SEPTEMBER 2015 I FREE
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ARRIVE. SUCCEED. INSPIRE.
the sky's no limit Ajay Virmani takes his cargo company to the top
GANG PROOF
+
YOUR KIDS
Hello H a lifa x!
UPFRONT
CONTENTS
SUCCESS STORY 10 | Creative heights
REGULARS 4 | OUR TAKE/YOUR TAKE 6 | FUSION
›› PROFILE: Halifax executive Ashwin Kutty ›› Halifax Career, Education and Settlement Fair
Indian-born entrepreneur Ajay Virmani not only leads the Canadian air cargo industry, he’s also taken Canada’s movie industry to a higher level
Cover photo by Alessandro Shinoda
16 | IMMIGRANT SETTLEMENT GUIDE 18 | CULTURE
›› Three immigrants in Scarborough Walk of Fame
21 | WELCOME TO CANADA
›› Financial first steps for newcomers
25 | DRIVING
›› Back-to-school safety tips
26 | ›› Careers in the music industry ›› HIGHER LEARNING: Managing school nerves
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titititi tiAN HtiLP!
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FEATURE 14 | Gang proof your kids
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How immigrant parents can keep their kids away from gang life
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Respond to Canada’s need for immigrants.
Become a Regulated Immigration Consultant Full-time | Part-time | Online Contact a program adviser at 604.899.0803 or email admissions@ashtoncollege.com. 604.899.0803 | 1.866.759.6006 www.ashtoncollege.com Ashton College
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September 2015
Canadian Immigrant
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UPFRONT
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2015 Group Publishers Gautam Datt Sharma Sanjay Agnihotri Editor Margaret Jetelina mjetelina@metroland.com Senior Editor Baisakhi Roy broy@metroland.com Creative Director & Editorial Design Safi Nomani snomani@metroland.com Digital Media Developer Kamil Mytnik Advertising Sales Sr. Ad Manager (B.C. and Alberta) Alla Gordeeva alla@canadianimmigrant.ca Tel: 778 558 3397 Sr. Ad Manager (Toronto) Ricky (Kawaljit) Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 National Sales Manager Varun Munjal vmunjal@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8169 Sales Events & Marketing Coordinator Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com General Inquiries: info@canadianimmigrant.ca
our take Back to fall
Well, summer is almost at an end and it’s time for us all to get back into our autumn routines. For those of us with children, that means a lot of scheduling, homework help and chauffeuring. While balancing all the demands you’re facing may often feel overwhelming, it’s important to stay tuned into your children’s lives; that connection is one of the best ways to prevent any vulnerability they may face in getting involved with gangs. Studies have shown that immigrant youth are particularly vulnerable to gangs because they offer a sense of belonging and even economic incentives. See our story on page 14 for more on how you can “gang proof” your kids.
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MC 2004-181P Collège Boréal Canadian Immigran grandeur : 3.5” L x 19.75” H Date de parution : 14 août 2015
On our cover this issue is successful entrepreneur Ajay Virmani. Not only has he created Canada’s largest cargo airline, he dabbles in the film industry, making hit movies such as Dr. Cabbie and Breakaway (see page 10). September also brings our first Career, Education and Settlement Fair in Halifax, presented by Scotiabank and in partnership with Fusion Halifax. We’re excited to be increasing our reach to the Atlantic region, and connecting with the many immigrants who have chosen to call Nova Scotia home. Margaret Jetelina Editor, Canadian Immigrant “LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK/CANIMMIGRANT.
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Learning that makes a difference
Jessica
Visual Arts and Design
John
Legal Studies
Faye
Dental Health
Sarah
Business Studies
Damien
Film and Performing Arts
Eliss
Esthetics
Meet Jessica, John, Faye, Sarah, Damien and Eliss – just a few of the people who have achieved success with the help of our Continuing Education courses. The skills, connections and confidence they gained made it possible for them to achieve their goals. Read their stories on our website, and see the difference you can make in your own life with George Brown College.
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fusion news. people. events.
PROFILE
ASHWIN KUTTY Atlantic leader
A
By Margaret Jetelina
shwin Kutty loves the easy pace of Halifax, Nova Scotia, but it doesn’t stop him from running an internationally successful marketing consulting firm, WeUsThem Inc., from the Atlantic province. Kutty has worked with the likes of Fortune 500 companies, to foreign governments like Egypt, Guyana and Saudi Arabia, to Canadian institutions like McMaster University. He is also an adjunct professor at Dalhousie University and serves as director of the Canadian Council for Small Business. Recently named Business Person of the Year at the Halifax Business Awards, Indian-born Kutty shares his journey to success with Canadian Immigrant.
sister and me with the education horizon that we needed. Even after having travelled across the country, we are collectively quite pleased with the choice we made at that time.
Are there challenges in trying to run a high-end communications firm from a smaller province?
Absolutely. Competition in the local market is fierce and we have seen quite a few friends that have had to close down their shops after quite a few years due to it. There are competitors now entering our local market from other provinces and countries as well, and that tends to be tough as well. Our secret to success, however, has been the quality of work and service we deliver and the relationships we build with our clients through each engagement. In fact, we have changed our language to call our clients “our partners,” over time which is probably reflective of the fact that 80 per cent of our business comes from direct referrals and 20 per
Why did you choose Halifax when you came to Canada?
Halifax chose us to be quite honest. When we immigrated as a family to Canada, this was our first port of call and we haven't moved since. My parents were in search of a city that provided my
Are you an IMMIGRANT looking for work? Our Skills Connect for Immigrants Program: • connects your skills with B.C. Employers in all job sectors • provides mentorship opportunities and one-on-one coaching • helps you plan your career,access job leads,upgrade your skills and earn Canadian credentials
Call Today: 604.575.3800 Toll Free: 1.877.277.4832 www.skillsconnect.ca “The Skills Connect for Immigrants Program is part of the WelcomeBC umbrella of services, made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.”
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cent from traditional procurement processes. We are proud of this statistic as it has taken us the world over with a client base that is enviable not just in our slice of heaven, but globally.
How have you established an international presence for your firm?
It’s not easy. We may be quite successful in what we do and how we do it and may have a lot of referrals, but we have to prove to our clients why we are better than someone they can just walk down the road and meet with in person. We have done this quite successfully and have managed to retain relationships that are surprising to some. I and my business partner, Faten Alshazly, also have a deep network of professional friends and colleagues who have referred us due to our years of working with them and knowing our work ethic and quality of work that we produce. Relationship management is no. 1 in our studio and we ensure we go the extra 10 miles (not just a single mile) for each client partner.
What qualities are important for an immigrant business leader in Canada?
As big as Canada is in terms of landmass, it still is quite a small community. We have found that people know about us in the West Coast even without us having known them simply because someone happened to be talking about our work to them. Coming from heavily populated cities and countries, this was certainly a foreign concept to me when I first started my career, but no longer. There is a family atmosphere in the Canadian business market, and the more you build these relationships the better your business prospects as there is always someone who knows you within your network.
What makes Halifax a place to call home for you?
It’s small but not too small, and big but not too big. It allows us to
Ashwin Kutty runs a global marketing firm, and is quite happy doing so from his hometown of Halifax.
have the right pace for a lifestyle, but also be a launching pad for business across the globe. We are always looking to continue our organic growth and that may happen, but if I ever leave Halifax, there would need to be a darn good reason for it and I can't think of one for now.
Any advice for other immigrant entrepreneurs?
