Canadian Immigrant April 2022

Volume 19 Issue 2 | 2022 c anadianimmigr ant.c a

Publications mail agreement number 40011993 | $5.95

ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.

IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MEET

SRIVIDYA IYER

AND THIS YEAR’S NINTH ANNUAL IMMIGRANT WOMEN OF INSPIRATION CAST YOUR VOTE FOR 25 OF OUR NATION’S

MOST INSPIRING IMMIGRANTS!

ARE CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The A TO Z of career progress CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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CONTENTS Volume 19 Issue 2, 2022

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FUSION

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COVER STORY

PROFILE: Charles Duncan Waterman on finding his true north NEWS: Cast your vote for 25 of our nation’s most inspiring immigrants, Immigration levels plan 20222024 announced Our ninth annual ‘Women of Inspiration’ special shines a spotlight on five women who are leading the way in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)

15 CAREERS AND EDUCATION

HIGHER LEARNING: Tips for international students CAREER COACH: The A to Z of career progress

18 FEATURE

Are continuing education programs right for you?

Upskilling and reskilling can help you connect with better opportunities and advance in your career

21 SETTLEMENT

IMMIGRATION LAW: How to use the new electronic permanent residence application portal PARENTING: Gardening with young children

24 LIVING

WELLNESS: Improve your well-being through spiritual practices

27 MONEY AND BUSINESS

Have you filed your 2021 income tax return?

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Why new products and services fail

It gave me a chance to connect with amazing teachers and other students, share ideas, skills and talents. The entire journey was enjoyable and rewarding.

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People. News. Information.

FINDING HIS TRUE NORTH

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2

Charles Duncan Waterman

2022 Group Publisher Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Ramya Ramanathan rramanathan@metroland.com Editorial Design Safi Nomani Sr. Ad Manager Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 Assistant Manager Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146 Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher

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By Ramya Ramanathan

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harles Duncan Waterman was born in the tropical paradise of Barbados and immigrated to Canada in 1982. He was inspired by the Canadians who visited the island and decided that Canada would be his country of choice to search for new adventures and greater opportunities.

What challenges did you face?

I would say my biggest challenge was staying focused on living in Toronto. There is a multitude of opportunities available here and all of them appeared to be leading down the road to success. It was later in life that I made the choice to pick the lane of real estate and channeled my energies towards creating a successful career.

My advice is simple—seek the knowledge to determine how to navigate the Canadian financial system and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This can be done by teaming up with a professional who can show you how to build your credit, manage your debt, save for purchase of assets and, ultimately, build your family’s wealth.

Any advice or tips to share about the housing market in Canada?

Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait. Historically, real estate has always been an appreciating asset. It is one of the major pillars of wealth building and provides long term security.

He makes a positive impact on society through his volunteer efforts. Waterman is the first Black president of the board of Broad Reach Foundation for Youth Leaders (BRF), a charity supporting equity-deserving youth through the sport of sailing. Waterman also serves as the Vice President at the First Light Foundation of Hope, an organization in Durham fighting against homelessness and hunger. He also leads a local chapter of the LeaderImpact group, which empowers business owners to use the Principles of Christ to guide them in their professional, personal, and spiritual lives.

Don’t rent, buy. Learn about the many programs available to you as a first-time home buyer.

Once you have purchased and you have accumulated equity, leverage that equity to purchase income generating properties.

Waterman is a recipient of the Barbados Unsung Hero Award and is grateful for his lovely wife, Audrey and their four children.

God has placed within my heart the spirit of compassion. Therefore, I revert to this because of the compassion that was shown to me. I want to do for others what others have done for me.

What were your first impressions of Canada?

Tell us about your volunteer work.

I remember distinctly going from + 30 C in Barbados As president of Broad Reach Canada, I have the to - 30 C in Toronto in 1982. Man was it cold! privilege of influencing others in the impressionable years of their lives. I’ve come to realize just how Once I settled in, my daily game on the subway was important it is for young people to “see themselves” trying to identify all the different languages spoken represented as leaders in the world. during my travels. I was in awe and felt as if I was experiencing the world all in one place. One main At an early age, I was introduced to the benefits of thing that stood out was how individual immigrant youth-centered organizations such as Boy Scouts and communities were all very distinct throughout the Inter-School Christian Fellowship. I realized this the city (Greek town, Little Italy, Little Jamaica, has shaped me into the person that I have become. As a Chinatown, etc.). I was inspired when I witnessed the father, it is my responsibility to chart the course for my commerce that was conducted within these individual children’s lives. I believe that the ability to influence the communities. youth in life skills, such as leadership and teamwork is a blessing.

What would you say is the secret to your success?

The secret to my success is really no secret at all — I use the Biblical principles of love, peace and joy as my compass when interacting with others.

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By comparison, immigration today spans all corners of the globe— providing equal opportunities for experts in all professions. The geographic size of the various groups has provided great opportunities for their fellow countrymen to thrive in their respective communities here.

What is your advice to immigrants and newcomers?

Waterman wears many hats. He is an award-winning realtor in the Greater Toronto Area, an author, public speaker, and humanitarian.

He is a contributing author of the Amazon bestseller, Journeys To Success, and the audio series, The 17 Biblical Principles of Success.

employed in areas outside of their expertise. For example, highly-trained professionals were cab drivers and labourers.

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 2 | 2022

You came here in the 1980s. How is today’s Canada different for immigrants?

In the 80s, it appeared that immigrants came from primarily Commonwealth countries and were CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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news

Cast your vote for 25 of our nation’s most inspiring immigrants immigrant success, has been the leader in sharing and celebrating inspiring stories of immigrants.

The stories of their immigration journeys, the barriers they have overcome, their amazing achievements and the difference they have made in their adopted country are important to share.

Our past winners have been examples of true nation builders, from entrepreneurs to artists, It’s time to vote for the 14th academics, community volunteers, Annual Top 25 Canadian sports heroes, philanthropists, Immigrant Award winners! inventors and visionaries, from The magazine’s Top 25 Canadian across Canada. Their motivations, Immigrant Awards program, the circumstances and timing for only national award celebrating coming to Canada are as varied as

their backgrounds. Nonetheless, each of the winners’ stories shares a common theme: rising to a challenge and using that opportunity to make Canada a better place for all.

The hundreds of nominations we received this year from across the country were reviewed by a judging panel composed of past winners.

The entries have been narrowed down to a shortlist of 75 finalists who represent diverse ethnic communities, cities and industries across Canada.

Go to canadianimmigrant.ca/ Top25 to learn more about the inspirational finalists and cast your

vote. Voting is open until Friday, June 3, 2022, 11:59 p.m. EST. The award winners will be announced in July 2022 and will be recognized on www. canadianimmigrant.ca and in the July/August issue of Canadian Immigrant magazine. Two of the winners will be selected for the additional Entrepreneur Award and the Youth Award.

