Micro Loans for Internationally

Trained Immigrants

2013 Report to the Community

Our evolution and impact continues The Immigrant Access Fund Society of Alberta (IAF Alberta) experienced a year of growth—infused with new relationships and fresh energy.

Our core work continues to thrive as we help internationally trained immigrants to overcome the financial barriers they face as they strive to work in Canada in their pre-immigration profession or trade.

Loan program maximizes impactIn 2012/13 we provided 232 micro loans to internationally trained immigrants in Alberta. This is a 55% increase over last year. Loans are given to both skilled workers and professionals to pay for short term training, exams and licensing requirements. Learn more about the loans provided on page 3.

Much of this increase in loan applications and approvals is in response to our expanded provincial marketing campaign (read more on page 3) and to our increased outreach to immigrant-serving and ethno-cultural organizations across Alberta. We continue to leverage the communication channels of groups serving new immigrants. This year presentations by IAF Alberta staff members have been made to stakeholders in Banff, Canmore, Brooks, Red Deer and Fort McMurray.

Supporting the ongoing journey of our loan recipientsThe relationships we establish with our loan recipients are close and ongoing. We are privileged that our participants openly share their challenges and dreams with us. Providing a loan is a significant piece in helping new Canadians implement the steps that will allow them to: maximize their potential, build a sustainable and meaningful future, and fully contribute to society. Now, through our enhanced website we are positioned to initiate forums and facilitate more linkages. Loan recipients will be able to share their experiences with others and network in support of their career path. We help with informal mentoring and see the value in advancing these opportunities among our loan applicants and recipients. Share in our loan recipients’ journeys throughout this report.

IAF Canada gets traction During the ten years that IAF has been active we are proud of our accomplishments to build from our offices in Calgary and Edmonton to Alberta-wide then IAF Saskatchewan—and now IAF Canada. This growth speaks to how well our program resonates with new immigrants. It validates the initial vision of Dr. Maria Eriksen and our founders and confirms the success of our program and the commitment of our Board members, staff and supporters. Learn more about IAF Canada’s progress on page 2 and about valued groups who collaborate with us on page 10.

Strategic focus always Our Board members participated in strategic planning this year that allowed us to celebrate IAF’s accomplishments and to explore future opportunities and potential challenges. We will focus strategically on our sustainability—both fiscally and operationally.

Our commitment is to continue to effectively welcome, inform and assist the new Albertans who seek our help.

On behalf of the board of Directors,

Kerry LongpréIAF President

Helping other newcomers to integrate (too) brings personal rewards

Winifred Marks echoes what many new immigrants to Canada experience: “The hardest part is getting yourself settled into a job that is appropriate for you, your skills—and that is to your satisfaction.”

Born and educated in Guyana, Winifred has a BSc. Sociology degree and post graduate diploma in education; she has taught for more than 23 years. She and her husband Anthony had been living and working in Botswana for thirteen years before immigrating to Canada in April 2012 to join Anthony’s parents and siblings.

Winifred’s education was recognized by the Government of Alberta’s IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service) as two degrees. However, securing a teaching role in Canada proved difficult. To help support the family she began working at Walmart and volunteered at Edmonton’s Grey Nuns Community Hospital as a way to integrate into the community. “I became familiar with the role of medical receptionists during the volunteer experience and believed this could be a good alternate career for me,” says Winifred. A loan from IAF helped Winifred complete the six month medical receptionist diploma program while she still worked part-time.

After her studies, Winifred chose to bring all her skills and passion to her role as Early Childhood Program Facilitator with the KARA Family Resource Centre. She delivers workshops for parents together with their preschoolers. Many of the mothers attending are new immigrants too. “I find my work very rewarding,” says Winifred. “Often the newcomer families I am working with feel disconnected and uncertain about life in Canada. I am able to share my experiences and my insight. I tell them to be open to possibilities and to utilize all the government and agency services available to them.”

Winifred is thankful to the initial immigration officer who welcomed her, Anthony and their nine year-old son Colwin to Canada. “He directed us to settlement services and it was through these I learned about IAF too,” says Winifred. “I have referred many people to IAF. I tell them if you want to continue your career and want to study but don’t have the finances, this is the place to come. You must be focused on what you want to do and IAF will help you.”

