The report, Immigrant Labour Market Outcomes in Canada: The Benefits of Addressing Wage and Employment Gaps, estimates that the potential increased incomes for immigrants if observable skills were rewarded similarly to Canadian-born workers is $30.7 billion or 2.1 per cent of GDP in 2006 (the latest census data available).

“Employment growth is slowing as Canada’s population ages, which make it essential that every worker produce at their full potential. Underutilizing skilled labour is a gap we need to fill and immigrants represent more than 20 per cent of our population,” said Dawn Desjardins, assistant chief economist, RBC. “Even small improvements in immigrant outcomes could contribute positively to the Canadian economy.”

The report outlines the increasing size of the immigrant employment and wage gap in Canada during the past 30 years. While there was little difference between the unemployment rates of new immigrants and the Canadian-born in 1981, a large gap emerged during the 1980s and 1990s. By 2006, immigrants had unemployment rates that were significantly higher than those of Canadian born — 6.9 per cent for immigrants, compared to 6.4 per cent for the Canadian born. In 2005, the entire population of immigrants working full time in Canada earned an average of $45,000 yearly, which is about $700 or two per cent less than the average wage for Canadian-born workers; however, the most recent among them earned just $28,700, on average.

The report concludes that immigrants tend to possess an observable-skills profile that would usually be associated with higher economic rewards. The population of working-age (16-64) immigrants in Canada is more likely to have a university degree than the Canadian born, and is older, on average. They are also more likely to live in large cities, where earnings tend to be higher.

Adjusting for immigrants’ observable characteristics makes a big difference. If we take into consideration the stronger profile of immigrants, the ‘potential’ immigrant unemployment rate would have translated into approximately 42,000 additional jobs.

By gender, male immigrants had a higher earnings gap than female immigrants (24 per cent compared to 17 per cent). In dollar terms, this is about $16,500 for men and $7,000 for women. Conversely, the excess in the unemployment rate for women was larger than that for men, at 2.5 percentage points, compared to a 0.7 percentage point difference for men.

The research to this point suggests that gaps may be due to both genuine skill differences between immigrants and Canadian-born workers, and labour market inefficiencies that prevent immigrants from making full use of their skills. In either case, there could be room to improve on immigrant outcomes through more extensive language training, faster credential recognition, or other integration initiatives. More rigorous evaluation of existing programs would also be helpful in understanding why gaps persist and how we can best address them.

“This report shows that we are still not recognizing the skill level and talent that newcomers bring to Canada - and it’s as much the country’s loss as it is our immigrants,” said Camon Mak, director, Newcomer and Multicultural Markets, RBC. “Canada was built on immigration, and that’s just as true today.”

Download full report (PDF)

“Canadian citizenship is not for sale,” said Minister Kenney. “Canadians are generous people, but have no tolerance or patience for people who don’t play by the rules and who lie or cheat to become a Canadian citizen.  The Government will apply the full strength of Canadian law to those who have obtained citizenship fraudulently.”

In July, Minister Kenney announced that Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) was beginning the process to revoke the citizenship of up to 1,800 citizens who obtained it fraudulently; that number has now risen to more than 2,100.

The Department has also been working on cases of those who are not yet citizens. Nearly 4,400 people with permanent resident status who are known to be implicated in residence fraud have been flagged for additional scrutiny should they attempt to enter Canada or obtain citizenship.  The majority of these individuals are outside the country.

In typical cases, permanent residents will use the services of an unscrupulous immigration consultant to establish evidence of residence in Canada while living abroad most, if not all, of the time.  This fraud is perpetrated so that individuals can maintain their permanent residence status and later apply for citizenship.  A family of five may pay upwards of $25,000 over four or more years to create the illusion of residence in Canada.

“My department is working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Canadian offices abroad to prevent people who are suspected of non-compliance with the permanent residence requirement from being admitted to Canada without proving they meet the requirements and take enforcement action when necessary,” added Minister Kenney.

To date, of the 4,400 permanent residents who have been flagged, nearly 1,400 people have withdrawn or abandoned their citizenship application because of new scrutiny.

Permanent residents must acquire three years of residence out of four years to apply for Canadian citizenship.  To retain their status as permanent residents, they must be physically present in Canada for two years out of five.

“I encourage anyone who has information regarding citizenship fraud to call our tip line to report it,” urged Minister Kenney.

Cases involving false representation, fraud or knowingly concealing material circumstances in the citizenship process – for example, pretending to be present in Canada to meet the residence requirements for obtaining citizenship – should be referred to the citizenship fraud tip line at CIC’s Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday).  Tips may also be reported by e-mail at Citizenship-fraud-tips@cic.gc.ca. Those overseas can contact the nearest Canadian visa office.

All other fraud types related to immigration should be reported to the CBSA’s Border Watch Tip Line at 1 888-502-9060.   Tips accepted by the Border Watch Tip Line include, but are not limited to, suspicious cross-border activity, marriages of convenience, misrepresentation in any temporary or permanent immigration application, or the whereabouts of any person wanted on an immigration warrant.

The Government of Canada is taking action to crack down on the actions of crooked consultants during the immigration process. Bill C-35, originally introduced as the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act, came into force on June 30, 2011.  The Act imposes penalties on unauthorized representatives who provide, or offer to provide, advice or representation for a fee at any stage of an immigration application or proceeding.

The results tell a contrary story to one occasionally found in news headlines that suggest Canadians might be increasingly fed up with accommodating newcomers.

There were actually two prominent news stories Monday in Quebec related to disputes over minority accommodations.

Talk TV was exercised over a report on a Montreal-area municipality’s decision to remove Christmas and Hanukkah decorations at city hall. A community group had requested to have Islamic symbols erected as well, and the Town of Mount Royal responded by taking down symbols from all religions, save for a Christmas tree.

There was also a report on the city of Gatineau’s immigrant guide book, asking newcomers not to take part in honour killings or cook smelly foods.

But the research director for IRPP’s diversity, immigration and integration program said while disputes make flashy headlines, they overshadow the many positive stories of integration that are never told.

“We think sometimes these debates are kind of tough in Canada and things are getting worse — but we’re in a lot better shape, in all kinds of ways, than a lot of other countries,” Leslie Seidle said recently in Montreal.

“Contrary to many other countries, particularly in western Europe, we have a strong majority who think that the level of immigration we have right now is about right.”

The IRPP study cited a 2010 survey that found close to 60 per cent of people in the United Kingdom thought there were too many immigrants in their country. By comparison, less than 20 per cent of Canadians felt the same way.

In the poll taken by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, Canadians were also found to be more tolerant of immigrants than people in Italy, Spain, the U.S., France, Netherlands and Germany.

But Canadians’ views toward immigrants haven’t always been as welcoming.

The study by IRPP, a non-partisan, Montreal-based public policy think-tank, suggests there was a shift in public opinion about a decade ago.

From the late 1970s until the early 1990s, the majority of Canadians held negative attitudes about the country’s immigration levels.

Following a shift in the 1990s, Canadians’ view of immigration has been more positive than negative since the latter part of that decade.

The country opened its doors to 280,000 immigrants last year and has accepted more than 200,000 newcomers annually since 2000, according to Citizenship and Immigration Department statistics cited in the study. In the mid 1980s, fewer than 100,000 immigrants per year came to Canada.

The report argued that Canadians who support immigration believe that multiculturalism is a source of national pride and creates economic benefits.

The research also found that attitudes about immigration varied by region, though each area had majority support for existing levels.

The Prairies (62.8 per cent), Atlantic Canada (62.5 per cent) and Quebec (61.8 per cent) scored higher than the Canadian average. The other regions, included British Columbia (57.4 per cent), Alberta (54.4 per cent) and Ontario (53.5 per cent).

Seidle was asked whether he was surprised the study found one of the most pro-immigration areas in Quebec, a province that has been at the centre of heated debate over minority accommodations.

He blamed Quebec media for putting too much emphasis on disputes, such as a request a few years ago by a Montreal Jewish community group that a local YMCA frost its windows.

The group no longer wanted its youth to be able to see people wearing revealing clothes as they exercised inside.

“These stories have been blown up,” said Seidle, who, for example, added that little adjustments to accommodate diet, dress and days of religious observance are made in schools throughout Montreal every day.

“But maybe we end up paying too much attention to this kind of stuff because it’s got conflict underneath it.”

These were the views expressed by some of the provincial politicians and government dignitaries, who spoke at the recently held Open House organized by the Centre for Newcomers, a Calgary-based premier non-profit immigrant serving agency last week.

The Centre, whose mission is to achieve the integration of newcomers in the community through services and initiatives that promote diversity, participation and citizenship, recently relocated at a prime location and hosted an Open House to showcase the new venue and a bouquet of services that it offers to immigrants and newcomers to Canada.

Calgary MLA Teresa Woo Paw speaks at the Centre for Newcomers Open House on November 17. She brought in messages from Alberta Premier Alison Redford and Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk and spoke about the good work that Centre for Newcomers is doing in Calgary.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Teresa Woo-Paw, MLA, Calgary McKay, who brought in messages from Alberta Premier Alison Redford and Alberta Minister of Culture and Community Services Heather Klimchuk said: “We, from the government understand that supporting the work of the Centre for Newcomers is good for Alberta, as new Canadians who come are anxious to make their contributions.”

Calgary’s growing economy and cultural diversity continues to draw immigrants from all over the world.  In 2010, 16,100 of the 32,640 immigrants in Alberta came to Calgary.   The government at the local, provincial and federal level continues to support immigrant serving agencies in enhancing the services provided to newcomers.

Deputy Mayor Alderman Jim Stevenson was impressed by the facility but more so with the “model of welcoming people from around the world.”  He further stated: “Diversity is a sign of international city and Calgary is often cited as a model of diversity and education.  It is important for the city to help them (immigrants) integrate into the community.”

With the projected increase in the number of immigrants, the role of immigrant serving agencies is crucial to the integration of newcomers.  Projections show that in five years, Alberta will have a shortage of manpower to meet the demands of the labor market, build the economy and sustain its population.

The Open House ceremony, thronged by many government dignitaries, was marked by a guided tour through the new facility, an interactive display of the Centre’s services, children’s program, multicultural dance, speeches by partners and service-users and a lot of bonhomie.

The Centre for Newcomers Executive Director Dale Taylor and Board Chairperson Ken Doerksen said they look forward to future partnerships and collaborations and demonstrate how our collective efforts contribute to enhancing the lives of all Calgarians.

The Centre’s new address is 1010, 999 36 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta.

Writers Bio: Peeyush Agnihotri is a writer with 14 years of international journalistic experience, mostly reporting on social and sustainable development issues. A National Foundation of India fellowship holder, he is currently based in Calgary

The program allows provinces to choose a certain number of immigrants each year to fill labour shortages.

“One of the biggest challenges for my predecessors was such an inefficient distribution of immigrants across the country,” Kenney said

“Ninety-two per cent used to settle in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, even though many of the best economic opportunities and labour shortages were in (other) regions of the country.”

A decade ago, Ontario took in the lion’s share of Canada’s immigrants, with half going to Toronto and 60 per cent to Ontario as a whole. Last year, just 42 per cent went to Ontario, statistics show. More newcomers are now heading toward smaller towns and cities in the west.

For example, Manitoba’s share of immigrants has tripled to 5.6 per cent of the national total, from 1.8 per cent in 2001. In Alberta the share has nearly doubled, from 6.5 per cent in 2001 to 11.6 per cent in 2010. Similarly, in Saskatchewan the share of immigrants has increased to 2.7 per cent from 0.7 per cent a decade earlier.

None of that would have happened if provinces weren’t given expanded access to provincial nominees since the Conservatives took power, Kenney argues.

“There’s been a significant shift and I frankly think it’s good for the country,” he said. “There are regions and industries that have very serious labour shortages. And this distribution of immigrants is helping to address these problems.”

Still, Kenney says he has no plans to scrap the federal skilled worker program, which continues to run a backlog and is plagued by years-long delays for applicants.

“I think immigration is about nation-building,” Kenney said.

Kenney said the federal government has been “very generous” in accommodating the growth in provincial nominees.

“But there has to be a limit to that because I don’t think it would be right for the federal government to completely abandon its role in the selection of economic immigrants. We need to mend the skilled worker program, not end it.”

Kenney said next year the federal government will introduce a new, more “flexible” points system that will give credit to skilled tradespeople, a group previously shut out in favour of those with higher education. It will also confer points for having a job lined up in advance.

Kenney admits these changes are driven by the dramatic success of immigrants who come through the provincial systems.

“In fact, we see provincial nominees are getting significantly better incomes at least in their early years in Canada, as opposed to (federal) skilled worker immigrants.”

Provincial successes

The PNP has worked best in Manitoba, where the province has worked closely with companies and municipalities, says Peter Showler, an immigration expert at the University of Ottawa.

“Manitoba in particular has been very imaginative,” he said. For example, a program to bring nurses from the Philippines brought them in groups which created built-in social support for them. Still, Shower warns that not all temporary foreign workers get the same level of support to become permanent residents through the PNP program or otherwise. And that can leave too much power in the hands of employers.

“When you have very positive, future-looking employers, that works very well,” he said. “If you have abusive employers, they can use that as a kind of threat or control to sometimes sustain improper labour practices.”

Kenney also admits the PNP program has its flaws.

“On the periphery there are some integrity challenges. For example, low retention rates in Atlantic Canada. Some people from overseas are pretending to go to one province when in fact they had settled in Toronto or Vancouver…. So we’re working with the provinces on shoring up the nominee program.”

And Kenney says that while he can imagine further expanding of the PNP program in the future, he has his eye on those languishing in the federal skilled worker queue.

“We have an obligation to several hundred thousand people in that backlog. We cannot just shut the door on them either. So we have to work away at all these problems at the same time.”

That may explain why recently released targets for the provincial program for 2012 are almost the same as this year’s.

How well are immigrants fitting into their new country, what should be required of them as a condition for acceptance as immigrants, and what categories of immigrant should be given priority?

Highlights

• The Canadian public is more likely than not to believe that immigrants are doing well in fitting into their new country, with respect to finding gainful employment, participating in civic institutions like voting, and adopting Canadian values.

• Canadians are much more likely to be positive than negative about the overall impact that 250,000 new immigrants each year are having on the country.

• There is broad agreement about what should be required of new immigrants who want to live in Canada. At the top of the list are: adopting Canadian values of tolerance and gender equity; accepting the preeminence of Canadian law over religious laws; and becoming familiar with Canadian history and culture. By comparison, the public is more forgiving in terms of expecting immigrants to become economically self-sufficient within their first year.

• Despite the emphasis on adopting Canadian values, there is no public consensus on which values are the most important for new immigrants to adopt. Those values most apt to be identified include respect for Canadian history and culture, and fluency in one of the two official languages, followed by tolerance of others and respect for the law.

• While most immigrants settle in the country’s three largest urban centres, most Canadians believe it would be best for everyone if immigrants were evenly distributed across the country. Views are notably similar among residents of urban and rural communities.

• Canadians place the highest priority on immigrants who qualify based on education and employability, and least so on political refugees. Opinions are divided on the current policy of increasing the proportion of temporary foreign workers.

• The opinions of immigrants surveyed are notably similar to those of native-born Canadians. The group that stands out clearly in holding a negative view of immigrants is the small proportion of native-born Canadians who believe that immigration is making Canada a worse place.

Research Findings in Detail

INTEGRATION OF IMMIGRANTS

1. How well do you think that immigrants coming to Canada are fitting in, with respect to: a) finding jobs and gainful employment; b) participating in civic institutions; and c) adopting Canadian values and ways of living?

Canadians are more likely than not to believe that immigrants are succeeding in settling into their adopted country. Modest majorities believe they are doing well in finding jobs and gainful employment (59%), participating in civic institutions (like voting and volunteering) (57%), and adopting Canadian values and ways of living (55%), although few say they are doing “very well” as opposed to “generally well.” Sizeable minorities disagree with this viewpoint, although less so in the case of civic participation as one in six (15%) are unable to offer an opinion.

Attitudes about this issue vary somewhat across the country. Across the three areas of integration, the most positive assessments are given by Atlantic Canadians and residents under 30 years of age. In terms of finding gainful employment, success is most widely mentioned by residents of the Prairie provinces, and least so by those living in Ontario and Quebec and by allophones and immigrants themselves. In terms of civic participation, positive assessments are most widespread among Quebecers and least so in the Prairie provinces. In terms of adopting Canadian values and ways of life, immigrants are most likely to be seen as fitting in by Canadians with a university degree, while those least apt to share this view live in Ontario and rural Canada.

2. Do immigrants who come to Canada do so with the hope of making Canada little more like where they came from, in terms of values and cultural practices?

A majority of Canadians believe that immigrants coming to this country aspire to maintain at least some of their values and cultural practices, and in doing so make their new country a bit more like home. More than half strongly agree (14%) or agree (43%) with this viewpoint, compared with four in ten who disagree (32%) or strongly disagree (7%).

Agreement with this perspective is most widespread in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and among those with the lowest levels of education. Agreement is least evident in Quebec (especially in Montreal), among urban Canadians more generally, and among those with more education.

3. On balance is the effect of 250,000 immigrants coming to Canada each year making the country a better or worse place?

Canadians are much more positive than negative about the overall impact of immigration on the country. By a three to one margin, the public says that immigration is making Canada a better place (47%) rather than a worse place (16%), while the remainder says it is not making a difference either way (29%) or is unable to offer a definitive response (8%).

Opinions on this question vary noticeably across the population. A positive view of the impact of immigration is most clearly expressed by residents of Toronto and Vancouver, as well as among Canadians with higher levels of education, allophones and immigrants themselves. This perspective is least apt to be shared by residents of Manitoba, those without a high school diploma, and native- born Canadians who do not know any immigrants.

No more than one in five from any group says the impact of immigration has made the country a worse place. However, this minority stands out as having the most negative perspective on immigrants and immigration across most of the issues covered in this survey.

4. What should immigrants be expected to do a condition to being accepted into the country?

The survey asked Canadians about whether each of seven specific requirements should apply as conditions for immigrants to be accepted into the country. In each case a clear majority believes the requirement should apply, although the size of this majority varies considerably. Virtually all Canadians believe new immigrants should be required to adopt Canadian values of tolerance of others and gender equity (97%), and close to nine in ten feel the same way about accepting the preeminence of Canadian law over any religious laws (89%) and becoming familiar with Canadian history and culture (88%).

Almost eight in ten say immigrants should be required to raise their children as Canadians (79%), should be fully fluent in either English or French (78%) and should make an effort to create ties with non-immigrants outside their own ethnic group (77%). By comparison, just six in ten (59%) believe immigrants should be required to become economically self-sufficient within their first year.

