Canadian Immigrant November 2021

Volume 18 Issue 6 5 | 2021

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CONTENTS Volume 18 Issue 6, 2021

37 MONEY AND BUSINESS 4

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PROFILE: Thabo Chinake and the power of the spoken word NEWS: Role of immigrants as essential workers HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO CANADIANA: 10 things you might not know about Christmas in Canada

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TOP 25 CANADIAN IMMIGRANT AWARDS

The 13th annual Canadian Immigrants of 2021 are announced

27 SETTLEMENT

IMMIGRATION LAW: The increasing role of AI in visa processing PARENTING: Finding child care that suits your needs

32 CAREERS AND EDUCATION

HIGHER LEARNING: Choose your program wisely

for academic success

CAREER COACH: Transferable skills for the new normal

35 LIVING

WELLNESS: The calm before the storm Boosting wellness with sports

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People. News. Information.

THABO CHINAKE

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 6

The power of the spoken word

2021

By Ramya Ramanathan

Group Publisher Sanjay Agnihotri

Festival for Black History Month and the Woezo Africa Cultural Festival.

I spoke at a TEDx event in July on the importance of authentic leadership in the digital age as social media campaigns have been the driving force behind global movements such as #MeToo and #BLM. I enjoy youth work and this year I had the opportunity to be a Science Genius ambassador in the Beakerhead program, where we taught grades 7 and 9 how to rap and create songs based on what they were learning in their science classes. I also led a three-part workshop for Antyx Arts, mentoring teenagers on freestyle rap and the importance of storytelling in music and marketing.

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

What are you currently working on?

Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com

I just released my latest album +Vice on October 22.

It's a concept project that looks at grief, gender equity and mental well-being. I've been performing live shows to promote the release and am also working on new visuals (short film and music videos) to support the music.

ISSN 1910-4146 Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher

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

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orn and raised in Zimbabwe, Thabo Chinake (who calls himself KTheChosen) came to Calgary in 2015 as an international student. He has “chosen” to create music that is both enlightening and entertaining. As a hip-hop and spoken word artist, he has used his voice to share the experiences of those around him. This year, he received a nomination for the Zim Achievers Canada Awards in the Young Achievers category and the opportunity to perform and speak at a TEDx event. He was also selected as the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI) artist of the month for October 2021.

Any first impressions when you arrived in Canada?

The first thing I noticed when I arrived in Canada was that most people that I saw suffering on the streets or sleeping on public transit tended to be Indigenous folk, which didn't make sense to me. It's something that has stuck with me and inspired me to not only read more about Indigenous culture and Canada's history, but also to make a song called LONO, that discussed colonialism with two Indigenous artists, Blackfoot rapper TRIBETheArtist and Cree singer and hand drummer Chantal Stormsong Chagnon.

What are your future plans?

My long-term plan is to work with creatives in the artist development field and help them build their brand and marketing strategies.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by the conversations I have with friends, family and strangers. We all have such unique perspectives of how the world works, which fascinates me and broadens my views on life. I am also inspired by other art such as paintings, animations and books. I find sometimes my songs are just the audio representation of another art form that I've experienced.

What are some challenges that have come your way?

Calgary’s art scene is still developing; so, in the earlier years there were very few options when it came to performance opportunities and events to meet other creatives. I had to take it upon myself to explore the city and make friends with those in the community to learn more. It was daunting at first, but now I'm blessed with so many creative friends and opportunities to contribute to Calgary's growing art scene.

What is your advice to other immigrants?

Be proud of who you are and your story. It’s what makes you special and, if you can, share it with the I'm a strong believer in the power of storytelling world. There are so many people who can't even imagine and community, so I often collaborate with artists the life you've lived, and for those who can, hearing you to share their experiences and perspectives with speak to their experience can help them feel understood different communities. As well as self-releasing three and less alone. The uniqueness of our experiences is albums since 2018, I have also performed at multiple what unites us no matter how far we are because we all immigrant-focused events including the Ethnik Culture have a story to tell.

Tell us about your work as an artist.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 6 | 2021

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news

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Role of immigrants as essential workers To what extent are immigrants and temporary residents overrepresented in essential occupations and sectors? How can the government and employers ensure immigrant skills match essential jobs?

These are questions that are tackled by a new report Valued Workers, Valuable Work: The Current and Future Role of (Im)migrant Talent, released by the Conference Board of Canada.

Canada relies on immigrants and temporary residents in many essential sectors such as health care and agriculture. But the immigration system has a strong focus on highly educated immigrants, which does not always correspond to the need of the labour market. This leads to highly qualified immigrants working in essential roles that don’t make the best use of their education and skills, limits their career prospects and leads to lower job satisfaction.

The study finds that this is particularly common among newcomers working as nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (45 per cent); transport truck drivers (28 per cent); and process control and machine operators in food and beverage processing (34 per cent).

The report offers various recommendations to address Canada’s labour shortage in the essential sectors and provide quality opportunities for immigrants and temporary residents. These include turning essential jobs into better paying, higher quality opportunities and inviting immigrants with the right skills and experience to fill vacancies in the essential sector.

The study also calls for effective and rapid credential recognition to help fill vacancies with the right talent. Full report available on conferenceboard.ca.

10 things you might not know about Christmas in Canada Whether you join a cookie baking party or enjoy the beautiful lights, music and celebration around you, here are 10 things to know about the holiday.

1. While Christmas is a Christian religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, for many Canadians, it is more of a secular celebration, with a focus on Santa Claus, Christmas trees, gift-giving and family. So, join in and have some fun!

2.

Many may refrain from wishing you a “Merry Christmas,” so as not to offend those who don’t celebrate. If someone does wish you a merry Christmas, feel free to say, “Merry Christmas” back or the more generic “Happy Holidays” in return, or simply “thank you.”

3. Canadian children send letters to Santa — and he may write back, thanks to Canada Post.

Letters should be mailed to SANTA CLAUS, NORTH POLE H0H 0H0, CANADA. Send your Santa letters no later than December 10, 2021, to 6

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 6 | 2021

receive a reply before the holidays.

4. Checking out a production of The Nutcracker, complete with Sugar Plum fairies, mice and soldiers, is a family holiday tradition for many. Due to COVID, some versions of this production could also be available online.

5. The traditional Christmas dinner found at many Canadian dinner tables is turkey, much like Thanksgiving, complete with all the fixings like mashed potatoes, gravy stuffing and vegetables like peas, corn and yams. Most stores will be closed on Christmas Day, so make sure you have everything you need, including groceries, by Christmas Eve. 6.

If you have kids in school, not only will there be a Christmas or winter concert, but you may also be asked to contribute to classroom Christmas activities, like building gingerbread houses. Parents often give a small gift to their child’s teacher as well (check to see if this is allowed by your school).

7. Your children get to see Santa Claus at the local mall (check COVID regulations in your neighbourhood). Parents dress up their children in their finest and stand in line to visit the big guy.

Photos are taken for a fee, but these are optional.

You are allowed to just go for a visit, but it’s a no-no to try to snap your own pictures without paying for the official portrait.

8.

The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decor, along with stockings along the mantle and colourful outdoor lights on the house.

Have fun — there’s no right or wrong way to decorate.

9. Exchanging gifts is a big part of Christmas, very similar to other major celebrations, such as Hanukkah and Eid. There's often Christmas stockings hung by the fireplace, ready for Santa!

10. Eggnog is a popular holiday drink in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, more than 5.9 million litres of eggnog were sold to Canadians in December 2018.

Determination in action 2021 brings another positive and resilient group of Top 25 winners

By Margaret Jetelina

A

s we continue to face the ongoing impact of the pandemic, one thing the annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards shows us is the importance of determination — the ability of the human spirit to overcome challenges they have no control over and rise above them with a positive mindset.

The 2021 Top 25 Canadian Immigrants are all shining examples of this spirit.

Read their stories and you’ll see a common thread to their successful journeys in Canada — they live their lives with positive attitudes, work really hard and never give up. In this 13th year of the national awards program, all of us at Canadian Immigrant are proud to share the stories of these inspiring immigrants. From among the Top 25, two winners have also been chosen for the annual Youth Award and the Entrepreneur Award.

Thank you to program sponsor COSTI for joining us this year. Our gratitude also goes to all our Top 75 finalists, our judging panel made up of past winners (including Conny Lo, Shanthi Johnson, Fariba Pacheleh and Arlene Ruiz) and everyone who took the time to nominate and vote this year.

Now, let’s meet this year’s Top 25 winners!

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Luis Carlos Flores Aguilar | A young new voice

W

hen Luis Carlos Flores Aguilar first arrived in Canada from rural Mexico as a 22-year-old engineer on a visitor visa, language was the biggest obstacle for him.

“I faced tremendous professional and linguistic challenges as an immigrant who did not speak the official languages of Canada,” he says. “I often felt at a disadvantage when compared to other immigrants that came to this country at an early age or with their families.

From an intersectional perspective, those issues have been compounded for me as a person of colour and a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community.”

