Immigration Canada

U.S. or Canada: Which country is best to call home?

By Janine Eccleston | Investopedia – Tue, 16 Oct, 2012 5:37 PM EDT

This question is part of the age-old debate between two nations. The societies of both Canada and the United States hold the view that their own country is the better place to live. Generally, neither country learns all the facts about what the other country has to offer. So, which is better: Canada or the United States?

BenefitsBecoming a mother is one of the greatest gifts in the world. Spending time with your child as he or she grows up is a need of every mother. How does your country support new moms?

Canada
Canada has paid leave, and many employers offer benefits to new mothers, or parents, ranging from 17 weeks up to as much as 52 weeks. During this time, one of the spouses can claim Employment Insurance (EI) for approximately 15 weeks. Generally, EI payments are 55% of weekly earnings but have a maximum payment of $485 per week. Parents can also split the allocated time if they choose.

U.S.While their northerly neighbors have a solid set of maternity and parental benefits, the United States currently does not mandate any sort of maternity leave. However, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for extreme sickness and birth of a child. While this 12 weeks of unpaid leave is not specifically categorized as maternity leave, it can be used under the FMLA as such. Small companies of under 50 employees are exempt from the FMLA. Some states such as California and New Jersey include paid maternity benefits into their disability insurance, but this choice is solely at the discretion of each state.

ServicesSome of the more well-known services available to Canadians and Americans are healthcare and university funding. The United States is ranked No. 1 for most expensive healthcare per capita at $8,233. Conversely, Canada ranks No. 6 worldwide and is over $3,700 cheaper than the United States at $4,445 per capita, according to a 2012 OECD Health Data study using 2010 statistics. Americans pay over 17% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) towards healthcare while Canadians sit at about 11%.

University can be another extremely large cost in a person's life. It puts many students tens of thousands of dollars in debt. Individual states have the choice on whether or not they want to grant funding to large state-run universities. Despite these grants, schooling is still very expensive for the average American. A bachelor's degree in the U.S. can run from about $37,600 for an average public college to over $160,000 at prestigious schools such as Harvard. In Canada, the average cost of an undergraduate degree starts at $8,000 (Quebec) and increases to about $26,000. The most expensive undergraduate programs in Canada will cost around $50,000, which is approximately one-third the cost of a degree from Harvard University.

Average SalariesAccording to the website numbeo.com, the average income of an American and a Canadian are approximately the same amount. Canada's after-tax monthly income is about $3,000 which totals around $36,000 per year. The U.S. sits just below Canada at approximately $2,942 per month, or roughly $35,300 per year.

The real difference is seen in the cost of living. While Americans and Canadians roughly make the same amount per annum, there are large gaps in specific spending areas of both countries.

The monthly rent for a one-bedroom condominium in the downtown area of your average city in Canada is near $907, but only about $878 in the United States. This difference of roughly $29 per month adds up to nearly $350 in the course of a year. If you multiply that over a five-year span, you are looking at over $1,700 in additional expenses for housing alone.

Food is much more costly in Canada. One kilogram of chicken breasts costs around $6.50 in the United States, while it averages almost $11 in Canada. A mid-range, three-course meal for two in Canada ends up costing $60. In the U.S. you are only paying about $44. Finally, clothing is more expensive in Canada than in the United States. A $40 pair of Levi's jeans in the States will run you about $55 in Canada.

If all the little things are added that cost more in Canada, the total is far more than the $750 salary difference that was originally stated. By this measure, the U.S. is cheaper to live in.

The Bottom LineCanadians receive better social benefits such as healthcare, paid maternity leave and greater subsidization of their post-secondary schools. Both countries generally have around the same annual income. However, the cost of living in the United States is remarkably less. While Canadians may pay less for larger-life events, Americans pay less for day-to-day expenses such as eating and housing costs. Maybe it all evens out in the end, or perhaps one place really is better to live than the other. If you live a healthy and active lifestyle and don't plan on having children, the U.S. is potentially the place for you. If you plan on having many children and need the help putting them all through school, Canada may be the more suitable choice for your family. Whichever the case, the choice should be made on the basis of what you value most. Take into consideration your current and future lifestyle.

