On Wednesday, November 4, John McCallum was sworn in as the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship under Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government.

McCallum previously served as the Liberal Critic for Immigration during the Stephen Harper regime, but his appointment was a slight surprise because he has also accumulated an extensive background in economics, finance and other ministries. As Minister, McCallum will be responsible for directing and representing Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and his work will have the potential to shape immigration policy and countless lives for years to come.

Let’s take a look at the experience and background of the man who will lead the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship into the future.

Academia (1976 – 1994)

McCallum has accumulated a wealth of political experience, but his background and career began in academia and economics. After earning his doctorate degree at McGill University, McCallum worked as a professor of economics from 1976 to 1994 at a number of institutions including the University of Manitoba, Simon Fraser University, the Université du Québec à Montréal and McGill University. At McGill, McCallum also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts.

Royal Bank Chief Economist (1994 – 2000)

In 1994, McCallum’s experience and contributions to the discipline of economics were recognized and ratified when he was appointed to the position of chief economist at the Royal Bank of Canada. McCallum served as the chief economist at RBC for six years. During his tenure as chief economist, McCallum gained recognition for his commitment to tackling social issues. Most significantly, he helped to organize a conference and publish recommendations designed to align the business community with the challenges facing aboriginal peoples in Canada.

Politics (2000 – present)

As the 2000 federal election rolled around, McCallum stepped down from his position with RBC to pursue a career in politics. Since his successful election bid in 2000, McCallum has represented various riding iterations in the area of Markham, Ontario. Throughout his fifteen years of parliamentary experience, McCallum has been responsible for a range of diverse cabinet portfolios under the governments of Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin, including Minister of National Defence, Minister of Veterans’ Affairs, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister of National Revenue. After the Liberal government was ousted from power by Stephen Harper’s Conservatives, McCallum worked as a member of the opposition caucus, most recently holding the position of Critic for Citizenship and Immigration.

Despite his diverse experience and background in finance and economics, Justin Trudeau has decided that McCallum’s previous role as Critic of Immigration makes him the best person possible to lead the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. McCallum will be immediately responsible for tackling the huge task of fulfilling Trudeau’s promise to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada before the end of the year. Under McCallum, the Ministry is also expected to review the efficiency of the Express Entry program.

We’ll be sure to keep up with McCallum’s tenure as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, but it’s apparent that he has a big job ahead of him already. John McCallum will be responsible for shaping the future of immigration in Canada.

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Before his successful election on October 19, Justin Trudeau stated that if a Liberal government came to power, 2015 would be the last time Canadians took to the polls in a first-past-the-post (FPTP) election.

Prime Minister Trudeau made a lot of promises during the 11-week campaign, but few match the ambition of his vow to replace the current electoral system. While many Canadians are dissatisfied with the undemocratic elements of first-past-the-post, proponents of FPTP argue that the system produces stable governments that offer the personal touch of local Members of Parliament. Furthermore, cynics assert that after getting elected to a majority government with only 40% of the vote, the Liberals are extremely unlikely to change the system.

In order to evaluate this ambitious promise of the current government, let’s examine the current first-past-the-post electoral system and consider some of the alternatives that would be available to the Liberal government, should it attempt to change the system. We’ll describe each system by listing the pros, cons and some other jurisdictions where each voting method is practiced.

The Current System: First-past-the-post (FPTP)

How it works: In first-past-the-post, voters cast ballots in hundreds of different ridings across the country to elect a Member of Parliament who will represent the constituency. The party that forms government is almost always the party that receives the most MPs in parliament.
Pros: FPTP has a greater potential to result in stable majority governments that can accomplish a lot for the country. FPTP governments are also composed of MPs who can provide a personal, local touch that allows ordinary citizens to participate in government.
Cons: FPTP can result in false majorities. In 2011 and 2015, Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau received majority mandates with only 39% of the vote. Furthermore, wasted votes are an issue with FPTP. In situations where a party is guaranteed to win a riding by a significant margin, any votes against the winning MP are irrelevant, as are the excess votes for the MP. FPTP also discriminates against small or alternative local parties that receive very little presence in parliament because they do not win any ridings, despite receiving a modest proportion of the popular vote.
Where it’s used: Canada, United Kingdom, United States

Proportional Representation (PR)

How it works: There are lots of different PR variants out there, but PR systems essentially award parties the same percentage of seats in parliament that they received in the popular vote. If a party receives 30% of the popular vote, the party will receive 30% of the seats in parliament.
Pros: PR directly represents the results of the popular vote, meaning that every ballot counts. PR can also strengthen consensus-building because alliances and coalitions are often required to govern in a PR system. Proponents argue that PR is the simplest and most democratic electoral system.
Cons: In traditional PR systems, parties fill their seats with members chosen from a list. This means that MPs often cannot provide voters with a direct, local link to government. In addition, the shifting alliances and coalitions of PR can weaken parliament and cause government instability.
Where it’s used: The Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, seen with his family leaving a polling station in Montreal after voting last month. [The Canadian Press]

Single-transferable Vote (STV)

How it works: STV operates with a preferential ballot, meaning that instead of electing one member from their district, voters rank candidates from their favourite to least favourite. As the ballots are counted, candidates with the least amount of preferred votes are eliminated and the votes for these candidates are transferred to the voter’s second-favourite candidate. This process continues until a sufficient number of candidates are elected.
Pros: STV minimizes the number of wasted votes. At the end of the day, everyone’s vote contributes to electing an MP.
Cons: STV is a relatively complicated system. It can take a long time to count the votes, and STV often requires very large constituencies. In 2005 and 2009, STV was proposed in British Columbia and ultimately rejected because many voters thought the system was too confusing and complicated.
Where it’s used: Ireland, Malta

Mixed-member Plurality (MMP)

How it works: MMP combines FPTP and PR. In MMP systems, half of the parliament is filled with elected MPs, like FPTP, and the other half is filled proportionally by the parties, as with PR. Citizens cast two votes, one for a representative and one for a party.
Pros: MMP provides voters with a local candidate who can represent their interests in parliament while also minimizing wasted votes and more accurately reflecting the results of an election. MMP also allows voters to elect a separate candidate and party, so a voter could hypothetically support an excellent Conservative candidate in their riding while voting for the Liberal Party.
Cons: MMP can be complicated and confusing for voters. Additionally, half of the parliament is accountable to party leaders rather than the constituents.
Where it’s used: Germany, Mexico, New Zealand

Electoral reform is a major issue and one of the most ambitious promises of the Liberal government. While there certainly are alternatives to FPTP, the Liberal Party may not have the support or political will to dramatically change the Canadian electoral system. However, it’s important to be aware of major electoral system pros and cons because elections help governments come to power and sustain Canadian democracy.

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The cabinet of new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been heralded and celebrated worldwide as “a cabinet that looks like Canada.”

Indeed, Trudeau has attempted to reflect the diversity of Canada by ensuring gender balance and including representation from the wide range of geographic, cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious communities that compose the country. However, Justin Trudeau has captured a further critical component of Canadian society by inviting three Canadian immigrants to be part of his cabinet: Maryam Monsef, Amarjeet Sohi and Harjit Sajjan. The success of Canada has been largely built, sustained and defined by the efforts of immigrants over four centuries from across the globe, and this reality has been recognized and reflected in the composition of the new Canadian government. Prime Minister Trudeau’s decision to include three Canadian immigrants in his cabinet acknowledges the importance of past, present and future immigrants to Canada.

Let’s get to know Maryam Monsef, Amarjeet Sohi and Harjit Sajjan, three individuals who will contribute their skills, knowledge and experience while representing immigrants to Canada in cabinet.

Maryam Monsef

Minister of Democratic Institutions

Maryam Monsef, representing the riding of Peterborough-Kawartha, is the new Minister of Democratic Institutions. At 30 years old, she is the youngest member of the Trudeau cabinet. Born in Afghanistan, Monsef came to Canada with her mother and sisters as a refugee in 1996. Monsef was raised in western Afghanistan near the Iranian border, and she experienced regional trauma and violence firsthand throughout her early life. When Monsef was a toddler, her father was caught and killed in a crossfire between the border of Iran and Afghanistan. A few years prior, her uncle disappeared from his dorm room at Kabul University after making anti-communist remarks in public. When the Taliban came to power during the mid-1990s, the Monsef family fled to Iran as illegal refugees to escape the instability of Afghanistan, where they faced ethnic abuse and the constant threat of deportation.

In 1996 when Monsef was eleven, her mother made the choice to uproot and re-establish the family in Canada, where Monsef’s uncle lived. By donkey, camel and airplane, the Monsef family arrived in Canada through Iran, Pakistan and Jordan, where they were able to claim refugee status. They relocated to Peterborough, Ontario, the city that Monsef now represents in parliament. Monsef initially found adjusting to English and Canadian culture difficult, but the welcome that her family received and the work of organizations like the Salvation Army, the New Canadians Centre, Casa Maria Refugee Homes and the YWCA helped her find a home in Canadian society. She still volunteers at Casa Maria and the Y.

