Career Resources for Newcomer Architects

Once setting the free standing, land record for the world's tallest structure, measuring 553.33 meters (1,815 feet, 5 inches), the CN Tower is Toronto's most visible landmark and arguably its most celebrated tourist destination. 2006 marks its 30th anniversary. This view looks WNW. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Becoming an architect takes years of training and hard work. If you're a newcomer architect, you'll need resources to help you get back to work in your field in Canada. We hope these will help you continue to work and advance your career.

All of Canada:

Architecture Canada | Royal Architectural Institute of Canada(RAIC) 
- Canada's architectural regulatory body

Government of Canada - Foreign Credentials Referral Office 
- links and information for internationally educated architects

Service Canada - Architect 
- labour market and requirements information for internationally educated architects wishing to work in Canada

Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) 
- Essential information for internationally educated architects wishing to practice their profession in Canada

Article: Internationally Educated Architect Job Find program enhanced
- 26 September 2012 article about recent launch of Federal program to help internationally educated architects find jobs in Canada

Canadian Architectural Certification Board 
- information for internationally educated architects, from the regulatory body of architecture in Canada

Canadian Architect Magazine 
- publication for architects in Canada, including internationally-trained architects

Ontario:

Ontario Association of Architects 
- information and programs for newcomer architects in Ontario

Ontario Immigration 
- Career Map for newcomer architects in Canada

JVS Toronto 
- Bridge training program for internationally educated architects

British Columbia:

WelcomeBC 
- information on labour market, qualifications, and job-hunting for architects who are new to Canada

Architectural Institute of British Columbia 
- information on practicing as an architect in British Columbia

BC Internationally Trained Professionals Network 
- a partnership of internationally trained professionals from around the province, working cooperatively, to improve access to meaningful employment for all immigrant professionals in BC

Alberta:

Alberta Association of Architects 
- information for internationally educated architects, from the licensing body of architects in Alberta

Directions for Immigrants - Architecture 
- information on how internationally educated architects who want to continue their careers in Alberta

Saskatchewan:

SaskImmigration 
- Career map for internationally educated architects who want to work in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Association of Architects 
- information from the licensing body of architects in Saskatchewan

Manitoba:

Immigrate to Manitoba 
- information on how internationally educated architects can get licensed to practice in Manitoba

Manitoba Association of Architects 
- resources from the professional association of architects in Manitoba

Québec:

Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ)
- L’Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ) contrôle l’accès à la profession d’architecte et en réglemente l’exercice dans la province.

New Brunswick:

WelcomeNB 
- fact sheet for internationally educated architects wishing to continue their careers in New Brunswick

Architects Association of New Brunswick 
- information from the licensing body for architects in the province of New Brunswick

Prince Edward Island:

Architects Association of Prince Edward Island 
- information from the licensing body for architects in the province of PEI

Nova Scotia:

Nova Scotia Association of Architects
- information from the licensing body for architects in the province of Nova Scotia

Newfoundland and Labrador:

Architects Licensing Board of Newfoundland and Labrador 
- information from the licensing body for architects in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Architects 
- the professional association for architects in Newfoundland and Labrador

Nunavut:

Canadian Institute for Recognizing Learning 
- information on how to work as an architect in Nunavut, which has no governing body for the profession

Northwest Territories:

Northwest Territories Association of Architects 
- information on working in the profession, from the licensing body for architects in Northwest Territories

Yukon:

Canadian Institute for Recognizing Learning 
- information on how to work as an architect in Yukon, which has no governing body for the profession

Source: http://www.cnmag.ca/

Program connects Halifax immigrants with opportunities

 BY MARTHA WILSON 

What do you do if you move to a new place where you don’t have a job, family or friends? You try to plug into an existing network.

Creating that network for new­comers has been the goal of the Connector Program of the Greater Halifax Partnership economic development organiza­tion, says Fred Morley, executive vice-president and chief economist with the organization.

The International Economic Development Council this month recognized the program with two gold awards of excellence. The program has been emulated in 10 other Canadian cities, Morley notes, ranging in size from Montreal to Truro, and is being implemented in Calgary and by the province of New Brunswick.

One of the keys to the pro­gram’s success is its simplicity.

Morley explains: “We have recruited about 400 business volunteers . . . and we simply ask them to sit with an immigrant, a young professional or a recent grad and have a low-key conver­sation about opportunities in Halifax."

Significantly, this conversation is not a job interview.

“It’s just about reaching out. Each volunteer connector is asked to provide three contacts for the person to follow up with. Each of the three new connectors repeats the process, and in this way the person quickly builds their business and personal net­work, acquires and refines inter­view skills, and often ends up in a quality job."

Program participant Doris Du says the program helped her define what would come next for her.

“It provided me with a big picture of my future career path." She says she got to know more people and also gained confid­ence, “in both work and personal

life." Lurace Lee, another participant, says finding employ­ment is challenging without local connections, even if there’s no significant language barrier.

“It helped me with confidence, and networking in particular, and getting established here in Nova Scotia. Usually, people feel more secure if they are employed and have stable income."

The program helps answer real questions employers might have, she says.

“I can see employers, espe­cially small (to) mid-size, may feel unsure if new immigrants know enough about Canada to be able to work well. The Connector Program is a good example of connecting us with potential employers.”

And new employees are needed to make the economy grow. As Morley says, citing figures from the Canadian Occupation Projection Survey, the number of young Nova Scotians is dropping; the province’s 14-and-under population has declined by about 27,000 over the past decade.

Yet the coming five years are expected to open up around 75,000 jobs, either in new positions or as replacements for retiring workers.

According to the Greater Halifax Partnership’s Krista Hall, more than 130 people have found jobs through the program since its launch in 2009.

“This year, there are 170 immigrants, international students and young and emerging professionals participating in the program. So far this year, 21 participants have found jobs.”

Like Morley, she emphasizes that our lives encompass much more than our work.

“Finding employment is a measure of success, but it’s not the only one,” she says.

“The knowledge participants gain about the local job market also equips them with the information they need to upgrade or retrain for the career they’d like to pursue in Halifax. Gaining professional and community contacts is also a benefit for someone trying to settle in a new community.

“The program really is about connecting people to opportunities in Halifax, whether they be education, employment or community related.”

Thriving in Tough Times is a series developed by the business development centre at Saint Mary's University in Halifax.

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.

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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

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