Please lets sheath our swords. we are all wired differently but i believe there is a way we can connect without having all these fights. we disagree to agree. if this world war continues, my ghost mode will be activated.

maternal:


The gov't of Canada spends millions of dollars each year to help bridge immigrants into the system so they can become successful. A good amount don't use it. A lot don't even take sound advice from knowledgeable people on the ground.

@Maternal

Bros, I still don't get...it sounded like you were praising @freeradical for having a "big head" for not "wasting" govt resources and yet getting his objective of settling down sorted out.

Hence, I'm confused with your response in the quoted post above.

Are you saying it is a proper thing to use govt arranged programs for immigrants or where possible, if one can pull it off, one should not waste govt resources?

I appreciate you for all the good works you are doing here.

It will all end in praise IJN!

maternal:


Maybe I should explain myself better. The gov't of Canada is bringing people (usually young) in for a reason. That is to get in the labor market which is seeing a massive influx of retirement. Furthermore, the taxes these new young immigrants are paying, will help pay the pension/benefits owned to these retirees. In short, immigrants are brought here to pay taxes and contribute to the economy, while if you're an immigrant from let say naija, you don't mind that since your quality of life and prosperity has improved significantly. It's a win/win situation for both parties. So my point is, the federal gov't does not want people to be at home sitting down doing nothing. They want newcomers to be like freeradical if possible. That is to have a job and be self sufficient within a month after arrival. Freeradical is now an official tax payer. That's what they want.

To make this possible the government has spent millions on tools to help integrate newcomers. These services are free. For example you have social workers that help you make resumes. Access to free computer, internet, printing, etc to print your resumes. They may also have knowledge of where and when a job fair will be taken place, and so forth. They usually have inside info a newcomer wouldn't. Whatever questions you have they'll help you. And if they can't help you, they'll direct you to the person,agency, or department which can. Freeradical said: "So, we decided to join a couple of newcomer services notably- WCI (welcome centre for Immigrants) and ERIEC." I would suggest Freeradical to post the information for these newcomer services. If someone is not landing in Edmonton, I'm sure if they call these services, and they can give them the number to whichever city they'll be landing in. Personally if I'm a new immigrant, after I land and get my essential documents like SIN number, health card, etc, I'm going straight to these centers. I would suggest if anyone knows of any other integration agencies to post them as well.




http://wciedmonton.ca/

http://eriec.ca/


For people landing in Ontario

http://costi.org/programs/program_details.php?stype_id=0&program_id=211

very well put

Finally.
From 0-164.
Professor Ekpekus, this is directly to you because you seeom knowledgeable in the medical aspects of this immigration journey.
I'm a soon to grad optometrist and I have plans of doing an MSC in UWaterloo.
Now, earlier you said something about prognosis of those toeing the academic line in med/surg being poor.
Is the same applicable in optometric practice?
Because I want to stay on after the MSC to challenge the OBCE and practice in Canada, specifically in Calgary.

vcole:
i was responding to the comment that said sumn about "i thought being in Canada will make you more tolerant etc etc etc" in my opinion, that perception is quite incorrect. Religious tolerance is a spectrum and is never one sided. What you see as tolerant to another is not. Same way people should "feel free" to express themselves and their gratitude to their God is the same way another should "feel free" to express their aversion to such an expression. So it goes both ways babe.

I am a Christian but I find it mind boggling when my fellow Nigerian Christians always shove it up the next person's nose. No offense intended to anyone and @freeradical this isn't really about your post as it was quite informative, but most of the time, we tend to bury useful info and experiences under "all thanks to the mighty God etc etc" Any health professional on here would easily tell you how many "testimonies of after the doctor said xyz, praise God yadi yadi yadah I am healed" Nigerian patients give but they eliminate ALL that they did medically and thus give a false impression that others with similar conditions buy into and end up worse off for it.

Your "canadian story" is gonna turn out intriguing in the end. I know it's not all rosy right now but you have a positive spirit and you are willing and able to work. Those attributes are sooooo key to success. Remain hopeful!

