We can all play a role in cultivating a more diverse and inclusive workplace!
What are the advantages of studying in Canada? Does it worth the cost?
Studying in Canada can offer a variety of advantages for international students, including high-quality education, a welcoming and diverse culture, and opportunities for post-graduation employment. Here are some of the main benefits of studying in Canada and how they can make it worth the cost:
- High-quality education: Canada is known for its world-class education system, which is consistently ranked among the top in the world. Canadian universities offer various programs and courses focusing on research and innovation. The country has a strong reputation for excellence in fields like engineering, business, computer science, and the arts and humanities.
- Welcoming and diverse culture: Canada is a multicultural country, and its universities reflect this diversity. International students can expect a warm welcome and a supportive community on campus. There are also many opportunities to learn about different cultures and make friends worldwide. This can help international students feel more comfortable and at home during their studies.
- The opportunities for post-graduation employment: Canada has a strong economy and a growing job market, making it easier for international students to find work after graduation. Many Canadian universities offer programs that include co-op or internship opportunities, which can provide valuable work experience and help students build professional networks. International graduates may also be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies.
- Affordable tuition and living costs: While studying in Canada can vary depending on the university and program, it is generally more affordable than studying in the United States or the United Kingdom. In addition, Canada has a high standard of living, with affordable housing and healthcare.
- Opportunities for immigration: Canada is known for its welcoming immigration policies, and international students may have a path to permanent residency after completing their studies. The Canadian government offers various immigration programs, such as the Express Entry system, prioritizing applicants with Canadian education and work experience.
Studying in Canada can be a worthwhile investment for international students, given the country's high-quality education, welcoming culture, employment opportunities, and affordable living costs. It is vital to research the costs and benefits of studying in Canada and consider factors like location, program, and eligibility for scholarships or financial aid before making a decision.
Fund your education. Live your dream.
Make your study abroad dream a reality with MPOWER
Make your study abroad dream a reality with MPOWER
Work off campus as an international student.
Who can work off campus?
Who can work off campus?
International students to help address Canada’s labour shortage
“With the economy growing at a faster rate than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and workforce needed to fuel our growth. Immigration will be crucial to addressing our labour shortage. By allowing international students to work more while they study, we can help ease pressing needs in many sectors across the country, while providing more opportunities for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and continue contributing to our short-term recovery and long-term prosperity.”
There is exciting news for international students currently enrolled in Canada at one of Canada's designated learning institutions. The temporary lifting of the 20-hour-per-week restriction on the amount of time qualifying post-secondary students may work off campus while classes are in session is currently in effect. International students studying in Canada from November 15, 2022, through December 31, 2023, are not subject to the 20-hour restriction if their study visa authorizes off-campus employment. This temporary modification will also apply to foreign nationals who have applied for a study permit as of the day the news was announced, assuming their application is accepted.
This action will enhance the number of workers available to support Canada's post-pandemic growth and provide a more significant opportunity for many international students to get useful job experience in Canada. More than half a million international students are already studying in Canada, and many of them would be willing to work extra hours if given the opportunity. This temporary reform acknowledges the significant contribution international students can make toward alleviating Canada's labour shortfall. Students with valid study permits cannot work off campus if they cease their studies or reduce their course loads only to study part-time.
For more information, visit the Government of Canada website.
Strategies and recruitment sources for HR managers to attract women and
other diverse talents.
Most HR professionals and business leaders would agree that a more diverse workforce leads to better organizational ideas and outcomes. A more diverse applicant pool leads to improved productivity. A diverse group with members from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds will generate more creative and unique solutions to problems and new avenues for exploration. Therefore, it is not surprising that businesses worldwide are concentrating on creating a strategy for attracting a more diverse workforce. Click here to download Paper!
Legislated Employment Equity Program (LEEP)
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
A warm welcome to international students this fall!
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Do not hesitate to introduce yourself to fellow students, instructors, and other people you will interact with during your studies.
- Don't be shy about your accent. Celebrate it. It's an inherent quality of who you are.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remember to respect other people's space. Do not promote or encourage hate speech, discriminatory words, or shame people.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms
A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms
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!
