Canadian Immigrant - January 2016

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ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.

Digging history

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Renowned museum designer George Jacob heads up Alberta’s new dinosaur museum

10 HIRING TRENDS

HOT EMERGING

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CONTENTS 4

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PROFILE: Medical mentor Dr. Nusrat Parveen YOUR TAKE: Readers have their say CANSPEAK: Words, expressions and idioms CANADIANA: Founding father was an immigrant NEWS: Syrian refugees arrive in Canada NEWS: International student numbers rising

10 SUCCESS STORY

Museum man George Jacob heads up the new Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum

13 IMMIGRANT SETTLEMENT GUIDE 2016 14 GOVERNMENT

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Multicultural leadership in Parliament

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CAREERS AND EDUCATION GUIDE

CAREER COACH: Emerging hiring trends CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION: A special focus

above George Jacob’s reputation as a museum professional preceded him all the way to northwest Alberta to dinosaur country. Photos by Chris Beauchamp

26 SETTLEMENT

PARENTING: A helping hand Six steps to your goal

30 BACK PAGE

HUMOUR by Hemeterio TOP TIPS: Advice from our Top 25

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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 Full-time | Part-time | Online Contact a program adviser at 604.628.5784 or Toll free 1.844.628.5784 or apply online. www.ashtoncollege.ca Ashton College

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People. News. Information.

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2016

profile

Group Publishers Gautam Datt Sharma Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Margaret Jetelina mjetelina@metroland.com

Dr. Nusrat

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Parveen

Editorial Design Terry Lankstead, Anne Nawrocka Courtland Shakespeare

Medical mentor

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r. Nusrat Parveen was an established gynecologist in the Middle East. A medical graduate from Aligarh Muslim University in India, she acquired post-graduate qualifications including membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London, U.K., and a diploma in the same field from the University of Dublin in Ireland.

But this long list of educational achievements was not enough to get Parveen a job in Canada.

The process to become a doctor in Canada takes time, and now Parveen shares her own journey to medical licensure with fellow international medical graduates (IMGs) who aspire to practise medicine in Canada.

For her efforts as a mentor to IMGs, she was recently recognized by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne with the Volunteer of the Year Award for community services.

How did you come up with the idea of mentoring other IMGs? My husband and I were volunteering with a food bank, when we came across an IMG who was lonely and felt lost as she did not have anybody to support or guide her. But she had the passion to practise medicine in Canada. Her situation had not dampened her spirit. It was her story that first inspired us.

above Dr. Nusrat Parveen shares her journey in medicine in Canada by mentoring other immigrant doctors.

How did you find other IMGs to mentor?

The spark to help fellow IMGs and knowing that many are not aware of the process and are struggling, made us start the IDEAS program at Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office (TNO) where the relevant support and resources are provided to IMGs. What has been your experience of supporting other IMGs? Initially, it was scary. I had my commitments to my family and to bring up my two children. I was studying full time toward the physician’s assistant program at the University of Toronto, so my hands were full. But the fact that everything came together so nicely and the enthusiasm from the IMGs kept me going.

Where exactly are you in your own professional journey toward relicensure?

I have cleared MCCEE, MCCQE1, NAC OSCE, IELTS and workplace culture and OSLT courses.

The physician’s assistant program has prepared me for the supervised clinical practice and gave me an opportunity to refresh my clinical skills.

In short, it has prepared me to integrate well into supervised clinical practice while building connections and references.

You have not yet completed your own journey to practising medicine in Canada, so what gave you the confidence to mentor other IMGs? I realized that there are many IMGs who need support, resources and peer mentoring.

As I had prepared for my exams, I had a good idea of how things worked here and knew the process and where to look for resources. This knowledge of the system and process gave me courage and confidence to support fellow IMGs. I did have some doubts, which quickly vanished with my husband’s unflinching support.

Why are you so committed to helping others through this mentoring program?

I have given so much of my time and dedication to the medical profession, as it has given me opportunities to serve people.

Mentoring IMGs is yet another way of giving back to the community.

What is your advice to your fellow IMGs looking to get accredited in Canada?

Perseverance and extensive networking to build connections and references is the key to success in Canada. Try studying a program like the PA program, which helps to refresh your skills and connect to a practice. facebook.com/canimmigrant

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Become a Healthcare Professional within a Year!

your take Readers have their say

Ante Banic wrote a ”Your Take” letter last month on how immigrants are forced to work for free in Canada. The other way of looking at volunteerism is it helps to gain valuable Canadian work experience; helps to network; helps to gain presentation, speaking and writing skills; and if nothing else, it makes you feel good about yourself. Sometimes volunteering for non-profits leads to being hired by that agency and sometimes this work experience leads to jobs in the private sector.

Volunteering for non-profits is good, but unpaid volunteering for rich private corporations is to use Ante’s word “slavery.”

Kumar Ramanathan

To share “Your Take,” email mjetelina@metroland.com.

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Canadiana

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Founding father of Canada was an immigrant

He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, you see him every day on the $10 bill, and Jan. 11 is a day dedicated to him in Canada — can you guess who it is? It’s Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.

Best known as the founding father of Canada and the leader behind the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Macdonald came to Canada as a young boy in 1820 with his father, Hugh Macdonald, a merchant, and his mother, Helen Shaw, who wanted a fresh start for the family.

Young John A. Macdonald established his own law practice in Kingston, Ontario, at age 19. He became a skilful, sometimes controversial, politician, and led the Conservative Party for 24 years and was prime minister for most of those years (1867-1873, 1878-1891).

Talk about an immigrant success story! twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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news

Syrian refugees arrive in Canada

I

n cities across Canada, from Montreal to Toronto to Vancouver, the first wave of Syrian refugees committed to during the election began arriving in Canada in December.

With joy and relief, the new arrivals were greeted by private sponsors including relatives already settled in Canada, settlement agency representatives and even the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself in Toronto. He told the arrivals, “You are home.

Welcome home.”

Hagop Karageozian was among those who landed in Toronto on Dec. 11. He and his wife were reunited with his daughter and her family, who had arrived months earlier, after fleeing Syria for Lebanon, before being granted entry to Canada.

Maria Karageozian, Hagop’s

left Newly arrived Syrian refugee Hagop Karageozian greets his daughter, Maria, who arrived in Canada from Lebanon several months ago.

Photo by Melissa Renwick / Toronto Star

daughter, told the Toronto Star,“I was happy and [feeling] like a little girl. He cried. He hasn’t really cried like that before.”

Refugees were fitted with winter coats and other essentials to begin their new lives in Canada.

