Canadians paying 11% more than Americans for consumer goods: Carney

Canadian shoppers are paying an average of 11 per cent more than Americans for the same goods, Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney said Wednesday.

Topics : 

Senate committee , Bank of Montreal ,Retail Council of Canada , United States , Canada

Testifying before a Senate committee looking into the price gap, Carney said results of the bank's September survey - while still showing a major price gap - were nonetheless an improvement over a similar survey in April which put the difference at 18 per cent.

The April results were not far off those of a Bank of Montreal study, also conducted in the spring, which assessed the gap at about 20 per cent.

Carney said there could be a number of factors that contribute to the "stickiness" of prices despite currency fluctuations that have seen the loonie trading around par with the U.S. dollar in recent months.

Among those factors are higher taxes, retail labour costs that are about 20 per cent higher in Canada, a smaller population, higher transportation costs and economies of scale which allow retailers south of the border to reduce costs.

But competition from U.S. retailers does not appear to be much of a worry for Canadian retailers, he said, despite stories of angry Canadians taking their business south.

While the cross-border shopping phenomenon does effect Canadian retailers close to the U.S. border, it is a minor factor in the overall picture, he said.

"The actual scale of cross border shopping is quite modest, about two per cent of retail sales," Carney said.

"The degree of competition that has engendered does not appear to have been determinant in forcing a more rapid adjustment in prices to the currency," he added.

Carney also shot down a complaint often cited by the Retail Council of Canada that tariffs can add up to 18 per cent on the imported costs of some consumer items.

Last month, Finance Department officials testified that most goods that cross the border are duty free and where duties do apply, they tend to be small.

Carney said the central bank has not done a detailed analysis of tariffs, but voiced the same opinion. "While there are tariff differentials, the differences are not that large," he said.

The Senate committee was asked in September to look into the issue that has been a source of irritation among Canadian consumers, who continue to pay significantly higher prices for everything ranging from books to automobiles and gasoline despite the high Canadian dollar.

In testimony last month, federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty told the committee that Canadians have every right to be angry about paying more than Americans for the same goods. He said he would look into the issue of tariffs if the committee found they were a major factor.

Also in previous testimony, the committee has been told that a price gap may always exist between Canada and the U.S. regardless of the time retailers have to adjust.

Carney agreed that the cost structure in the Canadian market could result in a persistent price "wedge" between the two countries.

Efforts to create a uniform North American market with identical tariffs and regulations will help close the gap, he said, but not completely.

"We still will have issues with one of the great benefits of this country, its vastness and the dispersed population and it costs (more) to ship," he noted.

But Carney said there could be some closing of the gap in future years.

"It is not lost on the retail sector that the square foot return in Canada is now higher than it is in the United States," he said, which could lead to more American retailers locating north of the border and increasing competition.

The governor said the bank looks at the impact of currency fluctuations on prices in order to calculate the effect on future inflation. He said as a rule of thumb, a 10 per cent gain in the value of the loonie can lower inflation by 0.4 per cent.

-By Julian Beltrame

N.B. stops accepting immigration applicants from China

The Canadian Press

Date: Thursday Nov. 3, 2011 6:52 AM ET

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick has halted all applications under a Chinese immigration pilot project following an internal review of the province's nominee program.

The decision announced Wednesday follows a review by auditor general Kim MacPherson, who in February raised concerns about the provincial nominee program.

MacPherson noted that the province accepted more than 5,500 immigrants under the nominee program between 1999 and 2009 but didn't track where they ended up living.

The provincial government said it has withdrawn nomination applications made at visa offices in Hong Kong and Beijing.

As well, applications under the provincial nominee program have been turned down.

Labour Minister Martine Coulombe acknowledged there are areas within the program that need to be improved and said the province is working with Ottawa to do that.

MacPherson said in her report that there was no way of determining how many immigrants maintained full-time employment or if applicants made the required investment of at least $125,000 in provincial businesses.

Without that information, she said it's impossible to report on the program's performance.

