to
fall 2010
Welcome
Vancouver
Woman on a Mission mandana’s story
free
a resource for new Canadians
Vancouver Community College is everywhere – from top restaurants and fashion runways to auto shops and hospitals.
VCC is here. For more than 40 years, we’ve given students the hands-on skills they need to kickstart their careers. Our graduate placement rates are among the highest in the province. Join us at an information session to find out more about our programs and talk to instructors. Call 604.443.8453 or visit vcc.ca for details on any of VCC’s 140 programs.
vcc.ca
we lco m e
|
!" $%& '"( )% *+'+,+-
Message from the Editor Coming to Canada to start a new life is probably one of the biggest challenges you will ever face.
."/0%1" )% 23)4 5%&4"6
While I was born here in Vancouver, both of my parents emigrated from Europe, and they still recall how intimidating but exciting it was to land on this continent.
) *&+'!",- !'+./0%1&/%%" 2, 3' 4/'&' 2'%2,' %* ,, .'5 !" 31,61&'5 3%$' 6%.'6/'& 6% '!7%- 2&%.& $5 !" 5'&8+3'5 6/ 6 $ 9' 6/' :'565+"' /' ,6/-; 5 *' !" 8+0& !6 3%$$1!+6- 6% ,+8' !" "% 015+!'55<
My father’s family came from the Ukraine when he was a boy. But just prior to that, they had been in a concentration camp in Austria during World War II. Sponsored by an uncle, they came over to Toronto to begin their new life.
!"#$ %"&' $(#)*+"&', -"'.
There are many successful stories of families who came here from all over the world, to establish roots and to call Canada their homeland.
!"#$"#!%&'
/'0, 1$2 3&40&'( 3"55&$#0% 6&078'#9, 3'",,73&40&'14 :#14")&( ;$)4#,* 3"$<(',10#"$ =15#4% >'")'15, ?$-"'510#"$ 1$2 @(-(''14 A"$0*4% >"04&BC, D(EB"5(' @(,"&'B(, F"B#14 ;<($0, F&99"'0 G'"&9, H"4&$0((' 8'1#$#$) I"&0* >'")'15,
!" $%&'(((
Thanks to immigration, my mother and father met here in Vancouver (she came from England), and if they hadn’t – my sister and I would not have been born!
Welcome Magazine (and the Vancouver Courier Newspaper, which lands on your doorstep twice a week) is here to help you, the new citizen of Vancouver, discover all you need to know to plant yourself firmly on solid ground. Enjoy your new beginnings! Best regards, elen Peterson, H W elcome E ditor
contents
欢迎 어서오십시오
Contact List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . websites
Vancouver Welcomes You. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . message from hedy fry
Diversity – take part!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . upcoming events
Map of Vancouver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . community centres
Global Gateway.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . profile on the port
Great Expectations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from the middle east to the west
EEEJC#0,*"&,(J"')
KLMN7KLKN O(,0 P0* /<($&(Q RMS7PLR7LNTT
Society Profile.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . resources for newcomers
Vancouver by the numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cover photo: dan toulgoet
| w e lco m e
5 6 6 8
10 12 13 14
w w www w w w w www www ww w w w w w Welcome www w Contact list w w w www www ww w w w w w www w w w w www www ww w w w w w www w w w w w w www ww w w w w w www w w w w w w www ww w w w w w www w w w w P ublisher emily jubb
S ales D irector ellyn schriber
E ditor
helen peterson
A dministrator harj sanghera
D esign & L ayout bridget greenwood
P ublished
by
The Vancouver Courier, 1574 West 6th Ave, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1R2
top websites you’ll need compiled by helen peterson
www.issbc.org – career services and ESL classes
www.workingincanada.gc.ca – employment guidelines www.successbc.ca – newcomers’ assistance
www.tripplanning.translink.bc.ca – getting around
www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/ - basic medical coverage www.vancouver.ca – city services
www.icbc.com – driver’s license and insurance
604.738.1412
w w w. v a n c o u r i e r. c o m
Greater Vancouver’s Association of Neighbourhood Houses (www.anhgv.org) has seven centres scattered throughout the city that each offer a dynamic schedule of events, programs and drop-ins to cater to people of all ethnic backgrounds.
