Canadian Immigrant March 2021

Volume 18 Issue 2 | 2021 c anadianimmigr ant.c a

Publications mail agreement number 40011993 | $5.95

ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.

MEET OUR HEROES ON THE FRONTLINES OF THE PANDEMIC

DR. THERESA TAM AND THIS YEAR’S EIGHTH ANNUAL IMMIGRANT WOMEN OF INSPIRATION

TOP 25 CANADIAN IMMIGRANT AWARDS

NOMINATIONS OPENING SOON

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING

during the pandemic

Smart answers to behavioural interview questions

IMMIGRATION LAW Do you need to hire a representative?

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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CONTENTS Volume 18 Issue 2, 2021

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FUSION

PROFILE: Iqbal Haer from BMO speaks about his passion for finance NEWS: Upcoming events from Canadian Immigrant, Role of middle managers in creating immigrantinclusive teams

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COVER STORY

Heroes on the frontlines of the pandemic: The eighth annual Immigration Women of Inspiration special shines a spotlight on heroes who have continued to work with courage, confidence and dedication every day of this pandemic

19 SETTLEMENT

IMMIGRATION LAW: Do you need to hire a representative?

PARENTING: Preserving family traditions during the pandemic

21 LIVING

WELLNESS: Same storm, different boat

Cultivating assertiveness: Three strategies to help

women with the process

Springing into action: Making the most of the warmer weather

29 MONEY AND BUSINESS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Connect with the newcomer tech entrepreneur community

30 BACKPAGE

Humour by Hemeterio

14 CAREERS AND EDUCATION

HIGHER LEARNING: How parents of post-secondary students can help CAREER COACH: Smart answers to behavioural interview questions

16 FEATURE

Virtual volunteering during the pandemic: Giving back to the community, a professional boost and their own mental wellbeing are all reasons why newcomers enjoy and recommend volunteering during COVID-19

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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People. News. Information.

IQBAL HAER

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 2

2021

A passion for finance

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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qbal Haer is the Branch Manager of the BMO University and College branch in downtown Toronto. With over 15 years of experience in the retail banking services sector, he is committed to advising and guiding clients to achieve their financial goals. He came to Canada four decades ago as a young child and has built a successful career in banking. He was a speaker at the 2020 Canadian Immigrant Virtual Fairs.

Tell us about yourself

In 1972, I left India with my mother and my siblings and moved to British Columbia, Canada. Growing up, I would attend kindergarten in the morning and would focus on learning English in the afternoons. As I became more fluent and confident with my English, I was able to communicate with the children in my class and build memorable friendships.

clients. I am committed to growing and learning both personally and professionally, and regularly explore online courses, both offered internally at BMO and externally, that will help improve my skills.

On a personal level, like many Canadians, I am focused on achieving financial independence to allow me to retire between the ages of 50-55. Of course, to What led you to choose a career in banking?

My passion for learning and self-development, achieve this goal, there are many small goals I need to combined with my experience as a BMO co-op student focus on – such as investment goals and exploring a while studying accounting at Kwantlen College has secondary income stream beyond my pension. really been the catalyst to my career.

Starting my first day as a co-op student at BMO, What financial advice would you like to leaders jumped in and began coaching me right away share?

1. It’s important to build your savings and an on all there is to learn about retail banking – such as investments, loans, and customer service. I quickly emergency fund now to ensure you are financially learned that working in banking aligned with my prepared to cover any unplanned expenses.

2. Learn about investing your money. It will help you passions and I too wanted to be a financial expert focused on helping clients reach their financial goals. achieve your short, medium- and long-term Even to this day, the greatest satisfaction and pride I financial goals.

3. Borrowing money isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you have for my job is to see the financial progress of my manage it carefully. It will help you build credit clients and watch them achieve their goals.

for larger borrowing needs you may need like buying

a home.

How has COVID impacted what you do?

Since the beginning of the pandemic our priority has been to help and be there for our clients, communities What is your advice to immigrants and and colleagues through these challenging times. newcomers?

Network, network, network. It’s important to build Although COVID has altered how we interact with clients, my role as a branch manager has remained your network to help you connect both professionally unchanged. I’ve remained focused on supporting and personally.

Also, take advantage of various resources and customers, whether virtually or in person.

In response to the pandemic, and to help limit the products, specifically designed with newcomers to spread of COVID-19, BMO has introduced new digital Canada in mind, to help you navigate your journey in options for virtual appointments and e-signatures Canada.

Most importantly, remember that the financial for signing documents to help serve the needs of our advisor at your bank is one of your most trusted clients in an efficient and timely manner. relationships and should be treated as equally important as your relationship with your doctor or What are your future plans?

The financial industry is constantly evolving, dentist. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it’s important and that means financial professionals like myself you understand and are comfortable with the decisions need to evolve with it to meet the changing needs of you make.

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 2 | 2021

FUSION

news

Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award nominations and upcoming events In 2021, the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards will be back for its 13th year to highlight stories of immigrant success, philanthropy and inspiration. Immigrants increasingly make up a large portion of our population and have made – and continue to make – immeasurable contributions to the Canadian economy, society and Canada overall.

These prestigious national awards recognize immigrants who have helped shape Canada’s diverse landscape. The awards are an important celebration of diversity and the significance of coming together as Canadians, highlighting inspiring stories of immigrants from across Canada, and honouring them with the only

national award celebrating immigrant success.

We are thrilled to announce that COSTI has joined us as one of our program partners for 2021.

Nominations for the awards will be open in April, visit our website or follow us on social media to stay in the loop!

Following the high level of interest and engagement in our 2020 Virtual Fairs, also coming up in April are the 2021 Canadian Immigrant Virtual Fairs – Eastern Canada, including Ontario and Nova Scotia, on April 15, 2021; and Western Canada including British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba, on April 29, 2021.

Sponsored by BMO and Public Mobile, these free all-day virtual events offer a

dynamic environment for immigrants who need support as they look for jobs, go back to school and settle into their new home, taking into consideration the unexpected challenges caused by COVID-19. Attendees can connect with exhibitors including employers, recruiters, immigrant service providers and educational institutions.

Visitors can also attend virtual sessions to hear from inspiring speakers on topics ranging from resilience, immigration and pathways to permanent residency, financial advice and banking, and soft skills.

Visit canadianimmigrant.ca to find out more and register.

Middle managers important in creating immigrant-inclusive teams A new report published by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), Make or Break: How middle managers and executives can build immigrant-inclusive teams, finds that one group that makes or breaks efforts to build immigrant-inclusive teams in the workplace is middle managers.

This report finds that while workplace inclusion starts with executive leadership, it is the everyday choices and actions of middle managers that pave the way for immigrant

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 2 | 2021

professionals to reach their full potential.

This group has significant influence over what happens after an immigrant is hired, whether they feel part of their team, offering the feedback they need to grow, and ultimately the extent to which they progress in the organization.

The report finds that not enough workplaces measure how they are faring in terms of hiring, retaining or promoting immigrant professionals; Immigrant inclusion efforts by middle management have a greater chance of success if

tied to organizational goals and conscious and unconscious bias creates systemic barriers that prevent immigrants from achieving their full potential. Preconceived ideas about international education, perceived lack of soft skills and different accents still affect immigrants’ ability to progress.

The report shares practical actions that management can take to positively form and lead immigrant-inclusive teams, and how executives can support them. For more information, visit triec.ca.

COVER STORY

HEROES ON THE FRONTLINES OF THE PANDEMIC Our eighth annual ‘Immigrant Women of Inspiration’ special shines a spotlight on heroes who have continued to work with courage, confidence and dedication every day of this pandemic, making vital contributions to improving the lives of people in Canada in their own unique ways.