MacPherson said that while the Charter of Rights and Freedoms doesn't allow the government to require immigrants to stay in the province, it can at least monitor where they settle.

The province said affected applicants can submit a new application under the business applicant category of the nominee program and those applications will be given priority processing.

Read more: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20111103/new-brunswick-immigration-applicants-china-111103/#ixzz1chVW7g45

Ottawa urged to help expedite licences for foreign-trained doctors

KIM MACKRAEL

Globe and Mail Update

The federal government should fund temporary work programs that help foreign-trained doctors get their licences faster, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada says.

Andrew Padmos, the college’s chief executive officer, said between 6,000 and 10,000 doctors can’t practise in Canada because there aren’t enough spots in residency programs.

“If they require residency, there are severe constraints,” Dr. Padmos told the Commons standing committee on human resources. He said that’s because there are only slightly more residency spots in Canada than there are medical school graduates each year. “It’s insufficient to deal with several thousand foreign-trained grads,” he said.

The committee is looking for ways to speed up the recognition of foreign qualifications in a bid to improve work opportunities for immigrants and make Canada more economically competitive.

Dr. Padmos said qualifying doctors can sometimes get around the residency backlog by working under the temporary supervision of a Canadian-trained physician – but that option has its own price tag.

“The federal government should fund the salary of the international graduate, plus something for the supervisor to make it possible,” he said after the meeting.

He also recommended the creation of an arms-length observatory to study health and human resources and advise the provinces on where doctors and specialists are most needed.

Governments have long promised to help internationally trained professionals find work at their skill level. In 2009, the federal government announced workers in eight fields would not have to wait longer than a year to find out how the credentials they obtained abroad compare with Canadian standards. At the time, the government promised to add foreign-trained doctors to the list of professionals by the end of 2012.

Robert Young holds the Canada Research Chair in multilevel governance and his research includes immigration and settlement policies. He said that while the federal government’s efforts to reduce wait times on qualifications are laudable, they often aren’t the biggest barrier for professional immigrants – whether they are doctors or work in another field.

“In many cases, it’s not the credentials that matter but getting the Canadian experience,” Mr. Young said in a telephone interview.

Canadian Employers Missing the Potential for Innovation and Growth from Immigrants: Deloitte

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Nov 01, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- According to a new white paper by Deloitte, Welcome to Canada. Now what? Unlocking the potential of immigrants for business growth and innovation, many Canadian employers are finding it easy to put diversity and inclusiveness into a mission statement, but difficult to put them into practice. In its second cross-country study of diversity practices called "Dialogue on diversity," Deloitte learned that the dreams of educated newcomers - people vital to our economic growth - are being eroded by unrecognized credentials, no Canadian experience, a lack of support for networking, and lingering biases in recruitment.

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.

About Deloitte

Deloitte, one of Canada's leading professional services firms, provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through more than 7,600 people in 57 offices. Deloitte operates in Quebec as Samson Belair/Deloitte & Touche s.e.n.c.r.l. Deloitte & Touche LLP, an Ontario Limited Liability Partnership, is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms.

        
        Contacts:
        Deloitte
        Jeanne d'Arc Umurungi
        Media Relations Manager
        416-874-3518
        jumurungi@deloitte.ca
        
        Deloitte
        Vital Adam
        Senior Manager, Public relations
        514-393-5281
        viadam@deloitte.ca
        
        
        

SOURCE: Deloitte

International doctoral students can now apply to stay in Canada

By Josh Dehaas | November 2nd, 2011 | 2:48 pm

Up to 1,000 a year will be accepted

Canada is making it easier for international Ph.D. students—who make up one-quarter of the total—to stay permanantly, Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear announced today on behalf of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Starting Nov. 5, international Ph.D. students can apply to be accepted as federal skilled workers, so long as they have at at least two years of study toward the doctoral degrees under their belt or have graduated in the past 12 months, and are in good academic standing.

Paul Davidson, President of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, said the announcement will give Canada a “competitive edge” in attracting international students.

