Canadian Immigrant June 2021 by Canadian Immigrant

Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021 c anadianimmigr ant.c a

ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.

READY FOR A NEW Publications mail agreement number 40011993 | $5.95

LIFE IN CANADA?

How Indian-born Deepa & Narinder Lal went from second-hand furniture and sleeping on the floor to successful entrepreneurs

Finding employment in a pandemic

What you need to know as you begin your journey

Make the most of your Canadian summer

Perfectly Imperfect You are enough! CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

CONTENTS Volume 18 Issue 3, 2021

FUSION

23 LIVING

WELLNESS: Perfectly imperfect: You are enough! Caring for your relationship as you settle in a new country

PROFILE: LIEM VU and his passion for storytelling HUMOUR BY HEMETERIO NEWS: Immigration investments proposed for Canada’s economic recovery, Voting opens on July 26 for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards!

27 MONEY AND BUSINESS

COVER STORY

29 PROFILE

An indomitable spirit: How Indian-born Deepa and Narinder Lal went from second-hand furniture and sleeping on the floor to successful entrepreneurs

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Have an idea for your dream start-up? TIPS FOR SETTLING IN FASTER: Tips to protect yourself from financial fraud

Brampton MP Sonia Sidhu champions diabetes awareness in Canada

12 FEATURE

Finding employment in a pandemic: Employment specialists suggest that digital networking, reskilling and recognizing what employers want could help you land your dream job

16 SETTLEMENT

Ready for a new life in Canada? Here’s what you need to know as you begin your settlement journey IMMIGRATION LAW: Not sure why your application was refused? PARENTING: Staycation

21 CAREERS AND EDUCATION

CAREER COACH: Managing your career in a ‘VUCA’ world HIGHER LEARNING: Considering a post-secondary romance?

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FUSION

People. News. Information.

LIEM VU

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 3

2021 Group Publisher Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Ramya Ramanathan rramanathan@metroland.com Editorial Design Safi Nomani Sr. Ad Manager Ricky Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 Assistant Manager Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca Circulation/Distribution Inquiries: ljackman@metroland.com ISSN 1910-4146 Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher

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A passion for storytelling By Ramya Ramanathan

iem Vu is a Toronto-based journalist and television personality. He can be seen weekdays on Global News Morning, The Morning Show and The News at Noon as a co-host and weather specialist. Vu is the youngest of a family who fled a war-torn Vietnam in search of a new life in Canada. After earning his Master of Journalism degree at Ryerson University, his sense of curiosity and passion for storytelling brought him to the front lines of breaking news. Vu has written for both local and national publications including The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, and The National Post. In 2011, he produced and hosted a series of investigative features for MTV News, focusing on hotbutton sociopolitical issues aimed at Canadian youth. How has being from a family that fled He has also contributed to ET Canada Live as a social war-torn Vietnam impacted you? Being a child of immigrants can be a challenging media correspondent. experience. Personally, I was very hard on myself On Global News Morning, Vu often features as a because I didn’t want to disappoint my parents. It reporter, offering his own take on the trending news took me a long time to realize it but my parents’ of the day. He is active behind the camera, producing happiness was tied to my happiness. Although a career and editing many of his own stories for the show and in journalism was not what they had in mind for me, profiling community events in-studio; he also serves in many ways, they set me on that path. My love for as a weather specialist for the show, providing viewers sharing stories spawned from my mom’s stories at the dinner table as she detailed her experiences growing up with the forecast every weekday. in Vietnam. Stories shape us and they carry immense level of power. As a journalist, I always strive to tell Tell us about yourself I grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, and proudly stories that pay tribute to the voices that are often the son of Vietnamese refugees. My parents Thuy and silent. Trinh came to Canada with my two brothers in 1979 A year ago, I launched a series on Global News called and rebuilt their lives from the ground up. They always reminded me about how lucky they were to survive the ‘Fresh Off The Plate,’ a celebration of Canada’s diversity journey and what they sacrificed to ensure that all of and its food scene. I guess you could say it’s a little us had a great life. Growing up in Toronto, I never truly tribute to my family and the families out there that experienced the hardships they did but I always made have sacrificed so much to be Canadian. sure to be thankful for everything that I had because of What are your future plans? everything they lost. I’m turning 34 this year and I’ve been blessed to do everything that I ever dreamed of. I strive to continue Tell us about what you do I’ve been a journalist in Toronto for over 10 years. to tell human stories that inspire and inform. I started writing for the student newspaper when I was in high school, and I fell in love with it. Like What is your advice to immigrants and many kids of immigrant families, my parents had high newcomers to Canada? My advice to immigrants and new Canadians is expectations for my future. They wanted me to become a doctor or a lawyer and for a while, I pursued it. I to be proud. Share your stories with your family and went to the University of Toronto for criminology, but the people around you. Every immigrant story is quickly realized that I enjoyed writing for the student different, and you may not feel comfortable sharing paper much more. I completed a two-year Master of yet and that’s okay. As a kid, I didn’t realize the weight Journalism program shortly thereafter. Since then, I’ve of my parent’s sacrifices. As an adult, I now realize I worked at The Toronto Star, The National Post, MTV would not be who I am today without their stories of hope and resilience. News Canada, and for the last 10 years, Global News.

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

Internationally Educated Nurses are CARE Centre’s Heroes in 2020 and Every Year! IENs and CARE Centre: Partners in Healthcare Diversity Contact CARE Centre to find out more about IENs in Your Workplace Info@care4nurses.org www.care4nurses.org

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

news

FUSION

Immigration investments proposed for Canada’s economic recovery The pandemic has disproportionately affected low-wage workers, young people, women and racialized Canadians. The plan to support them in Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience, released in April 2021, seeks to ensure a robust economic recovery that is inclusive of all Canadians and that finishes the fight against COVID-19. Immigrants create jobs, help to drive economic growth and will play an important part in Canada’s recovery. Immigration investments in Budget 2021 propose to draw

even more talented, highly-skilled people to Canada, including international students. The goal with the proposed investments is to support an immigration system that is easier to navigate and more efficient in welcoming the dynamic new Canadians who add to Canada’s strength. Some key improvements proposed in Budget 2021 include to deliver a modern immigration processing platform; support racialized newcomer women; enhance the Temporary Foreign Worker Program; accelerate pathways to permanent residence streamline Express Entry;

and enhance capacity and service standards within the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Client Support Centre. According to IRCC, improving technology is underway and the Budget 2021 provides the means to further modernize digital infrastructure to accelerate application processing. The government has expressed that the investments proposed in the Budget will support a more clientfocused, streamlined system towards making it simpler for talented individuals to establish themselves in Canada.

Voting opens on July 26 for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards! Thank you for your nominations for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards. As a next step, our esteemed panel of judges will narrow down 75 finalists from the hundreds of nominations. All Canadians will then be able to cast their vote for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants! Back for the 13th year, the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards program celebrates the outstanding achievements of immigrants in this country. The only national awards celebrating immigrant success, the Top 25 has been a prominent fixture recognizing immigrants and their importance to Canada. Immigrants make up a large and growing portion of our population and have made – and continue to make – immeasurable

contributions to the Canadian economy, society and the country overall. These contributions are even more apparent in these challenging pandemic times, as immigrants from across disciplines and sectors are helping the country in the face of adversity. Starting July 26, 2021, you can cast your vote at canadianimmigrant.ca/top25 until September 17, 2021, 11:59 p.m. EST. The 25 winners will be announced in November 2021 in Canadian Immigrant Magazine and online at canadianmmigrant.ca. We are thrilled to have COSTI, an Ontario-based settlement services agency, as our program partner for the awards. This year’s media partners are Toronto Star, Metroland Community papers, Suhaag, CityTV, Sing Tao and OMNI Television.

