Canadian Immigrant - July 2014

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UPFRONT

CONTENTS

10 | COVER STORY THE TOP 25

The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2014 have been chosen … here are their stories

REGULARS 4 | OUR TAKE/YOUR TAKE 6 | FUSION ›› PROFILE: Poet Susan Ksiezopolski ›› CANSPEAK: English sayings explained ›› NATIONAL BRIEFS

A special supplement on the fourth annual Career, Education & Settlement Fair in Toronto

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

28 | CAREER FAIR PRESENTS

4th Annual

CAREER EDUCATION & SETTLEMENT FAIR

41 | WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT 46 | SETTLEMENT

›› PARENTING: Travelling with kids ›› IMMIGRATION LAW: Value of citizenship

50 | BACK PAGE

›› TOP TIPS: Advice from some of our Top 25

42 | ›› JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES: Skills mismatch ›› CAREER COACH: Prepping for an interview

Photo by Anna Khrolenko

›› Getting hired in PR

AWARD Y T I U N 4 INGE of 201 Winner

Julie Suen is the winner of the second annual Chevrolet Ingenuity Award, a special recognition of one Top 25 winner by associate sponsor Chevrolet.

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!

July 2014

Canadian Immigrant

3

UPFRONT

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 7 JULY 2014

our take And the winners are …

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 (Vancouver) 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

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Toronto Circulation 52,000 copies Vancouver Circulation 30,000 copies Canadian Immigrant is published monthly and distributed free throughout Vancouver 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

You might have recognized Dragons’ Den’s Arlene Dickinson on our cover. She’s probably the most famous of our RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2014. Recognize anyone else? There is a ballet artistic director, a musician, a university president, a philanthropist, several entrepreneurs, community advocates, volunteers, doctors and even our very own boy genius.

After hundreds of nominations, a shortlist of 75 finalists, more than 40,000 online votes and a twopronged judging process, the final Top 25 of 2014 have been chosen.

They are a talented, diverse and inspiring bunch, and this issue of the magazine is dedicated to them and their stories.

Of course, you might be a little disappointed if the person you voted for did not make the 25 (there’s always next year!). It’s a huge challenge to

your take 10 years of inspiration

I just came home from an overseas trip and no matter how enjoyable is a vacation, it’s always nice to return to Canada, my adopted country of more than 50 years!

I was happy to find the April issue of Canadian Immigrant in the pile of mail to be opened. I still remember when Nick and Sabrina Noorani started the magazine 10 years ago and it certainly has come a long way. It has given many tips to newcomers on how to integrate into the community and told many immigrants’ successful stories as well as some frustrations voiced by newcomers.

Maybe I am one of those lucky ones who has benefited enormously from my adopted land from the day I landed as a foreign student 53 years ago to being a happy retiree now! I have received a good education, enjoyed a rewarding career and a happy family life, and now I am contributing to the community as a volunteer. What else can I ask for as an adopted son in this great country of ours!

Do keep up with the good work in helping new arrivals to succeed and to inspire all Canadians, new and old, to make Canada a place even better than what we found when we arrived here.

Congratulations to Canadian Immigrant on its 10th anniversary and have many more happy returns to come!

Kelly Ip, Vancouver

Thank you for publishing the letter from Avzal Ismail in the April edition of Canadian Imcanadianimmigrant.ca

July 2014

Margaret Jetelina, Editor editor@canadianimmigrant.ca

THE TOP 25 WINNERS WERE CELEBRATED AT TWO AWARDS CEREMONY, ONE ON JUNE 24 IN TORONTO, AND ONE ON JUNE 26 IN VANCOUVER. YOU CAN VIEW PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE EVENTS AT CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA.

Becoming redundant 4

narrow the 75 to 25 people from various provinces, ethnicities and industries. There is certainly no dearth of inspiring immigrants in Canada, and we hope you’ll enjoy this special issue dedicated to 25 of them.

Congratulations to all!

migrant. His letter brings to light an issue that unfortunately far too common and seldom discussed. I have met numerous highly skilled professionals including speech pathologists, psychologists, architects, dentists and community workers whose extensive training and experience appears to become redundant once they arrive in Canada.

The suggested route for these skilled workers is complete re-training, voluntary work and a superfluous credentialing process. This effectively places a huge financial and emotional burden onto the individual and erects various barriers to entering the Canadian job market. I would suggest that if an individual is deemed to be a skilled immigrant then they should be regarded as such and have equal access to suitable employment sooner rather than later.

A federal review is required to look at hiring standards and credential requirements. A system of internationally qualifications should be considered. Targets should be drawn up so that skilled workers can become active in the national economy within a reasonable period of time. National vacancies could also be connected to the skilled worker immigration program.

Equality of opportunity should be taken seriously by employers and government to encourage bias-free hiring. Often external candidates who match criteria and not short-listed and no justification is given for this. Positions are awarded to those with less experience or professional training. Moving forward this needs to be addressed facebook/canimmigrant

@canimmigrant

in order to build a strong future for Canada and avoid a skills mismatch.

Name withheld

Work ethic welcome

I was left somewhat bewildered by the national outcry this spring over temporary foreign workers (TFWs) attaining McDonald’s jobs while Canadians are actively yet futilely seeking employment, including minimum wage jobs.

Exacerbating the public outcry was the added news that a number of TFWs were even starting at a higher wage than their Canadian McDonald’s co-workers. This news, but especially the latter portion, didn’t make sense to me — for only about a minute. It then dawned upon me that the TFWs were very likely getting the jobs y as well as a higher starting wage simply because their greater productivity merits it, and maybe even then some.

I cannot imagine any other reason why the McDonald’s headhonchos would risk such a political hot potato exploding in their faces unless the TFWs bring their potent work ethic with them.

Furthermore, from my own observations during the last couple decades of the notably strong work ethic practised by new Canadian immigrants — quite noticeable in fruit, vegetable and berry harvesting sector work that virtually all second, third, fourth, etc., generation Canadians won’t themselves tolerate — I can see how they could be 50 to 100 per cent more productive than their born-and-reared-here Canadian counterparts.

I also believe that such strong work ethics and higher-than-average productivity will unfortunately gradually dissipate as these motivated hard labourers procreate and their descendant generations become accustomed to the slacking Western world way of life. In fact, one can already witness this effect in immigrants’ children getting caught up in much of our liberal culture — e.g., attire, lingo, nightlife, etc.

But, as it currently stands, it appears that such hard workers aren’t really welcomed here, in a collective sense, no matter how tough and undesirable are the jobs for which they break their backs. I hear thinly veiled complaints about their presence here in the first place, and ridiculously even more complaints about the back-breaking work they do in place of Canadians who refuse to make such toilsome efforts either way.

Frank Sterle, Jr., White Rock, B.C.

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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.

Celebrating 10 Years!

July 2014

Canadian Immigrant

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fusion news. people. events.

PROFILE

SUSAN KSIEZOPOLSKI Poet at heart

By Margaret Jetelina

I

talian-born Susan Ksiezopolski has been in Canada a long time — since 1961, in fact — but her heritage still influences her today, including in her passion for poetry. Although a public sector employee in Ontario by day, Ksiezopolski is a poet at heart — indeed, with a big heart; she donated the proceeds of her self-published book of poetry, My Words, to the United Way of Halton Hills in Ontario.

Why did you decide to donate the book’s proceeds?

Volunteering and community involvement is something that I am very committed to. The United Way’s funded programs touch many lives.

Having been a volunteer and a board member of the United Way of Halton Hills, I saw firsthand the positive impact that these funded programs have on moving people out of poverty, helping children to succeed and building healthy strong communities.

How much did you raise?

My Words raised $3,500, which will benefit one in three Halton Hills residents.

Tell us more about your poetry?

Writing is a way for me to get my emotions and thoughts into words and onto paper. When I write poetry, it is almost as if the words are jumping and screaming for attention to get out. If I don’t capture them on paper, they just circle around and around in my head.

As I got older, writing poetry became a way of expressing my experience of life. I enjoy the creative process. It is both comforting and rewarding to see the reflection of myself and the expressions of my life experiences in the words on the page. It’s almost as if seeing the words in black and white confirms and validates LIFE.

How has your Italian heritage influenced your poetry … your life?

The infusion of my heritage and living the Canadian experience has enriched my life and writing tremendously, and for that I am eternally grateful. I have returned to visit Italy numerous times, and although there is a strong sense of home and returning to my roots when I go back, there is an undeniable sense that my true home is and always will

Italian-born Susan Ksiezopolski shares her poetry on her website at mywordsnow.com.

be Canada. I guess that’s the dichotomy of the immigrant experience.

Living the immigrant experience provided me with a backdrop to write about. I have written about the anguish of leaving family behind and not knowing if it would be the last time we would embrace. This experience changes how you view the world. It deepens your appreciation of relationships. A large chunk of my writing is about relationships, resilience and strength. These are the cornerstones of the immigrant experience.

When did you begin writing poetry?

I can’t really recall a time when I was not writing poetry. I have a photo of me typing on my dad’s typewriter when I was in Grade 3. It flourished in high school as my English teacher inspired me to keep writing and to write from my heart. I joined the Writers’ Circle while at Bloor Collegiate Institute in Toronto and in 1976, [Canadian communications philosopher] Marshall McLuhan selected my poem in a competition and I was awarded the Writer of the Year Award. His feedback on my work was a real gift as this also influenced me to keep writing.

You now run your own poetry writing workshops?

I have developed a series of writer’s workshops that are now being offered through a Meetup group established in the Brampton and Mississauga areas of Toronto. The purpose of the workshops is to help others learn how to free the writer within. I believe that words have the power to transform, inspire and connect us! The sessions explore how to tap into the creativity that we all possess and to harness word power for self-expression and personal transformation. There is a wide range of attendees, including some immigrants.

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FUSION B.C. >> The deadline to apply for the Lilian To Bursaries at Ashton College in Vancouver, in partnership with Canadian Immigrant, is July 7, 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.

CANSPEAK Roll up your sleeves

If you’re prepared to do some hard work, you could say it’s time to “roll up your sleeves.” While you may literally roll them up while painting or cleaning, the idiom has just become a metaphor for working hard, regardless of what you’re wearing.

B.C. >> SUCCESS’s 100-foot-long colourful dragon is poised again to lead walkers at Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park on July 20, 2014.