We thank our new presenting sponsor Western Union for their support of the Top 25 awards!

This year’s media partners include Toronto Star, Citytv, Metroland Media Group, OMNI and Sing Tao.

Immigration levels plan 2022-2024 announced Did you know?

• Immigration accounts for almost 100 per cent of Canada’s labour force growth • Nearly 80 per cent of our population growth comes from immigration. by 2030, five million Canadians are set to retire and the worker to retiree ratio will drop down to only 3:1.

These numbers are a clear indication of the country’s strong economic need for increased

immigration.

The new 2022–2024 Immigration Levels Plan announced on February 14, 2022 is taking this into account. According to the plan, Canada will welcome 431,645 permanent residents in 2022 (an increase from the initial target of 411,000), 447,055 in 2023 and 451,000 in 2024.

Key highlights from the announcement include a long-term focus on economic growth,

with nearly 60 per cent of admissions in the Economic Class; special measures to help vulnerable populations; and talent retention of those already in Canada by granting permanent status to temporary residents accepted through the time limited pathways for essential workers program, which was launched in spring 2021.

You can find more information on the government of Canada website.

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ACCES provides free job search support and customized programs to help you succeed in your employment journey.

Contact us today to get started.

accesemployment.ca 416-921-1800

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 2 | 2022

college-ic.ca

COVER STORY for Psychosis (PEPP) program offered exactly that. The initiative targets youth during their first episode of psychosis (loss of contact with reality), offering them rapid access to treatment, including selfreferral. As symptoms stabilize, youths’ educational, occupational and other developmental needs are addressed. This holistic approach has yielded improved outcomes.

IN STEM

Our ninth annual ‘Women of Inspiration’ special shines a spotlight on four women who are leading the way in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Every spring, in recognition of International Women’s Day, March 8, Canadian Immigrant spotlights women of inspiration in different fields.

This year, we picked four women in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields who are pushing boundaries in research and education,

and committed to the pursuit of knowledge and innovation, serving as an inspiration to other women in the field.

Here are the journeys of Srividya Iyer, Jelena Holovati, Khristine G. Cariño and Prathibha Goonawardhana.

S

rividya Iyer’s passion for mental health began in childhood, when her father told her stories while she sat on his lap.

After developing an equal fascination for science, Iyer chose the career of psychology, merging her love of narrative with her penchant for critical thinking.

Iyer’s ability to think outside the box came in handy when she joined the staff at one of India’s busiest public hospitals, where she and her interns assessed up to 200 patients each morning.

They learned to rely on natural allies: the clients’ families. In India, relatives are more involved in patients’ treatment than in the West, and families’ participation helps to keep their loved ones on track.

Iyer also learned to depend on an integrated team of health care providers during her stints at community camps, where clients with mental health concerns were referred concurrently to a wide range of services.

The lessons would remain with Iyer when she immigrated to the US to embark on her PhD. The move, in 2001, was tough. Iyer was the only international student in her department, and, while most of her colleagues were welcoming, she sometimes felt subjected to stereotypes, for example, when they wondered at her fluency in English. “That was a heavy burden to bear,” she says. These microaggressions sensitized Iyer to the barriers faced by other marginalized people, and generated a lifelong striving for inclusion.

Srividya Iyer | Thinking outside the box

Iyer also struggled with some aspects of her career. Many of her to intervene when symptoms first emerged, usually during youth. patients were older and seriously ill, and many had already suffered “I wanted to start with that optimism,” she says. multiple relapses. “We were … catching people after they had fallen McGill University’s Prevention and Early Intervention Program through the cracks,” she says. Iyer realized it would be more effective 8

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 2 | 2022

But while Montreal youth with psychosis were recovering at PEPP, youngsters with a wide range of psychiatric problems across Canada were flailing. Stigma around mental health deters many young people from asking for help, says Iyer. If they do seek treatment, they encounter long delays, uncomfortable spaces like hospital rooms, and referrals to various health care services that don’t communicate with each other. Disoriented and disrespected, many drop out of treatment.

To remedy these problems, Iyer and her team designed ACCESS Open Minds a pan-Canadian network of professionals doing ground-breaking research on mental health and revolutionizing its treatment. As director of the program, she ensures that every client is assessed by a mental health clinician within 72 hours of reaching out, in line with PEPP’s model of early intervention. Clients come from traditionally underserved groups, including Indigenous, visible minority, LGBTQ2S+ and homeless youth.

After their initial assessment and inputs from both youth and Jelena Holovati | Serving as a role model their families, clients are offered a large range of services, including psychotherapy, housing, career advice, peer support, addiction Alberta and director of Canadian Blood Services Edmonton Stem services and even sports and games. “It’s a one-stop shop,” says Iyer. Cell Manufacturing Program, Holovati has certainly come a long way and is now using her success to help other newcomers.

Once youth access these treatment modalities, it’s critical to keep them committed to their recovery, she says.

While Holovati says she was always interested in science, her interest really peaked during high school here in Canada. Holovati The creation of safe and welcoming spaces is another key pursued an undergraduate degree in laboratory medicine at the ingredient to engagement. Institutional settings are avoided in University of Alberta. As part of her degree, she participated in a favor of community centres, cafés, and even garages. Local youth project funded by the Canadian Blood Services that involved freezing are invited to co-design the décor, sprinkling meeting rooms with red blood cells for transfusion. The Canadian Blood Services felt comforting items like stress busters, bags of tea, feathers of hope the study could be expanded to a larger study looking at new ways and other artefacts reflective of cultural groups. These user-friendly to freeze blood and offered Holovati a fellowship, a scholarship to places send the message “’You’re welcome,’” says Iyer. continue the research as her PhD thesis focusing on innovative ways to cryopreserve red blood cells.

Recent data show that these innovations are working. Eightyfour per cent of youth suffering from anxiety, depression and other “It was that research project that solidified my path towards psychiatric issues were seen rapidly, within 72 hours. The majority Canadian Blood Services and the transfusion field,” she says. of these clients had improvements in mental health and elevated school, work and social functioning.

Once she finished her PhD project, she was offered a faculty position at the University of Alberta and now supervises graduate Iyer’s impressive results have already earned her a plethora of students working on projects funded by Canadian Blood Services. prizes. She’s been inducted into the College of the Royal Society of “Now I teach in the same program I studied in; it’s really come full Canada, and has been named a Champion of Mental Health by the circle,” she says.

Canadian Association on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

As an associate professor and director of Edmonton Stem Cell Iyer has also gone global with her research, teaming up with Manufacturing Program at Canadian Blood Services, Holovati wears colleagues in the U.K. to study access to mental healthcare amongst multiple hats. “Having both makes my day diverse and fun,” she says. urban slumdwellers in Bangladesh and Nigeria.

“I feel like working with undergraduate and graduate students keeps me young and hip. It’s a different aspect of my job that I really love.”

