APRIL 2016 | FREE
ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.
DEFENDING FREEDOM Syrian-born lawyer
GHUNA BDIWI
advocates for human rights
Publications mail agreement number 40011993
Voting is on for
2016 Liberal immigration plan
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CONTENTS 4
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SUCCESS STORY
PROFILE: V-chip developer Najmul Siddiqui NEWS: Voting starts for Top 25 awards Lawyer Ghuna Bdiwi fought for freedom in her country of Syria, and now volunteers her legal expertise to Canadians wishing to sponsor refugees
12 LIVING
With new mortgage rules and a rising market in many parts of Canada, is it a good time to become a first-time homebuyer?
18 WELCOME REFUGEES
Tips for the newly landed as they find their way in Canada
23 IMMIGRANT SETTLEMENT GUIDE
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24 SETTLEMENT
Dream home? A big part of the Canadian dream is becoming a homeowner.
IMMIGRATION LAW: 2016 Liberal immigration plan
26 CAREERS & EDUCATION
CAREER COACH: Lights. Camera. YouTube. JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES: Where to turn for help
28 MONEY & BUSINESS
Party mama business MY TWO CENTS: Get a good credit score HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO Cover photo by Alessandro Shinoda
“Canada was built by citizen immigrants, people who come here permanently with their families to become Canadians.” - Hon. John McCallum, MP Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Become a Regulated Immigration Consultant Full-time | Part-time | Online Contact a program adviser at 604.628.5784 or Toll free 1.844.628.5784 or apply online. www.ashtoncollege.ca Ashton College
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People. News. Information.
profile
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 4 APRIL 2016 Group Publishers Gautam Datt Sharma Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Margaret Jetelina mjetelina@metroland.com Senior Editor Baisakhi Roy broy@metroland.com Editorial Design Terry Lankstead, Anne Nawrocka Courtland Shakespeare
Najmul
Siddiqui TV tech inventor By Shruti Ganapathy
Digital Media Developer Kamil Mytnik Advertising Sales Sr. Ad Manager (B.C. and Alberta) Alla Gordeeva alla@canadianimmigrant.ca Tel: 778 558 3397 Sr. Ad Manager (Toronto) Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 National Sales Manager Varun Munjal vmunjal@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8169 Sales Events & Marketing Coordinator Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146
Subscription rate in Canada: $36 plus HST for 12 issues Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher
Publications mail agreement number: 40065097 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 3145 Wolfedale Road Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 3A9 Printed on recycled paper. Toronto Circulation 50,000 copies Vancouver Circulation 30,000 copies Calgary Circulation 3,000 copies Canadian Immigrant is published monthly and distributed free throughout Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. Canadian Immigrant welcomes submissions, but is not responsiblefor unsolicited material. Canadian Immigrant is a publication of Metroland Media Group, a division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Entire contents property of Canadian Immigrant.
canadianimmigrant.ca TORONTO 3145 Wolfedale Road, Mississauga Ontario, L5C 3A9 Tel: 905 273 8111, Fax: 905 277 9917
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left Najmul Siddiqui, O. Ont., developed the parental control technology for TVs, known as the V-chip.
H
e is the man who brought the V-chip — parental control technology — to Canadian television sets, helping parents control what their young children can access. Founder of TriVision Electronics, Najmul Siddiqui is a Canadian immigrant success story. Awarded the Order of Ontario last year, Siddiqui currently devotes much of his time to playing the role of doting grandfather to his seven grandchildren, and serving as a member of the board of directors for the Islamic Centre of Markham. He is actively involved in fundraising to create education and community wings for the Islamic Centre, with an aim to build a holistic guided centre that will help steer the youth of today in the right direction. Why did you start Tri-Vision in 1986? As an engineer, I had an extremely well-paying job with Litton Systems, working in a managerial post with engineers. However, the idea that I was working on — technology that would eventually be used in war missiles — irked me. It was emotionally disturbing for me to continue working because it didn’t align with my purpose to serve God and humanity. But it prompted me to quit my job and start Tri-Vision. Initially, I worked out of my basement, repairing and refurbishing TVs and converters. Eventually Tri-Vision Electron-
ics had more than 200 products with its design and name. What is the secret behind your success? Starting Tri-Vision Electronics was a well-thought-out decision. I personally believe that if the decision is yours, you put 100 per cent of your heart and soul into it, chances are you’ll do well. There is a very popular saying: “Success leaves a clue.” But the way to achieve success has to be followed in its entirety. You can’t pick the bits and pieces that suit you. First, you have to make up your mind as to what you want to do. It has to be something like playtime. That is what will help you work around the clock, go to bed at 2 a.m. and wake up feeling fresh and energetic at 5 a.m. Second, you have to focus on the task at hand as something that has to work. It helps you focus on solutions instead of problems and helps you move ahead in a positive direction in life. What was the most difficult moment you faced in your career? One year I lost $8 million. I spent all the money in making and advertising 100,000 units of a certain product that didn’t move off the shelves. For a few days, I didn’t know what I would do. But it was during that time, when I was looking for a solution that I came across what I would do next — promote the
V-chip parental control device. We signed more than 200 licenses with TV manufacturers and set-top box manufacturers, and I became so intent in producing these that I completely forgot about the loss I had faced. In your philanthropic venture with the Islamic Centre of Markham, you are aiming to positively guide youth in your community. Why is this important to you? The youth of today are full of energy. And their energy needs to be channelled in the right direction for the benefit of society. They have to be kept occupied in some way. And they need support in that direction. I believe the biggest challenge today for youth is the environment. The requirements for daily living have changed drastically. In our times, we were happy with the basic necessities — a stove and a fridge. A microwave and TV were considered a luxury. Telephones didn’t change every two years. Philosophies were different. We had the ability to live more within our means. That has changed. The youth today want to live to their maximum capacity. But they may not be able to afford everything they want. They need more flexibility. It’s not that you will never get what you’re looking for. But you need to have a little bit of patience and be more humbled in terms of acceptance. facebook.com/canimmigrant
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QUOTABLE
Vote now for Top 75 finalists
says Christine Shisler, director, multicultural markets, RBC. “Each year, we receive hundreds of nominations, and now we’re looking for the Top 25 whose contributions to Canada and their drive to make a difference in the community stands out above others. Already the shortlist is impressive, so make sure to use your voice to vote for these extraordinary people who are making a difference for all of us.” You can now vote for up to three of your favourite finalists online at canadianimmigrant.ca/ rbctop25 until May 13, 2016. The 25 winners will then be announced in late June.
