"The wise learn from their own experiences but the truly intelligent will learn from someone else's!" - Benjamin Franklin.

Akbani Informatics: A full-service consultancy for training, and information management. For Information services, Research, Content management, Training, Human Resources, Helpful Advice & Related Services Visit www.akbani.info  


Words of wisdom:
"Remember your weekly mix of activity will vary, depending on how soon you need to be employed, how much time you have to spend on your campaign each week, the economy, the relative difficulty of job finding in your targeted field, and the relative effectiveness of each job search method with regards to your job objective. Good Luck!!!" [source: JobSearch-in-Canada.com]
Related Posts with Thumbnails

30 December 2010

Canadians Love the Internet, Eh?

Posted on Dec 29th, 2010 by Brodie Beta @ http://thenextweb.com
Extract [source: Globe and Mail, Toronto]:
According to The Canadian Press, comScore, the marketing intelligence service says Canadians are leading the way in hours spent online.
Canucks are spending an average of 2,500 minutes online per month which translates to over 41 hours, that’s an entire full-time work week spent surfing. And that’s apparently more than any other country in the world. Based on this data, it seems that Canadians are rapidly adopting the digital lifestyle and seem to be wildly passionate about online video, social media and Wikipedia. continue reading
  • Canadians spend more time online than any others, The Globe & Mail
    Michael Oliveira, Toronto — The Canadian Press, Published Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010
    What challenges does the Internet present to Canada? - The Globe and Mail
  • 25 December 2010

    Ontario’s newcomers brace for cuts and layoffs

    Nicholas Keung: Immigration Reporter, Toronto Star

    Extract:
    Ten Toronto agencies are slated to lose their funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) starting April 1, with as many as 35 others on the cutting block.

    Across Canada, the Conservative government will cut funding to immigrant service agencies by $53 million in 2011, $43 million from Ontario alone — a move that has outraged community groups, the province and the federal Liberals, which have many seats in Toronto. Continue reading Toronto Star

    On the same shelf:
  • Liberals protest cuts to immigrant aid, Toronto Sun
  • Settlement agencies lose federal funds, Canadianimmigrant.ca
    GTA agencies losing federal funding are:


  • Northwood Neighbourhood Services
  • Elspeth Heyward Centre for Women
  • Tropicana Community Services
  • Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Centre
  • Community Action Resource Centre
  • South Asian Women's Centre
  • Eritrean Canadian Community Centre of Toronto
  • Ethiopian Association in the Greater Toronto Area and Surrounding Regions
  • Afghan Association of Ontario (AAO)
  • Bloor Information and Life Centre
  • CIC redirecting aid to newcomers in Hamilton, South Asian Focus - January 19 2011
  • Ottawa immigrant agencies hit by federal cuts, CBC News
  • Funding cuts threaten immigrant agencies‎ - Globe and Mail
  • Cuts will mean end to Ethiopian Association's support of new immigrants, InsideToronto.com
  • Federal cuts to immigrant services won't impact BC, says minister
    Globe and Mail
  • 05 December 2010

    So you think you know everything about Canada, eh?

    Dec 4 2010, Toronto Star
    Extract:
    On a rain-soaked morning this week, the Toronto Star conducted this admittedly unscientific experiment asking six Canadian-born to take the citizenship test. Three men and three women had 20 multiple-choice questions — samples from Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website — and 15 minutes. To pass, they needed 15 right answers.

    The exercise yielded surprising results: three flunked, one squeaked by and two passed with flying colours...

    Click here to test your knowledge of Canada

    Continue reading

    On the same shelf:
  • True Torontonians invited to test their knowledge of city
  • 15 November 2010

    Gardiner Expressway in a vented, glass-covered tube

    Mediamonitoring:
  • Another idea to revitalize the Gardiner Expressway
  • Is this giant tube just a pipe dream?
    Donovan Vincent
    Staff Reporter, Toronto Star, Nov 14 2010

    "An architect has proposed covering the Gardiner Expressway in a vented, glass-covered tube. He says it would reduce car noise, keep snow and rain off the roadway and improve asthetics, with tree-lined pedestrian areas underneath. Do you like this idea?" Have Your Say

    Last year, Les Klein's Green Ribbon plan (pictured above) to turn the expressway into an elevated park was cause for much discussion -- both positive and critical -- but another plan from around the same time has flown a bit under the radar. In an October 2009 article in The Bulletin, Michael Comstock, president of the Toronto Association of BIAs, wrote about architect Peter Michno's proposal to enclose the Gardiner in a glass dome. Without many renderings readily available online, however, it never garnered the attention that Klein's idea enjoyed. continue reading, Derek Flack / November 15, 2010, blogto.com

    On the same shelf:
  • 'Superstreets' trade left-turns for better traffic flow, safety, CTV.ca News Staff, Jan. 16 2011
    [interesting Canadian comments with Canadian parallels]
    A new study has found
  • 30 October 2010

    Public Health Agency of Canada, Travel Health Notice: The Hajj 1431 / 2010


    Extract:
    "The Hajj is the largest annual gathering in the world. Over two million people from nearly every country attend this spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Hajj season takes place this year between November 14 and 18, 2010.

    Due to the large number of people at this gathering there may be an increased risk for certain infectious diseases such as meningococcal disease, tuberculosis, influenza (including H1N1 flu), and gastrointestinal infections. Travellers may also face a greater risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and physical injuries.