Views are similar across the country, but Quebecers are most likely to emphasize fluency in English or French and creating ties with non-immigrants, while residents of Ontario and BC are most apt to mention the importance of accepting the preeminence of Canadian law.

5. What do you consider to be the Canadian values most important for immigrants to learn and adopt when they move to this country?

When asked (unprompted, without response options provided), Canadians identify a number of values they consider to be important for new immigrants to adopt when they settle in this country. At the top of the list are respect for Canadian history and culture (28%) and fluency in one of the country’s two official languages (26%). Other common values identified include tolerance for others (19%), respect for the law (17%), respect for religion (9%), the importance of assimilation (9%), gender equality (7%), a healthy work ethic (5%), and democracy/freedom/peace

(5%). One in six (16%) could not identify any particular Canadian values they consider to be important for new immigrants to adopt.

Opinions about important Canadian values are strikingly consistent across the population, with only minor variations. Language fluency is somewhat more apt to be emphasized by British Columbians, low income Canadians and those 60 years and older. Respect for history and culture is most widely mentioned by those 45 and older, while respect for other religions is a bit more prominent in Quebec. It is Atlantic Canadians and Canadians under 45 who are least apt to identify any important values. Perhaps most notable is the fact that opinions about important

values are essentially the same among native-born Canadians and immigrants themselves.

URBAN VERSUS RURAL SETTLEMENT

6. Is the current pattern of most immigrants settling in the country’s biggest cities best for everyone, or would it be better if immigrants were more evenly distributed across the country?

Survey respondents were told that most immigrants coming to Canada settle in the biggest cities of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Only one in six (15%) agrees that this settlement pattern is the best approach, compared with three-quarters (74%) who say that it would be better if immigrants were more evenly distributed across the country. Another 10 percent are unable to offer an opinion.

A preference for having immigrants more evenly distributed is the dominant view across the country, although it is most widespread in Manitoba (87%) and less so among Vancouver residents (64%) and Canadians 30 to 44 years of age (68%). Residents in the country’s largest urban centres are only marginally more supportive of the current pattern (19%) of immigrant settlement compared with those living in smaller communities (13%). There is no difference in the perspectives of native-born Canadians and immigrants.

IMMIGRATION CATEGORIES

7. What priority should be placed on accepting new immigrants from specific categories?

Few Canadians are likely to be familiar with categories under which immigrants are accepted into the country, or the proportion that is currently accepted under each category. But they can and do express opinions about the priority that should be placed on each class, when specifically prompted.

Economic Class. Of the three current categories, the public is most likely to say that a higher priority should be placed on immigrants who qualify based on education and employability (51%), with most of the remainder indicating that this should remain the same priority as now (42%); only four percent maintain that this category should be a lower priority. The emphasis given to this class of immigrants is somewhat stronger among immigrants, Canadians living in major urban centers, men, those 60 years and over, and those with higher levels of education and income. Least apt to share this view are residents of Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

Family Class. One-third (35%) believe Canada should give higher priority to accepting immigrants who have family members living in Canada, with the remainder indicating the same priority (55%) or a lower priority (8%). Views on this question are similar across the country, but a higher priority is somewhat more likely to be indicated by Quebecers and immigrants, and least so by Vancouverites. No more than 12 percent from any group advocates lowering the priority on accepting immigrants in the family class.

Refugee Class. Three in ten Canadians (30%) say the country should place a greater priority on accepting political refugees, compared with 45 percent who say the priority should remain as now, and another one in five (21%) who believe the priority should be lower. Support for increasing the priority placed on this class is most evident in Alberta, among Canadians with a university degree, among those 18 to 29 years of age, and among native-born Canadians with immigrant friends and family. In contrast, those most likely to advocate lowering the priority include Canadians without a high school diploma, those 60 and over, and immigrants themselves.

8. Should refugees who want to stay in Canada be entitled to legal aid services to help them pay for their claims?

The public’s weaker support for political refugees as a class of immigrant is further reflected in the lack of consensus around whether or not such individuals should have access to legal aid services to help pay for their claims to remain in the country. Opinions are largely split between those who support such entitlements (48%) and those who do not (44%). The remainder say it depends (e.g., on the circumstances of the individual, on the country of origin) (3%) or have no opinion to offer (5%).

Support for legal aid for refugees is most widely voiced in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, as well as among Canadians with the lowest incomes and the highest education. Age appears to be the strongest predictor of attitudes on this issue, with legal aid supported by 70 percent of Canadians under 30 years of age, declining to only 36 percent among those 60 and older. Notably, native-born Canadians who have immigrant friends and family are somewhat more supportive of such support, than either native-born Canadians without such connections or immigrants themselves. Opposition is most widespread among Canadians who believe immigration is making the country a worse place (77%).

9. Do you approve or disapprove of increasing the proportion of foreign temporary workers to fill job vacancies in Canada?

The survey indicated that in the past few years, an increasing proportion of immigrants has been entering Canada as temporary workers who are hired to fill job vacancies in particular industries, and then return to their home countries when the work is done. Public opinion about this trend is decidedly mixed: Three in ten (33%) say they approve of the policy of accepting an increasing number of temporary workers, compared with one-third (35%) who disapprove and a comparable proportion (32%) who have no clear opinion either way.

Approval of increasing the intake of temporary workers is most evident in Quebec (especially in Montreal) and among Canadians with higher levels of education and income. Disapproval is most widespread in Manitoba, as well as in Ontario, among Canadians 45 to 59 years of age, and among those who believe immigration is harming the country.

Currently, more than 165,000 parents and grandparents who have applied to become permanent residents of Canada are still waiting for a final decision. Each year, Citizenship and Immigration Canada receives applications for sponsorship of nearly 38,000 parents and grandparents, a number that will only continue to expand if no action is taken.

“Wait times for Family Class sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents now exceed seven years, and without taking action, those times will continue to grow, and that is unacceptable,” said Minister Kenney. “Action must be taken to cut the backlog, reduce the wait times, and ensure that the parents and grandparents program is sustainable over the long run.”

To deal with the large backlog and lengthy wait times, Citizenship and Immigration Canada is announcing Phase I of the Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification.

First – The Government of Canada will increase by over 60 percent the number of sponsored parents and grandparents Canada will admit next year, from nearly 15,500 in 2010 to 25,000 in 2012 – the highest level in nearly two decades.

Second – The government is introducing the new “Parent and Grandparent Super Visa,” which will be valid for up to 10 years. The multiple-entry visa will allow an applicant to remain in Canada for up to 24 months at a time without the need for renewal of their status. The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa will come into effect on December 1, 2011, and CIC will be able to issue the visas, on average, within eight weeks of the application. This means that instead of waiting for eight years, a parent or a grandparent can come to Canada within eight weeks. Parent and Grandparent Super Visa applicants will be required to obtain private Canadian health-care insurance for their stay in Canada.

Third – The government will consult Canadians on how to redesign the parents and grandparents program to ensure that it is sustainable in the future. The redesigned program must avoid future large backlogs and be sensitive to fiscal constraints.

Fourth – To prevent the build-up of an unmanageable number of new applications during these consultations and to further reduce the 165,000-strong backlog of parent and grandparent applicants, CIC is putting in place a temporary pause of up to 24 months on the acceptance of new sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents. The pause comes into effect on November 5, 2011.

“The Government of Canada is fully committed to helping families reunite,”said Minister Kenney. “We recognize that what parents and grandparents want most is to be able to spend time with their families.”

“If we do not take real action now, the large and growing backlog in the parents and grandparents program will lead to completely unmanageable wait times. Through this balanced series of measures, we will be able to dramatically reduce the backlog and wait times, while the new Parent and Grandparent Super Visa will allow more family members to pay extended visits to their loved ones,”added the Minister. “We anticipate that in about two years, following our consultations, Phase II of our Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification will come into effect, ensuring that future applicants are processed quickly and that the program can operate on an efficient and sustainable basis.”

For additional information on Phase I of  CIC Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification, see the background info below.

Background:

• Phase I of Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification
• Frequently asked questions: Sponsoring your family – Faster Family Reunification

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) remains the principal avenue for permanent immigration to Canada. In 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) plans to welcome 55,000–57,000 federal skilled workers, up from 47,000–47,400 in the 2011 Immigration Levels Plan.

“The government’s number one priority remains the economy. We recognize the importance of immigration to our labour market and we value the contributions of skilled immigrants who add to our international competitiveness,” said Minister Kenney. “We are committed to facilitating the arrival of the best and the brightest to our country.”

An important milestone was reached this year when the backlog of FSW applications prior to the launch of the 2008 Action Plan for Faster Immigration was reduced by more than 50 percent – two years ahead of schedule. The higher range in 2012 will support labour market responsiveness and sustain progress on backlog reduction.

CIC completed an extensive evaluation of the FSWP in 2010, showing that the program is working well and selecting immigrants who perform well economically. The report found that 89 percent of FSWs were employed or self-employed three years after landing. Moreover, 95 percent of the employers surveyed indicated that FSWs were meeting or exceeding their expectations. The evaluation indicated a strong continuing need for skilled immigrants in Canada.

CIC will continue to ramp up efforts to modernize our immigration system to make it more nimble and responsive to labour market needs,” said Minister Kenney. “Following nationwide consultations this past spring on proposals to improve the Federal Skilled Worker Program, we are actively exploring policy options on the way forward.”

A summary report of the consultations is being finalized and will soon be available on the CIC website.

That’s the same as in 2011 and in keeping with the average of 254,000 a year over the past few years.

But at the same time, sources tell The Canadian Press that the number of white-collar workers in certain occupations, many already with experience or education in Canada, will rise.

They say that in 2012, Ottawa will accept about 7,000 newcomers in that category, the highest number ever, and up slightly from 2011.

Kenney has said he is on a mission to make the immigrant flow younger and more professional, but he has yet to say who will be discouraged from Canada as a result of beefing up the number of younger skilled workers.

Updated: Further announcements from the CIC today (Nov 2nd 2011)

• Canadian Experience Class brings the world’s best and brightest to Canada
• Attracting and retaining internationalPhD students the focus of new initiative

As one participant said, “Canada does have one of the best immigration processes globally – but there is a broken promise because we tell people that their skill-set is going to be recognized, and then they can’t get a job and they end up driving taxis.” Often, this is because organizations are clinging to outdated notions. For example, half of the respondents to a Public Policy Forum survey said that Canadian work experience is either a requirement for employment in their organization, or that foreign work experience is not necessarily considered equal to Canadian experience.

The lack of “fit” or acceptance was another issue raised by the white paper, which strongly suggests that companies have much to gain by broadening their thinking. “Only by taking calculated risks and being open to learning from the experiences of immigrants will Canadian companies fully capitalize on the potential for innovation and growth that comes with their hiring,” says Deloitte’s Chief Diversity Officer, partner Jane Allen.

The findings in the paper echo earlier Deloitte studies on productivity and tax policy.  In the Future of productivity, facilitating the immigration of skilled workers is cited as key to improving our competitiveness. Competing for global talent notes that these individuals will also enhance government tax revenues.

The white paper argues that it’s time to put the theory of diversity into action: more proactive steps must be taken to quickly enable skilled foreign-born workers to contribute to Canada’s economy and achieve their own dreams. Various provinces offer programs through community organizations and government ministries – these and other initiatives provide a solid base of best practices for employers across Canada.  The annual Dialogue on diversity study conducted by Deloitte serves to highlight both opportunity and progress in this critically important area.

Download a PDF version of the the report

Kenney says when he is done with his multiple reforms of the system, the flow of newcomers into Canada will be predominantly young, well educated, highly skilled, and fluent in English or French. They’ll be admitted to Canada within a year of applying.

And soon after, they’ll start paying taxes because they will have lined up a job prior to arrival or should be able to find one quickly once they land.

“Where we want to be in a few years time is a flexible, just-in-time . . . system where we admit people within a year of their application,” he told reporters.

“Where people with pre-arranged job offers are given priority, because they succeed best. Where we continue to see a better geographic distribution of newcomers. And where we can more flexibly change the (acceptance) criteria based on developments in the labour market,” he explained.

“That’s where we want to go.”

But getting there is no easy amble. His critics don’t disagree with his goal, but they have qualms about how he will achieve it.

“It’s like saying ‘we want to have sun in January.’ We all want that,” NDP immigration critic Don Davies said in a telephone call from Vancouver. “He doesn’t explain how. He sets the goals but he doesn’t say how we’ll get there.”

Kenney foresees a multi-step process that will require changes to many different parts of Canada’s creaky immigration machinery.

His department has already undertaken major studies of what kind of immigrant succeeds in Canada and what kind fails. Kenney has followed up with extensive consultations and polling to find out what mix of immigration the public is willing to take.

Now comes the action. Kenney is expected to table the annual report on immigration on Tuesday. As usual, it will include his decisions about how many immigrants Canada should accept in 2012, and what kind. The report will give a range of operational targets for each type of immigrant, from foreign skilled workers to parents and grandparents. The key number is the overall number of immigrants Canada wants to let in and that number is clearly not going up despite pressure from the opposition.

Under the Conservative government, Canada has let in an average of 254,000 immigrants a year, which is high by historical standards.

While some immigration observers argue that Canada could solve its demographic imbalance, workplace shortages, family demands and backlog issues all at the same time by opening the doors to far more immigrants, Kenney rejects that idea.

“I don’t think realistically we can increase the levels of immigration in orders of magnitude,” he said.

“I think it’s important for policy makers to listen to public opinion on immigration and not become disconnected from public opinion, which has arguably led to some of the problems in Western Europe.”

Immigrant-related riots in a few European countries over the past three years have become the spectre of what immigration policy makers around the world aim to avoid.

Kenney understands the logic in calculations that show Canada would have to at least triple the number of immigrants it lets in every year if it wanted to bring down the average age of its population and resolve expected labour shortages over time. But Canada can’t absorb that many people, he said, nor would Canadians accept that kind of inflow. He points to polling last year done by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. It shows 47 per cent of respondents say immigration levels are just right, and 34 per cent say they are too high.

“That, in my view, is in no way a reflection of anti-immigration sentiment, because new immigrants are disproportionately likely to say that,” Kenney said.

“So this is just, I think, a sense that Canadians have that there’s a practical limit to how many people can be successfully settled each year. The broad political consensus in Canada is pro-immigration, but the caveat on that is to make sure that we’re able to successfully integrate and employ the people who arrive.”

Once the levels of immigration are decided, Kenney will be turning his attention to getting rid of the enormous backlog of potential immigrants waiting in the queue to have their applications processed. There are about one million names on the list, many of whom have been waiting for years and years for word from Ottawa.

He has suggested capping the number of applications in some areas, perhaps starting with the parents and grandparents of permanent residents. That would cut down the backlog, make for a younger inflow, and reduce Canada’s costs for social services.

Then, once the numbers are under control, Kenney wants to focus on shaping the quality of the various immigration streams.

Next spring, the minister wants to re-jig the point system that allows economic immigrants to qualify. Youth and high-quality education will be worth more, and the emphasis on English or French fluency is likely to be increased. Quantity of education will matter less, the minister says.

But this isn’t the first time Kenney has tried to reform the stream of economic immigrants, points out Davies.

Kenney has given three major directives over the past few years to limit applications and put certain professions at the front of the queue. The fact that he’s rehashing the system yet again is a sign that his previous attempts have failed, Davies says.

It’s not enough for Kenney to simply be the “Energizer bunny” when it comes to shaping Canada’s future workforce and diverse population, he adds.

“I don’t think he knows what he’s doing. I think he should slow down.”

To that end, Goldsmith and her colleagues partnered with the Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary to establish the Immigrant Employment Partnership Project. The project’s mandate is to “promote employment for newcomers and other immigrant stakeholders in Calgary, and to educate these groups about the careers available with The City of Calgary,” says Goldsmith.

One-stop shop for skilled immigrants

The project has been an outstanding success. This is partly due to the emphasis on employment forums — a “one-stop shop” for new Canadian professionals interested in a career with the City.

Typically, each forum features direct interaction with City of Calgary hiring managers. The forum begins with a general presentation on the recruitment process, followed by individual hiring managers presenting information on how their profession is practiced within the municipality. During these programs, the managers discuss what types of jobs are available, as well as what qualifications and qualities they’re looking for.

Finally, the managers sit down one-on-one with the immigrants, who will get a chance to ask questions. “This is valued as one of the best parts of the forum,” says Goldsmith.

She cites the work of the Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary in helping to co-ordinate the agencies to work with the City at these forums. “We always make sure to keep a balanced focus on our partners in the immigrant employment and settlement sector,” she says.

Employer forums on the horizon

In the past, the forums have focused on the immigrant professionals and immigrant employment counselors. Looking ahead, the partnership hopes to also focus on employers.

An “employer forum,” says Goldsmith, would share the model of the Immigrant Employment Partnership and highlight the importance of:

• Working as a partner: sharing the leadership and training responsibilities between the employer and the immigrant-serving agencies.
• Sharing expertise: gaining essential knowledge from immigrant-serving agencies about interviewing immigrants and analyzing their résumés.
• Being creative: participating in career fairs targeting immigrants and reducing barriers in electronic recruitment.

“Partnership is such a viable model because of the learning opportunities,” says Goldsmith. “Peer-to-peer and cross-sector learning has opened so many doors for the City as an employer. Our hiring processes have been greatly improved because of our partnerships.”

The upside to this multifaceted approach to immigrant recruitment has been an overall improvement in human resources services at the City of Calgary. The City now has International Qualifications Assessment Services guides available online, which allows both HR and hiring managers to quickly check international credentials.

“At present, there is a much higher internal awareness of how international credentials factor into the hiring process,” says Goldsmith. “Before this information was provided on our intranet, résumés with such credentials might have been screened out.”

The City of Calgary has more than 14,000 employees.

Over the past 20 years, Canada has accepted about 250,000 “permanent immigrants” annually, author Jeffrey Reitz, an immigration and ethnic studies professor at the University of Toronto. In 2010, the country posted its highest figures in 50 years: more than 280,000 people.

“This support has been consistently high over the past 15 to 20 years when immigration levels have also been high,” states a release issued by the IRPP. “It is particularly strong among more educated Canadians, the young, the fully employed and men.”

About 58 per cent of people in the country support current levels of immigration, stated the report, titled “Pro-immigration Canada: Social and Economic Roots of Popular Views.”

Atlantic Canada, Quebec and the Prairies outshone the rest of Canada, with more than 62 per cent support. Both Ontario and British Columbia showed lower than average levels of support, but people in those provinces’ most immigrant-rich cities, Toronto and Vancouver, showed enthusiasm for immigration that was above average.