I agree with your perspective, but we have to understand the truth is that it is difficult to draw the line between religion and reason. The bible says christains should give all gloryy to God. So for a christain, even healing after treatment is an art of God. it is this ambiguity and exclusivity to all success that makes one reference God in all things, or should i say all things good cos in Nigeria all negatives are attributed to the devil and village people that know nothing about it.

point is when we do this, we are acting in accordance with the christain belief, wether it is logical or not is a debate for another day. So the focus here should remain what civility demands, as your first comment beautifully put. For me, doesnt matter how much one chants "na God do am for me", I quietely focus on the practical things they did, I have realised cause and effect works more times than miracles.. funny thing is that soon as i repeat what they did and mine works out fine, i start out with praise God cos it is what we christains have to do... lol

TEECANN:


@Maternal

Bros, I still don't get...it sounded like you were praising @freeradical for having a "big head" for not "wasting" govt resources and yet getting his objective of settling down sorted out.

Hence, I'm confused with your response in the quoted post above.

Are you saying it is a proper thing to use govt arranged programs for immigrants or where possible, if one can pull it off, one should not waste govt resources?

I appreciate you for all the good works you are doing here.

It will all end in praise IJN!

I think you should re-read that post again. He actually hailed freeradical for "NOT having a big head". Perhaps it has been modified but that's what I got the first time I read it and his latest post reiterates the same point.

vcole:

You may find it interesting that repeated reference being made to a God who may or may not be another listener/reader's God within a discussion that isn't religious in it's subject matter and in which the listener/reader has not expressed a desire to discuss religion, actually comes across as being religiously intolerant.

Word!

From this statement, success is for the informed and well prepared. There are platforms for this and if one takes advantage of them, it changes a lot and makes integration easier.

I am preparing for same and really admire the zeal from freeradical. My spouse and I got some inspiration from the story. Maternal as an experienced senior has said it in a few lines but if you dig further, there is more to unravel for the wise ones.

Pre-arrival Preparations are not compulsory. Success as well is not a guarantee. One has to be prepared to succeed. Where do you see yourself in 5 years after migration? If you cannot answer this question or have a glimpse of what it would look like, then migrating will be like jumping on a moving wagon(to any place it takes).

Some people learnt the hard way. Some got informed before hand. The success rate lies between the differences in timing and the choices they make. So... you decide!

Migration is not for everyone. If you must, it must be for the best reasons...

maternal:




The gov't of Canada spends millions of dollars each year to help bridge immigrants into the system so they can become successful. A good amount don't use it. A lot don't even take sound advice from knowledgeable people on the ground.

vcole:

In my opinion and experience, I find that lots of people don't even know about services or programs available. They tend to rely a lot on what someone else has said or heard or experienced. If you are inquisitive, good at online research, asking people questions and don't mind making random phone calls here and there you'll be able to get info on what may be accessible in your city or province.

oh okay. .. grateful for the response. Many thanks.

maternal:


Maybe I should explain myself better. The gov't of Canada is bringing people (usually young) in for a reason. That is to get in the labor market which is seeing a massive influx of retirement. Furthermore, the taxes these new young immigrants are paying, will help pay the pension/benefits owned to these retirees. In short, immigrants are brought here to pay taxes and contribute to the economy, while if you're an immigrant from let say naija, you don't mind that since your quality of life and prosperity has improved significantly. It's a win/win situation for both parties. So my point is, the federal gov't does not want people to be at home sitting down doing nothing. They want newcomers to be like freeradical if possible. That is to have a job and be self sufficient within a month after arrival. Freeradical is now an official tax payer. That's what they want.

To make this possible the government has spent millions on tools to help integrate newcomers. These services are free. For example you have social workers that help you make resumes. Access to free computer, internet, printing, etc to print your resumes. They may also have knowledge of where and when a job fair will be taken place, and so forth. They usually have inside info a newcomer wouldn't. Whatever questions you have they'll help you. And if they can't help you, they'll direct you to the person,agency, or department which can. Freeradical said: "So, we decided to join a couple of newcomer services notably- WCI (welcome centre for Immigrants) and ERIEC." I would suggest Freeradical to post the information for these newcomer services. If someone is not landing in Edmonton, I'm sure if they call these services, and they can give them the number to whichever city they'll be landing in. Personally if I'm a new immigrant, after I land and get my essential documents like SIN number, health card, etc, I'm going straight to these centers. I would suggest if anyone knows of any other integration agencies to post them as well.




