Immigration Canada

Language remains key to success in Canada

English: La Cité collégiale, a French-language community college in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English and French training often provided for newcomers

When it comes to determining the degree of success a newcomer will enjoy in Canada, nothing trumps language. The ability to communicate effectively in at least one of Canada’s official languages is essential in understanding Canadian culture, in getting to know your neighbours, and in becoming an active and engaged citizen—not to mention how important it is when looking for a job in Canada.

Nearly all jobs in Canada require substantially more than basic fluency in English or French. In addition to fluency in English or French, most trades and professions also require a strong command of all work-related language, including the cultural knowledge to understand common phrases and expressions, some of which may be unique to Canada.

Language is just so fundamentally important to make it in Canada, especially for newcomers looking to pursue a career in the field for which they’ve been trained or to access post-secondary education. This is why Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) funds a large network of service providers who offer language training for free.

The Government of Canada, in cooperation with provincial governments, school boards, community colleges and immigrant-serving organizations, offers free language training across the country to adult permanent residents. In most provinces, the name of the program is LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada). In French, the program is known as CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada).

To help newcomers integrate into the labour market, many immigrant-serving organizations also offer programs or training in job-search skills, networking, internships, mentorships or work placements.

CIC has also developed online tools to help newcomers find employment. Located on the Foreign Credentials Referral Office website, the Workbook Tool (www.credentials.gc.ca) helps newcomers create an action plan to obtain employment. In addition, the Working in Canada Tool (WorkinginCanada.gc.ca) helps newcomers better understand labour market and occupational requirements by province.

For more information on free services for newcomers such as language training, help with everyday tasks, finding a job and helping newcomers adjust to life in Canada, please visit our site at cic.gc.ca/newcomers2.

Canadian Experience Class

If you have work experience in Canada, either as a temporary foreign worker or through work permit options available to graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions, you could qualify for permanent resident status in Canada.
There is an immigration category designed for people in these circumstances.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) recognizes that you may already have the knowledge, skills and experience you need to succeed in Canada. The CEC allows temporary foreign workers and foreign students who meet certain requirements to apply to stay in Canada permanently. The CEC is a unique program as your experience in Canada is a key selection factor when you apply for permanent residence.
To apply for permanent resident status through the CEC, individuals must be temporary foreign workers with at least two years of eligible work experience in Canada or, alternatively, must have graduated from an eligible post-secondary program in Canada with at least one year of eligible work experience after graduation.
In addition, they must also be able to communicate in one of Canada’s two official languages, although the required level of ability in English or French will vary depending on the type of work. For example, the language requirements for managerial and professional occupations are higher than the requirements for applicants who have been working in a technical occupation or in a skilled trade. More information about specific language requirements can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.
Visit the CIC website at cic.gc.ca/cec2 for more detailed information, including all the forms and guides that will help you complete your application free of charge.

Immigration scammers prey on people’s hopes

No one knows for sure how often it happens, but even once is too often: would-be immigrants eager to fulfil their dream of a new life in Canada pay someone a small fortune in exchange for a “guarantee” that their application will be approved by Canada.
However, no one can guarantee that anyone will be admitted to Canada. Canada’s immigration system is based on fairness. It is also true that no one can guarantee that your case will be processed faster. Every application receives the same consideration. Potential immigrants to Canada should stay away from anyone who says anything different.
The Government of Canada has a zero tolerance approach to immigration fraud, and is working domestically and internationally to protect would-be immigrants from phony consultants who extract large fees in exchange for false promises–and in the process, possibly ruining the person’s chances of ever getting into Canada.
Crooked consultants take advantage of individuals eager to come to this country and pose a serious threat to the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is committed to seeing that all levels of government and law enforcement work together to ensure that those who commit this kind of fraud are punished.
On the international front, Canada led an advertising campaign, with several other like-minded countries, to warn potential immigrants about fraudulent consultants. The Government of Canada, with the support of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States–members of the Five Country Conference–launched an overseas advertising campaign last year.
In June 2011, CIC designated a new regulatory body for immigration consultants in Canada.
It is anticipated that the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) will not only help ensure public confidence in the integrity of the immigration program, but also that immigration consultants provide their services in a professional and ethical manner.
Even with a new regulator in place, with immigration consultants, as with anything else, it is “buyer beware.” To start with, potential immigrants should understand that there is no requirement to have a consultant or anyone else represent them during the process.
To apply for a visa or Canadian citizenship, you are not obliged to hire an immigration representative–which includes immigration consultants, lawyers, Quebec notaries and paralegals regulated by a law society–but if you do, choose carefully. Always check to see if the person is authorized and if they are not, go to someone else.
For more information on how to choose an immigration representative and how to avoid the fraudsters, please visit www.immigration.gc.ca/antifraud2.

