Whats New in Canada-Update on CA

[mayankpandya]

Canadians living abroad don’t want to return back

Canada, 23rd May: Many Canadians have been moving out of Canada for other nations and have been making very few visits to this nation in the past several years.

The number of Canadians leaving the nation for staying abroad has been going up, the immigration figures obtained by OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) nations reveal.

Large number of Non-resident Canadians living abroad—A large number of non-resident Canadians are living in foreign nations. These include the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Greece and the Netherlands.

According to latest OECD data, the US has around 80 percent of Canadians with non-resident status living there. And the UK follows in being home to around 70,000 Canadians.

Nations like Australia, Italy, Greece and France have around 30,000, 10,000, 10,000 and 20,000 Canadians respectively while the number of non-resident Canadians residing in New Zealand and the Netherlands is stated to be 7,500 each.

What drives majority of Canadians to other nations—So, the issue before hand is to know what is, or, let us say, are the reasons driving Canadians in big numbers to other nations. It has been found that some of the reasons behind exodus of Canadians to other nations include better employment opportunities, better quality of living, adventure or similar factors.

And another major factor that plays a vital role in sending many Canadians to other neighboring nations includes extreme cold weather.

Cold weather extremities pose a great hindrance to older Canadians. So, they make a decision of moving abroad.

High percentage of Canadians with professional degrees living in US--Canada’s neighbor, America is the favored destination for Canadians with majority of Canadians choosing California followed by Los Angeles for living. Nearly half of Canadians living in the US possess university education while the number of Canadians having university degrees and choosing to stay in Canada is stated to be just 20 percent.

This has been revealed by a latest report from the Action Canada Task Force on Expatriate Engagement released in February 2011. In America, the percentage of Canadians possessing professional degrees including a doctoral degree is said to be much higher than that in Canada, the report maintains.

 

[fariza]

Canadians living abroad don't want to return back

Thats quite interesting news!! I thought the other way round!!

 

[canadaforall]

Thats quite interesting news!! I thought the other way round!!

Yes Fariza, it is very interesting. Yes, when i was in China, i was teaching with a couple of Canadians and they are still there as i am speaking right now. When i questioned them , why they do not like living in Canada, they told me it is not easy to find job and even if you find one, it is easy to be fired at anytime.

So that is the situation.

That is how the world is, they are moving out and we are fighting to move into Canada.

 

[mayankpandya]

Immigrants in Canada are a good bet

Canada, 31st May: The latest buzz is that immigrants in Canada are good for the nation.

This means that the findings of the study by Fraser Institute revealing exorbitantly higher newcomer costs seem to look at just one aspect of this phenomenon.

The Fraser Institute had revealed that Canada is facing a whopping $23.6 billion annually for supporting immigrants here.

Fraser Study looked at one aspect of Canada immigration--The Fraser study was undertaken by researchers Patrick Grady and Herb Grubel who had asserted imposing restrictions on Canada immigration considering the fact that immigrants had received average benefits of $6,051 higher than the taxes paid by them.

However, the study findings are now being considered as without having sound base due to the narrowness of the figures.

Both the researchers involved in the study, who are themselves immigrants in Canada, had used data from the 2006 census for asserting cuts in Canada immigration.

Canada must focus on increasing immigration levels--According to a former Director of Federal Provincial Relations, Immigration Canada, Robert Vineberg. He states that the immigration level in Canada should be increased annually by 100,000 to match the required targets of population.

Currently, a research fellow with Canada West Foundation, he wants Canada to increase the immigration intake by 1 percent each year.

While reacting to the recent Fraser Institute study findings which had called on cutting immigration numbers in Canada, Vineberg stated that the average earnings of immigrants living in Canada for a period extending 15 years was quite higher than the Canada-born people taking into consideration the data before 2006 census.

So, what Vineberg seems to suggest is that rather than being highly costly for Canada, immigrants are, in fact, big net contributors to the federal revenues if the whole working life of these immigrants in Canada is taken into consideration.

Vineberg concludes by saying that the figures used by Fraser Institute could result in opposed results adding that the research fails to address the issue as a whole. The principle of such research is faulty, asserts Vineberg since it took into consideration just one small aspect of immigration while ignoring the bigger picture all together.

 

[mayankpandya]

Canada government to help immigrant caregivers sue former employers

Canada, 1st June: Canada government feels committed to help immigrants working as caregivers in Canada get wages from their employers.

