August ci 2017 by Canadian Immigrant

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the healing words of PAola Gomez Social creatures: make connections to thrive

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CONTENTS 4

8 above Colombian-born Paola Gomez is co-founder of Toronto’s Sick Muse Art Projects, giving oppressed communities a voice.

fusion

PROFILE: Eman Shahab Bachani’s artisan shoes NEWS: Celebrating RBC Top 25

success story

Writer, survivor and humanitarian Paola Gomez uses the arts to inspire and heal

12 cover story

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Newfoundland and Labrador are calling newcomers

17 CAREERS AND EDUCATION

How to write a resumé CAREER COACH: Be a trust agent JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES: The gig economy (Part 4) Halifax Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair lineup

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SETTLEMENT

IMMIGRATION LAW: Global skills strategy Finding myself in Canada — a first-person story TIPS FOR SETTLING IN FASTER: On the job hunt LIVE A FULFILLED LIFE: Social creatures PARENTING: 25 things to do in the summer

CULTURE

Calgary racism documentary inspires solutions #BollywoodMonster Mashup a success!

BACK PAGE HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO NATION OF IMMIGRANTS

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FUSION

People. News. Information. Volume 14, Issue 7 AUGUST 2017 Group Publishers Gautam Datt Sharma Sanjay Agnihotri

profile

Editor Margaret Jetelina mjetelina@metroland.com Editorial Design Terry Lankstead, Anne Nawrocka Courtland Shakespeare Digital Media Developer Kamil Mytnik Sr. Ad Manager Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 National Sales Manager Varun Munjal vmunjal@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8169

Eman

Shahab Bachani Soul shoes By Ushah Kazi

Sales, Events & Marketing Coordinator Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146

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

Publications mail agreement number: 40065097 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 3145 Wolfedale Road Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 3A9 Printed on recycled paper. Toronto Circulation 50,000 copies Vancouver Circulation 30,000 copies Calgary Circulation 3,000 copies Canadian Immigrant is published monthly and distributed free throughout Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. Canadian Immigrant welcomes submissions, but is not responsiblefor unsolicited material. Canadian Immigrant is a publication of Metroland Media Group, a division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Entire contents property of Canadian Immigrant.

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

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riginally from Pakistan, Eman Shahab Bachani has always been inspired by the cultural crafts of her heritage, so in a bid to share them and offer the Canadian fashion scene something truly original, she set up Meraki Design House in 2015. Bachani, who came to Canada six years ago to study at the University of Toronto, wanted her brand to reinterpret Eastern designs for a Western audience. What this has translated into is an online boutique of ethnically inspired shoes and accessories that have developed a loyal following among Canadian fashion bloggers and shoppers. Did you always want to work in fashion or was your foray into the industry spontaneous? I don’t think I work in fashion per se, because I don’t view my products as fashion items. Fashion items change with trends and seasons, whereas my products are born out of preserving cultural crafts and redesigning them for the modern woman. It was a bit spontaneous to get into it as deep as I have, but I

above Pakistan-born Eman Shahab Bachani gives her Canadian footwear and accessories brand an ethnic twist. always knew I wanted to have something of my own. How did you come up with the idea for your designs? I had people constantly asking me about my personal collection of handcrafted shoes. After quite a bit of research, I found that there was some untapped potential in the Canadian market for international artisan-made products. Lots of hard work later, the idea formulated into Meraki. Has it been difficult to set up your business? Just like any business, the first year was nothing but bumps and learning curves. However, I think I have learned so many things that I would have never ever learned working for someone else: from handling the e-commerce aspect to production to managing the finances (still tons of learning left here), but, most importantly, just getting through the hard parts. I think most people get so caught up in the difficulty of things that they barely look at the bigger picture; I’ve tried to never lose sight of it! Why is working with artisans important to you? With Meraki, we have always in-

tended to have a two-fold effect: one, providing consumers the choices they won’t find at a mall and, two, in the process, creating demand for crafts and artisan-made products that [help] preserve these practices and create opportunities for work and growth within communities that specialize in such practices. I feel these practices are crucial to the values and purpose of the brand, and luckily our customers also appreciate that each piece we create is made out of love and passion of a craft, as indicated by the word Meraki itself [a Greek word that means putting your soul, creativity and love into doing something]. What has been your biggest achievement so far? I feel a bit more accomplished every time I come across someone who already knows about Meraki; it’s all about the small wins. And where do you want to go from here? Even though there are new trends every day that draw on cultures of other countries, we are going to keep working on products that preserve the authenticity of the craft and ensure these products make their way to those who appreciate these pieces of wearable art. facebook.com/canimmigrant

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news

Volunteer dynamo

New to Canada? Meet the bank that wants to meet you. Begin your new life simply and easily with CIBC. Get a credit card with no deposit or credit history required,1 a bank account with no monthly fee and unlimited transactions for 1 year,2 and more. It’s all part of the CIBC Welcome to Canada Package.3 above Kehar Singh Aujla received his Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from Judith Guichon, lieutenant governor of B.C. what living in Canada was like in the early 20th century. And he proudly travels by bus to his many destinations. Why does he do all this and more? “I want to keep myself busy … not just sit in the house watching television,” he says, with a chuckle.

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1 To apply for the credit card, you must have (a) another eligible CIBC personal banking product in good standing, such as a chequing or savings account, loan, line of credit, or mortgage (for details please visit cibc.com/newcomer); OR (b) a minimum household income of $15,000 and meet CIBC’s credit criteria. ²Offer available only on a new CIBC Smart™ Account. A transaction includes cheques, withdrawals, transfers, pre-authorized payments, bill payments (including CIBC Credit Cards and CIBC Personal Lines of Credit) and debit purchases. The waived fee is the regular monthly account fee, which includes up to 12 transactions plus the additional transaction fee for each additional transaction over 12 up to the capped monthly account fee for unlimited transactions as shown in the Personal Account Service Fees brochure. Additional fee(s) apply to optional services such as withdrawals from non-CIBC bank machines and transactions in foreign currency (including cheques written in currencies other than the account currency). A fee applies if you purchase a booklet of cheques. Fee waiver is in effect for one year, after which regular monthly and transaction fees will automatically apply without prior notice. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Offer may not be combined with any other account offer or fee discount. Limit one per person. 3To be eligible for the CIBC Welcome to Canada Package, you must have received Canadian permanent resident status within the past 5 years; any time period longer than 5 years does not qualify. You must request the CIBC Newcomer benefits when applying for a product. Other conditions may apply. *Trademark of Visa Int., used under license. The Contactless Indicator is a trademark of EMV Co. LLC. CIBC Cube Design & “Banking that fits your life.” are trademarks of CIBC. All other trademarks are owned by CIBC.