IAF Canada gets traction and builds connections

IAF Canada has been established to make micro loans available to internationally trained immigrants living anywhere in Canada.

The IAF Canada model, developed from the success of IAF Alberta and IAF Saskatchewan, will allow immigrants to apply for an IAF loan if they cannot access a community-based micro loan program locally.

IAF Canada developed its remote program by working with 10 immigrants living outside Alberta and Saskatchewan who needed funds to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, architecture, veterinary medicine and law. Several of the loan recipients lived in Ontario, others in Whitehorse, Yukon and Gatineau, Quebec. IAF Canada’s loan program will take advantage of the expertise and infrastructure that already exists within the two IAF programs—loan staff from IAF Alberta and IAF Saskatchewan will handle loans from other provinces, using technology to interview applicants and to manage and facilitate their loans. And like all IAF loans, Momentum (see page 10) will provide loan portfolio administration services.

“We’re establishing relationships with immigrant-serving agencies, regulatory bodies, and post-secondary institutions across the country. We want them to know about IAF so they’ll refer their clients and students for loans, and we want to know about them so that we can refer applicants to them for support in building their licensing and learning plans,” says Dianne Fehr, Executive Director of IAF Canada who was the founding Executive Director for IAF Alberta. “We’re building our loan capital pool, which started with a seed donation of $100,000. We’re encouraging community leaders from across the country to join others in securing a $1 million line of credit from which we’ll access loan capital.”

IAF Canada has its own Board of Directors formed initially as a transitional board with representatives from the boards of IAF Alberta and IAF Saskatchewan and a representative from Momentum. IAF Canada loans will ‘soft launch’ in early 2014 once loan capital is in place to meet the first year’s target of 50 loans. Citizenship and Immigration Canada is providing operating funds for basic services to 2016. IAF Canada’s first focus will be in the Greater Toronto Area, as early testing of the loan model and conversations with community leaders has led IAF Canada to believe the need there is considerable.

“Making IAF loans available to immigrants living outside of Alberta and Saskatchewan is an important evolution of the IAF mandate and our program—we are excited at the significant impact it can have for internationally trained immigrants throughout Canada,” adds Dianne.

Connect with IAF Canada: dianne@iafcanada.org

IAF: because it works!iafcanada.org

IAF provides micro loans to internationally trained immigrants who are unemployed or underemployed so they may take the steps required to work in the profession, trade or field they were trained in before coming to Canada.

IAF loans are typically used to pay for short term training and courses, exam fees, or licensing processes. IAF loans can also be used for materials and books, travel costs to write exams and to cover living allowances during study time.

We lend to people not based on where they are today, but where they believe they will be in the futureApplicants don’t need to have a credit history in Canada. Our loans are made to people of good character who are pursuing a learning and employment plan that will enable them to pursue their pre-immigration occupation in Canada. They are also a fit for individuals who cannot receive a student loan because they are not taking full-time studies or because they have not been in Canada long enough.

Our loan program is truly a win-winIt has meaningful, long-term impact on the lives of the new Canadians we ‘invest’ in. And, it enriches Canada’s economy and society as immigrants are able to participate in the workforce contributing their expertise and diverse experience.

Our values guide our lending Our values were established by our founders and continue to guide our decisions and our ways of working.

Accessibility IAF minimizes barriers

Equitability IAF believes every person deserves equitable treatment in all matters

Sustainability IAF operates with a view to the long term

Integrity IAF honours its relationships with loan recipients, the community and financial stakeholders

Relevancy IAF responds innovatively to immigrants’ needs and to the needs of the community

Thanks for the supportOur work is possible thanks to the support of our government funders, individual and corporate donors, foundations and our referral network of community organizations, learning institutions and ethno-specific groups. They all share our vision for Canada as a vibrant, diverse society where internationally trained immigrants are employed in their field and contributing in their community.

In addition to receiving loan capital through the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot Project and from private donors, IAF Alberta accesses loan capital through lines of credit with HSBC Bank Canada and RBC which are guaranteed by individuals who share IAF’s vision and values.