As Minister of Democratic Institutions, Monsef will be responsible for managing and maintaining the political and electoral processes that sustain Canadian democracy. She will take the lead on major parts of the Liberal platform, including senate and electoral reform.

The cabinet of Justin Trudeau has been designed to reflect a measure of the diversity and experiences that make Canada such an exceptional country. While the cabinet has been defined by gender balance and geographic, cultural and linguistic representation, our new government also includes Maryam Monsef, Amarjeet Sohi and Harjit Sajjan, three individuals who represent the critical importance of immigration to Canada. The success of Canada has been dependent for centuries on the contributions of immigrants from around the world, and this reality is emphatically acknowledged in the composition of our new cabinet.

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Amr Shokry is an HR leader with more than 18 years of experience in the field.

Amr has worked in the HR field in Europe for several Fortune 500 companies, including Eli Lilly, Novartis, and 3M. For the last four years Amr has worked in Canada, first in Toronto and now as an HR director at InterWrap Inc. in Vancouver. He has been teaching at Ashton College for over a year. Amr recently met with us to discuss his career and emerging trends in the HR field.

How Did You Get into Human Resources?

I originally started my career as an engineer. Early in my career with 3M, I was assigned to be the leader of supply chain and production planning at one of the sites. It was the late nineties, and at that time we didn’t have any HR departments on site. I build the team from scratch, and due to my success, I was asked to take on the HR department as well. That was the first time I was introduced to the term ‘HR’ back in the nineties.

3M was a great company that provided me with training; eventually I was sent to different affiliates in Europe to learn about HR management. After a couple of years working in the field, I decided that HR actually was my passion, and I shifted 100% from engineering to HR instead of doing two jobs.

The ability to influence the company at a broader level, build teams and develop talents – I would say that’s what truly attracted me to HR. I enjoy having the opportunity to build teams and attract talent.

What Are the Keys to Success in HR?

I believe that teamwork is absolutely crucial in any company environment; as your company grows, teamwork can be the determining factor of whether the organization becomes successful. I believe a significant part of HR is to ensure the company sets and follows ethical, organizational and leadership standards.

Consider this: we have some companies falling behind in the market place, even though they have, or had, great products. One prime example would be Volkswagen: their popularity went down not because of the product, but because of ethical issues and ineffective leadership, which we witnessed through the media during the emissions-cheating scandal.

Another example would be Blackberry – they now are on the verge of bankruptcy. The leaders in the organization did not take the time to listen to feedback from customers and their advisers, and now they are behind Apple and Samsung products. It wasn’t their marketing strategy, or the market share, or the products that pushed the sales down for the company – they were the leaders of the industry, “the phone” ten years ago. Now they’re very out of touch and outdated.

It is not only about the product, or the market share, or even the brand as much anymore – it’s really the people that carry the company long-term. This is why the role of HR is so important.

HR position: Personality versus Skills?

The stereotype is that individuals working in HR need to be outgoing and a “people person”. However, if you go back to the history of management, you will see that many jobs have evolved. For instance, let’s take marketing. In the past, marketing was all about public relations, but now we have market research, brand management, planning for new products. Marketing has become very sophisticated, with different branches of marketing that require very different skills.

I’d say the same is now happening to HR. For instance, you might be a qualified, certified, skilled person for payroll and managing taxes. This position is related to finance and is very number-driven, and it may not necessarily require any leadership or people skills (you are more likely to need CPA certification). You could, on the other hand, be working as a project manager, focusing on organizational tasks and HRIS (Human Resource Information System). In this case, you need the hands-on computer application experience. You could also be an HR representative working on healthy human relations: recruitment and union relations, organizational tasks, learning and development jobs. People skills are more applicable for this position.

For the HR department, the company needs either a diversified person who can manage the whole scope of tasks (which has become very difficult), or a few players to manage the HR sector of the organization.

The Future of HR

I believe that the HR market will grow because of three major factors; the first one being demographics. The makeup of the workforce has become very diverse: people are coming from different cultural and economic backgrounds, specifically in a country like Canada – especially in Vancouver. It is very clear now that you can’t simply rely on the employee handbook, or the policy manual to manage a company. People are very diverse, and they expect to be treated as individuals. That’s why HR needs to be close to the people, understand the demographics of the specific company or office and react accordingly.

The second factor is recent laws and regulations: the anti-bullying and harassment in the workplace, inclusion, and ever-changing employment standards for the benefit of employees. All of those things need someone to ensure that they are implemented in the workforce, which is one of HR’s main roles.

The third factor is the realization that the biggest asset for the company is the people, the workforce. We have seen now that the companies with the big names and big products can fail because of the conflicts they have with the people, so it is important to maintain good relationships both in the work environment and with the customers.

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November is Financial Literacy Month, designed to inform Canadians about various events, programs and services that can enrich our financial knowledge, and to draw our attention to the importance of making educated financial decisions.

Knowing how to make financial decisions that will benefit us is a great and useful skill – especially as the amount of personal debt in Canada continues to grow. As part of Financial Literacy Month, Ashton College wants to introduce some key tips on money literacy that can help improve your control of your personal finances.

Common Thought Traps

Most (if not all) of us have experienced these thought traps at certain moments of our life. The thoughts may be valid at times – after all, we all are people living in a busy, expensive world. However, if we give in to those thoughts, we may find ourselves wasting more than a few dollars on things we do not particularly need.

By recognizing the dangerous thoughts and false premises and by taking small steps towards saving up, you will be able to create a more stable financial future for yourself and your family.

I deserve a treat

How often do you tell yourself that you deserve to spend money on an item or an activity because you have accomplished something during the day? Yes, you may want to reward yourself for your hard work with the things you really want and need; but that does not mean you need to spend money every time you feel you have succeeded. Small rewards, such as buying treats after work or going out every weekend for dinner and drinks, may seem insignificant, but they do add up in the long run. Wouldn’t it be better to save some of it and use it on a bigger reward later?

Saving money doesn’t work for me

You may think that you don’t earn enough to save; or that you already have too many expenses to try to save money. As valid as those thoughts may be, everyone can save money – no matter how much or how little you earn. Here are some things to consider:

• Create a savings account. You can put a fixed amount into your savings from every paycheck. It can be as little or as much as you think you can afford. $5 a month? $50? $500? It is a start!
• Use automatic deductions. If you use debit a lot, you may want to set up automatic deductions to your savings for every transaction you do. Small deductions, like 50 cents or $1, will not hurt your budget, but will go a long way in forming a saving habit.
• Look at your spending. Are there any places where you can cut down the cost? Whether it is getting a cheaper phone plan or switching to homemade lunches – there are always a few tricks you can do. And remember, small savings add up!
• Create a budget. Try to estimate your expenses and look at your spending patterns. Sometimes just tracking your expenses for a month can tell you a lot about where most of your money goes.

Tracking finances is too difficult

This is the biggest trap of them all! Tracking finances is not difficult – especially if using debit or credit cards, where every card transaction is already recorded on your account. Budgeting takes less time than you think, and it can help you get your finances on track.

Here is a simple exercise to help you budget – you can do it in a notebook or in Excel, whichever method you prefer. On one side of the paper, write your salary and other income sources (grants, scholarships, rent money, etc.). On the other, write your expenses – the bills that you pay monthly. You can also put your debt amount on your budget sheet, and allocate a certain amount to be paid towards that debt monthly – treat it as a bill!

Just by doing that, you can approximate the amount of “leftover” money you will save. You will also be able to plan your expenses in advance – start saving early for the holiday season or an upcoming trip.

I will spend this money anyway

This is true – you will most likely spend that money; not to mention that money does not buy happiness. You may think you don’t need to save up and you live a comfortable life as it is. And this is where the danger lies – you do not know what will happen in the future. What if you suddenly need money for something you did not budget for? Planning ahead for your finances gives you more security in your future – as opposed to impulsive buying that grants immediate gratification.

Moreover, wouldn’t it be better to spend that money on the things that you really want from life? Take a moment to go over your life goals and dreams – maybe it is time to start saving up for bigger things.

It’s on sale, so I’m saving money

Putting things on sale is a common marketing technique to attract customers – and we know about it! However, thinking that you save money when you buy with the discount is not uncommon. And it would be the case of you need the item and were planning to buy it already; but how often do we buy things on sale and only use it once or twice?
When you have an intention to spend money on the sale item, ask yourself:

• Do you really need it?
• Are you going to use it often?
• Is the sale significant to compromise your budget for this month?

These simple question can stop you from impulsive buying of certain items.

Everyone around me is in debt

Yes, debt is becoming increasingly common; a little too common, actually. It is not surprising, considering how easy it is to get a credit card, student loan or mortgage nowadays. Of course, doing those things can be useful if you cannot immediately afford a house or education; but it can hurt you in the long run.