1st in NORTH 5th in the AMERICA WORLD 2021 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, a global ranking of more than 1,200 universities We are advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals within and beyond our local community.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

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COVER STORY

INDOMITABLE

Spirit

Deepa and Narinder Lal—who had a rough start in Canada with second-hand furniture, a second-hand TV and a second-hand everything, even having to sleep on the floor—drew on their hard work, financial acumen, social savvy and innovative, progressive mindsets to become successful entrepreneurs. In 2019, they made the single largest donation in the Scarborough Health Network’s history and now have a hospital emergency department named after them. By Vivien Fellegi

arinder Lal learned to be tough at a very young age. He was almost continuously battling one infection after another during his childhood. At that time there were no effective medications for pneumonia or typhus in his homeland of India. “Growing up was not very good for me,” he says. “I don’t have very good memories.” But these challenges forged an indomitable spirit that would serve him well lifelong. “I had to fight for everything,” he says. But with every hardwon success, he grew stronger. “I’m very stubborn” says Narinder, “if I make a determination, I have to do it.” Narinder’s future wife, Deepa, had an easier start in India. “I was very good in school,” she says. In grade four she placed first in her district in math. Though she had hoped to become a doctor, her parents refused to allow her to enter the co-educational classes. Instead, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Sanskrit. The pair met soon after they became next-door neighbours. Narinder’s sister attended university with Deepa, and often invited her to their home to socialize. Narinder noticed Deepa right away. “She was a very beautiful girl,” he says. She, in turn, fell for his mom. “I don’t see mother-in-laws like this,” she told him. It took a year for them to convince their parents to give permission for the first “love match” in their families’ histories.

two sons. While he settled in, Deepa upgraded her education, mastering accounting, shorthand and typing. The Lals faced new obstacles after reuniting in Toronto. Money was tight. Narinder Lal’s pharmacist credentials weren’t accepted in Canada and he began working for his brother-in-law’s carpet business. Deepa, meanwhile, found herself out of her element when the young woman from a conservative culture began working at a news stand where she says men openly looked at porn magazines. Their sons, Sandeep and Jaideep, also contributed to the family’s finances, shovelling snow and delivering flyers to help out. Even when the pair had earned enough money to move out of the home of Narinder’s sister, they had nothing left for furnishings. “We started life with second-hand furniture, second-hand TV, second-hand everything,” says Narinder. The family slept on the floor. “It was very, very tough.” The following year, Deepa’s knack for numbers helped her secure a job in the securities vault at the CIBC bank, where she worked until retirement. Narinder found a job selling labels and price-marking machines for a German company called Dymo Meto, until he was let go and then hawked hair pieces for men until the company went bankrupt. Finally, Deepa encouraged him to strike out on his own.

But there were more hardships ahead. After Narinder launched his career as a pharmacist, he locked horns with the local drug inspector who demanded a hefty bribe to approve the business. But his integrity stood in the way and he refused. He was slapped with a trumped-up charge and spent years in litigation. By the time he was acquitted, he’d lost most of his wealth.

Metro Label was launched in the basement of the Lals’ home in 1974. It was a logical step for Lal, who had kept in touch with appreciative customers from his days at Dymo Meto. He also drew on the financial acumen and social savvy learned during his days as a pharmacist. Initially, the Lals just sold the labels and price-marking machines, but two years later, they transitioned into manufacturing.

The couple decided to immigrate to Canada to escape the corruption and start afresh. Two applications were turned down before the immigration system was overhauled and Narinder’s sister was able to sponsor the family. Lal came to Canada in the seventies, a few months ahead of his wife and

It was tough at the beginning. For the first three months the whole family took turns working around the clock. “I didn’t know what time of day or night it was,” says Narinder. But without higher education or Canadian credentials, he had no fallback position. So, failure wasn’t an option.

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

Narinder Lal thinks all newcomers to Canada have the potential to flourish. His recipe is simple.

“Believe in yourself, and anything is possible.”

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

COVER STORY The hard work paid off and Metro Label began to thrive. Lal credits the venture’s success to its reputation for service. “I don’t care what it costs,” says Narinder, “We will do anything to help a customer.” Their clientele could always reach their managers as the Lals never screened their calls. The same welcoming attitude applied to their employees, who were treated as family members. Early in the company’s history, an 18-year-old Filipino arrived for his job interview with his mother in tow. Just a couple of months later, the man’s mother announced she was returning home and asked the Lals to keep an eye out for their son. The man became one of their many dedicated staff who remained with them right until the company was sold in 2015. The man was just one of many workers who were made to feel at home at Metro Label. Regardless of their position, they could knock on their bosses’ doors any time. The Lals even helped resolve some workers’ personal problems and invited them to family celebrations like their son Sandeep’s wedding. Innovation was another hallmark of Metro Label. The company’s production of rapidly scannable barcodes was one such initiative. When these price markers first began to appear on labels, they could be difficult to scan and cashiers held up lines of customers as they keyed in the numbers manually. Barcodes with high scan rates were preferred and the Lals installed a barcode reader on their printing press, ensuring a uniformly high scan rate. The Lals were also progressive when they designed their environmentally friendly manufacturing plants. They cut energy expenditure by recycling exhaust from the printing machines and funnelling it back to heat the building in winter. The family also looked out for their workers’ health, installing multiple fresh air intakes to ensure a vigorous air circulation. These measures endeared the company to customers and gave them a leg up over their competitors. The Lals were awarded prizes for their green designs by the City of Toronto and many others.

Newcomer to Ontario’s workforce or long-time worker, in any sector, all workers deserve to know their rights and obligations in the workplace.

As their company flourished, the Lals bought out other label-making manufacturers. Their labels became ubiquitous; they could be found on cosmetics, food containers, pharmaceutical products, wine bottles, etc. The company opened branch offices in Vancouver, the Napa Valley in California and Montreal. “Nothing was stopping us and we were making money…,” says Narinder. “It felt very good.” Metro Label eventually skyrocketed to become Canada’s top label-making company. The Lals have been generous with their wealth, donating to schools, cultural institutions and a temple. Hospitals have had a special place in their hearts – quite literally. Narinder and Deepa have both undergone surgery for heart disease. Narinder appreciates the skilled procedures available in Canada free of charge. “You get service from the hospital, you owe something to them in return,” he says. Noting that the Scarborough Health Network (SHN) hospitals have generally been ignored by other wealthy philanthropists, in 2019, the Lal family made the largest single donation in the Network’s history. (They’ve decided to keep the exact sum private). The Scarborough location matters to the couple, since the neighbourhood served as the base for Metro Label as well as the home for many of their employees. According to a statement from SHN, the funds have been divided between their hospitals’ emergency rooms and the cardiac units and are reducing wait times and improving patient care in these areas. To honour its benefactors, the SHN General hospital renamed its Emergency Department the Deepa & Narinder Lal Emergency. Narinder appreciates the gesture, but recognition isn’t what he’s after. “It’s not important,” he says. He hopes to set an example for other successful immigrants to give their own gifts. “(When) they see what you are doing, other people try to copy you.”

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

Visit MyConsultant.ca for Canadian immigration and citizenship information Explore up-to-date news on important issues, read in-depth articles explaining immigration and citizenship, and seek answers to your most pressing questions from a vibrant community of authorized immigration and citizenship consultants. TM

FEATURE

Finding employment in a pandemic Employment specialists suggest that digital networking, reskilling and recognising what employers want are strategies that could help you land your dream job in a post-pandemic world. By Baisakhi Roy

he pandemic year has been challenging for job seekers to say the least. So, when Lebanese-born Georges Oneissy reveals that he landed not one, but two jobs within months of landing in Toronto from Dubai, one wants to know more.

affected than their Canadian-born counterparts encouraged him to take up a course in digital for a variety of reasons. One of them being that marketing, which he promptly did at the University recent immigrants tend to have shorter job of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. tenures and therefore could be more vulnerable to layoffs when the economy is in a downturn.

