November issue

NOVEMBER 2016 | FREE

ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.

cuppa LOVE Propeller Coffee Co.’s

LOSEL TETHONG

Publications mail agreement number 40011993

and other immigrant roasters talk about Canada’s coffee obsession

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TOP

FINANCIAL TIPS FROM INVISOR CEO PRAMOD UDIAVER

4th annual Vancouver

Career,Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair

CONTENTS 4

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PROFILE: Passionate life coach Nicole Gfeller NEWS: Immigration ministers meeting

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COVER STORY

Hot brew! Three immigrant coffee roasters talk about Canadians’ love affair with java

above Not just a drive-thru drink, coffee is a way of life in Canada.

14 SUCCESS STORY

Invisor CEO Pramod Udiaver wants to bring financial planning advice to all

20 MONEY & BUSINESS

Tips for Financial Literacy Month SMALL BUSINESS: Start up right (Part 1)

22 CAREERS & EDUCATION

CAREER COACH: Show employers your worth JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES: LMI demystified Vancouver Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair this November

23

IMMIGRANT SETTLEMENT GUIDE

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DRIVING

30

Tires for Canadian driving conditions

BACK PAGE

HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO TOP TIPS: Advice from our RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants

Cover photo by Saajid Motala

“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

Regulated Immigration Consultant Program Available Online

For more information, contact an admissions officer at (604) 628-5784 or 1(844) 628-5784 or apply online today.

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People. News. Information.

Volume 13, Issue 11 NOVEMBER 2016 Group Publishers Gautam Datt Sharma Sanjay Agnihotri

profile

Editor Margaret Jetelina mjetelina@metroland.com Senior Editor Baisakhi Roy broy@metroland.com

Nicole

Editorial Design Terry Lankstead, Anne Nawrocka Courtland Shakespeare

Gfeller

Digital Media Developer Kamil Mytnik Advertising Sales Sr. Ad Manager (B.C. and Alberta) Alla Gordeeva alla@canadianimmigrant.ca Tel: 778 558 3397

Coach for life

By Margaret Jetelina

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

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above Come hear Nicole Gfeller speak on Nov. 16 at 2:15 p.m. at the Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair at Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place).

hen Nicole Gfeller coaches new immigrants, she has the credentials to back it up. Not only is she a recent immigrant from Switzerland, but she is a trained life coach who wants to focus her efforts on helping newcomers. Canadian Immigrant couldn’t be more pleased to have Gfeller share her wisdom here, as well as at our Vancouver Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair on Nov. 16.

studied art therapy, expressive arts therapy, counselling and life coaching in Vancouver.

Why did you come to Vancouver in 2013?

I had been an ESL teacher in a public high school in Bern, Switzerland, for many years. I came to Vancouver for a career change as I noticed that I wanted to help people on a psychological and emotional level. I asked my school principal for a sabbatical year to come here. However, I fell in love with Vancouver and never went back to Switzerland.

What exactly happens in coaching?

It is sometimes difficult to completely open up with friends or family, as there may be judgment, criticism or advice coming from them. My aim is to listen to clients without judgment, helping them to find the answers within themselves, to empower them, to help them recognize their strengths and talents, to highlight their resilience, to help them dream big and reach their goals.

Life coaching is an approach that helps to inspire others to set and achieve goals and cre-

Given your new career goals, did you do any additional training here?

Over a span of three years, I

What inspires you to want to coach others?

I have been through many challenges in my life, and I have a lot of empathy for others in similar situations. I want to provide that safe space for people to express their concerns, their thoughts and their feelings freely and without restraint.

ate successful, meaningful lives.

It is a solution-focused, futureoriented approach where we explore together with the client what is not working for them at the moment, what they want to change and how to reach their goals.

Why are you specifically focused on immigrants?

I immediately feel connected with other immigrants because we share that same story, even if the details of the immigration story may be different. In other words, for me, immigration connects us.

You sound really passionate about this!

I know that coaching and counselling people is my life calling. It is my life purpose. It is my passion. I want to completely dedicate myself to that. Coaching others and seeing them feel better, become more hopeful, undergo positive changes, follow their passion and feel happier simply fills my heart with joy and love.

See canadianimmigrant.ca for more with Nicole Gfeller on succeeding in Canada.

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When federal, provincial and territorial immigration ministers met in mid-October in Winnipeg to talk about the future of immigration in Canada, they all agreed that immigration, including the number of permanent residents Canada accepts each year, plays an important role in helping build a welcoming and strong country.

“Immigration is key to Canada’s economic growth and cultural diversity. Provinces and territories are key partners in ensuring that we do not take this positive view of immigration for granted,” said Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum. “We continue to work together to ensure that we achieve the significant economic and social benefits associated with successfully

integrating newcomers.”

Ministers agreed to work together to explore improvements to the settlement programs, including information and data sharing, to ensure newcomers are supported in their settlement, have support in getting credentials recognized and are equipped to participate in the labour market. Provincial and territorial ministers also expressed a desire for incremental growth in the provincial nominee program allocations.

