Smart Canadian

Loan Program to Help Foreign Professionals

smartcanadian — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:56:39 +0000

The Canadian government has launched an 18-million dollar loan program to help immigrant professionals get their foreign credentials recognized in the country. The three-year program, called The Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot, will run in three provinces – British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan. It will be run through selected community agencies, and will provide loans [...]

The ‘Thank You’ Note After an Interview

smartcanadian — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 16:50:59 +0000

We all know the importance of the cover letter and the resume. We also know the importance of making a good impression at the job interview. But there is also an important process to follow after the interview, according to some employers and career experts. Say Thank you. Not just while you leave a job [...]

How Home Closing Costs Can Add Up

smartcanadian — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:29:11 +0000

Source: The Toronto Star/ Moneyville Home buyers are often advised to set aside one-to-three per cent of the purchase price of their house for closing costs. These fees are explained during the home buying process, but it is helpful to ask questions so you fully understand how these costs can affect your budget. Legal fees On [...]

Canada Mulls Change to Citizenship-by-Birth Law

smartcanadian — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:40:12 +0000

The Canadian government is considering changes to the current citizenship-by-birth principle, after reports of pregnant women coming to the country to get citizenship for their newborns. Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has been quoted as saying the government has been aware that pregnant women are coming to Canada as tourists for the sole purpose [...]

Paying Off Mortgage Early Can Cost

smartcanadian — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:17:32 +0000

Source: The Toronto Star/Moneyville Paying off your mortgage early seems like great financial planning since you’re freeing up money that can be put towards savings. But discharging a mortgage early can mean a prepayment penalty because the bank loses money. If you had a two-year term and paid the mortgage in full after 16 months, the [...]

Canadian Province Looks to Ireland to Fill Almost 300 Jobs | Irish News | IrishCentral

smartcanadian — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:55:41 +0000

Source: Irish Central One of the most remote provinces in Canada is to seek almost 300 skilled workers in Ireland next month. The government of Saskatchewan and employers throughout the province will embark on a labour recruitment mission to Ireland in March. Premier Brad Wall and Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris will [...]

Marriage on Your Mind for Immigration? Think Again

smartcanadian — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:24:28 +0000

Source: Vancouver Sun Married newcomers to Canada better be in love or be prepared tough it out in the relationship for two years if they don’t want to be kicked out of the country. Citizenship and Immigration Canada is changing Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to make a sponsored spouse stay in the relationship for [...]

B.C. Hopeful Ottawa Will Increase Immigrant Quota

smartcanadian — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:38:48 +0000

B.C.’s jobs minister is still hopeful the federal government will allow the province to hand-pick an increased number of skilled immigrants, despite the Citizenship and Immigration minister’s refusal Wednesday to grant a similar request to Alberta. The provincial nominee program allows provinces to choose skilled immigrants who are best qualified to meet shortages in the [...]

Immigrants Looking for a Better Welcome in Canadian Workplaces – The Globe and Mail

smartcanadian — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:45:51 +0000

Nearly three-quarters of Toronto-area employers believe they have successful programs to integrate foreign-trained professionals into their workplaces, but only 49 per cent of immigrants say the places they have worked have policies that welcome new Canadians, a new study says. “While employers recognize the value of hiring new Canadians in our global economy, we’re [...]

Barriers for Incoming Professionals – Queen’s Journal

smartcanadian — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:34:58 +0000

According to a Queen’s study, people professionally trained abroad have difficulty becoming certified to work in Canada. Currently, an international doctor, nurse, teacher or engineer with English as a Second Language (ESL) must complete recertification and licensing upon coming to Canada to work in the same profession. According to Queen’s education professor Liying Cheng, [...]