We bring to you four inspiring women from across Canada who have been on the frontlines of fighting COVID-19 and supporting their communities. Here are the inspiring and motivational stories of Dr. Theresa Tam, Jennifer Chen, Claudette Lennard and Vedanshi Vala.

We would like to recognize all nominations we have received this year as women of inspiration – without their efforts, we would not be starting to emerge from this challenging situation.

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r. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, is a household name today. A fierce public health advocate, she has been a key voice in guiding Canadians during this pandemic.

Hong Kong-born Tam moved to the UK with her family when she was in primary school and got her medical license before moving to Canada in the early ’90s. Like all internationally trained medical professionals, Tam went through the re-qualification process and completed her pediatrics residency program at the University of Alberta before pursuing further sub-speciality training as a pediatric infectious diseases fellow at the University of British Columbia. “Inspired and guided by great mentors at the Children’s Hospital of British Columbia, I became interested in vaccines and their critical application in public health,” she says.

Tam entered public health through the Canadian Field Epidemiology Program at Health Canada (now at the Public Health Agency of Canada).

“Some of the happiest moments in my career were out in the field investigating and managing outbreaks of infectious diseases in Canada and internationally.

“It took me a while to say goodbye to my clinical practice, but when the time came to choose, I realized I was much more interested in how the ways we live, work and behave impact our health. I wanted to know how,

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 2 | 2021

by changing systems and structures, we could improve health for everyone.

The work satisfaction in public health comes from the prevention of illnesses and promoting the wellbeing of communities rather than treating one patient at a time,” she says.

One of Tam’s goals when she took on the key leadership role as Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer in 2017 was to make good health a possibility for everyone in Canada. “Equity is vital for ensuring health security and preventing future health emergencies. COVID-19 has highlighted the many facets of the pandemic response that are beyond actions of the health sector and that social, economic and other supports are crucial,” says Tam. Tam encourages newcomers and immigrants to take action and seek support during the pandemic. “... Speak to people you trust in your settlement community or consult your primary care provider – either a family physician, a walk-in clinic, a community health centre, or even a hospital – to learn about the options that are available to support your health and well-being. This help is also available to newcomers, including refugees. I urge you to get the help you need.”

She talks about the importance of finding ways to stay connected to loved ones in these challenging times and shares innovative ways she connects

with her own large family, from virtual concerts to cooking sessions.

“Although we can’t be physically together, we have found ways to stay connected. Music is a big part of my family’s life, so we sometimes have virtual family concerts. We will all play the same music on our own and send the video to one of us who is more technologically adept than I am, to splice it together as if we’re all playing together. It’s quite amazing!

“I am sure many of you have musical families, or artistic families or families who like to cook together. I’m very close with my sister who bakes, and I am not a baker. It’s great to FaceTime with her and see what she’s baking. She sometimes sends me photos of these beautiful desserts which, of course, I wish I could eat. I really encourage you to get together with your families and friends remotely to share what you love doing, together,” says Tam. She encourages everyone to find ways to make connections, where it is online or offline. “If you don’t have access to the technology to have these types of virtual connections, some public libraries will loan out laptops or tablets for those in need during COVID. There are also many community and faith-based organizations that can help newcomers adjust and develop new social connections. Please use these resources.”

Tam is very hopeful about the future and confident about a better summer and fall than last year.

“I am very optimistic about the coming months…spring and summer are just around the corner, which will allow us all to get outside more often.

We’ve all felt pretty isolated this winter. It is so important to stay active, such as getting out for a walk each day, in order to boost energy levels and feel better overall.

“Our vaccine program is now well underway, and many people have already gotten their vaccine. More vaccines are on the way, and so we will see many, many more people vaccinated during the spring and summer.

Part of protecting both ourselves and others is by rolling up our sleeves to get vaccinated when the time comes.”

“I hope as many people as possible get vaccinated as soon as possible so that we can go back to doing some of the things we love, knowing that everyone has the added layer of protection that vaccines afford,” she says.

Speaking to the added challenge of the emergence of the new virus variants, she asks Canadians to stay vigilant and follow public health measures. “I want to emphasize that our trusted public health measures are effective even against new strains of the COVID-19 virus, so we need to keep doing them.

“I always recommend that everyone follow proven public health measures that can help reduce your risk of contracting a spreading COVID. These include limiting close contacts, wearing a mask when you can’t ensure a distance of two metres when in public, staying home if you’re sick, and getting tested or seeking out treatment if you experience COVID-19 symptoms,” says Tam. She adds that testing is freely available and local health authorities can be consulted on finding how to get tested. She stresses the importance of being aware of COVID-19 prevention recommendations, based on disease activity in specific areas.

So, what keeps Tam inspired and committed to doing what she does?

The People, she says.

“When I was practicing paediatrics, I was constantly inspired by kids as they smile, learn new things and carry on playing the moment they feel a little better in themselves. In public health, the population is my patient and I continue to be amazed by the resiliency and the collective actions

Dr. Theresa Tam | Fierce public health advocate CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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COVER STORY taken by everyone in Canada to stay safe and well during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she says.

“Each day people in Canada do the things they know they need to do to protect their families, friends and communities. They wear masks, keep a safe distance when in public, they wash their hands, stay home when they are sick and get tested when they have symptoms of COVID-19. They keep our communities going by transporting essential goods and working in grocery stores, schools and hospitals. I am inspired by how everyone has come and worked together over the past year and I am absolutely committed to my work for them.

“I am also inspired to do my work because I know that I can count on incredibly talented and dedicated public health colleagues across the country to do their best to keep everyone safe. I know I can pick their brains if I need to solve complex problems and we lean on each other for mental health support during tough times,” she says. – Ramya Ramanathan

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ince the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yijie Jennifer Chen has been busy looking out for the immigrants and refugees in her hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

“People are staying home, and it bears a lot of stress and anxiety and agitation, especially for newcomers,” she says.

She explains that immigrants are “eager to connect with other people,” but when you’re new to a country, it’s not easy building connections when nothing is open. So, “they isolate,” she says.

Jennifer Chen | Organizing for change

a career in that field, she says, “I also discovered my passion in advocacy, To address this problem, Chen started numerous initiatives to provide in helping other people, and using my voice to speak up for people whose voices are not heard.” community for immigrants and other vulnerable populations.

Part of what fueled Chen’s drive to become an activist is the stark To name a few, she created and ran a walking program where, over the course of 70 sessions, 165 newcomers were able to safely socialize contrast between the work the student union did and the experiences she and exercise together. She has participated in anti-racism campaigns to had in China. She grew up on food rations, never had the opportunity to address the discrimination and xenophobia that’s been on the rise during vote, and speaking up against injustice was not an accepted practice. the pandemic.

“I come from a country that doesn’t have student movements or workers’ With the Women of Colour Community Leadership Initiative, she movements or freedom of speech or freedom of assembly. I didn’t know has run Zoom sessions with immigrants, Indigenous people, and other what those freedoms meant,” she says. “I think for me, coming to Canada Manitobans, creating a space to socialize, learn new skills, and make really gave me a new life.” reusable masks for low-income individuals. And, to support health care In taking on this new life, Chen has gone on to pursue a career in workers, she has organized “From our Kitchens to our Heroes,” where, with the help of a GoFundMe campaign, immigrant-owned restaurants politics and community building. She is currently a school trustee on donated meals to workers in hospitals and other health centres in the Winnipeg School Division Board, the president of the Women of Colour Community Leadership Initiative, and a member of a number of Winnipeg. other boards, including the Asian Heritage Society and the Ethnocultural “In this pandemic, I really see people’s hearts,” she says. “Everyone is Council of Manitoba. wanting to help others. And that really inspired me to continue to do what “As an Asian woman, I experienced not only racism, but sexism,” says I’m doing.”

