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Immigration for dummies: What transformational change means for newcomers

Written by lisa on May 17, 2012 · Leave a Comment

A family is escorted off the MV Sun Sea after they and an estimated 490 suspected Tamil refugees arrived on the cargo ship in British Columbia in this August 13, 2010, file photo. The federal government plans to give lower priority to immigrants reaching Canada illegally and en masse.

OTTAWA — Trying to make sense of Canada’s complicated and seemingly ever-changing immigration system can be a taxing exercise.

From legislative amendments to regulatory changes, from proposals to studies, from ministerial instructions to pilot projects, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has promised “transformational change” but has released details of the government’s plan piecemeal, muddying the waters even further.

With sweeping new refugee legislation set to pass at the end of June and plans introduced in the budget to do away with a burdensome backlog of old skilled worker applications, Postmedia News has attempted to dissect just what’s in store in the weeks, months and years to come for the approximately 250,000 newcomers who arrive in Canada annually, and why Canadians should care.

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Categories: Immigration - Tags: , ,

Canada wants foreign entrepreneurs

Written by lisa on May 16, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Canada is looking to launch a new “start-up” visa to attract foreign entrepreneurs to settle in the country.

The Canadian government last week revealed its Economic Action Plan 2012, which highlights its commitment to support entrepreneurs, world-class research and innovators.

Citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism minister Jason Kenney said: “Our government’s top priority remains jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. Canada cannot afford to lose out in the competition for foreign entrepreneurs among immigrant-receiving countries.”

He added: “We need to proactively target a new type of immigrant entrepreneur who has the potential to build innovative companies that can compete on a global scale and create jobs for Canadians.”

The government also announced plans to build a fast and flexible economic immigration system focusing on meeting the new and emerging needs of the Canadian economy.

This will include changes to Business Immigration Programmes, which will target more active investment in Canadian growth companies and more innovative entrepreneurs.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) wants to consult with industry groups about setting up a start-up visa programme for innovative entrepreneurs in the coming months.

The scheme involves linking foreign entrepreneurs with private sector companies that have experience in working with start-ups.

Tim Simpson, a British expat running his own consultancy firm in Canada, said: “The Canadian economy has recovered well from the global financial crisis and has broadly replaced all the jobs lost during that time. But things have slowed down a bit since then, as Canada mirrors the fortunes of the US, which has seen its recovery ease up as well.

“Every country should actively be encouraging the best and brightest minds to its shores and Canada is competing with many other countries keen to attract entrepreneurs. The big plus point for Canada is that it is a great place to live.”

The retail sector is the single largest employer in Canada, accounting for almost two million workers. Health care, social assistance and manufacturing are the next biggest employers.

However, there has been a big shift towards natural resources. Mining, quarrying and the oil and gas sectors have seen a big rise in headcounts in recent years. At the other end of the scale, jobs in real estate and education have been shrinking.

In March, Canada added more than 82,000 jobs with the gains coming from its two largest provinces, Ontario and Quebec.

Justin Harper

15 May 2012

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/offshorefinance/9266499/Canada-wants-foreign-entrepreneurs.html

Categories: Entrepreneurs - Tags: , , ,

U-turn on skilled worker program

Written by lisa on May 15, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Over the past few months, there has been a flurry of regulations, policies and initiatives aimed at expediting the recruitment of foreign workers into Canada to meet the needs of businesses and employers. Many of these changes have been announced by way of government press releases, but have contained few details about implementation or timing.

The release of the immigration plan in the federal budget announced on March 29 follows the government’s recently publicized interest in moving toward an employer- and industry-driven immigration system. Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that “while we respect our humanitarian obligations and family-reunification objectives, we [will] make our economic and labour force needs the central goal of our immigration efforts in the future.”

The government’s Economic Action Plan 2012 outlines several initiatives to build a “fast and flexible immigration system,” including:

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Categories: Immigration Program - Tags: , , ,

50 Canadian Companies Recognized as Best Employers for New Canadians

Written by lisa on May 15, 2012 · Leave a Comment

In an ongoing series, The Immigrant Answer, The Globe and Mail is exploring the many facets of immigration in Canada. What it means to be an immigrant; how new legislation affects who Canada welcomes; and what it all means to our economy and society as a whole. Stories about Canadian companies that embrace and provide career opportunities to newcomers will hopefully be an inspiration to others. In a country so heavily based and continuously dependent on immigrants, Canadian businesses that embrace recent immigrants are better able to harness an increased pool of potential qualified employees.

