Benchmarking Canada's Cities
Source: Conference Board of Canada
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Think About it

Improved: Post-Graduation work permits

Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)

The post-graduation work permit program has been updated to add more flexibility for international students. The work permits are now valid for up to 3 years (instead of 1 or 2 years) and are now open work permits, allowing students to work for any company. Students can also work in fields other than their field of study. Existing post-graduation work permit holders can renew their work permits to take advantage of these improvements, too.

Sold out: H-1B visas

Source: U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)

No surprise, the USCIS received more than enough H-1B applications to meet its quotas. To allocate the visas, the USCIS will use a computer-generated random selection visas to 65,000 general applicants and 20,000 advanced degree applicants.

The NEXUS Pass

Source: Canadian Business

This article provides insight into the realities of the NEXUS pass which eases travel into the U.S. and Canada for low risk travellers. Upside is smaller or no border line-ups, downside is you'll have to get your personal details on file and a promise to comply with immigration and customs rules.

Alberta Provincial Nominee Program underused

Source: Calgary Herald

It appears that employers are not taking advantage of the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (AB PNP). Of the 2500 available spots last year, only 1600 were used. AB PNP is looking to improve the program's awareness and potentially enhance it to attract more employers.

International Hiring Tips

Source: BCJobs.ca

In this co-written article, Think Relocation Consulting provides information for employers looking to hire internationally. We explain the work permit process and how to get around the long processing times.

Working in Canada

Source: BCJobs.ca

In this co-written article, Think Relocation Consulting takes a look at the work permit process from the candidate's perspective. We explain the different work permit options and how hard or easy the process may be.

Coming to Canada for Kids

Source: The Toronto Star

This new children's book was created to help ease the transition for immigrant children. This important group of immigrants is often overlooked; they too need to learn about new social norms and ensure their enthusiasm isn't dampened as the settlng process unfolds.

Hotline for Newcomers

Source: The South Asian Post

Available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi and Korean, this 24 hour hotline has pre-recorded information norms and laws for newcomers. The hope is for this service to be easily accessible and help new immigrants get familar with Canada's laws and culture.

Labour shortages in the Nordic countries

Source: The Economist

Even Europe's north is facing labour shortages and trying to attract foreign workers to their countries.

 

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Think Ahead

CERC Symposium: Canada's Future Workforce: Implementing Solutions for a National Dilemma

Host: Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC)
Dates: June 5, 2008

The focus of this symposium is to bring together government and industry to discuss Canada's labour shortages. Representatives from the Province, HRSDC, and industry will be on-hand to discuss, learn and listen.

Summer School: Immigration and Relocation workshops

Hosts: Think Relocation Consulting and Global Steps Relocation Consulting
Dates: June 25, July 8, July 15, and August 13, 2008

It's back! Our popular Summer School workshop series will once again bring Immigration and Relocation to keen HR Professionals looking to learn, share, and shine in this unique area of HR.


CERC: Annual Conference

Host: Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC)
Dates: September 21 - 23, 2008

This year's CERC conference will take place at Vancouver's Westin Bayshore and include participants from across Canada. Think Relocation Consulting is looking forward to co-facilitating the "Global Recruitment in Practice: Success Stories" panel of seasoned recruiters who will provide their insights into this unique and competitive area of recruitment.

Get all the latest Immigration and Relocation Events on our website.

 

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Think Tank

Multicultural Day is everyday

When I hear the word "multiculturalism", I get flashbacks of Multicultural Potluck Day from elementary school. I remember making a dish from my "culture" and bringing it to school to share with the other kids. We'd all try these exotic dishes and watch to see which dish was enjoyed most and which ones were "weird". These events make multiculturalism seem like a special event, something that requires planning to demonstrate. Multiculturalism is someting we do every day to live in this diverse society. It's constantly present and embedded in our psyche as Canadians, it's the combination of respect, courtesy, and caring about one another.

Canadians are often noted for their politeness and respectfulness. And by living amongst many cultures and interacting with each other, we extend that respect and courtesy to everyone. The combination of an inherently respectful culture and a diverse culture means we practice multiculturalism everyday, all the time. And if we want multiculturalism to stay alive and well, then we have to continue to respect one another as humans, regardless of our ethnicity.

And with all the great restaurants around these days, it's Multicultural Potluck Day everyday!

Your fellow respectful Canadian,

Marlene
Principal, Think Relocation Consulting

 
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