enochogaga:


Ok we the engineer's, there are names we use to generalise a series of gen set, but the truth is buying a 6-8 kva sound prof Chinese brand, like, sumec,kipor,lutain,fireman, nikon, and others will disturb u in a short while.

If u ask me which one to but, first is ur budget. I will advise u to get a Japanese brand on this.

Please provide the name of the Japenese brand i am intrested.

Hello House

Please I am trying to get a new Gen but confused as to which is more durable.

I use to think at Disel Generators are strong hence my decision to buy Sumec fireman SDG12000 Diseal set 8.4KVA but reviews of it I got from a generator mechanic isnt so cool. Electrical issues, not long lasting, experience from users indicates it develop issues in the first one year of use and with the frustrations, it is packed aside

In light of the above, I am changing my mind to go for the fireman rugged petrol generator RD8910E 6.6kva or so. Please guys advise could this be a better choice.

I just need something durable that is able to power a freezer, a fridge and 2 ACs with other normal house appliance like TV set and soundsystems and lightings

BoboKush:


Check the plug

Many thanks

Please what is the cause of an intermittent blowing sound (puff puff) when a medium size sumec generator is started. It makes that sounds while at the same time vibrating the generator and then the Gen goes off after much struggle to keep on. Please note that I just serviced the Generator. What could be the problem .

Will appraciate a prompt response and guidance on what to check for repairs

gsade:


Hi Colintos, please would like to know the type of IT course you did. I have sent you a PM. Can you please reply. Thank you.

To clarify, That is the story of a PR resident not mine. Decided to share,I would think that was clear like other shares

Regards

abbey4christ:
Oh yes i am

abbey4christ:
Oya balance it, post success stories too

Hi all,

I too would like to share my personal experience for the benefit of those who are thinking about immigration; I moved to Canada last year, August 2018 to be precise. I am in my early 30s, born and brought up in Mumbai (one of the biggest city in the world), India.

Back in India: I used to work at an MNC as an AVP; my daily life was like waking up at 6 a.m. getting ready and then the everyday struggle to get in the local train from the suburbs (coz even with a 7 figure salary I couldn’t afford a home in the city and though I had a car I never took it to work considering the stress of driving in the insane traffic and the condition of the road). I used to reach work at 9 a.m., continue working for 10 to 12 hrs (it’s a norm here) and then again struggle to board the train from the city back to the suburbs (the whole crowd moves in the same direction yet the authorities don’t care neither the crowd). Once back by 9–10 p.m, I used to spend some time with my friends depending on their availability and my timing, have dinner and then go to sleep.

Here in Canada: I struggled a lot initially but after 4 months of patience, hard work, a lot of research & networking and a few certifications I got a job (I moved from finance into IT industry and from being an AVP to a Manager). Also, I moved to a smaller city in the scenic Okanagan Valley (kind of Goa in India) that has an amazing weather for most part of the year; rather than settling in big cities like Toronto or Vancouver (preferred destination by many immigrants). I earn a 5 figure salary but in CADs of course and I live in a house (bungalow as we call in Mumbai). I wake up at 6 a.m. as usual but here I have time to offer my prayers in peace, prepare as well as relish the tasty breakfast before leaving for work at 7:30 and the best part, I walk to work [I don’t have a car here coz I didn’t clear the driving test (twice), and eventually when I get it, I still won’t drive to work; 1. There is a 6 month or probably a years waiting for parking space in my office building 2. I live just 20 mins walking distance from work, that’s hardly 5–10 mins on bicycle and 15–20 mins by bus]. I work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (it’s a norm here) and I am back home by 5:30 p.m. then I enjoy the rest of my day reading in the local library or playing badminton/ working out in the nearby club/ fitness center or take a nice stroll along the lake front that’s hardly 5 mins from my home.

It’s just been 6 months for me in Canada but I have enjoyed every bit of it, right from the struggle of getting a relevant job to appearing & reappearing for my driving tests, making new friends (from different nationalities) to shoveling snow from the walkway around my house. I do miss my family and friends a lot but then life is all about give and take, I prefer this life over the one back in India where I have my family and friends but hardly had any time to spend with them or with myself.


Hope you are happy now

Dude Chillax. focus and dont be insecured ....atleast the thread is moving and no dead silence. Opinions and counter opinions to help novice settle in with objective realities and better view rather than having over blown expectations.

iPopAlomo:
3


Haven't you noticed he's a troll...?!!

By Jimmy

It may not be self-evident there is a lot of articles but only few can help foreign seekers to make informed decisions. Most people are giving incomplete information, bits and pieces. It’s of no tangible help. It’s like leading the reader into the jungle of unreliable information (lot of bushes), who is then hopelessly confused and lost. Of course, someone can’t rely upon an amateur on a particular subject matter to supply a professional recommendation.

Hold up! Please do not hastily sell or dispose your mansion, land, machinery, equipment, tools, sentimental items and other assets. Do not relinquish your secured, decent job (even though it may be less than perfect- there is no absolutely perfect job!), cherished long term friendships and other relationships. Before doing that, please ensure you read this piece of writing along with the other pieces. It’s totally free life-saving gems of info.

Now, I’ll give only three (3) salient reasons that are more than enough to convince someone not even to contemplate moving to Canada, unless these don’t matter to you:

(1) Lack of decent paying jobs: If one should decide on only one reason, this is it! How would one survive on low income to pay ever increasing rent or high mortgage (expensive house/condo price), along with other subsistence expenses. Cost of living is rapidly going up and up and up. No wonder there is a high number of Canadians with mountains of debts.

“Drowning in debt, freaked out Canadians…”

Drowning in debt, freaked out Canadians brace for a reckoning - BNN Bloomberg

Even a low paying job is a huge challenge to get, much less a high paying one. Oh no, please don’t take on a factory job. Factory labor jobs are the worst of the worst. It’s literal slavery! At one time, I decided to experiment with a side/part time factory labor job as a way to supplement my income. Big mistake! No sooner had I worked only 3 hours than I had to walk off that job! I didn’t even bother to uplift my income payment for the 3 hours of work. So, I generously gave free labor.

