March 5- 2008
I am a Canadian citizen who moved to Los Angeles in 2001 at 49 years of age. When I graduated from technical school, even as a native born Canadian I was frustrated to find a job as I lacked formal experience. So what I had to do was take my extensive personal experience in electronics (I fixed a lot of TV sets when in college) and I sort of “improved” my previous experience. Then I got a job. Unfortunately it is impossible to do this if you are new in the country. But remember that Canadian employers are just about as hard on Canadian young people as they are on immigrants.

I recommend NOT immigrating anywhere unless you have a job offer already. Even if it means flying to Canada for an interview that may not be successful. The US accepts very, very few immigrants without a job offer already. I had one before I moved to California. Otherwise the US government would not have let me in. I arranged three interviews from job postings on monster.com and flew here at my own expense at the end of 2000 for them. And I flew back to Canada unsure of anything as I did not get the offer until a week after my return. To line up a job in another country you have to take a gamble your interview trip will work out. If you cannot take this sort of risk, immigrating blind is an even greater risk.

As for opportunity, you have to carefully research the field. I am an electronics engineer and I never had good work in that field in Canada. Canada has lots of mechanical and civil engineering jobs but little in electronics. I had to move to Los Angeles and now I work on state of the art products that are used all around the world.

If you have a job lined up when you move to Canada, Canada can be a great place to live. Working Canadians do not suffer any lack for material goods. However, getting a job in Canada is difficult, even for the locals. Canadian employers are under great pressure from US competition and they cannot take the time to train workers. They need you to ”hit the ground running”. That is, to be productive from the first day. If they are not 100% sure of this, they will not take a chance on you as Canadian employers also tend to be slower to let people go than a US employer.

As for services that teach you how to write a resume are taught by people that have never written one themselves. I find that the resume form they tell you to write is next to useless. I know as I have hired lots of people over the years. The one or two page form does not say enough. I do at least 4 pages and my long form resume is two documents, a six page chronological resume and a separate six pages skills document. This form is not for everyone but basically I find the resume writing classes to be of marginal good. Only take one if it is cheap or free.

As for the Canadian Employment Centres or whatever they call themselves, these have proven useless to me. And when I have hired people, the candidates they send to me are generally rejected before the interview as it is assumed that only the lowest quality candidates come from them. I know of no one who has ever gotten a skilled job from them. In Canada I have generally gotten jobs from networking. Only once from a newspaper ad and once through a private agency. And do not deal with a private agency that charges you money. The legitimate ones are paid by the employer. The problem with networking is that you have to be in Canada already and have established yourself as a quality, experienced person in your field.

Just remember that Canada has experienced many waves of immigration. The historical trend is that the first generation of immigration from any group, the new immigrant ends up in menial work. No matter where they are from or what they did in the old country. They end up at the bottom of the totem pole. Their children do better but still not as good as people from families in Canada for many generations. Not until the third generation do they do as well as long term Canadians. It appears that people in this forum are expecting to do as well as multi-generation Canadian from the beginning. This is not how things have worked in the past and the number of times it happens now is very rare. No matter what the government or an immigration consultant tells you that’s the reality. It is not discrimination against you. The Italians went through it when I was a child and later the Portuguese. Before that the Ukrainians, the Germans, the Chinese and all the rest.
Dan. USA.


March 6- 2008
Wow! Many of the posted messages I read in the forum, shocked me! My husband and I are considering to leave Italy for Canada; as you maybe know the great stregth of Euro (the European Currency) is smashing families (especially italian ones) down. Prices of goods are as high as the sky and getting to the end of the month is becoming more and more difficult. We spent our honeymoon in a wonderful journey coast-to-coast thru Canada and the guide (who was, just to stress it, a Venezuelan guy) kept on repeating that the great difference between Canada and the United States is that Canada is a real melting pot but the population is somehow proud of it and that discrimination is more an American issue. Now I perceive real anger in your messages and I don't know what to think... Don't even know if mentioning it to my husband. Can we consider Canada a land of opportunities or is it better for us to remain here in Italy and face the dramatic routine of a more and more difficult financial reality? My husband doesn't speak a very good English, he's a CNC grinder, while I deem I speak a very good English (I made of English my strength in my job), but I am only an administrative employee and the... worse thing is that we have two 21 months old twins! Not to mention the age: Tom is 42, I am 41. Therefore: finding a good job and not having problems in settling down is mandatory.... Please give me... good news.
Isabella F. Rovereto, Italy.