Source: Macleans.ca

Canada opens up immigration to foreign PhD students

1. The following article explores the changes in immigration for foreigners with doctorates. Besides immigrating, one way for prospective students to attend western education is through online education. There are a number of sites such as Online Phd that offer a way to earn post-graduate degrees through distance learning."

1. 
   

By Laura Payton, CBC News 

Posted: Nov 2, 2011 12:35 PM ET 

Canada will start accepting some PhD students to boost the country's science, technology and math sectors, the government said Wednesday.

Gary Goodyear, minister of state for science and technology, announced the government is expanding the federal skilled worker category to include PhD students in certain streams, noting the country lacks people with expertise in science, technology, engineering and math.

Goodyear made the announcement at the same press conference where the government was focusing on the success of the Canadian experience class, which is aimed at skilled temporary foreign workers and international students who want to stay in Canada.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, who Wednesday welcomed the 10,000th permanent resident to enter Canada through the program, said Canada used to send people who wanted to become citizens back to their country of origin to have them start on the seven-year waitlist.

Before the program, "we would say excellent. You now have a degree or a diploma that will be recognized by a Canadian employer, you have some work experience in Canada, you have perfected your English or French language skills … now please leave the country and if you want to immigrate, get in the back of a seven-year-long queue," Kenney said.

"That didn’t make any sense at all. Because these are folks who are pre-integrated, they are set for success."

To be eligible for the skilled worker program, PhD students need to have done at least two years of study toward the degree and be in good standing at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada. They can start applying Nov. 5.

Graduates who are less than a year out of the program are also eligible to apply.

Goodyear said expanding the program tells innovators around the world that Canada is ready to welcome their ideas.

"Research in these fields contributes greatly to our overall national competitiveness in the global market," he said.

New targets

The news conference comes the day after Kenney tabled in the House of Commons the government's immigration targets for the next year.

Last year, Canada admitted 280,681 permanent residents, an 11.3 percent increase from 2009 and the highest level in 50 years, the report says. Nearly 67 per cent of total admissions came as economic immigrants.

Kenney is holding the 2012 targets at the same level as the previous five years.

"The admission range of 240,000 to 265,000 is maintained for the sixth consecutive year, reaffirming the commitment to sustained immigration levels to continue to fulfil the department’s objectives," the report says.

Kenney told MPs last month that Canada needs to accept fewer applications in the family class of immigrants, which has a large backlog. He said speeding up processing alone won't take care of the backlog of parents and grandparents trying to join family members in Canada.

NDP Immigration critic Don Davies says he applauds the move.

"It’s a good system. I like what I’m hearing about getting more PhDs integrated into our system…but it shouldn’t come at the expense of other classes of immigrants," Davies said.

He says Kenney's own department has reported it's possible to increase immigration targets, which have been stable for the past few years, and says Canada could see a labour shortage as soon as five years from now.

"How do we meet that labour challenge if we are using numbers that were the same as the last five years?

Kenney to hold immigration levels, change mix

The Canadian Press

Date: Wednesday Nov. 2, 2011 3:54 PM ET

OTTAWA — Immigration Minister Jason Kenney plans to hold immigration levels steady next year, but the mix of immigrants will change.

There will be more skilled workers -- especially white-collar workers -- as will as higher numbers of refugees, parents and grandparents, Kenney told reporters after tabling his 2011 annual report.

But there will be fewer spouses and dependent children, and fewer live-in caregivers, Kenney added -- not because Ottawa doesn't want them, but because they are not coming in numbers as large as in the past.

"It's a projection," he explained.

Kenney tabled his 2011 annual report and it shows Ottawa wants to accept between 240,000 and 265,000 newcomers in 2012 -- despite pressure from the opposition NDP to gradually raise the levels in order to deal with expected labour shortages in five years' time.

It's the same range as this year and in keeping with the annual average of 254,000 over the past few years, Kenney said.

But within that pool, the number of so-called "Canadian-experience class" immigrants will rise to about 7,000, Kenney said That's up from 6,500 in 2011, and is the highest number ever in that category.