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Burnaby’s Kehar Singh Aujla, an RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant of 2012, has been awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by Governor General David Johnston. “Volunteers like you are fundamental to the well-being of our country, reflecting the rich diversity of Canada’s people and the many talents and interests which enrich our society,” he wrote in a congratulatory letter to Aujla. Aujla is certainly one of those individuals. Aujla came to live with his son’s family in Burnaby, B.C., when he was 63 years old. That was 20+ years ago. “Had we stayed in India, we would have been away from our grandchildren. We liked to come here to be near them,” says Aujla, who worked as a farm worker and then as a security guard after coming to Canada. Today, the 84-year-old dynamo is retired, but is just as busy as ever with his many volunteering efforts. Aujla has proudly served as a surrogate grandparent with Burnaby’s Volunteer Grandparents program, has volunteered with the city’s citizen support services program and Burnaby Hospital, and spends time almost every day helping out at his Sikh temple (Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar) in New Westminster. If you’ve ever visited the Burnaby Village Museum, he might have even been your tour guide, explaining in very good English

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news

Celebrating excellence On June 27 in Toronto and June 29 in Vancouver, ceremonies were held to honour the

RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2017. Here are group shots of the winners.

above From left, back row: Emcee Marivel Taruc of CBC’s Our Toronto, Dana Robbins, vice president and group publisher, Metroland Media Group, along with winners Mohamad Fakih, Kuldeep Sharma, Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, Mrs. Hussen, wife of winner Minister Ahmed Hussen, Ishita Aggarwal, Maziar Heidari, Ajay Virmani, and Sanjay Agnihotri of Canadian Immigrant. From left, front row: winners Jennifer Gillivan, Noella Milne, Tony Luk, Ninela Sanchez, Agnes P. Miranda, Gabriela Covaci, and Kris Depencier, RBC regional president, Toronto, at the Toronto ceremony.

above From left: Graham MacLachlan, RBC regional vice president, British Columbia, along with winners Dahlia Elfashie-Mostafa, Florfina Marcelino, Raghwa Gopal, Dr. Mohammed Morshed, Ahmad Danny Ramadan, Miroslav Reljic, Chan Hon Goh and Trish Mandewo , as well as Varun Munjal of Canadian Immigrant, at the Vancouver ceremony.

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success story

healing words

A writer, survivor and humanitarian, Paola Gomez uses the arts to inspire and heal — herself and those around her By Vivien Fellegi

he formative years of Colombian-born human rights activist and writer Paola Gomez were steeped in silence. She grew up a survivor of domestic violence, witnessing her father lash out verbally and physically at her mother. During the worst of the abuse, Gomez would hide in her bedroom, sad and scared, covering her ears. Only one thing was certain: there was to be no spilling of the family secrets to authorities. “I wasn’t able to speak about it — violence was considered a private issue in my culture,” she says. So, from a very young age, Gomez poured her pain into words, tapping away on an old typewriter of her father’s. “Writing was my saviour — a way to keep my sanity,” Gomez says. She funnelled her despair into poetry and short stories. “I was too shy to speak, so writing was the perfect way to be able to put all the feelings I had inside.” By adolescence, Gomez had begun to vocalize her convictions, often challenging her teachers. She also became attuned to the problems of the people around her. “I wanted to change the world that has violence, where kids live on streets, and where women are treated as less.” At age 15, she entered university and studied to be a lawyer. While still a student, she opened a shelter for street children, where she continued to work after graduation. Her job was to assess risk, remove children from dangerous situations and put them into temporary protection. She identified with many of them, especially those fleeing domestic violence. Speaking out about violence against women was therapeutic for Gomez. “I never went to therapy. I found so much healing by giving voice to others not as fortunate as me.” But, eventually, the self-described “shit disturber” went too far. One of her street kids was killed by Colombian authorities in their “cleanup operation,” a murderous practice targeting anyone con-

sidered “disposable.” When Gomez asked the responsible party to be held accountable, she began receiving death threats. One day, a pair of policemen smashed into her car and raped her in front of her boyfriend. Fearing for the continuing safety of herself and her newly adopted toddler, she fled Colombia for the United States in 2001, applying for temporary protection status. When that process fizzled out, she came to Canada in 2004. It was a tough adjustment. Her English wasn’t strong enough to express her basic needs, and people would make faces at her broad accent. “I felt very dumb because I couldn’t communicate,” she says. As well, Gomez didn’t have the credentials to practise law in Canada. It was as if she had regressed back to being a timid child. “To save my life, I had become invisible and voiceless again.” She fell into a deep, dark depression. But Gomez has always been a fighter. She began volunteering at a refugee centre and, by 2007, found permanent work at the YWCA in Toronto. She became an immigration and refugee specialist, supporting women in shelters with precarious residency status. Gomez coped with her own life by throwing herself into her cases. Each win temporarily revived her lagging self-esteem. “I worked my pants off on these cases — every time I won, it validated me.” Though she enjoyed a high success rate in her applications, her creative voice continued to be muzzled. “There was so much on my mind that I was stuck — inspiration didn’t come,” she says. She had never fully dealt with the traumas of her youth, and they nipped away at the edges of her consciousness. She had nightmares of death. For years she slept by the wall, with her son beside her, terrified that bullets might pierce through and kill him. Even when she did manage to write, her pieces were dark and painful.

right For her humanitarian efforts, Paola Gomez was awarded the Toronto Community Foundation Vital People award and the Amina Malko Award from the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture.

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It was love that helped put the demons at bay. Overcoming her writer’s block, Gomez managed to compile a book of poems by 2012. She began looking for a graphic designer to illustrate her cover, and reconnected with Colombia-based Alex Usquiano, a visual artist, photographer and teacher. The two began to collaborate on a new project, to provide a day of arts to 100 kids in poor areas of her hometown of Quimbaya. As they bandied ideas over the long-distance phone lines, Gomez felt her creative juices flowing once more. “Alex had so much positive energy — he helped me dream.” By the time they had successfully completed their first joint community program, they were a couple. Gomez sponsored Usquiano to come to Canada, and they married in 2013. Back in Toronto, the couple wanted to continue empowering disadvantaged people through the arts, so they partnered to launch Sick Muse Art Projects. The organization attempts to revive the imagination of oppressed communities, giving them a voice to speak out against social injustice. Gomez is the program director, while Usquiano serves as the artistic director, One of their projects is the Colours of Hope, which aims to boost the self-esteem of refugee children staying at temporary reception centres. Each session begins with a talk celebrating identity, acknowledging the beauty of their different skin tones and the uniqueness of their accents. Afterward, children paint their self-portraits from photos and share them with the group. “We talk about how special each piece is, hoping to enhance their self-love,” Gomez says. Sick Muse also runs a creative writing group for women who are survivors of violence. They find it cathartic to put their painful experiences into writing. “It gives them an outlet for their feelings and experiences,” says Gomez. “That opens a new door leading to a healing journey.” Gomez has witnessed life-altering transformations among the women in the program. “Knowing they’re not alone removes a heavy weight from their shoulders.”

Gomez’s work with Sick Muse (most of which is unpaid) has helped her to further heal from her own painful memories. Bringing joy to people’s lives is comforting. “That lifts me up and gives me hope.” Today, Gomez is unstoppable. She is expanding Sick Muse to Latin America and the Caribbean. This year, she’s bringing painting, drawing and print making to Cuban children living in rural areas. She will also travel to Argentina this year, as the Canada Council for the Arts’ delegate at a global conference on community arts and the experience of refugees. She also serves on PEN Canada’s writers in exile committee, where she helps support writers who are at risk abroad and welcomes new arrivals to this country. Gomez is also a current member of the Toronto Arts Council’s Cultural Leaders Lab, a year-long program that provides arts leaders with training and opportunities to lead change in the arts sector. Gomez hopes to promote more diversity amongst community arts facilitators. Gomez is also a leader on the homefront, as a mom. She’s raised both her sons to be thoughtful, peaceful people. When they were children playing with Star Wars characters, Gomez would remove the guns from the toy figurines. Though her kids were annoyed at her ruining the fun of war games, she’s pleased with how they turned out. Both are confident, unafraid to speak their minds. And her oldest son has already volunteered with refugee children. “They’re good citizens, good human beings,” she says with pride. Gomez’s creativity is flourishing. She is working on another book of poetry, about identity and female power. Her husband inspires her when anxiety resurfaces. “He encourages the continuous wandering of my mind,” she says. Her advice to other newcomers stems from her own creative revival. “Don’t let your dreams go. When you’re facing adversity, it’s easy to give up, but your dreams will keep you going.”

