Whats New in Canada-Update on CA

[Can10]

Canada to revoke citizenship of 'immigration fraudsters'

11 December 2012

The Canadian government has told over 500 Canadian citizens that it intends to revoke their citizenship. It has said that it is investigating over 3,000 more people for immigration related offences.

Until this year, the Canadian government had only revoked the citizenship of about 50 people since 1947. They were normally high-profile criminals. Many of them were Nazis who committed war crimes in the Second World War One was Branko Rogan who was responsible for torturing Muslims in a prison camp during the Bosnian conflict. He had his citizenship revoked in 2007 after one of his victims, who had also emigrated to Canada, saw him in a shopping mall in Vancouver.

But by September 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) had sent letters to 530 people informing them that the government intended to revoke their citizenship. Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney announced in September that he was beginning the process of revoking the citizenship of a further 3,100 people suspected of 'immigration fraud'.

Investigations into corrupt immigration agents by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Border Services Agency revealed that there were several immigration agents who were helping immigrants to create false documentation to support their citizenship applications. Before anyone can apply for Canadian citizenship, they must live in Canada for three out of four years prior to making their application. Evidence emerged that the agents were falsifying documentation to show that applicants were living in Canada when, in fact, they were living in their home countries, in most cases in one of the Gulf States.

In September, CIC revealed that it is investigating another 7,500 people who are permanent residents and who have applied for Canadian Citizenship. CIC suspects that these people have also used the services of corrupt immigration agents to create bogus evidence that they have been living in Canada.

Canadian immigration lawyers have told the National Post newspaper that they have been receiving calls from people who are facing the revocation of their citizenship. Rudolph Kischer, a Vancouver lawyer told The Post 'A passport changes your entire opportunities in life and, if someone's going to take it away, I imagine that people are going to respond.'

The Canadian opposition's spokeswoman on immigration, Jinny Sims, said that it was right that those who were abusing the system were being investigated but voiced her concern that some people who had 'made a very honest mistake and didn't understand the rules' should not be prosecuted.

There is some evidence that the investigations may go much wider than it has so far. One Canadian citizen, Mark Bilalov, who was born in Russia and became a Canadian citizen in 2003, has been told that his citizenship is to be revoked because, at his citizenship ceremony on 1st April 2003, he dishonestly signed a declaration that he had not been the subject of criminal proceedings while living in Canada. In fact, he was on probation at the time he signed the statement and had recently served a four month sentence for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of drugs and handling stolen goods.

Mr Bilalov admitted an offence of making a false statement to obtain his citizenship in 2006. It was not until 2011 that he received a letter from CIC informing him that the Canadian government intended to revoke his citizenship.

In order to revoke a person's citizenship, the minister must send a Notice of Intention to Revoke Citizenship to that person explaining the reasons supporting the decision. The person is entitled to challenge the decision in court. If unsuccessful, he has a further right to have the decision reviewed in the Federal Court.

Mr Bilalov's lawyers are arguing that, because he has already been punished for his offence and because it took place so long ago, it is an 'abuse of process' for the government to attempt to revoke his citizenship now.

But a Canadian government spokesman said 'There is no time limit on the revocation process'. This may mean that more investigations are on the way.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2012-12-11/canada-to-revoke-citizenship-of-immigration-fraudsters

 

[mr.Hope]

Hi Everyone

Any News on Education/Qualifications Assessment for FSWC ? ? any names been released.............

 

[mayankpandya]

Not Yet

Hi Everyone

Any News on Education/Qualifications Assessment for FSWC ? ? any names been released.............

 

[joidiple]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-12-19.asp?utm_source=media-centre-email&utm_medium=email-eng&utm_campaign=generic


New Federal Skilled Worker Program to accept applications beginning May 4, 2013

Ottawa, December 19, 2012 — The new selection system for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will take effect on May 4, 2013 at which time the program will re-open for applications, Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

“The government’s number one priority remains jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Kenney. “The new Federal Skilled Worker Program criteria will ensure Canada is selecting the skilled immigrants our economy needs, who are the most likely to succeed and fully realize their potential in Canada.”