“Where there are more immigrants, people are a bit cool to the idea of adding even more immigrants,” Reitz explained. “The question asked wasn’t ‘Do we like immigration?’ It was ‘How do you feel about changing the levels of immigration?’ If you’re in an area where there’s a lot of immigration, your view to adding more might be a bit restrained.”

Between one third and one half of the country’s newcomers settle in Toronto.

The study looked at trends in public attitudes and data from an Environics survey conducted last November, which asked Canadians questions how much immigration they are comfortable with, and to explain the conditions under which immigrants are most likely to succeed.

It found Canadians see newcomers as both an economic benefit and a cultural one, noting multiculturalism remains one of the country’s main sources of national pride.

“Few see immigration as one of Canada’s most significant problems,” states the study. “The survey data show that support for multiculturalism is rooted in a broader, socially progressive agenda that includes issues such as gay rights and gun control, which themselves reinforce pro-immigration attitudes. Nevertheless, many Canadians would like immigrants to blend into society rather than form separate communities.”

The study found Canadians see acceptance of immigrants as distinct from our neighbours to the south, providing a national identity in a country often looking to set itself apart. Indeed, when compared to the United States, where there is a fence along large parts of the southern border and a proposal for one on its north, the lack of debate on the merits of immigration in Canada speaks volumes.

“In the party leaders’ debate preceding the May 2011 election, a voter posed a question on immigration and multiculturalism. Each of the four prime ministerial candidates attempted to adopt the most pro-immigration position,” states the report.

“All Canadian political parties espouse pro-immigration policies, and the public rarely asks them to defend these policies.

“Canada is an exception to the negative attitude toward immigration that prevails in most other industrialized countries, an attitude that has received much attention, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France.”

“Canadians were more likely to see immigration as an opportunity than as a problem.”

A notice says the proposed change would not increase the language level required for citizenship but would provide officials and judges with “objective evidence of an applicant’s language ability.”

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney is proposing changes to the way the government assesses the language abilities of prospective new citizens.

Under the proposal, published today in the Canada Gazette for public input, adult citizenship applicants would be required to provide objective evidence of language ability with their citizenship applications.

“The ability to communicate effectively in either French or English is key to the success of new citizens in Canada,” said Minister Kenney.  “This change will encourage applicants to ensure that they can speak English or French when they apply for citizenship, thereby improving the integrity and effectiveness of the citizenship program for Canada and for new Canadians alike.”

The Citizenship Act already requires that applicants be able to communicate in one of Canada’s official languages.  This proposed change would not increase the language level required, but would change the way that citizenship applicants aged 18-54 prove their language ability.

Under the new system, applicants would have to provide objective evidence that they meet the language requirement when they file their application.  Applicants would be able to demonstrate language ability by submitting a variety of evidence, including:

• the results of a third party test;
• evidence of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French; or
• evidence of achieving CLB/NCLC4 in certain government funded language training programs.

CIC currently uses the citizenship knowledge test as well as the applicant’s interaction with CIC staff to assess language ability.  If it appears an applicant does not meet language requirements, they are invited for an interview with a citizenship judge.  There can be a significant time delay between the submission of the application and the subsequent hearing for language.

The proposed new rule that applicants must provide objective evidence that they meet the language requirement when they file their application would give citizenship judges better evidence on which to base their decision.  CIC would also be able to return applications of those who do not provide evidence they meet the requirements more quickly, thus improving application processing.

CIC is also proposing to clarify that the language skills to be assessed would be speaking and listening, and the criteria would clearly align with Canadian Language Benchmark/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens  CLB/NCLC4, which represents basic fluent proficiency.  This would allow applicants to understand the requirements they need to meet and to provide evidence that is correlated to CLB/NCLC4.

The Notice of Intent, requesting comments from the public on the proposed change, will be posted for 30 days.

The average minimum wait is currently 19 months, up from 15 months in May. CIC says it plans to continue using temporary workers to clear the backlog, if it can find the money.

But the union says it is clear there is a need for more permanent workers at the office. Union spokeswoman Theresa MacInnis said, this is the third temporary contract some of these workers have been on since being laid off from permanent work a year and a half ago.

“To me it looks like there is a need for additional workers in the workplace,” said MacInnis.

“Stabilizing a workforce is always a benefit for continuing work flows and processing.”

MacInnis said the uncertainty has some workers looking for other jobs. She isn’t sure what the turnover has been, but she said any training of new employees or people new to this processing wastes time and resources. The latest contract for the 86 additional staff will expire at the end of March.

CIC expects workers will have processed at least 5,000 citizenship applications by that time. It’s not known how much of a dent in the backlog that will make.

Within a week of Gaga’s anointment, the YouTube video had shot to 25 million views and is still going strong.

Winnipeg’s Hot 103 brought her into the radio station studio and arranged for Lady Gaga to talk to her, which was emotional for both parties. Gaga was so impressed and touched by Maria that she invited her to perform the song “Born this Way” on stage with her at a concert in Toronto.

Maria explained: “I met a lot of people before, but Lady Gaga is the reason why I am here because if she hadn’t seen my video, I wouldn’t be doing this interview. And when I first got to talk to her, I cried because she had time to talk to me, and she even wanted me to sing with her at a concert. I was just very overwhelmed; I was just so star-struck.” Maria has also appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and has since been invited to countless interviews, performances and media outlets all around the world.

Maria’s success is particularly inspiring because of her family’s story. Maria’s mother and father emigrated from the Philippines to Winnipeg in 1997 with two older sisters and a brother in search of a better environment for their kids. Although the Aragons didn’t speak that much English at first, through a combination of work, school and with the help of family already settled in Winnipeg, they became well integrated in their neighbourhood.

Although she liked the Philippines, Maria’s sister Rojuane says that she could probably never move back. Canada is what she considers home. “My parents would love to go back,” she said. “I know that for sure, because my mom’s side of the family is all still in the Philippines.”

Maria is the only one of four children who was born in Canada. When asked what she considers her identity, she states, “Well, I’m Canadian because I was born here. But I was raised by Filipino parents, so I guess I’m both.”

She loves Winnipeg but also knows that being Filipino is a huge part of who she is. She has a lot of fans from the Philippines and from Asia at large, which she says can be both exciting and a little strange. Many of them follow her on Facebook and have set up numerous fan pages dedicated to her.

Maria has even had the opportunity to sing with Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his campaign tour during the last federal election. She reflected candidly, “Well, it was an honour because, of course, he’s the Prime Minister, he’s like the boss of everybody! It was fun because I didn’t know he could play the piano so well!”

Maria also took part in the annual Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill, performing in front of the large crowd which featured William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as part of their 2011 tour of Canada.

When asked what made singing important to her, Maria says, “Everyone is good at something, whether it is art or singing or dancing, but I think singing is special because it’s the talent that I have and it’s special, especially now because it’s the reason why I get to go see Lady Gaga and be on the Ellen (DeGeneres) Show … It’s the talent that God gave me so I’m really grateful for it.”

For more videos of Maria, check out her YouTube channel.

As Immigration Canada has tightened up many of their residency programs, the option of coming to Canada on a skilled work permit is the option that many would-be immigrants are considering.

In order to get a temporary skilled work permit the applicant usually must have a job offer first. This job offer needs to go through the process of being issued with a Labour Market Opinion (LMO), whereby the employer needs to demonstrate to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) that they have attempted to recruit a Canadian for the position but have been unable to do so. After all, Canadians looking for work need to be given priority over foreigners. Americans may also have the possibility of coming in under NAFTA, but must still have a job offer and meet eligibility requirements.

Rather than just filling in a form, the employer needs to explain and prove what recruitment efforts have been done to justify bringing in a foreign worker. If it is a union position then the union must also provide approval. If licensing is required then the foreign worker may need to get their Canadian licence before being able to proceed, which can hinder and delay the process. The employer also needs to demonstrate that the foreign worker will be paid according to current labour market requirements for the area in question. On top of all of this, new regulations stipulate that if an employer is paying someone to help with the preparation and submission of LMO then that person must be an authorised lawyer, paralegal or regulated immigration consultant.

If HRSDC are satisfied that an employer has truly been unable to find a Canadian for the position then a positive LMO is issued and the foreign worker can apply for an employer-specific work permit at the relevant Canadian visa office, or even at the Port of Entry, depending on their circumstances.

The good news is that “Canada’s labour market has more than fully recovered from the loss experienced in the downturn,” said Ian Wright, chief economist at the Royal Bank of Canada. “As of August, Canada had 164,000 more people employed than during the pre-recession peak and so far this year, employment gains have been concentrated in full-time jobs.”

There is talk now of relaxing the LMO requirements as the demand for foreign workers in Canada starts to grow again. The current maximum of a one year LMO will hopefully also be extended, making it less stressful for both the employer and the employee. The employee will usually aim to submit a permanent residency application after their arrival and will usually need about 18 months for this to be finalised. Applications for permanent residency will usually be submitted in the Federal Skilled Worker category, or upon nomination from the province. Canadian Experience Class is also an option when the worker has been working in Canada in a skilled occupation for two years.

So where should the foreign worker focus their job search?

Every particular occupation has a different set of supply and demand factors. However,to look at the overall labour market, Saskatchewan leads the way in terms of economic growth, with Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador following closely behind. Manitoba is projected to improve its economic standing, while Ontario, British Columbia, and Prince Edward Island fall slightly below the national average. Quebec continues to show mixed results and is positioned with the remaining Atlantic provinces at the back of the pack.

Writers Bio: Goldman Associates are an immigration law firm and also a foreign worker employment agency, helping match foreign workers with Canadian employers. We work with workers from around the world and employers across Canada. We can also help you with your licensing and registration. Contact us today at info@immigrationtocanada.org for a free assessment and consultation.

In July, the province’s Office of Immigration said a tentative settlement offered each immigrant up to $75,000.

A proposed class-action lawsuit was filed in December 2009 on behalf of Peter King, who moved to Halifax from the United Kingdom in April 2006 and paid more than $100,000 to participate in the program.

Immigrants like King were supposed to get on-the-job training with an approved mentor company, but a statement of claim alleges that King applied unsuccessfully for a number of jobs before he moved to British Columbia.

The provincial government has already paid out about $38 million in refunds to immigrants, but a clause in the settlement says that if more than 50 people opt out, the government won’t proceed.

“It’s our intention to hammer out a process that is more efficient, that eliminates … red tape, so that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program works, on time, for the Alberta economy.”

In October, Kenney will join Canada’s Human Resources and Skills Development minister, Diane Finley, in meetings with employers from the oil and gas, construction, agriculture and hospitality sectors to discuss improvements to the program. The latest Canada numbers show 42,885 temporary foreign workers were employed in Alberta in 2010.

Cheryl Knight, CEO of the Calgary-based Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada, said the program has had a limited effect on the tight labour situation in the oil and gas sector.

“There is a strong disconnect with the Government of Canada prioritizing so-called skilled workers where skill is associated with education. For our industry, skill is something different,” said Knight, who noted there were shortages in field workers in oil and gas, well services and drilling workers and supervisors.

“Because those are jobs that do not require formal post-secondary education, they’re not seen as skilled workers.”

Kenny accepted that there were people who had very high levels of skill, but not on paper. “They may not have a diploma; they may not have trade certification, but they’re able to run a sophisticated $10-million gas fracking (hydraulic fracturing) operation,” he said.

“We are sensitive to that concern and we are looking at it.”

“Federal and provincial settlement programs have not caught up with changing immigrant settlement patterns, including a growing shift to suburban communities,” the report says.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is in the midst of public consultations on how to best reshape the intake of immigrants, so that the country attracts the kind of people it needs to sustain its workforce.

The federation hopes to play into that process with its paper, released Wednesday after months of research.

But the paper also comes as Mayor Rob Ford of Toronto, the country’s largest city, eyes cuts to some of the key services newcomers rely on — social housing, libraries, transit and childcare.

The thrust of the report and the political turmoil engulfing Toronto are no coincidence, says Michael Shapcott, a social policy researcher at the Wellesley Institute in Toronto.

Cities find their finances strained by years of downloading from other levels of government, he said. And at the same time, mounting poverty among a growing population of immigrants increases the pressure.

The federation’s policy proposals are “an enlightened response” to the pressure, while the turmoil in Toronto “is a much more sharpened response,” Shapcott said.

Newcomers take longer and longer to catch up to the standard of living of the rest of the population at a time when the country’s labour force needs fresh blood, the paper points out.

A traditional, short-term policy focus is no longer sufficient, the researchers argue.

Federal settlement plans usually assume a three-year time frame, but in reality, newcomers need five to 10 years of help before they find their feet, the report says.

Plus, settlement services are often concentrated in urban cores, far from their targeted population and they don’t focus enough on the immediate needs of the newcomer population, the paper argues.

It points out that newcomers are far more likely than long-time Canadians to be “core housing need” — spending more than 30 per cent of their income on shelter.

That’s because almost two-thirds of newcomers are renters and they often say it’s difficult to find and qualify for affordable housing.

The paper points to research by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp., showing that 44 per cent of recent immigrant renters are considered to be in core housing need. For non-immigrant renters, less than a quarter are in that danger zone.

“Without stable housing, immigrants and their families experience even greater difficulties finding jobs, enrolling children in school, participating in language training and becoming part of community life,” the paper explains.

Affordability for newcomers is especially severe in York Region, north of Toronto, and in Ottawa, the report says.

But at the same time, the federal commitment to supporting affordable housing has been spotty.

The federal stimulus program helped build new social housing, and federal and provincial governments recently signed a three-year pact for more spending. But Ottawa is also allowing other operating agreements to expire — a move that will mean $1 billion less per year in federal funding by 2020, the report.

As for transit, newcomers are about twice as likely as long-time Canadians to take the bus. But bus routes don’t necessarily follow the flow of the immigrant population, with so many jobs and newcomers moving to the suburbs, the report says.

“Federal and provincial governments must provide long-term, reliable funding so that transit systems have the financial certainty they need to meet the needs of all Canadians, now and in the future,” the report urges.

The federation argues that municipal governments are on the front lines of a crumbling system to integrate immigrants, helping out with housing, recreation, library services, child care and public transit.

And yet they are not included in policy deliberations and direct funding agreements, nor do they have the money to pay for these services in a way that keeps up with demand, they point out.

New immigrants come to Canada from all corners of the globe – from countries that have different educational standards, licensing requirements, terminology and languages – so it only makes sense that those who practice in regulated occupations need to meet Canada’s standards. This applies whether you intend to work in such varied occupations such as a truck driver, an electrician, a pharmacist or an engineer – just as examples.

If only it were as simple as taking a Canadian test for your occupation so that you could then start to work in your profession. This is not the case however; as many occupations are provincially regulated, and some even require both federal and provincial licensing. Licensing varies from province to province. On top of this, one provincial licence may not be accepted in another province. Documentation required and timeframes vary as well.

Most regulatory bodies and authorities provide information on requirements for licensing, but this information can be confusing particularly when you are dealing with both provincial and federal bodies and you are in a foreign country. It can be very daunting to tackle this on your own when you are unfamiliar with the processes and the terminology. It would be very beneficial for you to have a Canadian who is familiar with the processes and the provinces to help you out – Goldman Associates offer services to help with your licensing so that you can tackle the licensing issue before arrival in Canada. The help provided in navigating the system and in completing the application is invaluable to your future.

You need to ensure that you have fully investigated what you need to do prior to becoming licensed. Don’t expect to be able to write the licensing exam outside of Canada, you will need to physically be in Canada to do this. In many professions you will be able to have your documentation assessed prior to coming to Canada, so that you can do your licensing exam(s) as soon as possible after arrival. Research and preparation are your keys to success.

Challenges that foreign-trained applicants face include the following: 

• Some provinces do not require licensing at all for certain occupations while others do. This is often the case with trades. This may impact where you decide to live and work after arrival in Canada
• It may be pointless to become qualified in a province where there is no work available
• It is easier to get registered in some occupations in some provinces rather than other provinces. For example, some provinces require less experience or less education while other provinces may not require you to do an exam or a language test
• Some provinces require you to have a work permit before you can become registered and others do not (if you are coming on a temporary work permit)
• Some employers may allow you to work in Canada under supervision while you are preparing for your exam while others do not allow this
• You may be allowed to get registered in one province and then to work in another.
• For trades, the Red Seal is recognized across Canada so once the exam is passed you can work in any province
• The national nursing exam is recognized across Canada. However, each province still requires registration. This scenario is also true for occupations such as doctors, pharmacists and physiotherapists

Some helpful tips:

• Exams may only be offered once or twice a year in certain professions so make sure you are aware of the dates in advance
• Licensing bodies are usually very strict with their review of documentation so ensure that you have the correct documents to be assessed
• Official transcripts from your university or college may be required
• Documents will need to be officially translated if they are not in English or French
• It can be expensive and time consuming to get licensed so make sure that you are doing the right assessment and exam

On top of all of the above, these rules are constantly changing. The licensing issue may end up being your biggest challenge in your relocation – it is imperative that you get it right if you want to practice in your profession. It is critical to understand all of the rules that apply to you and your situation. You cannot afford to get it wrong.

As always, preparation and knowledge will determine your success in getting licensed, and will make your relocation smoother.

Writers Bio: Goldman Associates provide licensing services to help you in your preparation for arrival in Canada. A general consulting service is available as well as an in-depth service which will provide help in completion of the full application, collation of documentation and advice regarding the best province in which for you to get licensed. Contact us for further information and we will be happy to help info@immigrationtocanada.org 

“Canadian citizenship is not for sale. I encourage anyone who has information regarding citizenship fraud to call our tip line,” said Minister Kenney. “My department will ensure that all tips are investigated and that appropriate action is taken.”

Cases involving false representation, fraud or knowingly concealing material circumstances in the citizenship process – for example, pretending to be present in Canada to meet the residence requirements for obtaining citizenship – should be referred to the citizenship fraud tip line at CIC’s Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday). Those overseas can contact the nearest Canadian visa office. Tips may also be reported by e-mail at Citizenship-fraud-tips@cic.gc.ca.

All other types of fraud tips related to immigration should be reported to the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Border Watch Tip Line at 1-888-502-9060. The CBSA is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

To date, CIC has identified approximately 2,000 people from over 100 countries who may have obtained Canadian citizenship fraudulently, many by using the services of crooked consultants to misrepresent their residence in Canada. CIC is taking steps to revoke citizenship from those who obtained it fraudulently, where allowed by the evidence.

The Come to Canada Wizard, which helps people determine if they are eligible to come to Canada, has recorded over 100,000 visits in its first three weeks of operation. The majority of the people using it – approximately 80% – are doing so from outside Canada.