Toronto Star also spoke to a Syrian family from Laval, Quebec, who were waiting for their

nephew, Eyad, to arrive in Montreal on Dec. 12. “Thank you, Canada. Thank you, Quebec, Thank you, Mr. Trudeau. He said it and he did it,” said husband Antoin Kanou.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship John McCallum told reporters the government was doing all it can

to meet the government’s goal of bringing 25,000 refugees by the end of February.

The minister has also committed increased funding for the resettlement sector to assist in the integration of the 25,000 Syrian refugees expected by the end of February. Providing funding stability in the settlement and resettlement sector is an important factor in helping to face this challenge, according to Minister McCallum. “I have been consulting broadly with provinces and territories, municipalities and stakeholders about plans to welcome and integrate Syrian refugees in the months ahead.

The settlement of refugees is the most important element of this initiative,” he said.

With files from Toronto Star

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news

International students in Canada up

I

nternational student enrolment at Canada’s universities and colleges rose 2.5 per cent in 2013-2014, according to a report by Statistics Canada.

Overall, international students account for roughly 10 per cent of all students enrolled in Canada’s post-secondary institutions, primarily in universities and colleges in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.

Students from Asian countries made up the bulk of international students, with China the top source country.

Although tuition costs for international students are high, many students are willing to pay those fees because a degree from a North America school is highly desirable. And there is often not enough space in schools in countries like China and India to meet student demand.

According to Statistics Canada, international students paid an average of $20,477 in 2014-2015 for undergraduate education, an increase of 6.8 per cent from the year before and three times more than what the average Canadian student paid — $5,959.

canspeak...

Words, expressions and sayings

For the birds

When an idea or plan doesn’t make any sense, you could say that it’s “for the birds.”

It’s worthless.

A fat cat

Wealthy, privileged people are often referred to by the slang term “fat cats.”

Going to the dogs

Trying to find a good job in this labour market is looking dreary. Some might say it’s “gone to the dogs.”

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SUCCESS STORY

By Nic Enright-Morin

M

useums have been around for centuries, dating back as far as Ancient Greece.

They spark the imagination and bring pleasure to people of all ages. How often though, when you visit a museum, do you stop to think of all the effort that has gone into creating it?

George Jacob has devoted his life to creating museums. Responsible for designing and planning more than 50 museums worldwide, his work has taken him to Singapore, Abu Dhabi, France and Egypt, as well as all over North America.

It’s no wonder that his work has earned him an international reputation as one of the most innovative museum thinkers of our time.

Born in Kochi, India, Jacob spent his formative years studying in Rajasthan, before winning the prestigious Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and a place at the University of Toronto.

Although Jacob had offers from several universities, he chose Toronto for a special reason.

“I have an historic link with the University of Toronto, as it’s the alma mater of my greatgrandfather, so I chose Canada primarily because of that. His picture still hangs at the university. It was quite inspirational and it was interesting to kind of walk in his footsteps.”

After graduating with a master’s degree in museum studies, Jacob worked briefly in Quebec, but at the time work in his field was hard to come by in Canada. “One of the difficult times was after graduation, when I couldn’t find a job in Canada and I had to be a bit of a professional

Photos by Chris Beauchamp nomad, seeking out engagements overseas. But, in hindsight, those engagements with multiple museums added to my own expertise, and I was able to gain new perspectives on the potential of the museum design-build sector.”

With a career that spans 26 years, Jacob’s list of accomplishments is impressive. The highlights include museum assignments in 11 countries (including founding director of four museums), developing the first master’s studio program in Canada on museum design at the University of Manitoba, as well as the first executive program on cultural leadership and diplomacy in the United States at the University of Texas. He is also an accomplished painter, sculptor and writer. He has published many articles, columns, three books and a magazine related to museum design.

You would think a man who also trained at the Smithsonian Institution and studied at Yale would be effusive about his accomplishments, but Jacob is exceedingly modest. During a telephone conversation, the only time pride can be heard in his voice is when talking about museum projects he has worked on.

Currently that delight is reserved for his latest magnum opus, the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in northwest Alberta. As the founding president and CEO (the only immigrant with such a position in Canada’s museum sector), he has been instrumental in planning, designing and implementing one of the fastest museum >>

George Jacob’s reputation as a museum professional preceded him 10

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SUCCESS STORY << projects in Canadian history.

Located in the small town of Wembley, near the city of Grand Prairie, the museum is dedicated to showcasing Alberta’s rich paleontological history and is near one of the richest deposits of dinosaur fossils in the world.

With cutting-edge exhibitory, a paleo-lab, smart classrooms and a theatre, the museum opened in September to great fanfare. But, for Jacob, it was a simple moment on the opening day that brought home the significance of what the museum means for Canada. “The first time we put up the Canadian flag outside the building and I looked up at it, I thought about how this new institution will impact our country for years to come,” he says.

“I thought about our location, being in the middle of the Prairies and how the flag was a symbol of the resolve of a small community, far away from the trappings of any big city. Each time I went in and out of the building that day, I couldn’t help but raise my eyes and look at it.

It felt good.”

While Jacob has spent a lifetime shaping different types of museums around the world, the latest one is very much his favourite topic of conversation.

“On the opening day, kids lined up all the way to the parking lot.

They were all standing with their

parents, almost hopping in their shoes wanting to get in,” he says.

“When the crowds started pouring in, about 2,000 people came through the doors in two hours and that was quite the feeling. In the last 60 days, we’ve had more than 44,000 visitors, which is a huge number for a thinly populated place.”

He adds, “One of my favourite moments was when Dan and Donna Ackroyd [museum supporters] were here for the opening. There was a young boy, who was maybe six or seven years old, and he began leading the way and telling everyone, ‘Follow me, follow me.’ And when we got to an exhibit that shows you how the continents move over millennia, this boy just got on Dan Ackroyd’s lap and was naming all the countries on the map, just full of enthusiasm.

Donna leaned over to him and asked ‘Do you want to be a paleontologist when you grow up?” and he straightened up and said ‘I am a paleontologist!’ That sort of infectious enthusiasm makes your heart glow,” says Jacob with a hearty chuckle.

When it comes to museums in general, Jacob feels that Canada still has a lot of promise to tap into in the future. “There are countries that are carefully and deliberately investing in this sector, so there is much to be learned from what is trending in other parts of the world.

In China, for example, they

have invested billions of dollars in establishing 3,000 museums in the last few years and that is a mind-boggling number, by any standards. These ambitious projects go to show the kind of potential, energy and vision that exist in other parts of the world that we can learn from here in Canada.”

For immigrants like him pursuing a life in Canada, he has this to say: “My advice would be to pursue your passion. You know, some of those glass ceilings, or other seemingly insurmountable challenges, really do melt away if you back your passion with merit.