“We are encouraged by the collaborative approach taken to developing the immigration levels plan, as predictability and flexibility are key to achieving our shared immigration objectives,” said Ian Wishart, Manitoba minister of education and training.

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COVER STORY

HOTBREW

By Baisakhi Roy

W

alk into the spacious 50 Wade Ave. address of Toronto’s Propeller Coffee Co. and the hip elegance of the place hits you like a breath of fresh air, accentuated, of course, with the delicious aroma of their brew. Rows of long wooden tables are occupied by millennials typing away on their laptops, reading newspapers or just chatting over a “cuppa.” Propeller Coffee has quickly become a coffee destination of choice for the community in the Bloordale neighbourhood — a popular artists’ hub. Co-founder and co-owner Losel Tethong blends right in with his charming smile and passion for coffee culture. He has dedicated his career to creat-

ing the perfect cup of joe, at least since 2013, when he left his career as a sustainability consultant for Fortune 500 companies to get into the coffee roasting business.

“There is a greater move toward specialty coffee now,” says Tethong, who was born in a Tibetan refugee settlement camp in India and raised in Victoria from five years old. “The third wave [a movement to produce high-quality coffee that is seen as an artisan or craft beverage, with improved processes in harvesting, storing and roasting] dictates that we let the beans and origins of the beans speak for themselves. Like with wines, people are interested >>

Not just a drive-thru drink, coffee is a way of life, an artisanal experience, even a fashion statement in Canada; three immigrant coffee roasters talk about Canadians’ love affair with java

Losel Tethong is co-founder and co-owner of Toronto’s Propeller Coffee Co. Photo by Saajid Motala

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COVER STORY

left Salt Spring Coffee co-founders Robbyn Scott and Mickey McLeod.

Photo courtesy Salt Spring Coffee right Latin Organics owner Martha Bowen. Photo by Paul Joseph << about where coffee comes from. They obviously demand a higher quality product now,” he says.

Tethong would know a thing or two about quality; Propeller was named 2016’s Micro Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine, which is considered a top award in the coffee industry.

Seed to cup

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Californian-born Robbyn Scott, co-founder of Salt Spring Coffee, agrees that people have become more discerning about their coffee choices. “I remember when we first opened in 1996 on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, I observed customers taking a sip of our coffee and literally stopping in their tracks — they would come back into the café and ask me what I put in their coffee — it was so flavourful!” she laughs. Like Tethong, she acknowledges that while there will always be a soft spot for the Canadian staple — Tim Hortons — the demand for quality specialty coffee is on the rise and here to stay.

There is so much that goes into conjuring up that perfect cup, Scott explains. “Attention to detail is the key — from the way farmers grow their coffee, how they pick and then process the bean, how that bean is stored and roasted, ground, what water temperature is used to brew and even if the machine is clean or dirty — it all makes a difference. From seed to cup: it has to be a unique experience for the consumer,” she says.

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Beyond taste, there is also a trend toward healthier, sustainable >> facebook.com/canimmigrant

COVER STORY << choices. Roasters like Tethong and Scott are both leaders in this, as is Martha Bowen, CEO and founder of Latin Organics, a direct and fair trade coffee company in Vancouver that uses beans from her native home of Colombia.

“In the last 10 years, as consumers have become more educated in regards to healthier choices, there has been growth in the organic coffee industry,” Bowen says. “Drinking coffee and being mindful should go hand in hand. If you are going to spend $4-5 in a cup of coffee, it better be the best. Not only the beans, but the whole preparation process. Smaller coffee shops know this and they try to keep themselves avant-garde in the subject.”

Coffee love Canadians’ love affair with coffee is unquestionable. A recent Euromonitor survey had some eye-popping statistics — out of 80 countries, Canada ranked number one in coffee consumption, when counting up how many litres of coffee per capita were consumed.

Canada also scored third highest for the total amount of brewed coffee consumed both inside and outside the home — an average of 152 litres per person. Clearly, this country loves its java, no doubt in part because of the often cold climate.

“It is used as a comfort beverage. It makes people think that they will be able to survive the cold journey ahead if they have that black cup of java in their hands,” says Bowen. “The West Coast may not have the colder temperatures seen in the rest of the country, but there is a lot of rain. Here, coffee has become a way of life. You carry your mug with you, wherever you go.”

She adds: “In Vancouver, it is almost like a fashion statement; you have your rain boots, your rain jacket and, of course, your coffee as you rush throughout your day.”

Coffee is also about community. “Propeller is surrounded by an

eclectic mix of high tech companies, local artisans, business owners and residents. We are known for our customer service and we also support new café businesses by providing consulting services and supplies to set their business up. It all lends to building a closeknit community — a socially aware community that knows its brew,” Tethong says.

Brewing coffee the Colombian way For those who want a simple and easy way to make coffee, there is always the Colombian way. You boil your coffee — no fancy gadgets needed. Just a stainless steel smaller pot, to be used only for this purpose. Grind your coffee beans coarse. Place two teaspoons per cup into the water. Measure one cup per person of water. Once the coffee is in the water, bring the water to a boil. Let the coffee rest from the heat.