Learn more about the IAF loan program including eligibility criteria at: www.iafcanada.org

Provincial marketing campaign spreads word of IAF loan program

Increasing and maintaining awareness about IAF among immigrants is essential in order for IAF to keep up with the constant arrival of newcomers to Alberta.

We embarked on a comprehensive marketing and advertising campaign that complemented our ongoing outreach to communities throughout the province. The strategy, combining traditional media with extensive online promotion, speaks to the aspirations of new Canadians in Alberta of finding gainful employment in their pre-immigration profession or trade. The expanded reach of our online ads also touched those who are preparing to leave for Canada.

The visuals in our various advertisements illustrate the reality of how internationally trained immigrants find themselves in occupations that are not related to their pre-immigration profession or trade. In this reality, IAF provides the opportunity to address the financial barriers that keep immigrants from pursuing productive careers in Canada.

This message, which has remained consistent since the establishment of IAF, is being carried far and wide through our campaign. Transit and newspaper ads bearing these visuals and our message of hope and opportunity are now viewed by thousands of people.

Cognizant of new technology, we included QR (Quick Response) codes on our marketing materials, enabling smartphone users to immediately link to key information on our website. The campaign also featured articles and ads in a number of ethno-cultural publications. We explored how to make the campaign most effective via an extensive survey we conducted on the information sourcing of immigrants, as well as through our conversations with ethno-cultural communities.

We are encouraged by the interest and feedback the campaign has generated. Our message has resonated with immigrants, peer organizations and current and potential IAF supporters. Not only are we delivering

information on the features of the IAF loan program but a clear message that new Canadians can find fulfilling careers in their pre-immigration occupations.

As we continue to track the campaign, we see that the challenge of increasing and maintaining awareness is being addressed. We are invigorated by the significant increase of loan applications this past fiscal year. Equally important is the support that we get from a more engaged community that continues to refer people and spread our message through their networks.

WWW.IAFCANADA.ORG/LOANS-FOR-IMMIGRANTS1-855-423-2262

Right Training, Wrong Job?

IAF LOANS FOR IMMIGRANTS help pay for courses and exams so you can do the work in Canada you once did abroad.

2 3

Fortitude pays off after experiencing two Canadian cities

Like many new immigrants, Fahad Mughal viewed Canada as an ideal country—offering excellent education, safety and a good lifestyle for a family.

In 2008 he arrived in Edmonton ready to experience everything Canada could offer. A Business Analyst, he’d most recently been employed in his native Pakistan as a business manager with a land development and construction company.

Initially he found temporary work related to the construction industry. “But as the recession took grip in 2009 I couldn’t find work, not even in the malls,” says Fahad.

Frustrated, and with his wife Saba in Pakistan struggling through the paperwork to join him in Canada, Fahad returned home: “I had been doing my MBA in Pakistan and had only two semesters left, so I returned to my studies and my old job.”

In 2011, Fahad and Saba returned to Canada—this time to Toronto to stay with Fahad’s father. “At this time I had made up my mind,” says Fahad. “Whatever it has to be, I have to face it. I have to perhaps forget what I was back home and start again.”

Fahad and a friend took a two-week job hunting class followed by a five-week workplace communication course from Ryerson University facilitated by ACCESS Employment Mississauga which assists

internationally trained professionals. The course provides intercultural communication and soft skills training to enhance awareness and understanding of cultural differences in communication. “Although I had studied in English and I speak it, we culturally process messages differently,” notes Fahad. “The course helped me understand this and I made good friends too.”

However, securing no work in his field, Fahad found part-time security jobs and Saba worked part-time too but they were struggling to meet their expenses. The couple decided Edmonton offered more opportunities and the family relocated.

Fahad connected with community groups assisting internationally trained professionals and secured a loan from IAF to enroll in the Business Analyst Certificate program at NAIT. He attended part-time while working 60 hours a week as a security and surveillance officer. “It was an excellent opportunity to gain Canadian education and to network with people in that industry,” says Fahad. The course also contributed to the professional development units Fahad requires for his goal of obtaining his Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP) designation.

