Canadian Immigrant - September 2016

SEPTEMBER 2016 | FREE

ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.

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The dramatic life of Aluna Theatre’s Beatriz Pizano TED Talks speaker Dr. Gurdeep Parhar

on fixing racism 4 cities host Career, Education & Settlement

Immigrant Fairs this fall

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CONTENTS 4

FUSION

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SUCCESS STORY

PROFILE: ICCRC’s Daniel Roukema NEWS: New bridging programs CANSPEAK Colombian-born Beatriz Pizano is centre stage at Aluna Theatre in Toronto

12 INTEGRATION

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Dr. Gurdeep Parhar tackles the topic of overcoming prejudice for TED Talks

16 CAREERS & EDUCATION

Q & A with educator Marie Bountrogianni HIGHER LEARNING: What faculty and staff want newcomers to know Career, Education & Settlement Immigrant Fairs this fall

above Beatriz Pizano is celebrating the 15th anniversary of Aluna Theatre in Toronto

Cover photo by Alessandro Shinoda

23 SETTLEMENT B:11.25”

S:9.75”

T:10.75”

PARENTING: Easy school lunches How to overcome low self-esteem IMMIGRATION LAW: International adoptions

24 IMMIGRANT SETTLEMENT GUIDE 30 DRIVING

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Fall driving tips

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“Canada was built by citizen immigrants, people who come here permanently with their families to become Canadians.”

- Hon. John McCallum, MP

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Become a Regulated Immigration Consultant Available nationally online.

Contact Admissions at (604) 628-5784 or toll free 1 (844) 628-5784 or apply online. www.ashtoncollege.ca

twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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September 2016

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FUSION

People. News. Information.

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2016

profile

Group Publishers Gautam Datt Sharma Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Margaret Jetelina mjetelina@metroland.com Senior Editor Baisakhi Roy broy@metroland.com Editorial Design Terry Lankstead, Anne Nawrocka Courtland Shakespeare

Daniel

Roukema Immigrant at heart

Digital Media Developer Kamil Mytnik Advertising Sales Sr. Ad Manager (B.C. and Alberta) Alla Gordeeva alla@canadianimmigrant.ca Tel: 778 558 3397 Sr. Ad Manager (Toronto) Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 National Sales Manager Varun Munjal vmunjal@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8169 Sales, Events & Marketing Coordinator Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146

Subscription rate in Canada: $47.99 plus HST for 12 issues Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher

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

Toronto Circulation 50,000 copies Vancouver Circulation 30,000 copies Calgary Circulation 3,000 copies Canadian Immigrant is published monthly and distributed free throughout Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. Canadian Immigrant welcomes submissions, but is not responsiblefor unsolicited material.

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

Entire contents property of Canadian Immigrant.

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

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By Margaret Jetelina

A

lthough born in Montreal to immigrant parents, Daniel Roukema was raised around the world and feels like an immigrant at heart. So it came natural for the communications professional to focus his career on helping newcomers. And, as the director of communications at the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), Roukema is being recognized this month with the 2016 Consumer Protection Award by the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation’s (CLEAR) as a champion for protecting consumers of Canadian immigration services.

The U.S.-based organization recognizes one individual annually, selecting Burlington, Ontario-based Roukema for launching the ICCRC’s confidential whistleblowing tool to inform law enforcement of unauthorized or fraudulent consultants providing immigration services.

You say you feel more like an immigrant than a Canadianborn. Why? I left Montreal at a very early age and was raised in Ontario, Nigeria, Switzerland and Tanzania. I also lived in Senegal and Rwanda as a young adult, and studied in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Belgium and the United States.

September 2016

above Daniel Roukema has won an award for his work with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council.

I have always considered myself a Canadian-born immigrant because being Canadian is not just about documentation, it’s also about Canadianism — the culture, language and a sense of belonging. I was 14 when we first returned to Canada from Africa and even though my passport is Canadian, I did not “feel” Canadian. I had to acculturate myself by studying the way people spoke, making myself dress as they did, becoming interested in the music people liked and getting active in their sports.

Is that why you are pursuing a career in the immigration arena?

I am very passionate in immigration because I have a sense of understanding of the challenges and opportunities immigrants face. I am both a communications and not-forprofit organizational development professional with a strong understanding and interest in government relations and political affairs. ICCRC is the perfect place to positively influence the experiences of people seeking new and better lives.

ICCRC is the national regulatory body for immigration consultants. What should people do to ensure they are hiring a legitimate one?

They should check our website

(iccrc-crcic.info). All regulated Canadian immigration consultants are listed there, and their status must be listed as “active.”

What are the tell-tale signs of an unlicensed, fraudulent consultant?

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If an immigration consultant guarantees your acceptance to Canada, accepts undocumented cash, does not require you to sign a contract, that should all be considered suspect.

If anyone says they’re an immigration consultant and are not on our website, they are fraudulent and should be reported.

What should immigrants do if they’ve been fraud victims?

They should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude. ca).

How has your personal journey shaped your approach to protecting immigrants?

I’ve seen the horrors of war and narrowly escaped myself.

People who come to Canada are seeking a better life, not just for fun, but because they seek opportunities for a brighter future for themselves and their children. Working at ICCRC is not a transaction for me. I’ve seen and heard the cries for help. This is personal. facebook.com/canimmigrant

FUSION

canspeak...

Words, expressions and sayings Bookworm — It’s September, which means all those “bookworms” — people who love to read and learn — can get ready to start “hitting the books” back at school!

Put your thinking cap on — Need to come up with an idea or consider a serious issue? Then think about it seriously, i.e., “put your thinking cap on.”

Hitting the books — It’s probably no surprise that “hitting the books” means reading and studying, especially in time to study for upcoming school tests or exams.

See more words at canadianimmigrant.ca under “Work & Education > Language.”

“Bookkeeping is a stable and in-demand profession with statistics indicating that 80% of all bookkeepers find full-time employment.”

