Canadian Immigrant - April 2020

Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020 c anadianimmigr ant.c a

ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.

CHANGEMAKERS

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MEET OUR ALMA ARZATE

AND THIS YEAR’S

SEVENTH ANNUAL Immigrant Women of Inspiration

BEAT THE VIRUS BLUES 10 TIPS FOR STAYING PRODUCTIVE

WHILE WORKING FROM HOME

YOUR RIGHTS IN THE CANADIAN WORKPLACE

IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS TATSUO KAN AND TIBEBE WOLDEMICHAEL AND HIRUT DAGNACHEW

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2020 CANADIAN IMMIGRANT FAIRS

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

CONTENTS Volume 17 Issue 2, 2020

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FUSION

PROFILE: Entrepreneur Tatsuo Kan’s journey from immigrant to restaurant owner HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO NEWS: Upcoming 2020 Canadian Immigrant Fairs and RBC Top 25 Awards

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COVER STORY

24 MONEY AND BUSINESS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Know your ideal customer TIPS FOR SETTLING IN FASTER: Saving up for your first home

28 PROFILE

Canadian Comedy Ethiopian style: Entrepreneur couple Tibebe Woldemichael and Hirut Dagnachew welcome comedy and music as a way to teach tolerance

The Immigrant Women of Inspiration special is back for the seventh year, this time with a spotlight on women who are Changemakers

14 CAREERS AND EDUCATION

HIGHER LEARNING: Planning ahead for post-secondary studies CAREER COACH: Beat the Virus blues — 10 tips for staying productive while working from home KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN THE CANADIAN WORKPLACE — Overcoming challenges, seeking resources and finding solutions

20 SETTLEMENT

IMMIGRATION LAW: Labour Market Impact Assessment exemptions WELLNESS: Spring forward PARENTING: Help your children handle teasing

Immigrant Women of Inspiration for 2020

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FUSION

People. News. Information.

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2

2020

TATSUO KAN

Group Publisher Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Ramya Ramanathan rramanathan@metroland.com Editorial Design Safi Nomani Digital Media Developer Kamil Mytnik Sr. Ad Manager Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 Assistant Manager Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com Marketing & Events Jamie Coffin General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146 Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher

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Toronto Circulation 30,000 copies Vancouver Circulation 15,000 copies Calgary/Edmonton Circulation 5,000 copies Canadian Immigrant is published five times a year in print. Canadian Immigrant welcomes submissions, but is not responsible for 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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Immigrant to local restaurant owner

By Ramya Ramanathan

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atsuo Kan is no stranger to moving countries.

Born in China to a Japanese war-orphan father and a Chinese mother, the family moved to Japan when he was 11 years old. He started learning Japanese for the first time then. After graduating University in Japan, he traveled around the world. He met his wife, Kanako, in Tucson, Arizona, and they eventually moved back to Japan in 2003.

A serial entrepreneur, Kan started and ran a couple of successful businesses in Tokyo. In 2014, he moved with his growing family to Canada in search of a simple life.

He says that destiny did not allow his life to be so simple.

Kan opened a Japanese restaurant KOJO Penticton in 2017, and more recently, KOJO Westside.

Kan is now the proud father of four children and calls Okanagan home.

Tell us about your journey to Canada.

After I graduated college in Japan, I spent some time travelling in the US, which is where I met my wife, Kanako. When we returned to Japan, we started a group home for mentally handicapped people – it was joyful work for me. Life was wonderful but eventually, I needed something more challenging. We were watching TV one day about the catering industry and I decided to go into that field since I can make sushi, I like people and I like change – it sounded like a perfect job!

My catering business was successful, but I worked 24/7. I was burned out and had no time for my wife and children. We decided to move in order to have a simpler life. We originally considered moving to the US on an investment visa and almost ending up buying a restaurant in Idaho – but it was complicated since we had to invest, run a business and prove that it was successful before we could get the visa.

We then looked at Canada and found that if I invested the money, and opened a business, we could get our Permanent Resident (PR) status in a couple of years.

I made a trip to Vancouver – I didn’t know anyone

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

there. I ended up talking to a sushi chef at a high-end restaurant who connected me with a lawyer who said we had a good chance of getting our PR in Canada.

We moved in 2014 after my work permit came through and I later applied for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Tell us about your move to the Okanagan Valley.

We initially lived in Vancouver but being from Tokyo, we had decided we would not live in a big city.

We checked out Vancouver Island, Calgary, and then almost ended up in Kelowna, B.C. We then heard of this beautiful place called Okanagan Valley and found this small town called Summerland that we liked and moved here in 2016. This was the start of my Canadian dream.

How did you get from being an immigrant to a local restaurateur?

I was working in a Ramen shop during my first couple of years in Canada. After we moved to the Okanagan valley, we were planning to open a take-out sushi place because we knew we were good at it. And, we also were a young family who wanted to make friends.

I got lucky! I ended up finding a restaurant that had been closed with high-end equipment and when we expressed our interest in taking it over, the owner said yes!

It was much bigger than what I wanted but I had a good feeling. I was nervous since it was a small town of 30,000 people which already had a few Japanese restaurants. On opening night in 2017, I didn’t know if anyone would come. But the people kept coming, and thankfully, they continue to do so.

We reached 25 employees in 2018. I had brought on board more chefs since the demand increased and sales had doubled. But I found myself working too many hours. So, when I told my staff I was planning to downsize, they said they were happy here, and someone suggested we open another location. I picked one of the

staff to manage the place and opened our second location in 2019.

What key challenges did you have to overcome and how did you handle them?

Initially, making friends in the Okanagan Valley was challenging. People were nice but it was hard to get close to people. But eventually, I learned that if people know you have a passion, if you are hardworking, you do build connections and figure out how to tell people who you are, and they eventually accept you.

English was also a big challenge. But I took lessons with the South Okanagan Similkameen Immigrant and Community Services. I also took personal lessons and learned on the job.

What do you like the most about your new home?

Life is simple. Life is good and my business is a success. I am able to spend time on work and with family. Nature is beautiful in Okanagan, seasons are beautiful and people are nice – they respect each other. This is home – I don’t plan to move from here.

What inspires you to do what you do?

My plan was to have a simple life here – but it’s so much more. I can see the impact that I make on my employees and our customers on a daily basis. It’s more than just the food or the restaurant. I can see my employees grow and they have found something meaningful in their lives. I can see the people living around here who come to my restaurant, not just for the food but also for the atmosphere and the environment that we have created.

What is your advice to newcomers to Canada?

Respect the Canadian culture and try to bring in the best of your culture.

Each country has something special.

If you want to do something – don’t be afraid, try! Make a start – search the internet or go visit someone who might have the information you need.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

Upcoming 2020 Canadian Immigrant Fairs and RBC Top 25 Awards Over the years, Canadian Immigrant has become known across the country for Canada’s ultimate career fairs and speakers’ series – Canadian Immigrant Fairs, in association with Public Mobile, which provide inspiration and information that people need to look for jobs, go back to school and settle in their new home; and the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards – a special celebration of the achievements of immigrants to Canada that draw a spotlight on their inspiring stories.

In 2020, due to the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Immigrant has postponed the dates for some of the Fairs. This year’s Fairs are expected to kick off in Toronto on June 10 and will then head to Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Halifax, Ottawa, Vancouver and Mississauga through to the end of the year. Register and learn more about the speakers and exhibitors at each upcoming fair at canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair.

The voting process for the much-awaited RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards has also been delayed. We will be announcing the Top 75 finalists of 2020 shortly and launch the online voting stage at a later date. Stay tuned for updates at canadianimmigrant.ca/RBCTop25.

In these unprecedented times, we are putting our popular signature programs on pause to focus on the urgent matters at hand as we work together as a nation to stop the spread of COVID-19.

These programs are very special to us as we create a valuable platform to facilitate, honour and celebrate the journeys that immigrants go on as they settle into their new home.

Canada’s 2020-22 Immigration Levels Plan announced According to the newly released 2020-22 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada plans to welcome over one million immigrants over a period of three years with 341,000 new permanent residents in 2020, 351,000 in 2021, and 361,000 in 2022.