Determination, merit, passion and conviction usually open the door, sooner or later.”

As for his own career, Jacob will certainly continue to be a man of prominence in his field for years to come. “Last week I was inducted as a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and I feel I have a responsibility to live up to some of those possibilities. For me, I truly believe there is much more to come and I remain open to welcoming that when it happens.”

Dinosaurs in Alberta It has been millions of years since the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Back then, Alberta was a very different-looking place with lush subtropical forests and a huge inland sea. It was the perfect landscape for dinosaurs. As a result, Alberta has been home to some of the world’s richest and most important dinosaur fossil discoveries, including their very own large carnivore Albertosaurus.

It is thought that during prehistoric times, more than 50 kinds of dinosaurs lived throughout Alberta. The area that the dinosaurs roamed is vast; in fact, the Alberta fossil trail spans more than 2,500 kilometres.

Some of the highlights on the dinosaur trial include: the town of Drumheller, home to the Royal Tyrell Museum, which houses one of the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world; the Dinosaur Provincial Park, where you can camp out under the stars and take part in an authentic dinosaur dig at the UNESCO World Heritage site; and the recently discovered Pipestone Creek, a 73-million-year-old gravesite of the plant-eating Pachyrhinosaurus. Much of the site is yet to be excavated and the work is supported by the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.

The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in northwest Alberta.

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GOVERNMENT

Immigrant members of Parliament talk about the plans they have as federally elected representatives for 2016

By Diana Manole

T

he election of more than 60 immigrant federal members of Parliament, three of whom have been appointed federal ministers, is positive proof that multiculturalism in Canada is, as according to the Multiculturalism Act, “a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity and that it provides an invaluable resource in the shaping of Canada’s future.”

These MPs, who adopted Canada as their home, are now leaders in their community, and admit that being an immigrant definitely shapes their approach to politics, as well as their plans and priorities for the country. Canadian Immigrant talked to five of them to understand how.

Former bus driver charts new routes for infrastructure Indian-born Amarjeet Sohi says his priorities as the newly appointed minister of infrastructure and communities and his experiences as an immigrant to Canada are inextricably linked.

His difficult beginnings as a teenager who arrived in Edmonton in 1981 speaking almost no English, combined with his hard work as a public transit driver for more than 10 years and his eight-year service as a city councillor, have given him a personal perspective of his portfolio. “It’s more than water, roads, bridges and sewers. It’s more than bricks and mortar. It’s about people,” says Sohi, who represents Edmonton Mill Woods.

His biggest priority as the minister is to develop a 10-year plan in collaboration with partners across the country to make communities more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous. The first steps will be to double the current infrastructure investments across the country in the next two years, and then increase them by an additional $60 billion over the next 10 years. The focus will be on public transit, green energy and climate changes.

Social infrastructure is also essential in his plans, as people need affordable housing, safe childcare facilities, seniors’ residences, efficient public transit, as well as recreational and cultural facilities, “where people can gather, learn, play and grow,” he says. Sohi is confident that infrastructure will thus become a great enabler, creating opportunities not just for immigrants, but for all Canadians to “learn the language, get the education or develop the skills they need to become active and contributing members of society.”

He adds: “This country has been very good to me and my family.

So everything I do is about giving back. To Canada. And to all Canadians.”

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Looking out on behalf of Canadians Bob Saroya, MP for Markham-Unionville, is the only Conservative MP from the Toronto area and the only candidate in Canada to pick up a seat from the Liberals. He worked hard for this: “I personally door knocked every day during the campaign for at least five hours!” His own experience as an immigrant certainly helped him relate to the problems of people in one of the most diverse Canadian cities. Born and raised in India, Saroya immigrated in 1975 with $7 US in his pocket.

He worked his way up from his first minimum-wage factory job to owning a couple of Pizza Pizza stores and holding senior positions in the company.

As the Official Opposition’s deputy critic for immigration, refugees and citizenship, Saroya hopes to build lasting relations with Canada’s diverse communities. His main priority for 2016 is to be part of a strong opposition: “My new role is to serve my community and hold the Liberal government accountable for their actions. I was elected to support families, to look out for everyday working Canadians, and that’s what I will do!”

Building inclusive communities Darshan Kang, the Liberal MP of the new riding of Calgary Skyview, arrived in Calgary in 1970, when only 45 other people from India were in the city. He was only 19 and he worried about adapting to a new culture, struggled to find work and even experienced ethnic discrimination. Now, he’s proud that his riding is a very diverse one: “It was the support of the different community members, regardless of culture, that brought me to Ottawa and I will be their voice here.”

Kang applauds the diversity of the House of Commons, but also notes the bigger representation of particular cultural communities in comparison to others. To him, this should set an example for other groups, showing that “getting involved in the Canadian electoral system is not a difficult or a negative experience, but one that can bring their voices to the table.”

Communication is, in his view, the only way to break down language, ethnic and cultural barriers, building more inclusive communities. “I want new and established Canadians alike to build further and expand on the Canadian traditions while respecting the very fabric of our multicultural society.” Yet, he doesn’t ignore the difficulties many immigrants have to face. For 2016, one of his main priorities is finding solutions to ensure prosperity for newcomers and continued success for those who have been here for some time.

Kang also feels that seniors in Canada have waited too long for facebook.com/canimmigrant

more comprehensive support and a care system that allows for more integration. As a senior himself, he knows what he’s talking about.

He thus pleads for a life-cycle approach: “We need to understand that we are all vulnerable to financial, physical and social stresses, and need to offer protection to ensure we live long and happy lives.”

Supporting diversity and small business Tom Kmiec, the Conservative MP for Calgary Shepard, was born in Poland and his family fled communism in the early 1980s when he was only a child. Although he grew up in Quebec and feels Canadian, Kmiec has the ultimate multicultural experience in his own home. His wife is from Singapore, half Jewish, half Chinese. They raise their three kids in the suburbs like “the typical Canadians on the block, hockey and all.” They celebrate Christmas, Chinese New Year and Hanukkah. This has given him a personal view on diversity: “You can always add new things to Canadian culture, whether cuisine, sports, holidays, but you can’t take things away,” he says. “We have found the right balance between the expectations that newcomers will integrate in Canadian society and that they will preserve their own culture.”

As a new MP for a new riding, he plans on talking further to his electors to find out what they expect. Yet, he already knows that many local companies would benefit from Canada’s free trade agreement with the European Union, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and he is determined to do everything he can to support them. On a more personal level, as a former board member of the Southern Alberta Branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Kmiec’s priority is to contribute to the establishment of an organ donation culture similar to the European and American traditions.