Even for the low income jobs one has to pass additional tests like “online aptitude, personality and skills”; basic knowledge on English and Mathematics; computer literacy; job-specific and other tests, depending on the requirements and whether one is hired directly by employer or by an employment agency (which usually required vigorous testing and is unreasonably complicated). There seems to be more employment agencies than employers! - That’s a hyperbole.

So, in order to secure a job, one has to pass a combination of these tests, apart from the job interview. The majority of job candidates share the view that online tests are garbage and an absolute waste of precious time! Many highly qualified candidates are ruled out because of these so-called screening tests!

“Most Canadians are unhappy with their salaries, survey finds”

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business...

(2) Sky high expensive accommodation: The huge influx of immigrants bought up the available housing units, thereby creating a chronic shortage in housing. Hurray! For housing developers! These are very happy people. Also investors are buying up the houses and condos, so that they can benefit from the ongoing increase in prices.

The quality of many apartment buildings is shameful. These so-called residential dwellings are plagued with roaches, mice, bedbugs, unhygienic, congestion, little or no ventilation, lack of proper heating for the cold weather, lack of air conditioning for the summer hot humid temperatures and for pumping air through the living unit, lack of sound proof structure (so the sounds of neighbors and door slams wouldn’t wake one up- sleep is vitally important!). Wouldn’t one wonder if this is indeed a developed nation?

Landlords kept raising the rent often and wouldn’t take heed to your complaints. They usually demand their “fat rent” at the beginning of the month, or else failure of paying will see one being kicked out in about 30 days. This is an acid test of true Canadian hospitality, generosity and kindness! This country is run on pure greed! Spaces are limited /congested in apartment buildings and old houses. Even some new houses and condos, the developers are stingy in giving adequate spaces! This mean-spirited attitude is ingrained in Canadian culture.

“Renters in Canada face a number of hurdles. Finding a place, for one, is often a struggle in itself.”

There’s a lifestyle penalty for renting in Canada — it doesn’t have to be so

(3) Canada is dead, socially, emotionally and romantically! However, there are exceptions, for example, Montreal is better than Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto, in this context. Canadian culture is boring to death. It’s an oppressive and depressing country! Too many rules to keep the population in psychological slavery. Canadians are living in fear.

It’s a mediocre society. It’s cold-hearted. There’s no zest. No liveliness. It lacks inspiration. It’s demotivating. It kills one’s dream/ambition. It’s a country of complications and contradictions. One has to live here to experience it. As the saying goes, “Who feels it, knows it.”

Culture is a very important concept that peeps have to learn but sadly overlook, particularly when migrating to a new country. It’s like neck to neck with the economic factor. It’s a very powerful force, like a monster with good and bad features. Even with loads of money, would one be happy living in a cold, grossly boring culture like this one?

Unfortunately, for the Canadian culture, I can hardly think of any pros, and even if there are, they will be outweighed by the cons. Cons include, antisocial, unfriendly (do not talk with strangers), rude, unkind, stingy, uncaring, unloving, unhelpful, unforgiving, unmerciful, intolerant, racial, discriminatory, backstabbing, pretentious, selfish, narcissistic, proud, snobbish, rip-off, materialistic, etc. Huff! What a boring, depressing list. It’s a highly toxic and contagious culture!


A few pros that stand out are welcoming new immigrants into “slavery” to work in extremely hard low paying jobs; silence, where peeps do not talk much with each other, everywhere is full of it, from coast to coast; polite when it has to be selling, customer service or public service. However, even the so-called politeness of Canadian culture is fake. If someone can’t hold a friendly conversation with another, then that is proof that the politeness is not really “polite” at all in the first place. It doesn’t come genuinely from the heart. Even some foreigners are now realizing that Canadian smiles are fake! It’s like “fake it until you make it” kind of thing.

Sometimes one has to run or fly in order to win, if one can’t beat a monster! Like many other born Canadians who settled in other countries, I also have been living outside of Canada. Of course, I’m so ecstatic that I’ve made one of the most vital life-changing decisions ever!

There are a lot of other deficiencies, some of which can be found on my Quora profile. However, if lack of decent paying jobs, chronic shortage of housing, which is super expensive (renting and buying) along with the fact that Canada is dead, socially, emotionally and romantically, there is no incentive to live in Canada at all. Period! Full stop!

Well, if you still can’t accept or believe this piece of information, I challenge any foreigner to live in the largest city by population in Canada, Toronto, which is widely said to be culturally diverse and which is supposed to be a “most developed” city, according to United Nations reports and other similar reports, or alternatively any other English Canadian city, for only six (6) months or as long as you please, before bringing your entire family!

Beware! You have been warned! Ignore this info at your own risk!

Jimmy

Post Script:

Some possible reasons for foreigners habitually and continuously thinking that Canada is a perfect country:

Perhaps because of pride, shame and other reasons, immigrants do not tell their relatives, friends and associates in their original country, "I’m failing in Canada! I need help!" …Human nature.
Because the freedom of the Canadian news media is highly regulated and suppressed, “certain information” on Canadian society and life would seldom make world headline news…Oppressive, secretive society.
The internet is replete with sarcastic lists of reasons like, “12 reasons NOT to go to Canada,” on websites which are actually promoting Canada for tourism and other reasons. Also, this is a way of promoting that Canadians do have a sense of humor by being sarcastic, but living in Canada will easily prove otherwise. Nice try! Don’t fall for it. Of course, Canadian nature is most definitely beautiful. There are literally a great number of sites and immigration consultants advertising reasons to visit, to study in and to live in Canada…Half-truths peddlers for commercial benefits.
Employers who want cheap labor.
Getting carried away by sugar-coated, politically correct articles and comments on the internet. They get foreigners confused as to what is true and what's not…People with their “own agenda.”
Humans can be logically confusing creatures, with everyone sharing various viewpoints on a particular topic but not everyone would score a “10” on a scale of 1-10, with also only a small percentage who tells the full truth.