Now working as a business analyst with the City of Edmonton-Current Planning Branch, Fahad is focused on developing business strategies and reporting on performance measures. He’s repaying his loan to IAF and has referred five others. “IAF was really great. An extremely pleasant person helped me and I cannot believe how well the process went. It was an exceptionally good experience.”

He’s also contributing within the Business Analyst community and is on the volunteer board of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), Edmonton chapter, as Vice President Communications.

“I am very optimistic and happy,” says Fahad, now proud father of two sons. “Throughout this journey I got incredible and extraordinary support from my wife. I am working in my field now because of her help. She took care of us all and it made a huge difference.”

Helping others find their way Ramon Golpeo and his wife Sally

immigrated to Canada in 2010 with dreams of giving their 19-year-old son Norman a brighter future. Ramon, a Mechanical Engineer in his native Philippines, was confident he would secure work in his field.

The family spent their first three months as tourists getting acquainted with their new home. Ramon was then ready to start working and sent out hundreds of resumes without success. “No one replied. I was wondering what was happening,” says Ramon. “I really thought it was going to be easy to get a job here.”

Despite his education and successful engineering career working in several countries including more than 20 years in Saudi Arabia, Ramon was unable to obtain an interview. The little research he’d done before coming to Canada was primarily about life in Calgary, where and how to live and transportation options. “I wasn’t prepared,” says Ramon. “In Canada business is conducted differently to what I am used to. Here people often refer you to a company and I didn’t have that opportunity. Also, while I am qualified as an engineer in the Philippines this wasn’t readily recognized.”

Fortunately a new friend, Ray Guillermo, also from the Philippines, shared his insights about working in Canada. “He explained how things are done,” says Ramon. “He told me I needed education from here in order to be accepted and that I must obtain my Canadian licensing.”

Ramon discovered IAF through a web search and soon secured a loan to enable him to start his licensing process and undertake a Power Engineering certificate at SAIT. “Connecting with IAF was an important morale boost for me,” says Ramon. “Within two weeks I had the loan and was able to go ahead.” He also connected with CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigration Society) and completed a six-month employment skills and workplace communications course.

While in his SAIT program, Ramon secured the role of Shift Engineer

with the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the understanding he complete his program and his licensing. Later he joined a property management company as Building Operator responsible for the start-up of a commercial office tower’s daily functioning. Two years on, Ramon has been promoted to Lead Engineer managing the operations and maintenance of the downtown skyscraper. He guides a team of 12 that includes other new Canadians from the U.S., Iraq and India.

Appreciative of the help he received, Ramon is passing along his experiences and insight too. He’s informally mentored more than a dozen new immigrants and referred them to IAF. “I tell them they need a work plan, they need to get Canadian education and experience . . . and they need to earn. I tell them where I am now is because of IAF.”

As for Norman, after initially not settling and returning briefly to family in the Philippines, he’s back in Canada, well-established and studying Information Technology at SAIT.

Ramon has almost completed the process to receive his Canadian accreditation as a Mechanical Engineer and the future looks bright. “We have a home, work and a near normal life. My son has opportunities. My skills are being recognized. The workplace in Canada is fair and if you work hard you will be recognized. With God’s help and IAF—we’re doing well.”

Canadian education unlocks career prospects

After eight months working as a labourer in Edmonton Parminder Singh Bagga had an epiphany. As an Industrial and Production Engineer from India he recognized he was at a cross roads. “I realized my job was just not working for me,” says Parminder. “I had brought my family to Canada for a better life and I hadn’t been able to find the work I wanted and I was upset. I knew that either I have to study here in Canada and get back into my field or I have to settle on the decision to become a truck driver—a role I know from my late father’s transportation business in India.”

Parminder’s wife Navjot and his friend, also an immigrant from India, both encouraged him to pursue a two-year Engineering Design and Drafting Technology program at NAIT. Using his own funds and some money borrowed from friends, he embraced the first semester and was delighted with his 3.6 GPA.

Parminder came to IAF for funding for the second semester after learning he didn’t qualify for Alberta student aid as he hadn’t been in the province the required 12 months after relocating from Toronto. “I was feeling discouraged when I came to IAF – but found out they could help me. I explained my situation, got the loan and was able to continue my studies,” says Parminder. While he was at NAIT during the day, Navjot looked after their son Baksishpreet and then she worked seven nights a week in a factory as a labourer to support the

family. “My wife and I both have strong will power and we’ve needed it,” says Parminder.