March 7- 2008
Nothing Is Certain but Death And Taxes ( In Canada)
Meaning
A rather fatalistic and sardonic proverb. It draws on the actual inevitability of death to highlight the difficulty in avoiding the burden of taxes. In Canada this is especially true
Our Government would like you to think otherwise (8th generation Canadian) But do not be fooled by their apparent reasonableness. They will tell you Canada has a taxpayer bill of rights---not so They will tell you a taxpayer has the right to contact the ombusdsman ---what Ombudsman. 

Think I am just a disgruntled Taxpayer ----check it out for yourself if you do not then you get what you deserve Do not trust me and do not trust the Canadian Government
Douglas L. Canada.


March 7- 2008
People need some kind of proof that your credentials are as good as the Canadians............I don't have it. My guess is: let me show you and if it's not good enough then fire me.
Richard. Canada.


March 8- 2008
In sum, after 3 years of my personal experience, I can say something about the province where I live, Quebec. It has been a deception in terms of basic services for any human being: health care.

In my country we have private health services; unfortunately, only rich people can have fast access and excellent services. In Quebec this will take ages. We weren't aware of it until we needed an specialist in September, and we got one until January. When the problem or person might not exist anymore. Another thing is the low performance of the doctors, if you have the chance to see one. They never have certainty about the problem you have. It's so bad that a newspaper in Montreal published a note about 230 deaths occurred by medical negligence and thousands of people affected permanently: blindness, handicapped...  

As far as the professional area, after a year and a half I got a higher employment level, but nothing similar to what I had in my country. It's very important to be bilingual (English and French) because you need them to get a better position. Besides, the role of the famous "Ordenes" which requires from 2 to 6 years to be part of one. To apply for the best jobs you have to be subscribed to one of them.

Another thing is the huge egoism of people, either Canadian-born or immigrants who have been living here for years. After 3 years, we have only one family as friends. Everybody else have approached us for their own interest. This creates a lonely society with lots of depressed and not very sane people. In winter time, this situation worsens, so the suicide rates increase.  

Moreover, the amount of taxes is excessive due to the huge amount of retiring people who use lots of the government resources (health care and salaries), and refugees and others (welfare), so all workers are forced to support this system. At the end, it's some sort of socialism/communism where poverty doesn't exist but at the expense of the working people. It seems more like communism because the government owns the most profitable businesses: electricity, transportation, alcohol.

We better don't talk about the weather, until now we have 3 meters of snow and waiting for more...

Good things: better public safety, order and cleanliness

At the end, I left my country to get foreign experience and improve my language skills. After 3 years, I believe it's time to go back to my country. After all, it's not too problematic as other countries (I don't want to mention any in particular, but through other comment I have learned about other realities in Latin America), and I can have a good living standard as a professional; or maybe to look toward new horizons: Australia.
Roberto P. Montreal, Canada.


March 9- 2008
I do have a bachelor degree from Canada in business administration but i could not find a job even in Tim Hortons left me unemployed for 8 months.
Mohamed. Alberta.


March 9- 2008
Wow -
I have just read many postings about racism and unemployment in Canada.  I am an American citizen but now have right of permanent residency in Canada.  I am curious as to the experience on the part of US citizens in Canada.  I should also say that I am white male.  I plan on working, living and paying taxes in Canada. 
Best,
PF. USA.


March 11- 2008
"Poles no longer need to go halfway around the globe when they can fly to the UK and find a job that fits their skills..."

Canada Immigrant Job Issues.


March 12- 2008
I am an immigrant with many years experience in banking including customer service, Personnel Banking and mortgages. I have a Bachelors Degree in Management Studies and also the Canadian Securities Course. I have 2 years working experience in Canada in a call centre environment. I have been trying to get back into banking but have not been successful in doing so.
Cherise. Canada.


March 13- 2008
My name is Kozmijn, I live in Toronto for 4 years now. I am originally from Eastern Europe. I found this forum a while ago, trying to find people concerned with the same problems as mine. I realized that I am not the only one thinking like this. I thought that maybe I am crazy, maybe i am paranoid and I am taking it wrong, maybe it's not so obvious that we are discriminated, maybe it's just my mind. But sadly it's true...This place is EXACTLY how we are perceiving it.

I was a little bit luckier than some other people, I have a decent job, I am doing what I was trained in, but I can feel that "uninvited guest" sensation all the time. By the way, that's to who used that, I think Cristina, it's exactly the sentiment I had all the time, being surrounded by canadians).

