Canadian Immigrant January 2021 by Canadian Immigrant

Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021 c anadianimmigr ant.c a

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A QUEST FOR

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Leen Li shares her journey from a small town in rural China to Wealthsimple Foundation’s CEO in Toronto

COVID-19 FEATURE

RESILIENCE IN ACTION MANAGING YOUR CAREER TRANSITION AS A NEWCOMER TO CANADA

WINNING ADVICE FOR 2021!

José Miguel Ramírez Olivos makes his way to the upper echelons of Canada’s space world New partnership with Windmill Microlending SKILLED IMMIGRANT CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

CONTENTS Volume 18 Issue 1, 2021

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PROFILE: Indian-born Sathish Bala harnesses the power of digital connectivity HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO NEWS: Let’s go, 2021: Upcoming events, New government policy to help former international students work in Canada

COVER STORY

Leen Li shares her journey from a small town in rural China to a university in Halifax to Wealthsimple Foundation’s CEO in Toronto

12 COVID-19 FEATURE

Resilience in action during COVID-19: How Canadian newcomers are finding purpose and keeping positive to cope with the challenges caused by the pandemic

15 CAREERS AND EDUCATION

HIGHER LEARNING: How parents of post-secondary students can help CAREER COACH: Managing your career transition as a newcomer to Canada

IMMIGRATION LAW: The importance of submitting a complete immigration application PARENTING: Family projects

19 SETTLEMENT

21 LIVING

WELLNESS: Commit to Self Care – Four strategies to maintain your well-being Seeking phone support during the pandemic

23 MONEY AND BUSINESS

TIPS FOR SETTLING IN FASTER: Reaching your financial goals through digital tools and advice ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Five tips to maximize e-commerce returns

26 PROFILE

Mexican-Canadian José Miguel Ramírez Olivos has worked his way to the upper echelons of Canada’s space world

28 MOTIVATION

WINNING ADVICE: Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2020 share words of wisdom and inspirational tips

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People. News. Information.

SATHISH BALA

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1

Harnessing the power of digital connectivity

2021 Group Publisher Sanjay Agnihotri

By Ramya Ramanathan

Editor Ramya Ramanathan rramanathan@metroland.com

founder of Schoolio – we support parents switching to home learning with curriculum, tutoring and support services.

Editorial Design Safi Nomani

Tell us about DESIFEST

Sr. Ad Manager Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170

We launched DESIFEST in May 2006, as a part of South Asian Heritage Week, to help battle the cultural bias, stereotypes and gender bias within our community that holds back our youth from excelling. With music as the glue, DESIFEST creates a platform that helps celebrate our uniqueness without dividing us. We focus on programming to help youth express themselves. Today, as one of Canada’s premier South Asian festivals, we attract over 150,000 attendees from diverse communities across Canada to participate in a week of music and arts-related events.

Assistant Manager Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146 Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher

Publications mail agreement number: 40065097 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 3145 Wolfedale Road Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 3A9 Printed on recycled paper. Toronto Circulation 30,000 copies Vancouver Circulation 15,000 copies Calgary/Edmonton Circulation 5,000 copies Canadian Immigrant is published five times a year in print. Canadian Immigrant welcomes submissions, but is not responsible for unsolicited material. Canadian Immigrant is a publication of Metroland Media Group, a division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Entire contents property of Canadian Immigrant.

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

How has COVID impacted what you do?

While COVID forced us to cancel our 2020 festival, we decided to continue to support our music community with live shows on Facebook. We planned for a few weeks of music, and that turned into 380 shows, 250,000 organic impressions monthly, and a growing Facebook ndian-born Sathish Bala spent his early years community (from 3,000 to over 12,000). We booked in Singapore before moving to Canada with his artists from India, Pakistan, Canada, US, Australia and family. Three decades later, he is an award-winning more. In 2020, with TD supporting us and government leader and entrepreneur working in the field of digital funding, we continued to employ audio/video teams, marketing, operations management and product digital and social media teams, invest in new hardware development. and software and teach the industry how to move music Using his strategic leadership skills, he seeks to programming to the digital space. implement positive change and increase the performance of various enterprises. Bala works to harness digital What inspires you to keep going? strategies to define roadmaps, deliver client-centric I believe that the work we are doing with DESIFEST solutions and identify opportunities for development is helping to loosen the tight grasp on culture, and by and advancement. He has pioneered the development letting go, we empower our youth to take the best values and launch of three digital companies, totalling $50M of our culture and make it their own. We will thrive as in sales with 150+ staff across 5+ countries. ONE community when we celebrate what makes us He is also the co-founder of a South Asian music different and unique. I want to be a part of this change. festival in Toronto, DESIFEST.

Tell us about yourself

My family immigrated to Canada in 1989 from Singapore. While I was born in Tamil Nadu, India, I spent my early life in Singapore where I struggled to find my place in the world. I wasn’t academically strong, and this was a constant source of pain at home. Moving to Canada is the greatest gift my parents gave me. In Canada, I found mentors who helped me discover my strengths and build my personality and confidence. By the time I graduated from Ryerson University, I had already launched my first startup, Spyder Designs. Since then, I have successfully built and exited from three successful digital startups and held offices in Canada, Latin America and India. Today, I am the CEO and co-

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

What are your future plans?

Our big focus is to work with city officials to reboot the festival and create a safe live music experience. COVID (or versions of COVID) will be around for the foreseeable future, and we need to find the courage to dream up new ideas/processes and safety measures. We need more brave organizations to be a part of the solution and not watch from the sidelines.

What is your advice to immigrants and newcomers to Canada?

Be bold. Don’t fear but embrace the unknown. The future is bright and waiting for you. No matter how dark it seems, know that you can build your dream life in Canada.

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The City of Winnipeg is an organization where you can build a career and make a difference to your community. À la Ville de Winnipeg, vous pouvez bâtir votre carrière et faire une différence dans votre ville. winnipeg.ca CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

FUSION

news Upcoming offerings from Canadian Immigrant: Let’s go, 2021!

Canadian Immigrant is committed to continuing to offer support to our community of newcomers and immigrants through a range of innovative virtual offerings in 2021, in response to the challenges caused by COVID-19. In addition to valuable information, tips and resources available at canadianimmigrant.ca and the print magazine, Canadian Immigrant brings you excellent virtual opportunities to connect, network and learn including industry-specific web conferences and virtual fairs. In addition, Canadian Immigrant in partnership with Windmill Microlending is developing a new Skilled Immigrant Career Guide to help internationally trained professionals to overcome employment barriers compounded by COVID-19. This guide will feature fresh, strategic and inspiring content, filled with expert advice,

success stories as well as interactive exercises. This will provide skilled immigrants with the information they need on job search trends, in-demand career skills, microloans and educational credentials. The four-part guide is free for users and is launching in four batches between January 18 and April 9, 2021 on canadianimmigrant.ca. The Canadian Immigrant Industryspecific Web Conference Series – free, live, virtual events – will continue to provide newcomers and immigrants with insights, information and inspiration in their specific professions. In 2020, successful sessions were held for internationally educated or trained nurses, lawyers, IT professionals, accountants and engineering professionals. The first two events this year, to be held on February 25 and March 26, will cover career pathways for internationally trained pharmacists and opportunities for banking professionals. Newcomers and immigrants looking for information and inspiration in the areas of work, education, immigration and settlement can attend the Canadian Immigrant Virtual

Fairs – the free, all-day event for the Central and Eastern Region (Ontario and Nova Scotia) is scheduled for April 16 and the Western Region Fair (British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba) for April 29. Virtual attendees will have an opportunity to connect with exhibitors at these Fairs including employers, recruiters, immigrant service providers, educational institutions and more. Speakers’ Sessions will be held throughout the day to provide attendees with opportunities to hear from key leaders and experts on topics including diversity and inclusion, career growth and progression, small business, resilience and more. The Fairs will also provide a resumé critiquing feature and other tips and resources. The 2020 Canadian Virtual Fair in November, sponsored by BMO, was a resounding success with close to 2,600 unique attendees at the events: 1,300 unique visitors each attended the Western Region Fair and Central & Eastern Region Fair. Sign up to our newsletter at canadianimmigrant.ca for information and ongoing updates.