I’m new to Canada. How do I crack the job market?

English: Advertisement of the Canadian goverment in the Christmas edition of the Globe newspaper encouraging the settlement of Western Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Special to The Globe and Mail

THE QUESTION:

I am an immigrant to Canada, with a sociology degree and two diplomas. I try not to let my co-workers know about my qualifications but they have devised plans in the guise of job promotions where they ask for my résumé and when they observe my qualifications they become more hostile and the posting is either withdrawn or someone else gets the position.

I am a hard worker and think nothing of starting from the bottom. However, it has come to the stage whereby I can no longer put up with this type of behaviour toward me. I have been told I am too confident and happy and that I should be taught a lesson. As a result, I’ve decided to leave Canada. It’s a shame, as I really like this country and I thought it would be great to be an immigrant. I have spoken to agencies who even offered to visit my employers. Do you have any advice for me?

THE FIRST ANSWER:

Greg Conner

Vice-president, human resources, League Financial Partners, Victoria

I can only imagine the challenges faced by you and other immigrant workers as they integrate into the Canadian work force. Workplaces are demanding and highly competitive for the average Canadian, let alone for its valued newcomers.

While educational background and credentials play a role, Canadian employers focus on a number of other key factors when selecting the best candidate for a job. Some of the most common include competencies, personality and behavioural traits, adaptability, and overall organizational fit. This approach can be unfamiliar to people who have previously been awarded jobs based on education or technical ability alone.

A number of wonderful organizations focus on offering support and assistance to immigrants seeking work in Canada, and I encourage you to reach out to them if you haven’t already. I also encourage you to familiarize yourself with as many Canadian employers as possible and learn what they look for in selecting a candidate. Perhaps most important, seek feedback from your current or prospective employers about why you haven’t been successful in obtaining a position. Most employers are happy to provide post-competition feedback, much of which can be helpful in preparing for your next interview.

Do not give up on Canada; we truly are a living mosaic made stronger by having immigrants who bring their cultural diversity for all Canadians to learn from, just as they learn from other Canadians.

THE SECOND ANSWER:

Zuleika Sgro

Human resources partner and talent manager, Questrade.com, Toronto

The work force is filled with difficult situations and to build your career you have to overcome adversities that you face. I advise you to truly ask yourself what you want, what you expect, and how you will get there.

The best advice I have received in my career is that you can and do create your own destiny – not others. By your description of your experience you may be focusing only on the negatives. Surely, there must be positive aspects to your experience in Canada.

I encourage you to research all the possibilities and opportunities in Canada before you move on. There is an employer out there for everyone – it just takes time. There are ample resources in Canada for newcomers. You are still the one who needs to get the job, but they will support you with resources to help get you there.

In terms of your qualifications and how you present them on your résumé, it is important for employers to see your most relevant experience to the role you are applying for. Be sure to focus on relevancy rather than disguising your qualifications. Be upfront with all the qualifications you have, but ensure they are relevant to the position. If you are overqualified, or under-qualified, the relevancy of your experience and skills will determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Best Country For Kids: Canada Best Place In The World To Raise Children

Happy Canada Day (Photo credit: Anirudh Koul)

Congratulations Canada — you have yourself a mighty fine reputation among parents.

In the recent HSBC Expat Explorer Survey 2012, Canada ranked first among the nine nations considered in the "raising children abroad" category, competing against such countries as the Netherlands, the USA and Saudi Arabia.

Surveying more than 5,300 expats around the globe — who, after all, would know more about raising kids in a variety of countries than anyone else — the annual survey is meant to help those who are moving to foreign countries get the most information they can before they depart. Although the report did not break down findings into cities, the Mercer 2012 Cost of Living Rankings marked Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary on their extensive list of expatriate communities.