Using debt as an excuse for more spending is counterproductive: it is not only preventing you from reducing the debt you already have, but results in accommodating more. Yes, everyone around you may be already in debt; but don’t use it as an excuse to create more debt (and more stress) for yourself. Take advantage of budgeting and saving, and focus on becoming debt-free.

There are several thought traps that people can get themselves into – without necessarily realizing they’re hurting themselves in the long run. Being aware of these thoughts and learning to control the impulses can help you save money – and likely more money than you think. Try it out!

Citations
Canada’s Borrowing Binge – The Globe and Mail

Written with the help of resources from Get Smarter About Money

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We know that both in-class and online learning models can offer a great educational experience if the right tools are used in the right way. The question is, how can we transform an online program into an immersive, effective and engaging learning experience for students?

At Ashton, we ask ourselves this question every day. What tools we can use? How can we improve what we are already doing? This article, put together through the contributions of online faculty and staff members, explores the value of online education, the online tools we are using, and how to effectively use them.

For more information about the online programs and courses offered at Ashton, check out our Ashton Online portal.

Visit Ashton Online »

Online Education and What it Offers

Before discussing the tools, let’s look at why you may want to consider online learning for yourself, and what it can offer you.

Indicators of Interactive Learning

There are several key factors that we believe make the online environment both informative and effective.

Firstly, video content and the ability to discuss videos. Video as a media type has a naturally engaging quality and can highlight certain topics and deepen students’ knowledge of lecture materials.

Secondly, communication – especially sharing personal experiences. Both students and instructors have interesting and informative stories to share, and communication around these stories makes education more fun and engaging for both parties.

Online Tools at Ashton College

Ashton College focuses on providing a informative and interactive online learning experience. To achieve that, we have focused on live online learning: synchronous learning. We take advantage of progressive tools to ensure effective communication and interaction among the faculty and the students.

Adobe Connect

Adobe Connect is the main tool we use for interactive webinars in the online classroom. It enables instructors to go through the material and communicate with students, as well as giving students the ability to ask questions. Adobe Connect includes various interactive features, including video presentation, document/screen sharing, real-time video discussions and live polling. We also want students to participate fully in these live sessions, so we give them the opportunity to present back to their instructor and classmates, helping them improve presentation skills and teamwork.

We like Adobe Connect for it’s flexibility. Multiple layouts and options mean the classroom can be arranged dynamically according to the content that is being shared.

A look at Adobe Connect

Google Classroom

Ashton College has recently made a transition from Google Sites to Google Classroom, which was a great improvement for both students and faculty members. Classroom allows real time instructor feedback on assignments and a centralized way in which to share student grades.

Google Classroom is colourful and engaging

We love the accessibility of Google Classroom. Students receive class updates, reading materials and assignments as email notifications or directly to their mobile devices through the Classroom app. The platform reminds us of an educational version of Facebook with it’s focus on social learning.

Online Learning: The Future

The transition of learning into the online environment is something that we strongly believe in at Ashton. We are expanding the online platform into some of our in class programs, making materials available online and facilitating out-of-class discussions and sharing between students and faculty.

We know that effective learning is interactive. Our students are encouraged to talk, present in class, ask questions, comment on videos and each other’s presentations, and even throw in an occasional joke or two. This, as well as our dedication to continous improvement in the tools and methods we use, makes our brand of online education just as great – if not better – than learning in-class.

Special thanks

… go to Nevena Djuricic, Amr Shokry and the Ashton Online staff for their insights.

The post The Tools of the Trade: Adding Value to Online Education appeared first on Ashton College.

Sylvain Charbonneau is a Communication and International Trade Manager and Educator with over 15 years of experience.

He graduated from Ashton College in 2013 with a Diploma in International Trade. Sylvain is now a member of Ashton’s International Trade faculty. We met with Sylvain to discuss his journey from student to instructor.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in International Trade?

I’ve been very lucky to have a variety of work experience prior to coming to Vancouver, both in terms of organizational size and structure, and in the line of work I did. After a few years, I switched to independent contractual work, because I always like to have some flexibility and freedom.

It so happened that I was asked to help one of the companies I was working for to create, and then implement an action plan to overhaul their logistics, transportation and communication. I was actually familiar with transportation because of my family history: my father used to work in that field, and both my grandfather and my uncles owned a group of businesses.

When I moved to Vancouver, I contacted companies for logistics and transportation, and because of my prior experiences I ended up doing a contract dealing with transportation from BC to California. I also had a major project with businesses in Africa and Europe (a lot of head offices of the company in Africa were based in Belgium and France). I worked both in West and Central Africa to help them with project planning, marketing research and establishing business relationships. In fact, I was in charge of receiving their delegates here in Canada. The goal was to welcome them to the company and establish good relationships, because relationships are an essential part of business collaboration – especially for some cultures. I also traveled abroad with the president of the company and other delegates, helping them with business relations – it was very interesting.

When I returned to Vancouver, I realized: because of my line of work and my experience, I already had practical knowledge of international trade, transportation and logistics – but I didn’t have the academic training that was recognized by FITT (Forum for International Trade Training). I realized that it would be good for me to have that academic background – it’d be a stronger addition to my Master degree and my experiences.

Why did you choose Ashton College?

I always wanted to go to Vancouver. I visited Vancouver a long time ago, and I said to myself: “this is a place I really want to go back to; I want to go live there”. I spent some time working on different contracts at first; but then I started to search for the place to study International Trade and discovered that Ashton College had that program. The schedule was good for me, and I had a good feeling about the college, so I decided to study here. I chose an intensive five month program; and I was very lucky to meet my wife here, during the time that I studied the program.

What did you do after graduation?

After graduation, I began teaching at a university and continued doing some part-time contracts and travel for work; but later my wife and I had a daughter. I love to travel, but it’s good to be around more when you have a family and a baby.

So I was looking for a place where I could have a flexible schedule. I still kept in contact with Ashton, and when I heard that they were looking for an International Trade instructor, I thought it was a great opportunity for me: it was part-time, and I could continue to do other activities that I had.

I’m glad I got the opportunity to work at Ashton College. I had good relationships with people here when I studied, and I am grateful to them, both as a service provider for my education and as an employer. Now, I am happy to provide education to other students.

I also teach at another institution in the evening, and still have a few contracts and projects that I do. Besides that, I take care of my daughter – and there is another child on the way, so in May 2016 we’ll have another family member.

It’s a balance of academic environment and practice and right now I’m very happy with that balance.

What do you find the most rewarding about your job?

I love to share my passion, and I like to interact with the students, especially with international students. The international component is very important for me. I like to interact with people who come from many different countries and cultural backgrounds, and to exchange different perspectives with them. I feel that I learn a lot from them.

Do you have any advice for Ashton students?

They need to be passionate about what they choose to study, and work hard. Also, we say “work hard, play hard”, meaning that there are times to have fun and there are times to study – but sometimes you can have fun even when you study. Ashton is doing a good job making classes interactive and I think it’s a good environment to help students students share their own experiences and teach them to be more open-minded.

I also believe that people in International Trade are very lucky, because it’s a field where the opportunities are growing, and it’s very important to have knowledge of both different cultures and international business. I think students will have a big advantage if they have a diploma in International Trade.

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Many professions (doctors, accountants, engineers, etc.) have strict guidelines for professional practice. However, if you’re looking to become a financial planner, you’re in luck! You can start charging for your services without taking courses, passing exams or obtaining a licence.

You read that right. Financial planners throughout most of Canada (in every province except Quebec) can help people save for education and retirement, reduce taxes, choose the right insurance plans and pass along their assets after they die, all without obtaining a licence.

While provincial governments require specialized training and registration for individuals who want to sell products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and insurance, they have no such requirements for those who provide financial advice and charge clients for their time.

The lack of regulation in the industry can have tragic consequences, as was the case for one Ontario woman who lost $300,000 over a period of six years. The 65-year-old Burlington woman was led to believe she was buying Credit Union Guaranteed Investment Certificates, however none of the purchased investments actually existed.

The lack of regulation is compounded by an overall lack of knowledge surrounding the financial industry. A survey released by the Coalition for Professional Standards for Financial Planning revealed that many Canadians are unaware of the lack of regulatory standards in place throughout most of Canada for financial planners. The survey found that less than half (49%) of respondents know there is a difference between a financial planner and a financial adviser. More significantly, 44% of respondents believed there are regulatory standards in place for financial planners.

Ontario has appointed an expert committee to consider new proficiency rules for financial planners and advisers and is expected to submit a report to the government next year.

At the same time, the Mutual Fund Dealers Association is proposing that members have a commonly used financial planning designation to call themselves financial planners. The organization is asking for feedback to its bulletin until Dec. 4, 2015.

While more regulation may be forthcoming, a standardized licensing system may take months or even years to come into effect. In the meantime, here are some tips that can help you protect yourself from scam artists.