Each year, a majority of these immigrants – approximately 57 per cent, will be welcomed as economic migrants comprising of professional and skilled workers through a variety of programmes at the Federal and Provincial levels.

Family class immigration, which includes spouses, partners and children, and parents and grandparents will welcome 91,000 immigrants in each of the three years (close to 26 per cent every year). Canada will also continue to welcome refugees and protected persons and others on humanitarian grounds.

For a complete breakdown of 2020-2022 numbers, please visit the Government of Canada website.

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CHANGEMAKERS

Our seventh annual ‘Immigrant Women of Inspiration’ special shines the spotlight on women who are Changemakers – leading voices who have served and continue to serve as an inspiration in so many different fields.

We have picked five women from different backgrounds, countries of origin and generations whose voices are inspiring others and making a positive impact. Some have been here for decades,

and others have made Canada home just a few years ago. These are their inspiring journeys.

Here are the stories of Muzna Dureid, Alma Arzate, Laura Mannix, Lata Pada and Nelly Gong.

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uzna Dureid was born in Syria to an activist family. When Dureid was 16, Iraqi refugees flooded Syria seeking shelter from the ongoing war in Iraq. This is when she first realized her deep compassion for and endless inner power to help the less fortunate in any way possible.

By the time Dureid was 19, her family became one of millions of Syrian refugees fleeing the war, seeking shelter in France, Saudi Arabia, and then Turkey.

While living in Istanbul, Turkey as a human rights activist, Dureid was invited by the Nobel Women’s Initiative to come intern in Ottawa. Though she knew no one in Canada, Dureid made her way here in 2016 and discovered a welcoming society, one that allowed her to grow and feel supported.

“I was in touch with a Canadian family in Montreal and they invited me to stay with them, considering my situation,” said Dureid. “So, I moved to Montreal and I applied for asylum there.”

Soon after, Dureid decided Canada would be her new home.

This family eventually applied to privately sponsor the rest of Dureid’s family. They arrived in 2019, and are very proud of Dureid’s efforts and accomplishments.

Dureid works for The White Helmets, a humanitarian NGO that brings volunteers together to help people in war zones. “We have 5,000 people on our teams who help civilians all over Syria, giving them first aid and helping them... helping them to stay where they are and to be resiliant in facing all kinds of pressure and war,” said Dureid.

Through working with The White Helmets, Dureid gained further insight into the needs of women in conflict, as well as the need to inform people around the world about the situation in Syria and about refugees worldwide, in general. This aided her in coming up with ways to develop local focus groups in Canada and to provide information and generate support.

“We were nominated in 2016 for a Nobel Peace Prize, and we got 8

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

Muzna Dureid | Youth activist an alternative nobel prize and we have two movies on Netflix – one of which won an Oscar,” said Dureid.

Dureid herself has also recieved awards for her work and, while they help fuel her passion and keep her going, she mainly hopes to inspire others to find a cause they can devote their heart and efforts to.

“I know we are all suffering from compassion fatigue, because there are so many causes and problems, not to mention the Coronavirus,” said Dureid. “It’s difficult for people to be involved and continue sometimes, because they feel like it’s so big and so far away.

“When I recived asylum, I felt survivor guilt. Why am I here and why do I get to have a safer place to stay, while my family is under seige in Syria and don’t even have drinking water? But, they told me that I can’t help others without being in a secure situation. And, my dad reminded me that when we fly in an airplane, they say we should put the oxygen mask on ourselves before helping our loved ones.”

Dureid went on to explain that once we are good and have our needed “oxygen” supply, it is then our turn to help others. And that is why she is devoting her life to helping others in any way she can.

Dureid has brought attention to how young girls are forced into marriage, working as the founder and coordinator of Women Refugees, Not Captives campaign, aiming to end forced child marriage in Syrian refugee camps. She is also the co-founder and board member of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement, the first to engage Syrian women in politics and peace talks.

Dureid is also the founder of the Indigenous-Refugees Movement that brings refugees and indigenous people together over shared backgrounds of abuse, stigma, and misinformation toward building stronger bonds in Canada through learning about truth and reconciliation. “When we have a human relationship, we can tackle any problem and we can start to find a solution,” says Dureid.

In 2019, Dureid received the Canadian Excellence in Global Women and Children’s Health Award in the Young Leader category, as well as the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers annual award for Outstanding Advocacy on behalf of the Human Rights of Refugees.

While continuing with her activism, Dureid will be heading to Concordia University next fall. “I’d like to be a leader and politican in the future here in Canada. I’m looking forward to continuing my work, to give back to Canada what I’ve received and what my family has also received,” she says. – Rebeca Kuropatwa

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s a female in a male dominated industry, Alma Arzate says she struggled to discover her voice. “I was doing great on a oneon-one basis, but during meetings, I didn’t have the courage or know how to break into discussions to offer my perspective.

When I did break in, sometimes one of my peers would just take what I had said, repackage my idea and get it accepted as if it came from him all along,” says Arzate.

Having a voice certainly doesn’t seem a problem now. Arzate has stood on stage as a speaker at numerous events and conferences including as keynote speaker at the Schulich School of Business, Master of Supply Chain Program in 2019 and continues to inspire others to find their voice.

While Arzate could have simply allowed her frustrations early on to get her down, instead she became an active learner. “I observed and learned how they presented these ideas so effectively,” she says.

Gathering information before a meeting, making notes, speaking deliberately and in command of her emotions were just some of the techniques Arzate used to find her voice.

Arzate now finds herself in the position of facilitating the very meetings she once struggled to speak out in and uses her experience to help other women who may be facing similar challenges. “I try to make these meetings a safe environment for other women to speak, acknowledge their contributions, and invite them into the discussion if I sense they are hesitating to say something,” she says.

Arzate is originally from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. She had a thriving career as a supply chain manager for Johnson & Johnson

Alma Arzate | Inspiring others to find their voice back home, but as Juarez became a more dangerous place to live, she and her husband decided they wanted to raise their young family in Canada. “We felt we shared a lot of the same values and beliefs, and we admired the Government’s welcoming attitude towards immigration,” says Arzate.

Arzate relocated to Canada in 2007, settling in Markham, Ontario.

Arzate made a conscious decision to step back in her career upon immigrating but soon began to climb the ladder. She was promoted to project manager in 2009, then senior manager, supply chain in 2011 followed by director, supply chain planning in 2012 at Apotex Inc., a generic pharmaceutical manufacturer in Toronto. She is now a global director, supply planning, leading a team of four managers and 24 supply chain professionals.

Arzate didn’t have any female industry leaders to look up to when she began in the industry. “The only role model I had at the time were my managers and other senior leaders and most were male,” she says. When she was promoted to manager, she was only one of four female managers in a group of 104 operations and supply chain managers.

Arzate then focused on the value she could bring as a woman.

“Women are known to value relationships with others,” she says.

“Bringing this trait into the workplace can result in engaged and productive cross-functional teams contributing to the bottom line of the company.” Being an empathetic listener, the ability to understand opposing viewpoints, enabling a collaborative environment for creativity and decision making are just some of the feminine traits Arzate says women bring into the workforce that have helped her to grow in her career.

Arzate is passionate about sharing her insights and lessons learned with students. She is an active supporter of the student body of the Rotman School of Management, Conestoga College and Wilfried Laurier University and has spoken at numerous student conferences. “This is an extremely rewarding way for me to give back to the profession, as I am helping pave the way for the future leaders that will eventually take our spots,” says Arzate.

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In 2019, Arzate was selected by the Supply Chain Canada Association as part of their first ever 100 Influential Women in Canadian Supply Chain. “It was truly an unexpected honor,” she says. “To me, it served as a recognition for the challenging journey that brought me where I am today.” But most important, Arzate says she hopes the recognition serves as an inspiration to others.