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

2017

Agency

General Services and Specialty Programs

Languages

Brampton Multicultural Centre (BMC)

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

• • • • • •

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

• English • Some services available in French and other languages

197 County Court Blvd. Suite 303 Brampton ON L6W 4P6 Phone: 905-790-8482 Fax: 905-874-6100

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

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

Locations across the Greater Toronto Area and virtual services across Ontario & Canada Phone: 905-949-0049, Toll free at 1-800-668-1179, Email: Info@tcet.com, www.tcet.com Centre for Education & Training Language Assessment Centre York-Simcoe-Durham 420 Highway 7 East Suite 204 B Richmond Hill ON L4B 3K2 Toll free: 1-855-330-8655 Job Skills Employment & Business Programs & Supports Locations in Markham, Brampton, Keswick and Newmarket Phone: 1-866-592-6278 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 & Durham Regions 1-877-761-1155

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Completing a language assessment is the first step to accessing English language classes in your community. Language Assessment Centres provide no cost English language assessments and referrals to classes for eligible immigrants seeking language training. Language Assessments services are available on a scheduled and pre-booked basis. If you live in York region, Simcoe County and Durham Region please call 1-855-330-8655 to schedule an appointment. Email: ysla@tcet.com www.tcet.com/assessments Facebook: www.facebook.com/Language.Assessment.Centre.YSD/# Twitter: twitter.com/LAC_YSD

• English

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, Self-Employment Pathways for Newcomer and Employment Ontario Employment Services. Email: info@jobskills.org www.jobskills.org

• English Interpreters are available

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 fund assistant application from government. Specialty program: business guide in Canada and Asia countries;enterprise assistant program; free tax services for new comers and seniors; Seniors program for social networking and conversational Café and special events to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.. Email: info@sbsccanada.org www.sbsccanada.org

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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

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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: resume/cover letter preparation, interview readiness and information about accreditation, workplace practices, Canadian employer expectations. Other services available. Languages of service: English, interpreters are available Email: info@welcomecentre.ca www.welcomecentre.ca

• English Interpreters are available

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cover story

ATLANTIC Living

Immigrants are wanted in Atlantic Canada! Is it the right fit for you? Think smaller cities, diverse economy, friendly people and a picturesque coastal lifestyle. By Shruti Ganapathy

t was September 2013, when 18-year-old Venezuelan-born Adriana Rivas first set foot in Canada to study at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick, to begin her bachelor’s degree in economics and international relations. Her choice of university was determined at a university fair she attended back home. “Since this was my first time moving away from home, I was looking for a smaller city,” says Rivas. “I did not want to feel lost in the crowd. I wanted to make sure that I was moving to a community that would welcome me with open arms, a place that would make it easier for me to adapt to a new culture, to start a new chapter in my life that would give me a sense of belonging.” She found that community in Atlantic Canada. And Rivas is part of a growing number of immigrants and refugees who are calling the Atlantic region home, from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island to Newfoundland and Labrador, enjoying its coastal lifestyle, strong Celtic culture and rugged coastlines complete with scenic lighthouses and the odd iceberg. However, the numbers are not quite there yet. Provincial governments in the region are calling for more newcomers. The 2016 Census report shows an overall decline in the population of the region, with some areas portraying negative growth. In 2014, the number of deaths exceeded the number of births in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick, and it didn’t have sufficient immigration to offset that negative trend.

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“It’s staring us in the face again that immigration is a pretty fundamental component of maintaining a positive population growth,” said Finn Poschmann, president of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, to the Globe and Mail in February.

Attracting immigrants eastward

Dr. Chedly Belkhodja, director of the Atlantic Metropolis Centre and principal and professor, School of Community and Public Affairs at Concordia University, couldn’t agree more. “In recent years, we’ve seen the Atlantic Canada region expressing challenges in the areas of demography and changing population,” he says. “Initially, there was never really a strategy to counter that, much of the youth population migrated to Central Canada or even the West. However, all of that changed in the late 1990s, early 2000s because the governments came to realize it was necessary to have different policies and strategies around immigration.” Despite the negative population growth, some have questioned the need for more people because of the region’s typically slower economy, with a higher unemployment rate than the rest of Canada. But employers in the region have struggled to fill labour gaps, often looking to hire from abroad, according to Poschmann. The Atlantic provinces’ provincial nominee programs (PNPs) have been the main tool used to welcome new permanent residents, but, given the program caps the number of immigrants allowed, provincial leaders started calling on the federal government to help

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COVER story

above New Brunswick’s flower-pot rocks are located near some of the world’s highest tides. Visitors can walk on the ocean’s floor. below Colourfully painted homes of Newfoundland are sometimes referred to as Jellybean Row.

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them do more to attract more immigrants to the region. “The provincial nominee programs really helped with changing the face of immigration. As a result, today we have a more diversified immigrant population in the region,” says Belkhodja, whose primary research focuses around immigration policies and mobility of migrants in the case of less common destinations as well as the processes of integration and inclusion. “More recently, there has been collaborative effort between the four provinces in terms of attracting immigrants to the Atlantic region.” A recent collaborative effort between the four provinces and the federal government is the three-year, employer-driven Atlantic Immigration Pilot program that allows for the faster processing of permanent residency applications for immigrants wanting to settle in the region, on top of the PNP. Immigrants wishing to migrate through that program need to receive a job offer from an employer in the region and work with the province to receive a letter of endorsement. Aimed to fill labour gaps, there are three different programs under the program, including options for intermediate skilled workers, high-skilled workers and international graduates. “This is a big opportunity for our province,” says Nova Scotia Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, who was born in the province to immigrant parents. “The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is another tool employers can use to fill their labour gaps as they work to grow their businesses and the provincial economy.” The program was officially launched in March with a target of bringing in 2,000 newcomers to the region in 2017. It has started off slowly, with only about 250 newcomers recruited by employers as of early July.