This year, the fundraiser aims to raise $400,000 to benefit services and programs provided by the Vancouver-based settlement agency.

Saskatchewan >> Premier Brad Wall shuffled his cabinet in June, including a change to the minister in charge of immigration. While Bill Boyd remains minister of the economy, Jeremy Harrison, now the associate minister of economy, will be responsible for immigration, along with trade, tourism and innovation.

Ontario >> Harbourfront Centre’s South Asia Calling festival is coming to Toronto July 4-6. It’s a three-day celebration of South Asian music, dance, poetry, humour, food and film inspired by ancient gurus.

Nova Scotia >> The province of Nova Scotia announced that any international graduate from a Canadian college or university can apply for permanent residency if they have a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program.

Push your buttons

Someone deliberately annoying you? Do they know what upsets you and use it against you? They are trying to “push your buttons.”

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When you kick off a new project or process, you are “getting the ball rolling.” Like in sports, once a ball is rolling, things start to progress!

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Canadian Immigrant

Photo by Ashley Green

is pleased to announce the …

Y

ou’ll recognize some of the names among the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2014, and some you won’t, but you’ll soon discover that each of these 25 phenomenal people have made Canada a better place by choosing to call it home.

Among the winners of the sixth annual awards are a celebrity entrepreneur you’ll recognize from TV, a well-respected ballet director, a boy genius, a musical activist, a family doctor, a radio station owner, a generous philanthropist and even an everyday hero!

There’s also a girl’s empowerment advocate, a school trustee, a longtime senator, a wine industry visionary, a university president … and that’s not all.

As in past years, the list is diverse and eclectic, with people from across ethnicities, industries and provinces! There are winners who have been in Canada for 40 years, some for four.

After a nominations phase, a list of 75 finalists were shortlisted by an external judging panel made up of past winners. Then we opened up the program to the readers, asking them to vote for their favourites. More than 40,000 votes were cast online, making it the most popular year in the awards’ history. The final 25 were chosen based on a combination of votes and a second round of judging.

And associate sponsor Chevrolet once again has singled out one of the Top 25 for the second annual Chevrolet Ingenuity Award. Find out who received that distinction, along with all the winners of our annual awards sponsored by RBC, in the following pages. >> Profiles by Lisa Evans, Noa Glouberman, Margaret Jetelina and Baisakhi Roy

10 canadianimmigrant.ca July 2014 C A N A D I A N I M M I G R A N T. C A / R B C T O P 2 5

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Vivian Abboud Vivian Abboud Prairie powerhouse

Photo by Ashley Green

They say that no one can “do it all,” but Edmonton’s Vivian Abboud certainly gives it her best shot. She is a senior manager with Alberta Education, is studying for her education doctorate and owns her own business called Viva Café. Oh, and she is also married, has three children (ages 12, 15 and 17) and volunteers in her community, having played a key role in the development of the Women of Advocacy Voice of Edmonton (WAVE). And she has plenty other plans for the future.

The Lebanese-born beauty believes “the sky is the limit for immigrant women in Canada.”

After immigrating to Canada in 1995 as a young 17-year-old bride, she hit the ground running, working as a math tutor and in a bakery while completing her bachelor of education degree in three years. She became a math teacher before moving to her current position in the public sector.

“My greatest success in Canada has been my seamless transition to a new country without missing a step. I was able to move simultaneously and successfully on many fronts: my family, my education, my volunteerism and my career,” she says, mentioning the importance she places on teaching her children the value of education, a strong work ethic and community engagement to become successful.

For everything she has accomplished, she credits her family, her community and her country. “I truly believe that Canada is a country of opportunities that do not necessarily exist in other countries, opportunities that are fostered by people working diligently and together to achieve the goals of one and all.”

To that end, Abboud would like to continue giving back to her adopted country. “If you ask me about the things that I most enjoyed in the last 19 years, outside of my family life, I would tell you it is my community work,” she says. “I aspire to become a politician in the future and I feel that’s my way of giving back.”

Akram Al-Otumi

Akram Al-Otumi Student success

Celebrating 10 Years!

Photo by Jeff Cooke Photography

Opening the door for international students to seek permanent residence was a smart move for Canada, especially when it welcomes immigrants like Akram AlOtumi, who came from Yemen to study at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “I was attracted to the university’s excellent reputation and strong business program along with the great reputation of Canada overall,” he says.

His initial transition to the country was a challenge, however. “I arrived as a teenager with limited English and found it overwhelming to adjust. I’m a very social person and not having a circle of close friends and family around me was difficult and isolating,” he explains. “One thing I learned quickly though was that I wasn’t alone; so many international students and immigrants face similar problems.”

It was this realization that sparked his first entrepreneurial venture, Azal Student Agency, which assists students in settling in Canada. “This business came out of my desire to help other newcomers settle more smoothly.”

Al-Otumi works not only as president of Azal Student Agency, but also as program manager for the Dalhousie University Entrepreneurial Skills Program and as a consultant with Common Good Solutions Inc. “My greatest successes have been mentoring and helping other entrepreneurs to help them be successful in their ventures,” says Al-Otumi, who has received several community and university awards for his efforts. “Any past recognition I’ve received has been appreciated, but what really makes me feel like I’ve achieved something is seeing others in my community achieve their own goals.”

With his strong desire to help others, it’s only natural that volunteering is also a big part of his life, including as chair of the Enactus Nova Scotia Alumni Network, a team member with Fusion Halifax’s immigration and diversity action team, and a board member with both the Enactus Dalhousie Business Advisory Board and the Starting Lean Initiative at Dalhousie University.

“I’m also pursuing a master’s in leadership over the next two years and am working on several new ventures!”

July 2014

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Dalal Al-Waheidi

Dalal Al-Waheidi Force of youth

Photo by Saajid Motala

Born in Kuwait during the Gulf War, Dalal Al-Waheidi fled to the Gaza Strip with her family in the post-war period. During her childhood, she witnessed the terrible impact of conflict, political instability and violence.

But, out of such tragedy, she also saw hope and the optimism of the younger generation who sought change. It’s this hope combined with a passion to serve others that has driven Al-Waheidi’s career today in Toronto, making her into a stirring advocate for youth empowerment, women’s rights and social change.

At the age of 17, Al-Waheidi was already being noticed; she was selected to attend the Red Cross Nordic United World College in Norway, a prestigious global education institute that brings together students from more than 80 countries. She later received a full scholarship to Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, where she earned a bachelor of arts in international development and political science. She appreciates Canada for “the opportunity to have access to quality university education and the ability to build a strong career path where I’m provided with opportunities to be a strong woman leader.”

Fueled by a desire to make the world a better place, Al-Waheidi joined Free the Children in 2002 — an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world — and moved up the ladder within the organization. In her current role as executive director of We Day Global, she is tasked with organizing We Day — Free the Children’s signature program. It’s a movement to bring together youth and inspirational leaders to promote social change. Her work with Free the Children is what Al-Waheidi sees as her greatest achievement in Canada. “I’m fortunate enough to contribute to important social outcomes at the local and international level,” she says.

Naval Bajaj Naval Bajaj

Dynamic businessman

Photo by Kamil Mytnik

The youngest elected president of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), Naval Bajaj wears multiple hats. A dynamic social mover and shaker, Bajaj helped forge a strong business relationship between Canada and India by getting local businesses in the Greater Toronto Area to collaborate with their counterparts in India. He obviously has a strong connection with his native country. “Accept this country as your karma bhumi [the place where you work to create your destiny], never forgetting your matrubhumi [motherland],” he says. Bajaj was also an integral part of the delegation to India led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The successful entrepreneur and business consultant with 7-Eleven Canada, Bajaj is passionate about sharing his best practices to help the businesses grow by unlocking their full potential, unleashing the power of the Indian diaspora and working toward further strengthening the Indian community and its contribution to Canadian society.

And he is all too familiar with some of the struggles faced by newcomers.

“I did not know anyone when I arrived here with just $600 in my pocket. I had no experience on how to operate a business or how to get a job. But I kept my focus and worked toward my goal relentlessly,” he says.

Bajaj has served as a role model for the many organizations he has volunteered for, along with his own business that he built over time. He has found success and provides jobs to new immigrants as well as mentorship programs for students. His philanthropic work includes raising funds for hospitals such as Toronto General, Scarborough General and Brampton Civic.

A recipient of numerous awards including Male Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Midweek newspaper, the award for leadership by 7-Eleven and the Governor General’s Award, Bajaj urges his fellow Canadians to give back to the community.

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25 great reasons to celebrate We are proud to congratulate and celebrate the “RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award” winners for 2014. Their stories of determination and courage are an inspiration to all Canadians.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and vote for these exceptional individuals.

For more details, please visit canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25

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Amit Chakma

Amit Chakma Innovative educator

As a young boy from a tribe in the hills of southeastern Bangladesh, neither Amit Chakma, nor his parents, dreamed he would one day become a university president. “As I was growing up, it became very clear life was going to be very difficult for us ... and the only way out of it was education,” he says. “Early on my parents instilled in me the need to study.”

Chakma, now Western University’s 10th president and vice chancellor, is a passionate, dedicated advocate of post-secondary education in Canada, and specifically for the important role international students play in the future of the country.

He worked as chair of the federal government’s advisory panel on Canada’s international education strategy. On Jan. 15, 2014, in response to the work of this panel, the federal government unveiled Canada’s International Education Strategy: Harnessing our knowledge advantage to drive innovation and prosperity, a blueprint to attract talent and prepare Canada for the 21st century.

In his brief time at London, Ontario-based Western U, Chakma has positioned the university to grow from being a nationally recognized school to one that is globally recognized for teaching and research excellence. He has led the development of a new strategic plan, the goals of which include attracting the best and brightest students as demonstrated through the highest entering grade average. The plan also commits Western to increasing international undergraduate student enrolment to at least 15 per cent.

In addition to his role at Western, Chakma is currently chair of the World University Service of Canada, a member of the Science, Technology and Innovation Council of Canada and a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. In 2012, he received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contributions to Canadian post-secondary education.

Shala Chandani Shala Chandani Top volunteer

Photo by Sandra Minarik

Born in Tanzania, Shala Chandani lived in France and the United States before settling with her immediate family in Canada. She says, “My dad’s sister lived in North Vancouver and talked about how great Canada was — good opportunities, safe, good climate, a warm community. My mom’s parents and siblings all lived in Edmonton. They also encouraged my parents to move to Canada.”