• Trust your gut. If you have a vague feeling that something’s not quite right, trust your gut and do some extra research.
• Ask questions. When discussing investment ideas and strategies, ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each recommendation. There are no perfect investments, and every financial product has a down side. There is no one-size-fits-all personal finance advice. Your situation is unique, which is why it is important to have a personalized investing plan.
• Take your time. Be suspicious of time-limited offers and high-pressure salespeople. If the investment is legitimate, you should not have to invest on the spot. Take all the time you need to make an informed decision.
• Do your research. Before you make any investment, understand how it works, the risks and any fees. Make sure it fits with your financial goals and your other investments. Remember, at the end of the day, no one cares about your money as much as you do!

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Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Express Entry system is back in the news again this month, with Irish skilled-trade workers claiming the system puts them at a disadvantage by favouring those with post-secondary education.

What are the Concerns with Express Entry?

Express Entry is an immigration application management system that combines applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. The system was launched in January 2015, and has helped to shorten the processing time of applications. Express Entry also allows provincial governments to select the candidates that will benefit their workforce.

On the other hand, there are certain aspects of Express Entry that critics claim need to be addressed; one of them being the criteria by which candidates are selected. Currently, all candidates are assessed on the same set of criteria: age, education, language proficiency and work experience. Having a Provincial Nomination or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-approved job offer gives candidates a big advantage, accounting for 600 out of 1,200 points. According to Ashton College immigration instructor and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) Nevena Djuricic, the system “values economic ability over education, language ability, ties to Canada and significant highly-skilled work experience. It’s incredibly difficult for immigrants without a job offer or nomination to be selected.”

Interestingly, candidates have little control over the program they are applying under: all of the draws (with the exception of one) have been made based on the overall ranking score, and not on the specific program candidates were applying for.

New Canadians take their Oath of Citizenship.

Unfortunately, the Express Entry system currently puts skilled-trade workers at a disadvantage. Many skilled-trade workers do not have Canadian education, and education credentials from their home countries may not be significant enough for the Canadian Express Entry system. Currently, Express Entry assesses education points in several sections (in the Core Human Factors and Skill Transferability sections), and even having one year of postgraduate education can become a significant advantage to the candidate.

Without a certificate, diploma or a degree that is recognized in Canada, it is very difficult for the workers to score above 400 points – especially if they apply in their 30s. In order to get closer to the passing selection score in Express Entry, skilled-trade workers not only have to maximize their language proficiency score, but also their work experience – which can be hard to do with a limited work permits.

Many skilled-trade workers are not happy that their skills are measured by their education level, and not their achievements in the workplace. “Why would you go to Ireland and advertise that Canada needed you and when we came and settled, you are making it so difficult for us to stay permanently?”, asked one skilled-trade worker from Ireland with only 335 points under Express Entry.

What Can Be Done?

There are ways to improve personal scores through the current system, such as maximizing language proficiency scores, getting formal education in Canada, or securing an LMIA-approved job offer; but doing so takes extra effort, time and money. The prevalent opinion is that the current system needs to be changed to accommodate for the different requirements of each category.

Djuricic suggests CIC “create three distinct pools of eligible applicants in three distinct classes. Skilled trades and CEC  applicants should not be competing against FSTW  applicants, since, by requirements, they must have higher education, language proficiency and be younger in order to qualify as an eligible applicants.”

Express Entry is still a fairly new system, and the hope is that it will soon be changed to account for some of the disadvantages it poses for candidates, be it skilled-trade workers or recent graduates – a category that, in fact, meets the education requirements, but lacks work experience. All eyes are now focused on the new Liberal government in hopes for a review of the Express Entry system.

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Financial literacy is an essential skill; it applies to everything, from how we spend our free time to where we choose to invest our resources. Without financial knowledge (budgeting skills, the ability to set priorities and understand the value of money), it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to live a stress-free, happy life.

As part of Financial Literacy Month, Ashton College has introduced some common money thought traps and how to avoid them. This week, we will be providing information on financial literacy to help you form healthy habits for managing your personal finances.

Learn Your Why

When it comes to money, we all are vulnerable to overspending, making rush decisions, getting ourselves in debt or losing money to unwise investments. However, some people seem to be keener on learning about money and forming saving habits than others. The main reason for that is motivation: knowing why you are saving, and what you are saving for.

Here are a few tips that can help you think about your money differently:

Set your goals!

Goals are the most important motivator. If you know what you are saving for, you will be less likely to give in to impulsive buying, more likely to create a savings account, and most importantly, likely to start contributing to it!

Take a moment to figure out what some of your short-term and long-term goals and dreams are. Would you like to buy a new piece of furniture? To save for a down payment? To get out of debt? Put your desires in front of you and estimate how much money you will need for it. That will give you an idea of how to set your priorities.

Discuss your goals

If you are not a great self-motivator – and even if you are – setting a goal is not always enough. The best way to hold yourself accountable is to share your goals and visions with the people close to you – your family or close friends. Spend some time discussing your goals with your spouse or your parents: see what their goals are, and what your goals are as a family. See what you need to achieve those goals, how much money and time would those goals and dreams demand. Publicly announcing your goals can encourage you to start forming healthier habits around your spending and saving.

Plan for your goals

The next step is to start planning for your dreams. Before creating the action plan on your spending, take some time to distinguish your wants versus your needs. For instance, you may need a new bed, but you may want a bed that will require an extra five months of savings. Look at the things you want and see whether it’s worth to get a more expensive object, which would require working harder, or a simpler object that satisfies your needs, while also helping you stay on track with your other goals.

Remember: set realistic and measurable smaller goals to encourage yourself to keep up with your healthy money habits. The next two sections will help you learn how to do so.

Get Organized

In order to set realistic goals and start working towards the things you want, you need to first figure out your financial situation.

Cash flow

Take some time to look at your salary and your expenses and see whether you are living within your means. Do a simple budgeting session to see what your income is, what your monthly expenses are, and how much can you potentially save each month. Doing this will help you to be realistic about your goals. For an example of budgeting, click here.

Savings account

A great way to have more financial security and ensure that you are not overspending is to have a savings account. Creating saving habits can take some time, but it can help you immensely to reach your goals and have the things that you want in life.

There are a few things to remember when it comes to forming savings habits:

• Be consistent: putting a little bit of money into savings from every paycheck is better than putting more money in there, but once in a blue moon.
• Know what you are saving for: whether you want it for a small purchase or for emergencies, knowing what the money is for can stop the temptation to spend it earlier.
• Take advantage of automatic deductions to savings: make saving money a priority – treat it as a bill if that helps! Make sure you do your budgeting beforehand, so that you know realistically how much you can put there.

Debt

Most of us have some debt on our shoulders, be it from a mortgage, student loans or credit cards. Unfortunately, having debt has become so normal in our society that people sometimes do not take the time to review their debt and start creating an action plan to become debt-free.

Be different! Look at your financial situation: How much do you own? What is the interest rate? How long will it take you to pay it off? Use one of the tools available online, such as a debt calculator, to be realistic about your payments.

Do Your Research

In order to take control of your money, you should take advantage of the resources available to you.

Tax advantage

Sometimes, keeping receipts for certain activities can help you save a lot of money that you are not even aware of. For instance, you can claim taxes on your transit, or on student books, which can amount to quite a bit. You can also take advantage of the tax-free savings account. Do your research and stay organized, and you’ll be able to get more returns at the end of the year.

Learn more online

Debt calculator is only one of the tools that can make your budgeting easier. There are many other things that can help you as well if you just look for it! Multiple books and articles are written on the topic of money; if you are not much of a reader – there are always audios and videos you can take advantage of!

Take the initiative to educate yourself on money matters. After all, it is your money, and it is you who will benefit from taking control of it.

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Chrystia Freeland is the Member of Parliament representing the University-Rosedale (Ontario) riding. On November 4th, 2015, Chrystia was appointed to the Cabinet of Canada as Minister for International Trade.

With the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement dominating international news, Freeman has been thrust into the spotlight.  She recently made headlines of her own after an appearance on Bill Maher resulted in a spirited debate with the titular host. Read on to find out more about Freenman’s life before politics and what challenges she’s faced during her first month in cabinet.

Background

Born in Peace River, Alberta, Freeland studied at Harvard where she received an undergraduate degree in Russian history and literature. She continued her studies on a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University. She went on to hold a series of positions at the Financial Times, including Deputy Editor, UK news editor, Moscow bureau chief, Eastern Europe correspondent, Editor of its weekend edition, Editor of FT.com, and US Managing Editor. Freeland also served as the Deputy Editor of The Globe and Mail from 1999 – 2001.

Freeland has written two books – Sale of the Century: The Inside Story of the Second Russian Revolution (2000) and Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Global Super-Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else (2012). Plutocrats, a New York Times best-seller, won both the National Business Book Award and the Lionel Gelber Prize in 2013. The book was the basis for her 2013 TED talk on income inequality.

Political Experience

Freeland won the Liberal nomination on September 15, 2013, and was elected to parliament on November 25, 2013, defeating Linda McQuaig of the New Democratic Party. She served as the Liberal Party of Canada’s trade critic for two years.

