Canadian Immigrant - August 2014

AUGUST 2014 I FREE

UPFRONT

ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.

EDUCATION SPECIAL:

Publications mail agreement number 40011993

Is retraining right for you?

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SMART QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR INTERVIEWER

TOP OUTDOOR JOBS FOR NATURE ENTHUSIASTS Celebrating 10 Years!

CURVY COUTURE ALBERTA’S NORA FURBER BRINGS NEW SHAPE TO WOMEN’S BEHINDS WITH HER LATIN-INSPIRED JEANS August 2014

Canadian Immigrant

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Newcomers, no credit history required at Canada’s largest bank .

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We make it easy for you to settle in faster with no Canadian credit history required for your first credit card*, car* or home*.  Get your first credit card, with no annual fee1  Get your first car, with an RBC Royal Bank® car loan and on-the-spot financing at over 3,500 dealerships  Own your first home sooner, and get a $500 housewarming gift2 Plus, get a FREE Apple iPad mini3 when you join RBC® and open a new all-inclusive banking account.

Visit an RBC branch or rbc.com/cim or call us at 1-866-855-9076

* No credit history required for a credit card, car loan or home mortgage. For an RBC Royal Bank credit card, newcomer must be a permanent resident who arrived in Canada within the last 12 months. Provided you meet all of Royal Bank of Canada’s eligibility and credit criteria, you may be eligible for a secured or unsecured RBC Royal Bank credit card even if you have no Canadian credit history. Automotive and residential mortgage products are available to permanent residents and foreign workers without a Canadian credit history, provided you meet eligibility and credit criteria. To take advantage of these offers you must show proof of entry into Canada and provide supporting documents such as a passport and landing papers or permanent resident card. For full terms and conditions visit rbc.com/newcomerterms. 1 No annual fee is available on select RBC Royal Bank credit cards. See branch for details. 2 Offer only available to First-Time Home Buyers who obtain a 4, 5 or 7 year fixed interest rate closed or a 5 year variable rate closed residential mortgage with Royal Bank of Canada or on one RBC Homeline Plan® mortgage segment. To qualify for this offer, clients must have or open a mortgage payment account with RBC Royal Bank. To be eligible: (i) the mortgage application date must be on or after March 10, 2014 and mortgage funds must be fully advanced within 120 days from the commitment start date, and (ii) client must have a minimum mortgage principal amount of $100,000. Not available in combination with any other offer. 3 Conditions apply. To get an Apple iPad mini device, you must be a new Eligible Personal Client, open one of the Eligible Personal Deposit accounts with RBC Royal Bank during the promotional period and complete the criteria. Offer is not available to existing clients who had a Personal Deposit Account with RBC Royal Bank before April 14, 2014. Offer available from April 14, 2014 to July 31, 2014. Apple is not a sponsor of, nor a participant in, this promotion. For full terms and conditions visit www.rbc.com/ termsandconditions. † Based on market capitalization. Other conditions apply to all offers. Each of these offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. For complete Terms and Conditions visit any RBC Royal Bank branch or visit rbc.com/newcomerterms. Personal lending products and residential mortgages are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard lending criteria. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada.

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UPFRONT 12 | COVER STORY

CONTENTS

LATIN FLARE

REGULARS 6 | OUR TAKE/YOUR TAKE 8 | FUSION

COLOMBIANBORN NORA FURBER BRINGS CURVY DENIM TO WOMEN IN ST. ALBERT, ALBERTA, AND ALL OF CANADA

›› PROFILE: Entrepreneur Manu Sharma ›› CANSPEAK: English sayings explained ›› NATIONAL BRIEFS

19 | WELCOME TO CANADA

›› Tips for newcomers on settlement, finances and more

40 | SETTLEMENT

›› PARENTING: Back to school

41 | CULTURE

›› Jamaican-born poet Nadine Williams

42 | BACK PAGE

›› CULTURE SHOCK: Keep on learning ›› TOP TIPS: Advice from some of our Top 25

16 | RBC TOP 25 CANADIAN IMMIGRANT AWARDS Celebrating Top 25 Photos

From our Toronto and Vancouver ceremonies

34 | ›› CAREER COACH: Questions to ask your interviewer ›› JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES: The final “Elephant in the Room” instalment ›› Outdoor jobs for nature lovers

24 | SPECIAL REPORT Continuing your education A guide on post-secondary choices for newcomers

Help bring in newcomers to Canada. Respond to the need for immigrants.

Become a Regulated Immigration Consultant Full-time | Part-time | Online Apply online at www.ashtoncollege.com or contact a program adviser at (604) 899-0803.

Ashton College | 604 899 0803 | 1 866 759 6006 | w w w.ashtoncollege.com

Celebrating 10 Years!

August 2014

Canadian Immigrant

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UPFRONT

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2014 Group Publisher Gautam Datt Sharma Director – Business Development Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Margaret Jetelina mjetelina@canadianimmigrant.ca Senior Editor Baisakhi Roy broy@metroland.com Creative Director & Editorial Design Safi Nomani snomani@metroland.com Digital Media Developer Kamil Mytnik Advertising Sales Sr. Ad Manager (B.C. and Alberta) Alla Gordeeva alla@canadianimmigrant.ca Tel: 778 558 3397 Sr. Ad Manager (Toronto) Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 National Sales Manager Varun Munjal vmunjal@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8169 Sales Events & Marketing Coordinator Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146

Subscription rate in Canada: $36 plus HST for 12 issues Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher

Publications mail agreement number: 40065097 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 3145 Wolfedale Road Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 3A9 Printed on recycled paper.

Toronto Circulation 50,000 copies Vancouver Circulation 30,000 copies Calgary Circulation 3,000 copies Canadian Immigrant is published monthly and distributed free throughout Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. Canadian Immigrant welcomes submissions, but is not 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 VANCOUVER 793 8th Street East North Vancouver, BC, V7L 2A1 Tel: 778 558 3397

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canadianimmigrant.ca

August 2014

our take Summer wrap-up; looking forward to fall

It’s August and with the warm weather across the country, our thoughts go toward spending time with our families cooling off at the lake, but, despite the heat, it’s business as usual most days. There’s work to do, bills to pay, futures to plan and school to get ready for.

Going back to school is definitely on the minds of many newcomers as September nears. One reader, Leny, wrote us a letter asking for more information on taking post-secondary in Canada, and so we focused this issue largely on education topics with our “Special Report: Continuing Your Education” (see page 24).

Of course, it’s such a broad topic and there is so much to discuss. This issue, we have articles on whether going back to school is a good idea for you, what to expect at post-secondary institutions in Canada, and language and soft skills education tailored to newcomers. If there’s an issue we haven’t covered recently that’s of concern to you, please let us know, and we’ll investigate it for an upcoming issue.

Our “Parenting” columnist Cheryl Song also talks about getting your children ready for a new school year with her “9 back-to-school tips.”

Although the issue is heavily education-focused, we put Colombian-born Nora Furber on our cover for her inspirational story and exciting appearances on Dragons’ Den (see page 12). She’s this month’s

“Success Story” and is based in St. Albert, Alberta, recently named the best Canadian city to live in!

Furber has gone through many obstacles and is now a successful small business owner, designing denim with a Latin twist out of her small boutique, but selling online nationally.

While we have always had some print distribution across the country at facilities like libraries, this is also the first issue that we’re distributing Canadian Immigrant with a big presence in Alberta, starting with Calgary, then to be followed

by Edmonton.

This fall, we’re also heading to the Stampede City on Oct. 17, with our first Calgary-based Career, Education & Settlement Fair. This will shortly follow our second annual Vancouver fair, on Oct. 6, back at the Vancouver Public Library.

For more information on participating in either fair as an exhibitor or speaker, please contact Alla Gordeeva at alla@canadianimmigrant.ca or 778558-3397 for details. For more information on attending, see canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair.

Hope to see you there!

Margaret Jetelina Editor, Canadian Immigrant “LIKE” US ON

FACEBOOK/CANIMMIGRANT.

your take Refugee health care cuts wrong and fiscally shortsighted

Canada has long been a safe haven for those seeking protection from violence and persecution in troubled parts of the world, but our reputation for compassion has been called into question by the Conservative government’s decision to deny refugee claimants health care.

Since 1957, the federal government has provided health coverage to refugees arriving in Canada, many of whom are among the most vulnerable people in the world. Two years ago, Minister Jason Kenney ended this compassionate practice, forcing doctors to deny coverage to some of the people in the greatest need.

The human toll has been considerable.

Refugees, most of whom will become Canadian residents, who can’t access care typically delay seeking treatment until their conditions worsen.

That leads to undiagnosed and untreated problems, greater health complications and higher costs to the health care system when they eventually arrive for treatment in emergency centres.

This downloads costs to already cash-strapped provincial governments, and shifts care to emergency rooms, which are the most expensive way to deliver health care. But, worst of all, denying the

initial care creates preventable suffering among the most vulnerable.

The impact on pregnancies is particularly heart-wrenching. In many cases, refugees’ newborns are premature, underdeveloped, with neurological problems and other complications because their mothers couldn’t get prenatal care.

These newborns, who are Canadian by birth, will end up costing our health and education systems much more.

It’s no wonder virtually every medical organization in Canada was outraged at these cuts and the medical community has held annual rallies opposing them since they were announced.

The Federal Court recently agreed, striking down the cut because it “puts [refugee claimants’] lives at risk, and perpetuates the stereotypical view that they are cheats, that their refugee claims are ‘bogus’… It undermines their dignity and serves to perpetuate [their] disadvantage.”