Whose information do you prefer to trust? –

A) A professional who studied social science for many years, studied human behavior, lived in the country, presenting logical info for whatever topic is in focus, or

B) Residents/non-residents/immigration consultants who in most cases nonchalantly wrote up things as they came to their mind?


Oh Mehn this guy is too raw. easy bro

By Haque

Livining in toronto


The reality is, you will not find everything good in a country, or in any other country. So, not everything is bad in your country; sure there are many things good out there too. It is worth remembering that life is pretty much short spanned; you are going to spend a part of it to get your footing firm in a foreign country.

So, if you are already in a good position there in your country, have a decent earning, bright future, have good friends and relatives; most importantly you have loving parents alive too, it is not worth coming here. Because these are also significant components of a happier and successful life you have to consider. Though you might become ‘successful’ after immigrating to a foreign country, you’ll seriously miss all these things later in your life. I have known people engulfed in frustration despite having achieved all the ‘successes’ here in Canada, realizing that they are missing a lot of things which are only available in their country of origin despite having lot of problems existing there.

There are people who give excuse that for children’s education they should immigrate to Canada. But that reason is not a reason strong enough for immigration to a different country. You could give them good education out there too, and later they could take the decision of their lives whether to stay at home or to immigrate. We should keep the option open for them so that they could the decision of their lives too.

But if you are struggling there in your country, then it is worth coming to Canada. It is way better to struggle here than to struggle in your country because the government here is always with you in your struggle of life. There is world class health care system here in Canada for free, and education too. You don’t need to save money for your emergency treatments, nor for children’s education as in your country; benevolent government here takes care of everything. Sometimes amusingly I say that Canada is the country for the poor, but our countries of origin (subcontinent) are the country for the riches; if you are rich then only you have everything to live there reasonably, comfortably.

When you land in Canada for the first time as an immigrant you’d be amazed seeing how nice and fast this immigration officers are; they give you a warm welcome with a warm smile; you feel the difference especially if you are coming from the subcontinent where public offices are just a place of horror- public servants there in fact are the kings, they are reluctant even to talk to you, misbehave with you; your files there need kickback to get kicked off.

Initial times here you’ll feel little struggling, because you’ll be looking for jobs, and job searching is always boring. Despite all these anxieties you’ll enjoy your stay here; it’s a beautiful country- so green everywhere, infrastructure are so beautifully planned- everywhere there is a touch of competent, sincere hands. Wherever you go your works are instantly done without any hassle.

Skilled professionals in the field of IT, programming, computer, and accounting get employment quickly, but there are other fields too immigrants get quick employment. Government has made all possible avenues to help and assimilate the new immigrants – there are government funded employment agencies you should get enrolled there. They’ll teach you Canadian culture, work environment ethics and English communications, resume writing skills etc. It is worth enrolling there.

You need to be calculative in all of your steps forward. Some people, being frustrated of getting a job compatible to their education and previous profession start doing odd jobs which you should try to avoid. Government has invested so much for education, especially for the immigrants that you should take all these advantages out of it. You can take student loan that is good for your tuition and sustenance and continue study which is way better than doing odd jobs. Engineers must think of getting their P.E certifications. I know many of my friends, after taking three/four degrees were only able to get suitable jobs. Three of my friends completed their PhD when nearing 60, and got teaching jobs.

Please think again and again if you ever think of starting a business just after coming here, unless it is related to your previous profession and you have quite good experience in it. I know some of my friends ended up losing everything in the business; afterwards they all went to universities, now they are doing jobs in their professions.

So, life is not all smooth- anywhere; it is only up to you where you choose to carry on your struggle for survival. But I tell you, true taste of life rests in facing the reality, not to escape from it.

By Vash, Toronto

A crisp view


Even though the answer to this question would vary from person to person, it’s easier to answer than some more open ended questions such as “Is it worth migrating to Canada”, as in this case you’ve provided some more details about your personal situation - you have a family with a child, you have a job.

I was in a similar situation an year ago when I immigrated here, and my decision was relatively easier since it felt like a natural transition as we’d already spent about 3 years in U.S. and had gotten used to the North American lifestyle.

What I personally feel is that it’s not a simple “Worth it” answer in all , or even most cases. In fact the more you’d stand to lose, the less worth it will be.

e.g. If you were single and young (say less than 30), then it’s a no brainer as you wouldn’t lose much in terms of your career if you were to start from scratch here.

I was lucky that I got an internal transfer within my company, but trust me many people (perhaps majority) start from scratch when they arrive. Their previous experience, specially if it’s from a non western country, is not counted for most lateral hiring. Are you OK with that?

Another obvious aspect is how well are you doing in your home country? e.g. If you’re in a low paying blue collar job in a non western country, it’s absolutely worth it to move here as the money and social equality you’ll get here, you would never be able to get it in a non western country (assuming it’s like India, where I come from).

If you’re a white collar worker, it gets trickier. Let’s say that your family income is less than 20,000 CAD (10 lakhs INR) annually in India, then it makes sense to move as you stand to gain more than to lose. However, the higher you earn from here the riskier your move will be. If you have (or can expect to have in the next 5 years) an annual family income of 40 to 50,000 CAD (20 to 25 lakh INR), you already belong to the top 1% of the population!

In my humble opinion, earning 50,000 CAD in the most expensive cities in India is much BETTER than earning 100,000 CAD in Toronto / Vancouver.

Also remember, while the blue collar worker would be stepping up from the lower rung of the ladder of an unequal society to the platform of a (relatively) equal society, the white collar worker would be stepping down from the privileged upper end of the ladder onto this equal platform. I’m not saying that it’s a negative, but it’s something to be prepared for.

As for quitting your job to come here, from whatever I’ve seen of the job market, I won’t suggest doing that. Maybe consider taking 2 months of unpaid leave and come here to explore the job market.

Another point, even if you do manage to get a decent job after all the initial struggle of getting the “Canadian experience”, your purchasing power wouldn’t have changed all that much. Your earnings may double but your expenses would go up by 4 to 5 times.

