muchmor

Canada something for everyone June/July 2010

Sensational Smiths Falls

Peterborough Ontario welcomes you.
What you need to know about mortgages
in Canada.
CAIPS & FOSS: What’s that all about?
•Understanding proof of funds
•Montreal Jazz Festival
•City of Greater Sudbury
•Canadian resume writing tips
•What you need to know before signing an
employment contract

Latest test drive: Hyundai Sonata

Plus.....
Easy ways to stage your home for sale
Save money on home improvements
Franchising: A great way to start a
business

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www.muchmormagazine.com
2 Advertisement
32Sequoia
Working
Club Life

IF YOU DON’T LIKE

YOUR JOB
THEN MAYBE YOU
SHOULD GET
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 Contents 3

Muchmor Media
17 Woody Woodward Lane
Contents Canada
Corbyville RR1 !
Ontario Sensational Smiths Falls, Ontario!! ! ! ! 4
K0K 1V0 Top Canadian! ! ! ! ! ! ! 7
Canada City of Greater Sudbury! ! ! ! ! ! 8
Montreal Jazz Festival! ! ! ! ! ! 12
Tel: 1 613 396 5531
Fax: 1 613 396 3463
Motoring
www.muchmormagazine.com

Advertising: Test Drive: Hyundai Sonata 14

info@muchmormagazine.com Motoring news 17
Editorial:
editor@muchmormagazine.com Money

Muchmor Magazine is a What you need to know: mortgages in Canada 18

publication of Muchmor Media.
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28
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responsible for their comments.
Latest money news 21
Relocation
Nova Scotia welcomes you 22
Language testing becoming more standard 24
High immigration numbers for 2009 26
CAIPS & FOSS: What’s that all about?
Proof of funds 30
Peterborough welcomes you 31
Immigration news 32
Yukon Provincial Nominee Program 34
Employment
Canadian resume writing tips 36
Franchising: A great way to start a business 39
What you should know before signing a contract 40
7 companies hiring this month 42
Six ways to get the job when you're not the 'ideal'
candidate 43
Home & Garden
Easy ways to stage your home for sale! ! ! ! 44
Save money on home improvements! ! ! ! 46
Property news! ! ! ! ! ! ! 47
4 Canada










Advertorial

Sensational
Smiths Falls
 Advertorial Canada 5

Smiths Falls can be summed up in one word - activities and cultural opportunities. Residents participate
Sensational. The charming community located along the in a variety of sports including curling, hockey, golf, yoga,
Historic Rideau Canal was designated a World Heritage basketball, tennis, and soccer. The local cinema and new
Destination in 2007 by UNESCO. This distinction, along renovated theatre offer a variety of productions
with the fact that the surrounding region, the Frontenac guaranteed to spark your interest.
Arch, is a Biosphere Reserve, means the area has been
recognized internationally for its unique cultural and
environmental attractions.
Smiths Falls is a medium sized community offering
residents and tourists big city amenities with all the small
town friendliness and hospitality. Smiths Falls downtown
core is rich in heritage and old age charm. Beckwith
Street offers a variety of shopping and business services
to meet everyone’s need. An array of restaurants and
cafes offer a wide range of culinary delights. Known for its
wide streetscape and beautiful scenery Beckwith Street is
the central hub of the community.
Imagine yourself strolling along the Historic Rideau
Canal on walkways surrounded by scenic beauty. There
are twelve parks offering something for every age. A
variety of special events throughout the year offer local
residents and tourists and opportunity to mingle with each
other in a pleasant enjoyable atmosphere. The local
Farmers Market is always a great spot to fill your
cupboards with baked, goods, fresh produce,
preservatives and special gifts. Residents of Smiths Falls
can fill their evenings with a myriad of recreational
6 Canada
Advertorial
The Rideau Waterway offers the opportunity for one to
experience a variety of water activities. Some of these
activities include kayaking, canoeing and swimming. The
beautiful Swale wetland located on the cusp of Smiths
Falls just a short paddle from Bascule Bridge offers
breathtaking scenic views. The Swale is a naturalist’s
playground. Once imbedded in lush wetlands and
marshes, one can experience close interaction with
aquatic wildlife and soaring birds amongst a scenic
backdrop. If fishing sparks your interest there are a variety
of popular species abundant in our waters. Daily
throughout the fishing season local residents and visitors
can be spotted in the basin casting a baited line.
The Smiths Falls has a wide variety of educational
facilities. Catholic and Public School Boards offer students
from age 4 -21 quality education and youth experiences
recognized nationally. New schools adorn quite side
streets complimenting local neighbourhoods. Post -
Secondary Institutions and Adult Learning Centres offer a
variety of courses condusive to today’s market place.
Highly regarded and internationally recognized these
schools coordinate international exchange programs and
linkages to larger institutions. The charming new
renovated historic Smiths Falls Library is a central hub
featuring resource materials for newcomers and extensive
reference library. The museums offer a variety of courses
throughout the year. Local cultural workshops and
speciality artisan workshops are available for all ages.
Services in Smiths Falls are plenty. The community is a
central hub for healthcare providers and the community is
pleased to boast a newly renovated Hospital, Public Health
Unit and Community Healthcare Centre. Sensational
Smiths Falls offers a large selection of employment
opportunities. The local area has a high demand for skilled
trades, healthcare professionals and customer service
trained professionals. The short commuting distance to
Ottawa and Kingston opens the doors for future education
and federal government employment opportunities.
Commuter buses and VIA rail provides daily scheduled
stops in the community. The Sensational employment,
housing, recreational and shopping opportunities make
Smiths Falls an ideal place to live, work and play.
Smiths Falls is a great place to visit and even better
please to live. Sensational Smiths Falls awaits you.
For more information about Sensational Smiths
Falls Living and Tourism please call 1.888.983.4124 x
1127 or visit www.smithsfalls.ca
 Canada 7

Top Canadian…
TV shows
1. Survivor: Hero/Villian - 2.8 6. NCIS - 2.13
2. American Idol (Wed) - 2.70 7. American Idol (Tue) - 2.12
3. Amazing Race 16 - 2.58 8. C.S.I. New York - 2.09
4. NFL Playoffs - 2.51 9. House - 2.02
5. The Mentalist - 2.19 10. Grey’s Anatomy - 2.00

CD’s
1. Iron Man 2 - AC/DC 7. B.O.B. Presents: The Adventure -
2. Need You Now - Lady Antebellum B.O.B.
3. My World 2.0 - Justin Bieber 8. The Fame - Lady GaGa
4. Fever - Bullet for my Valentine 9. Vretrouvailles - Vigneault Gilles et
5. Nikki - Nikki Yanofsky Artistes
6. Power of Madonna - Glee Cast 10. Slash - Slash

DVD & Blu-ray’s

1. Edge of Darkness (14A) 6. The Lovely Bones (PG)
2. Daybreakers (18A) 7. Legion (14A)
3. It's Complicated (PG) 8. Leap Year (PG)
4. Avatar (14A) 9. Tooth Fairy (G)
5. The Imaginarium of Doctor 10. Crazy Heart (14A)
Parnassus (PG)

Fiction paperbacks
1. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, 6. The Guernsey Literary and Potato
Stieg Larsson Peel Pie Society, Shaffer & Barrows
2. The Girl Who Played With Fire, 7. The Sweetness at the Bottom of
Stieg Larsson the Pie, Alan Bradley
3. Nikoilski, Lederhandler & Dickner 8. The Shack, William P Young
4. The Golden Mean, Annabel Lyon 9. Savor the Moment, Nora Roberts
5. The Last Song, Nicholas Sparks 10. The Host, Stephanie Meyer

Fiction hardbacks
1. Beatrice & Virgil, Yann Martel 6. The Weed That Springs the
2. The Body of Death, Elizabeth Hangman’s Bag, Alan Bradbury
George 7. Under Heaven, Guy Gavriel Kay
3. The Double Comfort Safari Club, 8. The Help, Kathryn Stockett
Alexander Smith 9. House Rules, Jodi Picoult
4. Solar, Ian McEwan 10. Lover Mine, J Ward
5. The Bishop’s Man, Linden
MacIntyre
8 Canada Advertorial

City of Greater
Sudbury, Ontario

Dragon Boat Festival

 Advertorial
Sudbury Theatre Centre
The City of Greater Sudbury is an urban jewel nestled
amidst the natural beauty of lakes and forests in the heart
of Northeastern Ontario. Offering a unique mix of urban
amenities and natural surroundings, Greater Sudbury is a
thriving landscape within 330 freshwater lakes. Sudbury
offers friendly neighbourhoods, quality healthcare, an
abundance of recreational activities, a rich colourful
heritage, several business sectors, and excellent
educational opportunities.
Sudbury’s early roots can be traced back to 1883 and
the development of the transnational railway. Its vast
mineral resources have resulted in unparalleled growth.
Today, Greater Sudbury is a diversified regional centre for
mining, technology, education, government and health
services with great connections to neighbouring
communities and beyond. The city is located 390
kilometres north of Toronto and 483 km west of Ottawa,
where the Trans Canada Highway 17 and Highway 69
converge.
With seasonal weather conditions, Sudburians are able
to enjoy a vast array of festivals, events and recreational
activities that can change as the seasons do. Greater
Sudbury summers are rich with festivals and theatrical
events including the Ukranian and Greek Festivals,
Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario and Sudbury Theatre Centre.
Greater Sudbury is a city for the curious, creative and
adventuresome. Whatever your lifestyle, Greater Sudbury
has something for you!
Canada 9
Education
Take one look at Greater Sudbury’s educational system
and you’ll see that Greater Sudbury has invested heavily
in its future by developing outstanding schools from
Kindergarten through 12 and beyond. As the regional
centre for learning and applied research in Northeastern
Ontario, Greater Sudbury is home to four school boards,
private schools and several postsecondary institutions
such as Laurentian University, Cambrian College, and
College Boreal, one of only two francophone colleges in
Ontario. Greater Sudbury educational opportunities offer
comprehensive and challenging curriculums.
In 2005, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine
opened in Greater Sudbury and became the first new
medical school in Canada in more than 30 years.
Real Estate and Housing
Greater Sudbury offers a wide variety of affordable real
estate options whether you are looking for a new personal
or business address available in urban, rural and suburban
settings. Imagine having the opportunity for work-life
balance, with a 10-minute commute to work and only a
short drive to your weekend escape.
Take a drive through our city and you will get a glimpse
of friendly neighbourhoods, thriving business sectors and
a vibrant downtown filled with shops, boutiques,
restaurants and entertainment.
10 Canada
Advertorial
Ukrainian Festival
In comparison to other large communities, Greater
Sudbury has the lowest average housing prices. The
average sale price for a single family home in 2008 was
$211,614.
Employment
Greater Sudbury has a highly skilled, educated,
innovative and enthusiastic workforce. Once reliant on
the cycles that came with mining, Greater Sudbury has
grown considerably into a diverse and dynamic centre for
technology, education, mining, government, and health
services.
A comparison to Ontario data based on the 2001
Census reveals that Greater Sudbury’s labour force profile
has diversified significantly over the last three decades.
Service activities, from retail to producer services, now
employ 80% of Greater Sudbury's labour force, compared
to 20% in the goods-producing sector. Health care,
educational services and public administration all play an
important role, reflecting Greater Sudbury's position as a
regional service centre for Northeastern Ontario, as well
as the continued development of the health care and
education infrastructure.
Health Care Services
Greater Sudbury has become a regional resource and
referral centre for residents in Northeastern Ontario. Over
300 general practitioner and specialists contribute to the
Greek Festival
overall health and wellness of Greater Sudbury and to
patients throughout the region.
The Hôpital régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital
(HRSRH) provides hospital-based acute, transitional,
rehabilitation and continuing care. The HRSRH recently
completed a major expansion to consolidate all hospital
based services once offered across three sites. The new
one site hospital allows for additional acute inpatient and
intensive care beds, mental health, birthing facilities,
emergency department, operating rooms and other
diagnostic and support departments.
With the world’s population aging, the need for long
term care facilities is essential to any city. From
Retirement communities including St. Joseph’s Villa, the
Elizabeth Centre, Pioneer Manor and Finlandia-Koti to
chronic care centres such as Extendicare, the City of
Greater Sudbury is proud to offer a wide variety of
healthcare accommodation options for our seniors.
Culture and Diversity
A bilingual community with a rich francophone heritage,
Greater Sudbury is a multicultural mosaic with a platform
for welcoming and embracing diversity that Sudburians
are proud to share with the world. Greater Sudbury’s
commitment to cultural diversity is evident in all areas of
the city, from restaurants, schools, places of worship,
festivals and events.
The city’s diversity is most evident with the Bridge of
Nations and its many flags. The flags on the Bridge of
Nations were originally raised during a Canada Day
 Advertorial Canada 11

