a new country can be difficult logistically, but the social aspect of not having a nearby support system can add to feelings of alienation. Some tips to get socially active in the community, include: • joining clubs or group fitness classes • volunteering • supporting local sports teams • attending local events and festivals Such activities can also provide networking opportunities.

2

Dealing with finances

For many international students studying in Canada, this is their first time living away from home.

On top of managing a school work-

3

Integrating family

4

Accessing the labour market

If students come to study in Canada with their spouse, one person is entitled to a study permit and the other person is entitled to a work permit. Unfortunately, the person holding the work permit can feel separated socially from the local community until they have landed a job.

If this sounds familiar, check your college or university and see if there are any integration programs or counselling available for your family member. To have a positive experience in Canada, it’s important that your spouse also feels settled.

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. twitter.com/@canimmigrant

canadianimmigrant.ca

September 2017

27

SETTLEMENT

I M M I G R AT I O N L AW

Working without a work permit What jobs can a visitor do in Canada?

I

t is generally understood that visitors to Canada cannot work without work permits. The consequences for doing so can include removal from Canada, being unable to apply for work permits for six months, year-long prohibitions on returning to Canada and even possible criminal sanctions for employers.

Canadian immigration legislation defines “work” broadly. It includes any activities for which wages are paid or commission is earned, and any activity that competes directly with the activities of Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the Canadian labour market. Because of this, volunteer work, unpaid internships and practicums may also require work permits.

However, while the definition of what constitutes work is broad, there are many activities that peo-

centre.” As well, unpaid remuneration for family members that is incidental to why the person is in Canada is typically permissible, including, for example, a mother assisting a daughter with childcare or an uncle helping his nephew build a cottage.

Business visitors

ple would generally consider work that do not require work permits.

Remote work In our increasingly globalized and digitized world, perhaps the most important work permit exemption is for remote work. Canada’s immigration department allows visitors to Canada to perform long-distance (by telephone or internet) work if their employer

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September 2017

is outside Canada and they are remunerated from outside Canada.

As such, many people who work remotely for companies abroad are able to reside in Canada for extended periods and continue working for their foreign employers. Typical examples include IT consultants, website developers, accountants, and so on.

Self-employment in a purely remote business can also be permitted. For example, an individual who runs a subscription-based website may be able to do so while residing in Canada as a long-term visitor. However, the legality of this may become questionable if the individual begins selling products directly to Canadians.

Volunteer work The fine line between work that requires a work permit and work that doesn’t is also apparent when it comes to volunteer work.

While unpaid work can require a work permit, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website also states that people can volunteer for positions “which a person would not normally be remunerated, such as sitting on the board of a charity or religious institution, being a ‘big brother’ or ‘big sister’ to a child, or being on the telephone line at a rape crisis

The largest category of people who are able to work in Canada without a work permit is business visitors. To be a business visitor, the activity must be international in scope, the primary source of the worker’s remuneration must be outside Canada, the principal place of the worker’s employer must be outside of Canada, and the accrual of profits must be outside Canada.

A very popular business visitor category includes intra-company trainers and trainees. Indeed, most business visitors to Canada typically perform some combination of attending meetings, and either giving or receiving training.

Finally, Canada’s immigration department has proclaimed that fi lm producers employed by foreign companies for commercial shoots and any essential personnel can work in Canada without work permits.

Other exemptions Canadian immigration legislation lists many other types of work that do not require a work permit, including some performing artists, clergy, athletes, convention organizers, public speakers, emergency personnel and more. In fact, given how many exemptions there are to needing a work permit, the starting point for any tourist wondering how to apply for a work permit should be to first determine if one is even needed.

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.

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LIVING

Active for life Sports made a difference to Adib Razavi’s immigration journey, and it can for other newcomer kids, too

By Kaitlin Jingco

L

ife wasn’t easy for Adib Razavi when he immigrated to Canada from Iran as a teenager back in 2002. Like many other immigrants who move halfway across the world, leaving behind friends and family to start over in a new country can pose a tough challenge. “I was very down for the first two years,” he says. But he soon found his way, attributing his successful transition predominantly to one thing: sports.

Fast forward to 2017, Razavi shares his passion for sports as the founder of the popular Toronto Athletic Camps, or TAC Sports for short. It offers classes and camps in everything from soccer to tennis to basketball to robotics to dance.

“I think sports are just the base of everything you want to do in life,” Razavi says. “There are lessons you learn through sports that you can’t learn by sitting in a classroom … [It makes] you feel good about yourself, you forget your worries and it gives you a lot more selfconfidence.”

How sports benefit newcomers In addition to improving his state of mind, Razavi says sports helped him break down language barriers, meet friends in Canada and better manage his time, thus boosting his academics.

Razavi certainly isn’t the only immigrant to benefit from athletics; there’s a plethora of studies showing the positive impact physical activity can have on newcomers. One study from the University of Texas at Austin shows that interethnic interaction of immigrants during sport led to “integration and personal friendships,” as well as “expanded understandings of one another.”

Another study for the Applied

families, and the learning foundation of the sports environment allows them to optimally develop, grow and integrate.

“I see these guys from different cultures, and they barely speak any English, but they’re talking to each other,” he says. “They’re making that connection.”

