March 16, 2008

Here is my story:

I am a young 29 year old university graduate from India. After I finished University I got a good job in my country.
I worked for a few years then my parents friends/relatives who live in Canada told my parents
that I should come to Canada. They kept pushing the issue with my parents, saying that Canada is the best and
eventually lured me into going.

I came to Canada in 2003 and quickly found out that my degree was useless. The universities I contacted said that I
would basically have to repeat my degree in Canada and I would get no credit for my existing one.

As you can expect I was very disappointed and frustrated, but these people who painted this rosy picture of Canada
told me to 'keep trying'.

In the meantime my funds were quickly running out so I got a job in a local factory. NEVER in my life had I experienced so much racism, than
what I faced in this factory. See I was placed with a group of about ten white people and everyday they bullied me.
Finally they went to the head manager and demanded that I be fired. I had done nothing wrong. He, of course, gave me some rubbish
that the factory production is low and that they don't need me.

On the last day of the job, the entire eight hour shift the group made racial and ethnic slurs and remarks toward me. I broke down into tears and left at the end
in the lowest moral I have ever been. I never thought Canada was like this.

Finally after this experience (and many more) I left in 2005 and came back home. We don't speak to those asshole relatives of ours who lured me to go to Canada.
I observed their life in Canada, and they themselves are working crappy jobs and living pay check to pay check.

Word of advice to people out there: please for your own sake, for your family sake, do not make mistakes that I have. Canada has nothing to offer immigrants, except lies, bankruptcy and racism.

Thank you to the makers of such a website. I wish I had known about it four or five years ago.

Gorpreet Gill
gorgill78 @ yahoo.ca

March 16, 2008

Dear Not Canada

I commend you for standing up against the misleading immigration to Canada misperception. My wife and I (South African) emigrated to Canada 5 years ago after having numerous tragedies in our family as a result of the rampant crime sponsored by the ANC government of South Africa. Let me NOT get into the crime situation in South Africa and rather concentrate on what your web site is about.

We looked at various countries, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada .... Canada above all seemed to boast the best of what we were looking for. Being pet owners our pets were coming with us and this may sound silly but Canada’s non-quarantine approach to us bringing our pets with was “one” of the deciding factors. We made application in late 1998 and went through the many rigorous procedures, medical tests and scores of documentation and paperwork. After 4 years and many thousands of Rands to process our application we were notified late in December 2000 that we had been accepted and had 3 months to emigrate.

Being business and home owners that was just not possible so we made application for extension to give us time to sell our businesses. That was 2001 and that year is such a blur it’s just not funny. Eventually we had our businesses sold, home sold, possessions sold / packed in containers and were ready to come to Canada. Then September 11 happened and our Visa’s were delayed for almost 5 months and eventually in March 2002 we left for Canada. Very sad day considering all the traumas our families had been through.

We arrived in Vancouver, Canada emotionally distraught but POSITIVE about our future in Canada. We were not willing to let anything get us down. We left South Africa with money which at that time equated back to only about $75,000-00 CAD. For us it seemed like a lot of money to get us settled and establish ourselves but we were very foolish thinking that.

First thing we had to do was find a house. We had to get a house because we had pets only weeks away from arriving. We searched high and low and eventually found a house in Burnaby With a garden which cost us $1400 per month. We thought we could manage with that until we found jobs etc. Our two dogs arrived after we had been in Canada for about 6 weeks and that all went very smoothly.

Without transport we were of course very stuck, especially looking for jobs. We went to various car dealers and everyone had a different story. We eventually went one day to Richmond Auto Mall and were met with a myriad of car dealers and were talked into a lease on a Nissan Sentra .... great car but at a hell of a monthly cost. This was probably one of the worst mistakes we ever made. We should of bought a cheap run down car and tried to get by.

We had to get the house because no flats or apartments would allows us to have pets and shortly after coming to Canada we discovered just how UNFRIENDLY Canada is towards pets and for that matter pet owners. We are animal lovers and have taken our two loyal dogs everywhere with us and they (or we) would not have it otherwise. It’s responsible looking after pets and all too easy to drop them at an animal shelter and hope someone else will take them. We are just not those kind of people. But that’s not the point.

Within weeks after arriving, after having rubbed the stars out of our eyes, we realised this was IT and we had to survive here. Not knowing a single person, having no family in Canada etc we knew we had NO support network like we had back in South Africa. Still we were gung-ho and the world (or Canada for that matter) was our oyster. We both started sending out Resume’s and seeing job agencies. This became so tiresome and lead to many fights between us due to the pressure of having to find a job.

After numerous Resume’s were sent out my wife eventually got a bite at Superpages as a sales clerk. At that point I had already sent out 100 or more Resume’s with not one reply so we had no choice other than for my wife to go to the interview at Superpages. The job was low paying and actually quite demeaning given our standard of running our own businesses and the kind of income we were used to. But we had no choice at that point and my wife went to work for Superpages. Her salary was just over $1000 a month ... $1200 if I am correct and there were commissions to be earned but only if you were a very crude salesmen. My wife and I are actually too honest and ethical so the monthly salary never got beyond $1500 per month. That was barely our rent covered.

I continued sending out Resume’s for about 6 months and did not have one interview. I am extremely good at what I do but Canada simply was not interested. Given the effects on 9/11 it is not surprising for most countries to not recognise anyone other than their own. Eventually with our $75000 running out I had no choice but to start my own business. Being a business owner since my early twenties I was not afraid whatsoever so I went ahead. Wanting to be legitimate I did all the enquiries with Burnaby and then started finding out I have to have a business license and I have to register for GST, PST and Lord knows what else. Anyways I had no choice, our money was reducing fast and I went ahead and did all the registrations (more unforeseen costs). Being a South African businessman I was used to the South African way of business “Start the business and thats it” I was not expecting all the additional costs, rules and legislation before I even started purchasing equipment. But that’s what come of a first world country, so advanced that everything is actually backwards.

Anyhow I went ahead and started my web hosting company which is what I was doing in South Africa prior to leaving. Advertising was expensive and with my wife being at Superpages I was talked into advertising with Superpages ... another BIG mistake. The only client lead I ever had from Superpages was the most difficult, irritating, paranoid client I have ever met in my life and certainly not worth the few thousand Dollars they were asking me for.

Regardless I got the business off the ground (barely) and started making a few extra hundred dollars per month but still not nearly enough to survive. Money was still running out.

Food in Canada is also rather expensive and our monthly rent of $1400 had at least another $1200 added to it just for food. Not to mention phone bills, hydro bills and bills, bills bills. Before we had batted an eyelid in Canada we were in for almost $3500 - $4000 per month. Between us we were earning just over $2500. This was only after 9 months. My wife eventually quit her job with Superpages and decided to join me and get more clients on board which she did but we were still slipping down and down every month.

I suffered greatly from depression due to the trauma I had been through in South Africa, the loss of my brother due to violent crime, the shooting of my father, my mothers’ hijacking and then of course the added strain of emigrating to Canada. The huge reduction in Sunlight hit me bad as being South African I am used to sunlight 365 days a year and that really got me down. Before long I was seeing psychologists in Canada and was on anti-depressants and not feeling very good. In fact when I look back at photos of myself in Canada and I look like death slightly warmed up.

After 16 months in Canada we left and came back to South Africa. Prior to leaving we were close to the point of going broke or being stuck in Canada and not being able to return home to South Africa. We managed to get a friend in Canada to take over the day to day runnings of the company and we came back home.

We returned back in South Africa with R35,000-00 and managed to buy a car and that was it ..... we were broke but we had a car. Family of ours down on the Garden Route of South Africa offered us a place to stay to get away from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg and we took up their offer. We were both emotionally distraught after doing a full emigration twice in 16 months. But we were back home and back to familiar surroundings. My wife is very enterprising and within 6 months of being back had bought her first piece of land which she sold 4 months later for almost a 200% profit. That was our saving grace. I was emotionally a dump and pretty useless for about a year after returning from Canada so our life was in her hands and thank the Lord she took control. Within a year after returning we had our own house again and had jobs. We were actually recovering. Now almost 4 years after returning we have accumulated assets to well over R3,000,000-00 (3 million Rand). This is something we would never have achieved in Canada ... EVER !!!!

While we both miss a LOT about Canada we do not miss the struggling. We also know after making some very good Canadian friends that the month to month struggle is not something that is exclusive to immigrants. Of the born and bred Vancouverites we met (and are still very good friends with) we know not one that does not struggle to make ends meet every month. So we know it was not just our alien faces in Canada that was the problem.

It seems the Canadian government as with any government around the world has made it increasingly difficult for anyone, even their own people, to survive and live a good and prosperous life. The government has conjured so many taxes for just about everything that life has become very difficult to enjoy, least of all live. This is a very sad state of affairs.

