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How Express Entry to Canada works: Moving as a Permanent Resident (PR)

The Express Entry program is one of the most sought after and popular ways to immigrate to Canada, mainly due to its simplicity and quick processing timelines. Express Entry is ideal for skilled individuals who want to settle in Canada permanently. Here are 5 steps to apply for PR through Express Entry: 1. Determine if you qualify for Express Entry In order to apply through Express Entry, you must be eligible for one of the three economic immigration streams: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program: This program is for applicants with significant foreign work experience and/or a high level of education who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This program is for skilled tradespeople who want to immigrate to Canada. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is for foreign nationals who have been working in Canada for a period of at least one year to apply for Permanent Residence (PR). To understand the key differences in these three programs, check out the comparison table provided by the government of Canada. Confused about which immigration program you qualify for? Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also have an easy-to-use tool to determine the immigration program you qualify for; all you need to do is answer a few questions online, and you will receive your results. This tool gives you a number at the end (a personal reference code). Use this number to move your information from the tool to your Express Entry profile. Note: Consult an immigration lawyer to know your best options and be sure to check their credentials to avoid scams. 2. Create an IRCC account and an Express Entry profile If you qualify for one of the Express Entry programs, first, you will need to create an account on the IRCC website and submit your profile to formally enter the Express Entry pool of candidates. During this step, you won’t need to upload any documents. However, based on the information you enter on your profile, once you are selected and invited to apply for PR, you will need to upload copies of relevant documents to support your application. What do you need to create an Express Entry profile Occupation: Your National Occupational Classification (NOC) number. It is a system that the Canadian government uses to classify various jobs and occupations, which are grouped based on categories and skill levels. Education: Your education credential assessment (ECA) report. An ECA is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one. There are different types of ECAs. You need to get an ECA for immigration purposes. If you have another type of ECA, you may be able to get it reissued, depending on the type of ECA and/or issuing organization. You will have to include your ECA report and the reference number in your Express Entry profile. Language skills: Results from an approved language test. Canada has two official languages — English and French. You can provide language test results from any one of these two languages. Each of these tests evaluates your language skills on four parameters: speaking, reading, listening and writing. For English: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) For French: Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada) Note: Your test results have to be less than two years old at the time of submitting your application. 3. Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) Canada uses a point-based system (considering factors such as skills, education, language ability, work experience, etc.) to rank and evaluate individual immigration applications. The CRS tool is very intuitive; upon answering a few questions, it generates your score. This score can be used to check if you rank above the minimum required points from the most recent round of invitations. Candidates for Express Entry are awarded up to 1200 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) meant to identify candidates who are most likely to succeed in Canada. 500 points: Core human capital factors which include age, education, language and Canadian work experience. 100 points: Skill transferability which is a combination of foreign qualifications, work experience, education and language ability. 600 points: A provincial nomination certificate. 50-200 points: For arranged employment through a valid job offer — this requires very specific criteria to be met. Note: (1) Express Entry only awards points for skilled work experience (NOC skill type O, A or B). These should be selected based on job duties performed, not your job title. You will also have to provide proof of work experience to claim these points. (2) Applicants can also be awarded points for bonus factors including having a Canadian sibling or for studying in Canada. These bonus points are often what can make a difference for a non-competitive profile and convert it to a competitive one. Tip: If your CRS is slightly lower than the scores for latest Express Entry draws, you may still want to consider submitting your profile, mainly because: - You may have a chance at being selected through the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). - There is no cost associated with submitting an Express Entry profile. 4. Submit your profile Your Express Entry profile enables you to enter the pool of potential candidates for immigration. Once you fill out your profile and submit it online, you’ll be ranked in the Express Entry pool using a points-based system — the CRS. This score is based on the information in your profile. Note that submitting an Express Entry profile is not the same as submitting a PR application. Everyone intending to immigrate submits a profile, but only the high-ranked candidates are invited to apply for PR. Profiles may remain in the candidate pool for up to one year. If during this time, any of your ranking factors change, you must ensure you update your profile in the candidate pool. Those who do not hold a qualifying job offer can register with Canada Job Bank. Candidates are encouraged to promote themselves to prospective employers in order to increase their chances of being invited to apply. This is not mandatory but may be a good way to connect with employers. Note: Each applicant is given a personalized document checklist while filling out the PR application. Ensure you review it and the document requirements thoroughly before submitting. 5. Receive an invitation and apply for PR Draws from the candidate pool occur every few weeks, and the highest-ranked candidates in the Express Entry pool receive an Invitation to Apply, after which they have 60 days to complete an application for PR in Canada. Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application as deadlines cannot be extended. Once you are invited to apply, you will need to submit supporting documents. Some of them are: Passport or travel document Language test results ECA report Work experience certificates Police certificates Medical exams Proof of funds It is a good idea to keep a copy of the application you submit. After submission, IRCC estimates a total processing time of approximately six months. At first glance, the Express Entry process may seem complicated. The resources provided by the government of Canada along with advice from authorized immigration lawyers/consultants, can make your Canadian dreams come true. Sources: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Green and Spiegel Immigration Law Firm Note: The information provided in this article is general, is subject to frequent changes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration legal advice that you can rely on, please contact Green and Spiegel. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now. * Based on market capitalization