Canadian Immigrant has kicked off the online voting for its eighth annual RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards. A shortlist of 75 finalists is now online at canadianimmigrant.ca/ rbctop25. To name just a few, the finalists include filmmaker Leon Lee, author Emma Donoghue, nonprofit leader Mina Mawani and concert pianist Avan Yu, among many others who represent diverse fields and regions from across the country. “The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards were created to recognize the efforts of truly inspirational individuals,”
This visit reminds us of what we love about Canada. It’s the solidarity shown by so many Canadians after 9/11 … It’s the courage of your service members, standing with us in Afghanistan and now in Iraq. It’s the compassion of the Canadian people welcoming refugees — and the Prime Minister himself, who told those refugees, ‘You’re safe at home now.’” — U.S. President Barack Obama, during the Canadian state visit in March.
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We can’t carry weapons, but we can carry pens and we can use research to rebuild our country.” 8
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SUCCESS STORY
HUMAN RIGHTS defender
Lawyer Ghuna Bdiwi fought for freedom in her country of Syria, and now volunteers her legal expertise to Canadians wishing to sponsor Syrian refugees By Vivien Fellegi
G
Photos by Alessandro Shinoda
huna Bdiwi was a commercial lawyer with a cushy practice when the Syrian revolution of 2011 shattered her comfortable life. From her window at home, she remembers gazing proudly as youth decorated in the colours of the revolutionary flag marched rhythmically back and forth chanting “Freedom” at the top of their lungs. She also remembers witnessing a crowd of peaceful protesters mowed down by security forces. She beckoned to them to come into her home, but they scattered in panic. Shortly after, she saw the smug face of her country’s leader, Bashar al-Assad, broadcast on television as he denied the legitimate demands of her people. That’s when she realized that she just couldn’t watch the uprising from the sidelines anymore. “I had to defend those people because they’re right. I wanted my country to live in freedom and dignity,” she says. So she abandoned the legal needs of her clientele made up of financiers and banks, and sprang to the defence of the dissidents. Bdiwi explains that the Syrian uprising began as a peaceful movement demanding dignity and freedom from the authoritarian president. “We were optimistic at the beginning,” she says. But the hope for reform was summarily squashed as Assad’s iron fist cracked down on everyone who dared to oppose him. Protesters were either shot or thrown into prison. Bdiwi migrated to the safety of Canada, but has continued to help her compatriots from here.
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On Dec. 13, 2015, the attorney was honoured with the International Human Rights Award bestowed by the International Center for Human Rights. The award is given to activists fighting for freedom in countries where liberty is in short supply. Bdiwi was characteristically humble when she found out about the honour. “I feel that this award has to go to Syrian activists who are still inside Syria,” says Bdiwi. It was her legal expertise that allowed her to make a difference in the fight for freedom back then and still today. “I always felt obliged to help people,” Bdiwi says, and becoming a lawyer was an obvious path for her to achieve that. “My mom was a lawyer — it was something in my blood,” she says. Bdiwi used to listen spellbound as her mother, a criminal attorney, told stories at the dinner table about her work protecting clients. Her mother taught her not only the basics of the law, but also its ethical mandate. In high school she would protect her fellow students from instructors who either ignored them or were rude to them. “I used to tell my teachers that they’re behaving illegally and if they don’t respect the law, I’m going to tell the minister about them,” she says. Bdiwi’s mother would laugh and tell her she had the feisty personality of a lawyer. Bdiwi turned her legal talent toward a much more challenging fight for justice, of course. “I dedicated my life to advocate for the non-violent uprising in Syria,” she says. She organized workshops on >>
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above Ghuna Bdiwi found her footing in Canada going back to school as a PhD candidate at York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School. << freedom and democracy to educate the activists about their rights. She organized a group of lawyers to defend the revolutionaries, and she personally represented cases that other attorneys didn’t dare touch, including that of youth who had been tortured by the government. Her proudest accomplishment was rescuing a close friend from prison. Farah, whose name means “happiness” in Arabic, was an optimist who believed that the revolution would achieve its goals. Her only crime had been to deliver food and medicine to the revolutionaries hiding from the security intelligence. Bdiwi submitted petitions to the authorities, pleading with them to release her. It worked. Her friend was discharged from prison after three months of incarceration. Even after serving jail time, she was still positive. As she hugged Bdiwi, she told her, “It was fun being inside because I was able to have a new experience in life.” But Bdiwi was profoundly relieved. “I felt very good — you can’t do a lot in Syria,” she says. But these triumphs were few and far between. In many cases, President Assad’s opponents simply vanished, and the best Bdiwi could do was track down the detention centres where they were held and inform their desperate families of their location. “It was painful for me because we were not really able to accomplish all the work we wanted to do,” she says. “But at least we were able to sometimes make a small change.” As the revolution progressed, Bdiwi’s work grew increasingly dangerous. The president’s regime began detaining Bdiwi’s lawyer friends, and she knew her number was up. But, despite the risks, Bdiwi claims she was never afraid. “When you’re looking to help your country, you don’t care about your life,” she says. Far from fearing for her safety, she cherished the chance to raise her voice and say “No” to corruption, she says. “The revolution was like love — it was the most glorious time of my life.” But Bdiwi was also a mother, and she knew she had to protect her daughter from the perils she shrugged off. So Bdiwi and her daughter, Mai, fled to Canada in December 2012. Bdiwi encountered a whole new set of challenges in her adopted homeland. “It was not easy for me at all,” she says. “I had to start from scratch.” Leaving behind all her friends and family was tough, especially as she con-
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tinued to worry about their welfare. She missed the spicy Middle Eastern food, the warm weather and the joyous culture of her homeland. Most of all, she felt lonely. “Back home I had many friends and relatives. It was so hard to be alone,” she says. Bdiwi found her footing by going back to school. York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School, where she was accepted to pursue a PhD, became a second home. Professors and colleagues gave her a warm welcome, she says. They helped her with her legal research and often invited her home for dinner. She spent hours in the library, relearning the principles of law from a Canadian perspective. There was no time to feel sorry for herself. Bdiwi also nurtured her bond with her daughter, and her interest in her mother’s work. Even back in Syria, Mai was listening to her mother’s television show on legal matters. By age nine, she was an expert on family law cases. Now, in Canada, Bdiwi takes Mai to conferences and on business trips. Not surprisingly, Mai wants to grow up to be a lawyer. “We have the same relationship as my mom and I had,” says Bdiwi. “She’s very close to me.” Today, Bdiwi feels hopeful about her future. Since her arrival in Toronto three years ago, she has been awarded several fellowships, has won numerous awards and has completed her master’s in law. For her PhD she is trying to pin down the basis on which war criminals should be punished. This research will help politicians and lawyers determine whether dictators like Assad should be jailed or granted mercy. Bdiwi hopes this knowledge will one day help her native country. “It is very important,” she says. “We can’t carry weapons, but we can carry pens and we can use research to rebuild our country,” she says. Meanwhile, Bdiwi continues to help her compatriots in need, volunteering her legal expertise to Canadians wishing to sponsor their Syrian relatives. To her, their relief and gratitude is more than enough payment. “When I see people happy and safe and able to come here, I feel happy. That’s my money,” she says. Bdiwi believes all newcomers to Canada can build a satisfying life here. “Everyone in Canada is helpful, and if you work hard you will find your destiny for sure.” facebook.com/canimmigrant
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DREAM HOME?