No room for discrimination A medical doctor and the MP for the Vancouver Centre riding since 1993, Hedy Fry was born in Trinidad and Tobago. Since 1996, several of her positions in the federal government have been closely linked to issues of multiculturalism and immigration. This has given her numerous occasions to travel around Canada, listen to immigrants’ stories and strive to make sure none of them, particularly “people who belong to orthodox cultures … face discrimination.”

Her main priority for 2016 is to make sure “that all Canadians have equal rights and equal opportunities, that our public policies are inclusive, and there’s no room for any of us who discriminate against each other.”

She strongly advocates for “being different, but being accorded the same rights and freedoms.” In her view, the role of government is to help Canadians who are vulnerable, challenged or face discrimination to remove those barriers. For example, Fry supports the reinstatement of the Court Challenges Program (CCP), which provided funds to support bringing human rights cases to court, before it was cancelled in 2006.

In Fry’s view, the diversity of the federal parliament is “an example to show that this is how Canada is going to be and this is the Canada we will try to foster.” twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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CAREER COACH

10 hot emerging hiring trends for 2016

H

Tips to help you get the job you want this year

appy New Year! Let’s help you make 2016 the year you land your dream job or desired promotion, and quickly. There is a changing landscape occurring in the recruitment industry, largely due to social media and technology, and the more you understand about emerging hiring trends, the bigger edge you’ll have.

Here’s how you can take advantage of 10 prominent trends in 2016!

1

Rise of social recruiting

2

Mobile hiring

Recruiters are beginning to use social media in newer ways, including passive recruiting to identify top candidates. This means that you as a job candidate will need to spend more quality and creative time to manage your digital footprint and make your profi le searchable across all platforms.

With the influx of more millennials, it is only natural for mobile recruiting to find greater acceptance. Both candidates and recruiters are finding that the power of mobile is allowing them to connect with each other, any time, any place, even on the go. Your smartphone can be a powerful tool to reach out and communicate with recruiters through traditional phone calls, emails, text messages and social media. Even recruiters are texting potential candidates and both find the process easier and more convenient.

3

Part-time opportunities

Consultants, freelancers and part-time workers unite! In an economy fraught with uncertainty, jobseekers should keep an open mind about freelancing and temporary positions, while working on opportunities to help them find a permanent job role down the road.

Although you may be longing for a full-time position, set yourself up to find a suitable short-term position or projects to help you keep your skills fresh and generate a healthy cash flow.

4

Importance of the referral

5

Application of keywords

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With recruiters being flooded with more and more resumés each day, they simply don’t have time to consider each candidate. To shortlist their ideal fit, many recruiters admit that a majority of their candidates are found through referrals. That’s why networking is more important than ever. Making connections with industry professionals should become a healthy habit.

In 2016 more than ever, technology will play a big part in screening applicants, so it’s prudent to customize all communications with the relevant keywords gleaned from the job description or what’s January 2016

current in your industry. In other words, make sure you customize each resumé based on the precise needs of the potential employer.

Your customized resumé and online profi le will help you stand out and demonstrate why you are the best fit for the role.

6

Demand for industry thought leaders

7

Enriched LinkedIn content

8

Facebook: more than friends

9

Tweeting jobs

Not long ago, recruiters would spend 20 to 30 seconds to review resumés. Now, according to more than one industry survey, six seconds is the maximum a candidate can hope to get. In other words, you have six seconds to demonstrate how you can be the expert who can solve an employer’s problems. That’s why, it’s often smart to project yourself as an industry expert, by engaging in online communication about recent trends in your industry. Blogs are another way to attract recruiters. You can also join online communities to share valuable inputs and engage with other industry thought leaders.

LinkedIn has now become more robust with the capability to link presentations through Slideshare (slideshare.net), project fi les, videos, portfolios and other useful information. This helps you project a profi le that is richer, deeper and more intimate than a resumé.

Spend some time surfing the internet to read about the power of Facebook Graph Search and you can understand how to use this incredibly powerful platform in your job search. Today, employers scan Facebook profi les more closely and even a jobseeker’s “Likes” on Facebook can provide recruiters with an accurate snapshot of his or her personality. Make sure you adjust your privacy settings correctly, so you can manage the content that you do not wish to share with recruiters.

Twitter continues to emerge as a powerful and easy-to-use tool for jobseekers and employers alike. Practise and perfect your 140-character communication line to reach out to employers and engage in industry observations. Use hash tags to help you get found. Follow important leaders in the companies and fields you are interested in.

And don’t miss out on regularly looking up TweetmyJobs — this is where many employers and even other jobseekers tweet links to job.

10

You on YouTube

It’s no surprise why YouTube is becoming a favourite tool for both candidates and recruiters. A video is a great opportunity to tell a compelling story about you to attract top recruiters. Plus, the average user spends 15 minutes a day on the site and this also includes the hiring manager that you are targeting. Many organizations, educational institutions and even the military successfully use YouTube to hire candidates.

In 2016, you have many refreshing new ways to engage with employers, get noticed and unearth new job opportunities. To a successful 2016!

Murali Murthy is an acclaimed public speaker, mentor and best-selling author of the ACE Books — The ACE Principle, The ACE Awakening and The ACE Abundance. He is also chairperson of CAMP Networking Canada. Learn more at poweroface.com. facebook.com/canimmigrant

CPA

Choose a Path that’s right for you.

The CPA—Chartered Professional Accountant— is Canada’s preeminent, globally respected business and accounting designation.

But many exciting career opportunities in accounting and finance do not require a professional designation.

The advanced Certificate in accounting and Finance (aCaF) offers a solid career path for those interested in working and advancing in accounting and finance, but not as a CPA. The online ACAF program qualifies you for intermediatelevel accounting jobs in business, not-for-profit, government and public practice firms. This program is designed to enhance your existing education and experience with additional skills employers value.

And if you later decide to pursue the CPA designation, your ACAF training will be recognized toward the undergraduate degree and specific knowledge requirements needed for admission to the CPA Professional Education Program.

Learn more at: twitter.com/@canimmigrant

CPA ACAF_Ad_CDN-Immigrant_Jan16.indd 1

CPACanada.ca/ACAF canadianimmigrant.ca

January 2016

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2015-12-16 1:55 PM

Annual

™

www.iep.ca

Start your year right with a new canadian perspective

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Gain direct insight and forge links

Engineering Finance & Meet Accounting with key Information Technology employers Healthcare & in your Related sector Professions Sales, Marketing & Communications

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Create opportunities to meet/job shadow with employers

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Leverage your global skills for success

presented by: Progress Career Planning Institute

WORKING TOGETHER FOR PROGRESS

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EMPLOYERS: Access to a large pool of qualified candidates and placements with financial incentives.

