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Are you wondering what LEEP means or does? Who can participate?

The Labour Program administers and enforces the Legislated Employment Equity Program (LEEP) under the Employment Equity Act (the Act). LEEP supports the implementation of employment equity for the four designated groups:

• women
• Indigenous peoples
• persons with disabilities, and
• members of visible minorities

This Program applies to:

• federally regulated private-sector employers with 100 or more employees
• federally regulated Crown corporations with 100 or more employees, and
• other federal organizations with 100 or more employees

We welcome all international students attending educational institutions in Canada this upcoming fall. You have decided to pursue your education in a beautiful, revered nation that acknowledges and values talent. After a few years, I do not doubt that you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour and that the money you invested will be profitable. You will find things upon arrival that are strikingly different from those in the place you came from. You run the risk of experiencing culture shock. Be confident in yourself no matter how you feel because you are in this only to achieve success. Don't put unnecessary obstacles in your path. The following are some things that can be of assistance to you as a new student:

1. After arriving in Canada, one of the first steps you should take is to apply for a social insurance number (SIN). A Social Insurance Number, also known as a SIN, is a nine-digit number issued by Service Canada, a Canadian government department. You will need a SIN before starting work in Canada. Therefore, you must request to obtain a SIN to be able to file taxes and, if qualified, access various government programmes and benefits. Additionally, your university or college will require you to provide them with your SIN for tax purposes.  Note that your Social Security number (SIN) is considered sensitive personal information that should not be shared; therefore, you should take precautions to protect it. Watch out for suspicious phone calls or emails asking for your Social Security number or other personal information.

1. The next step that you should take is to open a bank account. As an international student in Canada, one of the first steps you should take is to set up a bank account at a Canadian financial institution. To open a bank account in Canada, you will need one or more forms of identification (ID). Your international passport, your study permit, a letter of acceptance, a letter of enrollment, and your social insurance number are all examples of acceptable forms of identification. You can open an account at any bank of your choice.

1.  Do not hesitate to introduce yourself to fellow students, instructors, and other people you will interact with during your studies.

1. Don't be shy about your accent. Celebrate it. It's an inherent quality of who you are.

1. Be respectful at all times. Avoid picking and choosing whom you find worthy of your respect. Incorporate respect into your routine. Listen to other people and don't interrupt or judge what they have to say. Take the time to hear someone out before responding, and remember the golden rule: treat others the way you'd like to be treated.

1.  Ask questions. Do not hesitate to voice any concerns or inquire further. If you are asking, you're unsure of the possible answer. If you're looking for information, stick to reputable online sources. The truth isn't always presented honestly on social media, so apply caution. You can get around by asking questions and reading up on things you don't understand; this is normal.

1.  Consider getting a part-time job that will not interfere with your schoolwork. Keep in mind that there are working time constraints for international students. Remember, you are here to learn, not to work. Make your studies a priority.

1.  Remember to respect other people's space. Do not promote or encourage hate speech, discriminatory words, or shame people.

1.  A wide variety of support services are available at colleges and universities for international students. Don't be afraid to use these resources and ask for aid when navigating issues like Canadian visa regulations, finding part-time work, applying for scholarships, learning about Canadian culture, or obtaining academic or mental health counselling.

1.  Try to maintain a healthy balance between schoolwork and other parts of your life. Canadian education is more than just attending class, reading materials, and doing well on tests. Every Canadian higher education institution offers students a wide range of non-class activities and volunteer opportunities. Your time spent participating in these will be more rewarding and may also open doors to other options you might not have otherwise encountered.

1.  Make sure you have health and dental insurance. The Canadian government does not provide immediate universal health care to international students in all provinces and territories, meaning international students must pay for their health insurance. Because of this, I feel obligated to stress the importance of health insurance for all international students studying in Canada.

Putting a significant amount of effort into your studies may not seem like it will pay off immediately, but it will in the long run. Consequently, it would be best if you made it a point to excel at it because I do not doubt you will. However, it would help if you didn't ignore the fantastic and potentially lasting connections you could make during your time in college.

Best of luck with your studies!

Flourish Abumere

My heart goes out to the British royal family, the British people, and the citizens of the Commonwealth on the loss of their loved Queen. Although this news has severely shattered and grieved my heart, I must acknowledge that Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, has surpassed all monarch expectations. I like to imagine Queen Elizabeth II, after her life's work as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England, joyfully worshipping at the feet of Jesus. Her kindness, integrity, and humility are legendary. In my heart, she will remain the most prestigious monarch in the world!

By Flourish Abumere

At SkillonlineNS, residents of Nova Scotia have the opportunity to acquire skills that are in high demand by local and international businesses at no cost. This is fantastic because many of the courses they offer, like Microsoft courses, are big benefits when looking for a new job or switching careers. SkillsonlineNS offers its courses through a web-based learning platform that gives all residents of Nova Scotia the opportunity to gain skills that are in high demand in the modern economy. The program is made available thanks to collaborative efforts by the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration and the Nova Scotia Association of CBDCs. 

This platform is beneficial for business owners and managers, current employees, and job seekers.

Business owners and managers have access to a library of training that you can ASSIGN AND TRACK, ensuring your staff are equipped to help your business succeed. If you already have a job and want to stay current and improve your skills, SkillsonlineNS is the right place to go to. Employees can complete training actively or as assigned by their employer, to upgrade their skills from the comfort of their own home. For job seekers, your resume should reflect your expertise  and Skillsonline can strengthen that expertise. As a job seeker, you can make yourself stand out in a competitive job market by adding relevant skills and credentials to your toolkit and resume. SkillsonlineNS is giving us this opportunity for free. Take advantage of this and start learning today!

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