Later an Alberta student loan was available and after completing the program in April of 2013 Parminder landed a Project Coordinator role in May with a manufacturing company. “I had been dropping my resume off – that now included my Canadian education as well as my background – and this company said ‘join us’,” says Parminder. “I was on probation initially which I completed and then I received a pay raise. The company has confirmed I am a good fit. This is my first ‘big job’ in Canada and I feel confident if I am here for five to seven years I will have the opportunity to move up to the role of Project Manager.”

Parminder sees many new immigrants struggling to connect to the information and supports they require to succeed in Canada: “I tell people they must seek out the agencies that help immigrants—and go to IAF. I tell them if they are a professional back home they must upgrade or do whatever is required here to work in their field.”

After two years in his current role Parminder plans to apply for registration as a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET). Both Parminder and Navjot are now positive about being in Canada and about their future.

“I believe if you have a Canadian passport and Canadian experience you can go anywhere and get a job. You have that option too. You’re a Canadian now!”

Recipients’ Storiesiafcanada.org

4 5

Their incomes dramatically shift upwards

97%of the amount

borrowed is paid back

55%unemployed

70%found work in their field

966 loans approved

totalling $5 M

30% were still

transitioning

On the average

in 2.3 years

45% underemployed

40% womenmen 60%

65% with dependent children

LOAN RECIPIENT OCCUPATIONS

Health40.3%

Engineers, Natural & Applied Sciences & Related18.7%

Accountants14.9%

Management, Business, Finance & Administration

9.8% I.T., Art, Culture, Recreation & Sport

6.8%Social Science, Education, Government

& Religion6.7%

Trades, Transport, Equipment Operators & Related 2.7%

$20,000 or less

$60,001 or more$40,001 to $60,000

$20,001 to $40,000

INCOME AT TIME OF SURVEYINCOME AT TIME OF IAF LOAN APPLICATION

IAF LOANS AS OF MARCH 31, 2013

6 7

Doctor embraces Canada as ‘the best place’ Olusoji ‘Soji’ O. Adewole, an internationally trained medical

doctor, is now fully settled in Canada and enthusiastic about his future. “It’s a done deal,” says Soji. “In nine months I will complete my residency and then I’ll start practising as a family doctor.”

His education and career path has taken him to six countries—but there’s no doubting his passion for his new home. “Canada is the best place, of all the countries I have been to. There is a general acceptance of diversity and I am pleased to live here.”

He completed his medical training in Nigeria in 2004 and is an HIV specialist with extensive postgraduate education including a Masters of Public Health in Primary Care from the UK’s University of Manchester. Currently he’s in postgraduate training in Family Medicine at the University of Calgary.

Soji immigrated as a permanent resident to Canada in 2010 through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to find work in his first three months and decided to return to his most recent employment in Namibia as a TB/HIV Medical Officer with a national program sponsored by the United States Presidential Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief. It was important work that he’d been involved in since 2008.

However, Soji was committed to establishing himself in Canada and returned in 2011. He joined the National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC OSCE) Study Group for internationally trained medical professionals—facilitated through Directions for Immigrants (see page 11). At the same time he participated in the Clinical Observership Program at Coral Springs Medical Clinic in Calgary. Within the family practice he was supervised

in his consultations with patients. “The program was a positive experience and they later hired me as a clinical assistant,” says Soji.

In order to fully integrate into the medical profession in Canada and to have access to further postgraduate education, he completed the required Alberta International Medical Graduate Internship Program, with the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Calgary (U of C). “Essentially it’s an opportunity for the medical faculty to observe your skills and determine if they can work with you,” says Soji. “This is how they assess your suitability for the residency program.”

Soji felt the need for a ‘back-up plan’ and accepted a position in the management training program at Canada Safeway. “Not everyone who successfully writes their exams gets into the residency programs in Alberta. There are about 40 residency positions available in the province to internationally trained doctors and, in 2011, more than 300 applied,” says Soji. “So, as I have my Master of Business Administration too, I thought this opportunity in management was an alternate career path for me, if I needed it.”