JOB SEEKERS: Find out about Employment programs, services and more, all at NO COST

3 Second Career Training 3 Career decision making and planning 3 Entrepreneurship 3 On-the-job training opportunities 3 Apprenticeships and Trades 3 Job Matching and Placement with Employers

Access to a wide range of employment related resources and workshops through our Resource & Information Service (RIS).

Act now!

Don’t wait another minute to “get on the path to a better job”.

Contact us at 416.439.8448 or visit us online at www.pcpi.ca Progress Career Planning Institute

WORKING TOGETHER FOR PROGRESS

www.pcpi.ca

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career development employment and training services

EMPLOYMENT

ONTARIO Your job is out there. We’ll help you find it.

This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

facebook.com/canimmigrant

Continue Your Education A special focus on furthering your studies

L

ast month, Canadian Immigrant began a new series “Continue Your Education” to spotlight those post-secondary institutions and programs that strive to help internationally trained professionals gain Canadian education credentials and find their way to a great career in Canada.

There are, in fact, many opportunities available to newcomers to help them relicense or gain a Canadian educational credential without having to start their training from scratch; these include everything from career-specific bridge training to college diplomas to university second-degree programs. And going back to school can help a newcomer not only learn a new context for their area of study or transfer their skills to a new field, but also network, improve their language skills, get career help and more.

So here are fundamentals on more handpicked schools and programs that are working hard to help you take your expertise to the next level in Canada. (More school and program profi les from across the country will be published in print and online at canadianimmigrant.ca in the coming months as we work to develop a comprehensive catalogue of targeted educational options for newcomers.)

UNIVERSITIES Universities offer bachelor’s, master’s and PhDs in many fields such as arts, education, medicine, etc. If you already have a degree, many offer second-degree programs that take into account your past credits. They also have continuing education departments where working professionals can return for shortterm programs to add to their skillset. Many are also adding specific immigrant bridging programs to provide internationally trained professionals with advanced standing in a degree program in recognition of their previous experience.

WHO: WHAT: WHERE:

Internationally trained pharmacists looking to relicense in Canada University of British Columbia (UBC) — Canadian Pharmacy Practice Programme Vancouver, B.C.

ENGINEERING SOFTWARE SKILLS ENHANCEMENT Our specialized bridging programs provide internationally educated professionals like you with the technical skills that are in demand by employers.

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR JANUARY 2016

.NET BRIDGING PROGRAM MOBILE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION Funded by:

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January 2016

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If you have a background in pharmacy in your home country, UBC’s Canadian Pharmacy Practice Programme (CP3) can help you start your career in Canada. The 24-week program includes a 12.5week practicum that is necessary for licensure with the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia. Although the program is not an exam preparation course, it boasts an 87 per cent success rate in the qualifying exams, while the average success rate for candidates who have not completed a bridging program is just 40 per cent.

WHO: WHAT: WHERE:

Internationally trained physiotherapists looking to relicense in Canada University of Alberta — Internationally Educated Physiotherapists Bridging Program Edmonton, Alberta

The Alberta Internationally Educated Physiotherapists Bridging Program has helped immigrant physiotherapists get back into their field. After having your credentials assessed by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators, the program combines course work that supports the development of skills and clinical reasoning knowledge to meet Canadian standards. Cultural and workplace orientation is provided through mentorship and clinic placement. The program helps prepare students to take the Physiotherapy Competency Exam.

WHO: WHAT: WHERE:

Internationally educated lawyers wishing to get relicensed in Canada Osgoode Hall Law School Professional Development — NCA Exam Prep Program Online (Ontario)

LET US BE PART OF YOUR DREAM • High School Completion classes

- Earn credits towards regular graduation - Improve your grades - Take post-secondary pre-requisite courses - Complete an Adult Education Diploma

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) • Tuition Free Literacy Foundations courses in English Language Arts, Math, and Computers.

- Courses are for anyone wanting to enhance their skills in English, Math or Computers

If you’re an internationally educated lawyer, Osgoode Hall Professional Development can help you navigate the process of accreditation and licensing by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. The NCA Exam Prep Program prepares students to take the National Committee on Accreditation exam and provides career resources to help navigate the process of licensing exams and articling in Ontario.

To be eligible, you must have a law degree from outside Canada and have received an assessment report from the NCA on subject-matter competencies. You must also have a good command of the English language. If you feel you need further study in Canadian common law before approaching the exam, Osgoode Professional Development also offers additional courses to help internationally trained lawyers upgrade their training.

WHO: WHAT: WHERE:

If you’re an internationally trained optometrist looking to work in Canada, this program is for you. You’ll learn the academic and clinical skills and the language used in Canadian optometry. In order to qualify, you need to apply to the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC). This bridging program will prepare you to take the Canadian Assessment of Competence in Optometry (CACO), the examinations necessary to practise optometry in Canada.

COLLEGES Colleges are public post-secondary institutions that offer bachelor’s degrees and university transfer programs, as well as occupation-oriented certificates and diplomas. Continuing education programs at colleges are designed to meet the unique needs of working professionals.

Specific immigrant bridging programs may also be available in certain fields.

It’s never too ! late to graduate

WHO:

REGISTER NOW

WHAT: WHERE:

• Literacy Foundations has ongoing enrolment.

• High School Completion still accepting students.

Advisors available to help you select courses.

Phone: 604-594-6100 E-mail: dacadvisors@deltasd.bc.ca Fax: 604-599-1786 | 11590 83rd Avenue, North Delta V4C 0C8

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Internationally trained optometrists who want to relicense in Canada University of Waterloo — International Optometric Bridging Program Waterloo, Ontario

Newcomers interested in customs, immigration and law enforcement Humber School of Social and Community Services — Border and Immigration Services and Municipal Bylaw Certificate Toronto, Ontario

Having been through the process yourself, perhaps you’re interested in pursuing a career in customs and immigration in Canada.

Humber College’s certificate program in border and immigration services may be for you. Graduates will be prepared to work as immigration officers for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

If you have a background in justice or law enforcement, then you might want to consider the bylaw enforcement field; Humber’s Municipal Bylaw Certificate can help. The program’s courses will provide you with the knowledge and enforcement rules of common bylaws, property standards, and trials and committee presentations, preparing you to become a municipal bylaw enforcement officer. facebook.com/canimmigrant

WHO: WHAT: WHERE:

Internationally trained HR professionals who want to keep working in the field Bridge to HR Program by JOB Skills (Hosted by Seneca College Faculty of Continuing Education and Training) Toronto, Ontario

If you’re an internationally educated human resources professional with a minimum of three years of work experience in the field outside of Canada, you may be eligible for the Bridge to HR Program. Run

by JOB Skills and hosted by Seneca College’s faculty of continuing education and training, the Bridge to HR program will help you fast track your HR career in Canada.