    Travellers should visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before travel to get vaccines required for entry in Saudi Arabia (see Recommendations below), and assess any other travel health needs before departing."

    Recommendations and more details here: Travel Health Notice

    See on the same shelf:
  • The Hajj and Umrah at a Glance - [step by step] source: www.islamicbulletin.org
  • Step by Step Guide for Hajj and Umrah, Prepared by: Mohammed Baianonie, Imam of the Islamic Center of Raleigh, NC
  • Bringing back lessons of haj -- Partners in Humanity, Muslim-Western
  • Hajj Steps - [visual map] by Baggia Travel, Toronto

  • Basic Hajj Map, by Shayistha Abdulla
  • The business of Hajj and Umrah (Muslim Pilgrimage)
  • 16 October 2010

    The Immigrant Success Awards

    Deadline for nominations is Wednesday, December 1, 2010. Award nomination forms are linked at the end of each award description.

    Award descriptions and criteria:
    CBC Toronto Vision Award for Immigrant Inclusion
    Toronto Star Award for Excellence in Workplace Integration
    RBC Immigrant Advantage Award
    Canadian HR Reporter Individual Achievement Award

    Read more about the The Immigrant Success Awards @ www.isawards.ca ~~ Collaborative Programs for Immigrant Employment, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)

    15 October 2010

    India as-is from a Canadian Perspective

    Note: India is a land of rich history, popular culture, as well a land of paradoxes. In this context, Canada needing India more than India needing Canada makes news, and read below the article by Haroon Siddiqui.

    But, it is too early, in terms of the trend to say if this, new trend of shifting centre of gravity is a premenant shift or a temporary move. If it is a permenant move, the only pray and hope is it should'nt be akin to reengineering the concept of love-marriage in India whose pride lies, in arranged-marriages. See also: Arranged Marriage, Teton Gravity Research Forums If not, Think “outside the box”!

    Whatever is true of India is also not true, By Haroon Siddiqui, Toronto Star
    Extract:
    "Arriving in Canada in 1967, I was swept up by the Centennial, especially Expo, but was soon distressed to discover that there was no yogurt, only something called sour cream, a blob that bloated your tummy. There were few fresh green vegetables and no mangoes. No basmati rice. No coriander, cloves or cardamom. Nor saffron, which few had heard of and said it could be procured, perhaps, around Easter for the seasonal bread.
    Informed of this state of affairs, mom in India said: “In that case, son, you had better come back home.”
    I am glad I stayed."
    At the time, Canadians thought of India as the land of starving people and emaciated holy cows. Now the two countries can't get enough of each other, Canada needing India more than India needing Canada. Which is why the Star is exploring India in every section of the paper today. continue reading

    On the same shelf:
  • Not Required Indians: India's NRI (Non-resident Indians) are now also getting to be known as Not Requried Indians. Read the latter here: NRIs treated as Not Required Indians! - The Times of India. And, here: Not Required Indians, littleindia.com
  • KPMG - Nine Tips for Successful PE Investments in India — A Canadian Perspective
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada. Shifting Centre of Gravity - Mergers & Acquisitions in India—A Canadian perspective [PDF format]
  • GE has its finger on the Indian pulse, at last, Forbes India Magazine of 18 December, 2009
  • India: A Glimpse of Multifaith Composite Culture
  • 05 October 2010

    Canadian Libraries and Digitization - Thought for the day

    While Canadian libraries' digitization is expected to be high by any measure of digitocracy*** (esp., in terms of capturing, storing, and sharing information), the following is an eye-opener: "less than 1 per cent of Canada’s archives or library content is digitized" Internet's evolution raises stakes for Canada's culture and competitiveness, Chris Carter, Toronto Star, Oct 5 2010

    Extract from the same page: "When Canadians talk about the future of information, media and culture, Tom Jenkins also wants them to think about the tools used to share, store and consume that information."

    Bottom line (from the same source, about Tom Jenkins' book: Managing Content in the Cloud - Enterprise Content Management 2.0):
    "So why then is his book available in paper form? To reach those leaders who are rooted in the “old way” of engaging information yet who still make the decisions that will profoundly shape how Canada responds to a future they will barely recognize."

    ---------
    ***This idea of a measure of digitocracy is based on the plans and progress initiated in Canada, in 1997: Preparing Canada for a digital world: Final report of the Information Highway Advisory Council

    28 September 2010

    Seven words to describe Toronto: Terrific Ornament Reserved On Northern Treasured Orion

    You can describe this city in One Word, as well.
    One Word that Toronto is become synonymous with is: Growing. Someone said: diverse.
    Two Words, now in fashion: Toronto eh!!! (aka MultiCultural hotspots or Multifaith sacredspaces). Someone said: Frontier Town

    And, you can add on, as-you-like-it!!!


    And, here comes today's newsmaker: 'Seven words to describe Toronto: Terrific Ornament Reserved On Northern Treasured Orion' from Toronto Star

    27 August 2010

    TVO's 2010 Big Ideas Best Lecturer Competition

    TVO's 2010 Big Ideas Best Lecturer Competition, sponsored by TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, celebrates the most engaging and intellectually stimulating lecturers in Ontario.

