Canadian Immigrant: January 2022

Volume 19 18 Issue 15 | 2022 2021 c anadianimmigr ant.c a

CHAMPION FOR CHANGE Publications mail agreement number 40011993 | $5.95

Rachna Singh, B.C.'s first parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, is hopeful about change

FINDING IDENTITY

as a ‘hyphenated Canadian’ WINNING ADVICE FOR 2022!

TOP 25 CANADIAN IMMIGRANT AWARDS

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Storyteller with purpose Arnold Pinnock is the co-creator of Canada’s largest Black-led television production

Small Towns Big Opportunities

CONTENTS Volume 19 Issue 1, 2022

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FUSION PROFILE: Dominique Prinet reminisces about his life of adventure HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO NEWS: Nominations open for the 2022 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, Canada welcomes the most immigrants in a single year

COVER STORY Champion for change: Rachna Singh, B.C.'s first parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, is hopeful about change

12 FEATURE

Finding identity as a ‘hyphenated Canadian’: Who am I? Where do I belong? These are complex questions that immigrants face as they adapt to their new home while keeping the connections to their native country alive

15 CAREERS AND EDUCATION

HIGHER LEARNING: Managing full-time school and part-time work CAREER COACH: Emotional intelligence at work

19 SETTLEMENT

IMMIGRATION LAW: Growing backlogs at IRCC, what 2022 will bring for Canadian immigration PARENTING: Preparing your family for emergencies

21 MONEY AND BUSINESS

TIPS FOR SETTLING IN FASTER: How to financially prepare for your winter semester in Canada ENTREPRENEURSHIP: The importance of customer relationship management

23 LIVING

WELLNESS: Find ways to increase laughter in your life Small Towns, Big Opportunities: Why immigrants are moving away from urban centres

26 PROFILE

Storyteller with purpose: English-born Canadian actor of Jamaican origin Arnold Pinnock is the co-creator of Canada’s largest Black-led television production

28 MOTIVATION

Winning advice: Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2021 share words of wisdom and inspirational tips

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FUSION

People. News. Information.

DOMINIQUE PRINET

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 1

A life of adventure

2022

By Ramya Ramanathan

Group Publisher Sanjay Agnihotri

one to Comox… On day four, I asked the boss: "How long do you figure this testing will take?" He said "Oh, you are in." He didn't even know my name and had not seen any papers: I could do the job, so he was happy. In France, I would have to explain what family I came from, what my father was doing for a living, and explain from which scientific school or university I had graduated. I decided that this was going to be my country, and I never looked back.

Editor Ramya Ramanathan rramanathan@metroland.com Editorial Design Safi Nomani Sr. Ad Manager Ricky Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 Assistant Manager Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com

What inspired you to write Flying to Extremes?

I was so amazed by the flying I was doing in the Arctic in the late sixties and early seventies, at the time when the Canadian North was opening up, that I took copious notes and a multitude of photos. For the first time, when I retired, I was able to put those notes together into a book. Some of these flights were rather baffling, and several of my colleagues didn't make it. It's a very rough and unforgiving country. It was a thrilling experience, and I really felt I was making a contribution.

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

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

Toronto Circulation 30,000 copies Vancouver Circulation 15,000 copies Calgary/Edmonton Circulation 5,000 copies Canadian Immigrant is published six times a year in print.

Canadian Immigrant welcomes submissions, but is not responsible for unsolicited material.

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

Entire contents property of Canadian Immigrant.

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

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A

fter a string of failures in France, 25-year-old Dominique Prinet says he decided to move to Canada to “hide in the deep and wild forests of B.C. as a logger”. He found a job as a pilot in the Canadian North, which helped him earn enough money to pay for his electrical engineering degree and an MBA. He went on to enjoy a long career in aviation, including with Montreal’s Nordair, Canadian Airlines and Air Tanzania.

In retirement, Prinet started his own sailing school in Vancouver and obtained his helicopter license at age 70.

He shares his story in the book Flying to Extremes.

How have your adventures shaped your outlook in life?

Having been born at the beginning of the war, I learned to survive, occasionally sleeping in ditches or feeding from garbage cans. I love the challenge of adapting to the local conditions. I have cycled around England at 15, hitchhiked to Northern Sweden at 18, crossed the Atlantic on a sail boat with a sextant, crossed Africa down to Cape Town with a tiny jeep, flown around North, Central and South America with a little twoseater, crossed Nepal on foot to the Everest Base Camp, climbed Mount Robson by the Kaine face, jumped with a parachute, and spent five years (working) in Tanzania.

Tell us about your journey.

I think this kind of experience helps a man keep his cool I arrived in Vancouver in January 1965 with $200 in when things go wrong and look for a solution where my pocket and no return ticket, knowing some English others see a problem. but nobody in town. The logging camps were closed because of the snow. I had some flying experience What do you enjoy about being a Canadian? and decided to get a job as a pilot. I went to Transport I can say, from experience, that Canada is the best, bar Canada. I ran into a wonderful fellow, John Kennedy, none. People who complain should try another country who told me how to manage the conversion of my for a while: they'll be back quickly. Canada is a land of French licenses. Then I found a good man who was kind opportunity: anybody can achieve any result, regardless enough to lend me the $400 I needed to pass all the tests of background, ethnicity or religion. I am proud of being required. I took my training in Abbotsford with a nice a Canadian, and so is my wife, and so are my kids. flight instructor, who was very helpful and encouraging: I had never experienced that, having been used to being What is your advice to newcomers to Canada? criticized at every step.

Be grateful to Canada and to your luck of being a Canadian. This is really an amazing place, the best in And then I went around the Vancouver airport looking the world. But remember two points. Firstly, pull up for anybody who could use a pilot, and one company told your socks, stand up on your own two feet, and get me to jump on a light twin to Power River where they on with it. Look for solutions, don't give up, don't quit might need me. There, I was given a scheduled flight to now. Secondly, adapt: things change, and it's tiring, it's Comox with a Cessna 172 …The next day, I was given a stressful. Change jobs, change places, get some training, flight to Victoria, then one to Vancouver, then another do whatever it takes to adjust to the new environment.

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

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FUSION

news Nominations now open for the 14th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards

For more than a decade, Canadian Immigrant magazine’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards program, the only national award celebrating 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.

So, for the 14th year, we are proud to continue doing so with the support of a new presenting sponsor, Western Union.

Mitchell Steiman, digital growth leader, Western Union, says Canadian society would not be as vibrant without the multiculturalism and diversity that comes with having immigrants, and it is with this in mind that Western Union is showing recognition and elevating the awards through sponsorship. “We made the decision to come on board at this time to support this beacon of hope, and to remind immigrants that it is important to let their voices be heard, to take up space, and to play their part in making their communities across Canada a better place.”

