Canada cracking down on 'passport babies

BY NATALIE STECHYSON, POSTMEDIA NEWS FEBRUARY 26, 2012

 

 

• STORY
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A file photo of a Canadian passport.

Photograph by: Photo handout , Calgary Herald

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is poised to crack down on so-called “passport babies” or “birth tourism” — the practice of travelling to Canada to give birth so that child can have Canadian citizenship — as a media report out of China reveals a ring of consultants that coach pregnant women to do exactly that.

“We are aware of crooked consultants who encourage pregnant women to illegally travel to Canada to give birth and gain access to Canada’s considerable benefits,” Citizenship and Immigration spokeswoman Candice Malcolm told Postmedia News on Sunday.

“We condemn the practice of circumventing our laws to game the system, leaving Canadians taxpayers with the bill. This is unfair and not right.”

The government will introduce changes to the citizenship laws in the next year, Malcolm said.

An investigation by a Hong Kong newspaper found that bogus “consultants” are teaching Chinese women how to hide their pregnancies and how to apply for Canadian visitor or student visas.

For a fee, the pregnant women are instructed to wear dark clothing when crossing the border, not to pack any baby belongings and to lay low until they go into labour, at which point they should rush to the nearest hospital, according to newspaper Apple Daily.

On Friday, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney told CBC’s Power and Politics that this kind of fraud has been a problem for some time but that it’s difficult to get a handle on the numbers.

“By definition the hospitals don’t ask. You know, when the birth certificate is issued no one is asking what was the immigration status of their parents. So, there is no statistical register of this,” Kenney said.

Canada and the U.S. are the only two countries in the developed world that have an automatic inheritance of citizenship if you’re born on their soil, Kenney said. He told CBC that he’s asked his department to look at options for change.

“The idea is that we don’t want to encourage birth tourism or what some people call passport babies,” Kenney said.

“And maybe our citizenship laws are rooted in a time when people couldn’t fly over here, fly in and out so quickly, so easily. I think maybe there’s a need to modernize our approach.”

Kasra Nejatian, Kenney’s press secretary, condemned the birth tourism practice in an interview with the Chinese news agency Ming Pao, stressing that the behaviour is unfair to Canadians.

On Feb. 16 the Conservative government introduced sweeping legislation aimed at cracking down on bogus refugees, particularly Europeans whose claims, the Tories say, are generally considered to be unfounded.

"Canada’s asylum system is broken," Kenney said after tabling Bill C-31 in the House of Commons.

The new omnibus bill will deport so-called “bogus” refugee claimants quicker, clamp down on human smugglers and require certain visa holders to turn over biometric data.

Billed as an improvement to the Balanced Refugee Reform Act adopted during the previous minority Parliament but not yet implemented, the new legislation effectively reintroduces contentious elements that were omitted so the Tories could reach a consensus with the opposition.

The Protecting Canada’s Immigration Act, introduced by Kenney, also swallows the government’s human smuggling bill tabled in June and moves forward on a biometrics plan a Commons committee only recently sat down to consider.

nstechyson@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/natstechyson

© Copyright (c) Postmedia News

Canadian Employers failing to embrace diversity policies in the work place.

A new study suggests that, despite their good intentions, Canadian employers have been slow to embrace diversity policies in the workplace.

The study, commissioned by the Progress Career Planning Institute (PCPI) is being released just as new census figures are expected to show a sharp decline in immigration in Ontario that could affect the province’s economy.

The study focused on mid-career immigrants with six to 15 years experience in the workplace. It found fewer than half were working in companies that have policies welcoming new Canadians.

The full study will be released at the 9^th Annual Internationally Educated Professionals Conference hosted by PCPI and funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This is the largest networking event of its kind – bringing together over 120 business leaders and over 1,000 internationally educated professionals from 100 countries to share their experience and strategies in helping newcomers succeed in Canada’s workforce.

According to the Conference Board of Canada, Canada loses anywhere from $3 to 5 billion annually by not hiring the thousands of internationally trained professionals who come to Canada.

Quebec, Canada to accept record number of immigrants in 2012

Quebec unveiled their immigration plan for 2012 this week, stating the province will continue to grant a record numbers of visas to immigrants, despite complaints that it's not doing enough to integrate newcomers, many of whom don't speak French.

Latest news

• 24 February 2012 Canadian government to offer loans to immigrant professionals
• 24 February 2012 Canadian Immigration introduces new citizenship documentation
• 21 February 2012 Canada launches tourism campaign and opens tourism centre in China
• 15 February 2012 Canada seeks 300 skilled Irish workers to immigrate to Saskatchewan

Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil announced Tuesday that Quebec would let in between 51,200 and 53,800 new arrivals in 2012 with the same number of immigrants expected in 2013 and 2014.