Chen, explaining the reasoning behind some of the boards and initiatives While many of the programs Chen has been spearheading are new and she’s part of. “I really want to advance voices of women of colour and ensure were initiated as a response to COVID, her work to build up the those … they are represented at different levels,” she says. around her precedes the pandemic.

Looking forward to what she’ll tackle next, Chen says, “I will continue on this path to help other vulnerable people, to help other women of colour, “Helping people in my community is my passion,” she says. other newcomers, and visible minorities.…help people to recover from this Jennifer discovered this passion, kind of unexpectedly, when she moved pandemic.” from China to Winnipeg at the age of 25 to do her master’s degree in For other immigrants who are hoping to find their way, as Chen did for kinesiology at the University of Manitoba. There, she got involved in the herself, she offers this piece of advice: “Find your true passion and continue school’s student union. to do what you want to do.” And if you’re not sure what your passion is, she “I witnessed a lot of activism regarding fighting for student rights,” she says, “Go volunteer, go to work in the community, and you will find what says. And while she enjoyed kinesiology and originally planned to pursue you want.” – Kaitlin Jingco

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 2 | 2021

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arly in 2021, Claudette Lennard received a call from Toronto Public Health telling her to isolate because she had been exposed to COVID-19. Immediately, she thought of her family. “I live with someone who is immunocompromised. If I brought the virus into the house it could be devastating.”

One of the Person Support Workers (PSW) Lennard supervises mistakenly informed officials that she had been exposed. While Lennard had contact with the PSW who tested positive for COVID-19, it was only ever over the phone and not in person. Fortunately, the PSW recovered from the virus, but during this experience, she found that the phrasing of the questions asked by Public Health confused her. It was a relief for Lennard when she was cleared, but also highlights the challenges faced by PSWs working in the community.

“They don’t get the same attention as health care workers in long-term care, but they’re doing just as much. They may see 10 different clients in a day.

They work tremendously hard,” she says.

Lennard knows of what she speaks. April 2021 will mark 30 years of being the supervisor of home support for what was formerly known as West Toronto Support Services (WTSS) and is now Reconnect Community Health Services. Born in Jamaica, Lennard had an early affinity for older adults. “My grandmother was my main caregiver. She was my mom, she was my dad, she was everything. I loved her so much.” At age 13, Lennard was adopted by her stepmother and father in Canada and came to Toronto for a better life.

She graduated high school, but circumstances changed and she moved in with her best friend’s family. She had a child at 17, stayed home for a while, and then took courses to further her education. After a stint as a medical secretary, she landed a job as a transportation assistant at WTSS. She made arrangements for clients to go grocery shopping or to medical appointments and rode the bus with the driver to assist the clients. That’s when Lennard developed a bond with seniors. She didn’t realize how strong that bond was until one of the clients died. “That special client once said to me ‘people always give flowers to old people. I don’t want flowers, I like it when you talk to me and treat me like I’m a person.’ When she passed, everything changed for me. It put things into perspective,” she says.

Claudette Lennard | Caring for the community Vala immigrated to Canada with her parents from India in 2008. “My parents always taught me to empathize and be mindful of others’ needs,” she says. “As the elder sibling, my sister’s safety was always my top priority.”

Young Vala’s familial concerns soon expanded to caring for the community.

In high school, in 2017, Vala and her team participated in a global competition inviting young innovators to build a technology-based solution for women’s safety. “Although we didn’t win, we continued working on When a position in home support opened, Lennard was encouraged to the idea. Our ultimate goal was to have a safer community; winning was apply. Management soon asked her to step in as supervisor. She has been secondary,” she reflects. doing the job ever since and now manages a team ranging from 40 to 50 In 2018, the team ran their StandforSafety campaign where students PSWs, for a clientele that can vary from 300 to 500. She has honest advice were interviewed to voice their opinions on safety. for newcomers looking to become a PSW or a nurse.

“It’s a rewarding job and anything you put your mind to you can do it.

Vala’s team developed their BOLT Safety platform in consultation with But do it only if you have that passion to help others. Don’t do it because community experts and kick-started year 2020 with its official launch you think that’s the easiest way to get your status in Canada – get into it and on the WIX mobile app. The platform increases education and access be dedicated,” she says. to information and resources to improve support for survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse.

Lennard continues to work in the office during the pandemic because she wants to be on call for her PSWs who are out “in the battlefield”. She To have a larger impact on the Vancouver area, they soon entered into ensures they’re fully equipped and wearing their protection properly. She a collaboration with the Vancouver Police Department which proved to be acknowledges their fears, encourages them, and highly values what they a strategic move especially when the pandemic hit a month later. The City do. “Things have to change for PSWs. There needs to be more training and reported an increase in calls from women experiencing domestic violence. better pay, without a doubt,” she says.

“Although health and medical attention were prime concerns, there When asked if she feels like an everyday hero, Lennard smiles and shakes was a silent, shadow pandemic of domestic violence that needed to be her head. “I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. Give what you hope to brought to the forefront of response efforts. Those already living in unsafe receive. I’m proud of my kids, and I have a great husband. I’m blessed,” she environments were now restricted to their homes, more vulnerable says. – Carolyn Bennett to exploitation with limited and restricted access to support services,” observes Vala. nspiration can happen anywhere. Vedanshi Vala found hers while Vala and her team launched the ‘Safe Hubs’ initiative as a part of the BOLT commuting on public transit. Seeing cellphones everywhere, she pondered on making it a source of support for those needing it. The Safety Platform in August 2020, funded by grants from TakingItGlobal idea led her to create BOLT Safety Society – a non-profit providing a with the Government of Canada, and Canada Service Corp, with the aim free platform to connect survivors of violence and abuse with tools and of providing safe spaces for survivors of domestic abuse in partnership with businesses. resources to take further steps.

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“The platform features a map where members can locate alternate shelters, ‘Safe Hubs’, access support resources, self-defence tutorials, and connect with their own network of ‘Safe Buddies’,” says Vala. “A ‘Safe Hub’ is a location where survivors of violence can fearlessly reach out for help “This is a community-wide movement to create awareness around domestic abuse prevention, break the stigma and promote allyship.” Since the start of the pandemic, the platform has seen a 40 per cent increase. Newsletter subscribers rose by another 45 per cent.

And that’s not all. To ease the paucity of supplies at shelters especially during the pandemic, Vala’s team donates essential supplies to local women’s shelters besides creating awareness about existing support systems.

The #Bolt4Love campaign, that ran throughout April 2020, promoted social connectedness in light of sudden lockdowns caused due to the pandemic to create a way to check in on wellbeing of friends. Through this social media-based campaign, people were able to share empowering messages and cute e-grams. This draws upon the concept of candy grams, which would normally be an in-person tradition at schools for students to share uplifting messages and sweet treats with each other but bringing this to an online setting.

As a dancer and documentary filmmaker, she has worked with local arts group U Create Art Productions to develop Art Hearts, a program that delivers virtual performances to seniors to nurture connectedness and combat social isolation during the pandemic.

