By Ray Bradshaw, Global News
HALIFAX – The migrant crisis in Europe has focused on the need and efforts to bring more newcomers to Canada, but for those arriving on our shores, it can be a challenge dealing with not only the language and culture, but the systems designed to help them thrive as new Canadians.
By Ray Bradshaw, Global News
HALIFAX – The migrant crisis in Europe has focused on the need and efforts to bring more newcomers to Canada, but for those arriving on our shores, it can be a challenge dealing with not only the language and culture, but the systems designed to help them thrive as new Canadians.
Today Halifax hosted the first ever Career, Education and Settlement Fair for newcomers to Canada is this region.
Presented by ‘Canadian Immigrant’ magazine and Scotiabank, in partnership with Fusion Halifax, the goal is to help immigrants no matter how long they’ve been in Canada.
“It’s to really assist them in the whole process of making Canada their new home,” said Sanjay Agnihotri, the Publisher of ‘Canadian immigrant’ magazine. “In order to do that you’ve got to be well settled – you’ve got the settlement process. You’ve got to be in the right frame of mind with certain education skills, so if you need that upgrade we’ve go educational institutions here and finally you need to have a job in order to make ends meet – so that is the career aspect.”
Akram Al-Otumi, Director of Immigration and Diversity for Fusion Halifax, said, “These kind of events are the opportunity for newcomers to be more closely integrated within the community.”
Nearly 300 people pre-registered for the event, which exceeded expectations and delighted Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration. “Anytime we have an opportunity to bring people to network, to learn from each other, to talk about different exhibitors, different sponsors, about nova scotia , is a wonderful opportunity,” said Lena Diab.
Fusion Halifax has a membership of over 2,500 young professionals. “Fusion Halifax formed a board, helped ‘Canadian Immigrant’ with the sales of the booths and we are sold out,” said Al-Otumi, “and we promoted it with them, so we are their local production partner.”
The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia serves thousands of immigrants. “We help them to settle in Nova Scotia,” said Anna McBeth, an Employment Specialist with the organization. “We provide employment support and business development support. We have a large language school.”
The British Council estimates 75 per cent of people immigrating to Canada need to develop their English skills. That’s where they come in. They provide 30 hours of free preparation on-line for the International English Language Test.
There’s also a booth where they teach you how to write a resume. Other companies are also recruiting people. You can find out more through ‘Canadian Immigrant’ magazine.