Lake Laurentian
Conservation Area

celebration on July 1, 2007, to honour Greater Sudbury's Key Websites

multinational and multicultural heritage. The addition of 11
flags raised on June 30, 2009 brings the total number of
countries and nations represented to 83. To find out more about the City of Greater Sudbury visit
the following websites and find out what makes Sudbury
so great!
Summer Climate and the Outdoors
www.mysudbury.ca
Greater Sudbury summers are warm and sunny offering www.mysudbury.ca/immigration
its residents the opportunity to enjoy lakes, parks, biking www.greatersudbury.ca
and walking trails, outdoor festivals and more. www.mysudbury.ca/Tourism
Temperatures range from 19°C to over 28°C, with most of www.mysudbury.ca/Invest
the annual rain (656 mm) falling between the months of www.rainbowroutes.com
May and September. If you love the outdoors, Rainbow www.laurentian.ca
Routes Association is a not for profit organization that can www.cambrianc.on.ca
you plan your outdoor hiking adventures by providing you www.borealc.on.ca
with trail maps. www.nosm.ca
www.hrsrh.on.ca
www.ontarioimmigration.ca
12 Canada

What’s
happening in
Canada this
summer?

Montréal, QC’s jazz festival

by Noah Richler

This is what you have to know: in winter in Quebec,
Montréalers brave the streets; they don’t walk them
distractedly as if the bitter cold was not biting at the
cheeks and making alarming conductors of the metal
buttons on a fella’s Levi jeans. No, you can’t be a flâneur
in Montréal in winter unless you’re some sort of weird
performance artist making a point of hibernal Canada.
And so, come spring, you stick your head out the
window and read the salt marks on the street excitedly, as
a cowboy might the signs of a subtle prairie trail. You see
there’s moisture on the tarmac one day—and rejoice,
smell the air. Then, by June, the windows are thrown fully
open—summer’s here—and Montréalers, knowing just
how short and in a hurry the season is, move outside and
live extended lives on the city streets.
Sit on the wooden steps of those outdoor staircases,
unique to the city and said by some to have been built
that way so that the diocese’s once all-powerful Catholic
priests could keep an eye on the goings-on between
apartments. A lost game. For summer here is about love
and joy and celebration—which is why the Festival
International de Jazz de Montréal, and the “Just for
Laughs” Comedy Festival that runs in the same month of
July, are such hits.
You’ll want to know just where you are in this historic,
charming city—where peering down just about any street
or alleyway is an invitation to imagine how cool people live
and the possibility of your own bohemian life. The
patisserie at the corner, the bistro up the street. The North
African coffee shop where groups of friends of all
ethnicities do the newest thing to have arrived with the
country’s constant waves of immigrants, and draw the
smoke through bubbling hookah pipes amid the steady,
genial chatter.
Canada 13
It’s easy, really. Look for the mountain and the cross.
Downtown Montréal is built at a corner to it. Old Montréal
and the port lie south of the mountain and the festivals
and where you are, the Main—the Boulevard Saint Laurent
—runs north and perpendicular to Sherbrooke, de
Maisonneuve, Ste. Catherine and the busy avenues of
what used to be a predominantly Anglophone downtown,
but is no longer.
The Main is Montréal’s great artery, and along it are the
vestiges of all the people that arrived and settled in this
great city—the Jews, Italians, Greeks, a host of Asian
peoples and now the Somalis, Serbians, Croats,
Ethiopians, Russians and Vietnamese. Walk—as
Montréalers do—up from Ste. Catherine and the Festival
International de Jazz de Montréal and past the home of
Just for Laughs and the microbreweries and restaurants.
Then it’s on to food shops and the nightclubs and the
famous Schwartz’s Delicatessen, home of the world’s best
smoked meat, and past the square where Leonard Cohen
still keeps a house; and on to Marché Jean Talon and the
market that is still the port of entry for all the summer
produce that comes in from the Laurentian Mountains to
the north. (The equally historic Atwater market provides
the same agricultural cornucopia as the city’s southern
end.) In summer here, for a short and blissful season, it is
possible to forget the cloistered winter and live, in joyous
headiness, outside.
www.bonjourquebec.com
http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/default-en.aspx
Noah Richler is a CBC radio documentary maker and the prize-
winning author of This is My Country, What’s Yours? A Literary
Atlas of Canada. He is a regular contributor to the Globe and
Mail, the National Post, The Walrus magazine and the BBC World
Service. Courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission
14 Motoring

Test Drive

Hyundai Sonata
Story by Mark
Atkinson, photos by
Hyundai Canada

This has been a year full of challenging discoveries. Toyota
discovered that it was no longer the best, most respected
car company in the world. And customers, some finally
realizing that fact for themselves, discovered that Hyundai
has already displaced the Japanese giant as a producer of
world-class vehicles.
In rapid succession, Hyundai is replacing its able but
aging fleet with a new, highly competitive one. The Genesis
sedan proved that the company could do full-blown luxury,
while the Genesis coupe scared executives at Nissan, Ford
and Chevrolet. Even the new compact Tucson CUV is very
nearly the best in class.
So now it falls to the Sonata, Hyundai’s bread-and-butter
car to undergo the transformation. Visually, the new Sonata
shares nothing with the model it replaces. Take a close
look, and there’s a real link to four-door coupe beauties like
the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Volkswagen Passat CC. The
strong shoulder line, the strongly raked windshield and rear
glass, mean the Sonata is easily the most dramatic car in
the class. The front end could be toned down some as its
huge chromed grille and giant headlights are a touch
overdone.
Also, because of the high beltline and wedgy
proportions, even the 17-in wheels on higher models look a
little small, and the 16-inchers on base models look more
like casters. But, it’s a minor complaint.
Inside, the Sonata has taken its inspiration from those
expensive European machines again, with a swoopy, piano-
black dashboard with bright, clear gauges. The climate
control system uses similar pictograms to modern Volvos,
while the arrangement of the information buttons just below
the navigation screen on my loaded Limited tester could
have been pulled from any number of Nissans or Infinitis.
The biggest whiff is that of Volkswagen in the overall style
Motoring 15
and excellent material use, which is very impressive since
Hyundai’s cabins have always been cheap and cheerful.
The rear seats have space for three, but are shaped to
accommodate two in real comfort – the third sits on a bit of
a hump. But those seats do fold flat, increasing the already
reasonable trunk space. The only complaint is that larger
cargo is awkward to place because the opening is
restricted by the swoopy rear styling.
Standard equipment is very generous no matter which
trim level you choose. Even base GL models do with a six-
speaker audio system, air conditioning, power windows
and locks, keyless entry, cruise control and telescoping
steering wheel with steering-wheel mounted audio controls
- and standard Bluetooth handsfree. The mid-level GLS
brings heated power front seats and a sunroof. At the
opposite end of the scale the Limited adds heated leather,
dual-zone climate control, an upgraded seven-speaker
sound system and optional navigation.
Safety is the name of the game as all Sonata models get
standard dual front, side and side curtain airbags; front
active head restraints; ABS with electronic brake force
distribution, stability control and traction control.
For now, all Sonata models use the same 2.4-litre four-
cylinder engine that uses gasoline direct injection (GDI) to
increase overall power and increase fuel efficiency. The
Hyundai produces 198 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is
significantly more than competitors from Ford, Honda and
Toyota. Entry-level models get a six-speed manual
transmission as standard, but all other trims get a smooth-
shifting six-speed automatic. Fuel economy is good for the
class, with most Sonatas getting 9.4/5.7 L/100 km (city/
highway).
Out on the road, the Sonata really impresses, with good
damping, reduced wind noise and excellent highway
manners. The only complaint is the lack of feeling through
the steering wheel. Steering effort is fine too, but there’s
16 Motoring
very little feedback through the rim. Acceleration is
sprightly, if not fast, while the brakes work well and are
easy to modulate.
The one major complaint about the shapely body is that
it creates big blindspots, which makes getting out of some
spots difficult. You definitely need your eyes peeled in a
Loblaws parking lot.
Pricing starts at $22,649 for the manual GL, while GLS
runs 26,249. The Limited at $28,999 seems a bargain
compared to $30,790 for a Honda Accord EX-L or $31,235
for a Toyota Camry XLE, or a Volkswagen Passat at
$36,775.
Overall, Hyundai has created an excellent package that’s
stylish, refined and economical. Later this year, it’ll tackle
fun too, with a 280-hp turbocharged model that will surely
turn heads. As will the full hybrid model, expected around
the same time.
Mark Atkinson has nearly 10 years experience as an
automobile journalist working for publications like Inside
Track Motorsport News, Carguide, World of Wheels,
Canadian Auto World, the Hamilton Spectator Wheels
section, Metro Carguide, Suburban Life and West of the
City. Besides writing for Muchmor Magazine, Mark also has
his own blog, www.drivingguy.com, and appears in a
number of other print and online publications.
 Motoring 17