SETTLEMENT PROGRAM Support. Opportunity. Strength.
Free and easy access to services
in your own language.
Call a settlement worker at
604-254-9626
we are here to help! www.mosaicbc.com we lco m e
|
Diversity – take part! Greetings: Welcome to Canada. Our nation’s strength lies in the fact that we all, with the exception of the Aboriginal Peoples, are immigrants from every corner of the globe. Canada’s multicultural policy allows us to maintain our ethnic, cultural and religious identities, while sharing common citizenship and values of respect, compassion and peaceful co-existence. Over the generations we have evolved into a socially cohesive and unique ‘global’ nation. I first came here 40 years ago as a young physician. Canada gave me the chance to dream and the opportunity to see those dreams become a reality.
AMSSA (www.amssa.org) and its member agencies organize public events and workshops. Below is a list of upcoming events and workshops throughout the city.
Inclusive Recruitment Strategies and Interview Techniques Workshop Racism Free Workplace Initiative Nov. 2, 2010
Fall 2010
Colonialism: Stress Disorder Syndrome: An Artist’s Perspective Society for International Education Training and Research (SIETAR BC) Nov. 2, 2010
Welcoming Neighbours Socials and Out-Trips for Newcomers, En Espanol Oct. 19 - Power of Music Oct. 28 - City Hall /Queen Elizabeth Park Tour Kitsilano Neighbourhood House through Dec. 7, 2010 Multicultural Women Support Program Kitsilano Neighbourhood House Sept. 22 through Nov. 24, 2010
Diwali Celebration (pictured, above) SouthVancouver Neighbourhood House Nov. 4, 2010 Harvest and Crafts Fair SouthVancouver Neighbourhood House Nov. 20, 2010
This is my wish for you. Best wishes, T he H onourable H edy F ry , P.C., M.P. V ancouver C entre
Cedar and Bamboo Documentary Film Showing SIETAR Oct. 6, 2010
Maple Bamboo Initiative Participant workshop E Services for Men and Women > Resume HelpMulticultural > Job Postings Workshops > Advice Helping >House Oct. 14, 2010
AMSSA is an affiliation of over 75 multicultural agencies providing immigrant settlement and multicultural services in communities throughout British Columbia. We create networking opportunities, disseminate information, provide professional development and build organizational capacities for our members. AMSSA champions the promotion of multiculturalism, diversity, multicultural health and human rights.
NEED HELP FINDING A JOB? C O M E T O T H E Y W C A VA N C O U V E R !
FREE Services for Men and Women > Resume Help > Job Postings > Workshops > Advice
YWCA Career Zone Youth ages 15-30 1260 Granville Street Vancouver, BC 604 605 4666 | w e lco m e
YWCA Employment Resource Centre All Ages above 15 5th Floor 5750 Oak Street Vancouver, BC 604 263 5005 www.ywcajobseeker.org
DIGITAL FINGERPRINTING
Commissionaires makes the process easy with our competitive prices and friendly, reliable service.