    Rupinder Brar: 2010 Best Lecturer:
    University of Ontario Institute of Technology Professor Rupinder Brar and what winning the competition means to him.



    Continue reading the BEST LECTURER The Professors Page

    25 June 2010

    What the World Thinks of Canada and Canadians

    Historica-Dominion Institute's Survey:

  • Part I: Global Attitudes on International Affairs, Economy and Business
  • Part II: Global Attitudes on Immigration and Diversity
  • Part III: Global Attitudes on the Environment, the Land and the Canadian Character

    "The online survey of over 18,000 people in 24 countries, conducted by Ipsos Reid, shows that, even in the wake of the Copenhagen Conference, the world thinks more highly of Canada’s commitment to the environment than Canadians do. Asked if Canada is environmentally responsible in relation to other industrialized countries, eight in ten (81%) global respondents agreed, while 68% of Canadians agree – making them among the least likely to believe this."

    Other key findings include:

    • Canada’s reputation for caring for the environment is higher among global respondents (84%) than among Canadians (77%) themselves;
    • Nine in ten (90%) global respondents agree that Canada has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and 88% say they would like to visit Canada;
    • Eight in ten (80%) global respondents say that Canadians are someone they would welcome into their home for a meal. Only 79% of Canadians say they same thing about their countrymen;
    • Seven in ten (71%) global respondents think people who live in Canada are “cool”, including 92% of respondents in France;
    • About half (53%) of the world’s citizens describe Canadians as “sexy”. Canadians are even more (64%) likely to think themselves sexy. Interestingly, the sex appeal of Canadians is highest in India (71%) and Saudi Arabia (70%).

  • 20 June 2010

    Canadian libraries in 2010 -- Predictions and Forecasts made in 1980

    The year 2010 is here and it brings a great opportunity to analyze the predictions made in 1980 in a book, Canadian libraries in 2010, by Prof. Samuel D Neill (University of Western Ontario, Canada). In my humble opinion a national study is due now.

    I hope the Canadian library schools, and our professional associations will read this book again, and review specific strategies or policies envisaged in 1980, i.e., a pre-Internet era--to visualize where we really stand today.

    Such a review will hopefully lead to a significant step in restating of what we do and how we do in moving forward with a clear mission and vision--towards whatever is beyond the age of Google, Web 2.0 and the semantic Web!!! This will be one way to tell the librarians of 2040 (another generation) why we do and when we do.

    Extract [from the first few lines of the book: 'Canadian libraries in 2010']:
    "The graduates of library schools in 1980 will be approaching retirement in 2010. Whatever is possible for libraries in those thirty years will fall largely on them to accept and implement. Those librarians now nearing retirement will not likely make any changes. They will make ajustment to new technology but not to the purpose of their institutions. Their successors to top management will make most of the changes indicated in this review between 1990 and 2000, and these will be consolidated, refined, and widely accepted in a spurt of enthusiasm between 2000 and 2010."

    Canadian libraries in 2010, by Prof. S. D. Neill [(Samuel D. Neill, 1928-), Vancouver : Parabola, 1980. 144 p. ISBN: 092075810X] View: Library of Congress Catalog format View this record in: MARCXML | MODS | Dublin Core. More Books by this Author @ (Open Library) see also, AllBookstores.com

    Professor Samuel D. NEILL is one of the founding faculty members of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. His name is familiar to many for the award, 'Samuel D. Neill Scholarship for academic achievement for graduate work in library and information science.'

    Content: Predictions, The Context & Evidence, The Canadian Studies, Guide to Major Topics.
    Notes: "The topics chosen in the first section were taken from the Annual Review by Sheila Gibbs in the first issue of the Journal of the Canadian Library Science Society ..." p. 6.

    What does a reviewer say:
    This book IS far from being a forecast for the future of Canadian libraries. It only offers a few predictions very few references to Canadian publications, and even less emphasis on the Canadian scene. Its assertions about the year 2010 take the form of 12 essays of varying length and focus. The second part of the book counter balances the first Neill offers positive solutions to the problems foreseen in the first. The last part of the book conveys "the matrix of ideas and facts out of which predictions had grown." Neill lists his readings quotes, and then gives his own comments. Neill's idiosyncratic approach to the subject matter results in a text that is both exasperating and intriguing.

    Recommendation—This text is more miscellany than a cogent manuscript. It is not to be
    read as a whole but to be taken in parts.
    Reviewer—Samuel Rothstem, Library Quarterly, Oct 1981, p. 445-46
    Neill's another work (Dilemmas in the Study of Information. Exploring the Boundaries of Information Science) is cited in 'Information Technology in Librarianship: New Critical Approaches' by Gloria J. Leckie
    "Neill's foremost service to subsequent work revolving around information has been to delineate aporias (conflicts that cannot seem to be resolved) explicitly and, implicitly, to suggest a dialectic: “Information is a social construct and communication is a social event... (p. 135)"

    On the same shelf, The Canadian Encyclopedia:

  • Saleh, Nasser. "International Librarianship: What Can We Do Here In Canada?." Feliciter 56.6 (2010): 248-250.
    In this article the author relates his experiences in handling presentations which include the question on the things which can be done in Canada to foster international librarianship. He states that the concept "international librarianship" has been mistaken assumed as a way to do charity to libraries in developing countries and quotes Stephen Parker for a working definition. He also cites Peter Lor for the types of motivation that propel people into international librarianship.
  • de Souza, Yvonne. "The Training Of International Librarians." College & Research Libraries News 61.2 (2000): 110.
    Documents experiences of an internship at Columbia College, an international liberal arts college in Vancouver, British Columbia, and presents suggestions to libraries that may be interested in hosting international library staff. Factors to consider when planning an internship program; Required trainer's background; Incorporating English language training to the internship.
  • “Canada, Libraries in” “, E.L. Morton, Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science 4 (1970), p. 71-157; ”
  • “Canada, Libraries in, 1970-1979” “, B.L. Anderson, ELECT 36 (1983), p. 94-155; A. Drolet, the Canadian Libraries 1604-1960 (1960); L.S. Garry and C. Garry, to dir., Canadian Libraries in Their Changing Environment (1977);
  • P. McNally, Readings in Canadian Library History (1986 and 1996)
  • Moore, Kelly. "Become A Librarian -- See The World!." Feliciter 56.6 (2010): 230
    In this article the author discusses the concept of international librarianship. She claims that the concept is oftentimes misunderstood as being a librarian in a foreign country, and clarifies that it refers to the collaborative effort among librarians across geo-political boundaries to share cataloguing data, create frameworks for cross-border inter-library loans and advance information literacy. She also invites other librarians to join associations, such as the Canadian Library Association.
  • Clubb, Barbara. "Globally Speaking." Feliciter 51.5 (2005): 201-202
    The article reports on the focus of the Canadian Library Association (CLA) on Canada's role in the international librarianship. Specifically, the CLA aims to focus on the areas of disaster relief and development, support for the University of Western Ontario student project, and prepare for the 2008 International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) conference in Quebec City. The author relates her observations at the 2005 IFLA conference in Oslo, Norway.
  • Pretty, Heather. "Opening Doors To The Future: Canadian Library Month 2010." Feliciter 56.4 (2010): 172-174.
    The article discusses the Canadian Library Month in 2010. It reveals that it will look onto library's past and rediscover new ways to celebrate its role and importance within the community. Also noted is the Canadian Library Week and Month timeline which is to promote libraries as a free resource in response to a drop in the purchase of books.

  • Neill, S D. "Books And Reading And Singleness Of Purpose." Canadian Library Journal 42.2 (1985): 57-62.
  • Neill, S. D. (Samuel D.). "The Reference Process And The Philosophy Of Karl Popper." Rq 24.(1985): 309-319.
  • Neill, S. D. (Samuel D.), 1928-. "Why Books?." Public Library Quarterly 12.2 (1992): 19-28
  • Neill, S D. "The Reference Process And Certain Types Of Memory. Semantic, Episodic, And Schematic." Rq 23.4 (1984): 417-423.
    Using two sets of verbal protocols, three kinds of memory used by librarians for organizing facts are described and identified as they relate to the reference process--semantic (organizes things into categories), episodic (experiences), schematic (expectations). Implications for practice, education, and further research are suggested.
  • Neill, S D. "The Likely Impact Of New Technology On Libraries." Canadian Library Journal 39.5 (1982): 305-307.
  • Neill S. Libraries in the year 2010. Libraries In The Year 2010 [serial online]. October 1981
  • Neill, S D. "Farradane's Relations As Perceptual Discriminations." Journal Of Documentation 31.3 (1975): 144-157
  • Neill, Sam. "Books And Marshall Mcluhan." Library Quarterly 41.4 (1971): 311-319.
    Marshall mcluhan, who has gained a reputation as an enemy of books because he has called them obsolet while concentrating his analysis of communication media on the electric variety, is, in fact, a man of the book as much as any librarian, although librarians have tended to ignore him, considering him to have no relevance for their 'science' this is to their detriment. Not only is the format of his books of interest, as a mirror of his message, but there is also evidence that his purpose is and has been from the beginning to find the peculiar qualities of print and books which make them necessary to man. He finds these qualities not in the content but in the form; qualities which provide a sensory balance of objectivity and perspective as opposed to the field perceptivity of television. In tracing the evidence of mcluhan's concern for the future of the book, we can see him a one who has, perhaps, ak greater perception of the value of books and libraries, for civilization, than many librarians.
  • Neill, Samuel D. "Who Needs To Go To A Graduate Library School?." Journal Of Education For Librarianship 13.4 (1973): 212-225
    Answers the question posed with: 1) those who must understand the processes and patterns of knowledge structuring, and of man's thinking, in order to organize and dispense, effectively, knowledge and the knowledge base (information and the methods of acquiring knowledge); 2) those who must prove that their libraries are efficient and effective in meeting the needs and goals of the community; 3) those who must prove that libraries must be morally and financially supported as not only valuable but essential to the community.

    ____________________
    A thought for libraries of tomorrow....:

    "Colleges with lucrative online arms will get their nonprofit statuses revoked! All library functions will be outsourced! Campuses will be replaced by temporary versions in rented spaces that are built and disassembled at the beginning of each term! Scholarship will become more efficacious than ever before -- or will stagnate entirely!

    Welcome to the future -- or, rather, to a series of many of possible “futures” posited in a new study released this month by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)..." ontinue reading: The Librarian's Crystal Ball @ Inside Higher Ed, June 23, 2010.
  • 14 June 2010

    Canada’s Citizenship Award

    Formally known as the Citation for Citizenship, Canada’s Citizenship Award honours those who have made outstanding contributions to our communities by promoting the rights and responsibilities of citizenship or by helping newcomers integrate into Canadian society.