Government announces new policy to help former international students live and work in Canada For many international students who hold a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), the pandemic’s disruption and uncertainty have jeopardized their chances of obtaining the work experience they need to apply for permanent residence. THEY GOT A JOB AND CHANGED THEIR LIVES

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

As part of Canada’s efforts to support international students through this challenging time, on January 8, 2021, the government announced that foreign nationals in Canada affected by the pandemic with an expired or expiring PGWP will have a unique chance to apply for another open work permit. These will be valid for 18 months and allow former international students to remain in Canada, continue to seek employment and build their future in the country. The government has made significant efforts to encourage international students to settle permanently in Canada as they help create jobs and fill labour shortages so businesses can thrive. They bring strong employment and language skills, bolstered by their Canadian education and work experience, so they are typically well positioned to apply for permanent resident status. More than 58,000 graduates successfully applied to immigrate permanently in 2019, and their decisions to stay in Canada will help to address demographic challenges faced by our country. The government has indicated that information on eligibility criterion and how to apply will be available on the IRCC website starting on January 27, 2020.

COVER STORY

A QUEST FOR

LEARNING Leen Li shares her journey from a small town in rural China to a university in Halifax to Wealthsimple Foundation’s CEO in Toronto By Rebeca Kuropatwa

oronto-based Leen Li is the newly appointed CEO of the Wealthsimple Foundation, an initiative of financial services company Wealthsimple, that helps children save for post-secondary education. Li has come a long way from her childhood home in a small, rural, coalmining town in northeast China. Born as the fifth child in a family with four daughters, Li’s parents and the rest of the small town she came from were convinced that this time the child would be a boy. Li’s parents even picked a boy’s name before she was born—Yong, meaning courage and bravery. Once she was born, they decided to keep her name.

account when I first came to Canada. I wasn’t able to say a lot of the things. My English was not that great. Moving to Halifax kind of forced me to learn English. I think that was a good call.” For many newcomers, their drive to move to Canada is connected to safety, freedom, and abundant space. For Li, though, she wanted to make the move to satisfy her curiosity and to learn about new things. “One thing my dad taught me is that people can take anything away from you, but the knowledge in your head, no one can take that away from you,” says Li.

A couple of months after she had moved to Canada though, Li picked the English name “Leen” for herself.

She adds that how to use that knowledge is up to us. You use it in your life, and you can change other people’s lives. The choice is ours to make.

“It’s not exactly like my last name, but it’s connected to my last name... something that reminds me of my heritage,” says Li of her choice.

“That was the critical thing for me, that I always wanted to learn more,” says Li. “Even right now when I think of my career in Canada, it’s always about questions I ask myself like: where is the next opportunity so that I can learn more of the things that I don’t know and want to learn?”

Li came to Canada as an international student when she was 25 years old, in 2001, with a finance degree and experience working at a bank and was her family’s first hope for a child with a master’s degree. “When I was working in China at a bank, one of the senior bank executives came back from the U.S. after he had earned a master’s in education,” says Li. “And he really took a different approach in the ways he managed the company. I wanted to be able to learn that myself, to be able to do something different.”

Once Li completed her studies in Halifax, she decided to apply for permanent residence and stay in Canada. Li made her way to Toronto, and her first autumn there brought her first Canadian job, working as a junior accountant at a local tech company.

Li opted to go to Halifax to earn her master’s degree, as it made the most sense financially, and the school offered smaller classrooms, enabling her to get more individualized learning from her professor. There too, she found herself to be the only Chinese person, making it so she had to learn English well to be able to communicate effectively.

But, being a people person, Li felt the need for more personal interaction in her workplace. She had some interaction with others, but often found that working at a tech company, a lot of the communication was done via screen, with face-to-face communication not quite common. This led her to return to the financial services industry – the sector she used to work in China before she came to Canada. Li took on managing small and larger companies, until the CEO of the tech company offered her a position in a new tech company he was in the process of building.

“Funny story,” says Li. “It took me – a banker – two hours to open a bank

“So, I joined his new company [in Toronto] and I enjoyed the technology

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

Make friends and ask them questions. Find your community and ask for help,” recommends Li. CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

COVER STORY part of it – being able to learn new things and to make an impact fast,” says Li. “I think my biggest career change probably happened in the last five years when I joined Wealthsimple.” Li’s decision to seek employment with Wealthsimple stemmed from a personal interest in the area of investing for retirement, with the ability to access an affordable platform as well as her desire to grow in the field with the young company. “I did this [joined this company] four-and-a-half years ago, when the company was about two years old, when I was working there as the head of finance. I was the first internal finance person. And then, a year after I joined Wealthsimple, I was promoted to be the company CFO.” “There, I could really see the growth of the business from the product lines and the revenue perspective. And then, my most recent move was transitioning from being the CFO of Wealthsimple to becoming the CEO of the Wealthsimple Foundation.”

or your education, it’s going to be different and it’s not going to be easy.” One of the things that Li found helpful was realizing how to utilize her past experience and build on it. She found this path works much better than having to start everything fresh, inventing the wheel each time. “Leverage your own background and your own culture to your advantage,” says Li.

One of the things that Li found very helpful was realizing how to best utilize her past experience and build on it. “Leverage your own background and your own culture to your advantage,” says Li.

When asked what words of wisdom she might have for other newcomers to Canada, she stresses the importance of being mentally prepared. “The first one to three years are going to be hard,” says Li. “Regardless of language skill, or how much money you have,

Li says that another thing to keep in mind is to not let your shortcomings damage your view of your ability to find your footing in your new environment. “I don’t remember how or when I realized it, but…I now think I was an average person in China,” said Li. “How is it that, when I came to Canada I suddenly became below average smart, below average capable?” This realization pushed Li to work harder to find ways to better herself. Also, Li highly recommends, “Make friends and ask them questions. Find your community and ask for help.”

Having seen first hand the importance of access to education, Wealthsimple Foundation’s vision and mission resonate with Li and she looks forward to her role in providing tools for all Canadians to be able to access post-secondary education.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

2021-01-13 10:44 A

RCIC:

Kuldeep Kumar Bansal; R407527

Company Name/ Overseas Career & Consulting Services Limited Location: Surrey, BC Proceedings:

Motion to justify the continuation of interim suspension; Cross motion to continue interim suspension

Finding:

Adjudication of six cases is pending before the Discipline Committee. The RCIC faces allegations that he: charged the client to obtain an LMO; failed to respond to client communications; failed to provide a refund; charged the client for employment; misled the client about Canadian jobs; failed to render receipts for fees or a Retainer Agreement; and failed to provide services for the fees charged. On June 17, 2020, a panel of the Discipline Committee ordered the RCIC’s registration be suspended for a period of six months or until a panel lifts, extends or otherwise varies the suspension. The RCIC brought this motion requiring ICCRC to justify the continuation of the interim suspension, while ICCRC brought a cross-motion to extend the interim suspension. After hearing oral submissions, the Decision Panel found that the alleged misconduct remains serious and there are reasonable grounds to believe that there may be harm to a member of the public, and/or the public’s confidence in the profession of Immigration Consultants may be undermined if the RCIC is allowed to practice without some restriction or conditions. The Decision Panel found that practice restrictions, rather than suspension, will be sufficient to reduce the risk of harm. Accordingly, the Decision Panel ordered the interim suspension lifted, subject to the following conditions: 1. The RCIC is to be supervised by an RCIC acceptable to the ICCRC’s Compliance Department; 2. Supervision to remain in effect until the discipline hearing has concluded and a final decision is made on both the merits and penalty, if needed; 3. Any costs related to supervision is the sole responsibility of the RCIC; 4. The RCIC will not practice, advertise, or act in any manner relating to bringing foreign workers to Canada; 5. The RCIC will not register any new corporations to carry on immigration-related activities; 6. Advertising on the RCIC’s social media and websites is to be solely related to authorized practice areas and any reference to work permit applications is to be removed within one week; 7. The supervisor will ensure the RCIC’s compliance with Article 6.3.1 of the ICCRC Code of Professional Ethics; 8. The supervisor will regularly report to the ICCRC Compliance Department on the activities of the RCIC’s practice (not less than every two months); and 9. Every retainer agreement is to contain a notice to clients of the RCIC’s pending disciplinary hearings before ICCRC. ICCRC may bring a motion to review this Order if the conditions are not fulfilled or the hearing of the complaints, penalties and costs are not completed within six months of the date of the Order.