Vedanshi Vala | Technology for safer communities She was recently awarded the VGH + UBC Hospital Foundation’s 2020 Outstanding Young Ambassadors Award for Leadership in recognition of her efforts to foster safer and connected communities. Vala’s ultimate hopes to expand the project to other locations. “However, our ultimate ambition is to become a medical doctor to help survivors of trauma. goal is to make communities safer so that our platform is never needed,” she laughs. “Everyone is a changemaker. Let’s create safer homes and “Safety is our common right, responsibility, and duty,” stresses Vala who communities, together,” she says. – Nazreena Anwar-Travas

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CAREERS & EDUCATION HIGHER LEARNING

Two habits to cultivate for academic success

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eing successful in school requires more than just studying – you need to cultivate some habits that help you learn. Here are two good habits to help you with your studies.

Clear your mind space to do more

A little air will do you good You have heard it from many people, including parents, friends and health professionals. Outdoor exercise has many benefits. As a student you need to be able to clear and refresh your mind, manage stress, find a way of reviewing material, think creatively and problem solve. Exercise can help with all of that and more. It is a habit you want to include in your daily routine. Not only will you benefit as a student, but you will also get some natural vitamin D from the sun.

All you need are comfortable walking or running shoes and a good jacket to protect you from the rain,

snow and cold. Aim for a 30-minute brisk walk every day, even if you are short on time. To make it a habit, work in walking into your other needs. Make it part of picking up groceries, your commute or your coffee break. Or catch up with a friend by asking them to join you on your walk. Check the weather

down into manageable tasks.

The second list should include larger goals with deadlines for getting them done. For instance, it might include when you need to finish the research for writing a term paper or the due date for your next project. You will be transferring tasks from the second list to the first one as your assignments and studying are broken into smaller, more doable chunks.

Your third list is for items you don’t have to work on or at least not right away. It includes some of your long-term goals and your plans for forecast, layer up in winter or go the future, including both your plans out early in the day in the summer A and B. This list can evolve as you change your mind on what you want months.

As a student, you may get stuck for the future and what is possible. deciding on a topic for a paper It may also include the skills you or trying to work out its outline. want to develop such as becoming Allowing your mind to wander as a better writer or mastering a you walk may get your creativity particular computer software. going. If you need to memorize some material or listen to a lecture, you can take it with you with a notepad or use your phone to jot things down as new ideas come to you. Walking may help you solve academic and personal problems as you broaden your focus of possibilities. If it sounds too good to be true or too easy, give yourself a month to try it out. Cultivate the habit and it will give you miles of rewards.

Get organized with these three little lists Find a little space on your desk or your wall for three little lists. Postit notes are perfect for this or find an equivalent on your phone. The first list is for all the things that you intend to do today. It can range from reviewing a chapter to doing your laundry. Since it is motivating to cross things off the list, use a good dose of realism about what can actually be accomplished in a day.

For this you will need to break goals

Your three lists allow you to take control of your student life by reminding you of what you will be doing daily, what needs to be accomplished this semester, and the reasons you are doing it. This strategy will keep you motivated and focused, which will help you get to the finish line.

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

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CAREERS & EDUCATION CAREER COACH

Smart answers to behavioural interview questions

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Get prepared to be hired!

t is common practice for hiring managers to include a few behavioural questions in job interviews to see if you possess skills and abilities needed. Your responses give them a clear idea of how you would handle situations if you were to be hired. While every interview is a little different, here are smart responses to some common behavioural interview questions that could help you prepare.

ADAPTABILITY

1. Tell us about a time when you were asked to do something you had never done before. How did you respond?

Talk about what you learned, the excitement to tackle new challenges and willingness to leave your comfort zone to learn something valuable from the experience.

you’ve worked with.

Share your understanding of their management style and why it appealed to you, and the kind of personalities you work best with.

2. Describe a situation in which you embraced

8. Can you share an experience where a project

7. Describe the best partner or supervisor

a new system, process, technology or idea, different from the old way of doing things.

Talk about a specific situation where you bring focus on your eagerness to explore new ways of working, what you learned, how you embraced change and found a better way.

dramatically shifted direction at the last minute?

Focus on your work keeping the team aligned and comfort with tapping coworkers for additional help when a project demands it.

3. Recall a time you handled a task assigned to

9. Tell us about the last time something

LEADERSHIP

you outside of your job description.

Focus on how you approach the task knowing that it may evolve; your willingness to try something new; and steps taken to ensure success, and the outcome.

significant didn’t go according to plan.

Focus on your thoughtful reflection, how you took on ownership for the outcome instead of shifting the blame to others and considered what you could have done differently.

4. Tell us about the biggest change you have had to deal with?

Speak about your understanding that change is inevitable, how you evaluate situations and adapt successfully and find the support you need.

10. What steps did you take in a situation to

TEAMWORK

11. Tell us about a time when you led by

5. Give an example of working with someone

who was difficult to get along with. How did you handle it?

Share your willingness to try to see things from the other person’s perspective, your ability to identify the cause of the tension and finding ways to improve the relationship.

6. Tell us about one of your favorite experiences working with a team and your contributions.

Spotlight your energy and motivation as a team player. Use a healthy mix of “I” and “we” statements to communicate your individual and team contributions.

persuade someone to see things your way?

Speak to how you established credibility by using compelling evidence to reinforce a viewpoint rather than acting like you knew best. example. How was it received?

Relate a story of how you “promoted” an idea to your coworkers or group. How you did it; what the results were; and how you held yourself to a high standard.

12. Tell us about a tough decision you had to

make in the last six months.

Speak about your careful consideration of outcomes; how you sought advice from peers but

did not shy away from making the final decision.

PRIORITIZATION

13. Tell us about a time when you had to juggle

several projects at the same time and how you determined the amount of time reasonable for a task?

Speak about a clear and proactive process for organizing your time, like blocking off your calendar, creating a to-do list, and confirming deadlines.

14. Tell us about a successful project that you

planned and delivered.

Spotlight your methodical approach to planning, organizing and scheduling tasks; strong self-discipline to meet deadlines; and driving a project through to completion.

15. Describe a time when you felt stressed or

overwhelmed. How did you handle it?

Highlight your ability to plan and prioritize; how you stayed calm and focused; and how you know to lighten the load by delegating tasks.

16. Give an example of a time when you

delegated an important task successfully.

Focus on your understanding of delegating for success and your skills at prioritizing tasks and clarity about deadlines and expectations.

CONCLUSION

Behavioural questions are a showcase your potential and interview. It pays to employ the (Situation, Task, Action, Result) questions in a structured way.

great way to shine in the STAR method to answer the

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 |

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FEATURE

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING DURING THE PANDEMIC Giving back to the community, a professional boost and their own mental wellbeing are all reasons why newcomers enjoy and recommend volunteering during COVID-19

By Baisakhi Roy

T

hat Canadians are a kind and generous lot is a recorded and acknowledged fact.

According to Statistics Canada, more than 40 per cent of Canadians 15 and older volunteered for charities, non-profits and other organisations in 2018. But when, in early 2020, the world shut down because of COVID-19, it significantly restricted in-person volunteering opportunities especially at high-risk places such as long-term care homes and community centers, and religious venues – popular choices to engage in volunteering activities. Work and life moved online and so did volunteering. Acts of kindness and community-led initiatives to assist the most vulnerable went into overdrive and for some it took them on a journey that they hadn’t quite planned.

