Passengers aboard non-commercial aircraft bringing aid to and evacuating people from Haiti that are making a technical stop or transiting through Canada’s airports temporarily will not require a visa, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.
Read full article here
Have you heard about the case of a special child and her mom who were pressured to get off the plane by a Cebu Pacific's purser and cabin crew? Read the story here.
Now, read this news about how the government of Canada helps people with disabilities in Calgary prepare for labor market. People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs thanks to the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment program. Mr. Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Calgary East, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Obhrai. “By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”[Source]
Canada may not be perfect, but it sure is a better place for persons with disabilities.
The Home Renovation Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses for improvements to your house, condo or cottage. It can be claimed on your 2009 income tax return. It applies to work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010 under an agreement entered into after January 27, 2009."A key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan (EAP), the HRTC provides powerful incentives for Canadians to invest in their homes, supporting employment in the construction and home-building industry, while realizing a significant tax savings of up to $1,350," said Minister Ambrose in Edmonton, Alberta at a Home Depot outlet. "Our Government strongly encourages all Canadians to take advantage of this opportunity over the next three weeks."
Canadians undertaking eligible renovations to their homes before February 1 will receive up to $1,350 in tax relief from the temporary HRTC. Approximately 4.6 million families in Canada are expected to take advantage of the credit, supporting jobs in the housing industry.[Source]
Take advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit! Click here for more information on how to claim your Home Renovation Tax Credit.
The relationship between Canada and Mexico remains strong even after Canada imposed a visa on Mexican nationals who wish to travel to Canada.
As a proof, Canada announced that it will be providing 5 million doses of H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) vaccine to Mexico.The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, on behalf of the Government of Canada, has announced it will be providing five million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine to Mexico to help bridge that country’s immediate pandemic vaccine requirements. This is not a donation. Mexico will replenish Canada’s H1N1 vaccine supply by March 31, 2010.
"We are privileged that we are in a position to support Mexico’s pandemic response efforts," said Minister Aglukkaq. "The immediate response to Mexico’s request by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments serves as testimony to the special relationship that exists between Canada and Mexico."
Read full story: Canada to Bridge Mexico's H1N1 Flu Vaccine Requirements
For the year 2010, there are about 15 regular holidays and special holidays declared by the Philippine government. But please be informed that our offices are open in most of these holidays except for the following:
January 1, Friday - New Year's Day
April 1 - Maundy Thursday
April 2 - Good Friday
November 1, Monday - All Saints' Day (special non-working day)
December 24, Friday (special non-working day)
December 25, Saturday - Christmas Day
December 31, Friday - Last Day of the Year (special non-working day)
Here's the complete list of Philippines' regular holidays and special holidays for 2010.
There's an email circulating stating that Philippines' old green passports (Non-machine readable) are no longer valid for travel starting Jan 1, 2010. That is not true.
Filipinos can still use their old green or maroon non-machine-readable passports for foreign travel until their expiry. That is according to Philippine Vice Consul to Dubai, Edwin Mendoza.
However, please note that the Canadian Visa Office in Manila requires a Machine Readable Passport for visa stamping. It is best that you renew your old passports just the same.
For the year 2010, the Government of Canada will be providing Tax Relief to Long-Haul Truck Drivers.The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today highlighted for Canadians the increase from 70 per cent to 75 per cent in the deductible portion of meal expenses for long-haul truck drivers, which will be applicable to eligible expenses incurred in 2010.
"Long-haul truck drivers are some of our country's hardest-working people," said Minister Flaherty. "They play a pivotal role in our economy as they transport goods across the country and across our borders. Our Government is pleased to support their important work by providing tax relief to these hard-working individuals."[Source]
Long-haul truck drivers are not included in the Canada's 38 High Demand Occupations. To find job vacancies for long-haul truck drivers, check out Canada Jobs Portal.
The victory of Marivic Perlas Rivera, a Filipina Caregiver, over a court battle against Winlorfely Caregiver Providers, a recruitment agency who promised her a job but wasn't able to provide her a legitimate employment upon landing in Canada, may serve as a warning to other unscrupulous recruiters.