Oneissy lost his first job offer in March 2020 – “Though I prepared an entire year to get ready right when the world was shutting down due to to come to Canada, like many others, I wasn’t COVID, and he was devastated. expecting a global pandemic to hit our lives. I’ve “It was depressing and demotivating but I had been here for about 18 months now and it still to carry on and so I did,” he says. feels unreal,” he says. Oneissy’s prep before immigrating to Canada According to a study by Statistics Canada, the Canadian labour market lost about three proved to be a lifesaver. He had hired the services million jobs in March and April 2020. The study of a career coach while he was still in Dubai who says that immigrants seem to be more negatively not only helped him perfect his resume but also

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

above Georges Oneissy

company, improve your chances of getting a call back for an interview. According to job search expert and career consultant Sweta Regmi, “Professional immigrants who come to Canada are very qualified, but sometimes the attitude is one of ‘they (the company) need me more than I need them’ which might be true, but you need to showcase what the company wants and is looking for, in your resumé.” Based in Sudbury, Ontario, Nepaleseborn Regmi has been working recently with immigrants who have been laid off because of COVID. She says that a job seeker needs to assess how close of a match his/her skill set is to the requirement of the job.

Dalia Farra, manager of employer partner relations and mentor engagement at the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC). Signing on for online networking events hosted by industry organizations and professional associations are also a great way to connect with people in your area of interest. Seeking out people with similar interests on Facebook groups or Slack chats can lead to job tips, enlightening conversations and open up new avenues that one may not have thought of. Regmi, in her coaching sessions, often reminds job seekers to build meaningful relationships that are not merely transactional. “You don’t just land up at someone’s door asking for a cup of tea, do you? You need to engage with people you want to network with. Read the blogs they post, express an opinion, react and follow up with them. It shouldn’t be all about, ``What’s in it for me?”, she says.

Use available resources

above Sweta Regmi

“I was very clear in my intention. After years of working in outdoor advertising in Dubai, I decided to switch to the digital space. I recognised very quickly that my international experience may not be sufficient and that I needed to upgrade my education,” he says. He kept applying for jobs and did not settle for the first job that came his way. The fact that he was bilingual also helped Oneissy when he applied on LinkedIn for a digital specialist position with a sound and music production college. For his second job with an automotive company, he was approached by a recruiter again, on LinkedIn, for a digital strategist position. But every newcomer’s job hunt journey is different. In times like these, the process of looking for a job is vastly different and one has to adapt and reassess to secure success.

Regmi also suggests projecting yourself as a specialist rather than a generalist. “In some countries, professionals have done a bit of everything as part of their jobs but that’s not helpful in Canada. Employers are looking for a person who can fix that specific problem that they might have. You need to be that person,” she says.

Networking doesn’t stop

Digital networking is here to stay and is relevant now, more than ever. “We noticed that there was a huge uptick in the number of people connecting randomly on LinkedIn and getting positive responses. People are connecting more via social media platforms. They are engaging about job opportunities via community WhatsApp Groups – something I hadn’t heard of before the pandemic,” says

What do employers want?

When applying, looking beyond just the job description is crucial, especially in this current job market. Researching the company, finding out about their recent projects and their goals, enquiring about their work culture from current employees and finally determining if your values and goals align with that of the

above Dalia Farra

There are tons of free employment support services, neighbourhood support services, government funding programs and online skill building resources that can assist you with your career needs. A great resource is the PINs directory at TRIEC that has a comprehensive list of professional associations to help newcomers connect to resources and supports that are industry specific and relevant to their careers. The Government of Canada job bank site is a resource for COVID-19 essential job postings. ACCES Employment’s How to Find a Job has programs ranging from workplace communication workshops to programs for internationally trained professionals seeking employment. Another valuable resource is the expertise that comes from immigrants who have established themselves in Canada and have a similar career path that they are aspiring to. “Approach these individuals with the mentality that you want to learn from their experiences. Ask for their suggestions on what courses you may need to take to upskill yourself. Connecting to relevant people makes a world of difference,” says Regmi. As more and more Canadians get vaccinated and the job market stabilizes, job seekers will need to step up their job search efforts. Looking for the perfect opportunity might turn out to be a marathon rather than a sprint but approached strategically, it can be quite rewarding in the end. “Remember to be kind to yourself as you are searching for a job and to those who are hiring. Everyone is going through a challenging time and things are working at a different pace. Empathy and patience are really key right now,” says Farra. CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

RCIC:

Syed Atiqur Rahman, R506922

RCIC:

Garsendy-Emmanuel Guillaume, R507422

Company Name/ World Immigration Network Location: Toronto, ON

Company Name/ 9265-6404 Quebec Inc. Montreal, QC Location:

Proceeding:

Preliminary motion issue estoppel*

Proceeding:

Written Discipline Hearing

Finding:

Adjudication into allegations that the RCIC breached the Code of Professional Ethics is pending before the Discipline Committee. The RCIC filed a preliminary motion asking the Discipline Committee to apply issue estoppel to preclude the ICCRC from re-litigating certain findings of fact made by the Small Claims Court in a related case. The panel finds that issue estoppel applies in this case to prevent the relitigation of two findings of the Small Claims Court. However, it is not determinative of the discipline proceeding against the RCIC.

Finding:

In its Decision and Reasons on Finding on Facts made on October 29, 2020, the Discipline Committee found that the RCIC infringed several articles of the Code of Professional Ethics. The parties were asked to make submissions on the appropriate sanction and costs, which were considered by the Discipline Committee.

Sanction:

The RCIC’s membership with the ICCRC is revoked immediately. The RCIC is required to: - notify his current clients in writing that his ICCRC membership has been revoked; - repay the complainant the amount of $19,950 for fees collected; and - pay a $5,000 fine to ICCRC.

Costs:

The RCIC is required to pay ICCRC $35,000 for costs, disbursements, and expenses.

Outcome:

Applying issue estoppel is not determinative of the matter. Triable issues remain and the disciplinary proceeding should continue.

Costs:

Any costs order will be reserved until the conclusion of the hearing.

Member:

Rounak Farrokhi Koukia, R410615

Company Name/ Location:

Golden Globe Inc. Richmond Hill, ON

Proceeding:

Written Disciplinary Hearing

Finding:

The Disciplinary hearing dealt with three complaints against the RCIC. Complaint # 1 The panel could not find that, on a balance of probabilities, the RCIC misused the funds from the $1,000 cheque. The panel did not find that the RCIC breached any articles of the Code of Professional Ethics for this complaint. Complaint # 2 The panel found that ICCRC did not meet the burden of proving, on a balance of probabilities, that the RCIC misrepresented her skills, nor that she misappropriated confidential information. The panel did not find that the RCIC breached any articles of the Code of Professional Ethics for this complaint. Complaint # 3 The panel found that the RCIC has breached the Code of Professional Ethics by not providing the complainant with a written retainer agreement. The panel found that the RCIC performed the work for which she was retained. The panel did not find that the complainant’s signature was forged on a Use of Representative Form. The panel did not find that the RCIC failed to inform the complainant that she was administratively suspended while she acted for him.

Sanction:

The parties jointly submitted that any penalty that the single breach of Article 12.1 of the Code of Professional Ethics would attract has been exceeded by the extended time that the RCIC has been suspended. The panel agreed and ordered the interim suspension lifted immediately. No further sanction was ordered.

Costs:

No costs were ordered.

