(PRWEB) November 13, 2004

1. CITIZENSHIP WEEK: Celebrating Freedom, Respect, and Belonging

The Honourable Judy Sgro, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced the launch of Canada’s Citizenship Week from October 18–24, 2004.

“Citizenship Week is a time to reflect on the values that speak to the heart of being a Canadian,” said Minister Sgro. “Citizenship Week is intended to help remind all Canadians — young and old, born in Canada or abroad — that we all have a right to belong and be proud of our country.”

To launch Canada’s Citizenship Week, Citizenship Judge Suzanne Pinel presided over a reaffirmation ceremony with Grade 5 and 6 students at Elgin Public School. Minister Sgro also attended the ceremony along with Jason Dunkerley, Paralympics medalist and recent Canadian citizen.

In schools, community and cultural centers and offices, many new Canadians will take the oath of citizenship in ceremonies from coast to coast and others will reaffirm their citizenship at these events by publicly reciting the oath of citizenship.

“Immigrants bring valuable contributions to Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. I encourage all Canadians to help newcomers to Canada feel that they are part of the Canadian family by extending a warm hand of welcome whenever they can,” said Minister Sgro.

For further information on Canada’s Citizenship Week, including citizenship ceremonies open to the public, and how you can get involved in promoting citizenship in your community, please visit the “What’s New” section of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Web site at http://www.cic.gc.ca. You man also visit http://canadavisa.com for further info on immigration to Canada.

2. Temporary Work Permits – Mexico, France and the Philippines Send More Foreign Workers to Canada

In the first quarter, the flow of foreign workers changed little compared to the same period of 2003, dropping 1% to 18,034 people. While some changes in rank occurred, the top ten source countries for foreign workers were the same as in the first quarter of 2003. The United States continued to rank as the leading source country, with 3,140 entrants in the first quarter. This represented a decline of 15% compared to the same quarter of 2003, and 17% of all foreign worker entrants. Mexico ranked second with 2,562 workers, a 4% increase.

Australia was the third largest source of foreign workers for the quarter. Canada took in 1,590 workers from Australia, a figure virtually unchanged from the same period in 2003. France ranked fourth overall, sending 1,450 workers, which represented a 23% increase over 2003. The Philippines continued a trend toward increasing prominence in foreign worker numbers, rising from seventh source country last year to fifth in the current quarter.

Quebec was the only province to increase its intake of foreign workers. The province took in 10% more workers, for a total of 2,978 in the first quarter. The city of Montréal was the destination of the greatest number of these entrants (2,120 people, or 71% of the provincial flow).

3. Criminal Record: Check criminal record before checking out Canada

A traveler was surprised recently when he was denied entry from the United States into Canada. The reason: Four years ago, he was convicted in the United States of driving under the influence of alcohol.

“I was put on the next plane back home. Sad, humiliating, and I think ridiculous,” says the man, who asked that his name not be used.

Actually, most countries bar foreign visitors with criminal records for some period of time. But each country has widely differing rules on what qualifies as a serious enough infraction to bar the door.

Canada’s rules generally apply to any indictable criminal offense, including drunken driving and shoplifting – offenses they can find on various criminal databases. Last year, Canadian officials refused admittance to 17,841 foreign visitors because of their criminal records, said immigration spokesman Jean-Pierre Morin.

But he adds that his country allows for rehabilitation. A foreign national with a single offense is deemed rehabilitated after 10 years. If at least five years have passed since your crime, you might be able to apply for rehabilitation by filling out a form; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis at the Canadian consulate. Details: www.cic.gc.ca.

The Law Firm of Campbell, Cohen

http://canadavisa.com

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