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EDUCATED MOVE Canada has a new mantra for international students – come, study, stay.
PLUS
Income tax: Is it a friend or a foe to foreign students? HOME BUYING
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Welcome to Canada. Determine what steps you need to take as a first-time home buyer.
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■ Trent-ESL: English for University ● Full-time Academic Preparation for University and College Study ■ Part-time Professional English Programs ● Business English ● English for Information and Communication Technology ● English for Science ■ Sessions begin September, January, April and June ■ Outstanding Undergraduate Research University ■ Prestigious Scholarships ■ Supportive International Community ■ Smaller University Environment
www.trentu.ca/international www.trentu.ca/esl tip@trentu.ca
BUSINESS v ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE v MOLECULAR BIOLOGY v COMPUTER SCIENCE v INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY v NURSING v SUSTAINABLE 2 NEWCOMER BULLETIN | WINTER 2012 v PSYCHOLOGY v MEDIA STUDIES v JOURNALISM www.newcomerbulletin.com v ARCHAEOLOGY AGRICULTURE Bulletin Layout Winter.indd 2
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ER LE GY
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CONTENTS
23 CLICK Newcomer Bulletin Launch
12 COVER STORY Some of the international students at Fleming College
COVER STORY 12 International students
The fresh round of immigration reforms has sparked renewed vigor to Flemimg College’s waning international program. Policies used to be restrictive for people seeking to come and study in Canada. Not anymore. Canada’s message to international students: we want you.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 18 Housing
Buying a home for the first time can be tricky. A few tips can make a whale of a difference.
19 Career
Need a job? Network and volunteer. An opportunity sometimes knocks where one least expects it.
20 Finance
NEWS DIGEST
Beware of bankruptcy. That could hinder an application to sponsor relatives to come to Canada.
7 Partnership
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
The New Canadians Center has forged a partnership agreement with the school boards to provide assistance to newcomer students.
8 Welcome pass
A Welcome Pass program allows newcomers to Peterborough to have access to the city’s cultural and recreational spaces.
11 Skilled immigrants
Canada plans to increase its intake of federal skilled workers in 2012. The best and the brightest are welcome. 4
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28 Canoe musuem
Paddle through marine highways and lifeways and understand how the canoe has shaped the Canadian cultural identity.
ADVERTORIAL 30 Training welders
An initiative is under way to help ease a shortage of welders. The plan involves establishing a welder-training center in the Philippines.
20 PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Finance
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 4 Pillars Consulting 11 Canadian Welding Skills 31 Carmela Valles Immigration Consulting 29 City of Peterborough 5 Cosmic Charlie’s 8 Curry Village 7 Fleming College Back Cover Immigrant Advisory Services 27 Informed Financial Growth 9 McConkey Real Estate Corp. 9 Network Marketing 10 New Canadians Centre 17 NMT Foot Reflexology 27 nofrills 26 Ontario Graphic Solutions 29 Pappas Billiards 29 Persian Food 25 Plumbing By Doug Inc. 27 Realty Executives Alison Ltd 18 ReFrame Peterborough International Film Festival 21 Reg Ward Insurance Services Ltd 3 State Farm 14 Stickling’s 10 Taste of India 16 Trent University 2 Turco Tile 27 Wensten Accounting Inc. 8
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Yours Make Our Community
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WelcomePeterborough.ca
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UPFRONT
FROM THE EDITOR BEVERLY LOMOSAD
HUNT FOR THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST
C
anada is continuing its path of seeking the world’s best and brightest. The most-recent immigration reforms, announced in early November 2011, include providing a pathway for international students to become permanent residents. Economic realities call for the immigration reforms, the government said. Labor shortage looms, for example. Throughout Ontario, a shortfall of 190,000 workers is forecast in 2020, rising to 364,000 by 2025 and 564,000 by 2030, according to a report by The Conference Board of Canada. The forecast strikes as seemingly odd, with today’s unemployment numbers in, for instance, Peterborough hovering above 10%. The unemployment trend, however, is expected to reverse itself from 2014 onward, the report said. With economic planners raising the specter of a labor shortage, Canadian immigration authorities look to international students as potentially the skilled, educated and young immigrants the country needs to battle labor-market challenges. CREDITS Cover Illustration
Larry Lopena
Photos PPCII Conference SWIS, Welcom Pass TIP Camp Winter Potluck Fleming Welcome Reception
Elizabeth Thipphawong, NCC NCC Trent Internatinal Program office Michael Salalila, Maryam Monsef Fleming College
FALL ISSUE Photos NCC Appreciation Dinner Canada Multicultural Day PPCII Meeting
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Bob Laing Julio Campos, NCC NCC
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Our cover story, starting on Page 12, zeroes in on the Student Partners Program and tracks the progress of its implementation more than two years after it launched in April 2009 as a pilot project that taps India as a source country for international students. The success of the pilot run triggered an expansion of SPP to China. SPP has provided a breath of fresh air to Fleming College’s waning international program. The college has successfully mounted a recruitment drive in India, and Indian students, mostly coming through the SPP, now account for more than 40% of its international student body. Peterborough hosts about 800 international students from Trent University and Fleming College alone. Obviously, not all of them desire to remain in Canada after finishing school. Why did they come in the first place? Reasons differ from country to country. For South Korean students, overseas study and work experience in English-speaking countries are considered a big boost toward gaining employment back home. Getting international students to come comprises only one leg in the quest for the best and brightest. Getting them to remain is another. TRANSITION Our international-student report package includes a showcase of former Trent University international students, Page 16, who have successfully transitioned to a life in Peterborough after completing their university studies. Forest Li, a certified income-tax consultant, also wrote a sidebar, Page 14, in which he outlines the tax benefits an international student may be entitled to and press a claim for. Read on for more. Enjoy our Winter Issue. ■
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MEDIAPLUS VILLAGE Suite 7, Chamber Business Centre 175 George Street North Peterborough, ON K9J 3G6 Phone: (705) 772-7172 Fax: (705) 743-2331 E-mail: marketing@mediaplusvillage.com www.mediaplusvillage.com EDITORIAL EDITOR Beverly Lomosad beverly@mediaplusvillage.com MARKETING AND CIRCULATION MARKETING MANAGER Ramon Valles ramon@mediaplusvillage.com ART DESIGN AND LAYOUT Larry Lopena larry@mediaplusvillage.com ADVISER CONSULTANT Carmela Valles carmela@mediaplusvillage.com ENQUIRIES EDITORIAL editor@mediaplusvillage.com ADVERTISING marketing@mediaplusvillage.com MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS editor@mediaplusvillage.com SUBSCRIPTIONS marketing@mediaplusvillage.com PRINTING Ontario Graphic Solutions 178 Reach Industrial Park Road, Unit No. 6 Port Perry, ON L9L 1B2 MEMBER
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Mediaplus Village regrets that it cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Mediaplus Village. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publisher in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.
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NEWS DIGEST student success in schools. “Schools are one of the first services newcomers connect with in the community,” said Dave Bernier, PVNC chairperson. “We are pleased to be working with SWIS workers to assist our immigrant and refugee students and their families to make their transition to our communities and Catholic schools easier.”