“This tool makes it easier for potential immigrants and visitors to understand the immigration process,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “At this rate, we can expect more than a million users to benefit from the website by this time next year.”

The Come to Canada tool presents users with a series of questions and, based on their answers, matches them with the federal immigration option that best suits their specific circumstances. It then leads them to a page that breaks down the application steps and provides instructions and forms.

Come to Canada is proving to be both popular and user friendly. A majority of people using it completed all the steps to find the immigration option that suited them best. This success is reflected by the comments CIC has received from users of the tool.

“Excellent tool, very user friendly and straightforward,” wrote one user.

“This is the best way to get everyone to answer whether they are eligible or not,” noted another. “The most important thing is that people will stop going to fraudulent consultants and they can save their money and their parents’ money. Thanks to Canada for launching this.”

To view the Come to Canada Wizard, go to www.cic.gc.ca/cometocanada.

Immigration has been a sustaining feature of Canada’s history and continues to play an important role in building our country. Canada has one of the highest per capita rates of permanent immigration in the world—roughly 0.8% in recent years—and has welcomed 3.5 million immigrants in the last 15 years.

“The online consultation provides an important opportunity to gather input from stakeholders and the public on key questions facing CIC “ said Minister Kenney. “This is also a chance to highlight some of the considerations and difficult choices involved in managing a global immigration system.”

In planning for the total number of people to admit as permanent residents, CIC not only balances immigration objectives but also considers several other factors, including broader government commitments, input from provinces and territories, and current and future economic conditions. The Department must also consider its ability to process applications in a timely manner, as well as the capacity of communities to welcome newcomers.

The questionnaire is a key component of the cross-country consultations Minister Kenney and his parliamentary secretaries are currently leading on immigration levels and mix. In July, the Minister consulted with stakeholders in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto. This month, parliamentary secretaries Rick Dykstra and Chungsen Leung held round tables in Mississauga, Scarborough and London. Additional sessions may be planned in the coming weeks and months.

Thus far, the majority of stakeholders present at the consultation sessions expressed a fairly positive view of the current immigration system. They have identified immigration as a critical way to meet labour market needs, citing economic factors as among the most important considerations when establishing immigration levels, followed by integration concerns. Participants have also highlighted the importance of family reunification and the need to address wait times in the parent and grandparent stream.

More than 1,600 people have already signed up to complete the questionnaire. It is available at the following link: www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/consultations/index.asp.

A report on the consultations, including the online questionnaire, will be available on the CIC website in the fall of 2011 or winter 2012.

In 2004, and long before his children were born, Charles thought it wise to begin the lengthy process of sponsoring his parents to Canada. He is a Canadian citizen, makes enough money to qualify as a sponsor, and thought it a good idea for his parents to apply for the right to live in Canada with their son, daughter-in-law and, hopefully, with any future grandchildren.

His parents were here three years ago to witness the birth of their first grandchild, Daniel and again last year for the birth of their second grandchild, Michelle. Naturally, these trips were extremely memorable and allowed the children an opportunity to know their grandparents and to bond with them. His parents always looked forward to spending time with their loving grandchildren.

In February, the Canadian embassy asked the couple to repeat the medical examinations they had underwent in 2009 which had since expired. After a long seven-year wait, it finally looked like the processing of the application was about to be completed.

When Charles’ mom was being examined, she advised the immigration doctor that she was taking pills prescribed by her doctor for a heart condition. The immigration doctor ordered a follow-up medical with a local cardiologist. In June, the couple received a letter from the Canadian embassy saying that Charles’ mom has a mitral valve disease and that it was reasonable to conclude that this condition will continue to progress and deteriorate requiring ongoing management by specialists in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery. They were given two months to provide further documentation which might lead immigration authorities to reconsider their finding that Charles’ mom was medically inadmissible to Canada.

In spite of the further medical information the family submitted to the embassy in response to this letter, the application for permanent residence was formally rejected in July. Given the fact that Charles’ mom never suffered a heart attack nor was ever hospitalized for this condition, this refusal came as a profound disappointment to the family. But what was really unexpected was the following passage which was contained in the refusal letter:

“This inadmissibility may also extend to any stay in Canada as a visitor … [and you] should therefore not attempt to enter Canada without seeking advice from a Canadian visa office”.

Charles felt shocked and betrayed by the prospect that his mom would not be allowed to even visit Canada anymore. He and his parents did everything right. They applied from abroad, waited patiently for seven years, told the truth, and now they are in a far worse position than when they started. He was upset that his mom wasn’t even offered the opportunity to undergo any surgery or treatment abroad that might be needed to address any medical concerns as a precondition to the granting of permanent residence.

His parents visited often, always with health insurance, and never overstayed. Now his mom may not be able to spend her vacations visiting the grandchildren which she has become so attached to. Her confidence is shaken and Charles is worried that his mother is too afraid to hear what immigration officials might tell her at the Canadian embassy.

What was supposed to be a plan of family reunification has now turned into a potential nightmare for this family. This outcome was not at all anticipated.

Writers Bio: Guidy Mamann, J.D. practices law in Toronto at Mamann Sandaluk and is certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as an immigration specialist.

The Foreign Credentials Referral Office’s (FCRO) annual report, released today, highlights the important achievements made by Citizenship and Immigration (CIC), Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and Health Canada, who work in partnership with provinces and territories and other key stakeholders to help foreign trained workers with the foreign credential recognition processes.

“We want newcomers to be able to use their skills as soon as possible in Canada and work to their full potential,” said Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “It’s good for them and good for the Canadian economy.”

The Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Credentials met its commitment in 2010 to let foreign skilled workers in eight targeted occupations know within a year of applying whether their credentials are recognized or what additional courses they would need to take to have their credentials recognized. The Framework, led by HRSDC, is a Government of Canada project in partnership with the provinces and territories.

“Foreign-trained workers make an important contribution to Canada’s labour market and economy. That’s why Canada’s Economic Action Plan invested $50 million to work with partners to improve foreign credential recognition,” said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “Our government is helping newcomers find meaningful work that contributes to Canada’s overall prosperity.”

In 2010, the Government of Canada, with the Association of Community Colleges, expanded the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) to serve not only Federal Skilled Workers but also Provincial Nominees, and their spouses and working-age dependents with two-day orientation sessions on Canadian culture, the labour market and foreign credential recognition processes. The overseas courses better prepare skilled immigrants to integrate more quickly into the Canadian labour market and society.

The program is showing success. By September 2010, nearly 13,000 applicants had registered for CIIP services and over 9,100 had completed the two-day course. Among the CIIP graduates who had arrived in Canada, 70 per cent said they found employment despite the economic downturn.

Other key developments this past year included:

• The Federal Internship for Newcomers program gave 65 interns, more than double the number in 2009, key Canadian work experience in 11 government departments.
• In B.C. the Physician Integration Project, funded, in part, through Health Canada’s Internationally Educated Health Professionals Initiative, was revised to better support international medical graduates as they integrate into the B.C. workforce.
• The Working in Canada website (www.workingincanada.gc.ca) was upgraded to provide information on licensing and certification requirements for various professions, which are steps applicants can begin while still overseas.
• The Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) provides information, path-finding and referral services to internationally trained workers both in Canada and overseas and collaborates with federal partners and other stakeholders to improve foreign credential recognition processes.

To read the Government of Canada 2010 Progress Report on Foreign Credential Recognition, go to: www.credentials.gc.ca

You must have the intention of going to Quebec, but there is no minimum amount of time that you have to live in Quebec. With the Quebec immigrant investor program, you are issued with full Canadian (not just Quebec) permanent residency. This means that you will be allowed to live and work wherever you want in Canada.

As a French province, it is easier to settle in Quebec if you are a French speaker but it is not a necessity. A bilingual labour pool, proximity to North American markets and tax breaks for new businesses are some of the many reasons that new businesspeople choose Quebec as a destination.

In order to submit an application to the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program you must meet the following general requirements:

• Have net assets of at least $1,600,000 CAN obtained legally
• Have management experience
• Either borrow $800,000 CAN for 5 years or loan the government $800,000 for five years without any interest.

The third requirement needs to be explained. Even though it is called an “investor” visa, there is no true investment. You are not risking any funds in a business venture. Rather you are making an interest free 5 year loan to the government of $800,000 and you may borrow the $800,000 without providing security for the loan. The cost for this kind of visa is therefore the lost interest that you would have earned on this money or the amount of interest that you pay to borrow the money from a lender. If you borrow from designated Canadian lenders, you are not required to provide security from the loan because the lenders know that the loan is guaranteed by the government.

With the recent cap on Federal investors, there has unsurprisingly been an increase in the number of Quebec applications. From January 1^st – July 31^st 2011 a total of 1,329 applications were received, with over 25% of those applications received in July alone. Almost 70% of these applications come from Asia.

When there is so much money at stake it only makes sense for you to use an experienced representative. Be careful – Quebec has its own list of authorized designated representatives which has been in force since February of this year. A representative must be as follows:

• members in good standing of the Barreau du Québec
• members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec
• individuals who have been granted special authorization issued by one of the two above-mentioned organizations
• recognized immigration consultants who are registered with the Registre québécois des consultants en immigration

When looking into hiring a representative it is imperative for you to do your research. You must ensure that your representative has the required qualifications to provide advice, has extensive experience dealing with Quebec Investor applications and that they may be authorized to represent a Quebec application. The ideal representative will have knowledge in taxation as well as all relocation matters to help you (and your family) settle in smoothly.

Writers Bio: Ian Goldman of Goldman Associates has been granted special authorization by the Barreau de Québec to represent individuals applying to Quebec. With over 18 years of experience as an immigration lawyer he will be happy to offer a complimentary (no fee) detailed consultation to anyone interested in applying as an Investor. Please email info@immigrationtocanada.org for further information.

No-one can say that Minister Kenney has not been busy in his job – he has been active in implementing changes in the hopes of attempting to reduce the backlog of applications that are sitting at missions around the world waiting to be processed. In some cases, residency applications from 2004 are still waiting to be reviewed. By reducing the intake of current applications then theoretically applications already in the processing queue will then be dealt with in a more realistic time frame. This is in theory of course, as applications submitted post June 26^th 2010 are prioritized and so will be processed first.

The Federal Skilled Worker occupation list has been ‘open for business’ now for almost 6 weeks, with no change in the 29 occupations but with a reduced cap of 10,000 applications (500 per occupation). It is no surprise that NOC 1122 ‘Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management’ is already almost full. As of August 10^th 419 applications had been accepted for processing by CIC. If your application has not already been sent then there really is no point as this occupation will be filled up very soon – most likely with the applications that are in the CIC mail room waiting to be opened.

Registered Nurses NOC 3152 is at 148 applications already, and will likely be the next occupation to fill up. CIC are now updating their website regularly with the number of applications accepted for processing, which is very useful. Current numbers show that, once again, applications from tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics etc.) are few in number. No applications from crane operators have been accepted yet.

A cap of 700 was introduced on Federal Investor applications – this was filled up right away, so no more applications will be accepted for processing until July 1^st 2012. The Federal Entrepreneur program is being re-vamped and so a moratorium was placed on these applications – none will be accepted until further notice. Current processing times for Federal Entrepreneur applications already in process range from 2.5 years to 8 years.

In a move to make it easier for potential immigrants to determine the best way to immigrate to Canada, CIC have introduced a much lauded ‘Wizard’ entitled “Find Out How to Come to Canada” on their website. An applicant can enter their details and see what immigration possibilities are offered. It is not exactly accurate though as it recommends submitting applications in both the Federal Investor and Entrepreneur category – neither of which are accepting applications.

The ‘Wizard’ does not provide details on provincial nominee programs. These are often the best way to migrate to Canada so this is a huge gap in the ‘Wizard’. Neither does it address the likelihood of getting a job in Canada (or the potential licensing requirements), which is often the best way to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker application or the provincial nominee programs.

Further changes include new permanent residency application forms and sponsorship forms – both were introduced on July 18^th. The old forms will continue to be accepted for a few more months and then only the new forms will be accepted by CIC.

July also saw the introduction of the new regulator for immigration consultants (technically it was June 30^th). The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) ceased to have any authority over certified consultants and is no longer recognized by the Government – the reins have been handed over to the newly formed Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), to the delight of most certified consultants. There is a current transition period and licensed consultants have until the end of October this year to register with the new regulator. This does not affect immigration lawyers who continue to be regulated by their respective law societies and continue to represent and advocate for clients.

A change that has affected both lawyers and regulated consultants is the requirement of the applicant to declare any paid advice given to them by pre-submission of their application. It is now considered an offence for anyone other than a lawyer or regulated consultant to provide paid immigration advice, at all stages of the application, including pre-submission.

So what do all of these changes mean for potential immigrants? It means that now, more than ever, those interested in Canada have to actively ensure that they are up to date with immigration requirements and ensure that they are not negatively affected by any of the recent changes.

Although an applicant is under no obligation to hire a lawyer to prepare their application and represent them to CIC, it only makes sense to do so, as an immigration lawyer is always going to be fully up to date on  any changes in processing, eligibility, admissibility and everything else to do with immigration. As the possibility to apply as a Federal Skilled Worker gets narrower and narrower, an applicant is going to need the knowledge of a lawyer to be able to determine another migration route for them.

Often the easiest way to enter Canada is with a job (depending on one’s experience and qualifications). If this applies to you, it would be best to find a law firm that is also a registered employment agency as they are in a good position to fit your employment needs with you immigration plan.

What does the future hold? Expect to see even more changes. The Minister is currently undergoing nationwide consultations for input from the public and stakeholders, seeking feedback on immigration levels and the appropriate mix of applications to be accepted. He will use this information to introduce further changes to Canada’s immigration system in the future. Stay tuned.

Writers Bio: Goldman Associates are a Canadian immigration law firm and recruiting agency who have been helping migrants, businesses, workers and retirees come to Canada since 1993. We are authorized by the Canadian and provincial governments to represent clients who make immigration applications for all types of visas. We provide advice and legal representation to get people into Canada quickly and easily. We can help immigrants find work in Canada and help workers get their qualifications recognized; we also  provide complete relocation services.

Contact: info@immigrationtocanada.org Web: www.immigrationtocanada.org

Canada Freephone +1.866.646.4449     UK Freephone:  0800.028.7508

The announcement was made by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney and British Columbia Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell.

“Since I became Minister, I have heard from workers, employers, labour advocates and others who have asked me to make Canada more welcoming for working families coming to Canada as temporary residents,” said Minister Kenney. “With this pilot project, we will examine the benefits of allowing family members of temporary foreign workers to work while they are here with a principal applicant who has been hired because of his or her skills.”

In general, temporary foreign workers come to Canada to meet the needs of a specific employer who has been unable to find citizens or permanent residents for the available jobs. An open work permit, however, allows the holder to accept any job with any employer.

Previously, only spouses and common-law partners of temporary foreign workers employed in a managerial, professional or skilled trades job have been eligible to obtain an open work permit in British Columbia. Starting August 15,spouses, common-law partners and working-age dependants of most temporary foreign workers will be eligible, including many workers in occupations that require lower levels of formal training.

“More than a million jobs will open up in B.C. by 2020, and we will need foreign workers to help meet the skills shortages our businesses are already beginning to face,” said Minister Bell. “Giving more spouses and working-aged children of temporary foreign workers the chance to take jobs will support local businesses, while contributing to local, regional and provincial economic growth.”

Up to 1,800 open work permits will be available under the pilot project, which will end on February 15, 2013.

“Nearly 32,000 temporary foreign workers made the transition to permanent status in 2010, and of those, almost 2,300 chose to immigrate permanently to BC,” Minister Kenney noted. “We understand the important role that foreign workers have in every region of the country and we will continue to look at ways to attract workers who have the skills we need now and into the future.”

British Columbia’s shared role in immigration was cemented in April 2010 with the signing of the Canada-British Columbia Immigration Agreement.

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.

Currently, about 30% of Canadian immigrants are economic migrants selected on the basis of their necessary skills or an arranged employment offer. Kenney recently confirmed that while immigration levels won’t jump drastically, immigration had a role to play in off-setting the country’s ageing population and skills shortages. Today, about 70% of Canada’s 34.1 million population is of working age – a figure expected drop to 60% within 25 years.

Kenney said federal government would continue to recognise the importance of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to help provinces and territories obtain the skilled migrants they need to fill labour shortages. Under the scheme, provinces can choose to sponsor migrants whose skills, education and work experience will have an immediate economic impact.

The top three provincial nominees are the booming oil and gas provinces of Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Last year, Canada accepted 38,428 provincial/territory nominees, including more than 8,600 temporary foreign workers who later became permanent residents.

Canada will accept a record of 40,000 provincial nominee immigrants in 2011 – five times more than Canada’s PNP intake for 2005. The Citizenship and Immigration Department is currently conducting a series of nation-wide consulations about immigration levels and the type of migrants it should accept into the country.

“We understand that our application processes can be complex, but this new tool is a major service improvement,” said Minister Kenney. “The Wizard will make it easier for potential immigrants and visitors to navigate the application process.”

“The Wizard should also reduce applicants’ reliance on immigration consultants and hopefully will make the Department more efficient by decreasing calls to our Call Centre,” Minister Kenney added.

The Wizard simplifies the application process by matching applicants with the federal immigration option that best suits their specific circumstances. The Wizard does this by asking applicants a series of questions and, based on the answers, it provides the best options for them.

The Wizard leads applicants to a results page that breaks down the application steps and provides instructions and forms.

To view the Wizard, go to www.cic.gc.ca/cometocanada.

“We are a people who believe that our origins matter less than our destinations.  And that where you come from is not as important as where you are going.” Daryl Bennett—Mayor of Peterborough

Here’s some advice from Newcomers who have already relocated to Peterborough:

Dean Pappas, City Councillor and Business Owner (family originally from Greece).

• Embrace your new country. Getting settled can be hard, so it is important to get to know your community and get support when you need it.
• It can be tough for mothers who stay home to look after the children while fathers are out working. While fathers get to meet new people, mothers bear a great deal of the stress and isolation that come with being a newcomer.
• Get out there- go to the library or the New Canadians Centre.
• Remember, there is a lot of support for families in this city. Use them!
• Canada’s school system is one of its strengths. It does a great job in integrating newcomers. If your kids are in school, take advantage of all the community has to offer and get involved.
• The city offers many services, and a team of friendly staff who are happy to help. Take advantage of the free library, free museum, art gallery and various programs for kids and adults.