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news 11 new bridging projects for ITPs • Emplois Spécialisés en Soutien à l’Ontario Rural (ESSOR) — La Cité collégiale • RAISE – Resource Awareness About ITPs for Small/Medium Employers — ONESTEP • Communicating for Success and Understanding Workplace Culture — Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) • Industry Leads: Employer Engagement on Immigrant Employment — Ryerson University • Entrepreneurial Entrepreneurship — Ryerson University • Bridging Newcomers to Related and Alternate Careers in Engineering and Natural Sciences — Seneca College – Newnham Campus • Employer Engagement – Strategies for Integration and Retention — Toronto and Region Conservation Authority • 360° View of Culture and Communication — Touchstone Institute

The Province of Ontario is investing $3.35 million over two years through the Ontario Bridge Training Program to help internationally trained professionals find jobs that match their skills and experience. The investment will support 11 new bridge training projects that will improve access to career assistance services for internationally trained immigrants, including career mentoring, employment events, language skills training and a microloan program.

The 11 new bridge training projects in Ontario are: • Speed Mentoring™ en Français — ACCES Employment • CASIP Employment Services Network (ESN) — ACCES Employment • Immigrant Access Fund: Micro Loans for Bridge Training — Immigrant Access Fund of Canada

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Programs eligible for funding under Federal and Provincial Student Loan plans.

Ashton College

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September 2016

• Literacy Foundations has ongoing enrolment.

• High School Completion still accepting students.

Advisors available to help you select courses.

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SUCCESS STORY

STAGE

Colombian-born Beatriz Pizano is celebrating the 15th anniversary of Aluna Theatre in Toronto

By Vivien Fellegi

F

Photos by Alessandro Shinoda

or Beatriz Pizano, the prospect of a leg amputation in her early 20s meant far more than just the loss of a limb.

The Colombian-born Pizano had a passion for dancing.

“Dancing was an incredible feeling of flying through space, expressing my feelings without words,” she says. But cancer had invaded her bone, and the doctors saw no alternative to chopping it off. Divorced and alone in her new country of Canada, she mourned the demise of her dream. “Dance was the only thing I understood,” she says. “I found myself really lost.”

But defeat is not in Pizano’s vocabulary. “I don’t give up; I’m very stubborn,” she says. Pizano took charge of her treatment, refusing to allow the physicians to amputate. Instead, she urged them to find other treatments to heal her leg. A year of physiotherapy helped her to walk again, but she couldn’t dance anymore. So she took an acting class at a local college, and a lifelong love affair with drama began. “Maybe I can’t dance, but I can still use my body to convey images on stage,” she says.

This adaptability to misfortune defines her journey. “You never lose anything in life; it just transforms into something else,” says Pizano, today the artistic director of Toronto’s Aluna Theatre.

Pizano learned this lesson as a child growing up in Colombia. Her mother died when she was young, and she was adopted by her uncle and aunt. Pizano realized that she couldn’t change what had happened, but she could choose how she responded. “You either don’t do anything, or you take the losses and understand how precious life is,” she says. This early tragedy also opened her eyes to the pain of others, a sense of empathy that would serve her well when she began playwriting.

“You can recognize someone who is suffering — that’s what art is made of,” she says.

Pizano adapted to her new life with her new parents, who paid for her to attend the best schools and enrolled her in dance class. At age l9, she fell in love and left Colombia to fol-

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low her new husband to Canada.

The move here was tough for Pizano. She missed her family, with whom she could only afford to talk monthly for three minutes. It was hard to make new friends. “In classes, I would sit with people I saw in the corridors, and they wouldn’t say ‘Hi.’” Then Pizano faced another crisis when her marriage dissolved after only one year. She had to support herself for the first time in her life. Though she had never once cleaned a house, she made some quick cash as a housekeeper. “I made myself independent pretty fast,” she says.

Her hard work as a housekeeper and also as a research assistant helped Pizano pay her way through university, studying psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Her classes taught her about the complexities of the human psyche, something that would later help her in her artistic endeavours, delving into complex characters as an actor and playwright.

A few years after graduating from university and overcoming her health crisis, Pizano decided she had nothing to lose by trying to find work as an actor. But her accent as well as her olive-coloured skin made it difficult to find jobs. The few roles she was offered depicted Latin Americans as stereotypes: a maid, a wife of a mafia criminal or a girlfriend. She was always supposed to scream and was invariably killed. But she wasn’t offended by these roles. “I didn’t have the knowledge to be humiliated,” she says.

That complacency didn’t last. At age 39, Pizano was hired as an interpreter for a Canadian crew shooting a documentary about human rights activists in Colombia who were being represented inaccurately by traditional media. That’s when Pizano started to write her own stories and her own characters.

“The war zone changed my life,” she says. “It opened my world to the responsibility to portray people truthfully.” >>

facebook.com/canimmigrant

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SUCCESS STORY

“

You never lose anything in life; it just transforms into something else.”

above Beatriz Pizano at Aluna Theatre in Toronto. << This drive for authenticity led Pizano to write her first stage trilogy about women and war. First, she wrote an autobiographical piece, For Sale, about a Colombian woman living in Canada, who reports on the war zone in her native land. The second play, Madre, focused on a Colombian woman with Alzheimer’s disease, who tries to recall her wartime past. The third play, La Comunión, detailed the struggles of a Colombian girl soldier who flees to Canada.

But Pizano knew she couldn’t mount a play without a theatre, so she decided to open her own. She created Canada’s first Latin American theatre in 2001, as a response to the misrepresentation and under-representation of cultural diversity on Canadian stages. She named it Aluna, after a Colombian tribe’s mythological mother of creation.

Celebrating 15 years this year, Aluna’s plays combine dance, music and the visual arts, often encouraging new hybrids of theatre evolved from a rich collaboration of experiences and performance traditions. But Aluna’s chief distinction is its mandate to embrace and empower myriad voices, cultures and stories, particularly those of women and Latin American artists. In this way, it also creates opportunity for Latin American actors as well as Spanish-speaking audiences in Canada. Some plays are written in both English and Spanish, while others are writ-

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ten in one language and performed with subtitles in the other tongue.

All of Pizano’s stories come out of a deeply held idealism that human beings can connect to each other and live in harmony.

“I can’t write for hire — only if the story is burning in me,” she says. When she feels strongly about her theme, the play almost writes itself. “My characters speak in my head,” she says.