Our partner in Canada who still runs our business spends 90% of his time running the company for an income that is barely enough for one person, least of all a family of 4. Yet he has continued unabated mostly due to lack of choice and that it primarily what the Canadian government seems to hand out day after day ... A LACK OF CHOICE. Fit in, grin and bear it or just DIE !!!! A very poor and very undemocratic system if you ask me.

But .... it’s not my country and I cannot judge. South Africa is also full of problems even more so since the Canadian government has been talking to South African government over the years and introducing a multitude of Canadian style policies in South Africa. It’s like .... I left Canada but the nonsense followed me home.

I do miss Canada the country, the people, but CERTAINLY NOT the government. I always get a small tear in my eye when I think of Canada but I know we both would of ended up in dead end jobs living from month to month barely able to get by. Unfortunately this is the state of affairs for 90% of the populations in most countries today. It’s beyond being simply a government issue and is more of a world government issue, opress the people, give them no choice and they will just comply. Sounds like a chapter out of Animal Farm.

I don’t particularly like the South Africa government much either, perhaps I am just too much of a free thinker to buy into government lies and corruption.

Miss you Canada, but glad I managed to get back home without getting stuck there !!!!!

Yours Sincerely
Mitchell Krog
South Africa
mitchell @ allover.ca

March 16, 2008

Toronto divided by income and ethnicity
http://www.cbc.ca/video/popup.html?http://www.cbc.ca/mrl3/8752/news/features/cheung-divided-080306.wmv

"We-versus-them" mentality exposed
http://www.cbc.ca/video/popup_audio.html?http://www.cbc.ca/mrl3/8752/toronto/ondemand/audio/townhall-improve.wmv

Another IMG
goljanone @ yahoo.com

March 06, 2008

I think it is a wonderful site. It lets people know what canada can give them. My husband wanted us to immigrate in Canada. But somehow, I was never interested. I kept giving him excuses. On day we had an argument and we decided that we will apply for immigration but before that we will visit Canada and see the country first.

Believe me or not Canada was the worst experience of my life . They may advertise themselves as one of the most developed countries in the world but they do not have good medical services, have high insurance rates, education is so expensive and absolutely no jobs.

The tax system is beyond understanding. One can never calculate the final price one has to pay when he will reach the counter of the shop. And the worst thing, people around you are so depressed. You can just feel the depression in the air.

My husband disliked Canada more than I do and I am happy we never applied for immigration.

Ranjana Ahuja
ahranju2k @ rediffmail.com

March 06, 2008

Hi,

Had to say some stuff. Some I have said before (but have to reiterate) and some is new.

1] The stupid canuck might think that educated immigrants will stick for manual labor jobs forever. They really believe that a first world lifestyle is possible only in western counties. The problem is that new opportunities in the birth countries of immigrants are increasing at a pace never seen before and will be a much bigger impact on this belief in as little as 5 years.

If canucks raise taxes too much or this system collapses, they will be the first to leave. The end result would be a loss of even more revenue and productivity.

2] If people think that poorly payed mexicans in the US are going to keep playing nicely with the system, they are going to have quite a surprise (if you did not already have one). Mexicans believe that S.W of the US belongs to them. There is a reason they are not interested in integrating - they may be poor and educated, but they do see themselves as equals. Treating people poorly does have its delayed consequences, especially if their numbers are the growing faster than your group.

The whole situation with black slaves in the US was a special case because it occurred at a particular time and situation in history. It is unlikely to be repeated and attempts to do that to other groups will not work (as middle class white people in the US are finding out with mexicans).

3] Having said that, professional immigrants in the US are treated quite well regardless of their skin color. While you will encounter bitter laid off whites (middle or lower class), the reality is that even they accept that it beyond their control. At the end of the day, they would rather have a well payed educated immigrant (non-white) who pays taxes in their system and is at home, than loose that job to outsourcing. One brings and keeps money into the system, the other takes money out of the system.

There is a reason that educated indians and chinese have such a high median income in the US. There is reason they are well represented in high paying jobs and are successful at business. It is called meritocracy - but don't look for it in a canuck dictionary.

4] The stupid canuck has no concept of demography, benefit payment, tax collection issues etc. Canucks have no choice but to accept the concept of well payed immigrants, unless they want to live in the near future in poorly heated houses on dog food, with poor to non-existent medical care. If well paying jobs are not created in canada, the whole economic system here will fall down on itself.

There is no other solution to the demographic/ entitlement fiasco. Doing anything less or delaying will only make the final outcome even worser.

5] One of the problems with invoking capitalism and the unfairness of life being normal is that it can be used against you. Canucks might not understand or accept this concept.

The reality is that no professional immigrant believes that they have any duty to keep canucks fed, serviced and alive, if that arrangement does not benefit them more than it hurts them. If they find a better opportunity they will leave, or they will screw you over when things are not working well for you.

Canucks remind me of cocaine addicts who feel they are smart and invincible when they are on it. The problem is your stash is running out because of demography and the spread of education/ technology across the world. Are you going to like the feeling when you come of it? Till then enjoy your rapidly diminishing stash of feel good delusions.

who cares anyway
anyway.doyoucare @ gmail.com

March 05, 2008

Hi there,

Just wanted to let you know we posted a link to your site. We started
a exposé community site for New Zealand last November, and heard
about you from one of our members. We are also a not-for-profit
activist site, and have come under significant fire from Kiwis (they
take criticism very, very badly) after attracting media attention.

We really want to get the word out about NZ's big, fat downsides to
all the potential migrants, so I hope you'll consider helping us out
with a link as well.

Best,

Agness Kaku
www.expatexposed.com
admin @ expatexposed.com

March 05, 2008

Hi:

I know I have been posting a lot lately but there is another point I have thought about that may make sense to you when you cannot find a decent job.

The problem with Canada is that it has no Mexicans to speak of. Too cold for them.

In the USA, illegal Mexicans hold the worst jobs and the legal ones the next worst jobs. And people know a Mexican will work very hard. Harder than a black person in many cases, so much so that Mexicans are causing massive unemployment of black people here. To the point that that the blacks and Mexicans in some areas, like south central Los Angeles have started to shoot at each other.

Now, in Canada, remember that every Canadian child, by the time they finish high school represents a public investment of over $100,000. Double that if they went to college.Over $500,000 if they went to medical school. Now you expect them to waste that investment to hire you, a new immigrant in place of one of them considering that Canada does not generate enough top level jobs for everyone.

Also remember that Canada, like most capitalist countries is really controlled by those people that control the money. They are the ones that really tell the government what to do. The elections only determine which bodies are in Parliament. The wealthy, as in all capitalist countries really call the shots. What they want, is a low cost docile work force to do the crummy jobs that no Canadian with an education would want. No one in Canada raises a child to wash dishes or work in a slaughterhouse.

They need cheap labor but the powers that be in Canada also want to avoid the problems they have in the USA where there are so many ill educated Mexicans. The ill educated commit more crime and they have more children, placing a far greater burden on society to educate them.

But the powers that be have identified foreigners they can got to do the crummy jobs, who are far less likely to be a criminal and who tend to have fewer children. That is, people with a free education.

Remember that a Canadian kid represents a big investment. You as the immigrant have cost Canada nothing. And you education was free. And remember in the capitalist world one important fact to remember is that something that can be obtained for free has no value to the recipient.

Thus, by allowing in highly educated people they get workers more likely to be docile and who will tend to have fewer children. That your education goes to waste means nothing because the Canadian taxpayers did not pay for it.

Just like the times you spend waiting in a doctor's office. The cheapest thing they have is your time. Same on immigrating to Canada. The cheapest thing they have is the time that was used with you getting your education. But that education tells the government that you are more likely to be a good person that some person with no education.

Thus, please do not be surprised if the system is set up that your education goes to waste. They only reason Americans may be more willing to look at it is because they already have plenty of Mexicans for the crummy jobs. But the USA will not admit you either until you get a job offer there. Canada lets you in without a job so you will end up doing a crummy job no person born in Canada will do.

Is this fair. No. But in capitalist countries we have several sayings:

"Life is not fair"

"Never give a sucker an even break"

"Anything given for free has no value"

"Money talks"

One of the biggest lies in a capitalist country is:

"I'm from the government and I am here to help you"

So what I am saying the real system is one where your education tells the government you are likely to be a good person who won't have 12 kids. After that, they just want bodies for menial jobs that Canadians won't do.

As for the skills shortage, it is largely made up to keep the people born in Canada from asking for too much money either.

Chuckles The Clown
chuckles951 @ yahoo.com

March 04, 2008

Hi.

Below's the link to a Desi Life article I wrote, which may interst you. It's on pp 18-19. Turn the pages by clicking on the top right corners.

http://www.zegapi.com/view/?book_name=desi%20life%20aug07

Ashoke Dasgupta
dasgupta_ashoke @ yahoo.ca

March 03, 2008

I will tell you exactly why your credentials are not accepted by Canadian employers.

You have a degree from a fine foreign school yet cannot get a job with it in Canada. You got into the country with it OK but why do employers look at it like it was a dirty dish cloth?