But he had come to Canada with the hope of living his true self in a tolerant and accepting society — and he wasn’t about to give up until he claimed his new voice. The young newcomer started accessing all the resources available to him to learn English and studiously attended ESL classes in Edmonton. Mastering the language, he also applied for work in his field of engineering and project management, but after many rejections, he decided to change course and applied to MacEwan University’s public relations program. The only non-Canadian-

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 6 | 2021

born in the program, Flores Aguilar finished on the Dean’s list and won an award.

This success propelled the young newcomer into a career as a bilingual communications advisor with the Government of Alberta.

“Some of the services I offer, both in English and Spanish, include strategic communications planning, news release drafting, media relations, social media management, speech writing, crisis management and more.”

Now 28, he also uses his voice to advocate for diversity and inclusion as a steering committee member and communications lead for LGBTQ2S+ and multicultural groups.

“Being perseverant, hard-working and accepting myself for who I am helped me to find fulfilment in my new home country, and thus to achieve my goals and dreams.”

Luis Carlos Flores Aguilar’s Top Tip: “Hard work and perseverance pay off.

Regardless of your age, colour of skin or sexual orientation, Canada will offer you the tools and opportunities you need to achieve your dreams. It is up to you to make the most of the advantages this beautiful country provides to all immigrants.”

Lanre Ajayi | Artistic leadership

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t wasn’t an easy decision for Lanre Ajayi to uproot his life in Nigeria to come to Canada in his 40s in 2015. “It was tough for me to make up my mind to move and start all over again in a new country,” he says. “But I took the bold step and am grateful for it now.”

A visual and new media creator, Ajayi has made a quick impact in his new home of Calgary, Alberta. As the founder, artistic and creative director of Ethnik Festivals Association, he creates platforms for AfroCanadian and Caribbean artists and creators to showcase their unique cultural identities.

“I want to capture the imagination and engage a broad cross-section of Alberta audiences, while showcasing the cutting-edge, pioneering work of Calgary’s creative minds,” he says.

At its core, Ajayi’s work is about building those connections and finding new ways that arts and culture can have a positive impact on society. For example, his initiatives include working with traumatized immigrants from war-torn countries and using his arts and

crafts skills as therapeutic means to heal wounds inflicted as a result of war, especially in children.

Throughout the pandemic, Ajayi also collected stories from cab drivers to create the 48-minute film Yellow Legacy. It was selected as a finalist entry in the Festival del Cinema Di Cefalu in Italy and the SideReel Festival in the U.S. The pandemic also saw him start the volunteer initiative Operation Temporarily Adopt A Mailbox Stand, encouraging people to clean mailbox stands for the safety of postal workers. His acts of service led to a provincial government recognition and award for acts of volunteerism.

“For me, it’s about believing in possibilities and hoping for the best at all times. No matter the challenges I face, I never quit trying,” he says.

Lanre Ajayi’s Top Tip: “Don’t lose your head in the crowd. Be different, stay focused on your goal and keep speaking your vison until it becomes your reality!”

Gentille M. Assih | Filmmaker with a message

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he year 2009 was a busy one for Gentille M. Assih. Not only did she immigrate to Canada, but the screenwriter and director also filmed her first documentary, Itchombi, produced by Ardèche Images Production, and the short drama Bidenam, l’espoir d’un village with the support of the Goethe Institut of Johannesburg. The latter film won the Jury Prize at the Vues d’Afrique International Film Festival in Montreal.

Some management training also saw her find work on the production side of the TV and film business, most recently as a line producer for Untamed productions on the television series Last of the Giants.

“I am very persistent when it comes to achieving my goals,” says Togo-born Assih. “I see each trial or failure as an opportunity for me to learn.”

Assih’s persistence has brought her many successes. Her documentary Le rite, la folle et moi won numerous awards, including the audience choice award for best documentary film at the Festival Cinémas d’Afrique d’Angers in France.

Her latest documentary, Into the Light was launched by Canada’s National Film Board.

It features the life stories of inspiring Quebec women of African origin who’ve regained control over their lives after domestic violence.

Assih is now in the process of creating her own company so she can produce more stories that match her values. “It was very difficult for me to find my place in the Canadian audiovisual industry because I am an African immigrant woman. I have often been told that my stories are too different from those that are told in Quebec,” she says. “It took me years to get my chance to show the potential of what I can achieve as a filmmaker. So, I’m creating my company to also be able to support young people and newcomers in their film creation projects.”

Gentille M. Assih’s Top Tip: “Newcomers to Canada must believe in themselves and be ambitious. No matter what brings them here to Canada, they should have in mind that by the day they arrive in this new country, they became part of the society and their work and contributions count. Sadly, they will always have mean people they will have to deal with, but the majority of Canadians are great people, and every immigrant has the chance to achieve their dream by working hard.”

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Ida Beltran-Lucila | Ballet and beyond

A

former principal dancer with Ballet Philippines and accomplished arts administrator, Ida Beltran-Lucila struggled after immigrating to Canada in 2005.

“My self-worth was closely tied to my work and achievements in the arts. Upon our move to Canada, I had to work jobs in industries I had no experience with, and never imagined myself in, for the sake of having a livelihood,” she says.

To find her way in Edmonton, BeltranLucila says the discipline she learned from dance got her through. “Having started dancing as a young girl, it is not surprising that the discipline I learned from ballet and dance training carried me through the difficult moments and was a big factor in my achievements,” she says.

Working in office administration by day, Beltran-Lucila became artistic director for Chameleon Dance Edmonton and Edmonton Festival Ballet, and guest ballet teacher with Ukrainian Shumka Dance. She has also delivered workshops on classical and modern ballet and Philippine dance.

Beltran-Lucila also founded and is executive director of the Philippine Arts Council in

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Alberta. “The council was formed to establish a network of Filipino artists, strengthen relationships between artists in Edmonton and globally to work collaboratively and more strategically with the goal of sustaining the Filipino arts scene.”

Also, the chair for the Edmonton Philippine International Centre and a board member with the Edmonton Arts Council, Beltran-Lucila has become a driving force in the promotion of Philippine art and culture in Edmonton, spearheading projects like the Philippine Arts Festival, Edmonton Filipino Fiesta, Kalinangan and the Learning Table. She is the director and writer of the documentary Paglalayag: the Philippines to Canada Journey, which chronicles the stories of migration of Filipinos in Edmonton.

For her contribution to the arts, she has received several awards, including the City of Edmonton’s 2019 Citation Award for Culture and the Arts.

Ida Beltran-Lucila’s Top Tip: “My advice to newcomers is to always look for the silver lining in any situation. Things happen for you, and not to you. Also, do what you love to do, or love what you are doing.”

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Tulia Castellanos | Empowering communities

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ulia Castellanos became the executive director at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House in Vancouver in early 2020, a proud achievement after a long personal and professional journey from Colombia to Canada.

It was the early 1990s when the social worker first came to Canada hoping to rebuild her career and to be safe. “But it is very hard to build a life and a career without having family around. That has been and is a very difficult part of being an immigrant,” Castellanos says. “Not having any social capital or history, coming as an adult was challenging because I started from zero in terms of employment connections and relationships.”

She restarted her career in Canada as a recipient of a federal training initiative aimed to retrain social workers with diverse cultural backgrounds to support the increasing number of refugees coming to Canada. That launched what would become a 30-year career in the non-profit sector, including 24 years at Family Services of Greater Vancouver, and three at the Terry Fox Foundation working in multiple areas in social services, mostly focused on building community-based programs and strengthening teams.

B:7.75" “At Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, T:7.75" I support and lead a great team focused on S:7.75"

building a healthy and engaged neighbourhood by connecting people and strengthening their capacity to create change,” she says. “We do this work in many innovative and adaptable ways, from family and seniors’ programs, to civic engagement opportunities, to broad community development initiatives.”

Castellanos is passionate about newcomer families and their struggles in starting a new life.

Throughout her time in Canada, she has also served on several boards, including Inland Refugee, AIDS Vancouver, Vantage Point and now the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Association.

“A positive attitude,” is what has helped Castellanos along her journey to success in Canada. “I love what I do and I have done the best I could every day.”

Tulia Castellanos’ Top Tip: “Connect, connect and connect, find places and spaces to connect with locals, social media is great, ask for information and help in non traditionally helping places. Volunteering is a key component of Canadian society, and it is not a common practice in other countries.

Volunteering increases your confidence; helps you understand workplace and how people connect and work in Canada.”

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Justice Mahmud Jamal | Courting success

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n July 1, 2021, Kenyan-born Justice Mahmud Jamal was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. He’s the newest of the nine justices on Canada’s top court. He says, “I look forward to settling into the Court and to working with, and learning from, my new colleagues.”

Justice Jamal brings a different perspective as the only immigrant to Canada among the nine. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, he immigrated to England as a young child, and then to Canada at the age of 14. While attending high school in Edmonton, Alberta, he remembers watching his parents struggle.

“I remember their frustration in looking for jobs because many employers wanted ‘Canadian experience.’ Eventually they both found employment, but I remember their struggles in integrating into the Canadian workforce,” he says.