According to this story, Marivic Rivera paid $2,800 to Winlorfely in exchange for finding an employer needed for a work permit for the Canada's Live-in Caregiver Program.Unfortunately, the stories of exploited caregivers are common amongst those who arrive in Canada hoping to make steps towards a better life. The Star article refers to Rivera’s claims that after she was approached in Hong Kong by James’ sister-in-law Fely Felipe, she paid $2,800 to Winlorfely in exchange for finding an employer needed for a work permit for the LCP.
According to the Star, Rivera claimed that upon her arrival to Canada, James informed her she could not work for the previously indicated employer. She was housed by James at his Scarborough home, then by a Thornhill recruiter in “one room in the basement with eight other nannies in the same situation as me.” For six months, they could not provide her with legitimate employment in the LCP and a valid work permit.
Then Rivera, who had children and a husband in the Philippines dependant on her wages, went to the Canadian Coalition for In-Home Care. They helped her file the suit against the agency, which resulted in the decision in favor of Rivera issued by Judge Julie Hannaford.[Source]
If you are in similar situation or if you have relatives in similar situation, Canadian Coalition for In-Home Care could be of great help. You may also get in touch with Migrante Canada for assistance.
Marivic Rivera is due to receive $10,000 and another $300 in costs, plus interest.
The Special Immigration program for typhoon victims in the Philippines have been ended as of Dec 1, 2009. More than 400 applications benefited from the said program. From October 1 to November 29, 2009, CIC expedited the processing of new and existing applications from close family members of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons. As of November 27, 2009, over 420 applications qualified for priority processing. Permanent resident applications may include multiple eligible family members. This measure is helping reunite victims with their family in Canada. Applications for temporary residence from people significantly affected by the typhoon were also accepted for priority processing.
Now that applications from those originally affected by Typhoon Ketsana have declined significantly, the special measures have been ended. Any applications received up to November 29th have been reviewed to see if priority processing applies. All applications received from today on are being processed according to standard procedures.[Source]
Aside from the up to $5 million humanitarian assistance pledged for the victims of typhoon Ondoy, the Government of Canada announced special immigration measures for typhoon victims in the Philippines.Government of Canada announces special immigration measures for typhoon victims in the Philippines
Ottawa, October 1, 2009 — Residents in the Philippines who are significantly affected by Typhoon Ketsana are being offered special measures to facilitate immigration to Canada, announced Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
“I would like to express my deepest sympathy and support for the people of the Philippines affected by this terrible disaster,” said Minister Kenney. “This government is moving quickly to reunite Canadians and permanent residents with their families by extending a welcome to those who wish to come to Canada.”
Effective immediately, Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) visa office in the Philippines is responding on a priority basis for those directly affected by the disaster.
This will be applied to new and existing applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who have close family members in the Philippines. They must, however, identify themselves as being directly and significantly affected by the current situation and notify CIC.[Source]
Please note that this applied to Family Class Sponsorship, Temporary Resident Visa and Caregiver program only. It does not apply to Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Aside from the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada will be hosting two major summits next year - the G8 Summit and the G20 Summit.
Image from http://sublimefreedom.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/15/
"The G8 is smaller, and has a far greater set of shared values and experiences. But it is not a sufficient group to deal with major international economic issues," Prime Minister Stephen Harper told reporters after the summit.
Now that China and India are among the largest economies in the world, "you're past the stage where you can deal with major economic issues with only the established developed countries," he said.
Instead, the smaller group now will focus on national security and non-economic issues, while the G20 will allow China, India, Brazil and others to govern the global economy alongside the Western powers and Japan.