SETTLEMENT

By Radhika Panjwani

ylvia Wootten, settlement manager at be taken care of – with proper guidance from a Newcomer Centre of Peel (NCP), has some settlement counsellor. important words of wisdom for immigrants This can make the first few weeks less stressful. seeking a seamless settlement experience in It can also allow just-arrived immigrants to Canada: Plan your settlement journey. tackle action items such as applying for the “You must do your due diligence to access health card and Social Insurance Number (SIN), settlement resources that can help you with this having children’s immunization cards ready for process, so you don’t bear the burden of it all on school admissions, opening a bank account, etc. your own. By accessing the right resources, you “The settlement action plan is a dynamic can be set on the path to success, but there will be barriers along the way. If you understand and document that is ever-evolving and changing based on the changing needs of the clients,” prepare yourself for this, you can persevere.” says Wootten. “As clients complete some action Wootten and her team are often the first point plan items, others may arise, and thus new of access for just-arrived permanent residents. plans of action are developed. We engage in a She says she cannot underscore how important wrap-around approach where clients are able it is for immigrants to have a settlement action to access the full hub of services available at plan in place – a detailed list of what needs to NCP in a ‘one-stop shop’ format.”

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

A first meeting at the settlement agency will start with an intake process and needs assessment. At this meeting, settlement counsellors will seek to understand the client’s needs. They will ask for important information such as the client’s background and immigration status in Canada to help create a settlement action plan. Once a plan is created, the agency refers you to relevant people to connect with and speak to within the agency and other supports that can also be available externally. Some common settlement needs to tackle as you begin your journey include: • Completing paperwork related to immigration status such as finalizing Immigration, Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) application documentation including applications for

Permanent Resident (PR) Cards, convention cultural hubs, affordability, etc. refugee documentation completion, etc. • Understanding financial resources: Accessing • Sponsorship of family members: You can financial resources when most required sponsor your spouse, partner or child to – especially during the pandemic, such as Canada if you’re a permanent resident or understanding eligibility for the CERB, citizen and if you can support them financially. applying for Canada Child Tax Benefits, the The process would involve sending both Ontario Electricity Support Program Subsidy, the sponsorship and the permanent residence Ontario Works, etc. applications together at the same time. • Taking care of health needs: While you can • Finding employment in your field of work or apply for a provincial health card as soon study. This could involve addressing credential as you land, there will a three-month waiting evaluation processes: Is the profession period before your coverage begins. If you regulated or non-regulated? Is continuing have landed recently, find out how to access education necessary? Is there a need for health care services with or without your licensing/association designations, resumé health card. Find a family physician, and cover letter help, mock interviews, information on COVID lockdown restrictions understanding the Canadian labour market and stay-at-home orders, how to get tested for COVID if needed, vaccination protocols, etc., and more. and learn how to navigate health care • Finding appropriate housing based on emergency systems. where the client wants to settle, family composition, proximity to work or ethnic • Do you have children? Learn about school

systems, understand the education structure in Canada, find out the process of applying for youth and adults for post-secondary education, and learn about loans available for education. • Creating a support network: Immigrating to a new country comes with fair share of anxiety. Your settlement worker can help you find and connect to resources including social and mental health supports to help you integrate. Kevin Stevens, labour market access manager at NCP, says newcomers who are armed with the right resources will find Canada to be a country of opportunity and success. “The design of settlement agencies across the country shows how much Canada relies on the success of immigration initiatives to help this country grow,” notes Stevens. “Settlement agencies are there to help our newcomer immigrants have the toolkit they need to succeed in this country.”

Finding her North Star settlement journey. Vittal’s own experiences as a newcomer informed all her subsequent steps in Canada. Through the years, she has tested the entrepreneurial waters and joined several prominent art-focused and settlement organizations as a board member, in addition to advancing her professional credentials. Vittal is currently the director of sales and marketing for a cloud engineering company in Toronto. She also runs a consulting firm, AVC Inc., which focuses on helping foreign businesses that want to set up their B2B trade and e-commerce in Canada. Vittal has found recognition for her artistic and entrepreneurial endeavours and was named one of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants in 2009 by Canadian Immigrant.

above Anu Vittal Anu Vittal was initially apprehensive about moving to Toronto because it would mean giving up a lucrative salary and well-established career that she had with a U.S. firm. So, she decided to visit Toronto to see firsthand if she could see herself settling here and growing. “I loved Toronto and its diversity,” Vittal says. “I loved how you could walk down Yonge Street and every 100 metres or so listen to a different language, drink Irish beer, few steps later listen to Turkish music and sip Turkish coffee…eat or takeout authentic Vietnamese pho. It’s as if you can experience the whole world in one street.” Vittal immigrated to Canada in 2002 and found that doing so all by herself was initially intimidating. She felt lost and alone the first few weeks and wished she could find more readily available information at her fingertips that would help her navigate her

Vittal’s advice to newcomers: Volunteer; access the services offered by settlement agencies; network and connect with people; and there’s no shame in starting from the bottom and finding your way to the top. “When I first arrived in Canada, I began my journey by slowly integrating into the community by volunteering and connecting with the people,” Vittal recalls. “At that time, I did not have any one specific dream, but what I wanted to do really was connect from a place of creativity and joy.” In her first few months in Toronto, Vittal, who lived downtown, would often find herself driving around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and nearby places. Whenever she realized she was lost, instead of panicking, she would look out for the lakeshore (Lake Ontario) and use it as her navigational anchor. The shoreline became her guidepost in a symbolic way. “… just as Lake Ontario’s shoreline was my North Star whenever I became lost, follow your dreams. Take your passion and run with it,” she says. CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

SETTLEMENT

Navigating their first few months in Canada

“Our close family was a definite support in the initial days of our arrival,” Hakim says. “In our job search, we realized early on that there was an inherent difference in the way organizations in Canada and India function, and as a result, the hiring process was different.” A few of the settlement issues were a bit of shock as well. Hakim found out—the hard way—the cost of living estimates he had been told by friends did not hold up. Also, he admits, initially, he and his wife tended to convert every item of grocery, every expense into Indian rupees for comparison. The result was a “rude shock”. Hakim also discovered the minimum money they would need for their monthly expenses in Canada was actually much more than what they had initially anticipated.

above Animesh Hakim and his wife Megha Dhar Animesh Hakim, 34, arrived in Canada in October 2019, and just as he and his wife Megha Dhar were steering through the multitude of settlement issues, Canada, much like the rest of the world, went into a lockdown as a result of COVID-19. The couple sought the help of a settlement agency, but the bulk of their decisions, including their plans to immigrate to Canada, was based on the information and advice supplied to them by friends and friends of friends. Hakim and Dhar found that sometimes there was a bit of a disconnect in the information they received versus the reality.

“Food, rent, phone bills and vehicle insurance are expensive in Canada,” Hakim says. “The insurance we were paying for our vehicle as well as our monthly wireless bills were definitely much higher than what we had accounted for. I still feel these are incomprehensibly high compared to what we paid in India. And because it took us a while to get jobs, we saw a rapid draining of our savings.” Presently, Hakim and Dhar have found jobs and are waiting for the COVID-19 related restrictions to be lifted so that they can begin to explore Canada. Despite their struggles in the first few months, Hakim says he has no regrets about choosing to immigrate to Canada and thinks it was the right decision to make.

New to Canada?

We can help.

Settlement Services At Home • Employment Help • Settlement Services • English Language Training • Youth & Seniors Programs • Business Start-up Book An Appointment Today.

appointments.ncpeel.ca/booking

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

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

Not sure why your application was refused?

You can submit a request for further details

n May 25, 2021, the information commissioner of Canada provided a Special Report to Parliament about how visa applicants are generally unable to obtain information they are seeking about immigration files, including the reasons for refusals.