The cuts to refugee health care have always been morally wrong and fiscally shortsighted.

The Conservatives must drop their appeal to the Federal Court ruling and reverse the cuts.

Hedy Fry, MP, Liberal Party of Canada Health Critic, Vancouver facebook/canimmigrant

@canimmigrant

Education information, please

I am a permanent resident since 2010, when I first read the magazine. I don’t want write a column or tell my life history. I just want ask to read more about the best way to go to college and how not to get misled. Have a huge industry making money from unaware immigrants and we (or at least me) cannot let this happen in silence.

Schools selling themselves as colleges, giving people a hope of new life (and sometimes work visa). So let’s do a guide on: what a college need to have to be a good college; what is the difference between a certificate and a diploma, what are your rights and obligations when you apply for a student loan. Get interviews with both sides, schools, students, governments. Find out the number, the result of all this money being wasted.

Information is never enough. And I can tell I let myself enter in this situation. I don’t want to say the school name. I am not complaining about one. I just want information about all of them.

Vancouver School Board Adult Education

Leny Eloi, Vancouver WANT TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS? EMAIL EDITOR@CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA.

Correction

In our July 2014 edition, we mistakenly referred to Nassreen Filsoof, one of our RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2014, as co-founder of the Canadian Iranian Foundation. In fact, she is the founder. We apologize to Nassreen for the error and any inconvenience it has caused.

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fusion news. people. events.

PROFILE

MANU SHARMA Engaged entrepreneur

By Baisakhi Roy

P

assionate about business, ideas and people, Manu Sharma is managing partner at OAK Computing, an Ottawa-based software development company. Recently a winner of the Ottawa Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 award, the Indian-born immigrant stresses the importance of engaging with your community while working toward personal success.

What were your first impressions of Canada after landing?

I landed in Canada in December 2003 to start an MBA at Carleton University in Ottawa. Canada … and Ottawa specifically … was love at first sight. I loved the people, the culture, the easygoing nature, the sense of comfort with different ethnicities and different identities, and most importantly the Canadian trait of always looking to do “good.”

What were some of the challenges you faced?

My challenges were primarily social and professional in nature. It is difficult to start a life all over again, especially when you have left every single relationship you knew in your life.

Vancouver Public Library 350 West Georgia Street Central Library, Level 4 Phone: 604-331-3603 Web: skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca

Employment information for career decisions A free service for immigrants to British Columbia

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Indian-born Manu Sharma is a winner of Ottawa Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 award.

Similarly, it is difficult to get started professionally all over again.

You leave all your networks and all of your professional goodwill, and to a large extent also lose the significance of your previous work experience. I spoke good English, but I spoke it differently and with a big accent — still do to this date — and it is a struggle to adjust to folks asking you to repeat yourself. From being a known entity in the room, someone everyone acknowledged and respected, to being often the only unknown is quite difficult.

I think it is important for any new immigrant to understand, acknowledge and prepare for the social and cultural differences that one is going to experience once they are in Canada.

So, how exactly did you overcome such challenges?

I have worked hard to be where I am, but all credit goes to those around me — my family, friends and my networks of mentors and colleagues who have all extended a helping hand when I have needed their support. In retrospect, I feel that a North American education also worked quite favourably for me when it came to getting access to professional and business opportunities. Having those credentials, I feel, opened a lot of doors for me.

Finally, I could not emphasize enough the critical importance of my decision to engage widely with the whole community and volunteer my time freely. It is something I still do as much as I can — give my time, effort, energy and money to my community and to those who work hard to make Ottawa one of the best places to live.

Do you think things have changed for newcomers today compared to when you immigrated to Canada?

It is actually quite different. In 2000, the year that I moved to North America, the biggest challenge for me was the limited access to information that was possible as the internet was still in its early stages in India. The access to real-time information — covering the whole spectrum of information about education, jobs, living conditions, social norms, etc., that the internet now makes possible -- is, in my opinion, a huge positive shift and represents a resource that, if leveraged well, can make a huge difference in the settlement of a newcomer.

You recently won the Forty Under 40 award. What advice would you give other entrepreneurs?

Don’t be shy and believe in your ideas and your strengths. Persist with your ideas and keep experimenting continuously. And, finally, identify your learning and mentorship needs and work to meet people that can help you with those needs.

What do you think are the key qualities for success in Canada?

Be hardworking, have an open mind, care for the local community and look for help.

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August 2014

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FUSION Canada >> This July, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander welcomed the first two successful applicants under the Start-up Visa Program, which links experienced Canadian private sector firms with innovative foreign entrepreneurs who want to launch their start-up companies in Canada. GrowLab Ventures Inc. of Vancouver is the Canadian business incubator that is supporting Stanislav Korsei and Oleksandr Zadorozhnyi, formerly of Ukraine, in the development of their company, Zeetl Inc. Korsei and Zadorozhnyi have developed an application that allows firms to monitor social media for customer complaints and concerns, and instantly establishes a temporary direct phone line that the customer can call.

B.C. >> The deadline to apply for the Lilian To Bursaries at Ashton College in Vancouver, in partnership with Canadian Immigrant, has been extended to Friday, Aug. 15, 2014. Ashton College is offering four bursaries to outstanding students who wish to enroll in a full-time program. Each bursary has a maximum value of $8,000.

Eligible programs include bookkeeping, sales and marketing, human resources, business and international trade. Find out more at ashtoncollege.com/events-features/grants.

Alberta >> Manwar Khan, one of the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2014, was awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in recognition of his contribution to his community. The Caring Canadian Award, which was established by the former Governor General Roméo LeBlanc, recognizes individuals who volunteer their time to help others and to build a smart and caring nation.

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Is someone annoying you? And they’re doing it on purpose, knowing exactly what triggers you? You can simply say: “Don’t push my buttons.”

Back to the drawing board If you’ve made plans, but they don’t work out, you can go “back to the drawing board” like an architect or designer.

Just start your plans over.

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1. Additional terms and conditions apply. Full details are available at bmo.com/300cashoffer, or visit any BMO branch. Offer is available from June 1, 2014, – August 31, 2014. You have the opportunity to earn up to $300 in cash bonuses when you open a new Chequing Account and Savings Account (defined below).

To qualify for the first $100 cash bonus, you must open a new Primary Chequing Account (“Chequing Account”) with a Plus, Performance or Premium Plan, make a deposit by August 31, 2014 AND set up a recurring direct deposit from your employer or pension and have a direct deposit transaction credited to the Chequing Account by October 31, 2014. To qualify for the second $100 cash bonus, you must setup a pre-authorized bill payment, have it debited from the Chequing Account by October 31, 2014 AND sign up for and log in to BMO Online or Mobile Banking by October 31, 2014. (both bonus offers collectively “Chequing Account Bonus”). An additional $100 cash bonus is available if you qualify for the Chequing Account Bonus and open a new Smart Saver Account or Premium Rate Savings Account (collectively “Savings Account”) and maintain a balance of at least $3,000 in the Saving Account until December 31, 2014.

Cash bonus(es) for the Chequing Account offer will be credited to the Chequing Account by December 31, 2014. Cash bonus for the Savings Account offer will be credited to the Chequing Account by February 28, 2015. Offers may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time without notice. 2. To qualify for any special offer pertaining to the BMO NewStart program as set out above, a customer must be a landed immigrant or foreign worker who arrived in Canada within the last five (5) years. Proof that status was obtained within the last five (5) years is required as evidenced by their Canadian Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing documentation or work permit (IMM 1442). The Bank Plan offer included in the BMO NewStart program applies to the Performance Plan only. (Other Bank Plans are available but are not included in the free banking offer). After the twelve (12) months of being enrolled in the BMO NewStart program, eligibility for the monthly Bank Plan fee waiver ends and the full monthly Bank Plan fee will be applied to your account automatically. You are responsible for all transaction, service and product fees not included in your Bank Plan. TM/® Trade-marks and registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal.

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After surviving immigration, the death of a spouse and a battle with dragons, Alberta-based entrepreneur Nora Furber is taking on a new challenge: fixing flat bums

BY LISA EVANS

12 canadianimmigrant.ca

August 2014

PHOTOS BY JILL SHANTZ

facebook/canimmigrant

@canimmigrant

SUCCESS STORY

W

SETTLEMENT

and passed away 18 months later. “I found myself alone. I couldn’t work 8 to 5 anymore because I was now a single parent and the kids needed me. I didn’t know what I was going to do,” she says.

During her years living in Canada, Furber had often thought about bringing the fun, colourful, sexy Latin fashion she loved to Canada. “Every time I went to Colombia and came back my friends here would comment on how nice my jeans were. I was never able to find a pair of jeans here [in Canada] that would fit the way I wanted,” she says.

When Canada and Colombia signed the free trade agreement in 2008, Furber saw it as her chance to begin a new life. “It was a big risk because I invested my own money. This was the money that my husband left to me to raise my children, [but] I thought, ‘Am I going to just continue surviving or should I take a chance and have faith?’

I just decided OK, I’m going to do it,” she says.

Furber flew to Medellin, the fashion capital of Colombia, and began designing her Latin-inspired jean for the Canadian woman. She

Photo by Jill Shantz

hile many new immigrants struggle to adapt to Canada’s cold climate, learning English and navigating bureaucratic systems, Colombian-born Nora Furber had a different problem. She couldn’t find a good pair of jeans. “I could never quite adjust to the boxy, boyish look of the North American jean,” she says.