Canada is different from the lands you hail from. There is a different business climate and culture that you need to understand and acclimate to. Trying strategies that may have worked from countries you called home here does not always work; in fact, in most cases, they do not. Get to know the people, they are very helpful. Even potential competitors are willing to talk to you and give you the honest truth about business. Even if they do not, it’s a learning experience. There is a great power in experiential knowledge and the more you gather this and do your homework, the more you are prone to be successful.
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FUSION
Halifax Career, Education and Settlement Fair is here! Canadian Immigrant magazine and Scotiabank are presenting Halifax’s 1st Annual Career, Education and Settlement Fair taking place on Sept. 8 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the World Trade and Convention Centre (1800 Argyle St.). In partnership with Fusion Halifax, the free event includes a tradeshow of exhibitors targeted to newcomers, including international students and temporary workers, as well as an educational speakers’ program. The speaking sessions are as follows: 12-12:45 p.m.: Prepare Better with Road to IELTS Speaker: Yania Lucas, British Council-IELTS This interactive session is going to take the audience through the material right from the Road to IELTS website, allowing the audience to ask questions on how best to prepare for the IELTS. 1:15-1:45 p.m.: Immigration Options to Canada and Nova Scotia Speaker: Suzanne I. Rix, partner with Cox & Palmer’s Halifax office Led by an immigration lawyer, this information session will provide an overview of the options available to immigrants to come to Canada and Nova Scotia permanently. Topics will include the streams of the Nova Scotia nominee program, the federal Express Entry program and family sponsorship options. 2:15-2:45 p.m.: Job Seeking: Are There Things You Can Do In Lieu of Just Professional Experience? Speaker: Sharlene Rozario, research assistant at the Centre for Research in Family Health We have all probably heard about the key things you can do to acquire skills before trying to apply for a job. This talk will focus on some of the most popular ones like volunteering and networking, as well as some new strategies that are important today. 3-3:30 p.m.: Career Opportunities at Scotiabank Speaker: Bruce Smith, senior manager, talent acquisition, Scotiabank This session will touch on an overview of Scotiabank, what it's like to be a Scotiabanker, and some of the career opportunities that may be of interest to you, as you begin your job search. 4-4:30 p.m.: Building Your Story: Finding Success as a New Immigrant Speaker: Nic Fieldsend, VP, director of client services, Journeyman Film Company Arriving in a new place can be a daunting prospect. Yet this fresh start provides an opportunity to reinvent yourself and write a new chapter in your life. This session will offer advice about how to build a compelling story that will excite and engage, and help to establish yourself and find success in your new home. Learn more about the Halifax fair at canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair/ halifax.
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SUCCESS STORY
Creative heights
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September 2015
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Indian-born entrepreneur Ajay Virmani not only leads the Canadian air cargo industry, he’s also taken Canada’s movie industry to a higher level BY BAISAKHI ROY
PHOTOS BY ALESSANDRO SHINODA
T
he president and CEO of Cargojet, Canada’s largest cargo airline, cuts a simple figure as he walks into the modest conference room at his Mississauga office. Indian-born Ajay Virmani, well known as the intrepid leader at the helm of one of the most profitable air cargo transportation businesses in North America, has become known for something completely different. His son, Vinay Virmani, is a budding actor and Virmani Sr. has been supportive of his movie career. “My kids worked for a couple summers with Cargojet, but they weren’t interested in it. “My son has always been passionate about the movies, not planes,” he says. So Virmani decided to get involved in what his son loved, rather than the other way around. Last year, he produced the film Dr. Cabbie (about a struggling foreign-trained doctor) and, before that, Breakaway under his production company First Take Entertainment Ltd. They were the highest-grossing English-language Canadian films in the years that they were released. His company also co-produced Deepa Mehta’s Water, which was nominated for an Oscar! Forty years prior, in 1975, Virmani first arrived in this country, armed with an economics degree and all set to pursue his Canadian dream. “I had just been offered a management trainee position in a bank in India, but decided to come here after my sister sponsored me. I did a lot of odd jobs then — washing windows, selling insurance, lots of five-day jobs,” he laughs. Virmani and his pals had their meals at the local gurudwara (Sikh place of worship), feasting on their free langars (food from a free kitchen). “We even scored some free movie tickets for our weekend work,” enthuses the movie buff. But life wasn’t easy for an educated immigrant in Canada in the 1970s. “There was lots of racial tension in those days,” he recalls. “Immigrants were looked at as stealing local jobs, were looked down upon and called all kinds of names. Even in companies I worked at, I was the only brown person or immigrant. I recognized that for some immigrants there was a language handicap; sometimes you weren’t allowed to integrate, so you had to work harder. I developed a sustainability model where I was the first to show up and the last to leave.” He continues, “There were moments when I thought, ‘Why am I here as a second-class citizen?’ But compared to India at that time, I found it more acceptable and rewarding here.” The fact that he shared a one-bedroom apartment with eight other people during this time did not deter him from dreaming big. He soon found a clerical job at Cottrell Transport in 1976, worked his way up to the top, while studying toward an MBA, and then left to start his own company in 1989. Five years later, he bought Cottrell Transport. “I worked at Cottrell, a privately owned company for 13 years. I had many job offers during that time from companies like BMO, Hewlett-Packard, but I knew that I was more suitable for smaller entrepreneurial companies than for big multinationals. There are better opportunities in smaller set-ups,” he says. It was this entrepreneurial instinct that led him to continue to invest in an industry — aviation, specifically the cargo business — that would soon be considered a risky investment. “The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States had happened and nobody was flying. People thought I was crazy to purchase 50 per cent of Canada 3000 Cargo (the largest charter airline in the world at the time of its operation). It was bankrupt, but I saw an opportunity there,” he says. Virmani took a calculated risk and then acquired 100 per cent of Canada 3000 Cargo in 2002, subsequently expanding the services and rebranding the organization into what is now known as Cargojet. No wonder then that Virmani’s life philosophy is to be a leader, to go where no one dares to, but his biggest strength is the team around him. “After 9/11, two things happened —
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Canadian Immigrant
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Provided photo
SUCCESS STORY
In his role as a film producer, Ajay Virmani rubs shoulders with Canada’s biggest stars, including rapper Drake, who made a cameo in Virmani’s production company’s film Breakaway.
planes became cheaper and very qualified people from top airlines were available at a reasonable remuneration because they were being laid off. I was able to hire the best people in the business — flight operations personnel, people in charge of maintenance of the planes, sales persons, management, they all pulled it off! The success of Cargojet and I think any business is a team with the right people in it and my strength has been to find the right people,” he says. His company continues to hit steady milestones. In 2014, Cargojet was awarded the Canada Post Group of Companies contract, worth $1.7 billion. With the announcement of this contract, Cargojet was the first air cargo airline to introduce the Boeing 767-300 extended range freighter aircraft in Canada. Cargojet also operates 40 allfreighter cargo aircraft carrying in excess of one million pounds of cargo across North America each business night. Pointing to Sir Richard Branson, the quirky founder of the Virgin Group of Companies, which includes an airline, as one of his role models, Virmani says he likes people who tread a different path — it’s that quality that makes for a successful entrepreneur. “You have to be a stubborn person who believes in your thoughts and dreams and is ready to take risks. Even if you fail, you still go at it,” he says. Virmani adds that immigrants in particular have that quality of going after what they want. “If an immigrant is travelling all the way to another country, they are being courageous and they are bringing something … if not talent, then hard work. They obviously come with a desire to succeed. Certainly not for the weather,” he jokes. “They have a lot to prove to themselves and their friends and family they left behind in their native countries. It’s a lot of motivation to perform.” For those newcomers looking to start a business, Virmani offers this tip: “Think about the business you are getting into and make sure you are one of these three things — the first to sell a product, selling the best product or selling a unique product. If you don’t fit in one of these three categories, don’t get into it,” he advises. Virmani hopes his legacy in both aviation and films will live on. “We have done all the heavy lifting for the younger generation. Now it is up to them to preserve this and work hard to take it forward.”