Despite their own struggles, they always supported him on his ambitious legal career path, which saw him attend McGill University and then Yale Law School on a Fulbright scholarship. “Hard work, resilience and an extremely supportive family” is what helped

him get to where he is today, he says.

He then practised law with the law firm of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP for more than 23 years before becoming a justice of the Court of Appeal of Ontario.

Remembering his parents’ newcomer struggles, Justice Jamal’s extensive pro bono work included representing immigrant foreign-trained medical doctors seeking to requalify in Canada. And he volunteered with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) as a mentor for recent immigrants seeking employment in Canada.

He was also a director of the Advocates’ Society, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History.

His advice for other immigrants with lofty ambitions? “Don’t believe anybody who tells you that what you want to achieve is impossible.”

Justice Mahmud Jamal’s Top Tip: “Embrace failure and learn from your mistakes. Don’t believe anybody who tells you that what you want to achieve is impossible.”

Dr. Victoria Lee | Health leader

S

erving as the CEO and president of Fraser Health Authority, the second largest and the fastest-growing health system in Canada, Dr. Victoria Lee has a lot to oversee, from the overall strategic direction to the operations of a wide range of integrated health services from acute care hospitals to public health. More than enough in normal conditions, but now add a global pandemic on top of that! Watching Lee’s leadership and determination over the last 18 months has been inspiring.

“I am driven by my desire to make the greatest societal impacts,” says Lee, who has previously worked in collaboration with national and international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank in the areas of comparative health systems, health policy and financing, and ecohealth. “I view challenges as opportunities, and I believe grit has enabled me to not give up and to do my very best to achieve results.”

The Fraser Health region was, in fact, one of the hardest hit areas for COVID-19 in British Colombia. Lee led the region-wide response with optimism, transparency and

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humility. And she is proud of the 40,000 Fraser Health team members who established public health and infection control measures and found innovative solutions to minimize health service disruption, reduce morbidity and mortality, and to deliver the region’s COVID-19 immunization program.

As a leader, Lee is guided by her values of equity, justice and compassion. “These have been my compass to decision-making and have served me well. Let your values anchor and guide you,” says Lee, who was born in South Korea and raised in Ontario.

She adds, “Be kind to yourself. We are often our own worst critics. Be open to new adventures and unknowns, and give yourself permission to make mistakes and fail.”

Dr. Victoria Lee’s Top Tip: “Look for strengths from the culture you are from and the diverse cultures around you in Canada. As a newcomer, there may be pressures to assimilate or adapt quickly to a specific culture, but what makes Canada wonderfully unique is our diversity. There are many cultures including the Indigenous ones to learn from, so give yourself time to assess, learn and reflect.”

Indra Maharjan | Water innovator

T

his June, Indra Maharjan was awarded a 2021 Water’s Next Award for top government leader in Canada’s water industry. The awards recognize individuals, projects and technologies that have made significant contributions to that sector.

Director of innovation, technology and alternative delivery with the Ontario Clean Water Agency, the Nepalese-born engineer has dedicated his energy in fostering innovative solutions in the Canadian water and wastewater sector since he immigrated here more than a decade ago.

“My current role is to promote innovative solutions around energy, climate change and resource recovery,” he explains. “It involves working with stakeholders to demonstrate new technology and implementation models that reduce the cost of operating the system, making it more sustainable and resilient.”

He’s particularly excited about a new initiative he’s working on. “I am working toward the first net zero wastewater treatment plant in Ontario or possibly in Canada that will produce clean fuel from digestion of food organics together with wastewater using common infrastructure.”

His passion for his work doesn’t go unnoticed. He was also awarded with the Amethyst Award, the highest award given to Ontario Public Service employees for service excellence in 2020.

And he pays his achievements forward.

“Being Canadian means taking care of everyone, including the society we live in and the environment.” He is an avid volunteer in areas of water, energy and the environment and is actively involved with Professional Engineers Ontario, an environmental task force with the City of Brampton and local settlement agencies. He is also a mentor to young and internationally trained professionals.

Maharjan has also appeared as a guest speaker in courses designed for newcomers and internationally trained engineers at Humber College, ACCES Employment and Ryerson’s Green Economy program.

“Canada is land of opportunities and with hard work, planning and a positive attitude, success is inevitable,” he says.

Indra Maharjan’s Top Tip: “Planning, being persistent and staying positive is the recipe to success.”

Ginella Massa | On-air talent

S

he’s a familiar face as the host of Canada Tonight with Ginella Massa on CBC News Network, and a special correspondent for The National, recognizable to many Canadians as the only hijab-wearing anchor on national television.

It was in 2015 when Massa first made history as the first television news reporter in Canada, and likely North America, to wear a hijab on air as a video journalist for CTV News in Kitchener, Ontario. She made headlines again after anchoring the evening newscast at CityNews Toronto in 2016.

But the Canadian Screen Award winner had been working hard to build her journalism career both behind the scenes and in front of the camera since 2010. Her talents were noticeable even when she was a young child in Toronto. After winning a speech competition in the third grade, her mother suggested that her outgoing daughter pursue a career on television.

But breaking into television wasn’t that easy. “I had to navigate a lot of my career

on my own. I didn't have the networks or contacts as some of my peers in the industry.

My parents couldn't give me advice or guidance on how to succeed in journalism, although they were very supportive,” she says. “I really had to be my own advocate early on in my career and go the extra mile to prove I deserved to be here.”

Massa adds that it took persistence. “The ones who make it in this industry are the ones who have confidence, gumption and aren’t discouraged when things don't go their way the first time.”

And she shares that message with up-andcoming journalists. “I do a lot of volunteer mentorship and speaking engagements, especially for students and marginalized community groups, in the hopes that more will pursue a career in journalism,” she says.

Ginella Massa’s Top Tip: “Create opportunities for yourself if they don’t already exist. My mother taught me not to wait to be invited to the table, but to pull up a seat.”

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Paola Murillo | Building community

P

aola Murillo immigrated to Canada from Colombia in 2005 with a dream: to combine her entrepreneurial background, her MBA training and her passion to give back to her community. She was able to do just that as the founder and executive director of Latincouver, a non-profit organization that has organized more than 500 events in culture and business.

“Latincouver creates a stronger voice for Latin Americans living in B.C.,” she says.

Latincouver organizes the popular Carnaval del Sol festival, the Inspirational Latin Awards recognizing influential Latinos in B.C., ExpoPlaza Latina seminars and the Latin-Canadian Business Network.

But all these achievements didn’t happen overnight. “Starting in Canada without Canadian experience or education was challenging,” she says. “Canada is always looking for skilled workers, but when you immigrate here and you realize your past education may not be fully recognized, it makes it difficult to find a good opportunity. It was hard for me to see some people not fully working on their full potential. They take a first job to gain Canadian experience and then they may never go back to the field they got their education in.”

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For Murillo, her solution was to turn to entrepreneurship. In addition to starting Latincouver, she also created Mirrai Group Inc., a boutique agency that provides marketing, consulting and communications services, especially those interested in connecting with Latin American markets.

Her contributions earned her an award as one of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians in the country in 2011 and the 2014 New Canadian Entrepreneur Award by the Ethno Business Council of British Columbia.

“This year, I also launched with my partner a new project called My LatinStore, a unique marketplace where you can find products and experiences from Latin America,” says the new mom who is currently taking some well-deserved time off to enjoy motherhood.

Paola Murillo’s Top Tip: “Do not give up; if there is a will there is always a way. The journey to get what you want is not always easy, but you have to believe in yourself. Sometimes, we forget that we have some amazing talents, and they didn't go away when we took the plane from our country to Canada. We just need to work to strengthen those talents so we can ensure that we can achieve our potential.”

Edsel Mutia | Nursing power

L ½ osgoode

ike many Filipinos before him, nursing provided Edsel Mutia the opportunity to find financial stability working abroad.

After establishing his career in the Philippines, he worked for seven years in Saudi Arabia, but after reading about Canadian nursing shortages, Mutia and his wife landed in Toronto in 2007. But, even with more than 10 years of experience, he found himself unable to practise. In fact, he was told that he needed another four-year degree to take his nursing registration exam!

“I had my family to feed. Going to school isn’t cheap. How could I provide while going to school?” he remembers thinking.

With the support of the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, he appealed his assessment, and the registration requirements were reduced to a year of courses at Toronto’s George Brown College. He passed his Canadian Registered Nurse Examination in 2008 and was hired at North York General Hospital.

“I was determined, worked hard and would

not settle for less,” Mutia says.

Today, he has established himself as a leader in Ontario nursing, working as a full-time ICU charge nurse at Toronto’s North York General Hospital and part time on Scarborough General Hospital’s critical care response team. In 2013, he received the Joan Lesmond Internationally Educated Nurse of the Year Award from CARE. “I never expected the award,” he says. “I keep telling them that a simple thank you and a simple smile are enough for me.”

He has also won the Dr. Morris Siu-Chong Memorial Award and the Toronto Star Nightingale Award, presented each year to an Ontario nurse nominated by their patients or peers.