Ontario launches website, Government of Canada

seminars for car buyers announces tougher auto
emissions standards
Car buyers in
Ontario now have
access to a new
On the 1st April 2010 the Government of Canada
announced tough new regulations to reduce gas
website and free
emissions from new vehicles. The new mandatory
seminars to help
standards would begin with the 2011 year models and
them avoid some
would bring Canadian regulations inline with that of the
of the pitfalls of
United States.
making an
“Since last May, we’ve been working with the United
automotive
States to put in place tough North American standards for
purchase.
regulating greenhouse gas emissions from new vehicles,”
The Ontario
said Jim Prentice, Environment Minister. “We are pleased
Motor Vehicle
to be taking this step to further harmonize our climate
Industry Council
change action with the Obama administration – a step
(OMVIC) will offer
that will protect our environment and ensure a level
one-hour seminars in a variety of languages and a host of
playing field for the automotive industry.”
locations such as libraries, community centres, malls and
The new regulations will means that by 2016 all new
schools.
cars and trucks will be required to burn fuel at a rate of
“All consumers deserve to know exactly what they are
35.5 miles per gallon, an increase of nearly 10 mpg over
getting before they decide to buy,” said Consumer
current U.S. standards. In Canadian terms this would
Services Minister Sophia Aggelonitis at a news
mean a standard of six litres of gas for every 100
conference in Toronto Monday.
kilometres travelled.
Each year, Ontario residents purchase 1.4 million
vehicles, many of them through classified ads.
According to the provincial Consumer Ministry, a
quarter of the vehicles sold through classifieds come from Alberta next province to ban
curbsiders, which the Ministry describes as “unregistered
vehicle sellers in the business of selling misrepresented or
cell phone use in cars
stolen vehicles.”
Car purchases and repairs are consistently among the Alberta will be the next province to bring in legislation to
top 10 consumer complaints, Aggelonitis said. ban the use of hand-held electronic devices in vehicles.
“That’s why OMVIC is introducing these new free car- Bill 16 amends the Traffic Safety Amendment Act to
buying seminars across greater Toronto and other major allow drivers to be fined $172 for performing a variety of
centres throughout the summer,” she said. tasks including using hand-held cellphones, MP3 players
Ontario recently toughened its consumer laws on and other electronic devices that could distract them from
buying and selling cars. the road.
Dealers are now obligated to disclose the true history Alberta is one of the last provinces to impose legislation
and condition of a vehicle, including whether it was used banning cell phone use in vehicles.
as a taxi or police car.
The price advertised for new and used vehicles must
include all costs, except tax. Random breath tests in
Consumers can also cancel a sales contract within 90 Canada?
days if a dealer has failed to disclose key items such as
odometer readings or whether the vehicle has been
branded as rebuilt or salvage. Discussions are underway to implement the use of
Most of the information offered in the seminars is also random breath tests in Canada. This follows studies which
on the website, Buy With Confidence, said Douglas Tindal show that countries that use such tests see big reductions
of the Consumer Ministry. in drinking and driving numbers. In Europe 22 countries
But he points out that while many of the general have random breath tests and they have seen a reduction
information is applicable across Canada, the legislation is in impaired driving of 23%.
specific to Ontario car buyers. At the moment Canadian police can only administer a
http://buywithconfidence.omvic.on.ca/ breath test if they have reasonable evidence to do so.
18 Money

What you need to

know about
mortgages
in Canada

By Kimberley Skinner
BA, AMP, PFP

Buying a home in a new country can often seem
daunting. Perhaps you moved to Canada and purchased
a home, and then decided it didn’t match your needs or
the location was all wrong, so you’re looking to move
before your mortgage term is up. Or, maybe you have
been renting in Canada for the past year or so with plans
to buy property down the road. Following are some
questions and answers to help you maneuver through the
Canadian mortgage financing process.
Q1: If I have only been in Canada for a year or less,
how do I prove my income?
A1: Employment letters and pay stubs are the main
confirmation of income. Some lenders require a minimum
of three months on the job, while others may waive that
as long as there is not a probationary period.
Q2: How is the maximum mortgage amount for which I
will qualify determined?
A2: Generally, 35% of your gross (before taxes) monthly
income can go towards your mortgage principal, interest,
property taxes and heating. All of your debts, including
minimum payments on credit cards, loan payments, etc,
can equal up to 44% of your gross monthly income. If it is
a joint application, combine income amounts and monthly
obligations. Check out my website at
www.kimberleyskinner.ca and click on “Calculators” for
more details.
Q3: How do I establish a credit score in Canada?
A3: All banks and most credit card companies, including
department stores (eg, Sears and Canadian Tire), report
to Equifax Canada (the credit reporting agency used by
most lenders) and TransUnion Canada. You can establish
a credit report by applying and getting approved for a
credit card, loan or line of credit. If you are having a hard
time getting approved, some lenders offer a “secured”
credit card, where they keep a deposit on hand about
equal to your credit card limit, and give you a credit card.
This initially reduces their risk and they usually release the
deposit after you have proven that you are responsible
with the credit card. Your new mortgage in Canada does
not currently report on the credit bureau, except if you use
certain credit unions.
Q4: Will my credit score and payment history from my
previous country be taken into consideration when
applying for a mortgage in Canada?
A4: Yes, it will be. It is important to supply some sort of
paperwork showing that you are a responsible borrower. If
you cannot supply an International Credit Report, lenders
will accept other forms of confirmation such as mortgage/
rent payments, utilities, cable, insurance premiums and/or
childcare for the previous 12 months. A letter of
Money 19
recommendation from your current financial institution
would also be helpful.
Q5: If I am self-employed and have been in Canada for
less than two years, how does this affect my chances
of getting a mortgage?
A5: Lenders do like to see a minimum of two years of self
employment and provable income. In Canada, we use
Line 150 from your Notice of Assessment to prove income
and that comes from Revenue Canada once you submit
your personal income tax return. If you are in the same
type of business that you were in before you moved to
Canada, past financial statements, a good net worth and
down payment would help the application.
Q6: As a self-employed individual, my income is
reduced due to deductions, which is good from a tax
point of view, but will this cause issues when applying
for a mortgage?
A6: Yes, lenders allow us to use Line 150, which is net
income, as opposed to gross sales, revenues or
commissions. We can increase that amount by 15% and
usually an average of the past two years is used, or the
lower if that was the most recent year. There is a program
for those who cannot prove their income, where we show
that they have been self-employed for at least two years,
via tax returns or a business licence, and we are then
allowed to use a “reasonable” income for that business to
make the deal work. This program has tightened up lately
and a down payment of 10% is now required.
Q7: What types of mortgage are available in Canada?
A7: Mortgages can be open or closed, fixed or variable.
An open mortgage is open to payout without a penalty, as
opposed to a closed mortgage, which is not. Most closed
mortgages allow at least a 15% prepayment annually,
however, without a fee. A fixed rate locks in your rate for
the term you select and a variable rate floats with the
Prime rate. In Canada, that is currently 2.25%, but is
subject to change. When Prime changes, so will your rate
and payment.
Q8: What types of mortgage terms are available in
Canada?
A8: Mortgage terms for fixed rates generally go from six
months to over 18 years, with a five-year fixed being the
most popular. Your term sets your rate and maturity date,
and to pay out the mortgage within this timeframe (ie,
before the mortgage matures), would incite a penalty. All
mortgages have a term but if you are in an open
mortgage, you can pay it out at any time, without a
penalty. This is a good option if you know you are going
to be moving.
20 Money
Q9: How much of a down payment will I have to pay?
A9: The minimum down payment is now 5%. If you have
lack of credit or other issues, a larger down payment may
be required.
Q10: Are there tax advantages associated with having
a mortgage?
A10: Unlike some countries, mortgage payments in
Canada cannot be deducted at tax time. The only time
this can happen is for a mortgage on a rental property or
when you use some of your home equity to invest in non-
registered investments.
Q11: If I change mortgage lenders before my
mortgage term is up, will I pay a penalty? If so, how is
the penalty calculated?
A11: Unless you are in an open mortgage, there is a
penalty charged to pay off your mortgage before maturity
(ie, before the term you selected expires). At a minimum, it
is a three-month interest penalty, but could be higher
depending on what rates have done since you got your
mortgage. The cost to replace your mortgage with a lower
rate mortgage would likely result in an interest rate
differential (IRD) charge, which is calculated by the lender
based on your rate, the replacement rate for the amount
of time you have left, and your outstanding mortgage
balance.
Q12: If I decide to move before my mortgage term is
up, but remain with the same lender, is my mortgage
portable?
A12: Most lenders do allow you to avoid a penalty in
some ways. One way is to port (take it with you) your
mortgage to your new property. Since you are not
breaking the contract of your mortgage, no penalty is
charged. If the amounts are not the same, however, you
could have to refinance to add more money or pay a
penalty to reduce the mortgage amount past your
prepayment privileges. Some lenders allow your mortgage
to be assumed as well, which helps you avoid a penalty.
The new buyers would apply to take your mortgage over
and, if you are at a lower rate than current mortgage
rates, this could be a selling feature.
Q13: If I come into some extra money, can I pay off my
mortgage early, double up my payments or make a
large lump sum payment?
A13: Yes, most lenders allow at least 15% of your original
mortgage amount to be put onto your mortgage annually.
All extra payments go directly to your principal amount,
which saves you money. Most lenders do not require it to
be one large lump sum, but will actually allow several
extra payments as long as they are at least $100 each.
Some lenders also allow you to match your payments and
increase your payments as well.
Q14: What is the maximum amount of time I can take
to pay off my mortgage?
A14: At this time, the maximum amortization allowed is 35
years. Your term sets your rate and maturity date but your
amortization sets your payment. The higher the
amortization, the lower your payment will be. But, of
course, the longer it takes you to pay down your
mortgage, the more interest you will pay over the length
of the mortgage. I recommend making weekly or bi-
weekly payments to reduce your amortization and have
your mortgage paid off sooner.
Q15: What is the difference between a home equity
line of credit (HELOC) and a straight line of credit
(LOC)?
A15: Lines of credit can be secured (HELOC) or
unsecured (LOC). Unsecured lines of credit are available
at financial institutions and have no cost to set up. If you
have security to offer, a secured line of credit can be set
up. Your rate will be lower with a HELOC and you usually
only have to repay interest monthly. There are, however,
legal fees if you use your property as security. A line of
credit on your home has no term, so it can be paid out at
any time without a penalty. It can also be paid down and
reused, as long as you keep it in place. Rates on lines of
credit float with the Prime rate and are not locked in.
Kimberley Skinner, BA, AMP,
PFP, is a mortgage agent with
Dominion Lending Centres
Alliance. With more than 20
years of financing experience,
she enjoys helping new
Canadians obtain financing for
their home purchases.
Kimberley can be reached at:
1-877-333-4983, Ext 716
kskinner@dominionlending.ca;
www.kimberleyskinner.ca