"The idea is to seek diversity," she told reporters, adding Quebec companies can gain a competitive edge by attracting people with different backgrounds speaking different languages.

About 18,900 of those arriving next year are expected to be unable to speak French.

A study released last month, conducted by Montreal's Institute for Research on Public Policy, shows that Canadian citizens still welcome newcomers immigrating toCanada. According to the report, about 58 percent of people questioned in Canada support the current levels of immigration. Additionally, Atlantic Canada, Quebec and the Prairies surpassed the rest of Canada with their support for immigration and are above the country average with more than 62 percent support.

Opponents of the immigration increase believe they should stop admitting large numbers of immigrants until they can be better integrated into the French majority. 

Weil disagreed with capping immigration numbers and noted that having people with a diversity of backgrounds speaking different languages can give Quebec companies a competitive edge.

According to the 2012 Immigration Plan, immigrants with skilled worker visas will also take jobs left vacant; Canada's aging population means fewer Canadians in the workforce. Additionally, the government will work to increase the level of knowledge of French among applicants for skilled worker visa category.

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration, Quebec establishes its own immigration requirements. However, Citizenship and Immigration Canada make the final decision on whether or not to grant the visa.

Weil said that the government will continue to seek immigrants who speak French already and make an effort to teach those who do not while integrating them into Quebec. She aims to have 65 percent who can already speak French when they arrive.

Winners of "Canada's Best Diversity Employers" for 2012 Announced

ORONTO, ONTARIO, Feb 21, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- The winners of this year's Canada's Best Diversity Employers competition, sponsored by BMO Financial Group, were announced today, recognizing 50 organizations that lead the nation in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Each year, the editorial team at Canada's Top 100 Employers reviews the top employer pool to identify the leading organizations that have developed a wide range of initiatives, including programs for: women, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, aboriginal peoples, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) peoples.

"We are seeing a significant expansion in the range of inclusiveness initiatives that leading employers offer," says Richard Yerema, Managing Editor of the Canada's Top 100 Employers project at Mediacorp Canada Inc., which oversees the selection process. "Employers with well-established diversity programs are moving beyond the groups that traditionally have been covered."

"As a founding partner of the competition, it's our hope that we can encourage all Canadian organizations to be Diversity Champions," said Lynn Roger, Senior Vice President, Talent Strategies and Executive Resourcing at BMO Financial Group. "It's encouraging to see that employers are working harder to see Canadians' talents instead of their differences, and accept their credentials instead of hiding behind preconceptions. In the end, all of us in our business community must work to ensure that all Canadians get the opportunity to prove themselves. Only through their participation and success will the barriers fall away.

"Through our own deep experience we know that diversity and inclusion is a 'must have' that leads to stronger corporate performance, more successful and engaged employees, and the delivery of relevant products, services and advice to our customers. BMO has been developing innovative diversity programs since 1989. Our Pre-Employment Training program for people with disabilities and the Ron Jamieson Aboriginal Scholarship and Internship program are just two very successful examples of how we reach out to groups that are under-represented in Canada's workforce. Finding new and innovative ways to help integrate Canadians and their skills into our operations is just the way we do things - it's how we help all of our employees reach their full potential," added Ms. Roger.

"The diversity conversation is changing," says Trevor Wilson, President of TWI Inc., the consulting firm that pioneered a diversity measurement methodology called The Equity Continuum and a founding partner of the competition. "Employers are realizing that inclusiveness starts with the individual, and extends beyond designated groups - real diversity initiatives aim to optimize the human capital each of us brings to an organization, based on our own unique backgrounds, abilities and life experiences."

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $501 billion as at October 31, 2011 under IFRS, and more than 47,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.

BMO Financial Group funds the costs of managing the competition and, as a sponsor, is not considered for the award. BMO and TWI did not take part in the selection of winners. Mediacorp editors do this on the basis of the applications reviewed.

The editors' full reasons for why each of the 2012 winners was selected can be found at: http://CanadasTop100.com/diversity .

In alphabetical order:

        
        Agrium Inc.                             Newalta Corporation
        Amex Canada Inc.                        Northwestel Inc.
        BC Hydro                                Ontario Public Service
        Boeing Canada Operations Limited        Ottawa, City of
        Bombardier Aerospace                    Public Works and Government Services
                                                Canada
        Business Development Bank of Canada     Saskatchewan Government Insurance
        Cameco Corporation                      Saskatoon, City of
        Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce      SaskPower
        Capital District Health Authority       SaskTel
        Centre for Addiction and Mental Health  Seneca College of Applied Arts &
                                                Technology
        Corus Entertainment Inc.                Shell Canada Limited
        Deloitte & Touche LLP                   Stantec Consulting Ltd.
        Ernst & Young LLP                       Statistics Canada
        Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP              Stikeman Elliott LLP
        Health Canada-Sante Canada              TD Bank Group
        Hewlett-Packard Canada Co.              Telus Corporation
        Home Depot Canada, The                  TransCanada Corporation
        Human Resources & Skills Develop.       University of British Columbia
        Canada
        Information Services Corporation / ISC  University of Toronto
        Jazz Aviation LP                        University of Victoria
        KPMG LLP                                Vancouver, City of
        Loblaw Companies Limited                Workers' Compensation Board of
                                                Manitoba
        Manitoba Hydro                          Xerox Canada Inc.
        Manitoba, Government of                 YMCA of Greater Toronto
        Mount Sinai Hospital
        National Bank Financial Group
        