Reading activity with Dawn Franklin, SWIS coordinator
School boards, NCC partner to assist newcomer families
T
he New Canadians Centre has forged partnerships with the school boards under a program called Settlement Worker in Schools or SWIS. SWIS places settlement workers at “home-base” schools under the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) and the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC). “SWIS provides an important link for newcomers,” said Dawn Franklin, SWIS coordinator. “Moving is stressful – it can be a very
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emotional and isolating experience for both parents and children. We can provide information and referral to community and government agencies to immediately address their questions and needs. We also want to help them feel welcome and involved in their community by encouraging them to participate in local cultural events.” Diane Lloyd, KPR chairperson, said the role of SWIS in providing muchneeded assistance to new Canadian families as they adapt to life in a new country and a new education system will help to ensure
SWIS complements programs in place at schools. At KPR schools, for instance, English as a Second Language (ESL) program had existed for years. In 2010, the ESL program served about 200 newcomer students and their families, according to Rusty Hick, KPR director of education. At PVNC schools, two itinerant ESL teachers assist newcomers, said Greg Reeves, PVNC director of education. “Our
Catholic school board recognizes and celebrates diversity in our communities and the importance of welcoming families from many cultural backgrounds to our schools,” Mr. Reeves said. With three staff, SWIS has served more than 100 clients, consisting of parents and students, since it began in March 2011. ■ COFFEE AND CHAT Are you a newcomer? Do you wish to meet other newcomer families over coffee or tea? If so, contact: Peterborough (705) 743-0882 Northumberland and Clarington (289) 244-5176 E-mail dawn@nccpeterborough.ca
SWIS staff Steve Ross in a board game
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NEWS DIGEST
Welcome Pass: A newcomer’s gatew
Wensten Accounting Inc. Get all the benefits available to you in the form of income-tax credits and refunds. The benefits include, but are not limited to: • Property (rental) tax credits • GST credits • Child tax benefits (CCTB, UCCB, Fitness and Activity credits) • Working tax credits • Donation / medical / moving credits • Education (tuition and textbook) credits
Last summer, couple Bruce and Jen Xiao heard of the New Canadians Centre’s (NCC) Peterborough Welcome Pass program. Someone at the NCC explained to them that the program is designed to give newcomers access to the cultural, arts and recreational spaces in Peterborough.
longest since arriving in Canada in 2001.
They registered for the program, received their welcome pass and joined a fishing trip to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, which is one of 22 organizations that signed up for the program. Much to the couple’s delight, Jen won the grand prize of a complete camping/fishing gear in a ticket draw during that fishing trip. The couple moved to Peterborough in 2007 after Bruce received a job offer as an industrial electrician at Quaker Oats/Pepsi Co. They used to live in Toronto and Thunder Bay. “We went where the jobs took us,” Bruce said. Jen said Peterborough is where they have lived the
The couple have two children – David, 4, and Daniel, 2. Jen’s parents live with them as well, helping the couple with their boys.
The Pet
They find Peterborough as a truly friendly and welcoming community.
Free Ad Trent U
In June 2011, the welcomepass program was chosen as one of the recipients of the inaugural grants from the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. So far, the program has provided the opportunity for 44 newcomer families and 50 college and university students to have access to the cultural and recreational spaces of the Peterborough region.
Kawart
At present, 22 organizations have offered access to their venues for free or on discounted rates as part of the program, which is funded by the Greater Peterborough Museum Network and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. ■
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(705) 74
Kawart
(705) 74
Discoun
150 Kin
(705) 93 O’Kaad
Free Ad
All Arou
(705) 55
Rivervie
Free Ad
1230 W
(705) 74 Peterbo
Free Ad
725 Arm
(705) 87
Doors O
Free ad
500 Geo
Peterbo
Free Ad
353 Hun
(705) 75
Peterbo
Discoun
311 Geo
Wensten Accounting Inc. specializes in filing income-tax returns for immigrants, international students, business owners and corporations. Also, it can help you register a business and handle GST and payroll issues. Please call for more information.
8
250 Cre
(705) 74
To get these benefits, you need to file an income-tax return each year. The tax returns will also help you in your Canadian-citizenship application in the future.
Forest Li, M. Sc. CITC / CB Phone: (705) 749-9288 E-mail: sli@cogeco.ca www.wenstenaccounting.ca 311 George St N, Suite 200 Peterborough, ON K9J 3H3
Free Ad
(705) 74 Peterbo
Free Ad
300 Hun
(705) 74
Peterbo
Free Ad
175 Mu Jen, left, and Bruce, along with their two kids
(705) 74
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NEWS DIGEST
r’s gateway to Peterborough spots WELCOME PASS PARTNERS The Peterborough Art Gallery
The Canadian Canoe Museum
Free Admission
Free Admission
250 Crescent
910 Monaghan Road
(705) 743Ͳ9179
(705) 748Ͳ9153
Kawartha World Issues Centre
Lang Pioneer Village Museum
Free Admission Trent University, Rm B101
Free admission to some events 470 Water Street
(705) 748Ͳ1680
(705) 295Ͳ6694 Ext. 21
Kawartha Youth Orchestra
Public Energy
Discounted ticket price to $5
Free Admission to One Event
150 King St.
160 Charlotte St
(705) 931Ͳ7539 O’Kaadenigan Wiigashk Collective
(705) 745Ͳ1788 ARTSPACE
Free Admission to most Events
Free Admission
All Around Peterborough
378 Aylmer Street North, Unit 3
(705) 559Ͳ1551
(705) 748Ͳ3883
Riverview Park and Zoo
Peterborough Public Library
Free Admission
No charge for out of town library card
1230 Water Street
345 Aylmer St. N.
(705) 748Ͳ9301 ext:2331 Peterborough Folk Festival
(705) 745Ͳ5382 Early Years
Free Admission
Free Admission
725 Armour Road
201 Antrim Street
(705) 874Ͳ6796
(705) 748Ͳ9144
Doors Open Peterborough
Hutchinson House Museum
Free admission to some events
Free Admission
500 George Street North
270 Brock Street, Peterborough
(705) 742Ͳ7777 Ext. 1491
(705) 743Ͳ9710
Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre
Market Hall
Free Admission
One Free show (call in advance)
353 Hunter Street East Peterborough
140 Charlotte St.
(705) 750Ͳ4950
(705) 749Ͳ1146
Peterborough Symphony Orchestra
Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters
Discounted ticket price to $15
Free Admission
311 George St N.
4601 Guthrie Drive
(705) 742Ͳ1992 Peterborough Museum & Archives
(705) 748Ͳ6324 Conservation Centre
Free Admission
Free Admission
300 Hunter Street East
3414 Hope Mill Road
(705) 742Ͳ7777 ext 2471
(705) 745Ͳ5791 ext. 224
Peterborough Singers
Showplace Performance Centre
Free Admission to one Concert
Free Admission to one show
175 Murray Street
290 George Street North
(705) 745Ͳ1820
(705) 742Ͳ7089
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McConkey Real Estate Welcomes you to Peterborough (Ontario’s Jewel in the Crown)
McCONKEY REAL ESTATE is a family owned and operated Real Estate Company. Sheila and her children, John and Charlotte, run a strong, independent family business built on referrals and repeat business. Sheila McConkey, Broker, has been actively selling real estate for over 40 106 Hunter St. E. N.E. corner of Hunter St. and Mark St. years, John Mc Conkey, Associate Broker, has over 25 years experience, and Charlotte McConkey has over 10 years selling real estate. Charlotte is an award-winning sales representative for all Canada in advertising. Sheila, John and Charlotte believe in personal service and going the extra mile. Stop into McConkey Real Estate to see just how they can help you. McConkey Real Estate. . . bringing you home for over 40 years.