New code of conduct for
credit and debit card
companies
Jim Flaherty, Federal Finance Minister recently
announced new code of conduct for credit and debit card
companies to help protect both merchants and
consumers.
The code of conduct will require companies to make
rate charges and fees more transparent.
For merchants it will allow more freedom when
choosing which network to use. It will prevent MasterCard
and Visa from forcing merchants who accept their credit
cards to also opt into a new debit card scheme. It will also
prevent companies from entering the low-cost debit
market on the back of the existing Interac Association
network.
The code of conduct is voluntary at present but
Flaherty has given the industry thirty days to adopt the
code and another 90 days to bring their practices into line
with its provisions, otherwise he threatens to regulate.
“The code gives merchants more clout in negotiating
credit and debit card processing fees and should lead to
lower costs for consumers.” Flaherty said.
New Harmonized Sales Tax
(HST) kicks in for British
Columbia and Ontario
Although the new HST does not officially start until July
1st, as of May 1st anyone purchasing products or services
which will be delivered after July 1st will be charged HST.
This could include things such as domestic airline tickets,
memberships, theatre tickets etc.
The HST combines the old federal GST (5%) and
provincial PST (7% in B.C. and 8% in Ontario) into one tax
which will be 12% in B.C. and 13% in Ontario.
Many products and services will increase in price by
the old PST amount. Services such as hairdressing, spas,
advertising, gym memberships etc. will be affected. Other
items which were previously exempt from the PST portion
of the tax and will now include it are gas, utility costs and
real estate services amongst others.
Items which will be exempt from HST include: basic
groceries, prescription drugs, municipal public transport,
health and education services, child care, tutoring,
residential rents and most financial services.
Other items which will only be charged at the 5%
federal level will be print newspapers, children’s clothing
and footwear, children’s car and booster seats, diapers,
feminine hygiene products, books and prepared food and
beverages sold for $4 or under.
Money 21
Ontario and B.C. top among
provincial economies in 2010
Propelled by a stronger domestic economy and a
rebound in the auto industry, Ontario’s economy will rise
from the ashes in 2010 to share top spot in provincial
economic growth with British Columbia, according to The
Conference Board of Canada’s Provincial Outlook –
Spring 2010. http://www.conferenceboard.ca/
documents.aspx?did=3588
“There are clear signs of economic recovery from coast
to coast,” said Marie-Christine Bernard, Associate
Director, Provincial Forecasting. “The improved domestic
economies of Ontario and B.C., along with increased
demand from the United States, will support a strong
rebound in both provinces. However, the rebound will be
gradual for most other provinces, spreading over the next
two years.”
A homegrown recovery is already underway in Ontario.
Average housing prices have long since surpassed their
pre-recession levels and employment has risen since the
second half of 2009. Bolstered by stronger labour
markets, Ontario consumers will resume purchasing big-
ticket items. In all, Ontario’s real gross domestic product
(GDP) will increase by 3.8% in 2010.
British Columbia’s economy is also expected to expand
by 3.8% in 2010, fueled by a one-time Olympics boost
and recovery in the forestry, manufacturing and
construction sectors. However, with the Olympic stimulus
out of the way and growth in the housing market expected
to ease, the province’s GDP growth will moderate to 2.8%
in 2011.
Alberta will see a 3.3% growth in 2010 benefitting from
investment in the oil sands.
The Saskatchewan potash industry is now recuperating
and the provinces GDP is expected to increase 3.5%.
In Manitoba both agriculture and manufacturing are
recovering with GDP expected to rise 2.2%
Quebec’s economic recovery is stronger than
previously anticipated, with real GDP expected to
advance by 2.6% this year.
A host of major construction projects will compensate
for weakness in Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil
industry and the impact of a labour dispute in the mining
sector. Growth of 2.4% is forecast in 2010.
Nova Scotia’s economy will continue to benefit from the
$800 million in infrastructure stimulus spending by the
government. In addition, a revival in consumer demand
will help lift growth in real GDP by 2.2% this year.
In Prince Edward Island, a steady stream of
government public infrastructure spending will boost the
economy by 2.2%.
In New Brunswick the manufacturing sector will limit
the province’s economic growth over the next two years
with real GDP growth of 1.8%
22 Relocation
Nova Scotia welcomes
you with open arms
We live bigger here. Maybe it’s the warm, welcoming
communities along our shores; each with their own
international flavour. While the region’s rich history has
been preserved in our UNESCO World Heritage sites,
museums and historic buildings, our future continues to
unfold in new enterprises, new friends and new markets.
Whatever your sector, Lunenburg and Queens counties
offer close proximity to sea, air, land and rail transportation
for exporting and international trade; backed by a team of
knowledgeable and experienced professionals eager to
help you start or expand your existing business.
We choose to live here for the career opportunities - and
for the safety and well-being of our families. We are
unfettered by smokestacks and urban chaos. Nova
Scotia’s South Shore has everything one could want
outside - the Atlantic Ocean, mile-long beaches, unspoiled
wilderness, fresh water rivers and streams and natural
beauty that takes your breath away no matter the season.
Our communities offer low operational costs for business
and access to one of the most highly educated workforces
in North America. Within minutes after work, one can relax
or simply join the family for some outdoor fun.
We live better here. Affordable real estate, excellent
healthcare and quality education are some of the
hallmarks of the area. In Lunenburg and Queens counties,
Becoming a permanent resident of Nova Scotia
is a life-enriching decision.
Most people intuitively know. They know that there is more to life.
More richness, more experience… more colour!
Lunenburg Queens has a quality of life that blends natural beauty and wide
open spaces with excellent opportunities, superb education and warm,
welcoming people.
Advertorial
outstanding career and business opportunities blend
effortlessly with wide open spaces and scenic beauty. Our
cost-effective operating environment attracts globally
competitive, world-class companies from IT, marine,
aerospace and resource industries. And our exceptional
communities are terrific places to raise a family.
We recognize that new ideas, experiences and cultures
bring incredible value to our communities, and we are
committed to welcoming our new friends here on the
South Shore. As your portal to an extensive network of
municipal, provincial and federal partners, the Lunenburg
Queens Regional Development Agency works with
newcomers to provide information, support, opportunities
and resources that will enable you to be successful in our
region.
We live life in full colour here! From scarlet maples to the
green towering pines, the blue water and wide-open skies,
life here on the South Shore of Nova Scotia is beautiful
year round. Outside of the workplace, we enjoy a relaxed,
safe way of life and access to outstanding national and
provincial parks with their pristine coastal and wilderness
areas.
It’s about living life to the fullest - and here in Lunenburg
Queens we think we’ve found that perfect blend of work
and play. If life where you are seems a little grey and you
are ready for some colour, come discover the unmatched
work-life balance on Nova Scotia’s South Shore! Visit
LifeinFullColour.ca for more information.
If life seems a little grey and
you are ready for some
colour...
Discover the perfect work-life
balance on Nova Scotia’s
South Shore.
Immigrating?
Want to start or grow a
business?
We are here to help.
Visit us Online @
LifeinFullColour.ca
LifeinFullColour.ca
Lunenburg Queens
Regional Development Agency
 Relocation 23

Location,
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Fluctuating exchange rates could put
your dream property out of reach

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moving or buying abroad, call us now and
speak to one of our expert advisers or visit
www.hifx.co.uk
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(all calls charged at standard local rates)

Currency Specialists
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Citizenship and Citoyenneté et

Funded by: Immigration Canada Immigration Canada

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

24 Relocation

Standard Language Testing is visa post will not solicit any further proof of language. Only
the material submitted at the time of the application will be
becoming more “Standard” considered. If there are any doubts, clarification will not be
sought and the application will be assessed “as is” as far
as language is concerned.
By Guidy Mamann While there is anxiety, inconvenience, time and cost in
taking the IELTS test, it’s still better to know where you
Trouble may be lurking for those who have recently stand than to keep your fingers crossed while your future
in Canada is being determined.
applied for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled
Worker Class or the Canadian Experience Class as a
Guidy Mamann, J.D. practices law in Toronto at
result of a new CIC policy relating to the assessment of
Mamann, Sandaluk and is certified by the Law Society of
language ability.
Upper Canada as an immigration specialist. For more
This new policy will apply to all applications received on
information, visit www.migrationlaw.com or email
or after April 10, 2010.
metro@migrationlaw.com
In the “old days”, visa officers assigned language points
to candidates following a personal interview where the
candidate was asked questions in English or French. As
CIC moved away from personal interviews, visa officers
started to ask for documentation to prove the applicant’s
language abilities. Soon standard language testing was
implemented to provide a more formal and objective
assessment of a person’s ability to communicate in one of
Canada’s two official languages.
In recent years the applicant maintained the choice to
either submit documentary proof of their skills in English
and/or French or to take an IELTS (International English
Language Testing System) English language or its French
equivalent, the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF).
Immigration lawyers and consultants often encouraged
their clients to take one of these tests since it enabled
them to know exactly what their clients’ language abilities
were so that they can accurately determine if their clients
have sufficient points to qualify for permanent residence.
Of course, asking a person who was born, educated,
and employed in an English or French speaking country to
take a language test made our immigration system look
foolish so the option of taking a test or submitting
documentary proof of language ability was preserved.
However, this option was intended only for applicants
“whose language ability was not in question”.
Many applicants whose first language was neither
French nor English chose to submit documentary
evidence rather than to submit to a test. Obviously, some
of these candidates preferred not to have their language
abilities objectively proven.
In November, 2008 immigration minister Jason Kenney
announced an “Action Plan for Faster Immigration” which
was aimed at getting applications for permanent residence
processed within 12 months.
Assessing voluminous documentation on a person’s
language ability was perceived as time consuming and an
obstacle to meeting the one-year processing target.
On March 10, 2010 CIC announced that, effective April
10, 2010, all Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian
Experience Class applications will be assessed on the
basis of a language test or the documentary proof
“provided at the time of application”. In other words, the www.ywcadurham.org
 Relocation 25

Live, Work, and Play in Greater Sudbury

Newcomers visit www.mysudbury.ca

Vivez, travaillez et divertissez-vous

dans le Grand Sudbury. Nouveaux arrivants,
www.ouisudbury.ca
visitez le site www.ouisudbury.ca
26 Relocation

Government of Canada permanently through the Canadian Experience Class

(CEC). CIC accepted 2,544 CEC applicants in 2009. Many
maintains historically high temporary foreign workers are also selected to remain in
Canada permanently through provincial nominee
rate of immigration in 2009 programs.
“The number of foreign students who came to Canada
grew by seven percent last year, resulting in the highest
Canada welcomed more than 500,000 permanent and
number of foreign students ever admitted to Canada,”
temporary residents in 2009, according to preliminary data
said Minister Kenney. “To be a more innovative society
released by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
able to compete and prosper in a global, knowledge-
today.
based economy, Canada needs people with an
“Momentum toward a full economic recovery continued
international outlook, skills and experience. Attracting
throughout 2009, and immigration will continue to support
more international students is a priority for our
that momentum,” said Jason Kenney, Minister of
government.”
Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “The
Last year, Canada also welcomed 22,844 refugees. This
Government of Canada is maintaining immigration levels
included resettling 7,425 government-assisted refugees
to meet Canada’s short-, medium- and long-term
and 5,036 privately sponsored refugees. The government
economic needs, help offset our aging population and low
also landed 10,383 refugees in Canada who had made
birthrate, and sustain our workforce.”
successful asylum claims, and their dependants.
Canada admitted 252,124 permanent residents in 2009,
Proposed refugee reforms will, if adopted, see the number
well within the government’s planned range of 240,000 to
of government-assisted and privately sponsored refugees
265,000 new permanent residents for the year. This
resettled in Canada increase by 20 percent. View the
number is about 30,000 higher than the average annual
complete set of preliminary data released by the
intake of permanent residents in the 1990s. About
Department.
60 percent of those admitted were economic migrants.
Today, CIC also posted to its website the most
An additional 178,640 temporary foreign workers and
requested statistics from the last quarter of 2009
85,131 foreign students came to Canada in 2009. Many
(September to December). The Information Commissioner
temporary foreign workers, as well as foreign students
recently wrote to Minister Kenney, saying: “I wish to
who graduate in Canada, may apply to stay in the country