        

        
        Contacts:
        For Media Inquiries:
        Canada's Top 100 Employers
        Tony Meehan, Publisher
        (416) 964-6069 x9179
        
        BMO Financial Group
        Ralph Marranca, Director, Media & Public Relations
        (416) 867-3996
        
        TWI Inc.
        Trevor Wilson, President
        (416) 368-1968 x400
        

Canadian boarding schools target international students in emerging markets

Nicholas KeungImmigration Reporter

Last October, admission officials from 11 Canadian boarding schools conducted a tri-city promotional tour in Turkey.

Although such tours are not new in an increasingly competitive market for international students, the group has achieved something they never had individually.

Led by the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), the group was on TV morning shows and radio, creating a buzz among Turkish media about the prospects of studying and boarding in Canada.

“That was some amazing PR,” says Kathy LaBranche, admissions director of the 146-year-oldTrinity College School, which has 260 boarding students and is known for its small-town feel in Port Hope. “This was the first of its kind for us in an emerging market.”

Over five days, the 11-school group visited Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, meeting government officials, school principals, parents, prospective students and education recruitment agents.

The Canadian officials no longer just tagged along with their colleagues in public schools or competitors from the United States, the U.K. or Australia — they were the stars of this tour.

It was part of a campaign by 28 of CAIS’s 93 schools to raise awareness of the Canadian boarding schools brand and create a stronger presence in the ever-changing market for international students.

Anne-Marie Kee, CAIS executive director, says boarding enrolment across the country dropped by 10 per cent from 2008 to 2009. In response, its boarding schools came together for a “collaborative marketing initiative” that involves research, relationship building, marketing and recruitment.

International recruitment is a crucial component of the plan, since 49 per cent of Canada’s boarding school population is international.

CAIS marketing research identified nine emerging markets: Brazil, Colombia, India, Nigeria, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela and Vietnam.

“We can do much better together than individually when we try to go into these new markets,” says Kee.

Guy McLean, principal of Oakville’s Appleby College, says trying to break into an emerging market is expensive and difficult, with high costs in advertising, travel and receptions, but no guarantee of returns.

“Going in as a group gives you the marketing clout. There is also the credibility and professional management that come with it,” says McLean, whose school just celebrated its centenary anniversary.

Nicknamed the “Road Warrior,” Sarah Milligan, CAIS boarding schools outreach director, is charged with coordinating the overseas promotional efforts.

In addition to the tour to Turkey, Milligan, a graduate of St. Catherines’ Ridley College, has also visited Russia, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and the U.S.

With a 40-kilogram display case in tow — carrying a roll-up banner, poles, maple leaf candies, an iPad for slide shows about CAIS schools and other materials — Milligan has joined different circuits to promote Canada’s new boarding school brand.

This fall, 18 CAIS boarding schools will invite recruitment agents from around the world to visit their campuses, to help them assist parents of prospective students to make the best choice for their children.

“We, at CAIS, deliver the main message about our products. Our schools do the retail. Our agents overseas are part of that as well,” Milligan explains.

“If the agents know what the food is like in the dining hall, what the people and dormitory are like, they can do a better job in translating that experience to parents.”

As part of the branding initiative, CAIS has launched a new internet portal to give prospective students easy access to boarding opportunities in Canada.

LaBranche says the Internet has become an integral part of the marketing scheme and many schools are using social media to build an online presence.

“We try to have pictures, blogs and videos on the website. The idea is to let people get a live feel of the community,” she says.

Peer-to-peer dialogues could be one effective way to reach out to potential students and CAIS plans to have a contest for boarding students to encourage them to share their experience.

Although the joint recruitment tours and website will help diversify the outreach, nothing can replace the old-school word-of-mouth marketing through alumni around the world.

Upper Canada College admissions director Struan Robertson has been doing school fairs and small-group meetings for 15 years. He has been to 15 countries since September to recruit students.

“It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack. You meet a lot of people but they may not fit your school profile,” says Robertson, whose school has 88 boarders. “You get a lot of ‘nos’ but you also get into good conversation when they show interest in your school, come to visit you and apply.”

The overseas marketing is just the first step, as CAIS also plans to reach out to Canadian students to consider boarding as an option to enrich their learning experience.