Working In Regina, Saskatchewan

No Job for Skilled Workers! Why?

2009-11-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

These days, you, international professionals from various countries to Canada, find it ridiculously tough to be able to find a decent job although you are highly skilled workers? Read this. If you see something similar to that you'd heard somewhere. You're right!

“This is the website where you can find job postings; make sure you check it regularly. Oh, you're familiar with it from abroad? And you've been applying for months already? Remember, 80 per cent of jobs are in the hidden job market - networking is the way to go. Yes, yes, I see, how does a newcomer manage to network? All right, here are the workshops we offer on writing resumés, doing interviews, job search strategies. No, we won't actually find a job for you; we'll give you the skills so you can do it yourself.

I'm sorry, the manager is not available, what is this regarding? I'm afraid our company doesn't have any current openings. Check the website regularly. Thank you.

Hi, the position has been filled internally. Thank you for your interest.

Yes, we are still accepting resumés. Please e-mail human resources and we will get back to you. Oh, you've sent it already? Please wait until someone from our company contacts you. Thank you for applying.

The manager is in a meeting, may I ask who is calling? You need to make an appointment to see the manager in person, and he is booked solid until February. I'm sorry, what is this regarding? Yes, I'm sure he has read your letter and knows what an asset you would be to our company. Yes, fluent in several languages, years of co-ordinating international operations and logistics. ... Can I put you on hold?
Tell me about your work experience. No Canadian experience, eh? But you have worked in international trade, foreign relations and policy analysis since I was in diapers? I'm sorry, the North American work environment is very specific and we need someone with local knowledge. Oh, but you have a graduate degree from a leading university in the United States? Canada is different and we cannot use your skills. We will call you if something opens. Thank you for your interest.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit an electronic version of their application outlining their education, experience and contact information for three references.

I'm sorry, your application is incomplete, please complete the references field. Your references are international? Write them down, of course we will call them. Our company hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, including people with disabilities, members of visible minorities and aboriginal persons. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for submitting the form.

Describe a situation where you have had to deal with a difficult customer and how you handled it. Furious dignitaries? Trade fiascos? No, no, I mean when someone got upset and you talked them down. Company CEOs don't count. How about someone who had a problem with your management's service? Yes, yes, if you were the management that works too, like, whatever ...

Come out West, we need employees with every skill! What trade do you have: Can you weld, are you a carpenter? We might have some office work for you too, sure. What do you know about oil? Are you up to speed on the oil sands? If you want to make money you should consider the oil industry, but you know, with your age. ... Physical labour will earn you the big bucks, but hey come anyway and we'll find you something. You bet, just call when you arrive, settle down and we'll figure it out. Yes, it's true, housing availability is at a historic low and rent prices have exploded, but we're sure you'll manage.

Can you count money? You show up on time? You speak English? Ha ha, I know you are speaking English to me right now, but I mean English like these Canadians. You know, double-double? Toonie? Loonie? Okay, you try for two days and we see if you are good. I need somebody for 14 hours tomorrow and 12 on Wednesday.

Pay? If you stay I pay you cash, if you go, sorry. Pay is soon, yes, don't worry so much.

Find out more here!

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How to Saving on Dental Services

2009-11-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

Having no insurance which covers your dental and optical shake is really bad, especially in case you and your beloved have a sudden need for that. It could ends up with the worth of some tens of working hours. It is really expensive to get to either dental or optical clinics without insurance.
Luckily, there is a choice for budget-conscious people. Let’s try out the place where dental students are practicing. It is SIAST clinics. For now, I just know the place for dental services. It is famous for its cheap and friendly services. The follow is quoted from SIAST website.

“Dental care is available to you through the SIAST Dental Clinic (Wascana Campus). The Clinic is located on level 5 and is open Monday to Friday from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 to 4:00 p.m.
All services are provided on fee-for-service bases. Because SIAST is a teaching institution, rates are kept as low as possible in accordance with the Saskatchewan College of Dental Surgeons' Fee Guide.

Restorative Services: examinations, fillings, bridges, root canals, crowns, dentures.

Licensed dentists, licensed dental therapists/hygienists and dental assisting students provide restorative services.

Oral Health Services: oral hygiene assessment, blood pressure screening, x-ray films, scaling and polishing, oral soft tissue screening examination, instruction in preventive self-care techniques
fluoride applications.

Students provide oral health services under the supervision of licensed dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants.

Since students provide these services, each procedure must be evaluated. Therefore, clients must be prepared to stay for an entire clinical session (8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1:15 to 4:00 p.m.) and return for any further appointments that may be required.”

For more information, click here

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Free Boneless Chicken Fillets From KFC on Nov 1

2009-10-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

To support the launch of the new premium all-white meat, skinless, Boneless Chicken Fillet, KFC Canada is giving away a free fillet to every customer between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on November 1.

Details on KFC Canada's nationwide Chicken Fillet Giveaway:

- free Boneless Chicken Fillets will be given away from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 1

- KFC express locations are not serving the Boneless Chicken Fillet product and will not be participating in the giveaway promotion

- limit one Boneless Chicken Fillet per customer

- customers in line at 4 p.m. will still qualify to receive product while supplies last

- should a restaurant run out of Boneless Chicken Fillets during the designated two-hour time period, customers will be provided with a rain cheque that can be redeemed from November 4 to November 15

- no purchase necessary

This is the source

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Long Run for Business Studying

2009-10-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

The University of Regina and SIAST have reached an agreement that lets graduates from SIAST’s two-year business diploma programs obtain the U of R’s four-year bachelor of business administration degree in just two years.

The agreement also allows graduates from SIAST’s one-year business certificate program to obtain the U of R’s bachelor of business administration degree in just three years.

The transfer credit agreement provides full recognition of SIAST’s business certificate program, as well as SIAST’s business accountancy, administration, financial services, human resources, information systems and marketing diploma programs at Palliser Campus.

Source from Leader Post

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The Paper Mate® Biodegradable Contest

2009-10-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Open only to legal residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in the province or territory in which they reside. No purchase necessary.

Contest Rules

1 Grand Prize
One Toyota 2010 Prius with Premium Package (“B” Suffix), model code KN3DUP.

2 Secondary Prizes
One Apple Mac Book Pro 15’
Ten Roots Green Clothing Prize Packs
Twenty-five Paper Mate Prize Packs

3 Monthly Prizes (1 per month for 6 months)
Garden Gourmet Backyard Composter.

The Monthly Contests Draw dates will be
October 7, 2009
November 6, 2009
December 7, 2009
January 8, 2010
February 5, 2010
March 5, 2010
All Monthly Contests will be draw at 2:00 p.m.

Click here for more details.

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Take Your Best Shot

2009-10-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

The Leader-Post's popular Take Your Best Shot readers' photo contest returns this month for another year.

Readers send in pictures; Leader-Post editors pick four monthly finalists, then you, the readers, pick the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place photos for the month, which we post online, but also publish in the printed edition of the Leader-Post on the last Saturday of each month, in the Weekender section.

After 12 months, we'll post the 12 monthly winners and readers will pick the Grand Prize winner, photo of the year

This is the contest rules. This is the address to submit your photos.

Join today! You just may be a winner.

Source from Leader Post.

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Scam On Cell-Phone

2009-10-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

My cell phone bill for last month (the latest one) has an extra $30 to its usual amount around $40 leading to a big number of over $70. It really sucks. Where does that extra come from? And why does it appear in my bill? Simply, there are scams on my cell-phone but I have no idea about them until today after I consulted with a Sasktel customer service staff. The extra $30 is called Text Messaging Premium categorized as adjustments.

One day, when I came to a website which offers free hot movies (only available in cinemas) to watch, I had taken a short survey in order to use the access. In that survey, I have given it my cell phone number and email address, forgetting to double check the “rule”. Now this is the result!

As soon as I register my cellphone number, since then I am continuingly sent competition text messages ( for an IPod Touch) like these below:

Message from 84040.
Q: What is Canada’s longest river? A: Fraser River or B: The Mackenzie River. Text either GIFT A or GIFT B to 84040! Info: 18666700126.

Message from 77277.
Q: What animal is depicted on the Canadian quarter? A: a Caribou or B: a Goose. Txt either GIFT A or GIFT B to 77277! Info: 18666700126.

Because I took the survey twice, then I have two sources of service which are sending me texts as 84040 and 77277. Although I never reply to these texts, still each costs me $15 per month. To eliminate these scams, all I have to do is simply text STOP to reply these texts.

Though it is too late for me now but it works perfectly. Right after I texted STOP, I receive from 40404040 a message like “You will no longer receive messages from this service. / Vous ne recevres plus de messages de cet service.”

Keep an eye on your cell-phone or you will pay “extra” like me for unnecessary things. $30 is the cost for me to know this. Hopefully, it will help you to avoid cell-phone scams.

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Bill 80

2009-10-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is Bill 80

There is an official petition against the Bill 80

Bill 80 is believed to be unnecessary and cumbersome. It is going to drive down the income of those who are working in construction sector just when wages are finally catching up with the rest of Canada, the government wants to roll them back, lead to unnecessary competition between career counterparts. It would create two parallel systems for the construction industry in Saskatchewan -- one for existing unions under the old legislation, and a new one aimed at getting out-of-province contractors and unions to come to Saskatchewan. The Bill is announced without consulting and notifying to construction labor forces and organizations. It is a “solution to a problem that doesn't exist”.

Bill 80 will make the workplace less democratic. Under the old system, workers were free to choose to be unionized or non-unionized. If they chose to be unionized, they would be represented by the craft union associated with their trade. And if the workers later decided they didn't want to be unionized, they could apply to the Labour Relations Board to have their union decertified. Not so under Bill 80. It allows employers to pick the union to represent the workers. Letting the boss choose the union is no choice at all.

Bill 80 allows employees a back door to get out of their union certifications. It will let employees shed their unions if they can prove that a union has been inactive for a period of three years -- even if that occurred in the distant past and during a period when the employer in question had no employees.

Right now, if a union doesn't represent its membership for three years, a company can go to the labour board and have that union decertified. We have no problem with that; a union must represent its members or face the consequences.

However, Bill 80 changes the rules and applies them retroactively. For example, consider a company that has been unionized for 25 years, was inactive for three years in the downturn of the 1980s and then started up again and has been in operation for the last 20 years. Under Bill 80, it could have its union decertified because of the three-year gap 20 years ago.

Each of these points is reason enough to reject Bill 80. But the most important reason to reject it is because this legislation resurrects old battles that have been put to rest between business and labour, and pits Saskatchewan workers against each other, union against union, and Saskatchewan contractors against large out-of-province rivals.

Above is paraphrased from The Starphoenix.

Following is the viewpoint of the writer, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders Association – Saskatchewan from Leader Post.

“Contractors are able to voluntarily recognize a union. That right already exists under the Trade Union Act. Such recognition is subject to challenges by other unions or by the employees of that contractor. The employees do have choices.

Collective bargaining agreements usually require the participation and agreement of both the employer and the union.

Bill 80 will provide workers with more choice about which union represents them, unlike the ill-conceived current provisions of the Construction Industry Labour Relations Act that makes this choice for the workers. Union leaders in the construction industry are going to have to work to organize and retain their membership, without the members simply being handed over to them as they are today.

Bill 80 clearly states that the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board will be the body to decide on any abandonment claims, not unionized contractors.”

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Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program

2009-10-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

Saskatchewan is thriving and opportunities for grads have never been brighter.

The Graduate Retention Program (GRP) rewards you for building your future in Saskatchewan by providing a refundable income tax credit to rebate up to $20,000 of tuition fee paid by eligible graduates who remain in Saskatchewan.

For 1 year certificate, Diploma or Journeyperson, max rebate for ‘06 & later grads is $3,000.
For 2 year certificate and diploma: ’06 & ’07 - $3,200, ’08 & later - $6,400.
For 3 year undergraduate degree: ’06 & ’07 - $5,000, ’08 - $10,000, ’09 & later- $15,000.
For 4 year undergraduate degree: ’06 & ’07 - $5,000, ’08 - $10,000, ’09 -$15,000, ’10 & later - $20,000.

Anyone who graduates in 2006 or beyond from an approved program in Saskatchewan in continues to live here is eligible. Approved programs must be equivalent to at least six months of full-time study and result in a certificate, diploma, or undergraduate degree; or provide journeypersons certification.

Eligibility will also be extended to graduates of approved programs at post-secondary institutions outside Saskatchewan. For a list of these approved programs, check out www.aeel.gov.sk.ca/grp

The above address is also for more information or to apply.