What is an immigration representative?

In Canada, there are two types of immigration representatives: paid and unpaid.

Paid immigration representatives

Only the following people may charge a fee or receive any other type of consideration, to represent or advise you in connection with a Canadian immigration proceeding or application:

Lawyers and paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society;
Notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec; and
Immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

The Government of Canada will not deal with unauthorized immigration representatives who charge a fee for their services.

Unpaid immigration representatives

A person or an organization that does not charge a fee for its services may also represent you (for example, a family member or a friend, or a member of a non-governmental or religious organization).

Immigration Wizard working its magic

Online interactive resource simplifies process for potential newcomers

The immigration application process for newcomers can sometimes be complex. However, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is committed to making it more user friendly. That’s why we are happy to present an online resource added to the CIC website. Using the interactive Come to Canada Wizard, prospective immigrants and visitors alike can find out in a matter of minutes if they are likely candidates to come to Canada. The Wizard also matches individuals with the immigration or temporary residence option that best suits their specific circumstances.

The Wizard (cic.gc.ca/cometocanada2) guides users through a series of questions while automatically narrowing down the options based on the users’ responses. Once users have finished answering the questions, the Wizard’s results page will lead them to the appropriate application and forms, and guide them through the next steps in the process, including instructions on how to complete the forms and which additional information they may need to provide.

It’s a major service improvement. The Wizard will make it easier for potential immigrants and visitors to navigate the application process, and it should also reduce applicants’ reliance on immigration consultants. As an added benefit, the Wizard should also help to reduce the number of calls to the CIC Call Centre.

The Department cautions that while the Wizard will help potential newcomers navigate the process, it is for information purposes only and does not replace the formal immigration applications that must be submitted.

New bridging program for internationally educated engineers announced by UofT

English: Sundial at the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The University of Toronto has announced a new program for internationally educated engineers. The bridging program aims to specifically help engineers trained in the Civil, Mechanical and Electrical domains get a foothold in the Canadian job market.

The program will also aid candidates in gaining a P.Eng license and will assist suitable candidates by engaging them in a one year part-time program for professional development.

For program details, including financial support and eligibility for participants, the university is holding a information session on Tuesday, 31st July 2012 from 5-7 pm. Prior registration to attend the information session is required due to limited capacity. Registration deadline is Friday, 27th July 2012. To register, please email SCS.LIEP@utoronto.ca.

The Licensing International Engineers into the Profession (LIEP) program is a collaborative project of the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies (SCS) and Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering (FASE), Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) and Bombardier Aerospace.

LIEP Website: http://learn.utoronto.ca/international-professionals/liep-program

Americans moving to Canada in record numbers: report

Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, with Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Andy Radia | Canada Politics –

In what seems to be a reversal of fortunes from the 1990s, more and more Americans are looking to Canada as the 'land of opportunity.'
According to a new report by CTV News, economic woes in the U.S. are driving a record number of Americans across the northern border as they seek better job opportunities and cheaper education in Canada.
In 2011, Ottawa approved 34,185 visas for U.S. residents — a figure that falls just short of the all-time record of 35,060 approved visas in 2010. By comparison, fewer than 20,000 Canadians moved to the U.S. over the past two years — the lowest number in nearly a decade.