All this is just the economic aspect, of course there are the intangibles like friends and family in your home country that are invaluable. And obviously, the 5 months of winter. But I’ll assume you’ve already taken those factors into consideration.

Though if your reason to migrate is to move to a country with better infrastructure, lesser corruption and pollution and better opportunities for your children, then it’s worth it. Just don’t do it for purely economic reasons. The “Quality of Life” in Canada is better than most countries overall. But the “Standard of Living” of an upper middle class person in a country such as India will be the same (or better) for the income group mentioned above.

Standard of Living Vs. Quality of Life

So, eventually you need to ask yourself - how much do you have to lose?

By Lyn Caine Staffing Manager

Don't come to Canada with super high expectations or you will be disappointed quickly. If you have a great job with good benefits where you are, pls. stay there. A lot of high skilled immigrants I've met as an employment counsellor who helps to find jobs in Canada are demoralized as they can not find equal level jobs they left back home. Know this, your skills are not considered comparable. Period. You will start from the BOTTOM! Discrimination exist covertly. Your accent, communication skills,your ability to convey knowledge/ experience in the Canadian context might differ from what You are accustomed to. You will have to be on top of your game. It might be about who you Know. Networking is sometimes key. Know your job description well. Interviews are not about knowing your skills. It's also about that and more. Chance are you don't don't have appropriate answers. What they need, want to hear. Chances are you did not know what they want because you did not read, research and learn about the company and industry and job duties, you did not research the Canadian context of the job. It's cumbersome if not prepared. Another idea per my experience, remove countries you've gained experience or worked in from resume to gain attention clear and void of what's deemed foreign experience, not canadian experience. I came here in 2007. I speak well. Even with a good amount of good American accent in Canada, unless nervous then it shows. I know my shit! In fact my name could never tell that I am black, African. I get the interviews but once they are my black face, all else changed. So beware folks! Unless your life is threatened in your country. If you have respect in your profession and a good job where you are, stay put. North America, Canada is no joke for those educated people, secure in your knowledge, you will have to start from the begining even with Phds. Medical doctors. Master's from abroad… think carefully before you come! Consult an employment counsellor and even they can not predict your future. I have been there. Just saying!

By Singh Ran

Money

Prior to moving to Canada, I worked for top global banks globally for around 10 years so hopefully I can make a fair comparison. If you are a high flyer in your own country possibly you would be making more money at home than Canada as the wages are quite low in Canada. Super-high paying jobs even for niche skills are quite unheard of in Canada. If you make more than 100K CAD in Canada, you will possibly fall into top 1% earners in the country.

One of other hand if you are a blue collared worker in your home country and belong to a lower strata of society then Canada definitely open doors for you to economic mobility. Per hour minimum wage in Canada is around 14 CAD and you probably would be making much more than what you make back in India or your home country.

Money-wise, Canada is relatively beneficial only if you are a semi-skilled worker. For a skilled worker, the demand and pay is much higher in other parts of the developed world.

Hiring

Hiring can be pretty frustrating for new immigrants. I went through the illogical and bureaucratic hiring process followed in Canada, which at first came as a shock. Hiring in India generally is more meritocratic, quick and less frustrating. Consultants will be chasing you in India if you an IIT/IIM grad but in Canada you will need to call/meet people and job consultants. Your non-Canadian experience and education matter least, what matters is who knows you. It becomes really easy if you know someone at a key position very well. So you might need to network a lot before landing the first job.

“Canadian Experience” generally is a way of discrimination (at times subtle form of racism as well). The hiring managers are aware that you a recent migrant hence they use it for their own advantage. They will try to hire you for much lesser, or at a junior position and locals do get a preference. But sometime “lack of Canadian experience” is also a genuine requirement when it is used as a polite way of filtering out candidates who don’t possess the necessary soft skills required to to the job. I personally have noticed many Indian immigrants possessing the required hard skills but they lack the soft skills or have a general apathy regarding the local culture. I know this situation is natural for a new immigrant but that’s how things work.

The tech job market especially the analytics/data science is pretty hot in Toronto but if you are from core banking (say asset management, investment banking or wealth management), marketing, consulting or operations, then you will most likely face a much harder time finding the right job here.

Long period of unemployment also means you need to have substantial savings in order to support yourself and the family.

Family Life

I feel the next generation reaps the maximum benefits of immigration here as they will have a Canadian passport, free access to basic health, education and a safe environment. Born and bred in Canada, they wont face the same trauma integrating with a foreign society that you might face.

The work life balance is pretty amazing in Canada with most of the jobs not requiring more than 8 hours per day of your time. A lot of companies also offer the flexibility to work from home for few days in a month. So, you can have time to spend with your family. However, commutes in Toronto area can be long if you live in suburbs like Brampton and work in downtown.

There also a lot of places to explore around in summer .

Quality of life

This was one of the most important criterion for me to make an informed move to Canada. Canadian economy is a capitalistic-socialistic economy which is a mix somewhere between Europe and USA. Canada offer free school education, basic health, clean environment and is reasonably secure compared to USA and other developing countries.

Given my job profile, my option in India were NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Each of them suffers from their own basic problems, be it pollution, traffic, high rents, long commute or lack of clean water. Moreover, these over-crowded cities have swelled beyond imaginations so I don’t think you can enjoy a good quality of life here, no matter how much you earn.

Cost of living

The cost of living is increasing getting higher in Canada due to rising real estate costs and oligopolistic economy. With thousands of immigrants pouring in every week, the cost will be getting higher only. If you earn 100k CAD per year in GTA, you can have a decent living, can live in a good house in suburbs, afford couple of holidays each year, maintain a good car but you wont be able to save a lot. So, there is a big trade-off here between quality of life vs savings.

As I mentioned before, 100K is on a higher side of salaries so more likely both partners have to be work to achieve it.

Access to USA

With H1b becoming a pain-point, the option of working on a TN visa in US comes as an additional perk after receiving a Canadian passport. Although Canadian economy is fully linked with US economy but mostly you get paid much higher (especially true for techies) if you move south of the border.