But, DO NEVER FORGET:

1. You are better than them.

2. You cannot be kneeled down.

3. You don't have to take any abuse because you have the same rights as any other human being.

5. You are stronger than them because you had the guts to leave your country for a foreign place.

6.You are stronger than them because you had the guts to leave your friends for nobody.

7. Wherever you are from, your culture is richer and better and stronger.

8. Wherever you are, you will find at least one person to think like you and help you to pass the culture clash and the mental abuse that you get as an immigrant.

Thank you all for sharing. God bless you all and your families. Look forward, the future is bright for all of us.
Kozmijn. Toronto.


March 15- 2008
The Conservative minority government in Ottawa, Canada has a new bill on immigration. This bill is a bill to make a selection on who comes into Canada and who stays out, as well as the changes to the processing of immigrant documents.

I want to make it known, that I am against this bill because this immigration bill in the House of Commons is not addressing the issues facing immigrants with regards to their credentials not being recognized which has resulted in a major shortage within the professional sectors, such as law, engineering, education, medical practice, and business.

The Bloc Quebecois and the NDP parties are voting against this bill. Toronto NDP MP Olivia Chow wants this new immigration bill in Ottawa to include bringing families together and not separating them.

Frankly, I am against this new immigration bill because this bill does not solve the real problems that is plaguing our educated immigrants who have been disenfranchised by the Canadian society. This bill does not solve the problems of current immigrants who have their highest educational degrees and at the same time are not able to hold prestigious jobs to live that so-called "dream life."

There are so many talented immigrants who have a lot to offer, but their lives are wasted because of the system that has failed them, and these bureaucratic employers who are maintaining the "Jim Crow" practices in the hiring of their new staff.

I may not have been an immigrant to Canada, but although I am educated from Canadian universities, I as a black Canadian citizen find myself in the same boat like several educated immigrants of colour in Canada. That is no wonder why I left Canada to work overseas here in Korea. It seems as of the Canadian government wants skilled tradesmen and not professionals.

As I have told people before (Pardon me if I say this and I am not anti-Semitic) but I refuse to waste my time making $10/hr working in a white man's factory and risk getting crushed by a Jewish man's steel. If I have gained international experience in my teaching profession here in Korea or wherever else, and I go back to Canada to get a teaching position, they will tell me the same stupid crap that they say to all educated immigrants of colour, "you need Canadian experience." And what will that Canadian experience be? Working low wage jobs and living below the poverty line. I don't know if that will happen, but if that does happen, then no problem, I can always leave Canada again and take my work elsewhere. I got options in my life now that I never had before.

My big concern is that the Liberals who hold most seats in the opposition are on the border line on this issue, and I can tell you this for sure that if the majority of MP's in the House of Commons should ever vote against this bill, the Conservative minority government will be toppled.

I strongly urge everyone reading this email, that if you have any access to meeting you local Liberal MP's in Canada, please urge them to vote down this bill. But even if the Liberls gain a victory in the next election, that does not mean that they will be the mice ruling a land of mice. When it comes to the issue of immigration, it's the cats that rule the land inhabited with mice, that's the way it is in Canada.

So I will strongly urge everyone to encourage all MP's across Canada to vote down this bill and topple the Harper government. Besides, the Harper government has no care for immigrants because they are just a bunch of biased WASPS who think they are the masters of the universe.

Don't loose hope. You will have your share of justice and whatever hard life you are living, you will come out shining like gold and be even sharper than a knife.

Thank you.
Sheldon. Yongin, Korea.


March 17- 2008
I have read all that have been said by the different contributors.
I have only recently been issued with the immigrant visa with my family. I was actually looking forward to a blissful sojourn in this beautiful country. I am a little disillusioned now reading all this experiences. Will somebody please tell me its not all stories of woes?
Peter. Lagos, Nigeria.


March 19- 2008
Responding to Employment issues.
I am an American living here 10 years now in Montreal. I live at poverty level, most often receiving unemployment and a few short stays on the welfare system. You probably ask why? So do I?
 
I am very capable of working, speak some French, not disabled in anyway. Yet, I have yet had an offer for a permanent job. Even at a mere 10 -11 dollars per hour. I have been living in a nightmare here, and have often thought of going back to the US, but now I cannot even afford to do that.. sometimes I go without food for several days at a time because I have barley enough to cover my rent, elect.. etc. And the Unemployment agency hasn't even bothered to contact me to help me find work. If anyone is reading this that could truly help me get employed for more than 6 months at a time, please contact me. I have just about lost hope.
Elaine. Montreal.