With the federal electoral redistribution for the 2015 federal election Freeland chose to seek election in newly created University-Rosedale electoral district rather than seek re-election in the adjusted Toronto Centre electoral district. She was elected to this seat on October 19, 2015.

Position on the Trans-Pacific Partnership

During the recent federal election campaign, the Liberals had promised to review the TPP pact, which was seven years in the making and had faced criticized for “secretive” negotiations throughout the process. The text of the agreement was released November 5th, one day after the Trudeau cabinet was announced and sworn in.

At the recent APEC Summit in Manila, Freeland made her first direct post-election comments regarding TPP — and, specifically, the Conservative’s promise to provide a $4.3-billion, 15-year compensation package to Canadian dairy farmers. The compensation package was put in place to reduce the impact of a  3.25-per-cent opening to foreign products entering this country once the TPP takes effect.

Chrystia Freeland sits beside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as they take part in a Trans-Pacific Partnership meeting at the APEC Summit in Manila, Philippines. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

“We appreciate the importance of compensation to affected sectors,” Freeland told reporters in Manila.

“It would be very inappropriate for us to commit to specific packages given that we’re actually reviewing the agreement overall…however, the TPP was not negotiated by our government, it was negotiated by the previous government and our job now is to carefully review the text and consult.”

With eleven other countries expected to go through a similar review process, agreement by all signatories is not expected for several years, by which time there could be another change of government- in this country and in others.

Head to Head With Bill Maher

Comedian and commentator Bill Maher and Freeland clashed when Maher claimed on his television show, Real Time with Bill Maher, that there is a small percentage of Muslims who support ISIL and practices like honour killings and forced marriages.

Maher started the segment off with the statistic that 56 per cent of Americans believe the Syrian refugees have values that are at odds with their values.

He went on to quote U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron who said “too often we have lacked the confidence to enforce our values for fears of causing offence”, a comment Freeland voiced her disagreement with by stating of Canada:

“I think it is incredibly important, particularly now, after the Paris attacks, particularly now with ISIL raging around the world, to stand up for real diversity. And to say our diversity is our strength.”

The discussion continued while Freeland fought back against the other guests on the show, including Ben Domenech of the Manhattan Institute, and Maine Senator Angus King, who supported some of her views.

Freeland has appeared in the past on Maher’s show and has also appeared on a number of other American shows as a panelist.

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For people looking for affordable housing, Vancouver might not be the best place to search. Despite being one of the most picturesque places in Canada, Vancouver is scaring off potential homebuyers with its real estate prices – a hyped up issue this year due in large part to the #DontHave1million social media campaign.

According to CBC news, the housing prices in Canada rose 9.5% last year, but that increase would only be 3.4% if you took out Vancouver and Toronto, Canada’s real estate price-boosters.

Vancouverites are concerned about the reasons for such a dramatic increase in housing prices. Prevalent commentary on the issue includes anecdotal speculations that real estate prices are rising because of foreign buyers, more specifically, people from Mainland China. Although some have blamed such responses on ignorance and exaggeration, it seems to be a common opinion among locals.

Chinese Buyers in Vancouver

Prior to 2015 there had been a distinct lack of empirical (or any) evidence on the issue of foreign investments, be it due to the difficulty coming up with an effective methodology, or lack of cooperation from the province. Recent research by Andy Yan, however, suggests that at least two-thirds of the housing in West Vancouver was acquired by people with a last name suggesting a link to China. Furthermore, this group accounted for more than 80 percent of houses sold that were valued at over $5-million.

The information from this study may not be sufficient to draw definite conclusions on the influence of foreign investors on market prices, but it does raise interesting questions. For example, the research showed that 36 percent of property in the study is now owned by homemakers and students. The question is, considering the fact that the median income for an individual with a bachelors degree is about $42,000, where did they get the money from? The suggestion is that the money was brought over from China.

A word of caution: the study is not implying that foreign investors from China are to blame for Vancouver real estate prices. However, if foreign investments have an influence on the market, the provincial government should be addressing this.

So What’s the Problem?

If we have foreign investors buying houses in Vancouver, the question remains, what are the concerns associated with foreign investment, and why is it a problem under the current regulations?

The Price

If foreign investors are buying houses for higher prices, it is reasonable to assume that the rest of the market will be affected: if there is great demand for high-price houses, the market is less likely to drop prices. This is a concern when interest rates stay low, making it possible for anyone to afford a house if they are willing to saddle themselves with a ton of personal debt.

Furthermore there is an issue of bidding wars: even when a house’s market price remains affordable (or at least acceptable) it is often sold for more than the asking price. It is possible that foreign buyers and investors also play their role in making it harder for others to match their price.

The Neighbours

The complaint is often heard that homes in some Vancouver neighbourhoods seem vacant or unoccupied for prolonged periods of time, or that they are bought and sold frequently with no one moving in or out. This phenomenon is often attributed to foreign buyers who either use foreign property as a financial investment, or only buy a house to use it for their summer vacation. This continues to drive prices up, but does not help to establish or develop a neighbourhood community.

In fact, places like Coal Harbour are notorious for their empty spaces and disappearing stores. With the nickname ‘Cold Harbour’, the area is known to be a home to many part-time residents. Some homeowners don’t stay for more than a few months a year, making both business and neighbour interactions close to impossible. Moreover, about a quarter of the condos in the area are investor-owned, but always unoccupied.

The Taxes

There has been concern about taxpayers who own a home in Canada but have a family member with an income source from working in their home country. They are referred to as “astronaut” families: the Canadian home owner has little declared income, while the real home buyer works (and lives) in another country. This can allow the owner to evade GST and capital gains. It is also assumed that many astronaut families come from the same areas as those with a prevalence of Chinese migrant buyers.

The BC government has promised to look further into the tax loophole and put an end to this tax avoidance by some homebuyers, but results remain to be seen.

The Money

Or more specifically, the laundering of it. This is becoming more of an issue in Canada, as it seems as though large sums of money can enter the country relatively easily.

The real estate market is said to be at a higher risk of being susceptible to money laundering than many other industries. For one, businesses and professionals are required to report every large (over $10,000) and suspicious transaction to FinTRAC (The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada). However, only eight suspicious transactions were filed by real estate agencies in the last three years (2012-2015) in Vancouver; a number that, according to experts, is very low.

The lack of reports from real estate agents to FinTRAC seem concerning, especially considering reports on the high volume of money coming into the country. In the past, real estate agents have said that they often do not deal directly with transactions, as the finalizing of deals often happens through lawyers, who are not obligated to report to FinTRAC. This discrepancy, unfortunately, gives more opportunities to abuse the current regulations.

There have also been noted cases when Canadian banks helped their clients find ways around the yearly limit ($50,000) on money allowed to be transported from China. Some banks were using multiple wire transactions and third parties to transfer higher sums of money, despite the Chinese law. On top of that, even when banks report suspicious transactions to FinTRAC, most of them end up going through anyway. There doesn’t seem to be much investigation into those transactions.

The Government

The concerns listed above may not necessarily be “proven”, as some might argue. However, they are still valid – at least due to the fact that they are recurrent enough to need more investigation. Many of the concerns (especially money laundering and tax loopholes) are attributed to the lenience of border laws and regulations. The province’s declaration to look into the issue is the first step towards change. The next step is determining how to conduct thorough investigations into these concerns and creating an action plan to fix them.

What’s Next?

So what could be done to help solve the ultimate problem: to drive the prices in Vancouver down? Here are a few suggestions:

• Allow researchers like Andy Yan to have access to data, so that more definite conclusions about the influence of foreign buyers can be drawn.
• Look further into tax regulations for home buyers and owners (not only on the provincial, but on the federal level).
• Petition the government to bring in new policies that could potentially help drive the market prices down, for example a discussion on the luxury tax, and make Vancouver more affordable for middle-class families.

Sources

Can you afford to live in Vancouver if you #donthave1million? – Global News

Average house price in Canada up 9.5% to $448,862 – CBC news

New study: Vancouver housing market fuelled by Chinese buyers– The Globe and Mail

Bidding war gets Vancouver homeowners more than $1 million over their asking price– National Post

At Vancouver’s ‘Cold Harbour’ a neighbourhood hollows out The Globe and Mail

B.C. pledges to close loophole that allows some real estate investors to dodge taxes– The Globe and Mail

Canadian banks helping clients bend rules to move money out of China – The Globe and Mail

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Immigration to Canada can be quite a complex process: you need to meet the requirements, fill in all the necessary forms, collect (and translate, if needed) the documents and wait for the application to be approved.

It is no wonder that people began to question if there is a way to simplify the application process and make it easier for the candidate. The question is, will the technological advancements work to our advantage?