The G20 has existed as a finance ministers' forum since the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s. Elevating it to a formal annual leaders' summit gives emerging markets the voice they have insisted on since their economies were hit with the recent global meltdown. [Source]
In recognition and appreciation of contribution made by the local staff who work for the Canadian Government's mission in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the Government of Canada will offer special measures to facilitate their immigration to Canada.“There are Afghans who face extraordinary personal risk as a result of their work in support of Canada’s mission in Kandahar,” said Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “We commend their bravery to help build a better Afghanistan while recognizing the price that they have paid. Their lives and those of their families may be threatened by insurgents, and some have suffered serious injury and can no longer work. To recognize their contribution, we will offer them special consideration if they wish to relocate to Canada.”[Source]
To be eligible under this special program for Kandahar, Afghanistan Staff, the individual must provide evidence of:
Successful applicants will receive health-care coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program as well as resettlement services similar to what is currently offered to government-assisted refugees, including up to 12 months of income support upon arrival in Canada. Applicants may apply under this program until the end of the Canadian combat mission in Kandahar in 2011.
Hurricane Bill is leaving Massachusetts and now heads to Canada. Canadians are bracing for the hurricane Bill.Though tropical storm warnings were lifted in the U.S., they remained in effect for parts of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, all in Canada.
A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 24 hours. A watch means conditions are expected to change within 36 hours.[Source]
I hope hurricane Bill will not cause much damages. Be safe everyone!
Filipino fans of boxing champ, Manny Pacquio, may have a chance to finally meet him in person ahead of Pacquiao-Cotto showdown in November. According to this report, Team Pacquio considers Canada to be Manny Pacquiao's training camp because of the large number of Filipinos residing there, among other reasons.Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is luring Manny Pacquiao to the Bahamas for the first half of his training camp for the November 14 duel with Miguel Cotto but the Filipino fighter might end up going to Canada, Mexico — or even the Philippines.[Source]
Team Pacquiao is particularly considering Vancouver because it is near the US. Vancouver will also host the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The Transit Without Visa Program will make it easier for foreign travelers on their way to and from the United States to pass through Canada.
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, joined by Regional Minister for British Columbia Stockwell Day, will make an announcement regarding the Transit Without Visa program today at The Spirit of Haida Gwaii sculpture, International Terminal Building, Departures Level, Vancouver International Airport.
I'll be posting updates later.
Canada's Privacy Commissioner finally released its finding in the Canadian Internet Plicy and Public Interest Clinic's complaint against Facebook due to some privacy concerns. In order to comply with Canadian privacy law, Facebook must take greater responsibility for the personal information in its care, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada said today in announcing the results of an investigation into the popular social networking site’s privacy policies and practices.
“It’s clear that privacy issues are top of mind for Facebook, and yet we found serious privacy gaps in the way the site operates,” says Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart.
The investigation, prompted by a complaint from the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, identified several areas where Facebook needs to better address privacy issues and bring its practices in line with Canadian privacy law.
An overarching concern was that, although Facebook provides information about its privacy practices, it is often confusing or incomplete. For example, the “account settings” page describes how to deactivate accounts, but not how to delete them, which actually removes personal data from Facebook’s servers.
The Privacy Commissioner’s report recommends more transparency, to ensure that the social networking site’s nearly 12 million Canadian users have the information they need to make meaningful decisions about how widely they share personal information.[Source]
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) is mandated to protect and promote the privacy rights of individuals. It makes sure that Privacy Act, which covers the personal information-handling practices of federal government departments and agencies, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) are being complied with.
Philippines' June 2009 Nursing Board Licensure Exam Results is now out. This brings additional 32,617 registered nurses, most of whom will be seeking employment abroad. For the new registered nurses who are planning to live and work in Canada, here's a couple of tips.
Almost daily, there are applicants who visit our office asking for information on how to apply for permanent resident visa to Canada. There are tho who got their license but until now, they don't have formal full time employment. What they have is experience as a volunteer, which unfortunately don't have bearing in the selection criteria under the Federal Skilled Worker program.
The problem there is that most of the new registered nurses thought that the only required experience as nurse eligible under Federal Skilled Worker program is that of hospital experience. That is not true. If you will be targeting hospitals to acquire experience, there is a tight competition there.
With at least one year experience as company nurse, school nurse, youth center nurse, doctor's office nurse, etc., you may already qualify to apply to immigrate to Canada!
Furthermore, you may also want to check the Provincial and Territorial Regulatory Bodies of Nurses in Canada for their requirements should you want to practice your profession in Canada.