March 24- 2008
While I am myself finding it hard to integrate and get a job here in Canada, I find some of the accounts on this forum to be quite shocking!

I think for one moment it's worth bearing in mind that almost every country in the world favours it's own nationals and there is not necessarily anything wrong with that however, I am still getting very frustrated with some of the blatant protectionist devices that are in place here in BC. I read someone on this board, with an MA, had to drive cabs and deliver pizzas. well my friend I can't even do that because my license from the u.k is not accepted here in b.c(!!!) which is just an absolutely atrocious law designed only to hamper labour from outside coming in to compound this it's strange how many jobs require a BC license, even when you would not think it to be necessary for the job. and I do think it is frequently used as an excuse

I am also getting bored with the vast amount of union protectionism here, even for quite menial jobs, and i also do not like the economic restrictions either on trade of goods such as perfumes etc.. quite recently two perfumes delivered to my wife were confiscated, not by customs, but by canada post(?) because they were deemed as a fire hazard!! this is out and out protectionism hidden under rules and paperwork and it fully designed to protect the fragrance industry here as an economist I am a great believer in a free(ish) market.. free of bureaucracy and meddling and I am so far wholly disappointed with the approach here. understandable perhaps with an economic giant like the u.s on the doorstep, but still very very frustrating

For people on this board, I would suggest that you look at the bigger picture and don't get disheartened by thinking the colour of your skin or your accent is a barrier... most recently I've noticed there are organizations (some government funded) in place to help skilled immigrants find decent positions so just do your homework just remember again, every country in the world favours it's own nationals. that is a fact.

For me at this stage though I can honestly say that I'm giving Canada 3 years of my time. I am not an immigrant here. I am a person from overseas who currently happens to be residing in BC, and that is all. and if I do not get the job I deserve then I will be heading elsewhere, probably the u.s, to get it.
Colin. Vancouver, BC


March 25- 2008
Kozmijin, My hearts is with you.

If I'm understanding correctly,  what you are describing is a toxic workplace.   You have EVERY RIGHT to expect equality at any job. It's law !

If you are being bullied and harassed,  you need to start writing down everything you can remember.  Dates,  times, who was present and names.  You are NOT paranoid and it's NOT your fault!!  You are being abused plain and simple.

First,  you have the right to tell co-workers how you wish to be treated (  in a nice manner )A witness sure helps.   If this doesn't stop the abuse then you need to go to management and complain.  ( if you have someone at work you trust, take them along as a witness ) If you have a union,  file a grievance.  Again,  always keep a record.

If this doesn't work,  you have EVERY RIGHT to go to the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION and file a written complaint.    Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.  If you think you'll be out numbered,  everyone who has faced this and won felt the same way.

Keep your head up because you ARE better than those who try to make you feel less.   God Bless you!

My family came here in the 1600's yet I understand what you are facing.   I call it a "Huge Employment Problem".    

Good Luck My Friend
Elizabeth. Nova Scotia.


March 28- 2008
I come from Ukraine, and I was foolish enough to believe all those stories about 'civilized' countries etc,etc. I do not think that my story would be very much different from those of many many others.

I was lured to this country. With all those promises and even with a Guaranteed Job Offer. By the way, signed and confirmed by witnesses and by 2(two)Governments -Provincial and Federal. I was a Provincial Nominee. Before that I've been working with one of the local Winnipeg companies, bringing Contracts to its owner from Ukraine, Russia and other post-soviet countries. It has been OK for 14 years... I was simply bringing extra income in cash to my so-called Partner...

As we have become Permanent Residents back in April 2006 we thought it would be OK. But I was not paid after the first month, then  the second and I was forced to ask my employer about my salary. I have a family to support.. But the answer was absolutely shocking. My 'employer' was in financial difficulty, after buying a new office, and some other 'unexpected expenses'.

After my comments about the signed Job Offer he simply said: "Don't you throw that at me.. You got A BIG PRIZE, YOU ARE CANADIAN NOW"!! If that is all what is supposed to mean to be  Canadian. I don't know what to think..From that day all my problems started to multiply.. I asked  my immigration lawyer for an advice .. What I have heard shocked me even more. It is NOT enforceable to make a private company to pay my salary... And that is a CIVILIZED country?

