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Possible Longer Term Implications
Will this situation affect my ability to complete Language Training to help me get a job?
Language training is a necessity to successfully integrate into Canadian society, to complete the process of becoming a Canadian citizen and to get a job. Newcomers reinforce the value of learning the language, and about the culture of work in Canada as a necessary step in obtaining employment. This process must continue during the Pandemic, however some services may be more difficult to access, especially if the settlement agency that you are familiar with has limited language classes and job search services during the Pandemic. You may have to continue language learning while at home. Try to watch English television shows, read English books and newspapers, and most importantly practice speaking and listening to your family members in your home, and to friends and other members of your community virtually via FaceTime or other video chat options that you may be using. Adapting to the challenge of the Pandemic will be difficult, and may have some implications for Newcomers to Canada; our shared goal is to minimize and shorten those negative impacts.
Helpful resources you can find on NBC.ca
If I have a professional designation, or a trade will I still be able to move forward with accreditation or certification processes?
Certification or accreditation is a requirement for many occupations in Canada, especially if a governing body regulates the occupation, as is the case with most professions, or is a trade that requires a license or certificate. Individuals that were trained outside of Canada, Internationally Trained Professional (ITP’s) and others can choose to have the foreign credential assessed, or complete training and recognition here in Canada. If you are unsure if you need to have accreditation in your chosen profession the Canadian Government has on online tool to provide Newcomers to Canada with information on occupations, credential requirements and even job prospects for all occupations, including professions and the trades. If you have already begun the process of credential recognition or apprenticeship you should contact the regulatory body or certification authority that you are currently engaged with in your province. For advice that is more specific contact an employment counsellor at your local settlement agency. You should also monitor appropriate government sites that may offer enhanced training and internship opportunities because of specific skill and expertise required in Canada to help overcome the Pandemic.
Will this situation affect the educational prospects of my children over the longer term?
Projections indicate that the Pandemic will have impacts over the short term, and will change normal routines around learning, however most experts agree that we will emerge from the Pandemic and most of our systems will emerge intact, changed with modified routines but intact. Learning will still occur, and with lessons learned from the Pandemic we may see an increase in online learning to occur, even when regular classes reopen in the Fall.
What are the impacts of the situation on my Permanent Residency or Citizenship application process?
Although there may temporary disruptions in the normal processes around Immigration, these disruptions are projected to be only temporary. If you have detailed questions or concerns contact your local settlement agency, Immigration and Citizenship or Service Canada by phone or online.
Helpful resources you can find on NBC.ca
What are the best prospects for obtaining work related to my skills, abilities and interest, given today’s realities?
Getting work that links income to the knowledge, skill, ability and passion of an individual is a desire shared by all Canadians. Today’s realities may add challenges to the job market, but even in these times there are requirements for all sorts of people to fill job vacancies – grocery clerks, truckers, personal support workers, nurses, chemists, and IT specialists to name but a few. The Government of Canada has a unique tool that links an individual’s unique interests and qualifications to existing job vacancies across the country. When searching for opportunities individuals should conduct searches that explore the realities of the labour market – where are the jobs, what occupations have growing demand, and what are the income levels for the regional markets for those jobs. Labour Market Information (LMI) is crucial as all Canadians, and Newcomers to Canada consider a job now, and post-Pandemic. You should also monitor appropriate government sites that may offer enhanced training and internship opportunities because of specific skill and expertise required in Canada to help overcome the Pandemic.
What are the possible impacts of this situation on the housing market, for rentals and home ownership?
Settling in Canada begins with many important steps one of the first being securing a place to live. Normally the decision include a choice between renting or buying your home (whether it be an apartment or single detached home). The steps that you take to assist as you make that decision will remain the same during this Pandemic, but you will need to be honest and transparent. You should understand the difference between a need and a want, and understand that you will be required to make some choices, based on your income and expenses – and the affordability of the choices you make. The short term impacts of the Pandemic may relate to your ability to pay rent on time – be sure to speak with your landlord about your ability to pay rent, or defer it if your income has been reduced. Deferrals can also apply to mortgage payments and property taxes if you are buying a home. Over the longer term, the Pandemic may affect the number of units on the market for both rentals and home ownership. If the demand is high, and the supply is low – price for a home, or rent for a rental may increase or decrease if the opposite occurs in your community. It is too early to tell, but market forces will determine what is available and the price demanded after the Pandemic ends – you as the consumer will need to plan and budget accordingly based on your goals, your financial means, and the market conditions where you live.
Helpful resources you can find on NBC.ca
What is a mortgage or loan deferral? Can I defer my rent or car lease?
Deferral means to arrange to do something later than originally planned. An individual can defer paying a bill to a later date; however, they may only defer payments with the permission of the person or body to whom they owe the money. Individuals and businesses may also be able to defer rent, car payments, utility payments, credit card bills and other debt. In every instance remember that you MUST contact the lender first and make arrangements that are satisfactory to the lender. Deferral of debt is NOT forgiveness of the money borrowed or amount owed. The borrower will still be required to pay back the debt (principal and interest, compounded).
What are the prospects for the economy to improve post pandemic?
The economy has been impacted by this Pandemic. Businesses have been closed in the short term, employees have been laid off, and the stock markets have experienced tremendous volatility and individuals have questioned the security of their investments. History indicates that in the past, the economy has rebounded, however the pace and amount of that rebound has not been determined, nor will it be until after the Pandemic has been resolved, communities and businesses reopen and both consumption and production return.
Helpful resources you can find on NBC.ca