The improvements to the FSWP points grid are based on a large body of research which has consistently shown that language proficiency and youth are two of the most important factors in the economic success of immigrants.


The final changes to the FSWP selection criteria include:

Minimum official language thresholds and increased points for official language proficiency, making language the most important factor in the selection process;
Increased emphasis on younger immigrants, who are more likely to acquire valuable Canadian experience, are better positioned to adapt to changing labour market conditions, and who will spend a greater number of years contributing to Canada’s economy;
Introduction of the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), so that education points awarded reflect the foreign credential’s true value in Canada;
Changes to the arranged employment process, allowing employers to hire applicants quickly, if there is a demonstrated need in the Canadian labour market; and
Additional adaptability points for spousal language ability and Canadian work experience.
“For too long, too many immigrants to Canada have experienced underemployement and unemployment, and this has been detrimental to these newcomers and to the Canadian economy,” said Minister Kenney. “Our transformational changes to the FSWP will help ensure that skilled newcomers are able to contribute their skills fully to the economy as soon as possible. This is good for newcomers, good for the economy, and good for all Canadians.”

There are two new steps to the new selection system. First, applicants will have to demonstrate that they meet the minimum language threshold, which is level 7 of the Canadian Language Benchmark assessment system. Applicants will be able to get a language assessment from existing agencies designated by the Minister and listed on the CIC website.

Second, applicants will have their education credentials assessed prior to arriving in Canada. A list of assessment organizations designated by the Minister will be made available early in the New Year. The assessment of foreign educational credentials will provide prospective newcomers with a more realistic understanding of how their credentials compare to education standards in Canada. It will also give them the opportunity to upgrade their education prior to coming to Canada if they choose.

It is important to note that these changes will not apply to people who have applied to the FSWP prior to May 4, 2013 with a qualifying arranged job offer or under the Ph.D. stream.

As recently announced, due to the actions taken over the past months, new applications under the FSWP will be processed in a few months, rather than a few years. In order to ensure fast processing times and to avoid backlogs, the new FSWP will accept a fixed number of applications each year.

In the medium term, the Government is also moving forward to develop and implement an Expression of Interest (EOI) model, which will provide employers with access to a pool of skilled workers.

 

[joidiple]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-12-20.asp?utm_source=media-centre-email&utm_medium=email-eng&utm_campaign=generic

Cutting Red Tape for Skilled Immigrants


Minister Kenney introduces New Bridging Open Work Permit

Ottawa, December 20, 2012 — The new Bridging Open Work Permit enables certain economic class applicants to maintain their status and continue working in Canada while they wait for a final decision on their permanent residence application, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney announced.

“We are making our immigration system faster and more flexible, and cutting red tape for the skilled immigrants Canada’s economy needs to grow and thrive,” said Minister Jason Kenney. “The new open work permit provides those who are transitioning to permanent residency with better opportunities to integrate into Canada’s labour market to the benefit of our economy and all Canadians.”

The bridging work permit is available immediately and is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Qualifying foreign nationals currently in Canada , who have submitted an application for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) may be considered for an open work permit if their current work permit is about to expire.

Previously, applicants who were awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application could find their temporary work permits expiring before their application was processed. As a result, these individuals would no longer have been authorized to work in Canada unless their employer applied for and received a Labour Market Opinion from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and the applicant then applied for an extension of status.

Open work permits are already available for other in-Canada immigration streams, such as live-in caregivers, spouses or common-law partners. This improvement will result in consistent treatment for other applicants already in Canada.

“We are preventing unnecessary disruption in the lives of the newcomers who are already contributing and successfully integrating into the Canadian economy,” said Minister Kenney. “Improvements to our immigration system like this will help Canada attract the best and brightest from around the world – the skilled immigrants we need to fill our skilled labour shortages.”