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For details in the language you prefer, visit a branch or tdcanadatrust.com/newtocanada 1You must meet the eligibility requirements and provide the required identification to qualify for the New to Canada Package. We reserve the right to change, extend or withdraw this offer at any time. 2Unlimited Chequing Account or All-Inclusive Chequing Account (the “New Chequing Account”) must be opened in order to waive the monthly account fee. The monthly account fee will only be waived for the first 6 months that the New Chequing Account is open and is limited to one account per person and the type of chequing account cannot change during the 6-month period. The monthly account fee waiver only applies to the regular/pro-rated monthly fee; all other fees will continue to apply. If the minimum monthly balance is maintained in the New Chequing Account in any given month during the first 6 months that the account is open and the monthly account fee is not charged, no monthly account fee waiver will be applied for that month. 3Applicant must meet all TD credit granting criteria to be eligible for a TD Credit Card. For complete details, please visit your local TD branch. 4Visa Direct fee refund offer is only available with the opening of an Unlimited Chequing Account or All-Inclusive Banking Plan, and is limited to (1) one account per person, and (2) one Visa Direct transfer fee per month for the first six calendar months that the account is open. The transfer fee will be debited from customer’s account and then credited to the same account in the same currency. The credit will be processed by the 15th day of the month following the date on which the eligible transfer occurred if the account has not been closed. Customer will not receive any other notification of the credit. We may amend or cancel the offer at any time. No other applicable fees or costs will be refunded. We will rebate the most expensive Visa Direct transfer fee that occurred in the applicable month. If customer is sending money in a currency other than that of the originating account, a foreign exchange conversion will occur. Customer will be advised of the rate used for the conversion prior to completing the transaction, and we may earn revenue on the conversion. Regular account transaction fees may also apply. While recipients will not incur any charges for receiving funds through Visa Direct, they should check with their own financial institutions for any costs associated with the use of their Visa cards. 5Savings Account bonus offer only applies to a TD Every Day Savings Account, a TD High Interest Savings Account or a TD ePremium Savings Account that is opened on or before the day the New Chequing Account was opened. Bonus offer is limited to 1 savings account per person and the type of savings account cannot change during the Offer Period. The bonus rate is in addition to the posted rate on the savings account and will be applied to the savings account commencing no later than 10 business days after the New Chequing Account was opened and will be effective for 6 months thereafter (“Offer Period”). Regular posted interest rates will apply after the end of the Offer Period. Bonus interest will be calculated separately and paid monthly. Interest rates are subject to change without notice. ®The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
YOUTH
PROOFING
Youth gangs today
While gangs have traditionally attracted young males to sell drug and commit crimes, research has shown the number of girls involved in gangs is on the rise. Girls are increasingly drawn by the lifestyle their gangster boyfriends provide — expensive designer clothes and eating at the best restaurants. The girls are
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Illustration by Hemeterio
L
atoya Rodney was eight years old she first held a gun. “They gave it to me because I was small [and could hide it],” she says. “Somehow I knew to pull my sleeve over my hand to keep my fingerprints off.” Rodney, whose father immigrated to Canada from Jamaica and mother from England, grew up in Toronto’s roughest priority neighbourhood in the 1990s and was part of a gang by the age of nine. At 14, she was appointed the leader of a violent all-girl gang. “Youth gangs were named after candy bars and cartoons. We were the Lunettes, a female version of the Looney Tunes gang,” she says. Rodney was in charge of initiating new members. “They had to beat up girls. I remember one time I made this girl beat up a girl I didn’t like. You had to prove you were very violent to belong.” According to Rodney, although every race had gangs, ethnicity wasn’t the main factor that drew girls into them. It was low selfesteem. “Being in a gang made us feel big. When you don’t love yourself, you get involved in bad things. Notice how girls act, wearing baggy clothes and walking and talking like a guy. I didn’t even comb my hair. I was hiding because I didn’t love myself. I didn’t feel pretty. They called me ‘Creature.’”
How immigrant parents can keep their kids from becoming vulnerable to gang life By Nicole Breit
often used to hide guns and drugs because they are less likely to be searched by police. Recent studies have shown that the gang landscape in Canada has changed in other ways over the past few decades, too. While there are still gangs drawn on ethnic lines, the role of ethnicity has diminished in gang membership. Over the past 25 years gangs have become more diverse, ethnically and socioeconomically. A prime example is the UN gang, which first rose to prominence in B.C.’s Fraser Valley in the late 1990s. At its height, the gang had 200 members and, like the organization it was named after, represented dozens of different cultures. “Gangs are now run as business
September 2015
alliances forming mergers and making acquisitions,” says Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, spokesperson for B.C.’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (BCCFSEU), an organization whose mission is to provide gang awareness and prevention initiatives. “To gain strength, gangs had to diversify. If someone was from Central America or somewhere else with access to a better product in an illicit market, their background didn’t matter. They were in.”
Why kids join gangs
Still, immigrant youth are particularly vulnerable to the gang lifestyle. Dr. Hieu Van Ngo, assistant
professor in the University of Calgary’s School of Social Work, is an often-cited expert on why immigrant youth join gangs. His 2010 research report looked at why kids from immigrant families get involved in criminal gang activity and how to effectively support them. According to Vietnamese-born Van Ngo’s study, immigrant children fall prey to gangs to fill a void. When they experience discrimination, bullying or a loss of cultural identity, they gradually disengage from their families, schools and communities. ESL learners typically lag behind their peers academically, and failure at school makes them more vulnerable to gang involvement. Immigrant youth also have the highest unemployment rate in Canada. Gangs provide a sense of belonging as well as safety, power and access to money. Although the children of immigrants may be more vulnerable to the lure of gang activity, according to Sgt. Houghton, middle-class Canadian kids are just as likely to join gangs. “Immigrant kids become Canadianized really quickly. They tell their parents ‘I need a $200 pair of shoes to fit in.’ And when we ask kids whose parents give them a $20 allowance each week why they joined a gang they say, ‘I didn’t want a crappy job. I thought selling drugs was a quicker way to make money. I didn’t realize the risks.’ The sad reality is, very few people get rich in gangs.” Like Latoya Rodney, ex-gang member David Carrillo says low self-esteem played a major role in his gang involvement in Canada. Carrillo was abused by two family members. When he arrived in Toronto from Ecuador at age 13,
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his anger quickly turned to violence. “I saw Hispanic gangs in movies, but it was more personal issues than being an immigrant that led to my involvement in gangs. Violence helped me release anger because of the trauma I went through. My self-esteem was really, really low,” he says, explaining his reasons for entering gang life.
Ending gang life
Fortunately, there is more education available today to help those at-risk kids like Rodney and Carrillo avoid gang life. The BCCFSEU’s End Gang Life initiative, for example, uses edgy posters, videos and radio ads to reach atrisk kids in Vancouver and across the country. The posters are deliberately raw and direct, using shocking images and statistics to address the reality of gang life. “The feedback has been extremely positive,” Sgt. Houghton says. “We have kids coming up to us after a talk. One young man came up to us in tears to tell us his cousin had been pressuring him to sell drugs, but now he knew how to stand up to him.”