Mutia’s contributions don’t end on the hospital ward. He also mentors other immigrant nurses through CARE and the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association, volunteers with his church and does medical missions to the Philippines.

Edsel Mutia’s Top Tip: “Keep the faith and keep on dreaming.”

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Leon Ng | Influential leader

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t’s no small prize to be awarded Business in Vancouver's Top 40 under 40, and Leon Ng did that in 2015. Fast forward to 2021, Ng, founder and CEO of LNG Studios, was named one of B.C.'s 500 Most Influential Business Leaders. And he’s still only 39!

It’s been a long road since he first immigrated from Hong Kong at the age of 13. “I experienced a lot of racism in Canada growing up. I stood out and therefore experienced a lot of adversity,” he says.

In his 20s, Ng says he came to a crossroads in his life, wondering whether he should move back to Hong Kong. “Ultimately, I decided to stay in Canada. With a strong passion for filmmaking, creation and artistry, Canada was a better environment to encourage those passions to thrive.”

LNG Studios is today the culmination of his career dreams. “LNG Studios is a vertically integrated creative visualization agency specializing in the real estate industry and the presale market, with a tech-first approach to our projects,” he says, listing 3D photorealistic rendering, 3D floor plans, video production

and more among their services.

At the start of the pandemic, Ng redirected LNG’s 3D printers to produce face shields for frontline workers. Ng explains that volunteering his talents and time is important to him. He’s co-chair for the Future Leaders of St. Paul’s Foundation, a board director for the SUCCESS Foundation, a board advisor for the Vancouver Asian Film Festival and board director of the B.C. & Yukon Heart & Stroke Foundation.

“We also have an exciting upcoming project with Telus that combines LNG’s passion for XR technology and the recognition and analysis of Indigenous history in Canada. We will be working with the Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg to provide digital learning experiences.”

Leon Ng’s Top Tip: “Make friends outside of your comfort zone. It helps you integrate into a new society. We tend to be drawn to those similar to us when in a new environment but having different social groups will diversify your experience and offer many learning opportunities.”

Rita Orji | STEM leader

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amed one of the Top 150 Canadian Women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women, Rita Orji, a Canada research chair and a computer science professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax, is a role model to any young woman looking to enter STEM fields, especially newcomer or racialized girls.

Nigerian-born Orji knows firsthand what it takes to overcome the barriers they might face.

She often struggled with the question of “Who are you?” versus “Who do people expect you to be?”

She says, “Integrating into Canadian society without losing myself and the identity from where I came from in the process was a struggle. I didn’t want to lose the things that make me unique and contribute to who I am in an attempt to integrate.”

After coming to Canada to pursue her PhD in 2010, she was told that her success in Canada was directly linked to how much she would present as a “real” Canadian. “However, I decided that to succeed in Canada, I need to embrace and showcase my uniqueness while integrating, learning and building myself. That is the only way I can uniquely and meaningfully

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contribute to building Canada.”

Orji has contributed some amazing things, including founding and directing the Persuasive Computing Lab at Dalhousie, and conducting research on designing interactive technologies that empower people, improve lives and contribute to solving many societal problems. “As a professor, I conduct research, teach, supervise and mentor students, write grants and get involved in many community services,” she says.

Due to her passion for mentoring the next generation of youth and female tech leaders, promoting research excellence, equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM, Orji founded the NGO called Education for Women and the Less Privileged Foundation, and she recently launched a YouTube channel, “Time with Prof. Rita.”

Rita Orji’s Top Tip: “Canada is a land of opportunity. Be yourself and keep an open mind to learn while exploring new opportunities. Don’t forget to build and maintain meaningful relationships beyond people from your immediate and ethnic community. Opportunities lie in diversity, so harness the power of diversity that living in Canada presents to build yourself and flourish.”

Gurdeep Pandher | Dancing into our hearts

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above - Photo by Stewart Burnett

ance is one of those universal languages that transcends borders. Gurdeep Pandher’s story is a testament to this.

The Yukon-based Bhangra instructor has become a Canadian viral sensation for sharing his love of Bhangra dance, a traditional dance of Punjab, with people from different regions and cultures, while promoting diversity and inclusivity.

“I do my best to use my dancing to bring happiness and positivity to Canadians, especially during the pandemic,” says Pandher, who immigrated to Canada in 2006. “I have been honoured to teach dance lessons to people around the country and beyond.”

Since the start of the pandemic, his online dance performances and videos have been watched by millions of viewers throughout the world (see them at Gurdeep.ca). He has been featured in newspapers, national TV interviews and at special events.

Pandher is grateful for the success he’s achieved.

“My favourite part of being Canadian is being able to connect with the soul of the nation through my art. I am grateful that people from Canada coast to coast to coast watch my work,” he says.

Pandher did face challenges in his early settlement to Canada, however. “There were many difficulties and struggles that came with moving to Canada from a small village in Siahar, Punjab.

I have had to overcome challenges including language, different weather climates and missing parts of home. I have also had to overcome judgment and racial discrimination.”

But he didn’t allow those challenges to impact his natural positivity. “I feel that success comes after being able to find happiness and joy in your life.”

Pandher says he will continue to spread joy, hope and positivity by creating videos for spreading optimism and healing, and sharing them to the world that feature the beautiful Yukon as the setting. “Sometimes, I have received feedback that my videos made someone’s day and I am continually grateful that my dancing could bring people joy.”

Gurdeep Pandher’s Top Tip: “I think it is important for new Canadians to be gentle and patient with themselves while transitioning to a new place. Learning about the local cultures is equally important. When you have more understanding of the pulse of the country and its different regions, you will be able to create deeper connections with other people.

Additionally, I want to encourage newcomers to Canada to take the time to stay connected to their roots. Finally, I want to encourage Canadians to find hope, joy and positivity in their everyday life.”

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Ajay Patel | Academic advantage

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orn in Fiji, Ajay Patel’s parents sent him to Canada in 1975 to get a better education. He was under the care of relatives, but it wasn’t easy for Patel, who was only in elementary school. “It was a real struggle to fit in, and somewhere along the way I lost my sense of identity,” says Patel. “It was not until my late teens through reconnecting to my culture that I found again who I was and where I came from, and understood what I can do and have to offer.”

After earning his master’s degree in human kinetics from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Patel began a distinguished career in B.C.’s sports community as the CEO of Badminton BC then Gymnastics BC, and as Chef de Mission, Team BC for the Canada Winter and Summer Games.

“I always had a strong work ethic, with a desire to help people and make my communities better,” says Patel, who then rose through increasingly influential positions in the post-secondary education sector.

Today, Patel is making an impact as president and CEO of Vancouver Community

College (VCC), the oldest public postsecondary institution in B.C. “We welcome more than 14,000 students every year into our 140+ programs across three campuses.

Many are women, Indigenous or from equity deserving groups, each working hard toward their dreams,” he says.

He also positioned VCC as a leader in the pandemic, collaborating with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to convert VCC’s parking lot into one of the province’s largest COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites.

He is now leading the college into the future, with a focus on relevant educational programming, reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, climate justice and mental health.

“Our team at VCC has the opportunity to advance our $2 billion campus master plan, an ambitious capital development project envisioned for the college’s sustainability and community impact.”

Ajay Patel’s Top Tip: “Do not ever lose your identity or culture. That is what makes each one of us unique and special, but also what should unite us all.”

Shreya Patel | Creative impact

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hreya Patel painfully remembers being bullied for the way she looked after immigrating to Sarnia, Ontario, at the age of 11. “It was very difficult to fit in,” Patel says.

The Indian-born beauty didn’t let that bullying hold her back. She became a model, walking the runways of Asia, the Middle East and North America. Patel says her ability to overcome her challenges as a young newcomer came from a growth mindset. “Keep moving forward. There is a life waiting for you full of opportunity and harmony if you open your heart to it.”

Patel found her opportunities first as a model and then an actress. A graduate of the Second City Conservatory, Patel has appeared in roles in numerous films and theatre productions and most recently in Robert Misovic’s The Intersection, Netflix’s Grand Army and FX’s Mrs. America.

Looking to make a bigger impact, Patel turned to filmmaking, as founder and creative director of Window Dreams Production. “Our documentary Girl Up has been chosen by the Toronto International Film Festival and has been showcased at the 2019 Civic Action Summit. It is one of the most sought-after

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films that sheds light on violence and human trafficking,” she says.

During this pandemic, she made a documentary called Unity—#LOVESPREADS Faster Than a Virus, showcasing the plight of the human spirit during COVID-19, and a music video called Freedom Dance which has more than 12 million views on YouTube. She is currently working on a mockumentary web series called Layla is Relevant and is a lead actress in a feature film, Strange in a Room, coming out in 2022. Known also as a mental health advocate, Patel has appeared in the Bell Let’s Talk mental health awareness campaign.

“I also have an initiative called reVnt— Discover You that empowers youth who have survived trauma to find strength in their troubled situation and channel it into being confident through art.”

