Room For All Of Us – Adrienne Clarkson

Book Review

In this unusually revealing personal inquiry, former Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson explores the immigrant experience through the people who have helped transform Canada. As these uprooted men and women describe their often harrowing experiences leaving their countries, all Canadians will be surprised and heartened by the stories of how they struggled, survived, and ultimately thrived.

The Canadians she befriends—whether an Ismaili politician, a Holocaust survivor, a Chilean artist, or a Vietnam War deserter—illustrate the changing idea of what it means to be Canadian and the kind of country we have created over the decades. Like her, many of the people who came to Canada did not have a real choice; they often arrived friendless and with a sense of loss. Yet their struggles and successes have enriched our country immeasurably. What drove them to become the kind of people they have become? What would have happened to them if Canada had not taken them in? What have they added to our national life as we go forward in the twenty-first century?

Written with humour and insight and enriched by Clarkson’s own memories of her trajectory from Hong Kong refugee to distinguished Canadian figure, Room for All of Us is a tale of many destinies. Like W.G. Sebald’s The Emigrants, it offers a richly textured, intimate, and unforgettable portrait of a changing country and its people.

Room For All Of Us – By Adrienne Clarkson

The Reputation Of Countries

THE REPUTATION OF COUNTRIES -

CANADA IS THE COUNTRY WITH THE BEST

REPUTATION IN THE WORLD

Study Finds Direct Link between a Country’s Reputation and its Levels of FDI and Tourism
Receipts

Canada has earned the highest reputation ranking in Reputation Institute’s 2011 Country RepTrak™, an annual study measuring the public perceptions of 50 countries around the world.

The study measures the overall Trust, Esteem, Admiration and Good Feelings the public holds towards these countries, as well as their perceptions across 16 different attributes, including a good quality of life, a safe place to live and a strong attention to their environment.

Results from over 42,000 respondents worldwide showed that Canada scored well in all of these elements. “The study shows that a strong country reputation requires a solid performance across three different areas: having an advanced economy, an appealing environment and an effective government,” says Nicolas Georges Trad, Executive Partner of Reputation Institute, a global consulting firm specializing in reputation management.

Canada was followed by Sweden, Australia, Switzerland and New Zealand, all showing stability in their high scores throughout the three years of this annual study. Their strong reputations are attributed to their steady democracies, high GDP per capita, focus on active lifestyles, well developed political systems and perceived neutrality to international political upheavals. The lowest ranked countries in the 50-country study were Pakistan, Iran and Iraq, while the United States and China were ranked in the middle and lower tiers.

One of the most interesting findings of this year’s study was the significant decrease in the average score of all countries measured, suggesting a growing cynicism people have towards countries, possibly due to recent developments in the world economy and a general loss of faith in politics worldwide. The effect of economics and politics on countries’ reputation also showed in some of the big movements from 2009 and 2011: Spain, Ireland and Greece dropped by 5th, 6th and 7th places respectively, while Germany climbed 5 spots to number 11. The outcome in Greece has been even more pronounced internally; the study found that, when rated by Greeks, the country scored almost 16 points lower than by people outside of Greece. “This suggests that in addition to managing their reputations externally, countries should also invest in building domestic pride to drive positive perceptions both inside and outside the country – especially following a trust crisis like we see it in this case,” says Nicolas Georges Trad.

2011 Country RepTrak™ Global Ranking

Rank #    Country   #2011 Country RepTrak™ Score
1              Canada                          74.8
2              Sweden                         74.7
3               Australia 74.3
4 Switzerland 74.2
5 New Zealand 73.1
6 Norway 73.1
7 Denmark 71.9
8 Finland 70.5
9 Austria 69.4
10 Netherlands 68.7
11 Germany 68.3
12 Japan 67.2
13 Belgium 65.6
14 Italy 64.6
15 UK 64.2
16 Spain 63.7
17 Ireland 63.6
18 France 62.1
19 Portugal 58.1
20 Singapore 58.0
21 Greece 55.8
22 Brazil 54.6
23 USA 52.9
24 Argentina 52.0
25 Taiwan 51.3
26 Poland 50.9
27 India 50.3
28 Peru 50.2
29 UAE 50.0
30 Thailand 49.9
31 Chile 49.7
32 Puerto Rico 47.4
33 South Africa 46.7
34 South Korea 46.6
35 Mexico 46.0
36 Turkey 46.0
37 Egypt 45.9
38 Venezuela 45.4
39 Bolivia 42.4
40 Ukraine 42.2
41 Israel 41.9
42 Haiti 41.8
43 China 40.7
44 Saudi Arabia 38.8
45 Russia 38.6
46 Colombia 37.1
47 Nigeria 30.9
48 Pakistan 27.2
49 Iran 22.7
50 Iraq 21.8
Effective Government
Rank Country
1 Switzerland
2 Sweden
3 Norway
4 Canada
5 Denmark
6 Australia
7 Germany
8 Finland
9 Netherlands
10 New Zealand

Advanced Economy
Rank Country
1 Japan
2 Germany
3 Sweden
4 Switzerland
5 Norway
6 Canada
7 US
8 Denmark
9 Finland
10 Australia