Although it becomes harder to leave a gang once a member has witnessed violent crime or knows too many secrets, Sgt. Houghton stresses that it’s never impossible to get out. “We’ve helped people at the highest level of gangs leave gang life behind. They just need willpower and support.” For Carrillo, the birth of his son gave him the push he needed to leave gang life. Latoya Rodney’s wake-up call was a string of tragic and violent deaths. “2005 was the Year of the Gun in Toronto,” she says. “My brother was shot 18 times and survived. A month later, my cousin was killed, then my younger brother.” Rodney participated in preemployment programs and conflict-resolution classes. Now she is a successful musician and mom who talks to young people in schools about why they shouldn’t join gangs.
Helping kids get out
To prevent gang involvement among your kids, here are some tips from End Gang Life's Understanding Youth and Gangs booklet, available at endganglife. ca in English, Chinese, Punjabi
and Arabic. • Always know where your kids are, what they are doing and who they are with. • Avoid “tough love” such as cutting them off or forbidding them from going out. • Take an interest and be a part of your children’s school and extracurricular activities. • Help your kids choose positive friends. • Have open communication with your kids so they feel comfortable talking to you. If you suspect your child may be involved in gang activity already, Sgt. Houghton advises to: • Approach your local police or school counsellor for help. Ask questions. Inquire about community resources aimed at immigrant youth and their families. • Talk to your child. Open the conversation calmly with an observation. For example, “I was cleaning up your room and found some stuff that concerns me. We should talk.” Tell your child you’ve done some research and why you are afraid for them. • Arrange a mini-intervention-
style discussion with a police officer. Sgt. Houghton says that most kids successfully walk away once they have the knowledge and support to help them get out of a gang. Indian-born Balwant Sanghera of B.C.'s South Asian Community Coalition Against Youth Violence, which was a partner in the creation of the booklet, notes, “During my active career as a school psychologist, I had the opportunity to work closely with youth, parents and teachers. One issue that has caused the biggest concern to me as a parent and now as a grandparent is the tragic loss of our youth to the menace of the dangerous drugs trade and senseless gang violence,” adds Sanghera, a RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant (2010). “Preventing youth from following the path of violence and gang involvement requires that we as parents, teachers and community members remain informed and proactive to protect our youth from gang influences.” Ultimately, kids who feel connected with their family, friends, school, neighbourhood and community are less likely to get involved in gangs.
September 2015
Canadian Immigrant
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Immigrant
Settlement
Guide 2015
To list your agency in the “Immigrant Settlement Guide,” please contact: ONTARIO LISTINGS Ricky Bajaj: 905-273-8170 or John Zhang: 416-803-3931
WESTERN CANADA LISTINGS
Alla Gordeeva: 778-558-3397 or alla@canadianimmigrant.ca
Are you a newcomer to Canada? You no doubt have many questions. Immigrating can be a challenging process, with many unknowns, but the good news is that there are many resources available to help you. Seeking help at an immigrant settlement agency is going to be your most important first step in Canada. And many services are free, from English as a second language programs to settlement counselling to career help, including mentorship and retraining opportunities. The services are all aimed to help you overcome the challenges you’re facing and succeed in Canada. Here are just some of the agencies ready to serve you in the Greater Toronto Area:
Agency
General Services and Specialty Programs
Languages
Brampton Multicultural Centre (BMC)
Not for profit, registered charity providing multilingual, culturally sensitive free programs & services to help clients enhance their community engagement while integrating into Canadian society. Programs: Initial settlement support, resumés & employment readiness workshops, advocacy with solution-focused counselling, interpretation & translation, services for youth and youth at risk, volunteer opportunities, seniors program and mental health support services in multiple languages. Reference to instructor-led LINC classes with child-minding & transportation subsidies, violence against women program and community engagement programs. Email: services@bmccentre.org www.bmccentre.org
• • • • •
English Punjabi Gujarati French Spanish
• • • • •
Hindi Tamil Urdu Arabic Farsi
Settlement Services, Family Counselling, Senior Services and Volunteer Opportunities. Specialty Programs: English Language Training & Citizenship Classes, Job Search Workshops, Adult Day & Seniors Wellness program, Services for Women, Children and Youth, Supportive Mental Health Services Email: info@indiarainbow.org www.indiarainbow.org
• • • •
English Punjabi Gujarati French
• • • •
Hindi Tamil Urdu Arabic
Find out how to: get the skills you need to find work quickly! — Job Search Workshops Program! perfect your resumé, practise interview skills and more — Job Find Club for Internationally Trained Individuals job search effectively — with Employment Ontario Employment Services. Access Bridge to HR — a bridging program for internationally educated HR professionals Email: info@jobskills.org www.jobskills.org
• English
Settlement Services, LINC Classes (level 1-6) with child minding, Counseling, Job search, Citizenship & Immigration, Groups for Youth, Seniors & Women and Volunteering. Specialty Programs: Bridge Training Program for International Mental Health Professionals, Community Engagement Program, Community Mental health Program and Anger management. Additional locations at Scarborough and Toronto. Email: northyork@mnlct.org www.mnlct.org
• • • • •
English Spanish Mandarin Bengali Turkish
New to Canada? Looking for a job in your field? Need career and training options? We can help Get free advice on how to use your skills and find a meaningful career in Canada. Contact us today to speak with one of our experts. We’re a national organization and serve all of Ontario. Contact: Elena Rakitskaya or Jim Lamarche Email: acp@nacc.ca www.nacc.ca/acp
• • • • •
English French Russian Farsi Spanish
Settlement Services: assist immigrants to integrate and become established and contributing members of Canadian society. English Language Classes are instructor-led, and supported by a computer lab. Job-specific, advanced-level Enhanced Language Training available. Supports to assist in developing the skills needed to find work: resumé/cover letter preparation, interview readiness and information about accreditation, workplace practices, Canadian employer expectations. Other services available. Email: info@welcomecentre.ca www.welcomecentre.ca
• English
197 County Court Blvd. Suite 303 Brampton ON L6W 4P6 Phone: 905-790-8482 Fax: 905-874-6100
India Rainbow Community Services of Peel 3038 Hurontario Street, Suite 206 & Unit 1, Mississauga, ON L5B 3B9 Phone: 905-275-2369 Job Skills Employment & Business Programs & Supports Locations in York, Peel and North Toronto Phone: 1-866-592-6278 Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto 2737 Keele Street North York ON M3M 2E9 Phone: 647-776-2057 National Association of Career Colleges 44 Byward Market, Suite 270 Ottawa, K1N 7A2 Phone: 1-866-981-6863 Welcome Centre Immigrant Services 7 Locations in York and Durham Regions Phone: 1-877-761-1155
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CULTURE
Three immigrants in Scarborough Walk of Fame
Dr. Sophie Hofstader, Betty Carr and Farley Flex
T
hey came from different countries, in different decades and with different passions. Yet Dr. Sophie Hofstader, Betty Carr and Farley Flex are three Canadian immigrants who are linked by excellence in their adopted hometown of Scarborough, Ontario. The three of them will be inducted, among others, into the Scarborough Walk of Fame and celebrated at the Scarborough Hospital Foundation’s inaugural Kaleidoscope Ball on Oct. 17, raising funds for new hospital equipment and facility refurbishment.