The government accepted it because all they know is paper. But the government worker is only expected to look at paper but they are putting NO money it backing up their decision.

However, employers are betting real money that your diploma is real and you can really do what it says.

You worked for years for it, so why don't they accept it?

Thank your own country's people for that. So many of them have used flaso diplomas in the past that Canadian employers are wary of them. Essentially every one of them, including companies owned by immigrants have been stung by hiring someone who did not really know what they claimed, where the diploma was fake. However, by then they have spent thousands of dollars in wages on you, money they cannot get back if they fire you. The police won't help them as this is considered a civil matter and it is too costly to get a lawyer to sue you.

Besides it would look really bad for a Canadian employer to be suing a new Canadian over a false diploma.

The problem is that anyone with a computer and even a shareware graphics program can make a fake diploma, at least a realistic photocopy of one. And here in Los Angeles, I can get what looks like the real thing, for any school I like, say Harvard, for about $35.00, printed on parchment with realistic seals.

Or for $400, I can buy a degree from a diploma mill where they "evaluate my life experience". $100 more for a masters and another $100 for a doctorate.

I am sorry for the writer from Nigeria. Nigeria is considered by people in North America as one of the worst places in the entire world for corruption and scams. Nigeria is famous for junk emails claiming to share the loot with you if you help them transfer some money. No one here will ever believe any piece of paper coming from Nigeria.

As for other countries, because the Canadian employer can only easily check a Canadian diploma, and with a little difficulty, a US one, they tend to not consider ones that come from any other places.

This makes things really tough for you, the honest person who really knows how to do this stuff, but when you have trouble being taken seriously by a Canadian employer, place the blame on the small minority that came before you who were dishonest. I strongly recommend doing what I did before moving to the USA, lining up a job before you go. I know this can be very hard from many other countries, but it is about the only way your credentials will be honored.

I was lucky and got an offer on my first trip, but I have the extra valuable skill that not only can I design high technology electronics, I can build the actual prototypes and get them running. When I interviewed, I showed them CAD generated schematics and PCB layouts for a product I got a patent for eventually and showed them an assembled printed circuit board I did for the job.

Even for my first job out of school in Avionics, because I already did my own car repairs and built stereo equipment, I was able, on the first day, climb into a Cessna 150 and pull out the Nav-Com set and find an intermittent antenna plug. And fix it. While I took twice as long as it took me after I got more experience, the employer was able to bill a customer for work I did on my first day.

And that leads me to the next point. Schools outside of Canada and the USA have a reputation for teaching my memorization and just theory. Students from schools elsewhere do not seem to teach anything practical.

For example, working for me I have an Indian electronics engineer. We use her to program firmware in micro controllers. But when she needed to actually connect a piece of equipment and did not have the correct cable, she was helpless when I showed her the bin with the connectors and handed her some cable. It turns out she had never soldered a thing in her life. She said that was technician work.

I had to explain that we had one technician and he was busy for the next long time. If she wanted a cable she had to make it. So I had to teach her how to solder. It seems in India there are about 5 technicians for every engineer. That engineers do no hands on work. I wish I could find that many technicians. Here, we expect engineers to build stuff.

For example, the engineers at Stanford, Carnegie Mellon and a bunch of other schools last year built robot cars (full size ones) that competed to drive through a city the best for a $2,000,000 prize. We expect our students to do stuff like that before they graduate. At the University of Alberta in he 1970s we expected students to at least be able to build a working electronic device of some kind to graduate. And to work in the summers in industrial jobs. One summer I ran a machine in a paper mill that produced a 10 meter wide piece of news print at 100km/hour.

My daughter, right now in college, doing a thesis on the provision of emergency medical services on remote locations, in order to get first hand knowledge is also training as an emergency medical technician and working a 24 shift on weekends on an ambulance crew. And next week is interviewing the air ambulance operator for the freeways through the California desert.

That is the kind of thing employers here expect. The diploma is only a small part of it. It is also, what can you do. For real.

So this is my point. Your papers are essentially worthless to am employer. What they want to know is "what do you know how to do that adds value to the company from your first day". And you have to be able to demonstrate it. If your knowledge is all theoretical, you have little hope of a Canadian employer hiring you for your skills. The saying in Canada, and the USA, is that papers are fine but it is where the rubber meets the road is what matters.

How do you tell what the company needs? Research. You must research an employer before you interview with them. Even with a resume, for every one you send, your cover letter, which must be written special for every one you send. And you have to specifically detail what you can do that can help the company make money.

This is how I got plenty of jobs when I lived in Canada.

Just remember that it is not that Canadians don't like you. It is just that they are indifferent. They feel for you that you have a hard time getting a job but they also have their own needs to take care of. It takes so much effort to do well in a high cost country like Canada, they are just to busy to pay you much concern. Remember that just because they are a different ethnic group than you, they are still people.

And remember that if a hiring manager takes a chance on you and it does not work out, they can get into trouble. More so than one in the USA. So they are not as willing to take a chance on the unknown. And specially on diplomas and certificates of unknown quality. Mind you the American employer is also faster to fire people if you do not perform well from day one. I have seen people fired at my employer that would have been kept on in Canada. Including one person that I hired.

Daniel Fraser
dmfraser @ sbcglobal.net

March 03, 2008

I just want to echo what many on this site have already said. I've lived
in for 7 years now and I've never seen so many lies and hypocrites in my
entire life. I was educated (BSc and MBA) in the US and just like many
immigrants, I had no opportunity whatsoever to continue my career.

Soon after my arrival, I figured out Canadian immigration program is
nothing but a scam to rob immigrants of their life savings and use the
money to create some bullshit government jobs so Canadians (especially
in Atlantic Canada) have jobs, to support education system so Canadians
parents don't have to pay much for their kids education, and to pay Old
Age Security so Canadian retirees can maintain their lavish retirement
in Palm Spring, Arizona, and Florida. All these are accomplished on the
back of arriving immigrants.

But I stayed on because I know how to beat the system. Like the saying,
"when you're smart, you're smart." Canada might think that immigrants
are to be taken advantage of. Not this immigrant. Though I never had a
job here, I didn't let those rejections stop me from doing what this
immigrant's supposed to do. That is to suck the lifeblood of this
country. I've been day trading stocks ever since I got here and I've
made a shit load amount of money. I feel even better knowing that I've
made those money on the back of Canadians who entrust their hard-earned
money to some dip shit mutual fund managers. When those managers put in
their trade, I'll be there to profit from them. In my first year, I
saved $80,000 after taxes and living expenses and that number has grown
dramatically since then. Yes folks, it's that easy to profit from
Canadians because they're so goddamn stupid you won't believe it. Also,
I never shop in Canada. I always buy big ticket items from the US where
it's always cheaper.

In a couple of years, I'm going to be a millionaire. Not bad for someone
who works 3 hours a day. But I'm going to continue sucking the lifeblood
of this country. Every year I move my money out of Canada to minimize my
tax. When I'm finally qualified for Old Age, I will move out of Canada
so I don't have to pay taxes at all to Canada and yet still get the
money from it.

So thanks Canada and all you hypocritical canucks out there. Don't
forget that your job is to make me rich and not the other way around.

Name: H
Email: fuckcanada @ gmail.com
City: Vancouver
State/Province: BC
Country: Hell aka Canada

March 02, 2008

Hello,
I'm wondering aren't you afraid that the Canadian Goverment will try to
take down your website? Did you ever have such situation? I'm asking
because recently visa passes for Poles have been removed and I did some
research onto how ppl live in Canada and I came across Your very sincere
site. I must admit there are a lot of useful information and I probably
will pass Your web adress to other ppl willing going to Canada.

Nice job on creating a website with such a topic. Keep it up!

Marcin Nowak
dzolero @ plusnet.pl

February 27, 2008

Hi:

How many of you paid money to an immigration consultant? They make their money by helping you immigrate to a different country. Are you surprised that the real conditions are not as good as they said? If they did not get you to immigrate to Canada, they would not make money.

As for the government, if there were not as immigrants the people in the Canadian Immigration Department would lose their jobs. And in what country on this planet do government workers not put their needs ahead of those of other people, especially people who are not local citizens? Then they tell the same stories to the people above them, that there is so much demand, that the laws are amended to what amounts to a way to keep these workers employed.

I’m sorry but just because Canada is still mostly a “white” country, does not mean that the government workers do not put their needs first. Sure, they get paid enough to make bribes unattractive but they are still human beings. Not really any different from the government people in any other country. In Canada the main rule is

“Look out for number 1!”

So no, if you expect Canada to be the paradise an immigration consultant says or that a government worker says, then you are in for a big disappointment.

And you act surprised that you experience discrimination. I find that every racial group practices it. Just because the Canadian government says there is no discrimination has no bearing whether it is in the hearts of the people. Is this any different than your old country? You expected maybe that Canadians were some special breed of humans that are better than the people where you came from. Think again.