It was a message from the Aga Khan, however, that solidified her family’s decision: “He said [Canada] was a good country in which to settle down, create roots, get a great education, work hard and prosper, so my dad and mom eventually sold their business in Denver, Colorado, and moved to B.C.” Chandani, now a change management expert at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), says that trying to learn a new language and culture while simultaneously “hanging on” to her family’s cultural traditions and heritage was a distinct challenge of immigration.

“As a kid I just wanted to fit in, look like everyone else, be like everyone else,” she remembers. “As an immigrant, I think our belief is that we have to do everything very well — work harder than others to prove to others that we are dedicated, that we are worthy, that we are worth the risk.”

Chandani counts getting a great education, developing deep relationships with other Canadians, and enjoying a number of careers with fair and caring employers among her accomplishments as a Canadian. She gives much credit to extensive volunteer work with the Ismaili Council of British Columbia and other organizations for helping her to achieve success. And it’s, in fact, her dedicated volunteerism that defines Chandani to many. She was recently recognized with the Governor General’s prestigious Caring Canadian Award.

“I have a very supportive husband and family who continue to respect and encourage the work that I do, selflessly supporting me so that I can be of service to others,” she remarks. “It is a family commitment and sacrifice of which I am very proud.”

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Senthi Chelliah

Senthi Chelliah

Connecting the Tamil community

Photo by Saajid Motala

Senthi Chelliah fled the bloody civil war in Sri Lanka with his family with just one goal — to stay alive and safe. Now, the president and CEO of Athavan Publications Inc., which publishes an annual business directory, known as Tamils’ Guide, Chelliah has come a long way. But it is the way he has helped and inspired other newcomers that has made him a popular figure in the tightly knit Tamil community in suburban Markham, Ontario.

For starters, Chelliah has inspired many new entrepreneurs and has brought communities and businesses together by hosting the annual South Asian Trade Show. “My goal is to understand the needs of the community based on my experiences and take initiative to do new things as well as help people without expecting anything in return,” he says.

His entrepreneurial spirit is certainly the talk of the community. In 1994, when there were only limited Tamil radio and TV programs and no social media to connect the community, Chelliah took the initiative to start a hotline service that would not only connect them, but help them, too. Calling this 24-hour hotline, Thamizhan Vazhikaati, gave the user the option to listen to Canadian news in Tamil as well as Sri Lankan news to inform people about what was going on back home. It also served as a tele-business directory providing contact information for much needed services in the community as well as details on community events. The hotline evolved into the Tamils’ Guide, which has grown to more than 1,000 pages.

“My biggest challenges as an immigrant were a lack of resources and guidance to lead me in the right direction. Everyone was not connected through social media as they are now so I had to go myself to different places and meet people in person in order to market my events or services,” says Chelliah, who also published the first Tamil translation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Arlene Dickinson Arlene Dickinson Determined dragon

Photo by Christopher Wahl

Canada’s most beloved “dragon” is also one of the most well-known business icons in the country, and an immigrant, too! South African-born Arlene Dickinson’s story of struggle and subsequent success is legendary, and makes for great television as a venture capitalist on CBC’s Dragons’ Den. An inspiring force for budding entrepreneurs who constantly take a leaf out of her professional and personal life, the 56-year-old venture capitalist and a grandmother of five came to Canada as a young child, landing in the Great White North on a cold February day.

“I was fortunate enough that I already spoke English as a first language. I guess, however, it still would have been adjusting to the cultural differences in Canada versus South Africa — even though I was young, my entire family needed to both adapt to and adopt a Canadian lifestyle,” she says.

As CEO of Venture Communications, with offices in Calgary and Toronto, her creative and strategic approach has turned the company into a powerhouse with a blue chip client list. She is also the CEO of YouInc.com, a company she founded in 2012 to serve and invest in entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial lifestyle.

Generous with her support to philanthropic causes like the Breakfast Clubs of Canada, Dickinson is also a regular speaker at events across the country, inspiring entrepreneurs, immigrants and everyone else with her message of determination and success.

Named as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100, Dickinson also shares her knowledge in two best-selling books, Persuasion and All In, which best describes her approach to life. “I have always been driven to achieve success. I don’t expect to be handed anything. I work hard. Also having a positive attitude — life can be hard, so you can’t let the challenges that inevitably happen get you down or stop you from pursuing your goals.”

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July 2014

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Alan Diner

Alan Diner

Lawyer with heart

Photo by Kamil Mytnik

A lawyer by profession, Alan Diner has devoted his personal and professional life to helping newcomers. His own immigration journey began at the age of 10 when his family fled South Africa shortly before the Soweto riots. “My parents wanted to move to a place where the future would hold a better and democratic future for my sister and me,” he says.

Throughout his career in both government and private law, Diner has found the most fulfilment in helping others who, like his family in 1976, seek a better life. “After personally experiencing that special privilege, it has meant so much to help others [in their immigration journey],” he says.

While working for the Government of Ontario, Diner helped to set up the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the immigration program that allows skilled foreign workers, students and even entrepreneurs to fast track their permanent residence.

As an immigration lawyer in the private sector, namely at Baker & McKenzie LLP in Toronto, Diner has assisted thousands of immigrants with their settlement in Canada from refugee to family sponsorship to humanitarian cases. Diner left the firm this June upon his prestigious appointment as a federal court judge.

Perhaps his most profound impact on the lives of other immigrants has been through his volunteerism, which has been an important part of Diner’s life, and one for which he has received many accolades. Serving as mentor to newcomers through programs like TRIEC’s Mentorship Partnership has been a big one. In 2013, the Markham Council awarded him the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community efforts and he has received several awards for his pro-bono work with refugees.

“At the end of the day, helping someone become a Canadian is one of the most meaningful things anyone could do,” he says.

Nassreen Filsoof Nassreen Filsoof Cultural bridge builder

Photo by Ana-Maria Gheorghiu

Nassreen Filsoof left Iran in 1982, four years after the Islamic Revolution took place. Seeking a better life for their children, she and her husband moved their young family to the United States, residing there for a year before relocating to Belgium. On a cold December day in 1984, the couple serendipitously set upon Canada as their final destination.

“My husband and I were walking in Brussels and talking about what to do and where to go for our children’s future,” Filsoof recalls. “All of a sudden we saw the Canadian flag moving to the wind as if it were calling to us. We went to the Canadian embassy and applied for landed immigrant status.

That was the best decision we ever made.”

While it might have been an easy decision, it wasn’t an easy journey.

Upon arrival in Vancouver in the summer of 1985, long before the widespread use of the internet, Filsoof, a nurse by profession, found it difficult to obtain information about her new surroundings. Her solution was to volunteer: at her children’s schools, where she started a multicultural club, with the Canadian Federation of University Women in North Vancouver and with the West Vancouver Community Foundation. She eventually returned to the health care field when she restored a rundown facility in East Vancouver and turned it into a long-term care home for those with mental illness.

Although all her experiences taught her a lot about her new country, she discovered that many Canadians knew very little about the country she’d left behind.

“Although Canada is a multicultural country and diversity is welcomed, not many people are familiar with the Iranian culture,” she explains, adding that the realization spurred her to co-found the Canadian Iranian Foundation in 2005, with a mission to facilitate the social and cultural integration of new immigrants. The foundation, Filsoof adds, encourages new Canadians to get involved with their communities, while sharing the Iranian culture, too, effectively bridging the cultural gap “in both directions.”

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Roberto Hausman

Roberto Hausman

Within the first two weeks of his arrival in Canada, Roberto Hausman was given a winter jacket, gloves and a scarf from an immigrant settlement organization.

He was so touched by this that he vowed to become successful in Canada so he could do the same for others.

Hausman was studying medicine in his home country of Uruguay when a military coup closed the universities. “Since nobody knew for how long all universities were going to remain closed, I decided to immigrate to Canada and start a new life,” he says. That new life first required learning English and landing a job. A “can do” attitude and hard work allowed Hausman to finally get a factory job and bring his family to Canada. He later returned to school and got a teaching degree.

In the mid-1980s, he founded the Canadian Law Enforcement Training College that helps young people complete the necessary courses to become police officers and law-enforcement officers.

The professor is passionate about more than learning; he also wants to inspire others in the Latino community to reach their full potential. Hausman produced and hosted Latin Life — Toronto’s first English-language television show devoted to showcasing Latino culture. Hausman, who always appeared dapper and occasionally donned a tuxedo on the show, interviewed celebrated chefs, entrepreneurs and professionals to demonstrate the accomplishments of the Latino community. The show was voted the best Latin show in Canada for two consecutive years. For the past seven years, Hausman has also been the publisher of the online magazine Latin Life News, whose mission is to showcase the best of the Latin community in Canada.

Staying true to his promise to give back, Hausman also founded Needy Children Assistance, an organization that seeks to make a difference in the lives of children in Canada and around the world, providing clothing, medicine and wheelchairs in times of need. “The greatest success in life, I believe, is to make a difference in so many lives,” he says.

Photo by Saajid Motala

Photo by Kamil Mytnik

Passionate professor

Mobina Jaffer Mobina Jaffer

Senator with purpose

Mobina Jaffer arrived in Vancouver in 1972 after she and her family were exiled from Uganda with “nothing but the clothes on our backs.” Today, she represents British Columbia in the Senate of Canada. She was the first Muslim senator, the first African-born senator and the first senator of South Asian descent.

“I am grateful to my father, who was a member of parliament in Uganda, for nurturing the interest in politics that I developed as a young woman,” she says. “The skills that I acquired and the lessons I learned at my father’s side are ones that I still carry with me today.”

Jaffer has made the celebration of diversity and the defence of human rights her life’s work. She has worked tirelessly to advocate measures to advance the use of English and French in communities across the country and to engage communities in celebrating Canada’s diversity. A proud mother and grandmother, she is also committed to providing Canadian youth with an outlet to express themselves, so that their ideas and opinions can be developed further.

“I understand that not everyone is as fortunate as I was, and this is why I often invite young people into the political arena and present them with opportunities to get involved,” she says. “During their time here, these young men and women have gained insight into the political process and have engaged in stimulating discussions about how our country is governed.”

Jaffer is also a great champion for newcomers’ rights.