The program provides you with two Seneca College credit courses that are required for the completion of your Canadian Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, an eight-week full-time placement in an HR department and mentoring with a seasoned HR professional. Plus, you will be able to access ongoing coaching, networking events and supports as you transition into the HR field.

PRIVATE COLLEGES Private colleges are privately run institutions that offer short-term certificate and diploma programs that are occupation specific, many targeted to newcomers.

WHO: WHAT: WHERE:

Internationally trained medical professional looking for alternatives Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine — Bridge Delivery of Naturopathic Medical Program Toronto, Ontario

If you’re an internationally trained medical professional and are interested in natural medicine, you can continue your career in Canada with the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine’s bridge delivery program. Courses incorporate all of the competencies of the four-year naturopathic medical program, organized into a compressed 24-month period. Graduates receive the naturopathic doctor (ND) designation. Many foreign-trained medical doctors say the nature of naturopathic practice in Canada more closely resembles their experience as a medical doctor in their home countries. Botanical medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy and traditional Asian medicine and acupuncture are covered.

WHO: WHAT: WHERE:

Internationally trained opticians or newcomers looking for a new field in health care BC College of Optics Surrey, B.C.

This small institute has more than 31 years of experience specializing in optical dispensing and contact lens fitting education. The two semesters of day classes over six months will prepare you for a career in vision. Many graduates go on to open their own optician business.>> …continues page 24

CONTINUING EDUCATION At Humber, we teach the professional and practical skills you need to move up and make a difference in your community and in your career. Further your education one course at a time.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS • Border and Immigration Services (In Class or Online) • Municipal Bylaw (In Class) • Criminal Intelligence Analysis (Online) • Private Investigation (Online)

communityservices.humber.ca/ce

twitter.com/@canimmigrant

canadianimmigrant.ca

January 2016

21

CORPORATE PROFILE

Bridge to becoming a CPA With or without a business background from your home country

By Margaret Jetelina

L

izhu (Lillian) Wu is a graduate of the CPA Bridging program at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, and she’s now well on her way to getting the Canadian accounting designation.

After coming to Canada and deciding to pursue the CPA designation, Wu got her international degree evaluated by CPA Alberta. “I had to take 10 courses in total for my CPA Bridging program according to my transcript and foreign degree evaluation by CPA. I completed my program with a cumulative GPA of 3.57,” says Wu, who was also the lucky recipient of the program’s Mike and Linda Shaikh Bursary. “I am not a CPA yet, but I will not give up on my dream to become one.”

The University of Lethbridge CPA Bridging program, created in 2010, sets up students like Wu on their path to their CPA designation in Canada, whether they have a business background or not.

“The program was created because there was no other easy pathway for students without a business background to earn the prerequisites to enter the CPA professional education program (PEP),” says Sonya von Heyking, director, CPA Bridging program at the University of Lethbridge, which offers evening and weekend classes in Calgary and daytime classes in Lethbridge In other words, the university’s CPA Bridging program enables you to easily complete the business and accounting courses you need for entry into the CPA PEP, without having to get a second degree first. According to von Heyking, they see students with backgrounds in general business, computer science and even engineering enter the University of Lethbridge’s CPA Bridging program.

And, if you already have accounting credentials from your home country, you can get credit for that past education and experience, fast tracking your way through the bridging program.

Benefits of university setting While CPA Alberta offers its own 14-module prerequisite program called CPA PREP, the University of Lethbridge’s program offers some unique benefits. With the university’s program,

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above University of Lethbridge’s CPA Bridging program was an exhibitor at Canadian Immigrant’s Career, Education and Settlement Fair in Calgary this fall. you get post-secondary student status and ac- for internationally trained professionals is to cess to funding and scholarships. You can also get your foreign credentials assessed.

“As a new Canadian, you will first have to do graduate from the program with a diploma in professional accounting. With this credential a transcript assessment, such as through World alone, you can find work as an accounting Education Services (WES), and then submit technician or other business and accounting that to CPA,” says von Heyking.

This assessment will determine what adpositions.

“We are reaching out to immigrants in par- vanced credit you can get toward the CPA proticular because we believe there are some real gram and what courses you will have to take benefits to them in a post-secondary system,” before you enter the CPA PEP. The pre-requisite process could take a cousays von Heyking. “Not only will they be prepared for the CPA professional education ple of years, but the job prospects and salary program, but through the university they can expectations are excellent. access career services, such as resumé support and job search assistance, and they can access Need for CPAs “We are expecting a real gap in terms of student funding and scholarships.”

The university is also developing a cultural CPAs in the next 15 years, as 60 per cent of curcompetencies workshop through the Calgary rent designated accountants in Alberta are exRegion Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC) pected to retire,” says von Heyking. Enrolment to help newcomers prepare for career success in the Canadian legacy programs, CA, CGA, and better integrate into the Canadian work- CMA, had been down while the three accountplace. University of Lethbridge’s CPA Bridging ing designations were in the process of merging program also offers a mentorship program that into one — CPA. “There is a lot of interest now, pairs students with mentors who are already in especially from foreign-trained professionals,” she adds. “CPAs are not the typical one-skillset the field.

In addition, the university offers a co-oper- accountant/bookkeeper type that we used to ative education program that gives students think of. CPAs are expected to have a broader hands-on, paid experience in the accounting range of skills, with strategic and analytic skills, field. “That can then count toward the CPA making the designation attractive to those with program’s work experience requirements,” says other backgrounds, too.” von Heyking.

To learn more about the CPA Bridging program, see www.uleth.ca/future-student/ Steps to CPA Interested in becoming a CPA? The first step program/accounting-cpa-bridging. facebook.com/canimmigrant

Get the career you want (with the degree you have).

Demand for Chartered Professional Accountants is growing in every industry world-wide. Build on the degree you already have, no matter the discipline, and transition into the career you want with the University of Lethbridge CPA Bridging.

Did you earn your degree outside Canada? Contact us for help enrolling. We are committed to helping internationally-trained professionals pursue careers in accounting and business.

Learn more:

uLethbridge.ca/future-student Campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary twitter.com/@canimmigrant

canadianimmigrant.ca

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Vancouver School Board Adult Education adulted.vsb.bc.ca

<< Small class sizes of 12 to 18 students mean you’ll receive individual attention from instructors.

WHO:

Internationally trained nurses looking to relicense

WHAT:

OMNI College — Canadian Nursing Review Program for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) Richmond, B.C.