To learn more:
Email to SFAWEB@sasked.gov.sk.ca
Student Financial Assistance Branch
4635 Wascana Parkway
Box 650
Regina, SK S4P 3R3

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High Demand College Courses in Health Sector

2009-09-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Due to a real coming-up demand from Health Sector, if you are starting your career, planning a move, or wanting to specialize, you might consider pursing this list of highdemand occupations. Even, you can earn up right $1,000.00 if you can refer someone working in a high demand position to Saskatoon Health Region.

In case you want to improve youself with a life-time change. Here are some college courses available from several various institutes.

SIAST (Saskatchewan)
Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology
Cytotechnology
Dental Hygiene
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Radiologic Technology
Practical Nursing

SIAST requires Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 70% in English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Biology 30, and one of Chemistry 30 or Physics 30. Any applications that do not have a 70% average will not be considered for admission to the program.

SAIT (Calgary, AB)
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Medical Radiologic Technology
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Dental Assisting

SAIT requires High School Diploma or equivalent with at least 60% in each of the following courses or their equivalents: English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Math 30 or Math 31, Chemistry 30 and either Biology 30 or Physics 30; plus one option of the following: Math 31, Language 30, Physics 30, Biology 30, Social Studies 30 or Science 30. Any applications that do not have a 60% average will not be considered for admission to the program.

BCIT (British Columbia)
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Medical Laboratory Science
Medical Radiography Technology
Nursing
Prosthetics and Orthotics

BCIT requires High school graduation or equivalent, English 12 (B) or English-language proficiency, Principles of Math 12 (C+) or Academic Math 12 (C+), Chemistry 12 (C+), Physics 11 (C+), Biology 12 (C+),
Physics 12 is strongly recommended.

Below are not as high demand programs:

BCIT
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Radiation Therapy

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How to Become a Massage Therapist

2009-09-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

To become a massage therapist in Saskatchewan a person must meet the standard entrance requirements as follows:

Submit a current copy of a criminal records check.
Successful completion and graduation from a 2,200 hour curriculum-based massage therapy course provided by a recognized massage therapy institute. Click here for a list of schools.
Successful completion of CPR Level C and Standard First Aid.
Upon successful completion of the above requirements the candidate must write and master (minimum score of 75%) each of the written and practical exams .
Upon successful completion of the examinations, the candidate may submit a membership application along with the required membership fee to MTAS.
All MTAS members are required to carry at least $2 million malpractice and liability insurance.

Western College of Remedial Massage Therapies
832 McCarthy Boulevard, Regina, Sask. S4T 6S7
Tel: 306-757-2242
Fax: 306-757-6858
Contact: Wayne Baiton
Email: information@westerncollege.ca
Website: http://www.westerncollege.ca/

Full Time Program (2 years)
Remedial Massage Therapy - Year One
$ 7,946.10 Tuition
$ 1,206.65 Books & Materials
$ 20.00 Student Council Fee
$ 115.20 Insurance
$ 9,287.95 Total Year One
Remedial Massage Therapy - Year Two
$ 7,869.10 Tuition
$ 1 669.50 Books & Material
$ 20.00 Student Council Fee
$ 25.00 Grad Gown Rental
$ 115.20 Insurance
$ 9,698.80 Total Year Two
_________
$18,986.75 Total Full Time Program Fees

Besides, there are three-year part-time program via distance education program with the total fees of $16,455.90. It also offers a 1 year part-time training program named "Freedom55" aiming at those who are going to retire. They can set a part-time job as relaxation practitioner or a part-time Massage Therapist. There are also other optional trainings such as CPR level C and Standard First Aid at $115.00 and Pre and Post Sports Massage at $315.00 (both tax included).

Click here to download application form, all tuition fees tables, and booklet about the College.

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Share the Warmth™ Home Energy Efficiency Project

2009-09-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is the fourth year of the project that volunteers from SaskEnergy, TransGas, The Salvation Army, SIAST, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, SaskEnergy Network Members, and the community worked together to help Regina families improve the energy efficiency of their homes through the SaskEnergy Share the Warmth™ Home Energy Efficiency Project.

The Home Energy Efficiency Program is one of the many successful energy efficiency programs led by SaskEnergy. Share the Warmth Home Energy Efficiency Project aims to assist 2,500 families in communities throughout Saskatchewan by 2010.

The Share the Warmth Home Energy Efficiency Project will allow families in Regina to benefit from more than $200 worth of home improvements including: replacing furnace filters; installing programmable thermostats; replacing standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs; preparing windows and doors for winter; and installing water saving showerheads and toilet tank inserts to save water. Families will save on energy and water consumption, noticing a difference on their utility bills of approximately $100 every year after the work is completed.

The Share the Warmth Home Energy Efficiency Project is available to homeowners with a combined annual household income of no more than $45,000. Local Salvation Army chapters, along with help from the Ministry of Social Services, have been responsible for selecting the families who will benefit from the project.

Check news releases at the beginning of July annually on SaskEnergy website for details of registration. Any homeowner or home renter can apply, but preference will be given to homeowners with an annual combined household income of no more than $45,000. Home renters who are responsible for paying 100% of their utility bills may be considered. The deadline for applications is July 31. Only those applicants selected will be contacted. Interested homeowners or home renters may call The Salvation Army in their area, visit the nearest SaskEnergy/TransGas office, or apply online here

For those who are interested in next year’s project , contact the Regina Salvation Army at 757-4600. For further information, question via email, mail or phone to:

Dave Burdeniuk
Manager, Communications
SaskEnergy
Phone: (306) 777-9842
Email: dburdeniuk@saskenergy.com

Major Leonard Millar
The Salvation Army
Public Relations and Development
Phone: (306) 757-3111 or (306) 533-0756 (cell)
Email: len_millar@can.salvationarmy.org

Jocelyne Wasacase-Merasty,
Manager of Communications
Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 659-3857
Email: j.wasacase-merasty@siast.sk.ca

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Personal Improvement Course 1

2009-09-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Occupation Health and Safety (OHS)
Standard First Aid (SFA) and CPR courses

Location: Saskatchewan Provincial Office
Address: 2625 3rd Avenue
Regina, SK, S4T 0C8
Phone: (306) 522-7226, 1-888-273-0003
Fax: (306) 525-4177
Website: http://www.sja.ca/
Email: inquiries@sk.sja.ca

Hours of operation:
Mon to Fri: 8:00 – 4:30
Sat & Sun: Closed

TRAINING COSTS
OHS-SFA & CPR A : $130.00
OHS-SFA & CPR B : $140.00
OHS-SFA & CPR C : $150.00

CPR “A” (adult rescuer CPR) $ 65.00
CPR “B” (adult rescuer, plus child & infant CPR) $ 75.00
CPR “C” (adult rescuer, child & infant CPR & 2-man rescuer) $ 85.00

AED (Automatic External Defibulator) $ 65.00
PCW (Personal Care-worker Course) $125.00
BABYSITTING COURSE $ 35.00

RECERTIFICATION: OHS-SFA & CPR A : $ 75.00 ($20.00 more if student does not have New Protocol book)
RECERTIFICATION: OHS-SFA & CPR B : $ 85.00 ($20.00 more if student does not have New Protocol book)
RECERTIFICATION: OHS-SFA & CPR C : $ 95.00 ($20.00 more if student does not have New Protocol book)

No refunds on any courses

If you would like to register for a course, just download, print and fax the form to (306)525-4177 if paying by credit card or registering through a company or drop it off at its Regina office if paying by debit or cash. Always confirm that your registration has been received!!- Regina Registration Form

For more details click here

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Used Book Hunters, Here Comes a Chance!

2009-09-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Athol Murray College of Notre Dame Used Book Sale

Books donated by Mr. Wayne Shaw, who recently closed his used book store in Saskatoon due to the fact that the landlord has another plan with his property.

Date: Sept 16-19, 2009
Place: Golden Mile Shopping Centre, Regina.
Albert St. South & 25th Ave.
Time:
Sept 16th: 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sept 17th: 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sept 18th: 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sept 19th: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Large hardcover or coffee table books: $ 3.00
Regular hardcover and large paperbacks: $ 2.00
Small paperbacks/ Pocket Books/ Children’s Books: $ 1.00
Magazines: $ 0.50
Payment: cash or cheque only

Categories: Entertainment and Leisure-Biographies-Business and Finance-Children’s-Cook books-Health and living-Fiction (all kinds)-History, war and politics-Philosophy and religion-
Medical, science and nature-Poetry-Sports-Text books

This event will raise money for the Notre Dame Alumni Saskatchewan Branch Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistant to Saskatchewan students who wish to attend Notre Dame.

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Coming Events

2009-09-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

Zen Meditation

Regina's Wake Up! Zen Buddhist community is offering a free, 12-week introductory course in Zen meditation.
Classes run from 10:30 a.m. until noon on Saturdays, beginning this weekend (Sept 12) at 2900-15th Ave.
For more information, visit www.wakeupnow.ca or call Hubert at 306-502-6716.

See It/Try It Event

Synchro Sask is holding a "see it/try it" event on Saturday morning (Sept 12) for those interested in sampling synchronized swimming.
Called "So You Think You Can Swim," it takes place from 8-10 a.m. at the Lawson Aquatic Centre.
This event is for swimmers of all ages and skill levels.
For more information, call 780-9227 or drop in on Saturday.

Clothes Giveaway

A clothing giveaway will be held Saturday (Sept 12) at Grace/New Beginnings Lutheran Church, located at 1037 Victoria Ave.
This church is on the corner of Victoria Avenue and Quebec Street.
All items are free during this event, which will run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
This giveaway includes many styles and all sizes in men's, women's and children's clothing.

Source from Leader Post.

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The 8th Semi-Annual Career Fair from Leader-Post

2009-09-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

This is an ONE-DAY-ONLY event.
FREE ADMISSION!! PLENTY OF PARKING!!

Date: Monday, September 21, 2009

Open to public: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m

Place: Conexus Arts Centre, Convention Hall

200A Lakeshore Dr. Regina, SK

Past Exhibitors

• 24-7 InTouch• 7-Eleven Food Stores• Advance Engineered Products Ltd• ASL Paving• Auto Gallery• Big Sky Farms• Canada Border Services Agency• Canada Revenue Agency• Canada Safeway• Canadian Forces Recruiting• Canadian Home Bldg. Assoc.- Sask., Regina & Region• Canadian Tire• CIBC• City of Regina• Combined Insurance Co• Conexus Arts Centre• Culligan• Delta Regina• Employment Network Canada Inc• Evraz Place• Farm Credit Canada• Fast Trucking Service• File Hills First Nations Police Service• GE Railcar Repair Service• Giant Tiger• Government of Saskatchewan• Home Depot• Hudson Bay Company• Intertwine Design & Communications• Investors Group Financial Services Inc• Ipsco Place• Leader-Post• Loblaws Companies Ltd• Mark's Work Wearhouse•McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Ltd• Ministry of the Environment• Natural Valley Farms• NAV Canada (SHL Group)• Peavey Mart• Percival Ford• Pioneer• Primerica• Public Service Commission/Ministryof Environment• Purolator Courier Ltd• Queen Victoria Estates• Radisson Plaza Hotel Sask• Ramada Hotel• Ranch Ehrlo Society• RCMP Recruiting• Ready Bake• Regina & Region Homes Builders Association• Regina Inn• Regina Trades & Skills Centre• Sask Apprenticeship & Trades• Sask. Gaming Corp. Casinos Regina & Moose Jaw• Sask. Prov. Building & Trades• Sasktel• Sears Canada Inc• Sherwood Co-operative Assoc. Ltd.• SK. Dept. of Corrections• Sobeys• Staples Contact Centre• Startek Regina• Sysco Food Services of Regina• Unifirst• Walmart• Wolseley Canada• Zellers (Victoria Square & Northgate Malls

Some tips for career fair from internet!

Try to answer the classic question, "Why do you want to work for us?” Check the tab "About Us" and career sections of employers' Web sites are typically good places to start.

Plan to take at least 25 resumes to a job fair, 40 or so if it's a huge event.

Prepare to be interviewed on the spot, learn to summary style in a few minutes or less.

Also prepare to fill out a job application on the spot.

Pick up a booth map if available, and route your path to the employers you've targeted.

If you're going to attend seminars, networking events and such, look for the schedules while you're at it.

Visit your targeted employers first with resume in hand, and spend some "quality time" with each.

Collect business cards or contact info as you go, and do follow up within 24-48 hours with a thank-you letter to each of the representatives with whom you spoke.

Source from Leader-Post.

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SGI's Change on Auto Insurance

2009-08-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

By now, SGI is waiting for approval from the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel (SRRP) on its auto rate increase proposal. The proposed rate increases, if approved, would go into effect Nov 1, 2009. The overall 4.2 per cent rate increase would be the first auto fund increase since 2000.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province’s self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 21 claims centres and five salvage centres across Saskatchewan and a head office in Regina. The organization employs over 1,800 people and works with a network of almost 300 independent insurance brokers and 420 motor licence issuers across the province.