Questions to ask the interviewer in a job interview: Tips for newcomers

As a newcomer, landing your first job in Canada requires a lot of preparation and patience. Before you start applying to job openings, you’ll need to invest time in crafting a Canadian-style resume, perfecting your elevator pitch, and building your professional network. Even with all this work, it can sometimes take newcomers several months to get their first job interview in Canada. However, when that inevitable call does come, you want to be thoroughly prepared to ace your job interview. Typically, this means researching the company, practising your responses in advance, and having a ready list of questions to ask the interviewer to position yourself as a suitable candidate for the job. Why is it important to ask questions at the end of a job interview? At the end of job interviews in Canada, an interviewer usually asks if you have any questions for them. Many newcomers hesitate when it comes to asking the recruiter or hiring manager questions, or worry that it may make them seem unprepared or overenthusiastic. On the contrary, it’s completely acceptable—and even expected—that you’ll have questions for the recruiter. In Canada, interviewers will assess you not only based on how well you answer the interviewer's questions, but also on the questions you ask them. Having questions for the interviewer shows them you’re interested in the role. Well-researched, intelligent questions demonstrate that you’ve done your research about the organization and want to learn more about working there. A job interview isn’t meant to be one-sided. As a newcomer, asking questions is also an opportunity for you to gather information that’ll help you assess whether an organization, team, or the role are a good fit for you. Top questions to ask the interviewer in a job interview It’s always good to have a prepared list of questions to ask at the end of an interview. One rule of thumb to keep in mind while preparing for interviews is to steer clear of obvious questions that can easily be answered with a little bit of online research. In this section, we’ll share some indicative questions you can use or build upon, based on the role you’re applying for and your own interview discussions. Questions to ask about the job What will the person in this position be responsible for? This is a good question to ask if the job description doesn’t have a lot of information about the role and if the job responsibilities haven’t been discussed during the interview. Usually, you’ll have some information about what the job will entail to begin with, so phrase the question in a way that shows what you know. For instance, if you already know that the position is for a social media manager, you might want to ask what social media platforms you’ll be responsible for, or whether you’ll also be required to create video content. What are the qualities you’re looking for in a candidate? While a job description typically mentions some of the skills and qualities a role requires, this question allows you to assess how well your expertise and personality match what the hiring manager is looking for. It will also give you an idea of the qualities or soft skills valued by the organization, such as teamwork or being self-driven. This could be a good opportunity to showcase these same qualities through a well-chosen example. If you’re looking for your first job in Canada, this question can also give you insight into the qualities Canadian employers in a particular industry typically seek in applicants. What would my typical day in this role look like? This question serves a dual purpose. One, it subtly positions you as an insider and shows that you’re truly interested in the position and are already thinking about what working there will be like. Secondly, the response will give you additional information about the job, the stakeholders you’ll engage with, and the things you’ll be responsible for on a daily basis. What are the biggest challenges someone in this position will face? Questions like these are a great way to learn more about the role, potential roadblocks, or dealbreakers. Depending on the interviewer’s response, you may also get an opportunity to elaborate on ways in which you’ve dealt with that particular challenge in your prior roles, helping you to stand out as the ideal candidate. For instance, if managing tight timelines is a challenge you’ll be expected to deal with, sharing how you’ve used your organizational or delegation skills to deliver quality output ahead of time could give you an advantage. What will my immediate priorities or projects be in this role? In addition to giving you more insight into the work you’ll do, this question demonstrates your eagerness to get started. Even more, it allows the interviewer to imagine you in the role and think of you as part of the team. If, during your research, you uncover some exciting new projects the company is planning, such as a product launch, this can also be a good time to ask if you’ll be involved in those or express your interest in doing so. Questions to ask about the organization Can you tell me about the company’s growth plans over the next few years? Showing you’re interested in the organization’s future gives the interviewer confidence that you intend to stick around and aren’t looking at this job as a short-term arrangement. If you’ve read about an upcoming partnership the company is exploring or about the industry being impacted by economic changes, don’t forget to mention it. The recruiter’s response will also give you some idea about where the business is headed, possible team expansions, or new projects in the future. How does this team support the company’s overall objectives? If the job description doesn’t provide a lot of information, this question is a good way to learn both about the organization’s goals and your future team’s responsibilities. If the answer is obvious, like if you’re joining the accounting team, rephrase the question and ask about the team’s key performance indicators instead. This will also give you some insight on the metrics on which your individual performance will be evaluated in the role. How would you describe the company’s values? A company’s values are essentially the traits or beliefs that guide the organization and its people towards their ultimate goal. If you can relate to these values, you’ll be more likely to fit in and work well with others on your team. For instance, if humility is a core company value, it’ll be best not to boast about your achievements in front of your team. Refrain from asking this question if the company values are openly stated on the company website. What do you like the most about working with [company name]? Phrasing some of your questions in a way that asks for the interviewer’s opinion makes them feel that you value their personal insight. You’ll also be more likely to get more relatable answers that may not have been included in the job description. An alternative question along similar lines could be, “What do you find most challenging about working with [company name]?” What is the company culture like? OR How would you describe the company’s management/leadership style? When looking for your first job in Canada, it can be easy to focus on immediate priorities, such as salary, working hours, and travel time. However, it’s also important to keep in mind things that keep you motivated over the long run, such as a company’s culture and leadership style. Asking about these will give you a sense of your future work environment and help you adapt to the culture within your team. Questions to ask about growth and team What opportunities does the company offer for professional development? This question can help you assess if and how the company invests in the success of its people. As a newcomer, access to professional development resources, whether it’s a mentor, personalized training, or online courses, can help you bridge skill gaps, expand your areas of expertise, or prepare for the next step in your career path. Be careful how you phrase this question—it shouldn’t seem like you’re only interested in your own development and not in the position or company! What metrics, goals, or KPIs will be used to evaluate my performance? For most Canadian companies, success needs to be measurable and quantifiable. Asking how your success will be measured shows the interviewer that you’re serious and results-oriented. It also gives you insights about what your performance focus will be. For instance, if you’ll be assessed based on the number of new business prospects you bring in, you may have follow up questions about the average value per prospect. You may also be able to share some of your business development achievements from previous roles. What does the career path look like for someone in this position? When you interview with a company, you’ll likely do some research beforehand to get a glimpse into what your future in the company could be like. For instance, you may look up the interviewer or other team members on LinkedIn and track their career growth. In case this information is unclear or hard to find, it’s also perfectly acceptable to ask the interviewer about your potential career path in the organization. Try not to ask probing questions about lateral growth opportunities or the possibility of moving to another department, as it could lead them to question your interest in the role you’re actually interviewing for. Other questions for the interviewer during a job interview What are the next steps in the hiring process? The hiring process in Canada often involves multiple rounds of interviews to assess if you’re a technical and cultural fit. Once all your other questions are answered, ask what the next round will look like. If possible, get the names and designations of people you’ll meet next so you can research them in advance. If the next step is an assignment or test, ask about timelines so you can plan your week accordingly. When can I expect to hear from you on the next steps/decision? While asking whether you got the job is a big no-no, it’s perfectly okay to ask when you can expect to hear about the outcome of the interview. First, this will show the interviewer that you understand that the decision process takes time, but also that you’re excited to know if you’ve made it to the next step. Second, you may be able to get a subtle hint about how the interview went. If the interviewer seems eager to connect with you again, you likely have a good chance of being selected for the next round. However, these hints aren’t foolproof, so until you hear from the recruiter with a definite yes or no, don’t lose hope and keep up with your preparation. Do you have any concerns or final questions for me? Asking the interviewer if they have any concerns about your candidature gives you a final chance to address points that may negatively impact your chances. If the interviewer brings up a weak spot in your application, use this opportunity to give specific examples about your experience or transferable skills that’ll help you succeed in the role. Additional questions based on conversations during the interview While the list of questions we’ve shared is a good starting point, it’s also very important to listen to what the interviewer says during the interview and ask questions based on that. There’s nothing wrong with asking an occasional follow up question during the conversation to gather more information, as long as you’re not interrupting them or using up too much of the interview time. However, it’s usually best to save your questions for the end. It’s acceptable to take notes during an interview (although you’ll still want to prioritise making eye contact), and this can help you keep track of questions you may want to ask later on. Asking relevant questions based on your conversation is a great way to showcase that you’re an active listener, can think on your feet, and grasp key points on the fly. For instance, if the interviewer indicated that they’ve tried something in the past and it didn’t work, you may want to ask why they think it didn’t succeed or if they’re considering alternative approaches. These questions give you an opportunity to demonstrate what you already know about the company, the business environment, or the latest tools and technology. If you have experience with something similar, you may also want to talk about how you overcame challenges and solved the problem. A job interview isn’t just an opportunity for a potential employer to assess whether your skills are in line with what they are looking for. It’s also a chance for you to learn more about the company and decide whether it is the right fit for you. Towards the end of the interview, most hiring managers will ask if you have any questions for them. Going in prepared with intelligent questions is a great way to stand out as an ideal candidate and will help you land your first job in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. * Based on market capitalization