The class targets white-collar workers in certain occupations, many already with experience or education in Canada. It was created in 2008 and the Conservative government believes it has been very successful in attracting immigrants who adapt quickly to Canadian life, find jobs and add to economic growth soon after settling here.

He is also creating a new class of immigrants that will allow up to 1,000 international PhD students a year become permanent residents through the Federal Skilled Workers Program, as long as they have completed at least two years of schooling toward a doctoral degree.

"For immigration to continue to support our economy's development, it is crucial that we maintain an immigration system that responds to Canada's economic needs in a timely manner," Kenney said in the introduction to the 2011 annual report.

But he didn't raise the level of immigrants because the Canadian public -- and the public purse -- are not able to digest a higher flow, he said.

"We don't want to end up with an immigration policy that diverges dramatically with the public's practical sense of our capacity to integrate folks," Kenney said.

"We already have very high levels. We just want to make sure that the folks who are coming get and keep good jobs, and they have the capacity to integrate, and that we have the resources to pay for the infrastructure and support required for new immigrants."

But NDP immigration critic Don Davies said Kenney is being short-sighted by limiting the number of immigrants at a time when the waiting list to get into Canada is growing, and the demand by employers is poised to soar.

"How do we meet that new labour challenge if we are using numbers that are the same as the last five years?" Davies said.

The government could manage to integrate a higher number of immigrants if it put its mind and its money toward such a goal, he added.

Plus, Kenney is also letting down many Canadian families who depend on live-in caregivers to take care of their children, said one group representing families.

The only reason fewer nannies are applying to come to Canada is because families here are finding the immigration program dysfunctional, said Manuela Gruber Hersch of the Association of Caregiver and Nanny Agencies Canada.

She said families are shying away from hiring foreign nannies because recent rule changes mean families pay out thousands of dollars to hire the caregivers, but have no guarantee they will stay at their jobs.

"Canadian families are getting turned off because of the risk factor," she said.

Kenney is expected to release more details about the mix of immigrants throughout this week, likely focusing on the provincial nominee program that allows provinces to manage inflows of skilled labour to suit their needs.

Kenney said he also plans changes to Canada's foreign credentials recognition regime.

Ottawa already has fast-tracking systems for eight occupations and will add another six occupations next year, he said.

Read more: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20111102/canada-immigration-levels-minister-jason-kenney-111102/#ixzz1cbsj1B8k

Library settlement program helps newcomers

A program that helps immigrants adjust to life in Canada celebrated its second anniversary at the Beaverbrook branch of the Ottawa Public Library on Friday, Oct. 28.

Around 40 people gathered at the Beaverbrook branch, with similar events held at library branches across the city.

“It’s a very good list of programs we have built through our libraries,” said Susan Kan, executive director of the Ottawa Chinese Community Services Centre and originally from Hong Kong. “The partnership with the libraries is very important.”

The program, which offers newcomers language training, help finding employment and housing and education opportunities as well as information on a wide range of topics, works as a partnership between the Ottawa Public Library, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the private sector.

Rupert Yeung immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in the late 1970s to get an education at Carleton University. Yeung now works for the Ottawa Chinese Community Services Centre’s settlement program, which places workers in public libraries.

“They’re very serious learners,” said Yeung about those who take advantage of the program.

He said many of the people who use the service are spouses or parents of someone who’s found work. They may not know the English language very well and they may not know anyone in the community. The LSP helps them make connections.

“By coming out they form a lot of networks,” he said, adding the LSP helps over 1,000 newcomers every year. “It’s a great coming together.

Many people from mainland China settle in Kanata because of the high-tech sector, said Yeung.

“They enjoy living in this area,” he said.

Jennifer Olsen immigrated to Canada in 1970 from Taiwan. She first lived in the United States before coming to Canada after marrying her husband.

She said the LSP helped her to adjust and now she volunteers her time helping others settle into life in Kanata.

“I get so excited when I get to help others to not worry,” she said. “We can help so many people.”

She added it’s important to learn the language and the culture when moving to a new place to help give a sense of belonging.