So she started her own label, Monjeloco Jeans. Her Latin-inspired lift-the-butt and tuck-the-tummy jeans won her a spot on CBC’s Dragons’ Den and, in 2013, she was honoured with the distinguished Latino Canadian Entrepreneur Award from the Latino Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Today, business is booming. Her tiny shop in downtown St. Albert, Alberta (voted Best Place to Live in Canada by MoneySense magazine), is jampacked with women all looking for one thing — to give their tush a push. I’m told there’s often a lineup out the door on Saturdays. Furber has every reason to smile, but the road to success for this entrepreneurial single mom of two was paved with many difficult decisions and heartbreak.

There’s a secret to why women in St. Albert, Alberta, have great butts; Nora Furber’s Latin-inspired jeans give them a boost.

Furber arrived in Edmonton on Dec. 15, 1984, wearing a green summer dress and sandals. “It was minus 30 degrees,” she laughs.

At 18 years old with no family or friends in Canada, Furber had one goal — to create a better life in a safe country, one she could eventually raise a family in.

Although she’d always dreamed of a career in the fashion industry and would take trips to West Edmonton Mall and imagine working at the high-end fashion shops, Furber knew she first needed to learn English. She enrolled in English as a second language courses at the University of Alberta and got a job as a nanny, living with an English-speaking family.

Soon she was working in the cosmetics department at London Drugs, where she stayed for 19 years. In the meantime, Furber fulfilled another dream — having a family. She married a Canadian chemical engineer named Daniel, and had two children, Mitchell and Jesse. But in 2001, Furber’s world was shattered.

At 42 years old, Daniel was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer Celebrating 10 Years!

found a factory that employed single mothers, many of them widows like herself, and felt an immediate connection. “I empathize with them because [while] I’m a single mom in Canada, I definitely have a better life than these girls have in Colombia,” she says. Together, Furber knew she and the Colombian women could do something big.

Manufacturing her jeans in Colombia also meant Furber could give back to her home country. “Colombia has a lot to offer and people don’t know it. After all the problems they’ve had, they’re trying really hard to have a different image and I like being a part of that,” she says. In addition to promoting Colombian industry, Furber wants to show her sons that they can be proud of their Colombian heritage. “I’m Canadian by heart, but I’m still Colombian, too,” she says.

Even her company’s name, Monjeloco Jeans, connects to Furber’s Latin background. Selected by her sons, who are now 23 and 19, Furber says the name combines two sides of her personality. A former yoga teacher, Furber has a calm and spiritual side, but she’s August 2014

Canadian Immigrant

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SUCCESS STORY also an outgoing, colourful Latina. “The word monje means monk in Spanish and loco means crazy, so it’s crazy monk,” laughs Furber.

Bringing the Latin look to Canadian women required a few adjustments, however. “The Canadian woman is more conservative,” says Furber. “If you go to Latin countries, the girls are wearing their jeans tighter. The bigger the butt, the better,” she says. Monjeloco jeans are designed to lift the butt, creating a perfectly round silhouette and tucking in the tummy.

Since opening the shop’s doors in 2012, Furber’s butt-lifting jeans have made headlines and continue to receive rave customer reviews.

She encourages anyone who dislikes their derriere to try on a pair of her jeans. “If you wear a regular jean and then you wear one of my jeans, your butt will grow three times bigger. If you already have a big butt, it’s going to lift it, tuck it in and make it perfectly round,” she says.

Furber and her staff have the most fun when couples come into the store together. “The woman tries on the jeans and right away you can see she’s feeling sexy and the guy says ‘Wow! I didn’t know she had a bum like that!’ and they’re flirting and holding hands. We tell them to go out for a drink or to dinner and have a nice evening,” says Furber with a laugh.

Despite the great response Furber received from women in her local Alberta community, she struggled with getting the word out across the country (she offers online shopping at monjelocojeans. com). So she took her lift-the-bum jeans to the television show Dragons’ Den in October 2013, coming face to face with some of Canada’s most influential business tycoons. Walking onto the set, Furber announced to the dragons: “I have a solution to a national problem.” When she told them the problem was flat bums, they burst out laughing.

Furber brought three faithful customers to model the jeans — a

plus-sized woman, a mother of three young kids and a university student. She asked the women to wear their regular North American jeans then had them change into Monjeloco jeans. “When they came out, [the dragons] couldn’t believe the difference,” says Furber. “They actually got up and asked to touch the girls because they accused me of putting padding in the jean.”

Although Furber didn’t strike a deal in the Den, her appearance on the show gave a big boost to her butt-lifting business. “The day the show aired, the website crashed [because] there were so many hits on the site and when I got to the store, there was a line outside and it’s been like that ever since,” she boasts.

This July, the Dragons paid her a visit in St. Albert to do a followup, featuring the ever-growing status of Monjeloco, and the thriving support from the local community.

Furber has hopes that a deal with the Dragons will still be made.

“This time we are definitely going to sign a deal,” she says.

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LIVING

CELEBRATORY CEREMONIES The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards of 2014 were honoured at two ceremonies, one in Toronto on June 24 for eastern-based winners and another in Vancouver on June 26 for winners from western Canada.

Senator Mobina Jaffer.

Emcee Miyoung Lee, of CBC News.

Photos by Sandra Minarik and Saajid Motala

Costas Menegakis, Parliamentary secretary to Minister Chris Alexander, and Graham MacLachlan, RBC’s regional president of B.C.

Singer, TV host and past Top 25 winner Luisa Marshall sings her signature Tina Turner song ”Simply the Best” to the winners.

Winners Sarthak Sinha (left), of Calgary, Alberta, and John Volken of Surrey, B.C., chat during the event.

(Back row, from left): Winner Sarthak Sinha, Gautam Sharma, publisher, Canadian Immigrant, Costas Menegakis, Parliamentary secretary, winner James Wang, Graham MacLachlan, RBC’s regional president of B.C. and winner John Volken. (Front row, from left): Winners Senator Mobina Jaffer, Dr. Anna Wolak, Nassreen Filsoof, Shala Chandali, Vivian Abboud and Manwar Khan.

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UPFRONT

Group shot of the eastern-based winners at the Toronto ceremony.

Winners Senthi Chelliah (left) and Roberto Hausman (right) smile for the camera.

Winner Gentil Misigaro (left) with ceremony guest.

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Chris Alexander (left) with Dana Robbins, vice-president and group publisher, Metroland South.

(From left) Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Chris Alexander, James Hodge, marketing manager, Chevrolet, winner Naval Bajaj, Kim Mason, president Greater Toronto, RBC, and Gautam Sharma, publisher, Canadian Immigrant.

Musician Gentil Misigaro performs at the ceremony.

Winner Dr. Surinder Khurana.

Chevrolet Ingenuity Award winner Julie Suen.

The only winner from Atlantic Canada this year, Akram Al-Otumi.

Filipino Alberto Rodil is one of the year’s Top 25.

Winner Dalal Al-Waheidi (second from left) is congratulated on her award.

SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE TORONTO AND VANCOUVER CEREMONIES ONLINE, PLUS EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF THE EVENTS, AT CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA/RBCTOP25.

Celebrating 10 Years!

August 2014

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WELCOME TO CANADA Brought to you by:

TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS IN CANADA From documents to resources to money management, here is what to do first

T

he words “Welcome to Canada” are probably still echoing in your ears. You have just recently landed in Canada and are now faced with numerous decisions and plans to make. How to get help … how to choose a bank to deposit your savings … how to access the health care system … and more.

The list is long and can seem confusing at times. The best way to approach it all is to itemize, make a plan of action and check off things you accomplish as you go.

So let’s begin …

DOCUMENTS TO GET

Get your wallet-sized permanent resident (PR) card. It’s convenient proof of your permanent resident status. You must submit your Canadian address to Citizenship and Immigration Canada within 180 days after landing and your PR card will be mailed to you.

Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) card. Without it, you cannot get a job or apply for any government assistance or credit.

Applications for a SIN card can be made in person at a Service Canada location. Find one at servicecanada.gc.ca.

Apply for your health care card. Application forms for these cards are available from doctor’s offices, hospitals and most pharmacies, or by calling the provincial medical services authorities. Since there is a three-month waiting period for coverage in Ontario, B.C., Quebec and New Brunswick, don’t delay in your application. Ensure you have temporary private health coverage to cover your family during the waiting period. Also look into private insurance for uninsured health care services such as dental work and eye care. Talk to your banker or another private insurer about these services. If you’re already employed, your employer may offer extended health care coverage to pay for uninsured health care services like dentistry, optometry, massage therapy, chiropractic care and more.

RESOURCES TO ACCESS

Don’t miss the first stop! Hopefully before you left the airport, you visited its newcomer welcome centre. These kiosks will have pamphlets and resources to help you in your first days in Canada.

Visit a local immigrant settlement agency in your community.

Such non-profit organizations receive government funding to offer newcomers services, such as free ESL training, settlement counselling, employment workshops and more. Taking English classes is perhaps the most important start to improve your language skills.

Further your training. Whether you want to keep improving your English, learn about Canadian corCelebrating 10 Years!

porate culture, upgrade your training or find an immigrant bridging program to transition back into your field of expertise, research what programs are available at local educational institutes and colleges. Your settlement agency counsellor can help! Talk to your The essential document checklist bank about the possibilities of getting a small loan Do you have? or microloan to help with ✔ permanent resident card tuition. ✔ social insurance number card Validate your profes✔ public health care card sional credentials. Con✔ driver’s licence tact a foreign credentials ✔ savings and chequing accounts assessment service to have ✔ banking debit card your credentials evaluated ✔ secured credit card in comparison to Canadian standards. Or, if you’re in a licensed profession, contact the provincial licensing board regulating your industry. Not sure if your industry is regulated? Find out more about your industry and jobs available on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website (jobbank.gc.ca).