With new mortgage rules and a rising market in many parts of Canada, is it a good time to become a first-time homebuyer? By Nic Enright-Morin 12
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LIVING
P
eople move to Canada for a multitude of reasons: new career opportunities, a safe place to raise a family and, simply speaking, dreams of a better life. For many newcomers, a big part of the Canadian dream is becoming a homeowner. But for many immigrants, the prospect of owning a home can seem overwhelming and with property prices on the rise in many parts of the country, it may feel like an impossible dream. To find out if home ownership is a good idea, Canadian Immigrant talked to real estate experts across the country to get the scoop on what it really takes. Getting into the market Philippines-born Narima Dela Cruz, who has been a realtor in Surrey, B.C., since 2006, says helping newcomers become homeowners is a vocation that she holds dear to her heart. “It makes me happy when I’m able to help a newcomer make their biggest investment in Canada. It also makes me nostalgic, as it reminds me of my own journey when I went through the process myself.” Dela Cruz says that in order to get your foot on the property ladder, one of the most important steps is to establish a good credit history with the bank, so that when the time comes to apply for a mortgage, you already have that proof that you pay your bills and loans on time. “New immigrants to Canada have to make sure their credit rating is built up, that is first and foremost, because hardly anyone is able to buy in cash. So you need a good credit rating to get a mortgage,” she explains. “I tell new immigrants to build their own credit rating independently. This is especially important for women, to be independent from their spouse. This means getting a credit card, and putting some utilities in your name. Then you have to use the credit card and keep up to date with the payments, as this will help build your line of credit and you start from there.” Dela Cruz adds that saving as much money as you can for a down payment is another important thing to do, especially with new mortgage rules announced in February 2016. The federal government modified the rules on minimum down payments for new mortgages in Canada — and these changes could affect a lot of first-time homebuyers, especially in cities like Vancouver and Toronto where the housing market is at a premium. While previously homebuyers could put down as little as a five per cent down payment, now that only applies toward the first $500,000 spent. For homes that cost more (which isn’t that hard to find!), there will now be a blended higher rate: five per cent down on the first $500,000 of the purchase price and 10 per cent down on any amount above that.
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Let’s crunch those numbers into perspective: before the new rules, if you were buying a house for $700,000, you would have only needed a down payment of $35,000. Under the new regulations, the minimum down payment for the same property would be $45,000 — a jump of $10,000. Since the move is aimed at homes in the higher price brackets, it is hoped that the rest of Canada’s real estate market won’t be greatly affected. However, recent immigrants trying to buy a home in Vancouver or Toronto, where the average price for a single-family home is well over $500,000, will feel the sting of this new rule. Dela Cruz says that she tells new immigrants who come to her for advice that, “You have to really set your mind to purchasing one day. Don’t become complacent if owning your own home is your dream. You have to budget. Don’t overspend, just spend money on the basics so that you can start saving, because eventually you will need a down payment.” Dela Cruz adds that in B.C., where the property prices are the highest in Canada, you shouldn’t lose hope. “The B.C. real estate industry is known for being at the highend, as far as Canada is concerned, so it is definitely more difficult to acquire a property here, especially with the competition from outside investors,” Dela Cruz says. “But it is important to remember that British Columbia is not just Vancouver, you can start from the suburbs, or smaller cities and go from there.” Many immigrants may also consider the option of intergenerational homebuying, i.e., you purchase a home along with your parents or in-laws. You could all live together, or split the home into two independent suites. Dela Cruz says that splitting a home and its costs like this has lots of pros and cons for everyone involved, so if you are considering this option, make sure it’s something that you are all comfortable with. In addition to looking at Vancouver’s suburbs or other parts of the province, you can also start with a small property, like a condominium, and use that as your first step into the market. Eventually, you can sell it and use the equity you’ve built up as a down payment for a larger home. More than about money Elton Hubner is a young Brazilian who moved to Canada five years ago, and bought his first home — a condominium in the heart of Chinatown, Vancouver — last spring, four years after immigrating. “I had a goal that within four years I wanted to buy my own place,” he says. “I was renting an apartment in Yaletown and I realized I was paying the same in rent as I would pay for a mortgage, so I saved as much as I could for the down payment.” >>
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What kind of home can you get for about $500,000 across the country?
VANCOUVER
SASKATOON
1-BEDROOM CONDO IN GASTOWN
4-BEDROOM SINGLE-FAMILY HOME
MONTREAL
KELOWNA 3-BEDROOM DUPLEX
HALIFAX 3-BEDROOM SINGLE-FAMILY HOME
4-BEDROOM SINGLE-FAMILY HOME
SURREY CALGARY WINNIPEG TORONTO
3-BEDROOM NEW TOWNHOME
LONDON
3-BEDROOM SINGLE-FAMILY HOME 4-BEDROOM SINGLE-FAMILY HOME
1-BEDROOM CONDO DOWNTOWN 3-BEDROOM SINGLE-FAMILY HOME *These homes were found among current listings on realtor.ca.
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LIVING
HIDDEN COSTS OF HOMEBUYING Buying a home costs more than just the purchase price. There are many hidden costs in the real estate process. “Not only do you have a down payment, but there are different costs associated with buying a property: land transfer taxes, home inspections, lawyer fees,” says London, Ontario-based realtor Ken Small. “Also there may be some unforeseen costs on closing. People should definitely take that into consideration when planning their budget.” Of course, most condominiums and townhomes have monthly strata maintenance fees, too. There are always moving expenses (hiring movers can be expensive!) and new items you need to purchase for your new home. “Maybe you might need a new washer and dryer, or you might need a lawn mower for your garden,” he says. “It’s little things like that people might not think of as they are going through the process of buying a property.”