Appealing Environment
Rank Country
1 Australia
2 Switzerland
3 Sweden
4 Canada
5 Italy
6 New Zealand
7 Norway
8 Spain
9 Austria
10 Denmark
Reputation Institute also measured the impact that people’s perceptions on the 16 attributes had on the countries’ overall reputation. It was found that being perceived as a safe country and a country with friendly people are the most important attributes that drive a country’s reputation. This could explain Mexico’s plunge from 24th place in 2009 to 35th place this year, as it increasingly struggles with an image of a violent, lawless country.
Perhaps the most important finding in 2011 Country RepTrak™ is that reputation means money. Reputation Institute found a very strong correlation between a country’s reputation and people’s willingness to visit there, buy its exported products and services, invest there, study there or even live and work there. “Our approach provides a strategic tool that enables countries to make informed decisions about how to spend their brand and reputation building budgets,” says Kasper Nielsen, Executive Partner of Reputation Institute. “When you consider that a 10% increase in your country’s reputation leads to an 11% rise in your tourism receipts, and a 2% increase in your FDI – this is something both countries and companies might want to take note of.”

About Reputation Institute
Reputation Institute is the world’s leading corporate reputation consulting firm. Founded in 1997, with a presence in 30 countries, we are the pioneer in reputation management. Through systematic research and analysis, Reputation Institute supports companies to build comprehensive strategies and make operational decisions that are designed to align stakeholders with corporate objectives creating tangible economic value.  For more information, visit: www.reputationinstitute.com.
About Survey Sampling International
Survey Sampling International (SSI) is the premier global provider of sampling solutions for survey research. With offices in 15 countries, SSI provides data collection services to more than 1,800 clients, including 48 of the top 50 research organizations. For more information, visit: http://www.surveysampling.com.
About Toluna
Toluna is the world’s leading independent online panel and survey technology provider to the global market research industry. We provide online sample and survey technology solutions to the world’s leading market research agencies, media agencies and corporates, from our 17 offices in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. For more information, visit: http://www.toluna-group.com.

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The Reputation Of Countries

Governor General Of Canada – New Year Greetings

Governor General’s New Year’s Message

Message from the Governor General of Canada

OTTAWA— In the little over a year since I was installed as Governor General, Sharon and I have had the opportunity to travel to almost every corner of our country—and to meet with Canadians from nearly every walk of life. It has been a remarkable experience.

What has struck us most is the generosity of Canadians. Generous with their talents, their time and their treasure. More than 80% of Canadians make some kind of financial donation to a worthy cause every year. And some 12 million Canadians spend over two billion hours volunteering.

……   Message continues  below the video…

Those are impressive numbers and speak to the kind of people we are—and the kind of country we’ve built. We are a nation of barn raisers.

Whether it’s because of the geography we share or the climate we endure, giving seems to crop up everywhere in our society. We are bound to one another. And every day, in countless ways large and small, Canadians demonstrate their gift for giving.

I have been reflecting upon the generosity of Canadians while thinking about the year ahead. In every new year lies the promise of a new beginning.

An opportunity to improve our lives and enrich our country. And as Canada approaches its 150^th anniversary, in 2017, it’s time to renew our efforts to imagine the kind of country we want—and to start building it in the New Year.

Imagine a smarter, more caring Canada. A Canada where giving—in all its forms—time, talent, altruism become an even more integral part of our daily lives—a main stream part of being Canadian.

During the holiday season, each of us can plainly see the effect that the spirit of generosity and goodwill has upon our lives and our communities. And each year we ask ourselves, ‘Why can’t every day be so full of sharing?’

Indeed, ‘Why not?’ An everyday culture of giving is one of the defining features of successful societies everywhere. This has been the case throughout Canada’s past, but we cannot take it for granted. Together, let us renew our gift for giving as we look to the future.

By celebrating and encouraging volunteerism and philanthropy, by calling on that fundamental commitment from our fellow citizens, we build a smarter and more caring Canada, one barn at a time.

The year ahead will also mark important milestones. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, will celebrate her diamond jubilee—60 years of inimitable service. To honour Her Majesty, we are creating a Diamond Jubilee Medal which will recognize 60,000 Canadians for their contributions to our country.

This coming year we will also celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the Grey Cup, donated by a former Governor General, Lord Grey. And we will mark the 40^th year in which the Decorations for Bravery and the Order of Military Merit have been awarded to Canadians for acts of heroism, at home and abroad.

As we look ahead to new beginnings and new opportunities for service, Sharon and I, and all of our family, wish you and your loved ones peace, prosperity, good health and joy in being Canadian.
David Johnston

Governor General Of Canada – New Year Greetings

Prime Minister of Canada’s Statement

on the Christmas season

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the Christmas season:

“Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends, and to look back with gratitude, and to look forward with hope.

“In spite of continued global instability, Canada’s economy has performed well, compared to other countries. And our country is more confident and more united than ever.

“Our Government will keep working hard to create jobs and growth. And we will keep promoting the things that unite us as Canadians. This holiday season let us remember those who are less fortunate. Let us honour our men and women in uniform.  And let us give thanks for our great country, Canada.