 

[Can10]

Canada's Federal Skilled Trades Program opens for business
07 January 2013

Canada's new immigration programme for tradespeople opened for applications on 2nd January 2013. The scheme is intended to help skilled tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians and metalworkers to attain Canadian permanent resident status. It will do this by focussing on skills and trades qualifications and less on academic learning and linguistic ability than the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP); tradespeople typically did not gain enough points to come under FSWP.

In the first year only 3,000 applications will be accepted. We recommend that if you wish to apply, you should do so quickly. We can help with applications. Contact us on canvisa@workpermit.com. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received so the sooner you apply, the better your chances.

Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney first announced the scheme in 2012. On December 10th 2012, he announced that in order to be successful, applicants will need:

• An offer of employment in Canada or a 'certificate of qualification' from a province or territory which will certify that applicants are 'job ready' on arrival.
• Basic language skills
• A minimum of two years' recent work experience as a skilled tradesperson
• To be able to demonstrate that they possess skills that match those set out in the National Occupation Classification system (NOCB)

Mr Kenney told reporters on December 10th that the list of trades that would qualify for the FSTP would be published before 2nd January 2013.

The list features two groups of trades. In Group A there will be a sub-cap of 100 applications in each trade. In Group B, there will be no sub-caps.

The full list is set out below.

Group A –Sub-caps of 100 applications per trade
• Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
• Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
• Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
• Carpenters
• Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
• Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
• Supervisors, logging and forestry
• Supervisors, mining and quarrying
• Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling services
• Logging machinery operators
• Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
• Supervisors, mineral and metal processing
• Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities
• Supervisors, plastic and rubber products manufacturing
• Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing
• Power engineers and power systems operators
• Water and waste treatment plant operators

Group B – no sub-caps
• Machinists and machining tool inspectors
• Sheet metal workers
• Structural metal and plate work fabricators and fitters
• Ironworkers
• Welders and related machine operators
• Electricians (except industrial and power system)
• Industrial electricians
• Power system electricians
• Electrical power line and cable workers
• Telecommunications line and cable workers
• Telecommunications installation and repair workers
• Plumbers
• Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
• Gas fitters
• Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
• Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
• Railway carmen/women
• Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
• Elevator constructors and mechanics
• Crane operators
• Drillers and blasters - surface, mining, quarrying and construction
• Water well drillers
• Underground production and development miners
• Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
• Petroleum, gas and chemical process operators

Speaking at the launch of the FSTP in Ottawa on 2nd January 2013, Mr Kenney said 'the new Skilled Trades Program will address serious labour shortages that some regions of the country are facing and will help grow Canada's economy…Canadian employers have long been asking for ways to get the skilled tradespeople they need to meet demands in many industries.'

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2013-01-07/canadas-federal-skilled-trades-program-opens-for-business

 

[Can10]

Canadian minister 'not contemplating' scrapping immigrant investor program
07 January 2013

The Canadian Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, has told Canadian press agency Postmedia News that he does not intend to scrap the Canadian Immigrant Investor Program (IIP). The program was suspended in July 2012 with a backlog of cases that could take up to ten years to clear. There had been press speculation that Mr Kenney might cancel all the undecided applications and change the rules.

The Canadian Immigrant Investor Program until 2010 allowed foreign nationals with CAN$400,000 to invest and total assets of CAN$800,000 to apply for permanent resident status. In 2010, the rules were changed so that applicants had to meet a higher investment requirement of CAN$800,000 and had to have CAN$1,600,000 in assets in order to be eligible to apply under this immigration scheme.

In July 2012, the number of people waiting for decisions had risen to 85,500. This consisted of some 27,000 applicants together with members of their families. Mr Kenney closed the program to new applications. There were fears among some applicants that he might cancel the applications that were in the backlog. These fears were based on the fact that Mr Kenney terminated the backlog of cases that had built up on the Canadian Skilled Worker Program in July 2012.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is Canada's main immigration programme for skilled workers. It proved so popular with foreign applicants that by July 2012, a backlog of some 380,000 cases had built up. Mr Kenney announced in July 2012 that he was terminating all 280,000 applications made before February 2008 and would refund application fees. That decision is being challenged in the Canadian courts with the first hearing being held early in 2013.

