"The numbers are staggering, the facts chilling. According to official DOJ (US Department of Justice) statistics, by 2004 the U.S. had already taken a leadership position as the Worlds Worst Prison State. DOJ reports more than seven million people in the U.S. were serving sentences by 2004, that's ten times more than any other nation in the world and more than those jailed in all the other nations combined according to the International Centre for Prison Studies."
That is 1 in every 31 US adults.
On the television news yesterday, I heard a report stating that if you are black or latino, you have more of a chance to go to prison in the US than to get into college. That is simply wrong.
I don't want to live in a country that makes it easier to go to prison than to college. I don't want to live in a country where the concept of justice is "one-strike and you're out." I don't want to live in a country without compassion. But that is the US today. Run by a few rich and fear-filled "haves", determined to, in Dickens' words, "decrease the surplus population..."
While I don't agree with everything the author states, if you're curious to read more of this disturbing information, get it here.
My eBook, How To Immigrate To Canada For Skilled Workers: The Authoritative Guide To Federal And Provincial Opportunities is available now on Amazon and other online retailers. Get your copy of the essential guide to Skilled Worker class applications today!
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Friday, September 28, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The barrier of "Canadian Experience"
Now that I'm back working on coming to Canada again, I'm thinking once more about issues of employment once I arrive. As such, an article in The Star caught my attention. In the article, "Employment breakthrough" The success of a Toronto and Vancouver based internship program is described.
The program is, "Career Edge, a private non-profit agency that links qualified immigrants with employers that provide them with paid internships to gain valuable experience and mentoring for periods ranging from four to 12 months."
I can't say I've ever understood the "Canadian experience" barrier. I guess because this sort of thing doesn't exist in the US. Here, we don't really care where your experience or skills come from. If you have them, and can do the job, then you have a chance. It's not a case of having every qualification possible and then someone asking, "and do you have US work experience?" It simply isn't an issue.
But in Canada, it is. Crazy to think that new immigrants, even skilled immigrants would come to a new country with work experience in the country. And talk about a 'Catch 22" - that you need Canadian work experience to get a professional job in Canada, but you can't get the experience, because you need it to get hired!
The only way through this is paid or unpaid internships...and this is where programs like "Career Edge" help.
I know when I get to Canada, even if I am still working on projects for my US clients, I am going to contact this organization right away.
The program is, "Career Edge, a private non-profit agency that links qualified immigrants with employers that provide them with paid internships to gain valuable experience and mentoring for periods ranging from four to 12 months."
I can't say I've ever understood the "Canadian experience" barrier. I guess because this sort of thing doesn't exist in the US. Here, we don't really care where your experience or skills come from. If you have them, and can do the job, then you have a chance. It's not a case of having every qualification possible and then someone asking, "and do you have US work experience?" It simply isn't an issue.
But in Canada, it is. Crazy to think that new immigrants, even skilled immigrants would come to a new country with work experience in the country. And talk about a 'Catch 22" - that you need Canadian work experience to get a professional job in Canada, but you can't get the experience, because you need it to get hired!
The only way through this is paid or unpaid internships...and this is where programs like "Career Edge" help.
I know when I get to Canada, even if I am still working on projects for my US clients, I am going to contact this organization right away.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Personal journey commences again
Dear blog readers,
The summer is nearing it's end, but as with all endings, they also trigger beginnings. In this case, today marked the day that I sent the balance of my submissions to my lawyer in Toronto, who is preparing my application for permanent residence - the beginning, God willing, of my homecoming to Canada and my beloved Toronto and most importantly, to my love.
I don't pretend it's going to be any easier this time around than the last, but I have great faith in God that spending the rest of my days in Toronto is the plan He has for me.
I face this path again as many around the world have. Those of you who are on it know of the anexity, the fear, the emotions that get invested as you hope for the kindness and sympathy of a mature and understanding review. You hope you have done all you can to clear the questions and objections away. You hope you've done everything possible to be allowed to make a life in the country you love.