(705) 745-4321 1-888-858-2088
www.mcconkeyrealestate.com
8% MINIMUM PER YEAR
• • • •
Canadian Real Estate RRSP Eligible 3-Year Term Fixed Rate
Tired of losing money? Looking for ways to diversify and invest in Canada’s future growth? TALK TO US. • 8% annual return plus potential performance bonus • Standard term is 3 years • Investment is secured by a charge on real estate with certified appraisals • FRC offers real collateral and security to investors • FRC projects have defined terms so you know exactly when you’ll receive interest payments • Projects include interest reserves • All high rise projects are bonded and insured to protect the development • Cash, RSP, LIRA, LIF, RIF, RESP eligible
CONTACT:
IFG
Informed Financial Growth
311 George St. N., Suite 200A Peterborough, ON K9J 3H3 Main 1-705-740-9909 Toll Free 1-866-940-9909 Mobile 1-705-768-6695 Fax 1-705-749-2307
info@informedfinancialgrowth.com
This is not an offer to sell securities. Any investment must be made pursuant to an offering memorandum for the relevant province. Interested persons are invited to obtain a copy of the offering memorandum. Fortress is available to both non-accredited and eligible investors. Fortress is a product, not a mortgage brokerage. Licensed mortgage agents/brokers close all transactions. Approved persons and organizations may enter into referral arrangements with Fortress Real Capital and/or Centro Mortgage and will be compensated for having referred, directed or introduced prospective investors/lenders to Fortress Real Capital/Centro Mortgage. All mortgage transactions in Ontario (investors/lenders and subject properties domiciled in Ontario) are performed by Centro Mortgage, FSCO license 10102 unless specifically noted otherwise.
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NEWS DIGEST
Many newcomers to Canada face difficulties finding employment. Even university-educated immigrants are less likely to be employed than their Canadian-born counterparts, according to Statistics Canada. And even when one spouse arrives because of an existing job offer, the other spouse often struggles to find meaningful employment. Having a home-based business in network marketing is a viable option for newcomers. To get your free report: Call Ruth van Vierzen at (705) 772-2443 or visit www.workfromhomeonlinebiz.com/financialfreedom
Here are just a few of the reasons why: • Very low start-up cost (typically ranging from $50 to $500) • Particularly suited to stay-at-home parents • Unlimited free training and income potential • Proven, sophisticated systems • Can be worked part-time or full-time • Creates more millionaires than any other industry
Christmas Cakes now available
Contain up to 70% Organic Ingriedents
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ReFrame Peterborough International Film Festival takes place on January 27-29, 2012. The festival is Peterborough’s midwinter extravaganza – three days of outstanding film, food, art and activism that celebrate life and human dignity around the globe. Spend the weekend in downtown Peterborough while traveling around the world. See films that will entertain, inform and inspire.
Film descriptions and other information about the festival are available on www.reframefilmfestival.ca.
Stollen :
' . *# ,% ' / !'# '# #.
Filmfest reels off Jan 27-29
ReFrame is a co-operative effort. The audience forms the heart of the event, but the more than 80 volunteers bring the festival to life. Over 125 community organizations and businesses sponsor the three-day event. Representatives of local groups introduce programs, linking themes in the films to what is happening in the communities.
Stollen Marzipan Stollen Spelt,Fruit & Nut Cake
Enjoy fresh-brewed, fair trade coffee Marzipan Stollen : *# ,% $.'#%+'& +'# ). *# ,% #, , $ ' *# ,% %# ' *# at our downtown Bistro at #./ & .'/ # & # *' ''. '** / '# '# #. # , # #./ & *# ,% %# ' *# " 191 Charlotte Street during the Spelt Fruit & Nut Cake : *# ,% #, , .' . / ,% ,* # ' ./ & up-coming Festival of '# Trees. , '& ''. * # '. ' +. ' & *# ,% '. *# ,%
2011 ReFrame Film Festival
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Preceding the main festival is the REELkids Film Festival, which offers family entertainment through film and music. In the afternoon of January 14, 2012, the film The Sound of Mumbai: A Musical will
be screened at Market Hall. A group of young musicians based in Port Hope, La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra, will perform a few pieces from the Sound of Music. Visit www.reelkids.ca for more information. â–
NEWS BY THE NUMBERS $6.5 Billion
That’s the total spending of long-term and short term international students in Canada in 2008 on tuition, accomodation and discretionary expenses.
$17,000
That’s the average amount an international student pays each academic year at Trent University.
$13,000
That’s the average amount an international student pays each academic year at Fleming College.
Sources: Fleming College Roslyn Kunin & Associates Inc. Trent University
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NEWS DIGEST
PHILIPPINES
36,578
INDIA
30,252
CHINA
30,197
UNITED KINGDOM
9,499
UNITED STATES
9,243
FRANCE
6,934
IRAN
6,815
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
6,796
MOROCCO
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15,000
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30,000
35,000
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Canada aims for more skilled workers in 2012 Canada is planning to welcome more federal skilled workers in 2012, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney has announced.
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program remains the principal avenue for permanent immigration to Canada. In 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) plans to welcome 55,000-57,000 federal skilled workers, up from 47,000-47,400 in the 2011 immigration-levels plan.
ness,” Mr. Kenney said. “We are committed to facilitating the arrival of the best and the brightest to our country.”
CA MO
CIC completed an extensive evaluation of the FSW program in 2010, showing that the program is working well and selecting immigrants who perform well economically. The report found that 89% of federal skilled workers were employed or self-employed three years after landing.
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Moreover, 95% of the employers surveyed indicated that federal skilled workers were meeting or exceeding their expectations. The evaluation indicated a strong continuing need for skilled immigrants in Canada. ■
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“The government’s number one priority remains the economy. We recognize the importance of immigration to our labor market, and we value the contributions of skilled immigrants who add to our international competitive-
CIC works to ease backlog on family-reunification files Canada will cut the backlog and wait times for sponsored parents and grandparents. Currently, more than 165,000 parents and grandparents who have applied to become permanent residents of Canada are still waiting for a final decision. Each year, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) receives applications for sponsorship of nearly 38,000 parents and grandparents, a number that will only continue to expand if
no action is taken. “Wait times for family-class sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents now exceed seven years, and without taking action, those times will continue to grow, and that is unacceptable,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “Action must be taken to cut the backlog, reduce the wait times and ensure that the parents and grandparents program is sustainable over the long run.” ■
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12 COVER STORY Michael Walter shows off some of his bakery products
COVER STORY
Peterborough City Mayor Daryl Bennett, right, and Fleming College President Tony Tilly welcome international students
Carol Kelsey, dean of the School of Education, Health and Wellness at Fleming College, with international students
EDUCATED MOVE A slew OF new INITIATIVES INCLUDES EXPEDITING APPLICATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY WITHOUT HAVING TO FIRST RETURN TO ONE’S HOME COUNTRY.
F
leming College is breathing a new life into its international program – thanks to an unprecedented level of openness shown recently by the Canadian government in a bid to attract international students. In a grand gesture of welcome, the college arranged a formal gettogether reception for its new batch of international students in early October 2011, shortly after start12
of-school. The city mayor graced the event. So did 19 teachers and administrators, led by the college president, Tony Tilly, who promised to organize a similar reception each semester henceforth. Peterborough City Mayor Daryl Bennett played a generous host in his words of welcome. “Like every community in Canada, we are a community of immigrants,” he said. “Unlike some other places in
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the world, however, we view our diversity as one of our greatest assets. At the heart of that idea is a belief that immigrant integration is absolutely essential for our social, cultural and economic progress as a community.”