Now in its sixth year, Canada’s Best Employers for New Canadians recognizes organizations from the private and public sector that have exceptional programs designed to assist recent immigrants to Canada. Employers entered into the competition are evaluated based on the following criteria:

1)  Provide programs that are designed to help employees who are recent immigrants to Canada.
2) Company employs initiatives to reduce employment barriers for newcomers such as recognizing foreign educational credentials or experience.
3)  Provide employees assistance with receiving recognition for foreign professional or educational credentials in Canada.
4)  Company offers “onboarding” programs, such as internal coaching or mentoring assistance.
5)  Provides managers and employees with training in cross-cultural issues or inclusiveness to help create a welcoming workplace environment for new immigrants.

Who are some of Canada’s Best Employers for New Canadians? The following is a small selection of private sector organizations among the 50 that made the list in 2012.

Bank of Montreal (BMO)
One of Canada’s largest financial institutions, BMO has demonstrated a long-term dedication to workplace diversity. It is the founding partner and sponsor of the Canada’s Best Diversity Employers competition. The company is also a sponsor of ACCES Employment’s Speed Mentoring program. ACCES helps new Canadian develop networking skills as well as connecting individuals with senior leaders who provide coaching and mentorship.

Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw)
Loblaw is Canada’s largest food retailer and employer of over 136,000 full and part time staff. The company works with newcomer community organizations such as Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services (ISIS) and MicroSkills to help match vacancies of new Canadians. Loblaw and ISIS created an “English in the workplace” video for new Canadian job seekers in the Atlantic Region. The company also partners with the University of Toronto in offering internships for international pharmacy students a four-month period during their studies. Upon completion some are provided with permanent employment positions.

TELUS Corporation (TELUS)
Based in Vancouver, TELUS is a fast growing telecommunications company that was known only in Western Canada just a few years ago. TELUS works with various community organizations such as Assisting Local Leaders with Immigrant Employment Strategies. The organization provides support for local initiatives that further the employment of skilled immigrants. The company also works with local organizations such as the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council’s (ERIEC) and Calgary’s Champions Career Centre and Prospect Calgary. The organizations help newcomers find employment opportunities. Another reason TELUS is one of Canada’s Best Employer for New Canadians is because the company helps sponsor international candidates by securing work permits and recognizing foreign education and experience.

A country of immigrants, Canada relies on newcomers to fill a significant job gap created with one of the highest proportion of baby boomer retirement and low population growth. “With the right people, Canada can be an innovative world power. Without them, we’ll drain away our potential,” reads a piece by Joe Friesen in the The Immigrant Answer series. Measuring how well Canadian companies and public agencies integrate newcomers will become ever more important in the near future.

11 May 2012

http://www.justmeans.com/50-Canadian-Companies-Recognized-as-Best-Employers-for-New-Canadians/53858.html

Categories: Canada Employment - Tags: ,

Punjab seeks coordination with Canada to solve NRI disputes

Written by lisa on May 15, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The Punjab Revenue and NRI Affairs Minster Bikramjit Singh Majithia on Friday sought better coordination with Canada to redress grievances and disputes pertaining to non resident Indians.

Majithia who met Consul General of Canada Scot Slessor at his residence after the latter called on him, said that constant and better coordination between Punjab and Canadian governments would create new job avenues for Punjabi youths besides strengthening ties between the two countries in agriculture, business, industrial and skill management and skill training sectors. He also emphasised on the need to initiate joint ventures between young entrepreneurs of both countries.

The revenue minister also informed Slessor that in view of exchanging agriculture techniques, Punjab and the Alberta state of Canada would soon sign a memorandum of understanding. Majithia said that Punjab can play a major role to establish stronger bilateral relations between the two countries. He said that Punjab can provide skilled workers to Canada.

