muchmor

making canada home issue 27 feb 2008

Where Canadians holiday

Calgary Stampede
Pets and immigration
Preparing for your new life
Income taxes in Canada
Driver’s demerit points
Kids and immigration
Real life stories
Real estate updates
Flight prices
School curriculum
Rideau Canal Waterway
Enjoy Edmonton
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 Contents 3

From the Editor.....

Muchmor In this month’s issue we take a look at how you can take your
beloved pet to Canada with you and answer some of your
Muchmor Media
frequently asked questions about immigration.
17 Woody Woodward Lane We also take a look at some of the great things Canada has to
Corbyville RR1
Ontario offer such as the stunning Rideau Canal Waterway in Ontario, the
K0K 1V0 numerous festivals in Edmonton and the world famous Calgary
Canada
Stampede, in Calgary of course.
Tel: 1 613 396 5531 We have two very different real life stories each giving very
Fax: 1 613 396 5531
different views on immigration as well as some help and advice for
kids who are a little daunted by the whole process.
www.muchmormagazine.com
Remember to keep your feedback and views coming in, we
Advertising:
sales@muchmormagazine.com
love to hear from you.

Editorial:
editor@muchmormagazine.com

Contents…
Muchmor Magazine is a publication Zoom Airlines 2
of Muchmor Media. All rights
reserved in all media. No parts of
this publication can be reproduced Canada Kidzone
in any form, copied of stored Help, my parents are taking
electronically for commercial use The Rideau Canada 4
without prior permission in writing Where Canadians holiday 7 me to Canada 38
from the publisher. Storing for School curriculum 40
personal use is acceptable. Enjoy Edmonton 9
Calgary Stampede 11 City wordsearch 41
We are happy to make every effort
to verify all the information we
publish, but products and prices do Immigration Out and About
change. Muchmor Magazine cannot
accept responsibility for any errors Pets and immigration 14 Flights of fancy
or omissions or for any losses that
may arise as a result, but it is our Prepare for your new life 18
policy to correct any errors of fact Immigration news 20 Tea Break
whenever we can. Feedback 44
Immigration Q & A 22
The opinions of readers and their Top Canadian… 45
letters are not necessarily the Networking 46
opinions of Muchmor, and we Real Life
cannot be held responsible for their A welcome in Halifax 24
comments.
Shattered dreams 26 Realty
2007 real estate market 47
Money What’s up with this market 52
Time to think about taxes 30 Real estate news 54
Federal and provincial tax 34 Immigrants do better in
small towns 58
Motoring
Demerit points 36
Gas prices worldwide 37
4 Canada

The Rideau Canal Waterway,

Ontario
The Rideau Canal Waterway
located in Ontario is a National
Historic Site of Canada and a
UNESCO Word Heritage Site. It
is also home to the world’s
longes ice skating rink.

The waterway consists of a

number of lakes and rivers connected
by canals and stretches from Lake
Ontario in Kingston to Ottawa and is the
oldest continuously operated canal in
North America. The locks on the canal
were first opened in 1832 and little has
changed since this time.
It was originally built to allow boats
to travel between Montreal and the
Great Lakes without having to use the
St Lawrence River.
The Rideau is a beautiful and
interesting area with a varied landscape
including urban, rural and natural.
Most of the lock stations offer
camping opportunities with washroom
facilities, picnic tables and barbecue
grills.
There is always something to do
along the Rideau and depending on
when you visit and what your interests
are you are bound to find an activity to
suit.

Boating

Obviously boating is a major

activity and the Rideau offers lots of
things to do for both novices and
experts alike.
etc. You should also know how to operate You should allow around six days for
You can travel the whole length of the
a lock. You can find information online, a one way trip the whole length of the
waterway from Kingston to Ottawa or visa
but there are always lock staff available at Rideau.
versa. Before starting out you should
each lock to help and assist you. The There is no minimum size boat but
familiarize yourself with the water charts
locks are open from mid May until mid the maximum size is 27.4 m in length and
which are available at lock stations or
October. There are fees for using the 7.9 m wide.
online. The charts will give you details of
locks of around $1 per foot of boat.
the water depths, navigational markers
Season passes are also available.

Canoe or Kayak
The Rideau is one of the best places
to paddle in Canada. There are lots of
interesting areas to visit and explore and
the locks are easily navigated. There are
also lots of access points along the
waterway providing easy ways to get in
and out of the water.
Because of its flatwater it offers
novices and experts alike a chance to
experience the joy of the water.
The winds tend to flow west-
southwest and so it is recommended that
you paddle northeast or Kingston to
Ottawa to take advantage of the wind.
You should allow around ten days to
cover the whole Rideau, but this can be
longer if you take detours etc.
You can bring your own equipment or
rent everything you need locally.
Fishing
The Rideau offers great fishing
opportunities with Bass, Trout, Perch,
Crappie amongst others to be caught.
There are strict fishing seasons to adhere
to as well as catch limits, so make sure
you are familiar with these before you set
out on a fishing trip. The seasons are
dependent upon the area of the Rideau
you will be fishing in. For example Bass
can be fished between June 23rd and
November 30th in the northern and
southern region, but only until October
15th in the central region. Full details can northern and southern areas enjoy rolling
be found at this link. You will also require fields. All offer excellent wildlife viewing
a fishing licence, again full details can be opportunities.
found at the above link.
Cycling
There is only one specific off-road
bicycle trail located in the southern region: incorporate walking trails, picnics and
the Cataraqui Trail. Other than that cycle
routes follow paved roads along the
Rideau. You can follow the trail on your
own or join one of the many organized
tours which take place. There are many
self-guided cycling tours you can
experience ranging from 35 km along the
Opinicon Loop or you can ride the entire
200 km from kingston to Ottawa.
Canada 5
Hiking
If hiking is your calling then you have
lots of opportunities in the Rideau.
The Rideau Trail covers 200 km,
although you can add on another 100 km
if you include the loops and side trails. It
runs from Kingston to Ottawa and is
operated by the Rideau Trail Association.
You can visit their website to find maps
and general advice.
The Cataraqui Trail is just over 100
km long and extends from Strathcona to
Smith Falls and forms part of the Trans-
Canada Trail. Full details of this trail can
be found at this website.
These two trails are by far the
longest, but many shorter trails can be
found along the whole length of the
Rideau ranging from a couple of
kilometres to around 40 km.
Driving
The Rideau can easily be driven and
gives the opportunity to see some
stunning scenery along the way. You can
follow one of the recommended tours or
make up your own. The recommended
tours are divided into different categories
such as heritage tours, ecology tours or
shopping tours.
The ecology tours take into account
the diverse landscape surrounding the
Rideau. The central region is dominated
by the Canadian Shield whilst the
The Ecology North Tour takes in the
area around Ottawa down to Kemptville.
There are two conservation areas: W.A.
Taylor and Baxter along with Rideau River
Provincial Park. This means you can
even a beach in your tour.
The Ecology Tour Central covers the
area between Perth and Crosby. There
are two options, one takes in the Mill
Pond Conservation Area and the other the
Murphy’s Point Provincial Park.
The Ecology South Tour goes
between Westport and Kingston taking in
two conservation areas: Little Cataraqui
Creek and Foley Mountain.
6 Canada
There are three heritage tours
covering the north, central and southern
regions or you can choose to cover the
entire Rideau route.
The north tour goes between Ottawa
and Marrickville. The central tour starts at
Perth and terminates at Crosby. You can
choose between traveling the western leg
taking in Marrows Lock or the eastern leg
which travels through Smiths Falls.
The southern tour is between Crosby
and Kingston.
Other tour options include the
shopping tours which allow access to
urban shopping in Ottawa and Kingston
as well as village shopping.
The Maple tours are popular in the
spring when the sap is harvested and in
the fall because of the beautiful leaf colour
variations.
Ice Skating
During the winter months the Rideau
Canal in Ottawa transforms itself into the
longest ice skating rink in the world. The
exact timing of when this becomes Accommodation
available is very much down to the
weather, but usually opens during January In addition to camping you will also
and is usually available for around a find a host of other accommodation
month. available all along the Rideau including
The rink covers over 7 km of canal B&B’s, cottages and hotels.
and is open to all. Some even use the
frozen canal as a way to commute to
work.
Fast Facts
Camping
Number of locks: 47
If you are planning on taking in the Total distance: 202 km
full pleasures of the Rideau then you will
Number of lockstations: 24
want to spread your journey over several
days. Indeed, if you are boating, kayaking Maximum water depth:
etc then you will need to find overnight 100.3 m
accommodation during your trip.
All except two lock stations (Smiths Average water depth: 1.5 m
Fall and Ottawa) allow camping and have Lock dimensions: 41 m
services such as toilets, picnic tables,
long, 10 m wide
drinking water etc. Some have showers
and additional facilities but you should How traveled: 69% by boat,
check before you set out to make sure 10% by canoe or kayak, 5%
you find the ones suitable for your needs.
You can also park RV’s and cars by car, 3% by cycle
overnight, camping permits are required.
 Canada 7

So, where to Canadians go on

holiday?

New York, New York Miami, Florida

In 2006, 846 million people United States

STATE NO OF VISITS
visited Canada from abroad
bringing in a revenue of over $750 Not surprisingly, due to its close New York 2,596,000
proximity, the United States is the most
billion. But where do Canadians
travelled to destination for Canadians. In Florida 2,098,000
travel to? total Canadians spent 120 million nights
south of the border with the average Washington 1,775,000
In 2006 Canadians traveling to other length of stay being 7.5 nights. They spent
countries set a new record with 6.7 million an average of $85 per night or $640 per Michigan 1,323,000
overnight trips being made to non-US trip.
destinations. Every year for the last fifteen The most visited state was New York California 1,037,000
years travel abroad has increased. The which is probably due to the fact it borders
only exception was 2002 in the aftermath Ontario, the most travel orientated Nevada 902,000
of 9/11. province. However only 7,240 nights were
Over 16 million overnight trips were spent in the state which pales into Maine 746,000
made to US destinations during 2006, a insignificance next to Florida in which
thirteen year high. Likewise, same day 37,816 nights were spent. Pennsylvania 696,000
trips to the US have also increased with More money is spent in New York per
an incredible 23.5 million trips being made Vermont 642,000
visit than in Florida. This could be due to
in 2006, an increase of over 12% on the the fact a lot of Canadians have second
previous year. Minnesota 614,000
homes in Florida and so do not spend
Ontarians travel far more than any money on accommodation as they do in
other province with over 10.6 million Massachusetts 583,000
New York and other locations.
overnight trips abroad. Coming in a not In order of the number of visits made
Montana 513,000
too close second was Quebec with 4.2 here are the top twelve states visited by
million trips and in third place British Canadians during 2006.
Columbia with 3.6 million overnight trips.
8 Canada

The average length of stay for trips to

Florida was 18 nights. Riviera Maya Beach, Mexico
The most money spend per trip was
to Nevada ($196), so we can conclude
from this that Canadians like a little bet or
two on the roulette wheel in Vegas.

Overseas (non-US)

In total Canadians made over 6.7

million trips overseas during 2006 an
increase of 8.2% on 2005. They spent
$9.9 billions in these countries during 113
million nights of travel.
The average length of stay was 16.7
nights with an average spend of $88 per London, United Kingdom
night. 35% of trips overseas included at
least one night in Europe.
In previous years the United Kingdom
was the most traveled to destination, but
this was overtaken by Mexico in 2006.
However more money is spent in the
United Kingdom with over $942 million
being spent there in 2006 compared with
$894 million in Mexico.
The top twelve counties visited by
Canadians are:

Are you new

COUNTRY NO OF VISITS
Mexico 841,000

United Kingdom

France
778,000

645,000
to Ontario?
Cuba 638,000
Do you need help?
Are you helping
newcomers to settle?
Dominican 536,000
Republic

Germany 334,000
Settlement.Org provides
Italy 315,000
you with information and
answers to settle in Ontario.
China 250,000
Visit www.settlement.org for information about
Netherlands 239,000 Finding a Job, ESL Classes, Housing, Health and much more...

Spain 182,000

Switzerland 177,000

Hong Kong 150,000

Citizenship and Citoyenneté et
Funded by: Immigration Canada Immigration Canada

Managed by: Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)

final changes June 2, 2005


Enjoy Edmonton
Edmonton is a great place to
live, but is also a great place to
visit. Whether you are traveling
from overseas or from another
location in Canada you will not be
disappointed by what Edmonton
and the surrounding area has to
offer.
Edmonton is known as Canada’s
Festival City with activities and events
being held throughout the year. Over 40
festivals take place in the city every year
including:
A Taste of Edmonton
Festival
This year the event will be held
between July 18th and 27th in Sir Winston
Churchill Square. The festival celebrates
the food and drink of Edmonton and is
one of the largest festivals which take
place in Edmonton with over 600,000
people attending annually. The festival
started back in 1984 with six restaurants
taking part over five days. Now nearly 40
restaurants participate and the festival
spans ten days from 11 am to 11 pm
every day.
Visitors can buy Taste Tickets for $1
each and depending on where you eat
and drink between one and five tickets
are required per menu item. Savings can
be made by purchasing in advance.
As part of the festival you will also be
able to take part in contests, see
entertainers, bands and try out new
wines and beers.
Canada Day River Valley
Festival
This festival held in Victoria Park on
July 1st celebrates Canada’s birthday in
style. The festival includes attractions,
entertainment, performers and ends in a
spectacular fireworks and waterfall
display. Attendance is completely free
and all ages can enjoy the festivities.
The festival starts at 2 pm and
closes at 9 pm. You can also take part in
Wagon rides, Bounceroo and Bungee
Jumping, although charges do apply to
these activities.
Athabasca Country Fringe
Festival
At this festival you can experience
new talent from a variety of performers.
To qualify as a Fringe, the festival takes
all performers on a first-come, first-
served basis, and all funds collected
must go to the performers, who decide
what to charge for admission to their
shows.
This year the festival will take place
between July 25th and 27th.
Blueberry Bluegrass &
Country Music Society Festival
This event takes place at the Stony
Plain Exhibition Park between August 1st
and 3rd. Featured artists play throughout
the event including David Grisman
Bluegrass Experience,Cedar Hill, Lou
Reid & Carolina, Hungry Hill and many
more.
As well as music you can also
experience crafts, entertainers, music
workshops, kids corner, competitions etc.
Cariwest, Caribbean Arts
Festival
This festival includes a costume
extravaganza, parade, music and open-
air entertainment at Churchill Square.
Enjoy the steel band and block party and
take part in competitions and events
taking place throughout the duration.
This year will be the 24th anniversary
of the event and everyone is invited to
have a great time. It will take place
between August 8th and 10th.
Canada 9
International Children’s
Festival
This annual event celebrates
performing, literary, and visual arts for
children. It will take place at the Arden
Theatre between May 27th and 31st.
Artists from around the world will
perform and everyone is welcome to join
in the fun.
Dreamspeakers
International Film Festival
This four day event taking place
between June 4th and 7th celebrates the
best in Aboriginal films. There are
screenings, events and workshops to
take part in.
Music & Arts Festival
Enjoy a day of music on June 7th at
Giovanni Caboto Park. All kinds of music
are showcased with performers of all
nationalities and ages. The event starts
at 11 am, and goes onto 10 pm with
grass roots, original music all day long.
Edmonton International
Jazz Festival
This event which takes place
between June 20th and 29th at various
locations throughout the city includes
over 70 jazz performers. Artists from all
over the world come together to present
a jazz spectacular from ten different
stages.
International Street
Performers Festival
Enjoy ten days of performances by
international street acts from clowns to
fire eaters, mime artists to musicians.
The festival takes place at Sir Winston
Churchill Square between July 4th and
13th.
10 Canada
Rexall Grand Prix Of
Edmonton
This sporting event takes place at the
City Centre Airport between July 18th and
20th. Car enthusiasts and festival goers
from around the world will be in
attendance to witness numerous racing
heavyweights from over seven countries
competing for the series top honors.
Tickets range from $25 to $245.
Edmonton Dragon Boat
Festival
See the dragon boat races at
Government House Park between August
15th and 17th. There are six dragon boats,
each with 22 people on board all vying for
first position after a 400 meter race along
the river.
The event annually attracts over
5,000 spectators and 1,500 participants
and promises fun and excitement for all.
Labatt Blues Festival
Top local, national and international
acoustic and electric blues acts perform
everything from funk to zydeco. The event
takes place between August 22nd and 24th
at Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre.
Canadian Finals Rodeo
The Canadian Finals Rodeo takes
over Edmonton, bringing together the
country's top cowboys to compete for their
piece of a $1 million purse. They will
wrestle steers, rope cattle, race around
barrels at break-neck speeds, and battle
bucking broncos and bulls for the chance
to take home the buckle of a champion. It
is the wildest ride in the west. Taking
place at Rexall Place between November
5th and 9th.
Festival of Trees
The 24th Festival of Trees will take
place throughout December and will be a
magical experience for all.
You will see hundreds of decorated
trees and displays along with choirs,
bands and entertainers. There will also be
kids only events taking place as well as
lots of fundraising.
Improvaganza
Brought to you by Rapid Fire Theatre,
the guardians of theatresports in
Edmonton, is Improvaganza, Canada's
largest improv festival. Ten or more of the
world's best improv troupes showcase
and battle it out for the Masters of the
Obvious world improv title.
Taking place between June 18th and
th
28 at the Varscona Theatre.
The Works Art & Design
Festival
The Works Art & Design Festival is a
leading cutting edge festival bringing
North America the best in contemporary
and traditional visual art and design.
The Works Art & Design Festival will
animate Sir Winston Churchill Square as
the centre of all programs including
exhibitions, lectures and activities for all
ages. Make sure you keep your diary free
between June 20th and July 2nd.
Feats - Festival Of Dance
Produced by the Alberta Dance
Alliance, feats is a multi-disciplinary dance
festival in Edmonton that includes
performances, special events, and
programs of education and awareness.
This festival will take place between
June 27th and July 13th, but the location is
yet to be decided.
New Years Eve Downtown
Bring in the New Year at Western
Canada's largest free New Year's
celebration. This family event features
both indoor and outdoor venues offering
activities and entertainment for all ages.
Labatt Blues Festival
Taking place at Sir Winston Churchill Dragon Boat Festival
Square, guess when, yes, December 31st. International Street Performers
Festival
Works Arts and Design Festival