I do have a good command of the English language, I have plenty of International and business experience (Canadian including). I have a Business Administration Certificate from a  Canadian University. I had been a Head of International Banking Department of the National Bank in my country, but here I am 'overqualified'.

I wrote the letter to the Minister of Immigration telling about my problems and I was given a casual job of writing a brochure for the Department of Settlement. It was called 'How to start your small business in Winnipeg.' Before I started I was promised by the Department Head that this brochure would be considered as an 'entry point'. After I finished and reminded her about that promise, she said she could not remember saying that.

What I have discovered while preparing this brochure is: though how numerous Government agencies and services are with millions of dollars in budgets -NOT ONE is issuing a simple collateral at ANY of those AGENCIES for newcomers like me. But they are all supposed to care about new immigrants. So this is CARE and FACILITATION. Excuse me..

My wife is four times qualified in medicine, she was a lead radiologist in one of the oldest and most reputable Ukrainian hospitals -she could not get even volunteering at the hospitals here in Winnipeg.. She was verbally abused in the Applied Linguistic Center.. And you are telling me that you DO NOT HAVE DISCRIMINATION??

A very interesting choice of teachers, by the way, who are working at that "Centre": former MTS, factory workers, retired accountants and policemen, even a taxi driver!!!???At the same time myself, I hold a Masters Degree in English as a Second Language as my first professional education- I was NOT EVEN CONSIDERED to take the TEACHER's job.
This country is and will be in a huge trouble. If you here can afford the luxury of dumping people with right skills and education for 'the body I played football with in the college' this is not the sign of CIVILIZATION. What shocks me the most -everyone is talking about history and culture, heritage - hello, YOU DON'T HAVE ANY OF THOSE!!!

I even wrote another letter to the Premier of the Province, that was in October last year. He, by the way, happens to be my MLA. They did not find the time to answer me personally, but instead I got a letter from Deputy Minister of Immigration in March 2008, this time, saying that it is too bad that I can not still find a job, and they will be asking colleagues from another Department to help me with locating the job...I would better reserve my comments..

I am forced to think that I will be definitely looking for the possibilities to get back to Ukraine as my wife and daughter have already done. So much for CIVILIZED CANADA. What I can promise for sure is: I will be lecturing people in Ukraine and other countries not to come to this HYPOCRITICAL 'PARADISE' 
Alexander. Winnipeg, Manitoba.


March 30- 2008
It frustrated me when I hear immigrants complain about how they don't get treated fairly here. We treat them pretty well compared to how Canadians would be treated if they were to immigrate to another country. It's like Canada is available for anyone culture grab. I often here that we don't have a Culture. We do have a culture. It's Freedom that we value and we worked pretty hard at that. It's like we're discriminating against Muslims by celebrating Christmas and not their Foreign holidays. If we went to Amman, Jordan they would not be celebrating Christmas or any of our Christian holidays. Most immigrants don't even know about our History. If you are going to immigrate as much people as you plan on immigrating then please have better policies. Our schools and our streets are becoming a culture war. Provide education regarding immigration so that Canadians don't feel like you are giving away something that was worked so hard for. Provide Immigrants with informatin regarding our laws and our culture so they don't think they our Country will change once enough of them come up here. This Afro-Centric school is rediculous because they are no longer the minority.
Cheryl P. Canada

 

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February 1- 2008
To Carlos,
I have been in Montreal for the last 15 years so I might  be able to give some experiences. If you have a job offer this is a good thing since you won't have to deal with the problem of finding work that is perhaps the most difficult challenge. On the other hand, the aerospace industry is very dynamic so today you will have work tomorrow you might not. However, this is everywhere you go so there is no way around that.

Discrimination? This is a very relative issue, I personally have felt discrimination in few occasions. I married a French Canadian so that can tell you something. More than discrimination, the reality is that you will be coming into a very competitive environment and most people protect themselves against  outsiders by developing strong networks. In few words, it is not that the French Canadians have a plan to block immigrants in the work place but basically have their own networks and they know that this is the only way to survive in business but the same can be said about the Chinese, Indian, Italian, etc. In few words, you will feel blocked mainly because you have no networks that might take years to develop.

Many companies only hire French Canadians mainly because they know that this is the only way the French community can defend themselves against the massive immigration. They know that foreign people are more qualified and willing to work for less so they basically block them to avoid losing what they have. My only question is why they haven't protested against the government for this massive competition that the government brings. My guess is that they are successful at blocking so they don't see us as a threat yet.