Costs:

Each party is responsible for their own costs.

FEATURE

Resilience in action during COVID-19 How Canadian newcomers are finding purpose and keeping positive to cope with the challenges caused by the pandemic By Vivien Fellegi & Ramya Ramanathan

oronto newcomer Dmytro Ilchuk struggles with sleepiness early each morning as he trudges to the subway on his two-hour commute to Scarborough’s COVID Isolation Centre. Pink streaks inch across the sky, illuminating the row of red brick houses. And every day, Ilchuk’s foggy brain jolts awake as he registers a message in a window along his route. A giant lopsided heart with the words “Thank you frontline workers.” The appreciation still boosts his morale and pumps him with purpose. “I’m doing something really important in my life,” says Ilchuk. “I feel like I belong to Canada.” Ilchuk’s ability to spot the positive in the midst of a pandemic is impressive but not unusual. About 40 per cent of the general population copes adaptively with misfortune, and 10 per cent become even stronger after battling with adversity, says Professor Michael Ungar, director of Dalhousie University’s Resilience Research Centre and author of Change Your World. Resilience is higher amongst immigrants, says Ungar. “While a disaster like COVID-19 can shake us to our core, it can also boost our resilience,” says Ungar. “We need a disruptive event to look at our fast-paced lives and reconsider our priorities.” As we search for purpose in the pain, we find ways to contribute, picking up groceries for a frail neighbour or checking in on an isolated senior. We also invest more value in our existing relationships and try harder to expand our community networks. These connections give us a sense of belonging and enhance our ability to cope, he says. A positive attitude is also helpful, says Ungar.

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

We should avoid obsessing over potential catastrophes and instead appreciate what we do have. If we’re feeling unhappy, watching a soppy movie or cooking a favorite food can boost our mood. A lot of newcomers to Canada have been especially hard hit by the pandemic, says the expert. “They tend to have much more vulnerable employment.” Another challenge for some recent arrivals is that they might not have recreated the supportive social networks left behind at home.

While a disaster like COVID-19 can shake us to our core, it can also boost our resilience. We need a disruptive event to look at our fast-paced lives and reconsider our priorities.” – Professor Michael Ungar

On the other hand, newcomers who have successfully adapted to immigration – uprooting their lives in their home country, leaving their comfort zone, and starting over in a new country – have already mastered some of the tools of resilience, says Ungar. Just the very act of having navigated through tough times helps people steel themselves to deal with further challenges.

“Having adversity in your life, you do learn to keep it in perspective,” says Ungar. Immigrants are often skilled at using Skype and other virtual platforms to remain connected with loved ones from their native country. As well, they’re often old hands at building new affiliations with the members of their diaspora. “Often when people come to a new country, they…attend (their) ...faith communities much more than back in their country of origin,” says Ungar. These offer practical information, an opportunity to use their mother tongue, and a sense of belonging. Many Canadian newcomers are demonstrating resilience during the pandemic by finding their own unique solutions to deal with the challenges caused by the situation. Meet three of them: frontline worker Dmytro Ilchuk from Ukraine, salesman Puneet Rai from India and long-term care home worker Antanina Hulko from Belarus.

Dmytro Ilchuk

Frontline worker Ilchuk found camaraderie at his workplace, made connections through volunteering initiatives and has combatted stress through self-care. Thirty-six-year-old newcomer Dmytro Ilchuk is no stranger to hardship. When the Ukrainian native came to Canada in 2017 in search of a better life, he was overwhelmed by culture shock – selfconscious about his accent, rejected by locals and unable to land a suitable job. “No one helped me...I almost lost my hope,” he says. Finally, a librarian handed him an employment counsellor’s business card, which led

above Dmytro Ilchuk to a position as a research assistant (and later as an analyst) in the court system. Shortly afterwards, Ilchuk began volunteering with other newcomers, and his social life soared. Ilchuk’s triumph over his trials fortified him against subsequent hardships. “When you have experience with change and crisis…you know how to find solutions,” he says. That resilience came in handy when the City of Toronto employee was deployed to a COVID-19 isolation centre in March. In his new position, Ilchuk has been supporting nursing staff and tending to residents either recovering from the virus or at risk of contracting it.

When you have experience with change and crisis…you know how to find solutions.” – Dmytro Ilchuk

It was a tough assignment. Ilchuk worked gruelling 12-hour day and night shifts, scouring every surface with disinfectants so powerful they made his clothes reek for hours afterwards. The job’s psychological demands were even greater. Because of the situation’s urgency, there was no time for training, and Ilchuk feared that the virus might slip through his grasp, harming himself or his colleagues. “Employers could fire me,” he says. “There was plenty of pressure on my shoulders.” But the frontline worker also found camaraderie in the trenches of the war against COVID. As the isolation centre resisted outbreaks, staff began bonding, sharing their lives and trading treats at mealtimes. ¨We became a family,” says Ilchuk, who forged many new friendships with his colleagues and clients. The work also filled him with pride. ¨I feel honored...to be part of a team … protect(ing) the city,” he says.

Ilchuk made more connections through several volunteer initiatives, linking Canadian newcomers to services and teaching English to Ukrainian veterans via Skype. Many of his beneficiaries keep in touch afterwards, sending him messages of gratitude. ¨It’s very satisfying,” says Ilchuk. Ilchuk has also been combatting stress through self-care. He began cooking healthy meals and jogging after dark at a closed children’s playground. Sometimes he’s combined the workouts with phone calls to loved ones. “It … made me forget about COVID,” he says. Ilchuck has also learned to make the most of his limited spare time. “If I have 20 minutes…to listen to music...it’s a gift.” Today Ilchuk feels fortified by the lessons he’s learned during the pandemic. He knows how to control what lies within his power, and how to stay calm during chaos. He’s demonstrated leadership in his volunteer work and earned respect at his job. “This knowledge and experience will lead me to good opportunities in the future,” says Ilchuk. ¨I feel…prepared for 2021,” he says.