WHERE:

If you’re an internationally educated nurse wanting to become a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Canada, OMNI’s Canadian Nursing Review Program for IENs can provide you with the skills required to meet Canadian standards to prepare for your National Council Licensure Examination or the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination. Since 1999, more than 95 per cent of OMNI students who have written the Canadian nurse licensing exam have passed.

WHO: WHAT:

Your Path

WHERE:

Success

to

If you have foreign experience in the field of laboratory science, nursing or rehabilitation, Anderson College can help you re-enter the health care sector in Canada. Instructors familiarize you with the equipment and technology used in Canadian health care settings.

You can become trained as a medical laboratory technician, an ECG technician, personal support worker, physiotherapist assistant, occupational therapist assistant or medical office assistant. Many programs also include a practicum.

Get Your High School Diploma Upgrade Your Marks Improve Your English Take daytime, evening and Saturday classes in a variety of subject areas.

Tuition-free courses are available.

WHO: WHAT: WHERE:

LOCATIONS:

1st

Kin

54th

SE Marine http://adulted.vsb.bc.ca

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January 2016

Kerr

Nanaimo Skytrain

Earles

ay

Victoria Nanaimo

Fraser

Cambie

Main St. 41st 49 st

WHO:

WHERE:

gsw

King Edward

Newcomers looking for a fast career start in dental, law enforcement, business or health care National Academy of Health and Business Hamilton, Mississauga and Toronto, Ontario

For newcomers looking to fast track their way to a career in Canada, the National Academy of Health and Business provides a wealth of diploma programs including accounting and payroll administration, business office administration, police foundations, legal office administration, dental chairside assistant, personal support worker, early childcare assistant and pharmacy technician. These full-time programs range from three to nine months, with some courses offered part-time and on weekends.

WHAT:

Broadway

16th

Oakridge Skytrain

Renfrew

Main St. Skytrain

Knight

Oak

Hastings

Nanaimo

Skytrain

Skytrain

Oak

Granville Granville

ille

nv

Gra

Cambie

vie Da

English classes for beginners offered at Laurier Elementary P School and Nightingale Elementary School. 57th 59 t h Call 604-713-5770

n

bso

Ro

Youth Programs offered at Gathering Place and Kiwassa Neighbourhood House 604.254.5401

rd

rra

Bu

Clark.

Commercial

n

South Hill Education CentreDenma 6010 Fraser St. 604-713-5770

Main St.

Main St. Education Centre at Gladstone Secondary 4105 Gladstone St. 604-713-5731

Gathering Place Education Centre 609 Helmcken St. 604-257-3849

Internationally educated health care professionals Anderson College of Health, Business and Technology Toronto, Ontario

Newcomers who want to obtain an electrician apprenticeship Huron College — Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Program Brampton, Ontario

There’s a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople in Canada and electricians are one of the top in-demand professions. Huron College’s pre-apprenticeship program can get you ready to be an electrical apprentice in just three months. This pre-apprenticeship program provides students with theory and practical skills of the trade. Upon graduation, you’ll become an electrical apprentice, meaning you’ll get most of your training over the next four to five years on the job alongside a licensed electrician, earning money while you learn and work toward your electrical certification. facebook.com/canimmigrant

Learning that makes a difference

Jessica

Visual Arts and Design

John

Legal Studies

Faye

Dental Health

Sarah

Business Studies

Damien

Film and Performing Arts

Eliss

Esthetics

Meet Jessica, John, Faye, Sarah, Damien and Eliss – just a few of the people who have achieved success with the help of our Continuing Education courses. The skills, connections and confidence they gained made it possible for them to achieve their goals. Read their stories on our website, and see the difference you can make in your own life with George Brown College.

Choose from evening, weekend and some daytime Courses in Arts and Design Business and Legal Studies Communication and Languages

Emergency Management Health Sciences and Community Services Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Liberal Arts and Sciences Makeup and Esthetics Technology and Trades

Enjoy flexibility and convenience through our in-class, online and other distance learning options.

coned.georgebrown.ca

Register now for winter courses!

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canadianimmigrant.ca

January 2016

25

SETTLEMENT

F

or many parents, asking others for help can be uncomfortable, especially if they are recent immigrants without many friends or family nearby. Some are unwilling to admit that they need assistance from others, so they attempt to work it out by themselves. Others do not know how to ask for help or believe that others will not help them.

Some parents might even feel ashamed and guilty for asking for help; they do not want to owe or burden others. And there are others who fear that asking for help will be perceived as being inferior, weak and incompetent.

Plus, many believe that family matters should be kept private, so they keep family problems to themselves and struggle in isolation, hoping the challenges will magically disappear.

Importance of seeking support While it is admirable to want to be self-sufficient, there are

PARENTING

A helping hand Reaching out for support is important for immigrant parents in Canada, even if it’s a little daunting times that we, as parents, need support and assistance, as we cannot do it all on our own.

Trying to raise a family in isolation simply does not work and can have long-term detrimental consequences for you and your children.

Having the ability to ask for help can be beneficial to your family and the community. If we helped each other out more, wouldn’t our world be a much better, friendlier place?

The reality is that our community is fi lled with caring and compassionate people who are willing to lend a helping hand when we most need it. And it’s just as important to graciously receive help when we need it.

Know that those who step up to help you will also benefit, as helpers feel good when they are able to contribute to society. In turn, they may also then seek your help in the future.

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

Bridge Delivery for

How to ask for help So how do you ask for a little help? Start with a small and simple request, and eventually work up the courage to ask for any bigger favours. Perhaps you ask a parent in your community for advice or to babysit. Choose wisely by selecting people who are caring, helpful, trustworthy and non-judgmental.

Be proactive and take steps to seek help. Do not expect others to know what you need and do not wait for others to offer their assistance, as they cannot read your mind. Be direct, specific and clear, so that others know how to help you.

Everyone needs help from time to time, and asking and receiving help is a sign of strength, maturity and confidence. Remember that it takes a village to raise a child, as the saying goes. So let’s work together and help each other whenever we can, for our children, families and society to reach maximum potential!

info@ccnm.edu www.ccnm.edu

International Medical Graduates Continuing your medical career in Canada

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Educat ing nat uropat hic doctors for almos t 40 years 26

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facebook.com/canimmigrant

2016 NOMINATIONS OPEN JANUARY 5 Do you know an inspiring immigrant who has made a positive impact in Canada?

Recognize and celebrate their achievements by nominating them for this coveted national award!