The information commissioner’s report affirms what I have previously written about regarding how the refusal letters that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sends to applicants do not tell the whole story. It is accordingly crucial that applicants understand how to obtain the full refusal reasons. These refusal letters cover a range of different types of applications including study permits, work permits, immigration range from a few short sentences to applications and visitor visas. sometimes even more than a page of reasoning that IRCC does not Learning the whole story IRCC’s refusal letters are share with applicants. generally extremely vague. In the IRCC’s internal notes are referred temporary residence context, they typically consist of generic letters to as the Global Case Management stating that applicants did not System (or GCMS) notes. meet the requirements of Canadian It is currently only possible to immigration legislation. They also typically contain a list of all possible obtain these notes through an reasons why IRCC may refuse Access to Information Act or an application, with an X next Privacy Act request (also known as to the reason(s) applicable to the an ATIP request). applicant. Possible reasons include GCMS notes can be helpful for “lack of funds,” “travel history,” other reasons, including learning “purpose of visit,” etc. the detailed status of an application In the permanent residence that is in processing and learning context, refusal letters also about concerns that an officer may typically consist of generic letters have prior to sending a procedural stating that applicants did not fairness letter or refusing an meet the requirements of Canadian application. immigration legislation. There IRCC does not inform applicants may also be a two to four sentence paragraph explaining why. If IRCC that obtaining the GCMS notes sent a procedural fairness letter and is possible. However, due to the the applicant responded, a refusal internet and social media, the letter may also contain a short word is clearly spreading. In 2017statement that the applicant failed 2018, IRCC received 62,234 ATIP to absolve the visa officer of their requests. In 2019-2020 the number was 116,928. concern. Behind these decisions are additional, often detailed reasons that are not provided in the refusal letter. These internal reasons can

dramatic increase in ATIP requests is because IRCC does not enable potential immigrants to know details about their application’s status or the basis for decisions. The information commissioner further noted that ATIP results produce the information that applicants want to know. IRCC in response to the information commissioner’s report has said that it plans on increasing the amount of detail contained in refusal letters to help individuals better understand the reasons their applications were refused. It also plans on modernizing its website and online portals to provide more information about the status of applications that are in processing. However, IRCC does not plan to provide applicants with copies of the GCMS notes.

Transparency

While it is nice that IRCC plans on providing applicants with more information, it is unlikely to reduce the number of ATIP requests. As long as IRCC insists to

the Federal Court of Canada in judicial review applications that the GCMS notes form part of the refusal reasons, which the Federal Court has agreed is the law, then applicants are going to want to see them. This is only logical and inevitable. I can think of several examples where obtaining internal IRCC notes were integral to an applicant’s success. In one case, for example, an applicant sent a response to a procedural fairness letter to a visa office’s general e-mail inbox. IRCC subsequently refused the application, and in the refusal letter included boilerplate language about how they considered all of the information that the applicant sent. It was only through the GCMS notes that we were able to learn that the response to the procedural fairness letter never actually made it onto the applicant’s file. The application was reopened when we pointed this out. As long as situations like this occur, the need for applicants to be able to review their full record with IRCC will continue to exist.

The Importance of ATIPs

Steven Meurrens is an immigration lawyer with Larlee As the information commi- Rosenberg in Vancouver. Contact him at 604-681-9887, ssioner’s Special Report to by email at steven.meurrens@larlee.com, or visit his blog at Parliament noted, the reason for the smeurrens.com. CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

SETTLEMENT PARENTING

Staycation

Find ways to explore the world from your own backyard

hile the pandemic has limited our ability kitchen with healthy food for your family. to vacation overseas, there are many staycation ideas that we can explore Outdoor adventures locally that are safe, budget friendly and fun. • Introduce your children to Canada’s great outdoors by going on hikes, boating, picnics, Culinary adventures camping or fishing. Stay local and opt for • Support local restaurants by doing takeout and less popular parks and trails to avoid crowds trying different types of food. Introduce and parking issues. children to these new foods and flavours by • Look up and explore the world of astronomy. organizing tasting evenings at home. Stargaze with naked eyes or invest in binoculars • Challenge family members to replicate a family or even a telescope. recipe with a creative twist. Vote for the best • Try different outdoor activities, such as tasting, most creative or healthy option. rollerblading, biking, outdoor swimming, • Start a garden, visit local farmers markets or go soccer or kite flying. berry picking. Learn ways to grow and preserve excess fruits and vegetables. Arts and performances • Recreate show performances with home Home organization karaoke or talent shows. Encourage children to • Revamp your wardrobe to get ready for future showcase their talent. socializing and travel. Donate clothes that no • Organize fun movie nights. Add variety by longer fit and reorganize your closet. choosing classics, international movies or Engage your children in redecorating, movies from your home country. • de-cluttering and transforming your home into • Set up an art gallery at home, showcasing an oasis. family artwork and/or photographs. Make • Reorganize your kitchen pantry and fridge, sure to feature children’s artwork. discard expired or unhealthy food, and stock the • Go online to visit local museums and galleries

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

that are offering virtual exhibitions and tours. Social connections

• Take a trip down memory lane by dusting off

old photo albums and reliving memories with family. Talk to children about old memories, past trips and plan for future trips. • Explore the world by inviting families and friends to share about their part of the world, for instance, by exchanging postcards and letters. • Prepare in advance for future vacations by learning with your children to say a few phrases in the local language of that place. • Find ways to volunteer and give back to the community. With a bit of planning and creativity, staycations can be memorable and a fun experience for everyone. Stay safe and explore the world from your own backyard. Cheryl Song, an immigrant from Malaysia, has more than 20 years’ experience of working in early learning and family programs. Contact her at cheryl@learnwithsong.com or visit her website at learnwithsong.com.

CAREERS & EDUCATION CAREER COACH

How to manage your career in a ‘VUCA’ world These small adjustments can make a difference!

he expression 'VUCA' was first introduced by the US military in the 80s. And it is as relevant today as it was when first introduced.

initiative and gain valuable experience. Interpersonal skills are highly valued in jobs and volunteering is a great way to build these skills through quality interactions with peers.

VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. This perfectly describes an unpredictable workplace characterized by constant flux and unknowns. We are going through unprecedented times and the world is truly VUCA now.

Take on voluntary projects and keep polishing your transferable skills. Upgrading your skills also helps you gain experience, stand out from the crowd and thrive in any job environment.

As we start to emerge from the pandemic, today’s workplace demands a different kind of VUCA career growth. One that’s Versatile, Uplifting, Choice-filled and Active. While this may sound daunting, it simply boils down to small adjustments that you can make on a dayto-day basis. Here are five ways to manage when navigating your career in a VUCA setting.

1. Strengthen your core values

Your values are your best guide when you decide the future course of your career. Things may keep changing but you must always adhere to your core beliefs. This is the time to refine your career purpose and your North Star. This means, focusing on what kind of work gives meaning to your life. At all times, keep an open mind and listen to other people but always figure out what aligns with your core values.

2. Take time out to volunteer

Always be on the lookout for opportunities to volunteer. This will allow you to demonstrate

3. Upgrade your tech skills

We can no longer afford to be static in our careers. Now’s the time to up your game and take it to the next level. Even before the pandemic, a majority of jobs required digital skills of some kind. The pandemic has certainly accelerated the need for enhanced tech skills to help you become more aligned with today’s myriad needs. From students starting out on their career path to established CEOs, everyone has to get tech savvy now. Enhancing your digital knowledge will help catapult your profile above the rest.

Be flexible Flexibility and adaptability are gaining more prominence day by day. Today, being flexible is also crucial to get on the radar of recruiters and hiring managers. In the new normal, it is about having an open

mindset, showing the ability to work well under pressure, adjusting to unexpected deadlines and taking on additional responsibilities. Your EI (Emotional Intelligence) also takes a front seat. EI is simply the ability to be aware of and demonstrate empathy for others’ emotions and behaviours. This is crucial especially when people are feeling uneasy in the new environment.