If those of you who read this could take even a moment to say a prayer for me - that this time around I will be granted a permanent residence permit, and that the process will go ahead without troubles - I would so appreciate it.
I just want to be home again with my love in Toronto. I just want to become a good Canadian. I just want this particular journey to end...so a new one...in Canada....can begin.
The summer is nearing it's end, but as with all endings, they also trigger beginnings. In this case, today marked the day that I sent the balance of my submissions to my lawyer in Toronto, who is preparing my application for permanent residence - the beginning, God willing, of my homecoming to Canada and my beloved Toronto and most importantly, to my love.
I don't pretend it's going to be any easier this time around than the last, but I have great faith in God that spending the rest of my days in Toronto is the plan He has for me.
I face this path again as many around the world have. Those of you who are on it know of the anexity, the fear, the emotions that get invested as you hope for the kindness and sympathy of a mature and understanding review. You hope you have done all you can to clear the questions and objections away. You hope you've done everything possible to be allowed to make a life in the country you love.
If those of you who read this could take even a moment to say a prayer for me - that this time around I will be granted a permanent residence permit, and that the process will go ahead without troubles - I would so appreciate it.
I just want to be home again with my love in Toronto. I just want to become a good Canadian. I just want this particular journey to end...so a new one...in Canada....can begin.
Monday, August 06, 2007
More Americans heading North...including me
TheStar.com - News - More Americans heading North
Saw this article in the Star and had to pass it on to all of you, even though I'm still oficially on Summer break. It's interesting to see more Americans than ever choosing to make a new life in Canada - the highest number in 30 years, actually.
But while 10,942 US residents moved to Canada in 2006, 23,913 Canadians moved to the US in the same year. What is it about the US (other than jobs and cash and nice people - yah - US citizens in general are pretty nice) that would cause a Canadian to move? Maybe it is that it's such a massively complex, complicated, contridictary place? Maybe it's to make good - make it rich - live the "American" dream? For whatever reason, Canadians make the US a better place to live.
As for myself...well...I'm getting back in line again! In just a few weeks actually. God willing, I'll be able to detail a sucessful conclusion to my immigration oddesy. I love Canada. I want to spend the rest of my life in my beloved Toronto. And best of all...My love wants the same thing!
More Americans heading North? Count me in!
Saw this article in the Star and had to pass it on to all of you, even though I'm still oficially on Summer break. It's interesting to see more Americans than ever choosing to make a new life in Canada - the highest number in 30 years, actually.
But while 10,942 US residents moved to Canada in 2006, 23,913 Canadians moved to the US in the same year. What is it about the US (other than jobs and cash and nice people - yah - US citizens in general are pretty nice) that would cause a Canadian to move? Maybe it is that it's such a massively complex, complicated, contridictary place? Maybe it's to make good - make it rich - live the "American" dream? For whatever reason, Canadians make the US a better place to live.
As for myself...well...I'm getting back in line again! In just a few weeks actually. God willing, I'll be able to detail a sucessful conclusion to my immigration oddesy. I love Canada. I want to spend the rest of my life in my beloved Toronto. And best of all...My love wants the same thing!
More Americans heading North? Count me in!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
"Lost in Migration" - The Star's good start
Taking a break from my Summer blogging vacation to alert you to a must-read series in the online version of the Toronto Star. "Lost in Migration" is a three-part series detailing the abuses rampant in the immigration "industry" in Canada, and in particular, by so-called Certified Immigration Consultants, who are overseen by the quasi-governmental Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC).
Having suffered a loss of thousands of dollars myself at the hands of a boilerplate consultant, it was great to see these individuals exposed for what many of them are.