If you come to Canada it cannot be for your benefit. Even your children will not do as well. It is not until the third generation that immigrants get embraced as full members of a society. That is the way it has been historically and this has not changed. If you cannot handle this, please don’t come to Canada. If you are there already, either learn to cope with it or look to go somewhere else, maybe back to where you came from originally. I have found that people who go back after a few years abroad are actually taken very seriously and have little trouble becoming fairly big back home.

And yes, I am a native born Canadian of north European ancestry but I live in the Los Angeles area. After 49 years, the Canadian weather finally got to me.

Dan Fraser
dmf @ renkus-heinz.com

February 27, 2008

I wish I had seen this site before I went to Canada. Although I knew something was not quite right with Canada I went anyway. There is nothing on this site that is not true.

Luckily I was able to get out but it has set me back something serious. I can give you a run down of my take on the whole situation and why I had left within six months if you like but it will just be echoes of the 'big eight'.

I hope your site reaches far and wide and hits home to those who want to go there. I still hear all the time how people want to go to Canada and are amazed I left. When you try and tell them why, you can see in thier eyes they have just 'shut down'. The Canadian propaganda machine is a marvel to behold!! I still snowboard there but at the end of the two weeks I am always glad I get to leave, as is my Canadian wife!

Anyway, all the best

Ian Flower (UK)
mtb4ever @ hotmail.com

February 23, 2008

Hi everyone!

I never visit Canada before and I had no idea about what is go on there. Also I never plan to go there. I am from Moscow Russia but I do live in Sardinia Italy.

I have business across Europe and no reason to work any more. I do come to Russia time to time and I can hear the add on the radio say that Come to Canada!

I guess many Russians do come there without understanding about this place. I think they must learn more and be wear about life and jobs and etc there.

I think that you people that run this page do very good think by tell people full story.

I will be happy to talk with people that live there in Canada or move out so I can learn more about it.
So I can tell people in Russia.

Please do contact me and lets have chat!

Artiomino Antonov
artyom10 @ hotmail.com

February 22, 2008

Hi,
I just read a article and found this will be useful to those of the opinion that the kids born to immigrants have great future or doing well. This article sheds light on the maligns affecting canadian born visible minorities ( immigrants esp. asian ).

Times of India article dated Feb 15, 2007 Volume: 6; Issue:07. www.weeklytimesofindia.com

The essence of the article is:
The rate at which visible minorities born in canada wee the victims of violent crime in 2004 was three times higher than that of visible minorities born abroad ( 211 incidents for every 1000 people vs 69 per 1,000 people )

The factors: canadian born visible minorities are younger, more likely to be single and more likely to be low-income earners that their foreign-born counterparts. Canadian born visible minorities participate in a higher number of evening activities relate to greater victimization by violence.

This probably sheds light one of the aspects of born canadians dilemma. I personally don't feel that born canadians have a great life compared to the types of jobs they do like bank tellers, managers, customer service jobs etc. Many hate to do that type of time sensitive jobs though they have better communication being born here.

Suresh
sures_venkat @ yahoo.com

February 21, 2008

You folks seem surprised that what the government tells you is different than the reality? Have you ever known a government to know what is really going on? The people working in government seldom have any experience in the “real” world. They’re not evil or even stupid. Just inexperienced in how things really work.

It is obvious that those of you with university degrees have not figured out the system.

Here it is:

Immigrate to Canada as it is easier than the USA.

Work whatever crap job you can find until you can get Canadian citizenship. Drive a taxi or whatever. Just survive.

Find a job in the USA, preferably in the sun belt, and move there using a TN visa, which is very easy to get but only available once you have Canadian citizenship. Do note that this is for temporary jobs only. Use boards like monster.com. I came down here for a week in early January 2001, had three interviews lined up, was offered a job by January 10th and started on February 2nd, 2001. You have to be prepared to come here for interviews at your own expense, maybe 2-3 times and pay your own moving expenses.

Since a TN is only good for one year, though you can get as many new ones you want, once you have a US job using the TN, apply for an H-1B visa. If you don’t get it first try, get another TN visa for another one year temporary job and try again the next year.

Then you have six years to prove yourself valuable enough to have an employer sponsor you for immigration. And if you cannot impress anyone enough in that time, then tough. If you have a certification pending they will allow you to extend the H-1B past six years.

This process is 100% legal under existing USA law.

In the mean time, stop moaning about the bad weather. What did you expect moving to a place that far north? I was born in Canada and I got sick enough of it I now live in Orange County, California using the TN visa, then an H-1B and now my employer has applied for a green card for me.

And yes, jobs are tough to find in Canada. I never lacked for work but I have two skills that in short supply. I can fix anything and I know how to sell.

If you don’t have at least a bachelor’s degree then you’re out of luck.

Do a search for TN visa. Also look at www.goodbyecanada.com

Dan Fraser
dmf @ renkus-heinz.com

February 15, 2008

Hi
Did you know that in Canada anyone can be disabled without disability income. And I'm talking about person with medical condition even the doctors can't deny it and who has certificate from Revenue Canada for the purpose of tax deductible. So, how can you deduct anything from nothing?
When someone is not eligible for CPP because didn't work enough years in Canada (unfortunately International Social agreement won't help you out)
in theory he (she) could apply for the so called Provincial Disability Benefit.
This one if you check out closely is nothing but Welfare in a different name.
When the disabled is married, his or her eligibility for income support is based on "family income" when he or she is married.
If it is calculated that way, how come it is not based on an average Canadian family income. Besides isn't he or she an individual with rights?
Instead of that, if a makes more than $1200 a month (how far is that from an average income in BC clamed to be about $ 60,000 a year per family)
when someone is not receiving Disability benefit, locked out of everything as well.
In conclusion, without getting Disability benefit it is impossible to get any other benefit as well, because the first question is asked from even from the OC
Transport is about a yearly discounted Busspass. Are you getting dissability benefit? O, you don't, so sorry we can't help you then.
Interestingly enough, while a single person is exempt from healthcare payment if making less then $20,000 annually, a family's limit is $28,000 or less
(I can deduct $ 3000 disability allowance a year from my always seasonal income. What a joke).
We as a single income family, never get more Unemployment either, because there is no law to consider to support a disabled family member who is let down by this “No. 1 system" in every way. If we (I) had more than the above mentioned $28,000 annually a year or these days they can go back 2 years,
I'm simply asked to pay the full amount of monthly basic coverage cost while I'm getting unemployment benefit.
Working (healthy) couples don't have such limitations. One can make money, while the other is on Unemployment.
What kind of discriminating system is that?

I hope all this information helps others to understand how this system keep us out of rich from services available only to whom they may want only.

sincerely,
George
csucsu @ europe.com

February 15, 2008

Canada is one of G7 nations, the richest countries on planet Earth.
Peaceful, less corrupted government, and well-established social
welfare system and public health care. I have to say that few
countries provide better living to their citizens than Canada does for
Canadians and newcomers. Most Canadians should be proud of these. But,
does Canada match up the images it represents international world in
reality? I disagree with it. Canada runs down the hill. I feel sorry.

I moved to Canada in 2001 as an landed immigrant.
The first place was Toronto, Ontario.

After spending 7 years in this country, I decided to leave soon either
back home or a warm country. I miss the sunny days so much.

Canada is wonderful place for the refugees who come from third world
countries. Most immigrants who has professional career with strong
education background, Canada is worst nightmare especially non-English
people.

The weather is miserable. Winter is average six months most of area.
The cold is lethal. When it's cold day, here in Edmonton the
temperature drops thirty below zero Celsius. You figure how cold it
is. It's colder than most industrial deep freezer. During the winter
many businesses are slow down, massive laid off. People live under
welfare.

Inefficiency!! It takes two years to have a driver license. 10 hours
of behind wheel training make one drive a car safely.
All the streets of big cities are covered with warning prohibit signs.
There are tons of laws and by-laws.
Safe place to raise children? It has been reported average 60,000
missing children every year. Check the statistics of Canada. It's fact
yet the federal government has kept it quiet. U.S is 10 times of
Canada.

The only driving force of Canada's economy is Alberta at the moment.
The dirty oil industry. The house price has went up over five times
before the Oil boom started. A fifty year old house - $40,000 worth at
most - is sold around $200K. In Alberta, most working classes living
get worse. 40 or 50 years house mortgage comes out in the market.
People buy houses with those mortgage. I hope their brain is okay. The
realistic minimum wage in Alberta is $10/hr. Ontario has been the
major province for decades having over half of the national
population. Millions of people live under poverty mostly young
Canadians and immigrants. I had been that situation for 3 years.
Living under poverty destroys many individuals. Other provinces? You
figure.

I can't say much about the First Nations - Native Americans. Those
people's situation is out of imagination by a normal person. It's
tragic and the Canadian government let it happens everyday.