You have ups and downs, but you have to get over them.” – Puneet Rai

soared alongside his anxiety, and he had to start medication to bring it under control. His health crisis prompted Rai to reassess his priorities. “Getting this medication…at such a young age…scares me,” he says. So, he overhauled his lifestyle, reducing portion sizes at mealtime, and waking up early every morning to practise yoga. More importantly, he stopped whipping himself to chase the standard of living he’d once enjoyed in the Middle East. “I’ve learned now that whatever you have you have to be satisfied,” he says. Rai also found solace from loved ones. As his local networks dwindled with the onset of the pandemic, Rai used Skype more often with his parents and friends in India and Kuwait. “The Puneet Rai Drawing on his inner strength, marketing bond(s) never broke, at the end of the day we’re professional Rai found ways to overcome together,” he says. challenges with finding work and an unexpected health crisis. Thirty-four-year-old newcomer Puneet Rai, originally from India, has also weathered his share of adversity. In 2009, the salesman with an MBA in marketing accepted a lucrative position in Kuwait. However, the young man who had never left the family home had trouble relating to the locals in the conservative country. ¨It was really difficult,” he says. But the chatty newcomer eventually befriended his expat colleagues, and the tight-knit group spent their weekends exploring beaches and malls by day and hosting house parties at night. In 2019, Rai encountered a new set of challenges when he immigrated to Canada in search of a permanent haven for himself and his young family. (In Kuwait it’s impossible for non-natives to earn citizenship). Although Rai churned out up to 40 applications a day, the recent arrival failed to land a sales job offering a salary sufficient to support his wife and young child. Things got worse after COVID crashed onto the scene in March. Rai had been selected for a “dream above Puneet Rai job” in his field, but the spot was put on hold Like Dmytro Ilchuk, Rai too has been fortified indefinitely in the wake of the pandemic. Other companies followed suit, barring their doors to in the forge of COVID. While he used to burn through his earnings, his temporary career slump new hires. Rai drew on the inner strength gleaned from has spurred him to save more and spend less. his first relocation. “I know how to do things (my) Rai is also closer to his wife than ever before. self, find… everything for (my)self,” he says. His ¨We’ve been through thick and thin…she’s relentless networking and cold calls eventually always there to support me,” he says. The pair won him a spot at Edusity, a start-up company have begun an Instagram page to dispense advice and hope to followers abroad (Instagram.com/ marketing an online learning tool. But the post didn’t bring smooth sailing. Selling expatdiariescanada). But perhaps the greatest change lies in the a new product is tricky at the best of times, but even tougher during an uncertain era. For the immigrant’s more mellow attitude. “You have ups first time in his life the savvy salesman worried and downs,” says Rai. “But you have to get over about meeting his targets. His blood pressure them.” CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

above Antanina Hulko

Antanina Hulko

Long-term care home worker Hulko’s experience on the frontlines as a surgeon back home and her desire to help people keeps her going. Thirty-three-year-old Antanina Hulko, a surgeon in her native Belarus, came to Canada on her own in December 2019 as an international student and has finished her one-year college degree in behavioural sciences. Hulko says she is

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

fortunate to have her sister here. The pandemic hit just a few months after she landed in the country and she felt compelled to help out in whatever way possible. “Helping out wasn’t a question for me. I did this back in Belarus as a surgeon,” she says. “I have always been on the frontlines and also had night shifts in the emergency room.” Hulko says that she learned to do her best in the situation given that COVID-19 was not in her plans. She reached out to different hospitals and nursing homes and started working in a longterm care facility. “It’s my nature from the very beginning,” she says. “That’s why I chose this profession [as a surgeon]. I feel the passion and energy to help other people and even when I am exhausted, it is my belief that I can help people – this is what pushes me,” she says. Hulko says she has learned a lot from this challenging situation. “This experience and exposure and close interaction with the vulnerable population [in the long-term care home] has helped me step back from my ambition and high goals and reminded me about the basic important things,” she says. “We are all humans. It’s time to help with simple things.” Hulko has found strength in this time through her strong beliefs and support from her family. “It is my belief that all of us have the power inside; we have to just be open and brave and honest with ourselves about our strengths and weaknesses,” she says. “And of course, my family…I have conversations

with my parents back home through Skype or video. Nothing can replace your parents,” she says. “My sister and her husband are also here [in Canada]. Family is most important.”

I believe that we all have something inside – everyone has to find resilience in themselves and practice it so it will grow in you.” – Antanina Hulko

Her advice is for newcomers is to use the resources within to get through these challenging times. “I believe that we all have something inside – everyone has to find resilience in themselves and practice it so it will grow in you,” she says. She highlights the importance of connecting with community. “We are not alone; we are in a community and have to offer our help and reach out. We don’t have to be a superhero. We have to be open and help each other. We can overcome everything.” Hulko’s long-term goal is to work towards her medical license in Canada. “I have to study and pass different exams…and go a long way. I definitely hope to be of use.” She is currently in the process of becoming a permanent resident.

CAREERS & EDUCATION HIGHER LEARNING

How parents of post-secondary students can help Learning to transition to the role of supporters and advisors and commute (post-COVID-19). Part-time work that fits into their schedule may be more difficult to find and manage. Students also need time to exercise and relax to deal with stress and stay healthy. Parents’ awareness and acceptance of these time commitments can ease family tensions.

t the post-secondary level, a student is considered an adult. Parental involvement in their education will take a different shape than it did in earlier schooling. The role of parents of a post-secondary student can be seen as more of that of supporters and occasional advisors. Most post-secondary students start out with excitement, good intentions and high hopes for the future, but with lots of worries too. Students may be anxious about their ability to do well, connect socially, manage their finances and meet their parents’ expectations, to name a few common concerns. A helpful and supportive family can lessen the student’s burdens; however, being too involved or too removed can add to them. Finding the right degree of involvement depends on many factors and is bound to change over time. The school’s expectations of parents include providing their young adult with ongoing emotional support, financial assistance if they are able, and responding to their physical and mental health needs. As students are seen and treated as capable adults, the school does not consult with parents on academic or personal matters, particularly without a student’s permission.

What is helpful and what is not

There is an adjustment for students moving from high school expectations to post-secondary

to voluntarily share this information with parents. It is expected that young adults may change their viewpoints, habits, decisions and friends as they are exposed to different ideas and people. During the young adult years, changes in family relationships are also common. Being able to discuss all these transitions with the family is a good indicator that Family vs. post-secondary the family culture will continue to culture It may be that the school culture have an influence. If improvement and expectations conflict with a in the student/parent relationship is family’s culture and ways of doing needed, one of the ways to proceed things. Some things may be easy is to consult with the young adult on to manage; others may not be how to do this. Family culture may negotiable. For instance, the school be under pressure as students attend will not reveal a student’s grades, post–secondary school; try to look ones. A useful role for parents attendance, or other confidential at how it can be adapted to support could be to cheer on students’ matters. It will be up to the student changing needs. good efforts and encourage them to explore what the school can offer in Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer have terms of services and activites. As extensive experience working in university and students may struggle to find their college settings, providing career, academic way, parents need to acknowledge and personal counselling to international and immigrant students. when their child is doing their best, no matter what the outcome. And often, even struggling students want to do well even without their parents’ repeated reminders. Just as students are learning to look after themselves in terms of cooking, doing laundry, budgeting and so on, they are learning about their interests, abilities and commitments. Allowing them to make their own decisions and even make mistakes can help them grow. Advice, if given sparingly and when asked, can be effective. As students learn the necessary skills of self-advocacy, looking after their physical needs through healthy habits and navigating the school culture, parents can help by staying connected, offering stable emotional support and allowing the student’s transition towards independence. If further help is needed, parents can become familiar with the services the school provides for students’ mental and physical health, academic advising and personal and career counselling, and encourage their use. Post–secondary studies can be quite demanding, and students may need more time to study, meet classmates for group projects CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

CAREERS & EDUCATION CAREER COACH

Managing your career transition as a newcomer to Canada Ten easy tips to get you started

mmigrating to a new country can be a lifealtering experience – an adventure that comes with its own set of challenges. In the first few months, in addition to looking for accommodation and focusing on essentials like banking, health and schooling, you are also looking for work opportunities. The more support you have during this transition, the easier the process becomes. Success in your job search depends on your ability to discover what Canadian employers are looking for and leveraging your knowledge and skills to make the best of available opportunities. Here are 10 easy steps to help you transition into the Canadian workforce.