But her greatest joy is just knowing she’s making a difference. “It’s fulfilling,” she says. “I really love what I do.” – Vivien Fellegi Holovati particularly finds great purpose in working with students from around the world. “A lot of our graduate students elena Holovati arrived in Edmonton with her family on October are international students, so as an immigrant and a refugee, I 18, 1995, as a refugee carrying a white UNHCR bag. She understand their cultural stock, I understand their drive, and describes the experience as both exciting and terrifying. From I feel like I can give them a perspective not only about graduate a 15-year-old leaving her war-torn home of Bosnia, speaking not a courses and thesis writing; I can help connect them to some of the word of English, to now an associate professor at the University of immigrant services,” she says.

J

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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COVER STORY Holovati recognizes that she is a role model for international students coming to Canada for their studies. Seeing a professor who is a refugee and who has gone through the process and come out the other side successful gives them hope that they too can succeed, despite the obstacles they may be facing, in particular for immigrant women.

While women in STEM are still highly under-represented, Holovati says it’s more common to find women in her field of laboratory medicine. “I do feel we have barriers that we have to overcome,” she says, adding that women in the field are often scrutinized, put under a microscope. While Holovati didn’t have any female mentors during her studies, she says she was fortunate to have been in a research lab with three other women who became her support system during her graduate studies.

“What has made a huge difference in my life is to create that support network with other women to uplift you and you to uplift them,” she says. The group of four women continue to nominate each other for rewards (one of the women nominated Holovati for this recognition), as well as support each other in their personal lives. Holovati recognized the importance of having strong female supporters in her professional career and has sought to provide that to her female graduate students, encouraging them to build relationships with other women in the field.

Men like me know the difference between strength and violence.

Men like me know that abuse isn’t always physical.

Men like me don’t let our feelings control us.

Prathibha Goonawardhana | Harnessing technology

Holovati says while people often speak of immigrants as having focus, determination, grit and hunger to succeed, there is also a of Science in Electronic Engineering from the University of Surrey. desire to give back.

While she did enjoy her time there, she says it was difficult to find work. That’s when she learned about Canada.

“When you get a bit of success, which I have gained, you have that focus on giving back to help other immigrants, to create those “One of my friends had moved to Vancouver. She was really opportunities for other people coming in as refugees. It’s not only fascinated by how vibrant and cultural it is. She encouraged me to that drive to better your life, but to better the lives of others who are move to Canada, telling me, ‘It’s accepting of all people; you can be coming in as poor and as lost as you once were,” she says. whoever you want to be,’” she says.

Holovati credits the Ukrainian community in Edmonton with putting her life on this path to success. “The warmth of Canadian people and the Ukrainian community here in Edmonton welcomed us as refugees and enabled us to build something incredible,” she says. – Lisa Evans

P

Men like me don’t hurt the women around us.

Men like me believe in men like you.

In 2019, Goonawardhana arrived in Canada and settled in Waterdown, Ontario. With her resume in hand, she knocked on doors and introduced herself until she eventually got a full-time job.

She was grateful she could make a living in her adopted country.

“I saw that Canada valued my education and valued me as human being,” she says.

rathibha Goonawardhana had to overcome many obstacles to achieve success, but she wouldn’t change any of it. “Hardship is In April 2020, life took an unexpected turn; she was laid off as a a blessing because you learn from it,” says the Toronto resident. result of pandemic closures.

Growing up in Sri Lanka, Goonawardhana often tinkered with It was a tough experience for the young woman who had left wires, fascinated how different components came together. She family and friends behind in Sri Lanka and the U.K. But she remained decided to pursue this passion and eventually received her degree determined. “I kept going; I had to. I came here with a purpose.” in electrical engineering; she also obtained certificates in web application development and computer systems.

As public health measures began to lift, she sought out employment opportunities. But it wasn’t easy. “Not having a lot But as a woman in STEM, she encountered challenges. of work experience in Canada was something that impacted my possibilities of getting a job,” she explains.

“There were not many women in the field,” she recalls. “And it was really difficult to get a job because some employers thought we It was time for a new plan of action. In 2020, she registered at didn’t have hands-on experience, and that we would eventually get Achēv, an organization that provides employment and newcomer married and abandon the company.” services and completed the Career Pathways for Women program.

Still, she forged ahead.

“It was the first time I had anyone to talk to,” she notes. “In addition to training sessions, it was also a place where women from In 2015, she moved to the United Arab Emirates and landed a different backgrounds could come together.” position as a sales and operational engineer. Then a year later, she decided to pursue her studies in the U.K. and earned her Master She also received career counselling support at Achēv’s 10

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 2 | 2022

Violence Against Women happens everywhere. Men like us can prevent it. For resources on how you can help, visit www.whiteribbon.ca To support the Mothers Matter Centre’s work on Violence Against Women, please donate at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/71276

COVER STORY even more committed to supporting others like herself.

Accelerating Career Advancement program.

In the meantime, she’s keenly aware that women, immigrants and newcomers who pursue STEM will experience challenges, but they At the beginning of this year, Goonawardhana began working at are worthwhile. a Canadian bank as an IT project coordinator. It’s a position she takes pride in. “It’s more related to the studies I’ve done so far,” “It’s going to be hard in the beginning. There will be difficult days. she notes.

But when you look back you will be glad you’ve gone through them because you will have learned so much,” she says. – Rita Simonetta Although the STEM sector is still male dominated, she’s hopeful it will become more inclusive in the future. “Women in the r. Khristine G. Cariño gravitated towards a STEM career engineering field are supportive of one another. We work so hard to while attending high school in Baguio, Philippines. Due to encourage each other.” the dedication of two math teachers, girls excelled in math as much as the boys. Cariño was part of the team that won first place Besides, she says, times are changing. “The stigma of being a in the school math quiz — three out of four became engineers, and female is not given as much value as in the past. Nowadays, there is she pursued a career in health sciences that would eventually take more emphasis on the quality of work you do.” her across the world and make her a fierce champion for women in STEM. As someone who’s always setting new goals for herself, Goonawardhana created iDeaDate, a platform that connects After graduating in Philippines in 1992, Cariño went to Japan for investors and entrepreneurs in order to bring ideas to fruition. her doctorate studies and completed her PhD in Dental Sciences from Tokyo Medical and Dental University. She was recognized with “I noticed that young people have so much potential and ideas, international awards from the International Association for Dental but not enough legal advice or funding. I wanted to give them a Research (IADR) and had the opportunity to spend a summer at the platform to broadcast their ideas and to connect with investors.”

University of Washington, Seattle, afterwards.

“There are so many women in STEM — immigrant newcomers, women in science, who come to Canada with extensive experience in work and education background and yet are unable to land jobs. My job is to be their champion, make them more visible to employers and organizations. My job is to show that these individuals have value and can offer employers a lot,” Cariño says.