http://wciedmonton.ca/

http://eriec.ca/


For people landing in Ontario

http://costi.org/programs/program_details.php?stype_id=0&program_id=211

Really really appreciate this in depth explanation. Just wow...armoury of good info

Well done all for your good work. I will be landing Calgary by Feb. next year. My problem is I had a valid Nigerian driver's license with about 3 years driving history that is to expire next year Jan. but I lost it last month. What do I do to ensure I get a permit to drive in Canada?

maternal:


Maybe I should explain myself better. The gov't of Canada is bringing people (usually young) in for a reason. That is to get in the labor market which is seeing a massive influx of retirement. Furthermore, the taxes these new young immigrants are paying, will help pay the pension/benefits owned to these retirees. In short, immigrants are brought here to pay taxes and contribute to the economy, while if you're an immigrant from let say naija, you don't mind that since your quality of life and prosperity has improved significantly. It's a win/win situation for both parties. So my point is, the federal gov't does not want people to be at home sitting down doing nothing. They want newcomers to be like freeradical if possible. That is to have a job and be self sufficient within a month after arrival. Freeradical is now an official tax payer. That's what they want.

To make this possible the government has spent millions on tools to help integrate newcomers. These services are free. For example you have social workers that help you make resumes. Access to free computer, internet, printing, etc to print your resumes. They may also have knowledge of where and when a job fair will be taken place, and so forth. They usually have inside info a newcomer wouldn't. Whatever questions you have they'll help you. And if they can't help you, they'll direct you to the person,agency, or department which can. Freeradical said: "So, we decided to join a couple of newcomer services notably- WCI (welcome centre for Immigrants) and ERIEC." I would suggest Freeradical to post the information for these newcomer services. If someone is not landing in Edmonton, I'm sure if they call these services, and they can give them the number to whichever city they'll be landing in. Personally if I'm a new immigrant, after I land and get my essential documents like SIN number, health card, etc, I'm going straight to these centers. I would suggest if anyone knows of any other integration agencies to post them as well.




http://wciedmonton.ca/

http://eriec.ca/


For people landing in Ontario

http://costi.org/programs/program_details.php?stype_id=0&program_id=211

Thank you. I get the drift much more clearly now.

Santino1:


I think you should re-read that post again. He actually hailed freeradical for "NOT having a big head". Perhaps it has been modified but that's what I got the first time I read it and his latest post reiterates the same point.

Thank you my friend @Santino1, @maternal's message is clearer now by his updated recent post and I 've added something new to my kitty.

It will all end in praise IJN!

In addition to bridging programs, the Corporate Readiness Training Program at Bow Valley College is a good one for professional immigrants. It is funded by Alberta Works and provides child care expense depending on one's income. The program runs for a period of 16 weeks. Ten weeks training on full-time employment-focused language instruction and 6 weeks internship in a company that aims to utilize your past education and work experience. I also heard the success rate is very high as most students are retained in the company.

I am not ashamed to depend on God for everything. I know i have a part to play, but i also depend on Him for wisdom in playing my part . Therefore i do best and leave the rest for God. Because from experience, God can do more for me than i can do for myself in a lifetime.

Hi guys, just to add to what others have said about religion. First of all, I’m a Christian. Not a church goer but a deep believer of Jesus. In Canada as well as other westernized countries, religion is not the way it is in Nigeria where everything is God God God! You have to be careful not to shove your religion(whatever it is) in people’s faces here. Of course you can talk about your religious organizations and let people know your beliefs if such discussion takes place but it’s not like Nigeria where you can say anything to anyone about your religion and its not offensive. My landlord/landlady are serious Christians as well and the first day we met, they brought up discussions about a nearby church and the society in a way to start small talk all to get to know our religion without being offensive! They never asked directly ‘what’s your religion?’ This is a country where it’s even illegal for an employer to ask if you’re married or ask of your age before or during recruitment process. This doesn’t in anyway mean you cannot express your faith and be thankful to God for things in your life. Infact, my experiences so far in Canada have been nothing short of a miracle. Details coming soon.

@einsteino I appreciate and understand your point of view. I never said don't give thanks to your God. What I said was that religious tolerance takes into consideration the beliefs as well as the desires of whomever you are conversing with.