Ali Imran and Mostafa Rahman, Business Owners (originally from Bangladesh)

• Make sure you know the business you’re going into.
• Either get some schooling at Trent or Fleming, or work for someone who knows the business well.
• Talk to others who are doing something similar.
• Peterborough is a smaller city, which means word of mouth travels fast. So if you are good at what you do, people find out relatively quickly.
• Believe in yourself, and know that starting your own business is the best thing you can do. If you are serious and willing to work hard, anyone can succeed in this country.

Farah Zafarzadeh, Business Owner (originally from Afghanistan)

• Good customer service and a high-quality product are the keys to maintaining a successful business.
• Don’t be a follower. Be a leader. Over time, others will accept your decisions, even if they are against it at first. Never fear others.
• We are not getting any younger, only older. We shouldn’t cover ourselves with a shell. We should use right now, today, not wait for tomorrow.
• Encourage yourself. Encourage, encourage, encourage. Don’t worry about how long it takes. Keep pushing and saying to yourself “Yes, I can”.

Fadhil Al-Sarraj, Business Owner (originally from Iraq) 

• Have a vision, and pursue your dreams for a better life with determination. Always look forward.
• Appreciate the achievements of others, regardless of how big or small they may be. Expand your own experiences by learning from their successes and failures.
• Be sincere in your relationships. Love for others what you love for yourself.
• Only try to work in a field that you are good at (and you enjoy!). Money will come after.
• If you are going into a business partnership, make sure you have a lawyer involved. This country runs on written statements, not on verbal agreements.
• Remember: lucky people are those who work hard and do a good job.

In Peterborough, you will experience all the advantages of city living, while enjoying the benefits of the natural world.  Home to approximately 80,000 residents, Peterborough offers exceptional quality of life, an affordable cost of living, and access to first-rate educational institutions.  An ideal place to start your own business, offering many resources and programs to help you along the way, Peterborough is also the focal point of many immigration success stories.  Beginning in the 1800’s, successive waves of people moved to the area to build Peterborough into the city rich in history and culture that we know today.

“We are a people who believe that our origins matter less than our destinations.  And that where you come from is not as important as where you are going.” Meet Daryl Bennett—Mayor of Peterborough

WelcomePeterborough.ca contains information for those who are either thinking of immigrating to Canada, or who have recently arrived.  It will help you decide if you want to live in Peterborough and how to get settled here.

• Information about the history of immigration to Peterborough, local weather, and geography can be found in the “About Peterborough” section.

• For help with immigrating to Peterborough, including what to do before arriving and resources to assist you with settling after you arrive; check out the “Immigrating” section.

• In the “Living” section, you will find everything you need to know about housing, food, finance health, transportation, and much more.

• The “Working” section provides important and useful information about finding a job, starting a business, and getting your credentials recognized.

• To learn about Peterborough’s college, university, school boards, and opportunities for lifelong learning, check out the “Learning” section.

Stories from Newcomers at WelcomePeterborough.ca

After a short stay Windsor, Hua Chen and his wife moved to Peterborough in 2005, where they both attended Trent University.  Originally from Beijing, China, Hua struggled initially with his English but soon made Peterborough his home.  Today, Hua describes Peterborough as a welcoming and beautiful city.  For those looking to further their education, Hua recommends Peterborough’s Trent University, saying that “Trent is small but good because the professors are very nice. They know the students and their needs, and are willing to talk to, and help anyone”.

Rene, an accountant, and Maria Ferrer, a copywriter, immigrated to Peterborough in 1989 from the Philippines to pursue better educational opportunities for their son.  Starting over was tough, but with hard work, both Rene and Maria landed their dream jobs.  Twenty-two years later, their oldest son now travels the world as an engineer and their youngest is now studying at Queen’s University.  They are all proud to call Peterborough home!

Shah Mohammad Yousuf moved to Toronto from Bangladesh in 2005.  After working what he refers to as a “survival job” for a period of time, Shah found employment in Peterborough as a Spatial Data Analyst.  When asked what he likes about Peterborough, Shah had to say that “[the] people are great, helpful, and co-operative. It is a quiet and family-oriented community where I can find quality healthcare and recreation. There are also many different agencies that help newcomers and immigrants to settle here”.  Like all newcomers, Shah misses his family but doesn’t have any regrets about moving to Peterborough.  “I like my life here, and I love Peterborough”.

Since 1971, Jim’s Pizzeria has been a Peterborough favourite.  Owners John and Hellen Kostsovos emigrated from Greece to Montreal in 1959, along with their brothers and sisters.  After a few years adjusting to Canadian culture, the doors of the first Jim’s Pizzeria opened in Belleville in 1969; followed by the second in Trenton in 1970.  After opening the third Jim’s Pizzeria in Peterborough, John and Helen decided to stay and raise their family.  When asked about Peterborough, their daughter Effie says that “Peterborough was small enough to feel safe, but large enough to sustain a profitable business”.

Karma Phuntshok and his wife initially emigrated from New York to Toronto in 1999.  His wife was pregnant with their son at the time, and Karma decided that Toronto was too large of a city to raise a child in.  At the suggestion of friends, Karma and his wife moved to Peterborough, where he found work at a local meat packer.  Karma had always wanted to open a restaurant and in 2004 he opened Karma’s Café, a South Asian and Himalayan restaurant on Hunter Street.  If you ask Karma about Peterborough today, he’ll say that he “loves it here”. Excitedly he claims that “Peterborough has the best services, restaurants, art, and music for the size”.

In 2000, Binu Jain and her family emigrated from India to Canada.  Initially, the Jain family lived in Waterloo before moving to Peterborough in 2005.  Her husband Pankaj accepted work at Siemens and Binu began to look for employment in Peterborough and surrounding area.  With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and a Project Management Professional designation, Binu was offer a job at Siemens shortly after.  When asked about Peterborough, Binu says “the community greeted us with open arms. Neighbours and co-workers helped us get settled and find suitable daycare for our young children, which made the transition and move much easier.

Peterborough has given us the sense of community that we couldn’t find in a larger city. It’s a great place to raise our children. They are more in touch with their Indian heritage and culture in Peterborough than they would have been growing up in India. Peterborough has become our home, and is heaven on earth. It’s difficult to imagine living anywhere else”.  Binu advises that “there is a positive trade off to moving to a small community, you have more time to bond with your family and contribute to the community. The community is so open and helpful – the possibilities are endless.”

Full length success stories can be found at WelcomePeterborough.ca 

The minister said there is a clear need for more people to help a labour force that will need new blood, but that the country also needs to balance that with sustainable immigration levels.

“There are some who say we need to increase that number drastically while others doubt our capacity to integrate more people,” Kenney said.

“I don’t have a number (in mind) for the future, but it’s the challenge: we have a lack of workers in the future . . . but how to balance that, that’s the point of these consultations.”

He said Canada has on average allowed 254,000 new permanent residents into the country each year over the past five years. In 2010, the number hit 280,000, the highest total since 1957.

“Numerous studies have shown we need to quadruple from 250,000 to one million to maintain the average age of Canadians,” Kenney told people gathered for his speech at an Armenian community centre in Montreal.

“But it’s not practical to accept a million people a year.”

Kenney said there are limits to how much immigration Canada can withstand — from a bureaucratic standpoint but also in terms of housing, health care, education and social services. He said the current number of about a quarter-million newcomers is probably the right one.

“I don’t see a radical change to that level, I can tell you that,” Kenney said.

Kenney began consultations a few weeks ago and will continue with town hall meetings in September and meetings in October. People will also be able to weigh in online.

Kenney added that he’s happy the consultation hasn’t turned into a xenophobic debate and he aims to keep it respectful and intelligent.

In a speech to the Vancouver Board of Trade, Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, discussed the rapid growth in provincial nominee programs in recent years.

“Our government recognizes the importance of nominee programs in spreading out the benefits of immigration around the country,” said Minister Kenney. “That is why we plan to admit about 40,000 immigrants in the provincial nominee category in 2011, five times more than the 8,000 welcomed in 2005.  The previous high was 36,428 provincial nominees in 2010.”

Traditionally, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver have attracted a disproportionate share of skilled immigrants coming to Canada. However, the top three provinces for provincial nominees are Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Thanks in large part to the provincial/territorial nominee programs, 26% of economic immigrants accepted as permanent residents of Canada are now destined for provinces or territories other than Ontario, British Columbia or Quebec, compared to just 11% in 1997.

“We understand the desire of provinces and territories to identify their own economic immigrants and that is why we have continued to increase our projected admissions for nominees each year,” noted Minister Kenney. “At the same time, we are committed to working with our provincial and territorial counterparts to continue to improve the program design, integrity, selection standards and management of the nominee programs.”

The provincial nominee program is also a good way to get workers in quickly. Applications are processed within 12 months on average, as are federal skilled worker applications under recent ministerial instructions.

Provincial nominee programs are being discussed as part of this month’s cross-Canada consultations on immigration levels and mix. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation of the provincial nominee programs is underway. With the knowledge gained through each of these processes, CIC will be able to work with provincial and territorial partners on a longer-term approach to levels planning.

The number of permanent resident visas issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada between January and March fell from 84,083 in 2010 to 63,224 this year.

The latest department numbers show a decline across the board, with visas for skilled workers down 28 per cent, family-sponsored relatives down 14 per cent, and refugees dropping by 25 per cent.

Over the last 15 years, Canada’s annual immigration levels have remained around 250,000, about 0.8 per cent of the population.

Immigration lawyers say fewer permanent visas could mean bigger backlogs, especially for family sponsorships where there is no cap on applications like there is for skilled workers and investors.

Since 2008, the federal government has made numerous changes to its immigration program in an effort to eliminate backlogs and process applications in a more timely fashion. It counts on capping the number of immigration applications it accepts for processing.

Drop in immigrant acceptance in the first quarter

• Federal skilled workers27,82416,836-39%
• Quebec skilled workers8,9048,239-7%
• Federal business immigrants1,8831,831-3%
• Quebec business immigrants1,1791,32112%
• Provincial nominees11,4639,426-18%
• Live-in caregivers4,7142,897-39%
• Canadian experience class1,241713-43%
• Total Economic Class57,20841,263-28%
• Spouses and children12,42711,017-11%
• Parents and grandparents4,0393,112-23%
• Total Family Class16,46614,129-14%
• Government-assisted refugees2,0511,697-17%
• Privately sponsored refugees 1,1121,53538%
• Refugees within Canada3,6881,971-47%
• Refugees’ dependants abroad 65373913%
• Humanitarian cases2,8681,866-35%
• Others3721-43%
• Total Humanitarian Class10,4097,829-25%

Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada

More than half (58 per cent) say mental preparation is key, with almost a third (30 per cent) noting that sacrifices or tradeoffs may need to be made and 28 per cent saying being positive and patient will help achieve long-term results.

“Moving to a new country is a life-changing decision and being mentally prepared for the challenges of a different culture can really help ensure a successful move,” said Camon Mak, director, Multicultural Markets, RBC. “Many newcomers focus on the physical and financial changes that come with a move, but establishing a support network and connecting with the community can be just as important.”

According to the report, 47 per cent conducted online research to understand more about life in Canada, while more than half (54 per cent) said they prepared themselves for the social aspects of moving to Canada before they came to this country, by:

• Informing relatives/friends already in Canada of their intentions to come here so relatives/friends could provide help and advice (33 per cent)
• Refreshing their language skills (33 per cent)

Established newcomers also noted that success in Canada is not just measured in financial or career terms. Almost half (46 per cent) of newcomers who have already settled in Canada define success based on “mind/spirit”, including inner peace and strength, enjoying small daily events of life, and love. In fact, female newcomers were more likely than male newcomers to use mind/spirit measurements (54 per cent compared to 39 per cent), while male newcomers were more likely than female newcomers to define success based on their career (57 per cent compared to 47 per cent).

The Minister is meeting with stakeholders and the public to discuss the important issue of immigration levels and mix. Following the Calgary session today, the Minister will meet with stakeholders in Vancouver on July 18, Toronto on July 20 and then Montreal on July 22. Online consultations will take place later this summer and will be open to the public.

The purpose of the consultations is to seek feedback on immigration levels, including the appropriate level of immigration for Canada, and the most suitable mix between economic, family class and protected persons. Discussions on system management to provide improved services, such as reasonable processing times, and addressing issues such as fraud, will also be included.

In planning for the total number of people to admit as permanent residents, CIC not only balances immigration objectives but also considers several other factors, including broader government commitments, input from provinces and territories, and current and future economic conditions. The Department must also consider its operational ability to process applications in a timely manner, as well as the capacity of communities to welcome all newcomers.

In addition to presenting an opportunity to gather input from stakeholders and the public on key questions facing CIC, the consultations also allow the Department to share with stakeholders and the public some of the considerations and difficult choices involved in managing a global immigration system.

The consultations present an important opportunity to generate greater understanding of the trade-offs involved in setting immigration levels. There are competing visions and diverging goals for the future of the immigration program, and there is no single right answer on what the focus should be. Engaging stakeholders and the broader public in that conversation is a key part of developing a plan that will work for Canada going forward.

Invited stakeholders represent a variety of perspectives, including those of employers, labour, academia, learning institutions, professional organizations, business organizations, regulatory bodies, municipalities, settlement provider organizations and ethnocultural organizations.

A report on the consultations will be available on the CIC website once stakeholder and public consultations have been completed.

This rule applies to foreigners coming to visit, work, study, or live in Canada. In other words, if you have been convicted of such an offence, chances are you will not be allowed to step foot in Canada..

Virtually all countries deny entry to foreigners with criminal records. However, most countries don’t consider drunk driving a “crime”. So admission to those countries is not usually a problem for those previously found guilty of such an offence.

However, in Canada, drinking and driving is a full-blown crime found in Canada’s Criminal Code and people convicted of such conduct are viewed as “criminals”. It makes no difference how the offence is viewed in the foreign country. It doesn’t matter if the violation is considered a felony, misdemeanour, traffic violation or characterized otherwise. It doesn’t even matter if the offence doesn’t appear on the individual’s police report or on their criminal record. It also doesn’t matter if this was a first offence or an offence which did not involve any injury or damage to property.

If the elements of the foreign offence, which were proven in the foreign court, can support a conviction of impaired driving in Canada, then the person is deemed to be criminally inadmissible to Canada. Overcoming criminal inadmissibility to Canada can be overcome in a few ways.

In the case of “minor” crimes, a person can be deemed to be rehabilitated, without having to make any sort of application, if he has not re-offended for at least ten years since the completion of the sentence for the conviction in question. If the person has been convicted of a “serious” crime, then they may apply to the minister of immigration, five years after the completion of the sentence for the offence in question, for a declaration that they have been rehabilitated. If five years has not passed since the completion of the sentence, they will have to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit.

A “TRP” may be issued if an officer determines that:

• the need to enter or remain in Canada is compelling and sufficient to overcome the risk;
• the risk to Canadians or Canadian society is minimal; and
• the need for the individual’s presence in Canada outweighs the risk

While the policy reasons for a ban on drunk drivers are obvious, Canada’s enforcement of this policy has recently come under attack. Documents obtained pursuant to our access-to-information laws reveal that Canada’s tourism industry, especially the sector involving fishing and hunting, is suffering because of the strict application of this law. It was furthermore suggested that border officers were applying the law “arbitrarily” and with a “lack of courtesy”.

While the loss of revenue from sport tourism is not an irrelevant consideration, it is dwarfed by the impact on our economy by the application of this policy on foreign businessmen and women, and in particular American executives.

When Canada denies entry, or is seen to be ready to deny entry, to such individuals, Canadians stand to lose the benefit of the economic stimulus their entry might have brought our economy. In my office, the cases with the greatest potential impact on Canada’s economy are, not those involving investors and entrepreneurs but, those involving senior executives headed to the Canadian branch of a multi-national corporation.

It is always easier for a democratically elected government to avoid controversy and simply banish all those with DUI convictions. However, such a blanket approach will have dramatic and unnecessary consequences for Canadian businesses which stand to benefit greatly by a more measured approach.

No Canadian wants dangerous foreigners entering this country. On the other hand, no Canadian wants to deprive themselves of the economic benefit of those who do not pose a risk to us.

The question to be addressed is how do we achieve this delicate balance.

Writers Bio: Guidy Mamann, J.D. practices law in Toronto at Mamann Sandaluk  and is certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as an immigration specialist. For more information, visit www.migrationlaw.com

Her writing services span résumés, CVs, cover letters, bios and anything else requiring a tactical approach. Her primary clients are former military personnel and those wishing to progress within the police, firefighting, government, engineering and IT fields. The training component of Audrey’s service includes guidance for job interviews, salary negotiations, and employment search strategies. Companies will also call on Audrey for outplacement during downsizing initiatives or when a staff member has been fired.

Audrey’s interest and expertise with the Canadian Forces sparked her to write Canada’s only book to help the men and women who serve enter the civilian workforce. It’s called, “Military to Civvie Street. The Complete Job Transition Guide for those Leaving the Canadian Air Force, Army & Navy”. 

I asked her if she noticed any trends in the type of clients that retain her from Canada versus elsewhere. “Definitely” she responded. “Most of my NATO, UN and government / diplomat clients are not Canadian and do not want to work here. They stay abroad and are seeking more senior level roles. My IT, engineer, police, and firefighting clients are primarily Canadian. The former military people I work with can go either way: some want to work here while others enjoy the element of working on foreign soil. I really like the diversity of the projects I write and the people help.”

Out of curiosity, I wondered where most of her international clients come from. Without missing a beat, she knew, “The number one country where clients scope me out before permanently relocating to Canada is the UK, followed closely by Australia and then the US.”

I thought I’d see how the process goes so I decided to her have prepare my own personal job search collateral. I told her to put a marketing / event planning / project management spin on my documents. “No prob” she answered.

Audrey is comfortable using a combination approach to cull the marketability out of her clients.  She uses email, Skype, phone and personal meetings for client consultations. She writes from scratch and refers to letters of recommendation and performance appraisals to quantify achievements and extrapolate quotes. The bulk of the information she receives from clients is from a detailed questionnaire that she emails to them.

One thing that I noticed about Audrey having worked with her, she is equally tenacious regardless if she sees you vie à vie or not.

“It’s definitely a collaborative process,” Audrey emphasizes. “I make this very clear right from the onset. This, along with my knack for squeezing marketability out of absolutely everybody, is what my clients like about me and it’s why they send referrals”.

Audrey has a strong media presence and is a popular speaker at conferences, post secondary education facilities, and many corporate events within Canada and the US. She holds key global leadership positions within the careers industry. Not only is Audrey a credentialed and award winning writer and coach, she has been appointed for many roles with Career Directors International. Audrey is their International Committee Director, Canadian Advisor, Military Expert, Aerospace Expert, and peer mentor.

