Canadian Immigrant - November 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 I FREE

ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.

+

CANADIAN EXPERIENCE IS REALLY JUST ANOTHER WAY OF SAYING SOFT SKILLS … really!

Talk to your teens: Publications mail agreement number 40011993

youth are more stressed than ever

Connecting with Canada’s aboriginal Community

FIND YOUR PATH

TO SUCCESS Iman Aghay can show you how

Come listen to Iman’s keynote at our Vancouver fair Nov. 16!

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UPFRONT

CONTENTS REGULARS 4 | OUR TAKE/YOUR TAKE 6 | FUSION

›› PROFILE: Wooden bowtie entrepreneur Franck Ndayubashe ›› NATIONAL BRIEFS ›› CANSPEAK: English sayings explained

SUCCESS STORY 10 | On the road to success

18 | CULTURE

›› New Asian art exhibit at MOA

20 | SETTLEMENT

›› PARENTING: Today’s teens are stressed out

Marketing pro Iman Aghay’s motto in business and life could very well be ‘Never give up’ Cover photo by Sandra Minarik

21 | CAREER, EDUCATION & SETTLEMENT FAIR ›› We’re coming to Vancouver!

23 | IMMIGRANT SETTLEMENT GUIDE 29 | DRIVING

›› Winter festivals across Canada

30 | BACK PAGE

FEATURE

›› TOP TIPS: Advice from our Top 25 ›› HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO

14 | Common threads

25 | ›› Canadian experience is about these 8 soft skills ›› CAREER COACH: Career storytelling tips

Recognizing the connection between immigrants and Aboriginal people in Canada’s mosaic

›› HIGHER LEARNING: Studying with a disability

Respond to Canada’s need for immigrants.

Become a Regulated Immigration Consultant Full-time | Part-time | Online Contact a program adviser at 604.899.0803 or email admissions@ashtoncollege.com.

604.899.0803 | 1.866.759.6006 www.ashtoncollege.com Ashton College

we build careers

November 2015

Canadian Immigrant

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UPFRONT

our take VOLUME 12, ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2015 Group Publishers Gautam Datt Sharma Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Margaret Jetelina mjetelina@metroland.com Senior Editor Baisakhi Roy broy@metroland.com Creative Director & Editorial Design Safi Nomani snomani@metroland.com Digital Media Developer Kamil Mytnik Advertising Sales Sr. Ad Manager (B.C. and Alberta) Alla Gordeeva alla@canadianimmigrant.ca Tel: 778 558 3397 Sr. Ad Manager (Toronto) Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 National Sales Manager Varun Munjal vmunjal@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8169 Sales Events & Marketing Coordinator Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com

Positive, optimistic and hopeful

Whomever you voted for in the October federal election, there is no denying that the new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau brings a special legacy to the office. It was his father, after all, who introduced multiculturalism as an official government policy, defining Canada’s approach to diversity.

The new prime minister is quick to celebrate this diversity, and says he wants to bring all of Canada’s communities together, rather than farther apart.

Despite the many things former Prime Minister Stephen Harper did well over the last decade — for example, helping keep our economy stable at a time of international economic crises — he might well have lost the election due in large part to his badly timed stance on one diversity issue — niqab-wearing women at citizenship ceremonies.

It was a topic that started to define his election campaign in the last few weeks, while taking focus away from priority issues like the economy, jobs, health care and, for immigrants, sponsoring their parents to Canada.

Trudeau definitely beat him on that last issue, promising that he’ll double the number of parents to be sponsored, and matching the resources to make that happen. As for the niqab issue, as a feminist in Canada, the tradition (be it cultural or

religious) doesn’t sit easily with me at first glance, but the very nature of our country’s multiculturalism provides for the freedom for people to express their culture in the way they choose.

I remember interviewing a citizenship judge, Sandra Wilking, several years ago who called Canada “a social experiment.” That has resonated with me the dozen or so years I’ve been editor of this magazine. We’re going to continue to look at these issues in our magazine in print and online, as we remain “positive, optimistic and hopeful,” like our new PM, about Canada’s future for Canadian-born and immigrants alike.

Come tell us your thoughts at our Vancouver Career, Education and Settlement on Nov. 16 at the Vancouver Public Library. I'll be there, along with lots of exhibitors, hiring companies, speakers (like Iman Aghay from this month's cover story) and more. It will be a great opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired to make positive progress for ourselves and Canada as a whole.

Margaret Jetelina Editor, Canadian Immigrant

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your take yya Muslim Jama`at, I welcome the new federal government and congratulate Prime Minister The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at congratulates Prime Minister-elect, Justin Trudeau, and his Trudeau, the Liberal Party and all members of colleagues at the Liberal Party of Canada as they Parliament, Lal Khan Malik, national president of form a new majority government. The Ahmadiyya the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Muslim Jama`at believes that loyalty to one’s country is a fundamental part of the Islamic faith. All members of the community from across Canada serve their country in everything good — as they have for the last Are you an IMMIGRANT looking for work?

50 years. We believe that Canada Our Skills Connect for Immigrants Program: is indeed strong not in spite of our differences but because of • connects your skills with B.C. them.

Employers in all job sectors The Ahmadiyya Muslim • provides mentorship opportunities Jama`at cherishes the values outand one-on-one coaching lined by Prime Minister Justin • helps you plan your career,access Trudeau in his victory speech, job leads,upgrade your skills and stating “Canada was built by earn Canadian credentials people from all corners of the world who worship every faith, Call Today: 604.575.3800 who belong to every culture, who Toll Free: 1.877.277.4832 speak every language. We believe www.skillsconnect.ca in our hearts that this country’s unique diversity is a blessing.”

On behalf of the Ahmadi-

Congratulations to the new government

“The Skills Connect for Immigrants Program is part of the WelcomeBC umbrella of services, made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.”

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TTC rider shares his journey

Ideas can generate new ideas and become even better. A few months ago, I moved to Canada, one of the best countries in the world to live, according some surveys. It’s really a beautiful country with friendly and very welcome people, but for some reason the public transportation is not in the same level as the city of Toronto.

Talking about TTC, I have to mention one fact that happened with me in my first time in Canada. In March 7, 2007, with only a few days remaining before my return to São Paulo, Brazil, I saw something that shocked and enraged me. I was in the subway at Dundas station and I observed a guy brutally assault an elderly gentleman. The guy punched the unsuspecting senior in the head and got off the train quickly to get to the exit for the street. I couldn’t let him get away after what he did to that poor man. So a friend on the subway and I nodded to each other and spontaneously followed the assailant out of the station to the street. After a few blocks, we spotted a police officer, flagged him down and pointed out the assailant. Eventually the guy was arrested.