Immigrants who have been honoured with this prestigious national award in past years include Supreme Court Justice Mahmud Jamal, viral Bhagra sensation Gurdeep Pandher, broadcast journalist Ginella Massa, TV icon Monika Deol, celebrity restaurateur Vikram Vij, prima ballerina Chan Hon Goh, as well as many unsung heroes who have demonstrated

incredible contributions in their communities and for the country.

Eligibility criteria and nomination process A nominee can be anyone who has immigrated to Canada and has since contributed to the success and uplifting of this country and/or its people. Achievements can be either professional or personal. Nominees must be aged 15 or older, be a permanent resident or citizen and live in Canada.

Nominations can be made online at canadianimmigrant.ca/top25 until March 11, 2022, 11:59 p.m. EST. A distinguished panel of judges made up of past winners will review all nominees and present a list of 75 finalists who will be announced in April, after which all Canadians can vote for their favourite nominees. The 25 winners will be announced in July 2022 in Canadian Immigrant magazine and online at CanadianImmigrant.ca. One of the winners will be selected for the additional Entrepreneur Award and one for the Youth Award.

Media partners include Toronto Star, Citytv, Metroland Media Group, OMNI and Sing Tao.

Canada welcomes the most immigrants in a single year

Connect with us TODAY to start your settlement process and strengthen integration for a brighter future in Canada

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

In 2021, Canada welcomed over 401,000 permanent residents, the highest number of newcomers in any year in Canadian history, surpassing the previous record from 1913.

This meets the 2021 target set by the 2021–2023 Immigration Levels Plan to support the post-pandemic recovery and to chart a more prosperous future. The number is much higher than the 184,500 new permanent residents welcomed over the course of 2020, amidst the challenges resulting from the pandemic.

According to the government, the immigration target was met by making the most of the talent already within our borders. The majority of these new permanent residents were already in Canada on a temporary status. Over 75 per cent of new permanent residents from January to November 2021 were already in Canada at the time of landing. Prior to the pandemic, most of the new permanent residents came from overseas.

Canada needs immigration to drive the economy and support the aging population. Immigration accounts for almost 100 per cent of Canada’s labour force growth. Roughly 75 per cent of Canada’s population growth comes from immigration, mostly in the economic category. By 2036, immigrants will represent up to 30 per cent of Canada’s population, compared with 20.7 per cent in 2011.

Immigration addresses labour shortages in key sectors such as health care. Immigrants make up 37 per cent of pharmacists, 36 per cent of physicians, 39 per cent of dentists, 23 per cent of registered nurses, and 35 per cent of nurse aides and related occupations.

According to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser: “Canada is built on immigration, and we will continue to welcome the immigrants that Canada needs to succeed. I can’t wait to see the incredible contributions that our 401,000 new neighbours make in communities across the country.”

The Immigration Levels Plan 2022-2024 will be announced in February 2022.

COVER STORY

CHAMPION FOR CHANGE B.C.'s first parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives is hopeful about change

By Vivien Fellegi

Y

oung Rachna Singh remembers begging her grandfather to buy her a sari every time they strolled through the marketplace in Delhi, India. "You are too young," he told her.

Instead, the playwright and human rights champion gave his granddaughter something much more meaningful for her fifth birthday.

A well-worn book from his own library, Russian writer Maxim Gorky’s novel about dreams and revolution. The story was too complex for the young girl to grasp, but Singh was elated by the gift. “I felt like he was treating me like a grownup,” she recalls. The book would launch her on a lifelong exploration of progressive ideas, beginning with her grandfather’s.

“A lot that I see in myself, I have from him,” says Singh.

Singh’s parents also contributed to her liberal outlook, comparing her privilege to the lot of the poor. Compassion was also endorsed by her family’s Sikh tradition. “The Sikh teachings are…that we have to look after people who are downtrodden,” says Singh.

Singh’s early training in philanthropy led her to study psychology in university. “I was always interested in people and I could talk to them,” she says. As she began working as a counsellor, Singh refined her natural ability to tap into other people’s pain and perspectives. “It is all about empathy,” she says.

Singh would draw on this skillset once she entered politics. “A lot of times the politicians are so loud, they are talking, but one thing I bring forward is being able to listen.”

Having established her career path, Singh was ready to embark on marriage. When mutual friends introduced her to journalist Gurpreet

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

Singh, she was impressed by his pursuit of social justice, reflected in his articles featuring labourers and other low-ranking workers. “He’s very passionate about the work that he does,” says Singh. “I really admire him for that.” The couple married in 1997.

The year 2001 was another turning point for the pair and their young son. Around this time Canada had opened its doors to the skilled workers category, and Singh threw her name in the ring.

“I just applied for the heck of it,” she says. When the pair were accepted, they took the gamble and immigrated to British Columbia.

“You are young, you think that things would be very easy,” says Singh.

They weren’t. The family began their new lives in a cramped basement suite in Surrey (on the outskirts of Vancouver), a far cry from their comfortable house in India. But the toughest challenge was the loss of their close-knit friends and family. “The initial years were lonely,” says Singh.

Racism was one issue Singh hadn’t expected to find in multicultural Canada. On one occasion, Singh applied for a promotion in a job she was fully qualified for and was already performing. The position went to a white woman. Unlike many victims of these microaggressions, Singh fought back. Two years later, the employers conceded her case, and restored the seniority she’d lost when her job was taken from her.

This painful experience would inform her politics. “It becomes my moral responsibility to stand up for people who cannot speak for themselves,” she says.

As parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, Rachna Singh is consulting Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities to inform potential new anti-racism policies.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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COVER STORY Apart from this unfortunate incident, Singh’s career was flourishing.

Soon after arriving in Canada, she landed a job as a counsellor for victims of domestic violence. The recent budget cuts to social programs made the work “heartbreaking.” One night a woman called the domestic violence hotline sobbing, begging for shelter from an abusive husband. But every safe house nearby was full. Singh finally put the woman in touch with police, who would try to keep her safe. “It was very, very frustrating.”

These moments of helplessness recurred over and over again, reinforcing the value of responsible governance. “That made me think [about] what progressive governments can do,” says Singh.

Her job advocating for workers’ rights at the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), a left-wing organization, brought Singh back in line with her affiliation with the NDP. “So, it was a natural step towards politics,” she says.

But though Singh had volunteered on countless campaigns for other NDP members, she hesitated when she was asked to run for political office. Concerned that the job’s demands might cut into her family time, Singh declined. “My first reaction was obviously, ‘No way,’” she says. But her husband changed her mind. “Just take the plunge,” he told her. “We are there to support you.”

It was good advice. In May 2017, Singh campaigned for the riding of Surrey-Green Timbers, and won the seat, repeating the feat in October 2020.

The opioid crisis, a prevalent but taboo issue in her riding, caught the former counsellor’s attention early on. Amongst many “ethnic

cultures”, including her largely Punjabi constituents, the fear of stigma stifles many addicts from seeking help, says Singh. She spoke out on the subject on social media and in mainstream outlets, pointing out culturally sensitive resources designed to make clients more comfortable accessing services.