5. Get creative

Creativity and innovation need not be necessarily associated with only a few professions – it is essential across every industry and sector. Now is the time to take an inventory of your skills and values to plan your way ahead. You can now learn to creatively adapt to virtual communication. Investing in good lighting and desktop speakers is a good start. Refine your professional appearance on camera and off it. Update your online profile and resume regularly to highlight your achievements, as well as your personal values. And constantly match skills with needs. And lastly, resilience is another key skill to tide through tough times. The strength to cope with ups and downs and bounce back strong will certainly help you sail through a VUCA environment.

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

CAREERS & EDUCATION HIGHER LEARNING

Considering a post-secondary romance? Evaluate the pros and cons and proceed cautiously

art of the post-secondary experience is the people you meet. Your classmates may become your friends, your future colleagues or even your life partner. When romantic relationships are good, they can help support you and add even greater interest to postsecondary years. But when they are difficult and upsetting, they can rob you of time and your focus from doing your best academic work. If you are wondering if you should consider a little romance while you’re at school, be aware of the pros and cons.

The pros

The start of a new relationship can be very exciting and energizing. As you learn more about each other, you get to see the world through someone else’s eyes. A relationship can help you know yourself better and contribute to your emotional growth. It can give you someone to share your joy and successes with,

and a shoulder to cry on during challenging times. Even the more difficult aspects of a relationship, such as possible heartache or jealousy, can help you learn to manage difficult emotions. As you learn to identify who is trustworthy, interesting and helpful, you can reap benefits in emotional support, good company and hopefully some fun.

The cons

A wise person once said that it takes two weeks to get into a relationship and two years to get out of it. When a good relationship turns bad, it can be upsetting and trigger an emotional rollercoaster of feelings. The stress of a deteriorating relationship can rob you of time and concentration and lead to a loss of self-esteem as quarrels and heartache become more frequent. Tension and worries compete for mental space with academic work and sometimes, that can deteriorate. The pleasures and support once cherished can fade and be replaced with possible guilt and other negative emotions. It also is a learning experience, just not a very pleasant one.

Qualities that matter

Whether or not you are interested in a long-term relationship, you want to think about the qualities that are important in a partner. Your culture, family values, experiences, what you find attractive and other factors will play a part, but here are three qualities that we think will be helpful to consider. A generous spirit is rather important. One of the ways to tell if you are dealing with a generous person is when you find they are

interested in your happiness. An example is when, at a restaurant, you find your food is ordinary and theirs is much better, you find a portion of their food ends up on your plate. The second is that they have an interest in something other than you, such as an interest in politics or a hobby – something to take the pressure off you to be endlessly interesting. As captivating as they may find you and as nice as it may feel to be admired, you know you can’t sustain that forever. Third, it helps if they believe you are terrific. In that way, they focus on your positive attributes and may overlook some of your rougher edges and less desirable qualities.

Proceed cautiously

While being able to meet people from various cultures or with different values can enhance your academic and life experience, there may be a different understanding of how to initiate a romantic relationship. What one student means as friendly, another can interpret as flirting. Care must be taken in giving clear signals to avoid misunderstandings and discomfort. Respect for each other’s personal freedom, physical and emotional space are critical no matter the cultural differences. Consent between partners before any physical contact occurs is a crucial aspect of a healthy relationship. Unwanted kissing or touching is considered a sexual assault in Canada, which is a criminal offense. Sexual violence is not uncommon in post-secondary institutions; be sure to educate yourself about what consent means. Counsellors at your school can talk to you about consent and how to increase your personal safety. The bottom line is that it is prudent to exercise caution to avoid any negative fallouts from a relationship on your life and academics, and to make romance a positive experience.

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

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

LIVING WELLNESS

Perfectly imperfect: You are enough!

How to deal with Imposter Syndrome

ave you ever thought or said, “I’m not as capable as other people think I am” or “I have to be perfect to feel good enough”? Do you feel inadequate, no matter how much you achieve? Maybe you believe your success is due to luck, rather than true personal ability, or it will only come with an extraordinary amount of hard work? If your answer is "yes", then you are in good company. Most of us, including high achievers, have experienced self-doubt or a lack of confidence in ourselves. This is known as Imposter Syndrome. It’s an internal experience of not believing we are intelligent, capable, or creative, despite external evidence, or feedback to the contrary.

Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome doesn’t discriminate, though some research suggests it may affect immigrants more than other groups. As an immigrant experiencing cultural, language and employment barriers, it’s easy to feel insecure, or dismiss our credibility, especially when we compare ourselves to nonimmigrants or those with more Canadian experience. It’s not surprising that we can struggle to find our place, to feel like we belong. Add to this, our perception of success might be different from our family’s definition, based on their beliefs, expectations and understanding of our work and lifestyle. When we don’t get the validation or feedback from those closest to us, it can lead us to feel vulnerable, inadequate and unsupported.

These thoughts exist in your head and, as such can be changed with some practice over time. Separate thoughts (perception) from facts (reality).

• Challenge

the truth of your assumptions. Get curious and be prepared to re-think.

• Talk

openly about how you are feeling. Good leaders recognize vulnerability as a strength in this country. Practice being vulnerable with someone you trust, who can relate.

Be •

self-compassionate rather than self-critical. Remind yourself of how far you’ve come and how much wisdom you have.

imperfections. We may respond to ourselves, we seek out “quick wins” Imposter Syndrome in several ways: that will give us immediate pleasure. This could be using food, alcohol, Work harder – We may TV, social media, computer games over-prepare, overwork, work in or exercise, hobbies, meditation, isolation, set ourselves high (usually sleep, etc. unrealistic) expectations, all of which is stressful, especially if we fall Strategies short. Perfection is time consuming, While it might be impossible rarely satisfying and often results in to totally eliminate Imposter overwhelm and burnout. Syndrome, there are ways that we

• Worry

less about other peoples’ perceptions of you – you cannot control what they think or feel.

• Avoid

comparing yourself with others. You only see their highlights, not the whole picture.

Work-in-progress

The truth is, we are all a “workin-progress” – imperfect and can manage these feelings when we incomplete. Procrastinate – We are reluctant recognize they are holding us back: to step out of our comfort zone, step We are perfectly flawed and that’s up to a challenge or try something Accept Imposter Syndrome for what makes us the unique human • new. We may decline, or even avoid, what it is: “faulty thinking.” beings we are. opportunities because we don’t think we’re ‘rather than’ or worthy. This can happen especially when we Hazel Morley has worked as a trainer, facilitator and coach for compare ourselves to others whom more than 25 years, in England and after immigrating to Canada we perceive to be ‘better than’ us in 2009. After her own personal health crisis, she shifted gears in some way; for example, that they to focus on strategies for enjoying optimal health. are more successful, experienced, or knowledgeable. A fear of failure or making mistakes can also keep us You may find that your imposter from making progress. feelings are situational. For example, you may feel it in your work, your Underperform – If we feel like academic achievements, parenting a fraud – for instance, we may have or other relationships, sports or accepted a job that is unfamiliar other recreational pursuits. and there’s lots we don’t know and may self-sabotage due to our lack of Consequences self-belief and confidence. We may Join the Amazon team. Due to the way our brain is wired, not feel safe speaking up, asking for it’s human nature to focus on the help, or admitting we don’t have the negative. It’s natural to overlook answers or solutions to a problem. Apply now at amazon.com/vancouverjobs the positive feedback and focus on what we lack, what we haven’t Distract and comfort ourselves been able to achieve, our flaws and – Usually to feel better about

Now hiring CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

LIVING R E L AT I O N S H IP S

Caring for your relationship as you settle in a new country

Prepare, communicate and be open to new supports

oving to a new country may be one of the biggest decisions you will make as a family. The excitement of finally landing in a new country can quickly wear off as days go by. It can be overwhelming and stressful for couples as you navigate and adjust to the new environment and are focused on finding a job, monitoring finances and finding your place in the community. Culture shock experienced with different roles, values and expectations in the new culture can also create confusion, strain and conflict in relationships.