Top 6 reasons to study in Canada: Advantages for International Students

Canada is one of the most attractive destinations for international students wishing to study abroad. The country is known for its world-class education system and a wide variety of study programs for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students. If you’re exploring the option of studying overseas, the fact that Canada is home to some of the top universities in the world is reason enough to add it to your list of study destinations. Nine Canadian universities feature in the top 200 academic institutions worldwide, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities 2022, which compared institutions across 90 countries. Besides the quality of education and institute rankings, there are many other reasons that make Canada a great study destination. This article compares some of the most popular study destinations and outlines six factors that make Canada one of the best countries in the world for international students. Why is Canada an attractive study destination? 1. Affordable study programs compared to other countries As an international student, one of your key criteria for choosing a study destination may be tuition fees. While the cost of education abroad can be quite high, the average tuition fee for study programs in Canada is lower compared to other popular study destinations like the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (U.K.), and Australia. 2. Better quality of life and lower cost of living in Canada Tuition fees will not be your only expense when you’re studying abroad. You’ll also need to account for non-tuition fees, such as additional university fees, health insurance, and ancillary fees. And of course, you need to budget for your living expenses, which include accommodation costs, the cost of food, travel, your phone bill, and more during your period of study. In Canada, international students can expect to spend between $19,000 and $28,000 CAD on living expenses in their first year. This includes the cost of accommodation (on- or off-campus), food, transportation, insurance, books, and other personal expenses. In addition, you’ll also need to pay the application fees for your study permit or student visa and for the institutions you’re applying to. According to a recent cost of living comparison, the cost of living plus rent indices for Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia are 54.62, 57.60, 53.24, and 61.51 respectively (these indices are relative to New York City). This means that it’s comparatively more expensive to live in the U.S. and Australia than in Canada. On average, living in the U.K. is slightly more economical than in Canada, but the cost of living may be higher in larger cities where universities are located. Quality of life is usually a factor of several aspects, such as quality of education, health care, employment, job security, environmental quality, and individual freedom. In the recent 2021 Best Countries Ranking, Canada was ranked the best country to live in. Australia ranked #6 on the list, but the U.S. and the U.K. did not make it to the top 10. 3. It can be easier to get admission into Canadian study programs Compared to the U.S., it can be relatively easier to get admission into Canadian universities or colleges. For admission into bachelor’s programs as an international student, Canadian universities typically take your high school academic track record into account. In the U.S., international students applying for undergraduate programs also need to get a good score on the SAT or ACT exam and there’s more emphasis on overall extra-curricular development. If you’ve been focusing on academics over these other criteria, you may have better chances of getting accepted to a Canadian university. Australia and the U.K. have eligibility criteria similar to Canada. Canadian universities also tend to have a better acceptance rate compared to similarly ranked U.S. institutions, so your chances of securing admission into an institute and study program of your choice are higher. 4. Ample post-graduate job opportunities in Canada As an international student, one of your criteria for choosing a study destination might be the possibility of staying and working abroad after your graduation. In most cases, this will mean applying for and getting a work permit, and being able to find a suitable job after you graduate or complete a higher education program. In Canada, the process of getting a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is fairly simple and you can apply for one immediately after finishing your study program or within 180 days of its completion. You may be eligible for a work permit if you’ve studied at an authorized Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a valid study permit and if you were enrolled in a full-time study program that was at least eight months long. The validity of your work permit in Canada will depend on the length of your study program and can range from eight months to three years. So if you’ve completed a Bachelor’s program in Canada, you’ll likely qualify for a three-year PGWP. The Canadian PGWP is an open work permit, so you can choose to work in any field, regardless of whether it’s related to your study program. There are no restrictions on the time period within which you must find employment. It is also comparatively easier to find for international students to find a job in Canada after completing their studies. With a PGWP, you can choose to work part-time, full-time, or start your own business in Canada. In comparison, the post-graduate work permits or Graduate visas granted by the U.K. are typically two years long for international students who’ve completed their undergraduate or graduate program on a valid student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa in the U.K. A three-year work permit is only issued to international students who’ve completed a doctoral program in the country. This visa allows students to work, or look for work, at any skill level. In the U.S., international students who’ve completed a study program that’s at least one year long on an F-1 visa are eligible to apply for a one-year Optional Practical Training to gain work experience related to their education. Students in STEM majors can get a 24-month extension on their OPT. However, international students on OPT cannot remain unemployed for more than 90 days, which means that you’ll need to find and start a job within three months of completing your degree. While you’re completing your OPT, your employer can sponsor an H-1B work visa lottery application on your behalf once per year. However, since the H-1B visa is lottery-based, not everyone who applies will get it. 5. Multicultural classrooms and workforce Another advantage of studying in Canada is that you’ll usually be a part of a multicultural classroom, and after graduation, a diverse workplace. Canada welcomes international students from all parts of the world and consequently, you’ll have a chance to stay connected to your roots and learn about other cultures. As an international student, understanding cultural differences within the classroom fosters an environment of inclusivity and respect, which will help you be better prepared as you enter the global workforce. Canada’s leading university, the University of Toronto, for instance, has around 21 per cent of international students who come to study in Canada from 168 countries. In comparison, the top U.S. universities have between 11 and 17 per cent of international students enrolled. 6. Canadian immigration pathways for international students One of the main reasons Canada is a popular study destination among international students is because it’s easier to immigrate and get permanent residence (PR) after your study program. The country offers many immigration pathways, and for Express Entry streams like Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you may be able to get extra points for your Canadian education to improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Some of these streams require you to have Canadian work experience for which you’ll first need to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit after completing your education. Many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also have specialized streams for international students who’ve completed a study program in specific Canadian provinces. Depending on the immigration stream you choose, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence soon after graduation or with 12 to 24 months of Canadian work experience. Once you receive your PR, the duration of your residency in Canada as an international student and temporary foreign worker can also be taken into account while determining when you’ll be eligible to apply for citizenship. Canada plans to welcome over 400,000 new permanent residents per year between 2021 and 2023, and getting a Canadian degree or diploma can increase your chances of being selected for PR. In comparison, in the U.S., fewer green cards are issued and there may be long wait times, depending on your country of birth, even if you do qualify. In the U.K., you’ll need to complete five years in a post-graduation job to be eligible for an “indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa”. As an international student, choosing a country to go to for higher education is a big decision. You’ll need to evaluate not just the quality of universities and study programs, but also the opportunities the country offers to work and stay after your graduation. Canada’s world-class education system, coupled with the immigration pathways the country offers, makes it one of the best study destinations for international students. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Moving to Canada as a permanent resident (PR)