“We are a people who believe that our origins matter less than our destinations, and that where you come from is not as important as where you are going. We embrace diversity as an asset. And we reject diversity as a liability. The point is that we are all partners in the building of welcoming communities. We understand that we are a people who welcome others to our shores – not
just to fulfill their destinies but to fulfill ours as well.” Fleming’s renewed vigor for its international program stems largely from the policy-perspective shift of the Canadian government to open doors for foreign students. “Policies used to be very restrictive – now, they are very open,” said Debbie Harrison, the college’s diversity coordinator. “The message that the Canadian government is sending to international students abroad is: we want you.” INDIAN MARKET Recently, Fleming received a boost after it gained entry into the Student Partners Program (SPP), a joint pilot project between the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Association of www.newcomerbulletin.com
12/5/2011 11:30:56 PM
COVER STORY
Cath D’Amico, acting director of the international program at Trent University, right, with Bilen Goitem, an international nursing student
Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). On the strength of its acceptance into SPP, Fleming mounted a recruitment drive in India in partnership with Toronto-based Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology. The goal of SPP, which launched in April 2009, is to increase the acceptance rate for students from India coming to study at certain Canadian colleges and universities. India did emerge as a considerable growth area for Fleming in 2011, with a total of 32 students mostly coming through the SPP. Across Canada, the SPP has resulted in a drastic spike in the number of Indian students, CIC and ACCC reported. In 2008, www.newcomerbulletin.com
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India ranked seventh – behind South Korea, China, United States, France, Japan and Saudi Arabia, in that order – as a source country for students to Canada, with 3,250 students.
In 2010, India soared to the second spot – behind China – with 11,543 students sent to Canada, CIC statistics showed. During the first nine months of the launch of SPP, CIC’s visa offices in
India received more than 4,000 applications for the program. Incidentally, in 2010, India’s gross domestic product breached the US$1.5 trillion mark, making its economy the ninth largest in the world.
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COVER STORY
Income tax: Is it a friend or a foe to foreign students? If you are an international student living in Canada, you should file your income-tax return to claim income-tax benefits, including GST credits, rent (property) tax credits and education credits. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will give these credits to you in the form of tax refunds.
Forest Li
The GST credits amount to $253 for 2010 and is the same for every student. The rent tax credit depends on the rent you paid to your landlord for the whole tax year. The more rent you paid, the
more tax refund you will get. The rent tax refund is about $400 each year.
SPP has checks and balances in place – from requiring applicants to provide verifiable documentation, to a feedback mechanism where Canadian schools report back on whether students show up.
for a particular Peterborough experience because they either have friends or families in the region. Others are planning to immigrate to Canada and have chosen Peterborough as their destination,” Ms. Harrison said.
“We were previously only recruiting passively – meaning, students somehow found us, either because their relatives or friends have gone to Fleming, or because they were looking for specific programs not available everywhere. Some are looking
The education credit is calculated based on the T2202A slip, which shows the eligible tuition
The income-tax return is filed with the CRA. It takes about two months for the CRA to process your return. You will always get a refund, and CRA can deposit the refunds directly into
INTERNATIONAL MIX Throughout most of October 2011, Derek Armstrong, the person Fleming hired in April 2011 to
Easily. 1010074
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When filing your tax return, you need to get these documents ready:
▪ Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN) ▪ Passport (if you do not have SIN or ITN) ▪ T2202A (Tuition, Education and Textbook Amounts Certificate) ▪ Rent Receipts ▪ Bank Account Information ▪ Other slips such as T4, T4A, T5
“However, in the past few months, we have been actively recruiting students.”
Our auto insurance is something your car may not always be.
14
paid and the number of months of your full-time or part-time studies in the school. T2202A can be printed out directly from your student account kept on the university’s website. You will not receive the cash value for the education credits; it will be used to allow you to pay less income tax or get more refund in the future. The tax-saving benefit can be as high as $20,000 for a four-year, full-time university student.
Brian Mulligan Ins Agcy Ltd Brian Mulligan, Agent 273 Hunter Street West Bus: 705-749-5425 Toll Free: 877-620-9677 www.brianmulligan.ca State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Aurora, Ontario
www.newcomerbulletin.com
12/5/2011 11:31:05 PM
COVER STORY
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your bank account if your bank information is provided. Your return may be selected by CRA for review, so you need
to keep the above-mentioned information for six years.
bolster its international program, crisscrossed four major cities in China, representing the college in an education-exhibition tour. “We were there not only to recruit students from China but also to create awareness of the Fleming brand,� said Mr. Armstrong, international business development manager of the college.
told Newcomer Bulletin.
Fleming currently has 74
If you need more infor-
India and China are Fleming’s primary markets. At the larger Trent University, international students make up 10% of its entire 7,000 student body, said Cath D’Amico, acting director of the Trent International Program and ESL manager. “Other schools aim for 50% of their population to be interna-
WE ARE A PEOPLE WHO WELCOME OTHERS TO OUR SHORES – NOT JUST TO FULFILL THEIR DESTINIES BUT TO FULFILL OURS AS WELL international students, including those under its student-exchange programs. They account for a small fraction of the college’s student population, which stands at slightly over 6,000. Fleming aims to increase its international-student tally to 5% of its population in the next 3-5 years, Mr. Armstrong www.newcomerbulletin.com
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tional students. That is not our objective – 10% seems to be a good blend, and it seems to be the standard for most universities across Canada,� she said. Trent markets in countries where students are mobile in general – meaning, they can obtain study permits with relative ease. Trent
mation, you may go to CRA’s website at www. cra-arc.gc.ca. You may also contact Wensten Accounting at (705)
749-9288 if you need help with your incometax return. – By Forest Li, certified income-tax consultant
international students come from East Asia, northern Europe and the Middle East.
Ms. Harrison, the college hopefully makes it easier for other diverse students to also come in – for example, immigrants from Peterborough and elsewhere in Canada as well as members of visible minorities.
Whether at Trent or Fleming, the logic behind international recruitment, apart from obviously creating revenue streams, is the creation of a diverse student body, officials interviewed by Newcomer Bulletin said. “We are committed to developing the global citizenship of our students. We recognize that we are part of a bigger picture, that we are a global community,� Ms. D’Amico said. “Every student at Trent deserves the opportunity to have an international experience – either by meeting an international student at Trent or by going abroad to study for a portion of their degree. They will be given credit for that part of study.� By culturally diversifying, according to Fleming’s
ECONOMIC PACKAGE As the number of international students in Canada surged, so is their economic influence. In a 2009 study, the first that put a dollar figure on the impact of the international students to Canada’s economic life, consulting firm Roslyn Kunin & Associates Inc. reported that, in 2008, international students spent in excess of $6.5 billion on tuition, accommodation and discretionary spending. As a result, more than 83,000 jobs were created and more than $291 million in government revenue generated.
WINTER 2012 | NEWCOMER BULLETIN
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12/5/2011 11:31:10 PM
COVER STORY
TRANSITION: FORMER INTERNATIONAL STUDE
Carolina Orduz School: Trent University Program: BA in Computer Science Year completed: 2005 Originally from: Columbia Reason to stay: Family Current employment: Settlement Worker at New Canadians Centre
Teodosia Villarino School: Trent University Program: BA in Anthropology and Development Studies Year completed: 1993 Originally from: Philippines Reason to stay: Family Current employment: Settlement Worker in Schools
Carmela Valles
Gabriel Ribadeneira School: Trent University Program: BA in Business Administration minor in Economics Year completed: 2011 Originally from: Ecuador Reason to stay: Work Current employment: Employer Liaison at Workplace Integration Centre
Faye S
School: Trent University Program: BA in Sociology and Development Studies Year completed: 1994 Originally from: Philippines Reason to stay: Family Current employment: Immigration Consultant at Carmela Valles Immigration Consulting
At Fleming, tuition for an international student averages $13,000 each academic year, and at Trent, $17,000.
In 2010, 96,157 international students were admitted to Canada, up from 67,878 in 2005, according to official figures.
In contrast, a domestic student pays between $3,600 and $4,000, on average, each year.