“When I arrived as a refugee in Canada, I faced a great dilemma,” she says. “My family and I lost all of our wealth and, most importantly, our home. We came to these shores with the hopes that we would earn it back again; that we would be able to create a new home.

Our dreams were shattered when we were told we could not practise our professions.”

She adds, “When we bring people to our country and do not commit to providing with them resources to thrive and integrate properly into Canadian life and society, all we have are broken dreams and the inability of newcomers to reach their full potential. These people are not able to contribute to our country fully, and as a result, we all suffer. Our country is not as great as it could be.”

But Jaffer has been working hard in the Senate and its committees to do her part to make Canada a better place for all.

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July 2014

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Manwar Khan

Manwar Khan Everyday hero

Photo by Ashley Green

We all think we’d know what we’d do upon witnessing a violent attack, but until it actually happens, you can’t be certain how you’d react as a bystander. Edmonton-based Manwar Khan knows.

A father of twins, Khan will never forget that moment on Dec. 28, 2012.

The Alberta public service employee went to catch an early train when he witnessed a violent attack that ended in the tragic death of a passenger.

He tried to intervene to stop the attacks and was lauded as a hero, receiving media attention and commendation letters from political figures.

Khan, who came to Canada in 2001 from Bangladesh as an international student to study at the University of Lethbridge, is now a business user acceptance testing co-ordinator for the Ministry of Alberta Human Services. But since his hero moment, he also has the unofficial moniker of the Anti-bullying Crusader.

“Since that day, I have been setting up rallies across the province to raise awareness about bullying and the role of the bystander. I have been sharing my story in the hopes of making Alberta a better, safer place,” explains Khan. He has organized rallies and candlelight vigils in the province to create awareness against violence and the power of bystanders to intervene.

“I am proud of seeing my anti-bullying campaign go province-wide and start to empower victims of bullying and violence, and gain so much support from people of all different backgrounds in Alberta,” says Khan.

“Having a positive attitude toward the challenges I encountered as an immigrant and facing those with patience helped me succeed in Canada.

I believe if I want something, I have to go after it. You can’t wait for someone else to give it to you. You have to be focused, have a goal and go after it.”

Dr. Surinder Singh Dr. Surinder Singh Khurana

Photo by Saajid Motala

Dr. Surinder Singh Khurana, an internationally trained dentist who established himself as a successful dentist in Canada after emigrating from India, today helps others following in his steps get through their licensing process.

In addition to his own dentistry practice, he is the director and main instructor at Ontario Simulation Training Centre (OSTC) for Foreign-Trained Dentists.

But his initial days in Canada were fraught with challenges. “We didn’t know anyone in Canada when we came here. “Going to school at the age of 45 and sitting in the class where the majority of the students were in their 20s and getting integrated with them was certainly a challenge,” he says.

Recognizing the difficulties in getting back into a licensed profession like dentistry, Khurana decided he wanted to help other immigrant dentists get back to work, too. “I had started preparing for my exams while I was in India — about a year before I landed in Canada. That helped me crack the [Canadian] dentistry exam in the first attempt,” he explains. “Then, during my studies in London, Ontario, I started helping and guiding other foreign-trained dentists, as I was aware of the prerequisites and the level of clinical skills required. All those students motivated me to start the training centre,” he says.

He, along with his associates who are experienced dentists, give invaluable tips for various preparatory exams in the United States and Canada.

They also provide an opportunity to improve a dentist’s clinical skills under supervision, which is a crucial component to practise dentistry in North America.

Khurana and his team take their mission to aid internationally trained dentists a step further by hiring students as part-time instructors after they obtain their licence at his centre.

“Consistent and whole-hearted efforts certainly pay in the long term,” he says.

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Photo by John Woods / Reprinted from Winnipeg Free Press

Do-gooder dentist

Peter Mielzynski

Peter Mielzynski Senior with spirit

Photo by Ashley Green

At 92 years old, Poland-born Peter Mielzynski is as spirited about Canada as he was when he first arrived in the country in 1949. “From the very beginning, my ambition was to be a useful and proud Canadian,” he says. After escaping from the Nazis, Mielzynski immigrated to Canada aboard a boat from Holland with $140 in gold coins that he had received from his father. He had no family or friends in the country and knew very little English. One of his first jobs was at Eaton’s department store in Winnipeg. “I became the best salesman and, as a result, I was transferred to Toronto,” says Mielzynski.

In 1954, he was offered a position at McGuinness Distillers in Ontario, where he started as a representative and worked his way up to become president. He took great pride in being Canadian and promoted the country on the international scene through products that featured uniquely Canadian icons. The most famous was the CN Tower Canadian Whiskey, with a bottle that was shaped like Toronto’s iconic tower.

He continued to celebrate Canada in many other products throughout his career.

As chairman at Hillebrand Winery in the Niagara Region, he celebrated Ontario’s Bicentennial in 1984 with a commemorative product — a wine called Étienne Brûlé, named after the famous French explorer.

Mielzynski’s influence has gone beyond just celebrating Canada; he was instrumental in changing the art and business of winemaking in Ontario by helping establish the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA), which continues to be a standard of quality for consumers. And, in 1979, he opened the Peter Mielzynski Agency, which is still the largest privately owned liquor agency in Canada. The company has offices in every province in Canada and employs 150 people.

“Perhaps this is my greatest achievement. I have created a successful company and gave employment to many Canadians,” he says. Mielzynski continues to go in to the office and offer his guidance and expertise to younger employees.

Gentil Misigar Gentil Misigaro Music man

Photo by John Woods / Reprinted from Winnipeg Free Press

It’s only been four years since Gentil Misigaro came to Canada in search of peace, but the impact the musician from the Democratic Republic of Congo has already made in his adopted city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, makes it seem like he’s been here 10 times that long.

Despite the hardships of being a refugee and the challenge of “starting from zero,” Misigaro has accomplished more in the music and arts scene in the past 1,500 days or so than some people manage in a lifetime: Misigaro has produced albums, formed bands, founded non-profit music and arts organizations, written and performed songs for events including the Junos, and he’s currently working on his own EP, which will be released in August online.

“Being in a new culture was a big challenge for me because music — as much as we say is a universal language — still needs to connect with an audience. If you don’t know their culture, sometimes … it’s hard to move a crowd. You have to be very convincing and so good at what you do,” explains Misigaro.

And he’s good. Not just in talent, but in purpose. Misigaro teaches at-risk youth about the fundamentals of music, singing, dance and guitar, as the music program director for the nonprofit organization Status4. Currently, Misigaro is also working on his own non-profit organization, A Better World Movement, to help kids use music and art to express messages of social responsibility.

How has Misigaro managed to do so much in such a short time? “I’ve always worked hard,” he says. “I also stayed true to who I am, what I love and what I want to do. And I prayed.”

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July 2014

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Farah Mohamed

Farah Mohamed

Empowering girls to change the world

Politics and community affairs have played an important role in Farah Mohamed’s life since her family immigrated to Canada in 1972. Her parents fled their native Uganda when Mohamed was only two years old and settled in St. Catharines, Ontario. “My parents taught [my sister and me] that we should find a way to give back [to this country],” says Mohamed, who volunteered in nursing homes as a child. “Rather than reading the comics, my parents made us read the papers,” she says.

Being an engaged citizen was important to Mohamed, who was thrilled about turning 18 so she could finally vote.

Mohamed began her career working with some of Canada’s most senior politicians on Parliament Hill and later became the vice-president of partnerships and government relations at Victorian Order of Nurses, Canada’s largest not-for-profit charitable home. But it was while working with the Belinda Stronach Foundation that Mohamed found an outlet for her passion to promote social change and empower women.

In 2010, Mohamed founded the G(irls) 20 Summit, an annual international event that brings together young women between the ages of 18 and 20 from countries around the world ahead of the G20 Summit to discuss ways to bring economic empowerment to women. “The role of the summit is to cultivate a new generation of female leaders so they can take on the challenges and opportunities that they will come across,” says Mohamed. The girls receive training in a variety of areas including media and communications, leadership, finance and technology, then meet for two days with experts around the world before crafting a list of recommendations to be shared with G20 leaders.

By taking the lessons her parents instilled in her to be an engaged citizen to heart, Mohamed is creating a global network of informed, empowered women who really can change the world.

Gradimir Pankov Gradimir Pankov

Moving Canada on the world stage

In 1999, at the height of a brilliant European career in dance, Macedonian Gradimir Pankov moved to Canada to take the lead of one of Canada’s most prominent dance companies, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal. The artistic director’s dream to build nothing less than one of the world’s leading ballet companies gave the decades-old company renewed life and created a platform for promoting Canadian culture internationally.

“Bringing Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal to the level of national and international recognition that we have reached over the past 14 years is a [great achievement],” says Pankov, who was previously an artistic director in dance companies around the world, including in the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and more.

“I seem to have lived most of my professional life as a permanent immigrant, having lived and worked in seven countries, both in Europe and North America since I left my native Yugoslavia in 1967,” he says.

“I’ve become a citizen of the world, but I feel very much at home in Canada and this is my last stop! The big challenge is to raise the quality of my company to a higher level with each new season.”

It’s a challenge he has met with great success, making Les Grands Ballets Canadiens a vibrant cultural gem in Montreal. Pankov says the strategies he has used to evolve the company have included “audacious programming to bring in a new and more diverse public, [combined with] a constant search for and development of young dancer talent and innovative choreographers.”

Pankov has also taken the company beyond the city of Montreal and the borders of Canada, touring extensively in Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia. Thanks to this exposure, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens is now considered to be one of the greatest ambassadors of Canadian culture.

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Alberto Rodil

Alberto Rodil

Immigrant seniors champion

Photo by Saajid Motala

Alberto Rodil had a good job in the Philippines as an executive officer with a bank and really had no reason to move to Canada for himself. But he did, for his children. “I understood that Canada is a land of opportunity and a great country to live for everyone. I wanted my children to have a better future,” he says.

Unfortunately, things didn’t look so good for him after arriving in Canada.

In his first week, the PhD holder had to apply for a survival job. When he was asked for Canadian experience, he said he had none, but was very hardworking. “‘I can clean your dishes and I can scrub your floors and kitchen,’ I said.”

The manager was impressed and Rodil was asked to report to work the next day. He worked as a sandwich maker, pizza maker, salad maker, dishwasher, cashier and cleaner.