INK & ROLL FINGERPRINTING
Visit us at our convenient processing locations:
POLICE CLEARANCES (CPIC) PARDONS
> Surrey at 1650–13401 108th Avenue (Gateway Station) > Surrey at 205–12725 80th Avenue > Vancouver at 801–595 Howe Street > Vancouver at 8157 Main Street or call 604 646 3351 today! www.commissionaires.bc.ca/fingerprinting
SECURITY LICENSING we lco m e
|
Vancouver
map 23
7
24 12
6 10
3
Community Centres 1 Britannia 2 Champlain
3
3 Coal Harbour 4 Creekside
19 18
8
15
5 Douglas Park 6 Dunbar 7 False Creek
1
4
8 Hastings
21
14
9 Kensington 10 Kerrisdale 11 Killarney 12 Kitsilano
22
5
13 Marpole 14 Mt. Pleasant
16
15 Ray-Cam 16 Renfrew
17
17 Riley Park
9
18 Roundhouse 19 Strathcona 20 Sunset
20 13
11
21 Thunderbird 22 Trout Lake 23 West End
2
24 West Pt. Grey
Business Profile:
Vancouver – the global gateway
T
ransportation has always been central to Vancouver’s psyche. British Columbia agreed to join Canada only in exchange for a rail link to the centre of the continent. The city developed around the very spot where the first transcontinental rail line met the Pacific coast. And its name memorializes the first British sea captain to reach the area. Blessed with one of the world’s best natural deep-water harbours, the shortest distances to Asia of any major North American city, and close proximity to the U.S., Vancouver was destined from its founding in 1886 to become a key international transportation hub. As global economic growth centres increasingly on the Pacific Rim, the city’s transportation assets become ever more valuable. And in an age of instant global communication, Vancouver is fortunate to be in a time zone that allows access to all three centres of world commerce (London, New York, Hong Kong) in a single working day. As trans-Pacific traffic grows, Vancouver is investing heavily to maximize the economic opportunities. The governments of Canada and British Columbia—together with Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Vancouver’s international airport (YVR), the regional transit authority, the three Class 1 inter-continental railways that serve the port, and other private interests—are ambitiously upgrading the capacity and efficiency of Vancouver’s global gateway. Transportation investment commitments in the region to date total over $20 billion. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority was created in 2008 to bring together the three port authorities and increase regional efficiency. Already North America’s leading port in export tonnage, Vancouver expects to triple container flow by 2020, while minimizing environmental impact. Vancouver’s award-winning airport (ranked fourth in the world in the 10 | w e lco m e
2007) is less than half an hour from downtown. Infrastructure investment is dramatically expanding capacity and includes a direct rapid-transit link to downtown. Cargo handling is expected to double by 2020.YVR airport has become a multi-modal hub and distribution centre, with companies like UPS and Fedex opening major, innovative facilities. Global logistics planning and efficient delivery strategies are spurring development of a strong warehousing and distribution industry in Vancouver– a critical evolution as demand for “just in time” shipping grows. With the streamlining of customs procedures at the nearby U.S. border, the industry is expected to enjoy long-term growth. Vancouver was a global city before the term was invented. Global inter-connectivity has only reinforced its diverse, multicultural nature. Combining indigenous cultures, longstanding ties to Europe, and historic ties to Asia, Vancouver embodies multiculturalism not as a slogan but as part of everyday life. One of the world’s leading tourist and culinary destinations, the city is renowned for worldclass cooking that fuses cultural ingredients and influences with local sourcing and sustainable practices. Cultural ties and family connections to other countries, combined with business-friendly immigration policies, make Vancouver fertile ground for professionals, international entrepreneurs and companies that provide services across cultures and national boundaries. More than 70 countries maintain a consular presence in Vancouver, providing institutional support for the many foreign-based firms that do business here and signaling Vancouver’s stature as a port and an international business centre. The Vancouver Economic Development Commission (VEDC) connects local and international businesses in the city of Vancouver. Go to the website: www.vancouvereconomic.com for plenty of good information to get you started.