The Problem

There are currently several key aspects in the immigration application process that can make it difficult for some candidates:

• It is a lengthy process. Filling out the forms and collecting the documents not only takes time and patience, but also requires persistence and attention to detail.
• People struggle with the forms. Sometimes, the questions in the forms and the language used may not be clear to the applicants. Candidates are also required to enter the same information into the forms several times, which can increase the likelihood of a typo or a mistake.
• It is difficult to apply on your own. In many cases, it is easier and more beneficial for the candidate to hire an immigration consultant or an immigration lawyer to ensure that the application is filled out correctly. Furthermore, apart from the application forms, there are various other documents that are also very language-specific, and the candidates may not be aware of all the requirements.

Ensuring that the application is filled out correctly takes a lot of time and energy, and can be frustrating for people without a background in immigration or law.

Potential Solutions?

Taking advantage of technological developments and widespread use of the internet, a few start-up enthusiasts have developed an online program that would help candidates with their immigration application forms. Called FastGate, the software was designed as a platform to simplify (and speed up) the immigration process by allowing candidates to enter their information into the form once, and then to be able to print all the necessary CIC forms for the immigration application.

The goal of the platform is to help candidates avoid mistakes when they are filling in multiple immigration forms, since those mistakes can be extremely costly, sometimes resulting in the rejection of the application due to misrepresentation.

Presently, FastGate project is still in development. There is only one application available on the website – the adult citizenship application, which is currently being updated. The effectiveness of the application and its use still remain to be seen. The owners, a law student named Myles Kaufman and a developer named Cody Wong, are hoping to work with CIC directly to allow direct input from FastGate to CIC; however, CIC officials are not ready to comment on the likeliness of this collaboration.

Benefits and Drawbacks

On the one hand, creating a helpful software program seems like a good idea because:

• it has the potential to minimize the mistakes made during the application,
• it can speed up the application process, and
• it ensures that all the information can be easily accessed and edited.

On the other hand, there are a lot of questions that need to be addressed when creating an online platform for immigration:

• Professionalism: It is critical to ensure that the developers of the tools for immigration know what they are doing. They should have a sufficient knowledge of both Canadian immigration law and immigration application process. The question arises whether the app developers have, or should have, ICCRC certification to ensure the effectiveness of the online tool for immigration.
• Liability: Any mistakes or glitches in the software can be quite costly for the applicants. Furthermore, there is the issue of ensuring privacy of the information entered. It is still unclear whether the online platform and its owners will be taking responsibility for those mistakes.
• Functionality: There have been success cases with the app before its updates; but its functionality still remains to be seen.
• Updates: Since the application is currently not collaborating directly with the CIC website, it has to be continuously monitored for the changes that happen in the immigration process (which is what is currently happening with FastGate). It can be an uncomfortable process that requires the applicants to wait, and also creates the potential of submitting older version of the form.

It is possible that, if CIC chooses to collaborate on the project, the online software platform will prove to be a good tool that could be used by applicants – and potentially by immigration consultants themselves. However, currently it may be safer and more efficient to consult a professional for immigration advice and assistance. Here at Ashton, we will continue to keep a close eye on the tools that could help with immigration application process.

 Sources

A Faster Gateway to Canadian Immigration – Torontoist

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Taking control of your money and being responsible in your spending and saving habits is an important part of financial literacy that applies not only to personal expenses, but to business expenses as well.

It is crucial for business owners to be organized with their finances, plan ahead with investments and avoid unnecessary spending. To conclude Financial Literacy Month, we’re introducing a few key mistakes business owners tend to make, and offering some suggestions on how to avoid making these missteps.

Don’t Spend Money Without a Budget

A lot of the principles used for personal budgeting can also be applied when creating a business budget. One should be able form saving habits, plan ahead, and determine how much money will be invested back into your business each month, among many other budgeting tasks. It is also very important to keep track of business-related receipts to maximize tax returns at the end of the year.

One key thing to watch over is travel expenses: gas, plane tickets, hotels and food can be very costly if you do not determine (and stick to) a budget for them.

Don’t Hire Too Quickly

Hiring the right fit for the organization is a difficult task. Often, employers are looking for someone who is both self-motivated and a team player, who has all the skills and characteristics necessary for the job, and who will bring “fresh blood” to the work environment without disrupting work dynamics. One of the dangers in recruitment, however, is the tendency to make quick decisions when hiring an individual.

Quite often, organizations do not have the time or resources to conduct extensive assessments to find out if a candidate is suitable for the job. What many companies don’t realize is that hiring the wrong person can bring a bigger financial and productivity loss to them than taking the time to ensure they are selecting the best candidate.

Furthermore, employers shouldn’t be relying solely on interviews as an assessment tool – it is better to complement the interviews with simulations, case studies, reference checks and other practices. For example, a person applying for a position that requires technical skills should be required to complete a technical assignment, since the interview alone is not sufficient in assessing these skills.

Don’t Go Wild during the Holiday Season

Discounted goods and services are a common practice during holiday season: it helps to attract more customers and generate more sales. However, businesses should be careful with offering big discounts, since it is easy to end up losing out financially when doing so. This is especially dangerous for smaller businesses, who may have smaller client base, or may already be have lower prices to stay competitive in the business.

The key is to find the balance that will both attract the customers and ensure the business stays profitable. A good practice to use is reaching out to the existing list of regular customers and followers, who may be more excited to support your business during holiday season.

If you are doing holiday discounts, you should also remember that there may be promotional cost associated with advertising. It is important to budget for those promotions, so that you do not end up losing money during the sale.

Don’t Advertise without Doing Research First

Advertising is necessary to ensure people are aware of your organization or company: what you stand for, how are you different, what are the ongoing promotions, etc. Advertising is also big during the holidays, since the goal is to reach out to as many potential customers as possible to ensure that they know about, and take advantage of the discounts you offer.

Despite its usefulness, advertising can be also be costly and quite ineffective, if one does not know how to use it. For example, pay per click advertising, even though it seems like a good option to reach out to people, may be a waste of money if you don’t know how to run an effective campaign. It is important to do your research and utilize the resources available online to ensure you have a successful advertising campaign.

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The Liberal government of Canada has revealed the details of its plan to relocate and resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees by February 2016.

In order to ensure the success of the plan, Prime Minister Trudeau and John McCallum, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, have exhorted Canadians to take responsibility for welcoming and providing hospitality to the 25,000 refugees who will arrive within the next few months, and recent estimates released by Statistics Canada illustrate that Canadian provinces have committed to honouring the government’s call to action. Ontario is expected to take in 10,000 refugees, British Columbia is estimated to host 3,500, and even Prince Edward Island will play a role, settling an estimated 400 refugees, or 0.24% of its population. However, these preliminary estimates show that no resettlements are anticipated in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the three northern territories that constitute a massive 39% of Canadian land area but only 0.003% of its population. The estimates may ultimately be amended because the Yukon government has pledged to support at least two refugee families, but both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have stated that resettlement will not be part of their contribution to the humanitarian effort.

So why are no Syrian refugees expected to resettle in northern Canada? The Canadian territories are large and sparsely populated regions, and while many northern communities are quite small, they also have a hospitable and supportive reputation. Indeed, Premier Christy Clark of British Columbia has suggested that Syrian refugees would find a happier welcome and more dedicated support in the small communities away from large metropolitan centres like Vancouver and Toronto, and commentators have also noted that remote communities would benefit more from the economic and cultural contributions of refugees than the established cosmopolitan cities. However, while the northern communities of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut have expressed welcome, support and sympathy for Syrian refugees, there are three major explanations for why it is unrealistic to expect that refugees will settle extensively in the Canadian territories.

Lack of Social Networks

After arriving in Canada, many immigrants and refugees alike depend upon the support of family members, relatives, friends and other members of their ethnic community during the first period of their integration into Canada. A strong support network can help immigrants and refugees adjust to life in Canada by aiding with challenges such as getting a job, finding a school, learning English or even navigating the transit system. As Syrian refugees begin to arrive in Canada throughout the remainder of 2015 and into 2016, they will benefit tremendously from the support of the ethnic Syrian diaspora that has been established in cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver for decades. Unfortunately, in the northern Canadian territories, the social networks and supports available to Syrian refugees will be extremely limited relative to those of metropolitan Canada.

In each of the three Canadian territories there are less than 100 Muslims, let alone ethnic Syrians, and the limited scope of relational ties, social networks and a familiar religious and ethnic community in the north means that new Syrian refugees are more likely to settle in larger Canadian cities with a more established diaspora.

Unstable Economy

The Canadian north does not have the population, agricultural and industrial base required to develop and sustain the comparatively robust economy of southern Canada. While there are a wide range of sometimes controversial explanations for this reality ranging from climate to colonialism, the fact of the matter is that the vast majority of immigrants and refugees are more likely to settle in regions where they believe they have the best opportunity to succeed in the Canadian economy. As of the most recent statistics, the unemployment rate in each of the territories is higher than the national average of 6.8%, with the Yukon just above the threshold at 6.9%, the Northwest Territories at 7.6% and Nunavut at double the national average with 12.3%. Compared to provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, where unemployment is at 5.8% and 6.5% respectively, it may be more difficult for newcomers to find a steady occupation in the north. Moreover, while incomes in the north can be remarkably high due to lucrative boom-bust resource extraction, Syrian refugees may be more attracted to the stable, developed tertiary economies of southern Canada. It is very possible to secure a livelihood in northern Canada, but refugees may consider themselves more likely to succeed in the metropolitan economies of southern Canada.