To put it simply. How comfortable would followers of this thread be if people who practice african traditional religion, start their posts with a paragraph of incantation to Sango or Oronmila each time they want to make a comment or share their experience?
To each his own. Let me not derail the thread any longer.

Winter pics from Calgary today.

Iyamefa:
Hi guys, just to add to what others have said about religion. First of all, I’m a Christian. Not a church goer but a deep believer of Jesus. In Canada as well as other westernized countries, religion is not the way it is in Nigeria where everything is God God God! You have to be careful not to shove your religion(whatever it is) in people’s faces here. Of course you can talk about your religious organizations and let people know your beliefs if such discussion takes place but it’s not like Nigeria where you can say anything to anyone about your religion and its not offensive. My landlord/landlady are serious Christians as well and the first day we met, they brought up discussions about a nearby church and the society in a way to start small talk all to get to know our religion without being offensive! They never asked directly ‘what’s your religion?’ This is a country where it’s even illegal for an employer to ask if you’re married or ask of your age before or during recruitment process. This doesn’t in anyway mean you cannot express your faith and be thankful to God for things in your life. Infact, my experiences so far in Canada have been nothing short of a miracle. Details coming soon.

Well said. Waiting for your miracle story.

vcole:
@einsteino I appreciate and understand your point of view. I never said don't give thanks to your God. What I said was that religious tolerance takes into consideration the beliefs as well as the desires of whomever you are conversing with.

To put it simply. How comfortable would followers of this thread be if people who practice african traditional religion, start their posts with a paragraph of incantation to Sango or Oronmila each time they want to make a comment or share their experience?
To each his own. Let me not derail the thread any longer.

Winter pics from Calgary today.

True, vcole. I would like to point out something. It is indeed a person's right to shout about his religion to high heavens. He has a guaranteed freedom of speech and right to free association.

Yet, in the company of others, one must show emotional intelligence and maturity in exercising those rights. This is typically not the case in Nigeria where people feel the need to discomfort others with their religious activity in the name of evangelism/worship. This is a key difference between Canadian experience and a typical Nigerian experience.

I am able to relate because I worked at a top4 accounting firm in Lagos. Over there it was forbidden to discuss religion at the work place (in my time). Not because we were atheists, but because these were topics that were sensitive and could cause intolerance at the work place. This is way different from what is obtainable at most Nigerian work places.

So it's important to exercise your right or free speech with responsibility especially in the context of your environment. I felt the need to make this point because it may be helpful to some people beyond this thread.


@vcole, in the history of this thread, several issues have derailed us. I feel this is both fortunate and unfortunate. While some salient issues are raised and discussed, I feel the ability to partake in open, cordial discourse of divergent views is one everyone must learn especially as we look forward to moving to Canada. It is important to engage in these discussions without being rude. In our country, we are very aggressive. I'm afraid those who hold on to these aggressive tendencies may need more than bridging programmes to fit into the Canadian environment.

Hi 40manlappy

Quite a mouthful, your name...

I'm also arriving with my wife in April. Where are you landing,if i may ask? We are thinking about sharing a temporary place(airbnb) with any other couple arriving in april .We are coming into Toronto though. Not sure if this is a good idea but i know if we pool resources...we can get something really nice. If anyone's interested, please feel free to contact me so we can hatch out the plan.

N.B: this offer is only for couples(i.e husband and wife). No offense to married folks with kids.

Thanks

40manlappy:


Welcome bro. Still in Nigeria and hope to land in April. I am using the waiting period to take advantage of pre-arrival services from Canprep, OCISO and others that were assigned to me.

kachikapor:

Hi 40manlappy

Quite a mouthful, your name...

I'm also arriving with my wife in April. Where are you landing,if i may ask? We are thinking about sharing a temporary place(airbnb) with any other couple arriving in april .We are coming into Toronto though. Not sure if this is a good idea but i know if we pool resources...we can get something really nice. If anyone's interested, please feel free to contact me so we can hatch out the plan.

N.B: this offer is only for couples(i.e husband and wife). No offense to married folks with kids.

Thanks

Are you sure this is a good idea? Please be careful about sharing an apartment with complete strangers. You don't have to stay in Toronto as there are areas like Vaughan, Mississauga, Brampton, Burlington and those are off the top of my head. If you research properly you'll find some affordable apartments without any need to share a with anyone with or without Children.

