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| Subject: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon |
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You asked; Do you have a link to that government report you are talking about? (
I looked for a few minutes and found these: (all with the links/sources)
1. Keynote Remarks from HRSDC
Corinne Prince-St-Amand
Director General, Foreign Workers and Immigrants, Workplace Skills Branch, HRSDC (www.triec.ca/docs/May31_IS_CorinnePrince-St-Amand.doc)
-Despite higher education levels, the unemployment rate of recent immigrants (12.1%) is nearly twice that of the Canadian-born population (6.4%); and
Canada currently loses approximately 30% of its new arrivals within the first year, because these highly skilled individuals are unable to integrate into the Canadian economy, communities and work place.
One in six young, highly educated male immigrants leaves Canada within a year due to the job market, a 2006 Statistics Canada study shows.
(http://www.cfc-fcc.ca/socialjustice/pdf/Canada-not-welcoming-to-immigrants-Globe-story.pdf#search=%22Statistics%20Canada%2C%20Immigrants%20into%20the%20workforce%22)
Statistics Canada recently reported that immigrants to Vancouver find it harder to get jobs than anywhere else in Canada. The employment rate for immigrants in Vancouver is 61 per cent and only 44 per cent are in jobs for which they´ve trained.
(http://www.rbc.com/newsroom/20060510speech.html)
- Yesterday I read one of your previous postings, claiming BC has 0% technical unemployment rate or so If I?m not mistaken? The above evidence clearly tells the opposite. I witnessed the job market in Toronto on my own eyes, can?t imagine what could be worse.
A study by Statistics Canada found that 70 per cent of immigrants settling in 2000 and 2001 had trouble entering the workforce.
(http://www.cerc.ca/PDFs/Article_Cdn_HR_May05.pdf#search=%22Statistics%20Canada%2C%20Immigrants%20into%20the%20workforce%22)
Many related compeling statistcis from Stat Canada can be found here:
http://www.canadaimmigrants.com
Also, above all, in the famous W-5 TV show, Ontario Img. Minister very harshly criticized the federal point system and clearly stated that ON doesn´t have any need for the professionals. Joe Volpe, then then Fed. minister even couldn´t answer any question and talked like a stupid irresponsible man. The entire TV show is posted on the website whose name is not allowed here! I don´t count the entire program, Interviewing few loser immigrants mathmetically may not prove anything solid, but at least rely on the minister´s version.
All prospective immigrants must study these sorts of reports prior taking final decision which I didn´t do and thus had to pay for it. I´m not saying do not come, but, must watch your step very very carefully.
Thanks for Your Time.
Shah
[28-09-2006,13:08]
[***.254.208.242]
Shah |
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(in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
What I keep reading over and over again in this forum and others is how new immigrants are surprised to find that it is helpful to have contacts when looking for (professional) work, and that they have to be fluent in the language(s) of the country they´ve decided to call home. I guess I don´t know of any country where these things aren´t true. I couldn´t walk into an office building in Germany or Denmark or Mongolia and expect to get hired off the street. Should they take pity on me because I´m an American, or should I do my research first? Maybe my perspective is skewed because it is so similar in the US (from my experience, and really from the experience of everyone I know); perhaps in your part of the world it really is possible to get a mid-high level position without knowing a soul in the company and fresh off the street. At least you know now that just doesn´t tend to be the case in North America. Just my two cents in this never ending complaint...
[28-09-2006,14:15]
[**.24.116.116]
wannabecanadian |
Not Surprised (in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
To Shah:
This forum typically either discredits, denies or deletes most critical comments about the lack of jobs and discrimination in the workforce in Canada.
I believe you though, because in BC it is the same: Employers don´t want to interview anyone not born, raised and educated in Canada, and they prefer white people in professional jobs. Are there exceptions, yes, but very few, and goodness knows it is rought for them too.
But what do we expect from a forum run and dominated by immigration lawyers and their staff?
If you even mention certain web site URLs that have "the other side" of the story, their system automatically deletes what you wrote instantly.
There have been so many articles on this lack of opportunities for immigrants, in Canada´s best known newspapers, that it is amazing anyone could deny the reality.
Why is it that in our experience and that of several other Americans who came to Canada and have written their experiences on this forum, that none of them had any good luck getting employment in Canada even though all were authorized to work?
We are back in the USA only 6 weeks or so and my spouse already has a contract signed with a very well known non profit corporation. Several other interviews as well.
In Canada, years can go by and the newbie is without work, even without an interview.
It´s crimincal how they let people in, and let lawyers lie about the employment situation in Canada.
[28-09-2006,14:37]
[**.79.167.219]
notsurprised |
(in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
exactly, guys, worst comes with the worst, start from scratch...
To start from scratch is to start from nothing except knowledge and ambition.
this is same as any countries in the world..
maybe you guys should go to watch The Shawshank Redemption !!!! hopefully you can learn something.