It wasn't always this way.
When I was in university — back in the late 1990s — my economics professor asked how many of us intended to move to the United States. Almost all of us, fourth-year macroeconomics students, raised our hands.
It was the 'brain-drain' era: the American economy was strong and many of Canada's best and brightest were heading south to find work. Both the media and and politicians dubbed the exodus a crisis; studies were commissioned and papers were written.
But what a difference a decade makes.
"Since the 2008 economic crises, we have witnessed a steady stream of Americans applying for Canadian work visas," Canadian immigration attorney Michael Niren told Yahoo! Canada News in an email exchange on Thursday.
"The main reason for this is lack of employment in the U.S. and our strong Canadian dollar."

Niren says most Americans who come to Canada do so through the expedited "NAFTA visa" process which requires applicants to have a Canadian job offer in one of 63 recognized occupations. The U.S. has a similar temporary visa — the TN visa — for Canadians who want to work there.
For the time being, however, it appears Canada's brain drain has been plugged.

Ottawa closes door on hiring foreign workers for sex trade

Downtown Toronto (Photo credit: J. Good)

Raveena Aulakh
Staff Reporter
24 Comments
The head of the Adult Entertainment Association of Canada says he is considering challenging a new ban that stops strip clubs, massage parlours and escort services from bringing foreign temporary workers into the country.

“What the government is doing is destroying an industry, creating a labour shortage and driving those women into more precarious situations,” executive director Tim Lambrinos said Wednesday.

The government needs to provide evidence that strip-club owners are exploiting anyone, he added.

“Strip clubs are a very safe environment.”

Human Resources Minister Diane Finley and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced earlier Wednesday that strip clubs, escort services and massage parlours will no longer have access to temporary foreign workers under new immigration changes.

Foreign nationals brought in to work in sex trade-related businesses are particularly at risk of being exploited and abused.

Denying these businesses access to temporary foreign workers will help protect vulnerable individuals by keeping them out of these situations, Finley said in Toronto.

She said there was “good reason” to believe these workers are at risk.

Finley pointed out that an RCMP report in 2010 called “Human Trafficking in Canada” shed light on a flourishing trade in sexual services, many of them operating out of Eastern European escort agencies based in Toronto and Montreal.

Women are shipped in and out of Canada by transnational prostitution rings, stated the report. Foreign workers are lured to Canada with the promise of legitimate jobs but the women are then forced to work in brothels.

Finley said organized crime networks have been facilitating the entry of women from former Soviet states into strip clubs and escort services in both the Toronto and Montreal area.

The new measures from the government are to combat this human trafficking in Canada, she added.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada will no longer provide any positive Labour Market Opinions (LMO) to these businesses and, hence, they will now not be able to apply for work permits, which are issued by Citizenship and Immigration.

(Temporary foreign workers need a positive LMO to be eligible for work permits.)

Also, strippers currently working in Canada will be allowed to continue to work, but their work permits will not be renewed.

An Immigration Canada spokesperson said 496 visas were issued to exotic dancers between 2006 and 2011. The majority of permits issued over the past few years have been for those already in the country.

There are about 800 strippers on work permits at various clubs across Canada, said Lambrinos. Many of them have been here for a few years and have renewed their work permits numerous times.

“What happens to them now . . . has anyone thought about that?” he asked. These women opted to come to Canada “because of our reputation of being fair. And this is how we treat them?”

Lambrinos said the real victims in this situation will be women who have been following the rules and are comfortable with their lives as exotic dancers.

The manager of a Mississauga strip club, who refused to give his name, called the government’s move discrimination.

“If there is such a big problem, then why are these places, these strip clubs still open?” he said.

Government of Canada takes action to protect temporary foreign workers

English: Calgary Tower, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Toronto, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta, July 4, 2012—The Government of Canada is taking action to protect vulnerable foreign workers from the risk of abuse and exploitation in sex trade related businesses. Significant new measures were announced today by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

“Our government is committed to protecting all workers from abuse, exploitation and demeaning work,” said Minister Finley. “Through collaborative partnerships and preventative action, these new measures will further strengthen Canada's National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which was launched in early June.”

Foreign nationals brought to Canada to work in sex trade related businesses are particularly at risk of being exploited or abused. Denying these businesses access to temporary foreign workers will help protect vulnerable individuals by keeping them out of these types of situations.