“As I shared this honor in social media, internationally trained supply professionals that have made Canada their new home reached out to me to say that it gave them hope that if a fellow immigrant that came to Canada 13 years ago as a Project Manager could receive this honor, then they could believe they also have what it takes to achieve their goals and dreams.” – Lisa Evans

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sing the term “changemaker” to describe Laura Mannix is fitting, but perhaps not quite adequate to describe her passion for influencing social change. The Australian-born Mannix is a young, vibrant leader who uses her leadership position in the immigrant settlement sector in B.C. to evolve how settlement services are offered.

“Being able to leverage change in systems to benefit the community and the livelihoods of those that are a part of it is what motivates me every day,” says Mannix, director of community development at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society in Surrey, B.C. What type of change is Mannix focused on? “To move settlement services to a place of community building and equity, centred on the experience of people who are actually in the system,” she says.

“Migrants should come out of the settlement experience feeling empowered, equipped and strong in their sense of identity, their culture and their relationship to the community,” she says, adding, “and feeling like there is equitable access to systems such as housing, employment and education.”

For Mannix, this vision is influenced by her own experiences as

Laura Mannix | Building communities an Australian of mixed race.

“My mom and her family had to leave Egypt for religious and political reasons and went to Australia in late 1960s. Being a firstgeneration Australian of mixed race, I grew up seeing the dynamics of what it means to be a migrant in Australia,” she says, explaining that the legacy of the impact of the White Australia policy established

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

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the racial inequity of the country.

“You had to assimilate; it wasn’t about integration. There was a lot of shame. There was a lot of trying to be as Australian as possible,” she says.

Her experiences led her to study human rights and international studies at university, and start a career in refugee services in Melbourne. “I didn’t want folks to feel the same way or go through the same hardships my family did. I thought there are ways to make this better.”

That’s her focus today at DIVERSEcity. After moving to Canada for love, Mannix experienced a whole new set of struggles as a skilled immigrant. She worked in retail, while volunteering, networking and sending emails to different immigrant-serving agencies in Metro Vancouver. DIVERSEcity was the agency that lucked out when it hired her to oversee its refugee and specialized programs in 2015, including its work with Operation Syrian Refugee.

That was five years ago and, in 2018, she moved up to the organization’s senior leadership team, overseeing all aspects of settlement services. “Moving up to this position has given me more access to policy and people with decision-making abilities, enabling a whole different level of change.”

But, with every change, Mannix ensures she creates space for immigrants, refugees and other marginalized populations to share their voices and lived experiences to inform the work being done.

“Newcomers should feel accepted, welcomed and like they Lata Pada | Making change through dance have the same positioning in the community as their Canadianborn counterparts,” says Mannix, in contrast to her experiences in Australia. “Ultimately, we should all feel like we belong.” may have experienced...[using] different workshops to generate their own poetry and develop their confidence level so they could – Margaret Jetelina perform it for the public,” said Pada. “[This is] something that would be very useful for women similarly hen young Lata Pada moved from warm Mumbai, India to going through pieces of trauma and... a very important message for the small town of Thompson, Manitoba in 1964, nothing other women who were going through the same thing.” could have prepared her for the shock of the brisk prairie Another project involved working with school kids to develop Canadian winter. She had moved with her husband, Vishnu Pada, dance and drama skills that revolved around a theatre production. a geologist by trade who got a job working for a mining company.

“It was about a young girl who immigrated from India and how she After five years, the couple transferred to Indonesia, working was undergoing bullying and being ostracized by her classmates, with the same mining company. Ten years later, they moved back because of the way she dressed, or the kind of food she brought to to Canada. This time, to the mining town of Sudbury, Ontario. school to eat, or the way she spoke...and how she was being shunned And then, tragedy struck. On June 23, 1985, Pada lost her husband by the school,” said Pada. and their daughters, who were on board the Air India flight 182 that “But, she had so many other skills that were assets. And slowly, exploded mid-air due to a terrorist bomb while on their way to join through her other assets, she was able to build on how...her other Pada in India. classmates noticed how she could help them and decided to accept “After the Air India tragedy, I moved back to India for five years, her as one of their own.” because I had nothing to live for in Canada,” said Pada. “I had nothing Over the years, Pada has received many awards of recognition else to turn to except my dance. I wanted to lose myself back into for her community contributions, including the Order of Canada it, so that I could have something I could completely devote myself and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in the general to...and to turn my mind away from the devastating grief and loss I community, as well as the Mississauga Arts Council’s Lifetime was suffering.

Achievement Award and the Mississauga Legends Row Award in “But, after five years, I certainly was yearning to come back to the local arts community, among others.

Canada. And so, I moved back to Mississauga and started up my In 2011, Pada was the first performing artist to receive the Pravasi dance company.”

Bharatiya Samman Award from the President of India, recognizing In addition to starting up her company, Pada was also a vocal her outstanding contributions to further dance, and for her activism activist in getting the Canadian government to recognize the Air into the inquiry about Air India flight 182.

India bombing as a Canadian tragedy, a bombing that included the Pada pushed for the recognition of Indian dance as a classical deaths of 268 Canadians. And, she worked to find ways to impact form of dance in Canada equal to ballet. “The classical form of dance the community through her medium of choice – dance. we practice is a very deep, rich, and sophisticated art form that is One of these projects involved working with abused women as rigorous, developed, and sophisticated as ballet, with dancers in her local East Indian community. “The project was called, trained over a long period of time of 12 to 15 years,” she said.

‘Dispelling Darkness,’ and was with the Ontario Arts Council Lata is mostly definitely a changemaker. “I think it’s because of through the Ministry of the Status of Women, using the arts to work my efforts that they [the arts community] are now giving grants to with women who suffered from issues of partner violence, gender various foundation artists who practice the many forms of Indian violence, and sexual violence...[around] how to nurture back their classical dance. So, I think that’s a change I’m very proud of being self-esteem and assist them in coming through the trauma they able to bring about.” – Rebeca Kuropatwa

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

Nelly Gong | Giving back to the community

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elly Gong has faced her share of adversity. From living in a shelter with her young children to being diagnosed with leukemia, Gong has faced each and every challenge head on and as a result, has broken boundaries and set new records in the insurance industry.

Gong arrived in Toronto in 1997 as a skilled immigrant. Growing up in a family of teachers in China, Gong was a third-generation teacher there. She left her teaching position in China to attend the University of Maryland in the USA to complete her PhD. Four years later, she immigrated to Canada with her ex-husband and then 18-month old son in search of a better future for her young family.

But the road to success wasn’t paved with ease for Gong.

Eighteen months after landing in Toronto, Gong was diagnosed with leukemia, a blood cancer for which she continues to receive treatment for even today. Shortly after her diagnosis, Gong left her marriage and the house she shared with her then husband and moved into a shelter for women.

Determined to get back on her own feet, Gong moved back into her own house a few months later and in the summer of 2002, established her own State Farm Insurance Agency in Mississauga, the first ever Chinese Insurance Agency for State Farm, becoming an entrepreneur for the first time in her life.

When she started the business, her oldest son was six years old and her youngest was one. The greatest challenge of being an entrepreneur and mother was finding time to balance work and being a mother. “I had to plan ahead and be smart,” she says. “I rented an online access card from Bell for my laptop so I could get some of my work done while waiting for my son at his swimming classes.”

Although she was still battling leukemia and raising her three young boys, Gong accepted a call from the United Way of Peel Region who invited her to join their board. “I accepted because I wanted to give back to the community who supported me when I was in need,” says Gong.

Gong has since worked with several community organizations including the United Way of Peel Region, Mississauga Mandarin Association, United Way Greater Toronto, Peel Region Police,

Streetsville Rotary Club, and the Chinese English Toastmasters Club and been recognized for her work in the community and received awards including the City of Mississauga Civic Award of Recognition in 2009.

Gong helped to establish the United Way of Peel Region’s first-ever community advisory council, the Chinese Advisory Council. Later, Peel Police reached out to Gong and asked for her help to build their Chinese Advisory Committee. “I want to help them to understand our communities and also to bring the mainstream into our local different communities,” she says. Gong is now the Director of Community Service and President Elect of the Streetsville Rotary Club. In July 2020, she will become the President of the Club.