we lco m e DATE
09/08/10
REVISION
1
K
| 11
profile
Great Expectations from the Middle East to the West by helen peterson
12 | w e lco m e
photo: dan toulgoet
W
hen Mandana Beygi arrived in Vancouver on Oct. 11, 2008 from Tehran, she was expecting a bit of culture shock. Sure enough, a visit to a downtown nightclub with her new friends confirmed this – the hijab head covering for women was nowhere in sight, and their scant outfits left nothing to the imagination! The Lower Mainland’s population of about three million must have seemed like a drop in the bucket next to the Iranian capital in her homeland, where the population tops 12 million. Not to mention the Canadian traditions and rich cultural mosaic of everyday life versus the mainly Muslim way of life in her native land. “When I decided to leave Iran, there were only certain countries accepting skilled workers as landed immigrants,” says the 40-yearold. “It was difficult to choose between Australia, New Zealand and Canada, but ultimately I chose Canada, and Vancouver,” she says. “When I was working in Tehran as a tour guide, I met a man who was visiting from Vancouver, BC, and he got me really excited about this city. And since I arrived here, he and his partner have been invaluable at helping me to settle in.” The first thing on the agenda was going to the passport and immigration office to set up a social insurance number. Soon after arriving, Mandana was offered a job at The Body Shop on Robson Street. This ensured she could pay the bills and find modest accommodation in the downtown core. Consequently she was able to secure work as an assistant at the offices of two psychiatrists, on a temporary contract. It allowed her to learn business from a Canadian perspective. She has since moved on to a role with a building maintenance company. One thing that immigrant workers face is the fact that their degree or certification from the homeland generally is not accepted here for employment. “I arrived with my university degree from Tehran as medical lab technologist,” Mandana says. “From what I had heard, jobs in my field were abundant in Canada. But what they don’t tell you is that you’ll require a lot of upgrading to make the minimum requirements in Canada.” But Mandana did not let that stop her. Armed with knowledge that
it wouldn’t be coming fast and easy to her, she did all the legwork to find out how to get to her goal. She completed the English 12 equivalency at Vancouver Community College, and is now on a wait list for BCIT’s refresher program for medical lab technologists – offered for immigrants from abroad who need to bridge the gap. Mandana was helped along the way by the Dress for Success association, which has assisted her in making contact with people in the know, and to dress the part for success. She now gives back by volunteering with the organization. She is also active with ISS (Immigrant Services Society), coaching new Canadians who are looking for work or to settle in to their new home. Personally, Mandana has found true love on these shores, and looks forward to her new life in Vancouver. She loves the walks, the weather, trying different ethnic food – she finally tried sushi! The pace is slower than in Tehran, and she’s fine with that. “I’ll be a permanent resident here in Canada by June, 2011, and I can hardly wait,” says the brunette beauty. Mandana demonstrates that skills, enthusiasm and – above all – patience, will get you where you want to be as a Canadian worker within five years or less. “It’s not all going to happen overnight,” she says. “But with hard work and determination, you will succeed in Canada!”
society profile:
ISS is your ally
I
mmigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) was incorporated in 1972 as the first immigrant-serving agency in the province. Since that time, ISSofBC has grown to be the largest, multicultural, immigrantserving agency in western Canada. The society provides a variety of services to Lower Mainland immigrant and refugee communities, and works with over 23,000 clients per year. ISSofBC has a volunteer Board of Directors, a paid staff of over 200 and over 600 active volunteers. Its mission is: Helping immigrants build a future in Canada.
Job Placement Immigrant Services will help individuals with job placement services, including: match employers with job seekers; providing info about jobs leads and referrals to jobs; keeping
a database of clients and employers; and hosting employer recruiting sessions.
Career Axis ISS also offers career planning assistance through interactive workshops and individual coaching led by experienced employment counsellors. Culturally-sensitive workshops are focused on supporting the needs of immigrants: • Canadian Workplace Culture • Career Decision-making System Assessment • Personality Dimension • Education and Training Resources • Research meetings with Canadian companies • Communication and Cultural Adaptation • Goal Setting • Opportunity to practice skills in a
friendly and supportive environment • Internet and basic word processing tutoring • Individualized follow-up support
Who can apply? Unemployed and under-employed (working less than 20 hours) immigrants; priority is given to Employment Insurance recipients.
Contact information: #603-333 Terminal Avenue Vancouver, BC V6A 2L7 Phone: 604-684-2123 Email: careeraxis@issbc.org
you’re invited! november 27 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House invites you to a community dialogue to discuss: What creates a newcomer friendly community? What creates a sense of home for all? How can I participate in my community?
Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010 Time: 2pm – 5pm Location: Kitsilano Neighbourhood House Hall 2305 West 7th Avenue (at Vine) Information and language support will be provided by the Welcoming Neighbours “Cultural Ambassadors” This is a FREE EVENT open to the community – snacks provided.
Coming together on
COMMON GROUND Building Community Across Cultures
Hosted by:
Project Sponsor:
PLUS Celebrate the Official Launch of the ‘Newcomers Guide to the Westside’ To register as a participant, please contact: Allison at 604 – 736 – 3588, allison@kitshouse.org Please register by Friday, November 12, 2010 Interested in volunteering? Call: Jenn or sAndrA at 604 – 736 – 3588 or Email: sandra@kitshouse.org This project is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. With support from:
we lco m e
| 13
By the numbers
E
ver wonder what’s happening with BC’s growing numbers of people? How our population gets to where it’s at? We’ve got the numbers, courtesy Welcome BC!
Overview: Immigration to British Columbia Each year, B.C. welcomes an average of 40,000 new immigrants (Permanent Residents). In 2009, B.C. welcomed 41,438 new immigrants, a 5.8% decrease over 2008 (43,992), but a 6.4% increase over 2007 (38,961). The number of immigrants to B.C. in 2009 was the fourth highest in the last decade. Only in 2005, 2006 and 2008 did B.C. receive more new immigrants. In 2009, Canada welcomed 252,179 immigrants. B.C.’s share of Canada’s immigration total was 16.4% in 2009, slightly lower than the 17.8% in 2008 and 16.5% in 2007. While B.C. is perennially the third largest recipient of immigrants among Canada’s provinces and territories, its share has fluctuated over the last ten years from a peak of 17.8% of Canada in 2008 to a low of 14.9% in 2002. In 2009, B.C. was behind only Ontario with 106,867 (42.4% of Canada) and Quebec with 49,490 (19.6% of Canada). Alberta’s total of 27,017 immigrants (10.7% of Canada) was fourth in Canada while Manitoba’s 13,520 immigrants (5.4% of Canada) rounded out the top five.
Skills Connect For Immigrants Program
WANT A JOB THAT USES YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE?
Get caught in our web…
WE CAN HELP YOU: Assess your qualifications Improve your English Get industry-specific training Meet employers in your field Obtain employment
604.298.4720, ext. 278 or toll-free 1.866.298.4757, ext. 278
www.training-innovations.com/skillsconnect
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.
14 | w e lco m e
• Blogs • Traffic • Weather • Puzzles • Horoscopes
www.vancourier.com
Get In. Get Out. Get Working. Practical Nursing Program The Practical Nursing Access Diploma Program will be running at our East Vancouver Campus.
Health Care Assistant Program
(Formerly Resident Care Attendant Program) Health Care Attendants and Community Health Workers have an important contribution to make to BC’s Health Care system. The HCA program at Sprott-Shaw is current and relevant to the complex and changing health practice settings in which graduates will work.
Includes: Crisis Prevention Management & Palliative Care
Community Support Worker/ Social Services Career Opportunities: Child & Youth Care Worker,
Women’s Shelter Worker, Family Place Worker, Teen Pregnancy & Parenting Counsellor, Settlement/Newcomer’s Service Worker
REGISTER NOW
Day & Evening Classes Available
Limited Seats Available. We look forward to meeting you!
• SMALL CLASS SIZES • MONTHLY INTAKES • FINANCIAL OPTIONS • CAREER FOCUSED PROGRAMS • FREE LIFETIME UPGRADING • JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE
Call our East Vancouver Campus
(604)
251-4473
www.sprottshaw.com
we lco m e
| 15
With a variety of ESL courses and extensive career services
ISSofBC can help you succeed.
Language College & Career Services
www.issbc.org Â&#x201E; 604-684-2561