During her second term, Singh was offered the position of parliamentary secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, a newly created portfolio. “I was very honoured to get this,” she says. In order to create new policies to help dismantle systemic racism, her team needed racebased data to inform potential new anti-racism policies. Recognizing the scarcity of this information, Singh began consulting Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities to get their input on this matter. And though the proposed anti-racism data legislation won’t be announced until later this year, members of these marginalized groups are beginning to trust the party’s program for justice. “They are very hopeful about that,” says Singh.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to a career lived in the public eye.

“You don’t have any private life,” says Singh, whose long days have eaten into her personal time.

But lately the seasoned politician has grown more assertive. “It’s my daughter’s birthday tomorrow,” she says. “So I’ve told staff that I’m taking time off.”

But Singh’s best gift to her two children is the better world she’s helping to craft through her politics. “The future they have is much more secure, much more just, more equal,” she says. “That’s the world every parent strives for.”

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

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FEATURE

B

razilian-Canadian Camila Justino distinctly remembers feeling out of sorts every time she visited her native Brazil after immigrating to Toronto.

“I felt waves of belonging and disconnection with the land and people that raised me. I knew I didn’t belong to Brazil suddenly for the silliest reasons, like carrying along raisins and cucumber sticks as snacks for my children. We have a rich lunch with rice and black beans in Brazil, and so we worry less about constant snacks,” she says.

Justino’s Brazilian self emerges. “You can recognize my children in the schoolyard. They have snowsuits when it’s fall. My son complains because he wants to wear running shoes and not winter boots when it’s 2 degrees. I say it’s cold, and he replies, “I am Canadian. I am used to this weather,” she says.

Like Justino, immigrants in Canada often find

“I remember my mother and a friend found some of my habits weird – that I used coconut oil as a moisturizer! When I saw their parties, their songs and how they danced and talked to each other closely, I felt amazed. I marvelled at their genuine happiness even when dealing with difficult moments in life. My friends were surprised that I was surprised with their natural Brazilian way of living,” she says.

Funnily enough, when she’s in Canada,

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

above Camila Justino

themselves in switch and swap mode, trying to adapt to the Canadian way of life while also making sure that the connection to their native country is alive and well. But it is a process – trying to find that sweet spot between belonging and letting go.

Seeking belonging Kitchener-based management consultant Ayo Owodunni and his wife had flourishing careers in Nigeria but decided to move to Canada for a better quality of life for their young family. “We love Nigeria, but we didn’t want to leave the house at 5:30 a.m. every morning and get home at 11 pm, where we were too tired to spend time with our children and then eventually grow apart. That’s why Canada came into the picture because we wanted a better work-life balance,” he says.

But Owodunni shares that his initial experiences in Canada were disappointing.

He dealt with professional challenges that are intrinsic to a new immigrant’s experience in Canada – not finding a suitable job despite his

In the last few years, Owodunni has been using his expertise as a diversity and inclusion consultant to help companies and employees navigate cultural issues that require a nuanced point of view. That’s helped him make a connection with Canada and instilled a sense of belonging towards his adopted country. “A community-based organization asked me to facilitate a conversation between them and their bosses, and it felt so humbling that they thought that I was the right person to do this. Adding value to someone’s life and making a difference, that gives me a sense of belonging here,” he says.

Acclaimed filmmaker, doctoral scholar and musician Cyrus Sundar Singh finds value in exploring the themes of belonging and identity through his academic research into these issues and through the creative medium.

“When I am writing a song or a poem or a thesis or an essay, I begin to explore that on many levels. For example, if I am feeling excluded or feel that I don’t belong, I have to explore it.

Academia has given me an opportunity to not only in the moment say something, but also to create, to express that feeling and put it out into the world. That gives it more value,” he says.

qualifications and experience, not being able to rent because of the lack of a credit history and even some discrimination. “Finally, even when I got a job in a consulting firm, it felt like they were saying that I wasn’t good enough to see or consult for their clients yet. I was the only Black person in every room, you know, and I was relegated to making cold calls! I was depressed but I worked through it,” he says.

Indo-Canadian Sundar Singh raises these questions in his Gemini Award-winning documentary, Film Club. The documentary is about the reunion of Singh’s immigrant schoolmates who created a film called Ohh Canada about identity and belonging. Sundar Singh who lived through the days of “Paki” bashing in the mid to late 70s – when people from the South Asian community faced racist taunts because of their skin colour, looks at belonging through the lens of identity.

“I decided a long time ago that I didn’t want to just hang out with people that only looked like me. So that allowed me an opportunity to play with a diverse range of people, ideas and ideologies, which made me grow as a person and an artist. To me, art is the answer to some things that aren’t working – like some aspects of multiculturalism and how issues of race and colour factor into it,” he says.

Sundar Singh recently co-led the “i…am” project to explore the evolution of the ideal of multiculturalism in Canada and the sense of belonging to Canada. Graduate students from all over Canada were asked to produce a short film to address three questions: How do you see yourself? How do you wish to be seen? How are you seen by others?

Embracing duality above Ayo Owodunni

For Owodunni, answering these questions

about belonging is tied to the concept of home and he thinks he’s just about found the sweet spot.

above Cyrus Sundar Singh Photo Credit Bob Bean He loves walking into a noisy Nigerian restaurant in Toronto with the music blaring and people talking over each other. When he visits his hometown, Lagos, he finds comfort in laying on his mother’s bed or sitting on the floor with his family and eating the local food with his fingers. And Canada is home because that’s where he created a community and came into his own, personally and professionally.

“I would say home is where you make it and that requires work. So, inviting people over, going to community events, volunteering at associations, even stepping out of your comfort zone to meet with people who hurt you. That helps cultivate a sense of belonging,” he says.

Sundar Singh concurs. “Just walk across the street, knock on the door and say hello! That’s the start of anything that comes afterwards, or not! Even if someone refuses to open the door, you’ve taken the step. So at least you know,” he says.

Meanwhile Justino has decided to revel in her duality, which is also apparent in her work as a writer – she writes exclusively in English which is her second language.

“I still see myself using words that don’t exist like ‘washar,’ wash from English plus the Portuguese form ‘ar.’ My brain seems to mix my sense of belonging when I try to produce words.

Sometimes, I worry that no language will remain within me. But I can’t stop writing because that’s how I investigate my sense of belonging. I will keep trying to be understood using my own language; it’s not fully English or Portuguese.

It’s an in-between language, fragmented like my own identity. Being aware of my broken pieces represents my freedom,” she says.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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CAREERS & EDUCATION HIGHER LEARNING

Managing full-time school and part-time work Important considerations to keep in mind

T

here are a number of good reasons to combine school and work. Many students work while they go to school often because they cannot afford to do otherwise. But there are many other benefits that go beyond just finances, such as gaining work experience in your field.