“From Laureen, Ben, Rachel and me, to your family, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and all the best for the holiday season and for the year to come.”

Prime Minister of Canada on the Christmas season

Canadian Visa Services

Appointment process for your Canadian immigration application

1. Visit http://canada.appointy.com
2. Click to select the time that you wish to book the appointment
3. Enter your details
4. You will get a confirmation email with the details of the appointment
5. Contact us by email if you need any clarifications.

Canadian Visa Services

Human Development Index – Canada

Human Development Index – Canada

The 2011 rankings for Human Development Index.

Canada Immigration

Canadian Visa – Skilled worker categories

Facebook – Canadian Visa

The Human Development Index – going beyond income

Each year since 1990 the Human Development Report has published the Human Development Index (HDI) which was introduced as an alternative to conventional measures of national development, such as level of income and the rate of economic growth. The HDI represents a push for a broader definition of well-being and provides a composite measure of three basic dimensions of human development: health, education and income. Canada’s HDI is 0.908, which gives the country a rank of 6 out of 187 countries with comparable data. The HDI of OECD as a region increased from 0.749 in 1980 to 0.873 today, placing Canada above the regional average. The HDI trends tell an important story both at the national and regional level and highlight the very large gaps in well-being and life chances that continue to divide our interconnected world. Learn more

Human Development Index – Canada

Canada Immigration for Electricians

Electricians put in electrical systems by first reading the specifications for hospitals, residences, schools, and other structures.   Electricians are also involved in the repair and upkeep of electrical systems.  The work electricians perform also depends on the type of electrician they are.

As per the current Canadian immigration occupation list, Electricians and Industrial electricians are eligible to apply for permanent residence.  The same job functions may be classified by other titles such as industrial electrician, marine electrician, mill electrician, mine electrician, plant electrician, or others.

Applicants for Canadian permanent residence with experience in the above areas, can submit an assessment request on the link below -

http://www.canadianvisa.com/canada/electricians-canada-immigration

Canada Immigration For Electricians

Canada Immigration for Architects

Canada Immigration for architects -  applications for architects.  Application quota for the year year 2011-2012 is set at 500 applications.

Architects conceptualize, diagram and build up designs for the construction and transformation of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential buildings. Architects are in employment by architectural firms, private corporations and governments, or they may be self-employed.

Architects - start your Canada immigration Application, Click here to Apply Online

To submit your online application for an assessment, follow the link below –   Canada Immigration for Architects

http://www.canadianvisa.com/canada/architects-application

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Canadian Visa On Google+

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on Google+

Canadian Visa On Google+

Points Calculator

Points Calculator for Canada Immigration as a Skilled Worker.

If you are eligible to apply as a skilled worker, you will be assessed on six selection factors and a point system.  If you are married or living with a common-law partner, either you or your spouse can apply as the principal applicant.

Currently the pass mark is set at 67.  This pass mark can be changed at any time.

Education Points Calculator

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To start your Canada immigration Application, Click here to Apply Online

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Arranged Employment – Points Calculator

And

You meet all required Canadian licensing or regulatory standards associated with the job.

Adaptability – Points Calculator

• Secondary school (high school) diploma or less: 0 points
• A one-year diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship or university degree, and at least 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies: 3 points
• A two or three-year diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship or university degree, and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies: 4 points
• A master’s degree or PhD and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies: 5 points

3–5Previous work in Canada
You, or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, have completed a minimum of one year of full-time work in Canada on a valid work permit.5Previous study in Canada
You, or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, have completed a program of full-time study of at least two years’ duration at a post-secondary institution in Canada. You must have done this after you were 17 years old and with a valid study permit.There is no need to have obtained a degree or diploma for these two years of study to earn these points.5Arranged Employment in Canada
You can claim five additional points if you have arranged employment as described in the Arranged Employment selection factor.5Relatives in Canada
You, or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, have a relative (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, child of a parent, sibling, child of a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or grandchild of a parent, niece or nephew) who is residing in Canada and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

For your application to be eligible for processing, you must include the results of your official language proficiency test, and either:

• have a valid offer of arranged employment, OR
• be a skilled worker who has had one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in at least one of the following eligible occupations within the last ten years:
  • 0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers
  • 0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)
  • 1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
  • 1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
  • 2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
  • 2151 Architects
  • 3111 Specialist Physicians
  • 3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians
  • 3113 Dentists
  • 3131 Pharmacists
  • 3142 Physiotherapists
  • 3152 Registered Nurses
  • 3215 Medical Radiation Technologists
  • 3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
  • 3233 Licensed Practical Nurses
  • 4151 Psychologists
  • 4152 Social Workers
  • 6241 Chefs
  • 6242 Cooks
  • 7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
  • 7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades
  • 7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)
  • 7242 Industrial Electricians
  • 7251 Plumbers
  • 7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators
  • 7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
  • 7371 Crane Operators
  • 7372 Drillers & Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction
  • 8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service

To get an assessment of your application, visit the page listing all the detailed occupations, and select which occupation you have work experience in.

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