Benefits We Received in Canada During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Went to a creek near our rental cottage. Looks awesome!

I have been monitoring the Covid-19 pandemic cases online to know how the virus propagated to other countries. Surprisingly, it has spread so fast that it reaches millions in just few months.

Let's have a breakdown of the highest confirmed cases in the world and rank them.

Top 5 Highest Cases
Total World Cases - 2,622,571 confirmed cases

1. United States - 842,319
2. Spain -208,389
3. Italy - 187,327
4. France - 157,125
5. Germany - 150,062

It's an alarming number in United States that it's 4x than the other four countries.  Remember that we were alarmed by Italy when it was the highest? Now, the number is astronomical in USA, a great challenge on their health care.

Meanwhile, I'm also surprised about China, where the number of cases has plateaued. As of this posting, there is a city in China that is under lockdown, here's the news.

There are controversy theories spread online saying the country is hiding something from the public.  Unless proven, it will remain as that.

How about the status in Canada? 
I'm residing in Toronto, one of the biggest city in Canada, where the number of Covid-19 confirmed cases had already reached 41k, 41,650 to be exact, and growing. There are already 2,239 death, where Quebec is the highest with 1,243 people died.

Most of the residents are still staying indoors to help flatten the curve. The whole province of Ontario is in partial lockdown, meaning all non-essential businesses are closed down. To find out about the essential business in Ontario, here is the list.

After two weeks off work, I'm now back in the workforce as I'm included in the list of essential worker. I can now travel to visit customers, though some companies are closed for visitors as one of their policy.

Premier Doug Ford said that it won’t be reopening the province on May 24. They will continuously monitor the situation and will have weekly meetings to address the issue.

When going out to buy groceries or a scheduled visit to the doctor, we always wear mask and practice precautions like washing our hands with sanitizers. But, unfortunately, many are still not wearing mask because it was not set as mandatory from the Ministry of Health.

Our kids are still at home. It's been more than a month now that Canada had closed the school gates. Premier Doug Ford says it will be the last to open if everything is cleared up.  That means our budget for food has changed. Kids are constantly nibbling food so the consumption of our household food has increased. 

We are fortunate that the province had provided us benefits for the kids and me.

What are the Benefits We Received in Canada?
Workers Benefit
For us, workers, who have lost jobs or are off work for over 14 days, are grateful that the Federal government provided us the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit).  It provides $2,000 a month, $500 per week, of benefits for a maximum period of 16 weeks.

Since I was off work for two weeks, I have $1,000 to compensate the no-work-no-pay from my employer.

When I applied for the CERB, the options are in batches of months, but the day I started and ended my "off work" are in both months, so I selected both.

For just three days, we received a direct deposit of $4,000 from the Federal Government of Canada.  I have to return the difference because I only need $1,000 or I will be taxed for the whole amount on next tax season.

Kids Benefit 
The government also had provided us benefits for the kids. We received $200 for our 8-year-old, but haven't received for our newborn yet.  Maybe the birth registration has not been processed, so his name is still not in the system.

Two days after processing, we received the $200 from the Support for Families MSP on direct deposit.

One of the Foundations of the Toronto District Catholic School Board had also provided $50 for each kid who is enrolled in that school. We applied for it and we gonna receive it soon. It will be a great help on our budget

Just recently, the Federal government also announced that College students will receive $1,250 monthly from May to August.

We are fortunate to be in this country and grateful for the benefits we received. So, still no regrets migrating to this beautiful country with a good governance.

Where to Listen?
Apple Podcast - Episode EP166
Spotify - Episode EP166
Google Podcast - Episode 166

Shownotes Links:

Join Us - https://www.memovingtocanada.com

Join Us - https://www.facebook.com/memovingtocanada

How I Founded Me Moving To Canada

The first time we stepped into Canadian soil, we have a little idea about the country. The culture and people were different from where we used to live, Southeast Asia.

For readers who haven't known me before, my name is Ben (www.benalagnam.com).  I worked as an overseas foreign worker in Singapore. I worked in a Singaporean company and was assigned as a technical support for customers in Southeast Asian region.

Life is good in terms of financial matters, but the downside is that I'm far away from my family. That's when I realized that I need to find a way to be with them until the rest of my life.  The only way I thought to be with them is to immigrate to Canada.

Newcomers in Canada
As newcomers, we saw some things that were strange to us.  Rice is not a thing that we can see in most of restaurants and soon discovered it in some Asian stores.  Races are diverse. There are Filipinos, Africans, Italians, Russians, Middle Easterns, Vietnameses, Jamaicans, Europeans, and others.