An employer may be more inclined to hire you if you are studying a subject related to the work you want to do.

your school needs. This may be for you, you may want to seek something you will want to discuss support with this at your school.

Most post-secondary institutions with your employer initially. have counsellors, advisors, or peer Being aware of and using your mentors that can help with this. personal best time for studying may They may also offer workshops on ultimately save you time. After all, it strategies for managing your time. is not about the quantity of time you Whether this is an obligation set aside that’s important, it’s the quality of attention. When you are or you just want to get a job, work most alert and able to concentrate, shouldn’t be a constant source your toughest subjects should be of stress. There is enough of that in being a student. Work should tackled. help you with your finances, gain Fitting in some daily exercise needed work experience, or help may also give you extra stamina and with contacts. If it is none of these, sharpen your focus; although you it may be time to reconsider or visit Once you have decided that don’t want to overdo it so that it the career centre at your school and you can or must work while also takes too long and tires you out. If look for a better job. The goal is to attending school, juggling both will managing your time and achieving reap some benefit of working while require some effort and planning. the right balance is a struggle being a student.

Managing your time will be critical, Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer have but other factors may also prove to extensive experience working in university and be equally important. college settings, providing career, academic and personal counselling to international and For instance, by making time immigrant students. to attend all classes, you can participate in quizzes, get detailed instructions, closely follow what the professor highlights, ask questions and get clarification. The professor’s emphasis will help you determine what to study. Attending classes may seem like something you can skip, but rarely is this the case.

For instance, if you are studying gerontology, you may be able to find work with a service for seniors.

You get to see if you like the work Identifying some time wasters and make contacts for employment may help you find extra study when you graduate. time. If you have a long commute, Another eye-opener could be you could organize your notes on that it may confirm your interest in cards so they can fit in your pocket your chosen subject of study. If you or convert them to become audio find that you dislike the work, then files. Using your commuting time a counsellor or academic advisor wisely could also mean a nap if you at your school may support you in are short on sleep. You can also use exploring other career options and other times such as when waiting in help you determine how to qualify line. If you can find work on campus for them through academics or or near your home, you will be able to cut down on commuting time. other means.

How to manage school and work

If you have the option, you may want to postpone working in your first semester until you see how much time you need for your studies.

The first semester may also alert you to any academic deficiencies you need to concentrate on, which may require the additional time.

When choosing work, an important consideration could be some flexibility in your shifts.

There will be times when school demands increase because of exams, group work or looming assignment deadlines. You may need to either take some time off from work or exchange job shifts to accommodate CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

15

CAREERS & EDUCATION CAREER COACH

Emotional intelligence at work 10 ways to improve your workplace experience

T

he pandemic and its after-effects have fundamentally altered the way we live, work and relate to one another.

In its scale, scope and complexity, the transformation has been unlike anything we have experienced before. In the new normal, the professional with high emotional intelligence (EI) will definitely have the edge.

EI is nothing but the skills to manage your emotions and express them in respectful ways. Today, EI is essential for navigating the important relationships in your life both personally and professionally.

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Being empathetic at work has many benefits. From improving communication to strengthening working relationships, here are 10 ways EI can improve your workplace.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

Improve communication

Strong communication skills are essential for emotional intelligence. The ability to write and speak well is essential for building strong relationships.

Anyone with high EI can adapt his or her communication style to the people they are dealing with. They can identify how to voice their opinions and requirements to others in a direct way without hurting anyone. This also ensures that respect is earned without coming across as too aggressive or too passive.

Strengthen relationships

When you are empathetic, you automatically become a better collaborator and team member. You build rapport and

instant trust by understanding your colleagues’ backgrounds and perspectives better. As a result, you use words of encouragement when others share their opinions and ideas.

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Be more self-aware

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Stay positive

Emotional intelligence starts with selfreflection. A crucial cornerstone of emotional intelligence is self-awareness. This greatly influences growth, within ourselves and in the organization. People who possess high EI are aware of how their actions affect other colleagues. They are also ready to learn from their mistakes by taking feedback and criticism in a positive manner.

Being self-motivated and staying positive

is a hallmark of high EI. These individuals are always ready to act on opportunities, are committed to personal and organizational goals, and keep on going in the face of setbacks.

Nothing is more contagious than a positive attitude. The power of an encouraging word, a positive email and a kind gesture are well understood by such individuals. This attitude helps others around you remain calm and also encourages problem solving and teamwork.

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Embrace change

Once you understand and accept that change is the only constant in life, you’re able to effectively handle the psychological challenges associated with it. This empowers you to efficiently manage the many demands from your organization’s stakeholders and handle priorities easily.

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Improve listening

Emotionally intelligent individuals are experts at active listening, the ability to fully comprehend a speaker before giving a response.

EI helps you to focus on the other person’s needs to fully understand their perspective.

Remember that people use verbal and nonverbal communication, and a highly aware person can grasp both forms of messages. The ability to listen to others also demonstrates your

respectfulness. This forms the foundation for healthy relationships later.

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Validate feelings

An important component of emotional intelligence is knowing how others can feel. It shows how you can empathize with feelings that you may not be feeling yourself and respond in a way that’s respectful and comforting to others.

You can practice empathy and validate the feelings of others by showing that their feelings are important. When you acknowledge their feelings and needs, it will have a positive impact on the conversation.

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Attract opportunities

An enhanced level of empathy helps you anticipate the wants and needs of others. The same empathy also enables you to address the challenges of others, be it a professional one or a personal matter.

As a result, your colleagues are likely to feel valued and accept your suggestions. By showing that you are dedicated to ensuring their success, you earn their trust and loyalty. This can in turn

lead to your colleagues facilitating connections for you with their networks and a possibility of connecting with opportunities.

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Boost creative thinking

When you use empathy in the workplace, you also develop more creative solutions.

Your high EI helps you to look at things from the client’s point of view. You are now able to identify newer challenges and opportunities and implement solutions that work for everyone’s benefit.

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Sharpen leadership skills

Individuals who are emotionally intelligent excel in leadership skills. You possess the strength to take on any endeavour without fear of a setback. The ability to be resourceful, creative and open-minded enhances productivity in the long run.

You set high standards for yourself and also set an example for others to follow. As a result, people start taking initiative and get good at problemsolving and decision-making. Naturally, this leads to a more productive level of performance in life and at work.

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.

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2nd Annual

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

Growing backlogs at IRCC

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What 2022 will bring for Canadian immigration

n 2021 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) met its incredibly ambitious target of admitting 401,000 immigrants, a record. Yet, the achievement appeared to be overshadowed by mounting frustration over processing delays, a perception that client service was decreasing, the year-long pause of invitations to apply in the Federal Skilled Worker Class and Federal Skilled Trades Class, the pause of invitations to apply to the Canadian Experience Class since September 2021, and reports of huge application backlogs.

