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Here's the latest from CVIMS:
New Staff at the Immigrant Welcome Centre!

Charlee Hawes – Employment Advisor
I was born and raised in Smithers – a small town in Northern BC. I grew up on a farm and spent many hours playing with the animals, gardening, fishing, and camping with my parents and younger sisters. My mom is from the Philippines, so growing up I was aware of the challenges immigrants face, especially in a small community. I attended the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George where I graduated with a degree in International Studies and Political Science. I enjoy my position and being able to help new immigrants with their job search. After spending a very, very, cold winter in Smithers (3 weeks at -30 and lower!) my boyfriend and I decided to move to a warmer climate. Having never been to Vancouver Island before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. We’ve been here just over a year and I love it! We love exploring new areas, volunteering with the SPCA, and trying new activities like scuba diving and kayaking.

Jose Gonzalez - Manager, ELSA Programs
I was born and raised in Mexico City. After completing a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration I moved to Cancun and initiated my professional life working in the Tourism industry. I became Operations Manager for a Marina and promoted lessons for Scuba Diving and Sailing. Afterwards I moved to Barcelona in Spain to initiate a Master's in Business Administration. While there I received a Scholarship to study Business Ethics and Asian Business Management in Bangkok, Thailand. I met my wife in Thailand. Her name is Honey, and she is a Paper Engineer. We both had the dream of immigrating to Canada because of its scenery, hospitality and social development. My Canadian experience is related to accounting duties in a logging company and also management consulting for an immigration firm. On a personal note I enjoy camping or hiking, the practice of yoga, meeting new people and making them friends.

March Storytelling Event!


CLICK FOR POSTER

IMMIGRANT WELCOME CENTRE celebrates
UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination with storytelling and the launch of the
diversityteam.org website.

Sunday, March 21, 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Centre Stage, 25 Victoria Rd

Everyone welcome!
Economic Development Strategy Review

The City of Nanaimo is undertaking an Economic Development Strategy Review to examine future economic opportunities and invite consultation from the public and business community. It has launched two surveys to gauge the key issues, concerns and opportunities for economic development in Nanaimo. Residents and businesses are encourage to take a short online survey designed to collect input which is intended to strengthen economic development in the community. Links to both surveys are below or readers can go to the City's homepage at www.nanaimo.ca and click on the survey button.

Business Survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MPHTVM8

Community Survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M675K8D
 
Living in Canada

Each year, Canada opens its doors to welcome people from all over the world. For some, the stay is temporary - to visit, study, or work. For others, they leave behind lives elsewhere to become a permanent part of the economic, political, social and cultural life of Canada. The following is an overview of the main Citizenship & Immigration categories. To learn more, please visit: CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION CANADA

Citizens -

Canadians are proud to hold one of the most prized citizenships in the world. Every year about 170,000 people become new citizens of Canada. In addition to other criteria, to become Canadian citizens, adults must have lived in Canada for at least three years in the past four years before they can apply for citizenship.

Permanent Residents -

People who have been granted permanent resident status in Canada. Permanent residents must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period or risk losing their status. Permanent residents have all the rights guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms such as equality rights, legal rights, and mobility rights, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and freedom of association. They do not, however, have the right to vote in elections.

Immigration categories fall into three main groups of permanent residents:

ECONOMIC IMMIGRANTS
Permanent residents selected for their skills and ability to contribute to Canada’s economy. The economic immigrant category includes:

Skilled Workers and Professionals
Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self‑Employed Persons
Provincial Nominees
Live-In Caregivers
Canadian Experience Class

FAMILY CLASS
A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child (including adopted child) or other eligible relative (such as a parent or grandparent) to become a permanent resident.

REFUGEES
Refugees and people needing protection are people in or outside Canada who fear returning to their home country. In keeping with its humanitarian tradition and international obligations, Canada provides protection to thousands of people every year.

Temporary Residents -

FOREIGN WORKERS
Temporary residents who are in Canada principally to work in the observed calendar year. Foreign workers have been issued a document that allows them to work in Canada temporarily in jobs that help Canadian employers address skill shortages, or to work as live-in caregivers.

FOREIGN STUDENTS
Temporary residents who are in Canada principally to study in the observed calendar year. Foreign students have been issued a study permit (with or without other types of permits).

 
Programs are funded through contracts from the Federal and Provincial Governments
and grants from United Way, Vancouver Foundation and private donors.

If you would like to support our programs and services, you can become a member or make a donation online via paypal. We are a registered charity and your tax deductible donation is important to us.