Now, if only the Star would expose the capriciousness of the entire immigration process, we might really get somewhere. Here's an example: say your application is rejected. If so, you have the right to appeal. The appeal is heard by ONE appeals Minister, who is not required to take notes and no record is kept of the proceedings. The minister then makes a ruling, based on their recollection of the hearing (not based on evidence or fact). If the ruling goes against you, then you can appeal to the Federal Court. If the Federal Court agrees with your appeal, you would think that would be it - that you would be done and in...but not in Canada. In Canada, if the highest court in the land agrees with your appeal, then they send you back to the SAME appeals court that heard your case before, with the same lack of rules or accountability.
Investigate that, Star!
Having suffered a loss of thousands of dollars myself at the hands of a boilerplate consultant, it was great to see these individuals exposed for what many of them are.
Now, if only the Star would expose the capriciousness of the entire immigration process, we might really get somewhere. Here's an example: say your application is rejected. If so, you have the right to appeal. The appeal is heard by ONE appeals Minister, who is not required to take notes and no record is kept of the proceedings. The minister then makes a ruling, based on their recollection of the hearing (not based on evidence or fact). If the ruling goes against you, then you can appeal to the Federal Court. If the Federal Court agrees with your appeal, you would think that would be it - that you would be done and in...but not in Canada. In Canada, if the highest court in the land agrees with your appeal, then they send you back to the SAME appeals court that heard your case before, with the same lack of rules or accountability.
Investigate that, Star!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Summer vacation
The Mind will be on hiatus (much like your favorite CBC programming) for a good chunk of the next few months. Should anything too juicy to pass up come to light, we'll be sure and take note, but for now the weather is just too darn nice and my personal immigration story is still going nowhere fast. You'll of course be the first to hear if the situation changes!
Have a lovely Summer!
- J
Have a lovely Summer!
- J
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Top 5 Toronto - site seeing
Back to the Top 5! Now what I think you should see aren't necessarily what the tourist board would recommend. Still I think if you check these five destinations out, you'll be very pleased with your Toronto experience.
Younge Street (between Front and Bloor) - Take a stroll from south to north and you're eyes, ears...well, all your senses are in for a treat. There is everything from weird little bargain electronics shops to SAM SAM the Record Man, to great pizza and pan Asian food to souvenir and boutique shops. The street is usually bustling with activity and it is just this messy commerce that I love. You will too!
Queen Street West - Another great shopping street in Toronto, but this one, chock full of designer furnishings, clothing and second-hand stores, is a funkier section of town. Check out events at CHUM's CityTV building (at John Street), where Much Music is often putting on events, or have your say at Speakers Corner (a loonie is the price of admission for your own rant on, well, whatever you want!). Queen is also serviced by the Red Rocket street cars, so if you get tired you can hop on one. As you head west, the street calms down and there are some nice parks and restaurants to explore.
Nathan Phillips Square - The heart of Toronto, so to speak, Nathan Phillips Square is a model of a public space to be admired. It is the site of Toronto City Hall, but more than that, with its wide open spaces and skating rink/wading pool/reflecting pond, it is also a place where people gather to meet, socialize and celebrate community events (it's the site of the city's New Year celebration). Added bonus - the blue poutine truck that parks on Queen Street!
St. Lawrence Market - Yummy meats and veggies especially cheese, cheese, cheese! St. Lawrence Market on Front Street is the place for fresh food stuffs. Some vendors make sandwiches and prepared foods for you to eat on the spot or take home, so if you don't have a place to cook, you can still enjoy the food. Don't forget to check out the lower level too!
Eaton Centre - Now THIS is a shopping mall. Three levels of shops and restaurants, with a range of services inside as well, Eaton Centre (the Eaton's store has since been taken over by Sears) is where Toronto goes to shop. By Dundas Square to the east (off Younge Street) there 's always some sort of activity happening - it's also a good place to start because right inside the entrance is a bank with cash machines :). You always seem to run into someone you know at Eaton Centre, which is especially beautiful come Christmastime.