Of particular note in the 2012 HSBC survey was the Canadian love of the outdoors, with 40 per cent of expat parents saying their children now spent time outdoors once they moved to Canada, and 45 per cent saying their kids are now playing sports. Even the parents were affected, with a quarter of the adults noting they were playing more sports since arriving in Canada.

Other global rankings haven't seen Canada fare quite as well, with Save the Children's State of the World's Mother report putting the country at the 19th best place in the world to be a mother, based on male-to-female income ratios, maternity leave benefits, educational enrolment, female life expectancy, risk of maternal death, and women's participation in government.

Meanwhile, separate categories in the HSBC survey proved illustrative in light of Canadians' beliefs about ourselves. A rank of 14 for overall experience puts the country in the middle of the pack of 30 countries, though being the fifth easiest country to set up in (taking into account things like finding accommodation) could speak to the efficiency of our bureaucracy as compared to other places. Meanwhile, 62 per cent of expats felt the locals were incredibly friendly, and chose to spend more time with "homegrown' Canadians than other expats.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/10/16/best-country-for-kids_n_1970883.html#slide=more257227

Loans aim to help immigrants return to skilled fields

A new program has been launched to help Manitoba immigrants who were dentists, nurses, engineers or other skilled workers in their home countries get back into their professional fields.

The two-year pilot program, Recognition Counts! Micro Loans for Skilled Immigrants, will offer micro loans of up to $10,000 to low-income, skilled immigrants and provide career and financial counselling to help them meet Canada's re-accreditation and training requirements.

"Recognition Counts! gives our province's newcomers the resources they need to get their qualifications recognized, enter our labour market sooner and build a life for their families," said Manitoba Immigration Minister Christine Melnick.

"These microloans are good for our economy and they'll make a real difference in the lives of these families."

The program was designed by Supporting Employment and Economic Development (SEED) and Assiniboine Credit Union in collaboration with the province and federal government.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) is providing SEED with $1.2 million, including $1 million for a loan loss reserve that will guarantee 80 percent of each loan.

The province is contributing $250,000 for administration costs over three years.

Highlights of the micro loan:

Up to $10,000.
Can be repaid over five years.
Interest rate is fixed at prime plus two per cent.
No loan fees.
A credit history in Canada is not required.
Repayment is interest only during the immigrant's certification/study period (minimum $10/month).
Repayment of principal and interest starts 90 days after the applicant finds employment in their field or within six months of finishing the Career Action Plan, whichever comes first.

The loan can be used for:

Living expenses (e.g. food, shelter, transportation, childcare, etc.).
Tuition, textbooks and computers.
Expenses associated with costs of registration or licensing with a professional regulatory body or association or Apprenticeship Manitoba.
Tools, equipment, work clothes, personal protective equipment.

Facts on immigration:

15,962 — number of immigrants to Manitoba in 2011.
3,725 — number of immigrants to Manitoba in 1999.
6.4 per cent — number of Canada's total new immigrants who came to Manitoba in 2011.
Top 4 destinations for immigrants in 2011 — Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg.

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2012/10/12/mb-micro-loans-immigrants-manitoba.html

Having your Credentials Recognized

To work in Canada, you may need to have your academic and/or professional credentials assessed to do certain jobs. This is essential in all regulated professions. While you are in your home country you can research your profession in Canada and start your credentials assessment process. If you have arrived in Canada, it is important to get started on these tasks quickly.

If you are considering moving to Canada or you have recently arrived in Canada, the Planning to work in Canada? workbook will help you gather information about living and working in Canada.

The following list can help you get your credentials recognized and started on your job search in Canada.

1. Determine if your Profession is Regulated

The resources on the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) web site and the Working in Canada tool help you determine if your profession is regulated or non-regulated in the province/territory in which you would like to work.

If your profession is regulated, the Working in Canada tool will indicate the appropriate provincial/territorial regulatory body. You need to contact this organization to determine what steps to take to start working in your profession. Carefully review the information about certification on the regulatory organization’s Web site.

