Multiculturalism Policy of Canada

On June 26, 2009, he Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day:

“Tomorrow marks Canadian Multiculturalism Day and I am proud to take this opportunity to reflect on how Canada’s cultural communities have contributed to our rich and diverse heritage, and to outline some of our accomplishments.

“This past year saw the 20th anniversary of the Multiculturalism Act. Since 1988, Canada has strived to make multiculturalism a success and recognize it as ‘a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity.’ Since Confederation, more than 15 million immigrants have arrived in Canada and our multicultural model of unity-in-diversity, which gives our country such strength, has taken shape.[read full statement here]

Here's an excerpt from Canadian Multiculturalism Act stipulating Multiculturalism Policy of Canada:

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Government of Canada to

(a) recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural and racial diversity of Canadian society and acknowledges the freedom of all members of Canadian society to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage;

(b) recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity and that it provides an invaluable resource in the shaping of Canada's future;

(c) promote the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in the continuing evolution and shaping of all aspects of Canadian society and assist them in the elimination of any barrier to that participation;

(d) recognize the existence of communities whose members share a common origin and their historic contribution to Canadian society, and enhance their development;

(e) ensure that all individuals receive equal treatment and equal protection under the law, while respecting and valuing their diversity;

(f) encourage and assist the social, cultural, economic and political institutions of Canada to be both respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character;

(g) promote the understanding and creativity that arise from the interaction between individuals and communities of different origins;

(h) foster the recognition and appreciation of the diverse cultures of Canadian society and promote the reflection and the evolving expressions of those cultures;

(i) preserve and enhance the use of languages other than English and French, while strengthening the status and use of the official languages of Canada; and

(j) advance multiculturalism throughout Canada in harmony with the national commitment to the official languages of Canada.

It is further declared to be the policy of the Government of Canada that all federal institutions shall

(a) ensure that Canadians of all origins have an equal opportunity to obtain employment and advancement in those institutions;

(b) promote policies, programs and practices that enhance the ability of individuals and communities of all origins to contribute to the continuing evolution of Canada;

(c) promote policies, programs and practices that enhance the understanding of and respect for the diversity of the members of Canadian society;

(d) collect statistical data in order to enable the development of policies, programs and practices that are sensitive and responsive to the multicultural reality of Canada;

(e) make use, as appropriate, of the language skills and cultural understanding of individuals of all origins; and

(f) generally, carry on their activities in a manner that is sensitive and responsive to the multicultural reality of Canada.

Source: http://www.solon.org/Statutes/Canada/English/C/CMA.html

It is because of this Multiculturalism Policy that makes Canada and ideal place for immigrants.

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Cancelled Without Prejudice

I've been always saying that a Labor Market Opinion (LMO) is not a guarantee that you will be issued a visa and work permit. Now, let me emphasize that having your visa and work permit approved does not guarantee that you will be able to legally work in Canada.

Your visa may be cancelled without prejudice.



Even if you have your visa and work permit approved, your employer may still request cancellation of your visa. I have seen this happen to a Live-in Caregiver program applicant and to lots of workers supposedly be working in Alberta.

The problem there is if you have dealt with a recruiter and you have already paid their fee. That will be really sad. Here's how to find jobs in Canada.

IF your occupation is included in the list of high demand occupations, you should be applying under the new Federal Skilled Worker program instead of a work permit. It is now easier and faster to apply. And your application will not be subjected to contigencies like that of an employer's decision.

Find out if you will qualify, send your resume to aapuntar@go2canada.com

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Centralized Intake Office's E-Communication

In sending your application to Centralized Intake Office (CIO) for assessment, make sure that the email address you will provide is working and you must check your email regularly.

Effective May 12, 2009, the Centralized Intake Office has implemented e-communications with applicants. If the email they sent you bounced or was returned to CIO as undelivered, that may be the only time time that they will send a hard copy of the letter to the postal address you have indicated.

IF you are using a free email email service such as yahoo, gmail or hotmail, there is a chance that email from CIO may be filtered as spam. To avoid that, it will help if you will add CIO's email address to your contact list.

The email address being used by CIO in sending the assessment result is FSW-Centralized-Intake-Office@cic.gc.ca. And in case you need it, here's CIO Mailing Address.

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CIC Visa Party

Immigrate to Canada in less than a year! It is happening. We have the proof!



Join us at our CIC Visa Party! It's day of celebration as we honor our visa grantees and an opportunity to learn your options!

Their dreams have come true... Yours will be Next!