Start learning for free here
A recruiting plan is a well-defined process for attracting, hiring, and onboarding the best possible candidates for a company. In this case study, a recruitment plan for Copol will be designed to attract, hire, and retain a Production Operator.
Did you know that Nova Scotia law consists of the constitution, common law, federal statutes and regulations, provincial statutes and regulations, and some English or British statutes?
By Nova Scotia Government
Simple, straightforward ways to accommodate disabled employees in the workplace!
- Advocate for continued workplace flexibility.
- Promote remote working and digital accessibility
- Pay attention to special requirements for employees.
- Do not wait for your employer to train before seeking diversity, inclusion and equity training. Many are even available for free. Educate yourself when necessary.
- Research existing barriers in your business and implement programs and activities to eliminate these barriers.
- Fight against institutional discrimination and social misconceptions and put in place disciplinary measures to correct discriminatory practices
When you take time to find a diverse talent, then you have started hiring inclusively
When you take time to find a diverse talent, then you have started hiring inclusively
How can I do this?
Start with
- Determine the requirements for your candidate selection process.
- Create job postings that are inclusive to attract a diverse pool of applicants.
- Extend the scope of your search to find people with various skills.
- Incorporate diversity and inclusion best practices into your selection process.
- Train your staffing team to appreciate the quality and value that a diverse workforce can bring to your organization
- Structure your interview sections to be as essential parts of the inclusive hiring process as possible
- Plan how to retain employees inclusively now and in the long-term
If you haven't started hiring from a diverse group, start now!
Don't let an aspiring candidate's disability, minority group, sex or social status discourages you. Find out their unique skills that can impact your business moving forward!
Why do I need a LinkedIn Profile/Page?
To succeed in today's job market, it's more than vital that you equip yourself with the tools necessary to succeed. We offer services in developing a new LinkedIn profile and revamping an existing one.
Many company's recruiters research potential hires on social media sites like Twitter and LinkedIn. Your online presence should serve to highlight your qualifications and previous work. Boost your search engine rankings and create a professional LinkedIn profile that complements your resume.
Wait no more! Let's create something that stands out to recruiters and bring attention to your strengths and accomplishments.
The difference between Curriculum Vitae and Resume
The difference between Curriculum Vitae and Resume
A curriculum vitae, popularly known as a CV, is a comprehensive history of your academic accomplishments, so its length is expected to vary. Contrarily, a resume gives a general overview of your abilities and experience for a particular position, so its length is typically shorter and determined by years of experience. A resume should be about a page or two long.
Over the course of my research, I have found that a significant number of individuals applying for graduate assistantships, university grants and scholarships, postdoctoral positions, and post-secondary teaching positions in education or research industries use curriculum vitae (CVs) as part of their application process. Applications for graduate school typically require a curriculum vitae (CV) that details any publications and any research projects that have been completed or are currently being worked on.
In Canada, a curriculum vitae (CV) and a resume are often used interchangeably. If you're not sure what kind of document needs to be sent, it's best to ask for more information.
Curriculum Vitae
- It is longer because it is more detailed
- It contains all or some of the following:
- Academic History
- Professional Experience
- Qualifications and Skills
- Continuous Professional Development
- Professional/Scholarly Projects and Awards
- Publications and Presentations
- Professional Memberships
- Grants and Scholarships
- Licenses and Certifications
- Language Fluency
- Volunteer Work
- Professional References
Resume
- It is shorter and focus on precise skills.
- It's a good idea to include a cover letter with your resume so that you can explain more about the core skills that the employer has already pointed out.
- When writing a resume, you should start with your full name and detailed contact information.
- It should also contain the following:
- Resume summary or objective statement to give a brief overview of your skills and what you can offer a new employer.
- Educational accomplishments
- Employment history
- Skills and certifications relevant to the job
- It is an idea for new graduate students or students seeking internship positions. It is customizable for specific industry or position
When applying for non-academic or non-research positions, include a resume. Most businesses, governments, and non-profits will accept a resume as part of an application for a job.
International Day of Friendship, July 30th
Did you know?
The UN General Assembly established the International Day of Friendship in 2011 with the belief that friendship among peoples, nations, cultures, and individuals can motivate peace initiatives and establish linkages between societies. The resolution emphasizes getting young people involved in local initiatives that celebrate diversity, foster global awareness, and cultivate future leaders.