I don’t feel appreciated; I think our marriage has ended. I want to go back to my country. Protecting or saving your marriage can cause added stress while adjusting and adapting to a new country. Looking at it as a journey together and avoiding blaming each other for failures and disappointments can pave the way for a deeper understanding of each other and strengthen the bond.

Here are three things that couples can do to care for their relationship as you are settling in Here are some statements shared a new country: by newcomers about their marital relationships and mental health: 1. Anticipate and accept that I can’t take it anymore. We are there will be changes to the having fights all the time; Everything relationship after the move and is very different now. He or she is not be prepared for it: All the things the same person; There is no respect that defined your relationship in anymore; We don’t talk much at all. your home country, such as family

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

support, your identities, familiar working conditions and routines no longer exist in the new culture, making the relationship seem like a new beginning for many. When you are faced with unfamiliar situations, people behave differently and sometimes are not even aware of it. It is important to recognize that this can be temporary, and they may need time to adjust. An example would be being so preoccupied with the job search that they no longer appreciate the food you cook or if the spouse is alone at home all day, she stops asking about your day. It does not mean that they have changed and they no longer care for you.

2. Communicate with compassion, openness and honesty with one another: Settling down in a new country requires a lot of decision-making for which effective communication skills are critical. Being supportive and open to one another is important as it is not a time to evaluate each other’s ability to read minds or have high expectations of each other. Be compassionate about your partner’s emotional needs. Explain your feelings in an honest manner and take a problem-solving approach to differences of opinion.

sole source of support in the absence of other supports, such as family or a friends circle, that existed in your home county. Listening to your frustrations, feelings and struggles all the time and not knowing how to provide support may be hard for them. Access support from professionals and others you trust such as colleagues, family doctors, or newcomer support groups to vent and share your emotions. This will help you see that others share similar experiences and you are not alone. Tips and strategies learnt can help you develop a positive outlook that things get better when your lives become more stable. The pandemic has strained marital relationships for many and it can complicate situations for newcomer families struggling with other socio-economic problems. Recognize that these are unprecedented times and find ways to support one another. However, if the situation is unbearable, is impacting your mental health and there is violence, abuse or neglect, prioritize your safety and well-being.

Don’t let the fear of unknown or stigma of marital breakdowns force you to continue dangerous or 3. Be open to new supports: It can be dysfunctional relationships. Help is overwhelming for partners to be the available, reach out! Nandini Tirumala is a mental health wellness coach, educator and advocate with 25 years of experience in Canada with a special focus on mental health support services for newcomers and immigrant families.

Make the most of your Canadian summer Activities and ideas for a fun and safe summer as we approach the hopeful end of the pandemic By Kaitlin Jingco out and enjoying your meal in the sunshine with family and friends—whether it is on a picnic table at a park, at the beach or in your own backyard. While many of Canada’s famous summer food festivals are cancelled this year due to COVID— like the seafood festivals along the coasts and countless cultural festivals in Toronto and Vancouver—there are some, like food truck festivals, that are inching back toward prepandemic life. For a truly Canadian food and drink experience, you can also consider doing a bike tour to explore breweries or wineries in your area (every province has both, with Ontario leading the pack with most breweries and British Columbia leading the way with most wineries). Then, if possible, finish off your day with a poutine and Beaver Tail.

ome summer when the sun’s out and the temperature rises, folks in Canada like to take advantage of the country’s all-tooshort summer and engage in lots of fun activities.

between—did you know that Hamilton, Ontario is the waterfall capital of the world? Wherever you are in Canada, there’s no shortage of treks to go on.

While the country is starting to slowly open up and there are still a number of restrictions in place, unlike last summer, it feels like the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is in sight. The majority of people in Canada have received their first vaccine shot and, according to current updates from the government, most Canadians will be fully vaccinated by September this year.

If you’re up for something a little more adventurous than hiking, you’d be happy to know that Canada has countless other outdoor activities, including rock climbing in the Rockies, whale watching on both coasts, and surprisingly, surfing in British Columbia, Nova Scotia and even on the Great Lakes.

While enjoying the variety of foods that Canada has to offer, always be mindful of the pandemic regulations. Enjoy the summer eats safely by following local distancing and gathering guidelines.

3. Attend outdoor and drive-in events

Drive-in movies, where viewers watch films that are projected on big screens from the comfort of their cars, are common summer pastimes here in Canada. With the pandemic, more activities

Not a super outdoorsy person? Cottaging, where you take a break from your routine by escaping to somewhere with a little more wilderness, is a hugely popular summer activity in Canada that offers a hybrid of indoor/outdoor fun. Ask your friends or colleagues with cottages if you can use it for a weekend or look 1. Get outside We know that COVID-19 has a harder time online for cottages to rent. spreading outdoors than it does indoors. Plus, with the great weather from June to August and 2. Enjoy culinary delights the many outdoor activities that exist in Canada, Thanks to the various cultures and all signs are pointing to the great outdoors! communities that have made Canada home, the country offers diverse and Hiking in Canada is unlike hiking in any other delicious cuisines. country. We have the Pacific Ocean and famous mountainous trails on the west coast; the Atlantic While COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact Ocean and interesting historical sites on the east; on the restaurant industry, this summer, you and beautiful forested valley and lake hikes in can still support local restaurants by doing take-

But until then, with a number of restrictions still in place, we have to find COVID-safe ways to have fun in the months ahead. Keep on reading for ideas on how you can make the most of your Canadian summer!

CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

also be available to you. Be sure to check local event listings to see what’s happening.

4. Prioritize your mental health and try to relax

There is a lot going on in the world right now. And when you’re a newcomer who’s trying to turn a new environment into a home, this time can be very overwhelming. Connecting with people who are going through similar situations as you is a great way to build connections and feel more at home in your new country. You can build community by finding immigrant-focused activities organized by settlement agencies and non-profits. Local libraries and community centres also offer other virtual events to help newcomers connect. Some groups, like the immigrant walking group created by Yijie Jennifer Chen (whom we interviewed for this year’s Immigrant Women of Inspiration edition), even move offline to allow participants to meet safely in real life. are adopting the drive-in/drive-through model—including art shows, concerts and zoos—allowing attendees to safely avoid the virus by staying in their cars while enjoying their activity. In Toronto, the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit—where cars drive in and are completely surrounded by projections of the artist’s work—is back after last year’s successful showcase. If you’re in Alberta, the Neon Sign Museum is a unique outdoor walk or drive-by activity where you can see historical and culturally significant light-up signs in Edmonton. If you live in Quebec, Parc Omega allows you to drive through a 12km trail, where you can view and feed different Canadian animals without having to leave your car. There are plenty of car-based activities throughout the country, and depending on where you are, some limited-capacity outdoor events may

CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 3 | 2021

And while having a community is so important during this tough time, it’s also key to make time for yourself. This summer, be sure to find your own unique way to relax. Whether it is sitting in your garden sipping on a cool drink, walking in the park and enjoying the sunshine while your children play or reading a book at the beach, summer is meant to be a time of relaxation. So, take some time to practice self-care. Not only will that be good for your mental health, but it’s what Canadians do during these sunny months! In Canada, summer tends to sweep fun, chill vibes throughout the country, and we hope that’s what you’ll feel over the season. Just be sure to do your research and always check local public health guidelines before making your plans. Be safe and enjoy a fun, relaxing Canadian summer!

MONEY & BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Have an idea for your dream start-up?