Enrol your kids at school. Every child between the ages of five and 16 is entitled to, and in fact required to, attend school. Ask at public schools in your neighbourhood or contact the local school board for guidance.

MONEY TO MANAGE

Open an account at a financial institution near your home. It’s important to start a relationship with a bank as soon as possible, so you can manage your money, deposit your savings, pay your bills and begin building a credit history.

Manage your savings well. The money you brought with you is going to have to last you for a while, until you start earning an income in Canada, so be frugal. Cost of living can be expensive in Canada, especially in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, with high rental housing, transportation and food prices. Create a budget that focuses on your needs versus wants to get you through your transition in Canada.

Start creating a credit history. If you want to be able to take out a loan or a mortgage to buy a home in the near future, it’s imperative you start building a Canadian credit history. Banks look at your history with loans, paying bills on time and so on to determine your ability to handle debt before lending you any money.

LICENCE TO DRIVE

Get your Canadian driver’s licence. An international licence is only valid for a few months. Check with your provincial motor vehicle branch on the rules in your province and start the process to get your Canadian licence. If you have brought a car or purchased a new one, ensure you get it insured as well!

August 2014

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WELCOME TO CANADA Brought to you by:

FINANCIAL FIRSTS Opening a bank account, managing your savings and more money tasks

W

hen you arrive in Canada, your most immediate financial task is to open a Canadian bank account for your day-today banking.

Opening a Canadian bank account keeps your money safe and makes it easy to access your money when you need it. Generally, you will want to open a chequing account for day-to-day banking and a savings account for money you don’t need to access often. Your bank representative will walk you through the set-up process and help you choose the right ones for you.

When you open your account or accounts, your bank will provide you with a debit card, also known as a bank card. Having a debit card means you can access your money through automatic banking machines (ABMs) and can pay for purchases at stores without using cash. Most stores and service providers, including restaurants, grocery stores and more, accept debit cards in Canada.

You can also ask to have online banking set up for your account, which is an excellent way to maintain your finances. Online banking allows you to log into your account, where you can make payments and transfers from your home computer. You can also set up preauthorized bill payments; this means that you can have your cable, internet, hydro and phone bills come automatically out of your account at a predetermined day that you choose every month.

Most Canadians rely on their banking system to receive their paycheques by direct deposit. You may also use your account statements as proof of address to obtain important Canadian documents.

When you are ready to open your new account, bring two pieces of personal identification with you. You may need an appointment to open an account, depending on the bank.

You’ll most likely choose only one bank and do all your banking with that institution, including anything related to the following: • • • • • • • • •

and electricity (if not included in your rent/housing costs), laundry, cable and internet services, etc.

• Shelter: this includes rent or mortgage payments (for rent, anticipate that you will have to pay first and last month’s rent).

• Transportation: the cost of public transport or the cost of purchasing a car, including gas cost and insurance.

• Unexpected expenses: this can include emergency medical costs, costs associated with your children’s or your own schooling, unexpected purchases you’ll have to make, etc.

• Back-up savings: finally, it’s a good idea to keep a percentage of your money saved in case of an emergency.

Outside of these general categories, you will want to refrain from spending your principal savings until you’ve gained employment.

Creating a budget will help you do this.

chequing and savings accounts mortgage and financing options credit card options traditional loan options line of credit financing business financing online banking automated banking machine (ABM) card and access personal investing and savings options

Savings starting to dwindle?

After establishing your bank accounts, one of the most important financial steps you’ll need to take after you land — even before you start job or house hunting — is to decide how you will spend the savings you brought with you.

Deciding on what you can and can’t afford during your first few months will help you get through both the initial settlement process and the period where you are searching for employment and have yet to secure a steady income. You can do this by dividing your money and allotting it appropriately for the following expenses: • General cost of living: this category includes food, phone, heat

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Preparing a budget

Once you’ve figured out what your key expenses will be on a weekly and monthly basis, you’ll want to set up a budget for managing your financial resources and expenditures. Once you do have an income, you’ll want to reassess your budget in a way that allows you to account for allotting a percentage of your money toward savings. In your first days in Canada, it’s wise to adopt a conservative spending mindset. Assess what you need versus what you want. At this stage, you’ll want to avoid making any purchases that are unnecessary or extravagant. facebook/canimmigrant

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“It was a new country but it very quickly felt like home.”

TD is the #1 ranked financial institution among newcomers to Canada.

The TD New to Canada package1 can help give you the financial foundation you need to settle successfully.

Open an account with no monthly fee.2 Get a TD credit card even with no credit history.3 Enjoy no fee money transfers.4 And get a bonus interest rate on your savings account.5 It’s our way of saying welcome, you’re going to like it here.

For details, visit a branch or tdcanadatrust.com/newtocanada 1 You must meet the eligibility requirements and provide the required identification to qualify for the New to Canada Package. We reserve the right to change, extend or withdraw this offer at any time. 2 Unlimited Chequing Account or All-Inclusive

Banking Plan (the “New Chequing Account”) must be opened in order to waive the monthly account fee. The monthly account fee will only be waived for the first 6 months that the New Chequing Account is open and is limited to one account per person and the type of chequing account cannot change during the 6-month period. The monthly account fee waiver only applies to the regular/pro-rated monthly fee; all other fees will continue to apply. If the minimum monthly balance is maintained in the New Chequing Account in any given month during the first 6 months that the account is open and the monthly account fee is not charged, no monthly account fee waiver will be applied for that month. 3 Subject to TD’s credit granting criteria. 4 Offer only available to the New Chequing Account. Offer is limited to one account per person. Customers will receive a full rebate of one TD money transfer fee per month commencing the end of the following month, following the month the account was opened and will be effective for 6 months thereafter. The rebate only applies to the outgoing TD money transfer fee and not any other applicable fees, including any fees earned during foreign exchange transactions.

TD will rebate the most expensive TD money transfer fee that occurred in the applicable month. 5 Savings Account bonus offer only applies to a TD Every Day Savings Account or a TD High Interest Savings Account that is opened on or before the day the New Chequing Account was opened. Bonus offer is limited to 1 savings account per person and the type of savings account cannot change during the Offer Period. The bonus rate of 0.75% is in addition to the posted rate on the savings account and will be applied to the savings account commencing no later than 10 business days after the New Chequing Account was opened and will be effective for 6 months thereafter (“Offer Period”). Regular posted interest rates will apply after the end of the Offer Period. Bonus interest will be calculated separately and paid monthly. Interest rates are subject to change without notice. ®The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

WELCOME TO CANADA Brought to you by:

Here is a sample budget to help you get started: Monthly expenses • rent or mortgage payments: $800-$1,500 • hydro: $45 • water: $25 • car payments: $300-$500 • car insurance: $100-$300 • public transport pass: $100 • cable (basic service): $35 • internet (basic service): $45 • home phone (basic service): $30 • cell phone (basic service): $45 Weekly expenses • groceries: $100-plus • laundry: $10 • car fuel: $80 • other costs (i.e., household items, clothing): $50-$100 Other expenses • large purchases like computers and furnishings: $1,000+ • back-up savings: at about 20 per cent of your overall monthly amount

While it is tempting to start your new life in Canada by spending money on new furnishings and tourist attractions, it is not always financially sensible. Visit websites such as Craigslist.org and Kijiji. ca to find free or low-cost items. Garage sales are a great place to buy used furnishings and household items. Library cards are free and allow you to borrow not only books, but also music and DVDs. There are opportunities to cut down costs if you look.

Establishing credit

Ensuring a successful financial future involves establishing credit and building a solid Canadian credit history.

The best way to start building a credit history is to get a secured Canadian credit card, such as a Visa card. You will have to pay a deposit upfront and will only be able to access credit up to that amount.

Next is an unsecured credit card, which will provide you with a credit limit.

Again, stay conservative. Strive to pay off your credit card monthly, rather than accumulate debt by using the card to pay for things you can’t afford.

Banks will usually expect a period of up to 18 months of clean credit history before considering larger loans or mortgages. There are other important factors that are also taken into consideration, including your income, your assets, your tendency to save money and your net worth (i.e., your assets minus your liabilities/debts).

Applying for a credit card As a newcomer, part of establishing a Canadian credit history involves using credit cards in an ongoing, responsible matter.

When used responsibly, credit cards can help you establish good credit. However, if used irresponsibly, they can cause serious financial problems.

The big three credit card companies in Canada include MasterCard, Visa and American Express. Your bank will explain the various options to you. Some also come with incentives or benefits like Aeroplan reward miles or travel medical insurance coverage. Others may not bring any rewards, but may have lower interest rates.

To apply, you’ll have to go through a credit check and, if approved, the credit card

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company will determine the amount that will be available on the card. Once you use the card and spend some of the principal amount on it, you’ll have to pay back a minimum amount of it on a monthly basis. Better yet, pay it off each month.

With most credit cards, you can expect to pay a relatively high interest rate, which is why it’s good to only use your card when necessary or when you know you have enough cash in the bank to pay off the entirety of your month’s purchases when your bill comes.

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SPECIAL REPORT: CONTINUING YOUR EDUCATION

Going back to school Is it the right choice for you?