Injustice is one of the chief inspirations for her plays, using laughter and tears to educate her audience about inequity. “If we lecture people, we don’t get through to them, but if the heart opens, you can show them things,” she says. Ultimately, she uses theatre to dispel cultural biases. “I hope the plays open a little window into allowing someone to not be afraid of approaching another human being,” she says.

Pizano and her plays have been showered with recognition. She has won 11 Dora Awards, the prestigious John Hirsch Prize for Direction, the Ken McDougall Award for Direction, the Chalmers Fellowship, the Urjo Kareda Award and the Metcalf Performing Arts Internship. So the few critical opinions don’t phase her. “You can learn from everything, even a horrible review,” she says.

Pizano is eager to pass on her hard-won knowledge to the next generation of artists.

That’s where Aluna Theatre’s Young Pana-

— Beatriz Pizano

merican Vo(i)ces training program comes in.

The group offers a forum for Latin American youth to learn the tricks of the theatre trade.

Many of them have been accepted into acting schools as a result. Pizano is proud of her graduates. “They’re my kids — I love them,” she says.

Today, Pizano is grateful for the challenges that she’s faced along the way. “There are beautiful teachings in traumas. I wouldn’t want to lose any of the things that have happened to me,” she says.

“Life is magical,” she adds. She is currently producing an international festival of plays connecting the Americas through the arts, Panamerican Routes (Rutas Panamericanas), slated for performance Oct. 5-16 in Toronto.

Showcasing Canadian, indigenous and Latin American artists, the festival features performances, master classes, cabarets, concerts, fi lm, art exhibits and a multi-day conference.

Meanwhile, Pizano continues to perfect her craft. “I’m always studying with the next mentor, trying to get better,” she says.

Her romantic partner, Canadian playwright Trevor Schwellnus, shares her aspirations.

“He is the love of my life, my partner in this dream,” she says.

Pizano’s advice to Canadian newcomers reflects her positive outlook. “If you come with good ideas and work hard, this country listens,” she says. facebook.com/canimmigrant

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INTEGRATION

FIXING RACISM Indian-born Dr. Gurdeep Parhar tackles the topic of overcoming prejudice — that of others and our own — for TED Talks

By Nicole Enright-Morin

A

climate of terror. People being displaced by conflict or war. The building of walls. The leaving of unions. Tension around the world seems to be at an all-time high, and racism, prejudice and stereotypes are underlying threads. Even Canada, a country built upon differences, is not immune. One Canadian immigrant recently recorded a TED Talk in Vancouver that discusses the issues of racism and prejudice from a very personal point of view.

Dr. Gurdeep Parhar is a family physician and the executive associate dean for the faculty of medicine at the University of British Columbia. He

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came to Canada from India at the age of one, when his family settled in Kitimat in northern British Columbia.

His recent TED Talk, “Fixing Racism,” discusses how our subconscious bias often leads to racial stereotyping, which can result in misunderstandings, discrimination and even violence. In his talk, Parhar details how some of the worst atrocities in human history have occurred because one ethnic group was thought to be inferior to another. He asks if we acknowledge that prejudices exist and if we recognize we have differences but also similarities, can we take the first steps to fixing racism?

facebook.com/canimmigrant

Since his TED Talk first aired in May, Parhar’s video has been viewed more than 300,000 times on YouTube. Canadian Immigrant recently caught up with him to chat about why his talk is getting so much interest.

Message that resonates “One of the surprises has been the amount of views it has received,” says Parhar. “I think one of the reasons it has gotten so much attention is that its message resonated with a lot of people. I think the other thing that happened is that I’m not just talking about race, racism and racial stereotyping, but the experience of being discriminated against or people pre-judging you. Because discrimination isn’t just based on race. There are many instances where people have been stereotyped or misunderstood.”

Parhar talks about how he experienced racism first-hand, from bullies in the locker room when he was a young boy. A story that, until his TED Talk, he had not shared with anyone.

“Part of the reason for telling that story was personal — I needed some closure. I needed to deal with it as it was something really challenging to my life in the past. The second reason is that I also wanted to share something that other people might have experienced, but are afraid to speak up about. I wanted to make this issue public and talk about it, as this is something that doesn’t always get the attention it should get.”

For Parhar, it was also important to talk about this experience to a wide audience, as it is an issue that affects so many people. “Many of us as immigrants or newcomers from another country have gone through experiences like that, and either we’ve moved past it or we think we’ve moved >>

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<< past it, but we haven’t had an open discussion about it and I want to put that discussion on the table.”

Even though Parhar is an experienced public speaker, he says sharing his own story of encountering racism was not easy. “This talk was emotionally the most difficult thing I’ve done publicly. And that day was the one time that I got through the entire talk without actually crying, that’s how emotionally difficult it was for me to even tell the story.”

Biases in us all In his TED Talk, Parhar says he feels racism and prejudice are issues that affect everyone and that it is only by discussing them that we are able to get any closer to fixing our behaviours. “Racism is not just a white person’s problem; we all have biases and by not talking about it we’re continuing to let those biases influence our judgment in everything, in social function, in educational work and in our work life,” he says.

“As for new immigrants, sometimes they find themselves getting really shortchanged by people’s preconceived notions, because they often speak with an accent, they might look a little different, they may have views that are slightly different. I think what happens is people will often not give them the same credit or the same value to their contribution just because they are new or they are different.”

Racism is a huge topic to tackle, but Parhar manages to get his message across by using humour and storytelling to lighten the heavy topic.

“With a topic such as racism, it’s easy to stand in front of a lecture theatre full of students or a TED Talk audience and talk about equality for everyone, but the challenge is how do you truly make that talk meaningful? So when I decided that this was going to be the topic, I didn’t want to sound preachy or condescending. I really wanted to make it real for people and the way to do that was to share something personal,” he says. “As dif-

ficult as it was for me, I also knew that the best way to get people to drop their guard and to share an experience was with humour.”

However, Parhar is quick to point out that while humour can help an audience discuss a sensitive subject, it is important to use the device wisely.

“You still have to be very careful when using humour, as jokes can go the other way and I was very mindful of that. But having said that, when everyone shares a laugh, it means everyone has an understanding on another level. It helps people relax and talk about subjects that they might usually find difficult.”