EION E R FADMISS
above Realtor Narima Dela Cruz advises newcomers to not fear, but prepare for, the real estate market. Photo by Sandra Minarik << He says that when he first decided to buy a property, budget wasn’t his only concern; he took other factors into consideration. “I did not want to waste time commuting,” says the photographer and videographer. “For me, it was key to be close to my clients, who are all in the downtown area. I also wanted a place where I did not need a car. And, of course, I wanted to find a place that was a good investment for the
future.” London, Ontario-based realtor Ken Small agrees that one of the most important things people need to consider is how a property meets their needs long term because, unlike renting, purchasing a home is a much bigger commitment. “It’s really important that people figure out exactly what they’re looking for in a house,” >>
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<< he says. “The location is important. Potential buyers need to consider what kind of neighbourhood best suits their needs. Does it need to be close to a school, parks, places of worship, public transport? They also have to ask themselves what do they need from the property? Will it need two bedrooms? Three bedrooms? Then they need to ask themselves how long they plan to stay in the property, things like that.” Small adds that, in Ontario, while big cities like Toronto have high property prices, smaller outlying cities like London can be a much better option for first-time homebuyers. “Here in London, the property market is still good. I also usually recommend first-time buyers look at townhouse condos, because typically they are a newer property, so you get more space and more features for a lower price compared to a single-family home.” Look around before you buy Glen Godlonton, a realtor in Calgary who has helped countless newcomers find their first property, says an error that many firsttime homebuyers make is not having a proper look at the kinds of properties available to them, before they decide to jump in and buy. “The biggest mistake that a lot of first-time homebuyers make is that they buy too quickly and they don’t look around enough. They walk into the first house and say, ‘Oh, this is great! It’s got a roof and walls, let’s buy it!’” he says. “But I tell them let’s take a look around, let’s look at some other potentials. Because if you’ve never owned a property before, you might not have as much knowledge as to what you like or what you will need. You’re better off shopping around more and look at different property types. If you’re looking for a condo, maybe look at some townhouses or duplexes in your price point, too.” Godlonton says that prices in the housing market Calgary have come down slightly, due to the drop in the oil and gas industry. However, he says the first-time homebuyer market is still reasonably strong, and there is a lot of selection available. “The other plus is that interest rates are pretty much at an alltime low, so if you take advantage of that and get your mortgaged locked in for five years at a good rate, you have good stability at fairly cheap borrowing costs, so from that perspective, it’s definitely a good time to buy.” Get the right help According to Small, another mistake first-time homebuyers often make is becoming too emotional when buying their property. He says it’s crucial to approach the task with a level head and to do your due diligence; make sure the property is in good condition. To do that, choose the right people to help you achieve your goal. “I recommend that first-time buyers put together a team that consists of a financial planner or mortgage broker, a good lawyer, a good real estate agent as well as a good home inspector. When you do that and the team works together, it should mean that nothing gets missed when purchasing a property.” Ultimately, just like every other milestone you take as a newcomer in Canada, buying your first home is a challenge, but with the right information, strategy and team in place, anything is possible. As Dela Cruz says, “Focus on the goal if you want to be a homeowner. Build a plan. Believe that you can do it if you work hard. Every newcomer must believe they can do that and I really want them to believe in the dream.”
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A HELPING
HAND By Janet Nicol
Tips for new refugees as they find their way in Canada
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ost immigrants arriving to Canada have made the choice to move here. Refugees, in contrast, are fleeing war, violence and persecution, and may arrive with few material possessions. Canada is one of 28 countries to resettle 100,000 refugees a year from countries around the world, and has welcomed more than 25,000 refugees from Syria specifically, as of the end of February. Syrians continue to experience an intense humanitarian crisis, with more than half the country’s population being displaced to other regions or escaping to other countries, like Canada. Once in Canada, government-assisted refugees (GARs) from all countries are helped with their basic needs by settlement workers. Privately sponsored refugees (PSRs) access resources independently, with assistance from their sponsor. Regardless of their country of origin or method of arrival, the information you will need to learn is the same. Canadian Immigrant’s new “Welcome Refugees” special hopes to offer lots of facts and tips about living in Canada, starting with these four essential first tips for positive settlement in Canada:
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1. Ask for help or information when you need it. 2. Start building a network of new friends. 3. Learn the English language. 4. Learn about your new home.
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WELCOME REFUGEES
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11 essential steps for the first three months
Visit immigrant-serving organizations, public libraries and local neighbourhood houses to learn about the services they provide to newcomers, from English language training to counselling.
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Begin the application process for important documents, including: • a government health insurance card, so you can receive medical care in Canada; you should apply as soon as possible after arriving in Canada • a social insurance number (SIN), as you cannot work in Canada without a SIN.
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Open a Canadian bank account.
Explore your city and learn about the transportation options available. You will require a Canadian driver’s licence if you plan to drive in Canada.
Access translation services and begin learning or improving English. Settlement agencies can direct you to free classes. Access information on job postings, how to adapt your resumé for Canadian employers and mentorship programs through immigrant-serving organizations as well.
Learn about housing options and how to search for a place to rent. Listings for rental apartments, houses and condominiums can be found online, in local newspapers and at real estate agencies.
Register your children in a neighbourhood public school. Contact the school or school district office. Learn about Canadian laws and values, as well as your rights and civic responsibilities as a resident of Canada.
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Find a doctor or health care centre where you can go for your medical needs. Make
an appointment for a medical check-up and vaccination update when you receive your government health insurance card. You can also learn about counselling services, if you require help for trauma or other psychological and emotional needs. Refugees requiring counselling can access mental health services at no cost, but must be referred by their doctor. As many as two-thirds of refugees suffer from a mental health issues, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Memorize the national emergency telephone number — 9-1-1. If you experience a medical or other type of emergency, call 9-1-1 for help.