TAC Sports boasts that 30,000 youth are touched by their pro-

left Iranian-born Adib Razavi says sports helped his journey in Canada — and now wants to help others the same way.

Research in Quality of Life journal showed that “leisure-time physical activity provides rich opportunities for elderly immigrants to experience psychological benefits, which may contribute to quality of life and successful aging.”

With research on his side and his own life as an example, Razavi began TAC Sports in 2013 with the intention of using athletics to help both immigrant and non-immigrant children. In its early days, TAC Sports was an after-school program at two school locations for just 30 students. Today, the organization has grown to offer 160 school programs as well as sports camps and lessons for children throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Foundation for growth Razavi and his team have even gone beyond the sports realm, adding classes in health, wealth and leadership — things the Iranianborn immigrant learned were vital to focus on as a newcomer.

Razavi says 40 to 50 per cent of his students come from immigrant

grams per year. That’s 30,000 new connections and 30,000 opportunities to build a child up. He also operates TAC in collaboration with the provincial government’s Career Foundation and Summer Job Internship Programs, which provide mentorship and employment opportunities to at-risk youth from low-income families.

All of this was made possible simply because sports helped an uncomfortable boy from Iran during his move to Canada. “At 13,” says Razavi, “the reason why I wanted to have this company is to give a chance to everybody.”

Helping you grow in Nova Scotia Suzanne Rix will help you navigate the complexities of immigration law so that you, your family or your employees can work in Canada. Suzanne advises clients on which type of immigration application will have the greatest chance of success.

From lease review to the benefits of incorporation, Mohammad Ali will help you reach your goals faster and ensure every detail is considered. He provides legal guidance on all matters related to running your own business.

Suzanne Rix srix@coxandpalmer.com 902.491.4124

twitter.com/@canimmigrant

Mohammad Ali Raza mraza@coxandpalmer.com 902.491.6845

canadianimmigrant.ca COX & PALMER

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September 2017

29

BACK PAGE

above Canadian Immigrant has launched a new visual storytelling series to celebrate the contribution of immigrants from across this great nation, from the Atlantic to the West Coast.

Learn more at canadianimmigrant.ca/nation-of-immigrants.

multicultur al SEPTEMBER 2017 4 Labour Day (Canada, U.S.A.) is an annual holiday that celebrates the achievements of workers. It happens on the first Monday of September.

4 Eid al-Adha (Islam) or Feast of Sacrifice ends on this day. It is considered the most important feast of the Muslim calendar, concluding the Pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid al-Adha lasts for three days and commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to obey God by sacrificing his son.

4 Hajj (Islam) ends on this day. It is known as the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to the city of Mecca. It can take up to five days to complete.

5 Anant-Chaturdashi (Jain, Hindu) in the Jain faith is a day when individuals ask for

forgiveness for their mistakes.

In the Hindu faith, individuals engage in singing and dancing as they bring their Ganesh idols to the waterfront to give Lord Ganesha a warm farewell.

5 International Day of Charity (UN) is celebrated to raise awareness for philanthropic causes.

6 Onam (Hindu) ends on this day. It is an ancient festival that celebrates rice harvest and is celebrated with numerous festivities, such as dancing, music and martial arts.

6 Kshamavani (Jain) is a day for seeking and granting forgiveness. It is also known as Forgiveness Day. 8 International Literacy Day (UN) is a holiday for all countries in the United Nations. Its focus is to highlight the importance of literacy.

CALENDAR

8 ‘Izzat (Bahá’í) marks the 10th month of the year. It means “might.”

20 Rosh Hashanah (Judaism), which ends on Sept. 22, is the Jewish New Year.

27 Mashiyyat (Bahá’í) marks the 11th month of the year. It means “will.”

11 Day of Remembrance (U.S.A.) is held in memory of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York.

22 Muharram (Islam) is the Islamic New Year.

28 Durga Puja (Hindu) is a festival of the Goddess Durga, the destroyer of demons.

12 Gahambar Paitishahem (Zoroastrian) occurs until Sept.

16 and marks the harvest time.

16 Oktoberfest (Germany) is a funfair held for 16 days. There is lots of food, beer and games for people to enjoy.

17 Constitution Day (U.S.A.) commemorates the ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

21 International Day of Peace (UN) is a day where there is a ceasefire in all combat zones so aid can get in.

22 Autumn Equinox (International) is the first day of fall, one of two days where the day and night are completely equal.

22 Chichen Itza Festival (Mexico) is a Mexican festival to mark the equinox.

18 Keiro No Hi (Japan) is a holiday to honour the elderly.

24 Our Lady of Mercedes (Dominican, Peru) is a day to celebrate the Virgin Mary.

20 Navratri (Hindu), which ends on Sept. 30, is an annual celebration of autumn.

24 Heritage Day (South Africa) is a day when South Africans celebrate their diversity.

28 Fiesta San Miguel (Mexico) honours the patron saint of San Miguel city.

29-30 Yom Kippur (Judaism) is one of the holiest days in the Jewish year. Known as the Day of Atonement, Jewish people observe it with fasting and repentance.

29-30 Ashura (Islam) marks the martyrdom of Hussain, the grandson of Muhammed.

30 Dussehra (Hindu) is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil.

See Canadian Immigrant’s Multicultural Calendar at canadianimmigrant.ca for more September 2017 listings.

30

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September 2017

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