The greatest outdoor show
on earth
This is how the Calgary
Stampede promotes itself, but is is
true? You have probably heard of
the Calgary Stampede, but are
you aware of exactly what it is?
Although this years event doesn't
take place until July, now is the
time to start planning that trip and
purchasing your tickets.
Most of the people who have heard of
the Stampede will immediately think of
cowboys riding crazy horses round an
arena until they get thrown off. Well, yes
this is part of the stampede, but there is
also so much more.
The Calgary Stampede dates back to
1912 when the first rodeo took place with
a prize of $20,000 at stake. This, at the
time made it the richest rodeo competition
in North America and over 100,000 people
came to watch.
A few years later in 1923 the rodeo
was combined for the first time with the
Calgary Exhibition and has done so ever
Canada 11
All photos including cover photo courtesy of Calgary Stampede
since. The event takes place over ten
days and attendance is over one million.
The Stampede takes place at the
137 acre Stampede Park, just east of
downtown Calgary. The opening
ceremony consists of a parade led by the
Calgary Stampede Showband who
march 4.5 km through downtown
Calgary. The parade usually attracts
around 400,000 people alone. In
addition, the television audience is
around two million.
So, what can you expect if you
decide to attend the Stampede?
Music
There are many music related
shows on during the Stampede. The
three main music venues are the Coca
Cola Stage, Nashville North and
Saddledome. The line-up for the 2008
show is yet to be finalised but to give you
an idea of what you can expect during
the 2007 Stampede acts such as Bon
Jovi, Finger Eleven, Gretchen Wilson,
Blue October, Emerson Drive, Reba
12 Canada
Saddle Bronc
McEntire and Tragically Hip all featured.
Every day each stage hosts a number of
different acts, so make sure you know who
your favorites are and where they will be
so you don’t miss anything.
Rides & games
The Midway is the location of the
many rides available at the Stampede.
Last year there were over 35 major rides
and 22 kids rides as well as lots of smaller
rides to keep everyone entertained. There
are also lots of games to play such as
beer smashing, duck pond and ring toss.
You can pay per ride or purchase
money saving Midway Magic Pass
Credits. Each ride requires a different
number of credits to ride. You can also
purchase day passes, so you pay a one-
off price and can ride all day.
Entertainment
You can also find lots of other
entertainment available throughout the
Stampede duration. 2007 saw BMX riding,
skateboarding shows, exhibits, dog shows,
auctions and many more.
Rodeo
Of course there is the rodeo and this
consists of six major events:
Tie-Down Roping
Bareback: Physically very demanding
as the cowboy holds onto a handhold and
is disqualified for touching the animal or
equipment with the other hand. The ride
lasts eight seconds, if they haven’t been
bucked off before then.
Bull Riding: This is the most
dangerous event and the rider is strapped
to the bull by a special handhold. Like the
bareback the rides lasts eight seconds and
riders are disqualified for touching the bull
with the free hand.
Ladies Barrel Racing: This is the
only event for ladies at the Stampede.
Riders circle three barrels in a cloverleaf
pattern and the ride is timed. Barrels can
be touched but a five second penalty is
incurred if a barrel is knocked over.
Saddle Bronc: The rider moves his
feet from the horse’s neck in a full arc
toward the back of the saddle in time with
the bronc’s action. The rider needs to hold
on for eight seconds and cannot touch the
animal or equipment with his free hand.
Steer Wrestling: The steer wrestler
starts behind a barrier and gives the steer
a head start of ten seconds, otherwise
penalties are incurred. There are many
rules relating to this event which are too
numerous to list here.
Tie-Down Roping: This is the most
technical event and like the steer wrestling
a ten second head start for the animal is
required. After roping the tie-down animal,
the cowboy must run down his rope and
Bull Riding
lay the animal down by hand. If the tie-
down animal is down when he reaches it,
he must allow the tie-down animal to get
up then lay it down. Again there are many
rules, too numerous to list relating to this
event.
Other events which take place include
Novice Bareback: The same rules
apply as per the bareback event but this is
for riders under 20 years of age.
Novice Saddle Bronc: The same
rules apply as per the saddle bronc event
but this is for riders under 20 years of age.
Junior Steer Riding: This event is for
kids aged between 10 and 14 years. One
half of the score is awarded for the
contestant’s ability to ride and the other
half is for the stock’s ability to buck. The
cowboys are allowed to ride with one hand
or two. If they elect to ride with only one –
they must abide by the rules for bull riding
– whereby they will be disqualified for
slapping the animal, themselves or double
grabbing with both hands during the eight
seconds.
Wild Pony Racing: Teams of three
youngsters ages 8 to 12 try to tame a wild
pony long enough to get a rider aboard for
a two jump ride. The team with the fastest
time wins.
Our cover photo features the ladies
barrel racing and above you can see
photos of other major events.
But there is still more to see and do at
the Stampede, so read on.

Chuckwagon
The chuckwagon races are very
exciting and adrenalin pumping. A team
of four horses are hitched to a
chuckwagon and race round a series of
barrels at breakneck speed.
Four wagons take part in each race,
so that means 36 horses and 144
hooves all taking place in less than a
minute.
Fireworks
The fireworks show is a spectacular
event involving some of the world’s best
pyrotechnic display teams.
The show can be seen not only
from the Stampede arena itself but from
most of downtown Calgary.
Evening Show
The evening show is an annual
event which for 2007 was called “the
Spirit of 1912” celebrating the spirit of
the Stampede from its beginnings to the $23.00 to over $300.00 depending on
present day.
This is a quote from the Calgary
Stampede relating to this show.
““The Sprit of 1912” evokes the true again, over $300.00.
western values of the Calgary Stampede
as interpreted through the youthful,
enthusiastic energy of the mutual
experiences of generations of
Calgarians. Drawing upon the musical
heritage of the Calgary Stampede,
Grandstand Show Producers have
created a unique soundscape, blending
the audible wonder of nature with a vivid with other special packages.
contemporary musical score, especially
written and produced for our 2007
Grandstand Show. The custom-designed tickets well before the event. You can go
theatrical environment provided by the
TransAlta Stage features clear sightline
vista seating, panoramic video
projections and surround sound which
will envelope the audience, who will
experience special effects and a
dynamic range of music like never
before.”
Canada 13
Food & drink
Like all good events there are lots of
places to get food and drink.
You can enjoy anything from full
service menus at Mavericks Dining
Room and Lounge to hot dogs from the
stand.
There are food and drink locations
throughout the Stampede in every area
so you will never be too far from a quick
snack or full meal. Choose from buffets,
full service lounges, concession stands
and of course beer gardens amongst
others.
Tickets
So, now you are desperate to
attend the next Calgary Stampede, what
will it cost you? There are many different
ticket types available depending on what
your interests are.
The 2008 event will take place
between July 4th and 13th.
The rodeo will cost anything from
which events you want to see,
The chuckwagon and evening
shows range from around $40.00 to
The higher price tickets include food
and non-alcoholic beverages.
A two day thrill package is available
which for $299.00 includes rodeo,
evening show, chuckwagon, stage
shows, rides and more.
A Chaps and Chucks package can
also be purchased for $159.00 along
Tickets can be purchased at the
gate, but it is advisable to purchase
online by clicking on this link.
14 Immigration
Pets and immigration
When you make the decision
to move to a new country it is a
decision for the whole family.
Many times the family includes
those individuals with paws an
claws, fur and feathers, so what
are the rules regarding
transporting pets to Canada?
Regulations
Naturally the regulations regarding
bringing pets into Canada are very strict
and must be followed exactly. There are
very few pets that cannot be brought into
Canada, but there are different regulations period.
relating to each. We will take a look at
some of the most popular pets to let you
know what you need to do to make sure
your pet is allowed to make the move with
you.
Dogs and Cats
By far the most popular pets
transported are dogs and cats.
Regulations depend on your home
country, the age of the pet and whether
you are accompanying the pet or not.
No quarantine period is required for
either dogs or cats entering Canada for
any period of time.
To determine the exact regulations
regarding bringing your dog or cat to
Canada you need to know if your country
is recognized as rabies-free.
If you come from one of the officially
recognised rabies-free countries and your
dog or cat is over three months of age
then you will be able to import your pet by
obtaining an export certificate, which has
to be in either French or English, and
signed by an official government
veterinarian from your home country.
The certificate has to clearly identify
the animal and state that rabies has not
existed in the country for six-months
immediately preceding shipment. It must
also state that the pet has been in the
rabies certificate to an inspector.
The following countries are
recognized by Canada as rabies Exceptions: Dogs between the ages of
free: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, three and eight months, accompanied by
Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman the owners require a rabies certificate
Islands, Fiji, Finland, Iceland, regardless of the country of origin. No
Republic of Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, other certification is required. If they are
New Zealand, Norway, St Kitts- not accompanied by their owners they
Nevis-Anguilla, St Lucia, St Martin, will require certification and a detailed
St Pierre et Miquelon Islands, St health report in French or English from a
Vincent, Sweden, Taiwan, Turks & licensed veterinarian stating that the dog
Caicos Islands, United Kingdom has been examined. The report needs to
(England, Scotland, Wales, Northern state the age, condition, vaccination
Ireland) and Uruguay. history including dates and time and date
of the health exam. The dog then needs
to be imported into Canada no more than
said country for the same six-month
72 hours after examination.
A dog under three months of age
If you cannot for some reason obtain
requires no rabies vaccination or import
an export certificate you can instead get
certificate.
the dog or cat vaccinated against rabies,
A cat under three months of age can
even in a country considered rabies-free.
be imported into Canada without any
You need to get an official licensed
vaccinations, quarantine or certification.
veterinarian to issue a rabies vaccination
certificate in either French or English,
identifying the pet and stating that it has
received a rabies vaccination. The rabies
certificate should clearly identify the
breed, colour and weight of the dog or cat
as well as the name of the rabies vaccine
used, along with its serial number and
duration of validity.
There is no waiting period imposed
between the time the animal is vaccinated
for rabies and the time the animal is
imported into Canada.
If you come from a country not
considered rabies free then the dog or cat
must be vaccinated against rabies and a
rabies certificate needs to be issued by a
licensed veterinarian. The rabies
certificate should clearly identify the
breed, colour and weight of the dog or cat
as well as the name of the rabies vaccine
used, along with its serial number and
duration of validity.
The owner of any dog or cat arriving
in Canada without an export or rabies
certificate will be ordered to get the
animal vaccinated against rabies within a
set period of time at their own expense.
They will then be required to present the

.
Birds
Only pet birds can be imported into
Canada. Other birds such as pigeons,
doves, game birds or fowl cannot be
imported.
There are certain conditions
applicable to importing birds from
anywhere in the world
• The bird must accompany you
• The bird must be inspected on
arrival and declared healthy
• The bird must have been in your
possession for the ninety days
preceding importation. A declaration to
this effect must be signed by the owner
• The bird must not have been in
contact with other birds during that time
• The bird must be a pet and not be
imported for re-sale, A declaration to
this effect must be signed by the owner
• The owner should not have
imported any other birds into Canada in
the preceding ninety days.
If your home country is the United
States, you can import pet birds by simply
completing some forms upon entering
customs in Canada. No import permit or
quarantine period is required. You must
however, adhere to the above conditions.
If you cannot meet the conditions you will
need to acquire an import permit from the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
in the province you are entering.
If you are coming from a country
other than the US, then an import permit
is required and is issued by the CFIA
Office relevant to the province you will be
landing. You should contact the relevant
office and request an application form,
which needs to be completed and
returned with a signed declaration stating
that the above conditions are met.
All birds imported need to be
quarantined for a period of at least 45
days. This can take place in your new
Canadian residence, but the premises
needs to be inspected and approved by
the CFIA. Again contact the local office to
arrange this.
Once the application form,
declaration and premises inspection are
completed and approved, you will be
issued with an import permit.
The bird must enter the country with
the owner and must have an original
import permit. It is also recommended
that the bird be treated for psittacosis-
ornithosis during the 45-day quarantine
period.
Rodents
Rodents include animals such as
chinchillas, chipmunks, gerbils, guinea
pigs, hamsters, mice, rats etc.
Rodents can be imported into
Canada without any import permits,
health certificates or inspections.
Exceptions: Prairie dogs, Gambian
pouch rats and squirrels cannot be
imported from any country. No rodents
can be imported from Africa. Alberta
only allows the import of rats under
certain conditions. Endangered species
may require an import licence. You
should contact the Canadian Wildlife
Service (CWS) to clarify if the rodents
you wish to import are endangered.
Ferrets
All ferrets being imported require
an import permit unless coming from the
United States, and must accompany the
owner. You may need provincial
permission to keep a ferret as a pet and
it is your responsibility to contact the
local authority to request permission
and obtain relevant documentation.
Ferrets coming from the US, must
have a vaccine certificate, signed by a
licensed veterinarian stating the animal
has been vaccinated against rabies
during the year preceding import.
Ferrets less than three months of
age are not subject to import
restrictions.
Amphibians and Reptiles
This category includes
salamanders, frogs, toads, newts,
snakes, iguanas, turtles, tortoises,
geckos etc.
No import permit or health
certificate or inspection is required for
importing reptiles or amphibians.
Immigration 15
Canadian Food
Inspection
Agency
Regional Offices
National
Ms. Carole-Lynn Pilon
Animal Health, CFIA, Room #2044
West, 59 Camelot Drive, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1A 0Y9
Telephone: 613-221-4790
Facsimile: 613-228-6630
Atlantic
Dr. Al McLean
Import Officer, Animal Health, CFIA
P.O. Box 6088, 5th Floor, 1081
Main Street, Moncton, New
Brunswick, E1C 8R2
Telephone: 506-851-7651
Facsimile: 506-851-3700
Quebec
Dr. Alain Lajoie / (Mr. Andre Anctil)
Import Officer, Animal Health, CFIA
Room 746-S, 2001 University
Avenue, Montreal, Quebec
H3A 3N2
Telephone: 514-283-8888
Facsimile: 514-283-6214
Ontario
(Ms. Chris Paolini - Live Animals &
Germplasm)
Import Contact, Animal Health,
CFIA, 174 Stone Road West
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4S9
Telephone: 519-826-2810
Facsimile: 519-837-9771
West
(Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Alberta, British Columbia)
Dr. Gary Kruger / (Mr. Peter
Szarkowicz) Import Officer, Animal
Health, CFIA
Harry Hays Building, 220 - 4th
Avenue South East, Calgary,
Alberta, T2G 4X3
Telephone: 403-292-5825
Facsimile: 403-292-6629
16 Immigration
Exceptions: All turtles and tortoises
require an import permit from all
countries. Endangered species may
require an import licence. You should
contact the Canadian Wildlife Service
(CWS) to clarify if the animal you wish to
import is endangered.
Rabbits
Pet rabbits imported from the United
States do not require import permits or
health certificates. However they do need
to be presented to staff upon entry to
Canada.
Rabbits from other countries will
require permits and quarantine. You
should contact the local CFIA office for
full details.
Horses
Only horses from the United States
may be transported into Canada. You will
require an export certificate issued by the
United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) Certificate VS 17-140 or VS
17-145.
Primates
Only primates designated for a zoo,
show/exhibition (macaques), or scientific
use (research) are allowed to be imported
into Canada.
Methods of transportation
Excess Baggage (Cargo): Excess
baggage allows your pet to be checked in
with you and your luggage. Cargo is
when the pet is checked in without the
owner through the cargo terminal. In both regarding your type of pet as to whether
instances the pet will travel in the cargo this service is right for you. Some
hold.
Some carriers allow you to take your travel on the same flight as you, but you
pet as excess baggage. This is usually
the cheapest option and the pet,
depending on regulations can either
accompany you or be shipped separately. has its own regulations regarding pet
Most airlines only allow pets in the carriage. Some will only transport using a
hold and many have regulations
regarding the type of carrying container
used, so check with the airline
concerned. A decreasing number of
airlines allow small pets to be carried in a
container under your seat, however there
are tight regulations regarding this so
again, check first. This is not normally an
option for transatlantic flights.
This method of transportation is often
the cheapest as you are dealing with the
airline directly. You will need to use this
method if there is a requirement to
accompany your pet as you can arrange
with the airline for the pet to travel on the
same flight as yourself. This can result in
a restricted number of flights being
available as not all airlines have ‘pet
friendly” flights every day. Because they
need to have extra facilities on board for
pet travel such as a pressurized and
heated cargo hold, then not all flights
meet these requirements. For this reason
you should start arranging your pet travel
well in advance and be prepared to be
flexible with dates and times.
The only downside with taking your
pet as excess baggage is that you will
have to arrange all the paperwork and
documentation yourself.
Specialist Pet Carrier: Most of these
companies offer complete pet transfer
services and can take a lot of pressure off
you, however they do cost more.
They offer services such as pet
collection and boarding. They arrange all
the necessary documentation including
import permits and health certificates.
They will provide the container and
transport your pet to the airport. Many
also have veterinary services and can
offer micro chipping and vaccinations if
required.
This service is usually used for
unaccompanied pets. This means you will
need to check with the regulations
companies will arrange for your pet to
do need to check.
Airline Using Specialist: Each airline
specialized pet carrier, which can increase
the costs considerably. In this case you
will need to contact the airlines preferred
shipper and arrange all the transportation

through them. You can usually arrange to
either fly on the same flight or separately.
You will get all the services of a
specialist shipper, but be able to arrange
to travel with your pet.
Here are some links to the most
popular airlines regarding their pet
policies.
British Airways
Air Canada
Air Transat
American Airlines
Delta Airlines
Zoom Airlines
United Airlines
Continental Airlines
Japan Airlines
KLM
Air France
BMI
Restrictions: Many airlines restrict certain
breeds from traveling. These breeds
include those classed as dangerous such
as pit bulls. Also snub-nosed dogs and
cats such as bulldogs, pugs, Pekinese,
persian as they can suffer from respiratory
problems during the flight.
Most airlines cannot accept very
young kittens or puppies, usually under 10
weeks of age. Restrictions also apply to
pregnant pets. Many carriers also have
weight restrictions, so if you have a large
dog, you may find your choices limited.
In many cases airlines will not accept
a sedated pet. Most will not accept a pet
that cannot stand unaided.
You will also find that some airlines
will not take animals other than cats and
dogs. So if you have another type of pet
you may find your airline choices
restricted.
Carriers can also restrict the length of
journey travelled by a pet. This limit is
usually around 12 hours, so if your flight is
longer then the pet will not be allowed to
travel. In this instance you should try to
find a flight that has a stop over so your
pet can be checked, given water and
allowed out of the container for a short
time.
There can also be temperature
restrictions. If you are leaving or landing at
a location, which is either very hot or very
cold, then the carrier can refuse to take
pets. Each carrier will have its own rules
regarding this, but it is purely in the pet’s
interest. They do not want pets to be
exposed to extreme heat or cold during
the transportation process.
Other regulations you will come
across will be regarding the type of carrier
you use to transport your pet. You should
check with your airline to be sure your
carrier satisfies their requirements before
you travel.
Costs
Every airline will charge different
rates, so it will be worth shopping around
especially if you are flexible with dates etc.
As a guideline an average cost for
international pet travel is around $250
CND one way. Travel within North America
costs around $100 one way. However
these costs can vary and often the larger
the animal the higher the cost. Some
airlines as we have mentioned use third
party companies to organize their pet
travel which will usually mean higher costs
for you.
If you use a specialist pet carrier you
can expect to pay much more as you are
getting additional services such as
paperwork being completed, collection and
delivery, accommodation, transportation,
veterinary services etc. Again shop around
and get recommendations from others to
secure the company best suited to your
needs and budget.
Pet Welfare
Immigration 17
Although the thought of moving to
Canada and not taking a beloved pet may
be unthinkable, you always should put the
welfare of your pet before your own needs.
Some pets travel well whilst others may
not and this will not always be related to
the type of pet but rather the personality
and disposition of the pet.
Generally speaking most cats and
dogs will travel well although a very timid
animal may be more of a concern than a
bold animal. Many owners who were
worried initially about taking a timid pet
have found that they faired the journey
better than themselves. Most animals will
sleep during the journey and airlines keep
the cargo hold dark so the animal can do
just that.
The airports are well aware of animal
(and owner) stress and so will usually go
out off their way to make sure your animal
is treated well. Many will leave the animal
with you until the last minute before a
flight to reduce this stress.
Airlines usually release pets very
quickly from the flight and your pet will be
waiting for you once you clear customs. As
soon as you are reunited with your pet you
should allow them to relieve themselves
and give them access to water as they
may be a little dehydrated.
Should I take my pet?
This is a question only you can
answer. You have the best idea of how
well the pet is likely to travel, although as
we have said, many owners worry
unnecessarily. The animals’ welfare must
be paramount and owners should try not
to be selfish. Everyone would love to take
their beloved pet with them, but if this is
going to cause undue stress on an elderly
pet or perhaps one not in the best of
health then perhaps your feelings need to
be pushed aside. Maybe rehoming the pet
with a friend or relative will be the best
solution for them.
You will have to weigh up if you will
cause more stress leaving the animal
behind than will be caused by the stress of
the journey itself. After all the journey will
be a one-off event, but leaving them
behind will be forever.
If you prepare your pet (and yourself)
18 Immigration