Winters

Canadian winters are s a drag for someone moving here from warmer climates. Usually first winters are the hardest but you quickly get used to it. Initially, you need to invest a good amount of money into warm clothing, winter shoes and tyres, and it makes life much easier. Interiors and cars are generally well heated and warm but your outdoor activities will be severely limited.

To summarize, CIC definitely has done a great job in over-selling the Canadian immigration but Canada being a small economy doesn't have adequate and appropriate jobs for skilled immigrants. However, there are a lot of worker and trade jobs. Immigrating here requires a lot of sacrifice and fruit would be mostly enjoyed by the future generations.

So, don’t get blown away by the rosy picture painted everywhere. Talk to as many people as you can and based on your personal priorities, make a very informed decision.

6 - Unless you are an engineer or have an MBA or, if you are a real estate or car sales agent (or wish to become) forget about doing anything ambitious. You could have all the qualification in the world and work in Walmart and enjoy your 4 K salary with benefits (many people are happy with that and do put aside their goals and settle with having enough pay to get by as an ultimate). And if you refuse to work for years on years in job for which you are overqualified, you are pointed at as a sloth who doesn’t want to work. Your success is measured by salary, pension, and mortgage, not if you are happy with your job (it's actually the norm to hate your work). Ironically no one wants to talk about numbers when it comes to money. There is a presumption everyone's wellbeing and financial condition is safeguarded by some godly ransom that they digged up from the graves of their ancestors.

7 - Dishonesty. The way [most] people do not tell you what they mean and confuse you with their actions and words is astonishing here. Barely anyone is straightforward, and humor is the lost word in Canadian English. Everyone seems to have a stick up their arse (and you will become like that too). People only open up after getting absurdly drunk - mainly for a few seconds before they lose the ability to collect their conscious.
(Edit: there is a general assumption that people in countries with Arctic climate and low-density populations have bigger bubbles around their selves, are more difficult to connect and are easily out of touch with their emotions. I cannot speak for Scandinavia for example, but, have heard foreigners from dense societies feel the same about them. Take this tho; emotional has negative connotations in Canadian English. So you know who you are).

8 - It’s boring (save for the hardcore advocates of outdoors sports - even though the temperatures are usually below standard for those too, I have heard skiiers from Scandinavia come here and are shocked how locals go out on days they would absolutely refuse to exercise outdoors). Other than the few main cities I’m sure you know which ones are and, their downtown areas only, the rest of the towns and the burbs and the cities are a copy and pasted version of one another - ugly 70s style cement buildings, from an era where architects stopped being creative and erecting venues, was likely left to road builders! City structure is inaccessible without a car and, is alienating.

Having fun comes down to bar hopping with teens (or grown-ups who like to act like they are still teens; super excited about being able to drink), in un-fashionable clothing, hearing some off-tune country music and watching girls throw up and drop like flies - because alcohol is the holy grail no one wants to be left behind in consuming it as much as possible (and guess what? it is also more expensive than anywhere I have been, U.S. Europe, South America). You cannot enjoy your drink, or socialize all without it if you wished - it always seems to me that there is a race in ‘how much’ you can drink, so to say, you have a place in the society!!!

I am an artist, and I have studied human sciences. This type of environment does not cultivate creativity. The level of artwork, presentation and access to creative means is bare minimum because people care too much about having a routine and a salary - because back to the point, prices are no joke here, nor are your bills, your credit card neither the mortgage etc. And the best way to secure those is being as predictable and average as possible. Art is regulated by the government which is great in the sense that artists can have access to massive fundings; so long that they follow the government’s agenda which changes at every turn of the parliament.

9 - The food including fresh produce, snacks, prepared meals and pub/restaurant dishes is bland and tasteless (I do not really know what it is, the way the American groceries that are exported to Canada are grown? GMOs? The amount of sugar and salt that is used in food versus all the other spices that should be but are NEVER used?)

Edit: I accidentally came upon a source about proteins that indicated in North America some animal proteins (that are not naturally found in the structure of plants) are used for the growth of fruits and vegetables. I have also heard that many standards in agriculture and farming are way different from elsewhere in the world, whether these contribute to the tastelessness of food is for debate but surely modifications that are done to our food remain largely a mystery.

‘Affordable ethnic’ cuisines are limited to Thai and Chinese food. For the rest you will often have to pay 3 times as much.

10 - Get ready for wrecking accommodation, roaches, bedbugs, and mice. There are many many old residential buildings made of wood. Naturally, susceptible to all kinds of vermin. The hygiene level is also below my standards (and I am not fussy whatsoever). People, very often do not seem to clean enough. Not all, of course. But it does not surprise me anymore that 50% of the times when I walk into a new place and I notice the clump of dust in the corners and uncleaned kitchen and bathrooms.

Also, bad landlords, awful landlords and absolutely psychopathic ones who own houses and rent it out for extra income and make the life of the tenant hell, are plenty. Unless you are living in a condo building which is at least 1.5 times rentals and twice as expensive as shared houses, situations can rise easily.

Nature is great tho. Again if you have the luxury of accessing natural sites by car. Freezing your ass camping, or, would like to go hiking and skiing - mainly in inhuman temperatures. This is all given the fact that you do find the time off to ever do something extracurricular.

11 -Universal Health Care: it’s there, it’s good, so long that you are not actually sick or require an emergency. I cannot count the number of times I have heard people they were kept in the ER for hours with no rimary care, no drugs nor testing because there were no specialized doctors available to look t them (this goes from food poisoning to having a broken bone to anything else). I am not talking about medical mistakes. I am talking about a sever shortage in doctors.

Doctors, I mean specialists, literally flock to this country in the hopes of practicing their medicine away from their home country where they have to compete with several others. It is almost impossible for them to get back on the track with new qualifications they require to work in Canada as it takes a decade to get through the tests and everything… and guess what? life costs money and they end up being taxi drivers - or whatever, not doctors no more!!! (The taxi driver doctor is such a stereotype you cannot even keep a blind eye). Now, those doctors CAN, in fact, make a good living driving taxis or working in Walmart or wherever, but what do you think happens to people in need of special care?