[28-09-2006,14:39]
[**.87.23.247]
Departure Bay |
(in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
Hi wannabe,
I agree with you, this topic has been re-visited so many times on this forum, but it still goes on... and on.... LOL.
In any of our home countries.... you are right, its very hard to get a mid level position without local contacts, but there is a very small difference, none of the home countries on your mind (Mongolia ?) is expecting you to enter the country as skilled labor, what are you trying to point out here ? Duh ? FYI, you are not thinking abt the "skilled" part of the application process. Why does the point system require you to be a Engineer or have a 4 year degree ? I think its crap, if you don´t have the job openings for that group, don´t demand a degree.
Ok, in the US.... there is a fantastic skilled labor program (H1B to green card, I know it takes forever to get there, but you are not sweeping floors, or driving taxi´s till you get there) that targets skilled labor, if you are talking abt all other categories of immigration, I don´t care if they are not able to find jobs. I have friends who went to Oz and NZ, who were able to find jobs in their fields within 2-3 months, of course some take maybe an year, but there are more opportunities out there that justifies their education and experience compared to what happens in Canada. Its simple, Canada lacks jobs, if it had the jobs, I bet you this forum would be dead by now.
And if Canada is plan B to many who apply for PR, Canada should be grateful to the USA, if not for USA, it would not even be any plan X for a majority of skilled immigrants coming from outside of North America.
Lot of you get angry and say "If thats the case, stay put, don´t come to Canada, stay where you are.... and the like"....
I feel that is the best advice that you will be giving to the skilled immigrants, whose skills are worth toilet paper in Canada.
[28-09-2006,14:39]
[***.242.242.2]
Raj |
Good Luck (in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
Dear Wannabecanadian, from your name it smmes like you are a prospective immigrant, good luck with your endeavour. I immigrated Canada from the USA 6 years ago with US masters in engineering with some years of working experience. Before doing that, I also heard many horror stories and didn´t simply believe as USA/Canada seems very much similar. I was attracted towards Canada because of easy immigration and better social care.
I also strongly believe that when you immigrate into another country, you have to pass a lot of hurdle. But there is a limit. When after immigrating I didn´t even get any interview calls, I start to thinking that I need a Canadian degree. I went to the best engineering school of Canada, U of T. After graduating? The same thing. Then I moved back to the USA very easily. USA and Canada has the same culture, same language. In one place, where I´m a proud citizen I was just a garbage and in another place where I´m no one, just an allien, became a valuable resource. Yes, I may pass many more months in Canada keep trying, but, life is a one time event. Most of my course mates who didn´t pursue for the USA still unemployed after 18 months or doing labor jobs. I would prefer to buy a lotto ticket and try my luck instead.
Anyway, I´m not discouraging you, just giving some facts, decision is absolutely yours. Who know you may be one of the lucky ones? I´m totally disappointed with Canada, but still say it is avery good country to settle, BUT if you only can manage a job, which is like a noble award winning mission.
[28-09-2006,15:28]
[***.254.208.242]
Shah |
Departure Bay, Raj (in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
I actually started the thread just to provide Sharon facts about it because she asked for it.
Departure Guy, I don´t have to start anymore, I´m now continuing in a one of the top companies of the world in my field, so no need or can´t afford to see Canadian nightmare anymore. Yes, it can happen in any countries, specially when you go to a country with foreign credentials. Canada is just special that armed with local high class degree, the situation remains the same. I hope your learning is enough by now.
Raj, the day Canada will continue this hypocratic professional Immigration system, the debate will continue, though it is really not a debate. Established beyond any doubt. If they need professionals, then why don´t they adopt something like the US H-1 visa, where only after getting job you can enter? it would bring both the immigrants and Govt. at the same platform, no one can blame. If there are so many oppurtunities, then what´s wrong with it? But it will never happen in Canada, as Canada is more interested the money immigrants bringing, not the immigrants at all. This entire process is cleverly designed to give some saline to the sick Canadian economy, and increase the no. of consumers for the industrialists at the same time having cheap labor.
[28-09-2006,16:05]
[***.254.208.242]
Shah |
(in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
I think Shah´s case is an extreme one. I applied to a Canadian University after I finished my B.S. in my home counrty, came to Canada, got my master´s degree.
and within 3 months of graduation got a job. I didn´t graduate from the top university in Canada. All of my fellow grad students also got a good job, some even before
graduation. I admit I didn´t apply for jobs untill I had
a Canadian degree. And my English is excellent, so that
didnt pose a problem for me.
But I think you guys should have a great
chance of getting a job once u upgrade ur degree in Canada.
Spending 2 or 3 years to upgrade your degree is worth it in the end.
Maybe your are looking in the wrong place for jobs. Right now, Calgary is the fastest growing city in Canada, its
economy is booming, and in general the oil in Alberta
makes it the richest province and the best place to look
for work.
