On Friday, I went to observe the ice carvers at work in Confederation Park. Huge chunks of ice were being delivered and given to 35 carvers from 10 different countries. The teams quickly drew a sketch of their idea on a sheet of paper and started to work. The tools? Chainsaws, chisels and grinding tools — carving ice isn’t easy. The ballet of gloved hands cutting, carving, sculpting and polishing was fascinating as masterpieces were coming to life right in front of my eyes.

Curious to see the final results? In a couple of days!

You can see the full set of the pictures taken during Winterlude 2010 here.

Making a Tiger

Fine Details

Caterpillar	Ice Delivery
So, What's The Plan?	Ice Looks Heavy
Chainsaw?	Cutting Ice
Canadian Chainsaw Massacre?	Cutting Ice
Sculpting	Cutting
The Tools	One of the Artists

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1. Winterlude !
2. Snow Fall !
3. Snow Sculptures And Winter Fun

You guys all know my story by now, and you have a pretty good idea of what my life in Canada looks like. I thought it was time to let other immigrants and new Canadians speak. I contacted ten of them, who each have their own story, their own reasons to come to Canada, their own point of view on how life is up North in the igloos. They all answered ten questions, bringing a new perspective on immigration.

A new post will be published every Saturday.

Ed Maruyama

I was browsing Flickr one night when I found this beautiful picture, named “Dogsledding over frozen Frobisher Bay“. I have always been curious about Canada’s Great North, so I opened the full picture set and found a few other gems, such as Arctic Char, and Seal Celebration.

I had to find out who was behind these pictures: I contacted the author. His profile had one line: “Brazilian guy living in Iqaluit”. Now, I was super curious. I mean, Canada is well-known to be a cold place, but from Brazil to the actual Great White North? That’s one hell of a culture shock!

Ed replied to me right away… he even wrote in French! Turned out he was actually from São Paulo and had been living in Nunavut, Canada’s Arctic territory, for seven years. He is not a full-time photographer yet but does document Canada’s harshest environment very well. And as you can see from the interview, there are other options than Toronto to settle in Canada!

What brought you to Canada?

I came to Canada several years ago, for a visit, so spent a few weeks driving around, sight-seeing. It was really nice to see an interesting & beautiful country with tons of people from all over the world.

We had a such great time, so decided to go back to Brazil, finish university, and then continue studying a little bit further.

I did then a telecommunications management program in southern Ontario, but I tried to find a job in the GTA at no avail, so decided to give it a shot in the Great White North, just to check it out.

So far, it’s been almost seven years in Iqaluit. I love it up here! But I would say this is not for everyone…

Did you find the immigration process difficult?

The immigration process was a little bit tricky because at first, I got this student visa through the program I was attending, but then in order to graduate, I had to complete a few months of internship/work experience, which allowed me to get my I first work permit.

After that, I was able (barely) to continue to have my work permit renewed/extended, until I’ve applied for the landed immigrant status.

I believe this was only possible because of the lack of skilled professionals in the north. Honestly, in the “south” with all sorts of people looking for jobs, it wouldn’t have made any sense to have this kind of status granted to me.

How long did it take you to find a job that you liked in Canada?

Since I had to complete this internship in the area/field of studies, I was able to get a job within the telecommunications field, as I ended up working for an Internet Service Provider.

After working for them for 3 years or so, I was able to meet lots of people, and (social) networking is essential, especially in a smaller community, so when the position with the City of Iqaluit became available, I decided to apply for it, and now I’ve been working as its network administrator.

I am also a passionate photographer, so I have been thinking of investing more time into photography. Please, feel free to see a few samples of my work and a small idea of what’s going on in the north!

Where did you learn French/ English? What was your second language level when you first came to Canada?

I’ve been studying English since a small kid, as I was fortunate enough to have parents who had this vision that English is a world language. In high school, I had some french classes as well, and it’s been interesting to be involved with the francophone community in Nunavut, so I’ve been also practicing my french skills.