Filter the grinds. Leave only the coffee. You can drink as is or add milk. Colombians like to drink a café con leche: half milk, half coffee.

With this recipe, you can also make a Colombian tinto.

Just add brown sugar to taste and serve it in a small espresso cup. It is like having candy in a cup!

— Martha Bowen

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SUCCESS STORY

THE EVERYMAN INVESTOR Invisor CEO Pramod Udiaver wants to bring financial planning advice to all, not just the wealthy

By Priya Ramanujam

B

eing on a stalled GO train is one of Invisor CEO Pramod Udiaver’s most vivid memories after immigrating to Canada from India by way of Dubai, 15 years ago. The train was stopped because the doors wouldn’t close due to a technical issue.

“I was thinking about back in India — there are no doors,” says Udiaver, explaining the significance the seemingly mundane, everyday occurrence had on him. “[It is a] great example of things we take for granted here that many people don’t have access to.”

Two years earlier, in 1999, Udiaver and his wife, Maithili, got their fi rst taste of life in Canada while visiting family here. The couple heard positive stories about the Canadian immigration experience, which prompted their decision to apply to come to Canada when they were expecting their fi rst child. The immigration process was quick, and Udiaver landed in Toronto in January 2001 — “at the peak of winter,” he says, laughing — just shy of his 30th birthday.

“What we really liked about Canada was the openness, the diversity,” says Udiaver. “And, in general, I think the economy has always done really well relative to many other parts in the world.”

Settling in downtown Toronto at first, Udiaver faced two initial challenges: getting a credit card and renting an apartment. In both cases, he found that he needed an established credit history in Canada, which he didn’t have — a hurdle many newcomers face, he says.

He was expected to come up with 120 per cent of the credit limit on his credit card, and to pay several months’ rent upfront versus just the standard fi rst and last. “It’s really about establish-

twitter.com/@canimmigrant

Photos by Saajid Motala ing yourself from a fi nancial perspective, even establishing a credit history,” he says. “I wouldn’t say it was a barrier in my case … but for many folks that come from different parts of the world, [it can] be very challenging.”

Finding a job came next. Udiaver says he was lucky; within days of landing in Canada, a friend connected him to a headhunter looking to fi ll a job at TD Bank in the wealth management area.

Udiaver’s credentials — having worked in Dubai at KPMG and for the ANZ Banking Group — made him a solid candidate. He landed the job, and quickly moved his family to Mississauga, where he still resides. “Oftentimes, immigrants wait a long time to get a job in an area that [they]’re looking to work in,” says Udiaver. “I happened to be there at the right time.”

After more than a decade of working in banking positions including vice-president of risk management and vice-president and director of investment management, Udiaver had a personal experience that inspired an idea and a desire to venture out on his own as an entrepreneur. He went into a bank one day to get a vehicle loan, and, while there, the associate informed him he was now eligible for fi nancial planning services. Curious, he asked what made him “eligible” at this time and not before. The associate replied that the balance on his two children’s registered education savings plan (RESP) accounts and his registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) were now high enough that an advisor would be happy to help. It was this conversation that planted the seed for creating Invisor, an online fi nancial service for investment portfolio management. >>

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SUCCESS STORY << “Why should someone wait until they get a certain amount of money before they get access to professional advice?” he questioned.

Digging deeper into the issue, he discovered that there were close to 14 million households in Canada that weren’t being targeted by financial advisors because their focus was on the less than one million households that were of high net worth. His entrepreneurial vision started to take shape: launch an investment portfolio management service that “really helped all Canadians irrespective of how much money they had,” and leverage technology to do it.

In 2014, he quit his job, partnered with Dan Poole, whom he studied with while pursuing a master’s of business administration at Queen’s University, and co-founded Invisor. The company, which is now headquartered in a spacious 2,000 square-foot office in Oakville, Ontario, opened for business in May 2015.

Udiaver says he couldn’t have taken the leap without the support of his wife, who went back to work when he started Invisor, or his valuable mentors. One of those mentors, Ashok Bhatt, a chartered business valuator and financial entrepreneur, says Udiaver demonstrated his entrepreneurial ability when he gave up a good paying job to take a huge risk. “That required guts and belief for what he started.”

Udiaver says it is still “early days” for Invisor, which has received favourable press coverage, but he is optimistic that the market will catch up to what he sees as a service that’s ahead of the curve.

“The business model is still new to Canada, not a lot of familiarity,” he says. “When people think about advice, they think about sitting across a table with somebody; they don’t think online. Just [like] in the 1990s when online brokerages first started, people didn’t understand the concept very well in terms of them being able to trade by themselves using technology. But it changed. It took a few years, but it changed. We think this is exactly what’s going to happen with this as well.”

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SUCCESS STORY

Pramod Udiaver’s five top financial tips

R

eflecting on what he could have done differently after immigrating to Canada, Pramod Udiaver, CEO of Invisor, offers five tips for newcomers to Canada based on his own experiences.