Shreya Patel’s Top Tip: “You might feel lost or alone when you move to a new country but know that you aren’t. Join community programs that interest you to meet likeminded people and keep moving forward. There is a life waiting for you full of opportunity and harmony if you open your heart to it. Surrender to this new chapter in your life.”

Jack Rabba | A successful journey

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ack Rabba started working in restaurants and hotels in the Middle East when he was 13 years old to help support his family and bedridden father. He remembers meeting visitors from many countries, but the kindness of Canadian travellers always stayed with him.

So, in 1966, Rabba chose to immigrate here with only the promise of a clerical job at a hotel and the clothes on his back.

“People told me Canada is so hard that I would come back like a dog with my tail between my legs. I would tell them that it doesn’t matter what job I have to do to stay in Canada, I’m not coming back,” Rabba says. “I had no money, so I had to scrape together just enough to take a passenger ship across the Atlantic.”

Unwilling to take his opportunity for granted, he spent every moment building a better life, still helping financially support his family back home before helping them immigrate, too.

Rabba soon got work as a convenience store manager and worked long hours, saving enough for a down payment on a small convenience store in the heart of Toronto.

He quickly realized Torontonians were

looking for more variety, so he expanded the store’s selection, and one store became multiple neighbourhood markets. In 1985, Rabba renamed the chain and launched Rabba Fine Foods. Today, there are 35 locations across Ontario, employing thousands of Canadians.

“I had persistence, optimism and dedication to overcome all the cultural and linguistic obstacles to succeed,” says the entrepreneur.

Now in his 70s, Rabba is still hard at work.

“I focus on the success of Rabba Fine Foods as well as our other wholesale, food and real estate businesses. We also continue to heavily support local organizations such as the Mississauga Food Bank and Trillium Health Partners.”

Jack Rabba’s Top Tip: “Focus on opportunities and focus on positivity. There will be those people who try to drag you down and want you to dwell on the difficulties or negativity in the world. God gave you a gift that you have been able to come to this great country of Canada. Use your chance to work hard and develop yourself. Focus on all the positivity and the opportunities, not on those who doubt you.”

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Bukola Salami | Immigrant health advocate

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igerian-born Bukola Salami, an acclaimed nursing researcher, attributes her achievements to being resilient and focusing on the long term. Seeing her parents face challenge after challenge in getting jobs in their field in Canada, Salami decided to think big when it came to her own career after immigrating in 1997. “This had significant influence on both my experience in Canada and the career path that I chose,” she says.

She chose the field of nursing, getting not only her bachelor’s but a master’s and PhD in nursing. Today, she’s an associate professor with the Faculty of Nursing at University of Alberta in Edmonton, as well as the university’s director, Intersection of Gender Signature Area.

Her academic research focuses on policies and practices shaping migrants’ health.

“I have led research projects on African immigrant child health, immigrant mental health, access to health care for immigrant children, Black youth mental health, health of internally displaced children and parenting

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practices of African immigrants,” explains Salami, who also founded an African migrant child research network of 35 scholars from four continents.

Closer to home, she founded the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program at the University of Alberta. The program, the first of its kind in Canada, seeks to socially and economically empower Black high school youth to contribute meaningfully to society.

It’s no surprise that Salami has been recognized for her contributions. She was named one of the 100 Accomplished Black Women in Canada and the Alberta Avenue Edmonton Top 40 under 40. In 2020, she was recognized by the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society’s International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, the highest research award in nursing.

Always focused on what lies ahead, Salami says: “I want to continue to impact the lives of Black youths through the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program.”

Bukola Salami’s Top Tip: “Prioritize your long-term goal over your short-term goal.”

Dr. Pere Santamaria | Scientific wonder

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he journey toward scientific discovery is often long and winding. Dr. Pere Santamaria knows this well. But his discovery of a new class of drugs (Navacims) for the treatment of autoimmune diseases took a giant step forward in 2019 when his company Parvus Therapeutics secured a major license agreement to develop these drugs.

This achievement is personal for Santamaria, who was diagnosed with a major autoimmune disease at age 15. He explains that it stole his adolescence but shaped the focus of his curiosity in medicine.

Born and raised in Manresa, Spain, and after studying medicine at the University of Barcelona, Santamaria left the country in 1988 to pursue post-doctoral research training at the University of Minnesota. He was recruited to the University of Calgary in 1992.

He initially struggled to get funding for his ideas. “I relied on perseverance, hard work and a firm belief in my instincts,” says Santamaria, who has authored more than 190 publications, holds 92 patents and has given more than 250 lectures. And those ideas paved the way for the

discovery of Navacims 13 years later.

Navacims are nanoparticles engineered to halt autoimmune diseases without suppressing the normal functioning of the immune system.

He founded Parvus, a biopharmaceutical company, to develop nanomedicines to halt or reverse the 100 autoimmune diseases affecting humankind today.

“My ultimate goal is to bring this new class of drugs to patients in need,” he says.

For his work, he has received many honours and awards, including the Canadian Diabetes Association Young Scientist Award, the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology Award and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gerold and Kayla Grodsky Award.

Santamaria also serves as a professor with the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary and as the Julia McFarlane Chair in Diabetes Research.

Dr. Pere Santamaria’s Top Tip: “Stay focused, work hard, adapt quickly, and embrace the values of the Canadian culture and society.”

Anil Shah | Success is the only option

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An immigrant does not have too many choices. Failure is not an option, and success is not easy,” says Indian-born Anil Shah. “Within a limited timeframe and with limited career choices, the immigrant must embark upon their new life in a new land and then furiously work to achieve goals.”

That’s exactly what Shah did after immigrating to Canada in 1990. The chemical engineer started up a scrap metals trading business called Ni-Met Metals Inc. “The challenges multiply manifold when an immigrant chooses to become an entrepreneur,” he says. “I began studying business, scouring every resource and expert opinion available to identify and fine-tune my strategy. In the first few years, business grew slowly, but then came the boom years of the early part of the 21st century. Ni-Met has not looked back since then, growing into a $150 million business group, providing employment to more than 70 families worldwide.”

And he focuses heavily on hiring newcomers.

“I have advocated a hiring policy, not only for my company, but I urge others, too, of proactively identifying deserving candidates among newcomers to help them with their first jobs in Canada.”

An enthusiastic believer in the power of doing good, Shah also welcomes requests for philanthropic assistance, and has made a substantive difference to the Trillium Health Partners Foundation, the Canada India Foundation and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce.

Shah has, in particular, advocated for a better understanding and co-operation between Canada and India. “I dedicate time and resources to promote bilateral trade and investment, and run a golf tournament, the proceeds of which are divided between families of fallen soldiers in Canada and India.”

At 67 years old, Shah has no plans to slow down. “I will continue working for my business and for charitable causes.”

Anil Shah’s Top Tip: “First, be yourself.

Understand that you are unique and have skills and abilities that nobody else has. Capitalize on that uniqueness. Second, never give up. It takes time to get your moorings in Canada, but eventually it works out just fine. Third, start volunteering in your area of expertise. That is how you will make contacts. Fourth, look for a mentor, who can help you teach you the basics of your sector or industry in Canada.”

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Sonia Sidhu | Voice in the House

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n federal Election Day this past September 20, 2021, Indian-born Sonia Sidhu was voted in as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Brampton South, for the third time since 2015.

What’s a day in the life of the MP like?

“When the House of Commons is in session, I am in Ottawa working on various committees, attending question period and working with stakeholders on issues pertaining to my riding and all over Canada,” says the mother of three young adult children. “When the House of Commons is not in session, I am in my riding at my constituency office meeting residents and stakeholders, attending events and working on projects.”

Having worked in health care for more than 18 years before entering politics, Sidhu is a strong voice in Parliament for health care and women’s rights. She has served on committees on health and pay equity, and was the vicechair of the Status of Women Committee and chair of the All-party Diabetes Caucus.

“A project that I had been working on for

many years became a law in Canada this year,” she says. “My private member’s bill C-237 An Act to Establish a National Framework for Diabetes was adopted requiring the Minister of Health, within one year, to develop a framework to improve access to information on diabetes prevention and treatment. I am excited about the upcoming year and seeing how the framework that will be created can benefit millions of Canadians living with diabetes.”

This builds on her previous motion in 2018 to make November Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada to raise national awareness of this disease.

“The rate of diabetes has increased over the years, affecting South Asian Canadians predominantly. Being a South Asian Canadian, I saw the need for better care and support among my friends and neighbours in Brampton,” she says.

MP Sonia Sidhu’s Top Tip: “Be open and adaptable. Canada is a beautiful place and there is so much to learn with an open mindset.”

Zen Tharani | Consulting for good

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en Tharani’s life is guided by his passion to help those around him reach their potential. The digital health professional does this as the CEO and founder of digital health consulting company Xenex Consulting Inc., in Victoria, B.C. But it was his journey as a young immigrant from Pakistan that inspired his desire to help others thrive.

“As a newcomer, it is difficult to find where you belong when everything around you has changed so quickly,” Tharani says. “Everything was new and not knowing where to go for support was challenging.”