Living Atlantic style

Why has it been so difficult to attract newcomers to the picturesque, easternmost provinces of Canada? Immigrants have traditionally chosen to move to bigger cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, which tend to offer more economic opportunity, more diversity and a more urban lifestyle. But along with those come more competition, more density and higher housing prices. While certain types of employment might be harder to find in the Atlantic, if you can find work that suits your skills or start up your own business, you will reap the rewards of the Atlantic lifestyle. The Atlantic is really suited for people who don’t just love their work, they also love their life. Jennifer Gillivan, president and CEO of the IWK Foundation, the fundraising and outreach partner of the IWK Health Centre, which provides care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritimes, says it was this quality about the region that attracted her toward it. “I love the people,” says Irish-born Gillivan, who moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1993 after having lived in several Canadian cities. “People in the region say hello, strike up a conversation. It’s a collaborative kind of space. And the region is very affordable for anyone who wants to live in Canada.” Gillivan, who is an RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant of 2017, adds, “And, of course, the sky is the limit for an entrepreneur. We have local designers from Halifax who are now opening stores in Toronto. There are many examples of global companies that were born in the region.” Gillivan attributes all this creative success to the fantastic lifestyle that is provided by the region to its residents. “Especially young families love it here. There is so much nature, hiking and fishing, and yet you’re still not far away from the pleasures of the city. We have a symphony and a theatre and all kinds of music and arts,” she says, adding, “Of course, each province is its own and very different.” Gillivan, who was named Halifax Business Person of the Year 2017, says a big part of her success in the region is getting involved in the community. “There are a lot of old-fashioned values, but there are lots of opportunities as well, especially if you choose to volunteer to integrate into the local community. That is one excellent way for newcomers to acquire new skills, make connections and find opportunities.” (Catch Gillivan speak at the Halifax Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair on Sept. 8, 2017!) twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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COVER story left Nova Scotia’s picturesque coastal fishing villages are legendary around the world for their rustic beauty.

Getting involved

“Social inclusion is a big part of your existence in Atlantic Canada,” says Chinese-born Li Yuan Ma, a commercial account manager with RBC in Prince Edward Island. “When you go to a new country, language and social inclusion are the top two factors that help you decide where to stay.” Ma fell in love with Prince Edward Island on a holiday six years ago and decided to make it home. She says she has never regretted that decision. The community in Prince Edward Island has always made her feel part of a bigger family. “I love everything about this place. Prince Edward Island has a very good standard of living, a very good health care system, natural beauty, different parks, different beaches, fresh seafood, the list is endless. It is also really safe to live here, has a great education system and great social programs.” Another thing Ma loves about the region is the multicultural society. “I am a huge fan of that as well as the DiverseCity Multicultural Street Festival, the annual multicultural street festival that is celebrated by including both islanders and newcomers in the festivities.”

Quality of life

“One of the greatest advantages of Atlantic Canada is its vibrant culture, especially in New Brunswick,” adds Rivas, who is currently employed with Ignite Fredericton, the city’s economic development agency. In her role as a population growth specialist, she helps co-ordinate the city’s local immigration partnership initiative. “We celebrate and welcome cultures from all around the world,” she says. “Many of the cities throughout Atlantic Canada have multicultural festivals in the summer months, and have farmers markets where international food can easily be showcased and offered to the community.” Rivas states that one of the biggest benefits of calling Atlantic Canada home is the quality of life that comes with it. “People do take the time to enjoy family and leisure activities after work, whether they decide to go camping, hiking, kayaking or simply spending a weekend at the Bay of Fundy. And local employers support family wellness and a proper work-life balance.” So what advice does she have for immigrants who might be considering the Atlantic as a potential destination? “Adapting to a new culture will always have its ups and downs. It is simply part of the immigration journey that newcomers go through. The important thing to keep in mind is that communities across Atlantic Canada have support systems in place for newcomers to receive assistance and guidance when they are going through those situations,” says Rivas. “Whether they need help with learning one of the official languages, information about the school systems or simply have questions about opening their own business, there is a support system available.”

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She further recommends being open to meeting new people and networking with the community. “It is a fresh start, the more people that you meet and interact with, the more enjoyable and memorable will your journey be,” says Rivas.

Atlantic Canada facts • Atlantic Canada includes four provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. • Often called the Maritimes, this title only refers to three of the four provinces, excluding Newfoundland and Labrador. • More than 2.3 million people call Atlantic Canada home, with nearly one million in Nova Scotia, and less than 150,000 in P.E.I. • Atlantic Canada is a culturally distinct region of Canada, with the original founding cultures of Celtic, English and French remaining strong and vibrant today. • The region has one of the most variable climates in the country.

In winter, temperatures can vary greatly, due to a mix of Arctic and maritime air. Be ready for snow in winter, and fog in spring. But summer is warm, particularly in July, with an average temperature of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. • The economy is a mix of traditional resource-based industries such as fishing, farming, mining and forestry, plus it has a strong energy sector, and opportunities in technology, life sciences, aviation, construction, manufacturing and knowledge-based jobs. • The region has 17 universities, including prestigious Dalhousie University and St. Francis Xavier University, and a variety of colleges. facebook.com/canimmigrant

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careers & education

Here are 10 tips to guide you By Veronica Wright

s your resumé falling flat? Are you not getting the response you thought you would? Check out these 10 tips for taking a resumé from lacklustre to truly killer!

1. List your accomplishments, not your duties

One of the most important things that you can do is to write your resumé in a way that highlights your accomplishments instead of your duties. The best way to do this is to summarize the results of your daily work rather than listing your daily tasks. For example, don’t write that you swept floors, straightened out displays and answered shoppers’ questions. Instead, write that you were in charge with providing retail customers with a great cus-

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tomer experience. Here are a few tips: Duties that involve cleaning or light maintenance can be summarized as ensuring a clean and safe environment, and keeping in compliance with safety regulations. Answering the phone, assisting customers and helping consumers complete their purchases can be summarized as providing great first level customer service. Clerical and administrative duties can be summarized as supporting the daily operations of your department. If you want to demonstrate that you used certain equipment, applied specific technical expertise, and so on, the best place to get into those details is in the skills section of your resumé.

2. Use the right keywords

Keep in mind that most hiring managers rarely read your resumé; instead, they scan through it in search of certain elements. They may look for company names and which schools you attended, for example. One thing they always scan for are relevant keywords. Keywords are words and phrases in your resumé that stand out and make it clear that you have the experience and qualifications they are looking for. The best place to find keywords is in the job listing itself. Here is an example of a very brief job listing. Junior Software Developer Seeking an entry-level software developer. Must understand Java and C#. Previous experience in help

desk or technical support required. Candidates who have any experience in the financial sector will be given preference. Reading this job description, you can pull out several keywords. All you have to do is identify the major requirements. These are: Java, C#, financial sector, help desk and customer support. If these words and phrases are in your resumé, there’s a good chance you will get the attention of the hiring manager. You can also pull keywords from current articles related to your industry. Remember to apply a bit of common sense. In this example, “financial sector” is pretty flexible. You could effectively use words such as banking, finance or investment as >>

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careers & education substitutes if they apply. How important is it to include the right keywords on your resumé? Many companies have begun using special software to scan the resumés that they receive. If your resumé doesn’t have the right keywords, it will be discarded before it ever reaches a human being.

3. Make it easy on the eyes

Even if the company does use scanning software, by the time a hiring manager gets your resumé, they may have read through dozens of others. One way to make a killer resumé is to ensure that it doesn’t induce eyestrain. Format your resumé so that it contains plenty of white space. Choose a font without serifs so it is easy to read. Use bold print to highlight important pieces of information. Break things down into lists and bullet points. By doing these things you will accomplish two things: you will make it easier for someone to get the information they are looking for, and you’ll also make your re-

sumé aesthetically pleasing.

4. Show your work

If you check out great resumé samples, one thing you may notice is that many of the statements are quantified. Basically, claims made are backed with numbers or other proof. Use statistics. Mention things that can be proven using a Google search, for example. Instead of saying that you successfully increased sales, share how much you increased sales using a percentage or dollar amount. Include a period of time to add more impact. If you’ve won an award, share the name of the award and the organization that presented it to you. Have you been published? Share the name of the publication! Doing these things adds credibility to your resumé.