1

Start early

2

Invest wisely

3

Benefits? Yes, please

4

Open RESPs if you have kids

5

Get properly insured

One of the first things that I like to tell people is to start saving and investing as soon as you can. Saving and investing can happen together especially with business models like ours. You don’t have to think that you have to save first to get to a certain level and then start investing. How do you do that? You have to think about paying yourself first, before you pay your bills. Save, even if it’s a small amount. It brings you a lot further along as time elapses because compounding comes into play. Your savings will grow and your growth will grow.

It’s about being in the market; it’s not about trying to beat markets. A lot of people when they think about investing they think about buying and selling, and buying and selling, so as much as you would like to buy low and sell high, because technically that’s the right thing to do, it’s not easy. Even professional money managers are not that successful. Spread out risks; don’t try to pick spots in the markets. This can be achieved pretty easily these days. There are very good investment products that are cheap and well diversified, keeping you in the market at a very low cost. Successful investors are those that invest with a long-term mindset.

Make use of any employer benefits that you’re offered. It’s surprising to see employee participation still at about 70-75 per cent at the most on average. There are still quite a few people that don’t avail themselves of those benefits. Literally, you’re leaving money on the table because it’s free money. Employers are going to match you if you save. Pay attention, talk to HR and figure out what’s available.

I would encourage immigrants to think about opening RESP accounts for their children. There is a lot of sales focus here: a number of scholarship trust providers with salespeople go out and try to sell these products that often are not the right products for the client.

And a lot of immigrants subscribe to it because they get sold on the products. So my advice is to think through all the choices. Consider talking to a registered financial advisor; not just a sales person.

People like to keep their insurance with their employer because their employer offers it, not realizing that when they leave the job, they no longer have that coverage. And at that time when you want to get new coverage, you’re older and most likely going to pay more than what you would have if you had that insurance on your own from the start. It’s always important to think about how much coverage you and your family need and where you have it to make sure you have sufficient coverage for, not just your life, but in the event that you need another source of income if there’s a disability or critical illness issue that comes up.

— Edited by Priya Ramanujam

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MONEY & BUSINESS

Money sense November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada

C

anada places third among 29 countries on levels of financial literacy, according to a survey by the International Network on Financial Education, released in time for Financial Literacy Month this November.

Overall, Canadians displayed healthy financial habits, such as setting and achieving long-term financial goals and monitoring their personal finances. But the report also highlighted that not all Canadians have the same financial knowledge; in particular, women and youth scored lower in certain areas of financial literacy.

Newcomers to Canada also face challenges in learning about Canadian financial norms, from building a credit history to managing credit card debt. According to a report by Prosper Canada, language skills are one of the biggest barriers to financial literacy, as financial information can often require high language proficiency.

Money basics Building your credit history is one of the most important pieces of financial information you’ll need to learn after immigrating. Having a good credit score signals to a lender that you’re more likely to pay them back on time, making you a safer credit risk. “Building a

credit history is very important because it can help with renting an apartment and borrowing money in the future for school, a car or a home,” Adam Fair, director of programs at Prosper Canada, told Canadian Immigrant.

Credit cards are the easiest way to do so, but they can be a double-edged sword if you’re not careful. Many newcomers don’t realize the high interest rates that apply to any balance that is not paid off in full. So, while you may be meeting the minimum monthly payment required by credit card companies, your leftover balance can start growing quickly.

Department store credit cards are often easier for newcomers to access right away, but “they often come with higher interest rates and potentially more fees,” according to Fair.

Financial information Looking for more information about managing your finances?

In addition to talking to your bank, you can also seek information at immigrant settlement agencies, many of which, like the Calgary Immigrant Educational Society, SUCCESS in B.C. and North York Community House in Toronto, have offered financial workshops or programs for newcomers.

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MONEY & BUSINESS SMALL BUSINESS

Start up right (Part 1) Things every newcomer needs to know about starting a business in Canada

ping malls to name-brand corporations like Tim Hortons or the UPS Store. To help you choose a franchise, there are many online resources (e.g., betheboss.ca) that not only provide information on hundreds of choices across many industries, but also tell you how much money you need to buy them.

It is best to contact a professional for advice before buying a franchise, however. RBC, for example, will connect you to one of their franchise specialists who can provide you with everything from banking, cash flow management and financing, as well as tools and resources to guide you along the way to a successful franchise.

Three, you can purchase an existing small business. Buying an existing business is a good option as long as you review it thoroughly.

Have a friend, accountant or a lawyer check it out before purchasing any existing business. You may pay more overall than if you had started a business from scratch, but if you choose wisely you will avoid all the problems usually associated with a brand-new business.

After all, the processes and customer base are usually part of the deal.

Choosing from options one, two or three is just the first step. Starting up a business right then involves many decisions and actions, including creating a business plan, finding financing and marketing. I will discuss these next steps in more detail in my next column (“Start up right (Part 2)”).

Business startup specialist Gary Bizzo is CEO of Bizzo Management Group and author of How to Start a Successful Business — the First Time. He has coached or mentored more than a 1,000 businesses, including many owned by immigrants. Email ceo@garybizzo.com.