Helping others Parhar adds that his early experiences as an immigrant have been a driving force in his life and work, and helping others is something he takes very seriously. As well as being a family physician and an academic, he is also the host of a local B.C. television show called Pearls of Success where the focus is helping newcomers to Canada build their new life.

“The purpose of the show is to help people who are new to Canada.

The toughest things for new immigrants and refugees is the steep learning curve: how to read your child’s report card, what to do when you go to the emergency room, how to interact with a family physician, how to open a bank account, whether you should get a flu vaccine, which are things people who have grown up here often take for granted,” he says.

And his TED Talk is an extension of his good works in trying to make a difference for not only immigrants, but anyone dealing with racism. As Parhar concludes, fixing racism and prejudice is not an easy task. Nor is it a comfortable discussion. But, ultimately, if we all take responsibility for our own views and question our own behaviours, perhaps we might be one step closer to a world where tolerance and celebrating diversity are the norm after all.

Watch Dr. Gurdeep Parhar’s TED Talk, “Fixing Racism,” via canadianimmigrant.ca.

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info@ccnm.edu www.ccnm.edu

Continuing your medical career in Canada

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Educating naturopathic doctors for almost 40 years twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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CAREERS & EDUCATION

Wise advice Educator Marie Bountrogianni explains why and how newcomers benefit from continuing their education in Canada

By Margaret Jetelina

M

arie Bountrogianni, dean of the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University in Toronto, is passionate about connecting students, including immigrants, with the right skills to boost their careers. By that, she means finding an area of study they love while keeping their eye on the labour market.

“In our fast-paced, knowledge-based economy, it is essential to follow employment trends as well as your passion,” she notes. For immigrants specifically, the Chang School offers the Gateway for above Marie International Professionals programs to Bountrogianni. bridge their past experience to new opportunities in Canada.

Canadian Immigrant recently talked with Dean Bountrogianni, who was born in Canada to Greek immigrants, about the value of continuing your education.

How does continuing education help internationally trained professionals in establishing their career in Canada?

Unemployment and underemployment are common stories for international professionals. The Gateway for International Professionals programs are helping bridge the gap between education, experience and employment.

Internationally educated professionals (IEPs) often come to Canada with a breadth and depth of experience and credentials that simply aren’t recognized here. The Chang School offers bridging programs that accurately assess the skills of IEPs and provides them with the education and experience needed to succeed in the Canadian workplace at levels that correspond with their qualifications.

What areas of study do your programs cover?

The Chang School has developed programs in accounting and finance, dietetics and nutrition, health research and health management, middle-level managers, midwifery, physiotherapy, social work and engineering.

The faculty of engineering at Ryerson University has also developed the Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Bridging (IEEQB) Program.

Why is helping immigrants important to you?

Although I was born in Hamilton, Ontario, my parents were new Canadians and worked tirelessly to ensure I understood the importance of education. I know how much support my family received when they first came to Canada, and I have always wanted to pass the good fortune along.

Helping new Canadians is important to me because I understand the current barriers they face. As a former Ontario cabinet minister for Citizenship and Immigration, I know that internationally educated professionals have difficulty getting the same accreditation for a profession they have already been practising back in their country.

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Prior to entering politics, I was the chief psychologist for the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, where I was able to see how these systemic issues affected immigrant families, both mentally and financially.

How do such bridging programs work for licensed professions versus unlicensed?

The goal of Ryerson’s bridging programs is to prepare IEPs for licensure and/or employment that is commensurate with their level of education and experience. To achieve this goal, each bridging program provides a profession-specific combination of courses, mentoring, job coaching and work experience opportunities that build on their existing knowledge. They are supported to gain profession specific terminology, legal and ethical context of working in the Canadian context.

The bridging programs for regulated professions tend to be longer and involve competency or skill-based assessments and learning opportunities.

Are there fewer new immigrants today having difficulty finding a job in their field since the introduction of the Express Entry immigration stream?

The integration of IEPs coming through Express Entry provides a pathway for potential job opportunities. However, institutions serving new Canadians have a common understanding that we will continue to see a need for robust programming to settle and integrate IEPs regardless of the system being used for the selection process.

We are not seeing any significant decline from IEPs residing in Ontario requesting support from our bridging program teams. There is consistent number of IEPs contacting us in pre-arrival stage seeking advisement and support for settlement.

In addition to a Canadian educational credential for their resumé, what are some of the other benefits a newcomer can garner from going back for post-secondary education?

In addition to earning a Canadian educational credential, IEPs gain current knowledge and recent practice skills. They form professional networks and enhance their confidence to compete in the Canadian job market. The licensure/employment rates of graduates is more than 80 per cent (some of the bridging programs are higher). The impact on families of internationally educated professionals is profound and lasting.

What is your best advice for newcomers?

With research, hard work and patience, you can find appropriate prospective employers and opportunities. Do not shortchange your skills and experience as the Canadian marketplace is looking for exactly the type of skillsets most IEPs have.

To see a list of immigrant bridging programs available via the Chang School’s Gateway for International Professionals programs, as well as other bridging programs available across the country, see canadianimmigrant.ca under Work & Education>Bridging Programs. facebook.com/canimmigrant

CAREERS & EDUCATION

®

®

CAREERS & EDUCATION HIGHER LEARNING

College must-knows What the faculty and staff want newcomers to know about post-secondary education New students have the benefit of orientation sessions, online information and staff and professors to answer their questions about post-secondary education. Sometimes, however, newcomers don’t know what questions to ask. So what should immigrant students know as they begin post-secondary studies in Canada? We asked several college faculty and staff members, and here are the issues they raised.

Academic integrity Several professors cited that students should be more aware of academic integrity and what constitutes academic fraud in Canada. This may be different from their home country.

The penalties for incorrect citation and other academic mistakes can range from a mild reprimand to outright failures. They can be treated as a form of cheating and may result in serious consequences. It is best to learn how to cite references correctly. Librarians, teaching assistants, faculty members and tutors can all be approached with your questions.

Also, most schools have free online resources and writing centres that can help with improving writing style, structuring essays, avoiding plagiarism and other aspects of writing.