Stay safe and all the best!

Modified: 40manlappy no offence to you sir.. lol you know you're my brother.
Meanwhile, Unilag and WES are showing me though Kingston University has sent my postgrad. I don't know what I was doing my mates were doing undergrad abroad?
All I have is time.

vcole:
@einsteino I appreciate and understand your point of view. I never said don't give thanks to your God. What I said was that religious tolerance takes into consideration the beliefs as well as the desires of whomever you are conversing with.

To put it simply. How comfortable would followers of this thread be if people who practice african traditional religion, start their posts with a paragraph of incantation to Sango or Oronmila each time they want to make a comment or share their experience?
To each his own. Let me not derail the thread any longer.

Winter pics from Calgary today.

you didnt get me. I am not interested in one praising or not praising God. I am only saying the part where you said you are a christain and went on to make it seem as though the fault wasnt religion, colours the truth or isnt a true reflection of the underlying cause. Point is what christains do by jumping on a thread with praise God is very valid by the tenets of christainity, yes even not taking into consideration the beliefs of others when it means curtailing ones testimonies. hence why i said the truth is that one can not actually draw a line between religion and reason. we may try to be moderate or rational christains as i have learnt to do by shunning the chants of "na God do am" and focus on cause and effect.... but attempting to correct the acts of so-called radicals within the confines of christainity is futile. This is because you would either find clear biblical grounds for most of their actions or ambiguities that seem to offer tacit support to irrationality and some sort of intolerance. anything else, is patching the truth.

so in summary, the fault is not theirs/ours but the wiring that the religion gives who it terms a true believer. of course, it is much more diplomatic to say "christains be tolerant" than "christains be less christain". lol..

hope u catch my drift now?

einsteino:


you didnt get me. I am not interested in one praising or not praising God. I am only saying the part where you said you are a christain and went on to make it seem as though the fault wasnt religion, colours the truth or isnt a true reflection of the underlying cause. Point is what christains do by jumping on a thread with praise God is very valid by the tenets of christainity, yes even not taking into consideration the beliefs of others when it means curtailing ones testimonies. hence why i said the truth is that one can not actually draw a line between religion and reason. we may try to be moderate or rational christains as i have learnt to do by shunning the chants of "na God do am" and focus on cause and effect.... but one cant not correct the acts of so-called radicals within the confines of christainity. This is because you would either find clear biblical grounds for most of their actions or ambiguities that seem to offer tacit support to irrationality and some sort of intolerance. anything else is patching the truth.

so in summary, the fault is not theirs/ours but the wiring that the religion gives who it terms a true believer. of course, it is much more diplomatic to say "christains be tolerant" than "christains be less christain". lol..

hope u catch my drift now?

einsteino pls forgive my over Sabi. Within the context of a larger society, is it really fair to be guided only by the 'Confines of Christianity'? If every radical or extremist acts based only on the confines of their convictions, that is formula for chaos. Perhaps, society should be secular in it's interactions but guided by the private religious convictions of its members. There must be a framework where people of all beliefs can interact without rudely throwing their beliefs in each other's faces. This is why we never discuss religious topics. It never ends. Ok bye.

vascey:


einsteino pls forgive my over Sabi. Within the context of a larger society, is it really fair to be guided only by the 'Confines of Christianity'? If every radical or extremist acts based only on the confines of their convictions, that is formula for chaos. Perhaps, society should be secular in it's interactions but guided by the private religious convictions of its members. There must be a framework where people of all beliefs can interact without rudely throwing their beliefs in each other's faces. This is why we never discuss religious topics. It never ends. Ok bye.

exactly! so its best you said be irreligious on the thread, rather than "i am a christain but i dont get.." the latter implies you are trying to advise within the confines of christainity and that would be futile, cos you stand no chance of wining such a plea within the box that statement puts u into.

i am only cheering on by saying make your case better, avoid loopholes which would arise from patching the truth. anyways we have derailed the thread enough


ehm lets get back to living in canada

einsteino:


exactly! so its best you said be irreligious on the thread, rather than "i am a christain but i dont get.." the latter implies you are trying to advise within the confines of christainity and that would be futile, cos you stand no chance of wining such a plea within the box that statement puts u into. thats all i am saying, make your case better and avoid loopholes which arises from patching the truth. anyways we have derailed the thread enough


ehm lets get back to living in canada

pls I need to know if application fee can b paid using a dollar master card.I tried paying using dollar card but d transaction was declined.wat do u tink could b d issue.tank u

caon:
pls I need to know if application fee can b paid using a dollar master card.I tried paying using dollar card but d transaction was declined.wat do u tink could b d issue.tank u

yeah sure!

einsteino:

yeah sure!