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society SINCE 1978

ent Services DIVERSEcity Emploianym s with Jobs Connecting new Canad

S

nd region

inla ver, BC and the Lower Ma

Proudly serving Vancou

tarting a business in Canada is essentially the same as starting a business in any country, but there are lots of little details and requirements you need to know if starting one as a Canadian immigrant. But, for starters, choosing a type of business is your foremost concern.

Your startup options If you want to take charge of your own destiny and start your own business in Canada, there are various options. One, you can start a business from scratch based on your past experience or culture.

Did you own and operate a retail store or a manufacturing company?

You could try one here. If you weren’t an entrepreneur yourself back home, imagine a business you knew from home and replicate it here in Canada. Perhaps you had a favourite food there that others might enjoy if you imported it to Canada? Or, if you have a particular skillset, consider whether you can start a business using it in Canada. You will just need a little help to guide you through the regulations and cultural differences.

Two, you can buy a franchise. If you have financial resources, you can create a job for yourself by buying a franchise. Franchises are very heavily regulated in Canada, so you are well protected against losing your money or making a bad investment.

There are many types of franchises, from small gift kiosks in shoptwitter.com/@canimmigrant

“DIVERSEcity really helped make my job search successful.

Special thanks for inspiring me and helping me in regaining back my confidence.”

— Juliet (Originally from India, Employment Services Client) Connect with us on Social Media:

@DIVERSEcityBC

DIVERSEcityBC

Diversecity

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society 13455 76 Ave. Surrey, BC V3W 2W3 Employment Services 604-547-1359 Connecting new Canadians with Jobs www.dcrs.ca/jobs canadianimmigrant.ca

November 2016

21

CAREERS & EDUCATION CAREER COACH

Show them your worth A value proposition letter can help you distinguish yourself among many qualified job candidates Quantify your expertise Help employers visualize the tangible results they will get by hiring you. A great way to demonstrate how you can add value to a company is to include a numerical value that offers concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

Focus on the now While a resumé focuses on what you did in the past, a value proposition letter tells the reader what you can do right now, and hence is always written in the present tense.

Customize your proposition Be sure to individualize your value proposition letter to fit the particular job position. Ensure that the letter addresses what the particular organization needs, and how you can fulfi ll that need.

Be a problem solver Tell them how you can address their challenges and help by introducing yourself as a valuable asset. “As an accomplished Project Manager, I can transform under-performing teams to high productivity sales leaders.”

Prove it First, list down all your key skills, experiences and accomplishments that make you a unique candidate. From this list, select a few key skills that best relate to your target position. Now share three bullet points that back up your claim. List how you can enhance productivity, streamline processes, reduce costs and so on.

H

ow can you outshine the competition in a crowded job marketplace? Bring something to the table that the others can’t. Enter the value proposition letter. The personal value proposition document is a well-crafted note that defines what makes you unique, highlights your skills and demonstrates how you can add value to the organization.

If you are confused between a cover letter and a value proposition letter, think of it this way: the former talks about what you achieved in the past, while the latter highlights your skills as the ideal solution to a company’s problem.

When you take a value proposition letter along with your resumé or send it to the hiring manager prior to your interview, it quickly sets you apart from the crowd, even before the interview begins.

Here is a step-by-step guide to construct a strong value proposition letter.

Attract immediate attention Begin with a question or power statement that helps you create engagement and connect effectively. For instance, “Can I help your team ..., “Do you need ...”, “Would you like to increase …”, or “Are you looking for a way to boost …?”

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November 2016

Stay concise You are writing for attention, so use short sentences, bold a key word or two to draw attention, be conversational and build credibility. As much as possible, use bullet points to highlight three or four key reasons why you are an ideal fit. And include a link to your online profi le, be it a blog, LinkedIn profi le or any other URL to access more information about you.

End with a call to action Nothing appeals like a closing statement that says: “How can I help you? or “To Find out more on how I can help you accomplish ..., contact me at …” Close strongly with a call to action or offer to help.

So, in summary, your value proposition should: • target a challenge that the company is facing.

• provide credible proof that you can help tackle the challenge.

• use specific numerical facts for instant credibility.

• communicate in a brief, concise manner.

• lead them to a URL that further highlights your unique strengths.

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 ACEWorldFoundation.com. facebook.com/canimmigrant

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

• • • • • •

TCET provides Language, Employment, & Settlement programs that empower people in fulfilling their potential. Our LINC Home Study program provides Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) via distance education. The self-paced curriculum is offered either online or by correspondence. The program includes a weekly lesson via phone or VOIP with a certified instructor.

Email: help@linchomestudy.ca www.linchomestudy.ca

• English • Some services available in French and other languages

197 County Court Blvd.

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

Centre for Education & Training (TCET) Head Office: 90 Burnhamthorpe Road W, Suite 210, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C3

Languages

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

Locations across the Greater Toronto Area and virtual services across Ontario & Canada Phone: 905-949-0049, Toll free at 1-800-668-1179, Email: Info@tcet.com, www.tcet.com 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 twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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

canadianimmigrant.ca

November 2016

23

CAREERS & EDUCATION J O B S E A R C H S T R AT E G I E S

LMI demystified How labour market information can give you insight into the Canadian job market • What are the values, ethics and goals of this occupation or sector?