Being involved in community initiatives has not only helped Gong to grow personally, but professionally as well. “When you offer yourself to your community, you learn more from your community which really helped me build up my business,” she says. Giving back to the community has been a cornerstone of Gong’s business.

“When you have the heart for your community, your community will lay their trust on you,” she says, adding that the majority of her new business comes strictly from referrals.

From her desire to help other newcomers in the industry, Gong purchased a desk for her office to host co-op students. “The best way to get to know your community and your professional field is to volunteer and get shadowed by the peers in your professional field,” she says. Gong has been a co-op employer for the Mississauga Newcomer Center, the University of Western Ontario, Sheridan College and University of Waterloo and has helped many newcomers find their first Canadian job through her clients and business connections. She encourages newcomers to learn and adapt to their new environments, always continue to learn and get on their own two feet as soon as they can. – Lisa Evans

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CAREERS & EDUCATION HIGHER LEARNING

Planning ahead for post-secondary studies Explore your options

P

lanning for post-secondary studies can help you make informed, realistic decisions about your education and career.

You might want to take different factors into consideration depending on what stage of life you are in while planning ahead.

While in high school High school students are still learning about themselves and developing their interests, talents and abilities. During this time, it is a good idea to keep your options open for further studies in a variety of fields. This means developing good research and writing skills and continuing on in math and sciences, if at all possible. The evolving and changing nature of adolescence favors exposure to a broad high school education. You may regret prematurely dropping core subject

areas later on as this could mean that certain careers choices could be eliminated. Getting the required courses at a later stage is possible, but more difficult.

High school students should equip themselves with tools for exploring various academic programs and careers. Since career changes are common, these skills can be useful throughout your working life.

Students need to keep connected with academic requirements, labour market trends, the impact of technology and marketability of their program.

Students also need to be able to approach their guidance counsellors, teachers and people working in a variety of fields for information and career advice. They need to be able to find information from reputable websites, key staff and librarians, and from school visits. There should

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

be no unwelcome surprises such as program costs, eligibility for loans and grants, minimum academic requirements for admission and if there are specific requirements for certain programs.

The older student Older students and mid-life career changers face advantages and disadvantages in choosing programs. Life experiences and prior work are helpful to their learning; however, they may find that they are behind in the kind of skills that some high school students develop from current coursework, parttime jobs and family businesses.

Older students may find that the computer skills of younger students are more up to date, that they have more practice with writing essays, and even that they have developed skills in the trades from summer employment.

Older students may feel rusty and discouraged, but one strategy is to engage in focused self-study.

Another strategy is to take an introductory course or two prior to starting full-time studies. While an introductory semester may delay starting a program, it may make a big difference in your comfort level, self-esteem and grades later on.

Summer introductory courses, in particular, are a good way to prepare since they present the material in a concentrated way. Reach out to a program advisor who can help you determine if taking these courses could be helpful. A look at the curriculum, course outlines and textbooks can also help in assessing readiness. This can make academics more manageable and enjoyable.

from high school, elective courses at the post-secondary level can be used to continue exploring options and building skills. For instance, choosing a writing course while in a science field or a statistics course while studying the humanities.

The first year of university, which can sometimes be a rude shock in terms of grades, is a great opportunity to test out abilities and interests, and to look at the competition. The first year is a good indicator of whether the student has chosen wisely and will enjoy the work associated with their diploma or degree.

The first year is a good time to acquaint yourself with the supports that can help you refine your career goals throughout your studies.

Support can be available through writing centres, peer tutoring and other student services. Even if you are a strong student, additional help can increase your grades and understanding.

Do your best to get ready for your post-secondary program, but also continue to explore your academic Keep exploring while attending school and career direction with the help of While it is true that admission your school. No matter what stage to some post-secondary schools of life you are in, planning ahead is may require particular courses critical to your success.

Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer have extensive experience working in university and college settings, providing career, academic and personal counselling to international and immigrant students.

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CAREERS & EDUCATION CAREER COACH

BEAT THE VIRUS BLUES

S

10 tips for staying productive while working from home

uddenly, WFH is now a buzzword. For the uninitiated, WFH or ‘Work From Home’ seems to be the new norm in these extraordinary times. Thousands of people have suddenly been thrust into the reality of working remotely from home. And with “social distancing” becoming another buzzword, WFH could be here to stay.

Look at the bright side! WFH now saves you precious time and money in commuting costs alone. While WFH can offer some cool benefits, it also brings along unique challenges.

Here is your beginner’s guide, with 10 tips to ace these WFH times and enjoy a productive, remote-working lifestyle.

4

Remember to clock-out.

The danger of working from home is that your work and personal life start to blend together, and you begin to feel like you’re always “on”.

You might end up working longer hours than normal and this can be very unhealthy.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, pick a time in advance to “check out” of work. Even if the checking out is simply mental, it will provide the separation you need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

5 Bonus Tips to Make Your WFH Fun

1

Create a dedicated work area.

Begin right. Set up a separate work area, ideally in a space or room where you can close the door and shut out everything else. If you don’t have a home office, do as much as you can to create a space exclusively for work.

One of the biggest challenges of working from home? The distractions that come with it like your family, pets, the kitchen and more!

That’s why it’s extremely important to have a dedicated workspace. If you have room for a separate home office, perfect. But even if you don’t, you can make do with a small desk or table. The separate, secluded space also creates the psychological barrier and stops family from barging in on you at odd times and helps you focus on your work. Also, invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones or some quality earplugs.

2

Start early, get in the flow.

Remember, you have swapped your morning commute for the transition from the bed to the computer. Use this precious time to log in early and finish the big, important tasks first.

One way to be more productive in your WFH is to dive into your to-do list as soon as you wake up. Simply getting a project started first thing in the morning can be the key to making progress on it gradually throughout the day. Otherwise, you will prolong breakfast and let the morning sluggishness wear away your motivation.

3

Control your schedule.

To remain productive and be in control, set regular work hours and, as much as possible, adhere to them. It is also a great opportunity to adapt your work schedule to your natural body clock or chronotype.

One of the best things about working from home is the flexibility it gives you over your own schedule. Without a good structure in place, you could go haywire and easily run out of time or energy for work. With a little practice, you can figure out what works best for you.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

1. Exercise while you work. You can invest in cool products like the Deskcycle and burn calories when you work at

your desk.

2. Play some music. If your work permits, why not play lyric free music. It could even help you increase your focus.

3. Let in the light. Why leave the curtains closed and create a cave-like atmosphere? Another option is to simply have a

plant or two around you to spruce up the surroundings.

4.

Choose a themed-background. Whatever the state of your home office, you could simply blur the background or add custom images when you are getting on video calls.

Many sites like Zoom offer this feature.

5. Embrace nature. Go for a walk. It’s okay to leave your computer, stretch, and step outside. Just a short

10 to 15-minute walk can do wonders to get the juices flowing.

5

Set up your workspace for efficiency and comfort.

It pays to invest in a work environment that will keep you healthy and ache free. Set up an ergonomic home office by investing in an upright chair, like you would at your office desk.

Along with this, your WFH tech set-up could include a top-end computer monitor with a large high-resolution screen, a comfortable keyboard and mouse, as well as an effective webcam and other essentials.

6

Invest in Broadband.

Given the fact that you may be working long hours and may need a

fast and uninterrupted internet connection, it makes sense to invest in a Broadband service. You could also consider having an alternative device – a smartphone or tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard, or a spare laptop – as an alternative way of connecting to the office, even if it means using a hotspot while running errands.

7

Get digitally savvy.

In today’s time and age, no one can afford to say that the Internet is not their cup of tea. While there’s no true replacement for an in-person meeting, online conference tools like Zoom, Skype, Webex, GoToWebinar, Slack and many more make it easier to work collaboratively in remote teams.

Once you master these tools, conducting meetings online can be a breeze, allowing you to see your client’s or colleague’s facial expressions and body language, in addition to hearing their voice.

8

Take proper breaks.