Prepare for your new life –

actions you can take now!
Emigrating can be a long
process, with many months of
waiting for envelopes to drop
through the mail box. Rather than
focus on ‘being in limbo’ think
about what is good about having
this time before you move. Time is
one thing in life we only have a
limited amount of, make the most
of yours and take action towards
your dream life!

by Louise Green

Be Clear in What you Want

Create a list of what you want from

your new life. Write your ‘wants’ in positive
statements. Not what you are getting
away from but want you will be gaining in
your new country. If you know what you
are getting away from, i.e. what you don’t
want, then you must know what you do
want. E.g. If you want to get away from
the rat race, the positive of that would be
you want a more relaxed life style. You get
the idea? It is far easier to create this list
now, whilst you have time to really think
about it, in familiar surroundings.
It will be a good point of reference to
remind yourself of what you are gaining
when you are in the middle of upheaval,
after you arrive. Use it as a motivational
tool to keep you working towards your
new life. We get what we focus on; make
sure you focus on the right things.
Plan at least one Fact
Finding Trip
I know what you’re thinking:
• We’ve been there we know what its
like.
• We can’t afford the cost.
• We want to save all our money for
when we move.
• We can’t take time off work.
It could save you time and money in
the long run. When you visit with the
specific intention of moving there to live
you will see things differently.
You wouldn’t buy a house without
seeing inside, or a car without a test drive.
This is a life time commitment,
experience and ‘feel’ what a place is like.
Go twice if you can, the second time you
will notice different aspects. Make it as
real as you can, stay self catering, visit the
supermarkets, look at neighborhoods,
speak to locals, bed and breakfast can
also offer an insight into living somewhere,
and give you chance to speak to
residents. Meet up with other expats
already there. Plan your trip before you
go, think about what you want to know by
the time you return home and set some
actions to achieve your goals. Plan a few
days enjoyment; after you have achieved
what you came for, this is not a holiday but
an investigative trip to find out what you
need to know before moving there. Read
local newspapers, even if you don’t
normally read them it gives you good
indications of what communities are like.
Create a support network
Make new contacts and friends during
your fact finding trip, and research, they
will be a great resource now, during and
after you move. It is easier to ask
someone how to do something, than
spend ages trying to work it out on your
own. Challenges you face can seem less
of a problem when shared with someone
who has faced similar challenges and
understands what you are feeling.
Expatriates have years of experience
they are often happy to share with
newcomers. Your current family, friends
and colleagues, however supportive and
understanding will be dealing with their
 Immigration 19

own emotions about you leaving. They Preparation Check List

may not be able to provide the support
you need especially when they are far
Muchmor
• Have you defined your goals for
away. emigrating? Magazine
• Planned your fact finding trip?
Research, Research, • Have you a list of contacts and Download this issue
Research support friends?
• Have you researched everything Back issues
The more knowledge you have about you need to know, for your new life?
where you are moving too, the more • What information do you not have
Mymuchmor
prepared you will be. Take this time as the about work?
ideal opportunity to research as much as
Where do you need to spend more Job search
you can about where you are going. Think
how much you take for granted about time? How much more do you want to
where you live now, you have had many know? What actions do you need to take Real life
years to learn everything you know. now?
Every day tasks may be different; if Immigration FAQ’s
This article was written by Louise
you are prepared it will save you worry
Green, a qualified coach, running a
and frustrations. Check out Advertising
migration, relocation and expatriate
information, advice from others is useful
coaching business.
but it is from their experience your Read blog
louise.green@theexpatcoach.com ::
situation may be different. Identify what
www.theexpatcoach.com.
you would like to find out about, and think Real estate
about how you could get that information.
Write an action plan to get the information
you want, tick each item off as you
complete that part of the research, you
will see the progress as you become
more knowledgeable about how things
work in your new country.

Prepare for Work

Unless you are very lucky, you will

need a job to finance your new life, and
work will play a big part in that. How
quickly you get a job may affect how
Donna McNeil
quickly you settle in to your new home. Exit Realty Metro
There will be many differences in what is 2055-1658 Bedford Highway, Bedford Nova Soctia, B4A 2X9.
accepted, make sure your CV is re- Cell: 902-222-4937
written with words and phrases used by Fax: 902-835-4539
potential new employers. Learn about email: donnamcneil@exitmetro.ca
how employers expect you to pursue email: donna@relocationnovascotia.com
jobs, what they expect from you. Make Web: www.halifaxdartmouthrealestate.com
sure you know common working terms
and conditions, holidays, rates of pay, Moving to Nova Scotia ?
benefits commonly offered. Make sure
there are no surprises when you come to
Lots of Questions?
applying for and getting that job. To get a For Information meet me at Emigrate 2008
job offer before moving is fantastic, but in
most cases employers will not take you
March 1 & 2 - 2008
seriously until you are in the country, but Stand 118
that does not stop you from getting
prepared to hit the ground running.
Sandown Racecourse
Esher, Surrey
20 Immigration
Financial help for
immigrant health
professionals
Health Canada has given Prince
Edward Island funding for foreign-trained
health professionals.
Many health professionals coming
from outside Canada need to upgrade
their training and qualifications in order to
work in PEI. To address the financial
hardship this can create a microcredit
loan program is being established
allowing these professionals to borrow
small amounts of money to see them
though these times. The loans will be in
amounts of around $5,000 per person to
address specific needs.
The funding is in place for the next
three years.
New funding for
research on
immigration and
diversity
The Honourable Diane Finley,
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration,
and Dr. Chad Gaffield, President of the
Social Sciences and Humanities
Research Council of Canada (SSHRC),
announced funding of $7.5 million over
five years for the national Metropolis
Project for research on globalization,
migration and diversity.
The funding includes $3.1 million
from SSHRC and $4.4 million from a
consortium of federal departments and
agencies led by Citizenship and
Immigration Canada (CIC). The
Metropolis Project was established in
1995 as an SSHRC and CIC joint
initiative and has grown into a unique
partnership of policy makers, researchers
and practitioners that is both national and
international in scope.
“The successful integration of
immigrants is crucial to Canada’s social
and economic well-being,” said Minister
Finley. “We have much to gain from
exploring the effects of migration on the
strength of our economy, the security of
our nation, and the relationships between
different cultures living side by side within
our borders.”
“The Metropolis Project is addressing
urgent societal issues as we attempt to
build a more inclusive society and to
understand the connections between
immigration and globalization. Metropolis
also provides invaluable training for
students who assist in this research, thus
building future capacity,” said Dr. Gaffield.
“This effort clearly shows the benefits of
investing in knowledge and talent, as set
out in the Government of Canada’s new
Science and Technology Strategy.”
The funding will ensure the continued
operation of five regional research centres
based in Halifax/Moncton, Montreal,
Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver. The
centres bring together universities,
governments, non-governmental
organizations and the private sector to
form one of the largest networks of policy
makers and scholars in the world in the
field of migration and diversity.
Since 1995, the national Metropolis
Project has supported research, public
policy development and knowledge
mobilization on migration, diversity and
immigrant integration in cities in Canada
and around the world.
MOVING 2 ALBERTA
Contact Helen Parnell a property relocation
specialist who has helped many
expats settle here after making
the move herself.
Free assistance on • Accommodation
• Real Estate • Insurance
• Mortgages • Airport meet and greet
• Serving Calgary and South Alberta
Tel: 001 403 932 5670
Email: Helenparnell@shaw.ca
www.moving2alberta.com
Western Canada
seeking Filipino
skilled workers
The Philippines is the third highest
source of immigrants to Canada so it
comes as no surprise that western
Canada is looking to these people to fill
skill shortages.
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba,
and Saskatchewan are actively seeking
health workers, nurses, engineers, and
hospitality staff from the Philippines.
According to the Philippines
ambassador in Ottawa, Jose Brillantes,
Philippine consulate offices in Canada
have been conducting verification
processes to ensure that Canadian job
offers to Filipino workers are indeed
credible.
"The process is also designed to
prevent Filipino professionals ending up in
jobs far below their educational
qualifications, skills and experience," he
said.
A new Philippines labour office will be
established in Vancouver,which will
streamline the hiring process and provide
assistance to Filipino migrant workers in
Western Canada.

Too little time
afforded to hear
sponsorship
appeals
By Guidy Mamann
Many new couples are surprised to
hear that it is up to a visa officer to
determine if their love for one another is
real.
Nonetheless, Canada’s immigration
regulations impose on foreign nationals
the obligation to prove that their marriage
to a Canadian citizen or permanent
resident is “genuine”. If they fail to do so,
their only recourse is an appeal to the
Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
which is under-resourced and under
pressure to get through cases, perhaps,
too quickly.
The Appeal Division of the IRB does
not ordinarily allocate more than half a day
i.e. about 3.5 hours or so, per sponsorship
appeal. Normally, the Board would expect
to hear testimony from the sponsor in
person; from the applicant overseas, by
telephone; from other witnesses; and legal
submissions from two counsels. In
addition, all witnesses are subject to
cross-examination. The involvement of an
interpreter, which is very common, will
effectively cut in half the available hearing
time since everything must be said in two
languages. Counsel are often under
pressure to wrap-up their case in the time
allotted since getting another hearing date
may take months and may create further
stress on long-separated couples.
In a recent case, a visa officer
believed that the arranged marriage of
Jaswinder Kaur Dhaliwal, a 30-year old
divorcee with two young children to a
never-married 24-year-old foreigner was
not genuine on several grounds. Although,
the officer found Ms. Dhaliwal to be
credible, he believed that the couples
wedding photos were “staged”.
On appeal to the IRB, the sponsors’
lawyer submitted the couples wedding
video to prove that the wedding ceremony
was not staged. The presiding member did
not immediately admit the tape into
evidence. Instead, due to “time
constraints” the member wanted to
ascertain whether the video would
ultimately be needed. At the end of the
hearing, counsel was asked “So that’s
your case then?” Perhaps thinking that his
case had gone sufficiently well and not
wanting to cause any further delays,
counsel confirmed that it was.
Big mistake!
The tape was returned to counsel
without it making into evidence. The Board
then dismissed the appeal without it ever
viewing the video.
The Federal Court upheld the refusal
holding that the lawyer waived his clients’
opportunity to introduce the wedding
video.
With their rights of appeal now
exhausted, the odds of this couple living
together in Canada are quite remote. The
sponsor will now have to face the prospect
of separating from her spouse or leaving
Canada with her two young children in
order to join her husband.
Spouses of
Canadian Citizens
shortchanged on
work permits
By Guidy Mamann
How is it possible that it is easier for
the spouse of a foreigner to get permission
to work in Canada than it is for the spouse
of a Canadian citizen?
When foreigners are recruited to
accept temporary employment in Canada,
one of the major factors they consider is
whether or not their spouse or common
law partner will also be allowed to work
here.
Women are pursuing careers with
greater frequency than ever before and
many families simply want or need more
than a single income.
Accordingly, a few years ago our
minister of immigration facilitated the
issuance of work permits to spouses of
foreign workers on the grounds that it was
necessary to Canada’s economic
competitiveness to grant them limited
access to our Canadian labour market.
Immigration 21
Since then, the accompanying spouse
of a foreign worker could immediately
apply for an “open” work permit – i.e. a
permit that allows them to work in virtually
any occupation of their choosing –
provided that their spouse had a work
permit which authorized them to work in a
managerial occupation or in an occupation
that usually requires a university or college
education or apprenticeship training.
Accompanying spouses were exempted
from the usual requirement of obtaining a
Labour Market Opinion (LMO) from
Service Canada certifying that their
employment would not have a negative
impact on our labour market. Furthermore,
their work permits could be issued
simultaneously with the work permit of the
principal applicant or at a later date right at
a Canadian port-of-entry.
Although this initiative was definitely
a positive one, the plight of spouses of
Canadian citizens and permanent
residents was overlooked or ignored.
Unlike a foreign worker, a Canadian
citizen or permanent resident who gets
married to a foreigner cannot normally get
their spouse working in Canada
immediately. The foreign spouse of a
Canadian citizen or permanent resident is
not exempted from the LMO process and
may need to wait a year or more to get
working in Canada.
Spouses overseas are not given any
special consideration which would allow
them to work here before their
sponsorship is finalized. In most cases,
the sponsorship process takes 4-18
months to be finalized and takes even
longer in 20% of cases.
Foreign spouses who are in Canada
with their Canadian spouses can apply for
an open work permit only after their case
has received “first stage approval”. This
can easily take 5-6 months where an
interview is waived or about 11-14 months
where an interview is needed.
Anomalies arising from the occasional
tinkering with our immigration policies are
unavoidable. However, a fix to this glaring
inequity is now overdue and should be
given priority attention in 2008.
Guidy Mamann practices law in
Toronto at Mamann & Associates and is
certified by the Law Society of Upper
Canada as an immigration specialist.
22 Immigration

Immigration Q & A
Every month we get lots of questions sent to us asking all sorts of things. Some we print in the feedback
section of the magazine and others we answer in person. Over the next few issues Roberta Campbell-
Chudoba an Immigration Consultant from our partners Canadian Relocation Solutions will be answering
some of the most frequently asked questions. Roberta is a member of the Canadian Society of Immigration
Consultants. You can contact Canadian Relocations Solutions on 1-306-373-4686 (Canada),01753362217
(Windsor UK) or 01904236182 (York UK) or just click on the advert below.