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She developed both the iOS and Android versions of the app and It is while studying in Seattle that she fell in love with Vancouver. launched a website. Her business has been registered and she hopes “We crossed the border one week to go visit Vancouver, and I just to incorporate it within the year. fell in love with it,” said Cariño. “The mountains, the sea, the entire setting reminded me of Baguio. I knew I wanted to live here, and so There’s been some buzz around her invention, and she’s looking I got to work.” forward to what the future will hold. “I’m positive it will become the next ground-breaking global app in social media.”

She decided to reach out to a professor at the University of British

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Committed to making an impact, Cariño currently wears several hats including as director for community outreach on the Advisory Board of Scientudio, program manager for Palette Skills, program developer and community engagement strategist with the Vancouver Filipino Cultural Heritage Group, and founder and program director for East Van Kids STEAM. As a leader, Cariño is committed to serving with integrity, accountability, transparency and excellence.

Dr. Khristine G. | Advocating for change

As a champion and mentor for mothers returning to work after parenting sabbaticals, she draws on her own experience of career reinvention and her work as a clinical dentist, associate professor, Columbia (UBC) via e-mail about a postdoctoral fellowship. epidemiologist, public health researcher, social entrepreneur, “This busy professor took out the time and responded to me so community organizer and educator. – Abhya Adlakha graciously,” Cariño says. “It gave me such a positive perspective of Canadians. She even arranged everything for me. She wasn’t just a mentor, but a sponsor too — someone who was opening this door for me to have this opportunity.”

“It was an honour coming here. There was this person who opened a door for me — my personal champion — and so I decided to emulate it always,” says Cariño.

May 25, 2022:

Learn more and register at:

“If nothing had to be done, then SCWIST wouldn’t exist anymore,” she says. “Women should be aware that without social support, isolation can be difficult, and that is why we are here.”

Cariño strongly believes that the fellowship was a gift she will always be grateful for, and it was her experience as a mentee that motivated her to help other women in STEM.

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

Learn. Share. Connect.

Cariño, however, believes that there is yet a lot to be done.

Full-Day Event: In-person

After her postdoctoral fellowship at UBC, Cariño had three children and had to take a break from her career for several years.

“When it was time to go back to work, I just didn’t have the confidence,” she says. “I knew I had experience and an extensive educational qualification, and yet my self-confidence was really low.

That’s when I found out about the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST). The organization, having some form of social support, really helped me get back into it.”

In 2018, given her own positive experiences, Cariño joined SCWIST, the Canadian non-profit working towards dismantling barriers for women and girls in their pursuit of careers in STEM, as the communications director. It was then that she realized the extensive impact she could have. Cariño was successful in establishing a professional development program for women, organized many events and added four chapters for women across Canada.

Today, as president and board director of the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), she is

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CAREERS & EDUCATION HIGHER LEARNING

Tips for international students

M

istakes can be upsetting and embarrassing and can lead to challenges. Here are some mistakes that can occur more frequently in the educational settings and how to avoid them.

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistakes due to cultural differences

Plagiarism

CAST YOUR VOTE TODAY AT www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25

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CAREER AWAITS

We received hundreds of nominations from truly inspiring newcomers coast to coast, all who have made a positive impact since their arrival in Canada. Now its your turn to help us chose this year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant award winners!

until the last minute. This means that reflection, checking their work, proofreading and other finishing touches are sacrificed. It also means Procrastination There are a number of bad habits that when a real emergency arises, that can interfere with your studies. there is no time for schoolwork and One is delaying your work until there deadlines are missed. is great urgency to get it done and little time left to do a good job. Some Managing your workload students can’t seem to get started Other mistakes that can lead to academic mismanagement include taking on more courses than you can effectively manage and/or committing to too many part-time working hours and not allowing all the study time you need.

Another common issue is not seeking help when you need it.

This could include help with understanding course material or personal problems interfering with your ability to concentrate or manage your time effectively.

Post-secondary schools are usually equipped with teaching assistants, peer tutors and counsellors with expertise on helping students avoid these mistakes.

And sometimes there are unexpected life situations that We helped Nikyle get the demand a student’s attention. It training he needed for his new may be an illness, a family problem, or even good news like an important career. Let us help you, too! interview. If you know you won’t be www.CareerFoundation.com able to meet an academic obligation, it is far better to let your professor know before assignments are due rather than after. quotation marks for direct quotes and cite the source.

YOUR

Its time to Vote!

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, plagiarism is “to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own: use (another’s production) without crediting the source.” There can be serious consequences to plagiarism, from receiving a warning to expulsion. Most professors will discuss plagiarism and how they expect students to credit others’ ideas in their academic work. There may be differences on how this is handled in different schools and different subject areas. Knowing what is expected in every class is important so mistakes can be avoided. When in doubt, use

This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

New immigrants and international students can inadvertently make errors because of the differences between what is customary in their own culture and what is expected in the Canadian environment.

If you are unfamiliar with Canadian post-secondary life, mistakes may be even more likely. Being aware of others’ culture is important in a very multicultural setting such as a postsecondary school. If you are unsure how to handle a situation, observing and asking are useful. If you make a mistake, an apology is often enough.

Also, unless you are friends, it is generally not acceptable to comment on others’ ethnicity, looks, accent, religion, etc.

One situation you want to be particularly careful about is anything that can be considered as sexual harassment such as any type of unwelcome sexual remarks or physical advances. Most school have policies against sexual harassment and engaging in this behaviour may lead to disciplinary action and possibly being expelled. To avoid any problems or negative impact on your studies, it is important to familiarize yourself with what consent means in the Canadian context. If you need more information about this, speak to a counsellor at your school.

At the end of the day, if you do make mistakes, it is important to know who can help you and what consequences you can expect. Every school will be a little different in how they handle things. Your professor or counsellor can help you avoid or address some mistakes, but if the matter is critical and could hurt your academic progress, they may suggest you use a student government advocate, an ombudsperson, or the services of a lawyer. Minor mistakes may be managed on your own but if there are legal or other major issues, you will want to seek help. Better still, become aware of common student mistakes and avoid them.

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.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

15

CAREERS & EDUCATION

honesty. When you display honesty, you can invest precious time and energy in supporting the growth of other people, helping them to be the best they can be.

CAREER COACH

I - Inspiration The ability to inspire people to reach great heights is a skill that successful professionals possess. When your purpose finds passion, that’s when you become truly inspirational. The ability to communicate that passion and meaning to others helps establish the inspirational culture of your entire team. Inspiration is oxygen to the soul.

J - Just You can be just or fair and still make bold and decisive leadership decisions quickly. Being just is perhaps the trait most noticeable in successful professionals and that’s what separates them from the rest.

When you are seen as a fair and just person, others will go well beyond what’s required to earn your trust.

K - Knowledge

The A to Z of career progress The road to success is always under construction!