There are still 25,000 applicants on the IIP waiting list. Asked in December 2012 if he intended to terminate the cases, Mr Kenney reportedly failed to rule it out completely but the minister told Post Media News 'At this point we're not contemplating legislative measures to reduce the backlog in that stream'. But he said that he was considering a number of changes to the program to make investors pay more and to require investors to take on a more active investment role and to actually put their investment at risk.

The National Post newspaper reports that Canadian Immigration is considering asking applicants already on the waiting list whether they would be prepared to be bound by any new rules that they might introduce to the IIP. If applicants agreed, their applications would be fast-tracked.

A Toronto immigration lawyer, Tim Leahy, represented nine investors who brought a court action against the Canadian government in December to force the government either to deal with their claims promptly or, alternatively, for CAN$5m to be paid in compensation. Mr Leahy's clients were unsuccessful in their legal action against the Government and Mr Leahy has since said that there is a significant chance that the government will cancel applications in the backlog.

The Canadian New Democratic Party opposition spokesperson on immigration, Jinny Sims, said that terminating the backlog would be 'off the table'.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2013-01-07/canadian-minister-not-contemplating-scrapping-immigrant-investor-program

 

[mayankpandya]

News Release — Historic New Immigration Program to Attract Job Creators to Canada


Minister Kenney Announces New Start-Up Visa, First of its Kind in the World

Toronto, January 24, 2013 — Canada will launch a brand new program on April 1 to recruit innovative immigrant entrepreneurs who will create new jobs and spur economic growth, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

“"Our new Start-Up Visa will help make Canada the destination of choice for the world’s best and brightest to launch their companies,"” said Minister Kenney. “"Recruiting dynamic entrepreneurs from around the world will help Canada remain competitive in the global economy."”

The Start-Up Visa Program will link immigrant entrepreneurs with private sector organizations in Canada that have experience working with start-ups and who can provide essential resources. The Program is part of a series of transformational changes to Canada’s immigration system that will make it faster, more flexible and focused on Canada’s economic needs.

As a way to help these in-demand entrepreneurs fulfil their potential and maximize their impact on the Canadian labour market, they will require the support of a Canadian angel investor group or venture capital fund before they can apply to the Start-Up Visa Program. Initially, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will collaborate with two umbrella groups: Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA) and the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO). These groups will identify which members of their associations will be eligible to participate in the Program. CIC is also working with the Canadian Association of Business Incubation to include business incubators in the list of eligible organizations as soon as feasible.

“"CVCA is honoured to partner with the Government of Canada in the launch of the Start-Up Visa Program,"” said Peter van der Velden, President of the CVCA and Managing General Partner of Lumira Capital. “"Through this Program, we want to attract high-quality entrepreneurs from around the globe and help build best-in-class companies in Canada."”

“"We’re excited to be a part of the Start-Up Visa Program,"” said Michelle Scarborough, Board Chair of NACO. “"Working with CIC and angel groups across the country, this initiative will create Canadian jobs and position Canada as a leader in innovation."”

The Start-Up Visa is the first of its kind and will be a powerful incentive to attract individuals with great potential who will have a real impact on the Canadian economy. By providing sought-after immigrant entrepreneurs with permanent residency and immediate access to a wide range of business partners, Canada will position itself as a destination of choice for start-ups. Linking forward-thinking immigrant entrepreneurs with established private sector organizations is essential to the success of both investors and entrepreneurs in building companies that will compete globally and create Canadian jobs.

“"Jobs, growth and long-term prosperity remain priorities for the Government of Canada, and this new Start-Up Visa Program underscores our commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the Canadian labour market,"” Minister Kenney concluded.