In 2004, SGI used to proposed such a proposal and canceled it later due to financial information provided by SGI’s external Actuary at the time that forecasted an improved financial position for the Auto Fund. However, it is not going to happen again. SGI says that increase is necessary because increases in claims and expenses have outpaced revenue increases received by the Saskatchewan Auto Fund.

If approved, this proposal would result in 553,000 Saskatchewan vehicle owners (55 per cent) seeing their rates increase less than $5 per month, on average $55 annually. It would also result in 321,000 vehicle owners (32 per cent) seeing no change to their rates, and 126,000 vehicle owners (13 per cent) receiving an average rate decrease of $21 annually.

Rates are determined based on the actual risk each vehicle make, model and year represents for being involved in a claim and the actual costs of paying that claim. Some examples of vehicle rates, before safe driving discounts, include:

Vehicle Current Rate; Nov. 1, 2009 Rate Rate Change
2007 Toyota Camry $1,049 $1,049 $0
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan $1,050 $1,050 $0
2002 Honda Civic 2 Door $933 $1,049 $116
2002 Ford Ranger Regular Cab $768 $746 ($22)
2001 Chevrolet S10 Pickup $725 $755 $30
1997 Ford F150 Regular Cab $761 $761 $0
1991 Chevrolet Cavalier $567 $578 $11

The application includes a maximum increase of 12.5 per cent for light passenger vehicles to a limit of $125 (average increase $64 annually) and maximum increases of 10 per cent for other vehicle classes, with the exception of:

· up to 25 per cent (average increase $230 annually) for sport motorcycles;
· up to 15 per cent for other motorcycles (average increases of $23 and $110 for dual purpose/other and cruiser/touring motorcycles respectively);
· up to 22.5 per cent (average increase $186 annually) for light commercial trucks that travel out of province;
· up to 17.5 per cent (average increase $89 annually) for taxis in rural areas; and
· up to 17.5 per cent (average $129 annually) for U-drive rental vehicles.

SGI will continue to offer safe driving discounts in 2009. Auto Fund customers received roughly $80 million in safe driving discounts through the Safe Driver Recognition and Business Recognition programs in 2008.

This is how the proposal looks like.
You can get a quote by try this vehicle registration and insurance rate calculator.

Here are new rates for all kinds of vehicles.
Vehicles for business use:
Class_PC_Passenger_City_Bus
Class_A
Class_C
Class_D
Class_TS
Class_L
Class_PB_Passenger_Inter_City_Bus
Class_PS_Passenger_School_Bus
Class_PT_Taxis
Class_LT

Vehicles for farm use:
Class_F
Farm_Light_Truck_Rate_Pages
Light_Vans_and_SUVs

Vehicles for personal use:
Light_Vehicle_Rate
Class_LV_Buses
Light_Vans_and_SUVs
Class_LV_Motorcycles
Class_LV_Motorhome
Class_PV
Class_LV_Pedal_Cycle
Class_MT_Snowmobiles
Class_T
Class_LV_Special_Rating

Source from SGI

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Practical Ways to Save Money!

2009-08-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

These days, when new immigrants come to Regina, they are suggested with tips and experience on saving money by shopping in Dollarama, XS cargo, Value Village, etc. Some even will be advised to grasp a chance to receive benefits from Food Bank to save on grocery bills.

If the goals for some certain new-comers are only to receive benefits from government, this place or another, they will never go big, or escape from their poor mind and end up with a life of hell created for their own. Because benefits come with being poor, even when later they have money; receiving benefits drive them to be dishonest and lazy, disreputable.

To think big and get rich in the future, people have to try their best, taking every single chance they have to achieve their dreams, or just small wishes. Hence, knowing what to do and where to start is very important for new-comers in Regina.

The first things for new immigrants to deal with usually are how to get a driver’s license, buying a used car or new one, renting a house or buying one, possessing a cell phone, etc. Each of these things will come up with a cost of money even a big sum when they deal with mortgage. Having knowledge about money, tax, finance, economy is also very important. It will help them to manage their subsistence incomes to become reasonable incomes in a long run.

I personally think that the only way to solve the problem is to read the book “Spend Smarter, Save Bigger” of Margot Bai. The book can be found in Central Regina Public Library. It will help you to deal with monetary matter in an intellectual way. This book is written by a Canadian author and in Canadian economic basis, not like others just for U.S setting.

“Spend Smarter, Save Bigger gives Canadians practical advice on how to save money in BIG ways! Instead of wasting your money on short-lived luxuries, spend it on things that have lasting benefit. Saving money is the one reliable path to wealth that anyone can follow. You can turn an average income into significant wealth, just by making smarter choices on spending and saving your money.”

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Exchange Old Cars for $$$ or $$$$

2009-08-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

Currently, all provinces offer an incentive program designed to encourage people to upgrade to more fuel-efficient cars. In BC, the program is Scrap It, for the rest of Canada; the program is Retire Your Ride.

For those who live in British Colombia, SCRAP-IT offers qualifying vehicle owners incentives to scrap their older vehicle. Incentives valued at up to $1,250 are offered for the choices with the highest greenhouse benefit. These incentives include rebates towards the purchase of very low emission vehicles, transit passes, or bikes.

Retire Your Ride offered in Alberta, British Colombia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan is a program that aims to reduce the number of high- polluting, older vehicles that are still on the road. In exchange for retiring a car of model year 1995 or earlier, the owner is able to choose from a variety of rewards. Retire Your Ride is currently in operation, and will run until March 31st, 2011.

In most of provinces, the offered cash is the princely sum of $300 for a clunker. In stead, people also choose to take the public transit vouchers, or buy bicycles or new cars receiving discounts. Each province is working with a network of not for profits to offer a variety of rewards- check out what’s offered in your province!

To be eligible, the vehicle must be a model of year 1995 or older, be in running condition, and, be registered and insured for at least the last 6 months before it is retired. You can’t just buy any piece-of-crap car to trade in and get $1000 off. The car must have been properly registered and insured for at least 6 months before you can qualify.

The only information you need to participate in the program is your Postal Code, Vehicle Identification Number (the number that appears on the dashboard of the driver’s side of the vehicle) and proof that your vehicle has been registered and insured for at least the past 6 months.

If you’re thinking about getting rid of a heavy-polluting old car, do so now in order to take advantage of the rewards offered by the Retire Your Ride program!

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Public Transit on Sales for Seniors in September

2009-08-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

The Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) announced Thursday that all seniors can go to anywhere in Saskatchewan for a fare of $7 in September.

STC has 29 routes across the province and connects 282 communities. For a complete map of routes, click here.

The $7 fee is a one-way fare. People age 60 and over are eligible. Currently, a senior would pay $34.95, plus tax, to ride from Saskatoon to Regina.

Travel must be completed between September 1, 2009 and September 30, 2009 and the seat sale cannot be combined with other discounts.

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Some Facts for International Students to Canada

2009-08-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

Tuition including compulsory ancillary fees in academic year 2007-2008 for international students to Canada.

Acadia: $13,905
Alberta: $17,739
Alberta College of Art and Design: $14,384
Algoma: $11,976
Athabasca: $8,840
Bishop’s: $13,504 -$14,974
Brandon: $6,470 - $6,966
UBC: $19,925 -$20,004
Brock: $13,333
Calgary: $17,520
Cape Breton: $11,505
Carleton: $14,337
Concordia: $15,506
Dalhousie: $14,082 - $14,892
Emily Carr: $11,447
Fraser Valley: $10,250
Guelph: $16,402
King’s College: $14,596 - $15,406
Kwantlen: $13,343
Lakehead: $13,325
Laurentian: $11,986
Laval: $12,876
Lethbridge: $11,043
Manitoba: $8,916
McGill: $16,043
McMaster: $ 14,591
Memorial: $8,999
Moncton: $8,633
Montreal: $13,067
Mount Allison: $13,707
Mount Saint Vincent: $ 11,299 - $11,604
New Brunswick: $11,992
Nipissing: $11,965
UNBC: $15,929 - $16,329
Nova Scotia Agricultural College: $11,888
NSCAD University: $12,490
Ontario College of Art and Design: $14,605
UOIT: $15,336
Ottawa: $15,077
UPEI: $9,394
Quebec a Chicoutimi: $14,535
Quebec a Montreal: $14,622
Quebec en Outaouais: $13,896
Quebec a Rimouski: $13,826
Quebec a Trois-Rivieres: $14,584
Queen’s: $16,540
Regina: $9,714
RMC: $16,175
Royal Roads: $12,522 - $15,122
Ryerson: $14,867
Sainte Anne: $8,340
St. Francis Xavier: $13,153
Saint Mary’s: $11,649 - $11,749
St. Thomas: $10,152
Saskatchewan: $12,029
Sherbrooke: $12,997 - $14,466
Simon Fraser: $15,155
Thompson Rivers: $14,704
Toronto: $20,367
Trent: $13,728
Vancouver Island: $10,977
Victoria: $ 15,524
Waterloo: $17,813 - $18,589
Western: $14,959 – $15,611
Wilfrid Laurier: $14,392
Windsor: $13,463
Winnipeg: $10,599 - $12,135
York: $15,689

Health Insurance

Each province has specific regulations. Students who attend universities in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan are covered by the provincial health insurance plans - although students in B.C must purchase private health insurance for the first three months at a cost of $120. After that, they pay monthly fees of $ 54. In Alberta, anyone studying for less than a year must arrange for private insurance. There is no charge in Saskatchewan even for ESL students. In all other provinces, students must buy health insurance from private companies. Annual fees vary. In addition, many universities offer health plans that cover such things as prescription eyeglasses, and drug and dental costs.

Employment

International students are allowed to work on campus without employment authorization. Such work can be with the university itself or a private establishment, such as a restaurant or bookstore. Three years ago, Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced that full-time international students who have completed one year of study are eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session and fulltime during school breaks. Students must apply to the government for a work permit.
Those enrolled in an academic program with a work placement may work off-campus, provided they obtain a confirmation letter from their department. After graduation, the federal government also allows students, with authorization, to get a work permit for a period no longer than the length of time they were studying- up to a maximum of three years. For example, if a student completed a nine-month program, a work permit could be issued for nine months. For a study period of three year or more, a work permit may be issued for three years. Programs under eight months in length do not qualify.

Source from Maclean’s

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For 12- 18 Teen-Girls Only!

2009-08-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

This informative post is dedicated for parents who have female children and teen-girls at 12-18.

On these summer days, many parents find healthy and useful classes for their children to attend with purposes of improving their various skills. Usually, expected classes are gym and interest related ones. Today, there are not many people who know about Pure Fashion for teen-girls.

Pure Fashion is a Catholic organization that encourages teen girls to live, act, and dress in accordance with their dignity as children of God. You don't have to be Catholic and can come from anywhere in Saskatchewan or anywhere in Canada to participate. It derives from USA and soon became a healthy trend for teen- girl-fashion.

In Saskatchewan, there is only Regina that has Pure Fashion.

Pure Fashion focuses on guiding young women ages 12 to 18 to become confident, competent leaders who live the virtues of modesty and purity in their schools and communities.

You can have more ideas of what is Pure Fashion with a shared story by Micah Lindo.

Through an eight month Model Training Program that covers public speaking, manners and social graces, hair and make up artistry, personal presentation, and much more, Pure Fashion models learn the importance of living a life in accordance with God’s will and fostering a life of grace through purity of heart, mind, and body.

Pure Fashion hopes to positively impact the fashion industry by motivating customers to choose clothing and accessories that are fun and fresh, yet modest and respectful of the dignity of the human person.

The model application page remains open year round and young ladies ages 12–18 are invited to apply. If your application is received after the model search has ended, your application will be kept until the next year.

You may be wondering if you are talented enough or pretty enough or experienced enough to be a model for Pure Fashion. Well, fear not! Pure Fashion is offering you a full training program so that you have an opportunity to develop those areas of your personality, your appearance and your attitude to make you the most beautiful model...inside and out.

The cost to of the program is $250.00. This includes the 7 training sessions, a Friday - Sunday retreat, a Hair and Make-up Day and the Fashion Show extravaganza.

Pure Fashion will be accepting approximately 40 models in to the program each time. If you have any questions, you can email Renee at rbpritchard@gmail.com or Shelan at shelanms@hotmail.com

In Regina, local contact are Shelan Schnell; Kara Philip and Renee Pritchard.
306-924-1534 (Shelan and Kara) 306-565-3811 (Renee)

All training sessions will take place on Sunday afternoons, 2:00-5:30 pm at Holy Cross Parish (Gerein Center) 315 Douglas Ave. E., Regina.