In order to understand the options that IRCC has in 2022, it is important to understand that the government has no choice but to do one of the following three things to deal with the current backlog. These are:

• Dramatically increasing immigration targets

(to reduce processing backlog and allow new people to apply); Class. During the pandemic there also appears to have been very little movement in the processing • Allowing processing times to continue to of Self-Employed Class, Start-Up Visa Program increase; and Caregiver applications.

• Reducing the number of permanent residence

permits, their duration and the speed in which they are issued. Currently, many economic class applicants can obtain one-year open bridging work permit applications while IRCC processes their permanent resident applications. Maybe IRCC should make these work permits valid for three to five years and issue them automatically as part of the acknowledgement of receipt for a permanent residence application. Foreign workers in Canada who are unable to apply for permanent residence simply because of an IRCC determined temporary need to reduce intake should perhaps also be able to apply for open work permits. Alternatively, IRCC may wish to consider automatically extending all existing work permits and making them open once their current validity periods end.

Many applicants to the Temporary to Permanent applications that the department receives Residence Pathway that the government launched (so they can process the existing applications in May 2021 have yet to receive acknowledgements without dramatically increasing targets). of receipt. If the government decides to let processing times in certain applications continue Difficult decisions to increase in order to keep intake high, then the Many immigration stakeholders will say current frustrations will likely continue to grow. that Canada should increase the number of There will also continue to be an increase in people permanent residents that it admits each year. submitting mandamus applications to the Federal This is especially the case as there are no caps Court of Canada to compel IRCC to process their on the number of temporary residents admitted applications. each year, and it seems odd to restrict the ability of people who already study and work here to Alternatively, if IRCC decides to prioritize remain permanently.

Whether it is the above policy suggestion or reducing the existing backlogs and instead reduce application intake, then there could be something else, 2022 will hopefully be a year of However, a decision to dramatically increase devastating consequences for foreign workers creative ideas at IRCC to mitigate the negative immigration levels may be a politically difficult inside Canada. The lack of any invitations to apply consequences of difficult decisions. At the start one given likely concerns that doing so will lead to the Canadian Experience Class is starting to of 2020, few would have predicted that a global to increased social services costs and a shortage have consequences for foreign workers in Canada pandemic would have wreaked havoc on many of housing. However, immigration stakeholders whose work permits are expiring. The longer this Canadian immigration programs or that Canada would be prudent to plan for the possibility of continues, the more media stories will shift from would seek to resettle tens of thousands of Afghan either increased processing times or reduced application backlogs and processing delays to refugees. Who knows what 2022 will bring in application intake. foreign workers in Canada having to quit their terms of new COVID-19 waves, global conflict or environmental catastrophes that may impact an jobs, pack up their bags and return home.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Express already strained Canadian immigration system?

Entry had predictable processing times of under Creative solutions The decisions may continue to become more six months. By the end of 2021 the processing The solution to many of the current frustrations difficult, and the creativity of the solutions more times had ballooned to around seven months may be an increase in the issuance of open work imperative. for Canadian Experience Class applications (although some are processed in one to three Steven Meurrens is an immigration lawyer with Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver. Contact months) and more than two years for the Federal him at 604-681-9887, by email at steven.meurrens@larlee.com, or visit his blog at Skilled Worker Class and Federal Skilled Trades smeurrens.com.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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SETTLEMENT PARENTING

Preparing your family for emergencies Plan ahead to stay safe

• Make sure that family members, including the children, know where to find the emergency contact list, emergency kit, exits, location of the fire extinguisher and how to turn off the gas/water. Keep up your home maintenance and ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage.

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mergencies can happen to anyone, at any time. Being prepared by involving the entire family, including your children, can help you respond quickly with the necessary information, skills and supplies. It can reduce the negative impact and even save lives. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Prepare for emergencies such as fires, power outages or a pandemic.

Also, know the types of emergencies and disasters that can happen in the area you live in, such as extreme temperatures, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes or landslides.

• Devise a communication plan to connect with each other in case family members are at different locations when an emergency happens. Arrange for an out-oftown emergency contact. Inquire about your child’s school’s preparedness plan and how to pick up your children in school in case of emergency.

• Prepare family emergency kits stocked with supplies that your family might need for at least 72 hours. These include a first aid kit, water, non-perishable food, flashlight, medications, important

documents, cash and more.

Customize your kits depending on age of your children, medical conditions, dietary and family needs.

Remember to prepare another kit for your family vehicle.

and connect with your children and seek professional help if needed. See kidshelpphone.ca and crisistextline. ca for more resources that your children can access.

• Research your local municipality and find out its emergency contact first aid courses to better prepare you numbers. Learn about your to deal with emergencies and to learn municipal, provincial and federal safety tips and lifesaving skills. There emergency alerting systems. See are a variety of online materials and alertready.ca for more information. courses offered in many languages and to different age groups.

• Connect with your family and community to find ways to be children about prepared and support each other • Educate possible scenarios and strategies during emergencies. Be sure to to use before, during and after regularly review, revise and practice emergencies. Be prepared to address emergency and communication any concerns or questions your plans. For more information, visit children might have, especially after redcross.ca/ready and getprepared. major disasters. Regularly monitor gc.ca. Stay safe and take care.

• Take emergency preparedness and

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.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

MONEY & BUSINESS T IP S F OR SE T T L ING IN FA S T E R

How to financially prepare for your winter semester in Canada

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ver the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in international students enrolling from South Asian countries such as India – countries known for their mild climates.

Tips to manage your finances

In addition to coming face-toface with a brisk Canadian winter, they may be in for a surprise at the unanticipated expenses that go along with it. In fact, a survey

by RBC shows that 42 per cent of international students are overwhelmed when it comes to money and need help, and 41 per cent admit they struggle with creating and maintaining a budget.

One of the most important things is to make sure you know your numbers and cash flow, which will help you stay on track with spending and even save some money. Having a proper budget and tracking your expenses will help provide insight into your spending patterns, keep spending in check and avoid potential student debt.

Unexpected winter expenses

enough money – here are some tips Many international students to help you handle your finances may be unprepared for the frosty successfully: temperatures as they arrive in the middle of a Canadian winter, and • Speak with a financial advisor – one of the first things they should A financial advisor is often a good look to buy is a warm winter coat. starting point when you arrive in Set aside a small budget and save Canada, as opening a bank money by searching for deals account is essential. Financial on resale sites such as Facebook advisors can recommend Marketplace and Kijiji, or visit local accounts that cater to your thrift shops for bargain investment needs and include valuable, pieces. A winter coat is something money-saving features such as no that can (and should) last for years – monthly account fees. A financial and oftentimes you can find items in advisor can also direct you to the new, or nearly new, condition. appropriate banking solutions that will help prepare you for a Students used to warmer climates successful financial future. may not be familiar with central heating (or radiators, for older • Build a credit history – A good residences). Some buildings or credit score is often needed for homes may have this included in many things – from renting to the monthly rent, while others may getting a cell phone or a loan – charge a separate fee which ranges even as a student. Opening a based on usage and time of day. Heat credit card will help to build your is essential in the winter and should credit score, but be sure to pay be built into your monthly budget. off the bill each month to avoid In the middle of winter, heating late payment fees and penalties. costs can climb to over $100/month, and will decrease once spring – and • Enhance your financial literacy – According to the RBC survey, the warm weather – arrives around international students hold April and May. many misconceptions when it comes to finances. For example, Tips for financial success on an 26 per cent know a credit score international student’s budget is important, but don’t know what It’s important to understand and it is, and 58 per cent believe plan for expenses to ensure you have

paying the monthly minimum on a credit card means they don’t pay interest. Check out resources such as the McGill Personal Finance Essentials, a free online program, to learn how to create a budget, manage your finances and save for the future.