I must confess I need to invest more time learning Inuktitut though. I would say, prior to coming to Canada, I was quite fluent in English, with enough french to keep up simple conversations. It is essential that you speak & write the languages of the country you are moving to; I find it really sad to see people pretending to be in their own countries, forgetting they have moved to a new place, with its own official languages and cultures. I understand it is important to keep our roots alive, but I would say its way more important to adapt yourself to the canadian culture, than have Canada to bend its knees for you.

What was your biggest culture shock?

The Inuit culture is amazing. It’s awesome to be in a harsh environment and yet, still be able to survive and have lots of fun. The tundra is incredibly beautiful, the northern lights provide an exquisite eye candy.

What haven’t you gotten used to yet in Canada?

I try to enjoy every single moment in my life to its fullest, so, can’t really say there is such a thing that really bugs me in Canada.

Did immigrating to Canada match your expectations?

I don’t think it’s fair to expect Canada to be paradise, or hell… Anywhere you go, you’ll find positive and negative things.

Do you find life expensive in Canada compared to your home country?

Very VERY expensive, but I live in Iqaluit, Nunavut. We are in another planet… I don’t find it fair to compare prices, because we make a living earning Canadian dollars, spending in Canadian dollars, so I don’t think it’s simply a matter of “buying stuff” with a different currency.

Are you planning to apply for Canadian citizenship when you will meet the requirements?

Yes, I’ll be applying when I meet the requirements, which will be probably sometime next year.

What advice would you give to someone interested in immigrating to Canada?

Read, read and read lots about Canada, come up for a visit first, I know it’s not the same experience while you’re only visiting, things can be different when you actually live here, but all I can say is Canada is a great country. Just don’t expect to be an easy ride and take everything for granted. You have to work up the ladder, start crawling prior to running… Good luck!

Related Posts

1. Four Years, Already…
2. Two Solitudes And One Loneliness
3. French And English (3/10)

Last semester, one of my class was just fucked up. The professor, as well as both of the teacher’s assistants, were native French speakers but the class was taught in English. It was a struggle to understand what they were saying… and it got me mad. I’m not one to make fun of language abilities but come on, don’t teach an English class if you are not comfortable with the language! And shall I remind you that I was myself “forced” to attend my classes in English because I couldn’t prove that French was my mother tongue? I love Canada but this country has an issue with language(s).

I mostly studied on my own. The class quickly gave up on the prof (at one point, I showed up in class and only 8 were attending out of 200 students) and we were left with a massive list of readings to complete. I actually learned a lot from them so I can’t complain too much.

I’m also happy with my grades so far: two A- and — believe it or not — I passed my French as a second language test! (insert sarcastic laugh here) The University actually sent me a very nice framed “certificat de bilinguisme” that I will definitely keep for memory.

This semester, I’m taking a first year class (a pre-requisite). Not to sound arrogant, but I find it very basic and I’m shocked to see a lot of students don’t master basic grammar skills… or lack general knowledge for that matters. Last class, the teacher asked the students to name states. First answer of a student? Africa. Second answer? Québec. Argh.

I feel like an outcast. Students are pretty “young and innocent” and I don’t really fit in. The prof also seem fond of group work, which I hate because I really don’t have time to hang out at university with other students after class. I know I sound antisocial — I’m not, but I must admit that all my group work experiences have been lame. I love working as a team in a work setting but not in academics.I guess I’m learning now…

But That's Where I Was Going!	Phone Booths
Lounge	In The Library Elevator
Hallway	Hallway
Studying	Offices Or Rat Cages...?
Playing	Swimming

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2. On Campus (Part II)
3. The Alien Student

Last Saturday, Hockey Day In Canada took place throughout the country. You basically had two option: 1) the lazy option, which was to watch the tripleheader of NHL action featuring the six Canadian teams on T.V 2) the brave option, which was to take your gear and go play hockey in the street.

In Ottawa, people hit the outdoor skating rinks, located in community centers and parks. The weather was beautiful (read: sunny) but it was also one of the coldest day of the year, with an average of — 30C. In case you are not familiar with these kinds of temperature, I’d translate that to you as “can not stand outside more than ten minutes without freezing to death”.