And the government has reiterated to assist newcomers employed as child-care workers sue their former employers for wrongful dismissal as well as unpaid wages.

Two immigrant caregivers to sue for unclaimed wages--Two immigrants working as caregivers in Ontario are asking for $350,000 from their ex-employers for unpaid wages and wrong dismissal from their jobs.

These child-care workers, namely Vivian de Jesus and Lilliane Namukasa are also asking other child-care workers in Canada join them for having a legislation to offer protection with regard to work conditions in Canada.

Namukasa had come to Canada from Uganda for working as a caregiver. However, she alleges that her former employer had dismissed her from the job without any reason about one year ago.

She was working as a live-in nanny in Brampton for two small kids. She was joined by another immigrant caregiver Vivian de Jesus.

Immigrant nanny-caregivers dismissed from job without any reason--Namukasa had worked as full-time nanny for two years. However, she got only $2,100 from her employer and was fired from her job without any reason.

As per the employment contract, Namukasa was to get $22,000 every year before deduction for taxes and room and board charges worth $2,860.

As a result, she claims in a Ontario Superior Court that she had no option but to seek entry in a homeless shelter. Namukasa is seeking $162,000 from her former Canadian employer for unpaid wages, vacation pay, statutory holiday pay and breach of contract.

In addition, she is also asking for $33,000 for dismissing her without any reason.

Workers Action Center highlights the plight of immigrant workers in Canada—Namukasa is not alone in her agony. In fact, she represents apathy of several immigrant workers who are vulnerable at the hands of their employers and are victims of wage theft in Ontario, states a non-profit organization of workers named ‘The Workers’ Action Center.

Speaking at a recent news conference organized by the center, the coordinator of the center, Deena Ladd has asked for immediate improvisations in the Employment Standards Act.

These include increasing the upper cap on recoverable amount under the act from $10,000 to $25,000 along with increasing time limit for complaints with regard to wages and other allowances to 3.5 years for live-in nanny caregivers in Canada.

 

[mayankpandya]

New tool by Canada construction sector for recruiting immigrant workers

Canada, 1st June: A new endeavor has been launched by Canada Construction Sector Council for recruiting foreign workers in Canada.

The new resource will prove to be of significant help for bringing the aspiring immigrants wanting to work in Canada construction sector and the employers in Canada construction industry.

New source to provide information about labor market in Canada--According to executive director of Canada’s Construction Sector Council (CSC), George Gritziotis, the new toll will provide vital information with regard to the current and future labor market conditions in Canada. It will help in growth of jobs in Canada. Gritziotis added.

Platform for immigrant workers and employers in Canada construction sector-- Aptly named the Construction Employer’s Roadmap, the new effort is aimed to assist Canada employers and all those in federal HR (human resources) programs check foreign credentials of immigrant workers for enabling them realize their full potential in Canada construction sector.

It will prove to be a good platform for potential job seekers and employers in Canada construction industry since it will help connect temporary foreign workers to fulfill the demand in the industry, Gritziotis added.

Demand in Canada construction industry to grow in future—Due to a slow but sustained growth in the Canada construction sector and 25 percent of construction workers set to retire in the next decade, the growth of workers in Canada construction is set to increase, pointed Gritziotis citing latest reports.

Hiring and retaining required number of workforce in construction sector of Canada could be a challenge despite the fact that Canada has an increasing number of skilled immigrants to replace those nearing the retirement age, he asserted.

New guide helpful for employers—The new guide, Construction Employer’s Roadmap, imparts crucial information regarding the significance of immigration advisors and employment agencies. In addition, it also provides knowledge about different immigration schemes of Canada available for foreigners wanting to work in Canada, temporary residents of Canada and Canada permanent residents.

It gives much needed knowledge regarding assessment of work-experience in other nations, making offers of jobs, development of orientation schemes and retaining workforce.

The new tool has been provided funding by Canada immigration department-CIC(Citizenship and Immigration Canada). Canada immigration minister Jason Kenney expressed pride of the government in supporting the efforts of Canada’s Construction Sector Council while admitting the importance of immigration in supporting the required workforce in Canada

 

[bijupv007]

Hi mayank pandya

Buddy ur doing a great job

Thanks for all info

Biju

 

[mayankpandya]

Thanks biju keep read it. Regards Mayank

Hi mayank pandya

Buddy ur doing a great job

Thanks for all info

Biju

 

[Ananth B]

When new Immigration rules will implemented ???