Younge Street (between Front and Bloor) - Take a stroll from south to north and you're eyes, ears...well, all your senses are in for a treat. There is everything from weird little bargain electronics shops to SAM SAM the Record Man, to great pizza and pan Asian food to souvenir and boutique shops. The street is usually bustling with activity and it is just this messy commerce that I love. You will too!
Queen Street West - Another great shopping street in Toronto, but this one, chock full of designer furnishings, clothing and second-hand stores, is a funkier section of town. Check out events at CHUM's CityTV building (at John Street), where Much Music is often putting on events, or have your say at Speakers Corner (a loonie is the price of admission for your own rant on, well, whatever you want!). Queen is also serviced by the Red Rocket street cars, so if you get tired you can hop on one. As you head west, the street calms down and there are some nice parks and restaurants to explore.
Nathan Phillips Square - The heart of Toronto, so to speak, Nathan Phillips Square is a model of a public space to be admired. It is the site of Toronto City Hall, but more than that, with its wide open spaces and skating rink/wading pool/reflecting pond, it is also a place where people gather to meet, socialize and celebrate community events (it's the site of the city's New Year celebration). Added bonus - the blue poutine truck that parks on Queen Street!
St. Lawrence Market - Yummy meats and veggies especially cheese, cheese, cheese! St. Lawrence Market on Front Street is the place for fresh food stuffs. Some vendors make sandwiches and prepared foods for you to eat on the spot or take home, so if you don't have a place to cook, you can still enjoy the food. Don't forget to check out the lower level too!
Eaton Centre - Now THIS is a shopping mall. Three levels of shops and restaurants, with a range of services inside as well, Eaton Centre (the Eaton's store has since been taken over by Sears) is where Toronto goes to shop. By Dundas Square to the east (off Younge Street) there 's always some sort of activity happening - it's also a good place to start because right inside the entrance is a bank with cash machines :). You always seem to run into someone you know at Eaton Centre, which is especially beautiful come Christmastime.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Happy 25th Anniversary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Twenty-five years ago today, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms became law in Canada. This document has laid the foundation for the development of a modern, multi-cultural Canada that offers opportunity to many who cannot find it anywhere else in the world.
The Charter covers everything from human rights to democratic, equality, and mobility rights, as well as defining the two official langauges of the nation.
Learn more about this remarkable document here.
The Charter covers everything from human rights to democratic, equality, and mobility rights, as well as defining the two official langauges of the nation.
Learn more about this remarkable document here.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Top 5 Toronto - restaurants
I decided to have a little fun now that Spring is here and lighten the mood in celebration of the return of the Sun! SO here we go - a Top 5 series for you to help in your enjoyment of my favorite city, Toronto. This post covers my Top 5 restaurants.
Messis - 97 Harbord Street, Toronto Phone (416) 920-2186. Try the Oven-roasted marinated Atlantic salmon with a soy ginger sushi rice tower, sesame sautéed julienne fennel & bok choy, and a citrus carrot sauce ($17.95), or the Halibut when it's in season - yum! For dessert, don't you dare miss the Wild blueberry & white chocolate phyllo strudel with Tahitian vanilla ice cream.
Bar Italia - 582 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada - (416) 535-3621. While the service has been known to be sketchy, with servers playing tag-team games (the person who seats you will not get you water, the person who gets you water will not take your order, the person who takes your order will not serve you, the person who serves you will not check in on you, the person who checks in on you will not bring you your bill, the person who brings you your bill will not bring you your change...), the food IS yummy and the atmosphere is stylin'. Try one of the many pastas or the gnocchi.
Spring Rolls - 691 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada - (416) 972-6623. Pan Asian at it's best, with oodles and oodles of noodles. Don't miss the Pineapple Fried Rice too! The Younge Street location insures lots of action on the street too. This list is making me hungry...