I asked her how she got into the careers business. “Before I launched my service out of Wasaga Beach back in 2001, I had taught elementary and high school for 11 years. I did everything I had wanted to do – regular classroom, Life Skills and Special Education programming. I’m always up for a challenge and I thrive where energy and enthusiasm are vital to succeed. I assessed my skills and thought what else can I do?” Her passion for writing and educating, along with an interest in careers, paved the way for her to start an industry that was, for the most part, unheard of.

“My teaching colleagues told me I was crazy for walking away from my job, pension and benefits and that I would not make it and that I would be back. Ever since was a kid, it never occurred to me that I would fail at anything so I didn’t listen to them. My first client was an Aviation Technician leaving CFB Borden. It started with one client and look where my company is today. I work with hundreds of clients each year. I absolutely love what I do and I deal with what other career pros refer to as the tough professions. I never tire of learning new things from my clients as I help them navigate their careers.”

It’s a safe bet that Audrey’s success is due to her personality. She counterbalances her direct approach and exceptionally keen analytical skills with a down to earth nature and a great sense of humour.

When I look at what Audrey wrote for me, after grilling me for details, explanations and examples of my career highlights, I could not be more pleased. The next time I go back to see her though, I’ll remember to keep my shoes on so Kiwi won’t run off with them.

You can contact Audrey at resumeresources@gmail.com

In a decade-long study, researchers tracked almost one million recent immigrants to Ontario and compared their involvement as drivers in serious road crashes compared to long-time residents of the province, matching each subject in the two groups by age, gender, living location and economic status.

More than 10,000 crashes occurred during the study period. After analyzing hospital and other records, the researchers determined that immigrant drivers — the highest proportions from China and India — were 40 to 50 per cent less likely than long-term residents to be driving a vehicle involved in a bad smash-up.

“These findings suggest that contrary to popular opinion, recent immigrants are less prone to be drivers in a serious crash,” said lead investigator Dr. Donald Redelmeier, an internal medicine specialist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre who is often on call in the Toronto trauma centre’s emergency department.

“And perhaps one-third of the total 5,000 hospital admissions for road trauma in Ontario each year might be prevented if long-term residents changed their behaviour to match recent immigrants.”

In fact, Redelmeier and colleagues calculated, if long-term residents had the same accident risk profile as recent immigrants, that would have meant about 49 lives saved, 1,000 fewer patients admitted to a critical care unit, a reduction of 2,000 surgeries and 30,000 fewer days in hospital.

“So we’re not looking at violations of (driving) etiquette,” he said Tuesday. “We’re looking at serious crashes that end you up in the emergency department and hospitalized.”

The study, published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, found immigrant drivers’ comparative risk of being in a nasty collision was lowest in the initial years following arrival, but still persisted beyond the fifth and sixth years of the eight years each person was tracked.

“But at no point did we find the opposite contrary pattern,” said Redelmeier. “At every year, recent immigrants appeared to be safer drivers.”

While other studies have shown that recent immigrants are less likely to own a car, have shorter daily commutes and tend to use more public transportation compared to long-term residents, those differences are not nearly large enough to account for a 40 to 50 per cent reduction in crashes, he noted.

There could be several factors that explain why new Canadians seem to be more solid drivers: they may travel shorter distances at slower speeds and with greater caution; bad drivers could be indirectly screened out by immigration policies that select for higher education and income levels; and lack of local driving experience might be accompanied by a sense of trepidation.

“If you’re a newcomer to the region, you’re alert and you’re not going to take unnecessary risks and you certainly do not want to get into trouble with the local enforcement agencies,” offered Redelmeier. Contrast that with many long-time residents, who may have a false sense of security and be somewhat slack about safety precautions after driving the same roads for many years.

But what about accidents involving pedestrians? That was one finding where new Canadians didn’t appear to have an edge, he said. ”When it comes to crossing the road by foot, they are no better or no worse than the rest of us.”

Read more from this survey here

The construction industry is improving once again and employers are looking to fill their current vacancies while also anticipating their needs for the future. Alberta, for example, is anticipating a shortage of about 77,000 workers within the next decade, as was recently quoted in the Edmonton Journal.

Employers are scrambling to ensure that they don’t end up in a similar position to that of 2007 – when the number of vacancies far outweighed the number of qualified applicants. Work would sometimes have to come to a halt because of the lack of workers. The global economic downturn did have an impact and the ‘boom’ experienced in Western Canada certainly fizzled a little. Certain occupations, notably carpenters, found themselves being made redundant due to lack of work as projects were put on hold. Luckily, many of those laid off have now been able to find work again – yet there are still many vacancies for certain specific trades such as glaziers and roofers.

It’s all very well that the new construction is being built, but these new buildings need doors and windows and a roof. Glaziers are high in demand all over it seems – as long as a glazier has some years of experience (usually a minimum of five years is required) then they will be able to find work in Canada.

Red Seal certification is not usually a requirement so this makes it more straightforward for eligible foreign glaziers to be able to get a work permit. Of course Canada must protect its own labour market first so it goes without saying that an employer must clearly demonstrate that they have attempted to recruit a Canadian first, before being able to hire a foreign worker. Once the employer gets a positive Labour Market Opinion then the foreign worker is able to apply for a temporary work permit, assuming they meet Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s eligibility requirements.

The current pay for experienced glaziers is between $26-$31 an hour. Jobs are available immediately. We have a number of positions available in Edmonton at the moment.

It is a similar situation with regards to roofers and other building trades. Roofers are paid between $20-$26 an hour. Again, Red Seal certification is not usually a requirement. We currently have roofing positions available in Vancouver that need to be filled. Plasterers and drywallers are also required immediately.

Employers just can’t fill these positions fast enough and it is only going to get worse. Baby boomers are beginning to retire and there are no skilled workers to fill the vacant places left by them, as not enough young Canadians are going into the trades – evidenced by the amount of advertising trying to attract new recruits into the skilled trades.

To add to this problem is the international competition. Earlier this year a number of Australian companies went to Alberta to recruit and employees down under. Not only are we failing to attract Canadians into the trades, we are losing them to other countries. Goldman Associates attends similar trade shows in the UK, and we have also found that we are losing potential migrants to Australia and New Zealand when at the shows. The visa processing wait time is often quoted as one of the biggest turn-offs for Canada.

Canada needs migrants to continue to prosper – yet many potential immigrants are stuck waiting in a queue for their applications to be processed – some as long as seven years! If an applicant is in a high demand and skilled trade/occupation then coming to Canada as a temporary foreign worker has several benefits. It helps to solve the immediate labour shortage, brings you to Canada sooner, and allows you to earn an income while you wait on permanent residency.

There has been a recent change that limits temporary workers to working in Canada for four years only. This change magnifies the importance of applying for permanent residency as soon as possible, or, soon after a foreign worker starts the new job. Although this recent change seems to challenge Canada’s future job demands, it encourages foreign workers to become permanent residents. Current Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Jason Kenney, is trying to streamline the process for current applicants however this is also serving to create an even bigger backlog for those already in the processing queue.

In the meantime, vacant positions need to be filled.  If you are a foreign glazier, roofer, drywaller or plasterer (or any other tradesperson for that matter!), then please contact Goldman Associates and we will be happy to provide you with a free 30-minute consultation to discuss employment and immigration possibilities

Writers Bio: Goldman Associates are a Canadian immigration law firm and recruiting agency who have been helping migrants, businesses, workers and retirees come to Canada since 1993. We are authorized by the Canadian and provincial governments to represent clients who make immigration applications for all types of visas. We provide advice and legal representation to get people into Canada quickly and easily. We can help immigrants find work in Canada and help workers get their qualifications recognized; we also  provide complete relocation services.

Contact: info@immigrationtocanada.org Web: www.immigrationtocanada.org

Canada Freephone +1.866.646.4449     UK Freephone:  0800.028.7508

At the same time, oversight of the consultant community is being turned over to the newly created Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). “The Government of Canada has promised to crack down on crooked immigration consultants and their shady practices, and with Bill C-35, we now have the tools,” said the Minister.

Bill C-35 strengthens the rules governing those who charge their clients for immigration advice or representation, making it an offence for anyone other than an accredited immigration representative to conduct business, for a fee or other consideration, at any stage of an application or proceeding. It also increases penalties and fines for unauthorized representation and allows for more government oversight in order to improve the way in which immigration consultants are regulated.

With the designation of the ICCRC as the regulator of immigration consultants, consultants who are currently members in good standing of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) can begin to register with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council” on June 30, 2011.

Immigration representatives must be either members in good standing of a provincial or territorial law society, including paralegals; members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec; or members of the governing body for immigration consultants.

A 120-day transitional period will be put in place to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of service for both CSIC  members currently in good standing and their clients during the transition to the ICCRC The transition period will end on October 28, 2011.

After a notice was published on March 19, 2011, in the Canada Gazette, Part I, proposing the ICCRC be designated the regulator of immigration consultants, over 70 percent of the public comments received during the 30-day consultation period supported the proposal to establish a new regulator of immigration consultants.

“The ICCRC has committed to accountability, transparency and good governance and has pledged to work to protect the interests of consumers,” added Minister Kenney. “Their efforts, backed by strong new legislation, will allow us to better serve people through our immigration processes and protect potential immigrants, all while improving the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.”

• Backgrounder 1: Transitioning to the ICCRC – the designated regulator of immigration consultants
• Backgrounder 2: Highlights of Bill C-35
• Frequently Asked Questions
• www.immigration.gc.ca/antifraud

According to the poll, a majority of newcomers (52 per cent), measure success based on their career, which includes having a good paying job in their field of expertise. Additionally, men (43 per cent) are much more likely than women (28 per cent) to believe that their current job is a step down from what they had, or would have had, in their home country.

“Once newcomers get past some of the career challenges they face when they move toCanada, they make a tremendous contribution to the country’s productivity and diversity,” said Camon Mak, director, Multicultural Markets, RBC. “Canada is built on immigration – new skills and resources continue to be key drivers of our country’s global success. It’s important that we help newcomers get settled quickly both into their new home and their new careers. RBC is here to provide them with relevant financial advice to help them succeed.”

Despite the importance of landing a dream job, only 42 per cent of immigrants indicated that they sought out information about career options in Canada before deciding to move. Twenty-nine per cent searched for information to determine whether there was a demand for their career experience; 24 per cent researched whether or not they would need to be recertified to meet Canadian standards. However, while they may not have their “dream job”, only 12 per cent feel locked in a job that may not lead to their desired occupation.

When polled, newcomers provided the following career advice:

• Be prepared to wait for your dream job
• Determine if you need to be retrained or meet certification requirements
• Find out if there is a demand for your skill set.

Newcomers to Canada - Fast Facts:

• Definitions of success – While the majority (52 per cent) of newcomers define success as being based on their career, as they become more established (six-to-ten years) family (47 per cent) and health (30 per cent) become more important as definitions of success.
• Employment - Less than a third (31 per cent) of respondents have a job in their chosen field and over one-third (36 per cent) have a current job that is at a lower level than what they previously had, or would have had, in their country of origin.
• Career - More than a third (39 per cent) say that lack of Canadian experience has impacted their career options in Canada, followed by lack of available jobs in their area of expertise (30 per cent) and language skill barriers (28 per cent). If they found they were unable to find a job in their career field, the vast majority would consider returning to school (82 per cent), followed by adjusting their goals (75 per cent) or starting a business (73 per cent).

Click here to find jobs and get career advice

“The backlog of federal skilled worker applications is now half of what it was when we announced the Action Plan for Faster Immigration in 2008,” said Minister Kenney. “These measures will help us to continue that progress.”

Canada receives many more immigration applications than can be accepted every year. As part of ongoing efforts to better align application intake with priorities for immigration, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is limiting the number of new applications it will consider in certain categories of the federal economic immigration stream.

Effective July 1, 2011, the changes will affect new applicants to the federal Skilled Worker, federal Immigrant Investor and federal Entrepreneur programs. The changes will not affect the number of permanent resident admissions in 2011 in these three categories.

“Canada continues to welcome historically high numbers of new immigrants each year, but the Government continues to receive applications that far exceed this number,” said Minister Kenney. “If we don’t keep putting reasonable limits on new applications, backlogs and wait times will grow.”

In November 2008, the government first took steps to identify for processing those federal skilled worker applications that responded to Canada’s labour needs, such as applicants with arranged employment offers from Canadian employers or with experience in an occupation in high demand. In June 2010, the government released an updated list of 29 priority occupations and introduced a global cap of 20,000 for federal skilled workers, as well as a sub-cap of 1,000 under each occupation. Over the past year, CIC has received approximately 13,800 federal skilled worker applications under the priority occupations list (figure accurate as of June 24, 2011).

Now, for applicants who do not have an offer of employment in Canada, the government will further limit the number of new federal skilled worker applications that are considered for processing to 10,000 a year, beginning July 1. This limit will help better align the number of applications with labour market demand. Within the 10,000 limit, a maximum of 500 new applications in each of the current 29 priority occupations will be considered.

In addition, the Minister is introducing a cap of 700 on new federal investor applications. Although last year, CIC made changes that raised the minimum net worth and investment requirements, it continues to receive applications in excess of what is required. An annual cap on new applications will allow for progress on backlog reduction while ensuring that the Department has a sufficient volume of new files to meet its commitments.

The Minister is also introducing a temporary moratorium on new federal entrepreneur applications. Wait times for this program currently stretch to eight years in some visa offices. By ceasing to accept new applications as of July 1, the government will prevent further processing delays. The federal Entrepreneur Program will undergo a review in the coming months to ensure that Canada is better able to attract and retain innovative entrepreneurs.

The authority for these changes, which are being introduced through ministerial instructions, comes from amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act approved by Parliament in 2008 as part of the Action Plan for Faster Immigration. The instructions are meant to be a flexible tool that allows the government to align the intake of immigration applications with priorities for immigration.

Since these changes were implemented in November 2008, the backlog of pre-2008 federal skilled worker applicants has decreased by 50 percent. As well, priority applications are being processed in a period of months rather than years, as was the case prior to the 2008 changes.

The CIC website will be updated on July 1, 2011, with details on application requirements and procedures for affected programs.

Meet Amar Chandel, a royal by descent, a journalist by profession and a holisitic healer by passion. This scion of India’s erstwhile Chandel Rajput dynasty, who has authored a couple of books on healthy living, is on a 10-day visit to Calgary to deliver discourses on breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and managing a healthy lifestyle — holistic healing as it is called.

It all started with hands-on advice to family and close friends when Chandel, a yoga proponent since childhood, noticed many illnesses and body diseases could be thwarted by a mix of pranayam exercises and dietary regimen. He then started delivering discourses on a charitable basis (which he continues to this day) except that if he is discoursing abroad (read out of India), the class has to bear his travel and lodging expenses.

The word about his style of healing has spread by mouth internationally. Keen disciples from across the globe pool in money to call him to various parts of the world every year. It was the turn of the US and Canada in 2011. His previous visits to the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Luxemburg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Israel, Egypt and China speak a lot about the worldwide popularity of his courses.

Holistic healing classes are held for five days for two hours a day.  Chandel combines millennia-old yoga practices with state-of-the-art nutrition research to increase the body’s immunity manifolds.. Not only do his healing classes teach how to manage a few chronic diseases but the comprehensive stress-reduction programme has also helped a large number of people get rid of their emotional difficulties like depression, tension, mood swings, excessive sensitivity and anger.

“These five days can transform one’s life. The course makes the students look better, be younger, live longer, healthier and happier. Human body is a beautiful creation of God. The body (human) has an inherent capacity to set right within six months all the damages that have been done upon it over up to over six decades,” he says.

Holistic healing classes have in-built component of the right food-water intake, breathing exercises, meditation, sleep cycle and body awareness and a module on positive attitude. “A person can digest anything in youth but the results and the brunt on the body may manifest after a decade. The physical destruction on body starts showing as soon as a person hits the middle age. Sedentary lifestyle of the West compounds the problem,” he says.

All that is expected of a ‘student’ is to learn the techniques thoroughly and practice them religiously. He already has a dedicated email id, asknature@gmail.com, wherein anyone may ask and carry forward a holistic healing discussion.

“Wonderful results don’t come by magic overnight. One has to spend at least six months (practicing what has been taught) to repair the damage done over a lifetime. That is a very small period for curing dreaded diseases without any medicine or hospitalization,” he comments.

A strong votary of maintaining one’s ideal body weight, he says many of the modern-day physical problems are weight related.  Chandel will be in Calgary up to June- end.

Writers Bio: Peeyush Agnihotri is a writer with 14 years of international journalistic experience, mostly reporting on social and sustainable development issues. A National Foundation of India fellowship holder, he is currently based in Calgary

“Immigration continues to be a factor in supporting rental housing demand. Recent immigrants tend to rent first before becoming homeowners,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre. “In addition, condominium completions moved lower in the past months, while rental apartment unit completions remained relatively stable. As a result, the overall demand for rental apartment units increased faster than supply for this type of housing. Accordingly, this pushed Canada’s vacancy rate downward. “

The results of CMHC’s spring survey reveal that, in April 2011, the major centres with the lowest vacancy rates were: Winnipeg and Regina (0.7 per cent); Québec (1.0 per cent); Toronto (1.6 per cent); and Kingston (1.7 per cent). At the provincial level, Manitoba has the lowest vacancy rate at 0.7 per cent. All other provinces were above 2.0 per cent.

The survey reveals that the major centres with the highest vacancy rates were: Windsor (9.4 per cent); Kelowna and Abbotsford (6.6 per cent); and Charlottetown (4.9 per cent). On a provincial basis, the highest vacancy rate was in Alberta (4.7 per cent).

The Canadian average two-bedroom rent in new and existing structures was $864 in April 2011, compared to $848 in April 2010. With respect to the CMAs, the highest average monthly rents for two-bedroom apartments in new and existing structures in Canada’s major centres were: Vancouver ($1,181); Toronto ($1,124); Ottawa – Gatineau (Ontario Part $1,056); Calgary ($1,040); Edmonton ($1,029); and Victoria ($1,024). These are the only major centres with average rents at or above $1,000 per month. Provincially, the highest average monthly rents were in Alberta ($1,029), British Columbia ($1,015) and Ontario ($980).

The lowest average monthly rents for two-bedroom apartments in new and existing structures were: Saguenay ($542); Trois-Rivières ($546); and Sherbrooke ($577). On a provincial basis, the lowest monthly rents were:  Québec ($671); New Brunswick ($672); and Newfoundland and Labrador ($683).