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of working in this occupation or sector? Salary range? Other perks? Typical challenges?

• Where do people from this occupation or industry hang out?

What do they do with their time? Are there conferences or special networking or professional development events they attend?

A

s a newcomer to Canada, you may ask: where are the jobs?

What is the hidden job market and how do I tap into it? What business opportunities are there here? What do employers

want?

Labour market information, or LMI for short, answers those and similar questions. But there are no simple answers and no one-sizefits-all resource for LMI. What exactly is LMI? LMI can be broadly defined as “the information needed by individuals and organizations to make informed decisions about the labour market,” according to the Forum of Labour Market Ministers.

In other words, LMI answers questions such as: what geographic regions, industries and/or occupations have the highest employment prospects? What type of training, experience and certifications are required to work in different occupations? What trends are affecting this particular industry, occupation or business? What salaries are expected for this particular occupation?

Starting with the right questions Because the information is so broad, you need to focus on the questions that apply to you. It is easy to become overwhelmed. The first step is to be clear about the type of job (occupation), the type of industry (sector) and the type of organization you want to work for.

LMI will help you to determine and clarify if the path you chose is the right for you.

Questions you want to ask may include: • What are the day-to-day responsibilities in this occupation? What is the environment like? What type of people tend to work in this occupation?

• Is this occupation regulated? What type of education, training or experience is required to work in this?

• What is the industry or sector where people in this occupation usually work?

• What trends are affecting this occupation? What factors are affecting or may affect this industry?

• Is this occupation growing, shrinking or changing in any ways?

How? What’s affecting this?

• What are the main technical, essential and soft skills required to work in this occupation, sector or type of organization?

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November 2016

Research tips With the above questions in mind, the next step is to start your research. Whether you are planning a career change, looking for a job in a new country or looking for ideas to start your own business, the tips below will help you to obtain the necessary information.

Read specialized LMI sources. You will find these at public libraries, employment centres, human resources reports as well as government databases and websites like the Government of Canada’s Job Bank (see jobbank.gc.ca under “Job Market Trends and News”). All of them are open to the public and are free to use.

Have at least two to three informational interviews with people working in the industry, occupation or type of organization you are interested in. They have realistic, practical information beyond what you can ever read in any report.

Follow forums, groups and blogs specialized in the sector or occupation you like. Many have updated information you won’t find anywhere else, and they are also a great source for networking and training opportunities.

Check out a variety of job search boards and read the job descriptions carefully. Highlight the requirements, benefits and descriptions, and compare them to create your own “master job description.”

This will help you to compare your own skills and knowledge gaps.

The amount of jobs you are able to find will also give you an idea whether there is a demand or not.

Check occupation-specific or sector-specific regulatory bodies, councils, chambers and associations. They tend to have up-to-date information for the public and sometimes for members (you may have to pay a fee to become a member and be able to access some of the information).

Follow specialized publications. Most industries or professions have magazines and newsletters.

Use the “Canadian Company Capabilities” website (ic.gc.ca/eic/ site/ccc-rec.nsf/eng/home) to search for organizations in your industry. Many jobs are posted on organization’s own websites and not in generic job boards.

Find a mentor. Mentors can provide industry-inside information, introduce you to their networks, provide feedback about required certifications, and so on. You can find mentors informally by asking someone already working in the industry or you can join a mentoring program, usually provided by immigrant services organizations.

Argentine-born Silvia Di Blasio lived and studied in Venezuela for many years. She currently works as a career counsellor and volunteers for many community organizations in her spare time, including in the areas of resilience, disaster management and food sovereignty. facebook.com/canimmigrant

CAREERS & EDUCATION

The labour market: facts and figures

D

oing research on the Canadian labour market? Looking at job vacancy rates gives a good indication of what jobs employers are looking to fill. Here’s a peek at some of the latest facts and figures from the first quarter of 2016, according to data from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, released in August.

Canada:

328,000 job vacancies

British Columbia: Alberta: Saskatchewan: Manitoba: Ontario: Quebec: Newfoundland and Labrador: New Brunswick: Nova Scotia: Prince Edward Island: Northwest Territories: Yukon: Nunavut:

60,100 38,400 9,200 10,700 138,600 53,000 3,400 4,600 8,100 700 600 500 300

Join the Booming Healthcare Industry

 

There were fewer job vacancies in every province, except Nunavut, in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015. And the biggest shift is not surprisingly found in Alberta, with a drop in vacancies by almost half.



Where the jobs are While this is probably not news to skilled immigrants having a hard time finding work in their field, more than a third of all job vacancies (115,000 or 34.9 per cent) are related to sales and service occupations. The trades and transport sectors come next, with the second highest number of vacancies (42,000 or 12.8 per cent).