The city is really expensive (not so much compared to Toronto or Vancouver) and taxes are high. In few words, you should be ready to live as a middle class individual all your life with enough money just to keep going pay check after pay check. No matter how much you make won't make a difference since 50% of your salary goes to government.

Jobs are not so easy to get, Quebec is full of unions that block new comers from the decent jobs and only the ones that no one wants to do are available. In few words, you will spend lots of time trying to get into a union in order to get a decent job but this might take years.

Any profession or business requires license, fees, taxes so in order to get into anything you need to spend lots of money.

I hope this helps,
Raul. Montreal.


February 2- 2008
Hello everyone.
 I have to say that I lived for 10 years in Montreal and Toronto, Can. Discrimination is nothing to what I went through. I have A B.A. in English From a University in Cuba, and 2 Certificates in Teaching ESL, English as a Second Language from Canada. I speak perfect English and French. In Montreal, I had to do multiple tests in French to teach English, sounds funny.

I landed some part time jobs as an  English teacher in Toronto, but the school board is dominated by A Mafia, so teaching jobs are not for immigrants. The Catholic School Board in Toronto, is dominated by Polish, so if you are one, you are lucky. I moved to Montreal where I had some part time jobs as an ESL teacher. There, discrimination is worse, not matter that I speak English and French like a Native Speaker, the Francophones in Quebec don't want any foreign teachers. I was the only foreign teacher in 4 high schools that I taught. At lunch, teachers sat at the lounge room; they ignored me as if I were an  Alien. This was sad for me, I am Cuban, we tend to be friendly and opened with people. I now live in Miami, USA where I am finishing an M.A. in Teaching ESL at Nova University. Is it worth the Cold and Snow and the Ethnic discrimination, immigrants have to be victim of in Quecbec? Is it worthy to live there? The reality if that USA harbors all kind of people.
Orestes. USA.


February 4- 2008
Carlos,
Raul gave you a nice realistic overview I believe.

He especially well explained the "discrimination" issue.  I echo 100% with him.  Most immigrants feel discriminated by the Canadians, though they don't want to realize the discrimination by other immigrant communities, perhaps their own.  Even whites sometimes get discriminatory behaviour.

Why this happened? Because Canada is a guinipig of a social experiment. Officially which is called multiculturalism.  With ongoing immigrant onslaught forever, true Canadian culture is being lost replaced by a wired mixture 100 different cultures.  This new comers put enormous pressure on the job market that Govt. intentionally try to overlook.  As a result, hidden tension is mounting among different communities.  All communities want to favour only their own.  So, though officially discrimination is strictly prohibited in Canada, it presents in many form in daily life that law can't do anything.  If you are from a minority community then you could be in problem regardless of all qualifications.  Quebecers particularly are traditionally very sensitive to their language/culture and hence very protective.  You won't be get beaten in the street but always have to feel like an uninvited guest in a party. 

The story you told about your wife may be possible everywhere.  In Canada in the immigrant communities such stories are very common.  I listened many times somebody was hired then after few days fired to make room for a certain person who is a relative to
"Mr. X".  Though you'll be told something else as the reason.  Key is, nepotism (or networking in official word).

Like Raul said, I don't have any grudge against the Canadians.  I don't expect them to make room for me instead of their friends/relatives.  I only blame the deceitful Govt. policy who lure immigrants to migrate where practically Canada can't support them, their skills.
Study both pros & cons then decide.
Good Luck
Shah. USA.


February 5- 2008
Hi Raul & Shah;
Thank you for your comments. I think Canada is like France. I understand quite well when you said that I might feel like an uninvited guest in a party. In France is exactly the same.

Regarding taxes, after Raul said that is the 50% of the gross salary I got a little confused as a table saw states that taxes are from 30% to 40%, depending on the amount, but never more than 39% (in 2005).
http://www.montrealinternational.com/en/vivre/impots.aspx
This includes Provincial Tax and Federal Tax, maybe there are other taxes not considered in this table. If you have the right information on this I'll be grateful if you could provide me with it.
Carlos. France.

RE: For more information on taxation and other costs in Montreal, please visit
 http://www.canadaimmigrants.com/Montrealiving.asp


February 8- 2008
Carlos,

I don't know where that table came from but I wish that was the case. This is a more realistic table coming from the software that I use to calculate taxes.

http://www.ufile.ca/TaxNewsAndTips/TaxBracketsPop.htm

If you notice, with a typical engineering salary of 70K a year you will be paying 50% taxes.