By Noa Glouberman

L

awrence Abiog moved to Canada from Manila in search of a better life. Trained as a pharmacist in the Philippines, Abiog says leaving his family home was “very hard,” but he ultimately felt immigrating would afford him better opportunities, professionally speaking.

He’s still waiting for those opportunities to arise.

“Right now I work for my cousin’s moving company,” he says from the home he shares with his aunt and uncle just outside of Toronto.

“I’m happy to be able to work, but I want to be back in my job as a pharmacist soon.”

To do that, Abiog must be certified by a professional association in his home province of Ontario, as being a pharmacist is a licensed profession. This means having his foreign documents — his pharmacy degree, educational transcripts and licensure statements — assessed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. He’ll then be able to take a set of evaluating and qualifying examinations; if he passes, he’ll need to complete a training program in a licensed pharmacy in order to gain a required amount Canadian work experience. He says the time and costs associated with the certification process will be worth it.

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“When I have the money, I will take the exam and do the training so I can do what I love,” he says, estimating the cost to be at least $10,000.

“That is my Canadian dream.”

Newcomers who are internationally educated in licensed professions such as pharmacy, medicine, law, architecture and other professions, including certain trades, must be certified and/or licensed through provincial regulatory authorities before they can work in their chosen fields. About 20 per cent of Canadian jobs are in regulated occupations (find out if yours is one of them under the “Explore Careers” section of www.jobbank.gc.ca); so if your profession is one of them, you will have to take exams and likely upgrade some of your training to meet the requirements of the licensing authority in your province.

Licences not always required

A non-regulated occupation, on the other hand, is a job for which there is no restriction on practice or legal requirement for licences, certificates or registration. But that doesn’t mean that a Canadian employer won’t seek out candidates who possess certain experience, skills or

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training. And sometimes it can be a more confusing situation for immigrant professionals since there isn’t a set process to follow as with regulated professions.

“For a non-regulated profession, what a company that’s hiring requires from its workers can vary,” confirms Robert Dawkes, program director at the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society in Nanaimo, B.C. “For example, you may need a certain type or number of years of education, a certain level of [English] language proficiency or even just the right kind of personal qualities for a job. Since these requirements aren’t regulated by law, it’s up to the employer to decide if qualifications earned outside of Canada will work or not.”

Time to upgrade?

When it comes to upgrading your skills or education in order to improve your chances of getting hired, Dawkes advises that newcomers take steps to fully understand the process and the job market before they enroll in training programs or pay for an evaluation of their credentials.

“A big problem lies in the fact that there’s a difference between hard skills and soft skills, which some newcomers may not know or understand,” he says. “You may have all the technical skills, abilities and experience to do a job, but if your English is poor or you’re missing some key ingredient that would help you fit into Canadian workplace culture, you may have trouble getting hired.”

Dawkes suggests newcomers visit an employment centre or immigrant settlement agency for information on what they can do to improve their chances of employment in Canada. Counsellors at these organiza-

tions can help explain the process and identify gaps in your education or professional experience that should be addressed through retraining.

“An employment consultant or services provider can work with you to create a plan to set you on the path to having your foreign credentials evaluated, to becoming certified with a professional association or to being employed in your field,” he says.

There are even steps you can take before you immigrate to help ease the transition. Dawkes recommends doing online research and getting in touch with professional associations related to your field to find out what the general expectations are for employment in Canada.

“If you have the means, you can even plan a short trip to the city you’re planning to immigrate to before you make a permanent move,” he says. “You will discover all sorts of things about employment in that area that may be difficult to determine from a distance. If that’s not possible, do all you can to tap into what you’ll need to do when you arrive in Canada; at the end of the day, there’s a lot of free information out there to help you.”

3 TIPS for getting your credentials assessed

There are several agencies in Canada that are able to evaluate your foreign credentials, normally for a fee. Before you pay for this service, understand what you need and what you’re getting. Here are three quick tips to consider: 1. Compare evaluation services and the reports they offer before choosing one. You may wish to go with an agency that can provide a single evaluation report that can be used for several purposes: immigration, employment, higher or continuing education, and licensing with professional associations.

2. Get a short version of your Canadian academic equivalency before you pay for an official report. Some agencies provide online tools that let you look up the Canadian equivalent of your credentials instantly, for free.

3. Attend an information session at an employment centre before paying for a foreign credentials assessment. You can also ask staff at your local centre for guidance and advice.

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START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARD A CAREER IN CANADA Continuing Education at George Brown College provides opportunities for immigrants to succeed IMPRESSIVE CHOICE

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With thousands of classes, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for, whatever your interests. Our many industry partnerships further enrich our selection.

Our instructors are both active professionals and terrific in the classroom. Courses are practical, up-to-date and taught with a hands-on approach.

Our evening, weekend, day and online classes work for working people. And you can work toward a certificate at your own pace – you register (and pay) on a course-bycourse basis.

You can reach our downtown campuses easily by subway, streetcar and GO Train. Online options also mean you can study from anywhere.

MEET JENY When Jeny Benedict arrived in Canada, she had no idea that George Brown College courses would lead to a new life.

After not working for three years, she was looking for an education that would allow her to build her skills and equip her for a career. Now, she has her Medical Office Assistant Certificate, loves her full-time job in a medical office and relies on her training every day.

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SPECIAL REPORT: CONTINUING YOUR EDUCATION

Language check English training and tests for newcomers

By Noa Glouberman

I

t can’t be stressed enough that having a strong command of the English language is important when it comes to settling in Canada. Language proficiency helps ease the process of getting a job, going to school, accessing services, meeting and interacting with new people, and even obtaining Canadian citizenship.

“Due to language barriers, it is often difficult for immigrants to properly settle into Canadian society,” says James Wang, a school trustee in Burnaby, who emigrated from China in 1996, and was a RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant of 2014. “As a result, it leaves immigrants vulnerable to exploitation, such as by their employer or landlord, and they do not know where to turn when they do encounter these issues.”

Although you might have basic English

skills upon arrival, if you do not speak English fluently or at an advanced level, you should take steps to upgrade these skills.

Fortunately, there are many programs and tests available to help newcomers improve their language skills. Government-funded classes are offered across Canada, as is more advanced private training, which you will need to pay for personally.

Basic free classes

Gaining proficiency in English is a critical skill for immigrants, and the Canadian government offers free English as a second language training through its LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program, which is delivered via service providers like immigrant settlement agencies and school boards like the Vancouver School Board.

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These classes are taught by qualified teachers, from basic to intermediate levels of English, based on Canadian Language Benchmarks.

Before you can access a government-funded class, you normally have to have your current language skills assessed through an immigrant settlement agency. This will help determine what level of language training you need. You can also do a free online self-assessment in English at clb-osa.ca before completing a formal evaluation.

In some cases — for example, if you wish to apply for a job or enroll in a college or university — you may need to formally prove your ability in English. The best way to do this is to take one of several widely recognized tests that will give you a certificate of language proficiency (see “Language tests”). y “The staff at [immigrant settlement] agencies can help identify what types of steps you should take to improve your English, whether through an ESL class for conversational English or a specialized program that’s specific to your field or occupation,” says Robert Dawkes, program director at the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society in Nanaimo, B.C.

of Colleges Ontario, “For newcomers … these courses provide a useful way to practise workplace language skills and build confidence so they can interact more effectively at work.”

Dawkes adds, “It’s incredibly important to be able to speak and understand English, particularly when you are looking for a job. Even immigrants from other English-speaking countries like the U.K., South Africa and Australia may find themselves challenged by some of the phrases and expressions that are uniquely Canadian.”

With files from John Zhang

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The next level

More advanced language training or occupation-specific language training programs are becoming more popular with newcomers who want to take their English to the next level and improve their workplace communication skills.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) funds some occupation-specific language training programs available in a wide range of sectors, including business, health sciences, human services, construction and automotive trades and technology, from participating providers across the country.

One provider, Colleges Ontario, offers the training in at least 15 of its member schools. According to Linda Franklin, president and CEO

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Celebrating 10 Years!

August 2014

Canadian Immigrant

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SPECIAL REPORT: CONTINUING YOUR EDUCATION

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Post-secondary: what to expect When you go back to school

I

t is more than likely that the Canadian educational system will be somewhat different from the one you experienced in your home country. Figuring out the difference between: a diploma, an advanced diploma, a certificate and a degree; between a teacher and a professor; between an internship, a placement and a co-op, can feel like trying to navigate a complex maze. It is not only confusing but ever changing. Nonetheless, there are some things to know. Let’s look at what you can expect as a post-secondary student in many schools in Canada.

Talking to teachers

In Canada, the teaching staff in colleges and universities are sometimes called faculty members, teachers or professors. Many teachers/ professors tell you on the first day of class how they want to be addressed, and how you can contact them. If you are still not sure, you can start by addressing your teacher as “Professor,” followed by their last name.

Most faculty members have office hours if you want to meet with them outside of class, and most appreciate it if you contact them (usually by email) if you are going to be away for an extended time or have to miss a critical exam or presentation. This has to be an acceptable reason, often needing official documentation, for example, a medical certificate. The exceptions to contacting the professor usually involve very large classes, in which case you may be asked to contact a teaching assistant, for example. While most teachers have some flexibility on how they manage student issues, there may be some departmental or institutional rules regarding this.

While faculty members expect to get respect from students, there is often less formality in the Canadian classroom than in many other cultures. Teachers bring their own personalities and style to the classroom, and the atmosphere, tone and requirements may differ considerably from one classroom to the next. However, as a general rule and unless otherwise stated, most teachers don’t like it if students are eating, sleeping, texting or talking while they are lecturing!