Skilled Worker immigration matters. A “lock in” for points

Questions
If I have already submitted a
skilled worker application under the
simplified process do I need to let CIC
know of job/address changes etc?
After you have submitted your
application to the High Commission,
contact them with change of address
information only. The High Commission
requests that you not contact them with
other information on changes until you
have received a request for updated
information. Then you can submit updated
information (i.e. – change of employer,
birth of child). Information may well
change several times during the
processing time and therefore waiting for
the request for updated information
eliminates paperwork for the Commission
and may help to streamline the process.
total at time of application does not exist
Upon arriving in Canada, one will be
asked by a Canada Border Services
in the Act or Regulations as it does for a Agency officer to show proof of funds. A
primary applicant or her/his spouse’s age person must show enough money to
for example. support him/herself and dependants after
arrival in Canada. The minimum required
When I land and show proof of amount for one person is currently
funds, what currency does this need to $10,168 CAN, $18,895 CAN for a family
be in and in what format must the of four and $26,170 CAN for a family of
proof be? What is the minimum seven or more. You can show current
amount I need to show? bank or investment statement in your
home currency. Ensure that the
paperwork you have in hand meets the
Canadian
Relocation
Solutions Ltd.
Canada’s Only Full Service Immigration-Relocation Company

What happens to my Simplified

Application if the pass-mark changes
Business Owners and
after submission?
Managers may qualify for
Currently, the pass mark for Skilled
Workers is 67 points. The Immigration our new Executive
Program!
and Refugee Protection Act of Canada
and its Regulations 2002 permit the
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Canada to change the pass mark and CALL FOR DETAILS
even to implement the change WEB SITE: www.canadianrelocationsolutions.com
retroactively. We do not know if in the EMAIL: office@canadianrelocationsolutions.com
future, Citizenship and Immigration
WINDSOR: 01753362217 YORK: 01904236182
Canada will impose a pass mark change
CANANDA: 001 306 373 4686 CANADA FAX: 001 306 683 9562
retroactively. The Federal Court of
RELOCATION/IMMIGRATION/LEGAL REPRESENTATION/RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL REAL
Canada has indicated its disfavour with ESTATE/MORTGAGES/TRANSPORTATION/FINANCIALCONSULTATIONS/BANKING/BUSINESSES/
INSURANCE/EDUCATION/EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT
the practice of retroactivity in Canadian

minimum amount required simply by
doing conversion from the currency
stated to Canadian funds and have that
number ready to state. See http://
www.cic.gc.ca/English/immigrate/skilled/
funds.asp.
Please note: If you arrive carrying
more than $10,000 CAN , you must
disclose this to the Canada Border
Services Agency (CBSA) officer. It is a
serious offence not to disclose (fine or jail
time). If you have more than $10,000
CAN in cash, securities, cheques or
money orders, you must submit a Form
E677 available on the CBSA site and
fillable at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/
pbg/cf/e667/e667-fill-06b.pdf . This
requirement must be met only if you have
the funds on your person or are
couriering the funds. This requirement
does not need to be met if you have
transferred funds via your bank or
monetary exchange company, as these
institutions take care of the necessary
paperwork on your behalf.
Do non-accompanying
dependents have to have a medical? I
don’t think my estranged children (or
their mother) will agree to this.
According to the Immigration and
Refugee Protection Regulations, 2002,
Immigration 23
screening, the cost recovery fee is not
refundable. (Taken from Overseas
Processing Manual 6, Citizenship and
Immigration Canada)
My husband and myself have
applied under the skilled worker class
and submitted our application to
London in May 2006. We are aware
that we have at least another two
years wait before CIC contact us. I am
trying to investigate other ways of
getting into Canada sooner. I have
read about Temporary Work Permits
and getting LMO's but unsure how this
would affect our permanent residency
application. If my husband was able
to obtain a job offer and work permit
would myself and our children be able
to move to Canada with him. Is it also
true that once you do get a job offer
that CIC expedite your PR application.
Section 30. (1) Medical examination
In order to be eligible for a work
required – “the following foreign nationals
permit, your husband must first obtain an
are requested to submit, and must submit
offer of employment from a Canadian
to a medical examination (a) foreign
employer. This job offer must
nationals who are applying for a
be confirmed (approved) by Service
permanent resident visa or applying to
Canada (formerly Human Resources and
remain in Canada as a permanent
Social Development Canada - HRSDC).
resident as well as their family members,
The employer is responsible for applying
whether accompanying or not;” It must be
for the job approval to Service Canada.
ascertained by Citizenship and
This approval is called a Labour Market
Immigration Canada that your non-
Opinion Confirmation.
accompanying dependents are not
Once the job has been approved by
inadmissible on health grounds. Even
Service Canada, that confirmation is
though at this time you do not plan to
submitted to your designated Canadian
have your children live with you in
High Commission with an application for
Canada, it must considered that in the
a temporary work permit. For the work
future the children, while still your
permit application forms, details of
dependants may need to live with you in
required documents and fees, please
Canada. They must be admissible on
see http://www.canada.org.uk/visa-info/
health grounds to live in Canada, thus
forms/worker/e_work.htm
they will need to have medicals done
You and your children may
when you are called forward for yours.
accompany your husband to Canada. If
your husband is coming to Canada as a
Will my processing fee (cost
Highly Skilled Worker, you are eligible
recovery fee) be refunded if I decide to
and may apply for an Open Work Permit
cancel my application?
(no LMO confirmation required).
As well, working in Canada as a
You may request and receive a
Temporary Foreign Worker can help to
refund of the cost recovery fee submitted
expedite the processing of your
for your Skilled Worker application any
Permanent Residency application.
time before the initial screening of the
application by a visa office. Once an
application has gone through initial
24 Real Life

A welcome in Nova Scotia

In the past we have featured articles by June Spindloe of Mumford Homestay in Halifax, Nova
Scotia. June and her husband Mark moved to Nova Scotia from the UK themselves over ten years
ago, so know all the problems and anxiety the process can cause. In a new stage of their developing
life in canada they share an exciting new venture which will help many families who are thinking of
making that move to Nova Scotia.

Well here we are in February 2008.
Where did the last year go it seemed to
fly by!
Towards the end of last year we
decided to buy another house which we
could rent out on a short term basis to
anyone who is relocating to Nova Scotia,
especially aimed at families with smaller
children and pets. We have been
contacted by so many people who have
been looking for short term fully furnished
rentals when they land, somewhere that
gives them somewhere to base
themselves while they begin their search
for property, cars etc. and wait for their
container to arrive. When you are
researching from the UK you will find that
the choices are limited mostly to hotels
and executive lets some of which are not
child and pet friendly and can work out at
up to $3,000 a month.
There has been a steady decline
year after year in tourism and Mumford
Bed and Breakfast although busy for a
few months in the summer seems to be
bulging at the seams with Brits that have
arrived all year round, this is partly due to
the efforts of our Province to facilitate an
easy route for Provincial Nominees and
also employers finally stepping up to the
mark and speeding up work permits and
paperwork. So instead of expanding our
bed and breakfast or buying a larger
house we thought we would try and fill the
need for homestay.
It was strange after 10 years in our
present house to be out there with our
Realtor and good friend Donna McNeil.
We did struggle at first to find just the right
property for our new Homestay, and got a
little frustrated in the process. We almost
closed on one house but our financing fell
through at the last minute. The TD Bank
where I hold my business account
decided that we needed to come up with
at least 30 percent deposit which would
have used all the money that we were
allocating for furnishing. There were tears
and sleepless nights until a few days later
we decided to contact our personal
banker Cathy, a Royal Bank Mortgage
Specialist. She advised us to look for a
property with more than one rental unit so
that we would be leveraging the property
and more likely to be given a mortgage.
Up to then we had been looking at
properties to rent out as one unit for one
family at a time, this new scenario meant
that we had more of a selection of
accommodations to offer and made
perfect sense. So, we asked Donna to
look at what else was available and
renewed our search.
We soon realised that we would have
to widen our search to suit our budget
and started looking in and around
Woodlawn Dartmouth, a short trip across
the Mackay Bridge and 15 mins to
downtown Halifax, easy access to
shopping malls and highways. It was an
eye-opener as we had lived all our lives in
Halifax and rarely explored Dartmouth.
We finally found exactly what we
were looking for in a quiet safe
neighbourhood. It had that “Wow this is it”
feeling when we viewed it. The bank
wanted proof that we could rent out the
house on short term lets. As it was, we
were so busy by then that we were
turning Brits down due to lack of space. I
contacted one family Nick and Steve with
their three children who were leaving the
UK in October and were still looking for
somewhere suitable to live on arrival, they
were thrilled to have somewhere to move
into straight away. That took care of that
problem then the mortgage company
 Real Life 25
.

wanted to send an appraiser to the house,
another couple of sleepless nights later
we were given the thumbs up and were
the proud owners of our new Homestay!
The upper level of the house has
three bedrooms and the lower level a
Mother In Law Suite with a master
bedroom and a smaller child's room/den
and a walk out basement. Each has
separate kitchen, access and plenty of off
street parking (essential in the winter) and
yes a short driveway...easy for snow
shovelling!
We ended up securing yet another
loan from the bank and I went on a huge
shopping expedition to buy everything you
would need to fully furnish and equip the
two units.
We bought a mixture of new and
second hand furniture. By the time I had
finished I had completely filled the
basement of Mumford with everything
from microwaves to night stands. I
scoured the flyers for deals and sales
associates at my local stores became
convinced I had a shopping addiction!
We took possession of the new
homestay first week of September and
during a heat wave moved in to set up
home! As the week went by we furnished
both levels and put some nice home from
home touches in the rooms, we also set
up computers and Skype phones for our
guests. We also have a baby cot, high
chair and toddler bed available for all age
groups.
It was an exciting day when Nick and
Steve landed. We drove up to pick them
up from the airport and held our breath
when they walked into their new albeit
temporary home. After staying for four
weeks during which time I fell in love with
Samuel their baby, Nick, Steve and
children moved into their own lovely home
not far from the homestay in Woodlawn
Dartmouth and have become firm friends.
Since then we have realised that not
everyone gets to achieve their dreams but
having a long term goal is something that
we now can work on as we have come a
long way since those first few years while
we were struggling at times to find
direction and also employment that we
liked. With this in mind we will continue to
grow our services. I am starting a Nova
Scotia Mentoring Group this year where
you can select a person to chat with on-
line or by phone prior to arriving,
particularly women’s issues and not just
the basic advice given about houses, cars
etc. We hope that way, to offer some sort
of support during those first few weeks
after arrival. Women want to know about
child care, grocery shopping, clothes
shopping etc. they also miss their support
network more than men and sometimes
feel isolated when left at home with the
kids the first few weeks while the men get
to grips with their new jobs.
We are also really excited about our
very first trip to the emigrate show in
Sandown March 1-2 I’m not sure what to
expect when I get there but I am
passionate about what I believe in and
love my life here in Halifax !
If anyone would like more info about
our home stay services or just information
in general about living here, contact me
via the advert - just click away.

RELOCATION NOVA SCOTIA

Where our focus is on your needs & the kind of personal services that have gained us
many friends around the world.

June and Mark Spindloe of Mumford Bed and Breakfast, Halifax

are pleased to announce their new business name,
and partner Donna McNeil of Exit RealtyMetro.
With over ten years experience in helping our guests relocate to Nova Scotia we are now
expanding to reflect a new focus on providing Realtor services and one on one settlement
support (introduction to other families) with short term Home from Home
accommodations. We offer rentals for one week or one month, self catering or
bed and breakfast. (We now also cater for pets and children)
House buying in Canada is very different to the UK so right from the outset we know how
important it is to work with someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. Donna and
ourselves have already worked closely with many UK families helping them make a
smooth transition and finding them their perfect home. As a Maritimer with an extensive
knowledge of the Real Estate market Donna will accompany you to viewings and educate
you on the NS house buying process. We will also contact you prior to
your arrival and maintain email and phone contact with you no matter
STOP BY what stage of relocating you are in.
STAND 118 TO
Airport pick up can be arranged, and an orientation tour to give
FIND OUT MORE
ABOUT OUR PRIZE you an overview of the city and commuting distances etc., we can
DRAW TO WIN A also provide information on schools and local amenities.
FREE ONE WEEK
STAY !
ALL OUR SETTLEMENT SERVICES ARE FREE
We would love to chat with you in person about your immigration
plans and the services we can provide. You can find us at Stand 118, Emigrate 2008.
1st & 2nd March, Sandown Racecourse.

Email: info@relocationnovascotia.com or donna@relocationnovascotia.com

Telephone: 001-902-446-0766
26 Real Life

Shattered dreams
The following story is true but
because of the nature of the
content the family wish to remain
anonymous so we have changed
their names to Sue and Barry to
protect their identity. For legal
reasons we cannot at this stage
name the company involved.

Sue and Barry contacted Muchmor

because of a major problem they were
having with a relocation company they
had hired to find them jobs and ease their
immigration to Canada. The company
based in England made promises that
have not been fulfilled and the couple
wanted to share their story if it helps
anyone else in the same situation.
Their story begins back in 2001 when
they started to become disillusioned about
the UK and decided to look at alternative
locations to live. After spending twelve
years in the British Forces, Barry had left
and was now on a much better salary.
“We were earning more but our money
just didn’t seem to give us the kind of life
we wanted. We could not afford a house
big enough for ourselves and our three
children now aged 13, 9 and 6 years. We
wanted to be able to build a better future
for ourselves and the kids without
spiraling into debt.” says Barry.
Sue had studied Spanish in the past
and so Spain was their first idea, however
after some research they ruled this option
out. “Our eldest child who is now 13 has
high-functioning autism and would needed
to have attended an International school.
After looking into this it became obvious
that this would be a very expensive option
and one we could not afford so we had to
rule Spain out.” says Sue.
They then considered other
destinations such as New Zealand,
Australia and Canada. “We looked at all
the options and Canada seemed to have
a really good provision for children with
autism, probably better than the UK so we
decided Canada would be the place to
relocate to.” says Barry. “We also saw the
price of property there and saw how much
more we could get for our money
compared to the UK.” adds Sue.
Unfortunately fate was to intervene
and due to some major events in their
lives the whole idea of immigration had to
be put on the back-burner.
It wasn’t until late 2004 that things
started to fall into place again and the
thought of immigration came back into the
forefront of their minds. Barry was offered
a job interview in Toronto in his field of IT,
so in January 2005 the whole family flew
to Toronto. “We stayed at the Fairmont
Royal York after getting a really good
deal, but we should have known it was too
good to be true,” laughs Sue. It turned out
there was a major concert at the nearby
Air Canada Centre so the city was
gridlocked with over 23,000 people. “I
have never seen so many people and
found it quite daunting,” says Sue, “To
make matters worse our daughter with
autism suddenly ran out into a five lane
road and it was only the intervention of
the gods that she wasn’t killed. I decided I
hated Toronto and therefore Canada and
just wanted to go home.”
Barry persuaded Sue and the kids to
see out the rest of the week and they
decided to stay. Barry attended his
interview and amazingly was offered the
job, however, the package wasn’t quite
what they were hoping for so he turned it
down. They figured that if he had been
offered one job, others would surely
follow. “If only we knew then what we
know now” sighs Sue.
After the interview the family used
their time in canada to be tourists and visit
all the usual tourist areas and Sue came
to the realization that Toronto wasn’t that
bad at all. “We walked the PATH system
(underground walkway) at 2 am,” she
says, “and never once felt threatened or
intimidated. We could never have done
that in the UK.” They decided that Canada
was to be their new home after all and
that they would actively pursue their
dream on their return to England.
Once again however, fate stepped in.
Sue was diagnosed with a condition which
meant she had to have some major
 Real Life 27
.

surgery and her best friend was

diagnosed with breast cancer and later
died. They still kept the Canada dream in
their minds and applied for jobs but
nothing came of them. “We decided it was
almost impossible,” says Barry, “you need
a visa to get a job, but cannot get a job
without a visa. It seemed we just weren’t
meant to go.”
After the trauma of Sue’s illness the
couple went to Cuba for a holiday in
August 2005. Whilst there they met
another couple who had visited Canada
for a long holiday and had applied for jobs
whilst there. They managed to get jobs,
work permits and then applied for their
permanent residency from inside Canada.
Sue and Barry figured this might be their
best option, but Sue needed to get her
health issues sorted out before they took
it further.
It turned out that Sue’s health would
not be sorted quickly and it wasn’t until
early 2007 that they actively pursued the
It was suggested that the time-span people at face value. We paid the second
options again. “I searched the internet
could be as little as four weeks, but more installment of £1,800 and hoped that we
and came across someone
likely six. They paid a deposit to the would be moving soon.”
recommending a relocation company”
company of £1,800, put their house on His promises must have sounded
says Sue. After conversing with the
the market and waited to move to sincere because the family started to
person they decided to speak with the
Canada. make arrangements to leave, notifying
company as they came so highly
After a few weeks passed with no schools that their children would not be
recommended. It later turned out that the
contact they once again phoned to find returning and pushing for an early sale of
person recommending the company
out what was happening. The reply from their house.
actually worked for them!
the team in Canada shocked them to say More weeks passed with no job
They contacted the company and
the least. They said “Well Barry is in IT offers and once again they contacted the
were sent an information pack. They
and we mainly place trades people. There company to ask what was happening and
offered a no visa, no fee policy and a
is not much call for IT.” Sue was straight what they had been doing for their money.
guaranteed job placement, it seemed to
on the phone to the company who “We received an email with four email
answer all the couples prayers.
reassured her that they would speak to addresses on it,” says Barry, “ I asked
“We paid them £145 for an in depth
their Canadian colleagues and whilst it them what on earth they had been doing,
report which would be refunded if after
was true that professional placement took I could churn out 20 CV’s a day. They told
assessment the company thought they
a little longer there was no need to worry. me I did not understand the Canadian
would not be able to place us in jobs. The
Over the next few months they market and it needs to be done in a
report showed that they had placements
repeatedly called the job placement team different manner. We told them we would
for Barry in Vancouver and Calgary and
who kept giving them the same lame not pay them another penny until we saw
that we should travel down to Surrey to
answer each time. Soon they realised that some results. After some wrangling they
meet at their office and talk everything
something was amiss and demanded to agreed that they had not fulfilled their side
through. “ says Barry. “We drove the five
speak to the company’s director. He of the bargain and that until they provided
hours to their office and asked them
eventually called them and said he had some results we wouldn’t have to pay.”
“What gives you the edge over us going
reviewed their case and would take it up Later Sue was asked to send the
out there and receiving a job offer
personally as he was going to their company’s job placement girl a list of links
ourselves?” They told us they had a list of
Vancouver office soon and would look into to jobs that she felt Barry would be
jobs that had already received an LMO
the whole matter. “He said they had a suitable for as the girl was not very good
(Labour Market Opinion) and that they
100% placement rate and he had never with IT. “Like a fool I started sending
could have us in Canada so fast our
failed in 27 years and he wasn't about to loads, only to find the emails bouncing
heads would spin.”
fail now. I believed him on that one,” says back.” says Sue. “It turned out the girl had
Sue, “I guess I am very naive and take changed her email address and had
28 Real Life
forgotten to mention it. They then
employed an new customer service
representative who began to contact us
more regularly, but not with any results.”
Sue asked for a report on the companies
that had been sent Barry’s CV, so far
nothing has been forthcoming.
The new rep has now told them that
because there are qualified people already
in Canada who can take the jobs it is
highly unlikely that someone would employ
Barry because of all the paperwork and
time involved.
“We only ever parted with our money
because of the no visa, no fee and we
were told there were immediate openings
in IT so we could get there quicker,” says
Sue, “If we had been told that they might
apply for some jobs for us we would never
ever have embarked on this. It seems that
the right hand doesn't know what the left
hand is doing. We even offered to work for
the company in their new offices in
canada, we didn't limit ourselves to an
area and said we would go anywhere, so
are we to believe yet despite the skills
shortages a guy with a masters degree
and 18 years experience cannot be
recruited?
“We are now almost one year down
the line with nothing to show for it. We
could have had our own application in now
and a year has passed, no job, no money
and a very distraught family. We are both
from a professional environment, so if
people say they are going to do something
we expect it done, especially if we are
paying for it, and if it can’t be done we
expect straight answers.”
The customer service rep even
suggested to them that they should get out
to Canada themselves and job hunt as it
would be quicker. “Well, we might do that if
we hadn’t already paid £3,600 with a
further £1,800 still to pay.” says Barry. “We
feel like fools. We would never have told
the children we were moving to Canada if
we knew it was going to end up like this.
They are so disappointed.”
Sue ads, “Being ex RAF and having
moved across the country several times
with three kids I am used to organizing
new schools, utilities etc. None of that
stresses me out, I thrive on it, so I don’t
need them to do the job. We just wanted
them to get us a job offer and sort out the
visa.
“Just before Christmas they came Muchmor put the family in touch with
back to us to say they have partnered with our partners Canadian Relocation
a new placement agency and that Solutions (CRS) to see what they made of
“something good should come of it.” They the situation.
even suggested that they could place me Micheal Chudoba of CRS said “We
and not Barry. I haven’t worked advised them to seek legal advice in the
professionally for over ten years, and this UK from someone who is experienced with
simply wasn’t what we paid for. It leads us Canadian immigration rules and business
to believe they are clutching at straws to regulations in the UK as well as the
place us rather than give us our money regulations in Canada with regards to
back. employment agencies so they can have
“We have since been in touch with their rights explained to them by council.
other companies who have given us much “Unfortunately we hear the same or
more information and help in a few weeks similar story every week only with different
than we received in a year from the other factors and players. As far as we know it is
company. I would like to add I have illegal in most cases for a Canadian
spoken to others who have used this company to charge an individual (job
company simply for their visa, and have seeker) for a job in Canada as the
had no problems. I do believe our employment agency receives their
problems stem from their job placement compensation from the employer who has
team in Canada. Not that that is any already retained the employment agency.
consolation to us.” “We also had great reservations
The immigration company have been regarding the autism that their daughter
in touch again and suggested that Barry suffers from and suggested that this in
take a low skilled job in hospitality just to itself could prevent them from passing the
get out there, but they are not happy with immigration medical.”
this scenario.
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Sue adds, “MIke suggested we
contact a few parties to get a feel of the
situations regarding autism because if
someone was going to cost the country
more than $2,000 per year in medical
costs they would probably be refused. So
I sent an email to the Canadian High
Commission who said that each case was
assessed on its own merits. I then spoke
to a doctor who does medicals for
immigration purposes and he said some
autism cases are accepted and others are
refused. The decision is purely down to
Canadian immigration officials and not the
doctor doing the medical.”
Sue also spoke to the Alberta
government who again confirmed it was
down to the immigration officer, but that
he was doubtful they would get through.
He knew of a family who had moved to
Canada on a work permit but were then
refused residency after three years as
their child had autism and they had to
leave Canada.
Barry and Sue are now seriously
reconsidering their future as they do not
want to put unnecessary pressure on their
daughter which can worsen autism.
Sue summarizes “I have spoken to
several professionals and in the end they
are all looking out for their businesses but
Mike of CRS was clear and to the point, at
least he was honest that our chances of
being admitted to Canada look slim. I
guess we will see it through till the end but
if something comes up for somewhere
else job wise I guess we will give up and
go there.”
Mike Chudoba ads that anyone
looking to employ the services of an
immigration consultant should check that
they are a member of the Canadian Law
Society and can show you a Canadian
Society of Immigration Consultants ID
card.
The following examples relating to
employment agencies are from websites
from Canada and the UK.
Alberta
An employment agency cannot
directly or indirectly demand or charge a otherwise. Normally this only applies to
fee, reward or other compensation to a
person seeking employment or
information about employers seeking
employees, or for securing employment or guidelines regarding this issue.
Real Life 29
information about any employer. To do so
is an offence and illegal under the Alberta
Canadian Society of
Employment Agency Business Licensing
Regulation.
Immigration Consultants
Employment agencies may charge a
Munich Re Center
fee for services provided, relating to the 390 Bay Street, Suite 1600
preparation of a resume, but the agency Toronto, Ontario
cannot require a person to purchase Canada
M5H 2Y2
these services as a condition of the Tel.: (416) 572-2800
agency's job placement services. If the Toll Free: 1-866-308-CSIC (2742)
agency charges fees for a resume, these Fax: (416) 572-4114
must be clearly indicated and visible in
Membership Validation Service
their business premises and in the website: http://www.csic-scci.ca/
contract with their client. E-mail: information@csic-scci.ca
Chambre des notaires du
Ontario
Québec
Be suspicious of any employment
agency that promises or guarantees you a
800 Place-Victoria
job. Walk away from anyone who won’t Suite 700
give you clear, straight answers. Follow- P.O. Box 162
up with the head office of the company Montréal, Quebec
Canada
listed in an ad by an employment agency H4Z 1L8
to find out if that company is actually Tel.: (514) 879-1793
hiring. Never pay money in advance for a Toll Free: 1-800-668-2473
Fax: (514) 829-1932
job opportunity. Refuse to sign any
contract until you have read it, fully Membership Validation Service
understand it and get a copy of it. Get all website: www.trouverunnotaire.com/
(French only)
promises in writing. In the case of a
E-mail: admin@cdnq.org
business opportunity, get a lawyer,
accountant or business adviser to read Provincial Law Societies
the disclosure document and give you Click on the following provincial and
their advice. territorial societies to reach website.
Consumer Protection Legislation may
apply in some cases.
British Columbia
Alberta
UK Saskatchewan
Employment agencies must comply Manitoba
with the minimum standards of conduct Ontario
set by the Employment Agencies Act 1973
Québec
and regulations.
An agency must not charge for
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
finding or trying to find you work (with
some exceptions, mainly in entertainment Prince Edward Island
and modelling) Newfoundland and
An agency employing you to do
Labrador
temporary work must give you written
terms, and must pay you, even if it has
Yukon
Northwest Territories
not been paid
An agency which collects your pay Nunavut
from an employer must pass it to you
within ten days, unless you request
entertainment and modelling.
The Department for Business,
Enterprise and Regulatory Reform gives