The reality is that some taxi drivers make the same money than engineers since half of their income is not declared. On top, if you make little money the government compensates you with extras so in a way many think is better to work under the table. It is very common to see people on welfare working for cash money.

On top of the 50% taxes, you have to pay tax for any benefit you from the company such a dental insurance and don't forget employment insurance. If you add the taxes you pay for your house, school taxes (even if you have no kids) and GST. The reality is that you are paying close to 60% of your income to the government. No wonder the government wants you here, they are they only winners of immigration.
Raul. Montreal.


February 8- 2008
We moved here 13 years ago also with great expectations, had a great standard of living in our native South Africa, just left because of the violence. We are so disappointed in what we found in Canada. Nothing is true of what you were told, I spent 2 years doing measily jobs until finally someone gave me a chance in my job, my husband had to retrain in his line of work. By then we has spent all the money we brought here, every sent dwindled away with the high cost of living, with raising 3 young girls in Canada, we grew deeper into debt, and deeper and deeper. Finally 3 yrs ago we could afford our own place but the debt keeps creeping up on us, as we hardly make a proper living as you have no savings at the end of the day.

I have a very clever young daughter that wanted to got to med school, we do not have the money for University so what happens now, her very clever brain goes to waste and she is working 3 jobs to make a living. This is beyond ridiculous to me, everyone said South Africa was a third world country but Canada is more a third world country to me. People were treated there with respect, everyone yelled discrimination and apartheid BUT I must say this is more evident in Canada to this day. South Africa made a mistake giving it a name, but it is alive in Canada discrimination and apartheid. Here it seems OK?? I can not understand this concept.

Anyway many people can go back to their native countries is they are not war torn or has uncontrollable violence, If I did have a choice I will move back in a heartbeat but with the crime and violence I can not do this. So what does this leave me I have to continue in this hellhole named Canada till the day I day as a poor white man. Stay away from Canada it is evil, very close to a hellish experience.
Dee B. Vancouver, Canada.


February 10- 2008
Hi,
I am a Canadian citizen, first generation of immigrants.
Everything you read on this site is true. They (Canadians) are not racists, not at all. There is no RACE discrimination, not at all. There is the worst discrimination on this planet! and it is against ALL the  immigrants. That glass ceiling some people talk about: it is as real as this planet! They like our money though...

Here is the good thing: stay there until you get your citizenship, then you can search for a job in the USA. See NAFTA - this treat allows you to work in the USA.

Good luck to everyone!
Dolly. USA.


February 14- 2008
Hi everyone,
My name is Luis Torres and I live with my wife and an 8-year old son in Montreal. I'm an Electrical Engineer, and I' working as a labourer at a plastics plant. My salary is $9.00 -almost minimum wage. I got this job through a friend, otherwise I would have been still unemployed. I feel deceived because to qualify as an "independent skilled worker" they ask for too many requirements, and when one arrives to this country, those requirements have no value. I believe we should be compensated for the time we have been unemployed or underemployed in Canada. Before I say goodbye, I want to thank you for your concerns about this situation and the fabulous informative work you are doing.
Best regards,
Luis. Montreal.


February 22- 2008
I'm a work permit holder, under the Low-skilled Pilot Program, just landed here last Nov. 26, 2007 as a Food service Supervisor at pizza placel.  My current employer has breached the conditions stated in the LMO, thus motivates me to look for another employer that will provide me with a greener pasture and hopefully sponsor me to become a Permanent Visa holder.  My current working permit will expire, this year, Nov. 25.
Maria V. Calgary, Alberta.


February 24- 2008
Hello everyone:
This is in response to what  Carlos from France was asking.

I will tell you what you may be risking the chance of going through specially in Montreal.

When I was living in Ottawa, Ontario, which happens to be well dominated by the French Canadian and just happens to be a bridge away from the Quebec  side,  I went through endless discrimination when it came to try to find an opportunity in a decent employment position.
At that time, I was fluent  in English and about 75% on French as well, adding  that I am fluent in  Spanish as well.
None of my completed education in Ottawa was ever good enough for any of the office positions over there at all.

Eventually, I got fed up of the obvious discrimination over there on the employment area, packed my things and moved  out of the province for good.

