Archive for the ‘Canadian Immigration’ Category

Women now on top in the Canadian workplace

A recent labour survey has revealed uplifting news that the number of women in employment across Canada has overtaken the number of men.

This is great news on first reading with 7.1 million women in paid employment during the first six months of this year, versus 6.9 million men in the same period. The figures show women out-numbering men in both the “under 25 years” and the “25 years and older” categories.

But this is not quite the victory for equality that it appears.

The numbers actually show not that there are more women in the workforce, but there are less men in employment.  Employment for women is up by 0.6%, while employment for men has dropped by 1.7%  in the same amount of time.

Another concern is that women are on average paid less then men in the workplace. Women may be getting more work, but usually at a much lower rate.

So as Canada seeks to fill its Critical Skills List with the right migrants irrelevant of gender, it appears that skilled men are in demand more than ever before.

If you’ve decided to immigrate to Canada and are planning your move there are lots of things to remember when picking where in Canada you want to live.

For example, has the government provided funding to help immigrants settle in your chosen area?  Is the community you have been planning to live in friendly to immigrants?  Does your chosen city suffer from pollution?  For practical answers to these questions read our post about Canadian immigration tips.

Here we provide an inspiring visual aid showing the best of Canada.

Vancouver in HDR

Photo by Derren Stone.

Saskatchewan countryside

Photo by Space Ritual.

Calgary skyline
The cold gives the impression buildings are smoking. It is actually caused by warm air from inside buildings meeting with the cold and undergoing rapid condensation.

Photo by D Norman

Peyoto Lake in the Canadian Rockies
This photo was taken in 1970. You will find it looks identical today.

Photo by Ed Yourdon

Sunset in the Canadian Rockies
It’s hard to beat the tranquillity of the Rockies.

Photo by Savannah.

Montreal Skyline

Photo by Trodel.

How important do you think the appearance of a place is?

Jay Leno: Seeing the funny side of nationalism

US chat show host and comedian Jay Leno was a surprise supporter for any migrant wanting a move to North America yet worried they would have difficulty fitting in with and adapting to a new culture. It seems even North American nationals are ‘off song’ when it comes to knowing their home country’s national anthem:

In a national anthem survey, 79% of Americans know the first line of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’, but only 37% of Canadians know the first line to ‘Oh Canada’, which is really pathetic as the first line of ‘Oh Canada’ is ‘Oh Canada’.

[Source: BBC.co.uk]

Ramadam Mubarak from Global Visas

Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney has given a statement about Ramadan:

The holy month of Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month in which the Qur’an is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I wish a solemn and peaceful Ramadan to all Muslims.

It is a time of great reflection for Muslims as they are called upon to fast, worship, pray, and read the Qur’an. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is, in fact, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Such observance is intended to foster generosity and understanding, as Ramadan is also a month of giving, sharing, and socializing.

I encourage all Canadians to use this month as an opportunity to learn about Islam, and to reflect on the tremendous contributions that Muslims have made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.

As Prime Minister Harper has said, ‘Our government considers diversity one of this country’s greatest assets and we are committed to strengthening both our pluralism and our national unity.

He ended the statement with, “Ramadan Mubarak,” which literally means “Congratulations, it’s Ramadan”.

Move to Canada before all wildlife disappears!

Following on from the story that Australia was set to cull over half-a-million camels, Canada – a country that prides itself on its abundance of wildlife – is set for its own heinous ’slaughter’.

Canada will spend $75 million on encouraging farmers to stop breeding pigs. The move has been welcomed by hog farmers all over the country as the pig industry enters a economic crisis.

Meanwhile, concern shifts to the rather alarming news that over many millions of sockeye salmons have vanished from a river on the Canadian Pacific Coast. Climate change has been cited as a possible cause.

With all this creature culling and disappearances, it surely makes sense to get your Canada visa application in quick before all the wildlife goes for good!

Move to Canada and enjoy the Olympics

An essential aspect of the Olympics or any major sporting event are the people who visit the country from overseas, providing funds for the event and enriching the whole experience.

The Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are being held in Vancouver, Canada in 2010 and today the jersey that the Canadian teams will be wearing was unveiled.

Nike is the official sponsor of the event and has been named the high performance sporting goods manufacturer of the Games.  Nike designed a unique jersey incorporating national imagery with the help of Musqueam artist Debra Sparrow.

John Furlong, chief executive officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee said:   “This Vancouver 2010 jersey will become part of our nation’s history and it’s very exciting to see it come to life through partnership and the vision of Nike and a talented Musqueam artist.”