Today, he has become that point of support for others. “My consulting business focuses on providing customized services to help clients achieve their goals. The services we provide are built on my personal values of authenticity, trust and empowerment.”

He also does this as a volunteer. “I dedicate my time volunteering helping professionals within the BIPOC and marginalized communities find their footing in the digital health profession,” he says.

“I am passionate about digital health,” he adds. “Recently, I was elected to the board for Digital Health Canada, a non-profit professional

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 6 | 2021

association that connects and empowers the digital health professionals creating the future of health in Canada. I believe that with the right people, approach and supporting technology, we can help enhance the health-care services that are provided in our country.”

Tharani is also the national chair for Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s annual World Partnership Walk. “Over 35 years, the World Partnership Walk has raised more than $125 million, in support of international development. This year, we hope to raise $6 million,” he says.

“I truly believe that volunteering in Canada provided me the opportunities to sharpen my ability to work with people and helped me build other skills while providing a sense of belonging.”

Zen Tharani’s Top Tip: “Build a profile on LinkedIn and start to connect with people.

The whole point of LinkedIn is to enable networking and collaboration, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Don’t shy away from highlighting what you have accomplished [before coming to Canada]. Learning how to contextualize those qualifications and experiences is important. And for that you will need to ask for help.”

Boris Tsimerinov | Persistent entrepreneur

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emper means “always” in Latin, while 8 is a symbol for prosperity — together, Semper8 is Boris Tsimerinov’s company brand, as well as a part of his work philosophy.

As CEO and founder of Semper8 Capital, a growing firm focused on mergers and acquisitions and investments, Tsimerinov is always looking for opportunities to successfully grow his business ventures. Or as his company motto states, always looking at “Turning Visions Into Reality.”

To Semper8 Capital, the Russian-born entrepreneur has added Semper8 Health, which works on building life-saving health-care startups. Now, he is launching Semper8 Media, which has a proprietary library of 80+ film and television concepts. A digital platform for psychological wellbeing is also being explored.

When Tsimerinov first arrived in Canada 20 years ago as a university student, he encountered discouragement about his English and ability to study here at the post-secondary level. Undeterred, he persisted and proved those naysayers wrong, graduating from Rotman Commerce and receiving the George J. Leonidas Graduation Award in Commerce and Finance.

“Persistence is the driving personal attribute in my immigrant journey in Canada. It has

allowed me to forge an industrious and respectful business ethic on my path forward,” says Tsimerinov, who later became a chartered financial analyst (CFA) and an alumnus of Harvard Business School, while also attaining a master of laws from University of Toronto.

Today, when not busy running the various sides to his business, Tsimerinov is the president of the Harvard Business School Club of Toronto and speaks and lectures at universities and conferences around the world. He has also co-authored articles featured in the Canadian Business Journal, International Policy Digest and Robb Report Australia and New Zealand.

“I practice work-life synergy,” says Tsimerinov, who believes it’s crucial to know one’s strengths and live life authentically with focus, perseverance and no regrets.

Boris Tsimerinov’s Top Tip: “Being a country of rich and versatile perspectives, vast multicultural experience and good intent, Canada opens many doors and opportunities to find great mentors. I have been fortunate and grateful to have had multiple mentors of profound expertise who have guided me with insights and offered generous support. I would encourage newcomers to seek genuine mentors to form relationships that can last years into the future for the benefit of all.”

Hassan Wadi | Speak and inspire

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s a fitness recreation programmer with the City of Mississauga, Hassan Wadi spends his days motivating people to be healthy. Giving it his all, he has been recognized as one of the Top 10 fitness professionals in Canada by Canfitpro. Taking his desire to motivate others from the gym to the stage, Wadi has become an award-winning professional speaker.

The 32-year-old’s success is fueled by his immigrant background. Born in Saudi Arabia, his family came to Canada when he was just eight. He saw his father go from working at the biggest bank in Saudi Arabia to working the night shift at a convenience store.

“For me, it’s all about my family. They have sacrificed their lives, families and friends to give me a better future, and I think it’s the least thing I can do to give back and give them a better life,” Wadi says.

His desire to make things better for others is also evident in his speaking, under his brand Wadispeaks. He has emceed events with up to 60,000 people in attendance, and has spoken

at schools and conferences with inspiring messages about discovering your purpose.

He builds on that message through his Youth Speaker Academy. “I help youth reach their full potential by coaching them on the public speaking and leadership skills they need to excel. I help them discover their talents, get jobs and then push them to give back to their communities,” he says, adding that his 1,000+ graduates have collectively raised more than $50,000 to build water wells around the world.

Wadi’s own philanthropy extends to being the official spokesperson of Human Concern International, Canada’s oldest Muslim charity.

“My role is to be the face of the charity. As of today, I’ve helped them raise more than $2 million for people in need.”

Hassan Wadi’s Top Tip: “Discover your talent and pursue it! Every single human has a gift or talent that is waiting to be discovered.

Once you find your gift, ask yourself, how can you use it to build your career and how can you use it to support yourself, your family and community.”

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Jaclyn (Jie) Zhang | Healthy business

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aclyn (Jie) Zhang has devoted her career to entrepreneurship, innovation and growth since arriving in Canada in 2002. As president of Futurevic Global Sourcing Inc., she has built the company into a leader in importing, exporting, promoting and connecting Canadian health care services and products. “We promote ‘Made in Canada’ products, services and technology overseas,” says Zhang, who also supported her local community by donating PPE to several hospitals during the pandemic.

With her international business experience, Zhang also leads the Canada China Trade Innovation Alliance (CCTIA), a non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade, and cultural and technology exchange between businesses in Canada and China. “In the past five years, CCTIA has promoted more than 90 projects overseas from 390 potential projects.

It has also hosted five consecutive innovation forums in the sectors of agri-food, clean technology, health care and commerce with more than 900 participants,” she says. “CCTIA is proud to be the recipient of the Richmond Hill Board of Trade Business Achievement Awards’ 2021 People’s Choice Award!”

Zhang adds that the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the imperative to strengthen international medical cooperation. “Therefore, [Futurevic] will vigorously develop a new International Medical Cooperation Innovation Center to promote medical cooperation between Canada and China and try our best to contribute to the health care industry [through] medical technology innovation, advanced technology infrastructure and personnel training.”

It’s easy to see why she received the Leading Women Building Communities award in 2018.

Zhang says her achievements are a testament to perseverance and hard work. “I am willing to accept new things, and continue to learn work-related knowledge, encounter setbacks with encouragement and support my team to achieve success together.”

Above all, she believes that it’s important to give back to the community. “People who treat the community friendly, while helping and supporting others, they also achieve themselves.”

Jaclyn (Jie) Zhang’s Top Tip: “Love Canada, be optimistic and hopeful, help and support others. Be confident.”

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

The increasing role of AI in visa processing Canada’s automated immigration decision-making systems

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hen people submit applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) they typically have spent significant time carefully completing forms and assembling documents. They expect that their applications will be processed by visa officers who carefully review the information before them. However, applicants need to understand that artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role in visa processing, as is the bulk processing of applications.

IRCC has not been forthcoming with how it uses technology to process applications, however, through a series of Access to Information Act requests as well as Federal Court of Canada litigation, the public is beginning to get a sense Chinook of measures being implemented.

In addition to automated triaging, IRCC has also introduced software Predicative learning Automated processing of some so that officers can bulk process categories of applications is not applications. The software tool is new.

Since 2015, most visa- known as Chinook. exempt foreign nationals have had According to an affidavit that to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization before they could IRCC filed in Federal Court, board a plane to travel to Canada. Chinook is a standalone tool These applications were, for the that streamlines administrative steps. Applicant information is most part, automated applications. extracted from their applications What is less known is that in and presented in a spreadsheet. Visa 2017, IRCC successfully conducted officers are assigned a workload of a pilot in which automated systems applications through Chinook. They based on predicative analytics are able to see multiple applications triaged and automatically approved at a time on a single spreadsheet. low-risk online temporary resident This allows them to review the visa applications from China. contents of multiple applications Visa applications were sorted on a single screen and allows them into tiers – the lowest risk for to complete administrative steps auto-approval, medium and through batch processes. It also high risk for officer review. This allows visa officers to create “risk triage model was deployed for indicators” and “local word flags” all applications from China in so that officers can identify possible 2018, and in the same year was applications in the processing queue piloted in India. The goal appears of concern or priority. to be for artificial intelligence to According to the Federal Court automatically approve low-risk applications, with officers only affidavit, when visa officers enter manually assessing those that Chinook, a message pops up that have been flagged as medium to says, amongst other things, “The Chinook User Interface allows high risk.

you to view multiple applications for review and initial assessment.

It does not replace reviewing documents… and/or reviewing other information… The refusal notes generator is means to assist with general bona fide refusals. If the notes do not reflect your refusal reasons, please write an individual note.”

Concerns There have been many concerns raised about the implementation of automated triaging and Chinook.