Recalling contribution of Punjabis in Canada’s development, Slessor invited a delegation of Punjab government officials from departments of agriculture, education and industry to identify job opportunities for youth according to Canada’s requirement.

12 May 2012

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/punjab-seeks-coordination-with-canada-to-solve-nri-disputes/948301/

Categories: Indians in Canada - Tags: , ,

Tackling our skills deficit a top priority

Written by lisa on May 12, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The shortage of skilled labour is reaching critical proportions and is hindering Canada’s competitiveness on the global stage, said Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

“The No. 1 barrier to competitiveness, the skills issue – Canada’s growing human resource crisis – is the Canadian Chamber’s highest priority for 2012,” said Beatty, who was speaking at the 2012 Conference on Business put on by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses are unable to expand or make new investments because they can’t get their hands on the skills that they need.

“We have to do a much better job of bringing in aboriginal peoples, we have to do a much better job with immigration,” Beatty said. “We have to find out how to use older workers better, use women in non-traditional occupations, we have to use persons with disabilities more effectively. And even with all of that it is going to be a challenge to meet our skills needs.”

Beatty said there are three areas where Canadian businesses lag behind their counterparts: Investing in research and development, investing in new machinery and equipment, and upgrading the skills of the workforce.

All three areas will require investments, including upgrading workforce skills.

“Some of it is going to have to come from business itself,” Beatty said. “If you look at Canadian businesses relative to our foreign competitors, we under-invest in skills.

“The business community needs to partner with government and educational institutions to ensure that Canada has an affordable, accessible and high quality post-secondary education system capable of producing skilled and knowledgeable workers to meet future labour market needs.

The Canadian Chamber has put together its Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness, which include areas such as improving the tax system, breaking down internal barriers and building a 21st century infrastructure.

It says these barriers hinder the competitiveness of Canadian businesses, weaken Canada’s economy and strengthen rivals.

“Our prosperity is not assured,” Beatty said. “Our customers and our competitors don’t care why we are high cost, or slow. They won’t argue about our transportation costs, or wait patiently while we find the skilled workers we need – they’ll just find other, more competitive, business partners.

“We have to tackle the challenges we face as a society, by identifying specific, tangible actions to boost our competitiveness.”

Scott Larson
11 May 2012

Categories: Skills Shortage - Tags: , ,

New temporary work opportunities for immigrants in Canada

Written by lisa on May 12, 2012 · Leave a Comment

The Government of Canada is expanding its internship programme for newcomers to include private sector companies, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney has announced.

CGI Group, a provider of information technology and business process services, and CIBC, a Canadian based financial institution, will partner with CIC to hire newcomers through the Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) Programme.

Delivered in partnership with regional immigrant serving organizations and hiring departments and agencies, the FIN Programme is a Citizenship and Immigration led initiative that offers newcomers to Canada the opportunity to gain valuable temporary work experience.

‘Lack of Canadian work experience can prevent many newcomers from successfully integrating into the labour market. This programme is an excellent example of the federal government’s leadership role in helping immigrants enter the Canadian workforce,’ said Kenney.

‘We hope these new partnerships serve as a model for other private sector companies who are eager to tap into the strong talent pool of newcomers this program provides,’ he added.

Through the FIN Program, CIC will provide CGI and CIBC access to newcomers who have been screened for employment readiness to fill temporary and permanent positions in their companies.

‘As a global company, we recognize the richness that the diversity of professionals from the FIN program can bring to the company and our clients. CGI gives its professionals the freedom to innovate, to be entrepreneurial, to achieve their full potential and to chart their own career,’ said Alain Brisson, senior vice president, National Capital Region, CGI.

‘At CIBC our workforce needs to continue to mirror the diversity we see within our communities, and we want to recruit the best people,’ said Sharon Wingfelder, vice president, of Diversity and Resourcing.

‘CIBC is proud to partner with the Federal Internship for Newcomers Programme to help immigrants establish a strong new start,’ she added.

The announcement was made at the 2012 FIN graduation ceremony in Ottawa where more than 60 newcomers celebrated the end of their eight month internship with federal government organisations.

Since September 2010, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has provided work placements for more than 130 newcomers in 20 federal departments and agencies.