The annual Pure Fashion models will have the opportunity to participate in a Christmas Outreach Project and also to attend a Pure Fashion Weekend Retreat which will offer the girls an opportunity to build friendships with the other models that may last a lifetime. The Retreat Weekend will have three important components; formation, faith and fun!

The successes experienced in the training program will be celebrated as the models walk the runway of Regina's Pure Fashion Shows at the Delta Hotel.

FYI: Modeling experience is not a requirement, however Pure Fashion do ask that all our young models come with an open mind, an open heart and a great attitude, because all three are vitally important if you wish to grow and learn from this extraordinary experience.

APPLY ON LINE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO BECOME A PURE FASHION MODEL!

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Secret of Immigrants’ ESL Classes

2009-08-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

Coming to Regina, you will think whether you should come back to school to upgrade or completely change your majors. For immigrants, that is another story. They have to make a test for English proficiency and then they are sent to ESL classes in the name of LINC classes. The outcome of these classes is that they will get to higher level after a certain period of time as from LINC 2 to LINC 3 for example.

As the matter of fact, the total time to finish 2 certain complete levels taking a lot of time (We have the highest level of LINC 6 before ESL classes for post-secondary success), then many people give up their patience and turn to work for money.

In order to attend to a major in any Canadian Institutions for post-secondary education, people have to afford all three factors: money, education background, and English competence. About English, for international students, it is TOEFL Certificates (TC). For immigrants without TC, it is CanTest results unless they have to have high marks in Canadian Language Benchmark System.

With attending Benchmark classes, your results will make you qualified to study any majors in any Canadian Institutions.

How to attend to Benchmark classes? There are two ways. One is that you have to take your time through all LINC classes then you are transferred to Benchmark levels. Two is you take an exam for English competence on post-secondary success purpose- This exam is limited for seats so make sure you are set an appointment early for the test. All of these ways are free. The Benchmark levels are designed to set standards on linguistic ability of students for further education.

When you reach at least level 7 of Benchmark or more, you have qualified to study in any SIAST locations. You will not need Toefl or CanTest this time. For University entries, the level of Benchmark will be higher than 7.

The places where you can take exams for Benchmark are at SIASTs. You will need to know about the schedule to make appointment. Here is 2009-2010 Benchmark Assessment Schedule in SIAST Wascana Campus- Regina.

August:
Last day to accept registration- August 14th.
Test day- August 20th.

September:
Last day to accept registration- September 4th.
Test day- September 10th & 24th.

October:
Last day to accept registration- October 4th.
Test day- October 8th & 22nd.

November:
Last day to accept registration- November 6th.
Test day- November 12th & 26th.

December:
Last day to accept registration- December 4th.
Test day- December 10th.

January:
Last day to accept registration- December 22nd.
Test day- January 7th & 21st.

February:
Last day to accept registration- January 29th.
Test day- February 4th & 8th.

March:
Last day to accept registration- March 6th.
Test day- March 11th & 25th.

April:
Last day to accept registration- April 1st.
Test day- April 15th &29th.

May:
Last day to accept registration- May 8th.
Test day- May 13th & 27th.

June:
Last day to accept registration- June 4th.
Test day- 10th & 24th.

For a specific of detail of Benchmark requirement for majors in SIAST, click here to download.

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Information Solution for Specific Needs Within Saskatchewan

2009-08-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

On these days, there are a lot of helpful sites providing free and adequate information about everything. For immigrants like us, sometimes we will need more of this sort of site like of Dr. Sumith Priyashantha’s in Saskatoon or my blog in Regina. However, the styles are quite different like mine focusing on updated news while Dr. Sumith Priyashantha’s on how to do stuffs. In the future, maybe there are your sites as well if you are passionate about sharing your knowledge.

As the matter of fact, everyone including me is so busy on private lives so the things we knew compared with ones still out there are minor. Then, sometimes, although we have made some discussions, we still have no answer for specific things. So who do we ask for help then?

Usually, people use their computers to access to the internet at home to find answers about stuffs. On wandering through websites, blogs and forums, they may recognize they are on sites of other countries on which its contents are not relevant to the need of finders.

Living in Regina, Saskatchewan, at least you will hope reading contents of sites within Canada. That will be perfect if you can find specific and helpful sites within Saskatchewan, or even Regina. Today, I would like to suggest you such a helpful site specifically designed for Saskatchewan residents. It is Saskatchewan Libraries with a slogan: “Access to information is a democratic right of everyone in Saskatchewan!”

Like you access to a real library, you can find every kind of information here. It is even more than a series of libraries. With this site, you can get direct links to many other specific Saskatchewan websites in various themes, find factual information or simply a book. You can also get real live online services answering all your concerns from Public Library Series, SIASTs, University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan on a weekday basis except holidays. It is so sweet, isn’t it?

In my opinions, helpful sites are extremely good to be. However, if I was asked, I prefer personal websites or blogs because they are something real, something local and up to date but not family’s, friend’s and relative’s sites. Hopefully, you will have (more) your own sites soon so that we will have more information in exchange for good shake.

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Available Options to Come to Canada under Category of Skilled Worker

2009-08-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

Saskatchewan offers many skilled worker immigration categories that suite people with different occupations and education background, generally speaking, Saskatchewan is one of the few provinces who offers immigration programs to both high and low skilled workers. Let's take a moment to take you through the options that's available in this province:

Option One: skilled workers, professionals or managers who have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.
You may qualify to apply under this Category if:
You live outside of Canada or you have proof of legal status in Canada, you are not a refugee claimant and you have one of the following:
An offer of permanent, full-time employment in Saskatchewan either in an occupation or trade in the NOC level “A” or “B”, or in a designated trade in Saskatchewan (Skilled Workers/Professionals Sub-Category);
An offer of permanent, full-time employment in Saskatchewan in a management position in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Matrix level “0” (Critical Occupations Sub-Category); or
Have worked in Saskatchewan for at least six months on a temporary work permit either in an occupation or trade that is in the National Occupational Classification Matrix level “A” or “B”, or in a designated trade in Saskatchewan (Existing Work Permit Sub-Category).

Option Two: Physicians
Under this category, Saskatchewan can nominate individuals whose educational and professional certifications qualify them for employment in Saskatchewan as a physician. The applicant must be currently working on Temporary Work Permit for a Saskatchewan health occupation employer and be supported by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CoPSS), Saskatchewan Health and the appropriate regional health authority.

Option Three: Nurses
Under this category, Saskatchewan can nominate nurses as Licensed Practical Nurses, Psychiatric Nurses or Registered Nurses, whose educational and professional certifications qualify them for employment in Saskatchewan. The applicant must be currently working on Temporary Work Permit for a Saskatchewan health occupation employer and be supported by the appropriate licensing body, Saskatchewan Health and the appropriate regional health authority.

Option Four: Other Health Professions Category
Under this category, Saskatchewan can nominate other health professionals currently working in health occupations that fall into the National Occupational Classification Matrix level "A" or "B" or requires at least one (1) academic year of post secondary education or 1 year of job specific training and is supported by the appropriate licensing body (if applicable), Saskatchewan Health, the appropriate regional health authority or other employer.
Many health occupations require a license or other credential in order to practice in Saskatchewan. There are twenty-three health regulatory authorities in Saskatchewan that license and certify health occupations. If you are not currently employed in Saskatchewan in a health occupation, you should contact the appropriate regulatory authority, to ascertain what further studies, examinations and/or certifications are needed in order to qualify to work in Saskatchewan. Here is a list of regulatory authorities in Saskatchewan.

Option Five: long-haul truck drivers
This program is to attract long-haul truck drivers to Saskatchewan trucking firms.
Under the Long-Haul Truck Driver Project, Saskatchewan trucking firms may be authorized to bring in foreign workers initially under SC’s Temporary Foreign Worker policy for occupations requiring high school diploma or specific on the job training, and subsequently retain them as permanent employees through the SINP. Long haul truck drivers can begin working in Saskatchewan for approved trucking firms on a foreign work permit and, if offered permanent employment by their employer after a minimum of six months employment, may apply to the SINP for permanent resident status.

Option Six: International Students
Graduated foreign students working for a Saskatchewan employer can apply for nomination and permanent landed status when:
The applicant has graduated from a program of at least one academic year of full-time study in Saskatchewan and has received a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized Saskatchewan post secondary educational institution;
The applicant has worked for a Saskatchewan employer for a minimum of six (6) months under a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) post graduation work permit; and
The applicant has a current permanent full-time job offer from their employer.

Source from Visa Serminar International

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Start a Very Small Business With Free Money!

2009-08-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

Many young people who have just graduated from a post-secondary major can not find a job. It is usually true, especially in this economic situation. Except to some basic sectors, job vacancies are still opened in neutralized job market; many specialized, clerical, entertaining or customer-service jobs are limited to new grads. A current solution for this just soars as an alternative to traditional job-expectation: Starting a business!

Well, saying is always easier than doing. Set up a business is crucial with a feasible idea. The idea can help anyone become genius, so that no matter will get along with the business. So what is the current social trend, then? What are people expecting now? What do they need for their lives to become more exciting? What are they in need for? If you can answer these questions, then you are 50% of success. The other 50% is to test your ideas. Having a good idea for business is something very exciting and challenging. You can either win big or lose badly with it.

Usually, the plan will stop on coming to budget. Many people will need the support from their family and relatives to start a small business. Since everyone is always in an endless need for money, how much money available they will have to lend you. And if you can collect a big sum from them, will it be enough for running your business on early days? Yeah, right! There will be a lot of other factors directly affecting your business. Let’s count here: enterprise experience, customers, cash flow, products, big load of work, network, publicity, etc. Do you have all those?

Luckily, you can solve all of these matters with one shoot: Join competitions in Business Plan. If you win, you will have all: fame, cash, mentoring, support, publicity, and much more. In Saskatchewan area, there are several organizations helping worthy entrepreneurs get a head start by hosting competitions that put business plan against business plan to compete for money and mentorship prizes. Check them out.

Process2Capital
The purpose of the Progress2Capital Business Planning Competition is to increase the number of successful businesses in the Regina area. The competition is opened to anyone looking to start-up or diversifying a business based in the Regina region.

Venture Forward
The mission of Venture Forward is to keep Saskatchewan graduates here to stay, to create opportunity for graduates from across Canada to come to Saskatchewan and establish a business, to promote the importance of private sector investment in new business and to build on the premise that entrepreneurs should support entrepreneurs. It also creates a sustainable partnership between private and educational sectors for business development and continues to develop and learn as an active member of an international network of $50K business plan competitions

My future is here
Each year MyFiH uses the proceeds of its annual gala together with donations by the community to make a business capital fund available to a new or growing young entrepreneur. Applicants are professionally evaluated by Golden Opportunites Fund, who donate their services for the benefit of young entrepreneurs.

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Just One Card for All Libraries in Saskatchewan!

2009-07-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to technology, Saskatchewan residents will some day be able to use one library card to access services in all municipal and regional libraries across the province.

The provincial government provided the Saskatchewan Regional Library System with $5.2 million in financial support for the Saskatchewan Information and Library Services project, which will integrate municipal and regional library computer systems in the province over the next two years.

Source from Leader-Post

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Canadian Scholarship Hunting

2009-07-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

Attending school in Canada is about three times more expensive for international students than for Canadian students. Finding a scholarship supporting all abroad expenses becomes a very essential step for an international student. Not like to its counterpart, American, Canada offers less and smaller scholarships to international students and competition is very fierce. In order to get some-ten-%-scholarship of the total school fee for the first semester is quite a tough procedure to undertake.

Because of difficulties in finding scholarships, here comes to terms like “scholarship hunting” or “scholarship hunter”. However, nothing is impossible. If you keep trying and being persistent to your dreams, you are 50% of success already.

Below are some feasible sources to find Canadian scholarships for international students. Your hard work will be soon rewarded kindly if you keep looking for scholarships.

ScholarshipsCanada.com.
After logging in, perform an advanced search using "International or Visa Student" as your region of residence. If you find a scholarship you think you could apply for, you should contact that scholarship administrator for more information.

Here are some other resources you might be able to make use of.

CIDA - The Canadian International Development Agency: This organization offers scholarships directly and through funding for students to come to Canada to study.

CIDA-SICI Project (CSP) - The Canadian International Development Agency and the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute offer several grants and internships to graduate students from India to study in Canada, including the Women and Development Fellowships, the Social Sciences & Humanities Fellowships and the Visiting Scholar Program.

Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC): FAC sponsors the Commonwealth Scholarship Plan. The program is designed to help students from Commonwealth countries take programs of advanced study and research at the graduate level in Canada.

Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC): FACsponsors the Government of Canada Awards, available to graduate students who are citizens of Chile, Colombia, Cuba, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia and Venezuela. Countries may be added at any time, so students should check the link below occasionally.

Organization of American States (OAS) Fellowship Programs (PRA): Awards available to students from other OAS member states for graduate study or research in Canada.

International Development Research Centre (IDRC): This organization funds research activities designed to provide benefits to developing countries. Most of the funding they do is at a doctoral level.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada: Sponsors the NATO Science Fellowships for post-doctoral studies and the Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories for post-doctoral studies or doctoral studies.

If you are accepted to a school, try contacting your school's financial aid office. There may be an award that your school's financial aid or registrar's office knows about. It never hurts to ask. You can find your school's contact information in their school profile.

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Regina's Symbol

2009-07-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

Walking in downtown, everybody knows the famous and eye-catching twin towers. Even you, new Reginans, have properly seen them at least once or twice although you do not know their names- McCallum Hill Centre. It is so famous even that you can see it in the city’s logo.

McCallum Hill Centre - Tower I (22-storey) and Tower II (20-storey) are cast-in-place concrete structures with blue semi-reflective glass curtainwall. One of the distinguishing features of these office towers is the 11 degree splayed walls. The structure also includes one level of underground parking, four-unit elevator bank and allowance for future pedestrian connections. The twin towers were designed by Cochrane Lavalin Inc and owed by Harvard Developments Inc. - A Hill Company

The Hill family's business history started in 1903 with the sale of land on which the Saskatchewan Legislative Buildings are presently situated. The founding company, McCallum Hill Limited, was created in the same year by Walter H.A. Hill and E.A. McCallum. McCallum Hill Limited specialized in real estate development and insurance. Today, it is under the umbrella of The Hill Companies, along with Harvard Developments Inc., which is the primary operating entity and which focuses on real estate development, asset management and property management. All are headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The Hill Companies are a model of diversity and achievement. Over the years, the 2nd and 3rd generation owners, Fred and Paul Hill, firmly established themselves as leaders in real estate development and in the business community at a national level. In Western Canada, the Hill philosophy and personal style is legendary. In their home city of Regina, Saskatchewan, the Hills are the largest owners and managers of commercial and retail properties, controlling in excess of 3.3 million square feet.

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Regina Is Changing

2009-07-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

On these days, Regina is changing its appearance with many big building projects. In the near future, many Reginans will be able to feel more confident about their city.

Beside the famous McCallum Hill Centre's "twin towers" and the Cornwall Centre, Regina has been planning to get more eye-catching architectural and commercial buildings making it a real capital city.

Regina is willing to pay $350-million for a study into the possibility of building a domed stadium downtown that could seat up to 50,000 people and host sports, entertainment, conventions and other events.

The global transportation hub (GTH) project west of Regina is a multimodal transport facility linking road, rail, and air freight traffic also under construction.

Loblaws is already on board with a near one-million- square-foot warehouse about five kilometres west of the city. It plans to build $350-million warehouse and distribution facility on the site

Walmart Canada also said it was building an 185,000-square-foot "supercentre" in the new Harbour Landing subdivision south of the airport.

At the moment, Habitat for Humanity Regina is in construction for its new 15,000 square foot building. This $2.3-million-project is funded by the City of Regina and provincial government and the Government of Canada located on an approximately two acre site at 1640 Broder St.

Another major housing project is taking shape at College Avenue and Broad Street, where up to 600 townhouses and apartments are being built on the site of the old Anglican Church headquarters for the Diocese of Qu'Appelle and former allotment gardens.

Work is under way on a $1.9-billion expansion at Consumers' Co-operative Refineries Ltd., north Regina in dollar terms the biggest capital project in Regina's history.

The heart of Regina -- Victoria Park -- is also being transformed in the "City Square" project that will see 12th Avenue to the north modified as a space for walkers, cyclists and special events.

This is quite good news for those studying in educational and vocational institutions by now. In a few years to come, there will be a lots jobs created from these projects, making Regina a better place to work than ever.

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Teenagers of 14 Can Work Legally

2009-07-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

From now on, teenagers from 14 are legally to have a job in Saskatchewan due to a new law introduced by the provincial government.

Young people aged 14 and 15 who wish to work must acquire permission from their parent or guardian, and complete a certificate that focuses on employment standards and occupational health and safety. In addition, 14 and 15-year-olds must not work any later than 10 p.m. if they have school the next day, before school starts on a school day, and more than 16 hours during a school week.

Larry Hubich, president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL), said the government's changes go in the opposite direction than where society should be going. "All of their initiatives on the labour file have been in response to demands from the business community who wants cheaper workers that are less assertive in their rights and who are more compliant with the demands of the boss. That's what this is about -- it's not about providing young workers with an opportunity to get some work experience, and for the government to suggest that is dishonest."

Previously, only five specific sectors had a minimum age of employment of 16: hotels, restaurants, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes. As a result, the absolute minimum age of employment in these five service categories will be 14 years of age as well.

Legislation will continue to restrict employment of young people in casinos, the sale, handling or serving of alcohol, during school hours, and in certain high-risk occupations.

Source from Leader-Post

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Earn $5,000 for Graduating High School Smoke-Free

2009-07-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

The R.E.W.A.R.D.S.™ Foundation is a registered Canadian Foundation created to address the staggering personal and social costs of youth dropping out of school, and the devastating health issues that result from smoking. The R.E.W.A.R.D.S.™ Program is designed to motivate youth to make healthy lifestyle choices.

If you are an adult and you want to help do something about keeping our kids smoke free and educated then the R.E.W.A.R.D.S. Program is for you.

Students are offered the tools to earn CASH to start their lives after high school graduation. All Canadians benefit when we graduate most of our kids as non-addicted citizens of Canada. Simply put , they contribute more than they take out of the system.

This program is for all kids. Not just the high achievers or the challenged. This is an opportunity for all kids to work hard and get a good start in life. This is not a handout; it's a hand up. Kids have to participate in the process. Kids raise money to pay for the grants, and help the foundation find the donors to sponsor them.

In order to be eligible for a financial REWARD each youth must:
1) Stay Smoke Free
2) Graduate High School
3) Sign up sponsors who will commit to donating about $25 a month to the REWARDS Foundation.

If you are a youth and you want a chance to earn some money towards college, university then sign up and put in the effort of finding sponsors. The world is a competitive place. We give you the tools, and you put them to work. This is the first lesson in how to create a successful life.

Sign up now

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Changes to Immigration for International Students

2009-07-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

From the International Education Week, November 17-21, 2008 Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris announced changes today to the Student Category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) that align with the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

International graduates of Canadian post-secondary schools are now eligible to apply for Permanent Resident status through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program after six months of Saskatchewan work experience. Previously they had to work in their field of study. The expanded student category now accepts graduate applicants holding permanent full-time job offers in any occupation.

Since the inception of the SINP Student Category, 158 foreign students have been nominated to become permanent residents of the province.

In October, Minister Norris announced the expansion of the Graduate Retention Program. This program offers tuition rebates as high as $20,000 over seven years to graduates of approved programs, including international students, who live in Saskatchewan.

"This expansion to the Graduate Retention Program signals to graduates from anywhere in the world that Saskatchewan is the best place to establish their careers and pursue their goals," Norris said.

The most recent Department of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism statistics show that approximately 3,500 foreign students annually study in Saskatchewan.

Program details

What changes were made to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Student Category?

International graduates of Canadian postsecondary schools are now eligible to apply for permanent resident status through the SINP after six months of gaining Saskatchewan work experience. Previously, applicants had to work in their field of study. The expanded student category now accepts graduate applicants holding permanent full-time job offers in any occupation.Who is eligible to qualify under the SINP Student Category?International students may qualify to apply under the SINP Student Category if:

You have graduated with a certificate, a diploma or degree from a recognized postsecondary educational institution in Canada. The program must have been at least one academic year (eight months) of full-time study.
You have worked for a Saskatchewan employer for a minimum of six months under a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) post-graduation work permit.
You have a current permanent full-time job offer from an employer.

How do international students apply for the SINP Student Category?

Applicants must submit a complete application package to the Government of Saskatchewan, Immigration Services Division, including:

Original SINP forms
Photocopies of Government of Canada forms
Photocopies of required supporting documents

However, as an international student, your first step should be to download the application guide and checklist from the website [www.immigration.gov.sk.ca]. The guide will walk you through the application process and will provide you with information about which forms and supporting documents you will need to include in your application.

Once you have worked your way through the guide, gathered supporting documents and completed all of the necessary forms, you should use the provided checklist to make sure you have not missed anything. Incomplete applications will not be processed and will result in delay.

Where can students go to get more information on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Student Category?Students can find more information about the SINP Student Category on-line at immigration.gov.sk.ca.
You can also call the general inquiry line at (306) 798-7467.

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Immigrants: From volunteers to Careers

2009-07-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

Volunteers are workers within groups, agencies and organizations who willingly provide their services as charitable or helpful work without pay. Helping other people is a valued tradition in Canadian society. It can help enrich your life and the lives of others.

It is important for you to know what you are committing and when you volunteer. Make sure that you ask the volunteer action centre or organization you are working for what they expect of you and what they can offer you.

As a volunteer you will become involved in the community, share your life experiences and communicate with Canadians. Volunteering is one way for you to learn new skills, continue to develop your existing skills, practice English and meet people. It allows you to build networks, gain Canadian experience, and learn more about the work environment in your community. It is a good way to make new friends and contacts. Volunteering can also provide new routes to paid jobs. Most employers will ask you about your Canadian experience. For those who are students or plan to reinvest in study, volunteering is a good thing for you in competition for local scholarships.

Volunteers can choose to work on their own or with others, do hands-on work or volunteer at an administrative or leadership level. You may conduct your own research to find an organization with whom you would like to volunteer.

Then you will be wondering where to volunteer in Regina? Well, say “A lots”. Typically, if you want your future career relating to construction or skilled trades, try out Habitat for Humanity Regina.

Habitat for Humanity is a community-based, non-profit, faith-based organization working to provide safe and decent housing for people, established in 1993. It mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing for seniors, low-income families and those most vulnerable within our province. The Habitat ReStore collects and sells used building materials, hardware and major appliances and the sales will cover administrative cost for Habitat of Humanity. At the end of March 2009, The Government of Saskatchewan is committing $10 million to Habitat so that it will use to deliver a total of 20 quality, affordable home ownership units in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and Lloydminster. The province also committed a total of $180,000 to fund the Habitat Regina Youth Build Project in which participants will learn a trade and acquire entry-level building skills - $60,000 annually for three years. The project will train young adults for careers in the construction trades. At the moment, Habitat is in construction for its new 15,000 square foot building. This project is funded by the City of Regina and provincial government ($1 million), and the Government of Canada ($1.08 million). The new building will house new ReStore and Recycle operations, administration offices, and an area for the pre-fabrication of housing components. The pre-fabrication area will also be used to train young people so they acquire job and construction skills. The new building will be located on an approximately two acre site at 1640 Broder St. Work on the facility is expected and anticipated to be ready by January 2010.

For those who love animal and pets, you can try Regina Humane Society. Up to now, I have no information about its financial budget.

The Regina Humane Society was incorporated in 1964 as a non-profit organization. Throughout the years, the Society has retained its primary mission of improving the welfare of animals through programs and services in sheltering, education, protection, and advocacy. The Society continues to offer the public an increasingly wide range of support services to the City of Regina and surrounding area. Volunteers are key members of the animal welfare team at the Regina Humane Society. These unsung heroes perform many duties for the Society every day. Whether it is walking dogs, stuffing envelopes or working a bingo, volunteers make a difference in the lives of the animals. These volunteers derive many benefits from taking the time to care. Benefits from volunteering at the Regina Humane Society such as develop new skills, meet new people with similar interests, explore potential career opportunities and make a difference in the life of an animal.

United Way of Regina is your local non-profit organization working to make our community better for everyone. It focuses on empowering people, groups and entire neighbourhoods to take control of their futures. In a meaningful, long-term way UWR is addressing the issues that matter most to the people of Regina. This focus will create the type of change that will positively impact the quality of life for everyone in this community. It’s a huge challenge. But, it’s exciting, it’s daring and because of you it’s possible. Its vision is to improve the social and economic conditions of all Regina citizens. Its mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.

There are so many chances for you to volunteer in Regina, if I keep listing here, I afraid that it will be a no-end. To find more you can check out here

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The Canadian Immigration Integration Project (CIIP)

2009-07-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

Walking in Regina downtown, new Reginans can see many kind people coming from India, China and Philippine. Even you can have some colleagues from those countries at work. No bother wondering how if you know about CIIP.