Follow us on Twitter (new window to unfollow or login):

twitter.com/CitImmCanada

 

[Can10]

Canadian immigration sued for 'immoral' termination of visa applications
24 January 2013

A class action against the Canadian government opened in Ottawa last week. Lawyers for 1,000 people who had applied to emigrate to Canada under the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program are suing Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney after their applications were terminated in June 2012. Some of those affected had been awaiting a decision on their applications for permanent resident status for eight years.

Lawyers for the Plaintiffs claim that Mr Kenney and CIC broke the law and breached Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms by terminating the applications. The plaintiffs are suing for the right to have their applications reinstated. If they are successful, it is likely that the government will reinstate a further 96,700 applications that were terminated at the same time. If all the applications were reinstated and then were approved, about 280,000 people would be entitled to Canadian permanent residence.

Mr Kenney first announced his decision to terminate much of the FSWP backlog in March 2012 after Canada's Conservative government passed the Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act. However, following a legal challenge, he postponed the decision until June because the Act had not come into force in March. In June, when the Act became law, Mr Kenney terminated all applications to the Federal Skilled Worker Program made before 28th February 2008 thereby removing the prospect of emigration to Canada for nearly 300,000 people.

Mr Kenney argued that the FSWP backlog had made the entire program unmanageable. He wanted to make the FSWP a 'just-in-time' immigration system where potential immigrants would register an expression of interest (EOI) in emigrating to Canada. If they were deemed suitable, they would then be invited to apply for permanent residence under the FSWP.

In order to move to that system, Mr Kenney said it had been necessary to cut the backlog.

However, lawyers for the plaintiffs argued in the Canadian Federal Court in Ottawa on 17th January 2013, that Mr Kenney had acted illegally. Mario Bellissimo, a lawyer for the plaintiffs told the court that, while Mr Kenney had the power to set immigration priorities and policies, under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, he was obliged to apply those rules fairly and without discrimination.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs argued that this had not happened in this case. The court heard that 81.4% of the applications that were terminated by CIC were made by applicants from Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Mr Belissimo argued that the decision to cut the backlog had been motivated not by a desire to cut the backlog but by a desire to remove those particular applicants from the waiting list.

The Canadian government's lawyer Keith Reimer argued that the matter that the court had to decide was 'who gets to control Canada's immigration'. He said that the government was entitled to change its policies and to take steps to control its immigration programmes. He said that it was the government's case that it was necessary to cut the backlog in order to move towards the new 'just-in-time' regime.

However, the judge, Justice Donald Rennie, asked whether it would not have been possible to have moved to the new system at the same time as working to wipe out the backlog.

Another lawyer for the plaintiffs, Matthew Jeffery, told the judge that Mr Kenney was ethically in the wrong. He said 'there is clear and obvious unfairness here.'

The case continues.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2013-01-24/canadian-immigration-sued-for-immoral-termination-of-visa-applications

 

[Can10]

Canadian immigration says Canadian Experience Class visas growing fast
06 March 2013

9,353 people gained Canadian permanent resident status under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) visa in 2012, according to recently released figures. This, according to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) the official Canadian immigration Government Department that deals with immigration and citizenship issues, is about 34% above the planned level for 2012 of 7,000.

CEC visas allow skilled workers from overseas who have been working in Canada in a skilled occupation to apply for permanent resident status. In order to qualify, applicants must have at least 12 months' experience of working full time in a skilled role in Canada in the last three years and you must also be able to prove your proficiency in English or French. The language requirements vary depending on the nature of your skilled work experience. You must take a language test when you make your application showing that your English or French language ability meets either Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 for technical jobs or skilled trades, or CLB 7 for management or professional level jobs.

CEC target to be increased

The Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney, altered these requirements in 2012 to make it easier to qualify. Previously, applicants needed to complete eighteen months skilled work in only two years. Mr Kenney said in November last year that he intended to increase the target for the number of CEC visas to be issued in 2013 from 7,000 to 10,000. The rise in the number of CEC visas will be offset by a reduction in the number of Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) visas that will be granted.
The FSWP is Canada's main skilled immigration visa. About 55,000 people gain Canadian permanent resident status each year under the FSWP. Skilled workers are assessed against CIC's points grid to assess their ability to adapt to the Canadian job market.