Fran's Diner - 20 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada - (416) 923-9867. I'm not the only one who loves this diner (try the Waffles and Ice Cream!) - here's a quote from another best-of list: "If you want to begin your day with a standard, no-frills breakfast, head to Fran's, a Toronto institution. Fran's offers the usual breakfast choices, including eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee.Choose from traditional breakfast dishes or made-to-order omelets and waffles. People of all ages enjoy Fran's!" Good enough for Glen Gould? Good enough for me.
Sugar Cafe - 942 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada - (416) 532-5088. Another great brunch spot. Try the french toast and a couple cups of coffee before you begin a day of shopping on Queen Street West. It's small and lovely and personal and if you don't mind the eclectic furnishings (chairs of different heights and tables that may need a matchbook or two to make the legs even), could even be considered stylish!
Let me know if you hit up any of these spots and agree with me that these are five of the tops!
Messis - 97 Harbord Street, Toronto Phone (416) 920-2186. Try the Oven-roasted marinated Atlantic salmon with a soy ginger sushi rice tower, sesame sautéed julienne fennel & bok choy, and a citrus carrot sauce ($17.95), or the Halibut when it's in season - yum! For dessert, don't you dare miss the Wild blueberry & white chocolate phyllo strudel with Tahitian vanilla ice cream.
Bar Italia - 582 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada - (416) 535-3621. While the service has been known to be sketchy, with servers playing tag-team games (the person who seats you will not get you water, the person who gets you water will not take your order, the person who takes your order will not serve you, the person who serves you will not check in on you, the person who checks in on you will not bring you your bill, the person who brings you your bill will not bring you your change...), the food IS yummy and the atmosphere is stylin'. Try one of the many pastas or the gnocchi.
Spring Rolls - 691 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada - (416) 972-6623. Pan Asian at it's best, with oodles and oodles of noodles. Don't miss the Pineapple Fried Rice too! The Younge Street location insures lots of action on the street too. This list is making me hungry...
Fran's Diner - 20 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada - (416) 923-9867. I'm not the only one who loves this diner (try the Waffles and Ice Cream!) - here's a quote from another best-of list: "If you want to begin your day with a standard, no-frills breakfast, head to Fran's, a Toronto institution. Fran's offers the usual breakfast choices, including eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee.Choose from traditional breakfast dishes or made-to-order omelets and waffles. People of all ages enjoy Fran's!" Good enough for Glen Gould? Good enough for me.
Sugar Cafe - 942 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada - (416) 532-5088. Another great brunch spot. Try the french toast and a couple cups of coffee before you begin a day of shopping on Queen Street West. It's small and lovely and personal and if you don't mind the eclectic furnishings (chairs of different heights and tables that may need a matchbook or two to make the legs even), could even be considered stylish!
Let me know if you hit up any of these spots and agree with me that these are five of the tops!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Reader's Choice - what would you like to see covered?
For two years now I've been covering the immigration scene in Canada, my personal ups and downs with it, and the pros and cons of the system Canada has set up to accommodate those seeking a new home.
As I enter my third year of exploring the expatriate mind, I'm wondering if there are any areas that you, the reader, would like me to explore or pay more attention to?
Maybe you enjoy the cultural commentary - my music video selections or comments on places to see and things to do in my beloved Toronto? Maybe the political commentary is what you're interested in? Tracking down resources for immigrants? Whatever it is that you want to see covered here at The Mind, just drop me a comment and let me know.
And thank you again for taking the time to read. It's nice to see the hit counter go up each day, and I hope the last two years have meant something to you.
As I enter my third year of exploring the expatriate mind, I'm wondering if there are any areas that you, the reader, would like me to explore or pay more attention to?
Maybe you enjoy the cultural commentary - my music video selections or comments on places to see and things to do in my beloved Toronto? Maybe the political commentary is what you're interested in? Tracking down resources for immigrants? Whatever it is that you want to see covered here at The Mind, just drop me a comment and let me know.
And thank you again for taking the time to read. It's nice to see the hit counter go up each day, and I hope the last two years have meant something to you.
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