“Canadians want an immigration system that is open and fair—they do not want a system that can be used to exploit people,” said Minister Kenney. “Canadians have told us they want to put a stop to foreign workers entering Canada to work in businesses where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a risk of sexual exploitation. The Government has listened and acted.”

Effective immediately, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada will issue negative Labour Market Opinions (LMOs) for all applications from employers linked to the sex trade, effectively preventing them from hiring temporary foreign workers. Also, as of July 14th, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will no longer process new work permit applications from temporary foreign workers intending to work for sex trade related businesses—namely strip clubs, escort services and massage parlours.

In addition to businesses in those sectors, the new restrictions on LMOs will apply to other businesses linked to the sex trade, particularly if there is a heightened risk of abuse or exploitation of workers.

Future actions, including regulatory changes, are under development as part of the Government’s National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.

Temp workers need to pass English test to stay

Permanent Resident Card (2002-2007) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

BY TOM GODFREY ,TORONTO SUN

TORONTO - Temporary low-skilled workers will need to pass English language tests in order to remain in Canada.

Exercise jockey Wilbert Gobay is among dozens of temporary workers like horse walkers, groomers and trainers at Woodbine Racetrack who’ve failed the test and fear losing their contracts and being sent home.

Gobay, 46, has been travelling to Woodbine from his native Jamaica to work as a jockey for 10-months of the year since 2008. He plans on becoming a permanent resident and sponsoring his family, but he must prove he can speak either English or French.

Starting in July, those deemed by Canadian immigration authorities as low-skilled workers under a Provincial Nominee Program are required to take and pass English reading, writing, speaking and listening tests.

Only then can they can obtain or renew their visa or become permanent residents of Canada.

The three-hour $255 test is required for seasonal farm workers, those in the construction trades, fast food, hospitality and many other low-paying jobs that Canadians won’t perform.

“I am from an English-speaking country and I still failed,” Gobay said. “I cannot become a permanent resident or citizen until I pass this test.”

Gobay said a pass means he can move up the ladder to become a race-day jockey and earn more money.

“I truly don’t know anyone here that has passed the test,” he said. “We have jockeys here from around the world and we are all in the same boat.”

Fellow jockey Fitz Lewis, 45, of Jamaica, said he has been studying for the exam.

“They tell me the test is very hard,” Lewis said. “I have been trying to brush up and do some reading.”

He said the process brings undue stress to those who may lack English skills.

Jockey Richard Reid, 38, of Jamaica, said he’s been travelling to Canada yearly to work since 2005.

“I am very disappointed by not getting a passing grade,” Reid said of a failed test. “I have been studying hard and wanted to bring my family here by now.”

Groomer Michael Reid, 48, said he’s hitting the books to get a grasp on the language.

“I will be studying hard,” Reid said. “It is difficult but I have to do my best to pass this.”

Roy Kellogg, an immigration consultant who represents Gobay, said the men may have no other choice but to rewrite the failed exam.

“I don’t understand the purpose of the test because these guys only speak to horses all day,” Kellogg said. “Why do workers have to know how to speak English if they come here to pick fruit or pluck chickens.”

Kellogg said potential workers won’t have the money or resources at home to travel to a centre to obtain language approval for a visa to Canada.

“We are going to lose a lot of our low-skilled workers because of this,” he said. “There will be a shortage of workers and I can see prices rising.”

Woodbine Racetrack officials said they were aware of the issue and refused comment.

Other trades requiring English-language tests include chefs, cooks, butchers, bakers, contractors, machinists, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, masonry, librarians, photographers and museum workers.

Immigration levels shouldn't increase, Canadians tell pollster

Births and immigration in Canada from 1850 to 2000 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Teresa Smith, Postmedia News

Almost three-quarters of Canadians don't want the federal government to increase the number of immigrants it allows into the country every year, a new survey has found.
The Ipsos Reid poll on Canadian values, commissioned for Postmedia News and Global TV for Canada Day, also shows, however, that four in 10 people feel those immigrants are having a positive impact on the country.