Create a Canadian-style resumé

Make a strong first impression with your resumé: Employers across Canada are accustomed to seeing personal information and work background being presented in a particular way, so it’s important to format your resumé in the Canadian style. Keep your resumé at no more than two pages and include the most relevant work experience that relates to the job you are applying for. Remember that Canadian-style resumés tend to be in reverse chronological order, meaning your newest experience appears first. The main sections should include your name, preferred job title, contact information, a professional summary, your educational qualifications and professional credentials, in this order. Your resumé is the all-important first impression, so make sure you include personal and team achievements to help you make a strong impact.

become a great tool for recruiters and job seekers alike. Make sure your LinkedIn account is up to date with the most current information, and there are no grammatical errors. Include a friendly, professional photo. As soon as you have moved to Canada, change your location on your LinkedIn profile. Remember, recruiters looking for candidates on LinkedIn will favour local candidates over those who are overseas. They will also need to see that you have a professional level of communication before they can consider you for a job. Connect with others on LinkedIn you might know and join special interest groups that are related to your field and contribute to the group’s discussions.

Find volunteer opportunities

Find a mentor

Polish your communication skills

Soft skills are highly valued in the Canadian workplace and will not only help you get a job but also with career progression. Continue to work on your oral and written communication which are requirements listed on nearly every job description. You can learn a lot from online resources on various Canadian websites such as canadianimmigrant.ca. If English is not your first language and you are moving to any part of Canada except Quebec, you should make an increased and sustained effort to improve your English skills. It goes without saying that candidates wishing to work in Quebec should make an effort to improve their French skills.

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Update your LinkedIn account

Over the past few years, LinkedIn has CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

Network consistently

A number of jobs don’t get advertised publicly. This is also called the hidden job market. That’s why networking is crucial to finding jobs in Canada. Smart networking allows you to gain useful insights and crucial contacts, both socially and professionally. A good idea is to join a local community group like an immigrantled professional association in your industry. You can gain rich experience from other professionals and learn more about the labour market in Canada. Research networking events for your profession and participate in events and meetups – given the pandemic, many of the gatherings are virtual these days which could help you access this much more easily; attend online webinars and interact in online forums.

A proven way to expand your local network of contacts and get that all-important Canadian work experience on your resumé is to volunteer. Pick volunteer opportunities that are relevant to your skill set and career. You don’t need to dedicate the entire work week to volunteer work, as you need to focus on your job search. Dedicating a few hours a week can help you understand the Canadian work culture, and practice your technical and communication skills. It’s also a good opportunity to get Canadian references. You can find more information on volunteering opportunities on websites such as volunteer.ca. In Canada, there are a variety of mentoring programs that match candidates with an established professional for occupation-specific mentoring relationships. You can research different mentoring programs in and around you to find an experienced mentor in your industry. According to the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), 77 per cent of mentees find employment in their field or a related field within six months of completing the program. A strong mentoring relationship can help you build vital professional connections, learn about Canadian corporate culture and its nuances and gain labour market insights in your field. Use these opportunities to develop your competencies and leverage the wealth of resources and knowledge.

Get accredited

Some professions such as teaching, physiotherapy, nursing and social work among others may require your foreign qualifications to be accredited in Canada. Other industries and certain trades require converting your accreditations to Canadian equivalents. Or you may need to take further training to gain necessary accreditation to work in Canada. Research what accreditations you will need and apply for a certificate from one of Canada’s colleges or universities or seek a professional certificate from a professional institution. You may need to take extra courses or write an exam to validate your credentials. IIBA, DRI and CMC are among some of the institutions which offer certifications. Remember, unrecognized international credentials could prevent you from getting the job even if your experience and expertise match the job description.

Highlight your multicultural expertise

Canada is a very open culture that welcomes new immigrants and celebrates multiculturalism. In fact, Canada is home to over 100 nationalities and this diversity is only growing every year. This means, you can find fresh opportunities with Canadian organizations that need your specific skills and experience to reach different ethnic groups. From consumer brands to leading financial institutions to insurance companies and translation bureaus, many businesses can

benefit from your knowledge of specific ethnic communities. There are also advertising and marketing organizations in Canada that focus mainly on multicultural marketing to drive sales and growth. In addition to competing in the mainstream market, you can also apply for jobs in this growing niche market.

Take advantage of government programs

The Canadian government offers free programs to help you find work faster. You can also register online for free employment services with government-funded organizations like JVS, Access Employment, JobStart, NextStopCanada and many others. These organizations offer services to connect skilled newcomer professionals from all around the world to employment specialists to offer support in navigating the Canadian job market. You will get much better results when you use the information they provide to implement practical job search strategies. Many participants have used these services to find jobs as soon as they have arrived. You can also find internships or join co-op

programs that are funded by the government to offer newcomers valuable experience.

Optimize your online presence

Today more than ever it is important to build and maintain a robust online presence. In addition to maintaining your professional profile on LinkedIn, you can consider a personal blog to showcase your subject-matter expertise. You can find blogs that are relevant to your industry and get active on them. Share your opinions on articles and answer questions that may pop up from the readers. Constantly seek out opportunities to demonstrate your expertise and help others. You never know who might see your name pop up online and then look up your profile to find out more.

To sum it up:

Take your time but be consistent and highly organized. Be patient, the transition might take longer than you expect but never lose faith that you will be successful! It’s important to believe in yourself throughout the process and to make sure others know that you believe in yourself too.

Murali Murthy is an acclaimed public speaker, life coach and best-selling author of The ACE Principle, The ACE Awakening, The ACE Abundance and You Are HIRED!. He is also chairperson of CAMP Networking Canada. Learn how he can help unlock your magic at unleashyourwow.com.

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

The importance of submitting a complete immigration application

uring the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented numerous policies to try to process applications as normally as possible and also provide applicants who are unable to provide certain documents or meet deadlines with flexibility. Applicants should know that while IRCC is providing more flexibility than it normally does to incomplete applications, it is still returning ones that are technically incomplete where applicants do not provide an explanation. The return of these applications sometimes takes months due to pandemic-related intake delays at IRCC, and it is very important that applicants submit complete applications.

IRCC’s COVID-19 policy on missing documentation

Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations provides that IRCC can return applications that are missing mandatory information or documents. During COVID-19, IRCC’s policies state that new, complete applications will be processed as normally as possible. If a new application is missing supporting documentation or information, then an applicant must include an explanation with their application that they are affected by a service disruption as a result of COVID-19. IRCC will then put the application aside and wait for the document to be provided. If a new application is missing supporting documentation or information and an applicant has not provided an explanation, or if the reason why the document or information is missing is not related to a disruption of services caused by COVID-19, then IRCC will return the application for being incomplete.

IRCC’s public messaging vs. current situation

IRCC officials have stated in public that during COVID-19 they have not

Key tips to avoid returns and delays

returned incomplete applications, but rather contacted applicants to remedy their situations. On November 25, 2020, for instance, Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, told the House of Commons Committee on Citizenship and Immigration that in the spousal sponsorship context, visa officers work with members of parliament to troubleshoot incomplete applications with the goal being to reunite as many families as possible. And, on December 7, 2020, Daniel Mills, the assistant deputy minister, operations, told the same committee that no application in process was closed because of missing documents. These statements, however, do not match what is currently occurring. On December 21, 2020, the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), a national association of lawyers, notaries, academics and law students, wrote to Mr. Mills requesting that visa officers show greater flexibility when assessing whether applications are incomplete. The CBA noted that in the past year, IRCC regularly returned applications five to eight months after they were submitted for technical deficiencies. They included several examples. In one case, a spousal sponsorship application, submitted in April 2020, was returned by IRCC on the basis that in the Additional Family Information form, a postal code for an applicant’s relative was missing, even though the country does not have postal codes. In the intervening

months, one of the applicant’s children turned 22. The child is now too old to be included as a dependent when the couple resubmits their immigration application and may not be able to immigrate to Canada. In another case, a spousal sponsorship application, submitted in April 2020, was returned in November because a police certificate was missing. This occurred even though the applicant had included an explanation letter that apparently was not read. Because the application was returned, the applicant lost their status in Canada and had to stop working, even though it was IRCC’s mistake. In many cases, IRCC stated that documents such as copies of birth certificates or marriage certificates were missing even though such documents were included in the envelopes that contained the returned packages.