Year-over-year comparisons of average rents can be slightly misleading because rents in newly built structures tend to be higher than in existing buildings. Excluding new structures and focussing on structures existing in both the April 2010 and April 2011 surveys provides a better indication of actual rent increases paid by tenants. Overall, the average rent for two-bedroom apartments in existing structures across Canada’s 35 major centres increased 2.2 per cent between April 2010 and April 2011, slightly higher than what was observed between April 2009 and April 2010 (1.8 per cent).

CMHC’s spring Rental Market Survey also found that the rental apartment availability rate in Canada’s 35 major centres was 4.3 per cent in April 2011, down from 5.4 per cent in April 2010. A rental unit is considered available if the unit is vacant (physically unoccupied and ready for immediate rental), or if the existing tenant has given or received notice to move and a new tenant has not signed a lease. Availability rates were highest in Windsor (11.3 per cent), Sherbrooke (8.7 per cent), London (8.3 per cent), Abbotsford (8.1 per cent) and Kelowna (8.0 per cent). The lowest rates were in Winnipeg (1.1 per cent), Regina (1.7 per cent), St. John’s (2.6 per cent) and Québec (2.8 per cent).

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 65 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of high quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable housing solutions. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making informed decisions.

“Once in force, this legislation will make it an offence for anyone other than an authorized immigration consultant, lawyer, other representative or authorized entity to conduct business at any stage of an application or proceeding,” said Minister Kenney. “We are targeting undeclared “ghost” consultants as well as other unscrupulous immigration representatives who are engaging in unacceptable activity.”

The Act strengthens the rules governing those who charge a fee for immigration advice or representation; closes certain loopholes; increases penalties for unauthorized representation; and allows for more government oversight in order to improve the way in which immigration consultants are regulated.

“Crooked immigration consultants pose a threat not only to their victims, but also to the integrity of our immigration system,” said Minister Kenney. “This new legislation will help us protect people wanting to immigrate to or stay in Canada, as well as the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.”

In response to issues raised by stakeholders and members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, amendments to the Bill were made during the Committee’s study of Bill C-35. Among key amendments are measures to:

• Double maximum fines for the offence of providing unauthorized immigration advice from $50,000 to $100,000 and summary convictions from $10,000 to $20,000;
• Amend the offence provision to capture both direct and indirect representation and advice; and
• Recognize paralegals regulated by a Law Society as being exempted from prohibition on providing representation and advice.

Once in force, the Act will impose penalties on unauthorized representatives who provide, or offer to provide, advice or representation for a fee, at any stage of an immigration application of proceeding. This includes the period before a proceeding begins or an application is submitted. In addition, the legislation authorizes the disclosure of information on the ethical or professional conduct of an immigration consultant to those responsible for governing or investigating that conduct.

Bill C-35 received Royal Assent after it was approved in the Senate on March 21, 2011. It was unanimously adopted at third reading in the House of Commons on December 7, 2010, after being introduced on June 8th.

This process is part of a broader strategy to protect people wanting to immigrate to or stay in Canada from immigration fraud.

Minister Kenney raised the issue of immigration consultant fraud in meetings with officials in China, India and the Philippines last fall and more recently in Pakistan. He has urged those governments to protect their citizens from exploitation and abuse by crooked immigration consultants.

Follow CIC on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CitImmCanada

“These findings speak to the Canadian spirit of multiculturalism and how this country fosters an environment that helps individuals to succeed and thrive,” said Andrew Auerbach, head of BMO Harris Private Banking.

“Attracting the best and the brightest demonstrates the relative prosperity and openness of Canada’s economy. This bodes well for long-term wealth generation.”

While most keep their wealth in the country, 37 per cent allocate a portion of their wealth outside Canada, with the U.S. being the most popular place to invest. The survey found 69 per cent of respondents invest a portion of their wealth in the U.S., 35 per cent in Europe and 28 per cent in Asia.

However, 38 per cent of these Canadians believe they are being treated unfairly when it comes to taxation and two-thirds would like to see a reduction in capital gains and income taxes. The survey also found 92 per cent of respondents put money into tax-efficient investments, up from 73 per cent in 2008 and 67 per cent in 2005.

Canada offers many different types of housing and a wide range of prices. Finding the right place for you
and your family to live will take some effort. The Newcomer’s Guide to Canadian Housing answers your questions about renting or buying a house. It gives you the right questions to ask landlords, building superintendents, real estate sales representatives, property managers and lenders.

Giving a complete picture of Canadian housing is difficult, because housing in each of the 10 provinces and three territories is different. There are differences in housing types, largely because of different climate conditions. Prices are different. They depend on local economic and employment conditions and the number of houses and apartments available.

You will have to be flexible. For example, you may find the house you want in a neighbourhood that you like. The house may cost too much, or the neighbourhood may be too far away from shopping or your job. You may have to accept a smaller place until you can afford what you really want.

You may find Canadian housing customs and practices different. For instance, Canadians consider a family with three or four children quite large. That means that there are not many four-bedroom apartments. Most Canadian parents want each child to have his or her own bedroom, particularly when the children become teenagers. Teenage boys and girls usually do not share a bedroom.

There is no Canada-wide law about housing. Every province has its own laws about renting and buying. If you are a tenant that is, if you rent—you have rights and responsibilities. This Guide tells you what they are.

For example, it is against the law to refuse to rent to you because of your:
• race
• creed
• religion
• colour
• family status
• age
In most provinces it is against the law to refuse to rent to you because you have children.

You are responsible for damage to your apartment or rented house that is more than normal wear and tear.
Leases are an important, legally binding part of any rental agreement. Mortgages are a legally binding part of buying a home. The Guide explains leases and mortgages in detail.

The Newcomer’s Guide to Canadian Housing starts with “Housing in Canada” information about housing in Canada. It tells you what you will find when you start looking for a place to live and what you should look for.

“Housing in Canada” is followed by “Renting” where you will find the information you need about renting an apartment or a house. The final section is about buying. This section explains mortgages, interest and takes you through the steps in buying a house.

For more information download and read the guide here:

Under federal immigration law, the sponsors agreed to repay any welfare payments that their new arrivals may have incurred after they got to Canada. The high court, in a unanimous 9-0 ruling, overturned an earlier Ontario Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the sponsors, all of whom claimed various hardships.

The individual cases involved repayments of $10,000 to $94,000 in social assistance to the Ontario government.

“The risk of a rogue relative properly lies on the sponsor, not the taxpayer,” Justice Ian Binnie wrote Friday on behalf of the court. The court said governments have limited discretion to delay collection of defaulted payments, but not to totally forgive the debts.

“The discretion enables the governments to delay enforcement action having regard to the sponsor’s circumstances and to enter into agreements respecting terms of payment, but not simply to forgive the statutory debt,” wrote Binnie.

“In the exercise of this discretion, which Parliament has made clear is narrow in scope, the Crown is bound by a duty of procedural fairness. The content of this duty is fairly minimal.”

The government is obliged to notify a sponsor that they are in default, and allow them an opportunity to explain their financial circumstances.

“This is a purely administrative process. It is a matter of debt collection.”

In the eight individual cases before the court, the reasons the sponsors gave for not paying included leaving an abusive relationship and losing their own job. In a couple of cases, the fiancee or spouse of the sponsor simply took off after arriving in Canada and began collecting social services.

The sponsors filed motions in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 2008 to defer or avoid entirely making payments back to the provincial government. The court rejected their argument, saying that sponsorship undertakings are in fact contracts, and that the sponsors understood they were assuming financial liability for their family members.

In 2009, the Ontario Court of Appeal reversed that ruling and said governments may exercise a case-by-case discretion not to collect. It noted that the law states money “may” be recovered.

The provincial appeal court ruled the government owes sponsors a duty of procedural fairness, entitling them to a process in which they can explain their circumstances.

The Supreme Court ruled that standard of procedural fairness was met in each of the eight cases.

“We are dealing here with ordinary debt, not a government benefits or licensing program,” said Binnie.

He noted that Parliament has become “increasingly concerned” about the financial burden that is being shifted to the public treasury to financially support sponsored relatives in immigrant families.

“Family reunification is based on the essential condition that in exchange for admission to this country the needs of the immigrant will be looked after by the sponsor, not by the public purse,” Binnie wrote.

“Sponsors undertake these obligations in writing. They understand or ought to understand from the outset that default may have serious financial consequences for them.”

Binnie said the government does have some discretion when it comes to considering the specific hardships of sponsors.

“It would hardly promote ‘successful integration’ to require individuals to remain in abusive relationships. Nor would the attempted enforcement of a debt against individuals without means to pay further the interest of ‘Canadian society’,” he wrote.

“Excessively harsh treatment of defaulting sponsors may risk discouraging others from bringing their relatives to Canada, which would undermine the policy of promoting family reunification.”

Binnie said the government should notify sponsors as soon as their relatives begin receiving welfare payments so debts don’t build up without them knowing. But ultimately the sponsors are responsible for keeping their relatives from becoming dependent on social programs.

“Nonetheless, it is inherent in the sponsor’s support obligation that the sponsor is to keep track of the sponsored relative he or she has undertaken to support. Family class immigrants are admitted solely on the basis of their relationship to the sponsor.”

The ruling does not affect refugee claimants, which are treated separately from family reunification applicants. Of the two million permanent residents that were admitted to Canada between 1997 and 2007, about 615,000, or 27 per cent, were under the family class.

I had just finished my plumbing apprenticeship and had gained employment with a local firm where Barb worked as a clerk. Our relationship started out as purely friendship and developed into boyfriend/girlfriend after about six months. After a year together we decided to get our own house, well a rented house as neither of us was earning much back then. Two years after that we got married.

Our lives plodded along like most people’s and after six years of working for the same company I decided to start my own plumbing business. This ended up being one of the best decisions I made (apart from marrying Barb of course) as I was suddenly working the jobs I wanted, in the hours that suited me and was soon earning more money than before. After only eight months I was in a position to take on another plumber to help out, along with an apprentice.

It was at this point that we bought our first home together, having lived in rented accommodation until this time. We purchased a small town house in a reasonable area of Calgary, close to where my business was based. Barb decided she wanted to leave her employment and she came to work for me (or was I working for her?) She was a godsend as by now business was very buoyant which meant that I had little time for taking phone calls or doing paperwork. Barb effectively became my personal assistant, booking in all the jobs, allocating the work, doing the bookkeeping and generally keeping us three guys in order.

In 2002 we moved house again, this time to a bigger property in a better area of  Calgary. Business was booming and we now had five employees working for us. During 2003, what is now known as the Alberta boom started to impact our lives. At first it was a very positive thing as it meant that there was plenty of work for us and the business was going from strength to strength. We were having a hard time keeping up with the number of jobs coming our way. We took on two more plumbers and everything was great.

This upward trend carried into 2004 and basically anyone who was in the construction trades was doing pretty well for themselves, including us. In June 2004 we moved house once again. This time we moved to the edge of the city to a lovely four bedroom detached property with a pool. It was the biggest and nicest property either of us had ever lived in and we felt very proud of ourselves for achieving so much in a relatively short time.

In 2005 three of my plumbers were offered jobs in other towns, which were also seeing the effects of the boom. Although they said they preferred to stay working for me, the other companies were offering more money, as they were so short of workers. Although our business was going well, we could not afford to pay the wages that other larger companies were paying and so they left.

This was a very strange time as work was plentiful, but I only had half my workforce and trying to recruit new workers when they could basically name their price in other companies and locations was very difficult. During 2006, although the company was still making a good living and we had no major complaints we still considered ourselves failures for having downsized the business albeit against our control. We saw other similar companies also experiencing the same issues and it became a major problem in the area. There was tons of work everywhere but no one to do it.

In the summer of 2006 Barb was talking to one of our neighbours who was thinking of moving to British Columbia to be near her daughter. Her husband had died the previous year and she lived alone. She told Barb the quote she had been given for the value of her house and we were both stunned. Although both our properties differed slightly, they were very similar and so would be worth similar amounts. If this valuation was correct it would mean we had made a lot of money from our house even though we had only lived there two years.

This put the idea of downsizing into our heads to free up some equity. We even broached the subject of taking a vacation, which we had not done in years. Barb decided to get our house valued and it turned out to be worth even more than we anticipated. The realtor suggested that the prices were increasing almost hourly and that he would have no trouble selling it.

The next few weeks we had to sit down and decide what we wanted to do. I was fed up with working all the hours of the day and so was Barb. One of my plumbers had previously asked about buying my business and we had laughed it off at the time, but now we had to decide if this was what we wanted to do. Basically we could carry on as we were, working all hours, living in a nice house and earning good money but having no time to enjoy ourselves. Or, we could sell the business and the house and walk away with a lot of money and free time. The trouble was we were still quite young and so the money would not last forever and also the house prices were rising all the time so even a property like we owned five years ago would cost a small fortune now.

After many weeks of sole searching we came to the conclusion we would be able to afford a much better property for a much smaller outlay in another province. Alberta was getting too expensive to live in and we felt we would get much better value for money and lower living costs elsewhere. My sister, Marcy lived in London, Ontario and we had often visited her and thought the area nice, so we decided to see what type of property we could afford and whether I could set my business up there.

Marcy did a lot of legwork for us looking at the business side of things and basically found out that I should have no trouble setting up a business in the area. There also seemed to be plenty of work about, so we made the big decision to move to Ontario.

Over the next few months we got the business valued and made arrangements to have it transferred to one of my employees. We spent two weeks in London with Marcy and spent most of the time house hunting. We found a really nice property in a small subdivision on the northern side of town that we really loved. It was a little smaller than our home in Calgary, but was still big enough for our needs. It also had a pool which we had gotten used to so did not want to have to loose, so that was a bonus. We put in an offer, which after a little haggling was accepted.

After this we went back to Calgary to tie up everything there. Fortunately Marcy kept an eye on everything for us in London, including overseeing the house inspection and keeping in touch with the realtor.

Our house went on the market in Calgary and amazingly we sold it within a week for more than the market valuation. In the end three parties wanted it so they ended up bartering between themselves and the price went up which was great news for us. The people that secured the house had already sold theirs and so they wanted a completion in three weeks. Although we would not be getting our London house for three weeks after this date we decided to accept this and Marcy said we could stay with her in the meantime.

We arrived in Toronto and Marcy collected us from the airport, we were now officially Ontarians. As arranged we stayed with Marcy whilst we waited for our house to complete and for one week after so that we could do some decorating before moving in for good. We spent our first night in our new house in October 2006.

We decided that we would not do anything regarding the business until after Christmas and so spent a couple of months getting used to the area. It is very flat around here compared to Calgary where we could see mountains in the distance. This took quite a lot of getting used to, there just isn’t any scenery here and not so many winter sports. We both love skiing and were used to driving a short distance to many different ski areas, but here we have to travel longer to find them. The fact that we are only a short distance to either Lake Huron or Lake Eire is really nice. There are quite a few really nice beeches about and so our summer activities have increased.

In 2007 I finally set up my business again and started off as just myself and Barb as my right-hand-woman. The equity we released from the sale of the Calgary house and business has been invested for our retirement, apart from some we kept back to live on and have holidays with.

In February 2009 we went back to Alberta for a skiing trip and Marcy and her partner Pete came with us. We had a great time but were not too disappointed to leave, so felt content that we had made the right decision to move.

In late 2010 we had our first child, Sarah, who was a bit of a surprise as we hadn’t actually planned to have children, but once we knew she was on the way we were really pleased.

As I write this Barb is pregnant with our second child. We don’t know the sex and don’t want to know until the birth, but a boy would be nice. I don’t think we are planning any more children after this one, but as we have found out, you never can tell what is in the future.

My business is doing well and I have one other person working for me. I could expand, but we decided a couple of years ago not to do that again and to stay smaller. We now seem to have the work-life balance about right. In Calgary it was all work and no time to have fun, but here life is more relaxed.

All in all we are very happy with our new house and new location. If we could throw in a few mountains it would be the icing on the cake, but you can’t have everything in life, can you? I feel much more relaxed in my work, although in Calgary I had lots of work and was earning more money, I didn’t realize how stressed out I had become until it all stopped.

I think our story proves that things can be just as frantic and frightening moving from one side of the country to another as moving from overseas. We were lucky to have Marcy to help us, I really feel for people who move to Canada and don’t know anyone, it must be really hard.

Statistics Canada says more than half (54 per cent) of police-reported hate crimes in 2009 were motivated by race or ethnicity, 29 per cent by religion and 13 per cent by sexual orientation.

All increased, especially hate crimes motivated by religion, which rose 55 per cent, the agency says. The number of racially motivated hate crimes was up 35 per cent, it says, while those motivated by sexual orientation went up 18 per cent.

“Violent offences, such as assault, accounted for about four in 10 hate crimes reported by police. Violent offences were particularly more common among hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation.”

More than half (54 per cent) of police-reported hate crimes involved mischief offences, such as graffiti or vandalism, the study says.

“Rates of hate crime tended to be highest among youth and young adults for both victims and accused,” it says.

The number of police-reported hate crimes against all racial groups rose in 2009. The largest increase involved hate crimes against Arabs or West Asians, which doubled to 75 incidents from 37. Blacks continued to be the most commonly targeted racial group, accounting for 272 incidents in 2009, or about 38 per cent of all racially-motivated incidents.

As in previous years, Statistics Canada reported seven in 10 religiously-motivated hate crimes were committed against the Jewish faith in 2009 — 283, up 71 per cent from 2008.

Hate crimes against the Muslim faith increased to 36 incidents from 26 in 2008. Police reported 33 hate crimes against Catholics, three more than in 2008. Four cities accounted for most of the increase in police-reported hate crime, led by Ottawa, where the number of incidents increased by 83, Toronto (79), Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo (62) and Montreal (61).

The census area of Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo, Ont., reported the highest rate of police-reported hate crimes, at just under 18 incidents for every 100,000 population.

“Recent immigrants earn incomes that are, on average, just 72 per cent of those earned by other Canadians and pay only about one-half of the income taxes paid by other Canadians. At the same time, they absorb nearly the same value of government services and transfers as other Canadians,” said Herbert Grubel, a co-author of the study and a Fraser Institute senior fellow and professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University.

“As a result of Canada’s welfare-state policies, our progressive income taxes, and universal social programs, these immigrants impose a huge fiscal burden on Canadian taxpayers.”

Using publicly available government statistics, the report, Immigration and the Canadian Welfare State 2011, calculates that the difference between immigrants’ tax payments and the value of government services they absorb was about $6,051 per immigrant in 2006, representing a total cost to Canadian taxpayers of $16.3 billion to $23.6 billion annually.