After a few years, Rodil found work in an entirely new field after completing a social service worker diploma at George Brown College and volunteering for several immigrant settlement agencies. One of those was Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office, which then offered him a full-time position as a settlement worker. He has brought hope to thousands of newcomer clients and became a champion for immigrant seniors in particular. His dedication to helping older immigrants did not go unnoticed and he was recently promoted to elder person program co-ordinator.

Rodil urges all immigrants, regardless of age, to never give up. “Being a family man with three children, the biggest challenge for me was when I was working overnight as a cleaner and studying full time during the day for two years. I only had two to three hours of sleep a night,” he says. “But I maintained my perfect attendance and punctuality both at work and in school. When I had a test in school, I put my notes on top of the movable garbage bin I was using while at work, and glanced at them while pushing the garbage!”

Sarthak Sinha

Sarthak Sinha Boy genius

Sarthak Sinha is graduating from high school this year, but he has already been doing graduate-level research at the University of Calgary for more than two.

Sinha came to Canada with his parents when he was in Grade 6. “One of my parents’ aspirations was to provide me and my brother with an opportunity to pursue an education they never had an opportunity growing up [in India],” he says.

They couldn’t have dreamed of more; Sinha’s educational path has known no bounds. “I was able to go beyond the prescribed high school curriculum and attempt graduate level research [in neuroscience and stem cell biology] starting at age 14!”

Sinha also had the honour of representing Team Canada in 2012 and 2013 at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. “My project won third place both years in the categories of medicine and health sciences with competitors from around 65 nations.”

He has also been an author on nine international conference abstracts published in the field of neuroscience and peripheral nerves. “I will also be an author on two high impact peer-reviewed publications currently under preparation.”

Recognized as a “Top 20 Under 20” in Canada by Youth in Motion, “Under 25: Ones to Watch” by Maclean’s magazine, “Top 40 Under 40” by Avenue magazine and “Famous 5” by Enbridge Foundation, Sinha, an ambassador for MS Society of Canada, also recently delivered two TEDxTalks. “The most notable one being on “The Future of Education” at TEDxEdmonton.”

What’s next for this boy genius’ education? “I hope to pursue a career as an MD/PhD following my undergraduate education (starting next year) at University of Toronto as an Arbor Scholar,” he says. “These times are too exciting for anyone to sit back and watch the show. Every field is lighting up with innovation and it’s us, the students, who hold the potential to keep this fuelled for a sustained period.”

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July 2014

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Julie Suen

Julie Suen

Photo by Anna Khrolenko

Harmony on the radio

AWARD Y T I U N 4 INGE of 201 Winner

Like many newcomers, when Julie Suen arrived in Canada, she accepted a job doing menial work at a laundromat. Although Suen was a child care manager in her native Hong Kong, her qualifications weren’t recognized in Canada.

Despite her struggles to find meaningful work, Suen never doubted herself and continued to pursue a path to success. “Whenever possible, I would take local training courses to prepare myself for any new career opportunities,” she says.

It was this open-minded attitude that led her to a career in radio. When she got word that the Toronto Chinese Radio station was looking for a part-time program host, Suen attended an audition, but didn’t get the job. Not one to get discouraged, she offered to work as a volunteer at the radio station and, two years later, was finally offered a chance to work as a DJ. Suen rotated through many positions at the station, but internal politics caused her to leave in 2009. When the station was put up for sale in 2010, Suen partnered with former colleague, David Law, to buy out the operations and became the president and CEO of the re-named Canadian Chinese Radio.

In addition to providing quality 24/7 Chinese content, Suen’s hope is that the station will become a vehicle to promote racial harmony by incorporating program content that promotes positive values such as respect, trustworthiness, understanding, pride, courage and diligence. “In a culturally diversified community, we are hoping to inspire people to understand and respect other cultures and live harmoniously with their neighbours,” she says.

In addition to her full-time radio work, Suen still finds time to contribute to the community by devoting herself to volunteering and fundraising for various charitable organizations. She raised $200,000 for the construction of the Toronto Zhong Hua Men Archway in 2009 and $190,000 for the Sichuan Quake Relief Fund.

Ilse Treurnicht

Ilse Treurnicht Growing innovation

Ilse Treurnicht is proof that starting small can lead to big things. South African-born Treurnicht came to Canada as a post-doctoral researcher, following a Canadian she met while studying for her PhD at Oxford University (where she was a Rhodes scholar!). Upon arrival in Canada, she shifted her focus from academics to the private sector and began working with a tiny start-up company called Eco Plastics, which was formed to take sunlight sensitive plastics developed by a professor at the University of Toronto into the commercial market. The company only had five employees, but Treurnicht was highly intrigued by it.

Looking back, she says the decision to start her career working for a start-up may have been motivated by her position as a newcomer. “When you look at the data you’ll see that the population bias [of entrepreneurs] is strongly toward newcomers. I guess [we’re] entrepreneurial already because [we] chose to go somewhere different,” she says.

While Eco Plastics grew, Treurnicht’s life also went through some dramatic changes. She married the Canadian she’d followed and started a family, and held many more positions at young technology-based companies — mostly ones that took important science discoveries out of universities to bring new products to market. “What that gave me was an interesting window to the quality of scientific discovery here particularly in Toronto,” says Treurnicht.

Starting small and aligning herself with projects that had substance provided a continuous catalyst for Treurnicht’s remarkable career. In 2005, she left her position as president and CEO of Primaxis Technology Ventures to become the CEO of MaRS Discovery District, a non-profit corporation and centre for Canadian innovation, whose goal is to commercialize publically funded medical research and other technologies, a perfect match for Treurnicht’s background in science and business. Her achievements and scientific influence have been profound for Canada, but she summarizes her career journey humbly, and just as a scientist would: “It’s a very small dot that grew into much larger circles.”

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Celebrating 10 Years!

July 2014

Canadian Immigrant

25

John Volken

John Volken

Penultimate philanthropist

Photo by Kevin Hill

From a furniture empire to a charitable foundation helping addicts in recovery and children in poverty, John Volken is the definition of a philanthropist.

In 1960, a young Volken immigrated to Canada from Germany with less than $100 in his pocket. Over the next two decades, Volken worked a series of jobs — at a cauliflower farm, in a frozen food business and at a flower shop for $1 an hour. He bought 22 old houses and fixed them up. He even wrote a book called 1,001 Ways to Make Money.

“You have to work hard, long hours, sacrifice, work around and work through it,” he says.

It paid off with his own personal rags-to-riches tale. After opening his first furniture store, he grew it into a chain of 150 United Furniture Warehouse stores, employing thousands and reaching annual sales in excess of $200 million.

In 1994, Volken won Canada’s Pacific Region Entrepreneur of the Year award. In that moment, he made a decision to do more with his life. After selling his business to the Brick, he started up Welcome Home, a two-year internationally accredited recovery program for people addicted to drugs and alcohol.

His plans for the future are to “develop our addiction treatment centres to be the most effective in the world and keep its costs to a minimum,” he says. One way he supports the program is through PricePro, the grocery and household goods store he opened in Surrey, B.C. Under the auspices of the John Volken Foundation, Volken also started the charity Lift the Children, which supports orphaned and abandoned children in Africa. He covers the operating costs, so 100 per cent of donations go to the cause.

“I believe someday we [will] stand before our maker and he’s going to ask ‘what did you do with your life?’ I want to be able to say I did the best I could.”

James Wan James Wang

Finding one’s voice

Photo by Sandra Minarik

Born in Suzhou, in eastern China, and raised in Xi’an in the northwest, James Wang immigrated to Canada in 1996 seeking “positive change.”

An architect by profession, it was Wang’s desire to “see the outside world” that largely motivated his decision.

“I think my family’s tradition of mobility may have driven me to go to Canada,” he surmises. “All my family members were born and raised in different areas; I got used to moving around.”

Soon after arriving in Burnaby, B.C., Wang came up against challenges that many new immigrants experience: language barriers, settlement issues and a sense of being “voiceless.” Rather than wait for help, Wang made up his mind to practise his English and, eventually, take up a leadership role that would allow him to serve as a role model to other newcomers.

A successful businessman as vice-president of Canadian Overseas Holdings, Wang also became an active participant and a volunteer in his community. In 2008 and 2011, Wang was elected as a school trustee for the Burnaby Board of Education, effectively becoming the first immigrant from Mainland China to win an election in Canada. This position has allowed him to bring his ideas to the table and create policies that he hopes can help other newcomers find their voice, as well.

“The greatest impact I’ve been able to make is through the adult basic education programs that are offered by the Burnaby School Board, which are often aimed at immigrants,” he says. “I also have two kids of my own, and I have worked very hard to ensure that Burnaby’s children are successful learners and receiving a quality and inclusive education in a safe and supportive environment.”

Now, Wang has set his sights on becoming a city councillor in the upcoming civic election — a role that he says will help him to do even more to serve his community, and give a voice to the many newcomers who also call Burnaby their home.

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Dr. Anna Wolak Dr. Anna Wolak The good doctor

Photo by Kevin Hill

It was 2007 when Dr. Anna Wolak decided to join her parents and brothers in Canada. This wasn’t her first big move — in 1999, she had left her native Philippines for Australia to pursue a medical degree. Her re-relocation meant she’d need to have her education and residency experience accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C., plus pass a set of rigorous exams by the Medical Council of Canada.

“I worked very hard,” Wolak says of her first years in Vancouver. “There is no substitute for this. An immigrant has to work to succeed in a new environment in order to … establish oneself in one’s profession.”

After receiving her Canadian credentials, Wolak couldn’t simply open a practice wherever she chose. As an international medical graduate, she had to seek a designated “area of need.” She accepted a position in Osoyoos, in B.C.’s Okanagan Valley, and also worked as an emergency physician in nearby Oliver. Travelling between the towns, Wolak encountered a second challenge of immigration: the climate.

“The first winter I spent in Canada was one of the coldest in B.C.,” she recalls. “It was the first time I’d seen snow of such magnitude — the snow banks were eight feet tall! I struggle with snow to this very day, especially if I have to drive in it.”

One thing that Wolak doesn’t struggle with is gaining the respect and admiration of her peers. Besides working as a family doctor at Fraser Street Medical in Vancouver, she holds a faculty appointment at the University of British Columbia’s department of family medicine and serves as chair of planning for the Post-Graduate Review in Family Medicine conference, now in its 50th year.