Tips for a more complete application

Given that there are some challenges with processing applications, here are a few tips to reduce the risk of an application being rejected for incompleteness. • If you are providing translated documents, make sure that the translation is accurate and matches

the document checklist name for a document. Even if the original document is accurate, a mistake in translation can result in an application being returned for incompleteness. • Make sure that addresses are complete. Believe it or not, IRCC will return applications where an address contains a Canadian city, a Canadian province and a Canadian postal code, but does not explicitly state that the country is Canada. • In spousal sponsorship applications, applicants must type their name into the Schedule A signature field and also hand-sign it. This is the only form where both an electronic and handwritten signature is required, and applicants not doing both are probably the most frequent cause of rejection. • It is important that applicants read the police certificate requirements very carefully. For example, the IRCC website states that Australian applicants need to provide an Australian National Police Certificate – Standard Disclosure – Name Check Only. Scrolling down through the webpage further reveals that applicants who lived in Queensland or Victoria must also provide traffic checks. • If an application is missing a document, don’t include the explanation as a paragraph in a cover letter. Rather, include the explanation as a separate Word document, preferably in a large font. IRCC’s approach to returning incomplete applications clearly needs to change so its actions match its rhetoric. Peoples’ lives should not depend on minute compliance with document checklists spread over multiple sections of the IRCC website. In the meantime, until such change happens, applicants must carefully read every document checklist, read every hyperlink, and triple-check their applications.

Steven Meurrens is an immigration lawyer with Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver. Contact him at 604-681-9887, by email at steven.meurrens@larlee.com, or visit his blog at smeurrens.com. CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

SETTLEMENT PARENTING

Family projects

Innovative ways to strengthen family relationships

s we enter the new year, nothing is better than bringing family together in a meaningful and interactive family project. Engaging in a project with collective purpose can help strengthen family relationships. Here are some simple, low cost and achievable ideas that are suitable for all families.

Pick a project method

Jar or box method: Set aside an empty jar, pens and a notepad. Have your family write daily memories or messages, then put those notes into the jar. Open the jar at the end of the year to reflect on what’s inside. Wall or board method: Dedicate some space at home to display and document your family’s project visually. On a feature wall or large poster paper, add hand-drawn pictures, messages, photographs or other visual items throughout the year. Keeping a journal: In a journal or blog, record your thoughts and feelings, everyday life or a recollection of important life events, either on paper or electronically.

Pick a theme or idea for your family project

• Conversation starter kit: Fill a jar or box with intriguing questions. Get fun conversations going by taking turns drawing questions from the jar and answering them together as a family. • Family activity kit: Fill a jar, box or board with a variety of fun activities suitable for the family. Spend quality family time and build memories by taking turns to pick one

activity to do daily. • Family memories: Capture precious family memories by regularly documenting special moments as they happen. On your board or in the journal, record anything special children say, photographs or drawings by children throughout the year. • Acts of kindness: You can instill the value of kindness in children by documenting acts of kindness provided and received. Fill the jar with ideas to help others and take turns picking and performing them. • Inspirational and motivational quotes: Write down inspirational quotes that you can take turns reading aloud. Then reflect and discuss. This can be helpful for when life gets challenging. • Gratitude wall or jar: Practice gratitude by regularly reflecting on what we are grateful for. It can be as simple as having conversations on gratitude before bedtime or maintaining a gratitude wall in the family room. • Money jar: Collect money throughout the year, and at the end of the year, put the money towards charity or family purchases. It will be a fulfilling experience for family to work collaboratively on a meaningful project, to share the gifts of reflection, mindfulness and gratitude. Do include family members living at a distance by engaging them in virtual family projects. More than just fun and games, family projects can help us stay positive, make meaningful memories, and most of all, strengthen our connections in our family and community.

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

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

LIVING WELLNESS

Commit to self care

Four strategies to maintain your well-being

hile 2021 promises brighter days ahead with the availability of a vaccine in Canada, the reality is that we will be in this crisis together for a few more months, at least. Here are four self care strategies that can help you maintain your well-being.

1. Make healthy choices

Commit to making decisions that bring you more of whatever makes you feel good and feel encouraged, and less of what does not serve you, or others, well. Start with being clear about how you want to feel in 2021 and why that matters, and then think about what will bring you more of that emotional state. For example, if you decide you want to feel energetic, ask yourself why. What’s your motivation? To improve your self-esteem? To be more active with your family? To improve your productivity at work? Commit to small, specific steps that are relevant for you. For example, eat a healthy breakfast five days a week, walk for 20 minutes outside at lunchtime, set a timer to stretch for one minute every hour, or reduce your digital distractions by only checking social media twice a day for 10 minutes each time. Write out your intentions and look at them often to improve the likelihood of taking action. How do you want to feel? Why is that important? What commitments can you make that will help you achieve this?

triggering the body’s stress response. The next time you feel stressed at home or work, take a few moments to breathe deeply from your belly. Inhale fully from your belly to your chest, for a count of four and exhale for a count of six. If this isn’t possible for you, just be sure to make your exhales longer than your inhales. Do this for three minutes to trigger the relaxation response. Your heart rate will begin to slow down, you will feel less anxious and calmer. Your focus may even shift from problem to solution as you continue to focus on your breath. While the cause of your stress may still exist, it will feel less intense after some deep belly breaths. How often do you focus on your breath? Can you notice the difference when you breathe from your belly?

2. Breathe deeply

3. Be mindful

When we feel anxious or overwhelmed, our brain goes into overdrive,

If you have a habit of over thinking, catastrophizing (thinking and expecting the worst), and dwelling on what’s not going well, then it’s time to hit the pause button and spend some time thinking more consciously about how you want to respond. One way to think more clearly, feel better and see what other choices could be available to you is to ‘download’ all the thoughts that are preoccupying your attention. Keep writing, without judgement, until you feel you have nothing left. Look at your list with interest and curiosity, rather than criticism. Often, the act of writing things down is enough to release tension and declutter the mind. If you want a challenge, choose one limiting thought that seems, in this moment, to be most unhelpful and replace it with a more positive, encouraging thought. Write down that new thought. When was the last time you thought about the way you are thinking? Are your thoughts making you feel anxious? What would you need to think instead to feel more encouraged and at ease?

4. Move your body Employment Services

Movement sends a message to our brain that we are engaged with life and triggers the release of “feel good” hormones. Find time in your existing routine to add some movement. For example, while the coffee is brewing, stretch; when brushing your teeth, do a few squats. Doing a few stretches and squats is certainly better than nothing at all, or going hard at it, infrequently. Choose movement that makes you feel good. Get outside for fresh air as often as you can. Move with your pet, your kids, to music, alone, or virtually with others. There are no rules – get creative and enjoy it. What kind of movement makes you feel better? What opportunities do you already have to move your body more? Who can help you get started or make progress? Hazel Morley has worked as a trainer, facilitator and coach for more than 25 years, in England and after immigrating to Canada in 2009. After her own personal health crisis, she shifted gears to focus on strategies for enjoying optimal health. CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

LIVING WELLNESS

Seeking phone support during the pandemic

Tips to initiate and benefit from services available to you

he COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way programs are delivered by social service organizations, health services and community programs. Counselling and support programs and services have moved partially or entirely to telephone service or other digital ways. Many new hotlines and helplines have been set up to help the community deal with the impact of the pandemic on their health and well-being. It is not easy to open up about concerns or problems with a staff member or professional on the phone, especially if it is with someone you are not familiar with. It can be more challenging for newcomers, seniors, women, youth and others who may have language and cultural barriers. Also, the fear of sharing personal/sensitive information or thoughts and worrying if it is safe to do so may prevent you from seeking support

repeating yourself, choose a quiet place without distractions before placing the call. If you live in an abusive situation or have difficulty finding a quiet place in your home, call from a friend’s place or use a public telephone.

