Help is here
January 11, 2009I have previously written about what I perceive to be the missing link in Canadian immigration. My grandfather's story illustrates it best. When he arrived in Canada many years ago, my grandfather had nothing but the name of a man in Montreal who once lived in his town. My grandfather was eternally grateful when, after tracking the man down, he was given a small space to fix shoes in the corner of the man's store. This social support, given through a random act of kindness, enabled my grandfather to begin a new life in Canada. This is the link not common enough in the fast-paced reality of Canada today. The notion has kept coming back to me, that there must be some way to facilitate connections like the one that helped my grandfather to successfully settle in Canada.
The internet began as a source of information. Now it's a source of empowerment, a life-management tool whereby knowledge and information can be shared within a community. The internet is a perfect venue to share our Canadian immigration, settlement, and life experiences. It is a place to make connections with people in Canada and around the world who share the same dream of building a stronger Canada together.
I am happy to announce here a new initiative that I am very excited about, called LoonLounge.com. LoonLounge is a new online community for Canadian immigration, settlement and life in Canada. The idea behind LoonLounge is to allow people thinking about coming to Canada, people in the process of immigrating to Canada and people living in Canada to connect, share information, learn from each other and support each other. A family moving to Calgary might ask others who have settled there how to find a place to live. A nurse moving to Toronto could connect with other nurses in the city to help begin the adjustment before even setting foot in Canada. It's about sharing information but also about sharing experience and support.
How does it work? Well, there are a number of ways to interact on LoonLounge including forums, blogs, live chat and personal messaging. You'll find resources and information related to the immigration and settlement process, as well as expert members who can answer your questions along the way. Members join communities that they identify with based on their home country, occupation and destination in Canada. Community membership enables members to connect and build social and professional relationships that will benefit to them in Canada. Newcomers have the chance to make friends and contact potential employers before they arrive, and Canadians have a chance to meet their future neighbours, and build business contacts with potential clients or employees. But don't take it from me, take a look yourself.
Immigrants are a crucial part of Canada today and in our future. I believe that LoonLounge.com can provide the missing link for those newcomers to begin a strong and successful life in Canada, while enabling more established Canadians the opportunity to join in the building of their nation by connecting with newcomers. The LoonLounge community facilitates a progressive step forward in the immigration process that will build a stronger Canada.
Become a member of LoonLounge.com
12 Comments:
This a great idea for sure. As an immigrant who came about 5 years ago (in December)i agree. When we came we thought we would be in a position to get the jobs not so different from what we had at home but it was not so right. Its a long frustrating road, and not good for anyone's health especially that we come with families. Its the stress we pass on to our kids as soon as we arrive so its a great idea to have the necessary info from the community before you arrive.
Thanks for looking into that aspect.
Mrs Mulenga - Ottawa
ok thank you very much for sharing with you the valuable information abouy immegration to canada i hope you will keep on moving the free line in thisa regards.
best regards
mahmoud suleiman
Thank you for this informative link. While this link may be useful to the people who has already migareted to Candada, it might not help those who are seeking an immigration to Canada. Seeing the recent amendment of the Canadian law, i must say it was based enacted on economic factor, butt not a humanitarian one. In my own view, the new amendment should re-consider the skilled workers list and give the opportunity to those who are seeking an immigration to become an effective part in the Canadian community and contribute to its growth and not to be a burden on it. best regards
The Canadian immigration law is so screwed up. I have applied for my wife to get to Canada to Canada 2 1/2 years ago and now the buraeucrats tell me to wait another 16 months which is absolutely insane and not human.
Given the global economic downturn and unemployment and with ncreasing cost of living abroad, how advisable is for an average citizen (from law or middle income country) to emmigrate? Why not discuss those problems and issues here?
Hi the concern,
The things should be very logical based on law and job situation. Because the peoples will be coming for finding good future, they should not suffer for any reason. But they are wiilling to share whatever the laws are but not beyond humanitarian and painful problems. Hopes the things should be looked care who are responsible and concern. Thanks. Hoque
yes the immigrationlaw is screwed up,we are here already 4 years and still waiting for pr,and we are in a pnp...,but the lawyer of the previous employer messed it up,so we have thrown 18 months away,but at least i have my wife and children over here,it's really sad to hear that story,yes humanity is far away in the system...
your Processing is good, but im not aggree with the I..E.l.T.S , policy requirment .
Maclean's and Canadian Business magazines recently launched a series of online debates, called "Thinking the Unthinkables." The first installment features Maclean's national editor Andrew Coyne and former head of Canadian Immigration Services James Bissett debating this statement: Should Canada adopt a more wide-open immigration policy, or should we be more focused on targeted immigration based on Canada's market needs. You can view the debates here:
http://microsoft.rogersconsumerpublishing.com/macleans/
http://microsoft.rogersconsumerpublishing.com/canadianbusiness/
Hello all,
Me and my wife are planning to apply to go to Canada. As most of the people, we are trying to built a good future for our future family, find a peaceful place and so on, so if somebody could tell me how true that big dream could be? I'll appreciate it in advance.
BTW this blog is a great idea.
Ricardo.
I applied to come to Canada as a qualified specialist (a counselling psychologist) through a immigration lawyer.He had my application processed and i recieved a letter from the local canadian consulate that I have to waitt a minimum of 36 months before my immigration file will even be opened. I consult my expert every 2 - 3 months and nothing really to hope or look forward to. The authorities CIC keep changing rules and regulations to suit the political establishment in power and for me age is catching up. i am already 46 and it looks completely hopeless despite my qualifications, work experience and eligibilty. Amazing how refugees, asylum speakers and even exotic dancers from all over the globe can get in faster then me. I do not know whom to believe or not. I understand that too many qualified and eligible people want to come and make a better life for themselves and more than those there are those who abuse the system and get in using all kinds of false and unethical grounds. The competition is cutthroat and the immigration officers are overwhelmed with the number of applications week in week out. Perhaps something will improve this year with the changes in North america or it will get even harder with the current worldwide recession and downturn.
I guess that by writing here I will get some perspective, views, analysis from other potential applicants and would be immigrants on the future.
got to hear a lot of negetive reports on this immigration system issue.some positive initiatives is essential.a detailed discussion of our expectations on such initiatives would be a good feedback
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