Student confidentiality One professor we talked to said students should be aware that it is not appropriate for parents, siblings or spouses to inquire about a student’s assignments or grades. In fact, academic records, attendance and a students’ contact information are all confidential. This information is not shared with anyone outside of the school except with the student.

Communication with professors Approaching professors during their office hours or through email to get help with work or to answer questions is appropriate. For larger classes, particularly in university settings, you may be asked to contact a teaching assistant rather than the professor directly. This information is usually communicated in the first class.

Either way, students should recognize that professors and/or teaching assistants are busy with other students and responsibilities, so coming to the point directly in emails or meetings is appreciated.

Discussion encouraged Many classes, particularly in tutorials and seminars, include a discussion component, and newcomers should be open to sharing their varied perspectives, as this contribution will enrich the experience for everyone.

Obviously when classes are very large, expectations for class participation are more limited than in smaller classes.

Immigration matters An administrator we asked suggested that newcomers need to be clear on immigration laws and regulations to avoid any legal difficulties. You will want to stay on top of your deadlines for visas and permits and renew them ahead of time. For international students, placements and intern-

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ships may be an issue that also needs to be checked out. You don’t want to find yourself accidently working without authorization. Staying current on changes is important.

Other legal issues An experienced counsellor told us that sometimes newcomer students find themselves in tricky situations if they are unfamiliar with Canadian laws. He suggested newcomers should learn a little bit about tenancy rules and Canadian laws regarding sexual harassment and assault, in particular.

If you have questions about your rights or obligations, most schools have a human rights office, student advocates, free legal services or something similar to help you.

Student relationships Depending on where you have come from and your cultural background, you may find student-to-student relationships either more casual or more formal than you are used to. You will figure this out over time and may experience a few mistakes or missed opportunities along the way.

Much depends on your own comfort level, as well.

When you meet other students of the same background and language, it is sometimes a relief and a support. When speaking the same language together, however, it’s respectful to switch to English when other students who don’t speak your language join you. And, when speaking your own language in elevators or in the hall, don’t assume that no one else can understand you.

Learning the ins and outs It takes time to learn all the ins and outs of life on a Canadian campus.

It’s a mistake to assume that education policies, traditions and practices are the same everywhere. While not knowing something is understandable, ignorance is often not recognized as an excuse and you can still face academic, legal and social difficulties. Observing and asking questions are good habits to cultivate as you take on post-secondary studies. As noted by a professor, an attitude of respect when dealing with faculty, staff and other students will go a long way in rectifying any innocent blunders.

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. facebook.com/canimmigrant

IELTS is Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular high stakes English language proficiency test.

It is accepted and trusted by over 350 Canadian organizations and was the first test to be recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly CIC) and Immigration Quebec as proof of English language proficiency for Express Entry and other Canadian government programs.

Book your test on takeIELTS.ca and get 30 hours of FREE practice on Road to IELTS.

British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS

CAREERS & EDUCATION

4 cities, 4 fairs

I

mmigrants Ashwin Kutty and Faten Alshazly, the creative forces behind Halifax’s successful marketing fi rm WeUsThem Inc., know what it takes to fi nd success in Canada.

They’re going to share their story with newcomers as keynote speakers at the second annual Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this Sept. 9, 2016, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the World Trade and Convention Centre (1800 Argyle St.). Free admission.

The speakers’ program in Halifax will also feature the following presentations: • Prepare Better with Road to IELTS by Kristjan Seferaj, a global IELTS teacher trainer with British Council IELTS, associate sponsor of the fair • Economic Immigration and Express Entry by Sean Morency, employer liaison officer with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in

Settlement Immigrant Fairs are coming up this fall, featuring exhibitors, hiring employers, resumé clinics, networking and speakers:

The free Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair comes to Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver this fall Atlantic Canada • Immigration Options to Canada and Nova Scotia for International Students by Suzanne Rix, immigration lawyer and partner with Cox & Palmer’s Halifax office.

In addition to these presentations, the fair will include di-

verse exhibitors, opportunities for networking, a resumé clinic and more. Register for the free event at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair/halifax.

Fairs out west After the Halifax fair, three more Career, Education and

• Calgary, Oct. 17, with Croatian-born motivational speaker and coach Miroslav Reljic, plus small business workshop, English pronunciation class and more • Edmonton, Oct. 19, with Cuban-born keynote speaker Christians Izquierdo of DevFacto Technologies, plus social media workshop by renowned speaker Shahid Wazed and more • Vancouver, Nov. 16, with longtime “Immigration Law” columnist Steven Meurrens, housing workshop and much more!

Learn more and pre-register for these free events at w w w.canadianimmigrant.ca/ careerfair.

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SETTLEMENT PARENTING

Lunch prep Packing healthy food for your kids at school

W

hile some schools have hot lunch programs or cafeterias where kids can buy lunch, most Canadian kids go to school with a lunch prepared at home.

Homemade lunches are generally healthier and more economical, but, for parents, preparing them every day is not always as easy as the ABCs. Some children might refuse to eat homemade lunch at school, with the food coming back home untouched or, worse, ending up in the school’s trash can. Perhaps they are too shy to eat in front of others or are embarrassed by the type of food their parents prepare. Often, newcomers then succumb to loading up lunches with ready-made processed foods, such as cracker-andcheese trays, granola bars, fruit gummy snacks and sugary drinks, which might not be the healthiest choices.

But, with a few simple rules, making lunches for children can be delicious and healthy.

1

Involve children

Increase the chances of children eating their lunch by asking them to help with the menu planning and preparation. Talk to them and find out their reason for not eating. Are they too busy playing to eat lunch, or are they embarrassed because their lunch might look and smell different?

2

Choose nutritious food

It’s important to provide your children with a balanced and healthy meal, by providing items from all the food groups,

including healthy grains, protein, fruits and vegetables. Utilize the wealth of online information for different lunch ideas and recipes.

Include water bottles to keep children hydrated. And don’t forget a small snack for recess time; fresh fruit here works great!

3

Keep it simple

4

Proper packing

5

Follow school rules

Avoid foods that are messy to eat, or need to be heated up or cut up. Make sure the lunches are easy and convenient to eat in school, with minimal help.