The
UN encourages governments, international organizations, and members of civil
society to hold events, activities, and initiatives to celebrate the
International Day of Friendship that support the efforts of the global
community to promote dialogue between civilizations, solidarity, mutual
understanding, and reconciliation.
The International Day of Friendship is a project that builds on UNESCO's concept, which defines the Culture of Peace as a collection of values, attitudes, and behaviors that strive to prevent conflicts by addressing their underlying causes in order to find solutions. In 1997, the UN General Assembly finally decided to adopt it.
We love to celebrate international days and weeks because they serve as occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.
Many of us look forward to international days and weeks since they provide a chance for public education on pressing global issues, as well as a time for remembrance of humanity's achievements. For as long as the United Nations can remember, international days have been used as a powerful campaigning tool.
To attain long-term stability, we must cultivate strong relationships of camaraderie and build a safety net that will protect us all. We can do this by fostering a sense of community and cultivating a sense of shared purpose.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY!
Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness
Summary of the Worker' Compensation Board (WCB) Function (Nova Scotia)
Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness
Summary of the Worker' Compensation Board (WCB) Function (Nova Scotia)
Overview
This paper is designed to capture reflective learning of what the Workers Compensation Board offer to employees in Nova Scotia, Canada. As aspiring human resource professionals, it is vital to understand the Nova Scotia Workplace Safety System, the role of the Workers Compensations Board of Nova Scotia, the functions, legislation changes in work systems, and obligations of the Occupational Health and Safety Division of Nova Scotia. This information is needed to bounce into the HR workforce confidently.
Learning Summary of the function of WCB
How do occupational health and safety fit into Human Resources?
What is the role of Human Resource Professionals in return-to-work and post-injury?
How have systems changed?
For the most part, human resources' role in occupational health and safety involves supporting line management and the organization to ensure a safe workplace. This includes developing and overseeing policy and procedure manuals and program implementation, dealing with regulatory compliance and reporting requirements, mentoring, coaching, and training. In Nova Scotia, a relatively new system has evolved over the last ten years through the standalone agency known as the NS Workplace Safety and Insurance System. It brings together four partners known as the Workers’ Advisers Program (WAP), the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (WCAT), the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), and the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB). These power keys are guarded by legislation and implemented from the legislation. The goal of the Workplace Safety and Insurance System is to enhance efficiency for workers, improve quality of service, ensure effective governance of the System, and maintain the System's financial stability. Its goal is to work together to ensure that people are healthy and safe at work, safeguard against loss, and assist in recuperation post-injury or accident. As the agency has acknowledged, they endeavor to be fair, open, and accountable in their activities.
Agency Partners of the Workplace Safety and Insurance System
Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia: The Workers' Compensation Board, also known as WCB, was created to administer the Workers' Compensation Act. The Act was enacted to safeguard employees and employers from occupational injuries. They eventually began providing preventative education and currently focus on establishing a workplace safety culture. The WCB is a no-fault organization, which means it covers injuries regardless of who caused them. They cover employees and employers. Workers may request and obtain financial, medical, and rehabilitation help when wounded on the job. The Workers' Compensation Act protects employers from the full cost of workplace injuries and lawsuits. Impressively, WCB covers 335,000 people and offers insurance to around 19,500 enterprises.
As a separate and independent body from the Workers' Compensation Board, WCAT, or the Tribunal, it considers appeals from workers who have been denied benefits. Workers' Compensation Board hearing officers appeal their decisions to the Tribunal, which hears and renders a decision. Claims-related or employer assessment issues may be the subject of appeals by workers. WCAT also has sole authority to decide whether the Act precludes a right of action against an employer.
Download the full paper and reference list here
Awareness
of self and others in the workplace
Diminishing
Bias
Awareness of self and others in the workplace
Diminishing Bias
What you should know!
Humans are driven to bias by nature. One method through which our brain processes information and reacts is through biases. Individual beliefs and experiences shape these attitudes, which in turn affect how we see and talk to other people.