C

areer progress is a constant journey of learning, humility and courage. People who succeed in their careers and professional endeavors come in all shapes and sizes, genders and cultures, but they all possess many of the qualities highlighted below.

A - Agility Today, it is more important for professionals to be agile. Agile leaders are not only exceptional at coping with change, but also in driving it, anticipating change, and even initiating it. Your agility is

16

contagious, and it can spread like wildfire across the team.

B - Boldness Boldness is the ability to show courage and decisiveness when it comes to dealing with uncertainty. Balanced leaders effectively juggle the importance of meeting their business objectives, and the importance of looking after the needs of their team and organization.

C - Communication The successful ones are always

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 2 | 2022

first-rate communicators. They take pride in their solid values and promote them with a lot of clarity.

They use their skills to communicate effectively with colleagues to help build trust, strengthen professional relationships and increase productivity. It’s their competitive drive and clear communication that paves the pathway to success.

D - Drive The starting point of any achievement is the burning desire and determination to make it happen—whatever the

challenge. Making decisions is the defining aspect of a successful professional. The drive to succeed is deeply rooted in your DNA and is unyielding, whatever the situation.

E - Enthusiasm Enthusiasm is what fuels a successful person to go the extra mile. Every time you embark on something, remember to do it with all your might and stamp it with your unique personality. Be energetic, enthusiastic and active, and you will surely accomplish your dream. You need to be

personally energetic first and then energize others.

F - Focus Successful professionals possess the ability to stay extremely focused.

The ability to see beyond, plan for the future and take necessary action is one of the hallmarks of a true leader. It takes a focused person to keep an even keel in the storm.

G - Gratitude Grateful people are always joyful, and this is one of the secrets to a successful life. When you are thankful for what you have, you multiply the chances of receiving more. Always be grateful for what you have achieved and the people who have helped you to get there.

H - Honesty You can’t progress in your career if others can’t depend on your

In the information age, you must possess a range of knowledge at your disposal. This means you read widely and communicate this knowledge effectively to the people you interact with. High net worth professionals never stop learning about their peers, their profession and their industry all the time.

L - Leadership The best way to lead is to lead by example. And this starts by setting an example of absolute honesty, integrity and competency. Leading by example means showing up, being supportive, and inspiring others to experiment and innovate.

M - Motivation Successful people are passionate and motivated about what they do.

Indeed, it is your level of motivation that can inspire your team members to do better work. Model the attitude you want each person to have and this will lead everyone to success.

N - Nurture Great leaders have a strong drive to invest in people and for the rewards it will bring to people personally. They find satisfaction not only in teaching others but also

in nurturing them. It’s how well you prepare everyone to be exactly where you want them to be.

O - Optimism Optimism can move mountains and set the human soul on fire.

Optimistic people are constant creators of circumstances. This is what drives excellence, and this is how you can get people to do things that take the excellence forward.

P - Personable

Trustworthy leaders understand the importance of staying the course when circumstances may distract and dissuade most people.

U - Unique You have a distinct thumbprint so you can leave a distinct imprint on this planet. When you remember you are unique, you can identify and understand where your strengths lie, stand out at the workplace, and showcase your talent.

People who are personable are responsive to the needs of others.

They build a great rapport and constantly empower others by listening and displaying genuine concern for them. By never losing their sense of purpose, they create a reliable compass setting for those around them.

V - Vision

Q - Quality

In a highly demanding world, getting ‘work-life balance’ is important. Working balanced hours on a sustained basis is not only good for your health but also for your productivity, for your people and ultimately your organization.

Quality is more than the university degrees and previous titles. Irrespective of your chosen field, the quality of your life will always be in direct proportion to your commitment to excellence.

Focus on maintaining quality in every endeavour you undertake.

R - Results-driven Wherever they are placed, successful professionals naturally produce results. Whatever role you’re in, ensure you communicate well with your peers, set the right objectives and measure performance constantly.

S - Self-esteem Self-esteem is the cornerstone of a healthy leader. When you display high self-esteem, not only do you do great work, you inspire confidence in others. Great leaders believe in their capabilities, have faith in themselves and have incredible strength to stay the course.

T - Trust Trust is the cornerstone of a healthy and productive work environment. When trust is built communication becomes easy and productivity increases.

Good leaders passionately create a vision, articulate it well, and relentlessly drive it to completion.

When you work committedly towards your vision, navigating all obstacles, people around you will go all out to support your endeavours.

W - Wellness

X - X-Factor Great leaders possess an X-Factor that leads their team to greatness. It is important to be comfortable in your own skin, recognize your strengths and excel in those areas. At the same time, you are also receptive to outside ideas and assistance.

Y - Yearning A successful person brings an undeniable yearning to take on new opportunities and challenges. The yearning never ends and they are never satisfied with the status quo.

This is precisely what defines their reason for existing.

Z - Zest Professionals who are successful enjoy what they do. They love their lives and live to the fullest. And this is what inspires others to follow their example. If you want to succeed, get an undying zest for life and it will reflect in everything you do.

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 how he can help unlock your magic at unleashyourwow.com.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

17

FEATURE

ARE CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Upskilling and reskilling can help you connect with better opportunities and advance in your career

By Ramya Ramanathan

A

revik Ohanyan came to Canada from Armenia as a permanent resident in 2015, armed with two PhDs, experience in the banking sector, two suitcases and a laptop.

Ohanyan had quit her job and left her husband behind to discover what Canada had to offer. She was hoping to work in a bank but didn’t make much progress with her job search.

“I was sending out resumes but there was silence. I wasn’t even getting an interview. I was disappointed and lost my hope,” she says. “But, meanwhile, I was trying to find at least a survival job. I was ready to start from the scratch.”

Ohanyan found work in the fashion industry for men’s apparel and then sponsored her husband to come to Canada.

It was when she was on maternity leave a few years later that she decided to pursue her dreams to work in the financial industry.

“I went to an employment agency and she [the counsellor] handed me a booklet from

18

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 2 | 2022

Seneca College saying the continuing education program might be a good fit for me. I realized that this was just what I needed.”

Rahul Ravishankar has a similar story. A civil engineer who ran a successful firm in India, he came to Canada with his family as a permanent resident through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. “I just wanted to explore my options, I wanted to see what Canada had to offer,” he says.

Ravishankar didn’t get callbacks from any of the companies he applied to. “My resume was in the Indian format, and I didn’t know a lot of the keywords. There are different terminologies in Canada, and you need to know them – these days, it is all about automated resume screenings,” Ravishankar says.

He spent four months applying to various positions in Toronto. “I must have applied to 50 jobs, maybe more, and I was working at KFC in the meantime,” he says.

A roommate suggested he look at one of the

post-graduate certificate courses. “Which is what I did. I got into George Brown [College] for a one-year post-graduate program in construction management.”

above Rahul Ravishankar

Ohanyan and Ravishankar’s experiences are not uncommon. Many professionals come to Canada with hopes of picking up where they left off in their home countries. However, when they find that their credentials and experience may not be recognized and that it is not easy to break into the job market, they often consider continuing education programs.