Although we can get the information on the internet or in the Canadian government services regarding the process of getting benefits and legal documents, we still need someone to advise us about surviving in Canada. Every information that we get were valuable to us.   We follow what our friends and relatives tell us.

How I founded MM2C
When I was in Philippines and Singapore, I told myself if only I had someone or a community where I can join to ask questions regarding immigrating to Canada, I would be the happiest applicant.  Although I got in to forum sites and are very helpful in terms of telling us stories and providing good advices in the form of text and few photos, I need something where I can also view the latest scenes of Canada.  I haven't got in to a community where they share videos about life of immigrants in Canada.

Because of that obstacle, I created a community Facebook page.  The goal is to create a media where we can share information through videos and photos.  The eye is the most powerful data sponge in our body.  We get the most experience through our eyes.

Since I had named my website to MeMovingToCanada, I decided to name it MM2C for short.  The facebook page that I created was named MM2C Community.  In this community, I can share information mostly on videos and photos.  This is the best way to show how Canada looks like in the eyes of immigrants who went to Canada, hoping for a better future.

If you want to join the community. Go and visit the facebook page MM2C Community to learn more about Canada through videos and expect the following:

  - See the hilly roads of Vancouver, British Columbia
  - Check out the plane fields of Calgary and Edmonton
  - Know more about the diversity of Toronto
  - French speakers in Quebec
  - The shore of East Coast, New Brunswick

Links to help you with your journey to Canada:
www.memovingtocanada.com
www.benalagnam.com 
www.facebook.com/memovingtocanada
www.canada.ca

What I've Noticed to Entitled Immigrants in Canada

We've been here in Canada for the past five years (WOW! That was quick, time really flies!). The blessings that we had for the past years were awesome.  Our lifestyle had improved in terms of our family bonding, travelling together with my family to see the beautiful places in Quebec and Ontario, and having a chance to dine in fancy restaurants.

When staying in a country, like Canada, for a long period of time, we start to take things for granted.  Specially the provisions given to us by the government, people forget that these are not available in other countries.

I can still remember when I was applying for immigration to Canada. The frequent chat with my sister kept me motivated to hasten my application. She told me about the benefits that my nephew gets in terms of free education, free checkup, and free this and that.  The thought of having those benefits in Canada is unbelievable to me if I compare it with our previous situation.

As a backgrounder to those who haven't followed my journey, I came to Singapore as an overseas foreign worker, leaving my family behind in Philippines to have a better future for them. Then I applied for a permanent residency in Canada and became a citizen.  You can read my post about it in my BenAlagnam.com blog.

For the past years that I've been talking to older immigrants, some of them become entitled on what Canada had provided them, with lots of benefits. But they have many complaints about the system. These are the complaints.

• They start complaining of the school system, saying that it's not that great as compared to other countries or in Philippines.
• The doctor's visit takes a lot of time. 
• They need to work 2 or more jobs just to cope up with the bills.
• It's difficult to retire earlier than 65 years old because they can't save enough for that.
• The cost of living in Toronto is high.
• ...and there's a lot more.

Yes, they are correct in some sense. But, they forget where they came from and the situation they were in.  I know that they paid taxes, but note that they did the same to the government of the country of their origin. Have they enjoyed the same benefits?

They might have immigrated in Canada for the same reason as mine, which is the lack of benefits I get from my tax contributions. Never mind about the service of the government as compared to Canada, which is way better.

This is what I can say to those complainers...

Education
Canada is one of the world's top performing education system in the world according to www.ncee.org.  It is also the 3rd in the Top 10 with the best education system in the world for 2019 according to Master and More.

If you are complaining about the education system, you must came from one of the top countries mentioned on those websites.

Doctor's Visit
Doctors visit takes a lot of time is apparent. But you can choose a different clinic if you need to. You are not obliged to stick to one clinic or doctor, you have the right to move to another location. 

Hospital emergencies are built for emergency situation only, that's why they're called emergency. So if it's not what the situation is, go to a clinic and have yourself checked for non-emergency purposes.

Working Double Jobs
Who says you have to work double jobs? If you are complaining that the rent is not enough, move to a cheaper place, a basement, apartment, or bedroom rental.

Having an expensive car is a choice. In Toronto, you can use the public transportation. Uber is an option but not a necessity. Buy an old car that only cost $2,000 dollars if you really need to and not brand new ones that costs $30,000 or more.

Cook your own food and do not buy in restaurants or fast food chains. There are grocery stores in Canada that are affordable and good quality.

Upgrade your education so you can be qualified for a better employment position. You may get a job in your field of expertise.

Can't Save Enough for Retirement
Well, if you did not follow on what I explained above, you end up with no savings.

You should save early for your retirement. Don't buy expensive or luxuries things if you haven't saved for your retirement.