Canada has specific immigration programs designed to enable individuals with different skills, education, and work experience to settle in Canada and contribute to the Canadian economy. For those intending to move to Canada as a permanent resident (PR), the permanent residence programs managed through the Express Entry system are the most popular options, but not the only ones. There are other options such as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), Family sponsorship, Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP), the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the Caregiver program, and the Start-up Visa program. In this article, we will be focusing on the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) to help you understand how the various processes work, and the steps to be followed to apply for permanent residency through a PNP. How do Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) work? According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are primarily aimed at individuals who: 1. Have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory, 2. Intend to settle permanently in that province or territory, and 3. Want to become permanent residents of Canada. Each province and territory has its own Provincial Nominee Program streams (immigration programs that target certain groups such as new graduates, business people, skilled workers in specific professions, or semi-skilled workers), and unique requirements. Understanding PNP application options There are two ways to apply for PR through the PNPs: 1. Paper-based process (involves submitting a physical application and supporting documents) 2. Express Entry (online application) The mode of application will depend on the PNP stream under which you apply. How to apply for PNP: Paper-based process The paper-based process involves two stages: Stage 1: Receiving a nomination certificate from the province or territory you intend on settling in permanently. Stage 2: Applying to IRCC for PR status after the province or territory nominates you. Here’s a step-by-step approach on how to apply for permanent residency as a Provincial Nominee, through the paper-based process. Stage 1 includes steps 1 to 4, while steps 5 and 6 are part of stage 2. Step 1: Identify where you want to live in Canada Canada has ten provinces and three territories. To apply for PR status as a Provincial Nominee, it is important to decide where you want to settle – more specifically, in which province or territory. You might want to take into consideration factors such as the cost of living, employment opportunities, and the type of lifestyle you want to adopt. Step 2: Check the PNP eligibility criteria To be nominated by a province or territory, you must follow the instructions on their website and contact them directly. To check the eligibility criteria, here are the PNP websites for each province/territory: • Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) • British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) • Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) • New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) • Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) • Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) • Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) • Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) • Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) • Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) Nunavut is currently only accepting applications for entrepreneurs wanting to start their business in the territory. Applicants intending to settle permanently in the Province of Quebec should contact the province directly for instructions on how to apply for PR status – they should not use the below guidance. Step 3: Apply to the Canadian province or territory where you intend to live Each province has various PNPs designed to fill their specific labour market needs. Applicants should review the PNP streams for their province of interest carefully, as each will have unique eligibility criteria, and application intake processes. In general, applicants can either: 1. Apply to the province directly for a provincial nomination, OR 2. Be invited to apply to the province for a provincial nomination. Tips: While applying to a specific province/territory through the paper-based process, you must select a non-Express Entry stream AND meet the eligibility requirements of the chosen stream for the province/territory. Many provinces have very specific deadlines for application submissions. Applicants may wish to begin gathering necessary documents before they are invited, so they can ensure everything will be available within the deadline imposed by the province. Step 4: Wait for the nomination After submitting an application, if you meet the program’s eligibility criteria including demonstrating an intention to settle in that province, you will receive a provincial nomination certificate. You may refer to specific provincial or territorial PNP websites for processing timelines. Step 5: Apply Once you’ve been nominated by a province or territory, you can submit your application for Permanent Residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The application package for Provincial Nominees includes the instruction guide, document checklist, and all the forms you need. Tip: Be honest, accurate, and truthful while completing your application. If you are found to have misrepresented any information in your application, it may lead to a refusal of your application, and you could be found inadmissible to Canada and barred for up to five years. The next step in the application process is to pay the fees. As of April 30, 2020, these fees have increased from $1,040 CAD per adult applicant and an additional $150 CAD per child, to $1,325 CAD per adult applicant and $225 per dependent child. This amount includes: • Processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application. • The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) – $500 CAD which must be paid by all adult applicants on the application; you can opt to hold on to it and pay at the next step. Although the application is paper-based, you must pay the fees online and print out a copy of your payment receipt to be included in the application. For biometrics: You must also pay a biometrics fee of $85 per adult applicant, to a maximum of $170 per family. You must include proof of having paid these fees in your application. After your application is received, you will receive a confirmation letter with instructions on how to submit your biometric data. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required to be given in-person at various collection centres worldwide. You will have 30 days from the date of the letter to complete this process. You must book an appointment at a collection point close to you and show the confirmation letter when you give your biometrics. Third-party fees: Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for medical exams, police certificates, language testing, and educational credential assessment (ECA). The instruction guide for your application will help you understand which fees apply to you. After completing the application package and gathering all the supporting documents, you have to mail your application along with the online payment receipt to the address in the instruction guide. Remember, do not send the application to your local visa office; it must be sent to the Centralized Intake Office in Canada, after which it may be transferred to your local visa office abroad. Tip: To avoid rejections, before you send your application, ensure you answer all questions, sign your application and all forms, and include the correct processing fee, and supporting documents. You must also include a copy of the valid nomination certificate that the province or territory sent you. If your nomination has expired, you should contact the issuing province or territory. Step 6: Receive the Confirmation of Permanent Residence and arrive in Canada The processing time for each application depends on which visa office is processing it. After submitting your application, at any time, you can check the application processing times and status of your application online. As of April 2020, the average processing time for paper-based applications is 15 to 19 months. While your application is being processed, you will be informed when to submit medical exams and police certificates if they were not provided