These include the possibility that it is what has led to increased refusal rates, that individual care is not being given to applications, that applications are not being carefully reviewed and instead quickly bulk refused, that AI flagging a file as high-risk will lead to an officer wanting to simply affirm the AI’s finding, that refusal reasons are increasingly consisting of boiler plate templates which is not helpful for applicants, and that it may perpetuate systemic racism.

Because IRCC has not been transparent about the implementation of these systems and their results, it is difficult to confirm if these concerns are founded.

Regardless, it is important that those submitting applications understand that Canada’s immigration system is no longer one in which human officers meticulously process individual applications in the order that they are received. I have previously written about how it is important for individuals with refused applications to obtain the internal reasons for refusal, or Global Case Management System (“GCMS”) notes. IRCC’s use of artificial intelligence and bulk refusal generators makes this even more important, as a review of the internal reasons or GCMS are often indicative of whether such software was used, and whether a refused applicant should either file a reconsideration request or seek judicial review to see if a human may reach a different conclusion.

Steven Meurrens is an immigration lawyer with Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver. Contact him at 604-681-9887, by email at steven.meurrens@larlee.com, or visit his blog at smeurrens.com.

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SETTLEMENT PARENTING

Finding child care that suits your needs

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A back-to-school safety checklist for parents

ith the different types of child care options, cost, quality and the limited availability, newcomer families can feel overwhelmed. However, you can find child care that suits your needs with a bit of research. Here are some factors to consider.

Types of care: Child care options range from licensed or unlicensed, centre-based or home-based, multiage programs, early years programs, preschool, before and after school care or in-home care such as a nanny or au pair. You will have to choose depending on your family’s needs and what is available.

Age and number of children: The age and number of children can affect how challenging it can become to find available options. Spaces for infants and toddler care are limited and cost more. Families with multiple children might have more difficulty finding the spaces in the same facility as child care spots are limited.

Child care location: Getting to and

from the child care program can add extra commute time. One of the factors to consider is if it is close to home or on your way to work. If you take public transit, check if it is accessible by transit.

Waitlist fees and procedures: Cost of child care: Cost of child Check the waitlist process before

care varies depending on the type of program, full-time or part-time care, and the age and number of children.

There are grants and funding available to support families who qualify, such as Canada Child Benefit, grants for children who qualify for the disability credit or other provincial initiatives.

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putting yourself on it. Check the waitlist fee, whether it is refundable, and whether you can apply the waitlist fee toward child care fees when being admitted.

overnight, weekend or occasional care can be more challenging as there are very limited programs offering after-hours care. Consider looking for in-home care, a live-in nanny or au pair for more flexible hours.

their COVID protocols and steps to keep children safe in the centre.

Your own in-home care: If you

would like to start a career in this rewarding field while caring for your own child, you can consider starting Quality of care: Inquire about the your own in-home care. Check your child care provider’s educational provincial child care regulations and qualifications, philosophy and years municipality rules for starting a child of work experience. Above all, assess care business in your own home, to whether they have the qualities of make sure it is feasible to do so. a great educator and are patient, caring, compassionate, dedicated In conclusion, selecting child care and detail oriented. is a very personal choice and you should consider different factors Programming: Find out about the to make the best decision for your programming such as the curriculum family. Do your research by talking offered, languages spoken, whether to other parents, doing reference healthy and/or hot lunches are checks and reading online reviews, provided and if there are any and check licensing inspection specialized programs. Learn about reports; but most importantly, trust the centre’s philosophy, policy and yourself! You know what is best for procedures. Do not forget to check your child.

Cheryl Song, an immigrant from Malaysia, has more than 20 years’ experience of working in early learning and family programs.

Hours of service: Finding child Contact her at cheryl@learnwithsong.com or visit her website at care outside regular hours, such as learnwithsong.com.

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 6 | 2021

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CAREERS & EDUCATION HIGHER LEARNING

Choose your program wisely for academic success

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hether you are looking for a four-year degree or a shorter credential, choosing the program to study is an important academic decision. As a newcomer, you may not have the same grasp of the Canadian labour market as someone who has gone to school in Canada and heard about different programs and careers from the time they were in kindergarten.

This means that some extra research and self-assessment may improve your decision-making.

Key factors to consider

work experience can help in deciding a direction. Your research should include both a frank self-assessment and a thorough review of critical information about programs as well as careers.

Knowing yourself

Consider your interests and talents when choosing a program of study.

It is often easier to apply yourself if you are interested in something and if you don’t have to struggle very hard with it. Having good academic preparation is also important. If your program requires a lot of math, have you developed ease with the minimum stated math requirements?

If you will be writing essays, would an introductory writing course be helpful? Knowing yourself should be one lens through which you consider academic and career direction.

Newcomers to Canada will want to capitalize on their credentials and strengths when choosing a program of study. Programs that call on a high degree of familiarity with Canadian culture may be more of a struggle and require more time in Canada to get that knowledge. Personal assets such as knowledge of languages, areas Other questions you want to where you have proven expertise and skills, evaluated credentials and prior ask yourself could include: If your

chosen program of study is highly competitive, have good grades come easily to you? Can you live on the income of the career you are preparing for? If the market is saturated, are you willing to move to find work? If only one in seven applicants to medical school are accepted, do you still have a good chance? Are you comfortable with the routine tasks in a specific career, such as the physical care nurses provide to both men and women?

Would you need to complete a short course in personal coaching or would you need more background of the Canadian context of that profession?

this fit in with the kind of lifestyle you would like to have? Is studying life sciences or psychology the best way to get into medical school?

Without full, current information, you may not even know what important questions to ask.

Some program descriptions sound perfect, almost too good to be true. It feels like all you need to do is sign up and you will be on the way to where you want to be. While this may be true for some studies, others need quite a bit of research, questioning, attending information sessions and information interviewing. As you research programs and careers, you may About the program There are many things to look at gather information from schools, when you are choosing a course of but it is often best to go beyond this study. Some of them aren’t obvious. and speak to individuals working in If you are hoping for a career related the field you are interested in. Career to your studies, you not only want counsellors and advisers can also to know the current job market, help with finding current education but also what might be the future and labour market information. direction.

There is a tremendous variety What impact might technology of academic and career-related have? If you are getting credentials in programs to choose from. Deciding a particular field, are they necessary? on one prematurely without full Can others work in this area without information may lead to regrets. them? Examples of important Recovering from a bad decision is information might include: Does a possible, but it can be costly and police foundation diploma lead to demoralizing. While the future a career with the police, or would can’t be entirely predicted, it is a degree in sociology be a more possible to have a better chance of direct route? Do you understand success. A thorough exploration the working conditions of a shelter and honest self-appraisal now worker? How many shelter workers will help and alleviate unwelcome spend years working at night? Does surprises later.

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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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 6 | 2021

CAREERS & EDUCATION CAREER COACH

Transferable skills for the new normal Set yourself up for success

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of the most basic skills that you can take with you to any job. In today’s workforce, you may be asked to present information to a range of audiences. Some of these people may not have an understanding of what you do or share, so the ability to present your ideas with absolute Transferable skills are even more clarity is important. So is the need to valued than ever in the workplace. articulate your thoughts in a logical These are a specific set of skills that and organized manner. don’t belong to a particular sector or Leadership. Your ability to industry but can be carried with you at all times, irrespective of the job take the lead, get others to follow through and accomplish work you are doing. goals in a team environment can Ready to set yourself up for be an effective leadership trait. You success in the new normal? Here are can be in control by delegating planning and some in-demand transferable skills responsibilities, needed to prepare for the future of coordinating a variety of tasks, resolving conflict, implementing work. management decisions and Flexibility. In an increasingly coaching others. competitive job market, the more Remember, these skills don’t transferable skills you have, the more value you can offer to a necessarily have to be workplace potential employer. Highlight all the related. You could have acquired skills that you have gathered such them through a group project as experience acquired through during your studies or through your academic projects or your volunteer work. previous work experience. All of Teamwork. Collaboration is a them have allowed you to develop a range of skills and many of them must for any organization. You are can be put to good use now. Having a valuable asset if you can work with a diverse skill set can set you apart peers toward the achievement of from the competition and help you common goals. As an effective team demonstrate your greater flexibility. player, you are at ease sharing credit, accepting responsibility for your Communication. Being able to work and being receptive to ideas communicate well is perhaps one and suggestions of your colleagues. he pandemic has significantly changed the way we work, and with that comes the need for new desired skills. Across industries and professions, we have had to adapt to rapidly changing conditions in response to the crisis.

You are also good at building rapport with other members across all areas of the business. Last but not the least, your teamwork ability allows you to establish effective communication protocols to avoid mistakes, work duplication or other problems.

Work ethic. A strong work ethic should be a part of your value system as it is an asset that employers seek. It starts with demonstrating a positive approach to your work and being authentic. In addition to taking responsibility and initiative, constantly learning new skills and caring about your co-workers

conveys a strong work ethic.

Transferable work skills are important to help you to advance in your career, pandemic or no pandemic. These flexible work skills can also make it easier to switch professions to a desirable new work environment.

Make sure that you emphasize your transferable skills right from the time you submit your application and until you get the job offer. These skills can go a long way to persuading a potential employer that you are the perfect fit for their company.