Time to think about taxes
Well once again it is that time
of year when Canadians start to
think about their taxes. The
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
is the organization that is
responsible for administering tax
laws for the Government of
Canada and for most provinces
and territories, excluding Quebec.
Income tax is either deducted at
source by an employer, or if self-
employed is payable via a self-
assessment process. You will need to
submit a tax return if:
• You need to pay tax for 2007
• You are sent a request to file a
return
• You disposed of property or shares
in 2007
• You have to repay any Old Age
Security or Employment Insurance
benefits
• You have to contribute to the
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
If none of the above applies, you can
still choose to file a return if:
• You wan to claim a refund
Money 30
• You want to apply for GST/HST Filing Methods
credit
• You want to receive Canada Child NETFILE: This is a secure service
Tax Benefits that allows you to file your tax directly via
the Internet*. In order to use this service
Filing Dates you will need to prepare your tax return
using a software package or web
Tax returns and any amounts owing application certified by the CRA.
need to be filed and paid on or before Each year the CRA tests many
30th April 2008 for all personal tax software packages and web applications
returns. to make sure they are compatible with
If you are self-employed you have to their systems. They display a current list
file your return on or before 15th June on their website, however this list is not
2008, but if a balance is owed, this has to normally available until late February. You
be paid on or before April 30th 2008. can check for this information here: http://
Each province and territory has its www.netfile.gc.ca/software-e.html
own tax and benefit package and you *You cannot use NETFILE if this is
need to use the one relevant to the your first tax return in Canada. In this
province or territory you were resident in instance you must either file your return in
on December 31st 2007. The package paper format by mail or use an authorized
includes a guide to taxes and benefits and tax professional to file via the EFILE
details of how to complete the forms as service.
well as the forms themselves. EFILE: This service allows
If you have a small business that is authorized service providers to send tax
incorporated you will need to complete returns via the Internet. It differs from
both personal and business tax returns. If NETFILE in that you take your documents
your small business is unincorporated to a registered tax professional who then
then only a personal tax return is required, prepares your return and file it
however a “statement of business electronically on your behalf.
activities” will need to be included. MAIL: You can return your paper tax
return by mail to the CRA tax centre
 Money 31
.

.
32 Money

serving your region. You will be provided
with a return envelope in your package.
TELEFILE: This is a service that
allows you to file your return by phone*.
You need to have a touch pad phone,
your SIN and a personalized access code
to use the system. This system can only
be used by people receiving a T1
Special, T1S-A or T1S-C income tax
package.
*You cannot use TELEFILE if this is
your first tax return in Canada. In this
instance you must either file your return in
paper format by mail or use an authorized
tax professional to file via the EFILE
service.
Late Filing
If you file your return late you will be
penalized. A penalty of 5% of the balance
owing, plus 1% of the balance owing for
each full month that the return is late to a
maximum of 12 months. Compound daily
interest is also charged on overdue
payments.
Income Tax Forms
with Canada that makes pension income
exempt from Canadian tax. However,
pension income from another country
must be reported on the return.
There are certain deductions that can
be deducted from your income such as
pension contributions, childcare
expenses, self-employment expenses etc.
If you moved to Canada to study,
courses as a full-time student at a college,
university or other institution offering post-
secondary education you may be able to
deduct moving expenses. You may also
be able to deduct moving expenses if you
are self-employed and moved your
existing business in your home country to
a new location in Canada.
T1 comes with several other forms
called schedules:
Schedule 1 – Federal Tax
You will use this form to calculate
your federal tax liabilities or credits. You
can claim federal tax credits for the part of
the year that you were resident in Canada
for things such as CCP contributions and
Employment Insurance premiums.
This form relates to Registered
Retirement Saving Plans (RRSP).
Schedule 8 – CPP Contributions
You will need to complete this form to
asses your CCP contributions if:
• You have declared self-
employment income in your return
(lines 135-143)
• You have reported business or
professional income from a partnership
(line 122)
• You have elected to pay additional
CCP contributions on other earnings
Schedule 9 – Donations and Gifts
This is the section you need to
complete if you have made any charitable
donations etc.
Schedule 10 – Employment Insurance
and Provincial Parental Insurance Plan
Premiums
This section is relevant in Quebec
only.

Schedule 2 – Spousal Transfer Schedule 11 – Tuition, Education &

T1 Income Tax and Benefit Return
Textbook Amounts
If your spouse or common-law
The main form that needs to be
partner is not taxable or earned less than This form needs to be completed by
completed is the T1 Income Tax and
the minimum amount allowed, then you students only.
Benefit Return. The form consists of a
can transfer their tax credits to you, thus
number of pages with numbered lines in
reducing your liability. Forms for Business Income
which you insert the relevant figures. The
guide you get with your package will Tax
Schedule 3 – Capital Gains
explain each line and what you need to
include. If you have a small business that is
This form is where you submit gains
The first page of this form relates to unincorporated you will only need to file a
or losses on things such as shares,
your personal information such as name, personal tax return T1. With this you
property, bonds etc.
address, Social Insurance Number (SIN), should include a Statement of Business
date of birth, marital status, spousal Activities - Form T2124 or T2032
Schedule 4 – Statement of Investment
details and if you are self-employed or Statement of Business Activities.
Income
not. If you became a resident of Canada If you have an incorporated business
during 2007, you will need to insert the then you will need to file separate
As the title suggests this form relates
date you entered Canada in the relevant business and personal tax returns.
to any investment income you might have.
box on page one. If you have applied for More details of business income tax
a SIN but not received it at the time of can be found in booklet T4002 (E) –
Schedule 5 – Details of Dependents
filing, include a note to explain this. Business and Professional Income 2007.
The next section refers to your world This booklet includes details of how to
This is where you list people such as
income. You only need report income for deduct business expenses if you use your
disabled dependents and children.
the part of the year you are resident in home as an office, what you can and
Canada, however you do need to include cannot claim as expenses and includes
Schedule 7 – RRSP
income from both inside and outside the forms needed to do so.
Canada. Many countries have a tax treaty
33 Money
Obtaining your forms
If you are not automatically sent your
tax forms they can be downloaded from
the CRA website. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/
formspubs/t1general/menu-e.html
You will need to download the
package relevant to the province or
territory you were resident in on December
31st 2007.
Payments and refunds
Refunds: If you are due a refund and
you file your return on or before April 15th
by mail you should receive your refund
within about four weeks. If you file by
EFILE, NETFILE or TELEFILE refunds are
normally received in two weeks.
If you send your return after 15th April
by mail you will receive your refund in
about six weeks, Filing via EFILE,
NETFILE or TELEFILE will take about two
weeks.
There is a section on the T1 form,
which enables you to complete your bank
account details to have refunds paid
directly into your account.
Payments: If you have a balance
owing of $2 or less on your return you will
not have to make a payment. Any payment
owed above this amount will need to be
paid in full.
Many financial institutions allow you to
pay your taxes via their telephone or
Internet banking services. Check with your
financial institution to see if this is
available.
You can also pay your taxes in person
at your financial institution. This service is
free. You will need to complete the
remittance voucher included in your tax
package and present it with your payment
to your institution for processing.
You can also mail your payment with
your paper tax return in the form of a
cheque or money order payable to the
Receiver General. Payment can also be
mailed separately from the tax return by
using the remittance voucher included in
your package.
If you file your return late you will be
penalized. A penalty of 5% of the balance
owing, plus 1% of the balance owing for
each full month that the return is late to a
maximum of 12 months. Compound daily for monthly CCTB payments for that child.
interest is also charged on overdue Payments are based on the number of
payments. children you have, their age, and your
If you feel you will have difficulty family net income. Both you and your
paying the amount owed, you may be able spouse or common-law partner (if
to make a payment arrangement with applicable) have to file tax returns every
CRA. year so that CCTB can be calculated.
GST/HST Credit
This is intended to help offset the
Goods and
impact of GST/HST for Canadians with low Service Tax
and modest income. Anyone over 19 years
of age may be eligible for the GST/HST (GST) reduced
credit by completing the GST/HST credit
application section on their return and As of 1st January 2008 the
filing the return. Depending on how much GST was reduced from 6% to 5%.
income an individual had during the year, This along with the Provincial
he or she could receive the GST/HST Sales Tax (PST) is applicable to
credit (which is paid 4 times a year). many goods and services in
Canada. PST is not applicable in
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Alberta or the three territories.
Nova Scotia, Newfoundland &
This is an insurance program Labrador and New Brunswick all
designed to help provide you with income use HST which combined GST
for your retirement. In general, if you work and PST.
in Canada or are self-employed and you The new rates for each
are 18 to 70 years old you become a province and territory are now:
contributor and must pay into the CPP. If
you are an employee, your employer must British Columbia
match your contribution to the plan. The 7% PST + 5% GST = 12%
CPP can also provide you with income if Alberta
you become disabled and benefits may 5% GST
also be paid to your family when you die. Saskatchewan
5% PST + 5% GST = 10%
Nova Scotia
Employment Insurance (EI)
13% HST
Newfoundland and Labrador
This program may provide you with
13% HST
benefits if you become unemployed. In
New Brunswick
general, your employer must deduct EI
13% HST
premiums from your pay, regardless of
Ontario
your age. Self-employed people, however,
8% PST + 5% GST = 13%
are not normally included in the EI
Prince Edward Island
program. They don’t have to pay EI
10% PST + 5% GST = 15%
premiums, so they are not eligible for
Manitoba
benefits. They can however take out
7% PST + 5% GST = 13%
separate insurance for this purpose.
Quebec
7.5% PST + 5% GST = 13.5%
Canada Child Tax Benefit
Northwest Territories
(CCTB) 5% GST
Nunavut
If you are primarily responsible for the 5% GST
care and upbringing of a child who is Yukon Territories
under 18 years of age, you may be eligible 5% GST
34 Money

Federal and provincial tax rates

.

FEDERAL/PROVINCE/TERRITORY RATE(S)

Federal 15% on the first $37,178 of taxable income, +

22% on the next $37,179 of taxable income (on the portion of
taxable income between $37,178 and $74,357), +
26% on the next $46,530 of taxable income (on the portion of
taxable income between $74,357 and $120,887), +
29% of taxable income over $120,887.

The federal rates above need to be calculated using your taxable income which is shown on line 260
of your tax return. The same then needs to be calculated using the relevant provincial or territorial tax
rates below. The combination of these taxes is the total tax rate you pay.

Newfoundland and Labrador 9.64% on the first $29,886 of taxable income, +

14.98% on the next $29,886, +
17.26% on the amount over $59,772

Prince Edward Island 9.8% on the first $31,369 of taxable income, +

13.8% on the next $31,370, +
16.7% on the amount over $62,739

Nova Scotia 8.79% on the first $29,590 of taxable income, +

14.95% on the next $29,590, +
16.67% on the next $33,820 +
17.5% on the amount over $93,000

New Brunswick 10.12% on the first $34,186 of taxable income, +

15.48% on the next $34,188, +
16.8% on the next $42,787, +
17.95% on the amount over $111,161

Ontario 6.05% on the first $35,488 of taxable income, +

9.15% on the next $35,488, +
11.16% on the amount over $70,976

Manitoba 10.9% on the first $30,544 of taxable income, +

13% on the next $34,456, +
17.4% on the amount over $65,000

Saskatchewan 11% on the first $38,405 of taxable income, +

13% on the next $71,324, +
15% on the amount over $109,729

Alberta 10% of taxable income

British Columbia 5.7% on the first $34,397 of taxable income, +

8.65% on the next $34,397, +
11.1% on the next $10,190, +
13% on the next $16,925, +
14.7% on the amount over $95,909

Yukon 7.04% on the first $37,178 of taxable income, +

9.68% on the next $37,179, +
11.44% on the next $46,530, +
12.76% on the amount over $120,887
 Employment 35

In celebration of International Women's Day 2008

6th Annual Power of Women Conference
March 8 2008
International Women's Day is observed all over the world on March 8th, 2008 in which women of all
races, financial status and ages come together to celebrate all that women have done and all that
women are and do.

Durham Region will be the host the prestigious 6th Annual Power of Women Conference. "We
believe that there are so many amazing women in Ontario, that they deserve a special event that
celebrates them in style." says founder and CEO, Tina Dezsi.

Produced by the Power of Women Exchange, a group for women entrepreneurs, executives, and
business professionals, the conference is an extraordinary way to celebrate being a woman on IWD
2008.

This year's theme of empowering yourself to find your "Fearless Power to Fly Higher" is achieved
through a unique formula that combines education, networking and pleasure.

Every woman is invited to attend this wonderful day and enjoy the amazing format that offers
workshops, keynote speakers, prizes, raffles, continental breakfast, lunch and a goody bag full of free
giveaways along with the abundance of energy only a group of women can provide!

“The upbeat energy and true desire to help each other both professionally and personally is what makes
The Power of Women Conference so contagiously successful." says founder and CEOD Lia Bandola.

Along with fabulous Keynote speakers Marianne Ford, Tricia Hasenclever and Glenda Brindle the
morning will offer the attendees a choice between 6 different and truly unique workshops with
speakers that bring the best of their expertise in both personal and professional information.

Sponsorship is available at the corporate level for businesses. Tickets are available at the early bird
price ON SALE NOW! Don't be left out, tickets are limited CALL NOW.