with your initial application, or have expired since submitting. Medical exams: You and all dependent family members (even if they are not moving to Canada with you) will be required to complete a medical examination from a designated panel physician. Police certificates: You may need a police certificate from any country or territory in which you have spent six months in a row or more since the age of 18. In some countries, it can take a long time to get a police certificate. Therefore, you may want to get them early. If you meet program and admissibility criteria, IRCC will reach out to request the documents required to finalize the application, including your passport (or passport copies) and photos. You’ll also need to pay your Right of Permanent Residence fee, if you haven’t already. At this stage, you must update IRCC on any significant changes to your circumstances, such as family status or new medical concerns. If no changes are reported, IRCC will finalize your application and issue you a: • Confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) document • Permanent resident visa (if you are from a country where you need a visa) • Letter with important information about your COPR and other requirements Tip: Keep your COPR document in a safe and secure place. Do not alter your COPR in any way, and do not sign the document until your arrival in Canada as a permanent resident. Arrival in Canada Once your application has been approved, you must travel to Canada to complete the Permanent Resident landing process – this is the final stage in processing, and once complete, your permanent residence status will be granted! During the landing process, upon your arrival to Canada you must present your COPR, and your PR visa (if you need one). You will also need to show your passport, and you may be asked for proof of funds to support yourself and your family. The officer will ask you a few questions to make sure you still meet the terms to immigrate to Canada. They will be similar to the ones you answered when you applied. Once satisfied that you remain admissible to Canada, the officer will allow you to enter Canada as a PR. The officer will also confirm your Canadian mailing address, and your PR card will be mailed to you at this address. Note: You don’t have to apply separately for a PR card, if you provide a Canadian mailing address. The application for a PR card is submitted by the officer at the time of completing your landing formalities. If you are already in Canada, you can make an appointment at an IRCC office near where you live in Canada to complete the landing process and have your permanent resident status granted. You can also leave Canada and return through a Canadian port of entry (an international airport or a Canadian land border) to complete the landing process. How to apply for PNP: Express Entry process There are two ways to apply for PNP through the Express Entry process: Option 1: You contact the province You contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under their Express Entry stream. If the province or territory agrees to nominate you, you can then proceed to create an Express Entry profile (or update your profile if you already have one) and show you have been nominated. Option 2: Province contacts you You create an Express Entry profile first and indicate the provinces and territories you are interested in while creating the profile. If a province or territory sends a notification of interest to your account, you can contact them directly and apply through their Express Entry stream. Tip: In both cases, you will need to create an Express Entry profile during the process, so you should do it right from the start. Here’s a step-by-step approach on how to apply for PNP through the Express Entry process. Each step outlines the approach for option 1 and 2. Tip: In our blog, Express Entry: Moving to Canada as a PR, we’ve outlined a step-by-step approach to creating and submitting an Express Entry profile. We encourage you to read it and follow the instructions mentioned. Step 1: Get provincial nomination For option 1: If you are already in the Express Entry pool, and you wish to be considered for the PNP, certain streams allow you to apply to the province/territory directly through the Express Entry stream. For option 2: If a province/territory contacts you with a notification of interest for PNP and you want to be nominated by that province or territory, you must contact them directly and apply to their PNP Express Entry stream. (This process will happen between you and the province or territory – you will not use your IRCC account). Note: The notification of interest is not a provincial nomination and does not guarantee you will be nominated. The next steps for both options are similar to Step 2 and 3 of the paper-based process as outlined above, with the only exception of specifically choosing the Express Entry immigration stream while applying on the provincial/territorial PNP websites. Once the province/territory agrees to nominate you, • You must update your profile with the nomination and share your Express Entry profile number and Job Seeker Validation Code with the province/territory; OR • Wait for the province or territory to confirm your nomination with IRCC and accept or reject the nomination in your IRCC Express Entry account within 30 calendar days. Step 2: Apply for PR Once you receive your nomination, there are two things to consider – 1. If you accept the nomination • o The Express Entry system will generate a letter in your account that confirms your nomination. o You will be awarded 600 additional points in your Express Entry profile, which will help you get invited to apply. Note: 600 points is the maximum number of points you can be awarded under the ‘additional’ factors. If you were previously awarded points for having a job offer and/or study in Canada, these points will not be listed in your CRS score. However, as they may be relevant to your ability to meet the criteria of the Express Entry program, you should provide proof of this in your Express Entry application. Upon receiving the invitation to apply, you will have 60 days to submit your online application for PR. Average processing times for Express Entry applications are generally 6 months – you can check the status of your application in your Express Entry account. 2. If you reject the nomination o Your profile will remain in the Express Entry pool, and you may be invited to apply under any other program. o You won’t be eligible for the PNP unless another province nominates you. Step 3: Receive the Confirmation of Permanent Residence and arrive in Canada Refer to Step 6 of the paper-based process. Preparing to settle in Canada Once you receive your COPR and PR visa (if required), there are things you can do to prepare for life in Canada. Pre-arrival • Use free pre-arrival services, which help you find out more about living and working in Canada. • Take steps to get recognition in Canada for your education, work experience, and professional licences/certificates. • Read about living and finding work in Canada. • Learn about the networking culture in Canada, work on your resume, and start building your personal brand. Post-arrival • Find immigrant services which will help you settle and adapt to life. • Read the Welcome to Canada guide to help you adjust. • Use the Living in Canada tool to find the right services. You can use the following Arrive resources to prepare for your job search, even before you arrive in Canada. • Read the Arrive career guide • Improve your resume • Craft and practice your elevator pitch • Practice interview questions • Start building your Canadian network from home • Understand the Canadian market before leaving • Read the newcomer stories on the Arrive blog Arrive supports newcomers step of the way. What can you bring to Canada Before you travel to Canada, see the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website to find out what you can and cannot bring into the country. Remember: You must tell the border officer if you arrive in Canada with more than $10,000 CAD. If you do not disclose this, you may be fined and your funds will be seized. The PNP process may seem daunting as there are many steps involved. However, if you follow the instructions provided by the Government and consult with authorized immigration representatives, you will be able to successfully realize your dream of moving to Canada! Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now