Canada accepted over 250,000 new permanent residents in 2012 and has said that it intends to continue to do so every year for the next few years at least.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2013-03-06/canadian-immigration-says-canadian-experience-class-visas-growing-fast

 

[Can10]

Canadian immigration accepts record numbers of immigrants - again
04 March 2013

Jason Kenney, the Canadian immigration minister, has announced that over 250,000 people gained Canadian permanent resident status in 2012. This, he said, means that Canada experienced record immigration during the seven years between 2006 and 2012.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Mr Kenney's governmental department, says that 30,250 more people gained permanent resident status each year between 2006 and 2012, under the Canadian Conservative Party government of which Mr Kenney is a member, than had done so between 1995 and 2005 under the previous administration.

Mr Kenney has said before that Canada needs immigration to maintain its economy. He said that there would be no change to Canada's immigration target in the near future and next year's immigration target range remains unchanged at 240,000 to 265,000.

'A modern and effective immigration system'

Mr Kenney said that the Canadian government 'is continuing to move toward a modern and effective immigration system that attracts the skilled immigrants that Canada's economy requires'. He added ' this new, fast and flexible system will respond more effectively to Canada's labour market needs, support family reunification and provide protection for genuine refugees'
Under Mr Kenney's stewardship, Canada has focussed more on skilled immigration. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is the main skilled immigration visa class but Mr Kenney has also introduced the Federal Skilled Trades Program for skilled tradespeople and the Canadian Experience Class visa for foreign graduates with work experience in Canada. He has faced criticism in particular for his decision in 2012 to terminate all Federal Skilled Worker Program applications made before February 2008. A challenge to that decision is currently being heard in the Canadian courts.

Rise in language requirement

Mr Kenney has also been criticised for running a 'discriminatory' immigration policy. It has been said that his decision to raise the standard of English or French required by applicants under the FSWP was intended to discriminate against applicants from China and India and favour applicants from the UK and Europe. He has also been criticised for increasing Canada's use of temporary work visas and for removing certain benefits from some refugee migrants.
Mr Kenney has brushed aside criticisms saying that he is merely trying to make the immigration system more effective.

After announcing the latest immigration figures in February, Mr Kenney said 'Canada has been welcoming not only the highest sustained level of immigrants in Canadian history, we also have, on a per capita basis, among the highest immigration rates in the world'. He continued 'Immigration is a key part of the government's plan to grow our economy, spur job creation and ensure long-term prosperity.'

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2013-03-04/canadian-immmigration-accepts-record-numbers-of-immigrants-again

 

[nursescanada]

Ontario bill would ban youth from using tanning beds

The governing Liberals in Ontario are expected to introduce legislation today to ban people under the age of 18 from using tanning beds.

Health Minister Deb Matthews will table a bill banning the sale of tanning services to minors to protect them from skin cancer. The World Health Organization puts tanning beds in the same cancer-risk category as tobacco and asbestos.

"We know that the dangers associated with exposure to artificial ultraviolet radiation at a young age are well-documented," Matthews said.

The ban would require customers to provide ID, and force owners to post signs about the health risks. Advertising and marketing of tanning services aimed at those under 18 would also be prohibited.

Salon owners who break the rules would face fines.

NDP health critic France Gelinas says she offered the Liberals the bill to move it through the legislature more quickly.

Gelinas says she's willing to work with anybody who will make sure that young people are protected, and Premier Kathleen Wynne says she's "keen" to work with Gelinas on the issue.

Gelinas, who started lobbying for a ban in 2008, also wants warning signs posted near tanning beds.

"Five years our health critic's been trying to get this passed," NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said. "Finally, the Liberals have seen the light."