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congratulate you for your leadership and commitment to
transparency and open government, following your
department’s online publication of its most requested
immigration and citizenship statistics on a quarterly basis
and free of charge.” She went on to write: “Your Quarterly
Administrative Data Release exemplifies the kind of
proactive disclosure that I and my office have been
promoting as an imperative to increase government
accountability, efficiency and innovation.”
The statistics provide current information on
immigration and citizenship processes, including data on
application processing times, the number of permanent
and temporary entrants to Canada, and the number of
new citizens. To order a free CD with more detailed
information, contact research-recherche@cic.gc.ca.
Useful Links:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/index.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/statistics/
facts2009/index.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/statistics/data-
release/2009-Q4/index.asp
Do you have an immigration
story to tell?
According to a survey by the institute for public policy
research, every three minutes a British national packs their
bags and starts a new life abroad.
RENT or CHILDCARE
Over 1 million Canadians can’t afford both. The high cost of
Relocation 27
Britain has more people living abroad than almost any
other country. Over 600,000 are in Canada and we want to
uncover some of their stories.####################################
We want to find a community of Brits in Canada that
enjoy their new home but also maintain links with each
other. It may be a local community group, it may be
people who work together with other Brits, it may be a
pub that is very popular with a number of ex-pats.
#We need compelling stories that show the contrast
between your former life in the UK and your new life in
Canada. Have you moved from a predominantly urban to
rural environment? Are you working for the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police? Are you working in the logging
or petroleum industries? What about the agricultural
industry, or manufacturing? Are you working in the
wilderness as a park warden, or are you working in a
hospital?
#Do you embrace the local culture? Have you changed
your interests since settling? Or do you maintain strong
links to the UK?
#We are looking for men or women aged between
roughly 20-50 and we are keen to engage with people
who have a difficult or unusual occupation. Do you feel
that what you do isn’t very well known? Perhaps you do
crime scene clean-ups, possibly you are a female driving
instructor for a fire brigade. Maybe you work in a mortuary,
or a scene of crime officer. How about a lifeguard? Do you
work in a zoo?
#Whatever it is, if you are interested in telling us your
story, then please get in touch.
shenderson@giantpeachtv.com
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28 Relocation
CAIPS & FOSS
What’s that all about?
We get quite a few people writing in asking about CAIPS
or FOSS notes. Should they get theirs, what are they, are
they worth having etc? Although we have covered this in
the past, we feel it is worth looking at again, just to clarify
the options.
What is CAIPS?
CAIPS is an acronym for Computer Assisted Immigration
Processing System. Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(CIC) use this system to process immigration applications
made from outside Canada. As an applicant you can
obtain notes held by CIC about your application called
CAIPS notes.
What about FOSS?
FOSS is another acronym for Field Operational Support
System and is similar to CAIPS but is used for
applications made inside Canada.
Should I apply for CAIPS?
This largely depends on where in the process you are.
Because the notes are collated from information about
your application, if you have only recently applied there
will be very little data available.
If you are using the older non-simplified process, the
optimum time to apply for CAIPS is around the time you
are expecting to hear from CIC. If your acknowledgement
of receipt (AOR) stated that you would be contacted in 25
months, then this is the time to think about applying. CIC
will be starting to look at your file and will be entering data
in the system, however there is no guarantee that any
useful information will be included at this time.
If you are using the simplified process (post February
27th 2008), then you really need to wait until after CIC has
requested all your information, as they will not have
anything useful on file until after this time.
The best time to apply for CAIPS for any applicant is if
CIC contact you and requires extra information from you,
or requires that you attend an interview. By obtaining your
CAIPS at this point in time you may be able to see exactly
why CIC are requesting such information and can be
better prepared to send the correct information or answer
the correct questions at interview.
You can apply for CAIPS as many times as you like
throughout the immigration process.
What will CAPIS tell me?
As we have mentioned, depending on when you apply
and what information has been entered into your files
there is no guarantee that CAIPS will tell you anything you
don’t already know.
The type of information that can be contained includes:
Your file number
The details you submitted in your application
Where your application is being processed
Immigration officer’s notes and assessment
Any amendments you may have sent such as change of
address, new qualifications etc
Whether you have paid ROLF
Number of immigration points you have been allocated
Details of medical (if taken)
Details of interview, including why you are being called
and questions you may be asked
Stages passed and decisions made
What format will it be in?
In its raw format CAIPS notes are basically a computer
printout with lots of codes, which you will not easily
understand. It will also include any notes from
immigration officers, which will be in plain English.
Many companies offering CAIPS services also offer
deciphering services, either free of charge or at an
additional cost.
You can find a complete list of CAIPS codes and
abbreviations from our website using this link: http://
www.muchmormagazine.com/2010/04/beginners-guide-
to-caips-file-abbreviations/
Is this the same as e-client?
E-client is a simple, and often out-of-date system
available via the CIC website which gives you very basic
information about your application i.e. when submitted,
address details and if a decision has been made about
you. It does not go into any details about your application

and will not tell you things such as why you are being
called for interview etc.
How do I request my CAIPS / FOSS
notes?
Only a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with
relevant documentary evidence can apply for CAIPS. If
you have a relative or friend in Canada who can apply on
your behalf, this is the quickest way to get them. First off,
you need to download the application form. You will find
this at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at
this link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/
IMM5563B.pdf
The form is pretty straightforward, with explanations on
what needs to be provided. You will need to fill in your file
number (usually starts with a “B”, “V”, “E” or an “S”), the
embassy where you applied (e.g. Buffalo or New Delhi),
and the address in Canada.
If you do not know your file number, you can indicate
this in the form, though there may be a delay in you getting
your CAIPS notes.
You need to provide a Consent Letter, authorizing
release of the information to the person applying on your
behalf, who will also have to write a Formal Request letter
asking for the CAIPS notes. A copy of that person’s
passport or other document proving legal residency in
Canada also needs to be attached.
A Canadian citizen living abroad can also send in the
application on your behalf, but there is a $5 fee in this
situation.
If you don’t know anyone in Canada who can apply on
your behalf then you can search on the Internet for CAIPS
and find companies offering CAIPS services. Most
companies offering CAIPS services will also be able to
obtain FOSS notes.
All CAIPS applications are processed through Ottawa,
Canada. This means where you submitted your original
immigration application is irrelevant.
All the papers then need to be mailed to this address:
Relocation 29
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator
Narono Building
360 Laurier Avenue West, 10th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1
Canada
How long will it take to get the file?
CIC have to reply to the request within 30 days, but you
will have to allow time for the third party to get the file to
you from Canada. On average you should allow around six
weeks to receive your files.
How much does it cost?
This depends on how you obtain your notes. If you have
access to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who
can get the information on your behalf then the cost
should be free. However if you use an independent
company to obtain your CAIPS then they all charge slightly
different prices for various services. You can expect to pay
anything from $20 up to $100. Check out a number of
companies before committing and if possible go by
recommendation.
THINKING OF
MOVING TO CANADA?
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Working with Laskowsky & Laskowsky Partners, Barristers & Solicitors
Our Comprehensive immigration & settlement
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Fax: (+44) 0870 130-9266, Mobile: 07737 388-371
email: siscanada@yahoo.com
Click here for more information
30 Relocation
Proof of funds
As part of the permanent resident application process
you will need to prove to the Canadian government that
you have enough monitory funds to support yourself and
any accompanying family members when you arrive in
Canada. This is because the government will not provide
any financial support for new immigrants and therefore
they need to be sure that you arrive with enough money
to establish yourself in Canada.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) set
guidelines as to the required funds they consider you
need as a minimum in order to establish yourself in
Canada. The amount required depends on the size of
your family. These amounts can vary from time to time, so
you should check these figures at the point you need to
use them.
At the time of your application you must show that you
have at least the required amount in order for your
application to be processed. The money has to belong to
you and cannot be borrowed from another person. The
money must be readily available in transferable currency
for settlement in Canada.
Obviously you can take any amount above the required
funds with you to Canada. There is no upper limit,
although there are restrictions on how much cash you can
physically take with you at the time of landing.
As of May 2010 the minimum funds required are:
Number of Funds Required
Family (in Canadian dollars)
Members
1 $11,086
2 $13,801
3 $16,967
4 $20,599
5 $23,364
6 $26,350
7 or more $29,337
You may be wondering what type of funds you can use
and what type of proof is required. Well, there are several
things to consider:
Savings: If you have savings which match or exceed
the required amount then you can simply supply a copy of
your bank statement showing the funds in your account.
You should be able to show the funds in your account for
a minimum of three months and if the funds have recently
been transferred you will need to show where they came
from.
You will also need to show that you are not just
sending a statement just after being paid and that all the
funds will disappear from the account the following week.
If your money is split between several accounts, you will
need to provide details of each up to the amount required.
Shares, Bonds etc: This type of investment is not
acceptable for CIC purposes as these are volatile
accounts and you could still loose your money. If you
want to use this type of funding, you will need to cash-in
the money from the shares etc and deposit them in a
suitable bank account and send the statements as above.
Possessions: Again this is not acceptable by CIC. you
will need to liquidate the assets and deposit the money in
a suitable account. This also applies to vehicles.
Real Estate: Money in property is probably the most
widely used proof of funds. Many people plan to sell
property owned in their home country before landing in
Canada and will use the equity to establish themselves.
This is totally acceptable by CIC and they appreciate
that you may not have actually sold the property at the
point you are required to supply this information and
make allowances for this.
You will be allowed to supply a mortgage statement
from your lender stating how much money is owed on the
property. You should then get your property valued by
three independent companies. These can be real estate
agents, property valuation companies, your mortgage
lender etc. Make sure you get the valuation on letter
headed paper and signed.
If you send both the mortgage details and the
valuations the CIC can see how much equity you have
available.
If you are using the simplified application process you
will not need to send this information when first applying,
just an indication of the amount. Once your application is
ready for processing you will be contacted by CIC to
provide the proof of funds information. You may also be
asked to show proof when you land in Canada.
N.B. You do not have to show that you have these
funds if you have arranged employment in Canada.
 Relocation 31

Peterborough, Ontario
welcomes you
As Mayor of the City of Peterborough, I am pleased to welcome you to the City’s Immigration
Portal – WelcomePeterborough.ca. The City of Peterborough is one of nine municipalities located
in the County of Peterborough. It was incorporated as a town in 1850. Peterborough is named in
honour of Peter Robinson, an early Canadian who promoted and organized the first major
settlement of Irish immigrants to the area.
At one time Peterborough was known as Canada’s canoe building capital. Today Peterborough
is known for food processing, automotive supplies, electronics, aerospace and life sciences/
biotechnology industries, and is home to General Electric and Quaker Oats. In 2004 the city was
ranked the number one location for business in Ontario by Canadian Business magazine. This is
due in part to a lower cost of living than in other urban centers, reliable labour and high quality
post-secondary institutions. Peterborough is home to Trent University and Sir Sandford Fleming
College.
The city is rich in heritage. We have an amazing variety of museums, indoor and outdoor art
galleries, cultural exhibitions, live theatre, Aboriginal heritage, historic sites and a thriving music
scene. We have the best of all worlds – we are a short drive away from Toronto with its
sophistication and have easy access to the
rivers, lakes and cottage living of the
Kawarthas.
The city of Peterborough is a great place
to live, work and raise a family. I hope you
will visit this web site, explore our city, and
come and see us. I am sure if you visit, you
will want to stay.