When we returned to Dundas station, I had a chance to talk to the elderly customer who was assaulted to reassure him that the guy that hit him was caught. Then came my next shock; the TTC made a surprisingly kind gesture toward my friend and me. We each received an official TTC thank you letter for our responsible behaviour; hand delivered by two officially dressed TTC officers! In how many cities in the world would this happen?

Now, eight years later, I am still moved by that experience and I would like to publicly thank the Toronto Police and TTC officers who were involved in that situation. It would be an honour and a pleasure to meet them again after so many years.

Eduardo Costa, Toronto

ceremonies. She and her supporters must be overjoyed that the Federal Court of Appeal has sided with them. The niqab nonsense has been going on for quite some time and it’s time we put an end to it. I disagree with quite a few things that the Conservative government was doing lately, but on the niqab issue, I agree that all applicants should open their faces when receiving Canadian citizenship. A person’s face shows his or her identity, and no one should be ashamed of showing one’s face in public.

Muslim scholars, imams and even niqab wearers have publicly stated that wearing a niqab is not part of the Muslim religion. They are not forced by their religious belief to wear niqabs. Neither are they forced by anyone else, which includes their husbands, to wear niqabs. It is a private issue, personally chosen by niqab-wearing women.

The pro-niqab camp has been arguing that the government has no business getting involved in what dress or outfit one should wear.

What is forgotten here is that niqab, where one has to conceal one’s face, is not a dress; neither does it have any cultural or religious value.

Citizenship ceremonies are solemn, historic and emotional moments for those becoming citizens of a new country. They are also public festivals signifying Canada’s diversity, pluralism and coming together of different people. Singing the national anthem with pride and openly in unison is part of the ceremony and no exception should be made for those who do not want to show their face.

Canada is a democratic country where individual liberties of religion, free speech, association, movement, etc., are respected, but there are also limitations to individual liberties. There are a lot of things that we would like to do, but we cannot do so because it is not proper, for example, to go naked on the streets. There are norms of public behaviour and accepted standard of conduct expected in civilized societies.

Mansoor Ladha, Calgary

Enough of niqab nonsense

Zunera Ishaq, a 29-year-old devout Muslim, has successfully challenged the government’s ban on the wearing of niqab at citizenship

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November 2015

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fusion news. people. events.

PROFILE

FRANCK NDAYUBASHE Bowtie business

By Rebeca Kuropatwa

F

ranck Ndayubashe was sent to Canada at 14 years old to escape the civil war in Burundi, East Africa. He and his brother came to live with their older brother in Montreal, which was a good fit considering Ndayubashe’s mother tongue

was French. But he decided to leave the Quebec city to attend the University of Winnipeg as he wanted a quiet place with few distractions so he could focus on studying and his future plans. He always knew he wanted to open a business one day, so he majored

in business administration. After graduating in 2012, Ndayubashe joined an insurance brokerage company to gain some realworld experience; it did not take long, however, before the stylish Ndayubashe, known for wearing bowties, had a business idea he couldn’t ignore. And, in 2015, Ndayubashe started up his company, Off The Wood, selling wooden bowties, wooden sunglasses and other wood accessories made from a variety of different woods (including teak, black walnut, bamboo and beech).

How did you come up with the concept for Off The Wood?

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In thinking about fundraising ideas to send money back home [to Burundi], and being a bowtie person, I remembered a wooden necklace that I had when I was young and how people commented on it a lot.

So, I thought, why not make wood bowties? In my research, I found that people had been doing this, but not in Canada. I hadn’t seen anybody doing it here. So, I contacted a carpenter that I knew in Quebec to make one for me and we were in business right away.

As a newcomer going into business in Canada, what kinds of qualities are important?

Getting involved! Being an immigrant here, coming from a different culture, you are in a country that is multicultural.

You have to be around, involved

in as many ways as you can. You have to welcome everyone, not be afraid of being surrounded by other people. Learn other cultures. Hang out with different people from different countries. It gives you different perspectives.

Why did you decide to settle and establish your business in Winnipeg?

I came to Winnipeg for school and decided to stay, as it is a small city that I have some friends in, but we rarely see each other. We see each other for birthday parties or occasions, which is perfect. It gives me a chance to be in my corner and focus on what I do.

Do you have any advice for other immigrant entrepreneurs starting up a business in Canada?

Never be afraid! Most people, when they think about business, they think about having to go through the paperwork — you need money all this kind of stuff — and it blocks them from even getting started in anything. Any idea is good if you believe in it.

You have to never be afraid and just go into it and try. If you never try, you will never know. You have to put work into it before you can expect anything out of it. Don’t think about the hours you put in. Don’t think about the money.

Think about the idea and the reason you are in business. Have a clear vision of what you are doing and why.

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FUSION

CANSPEAK Look before you leap

B.C. >> The province of British Columbia has placed a temporary

Don’t leap without looking where you are jumping is the literal meaning of this saying, but it’s an apt metaphor for making sure you think before you act.

moratorium on new applications to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) Skills Immigration stream and Express Entry stream until early 2016. The BCPNP will, however, continue to accept applications under the health care professional and northeast pilot project categories. The entrepreneur immigration stream will also continue to accept applications, up to a maximum of 200 per month.

Alberta >> No new applications are being accepted under the Al-

berta Immigrant Nominee Program until Jan. 27, 2016, because of a backlog of approximately 10,000 applications awaiting assessment.

Applications postmarked after Aug. 27, 2015, are being returned. For the meantime, interested individuals in immigrating to Alberta can still apply through the federal Express Entry system.

No pain, no gain

You have to work hard, and even suffer a little, to achieve your goals.

Truth is stranger than fiction

Nova Scotia >> A recent report called Now or Never: An Urgent Call

for Action for Nova Scotians, which was led by Ray Ivany, the president of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, states that immigration to Nova Scotia is crucial to fix the small province's economy, but the numbers are being stalled by the federal immigration system. “We feel that we are at a point — an inflection point if you will — that, if the current trend line continues unabated, then you really are going to see a prolonged downward spiral,” says Ivany.

It’s true that real life can be more amazing and even more unbelievable than made-up stories. Your own immigration story might just be one of them!

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SUCCESS STORY

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ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS Marketing pro Iman Aghay’s motto in business and life could very well be ‘Never give up’

By Nic Enright-Morin

Photo by Sandra Minarik

W

hen Iman Aghay immigrated to Canada in 2009 from Iran, he was just 25 years old. At the time, he was doing very well in the capital city of Tehran in his chosen profession of marketing. He was successful, recently married and had a good life, but he had bigger dreams for himself — he wanted to become a professional international public speaker. Aghay and his wife, Delaram, decided to move to Canada to make it happen. The fact that he spoke no English didn’t deter him in the slightest; Aghay was excited and ready for his new Canadian adventure.