Amit Brahme is senior director, newcomer client strategy with Royal Bank of Canada. Visit rbc.com/newcomers or visit a branch near you for help and advice to help you save more and settle in faster.

 Helping newcomers explore career & job opportunities  Register for free workshops & networking events  Support & resources for starting a business SKILLED IMMIGRANT INFOCENTRE Central Library, Level 4 350 West Georgia St. Vancouver, B.C. 604-331-3653  siic@vpl.ca  skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca @VPLSiiC

/SkilledImmigrantInfoCentre

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MONEY & BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The importance of customer relationship management Give your business a competitive advantage

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lobalization and an everincreasing competitive market pose a greater need for businesses to create a unique advantage. There is significant motivation for a shift in the way businesses operate from the traditional production push to a demand pull approach. A production push is when goods are produced in the anticipation of being purchased. In contrast, a demand pull is whereby the company seeks to identify what is desired by its existing and potential customers and produce what meets the demand.

Such business transformation prioritizes customers’ needs and wants and an intentional focus on customer relationship management (CRM).

CRM is defined as a crossfunctional strategic process utilized by firms to manage and develop their interactions with current and potential customers. To efficiently and effectively respond to rapid

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changes in customer demand, firms must have access to timely and accurate information regarding their current and potential customers.

Effective CRM strategies give businesses a competitive advantage and should not be underestimated in today’s marketplace. It is a way to penetrate the market, secure your market position and also to expand your market share.

These benefits will be derived from utilizing CRM to acquire and retain customers. There may be instances when a business fails to meet the expectation of its customers. In order to acquire and retain customers, it is important for a business to take responsibility and be accountable for its actions to maintain a good relationship with customers.

Various measures to create a good impression of the company include acknowledging a customer’s complaint, showing empathy, explaining how the matter will 3:03 PM be resolved and being prompt in actions to rectify the matter. It is also important to follow up with the customer to ascertain whether they are satisfied with the outcome.

It is a best practice to proactively emphasize customer-centricity to address customer service challenges.

This will enable the business to

demonstrate a genuine concern for the well-being of its customers, leading to positive results.

On the flipside, a customer could have been at fault by not following the instructions provided with a product or have misinterpreted a key term of the agreement. Rather than denying a claim, it is a better option to weigh the costs and benefits of granting the claim. An assessment of the situation may uncover that it is worthwhile to grant the request on a one-time basis. A customer who has made a mistake would be grateful to the company for its gesture and could become a repeat customer, influencer and promoter of the business.

Many businesses invest in CRM software to streamline their processes as they keep track of changing customer wants and preferences. This is a dynamic way to assess real demand and to be responsive to customers. The software enables the monitoring, controlling and linking of several functional areas to deliver value to customers.

It is more efficient and convenient to record notes in a customer profile in a central system rather than having the customer go through a recollection of all previous conversations on each phone call.

The cost of CRM software can vary depending on the number of users, size of the company and the type of functionality included.

Salesforce is a popular one that is user-friendly and convenient.

CRM is crucial for sustainability in business because keeping track of the services offered to your customers is the valued added component that will be a differentiating factor. It is through superb quality service and positive relationships that customer loyalty and goodwill are established.

Sharee Aluko has a master’s in business administration and owns a business consultancy firm. She also teaches business courses at the college level on a part-time basis.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

LIVING WELLNESS

Find ways to increase laughter in your life

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Simple things you can do to boost your emotional health as forced laughter and since it is contagious, it then becomes real.

You can also look up videos for exercises if you do not have the time to enrol in the classes.

ooking for a way to instantly lift your mood? Laughter has a positive impact on our physical and emotional health in so many different ways. It boosts our immune system, helps our heart health and protects our body and mind from the damaging effects of stress. Studies have shown that laughter can reduce anxiety and depression and make people happier. Laughter also has the potential to bring people together and strengthen bonds.

Many newcomers who are busy with everyday struggles and other anxieties say that they don’t laugh as much as they used to in their home countries. The common reasons shared by them are the lack of opportunities such as family events, gatherings with friends and lunch break chats in workplaces. Some also indicate that they don’t have

Try something new and playful: Visiting a comedy club, taking an amusement park ride, playing with little kids or pet sitting can lighten your mood. You may also think of throwing a laugh party once in a while for friends (you can even consider doing it virtually during COVID).

the time and often face language issues and cultural differences in understanding humour. Finding activities and outlets for laughter can be more challenging for seniors, those with disabilities or newcomer

Find laughter online: In this digital age, you may want to try checking out resources and people mothers who are homebound for who are in the job of making others laugh. Find a comedy show on TV most of the day. or follow a comedian on YouTube.

With laughter being such a A chuckle or a loud laugh on your powerful, free tool to help our own can serve as a daily dose for wellness and to heal, here are a few your mental health. simple things you can do to increase laughter in your life: Laugh with others: Make time and create opportunities to laugh Surround yourself with things together. Have fun with your family and people who make you laugh: by tickling one another, watching We are all different and different Just for Laughs Gags/Mr. Bean videos things make us laugh. A funny together or making your own funny poster/joke book/funny face photo videos to create fun memories in your room can give you the and help you laugh too. If you live needed humor boost. Spending alone, invite a local friend to watch time with people who are light with you and help you understand hearted, silly and funny can be very comedy and satire from this culture. uplifting.

With the current COVID-19 crisis Laugh at yourself: As a newcomer, prolonging and continuing to be if you have had experiences that stressful, we may not have enough were embarrassing, laugh it out. reasons to laugh and some of us Slipping and having a light fall in may have forgotten what it is like to snow, mispronouncing a word, have a good, hearty laugh. taking a wrong bus route may seem serious, but laughing can It is very important that we create help. Making a conscious effort by opportunities to laugh and reap its visualizing funny events from the benefits. After all, laughter is the past can also make you laugh. best medicine that does not require a prescription and is within reach.

Enroll in laughter yoga: This unique style of yoga combines yogic Laugh your way to better health in breathing and laughter. It starts 2022!