Ray Clancy

11 May 2012

http://www.expatforum.com/canada/new-temporary-work-opportunities-for-immigrants-in-canada.html

Categories: Canada Jobs, Immigrants - Tags: , , ,

The part-time revolution

Written by lisa on May 11, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Whiz kids, chief executives, even childless men — meet the surprising new breed of high-flyers abandoning the full-time grind

How would you feel if your boss called up today and asked whether you’d like Friday off? In fact, what if he or she offered you the opportunity to have every Friday off?

You would, of course, forgo a fifth of your salary (two fifths, if you fancy a duvet day on Thursdays too), but everything else about your working life would continue as normal. There would be no loss of status, your career progression would be unaffected — and you wouldn’t even have to have a baby to justify the shift in your work-life balance.

It’s a tantalizing prospect for those who can afford the financial hit. Not just the stuff of dreams for desk-bound entrepreneurs itching to find the time and headspace to set up their own business, but a practical solution for parents keen to spend extra hours with their family or just those who long to stop and smell the roses — whether in the garden or on the golf course.

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Categories: Part Time Jobs - Tags: ,

Amendments to the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act

Written by lisa on May 11, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney today announced that the Government is proposing amendments to Bill C-31, the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act.

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve listened to parliamentarians and witnesses,” said Minister Kenney. “We have always said that we were open to amendments that make Bill C-31 stronger and help us to fight human smuggling and to protect Canada’s immigration system. These amendments do just that, and make for a stronger bill.”

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Categories: Immigration Policies - Tags: ,

Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker occupation cap is filling up – Apply now!

Written by lisa on May 10, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker visa program is filling up quickly. Those looking to emigrate should consider the Federal Skilled Worker program. This skilled immigration program is for people in a range of different occupations.

If you have skills and experience in occupations listed on the Priority Occupation List under the Canadian skilled worker visa category you will not need sponsorship by an employer. However there are only 15 remaining occupations that you can come under without a job offer.

In order to be eligible for the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker program you must:

  • have a valid offer of arranged employment, or
  • have one year of continuous full-time paid work experience in at least one of the occupations listed on the Priority Occupation List, or
  • be an international student enrolled in a PhD program in Canada (or graduated from a Canadian PhD program within the past 12 months) and meet certain criteria.

Between 1 July 2011, and 30 June 2012, a maximum of 10,000 complete Federal Skilled Worker applications will be considered for processing. This means there is a cap of 500 Federal Skilled Worker applications per eligible occupation. As of 8 May 2012, the following occupations are still available for applications:

Occupation Number of visas remaining
Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture) 288
Physiotherapists 44
Medical Radiation Technologists 380
Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists 419
Psychologists 221
Chefs 219
Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades 246
Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System) 195
Industrial Electricians 155
Plumbers 400
Welders and Related Machine Operators 395
Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics 411
Crane Operators 478
Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction 480
Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service 288

Skilled workers who meet the visa program’s requirements which includes the requirement that you have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience within the last ten years can apply for a visa under the Federal Skilled Worker program. Applicants also need to pass the official language proficiency test in order to apply.

If you come under one of these occupations and gain enough points under the skilled worker visa category you should be able to emigrate to Canada. You can still apply under the Federal Skilled Worker visa even if your occupation is not on the list so long as your employer can prove that they cannot find a citizen or permanent resident in Canada to do the job.

However, if your occupation is listed on the Priority Occupation List, you are eligible for skilled migration to Canada without needing to have a job offer from a Canadian employer. In addition, processing times are quite quick; You may be able to gain entry to Canada within months of beginning the application process.

Once your application is submitted to Canadian Immigration and Citizenship, it will be processed according to the six selection factors in the skilled worker points grid, which are:

  • your education
  • your abilities in English and/or French
  • your work experience
  • your age
  • whether you have arranged employment in Canada, and
  • your adaptability

After 30 June 2012, it is not known which occupations will still be on the Priority Occupation list so if you are eligible for one of the previously mentioned occupations, you should apply for a visa as soon as possible.

8 May 2012

http://www.workpermit.com/news/2012-05-08/canada/canadas-federal-skilled-worker-occupation-cap-is-filling-up-apply-now.htm

Categories: Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker Visa - Tags: , ,

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