Most Canadians are nice, humble. I have met few friends. Coworkers are
friendly in general. When it comes to business, most of them turned
out to be liars from private business to federal government. There are
full of lies everywhere. Many liars and criminals who are breaking the
labour law are huge role of the whole economy. It's the exact clone of
my home country, which made me choose Canada for better living. Money
talks first in the world!! A hard-work person could be successful? I
doubt. They dislike smart immigrants neither give them a second
chance.

Health care system? The proper word is "sick care system." You become
so sick that prevents you can not continue work then, the system take
care of you. Because you are registered a rat in the medical
laboratory. The SARS panic. I was living in Toronto. My home country
right beside China did have nation-wide SARS panic. It's pathetic and
it really shows the level of health care system of Canada.
Is it free? I pay average $1,000 per year for basic coverage through
employer (50/50). An employer provides medical benefit is considered
good one. Why is that? The nation has public health care system.

Canada has only good place for trade workers IMHO. A Canada-born high
school graduate can have decent living if he/she meets a fair employer
luckily. The more a person gets educated, it becomes harder to find a
decent job. The labour law even allows employer use free labours:
co-op. Any business firms can use a university graduate without paying
a penny for months. You want to be a school teacher? It has the worst
internship environment. U.S always absorbs bright young Canadians and
qualified professionals including immigrants. Canada is an independent
nation. But, economic-wise, it's 51st state of U.S. Period. Canada
exports 80% of goods to U.S mostly natural resources, oil became a new
item.

I've had 17 jobs. The most memorable job was a tree planting. "What a
creative slavery system it is!!" The poor young Canadians. I'm a
successful immigrant based on the job I have at the moment. I'll make
$35/hr within two years if I enjoy working like a dog with the crazy
tax. I'm at the income bracket, which is the full amount of 5 days
work goes to income tax a month. But, what for? I can not collect
unemployment when I loose job either quit or wrongful dismiss. When I
get sick, I hardly get prompt treatment.

Thanks to Canada and people, I became a better person: learned English
- I do have accent but I use fluently, got to discover true me, have
a dream which had been so obscure.

If your country doesn't provide the basic human rights, no way to
fulfill your dream, Canada might be a choice. U.S, Australia are
better climate. At least you have chance to work eight to nine months
as full-time. Take a good look at yourself. If you have nothing to
loose, then give a shot. It would be one hell of riding. Wherever you
go, believe in yourself. It makes life much easier. Since I learned
how to trust myself, living aspect has changed 180 degrees.

Before closing this letter, I gotta tell this.
We live in fucked-up world nowadays. Isn't it? Any modern nations'
law killing is a serious crime. Countries have execution for it. By
the way, we elect leaders and give the mighty power to engage war
against other nations. Mass killing is Okay in government level?
Police man can kill suspect or criminal on duty to protect public or
own safety, and walk away from the violation of basic human rights.
Why is that? It's impossible a citizen have a decent job or living
with criminal back ground.

The children of innocence born and raised become soldiers. They go to
wars to win by means of violence. They become trained killing machine
with soul inside. I used to be in Korean army. Many youngsters love to
be a professional soldier. Do they fight for their people or being
brainwashed, used by corrupted small group of people?

It has been in this way for thousands years. If we justify killing of
human being, every irrational, immoral behaviors of powerful
individuals are taken granted. The society becomes a big mess.
Brainwashed general public, suppression, we drain all our energy and
time to compete each other without knowing the truth - corrupted
power. The nation engages another war again distracting, injecting
mass fear into citizens, make them powerless.

Immigrants are special breed. They are different somewhat extreme.
Many of them have lived different nations. They have at least balanced
thoughts or views around the world. I hope if you live in Canada until
death, you should do something for make it better place. It's hard
thing to do but I believe in it's worth.

A man's talk touched my heart. "As one human races, we should take
care ourselves. They should be no mass killing. Every individual on
Earth should live with dignity and basic necessities: house, food,
clothes. If we are the noble intelligent species."

Let's hope.

Chung Hun-kyu
Korean, likely Canadian, prefer to be a human
Ninenineone Efx
efx.ninenineone @ gmail.com

February 14, 2008

Hello;

First of all, I just want to say thank you for exposing the misguided
opinions of my regarding Canada and its "accepting" policies. I
recently went on an extended trip to Canada, and upon finding out I
was from the United States.....I was instantly outcast. I grew up
seeing the enthusiastically friendly relationship between our
president Ronald Reagan and prime minister Mulrooney, and I
automatically assumed that Canadians would be nothing but hospitable
neighbors. I was obviously wrong. In Montreal, I was harassed because
I did not speak "French" (so much for linguistic acceptance). In
Toronto, people called me a "War Monger", simply because I expressed
my support for my democratically elected president. In Vancouver, my
last stop, I was subject to endless harassment from homosexuals and
Oriental people. Please do not take this as a judgement of your
country as a whole. I'm certain that like the United States, you have
an arrogant "urban" class, and a much more moral populus in the middle
of the country. Thank you again for exposing such truths. We must work
together for change. God bless our friendship!

Thank You;

Jarred Mertaugh
jarred.mertaugh @ gmail.com

February 08, 2008

Hello everybody:
I come from Israel. When I moved to Canada in July 2003 I was 23 years old and knew I needed a degree from Canada even though I do have mine from Israel. Anyway, what i did was I took student loan from Ontario and finished my Bachelor of business administration with a debt of 45 thousand dollars. In August 2007 I graduated from ' Canadian Univerisities' but I could not find a job because of discrimination issue and other stupid reasons employers claim even though my friends from here could find a job easily with lower average.

Now, I realized that education or Canadian experience are not the core problem but rather discrimination and slavery system as you are all aware of.

THE SOLUTION: I am going back to school for my MBA and i will take a student loan again as I donot wanna pay a penny out of my pocket. After I finish I will go back home or to Australia or USA. BUT WAIT, I will go bankrupt before I move out of here and I will cost the governement and this economy tens of thousands of dollars as follows:

1. 75,000$ Student loan
2. 150,000 Master and VisaCards

So I will leave this country with at least 120,000. It is a good capital I think and then I will say to Canada Shaloom.

GO Bankrupt
Shame on you

David Ya'aloon

Gulf Lance
gulf_lance @ hotmail.com

January 17, 2008

I have finally figured out why the Canadian government brings in over 250,000 of immigrants each year. They don't expect to be able to keep a large portion of them. The large numbers of immigrants that are brought in every year are to cater for an anticipated outflow of immigrants from Canada every year, that the Canadian government knows will occur.

When I saw the explanation here http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=222593 on Google answers it all suddenly made sense. This immigration business in Canada is just that, a business. Knowing full well that many immigrants will leave when confronted with the reality of life in Canada, the government has built a system which caters for that eventuality by taking in a larger number of immigrants than needed. There is an an anticipation of keeping some residual amount, but this explains why the Governments keeps bringing people in when there are no jobs for them.

Katherine
kristaal6340 @ yahoo.com

January 16, 2008

As usual some braindead canucks are up to no good again..

So here it goes

//1) We really dont need you here despite what you think//

Sadly, your government thinks otherwise. If you had any understanding of math and economics, you would realize why. But then again your 'canadian' math and economics might be "different". Honestly, do they teach you anything that can be used in the real world - you know the one that exists, not the one in your dreams.

//2) We do like white immigrants and dont like you non whites. get used to it.//

Some bad news for you. Your so called group is irreversibly becoming older, less fertile, less productive, less innovative. Your numbers are shrinking- all over the world. It is over.. It is you who has to accept this reality. Do you understand the concept of reality? Hint- It is what exists in the real world, not in your 'make believe' world.

//3) If we are so bad why do you want to come here ? Didnt you do your homework before you got here ? If not, you really are as stupid as we think.//

Because most who came here were misled and lied to, but then again, that is normal canuck behavior.

You are going to find how stupid non-whites are when they stop contributing (one way or the other) to your tax system. It is already happening- you see, because of their low income, they use a little more of tax dollars than they put in the system. If things improve in their birth countries, or taxes get worser here, you will be on your own and you won't like it.

I do hope you have considered that your retirement would include living in an under-heated unrepaired house eating dog food (good cat food will be too expensive for you). And if you are of working age, then you will be taxed into poverty.

//4) If you or your decendants think you will ever be accepted, think again, you'll always be thought of as outsiders. It you only knew what was being said about you.//

Non-white immigrants do not have to care if their kids are accepted, because they will be the majority (initially in the working population). It is your kids that will have to worry about acceptance in the new system (assuming you have any).

I would not be too optimistic about your kids not facing prejudice and discrimination, what goes around comes around.

PS- What canucks like you think about non-white immigrants is well known and reciprocal. Do you really think they (future taxpayers) want to keep paying for your retirement and health care benefits. Do you really think they are going to help you, even a little bit, when you need them.

//5) This country is on the brink of putting all of you in your place, its just beneath the surface now.Keep it up, and you'll find out how unhospitable we can be.//

You are a rapidly aging and declining population with a strong but false sense of race based superiority and entitlement. Your whole economic system can (and will) go insolvent pretty quickly.

Your opponents are much younger, more fertile, more educated, smarter and don't like you.