Validate your ideas before you move to execution

id you know that 85 per cent of start-ups fail in their first six months due to inadequate idea validation? Propelled by the excitement of starting a new business founders move right from idea to execution, and rush into website development, logo and design, technology set-up, etc. What needs to happen is a very detailed and measurable validation process. Here are a few ways I have validated my ideas before turning them into successful and profitable companies.

and accelerators. Using websites like the beta kit, angel.co or producthunt.com, you can research competitors that are also startups but may be ahead of you in the market. I also routinely check start-up listings from local and global incubators and accelerators for competitors. These resources will help to ensure you know your competition, their service offering, company size and other details.

3. Act “as if”. Pretend your business is already up and running and start to pitch your potential 1. Google Trends & Keywords. customers on your service. Will This free tool can help you look for they buy? Can they validate your data on potential customers. Who assumptions? Is your product or is already looking for your solution? service priced for the market? How often are they searching for Acting as if you are already in the answers? Looking at trends and market is a great way to get close keywords also helps with future to your customers and fill up your sales funnel before launching. I website and SEO plans. advise start-ups to have at least 100 2. Start-up sites, incubators prospects ready to buy before going

to market. One mistake I see too often is validation with friends and family. This is the riskiest method! Your friends and family will either blindly support your ideas or might not know enough to provide correct advice. They are often not your ideal customer, so it will be hard for you to get proper feedback. Don’t rely on this type of validation! Finally, as you validate your idea, focus on the values of your product or service and not features; for example, at my start-up Schoolio where we provide affordable online home education, our values for customers include time-saving, lowering stress and affordable education. We conducted our validation that “if we created feature X, it will then help ease customer values X.”

I have followed the same steps on my own journey to get to our first 100 customers and our first 100k in sales. While building a new start-up is one of the most challenging career choices you can make, it will also be life changing.

Sathish Bala is a serial entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience in the field of digital marketing, operations management and product development.

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Tips to protect yourself from financial fraud Simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim an unsecured website or with a stranger, or unwittingly purchased from a fraudulent online retailer, place a “fraud alert” or “freeze” on your credit file. Only borrow from trustworthy, recognized institutions. Have proper identification and licensing. Research the business on bbb.org to see what other people have experienced. If you are being asked to pay in advance for things like debt relief, credit and loan offers, or mortgage assistance, walk away. In the case of payday loans, local payday lenders and payday loan brokers must have a valid payday lender license for their province.

Victims shared similar traits like spending more id you know that one in five Canadians say they have been a victim of some kind of than their monthly income, no emergency savings and significant amounts of debt, and reported not financial scam or fraud? being able to come up with $2,000 if faced with Over the last 15 months, Better Business Bureau an unexpected need or emergency within the next (BBB) has seen growing scam report numbers month. Individuals struggling financially because in investments, employment, cryptocurrency, of the COVID-19 are at an even greater risk. advance fee loans, pyramid schemes and credit repair /debt relief. Data collected from the BBB Below are some tips to protect yourself from Scam Tracker suggests that Canadians who financial fraud. are under financial strain are more susceptible to scams, especially if the invitation promised Keep track of your money. Make a budget financial rewards or an opportunity to get out of to help you to stay on top of your finances and debt. Low household income ($50,000 and below) manage your debt. Do not borrow more than was significantly associated with engaging and you can afford. Frequently review your bank losing money in a scam and those who lost money statements and monitor your credit report. If you were significantly more likely than non-victims to are a victim of identity theft, shared any financial show signs of financial insecurity. and/or personally identifiable information on

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Stay informed about financial scams and frauds. Knowing about specific types of scams and understanding the general tactics that scammers use can help you avoid becoming a victim. Last year, 30 percent of persons who reported a scam to BBB said they did not lose money because they knew about the scam. Guard your personal information. Never reveal sensitive financial information to a person or business you don’t know. Scammers will sometimes impersonate a retailer, financial institution or government agency to trick you into sharing information. If you receive a suspicious call or email and are concerned about your account, contact your financial institution. Other steps to avoid financial fraud include creating strong online passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi when banking online and shredding documents with sensitive information. Karla Laird is senior manager, media & communications at the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland British Columbia. Learn more at bbb.org.

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Brampton MP Sonia Sidhu champions diabetes awareness in Canada By Ramya Ramanathan

id you know that diabetes affects 11 million Canadians and can lead to lifethreatening complications if not treated? That in Canada’s South Asian community, one in six residents suffers from diabetes or pre-diabetes and the rate is only growing? Since her election in 2015 as the member of parliament (MP) for Brampton South, Indian-born Sonia Sidhu has been on the forefront of the #LetsDefeatDiabetes campaign in Canada. After dozens of consultations over the years, MP Sonia Sidhu has put forward Private Member’s Bill C-237 towards tacking diabetes, which received unanimous support from all parties and will be sent to the Senate after finishing its third reading in the House of Commons. Bill C-237, also known as the National Framework for Diabetes Act, aims to raise awareness about diabetes and prediabetes, guide health care and other professionals in preventing and treating diabetes, and promote research, data collection and information sharing need for better care and support among my friends and neighbours to prevent and treat this disease. in Brampton,” she says. Once this act comes into force, The disease is spread across the minister of health will publish a national framework for diabetes for all communities. “Diabetes also disproportionately affects First the nation to follow. Nations, who are three to four This journey to this bill, and it times more likely to have it than the being only a couple of steps away general population. Having seen the from becoming Canadian legislation, effects of this disease up close and spans beyond the six years in knowing that it is often preventable, politics for MP Sidhu. With 18 I know we must be proactive in this years of experience as a health care fight,” she says. professional, Sidhu entered the world Sidhu was aware that the number of politics with a deep understanding of health care needs across the of diagnoses in Canada had doubled in the last 20 years, and that patients country, most notably diabetes. with cardiovascular disease, kidney “I saw a lot of newcomers affected disease, amputation or high blood by diabetes over many years. The pressure, would often have diabetes rate of diabetes has increased over as an underlying and complicating the years, affecting South Asian condition. Canadians predominantly. Being a South Asian Canadian, I saw the In 2019, Sidhu’s motion to declare

a series of consultations with Canadians regarding Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy, revisions to Canada’s Food Guide, and reducing the marketing of unhealthy foods to children. Sidhu has been committed to putting into place a national plan for tackling this disease for over two decades. “Canada needs a single national strategy to fight diabetes, created in cooperation with the provinces, territories, indigenous groups and all other stakeholders. We need to raise awareness and promote education about best practices. We need to standardize treatment across the country, so your level of care is not dependent on where you live. And we need to fund research so that Canada can eventually lead the way to a cure,” she says. She also highlights that the current pandemic has caused many challenges that need to be dealt with. “The economic insecurity, lack November as Diabetes Awareness of physical activity and mental month was passed unanimously in health struggles associated with the pandemic all have a negative the House of Commons. impact on those living with diabetes. “Canadians recognize that Unfortunately, many Canadians this is one of the most common are also delaying regular health chronic conditions in the country, appointments during the pandemic, and most people have a friend or so it is likely that many people family member living with diabetes. developing diabetes are having their This is why my motion to declare cases go undetected.” November as Diabetes Awareness Last year on World Diabetes month was passed unanimously in the House of Commons, and Day, Sonia visited the house where this recognition was also made by Canadian scientist, co-discoverer of insulin and Nobel Prize winner Brampton city council,” she says. Dr. Frederick Banting grew up in Whether it be helping fellow London, Ontario. Here she rekindled members of parliament understand the Flame of Hope – a symbolic the potential impacts of diabetes, torch which has burned since 1989 meeting with doctors from across to honour his discovery, which is to the country, or speaking with the be only extinguished when there is local community, Sonia Sidhu has a true cure. That is why MP Sidhu introduced the lens of diabetes in finishes every speech with: “Canada all fields of her work nationally and gave insulin to the world. Why can internationally. This has included we not lead the way?” CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |

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