5. Ease into the call: To get comfortable and feel less intimidated, practice appropriate greetings, small talk topics such as the weather, and common questions such as: “Is this a good time to talk?” Consider sharing a compliment such as, “I am contacting you as I heard a lot about your service.” when you need it the most. Not addressing the problem early could make the situation worse. Taking the first step to make that call takes effort and preparation. Here are some tips in initiating and benefitting from phone services

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

6. Talk slowly and clearly: Take and supports to meet your needs your time to express yourself. and build relationships with the Sometimes, due to nervousness or service provider. cultural differences, you may speak very fast and it may come across to 1. Learn about the service: Read the other person as rambling and the service brochure, research difficult to understand. online or ask friends and family about the service and what they 7. Open up at your own pace: have to offer. This will help clarify Ask questions about the policy of your specific needs and be ready the organization on confidentiality when they ask: “How can we help and gradually open up when you feel you or what can we do for you?” you can trust. You have the right to choose not to answer if you are not 2. Prepare for the call: When comfortable. Trained and qualified you call, a staff member will request service providers will understand some personal details so they can and respect your choices and connect you with the right person. continue to build relationships with Be prepared with this information you. so you don’t have to deal with the anxiety of looking for it in a hurry 8. Ask for clarification if you when you are on the call. don’t understand what is being said: It is okay to say, “Can you 3. Write down a few points or repeat, please?” when you have your concerns: Feeling nervous difficulty understanding. You can while talking on the phone for the also check if the service is being first time may result in forgetting provided in the language you are what you wanted to talk about. most comfortable with. Making a list will help you keep focused, cover the issues you Being in the comfort of your wanted to bring to their attention home; not having to worry about and make the most of your time. physical appearance, work schedule conflicts or travel time; and having 4. Choose a quiet place: To the flexibility to access 24-hour have a successful conversation, service lines can help you get timely to maintain privacy and avoid support and care. Nandini Tirumala is a mental health wellness coach, educator and advocate with 25 years of experience in Canada with a special focus on mental health support services for newcomers and immigrant families.

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

Reaching your financial goals through digital tools and advice Using mobile apps and online services to plan and achieve your financial goals

iving in a digital world doesn’t mean abandoning “old school” methods of managing your finances. What’s important is having a plan in place that will guide your financial future, one that takes into account the unexpected and that can be adjusted as lives change. You can make a plan on a pad of paper, create it on your laptop, your tablet or your mobile device. The main thing is to set it down so you can review it and make adjustments as your life moves forward. But what’s proving to be a real game-changer is the ability to access financial advice through digital channels, and even leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to help simplify the process of managing your finances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, secure online resources and tools have become a safe and convenient way for people in Canada to do their banking and make more informed financial decisions. Here are three ways digital tools can help you plan and achieve financial goals.

Gain insights and advice from your mobile app Mobile banking is widely used in Canada, with increasing adoption through the pandemic. It has the power to make banking more accessible and provide tailored insights and advice to help you track your spending and plan for your

financial future. For example, RBC’s mobile app includes its NOMI suite of capabilities, which uses datadriven insights to help you stay on top of your finances. Ask NOMI is a guide to personal banking that uses AI to answer your questions, help you navigate the app and simplify tasks like transaction search. It supports more than 12 different languages, making it easy to get the right information in the language you’re most comfortable with. NOMI Budgets helps you by taking the thinking—and the manual calculator work—out of setting up a budget. NOMI Find & Save uses predictive technology to find money you can spare and automatically sets it aside for you.

quickly see what your mortgage A digital dashboard provides payments might look like. real-time, 24/7 access to your personalized plan, where you can see the potential impact of your Get real-time, 24/7 access to money decisions before you make your plan When you’re thinking about your them. While no one could have future in Canada, it’s important to not only have a plan in place, but to predicted this pandemic, a plan for your have the ability to access it remotely personalized along with the financial advice you finances can help prepare you for the unexpected. It gives you need to support it. RBC’s MyAdvisor is a good a roadmap that you can reset and example. This free digitized advice adapt in response to detours you platform helps clients create a may encounter along the way. And personalized plan online and when you leverage the digital tools provides access to RBC advisors, that are available, you have the all from the comfort of your home added insights and flexibility to see or workspace. You can readily view how the actions you take today can an overall picture of your financial help secure the finances you have in accounts on interactive screens. place for tomorrow.

Quickly see what your mortgage payments might look like

Amit Brahme is senior director, newcomer client strategy with Royal Bank of Canada. Visit rbc.com/newcomers or visit a branch near you for help and advice to help you save more and settle in faster.

Buying a home at any time requires balancing your personal finances with external factors. Personal factors like your income, down payment savings and amount of personal debt can all influence your ability to purchase the home you want. External factors like current real estate prices and interest rates will also affect your home-buying choices. Whether you are buying a home for yourself or helping out a family member, the first thing to do is learn how much you can afford. By using a mortgage calculator you can go online and

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MONEY & BUSINESS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Five tips to maximize e-commerce returns

New opportunities for business growth and boosting resilience

lthough e-commerce has exploded since the COVID-19 pandemic and nearly 85 per cent of consumers now buy online, only 46 per cent of Canadian entrepreneurs plan to sell virtually after the health crisis, according to a recent BDC study titled, “Profit from e-commerce: How to compete in the online marketplace.” The study addresses common e-commerce challenges and how to overcome them to help businesses succeed online. E-commerce was exploding even before the pandemic. According to Statistics Canada, retail sales in Canada nearly tripled between 2012 ($8.3 billon) and 2018 ($22.1 billion). Now, the health crisis has accelerated the staggering growth in online sales and job creation. During the first four months of the pandemic, e-commerce sales exceeded those of the 2019 holiday season. Selling online has now

become even more essential for Canadian businesses. It is creating new opportunities for business growth and boosting resilience. “We know that businesses already selling online have fared better during the crisis than others. E-commerce is bringing opportunities for companies of every size and sector”, says Pierre Cléroux, vice president, research and chief economist at BDC. “However, very few business owners believe online sales will increase in the next three years. This means they are not seeing e-commerce opportunities, nor are they preparing for them. Online success requires a strategic approach suited to the realities of your business.” Entrepreneurs most commonly cite the difficulty of providing a good customer experience (46 per cent), developing the right skills (33 per cent) and ensuring profitability (31 per cent) as top

with business partners and your business model. How will the Five tips to maximize online sales initiative affect the e-commerce returns: business relationships with various partners? Develop a business model 1. Careful planning and online that will be competitive on the web. marketing are the keys to success. The BDC study offers solutions and 5. Develop new skills internally. a roadmap for getting started or Managers and employees will have taking existing online sales to the to acquire skills in transactional next level. website management, digital marketing and delivery and 2. Understand online sales logistics. in your sector by observing the cybercommerce challenges.

actions of market leaders and your direct competitors to understand 6. Define sales objectives and their positioning and best practices. optimize efforts. Prepare threeyear financial projections to 3. Get to know your customers establish the profitability of the and their online preferences. online sales project and set financial Identify key customers and get to goals. Continuously take advantage know them better. What do they of the data collected on customers’ buy online? How do they behave on habits. the web? Go further to understand Jean Philippe Nadeau is with BDC, what makes them unique. a financial institution supporting 4. Review your relationships Canadian entrepreneurs.