Event Information

Place: Tosca Banquet & Conference Centre, 800 Champlain Avenue, Oshawa, Ontario
Date: Saturday, March 8th, 2008
Time: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Cost: Early bird price $125.00 including GST until February 8th, then price goes to $150.00 including
GST until March 1st or sold out!
Contact: Tina Dezsi, 905.429.4040 or tina@powe.ca or Lia Bandola 905.619.3792 or lia@powe.ca

For more information or to register please call 905.429.4040 or visit www.powe.ca

36 Motoring

Demerit points
When a driver commits certain offenses relating to road safety, demerit points will be entered on their
driving record. Each province and territory has its own system in place to record points and take action against
drivers who accumulate excessive points. Offenses committed in other provinces or American states where
reciprocal agreements are in place will still result in demerit points being recorded against you.
The recording of points on your record can result in higher insurance premiums and ultimately the loss of
your licence. The following table gives details of the points system in each province.

PROVINCE NO OF NO OF POINTS BEFORE HOW LONG NOTES

POINTS SUSPENSION
BEFORE
WARNING
Ontario 6 points 9 points - will be asked to attend
interview to give reasons against
suspension. If you do not attend or
reason not sufficient licence is
automatically suspended for 30 days.
15 points - Suspended for 30 days.
Failure to surrender licence results in 2
year suspension.
POINTS KEPT
ON LICENCE
2 years After suspension you may be
required to attend driver re-
examination. Points will be
reduced to 7. If you reach 15
points again your licence will
be suspended for 6 months.

Alberta 8 points 15 points - automatic 1 month 2 years Once suspension served

suspension. Two suspensions within 1 points reduced to 7.
year result in 3 month suspension. If an approved defensive
Three suspensions within 2 years driving course is completed
result in 6 months suspension. before 15 points accumulated,
3 points can be removed every
2 years.

New Brunswick 3 points 10 points - suspension for 3 months 2 years A driver assessment may need
to be undertaken before
licence can be re-instated.

Newfoundland & 6 points 12 points - suspended for 2 months. 2 years All drivers completing
Labrador Second or third convictions within two suspension must complete a
years result in 4 month suspension. driver workshop before licence
re-instatement. Drivers
completing Point Reduction
courses can have 4 points
removed every five years.

Quebec 7 points 15 points - suspended for 3 months.
Two suspensions within two years
results in 6 month suspension and a
third suspension results in a 12 month
suspension.
2 years You are required to take a
knowledge test and possibly a
road test before licence is re-
instated.

Nova Scotia 6 points 10 points - suspension for 6 months 2 years You may be required to attend
driver training before re-
instatement of license. Drivers
completing recognized
defensive driving courses can
have 4 points removed every
five years.
 Motoring 37

PROVINCE NO OF NO OF POINTS BEFORE HOW LONG NOTES

POINTS SUSPENSION POINTS KEPT
BEFORE ON LICENCE
WARNING
Prince Edward 6 points 9 points - will be asked to attend 2 years The completion of a Canada
Island interview to give reasons against Safety Council driving course
suspension. If you do not attend or can result in the removal of 3
reason not sufficient licence is demerit points.
suspended for up to 3 months.
12 points - three month suspension.
For offenses securing 12 points
individually a 12 month suspension will
be imposed.

Manitoba Manitoba runs a merit and demerit program in which drivers gain merits for good driving and receive demerits
for bad driving which increase or decrease insurance premiums accordingly. A person can earn up to 5 merits
and for every merit earned two demerits can be removed. Penalties paid through this program are in addition
to fines handed out by law enforcement for traffic convictions. convictions can result in licence suspension
and/or jail.

British Columbia In B.C. they are referred to as Driver Penalty Points (DPP’s) which are assessed on an annual basis.
Accumulation of points directly affects insurance premiums for the following year. DPP’s can be eliminated by
either paying the amount outstanding in full or by surrendering your driving licence for 1 year. A reduced
premium can be obtained by surrendering your licence for 30 days or more. Penalties paid through this
program are in addition to fines handed out by law enforcement for traffic convictions

Saskatchewan Saskatchewan runs a Safe Driver Recognition program (SDR) which credits drivers for safe driving and
penalizes bad drivers. This is reflected in insurance premiums where each demerit point equals a $25 penalty.
Each year of incident-free driving moves you one point towards the Safety Zone. After three years of penalty
free driving, drivers are returned to the starting point and can begin to acquire discount again. Penalties paid
through this program are in addition to fines handed out by law enforcement for traffic convictions

All the above apply to fully licensed drivers. Learner drivers and newly qualified drivers will be governed by stricter rules. Offenses
under the Criminal Code of Canada may result in high fines, longer suspensions and jail sentences.

Petrol
(gas)
prices
per
gallon
around
the
world
38 Kidzone

Help, my parents are taking me

to canada
Some kids find out very early
on in the process that their
parents are thinking of moving to
Canada, others only find out after
the decision has been made.
However you find out that you
may be moving to Canada it will
be a strange and scary time. Here
are some tips to help you through
this process.

Because of the time it takes to apply

to move to Canada most people, adults
and kids alike will have plenty of time to
adapt to the idea. We always advise
adults to use this time to research where
they are going to be living, where they are
planning to work etc. and the same is true
for younger family members.
Get involved
However old you are and whatever
your feelings about moving you can use
this time to do your own research and get
involved in your parents plans.
Most parents will want to get their
children involved in the whole process of
moving but if you feel that your parents
are mot involving you as much as you
would like, get them to read this article
and hopefully it will help them see that by
getting you involved it will help everyone.
When you are first told that your
family may be moving to the other side of
the world it can be a pretty exciting but
scary thought. Remember though, it is
scary for the adults too. They have to
decide where you are going to live and
how they are going to earn money to
support you. They will also be worried
about how you will cope with the move
and how this will affect the whole family.
Research has proved that most times
the kids fit in quicker and easier to their
new lives than the adults. Younger people
make friends much more easily than
adults. You will also be starting a new
school or college so will be meeting lots
of new people. Your parents on the other
hand may only get to see a few people at
work or neighbors, so might not have as
many friends as you.
In surveys the reason that most
adults with children give as their reason
for going to Canada is to give their kids a
better life. So, although this might seem
like a really big and scary thing to do,
your parents are doing it because they
feel that you will have a better life there
and not because they want to upset you
and destroy your life.
Many kids really don’t want to move
when they first find out. After all it will
mean leaving your home, school, groups
and friends behind and who wants to do
that. However once the initial shock and
anger goes away, most young people will
find the whole thing pretty exciting.
As long as both you and your parents
make sure that all the major decisions are
discussed with all family members then
everyone will know who is worried about
what and why.
Research
But lets start at the beginning. You
know that your family is planning to start a
new life in Canada. This may be in a few
months or a few years depending on what
stage of the application process your
family is at. Don’t waste this valuable
time, use it to your advantage to find out
as much as possible about Canada and
what it can offer you.
Most parents will have a good idea of
where they are going to be moving to, so
you will know roughly which town or city
your potential new home will be in.
This is a time when you can use the
internet to do lots of research. If for
example you know you will be moving to
Halifax in Nova Scotia enter this into a
search engine and see what information
you can find out about Halifax. Find out
where the schools are and what they
teach, see if there are any local groups
you can join, where the parks are, what

sports teams are in the area and so on.
Depending on your interests there will be a
wealth of information waiting for you. If
your parents restrict your internet usage,
explain to them what you are doing and
why. We are sure that once they know you
are taking an active interest in your new
life in Canada they will be happy to allow
you to do this research. Remember you
might find out things they don’t which will
be useful to them too.
Look through back issues of Muchmor
to find out ore about different areas,
schooling, kids groups etc. The more
research you do the more you will find out
and the better prepared you will be.
Remember if there is something really
worrying you talk it over with your parents.
They will want to know how you feel and
will want to help you through this difficult
time.
Fact finding trips
Lots of families try to do at least one
fact finding trip to Canada before they land
for good. Usually this trip includes the kids
and will give you an excellent opportunity
to find out even more about your new
home and what it can offer you.
Before you go make a list of all the
things that are important to you such as
schools, youth groups, sports activities etc.
It is a very good idea for both you and
your parents to visit the schools that you
may be attending. Your parents can
arrange a meeting with the head teacher to
discuss what the school has to offer you as
a pupil. You might get the opportunity to
meet teachers and other kids whilst you
are there. Try to plan your visit during a
time when the kids take a break i.e. recess
or dinner time. This way you will be able to
join them in the school yard and talk to
them face to face. You might even be able
to make some friends and take away a few
email addresses to keep in touch with
them.
Use these trips to visit groups that you
might like to join when you land. Most
groups will welcome you to visit them and
will want to show off their activities. Again
this is a good way to make friends and
contacts before you land for good.
If you have done your research well
you will know where all the local parks and
recreation areas are, so take the time to
visit them to see what they have to offer.
The things you do on the fact finding
trip will very much depend on your own
personal interests and needs, so make
sure you have a list ready before your trip
so you can plan these things in advance
with your parents. Remember though, they
will want to do things too, so you might not
be able to everything you want in one trip.
Before you leave
Once you know for sure that you are
moving to Canada and the flights are
booked, make sure you do the following.
Contact details: Make sure you have
contact details for all your friends. use a
book or your computer to store names,
addresses, phone numbers and email
addresses. Make a note of friends
birthdays so you can send birthday cards
and keep in touch with them. Don’t forget
to make sure your friends have your
details too.
Don’t forget to include the contact
details of people in Canada that you may
have met on fact finding trips. Once you
land you can contact them and you have
some instant friends.
Kidzone 39
Familiar things: Just because you
are moving to a new country doesn’t mean
you have to leave everything behind. Make
sure that you pack some of your familiar
toys, games etc. Even if you have a
restricted amount of space there should be
enough room for one or two things that will
remind you of “home.”
When you land
This will be the scariest bit for you as
now it is for real. You really are moving to
Canada.
Once you are in your new home or
temporary accommodation, explore the
neighborhood and get to now the area and
where the local kids hang out, remember
you are local too now!
Join some of the local groups such as
scouts or girl guides or some of the
sporting clubs. There are lots of activities
for kids of all ages in Canada during the
summer and winter. Lots of these activities
are sports related as Canada is a very
sports focused country. Most kids learn to
skate as soon as they can walk as ice
hockey is very very popular here.
Just because you have never skated
before or have never played hockey
doesn’t mean you cannot take it up once
you arrive. There are lots of school teams
and places where you can learn to skate.
Even if you don’t think that hockey is
something you will like, it might be worth
joining in as you will meet new people and
find other places to go and other things to
do through them.
The more people you meet of your
own age group, the more you will become
involved in the local community. Also the
more groups and sports activities you take
part in the more involved your parents will
get. This will allow them to make friends
with other parents and so you are really
doing them a favor too!
Over the coming months we will be
looking into all these things in much
more detail, so if you have a particular
concern or interest please let us know
and we will feature it for you.
editor@muchmormagazine.com
40 Kidzone

Secondary school curriculum

Last month we took a look at the
school curriculum for children in
elementary schools. This month we look
at what older children in secondary
schools will be learning across the
country. Secondary schools include
grades 9 - 12 or ages 14 - 18 years.
Alberta
English Language Arts, Mathematics,
Science, Social Studies, Physical
Education, Health and Life Skills.
From grade 10 Information and
Communication Technology and Career
and Life Management are added.
Optional Courses include: Career and
Technology, Performing Arts, Languages,
Environmental and Outdoor Education
and Ethics. From grade 10 other options
include Aboriginal Studies and Off
Campus Programs.
British Columbia
English Language Arts, Mathematics,
Business Education, Technology
Education, Health and Career Education,
Fine Arts, Information and
Communication Technology, Languages,
Physical Education, Science, Social
Studies.
Manitoba
English Language Arts, Mathematics,
Physical Education, Health Education,
Science, Social Studies.
Optional subjects take in addition to
core subjects include Languages,
Technology Education, Business and
Marketing Education,Home Economics
etc.
Saskatchewan
English Language Arts, Mathematics,
Science, Social Sciences, Health and
Physical Education, Arts Education.
Students can choose from elective
courses in addition to the core curriculum
Physical Education, Mathematics, Native
Studies, Science, Social Sciences,
Technology.
Interdisciplinary Studies added from
grade 11. Social Sciences and Humanities
replaces Social Sciences from grade 11.
Quebec
Languages, Mathematics, Science
and Technology, Social Science, Art
Education, Personal Development.
New Brunswick
English Language Arts, French,
Health and Physical education,
Mathematics, Science, Social Studies,
Technology and Vocational Education,
The Arts, Transition Education, Personal
Development and Career Planning.
Prince Edward Island
Arts, Communication and information
Technology, Health and Family Life, Home
I have helped many newcomers find a home
in the Prince Edward County, Quinte area and
now offer my services to Muchmor readers
- give me a call today!
Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd.
Brokerage
Each Office is independently Owned and
Operated
Economics, Industrial technology,
Language Arts, Mathematics, social
Studies, Science.
From grade 10: Arts, Communication
and Information Technology, Language
Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social
Studies, Core French.
Nova Scotia
English language Arts, Mathematics,
Science, Social Science. Other optional
courses are taken in addition to core
subjects.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Art Technologies, English Language
Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies,
Physical Education, Science, Core
French. Other optional courses are taken
in addition to core subjects.
Most provinces offer optional courses
which run in addition to core subjects.
Carol Brough
Sales Representative
102 Main Street
Picton
Ontario
K0K 2T0
Tel: +1 613 476 2100 (Office)
Tel: +1 613 476 8039 (Home)
Fax: +1 613 467 3482
email: carolbroughc21@hotmail.com
www.century21lanthorn.com

with many subject options available.

Ontario
I make it happen
The Arts, Business Studies,
Canadian and World Studies, Languages,
You make it home
English, Career Education, Health and
 Kidzone 41

City wordsearch
E T P T Z R Z A N O T C N O M O H Z J Y U A S R C
D K A M L O O P S C E B E U Q I N F S B F O O X O
M W G M Z W S A I N T J O H N A I O F A A J H F R
O Y R I C R E V U O C N A V R V I T O T T A W A N
N S L H J S V L A E R T N O M O T R S T L X Y C W
T C B A Y X B S P C W I N N I P E G O I A G Y A A
O V J D Y T L A B R A D O R C I T Y F T D K F L L
N S N C H A R L O T T E T O W N G A T Z C O S G L
K E P R I N C E A L B E R T U P X Z C M L I F A K
Y Y L P L T O R O N T O Y R U B D U S A E Q V R S
O B I T I P O S D U W F L G F G W I N D S O R Y H
W A N I G E R W A T H U N D E R B A Y N O D N O L

Victoria Regina Winnipeg Edmonton Toronto Ottawa

Charlottetown Moncton Calgary Halifax Labrador City Saint John
Vancouver Sudbury Saskatoon Prince Albert Windsor Sydney
Thunder Bay Kamloops Cornwall Quebec Montreal London

Sharon Armitage Betty Burns

Broker of Record Sales Representative
(email) and Associate to Sharon Armitage
sharon@quinteisle.com (email)
betty@pictonrealty.com

YOUR LOCAL BROKER

Situated in the Heart of
Wellington, Ontario, Canada

Serving ALL of Prince Edward

County & Quinte District

www.quinteisle.com
42 Out & About

Flights of fancy
It’s that time of year when San Francisco, USA
AIRLINE COSTS
people are starting to plan their
fact finding trips and landing Air Canada £343.80 (d) Scenario 1: Return flight from San
Francisco to Vancouver
journeys. So we thought it the right
Zoom Airlines £272.95 (s)
time to take a look at flight costs
from various destinations to British Airways £362.80 (d) AIRLINE COSTS
locations throughout Canada.
BMI £343.80 (d) Air Canada $321.93 (d)

We chose flights from London, United American Airlines $433.46 (d)

Air Transat £294.00 (d)
Kingdom, San Francisco, USA, New York,
USA and Paris, France. Continental Airlines $1,128.79 (s)
American Airlines £446.20 (s)
All prices quoted are total costs,
including any airport taxes and duty and United Airlines $321.61 (d)
are for one adult return fare. We chose the Scenario 3: One-way flight from
lowest cost quoted for each search and Northwest Airlines $321.65 (d)
London to Vancouver
prices are quoted in local currencies.
Zoom flights use Muchmor readers
Scenario 2: Return flight from San
discount code MM2007ZA. AIRLINE COSTS
All return flights are for the dates of Francisco to Toronto
April 15th - 29th. If these dates are not Air Canada £772.10 (d)
available, next available date used. All
Zoom Airlines £231.20 (d) AIRLINE COSTS
one-way flights are for April 22nd. Direct
flight indicated by (d), stop-over (s). Air Canada $533.54 (d)
British Airways £792.10 (d)

London, United Kingdom American Airlines $554.26 (s)

BMI £2,476.10 (d)

Continental $526.24 (s)

Scenario 1: Return flight from London Air Transat £239.00 (s) Airlines
to Vancouver
American Airlines £718.80 (s) United Airlines $533.15 (d)

AIRLINE COSTS Northwest Airlines $554.20 (s)

Scenario 4: One-way flight from
Air Canada £444.20 (d) London to Toronto
Scenario 3: One-way flight from San
Zoom Airlines £377.80 (d)
Francisco to Vancouver
AIRLINE COSTS
British Airways £543.20 (d)
Air Canada £649.10 (d) AIRLINE COSTS
BMI £444.20 (d)
Zoom Airlines £189.20 (s) Air Canada $146.49 (d)
Air Transat £388.00 (s)
British Airways £643.10 (d) American Airlines $461.46 (d)
American Airlines £589.40 (s)
BMI £2,050.10 (d) Continental Airlines $732.42 (s)

Scenario 2: Return flight from London Air Transat £185.00 (d) United Airlines $146.49 (d)
to Toronto
American Airlines £568.20 (s) Northwest Airlines $248.61 (d)

.
 Out & About 43

Scenario 4: One-way flight from San

Francisco to Toronto AIRLINE COSTS AIRLINE COSTS
Air Canada $233.49 (d) Lufthansa €704.55 (s)
AIRLINE COSTS American Airlines $498.83 (s) British Airways €582.08 (s)
Air Canada $249.69 (d)
Continental Airlines $312.67 (s) Zoom Airlines €461.91 (s)
American Airlines $289.46 (s)
United Airlines $221.74 (d) KLM €759.00 (s)
Continental Airlines $255.69 (s)
Northwest Airlines $826.59 (s) Air France €592.37 (d)
United Airlines $249.69 (d)

Northwest Airlines $308.04 (s) Scenario 4: One-way flight from New

York to Toronto Scenario 3: One-way flight from Paris
to Vancouver
New York, USA
AIRLINE COSTS
AIRLINE COSTS
Scenario 1: Return flight from New Air Canada $163.69 (d)
York to Vancouver Air Canada €3,652.76 (s)
American Airlines $163.68 (d)
Lufthansa €3,709.84 (s)
AIRLINE COSTS Continental Airlines $163.69 (d)
British Airways €1,385.67 (s)
Air Canada $472.14 (d) United Airlines $163.69 (d)
Zoom Airlines n/a
American Airlines $719.99 (s) Northwest Airlines $294.68 (s)
KLM €3,057.38 (s)
Continental Airlines $484.08 (s)
Paris, France Air France €
United Airlines $472.11 (d)

Northwest Airlines $503.65 (s) Scenario 1: Return flight from Paris to

Vancouver Scenario 4: One-way flight from Paris
to Toronto
Scenario 2: Return flight from New
York to Toronto AIRLINE COSTS
AIRLINE COSTS
Air Canada €664.61 (s)
Air Canada €3,347.18 (d)
AIRLINE COSTS Lufthansa €826.07 (s)
Lufthansa €2,971.84 (s)
Air Canada $361.19 (d)
British Airways €886.60 (s)
British Airways €1,175.67 (s)
American Airlines $361.26 (d)
Zoom Airlines n/a
Zoom Airlines €290.16 (s)
Continental Airlines $361.28 (d)
KLM €862.00 (s)
KLM €2,648.00 (s)
United Airlines $361.15 (d)
Air France €861.36 (s)
Air France €4,265.38 (s)
Northwest Airlines $382.20 (s)

Scenario 2: Return flight from Paris to All price correct at time of search
Toronto (16-17th January 2008).
Scenario 3: One-way flight from New
York to Vancouver

AIRLINE COSTS
Air Canada €493.37 (d)
44 Tea Break

My friend told me I can check the ready for when I move out in 2009. I am

Feedback progress of my application online. Is

this true and if so where do I find this?
not sure of the laws regarding this.