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Student expectations

Students are usually given an orientation to the school as a whole, while individual teachers usually give them a review of class expectations as well as a syllabus (outline of topics to be covered) and a reading list during the first week. Generally speaking, students are expected to come to all classes, to show up before the class start time, to volunteer answers to questions asked and to answer if called upon. Participation may even be part of the grade and often includes sharing your opinion. It is expected in Canada that you will challenge other people’s ideas; it is generally welcome and not considered an insult, as long as it’s done with respect for other opinions.

Working together in groups of students has also become very common. Groups may be either assigned or chosen. Although difficulties may arise with some group members, the work needs to get done and challenges overcome. Sometimes individuals cannot control the grades the group gets; in other cases, students receive individual grades for group projects.

It is always a good idea to have the name and contact information of some other students in the class. This can be helpful for missed information and notes if you are absent or have to be late for class.

Other students can become invaluable as study partners, friends, part of your future professional network and, most of all, a significant factor in the experience of being a post-secondary student.

School rules

Although every school may have slightly different ways of doing things, there are some things you can generally expect from any post-secondary institution.

The school administration keeps your records of admission, the transcript of your grades and your graduation. Your transcript is a permanent history and is not easily altered. A weak academic re-

cord can be problematic for graduation, transferring and going on to other programs. If you change schools, you will be asked about previous education at other post-secondary schools, and failure to disclose this information can result in getting expelled from a program or school.

Schools are also big on dates and deadlines! For instance, there are deadlines if you need to add or drop a class from your schedule, there are dates if you want to appeal an academic decision and there may even be a deadline to apply for graduation in your last semester.

Not knowing about the deadline doesn’t usually excuse you.

One of the bigger problems you can have is to be accused of “plagiarism.” That is, taking someone else’s words or ideas as your own

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without citing the author and the source you have used. It includes acknowledging and crediting work from the internet as well as from books and articles. If you have any doubt about how to indicate that an idea is not your own, there are many sources of help including handouts, your school’s website and the school librarian.

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In addition to your classes, theImmigration school provides many other matters could beservices tricky designed to keep you physically, mentally and academically supported as you go to school. Schools usually have a gym so you can keep fit and alert. Many have a medical office if you need to see a physician or nurse. They have offices for financial assistance to help you pay for school. They may even have a food bank if you are short on money for food. There are academic advisers in your department to help with choosing classes and other matters. Most schools have a counselling service to help with personal problems, career direction and study strategies. You can expect a career centre to help with locating part-time work and more permanent Certified Canadian Immigration Consultants employment. and Members of CSIC, CMI, CapIC Graduatesphysical, of the UBC Immigration For those students with a documented mental health, practitioner Certificate program Member CSIC learning or developmental disability, there are staff members to M064140 ensure that the appropriate academic accommodations are given.

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Learning to fit in the workplace Soft-skill training for newcomers is often overlooked, but there are several programs to help newcomers understand the Canadian corporate environment

By Noa Glouberman

D

espite having years of work experience, a high level of education and references from reputable companies, some newcomers to Canada may have trouble finding a job.

“There’s a difference between possessing the hard or technical skills needed to work and having the soft skills necessary to fit into Canadian workplace culture,” says Robert Dawkes, program director at the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society in Nanaimo, B.C. “These include things like language and communication, the ability to work as part of a team, conflict resolution, time management, leadership skills and generally doing things in a ‘Canadian’ way.”

Training for soft skills

Fortunately, formal soft-skills training opportunities in the form of classes, courses, programs and workshops are offered by multicultural and immigrant settlement agencies as well as educational institutions across the country. A sampling of these options includes: • Langara College in Vancouver offers a Corporate Readiness Training Program Certificate for recent immigrants interested in acquiring an understanding of Canadian corporate culture.

• Bow Valley College in Calgary offers a Corporate Readiness Training Program that offers intensive workplace language, culture, and skills training with a focus on the Workplace Essential Skills required for success in the workplace.

• The Business Edge program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management is designed for internationally educated professionals who want to master the tools and strategies needed to break current communication barriers, increase job satisfaction, add value to their organization and advance to more fulfilling roles.

Dawkes says that many of these programs deliver soft-skills training with a similar objective in mind: to help newcomers gain meaningful employment, advance and find success in their careers in Canada.

“Soft skills point more to cultural differences than anything else,” he explains. “The way people communicate with each other at work in one part of the world may not translate in a new country. But you can take classes or access training that will help you begin to understand and

some of these differences and apply your new knowledge … and some of it will also come with time and experience in Canada.”

In addition, many soft-skills training programs provide newcomers with an improved understanding of how their performance will be measured in a Canadian workplace and give them techniques and tools to improve their marketable skills without having to go back to school for another degree or change their career path entirely.

Eleanor Clarke, co-ordinator of Langara’s Corporate Readiness Training Program, says: “The bulk of our program is on soft-skills management, leadership, communications, teamwork and project supervision, all so important for work in Canada.”

Business Edge academic director Ann Armstrong says, “We’re exposing people to what it’s like in Canada, but in no way trying to get people to become Canadian [to the point of losing their identity. On the contrary, we’re asking people to bring of themselves, and teaching them some of the differences that they will need to address in the workplace.”

“I learned how to network, I learned how to be more confident and how to better communicate,” says Cosmin Pocanschi, who immigrated to Toronto from Romania. “Business Edge is like a launch pad. We are the rockets who come to Canada to achieve our goals, and [this softskills training] helped us reach our stars.”

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| C AREER COACH |

Intelligent questions Five smart things to ask your interviewer when asked ‘Do you have any questions for us?’

E

very interview is a two-way street. For most of the interview, the employer will be asking you questions, but, toward the end of an interview, employers turn the table and ask candidates if they have any questions about the organization or the job. Surprisingly, many candidates decline, saying that all their questions have been answered, but they are losing a golden opportunity to make a good impression.

When you ask thoughtful questions, you show the employer that you prepared in advance, adequately researched the company, are keen on the position and are confident that you are the right fit.

The very process of asking the right questions completely changes the dynamic of the interview process and the recruiter’s perception of you. But don’t just randomly ask questions. Avoid seeking information about the company that can be easily found on the internet or, worse, could reveal your ignorance.

Here are five smart questions to ask at the interview table.

1. “If hired, what will it take to succeed in this position?”

This question gives you the opportunity to learn about the dynamics of a company’s culture and see how it fits your personality. Every organization is different, and so are the qualities of their key performers.

Learning what attributes are vital for a position can help you get an

idea of the work environment that you could be entering.

2. “Is this a new position or would I be replacing someone?”

Every position that opens up comes with a past attached. Did the previous staff member quit, or was he or she let go or promoted? If it’s a new role, was it created out of an expansion at the company, or a consolidation of roles?

If the answer is because the company is growing or because of a promotion, great. If the company promoted the previous employee, then you can ask what made him or her successful in the position and learn from that experience.

3. “How is the company culture, how will performance be measured?”

It’s perfectly OK to want to know how the company would measure your success if hired. This information gives you the ability ahead of time to find how you can help accomplish the company’s goals in your position.

If you join the company, you want to deliver real results and also ensure your commitment and work are recognized and rewarded. You want to know that your efforts will be fairly measured and appreciated. Now is the time to find out what systems the company has in place to track performance.

4. “Where do you see the business in five years’ time?”

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Smart candidates know that helping the company succeed means they succeed as well. This question not only shows that you’re taking a strategic view of the company, but it also enables you to take the initiative on the “Where do you see yourself after five years?” question.

This question will also help your interviewer get past what you look like on paper and focus on you as a person. Directing the conversation toward your amazing personality will help them see what characteristics you would bring to a position.

5. “If hired, what would you expect me to accomplish in the first 90 days?”

Smart candidates want to hit the ground running. They don’t want to spend months getting to know the organization. They want to make a difference right away.

Even if you’ve asked a few great questions, you should aim to close on a strong note and this question helps you accomplish that. Employers want to hire positive people, and you are demonstrating your suitability by eagerly asking about the next steps.

Don’t miss this opportunity

In summary, don’t skip the chance to ask questions. It’s expected, and if you don’t ask at least two, you will appear disinterested and less engaged than your prospective employer would like. So ask these five thought-provoking questions to help you demonstrate your passion for the position and stand out from the rest!

Indian-born Murali Murthy is owner of Vantage Copy, as well as a speaker, coach and best-selling author of The ACE Books — The ACE Principle and The ACE Awakening.

He is also chairperson of CAMP Networking Canada. See poweroface.com.

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| J O B S E A R C H S T R AT E G I E S |

The most persistent myth Columnist Silvia Di Blasio takes on her last article in her special “Elephant in the Room” series — topic no. 5: lack of Canadian experience!

O

What is Canadian experience?

f all the “elephant in the room” stories (or myths) immigrants to Canada face, there is one that has been persistently used to signal some type of failure on the immigrants’ part: lack of Canadian experience.

The reality is that all immigrants (to any country, not just Canada) lack experience from their new home; after all, they have never lived there before! While the phrase “lack of Canadian experience” can be interpreted in this literal fashion, it is often a euphemism used by some employers, co-workers and even service providers to hide what they know they can’t or shouldn’t say. It can even be a form of discrimination, bullying or harassment.

For my last article in this series, I will talk about what exactly is “lack of Canadian experience,” how this impacts immigrants looking for jobs and what you can do about it.

