Immigrating: Culture Shocked...eh?

Culture Shock (TV series)
Culture Shock (TV series) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Consuelo Solar
Most newcomers who have been to a settlement agency have heard the concept of “culture shock” during assessment sessions, job search workshops, or ESL classes. The term was coined in the 50’s by anthropologist Kalvero Oberg, who identified five stages of this emotional process undergone by any traveler in a foreign land:
  • Honeymoon: Everything is exciting and intriguing, simply because it is different. Any problems are accepted as part of the newness.
  • Rejection: Newcomers get the impression that they are being ignored or misunderstood, and they become aggressive towards the new culture, fixating on its problems.
  • Regression: Newcomers spend much of their time speaking their own language, and thinking about their home country and its qualities, forgetting their reasons for immigrating.
  • Recovery: Newcomers become more comfortable with the language and customs, are better adjusted, and ready to accept new habits and lifestyles.
  • Reverse Culture Shock: This occurs to those who return home after a long stay abroad, and find that they are no longer comfortable in their own land.
A common illustration of culture shock is the recent immigrant who has trouble speaking the language, finding their favourite foods, and handling below zero temperatures. However, according to Gladys Klestorny, settlement counselor at Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services, this image may be over simplistic.
An  immigrant herself, Klestorny arrived in Canada in 1969 from Uruguay, and has been an ESL teacher and settlement worker for over 30 years. Through contact with numerous immigrants and refugees, she has learned that feelings of rejection can be caused by more fundamental factors than food and climate, specifically age, socioeconomic status, family situation, and/or professional background.
“We serve a whole range of clients from all continents, and we find that some internationally trained professionals experience frustration as a result of not being able to work in their fields, or finding many differences in the work culture, for example. That can affect the settlement process and generate anger towards their new country,” she  notes.
The rejection phase doesn’t necessarily end in clinical depression, but sometimes mood disorders can be triggered by such factors as family separation, isolation, and language barriers. “Many of our clients are stay-at-home moms, with small children, and no access to daycare, who don’t speak English and can’t take ESL classes, so they tend to stay in the house, feeling sad and frustrated. If we determine that one of them is at risk of becoming depressed we advise them to see one of the psychotherapists who works with us,” she explains.
Daniela García can easily relate to this. Even though she speaks perfect English, moves in a protected academic environment as an international student, and has no children to look after, she began to reject Canada shortly after her arrival from Mexico, four years ago.
“When I first got here I found everything to be perfectly organized and friendly, I was excited about my PhD program, I knew people in Toronto, and had no trouble communicating, but soon the program proved to be very demanding, and people became quite self-involved, and that really affected my mood,” she remembers.
Leaving her common-law partner behind made it more difficult. He joined her a year later and found a job; it seemed that things would finally improve. But then, he told her he was disappointed and felt undervalued. This time it hit her harder, and she took a huge step back in her integration journey.
“We felt that we had a glass ceiling, and would never be able to fulfill our professional aspirations because we weren’t Canadian. We began thinking it would be easier to go back home, and we started to forget why we came here in the first place,” she recalls.
García asked for help at a settlement agency, and they recommended peer support sessions with other newcomers, but she didn’t like that idea. “Meeting with other immigrants might help you realize that you are not alone on this and I’m glad there is that possibility, but it’s not for everyone. I didn’t come to Canada to hang out with immigrants who are depressed because they can’t find jobs or speak English; I’d rather try to meet people with more positive outlooks,” she says.
She found a therapist through the University Health Services, who helped her pull through the crisis, but throughout the process she also realized that she might never become fully adapted. “It comes and goes. There are moments  when I love it here, and then I question my decision of leaving everything behind. From time to time I think about what could’ve been if I had never left, or what would happen if I went back,” she admits.
Recently, she had the opportunity to find out. She stayed for three months in Mexico City doing research for her doctoral dissertation, and experienced a reverse culture shock. “Little by little, things about my country started to bother me, things that didn’t bother me before, or at least didn’t bother me as much, and that’s when I knew that my way of looking at people and places that I love is now influenced by my life in Canada,” she observes.
Gladys Klestorny has been in Canada for more than 40 years, and even though she still faces culture shock once in while, she is adapted to her life here. “Through the settlement process we change, we adapt, and sometimes it takes a long rejection phase to appreciate some of the positive things your new country has to offer,” she concludes.
Consuelo Solar
Consuelo is a journalist, screenwriter and story editor. She has worked as field producer for CNN, and reporter for The Miami Herald and other international media outlets. She currently works as a correspondent for Terra Networks and is involved in independent film projects.
Source: http://cnmag.ca/issue-38/1030-immigrating-culture-shockedeh-n00