Brexit caused a large negative effect on UK trade pre-pandemic - new Aston University research

Professor Jun Du and Dr Oleksandr Shepotylo analysed the causal effect of Brexit on the UK’s services trade between 2016 and 2019 They found the UK experienced an average shortfall of £18.5 billion worth of services exports for each of those years Transport, Travel, Insurance and Telecom sectors experienced significant decline post-2016 No significant decline was found in other services including intellectual property, construction and financial. New research from economics experts at Aston University has found Brexit has caused a largely negative effect on UK services trade since the EU referendum. Professor Jun Du and Dr Oleksandr Shepotylo, from Aston Business School, analysed the causal effect of the Brexit referendum on UK’s services trade over the period between 2016 and 2019, in comparison to other major services exporters. They found the uncertainty associated with the UK-EU trade negotiations following the referendum caused harms to the UK services economy as a whole, reducing firms’ exports of services. This damages the competitiveness of services sectors which make up a lion’s share of the UK economy in terms of gross output, value-added and jobs. Professor Du and Dr Shepotylo used a Synthetic Difference in Differences (SDID) estimator to construct a counterfactual of the UK, had it not voted leave in 2016, to compare its services exports performance. This was done by comparing the actual performance of the UK with the modelled performance of a country that looks much like the UK, but did not vote to leave the European Union. They found Brexit resulted in the UK experiencing an average shortfall of £18.5 billion worth of services exports every year between 2016 and 2019 relative to what it would have been, had the UK remained in the EU. The impact varied considerably between different types of services. The UK’s exports in the category of transport, travel, insurance and telecom services saw a statistically significant decline following the referendum. No significant decline was found in business, intellectual property, construction, financial or personal, cultural and recreational services. In addition, Professor Du and Dr Shepotylo did not find evidence to suggest that UK businesses have redirected exports in services from the EU markets to those outside the EU, which is in contrast to exports in goods. The research suggested that Ireland has benefited significantly during this period, with growth in post-Brexit services exports up by £24 billion annually over 2016 to 2019 in the country compared to the counterfactual scenario if Brexit did not occur. This translates to 14.75% of Ireland’s 2019 total services exports, with growth clustered largely in the telecoms, business, intellectual property, and insurance sectors. Jun Du, professor of economics at Aston Business School, said: “Brexit marked a rupture in the highly integrated UK-EU services markets that had been developed during the UK’s membership of the single market. However, the UK’s strength in services was not reflected in the government’s ambitions for the sector in the EU-UK trade negotiations that followed the referendum. “There are other winners besides Ireland in some post-Brexit services areas. The Netherlands have increased considerably in ‘Business’ and ‘Intellectual Property’ exports. “Spain has seen growth in ‘Travel and transport’ services exports. Germany has gained in ‘Transport’, ‘Insurance’, ‘Telecom’ and ‘Intellectual Property’ services exports. While Ireland seems to have done exceptionally well in relation to the export of ‘Telecom’ services, a sharp contrast emerges to the lost exports not just from the UK, but also from the Netherlands, Switzerland and France.” Dr Oleksandr Shepotylo, a senior lecturer in economics, finance and entrepreneurship at Aston University, co-wrote the working paper and said: “UK services exports are 5.7% lower than they would be without Brexit. It reflects an overall decline of the UK as a place for doing business. “What economists tend to agree on is that the UK’s exit from the EU’s custom union and single market may have more significant impacts on services than goods, and more severe impact on post-Brexit regulated services than unregulated services. “It will take some time for the full impact of Brexit on UK services to emerge. Freedom of movement and data flow in some areas between the UK and EU could remain restricted. Stability, transparency and regulatory consistency in financial markets could be challenged. But new opportunities might surface. “Continued trade negotiations and dialogues regarding trade liberalisation are essential with the EU and large, fast-growing markets beyond Europe. Crucial to understanding these impacts will be reliable data and rigorous analysis. Our modelling of marked losers and winners in post-Brexit services trade provides new evidence for an open discussion of the post-Brexit trade in services.” You can read the full working paper HERE

MEDIA RELEASE: Ten things Ontarians need to know prior to booking travel abroad

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) has compiled a list of ten things that Ontarians should be aware of if they are considering travelling abroad. “Now that the Canadian government is no longer advising against non-essential travel due to COVID-19, those who are considering booking a trip should make sure they understand the scope of what travel looks like at the moment,” said Kaitlynn Furse, director, corporate communications, CAA Club Group. “The checklist for planning a trip has changed and we want to help people navigate this new environment.” Through consultation with its top travel agents, CAA SCO has identified ten key considerations that potential travellers may not be aware of. Anyone who is considering travel in the current environment should make sure they have looked into the following and remember that travel requirements and regulations are continually changing. 1. Confirm the COVID-19 situation at destination prior to booking. Understand the risk level associated with travel to a particular destination by checking the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories website. While the Global Affairs Canada Level 3 Travel Advisory to avoid all non-essential travel has been lifted, individual travel advisories do remain on a country-by-country basis. It is important that Canadians understand the ongoing uncertainty associated with international travel, whether that be related to the continued community transmission of COVID-19, or state of health care systems in destinations hit hard by the pandemic. 2. Understand the type, timing, cost and accessibility of required COVID testing. Every country has different requirements when it comes to the COVID tests that are needed prior to travel, and every country has different testing capacities once you are there. There are also requirements in order to return to Canada. Make sure you understand the difference between molecular PCR and rapid antigen tests, in what time period tests must be taken, the associated costs and locations where these tests are available. 3. Confirm change and cancellation flexibility with your travel service provider. Many airlines and hotels have been providing more flexibility when it comes to refunds and changes to bookings. Make sure you understand any key dates related to cancellation and changes and whether you are entitled to a refund or a future travel voucher or credit at the time of booking. 4. Buy travel insurance and understand what is covered. Make sure you have $5 million in coverage for emergency medical situations and that illness related to COVID-19 is included. Understand your entitlements for things like denied boarding in the event of a positive test and coverage related to isolation expenses. 5. Prepare required travel documentation and the format it must be presented in, for both Canada and your destination. Canadians returning home should have all required documentation loaded onto the ArriveCAN App or website. Each destination has varying requirements, so make sure you fully understand what information you need to have ready and in what format. Make sure you also take into consideration connections and any requirements in the connecting destination due to lay over or delays. 6. Take note of local public health rules prior to departure. Many destinations have measures in place such as curfews and quarantine requirements. You should also understand what the regulations are if you happen to test positive for COVID-19 in the country you are visiting. 7. Be aware of changes between booking and departure. Make sure you reconfirm all the details that were researched prior to booking, to ensure they are still accurate prior to departure. What was true when a trip was booked may not be the case by the time you are ready to travel. 8. Double check all research with the appropriate embassy or consulate. Travel at this time is complex and many factors can change quickly, so ensuring you have the most up to date and accurate information is essential. 9. Plan for extra time. From disembarkment and customs to retrieving luggage and exiting the airport, most things on the travel journey are taking longer than during pre-COVID travel times. Also note the check-in and baggage drop off deadline for your flight as it may require you to arrive earlier than anticipated. 10. Stay connected. Fully unplugging while travelling is likely a thing of the past. It is important to have access to trusted, up-to-date information while travelling so you can monitor changing conditions and requirements and adapt accordingly. Bookmark the Global Affairs Canada website prior to departure and check it regularly while abroad. It is also a good idea to sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad and stay in touch with a family or friend that has knowledge of your travel plans.