INITIATIVES In recent months, CIC announced new initiatives that allow international students to apply from within Canada for perma-
Overall, the total $6.5
WE ARE COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING THE GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP OF OUR STUDENTS billion that international students spend in Canada is greater than the country’s export of coniferous lumber ($5.1 billion), and even greater than its export of coal ($6.07 billion) to all other countries, states the Roslyn report commissioned by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. 16
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nent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and shorten the waiting period in the immigration queue. Started in 2008, CEC offers a pathway to permanent residency for international students and skilled and highly skilled temporary foreign workers. www.newcomerbulletin.com
12/5/2011 11:31:18 PM
Schoo Progr and So Year c Origin Reaso Curre Settle Canad
COVER STORY
STUDENTS NOW SETTLED IN PETERBOROUGH
y and
ines
at on
Kemi Akapo
Faye Shien Tan School: Trent University Program: BA in Psychology and Sociology Year completed: 2009 Originally from: Malaysia Reason to stay: Work Current employment: Settlement Counselor at New Canadians Centre
School: Trent University Program: BA in International Development Studies and English Literature Year completed: 2009 Originally from: Nigeria Reason to stay: Work and further education Current employment: Office of Student Affairs at Trent University
Yvonne Lai
Maria Figueroa School: Trent University Program: Environmental Studies (Graduate Program) Year completed: 2000 Originally from: Mexico Reason to stay: Work Current employment: Laboratory Manager at Kawartha Ethanol Inc.
School: Trent University Program: in Psychology and English Year completed: 2002 Originally from: Singapore Reason to stay: Work, family, further education Current employment: Outreach Coordinator at New Canadians Centre and Course Instructor at Humber College
A corollary initiative intends to accept up to 1,000 international PhD students each year as permanent residents through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. International students account for about onequarter of the students enrolled in Canadian PhD programs. “Research shows that international students integrate really well,” Ms. Harrison said. “They are young, and they are adaptable. Obviously, it is easier to start a new life in another country when you are 25 than when you are 55. They also speak English very fluently, and they are, by and large, single; so they are mobile. So, they are real asset for the Canadian society.” ■ www.newcomerbulletin.com
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WINTER 2012 | NEWCOMER BULLETIN
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12/5/2011 11:31:22 PM
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES HOUSING
FIRST HOME PURCHASE
CLARENCE COLLISON, BROKER OF RECORD AT REALTY EXECUTIVES, OUTLINES THE STEPS INVOLVED IN HOME OWNERSHIP FOR THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER.
W
elcome to Canada. You have made a decision to make this country your new home and now you want to purchase your first home in a new land. What should you know or be concerned about? Here are some tips: Know how much you can afford. You must consider that once you have purchased your new home, it comes with certain expenses, which include property taxes, utility costs for heat and hydro, homeowner’s insurance and maintenance and repairs. You meet with a mortgage specialist, who will walk you through the steps and requirements of securing a mortgage. The mortgage specialist will also be able to advise you on the many different programs geared directly to immigrants new to Canada as well as conventional financing procedures. Your lender will explain all the options available to you – such as downpayment requirements, payment options and schedules, amortization period, interest rates,
mortgage term and “open or closed” mortgages. Decide what type of home you wish to live in. You can choose from single-family houses or multi-family homes, which may allow you to make additional income. There are many styles and sizes of homes to select from. Hire a qualified real-estate agent. Do you require twobedroom units or more bedrooms? Do you prefer new to older homes? Do you prefer bungalows or two-storey homes? Do you want to live close to work or close to your children’s school? A qualified real-estate agent can show you different homes in different areas within your price range. Once you have found your new home, the agent will walk you carefully through the offer process, explaining all the documentation to you as you proceed. Your lender, friends, family or co-workers can probably recommend a real-estate salesperson they trust. Hire a legal counsel. You should choose your lawyer early in the process so they will
HOUSING ACTIVITY IN PETERBOROUGH SINGLEDETACHED
SEMIDETACHED
ROW, APARTMENT, OTHERS
78 79 -1.3 186 237 -21.5
0 0 n/a 2 0 n/a
9 15 -40 36 23 56.5
182 172 5.8
4 0 n/a
34 52 -34.6
83 94 -11.7 170 254 -33.1
0 0 n/a 0 0 n/a
7 16 -56.3 54 16 **
1 1 0
0 0 n/a
0 0 n/a
87 97 -10.3 173 258 -32.9
0 0 n/a 0 0 n/a
8 16 -50 54 16 **
STARTS Q3 2011 Q3 2010 % change Year-to-date 2011 Year-to-date 2010 % change UNDER CONSTRUCTION Q3 2011 Q3 2010 % change COMPLETIONS Q3 2011 Q3 2010 % change Year-to-date 2011 Year-to-date 2010 % change COMPLETED NOT ABSORBED Q3 2011 Q3 2010 % change ABSORBED Q3 2011 Q3 2010 % change Year-to-date 2011 Year-to-date 2010 % change Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
NOTES ** – Percent change > 200% Absorbed – Housing unit has been sold or rented
be available to review the contracts and answer any questions that you may have before you commit to a firm deal that locks you into a situation you cannot get out of. Interview home inspectors. The home inspector will inspect the property you are proposing to buy and will point out areas of concern. Major defects may discourage you from buying a particular house, but some minor issues can be dealt with through the seller or on your own. After the home inspection you can feel confident that the prop-
erty you are buying will meet your expectations. Create a team. When you are ready to buy your new home, do your research and build your team of professionals to work on your behalf. You will not be required to pay any of these professionals until the process is complete and they have done their job. Remember, a strong team will help ensure your home-buying experience is a happy and rewarding one. ■ CLARENCE COLLISON has been in the real-estate business for 25 years and has been a licensed broker for the past 15 years.
Call Me Today!
Clarence Collison Broker of Record
#200-311 George St. Peterborough, ON K9J 3H3 Office: (705) 749-9229 Cell: (705) 768-2953 Direct: (705) 749-2307 broker@alisonrealty.com
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WHERE THE EXPERTS ARE
www.alisonrealty.com www.newcomerbulletin.com
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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES CAREER uncertainty are difficult. We could see major changes that may have significant impact on our national, provincial and local labor markets. Technology, innovation and the environmental industries will likely see growth.
Karen Wilson
NEED A JOB? NETWORK KAREN WILSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PETERBOROUGH EMPLOYMENT PLANNING & COUNSElLING, SHARES HER THOUGHTS ON THE CURRENT LABORMARKET SCENARIO IN PETERBOROUGH. Describe briefly what Peterborough Employment Planning & Counselling does. We are a non-profit organization providing employment services in the city and county of Peterborough for 30 years now. We offer a wide range of programs funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and
second-career application is also available. Over the past 6-12 months, what job categories are in great demand in Peterborough? Unfortunately, there have been few trends for specific job areas or industries in demand recently. Customer service is one area that seems to be consis-
Networking even in unrelated environments can open doors to opportunity where you least expect it Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Anyone who is seeking employment can access our walk-in resource center, and specialized programs for youth, older workers, students and the general population. Access to certification training and www.newcomerbulletin.com
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tent, and seasonal, student employment has remained relatively stable as well. What job categories are showing signs of becoming high-growth areas in the next 3-5 years? Long-term predictions in a period of global economic
The current labormarket scenario in Peterborough seems to indicate a surplus of job candidates compared with available jobs. Can you give us a sense of the level of the current labor surplus? With an unemployment rate currently over 10%, I would say that there is an overall surplus in many common jobs. How should newcomers, who do not have a Canadian work experience, package themselves to increase their chances of employment? In Peterborough, Englishlanguage skills are important. Volunteering can be a great way to gain experience and develop language skills. It is also critical that new Canadians can present and speak of their qualifications in terms that are relative to the Canadian workplace. Being able to provide examples of how they have demonstrated their abilities outside of Canada and during their volunteer experience can assist local employers in understanding their level of skill. Networking even in unrelated environments – for example, parent or school groups or sports – can open doors to opportunity where you least expect it. Do you have a program in place for newcomers? Unfortunately, there is no
funding available for employment programs specifically for new Canadians. All of our funded programs however, are open to anyone. As many are individualized, we are able to develop service plans to meet the employment needs of anyone. ■ JOB-SEARCH TIPS ▪ A well-written, concise resume and solid interview skills are critical. Most employment-service organizations offer workshops, employment counseling and practice interviews to assist. ▪ Be willing to consider initially working outside of local area or in workplaces that you may not have naturally thought of before. ▪ Network, network, network. Let everyone you know be aware of the fact that you are looking for work and what you are qualified for.