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PROFILE

PASSION

TAKES FLIGHT By Javier Ortega-Araiza

Driven by his passion and quest for knowledge, MexicanCanadian José Miguel Ramírez Olivos has worked his way to the upper echelons of Canada’s space world.

assions come in different shapes or forms — a sudden insight after a profound introspection process, an idea scribbled on the back of a napkin; that serendipitous whisper that we yearn for, sometimes without even realizing it. For José Miguel Ramírez Olivos, it came as a photograph on the cover of an encyclopedia. The book had been a gift from his father, and it showed a Boeing 727 being assembled. What followed was what happens after a moment of instant love. “Since then every gift that I asked for was related to planes and space. I collected capsules and lunar modules, those that you could find in Jell-O packages. That is how this curiosity began,” recalls Olivos. “My father then started driving me to the airport to watch the planes land. I was amazed to see everything: the wings, the fuselage, listening to the noise; it was an exhilarating scenery – I loved it,” he adds. Olivos first dreamt of being a pilot with the Mexican Army, but then, after being rejected on account of poor eyesight, he opted for a different path. “Well, I said, if I can’t become a pilot, at least I will build planes,” he shares. He joined the National Polytechnic Institute, enrolling in the aeronautics program and as a student he would frequently visit Mexico City International Airport.

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

concentration in Space Systems, a professor encouraged him to apply to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). “I was surprised. I have had this longstanding dream of working for NASA. But I learned that Canada was doing enthralling work in space, too.” Olivos talks about his role, controlling satellites in orbit to accomplish critical missions, like conducting studies of the ozone layer, detecting meteorites on a collision course, and tracking the global maritime routes. Every room within the John H. Chapman Space Centre, the headquarters of the CSA, represents a memory; every hallway a story, a scene of what could have been an illusion, but wasn’t. “It took me years to get to Canada, and once in Canada, it took me years to get to work here. I was about to give up,” admits Olivos, who remarks on the importance of keeping the sense of possibility alive.

“On Thursdays, KLM’s and Lufthansa’s aircraft would be there, and fortunately, the managers were receptive. It was better than the movies, Decades after that epiphanic encounter with that Boeing 727, Olivos, being inside the cabin of the 747. My peers would look at me as a kid, but I who built Play-Doh airplanes in kindergarten, and has worked his way to was like: Do you have an idea of how many years I have dreamed of this?” the upper echelons of Canada’s space world, and has been recognized as one of the most influential Latinos in Canada in 2019, does not feel that his Soon after, he boarded a plane for the very first time, travelling to learn journey is over. English in the United States. “More than understanding why am I here, I like to learn where do I come He made the most of his first flight. “I asked the stewardess if I could visit from. To keep understanding our planet, so that we can make it better. the cabin, and astonishingly, she asked the captain and he agreed. I spent Because everything would work better if we were in harmony with the the whole flight in there, talking to the crew, asking questions, learning all Universe. And the way to do that is to learn so we can understand. To that is involved in piloting a plane. Today, every time I fly, I remember that comprehend our history and our evolution,” he says. scene. Before takeoff, I recreate the dialogue between the pilots and the control tower. It is fascinating.” “How was it that the conditions became possible for you and me to be speaking, right here, right now, after millions of years of life on Earth?” The trip would alter the course of his life. He says, “In Mexico, I was he asks. writing technical publications for Bell Helicopter, and a representative from Texas overheard my English. He hinted me about an open position in Canada, and that was the initial spark that led me to consider moving here.” Olivos landed in Montréal in 2001, together with his wife and seven pieces of luggage. “Sounds like a lot, but it was nothing, really. We sold most of our possessions before leaving,” he says. Despite his startling affair with helicopters, which still bewilders him, not everything was smooth as a newcomer. Language became a barrier. “I thought I spoke English and French, and I realized I didn’t,” acknowledges Olivos who, when Bell experienced financial woes, was among the first employees to be laid off. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise that led him to go back to school. When he was enrolled in graduate school at McGill University, with a

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MOTIVATION

WINNING

advice

Top 25 Canadian Immigrants from 2020 share their thoughts, wisdom and some inspirational advice with you as we take on 2021!

Mike Hurley

City: Burnaby, British Columbia Country of origin: Northern Ireland

Mayor of City of Burnaby

2020 was a challenging year for us all, but I believe that there are valuable lessons to learn from the obstacles we faced. One thing that was emphasized to me was the value and power of human connection — with your friends, family and community. As we enter the new year, I encourage everyone to find opportunities to reach out: check in on your friends and family, volunteer with a local organization that serves your community. There are brighter days ahead, and we will get through this together.

Isaac Garcia-Sitton

Executive Director, International Student Enrolment, Education & Inclusion Ryerson University

City: Toronto, Canada Country of origin: Spain

Leaving your home in search of a better life is never easy. I encourage newcomers to take the time to nurture the communities around them. Treat every door you open as an opportunity and build good relationships — professionally and interpersonally. Our strength as a society stems from coming together with other people, connecting and merging communities, and building lasting relationships. Remember that our diversity is truly our biggest power.

Adeola Olubamiji

Scientist and founder of STEMHub Foundation

City: Kitchener, Ontario Country of origin: Nigeria

Thanks to digitization, we can still fulfill our professional roles and conduct businesses remotely despite the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to work remotely, I am choosing to further embrace collaboration within and outside my workplace, leverage virtual conferences and LinkedIn to network and connect to more professionals within and outside my industry and prioritize the use of analytics tools to communicate my margins effectively. There are many opportunities that pass us by because we didn’t push or waited to be granted the keys to the kingdom. I am choosing to not let the COVID-19 pandemic stand in the way of these opportunities and to understand that a new opportunity has been presented. I hope you do the same as well.

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

Bruce Poon Tip

City: Toronto, Ontario Country of origin: Trinidad and Tobago

Founder, G Adventures

Adversity has immense power to create change, so I hope everyone uses 2021 to grow and evolve and contributes their learnings to their communities as proud immigrants to Canada. As we look back on 2020, let’s celebrate the obstacles because they have given us the opportunity to do better and grow stronger, both individually and as a collective. So much good can come of 2020 if we use it to do something special and great to build a fantastic future for the next generation.”

Shanthi Johnson

Dean, School of Public Health, University of Alberta

City: Edmonton, Alberta Country of origin: India

Be assured that you have the potential to make a meaningful difference in the world and for yourself. Be the one with the positive outlook of hope that starts the change that we need. The future holds great promise. These trying times can strengthen you, so have the humility to continue to learn. Your resilience in the midst of challenges is going to be your greatest advantage.

Serena Chan

Partner, IBM Global Business Services

City: Toronto, Ontario Country of origin: Hong Kong

It was an unexpected and unprecedented 2020, with everything each of us have had to adapt to and changes in our lives. I just wanted to start the year with a couple of my personal notes.Maintain a growth mindset. Learn new skills and practice new ways of working. I believe a person’s true potential is unknown and that it’s impossible to foresee what can be accomplished. Always stretch yourself on every assignment. We always come out stronger on the other end.Don’t let anyone to define you. We define who we are. There is no need to compare with anyone. We only need to compare with the best of ourselves.

Fariba Pacheleh

Director of Corporate Projects, BC Liquor Distribution Branch

City: Vancouver, British Columbia Country of origin: Iran

A decade ago, I built a personal vision and short-term action plan for myself with two main behavioral aspects: • To remove victim mentality, negativity and complaints • To learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable This mindset has helped me through my journey through the years and to express my unique ideas and perspectives. This year, my goal is to be more courageous and dare to use my brilliance, not hide it.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 1 | 2021

Welcome to Canada. We’re glad you’re here. We’ll help get you back to the career you’ve earned. You have plans for your life. We’re here to help you succeed. For more than 15 years we’ve been the choice for skilled immigrants who are looking to make a better life by getting back to their career. Alexandra, Dentist “Windmill understands my goals. They continue to help me achieve what I set out to accomplish in life. I have the career I thought I might never get back.”

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Canadian Immigrant January 2021

Articles inside

COVER STORY

FUSION

COVID-19 FEATURE