Leading doctor
After arriving in Canada from
Poland in 1949, determined to become a doctor like her father, Dr. Hofstader had to fight to get into medical school. A surly dean of medicine at one of the country’s top universities refused to admit her because she was a foreigner and a woman. Hofstader was not about to back down. “I said ‘Well look, I came to Canada because I want to become a citizen and I won’t be a foreigner forever, but I really didn’t make any plans to change my gender.’” So she switched universities, graduated at the top of her class and began to practise as a family doctor at the Scarborough Hospital. Hofstader quickly rose to become secretary of the fam-
Bridge Delivery for
(From left) Betty Carr, Farley Flex and Dr. Sophie Hofstader.
ily medicine department, but a growing fascination with dermatology led her to specialization and advanced studies.
Journalist champion
When Betty Carr left her hometown of Fleetwood, England, getting involved in her new community was a top priority. “For me, community, and helping to be part of it, is very important,” she explains. “Being accepted in a community was very important to me and my family.” Carr settled in Ontario, and in 1972 started working at the Oshawa community newspaper. In 1989, Carr took the helm as publisher of the Scarborough Mirror. She added eight other community newspapers to her portfolio and helped the Toronto Community News group transform into one of the best performing and diverse divisions of parentcompany Metroland.
Music mogul
For Farley Flex, the connection to Scarborough’s diverse community came through music. Moving to Canada from Trinidad when he was just six years old, Flex grew up immersed in Caribbean and North American culture. Known nationally as a judge on Canadian Idol and as rapper Maestro Fresh-Wes’ manager, Flex’s passion is supporting and creating high-quality, inclusive music, and empowering youth in the Scarborough community and around the country. “It is really an honour to be able to support the Scarborough Hospital,” adds Flex. “My mother worked at the hospital, I grew up in Scarborough and I benefited from the services that the hospital offers. Scarborough is one of the most diverse places in the world and the hospital reflects that community.”
info@ccnm.edu www.ccnm.edu
International Medical Graduates Continuing your medical career in Canada
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Educat ing nat uropat hic doctors for almos t 40 years 18 canadianimmigrant.ca
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LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT JOB? GET THE RIGHT SKILLS!
Electronic Medical Records
Hands-on, End User and Implementation Projects Programs start every Saturday
Office Clerk Diploma* Reception for Newcomers Certificate** Word & Excel Advanced Certificates**
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Small Class Size, Friendly Instructors, Financial Assistance Available * Diploma opportunities are approved vocational programs under the Prviate Career Colleges Act, 2005
Convenient location at: 55 Eglinton Ave. East, Suite 703 Toronto, Ontario (Yonge & Eglinton)
** Certificate programs are not approved as vocational programs under the Private Career Colleges Act 2005
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A Life of SucceSS‌in one YeAr or LeSS
Since 1979
People Helping People
SKILLS CONNECT FOR IMMIGRANTS Your career in Canada starts here. New to Canada? Looking for work in your field? Let us help. Lower Mainland 604 438 3045 or 604 588 7772 Fraser Valley 604 866 1645 or 604 866 0257 skillsconnect@douglascollege.ca
douglascollege.ca/skillsconnect
This project is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
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WELCOME TO CANADA Brought to you by:
STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS IN CANADA? Here are
8 steps to launch
By Margaret Jetelina
W
hile Canada may be known as a “nation of immigrants,” the country’s economic engine is certainly its small business sector — about 98 per cent of employer businesses are defined as “small,” according to Industry Canada. And immigrants are a big part of that. Statistics show approximately 19 per cent of immigrants are selfemployed, compared with 15 per cent of the rest of the Canadian population. Many newcomers look to entrepreneurship as an alternative to the job-search grind and no-Canadian experience barrier. It’s also an attractive option for potential immigrants looking to come to Canada, thanks to Canada’s new Start-Up Visa program, which is designed to attract entrepreneurs from around the world. This program is ideal for entrepreneurs with experience running a successful business elsewhere, as they will need backing from a business incubator, venture capital fund, or Canadian angel investor group to apply. Canada offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs, including a stable economy, well-established regulations and processes, and good access to funding relative to other countries. On average, 150,000 new small businesses are created in Canada annually, but only half or so survive their first five years. So what makes one small business succeed and another fail? There are lots of variables that lead some business owners to success, and others not, but following a detailed plan of action with plenty of thought and research will certainly help. Here
are eight steps to help you launch your business.
1 Decide what you want to do
People decide to start their own business for many different reasons. Perhaps you have identified a service or product that people want or need, or you have a desire to improve people’s lives. Maybe you want to import a product from your country of origin to Canada, or you want to start a service business utilizing your professional skills, or you are looking at a franchise business or neighbourhood restaurant. Consider what you are really passionate about. What do you want to do, and why do you want to do it?
2 Do your market research
As a newcomer to Canada you
may have a great business idea, but before you invest too much in any idea, sit down and do your market research. Look at your potential customers, competitors and more. If you have an idea for a product or service, make sure that there is a realistic need for it. How many people will use your business, and how much will they pay? Is what you offer unique? Decide what will set your business apart from others. The Canada Business Network website has tips on how to conduct market research as well as up-todate information and statistics. See canadabusiness.ca/eng/.
3 Write a business plan
A business plan is a comprehensive document that details everything. It shows where you want to go and how you’re going to get there. It is a living docu-
ment that includes information on your business offerings, goals, competitors, staffing, expenses, marketing plan and forecasted income. Your business plan should have three main purposes: • To determine the feasibility of your idea. • To document a strategy and direction for your business. • To share information with external parties who have an interest in your business, such as investors. There are many resources available to help you write a Canadian business plan, including an interactive business plan writing tool at scotiabank.com/ smallbusiness. Make your business plan a priority and give it the effort it deserves.
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WELCOME TO CANADA Brought to you by:
4 Register your business
The process and requirements for registering a business vary from province to province. Check with your municipality to find out if you need a business name, licence, permit and whether you meet zoning and bylaw requirements. Industry Canada's BizPaL is a really useful tool for finding out what permits and licences you'll need to do business. You will also have to register for federal and provincial taxes. You’ll also have to decide on a business structure, which have different tax implications. The most common forms are: • Sole proprietorship — if you run the business on your own, you’ll pay personal tax based on your business income. • Partnership — if there’s more than one person running your business, you can form a partnership. You’ll pay personal tax based on the portion of profit from the partnership allocated to you. • Corporation — this is a separate legal entity with share holders that pays its own tax. As the owner, you’ll be an employee of the company.
you will have if you have employees. This includes payroll obligations, labour laws and registration with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Purchasing insurance for your business may also be a factor.
5 Finance your business
Your business plan should give you an idea of your costs. Consider production costs, shipping, worker's wages, rent for workspace, taxes and profit for you! Check to see if you are eligible for grants, contributions and financial assistance from federal and provincial governments.
Other considerations include the issues and responsibilities
In addition to your own savings, financing options you may want to consider including loans or private investments from family or friends, business investors and small business financing from your financial institution. The Scotiabank StartRight for business program1 has been designed specifically for landed immigrants who have been in Canada for three years or less to access credit and help start a business. It offers new small business owners an opportunity to build credit history while fueling their entrepreneurial dream. Scotiabank further supports entrepreneurs with its Scotia Running Start for business® banking package2, which has been designed especially for businesses that are less than two years old and provides savings on bundled personal and business banking services and other special offers.