If I had to place a bet on who would win, it certainly would not be you.

To recap, canucks should realize that non-white immigrants do not actually have to do anything bad to screw up your future. They can achieve that by doing nothing useful, not being helpful, and taking more out of your system than they put in it. They have an option and a future, you have neither. Consider that..

anyway.doyoucare @ gmail.com

January 15, 2008

To my fellow immigrants and would-be immigrants,

RE: LABOUR MARKET OUTCOMES FOR MIGRANT PROFESSIONALS: CANADA AND AUSTRALIA COMPARED

I have seen a lot of anecdotal information in this forum - often baseless and without reliable sources. It is my intention to post studies critical of the Canadian immigration system, exposing its flaws and suggest possible remedies to improve it. This study was written by Lesleyanne Hawthorne of University of Melbourne and was commissioned by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Human Resouces and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) to compare immigrants' performance in the labour market between these two countries. This study included diverse occupations like engineering, IT, accounting, medicine, etc. and compared principal applicants only (not family class or refugees). I have summarized here important points which highlight the fact that Canada is not a good place for immigrants:

(a) Unemployment represented a more significant problem in Canada, with 14.7% of immigrant arrivals unemployed compared to 7.8% in Australia;

(b) While 64.9% of immigrant arrivals to Canada were employed in 2001, we have seen just 29.8% were in professional work, 5% in administration/management and 6.3% in associate professional roles. The comparable rates for Australia were 31.4%, 7.6% and 6.2%. Overall 23.8% of immigrants had accepted very de-skilled work in Canada, compared to only 20.7% in Australia;

(c) In terms of outcomes by place of birth, it is worth noting that a range of recently arrived immigrants had performed better in Canada than in Australia. For example 25% of North West European immigrants were employed in their profession by 2001 (compared to 21.7% in Australia);

(d) The Canadian data confirmed generally tougher labour market entry for new graduates than in Australia;

(e) For every Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) in Canada, the best labour market integration rates were secured by birthplace groups favoured by Canadian employers. These include immigrants from UK/Ireland (68% were employed in Toronto in a professional or managerial position), USA (69%), South Africa (70%), Australia/New Zealand (69%) and Northwest Europe (69%);

(f) The following recently-arrived immigrant groups were least likely to have found any kind of work in the examined CMA in Canada: South and Central Asia and China/Taiwan;

(g) Employment outcomes had greatly improved in Australia for Principal Applicants (PAs);

(h) Level of employment and job satisfaction had substantially improved for economic PAs in Australia since the mid-1990s, with select outcomes also improving in Canada;

(i) Salaries had risen markedly for economic Principal Applicants (PAs) in Australia rather than in Canada;

(j) Should Canada wish to improve labour market conditions for the economic category in the period ahead, a more radical overhaul of economic selection criteria seems warranted than the gentle fine-tuning associated with the 2002 Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), from which benefits remain in doubt.

I will be posting in this forum landmark studies that help shape reforms in immigration polices accross members of the G8 and also studies which highlight the looming economic troubles Canada will face in the future.

DISCLAIMER: This post should not be construed as promoting Australia as a destination of choice for potential immigrants. But rather studies and information such as these should be factored in making life-changing decisions such as immigration. I admit - I didn't do my homework properly before coming here in Canada. My intention is to help other would-be immigrants in making informed choices before deciding to choose Canada as a country to settle and spend the rest of their lives. Thank you.

Proud Filipino
Michael Batu
micmic_barrios @ yahoo.com

January 14, 2008

Hi,

My name is Chirag Patel, and I was wondering if I am able to meet with you in-person to get some help and advice on how to be successful with Immigration Canada. I am working for a new, non-profit organiation called Immigration Against Immigration Fraud. Here are some links:

http://stopmarriagefraud.ca
http://www.canadiansagainstimmigrationfraud.com
http://www.nriinternet.com/Marriages/A_Z/P/Chirag_Patel/ (my story)

I think you can also help us to network with people. I, myself, support you for your cause, because my father, too, had difficulties finding a job as an engineer in Canada, and had to satisfy himself for a machine-operator job. He fill ill, and developed a brain tumour in the early 90's and passed away in 2003.

Please contact me

Thanks,

Chirag Patel
chiragpatel478 @ hotmail.com

January 12, 2008

To All Canadian Immigrants, Which who suffered " Broken Promises"

Why I am in Canada : Uncertainty, a matter of survival, no hope of this country. A bubble economy. No immigration the bubble will explode like an earth quake.
Do you think You are a Proprietor ? Someone has given you a property with a false anticipated high growth projection ( Your Home-means a shelter) If any one misguide, your investment will grow five fold with in 25 years, it is 100% wrong. The trend is already started declaiming " Home sales in North America".

Every Action is an equal and opposite reaction : If the immigration department cheated you, It is adversely affected with those promised lands.

Where is the Prosperity of Old Immigrants. The Old immigrants lost their prosperity to maintain their second generation. The result, bring more immigrants and increase human resource for the resource of few thugs. named as agencies.

Do not believe any national media, full of wrong information's and projected calculations. Part of organized groups media manipulations.

Internet is an open media, Share your experience, honest way.

Think Do you want to stay in a ruined place. Be involve in Democracy with active politics. In a Democracy a country can not hide themselves from other nations.

With Regards,
David Mathew,

dmathew @ acanac.net

January 12, 2008

you people make me sick.

You fucken third world losers who come here with some unbelievable sence of entitlement and then turn around and call your hosts names.

Here are some facts
1) We really dont need you here despite what you think

2) We do like white immigrants and dont like you non whites. get used to it.

3) If we are so bad why do you want to come here ? Didnt you do your homework before you got here ? If not, you really are as stupid as we think.

4) If you or your decendants think you will ever be accepted, think again, you'll always be thought of as outsiders. It you only knew what was being said about you.

5) This country is on the brink of putting all of you in your place, its just beneath the surface now.Keep it up, and you'll find out how unhospitable we can be.

Mike Smith
unknownzone2 @ hotmail.com

January 11, 2008

Canada is merely a ravish country especially in the field of Culture, Weather and Works. In this country, you can't rely on three W; those are Weather, Works and Woman.

Weather: Canada is a country of imbalance weather. If you see today's temperature -10 degree Celsius, after two days you will see 12 degree Celsius. This type of fluctuation is now (January 2008) prevailing in Canada. For this reason many people are getting more and sicker. For medical treatment, itʼs a horrible scenario - Canada government is doing in the name of free medical facility. If you go to hospital for emergency treatment for getting severe accident, still you have to wait minimum 6-7 hours for getting a doctor for your treatment. This is a single instance. There are many many instances which you can't think even you are being lived in a poor country.

Works: Definitely you'll not get office job. As because you have no Canadian experience and you have no Canadian accent to communicate with people. Racism is also a severe problem. Severe in this sense that they will not show before you that they are racists. But they (Canadian Employers) always maintain their racism mentality inside their minds. Their face (talking) is sweet but inside is dangerous just like a prostitute.

You will get labour job. But for this, you have to do struggle. After getting labour job, you can't expect that this job will be lasted for tomorrow. Even if you show best performance, after some days will give you lay-off or they will advise you to contact with your Agent. If you give them choice for day shift job, after some days they can transfer you to night shift. If you tell them that you have serious family problem, then they will tell you to quit the job. Alternatively if you request for Lay-off, they will reply that they have not such plan. They will give lay-off to those people who didn't expect that lay-off. People working in Celestica, Toronto are experiencing this type of misery recently.

In a nutshell, you will find a modern system of slavery in the field of labour market in Canada.

Woman: After arriving in Canada, woman finds a different type of smell in the air of Canada which may be seductive for a man.

In fact, Canada is not a suitable place for educated immigrants. This country is suitable for those people who have no such a mentionable education background. But they can speak in English like people from West Indies, Mexico,Cuba. This is also a country for refugees.

Canada government now realized that what they did with educated immigrants was not fair at all. Thatʼs why they have now planned (CIC plan for 2008) to issue immigration visa to those people who are now living in Canada having valid papers- especially the students who completed their education. It is now proved that our concern as well as NotCanada.Com's concern on immigration issue is genuine.

Michael French
fc26307 @ yahoo.com

January 11, 2008

To my fellow immigrants,

I have reproduced an article which caught my attention. Its a reality that some of us have accepted or did not accept. But it happened and still happens. I lifted it in verbatim from The Globe and Mail, January 4, 2008, Globe Life Section page L6. Here it goes...

THE JOB IS FILLED. CLICK; INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE? FLUENT IN SEVEN LANGUAGES? I'M SORRY, THE MANAGER IS NOT AVAILABLE

Welcome to Canada. A brief smile and a nod. Get my luggage, peck on the cheek and off we go.
Take in the sights, walk around neighbourhoods, navigate the transit system, absorb the ambience - the honeymoon period. CN Tower: check. Kensington Market: check. Niagara Falls: check (wow!) - the tourist period.