Just because your home has also become your office doesn’t mean you should stay still all day. There’s enough research today that indicates that humans work best by taking short breaks in between bursts of high activity. The key is to make sure you take the time to refresh your mind and body.

It’s important to take regular breaks, ideally every 60 to 90 minutes.

Remember that a 10 to 15-minute break will make all the difference, as will a proper break for lunch. Stay hydrated – having a water bottle near your desk helps.

9

Dress for work as usual.

While it is tempting to stay in bed and work on your laptop in your T-shirt and pajamas, dress as if you’re going to work each day. Putting on some form of “work-wear” can help you get into the right mentality.

Always dress as if you are going into an office when working from home. Do remember that if you appear in a Skype meeting wearing pajamas, others will notice.

10

Stay positive, stay in communication mode.

It’s easy to get lonely as you do serious office work from an unconventional space. That’s why it’s important to keep the spirits up and relieve the stress.

Remember, good relationships are built on a foundation of trust and good communication. Regularly check in with colleagues, stay in the loop, and find opportunities to connect with people after work, either through social media or in person, keeping social distancing in mind.

Follow these simple 10 tips and your WFH opportunity may turn out to be the best thing that has happened to you.

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 how he can help unlock your magic at unleashyourwow.com.

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CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

17

CAREERS & EDUCATION

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN THE CANADIAN WORKPLACE Overcoming challenges, seeking resources and finding solutions

By Ramya Ramanathan and Denise Hansen

P

rashant Shori knows a thing or two about the confusion newcomers to Canada face when it comes to understanding their rights in the workplace. As an information and referral specialist at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, he advises newcomers on all aspects of their settlement — from finding housing to answering employment questions .

Shori regularly hears the same concerns from newcomers about workplace rights: “I was laid off unreasonably without fault of my own; I was not paid for my last two weeks at work; I am working part-time and was promised a certain amount of hours but now I’m not being given those hours …”

Canadian workplace legislation can be difficult to understand especially if English is your second language. And it’s even more confusing considering there are differences in workers’ rights between provinces and territories. Regardless of your province or city of residence, or even your immigration status, Canadian laws protect every worker in Canada.

These laws state that all workers in Canada have the right to be paid for their work, to break time and days off, to a safe workplace, and to keep their passport or work permit.

All workers in Canada have the right to know about health and safety matters in their respective workplace, have the right to participate in decisions that could affect their health and safety, and have the right to refuse work that could negatively affect their health and safety and that of others. Canadian law also states that employers cannot force employees to perform duties they were not hired or trained to do, and cannot force

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

someone to work if they are sick or injured, among other things.

Workplace bullying Beyond basic workplace rights, many newcomers come across more systemic workplace problems like bullying and discrimination.

Radhika Nath* immigrated to Toronto about a decade ago. At a recent job as a senior manager, she found her boss referring to her as “her protégée” and constantly telling her what to do. She was taken aback since she had close to two decades of experience, half of which was in Canada, and a managerial role was not new to her. “I let that slide like I did many other things,” she says.

“My job was to manage thought leadership committees, and as I recruited senior leaders, I was asked to make sure there was adequate gender representation. When I brought up the low representation of visible minorities and immigrants on these committees and suggested we address the gaps, I was told that immigrants don’t make it to senior levels and would be hard to find. My boss also told me that she was ‘colour blind’ and visible minorities would not be a factor in the recruitment.”

Nath pursued the matter and was eventually let go and told that she wasn’t a good fit. She believes that it was because she brought up an issue that the organization wasn’t comfortable with.

Immigrant Lily Fernandes* who has been in the GTA for a couple of decades believes that it gets easier as you progress in your career.

“Discrimination for me was more at entry-level roles. I have always

felt that the colour of my skin goes against me. Also, being a woman already has a disadvantage because you cannot be aggressive in the maledominated corporate setting. But, you cannot be subservient because you will be walked all over.”

These struggles are not uncommon. While a number of newcomers and immigrants find themselves warmly welcomed to Canada, they often face challenges climbing up the career ladder especially when their workplace is not committed to promoting diversity and inclusion.

According to statistics provided by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Ontario has recorded a little over 3,000 complaints of workplace harassment each year for the last couple of years.

The Ministry considers workplace harassment as including, but not limited to: offensive comments or jokes; bullying or aggressive behaviour; inappropriate staring; sexual harassment; isolating or making fun of a worker because of their gender identity.

Finding the resources and solutions you need Every Canadian province and territory has an office that deals with labour and employment laws that can provide workers with information about fair pay, hours of work, rest periods and working conditions in their city and province of residence. Anyone working in Canada has the right to call or visit these offices if there is a problem with pay, hours of work, or if they feel they are being treated unfairly at work.

In addition, provinces have nonprofits and legal support centres funded by the government to help newcomers and immigrants find information and seek advice when faced with challenging or unsafe workplace situations. A number of organizations offer self-help kits, resources and tools to help navigate the human rights system. Some settlement agencies that deal with employment can often provide you with a list of resources in your province.

Janina Fogels, legal manager and senior legal counsel at Ontario Human Rights Legal Support Centre (OHRLSC), an agency funded by the Ontario government to provide legal services to individuals who have experienced discrimination, says they get a range of calls on subjects from disability rights to international employment experience not being recognized to religious accommodation requests – all potential violations of the human rights code.

She recommends that everyone learn about their rights in the workplace. “Know your rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act.

Know your rights under your collective agreement if you belong to a union. We [OHRLSC] can help you know and assert your rights.”

She encourages people who believe their rights are being violated to be aware and document their experiences closely. “Keep a journal or write emails to yourself about what you are experiencing. So, you have a way to prove it later. Document your experience and speak to somebody you trust in the workplace. If you are considering filing with the Human Rights Tribunal, call us for help. We can give you advice about what you might want to do next and walk you through options. They don’t have to include litigating, which is time consuming and stressful and often the last resort.”

She points out that everything has to be looked at from a case-by-case basis.

Every situation is unique Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino recently announced that more than one million immigrants (close to 57 per cent to come from the economic class) will be invited to Canada over the next three years. While they are welcomed with services provided by settlement agencies and are connected with resources to start a new life in their home, supports need to be available to them to build a thriving career — beyond a job that just helps them pay their bills.

How did Radhika Nath handle the situation? Nath is pursuing the matter at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal. “I am not speaking just for myself, but on behalf of the thousands of immigrants who deal with situations like this. If Canada is opening its doors to immigrants, it has a responsibility to make sure that immigrants can thrive.”

What about Lily Fernandes? She says: “I had four options: get up and leave; complain to the higher-ups; shut up and take it; or sit down with my manager and tell them that the way I was being talked to was not acceptable and I wanted a more positive working relationship. I chose the last option and thankfully, it worked.”

Her advice to newcomers and immigrants? “Do not make it personal.

Blend in. When people grow up here they learn how to be very polite and learn what is acceptable. Canadians are more likely to withhold their opinions. A number of immigrants tend to be more direct, which can often be viewed as being rude.”

Fernandes adds: “I know that every role I have held, every conversation I have had, has been a stepping stone that has taken me toward my goals.” *Names changed.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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SETTLEMENT I M M I G R AT I O N L AW

Labour Market Impact Assessment exemptions Does your profession or occupation feature in this list? charity is not a requirement, it is helpful, and being a not-for-profit organization is typically a must.

Work that is of a charitable nature or purpose is work which contributes to the relief of poverty, advancement of education, advancement of religion or other certain purposes that benefit the community. Examples of the latter include the promotion of health, advancing the public’s appreciation of the arts, protecting the environment, promoting the welfare of animals, reliving conditions attributable to being aged, relieving conditions associated with disability, providing public amenities, protecting and preserving significant heritage sites and promoting commerce or industry.

It is common for employers of workers performing the above charitable work to apply for LMIAs. However, it is also completely unnecessary.