Enjoy the picture of Canada’s beloved sport: I froze my fingers for them! You can see the full set of pictures here.

Hockey Bus on the Freeway

Hockey Sticks

Ready To Shoot

On Break	Got The Puck
Fighting For The Puck	Fell
Training To Shot	Training To Shot
Big Goalie	Little Goalie
Resting	Ready...Go!
Hockey Helmet	Skates

Running on Ice (For when you don't have skates...?)

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You guys all know my story by now, and you have a pretty good idea of what my life in Canada looks like. I thought it was time to let other immigrants and new Canadians speak. I contacted ten of them, who each have their own story, their own reasons to come to Canada, their own point of view on how life is up North in the igloos. They all answered ten questions, bringing a new perspective on immigration.

A new post will be published every Saturday.

Gabriel Almada

Gabriel has an amazing immigration story, full of ups and downs, that he told in “Coming To Canada“.

He landed alone in Canada in 2000, and his wife and kids later met him there. But pretty much everything that could have gone wrong went wrong, starting with his job (or lack thereof). Eventually, his family stayed at his brother’s place, in the USA, while Gabriel had in Canada what he later called “the worse month in his life”. The odds seemed to be against him: no money, no job and a series a little things that almost made him give up. But suddenly, his luck turned. He found a job in Waterloo and little by little, he made it. His first paycheck arrived and he took his family to the C.N Tower. The Almada family is now Canadian-Argentinean and they still live in Waterloo, nearby Toronto.

Gabriel has an amazing sense of humor and he is a great storyteller. He blogs about his life as a Canadian-Argentinean in the popular blog, Live from Waterloo, written in both Spanish and English. He is a must read for any prospective immigrant: he experienced a lot, the good, the bad and the ugly.

What brought you to Canada?

I guess we came to Canada looking for peace, stability, a better present for us and a better future for our kids. I believe that we have achieved all that already (we’ve been living in Canada for 9 years now).

The idea of coming to live in Canada came in late 1999. My wife knew I had always wanted to know this country, and one day she found an ad in the newspaper, saying that the Canadian Embassy had a special workshop for IT professionals. We decided to give it a shot, but still without the idea of leaving; I filled and mailed the form they sent and soon got my invitation back. It wasn’t until I actually showed up and was told that I had already qualified for immigration that I started to think about this as a certainty more than a ‘wouldn’t it be nice’ thing..

Did you find the immigration process difficult?

Not at all, at least not in our case. Every step we were asked to take was very easy to understand and follow. We filled every paper on our own, and got prepared for the interviews by ourselves. We submitted the papers in December ‘99, had our medical tests in March/April 2000, the interview a couple months later and we got approved in late July. Our visas came in early September of 2000, so the total process took just under 10 months.

How long did it take you to find a job that you liked in Canada?

Way too long, for many reasons: our change of plans that found us in Toronto, instead of our original destination (Saint John, NB), the time of the year (late fall), the lack of knowledge on how to search for a job properly… Many little reasons that combined caused us to make many wrong decisions. By the time I finally got a job we were absolutely broke. You might want to read more about it by clicking on my immigration story here.

Where did you learn French/ English? What was your second language level when you first came to Canada?

I never actually studied English (either of the little you learn in school), I pretty much taught myself; this happened mostly because of the kind of work I do (I’m an IT professional) and also because I am a very fast learner. I constantly pushed myself so I can learn more, so it didn’t take long until I found myself talking in front of a room full of people within days of having landed my first job; it was the best way I could find to force myself to learn how to communicate properly faster. Me being a singer, I was already comfortable being in front of people, but doing a training session is much different than singing!

What was your biggest culture shock?

The very first one was the incredibly cosmopolitan characteristics of Toronto. I felt I was in a small version of New York City, with so many different communities co-existing in such a beautiful and vibrant city. I loved walking down the streets in Little Italy, Greektown and the 2 Chinatowns. I didn’t imagine a big Canadian city like that.