Well if they are rich they go to the States, Europe or the Middle East, in emergency situations sometimes the correct diagnosis does not take place on time and they end up being slaves to the pharmaceutical industry for their lifetime.

Plus note that the Universal Health Care does not cover the costs of most of the highly specialized medical treatments - unless you have extra coverage with your work.

So, despite as a relatively healthy person you can enjoy regular checks with your family doctor, anything beyond that if you are not employed at the right place and do not have a ton of money to pay for treatment in the U.S. can be scary.

Hmmm…what’s the cancer rate in Canada again?

12 - Unemployment Benefits; I am not going to say it is awful to have help when you become unemployed (but I guess most governments in the world have something along those lines). It is relatively easy to get the few hundred dollar checks and it can cover some basic costs. But the thing is, those who actually rely on this money either torn apart native people, and you know that their conditions go back generations (again I am not going to elaborate on what has happened to the indigenous peoples of Canada, you do your research) and their unemployment in a colonial system that is not compatible with their lost traditions, is not something that can be fixed with a few hundreds of dollars per month, but needs a historical healing. The other benefactors are lazy entitled [often local white] people who do not look for work, do not accept low wage work, and do choose to beg on the streets (because they can collect some more from kind people who help them) while they reside in social housing or dirty cheap team houses. Often drunken bad-mouthed homeless people who are plenty in the richest cities of the country - you only need to take a 5 minute walk n downtown Ottawa or Toronto, for example, to realize poverty is not something specific to ‘the developing countries’. But interestingly, there are no videos or pictures showing this type of thing to the enthusiastic immigrants as ‘Canada’. No, Canada is not only its homeless people. Neither it is its national hockey team. But there are these issues here, like anywhere else in the world and the spotless imagery many people have of this country is simply laughable.

A middle-class worker who does pay some rent for a decent place and happens to have become unemployed cannot really manage monthly expenses with this check the government sends. It is just a little help. It does not hold one’s life together unless one decided to move in a basement with 4+ roommates during the time he or she is unemployed - which can mean months. I do not propose the provincial governments should raise this pay, I am just saying those who move to Canada to get these benefits are very much like those buggers who soak up the money sitting on the streets acting like they need help while the real trouble of unemployment (however small in percentage) is draining students and real workers.

And last but not least International Higher Education: There is a humongous number of people who come to Canada as international students every year (I wrote my Ph.D. thesis about this, so this only a glimpse of the facts I have come upon while writing. Rest assured, I have presented my research to the department of immigration and citizenship and they approved I had my facts right_so there). All around the world, studying abroad is encouraged and celebrated, especially is one gets into a highly accredited institution in the top universities that are mainly located in anglophone countries. Many of those who come to Canada are essentially pursuing this as a pathway for accessing immigration to Canada. Little they know the number of foreign students is so overwhelmingly high, and the information regarding their success in getting permanent residency is very scattered; the reality is the government of Canada recognizes international education as one of its most important economic assets[1] (immediate expenditure of incoming international students earned about 12 billion dollars for Canada in 2016[2] ) but despite the available programs for immigration of students, the ultimate goal has never been to settle all of them[3] .
Each international student pays up to 3 times the tuition fee[4] to the domestic student (depending on the province) and funding (especially for foreign students) is becoming more scarce every year. Now while you might be experiencing all of the social aspects of life including the above-mentioned, before deciding to study in Canada you might want to check the job market from within - meaning people who have been through your field of study. Do not rely on the advertising university partners provide or the pretty pictures on university websites. Studying here is no joke and one is better to consider everything and more (including finding a good adviser who is not planning on being a dick to you for the entire course of your graduate degree) before committing to a program that requires great attention.

Also please note that an international student can not enjoy any of the government programs such as immigration services, health care, unemployment benefits etc. These only come to immigrants and citizens. Especially after an international student graduates, he or she is literally relying on a single paper called Post Graduate Work Permit. There is barely any budget dedicated to guiding this young and sophisticated bunch through the Canadian system.

EDIT: Now, don’t get me wrong. I do not absolutely hate my life (so please, be kind and save the philanthropic positivist advice, I’d prefer a proper mural or DJ gig lol - you see no matter how great I feel about myself, if I do not enjoy the social scene and do not wish to live the rest of my life HAPPILY in an isolated enclave, there is no way around it). This is not my diary or resume. And I have not included anything close to my day to day negative experience with matters such as underemployment, higher education fees, the art scene etc. These are my reasons that convince me, as per speaking to the general public, why I would have possibly chosen another destination - somewhere warmer with better urban architecture and a dense population - if I went back and decided to go abroad and explore the world at 24 (again, if you are here to represent Canadian patriarchy by hateful comments, you are simply on a wrong post, go read something that fulfills your agenda). Also, this is in the 2010s, Canada screens in almost only highly skilled technical work force and, I am in the arts and humanities. My experience would be incomparable to numerous people who moved here 30 years ago as general labour.

Canadians are very nice. They are welcoming and do not discriminate (often, as I have seen) against race or culture. There are very decent, respectable people I have met here. There are friendships I do cherish. But I do not think that I would have moved here for the sake of meeting these people. Especially for a person without their 1st degree family, life is very machine-like, disconnected here. You might not mind the prices if you are rich, and would likely be able to skip atrocious housing conditions. It doesn’t negate the fact that the industrial nature of everything resonates everywhere no matter what you do. People will not ever, never get actually close to you and at some point you give up trying to break the ice. And you will learn to do the same as them, and limit your relationships to thinking of them as professional networks which you will have to employ for career purposes. You will create your own bubble around yourself and you will either learn to enjoy it, or you will keep regretting your life choices.

P.S. These are my reasons for ‘regretting moving to Canada’. Things I have listed here have affected me personally. It is always easier to see things from a critical perspective once one has lived in different places. Nonetheless, these are my viewpoints as a foreigner; most of the times people who have lived all of their lives in their country of birth think their country is either the worst of the best. Yet, everything is relative.