Fortunately Soji was accepted into the residency program and his loan from IAF helped with his living expenses. “If I hadn’t had the loan from IAF I would have needed to manage very carefully on the small stipend I received – and possibly I would have used my credit card to pay my way, which would not have been ideal,” says Soji. He also appreciates the team members at IAF for their knowledge and support. “Connecting to IAF worked well for me. They are extremely knowledgeable about the process internationally trained medical doctors follow and they were excited for me to establish my career in Canada.”

Recipients’ Storiesiafcanada.org

NORTH AMERICA

AFRICA

SOUTH AMERICA

ASIA

EUROPE

3%

27%

10%

54%

6%

ASIA • 487BANGLADESH 18

INDIA 80

IRAN 32

IRAQ 13

PAKISTAN 51

PHILIPPINES 210

SRI LANKA 29

17 OTHER COUNTRIES 54

EUROPE • 56BULGARIA 11

UKRAINE 10

18 OTHER COUNTRIES 16

SOUTH AMERICA • 90

COLOMBIA 57

VENEZUELA 11

6 OTHER COUNTRIES 22

NORTH AMERICA • 26

MEXICO 12

4 OTHER COUNTRIES 14

AFRICA • 241CAMEROON 22

EGYPT 21

ETHIOPIA 11

KENYA 12

NIGERIA 89

SUDAN 13

ZIMBABWE 23

24 OTHER COUNTRIES 50

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS’ COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN

Inspiring others will be her legacy Eva Hadzima’s story is one of tremendous effort, passion,

commitment and struggle. A veterinarian trained in Slovakia, she has extensive credentials but her 13 year journey in Canada has not been easy.

Before Slovakia joined the European Union in 2004, large numbers of farm animals were slaughtered to comply with protocols on health issues such as BSE. In response, work for veterinarians became scarce.

Eva, and her now husband Maros (also a vet), explored which English-speaking country to immigrate to. With guidance from friends and referring to her father’s antique illustrated map of Canada the couple chose Calgary. “We wanted mountains and animals,” says Eva. “And from what we could tell, Calgary would suit us.”

The couple arrived knowing no one. They had $10,000 in cash and two backpacks of books and on a cold November day they took a cab from the airport to a hotel. For the next ten days they struggled to convince any landlord to rent to them as they had no history in Canada and no references. “After six refusals I begged a landlord to accept us by pre-paying six months’ rent,” says Eva. “Then the very same day we hunted for jobs,” says Eva. “Many people wouldn’t consider us as we had so many qualifications. But we wanted any kind of work so we could get started in Canada.” Eva was eventually hired by a dog groomer. “But—because I had ‘no experience’ they only let me bath them,” laughs Eva. “But at least I was working with animals.”

Eva soon secured a position as a technician working with animals at the University of Calgary and the couple attended evening classes

to improve their already good English language skills. However, it took several years to complete the necessary exams to establish their veterinarian credentials in Canada. “I call it ‘the six bloody years’,” says Eva, referring to the intense time and effort it took to complete English exams, core licensing and practical examinations.

With a $5,000 loan from IAF for half of the cost of the practical exam fees, Eva traveled to Oklahoma State University where for a week her skills were tested. “In Canada it was a three year wait to take the practical exams and I just couldn’t wait any longer to work in my profession,” says Eva. “And I was really thrilled that IAF would lend me this money. Nobody else in Canada had given us anything and this felt wonderful. It let me focus on my goal.”

From 2006, the couple both worked as locum veterinarians for more than 60 clinics in Calgary. In 2008 they opened their own practice in DeWinton, Alberta, where Eva is finally focused on her exotic animal practice. It’s her area of specialty and one she speaks and writes about internationally.

“I want to be an inspiration to others,” says Eva. “I would tell other immigrants—don’t give up. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Now I am working in my profession that is truly my dream job; we have two beautiful children. Now, we are happy.”

8 9

Helping immigrants succeed through collaborations and connectionsiafcanada.org

IAF Alberta acknowledges and appreciates the formal partnerships and informal alliances that help us in our work. These relationships support the effectiveness of our loan program and provide resources and services to help internationally trained immigrants continue their career path in Canada.