Insufficient Infrastructure

Perhaps the most significant explanation for why refugees are settling in southern Canada and not the north is that the three territorial governments of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut have very limited capacity to settle refugees within their jurisdiction. The Yukon government has committed to settling only two refugee families, but Doug Graham, the Yukon Minister of Education, has noted that “if we take two families … on a per capita basis, that would be more than most provinces would take.” The Northwest Territories and Nunavut have both expressed their support of the Liberal resettlement plan, and The Northwest Territories government donated $25,000 to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in September, and the territory is currently “exploring other ways to help because we do not already have a role in refugee settlement services,” according to then-Premier Bob McLeod. Nunavut has also contributed $25,000 in support of refugees to the Canadian Red Cross, but Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna perhaps described the situation best for all three Canadian territories by stating that “due to a number of challenges in Nunavut … our government doesn’t have the capacity to sponsor Syrian refugees,” though “should a community group or family choose to sponsor Syrian refugees, they will be welcomed with open arms.” While the three territorial governments have all expressed support for the refugee resettlement program, they simply do not have the capacity to settle refugees at a similar rate to larger Canadian provinces like Ontario and Quebec.

Though the governments and communities of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut have expressed welcome and support for the incoming Syrian refugees, resettlement in these vast northern regions is unlikely because the territories present limited social, cultural and economic opportunities for refugees compared to southern Canada. The estimates projecting little to no refugee settlement in the northern territories reflect the cultural and economic disparity between northern and southern Canada, and they fail to account for the tremendous support and sympathy that northern governments and communities have expressed for Syrian refugees.

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Jabeen Boga is an online instructor for Ashton’s Diploma in Human Resources Management program. She has taught a wide variety of HR modules, including: Organizational Effectiveness and Strategy, Employee and Labour Relations, Organizational Learning, and Development and Training.

Jabeen currently works as an HR consultant at Stantec, an international engineering firm, where she manages staff and employee relations and helps establish strategic business partnerships.

In addition to all this, Jabeen does a variety of work with British Columbia Human Resources Management Association (BCHRMA). She is a leader at HRMA for Career Advancements, assisting entry-level, intermediate and senior staff by providing workshops and mentoring HR professionals, assisting them with their career plans, HR-related advice and conflicts in the workplace. Jabeen is also a member of the advisory council for HRMA, where she is one of ten people helping to make decisions on HR-related issues all over BC.

Jabeen’s advice columns have appeared on BC jobs, where she has written on a wide spectrum of topics related to employment, marketability in the workplace and other HR issues. This December, she will also be featured in HRM Canada magazine as an HR rising star. Here, Jabeen shares her journey from an education in accounting to the top of the HR industry.

How did you get into the HR industry?

It has been an interesting path for me: I grew up in the family full of accountants, so I was pushed to be an accountant. In my third year of university, however, I realized that I don’t like it very much – I didn’t enjoy it as much as my family, so I began to wonder if it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

I decided to try out something different to see if there was something I was more interested in pursuing as a career. I completed a co-op term for a marketing position – I wasn’t even considering HR; I didn’t really know what it did, nor did I care then. The position was actually sales-related, and if you met the sales criteria, you got promoted to a Team Leader position. I got promoted within the first three weeks, so I was put in charge of a team, and I was accountable for them – their attendance, their performance, etc.

It was very interesting for me, because I had a chance to interview the people I would work with – and I got to decide how to interview then. On top of that, the first week for the people under my supervision was unpaid, so I had to come up with different incentive plans in order to retain them.

I was working with all these HR concepts and I realized I absolutely loved it. Everything, from team-building to everyday conversations, training to recruitment – I really enjoyed it. I was just a true generalist, without even knowing that I wanted to do HR.

I started wondering if it was possible to do a job like this outside of sales. So after the four-month co-op term, I continued on with school, and decided to focus on HR. I completed another co-op term for a recruitment agency, where I spent eight months; and I really enjoyed it. I eventually graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree in Business, specializing in HR.

After graduation, I started to work for KPMG in a generalist type of role; and since then I haven’t looked back.

What do you enjoy the most about your work?

What I enjoy the most is the wide variety of duties that are involved in an HR consultant’s role – you see a little bit of everything. I get to be exposed to different kinds of questions, problems and experiences in HR, and I really enjoy having that.

I also enjoy having the autonomy to think outside the box, while maintaining the legal framework, in order to find solutions in different situations. In HR, people come to you with various questions, and you are there to help them find the answer – and every situation is unique, there is no one ‘blanket’ formula. I like being able to draw on both legislation and my personal experiences, and having to really think through the situation and use applicable interpretation and strategic thinking.

What, in your opinion, are some key characteristics or skills that people need to succeed in the HR field?

In my opinion, the most important thing is being open-minded. You need to be able to try a variety of different things to figure out what you like. There are two streams in HR: you can be a specialist or a generalist, and without knowing what’s out there, it is very hard to chose a direction.

My advice would be: if there is a project, or something that comes up – volunteer to do it. If you try a variety of different things – you learn; and by doing new things, you are continuing to develop and grow. So having an open mind and stepping forward, even if it doesn’t directly correlate with your role, will provide you a with a diverse range of experiences to add to your portfolio.

Another piece of advice would be to be aware of the different areas of human resources. Quite often, we tend to think that HR is all about meeting people and having interactions – but it’s far more than that. You could, for instance, be by the computer, compiling metrics or doing filing. People are just a small component of HR work, and thinking that HR needs a “people’s person” is not really understanding what an HR role is. Sometimes, I don’t get to have as many personal interactions as I’d like, just because there is so much else to do. So it’s a lot of diversified skills.

Is there any advice that you would give to current HR students?

Sometimes people don’t want to do any roles outside of HR, because they are sure they want to go down the HR path. One important things for HR professionals, however, is not only the skill set you have, but also the industry exposure. If you have an opportunity to do a role outside of HR, I would advise that you take it in order to gain more industry knowledge.

Also, don’t be too quick to discard not-for-profit work, such as volunteering. You can gain a lot of skills by taking on volunteer roles, and those skills will be recognized by employers. If you are still developing your skills, or you don’t have the opportunity or capacity to work due to your commitments in school, or taking care of a family member or a child – why not take part in a two-day event, like the Salmon Festival? You can learn to recruit, work in a team, and do other tasks applicable to an HR role, and it is not as time-consuming as committing to a job. I would highly recommend seeking out those short-term volunteer opportunities to develop your skill set.

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On January 1, 2016, the Harmonized Life Licence Qualification Program (LLQP) will come into effect. The Harmonized LLQP standardizes the entry level qualifications of new entrants to the industry across all jurisdictions in Canada (including Québec).

Ashton College Financial Services instructor Becky Wong was one of three Ashton instructors who assisted in the creation of exam questions for the the new Harmonized LLQP certification exam. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing insight and feedback on the new Harmonized LLQP from each of these three industry experts.

What prompted the changes to the LLQP?

I can’t answer that in too much detail, the decision was made at the regulatory level. Regulators across the country decided they wanted to ensure more uniformity amongst the provinces when it came to the certification process and so the harmonization initiative began at that level. I think because the current system has been in place for such a long time (over 10 years), regulators recognized that it was time for a change. I know Quebec and BC were planning to conduct independent reviews of their programs, and the decision was made to conduct a national review and create the harmonized program.

As far as industry backlash or even reaction it’s been fairly limited, current LLQP designates know that their certification will still be valid and accepted so the effect on them is limited. I have noticed there has been some push by students interested in pursuing the designation to complete their training and the certification exam, perhaps they fear that the harmonized program will be more difficult or expensive, I’m not sure.

What are the key differences between LLQP after January 1, 2016, and the earlier version?

The main difference we’ll see is the transition to a series of open book modular exams, compared to the four hour sit-down closed format that is currently in place. Students who fail one module won’t be required to re-write the entire exam the way they are now, they’ll only be required to re-write the one specific modular exam. The open-book exam allows for more intensive questions that require candidates to demonstrate their ability to reason, synthesize and apply their knowledge rather than simply relying on memorization.

As far as content, for the most part it will remain the same, the focus is still on life insurance and accident and sickness Insurance products, segregated funds and annuities, and ensuring ethical behavior, the fact that the program is being harmonized means each province’s exam will change, but overall the goal of the program remains the same: to ensure complete proficiency in each of the modules and produce professionals who are prepared for entry into the insurance industry.

What will the Harmonized LLQP examination look like?

The new LLQP examination will be four modular exams with multiple choice questions. While the current examination is four hours and written in one sitting with no breaks, the new program will be 4 one-hour long exams that can be written in one day with breaks or spread out over several weeks or months.