5. Polish it off with great editing

Never submit your resumé as is. Make sure it is polished and professional so edit it carefully before you let anyone see it. Don’t

rely on your word processor’s standard spelling and grammar checking tool. Use Grammarly or another online tool that adds an additional layer of quality assurance. Ask a friend to look over your resumé as well. Ask them if they can easily tell what your qualifications are, or the type of job you are seeking? Remember that poor spelling and grammar will likely get your resumé discarded almost immediately. Pay close attention to detail, and ensure that even the smallest errors are corrected.

6. Customize your resumé

Never send the same resumé for every job opening. Instead, tailor each one so that it matches the job requirements and company culture as much as possible. To do this, read each job listing carefully. Then, research the company itself. Learn what the organization is like, and what the work environment is. Use websites such as GlassDoor to get insights from both current and former employees.

7. Remember the rule of primacy and recency

The rule of primacy and recency is that people will best remember the first thing and last thing that they see. Marketers use this rule when they write advertising copy. You can apply this rule as well. Begin and end your resumé with something impactful. Next, consider this rule for each section of your resumé. For the skills portion of your resumé, for example, list your most important skills at the beginning and end.

8. Dump your statement

objective

Speaking of primacy, including an objective on a resumé is passé and unhelpful. If you are unsure of how to begin a resumé without an objective, compose a brief personal statement. This lead-in will tell the person reading your resumé exactly what you have to offer. Consider the following resumé objective statement:

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Seeking a position in the consumer mortgage department of a bank that will eventually lead to a vice presidency. Now, take a look at a personal statement: Finance graduate with three years’ experience in mortgage loan processing seeks an opportunity to bring my customer service skills and abilities to a great, community bank. The difference between the two statements is subtle yet simple. The objective talks about what you are looking for. The personal statement explains what you bring to the table. A personal statement can also show a bit of personality. If you were an employer, which would you rather see?

9. Don’t go too far back

If you are a recent college graduate seeking your first career position, it is expected that you will include the part-time jobs you held during school. You’ll also include internships, research work, etc. However, if you have been in your field for a while, you should probably edit out jobs that you held years ago that are not relevant to your current career.

10. Link to relevant social media accounts

You may have been advised to hide or sanitize your social media accounts when you begin submitting your resumé. This is a good idea, but don’t dismiss the positive impact that your professional, social media presence can have. If you have a blog related to your profession or other social media pages, link to them along with your other contact information. By doing this, you show that you are professionally connected and in tune with your industry. Veronica Wright, a career coach and employment advisor from Resumes Centre, is a pro with the stories of customers’ success in more than 80 countries around the world.

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careers & education c a r e e r co a ch

Be a trust agent How to demonstrate trustworthiness to get and keep the job

ne of the books trending on the internet these days is Trust Agents by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. The New York Times best seller stresses that one of the most common drivers of engagement, more than ever before, is age-old trust. Who or what is a trust agent? Trust agents are experts at relationship building, personal branding, networking, giving (before getting) and creating social capital for themselves. And, in today’s digital world, trust agents are those people who’ve mastered the new online and social communication tools to build relationships. Whether you are in looking for a job or already employed, trust is paramount. Candidates who can rethink how they market, sell and service customers, by building trust, will dominate.

If currently unemployed …

and share honest information, even if it’s to your disadvantage. Body language experts tell us that more than half of communications’ impact is in non-verbal communications. To increase trust through body language, look others in the eye with comfortable and direct eye contact.

Judgment

ter, resumé and interviews all play into that larger trust-building objective. Make sure your reference checks are in order. Make it possible to earn the trust necessary to be hired.

Credibility

Do you claim expertise in your portfolio, or do you build the case to show you have it? Are you boisterous in your assertions, or do you back them up with facts? Are the promises you make for the work you can produce realistic? Can you show the credentials necessary to claim expertise in your field?

Visibility

Even if you feel that you are a perfect fit for the job, it is necessary to build confidence in your abilities at every stage of the hiring process. Ultimately, every offer of employment should be seen as a hiring manager’s statement of trust: “I trust you and believe you can do this job better than anyone else I can hire.” You need to demonstrate why you should be taken seriously. Your communication should present a clear message that conveys your value as a true professional. Think about ways in which your cover let-

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Integrity

Are you honest enough to admit your flaws when asked for your areas of weakness and show how you turn them into strengths? Are you willing to shoulder your share of responsibility when talking about something that didn’t turn out the right way? What do you say about the boss you hate or the co-workers who fail to live up to your expectations?

Reliability

During the interview, frame your stories and messaging to demonstrate this critical personal

characteristic of trust. In order to show that you will be reliable in the future, demonstrate how you have been so in the past. CAR (Challenge-Action-Result) statements or STAR (Situation-TacticAction-Result) statements on a resumé can go a long way toward establishing this. Explain what you were mandated to do within what limits, how you went about the task and what you achieved. Who wouldn’t want to hire a candidate who has a record of being on time and under budget on a regular basis?

If currently employed … If you are currently employed, here are four steps to demonstrate trustworthiness in the workplace. Trust is about doing the right thing no matter what and it’s a big factor that will determine success in your job and your career.

Honesty

The first step in building trust is to be honest. Tell the truth

The second step is to know what information to share, when to share it and when not to share it. Protect other employees’ personal information and the company’s or competitors’ proprietary information as if it were your own. Think twice before sharing a blunt, unsolicited judgment.

Consistency

The third step is to be consistent in words and behaviours. Show up — every day and on time — and stay at least the required hours. Do the work, and meet or exceed the job description and company standards. Do what you say you will do. Fulfill your promises.

Caring

Genuinely care about others and promote their interests first. Nurture mutually beneficial relationships with open communications. And willingly accept information and constructive critique. When you think about it, the glue that holds any relationship together is trust. And no one wants to risk hiring someone who hasn’t shown trustworthiness. Become a trust agent and you’ll be well on the way to landing your dream job and building a long-lasting, trusting relationship.

Murali Murthy is an acclaimed public speaker, life coach and best-selling author of The ACE Principle, The ACE Awakening, The ACE Abundance and You Are HIRED! He is also chairperson of CAMP Networking Canada. Learn more at aceworldfoundation.com.

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careers & education j o b s e a r c h s t r at e g ie s

The gig economy (Part 4) Managing your finances and time as a freelancer

ver my last three columns, I have provided an overview of the gig economy, including its pros and cons, and how best to approach this growing trend of working freelance, contract and project-based jobs. To conclude this series, I’d like to focus on how best to manage your finances and time in this less stable style of employment.