Canada has a savings plan called RRSP, you have to use the benefits for that. Talk to a financial advisor. Compare banks with other investment institutions. There are many out there. That's what we did with our money. We know that we are going to get old and retire. It's given.

Cost of Living
So with other cities in the world. If you go to other major cities in first world countries, price of commodities, house rentals, and transportation are mostly similar. Cities grow as well as cost of living.

Have a humility to get a practical shelter and transportation and you end up having money to spend just enough not to complain.

So, guys! If you're new to Canada, don't end up to money debt trap. Research more on how to invest money in this country and talk to people who are professional and trustworthy financial advisors. 

Do not care about what your relatives or friends say about your situation. As long as you're happy, enjoying, and not complaining about the Canadian life, you're in the good place.

It's time to reset our minds.

See more videos and photos about Canada 
Like the Community Facebook Page: MM2C Community

Join the Me Moving To Canada membership website: www.memovingtocanada.com

From Working in a Factory, Housewife, and in a Financial Industry in Canada

Author: Net

They say if it's your destiny, no one can take it away from you and that it will be given to you at the right place and at the right time.

This is what exactly happened to us.  The moment my husband applied as immigrant years ago (we were only a couple back then), to what our "set-up" now as a family.

When he applied and was denied twice, I felt his sadness and dismay for this is his dream country, to raise our kids.  But I told him  that there's a reason for everything and maybe it's not yet our time or it's not the place for us.  Then years passed, he worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Singapore, which made him grew apart from me and our children.

Then one day he said,
"I will try it again for the last time.  If this still doesn't work, then I'll give up and plan our lives in Philippines."

"Ok, if that's what you want, I'll support you on that," I replied.

"But don't let your hopes up. I don't want you to feel the same frustration, keep it light, ok?" I added with encouragement.

The Update
Then the news came that he needed to submit certain requirements.  Good thing, he had kept all those documents intact.

Everything else followed, the next thing we knew was we're already packing our trip here in Canada.

Once we're here, we had all the basic requirements needed to settle in - applying the Permanent Residence card, Social Insurance Number (SIN), Health Card, bank accounts and sending my eldest son to school.

We were very eager to have our jobs here.  They say it's very easy to find a job in Toronto if you are not picky.

True enough, my husband got his job 5 days after landing and mine followed after few days.  Though my first job was sort of a seasonal job,  I got laid-off after working for 1 month. but after a week of "rest" , I got another job that is quite promising.

Got a Promising Job
Another good news came but with a catch in the end...

My husband got a new job that required him to travel out of town every month.  So the problem was who will take care of the kids when he's away and I have to work in the afternoon until nighttime.

We weighed things up, listed down all the pros and cons and ended up me having a new job...a housewife.

Our New Setup
Sacrifices were needed. The main reason why we're here is for our kids.  So they are our top priority.  And besides, how can you get a baby-sitter to stay until midnight 5 times a week? And my youngest son is the clingy one.  He might be crying the whole night until I reach home from work.

We were receiving the child benefits from the government and it's over C$300/month.  Not bad at all, it's as if I'm also working with the benefit to bond with my kids. They can eat fresh from the stove and not heated from the microwave.

Before
- Ate Ana sends and pick up our sons to and from school, which we pay C$15/week.
- Food was heated by microwave.
- Bond with kids only during weekends
- Quality time was only on weekends
- No time to teach my son on his assignments
- No time to attend my son's school seminars and activities

After
- Send my sons to school everyday
- Newly cooked meal
- Bond with kids everyday
- Quality time with husband everyday except when he's out of Ontario to work.
- Teaching my eldest on his school works
- Attend seminars given by the school

We stayed this way partly until now while having a business as a Financial Coach.

See more videos and photos about Canada
Like the Community Facebook Page: MM2C Community

Join the Me Moving To Canada membership website:
www.memovingtocanada.com

Farewell Letter to My Colleagues in Singapore

Few days ago, I was browsing my email and found the message that I sent to my colleagues before I left Singapore.

I remembered the last day of my work, preparing a cup of coffee and started writing the farewell letter to them.

The mixed emotions were deeply felt and I can't help but cry a little.  The four years of working with the company, my second family in Singapore, which I will leave behind be sadly remembered.  A team of workers were like brothers and sisters who has been in bad and good times together.

The coffee was still steaming hot as I typed in my first words. Cutting the cookies in half, thinking what words to type next, I came up with a beautifully crafted farewell letter...and here it goes.

"For the past 4 years, I’ve been lucky to be working with you, the team, with enviable reputation over the years that I would consider a privilege to be associated with. 