    The deadline for submissions and all supporting documents is September 3, 2010. continue reading

    05 June 2010

    Canadians divided on whether there is a common national culture

    By Randy Boswell, Canwest News Service June 1, 2010
    Extract:
    Canadians are almost evenly split on whether residents of the country share a "common culture," according to a new national survey exploring perceptions of social cohesion in Canada.

    But respondents' doubts about our national sense of togetherness don't translate into a strong belief that Canada's distinctiveness is being destroyed by America's cultural juggernaut.

    Barely one-third of the 1,500 people polled for the Montreal-based Association for Canadian Studies expressed the view that Canada and the U.S. now share a common culture. Read more
    More on This Story:
  • Living in ethnic enclaves leaves immigrants with a weaker sense of belonging: Study, By Shannon Proudfoot, Canwest News Service June 1, 2010

    On the same shelf:



    PS. Info courtesy: Naeem Nick Noorani
  • 16 May 2010

    Scholarships In Canada Help Academic Dreams By Revelationz

    This is an extract from StarReviews.com posted 3/2/2010

    Many years ago, most young people did not go to college. Choosing instead to go directly from high school into the world of work. But as technology has improved throughout the years, the need for more skilled and highly educated workers has become paramount in the work place. College is no longer just a good idea. It can now mean a world of difference in obtaining the career of your choice as well as what you can expect to earn when it comes to your salary.

    In this current economy, getting a good job is no small task. And if you have one, holding on to it is just as if not more important. Therefore, it is more imperative than ever to make sure that you have the skills and knowledge to keep you competitive in the work place.For those who live in Canada, or for those who wish to study abroad, achieving the funds necessary to go to college is no easier than it is in the United States.

    That being said, whether you wish to attend school in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba or any of the major Canadian provinces, there are multiple excellent scholarship programs that are available to students if they know where to look for them.

    One option to consider are scholarships and awards for international students available through some of the highest rated and well regarded Canadian colleges and Universities. They offer direct scholarships based on demonstrated financial need and desired field of study.

    The amount and type of scholarship award varies from one institution to another and it should also be noted that obtaining a scholarship is very competitive so it is important to remain determined in order to achieve your goal. In your application, be honest about why you feel you are deserving of the scholarship. Don't be shy about sharing your hopes and dreams and how obtaining the scholarship will assist you in obtaining your future goals. The more personal the application, the more likely you are to grab the attention of those who are responsible for reviewing the applicants and approving the scholarships.

    Another option is to go through the Canadian government directly for assistance. Much like the US Department of Education, the Canadian government offers grants to those who are able to show a financial need for assistance in order to attend the college of their choice.

    Depending upon the school chosen and the course work required, many times the grant money awarded will be enough to pay for the entire cost of the education. However, should there be a balance due, the tuition may also be supplemented by student loans that are also made available by the Canadian Department of Education. Information on both of these programs can be found on their official websites, such as http://studentloans.ednet.ns.ca and http://www.nwtsfa.gov.nt.ca.

    Remember, education is more than just a way to gain useful information. It is truly one of the most important investments that you can make toward your future. Good luck!

    This article was written by writers at StarReviews. Visit StarReviews for more information on scholarships canada (http://www.starreviews.com//blog/revelationz/2010_03/scholarships_in_canada_help_academic_dreams.aspx)


    See on the same shelf:
    Study In Canada

    18 April 2010

    Audio version of citizenship guide now available ‎

    Ottawa, April 7, 2010 — Citizenship and Immigration Canada, www.cic.gc.ca
    Starting today, the popular new citizenship study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship is available as an audio download. The announcement was made by Senator Marjory LeBreton at the Canadian War Museum on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
    “We want newcomers to successfully integrate into Canadian society and become full and equal citizens,” said Senator LeBreton. “This study guide is a necessity for anyone seeking Canadian citizenship and it must be accessible to everyone. Now you can listen to it in your car, on your commute, while you exercise – anywhere you choose.”
    Because not all citizenship applicants have the same literacy or learning ability, this audio guide has been produced to assist those who are still strengthening their proficiency in French or English. It is the first step in developing more resources to accompany the guide. continue reading

    11 April 2010

    Why are students penalized for attending part-time?

    I found this as an interesting post, by Laura, and that has received many thought provoking comments:
    Canada has something called the "Lifelong Learning Plan," which allows you to use money from RRSPs for tuition without tax penalties. Only full-time students are eligible.

    I recently learned that the Friends of the Mississauga Library System make an annual award to four Mississauga residents who are enrolled in library programs. I could sure use that! I emailed for more information: only full-time students are eligible.

    Continue reading, 'Why are students penalized for attending part-time?' @ her blog: We Move to Canada

    PS. Interestingly, I found some thing that does exists but goes unnoticed; let me know if these help you in any ways:

  • Assistance for Part-Time Students -- Part-Time Canada Student Loan



  • StudentAid BC - Programs for Part-time Students



  • Google for more

  • 22 March 2010

    Toronto Public Library has Quiet study rooms, a meeting room, auditoriums and theatre facilities

    PS. I hope this is being read & considered by the Marketing managers @ TPL, in order to advertise the quite, most-wanted corners.