Managing your finances While having a traditional job might still seem safer because of the steady income and benefits offered, today’s economic realities see many employers cutting on benefits, holding salary raises and increasing workload and demands on employees. Most companies don’t offer severance packages either and entire sectors of the economy have demonstrated no area is stable forever. In the gig economy, you may get a big payout for a project or contract, but you lack life, health and employment insurance, professional development funds and paid vacation. In some cases, you are also responsible for supplies and utilities (when you work from home) and repair of your work tools (computer, printer, etc.). Apart from this, your earnings may vary greatly from gig to gig and there will be periods of multiple gigs (and multiple sources of income) and others with no gig (or income) at all. So learning to manage your finances becomes essential! Here are a few tips to help: • Revise your values and priorities and your definition of success (see Part 3 of this series); is the lifestyle you are leading aligned with them? • Assess how you are using your money: what are your biggest income eaters? Is owning a house (or

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a car or a boat) so important to you? Can you downsize, rent or move to a less expensive community? • What big areas of your life can you re-assess and design so they become more sustainable and self-reliable for when income is not steady? Examples may include: grow a percentage of your veggies, fruits and herbs; rent the tools or work space instead of owing it all; share your space with like-minded people for a small rent; buy in bulk with a friend or network and share the expenses; cook in bulk, seasonal and from scratch; preserve foods when in season and cheap; reuse, up-cycle and repair instead of buying new; rethink what you truly “need.” • Trade and barter for goods and services instead of paying for them so your expenses are reduced and you create a community support net! • Save any windfalls from tax refunds, big gigs, inheritances, etc. Consider this money your “safety network” for those no-income days. • Create a budget that allows you to live on the lowest income possible or on one income if you are a

couple and save anything you earn above and beyond that, or use it to pay debts. • Plan for a life without debts: debt keeps you attached to an employer, sector or job you don’t like, in addition to creating stress and anxiety. • Assess your risk threshold and your current situation and get the support of a financial planner with experience with self-employed workers.

Tracking your time Another big challenge the gig economy presents to workers is how to manage their time. Unlike “stable” jobs, the gig economy doesn’t guarantee a Monday to Friday or 9-to-5 schedule. It also doesn’t mean working for just one employer or in one single role or job title. Those who by choice or

by force are part of the gig economy may find themselves sometimes too busy juggling many gigs, or with not enough work and too much time on their hands. In more traditional jobs, employers are concerned about your time off: how many vacation or sick days you take, when you start and when you leave. They are, however, much less concerned about how you use the time while you are inside the office. You are not necessarily required to manage your time; you just need to show up. Most of the time, the company you work for, your manager or supervisor will manage the amount of work you’ll have. In the gig economy, managing your time is your responsibility. You need to be organized and efficient in order to juggle different projects and clients at the same time. Having a calendar, an agenda and a routine, plus knowing how to relax after each gig, is essential. The gig economy also provides you with more opportunities to take off longer periods of time, as a result of a lull in jobs or because you have planned for it. You can use that time to take a welldeserved rest and explore hobbies, visit family, read those books accumulating in your shelves, watch movies, play with your children, write. Take time to enjoy life now, instead of waiting for retirement when you may not be as healthy or strong anymore. Or you can go back to school and get training in a new skill you can use in your next gig.

Argentinian-born Silvia Di Blasio is a certified career counsellor and life coach with a passion for sustainability, food security and resilient communities. She works as a case manager helping immigrants to get back to their pre-landing occupations at the Career Paths Program at ISSofBC. facebook.com/canimmigrant

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careers & education

Halifax fair lineup

Don’t miss a day of inspiration, information and connection at the third annual Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair

anadian Immigrant magazine’s third annual Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is set for Friday, September 8, 2017, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the World Trade and Convention Centre. In addition to a tradeshow of diverse exhibitors, including employment services, education institutes and social service agencies, the event offers newcomers plenty of opportunities to network and even get hired. Employers, including Pete’s Fine Foods, Loblaws and Halifax School Board, will be on site! This year’s speakers’ program is bigger than ever, with an inspirational lineup, including: • keynote by Jennifer Gillivan,

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president and CEO of IWK Foundation, and an RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant of 2017 • presentation by Chinese-born Hai Hu, CEO of Skyline IT • workshop on Canadian workplace culture by Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) • labour market information session by ISANS • session on taking the CELPIP English test by Paragon Testing enterprise Our popular Resumé Clinic is also back to offer you one-on-one advice. Register for the free fair at canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair/ halifax. canadianimmigrant.ca August 2017

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settlement I mmig r ation L a w

New global skills strategy Faster processing but more compliance for certain work permits

n June 12, 2017, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) launched the Global Skills Strategy. The government has issued several press releases stating that the Global Skills Strategy will “make it easier for Canadian business to attract the talent they need to succeed in the global marketplace” and that it will “provide businesses in Canada with a faster way to bring in global talent in order to scale-up and grow — creating better jobs for more Canadians.” As one person remarked to me, the government’s statements on this strategy contain so much sloganeering and jargon that it is difficult for the average employer and prospective foreign worker to determine what the Global Skills Strategy actually is and who it benefits.

Introducing the Global Talent Stream The most significant aspect of the Global Skills Strategy is the introduction of the ESDC’s Global Talent Stream. Employers will be eligible for this new work stream if they are hiring unique and specialized talent, and if that talent has been referred to the Global Talent Stream by one of ESDC’s designated partners (e.g., MaRS Discovery District, BDC and more). Employers will also be eligible if they are seeking to hire foreign workers in highly skilled occupations in technology professions, including computer engineers, information systems analysts, software designers, programmers and web designers, etc.

Faster LMIA processing There are two main benefits to Canadian employers for participating in the Global Talent Stream. First, ESDC is committing to processing labour market impact assessment (LMIA) applications — which are the applications that employers typically must submit if they wish to hire a foreign national on an employer-specific work permit — within 10 business days. Second, LMIA applications submitted under the Global Talent Stream will not have a minimum recruitment requirement. This means that the time it takes an employer to get a LMIA will go from typically around eight to 12 weeks, to 10 days.

More expected from employers The potential disadvantage of participating in the Global Talent Stream is that employers must develop a labour market benefits plan in which they commit to undertake activities that will either create jobs or increase skills and training investments for Canadians and permanent residents. Such activities include increased hiring of Canadians, establishing educational partnerships with post-secondary institutes, establishing internship positions, implementing policies to support disadvantaged groups, directly mentoring Canadians or permanent residents, and so on. ESDC will monitor the progress of an employer’s labour market ben-

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efits plan at regular intervals. While this does not have to be a disadvantage, the prospect of potentially excessive administrative overseeing could be a deterrent to participation in the program, especially for smaller businesses.

Two-week work permit processing Another aspect of the Global Skills Strategy is IRCC’s commitment to a twoweek work permit processing standard for applicants who are going to be working in LMIA-exempt positions and are working in a managerial or professional occupation, or for employees whose employers participated in ESDC’s Global Talent Stream. All prospective foreign workers should determine whether their prospective employment meets the requirements for 10-day processing, as some of the eligible occupations could be surprising. For example, an assistant bar manager from Peru or a Buddhist monk from China would both be eligible for 10-day processing.

New work permit exemptions Finally, IRCC is introducing two new work permit exemptions. Prospective foreign workers in Canada will no longer need work permits if they will be working in a managerial or professional occupation in Canada and will be working in Canada for 15 consecutive days or less every six months, or 16 to 30 consecutive days every year. IRCC is also introducing a work permit exemption for researchers who will be conducting research at public post-secondary institutions for 120 consecutive days or less each year.

