SfC In The News
workopolis.com
June 2001
Making Changes Together
By Francine Volker
©Workopolis, June 19, 2001
 
Hi Readers:
 
I get e-mails every day which reflect the realities of job search in Canada for newcomers. Nadia from Mississauga, Sanjay from Brampton, Marcel in Ottawa and Gabe in Toronto, are just four of many who voice frustration, anger and confusion about issues such as race, “wild goose chase” interviews, lay-offs in the tech industry and over-qualification for entry level positions.
 
Last Wednesday, I attended a potentially transformational seminar presented by Skills for Change called: “Making Changes Together” and hosted by CGA (Chartered General Accountants).
 
The seminar was about promoting better access for internationally trained professionals and tradespeople to “the system” of professions and trades in Ontario. (Other provinces’ information must be accessed through individual ministries and ORB’s: Occupational Regulatory Bodies)
 
The handbook: “Making A Change Together” is available in pdf format from: www.equalopportunity.on.ca, www.crehs.on.ca and www.skillsforchange.org.
 
Skillfully led by Asha Chakkalakal of Skills for Change and Shaheen Azmi, of AccuRite Writing, questions and discussion from a mix of government officials, association representatives and front line workers were encouraged.
 
Shaheen and Asha’s points about knowing how the system works before organizing to change it were illustrated by graphs and images that showed the levels of government in Canada, how government administrations make decisions and how the system of professional and trade regulation works in Ontario.
 
Six advocacy groups were profiled, their successes and failures and what can be learned for future organization for change. (All of this information can be found in the handbook) There is a list-serv called ONAPT (Ontario Access to Professions and Trades) of information and updates.
 
Call 416—658-3101 to get your name added. I strongly recommend that frustration and anger be informed and transformed into positive action for change by reading “Making a Change Together”!
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