    You want to meet, and the only place you thought you can do this is a coffee shop. Right. But libraries are getting into this role of offering you a place where you can meet (if not simply eat). In doing so, TPL (Toronto Public Library) is following the best practices (see below: a glimpse of whatz up @ British Library, London).

    Toronto Public Library, has newer facilities, a few in the news and more to come; but the bottomline is you need to Ask if you don't find on their site. Some of these are free (less publicized and you need to ask), others are for FEE. And much more for those in-need of a small space, see the following description:


    Gladstone library's Bloor bliss-out
    Gladstone Library makes you think you deserve elegant public spaces
    By Ashley Botting
    At the Bloor/Gladstone branch, there are quiet study rooms, a meeting room, group study areas and reading lounges for adults, children and teens. There are two restored fireplaces, a pulsing teen zone with a large flat-screen TV, a new learning centre, CD listening stations, 44 computers for public use and the enclosed outdoor reading garden I mentioned earlier.

    See also on the same shelf:



  • The future of public libraries – local, connected, innovative Posted by: Fiona in public libraries, March 16th, 2010

    Small meeting rooms for freelancers and small business. I really like the Business and IP Centre at the British Library, but it doesn’t really do meeting spaces very well if you don’t have a reader’s card (my BL card is just about to expire…). I frequently have to find meeting spaces in the city during business and after hours, and usually end up at a coffee shop, which is far from ideal – noisy, bad lighting, crowded etc. Not to mention, it’s a commercial space. Wouldn’t it be great if businesses and freelancers could stay local and rent out small meeting places now and then in the library, or even a casual coworking style setup? I’m sure some libraries are already doing this, but where are they? How would I find out when such information is so buried on their website?



  • Coffee Shops Are New Desi Offices, Rahul Mehta @ South Asian Generation Next, Toronto, 17 March 2010
  • 14 March 2010

    Siddiqui: Our home and native - and adopted - land

    By Haroon Siddiqui Editorial Page, Toronto Star Mar 14 2010
    Extract:
    "If you don't like non-whites, Statistics Canada has given you more reason to grumble. But if you are among the overwhelming majority of Canadians who have adjusted well to our demographic diversity, indeed see it as a defining feature of our nation, take a bow.

    Statistics Canada's population projections to 2031, released Tuesday, showcase what is perhaps the most ambitious and successful experiment in heterogeneity in human history. The population of visible minorities is expected to rise from one in every five Canadians to to one in three – potentially 14.4 million. The largest group, as now, would be South Asians.

    The Toronto CMA (census metropolitan area, Oshawa to Burlington) would be nearly two-thirds non-white – 5.6 million. Among them, South Asians would have tripled to 2.1 million. Chinese would be 1.1 million. Vancouver also would be almost two-thirds non-white. But, in a flip of Toronto, the largest group there, as now, would be the Chinese, followed by South Asians." continue reading

    27 February 2010

    It's Time To Vote Now: Canada's Top 25 Immigrants!


    A nationwide survey in three stages:
  • inviting nominations from across Canada for a list of people's favourite and most respected Canadian immigrants;
  • identifying 75 of them who received the highest number of votes from Canadians;
  • selecting those who were voted there from as Canada's Top 25 Immigrants!
  • It's now at the third stage, VOTE NOW. Click here to view / vote / details
    See on the same shelf:

    25 February 2010

    The painful truth about age discrimination in tech

    By: Lisa Schmeiser,  18 Feb 2010, IT World Canada: InfoWorld
    There are bold programmers, but no old programmers -- the reasons for this reality aren't simple. A closer look suggests that it's the nature of IT itself to push its elderly workers out.

    There's a commercial airing on ESPN right now that features two hiring managers discussing the two job candidates sitting in the lobby. We see the backs of these candidates' heads; one is dark brown and lustrous, the other brittle and gray. The managers debate -- should they go with the experienced candidate? ("He won't have energy!" frets one manager) -- or the fresh young thing? And then -- surprise! -- the two candidates are the same person before and after a hair-dye job.

    It's a nasty and effective commercial, and one that deftly plays on a pervasive fear of job hunters: Will my age be held against me? And in IT -- where the popular narrative favors kids launching companies in their dorm room or bringing down a corporate network as a way to blow off steam after finals -- that fear of age discrimination is especially pervasive. continue reading

    On the same shelf:

    22 February 2010

    Toronto woman awarded $25,000 after boss used racial epithets

    Linda Nguyen, Canwest News Service, February 17, 2010

    TORONTO - A Toronto woman who was repeatedly called "Paki" and other racial slurs at work has been awarded $25,000 by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
    khan-cheryl-racism.jpg
Handout
    The ruling, handed out earlier this month, orders Cheryl Khan's former employer, Lynn Tompkins, the owner of Lynx Trucking Transportation in northwest Toronto, to pay the fine, in addition to $6,500 in lost wages. He has also been ordered to create an anti-harassment policy at his company and attend sensitivity training.