Welcome to Toronto! This is the website where you can find job postings; make sure you check it regularly. Oh, you're familiar with it from abroad? And you've been applying for months already? Remember, 80 per cent of jobs are in the hidden job market - networking is the way to go. Yes, yes, I see, how does a newcomer manage to network? All right, here are the workshops we offer on writing resumés, doing interviews, job search strategies. No, we won't actually find a job for you; we'll give you the skills so you can do it yourself.

I'm sorry, the manager is not available, what is this regarding? I'm afraid our company doesn't have any current openings. Check the website regularly. Thank you. Click.

Hi, the position has been filled internally. Thank you for your interest. Click.

Yes, we are still accepting resumés. Please e-mail human resources and we will get back to you. Oh, you've sent it already? Please wait until someone from our company contacts you. Thank you for applying. Click.

The manager is in a meeting, may I ask who is calling? You need to make an appointment to see the manager in person, and he is booked solid until February. I'm sorry, what is this regarding? Yes, I'm sure he has read your letter and knows what an asset you would be to our company. Yes, fluent in several languages, years of co-ordinating international operations and logistics. ... Can I put you on hold? Click.

Tell me about your work experience. No Canadian experience, eh? But you have worked in international trade, foreign relations and policy analysis since I was in diapers? I'm sorry, the North American work environment is very specific and we need someone with local knowledge. Oh, but you have a graduate degree from a leading university in the United States? Canada is different and we cannot use your skills. We will call you if something opens. Thank you for your interest. Click.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit an electronic version of their application outlining their education, experience and contact information for three references.

I'm sorry, your application is incomplete, please complete the references field. Your references are international? Write them down, of course we will call them. Our company hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, including people with disabilities, members of visible minorities and aboriginal persons. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for submitting the form.

Describe a situation where you have had to deal with a difficult customer and how you handled it. Furious dignitaries? Trade fiascos? No, no, I mean when someone got upset and you talked them down. Company CEOs don't count. How about someone who had a problem with your management's service? Yes, yes, if you were the management that works too, like, whatever ...

Come out West, we need employees with every skill! What trade do you have: Can you weld, are you a carpenter? We might have some office work for you too, sure. What do you know about oil? Are you up to speed on the oil sands? If you want to make money you should consider the oil industry, but you know, with your age. ... Physical labour will earn you the big bucks, but hey come anyway and we'll find you something. You bet, just call when you arrive, settle down and we'll figure it out. Yes, it's true, housing availability is at a historic low and rent prices have exploded, but we're sure you'll manage.

Can you count money? You show up on time? You speak English? Ha ha, I know you are speaking English to me right now, but I mean English like these Canadians. You know, double-double? Toonie? Loonie? Okay, you try for two days and we see if you are good. I need somebody for 14 hours tomorrow and 12 on Wednesday.

Pay? If you stay I pay you cash, if you go, sorry. Pay is soon, yes, don't worry so much. You press No. 1 for this and No. 2 for that. Don't forget. If they ask you for No. 3, just say we are out. When I fix it, you press No. 3 when they ask. Don't forget.

One vanilla chai latte with skim milk and chocolate sprinkles. Keep the change? I will, thank you. Click. Have a nice day. A brief smile and a nod.

Note: The writer of this article currently survives in Toronto.

Please post this - many thanks!

Michael Batu
micmic_barrios @ yahoo.com

January 06, 2008

To my Kababayans (Fellowmen) and immigrants like myself,

I recently recieved an email from the biggest immigration consultancy agency in the Philippines. For fairness, I will not reveal the name of the company in this post. I am wondering how my email address got into their list as I am already a permanent resident in this "great" place, however, thats another story.
I have quoted the email and I will give my comments after the quotes:
--------------------------
"Most of those who have already moved to Canada testified that the welfare benefits betweeen Canada and Philippines are incomparable.
a) A free, quality education means that you no longer have to worry about your children's future.
b) Getting a job is not even a problem. Jobs are abundant, particularly if you are a qualified skilled worker.
c) When you retire, which most Filipino workers dread to happen, the government of canada has made retirement years truly golden years.

Now tell me! Will you let this opportunity pass by only because you still have not made up your mind? Since you still have time and the odds are on your side, then why delay making decision? or would you rather see your self regretting that you should applied years ago?
Everybody is responsible for his destiny. You are accountable for whatever actions you take. Your parents have given you a good education, make good use of it. You have a solid working experience; use it your advantage. A good future waits to those who are persistent on chasing their dreams.
While you are still young, in good health and the situations are working in favor of you, decide : should you apply or not?
Make a commitment to yourself by leaping into the opportunity while the timer has just started; otherwise, once it stops, there is no more time left for you. Once you decide, you will thank yourself for making such a smart move!
An opportunity is being presented to you, it is up to you to decide to waste it or take advantage of it.
We can give this to you if you want to."
--------------------------
There are a lot of points in this email that I like to refute and raise some questions for you to ponder on. Most of the facts that I will use are the ones posted here and we have heard them perhaps a thousand times. However, the difference is that this post is directed to a particular audience - the Filipino migrants and most importantly to would-be migrants (which comprise the third source country for immigration Canada-wide, the largest visible minority group in Manitoba - Winnipeg in particular - and the third largest visible minority group in Toronto). I hope the notcanada team would post this as its is my first.

To the stuff. It said that "Most of those who have already moved to Canada testified that the welfare benefits betweeen Canada and Philippines are incomparable". They must have not read this forum or those who testified lied. Their campaign on the outset focuses on the beauty of welfare system in Canada. I tell you if you have been an avid reader of this forum and did your own research you would easily say that the claim is totally false. The concept of welfare encompass several parameters like health care, education and social secutiry. First, lets discuss health care. It is not true that Canada has the best healthcare system considering that 1 in 4 here does not have access to a family doctor, and the considerable waiting times for emergencies. Most Canadian doctors are heading to the US for practice as it is lucrative there unlike in this place where their salaries are capped. This is well documented. In terms of education, yes its free for the lower levels but you have to pay for post-secondary (with the exception of the smart ones who could qualify for scholarships). Its also well-documented that most school leavers - those who finished their programs at the secondary level - end up with huge debts that the provincial governments implement interest relief for persons who cant get jobs in the first few months after finishing program requirements. Oh, and before I forget, the concept of employment insurance is very popular in the Philippines. That is one of the reasons why some of Filipinos are interested to go here. Come on you came in this place to work not to be on welfare. At least we show Canadians that our primary motivation is to work and contribute to the success of this place which you call or you would call - home.
Now lets proceed to incomparability. Well it is incomparable in many many respects. First - We, like all Asians, have a strong culture and our culture is not tied to one of our neighboring countries. We have our own food, our own traditional clothes, and our customs and traditions. We respect the elderly and take care of our elderly relatives in the comfort of their own homes. We address our parents by titles like Papa, Mama and the like. Now, I dont want to sound offensive to Canadians but there are claims (not mine) that this place has no culture and its identity is closely dependent to that of the US. They say there is no such thing as Canadian food, this place has no standing army (like we can be invaded by the US in hours), and no national identity. Thats what they say. I think you know where I'm driving at here. Second - healthcare. I used to have private health insurance which I use to go to emergency rooms in the Philippines. The main difference - I dont wait. I know some would say that the Philippines is third world, but hey we have good nurses, great doctors (the best of which were educated in the US), and improving facilities. I say this from a Filipino professional's point of view as I and the rest of other Filipino professionals who were lured here used to afford the services of a private health insurance way back home. Third - pollution. People always say that Manila is dirty but have you checked some open lots in Toronto or Mississauga? Its full of rubbish. Have you seen the middle section of highway 401? Its also full of rubbish. Come on, even the GTA has smog during summers. Fourth - hospitality. Filipinos by nature are hospitable. Here... read the posts of some proud Canadians in this website and judge them yourself.