Almost three-quarters of Canadians don't want the federal government to increase the number of immigrants it allows into the country every year, a new survey has found
Aaron Lynett

"With immigration comes change, and people want to control the pace of change," said Ipsos Reid president Darrell Bricker. "There's a tolerance for immigrants once they get here, but Canadians do feel that there are an awful lot of immigrants coming in right now."
Bricker said the numbers also show Canadians continue to support multiculturalism, and have a strong tendency to just "live and let live."
Over the years, Canada has increased the number of immigrants it allows into the country.
In 1986, it accepted just 100,000; currently, it welcomes about 250,000 annually.
Bricker, whose book on the changing face of Canada is due out in early 2013, said Canadians don't seem to realize that there's been a "dramatic transition in immigration policy" since the 1960s.
Fifty years ago, the government was trying to convince Canadians to welcome the "poor and huddled masses and refugees" who made up most of the immigrant population at the time. Now, "we've moved very dramatically away from that," he said. "Now, it's about attracting people who are going to drive our economy."
It's the government's job to explain to Canadians how increasing immigration can help the economy, said Bricker.
Data from the 2011 census, released earlier this year, show a rapid decrease in fertility rates in Canada since the late 1960s and 1970s. Projections suggest that by 2031, immigration will account for more than 80 per cent of Canada's overall population growth.
"Without a sustained level of immigration or a substantial increase in fertility, Canada's population growth could, within 20 years, be close to zero," the census found.
Sweeping policy changes in the past few months have shifted Canada's immigration system in an attempt to attract the kind of people who can hit the ground running, economically speaking.
For example, the points-based selection system for federal skilled workers will soon give priority to young immigrants, those with strong language proficiency, and individuals who have already secured a job in Canada.
Economic immigrants - those chosen for their employment skills - now account for about 62 per cent of newcomers.
Meanwhile, on the refugee side, Bill C-31, the "Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act" - which passed into law last week - allows the government to deport so-called bogus refugees more quickly and crack down on human smugglers and illegal arrivals.
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is "trying to demonstrate that this is a tightly controlled process that Canada needs for its economic future," said Bricker. But it seems that Canadians are going to need a little more convincing.
In response to the statement "Canada should let in more immigrants than it currently does," 28 per cent of respondents agreed, while 72 per cent said no.
BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM
The numbers were steady across income brackets, but differed widely depending on age group. The younger the respondent, the more open he or she was to an increase in immigration: 38 per cent of Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34 thought the country could accept more immigrants, compared with one-quarter of those aged 35 to 54, and only 22 per cent among citizens over 55.
Openness to newcomers also went up with education levels.
Meanwhile, 36 per cent of respondents said immigration has had a negative impact on Canada, while 41 per cent felt the impact of newcomers had been positive.
Bricker said people in British Columbia and Ontario - the provinces with the most immigrants - had the darkest view of newcomers, with 38 per cent responding that immigration's impact on Canada has been negative. Saskatchewan and Manitoba were on the other end of the spectrum with 48 per cent saying immigration's effect had been positive.
The online poll sampled 1,101 Canadians between June 20 and 25. Weighting was employed to balance demographics. The estimated margin of error nationally was plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The margin or error increases for subsets such as provincial breakdowns.
tesmith@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/tsmithjourno

© Postmedia News 2012

Who benefits when new immigrants are held to high language standards?

CARYS MILLS
The Globe and Mail

Holding settled immigrants – already employed or otherwise functioning as part of Canadian society – to high language standards isn’t logical, say two Canadian academics who study immigration policy.

While skilled workers obviously need a solid grasp of an official language to work here, that’s not everyone’s role, said Sharry Aiken, associate dean and professor at Queen’s University’s law faculty, who teaches immigration and refugee law. “They’re already living within our society, they’re already participating in Canada in whatever way they are, whether it’s working [or] managing a household and raising children,” she said.

But Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney says an official language is essential for any citizen.

“We decided as Canadians that citizenship has value, it has particular meaning,” Mr. Kenney said. “It means full participation, or the ability at least to fully participate in our political community, which requires the ability at least to fully understand what’s going on in one of our two languages.”

Where Mr. Kenney and his critics disagree is whether it’s fair to deny citizenship because of language ability when individuals have already been allowed to live in the country for years.