In 2006, The Canadian government had set up a new initiative - the Canadian Immigration Integration Project - to help potential immigrants receive better information about the Canadian job market. The CIIP also works to help immigrants obtain evaluation of their credentials (diplomas, certificates and degrees). Anyone who applies for immigration to Canada can now receive this kind of employment assistance from Canadian officials before they leave their home country.

Launched in the field by the fall of 2006 and was due to conclude within 2 years, the Canadian Immigration Integration Project (CIIP) is a pilot funded by HRSDC (Human Resources and Social Development Canada).

In its pilot phase, CIIP is available in China, India and the Philippines. So CIIP offices are only in China, India and the Philippines. However, offices may be set up in other countries in the future.

The project is designed to help immigrants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program prepare for integration to the Canadian labour market while they are still in their country of origin completing final immigration requirements.

There is an exclusive website about this project alone. For more detail, you can visit to know more. Click here

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Regina Women's Concerns

2009-07-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

If you are women, sometimes you must be concerned about your health in some ways. What should you do? Come to your family doctor and ask for advices? Since most of family doctors are male, that is not a comfortable way. You want to share your matter with other sisters, but you do know where are those who are willing discuss with you about anything related to women’s health. Well, here comes to PWHCE.

Prairie Women’s Health Center of Excellence (PWHCE) is one of the Centres of Excellence for Women’s Health supported by the Bureau of Women's Health and Gender Analysis of Health Canada. The Centres are dedicated to improving the health status of Canadian women by supporting policy-oriented and community-based research and analysis on the social and other determinants of women’s health.

PWHCE’s goal is to improve the health of women in Manitoba and Saskatchewan in particular by making the health system and social systems more responsive to women’s and girls’ health and well being.

Health is more than just the absence of disease. PWHCE is committed to fostering a better understanding of what determines women's health by generating new knowledge, providing policy advice, analyzing data and resources on women’s health, communicating knowledge, building and strengthening networks of individuals and organizations. PWHCE is associated and linked with organizations, individuals and policy makers at community, regional and national levels.

For female Reginans, below is the local address of PWHCE:
PWHCE Regina
Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence
University of Regina Extension
CB309, College & Scarth, Regina, SK S4S 0A2
Phone: (306) 585-5727
Fax: (306) 585-5852
E-mail: pwhce@uregina.ca

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Need a pet? Buying versus Adopting

2009-07-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

Are you lonely? Nobody is likely to spend time with you and you feel need for a pet as a friend? If you are those who love pets, you must want to possess at least one pet in your house. Or if your kids have been pining for a puppy for a long while and you will consider it the right time for them to have a pet, what should you do? Buy one or adopt one?

Since possessing a pet will be expensive with the high costs of pet ownership: Licenses, training, spaying/neutering, grooming, vet care, food, litter, and other expenses add up, and buying a pet will cost at least CAN$ 250 for a puppy, adoption will be a smart choice for budget-conscious people.

Luckily in Regina, there is a place for pet adoption. Its name is Regina Humane Society. Incorporated in 1964 as a non-profit organization, The Regina Humane Society has space for over 150 animals, a voluntary Board of Directors, 30 full-time and 2 part-time staff and 250 active volunteers. Throughout the years, the Society has retained its primary mission of improving the welfare of animals through programs and services in sheltering, education, protection, and advocacy. The Society continues to offer the public an increasingly wide range of support services to the City of Regina and surrounding area.

If you are a Reginan, you will properly pay for an adoption fee from as low at $ 86 to as high as $ 148.25. Adoption fees include: 1st vaccinations, free veterinary exam, spay/neuter surgery, pet care information.

Though you do not need a pet, please call to Animal Protection Services if you found a pet abuse or something miserable happing to a pet, and it makes up your concerns.
Animal Protection Services
Animal by-law enforcement, dangerous dogs, and cruelty or neglect reports
7 days a week - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Phone: (306) 777-7700

Regina Humane Society
PO Box 3143
Highway #6 North & Armour Road
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P3G7

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From International Students to Permanent Residents

2009-07-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Many international students have come and study in Canada. Enjoying the favorable life-style and welcoming environment, many of them always find the ways to stay in Canada after graduation. These days, it is a good luck for them due to the extreme shortage of work-force caused by the retirement of Baby Boomers.

Applied on or after February 27, 2008, criteria for international students or those who want to come to Canada to live and work as follow:

In order for your application to be eligible for processing, you must either:
· have an offer of arranged employment, OR
· be a foreign national living legally in Canada for one year as a temporary foreign worker or an international student, OR
· be a skilled worker who has at least one year of experience in one or more of the following occupations:

0111: Financial Managers
0213: Computer and Information Systems Managers
0311: Managers in Health Care
0631: Restaurant and Food Service Managers
0632: Accommodation Service Managers
0711: Construction Managers
1111: Financial Auditors and Accountants
2113: Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists
2143: Mining Engineers
2144: Geological Engineers
2145: Petroleum Engineers
3111: Specialist Physicians
3112: General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3141: Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists
3143: Occupational Therapists
3142: Physiotherapists
3151: Head Nurses and Supervisors
3152: Registered Nurses
3215: Medical Radiation Technologists
3233: Licensed Practical Nurses
4121: University Professors
4131: College and Other Vocational Instructors
6241: Chefs
6242: Cooks
7213: Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades
7215: Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7217: Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
7241: Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
7242: Industrial Electricians
7251: Plumbers
7252: Steamfitters, Pipe fitters and Sprinkler System Installers
7265: Welders and Related Machine Operators
7312: Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371: Crane Operators
7372: Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction
8221: Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying
8222: Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
9212: Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities

To fill out a form for application, visit Service Canada in local area for more information. Below is address of Regina Service Canada:
Alvin Hamilton Building
1783 Hamilton Street
Regina, Saskatchewan

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Come and Live In Saskatchewan

2009-07-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur Category

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is designed to help entrepreneurs establish their businesses in Saskatchewan.
To be considered for the SINP Entrepreneur Category, you must:

Have a minimum of 3 -5 years business ownership experience or senior management experience Have a minimum personal net worth of CAD 250,000
Conduct a comprehensive Exploratory Visit to Saskatchewan (at least five working days) that includes a Visitation Seminar and interview with a SINP Business Immigration Officer
Submit a Business Proposal or Relocation and Settlement Plan
Make a minimum, verifiable investment of CAD 150,000 into starting a new business or buying outright an existing business, and have an active management role in the day-to-day operation of the business
Intend to own at least 33.3% of your business in Saskatchewan (with a minimum investment of CAD 150,000). If you will not own 33.3% of your business, you must invest a minimum of CAD 500,000 into the business, in either case, you must have an active management role in the day-to-day operation of the business
Make a deposit of CAD 75,000 into a trust account and sign a Performance Agreement based on your Business Proposal or Relocation and Settlement Plan

Family Member Category

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) can help current residents bring immigrant family members to the province to make a new start.

Eligibility

This program requires both an Applicant and a Sponsor. Individuals who are family members of residents of Saskatchewan may qualify to come to province under the Family Members category. This includes: mother/father; daughter/son; brother/sister; niece/nephew; aunt/uncle; grandchild; first cousin; or step-relative or in law of the same level of an individual living in Saskatchewan.

Criteria

Foreign individuals will be eligible if they:
Are between 18 - 49 years of age
Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education, training, or apprenticeship
Have at least one year of work experience in your field of education or training
Have the English language ability either to do the job that has been offered by a Saskatchewan employer or to get a job in the field of education or training
Have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan Employer. (Live-in caregivers cannot apply under this category.) or intend to find full-time, permanent work in Saskatchewan and have enough money to live in the province for a short time without work after arrival (CAD 10,000 for you and CAD 2,000 for each accompanying family member)

Criteria for Supporting Family Members

Supporting family members may include, parents, sister/brother, daughter/son, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, grandparents, first cousin or step-family member of the applicant who meets the eligibility criteria for support

Supporting family members must be:

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who has lived in Saskatchewan for the past year
Financially self-supporting. They should not have received financial support through the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan, Employment Insurance, or the Resettlement Assistance Program for at least six months

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IQAS

2009-07-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

For immigrants who are want to reinvest in study rather than spending time to get Canada-based credentials for their previous career, IQAS is the first thing in three-some of requirement for post-education. Submit to IQAS will help immigrants have a grade-12 equivalent certificate, or even more.

The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) of Alberta Government opened its doors on June 1, 1994. IQAS evaluates the education of individuals who obtained their education abroad and issues certificates of comparison to educational standards in a Canadian province. The mandate of IQAS is to provide a fair and credible educational assessment service that recognizes education achieved in countries outside of Canada.

Cost for Assessment (in Canadian dollars):

Basic Assessment: $100
Description of Course Work Assessment:
(One university/college degree) $200
(Each additional university/college degree) $75
Assessment for Educational Institution: $100
Documents Returned by Courier (within Canada) $10
Documents Returned by Courier (international) $45

Documents needed to be submitted:

Original certificates(s)/diploma(s)/degree(s) and transcripts/mark sheets/grade reports are required for an IQAS assessment.
One additional set of photocopies of all educational documents
For an Assessment for Educational Institution, secondary/high school documents are required in addition to university/college documents.Please note that an assessment cannot be completed until all documentation is submitted and it is the responsibility of the customer to obtain the documentation required for their assessment.
Individuals whose current name is different from the name on their educational documents (e.g., through marriage) must submit a photocopy of proof of their name change (e.g., marriage certificate, record of landing).
English translations are required. All English translations must be completed, word-for-word, and in the same format as the original documents. IQAS will review them to determine their acceptability. Please note that IQAS does not do translating.

To have an application form, visit Regina Public Libraries or Open Door Society, or print online at: click here
Then, mail your completed applications to:
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

9th Floor, 108 Street Building9942 - 108 Street

Edmonton, ABCanada T5K 2J5

Telephone: (780) 427-2655Fax: (780) 422-9734
Saskatchewan phone: 1-800-999-3965
Canada and overseas call direct: 1-780-427-2655

After around two weeks, when you put your applications into post box, you will receive a mail from IQAS, saying that the process will take approximately 8-10 weeks to complete. The fact is that it will take 12 weeks like my case. Do not be worried about losing your materials, or call to IQAS as it takes time away from staff working on the assessment. When the assessment is done, everything will be sent back to you with a new certificate.

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Want to see a doctor?

2009-07-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

When you just came to Canada, you might be worried about your health and your relatives’. You are fine, it is ok. However, if your child or one member of your family gets ill, what should you do? The first thing is to take him/her to see a family doctor. Do you have a family doctor? If the answer is “No”, then this article will be helpful for you.

Saskatchewan Health covers health services for certain special classes of newcomers from outside Canada who move to Saskatchewan on or before the first day of the third calendar month (first 90 days) after arriving in Canada. If you are international students or landed immigrants, you may be eligible for benefits from the date you move to Saskatchewan.
To obtain a health services card, you fill out application forms available at:
Saskatchewan Health Registration and Vital Statistics Saskatchewan Health
1942 Hamilton Street, Regina, SK S4P 3V7.

It is strongly recommended that you purchase private health insurance in case you become ill during the waiting period. You must buy this insurance within five days of arriving in Saskatchewan. You should buy coverage for immigrating families, not for visiting or vacationing families. Contact a private insurance company or call the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc. at 1-800-268-8099 to get more information.

If you come to work and make your home in Saskatchewan and you ordinarily live in the province at least six months a year, you are eligible for Saskatchewan Health benefits. Everyone must be registered with Saskatchewan Health to be eligible for benefits.

Saskatchewan Health issues a health services card to each family member once it has approved applications. The card is mailed just prior to the effective date of coverage. A Saskatchewan health services card is a valuable personal identification document which you should be prepared to present when you need health services.

Always carry your Saskatchewan health services card and present it when receiving health services. If your card is lost or damaged, please phone or write Saskatchewan Health immediately for a replacement.

For more info: Click here

Walk-in clinics provide health care if you are sick and do not have a family doctor or are unable to reach your family doctor. Generally, appointments are not needed. It is best to call before visiting to check the clinics hours as they are subject to change. Some clinics are open on weekends and holidays. To locate a walk-in clinic near you, look in the yellow pages of your telephone book under "clinics - medical" or "walk-in clinics".

Finding a family doctor is important to make sure that you and your family get proper medical attention. Some things to consider before doing your search:

Do you prefer a male or a female doctor?
Do you prefer a doctor who speaks your language?
Is the doctor close to your home?
Is the doctor accepting new patients?
Which hospital is the doctor affiliated with?

Other ways to look for a doctor is to call your local hospitals or ask your friends or relatives if their doctor is accepting new patients.