Lets proceed to the next interesting point - "Getting a job is not even a problem. Jobs are abundant, particularly if you are a qualified skilled worker." Oh my, oh my. If you want to work in your field there are barriers to entry for regulated (e.g. doctors, nurses) and even for unregulated professions. I suggest you read the classic case of Prem and Neesa Premakumaran who sued (but lost) the Canadian government for decieving and misleading them that Canada has an abundance of jobs and they can get jobs in their field. Prem is an internationally trained accountant (born in Sri Lanka but educated in the UK) wrote around 4,000 resumes in a span of 8 years - no phone calls, no emails, no job offers. Recently, ABS-CBN (one of Philippines largest TV stations) mentioned that: "The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), meanwhile, warned recruitment agencies against violating the deployment ban in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Nigeria. The POEA said that Overseas Filipino Worker applicants affected by the deployment ban have a choice of applying as skilled workers in Canada, which has opened up 30,000 slots in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The POEA said that the demand for skilled workers is in line with Canada's hosting of the Winter Olympics in 2010. Among those in demand are nurses, health workers and mechanical and electrical engineers" (www.abs-cbnnews.com/storyPage.aspx?storyId=104322 ). What the... even the Philippine government is involved in the Canadian immigration industry. I mentioned earlier about healthcare and the doctor shortage. The Association of International Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (AIPSO) claims that there is no doctor shortage in Canada - but a shortage of licensed doctors. Each year, the regulatory body sets aside a minimal percentage for residencies among International Medical Graduates (IMGs). You can get the residency only after passing a battery of tests. For health or engineering occupations its understandable - they dont want to compromise health and safety of Canadians. However, for unregulated professions the same concept of barriers exist. I have friends who wrote hundreds of resumes but got jobs in Tim Hortons or Home Depot. These people are university lecturers and professors, salespeople, or researchers. The vicious cycle of lack of Canadian experience, lack of connections, being over or under qualified, or language skills barriers still exist. For the unregulated professions where skills transferability is easy, I found it difficult to understand why the Canadian labour market cannot assimilate the immigrant workforce. Up to what extent are the human resource professionals are involved in this? Are they protecting something? In this case, what interests are they protecting? Are immigrants thise who doesnt want to integrate or is it the recieving population who has difficulty accepting? Furthermore, OECD cites Canada has one of the most tight labour market conditions among industrialised nations. These questions are difficult to intelligently answer given the lack of studies that look at human resource practices or a culture clash (like the one mentioned Dr. Reitz's study).

On the last point - "When you retire, which most Filipino workers dread to happen, the government of canada has made retirement years truly golden years". Golden years 'eh. Why is it that many Filipino seniors stay in nursing homes? Why do some seniors fall in line outside the food banks to make both ends meet as their GIS and pensions are not enough? Their children not taking care of them and only visiting them once in a while. There were studies that said most second or third generation immigrants' ethnic culture becomes replaced by the recieving country's culture (for the case of Canada, most academics refer to it as beliefs) over time. I think it has manifested in most second generation Filipinos as it is not in our culture to leave the elderly unattended by their children.

I hope I was able to enlighten my kababayans who want to join us here in this place and to my kababayans who are already here. In the future I would be posting a lot of analysis of recent literatures about the plight of immigrants as I have seen a lot of debate (often with violence) in this forum. Further, I am currently developing a proposal for the case of effectice integration of immigrants for "unregulated" occupations. I know that this will take time and let us hope that it will succeed.

Thank you.

Proud Filipino.

Michael Batu
micmic_barrios @ yahoo.com

January 05, 2008

To Samir Roy,

I agree, a country cannot sustain itself without export if it hopes to prosper. And doesn't the US love to enforce its views and opinions on the world by manipulating countries with such trade tactics (logging, beef). Just like children at play " Do it my way or I wont play with you!"

By the way, I love your quote " But then again reality is to canucks what light and garlic are to a vampire."

How long did it take you to throw that tasty little number together?

The irony in it is so thick you can cut it in half with a "George Bush Administration".

Its a shame that it is only those who like to throw their weight around and force their opinions on others that appear to speak for the whole. Thats why the general image of americans throughout the World is one of ignorance (which shouldn't be the case, becuase even though all americans HAVE a-holes, NOT all americans ARE a-holes). But blind patriotism exists solely for those who need to defend it.

Those who mind thier business are rarely heard, so maybe its time that they spoke up. So ya know what ???.... "i gut a couple things to say "aboot" it.
Lets see if I can "gump" my way throught it, besides, there isnt any hockey on TV right now, Tim Hortons is closed and my sled dogs are asleep..... so I got a couple minutes.

I looked at the picture of the "Doctors BudgetMart Application" on the picture page....thats just funny, I imagine his only other option being the three finger cavity search while crossing the border into the States.

I picture him / her standing there looking out at the border crossing to the states with the application in hand:
....hmmmm....." I could go back to being a Doctor in my homeland, stay in Canada and work at Budget Mart....or head on down to the "land of the free and home of the slave" ( woops... I meant home of the brave) and spend my days ducking drive by bullets, and constantly encountering folks with the mindset that they are just plain better and more intelligent, thinking that gives then the right to do as they please."
What do I do?......Thats a no brainer!!...
"WELCOME TO BUGET MART, SNOW SHOVELS CAN BE FOUND IN AISLE 7"

So what is it then? If all these professional immigrants are driving cabs in Canada, is it maybe because its better than being a professional in another country? What is it that keeps them here?
I know that for myself, Id rather be a Canadian cab driver than an American ....oh I dont know ..... lets say .....Lawyer?

My uncle recently moved back from the states after originally moving there in the sixties. We often compare his moving back to Canada as a sort of rehabilitation.
We say he is a recovering A-hole in a 12 step program.

And Mr. roy, if ya like analogies, I got another one for ya....
Just like comparing american beer to Canadian beer, american logic is much the same, "Fairly weak lacking substance, a mere fraction of its counterpart and only just enough to give us Canadians a headache."

So of course there is need to reply Mr Roy, I've said what I felt needed saying and I wont be here (to read any hate filled retorts aimed at my uneducated small minded ways-a-thinkin' ), as I have found a rock in the back yard who has proven to be just slightly wiser than yourself and a bit more of a challenge. .and thats all I have to say "Aboot" that.

My name is Derek and I am Canadian.

Derek D
deckstir @ hotmail.com

January 04, 2008

Hi,
I'm a Canadian living in Germany.
Before coming here I lived in the US and Britain and every country
had its good side and bad side.
I think that I could say the same about the people who lived there too.
Racism is unfortunately a worldwide happening that stems from the
general attitude: "me first, you last",
and that attitude has been around for centuries. We like to find
reasons like religion, race etc. to
make it stick, but at the end of the day I know Americans that don't
like other Americans, Canadians
that can't stand other Canadians and Germans that really hate other
Germans to which I might add that most Brits
never talk to their neigbors.
If you're looking to move anywhere in the world take that into
account. No one out there will be particularly interested in
making you feel at home, you have to do that for yourself.
I found that humour and never taking anything personally really
helped me to integrate.
Integration is the key to success in any foreign country.

sorry to hear Canada has been a nightmare for some of you...
you'd probably never survive even one day in Germany, but I kinda
like it.

erika
ermail @ gmx.net

January 03, 2008

To all the loser canucks,

It does not matter what you try to say or do..
The reality is-

1] You are absolutely dependent on the US to survive. I said survive (not just prosper). Natural resources are useless unless someone buys them. You cannot sell most of that stuff to yourself and still have a first world standard of living. Without that foreign money you cannot sustain a government, services, infrastructure or any of the trappings of a developed nation. Someone can however take the land and resources away from you by force (like your ancestors did to the natives) and put you on reservations. It just happens that it is more profitable for them to trade with you than take stuff away from you by force. Pray that it remains so. And a US led world-wide recession could make your lives, shall we say.. very interesting.

2] Canucks hate the USA. You can deny all you want, but that is the reality. This hate comes from a deep seated inferiority complex and is unlikely to go away, since you will never be better than them, and you know that. They do not feel any special bond for you, you are just another adjacent country. They will help you only if it is their best interests, not because you are white. Had to burst that bubble. If you doubt that, read about the history of wars between white nations.

But then again reality is to canucks what light and garlic are to a vampire.

3] You do have a problem with non-white people making a decent living and making money according to their ability. It is doubtful if you have any concept of things such as merit and potential. You seem to believe that an intelligent professional from a non-white country should be subservient to you just because of his skin color and accent. Do you really think that they had a bad life from where they came from, maybe they just felt that they could get a better one (which is what all humans aspire for anyway).

4] You think things will always be the same (just like you think they were in the 1900) and in your favor. However reality has other plans for you and it does not care about your beliefs and wishes.

5] Given all the baby boomers retiring in the next decade, who do you think is going to pay the taxes to prop up your system? Your last hope was non-white professionals with good jobs. Guess what.. they do not have good jobs (much lower taxes) or have moved on (no taxes or revenue). However their legal entitlement to benefits does not change, nor does the increasing costs of keeping baby boomers alive and fed.

How are you going to conjure up that extra money without creating destructive hyperinflation or devaluing your currency and accepting a much lower standard of life? Even the US (with the complicity of Europe, japan, China) cannot pull that off. Do you think you are different?

Samir Roy
satan.aka.lucifer @ gmail.com

January 02, 2008

As obvious as it is that this forum is not meant to be a discussion
board for flaming,
I'll reply to Kathie's vitriol in a calm manner. She claims that it
wasn't easy for her to establish
this country. Why? Did she fight a revolutionary war? Did her
ancestors? No. Instead her ancestors
FOUGHT the Heroic Americans in their attempt to overthrow British and
later Victorian tyranny
and arrogance. Did she fight a civil war to defend Blacks from slavery? No.

She claims that Canadians are not war mongerers, yet you vote for someone like
Stephen Harper may he rot in hell, who is a puppet of the most idiotic
and brutal
régime the world has ever faced: The neo-cons under Señor Bush.

What egotistical people like Kathie do