She frequently gives preventative health lectures to the public, developed the curriculum for a prenatal course that’s being taught at a local community centre and volunteers for organizations that raise funds for teenage cancer research.

Most importantly of all, she is a devoted mother to her son, Jacob, and just a few weeks ago, she and her husband, Arthur, welcomed their second child, Joshua, to the world.

Skills Connect for Immigrants Meet employers in your field Free job search assistance Work one-to-one with an employment specialist Qualify for work in your profession Receive training subsidies Delivered in partnership with Abbotsford Community Services

This project is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia

Celebrating 10 Years!

Call Today!

Burnaby 604 438 3045 Coquitlam 604 588 7772 Surrey/Langley 604 588 7772 Fraser Valley 604 866 1645 or 604 866 0257 skillsconnect@douglascollege.ca

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douglascollege.ca/skillsconnect July 2014

Canadian Immigrant

27

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PRESENTS

4th Annual

CAREER EDUCATION & SETTLEMENT FAIR BROUGHT TO YOU BY

RESOURCES • EXPERT ADVICE • RECRUITMENT

Learn, engage, connect!

Canadian Immigrant and Scotiabank, in association with Centennial College, present the fourth annual Career, Education & Settlement Fair in Toronto, an expo for newcomers

T

housands of immigrants arrive in Canada yearly with ambitions for their family’s future. However, many have little knowledge of the reality of Canadian living — from continuing education to obtaining employment and getting settled. Canadian Immigrant’s Career, Education & Settlement Fair is an event for newcomers where they can seek answers to all their questions, learn, network and maybe even get hired! The fourth annual Toronto event will take place on July 8, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

“Building on the success of our past fairs, the upcoming event in July will prove to be bigger and better, bringing immigrants the information and leads they need to kickstart their career search, make education

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plans and find success in Canada for their whole family,” says Gautam Sharma, publisher of Canadian Immigrant.

This day-long expo for immigrants includes a tradeshow featuring immigrant service providers, educational institutes and recruiters, along with a resumé clinic and mentoring sessions.

One of the highlights of the free event is the series of engaging speakers’ sessions, featuring a variety of career and financial experts.

Each session will include a presentation by an expert in immigrant success, followed by time for your questions to be answered.

Workshop sessions this year include (see page 30): facebook/canimmigrant

@canimmigrant

Amazing career stories begin at Scotiabank.

Scotiabank is proud to present the Canadian Immigrant 2014 – Career, Education and Settlement Fair.

We have a strong sense of community, this is why we support and partner with various organizations to include newcomers into the Canadian work force. Explore our sponsored opportunities: • take sector specific pre-employment training at ACCES Employment • get career advice by Scotiabankers through TRIEC’s The Mentoring Partnership program • network and connect to meaningful employment through TRIEC’s Professional Immigrant Networks To learn more about Scotiabank and to start your amazing career visit: scotiabank.com/newcomers

Best Workplaces 2014 Canada ®

Registered trademark of the Bank of Nova Scotia.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PRESENTS

4th Annual

CAREER EDUCATION & SETTLEMENT FAIR

Pursuing a Career — Why College?

Winning Ways — The Formula for Your Job Search Success

ASHLEY EVANS Recruitment representative, Centennial College Time: 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

This session will provide information on Centennial College and why internationally trained individuals should pursue a college education to support their international education credentials.

SUJAY VARDHMANE Senior manager, global employment strategies, Scotiabank Time: 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.

This inspirational workshop is designed to help new Canadians achieve success.

Sujay Vardhmane is passionate about helping other immigrants integrate, especially in the employment front, using best job search strategies.

He believes that only when a new Canadian’s full potential is utilized in employment that Canada truly benefits from their immigration.

IELTS — Tips for Your Next Step

How to Start a Business

DAVE HAMILTON IELTS Centre administrator Time: 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

Get some insight on the world’s most popular English language test. Whether you want to further your studies at a Canadian post-secondary institution or qualify for a professional accreditation, the IELTS exam may be required as you prepare to take the next step in your career. Understand the differences between the General Training and Academic test, and learn preparation tips that will help you succeed when you take the IELTS.

RAFFI VARTANIAN Manager of small business, Scotiabank, JOSHE PAGE Relationship management, Scotiabank Time: 1:45 to 2:15 p.m.

This duo will share their combined 25 years of experience with Scotiabank on the topic of starting and financing a small business in Canada.

More workshop information on page 32.

ARE YOU AN INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED LAWYER OR LAW GRAD? Osgoode connects you to the Canadian legal landscape.

Join a world leader in law school lifelong learning.

Professional legal education the way it was meant to be. To learn more or to register for an Information Session, visit www.osgoodepd.ca today.

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July 2014

> LLM in Canadian Common Law Complete your degree by studying full or part time. Core courses meet NCA requirements.

> LLM in International Business Law Explore optional internship opportunities with this 1 year, full-time Professional LLM degree.

> 1 Year, Full-time General LLM Customize your program with 2–3 major areas of interest. Distance learning available.

> New! 1 Year, Full-time LLM in Tax Law Many courses are available by distance learning with this 1 year, full-time Professional LLM degree.

> NCA Exam Prep Program Take our blended learning program this November. Prepare from anywhere with webcast sessions.

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Centennial College brings learning to life.

Your career begins at CentennialCollege.ca See where experience takes you.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PRESENTS

4th Annual

CAREER EDUCATION & SETTLEMENT FAIR

Resumés and Interviewing Strategies OZZIE SAUNDS Founder of ResumeToronto.ca Time: 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.

This presentation will teach you how to structure your resumé, increasing the chances of it being read by employers. You will find out the single most important information to include on your resumé that will get your phone ringing. You will learn how to answer behavioural-based questions. Asking questions is a very important part of interviewing for a job and during this presentation you will learn the two most important questions to ask a hiring manager.

Networking: How to Build Relationships that Count COLLEEN CLARKE Corporate trainer, career specialist and workplace coach Time: 3 to 3:30 p.m.

Did you know 75 to 80 per cent of all job opportunities are found through networking? You can’t be everywhere and read everything, so it is crucial to work the hidden job market regularly and professionally. This session will dispel any fears you might have about the networking process and inform you of the importance networking plays in the Canadian job search. You will learn how to approach decision-makers and new acquaintances for assistance and advice whether in a 30-minute meeting or at a business function.

Navigating Post-Secondary Education: Top 10 Questions You Should Ask JOHANNE HAYES Program advisor for continuing education for nursing at Humber College ITAL Time: 3:30 to 4 p.m.

As a newcomer to Canada, it can be a challenge at times to navigate the many systems of education and professional development available. This session will provide an overview of the important questions you should consider when investigating post-secondary schools and the programs they offer.

Questions about education requirements, how to find out registration information, available resources and support services, transportation to school, and types of schedules and delivery models of education will be discussed.

Steps to Achieving your CPA Designation LORI DALTON CMA Ontario Time: 4 to 4:30 p.m.

This session will provide an introduction to the chartered professional accountant (CPA) designation. CPAs are highly valued for their financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, management skills and leadership. Becoming a CPA means a commitment to excellence and high professional standards, and is your key to a highly successful career.

Positioning Yourself Effectively for a Job in the Canadian Finance and Banking Industry SATHIAN SRIKRISHNAN Randstad Canada Time: 4:30 to 5 p.m.

Sathian Srikrishnan and his team at Randstad work with thousands of talented candidates, including many new Canadians, to help them find work in the finance, accounting and banking industry.

As an expert in providing advice to candidates of any background, Srikrishnan will speak to the value of soft skills and how job hunters can best position themselves for a job in the finance and banking industry.

Supporting Nurses Back into Practice Attend a FREE information session!

www.care4nurses.org 1. 416.226.28 0 0 32 canadianimmigrant.ca

July 2014

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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PRO. What does it mean to become a Chartered Professional Accountant? It means building the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in business. Expanding your network. Elevating your prospects. And opening the door to exciting opportunities, across the country and around the world. Join the ranks of Canada’s top strategic and financial decision-makers.

goCPAontario.ca CPA: Unifying CAs, CGAs and CMAs under one accounting designation.

Celebrating 10 Years!

July 2014

Canadian Immigrant

33

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PRESENTS

4th Annual

CAREER EDUCATION & SETTLEMENT FAIR

Who’s exhibiting at the fair?

Come visit these organizations’ booths at the Toronto Career, Education & Settlement Fair on July 8 to see what they can offer newcomers to Canada!

Scotiabank, Global Employment Strategies scotiabank.com/newcomers Centennial College centennialcollege.ca

Bell Canada jobs.bce.ca

Global RESP Corp. globalcareers.ca

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine ccnm.edu

Information and Communications Technology Council ictc-ctic.ca

Canadian International Career College ciccsite.com Care Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses care4nurses.org City of North Bay northbayimmigration.c

IDP-IELTS Canada ieltscanadatest.com British Council-IELTS Canada takeielts.britishcouncil.org aaps.ca Humber College humber.ca

City of Timmins immigrationtimmins.ca Consortium of Agencies Serving Internationally-trained Persons (CASIP) casip.ca Everest College everest.ca

CPA Ontario gocpaontario.ca Osgoode Professional Development osgoodepd.ca Academy of Applied Pharmaceuticals Sciences (AAPS) ACCES Employment accesemployment.ca Algoma University algomau.ca/futurestudents/brampton

George Brown College — Immigrant Education georgebrown.ca/immigranteducation George Brown College (Occupation-specific Language Training) co-oslt.org Global Experience Ontario — Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration citizenship.gov.on.ca

Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services polycultural.org Primerica Financial Services primerica.com Stock Transportation stocktransportation.com

Insurance Institute — Career Connections career-connections.info

Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology tipt.com

International Credential Assessment Service of Canada icascanada.ca

Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) triec.ca

Job Skills jobskills.org

TRIOS College trios.com

Medix College of Healthcare and North American Trade School medixcollege.ca

United Med Staffing/UMS Healthcare College umsmed.ca

Northwestern Ontario immigrationnorthwesternontario.ca

World Education Services (WES) wes.org

Ontario Society of Professional Engineers ospe.on.ca

YMCA of GTA, Newcomer Settlement and Employment ymcagta.org

OREA Real Estate College orea.com Osgoode Professional Development osgoodepd.ca Oxford College of Arts, Business and Technology oxford.edu.ca

YWCA ywcatoronto.org (List as of June 17, 2014) For the most recent list of exhibitors visit canadianimmigrant.ca/ careerfair/Toronto.