Finding purpose Iranian-born, Mina Mirzaei first volunteered with BrainTech Robotics, a non-profit that enables BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) girls and women to explore and work in STEM, in 2018. Connected through Volunteer MBC, this engagement opened doors for Mirzaei, though in a different area of work above Mina Mirzaei than she was looking for. She found a job with a company that was building a mentorship and she found herself out of a job. That’s when application and was focused on women in she harnessed her expertise and energy into leadership in the tech sector. Then COVID hit volunteering, again, for BrainTech.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 2 | 2021

“Coincidentally, before COVID, a team of volunteers at BrainTech was working on an online learning platform for kids interested in STEM. So, we simply put in all our energies, between April and June 2020, where I volunteered 40-hour weeks to help them start up online programming to launch this platform. Of course, I was able to devote these hours because my husband was working full time. At the end, it was such a joy and I learned so much,” she says.

The skills she learned while on the project – from project management to coordinating a large, remote, Canada-wide team – are helping her in her current job helping companies transform their businesses and operations to a more digital platform in a socially distanced world.

Not only did she build her web technology and programming skills, but her experience also taught her the importance of building her brand and identity. “My volunteering experience changed my perspective on what’s really important and what really brings you happiness – making a difference in people’s lives. It teaches you a lot about yourself,” she says.

For Sophia Marsheva, it was learning empathy. The Russian-born University of

Toronto student, like her peers, found herself living in residence, attending online classes and battling isolation brought on by the lockdown.

She came across flyers for Kids Help Phone – a charitable organization providing around-theclock free and confidential professional online and telephone counselling to youth. Marsheva joined their volunteer-led, text-based support program as a crisis responder. Her job was to build a rapport with youth who were stressed and to talk them through the process of arriving at healthy solutions to their problems. “Listening to people my age talking about the unbelievable amount of stress they were going through, with their academics, with feeling depressed or isolated during COVID deepened my empathy.

In being able to support them, I found support as well,” she says. Marsheva who volunteers about 4-6 hours a week, aspires to specialize in disability law. “I feel that this experience has helped immensely with acquiring skills like active listening, brainstorming solutions and engaging in the human experience, especially in times of a crisis,” she says.

experience and so you need to know how to present it in a resumé or at an interview.

Fundraising can translate into project management skills, recruitment can be sales, working as part of a team can translate into team management skills. So, when interviewing for a position, the attitude should be that you are adding value with the expertise that you already have and the experience that volunteering has given you. So play it up, not down,” says Daisy Wright, career coach and author of No Canadian Experience, Eh? A Career Success Guide for New Immigrants and Tell Stories, Get Hired, Innovative Strategies to Land Your Next Job and Advance Your Career.

job, looking to make friends or build community/ network or to gain experience,” says Roshini Mathews, Volunteer Advisor with Volunteer Toronto. The next step is to focus on identifying transferable skills to find opportunities that are best suited to an individual. Volunteer Toronto has an active portal where newcomers can look for such opportunities. Focus on identifying transferable skills to find opportunities that are most suited to them.

For Vancouver resident, Faheem Shah, his volunteering experience with DiverseCity, a registered charity that provides settlement services to newcomers was a source of great satisfaction. A senior, who had his own longdrawn struggles as a new immigrant in 2004, Shah is doing his part in pandemic times. He’s been part of food distribution programs and driving other seniors to and from appointments among other volunteering roles “Volunteering during COVID gave me a chance to explore the needs of the vulnerable members of our community – particularly seniors from different backgrounds, cultures and languages. I am also hoping to secure a permanent position and this experience will definitely help in that,” he says.

Opportunities during lockdown Virtual volunteering has opened up a lot of opportunities for those who want to give above Daisy Wright their time to organizations across Canada are facilitating training sessions for aspiring “In cases where newcomers have a language volunteers. But getting your intent right is crucial before applying for such positions barrier, we direct them to organizations and because finding a volunteer position is an roles that will help them learn and improve their communication skills like food banks, intensive process. where they can interact with a wide variety of “Before starting, it is important to understand people, develop confidence and build a sense of why you want to volunteer – whether to find a community,” says Mathews. above Faheem Shah

Professional boost Like Mirzaei and Marsheva, newcomers in Canada often find that volunteering may give them the foot in the door they need professionally to address that perplexing clause – “Canadian experience”. In a study conducted

by Statistics Canada, participants mentioned that volunteering had significantly increased their interpersonal and communication skills along with knowledge about subject matters that they were previously unaware of like public health or women’s issues.

“Volunteering here is counted as professional

There are a number of non-profits and private organisations that you can lend your time and efforts to.

Depending on what you are looking for in your experience and what is your area of interest, here’s a snapshot of some of the organisations that can help you get started.

ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING VIRTUAL AND INPERSON VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES DURING COVID Volunteer & Co-op (Peel region) Volunteer Canada Volunteer Toronto Volunteer MBC (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon) Volunteer Match Spark Ontario GoVolunteer (Connecting volunteers with non-profits in B.C) Canadian Mental Health Association

ncpeeel.ca/volunteer.html volunteer.ca volunteertoronto.ca volunteermbc.org volunteermatch.org sparkontario.ca govolunteer.ca cmha.ca

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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

Do you need to hire a representative?

I

Do your research and ask the right questions to help with your decision cent of Express Entry applications are rejected for incompleteness, as are 20 per cent of Family Class applications.

It is imperative that you review checklists very carefully and double check your application.

mmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will often tell people that they do not need to hire a lawyer or consultant in order to immigrate to Canada.

They are right.

In 2018, IRCC approved 191,337 applications for permanent residence. Of these, 7,334 were represented by a lawyer, 11,262 by a regulated consultant, 52,066 by a family member or friend, and 191,337 had no representative.

IRCC in 2018 also approved 17,678 temporary residence applications in which there was a lawyer as representative, 17,554 in which there was a regulated consultant, 258,802 in which the representative was a family member or a friend, and 2,448,311 in which the person was unrepresented.

2. A

or unscrupulous representative it can also be an increased likelihood of refusal or a future misrepresentation issue, should they have listened to a recommendation to lie in their While the above statistics do not application. show approval rates or refusals, The benefits of hiring a which are not publicly available, and it is possible that there is a representative can include reduced prevalence of ghost representation stress, less time spent researching that is not reflected in the statistics, the IRCC website and, possibly and the approval figures certainly depending on the circumstances, demonstrate that it is not necessary an increased likelihood of the to hire a representative to immigrate application being both complete and approved. to Canada.

Do you need a lawyer?

When someone asks whether they need a representative in their application I typically tell them to review the IRCC website, forms and document checklists and to then decide whether they are comfortable submitting an application on their own. If they are not, then they should hire a representative, or at least schedule a consultation with one to discuss what is causing them to be uncomfortable.

For those individuals who are more or less comfortable with the material on the IRCC website, the decision of whether to hire a representative is a cost-benefit analysis.

The cost is usually the professional fee. And if they hire an incompetent

are seeking representation in, and then to ask your prospective representative pointed questions.

You will quickly discover whether their representation would be helpful, or if you in fact know more than they do.

The recommendations of friends and other trusted individuals can also be helpful.

mistake that people often make is declaring that they are “single” when they are in fact common law. The definition of common law in the

immigration context is broader than other areas of law and encompasses any scenario where someone has cohabited in a conjugal partnership for one year or more. Declaring that one is single when they are in fact common law constitutes misrepresentation.

3. It

is necessary to disclose dismissed charges, arrests, etc., in an application even if they did not lead to a conviction.

The failure to do so also constitutes misrepresentation.

4. One

of the most common reasons for a misrepresentation finding is that someone did not disclose a refusal to another country, typically the United States.