So, what is continuing education?

Continuing education, a broad term for postsecondary learning, can be part-time degrees, bridging programs, microcredentials, industryfocused training, occupation-oriented certificates and diplomas that can help participants upskill or reskill. These programs, offered in different fields by a number of universities, colleges and settlement agencies across Canada, are helping bridge the gap between education, experience and employment.

Some professionals may be required to participate in continuing education courses to keep their license or certification current.

Others may choose to take a class, seminar or course for career advancement and personal development.

The programs are responsive to the changing job market, whether it is offering new and relevant courses or adapting to the changing landscape.

Allison Pond, president and CEO of ACCES Employment, an organization that connects employers with qualified employees says that continuing education is “especially important now since the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted so many sectors and careers and accelerated a digital transformation that has changed the way we work.”

She says that in response, the organization has “created new bridging programs to address some of these impacts such as the Microsoft Skills for Employability program, the Cloud Computing program, and the new Community Health Care stream in our Healthcare Connections program.

To recover from the social and economic factors of this pandemic, we will need to ensure that everyone has a chance to contribute and participate in our rapidly changing labour market.”

ACCES Employment offers a series of sector-specific bridging programs that support internationally trained professionals in various occupational fields.

“To deliver aspects of these programs, the organization collaborates with various industry and academic partners including Seneca, Humber, Ryerson and Sheridan College to name a few,” she says.

Seneca College’s Danielle Mercer, interim

dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training (FCET) says that the popular fields of study include accounting, human resources, building environmental systems and practical nursing.

“These (FCET) programs provide access to rich classroom and online experiences that allow students opportunities to collaborate and connect with instructors and classmates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. “Part-time students also have access to career services, such as LinkedIn Learning and Seneca Works that help them develop job searching skills and make new connections,” Mercier says.

“Specifically, for internationally trained professionals, there are two popular accelerated bridging programs in banking and engineering technology: the Professional Excellence in Financial Services (EFS) and The Building Environmental Systems BES™ Bridging Program.”

Ohanyan says that the EFS program provided her with “amazing lectures”, a network and all the contacts she needed.

“There are really a lot of connections involved in this program. One of the great advantages is all the big banks participate in the program in terms of hiring events, job shadowing, peer mentoring sessions — ­ they explain how this CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

19

FEATURE

SETTLEMENT

above Arevik Ohanyan goes, what they are looking for in terms of new hires. You can get a lot of help.”

Ohanyan started the 14-week program in April 2020 and a few weeks later, at the first hiring event she participated in, found a position with RBC. “I finished [the program] at the end of June and started working with them at the end of August. I had to wait till then because of COVID.” Ravishankar had a similar experience. He says his program at George Brown equipped him with all he needed to break into the Canadian job market.

“My program helped me get the perspective on the Canadian workplace and how things work here. Basically, a lot of terms in the construction industry are different here and some aspects of construction are new to me because of the differences in climate,” he says.

His program helped him put his resume together in a format accepted by Canadian companies. During his co-op term, Ravishankar applied to quite a few jobs and found an entrylevel position at a Canadian construction firm.

“One of the things I did learn was that unless you are in a field like software – fields like construction or mechanical engineering – they don’t recognize your experience abroad. Even with all the experience that I had, I started with an entry-level job. I had to start at the bottom.

“But I was prepared to put in the work, I expected that it would be a bit of a struggle but there were two things I was confident about. I knew I could do it and I knew if it didn’t work out for any reason, I could always go back to India. But a lot of people don’t come in with that safety net. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.”

Both Ohanyan and Ravishankar have advice to offer others like themselves.

“It is important to do your research about how widely accepted the course is in your particular industry. George Brown has a lot of contacts in the construction industry. It plays a big role in

the opportunities that you get. A bit of research is required,” says Ravishankar.

“No matter how much of a professional you are, the Canadian market is different,” says Ohanyan.

But she says it ultimately depends on the student. “They do not promise a job – what they [Seneca] promised is to shape all my skills and my certifications to fit into the Canadian labour market. I had no idea that I had so many skills and advantages until they told me how to position myself, how to network, how to work in teams and present myself.”

Both Ravishankar and Ohanyan have been slowly but steadily making progress in their field.

And they have made time to keep connected with their schools.

“I still message my program coordinator.

Every time there is a change in my career, I keep in touch with them. We are a part of alumni [network], attending sessions and we keep growing.”

Ravishankar says he is committed to inspiring others like himself. “Every year since I graduated, I have been invited back to share my experiences with the latest batch of students, talk about how the industry works and give tips on job hunting. I tell them about how they can best take advantage of the program and share my real-life experiences in the construction industry.”

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

How to use the new electronic permanent residence application portal

I

Navigation tips of one photo must be visible.

n 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched a new online portal for submitting electronic permanent residence applications.

This new portal is accessible both to self-represented applicants as well as applicants applying with the assistance of an authorized immigration representative.

Presently, the platform gives applicants the choice to submit electronic applications under most non-Express Entry permanent residence streams.

Applicants must first set up an account with their email address and a secure password. This account will be separate from those used on the IRCC Secure Account and Authorized Representative portals. After logging in, you must select the type of application and identify which forms and supporting documents will be needed. Presently, IRCC does not provide separate instructions for electronic applications, so applicants must consult the guides for paper-based applications.

Some forms in the new portal will be completed online, including the Generic Application Form, the Schedule A—Background/ Declaration, and the Additional Family Information form. The system also asks all applicants to complete the Supplementary Information—Your Travels form, even if your application doesn’t require it. If this is the case, you can choose to complete it anyway, or start the form and write “Not Applicable” in the first available field. All other forms, including the relevant document checklist, must be completed in PDF format and uploaded.

At this point, application filing fees cannot be paid directly within the new permanent residence portal. Applicants must use their IRCC fee payment account, and then upload the receipt in the designated section of the new permanent residence portal. This means that Applicants will need to ensure that they click through the correct options in the fee payment portal, as the permanent resident portal will not inform them of the required amount.

Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking, the Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation Form, and the Use of Representative form. Otherwise, unless a form needs to be signed by someone other than the principal applicant, a handwritten signature is not needed. Note that the fields provided in the electronic forms have character limits, so you may not be able to type out your full employer and educational institution names or complete addresses. To ensure your forms are not missing necessary information or explanatory notes, upload appendices in the supporting documents section.

For applicants filing in-Canada spousal applications, note that IRCC does not allow you to submit your open work permit form in the same portal. Instead, you must apply separately via the IRCC Secure Account or Authorized Representative portal after receiving your permanent residence file number.

format. The maximum file size for each document is 4MB, and photos must be at least 420 x 540 pixels.