    "It was horrible," said 36-year-old Khan on Wednesday. "I knew that if I stood back and let this gentleman walk all over me and not do anything about it, it makes it seem like it's OK." continue reading

    On the same shelf:Cheryl Khan was awarded $25,000 for discrimination and $6,750 for lost wages by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, who ordered her former employer, trucking company owner Lynn Tompkins, right, to pay her the money after using racist language and firing her.
  • Racist taunts cost boss $25,000, Moira Welsh, Staff Reporter, Toronto Star
    The words were shocking and so unfamiliar that Cheryl Khan's friends could not believe her boss used them.

    "Paki," he called her, according to Khan's testimony before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal. "Half-nigger babies," he said of her two little boys. "That's what you get for sleeping with a nigger."
  • 12 February 2010

    Immigrants still lagging in jobs mart, Peel Region Unveils Labour Market Survey Findings

    ML Brampton Guardian, South Asian Focus » Thu, 11-Feb
    Staff Report
    Immigrants are still lagging their Canadian-born counterparts in the jobs market.
    That’s the short answer of a Peel-centric report on how immigrants are faring in finding employment.

    The report, The Peel Immigration Labour Market Survey, has just been released to Regional Council.

    Peel is considered to house one of the highest concentrations of South Asians in the GTA. The survey is the first study ever conducted that provides local data on the labour market in Peel.

    “This study is one of three key immigration initiatives led by the Region’s Human Services department in Peel,” said Janet Menard, Commissioner of Human Services. “The study findings reveal there is a significant gap in skill utilization, income and credential recognition of immigrants in the workplace. continue reading
    See also:


  • Peel Region Unveils Labour Market Survey Findings - First Peel-specific report shows immigrants lagging behind in accessing the job market 




  • In the sample of 1,425 immigrants and Canadian-born Peel residents surveyed:
    • Of the immigrant respondents who have international work experience, only about one-third were successful in obtaining their desired employment.
    • Lack of Canadian work experience was reported as the barrier faced most often for immigrants and correspondingly, lack of work experience was reported most often by Canadian-born individuals.
    • Networking was a serious barrier for both immigrants and Canadian-born individuals but more significant for immigrants.
    • One in four immigrants accessed some government-funded employment services, and just under one-third obtained more education and credentials in Canada.
    • Both immigrants and Canadian-born individuals report underutilization of their skills in their current job. Recent immigrant respondents are less likely to utilize their skills at work, but skill utilization improves with length of time in Canada, and through full recognition of credentials by employers.
    Funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the study was done in collaboration with Ryerson’s Diversity Institute in Management and Technology. The final report was prepared by PinPoint Research. The complete report of survey findings will be available to the public to download on Feb. 22, 2010 at www.peelregion.ca/labourmarketsurvey.

    11 February 2010

    'Ghost' consultants pose problem to Canadian immigration

    South Asian Observer Digital version, 11 Feb 2010 09:30 hrs EST

    Extract: "The depth of the problem can be gauged from the following advertisement that appeared in a Chandigarh newspaper recently:

    “JOB VACANCY IN CANADIAN HOTEL CANADA: Ominicity Hotel Director wish to advertise through this medium that the Following Job Vacancy in our Hotel. We need both men and females workers to fill in different categories of job openings. Currently, if your interested in working with us you can contact us back E-mail Address: ottawahotelss_canada@yahoo.ca Our Hotel Director shall connect you with our Canadian immigration director during your visa processing, SIGN BY DIRECTOR MRS RESOLING ANNA.”

    But inquiries revealed that there was no hotel by this name in Ottawa.  continue reading: 'Ghost' consultants pose problem to Canadian immigration. [Copyright Indo Asian News, Click here]

    See also:

    09 January 2010

    Factors in success or failure of foreign-trained librarians in Canada

    The thesis, here, is about what are major factors for the success or for the failure of foreign-trained librarians in Canada? As far as this writer could dig, there is no single study to answer this question about what-works and what-doesn't in moving between and beyond barriers. Hence, this may be considered as a call for a national study.



    As with all Canadian immigrants, the story of arrival, survival and revival is very much same for the profession of librarians. Interestingly, there are immigrant stories, first about a few non-professionals getting opportunities to work in libraries (as semi-professionals), and second about foreign-trained-librarians not even getting an interview (let alone get an opportunity for part-time, temporary, voluntary, full-time work). There are no documentary evidences about this occurrence; a sad side of this age-of-information, right-to-information, and right-to-work--so clearly enshrined in the Charter and the legislation.

    An important recap: A common requirement for all foreign-trained professionals is: (a) education (local equivalent), (b) training (locally compatible), (c) skills (hard, soft and transferable matching Canadian colors) and the LAST (d) Canadian Experience!!! So is true for Librarians, too.

    What is uncommon for librarians is the fact that most come from countries where: (a) language or culture raises a barrier in integration / adaptability; or (b) where the education and training offered back-home is not accredited (national accreditation or national standardization to monitor quality and standards of library schools). South Asian librarians face problem with accreditation (not language or culture as major barrier in finding a professional job). And, a few South Asians, don't get jobs inspite of ALA accredited (master, doctoral and post-doc) degrees. Some may say this is a type of dehumanization, not just deprofessionalization and derecognition of practitioners.