 

[mayankpandya]

Hi Ananth,

Wait till July 1st 2011.

Regards,
Mayank

When new Immigration rules will implemented ???

 

[Ananth B]

Thanks mayank

 

[mayankpandya]

Canada funds new immigrant initiative programs

Canada, 2nd June: Canada government is providing funding for several immigrant initiative programs to help newcomers and youth get settled in Canada successfully.

Funding for several Canada immigrant initiative programs--Among the immigrant training programs to receive federal funding aimed for helping newcomers includes Bridge Training Program.

This immigrant initiative will get a funding of $22 million and will assist immigrants with foreign education get jobs in their respective chosen fields of profession.

Canada Bridge Training Program--Bridge Training Program has been provided funding jointly by Canada government and Ontario. It will help new immigrants in Canada get Canadian license in either a regulated job or the training needed for getting work in other professions.

Speaking about the new immigrant training program, Canada immigration minister Jason Kenney stated during a recent press release that it will provide assistance to skilled newcomers in Ontario not only enter into Canada’s labor market but even become integrated successfully.

While applauding the vital role of such immigrant programs in Canada, Kenney said that engaging Canadian employers in this process is essential for success of such immigrant schemes and that’s exactly what this program aims for.

$2.1 million funds for another immigrant mentoring program—A total of $2.1 million provincial funding will be extended for increasing community involvement and for mentoring youth.

Titled ‘The Youth Opportunities Program’, this immigrant program will is a community-based scheme aimed to help 23 communities throughout the province of Ontario. As many as 61 Ontario organizations will be covered for under this mentor youth program.

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Eric Hoskins, was all praises for the passion and the commitment of the youth.

He said that youth have a great role in making a vital difference to the Canadian economy. Hoskins said that the significant contributions of youth are a proof for bringing desired changes in betterment of the communities.

They have the power to change the world and provide Ontarians with a brighter future ahead, asserted Hoskins. One common thing about all such immigrant training and mentoring initiatives in Canada is to provide a terrific head start to newcomers in Canada and enable their successful integration into Canada.

 

[AspirantCanada]

Canadians living abroad don't want to return back

Thats true, I'm working with many Canadian Citizen (non-residents) here who do not want to go back. The primary reason is Killing Income Tax (35 to 40%) .. Most of them want to spend their youth life outside earning money and enjoying.. then go back when 50+ to enjoy the laid back life

In fact one in three immigrants come out of Canada after getting citizenship.

Anyways for all of us .. Canada is best option as of now .. lets get there first and settle before coming to that stage

Cheers,

 

[mayankpandya]

Biometric scanning for immigrants coming: ministry

Federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney's office has confirmed Canada will soon roll out biometric scanning for travellers seeking visas to Canada, but it won't say which country will be first.

On Friday, the Toronto Star reported the federal government is planning to roll out the first phase of the $200-million electronic fingerprinting program in India because of ongoing concerns about widespread immigration fraud on applications from that country.

But spokeswoman Celyeste Power said the story isn't true and there has been no decision yet on which countries are going to get the biometrics.

"There hasn't actually been a decision yet on which countries are going to be involved in biometrics," she said. "There are countries in discussion right now ... No one's being leaned towards."

Power wouldn't say which countries are being considered for the program, but said the ministry expects to make a decision in early fall, or sometime in 2012.

Move to biometrics launched in 2008

Biometric technology uses the measurement of key attributes of either the face, fingerprints or retinas to create digital identification records, but the ministry has not yet confirmed which method it will use.

The government announced in 2008 it was moving to biometrics, which is considered more reliable than the use of subjective photo identification by immigration agents, because of the digital measurements that can be read into computers using scanning technology.

In the 2008 budget, the government said, “Border security remains a priority for Canadians. Criminals are increasingly more sophisticated and well funded, including those who engage in document fraud to illegally move people or goods across borders," according the immigration ministry's website.

"Further to biometric field trials in Canada that were successfully completed in 2007, the government will introduce the use of biometric data, such as fingerprints and live photographs, in its visa-issuing process to accurately verify identity and travel documents of foreign nationals who enter Canada," says the website.

 

[L7]

Visa from India? Show us your fingerprint

Published On Fri Jun 03 2011


By Rick Westhead
South Asia Bureau

NEW DELHI—Canada appears to be heading for another diplomatic dust-up with India.