Click here to check if your name is included in the list of those who passed in June 2009 Nursing Board Licensure Examination Results.
The Bank of Canada is Canada's central bank. It is not a commercial bank and do not offer banking services to the public. The Bank of Canada is responsible for Canada's monetary policy, bank notes, financial system, funds management. The Bank of Canada is mandated by Bank of Canada Act to promote the economic and financial welfare of Canada.
Why I am writing about Bank of Canada?
Well, I figured as you prepare for your new life in Canada, you will need all the information you can get about Canada. Don't you?
Added to that fact is this good news from TheStar.Com. According to the report, The Bank of Canada has made it all but official – the Great Recession is over. That can only mean good thing. It could mean more jobs and more opportunities for you!
By the way, The Bank of Canada's official website is http://www.bank-banque-canada.ca. There you will find Bank of Canada's updates about exchange rates, bond rates, branches (regional offices), job vacancies and everything about economic and financial welfare of Canada.
A raging forest fire in Canada have forced 10,000 people to evacuate their homes according to this news report"Right now there are over 10,000 people who have been evacuated... and then we've got over 6,000 people on evacuation alert," said Jenelle Turpin, an Emergency Operations Center officer in Kelowna, a British Columbia city of 100,000 people about 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of Vancouver.
"They've been out of their homes for the last two days with very little clothing or their support stuff from home,” Turpin said.
Three fires broke out from Saturday in pine forests which cover the mountainsides ringing Kelowna and the surrounding area, one of western Canada's main wine-growing regions.[Source]
Here are some general facts about forest fires in Canada from Canadian Forest Service:
* The number and distribution of forest fires and area burned varies annually across Canada.
* Although fire statistics go back to the 1920s, Canadian statistics before 1970 are considered incomplete.
* Provincial and territorial fire agencies are responsible for fire-suppression activities.
* The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) provides operational fire-control services and links to all provincial and territorial fire agencies.
* Fire occurrence and area burned is highly variable
o Area burned ranges from 0.7 million to 7.6 million ha/year.
o Average area burned is 2.5 million ha/year.
o Average fire occurrence is 8000 fires/year.
o Average suppression costs are $500 million to $1 billion annually.
* Lightning fires
o Represent 45% of all fires.
o Represent 81% of total area burned.
o Occur in remote locations and often in multiple clusters.
* Human-caused fires
o Occur in more populated areas and are usually reported quickly.
* Fire size
o 3% of fires are greater than 200 ha.
o Fires greater than 200 ha represent 97% of area burned.
Large Fire Database (LFDB)
* The LFDB is a collection of information about fires > 200 ha in size.
* The LFDB consists of point and polygon data sets.
* The LFDB is available for download.
Fire Suppression and Level of Protection
* Fire suppression is a provincial responsibility.
* The level of protection varies across Canada and within provinces.
* Key issues in the discussion of fire suppression and level of protection relate to the use natural fire versus the role of protecting the forest.
Boreal Fire Characteristics
* In the boreal forest, large fires dominate the area burned.
* Large fires are a natural and essential part of the boreal forest ecosystem.
* Large fires have played a major role in forming and maintaining the boreal forest.
* Large fires have high fuel consumption and rates of fire spread.
* Extremely high rates of sustained energy release are common.
* Towering convection columns can reach into the upper troposphere or stratosphere.
* Long-range smoke transport is an issue.
Circumboreal Fire Characteristics
* Boreal forest is located primarily in Canada, Russia, and Alaska.
* Annual area burned is 5 million to 15 million ha.
* Crown fires are typical in North America.
* Surface fires are typical in Russia.
* Fires are natural and essential to boreal ecosystems.
* Russian statistics are underestimated.
* Area burned shows great interannual variability.
* Key issues are continental climate, extreme weather, multiple ignitions.
For more information about forest fire in Canada, visit http://fire.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca
Here's a news update about Swine Flu in Canada.
Canada has recorded its first case of Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 virus, in a Quebec man who had been given the drug to prevent infection.
The 60-year-old man was given the antiviral medication after his son fell ill with the pandemic virus. But he managed to come down with the flu anyway.[Source]
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