The biggest culture shock I had, however, was realizing how warm and respectful people can be here, making sure you know they care about you, but without invading your private space. I find the average Canadian very kind and well educated; in most cases, they show a lot of respect for the immigrant and even make a point in learning more about you, your background, your story and your customs.

What haven’t you gotten used to yet in Canada?

To compare things that don’t work in my home country with how they do here: for example, the respect people show for their elderly, their institutions and their teachers.

Did immigrating to Canada match your expectations?

Absolutely. We have achieved more in nine years here in Canada, than in a whole life back at home. We have a great life, our kids are doing great, and we all look at the future with optimism.

Do you find life expensive in Canada compared to your home country?

No, not really. Argentina was very expensive when we left, back in 2000. I find dairy (especially cheese) and beef expensive compared to home, but on the other hand, chicken and pork is much cheaper… Rentals are higher, but salaries are too. You can save here, and plan for your future.

Why did you apply for Canadian citizenship?

We all became Canadian citizens in May 2005, and to us it was a way to express our appreciation and gratitude to this beautiful country for all it has given to us. It’s more about being able to vote and work for the government, it’s about having that wonderful sense of belonging. We don’t forget about our roots, we’re still Argentines. But we are Canadian too, and we are very happy and proud of it.

What advice would you give to someone interested in immigrating to Canada?

Do your homework! Read a lot, go to official websites and immigration forums. Choose carefully where you’re planning to live, and based that decision not only on which areas are better for your job industry, but also on how safe the city is, the alternatives it gives to your kids (i.e. Universities, colleges), the type of community (Do you like bigger or smaller cities? Are you comfortable living in a big, cosmopolitan city like Toronto, or would you prefer the peace and quiet of Waterloo or Kelowna? What do you prefer, mountains, prairie, sea?).

Don’t idealize things! I always say “don’t assume that you’re going to land in Toronto and find the Prime Minister waiting for you, with the key to your car, the deed to your new house and the job offer for you to sign”. Everything takes its time, and you have to be prepared to wait for sometime until you can get back on track. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t go your way at first, and if you think you made a mistake by moving to Canada, there’s no shame in accepting it and going back to your country of origin — or somewhere else.

Immigration is not for everybody.

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1. Guillermo Ziegler: From Argentina To Canada
2. How To Learn More About Canada (10/10)
3. Jigsaw Falling Into Place

Because the weather had been relatively mild in Toronto, we had forgotten how cold it really was in the rest of Canada. An hour away from Toronto, it started to snow. In Niagara Falls, it was cold and windy and there were huge chunks if ice here and there in the water.

The scenery was very different from the last time we were there, in the Spring.The town itself was very quiet and looked deserted but a handful of tourists were hanging out by the Canadian Falls. You could spot the ones from Southern U.S. right away: they were the only one playing with the snow like if it was some kind of fun radioactive material. I actually heard a mother yelling to her kids: “go wash your hand, you just touched snow!!”.

We stayed long enough for me to take pictures and headed to the nearest Starbucks to warm up.

You can see the full set of pictures here.

The American Falls

I'm Cold!!!

The Canadian Falls

Do Not...Jump?	Little House By The Falls
Colorful Hats Tourists	Danger: Winter
Impressive Flow Rate	Fresh From Under The Falls?
Looking At The Falls	The Edge
The Tree	Frozen Land
Close To The Water	The Mist

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On December 30th, 2009, Stephen Harper, the Conservative Prime Minister, decided to shut down the Parliament until the end of the Olympic Games, early March. The explanations and excuses for the prorogation are pretty vague — the Olympic Games, the economic plan etc. The problem is, this isn’t the first time the Prime Minister shuts down the Parliament and Canadians seems to be sick of it. Indeed, without Parliament, nothing gets done. Moreover, Stephen Harper has already prorogued the Parliament last year. This is apparently a move to get out of political trouble, more than anything else.

The opposition parties obviously didn’t agree with Harper’s move. And this time, neither did the people. Grassroots movements started on the web and “no prorogation rallies” were organized throughout Canada last Saturday, on January 23rd.