The Ontario Medical Association, which has been calling for a ban since 2010, welcomes the pending legislation, as does the Canadian Cancer Society.
Source /cbc.ca

Thanks&Regards,
Denisha Joely

 

[Can10]

Canadian immigration announces further changes to Federal Skilled Worker Program
19 March 2013

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has issued a short statement about the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The program is currently suspended but is due to re-open for business in May 2013.

The CIC statement advises that if you intend to apply for the revamped FSWP in May that it intends to make three announcements in April about the program. This will affect the way in which you make your application.

CIC says it will provide details of the following in April

• There will be a cap on the number of applications in the first year of the new FSWP. The level of the cap will, presumably, be announced in April
• There will be a new list of priority occupations. This too should be revealed in April
• Canadian Immigration will announce the list of organisations that will be authorised to conduct educational assessments under the new FSWP.

CIC says that if you complete your application before this information is released you run the risk of making and invalid application. If your application does not comply with all the requirements of the new FSWP, then your application will not be processed.

FSWP 'Canada's main skilled immigration route'

The FSWP was Canada's main immigration route for skilled workers until it was suspended by CIC in June 2012. Previously, about 55,000 people gained Canadian permanent residence under the FSWP annually. However, a substantial backlog of applications had built up with some people waiting eight years to have their applications processed.
Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney announced in June 2012 that all applications made before 28th February 2008 would be terminated and the application fees of applicants returned. This decision has been challenged in the courts by some of those applicants. Their case is currently being heard by the Canadian federal court.

In July 2012, Mr Kenney announced the temporary closure of the FSWP. No fresh applications have been accepted since then. Mr Kenney said that this would allow the backlog to be further reduced and allow CIC to reform the program. In December 2012, Mr Kenney announced a series of changes that will apply to the FSWP when it re-opens.

FSWP reformed while suspended

These include

• A higher minimum threshold of skill in either English or French (Canada's two official languages) than before. Applicants will now have to demonstrate by way of a test that they meet level 7 of the Canadian Language Benchmark.
• A greater number of points will be granted to younger applicants than under the old system.
• A new 'Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) scheme will allow the Canadian government to compare foreign educational qualifications with Canadian ones
• A reform of the 'Arranged Employment' rules so that those with an offer of employment can be hired more quickly
• Additional points will be granted to FSWP applicants if their spouse has attained a certain level of English or French ability and/or has work experience in Canada.

Mr Kenney has said that he intends to reform the FSWP in future so that it is more similar to the Australian 'expression of interest' system. He says that this will enable CIC to select the immigrants with the right skills for Canadian business.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2013-03-19/canadian-immigration-announces-further-changes-to-federal-skilled-worker-program

 

[joidiple]

Ottawa, March 21, 2013
2013-040

JOBS, GROWTH AND LONG-TERM PROSPERITY THE TOP PRIORITY OF CANADA’S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN 2013

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today unveiled the next phase of the Harper Government’s plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013. While the Government remains squarely focused on balancing the budget during this Parliament, the Economic Action Plan introduces, among other things, a bold and innovative skills training initiative, the largest and longest federal infrastructure plan in Canadian history, and significant new investments to support manufacturing and innovation in Canada.

“The Canadian economy continues to create jobs and experience modest growth, yet we still face significant risks from beyond our borders, particularly from the euro area and the United States, our largest trading partner,” said Minister Flaherty. “Economic Action Plan 2013 builds on the strong foundation laid in previous years to connect Canadians with available jobs, to provide long-term predictable funding for infrastructure, and to make significant investments in manufacturing and critical research.”

In this risky and uncertain global economic environment, Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013 focuses on initiatives that will improve the quality of life for Canadian individuals, families, businesses and seniors.

CANADA JOB GRANT

Training in Canada is not sufficiently aligned to the skills employers need or to the jobs that are actually available. This means higher unemployment and slower economic growth than Canadians should otherwise expect. Matching the needs of employers with the training Canadians are getting is key to turning this trend around. That’s why the Government is taking bold, innovative steps and introducing the new Canada Job Grant.