Canadian experience is defined differently by different people. Contrary to what many think (i.e., that it refers to “work experience”), all views seem to point to this definition: Canadian experience is the ability to understand the Canadian workplace culture and adapt to it by behaving according to Canadian workplace expectation (often also called “soft skills”).

It includes many sub-categories such as being aware of: local industry trends, who is who in your occupational sector, the type of services and goods, the local market, Canadian legislation, technologies and occupational jargon.

Those who acquire these soft skills seem to get that elusive “Canadian experience” quickly, while those who don’t may spend years

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and still struggle to “fit in.” While many of these newcomers turn to work in survival jobs to get Canadian experience, they are really only getting work experience. Working as a security guard, cashier in a department store or a kitchen helper will not provide you with the “Canadian experience” you really need. These jobs may widen the gap between your last professional job and what you are looking for. And the wider the gap, the more difficult it will be for you to move from “survival” to “professional.”

But sometimes ...

“Lack of Canadian experience” may also be used to reject your resumé or used as an excuse after a job interview, with no further clarification. In these cases, it is difficult to know whether this expresses real concern about your abilities to perform well on the job or if it hides subjective perceptions about you being the right fit, which may be a very fine line from plain discrimination. This situation is exacerbated when your resumé doesn’t follow Canadian standards, and doesn’t show your engagement with Canadian culture or interest in updating your training.

What you can do

• Learn as much as possible about your new culture and embrace it.

Mingle with different cultures, including different groups of Canadian people. Join clubs and groups.

• Learn about what is happening in Canada. Follow newspapers and blogs to explore the issues that will impact your industry or occupation. What are the trends? What is happening?

• Plan as many informational interviews as you can. Do this with both people in your industry or those in a new profession you would like to explore. Informational interviews will give you the “insider” point of view and you will be able to compare your own

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experience to how things are done in Canada.

• Before jumping into evaluating your credentials or going back to school, collect more information. Is it worth it? Who is your professional regulatory body or association? How is it done? Talk to specialists in your profession, go to the sources.

• Choose your training strategically. You may not need a new degree: in most cases, a few strategic courses will do the trick as employers will recognize a Canadian institution in your resumé and will appreciate your willingness to upgrade.

• Consider taking a part-time job or an entry-level job in your industry or a similar one. This will allow you to practise in your field, show your abilities, close the gap in your resumé and have enough time to look for a more permanent professional job.

• Network. Networking is the no. 1 approach to finding jobs in Canada. Networking, similarly to volunteering and choosing training, needs to be strategic. In order to network successfully, you need to become “known” in industry circles: attend professional conferences, events and workshops, participate in forums, ask for informational interviews with industry insiders, accept internships and so on.

• Volunteer! Volunteering is widespread among Canadians, with 75 per cent of them have volunteered at some point in their lives.

Volunteering helps you with networking, filling gaps in your resumé, learning about Canadian culture and practices, and showing employers that you are truly engaged with Canada.

Argentine-born Silvia Di Blasio studied and worked in Venezuela for many years. She currently works as a certified career development practitioner in Surrey, B.C., and volunteers for many community organizations in her spare time.

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CORPORATE PROFILE

ENGINEERING MOBILITY

Good news for international engineering graduates: the Washington Accord has two new signatories — India and Sri Lanka

By Lisa Evans

A

ttention international engineering graduates from India and Sri Lanka! There is some news that could affect your Canadian career. The Washington Accord, an international agreement that governs recognition of accredited engineering qualifications around the world, turns 25 years old this September. The accord, signed in 1989 by representatives of organizations responsible for accrediting engineering degree programs in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, has since expanded to include a total of 17 countries. The latest members, India and Sri Lanka, became signatories of the accord in June. Other signatories include Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and Turkey.

Easier mobility

One goal of the Washington Accord is to make international mobility easier on those in the engineering profession. The accord recognizes the substantial equivalency of engineering programs in member countries and recommends that graduates of programs accredited by any of the signatory members be recognized as having met the academic requirements for engineering in these countries.

Lynn Villeneuve, practice lead, accreditation, with Engineers Canada, the national organization of the provincial and territorial associations that regulate the practice of engineering in Canada, says the accord recognizes that the accreditation of engineering academic programs is key to promoting international mobility of individuals in the profession. Immigrant engineers from one of the accord’s member countries who apply for licensure in Canada will have their academic profiles examined more favourably than someone who comes from a country that is not a signatory to the agreement.

While individuals coming from countries that are not members of the accord can still apply for licensure, they will be subject to more stringent checking of their credentials. “The intent of the agreement was for a more automatic recognition,” says Villeneuve. Graduates from countries who are members of the accord will be accepted by other member countries without as much of a burden on the applicant.

While India and Sri Lanka were added to the accord this past June, Peru applied and was accepted as a provisional member, meaning the country’s accreditation procedures are under review by the accord’s signatories. Villeneuve says it normally takes a minimum of two years for a provisional member to be accepted as a signatory on the accord. Although India was accepted as a signatory, the vastness of the country’s engineering education system means that only certain programs have been accepted by the accord.

The Washington Accord may also make it easier for Canadian accredited engineering programs to enter into partnerships in jurisdictions where there is Washington Accord recognition.

The University of British Columbia, for example, may now be able to have a joint venture with an engineering program in Sri Lanka, allowing students more opportunities for international education. While some university students choose to spend a Celebrating 10 Years!

year or two studying abroad to gain international experience, this experience is not always counted toward their degree here in Canada. “The recognition of transfer credits will be easier if the educational activity is with a Washington Accord signatory program,” says Villeneuve.

Smoother process

Most importantly, internationally trained engineers from India and Sri Lanka will now have a smoother process in getting back to their professions after immigrating to Canada. What’s more, there’s help available from Engineers Canada, which offers a dedicated website for newcomers called the Engineers Canada Roadmap to Engineering in Canada (newcomers.engineerscanada.ca). The website helps international engineering graduates prepare for a career in Canada by bringing clarity to the engineering licensure process. It is full of practical advice on obtaining licensure and finding work as a professional engineer — essentially, everything they’ll need to become “licenceready” and pursue their career ambitions in Canada as quickly as possible.

August 2014

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LETTERS

Field work

Love the outdoors? Here are five exciting jobs that will take you out in nature

By Lisa Evans

F

or those who hate being trapped in an office building from 9 to 5, the great Canadian outdoors offers tons of earning potential.

Check out these five exciting outdoor jobs.

1. Landscape architect

A landscape architect conceptualizes landscape designs and oversees its construction for residential homes, commercial properties, parks and other green spaces. As new construction booms in many parts of Canada, demand for landscape architects is on the rise, contributing to a low unemployment rate for the profession.

Education

Membership in the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects isn’t mandatory to work in this profession, but it is an asset as it shows credibility to potential clients. To become a member, candidates, including international applicants, must have a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and three years of experience, including at least six months under direct supervision of a landscape architect.

Internationally educated landscape architects will need to have

their degree evaluated by their provincial association. They then need to find an adviser, who is someone who is in a mentor position, is a full member of the provincial association of landscape architects with four or more years in the association, and whose role is to aid in the learning of new landscape architects.

Salary

According to Statistics Canada, the average income for a landscape architect is $46,962.

2. Arborist

Arborists are specialists who are knowledgeable about a variety of tree species. They examine trees for signs of disease and insect infestations, prune tree branches to maintain the tree’s health and address safety concerns, and remove trees when necessary. They may work in the city parks and recreation department, a government agency or a private company.

Education

Although certification through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is optional, most arborists do seek membership to gain credibility. Most hold a bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture or a related field. To become certified, arborists must complete an exam to demonstrate their knowledge in their field. Internationally educated arborists can have their credentials examined by the ISA and can write the exam. You must receive a passing score of 72 per cent or higher to receive the designation of a certified arborist.

Salary

The average salary for an arborist in Canada is $40,637.

3. Park ranger

Park ranger, or park wardens, play a key role in preserving Canada’s natural resources and ensuring the safety of visitors by providing law enforcement services in Canada’s national parks.

They wear a distinct uniform and carry personal protective equipment including a defensive baton and pepper spray. This is a very competitive field, with highly sought-after positions. Parks Canada typically hosts a competition every other year to hire entry-level park wardens.

Education

Parks Canada requires a post-secondary education with a diploma or degree in natural resource management, environmental sciences or a field related to conservation or natural resource enforcement. First aid and CPR level C certification are required and park wardens must meet medical and physical fitness standards.

Salary

Entry-level park rangers can expect to make $59,000 to $67,000. Depending on the location of the park, employment may be year-round or seasonal.

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4. Geoscientist

Geoscientists examine metals and minerals in the soil and conduct geological surveys to protect the public from natural disasters such as floods, volcanic eruptions and landslides. They may interpret scientific data or make presentations to directors of major corporations on an area of interest for exploration.

With society’s growing demand for energy, mineral and water resources that fuel our way of life combined with increasing concerns about protecting the natural environment, geoscientists are highly sought after.

Education

Geoscientists require a bachelor’s degree in earth science or a related field, followed by 48 months of work experience under the guidance of a professional geoscientist. They also need to pass an ethics exam, as the profession is regulated in Canada. Internationally educated professionals whose credentials are assessed can apply for registration as a professional geoscientist with their provincial regulatory association.

5. Outdoor sport and recreation tour guide

Thrill-seekers rejoice! Outdoor sport and recreation tour guides organize and lead trips for sports enthusiasts, adventurers and tourists.