This is honestly the biggest demonstration I have seen in Canada since I’m here. I was shocked to see how many people showed up on Parliament Hill. I guess it’s no secret that I don’t support Harper’s politics and the fact the Parliament can be shut down that easily worries me: hello, democracy, anyone? I went down in the streets as well — my first demonstration in a long long time.

You can see the full set of the rally here.

Rally And The East Block

Anti Rogue

The Crowd

My Message To Harper	Dude, Where Is My Parliament?
It's Not The Economy, Stupid!	Take Democracy Seriously
Canadians Do Care	Holiday Or Hiding?
Take Me To Diner Before You Fuck Me, Stephen	Nice Smile, Arrogant Conduct
Harper Puppet	You Decide
The Crowd	Jake Layon, Leader of the NDP, Adressing the Crowd
Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Liberal Party, Adressing the Crowd	Michael Ignatieff, Answering the Media's Questions

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You guys all know my story by now, and you have a pretty good idea of what my life in Canada looks like. I thought it was time to let other immigrants and new Canadians speak. I contacted ten of them, who each have their own story, their own reasons to come to Canada, their own point of view on how life is up North in the igloos. They all answered ten questions, bringing a new perspective on immigration.

A new post will be published every Saturday.

Guillermo Ziegler

Guillermo Ziegler came with his family to Canada in 2005, looking for a better life as he saw Argentina, his home country, plunging into an economic and social crisis. He currently lives in Ottawa with his family and they will all become Canadian citizens very soon.

Guillermo writes chronicles of his Canadian life in the very popular Spanish-speaking blog Los Ziegler En Canada. He is also the author of a highly recommended ebook for prospective immigrants to Canada: Buscar Empleo en Canadá Contado por Inmigrantes.

What brought you to Canada?

I think the best way to answer your question would be answering what kicked me out of my country. Canada was just the aftermath of a decision based on that and, to be honest; it was Canada as it could have been Australia. Yep. Sorry if I hurt any feelings here!

By the end of 1999, beginning of 2000 my professional career was virtually stopped. The economical catastrophe that was approaching Argentina at that time (the beginning of a furious recession period that ended with the default in late 2001) put an end in the ascending career I was having since 1990. After that, everything started going down and I was never able to recover: not my career, not my way of living. Same happened to my wife.

At that time, we could have migrated to Australia or Canada, we had the money to do it… but not the guts. By late 2003, we decided to put an end to all that. We just said enough and started the paperwork with Quebec, that at the time was the most viable option for us.

By mid-May 2005 we were landing in Canada: my wife, our two kids and me. It will be 5 years soon, it’s hard to believe how fast the time passed… So fast, that we are becoming citizens in a few more days!

Did you find the immigration process difficult?

The bureaucratic process itself is not difficult at all. Paperwork is simple and you can find plenty of help in the Internet. The most difficult part of all this is your preparation and fighting with your own anxiety… there are more challenges at the emotional level than at any other if you think about it. How do you tell your parents you are living ten thousand kilometres away from home? And even worst… how do you tell them you are taking the grandsons with you? How do you deal with the sorrow and pain of leaving 30 years of your history behind just to arrive to a place where you are no one and no one knows you? That is the most difficult part.

How long did it take you to find a job that you liked in Canada?

Almost a year. Nine months to be exactly… but I have to be honest. After that time I found the job I was looking for… and that is not always the one you like! I still don’t know what job I like… One day I was on the phone with a Canadian I used to know, I was telling him how challenging was to find a decent job and was asking for his help (some people call that “networking”) But suddenly he asked me “Guillermo, what is your dreamed job?” I muted. I’m still not sure about the answer.

Where did you learn French/ English? What was your second language level when you first came to Canada?

I started learning English when I was 6 years old. One day I arrived home from school with a very bad, low mark in English from my teacher at Elementary school in Argentina. My mom got so, so angry that she started sending me to English classes. I studied English until the age of 18 and since then I always had a job where I used it.