During my stay in Singapore, it’s been such a good experience, the joy and happiness at every day working with the team treating each other like one complete family. 

There is a moment in our lives where one member will need to go apart from the other to fulfill a longtime dream. It is my dream to immigrate to Canada that came first, which is a great opportunity for me to be together with my family once more and enhance my career goals and personal development in a new country.  

Again, it has been a pleasurable experience working with you, the rest of the South East Asia team, representing the company to the valuable customers in South East Asia, which will be truly missed. 

Hoping for the great growth and success of the company in the coming years. 

Hope to see you again in the next few years." 

Response From My Colleagues
The warm response from my colleagues from Indonesia, Cambodia, and Singapore began flooding my inbox.

This message was sent to me from our secretary.

"So touching, hiks…. ;( Your dream come true now, wish you and your family will enjoy and happy there. 

Good luck !! Please keep in touch with us, your family, always. 

See you soon."

Here's from my colleague in Cambodia..

"Wish you Good Luck and Success in your life . Hope see you again soon."

Here's one response from my Manager, who is so close to me like a brother...

"We feel the same like what you feel. The first come to our mind is upset and miserable, with a little bit joyful with tear.  

Its like a feeling from a parent seeing their kids grow up, married, and eventually moved out to live with their partner. 

A sudden of loneliness rush through our life. Imagine the rest of the day in the office there will be no more clown drinking coffee or eating snack in front of my desk. 

I had getting used of the snack crunching sound and a coffee sipping noise in front of my desk but suddenly become silent. 

No one is singing along with the radio which broadcasting the Mariah Carey – Emotion, using his very awful high pitch voice. It had come to an end now but also a beginning of a new story of your life. 

I wish you all the best in your future and success in your career. Winter season is coming. Removing the snow using a spade need to have a pair of strong arms.

Please wear gloves…. because it is cold. Good luck!! 

P/S: Do send us a red yellowish maple leave!"

Yes, as what the Manager stated in the letter, I am the clown, in the company, making sure that there were no dull moments while I'm inside the office and during our Monday morning meetings. 

It was never been a long, serious, and boring meeting when I'm with them.  For new employees, they may be wondering how a meeting came to a point that we were just laughing our hearts out while keeping the serious notes on track.

Those were the days that I missed a lot. 

I was happy because I will be reunited with my kids and wife again. On the other hand, I was sad because I will be leaving my Singapore brothers and sisters behind.  

For some of you, there are times when you feel bad about the wrongdoings of your colleagues. It will just pass by and only time can clean that.

Don't dwell on the bad things that they shared with you, but rather do with the best moments.  Treat them well as part of your family, a brother and sister.

Don't  burn bridges because you may pass that path again.

See more videos and photos about Canada
Like the Community Facebook Page: MM2C Community

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www.memovingtocanada.com

10 Reasons You Need an Immigration Lawyer

When I applied for Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada, I did it myself for the following reasons.

1. I had a lot of time in Singapore sorting out my documents and inquiring about the application.
2. In our case, although we are family of four, it doesn’t have complex issues.
3. I had experienced the process three times, first in 2003, then in 2007, and the latest was 2013. It gave me confidence to do it myself.
4. I had limited money and decided to use the lawyer’s fee for my settlement fund instead. 

If your case is complicated and you are not confident to do it yourself, don’t worry there is another option.

You can hire an Immigration Lawyer.

A friend of mine, Krystal, asked me if her team could create a guest post for MeMovingToCanada. I told her as long as it helps PR applicants or immigrants who want to apply for Citizenship, I’ll give it a go.

She showed me the advantages on getting the service of an Immigration Lawyer (IL) and I think it will be helpful for you to know this option. It’s up for you to decide.

Here it is…

Guest Post Author: My Visa Source 
Immigrants Seeking Their Permanent Residence in Canada Often Encounter Application Issues 
Whether a foreigner is seeking to immigrate to Canada, or a permanent resident applying for their Canadian Citizenship, it is common for them to encounter hiccups along the way. Due to a string of factors, immigrants often encounter issues when applying for a Canadian visa or permanent residence, which can prolong their application process.

The Canadian Immigration Process can be Complex 
 Canada’s main goal, in regard to immigration, is to welcome foreigners into a country that has economic opportunities. To do so, the Canadian governments must ensure that their immigration process is bulletproof. What this entails is that immigrants need to have the right credentials and documentation to enter the country. However, yearly changes to Canadian immigration requirements can make the process difficult to keep up with.

Immigrants are Facing Long Immigration Periods 
As the Canadian immigration process is hit with more regulations and timely deadlines, it isn’t surprising to hear that many immigrants do not make the cut. Due to unprecedented immigration deadlines and inaccurate paperwork, immigrants can face longer immigration periods than anticipated.