Fast forward 11 months after their arrival in Canada, and life had changed considerably — but not in the way Aghay had hoped. Not only were they down to the last of their savings, Aghay still couldn’t speak much English and, despite his best efforts to look for work, he couldn’t even land a job at Walmart.

With so many obstacles, many people would likely just give up. Not Iman Aghay. He says a pivotal point came when they had $2,500 left in the bank — the exact price, at the time, for two one-way tickets back to Iran.

When they received an unexpected bill for $1,000, they faced a dilemma: should they buy tickets back to Iran and give up on their Canadian dreams, or should they pay the bill and keep pursuing their new life in Canada, even though they had no idea how they were going to pay their next month’s rent?

Aghay asked his wife what they should do. “What she said that night changed everything: ‘Iman, have we ever given up on any of our dreams before? Then why should we give up now? We are not quitters, we do what it takes to make it happen and if that’s the risk, then we are going to take it.’”

So 17 days later, Aghay made a decision that would change his luck.

Instead of chasing jobs that he didn’t really want anyway, he decided to set up his own online marketing and web design company. Three days after that, he got his first contract and the deposit the client paid was enough to pay their rent for the next month. The rest, they say, is history.

His business grew to be successful, and his English flawless, but Aghay still didn’t feel completely satisfied because he felt he wasn’t achieving his true potential. He still dreamed of becoming an international public speaker and so he set a goal to organize a big event.

Photos by Sandra Minarik

“I had no idea of what I wanted to do or how I was going to achieve it. But I had set a goal and so I pursued it. I thought about the change I wanted to make in other people’s lives and the best way to do that,” he says. “I realized if you want to build something big and meaningful, you have to build something that you really care about.”

One month later, he hosted an ambitious networking event with a speakers’ program on achieving success at the Vancouver Convention Centre; 250 people attended, including many newcomers. Three years later, Aghay was hosting events all over Canada under the company name Success Road Academy, where he himself became one of the regular speakers.

During this time, Aghay, recognizing the importance of networking, also founded the Vancouver Business Network, now the largest business Meetup group in Canada and one of the top 10 in the world. Similarly, Success Road Academy has become the largest information marketing training centre in Canada and one of the biggest worldwide. Aghay helps entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers and consultants build successful businesses and become the go-to expert in their field. He teaches them how to share their knowledge and information instead of using money to advertise.

These days, his programs are all online. Aghay says he used to travel constantly to meet his clients, but now he chooses to help people from the comfort of his home studio. By doing so, his ability to help people has also increased exponentially. “Making this change means I get to help a lot more people, not only in Canada, but worldwide.”

No longer burdened with a grueling travel schedule, Aghay is also able to take better care of himself. “If I want to make a positive difference in people’s lives, I also have to pay attention to myself,” he says.

These are wise words from a man who knows exactly what he is talking about. In 2011, while his business was rising, Aghay’s health deteriorated rapidly. On two occasions he lost more than three litres of blood; he was hospitalized twice and on the brink of death. Cancer was suspected, but his doctors could not locate it; they were mystified as to what was wrong or how to help him.

Clearly not one to give up, Aghay took matters into his own hands and went to a private health care clinic for a top-of-the-line MRI scan. The cancer was located in minutes. Fortunately for Aghay, it was operable and he is now in remission.

November 2015

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SUCCESS STORY

I was literally on my death bed, waiting to die or survive, and I asked myself, ‘If I died today, what would I regret?’”

And if he faces obstacles in achieving his goals, he keeps going until he succeeds. “I’m a master of failure. I’m a person who fails every day.

Once in a while I fail at failing and other people call it success. But the reality is I fail a hundred times. Nobody remembers all the things I’ve failed at and that’s OK, because the thing that counts is the thing that succeeded.”

Photo by Sandra Minarik

Even though a health scare of this magnitude would be enough to derail anyone, even at his darkest point, Aghay did not stop asking himself about the purpose of his life. “I was literally on my death bed, waiting to die or survive, and I asked myself, ‘If I died today, what would I regret?’ And I realized I would regret a lot of things in my life and the number one thing was I knew I wanted to be an international public speaker, but I didn’t know why.”

He says that today he chooses to see his cancer as a blessing since it helped him to understand that his dream of being a speaker was really connected to his “why”: a passion for helping others. He now hopes that his story of resilience in the face of adversity will inspire people to pursue their own dreams.

Aghay believes that the “why” of your life is the key to your success and that if you find out what your purpose is and then pursue it wholeheartedly, you will most certainly achieve everything that you desire.

He adds, however, that you have to be consistent and that, no matter what, you must persevere. A further secret to Aghay’s success is his commitment to constantly assess and re-evaluate his progress. “I really believe you have to set yourself goals: weekly goals, monthly goals, yearly goals.”

He says every Monday he writes down his goals for that week and then shares those goals with his personal networking group. By telling other people, it motivates him to get them done.

Hear more about Iman Aghay's road to success in his keynote address at the Vancouver Career, Education and Settlement Fair, Nov. 16.

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COMMUNITY

Immigrants and Aboriginal people have many similarities, and it’s important to recognize their connection in Canada’s mosaic

By Rebeca Kuropatwa

M

andela Kuet was 12 years old when he moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1989. He was born in South Sudan and moved to Cairo, Egypt, where he spent most of his childhood prior to coming to Canada.

When he first moved here, his relatives warned him about associating with Aboriginal people, though he settled in a part of Winnipeg where many Aboriginals live — the North End. “When I am going to school and I’m seeing my [Aboriginal] friends interact and I go to their house, I see their parents are just trying to make ends meet, but everyone else around me is saying something different,” says Kuet.

“And I’m like, that’s not true.”

Fifteen years later, Kuet has found a way to show those with preconceived notions about their Aboriginal neighbours that they

are struggling with problems similar to those faced by newcomers — issues like underemployment, integration and discrimination.

As a youth and family support worker at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), Kuet reached out to local Aboriginal leaders Michael Champlain and Leonard Monkman.

Champlain and Monkman have been running an Aboriginal community program called Meet Me at the Bell Tower, held at the bell tower in the North End (at Selkirk and Powers streets) every Friday at 6 p.m. At these meetings, they lead a ceremonial bell ringing, sing songs and discuss a selected topic. “They started with [talking about] stopping the violence and protecting women and children, and advocating for indigenous rights,” says Kuet.

Kuet felt this would be a great place to make connections between Aboriginal people and newcomers, and, after talking with the organizers, they agreed it would be a fitting venue to connect the two communities.