“This is a substantial amount and is expected to continue to grow for as long as the present immigration policies remain in place,” said Patrick Grady, economic consultant and co-author of the report. As an example, the report notes that in 2009, family-class immigrants made up 22.1 per cent of all immigrants who entered Canada that year. Those who were selected by the federal government on the basis of their occupational skills and other characteristics contributing to their economic success accounted for only 16.2 per cent.

“With the aging of Canada’s population and the growing unfunded liabilities of social programs, Canada simply cannot afford to absorb the growing cost burdens imposed by poorly selected immigrants,” Grubel said.

Grubel and Grady conclude that in order to alleviate the fiscal strain on taxpayers, Canada’s immigration selection process should be reformed to emphasize a reliance on market forces to replace the existing, failed system of using points to select immigrants. Their recommendations include:-

• Issuing temporary work visas to obtain entry into Canada for applicants who have a legitimate job offer from an employer in Canada, paying at least the median wage prevailing in the province in which they will be employed;
• Work visas will be valid for two years and may be renewed for two years upon the presentation of evidence of continued employment;
• Spouses and dependents of the holders of work visas may enter Canada under a program of family work visas, which allow them to accept employment;
• Holders of work visas who lose their jobs must find new employment within three months or leave Canada, unless their spouse is employed under the family-work-visa provision;
• After four years in Canada and continued employment, the holders of work visas can obtain permanent immigrant visas. Landed immigrants will be eligible to apply for citizenship two years later; and
• Immigrants may have their parents and grandparents join them as landed immigrants in Canada after posting a bond to cover payments for health care and other social benefits.

“Our proposed system would eliminate the misguided attempt by government to determine the number of immigrants that should be allowed to enter Canada and the skill set of those people. These are determinations best left to employers and the job market,” Grady said.

Download the full report here (PDF)

The study was led by Peter Beyer, a professor of religious studies at the University of Ottawa. He presented the results this past weekend at the 2011 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Beyer’s study involved 36 focus groups of young adults (ages 18-30) who were second-generation immigrants. He wanted to measure attitudes to multiculturalism and religious freedom.

Beyer found there was approval for the idea of multiculturalism. When he asked the groups what they thought of Canadian culture, most said Canadian culture either did not exist, or were unsure how to define it.

The exception was Quebec, where everyone was clear about there being a Quebec culture. In fact, Beyer said some of the second-generation immigrants interviewed felt very strongly about the issue and were devout sovereigntists.

Opinions on religion were sharper.

Most young, second-generation immigrants interviewed were in favour of acceptance of religious diversity, but many people said there were limits. “There’s a sense,” said Beyer, “that if you let this go too far, there’s a danger.”

And one religious group stood out. “We found a not-insignificant number of Christian groups at the evangelical end of the spectrum who felt they were discriminated against,” he said. “Some people thought Canada should be a Christian country and they were distressed it wasn’t.”

People in this group were unhappy with the idea of religion being a private matter. Young, second-generation immigrants also had strong feelings about Islam: “There was widespread opinion that if there’s a disadvantaged religion in this country, it’s Islam,” he said. Beyer noted that there were also significant differences between Quebec and the rest of Canada on the issue of racism.

While immigrants of African origin in, say, Toronto, felt that there was hope they could fully integrate into Canada even if there were problems today, that sense of hopefulness was absent among people of African origin living in Quebec.

“They were the only ones who felt they were completely apart,” said Beyer.

For more information visit this website

Premier Dexter released Welcome Home to Nova Scotia at the Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21 in Halifax. The strategy establishes a target of 7,200 new immigrants by 2020, or double what the province had aimed to achieve. The strategy, which will be supported by $790,000 in additional funding for immigration efforts, will also target a 70 per cent retention rate.

“Welcome Home to Nova Scotia is the province’s most ambitious and focused immigration plan ever, and one of the most comprehensive strategies in the country,” Premier Dexter said. “It will compliment jobsHere by targeting international workers with the technical skills and international contacts the province needs to become more innovative, productive and competitive. It will ensure potential immigrants understand they are welcome and valued in Nova Scotia and that this province wants them to stay and build a life here.”

Immigration Minister Marilyn More said the strategy will see government work more closely with employers, community organizations and labour to ensure the province attracts immigrants whose skills are most needed in the workforce.

“By focusing on attracting immigrants with the right skills and experience, this new strategy will make our immigration programs more responsive to employers’ needs,” said Ms. More. “Equally important, it will mean that new immigrants will be more likely to succeed and stay in Nova Scotia, strengthening both our economy and our communities.”

The new strategy will also:

• provide critical employment information about credential recognition and settlement information, to help immigrants plan for working and living in Nova Scotia before they arrive
• improve settlement programs such as extending immigrant navigator services to all regions of the province
• ensure easier and quicker recruiting of temporary foreign workers for employers
• provide more protections for temporary foreign workers, and enhance programs that encourage them to make Nova Scotia their permanent home
• allow for strategic marketing to attract immigrants from around the world and international graduates already here in Canada
• establish a formal and ongoing evaluation of the nominee program to ensure accountability for immigrants, employers and taxpayers

“Hiring immigrants can help you achieve export development objectives,” said Jean-Paul Deaveau, president of Acadian Seaplants Limited in Dartmouth. “Their expertise can speed up market entry and development, help you provide top-notch customer service, and improve your competitiveness. There’s no doubt, hiring immigrants is good for business.”

The benefits of immigration extend into communities as many new Nova Scotians and their families become volunteers, civic leaders and entrepreneurs. Welcome Home to Nova Scotia recognizes the importance of welcoming communities by providing tools that will help communities become inclusive and supportive.

“Starting a new life, it’s not an easy task,” said Flora Riyahi, vice-chair of the Advisory Council to Immigration. “To come here, to feel alone, it makes it more difficult. We need to keep immigrants happy. We need to be a welcoming community in order to keep and attract immigrants to Nova Scotia, and this strategy will help us to do that.”

For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/jobshere

Applying for a SIN

The first step to applying is to complete the application form (NAS2120 05-04), which can be found at your local Service Canada Centre office or downloadable here. The form asks for details such as: name, date of birth, mother and fathers names, your Canadian status, contact numbers and mailing address. You will need to take the form along with supporting documents to your local Service Canada Centre where it will be processed. You can also apply by mail, but will need to send original passports etc that may take around three weeks to return.

You will need to have certain documentation in order to prove your identity and status in Canada. As a permanent resident you can provide one of the following for all applicants:

Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence and visa counterfoil affixed to a foreign passport or a travel document. If you are a temporary resident you must show one of the following: Work Permit or Study Permit. Be sure to read the instructions carefully to make sure you have all the necessary documents required.

One processed you will be issued with a credit card size SIN card which shows your name and SIN number.

When to use a SIN

Your SIN is a confidential number that is restricted to income reporting purposes. It  is the key to your identity in Canada and should be used very carefully. Your SIN can be used to find out all sorts of information about you and can be used to steal your identity. You should not give out your SIN to just anyone and should make sure all references to your SIN and indeed any other personal information is carefully discarded i.e. shredded to prevent its misuse.

There are only a select number of federal government departments specifically authorized to collect your SIN. Institutions from which you earn interest or income, such as banks, credit unions and trust companies, must also ask for your SIN.

Legislated uses of the SIN (or legislation that regulates its use) include:

• Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance contributions or claims (the original purposes for the SIN);
• Income Tax identification;
• banks, trust companies, caisse populaires and stock brokers when they sell you financial products (GICs or Canada Savings Bonds) or services (bank accounts) that generate interest. They declare your interest to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for income tax purposes;
• various Veterans Affairs benefit programs;
• Canada Student Loans or Canada Student Financial Assistance;
• Canada Education Savings Grants;
• Gasoline and Aviation Gasoline Excise Tax Applications;
• Canadian Wheat Board Act;
• Labour Adjustment Benefits Act;
• Tax Rebate Discounting Regulations;
• Race Track Supervision Regulations;
• Garnishment Regulations (Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act);
• Canada Elections Act;
• Canadian Labour Standards Regulations (Canada Labour Code);
• Farm Income Protection.

Programs Authorized to use the SIN:

• Immigration Adjustment Assistance Program;
• Income and Health Care Programs;
• Income Tax Appeals and Adverse Decisions;
• Labour Adjustment Review Board;
• National Dose Registry for Occupational Exposures to Radiation;
• Rural and Native Housing Program;
• Social Assistance and Economic Development Program

The Employment Insurance Act requires a person to apply for a Social Insurance Number and to produce his/ her Social Insurance Number card to his/her employer within three (3) days after having received it. However, the legislation does not prevent persons from working in insurable employment prior to being issued a Social Insurance Number and card.

If you are asked to provide your SIN by any other organization, ask why they need it and how they are going to use it. If you are not happy with the answers, do not give it.

Remember, your SIN is not an identification document and is not required by law, there is no signature on the SIN. You can therefore tell the person/company requesting your SIN that you prefer to use another form of identification such as a driving licence or passport.

Under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), organizations like banks, telecommunications companies and airlines cannot require you to consent to the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information unless it is required for a specific and legitimate purpose. This means that unless an organization can demonstrate that your SIN is required by law, or that no alternative identifier would suffice to complete the transaction, you cannot be denied a product or service on the grounds of your refusal to provide your SIN.

If you are not happy about a request for your SIN made by an organization that is subject to the PIPEDA, you can complain to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, who will investigate the complaint.

Questions:

How much does a SIN cost?

There is no fee for first time applicants or amendments to existing cards, however $10 will be charged for the replacement of a SIN card.

If I get married do I need to change my SIN?

Any legal change of name must be changed on your SIN. You will need to supply legal documentation backing up your details. No charge is made for name changes to SIN cards.

What happens if I lose my card?

You will need to report the card lost or stolen to the police and get a police report. You will then need to apply for a replacement card, providing relevant documentation, along with a $10 fee.

What happens if I change my address?

You do not need to inform Service Canada of a change of address.

Should I carry my SIN card around with me?

No, you should not. You only need to have it on your person if you know you will need it that day. You card should be stored somewhere safe and secure.

Can I request a copy of my SIN applications file?

Yes, under the Privacy Act you have a right to access information held about you. You will need to complete form TBC/CTC35-58. Details can be found at here: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/tbsf-fsct/350-58-eng.asp

Why do children need a SIN number?

Anyone wanting to work, open a bank account or obtain tax credits must have a SIN number. Therefore if you intent to open a bank account for your child you will need a SIN number for them. Likewise, if you have already obtained a SIN for them, when they want to start work they will not have to wait several weeks for the SIN to be processed. It is not however mandatory for children to have a SIN.

What happens with temporary SIN cards?

If you have a SIN number beginning with 9 it is a temporary card issued to people who are neither citizens or permanent residents. These cards will have an expiry date printed on them and will need to be renewed, if required, before that date. If your status changes i.e. to permanent resident you will need to apply for a permeant SIN number.

What happens if someone dies?

You must notify Service Canada of any death to be sure the deceased persons SIN number is not used fraudulently. A death certificate will be required as will the original SIN card.

What if my card is lost or stolen?

Inform Service Canada immediately and be sure to check your bank accounts, credit cards etc for any signs of fraudulent use. You may also want to report the loss to credit report agencies who will flag your account as at risk and vulnerable to fraud. If your card was stolen you should also report its loss to the police and get a case reference number.

“It is astonishing that the Federal government has turned its back on consumers by choosing a new and inexperienced group, the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), to regulate immigration consultants.

This group has no plans and no ability to resolve the 99 outstanding complaints and 155 open investigations that CSIC is currently seized with,” said CSIC Chair Nigel Thomson. “CSIC also has serious concerns about the 21 ongoing disciplinary hearings. For all intents and purposes, the government has given the people who are the subject of CSIC’s disciplinary process a free pass and this is unacceptable.”

In June 2010 the Federal government established criteria for the review of the national regulator of immigration consultants. In December CSIC made a detailed submission that demonstrated that it met all of the government’s criteria for confirmation as the regulator, most notably due to its significant experience in protecting consumers by holding its members accountable to strict standards.

“Consumers have effective protection and only CSIC has the policies, rules, expertise and disciplinary processes to provide that protection. The council will take years and millions of dollars to reach the same level of sophistication that CSIC currently possesses and in the meantime consumers will be put at risk,” said Thomson. “CSIC believes that the process followed by the Federal government is biased, unreasonable and unfair. This decision defies logic and CSIC is standing up for consumers by challenging the fairness and practicality of the selection process.”.

Your first PR Card

When you become a permanent resident (PR) in Canada you will be issued with a permanent resident card. This is a small plastic card, about the size of a credit card that you will need in order to prove your status when re-entering the county. Everyone, including infants will be issued with a PR card.

When landing in Canada, you will be asked to provide a mailing address to which your card will be sent. If you cannot provide this initially on landing, don’t worry; you have six months to submit one. However any delay in providing an address will mean you do not receive your card until much later. If you want to leave and re-enter Canada during this time you will need to apply for a temporary travel document, which we will address later.

The cost of the card has already been incorporated into your immigration fees, so there will be nothing extra to pay. The card is valid for five years and replacement cards will cost you $50.

The card is designed to improve border security and also provide the cardholder with proof of their entitlement to reside in Canada. Whenever you leave Canada and return via a commercial carrier such as airplane, boat, train or bus you will need to show your PR card to gain re-entry. If you drive across the border in a private car, you will not need to show your card.

Once you have given a mailing address, either on landing or later, you should receive your PR card within 30 days. You will need to contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) if you don’t receive yours within this time. If during the coming years you decide to become a Canadian citizen, your PR card will be taken from you and you will then need to apply for a Canadian passport in order to travel and re-enter Canada.

Urgent Cases: If you need to travel internationally before you are able to obtain your PR card, your application can be prioritized. When you complete your PR application you should include a copy of your travel documents i.e. plane tickets and mark it “Urgent – proof of travel included” on the envelope. Your application will then be processed on a priority basis.

Temporary Travel Document: If you leave Canada during the processing time you will need to obtain a temporary travel document (TTD) in order to re-enter the country. Your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) and Confirmation of PR (IMM 5292) will not be sufficient to allow you re-entry into Canada. All family members travelling will need to apply individually and a $50 non-refundable fee will apply to each.

In order to obtain the TTD, every applicant must complete form IMM 5524, submit a passport size photograph, your passport and evidence of your permanent resident status, such as Record of Landing and of course pay the fee. You will need to submit the application to the visa office responsible for the country where you are currently located.

Your application will then be assessed and if accepted you will be issued with a temporary travel document, allowing you to travel back to Canada. These are normally only valid for a single entry. You will need to collect your TTD in person from the visa office.

Renewal of PR Card

As we mentioned before the PR Card is only valid for five years and needs to be renewed if residency is to be kept. This process should be started well before the date your card expires. You should check the CIC processing times to see how long current PR Cards are taking to process and apply for your replacement in good time. At the time of writing (March 2011), the processing time was 98 calendar days.

All forms and guides are available via the CIC website, however you will have to order the Supplementary Identification Form (IMM 5455) and the HPM Receipt Form (IMM 5401) which is sent to you in the mail. This can be ordered on the website at no charge.

You will then need to complete form IMM 5444 which asks questions such as name, age, address, when you first became a permanent resident etc. It will also ask you to give details of dates, location etc of places you have worked or been educated at and places you have lived for the past five years. You will also need to record details of any trips taken outside the country. This includes dates, location and reason for absence. If you have been outside Canada for more than 1095 days in the past five years you will need to complete the Residency Obligation section.

You also need to supply copies of several documents along with your application. These depend on your circumstances but may include passport, Record of Landing, driver’s licence and proof of any name changes. You will also have to supply two identical photos which need to meet certain criteria. If your PR Card is still valid, you will not need to surrender it at the application stage. A full instruction guide is available on the CIC website.

A fee of $50 is payable per application which needs to be paid prior to submitting your application. You can do this online via the CIC website, or you can use the HPM Receipt Form (IMM 5401) and pay at any financial institution. Receipts need to be included in your application.

Once sent to the processing centre, you will hear nothing more from CIC until they start to process your application, which as we mentioned is currently 98 days. If then your application is complete and approve you will receive a letter from CIC advising you where and when to collect your new PR Card. If your application is deemed incomplete it will be returned and you will have to resubmit.

When you collect your new card you will have to take originals of all documents included in your application as well as your existing card.

Lost or Stolen Cards

If your card is lost or stolen you should report it to the CIC Call Centre immediately and then apply for a new card using the method described above.

More information and all associated documentation and forms can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website http://www.cic.gc.ca

Under the proposal, a spouse or partner from abroad who has been in a relationship with the Canadian sponsor for two years or less would be granted only “conditional permanent residence.”

The newcomer would then have to remain in a bona fide relationship with their sponsor for two years or more following arrival — or risk having their permanent residence status revoked. In turn, this could lead to their removal from Canada. A federal notice published just before the election writ was issued Saturday says the measure would “send a message that Canada is taking a strong stance against marriage fraud, and immigration fraud in general.”

It would also bring Canada’s policies in line with those of other countries, such as the United States, Britain and Australia, all of which already have a form of two-year conditional status for those in new relationships, the notice says.

The director of a legal clinic that serves the Asian community says the move will hurt women in violent relationships.

“It’s going to be disastrous for women who are abused,” said Avvy Go of the Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic.

The federal notice says that given concerns about violent relationships, “a process for allowing bona fide spouses and partners in such situations to come forward without facing enforcement action” would be developed should the new measure be put in place.

But Go says many vulnerable women simply won’t report abuse by their partners. In addition, she doesn’t trust immigration officers “who are not trained to deal with domestic violence situations” to decide whether or not a woman has actually fled an abusive relationship. The public has 30 days to comment on the federal proposal.

The government says while most relationships are believed to be legitimate, the spousal sponsorship process is open to fraud.

In some case, both parties may be using the system for immigration purposes. In others, the sponsor thinks the relationship is genuine while the sponsored partner intends on breaking up shortly after gaining permanent residence status.

The government says “firm figures” on the extent of marriage fraud are not available. However, about 16 per cent of the 46,300 immigration applications processed last year were refused for various reasons.

Many were rejected because the relationship was considered a sham, while others were refused for reasons including criminal history, security and medical issues, the government says.

Last fall, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney held town hall meetings in Vancouver, Brampton, Ont., and Montreal to discuss marriages of convenience. His department also consulted the provinces and territories. An online consultation drew 2,342 responses from the general public and 89 from interested groups.

The federal notice says respondents “expressed considerable concern” about marriages of convenience. “Most considered the issue to be a threat to the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.”

As an additional measure, the government proposes to introduce a “sponsorship bar” that would prevent sponsored partners and spouses from sponsoring a new partner for five years.