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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FIRST GENERATION

A CANADIAN IMMIGRANT PODCAST

Inspiration, information, helpful tools, tips and resources – find all this and more in our new eight-episode Canadian Immigrant podcast series First Generation. Find more at canadianimmigrant.ca/podcast2021 Listen now wherever you listen to your podcasts on Spotify and Apple.

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LIVING WELLNESS

The calm before the storm

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Practice self-care as the seasons change

his time of transition from fall into winter, with cooler temperatures and fewer hours of daylight, is often the “calm before the storm” for many people as the holiday season and year-end approach.

the good and the bad. Can you name what you’re feeling? Get curious, without judging. Ask yourself, “what’s really happening, here?”

• Connect. Talk to someone. You may brighten their day, as well as yours.

• Practice gratitude, even for the hard things. Focus on what you have, rather than what you lack.

The Danes say this is the most ‘Hygge’ (pronounced hoo-gah) time of the year. That is, an ideal time to recognize and gather what we need to feel content and support our wellbeing.

What do you need to look after yourself? It’s easy to overlook our own needs, especially when we are distracted with so many demands on our time. However, if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we show up for others? It’s not helpful, or healthy, to keep pushing through, regardless of how we feel, only to finish the year drained and overwhelmed. Have you noticed that when that happens, you end up getting ill and spending any welldeserved downtime or holiday time recovering?

• Give yourself permission to feel

In the words of the philosopher Lao Tzu, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

If you knew that taking the time less fragile we are, the better chance ‘monkey mind’) that may be to prioritize your well-being will we have of coping when life throws causing you to feel anxious with help you sail through the storm, unexpected challenges and chaos past regrets or future worries. what would you do? our way.

As immigrants, we know how to adapt. We have already proved to ourselves that we can do hard things and survive.

Hazel Morley has worked as a trainer, facilitator and coach for more than 25 years, in England and after immigrating to Canada in 2009. After her own personal health crisis, she shifted gears to focus on strategies for enjoying optimal health.

Your #1 asset

Life is also about thriving, and to thrive in our communities, in our workplaces and personal lives, we Put gas in your tank If you wouldn’t risk driving a car need to look after our number one until the tank completely runs out asset — ourselves. of fuel, why would you do that to What do you need to look after your mind and body? In the same way you check the fuel level for the yourself, especially at this time of journey you want to make, and put year? gas in the tank in advance, you want Often, what helps is setting clear to keep your energy and spirit levels boundaries. For example: topped up.

Mother Nature can teach us a few • Better time management to make more space in the day for rest and lessons here. recovery.

Just as we see the trees pivot • Commitment to focus on the and bend when the wind blows, important, essential things rather we need to be flexible to adapt to than trying to do it all. changing circumstances and events • Reduce the external distractions that are out of our control. Like a and interruptions to allow more tree, we need to root down to rise, attention on what and who stay centred and strong. Just as with matters most. That may mean physical movement, the more we spending less time tuning into practice bending and stretching, the negative news and social media. more flexible we become. The same Turn off the notifications on your is true for our minds. The more we digital devices. practice being present to what is • Pause. Slow down. Take a and grounding ourselves by coming moment to breathe deeply. back to connect with who and what Stretch, stand, look up if you can.

Stay present and balanced. really matters, the more we build • resilience. The more resilient and Quiet any inner voice (your CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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LIVING WELLNESS

Boosting wellness with sports Tips to get started

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o you want to improve your physical fitness, boost your mental health and expand your community connections?

Playing sports not only helps you keep fit but has many other benefits for your overall health and wellness.

Engaging in sports can help you cope with stress, improve your sleep and reduce social isolation.

Many newcomers also share that playing or watching sports creates a feeling of belonging, builds their confidence, creates new friendships, improves communication skills and helps with learning about Canadian culture. for yourself and your family.

To begin, newcomers will have to learn how sports are structured in Canada, how to navigate the system and consider the investment of the time, effort and money it requires.

Here are tips on how to get started to experience the benefits of sports

1. Pick a sport. Choose a sport you would like to learn about. There are lots of choices – it could be an individual or team sport and a winter or summer sport. It can be fascinating but also overwhelming to watch and learn a new sport and

the audience and cheering together can be very exciting.

5. Look for games in your community. Sports tickets for professional leagues can be expensive; however, watching games played by youth leagues and local sports teams can be equally fun without stretching your wallet.

6. Pick a team to follow. Supporting your hometown or the city you are currently residing in has been the common route to pick a favourite team. Donning the team jersey shows your commitment and loyalty get used to the terms, rules and to your team and helps connect with jargon. But just as with any new others in your community. skill, the more you practice and Make it a social activity. stay engaged, it will become more 7. fun. Taking part in team sports has Watching or playing together with its advantages as you also get social your family and celebrating the wins support and make new friendships of your favourite team can be a great bonding activity. When parents are with your team members. involved in sports, it motivates kids 2. Join a local recreational league to pick up sports too. Throwing a or enroll in a beginner level course game watch party for friends can offered at a nearby community also be a fun activity. centre. Getting help and training when you are new to a sport can 8. Join the charitable drive of your give you confidence. You can always team or the sport. You will see pick sports equipment or gear at that many sports leagues fund and a local thrift store or on internet support causes in the community.

Get involved in their campaigns marketplaces at a lower price. supporting various community 3. Watch sports broadcasts on initiatives by volunteering your time TV. There are many sports that are or making a donation. broadcast on TV channels and can Participation in sports may be viewed from the comfort of your home. Hockey Night in Canada is demand too much time when you a very popular TV programming are trying to settle and adapt to a telecast on Saturday evenings. If new country. Evaluate and set goals you are a hockey fan, and the game about how much time you can give. commentary, pre-game and post- Start slowly as re-engaging with game analysis is available in your sports after a long time or trying a regional language, you can quickly new one may pose a risk of injury.

Keep your expectations in check and catch up on the action. talk to your doctor if you need to 4. Attend a game with friends or before you embark on this journey. colleagues. Going to a live game with And if you are ready, go for it! You those familiar with the sport can will quickly see the positive impact make it a fun experience. Watching that playing sports makes on your as a spectator with die-hard fans in body, mind and social life.

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.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 6 | 2021

MONEY & BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Drawing up the financial projections part of your business plan

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rawing up a forecast of how well a business will perform over a period of time is a crucial component of a business plan.

In order to determine the feasibility of a business and to plan for its success, it is imperative to include a financial projection.

The economic viability of a company is of utmost importance because that is often the determining factor as to whether or not it is a rational decision to proceed with such a business venture.

Also, most business startups and expansion plans require external funding, and financial projections are used by investors and lenders to decide if it is a good investment to undertake.

Period of forecast: The forecast is usually done for a minimum of three years, but most lending institutions and investors prefer to see a five-year time period. Draw up your forecast for a longer period should you realize that if, according to your projections, it will take longer to realize a project.

The reason for this is because you will need to show the break-even point by calculating a break-even analysis.

Therefore, if the business is already profitable by the second year of operation, then a three-year forecast may suffice. However, in a situation wherein you are starting to break even in year three then a five-year projection will be more beneficial.

Financial statements: The financial statements to be completed are an income statement, balance sheet and a cash flow statement.

The pro forma income statement, often referred to as the profit and loss statement, is intended to show whether the company is expected to make a profit or a loss. The entries made in this statement are the forecasted income/revenue generated by the business, cost of goods sold and all the expenses to be incurred. To arrive at your revenue figure, you are expected to conduct research into the market to ascertain what your pricing strategy should be and the expected demand or sales for the particular product

How will your business perform? that the assets should equal the total of liabilities, owners equity and retained earnings.

The pro forma cash flow statement is used to show the cash inflows and outflows of a business. It gives valuable information about the movements of cash and the overall liquidity of the company. In this statement, you are expected to show cash flow from operations, investment and financing.

Though the task of projecting the financials of business may seem very daunting, you can overcome or service that you will be offering. taken or anticipated should be the challenge by understanding the typical entries to be included in the It is also necessary to consider your identified as a liability. hours and days of operation to get a The balance sheet, as the name various statements and base your true reflection of the sales potential. suggests, should balance, meaning numbers on realistic assumptions.

If the establishment is already in operation, then the forecast should Sharee Aluko has a Masters in Business Administration and owns be based on previous years’ financial a business consultancy firm. She also teaches business courses at statements.

In regard to your cost of goods the college-level on a part-time basis. sold and expenses, there will be a need to make assumptions regarding the percentages to be used. Based on the industry and the type of business, the percentages for projecting Calgary expenses could vary, so you will need Campus to do a thorough analysis to arrive at the most realistic figures. Typical expenses are rent, salaries, insurance, utilities, depreciation, interest, taxes and so forth.

The pro forma balance sheet is used to identify the assets, liabilities, owners equity and retained earnings.

The fixed assets are land, buildings, furniture and equipment and the prices are best determined by gathering quotes if they have not yet been acquired. Some current assets like inventory and accounts receivables are also based on Developmental Service Workers reasonable percentages of sales.

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