  • The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC), says: Information on requirements to practise:
    The occupation of librarian is not regulated. Therefore, employment is subject to demand, and qualification requirements are set by individual employers. However, a master's degree in library science or its equivalent from an institution accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) is usually required for employment. source
  • Costly Omissions: Employment barriers for skilled/experienced librarians, in particular, by Manjit Singh, Reference Librarian, Brantford PL; and Dr. Ganga B. Dakshinamurti, Librarian, Albert D. Cohen Management Library:
    Foreign-trained librarians face many barriers when seeking employment in Canada with resultant cost to individuals and organizations. A state-of-the-art review of employment barriers illustrated by case studies for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that will be analyzed so all concerned can maximize benefits.
    • Case Study. By Manjit Singh, Librarian, Brantford Public Library, Brantford, ON
    • Case Study. By Muhammad Afzal, Librarian
      These case studies present interesting observations by two foreign trained librarians
      >>>>>>>>An Appeal to All Stakeholders:
      "Along with Tara Zarrin and Manjit Singh, I appeal to all stakeholders, including library associations and library schools in Canada:
      PLEASE take necessary actions to implement meaningful solutions to correct this costly omission of not utilizing fully our foreign-trained librarians, so that ALL Canadians can be gainfully employed for the betterment of Canada!"
      -Professor Ganga Dakshinamurti
  • Need for a study, factors to be studied may include: (a) role of Canadian institutions / government in accepting / recognizing these librarians (see a sample by Keren Dali and Juris Dilevkoa, 2009); (b) role of foreign-trained librarians in adapting to the Canadian mosaic (see the case studies, above); and (c) identify those who lost their battle (survival of the fittest) and were forced to: i) return to school (within the profession); or ii) re-train themselves out-side-the-box and re-invent the wheel; or iii) couldn't return home (see below: Why we cannot go home?), rather stayed in the land of opportunities accepted odd_jobs in order to make the ends meet (viz., finally work as store worker in grocery stores, visa card sales reps @ call centers, security guards, parking attendant, etc.) i.e, who could-not a find job even 'outside-the-box' (see the book, above, by G. Kim Dority, 2006). One may consider a fourth factor, as well: those who struggled and then left the country (for reasons of (i)lack of opportunities, (ii)repeated failures in finding an accommodation in the job market, (iii)lack of stamina to continue the tryst with destiny, (iv)greener pastures abroad, and so on..).
    PS. If you are interested in this project, lets talk. Your comments and support will be highly appreciated. See on the same shelf
  • Why we cannot go home?
  • Educated immigrants stuck in survival jobs By Travis Lupick
  • Success Stories: Matilda of Sierra Leone
  • 'Vote by feet'
  • A land of promise or a land of dismay?
  • Not Canada Net: Tragedy of Canada for Immigrants
  •   Skilled immigrants wasting their talents in Canada calgaryherald.com


  • 08 January 2010

    Why don't Americans care? Gutsy win, but media barely mentioned it

    By JOE WARMINGTON | Columnists | Toronto Sun | 7th January 2010
    "Really?"
    -- a Natick, Mass., town clerk on learning U.S. overtime hero John Carlson is a native son.
    Why don't they care?

    The Boston Globe went with a picture of a murder suspect as its front-page picture.

    The New York Post had a picture of socialite Casey Johnson, who died tragically. Its sports section's front was an image of football receiver Ochocinco with the headline Sex in the Cincy.

    It seems, for Americans, this gutsy, overtime win against Canada in Canada by its junior hockey team won't be going down as a miracle on ice.

    In fact, it was almost a miracle to find any mention of it at all. continue reading

    06 January 2010

    Building Bridges between Authors, Academics, and Judges

    I found in today's Globe and Mail: You can't judge a book by its scholar? by Thomas Hodd
    The opening lines: "Why aren't Canada's top literary prizes employing actual literary critics on their juries?"

    The bottomline: "Who knows, allowing Canadian literature scholars to participate in award juries might also help bridge the chasm between the literary community and the educators who make the curriculum decisions that keep Canada's literary tradition alive. And that would certainly be a good thing for writers and publishers, as well as for our students."
    Wonder, why literary awards are not synchronized with academics, literary critics, judges, etc., all talking with each other?

    Canada, though not as prolific (and historically comparable) as America and Britain, yet has some good leads even in the foreign market, reading from the travelogue of Michael Bryson and his aggregated post @ Underground Book Club:
    Doing a quick survey of an Oxford bookstore, I found titles prominently displayed by Margaret Atwood, Guy Vanderhague, Jane Urquart, Austin Clarke, Rohinston Mistry, and Yann Martel. Actress Neve Campbell graced the cover of the Sunday Times Culture magazine.

    A Times feature on actress Isabella Rossellini highlighted her recent role in an avant-garde film by Winnipeg’s Guy Maddin.
    And going by the marketplace, a sample of Amazon's recent anthologies, show Canadian literature is no way short of any other literary contribution of the world:



    On the same shelf:
  • Judging the judges: the PM's Literary Award - On Line Opinion
  • Book Award Tragic: Speed Reading Judges for $110000 Australia-Asia
  • Writing award sparks literary controversy Title fight: Judges of a ...
  • IF YOU'RE A JUDGE IN A LITERARY AWARD, AND YOU KNOW ONE OF THE AUTHORS INTIMATELY, WHAT DO YOU DO? [source]
  • Chris Hurst: Why You Shouldn't Volunteer to Judge a Literary Award
  • They Call It the Orange Award Because Books Get Evaluated Like Last Week's Fruit
  • Governor General's Awards - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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