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April 2016
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WELCOME REFUGEES
Canadian contributions
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anadians have contributed to society in many fields — from art to medicine to sports. Our celebrated artists, such as Emily Carr and the Group of Seven have painted landscapes of Canada’s frozen Arctic, emerald rain forests and ocean coastlines. Alice Munro won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013 for her insightful short stories about ordinary Canadians. Canadians are among the best hockey players in the world, which comes as no surprise since the ice sport was invented here in the 19th century. It was also Canadians who invented basketball, medical insulin, pablum and snowmobiles. We can be very funny,
Adapting to the climate
too, and have lots of talented comedians like Rick Mercer, Martin Short, Jim Carrey and Russell Peters. Canada is also known as a nation of immigrants, and there are countless stories of immigrants who came to Canada and made it a better place. (Just check out the people nominated for this year’s RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards at canadianimmigrant. ca/rbctop25!)
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f you arrived in Canada between December and February, you came here in the coldest possible months! By now, you’ll have noticed the temperatures are getting warmer, thank goodness. But depending on which part of Canada you now call home, the climate (with temperatures measured in Celsius) can be very different across this vast country. But all regions enjoy four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.
SPRING (March 21 to June 20) • warm daytime temperatures but nights remain cool • frequent rain • leaves and flowers start to bloom first on the west coast and then in other parts of Canada SUMMER (June 21 to Sept. 20) • hot days and nights, with temperatures normally above 20 degrees Celsius, and sometimes rising above 30 degrees • the east coast can get extremely hot and humid AUTUMN (Sept. 21 to Dec. 20) • also called fall, leaves on the
trees begin to change colour and “fall” as the temperature drops • the west coast can get very rainy and grey • snow may start to fall in November and December in the east WINTER (Dec. 21 to March 20) • temperatures usually stay below freezing (zero degrees Celsius), except on the west coast • temperatures in some parts of the country drop to -25 degrees Celsius • the wind chill factor can make it feel even colder • winter conditions can be slippery so use caution!
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TORONTO
HALIFAX
CALGARY
June 8, 2016
September 9, 2016
October 17, 2016
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
World Trade & Convention Centre
EION E R FADMISS CAREER
Telus Convention Centre
FAIR
EDUCATION
& SETTLEMENT IMMIGRANT
SAVE THE Get motivated for success at our 2016 Career, DATES! Education & Settlement Immigrant Fairs in 6 cities Learn more at: canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair
EDMONTON
VANCOUVER
WINNIPEG
October 19, 2016
November 16, 2016
May 30, 2016
Shaw Conference Centre
Vancouver Public Library
Radisson Winnipeg Downtown
Want to take part in our fairs as an exhibitor or sponsor? Contact us! Toronto, Halifax Ricky Bajaj Tel: 905-273-8170 Email: rbajaj@metroland.com twitter.com/@canimmigrant
Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton & Winnipeg Alla Gordeeva Tel: 778-558-3397 Email: alla@canadianimmigrant.ca
Brought to you by:
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April 2016
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WELCOME REFUGEES
A brief history of Canada
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hen settling into a new country, learning about its history and culture will help make you feel more at home. The story of Canada begins 3,000 years ago with the Aboriginal Peoples, made up of hundreds of cultural groups who lived from coast to coast, speaking a diversity of languages. In the 1600s, as Europeans began arriving, aboriginal people helped them to survive. As the settler population increased, relations with aboriginal people became more hostile. French and English armies fought over land and resources, ending in an English victory in 1759. The language and religion of the French were accepted under the new British laws, setting the foundation for a bilingual Canada. By 1800, there were six British colonies — Upper and Lower Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland — with economies based on farming, lumber and fishing. By the 1850s, huge waves of immigrants escaping poverty, famine and land removal in Great Britain, as well as slavery in the United States, had settled in the colonies. The elected politicians began discussing the idea of uniting the colonies into an independent nation, otherwise known as Confederation.
A country is born On July 1, 1867, Canada was born, a constitutional monarchy with federal and provincial legislatures. Prime Minister John A. Macdonald, of the Conservative Party, led the first government from the nation’s capital of Ottawa. Macdonald
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envisioned a country “from sea to sea,” to be joined by building a railway, bringing in Chinese migrants to do the dangerous work. His dream came true in 1885, when the last spike was hammered into a track in British Columbia. As more provinces and territories joined Canada, the way of life for Aboriginal Peoples was severely impacted. They were pushed onto land reserves and their children were forced to assimilate through residential schooling. (In 2008, the federal government apologized for its residential school policies. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has since made recommendations for making amends for these historic wrongs).
Modern Canada Wilfred Laurier, a Liberal Party member, was the country’s first French-Canadian Prime Minister and led Canada into the 20th century. The country expanded as immigrants continued to arrive. Canadians participated from start to finish in both the First World War (1914-1918) and the Second World War (1939-1945). The post-war era saw many displaced Europeans immigrate to Canada. We began to pride ourselves as peacekeepers on the world stage. Since the 1970s, as the racial diversity of newcomers expanded, Canadians have been celebrating the country’s multicultural identity. Canada’s reputation as a country of peace and a mosaic of cultures continues on in the 21st century. 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
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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
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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
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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 orgwww.sbsccanada.org
• English
Community services for cultural and recreational activities, including classic poetry recitation events and Chinese traditional music concerts, with funds collected from its own members; supports for seniors groups for cultural and recreational activities; promotions for cultural exchange with the main stream society and many minorities’ cultural groups. Email: thomas@nahst.org www.nahst.org
• English • Mandarin • Cantonese
Settlement Services: assist immigrants to integrate and become established and contributing members of Canadian society. English Language Classes are instructor-led, and supported by a computer lab. Job-specific, advanced-level Enhanced Language Training available. Supports to assist in developing the skills needed to find work: resumé/cover letter preparation, interview readiness and information about accreditation, workplace practices, Canadian employer expectations. Other services available. Email: info@welcomecentre.ca www.welcomecentre.ca
• English
197 County Court Blvd. Suite 303 Brampton ON L6W 4P6 Phone: 905-790-8482 Fax: 905-874-6100
Job Skills Employment & Business Programs & Supports Locations in Markham, Brampton, Keswick and Newmarket Phone: 1-866-592-6278 Madison Community Services Recovery during Immigration & Settlement (RISE) Program – funded by CIC. 400-210 Dundas St. W Toronto, On M5G 2E8 Phone: 416-977-1333 x 119 madisoncs.org/programsservices/cic-rise-program/ Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto 2737 Keele Street North York ON M3M 2E9 Phone: 647-776-2057 Multinational Small & Medium Business Community Center (MSMBCC) 211 Consumers Road, Suite 300, North York, M2J 4G8 Phone: 647-343-8288 The National Association of Humanity Science and Technology (NAHST) 4675 Steeles Ave. E Unit 2D22 Toronto On M1V 4S5 Or: 3-2375 Brimley Rd. Unit 351 Toronto ON M1S 3L6 Welcome Centre Immigrant Services 7 Locations in York and Durham Regions Phone: 1-877-761-1155