Television and Film Production Worker

G

enerally, in order to hire a worker from abroad, a Canadian company will have to first demonstrate that there is a labour shortage for the position. To do this, the company will need to recruit for four weeks in prescribed locations with specific information in the job advertisements, invite potentially qualified Canadian candidates to apply for the position, and provide a spreadsheet to the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada demonstrating that no qualified Canadians applied for the position. Afterwards, they will be interviewed by the government to confirm why they could not recruit any qualified Canadians.

This process, called a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), can be cumbersome, and it is a deterrent for many employers from hiring foreign workers.

There are many exemptions to the LMIA process including in the case of international graduates, youth exchanges, Francophone employees, provincial nominees, people who qualify under free trade agreements and spouses of skilled workers.

As well, certain professions and occupations are exempt from the LMIA. Here are a few.

20

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

Religious Workers Religious workers do not need LMIAs to work in Canada. In order to qualify, a foreign national must be providing religious instruction, promoting a particular faith, advancing the spiritual teachings of a religious faith or maintaining the doctrines and spiritual observances on which those teachings are based.

Simply being employed by a Canadian religious organization is not sufficient. For example, a church accountant or gardener would not qualify for a LMIA exemption. However, a Kosher chef or Gatka instructor would.

Another category that is surprisingly underutilized is television and film production workers. This category is not limited to actors and actresses. Anyone whose work is essential to the making of a film or television production in Canada can qualify, including camerapersons, graphic designers, set designers, etc.

Significant Benefit

Finally, anyone whose work would result in a significant benefit can get a work permit without a LMIA. This is a highly discretionary category, and such permits are typically issued where the balance of practical considerations argues for the issuance of a work permit in a time frame shorter than would be necessary to obtain a LMIA. To qualify, a person must show that the social, cultural or economic benefits to Canada of issuing the work permit are so clear and compelling that the importance of the LMIA can be overcome.

It is always frustrating to meet individuals Charitable Workers The charitable worker category is somewhat whose ability to work in Canada has been delayed broader than the religious worker category, or cancelled because of LMIA issues when those although it is less well known. To qualify, the individuals never needed a LMIA in the first work that a foreign national will perform in place. All companies should consider whether Canada must be of a charitable nature. While they qualify for an exemption before starting the being a Canada Revenue Agency registered LMIA process.

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.

SETTLEMENT WELLNESS

Spring forward Are you comfortably uncomfortable?

Could spring be time to try something different?

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” – Anais Nin.

A

s each season changes, I feel a sense of optimism and anticipation. This is especially so in the spring. Maybe it is because my birthday is in the springtime; maybe it’s the lighter days after the dark of winter; or maybe it is the emerging spring flowers. I usually feel a renewed sense of energy and creativity to start something new and break out of my comfort zone.

While I recognize that parts of our beautiful country are still covered in snow, and more cold and wet weather could still be on the horizon, and in addition, we are going through times of uncertainty and stress with the Coronavirus, there is plenty of inspiration to find at this time of year. Could spring be your time to take a risk and try something different, for a change?

Are you comfortably uncomfortable? Are you dissatisfied with an area of your life and wish things were different but feel stuck in a rut, fear change, or are risk averse?

Review and re-evaluate

Three months into the year, now can be a great time to check in; to take stock of how your year is going and how satisfied you feel. As you review what you have achieved so far in your personal and professional life, remember to acknowledge the small victories; the day-to-day wins we take for granted when we are preoccupied with the everyday routine. You may not have done all you intended to do by now; you may have experienced some unexpected challenges and setbacks; you may have slipped back into old habits. Recognize this as part of the growth process. Remind yourself you are doing your best.

Don’t get stuck in the cycle of blaming, shaming or complaining. Don’t be tempted to give up on your dreams and aspirations or lose sight of what is most important. Remember, you have choices.

Spring forth new ideas

Use this time to find one new idea, new hobby, new thought, habit or opportunity that will motivate and enable you to create more of what you want and less of what you don’t want.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Here are eight questions to get you started: What is one thing can you start doing, or do more of, that will move you towards your goals and intentions for 2020?

What one habit can you let go of, or do less often, to move away from that which does not serve you well?

How can you build your community and connections for support?

How can you make yourself more marketable? How can you add value?

What are your unmet needs? What small step can you take towards addressing one of these?

What skill would you like to learn or refine?

What brings you joy and creates ease in your mind and body?

What new thought or belief would energize you?

intentions, and trust that you will find what you want.

Be mindful to not get distracted and derailed by: • Negative comments from others.

• Negative self-talk and lack of self-belief.

• Settling for less (the ‘good’ can be the enemy of the ‘best’).

• Comfort and convenience (they can stop us growing).

Make a conscious choice to create something new this spring that will extend the boundaries of your comfort zone. As Anais Nin’s quote suggests, the risk of not taking action is often more painful (and can end in regret).

Dare to blossom. You might just be amazed at what emerges.

Hazel Morley has worked as a trainer, facilitator and coach for more than 25 years, in England and after immigrating to Canada in 2009. After her own personal health crisis, she shifted gears to focus on strategies for enjoying optimal health.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE. Be good at it. douglascollege.ca

Mindset is key

The energy required to make change and breakthroughs occur when the mind and body are relaxed. It is hard to find inspiration when you are feeling anxious, distracted or frustrated. Invest time day dreaming. Create some space for yourself where you will not be interrupted. Take a walk in nature, get unplugged. Get curious and ask questions. Listen to your heart and your gut (in addition to your head). Direct your attention towards your goals and

Hazel Morley has worked as a trainer, facilitator and coach for more than 25 years, in England and after immigrating to Canada in 2009. After her own personal health crisis, she shifted gears to focus on strategies for enjoying optimal health.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

21

Member:

Abeer Qita, R506904

Member:

Company Name/ Location:

Fast to Canada (previous), Golden Start Immigration (current) Mississauga, ON

Osama Ebid, R530337 and Abeer Qita, R506904

Company Name/ Location:

Finding:

The RCIC misrepresented the Private Sponsorship of Refugee Program to numerous clients. She committed multiple breaches of the Code of Professional Ethics by requiring clients to pay their own settlement funds, together with fees and donations to a sponsor chosen by the RCIC. The RCIC failed to refund unearned amounts.

To be determined; Factual Findings effective 20-January-2020.

(Ebid) Fast to Canada, Mississauga, ON and (Qita) Golden Start Immigration, Mississauga, ON

Finding:

Two RCICs who worked together at the same firm, improperly handled the division of client files when the two RCICs severed their professional relationship. Further, they improperly tried to have clients to sign waivers of liability.

Sanction:

Conditions on practice; Effective: 27-January-2020

Decision and Reasons:

https://tinyurl.com/tzneqsk

Sanction:

To be determined; Factual Findings effective 20-January-2020

Decision and Reasons:

https://tinyurl.com/tjqn3us

Member:

Paria Oskoi, R416799

Member:

Sharandeep Singh Mann, R415175

Company Name/ Location:

Persis Professional Services,

Company Name/ Location:

Orbit Immigration Services Ltd., Surrey, BC

Finding:

Member failed to provide clients with written retainer agreement and failed to provide timely updates on the status of their visitor visa application including a refusal notice issued by IRCC.

Central issue in the application for judicial review:

Pursuant to ICCRC’s urgent motion, the Discipline Committee ordered interim suspension of the Member’s ICCRC membership.

Member sought to have the Discipline Committee’s decision judicially reviewed and set aside.

Sanction:

Practice audit, which was conducted on March 2, 2020; completion of three specific PME courses within 12 months; and reprimand placed in the Member’s file for 5 years.

Outcome:

Member’s application for leave for judicial review of Discipline Committee’s decision was dismissed.

Order:

https://tinyurl.com/roxfum8

Richmond Hill, ON

Federal Court of Canada Decision:

https://tinyurl.com/qssw6kz

SETTLEMENT PARENTING

Help your children handle teasing How to tell if your children might be experiencing negative teasing and what you can do

T

engaging in negative self talk/self harm, or showing excessive amount of anger, fear or sadness.

• Look for physical symptoms like stomach aches, insomnia, panic attacks or nightmares that some children can experience due to teasing.