OK thanks but when I did d application was declined.y is that

nadina:
In addition to bridging programs, the Corporate Readiness Training Program at Bow Valley College is a good one for professional immigrants. It is funded by Alberta Works and provides child care expense depending on one's income. The program runs for a period of 16 weeks. Ten weeks training on full-time employment-focused language instruction and 6 weeks internship in a company that aims to utilize your past education and work experience. I also heard the success rate is very high as most students are retained in the company.

I am not ashamed to depend on God for everything. I know i have a part to play, but i also depend on Him for wisdom in playing my part . Therefore i do best and leave the rest for God. Because from experience, God can do more for me than i can do for myself in a lifetime.

There's also something like this in Ontario. It's a co-op program.

http://www3.dpcdsb.org/programs-services/adult-education

Brian J. Fleming Adult Education Centre (Map)
870 Queen St. West, Mississauga, ON, L5H 4G1
Tel: 905-891-3034 Fax: 905-891-6602
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

I think they lean towards accountants and the finance sector but they have some other programs.

Hope this helps someone.

kachikapor:

Hi 40manlappy

Quite a mouthful, your name...

I'm also arriving with my wife in April. Where are you landing,if i may ask? We are thinking about sharing a temporary place(airbnb) with any other couple arriving in april .We are coming into Toronto though. Not sure if this is a good idea but i know if we pool resources...we can get something really nice. If anyone's interested, please feel free to contact me so we can hatch out the plan.

N.B: this offer is only for couples(i.e husband and wife). No offense to married folks with kids.

Thanks

Lol @"mouthful"

I am landing in Ottawa. I think you should consider bbaby84's suggestions and others that have been shared on this thread.

@bbaby84 No offence taken my sister. Some unions in Unilag are on strike, that may be responsible for the delay. Let's see in the "other room"

Hello ladies and gentlemen,
I have been observing this thread for over 12 month without any comment but today i want too open our eyes to opportunities.
1. As a permanent residence you can start a company. Care company, cleaning company and many more.
2. IF you are not financial capable . I advice you ti look for health support worker Jobs it is everywhere. Plus you can do the course for just 6month and start making income.
3. Grab your computer and search at least 100 Jobs a day.
Dont Wait to be boss or proffessional do Any job to have the know about the work ethnics in canada

caon:
OK thanks but when I did d application was declined.y is that

I wouldnt know. I know for sure that USD cards work and the equivalent in CAD is deducted from its balance. I suggest that you confirm you have sufficient balance and the card has been enabled for transactions, if everything checks out, contact your bank/issuer. Last resort, try another card.

vcole:
@einsteino I appreciate and understand your point of view. I never said don't give thanks to your God. What I said was that religious tolerance takes into consideration the beliefs as well as the desires of whomever you are conversing with.

To put it simply. How comfortable would followers of this thread be if people who practice african traditional religion, start their posts with a paragraph of incantation to Sango or Oronmila each time they want to make a comment or share their experience?
To each his own. Let me not derail the thread any longer.

Winter pics from Calgary today.

Wow! So beautiful. Canada is such a beautiful country. I'm convinced that most of the postcards and greeting cards I saw as a child were of shots taken from Canada. Can't wait!!!!! #lego2018

bbaby84:


Meanwhile, Unilag and WES are showing me though Kingston University has sent my postgrad. I don't know what I was doing my mates were doing undergrad abroad?
All I have is time.

You’re a KU Alumni? Nice to meet one of us!

Meanwhile, Vaughan is not cheap o

Bsbabe:


You’re a KU Alumni? Nice to meet one of us!

Meanwhile, Vaughan is not cheap o

Hello! Waving frantically... Yes I am. PG Early Years.

Lol it's still better than Toronto, maybe just a little bit cheaper sha depending on what you're looking at and the area.