 

   

18,000 job vacancies > food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations 15,600 > retail salespersons

 

Medical Laboratory Technician Intra Oral Level I & II Dental Assistant ECG/Phlebotomy Technician Personal Support Worker Physiotherapist Assistant Occupational Therapist Assistant Medical Office Assistant Early Childcare Assistant Community Service Worker Perinatal Support Worker Cardiology Technologist (probationary) Esthetics

9,800 > chefs and cooks 9,700 > motor vehicle and transit drivers 9,500 > customer and information services representatives 9,300 > computer and information systems professionals 8,900 > professional occupations in nursing 8,800 > human resources and business service professionals 8,700 > other sales support and related occupations (such as store shelf stockers and clerks) 7,700 > food and beverage services (such as servers) 3,900 > trades helpers and labourers 3,600 > longshore workers and material handlers — Margaret Jetelina twitter.com/@canimmigrant

Downtown 647.931.5838

North York 647.360.6985

andersoncollege.com Financial Assistance May Be Available to Those Who Qualify Medical Professionals May Qualify for Credits for Prior Learning Robetech Institute Inc. o/a Anderson College of Health, Business and Technology is a Registered Career College under the PCC Act 2005 Not All Programs Are Available At All Campuses

canadianimmigrant.ca

November 2016

25

CAREERS & EDUCATION

Learn, connect, engage The fourth annual Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair returns to Vancouver, at a new venue rational speakers’ program with top-notch experts sharing their strategies for success in Canada.

It’s a place where immigrants and refugees from all walks of life can come together to learn, connect and engage.

The fourth annual event is being held on Nov. 16, Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at a new venue: Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver), close to Waterfront Skytrain Station. Free admission.

W

hat makes our Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair so powerful for newcomers to

Canada? We not only have a diversity of exhibitors on our tradeshow floor plus a hands-on Resumé Clinic, but also an inspi-

SPEAKERS’ SESSIONS OVERVIEW 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

English Pronunciation for

Bridge Delivery for International Medical Graduates

Success with Catherine Steele Do Canadians ask you to repeat yourself? Catherine Steele of English Pronunciation for Success is hosting a 30-minute pronunciation workshop for people who are interested in talking about accent reduction.

Come and learn tips and tricks to help people understand you more easily.

10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Prepare Better with Road to IELTS with Dr. Kristjan Seferaj Road to IELTS is an online preparation and practice resource for the IELTS English test. This interactive session >>

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

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November 2016

facebook.com/canimmigrant

Perla R. Smith LLM Candidate, 2017

OSGOODE’S OPTIONS FOR INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYERS AND LAW GRADUATES

Connect with the Canadian Legal Landscape

Choose from graduate degree and non-credit programs, including: · LLM in Canadian Common Law · LLM in International Business Law · LLM in Tax Law

Whether you’re looking to specialize in a specific area

· General LLM Program

of law, get accredited to become licensed to practice

· Pre-LLM Foundations Program

law in Canada, or want to strengthen your legal writing

· Online NCA Exam Prep courses

and research skills to prepare for future graduate

· Select part-time Professional LLM degree programs

studies, you’ll find the right program with the support you need at Osgoode.

Register for an upcoming info session webinar to learn more about your options at osgoodepd.ca/myoptions

Canada’s leading legal programs for internationally trained lawyers and law graduates

CAREERS & EDUCATION << is going to take the audience through the material right from its website, allowing the audience to ask questions on how best to prepare for the IELTS.

11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

KEYNOTE: Overcoming Immigrant Stereotypes to Thrive in Canada with Dr. Gurdeep Parhar Being an immigrant means that individuals have to become accustomed to a new way of life, new friends, new foods, new music and new jobs. That is made even more challenging when your new country discriminates against you because of racial stereotypes. In this exciting keynote presentation, TEDx speaker Dr. Gurdeep Parhar, executive associate dean, clinical partnerships and professionalism for University of British Columbia faculty of medicine, will talk about how our subconscious bias can lead to racial stereotyping, which can result in misunder-

standings, discrimination and even violence. By acknowledging that we do recognize differences, by admitting that we can never be truly culturally competent, and by confirming our similarities, can we take the first steps to fi xing racism?

12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Economic Immigration and Express Entry with Sia Upton Express Entry has changed the way that people apply for economic immigration. This talk, presented by a foreign service officer with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, will provide an overview of how Express Entry works as well as information on how to apply.

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

Answers to Your Immigration Questions with Steven Meurrens Express Entry isn’t the only method to immigrate. In this presentation, longtime Canadi-

an Immigrant magazine “Immigration Law” columnist Steven Meurrens, a partner with Larlee Rosenberg, Barristers & Solicitors, in Vancouver, will guide you through all the other immigration options out there, from provincial nominee programs (PNPs) to spousal and parental sponsorship.

2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Empower Yourself: How to Train Your Positive Mind with Nicole Gfeller When moving to a new country and being confronted with the many challenges that often come with immigration, we may easily start to have negative thoughts, to doubt our skills, to feel hopeless and to lose our self-esteem. In this 45-minute presentation with immigrant life coach Nicole Gfeller, you will be given tools on how to train your

mind to think more positively, which will lead to feelings of empowerment, hope and increased self-esteem.