• Create a safe environment for children to open up about being bullied, by asking open-ended

questions.

Practise active listening with your children.

• If children have difficulties opening up to you, encourage them to talk to teachers, counsellors, or extended family members and friends.

• For those who are hesitant to open up about being teased, explore creative ways such as How to tell if your children are through storybooks or sharing victims of teasing personal stories about teasing, • Watch for changed behaviours, or encouraging children to draw/ such as refusing to go to school paint/write about their feelings or participate in social activities, and concerns. easing, or making fun of someone, can be playful and fun but it can be also be a very serious matter when it becomes hurtful and harmful. In severe cases, negative teasing can leave permanent emotional scars on the victims.

Many children who are victims of teasing hesitate to speak up about being teased as they worry that the situation will worsen. Others are too embarrassed and afraid or could lack confidence or language skills to speak up against the tormentors, especially if they have just moved to a new country or find themselves in a new environment. But staying silent and hoping that the teasing will go away can have detrimental consequences.

not be crushed by teasing.

• Stop them from trying to engage in fights or arguments or trying to • Be hopeful but realistic when defend or refute the tease. dealing with incidents of teasing. • Remind them to be mindful Keep in mind that standing up to of their reactions and to always the tormenter requires time, stay calm and neutral. Bullies will courage, persistence and support. continue to taunt and tease to see • Teach children to focus on their if they can get a reaction. own mindset and behaviours; • Tell them to remain calm and ask remind them that they can only the teaser to stop; walk away from control their reactions to what was the teaser; find something else to said, but they cannot control what do or talk to someone else. was said.

• Encourage them to brainstorm Negative teasing is a form of some possible strategies to diffuse bullying and should not be tolerated. difficult situations, and practise Teach your children that we all hold role play so they are more prepared the power to stop bullying by working to deal with future teasing. together to stand up to bullies so that • Help build their self esteem so our world will be a better and kinder children will be more resilient and place for everyone.

Effective strategies to deal with teasing

Cheryl Song, an immigrant from Malaysia, has more than 20 years’ experience of working in early learning and family programs. Contact her at cheryl@learnwithsong.com or visit her website at learnwithsong.com.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

23

MONEY & BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Know your ideal customer How well do you understand your ideal customer’s buying decisions?

Do your research to understand buying behaviours: Conducting research is paramount in order to uncover consumer insights that lead to a deeper understanding of their motivations.

In my case, I went through numerous customer reviews of what my potential clients were doing right and wrong, the Q&A section on their websites, and social media channels.

I conducted competitor analysis and interviewed international students to find out their biggest needs and Tell your story well: The most challenges and if the institutions/ successful brands are the ones able to agents were addressing them effectively. tell stories that people can relate to. re you looking to become a consumption so they know: All that research equipped me I shared blog posts and articles small business owner? How 1. The cues that people respond well do you understand the to in deducing what products that my potential customers could with the information to execute forward to their students since they strategies that raised awareness rationale behind the buying decisions are better than others; 2. How situational factors affect addressed the issues they faced, and about my services and why they are of your potential customers?

I made sure my website and social the optimal solution for my clients.

Small business owners in Canada their purchase decisions; and David Mendoza is an educator are a force to be reckoned with — 3. How they influence others media had testimonials from both over 98 per cent of all businesses based on their own experience clients and students illustrating the and entrepreneur, director at Orbit in the country have less than 100 acquiring the products they buy. value that my work with them had 5, and professor at George Brown College. added to their lives. employees. If you have immigrated My own business model is B2B to Canada or are planning on coming here with the idea of developing (Business-to-Business) and although an entrepreneurial initiative, the end users of my services are these numbers speak to great international students, my clients are Fashion Interior educational institutions and agents opportunities.

Design Design The key to successful entre- giving their students a competitive preneurship is finding gaps within edge and tools to make the most of your target market and how your their Canadian journey.

Below are tips from my personal offering can fill those gaps, and providing an experience that will experience as an entrepreneur: Architecture Visual Effects Design and Art and Design entice your consumer to develop VCAD offers exceptional Technology Identify and address specific a relationship with your brand’s career-focused design education across a identity. This, in turn, will result pain points: You must have clarity variety of disciplines: in repeat business and new client on the problems that your potential customer is experiencing. referrals.

For example, once I identified that As small business owners, you 3D Modeling Graphic Animation Design must focus your marketing efforts on the isolation and the difficulty to find Art and Design engaging with potential customers. meaningful work that international This includes connecting your brand students experience are due to a with them at a deeply human level, lack of preparation to manage their understanding patterns within their transition into life in Canada, I Game buying behaviours to refine the story created content that illustrated how Development and Design your company tells, and the social my program could prepare them for impact your brand makes when that and keep their mental health addressing specific pain points, i.e. on point. The latter was an aspect the problems customers experience. I strategically built upon, so my Your products and services must be potential client could see why my aligned with your clients’ values and option was better than others. vision.

Be willing to go the extra mile: Brands aiming to convey messages that leave a robust impact When you are new to the market and career.vcad.ca 1.800.290.2179 on consumers have to pay close no one knows you, you must put in attention to the ongoing process of extra work to get noticed without selling anything directly. Reach out to potential leads, build a relationship, and engage with them so they can experience your services firsthand.

When I started my business, I offered demo workshops so potential customers could experience my initiative from the comfort of their venues. I did this in order to ensure that their buying decision was not impacted by situational factors like being rushed or an unfamiliar location.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

MONEY & BUSINESS T IP S F OR SE T T L ING IN FA S T E R

Saving up for your first home Five tips to get you started the Canada Mortgage and Housing 5. Know the rules Corporation (CMHC) website, Familiarize yourself with the placetocallhome.ca, for more rules surrounding home ownership information on program eligibility. including mortgage stress tests – a set of tests designed to help 4. Be prepared for the “hidden” Canadian homeowners know if costs of home ownership they are buying a home they can As you consider home ownership, afford now and in the future. it is important to factor in all the Having a firm understanding of associated costs and fees. Costs what is required from you as a like land transfer tax, legal fees and prospective homebuyer will help realtor fees are all part of the larger you better understand how big of financial picture. Factoring them a mortgage you are eligible for and into your budget will help curb any how a change in interest rates may last minute surprises when it comes impact affordability for you. time to make the big purchase. And Using the right tools and don’t forget the ongoing costs of resources you will be able to arm home ownership! Home insurance, yourself with the information you property tax and utility bills should need to get started on your journey all be added to your budgets. to home ownership.

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uying a home is an exciting milestone for many Canadians – including many new Canadians. In fact, a recent poll by Royal LePage found that one in five homes purchased in Canada in 2019 were purchased by newcomers.

Finding the right home in the right neighbourhood is often top of mind for prospective buyers as they begin their search. But being properly prepared financially is a necessary first step to make the leap into home ownership. The home-buying process may be different from what you are used to back home, but setting incremental goals can help you succeed on your path to home ownership in Canada.

2. Start saving

Savings and investment tools are a great way to set aside money for your home. As soon as you arrive in Canada, you can start contributing to a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). This is a savings tool with annual contribution limits (currently $6,000 per year) that allows you to save and invest tax free and withdraw the funds at any time. If you are employed in Canada, an alternative savings tool available to you is a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

RRSPs are tax-deferred; you don’t pay tax until you make withdrawals.

As a first-time home buyer, you are entitled to withdraw up to $35,000 tax-free from an RRSP through the Home Buyers’ Plan to put towards Here are some tips to help you your home and you have 15 years to get started: repay what you withdraw.

Amit Sadhu is the vice president, newcomer segment, at RBC. Visit rbc.com/newcomers or visit a branch near you for help and advice to help you save more and settle in faster.

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GET TO WHERE YOU WANT TO GO WITH VANCOUVER CAREER COLLEGE

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1. Meet with a financial advisor

3. Learn about government Having a good sense of your programs

current financial situation will help you understand how to achieve future goals like owning a home.

Speaking with a professional – including a financial advisor or a mortgage specialist – can get you on the right path with a budget and clear attainable goals.