As part of an update of Canada's immigration safeguards, the federal government is planning to begin demanding that Indian citizens applying to travel to Canada provide their fingerprints, a requirement that visitors from other countries, such as Mexico and China, are not going to face immediately.

Canada has been eager for several years to introduce biometrics to its border controls. The technology has already been employed for years by other Western countries to battle immigration fraud.

Currently, Canadian border agents rely on photo identification to decide if the person standing in front of them matches their passport.

Biometrics cuts out that subjectivity, using digital measurements of a person's fingerprints, face, and retinas that can be stored on computer chips and machine-readable strips.

Data can be checked at border entry points, where travelers are asked to put their fingers on scanners. The systems are said to be so sensitive that they can distinguish between identical twins.

Ottawa has decided on fingerprint technology instead of facial recognition software, and according to people familiar with the matter, India is a favoured candidate to be one of the first countries for the rollout of the $200 million program.

That amount is not enough to introduce biometrics in every Canadian overseas mission, so immigration officials are now trying to decide which countries should be first.

Security hotspots like Pakistan and Yemen are at the top of the list, but there was room for one large-volume nation as well, according to sources, and India is the recommended choice over China.

The decision could damage relations between Canada and India, which have only recently begun to improve.

Last year, Canada was flayed on the front pages of India's leading newspapers after visa officers at the Canadian High Commission refused applications from several current and retired Indian military officers because of their involvement with the paramilitary Border Security Force, which was formed following India's 1965 war with Pakistan and still patrols areas in Kashmir and near the Bangladesh border. Canadian diplomats wrote in refusal letters that the BSF is a “notoriously violent unit” that engages in “systematic torture.”

The Canadian government acted fast to defuse the scandal — even though some of the military officers interviewed as part of their visa application had admitted to taking part in torture.

Joseph Caron, who has served as head of Canada's mission to both India and China, agreed that introducing biometrics in India before China would be sensitive, but said the Indian government could be convinced the decision was good news.

“Having this technology means having better, more reliable records,” Caron said.

While some officials at Citizenship and Immigration Canada favour adding India to the biometrics rollout, no firm decisions on a final roster have taken place, said one person familiar with the matter.

A spokesperson for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Kelli Fraser, said the government was committing $174 million over five years to introduce the biometrics program, starting in 2013.

Fraser wouldn't address the political sensitivities of including India and excluding regional rival China in the roll-out.

“The list of countries is still under consideration at this time and there is no set list at this time,” Fraser wrote in an email to the Star.

It's still possible the biometric requirements could be introduced simultaneously to both countries. High-ranking officials with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade are said to be lobbying against including India in the initial rollout.

“Any policy that lumps India in with troubled countries is bad optics,” says Rana Sarkar, president of the Canada-India Business Council.

India has been a trouble spot for visa fraud in the past.

Two years ago, Jet Airways, the country's largest private carrier, came close to losing its landing privileges in Canada after Canada Border Service Agency agents discovered dozens of the airline's passengers arriving at Pearson International Airport with fake travel documents.

In most cases, a person with an extensive international travel history applied for and received a legitimate Canadian visa. The photo page of their Indian passport was then replaced with a doctored one and used by a different person.

Biometrics would make that kind of fraud far more difficult. It would also help to identify foreign nationals who have a criminal record or are on government watch lists.

There would be at least some disadvantages to introducing biometrics.

Currently, Indian business executives who travel to the United States or the United Kingdom must book an appointment to have their fingerprints scanned. Those traveling to Canada haven't faced that requirement, perhaps making Canada a more favourable destination.

There are also questions over how Indians living abroad would be treated. If Indian citizens in Canada were forced to provide biometrics but those in the U.K. weren't, that would invite further criticism.

In 2006, Citizenship and Immigration Canada spent $3.5 million on a biometrics field trial at its offices in Hong Kong and Seattle, as well as the refugee-processing centre in Etobicoke.

During the six-month trial, 14,285 visa applicants provided fingerprints and high-resolution photos, and verification was accurate in 96 per cent of cases. The sole case of identity fraud in the trial involved a person claiming refugee protection at the Refugee Intake Centre in Toronto, the CIC said on its Website.

It's possible outrage in India over Canadian proposal might be tempered by the Indian government's own program that's using biometrics to assemble a database covering all of the country's 1.2 billion citizens.

“I think the sensitivity towards biometrics might have fallen off a bit because of that,” Sarkar says.