Flashy website testimonials, Google reviews and “Who’s Who” lists are, in my opinion, less useful as they can be manipulated. Some The weight assigned to the costs firms offer discounts in exchange and benefits is a personal decision for positive reviews and many of 5. Remember that the onus is on that each individual will have to the lists simply reflect who paid for you to demonstrate your purpose make. them. These kinds of practices do of visit, that you meet program not always happen, but it has made requirements, etc. People often me somewhat skeptical of the whole assume that IRCC will provide Who to hire? them with the opportunity There is a seemingly never-ending online review and list process. to address any mistakes or debate in marketing materials, on

shortcomings in their social media and in submissions to Tips for the self-represented government as to whether it is better If you are going to submit an application. There is generally to hire a lawyer or a consultant. It application on your own, here are five no such obligation. is a debate that I find uninteresting key tips to avoid having your application As the above should demonstrate, and do not participate in. This is rejected or possible misrepresentation immigration law can be complicated because when you hire a lawyer issues down the road. and confusing. The statistics show, or consultant you are not hiring a profession, but an individual.

1. Based on Access to Information however, that this does not mean that results, it seems like 10 per you must have a representative.

The best way to determine if the individual that you are considering Steven Meurrens is an immigration lawyer with Larlee hiring is competent would be to Rosenberg in Vancouver. Contact him at 604-681-9887, spend some time researching the by email at steven.meurrens@larlee.com, or visit his blog at area of immigration law that you smeurrens.com.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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SETTLEMENT PARENTING

Preserving family traditions during the pandemic

F

Help your children connect to their roots

amilies could be missing out on practising family traditions and culture during the pandemic due to limited opportunities to gather and celebrate; yet this is the time when we most need to keep our family grounded and connected with traditions. Our culture and history are part of who we are, and it is essential that we share our old and new stories and traditions with the family, while adhering to public health orders.

stories from your culture.

Introduce •

children to your family culture and history through personalized classic games such as treasure hunts, trivia games, Pictionary and charades. Play online versions of games with apps such as online Jeopardy, Kahoot or Skribbl.

• Cook

with children to recreate a favourite childhood treat or Here are some ideas that can grandmother’s delicious family be implemented during the secret recipes. Improvise with available local ingredients or visit pandemic. ethnic grocery stores for special • Connect with online community ingredients, with family love as the groups and heritage schools secret ingredient.

from your cultural background.

Practice speaking in your home • Teach children a few favourite language with others online childhood songs and rhymes and/or gather online to share in your home language. Whether

singing acapella or singing along to online videos or karaoke fun at home, singing is a powerful and fun way to learn a language.

family news and milestones.

• Podcast

recordings are digital audio files that one can download to listen to family history • Storytelling can be an entertaining interview and stories. There are way to share family stories or some free podcast programs for history using voice and gestures, beginners and it is another way to while informing and educating share family history. cultural traditions and values.

• Celebrate with fashion or home • Compilation of family stories decorations that are unique to in books is a great way to preserve your culture and family. Instead of family history for years to come. waiting for a special occasion Some possible projects include to dress up or decorate home, find storybooks, memoirs or a family everyday opportunities to dress up and display family heirlooms. history book.

Crafting •

Multicultural Association of Fredericton Inc L'association multiculturelle de Fredericton Inc

Pre-Arrival Services Services avant l’arrivée representing New Brunswick représentant le Nouveau Brunswick WWW.MCAF.NB.CA

and scrapbooking are creative and tactile ways of preserving family traditions.

Whether it is with photographs, or a family tree wall, channel your creative energy to create something artistic and tangible with children.

• Social

media can be a great way to reach families far and near. Newsletters, family websites, videos, blogs or tweets, these can be accessible to family members from anywhere, anytime, to share

• Following

public health advi sories, find new ways to celebrate

holidays safely.

Expand celebrations beyond traditional celebrations and festivities by creating new family theme days, just for the fun of it!

In closing, the best gifts we can give our children are the roots to grow, and wings to fly! One might just find that reconnecting with our roots and introducing our family history and culture might be more amazing than we can imagine.

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 18 Issue 2 | 2021

LIVING WELLNESS

Same storm, different boat Gaining a better understanding of our relationships during the pandemic

M

any of us continue to live and work very differently compared with a year ago.

We may have become used to this ‘new normal’ but that doesn’t mean we are happy about it. It can take a while to adjust and settle to sudden change.

I like the saying: “while we all in the same storm we are not in the same boat”. Our experiences and the consequences of navigating these unchartered waters are unique because we are all different. Some of us may have found some silver linings, some positive, and perhaps unexpected, outcomes from having to adjust. Some of us may still be feeling challenged or overwhelmed.

Many of us ebb and flow with mixed emotions, depending on the day.

Are we in this together?

Many people in my network have spoken about the affect the pandemic has had on their relationships, at work and at home. Some have said that the frequency and quality of their connections have changed for the better. They have become creative about how to communicate and stay in touch, given the physical distance. Conversations have been more meaningful and support has been mutual.

Others have said they have felt more irritated and resentful. The differences in habits and needs, that perhaps they never felt to be such a big deal, have become more noticeable or harder to accept.

Expectations have changed; tensions have arisen, and contact has reduced.

What changes have you experienced with your relationships?

Have there been any new challenges?

Assumptions can steer us

Communication is usually the issue, not character or personality. We all have different needs, perspectives and preferred ways of doing things.

Problems can arise when we assume that others think, feel and act like us. Assumptions steer our actions and influence how we feel. They can free our creativity, make us feel more hopeful, help us problem solve, give us energy, motivation and direction and help us embrace challenges.

think is unacceptable or you won’t do).

Commit to listen without • interrupting, to understand another person’s needs, wants and point of view. You don’t have to agree. You are much more likely to be listened to if you listen well.

• If it’s important, see if there’s a way to negotiate boundaries to ease any tension and create more connection.

• Adopt a flexible mindset to embrace challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

Relationships require work. It’s often worth the investment of time, However, they can also keep us criticize, blame or suffer ‘in silence’.

Communicate, concisely and energy and skills, to learn to deal with stuck, stall our recovery from change • and uncertainty, limit our capacity clearly, your boundaries and maybe the differences to ease the effects of to understand and learn, reduce our even your ‘line in the sand’ (what you the storm. tolerance for differences or create tension in relationships.

Hazel Morley has worked as a trainer, facilitator and coach for Expectations are the same. We more than 25 years, in England and after immigrating to Canada expect others to behave in a way in 2009. After her own personal health crisis, she shifted gears that is reasonable. That is, what to focus on strategies for enjoying optimal health. seems reasonable ‘to us’, based on our sense of how the world ‘should be’. When we live our lives according to different values, the expectations we hold of ourselves and others are likely to be different. It’s not helpful to expect that everyone will think, feel and respond in the same way we do, even when faced with the same set of circumstances and challenges.

Ultimately, a fixed mindset leads to disappointment.

What assumptions might you be making that are diminishing your relationships?

If you knew that you are in control of setting your expectations, what might change for you?

Mindset matters

Recognize what you can control and influence and what you cannot.

Sometimes, it also helps to remember to ‘pick your battles’, to decide what deserves your energy and attention.

The only person you can control is yourself. You can’t make someone think, feel, or do, anything different.

Here are a few things you can do:

• Ask for what you need and would like,

rather

than

complain, CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

21

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LIVING WELLNESS

Cultivating assertiveness

D

Three strategies to help women with the process

o you often blame yourself for not speaking up or find yourself involved in frequent conflicts and feel dissatisfied with the result or outcome? Many women have a difficult time asserting their views or opinions fearing confrontation and the consequences.

Communicating assertively is beneficial for one’s self-esteem, fostering healthy relationships and navigating workplace issues.