CONTACT Phone: (705) 748-9110 Fax: (705) 876-0887 epcp@jobspeterborough.ca www.jobspeterborough.ca Calling the number above will get someone to a point of meeting with an employment counsellor.
WINTER 2012 | NEWCOMER BULLETIN
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12/5/2011 11:31:27 PM
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FINANCE
TILL DEBT DO US PART
MONEY-INDUCED WOES DO ALSO PLAY OUT IN THE IMMIGRATION ARENA. THE BASIC RULE OF THE GAME: BEWARE OF BANKRUPTCY.
A
bankruptcy filing actually precludes immigration sponsorship for a period of time – that is, until the bankruptcy filer has had successfully emerged from it.
right now,” said Adrian Moore, a turnaround consultant at 4 Pillars Consulting Group. “The problem is, I think, most of us do not realize it is a problem until it is too late.”
Immigration rules require sponsors to be solvent for the full length of the sponsorship process. By law, a person with an ongoing bankruptcy case is barred from initiating a sponsorship – the logic being that sponsors are responsible for providing the basic necessities of the people whom they wish to bring to Canada through a sponsorship program.
During the second quarter of 2011, consumer bankruptcies in Ontario were a total of 6,839, up 9.8% from the previous-quarter tally of 6,228, according to figures from the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada. Over a 12-month period ending June 30, 2011, the number of bankruptcies eased at 28,753, down 28.8% from the year-ago total of 40,384.
“Debt is a huge problem
Consumer proposals
Brothers and turnaround consultants Myles, left, and Adrian Moore
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were nearly as many as bankruptcies, with 6,481 filed in the second quarter of 2011 and 6,495 in the first quarter. Business bankruptcies are significantly fewer. CREDIT CARDS Although some people who landed in bankruptcy have had major reversals happened to them – such as a prolonged illness, serious injury, job loss, separation, divorce, business slowdown – that drastically decreased their income, a lot of pre-
Nobody saves up for a car anymore, not even for that pair of shoes in the mall. “Credit cards have their place. There’s nothing wrong with using a credit card to buy gas. There’s something wrong, however, with buying a 2,000-dollar plasma TV using your credit card and not knowing how to pay for the plasma TV.” Mr. Moore recommends starting a bookkeeping exercise for people bat-
NOBODY SAVES UP FOR A CAR ANYMORE, NOT EVEN FOR THAT PAIR OF SHOES IN THE MALL bankruptcy troubles are often associated with heavy credit-card spending or misspending. “People make a lot of mistakes with their credit cards. There is nothing wrong with a credit card. I have credit cards too. But how is a credit card designed to be used? A credit card is designed to basically lend you money for one month – that’s it. Your credit card is your best friend in your wallet for only one month,” Mr. Moore said. SAVE AND SPEND “I realize it is not always possible, but we should stay away from credit as much as we can. When you want something, you save up and pay for it rather than apply for a loan and get nailed with interests down the line. The problem is we are in such a buy-it-now, pay-for-it-later society.
tling with runaway debts. The exercise, he said, can check on budget-killer spending. “You would be surprised to know the killers are not the spending on gasoline, mortgage or rent, or hydro bills but the small spending – the coffee, the lunch out,” he said. He also advises keeping only one credit card with a manageable credit limit. “Do you really need a $10,000 credit limit? You use it, and it’s so easy to get into the trap,” Mr. Moore said. “A credit card is like a fire. Fire is a great tool; it’s useful as long as you are watching it and keeping it under control. But as soon as you take your eyes off of it and take it for granted, it has the potential to make your life miserable. And it’s true with fire as well as with credit cards.” ■ www.newcomerbulletin.com
12/5/2011 11:31:30 PM
CLICK
TIP CAMP
O
n September 2-5, 2011, Trent University held an orientation session for its new international students at Camp Timberlane in Haliburton, Ontario. Before classes begin, the Trent International Program office coordinates an orientation session for new international students. The session serves as an essential part of the preparation for study and life at Trent and an opportunity for students from all around the world to meet.
An early-morning quiet moment at the waterfront
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Students gather for a TIP camp information session
Recreational basketball at TIP camp
Group photo of TIP September 2011 students with staff and families.
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12/5/2011 11:31:47 PM
CLICK
PPCII CONFERENCE
O
n November 17, 2011, the Peterborough Partnership Council on Immigrant Integration held its second “Together We Prosper” conference at the Holiday Inn. The conference discussed issues related to immigrant integration and diversity. More than 100 people attended the conference.
Jason Stabler and Maryam Monsef
From left: Deputy Warden Barry Rand, Inspector Ted Boynton, Deputy Police Chief Steve Streeter and Councilor Keith Riel
Canada World Youth volunteers
Peterborough City Mayor Daryl Bennett addresses the conference participants
Question-and-answer session after the keynote address
New Canadians Centre Board Member Chanda Kaziya, middle, with volunteers
WINTER POTLUCK
O
n December 1, 2011, the New Canadians Centre held its annual Winter Potluck. At least 170 people attended the event, held at the Market Hall. Clients, staff, volunteers, agency members and partners and community members shared a sumptous potluck buffet that preceded the evening performances. The food was as diverse as the performances.
An opera performance
Christmas carols from Romania
Irish musicians
Timmy performs Filipino songs
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Audience on its feet to an Irish beat
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The buffet spread
www.newcomerbulletin.com
12/5/2011 11:32:31 PM
CLICK
WELCOME RECEPTION
O
n October 6, 2011, Fleming College held a welcome reception for its new batch of international students. Mayor Daryl Bennett welcomed the students on behalf of the city of Peterborough. So did the president of the college, Tony Tilly. Nearly 40 students attended, along with 19 teachers and administrators.
Wayne Bonner and Debbie Harrison
Liliana Perez, Faye Tan, Mayor Bennett, Tony Tilly, Lloyd Clive and Derek Armstrong
Bharat Maini, Tony Tilly, Raghu Yasam, Jigar Shah and Shehal Warne
Jim Drennan and Geoff Matthews
International students with Mayor Bennett and Tony Tilly
NEWCOMER BULLETIN LAUNCH
O
n September 29, 2011, Mediaplus Village launched the Newcomer Bulletin magazine at the Chamber Business Center. Government and business representatives attended the event. The magazine reinforces efforts of the city of Peterborough, along with nongovernment organizations, to create a supportive and open-door environment for newcomers.
Unveiling of magazine cover
Becky Rogers, manager of Arts, Culture and Heritage Division at City Hall www.newcomerbulletin.com
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Beverly Lomosad, Dindin Villarino and Carmela and Ramon Valles
Councilor Dean Pappas speaks on behalf of City Hall
Stuart Harrison, general manager of Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce WINTER 2012 | NEWCOMER BULLETIN
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12/5/2011 11:33:06 PM
NEW YEAR SPECIAL
Interviews by CHEN RAO
TASTE THE WORLD
In many parts of the world, food plays a key role as people usher in the arrival of a new year. We look at the way the world celebrates New Year and highlight events that some people associate with moving forward into a fresh start.