6 Build an excellent team
Assemble a team of staff, suppliers and partners that share your same values of hard work and excellence. Know when to delegate based on people’s expertise and skillset, but maintain your leadership and vision as the owner of the business.
7 Promote your business
There are many ways to promote your business, and the most effective method depends on what kind of service or product you offer. Consider creating a website and business cards, joining trade associations, advertising in the local paper, distributing flyers or advertising on the radio, television or in newspapers. Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth and social media; these may be your strongest assets in today’s economy.
8 Find support
It’s important to have people in your corner who will support your plans and encourage you when things get tough. This can include family and members in your community, but can also be mentors who own their own business or work in your chosen industry. Connecting with other business owners is easy — you’ll find that business owners like to attend events organized by their local Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade. Contact a local office for a schedule of upcoming networking opportunities and get involved!
Immigrant small business owners at a glance According to Industry Canada, 21.7 percent of SMEs in Canada had a majority owner or CEO born outside of Canada. Here is the breakdown of immigrant owners by province: British Columbia: Ontario: Alberta: Saskatchewan: Manitoba: Quebec: Atlantic region:
28.6% 27.5% 24.5% 14.4% 11.3% 11.2% 11.3%
® Registered trademarks of the Bank of Nova Scotia. 1 Subject to meeting Scotiabank’s credit criteria and security requirements. Standard interest charges are applicable. In addition, to be eligible you must be a Canadian resident and have reached the age of majority. Personal guarantees required for business credit. A credit card may be available up to certain credit limits without further security; where required, further security must equal to 100 per cent of approved credit limit. Credit card security can be assets such as cash security, Canada Savings Bonds or Guaranteed Investment Certificates. 2 The package components that are available to new Scotia Running Start for business® banking package customers and any introductory fee offers that are available are subject to change without notice. Subject to meeting Scotiabank’s credit criteria and security requirements. Standard interest charges are applicable. In addition, to be eligible you must be a Canadian resident and have reached the age of majority. Personal guarantees required for business credit.
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CanI
“I know how hard it is to establish your finances in a new country.” —Scotiabank advisor ®
Our advisors can help open the door to your new start in Canada. The Scotiabank StartRight Program , specially designed for newcomers, helps you settle quickly in Canada. Let one of our advisors show you how. ®
1
Visit scotiabank.com/startright or call 1-866-800-5159. ® Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia. 1. The Scotiabank StartRight Program, created for Canadian Landed Immigrants from 0–3 years in Canada, International Students and Foreign Workers.
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2015-05-21 1:04 PM
WELCOME TO CANADA Brought to you by:
CAR BUYING IN CANADA
Choosing a model is just the first step; financial decisions come next By Margaret Jetelina
R
eady to buy your first car in Canada? There are many considerations, the least of which are style, colour and model. The bigger question is how are you going to finance it? Cars are not a cheap purchase today, with most new vehicles starting around $20,000. And don’t forget about the high costs of gas and maintenance! If you want to buy a safe, reliable vehicle for your family, you may want to consider buying a brand-new or near-new car with the help of financing — leasing or buying.
Leasing vs. buying
You may choose to lease or buy a car outright with the help of either a car loan or dealer financing. Canadians often shop around for car loans at financial institutions or through the dealer where they buy the car. Leasing a car is a popular option for self-employed people, as they can write off the payments on their income taxes. Further, monthly payments are lower, but you don’t actually own the car. You are basically signing an agreement to use a new vehicle for a defined period of time (typically 24, 36 or 48 months). At the end of the lease term, the car is returned to the dealer, or you can purchase the vehicle at an agreed-upon price. Purchasing a car may increase your monthly costs for the financing term (usually 48 or 60 months), but then you own the vehicle outright and you can
keep driving it with no payments for years to come. The Scotiabank StartRight Auto Finance Program1 provides auto financing solutions for landed immigrants and foreign workers who have been in Canada for three years or less. The program provides a financing option for the purchase of a new or used vehicle — loans for up to 60 months to a maximum loan amount of $100,000. In the short term, leasing will probably cost you less than buying. But a longer lease term will result in higher carrying costs. Leases also have limitations on the car’s usage, such as a limit of kilometres annually (going over means paying high penalties).
Car insurance cost
The cost of auto insurance is also an important consideration. If you drive in Canada, auto insurance is mandatory. It protects the owner/driver, passengers, pedes-
trians and property affected by a vehicle collision. Car insurance can be expensive, varies from province to province and depends on your driving record and other factors, such as the type of car you are insuring. Here are a few tips to save on auto insurance: • Complete a driver education program. New drivers can acclimatize to driving in Canada and qualify for lower
premiums by completing one of these programs. • Compare multiple providers. Some companies offer a discount if you quote online. • Combine policies. Many insurance companies offer discounts if you insure your home or other vehicles with the same institution. • Select a higher deductible. By increasing the amount you pay out of pocket, your premiums may be lower. The key is choosing an amount you can afford to pay if you ever need to make a claim. • Pay a lump sum. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you elect to pay your insurance annually instead of monthly. • Consider your car. The make and model of your car impacts the cost of insurance, with safer cars often qualifying for a range of discounts. Also, maintain the condition of your car by getting it serviced regularly.
Licence to drive
A valid driver’s licence is required to operate a vehicle in Canada. Your foreign driver’s licence may be valid for only a short time (that amount of time varies by province, usually 60 to 90 days), so you will eventually need to get a Canadian licence. Depending on which country your original licence is from, you may be able to simply exchange your international licence for a Canadian one after taking an eye exam and paying the applicable fees. In other cases, you will have to take the driving exam to requalify. The rules differ for each province. Find out more details at canadianimmigrant.ca under "Settling in Canada" or contact your provincial motor vehicle licensing agency.
® Registered trademarks of the Bank of Nova Scotia. 1 The Scotiabank StartRight Auto Finance Program is available through all Scotiabank authorized dealerships in Canada. This program is only available for Landed Immigrants and Foreign Workers. Subject to Scotiabank financing terms and conditions. Downpayment required.
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DRIVING
Sponsored by:
Back-to-school safety 101 Cautious road habits for you and your kids By Ronald D’Souza
S
ummer is drawing to a close, and that means it’s time for the start of a new school year. Getting back into the work/school routine is never easy; we have to adjust to jam-packed schedules and elevated stress levels; however, it’s important to be patient, especially when driving your kids to school.
or its signal lights stop flashing. Always look out for children who might be passing in front or behind your vehicle, and make it a habit to back your vehicle into your driveway to avoid backing out during the busy morning traffic. Children are small and can be easily missed. If you are in the market for a vehicle, consider one that is equipped with driver aids such as rear vision camera, side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert, which are available with all new 2015 Buick vehicles.