These jerseys will be worn exclusively in 2010 in the Olympic and Paralympic games by the men’s, women’s and sledge hockey teams representing Canada.

The jerseys are available today in Nike stores across Canada with a suggested retail price of $135.

Most people who to move to Canada settle in the cities. What does Canadian city life offer those who come from overseas to the country and what are the most popular cities?  Global Visas finds out.

Toronto is popular for Canada immigration

1.  Toronto, Ontario
(45% immigrant population)
Toronto holds the highest population of any city in Canada with 2.5 million residents or 5.5 million if you include the Greater Toronto Area.  Toronto is clean, relatively crime-free, diverse in its attitude towards immigrants, and has a high standard of living.  It is considered to be a ‘global city’ and a financial capital of the world.  All in all, Totonto is one of Canada’s top cities and a great choice if you’re looking to move to Canada.

2.  Vancouver, British Columbia
(37% immigrant population)
The city of Vancouver is the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada and home to an estimated 2.3 million people; 600,000 of whom live in the city of Vancouver.  52% of Vancouver residents have a first language not English.  Key attractions in this city of culture include the Vancouver Museum, Queen Elisabeth Park and Vancouver Art Gallery.

3.  Montreal, Quebec
(23% immigrant population)
Montreal is the largest city in the province Quebec with a population of 1.6 million.  It is also the worlds second largest French-speaking city after Paris,  with 70% of Montreal inhabitants speaking French at home.  Key attractions include the architecture of Montreal, which  displays an interesting history or , for sports fans, why not catch an ice hockey game. 

4.  Hamilton, Ontario
(23% immigrant population)
The city of Hamilton is equal to Montreal in terms of its percentage of immigrant population. The city is over half a million strong.  Residents of Hamilton are known as Hameltonians.  Key attractions for the city include the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and the Bruce Trail, a beautiful hiking trail with numerous waterfalls.

5.  Calgary, Alberta
(20% immigrant population)
Calgary is the third most diverse city in Canada after Toronto and Vancouver in terms of visible ethnic minorities.  With a population of one million, Calgary is known for its winter sports and eco-tourism.  Calgary is aslo famous for its many cultural offerings, including a variety of arts festivals.

As you can see, Canadian city life has much to offer for everyone. So why not start to consider a move to Canada today?

Jason Kenney to be next Canadian PM?

A few weeks as headline immigration news, it seems, has made the man.

Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship minister, Jason Kenney is now being hotly tipped as a leading contender to run for leadership of the Tory party

With current PM and party head, Stephen Harper due to step down in the future, the East Ottowa Star website referred to the 41-year old Kenney as a “dark horse” in the race to take over as leader of the Tories.

Last week, Raphael Alexander of the National Post in his blog was also singing Kenney’s praises. And he’s not the only one. There is growing support in the Tory party for the hard working, hard line politician.

His tough stance on immigration and his mettle in standing by his decisions, such as imposing visa restrications on Mexico and Czech Republic, have won him many admirers.

Is Jason Kenney Canada’s star-man of immigration policy and a rising star as the country’s next leader?

Canadian immigration offers free English classes

Learning English is a vital skill if you aspire to relocate and work in Canada.  Even basic jobs in Canada require employees have a good level of English. 

Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney says that learning English is:

 “A critical pathway to success in Canada”.

That’s why $9.5 million was recently invested into Canadian immigration to offer free English language courses for immigrants.  The free English courses for immigrants are available under a program called English Language Services for Adults.

Kenney told reporters at the Calgary Immigrant Educational Society:  “Integration is a two way street.  Newcomers have a right to be different, but a duty to integrate. They also have to take the initiative.”

Learning English privately in a western county is usually is very expensive because it takes months to begin to get a reasonable grip of the language.  Prices often range from hundreds to $1500 per month, so deciding where to learn or improve your English is an important decision to make before moving.

The irony is that people who have no knowledge of English won’t be able to read this anyway, but for those of you that can and want to improve your English – I hope it has been useful!

Join the latest Global Visas 'hot' debate

With strikes set to take place across Britain by UK immigration officials, travellers are looking at a holiday season that may descend into farce.  Are British Border bureaucrats the bugbear of travellers and UK visa seekers worldwide or do worse exist?

Who are the ultimate global offenders of immigration regulations gone mad?

Tell us your nightmare stories and join the debate to discover which country has the worst immigration staff.