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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LIVING

Small Towns

BIG OPPORTUNITIES Why immigrants are moving away from urban centres

By Carolyn Bennett

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f there’s anything that the pandemic has proven, it is that there’s life beyond the big cities. Tens of thousands of people have left urban centres like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver in favour of small town Canada. For newcomers, the lure of cheaper housing, more space and more opportunity has them looking further afield. For rural communities, the challenge is to balance progress while preserving their unique histories.

town in Ontario make it an important economic hub. This small town, situated on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River across from New York State, is just a few hours away from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Once a manufacturing and industrial giant, Brockville is once again seeing economic growth and investment.

Many immigrants like Wajahat Khaleeque (aka Waji the Baker) made the move to Brockville in 2020 for economic opportunities. Khaleeque Brockville is one such historic community immigrated to Canada from Pakistan in 2002, that is welcoming newcomers to contribute to earned a bachelor of commerce degree, and gained a Certified Bakery Specialist designation its rich heritage. from the Baking Association of Canada.

The coordinates of the oldest incorporated After 15 years of working in bakeries around the Greater Toronto Area, he opened his own café in Mississauga and started serving all day breakfast. But when Sunset Grill offered him a franchise opportunity in Brockville, he took a leap of faith and opened the business.

“I had lived the majority of my life in Toronto,” says Khaleeque. “I don’t have any relatives or friends in Brockville, but since moving here I’ve made a lot of new friends in customers, staff members, and neighbours. Brockville is beautiful. I’m glad I moved here. I love the small town feel.”

above Ahmad Khadra the culture shock is worth the effort. Khadra, owner of Kinda Electronics in Brockville’s historic downtown, landed in Montreal when he came to Canada from Syria in 1995, but left soon after for Brockville.

“If you like nature and the outdoors and a relaxed pace of life, this is the place for you,” Khadra says. “A few times in the summer I’m Life in the slow lane Small town living can be startling for asked to take people out on St. Lawrence River newcomers who move here from the big city. But cruises. In late September on the boat, when the above Wajahat Khaleeque immigrants like Ahmad Khadra have found that sun is setting on the river – it’s paradise.”

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

Priti Luhadia ran for an interim seat on Brockville City Council in November 2021, even though she had never been involved in politics.

“I put myself forward because I feel the need for diversity to be there, so that more people can engage and bring out their voices. People of other ethnicities are living in Brockville and have never been represented.”

While she didn’t make it to Council, Luhadia, a pharmacist who has been a Brockvillian for 20 years, has already made significant contributions to the city. “Our 2021 Indian Independence Day celebration was amazing. I helped organize the event outside the historic Brockville Court House. Our local MP and MPP participated, as did many other dignitaries.”

above Marc Gomez-Segu with staff Brockville has changed a lot since he’s lived here. “I remember in the early days I was walking down the street and three men were coming toward me. One of them said with a perfect accent ‘As-salamu alaikum’.” I put my fists up thinking they wanted to fight! I was known as the ‘husband of the lady who wears a scarf.’ Brockville people are very kind-hearted, very open,” Khadra says.

highlight the growing diversity of the region.

Her advice to newcomers considering the move to a smaller town is to embrace the Canadian experience. “I would absolutely recommend a smaller centre like Brockville to newcomers. To raise your family, this is one of the best places,” she says.

“We have an Immigrant Entrepreneur Award Luhadia says the one question she’s asked a lot every year that helps promote the achievements is if she’s ever thought about living in Toronto or of newcomers. And our ‘We Are Neighbours’ campaign demonstrates the diversity of our Brampton. While she admits getting vegetarian and Indian food would be easier, she says she people and the ways of life here.” can always hop on the 401 for the weekend.

“Progress is being made,” says Francis. “We’re Besides, she says embracing smaller getting the word out that there’s diversity here communities gives you a better version of Newcomer Marc Gomez-Segu also found it and that newcomers are incredible and have Canadian life.

“If you’re in Toronto or Brampton very hard to adjust to small town living when amazing stories.” or Montreal, you will be more into your own he arrived in 2015 to be with his wife who grew “I was born and raised in Brockville,” adds community, and you don’t get a full taste of up in the area. “I joke that I was thrown in the Lauren Smith, program coordinator with the what Canadian life is. Canadian life has a lot to bushes!” Gomez-Segu says.

Partnership. “I’ve noticed a visible change in offer to you as an immigrant and you can build But he decided to make the effort. “I had the diversity in the area. It’s been a slow gradual that life and that dream that you came here very little English, but I went to school and change, but it’s different from what it was even for. Smaller communities will give you more opportunity to do a lot of stuff.” learned.” Today, Gomez-Segu, the 2021 Leeds 10 years ago.” and Grenville Immigrant Entrepreneur Award Winner, is running a successful food import business, El Rebost de les Milles, in the town of Prescott, just east of Brockville. He recently added a takeout component to bring in more revenue during the pandemic, and the community has been enthusiastic.

He says that Prescott’s location close to the 401 is a big plus. “For me, this is the perfect location for my wholesale business, in the middle of the largest cities in Canada. I would say that this area has a lot of opportunities, but it has to be the right fit for you.”

Growing diversity The population in Brockville, like most small towns in Canada, is predominantly White. As Melissa Francis, program manager of the St. Lawrence-Rideau Immigration Partnership, a coalition of organizations building local capacity to attract, settle and integrate immigrants points out, several initiatives

above Priti Luhadia (R) with community members and dignitaries at the 2021 India Independence Day celebration CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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PROFILE

STORYTELLER WITH PURPOSE English-born Canadian actor of Jamaican origin Arnold Pinnock is the co-creator of Canada’s largest Black-led television production

By Lucy Slavianska

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To those coming to Canada, I want to say that there were people who communities across Canada. The series also reveals the events that gave had laid the foundations for us, and we should put them on a pedestal, birth to the world’s first Black union. because they have paved the roads and helped us to be in the position that we Pinnock relates the journeys and struggles of the characters in The Porter are now,” English-born Canadian actor Arnold Pinnock says. to the journey of his own family and praises his parents for being an example Pinnock is co-creator, executive producer and writer of the new CBC of dedication, endurance, hard work and courage – qualities and character original series The Porter. Pinnock also plays the character "Glenford" traits that helped him adapt to Canada and find success. in the country’s biggest Black-led television production that is inspired Pinnock was born in the U.K. to a family of Jamaican immigrants. His by real events. Set in the 1920s, it presents untold stories of Black Canadians, including Black train porters and Black Cross Nurses, their parents were part of the so-called 'Windrush generation' – people from dreams and ambitions, and their essential role in forming many Black Caribbean countries who were brought to the UK after WW2 to fill the shortages in the labour market. These people played an important role in rebuilding the country; however, they faced prejudice, racism and discrimination.

Pinnock’s mother was a nurse and his father worked at a factory in Birmingham. Race riots in the ’70s forced the Pinnocks to look for a better country for themselves and their five children and, in 1975, they moved to Canada where Pinnock’s mother’s brothers lived. Arnold was seven years old at that time.