Please could these be true @ seniors in the house??

By Golbon

I do not regret moving away from home and experiencing a new life.

But I do regret choosing Canada over Europe (I did have the choice).

Here are a few things I am sure the responses, especially the ones from those who have ‘just’ moved here and likely wrote the comments in their ‘high’ of traveling do not cover.

1 - The cold is deadly - and no one wants to admit it.

2 - It is cold not only outside, Canadians like to burn extra fuel on airconditioning and to freeze their indoor areas too, both in summer and winter (and yes there are only two seasons in Canada). There is not one day all year around when you can do your errands without having to carry a jacket or, ever thinking of wearing a skirt like I like to do - because the moment you step inside buildings it’s FREEZING (unless you are exercising). Although, I must say people do not dress to the weather, and if you have an issue with the cold, you will be always objectified ‘omg! your wearing too much! are you cold?’

Look, winters are 8 months long here (Edit: when I say winter, I mean so long I need to wear knits, jackets, tooks and boots, if you go out with shorts in 10 degrees good for you, anything below 12 is winter to me and most people from mild climates). for at least 3 months, it’s below -15 (Edit: if anyone doubts this, they can track the weather and average temperature in various provinces, make sure you look at the ‘real feel’ value too. Unless you are in Windsor Ontario or BC, this is what it is, if not worse). You need a car. You need a really good home with proper heating, and still your social life is brought to minimum during those months. Now, let’s see what happens when you are a broke student who lives in the burbs and cannot even dream of having a car. I live downtown and it’s 15 min walk to my school (nice eh?) when it’s -40, I do mind having to walk 15 mins.

3 - It is super expensive. Rent goes up ridiculously every year. You could look it up if you wished, but I am half-certain hat Canadians pay the highest price for phone and internet services in the developed world. Other expenses are high too, compared to many countries - and it’s not like you get a top quality life for the expensive things you spend money on. I am talking about a single person who cooks their own meals, does not even drink and, does not spare money on anything other than necessities.

4 - Public transportation SUCKS BALLS. I know most people around the world like to talk about how punctual buses are in Canada because if they do not pick people up in a timely manner people could freeze. That’s an utter lie. And on top of that, the reach each of each city’s transportation system is very weak. Unless you live in the downtown area (which makes it easier just to walk or bike rather than having to wait for irregular buses for unknown periods of time) chances are you will have to spend 2+ hrs on transportation every day just to get to where you work or you go to school. Most of the cities do not have metro (subway) and again when they do, the beauty of it is only when you are in close distances to the core downtown. Otherwise metro will never get you to the inner cities, and you will have to switch to subsidiary buses that…again will get you to wait…and wait…and wait. Intercity transport is also awful, a monopoly and, expensive. I do not know if there are any countries left around the world wish such disconnected transport system - especially given how far apart everything is in North America.

Never mind internal flight prices. I don’t want to even start writing about Air Canada.

5 - Relationships are overrated, and talking about the ‘physiological need for sex’ is the centerpiece of reasoning for inquiring one. The dating scene is an absolute bogus mess, which comes down to women chasing men, hopes of sharing the rent, or otherwise being pointed at as ‘not getting enough sex’ and ‘not having a man’ ( sometimes I wonder if it is the 1800s and the age of getting wedded is 16). People move-in in a matter of days of knowing each other and move-out in a matter of a couple of months. By late 20s, anyone you meet has been through divorce(s) or separation(s), likely has kids, usually still ‘hangs out’ with their exes (you are likely to learn about the grisly truth only after you have invested yourself emotionally in an unworthy narcissist too hard). Every one you meet is bitter and cunning, only looking for another partner to suit their economic imbalances. People put up with cheating partners very often, and internalizing these standards, at least when you are super lonely, comes next. You’ll be surprised.

(I generally would not suggest a single person who is interested in dating to come here. If I ever do recommend Canada it’s to couples. If you have kids you will get to raise them in safe, ugly neighborhoods where they never play on the streets - I don’t know why? It’s safe, it’s super flat and begs for two gates and a soccer ball or hockey puck- and you will have to dump thousands and thousands of dollars on their daycare). I will not get into the cost of primary education. Not here.



Please could these be true at seniors in the house

Hey guys please which of the provinces will one find jobs in their utility industry i.e electricity, water or gas as a finance person. Are there opportunities prevalent in BC, Ontario or Sasks.

Timely response will be great for better decision

Please how much does it cost and how many papers will be written to convert ones ACA qualification directly to CPA Canada. Looking at Settling in Newfoundland or Ontario on arrival. I would need suggestion on which are will have much opportunity for finance related roles and what is the pay going to be like per month

Thanks. Please assist me!!!

wakama6:
@artmedia, any update for those still in the dark

Pally I would say "Chillax", no shakement .

You would recall that for those "still in the Light" the last correspondence from NLNG to them was 25 Jan.2016. Summarily, it said you would be communicated to in due course. It wasn't an oversight or an under sight. Whatever the outcome you would be communicated to. For those that got medical invites, they have been communicated to based on that correspondence of 25 Jan 2016. Their due course date was on 2 June 2016. For those that got regret mails, their due course date was also on that same day.

Hence, we still await to see the due course date for those "still in the Light", however, it may be subject to business outlook and other indices (ask me not). Whether positive or negative we will know, cant say timeline here. But pray it is the former for yourself. God still works wonders!

Disclaimer: This post is not to raise anyones hope or crash anyones hope or expectation but just to put things in logical perspective.