“Saying, ‘Well, you’re good enough to live here and pay taxes but not good enough to vote,’ all I think that does is enhance alienation,” Prof. Aiken said, adding it may be easier to become proficient in a language once someone becomes Canadian and is able to fully settle.

She suggests mandatory community service might be a more meaningful method to instill civic values.

Afrooz Lahsaee, who was born in Iraq, passed the test on her first try two years ago, after studying at a Canadian university. "When I got my citizenship, I felt like, ‘Okay, I’m someone now … I’m considered to be a Canadian where I have equal rights like everyone else,’ " she said.

Her mother recently received Canadian citizenship without taking the test because she’s over 54, exempt from that requirement. But Ms. Lahsaee said she’s not sure if her mom, who wasn’t educated in Canada, would have been able to pass.

University of Toronto politics professor Phil Triadafilopoulos, who studies immigration and integration, said he believes language evaluations are “useless” and should be done away with altogether. But with increasing popularity at home and in the United States, Australia and United Kingdom, he said he knows that won’t happen.

Prof. Triadafilopoulos noted that his parents, who emigrated from Greece, and many other Canadian immigrants were able to call themselves “Canadian” before being proficient in an official language. “The question becomes, do you need a certain level of English or French to become a Canadian citizen?”

Why I Love Canada: An Immigrant's Perspective

Canada Day is a time to celebrate a great Canadian citizenship. For immigrants such as myself, it gives us a rare chance to celebrate great milestones. For instance, Jemy Joseph has only been in Canada just over a decade but she has achieved more than her share. Currently a medical student at the University of Ottawa and an MSc student at the University of Toronto, Joseph is on an ambitious mission for herself and her adopted country. She is passionate about many things including her medical school career as well as the issue of bullying.

You are a young woman of many achievements, enough to even compete for the Rhodes scholarships not long ago. Tell us about your academic journey so far.

It's been such a blessing to be in Canada for the past 11 years! My parents immigrated here in order to provide my brother and me with the best education, and I am very grateful for this privilege. I completed an Honours BSc in life sciences at University of Toronto. Subsequently, I pursued an MA at University of Toronto in transplant immunology, working in collaboration with Toronto General Hospital. In 2011, I began my degree in medicine at the University of Ottawa. Yes, I have been in school for a long time.

You have often said, you envision "a career that will combine medicine, advocacy, research, healthcare, policy development, administration and politics." Explain.

Growing up, I mistakenly thought I could pursue only one field. Logical and analytical skills came to me so naturally that I didn't even consider a career outside of the sciences. My love for the sciences accordingly led me to do research in health-related topics, which I was passionate about.

Though researchers are never fully acknowledged for the work they do, I gained gratification in knowing that my small contributions are part of a greater effort to understand the basic mechanisms of diseases, which may eventually lead to discovering cures. In addition to my lab work, my undergraduate electives in health studies sparked an interest in exploring healthcare from a broader perspective.

However, it was my extra-curricular involvement that surprised me in terms of what my potential might be outside of the scientific world. My peers dragged me to join the student union. I quickly learned that being an advocate, discussing policies and engaging in administrative work were things I absolutely enjoyed. Working in governance opened my eyes to the "politics" behind decision-making and how this was just a microcosm of larger political institutions that govern our country. Institutions like Massey College helped me realize that I could be a part of transforming Canada. In this country, it is okay to have multiple interests and pursue them all.

Why medicine?

I realized that I wanted a career where I could continue to foster my scientific and medical interests, while helping improve the health and well-being of Canadian and global society. Being an advocate, promoting public health, engaging in social issues and making contributions globally are all important to me. After very deep soul-searching, prayers, and consultations with wonderful mentors, medicine emerged as a wonderful "next step" where I can be fully engaged clinically and pursue my varied interests.

Now that you have lived in Canada for a decade, where would you want to be in another decade?

Most of the next decade will be consumed by medical school followed by residency. Along the way, I have many dreams, which includes doing some international work in medical fields, working with NGOs and health organizations, engaging in health advocacy and promoting and protecting public health in Canada.