We eat with our eyes, so try to make food as appealing as possible to children. Chances are, children are less likely to eat lunches that have become soggy or crushed up due to improper packaging. Keep lunches properly stored in reusable containers, thermoses and sturdy lunch boxes. Don’t forget cutlery!

Check with your school about potential food allergies in your child’s school. There might be certain food restrictions and banned items such as peanut or other nut products, candy, chips and soda.

Healthy part of the day Just like breakfast, a healthy lunch is essential to children’s success in school. Properly nourished children are more likely to concentrate and learn, and have more energy for all activities in school.

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

twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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September 2016

23

Immigrant SETTLEMENT GUIDE For getting your listing included, please call Ricky Bajaj at 416-856-6304 or Johnny Zhang at 416-803-3931

2016

Agency

General Services and Specialty Programs

Brampton Multicultural Centre (BMC)

Not for profit, registered charity providing multilingual and culturally appropriate programs and services for free to help clients enhance their community engagement and social capital while integrating into the Canadian society. Programs: Programs and services include Settlement support , employment readiness workshops, enhancing immigrant community connections through schools and libraries, advocacy and solution-focused counselling, interpretation and translation, volunteer and placement opportunities, mental health support services, seniors and women abuse and engagement services. A unique portfolio of youth programming is also available such as: Youth leadership development, life skills coaching, client-centred counselling, paid internships at various workplaces, gang prevention workshops, one-on-one intervention meetings based on individualized work plans.

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

• • • • • •

Find out how to: get the skills you need to find work, including: work experience, resume help, interview techniques, entrepreneurial options and more. We offer: Job Search Workshops Program, Job Find Club for Internationally Trained Individuals, Bridge to HR, Practice Firm, SelfEmployment Pathways for Newcomer and Employment Ontario Employment Services.

Email: info@jobskills.org www.jobskills.org

• English

RISE Program: provide community based, client-centred and holistic supports; mobile case management services for newcomers with mental health challenges within the city of Toronto area; assistance with navigating through the health care, housing, financial, education and employment systems for newcomers with special needs. Specialty Programs: Individual case management support; Information sessions on settlement and mental health related topics; Social recreation activities; Volunteer opportunities; English conversation café; Computer classes; Preparation for citizenship test classes.

Email: rise@madisoncs.org madisoncs.org

• • • •

English Arabic Farsi Amharic

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

Additional locations at Scarborough and Toronto.

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

• • • • •

English Spanish Mandarin Bengali Turkish

General services and specialty program: Help small and medium business from starting business with business plans for success: business registration; business planning; corporate problem solving; corporate culture tutoring; legal, politics and social requirements service and assistance for government funding application.

Specialty program: business guide in Canada and Asia countries;enterprise assistant program; free tax services for new comers and seniors.

Email: info@sbsccanada.org www.sbsccanada.org

• English

Community services for cultural and recreational activities, including classic poetry recitation events and Chinese traditional music concerts, with funds collected from its own members; supports for seniors groups for cultural and recreational activities; promotions for cultural exchange with the main stream society and many minorities’ cultural groups.

Email: thomas@nahst.org www.nahst.org

• English • Mandarin • Cantonese

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

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

• English

197 County Court Blvd.

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

Job Skills Employment & Business Programs & Supports Locations in Markham, Brampton, Keswick and Newmarket Phone: 1-866-592-6278 Madison Community Services Recovery during Immigration & Settlement (RISE) Program – funded by CIC. 400-210 Dundas St. W Toronto, On M5G 2E8 Phone: 416-977-1333 x 119 madisoncs.org/programsservices/cic-rise-program/ Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto 2737 Keele Street North York ON M3M 2E9 Phone: 647-776-2057 Multinational Small & Medium Business Community Center (MSMBCC) 211 Consumers Road, Suite 300, North York, M2J 4G8 Phone: 647-343-8288 The National Association of Humanity Science and Technology (NAHST) 4675 Steeles Ave. E Unit 2D22 Toronto On M1V 4S5 Or: 3-2375 Brimley Rd. Unit 351 Toronto ON M1S 3L6 Welcome Centre Immigrant Services 7 Locations in York and Durham Regions Phone: 1-877-761-1155

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Languages

English • Arabic Farsi • French Gujarati • Hindi Punjabi • Spanish Tamil • Urdu Tagalog (Filipino)

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SETTLEMENT

Don’t feel bad Battling low self-esteem as a new immigrant

By Dilnawaz Qamar

N

ew immigrants come to Canada with high hopes and expectations. While their dreams may come true over time, it doesn’t happen within a blink of eye. Getting settled and finding success takes time and patience. Along the way, there are failures, rejections, disappointments and challenges, all of which, if taken negatively, can cause low self-esteem.

Low self-esteem, although not an illness, can have a detrimental effect on your personality and daily functioning. Here are some selfhelp strategies for staying positive and confident.

Check yourself Are you a person with high self-esteem or low self-esteem? Test yourself with this checklist.

SELF-ESTEEM CHECKLIST ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

I can’t believe in myself I often blame myself I often behave despondently I have lost control I feel victimized in many situations I am defensive when it comes to me I am undeserving I feel worried most of the time I can’t take risks I can’t trust my instincts I am antisocial sometimes I express anger and aggression passively I am not good enough I cannot change I am negative most of the time I think I am a failure I am fearful of new situations and I am reluctant to welcome new opportunities I am ineffective I am not good enough I feel pessimistic I am critical most of the time

If you have checked most of the items listed above, you have low self-esteem. If you have low self-esteem, but want to feel good about yourself, happy and relaxed, there are ways to create a new you who can finally bring your dreams into reality. But, if you are not concerned about improving it, you are at high risk of many dangers.

Don’t want to get better?

Self-esteem issues can stop you from leading the life you wish to lead. Here are some consequences if you don’t try to improve your self-esteem: • Low self-esteem can hinder you from welcoming new challeng-

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es and new opportunities in life.

• It can seriously impair your social and occupational functioning and you can become socially isolated.

• Social isolation can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, which in turn can develop into mental health problems over time. In fact, most cases of depression are the result of low selfesteem.