PS: Ask me NOT for SAUCE as I have no maggi or pepper in my bag .For more info you may attend the next BOD meeting.*Jokes*. Why are my so high today

Abeg who get fresh palmwine to aid sharpest eye sight for some peeps going for medicals...hahahahahahahaha

All the best friends. All shall be Well and Fine

With the voice/stage tone of Morgan Freeman:

Hmmmm....LAUGHS of LIFTING, VOICE of VICTORY, SHOUT of SUCCESS, JUMP of JOY and SMILES of SWEETNESS...........this is so so interesting OOOPS!! Congratz to other prospective colleagues too.

dane15:


@MrSneh,

I have watched the Channels clip and this got me thinking. Rather than fold hands and watch other competitors spring up like Olokola and Brass would it make sense for NLNG to acquire them and run them as full subsidiaries of NLNG if Train 7 is being delayed because of Political intrigues?

Why not acquire Olokola and Brass? I am sure NNPC may be willing to sell for cheap considering that all other investors in these white elephant projects are pulling out?
The Directors of these acquisitions will be top managers from NLNG just like NNPC seconded Oga Inuwa.
Approving the acquisition, maybe difficult but afterwards, NLNG seconded Directors (who should be majorly NLNG staff and not any of the secondees from the NLNG shareholders) can " somehow" approve expansion of their 100% owned subsidiaries without all the headaches that come with seeking all stakeholders' approval for Trains 7, 8, 9 et al. They will then get more dividends and gradually make Nigeria become number one in Gas exportation.

It will be easier for NLNG to run because of the experience garnered. NNPC will know that they still have 49% of 100% in the companies and Nigeria will benefit from more money.

There will also be more GT recruitments. Looolz.

Can anyone explain to me how the "somehow" can work? We will send the best answer to Oga Babs. Here is your assignment for the weekend.

The next one shall be from Baba Addict!

Good analogy! Love forward thinking write ups/ideas like this as with a close study it may turn out to be an astute business strategy to be more competitive globally in the face of the present realities...However just hope its practicable from a corporate governance perspective and also considering the multifaceted rules and regulatory requirements for a mega take over/ acquisition of this nature...A detailed look at the failed Haliburton take over deal of its competitor Baker may give you a hint to what I am driving at. In fact some parties pointed to the US regulators as one of causes of the failed deal.

kenosky:
Nice to see that folks are still posting and keeping the thread alive despite having to start the thread afresh after losing so many pages to the great 'Nairaland crash'. Some folks have hit the nail on the head, nobody or organization is worth putting your life on hold for. My honest tip to every person still expecting the call (& I said this with a sense of deja vu) is to continue as if you weren't waiting for any call (mind you this has got nothing to do with your faith). I salute everyone who has contributed to this thread and wish all those waiting the best of luck...

Make of this what you will at least for the interim i.e faire de ce que vous voulez au moins pour l'intérim

All the best guys

freeradical:
QMD1215.....4 DAYS TO GO

You guys wont cease to amaze me...enjoying the whole thing anyway. However, just passing by and bursting in laughter. Guys please relax...It will drop when its time!

ladyF:
Lol thank you for those words from above.

We all pray we will not be found wanting on that day when our saviour comes. Im guessing 90 is the percentage of the world population that will make it to heaven instead of the previous 120%

I wonder how soon is this "sooon" Which Q will it be? Is the Q also among the numbers on the year we got our independence or do we have to wait till the second or third coming?

I do hope to see the glory of the Lord soon. We still believe in Jah's undeserved kindness.

90?? chuckles in swahili

okoope:
Yeah..this is really interesting. I was also in group B. First activity was group exercise.

Woow..woow...wooow..This sounds interesting! Anyway, can't remember the groupings instanta, as many stuffs has gone through this little head in this short period however, Its a great reunion guys! hailings from my crib.

dway4ward:
I'm sure you were the team leader during the group exercise. Na so......



Airsay, I feel you. You're referring to the giant within. Not all giants can manifest irrespective of conditions. Some need enabling environments and the eventual capacity will shock onlookers once they manifest.

Regarding the argument of public or private schools being better, it's not a given that either is better. They empower you with different skills, relevant to survival. Just appreciate whichever system you passed through, and be grateful you're one of the success stories from such systems.

woow...Dway4ward..its cool meeting here..what a reunion!...( Please show your face (If possible ))..I just can't remember you as most people in the team left at different times and we are unable to exchange contacts..I am sure you are in my team!

dway4ward:
Did you have your AC in Lagos on 30th June?

oh yea was in that location and I am sure you are one of the participants of the AC that day....woow...so you are one of those smart guys ..congratz you made it this far.

ItsTime4me:
Yes, keep an open mind. That's the spirit. However, I am sure those that got the 'ongoing mail' are the successful ones. Afterall, what prevents them from saying that one is unsuccessful when he really is. Those guys are at a cross road. Yes, those that got mail are qualified to work with us, but how many of them do we absorb, considering the situation of things? Ok, why don't we wait till so and so time till things will improve? Alright, until then, let's inform them that the process is ongoing without any form of commiitment. That is the situation I think. Remember, the mail says: 'with reference to your participation in AC'.

@ItsTime4me....I should say, your view is spot on, and it is a valid point. Infact, it will be best practice that no excuse for any further delay should be allowed to precipitate once the Company is able to overcome this perilous time looking at the global oil and gas industry market dynamics.

Congratz to those that made it this far, and for those on the other side of the balance, heartily wish you all the best too in your other pursuits.

vantage7:
It's incredible how nearly all the theories proposed here concerning the timeline of this recruitment have gradually fallen apart.

U think so or you Know so?

Just Peeping out from sabbatical here on an Island to say Hi to everyone in the house.

You guys are really great, in fact the crème de la crème of graduates! Keep warming up...

I pray your patience, hope, faith, resilience and passionate pursuit PAYS OFF. However, for those that may not be through, your greatness and excellent capabilities hasn't diminished an inch! Your Destiny remains secured! There are many glamourous paths to the TOP.

Wish every one all the best.

prelinctus:
You guys seem to forget that the NLNG board will still have to sit on the final list, and there'll probably be some 'chopping and changing' before the final list is approved. The earliest AC results can come out is probably September ending. October is the more feasible date though.

Share this view. Its more accurate, board approval key.D board sits ............... thus October onward...

It's time to go for a "sabbatical". Have fun guys