3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

How to Succeed in Business in Canada with Gary Bizzo Want to start a business? This presentation by business expert Gary Bizzo and Canadian Immigrant magazine “Small Business” columnist, will give you insider information on how to succeed in business as a new immigrant.

4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

“Work Your Elevator Speech” Networking Session In this new, interactive networking workshop, you will get advice on creating a perfect 30-second elevator speech about yourself and then get a chance to put it into practise with active networking.

Pre-register for the free fair today at canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair/Vancouver.

YOUR SKILLS. VOS COMPÉTENCES. YOUR CAREER. VOTRE CARRIÈRE. YOUR FUTURE. VOTRE AVENIR. DISCOVER A CAREER IN CANADA’S MINING INDUSTRY OBTENEZ UN EMPLOI AU SEIN DE L’INDUSTRIE MINIÈRE CANADIENNE

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition program / Projet financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada, par l’entremise du Programme de reconnaissance des titres de compétences étrangers

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LEARN MORE AT: www.mihr.ca/careers/quiz/1 POUR EN SAVOIR PLUS : www.mihr.ca/fr/carrieres/quiz/1 facebook.com/canimmigrant

DRIVING

Brought to you by

The right wheels Buying tires for Canadian driving conditions

CHANGING A FLAT You have a flat tire! What should you do?

If you have roadside assistance, you can call and wait safely in your vehicle for help to arrive. If you want to change the tire yourself, here are some quick tips.

• If you are not already parked, find a safe spot to pull over. If you get a flat tire while on the highway, try to take the next exit or pull over as far onto the shoulder of the road as possible.

• Turn on your hazard lights and be sure to set your parking brake.

When driving in Canada’s often-harsh climate, having a good set of tires can be one of your most important safety features. Quality tires with good tread help improve traction and reduce stopping distances on slippery, icy or snow-covered roads. Tires that are worn or bald can more easily become flat or cause you to skid out of control.

Choose a tire

There are three main types of tires, and, for Canadian driving conditions, you may need more than one type.

1

All-season tires Conditions: Warm, dry and mild wet conditions, best in spring, summer and fall Most new vehicles come standard with all-season tires. But despite their name, they are really not ideal for every season in Canada — they are more of a “threeseason” tire. If it is below seven degrees Celsius, all-season tires begin to harden and lose adhesion with the road. They are not effective in harsher conditions like snow or slush, which can clog their tread pattern, creating a slippery surface. So it’s best to invest in some all-weather or winter tires, too.

2

All-weather tires Conditions: Good all year, including

twitter.com/@canimmigrant

for mild winter conditions, heavy rain and light snowfall These tires have tread designs and rubber compounds that are safe in changing weather conditions, from summer to winter. A true four-season tire, they reduce the need for costly seasonal tire changeovers.

• Be extremely careful when outside your vehicle so you aren’t in danger of being hit by a passing car.

• Get your jack, wrench and spare tire from your trunk.

• Loosen the lug nuts by turning the wrench to the left (counter-clockwise).

You might need to remove the hubcap.

• Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Check your owner’s manual for details on where to put the jack for your specific make and model.

• Once the jack is secured, jack up the car until the tire is about six inches off the ground.

3

• Remove the lug nuts (keeping them together and safe!) and pull the tire off the car toward you to remove it from the wheel base.

Having proper winter tires in parts of Canada where it snows and temperatures drop to below freezing is a smart thing to do. They are designed to stay soft in cold weather for better grip on the snow.

For extreme winter conditions, including black ice, you can get studded winter tires or buy chains to add to your tires, especially when driving up mountainous roads.

• Put the spare tire on, pushing it all the way onto the wheel base. Put the lug nuts on securely, but not too tight.

Winter tires Conditions: Harsh winter conditions and snow

• Lower the car back to the ground and remove the jack from underneath.

• Tighten the lug nuts.

• Put your flat tire and tools back in your trunk, and drive safely home or the nearest tire shop.

canadianimmigrant.ca

November 2016

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BACK PAGE

Top

Tips

Words of wisdom from the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2016!

Narmin Ismail

non-profit leader, Toronto

“

Dream big; take a small step today and every day toward your dream.

”

Leon Lee

filmmaker, Vancouver

“”

Set a goal, persevere and you will succeed.

Read about all the inspiring Top 25 winners at canadianimmigrant.ca/ rbctop25.

DECEMBER 6–7, 2016 • TORONTO ON

Shape the Future of Business Immigration.

Join us for Canada’s first ever Entrepreneur and Investor Immigration Summit and be a part of history!

Distinguished speakers include: The Honourable Gerry Weiner, P.C., former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and Director, Investor Relations, Pace Law Firm

The Honourable Sergio Marchi, P.C., former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and President and CEO, Canadian Electricity Association

Corinne Pohlmann, Senior Vice-President, National Affairs and Partnerships, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

A national audience will be on hand to inform a new Conference Board report on the future of business immigration in Canada! Register with rebate code PRM2 and save up to $300 on your fee.

E-mail mia@conferenceboard.ca or visit www.conferenceboard.ca/conf/16-2202

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November 2016

@ImmigrationCBoC

facebook.com/canimmigrant

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