“Leonard, Michael and me, we all grew up in the North End, and I still live in the North End, and they still live there. We grew up there and we have the same perspective from the same angle,” says Kuet.

“We’re trying to build that relationship and make sure that community members understand first-hand … [that] these are our neighbours, these are our community members, and help them break down stereotypes from both sides.”

The theme of a recent Meet Me at the Bell Tower meeting was “Newcomers be Welcome,"

and Kuet attended along with a group of newcomers who live in the North End. The newcomers met with Aboriginal elders, young adults and families. About 100 people came to the meeting, which is more than double the usual attendance.

“There was a [Blue] Bomber [football] game that day, so they could have chosen to go there, but they didn’t. They were pretty excited. They thought it sounded pretty cool and wanted to check it out.”

Kuet wants to serve as a bridge between newcomers and Aboriginals, and to help them find role models in one another.

“I think we are moving in the right direction — doing things like this, having this as a core value, and wanting to create this opportunity, this dialogue, this space,” adds Kuet. “Our kids share the same schools. We live in the same community … Yet, we don’t interact as community members. Why is that?”

Understanding each other

That question is relevant not just in Winnipeg’s North End, but in regions right across Canada.

Many immigrants come to Canada not understanding the long and complex history it has with its Aboriginal people, including its years of colonization, residential school system and dispossession that has created devastating effects on these communities.

As a result, many newcomers

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learn negative stereotypes about Aboriginal people, and vice versa.

A study by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) a couple years ago found that immigrants quickly picked up such negative stereotypes after immigrating to Canada. “The survey results tell us we all need to make greater efforts to identify how negative perceptions develop and what can be done to address them. Immigrants in particular often have no knowledge of Aboriginal peoples and their history in Canada. Why do negative perceptions develop so fast?” said CRRF’s Rubin Friedman. “Perhaps fuller information can be given

tials recognized.

Both groups actually face many challenges in integrating into the Canadian labour market, and have similar rates of unemployment. But instead of working against each other, they could build on their connection to improve the situation for all.

“Strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and immigrant groups is vital for creating a more welcoming and inclusive community. They face many similar challenges within Canadian society and can build important support networks by bridging their communities,” according to the Kamloops organization.

Sudanese-born Mandela Kuet wants to build connections with Aboriginal people in his hometown of Winnipeg.

to newcomers about Aboriginal peoples, their history and their rights. Perhaps we need to review what is being taught in schools on these subjects. Perhaps we need to encourage more community encounters and open dialogue to promote a greater common understanding.”

According to a recent publication by Kamloops Immigrant Services, there is, in fact, inherent contention between the two groups, largely over employment issues. There is a perception among Aboriginal communities that immigrants are taking jobs away from them, as immigrants struggle in getting their creden-

This theme of co-operation rather than conflict is clear in the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, released in June 2015, following a six-year mandate in which the stories of residential school survivors were heard in an attempt to heal and move forward. The commission recommended 94 calls to action to redress the legacy of the residential school system and to advance the process of reconciliation, including a call to newcomers to Canada.

“For new Canadians, many of whom carry their own traumatic memories of colonial violence, racism and oppression, finding November 2015

Canadian Immigrant

15

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common ground … involves learning about the history of Aboriginal peoples and finding ways to build stronger relationships of solidarity with them,” states the report. “The commission believes there is an urgent need for more dialogue between Aboriginal peoples and new Canadians.”

Creating connections

For his part, Kuet wants to create more opportunities to connect newcomer and Aboriginal communities. “A lot of newcomers do crafts, clothing and beads, so does the indigenous community,” says Kuet. “So, why not create something that’s mutually interesting for both sides, having them interact while doing something they’re skilled at and enjoy doing?”

Some other ways to connect communities, Kuet envisions include connecting youth from both communities via sports and dialogue.

“They like to talk more, they interact, they can push more barriers than adults do, because they’re curious and want to know,” he says.

“And, once they know, they might be surprised to learn that our and Aboriginal youth have the same challenges.”

Kuet is also looking forward to continuing to be involved in the Bell Tower gathering. “I’d like to return the gesture and the hosting … We’ll share our ceremonies and give you some traditional food,” he says. “Come over and hang out.”

8 things newcomers should know about Aboriginal culture and history 1. Today, there are three distinct groups of Aboriginal people in Canada: First Nations, Inuit (live in Arctic) and Métis (mixed Aboriginal and European heritage), recognized by the Canadian Constitution.

2. Historically speaking, when the first European settlers came to Canada,

they began trading with Aboriginal people, and needed their help to explore and survive the terrain. But they also battled with them and claimed the land as their own, pushing them onto reserve lands, a system said to have been the model for South Africa’s Apartheid.

3. Aboriginal people became subjects of the new Canadian government

under the patriarchal Indian Act. While progress has been made over the years in recognizing Aboriginal peoples’ right to self-government, land entitlement and more, there is still much more work to be done, including new agreements and treaties in some parts of the country like B.C.

4. The Canadian government wanted to assimilate Aboriginal people into

European culture, but instead of focusing on the adults, it decided to remove Aboriginal children from their parents and communities, and into Indian residential schools. Not only were the children stripped of their culture, heritage and language, but there were many cases of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and even deaths.

5. Like

the diverse cultures of immigrants to Canada, the cultures of Aboriginal people also differ greatly. Many different languages, cultures and spiritual beliefs, but they all have a deep connection to their land, traditionally relying on hunting, fishing and gathering.

6. The diverse Aboriginal languages in Canada reflect distinctive histories, cultures and identities. Unfortunately, many of these languages were under threat of being lost over the years, when Aboriginal people were forced to assimilate and children were only taught English in residential schools. Today, these languages are being revitalized and passed on to future generations.

7.

Not all Aboriginal people live on reserve today. In fact, more than half of Aboriginal people in Canada live in cities. There are now close to 800,000 urban Aboriginal people in Canada, many of whom migrate to cities in search of better educational and employment opportunities.

8. Stereotypes of Aboriginal people abound, as much of what gets reported on them in the media are news stories about violence, crime or tragedy. (Couldn’t the same be said for immigrants?)

November 2015

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CULTURE

Illuminating Asia

New exhibit at Museum of Anthropology explores contemporary Taiwan and the role of spirituality

J

apan-born Fuyubi Nakamura, the new curator for Asia at the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC, opens a window onto the world of contemporary Taiwan with the unveiling of a new exhibition (In)visible: The Spiritual World of Taiwan through Contemporary Art, on display Nov. 20, 2015, to April 3, 2016.