“I can feel the need you have to get together,” said Olsen, who added many newcomers live in isolation because they can’t speak the language. “I’m happier then before because I can help.

“So many people need it.”

“It’s very important for so many people,” said Kanata North Coun. Marianne Wilkinson. “You see the program really reaches a lot of people.”

jessica.cunha@metroland.com

Canadian Employers Missing the Potential for Innovation and Growth from Immigrants: Deloitte

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Nov 01, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- According to a new white paper by Deloitte, Welcome to Canada. Now what? Unlocking the potential of immigrants for business growth and innovation, many Canadian employers are finding it easy to put diversity and inclusiveness into a mission statement, but difficult to put them into practice. In its second cross-country study of diversity practices called "Dialogue on diversity," Deloitte learned that the dreams of educated newcomers - people vital to our economic growth - are being eroded by unrecognized credentials, no Canadian experience, a lack of support for networking, and lingering biases in recruitment.

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.

About Deloitte

Deloitte, one of Canada's leading professional services firms, provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through more than 7,600 people in 57 offices. Deloitte operates in Quebec as Samson Belair/Deloitte & Touche s.e.n.c.r.l. Deloitte & Touche LLP, an Ontario Limited Liability Partnership, is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms.

Ten Ways to Make Yourself a Job Magnet

Looking for a job can be hard work. Preparing a CV so that it is clear and attractive, searching Canada Jobs listings and meeting with hiring managers takes time and concentration. Recruiters and headhunters are hired by employers to find qualified candidates to fill positions. Candidates who are referred by recruiters are often given higher priority by employers because the screening has already been done. Here are ten things that you can do to make yourself more attractive to recruiters.

1. Be employed – Fair or not, recruiters often look first for job candidates who are working. They operate on the premise that if you want something done, find a busy person. They perceive that those who have survived layoffs are less expendable than those who have been laid off. If you are currently employed but anticipate a layoff, begin your job search immediately. If you are not currently employed, consider taking a position at which you would be underemployed so that you can put “to present” on the dates of employment for your most recent position on your CV.

2. Be good at what you do – Be conscientious about your work. Ask for feedback from your superiors and coworkers about what you can do to improve the quality of your work. Strive to get along with others. It is easier to have a reputation for being good at your job if the people you work with perceive you as a nice person. This reputation will find its way to recruiters.

3. Contact the recruiters – Use an Internet search engine to find recruiting agencies that place candidates in your industry or field. They will often be grateful that you helped them eliminate several steps in filling a position. If they think you are not suitable for a position that you seek, they will most likely provide honest feedback as to why. This can give you an opportunity to take corrective measures, such as taking classes to make you more current in your field.

4. Get your name in print – Write letters to the editor or submit articles to trade publications or websites. This gives you a greater chance to be noticed by recruiters.

5. Network – Get involved in clubs or charities. This will help you to expand your interests and give you an opportunity to solve problems. It will also make you known to a wider circle of contacts. Use LinkedIn and other social media to join online discussions about your profession. You can also use LinkedIn to post online portfolios that will help recruiters better understand your qualifications.

6. Find a mentor or champion – A successful and experienced person can tell you what you need to do to advance in your career and will usually have the right connections to help you land a position. The mentor benefits from gaining a reputation for good referrals if you do well at your new position.

7. Participate in trade or professional associations – Volunteer to give a speech or presentation or serve on a panel at a conference. Even stuffing envelopes will increase the number of contacts that you have and will raise your profile so that you will be more likely to be noticed by recruiters.

8. List all of your accomplishments on your CV – It is especially important to list problems you have solved. This lets recruiters know that you were not merely putting in the time at your position, but took an interest in getting things done.

9. Be brief – Recruiters have stacks of CVs to review in a short amount of time. They will give higher priority to those that are clear and succinct. Use bullet points when possible.

10. Have recognizable firm names and position titles on a CV – If you have worked for small firms and went to an obscure school, take classes at a large university or volunteer for a well known charity. If your firm uses unusual sounding titles, consider putting a comparable title in parentheses next to the position title.