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Chinese immigrants flocking to Canada


Here, UK-based foreign exchange dealer Halo Financial writes about the growing trend for Chinese citizens to migrate to Canada.
China is the leading source country for immigration to Canada, according to new official figures.
New data released by Citizenship and Immigration Canada earlier this month shows that 32,990 people from China emigrated to Canada in 2012, placing the country just ahead of the Philippines (32,704) which had previously been the number one source country for the past three years.
Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney was quick to highlight Canada’s long history of welcoming Chinese immigrants and visitors to the country. “For over a century, Canada has benefited from the talent and hard work of newcomers from China,” the Minister said.
“Almost 1.5 million Canadians can trace their ancestry to China, and now a growing number of Chinese citizens are able to visit family and friends in Canada, study at Canadian colleges and universities, or immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.”
India was the third largest source country, with 28,889 permanent residents admitted in 2012 – a significant increase from the 24,965 admitted in 2011.
In terms of where the new arrivals are settling once in Canada, Ontario is still the most popular choice, welcoming 98,826 permanent residents from all across the world last year.
However, the number of people moving to the province decreased slightly on 2011’s figure (99,459) and by almost 20,000 from 2010, when over 118,000 immigrants settled in the province.
The country’s second most popular immigrant hotspot is Quebec, where 55,258 people settled last year, followed by British Columbia (36,176), Alberta (35,764) and Manitoba (13,391).

Source: http://www.relocatemagazine.com/immigration-a-visas/immigration-a-visa-news-main/7329-chinese-immigrants-flocking-to-canada

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Canadian Immigration Department Issues over 15,000 Super Visas Since Dec 2011

Canadian visa for single entry
Canadian visa for single entry (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The federal government has issued over 15,000 Parent and Grandparent Super Visas since the launch of the program in December 2011.
The visa replaces the prior Parent and Grandparent Family Class sponsorship stream, whereby Canadian permanent residents and citizens could sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence.
Instead, the Super Visa gives holders multiple re-entries into Canada for up to ten years, and allows them to stay in Canada for up to two years on each stay, unlike other visitor visas which only allow a stay of up to six months each time.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) says that Super Visa applicants are required to prove they are financially self-sufficient, have comprehensive medical insurance during their stay in Canada, and have passed the medical check required of applicants for immigration to Canada, that verifies that the applicant has no costly medical conditions.
The acceptance rate for Super Visa applications is 86 percent according to CIC.
Source: http://www.cicsnews.com/?p=3266

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New stats show jump in family class immigration to Canada last year

Happy Canada Day
Happy Canada Day (Photo credit: Anirudh Koul)

OTTAWA - New figures show a jump in family class immigration to Canada last year.
Citizenship and Immigration says just under 65,000 people sponsored by their family members arrived in Canada in 2012.
That's a 15 per cent increase over 2011 levels, which had been the lowest in five years.
There were also 2.9 per cent more economic immigrants than the year before, with over 160,000 arriving in Canada.
Immigration to Canada has been increasing since 2006, with a high in 2010 of over 280,000 permanent residents.
The department says in 2012, just over 257,000 permanent residents arrived, up roughly 9,000 from 2011.
A detailed breakdown of immigration levels is expected to be released on Wednesday.


Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/national/stats+show+jump+family+class+immigration+Canada+last/8020519/story.html#ixzz2MxW68DrI









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Canada to Pursue ‘Expression of Interest’ Immigration Model