Time will tell It is difficult to tell how popular the Global Skills Strategy, and especially the Global Talent Stream, will be. In April 2013, Canada launched the Start-Up Visa program with great fanfare. Four years later, the program is generally recognized as being a disappointment, with most prospective entrepreneurs opting to instead participate in either the Owner-Operator LMIA or Express Entry. Ultimately, the success of the Global Skills Strategy will depend on whether the government meets its processing commitments, whether other streams are negatively impacted, whether there is an overreaction to a potential public backlash should the number of foreign workers in Canada increase, and whether the employers view the increased government oversight as being worth the recruitment exemption and faster processing times. 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

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settlement

Finding myself in Canada Indian-born Nazreena Anwar-Travas shares the story of her immigration journey

n the second day of June in the year 2011, a WestJet airplane began its descent to Calgary, oblivious that a worried immigrant onboard (me) was looking at the landscape below warily. Someone who had left behind a well-paying job, her home, her family and everything behind just because she had chosen to make Canada her home. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived into Calgary International Airport,” the flight attendant announced. You have just arrived into your new home, a voice inside my head said meekly. The jetlag mercifully kept me away from the reality that was yet to embrace me. Reality meant accepting that I was now in a foreign

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land and it was all up to me to make that land my home. After all, wasn’t that a choice I made when I had chosen to immigrate? I now needed to totally accept that choice and live with it. Or leave it. But I was no quitter and I firmly resolved to live this journey out and make it worth living.

First few weeks I must admit that my first few weeks were depressing indeed. I travelled a lot using public transportation and, each day, I kept wondering when I would ever travel for work instead of looking for work. It was hard for me to accept that the same educational qualifications and work experience that had qualified me to immigrate to Canada were not accepted in Canada af-

ter I immigrated. Equally hard was to understand why most people advised me that I needed to start at the bottom of the corporate ladder when I had spent 13 years of my life already climbing it? I understand that every country has a different work culture, but surely, one doesn’t expect someone to start at the very bottom just because the work culture was different? Third week running and still no job, I began to despair. Strangely, though, even if I had not still mentally accepted Canada, Canada had somehow accepted me. I was slowly beginning to blend in. Nothing seemed like a new experience anymore. Everything seemed routine. Even the sunlight that streamed down until the late evening hours seemed normal. >>

above Nazreena Anwar-Travas.

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settlement First job woes I got my first job a day before Canada Day; still a far cry from my last corporate job, but at least it gave me somewhere to start from. I left my first job one month later and my second job three months later. And so it went on, until I got into a company where I eventually found strong footing. Many months later I had popped into my first place of work hoping to see a familiar face. Apart from the owner-manager, there was nobody I knew. Everyone had moved on.

Who am I? I was all alone in Canada and bored; my parents were in India and I was yet to make friends outside work. In a desperate attempt to break up the boredom, I resorted to cooking new dishes and learning how to crochet with the help of YouTube. Two months later, I had crocheted coasters, a scarf and little motifs from leftover yarn. I also learned how to make cranberry sauce, make Mexican meatloaf and moussaka. It’s so true: it’s when you are alone that you discover yourself

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the best! Today, crochet and cooking are the two hobbies that I love the most. By the time 2011 drew to a close, I had braved my first winter in Canada. Yes, winter in Canada may be hard and brutal, but not truly

Hortons coffee to the first snowfall … yes, everything had played an important role in shaping me as a person.

Coming home The first thing I did after getting

From the very first job, to the first Tim Hortons coffee to the first snowfall … yes, everything had played an important role in shaping me as a person.” impossible. Four-and-a-half years after arriving, as I took my oath of citizenship, I realized how quickly time had flown. From a nervous nailbiting immigrant, I had grown to be the person whom I was. From the very first job, to the first Tim

my Canadian passport was to apply for a visitor visa to India. It seemed so ironic; I now needed a visa to travel to my own homeland! My journey to Chennai, my hometown in southern India, was nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. Chennai had changed.

Everything seemed different. However, as I walked around my family’s house later, I realized nothing had changed there. And that was when the truth finally hit me — I had changed. All the while in Canada, I felt like an Indian with a Canadian passport, but, once in India, I felt more like a Canadian with an Indian soul. Which one of the two was I? All I know is that I love both countries equally. If it weren’t for what India had taught me, I would have never managed all those lonely years by myself; and if it weren’t for what Canada has shaped me into, I would have never reached where I am right now. My mind goes to one of my favourite quotations: “For everything you have missed; you have gained something else, and for everything you gain; you lose something else. It is about your outlook toward life; you can either regret or rejoice.” I choose to rejoice — because, somewhere in these six years in Canada, I have actually found my way home!

facebook.com/canimmigrant

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settlement T i ps fo r S e tt l i n g i n F a st e r

On the job hunt 1

Land your first job in Canada with these five tips Start your search before you arrive

Technology has made it easier to start your job search before you arrive in Canada. Check out popular sites like Workopolis to look for jobs in your industry.

e’ve all felt the emotional highs and lows that come with job hunting. If you are new to the country, those emotions of excitement and angst may intensify as you search for a job in an unfamiliar market. Deciding to move to a new country is a major decision. Taking steps to build your network before you begin your job search will help set you up for success in today’s labour market. Here are five tips for your job hunt.

Find workshops

There are many associations that offer free career assistance for newcomers including services such as resumé building, skill building and interview practice. Find one in your neighbourhood and take advantage of the services offered, and use this opportunity to build your network as well. In Toronto, one of the popular associations is ACCES Employment, which connects employers with qualified employees from diverse backgrounds.

While earning an income is the first priority for many, as you navigate through the job market, seek out volunteer opportunities to gain experience, network and discover what career path you wish to pursue. You never know — it may lead to a promising career you hadn’t considered.

Cross-check your credentials

You may be coming with a set of skills from home that needs updating in Canada. Find out what updates you need to make prior to applying to jobs in your specific field with help from industry associa-

tions and immigrant agencies.

Build language proficiency

If English or French is not your first language, build your proficiency by signing up for a language course. Remember that business acumen is different than just knowing the language. Seek out associations that may offer the service for free or at a discount.

Put your best foot forward Searching for a job will likely always come with a flurry of emotions. Taking the steps to be prepared and put your best foot forward will help as you navigate your way through the process.

Ivy Chiu is the senior director, cultural markets, at RBC. Once a newcomer herself, Chiu is interested in helping newcomers integrate to life in Canada. Are you new to Canada or know someone who is? Visit rbc.com/newcomers for more advice.

Bridge Delivery for International Medical Graduates

info@ccnm.edu www.ccnm.edu

Continuing your medical career in Canada

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

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settlement L i v e a F u lf i ll e d L i f e

Social creatures How connections help you thrive

he biggest challenge I encountered when moving to Canada on my own four years ago was my sense of loneliness and isolation. Even though I did meet lots of people, I realized that creating deep friendships would take more time than I anticipated. Most people already seemed to have their circle of friends and didn’t seem very interested in making new connections. After a few failed attempts, I became quite disillusioned and slowly lost hope in ever being able to create a network of friends. During my first years, I was often Skyping or texting with friends and family I had left behind, which always provided me with some comfort. However, I was also aware that I couldn’t merely rely on the support of people that lived thousands of kilometres away. I needed to start settling in and creating my own community of friends here in Canada. Most, importantly, I

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needed to find hope and motivation again.

Wired to connect Thanks to recent research in neuroscience, we know that human beings are wired for connection since birth. It is not so much a choice; it is more a basic human need. We are social creatures and survive best when in groups. Moreover, research shows that we cannot reach our full potential unless we are in healthy relationships with others. Since social connection is key to our survival and happiness, it is vital that immigrants in a new country find people to connect with. And so I did.