Donna, Edinburgh
Tony, Spain
Well Donna, you can certainly buy a
I wanted to thank you for including
Your friend is probably referring to the house without being a permanent resident.
a new kids section. My mum always
e-client service supplied by Citizenship So in theory you can buy when you visit,
reads Muchmor and I read it too, but
and Immigration Canada (CIC). However, if you need a mortgage to do
liked the bit about the scouts. I am not
You can find this online by clicking on this you may have to arrange this from
in the scouts now but think I might join
this link. Although this is available to all Scotland rather than Canada as you will
in Canada as mum and dad think it will
applicants it gives very limited information find it hard to get a financial institution in
be a good place to meet new friends.
and if you have sent your application but canada to agree to loaning money to a
are in the long queue you will probably just non resident, although is not impossible.
Josh, UK
get the message “in process”. On many Another word of warning is make sure
occasions you are contacted by CIC long you want to do this before being sure you
Thanks Josh, we agree with your
before e-client gets updated. will get residency. You may end up with a
mum and dad. Groups like the scouts are
Another way of checking your property in Canada that if your residency
a great way to meet new people wherever
application is via CAIPS. We covered this is not granted you can never live in which
you live, especially when moving to a new
in our August 2007 issue, so please feel would be heartbreaking as well as
location. Good luck.
free to download this from our website financially hard.
using this link.
Thank you, thank you for your
story about the girl guides, I saw the bit
Can I buy a property in Canada
about Lones. I had never heard of these
even before I live there? I would like to
but contacted a group near to where we
visit this year and possibly buy a house
will be living when we move to Canada
at the end of 2008. They have allowed
me to join their Lones so I can take
part in the activities even before we
land.

Jenni, UK

That’s great news Jenni, we are

pleased we pointed this out for you. Good
luck with your move to Canada.
An immigrant, helping NEW immigrants
I just wanted to thank you for your find their NEW HOME or an investment
article about wills. My husband and I
have been in Canada for nearly two
property for the past 18 years.
years and although we had wills in
Ireland we never gave them a thought email or call me TOLL FREE TODAY
here for some reason. Your article Tel: 1-877-256-0006
reminded us we need to sort this out
and we were shocked to learn that we email: stef@lukasgrouprealty.com
would not necessarily automatically
get each others money upon death.
Great article, a great reminder, thanks.
www.lukasgrouprealty.com
Bernadette, London, ON

I’m afraid wills are one of those

things we all prefer not to think about and
it is certainly not on most peoples priority
list when they land in Canada. Glad we
could help.
 Tea Break 45

Top Canadian…
TV shows
1. American Idol (Tue) - 3.03 11. ER - 1.42
2. American Idol (Wed) - 2.75 12. NFL Playoffs, Game 2 - 1.37
3. Amazing Race 12 - 2.03 13. Celebrity Apprentice - 1.36
4. C.S.I. Miami - 2.03 14. Without a Trace - 1.30
5. Law & Order - 1.93 15. Jeopardy - 1.22
6. Law & Order: SVU - 1.89 16. NHIC, Game 1 - 1.20
7. NFL Playoffs, Game 1- 1.82 17. Terminator Chronicle - 1.19
8. C.S.I. - 1.78 18. Prison Break - 1.18
9. CTV Evening News - 1.58 19. Ghost Whisperer - 1.17
10. NCIS - 1.43 20. Corner Gas - 1.16

CD’s
1. In Rainbows, Radiohead
2. Muchdance 2008, Various
3. Good Girl Gone Bad, Rihanna
4. Taking Chances, Celine Dion
5. As I Am, Alicia Keys
6. Duets, Friends and Legends, Anne
Murray
7. Reminder, Feist
8. Blackout, Britney Spears
9. Timbaland Presents Shock Valu,
Timbaland
10. Mothership, Led Zeppelin

DVD’s
1. The Game Plan 6. Mr Woodcock
2. Saw IV 7. Death Sentence
3. Sydney White 8. Sunshine
4. 3;10 to Yuma 9. War
5. God Luck Chuck 10. Shoot ‘Em Up

Fiction paperbacks
1. Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen 6. The Gathering, Anne Enright
2. The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini 7. The Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett
3. The Overlook, Michael Connelly 8. Exit Music, Ian Rankin
4. Atonement, Ian McEwan 9. Secrets from the Vinyl cafe
5. Memory Keepers Daughter, Kim 10. Next, Michael Critchton
Edwards

Fiction hardbcks
1. Late Nights on Air, Elizabeth Hay
2. Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled
Hosseini
3. Divisadero, Michael Ondaatie
4. World Without End, Ken Follett
5. For One More Day, Mitch Albom
6. Confessor, Terry Goodkind
7. Playing for Pizza, John Grisham
8. T is for Trespass, Sue Grafton
9. Canadian Short Stories, Jane
Urquhart
10. Lord John & the Hand of Devils,
Diana Gabaldon
 Whistler Coast Mountains Tube Park Hot Rod Tour Dog Sledding
46Skiing
Tea Break Snowboarding Activities Helicopter Blackcomb
Olympics Awards Slopes Nursery Nordic Skiing
Bungee Jumping Sleigh Ride Aerial Tours Hotel Wheelchair
Riverside
Golf Course Networking in Canada
Wedding
Disabled
WinterPRIDE
Package
Festivities
Campground
Village
Ticket

mymuchmor - social
networking brought to
you by muchmor -
connecting Canada

www.mymuchmor.com

mymuchmor - social networking brought to

you by muchmor - connecting canada
www.mymuchmor.com

Muchmor Anglo Pacific made it easy

When we moved to Canada Anglo Pacific
Magazine took care of everything

Download this issue

Back issues

Mymuchmor

Job search

Real life

Immigration FAQ’s

Advertising
Over 500,000 satisfied customers have already trusted their
possessions to Anglo Pacific, Britain’s leading international
Read blog movers. We deliver our promises, so whatever you need to
move, wherever in the world, we’ll deliver your goods safely,
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Real estate quotation, and get the facts from our friendly experts.

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www.anglopacific.co.uk. London, Manchester, Glasgow, Nationwide
 January 2008
MUCHMOR REALTY
More properties online at www.muchmormagazine.com
A look back at the 2007 real estate market
Last year saw a record year for
real estate in Canada as reported
by the Canadian Real Estate
Association (CREA). Not only were
more properties sold but the
average selling price was also
higher than ever before.
Across the whole of Canada 362,934
homes were sold via the MLS system. The
average price across the country was a
record $326,055, an increase of 10.8% on
2006.
"Resale housing demand remained
high throughout 2007 due to job and
income growth, the continuation of
attractive financing, and upbeat consumer
confidence," said CREA chief economist
Gregory Klump.
During December 2007 the highest
reported year on year gains in price were
recorded in 24 of the major markets. The
average price across these markets was
$332,836.
Home sales set new annual records in
a number of major markets including
Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto,
London-St. Thomas, Hamilton-Burlington
& District, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ottawa,
Montreal, Quebec City, Saint John,
Halifax, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Saskatchewan
Regina and Saskatoon recorded the
highest price increases across the country.
Both cities saw price rises of over 45% on
the previous year.
"The combination of a spike in the
number of available jobs, the reasonable
cost of living, and the attractiveness of the
prairie lifestyle led to an unprecedented
number of people searching for homes,"
said a spokesperson from the
Saskatchewan Real Estate Association.
Regina saw average selling prices of
$200,407, up 46.5% whilst Saskatoon
jumped 45.6% to an average of $255,271.
British Columbia
The most expensive real estate in
Canada is located in Vancouver where the
average selling price in December was
$566,192. This is a gain of 9% on the
previous year.
The availability of jobs associated with
the 2010 Olympics is credited with much
of this boom.
Victoria also set records with over
$4.1 billion of sales in 2007. The total
number of sales increased by over 12%
whilst the average selling price rose 8.5%
on the year. The average selling price in
Victoria was $536,000.
The Fraser Valley saw increases of
11.4% on single family homes with the
average selling price being $520,317.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia set its own records with
13,736 properties sold during 2007 at an
average selling price of $180,989. These
48 Realty

sales totaled $2.3 billion an increase of Edmonton increased its figures by

18.6% on the previous year.
This activity was led by strong sales
in the Halifax/Dartmouth area. The
average selling price in Halifax was
$209,156.
12.1% to an average of $329,705 in
December. Over the course of the year
the prices rose an average of 11.7%.
New Brunswick

Manitoba Saint John saw some of the highest

In Winnipeg the demand outstripped
supply boosting prices and making it very
much a sellers market. The average
selling price in the city was $172,475, an
increase of 6.8% on 20056.
gains in Atlantic Canada. The average
selling price during 2007 was $135,193
an increase of 6%.
Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador overall

saw increases of 15.3% with the average
Ontario selling price being $163,276.

The Ontario housing market has

Quebec
been very strong with many areas seeing
record sales and pricing.
Toronto saw house prices rising 12% Quebec City saw high gains of 17.3%
on 2006 with the average selling price with the average selling price of
pushed up to $376,236 from $351,941. $174,768. However, Montreal saw more
However, December saw year on year modest gains of 8.5% giving an average
gains of 17.5% when the average selling selling price of $242,485.
price was $394,931. Over 93,000 Trois-Rivieres saw even higher
properties were sold in the Toronto Real increases of 21.8% bring their average
Estate Board region during 2007. selling price to $127,672.
Ottawa, the country’s capital saw
increases of just over 11% with average
prices of $276,839.
Thunder Bay in northern Ontario saw
Muchmor
price rises of 20.5% bring the average Magazine
selling price in December to $135,604.
Sudbury also saw higher selling Download this issue
prices than previous years at $189,489,
an increase of 17.1%.
Back issues
The Windsor region of Ontario saw
losses during December with prices down
3.4% to an average of $159,068. This is
Mymuchmor
mainly due to the instability of the
manufacturing market which the city so Job search
heavily relies upon.
Real life
Alberta
Immigration FAQ’s
After a rapid rise in demand and
prices during the first half of 2007 the Advertising
Alberta market leveled off during the
second half of the year. Read blog
Calgary saw average December
house prices of $400,139, a gain of Real estate
10.7%. The average selling price
throughout the year in the city was
$421,000, an increase of 16.6%.
 Realty 49

MLS: 260267 Price: $242,900 Province: Saskatchewan

City: Saskatoon Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1
New three bedroom townhouse located on the South end of Warman - only five minutes to
Sasaktoon! 1284/2 Sq. Ft. two storey with a single attached garage. Beautiful kitchen with
island and stainless steel appliances, two extra piano style windows in living room, upgraded
flooring, two piece bath on main level and a extra large master bedroom. Driveway, fence
and landscaping to be completed in the Spring of 2008. Quick possession available. NEW,
NEW, NEW! Call for your personal showing today.

MLS: 257535 Price: $1,049,000 Province: Saskatchewan

City: Saskatoon Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
This amazing 'to be built' two storey walkout will boast over 4100 sqft on all 3. Four car
garage, 9' ceilings, custom kitchen and baths anc closets, possible 4th bedroom. Custom
moulding pkg, central air, central vac, heated basement floor. Too many extras to list.

MLS: 258631 Price: $599,900 Province: Saskatchewan

City: Saskatoon Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

Brand new and beautiful in a prime Briarwood location! This spacious, fully developed 1613
square foot raised bungalow features exceptional quality and style with dramatic vaulted
ceilings, gleaming hardwoods, polished granite and an amazing ensuite bath with seperate
air tub, 3' x 5' shower and dual sinks. Complete with 4 bedrooms plus a bright and inviting
main floor den/office, this exceptional home is ready for immediate possession. Quality
construction by Ward Homes - Saskatchewan New Home Warranty is included.

MLS: 259231 Price: $277,500 Province: Saskatchewan

City: Saskatoon Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1
Priced below market value and ready for a quick possession date. A very attractive "West
Coast Style" 3- storey town house condo in excellent condition anda preferred end unit
model with more open views than most other units. A good color scheme with a white
kitchen, 6- appliances, balcony off the kitchen, central air conditioning, 2- bedrooms, 2
bathrooms plus a flex room on the main level. There is a single attached garage with direct
entry plus 1- electric parking stall. Condo fees are $155.57 per month which includes the
water. You will like what you see, this is a great property..

MLS: Various lots Price: $60,900 - $139,900

Province: Saskatchewan City: Prince albert
These beautiful lake lots come in a variety of dimensions and elevations and are
conveniently located just 10 minutes west of the town of Big River on highway 55. Power &
phone service to be run upon completion of roads. Marina to be located on the south west
corner in the phase one of the development. This is your chance to get in at phase one
prices. Lots being sold first come first serve. Investor package available..
50 Realty

Helen Parnell
Tel: 403-932-8888
www.moving2alberta.com

MLS: C3302604 Price: $562,500 Province: Alberta

City: Cochrane Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3
This 5 bedroom 3 bathroom walkout bungalow in the sought after community of Riverview
Circle. Enter the main floor family room and admire the rich Brazilian Cherry hardwood
floors throughout. The main floor also contains the Master bedroom with 5 piece en-suite,
2nd bedroom/ flex room, re-modeled kitchen with granite worktops and brand new
appliances, mudroom and 4 piece guest bathroom. Access the deck from the privacy of the
Master bedroom or the dining area. Panoramic views of the golf course can be enjoyed on
those long sunny evenings whilst cooking on the gas line BBQ.

MLS: C3297692 Price: $279,500 Province: Alberta

City: Cochrane Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
Great private, secluded and quiet place to call home. This home has it all. Nice size family
room to cosy into on these cold nights. The kitchen is bright with dining area and new
laminate flooring installed earlier this year. The kitchen faces west so great for the evening
sun. A two-piece washroom completes this level. Upstairs you have a good size master
and then two further bedrooms. The 4-piece washroom is all new with tiling all the way to
the top of the wall by the deep soaker tub. The walkout basement needs your finishing
touches but walks out on to a nice deck on private fenced yard. Unit backs onto a treed

MLS: C3297037 Price: $569,900 Province: Alberta

City: Cochrane Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3
Executive style 2 storey walkout that has real "WOW" value. Open foyer at front
entrance,sweeping staircase to upper level with open hallway and four bedrooms. Cozy
living room off kitchen as well as an office/den. Beautiful wood cabinets in kitchen. Deck
off garden door with valley views. Main floor laundry room includes washer and dryer with
purchase. Large master BR has wonderful bright ensuite with soaker tub. Walkout has been
professionally developed with wet bar, custom built-in wall unit and fireplace, another
bathroom with extra large tiled shower.

MLS: C3295500 Price: $489,000 Province: Alberta

City: Cochrane Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
Lovely, fully finished, 2 story family home in sought after Riverview. Spacious master
bedroom with gleaming hardwood and 4 piece ensuite. 2 other well sized bedrooms. Main
floor features hardwood and porceline tile, open kitchen and family area, formal dining and
livingroom.. Fully finished basement with 2 more "bedrooms" full bathroom and family/rec
room. Beautifully landscaped including New composite decking and aluminum rails.
Includes all appliances!

MLS: Exclusive Price: $629,900 Province: Alberta

City: Calgary Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
This former Jager show home is nestled in the beautiful Crestmont sub division in the SW.
The home has large west facing windows with some mountain view.Features include 18ft.
ceiling in living room, barrel ceiling in Bonus room and vaulted ceiling in Master Bedroom.
Gormet kitchen has stainless steel appliances. Hardwood floor in kitchen /dining room,
ceramic tiled entry ways and walk-trough pantry. All windows have high end custom
drapes,rods and blinds. There is a 2 storey feature gas fireplace in the living room. Dining
area has a door leading to the deck. Main floor includes a laundry area, walk through pantry
and half bath,and a den/office. Master bedroom with seperate ensuite with his and her
sinks, a shower and corner soaker tub. The two car garage is insulated and drywalled.
 Realty 51

MLS: 2076970 Price: $169,900 Province: Ontario

City: Prince Edward Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

2 Bedroom Bungalow in great Sub-division. Open concept Kitchen - Living room, Hallway to
bedrooms and one bedroom door wider for wheelchair access. Single car detached garage
built approx. 2 years ago. Storage room with access to 4'crawl space off of kitchen. Good
sized kitchen with plenty of cabinets. Lot size to be verified.

MLS: 2075898 Price: $375,900 Province: Ontario

City: Prince Edward Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2
Grand Century Home situated on a 12 acre parcel of land with great Privacy! Large barn in
good condition. This home boasts many original features, 9 1/2 foot ceilings, extra wide
baseboards, original trim and most doors. Over 3400 sq. ft. with great potential. Spacious 4
bedrooms upstairs, original wood bannister. Large room on main floor could be master
bedroom or Parlour. This all brick home is set back from Road with long driveway going into
property, offers a wonderful Privacy!