English: Pic for WikiProject Political parties...
English: Pic for WikiProject Political parties and politicians in Canada (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the future, Canada plans to adopt a new model of immigration known as the ‘Expression of Interest’ (EOI) system. The EOI system will be implemented with the intent of better targeting skilled immigrants to fill specific Canadian labour market needs. By more carefully selecting immigrants, it is expected that this system will better benefit both the Canadian economy and newcomers themselves.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) plans to implement the EOI system sometime in 2014. When that happens, it will mean significant change for a system that has been accused of rigidity and stagnation. However, with careful planning, CIC has expressed confidence that the transition to an EOI system will ultimately make Canada a leader in the global competition for the world’s most desirable immigrants.
What is an ‘EOI’ System?
Canada’s EOI model will be based on a system that was devised in New Zealand. A similar system was adopted by Australia in 2012 for its economic immigration programs.
Announcements made by CIC, as well as an analysis of the Australian system, give clues as to how an EOI model would function in Canada.
Under an EOI program, prospective immigrants first complete an online form which states their interest in becoming a permanent resident of Canada. It is important to note that an EOI is not an application for a permanent resident visa. Rather, it indicates an individual’s request to become a candidate for permanent residency.
The EOI form will include important information about the prospective applicant, such as work experience, assessed educational credentials, and proof of English/French language proficiency. In addition, EOI candidates will be ‘assigned a points score and ranked’. Not all individuals who submit an EOI application will be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency, and not all those who are invited to apply will necessarily receive a visa.
In the Australian EOI system, prospective immigrants can be found and nominated by either an Australian employer or a state/territory government. It is likely that Canada will follow a similar route.
Speaking to the Globe and Mail newspaper, Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney explained that candidates would go into a ‘pool’, from which the most desirable can be ‘fished out’ by employers and by Federal, Provincial, or Territorial governments.
Implementing the EOI System in Canada
Specific details as to how the EOI system will be implemented are forthcoming. However, it has already been announced that consultations have been held with key Federal, Provincial, and Territorial stakeholders about the system.
The EOI system has the potential to greatly assist provinces in addressing their specific labour market needs by providing their governing bodies with a range of eligible skilled professionals. This opportunity has been met with approval from many provincial stakeholders.
“Immigration is vital for economic growth and our system must be more competitive internationally,” said Stephen Khan, the Alberta Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education. “On behalf of the provinces and territories, we look forward to continuing our work with theGovernment of Canada to transform the immigration system, making it faster and more responsive to provincial/territorial needs.”
No announcement has been made as to how an EOI system will interact with current immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker, Quebec Skilled Worker, and Provincial Nominee programs. The Federal Skilled Worker program, currently the most popular for Canadian permanent residency, is expected to begin accepting applications on May 4th, 2013.
EOI Impact for Workers
If all goes as planned, an EOI system could greatly benefit both prospective immigrants and the Canadian economy as a whole.
Most importantly, those selected for permanent residency may arrive in Canada with employment in their field already secured. This, combined with fast processing times, is a great advantage to immigrants. Says Minister Kenney, “[immigrants] would arrive in Canada as permanent residents with prearranged jobs and literally be going to work at their skill level within a few days of arrival.”
Many prospective immigrants are intimidated by the prospect of finding employment in Canada when still living abroad. The EOI model could take this element out of the equation, instead letting Canadian employers do the work of contacting those candidates they deem qualified for a certain job.
The implementation of the EOI system will be one of the final steps in Canada’s immigration system transitioning from one of inflexibility to one that can quickly address the country’s needs. As Minister Kenney has said, “this is the future as opposed to the past.”
Source: http://www.cicnews.com/2013/02/canada-pursue-expression-interest-immigration-model-022314.html

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Engineering shortages lead Ontario job seekers to go where the action is

Randstad Nationalestraat Antwerpen
Randstad Nationalestraat Antwerpen (Photo credit: Gerard Stolk (vers le Midi-Carême))

TORONTOMarch 5, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Job seekers in Ontario should focus their training and job searches towards the engineering field, according to Randstad Canada, the country's leading firm for staffing, recruitment, and HR services.
Given the importance of job creation for youth in Ontario, Randstad Canada believes it's essential to channel young people entering the workforce into fields such as engineering with high demand for talent.
"It makes sense to encourage youth in Ontario to consider engineering as a worthwhile career option," said Keith Wark, Vice President Central and Eastern Region, Randstad Engineering. "This is a sector that is clearly in need of seasoned professionals as older engineers retire. If we want to develop that pool of talent, we must hire and develop young engineers now."
The recently released study, Engineering Labour Market in Canada: Projections to 2020, commissioned by EngineersCanada and sponsored by Randstad Engineering, reveals that Canada is facing a short supply of engineers with more than 10 years of experience, and that supply and demand imbalances in the engineering sector are becoming more serious, specifically in Ontario:
Findings from the labour market report note that resource projects in the north and infrastructure upgrades in most regions drive job creation, and that steady improvements in manufacturing create supply pressures for industrial engineers. Additionally, it notes that resource and infrastructure projects add jobs and create significant supply pressures for mining and civil engineers, while steady improvements in manufacturing create supply pressures for industrial engineers.
Randstad Canada's own projections see a growing demand for engineers in Ontario's aerospace sector, which requires a highly skilled workforce to deal with aging commercial fleets that will soon need to be replaced. Demand is also growing for engineers in the construction sector, a result of new infrastructure projects. The growth in construction has resulted in an imbalance in the supply of engineers and other highly skilled workers.
Construction activity has been growing and is expected to plateau from 2014 to 2016 and grow moderately, while resource activity in mining and other areas contributes to overall gains for engineers. Expansion demand is gaining momentum and markets are tightening quickly in resource related areas.
While labour market conditions vary from region to region, Ontario in particular must find ways to strike a balance between retiring skilled engineers, and training incoming graduates and international candidates.
"We are encouraged by the provincial government's stated commitment to youth employment and its understanding of the needs of Ontario's labour market, " said Wark. ''New projects mean great prospects for young engineers, but employers will need to start hiring based on potential instead of just experience, as a way to counterbalance labour shortages."
About Randstad Engineering: Randstad Engineering is Canada's leading provider of customized staffing and recruitment solutions for engineering and technical talent. We cater to industries as diverse as natural resources, manufacturing, construction, consulting and architecture. Visit randstad.ca/engineering
About Randstad Canada: Randstad Canada is the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services. As the only fully integrated staffing company in the country, we understand the recruitment needs and demands of employers and job seekers across all levels and industries. Through our insightful knowledge of local markets, employment trends and global network of recruitment experts, we are shaping the Canadian world of work. Visit randstad.ca
SOURCE: RANDSTAD CANADA
For further information:
Mark Klein
Marie-Noelle Morency