INGREDIENTS 6 cups glutinous rice 1 cup sugar 2 (40 ml) cups coconut milk 2 packs of banana leaves for wrapping Juice from 1 ½ cups grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon salt
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
BUDBOD
Glutinous Rice Wrapped in Banana Leaves
GET COOKING
Xia Wang is a first-year economics student at Trent University
Scaring the beast away The Chinese New Year, known as “Spring Festival,” begins on the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th day. Chinese New Year’s Eve is a time when families gather for food and fun. Rail stations are packed, mostly with migrant workers heading back home to countryside. That in itself makes a scene.
with anything good or joyful. Fireworks display continues throughout the festival.
Chinese people put up Spring Festival couplets – calligraphy of black ink on red paper – expressing good wishes for wealth, fortune and longevity. Decorations are usually in red. Most Chinese believe in red as being associated
After the big dinner, we greet our parents and wish them a healthy and happy new year, and we receive money in red envelopes. The tradition reflects the moral philosophy of the Chinese: relationships are vital in a harmonious society.
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A popular myth gives account to a beast that wreaks havoc on people’s houses and crops. Farmers drive the beast away with red lanterns and signs and firecrackers – the beast being thought to have a fear for anything red and noise.
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1. Thaw frozen banana leaves. 2. Soak rice in water for at least one hour. Drain and transfer to a non-stick saucepan. 3. In a glass bowl mix coconut milk, sugar, salt and juice of 1.5 cups of grated ginger. Taste and add sugar if desired. Add the whole mixture into the rice. 4. Cook on medium heat stirring constantly. When rice has absorbed most of the liquid turn off heat. 5. Cut banana leaves into five inches strips. Wipe banana leaves and brush with a little bit of olive oil. 6. Spoon rice mixture onto spread banana leaves and shape into long rectangles. Tuck ends and tie in pairs. 7. Line large pot with left-over banana leaves. Place wrapped rice in the pot, add two cups of water and steam for at least 45 minutes. 8. Serve with ripe mangoes and hot chocolate.
WORD OF MOUTH Budbod is also known as suman in other parts of the Philippines. Tradition has it that early Filipino farmers cook budbod as part of their harvest feast. Suman predates the arrival of the Spanish and American colonizers of the Philippines.
www.newcomerbulletin.com
12/5/2011 11:33:12 PM
NEW YEAR SPECIAL
Odd luck on New Year Tsagaan Sar, or New Year festival, is one of the biggest national holidays in Mongolia. On New Year’s Eve, we set the table with traditional food – sheep’s back, buuz and kheviin boov. Buuz is a traditional Mongolian dish stuffed with meat and wrapped with dough. Kheviin Boov is a kind of bun. We arrange the buns in layers on one big plate. The number of layers should be odd. We believe that even number will bring bad luck. We usually drink airag, made of fermented mare’s milk, wine and tea.
We observe some interesting customs. We practice Zolgokh, which is a traditional greeting reserved only for New Year. On the first day of Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian president would address the nation on TV. After that, about 10am, people start to do the Zolgokh – elder people sit, offering a khadag (blue silk scarf) with outstretched hands and upturned palms and say, “May you be healthy and happy.”Then we eat a bit and drink a little. The Zolgokh lasts for 3-5 days.
Munkhsuvd Gansukh, 18, is from Mongolia
Your place, your zouni The Japanese celebrate New Year with special dishes. One of the main dishes that represents Japanese New Year is called zouni, a rice-cake soup. Zouni has many varieties, which reflect the characteristics of the different regions in Japan. People from western Japan use miso – fragmented soy bean – as soup base. In Hiroshima, oyster is a core ingredient of zouni to denote its fame for oyster. In Hokkaido, which is surrounded by the sea, people add seafood to their zouni. The shape of rice cakes, called mochi, also varies. Generally speaking, square rice cakes are used in eastern Japan, while round or oval ones are used in western Japan.
Kaori Sogame is a kinesiology student at the University of Western Ontario in London
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Zouni in Kagawa is a soup of round rice cake in miso broth. The rice cake has a sweet red bean paste, called anko, in it. The practice of using rice cake with anko dates back to a time when sugar was a luxury to ordinary people. The poor simmered red beans with sugar and put the paste in the rice cake for zouni. Then they get to enjoy the luxury, just like the wealthy, at least once a year.
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12/5/2011 11:33:17 PM
NEW YEAR SPECIAL
LECHE FLAN
Eggs
GET COOKING 1. Mix sugar and water. Bring to a boil until the sugar caramelizes. 2. Pour the caramelized sugar into molds. 3. Mix well the evaporated milk, condensed milk, egg yolks and vanilla. 4. Pour the mixture on top of the caramel on the molds. Fill the molds to about 1 to 1 1/4 inch thick. 5. Cover molds with aluminum foil. 6. Steam or bake for about 45 minutes. Before baking, place molds on a larger baking pan half filled with very hot water. Pre-heat oven to about 370 degrees. 7. Let it cool then refrigerate.
INGREDIENTS 1 can (390g) evaporated milk 1 can (390g) condensed milk 10 egg yolks 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon essence For the caramel: 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup water
Sugar
Milk
If you find a cheaper price, simply show us and we will match.* in our store simply show us an advertisement or receipt and we will sell you that item at the same price. We will match
Dieter & Darcy’s nofrills. 230 George St. N. Peterborough size and attributes) and for produce, meat and bakery items, we reserve the right to determine a comparable item. (705)and 742-5167 ‘Our major competitors’ ‘geographical trade areas’ are competitor’s advertisement or within 7 days of the date of
determined solely by us and are based on a number of factors which can change from time to time. Excludes ‘multi-buys’ (eg. 2 for $4); ‘spend x get x’; ‘Free’; and discounts obtained through loyalty programs.
Ken’s nofrills. 1866 Lansdowne St. W. Peterborough (705) 742-1934
www.shopnofrills.ca
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12/5/2011 11:33:28 PM
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Suite 7, Chamber Business Centre 175 George Street North Peterborough, ON K9J 3G6 Phone: (705) 772-7172 Fax: (705) 743-2331 E-mail: marketing@mediaplusvillage.com www.mediaplusvillage.com
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• MAIL Suite 7, Chamber Business Centre 175 George Street North, Peterborough, ON K9J 3G6 NAME ADDRESS CITY/PROVINCE/ZIP WINTER 2012 | NEWCOMER BULLETIN
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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
CANOE JOURNEYTHROUGH WATERWAYS AND LIFEWAYS BY CANDACE SHAW
S
o much of the history of Canada is the history of the newcomer; because few written records exist of the indigenous peoples before the Europeans arrived, impressions of many Canadians of their nation are almost always seen through the eyes of people expe riencing each other’s culture for the first time. Nowhere is that more clear than at the Canadian Canoe Museum, which chronicles the individual struggles and triumphs of people making their way through the land with little in common besides their mode of transport – the canoe. In comparison with the well-documented and celebrated histories of many nations, where rulers and armies race triumphantly across the imagination, Canadians often wonder about their history: where is our Taj Mahal, our Great Wall, our thousand-year tradition of literature? Which is why
visitors to the Canadian Canoe Museum often find themselves surprised and overcome with pride when they view the exhibits, and realize that the Canadian history is as fascinating and filled with thrilling stories as any. For new Canadians, there is a sense of shared experience – those early explorers and fur traders left their families and culture to try and find success and good fortune in a new world, one full of uncertainty and new experien ces. There is the welcome and guidance which the indigenous peoples of North America offered to these newcomers, without whose assistance many early settlers would certainly have failed. There is the sense of adventure, of learning new languages, customs and lands. It is a familiar story to people who have made the courageous choice to start a new life in Canada, and a central part of the story of this country.