Bias is the path that leads to unequally favoring or disfavoring an idea or person, typically in a way that is narrow-minded, judgmental, or unfair. Because bias may be learned, we have seen people acquire it. Biases for or against a person, a group, or a belief are a serious problem because they often lead to systematic inaccuracy, even in the sciences and engineering. Statistical bias is caused by an unfair sample of a population or an estimating procedure that does not produce results that are generally correct. If you have learned to be biased for any reason, you should know that your biases are likely to be wrong.
There are both conscious and unconscious aspects to the biases that we develop. An active, understood, and deliberate decision to behave in a particular manner is an example of conscious bias. When you have conscious bias, you are aware of the decisions you are making and what is motivating those decisions. Unconscious bias, also known as implicit bias, refers to a person's behavior, action, or failure to act that is performed without their awareness. People who exhibit unconscious bias, as opposed to conscious bias, are unaware when they are behaving in a way that gives advantages to certain individuals and disadvantages others. Without the right training, it can be hard to get rid of unconscious bias because the person who does it isn't always aware that they're doing it.
We can actually feel better and understand our ideals, emotions, experiences, behaviors, capabilities, and flaws through reflecting on ourselves and being self-aware of our actions. As employees, managers, directors, and business owners, we can, one way or the other, make an impact on people around us. It is important that we are self-aware not just of the people around us but of ourselves. The benefit of being self-aware suppresses not being aware. You can actually accomplish happiness at work and in relationships that we form daily simply by being self-aware. In addition, self-awareness can give us that unique sense of personal and social confidence, as well as more job satisfaction. Once you have the ability to look outward, you will understand how people see you from their perspective. When people are aware of how others see them, they are more likely to be kind to those who have different ideas. Here is what to keep in mind about self-awareness.
- Awareness of self and others can help reduce conscious or unconscious bias.
- It could change how we judge other people in our professional lives and help us grow professionally and personally.
- Empathy is developed through increased self-awareness. You start to be more proactive in your line of thinking. You carefully think about how your actions might affect the people around you, especially those who are part of groups that are concerned with equity.
- Self-awareness and awareness of others are essential building blocks for sound judgment. And it grants us the ability to direct our thoughts and actions.
- It will help us become better at making decisions overall. It can boost confidence and leads to more direct and purposeful communication.
- It enables us to understand and appreciate things from different viewpoints and liberates us from our preconceived notions and biases.
- It enables us to have better control over our feelings and allows us to develop healthier connections with other people.
- It is a stress reliever because our stress level is better controlled when we are free of excessive negative thoughts. This can lead to a genuine source of happiness. Every employee loves a happy colleague. They make our job and adaptation much better.
How do I change my organizations awareness of bias?
They many ways to encourage self awareness and reduce bias in your work environment. You could start by investing some of your time on:
Reading & learning: The United Nations have published several articles on combating bias against different group of people. They are have great article to learn about equity.
Training: Training programs are a great place to challenge employees' preconceived notions and encourage them to think critically about the world around them. This is especially useful when trying to improve their understanding of bias and its effect on people around them.
I encourage people to examine their own personal biases, which can have an effect on how they assess the actions of others, by playing an active part in organizations' efforts to raise awareness of issues related to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Please feel free to reach out to us. We could provide you with additional information. I am able to assist you in generating the data and matrices you require to make decisions based on facts, as well as provide coaching and assistance for your team in regard to this topic. If you want to be successful in this endeavor, you need to be willing to learn, willing to do self-reflection physical effort, and be confident enough to ask for training.
Progressive discipline policy
Progressive discipline policy
Hiya,
An example of a progressive workplace discipline policy draught is provided here as a source of reference for HR professionals and students studying HR. The idea behind progressive discipline is to let employees know when there is progress to be made in their current level of work performance. The disciplinary response from management increases with each professional misconduct, which provides employees with more time to either improve their professional conduct or ethical competence, or take responsibility for the consequences that are due to them in a fair manner.
Here is a written policy drafted by me for Floxy Queens Enterprise Limited. It provides a means of comprehending what obligations are imposed by such policies.c
Click here to download the full policy.
Abumere, F. I (2022). Progressive Discipline Policy for Floxy Queens Enterprise Limited. Nova Scotia Community College. www.flourishabumere.com