Nakamura, an award-winning sociocultural anthropologist, author and sought-after international speaker who is now based in Vancouver, has brought together the work of seven contemporary Taiwanese artists — Anli Genu, Charwei Tsai, Chiu Yu-Wen, Li Jiun-Yang, Tu Wei-Cheng, Yuma Taru and Walis Labai — who explore the coexistence of modernity and tradition, while showcasing the

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is offering a new exhibition (In) visible: The Spiritual World of Taiwan through Contemporary Art.

significance of the spiritual world on contemporary Taiwan.

“For (In)visible, I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with seven unique Taiwan-

ese artists — all remarkable individuals who have earned international acclaim for their innovative approach to sharing the history, values and diverse

cultures of Taiwan through their work,” says Nakamura. “The spiritual world is very much part of life and a source for creative inspiration in Taiwan. The compelling array of work on display will express and visualize the religious beliefs, myths and legends that are an inherent part of Taiwan’s urban and rural life cycles.”

(In)visible is a featured exhibition as part of Spotlight Taiwan, an initiative launched in 2014 dedicated to exploring the country at the MOA. Metro Vancouver is home to the largest Taiwanese community in Canada.

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SETTLEMENT

T

he social issues and challenges that our teens and youth face today are very different than what previous generations have ever experienced, according to a recent survey of Canadian teenagers, aged 13 to 18 years old,

by Kids Help Phone.

Positive development during the teen years is crucial for longterm wellbeing. It is a time when they go through many physical and emotional changes, which are often out of their control.

Canadian teenagers are facing challenges such as bullying, body image issues, academic challenges, relationship woes, stress and anxiety, drug use and screen time addictions.

From cyberbullying to school and extracurricular pressures, today’s teens’ lives can be much more stressful, overwhelming and confusing than ever before.

In fact, 42 per cent of teens say they are stressed out, according to the survey, and many are not particularly optimistic about the future.

Combine this with cultural, language and generational differences, and there are additional

teens who did not have anyone to confide in were 200 per cent more likely to experience emotional difficulties. So spend quality time with your teenagers and find some common interests and values. Find out what excites or motivates them — their fears, interests, dreams, goals, talents and beliefs.

| PA R E N T I N G |

The teen years

Finding support

Youth are facing more challenges and stress in today’s world than ever before challenges for immigrant teenagers and their parents as they navigate these difficult years.

How parents can help

As teenagers face this critical period in their development, it is essential for parents to find ways to help and support the teenager in the family. With a lack of parental support, the consequences could be everything from poor school grades or dropping out of school, to depression and anxiety, to to-

bacco and other substance abuse.

With proper support and encouragement, children are more likely to be confident and well-adjusted.

Staying connected with your teen and maintaining open communication to foster a healthy relationship is perhaps the most important strategy. The Kids Help Phone survey revealed that

As we all know, it takes a village to raise happy and healthy children.

If you as a parent feel like you need support with your teenager, look for help from other parents, extended family, sport coaches, school teachers and counsellors, and even community or immigrant services agencies. And, if you feel like your teens need some additional support, tell them about Kids Help Phone (kidshelpphone. ca or toll free at 1-800-668-6868), a free and confidential counselling service for teens via phone or web chat.

Cheryl Song,, an immigrant from Malaysia, has more than 10 years’ experience of working in childhood education and family programs.

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Connecting in Vancouver Career, Education and Settlement Fair is back at the Vancouver Public Library Nov. 16

F

or the third year in a row, Canadian Immigrant is returning to the Vancouver Public Library (350 West Georgia St.) with its Career, Education and Settlement Fair on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Following successful fairs in Halifax in September and Calgary

in October, the Vancouver event has an exciting lineup of speakers, activities and exhibitors — all eager to help newcomers to the Lower Mainland settle in and succeed.

Presented by Scotiabank and in association with IELTS CanadaBritish Council, the free fair will once again have employment,

education and settlement exhibitors lined up to answer your questions throughout the magnificent promenade as well as the lowerlevel rooms just down the stairs.

Also downstairs will be our popular resumé clinic, new careers clinics (on health care, small business and more), and inspirational speakers including Iman Aghay, founder of Success Road Academy. He will share his own immigrant experiences in his motivational keynote How to Succeed in Canada with No Connections, Recognized Credentials or Canadian Experience. (Learn more about Aghay on page 10.)

To learn more about the Vancouver fair, its sessions, exhibitors and more, see canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair/Vancouver.

Speakers’ Sessions 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

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from its website, allowing the audience to ask questions on how best to prepare for the IELTS. Speaker: Assia Hamdane, head of marketing for IELTS CanadaBritish Council

11:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

English Pronunciation for Success Workshop

Do Canadians ask you to repeat yourself? A few, specific changes could make all the difference.

Catherine Steele of English Pronunciation for Success is hosting a free pronunciation workshop for people who are interested in talking about accent reduction.

Come and learn tips and tricks to help English speakers understand you more easily the first time you speak. Join us! It will be a fun, interactive activity.

Speaker: Catherine Steele, founder, English Pronunciation for Success

1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: How to Succeed in Canada with No Connections, Recognized Credentials or Canadian Experience

Iman Aghay will share with you how he started absolutely from scratch and within a few years became one of the most influential people in the business community. You will discover: 1. How to build connections with key people in your industry.

2. A work-around the lack of Canadian experience.

3. How to position yourself as the "go-to expert" in your field.

Speaker: Iman Aghay, founder of Success Road Academy

the growing importance of social media in career searching, establishing yourself as an expert and making new connections. From Facebook to LinkedIn, there is no denying that social media is here to stay, so let’s learn how to make the most of it!

Speaker: Ian Cameron, Skills Connect – mentorship facilitator

3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Coming to Canada via Express Entry

In January 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) launched Express Entry, changing the way that people apply for economic immigration. For prospective immigrants, Express Entry will result in a more user-

2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Social Media and Immigrant Success

MOSAIC immigrant settlement agency will present this session on

friendly experience for those invited to apply for permanent residence benefitting from faster processing. The new system will also help employers by making it easier to find skilled international candidates for positions when they are unable to find qualified Canadians and permanent residents. This speakers’ session will explore how people interested in making Canada their permanent home can apply through Express Entry.

Speaker: Dean Jorgensen, employer liaison officer, Citizenship and Immigration Canada To learn more and pre-register for the sessions at the Vancouver fair, see canadianimmigrant.ca/ careerfair/Vancouver/sessions.

Interested in being an exhibitor?

Contact Alla Gordeeva at alla@canadianimmigrant. ca or 778-558-3397 for details. Limited space is still available.

Volunteers wanted!

Looking for ways to get involved, make connections and get some Canadian experience? Be a volunteer at our Vancouver fair, Nov. 16. Contact Margaret Jetelina at mjetelina@metroland.com for more details.