French was a complete different story. I started learning French in 2003 when we sent the papers to the Quebec Office in Buenos Aires. After that I went to the French classes that Quebec has for immigrants and when I moved to Waterloo I forgot about French for a while. Nowadays, back in the National Capital Region, I must admit I have some difficulties with French but still can have a basic a conversation with someone if I have to.

What was your biggest culture shock?

Let’s see… It’d be the Canadian protocol for salutation if I have to put a name to the problem. When do they say “Hi!”? Under what circumstances you can say “Hello” and be sure it will be returned? Why they don’s say “good morning” when they arrive to the office (most of the times)? Why does a stranger say “Hi!” when you are taking a walk around the pond in your neighborhood even when you have not see that person ever in your life? What can I talk about with a Canadian being sure I’m not crossing a forbidden line? How do I make friends with these guys?

I’m still struggling with all this.

What haven’t you gotten used to yet in Canada?

Besides what I said above? I’m still having some troubles to accommodate my life in order to find more room for social activities. But it’s all related I think… Other than that, living in this country seems to be easy… as far as you follow the rules, everything will be OK.

Did immigrating to Canada match your expectations?

Living in this country was everything I thought it was going to be. But there we also a lot of other things I did not know that were going to be. Those are the things that sometimes make you think if you made the right decision. But I cannot complain. There are good days and bad days everywhere.

Do you find life expensive in Canada compared to your home country?

Yes, life in Canada IS expensive. And life in Argentina is expensive also. What is the difference? How much access to credit you have! That can be good but can be very bad also… You just have to be careful because you can get into financial troubles very fast in Canada!

If you are not a Canadian citizen yet, are you planning to apply for Canadian citizenship when you will meet the requirements? If you are already a Canadian citizen, why did you apply for citizenship?

I will be taking my citizenship oath soon. Being part of the first world club is an advantage you cannot let go… and after 5 Canadian winters I think I deserve to be part of it, right?

What advice would you give to someone interested in immigrating to Canada?

Research, research and more research! Learn about others experiences! Learn the language! Don’t give anything for granted! Don’t believe this is El Dorado! Dream… but have realistic expectations! This is a nice place to be as far as you understand the meaning of “effort”

Related Posts

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It was in 2002, after our crazy long trip from Mexico to Brazil. I had never been to North America before and I wanted to see Canada, so I flew back to Toronto with Feng. It was February and I didn’t have any warm clothes after a few months in Latin America. The only jacket I had was a thin leather jacket I had bought in Argentina during the Peso crisis. Feng had warned me: it was going to be cold.

We flew from Rio de Janeiro to Houston, and then from Houston to Toronto. I stood in the airport’s arrival lounge for a few minutes mustering the courage to step out. It didn’t look that cold.

I walked outside and started to cough. The air was so dry and the wind was so cold it felt as though I had walked right into a giant freezer. My skin was burning and I couldn’t keep my hands out of my pockets for more than two seconds. We took the subway and walked to an hostel. Later that night, we had a North American style meal in a small dinner. It smelled of wood and coffee. I loved it.

We walked around in the Eaton Center, had a coffee at Starbucks, spotted fun graffitis and observed people. A few days later, we had taken the Greyhound to Ottawa.

Every time I go to Toronto, it reminds me of my first time in Canada. Back then, I had no clue I would eventually immigrate there, and then become Canadian. Funny how life turns out sometimes.

The Eaton Center	Shopping Around Boxing Day
Bay Street	Bay Street
The CN Tower	Building Buildings...
Canadian Multiculturalism: French and Chinese Restaurants	Underground Passages
The Crashed Car	Mailboxes With Postal Codes

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Torontonians seemed to have a blast with friends and family as they were skating around the man-made ice rink that covers the square. I wanted to try it, but the queue at the skate rental was huge!

City Hall	Skating At Dusk
Getting Ready	All Skating!
Lost In The Crowd	Tying Up
Resting	Queuing To Rent Skates
In Motion	Skating

Having a Blast? Two Girls Giggling

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