Some professions that are not regulated by law have professional organizations that may provide certification courses. Membership in these organizations might provide you with good networking opportunities which could help you find work in your profession. TheWorking in Canada tool can help you determine if there are any professional associations in your field.

2. Have your Credentials Assessed

Contact the appropriate regulatory body and provide it with the necessary documents to have your credentials assessed. The documents and process are determined by the specific regulatory body and can vary greatly depending on the province/territory and profession.

If your profession is non-regulated, it is still a good idea to have your credentials assessed and recognized because it will help employers better understand your qualifications.

The FCRO Web site also provides additional information on how to get your credentials recognized.

3. Organize your Documents

The regulatory body for your profession will need specific documents to support the recognition of your credentials. Generally, you will require at least a copy of your degree/diploma and transcripts, translated into either English or French. The regulatory body will specify any other necessary documents and will be able to provide you with additional information, including specifications about translation standards.

The Foreign Credentials Referral Office provides Occupational Fact Sheets that will help you to understand the general requirements you must meet to work in some professions/sectors and understand the steps that you can take while you are still in your home country.

To work in Canada, you will need a Social Insurance Number. You can apply for a Social Insurance Number, at your local Service Canada Centre or by mail after you arrive in Canada. You must provide a primary document that proves your identity and status in Canada. If your name on your primary document is different from the name you are currently using, you must also provide a supporting document. These documents must be originals and written in English or French.

4. Begin the Job Search

For your job search, you will need a résumé or curriculum vitæ translated into English or French and formatted in a style acceptable to Canadian employers. When you arrive in Canada, visit your nearest Settlement Organization or Employment Resource Centre for help with your résumé and job search activities.

If you have letters of reference from previous employers, you should have them translated into English or French.

Various job search tools are available to help you find a job in Canada, create a résumé, choose a career and assess your skills. You also can learn about finding jobs in Canada by visiting the Foreign Credentials Referral Office Web site.

5. Apply for Other Employment Programs and Services

You may be eligible for other programs and services. Visit the Benefits Finder on the Service Canada Training and Careers Web site for a list of federal and provincial or territorial government benefits for which you may be eligible.

What do Canadian employers want?

Canadian employers often want you to have soft skills and hard skills.

Often, it is not enough to have hard skills, or technical skills. Canadian employers want to hire people who also have soft skills.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are sometimes called employability skills. They include:

Communication
Problem solving
Positive attitudes and behaviours
Adaptability
Working with others

Employers want every employee to have these skills. Someone who has these skills will be able to learn and grow in a job. These people can get along with their co-workers and are a long-term asset for the organization.

Hard Skills or Technical Skills

Each job type has its own set of skills, called hard skills. Hard skills are the technical skills you need to do a certain job. For example:

Using computer programs
Measuring and calculating
Analyzing data
Speaking a language
Operating a machine

Experience

Understanding labour market information can help you identify what kind of experience employers want.

How your professional qualifications are valued in Canada is very important. It can help you find work in your field. By finding out how your experience is valued, you will know if you need to do any academic upgrading or exams to get the same kind of work in Canada .

You might need to have your academic or professional credentials assessed. In regulated professions or trades, you cannot work in your field unless you have had your credentials and experience evaluated.

After you have assessed your skills, you need to be able to show employers that you have these skills. You can ask someone at a settlement agency or a community employment centre for help with your résumé and job search. You can find them in Services Near Me.

For More Information

Employability Skills Profile - A fact sheet with descriptions of critical skills, including personal management and teamwork skills.
Ontario Skills Passport - A website with clear descriptions of basic skills and work habits that employers want, and information about what skills and tasks are required for certain occupations.
JVS Career Voice - This blog for job seekers has information about career choices, finding a job, marketing yourself and more. You can submit questions. The blog posts are written by experts in employment.

Nine soft skills no immigrant should be without!

By Nick Noorani

Photo by Joyce Wong

Skilled immigrants often focus on improving technical skills after coming to Canada, and they are shocked when they are told they have “no Canadian experience.” I’ve realized that this albatross around immigrants’ necks is actually a vague way of saying: “You lack the soft skills I am looking for in an employee.”