IRCC recommends uploading each document separately and using the following file naming format: “Last Name – First Name – Document Type – Document #”. If the file name is too long, you may receive an error message, so keep file names as succinct as possible. In contrast to applications submitted through the IRCC Secure Account and Authorized Representative portals, applicants can choose the order of their uploads. File size restrictions are also eased because applicants do not have to combine multiple documents into a single upload slot and can select how many uploads slots they use.

IRCC asks that digital permanent residence photos meet the same requirements as paper photos — they must have the correct dimensions, and the requested information on the back

When an applicant is ready to submit, they will need to read and complete an electronic consent and declaration form before they can file. IRCC will then email you confirmation that your application was received, but you will still need to wait until after the completeness check to obtain your file number. Note that once the application has been submitted to IRCC, applicants cannot access a copy of what has been filed through the portal, so it is recommended that applicants keep screenshots of digital forms and copies of all uploaded items.

IRCC has said that electronic applications for permanent residence will not necessarily be processed faster than paper ones and may still be returned unprocessed for incompleteness.

Nevertheless, electronic applications are a viable option for those who prefer to avoid printing and mailing and are likely to become increasingly popular as IRCC commits more resources to updating and modernizing their online systems in the coming years.

IRCC has stated that some Supporting documents must Krisha Dhaliwal is an immigration lawyer with Larlee Rosenberg uploaded forms require handwritten signatures, such also be uploaded in PDF, JPG, in Vancouver. Contact her by telephone at 604-681-9887 or by email at krisha.dhaliwal@larlee.com. as the Application to Sponsor, JPEG, PNG, DOC or DOCX

20

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 2 | 2022

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

21

SETTLEMENT PARENTING

Gardening with young children

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NEW TO

s we head into spring, there is no better time to explore gardening with children.

From digging soil, planting seeds, smelling flowers, hearing birds chirping, or tasting the harvest, gardening is an activity suitable for everyone in the family. People of different ages and abilities can participate in it, alone or in a group.

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Here’s to a fun and active family affair! can reduce stress and improve one’s moods. Simple activities, such as smelling the fresh flowers or watering the plants, can help young gardeners to take the time to slow down, meditate or just enjoy the moment.

Gardening introduces children to scientific concepts, such as plant’s life cycles or photosynthesis, and math concepts such as counting, measuring and grafting. In addition, Benefits of gardening Gardening can have many health young gardeners can sharpen their benefits. It engages the five senses planning, organization, observation, and connects children to nature. and problem-solving skills. Through Gardening involves a variety of growing and caring for plants, they muscles for a variety of activities and learn about essential life skills, can contribute to better physical such as responsibility, patience and health. Bending, digging, lifting and perseverance. it also encourages them to take raking leaves can improve gross responsibility and to care for their Most importantly, gardening can own health and their environment. motor skills; seeding, weeding and picking fruits can sharpen children’s lead to tangible rewards of growing and harvesting one’s own food. In Getting started fine motor skills. addition to teaching young gardeners To start, get some basic gardening In emotional health, gardening about where their food comes from, tools such as child size gloves and other gardening tools, seeds/ seedlings, pots and soil. Select plants that are suitable and will peak children’s interest such as a wide array of colours of flowers or vegetables and fruits that children love.

guidelines, including how to safely use the tools. Monitor young children when gardening and ensure proper handwashing after gardening. Learn about common poisonous plants, thorns, prickles and spines, and basic first-aid skills.

Caring and maintaining your garden

Plants are living things and so it is important to give the garden the tender love and care that they need to bloom. This requires quite a bit of work and for everyone to do their If you are new to gardening, part. Set the maintenance schedule make sure to do some research for the garden, including for planting, so the garden will have beautiful watering, fertilizing, weeding and blooms and healthy plants. Check pruning. Depending on the ages out gardening books from local and abilities of children, assign libraries or online resources for different family members to different more tips. Do not forget the local gardening chores so everyone has garden center and their expert staff a role. Make gardening chores fun who are happy to help you with your and engaging with family-friendly competition and games. gardening project.

Make gardening a fun and active family affair and reap the benefits.

Whether it is herb plants in pots on your windowsill or flowerbeds in the backyard, there is something magical about caring for plants and appreciating the beauty of nature.

Start today and watch your garden Keep safety in mind by ensuring and your family bloom. Happy children are aware of garden safety gardening!

Assess the area suitable for your gardening project, be it the community garden, apartment balcony, backyard, or even your windowsill. Research sun exposure, soil type, climate and the type of plants to see what can grow best in your garden.

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.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

23

LIVING WELLNESS

Improve your well-being through spiritual practices

S

piritual wellness is very important to overall wellness — research has shown a connection between our beliefs and our sense of well-being. Living a life with purpose and finding meaning in events, based on one’s values and beliefs, creates harmony within oneself and with others around us.

Spirituality may mean different things to different people. For some, it is practicing an organized religion; for others, it may be connecting to nature or belief in a higher power. Whatever the path one chooses, the benefits to health are many. Spirituality gives us the strength to deal with the highs and lows in our lives, it gives us a hope for a better future, and it often helps us connect with each other through compassion.

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Self-care tips for newcomers On arrival in a new country, many newcomers long for spiritual connection and authentic experiences similar to the ones in their home country. Some may struggle to develop their spirituality in a new place as everything around them may look unfamiliar and the everyday challenges of settlement may leave little time to engage spiritually.

Canada offers everyone an equal opportunity to practice their spirituality. With the support of government initiatives, various faith-based organizations and centers are free to practice their values and beliefs. Members organize events, processions and celebrations to share their customs Volunteer and donate: There are several ways one can and beliefs and to pass it down to stay connected spiritually in a Community service and helping younger generations. new county to promote your good people can foster connection and compassion, which contributes to health and wellness: your spiritual wellness. Helping Connecting with an organization others also brings an awareness of that aligns with your beliefs and everyone being connected to each values: If you prefer to be connected other in this Universe. with others or to practice your Make time for yourself: Reading beliefs in a sacred place, look for available resources in your area and scriptures, listening to music or get connected to receive updates on podcasts, lighting a candle/lamp, or gardening can be the activities that special events, etc. you do consistently for spiritual Connecting with yourself: A connection. Some activities can new life in a new country can also even be carried out while you are be an opportunity to explore your busy commuting to work, cooking, own spirituality by looking deep or are engaged in household chores. into yourself, understanding and Many seniors, international reframing what matters most for you. It will also help you appreciate students and newcomers struggled to stay connected socially and and be grateful for what you have. spiritually during the pandemic.

Try new wellness techniques: However, virtual support systems There are plenty of opportunities helped them maintain a positive around you like outdoor yoga, outlook towards life. Being flexible nature walks and guided and tapping into available spiritual Participate in free online communication training meditation, that are offered free of resources and support, whether for newcomers working in technology. cost. These activities not only relax it is virtually or in person, not your mind and body but can also only benefits individuals, but also Contact: OSLT@conestogac.on.ca for more information help you look at things around you ultimately contributes to healthier and eligibility requirements. communities. in a more positive way.