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Newcomer’s Guide to Canadian Housing

2009-07-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Newcomer’s Guide to Canadian Housing gives newcomers a great overview of renting or buying a house in Canada. To download, click here

The guide describes different types of housing and ownership, how to look for a place to rent, landlord-tenant relationships and how to buy and finance a house. It is important to know that there is no Canada-wide law about housing. Every province has its own laws about renting and buying. However, this Guide provides a useful starting point for issues you need to be aware of when renting or buying.

The Guide starts with ‘Housing in Canada’- information about housing in Canada. It tells you what you will find when you start looking for a place to live - and what you should look for.

‘Housing in Canada’ is followed by ‘Renting’, where you will find the information you need about renting an apartment or a house.

The final section is about buying a house. This section explains mortgages and takes you through the steps in buying a house. The Guide explains leases and mortgages in detail.

Contents include:

Housing in Canada
Types of Housing
Housing Customs
Types of Ownership
Renting
Who's Who in Renting
Finding a Place to Rent
Landlord-Tenant Relations
Buying a House

Author: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Date Published: revised 2007

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Regina leads Canada in jobs

2009-07-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Below is an excerpt form a Leader Post article about job statistics in Regina and Saskatchewan. There is an increase in low-paid jobs and lay-offs are still happening.

"Statistics Canada data released Friday indicated there were 535,600 people employed in the province in June, which was up by 14,500 compared to June of last year.

Saskatchewan had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 4.6 per cent. The 3.4-per-cent unemployment rate in Regina was the lowest among major cities across the country. And Saskatoon, with an unemployment rate of 4.6 per cent, had the second lowest unemployment rate.

"This is a very exciting place and an exciting province,'' Premier Brad Wall commented Friday, at a press conference in the new Harbour Landing area in southwest Regina, where construction is underway on new houses and retail developments.

The news about the Saskatchewan jobs were in contrast to the national numbers, which once again showed that unemployment had increased.

"It looks like we've hit the bottom,'' said Doug Elliott, the publisher of the Sask Trends Monitor newsletter, adding that there may be reasons to hope the nation's economy might soon start improving.

But there might be reasons to worry about the sustainability of the job growth because many of the increases are in government jobs or in construction jobs that have been created as a result of heavy government expenditures in infrastructure, Elliott said.

"We're trying to get through this recession,'' Wall said. The underlying strength of the province's economy will sustain it well into the future once the recession is over, Wall added.

Regina Dewdney MLA Kevin Yates, who commented Friday on behalf of the NDP Opposition, said Wall is "only telling half the story,'' and the economic situation is not as bright as the premier suggested.

Layoffs have occurred in several industries in recent months and employment insurance claims have increased by 80 per cent, Yates said, in a telephone interview:" The government has done nothing to help people who have lost their jobs and are not sharing in the province's prosperity".

Source from Leader-Post.

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Language Training For Newcomers

2009-07-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

When you have come to Canada, no matter what language you speak as your mother tongue, you have to improve and use English on daily basis. Usually, you should need an initial time for language adaption. It means you will spend time in English classes to get more proficient with the language. At first, you will take a language assessment to know which level of your English proficiency. A language assessment is not a pass-fail test. It is a way to find out which class would benefit you the most. Then you will attend to English classes at your level. Many newcomers can benefit from language training. A number of programs are available locally in Regina.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
Famous for time consumption, LINC classes are free and available for every adult in your family, not just the person who may be looking for work. These classes offered at Open Door Society and SIAST. These classes offered full-time and part-time, are free to adults who qualify and offer free child care while you attend classes. Canadian citizens and refugee claimants are not eligible for LINC. Many adult immigrants, who are low in English proficiency, have to give up their classes after several months.

Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
ELT is suitable for those who are family earner, having to find jobs as soon as getting to Canada. Enhanced Language Training (ELT) programs provide advanced English language training to adult newcomers. The goal of ELT is to provide job-specific language training (Canadian language benchmarks 7-10) to help newcomers find and keep jobs that match their skills and qualifications. ELT programs are particularly useful for internationally-trained professionals and trades people. It also offers bridge-to-work opportunities such as work placements, mentoring, and cultural orientation to the workplace, preparation for licensing exams and internships for eligible clients

These classes are free to adults who have current English language skills assessed, are 17 years or older and either a permanent resident or a newcomer who has been allowed to remain in Canada, to whom Citizenship and Immigration Canada intends to grant permanent resident status and who has not become a Canadian citizen.

Specialty ESL Classes
Believed to be the most time-saving way for those who want to have a short-cut to reinvestment in study or acquire English proficiency.
ESL offers a 10-week regular program, 4 times per year. Students receive 220 hours of instruction from university trained ESL instructors. Classes are held on University of Regina campus with an average class size of 16 students. ESL students have their own computer lab with scheduled class time as well as drop-in times. Scholarships and bursaries are awarded to students during a formal Closing Ceremony and 050 students receive a certification of completion.
ESL has 6 language levels: Advanced 50, High Intermediate 40, Low Intermediate 30, High Basic 20, Basic 10 and Low Basic 10.
Tuition is $2,500 applied for 2009 and $2,600 for 2010.

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Saskatchewan At-a-Glance (2008 statistics)

2009-07-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Population up 1.5% to 1.02million
Employment up 2.2%
Numbers of self-employed up 0.5%
The average hourly wage rate up 7.0%
Gross Retail Sales up 10.5%
Saskatchewan’s Rate of Inflation up 3.3%
Value of Merchandise Exports – up 61%
Value of Manufactured Products up 18%

Source:
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce,Action magazine, Vol.2/Issue 2, March 2009.

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Open Door Society

2009-07-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

Finding a job is usually a newcomer’s first and most important job. Understanding how Canada’s job market is different from the one in your home country can help to ensure you start your search in the most effective way.

Some newcomers choose to start a new career or profession in Canada because it is easier and faster than obtaining Canadian certification in their current occupation - which may involve time and expense to obtain further education to acquire Canadian credentials. Some newcomers take up any job (survival job) while they acquire Canadian credentials and Canadian experience. Even after getting certified, newcomers would be competing for jobs with people born and educated in Canada who have Canadian education, experience, are more comfortable with the language, working environment and have a wider circle of business contacts and networks.

If you are new to Regina, and you want to improve your English for future employment and integration, you will be suggested to the Regina Open Door Society (RODS). People usually call it Open Door for short. RODS is a non-profit organization that provides settlement and integration services to refugees and immigrants in Regina.

Well-known for offering free English as a Second Language (EAL) and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes, Open Door helps immigrants and refugees adapt quickly to the community. Open Door also offers childcare and transportation assistance for participants based on need.

For those with a rather good English ability and want to find a job, Open Door offer Employment Assistance Services and Enhanced Language Training. This will be the best way for them to save time for integration. After attending all classes of this service, newcomers will have job references and potential employment. Sometimes, Employers in the community can contact Open Door office for potential candidates & resumes for hiring purposes.

For those who came from China, India and Philippine, you can check out the Canadian Immigrant Integration Project (CIIP) .

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Using Regina Public Transit

2009-07-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

Riding transit is the route to saving money. Owning and operating a vehicle can cost you thousands of dollars a year but taking Regina Transit costs under $700 a year… and that’s not including the money you’ll save by applying for the Federal Tax Credit for transit.

Adult $2.25(cash fare) $18(sheet of 10 tickets) $59/month(passes)

Youth (5-14)(cash fare) $1.75 $13.50(sheet of 10 tickets) $44/month (passes)

Child (under 5) Free All

Post-Secondary $2.25(cash fare) $18 (sheet of 10 tickets)$50/month(passes)

Senior (>65) $2.25 (cash fare)$18 (sheet of 10 tickets)$192/year or $96/half year(passes) Day/weekend family passes $6.50 each.

When you are in need of more frequent travel, you should purchase a bus pass.

Day pass: to use, you have to scratch off the month and day of travel. It is valid from Mon-Fri for unlimited travel- one person all day. On Sat-Sun, it can be used for a group of 2 adults and 3 children, or 1 adult and 4 children. It’s perfect if you want to see attractions in the Queen City without worrying about parking or traffic!

Weekend pass: This pass allows your family (maximum 2 adults and 3 children who are 18 years or younger) to ride any regular Regina Transit route as much as you like on either a Saturday or a Sunday.

Seniors pass: Seniors 65 and older can purchase a senior's annual or semi-annual bus pass at the Transit Information Centre.

Employer pass program: Annual passes are available for employees who work at businesses participating in the Employer Pass Program. The cost of a yearly Transit Photo ID pass is the same as purchasing ten (10) monthly adult bus passes. So enrolling in the program saves you over $100 a year!

Discounted monthly passes of $20 are available for residents receiving benefits from: Social Assistance, Transitional Employment Allowance, Saskatchewan Employment Supplement, and Provincial Training Allowance.

If you purchased a monthly pass, keep all of your expired monthly passes for the year. Write your name and address on the back of each pass.

If you hold a Seniors Pass Regina Transit will mail a letter to you at the beginning of the year indicating the amount you paid for the pass in during the eligible tax year. The Canada Revenue Agency will accept this letter as an official receipt for your pass.

If you have a Photo ID pass issued though the Employer Pass Program your employer will have included the amount you paid for your pass on your T4 slip.

Using your expired passes or letter from Regina Transit, you can follow the instructions included in your income tax package from the Canada Revenue Agency to claim your credit on your income tax. In case you pay cash for the fare, you can ask for a bus transfer if you need it. Transfer allows you using unlimited travel in any direction including return trips. It will be expired one hour after you board the bus.

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Things Needed to Know about Tax and Social Benefits.

2009-07-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

You’ve just come to Canada for a while. You try to adapt to society, find a job and integrate with the labor force. Then, boom! You have a mail from Canada Revenue Agency asking you to claim your income tax. What is that? How to claim income tax? Where should I go to do this, how to start? Lucky you! Thanks to annual volunteers in Service Canada located in Alvin Hamilton Building, 1783 Hamilton Street, Regina, you can get help for free. The deadline to submit your tax return is April 30th of each year.

After spending some time to get acquaintance with Regina's life, you should check out what you can have from Government. There are some government benefits that you and your family members will be eligible for. This is really nice thing about this country. You can see it here.

Canada's tax system is similar to that of many countries. Employers and other payers usually deduct taxes from the income they pay you, and people with business or rental income normally pay their taxes by instalments. Many of the benefits people enjoy in Canada are made possible through taxes. Canada’s tax system pays for roads, public utilities, schools, health care, economic development, cultural activities, defence, and law enforcement.

Each year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) promotes compliance and taxpayer education through many review programs. Under some programs, CRA review a number of deductions and credits on the individual income tax return and ensure that various income amounts have been correctly reported. CRA also review benefits and credits such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) which is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18. The CCTB may include the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) and Child Disability Benefit (CDB).

Beside CCTB, the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit is also reviewed: “GST is a tax that you pay on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. In some provinces, GST has been blended with provincial sales tax and is called HST. The GST/HST credit helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST that they pay. We will base your credit on the number of children you have and on your family net income. This information is also used to calculate payments from related provincial programs. To receive the GST/HST credit, you have to apply for it.” – Canada Revenue Agency.

If you have young children, do not forget to apply for Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) which is designed to help Canadian families, as they try to balance work and family life, by supporting their child care choices through direct financial support. The UCCB is for children under the age of 6 years and is paid in instalments of $100 per month per child.

Usually, when you put your money in a certain saving account in any banks in Canada, the interest created will be taxed. However, this will not happen with your TFSA. Starting in 2009, Canadian residents who are 18 years of age or older will be able to earn tax-free investment income within a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) during their lifetime. The income generated in such an account (for example, investment income and capital gains) is tax-free, even when it is withdrawn. The TFSA dollar limit is $5,000 in 2009, and will be indexed to inflation and rounded to the nearest $500 in later years.

When you have a job, then a career, you will need to save aside an amount of money so that you can use this sum when you retire your job. If you earn 70,000$ per year, you will be taxed 11% for the first $ 40,113, then 13% for the next $ 74,497, then 15.0% on any remainder. If you put $ 30,000 to your RRSP account, it will still be $30,000 due to tax-free feature. The money you put aside will increase with time through the way you will investment. Its interest will be tax-free unless you cash in, make withdrawals, or receive payments from the plan. I am talking about Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). An RRSP is a retirement plan that we register and that you or your spouse or common-law partner establish and contribute to. Deductible RRSP contributions can be used to reduce your tax. Come with RRSP are HBP and LLP.

The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) is a program that allows you to withdraw up to $25,000 from your registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to buy or build a qualifying home for yourself or for a related person with a disability .The Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) allows you to withdraw amounts from RRSPs to finance training or education for you or your spouse or common-law partner. You cannot use the RRSP funds to finance your children's training or education, or the training or education of your spouse or common-law partner's children.