CHANGE YOUR FUTURE IN CANADA...

Become a naturopathic doctor If you are an internationally trained medical professional, you have significant training that is valuable to the Canadian health care system and to the health of Canadians. The CCNM bridge delivery for international medical professionals offers graduates of medical schools an opportunity to further their health care careers in Canada.

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine now offers bridge delivery of its naturopathic medical program, developed specifically for international medical graduates.

For more information:

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are in demand as highly educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies.

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CITY PROFILE

LIVING IN TIMMINS Come to learn and stay to earn

T

he City of Timmins is known as the city with a heart of gold, and for good reason. Timmins is a major gold producer, located in an area rich in mineral deposits. It is also a safe, inviting community where you’ll find kind people and rewarding career opportunities.

LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

If you enjoy small-town living and big-city excitement, you’ll find Timmins a perfect fit. With a population of just over 43,000 people, Timmins features luxuries like quality shopping, art galleries and the Timmins Symphony Orchestra. It’s also spacious enough that you won’t have to deal with big-city problems like traffic jams or smog days. The average commute for Timmins residents is less than 15 minutes and the cost of living is much more affordable than the Greater Toronto Area.

Timmins’ strong economy makes it a great place to start a business.

The city’s bustling retail, service and tourism sectors complement its major mining and forestry industries. There are also emerging mining equipment, rare earth mineral, cold weather testing and scientific research sectors.

Timmins is easy to access, with several daily flights to Toronto and other destinations, as well as access to bus and rail service. Timmins is less than an hour’s drive from the Trans-Canada Highway.

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July 2014

A PLACE TO LEARN

The city is also home to Northern College, a public college that offers a wide variety of programs, flexible learning options and a supportive environment with personalized attention. Everything Northern does from admission to graduation is focused on you. A high teacher to student ratio means that college faculty and staff will get to know you by name, and will genuinely care about your success. The college has a full suite of student support services designed to help you succeed.

Many of the college’s programs have built-in industry accreditation and opportunities to gain Canadian work experience. You will also gain valuable hands-on experience in Northern’s state-of-the-art labs and workshops. Our partnerships with employers as well as colleges and universities around the world ensure that if you start at Northern, you’ll have plenty of places to go.

Northern offers more than 75 full- and part-time post-secondary programs ranging from the apprenticeship and diploma level to degree and post-graduate studies. Areas of study include business, community services, engineering technology and trades, health sciences, emergency services, veterinary sciences and welding engineering technology. With so many options, the college is bound to have program choices that suit your distinct needs and aspirations.

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Immigration matters couldmatters be tricky Immigration c

WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT

Reach an Expertan E Reach

Integrated industry

Immigration matters could be tricky

Reach an Expert

A career in PR is about a synergy of skills, mostly communication-related

First-generation Canadian Chitra Anand.

By Baisakhi Roy

C

urrently head of public relations for Microsoft Canada, Chitra Anand has led some of the most impactful sponsorship and branding campaigns for her company. In this installment of “What Employers Want,” Anand urges newcomers to get a solid understanding of the integrated nature of the public relations industry in Canada.

What are some of the job prospects in the public relations field in Canada?

Are there any specific educational qualifications you would urge newcomers to acquire before applying for a job in PR?

Neera Agnihotri

I would advise a new immigrant to take a basic PR post-secondary program. This will provide them with a baseline understanding of Certified Canadian Immigration Consultants how things are done in Canada, someandof the ofdriving forces, market Members CSIC, CMI, CapIC Graduatesplatforms of the UBC Immigration dynamics, and localization tools, processes, and techniques practitioner Certificate program Member CSIC that are specific to this marketplace.

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Celebrating 10 Years!

www.bccollegeofoptics.ca

July 2014

Canadian Immigrant

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

Skills mismatch Columnist Silvia Di Blasio takes on topic no. 4 in her special “Elephant in the Room” series — when the labour force’s skills and the economy’s needs don’t match!

M

y last “Elephant in the on experience and the ability to Room” column touched think in systems and adapt quickly on poverty and survival to new technologies and market jobs and examined why these is- trends. sues are so pervasive even when According to a research report most immigrants come to Canada by Miiner Management Consulwith university degrees and years tants in Toronto, there are four of professional experience. This types of mismatch: month we will talk about another 1. supply-demand mismatch “elephant in the room” — skills 2. geographical mismatch 3. over-qualified mismatch mismatch. (under employment) One of the reasons unemployment exists and is higher among 4. under-qualified mismatch (over employment) immigrants and other sub-groups such as university graduates today Mismatch creates problems for is because there is an imbalance everyone: jobseekers don’t find between what employers and the jobs or settle for ones they don’t economy need and what people like, and employers have shortages have studied. that impact their productivity as Many argue that part of the they can’t find employees with the mismatch has happened because required skills and experience. too many people went to univerWhy this1 happens sity to studysummer “professional” careers, final.pdf expo_35x475_new 2014-06-09 5:06 PM and too many lack actual, hands- The problem of skills mismatch

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July 2014

the wrong postings.

What you can do

is inherent to how free markets work. Left unregulated, markets theoretically respond to the forces of demand and supply. However, “markets” are neither people nor institutions and, as such, they lack ethics, and decisions are made by groups and institutions that may have different interests and goals.

For example, universities and colleges create study programs based on studies of what is trendy or needed. However, factors such as budgets, politics and bureaucracy, or even more practical ones such as not having the required staff or technology may slow down the process of implementing a new program. Certain careers take two to four years or more for a student to graduate, and by the time these graduates are out, the needs in the market may have changed.

It’s a similar situation with immigration. While immigration rules are based on provincial and federal skill shortages, the application process may take years, and immigrants arriving today may have the occupations needed five or even 10 years ago, instead of today.

Finally, one of the most prevalent reasons why there is mismatch is because neither students nor jobseekers engage sufficiently in serious labour market research. Not knowing what the market needs leads to choosing the wrong studies or targeting

There are five things you can do to overcome the problem of mismatched skills in your career.

1. Take labour market research seriously: read beyond the lines, have as many informational interviews as you can, engage in social media groups and follow trends, read specialized publications combined with mainstream and alternative publications. You need to understand what is happening in the economy and particularly in the industry or sector that interests you. Even if you have years of experience, you are new to this particular market.

What is happening? What trends can you see? Don’t trust a few “friends”; ask the experts and follow your instincts.

2. Open your eyes and think outside the box: the definition of jobs is changing, the hierarchy of studies and skills needed are changing: there are many more opportunities for hands-on and trade-style occupations than for PhD and master’s work.

3. Look into the emerging economies: the green, the sharing and the gift economies. What is happening? What types of businesses, partnerships, new models and jobs are emerging? How can your skills be transferred here?

4. Be strategic: don’t study “more of the same.” If you can’t find a job in your industry, why is this? Do you really need more education or just some strategically chosen hands-on courses?

5. Emphasize the matches: collect real job descriptions of jobs you want and highlight what they ask for: do you possess them?

Do you highlight them in resumés and over interviews? You don’t?

Think about the training you need or whether you may be targeting the wrong jobs!

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. facebook/canimmigrant

@canimmigrant

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July 2014

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| C AREER COACH |

What’s the question behind the question?

Prepping for an interview? Decode the ‘intent’ behind these 5 common interviewer queries!

“

Proper preparation prevents poor performance” — great words to live by and certainly useful when it comes to tackling those dreaded interview questions.

Answering questions correctly at the interview table will take planning, practice and some smart intuitive skills. Always take the time to ask: “Is there a question behind this question?”

Identifying the intent behind the interview question will help you to w and customize your response to what they are actually seeking.

A few things to remember: • There is no single “correct” answer; there are only appropriate responses. Do your adequate research on the position and the organization beforehand.

• The best way to respond is to reveal attributes and skills that directly match the job you are applying for.

• Negative thoughts, words or actions about your former boss, colleagues, organization or even the current situation in the country are a strict no no.

• KISS — Keep It Short and Simple; KIP — Keep it Positive; and KIT — Keep it Truthful.

Here is a compilation of approaches to answering five of the most common interview questions to help you practise and perfect your answers.

1. The question: “Tell me about yourself.”

The intent: Let me see if you are indeed a value-added hire for my organization.

Your response strategy: • Start with a feel-good statement about your professional and academic background.

• Highlight your experiences from past to present that reflect a unique/valuable personality characteristic.

• Summarize with a concluding statement that relates to how your skillset is the perfect solution-fit to the job.

2. The question: “Why do you 44 canadianimmigrant.ca

July 2014

want to work here/Why should we hire you?”

The intent: Show me how much you know about my company, demonstrate compatibility and let’s see how you will be different from others.

Your response strategy: • Do your research — demonstrate a thorough understanding of what the organization is about.

• Know your values — give specific, personalized reasons why the organization is a good fit for you.

• Differentiate yourself from the competition who will be asked the same question. Be honest, be yourself — show individuality and some personality.

• Convince the employer you are the best candidate by concisely highlighting your relevant skills and personality characteristics as they relate to the job

ness, show by example the steps that you are taking to improve.

• The best response is to describe a weakness that could also be viewed as a strength.

For example: “My eagerness to wear many hats and sometimes go above and beyond the job descriptwion.”

5. The question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

The intent: Let me see if you have you planned for the long term, working with us and importantly, in a senior, leadership role.

Your response strategy:

• Emphasize your commitment to your profession and the organization with confidence and clarity of thinking.

• Be positive about shouldering more responsibility with increased leadership roles in that organization • Show that your visualized personal performance goals are in perfect alignment with the organization’s corporate objectives.

The key to success is to treat every question as an excuse to highlight your strengths and constantly project yourself as a significant value-added hire.

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.

3. The question: “Tell me about a time when you ...”

The intent: If I can delve into your past, I can gauge your future behaviour.”

Your response strategy: • Use the STAR approach (Situation – Task – Action – Result).

Share a story with a clear example that explains and illustrates your skills in a positive way.

• Situation (describe the market/industry challenge that you faced and had to resolve).

• Task (detail your strategy in creating a response to the situation identified).

• Action (spell out in detail the steps you took, applying the skill).