Restaurant owners have a problem here cos they can´t find employees. You know that places like Tim Horton´s are actually paying 25 per hour jsut so they can stay open.
Calgary needs people, the only thing wrong with it it the
housing market is really high now,
Just about 1.5 years ago, the average house price was about 200-250, now it is 400 thousand!!
But I just thought people should look for jobs in Calgary.
And the key thing is getting your first job, once u get
it should be easy to find other jobs in the future..
There may be more jobs and more money in the US,
but there are also more crimes, more problems, more racism,
and in general Americans are not well liked in the world, due to the US policy.
[28-09-2006,16:27]
[***.150.123.187]
dontgetu |
For Dontgetu (in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
Dear friend, My case is not extreme or exceptional. Just 3/4 months ago another of my ex-class mate movded to Ohio at last. Many others are roaming in the streets with U of T/Ryerson degrees in hands.
Good to know that Tim Horton´s are paying $25/hr! Well, if that is the case, I´ll return to Canada! You should mention it anybody who are pessimist like me:). My friend, now a days, it doesn´t need to physically present for job hunting. I got several offers in USA sitting in Toronto. Tried my best also in anywhere Canada, even used relatives Alberta or BC addresses in the resume.
Which country is better or best, totally your own choice, nothing absolute. If I were a high school dropout and wish to be like that for ever, then I would like Canada better. US has more crime by stat, but if you look, those crimes are concentrated in some areas. I stayed in 3 different places and pretty sure those places are much safer than Toronto at least; I can move to virtually any state with plenty of Jobs. More Racism? Can´t help but laughing. I´m not saying, that Canandians are racist. Most of them are nice, but they are open to the immigrants upto the border crossing, then the nightmare begins. USA is opposite, hard to enter, but once you are in, your life is very systematic.
Do you know how many Canadians moved to the USA for ever? and every year leaving?
I wouldn´t blame only whites for the racism, racism is rooted from the so called multi-culturism. As en effect of that, Canada remains a non-homogenous mixture. I even saw and believe that sometimes even the whites have to face hidden racism. I know a white lady in Toronto who is the only white in a minority owned business, and she is just kept to show a white face in the office. Racism is not the reason of immigrants misfortune, it is simply lack of jobs. I agree that locals will always get privelage over the immigrants, and where there is scarcity of jobs, the immigrants are deprived always regardless of the qualifications and start thinking of Racism.
I was also denied for many jobs in the USA, but nobody told me "No US Experience" or poor English/Accent. My English is not good at all neither is my accent. I´m not ashamed or worried about that at all. As that really doesn´t matter for a technical person as long as he/she can effectively communicate. Definitely I won´t be a sales excecutive ever. I know there are many thousands IT professionals in the IBM/Microsoft coming from China,East Europe.. who bearly can speak English.
Yes, I agree 100% with you about US bad international face, the only thing that bothers me.
[28-09-2006,17:55]
[***.254.208.242]
Shah |
(in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
I do not think Shah´s case is an extreme one. We are American and my spouse couldn´t get an interview in Canada for years on end. We returned to the USA, and he´s already working -- we´ve only been here about 6 weeks!
Spouse has masters degree. Professionals he spoke to in Canada told him in his field credential recognition isn´t a problem. Instead it is lack of jobs in Canada and also they don´t like hiring people who weren´t born and raised in Canada.
USA=Land of Opportunity
Canada=Land of no jobs
[28-09-2006,18:22]
[**.79.167.219]
Anonymous |
(in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
Also forgot to mention: We´ve spoken to many Americans who lived in Toronto area, Vancouver area and some who have relatives in the martimes. All have similar things to share: few jobs for Canadians, let alone newbies, and Canadians for the most part, especially outside the major cities, don´t like foreigners.
I spoke with a teacher in BC who has only been able to teach occasionally as an adjunct. We also know of many people who are Canadians and head to the USA because they can´t get decent jobs in Canada.
This web site is mostly fiction. They paint a nice picture of Canada so you move there [and maybe use some of the lawyers who advertise on this site] and when you get there it is like climbing a tall mountain to even get a part time job.
[28-09-2006,18:25]
[**.79.167.219]
Anonymous |
(in reply to: Living the Canadian dream?-2, For Sharon)
in the opening stats, there is no mention of people who land and leave immediately to continue with their HB1. Wonder what percentage that is.
Perhaps Canada should move to an HB1 progam - suck the working years out of someone but don´t give them any long term stability.
Perhaps Canada should only import the skills we are missing and leave you all at home with no options to recreate your career or future. Then you would have something else to complain about.
Why would you want to leave your country if you are fully employed and earning good money - makes no sense to me.
[28-09-2006,18:25]
[***.181.198.246]
sharon |
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