Telephone
416.962.9578 x2317
514.350.5309 x233

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Immigrants given free legal help to start own business

Italian-Immigrants-to-Canad
Italian-Immigrants-to-Canad (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


Sanjay Pandrala, a horticulturist from India, hesitated to start his pest control and landscaping business because he didn’t know enough about Canadian commercial law.
Should he incorporate his firm? What is his liability if there is an industrial accident? What needs to be included in an employment contract?
While the lack of legal knowledge is a challenge, Pandrala said many small businesses simply can’t afford a corporate lawyer.
“You don’t want to learn about Canadian law the hard way, after a mistake is made,” said Pandrala, who came here in 2007 with a horticulture degree. “It is extremely important that we are aware of all these potential legal issues before we start our business.”

Photos.

Today, Pandrala is the proud owner of The Bug Man Inc. — which had modest sales of $80,000 last year — and a finalist in Connect Legal’s inaugural Promising Immigrant Entrepreneur Award.
Marion Annau, founder of Connect Legal, said the award is to celebrate the spirit of immigrant entrepreneurs.
“There is an economic shift underway. Self-employment and small businesses are becoming more important to the economy. Many immigrants are getting into self-employment as a way to get ahead,” said Annau, a former Bay St. lawyer.
“But they are not familiar with Canada’s legal system. The better understanding they have, the fewer problems they will have.”
Since its inception in 2010, Connect Legal, working with other community groups, has delivered workshops to more than 700 aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs.
Through its one-on-one lawyer-matching program, it has connected 32 pro-bono clients with its pool of 80 lawyers from six of Canada’s top law firms, including Blake, Cassels & Graydon, and McCarthy Tétrault.
Annau said the lawyers volunteer for less than 50 hours of work per client (jobs count toward the law firms’ billable hour target), offering advice from contract design and reviews to permit and licensing, business structuring, branding and trademarks.
Carolina Velez, owner of Colombia Exotic, an importer of exotic fruits and natural products, said the legal help she got from the clinic was invaluable.
“I did study business and law in university, but it’s Colombian law,” said Velez, another award finalist, who started her company last year, which imports one ton of yellow pitahaya (dragon fruit) a week to sell at Loblaws.
“The lawyer explained to me about my liability, how to protect my interests in the worst scenarios and let me see all the blind spots. There are just a lot of (legal) landmines in business.”
Other immigrant entrepreneur award finalists include: Vibhor Chhabra of Grand Travel Planners Ltd., Igor Chigrin of Win Global Partners and Hardik Kumar Dave of Uniglobe Consulting Inc. The winner will be announced Wednesday.
Source: http://www.thestar.com/news/immigration/2013/03/04/immigrants_given_free_legal_help_to_start_own_business.html

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Notice – Changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program



March 1, 2013 – With new criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) set to take effect in May, many prospective immigrants may already be preparing to apply.
However, future FSWP applicants should be aware that CIC expects to announce three important elements of the FSWP in April that will have an impact on the application process, including:
  • a cap on the number of applications that will be accepted in the first year;
  • a new list of priority occupations; and
  • the organizations that will be designated to conduct educational assessments.
Applicants who prepare their application before this information is announced do so at their own risk. Applications that do not meet the criteria that will be announced in April will not be processed.
On December 19, 2012, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced significant changes to the FSWP. In addition, the Minister announced that the new FSWP would be opened up for applications on May 4, 2013. A pause on applications, except for those from certain PhD students and those supported by a qualifying job offer, has been in place since July 1, 2012.

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Cisco eyes Canada investment: ‘The easiest place in the world to do business’

Image representing Cisco as depicted in CrunchBase
Image via CrunchBase

The Globe and Mail

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