If you are a newcomer or an immigrant woman from a culture that considers speaking up as aggressive, disrespectful or rude, you may have learned to be passive and could have carried it with you when you moved to Canada.

Some women resort to anger and other inappropriate responses due to the frustration that their concerns or voices are not valued, and they are only heard when they use confrontational styles. These women are perceived as being blunt, aggressive or difficult, putting

their relationships and careers in jeopardy.

When working with women experiencing relationship struggles, have low self-esteem issues, who feel loss of control and are frequently stressed with unpleasant workplace situations, I find that learning assertive communication helps them respect themselves and gain respect from others too. Also, young girls who often become victims of bullying, sexual harassment and violence say they are able to speak up by setting clear and realistic boundaries with people in their lives after attending group assertiveness training programs offered in the community or working on it with professionals during counselling sessions.

Often, women share with me that what they consider as assertiveness is considered as aggressive by others.

So, it is important to understand the differences and make the necessary changes. Passive style involves trying

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to avoid conflict and to agree even if they disagree or feel differently about something. In an aggressive style one uses a loud voice, resorts to verbal attacks, dominates the conversation with little regard for the feelings of others. An assertive person is honest, clear and disagrees respectfully with someone when expressing their thoughts or feelings.

It is never too late for girls and women to cultivate assertiveness so they can stand up for what they believe in while respecting the rights of others. It may not be easy to change one’s behavior or communication style overnight, but it can be learned with the right about it without sounding harsh or attitude, approach and practice. apologetic.

Here are three strategies that can 3. Watch your body language, help start the process: listen to others and choose your words very carefully. Listening 1. Learn to identify emotions and actively and attentively to others’ use “I” messages when describing perspectives is important. When or communicating with others. you are sharing your point of view, Struggling to identify and express keep a pleasant and firm tone while emotions other than anger can result maintaining eye contact with the in an aggressive communication person. Assertive communication style. It is important that young should reflect confidence and girls are taught to identify a variety respect everyone’s needs and rights. of feelings and express them with Try not to raise your voice or use “I” statements to focus on how they body language that is threatening are feeling and how the behavior to others. If things seem to go out of of others is affecting them. For control, say “Let’s talk when things example, instead of saying “You need are calmer.” to stop that”, it is more effective to say, “I get upset when you talk to me Women struggling with low selflike that.” worth, guilt, fear of rejection or loss, or being dependent on a relationship 2. Be clear about what you have difficulties in asserting and don’t like and what you want refusing requests from people in their to accomplish or change in the lives. Practicing assertiveness skills, behavior and/or the situation. This especially in a group setting can help can help you set effective boundaries participants realize, often for the first and get the outcome you want. For time, that women of all ages, race, example, if someone is always asking income and abilities have difficulties you to pick up their child from in asserting themselves. school and you want that to stop, a Developing compassion and response such as, “You are taking empathy for self and for others, or advantage of me” or a blunt “Sorry, even practicing skills in situations I cannot do it”, may result in the end through role play, can help build of that friendship. Instead, “I suggest confidence to speak up in both your you make alternate arrangements as personal and professional lives. The I have a few things to take care of”, more you do it, the more natural it will clearly indicate how you feel becomes.

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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ARE YOU AN INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED PROFESSIONAL looking to advance your career in Canada?

Join us for our FRE E

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT WEB CONFERENCE SERIES Our FREE upcoming Web Conferences will focus on: Banking and Finance Professionals .............................................................................. March 25, 2021 Health and Alternative Careers in the Healthcare sector ............................. June 10 2021 Engineering Professionals .................................................................................................... July 8, 2021 Lawyers and Legal Professionals ................................................................................... July 22, 2021 Accounting and Finance Professionals ...................................................................... July 28, 2021 Information Technology Professionals and Technicians ............................... August 12, 2021 Entrepreneurial Professionals ............................................................................................ August 26, 2021 Hiring Trends (or Resume Development and Interview Prep) ................... September 16, 2021

REGISTER TO SAVE YOUR SPOT TODAY: https://canadianimmigrant .ca/web- conference

LIVING

Springing into action Making the most of the warmer weather Spring always brings with it a sense of optimism and anticipation and this year, with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, we have even more to look forward to! A few of our longtime contributors share how they plan to make the most of this lovely season.

above Geneviève Beaupré with her dog Daisy in the Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

above Kaitlin Jingco on her longboard in Courtice, Ontario

To avoid boredom during Toronto’s stay-at-home order I decided to learn to play the guitar and to try out new recipes. I look forward to taking my guitar outside on warmer days and to the online Thai cooking class I’m planning to take in May. As the days get longer and the temperature milder, I hope to be able to ditch the winter coat, go for long walks with my dog, and take in all the sights and sounds of spring. — Geneviève Beaupré

I love that Ontario has four distinct seasons, and as someone who’s not really a fan of winter, I just feel that the transition into spring is the best.

Goodbye, cold gloomy days. Hello, warm sunny weather. As the snow starts to melt, I can’t wait to start longboard dancing. I’m also very hopeful that things will be able to safely open up again. Like everyone, I hope I’ll be able to see friends and family in person soon, but if restrictions are still in effect, at least spring is a great time to go for physically distanced walks. — Kaitlin Jingco

above Hazel Morley in her garden in Squamish, BC

above Murali Murthy at the Grotto, Bruce Peninsula National Park

Spring never fails to lift my spirits. The first signs of flowers, green leaves and cherry blossom on the trees, longer and brighter days, the promise of warm sunshine ahead.

Spring is the time when I start planning which vegetables I’m going to grow, and I’ll start filling up a sunny windowsill with seed trays. Seeing the fresh new shoots emerge from the garlic bulbs I planted the previous Fall fills me with optimism and confidence, that I can create new life in the garden, to nourish my body and my mind. — Hazel Morley

The Canadian landscape is incredibly versatile, but spring makes it absolutely spell-binding.

Do you know that you can view cherry blossoms in Vancouver or even at High Park in Toronto? If the weather is good, you can hit the lakes in many parts of Canada. My favourite spot is to hit the Bruce Peninsula Grotto. With its pristine blue water pool and background of gray rock formations, it is a startling sight to behold.

Last but not the least, you could hike or take a nature walk in Hamilton, the city of waterfalls and verdant woodlands. — Murali Murthy CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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PUBLIC NOTICE The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (“ICCRC”) is the national regulatory body that promotes and protects the public by overseeing licensed Canadian immigration and citizenship consultants and international student advisors. ICCRC’s federal mandate stems from the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Citizenship Act. To protect consumers, the Council administers a complaints and discipline process to ensure that its consultants and advisors comply with ICCRC’s Codes of Ethics and Regulations.

Below is a list of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (“RCICs”) who are currently subject to a restriction, suspension or revocation as a result of a disciplinary action.

If you have any concerns about our members, we encourage you to contact us via our website with the information.

www.iccrc-crcic.ca

Discipline Decision RCIC:

Sumit Sen, R418703

Company Name/ SEN Consultancy Location: Toronto, ON Proceedings:

Written Disciplinary Hearing

Finding:

The disciplinary hearing dealt with three complaints involving the RCIC. Complaint #1 The RCIC was not forthright and honest with the client regarding the fees charged to him and those fees, namely for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), were not his costs to bear, but those of the employer. The RCIC did not serve honourably because he drafted a work experience letter knowing the client did not have the work experience stated. The RCIC advised the client that he had procured pre-approved LMIAs and told the client to pay for them or else the “external parties” would not proceed.