Mayor Paul Ayotte

www.WelcomePeterborough.ca
32 Relocation
Canada-Ontario Immigration
Agreement extended
In May Jason Kenny, Minister of Citizenship and
Immigration signed a one-year extension to the Canada-
Ontario Immigration Agreement. Co-signing was Dr eric
Hoskins the Ontario Minister of Citizenship and
Immigration.
“In extending the Canada-Ontario Immigration
Agreement, we signal our commitment to continue to
collaborate to attract, retain and integrate immigrants into
communities in Ontario while exploring new ways to
improve immigrant outcomes,” said Minister Kenney. “The
extension of this agreement prolongs our support for
immigrant settlement programs, including language
training and programs for newcomer youth.”
“Ontario is pleased to sign this one-year extension as
we negotiate a successor agreement, so that newcomers
to the province can continue to receive the services they
need to settle and succeed,” said Minister Hoskins.
During 2010-2011 Ontario will receive $320 million in
funding, in addition to $108 million in settlement funding.
It is hoped that by attracting more immigrants to
Ontario who meet the needs of the social and economic
needs of the province.
Canadian immigration as a
licensed practical nurse or
LPN
Working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Canada is
a challenging, rewarding and important career.
The Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators
http://www.ccpnr.ca/is a federation of provincial and
territorial members responsible for the safety of the public
through the regulation of licensed practical nurses. We are
glad that you are considering a nursing career in Canada
and we encourage you to review the website of nursing
regulators in the province in which you wish to live and
then to contact them with any questions. This approach
will allow you to obtain complete and accurate information
about how to become licensed as an LPN.
Nursing in Canada
In Canada, nursing is a profession with three regulated
nursing groups: registered nurses (RNs, licensed practical
nurses (LPNs, or registered practical nurses – RPN—in
Ontario) and registered psychiatric nurses RPN in the
western provinces. The main differences between
RNs and LPNs are the breadth and depth of their
education: for example, the length of their programs, their
legislation and the procedures they are permitted to
perform on patients. Registered psychiatric nurses
specialize in the field of mental health and work mainly in
Canada’s western provinces.
Licensed Practical Nurses (Registered Practical Nurses
in Ontario)
Licensed practical nurses and registered practical
nurses are regulated health-care professionals who work
in partnership with other members of the health-care team
to provide nursing services to individuals, families and
groups of all ages. LPNs assess, plan, implement and
evaluate care for clients throughout the life cycle and
through palliative stages. There are approximately 75,000
licensed practical nurses in Canada, representing the
second largest regulated health profession in the country
after registered nurses.
Before You Come to Canada
While you are waiting to go to Canada, there are many
important things you can do to improve your chances for
success.
The Foreign Credentials Referral Office http://
www.credentials.gc.ca/is an organization of the
Government of Canada that provides you with helpful
resources such as the Planning to Work in Canada?
workbook and the Working in Canada Tool http://
www.workingincanada.gc.ca se these resources to find
and collect important information and to develop your job-
search plan.
You will need to prove your language skills in English or
French or be tested. You can find information
at www.language.ca. If you will be working in English, you
may have to undergo a special language test for nurses.
You can find more information on how to take the test and
sample tests at www.celban.org. The provincial regulator
will specify which tests are required. If you need to
improve your language skills, start before you come to
Canada.
Your official education, work and identity documents
are important. It is much easier for you to gather and
organize your documents while still in your home country.
Verify translation requirements. In some cases, you will
have to use a professional translation service in Canada.
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada
You must meet the requirements of the provincial or
territorial nursing regulatory body or licensing authority.
There will be application forms and your school will be
required to send original documents related to your
training. You will have to write nursing examinations and
language tests, and there will be fees to pay.
Your education and nursing skills will be evaluated to
determine if you meet the standards in the regulator’s
province or territory. You may also be required to have a
specific number of recent hours of nursing work
experience. Work references may be required.
You will be required to demonstrate that you were
permitted to work as a licensed practical nurse (or
equivalent) in previous jurisdictions, and that you are not
currently involved in any disciplinary issues. Criminal
record checks may be required.

Completion of the Canadian Practical Nurse
Registration Examination is required in all provinces and
territories except Quebec. Quebec applicants write a
different examination. Examinations are held a few times a
year and the registration deadline is usually two to three
months prior to the examination.
Finding a Nursing Job in Canada
Nurses must be registered to practise in a specific
province or territory and they can only work where they
are registered.
Some nursing regulators or associations have a job
bank or links to others. They may also recommend some
commercial job sites. Many hospitals and other health
institutions post jobs on their websites. The Canadian
Healthcare Association publishes a directory of names
and addresses for hospitals, health centres, nursing
homes, etc.
Investigate any “bridging programs” for which you may
be qualified. A bridging program offers work experience or
skills or language upgrading courses to assist
internationally trained individuals in their progress toward
professional certification.
Provincial Regulators can be found using this link:
http://www.ccpnr.ca/links.html
Additional Resources:
Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators
http://www.ccpnr.ca/
Practical Nurses Canada
http://www.pncanada.ca/intro.shtml
Canadian Nurses Association
http://www.cna-aiic.ca/cna/default_e.aspx
Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada
http://www.rpnc.ca/
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp
Service Canada
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/home.shtml
Foreign Credentials Referral Office
http://www.credentials.gc.ca/
New videos released to help
newcomers
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has released three
new videos on its website. The “New Canadian Permanent
Resident Card” video explains new security features
incorporated into the card that permanent residents must
present to re-enter Canada. Permanent residents are
encouraged to renew their cards well before the expiration
date.
Part of the Becoming Canadian series, “Provincial
Nominee Program” and “Canadian Experience Class:
Relocation 33
Temporary Foreign Workers” explain how one can qualify
to come to Canada to work under these programs.
Follow these links to view the new videos on the CIC
site or on YouTube. The videos are intended to help
newcomers adapt to living in Canada as well as explain
the new features of the PR card.
(www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/multimedia/
index.asp)
(www.youtube.com/CitImmCanada)
Where to find the videos
New Canadian Permanent Resident Card
YouTube
English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q96y1C_VefY
French: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQrLyF9egxE
Provincial Nominee Program
YouTube
English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=QG83GMTfKsE
French: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uprez8Zq-0w
Canadian Experience Class: Temporary Foreign Workers
YouTube
English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=XWmr2vh2FNs
French: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15eokWYuytQ
Only use authorized
immigration representatives
The RCMP have recently clamped down on a number of
cases of fraud and illegal representation by so-called
immigration representatives. As a result of this it warns
everyone considering using an immigration representative
to mad sure they are authorized by the Canadian
Government.
Only members of the Canadian Society of Immigration
Consultants (CSIC), a provincial or territorial bar,
or Quebec notaries can advise, represent or consult
clients on immigration matters before the Government
of Canada for a fee.
CSIC membership is important because CSIC members
must meet rigorous ongoing educational requirements and
adhere to strict Rules of Professional Conduct. In addition,
CSIC provides extensive consumer protection measures
by offering a complaints and discipline process, requiring
members to carry errors and omissions insurance and
maintaining a client compensation fund.
To check the authenticity of any immigration
representative go to the Canadian Society of Immigration
Consultants website at https://www.csic-scci.ca.
34 Relocation

Canadian immigration to the

Yukon under the Nominee
Program
The Yukon Nominee
Program was
developed to allow
the Government of
Yukon to nominate
potential immigrants
based on industrial and economic priorities and labour
market conditions; and who, based on Yukon’s
assessment, have a strong likelihood of successfully
establishing themselves in Yukon society.
There are three programs the Yukon Nominee Program
offers: the Skilled Worker Program, the Critical Impact
Worker Program and the Business Program. Please link to
the categories listed to find out more information on each
program:
Business Program
The Yukon Business Nominee Program is designed to
attract business expertise and investment capital to the
territory. The Business Program has two components: an
Entrepreneur category and a Self Employed category.
Skilled Worker Program/ Critical Impact Worker
Program
The Yukon Skilled Worker Program is designed to attract
qualified individuals who can help alleviate the shortage of
skilled workers in the Territory who cannot be found within
the current territorial or national labour market.
The Critical Impact Worker Program provides Yukon
employers with the means to fill semi-skilled jobs in the
levels of C and D of the National Occupational Code
Matrix.
To see full details of all the Yukon Nominee Program
has to offer please visit the website at: http://
www.immigration.gov.yk.ca/ynp_overview.html
Go and leave no
stone unturned.

Interesting Fact
In a recent survey by Currency UK it was
established that nearly three-quarters of Brits
considered emigrating this year.

Australia was the top choice of destination

followed by Canada, USA, New Zealand,
Spain, France and Thailand.

The top three reason for wanting to vacate

the UK were:

1. Poor state of the british economy (31%)

2. Lack of job prospects (23% Do yourself a good turn, go to
3. The results of the May general election mycollingwood.ca...the most popular web
(19%) site in Collingwood and Surrounds.
www.mycollingwood.ca
 Relocation 35

We invite you to make Smiths Falls your new home.

Experience Sensational:
REAL ESTATE • CAREERS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
• EDUCATION • HEALTHCARE • TRANSPORTATION

VISIT US ONLINE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION:

www.immigratetosmithsfalls.ca
www.immigratetosmithsfalls.ca
613.283.4124 ext.
1888.983.4142 184
x 1148
36 Employment

Canadian
résumé
writing tips

By Audrey Prenzel,
CARW, CEIC, B.A., B.Ed.
 Employment 37

As if making the decision to move to a new country isn’t

enough change, learning the specifics about creating job
search documents can be another challenge. It’s a new
and exciting time but perhaps a little confusing too. As you
plan your first career move into Canada’s job market, I’d
like to share 10 important tips to help you create effective
marketing material as a newly landed Canadian.

1. Name game

We use the word “résumé”, (sometimes spelled “resumé”

or “resume”). Like the US, the only time we use the term
“CV” is for a doctor, professor or scientist. The sole
exception to this is with the English speaking population in
the Province of Quebec. In Quebec, they use the term
“CV” to mean what the rest of Canada and the US would
call a “résumé”.

2. Paper size

Like the US, we use Letter Size paper (8 ½ x 11). Make

sure you adjust your formatting to coincide with this if your
documents were prepared in a country where the page
setting was set to A4.
3. Length
Two page résumés are pretty much standard for mid to
senior level professionals. Occasionally, a three page
résumé is warranted. New grads and career changers
should try to keep it to one page in length.
4. Personal information
No personal information such as age, religion, marital
status, or political views is used here. In fact, documents
that are received by HR personnel containing this
information will usually end up being discarded. We don’t
even use titles indicating male or female (i.e. Mr. or Mrs.).
This is a good time to add that personal photos are used
here on résumés. They can be used to disqualify your
application if included.
5. Tone
As uncomfortable as it may seem for those new to this
country, the tone of the writing in Canada is quite
confident. Briefly mention some of your core job
responsibilities in the work experience section. Most of the
writing should be devoted to accomplishments. Take note
that each achievement has to be quantified. Prove
everything you say.
To help you with this, here is a weak, unsubstantiated
achievement: “Worked on an email server consolidation
project.”
Now have a look at the same information with more
details and quantifiable points to build value for a potential
employer: “Completed a large-scale and complex email
server consolidation project. Personally consolidated 12
email servers housing 10000+ users into just 5 mail
servers, without compromising service levels. This
generated savings of $21K (45%) per month.
7. Content
The career experience is reverse chronological. New
grads have their education listed near the beginning of the
document whereas seasoned workers have it listed
towards the end. And just like the US, we use opening
marketing titles (objective), summaries, key word sections,
work experience, and technical skills, publications,
volunteerism, and professional affiliations.
8. Bilingualism
If you are ESL (English as a Second Language) then you
certainly have something to showcase in your documents.
It makes sense though to specify what the second
language is other than English. Many people here speak
French and many others speak other languages. Say
“Bilingual English / French” or “Bilingual English /
German” in the résumé. We are culturally diverse and so
are our languages so please don’t make the reader guess
which other language you speak.
 38 Employment Careers 33

et Research Analyst If you want to make the case to a Spelling errors will most likely deter any offers for an
9. Hobbies potential employer or your boss to let you
research analysts, whose job interview.
e expected to grow 20 percent work from home, keep a few things in It is completely acceptable (and smart) to apply to
ther data onFor the mostand
competitors mind. If possible,
part, personal interests provide concrete are not
and hobbies places you want to work at even if you do not see a job
es, sales, a very
and big deal
methods of to theexamples
Canadian of how this manager.
hiring arrangement The was posting. We call this “cold calling”. Stay ahead of the
exception to this would be
successful a candidate
in the past vying
or how for
it a
will role in competition by sending a cover letter and résumé
nd distribution. They often
perhaps the education or
succeed. social services
Suggest that sectors.
you ease intoDevoting
it --
indicating your eagerness to work for a specific company
eys, compile and evaluate the before they advertise.
space to technologyspending
ake recommendations to their
skills oracommunity
few days to ainvolvement
few weeks in is theby
far, a better bet in terms of marketing yourself. Hopefully this eases part of the transition to Canada’s
ployer based upon their office at the outset, meeting people and job landscape. Stay positive and keep at it until you have
getting to know procedures. Then, during been offered an interview. Best of luck!
10. Keep the spelling the first three Canadian
to six months on eh? the new
egal job, make frequent visits. Audrey Prenzel, CARW,
CEIC, B.A., B.Ed. is the
awyers assume Our ultimate
spelling practices differ from US and the UK/Australia founder of Résumé
Kate Lorenz is the article
use and advice
y for legal formats.
work, theyThis surprises many
delegate people. We a blend of Resources, an international
editor for CareerBuilder.ca. She
both US and UK spelling systems. Here is a useful website
r work to paralegals. career transition firm. She
for your researches
reference which and
details writes
the about job search
differences: http:// holds numerous roles with
not only assist in preparation
www3.telus.net/linguisticsissues/
strategy, career management, hiring Career Directors
hearings, trials, and corporate
BritishCanadianAmerican.htm
trends and workplace issues. International including
ey also perform a number of
(A note about cover letters. It is expected, for the most Mentor, Canadian Advisor,
nctions including drafta cover letter will be submitted with the résumé.
part, that Director of International
ortgages, There
separation
is always a slight chance that some recruiters and Relations, Military Transition
decisionand
, trust instruments makers
may may not look at it but nonetheless, Expert Program Leader, and
paring tax including
returns andone is advisable. It should never exceed one Aerospace / Defence
ates. Withpage and this
employers is where you can include subjective
reducing Program Leader. Audrey is
lacing duties once tended to want to share such your eligibility to work
information you the author of "Military to
in Canada, why you are applying for that role, and what Civvie Street: The Complete
with paralegals, growth of this
makes you the ideal candidate. It should match the Job Transition Guide for those Leaving the Canadian Air
s expected.résumé in formatting.)
Force, Army & Navy". Visit Audrey's website
Remember to proof read all of your documents www.resumeresources.ca
extensively and then get somebody else to review them.