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Languages
English • Arabic Farsi • French Gujarati • Hindi Punjabi • Spanish Tamil • Urdu Tagalog (Filipino)
canadianimmigrant.ca
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SETTLEMENT I M MPI G AR A EN T ITOI N G L A W
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More immigrants coming
n March 8, 2016, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) John McCallum tabled the 2015 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration. It states that in 2016 Canada will welcome between 280,000 and 305,000 immigrants, with a target of 300,000. While this target, if fulfi lled, would be Canada’s highest annual immigration number in more than a century, not all immigration categories are being increased. For starters, 2016 will be a good year for the spouses and common-law partners of Canadians. It also suggests that it will be a frustrating one for economic migrants, especially international graduates seeking to transition to permanent residency. Before proceeding, it is important to note that the 2015 report released a detailed breakdown of immigration statistics for 2014, but not for 2015. As such, as of writing it is only possible to compare what the Liberal government is planning in 2016 with what the previous Conservative government achieved in 2014, and what it planned in 2015. Economic immigration programs In 2016, Canada will accept between 54,000 to 58,400 immigrants in its federal economic immigration programs, which include the federal skilled worker program, the Canadian experience class, and the federal skilled trades class. This represents a significant reduction from the 62,487 individuals admitted through these programs in 2014, and an even greater reduction from the 68,000 to 74,000 immigrants targeted for these programs in 2015. The practical consequence of this reduction will be that the threshold number of points that is required in IRCC’s Express Entry application system to apply for permanent residency will re-
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Liberal immigration plan to welcome 300,000 with increased focus on family reunification
main higher in 2016 than many people would have hoped. The unfortunate reality is that 2016 will remain a frustrating year for many potential economic migrants, especially international graduates, who were especially negatively impacted by the introduction of Express Entry and its comprehensive ranking system that treats foreign and Canadian degrees the same. Although the Liberals state they are committed to exploring reforms to the Canadian experience class to reduce barriers to students, this vague statement will be of little comfort to international graduates who month after month in 2016 remain below the “Invitation to Apply” threshold. In 2016, a further 46,000 to 48,000 immigrants will be admitted through the provincial nominee programs. Prior to the release of this report, Minister McCallum had stated that he would hand more control to the provinces over the selection of economic migrants. Provincial governments can be forgiven for wondering what happened. The Liberal government is also slightly reducing the number of spaces being made available for caregivers, which includes the live-in caregiver program, the high medical needs pathway and the caring for children stream. They are also reducing the number of planned admissions in the business immigration programs, which should dash the hopes of those hoping for a return of the federal immigrant investor program. The overall result is that 2016 will be even a more difficult year than 2015 was for potential economic immigrants to Canada. Obtaining a positive labour
market impact assessment or an Express Entry provincial nomination will be more important than ever. Family class On the other hand, 2016 brings very good news for the spouses and common-law partners of Canadians. The number of admissions in these streams will be between 57,000 to 62,000. This is a substantial increase from the 45,389 people admitted under this category in 2014, and the 45,000 to 48,000 that the previous Conservatives targeted in 2015. Processing times will likely plummet, which will bring great relief to families that are either separated because of immigration, or are in Canada and facing uncertainty. The number of admittances through the parents and grandparent sponsorship programs will be surprisingly only 18,000 to 20,000, which is about the same number processed in 2014 and what it committed to process in 2015. The Liberals earlier this year boasted about increasing the cap of parent and grandparents that IRCC would accept into processing in 2016 from 5,000 to 10,000. By doubling the number of applications accepted into processing without increasing the actual number of admissions, the only result can be slower processing times. Refugees and humanitarian cases By far the biggest change to
Canadian immigration levels in 2016 will be the increase in the number of refugees and protected persons. In 2016, Canada will admit 51,000 to 57,000 protected persons and refugees. Of this, 24,000 to 25,000 will be Government Assisted Refugees (GARs), while 15,000 to 18,000 will be privately sponsored refugees. These levels are more than triple what they were in previous years. IRCC should be able to go above and beyond the government’s commitment to resettling Syrian refugees, and to also help other displaced people. Finally, the Liberals plan on admitting 2,800 to 3,600 to Canada as permanent residents through the humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) stream. This is a slight reduction from previous years. Considering that the Supreme Court of Canada recently ordered IRCC to stop being so restrictive in its processing of these applications, it will be interesting to see if there is a resulting increase in H&C applications, and what sort of backlogs, if any, start to form. Zero-sum game Prior to releasing these numbers, McCallum told the media that immigration to Canada was a “zero-sum game” and that there would always need to be trade-offs. Considering that McCallum writes the rules to the game, it is difficult to understand why he could not maintain economic immigration levels to Canada. These immigrants often already have jobs in Canada and speak one of Canada’s official languages. Their tax dollars could likely help pay for the resettlement of the increased refugee intake.
Steven Meurrens is an immigration lawyer with Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver. Contact him at 604-681-9887, by email at steven.meurrens@larlee.com or visit his blog at smeurrens.com. facebook.com/canimmigrant
IT’S TIME TO VOTE! We received hundreds of inspiring nominations for Canadian immigrants who have made a significant impact since their arrival. Now it's your turn to help choose this year's winners.
Vote Today canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25
CAREERS & EDUCATION CAREER COACH
Lights. Camera. YouTube. Cruise to job victory on the world’s second-largest search engine
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id you know that YouTube is the second most popular search engine in the world, after Google? And Google owns YouTube? Sure, many people still associate YouTube with cute puppy videos, movie trailers and music videos, and while this is all true, did you know YouTube can also be an excellent resource while looking for a job? Yes, using video as a recruitment tool is gaining big momentum in the HR industry. Recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly using employment videos to tell their story and recruit, hire and source candidates for an array of positions. And that explains why even popular sites like Monster.com have dedicated YouTube pages for job search and career development. Not only can you surf lots of “how to” videos on job search and even view virtual interviews, you can use YouTube to promote yourself in interesting ways.
The largest online resource for immigrants to Canada • Expert advice for your career • Tips on successfully settling in Canada • Inspirational stories of successful immigrants • Information on our Career, Education & Settlement Immigrant Fairs Get inspired to succeed!