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Our sector-specific programs help new Canadians to find a job in their field and to build their career in Canada.

Working with over 1000 employers in the Greater Toronto Area, we can connect you to companies hiring in your sector. ACCES Employment offers specialized services for professionals from the following industries: • Engineering

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Funded by:

Visit www.accesemployment.ca or call us at 416-921-1800.

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Immigrant

Settlement

Guide 2015

To list your agency in the “Immigrant Settlement Guide,” please contact: ONTARIO LISTINGS Ricky Bajaj: 905-273-8170 or John Zhang: 416-803-3931

WESTERN CANADA LISTINGS

Alla Gordeeva: 778-558-3397 or alla@canadianimmigrant.ca

Are you a newcomer to Canada? You no doubt have many questions. Immigrating can be a challenging process, with many unknowns, but the good news is that there are many resources available to help you. Seeking help at an immigrant settlement agency is going to be your most important first step in Canada. And many services are free, from English as a second language programs to settlement counselling to career help, including mentorship and retraining opportunities. The services are all aimed to help you overcome the challenges you’re facing and succeed in Canada.

Here are just some of the agencies ready to serve you in the Greater Toronto Area:

Agency

General Services and Specialty Programs

Languages

Brampton Multicultural Centre (BMC)

Not for profit, registered charity providing multilingual, culturally sensitive free programs & services to help clients enhance their community engagement while integrating into Canadian society. Programs: Initial settlement support, resumés & employment readiness workshops, advocacy with solution-focused counselling, interpretation & translation, services for youth and youth at risk, volunteer opportunities, seniors program and mental health support services in multiple languages. Reference to instructor-led LINC classes with child-minding & transportation subsidies, violence against women program and community engagement programs.

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

• • • • •

English Punjabi Gujarati French Spanish

• • • • •

Hindi Tamil Urdu Arabic Farsi

Settlement Services, Family Counselling, Senior Services and Volunteer Opportunities. Specialty Programs: English Language Training & Citizenship Classes, Job Search Workshops, Adult Day & Seniors Wellness program, Services for Women, Children and Youth, Supportive Mental Health Services Email: info@indiarainbow.org www.indiarainbow.org

• • • •

English Punjabi Gujarati French

• • • •

Hindi Tamil Urdu Arabic

Find out how to: get the skills you need to find work quickly! — Job Search Workshops Program! perfect your resumé, practise interview skills and more — Job Find Club for Internationally Trained Individuals job search effectively — with Employment Ontario Employment Services. Access Bridge to HR — a bridging program for internationally educated HR professionals Email: info@jobskills.org www.jobskills.org

• English

Settlement Services, LINC Classes (level 1-6) with child minding, Counseling, Job search, Citizenship & Immigration, Groups for Youth, Seniors & Women and Volunteering. Specialty Programs: Bridge Training Program for International Mental Health Professionals, Community Engagement Program, Community Mental health Program and Anger management.

Additional locations at Scarborough and Toronto.

Email: northyork@mnlct.org www.mnlct.org

• • • • •

English Spanish Mandarin Bengali Turkish

New to Canada? Looking for a job in your field? Need career and training options? We can help Get free advice on how to use your skills and find a meaningful career in Canada. Contact us today to speak with one of our experts. We’re a national organization and serve all of Ontario.

Contact: Elena Rakitskaya or Jim Lamarche Email: acp@nacc.ca www.nacc.ca/acp

• • • • •

English French Russian Farsi Spanish

Settlement Services: assist immigrants to integrate and become established and contributing members of Canadian society. English Language Classes are instructor-led, and supported by a computer lab. Job-specific, advanced-level Enhanced Language Training available. Supports to assist in developing the skills needed to find work: resumé/cover letter preparation, interview readiness and information about accreditation, workplace practices, Canadian employer expectations. Other services available.

Email: info@welcomecentre.ca www.welcomecentre.ca

• English

197 County Court Blvd.

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

India Rainbow Community Services of Peel 3038 Hurontario Street, Suite 206 & Unit 1, Mississauga, ON L5B 3B9 Phone: 905-275-2369 Job Skills Employment & Business Programs & Supports Locations in York, Peel and North Toronto Phone: 1-866-592-6278 Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto 2737 Keele Street North York ON M3M 2E9 Phone: 647-776-2057 National Association of Career Colleges 44 Byward Market, Suite 270 Ottawa, K1N 7A2 Phone: 1-866-981-6863 Welcome Centre Immigrant Services 7 Locations in York and Durham Regions Phone: 1-877-761-1155

November 2015

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23

8 soft skills newcomers need in the Canadian workplace And the interview questions employers ask to determine if you’ve got them

By Susan Denommee

A

s an employment specialist for 25 years, I have worked with many new immigrant clients over the years and have been repeatedly told by these recent arrivals that they lack “Canadian experience” to find work in their own profession. Though most immigrants have immigrated to Canada with the technical competencies and direct occu-

pational experience from their home country, they often assume this lack of Canadian experience means a lack of direct work experience in Canada.

But really what it means is that employers are looking for workers who are able to demonstrate that they will be able to adapt and blend in with the team and to represent the goals and values

of the organization. It also means that potential workers must possess the self-management skills required to build and maintain strong workplace relationships.

These soft skills are culturally defined and are generally learned through life experiences rather than through academic training.

To be successful in a Canadian workplace, new immigrants must be able to demonstrate the following eight soft skills:

1. Canadian business etiquette

• To understand that every culture has its own unique social nuances and norms, and in Canada, eye contact, a firm handshake, appropriate use of personal space, a friendly smile and small talk are necessary social graces to establish rap port and build relationships.

2. Cross-cultural communication

• Be respectful, understanding and appreciative of cultural di versity and Canada’s mosaic social landscape.

• Be culturally sensitive and aware that what may be perceived as socially acceptable behaviour in one culture may not be acceptable in another.

24 canadianimmigrant.ca

November 2015

• To be open to another perspective that is different from your own and to find common ground to establish collaborative relationships.

3. Emotional intelligence

• To be self-aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses.

• Be accountable and responsible for own actions; learn from one’s mistakes and be open to feedback or constructive criticism.

4. Adaptability and flexibility • Ability to assume multiple roles and to be able to cope with the stressors of changing circumstances and situations.

• To be open to different ways of doing things, and to other perspectives.

5. Team orientation

• Being a team player means being positive and able to work well with others, going the extra mile to help team members to meet tasks and project deadlines.

• Understanding that a positive attitude and outlook fosters an environment that helps the team meet the goals and vision of the organization.

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6.

Conflict resolution and negotiation

• The ability to resolve conflicts by being able to hear what is not said and to listen without prejudice.