Each exam consists of 20-25 multiple choice questions, while the current examination is 140 questions.

What tips do you have for students studying for the Harmonized LLQP exam?

Because the examination is open-book, students may assume it’s going to be easier for them. However, the design and complexity of the questions is changing, we’re moving away from recall and focusing more on testing the different levels of understanding, application, synthesis and evaluation. The answers they need will not be spelled out in their required material, they’ll have to apply what they’ve learned to answer the questions. Students should make an effort to complete as many practice questions as possible, and I would definitely recommend enrolling in review courses, especially if they find there is a particular module they are having trouble with.

The exams are time-limited, so it’s also important for students to thoroughly review the material and be familiar with their texts and organized with their time. Just like any other exam, be prepared, carefully read the question and consider what it is asking you, manage your time, and be confident!

About Becky Wong

Becky Wong is a long-standing financial services instructor at Ashton College. As well as providing Ashton students taking the CFP. CFP Capstone, EPC, CLU or LLQP with her extensive industry knowledge, Becky leads corporate training sessions for Ashton College with companies such as SunLife Financial and Investors Group.

Becky holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Manitoba and has a wide variety of accreditations, including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Management Advisor (FMA), and Elder Planning Council (EPC).

Becky is an independent Certified Financial Planner who works closely with individuals and businesses to ensure their financial goals are consistently met. She specializes in wealth accumulation and comprehensive financial planning, and is always happy to help educate her clients in areas that impact their personal financial portfolios. She provides professional advice in the areas of personal tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, investment strategies, personal risk management, and family philanthropy.

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It’s almost the new year- the perfect time to kick start your workplace wellness program and help your employees achieve their new years resolutions to be healthier.

According to the British Columbia Ministry of Health, Canadian workers spend an average of 10.5 hours a day at work and commuting to and from work. Workplaces are an ideal setting for promoting healthy behaviours and preventing disability and disease through healthy, safe work environments. Workplace wellness programs are also good for business; healthy work environments improve productivity and reduce costs related to absenteeism, lost productivity, turnover, workers’ compensation, and medical and disability claims.

Ideally, you will develop an overall plan for a workplace wellness program before beginning to plan specific wellness programs. For example, you can begin by getting the following elements in place:

• Support from senior management
• A wellness committee or team
• Information about the wellness needs and interests of employees
• A budget
• Program objectives
• An evaluation plan

Even if you don’t have the resources to implement a complete wellness program, there are several things you can do that show your employees you value their health.

1. Promote preventive care.

Offer healthy snacks for employees, encourage frequent hand-washing, and make it known that employees who are ill should not be attending work. Consider offering on-site flu vaccines to employees, or if your health insurance doesn’t cover it already, consider reimbursing employees for vaccination fees.

2. Encourage exercise.

Turn your office into an active campus. Consider offering covered, secure bike parking for commuters or provide showering facilities and locker rooms for employees who wish to workout at lunch. You could also consider promoting a lunch hour walking club and offering incentives for employees who participate.

3. Emphasize education.

Recruit speakers to lead lunchtime sessions on cooking healthy meals, stress management, or meditation. If you have the space, consider bringing in a yoga, tai chi, or aerobics instructors for lunchtime classes. Keep sessions entertaining but informative, and offer incentives for employees who attend.

4. Offer options

Encouraging alternative methods of transportation, such as bike sharing or public transit incentives, are beneficial to the workplace and the to the future of the environment. Encourage employees to take public transit by offering reimbursement for the associated costs.

5. Be mindful of mental health

Unmanaged stress has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and a host of other health issues. In the workplace, stress can lead to reduced productivity, job dissatisfaction, and absenteeism. Encourage employees to take simple steps to reduce stress, like taking several breaks a day to go for a walk, chat with a co-worker, or just get outside for a breath of fresh air.

If any of these ideas appeal to you, it may be time for your workplace to take a step in the wellness direction.

Both employers and employees have a responsibility for creating a healthy workplace. Employees are expected to arrive at work in good health, and the employer is expected to provide an environment that allows employees to maintain good health, enjoy their work, and contribute to the company’s success.

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When Pawan Tahilramani moved to Canada in 2007 from Qatar, he wanted to continue working in the Human Resources industry.

“I had been working as an Officer, and then a Senior Officer for HSBC’s HR division. However, my background was in engineering and I had no formal training in Human Resources.”

Without any formal education in HR, Pawan did not have the credentials he needed to break into the field in Canada. Persistent and driven, Pawan began to search for an academic program that would provide him with the necessary qualifications to work in Canada without requiring him to leave the workforce for an extended period of time. “I didn’t want anything too crazy, like a Master’s program, because it was going to take a lot of time. I was looking for something that covered all the basics of the HR industry in Canada; regulations, legislation, etc. I also knew that there was a specific certification, the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) that I wanted to work towards.”

Ashton College’s Diploma in Human Resources Management (DHRM) program offered Pawan the opportunity to become a CHRP in a timely manner and on his own terms. He says that the instructors made the course an exceptional experience for he and his fellow students thanks to their “wealth of experience” and commitment to helping students work through and understand the course material.

“One of the best things about the program for me was our instructor, Dr. Wiktor Tutlewski. At the time, he had over 16 years of work experience in a global HR environment. I believe I was extremely lucky to learn from him.”

Shortly after completing the DHRM program, Pawan found employment in his chosen field and quickly moved through the ranks and into his current position as an HR Director with Schneider Electric, a global corporation specializing in energy management and automation with over 10,000 employees. The company is a perfect fit for Pawan, who holds a Master’s in Solid State Electronics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic & Optoelectronic Engineering, both from the University of Manchester. When hiring employees for Schneider’s Solar Division, Pawan is now able to combine his undergraduate and post-graduate education with the HR principles he learned at Ashton.

Described by colleagues as a person who is “dedicated” and “always willing to go the extra mile”, Pawan is also a strong believer in the value of ongoing education. In 2013, Pawan demonstrated his commitment to lifelong learning by completing an HR Director Certification program at Cornell University.

Reflecting back on his decision to attend Ashton, Pawan was pleased with the choice he made.

“I don’t know where I would be without the program. It really helped me integrate into the Canadian workplace, and if given the choice again I would absolutely choose Ashton College.”

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Peter Perram is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant with 30 years of experience in the immigration field. For the past 15 years, Peter has served as an Immigration Manager with Guberman Garson Segal LLP allied with Deloitte and Touche LLP.

In this position, his duties include assisting with the immigration movement of the company’s individual staff and associates to Canada. Prior to his work at Deloitte and Touche, Peter worked as an independent immigration consultant, and in international airport immigration.

Peter recently joined Ashton College’s Online Education team as an instructor for the Immigration Consultant Diploma (IMCD) Program. In today’s article, Peter reflects on his career path and shares his tips for current Immigration Consultant students.

Why did you choose to go into immigration consulting?

I have followed this path from a young age, working as a Senior Immigration Officer (SIO) with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Of course, I could have gone other ways, but I like the values that immigration stands for, and the opportunities it offers to people. I realized there were a lot of people who were in need for advice and direction, so I decided to take on the role of the consultant. I was also motivated to succeed in the profession.

Why did you want to be an Ashton instructor?

I love teaching and coaching, and have conducted many teaching sessions prior to joining the Ashton team. Working for the government as an immigration officer, I frequently conducted and managed internal staff training sessions and some external presentations in different organizations related to immigration. I coach women’s hockey, and I believe that coaching and teaching have a lot of techniques in common. For instance, the success of the trainer and teacher depends on the ability to engage the student in learning – they have to believe what you are telling them is valuable, and have to listen to and apply what you are telling them in order to develop their skills and understanding of the material.

I started working as an instructor at Ashton College for the IMCD-Online Program this year. It was my first time teaching online, but I was enthusiastic to do it. I believe that online classes are a great opportunity for students to be engaged in learning – in fact, they may get more out of online education than in-class due to the interactive online features.
The atmosphere in the college and the support of the staff are phenomenal. I was also impressed by the students in the program; they were very intelligent, eager to learn, and participated actively in discussions, which made teaching even more enjoyable for me.

What’s your favourite thing about what you do?

I don’t think you can be in the immigration business if you don’t have a drive to help people. In my view, this should be your primary belief and motivation: to bring family together, to bring people into this country and give them an opportunity for a better life. This is the best driving force to have in the immigration profession.

Do you have any advice for people who are pursuing a career in immigration consulting?

I think what I say is applicable to any profession, but it is especially applicable to immigration: being successful is a matter of understanding your tasks and responsibilities and having the knowledge and expertise to help. It is important to know what you are dealing with in immigration: the moral and ethical principles, the key aspects of different immigration applications, etc.

However, I also believe that the key to success is choosing a niche. I would suggest immigration consultants try to become skilled at one or two things and concentrate on delivering those services the most. At the same time, it is still necessary to be good at all aspects of immigration and have a solid understanding of the overall immigration system, from the background and immigration history to the changes and updates to the immigration law.

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