UCI scholars discuss how 9/11 changed America

In recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the U.S., we asked UCI scholars a single question: How did 9/11 change America? They responded according to their expertise – which ranges from collective trauma, media, air travel, foreign relations, false narratives, political divisiveness, and the war on terror. Contact Tom Vasich at 949-285-6455, tmvasich@uci.edu, to arrange interviews. Roxane Cohen Silver, Distinguished Professor of psychological science, public health and medicine E. Alison Holman, professor of nursing Topic: Media and collective trauma Quote: “The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks – which hijacked our television screens that Tuesday morning as people who sought to do us harm hijacked four airplanes – captured people’s attention throughout the days and weeks that followed. It also ushered in 24/7 media attention to what has become known as a “collective trauma,” transmitting the horrible events of that day throughout the country and, indeed, throughout the world in a matter of seconds. …The 9/11 attacks were tragic for American residents, but they also taught us that the media can broadcast distress alongside the news it’s covering.” Jan K. Brueckner, Distinguished Professor of economics Topic: Air travel Quote: “In response to the revenue shock of 9/11 and to new competition from low-cost carriers, the major airlines behaved conservatively in adding back capacity as traffic returned, so that the carriers eventually offered fewer seats to an ultimately larger number of passengers, leading to fuller flights and today’s less comfortable flying experience. Even though 9/11 is long past, the airline industry continues to operate in a climate of fear of terrorism from the air.” Erin Lockwood, assistant professor of political science Topic: U.S. foreign policy Quote: “The attacks – and the U.S. response – set in motion decades of war, anti-Arab and anti-Islamic bias and violence, and a willingness to sacrifice military and civilian lives and civil liberties for the perception of security. As we mark the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan this month, it’s all too apparent that many of those trends continue to reverberate today.” David Kaye, clinical professor of law Topic: National security Quote: “Despite my hopes for something better that might emerge, the attacks reinforced a cult of national security that the United States transformed into the torture of terrorism suspects, drone warfare, the invasion of Iraq, Guantanamo Bay’s indefinite detentions, anti-Muslim discrimination at home and the emergence of the contemporary surveillance state. … The predominance of national security as an ideology and apologia remains among the most significant legacies of that day, a feature of American political life that continues to constrain creativity and a return to normalcy in American law and policy.” Matthew Beckmann, associate professor of political science Topic: War on terror Quote: “To understand the legacy of 9/11 is to define the legacy of George W. Bush. For after the deadliest terrorist attacks on U.S. soil in our nation’s history, American citizens and lawmakers gave President Bush broad support and broader authority to wage the “war on terror” as he saw fit. … Twenty years after the attacks, having seen those lofty aspirations dashed in Afghanistan and Iraq, disregarded in Guantanamo Bay and black site prisons, and discounted even by our staunchest allies, the biggest legacy of Sept. 11 for the United States is that the “shining city on a hill” has less luster and a shorter reach.” David Theo Goldberg, professor of comparative literature Topic: Rise of false narratives Quote: “The events of 9/11 lent themselves to make-believe. The smoke hadn’t yet cleared when conspiracies began to abound, from “weapons of mass destruction” to “the deep state.” That the Trump administration adopted this as its own playbook while insisting on “draining the swamp” required cooking the rules. … Fabrication had become the rule book of the game. Invention and inventedness, disruption and innovation fueled the movement. The “truth” was, well, oh so yesterday.”

MEDIA RELEASE: Watch for higher traffic volume in school zones as students go back to class

After months of distance learning, many students will be excited to see their friends and classmates again as they return to the classroom. With higher traffic periods anticipated before and after school, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is urging all pedestrians and motorists to stay alert and take extra caution while travelling through school zones. “Pedestrian safety begins with drivers,” said Raymond Chan, manager of government relations at CAA SCO. “When you’re behind the wheel, you have the responsibility to look out for everyone else around you, including parents, guardians and children.” While the pandemic reduced congestion around schools, a recent school zone survey conducted on behalf of CAA SCO found many of those previous bad behaviours persist. More than 20 per cent of parents say they witnessed speeding, illegal parking and U-turns or three-point turns. Of those surveyed, 41 per cent of parents and guardians say that motorists being in a hurry is the primary cause for unsafe driving behaviours within school zones. Pedestrian behaviours also play a role when it comes to road safety. According to the survey, parents are concerned about pedestrians crossing at undesignated areas; and failing to look both ways when crossing the street. “CAA is reminding pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to be fully aware of their surroundings by slowing down and putting away all distractions,” said Chan. “Whether you are a parent or guardian driving, or a child walking or wheeling to school, everyone plays a role in keeping school zones safe.” CAA is encouraging motorists to remember these top five school zone safety tips: Make eye contact with passing pedestrians and cyclists: With the excitement of going back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle. Use eye contact to ensure pedestrians are aware of you driving your vehicle.   Help reduce traffic with active school travel: Encourage your kids to walk or ride to school to ease traffic congestion. If your school is a further distance, CAA encourages parents and guardians to park a block away and walk to school, if possible, to reduce traffic and make school zones safer.   Slow down: Know the speed limit in your neighbourhood’s school zones and respect them. Ensure to give yourself plenty of time to drop off your kids at school to avoid rushing.  Follow the rules of the road near school buses: Always stop for school buses with its lights flashing and/or stop arm activated, and wait for children to get safely on or off. Stay alert and watch for children or parents/guardians crossing the road when the bus moves on.   Choose a safe spot to drop off and pick up your children from school: Follow your school’s rules and avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks, dropping off or picking up your kids on the opposite side of the street, and stopping in moving traffic as kids rush out. Instead, use the designated drop off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe.   CAA supports safety in school zones through the CAA School Safety Patrol® program. The program was developed to protect and educate elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices. CAA’s Ontario Road Safety Resource is a toolkit with valuable lesson plans for teachers to help educate students about road safety.   The study, commissioned by CAA SCO and conducted by Dig Insights between April 16th to 23rd, 2021, surveyed 1,405 Ontario parents/guardians between the ages of 18 and 74 with children attending school from Kindergarten to Grade 8. A probabilistic sample of a similar size would have a margin of error plus or minus 2.6% at the 95% confidence level.