This year, we are pleased to highlight the following groups:

Momentum Our partner since 2005, Momentum brings significant

micro-lending experience to the IAF program. Momentum’s role includes being the loan delivery agent for IAF in Calgary. The IAF loan facilitators at Momentum assess applications, make loan recommendations, manage loans once approved by the IAF Loan Review Team and provide support to loan recipients to help them achieve their goals. Momentum is also our loan portfolio administrator for Alberta, Saskatchewan and now Canada as we expand to provide loans to immigrants across the country.

Momentum’s core work is community economic development and they partner with individuals to help them build their own assets through programs that include: skills training to expand career opportunities, financial literacy programming to build savings, and business development training for those with entrepreneurial aspirations.

“Fundamentally there is value in the partnership as it leverages the strengths each of us bring,” says Jeff Loomis, Programs Director at Momentum. “IAF has successfully marketed the program and the idea of micro lending as a way to reduce the barriers faced by internationally trained immigrants as they try to find work. We at Momentum have a long history in micro lending and we bring this expertise to the collaboration.”

The two organizations also align strategically. “Momentum’s focus is working with people in Calgary and to work through partners outside Calgary,” says Jeff. “As our partnership evolves to complement IAF’s growth—we are now helping build capacity across the country.”

As to the future: “We are committed to a long-term relationship with IAF. We have shared values. We are both dedicated to participant success,” adds Jeff. “Our core goal at Momentum is to reduce poverty and when we see internationally trained immigrants able to work in their field, pay taxes . . . then the social return of this work is significant. As an example, two past IAF loan recipients have found employment at Momentum; an accountant who is with our team and a teacher who taught in our trades training program and now has a teaching position with the school board.”

www.momentum.org

Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC)

ERIEC is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization that helps immigrants feel welcomed and able to participate in the economy to their full potential. They often refer internationally trained professionals to IAF and help our Edmonton-based loan recipients to participate in the ERIEC Career Mentorship Program. ERIEC matches mentees with mentors who are experienced business professionals who share their experience and wisdom to help the mentees reach important career goals. They share insights into local employment practices, Canadian workplace culture and market conditions to help their mentees increase employability, knowledge and networks.

“Our relationship with IAF is truly a mutual and collaborative one,” says Doug Piquette, ERIEC’s Executive Director. “We cross promote each other’s services, share information and look for opportunities to partner on events and activities.”

When IAF loan recipients become mentees through the ERIEC mentoring program they have an opportunity to take part in a series of four intercultural workshops together with their mentors. These create the forum for dialogue and offer new understanding about cultural and business differences that impact successful careers. IAF loan recipients have also participated in other ERIEC events such as their Annual Global Talent conference and Speed Career Networking sessions.

“The sessions help immigrants learn about the Canadian workplace, but equally important is the opportunity to network with other mentees and mentors and learn how to build the social capital required to be successful,” adds Doug.

www.eriec.ca

Directions for Immigrants in Trades and Professional Careers

Directions for Immigrants is a no-cost career service centre that helps internationally educated professionals secure professional employment and gain accreditation. Located at the south campus of Calgary’s Bow Valley College, they assist professionals in all occupations.

The services delivery model is specialized and accommodates clients’ distinct needs. Some clients may be focused on accreditation, others on job search, and some on both. Services include study groups for licensing exam preparation and job success, one-on-one career coaching, workshops and a resource centre. In addition to providing services in Calgary, Directions for Immigrants offers services to internationally educated health professionals in southern Alberta. They refer many new Canadians to the IAF loan program.

“We frequently assist internationally trained professionals who need to complete exams, take additional courses and complete licensing requirements in Canada—and this can be costly,” says Karen Jenkins, Business Lead with Directions. “For example an internationally trained pharmacist may spend $1500 on their exam including travel to Edmonton to take it. We don’t have funding available as part of our services and so a character-based lending program such as IAF is essential because accessing mainstream lending can be difficult for new Canadians.”

