PLEASE HELP US !!!!

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Subject: PLEASE HELP US !!!!
  I am not sure if this will go anywhere but I am desperate !!
Our story:
We ( husband, son and myself )are United States citizens, and husband was unemployed in Michigan looking for work.Husband recruited for job in Edmonton,started working June 15, 2010, and moved his family ( son and myself ) the end of July. On February 4, 2010 the company laid my husband off with no reason, and no notice ( conversations leading up to this point were 3 to 5 years on project, then more work locally ). They gave him 5 weeks severance. He started looking for work IMMEDIATELY !! However, he came here on a NAFTA Visa and it is under old companies name. He isn´t allowed to work for anyone else, in any other Province, in any other role except as stated on Visa. Another COMPANY who hires him can change the Visa,, and there are several "interested" but NO solid offers. We have had NO income since February except 5 weeks severance, which ran out weeks ago. He just received his first unemployment check today. Our private health ins. runs out tonight, and we all have health issues requiring medications. We don´t qualify for ANY programs to help in any way temporarily. Company refused to move us BACK to the US, saying they had "fulfilled their obligation" to my husband. They moved us to Edmonton. We are about to be evicted from our rental home ( we gave up everything back home to move here )with n where to go, and I can not find any agencies or people who will help us !!! Can ANYONE here PLEASE help with information ? I feel like we have been abandoned here !!! Even the US Consulate in Calgary hasn´t returned our calls !!! Please, if you can offer ANY information, or point us in the right direction I would be so grateful. We ARE using the help of Legal Aid in Edmonton.. but thats about all, and even they haven´t been any help to date.
Thank you so much for reading this...

[30-04-2010,20:26]
[**.52.39.87]
Cynthia
(in reply to: PLEASE HELP US !!!!)
Cynthia-

Sorry to hear about such difficulties, but try to think positively as this situation can be overcome.

Part of the problem is that you moved to Canada under a work visa / NAFTA program, rather than as a permanent resident. Had you received permanent residency, you would have been completely covered by Canadian health care. I´d suggest visiting a your local Service Canada office for assistance, even as a work visa resident. They may be able to offer some additional advice and assistance.

Regarding your husband´s sudden job termination, he should demand to know what the cause was. He should make clear to the company that this was a life changing and major financial decision for the family, and that they owe him an explanation and additional compensation. If necessary, threaten legal action. He should also check if there was any agreement for duration of his employment associated with the move and any signed contract. It sounds to me like this company has no ethical or moral principles, and simply found another cost saving solution.

Finally, employment in Canada is very difficult these days. If you stay there, you´ll be competing with Canadians who are almost always favored over Americans in most situations. I´d advise to move back to the States if at all possible for a level playing field in the job market. Do you have family in the States who could temporarily assist you?

Canada is not the panacea many think, and one has to be very careful when making such a leap of faith. Please keep us informed, Cynthia, of any progress. Others may also have additional thoughts, ideas, and suggestions.

[30-04-2010,22:19]
[**.47.175.80]
Anonymous
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