Immigration Processes Can be Prolonged or Denied Due to Discrepancies
When a Canadian immigration officer is analyzing an applicant’s file, the last thing they want is to encounter a discrepancy. Should one be spotted, an applicant’s process can be denied or sent back. Immigrants who are represented by an Immigration Lawyer (IL) are less likely to experience this setback. In order to become a Canadian resident, hiring proper representation and sending in a flawless immigration file is ideal.

Hiring an Immigration Lawyer Can Speed Up the Process 
By hiring an IL to represent your case, your immigration process’s time frame can be significantly reduced provided that all documentations are in order and correspondence with the IL’s requests are fast. This can give immigrants extra time to sort out their finances, find work, find housing opportunities, and settle in.

Find the Right Immigration Lawyer for You 
When in the process of hiring an immigration lawyer, it is wise to do the following:
- Verify the IL’s Canadian registration and standing
- Get their fees in writing
- Read testimonials
- Meet with a handful of professionals before making a choice
- Thoroughly review the contract before signing and issuing fees

Here are 10 reasons you can benefit from hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer: 
1. You’ve put in time and effort into acquiring your Canadian citizenship but to no avail.
2. Canadian immigration laws are constantly changing.
3. You’re having trouble filing the correct forms.
4. IL’s are experienced and hold themselves to high standards.
5. IL’s will know your case, and fight for your rights.
6. IL’s are up to date with immigration deadlines, and will file due forms on time.
7. IL’s can save an applicant both time and money.
8. Hiring an IL can better an applicant’s chance of success.
9. IL’s have the answers to your questions, and will guide you through your immigration process.
10. An IL can suggest different immigration routes due to their knowledge in Canadian visas.

Have you been spending a lot of time trying to acquire your Canadian citizenship? Could you use some assistance with this last step toward becoming a Canadian? Contact your Immigration Lawyer today at https://www.myvisasource.com/ 

Disclosure: This is a free guest post from MyVisaSource.com. The Me Moving To Canada team and the founder are not affiliated with MyVisaSource.com and its team. Applicants are responsible to do due diligence before engaging with Immigration Lawyers as stated in the above paragraph entitled “Find the Right Immigration Lawyer for You”. Having a Lawyer or Do It Yourself (DIY) option does not guarantee positive results in your application.

We Are Applying for Our Citizenship this November 2017 According to Bill C-6

The new Citizenship Act received Royal Assent on June 19, 2017.  Amendments to the Citizenship Act includes changes of the residency requirement.

Before - A permanent resident (PR) who wants to apply for a Canadian Citizenship needs to satisfy the residency requirement of 4 out of 6 years.  That means, the applicant needs to be in Canada for a total of 4 years within a period of 6 years.

On Fall 2017 - The changes in the Citizenship Act includes the reduction of time a permanent resident must be physically present in Canada to three out of five years before applying for citizenship.

Applying for Citizenship on November 
We were expecting to apply for citizenship on our 4th year in Canada.  Fortunately, this good news from the government gave us hopes on having it earlier *fingers crossed*.

If no changes on the date of the effectivity, we will be eligible to apply on November 2017. Yay!
There surely be a lot of applicants for citizenship so we have to prepare our documents ahead.

Some of the requirements are available on hand.  There will be no IELTS for both of us because of our credentials. To apply for the citizenship, we need a proof of language proficiency.

At least one of these documents.

1. Results of an accepted third-party test at the equivalent of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB/NCLC) / Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens 

2. Proof of completion of a secondary or post-secondary program conducted in French or English, either in Canada or abroad 

3. Proof of achieving Canadian Language Benchmark/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (CLB/NCLC)

We have the #2 proof, which is the proof of completion of post-secondary program abroad.  That means, no more exams on English proficiency for me and my wife. Another Yay!

But, there is one test that we need to write. It's the knowledge test on how well we know about Canada.  It's for applicants 18-54 years old.

Preparation for Citizenship Application 2017
The important things that we need to prepare, aside from the tests and documents above, are the fees and the police clearance.

For the fees, we have to prepare a total of C$1, 460 based on the existing law.  The breakdown is $630 for me + $630 for my wife and $100 for each child, and that's $200 for the two.  These are the fees as of this writing, I'm not sure if they will change it in our favour.

On the other hand, it's required for applicant to submit a police clearance if we stayed more than 183 days outside Canada. If they will not change the number of years prior to application, I need to submit a police clearance from Singapore and my wife from Philippines.

This is not an easy thing to do, we need to contact friends for assistance in both countries.  We'll cross the bridge when we get there.