Venue: Max's Restaurant (2nd Floor) Baclaran, Paranaque City
Date: June 19, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30pm
Reg Fee: P500 (inclusive of food and drinks

For reservation, email aapuntar@go2canada.com or call/text 0928-5008826.

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2009 Philipine Independence Day Celebration in Canada

Here's Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister's statement regarding Philippine Independence Day-

“This national day commemorates the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898.

“Events in recognition of the day are staged by Filipino communities around the world. The festivities take many forms, from picnics and parades, to cultural festivals and flag-raising ceremonies.

“The annual event is an important celebration of Filipino heritage and a chance to rekindle Filipino roots.

“For all Canadians, Philippine Independence Day provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Filipino culture and traditions, and to reflect on the tremendous contributions that the Filipino community has made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.

“As Prime Minister Harper has said, ‘Pluralism is the principle that binds our diverse peoples together.’

“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I join my voice with Canadians of Filipino origin in celebrating this national day and I wish them a very happy Philippine Independence Day.”

In relation to Philippine independence day celebration yesterday, did you notice Google Philippines logo yesterday? The logo yesterday represents the colors of the Philippine flag complete with the sun and three stars!



Coolest!

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Visa Processing Fee Update - Canadian Embassy Manila

Here's the new visa processing fee effective June 13, 2009. The peso equivalent is based of the fixed exchange rate of P43.

Immigration Cost Recovery Fees (in effect as of June 13, 2009)
	CAD$	PHP
I. Permanent Resident Visas
Skilled Worker and Provincial Nominee Applicants
Principal applicant	$550	23,650
A family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner	$550	23,650
A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner	$150	6,450
Investor, Entrepreneur or Self-employed Persons Class applicants
Principal applicant	$1,050	42,300
A family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner	$550	23,650
A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner	$150	6,450
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)	$490	21,000
Note that for Family Class applicants, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee must be paid by the sponsor from within Canada. The visa cannot be issued until this fee is paid. The RPRF fee is payable by principal applicants (with the following exceptions) and accompanying spouses and common-law partners. Exceptions: Dependent children of a principal applicant or sponsor, a child to be adopted, or an orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild; and protected persons, including Convention refugees
II. Temporary Resident Visas	CAD$	PHP
Visitors (including re-entry and seafarer applications)
Single entry to Canada	$75	3,225
Multiple entry	$150	6,450
Family rate for either single or multiple entry (all family members must apply at the same time and place, no limit to the total number of family members)	$400	17,200
Work Permits
Work permit	$150	6,450
Work permit - Group of 3 or more performing artists	$450	19,350
Study Permits	$125	5,400
III. Other	CAD$	PHP
Temporary Resident Permit	$200	8,600
Replacing a Visa	$30	1,300
Return to Canada (for Permanent Residents) - Travel Document	$50	2,150
Application processing fee, if inadmissible on the grounds of serious criminality	$1,000	43,000
Application processing fee, if inadmissible on the grounds of criminality	$200	8,600
Authorization to return to Canada after removal	$400	17,200
Repayment of removal expenses
To the U.S.A. and St. Pierre and Miquelon	$750	32,250
To any other country	$1,500	64,500

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IELTS Exemptions Under Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Part of the criteria in determining your eligibility under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) - Family Stream is the English Language proficiency. You and your spouse must have obtained an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score of 4.0.

But you may be considered exempt from the need to demonstrate language ability if-

If you reside in any of the following countries:

American Samoa
Gibraltar
South Pacific Islands
Anguilla
Grenada
St Helena
Antigua and Barbuda
Guam
St Kitts and Nevis
Australia
Guyana
St Lucia
Bahamas
Ireland
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Barbados
Jamaica
Scotland
Belize
Malta
Trinidad and Tobago
Bermuda
Mauritius
Turks and Caicos Islands
Canada
Montserrat
United Kingdom
Cayman Islands
New Zealand
United States of America
Dominica
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
England
Ryukyu Islands
Wales
Falkland Islands
Seychelles
Zimbabwe
Fiji
Singapore
France
South Africa

If you are from the Philippines, you may still be exempted to demonstrate language ability if you and your spouse completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at one of the following institutions:

Adamson University
Benguet State University
Central Mindanao University
Central Philippine University
Far Eastern University
Iligan Institute of Tech of the Mindanao State U
Mindanao State University
Notre Dame University
Philippine Dominican Ctr of Institutional Studies
Silliman University
University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos
University of San Carlos
Xavier University

The AINP reserves the right to require that the Candidate and their Spouse/Common-law partner complete an IELTS or TEF assessment.

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