Visit canadianimmigrant.ca today! 26
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Build your professional brand with a visual resumé Personal branding is key to developing your career, and YouTube is the perfect tool to help you build your brand. You can now post a video of yourself to convey your knowledge and passion for the position. This also lets you demonstrate both your soft, transferrable skills and technical skills in one shot.
Set up an exclusive YouTube channel Consider creating a new Google account to set up a professional YouTube channel that can be exclusive to your job search. This can now be an additional asset to let prospective employers understand your value and your brand. Then share a few brief videos that show you highlighting your skills and familiarity with your chosen occupation and industry.
Build a YouTube network By curating and sharing interesting content, you can soon build an exclusive network on YouTube. You can also link to videos by experts in your field, add comments and share the impression they’ve made on you. This helps future employers see your involvement and enthusiasm. YouTube is especially a boon for people in creative and technology fields. Make use of the site’s built-in production tools by adding effects, inserting links or adding a soundtrack. Once you create your channel, link to it from your resumé, LinkedIn profi le, Facebook page and any other relevant media or marketing material you use for yourself in your search.
Video tips YouTube is a simple, quick way to get yourself seen. Recruiters hire people, not two stapled pieces of paper. If they see you in action, they will be more likely to want to connect with you. Here are some tips to get you started: • Fancy fi lm work and high tech cameras aren’t key to success. • Keep your videos to a max of one or two minutes. • Use HD settings and make sure the lighting reflects you well. • Shoot as many takes as necessary; edit ruthlessly using YouTube’s built-in tools. • Look and dress like a true professional. • Have a professional backdrop, practise with a friend first, and make the video conversational, yet professional.
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
CAREERS & EDUCATION J O B S E A R C H S T R AT E G I E S
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Where to turn for help
ost immigrants to Canada are usually confused (and sometimes frustrated) by the diverse amount of agencies and programs available for newcomers … settlement agencies, community services, employment services, all with different names and requirements. What’s the best one? Where should you start?
Making sense of it all First, know that such services are optional, often free and are here to help you settle in. However, some of these services are overlapping and each one has a list of requirements (or “eligibility criteria”) you have to pass in order to receive the services. Most of these services are provided by non-profits, but there are also for-profit agencies. All of them work under the guidelines of funders, normally the government, which means the type of services and how they are delivered are usually not negotiable. This means that sometimes you will not be able to utilize the services of two programs at the same time or may be restricted to access one type of program just once. Knowing what each one does may help you to decide where to go and to understand the limitations of their support and services to you.
Settlement agencies These agencies or programs have multilingual staff and can help you with information, referral and support for areas such as housing, health, family or individual counselling, school for your children, immigration processes such as sponsoring or applying for documents and change on status, general financial and legal information and short-term job search. There is usually at least one organization in every big Canadian city and sometimes they are twitter.com/@canimmigrant
How to navigate the immigrant and employment services system limited to the services and areas they can cover. Services are usually free and can vary from one consultation to extended support that may last months.
Employment programs Employment and career programs are specialized in career exploration, job search, job placement and job maintenance. The length and depth of services varies from program to program. You may find workshops that last two hours to some that offer five weeks of workshops! Services are usually restricted to the area you reside in and sometimes have age, occupation or other special requirements. When you approach one, make sure you fully understand what the program does, what you are committing to, and in which way it will impact, restrict or facilitate your use of other programs and services.
Language programs In most cases, immigrants and refugees may access language classes for free through the LINC program. However, seats are limited and classes are long. But, some centres offer evening or online classes and even limited daycare. If you want advanced or specialized English (such as technical or business) classes, you may have to take courses at local community college for a fee. There are also private companies offering accent reduction and pronunciation classes for a fee.
Libraries Going to your local library needs to be on your must-do list! Canadian libraries are not only full of great books in every subject you can imagine, they also have movies and CDs for
free borrowing and you can use them to upgrade your English and learn about the culture. Most libraries also hold short workshops on topics from job search to financial literacy and English conversation (all free!).
Community centres and neighbourhood houses There is at least one community centre in each Canadian community. While these places are not specialized in immigrant needs, they are great places to go for general information, have some fun, exercise and make connections with your neighbours. Most community centres also offer low-cost workshops and events for all ages. Neighbourhood houses are small hubs in your neighbourhood where everyone is welcome to attend and learn through a variety of programs and services, including many focused on newcomers.
Regulatory bodies Regulatory bodies are associations of professionals from
certain occupations that have become “regulated” (meaning you cannot practice that occupation if you have not received their licence or certification). About 20 per cent of all occupations and professions in Canada are regulated, and the regulatory bodies may be different from province to province. It is your responsibility to find out whether your occupation is regulated and what the steps are that you need to follow to be licensed. Processes may be short (i.e., taking an exam) or long (may require many courses and exams) and are usually expensive.
Credential evaluation services These services, as their name indicates, evaluate your credentials by measuring how they compare with the Canadian education system. They do not guarantee employment and cannot qualify you for a specific occupation nor will provide guidance on what to do next. As they are expensive, you should check whether your regulatory body, the school where you want to study or potential employer will require or accept these results.
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.