Updates on our Citizenship Application
I made a membership site for Me Moving To Canada (MM2C Community) and readers need to register to gain access to it.

In there, I'll be posting every step in getting our citizenship.  That includes photos and I'm thinking of videos too...let's see.

If you want to become a member of MM2C Community, go and register to this website.  Click it!

Me Moving To Canada MM2C Community

MM2C in Canada

Join the MM2C Community and have these benefits:

• MM2C Subscription
• More Editable Sample Documents (Resources)
• Access to Forums and meet fellow members online
• Blogs
• Update on our Citizenship

New Regulations on the Age of Dependent Child in Canada

The Government of Canada had released a news on May 3, 2017 regarding the changes to regulations for the family members that can be considered as DEPENDENT CHILD.

On the previous regulation, children under 19 years old can be considered as Dependent.  With the new changes that will take on October 24, 2017, children who are below 22 years old can be considered as Dependent.

What will be the benefit of the changes?
Raising the age requirement will give more hopes to families who want to immigrate to Canada.

It will apply to new applications for all immigration programs such as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, including for refugees.

Those families who have children below 22 years old and were planning to immigrate to Canada can include them as dependent children in their immigration application after the changes take effect.

How About Children 22 Years and Older with physical and metal condition?
If a family has a child who is 22 years and older with physical and mental condition who rely with their parent will continue to be considered as dependent child.

More number of families will be positively affected by this changes and will enhance the family reunification in Canada.

Thank you Canada!

Here is the link of the full article posted on the Government of Canada website on May 3, 2017.

Source:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2017/05/changes_to_regulationswillseeageincreasedfordependentchild.html?_ga=2.42941228.847055505.1494125307-1320315313.1489238284

2nd Cherry Blossoms Meet-Up 2017

Our Previous 2016 Cherry Blossoms Meet-up
Time really flies! It's been a year now since I organized a meet-up with fellow immigrants in Toronto on May 07, 2016 .  The meet-up started at 9:00am and ended at 3pm in High Park Toronto. We met with 5 families, consisting of 10 adults and 7 children.

We were engaged in a warm conversation exchanging  experiences and tips with the new immigrants, who were also excited to reach new friends in Canada.  Different types of foods were shared, which we definitely ENJOYED a lot!

What's Next?
Due to the success of the First Cherry Blossoms Meet-up, I am now organizing the 2nd meet-up and it will be on April 29, 2017 (Sat).

Cherry Blossoms (Sakura), for those who don't know, is when the Japanese cherry tree produces beautiful flowers during the spring season.  The view of pinkish flowers is spectacular, which you wouldn't want to miss.

If you are interested in joining us, help support our new immigrants and our MM2C group while viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms, please register here for more details of the event. We can share our experiences, moral support, and important immigration information that can help us settle in Canada smoothly.

Please click the link below or the banner above and it'll bring you to the Google form registration page. 

Register: https://goo.gl/forms/iPkKd6MJsUgcnD5h2

Let's have some FUN!

Job and Business Options in Ontario Canada

Having a job right after landing is an immigrant primary goal.  It will provide constant cash flow to the family.  Incoming bills like groceries, telephone, apartment rentals, and etc. It’ll be taken care of.

Unfortunately, some newcomers can't find jobs immediately and may result in anxiety and depression.  This is unhealthy for the whole family.  It will cause chaos and eventually leads to the couple's breakup.

This post is to give you insights on how to begin your healthy financial life in Canada.  Here are the options to do that.

Small factories on my way home from work.

Agency Jobs 

Assuming you haven't found any job at the first 3 days.  Go ahead and accept the offer from job agencies.  Even if the pay is minimum, grab it! 

You need to have an employer who will provide you a letter of reference.  It is mostly required in renting an apartment.  Some agencies pay workers in Cash or in Checks, I suggest to get the latter.  Checks come with payslips, which is good as an employment record and can later be used for other purposes.

It’s good to have a salary; minimum is good, while waiting for the perfect job.

Working as an assembler in a faucet company made me confident and motivated in living a new life in Canada.  It somehow removed a bit of my qualms.  Knowing that my family have a constant cash flow, I could sleep well at night.

Part-time jobs are always available in Toronto.  You can work in pizza chains such as this.

Part-time Jobs

If you are now working on a full-time job but the pay is scarce, get a part-time job.  It will provide you an additional income. 

Although part-time jobs help you provide food on the plate, it consumes your quality time with your family.  But with a proper time management with your wife and kids, everything will be in place.

I have a friend who has two jobs working 12 hours a day, one 8-hr full-time job in a factory and 4 hours in Walmart.  Others work for 16 hours per day. Yes, it's unbelievable, but it exists.