• Result (share the results of your action, providing as much measurable detail as possible).

4. The question: “What is your greatest weakness?”

The intent: Let me test your mettle and see if you have a mindset of continual improvement.

Your response strategy: • Show the hiring manager that you objectively examine your own strengths and weaknesses.

• Beyond describing a weak-

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SETTLEMENT | PA R E N T I N G |

Take a trip

B

And open up a world of possibilities

usy schedules and the high cost of travel are two reasons that often deter families from taking trips together. Yet, travelling with family is a great investment for everyone, and the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks. These enriching and rewarding experiences will help children make sense of their world, expand their horizons and equip them with the ability to meet the challenges of a demanding global society.

Family bonding

Spending precious quality time together while travelling will bring families closer together, and lead to stronger connections to each other.

Travelling together creates an equal playing field where everyone explores and experiences things together for the first time. It provides opportunities for family members to take on different roles and responsibilities, and to work closely together toward common goals.

Culture and language

By becoming immersed in different places’ culture, language, customs and lifestyle, children will gain appreciation and respect for the richness of diversity in the world and multiculturalism in Canada. It can help affirm one’s own language, culture, family roots and identity. Communicating with the locals might also highlight the importance of one’s ability to communicate in different languages. Seeing firsthand the advantages of being multilingual, it might even ignite the children’s interest in learning their mother tongue or a foreign language.

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July 2014

Life skills

By actively participating and contributing during the trip, children can master many essential life skills, such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication, social skills and many more. With the many surprises and adventures that arise while travelling, children will understand the importance of being patient, flexible, spontaneous, as well as learning to deal with unexpected challenges with confidence, grace and calmness.

Character building

Through the adventures in travelling, children will experience the journey of self-discovery and help build their character. Children learn to view things through different perspectives, and hopefully gain many valuable life lessons in the process, such as gratitude, open-mindedness, sense of curiosity, sense of adventure, can-do attitude and lifelong learning. More importantly, children will become more compassionate, understanding and gain a greater sense of the global community.

The world is the ultimate classroom. Travelling as a family is one great way to connect with ourselves, our family and the world.

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

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CORPORATE PROFILE

LIFELONG HIGHER LEARNING

G

one are the days when formal studies ended upon high-school or college graduation. The aspiration to engage in lifelong learning is nowadays common and, in fact, very beneficial. Employers have come to expect it, and nowhere is this cultural shift more obvious than among immigrants, be they recent newcomers or veterans.

For most Canadian newcomers, the main focus upon arrival is, understandably, securing employment. While there is an accepted notion that everyone must pay their dues, unfortunately, immigrant underemployment issues go well beyond this cliché; survival jobs often become the new “normal,” and the waste of skills and talent is said to cost Canada approximately $20 billion annually.

BACK TO SCHOOL

While international education credentials can be formally assessed via one of the available credential recognition agencies, the reality of the job market doesn’t always follow suit, as employers have no familiar reference point by which to go. That’s why many immigrants decide to add Canadian education credentials to their resumés, and go back to school in one of the many higher-learning institutions in Canada, such as Langara College in B.C. Established in 1994, but with roots going back to 1965, Langara College provides courses to more than 21,000 students in university studies, career studies and continuing studies. Many of Langara’s students are immigrants to Canada who came with extensive international degrees and experience. By creating a campus environment that is friendly and welcoming to students of all ages and backgrounds, Langara’s Continuing Studies programs make it easy to balance continuing education with a full-time work schedule.

Jenna Li, 48, is a Langara student who emigrated from China in 1991.

A safety-equipment designer and volunteer scouting instructor, she found that taking college courses enhanced her professional life even after 23 years in Canada.

“After finishing the ESL program, I started to take some non-ESL classes. Both Business Communication and Writing have been helpful to me when it came to writing reports and emails, conducting my presentations, and describing my feelings. As soon as I finished my class, I received some good compliments from my colleagues.”

For Li, it was the warm and fun classroom environment that inspired her to integrate the Langara courses in her busy schedule: “The teachers were so knowledgeable, productive, creative and humorous. Even though I went to school after my full-time work, I was still able to be energetic in class.”

Among the many programs and courses offered by Continuing Studies are those specifically designed to meet the needs of immigrants like Li. Language and soft skills development are the most sought-after options, followed by other more practical business-related courses.

LANGUAGE OPTIONS

The Langara English Proficiency Program (LEPP) is one of the most popular choices for immigrants: approximately 80 per cent of the program students are working adults who have immigrated to Canada.

Still, in a city with more than 30 private ESL schools and countless language college courses, what makes LEPP a top choice?

“LEPP is different from other language programs in that the courses Celebrating 10 Years!

Begins for many new Canadians at Langara College in Vancouver

By Ana-Maria Gheorghiu

offered, as well as the content of the courses, are student-driven. We collect feedback from students each term to learn what their needs and desires are, and we take this into consideration when planning our program,” says Kristi Cattanach, LEPP co-ordinator.

“Since every group of students is a bit different, instructors use this information to tailor the content to each particular class. We aim to meet the needs of the population we serve by involving them in the learning process, and this is a unique feature of the LEPP program.”

WORKPLACE CULTURE READINESS

Beyond language, the Corporate Readiness Training Program Certificate (CRTP) at Langara addresses subject areas that apply directly to workplace situations for immigrants, such as public speaking, accent reduction, management, leadership and business communications.

While there are numerous soft-skills workshops available in the Lower Mainland, the CRTP takes a very thorough, in-depth approach, recognizing that integration in a new work culture is not something that can be tackled in just a few hours.

Eleanor Clarke, CRTP co-ordinator, explains: “This program is different for a number of reasons, specifically in that it is full time for four months and the focus is on those new or recently arrived in Canada.

A full-time program means that students can get the relevant skills, both hard and soft, in a quick and intensive time frame, and then get out there and start working. The bulk of the program is on soft-skills management, leadership, communications, teamwork and project supervision, all so important for work in Canada.”

BUSINESS SKILLS AND MORE

Since many newcomers also turn to entrepreneurship, Langara’s Selfemployment Program (SEP) is also a great fit, although the program is not exclusive to them. The 12-16 week full-time program walks students through topics such as understanding Canadian commerce laws and regulations, making sense of banking requirements, writing business proposals, doing market research, using advertising that works, understanding a multicultural client base, and building relationships with banks and business associations.

Langara College offers many other programs and courses in fields as diverse as nursing to publishing to recreation management. With two campuses in Vancouver, Langara is one of B.C.’s leading undergraduate institutions providing university studies, career studies and continuing studies programs and courses.

To learn more about Langara College Continuing Studies, see langara. bc.ca/cs.

July 2014

Canadian Immigrant

47

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

Citizenship — harder to get, easier to lose An overview of the latest changes, and what’s to come

A

t the time of writing, the Government of Canada was rushing Bill C-24, the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, through the House of Commons. By the time you read this, the controversial amendments to Canada’s Citizenship Act will likely be law.

The history of the current government’s determination to overhaul Canada’s citizenship regime dates to the 2006 Israel–Lebanon conflict. Then, the recently elected Prime Minister Harper found himself overseeing the evacuation of around 11,000 Lebanese-born Canadian citizens, many of whom had allegedly never resided in Canada, and many of whom purportedly returned to Lebanon within a month of being evacuated. It was during this time that the term

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“Canadians of Convenience” was created, and the Government of Canada endeavoured to address the issue.

Limitation on first generation abroad

In 2009, Jason Kenney, then Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, introduced the “first generation limitation” on Canadian citizenship. After April 2009, Canadian citizenship could only be conferred to those who were born abroad if they had a Canadian parent who was either born in Canada, or who was a naturalized citizen. But it would no longer be possible for those first generation Canadian citizens to pass on their citizenship to their children and then theoretically endless generations born outside Canada.

Changes in Bill C-24

In 2014, Chris Alexander, the cur-

rent Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, introduced Bill C-24, which overhauls much of Canada’s citizenship regime. Canadian citizenship will now be harder to obtain, and easier to lose.

To apply for Canadian citizenship, permanent residents will both have to have lived in Canada for four years out of the last six, and also have to have lived in Canada for 183 days or more per year in four out of the last six years. Previously, permanent residents only had to live in Canada for three out of the four years prior to their application.

As well, much to the chagrin of international students and foreign workers, the time spent in Canada prior to obtaining permanent residency will no longer count toward the residency requirement.

As well, Bill C-24 introduces a requirement that all citizenship applicants have an intention to reside in Canada. While

the Government of Canada has been vague on what the practical effect of this provision will be, this requirement combined with the fact that Bill C-24 makes it easier for the Government of Canada to revoke citizenship for misrepresentation in citizenship applications has left many concerned that Bill C-24 will create a second class of citizens who will have to fear working and travelling abroad.

Ending birthright citizenship

The final change to Canada’ citizenship regime will be the most controversial, and has yet to be introduced. Ministers Kenney and Alexander have both proclaimed their dissatisfaction with the law that anyone born in Canada is a Canadian citizen (unless they are the children of diplomats). Both have stated an intention to modify this principle, although specifics have not been

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provided. In my opinion, if the current government remains in office, the abolition of birthright citizenship in Canada is a question of “when” not “if.”

Value of Canadian citizenship

The Government of Canada’s purported reason for all of the above changes is to strengthen the value of Canadian citizenship.

I simply do not understand this claim, and do not understand the argument that Canadian citizenship becomes more valuable if fewer people have it. To me, the value of Canadian citizenship is determined by our relative economic, social and political prosperity. It is not determined by reducing the number of Canadians.

Steven Meurrens is an immigration lawyer with Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver. Contact him at 604681-9887, by email at steven.meurrens@larlee.com or visit his blog at smeurrens.com.

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BACK PAGE P M

“

Sometimes the work can be very hard, but [newcomers] should not complain but strive to achieve their goals without feeling that they are entitled to get things. They should appreciate the fact that they have a chance in Canada and, if need be, to take for the present any job that is offered.

”

I T

“

Immerse yourself. Canada is filled with wonderfully talented, creative, civic-minded and passionate people. It is a living laboratory for social cohesion, resilience and innovation — this experiment needs the engagement of all its citizens, and is worth being part of.

”

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F M

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Ask questions. Utilize resources. Find a coach. Go out and meet people. You now live in the most amazing country in the world — make every second count and when you can, vote!

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