Complaint #2 The RCIC was not honest or candid when he advised his client that his IELTS were “quite good” when they were inadequate to qualify for permanent residence under Express Entry. The RCIC did not provide quality service because the client experienced an excessive delay in the filing of his Express Entry profile solely due to the RCIC’s lack of competence in this matter and the lack of timely communication with the client. The RCIC communicated with the client after the complaint was filed contrary to the Code.

Complaint #3 The RCIC had a clear conflict of interest by acting for both the client and the employer in the LMIA process without disclosing the same to the client or obtaining his informed consent. The RCIC improperly charged his client fees for a job offer and services related to an LMIA. It was unacceptable for the RCIC to prohibit the client from communicating with the employer.

Outcome:

The RCIC has been found to have breached the Code. The parties will provide written penalty submissions to the Discipline Committee.

Costs:

Costs will be addressed in the decision on penalty.

Discipline Decision RCIC:

Osama Ebid, R530337

Company Name/ Location:

Fast to Canada Mississauga, ON

Proceedings:

Disciplinary Hearing

Finding:

The disciplinary hearing dealt with two complaints against the RCIC. Complaint #1 The RCIC engaged in conduct unbecoming and breached his duty of good faith when he communicated with a witness who was about to testify at his former wife’s ICCRC disciplinary hearing. The Panel found that the RCIC improperly intimidated and threatened the witness to obtain evidence against ICCRC’s counsel and to impede the ICCRC investigation and prosecution of his former wife, AQ. The threatening tone of the email was a breach of the duty of good faith.

Complaint #2 In June 2019, the RCIC had a breakdown in his marital relationship with AQ, who was also an RCIC and worked for his company, Fast to Canada (FTC). The situation resulted in AQ undertaking to police that she would not contact the RCIC or attend at the FTC premises. AQ filed a complaint with ICCRC claiming that the RCIC was denying her access to the FTC office and the FTC bank account. ICCRC’s investigator advised the RCIC that he must grant AQ access to her client files and trust account and made repeated requests that the RCIC provide scanned copies of client files to the ICCRC, which he failed to produce. The RCIC breached his duties when he failed to deal with client files in a professional manner. The RCIC should have transferred the client files to AQ, who was the RCIC of record, but misrepresented to clients that they had to request to transfer their files to AQ. The RCIC’s blanket denial of refund of fees and requirement that clients sign a release was inappropriate.

Outcome:

The RCIC has been found to have breached the Code. The parties will provide written penalty submissions to the Discipline Committee.

Costs:

Costs will be addressed in the decision on penalty.

Discipline Decision RCIC:

Muhammad Watto, R421263

Discipline Decision RCIC:

Douglas Randal Boldt, R407999

Company Name/ Win Win Services Inc. Location: Vaughan, ON

Company Name/ Visamax Location: Winnipeg, MB

Proceedings:

Settlement Agreement

Proceedings:

Disciplinary Hearing

Findings:

The Discipline Committee panel approved the parties’ Settlement Agreement as it was satisfied that the proposed outcome falls within a range of reasonable outcomes. The panel ordered that the terms of the Settlement Agreement not be published in order to protect the privacy of individuals who are not parties to the proceeding. The panel found that there is a public interest in the transparency of regulation of immigration consultants and accordingly, ordered the fact that the RCIC applied under section 21.2 of the By-Law for permission to resign his membership be published.

Findings:

Outcome:

The RCIC was permitted to resign his membership as an immigration consultant.

The RCIC failed to provide his clients with retainer agreements for representation relating to a work performed over several years. The RCIC preferred his own interests over those of his clients when he encouraged them to enter into a business arrangement with the RCIC’s girlfriend, BL, which included investing $60,000 in the business. When the clients requested the return of the $60,000 investment, the RCIC preferred his own interests over those of his clients when he failed to instruct BL to return the funds. The RCIC failed to return the client’s complete files to her upon withdrawal from her matter.

Outcome:

The RCIC has been found to have breached the Code. The parties will provide cost and penalty submissions to the Discipline Committee panel.

Costs:

Costs will be addressed in the decision on penalty.

13TH ANNUAL

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

Program Partners:

Media Sponsors:

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP

MONEY & BUSINESS

Connect with the newcomer tech entrepreneur community

C

anada’s economy is fueled by immigration. We rely heavily on newcomers for talent, new businesses and disposable income or investment. The Canadian tech ecosystem, in particular, benefits greatly from newcomers and immigration. This is not surprising when you consider that newcomers bring new talent and diverse skill sets. Research indicates that immigrants are more likely to start businesses and create jobs than their Canadian-born counterparts.

Starting a business is taking risk.

And newcomers are, by definition, risk takers, having uprooted their life in their home country in search of an improved one elsewhere in the world. Overall, there is a strong consensus that newcomers fuel innovation and lead disruptive entrepreneurship, at a time we need it the most.

Newcomer tech entrepreneurs face challenges when they come to Canada including a lack of networks. Anyone who has launched a tech startup will attest to the importance of a relevant network. Whether it’s securing that first round of investment, getting into a fitting incubator, or building a strong peer community for support, connections can contribute significantly to the success (or lack thereof) of your startup. But connections are precisely what newcomers lack.

Additionally, navigating the everexpanding tech ecosystem and its abundant resources is challenging.

If you’ve ever been to a store where the wide range of choices overwhelmed you, you know what I’m talking about. Now add one more layer to that: the legal, tax, and finance complexities in a new country.

As newcomer tech entrepreneurs, a great first step to overcoming such barriers can be finding support through an incubator, accelerator or other similar program that meets your startup’s needs. Programs like these can provide you with valuable

Here’s where to get support

exposure. In terms of government funding, tech entrepreneurs can tap into OCE, SR&ED, and IRAP or rely on wage subsidies like Magnet and Mitacs.

As you navigate these resources, and plug yourself and your startup into the ecosystem, there are two key things to remember. Firstly, this is a process and is only successful in that it is done authentically and in the long term. Secondly, as important as they are, do not let activities related to mentorship, building your network or even seeking funding distract you. Your main focus should be on validating your idea, gaining more customers and growing your mentorship and guidance, help and customers or opportunities for startup. open doors for you as they vouch for your business, and be part of a community of entrepreneurs on the Nouhaila Chelkhaoui was born in Morocco and moved to Canada in 2010. She is the founder of Scale Without Borders, same journey as you. a one stop-shop for newcomers in tech and entrepreneurship.

The DMZ, the MaRS Discovery District, Communitech, Creative Destructive Lab, NEXT Canada, or one of the Ryerson University Zones are just some of the many incubators you can look into as you search for the right home for your startup. There are also programs that have been developed to specifically address newcomer barriers. These include the Scale Without Borders program which focuses on newcomer tech businesses, JumpStart Refugee Talent which serves refugees, the Newcomer Entrepreneurs Hub, or Immigrants Developing Entrepreneurs Academy.

As a newcomer entrepreneur, you will also find that building a meaningful network with the right people will land you the opportunities you need. That’s where being part of networks like TechTO, Scale Without Borders, or an online community like StartupNorth is helpful. Through these, you will be invited to events that showcase helpful content about building a startup in your new home country. You will also build a network that will eventually consist of the right investors, talent

Your future says thanks.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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The Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) is the professional organization representing the interests of Canadian Immigration Consultants.

The organization advocates for competency, ethical conduct, and consumer protection in the immigration consulting industry.

Our mission is to lead, connect, protect, and develop the profession, serving the best interests of our members.

We are the only association recognized by the Government of Canada as the voice of Canadian immigration and citizenship consultants.

Learn more at capic.ca 30

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 2 | 2021

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