The Canada Job Grant will transform the way Canadians receive training. The Canada Job Grant could provide $15,000 or more per person to ensure Canadians are getting the skills employers are seeking. Up to $5,000 will be provided by the federal government, and that amount will be matched by the province/territory and the employer.

For the first time, the Canada Job Grant will take skills-training choices out of the hands of government and put them where they belong in the hands of employers and Canadians who want to work. Job seekers will train at community colleges, career colleges, polytechnics or union training halls, among others. The Canada Job Grant will benefit hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Current Labour Market Agreements with the provinces and territories expire in 2014. The Government of Canada will negotiate new Agreements centred around the Canada Job Grant.

A NEW BUILDING CANADA PLAN

The Government is providing long-term, predictable funding for infrastructure through a new Building Canada plan to build roads, bridges, public transit and other public infrastructure. New investments will focus on projects that stimulate economic growth, and are designed to capitalize on innovative approaches, such as public-private partnerships (P3s).

The new Building Canada plan is the largest and longest federal investment in provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure projects in Canadian history—over $53 billion in investments, including over $47 billion in new funding over 10 years, starting in
2014–15. This funding will be delivered through three key funds:

The Community Improvement Fund, consisting of the Gas Tax Fund and the incremental Goods and Services Tax Rebate for Municipalities, will provide over $32 billion to municipalities for projects such as roads, public transit and recreational facilities, and other community infrastructure. Gas Tax Fund payments will be indexed at 2 per cent per year starting in 2014–15, with increases to be applied in $100-million increments.
The new Building Canada Fund will provide $14 billion to support major economic projects of national, regional and local significance across the country.
The renewed P3 Canada Fund will provide $1.25 billion to continue to support innovative ways to build infrastructure projects faster and provide better value for Canadian taxpayers through public-private partnerships.
An additional $6 billion will be provided to provinces, territories and municipalities under current infrastructure programs in 2014–15 and beyond. In addition, the Government will make significant investments in First Nations infrastructure and in federal infrastructure assets. Overall federal infrastructure funding will total $70 billion over 10 years. This will ensure that Canada’s public infrastructure is world-class and a contributor to job creation, economic growth and productivity for years to come.

HELPING CANADIAN BUSINESSES SUCCEED AND CREATE JOBS

The Government is providing $1.4 billion in tax relief for manufacturers and processors through a two-year extension of the temporary accelerated capital cost allowance for new investment in machinery and equipment. This tax relief will allow businesses in the manufacturing and processing sector to accelerate and undertake additional investment in machinery and equipment, making their operations more efficient.

The Government is also investing:

$225 million to expand and extend the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business for one year in recognition of the important role that small businesses play as job creators in the Canadian economy.
$110 million over five years to increase support for small business owners, farmers and fishermen by increasing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $800,000 in 2014 and indexing the new limit to inflation.
$60 million over five years to help outstanding and high-potential incubator and accelerator organizations expand their services to entrepreneurs so that new companies can start and thrive.
In addition, Economic Action Plan 2013 introduces measures to help the manufacturing sector succeed in the global economy, providing $920 million over five years to renew the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, confirming close to $1 billion in stable funding over five years for the permanent Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative, and investing $92 million over two years starting in 2014–15 in continued support for forestry innovation and market development.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013 is an intentional and deliberate low-tax plan to control spending and keep the Government on track to balance the budget by 2015. In fact, this plan contains the smallest increase in discretionary spending in nearly 20 years.

“In uncertain global economic times, the most important contribution a government can make to bolster confidence and growth in a country is to maintain a sound fiscal position, and that’s why balancing the budget by 2015 is so important,” said Minister Flaherty. “In Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013, we remain focused on what matters to Canadians—jobs and economic growth, and ensuring Canada’s economic advantage today will translate into the long-term prosperity of tomorrow.”

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[mobe]

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Agree