I didn’t try to do part time jobs in Walmart or Tim’s.  Time with my kids is limited because I have to take care of them after work.  That’s my part-time job, really.

Business 

How good it is to have your own business in Canada.  You will handle your own time.  You are your own boss. 

Having a business in Canada requires a lot of cash.  There’s an option to borrow money from the bank. For newcomers, no assets or credit history, it’s difficult to get a loan. 

How much do you need? 

Well, depending on the business, you may need a minimum of $50,000 to a million.   You also need to have a feasibility study in order to measure a viable business.  Considering hiring employees? It’s pricy.

If you have the capital as a newcomer, then go ahead build your business.  You can start any business you want.  Start with low initial capital and expand sooner as you get the feel of it.

I was really thinking about it and back when I was in the Philippines.  I have experienced in doing business back then and so was hoping to build one in Canada.  Due to a hefty amount of money involved, I decided to look for other options.

Independent Business in Financial Services

This option is applicable for full-time and part-time workers.  It gives you freedom to do it your way. The reason why it’s called independent is because of doing it without a boss. The opportunity to earn more than the corporate salary is staggering.

Even if you’re working from 9am to 5pm, you still can do the business part-time.  As you grow the business, it will eventually overcome your full-time job salary and eventually quit the job.

Unlike having a business with a high cost of initial capital, this business doesn’t need a lot.  You can start by licensing in the financial regulators and buying office equipments. Being one of the most regulated industry in Canada, which is investments and life protection, it requires you to be licensed in order for you to sell the products.

I was very lucky to have been involved in this business.  It was introduced to me a week after we landed on 2014.  I gained a lot of knowledge regarding financial matters and I‘ve seen the whole picture of Canadian investments.  Net and I are doing this business until now and both are licensed to sell these financial products in Ontario.  

You can email me if you’re interested in this kind of business.

What option to keep?

Whatever you choose in these four types of income opportunity, the most important thing is being happy doing it.  If you’re not, grab another one.

You’re the only one who can control your own destiny wherever you are in Canada. 

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Express Entry Guide 2017 for FSW Canada: Video

Found this video very useful for someone who wants to immigrate to Canada as an Experienced Professional and Skilled Worker.

But, before you start creating an Express Entry profile, make sure that all your documents are ready because it needs most of your information.  Have a list of documents that you need and most importantly, prepare the proof of fund.

Have a quick look on how the Express Entry works.

You can also read more about Express Entry in www.cic.gc.ca.  Here's the link:

EXPRESS ENTRY

If you need the sample documents and some guides to fill up the documents that lack spacing, visit the Resources page of my blog.

MM2C RESOURCES 

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What Is It Like Living With Changing Temperatures in Canada

Wintertime in Toronto, took this photo while waiting for my wife at Esso gas station.

Let me tell you about what it’s like living in Canada, a country that has 4 seasons, which is spring, summer, fall and winter.

In my entire life, I haven’t had a chance to experience winter. Although I’ve been to Japan but it was the last few weeks of summer. In Philippines, I had visited Baguio, a place with temperatures that can go down 18^oC to 10 ^oC.

But for negative temperatures, I’ve never been to that place at all until Canada.

For newcomers, living in tropical countries in their entire lives, this post will be helpful for you.  It's my way to teach you how to cope up with cold climates.

It's starts with a proper clothing.

Layering of Winter Clothing

Upper Clothing
Layering of clothing is essential during winter. On my first experience of the season, I wore four layers of upper clothing.  

• 1st layer - Tropical shirt (cotton)
• 2nd layer - Thick sweater
• 3rd layer - Sweater with hood
• 4th layer - Thick winter coat

The sweater with hood was added as the third layer because the winter coat that I used has no hood.

• If winter coat has no head cover, the cold wind will penetrate our scalp and will easily bring down our body temperature.

Lower Clothing
I wore fleece pants under my corduroy pants.  Corduroy insulates my lower body better than denim jeans.  Denim jeans is my next choice, but it is not a good insulator.  Once it gets cold, it seems like it'll trap the cold air in it's fibers.  So I prefer corduroy than denim.

I got an underpants from SM Bicutan Department Store thinking that it can insulate me well.  It's labelled "Warm Pants".  When I tried it in Canada, it failed.  I still can feel the cold, so wearing it is useless.

Tip: Only buy your body insulators in Canada. Body insulation experts were born here, you know!

Footwear

For the footwear, I wore one thick socks under my waterproof shoes.  It is essential to have a water-proof shoes to avoid melted snow soaking your feet.  That will be freezing.

This Merrell waterproof shoes helped me a lot.  I invested $150 for this shoes and still using it.