School bus safety
Behind the wheel
Even when in a rush to get your kids to school in the morning, you must drive with caution, especially when nearing a school zone. Many collisions and injuries can be avoided by following speed limits and road signs. Remember, your vehicle is a convenient means of transportation, but it can also cause serious injuries. The speed limit for school zones across Canada is typically 3040 kilometres per hour, so start slowing down as you approach the school. Once you have arrived, respect the school’s designated pickup and drop-off areas. Most schools will have rules in place to keep everyone safe. Further patience is needed when school buses are around. All drivers must come to a complete stop before reaching a school bus with its signal lights flashing and must remain stopped until the bus moves
According to Transport Canada, having your children commute to class via school bus is one of the safest ways to travel. That being said, most school bus-related injuries occur when children are getting on and off the bus. It’s important to have a discussion with your child before the first day of school and remind them to be mindful of their surroundings and to exercise caution, particularly when it comes to looking out for motorists. Make it a habit that they look left and right before crossing the road or an intersection. These habits will stick with you for life and are life-saving! Both parents and children should be mindful of the school bus schedule, so your children are not running after a school bus. All pedestrians should also stay on the sidewalk until the bus has come to a complete stop. It’s important to make sure that children are in the right frame of mind and understand that large, heavy vehicles like school busses take longer to slow down. Once the bus has arrived, be sure to remind your children to use the handrails when climbing into or out of the school bus, as the rubberized steps tend to become slippery when there is rain or snow. While riding the bus, children should take a seat as quickly as possible and place their backpacks securely under the seat. Kids should also be taught not to stick or throw anything out of the window and to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before getting out of their seat. When getting off the bus, it’s important to be at least 10 feet away from the bus before it drives away to prevent injury, as school bus drivers have to deal with many blind spots simultaneously. Your child should be clearly visible to the driver after they have exited the vehicle. If a child drops something near or under the bus, they should never attempt to retrieve it without first informing the driver.
Pedestrian safety
Whether your child is walking, biking or skateboarding to school, it’s important that they adhere to a few guidelines to ensure they stay safe. Only allow older children to travel by themselves and find a safe, direct route. Here are some tips to share with your kids: • Always stay on sidewalks and away from motorists. • Be sure that drivers see you before you cross the road and make eye contact with them before you take your first step onto the road. • If you’re biking/rollerblading/skateboarding, be sure to wear a properly fitted helmet and other safety gear. Also, be sure to be aware of and obey all traffic rules and signals. • Finally, don’t ride in the dark or during bad weather, as the risks of an accident occurring rises exponentially. September 2015
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Is music your calling? Channel your love for the universal language into one of these careers
W
ant to have a career in music but not sure how? You don’t have to be a famous rock star to enjoy a musicbased career. Whether you excel in teaching, caregiving, playing music, business or technology, there is a prospective musical career in Canada for you.
Music teacher
Music teachers instruct students on how to play an instrument or sing. They also teach students skills including reading, writing and playing music as well as how to express themselves through song. Mark Reid, outgoing president of the Canadian Music Educators’ Association, says that, although a music teacher must often possess patience and determination to enter the school system, there are jobs available, as learning about music is popular among children. For the same reason, Reid believes opportunities for teaching private lessons in places like community music schools or a music teacher’s
By Carime Lane
home business, are also plentiful. While Reid believes patience is a key attribute of a music teacher, he says other traits are necessary as well. “The best music teachers are very good communicators, very aware of themselves, confident musicians and they’re the kind of people who enjoy analyzing the situation to figure out what step will be next to help a student,” says Reid.
Education
To teach music in the public school system, typically completion of an undergraduate degree in music and provincial teacher’s program is required. Internationally educated music teachers would have to get their credentials evaluated by their provincial
regulating body to be licensed as a teacher. Private schools may have more flexibility in their hiring practices. Many music academies also require private instructors to have a university degree in music.
Salary
According to Statistics Canada, an elementary teacher’s average annual salary is $54,000 per year; for a secondary school teacher, $57,500. Reid estimates that a private instructor starting out can make from $20 to $30 per hour — as demand for their services increase, so does their rate.
Music therapist
A music therapist may be a fulltime employee or independent contractor and serve in a wide
range of locations, including substance abuse and addiction centres, schools and correctional centres. They skillfully use music to stimulate health and wellbeing in many different cases, including for those with conditions such as cancer or speech and language impairments, or dealing with emotional trauma or abuse, according to the Canadian Association for Music Therapy.
Education
Music therapists must complete a music therapy degree or graduate certificate at an institution sanctioned by the Canadian Association for Music Therapy and complete a 1,000-hour internship and board certification exam. Internationally educated music therapists must present proof of their education and internship, and pass the certification exam.
Salary
Although statistics are hard to come by, Chrissy Pearson,
Are you new to Canada? Are you looking to build a successful career? ACCES Employment can help! Our sector-specific programs help new Canadians to find a job in their field and to build their career in Canada. Working with over 1000 employers in the Greater Toronto Area, we can connect you to companies hiring in your sector. ACCES Employment offers specialized services for professionals from the following industries: • Engineering
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Connecting Our Digital Community
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Driving Our Digital Economy Forward
clinical manager of the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto, estimates a full-time music therapist can earn between $35,000 and $75,000 per year (depending on the type/size of facility, location within Canada, years of experience and qualifications); those in private practice may see $25,000 to $85,000 per year (depending on similar factors and others like total hours worked and amount charged).
Singer or musician
If music is really all you want to do, you can be employed in a wide range of gigs as a singer or musician in Canada, even if you’re not a famous pop star. Rock, jazz or popular music artists can play at bars; classically trained musicians can play in local concert halls. Both can also find work at local events such as weddings, corporate parties or bat mitzvahs. In studio, you can be hired to record music for a variety of projects, including jingles, TV commercials, movies or music for websites. Allistair Elliott, the American Federation of Music’s international representative for Canada,
28 canadianimmigrant.ca
and originally from Northern Ireland, says a musician must be “thick-skinned” despite rejection. “And able to adapt to different circumstances,” Elliott says. London-born Chris Birkett, a recent immigrant to Canada and seasoned international musician, adds that passion in a job where money is not easily made — especially at first — is essential. According to Elliott, by offering a quality product and being business-minded, a singer or musician can do well in larger centres. Immigrants can also focus in on the ethnocultural market, making music from their country of origin. “Musicians are primarily self-employed, so job prospects are what you make [them],” says Elliott.
Education
University, college or private musical training is often required. Elliott adds that those with music-related educations command greater respect and experience greater progression in the field.
Salary
According to Statistics Canada,
September 2015
the annual average income for a musician in Canada is $24,100.
Artist manager
Artist managers oversee and negotiate the business affairs of their roster of artists, with activities ranging from communicating with representatives such as concert promoters and publicists to balancing budgets. Along with having a love for music, Bob Roper, chair of the arts management program at the Harris Institute and a music industry veteran, says a manager should be a self-starter, aggressive, detail-orientated and demonstrate foresight about their artists’ career path. Again, immigrants can also use their heritage by promoting ethnocultural acts.
Education
While specialized programs in artist management are available, and some background in business is an asset, managers also break into the field by convincing a band to hire them, or start with paid internship programs at management companies.
Salary
According to Roper, most managers are paid with a standard commission — 15-20 per cent of an artist’s gross income.
Sound recording technician
A recording engineer not only sets up and manages equipment, records and edits sound, but also advises artists on improving the quality of their music in a recording studio or concert hall. An engineer could also capture sound for film productions. According to Service Canada, the industry is fiercely competitive due to the high number of recording engineers on the market.
Education
Specialized programs at post-secondary institutions are an asset, but engineers also break into the field by volunteering or interning.
Salary
Carl Horton, director at Recording Arts Canada Digital Arts College, says that income for a recording engineer varies widely, estimating a range of $25,000 to $150,000 per year.