Whether leading a kayaking group down the Ottawa River rapids or leading a hiking expedition in the Rocky Mountains, a career in adventure tourism is sure to give you an adrenaline rush. Canada’s diverse terrain has sprouted growing demand for outdoor and adventure tourism, however these jobs are typically seasonal. Unemployment rates are high in the shoulder season, which varies from five weeks to six months per year depending on the activity and location.

Education

There are some programs across the country in outdoor tourism (for example, Algonquin and Fleming College in Ontario offer adventure tourism programs). Employers are now increasing their employment requirements and asking for these certificate programs, or a degree in a field relating to the natural environment as tour guides are now expected to be more knowledgeable about the landscape. An up-todate CPR certificate is also often required.

Salary

The average salary of a full-time adventure tour guide is roughly $25,000.

Salary

According to Earth Sciences Canada, geologists are some of the highest paid professionals in Canada. Compensation for entry-level geoscientists ranges from $35,000 to $75,000 a year. With more than five years of experience, geoscientists with five to 10 years of experience can expect to earn anywhere from $80,000 to upwards of $300,000 per year.

Celebrating 10 Years!

August 2014

Canadian Immigrant

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SETTLEMENT | PA R E N T I N G |

9 back-to-school tips

S

To prepare your children — and yourself — for school

tarting a new school year can be full of excitement and apprehension at the same time, for both parents and their children. Here are nine tips for getting ready for school this fall.

starts. Also, talk to your child about the school and basic classroom rules to help children feel more comfortable and confident about their first day.

1. Communicate openly with children

5. Adjust to new schedules and routines

2. Ensure children are ready to learn

6. Overcome language difficulties

Take time to listen and talk to your children about their feelings.

Encourage them to ask questions and answer any concerns they have about starting school. Let them know that their feelings and concerns are normal.

Prior to the start of school, find ways to stimulate children’s learning to keep their minds sharp and ready to learn in school. Whether it is reading, writing or travelling, encourage children to always strive to learn new things, even when class is not in session.

3. Get necessary school supplies

Buying all the supplies needed for school can help build excitement about starting school. In addition to typical supplies such as pencils and paper (get the list of required supplies from the school), remember to also be ready with appropriate school attire and healthy lunches.

4. Familiarize them with the school environment

If it’s a new school, visit the school a few times before school actually

Get ready for the school schedule by establishing regular routines at home, weeks before school starts. Set an earlier bedtime and wakeup time, as well as homework and extracurricular schedules to help children ease into their new schedule.

If English is not your family’s first language, teach and practise some useful English words and phrases with your children at home prior to starting school. Talk to your child’s teachers to ensure your child receives extra support in class. But the more you do to help your child learn the language at home, the better for everyone!

7. Empower children to problem-solve

Give children some strategies to anticipate and handle challenges that might arise in school, such as bullying. Brainstorm potential “what if” scenarios, role play with your child, discuss possible problem-solving methods, and identify who they can turn to for additional help and support.

8. Make meaningful connections

Reaching out to other parents in your community or neighbourhood can be helpful. You can gather many useful tips about after-school activities or where to shop for school supplies. It is also a great opportunity to connect your child to other classmates before school begins.

9. Focus on the positives

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Encourage children to focus their thoughts and energy on the many amazing and exciting things that they can anticipate in starting school.

Just imagine all the new friends they will meet, great teachers who will inspire them, the incredible lessons they will learn in school and so much more. Starting school is a very big step for a child, and preparation is the key to success.

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

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CULTURE

Journey in words Jamaican-born poet and speaker Nadine Williams’ work is inspired by her immigration path

By Takara Small

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adine Williams was always comfortable being the centre of everyone’s attention, but she never thought she would be doing it on a professional basis. That is, until she began writing poetry based on her immigrant experiences in Canada.

The Jamaican-born immigrant, whose self-published pieces of work include “With This Pen I Do Tell,” “The Culmination of Marriage Between Me & My Pen,” “Pen on Fiyah” and Love Rocks, a children’s book, has drawn hundreds of people to her poetry readings, workshops and keynote speaking events.

Her public speaking career had its beginnings in an unlikely place: the living room of her rural home in St. Parish, Jamaica. It was there, surrounded by family, that she would recite stories and poetry from a range of works using a well-used kerosene lamp to help her see the pages.

“What inspired me; what started this, was reading as a child,” she says. “There was no electricity in my house and you had to find something to do and reading out loud for my grandparents was one way to pass the time.”

Despite her humble beginnings, she always saw herself as one of the “spoiled, lucky ones” during her early years, she confesses.

With a mother in Canada who would regularly send money back home to support her and extended family members, she and her brother grew up with more privileges that many of her peers.

They had nicer clothes and better meals, but it obviously came with a price: she rarely saw her mother and spent most of her younger, formative years (from the age of five to 15) raised by her grandparents.

Her mother worked long hours in Canada and scrimped Celebrating 10 Years!

and saved what she could, which between me and everyone else. most importantly opened her meant she could rarely afford to I wasn’t from here and couldn’t eyes to the importance of female return to Jamaica to watch her fit in with my strong Jamaican newcomers sharing their stories children grow up. accent.” with the community. “From my “We wore the best clothes and An early marriage she entered experience, I’ve been able to visit were spoiled in our humble up- into “too quickly” at the age of a lot of women shelters and bebringing because she sent money 20 was a way to cope with being gin sharing my stories with other back all the time, but it had its a constant “outsider” in her new women,” she says. drawbacks,” Williams says. adopted land, she shares.

“I found that there are a lot of Her world, as she knew it, re“If I grew up in Canadian people who have had the same volved around her life in Jamaica society it would’ve been differ- experiences I did. I was pretty and she barely knew her mother, ent,” she says. “You’re educated much beaten down to the earth with whom she reunited at 15 and aware of how things are physically and mentally, but supposed to go socially. I don’t poetry helps me to love myself. years old in Toronto.

“It’s not uncommon for im- think I would have made that Others should share their stories migrant families to do this,” she [marriage] decision so early. I and feel that way, too.” says. “They come to a country felt like it ruined my life For Williams, every new exearly to pave the way, but it in a way. I was so perience helps her tell new meant I had no recollection of young, so imstories through her po[my mother] when I moved to mature, so etry. It’s a skill that she hopes to share not ready Canada.” with more CanaanyThe author has often leaned for dians. “I really on her experiences of feeling thing like alone and uncertain as a young marriage.” hope to continue immigrant in Canada to fuel her The lifewriting and take community work and passion changing my work further for poetry today. Turning those event and than Toronto, experiences into something later sepBrampton and positive creatively has netted aration York Region.

Maybe taking it Williams several awards for liter- provided nationally and creary work, including the York Re- further gional Police’ Deeds Speak award inspiraating more awareness this past February. Her success tion for in Canada … just really with poetry also led to opportu- her work, continuing my work,” nities to read her work on CBC and she says.

TV, Rogers TV, at schools and post-secondary institutions in Ontario, as well as at Queen’s Park during Black History Month.

She’s definitely come a long time since her selfdescribed “awkward teen years” in Canada, during which she was faced with navigating Canadian culture while sharing a onebedroom apartment in Toronto with her mother and sibling.

“I tried to fit in, but I had some issues, you know normal teenage things, but it was compounded because there Jamaican-born Nadine Williams uses poetry to tell her Canadian immigration story. was such a difference August 2014

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BACK PAGE | C U LT U R E S H O C K |

Keep on learning

I

A lot is going to be new … accept it (and, if you need to, Google it)!

recently enrolled in an online course. I had deliberated doing the course for a couple of months prior to signing up and, like everything I do, I vetted the idea through a series (more like countless number) of questions: • Would it improve my career?

• Was there a way to learn the content without taking the course?

• Would it help me find a job? Maybe get me a recommendation?

• Would I have the time to study with all the other stuff I was doing?

• Would it be the answer to all my problems?

And so on … When I finished going through all the questions, I started reviewing the answers over and over again, thereby postponing actually starting the course. After all was said and done, I finally found myself placing the course in my checkout basket on the online registration website and hitting the purchase button.

For those of you who have not taken an online course before, the web environment offers a unique platform to learn material, discuss points of interest, submit assignments and even have interactive class chats. For someone like me, who has grown up learning in

a traditional classroom, entering this portal was like entering a new world. Many of the students were also new to online learning and in a sense we were all like new immigrants. Each one of us was in the same boat asking questions, reassuring each other, and admitting when confused and lost.

The introductions are always my favourite part of starting a course as you get an idea of what everyone is doing and how they are leveraging the course to enhance their career. Our instructor had just for fun suggested that we each determine our “Muppet” personality via a short online quiz. She joked this is the one time we don’t have to prepare or read anything to participate in the discussion.

I grinned at my computer screen as I read this, as I had already begun Googling what a Muppet was and what my result “Gonzo” meant.

It’s 11 p.m. and I just finished writing and submitting my first course assignment. I like the flexibility of the online course so far. It hasn’t seemed to throw a spin in my routine.

But life throws new situations at you all the time, and you just have to accept and adapt. Sure, sometimes you don’t get the lingo, but for that there is always Google. Looking forward to more new situations after I complete this online course!

Lynn Sassoon immigrated to Canada from India with a background in human resource management. She faced many barriers to employment and settlement as a newcomer to Canada, and shares these humorous stories in this column.

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ewcomer tips from our RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2014!

M J

(S, V)

“

Just ask. If one person tells you no, ask the next. There’s always a second, a third — there’s always more. Eventually, someone will say yes.

”

S S

(U S, C)

“

Don’t let the pre-formed idea of what being an immigrant means stunt your growth and ambition. The only barrier between you and your goals are the ones which you comply to.

”

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