You have recently supported the Ontario government's effort to bring in a new anti-bullying legislation -- why is this piece of legislation important?

It is never too late to strengthen the battle against bullying! The scars of bullying on one's mental (and physical) health can be drastic. Therefore it is necessary to work towards prevention, education and adequate punishment and counseling for those who engage in such destructive behavior. In Canadian society, respect for human life is a cornerstone value and our youth must be taught that.

For young immigrants who may be going through the journey you went through in 2000 as a new immigrant to Canada, what advice would you have for them?

If you come from a more traditional or conservative culture, you might have some initial difficulty in understanding the culture and values of this land. Take time to understand the Canadian culture and people. Combine the best of what you learn with the best of what you have gained from your previous country and you will have an enriching life. Don't be afraid to try something new -- like skating or exploring outside the big cities.

Canada is a land of opportunities. In this country, you can be who you want to be. So don't be your own barrier. Open up your mind to a world of possibilities because in Canada, the world is in your backyard!

Why you #LoveCanada

6 things that will change on Canada Day weekend

CBC News

Posted: Jun 29, 2012 10:55 AM ET

As the midpoint in the calendar year, and a nationally symbolic one at that, June 30 and July 1 are dates on which new regulations or tax changes often come into effect or current ones expire and quarterly adjustments are made to some government programs.

This year, Canada Day weekend will see some of the country's richest people (at least in Ontario) get a little poorer, the poorest seniors get a tiny bit richer, refugees and would-be immigrants perhaps a little frustrated and MPs come out ahead, as usual.

Here's a look at some of the changes coming into effect this holiday weekend:

1. Seniors get a bit more money

The maximum basic Old Age Security benefit paid to people age 65 or older rises $4.86 a month to $544.98 for people making less than $69,562 a year.

Guaranteed Income Supplement payments for low-income seniors also increase, by $6.60 to $738.96 a month for a single person or the spouse of a non-pensioner, and by $4.37 a month to $489.98 for the spouse of a pensioner. And the monthly allowance for low income seniors between the ages of 60 and 64 rises by about $10 a month.

2. Rich Ontarians' pay cheques shrink

As part of a budget deal between the minority Ontario Liberal government and the NDP, Ontarians face a new marginal tax rate of 13.168 per cent on income over $500,000. The "tax on the rich" means more tax will be withheld from pay cheques for those upper-income earners effective July 1.

3. Refugees lose some health benefits

With cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program, announced by Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, refugees will no longer receive dental and vision care and will have reduced prescription drug coverage. The government says the cuts will bring refugees' health-care coverage on par with what is paid to other Canadians and will save $20 million a year over the next five years. Critics, including doctors who work in community health, say the changes threaten the health of some of the world's most vulnerable people.

4. MPs' pension fund will be $23M richer

A quarterly interest payment of 10.4 per cent will be paid into the parliamentary pension fund on June 30, adding $23 million to the fund, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Changes are coming that will see MPs paying more for their pensions and waiting longer to collect, but the CTF says Canadians still pay more than $100 million annually into the fund through set quarterly interest payments and annual contributions, while MPs themselves contribute about $4.5 million. The fund now stands at $950 million.

5. New immigrant workers face language tests

Starting July 1, most applicants for semi- and low-skilled professions under the Provincial Nominee Program will have to undergo testing and meet mandatory minimum language standards in English or French. The PNP, which is managed by the provinces in accordance with federal guidelines, is the second-largest economic immigration program in the country and is expected to bring 42,000 people into Canada this year.

6. Foreign skilled workers and entrepreneurs need not apply

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney this week announced an immediate freeze on applications under the Skilled Worker Program and the Immigrant Investor Program to reduce the backlog of applicants seeking to come to Canada under those programs. Kenney had already announced that applications from skilled workers made before 2008 would be cancelled and fees returned. New applications for skilled workers will be accepted again in January, but the investor program freeze is indefinite as the government overhauls a program some see as a way to buy entry to Canada.

Immigration Canada

Language remains key to success in Canada

English and French training often provided for newcomers

Canadian Experience Class

Immigration scammers prey on people’s hopes