• Low self-esteem can damage relationships, thus causing breakups.

• Low self-esteem can lead to drug abuse in the long run.

Although self-esteem is not a mental health problem in itself, it can lead to one. Before you are caught up in the trap of low selfesteem, be proactive and get ready to improve the way you are living your life now.

Tips to improve self-esteem Ready to take control over how you see yourself? Consider these following strategies.

• Positive self-talk. Positive self-talk has a magical effect on individuals with low self-esteem. Self-talk is often negative. If you start talking positively to yourself, it will make you feel better.

• Don’t strive for perfection. If you try being number one all the time, you’ll be disappointed; you can’t be the best at everything.

And don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake or fail at something. Keep an eye on your thoughts and you’ll see how our thinking patterns are sometimes irrational.

• Do not compare yourself to others. Comparing ourselves to others makes us too competitive. When we feel lacking behind in competition, it affects our self-esteem. Every individual is different with their own strengths and weaknesses.

• Focus on the things you can change. Stephen Covey in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People talks about two circles: a circle of influence and a circle of concern. We need to work in the circle of influence where we can exert control and should not worry about circle of concern. As our circle of influence expands, our circle of concern starts narrowing down.

• Surround yourself with supportive people. If the people around you are always critical, you are in a danger zone. Try to find the company of supportive people who encourage and uplift you.

Pakistan-born Dilnawaz Qamar is a mental health counsellor with Brampton Multicultural Community Centre. She can be reached at dilnawazasghar@gmail.com.. facebook.com/canimmigrant

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

Adopting across borders Intercountry adoption can be complicated, and IRCC has the final say

A

re you interested in adopting a child from outside of Canada? The rules, regulations and laws involved with the various stages of an intercountry adoption are complicated and can be time-consuming to navigate.

In addition to understanding how you will need to co-ordinate between the provincial government, adoption agencies and the foreign government, you should be aware of the need to address immigration matters, as it will be Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that has the final say on whether a child will be permitted to enter Canada.

Hague Adoption Convention countries The Hague Adoption Convention (HAC) is an international treaty that governs the adoption process in countries that have ratified it, ensuring that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of the child.

For adoptions from countries that have signed on to this treaty, prospective adoptive parents must first apply to a provincially licensed adoption agency and undergo a home study. The adoption agency will then co-ordinate with the provincial government’s director of adoption, who will in turn communicate with the government in the child’s country of origin to ensure that all of the proper information, documentation and consent has been obtained.

Once this process is complete, and once a formal adoption order has been obtained through the court in either the child’s country of origin or in Canada, the parents should have a Hague Convention Letter of Approval and a Notification of the Agreement, which they will need for the child’s immigration application.

When the child enters Canada, care must be taken to ensure that he or she has a visitor visa, if required, and that the process to secure the child’s Canadian permanent resident status or citizenship is underway.

Adopting from other countries Adoptions from non-HAC countries will not follow the same process. The procedure for non-HAC intercountry adoptions will depend on factors such as whether the child is related or not related to the prospective adoptive parents, whether an adoption order will be granted in the child’s country of origin or in Canada, and what the general adoption laws and regulations are in the child’s country of origin. Individuals looking into adopting children from non-HAC countries should consult with a licensed adoption agency in their province for more information.

Limitations and restrictions It is important to remember that not all countries permit >>

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September 2016

27

SETTLEMENT << Canadians to adopt children born there, and not all Canadian provinces permit adoptions from all countries. Prospective parents should check the IRCC website for updated lists of which countries to avoid.

Furthermore, for many countries, there are restrictions on prospective parents. For example, China does not permit same-sex couples, common-law couples or single men to adopt. The Philippines permits married heterosexual couples who have been together for at least three years to apply for all adoptions, and single applicants to apply for children between nine and 15 years of age. The Philippines also requires applicants to have a body mass index of less than 35, have reference letters from their church, make a minimum income, disclose all physical and mental conditions, and for the youngest applicant in a couple to be no more than 45 years older than the child.

In contrast, many adoption agencies in the United States are known to accept applications from same-sex couples, common-law couples and single applicants.

Immigration issues The final step in the intercountry adoption process is securing the child’s immigration status in Canada. There are two paths for adoptive parents: the citizenship route and the sponsorship route, and there are rules on who can use which.

The citizenship route, if successful, grants Canadian citizenship directly to the child. The sponsorship route would grant permanent residence status to the child, who could later apply for citizenship once he or she qualifies.

If at least one adoptive parent is a Canadian citizen when the child is adopted, then they will generally be able to choose whether to use the citizenship or the sponsorship route. The exception to this rule is when the adopted child will not live in Canada immediately after the

adoption and immigration processes are complete. In these cases, the citizenship process must be used.

If neither adoptive parent is a Canadian citizen at the time the child is adopted, then they must go through the sponsorship route.

You must also go through the sponsorship route if you are subject to the first generation limit to citizenship by descent (unless, of course, one of the exceptions to this rule applies).

Citizenship versus sponsorship In addition to the different status that is conferred, there are other differences between the two paths. The citizenship route does not require the child to undergo a medical exam, whereas the permanent resident route does. The application and processing fees for the two paths are also different.

Finally, the processing times differ — at the time of writing, a citizenship grant application will take an average of 12 months, whereas a sponsorship application will take an average of 33 to 36 months, depending on the child’s country of origin.

By the time parents arrive at this stage in the process, they have likely invested a lot of energy, time and resources into facilitating this new addition to their family. Regardless of which route is taken, it is extremely important that these applications are complete, clear and address any concerns or questions the deciding IRCC officer may have. For these families, the child’s immigration application will be the final stage in their journey to parenthood, and being well-prepared will be the best way to avoid any last-minute roadblocks.

Krisha Dhaliwal is an immigration lawyer with Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver. Contact her by telephone at 604-681-9887 or by email at krisha.dhaliwal@larlee.com.

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DRIVING

Brought to you by

Fall car prep Cooler days are coming, and your vehicle should be ready

I

t’s September, which means falling leaves, cooler weather and rainy days. It also means children are back in school and roads are busier. So, as weather and road conditions change with the fall season, take a few simple measures to ensure that you and your family are safe on the road. Preparing your vehicle and adjusting your driving habits can make all the difference.