careerbuilder.ca
nd CareerBuilder® is one of !
n !
Canada’s top job sites !"#$%&'()*$+,+-+#.'%/'012.+&#'3#.1&$%'4!(035'
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 Home & Garden 39

Franchise: a great way to start

your own business
Canada is home to the second largest franchise industry
in the world, with over 75,000 units currently operating.
Annual sales from Canadian franchises add up to over CA
$100 billion, and over 500 franchisors from the US have
branched out into the Canadian market.

What is franchising?

Franchising is a way of doing business where the

franchisor authorises an individual or group (the
franchisee) to offer, sell or distribute goods or services
under their professional strategy or marketing plan. It is
very effective for establishing and developing a brand and
achieving a large market share. Franchises in Canada are
generally classed as either ‘product or service’ or
‘business format’. While most franchises usually are more
one category than the other, many still combine both
aspects.

Benefits of buying a franchise

Buying into a franchise gives you the ability to run your

own business and get involved with an established brand.
Entering into a franchise as a newcomer to Canada can
prefer to go your own way, it is advisable to go with a
be a great idea, as there is a lower risk of failure and you’ll
franchisor who is more relaxed with their guidelines.
have the added security of start-up help.
On the flipside, having rigid instructions can be
There is a vast array of franchise opportunities ranging
beneficial when you’re unsure of a new industry and new
from coffee and pizza restaurants to gyms and home
to a country. This discrepancy also extends to the costs
services. Start out by looking within a field of business
involved. Start-up and ongoing expenses can vary greatly
that holds particular interest for you, or one in an area that
depending on the industry and how established the
you’re already know a lot about.
franchise is.
Keep in mind that you have more to lose than the
Be prepared for the franchise business franchisor – you’re the one investing your money and
livelihood in the business. You can and should ask a lot of
Starting a franchise can seem like a safe bet with questions and research the franchise as much as you can
before getting involved and expect the same of the
guaranteed success, but there are pitfalls of which you
franchisor. Mutual respect and honesty is the best place
should be aware. Thousands of people join the franchise
to start.
community every year in Canada, and while statistics
show that most prove to be successes, not everyone is
cut out for it and it is imperative that a prospective Facts about franchising in Canada:
franchisee knows what they’re in for.
It is important to note that purchasing a franchise can 97% of franchises that open in Canada are still in
be expensive, with steep start-up and ongoing costs, and business five years later, and a full 86% are still operating
that you will be required to follow the guidelines set out by under the original ownership.
the franchisor. It is recommended you do your homework A new franchise opens in Canada every two hours.
when considering with the type of franchise you’d like to The average franchise fee in Canada is $25,000.
buy. Some franchisors can be exceptionally strict with One franchise operation exists for every 450 Canadians.
their regulations, so if you find it hard to take direction or
40 Employment

What you should

know before
signing that
employment
contract

We often talk about jobs and how to hunt for them or
write resumes etc. But what exactly does that job offer
include and what should you be looking at before signing
on the dotted line?
Salary and benefits
Depending on the type of job you are looking at the salary
and benefits offered could vary considerably. It may be a
minimum wage job in which case you need to make sure
that you know how much that is in your area of the
country. If the job includes the possibility of tips then
make sure you know how tips are handled. Do you keep
all the tips you receive, are tips put into a collective pot to
be shared among other staff members, perhaps your
employer will keep a percentage of tips received? As long
as you know the situation before you commence
employment you won’t have any shocks at a later date.
If you are going to be paid commission make sure you
know the payment structure and how much you are likely
to receive. Is the commission instead of or in addition to a
salary? If bonuses are offered, again make sure you know
the structure and how you can best take advantage of
them.
Make sure any salary you start at will rise with inflation
or that you will have regular reviews of your salary. If you
know your salary will rise with your experience, length of
service etc. make sure this is included in your contract.
Remember that when you relocate to Canada the
salaries will be different from those in your home country.
It may be that the jobs in your line of work offer
considerably less than you would expect to be paid “at
home” however you need to consider your future living
expenses. These too will be different and you may find
that your overall cost of living is going to be less and
therefore local wages are less.
Employment 41
Working hours
Make sure you know how many hours a week you will be
expected to work and what those hours will be. If the
work is shift-based or rotational, have this in your contract
so both your employer and yourself know exactly where
you stand. If your hours are ‘flexible” do you know within
what time bands this could be allocated? What type of
time keeping does the employer use i.e. time cards,
clocking-in or trust based?
Part time or seasonal
Many jobs are available to cover busy periods such as
holidays. If you are being employed on a temporary or
seasonal basis do you know the exact duration of your
contract. Will there be an opportunity to extend this time
period? What notice will be given for cutting short the
contract by both yourself and the employer.
If the job is part-time make sure you know what hours
you will be working and what changes can be made to
your hours, work days with what notice. What holiday,
maternity etc. entitlement will you receive?
Holiday entitlements
Depending on where you originate from you may be
shocked by the lack of annual paid leave in Canada.
Regulations state that employees can take either two
weeks paid holiday, or two weeks salary without leave
every year. This is valid for the first five years of
employment, but may be on a pro rata basis in the first
year. In the sixth year of employment with the same
employer this entitlement increases to three weeks.
Although this is the minimum allowed by law you may
find you are offered more holiday entitlement as obviously
42 Employment
a company can offer more if they see fit. This means that
there can often be a negotiation point here, either for less
holiday entitlement for more pay, or more holiday
entitlement as part of your package.
Holiday pay is calculated as a percentage of the gross
wages an employee earns during each year of
employment. Where the entitlement is two weeks,
vacation pay is four percent of earnings in the entitlement
year; where the entitlement is three weeks, the holiday
pay is six percent of earnings.
Relocation options
Some companies will offer relocation costs. If this is the
case make sure you know well in advance and have in
writing all the allowances available to you. Will you have to
pay for the costs yourself and then get reimbursement or
will the company pay the costs directly?
Will temporary accommodation be available to you and
your family? If you have to arrange this yourself will the
company pay all or part of the costs?
7 companies hiring this month
Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.ca Editor
Although the employment situation isn't as strong as we'd
like, it has improved over the past year. While October
2008's booming employment numbers are still far away,
February saw an increase of 21,000 employed workers.
The unemployment rate fell to 8.2% as a result, reports
Statistics Canada.
Full-time employment continues to trend upward,
adding more than 60,000 workers.  Among the industries
with the most gains were accommodation and food
services: business, building and other support services;
manufacturing; health care and social assistance; and
natural resources, while retail and wholesale trade;
finance, insurance, real estate and leasing were some of
the hardest hit industries. Still, organizations need workers
to help their companies grow during this period.
Here is a list of employers throughout Canada who are
looking for new employees right now.
Attridge Transportation
Industry: Transportation (School Buses)
Sample job titles: Bus driver
Locations:  Brampton, Burlington, Carlisle, Etobicoke,
Flamborough, Hamilton, Milton, Mississauga, Oakvile,
Stoney Creek, Toronto, Waterdown
Canadian Forces / Forces Canadiennes
Industry: Government -- Navy, Army, Air Force
Sample job titles: Technicians, Engineers, Operations,
Canadian unions
There are some 4 million union members across Canada
primarily in the manufacturing and transportation
industries. The choice of joining one of the 1,000 unions is
personal choice and down to the individual employee.
All employees in Canada have the right to form a union
as part of the Labour Code of Canada. Unions form in
order to negotiate issues such as wages, working hours,
conditions, disputes etc.
The advantage of a union is that because there are
many members their voices get heard perhaps better than
single individuals in the case of a dispute or negotiation. If
union members choose to strike and join a picket line they
will be paid a proportion of their wages for the duration.
Fees for membership are tax-deductible.
The disadvantage is that if the union chooses to strike
(80% yes vote) then regardless of your views you too will
be part of the strike. Even if your employer is a unionized
employer you still have the choice to join or not.
Health Services
Locations: Nationally
Investors Group
Industry: Financial Services and Consulting
Sample job titles:  Financial advisor - consultant
Locations: Nationally across Canada in more than 46
Regional Offices
Mobilicity
Industry: Wireless
Sample job titles:  Dealer account executives, district
manager, sales associate, human resource specialist,
general manager
Locations: GTA, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary
Peel Regional Police
Industry: Law enforcement
Sample job titles: Police constable and police cadet
Locations:  Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon
Penncorp Life Insurance
Industry: Insurance sales
Sample job titles: Sales manager, sales representative,
regional director
Locations: Nationally
Shred It 
Industry:  Document destruction
Sample job titles: Route service driver, sales manager
Locations: Ontario, Saskatchewan, BC