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Strength of Saskatchewan.

2009-07-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

Many immigrants who have just come to Saskatchewan for several years are wondering what makes Saskatchewan’s economy existed. One of my friends also asked me so. Well, I am not an economic specialist and I am an immigrant myself. However, I used to read a lot about this topic in the Central Regina Public Library. Below, there are some cites from various sources discussing about this topic.

Saskatchewan’s economy is mostly based on mineral industry. Starting from exporting potash, and natural gas, by now Saskatchewan takes more attention to agriculture and invests a lot of works for oil sector and industrial transportation. Let’s start with the insights from a local scholar. Lloyd_Barber, The former University of Regina president shares his views on Saskatchewan in an article on Leader Post: “I remember when potash first came in. People thought that potash was going to do for Saskatchewan what oil did for Alberta -- and 50 years later, that may, in fact, be happening. I would discount some of the rosy predictions about potash, but given the world population and the absolute necessity for most soils of the world to have potash, I think there's not much doubt about it in the future. We are the low-cost producer; if we were on tidewater, we'd really be rolling in the dough ... "(Potash careers)

"Now to "come into our own" with respect to petrochemicals, gas and oil, I can never forgive the (T.C.) Douglas government and subsequent governments for the mantra, "We'll keep our gas in the ground until they run out -- then we will have it!" So we didn't get any of the infrastructure, we didn't get any of that stuff that we might've had because we were closer to market. Letting people exploit -- not in the gouging sense, but in the economic sense -- if we'd allowed our resources to be exploited, we would have been enjoying this kind of prosperity much sooner ... We essentially drove out our entrepreneurs. We don't want people making that kind of money!”

Talking about oil, the first thing many Regina people think of is Alberta which is mostly centred on the petroleum industry. It means, in Saskatchewan, oil industry is just a minor branch of its economy. However, by now, as many people know, Bakken forth is believed to be the biggest oil discovery in Saskatchewan since the 1950s. It is driving the Saskatchewan oil patch to record-breaking levels of activity. The Bakken field, a geological formation stretching under southeast Saskatchewan and parts of North Dakota, Montana and southwest Manitoba is also the catalyst fuelling the provincial treasury and hundreds of millions of dollars in oil industry expenditures that are a significant factor in Saskatchewan's current economic boom. By the end of the '90s the United States Geological Service was saying that Bakken contained upwards of 500 billion barrels. While the oil production and activities are in decline, Saskatchewan's heat of petroleum industry is at its peak.

Canada continues to rank first in the world for potash production with most of their potash production concentrated in Saskatchewan. The productive capacity of the Saskatchewan potash industry is 15.7 million tones of product. The province is the largest potash producer in the world and accounts for almost 25 per cent of world potash production. In recent years, Saskatchewan potash sales have reached as high as $3 billion annually according to the government of Saskatchewan.

Mineral production in Saskatchewan is nearly a $10-billion industry, and it is only expected to grow in future years. This status shows that Saskatchewan's economy is strong and the future looks even brighter.

Saskatchewan has a lot of strengths but people traditionally haven't thought of Saskatchewan as a mining province, particularly on the national level. It's a real eye-opener for them to recognize the diversity of Saskatchewan's resource sector and the importance of it and not just on a national scale.

Sources:
SaskBusiness
SaskBusiness
The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon)
Leader Post

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Exchange old car for CAD $3,500!

2009-07-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here is good news for those who have old cars as gas guzzlers.

On these days, media is flapping about Cash Clunker Program. Actually, in Canada, it is not coming to be an official statement yet. However, Environment Minister Jim Prentice said Saturday he's reviewing whether Canada should follow the United States and several European countries in offering consumers a substantial financial incentive to scrap their clunkers and buy new vehicles.

Prentice said he's met with a number of auto manufacturers over the past few months to discuss the prospect of giving Canadians $3,500 to trade in their older, polluting vehicles. This measure is still on consideration because Prentice wants to evaluate the effectiveness of an existing program.

Makers and sellers of cars have been aggressively lobbying Ottawa to adopt the measure, contending it will significantly boost sales in the sagging auto sector while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In Alberta, drivers who scrap vehicles made in 1995 or earlier can get up to $490 for a bicycle, up to a year's worth of monthly transit passes, or $300 cash.

Source form Leader-Post

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Housing Future in Regina

2009-07-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

Every single immigrant coming to Regina, Saskatchewan wants to buy a house for his/her own. However, in this economic downturn, is it suitable to take a burden of credit from banks to buy houses.

In Leader-post articles on these days, housing prices are anticipated to increase slightly in 2009 due to some major construction occurring in Regina and the stream of coming-in labor force. People have a lot of concerns on greedy real estate agents, realtors and their friends making profit from artificial housing prices. That they buy some and sit on them for a short time, then relist with a higher price.

Regina people are still waiting housing market to cool down so that they can get a better deal. By now, the average price for a detached bungalow in Regina was $245,000 for the last 3-4 months. Compared with the wage level from other province, Regina people face higher housing prices. A normal detached bungalow in north Regina costs $ 255,800 compared with their counterparts in South Regina of $290,000. Some recommend waiting. Some say, houses do have their annual increase in value but when put in comparison with the provincial economic growth, it stays the same.

Basically, I believe housing prices will keep at least stable due to two big constructions happening in the city. One is of Consumers’ Co-operative Refineries Limited (CCRL), the world's first co-operatively owned refinery with the mission of supplying local co-operative associations with quality petroleum products. It is expanding the company's refinery and upgrader complex in north Regina.

There is another construction that The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the City of Regina, CP Rail and the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, is working to develop a new inter-modal transportation facility and related road infrastructure in the west of the city. This project sometimes is called Transportation Hub. These projects alone can create a lot of jobs for local people. Then when they are finished, the city economy will be heated with a better industrial transport system and many open vacancies from CCRL.

In current time, Regina does not have enough skilled labors and trade workers for these building sites. And still the province in general is short of labor force. The coming-in stream of immigrants to Saskatchewan keeps its progress going. Then, in the near future, soon or later, those who do not have a house will have a need to buy one, not bother to rent on a saving basis.

Any way, just wait for some next few days for news on reports of housing price trend.

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Regina Newcomer with a look at cell-phones

2009-07-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Are you new in Canada? Are you looking for a cell-phone carrier but you are still wondering how much it will cost you? In this post, I will help you go over this issue with my best knowledge.
Actually, I am an immigrant myself, getting here from last September. At first, I have no money in my wallet, and I do not a cell phone to control my contact network. I have no car and if I have one, still I can not drive it without a driver’s license. These are some of many things I have well in control in my mother country. However, I am new here and confused to restart everything again.

After a while, maybe you have had a job and earning money. Sometimes, you will think of having a cell for your convenience in everyday activities. So, just do it. Because nobody will do it for you and you are in need for a cell-phone, not someone else.
There are six cell phone carriers in Regina, SK. They are Fido, Koodo, Rogers, Sasktel, Telus, and Virgin. You can easily find their locations along the main way in Cornwall Center in Regina downtown.

On using a cell-phone, you have two options to deal with the bills. Basically, carriers will offer Pay-As-You-Go and Plan of X year(s) services. X can be 1,2 or 3. If you buy a same phone with a term of 1 year, it will be more expensive than one of 2 years then of 3 years. If your demand is not really high, and you want to save on monthly bills, which one will be better? Well, it depends!
First, let’s have a look at Carriers’ Plans then decide later: Virgin Sasktel Fido Rogers Koodo Telus

When you have a cell-phone, with contract or pay as you go basis, you will have a certain number of available text messages to text, and a set of day-time to call and receive calls to and from other cell-phone users. Although you receive or actively set up a call, your day-time will be spent. It will be free only if you have a call with other users of the same carrier. So, ask your friends and family members in advance which carrier’s service they are with before you choose a carrier. One more thing is if you buy a cell-phone of Rogers, it can not be used in Sasktel network and vice versa. There is one way to deal with the fact that you love a certain kind of cell-phone, but your carrier does not have it. Then you have to buy it from another carrier. How can you use that cell phone in your carrier network? Just unlock it! There are many places offering this service in Regina, you can check one of them here: A Local Unlock or CellUnlockCodes

Also you can try to unlock your cell-phone with careful instruction online: Globalunlock
For those who are money-shorted at the time, you can also check out used items on sales from local people in websites and online communities. Remember, just buy unlocked or the same-carrier cell phones from these places. You can check these two local websites in Regina:

UsedRegina Or Kijiji Regina

Be cautious with trading in this way and enjoy. Here is a helpful note from Usedregina website: “If the seller cannot or will not meet you in person, be suspicious. Never send money in advance. Always inspect and/or test the item fully before paying for it. If it can't be inspected or tested before the sale, just say "no"”.

On choosing your own cell-phone, I suggest that you should buy long-life-battery cell phones to avoid charging-hassle annoyance later

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New Driver Education Funding for Immigrants!

2009-07-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

Starting from the middle of March, 2009 and just being applied for the first year, the program New Driver Education Funding for Immigrants is soon well-known and got a lots application forms from those who are new to Saskatchewan.

The total fund is $125,000 made by SGI and offered to the whole Saskatchewan. It is available every year from January to refugees and immigrants who have got permanent residency in Saskatchewan and who legally require driver education to obtain a driver's license. Right now, the grant is empty and will be soon available again in this January, 2010 when there is a new announcement.

The grant will not cover the costs of training already completed and it is not a reimbursement. Basically, it allows people to obtain the required six hours of in-class and six hours of in-car training (6 & 6) which costs around $500 for a road test. Extra practice hours, testing costs, interpreter costs, and fees charged for no-shows and/or cancellations are the responsibility of the driver. Applicants can receive only one SGI grant during their studies.

All training must be completed within three months of approval to guarantee funding. If training is not complete within three months, funding may go to other applicants awaiting approval. Upon completion of the driver education program, class records must be submitted to SGI to receive payment. Payment will be made directly to the driver educator. Application processing may take up to three weeks. To speed up the application process, ensure application is completed in full and all documentation is included.

To be eligible, the applicant must:
1.Hold a valid Class 7 learner’s licence (cannot be suspended, disqualified, expired or owe monies to SGI).
2.Submit a signed application form authorizing SGI to review records to verify driving eligibility.
3.Be a Saskatchewan resident.
4.Provide the name of the driver educator/school being hired and the amount of funding needed showing the breakdown of rates for in-car and in-class training.
5.Provide a copy of immigration documents showing status (refugee, permanent resident, etc.)
6.Be conversant in the English language. For applicants who are not conversant in English, an interpreter should be hired (costs not included with funding). Some educators offer training in an additional language.

Priority will be given to refugees.

You can prepare all the forms and mail the completed applications to this address.

Marie Braithwaite, Driver Education Liaison, SGI
2260 – 11th Avenue Regina, SK S4P 2N7
Fax: (306) 569-9631

To get the forms, you can go to SGI office at above address or download: click here!

Immigrant Driver Education grant application (PDF, 22kB)

Sources form:
Thestarphoenix
SGI 1
SGI 2

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How much a blogger can earn

2009-07-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

Below is a link of http://www.usnews.com/ discussing about the current potential of blog business. Take a look: click here

As you see. It is quite tough to earn with blogs and websites even pennies at the beginning. Well, when you have a new-born site. It will not be easily found on any search engine so there is no way for anyone to view your site. You have to submit your URL to every single search engine and community to create traffic to your site.

After a long time of posting frequently your writings, your sites will appear on search engines. At that time, your sites' age would get 3-4 months already. It is true that the more frequently you post, the more chances you have your sites to be recommended on search engines. However, it is also tough for anybody to be a good writing generator. How can one write an article without ideas. So, the content of your sites make things, not others. Imagine that, you accidently visit a site through search engines. On that site, everything is simple and plain. The quanlity of posts are boring and uninformative. How long would you stay on that site? Do you ever think to come back to read a single post of it? Maybe you will see my site at that state: so plain and simple now when you are reading this post. Actually, I am a newbie myself. I dream to start a blog to share things in my life. Then I reckon about Google Adsense and I have what to start to write about. Sweet!

In the beginning of this job- earning on internet, you should be patient and work hard. Your result later will be very rewarding if you can keep posting and taking care of your sites so that potential visitors won't think it an abandoned site of a lazy newbie.

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Let's start something new!

2009-07-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone reading these words. I am new in blog and want to learn from all you. I am creating an informative blog for new immigrants to Regina, Saskatchewan where I am living. I hope my effort will help those who are new in Saskatchewan in someway.

See you again soon in my next post!

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