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Visit an RBC® Branch, rbc.com/cim or call us at 1-866-811-0596
* No credit history required for a credit card, car loan or home mortgage. Provided you meet all of Royal Bank of Canada’s eligibility and credit criteria, and provided you are a permanent resident who has arrived in Canada within the last 12 months, you may be eligible for an unsecured or secured RBC Royal Bank credit card even if you have no Canadian credit history. An RBC Royal Bank automotive car loan and residential mortgage or mortgage within an RBC Homeline Plan® are available to permanent residents and foreign workers even if you have no Canadian credit history provided you meet all of Royal Bank of Canada’s eligibility and credit criteria. † Based on market capitalization. 1 See www.rbc.com/newcomerterms for select credit cards. 2 Offer only available to First-Time Home Buyers on a 4, 5 or 7-year fixed interest rate closed residential mortgage or 5-year variable rate closed residential mortgage or on one RBC Homeline Plan mortgage segment. To qualify, you must have or open a mortgage payment account with RBC Royal Bank. The $500 will be deposited to this account. The mortgage or mortgage segment must be for a minimum principal amount of $100,000. This offer is only available for new builder single advance mortgages that close within 120 days from commitment start date. All other construction draw/builder mortgages (including purchase plus improvement), amendments to an existing mortgage, port/assumption transactions, an advance of additional funds or a renewal are excluded. Offer may be withdrawn or amended without notice at any time. The offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other special offers, with the exception of RBC Royal Bank rate specials. 3 $14.95 monthly fee will be waived for first 6 months upon account opening. Applies to RBC Signature No Limit Banking® account only. Available only to newcomers who have arrived in Canada within the last year and who show proof of permanent resident status or who have arrived between 1 – 3 years ago when they switch their account from another financial institution using CustomSwitch®. Other restrictions and conditions apply to all offers. Each of these offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time and each is subject to change without notice. For complete Terms and Conditions visit any RBC Royal Bank branch or visit www.rbc.com/newcomerterms. Personal lending products and residential mortgages are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard lending criteria. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. VPS91034
Are you a newcomer 5 years or less in Canada? • Are you an international student? • Are you thinking of a career change?
PRESENTS
1ST
A N N U A L
FAIR
CAREER EDUCATION & SETTLEMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
IFAX L A H
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
EXCITING EXHIBITORS • RESUMÉ CLINIC • INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 World Trade and Convention Centre 1800 Argyle St., Halifax, N.S.
REGISTER ONLINE canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair/halifax
FREE ADMISSION DOORS OPEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE
UPCOMING FAIRS!
Calgary Oct. 15 • Vancouver Nov. 16 Planning is currently underway for upcoming fairs. We are seeking sponsors, exhibitors and speakers. Contact: Alla Gordeeva (Vancouver/Calgary fairs) email: alla@canadianimmigrant.ca tel: 778-558-3397
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School nerves
Deadlines, tests and more … here’s how to manage all that education-related anxiety
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32 canadianimmigrant.ca
September 2015
here are plenty of reasons for school to make anyone anxious. There are tests and presentations, meeting new people, fear of failure, money worries and all those deadlines. For students who are new to Canada, there may be additional worries and challenges — unfamiliarity with the way the Canadian educational system works, what is expected of a student, how to relate to professors and classmates, and more. Some of these pressures can be managed with good planning and study habits, a little courage and some support, but some may just be out of your control. If you are a post-secondary student, you will want to tackle the challenges you can control and have a way to manage the stress you can’t.
Managing anxiety
It is a good idea to find ways to manage your anxiety, since surprises can come up anytime. You may have to take a quick quiz, meet with a professor or be asked to make an impromptu presentation. If you find your heart rate racing, your mouth dry or your knees weak, here are some things that may work: • take some deep calming breaths • put the situation in perspective • tense and relax muscles • use something that usually works to calm you, such as listening to music. It is better if you can head off a confrontation with your anxiety before it takes hold. Think of the following strategies as ways to prevent anxiety from interfering with your academics.
Exam stress
Worried about what’s going to be on the test? Exam anxiety is normal. And, for immigrants, the
type of exam in a Canadian setting may be different from what you have been used to back home. If possible, find out the type of exam ahead of time and make sure you are clear on the expectations. If you attend all classes, pay attention to the teacher, study the material and review your notes, you will be and feel prepared for exams. Teachers often give clues in class as to what will be on the exam; be sure to attend or you will miss valuable tips. If you are very familiar with the material and know what to expect, you are better equipped to manage an even difficult exam.
Presentation nerves
Lots of people are afraid of public speaking. The thought of speaking in front of a group may cause even more anxiety for someone whose first language is not English. Nonetheless, it is hard to go through life without needing to do this on occasion. Giving presentations at school is good practice for future public speaking. There are some things you can do to lessen the worry. Good preparation is important, as is rehearsing your talk. Some degree of anxiety is helpful in that it may motivate you to prepare, find interesting ways to present and get you to practise. If you have too much anxiety, you might try some physical and mental relaxation methods prior to your presentation. Deep breathing, muscle relaxation and meditation may calm you.
Meeting new people
Going to post-secondary school is an opportunity to meet new people, make friends and build a network, especially if you don’t know many people in Canada. Waiting around for others to
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reach out to you can be discouraging and disappointing. Try being the one offering friendship first, from greeting someone in your class in the hall to suggesting a coffee together. Be ready, however, that some will reject your offer of friendship. But through your efforts you may make some acquaintances and a friend or two. That beats waiting around and not meeting anyone.
interfere with being able to do well in your studies. Some schools have bursaries and scholarships, jobs on campus and work/study options. If you are eligible for government loans, it is often helpful to take them. If money is going to be a major worry, you may want to postpone going to school until you have sufficient savings.
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All post-secondary schools recognize that stress and anxiety Many students try and work can interfere with good academic while they go to results. There is also an underschool. Some- standing of the additional chaltimes this lenges that new Canadians may can face when attending a Canadian educational institution for the first time. There are counsellors and advisors on campus to help you cope with personal, academic, career and financial worries. Professional staff can review with you some of the best strategies for managing school and life worries. Why struggle alone and waste time when help is available? Immigration matters could be tricky
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Amazing Amazing career stories stories career begin begin at at Scotiabank. Scotiabank. Scotiabank isisproud to to present the the Canadian Immigrant Scotiabank proud present Canadian Immigrant 2015 ––Career, Education andand Settlement Fair. Fair. 2015 Career, Education Settlement We havea astrong strong sense of community, why we support andwith partner We have sense of community, this isthis whyiswe support and partner with with with various organizations to include newcomers into the Canadian work force. various organizations to include newcomers into the Canadian work force. Explore our opportunities: Explore oursponsored sponsored opportunities: specifi c pre-employment training at ACCES Employment •• take takesector sector specifi c pre-employment training at ACCES Employment advice by Scotiabankers through TRIEC’sTRIEC’s The Mentoring Partnership program program •• get getcareer career advice by Scotiabankers through The Mentoring Partnership •• network network and connect to meaningful employment TRIEC’s Professional and connect to meaningful employment throughthrough TRIEC’s Professional ImmigrantNetworks Networks Immigrant To learnmore more about Scotiabank and toyour startamazing your amazing career visit: To learn about Scotiabank and to start career visit: scotiabank.com/newcomers scotiabank.com/newcomers
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Offer applies to eligible new immigrants living in Canada with a valid Permanent Resident card with an arrival date of 2013, 2014 or 2015 or Temporary Foreign Workers with a valid temporary work permit. $1,000 credit is a manufacturer-to-consumer (tax inclusive) available on eligible Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles (excluding Colorado 2SA, Camaro Z28, Malibu LS, Canyon 2SA, Corvette and Escalade). Offer valid Feb. 9, 2015 to Jan. 4, 2016. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations apply. Void where prohibited. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer for any reason, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. See dealer for full details. and conditions appl