Thick gloves is also important.  If you wear nothing, your hands will numb with cold.  Sometimes, you'll get a cut from somewhere and you'll never notice.

Tip: Invest in good footwear and gloves.

At this getup, I can now go out and feel the cold winter season of Toronto.  My tropical body wasn't get used to having this temperature so I shiver all the time even with these layers.  

Temperatures in Toronto can reach up to minus -20 ^oC.  It can last up to 2 to 3 days and it goes back to minus -10 ^oC.

At the start of the winter, the temperature will gradually drop from 8 ^oC to 3 ^oC . In December, it start to have flurries and temperature may be at around 1 ^oC to minus -3degC. 

January will start to have snowfalls and cold 100km/hr wind.  

I remembered waiting for a bus and a 100km/hr++ wind was trying to blow me off while holding the bus stop pole.   If that situation was in the Philippines, it would probably be a signal #2 storm.

What You Will See On the Roads?
Cars will travel slower and you can see steam on the mufflers.  You've seen this on TV...

Snow plowing trucks will be around.  They come in different sizes, small ones are like the size of golf carts and large ones similar to bulldozers.  In wide roads like expressways, they plow side by side with each other running 90km/hr.

This little guy is totally insulated with a cute Siberian Husky head gear. :D

How it feels like Winter?

If I were to go back in the days when I was preparing for our move to Canada, I should have practiced my brain on how to cope up with winter.

You're lucky you found this post because I'll teach you how to practice your mind and body to feel the winter while you're in a tropical place.

After reading this blog, do the following to teach your mind about cold.

• Go to your refrigerator or to a store.  
• Get a pack of ice and pour it all in a pail. 
• Add a small amount of water to it until the ice floats.
• If you have an air-conditioned room, set it at the lowest temperature possible and only wear thin t-shirt and shorts. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes.  
• Then, soak your hands in the pail of ice and water until you can’t feel anything.  All fingers will feel numb at that moment.

That's what it feels like at sub zero temperatures.

Tip: Do this regularly to prepare yourself for the cold especially if you’re immigrating in winter.

That’s how cold a minus one (-1) ^oC temperature is.  Just imagine the temperatures lower than that.

If you need other information about the weather in Canada and how and what to wear, send me an email at benalagnam@yahoo.com or samtimerrun@gmail.com.

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How US Election And Duterte Effect Affected My Blog?

For the past few months, I was checking the statistics of my website visitors.  I was surprised to know that the number of readers in a specific country has tripled.  There were normal spikes that occurred some time in a month, but this time is different.  It's consistent and now reached the peak.

I tried to investigate where it's coming from and what posts are they reading.  It turned out to be in the United States of America. One of the top post that is often visited is the Credential Assessment for Canadian FSW at WES, which is one of the first stages of the Canadian immigration application process.

What is the Reason of the Sudden Burst of Readership?
Wondering about the sudden peak of readership, I tried to check the other stats and relate it with the current events. I believe that the cause of it is due to the upcoming elections in USA and/or the Duterte Effect.

I know for the fact that some Philippine internet servers are located in the U.S.A, so Google (Blogger.com) will record it as if it's from there.   That means when a visitor visits my website from the Philippines and his/her server is in the U.S.A. It will be recorded as a U.S.A visitor.

I noticed it when I had a small blog, my first actually, and asked my niece to view it, then it recorded as U.S.A.  I'm not the expert in the internet protocols and this is just my observation.

What is a Duterte Effect?
Since the pronouncement of the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on the war against illegal drugs, most people were in panic mode, especially those who are in the dangerous drugs supply business.  They were trying to eliminate by killing each other to break the networks.  Most Filipinos knew that these incidents were brought to the eyes and ears of both the local and international news media.

For less than 100 days of war, the reality starts to sink in that the government is almost winning.  But the killings are still rampant.   Some of Filipino citizens are scared to be in this state of government and so they started considering immigrating to other countries like Canada.

This, in my opinion, Duterte Effect is one reason that brought my readership to peak.

Election in the United States?
Is it Hillary or Trump? Who do you think will win on November 8, 2016?  That's the question many of Americans now are asking between themselves.  But I'm pretty much sure that there are few who are still undecided or maybe have no candidate to vote for.

These few people might be considering the option of relocating to other places, like their neighbour Canada.  In my opinion, it's the reason why many of my readers are coming from the United States.   I'm not sure on the specific demographic, but I think it is most likely those who have unstable status in the country and citizens who dislike the previous government services of Hillary and the electoral reforms of Trump.

This is my opinion, I may be wrong, but, in any ways, it will be beneficial to my website and hopefully the numbers will maintain for the next few months and years to come.

If I may ask you, what do you think are the reasons of the visitor spike?

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