MLS: 2074064 Price: $249,900 Province: Ontario

City: Prince Edward Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2

Well Kept family home in Great subdivision. Fully finished home on both levels. 2 bedrooms
up and 2 bedrooms on lower level, with 4pc. washroom on both as well. Spacious eat-in
kitchen with patio doors to deck and above ground pool. Backyard faces parkland. Finished
rec-r.

MLS: 2073841 Price: $239,900 Province: Ontario

City: Wellington Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Prime area of Wellington, quiet Cul-de-sac with many Newer homes! Walking distance to all
amenities. This lovely 2 bedroom home would make a perfect retirement home. Gleaming
hardwood floors, ceramic tiles,spacious master bedroom with bright 3pc. ensuite and large
walk in closet. Open concept living area with gorgeous kitchen with patio doors to deck
facing parkland. Large laundry room with access to attached garage. Full partially finished
basement. Move in condition a must see
52 Realty

"What's up" with this market???

By Stef Lukas of Lukas The result was a year to year
Group Realty, Calgary increase in average prices of just over
18% which makes us ecstatic. This works Some Great
out to a 72% return on a property
Well, it depends a great deal purchased one year ago. Just on Deals Today
on: who do you ask and believe, appreciation alone! Now forecasts for
2008 are slightly lower at only around If you are looking for starter
which newspaper you read and
12% for an increase, but this still works home, the Best Deal in town is 2
whether or not you believe
out to 48% return next year. storey, 1108 square feet, 3
everything you read, which real bedrooms in Martindale, for
Are You Ready For 2008?
estate "guru" or self made You should be, and if you haven't $309,900. There are 41
financial advisers you listen to, been pre-approved for the mortgage, property's ( including: single
saved initial deposit money, hurry up, IT'S detached, attached, townhouse)
which Bank economist you believe
BUYERS MARKET STILL, and will remain for under $310,000 available
in, providing he did not advise his
so for the at least first half of this year. today.
Bank to get greedy and buy sub-
We expect interest rates to go further
prime mortgages and is now down; watch for the Fed's announcement Another great one is in
looking to be bailed out by our tax after or on January 21, there is a large Strathcona Park: 2 storey split,
amount of inventory for sale. Already in 1974 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 5
dollars, et
the first couple week since Christmas, we piece ensuite, bath plus 2 more
Personally, I don't make predications
have seen over a 10% increase in full bathrooms, one half
other than that it will be nice weather in
listings. Almost as though people didn't bathroom, fully finished walk out
June and will cold in December, but
want strangers wandering through their basement, totally remodelled for
having toiled in this business for the past
homes during Christmas so they let their only $599,000.
18 years and watching numbers that
generate statistics with primary listings expire and have now relisted, or
waited to get through another Christmas For new built homes, we will
responsibility to advise and guide you
before trying to sell. New Home Builders have 3 show homes for sale in
( buyers), let me offer you some insight
have totally slowed down and some sit on Panorama Hills in February, you
and facts that are substantiated with
large numbers of spec homes for sale. As can reserve now, for about
numbers.
of today, January 15/08 T 12:00 noon, we $365,000, all by Carolina Homes,
First, let's look at the 2007 Real
have 3228 detached single family homes 3 bedrooms with ton of upgrades.
Estate Market:
on the market and 1772 condos, 50% In Evergreen, SW. we also have
2007 was a very interesting year in
more than at the same time last year. So, some great deals by Carolina
the Real Estate market. With exceptional
WHY BUY NOW and not wait for prices to Homes offered exclusively for our
gains in values in the first part of the year
drop further,( same question I have been clients.
and then almost as substantial a decrease
in the last half of the year made for quite asked times and again)?? Very simple
answer: as you wait and wait, smart If you like NW, we have Fantastic
the roller coaster ride. Sometimes in mid
people will buy, inventory will diminish, new home in Tuscany, 4
June, sales stopped as if someone turned
new home builders can't afford to build bedrooms on upper floor, almost
water spiked off, and we saw number of
much until all these resale inventory is 2600 sq. ft, bonus or another
properties for sale piling up. Almost 34%
almost gone, and that might take us to bedroom on the main floor,
of those listings where speculators trying
June, when all of sudden, inventory will be kitchen to die for, main floor
to exit the market and make huge gains
down and anyone placing their property laundry: $679,800 ( best deal in
by listing their property's well above the
for sale will ask more than they would Tuscany for square footage).
market value, and then when by
September they couldn't sell it, prices today. Simple rule: supply and demand.
started to drop, newspapers made big
sensational headlines that the Calgary
Home prices went down, builders are not
building as much and so on. You would
have thought, major disaster set in. Our
sales were still strong and finished the
year only 3% down from record setting
2006.
 Realty 53

So what does $250,000 buy you?

Well the answer to that question very much depends on where you are buying and what your
requirements are. Here are a few examples.

British Columbia

In the Kamloops area you can get this three bedroom, two bathroom
property which sits on 2.6 acres. It is a large house with over 3,000 sq ft of
living space and is close to Gun Lake with fabulous mountain views.

In New Westminster you could make this one bedroom condominium your home for
$250,000. It offers 700 sq ft of living space and is only four years old. You will have to
take into account to monthly condo fee of $165 though.

Alberta

In Calgary you can purchase a nice two bedroom, two bath condo in the
Brindlewood neighbourhood. It is over 750 sq ft and offers indoor parking. Close to
all amenities. Contact Stef Lukas for more info.

Another condo for sale in Calgary is

this two bedroom apartment in
Bowness which is over 900 sq ft and
has views of Olympic Park.
Contact Helen Parnell for details

Saskatchewan

For a little under $250k you can own this townhouse in Saskatoon, on sale with
Michael Chudoba. It has two bedrooms and 1,124 sq ft of living space. It comes
with six appliances, central air, central vac and an unfinished basement.

In Swift Current you can get a four

bedroom, two bathroom house on a
acre. It has 1,252 sq ft and was built in
1958. It comes with a double detached garage, 6-man hot tub and many updates.
54 Realty

A statement by the increase more slowly as the market

becomes more balanced. In most
Canadian Real provinces, the market will nevertheless
remain historically tight – with the tightest
Estate Association markets being in Saskatchewan and
Manitoba. Nationwide, the average
The Canadian housing market in residential price is forecast to increase 5.5
2007 set a number of MLS® sales per cent to about $322,700.
records, and the re-sale housing market is According to CREA’s Chief
expected to remain at near record sales Economist, a larger supply of listings will
levels in 2008, according to The Canadian be one of the balancing influences in
Real Estate Association. 2008. New listings are forecast to rise in
Annual residential MLS® sales all provinces except Alberta, where they’re
activity totaled 520,747 units in 2007, up expected to retreat after spiking in late
7.6 per cent from 2006 levels. This was 2007.
the largest annual sales growth since “The challenge for the Canadian
2002, and the first time transactions via housing market will be the extent to which
the MLS® systems of real estate boards employment and consumer confidence
in Canada have surpassed 500,000 units may be affected by a slowdown in the
sold in one year. U.S. economy,” Ann Bosley adds.
“The results in 2007 show the unbelievable how quickly some of these
strength and the affordability of the units are turning over.”
Canadian residential market,” says CREA Ms. O’Neill of the Toronto Real Estate
President Ann Bosley. “The statistics Condos outsell Board agreed that the sales figures for
again show just how different the housing
markets are in Canada and the United
single family condominiums have been “quite
astounding,” but cautioned that the
States. Canadian REALTORS® know that homes in Toronto average price increase is being driven by
Canadian mortgage lenders correctly see a handful of areas where bidding wars
that home prices will continue rising. We Sales figures compiled by realty giant have created enormous demand.
know there is still strong competition for Re/Max showed condominiums in central “It’s not happening everywhere,” she
mortgage business in Canada.” Toronto rose by 12.2% last year, cautioned. “There are some very hot
Three key economic ingredients will compared to 11.5% for single detached pockets where prices are rising very, very
keep Canada’s housing market on a homes. In the city’s west end, condo quickly ... particularly in Yorkville, along
different track from the United States. One prices increased by 7.3%, compared to a the harbourfront and in Bloor and Avenue
is consumer confidence, the second is 6.6% rise in the price of homes. Road.”
employment, and third is affordable Both areas include some of the Still, Ms. O’Neill said there has been
interest rates. The Bank of Canada cut hottest condominium markets in the city, a clear shift in homebuyers’ priorities over
interest rates on January 22nd because of but even in less active parts of the Toronto the past year or two that has made
weaker prospects for Canadian economic area there are still pockets of rapid price condominiums much more attractive than
growth in 2008. “Those lower interest increases, said Charlene McAdam, a detached homes. “The mentality is
rates will also help temper the erosion in spokeswoman for Re/Max. changing,” she said. “People want to be
housing affordability due to additional “In some districts, it’s more than downtown, close to all the amenities, all
home price increases,” Bosley added. The doubled the [price] numbers from 2006,” the entertainment.”
Bank of Canada is expected to cut its she said. “This is the first time we’ve seen Jane Renwick, the editor of the condo
trend-setting rate again in March. this — it’s the first time that condos have trade quarterly Urbanation, said that the
CREA’s Chief Economist Gregory even come close to the increase in single price hikes for condominiums —
Klump says that the Canadian housing homes.” particularly in the downtown core — are in
market in 2008 will pull back from the Ms. McAdam said the soaring values no danger of easing off soon. “There was
breakneck pace set in 2007, but this is still for condominiums, particularly high-rise some very aggressive price increasing
forecast to be the second-busiest year on units in the downtown or along the last year, because there was a lot of
record in almost all provinces, with waterfront, are being driven by demand for these condominiums,” she
residential unit sales reaching an extraordinary demand. “Demand has said.
estimated 512,705 units. soared because of the differential in price “There’s still some room for more
Average prices for MLS® home between condos and detached homes price increases, we think.”
sales are expected to keep setting and because condos as a lifestyle have
records in 2008, although prices will really taken off,” she said. “It’s just
55 Realty

MLS: C3293558 Price: $365,000

Province: Alberta City: Calgary
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
***PRICE BELOW MARKET VALUE FOR QUICK
SALE...LOWEST PRICED UNIT IN
COMPLEX***beautiful 2 story-WALKOUT-townhouse.
Several recent upgrades include stained maple
hardwood flooring, new carpet for upper level and
fresh paint. Walk into 9ft ceilings Main floor features
large living room with fireplace and bay window, 2
piece bath,huge kitchen with custom designed
ceramic tile flooring with back splash, dining area with
patio doors open to sunny deck. Upper level boasts
two large bedrooms, EACH with walk in closets and 4
piece en suites, laundry area!!! WALK OUT lower
level in bright, open and updated. Insulated &
drywalled double garage ( 21"x 19" ) completes this
package.

MLS: C3289958 Price: $682,500

Province: Alberta City: Calgary
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3
Tanglewood Estates proudly presents this 2 storey,
2595.52 S.F.,4 bedroom,full Baths,Maple Floors,
Granite Counters, Gas Fireplace, Oversized Double
Garage, Main Floor Laundry/Mudroom, Freshly
Landscaped,Mountain View. Now is the time for you
to acquire your personal show home and reveal your
individual style with the various accent walls, art
niches, and custom built-ins incorporated throughout
this sophisticated home. Huge floor to ceiling
windows bring in loads of bright sunshine into the
kitchen and family room. Entertaining will be a breeze
in the gorgeous kitchen, boasting thick granite
counters and mocha kitchen cabinets with the large
island, opening into the family room.
 Realty 56

MLS: 2076639 Price: $975,000 Province: Ontario

City: Picton Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4

Located on prestigious Loyalist Parkway overlooking Picton Bay stands this fifties vintage
structure renovated & added to in a "Southwestern" style. Prince Edward County Glenora
Road lakeside living at it's best. Beautiful sunsets, easy access to sheltered water,
substantial lake activity(birds, sailing school, kayaking, world class fishing, seaplanes, power
& sailing yachts), an award winning saltwater pool & hot tub & a myriad of lake facing rooms
including the substantial in-law suite. The custom designed large well equipped commercial
kitchen is a Chef's dream. B&B potential

MLS: 2075613 Price: $269,000 Province: Ontario

City: Hillier, Quinte Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4

Immaculate home on pleasant bay. Walk-out from basement with guest suite potential.
Large insulated double garage plus: Marsh waterfront for the naturalist, Central air
conditioning, Central vacuum system, TV antenna, Garage: double, Garage: attached,
Garage: detached, Double width or more driveway, Paved driveway, Crushed stone
driveway, Oil or heating oil, Brick exterior finish, Vinyl exterior finish, Asphalt shingles
roofing, Smoke Detectors, Garage with inside entry, Carpeted Floor

MLS: 2072669 Price: $395,000 Province: Ontario

City: Prince Edward Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2

Bungalow set back from the road on 10 acre lot of mixed bush. This property will be of
interest to nature lovers, gardeners or anyone just wanting privacy. Some renovations
completed. Filtered waterview and R.O.W. to bay, some newer windows, fireplace in L/R and
woodstove in family room. All newer appliances.

MLS: 2076824 Price: $229,000 Province: Ontario

City: Prince Edward Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2

Brick century home in good area of Picton. Owners have completely renovated kitchen, 2
baths [one with clawfoot tub], newer roof, electrical upgrade including breaker panel plus
gas furnace. All pine floors, 9' ceilings, 3 season sun room, back stairway, 10' x 10' deck
plus insulated garage/workshop.
57 Realty

Donna McNeil Exit Realty Metro

Tel: (01) 902-222-4937
Exit Realty Metro 2055-1658 Bedford Highway Bedford NS B4A 2X9

MLS: 00570739 Price: $269,900 Province: Nova Scotia

City: Wellington Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1

If a park like property and privacy is what you are looking for, well take a closer look.
This one of a kind gem has one of the most private settings available in the area. Beds
of perennials fill the property and line the paved driveway. The home sit on
professionally landscape lot that measures almost an acre in size and backs on over 7
acres of unused HRM Parkland. Inside you will be equally impressed with new
hardwood floors, fully finished basement with walkout, 3 bedrooms and open kitchen.
Truly a pleasure to view!

MLS: 40544603 Price: $274,900 Province: Nova Scotia

City: Grand Lake Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 2

Love privacy? This is the one for you. Situated on 2.5 acres on Kelly Lake, this large
family home has 200ft of Lake Frontage. Home features 3 bedrooms on the main level,
plus room for 3 more downstairs, a large kitchen with eating area, master bedroom with
ensuite, and woodstove for those cool nights, all with a total living space of 2200 sq ft. A
new double detached garage makes this the perfect place to call home. Other fine
additions include a newly finished 3rd bathroom plus custom crown moldings throughout
the Living Room, Dining Room and Hall. What more could you want?

MLS: 41116138 Price: $374,900 Province: Nova Scotia

City: Halifax Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4
This absolutely stunning 2 storey cape cod home has a very unique layout and is
situated in desirable St. Andrew’s Village; one of Metro’s most popular subdivisions! You
will be impressed by the cozy and yet elegant styling which includes walnut stained
birch floors, mushroom glazed kitchen cabinets with center island, and the brick wood
burning fireplace. The 3216 sq ft of finished living space offers 4 bedrooms, 4 full
bathrooms, home office, den, media room, and more.

MLS: 41238866 Price: $469,900

Province: Nova Scotia City: Hammonds Plains
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
Stunning two storey in Cox Lake Ridge, Hammonds Plains new
luxury living community. Deeded lake access, and fabulous views of
the lake. Minutes to all amenities.

MLS: 40841470 Price: $344,900 Province: Nova Scotia

City: Hammonds Plains Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
This exceptional three bedroom home with 2500 sq ft of living space is located on quiet,
friendly, sought after Carmel Cres., in Highland Park Subdivision. The home is brand
new using quality materials. Built with extreme thought and care at every stage of
construction. The home features a huge double car garage, private 22x10 pressure
treated rear deck, maple kitchen cabinets with island, desk, pantry and garden doors to
the deck.

www.halifaxdartmouthrealestate.com
 Realty 58

Immigrants do better in small

towns
Although large cities like Montreal are
still magnets for immigrants, small towns
actually yield them greater prosperity, a
new study has found.
The earnings gap between
immigrants in large cities and those in
towns with populations less than 100,000 -
like Joliette, about 60 kilometres north of
Montreal - is more than double in the first
year of arrival, the study by Statistics
Canada says.
And immigrants in small towns swiftly
overtake their Canadian neighbours'
incomes, earning two per cent more after
four years and 18 per cent more after 11
years in the community.
Immigrants' better rates of higher
education and the small towns' steeper
immersion in either French or English may
explain their success, said André Bernard,
the study's author.
Big cities may provide a false sense
of security, he added, because ethnic
communities there can shelter people too
much and hinder them from integrating
earnings surpassing non-immigrants' Lamine Foura, 38, a Montreal
and learning language skills needed for
earnings by 2 per cent. engineer and community radio host who is
work.
"It may just be easier for immigrants originally from Algeria, said the study
The findings are culled from income
to turn their academic advantage into might give people misconceptions about
tax reports of roughly 4 million people,
jobs" in the smaller towns, he said, noting country life.
including about 400,000 immigrants,
that Canadians there have relatively lower "It's not like everyone should now
between 1992 and 2005, Bernard said.
levels of education. rush out to live in the rural areas," Foura
A large majority of immigrants - about
Agusti Nicolau, assistant director of said.
75 per cent - settle in Montreal, Toronto
the Intercultural Institute of Montreal, said Large cities provide crucial support
and Vancouver. Less than three per cent
large cities can be intimidating for some networks for immigrants, he said.
choose to live in very small towns like
newcomers. "I'm certain most of the immigrants
Ormstown (pop. 3,600), about 50
"It might be easier for some people to who are successful in smaller towns got
kilometres southwest of Montreal.
make connections in smaller areas," he their jobs before they moved there."
For those who do go small, the payoff
said. The larger, more important context for
is unmistakable.
Marie-Thérèse Chicha, a professor of immigrants is that they are arriving in
The initial income gap between
industrial relations at the Université de Canada more highly skilled than those
immigrants and the rest of the population
Montréal, noted earnings in smaller who arrived several decades ago, Foura
is 37 per cent for those living in very large
communities are generally lower for said. And yet they face a crisis that is
urban areas. This gap decreases
everyone, not just immigrants. present in both urban and non-urban
gradually and rather slowly, falling under
The study's findings, she said "may areas: employers' refusal to recognize
the 10 per cent mark in the twelfth year.
just show that it's easier for immigrants to academic credentials or work experience
But in small urban areas, the initial
get jobs there because Canadians aren't abroad.
gap is only 14 per cent, and in the fourth
as interested in small town jobs."
year, the gap is reversed, with immigrants'