• To be able to identify the issue and to understand the view point of another without one’s ego or personal biases getting in the way.

• To understand that the ultimate goal is to create a collaborative and trusting relationship, not about being right or wrong.

7. Customer service

• Ability to anticipate and identify the needs of others with an attitude of helpfulness, accompanied by a friendly smile.

8. Leadership qualities

• To possess the initiative to provide solutions or direction when needed while making others feel supported and motivated.

• To have emotional control when facing conflict and adversity.

• To understand that leadership

qualities are not defined by having a formal job title of su pervisor or manager.

These interpersonal and communication skills are weighed equally with academic credentials, technical competence and experience. Soft skills have become equally important if not more important than the hard skills within Canadian workplace cultures.

How employers determine if you have these skills

As a result of the importance of these soft skills, Canadian human resources professionals and employers use behaviour-based questions to determine the suitability of a candidate during employment interviews.

These types of questions are challenging as they tend to be open ended which allows the candidate a lot of flexibility in answering the question. Responses to these questions are not black and white. The premise behind these types of questions is that past behaviours will be an indication or reflection of one’s future

Bridge Delivery for

behaviour in similar situations.

Some examples of behaviourbased questions include: • Could you tell me of a time when you had a conflict with a coworker?

• Tell me about a time when you had to resolve an issue over the phone with an angry customer.

• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision that impacted your team.

• Give me an example of a time when you demonstrated good leadership and team building skills.

for new immigrants as they often miss many of the subtle social cues and nuances. Utilizing settlement and employment services, and volunteering will assist new immigrants in becoming more familiar with the social graces, attitudes and behaviours of Canadian workplace cultures.

Susan Denommee is with the employment services team at Surrey, B.C.-based DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society.

With files from Susan Liu Woronko

New immigrants find these behaviour-based questions perplexing and often do not understand the relevance of being asked such questions when they already have the academic credentials and technical competence to qualify for the job. Moreover, they will more than likely respond to these types of questions within their own cultural experiences and not fit within the social norms of Canadian workplace culture.

Understanding Canadian workplace culture is a challenge

info@ccnm.edu www.ccnm.edu

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| C AREER COACH |

Once upon a time ...

• Keep your stories short. One to two minutes long is about what people can digest in today’s world.

• Make your stories to the point, but be sure that they include a beginning, middle and an end.

• Plan your story starting with the takeaway message. Think about what’s important to the audience. The ending is the most important point of the

10 engaging ways to tell your story and getmatters hired could be tricky Immigration

Reach an Expert

W

ho would think that the ability to be a good storyteller could be one of the hidden keys to secure a good job? But it’s true. Whether you are networking, building relationships or actively looking for a job, telling “your story” can truly springboard your job search and career advancement.

Especially when searching for a job or preparing for an interview, your ability to engage the recruiter with a well-developed story about your experiences and skills is probably the single best way to stand out during the entire process.

Here’s where you can confidently answer them by sharing an experience from the past through stories that exemplify soft skills like articulate communications, organization, research, leadership and teamwork in a unique, authentic style.

story. This is the message you want to deliver, and the one that will linger with the hiring manager.

Further, take the time prior to your interviews to practise sharing your stories so your prospective employers can see you at your best in your interview.

So, go ahead, tell a great story, get hired and live happily ever after.

Formatting your story

A great way to engage your audiences is to tell stories in the STAR format:

Immigration matters couldmatters be tricky Immigration could be tricky

10 storytelling tips t S – SITUATION: What were the Reach an Expertan Reach Exper circumstances that you faced?

As you work to finetune the stories relevant to your life and career

T – TASK or TACTIC: What for your next interview, here are 10 useful tips to improve your stowas your strategy and thinking? rytelling abilities.

A – ACTION: did Immigration matters What could action be tricky People, not resumés you take to complete the task? ❶ Think about your story like a movie. As the screenwriter and Remember, employers hire people R – RESULTS: What was the director of your story, make it interesting by starting with a — not resumés. Stories allow you measurable impact of your work challenge and concluding with an overcoming angle. to demonstrate competency and and effort? ❷ Intensify the story with vivid language and intonation. Tap passion in a way that a resumé into people’s emotions with language. Use metaphors, idioms and never could. Your hard skills are Good candidates ace their inparables that have emotional associations. what typically bring you to the terview sessions by prefacing the ❸ Share your story with passion. It can help add meaning to your interview table. From then on, it is STAR methodology with “… as accomplishments, career transitions or important decisions up to your soft skills to take over — you can see on my resumé.” They you’ve made. and your ability to engage through Certified focusCanadian theirImmigration anecdote on proven ❹ Stories help you know yourself and build confidence. Not only Consultants storytelling that can differentiate past experience toCapIC predict behavand Members of CSIC, CMI, can telling stories enable others to know you better, but they can Graduates of the UBC Immigration you from the competition. ioural future success. The best inpractitioner Certificate program Member CSIC M064140 help you get to know yourself better.

Employers often ask behav- terview stories demonstrate your ❺ Stories establish trust. Trust is becoming a rare and high-value ioural-based interview We questions, skills, interests and motivations commodity in recruitment. As a jobseeker, you can quickly gain provide all immigration services like “Give me an example of a time in action. an employer’s trust by integrating a story in your interview.

Here are a few additional when you set a goal for yourself?” Federal Skilled Workerstratuld out from many other jobseekers, who ❻ Stories help you stand b egies to remember: and “What were the steps you Arranged are also vying for the same position you seek in probably less Employment took toward reaching that goal?” • Your stories should be personalImmigration Certified Canadian Immigration Consultants Canadian Certified Consultants engaging ways.

Canadian Experience Class and Members of CSIC, CMI,and CapIC Members of CSIC, CMI, CapIC or “Tell me about a time when and should detailsof that Graduates of the UBCinclude Immigration Graduates the UBC Immigration Stories illustrate skills, accomplishments, values, characteristics, ❼ Neera Agnihotri practitioner Certificate program practitioner Certificate program Provincial Nominee CSIC M064140 Member CSIC M064140 you overcame a difficult situation, make them specificPrograms toMember you, your qualifications, expertise, strengths and more.

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Reach an Expert

Neera Agnihotri

Neera Agnihotri Neera Agnihotri

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| HIGHER LEARNING |

Access to education Have a disability? Don’t rule out post-secondary

N

ewcomers with disabilities may have more than the usual immigrant barriers in settling in Canada, but accessing education shouldn’t be one of them. Post-secondary schools are ready and prepared to provide services to these students. From financial assistance to academic accommodations to help with technology, students with disabilities can find support and achieve their educational goals.