To Nominate Visit canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25

CORPORATE PROFILE

National Association of Humanity Science and Technology (NAHST) Preserving Chinese cultural heritage and participating in community services

By Johnny Zang

T

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non-profit Phoenix Academy of the Arts. Besides, the NAHST was invited to do workshops and/or performances at local public schools and share the cultural heritage with elementary and high school students. They got enormous positive feedback.

he National Association of Humanity Science and Technology (NAHST) was originally founded by a group of individuals who are enthusiastic about preserving cultural heritage and participating in community services. Starting from early 2013, the group has been engaging in activities and social events aimed at the promotion, education and exhibiting multiple elements of Chinese cultural heritage. At its initial stage, the association was named as National Heritage Hall and involved in community events as a cultural and recreational group. Later, in November 2013, the association was formally registered as a non-profit organization.

above Thomas Y. Lin, NAHST president(second from right), with artists at a recent community event.

Involving community multiculturalism “In merely one year after its foundation,” says Thomas Y. Lin, president, “the NAHST has organized a number of large-scale cultural activities including classic poetry recitation events, Chinese traditional music concerts and Chinese arts shows with funds collected from its own members. Also, the association has sponsored and participated in various recreational activities facilitated by local seniors groups as well as other cultural organizations. Another important portion of the association’s efforts were made to promote cultural exchanges with mainstream society and many minorities’ cultural groups.”

According to Lin, the NAHST’s increasingly active involvement community multiculturalism has attracted many more devoting members, most of whom are established elites in their own professional areas. These members have brought in invaluable assets to enrich the organization’s capacity. As a result, the association has quickly expanded its areas of services to encompass not only culture and religion, but also arts, sciences, technologies, education and health. Numerous regular seminars, forums and

conferences were organized in these areas, all facilitated by professionals on voluntary basis.

Furthermore, this has propelled the association to sponsor and organize a number of exchange programs between Canada and East Asian countries.

In particular, focusing on traditional Chinese musical instruments, the NAHST has organized quite a number of musical performances that have been well received by the diverse communities in the GTA. “The beauty of ancient Chinese classical music,” says Lin, “is a beauty that exists in its elegance and structure of literature.

They will allow us to reflect on the past in the light of the present, to raise our consciousness and pass on the essence of classical music, and to fully appreciate the treasures of human culture with universal values.”

Such cultural activities have gained tremendous support from diverse communities. During the past two years, the NAHST has worked collaboratively with other community organizations on a number of community initiatives and festivals. Also, the NAHST has participated in quite a few government funding programs initiated by its community partners including the

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January 2016

Sub-sections to better serve Recognizing the needs imposed by such fast development and growth, the association decided to change its registered name from National Heritage Hall into National Association of Humanity Science and Technology (NAHST).

Currently, the NAHST has the following subsections: 1. National Heritage TV 2. Culture Inheritance (Journal Publication) 3. National Education Society 4. International Standard Society 5. National Heritage Hall Centre The National Heritage Hall Centre is the service facility for its members in the GTA, but more affiliating centres will be opened in the future to serve local members.

Now, the NAHST is working effectively as a bridge to connect immigrants and Englishspeaking Canadians and mainstream society so as to enhance Canadian society culturally and economically. Meantime, the NAHST has been fostering initiatives and ideas that promote opportunities for youths, adult and older generations to network, connect and be part of the social fabric of their communities.

For 2016-2017, the NAHST has plans to organize a series of events that will bring hundreds and even thousands of people and especially Torontonians together to have fun and to get to know each other. It will also encourage volunteers to share their own knowledge and skills, to socialize, to work with new people and make new friends. facebook.com/canimmigrant

SETTLEMENT

6 steps to your goal

I

t’s a new year, which means the perfect opportunity to set some goals. It’s a Canadian tradition to start off each year with New Year’s resolutions, be they personal or professional.

Unfortunately, our busy, daily lives often push these goals to the backburner before we achieve them. Canadian Immigrant offers up six simple ways to help turn your goals into reality in 2016.

1

Look to the past and present before you plan for the future

You probably already know what you would like for yourself for the year ahead in general terms and why — more success, new job, more joy, better health, improved relationships, new home ... right?

But before you make any specific goals for the year ahead, take stock for a moment. Look at where you’ve been and where you are now in relation to what you want out of life.

Then consider what might be stopping you from achieving those things. Do you procrastinate? Do you self-sabotage? Are you too busy attending to others’ needs? Or do you simply not know how to proceed? List all the challenges that you have to overcome.

Now focus on the positive; look at the ways you have already been helping yourself.

What successful strategies can you continue or emphasize? What are your personal strengths and traits that will help you move forward?

2

Decide on your overall goals

So what specifically do you want to achieve in 2016? Do you want to find a better job?

Improve your English? Find friendship? Lose weight? These are all admirable goals, but it’s important to be specific. For example, instead of saying “I twitter.com/@canimmigrant

The New Year is the time to create some resolutions and a plan to achieve them

By Margaret Jetelina want to lose weight,” ask yourself what you really want. If you want to lose 10 pounds, make that your resolution: “I want to lose 10 pounds.” If you want to find a better job, be specific about the type of position you want, in what industry and even for which organizations you’d like to work with.

Sometimes, your goals might be quite far-reaching and are actually comprised of several subgoals; breaking them down into these smaller, more manageable resolutions helps. For example, improving your English could be broken down into several sub-goals, such as improving your written language, improving verbal communication and learning occupational-specific language. The clearer you are, the easier it will be for the next steps.

3

4

Set your plan into motion

Now add a timeline to your plans to keep yourself on track. And don’t forget to document your progress! Seeing your achievements on paper will hopefully bring you confidence and keep you inspired.

5

Factor in accountability measures

One of the biggest reasons for failing to meet your goals is a lack of accountability. In

6

Celebrate and stay inspired

Celebrate your progress as you move forward toward achieving your resolutions.

Recognizing your successes, no matter how small, will definitely keep you inspired to keep going; maybe even set additional goals!

TEL: 416-900-6886 Email: info@hereditas.ca 28 Crown Steel Dr, Unit 15, Markham, L3R 9Y1

Make a specific plan of action

You know the “what” and the “why,” and now you have to decide on the “how.”

Write your resolutions down, along with a detailed plan of the steps you will take to reach them. This process may take a little time, effort and creativity.

Seek the advice of people you admire and respect for help, find a mentor to offer guidance and do plenty of research to find the best strategies to achieve your goals.

For example, to improve your English, you will have to do a number of things, from attending classes to practising daily.

addition to your detailed plan and timeline, it’s helpful to get support from friends and family who will help keep you accountable.

You could even form your own accountability group with a group of like-minded individuals who have their own goals.

Meet regularly to update each other on your progress. If others are willing to support you or change along with you, this will give you added strength and motivation.

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www.hereditas.ca

4675 Steeles Ave. E Unit 2D22 Toronto On M1V 4S5 www.nahst.org

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January 2016

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