Six ways to get the job when
you're not the 'ideal' candidate
by Robert Half International
It may seem like a waste of time to apply for a position
that, at least on paper, doesn't exactly match your skills
and experience. After all, many job seekers can't even get
a hiring manager's attention when they do appear to be a
perfect fit.
But if you believe you're capable of performing a job
well despite the fact that your background doesn't
completely align with the requirements of the position,
there might still be hope. You need to consider yourself
from a hiring manager's perspective and build a case that
shows why you're the best person for the position.
Following are some tips:
1. Don't waste their time
First, make sure your background meets at least the most
basic criteria for the position. If the job requires expertise
in three specific software programs, for instance, and you
are familiar with only one, don't apply. But if candidates
should possess seven years of experience, and you have
five, an employer might consider your application. Keep in
mind, however, that some firms simply will not interview
you if you don't meet every requirement, no matter how
close your qualifications are. After all, companies still can
afford to be picky.
2. Find an inside connection
One of the best ways to get your foot in the door when
you're a near fit for a job is by leveraging a referral from
someone who can speak to the hiring manager on your
behalf. Ask those in your network if they -- or someone
they know -- can provide an entrée into the firm. Social
networking Web sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook can
be especially helpful in uncovering individuals who may
have an "in" at your target firm, but be judicious when
requesting assistance. You should have established trust
and credibility with anyone you ask to go to bat for you.
If you can, try to leverage your contacts to arrange a
meeting with the hiring manager. Sometimes, all it takes to
get a chance at the job is a face-to-face meeting where
you can make your case directly. This allows you to
establish a rapport with the employer and demonstrates
your enthusiasm for the position.
3. Address concerns upfront
Instead of hiding any shortcomings you possess,
acknowledge them. For example, if you're overqualified
for a position, use your cover letter or the interview to
explain why the job nonetheless appeals to you. Perhaps
after managing a large team of employees for years,
you've decided you'd prefer to do more hands-on work as
Employment 43
an individual contributor and not oversee others. Or if
you're a bit under qualified, you might note how strength
in one area (such as a well-regarded certification you
recently earned) could make up for weaknesses in another
(your lack of necessary experience, for instance).
4. Highlight ROI
Hiring managers seek employees who have a proven track
record of saving previous employers time or money.
Promote the bottom-line benefits you can offer by
highlighting past accomplishments in your resume or
cover letter. You could note, for example, how you
spearheaded the implementation of a new billing system
that saved people time when uploading data, freeing up
staff to focus on other critical tasks.
5. Offer a trial run
With some companies only beginning to cautiously add
new staff, hiring managers are less likely to take a risk on
someone who doesn't exactly match the job criteria. As a
result, you might have to sweeten the deal to convince an
employer to take a chance on you. You might offer to start
the job on a project or temporary basis, for instance, with
the agreement that you will be brought on full time if
certain performance objectives are met.
6. Be truthful
Above all, keep in mind that you should never stretch the
truth in an attempt to improve the odds of getting a job.
Your lie could easily be uncovered during the hiring
process, and you could damage your professional
reputation, seriously harming your prospects of finding a
job not only with your target firm but also other
companies.
Many organizations are willing to take smart risks on
seemingly promising employees, but it's up to you to
show them why taking a small leap of faith would be a
wise move. By addressing any potential concerns upfront
and building a compelling case for yourself, you'll improve
your chances of convincing them that an "imperfect"
candidate like you is the right choice.
Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest
specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360
offices worldwide. For more information about our professional
services, please visit www.roberthalf.com. For additional career
advice, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/roberthalf.
careerbuilder.ca
44 Home & Garden

Easy ways
to stage
your home
for sale
 Home & Garden 45

You've made the decision to sell your home. But before

you put the "for sale" sign in the yard, make sure it's
ready to make a good impression on prospective buyers
and clearly stands out among the many other homes on
the market.
There are many easy and inexpensive ways to clearly
differentiate your home so that it appeals to a wide range
of buyers ... and in return, yields a fast and profitable sale.
To begin, purge. Nothing makes a home look smaller
than cluttered countertops, cupboards and closets. Plus,
buyers want to envision a home with their own
possessions - not yours, As you start cleaning, sort items
in three categories: donate, sell or keep. Soon, your home
will look neater and you may add some cash to your
wallet or gain a tax write-off.
Next, consider tackling projects that are easy, fast and
inexpensive - but will significantly boost your home's
appeal. Magazines are a great source of inspiration and
often offer practical advice and dozens of projects
specifically designed to stage your home for sale.
Some indoor and outdoor projects that are quick,
inexpensive and guaranteed to get your home noticed
include:

Focal point finishes Illuminate the exterior

Lighting fixtures are the focal point of many rooms - but
replacing them can cost hundreds of dollars. With a little
elbow grease, $20 and less than two hours, you can
update your existing ones with a new, more attractive and
popular stainless steel finish.
Directions: Cover your work area with newspaper and
disassemble the fixture. Clean the pieces and tape off
areas that don't need to be painted. Following the
instructions, apply indoor/outdoor primer followed by the
new metallic paint. Once dry, remove the tape and
reassemble the chandelier.
Cover the smallest details
Exterior lighting showcases the beauty of your home, so
make sure that your light fixtures are just as attractive.
Update faded, rusty or outdated finishes with a fresh new
finish for a minimal price and maximum impact.
Directions: Turn off power to the lights and detach the
fixture from the house. Remove the light bulb and mask
off any parts that should not be painted - including wires.
Place the fixture on newspaper and lightly sand. Clean all
pieces and wipe dry. Following the directions on the can
and be sure to evenly apply paint to the entire fixture.
Once paint is completely dry, reattach the parts,
reconnect the lightning fixture and turn the power back
on.

When sprucing up your home for sale, sometimes it's the
small details that can make the biggest impact. Painting
dull, dirty or chipped register covers or light switch plates
can give any room a quick pick-me-up, in less than an
hour.
Directions: Remove register covers or light switch
plates and place them on newspaper. Sand the surface
lightly and wipe clean. Clean all pieces to remove any
built up dust and grime. Following instructions, apply a
number of light coats of primer, followed by a couple
coats of gloss or metallic spray paint. Once dry, reinstall
and enjoy.
Freshen up with flowers
The right landscaping and use of plants and flowers can
greatly improve your home's curb appeal for prospective
buyers. Brightening up your flower boxes is a quick and
easy way to add some color to the front of your home in
just a few hours.
Directions: Place a clean flower box on newspaper,
sand the exterior to create a smooth surface. Apply
several light coats of indoor/outdoor primer to help ward
off drips. Next, apply a few coats of indoor/outdoor paint
in your favorite color. Once dry, the box is ready to display
your favorite flowers.

Courtesy of ARAcontent
46 Home & Garden
Smart ways to save money on
summer home improvement
projects
With summer in the air, you're just itching to get that
home improvement project going. It's a great time to
install a rain garden, improve storm-water runoff in your
yard, redo your windows or siding, or even change the
look of one of the rooms inside your house with new paint
and furniture.
No matter what project you have on your summer to-
do list, you're going to be shopping for supplies, and
depending on how large your project is, the price can add
up quickly.
Here are some tips to get your home improvement
projects going, while keeping a bit of extra cash in your
pocket:
DIY - If you have any handy talents, you can save a lot
of money by doing the project yourself, or by only
contracting out part of the work where a professional
might be required. If you aren't certain about installing a
wood floor in your living room or are in need of
landscaping ideas for around your back porch, head to
your local library and check out several books on the
topic for background knowledge.
Negotiate work agreements with your friends -
Having more hands on deck to help with the work will
make the job go much faster, but you don't have to hire
the help. Offer your friends a trade - maybe you'll take
them out for dinner. Or volunteer your services on one of
their home improvement projects. Just make sure they
understand the trade before the work gets started so you
don't abuse your friendship.
Put cash back in your pocket when purchasing
supplies - You can find great deals on supplies from
leading home improvement retailers including Home
Depot, Home Hardware, Rona and many more using
coupons and discount codes and in-store special offers.
Look for contracting specials - If you do need to hire
a contractor to help you with your project, look online to
find specials being offered this summer.
Stage your project over time - You might discover
your project is too much to handle - both physically and
financially - in one season. The best recommendation is
to break it down into mini projects. For example, if you
want to landscape the entire yard, consider concentrating
first on a vegetable garden or a flower garden that
outlines the house. One advantage to breaking down a
huge project is it allows you to discover how much
maintenance and upkeep work you need to do on a yearly
basis. You may discover you want to revise later stages of
the project and make them maintenance free.
As the summer gets started, fast forward your
imagination to this fall where you are enjoying that new
room inside the house, or are sitting on your refinished
deck and admiring your backyard with its fresh gardens.
And you should feel a smile spreading across your face as
you remember how much money you saved on your
project.
Courtesy of ARAcontent

Torontonians appreciate
condo living says survey
Low maintenance, affordability, downtown living.
Torontonians choose condos for lifestyle reasons. Sixty-
three per cent of those who would consider purchasing or
already own a condo, say that they would still purchase a
condo or that their decision would be the same even if
they had more money. Additionally, more than one-third of
Torontonians thinking about buying a condo would
consider raising a family in one (36%). This is according to
the 4th TD Canada Trust Condo Poll which surveyed
Canadians who would consider purchasing a condo.
“Torontonians continue to see the value in purchasing a
condo, whether it is a place to call home for themselves or
for their children,” says Chris Wisniewski, Associate Vice
President, Real Estate and Secured Lending,
TD Canada Trust. “Affordability and stable monthly
expenses can make condos very attractive for both first-
time buyers and investors.”
Why buy a condo?
People in Toronto and Montreal are most likely in the
country to say that wanting to live downtown is the main
reason for buying a condo (14% vs. 12% nationally). The
biggest motivation for Toronto buyers, according to the
TD Canada Trust Condo Poll, is the lower maintenance
needs of condos versus homes (39%). Affordability is the
second most popular reason for condo purchases (19%).
Downsizing from a house to prepare for or during
retirement is the next most popular reason (15%).
Is a condo a good investment?
Thirty-eight per cent of Torontonians surveyed would
consider buying a condo that is not their primary
residence. Compared to this time last year, the number
who feel market conditions have improved for buying a
condo as an investment has dropped (from 42% in 2009
to 32% in 2010). The number who would consider
purchasing a condo as an asset to sell when condo prices
increase, has dropped by one third (from 27% in 2009 to
18% in 2010).
“The results may reflect a growing perception among
investors that the profitability of investment condo
ownership will be reduced due to higher condo prices,
expected interest rate hikes and the imminent increases in
carrying costs due to HST,” says Georgia Stamatakos,
Mobile Mortgage Specialist,Toronto, TD Canada Trust.
Torontonians know what they want to pay
For the fourth year in a row, the majority of Torontonians
who would buy a condo (82%) say they would spend no
more than $400,000 for a two bedroom condo. However,
when it comes to condo fees, Torontonians are willing to
pay more than the rest of the country. Twenty six per cent
are willing to pay over $400 a month in condo fees versus
17% nationally.
Home & Garden 47
Home Renovation Tax Credit
popular across Canada
Last year the government introduced the new Home
Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) as a way of encouraging
home owners to put money into their properties.
The credit was a non-refundable tax credit based on
expenses paid for improvements to a property. Any
improvements made between January 27th 2009 and
February 1st 2010 could be eligible for a tax credit. The
HRTC applied to eligible expenses of more than $1,000,
but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum non-
refundable tax credit of $1,350 ($10,000 − $1,000) × 15%.
In a recent study by Ipsos Reid it found that residents of
Alberta used the tax credit far more than any other
province. In particular Edmonton home owners made use
of the HRTC with around 32% claiming the tax credit,
Other areas of the country where the HRTC was popular
were Ottawa (30%), Halifax (30%), Winnipeg (29%),
Saskatoon (29%) and Toronto 27%. Of the large cities
Montreal was the lowest with only 14% of home owners
claiming the HRTC.
Although the tax credit was very popular, many people
still refrained from home improvements mainly due to the
economy. The survey revealed that many questioned
would like to see an extension of the HRTC for the 2010
tax year so that they can take advantage this year when
they feel more confident about the economy.
Prep your deck for summer
Don't waste those gray, overcast days, which are great for
some DIY projects. One task that can be tackled on a
dreary day is prepping and cleaning your deck for
upcoming barbecues and get-togethers.
Staining your deck is one of the best ways to protect
your investment from the elements, keep it looking nice
and make it easier to maintain. Below are simple cleaning
steps to help achieve great-looking results that last:
* Gather your tools and materials. Flood wood care
offers wood cleaning and stripping products to help clean
and brighten surfaces dulled and grayed by the sun, dirt
and rain.
* Wear gloves, safety glasses and old clothing - shorts
are not recommended. Before starting, cover any areas
you want to protect, wet down plants and shrubs, and wet
your deck surface with water.
* Work the cleaner into the wood, working from the
bottom-up to reduce streaking. Be sure to keep the
surface wet with water and let the cleaner stand for 20 to
30 minutes before rinsing. Once cleaned, wood should dry
for at least 48 hours before applying stain.
BizFindr.ca is the new specialist business
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