The career coaches at Directions also support IAF loan applicants as they complete their work plan as to how they intend to pursue working in their profession or trade in Canada. “Our career coaches know the requirements of all licensed professions and trades as they pertain to internationally trained immigrants,” adds Karen.

www.directionsforimmigrants.ca

Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)

In Alberta, the Certified General Accountants of Alberta (CGA Alberta), the Certified Management Accountants of Alberta (CMA Alberta) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA) are unifying under the new Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.

This reporting year, 19% of IAF loan recipients represented the accounting and financial services sectors. Within Alberta, these immigrants typically connect with CGA Alberta to explore how to become accredited in Canada. Javier Vinsome, Diversity Advisor with the unification agency supporting the transition to the CPA Program works directly with new Canadians. “We review their education and work to date in their country of origin, and help them confirm the requirements to become certified in Canada,” says Javier.

Recruitment into the CGA Program of Professional Studies closed June 30, 2013. Students currently enrolled in the program have until fall 2015 to complete their education and until fall 2018 to complete their degree and/or practical experience requirement. Going forward, everyone will undertake the CPA Program and, once defined, some transfer credit from previous international education may be granted toward the initial one-year, 12 module preparatory program.

“We have an excellent working relationship with IAF and see them as a critically important funding source for internationally trained immigrants,” says Javier. “I keep IAF informed of changes in our sector and guide them as to the financial needs of students. We share information about IAF with immigrants because I am dismayed when I hear of individuals maxing out credit cards to pay for tuition when a group such as IAF exists—so, we consistently make referrals.”

www.cpacanada.ca

A unified accounting profession

10 11

BoardKerry Longpré

President, Founding Member

Tara Holmes Vice President

Leanne Cheng Treasurer

Aziza Kotadia Secretary

Amal Umar Past President, Founding Member

Sunny Delaney Clark Vanessa Desa Gillian Marriott QC Rispah Tremblay

(Alberta Network of Immigrant Women)

Laura Wood

Line of Credit GuarantorsWayne Chiu

Brian Felesky

Colin Glassco

Jim Gray

Dr. Noor Jaffer

Kris Matthews

Alan Norris

Sheila O’Brien/ Kevin Peterson

Eric Prosser

Sherali Saju

Teresa Shock

Prem Singhmar

We welcome your donationsIAF welcomes donations for program delivery and operating costs or for our loan capital fund. Donations may be made by cheque or online.

Visit iafcanada.org or contact Fernando Cala, IAF Alberta Director for Program Development at 403 228 9981 X223 or email fernando@iafcanada.org.

Immigrant Access Fund Society of Alberta is a registered charity (BN/Registration 862367182RR0001).

To apply for a loan For information about applying for a loan,

visit iafcanada.org or phone 1 855 423 2262.

Advisory CouncilBrian Felesky

Credit Suisse Securities (Canada), Inc.

Jim Gray

Dr. Noor Jaffer Ranchlands Dental Clinic

Lesley MacDonald Global Edmonton Women of Vision

Mick Mulloy The Development Group

Prem Singhmar Shivam Developments

Corinne Tessier Affirming Workplace Solutions

WITH SUPPORT FROM

IAF Alberta

Funded in part by the Government of Canada.

12

Every Woman Can – A Legacy

Dr. Maria Eriksen, founding chair of IAF, received many awards and honours for her efforts to change the “status quo”, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Calgary, the Governor General’s Persons Award and the Order of Canada. She was the founding chair of IAF.

The Maria Eriksen Every Woman Can Memorial Bursary funds professional development or technical training at an accredited institute to support the successful transition of an immigrant woman’s life in Alberta. This year, 32 deserving women applied and three received a bursary of $1,000 each.

Uwa OsahonIn January of 2013, Uwa began the

Practical Nursing program at NorQuest College. She came to Canada with her two children as refugees in 2008.

Nigla SalihNigla is currently completing the

University of Calgary’s English for Academic Purposes program in preparation for fall entry to the Bridge to Teaching Program. Two years ago, Nigla came to Alberta from the United Arab Emirates.

Ganiyat SuleimanGaniyat and her husband are both

accountants from Nigeria, studying to obtain Canadian accreditation while caring for two children. She is enrolled in NAIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration program.

PHO

TO:

GEO

RGE

WEB

BER

1939 – 2008