Get out of your comfort zone My first lesson was to become more proactive in connecting with people. Instead of waiting for people to reach out and invite me out, I decided that I would make the first

step myself. I never considered myself an extroverted person, but I realized that it was time to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. The passivity or hopelessness I had grown into wasn’t serving me anymore and a change needed to happen. Instead of being angry at others for not connecting with me, I needed to start working with myself. Therefore, I decided to start doing activities that make me feel good. Since I had always had a passion for dancing, I started taking salsa and kizomba classes, which brought me a lot of joy, excitement and positivity. When I surrounded myself with Latin music and dance,

it would automatically shift my energy, and I would become more open to exchanging a few smiles, approaching people and initiating conversations. It is when I found myself in my own element, feeling joyful and happy, that I found it easiest to connect with other people. The rest just naturally followed. I started creating connections and friendships, and, simultaneously, I started feeling more at home in Vancouver. So, what is your hobby? What is your passion? What activity could you undertake that would help you create meaningful connections with others?

An immigrant from Switzerland, Nicole Gfeller is a life coach, counsellor and art therapist. Her counselling business in Vancouver aims to empower other immigrants who may be going through difficult times in settling down in Canada. Visit her website at nicolegfeller.com or email her at info@ nicolegfeller.com. facebook.com/canimmigrant

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p a r e n t in g

25 things to do in the summer

Free or cheap, outdoor or indoor, there is lots you can do

eed some inspiration for activities to do with the family in the summer? Here is a list of 25 ideas that are free or cheap for any family to try.

Outdoor fun 1. Go for a nature walk or hike on trails. Make it more fun with nature scavenger hunts and other games. But do take outdoor and wildlife safety precautions. 2. Explore and appreciate all the animals around us in nature. Bring out binoculars for bird watching; use magnifying glasses to explore worms and insects. 3. Bubbles fun! You can even make your own bubble solution at home. 4. Go back to classic childhood games such as hula hoop, tag, jump rope or hopscotch. 5. Create an obstacle course or scavenger hunts in your backyard or local park. 6. Fly a kite or paper airplanes. 7. Camp in the backyard or at a campsite. Set up a tent and roast marshmallows by a campfire. 8. Bring out water sprinklers, water balloons, spray bottle or water table for hours of water fun. 9. Go to local water park or a community pool to keep cool and learn swimming skills. 10. Explore different beaches or local lakes to do some seashell hunting, castle building, swimming, fishing or boating. 11. Lie on the grass and spot shapes in clouds during the day, and do some stargazing at night. 12. Visit the local library for great reads. Sign up for the summer reading program, family story

time and other events. 13. Check out local zoos, museums, galleries and other attractions. Be a tourist in your own town. 14. Attend local fairs, farmers’ markets or free concerts in the park. 15. Some local hardware stores offer free DIY activities for kids; other stores offer drop-off playroom/ball pits at their stores. 16. Volunteer at an animal shelter or at a seniors’ home.

Indoor fun 17. Head into the kitchen, and prepare healthy and delicious recipes with your kids. Homemade frozen treats or baked goods are fun to whip up together and eat. 18. Have a family barbecue. 19. Pretend there’s a power outage and only do things that do not require electricity. Turn off the lights, get out flashlights and tell spooky stories. 20. Host a theme party such as board game night or a slumber party. 21. Turn up the music and have a dance or karaoke party. 22. Encourage children to write letters to pen pals or extended family back home. 23. Put on safety goggles and do some science experiments. Make slime or a homemade volcano. 24. Create a variety of arts and crafts projects with paint, paper, boxes, ribbons, sticks, etc. 25. Leave plenty of time with nothing planned — to let children be a little bored. It is during these unplanned moments where the magic of fun, creativity and spontaneity tends to happen.

Re-engineer yourself for a better future. INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING IN BC Are you an internationally trained engineer planning to work in Canada? Canadian companies are looking for engineers who can quickly adapt to local standards and expectations. Langara College Continuing Studies can help enhance your marketability to employers looking for engineers in all disciplines. This evening and weekend program with a practicum builds your credentials and connects you directly with engineering companies. Courses are ongoing and completed over an extended time period at your own pace. Learn more. Yasmin Virji, Program Coordinator 604.218.1783 | yvirji@langara.ca www.langara.ca/iebc

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

twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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CULTURE

Discrimination documentary Iman Bukhari is a millennial immigrant looking to foster discussion and solutions about racism

above YYC Colours filmmaker Iman Bukhari leading a discussion about racism after a screening of her film.

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documentary about racism in Calgary, Alberta, hopes to inspire discussion and solutions around discrimination in Canada. After 150 screenings across Canada, the documentary called YYC Colours is now available via YouTube, to widen its reach even more. Iman Bukhari is the millennial immigrant behind the thoughtprovoking film. Founder of the Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation, Bukhari, who has a master’s degree in multimedia communications, decided to make the film after a friend told her and other members of the foundation about facing a racist incident. “One of them said, well, what do you expect? It’s Calgary. You live in Alberta,” Bukhari recalls. “This really made me want to do something about it. I figured if I collect several people’s experiences and turn it into a film, I can prove this is a normalized issue in our society,” she adds. She put out a call for others to

share their experiences with racism. She received hundreds of replies. The film took about a year and a half to produce and premiered in April 2016. It was screened for one year across Canadian theatres, schools, workplaces and organizations. “Almost all of the screenings followed up with a solution-based discussion about how all of us can end racism. The fact that this piece summed up so many experiences and gave solutions, was the most vital part,” she says. Possible solutions that came out of the discussions included, among others, adding mandatory anti-racism education from kindergarten to Grade 12, creating more awareness about how to report hate crimes, and inspiring an outlook change from just tolerance to acceptance and recognition of the benefits of diversity. “My hope with this documentary is that it keeps educating others and sparking these important conversations,” says Bukhari. facebook.com/canimmigrant

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Big Bollywood party Seventh annual #BollywoodMonster Mashup was a big hit!

his past July 21-23, #BollywoodMonster Mashup took over Mississauga Celebration Square for the seventh edition of the festival, with the biggest crowd to date and amazing performances by Bollywood stars Jonita Gandhi,

Aakanksha Sharma and Kamal Khan. Gandhi lit up the square with her captivating vocals and high-energy performance, featuring an unforgettable rendition of “The Breakup Song.” “Year seven of #BollywoodMonster Mashup was massive,” says executive director Vikas Kohli. “We came back bigger and better with three Bollywood stars, three stages and three special surprises: our Canada 150 Monster Monde program, our Monster FoodFest and our new mascot — Bolly the Monster.” And the MonstrARTity team behind the festival isn’t done yet! Don’t miss Monster Rock Orchestra, on Aug. 18 at Garden Square in Brampton. The Monster Rock Orchestra will play a selection of hit songs ranging from classic rock to modern pop favourites for a show that anyone can enjoy.

above Singer Jonita Gandhi wowed the #BollywoodMonster Mashup crowds. Photos by Jaime Espinoza twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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BACK PAGE

Telu

above Canadian Immigrant has launched a new visual storytelling series to celebrate the contribution of immigrants from across this great nation, from the Atlantic to the West Coast.

Learn more at canadianimmigrant.ca/nation-of-immigrants.

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Want to take part in our fairs as an exhibitor or sponsor? Contact us! Ricky Bajaj • Tel: 905-273-8170 • Cell: 416-856-6304 Email: rbajaj@metroland.com twitter.com/@canimmigrant

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