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Nandini Tirumala is a mental health wellness coach, educator and advocate with 25 years of experience in Canada with a special focus on mental health support services for newcomers and immigrant families.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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MONEY & BUSINESS

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WINNIPEG - JULY 8

VANCOUVER - SEPTEMBER

Radisson Hotel Winnipeg Downtown

Be an exhibitor or sponsor!

Be an exhibitor or sponsor!

Register now at canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair

www.candianimmigrant.ca

www.candianimmigrant.ca

Contact Ricky Bajaj forBajaj details at: Contact Ricky for details at: 416-856-6304 or rbajaj@metroland.comt @canimmigrant 416-856-6304 or rbajaj@metroland.com

@canimmigrant

New to Canada?

Explore your options with Seneca.

Many of you may have filed your taxes already, but for those who still find themselves lost, remember that the process of filing taxes need not be so daunting. Whether you are a newcomer, student or a new entrant into the workforce, here is some information you can use.

Where can you find help to do your returns?

Many community organizations across Canada host free virtual tax clinics. Volunteers can help you complete and file your taxes for free by videoconference, by phone, or by walk-in and drop-off clinics.

Have you received your tax slips?

If you have not received your financial records from your employer, financial institution or schools or have misplaced them, you can find them online on the CRA website under ‘tax slips’. You can also ask your employer or the issuer of the slip for a copy.

You can find these clinics listed on the CRA Website. In addition to your Social Insurance Number, clinics require documents including receipts and identification along with your tax information slips. Make sure you have all the documents before you go to your appointment.

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MONEY & BUSINESS If you’re a student, look out CRA-certified platforms to avoid for various drop-in centers on scams and fraudulent schemes. university campuses that offer basic What benefits can you claim? tax services for free.

Find deductions, credits and If your income is low and your tax expenses you can claim on your tax situation is simple, specially trained return to help reduce the amount volunteers at CRA can help you to of tax you have to pay. You may fill out your tax return (call 1-800- be eligible for more benefits than 959-8281 for more information). you think. According to the CRA If it’s more complicated — for website, the most request credits example, you’re self-employed — are disability tax credit, medical you should seek the assistance of a expenses, moving expenses, digital news subscription expenses, home tax preparer or accountant. office expenses for employees and What software is available if you Canada training credit.

Check your provincial website are filing digitally?

There are a number of free to find out what tax credits you’re certified software programs you eligible for. can use to do your taxes online.

Free offerings based on individual What if you miss the filing tax situations or income levels are deadline?

If you do not owe any taxes, available through tax preparation companies such as H&R Block and there will not be any late penalties charged.

TurboTax.

additional one per cent for each full Return may take up to 16 weeks if month you file after the due date, to you live outside Canada. If you use a maximum of twelve months. direct deposit, you could get your refund faster.

There also might be additional compound daily interest on the Educate yourself balance. Read all late-filing charges Tax planning can really help you carefully on the website and avoid take advantage of some tax credits missing the deadline. and deductions you are eligible for.

If you file your tax return after the Other online tax filing platforms Start learning about the tax system include NETFILE, Wealthsimple due date and have balance owing, When can you expect your refund? and how it works. Before the next Tax, and many more. You can find you will be charged a late-filing It takes two weeks to get a refund filing deadline comes up, read a list of platforms on CRA (under penalty, which is five per cent of when you file your taxes online, and articles on filing taxes and the tax Certified Tax Software). Only use your 2021 balance owing, plus an eight weeks if you file a paper return. system (federal and provincial).

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 2 | 2022

MONEY & BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Why new products and services fail

I

Factors that every entrepreneur should consider

t is always an exciting venture to introduce a new product or service to the market. There is usually optimism; however, the reality is that many businesses are unable to sustain their operation over the long term.

According to a Statistics Canada study Canadian New Firms: Birth and Survival Rates over the Period 2002–2014, on average, 96,000 new firms entered the Canadian economy per year, sixty three per cent of new firms survived five years, and 43 per cent survived 10 years. The highest number of new firms and the lowest survival rates were in the accommodation and food services sector.

The findings also indicated that larger firms have higher survival rates. During the first three years, 23 per cent of entrants with 1–4 employees failed while only about 14 per cent failed among those with 20–99 employees. More than 57 per cent of new firms with 1–4 employees failed after 10 years, but less than 50 per cent of firms with over 20 employees failed after 10 years.

While these numbers provide us with some insight regarding the businesses that are most likely to succeed, what are the main reasons for failure? There are various contributing factors ranging from how the product is marketed to how the organization functions.

Companies offering products and services that don’t adequately distinguish their business from the competitors’ often fail. If there is nothing distinctive about a product, then there is very little motivation for purchase. It is also insufficient to have a distinct product without making sure it is what your targeted customers want, and that the timing and marketing method is appropriate.

Business owners should produce a unique product of substantial value that adequately appeals to its customers to ensure a greater demand for the product. It is equally important to strategically

all the steps mentioned above.

Considering the nature of what is involved to increase the survival rate of a business it is apparent why some smaller businesses or those in certain industries fail. Most larger corporations are more structured and have the resources, knowledge and expertise to ensure that they take the necessary steps.

The challenge is for smaller businesses to invest in the needed resources that will increase their likelihood of longevity. It is especially important for immigrants and newcomers with an entrepreneurial mindset to thoroughly research the market to get a deeper likelihood of success, it is important understanding of the Canadian to undergo a comprehensive market, prior to undertaking their feasibility study as well as following business ventures.

market the product at the right time to create brand awareness.

Some organizational factors that lead to failure are the concept of groupthink and embracing closed Sharee Aluko has a Masters in Business Administration and owns innovation rather than open a business consultancy firm. She also teaches business courses at innovation. Groupthink occurs the college-level on a part-time basis. when a team decides to go with the opinions of the majority even if they realize that is not the best approach.

This need to achieve consensus often jeopardizes the well-being of the organization. In a similar vein it is crucial for businesses to understand that excellent ideas can be generated outside their own organization; by doing so they will be demonstrating a willingness towards open innovation.

Failure may also be a result of companies choosing to opt out on some crucial stages of product development such as conducting a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to develop appropriate strategy, generating, screening and evaluating ideas, conducting business analysis to assess features of the product or service and the marketing strategy needed to bring it to market and thorough market We’re hiring and always looking for new curious testing. achievers to join our community. A flexible schedule, great benefits and a new retail experience await you.

By overlooking these key steps, the business may have prematurely entered the phase of development and commercialization leading to Apply your passion: the introduction of a substandard Careers.staples.ca product or service. To increase the

#BringYourPassion to Halifax Career Fair.

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