Prep your vehicle Before the cold weather sets in, make sure you check up on your car’s fluids, tires, brakes and more. Here is an auto maintenance to-do list for fall: Fall auto maintenance to-do list • Ensure that your car has clean oil, which will minimize wear and help with smooth starting.

• Check your brake fluid to see if it is clean and full. Low brake fluid can reduce brake pressure when you apply the pedal and make them feel mushy.

• Top up your windshield washer fluid.

Make sure it is rated to at least -40 degrees in anticipation of the coming winter.

• Check your engine coolant. It is essential that your radiator and engine coolant be in top shape during the fall, as they help provide you with interior heat on cold days.

• Check your tires, ensuring they have good tread to improve traction. Fallen, wet

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leaves can be slippery!

• Be ready to switch to winter tires when the temperatures drop to freezing.

• Make sure you have adequate brake-pad life and non-warped rotors. If your brakes constantly squeal each time they are applied, it may be time for new brakes.

• Make sure your battery and ignition system are in top shape by having them tested. A weak battery is a top reason for being stranded as temperatures plummet.

• Replace any burnt-out headlights or brake lights. Having working lights is especially important for this season, with gloomy weather and fewer daylight hours.

• Finally, don’t forget your wipers! Having a good set of wipers will help keep your vision unobstructed on rainy days when you need it most.

Adjust your driving Not only should you prepare your car, but prepare yourself as well. Drive for the conditions! Here are some points to consider.

• Slow down when driving on roads covered with leaves, especially when going around a corner or turning.

• Cold autumn mornings can bring fog, which can limit your driving visibility and perception of distance. Use low beams, not high beams, which actually make visibility worse because they bounce off the fog and create glare.

• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you in the event of an emergency stop.

• Keep an eye out for children on the road, walking to school and crossing at crosswalks.

• Frost and black ice also make a return in the fall, particularly during the late night and early morning hours, so exercise caution and brake gently at overpasses and bridges, as these areas are more prone to be slippery.

• As fall progresses, there will be fewer hours of daylight. When it’s dark outside, be on the lookout for other cars, cyclists and pedestrians — Lane Departure Warning, Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert available on Buick vehicles can come handy in such conditions.

Enjoy fall The autumn season is beautiful in Canada, with changing colours and crisper weather.

Take a weekend road trip, visit a park and enjoy the view (provinces even have online “fall colour reports” you can google before you go). But, if you’re the driver, keep your eyes on the road until you arrive at your destination!

7 TOP PLACES TO SEE FALL FOLIAGE IN CANADA 1. Algonquin Park, Ontario A beautiful park outside of Toronto with red maple leaves at their best at the end of September or early October.

2. Niagara Parkway, Ontario The Niagara Parkway is the route that Winston Churchill called “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world,” especially in early October when the fall colours are at their finest.

3. Bruce Peninsula, Ontario Explore amazing fall colours on foot, hiking along the 890-kilometre-long Bruce Trail.

4. Laurentian Mountains, Quebec The Laurentian Mountains are known as one of the most beautiful displays of fall foliage in North America, with sugar maple trees and yellow birch trees.

5. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia The Cabot Trail is spectacular as leaves transform to vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, peaking in early October.

6. Rocky Mountains, Alberta Ride the Banff Gondola to see spectacular views of this lovely region, which comes alive with colours of yellow, gold and green in fall.

7. Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C. Often given the title of the best park in the world, Stanley Park in the fall is stunning, even though many trees stay evergreen.

Catch the views from Prospect Point, with fall colours peaking in October and even into November on the west coast. facebook.com/canimmigrant

EXPERIENCE THE NEW BUICK WITH A

Available to newcomers to Canada with a valid Permanent Resident Card or Temporary Work Permit.

Offer applies to eligible new immigrants living in Canada with a valid Permanent Resident Card with an arrival date of 2014, 2015 or 2016 or Temporary Foreign Workers with a valid temporary work permit. $1,000 credit is a manufacturer-to-consumer (tax inclusive) available on eligible 2016, 2017 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles (excluding Spark, Volt, Colorado 2SA, Malibu L, Corvette, Suburban 3500HD, Canyon 2SA, Escalade, ATS-V and CTS-V). Offer valid Jan. 5, 2016 to Jan. 4, 2017. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations and conditions appl apply. Void where prohibited. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer for any reason, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice.

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canadianimmigrant.ca

September 2016

31

5GB of Snappuccino.

Special Offer: Everywhere Plan True mobile freedom is 5GB of data on our home network, plus unlimited Canada-U.S. talk and text.

Offer ends soon.

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$

for 10 months

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Albion Mall

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1530 Albion Rd, Unit 94 Toronto ON (416)749-6798

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750 Queen St. E Toronto ON (416) 463-2345

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FREE Fast Charging Power Bank (Retail Value $79.95)

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Parkdale

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Lansdowne Place

2687 Kipling Ave, Unit 6 Toronto ON (647) 342-1990

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Towards in-store purchase of accessories with Pay Before or Pay After plans of $40 or more.

With PayMust After activation of present this advertisement atpresent the time $40 or more. Must of at activation. this coupon the time of purchase.

(Offer available at these participating

Offer valid only at these locations, while supplies last. only) (See storelocations for details).

Learn more at windmobile.ca. Offer valid from August 2 to October 3, 2016, and is subject to change without notice. To be eligible for the $50 bonus, you must activate a new Pay Before or Pay After line on a plan with a monthly charge of at least $45. A $5 monthly credit will be applied to your account for up to 10 months to a maximum of $50. For Pay Before customers, the top-up will be applied on the second bill after activation. May not be combined with any other in-market offer, with some exceptions. All services subject to WINDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Terms of Service, Fair Usage and Internet Traffic Management Policies. Applicable taxes extra. Samsung and Samsung Galaxy S7 edge are trademarks of Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and/or its related entities used with permission. Screen images simulated. WIND and WIND MOBILE are trademarks of Wind Telecomunicazioni S.p.A and are used under licence in Canada by WIND Mobile Corp. Š 2016 WIND Mobile.