Did you know the Canadian government has incentives for first time home buyers? Programs like the First Time Home Buyer Incentive, The Home Buyers’ Amount and the GST/HST Housing Rebate extend savings and incentives to those purchasing their first home. Visit

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Canadian Immigrant Profile

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for this opportunity, candidates must be:

CAREER PATHS SKILLED IMMIGRANTS PROGRAM

• A Permanent Resident of Canada, no more than five years • A person who is awaiting PR Status per confirmation letter from IRCC

OR The Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) provides support, programming and services for new immigrants to assist with their transition to Canada. They currently offer a highly informative, hands-on employment program called the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Program, which is funded by the Government of British Columbia, through the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology. The program provides customized services for up to 22 months to assist skilled immigrants with experience in Sales and Service occupations such as Corporate Sales Management, Retail and Wholesale Trades Management, and Restaurant & Food Services Management, to ultimately obtain employment in their field of specialization.

Shameemah Kalaichelvan, Manager of Employment Programs at PICS, explains that the program “will assist in pursuing a career path that will help them find a commensurate level of employment based on their pre-arrival education and experience. The intention is to eradicate underemployment and unemployment of the skilled immigrants.”

This program assists participants with the integration process into the Canadian labour market from the very beginning, including job search assistance, education funding to fill skill gaps, workshops to coach participants in

becoming ‘job-ready’, personalized career path planning, networking events and mentorship opportunities.

Employment for this program encompasses all positions and titles that come under three National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 0601- Corporate Sales Managers 0621- Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers 0631- Restaurant and Food Service Managers As skilled immigrant participants embark on their career path in Canada, the program also assists them with a Temporary Aligned Employment which is a stage in between their initial enrolment in the program and their goal employment. Shameemah takes pride in the fact that the program contains great work experience opportunities and mentorship each step of the way: “We work with each participant in parallel with respect to their short-term and long-term employment goals. Participants of our program are also assisted with occupation-specific language training by VCC and practicum opportunities with local employers as per the need.”

Convention refugee and protected person outside Canada who have been selected for resettlement in Canada by IRCC • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 or above (Intermediate to Advanced English) • Three years of pre-arrival experience in the fields of Sales and Service (one year for youth 19-30 years of age) • Underemployed or unemployed in Canadian Labour Market • Not receiving EI or BCEA

Additionally, the PICS Career Paths staff team is very friendly, clientfocused and works on flexible hours to accommodate participant needs and help them reach their employment goals in BC.

REGISTRATION

PROGRAM LOCATION

Tel: 604-596-7722 Email: careerpaths@pics.bc.ca

Surrey BC: #205, 12725 - 80th Ave, V3W 3A6 Vancouver BC: 8153 Main St, V5X 3L2

PICS offers this program province-wide through remote services

PROFILE

CANADIAN COMEDY ETHIOPIAN STYLE Entrepreneur couple Tibebe Woldemichael and Hirut Dagnachew welcome comedy and music as a way to teach tolerance

By Carolyn Bennett

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 17 Issue 2 | 2020

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thiopia is known for many things: coffee, its own distinct alphabet, and being one of the cradles of humankind. Standup comedy, not so much. However, at Toronto’s Hirut Café, comedy flourishes on the last Friday of the month and attracts some of the biggest acts in Canadian standup, such as Ali Hassan, Judy Croon, Simon Rakoff, Sandra Battaglini, John Steinberg, and many others. Why? Because of Tibebe Woldemichael and his wife Hirut Dagnachew.

Tibebe and Hirut immigrated to Canada from Ethiopia via Greece as refugees in the late 1980s.

“We applied through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). It gave us three options where to settle: Australia, the United States, or Canada. We chose Canada. We were taught Canada was peaceful,” says Hirut.

Within three days of being in Toronto, Tibebe found a job at the Bank of Nova Scotia. Hirut took ESL lessons and did an apprenticeship as a hairdresser but didn’t pursue the trade. A friend suggested to Hirut that they partner and take over the contract of an Ethiopian restaurant on the Danforth. They eventually bought the business and ran it for seven years.

This success motivated Hirut and Tibebe to buy their own commercial property and open Hirut Cafe.

They designed their restaurant to include a stage where they envisioned hosting music and poetry nights. Standup comedy was not on the radar.

Enter Canadian comedian and actor Kevin MacDonald from suburban Mississauga. Along with Canadian Comedy Award winner Winston Spear, comedian and writer Scott McCrickard, and myself, we paid a visit to the restaurant and dug the vibe. Doing standup comedy in an Ethiopian restaurant, however, was a new one for everyone.

After a modest beginning, word of the comedy night in east end Toronto spread. Many in the Danforth East neighbourhood soon discovered the show. Regulars Lisa Mazzara and Joe Siino credit the show for bringing them closer together. “We came to Hirut on our fourth date. By then I knew Joe had a great sense of humour and he would appreciate the comedy.

He fell in love with it instantly, just as I did.” says Lisa.

Not only did they fall in love with the show and the restaurant, they fell in love with each other and married in 2018. “The comedy, the restaurant, and Tibebe and Hirut, give us a feeling of family. We’ve grown so close to them that we invited them to our wedding,” says Joe. Over the years, the aptly named ‘Hirut Hoot’ comedy show reached new creative heights. Comedians who perform at the restaurant comment on the warmth and good feelings they get. “Ethiopian culture embraces the arts,” says George Westerholm, a comedian, musician, and TV writer for such shows as This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Rick Mercer Report. “Tibebe and Hirut have cultivated a great space for comedians and musicians.”

The neighbourhood has also taken notice of the spirit at Hirut. Many community groups meet there, including the Danforth East Community Association, and the Enku Scholarship Fund, a registered Canadian charity that helps underprivileged girls in Ethiopia pursue university education which recently organized a fundraising event featuring Ethiopian-Canadian comedian Dave Getachew.

Gelila Ephrem, founder of the Enku Scholarship Fund, was touched

Entrepreneur couple Tibebe Woldemichael and his wife Hirut Dagnachew run Hirut Café in Toronto. when the comedian donated his fee back to the cause. “Dave gave a great comedy performance. It was refreshing to see his comedic take on life as a young first generation Ethiopian-Canadian. And Tibebe and Hirut have helped us so much. They’ve hosted three of our annual fundraisers, as well as every meeting with the Board of Directors.”

Recently retired after 29 successful years at Scotiabank, Tibebe now focuses on musical acts, especially ethio-jazz. Many high-profile jazz acts regularly play at Hirut, including Daniel Barnes and Girma Woldemichael, Don Naduriak, and others. Tibebe and Hirut perform on occasion too, he on guitar and Hirut on vocals.

They both count their blessings. “This is our dream come true. The biggest happiness for me is the friends we’ve made. All of my friends and clients at the bank, all the great comics, the great musicians – Canada gave us so many things,” says Tibebe.

In these times of building walls and excluding people, they see the value in the stage they provide.

“The world is becoming polarized. We wanted to make a space where we can bring everyone together through art, through music, to teach tolerance through art, even teach people through comedy. We need to laugh at ourselves,” says Tibebe, with a big smile.

Carolyn Bennett is a writer, comedian and co-producer of Hirut Hoot.

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

29

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Canada’s Ultimate Tradeshow And Speakers’ Series For Skilled Immigrants, International Students And Other Newcomers

DON’T MISS THE 2020 FAIRS! Toronto

June 10

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Metro Vancouver

July 10

Hilton Metrotown Burnaby

Winnipeg

July 21

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Sept. 10

Fantasyland Hotel

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Telus Convention Centre

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Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

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BE INFORMED. GET INSPIRED. MAKE CONNECTIONS. SUCCEED IN CANADA.

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AT THE FAIR: • DIVERSE TRADESHOW OF EXHIBITORS • HIRING EMPLOYERS

• ENGLISH LANGUAGE HELP • IMMIGRATION AND SETTLEMENT HELP • BANKING AND SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES • MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS • INSPIRATION TO SUCCEED

Want to take part in our fairs as an exhibitor or sponsor? Contact us!

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