I believe there are nine soft skills that no immigrant should be without:

1. Communication skills
Communication skills — both spoken and written — are critical for immigrants. I can’t stress enough how important it is for career success to be able to not only speak in English, but also write clearly and persuasively.

2. Local language skills
I still smile when I think back to my first job in Canada when I was asked to put my “John Hancock” on a courier document. As I looked at the courier, he said to me, “I mean your signature.” In a corporate environment, your language skills have to evolve to understand local phrases and business jargon.

3. Presentation skills
In a recent survey, senior managers rated the ability to make presentations as a top qualification. Now this could mean a formal presentation to clients or a more casual way of presenting yourself in meetings and with colleagues.

4. Small talk
Do you sense a theme here? Most of the soft skills I’ve mentioned so far all relate back to communicating. Water cooler chitchat is a part of corporate life. But be careful not to cross the line of what’s taboo.

5. Leadership and initiative
Staying invisible is why many immigrants are overlooked when it comes time for promotions. Take some initiative, share your ideas, ask questions and encourage others to collaborate as well!

6. Conflict resolution and negotiation
It is important to learn how to disagree with a colleague or even your boss without getting emotional about it! And if things go too far, learn to apologize.

7. Accepting constructive criticism
Constructive criticism is part of any learning curve. To accept criticism, understand that we are not perfect and learning is a continuous process, at work and in life.

8. Flexibility
Show your employer that you’re willing to learn and adapt. The labour market and economy are changing all the time, and we must change, too.

9. Business etiquette
Workplace customs and practices may be different in Canada than your homeland. Something as simple as calling your boss by his or her first name may seem odd to you, but it’s normal practice here.

There are many more soft skills, of course, but these nine are the ones that tend to get lost in translation. So let’s start reviewing these in more depth over the next few months and see where it takes us!

Nick Noorani is the founder and former publisher of Canadian Immigrant and co-author of Arrival Survival Canada.

Immigrants outperform mainstream populations in the US Canada and Australia, study says

QMI AGENCY

Second-generation Chinese and South Asian immigrants in the U.S., Canada, and Australia are more successful than third- and higher-generation whites, a University of Toronto study says.

Sociology professor Jeffrey G. Reitz and PhD candidate Naoko Hawkins and Heather Zhang from McGill University examined survey and census data to compare the achievements of immigrants and their children.
Their conclusion appears in the journal, Social Science Research.

“From a Canadian perspective, the findings are a welcome indication that the children of immigrants are doing well,” Reitz says on the U of T's site. “However, those who have attributed such success to distinctive Canadian integration policies such as multiculturalism will find their views refuted by the fact that similar success is experienced by the children of similar immigrants in the United States and Australia.”

Data from previous research showed that immigrants in the U.S., Canada, and Australia have varied degrees of success due to each country’s different educational and labour market institutions, Reitz said.
For instance, in the U.S., Chinese immigrants often have fewer years of education than the mainstream population; in Australia, they have more.

However, Reitz, Hawkins, and Zhang discovered in their study that these cross-national differences in immigrant success are largely eliminated for the second generation, many of whom outperform the mainstream population. For example, in all three countries, second-generation whites, Afro-Caribbeans, Chinese, South Asians, and other Asians all have, on average, more education than higher-generation whites of the same age.

“The Chinese second generation in particular is much more educated,” Reitz said. “In the U.S., this group’s average number of years of education is about 15% above that of the mainstream population.
In Canada, this average is 20% higher than the mainstream’s; in Australia it is 17% higher.”

The team says that in all three countries, the number of second-generation Chinese and South Asians who work in managerial and professional occupations is nearly double that of the mainstream population of the same age.

“These findings raise questions about why inheritance of social class does not apply to immigrants in these countries in the same way that it does to the mainstream population,” said Reitz. “The answer may lie in the immigrant parents’ high education levels: despite the economic hardship they experience, many immigrants impart the value of education to their children, which in turn helps ensure their employment success," Reitz said.