“The first year in Toronto we stayed with my uncle’s family,” he remembers. “They had four kids, so it was a family of six and we were seven.

So imagine a house full of kids, teenagers and adults – that was pretty crazy.

And we lived like this until my parents eventually managed to afford to rent our own home.

“It must have been really tough for them, but all what they were doing showed me how persistent they were, how determined they were to build a new life for us here in Canada. And I can see where my own persistency comes from – I have learned it from them,” he says.

above English-born Canadian actor Arnold Pinnock

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

For Pinnock and his siblings, adapting to Canada was not easy either.

Coming from Birmingham, UK, they spoke the Brummie dialect, which, as Pinnock explains, is sometimes hard for people from other parts of England

above Arnold Pinnock as the character Glenford with additional cast of The Porter

Photo credit Courtesy of CBC; Photo by Prairie Porter Inc. / Sienna Films Porter Inc.

to understand, and in Canada, it became an even more serious barrier to poor,” he explains, “and we obviously had really difficult times, but when we sat around this little apparatus we called ‘the tele’ to watch comedy, communicating with others. sports, drama, it was our family moment, and it was when we felt happiest.

Going to school was a painful experience for Pinnock. “I think every And so I used to say I wanted to be on tele – because it made us laugh, it young kid coming from a different part of the world to Canada can relate made us cheer, it just brought so many emotions to us." with what we were dealing with. They say that kids can be really mean – Pinnock began his career with sketch comedy at Toronto's Second City they really can be mean,” he says.

Mainstage. Following his passion for television and film, and armed with Fitting in was a challenge. “I found it extremely tough to find friends and persistence, Pinnock has now built a career that spans over three decades. to fit in. I didn’t have the fanciest clothes. The first day of school my parents His acting credits include Exit Wounds (starring Steven Segal) and Cold put me in the uniform that I used to wear in England, so there I was, going Pursuit (with Liam Neeson), and roles in TV series including Altered Carbon to a public school with a tie, in my grey pants, my kind of cardigan… and (Netflix), Life with Derek (Disney) and Baroness von Sketch Show (CBC). the public school kids were like, ‘What the hell is this?’”

Pinnock is excited about his future projects – after The Porter he hopes to Showing compassion, however, wasn’t his parents’ strategy. “As continue showcasing the perspectives of visible minorities. immigrants who had grown up in the Caribbean and lived the hardships of “I think there are so many stories about Canada, not just from a Black England, their reaction was, ‘Toughen up!’ or ‘Stiff upper lip!’ I would say I didn’t want to go back to school, and they would reply, ‘You’re going back perspective, but from a multitude of perspectives. And not just about there tomorrow, and you are going to get tougher and tougher and tougher! the past, but in the here and now, across the country,” he says. “We can You’re going to deal with it because this is where we are! And you are better dramatize them in TV series, or in movies, or in plays – and I think we are than them!’ So, as I was listening to this, every day got better. The bullies in a place right now where people are asking to tell these stories and they wouldn’t pick on me that much. My strong Brummie accent turned into a are listening to them too.” something positive – after a while the other kids kind of liked it,” he says.

Pinnock believes that telling these stories will empower immigrants and Being athletic helped Pinnock become more popular at school, but he their children, make them feel proud of their origins and inspire them to knew from a very early age he wanted to be an actor. “We were pretty pursue their dreams.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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MOTIVATION

WINNING

advice

Top 25 Canadian Immigrants from 2021 share their thoughts, wisdom and some inspirational advice with you as we take on 2022!

Dr. Victoria Lee

CEO and president, Fraser Health Authority Difficult times can lead to deeper reflections about why we do what we do and how we conduct ourselves. As we transition to a new year from nearly two years of the global COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage everyone to take some time to reach out to diverse groups of people that you care about or admire. These connections can reinvigorate you with new knowledge, provide an opportunity to reflect on your values, and recalibrate your life journey. Best wishes for a healthy, fulfilling and peaceful 2022!

City: Vancouver, B.C. Country of origin: South Korea

Boris Tsimerinov CEO and founder, Semper8

There have been many challenges for all in 2021 and especially for immigrants. These setbacks are best overcome together. I believe that newcomers should not hesitate to forge relationships in Canada’s diverse communities and to explore their options, including virtually. Meeting new people, learning their unique perspectives, and defining commonalities is essential for growth, for psychological fulfillment and can open doors on both the professional and on the personal level.

City: Toronto, Ontario Country of origin: Russia

Zen Tharani

CEO and founder, Xenex Consulting Inc. As an immigrant, it is easy to get caught in the scarcity mindset. That’s when we feel that there isn’t enough of something to go around. Making decisions in that mindset, may lead us to jump into things that are not good for us or not in alignment with our personal values. I have found that when we step out of the scarcity mindset, we can take that added pressure off ourselves and make better decisions.

City: Victoria, B.C. Country of origin: Pakistan

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 19 Issue 1 | 2022

Sonia Sidhu

Member of Parliament for Brampton South The last two years have been challenging for many, but we have reason to be optimistic about 2022. I encourage everyone to remember to take care of themselves, but also to take care of their communities and find a way to improve it or help those who have struggled. There are few things as rewarding as the days when I know I have helped constituents and made their lives a little better. Everyone can find their own way of doing that.

City: Brampton, Ontario Country of origin: India

Luis Carlos Flores Aguilar Communications advisor

The pandemic has taken its toll on our country and society. The coming months and years will provide plenty of opportunities to rebuild, and immigrants will be the key to becoming stronger than ever. Our capacity to be resilient, creative and hardworking in the face of adversity will launch our country to heights never seen before. Let’s always remember the value we bring to our communities and continue empowering each other to achieve our goals.

City: Edmonton, Alberta Country of origin: Mexico

Hassan Wadi

Professional speaker; fitness professional; entrepreneur 2021 felt like a roller coaster for many of us. It was rocky, and there were many ups and downs.

But It was a great reminder on how strong we can really be. I feel like 2022 can be the bounce back year for many of us. Just remember, with every failure there is opportunity. With every struggle there is ease. As Tony Robbins would say, “Life is happening for you, not to you.”

City: Mississauga, Ontario Country of origin: Saudi Arabia

Jaclyn (Jie) Zhang

President, Futurevic Global Sourcing Inc. We all come to Canada with a dream, but to make your dream come true, you have to make ten-fold efforts in family, business and community. It takes time to adapt to a new language, adjust to a new culture, and build a new network, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

My top tip to newcomers is to love Canada, make connections, be optimistic, be hopeful, be confident, help and support others.

City: Richmond Hill, Ontario Country of origin: China CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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Nominations are Open!

Do you know an inspiring immigrant who has made a positive impact in Canada?

Celebrate their achievements by nominating them for this coveted national award.

NomiNate today at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25

Presenting Sponsor:

Program Partners:

Media Sponsors:

SING TAO MEDIA

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