WANTED: FULL-TIME IN-HOME CAREGIVER in Markham, ON. (Hwy 7 & 9th Line) for 3 y/o and 1 y/o children. Supervise, care, bathe, play, feed and attend to kids’ wellbeing. Perform light housekeeping, willing to travel with family. English speaking, Arabic an asset. High School Diploma. At least 3 years’ experience. 35 hours a week, $11.50/hr. Contact Faizel at Efjays79@gmail.com or call 416-662-3427. canadianimmigrant.ca
April 2016
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MONEY & BUSINESS
mama! Mexican-born mom Elisa De La Torre turned her love of baking and parties into a thriving business By Paula Kehoe
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lisa De La Torre is in a sweet spot these days. After moving to Ontario from Mexico City in 2005, she discovered that her artistic talent for baking and love for throwing themed parties could become not just a hobby, but a lucrative career venture. As founder of Partylicious Mama, De La Torre became a culinary sculptor of cake pops, cupcakes, marshmallows, cakes, apples and lollipops — her intricate, gourmet designs for everything from children’s birthday parties to celebrity Oscar events are almost too beautiful to eat. De La Torre recalls saving her money as a teenager in Mexico to throw themed parties, with matching decorations, tableware, favours and desserts. “I always liked for everything to match and to look cute, and people always enjoyed it,” she says. Now six years since launching Partylicious Mama, De La Torre is going strong, creating and selling an assortment of items, including edible gift baskets filled with unique treats, and party favours for birthday parties, weddings, baby showers and corporate clients. She’s a mom on a mission, often with her kids in tow, making local deliveries in the Greater Toronto Area, in addition to teaching her popular decorating workshops to adults and kids. Despite having a degree in communications with a specialty in advertising from her home country, and having worked for large corporations like American Airlines and American Express, De La Torre says being a newcomer to Canada came with many barriers to finding employment that corresponded with her education, skills and experience. “When I was a teenager, while all my friends were in the cinema or out having coffee, I was busy working, getting ahead. I didn’t care that I was missing out,” she says. “By the time I left Mexico, I was already a
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above Mexican-born Elisa De La Torre is founder of Partylicious Mama. Photos by Stephanie Brown manager. But, when I came to Canada, I had to start over again, and I got really discouraged.” As more time passed and more odd jobs were added to her already extensive resumé, she started to feel pessimistic about her options. After giving birth to her daughter and son, who are 18 months apart, she put job hunting on hold and instead focused on being a stay-at-home mom. It was during that time she also wrestled with boredom and depression, and longed for a creative outlet. She decided to take cake-decorating courses and design accessories to liven up parties she would throw for her kids’ birthdays and other special occasions. “My friends would say, ‘You should make this into a business,’ but I never took it seriously,” she says. “It was something I did for
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MONEY & BUSINESS fun and with my kids.” But after she posted some photos of her work on social media for family and friends, the images were shared online, interest began to grow, and soon strangers were placing orders, transforming De La Torre’s hobby into a profitable business. As a new business owner, she quickly took it upon herself to learn the key principles of running one, like small business accounting, regulations, pricing, food safety, and marketing — all while baking and decorating late into the night. “Sometimes, I wouldn’t sleep until two or three in the morning because I had to make everything while the kids were asleep, but I loved it,” she says. It’s her perfectionism, attention to detail and artistic expression that got her an exclusive invitation from fashion television personality and designer Jayneoni Moore to fly to Hollywood in 2013 to participate in the Pre-Oscar Boom Boom Room celebrity gifting event. De La Torre spent the day presenting her Partylicious Mama products to A-list celebrities, top editors, stylists and boutique owners looking for family friendly brands from small business vendors in North America. Today, Partylicious Mama is no longer a
one-woman operation. From her home in Etobicoke, De La Torre delegates large orders and also refers some of her clients to many of the talented hobbyists who have taken her class. “I’ve always had this feeling that I’m here with a mission,” explains De La Torre. After meeting other stay-at-home moms with big dreams and being told she was an inspiration to them, De La Torre decided to take it to the next level. She realized that the culinary skills she had acquired over the years could be taught to other unemployed or underemployed women looking to support themselves or their families. “That has become a driving force for me,” she says. “To do something bigger than just sell products.” Recently, she also launched a website called Emprende Moi, a Spanish lifestyle blog that not only documents the trials and tribulations of her building a small business as an immigrant, but also offers tips, tools and motivation for women who want to create the life they desire. She hopes her enthusiasm and drive to succeed will be an inspiration to both her children, but more specifically, her daughter, Mia. “Because of the challenges women still face today with trying to balance a career while raising a family, I want my daughter to
know that she can be independent and creative, and if she really works hard at something, she can accomplish anything and follow her dreams,” she says. In 2010, De La Torre received her Canadian citizenship, and while she is proud of her start in Mexico, she is equally grateful for the opportunities Canada has given her. “I’m very blessed to be Mexican, to come from a vibrant culture and to have a close-knit family,” she says. “But to be Canadian has given me plenty of opportunities to work and be more independent.” Nevertheless, Mexico City — where she was born and raised — is never far from her thoughts. She proudly celebrates her Mexican heritage with her children and new friends. “I talk about my country and traditions so people get interested in learning more about Mexico,” she says. “I’m lucky to live in a country that offers so much support and education,” she says of Canada. Her advice to newcomers: “When you come to Canada, you might have to start from zero. Take this opportunity to reinvent yourself if you can. If you really like what you did in your home country, go ahead and take classes and do it here. It may take time, but if you were smart enough to do it the first time, you can do it again.”
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April 2016
29
MONEY & BUSINESS MY TWO CENTS
Good credit 6 ways to build your credit history and get a good score
H
aving an established credit history with a good score is vital in Canada if you need a mortgage or loan for any big purchases. Also, the better credit score you get, the more money you will save, as you’ll get your loan at a better interest rate. Here are six strategies to help you build your credit.
1
Start with an overdraft An overdraft is the easiest way to make the bank lend you some money. An overdraft is essentially permission from the bank to allow you to draw more money than you have in your account. It is essentially a small loan in case of emergency expenses. It gets repaid as soon as you make a deposit. You shouldn’t use this excessively as the interest rates are high, but occasional use shows that you are a responsible borrower who can be trusted to pay back the borrowed money.
2
Accept bank offers Banks always want to promote their products, be it a line of credit or a credit card. Any such offer you receive either in person or by mail, accept it.
3
Own a mobile phone Who doesn’t love the latest model of mobile phone these days? As soon as you land in Canada, open a bank account and get a mobile phone on postpaid subscription. Some of the large
service providers don’t even check your credit history to open your account and they will report your regular monthly bill payments to the credit bureaus, which in turn will help build your credit history.
4
Apply for a student loan If you plan to take some post-secondary training, you may be able to apply for a student loan. These loans have to be paid back within a certain number of years and your payments will be reported to the credit bureaus.
5
Open a store credit card Open a department store or a furniture store credit card. They will have low credit limits and high interest rates, but they are comparatively easier to get than a regular credit card. Once you have available credit from these stores, use it wisely.
6
Apply for a car loan Sometimes, even without a credit card, you might be able to secure financing from a car dealer. The dealers will require a down payment and these kinds of loans can carry high interest rates. But having a car loan is a great way to build credit; your timely payments will be reported to the credit bureaus. No matter which of these six strategies you employ, make sure you pay your bills on time, so you do not establish yourself as a late payer.
Gokul Jayapal has a master’s degree in biological sciences and currently works and lives in Toronto. A freelance writer on money and finance, he is an investment junkie who trades stocks and options part time. He can be reached at gokultoronto@yahoo.ca.
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April 2016
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