UMW entomologist can explain why it should be ‘lights out’ for the spotted lanternfly

The call for a cull has been made. Spotted lanternflies are popping up across the East Coast, and scientists are worried this invasive insect could wreak havoc on more than 70 tree and plant species, including many agricultural crops like apples, grapes, stone fruits and hop plants.  Indigenous to Asia, spotted lanternflies have been latching on to anything that moves. Residents of several states are being asked to check their vehicles as these resilient bugs are crafty enough to travel by car – quite literally hitchhiking across America. Though harmless to humans and animals, the fast-breeding insect spews out a honey-like substance that covers plants and prevents photosynthesis, leading to an ultimate death of the plant. Experts are advising only one remedy so far – kill them on site. Extreme measures are warranted until scientists can come up with a better plan. There’s a lot to know about invasive species and the spotted lanternfly – and if you are a reporter covering this pressing topic, then let our experts help. Dr. Josephine Antwi is an entomologist whose research focuses on the effects that insect pests have on crops of economic importance. Dr. Antwi is available to speak with media, simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.

Brexit: UK services are losing out to EU rivals – but Asia could be big winner

"Seven months after Britain’s exit from the EU, the chilly effects on UK trade are being felt. Total exports of UK goods and services were down by 13% (£36 billion) and imports down 22% (£66 billion) for January to May 2021 compared to the same period in 2019." Professor Jun Du, Aston Business School Singapore looks like one of the big winners from Brexit. joyfull In a separate new ONS report into UK services, exports and imports fell 12% and 24% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. To some extent this is due to the pandemic, but the decline with EU countries was more severe (exports down 15% and imports by 39%), which suggests Brexit was relevant too. The difference between services exports to EU and non-EU countries was particularly marked in sectors like construction (-43% vs +24%), maintenance and repair (-62% vs +11%), and manufacturing services (-40% vs -12%). It seems to confirm that the UK’s services offering has been made less competitive by the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement hardly covering such business. This has left EU members free to decide whether to allow different UK providers into their markets. But as we shall see, other services exporting countries outside the EU may also benefit as a result. In our recent paper, Ireland looked like the big winner. It has probably benefited from firms relocating and business being re-routed from the UK, not to mention low corporation tax and a young well-educated workforce. Between 2016 and 2019, Ireland’s services exports rose 24% (that’s €144 billion or £123 billion), driven by financial services, IT and transport. Speculation still abounds about which other EU cities will benefit in the medium term. Amsterdam surpassed London as Europe’s largest share-trading centre in January by absorbing much trade in euro-denominated assets, though London has been back on top recently. Other potential winners include Frankfurt (banking), Luxembourg (banking and asset management) and Paris (financial, professional and business services). Even a less serious contender like Berlin can attract tech talents thanks to its culture clusters and affordability. On the other hand, most financial traders have so far remained in London. The city is still strong in hosting stock market flotations and other forms of capital raising. And the flow of financial jobs out of London has been a fraction of what remainers predicted. A four-year regulatory transition period for areas like data protection and electronic trade will undoubtedly be helping. London vs EU rivals is only half the story. James Padolsey/Unsplash, CC BY-SA Yet all this misses a bigger picture, namely that Europe’s ability to provide services may have been weakened overall. Imagine a group of US investors wants to invest £1 billion in European shares and other financial assets. In the past it might have set up a fund in London, making use of the city’s network of lawyers, accountants, bankers and other finance professionals, while filtering some of the work to specialists in, say, Paris and Frankfurt for issues related to France and Germany. But now Brexit means the fund can’t invest in certain EU securities from London. The investors would have to set up a second fund in, say, Dublin to get exposure to all the EU assets they want. The additional expense and time involved makes them decide it will be more lucrative to set up an Asia-focused fund in Singapore instead. When you multiply this effect across every sector, it is potentially huge. Certainly some investors will decide to either switch attention from the UK to EU countries, or to live with the extra cost of doing business across both the UK and EU. But others are deciding that an opportunity somewhere else in the world now looks more attractive. The danger is that this adds up to a global shift in economic weight over time. In fact, we could be seeing signs of this already. Winners and losers In follow-on research that we have yet to publish, we have been analysing the services exports of the major service providers in Europe and globally, using trade data jointly collected by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The data shows the UK was and is the biggest services exporter in Europe and second only to the US worldwide, but appears to have been losing ground since Brexit. Ireland and the Netherlands are the major growth stories in Europe, while China, India and Singapore are leading the way elsewhere. Services exports by country, 2019 vs 2015 Trends in services exports. Left: 2015 data in solid coloured bars; 2019 change in yellow markers. Right: Green bars represent accelerating service growth; red bars represent decelerating growth. BaTIS The UK’s services growth trend fell 11% in the 2016-2019 period compared to 2010-15. This backs up our recent published research finding that the UK’s global share of exported services fell from 8.9% in 2005 to 7% in 2019. Meanwhile, France, Spain, Italy and Belgium’s growth has also been declining, while Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Austria and also the US were static. Ireland was the fastest growing services exporter among all, but Singapore and India gained momentum too. Strikingly, we see increasing growth in Asia between 2016 and 2019 in sectors like travel, financial, IT and creative services. This includes extraordinary growth in Singapore in finance, business, insurance and pension provision, and also in China in numerous segments. It looks like nothing short of a boom. Shanghai has been on the up and up. Krzystsztof Kotkowicz, CC BY-SA This may partly reflect the industrial transformation taking place in the Asian developing world from manufacturing to services. It may also capture a long-term shift of services centres from the west to the east – a reshuffle on a truly global scale. But at the same time, it’s evidence that Brexit has weakened the UK as the European centre for services. Yes, business shifted to Ireland (and Luxembourg) to some extent, but that could be hiding a wider collective setback. The question for the years ahead, for the UK and its European services peers, is whether they can come up with arrangements that help maintain their collective strengths – and to what extent they can exploit opportunities elsewhere, particularly on developing countries, where US services providers have traditionally been far ahead. This article was co-written by Professor Jun Du and Dr Oleksandr Shepotylo.