Workshop participants carve their own paddles. Photo by Beth Stanley 28
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Families take a ride in the Peterborough Lift Lock as part of the National Canoe Day celebrations. Photo by Candace Shaw
Far from being merely a building filled with artifacts, the museum is a house of stories; wal king through the exhibits, both new Canadians and long-time residents feel a sense of connection to the people who built this
in its guest book, “Your attempt to preserve the past only intensifies our desire to make Canada our home.” The comment touched the heart of many museum staff members and volunteers, and reaffirmed their goal
Visitors to the museum will gain a new understanding of Canadian culture and values, and how those came to be. country, to their hopes and dreams and vision of the future.
to connect Canadians and those who love Canada to their heritage.
Visitors to the museum will gain a new understanding of Canadian culture and values, and how those came to be. Though the canoe is a simple vessel, it has shaped cultural identity.
The Canadian Canoe Museum allows people to see as it really is – something to celebrate, to appreciate, and to take pride in.
A recent visitor to the museum from India wrote
The Canadian Canoe Museum is open seven days a week. Admission is free with the Peterborough Welcome Pass. ■ www.newcomerbulletin.com
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ADVERTORIAL who have obtained their CWB welding tickets and signified intention to come to Canada, will receive assistance through the immigration-application process by the Carmela Valles Immigration Consulting (CVIC). An informal labor-market survey conducted separately by both CWS and CVIC before the tri-level partnership showed a significant shortage of welders in Central East Ontario. The rest of the country follows the same trend.
Training tomorrow’s welders
welders in hot demand
T
he welding industry in Canada is at a crossroads. As fewer young welders step in to take the place of baby-boom welders, who are now preparing to head for the exit into retirement, a severe skilled-worker shortfall in the already-shorthanded welding industry is likely to take its turn for the worse. The worker deficit comes against a backdrop of an oil industry gathering steam and of multi-billion contracts awarded by the Department of National Defence in October 2011 to build a fleet of com-
bat and civilian ships. Throughout the life of the 30-year shipbuilding contracts, thousands of tradespeople, including welders, will be needed.
MAIN HURDLE Although the federal government has listed welders and related machine operators as priority occupations for immigration to Canada, applications from foreign-trained welders came in trickles. For the 2010-2011 intake cycle ending June 30, 2011, Citizenship and Immigration Canada received only 82 applications, way too short of the approved 1,000 annual cap. In the current intake cycle ending June 30, 2012, applications received, as of November 17, 2011, were only a total of 20 against the revised annual cap of 500. In contrast, two job categories have already filled their quota while others are well on the way toward reaching their ceiling.
hindering the immigration application of overseas welders is the lack of a Canadian certification or ticket, something which employers recognize as proof of competence. In fact, the process of bringing foreign-trained welders into Canada is quite like the chicken-and-egg dilemma: Foreign-trained welders will have difficulty entering Canada for work without a CWB certification; yet, they need to come to Canada to obtain CWB certification. Coming to Canada to get certified is virtually impossible – except for applicants from countries that do not require entry visas to travel to Canada. That hurdle is understood to have been crossed through a CWB-accredited welder-training facility that provides certification services for overseas welders.
CANADIAN C
The growing shortage of welders in Canada requires drastic measures before more and more important large-scale projects run into major setbacks. Enter the Canadian Welding Skills (CWS), a private welder-training center in Ennismore, Ontario.
Since the early 1970s, there has been a serious reduction in trades training for young people at the high school and college levels, Mr. Bennett said.
WELDING W
SKILLS S
A welder for nearly four decades, CWS owner Jon Bennett is in the forefront of an effort to establish a Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB)-certified weldertraining facility in the Philippines that would qualify welders from overseas for jobs in Canada.
A major stumbling block
According to the Canadian Welding Association, the average age of a welder in today’s work force is about 55. Imagine what the landscape will be like in only a few years down the road. ■
We are a privately owned and operated welder CWS has partnered with Cebu City-based Brilliant training center. Instruction Metal Craft and Machine Design to establish is theavailable for entry-level facility. Ultimately, graduates from the training facility,well Jon Bennett at work Carmela and Ramon Valles, Jon Bennett, Edward Dampor Sr. and Olga Palatics as as experienced welders who wish to up30 NEWCOMER BULLETIN | WINTER 2012 www.newcomerbulletin.com grade their skills. Bulletin Layout Winter.indd 30
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W an tra is a as we gr
N CANADIAN
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
• WELDER TRAINING
G WELDING
• WELDER TRAINING
Courses are asas unique and varied as our wide client base. ProfesCourses are as unique and varied our wide client base. Professional instruction by certified instructors is available in all processsional instruction by certified instructors is available in all processes, all alloys and in all positions. Training sessions can be arranged es, all alloys and in all positions. Training sessions can be arranged to suit your time schedules. to suit your time schedules.
S SKILLS
• WELDING INSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTS • WELDING INSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTS
Our welder training methodsspread have a wide spread reputation for Our welder training methods have a wide reputation for being the most efficient from many points of view. Small class being the most efficient from many points of view. Small class sizes, usually only 5 per instructor, result in maximum instructor time sizes, usually only 5 per instructor, result in maximum instructor time for each student. for each student.
• WELDER CERTIFICATION • WELDER CERTIFICATION Many forms of certification services are available. Many forms of certification services are available.
ned We are a privately owned and operated welder training center. Instruction ion is available for entry-level vel as well as experienced welders who wish to uppwww.newcomerbulletin.com grade their skills. Bulletin Layout Winter.indd 31
Shop Address Shop Address 576 Robinson Road 576 Robinson RoadOntario Ennismore, Ennismore, Ontario Mailing Address Mailing Address 1010 Ward Street 1010 Ward Street Bridgenorth, Ontario K0L 1H0 Bridgenorth, Ontario K0L 1H0 Phone: (705) 292-0494 (705) 292-0931 292-0494 Phone: (705)Fax: jonathan@weldingskills.com Fax: (705) 292-0931 www.weldingskills.com31 jonathan@weldingskills.com WINTER 2012 | NEWCOMER BULLETIN www.weldingskills.com 12/5/2011 11:34:04 PM
cla�.work.
Bringing the real world to the cla�r�m
Sch�l of Busine�, Trades and Technology Our school is built on experiential learning, from industry-sponsored applied projects, work placements and co-op, to international exchange programs. This means our students graduate with the practical, real-world experience employers are looking for. Designed to develop your competitive EDGE and help you stand out in today’s tight job market, all our programs incorporate Environmental Responsibility, Diversity, Global Perspectives and Experience.
STARTING IN JANUARY: � Many full-time Business, Hospitality, Culinary and Skilled Trades programs � New, one year (37-week) post-graduate certificate in International Business Management.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CERTIFICATES � Small Business Accounting � Human Resources Management � Office Administration (online only) �
Writing for Professionals is an excellent online certificate to develop writing skills. These courses can also be taken individually and include courses such as Writing Grammatically, Technical Communications, Business Report Writing and Writing Sales Material.
�
Communications 1 focuses on developing and practising the fundamentals of Standard English, including grammar and sentence structure.
Fleming also offers a number of fun, outdoor courses where newcomers can meet new friends and practice their spoken English.
Visit our website for detailed information on all our programs:
Flemingcoege.ca
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