Help is available

There is both a moral and legal obligation for schools to reduce barriers for students whose learning is impacted by their disability.

This is often referred to as academic accommodations and may include alternate exam formats or extra time on tests and assignments, to name a few. Note that it is the impact of the disability that will be evaluated when determining academic accommodations, not the disability itself. For instance, a medical condition that causes flare-ups and requires a student to miss classes may be accommodated.

Generally, a school will have a disability office (sometimes called accessibility office) with staff designated to help students and faculty, including people specializing in adaptive technology and learning strategies.

Advocate for yourself

While the school’s policies and practices are there to provide the opportunity for students with disabilities to learn along with all the other students, there are a number of ways you can help yourself, including becoming your own advocate. Here are five ways to become your own advocate and succeed at school and beyond.

1. In order to receive academic accommodations, you must selfidentify to the disability office.

You will be required to provide current documentation about your disability from a registered health professional that identifies how the disability may impact your academic life.

2. Some disabilities require individual compromises. For instance, if fatigue is one of the effects of your disability, having a lighter course load may be a good option. While it may take you longer to finish the program, it may also increase the chances of successful completion.

3. Learn to talk about your disability and explain how it could affect your studies. This is useful not only with school administration and teachers, but also with other students you are studying with and future employers.

4. Choose a program of study that fits your interests, life and has good work potential. Focus on your abilities and avoid areas of weakness. When you choose a program where the work comes to you more easily, you increase the probability of doing well both academically and occupationally.

5. Schools often hire their own students for part-time work in their various departments. If you can get some work experience, this will help you with future employment, especially since students with disabilities on average have fewer work experiences prior to post-secondary education.

Time to enroll

A significant percentage of people with disabilities enroll and graduate from colleges and universities in Canada. Your school is required to assist students while making sure that academic standards are met.

Having a disability may present additional challenges, but expect that schools are ready to assist everyone capable and interested in learning.

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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November 2015

Canadian Immigrant

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Winter adventures Have fun and keep safe as you explore all the festivals Canada has to offer in the snowy season

By Ronald D’Souza

A

re cold temperatures and a snowy landscape something you look forward to or dread? Just because winter is approaching, it doesn't mean you have to hibernate. There are plenty of winter activities and attractions you can visit.

If the traditional winter activities like tobogganing, skating, skiing and snowboarding don’t appeal to you, Canada has plenty of other fun events and festivals planned to help make the cold months fly by.

Niagara Icewine Festival Niagara Region, Ontario, Jan. 15-31, 2016

The Niagara Wine Region comes alive during this celebration of Ontario’s famous icewine. The Niagara Icewine Festival features gala dinners, an outdoor ice bar, ornate ice sculptures and carriage rides, plus wine and cheese seminars.

It’s the perfect time to taste local vintages; the region is home to more than 90 distinctive wineries.

The WinterCity Festival and Winterlicious Toronto, Ontario, Jan. 29 to Feb. 11, 2016

WinterCity Festival and Winterlicious is a 14-day celebration of culture, creativity and cuisine. Visitors to the lively festival can enjoy free outdoor and indoor entertainment each weekend, which includes an exciting lineup of concerts, openair shows and skating parties. As part of the festivities, Toronto’s finest restaurants offer unique value menus during the Winterlicious restaurant promotion.

Niagara Falls’ Winter Festival of Lights Niagara Falls, Ontario, Nov. 21, 2015 to Jan. 31, 2016

The Winter Festival of Lights illuminates Niagara Falls throughout the winter months. With more than three million sparkling lights along a five-kilometre route, this enchanting attraction has become a family tradition for many. Visitors will enjoy grand light displays and unique performances such as the annual Christmas Concert Series. A popular place for viewing the lights against the backdrop of majestic Horseshoe Falls is the Rink at the Brink, Niagara Falls’ newest outdoor skating experience.

Winterlude Ottawa, Ontario, Jan. 29 to Feb. 15, 2016

Winterlude has been called the greatest winter celebration in North America. This fun-forthe-whole-family open-air event attracts more than 650,000 funseekers every year. Get in the winter spirit with a spin around the largest ice skating rink in the world, the Rideau Canal Skateway. Afterward, reward yourself with a cup of piping hot apple cider. Winterlude also features an impressive display of ice sculptures and the largest snow playground on the continent.

Bon Soo Winter Carnival Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Feb. 5-14, 2016

With more than 75 indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family, Bon Soo is one of the largest winter carnivals in Northern Ontario. The annual polar bear swim, a major highlight of the festival, is a mustsee attraction during the event.

seum at Heritage Park, this indoor spin on classic carnival activities is a family-fun activity for cold winter days.

Vancouver Christmas Market Vancouver, B.C., Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, 2015

Go for a drive and get into the holiday spirit! This is the largest free drive-by Christmas lights showcase in Calgary, comprised of more than 100,000 lights along 14 th St NW.

This outdoor Christmas market, styled after traditional Christmas markets in Germany, features food, entertainment, kids’ activities, gifts for purchase and more.

Come see the beautiful décor, twinkle lights and mulled wine!

Vancouver Winter Wonderland Vancouver, B.C., Dec. 11-20, 2015

This new 10-day indoor event at the PNE Forum will feature vendors, food and drinks, a threestorey walk-through snow globe and more.

Winter Solstice Festival Vancouver, B.C., Dec. 21, 2015

Lantern

Festival of Lights Calgary, Alberta, throughout December to early January

Stay safe!

Safety should be top priority, when driving to and from all of these attractions, in winter conditions.

Buick vehicles come with a 5-Star overall safety rating (by NHTSA) and OnStar live assistance that can provide peace of mind during all your winter adventures. Having good winter tires and brakes, topped-up fluids including antifreeze and an emergency kit will add to the safety of you and your loved ones.

Honouring many cultural traditions, the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival illuminates the longest night of the year with lanterns, singing, drumming, music and dancing in four Vancouver neighbourhoods.

Winter CARnival Calgary, Alberta, Dec. 27, 2015, to Jan. 3, 2016

Held at the Gasoline Alley MuNovember 2015

Canadian Immigrant

29

BACK PAGE

Top

Tips

Newcomer tips from our RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2015!

G W,  

“

Do not be afraid to get involved.

Canadian culture is very accepting, so volunteer your time, ask for help, say hello to a stranger. You never know who you can meet and this will allow you to get the most out of being a part of your new community.

”

A M Z,  

“

Do not be afraid. Get your certifications, work hard, be honest and let go of yesterday — it is in the past. Tomorrow who knows what will happen, but today is the day that you can change your life.

”

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

30 canadianimmigrant.ca

November 2015

facebook/canimmigrant

@canimmigrant

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