Discrimination for the most cases, will be your shadow anywhere you go if you happen to have an ascent, don't have blue or green eyes, don't have white skin, and don't have  blond hair. No matter how good you are at what you do.
 
I must tell you,  there are some  good Canadian people with good values and an open mind out there who are trying to stop the racism issue. They are amongst the Government and everywhere in Canada.
The problem is that they are too few, and they can not control or change the whole country or the other people's  narrow mentality.

Just to give you an idea as to how far certain employers will go with their discrimination in the employment malpractice. In 2006, I was hired as an office administrator. I ended up, upgrading their website, doing the inventorying, and so many other responsibilities and duties that I had been assigned in that company.
It seemed like I was doing an excellent task because everyone was pleased with my accomplishments and duties completed.

That company dwells in the well educated people from all over the globe, and I meant highly educated.
Some of those people were taking abuse from one of the company's purchaser which happened to be a woman with a very disdainful attitude towards immigrants.
That same woman started or at least, she tried to jolk me around like she was doing to the others.
I tried to make a point to her that her behaviour was unacceptable, she did not stop, so I had a talk with the managers about it, and guess what happened??
3 weeks after my meeting with them, out of no where, they came to me and told me that there was a big shortage of business and that they would have to laid off a few people.

The problem was that they knew that I knew my rights as a citizen, they knew that I could have gone further if the issue continued. So, instead of them letting go a lazy unreliable, irresponsible employee, they let go 3 good and excellent  employees.

This people from that company are so crafty.  They are making a big profit out of this well educated people, and paying them so little, but this well educated people would rather go through that than loose face and go back home. Instead, they are so unhappy, frustrated, and even depressed.

My advice to all of you out there,  even if it will cost you your current position, do not by no means accept that discriminatory  behaviour  from any employer or co-workers, do not go home at night, hide in your bedroom and cry about the bad discriminatory treatments. 

And when you encounter a situation like that, remember to hold your head high, and keep thinking that you have equal rights as just any other white, blond Canadian because we all pay the same taxes, we all put up with the country's conditions and we all in one scale or another, contribute to this economy.  Therefore, we all have the same rights as Canadian Citizens.
 
By the way, if you feel that you are being discriminated against at some place of work or where ever, do not make it a secret, let them know that you are aware of what is going on.  let them know that you have a voice. If you keep it as shahh, it will not stop the problem, it will actually encourage the perpetrators to keep doing it. 
 
And the last but never the least, do not forget to keep a diary with incidents and facts in the event that you need to take " the so called legal action against discrimination"

My best regards to all of you.
Cristina. Edmonton, AB.


February 25- 2008
I sympathize with Luis, I got the same situation here in Vancouver. I arrived here Last Nov. 25, 2007 as an independent skilled immigrant too, a licensed architect back in the Philippines working for the city government and when I arrived here first (my family came last January 14, 2008) I was enthusiastic to find a job in my own career but instead ended up in an electronic wire production company that fabricates different types of cables for 9.50CAD an hour.  After about a month and a half was offered 9.75CAD with benefits but then I got an offer with another production factory producing fire dampers for 10.80 per hour this is where I am working now.  I am still searching for a job even for apprentice CAD architectural works but at this time still have no luck.  I feel I was disillusioned because as an "independent skilled immigrant" I was required to submit proof of my skills and yet here in Canada, those documents are worth nothing and no one hires an immigrant outright unless one is extremely lucky to find himself an employer who gives him a job worthy of his skills. I think it is high time for government to address these issues and continuously channel job opportunities to immigrants that are qualified with experience immediately upon landing so that we wont waste our time on jobs that even high school dropouts can do. 
John A. Vancouver, B.C.


February 26- 2008
Dear Cristina,

Your experiences and advices are very valuable, I appreciate them very much and I will keep them in mind during my stay in Montreal. Thank you very much.

I wish you all the best this 2008 for your self and family.

many regards

Carlos. France.


February 26- 2008
To John A.
I have been reading this site for well over a year now and being also a Filipino with canadian immigration papers in process, I am interested in your plight. To tell you, I think you are one of the more fortunate contributors to this site (swerte ka na). Is it that hard to find new job there? What about the Filipino community there, do they assist you and your family?

I have read other people with a masteral degree in engineering and doctors doing taxi cab driving and pizza delivery. Tell me, would you want to go back to the Philippines. I am interested because I will be going your way soon.
David. Philippines.

 

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