#canada immigration news blog

[siaimmigrationsolutionsinc]

Unlocking Alberta's Pathway to Permanent Residency for International Students

Alberta, Canada has emerged as a beacon for international students seeking quality education and a swift path to permanent residency. With a diverse range of educational institutions and the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), the province offers promising opportunities for students to not only pursue their academic dreams but also lay the foundation for a successful future in Canada. 

Alberta's Educational Landscape: A Hub of Opportunities 

Renowned for its exceptional educational institutions, Alberta boasts a range of colleges and universities that cater specifically to international students. Among these institutions are: 

Olds College

Nestled in Alberta's heartland, Olds College stands tall for its outstanding programs in agriculture and horticulture. The college provides students with hands-on experiences that align perfectly with Alberta's thriving agricultural industry. 

Norquest College

Recognized for its inclusive environment, Norquest College offers a diverse range of courses, making it a prime choice for students seeking skill development and community engagement. 

University of Lethbridge - Calgary Campus

Expanding its academic excellence to Calgary, the University of Lethbridge offers specialized programs catering to various fields of study, providing students with a holistic educational experience. 

Portage College & CIOT College, Portage College & Campbell College, Robertson College - Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton

These institutions, spread across key cities, offer comprehensive programs that equip students with skills essential for thriving in Alberta's dynamic job market. 

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP): Your Gateway to Permanent Residency 

One of the most significant advantages Alberta offers to international students is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). This program plays a pivotal role in the path to permanent residency for students graduating from institutions within the province.

The AINP provides international students with an accelerated pathway to permanent residency by recognizing their skills, education, and experience. Graduates possessing in-demand skills required by Alberta employers are given priority, allowing them to seamlessly transition into permanent residents.

Navigating Through the Pathways

Sia Immigration Solutions stands as a guiding light for international students, providing comprehensive information and guidance regarding educational opportunities and the AINP. Their platform showcases the diverse range of programs available in Alberta and offers detailed insights into the application processes and requirements for the AINP.

For more information on educational opportunities and the AINP, visit Sia Immigration Solutions.

Conclusion

Alberta presents a unique blend of top-tier education and a clear pathway to permanent residency, making it an ideal destination for international students. With the support and guidance of Sia Immigration Solutions, aspiring students can make informed choices, embracing a future that not only promises academic excellence but also a fulfilling life in Alberta, Canada.

Contact Sia Immigration Solutions today to embark on your journey towards studying in Alberta and securing your pathway to permanent residency.

[helpoverseasimmigration]

Top 10 Most Affordable Places To Live In Canada Check now Canada stands out as an ideal choice for individuals aspiring to migrate, Canada is famous for being one of the safest places to reside. It has consistently been a beloved destination for those seeking a secure environment, a high quality of life, and a commitment to clean air. The advantages of moving to Canada become evident quickly.

The country’s diverse geography and vibrant urban centers contribute to its attraction as an appealing destination for newcomers looking for a new beginning. Quebec, a French-speaking province, boasts six exceptional cities, while New Brunswick has four cities recognized as the best places in Canada.

With its outstanding quality of life, stunning natural landscapes, and celebrated multiculturalism, Canada is secured its position among the world’s top nations.

Similar to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), Canada’s Medicare system provides essential healthcare services to everyone based on their needs rather than their financial capacity. The funding for this system comes from Canadian citizens contributing through taxes, ensuring universal accessibility. This relieves a serious burden for the majority of hardworking Canadians and is particularly encouraging for British immigrants accustomed to the advantages of a publicly funded health service.

Canada boasts a diverse climate, ranging from permafrost in the North to milder temperatures in the South. During summer, certain regions can experience temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. While autumn is brief, it displays a spectacular display of vibrant colors that becomes an eagerly expected annual event.

While winters in Canada can be chilly, the country effectively manages the cold weather. For those seeking milder winters, British Columbia is a good destination. Vancouver and Victoria, are the warmest cities in Canada, maintain average winter daily highs of 7.1 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius, respectively, rarely dropping below zero.

The top 10 affordable places in Canada and the average cost of living are listed below.

City Average Cost Of living

ThetFord Mines, Quebe $3,496/month

Edmunston, New Brunswick $3,471/month

Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec $3,567/month

Tracadie, New Brunswick $2,925/month

Sainte-Marie, Quebec $2,732/month

Montmagny, Quebec $3,348/month

Miramichi, New Brunswick$2,904/month

Saint-Georges, Quebec $4,361/month

Bathurst, New Brunswick $3,486/month

Rimouski, Quebec $3,386/month

Provincial Nominee Programs

Individuals who wish to immigrate to a specific province or territory in Canada can obtain Canadian permanent residence through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Immigrants can submit their permanent residency (PR) applications online through the Express Entry system. finally, their profiles undergo ranking against one another using a points-based system known as the full Ranking System (CRS). Applicants with the highest CRS scores are then issued an invitation to apply (ITA). Those receiving an ITA must promptly apply within 90 days and fulfill the required processing fees.

The PNP functions as a program where Canadian provinces extend invitations to applicants for Canadian PR based on their specific labor market needs. The eligibility criteria and selection process for the PNP vary from province to province or habitat, with some aiming to address specific job vacancies or sectors.

Contact Us for Assistance:

HelpOverseas Immigration is a leading consultancy located in Pune, India. We offer the best advice and counseling for immigration to Canada, Australia, and other countries to all immigrants—individuals or families; who wish to travel abroad and live there permanently. Our aim is to help you settle with ease in any country!

To know more about the details and the complete procedure of Canada Immigration, our experts will guide you through the entire process step by step to make your immigration easy. Feel free to contact us at +919145227575. We will help you in Routing your way at helpoverseas Immigration

[newyorkmylife]

New York, hi again

Late April 2022

I waited and waited for my PR card to arrive in the mail but with no avail. It had already been 2 whole months and I just wanted to go on a vacation, but without that card I might have issues coming back to Canada.

After thinking about many different options, I decided I had waited long enough. I decided to go to New York regardless of the PR card!

So I did.

I booked the flight and felt excited and scared at the same time.

I hadn't gone on vacation for 2 years because of the pandemic, but finally the moment had come.

I had covid in March so I didn't have to worry about disease anymore. Yes, traveling without a PR card might be foolish but there are ways to come back by crossing via land.

What will it be like to set foot in New York City again, after 3 long years? After what felt like hell had unfolded on humanity? Will it feel the same as it did when I visited at the young age of 18?

I landed at LaGuardia. It was rainy but still felt like New York. I went to the room I had booked a few days prior to drop my backpack and take a nap. I didn't sleep the night before.

So my adventure - my new life - began. I wanted to experience the city as a local and booked for 2 weeks. I visited most of the tourist attractions on my previous trips so I shifted my focus on making new connections and hopefully some friends. It was time to set my foot in the door.

I used a recently created app to meet people who work in tech in the city. I quickly had the chance to talk with people that work at big companies or own a business themselves.

On my first day in New York, I went to a social crypto event and the first person I talked to was a cute girl from Hawaii that had moved a couple months earlier to go to NYU. I still regret to this day not being able to get her Instagram or phone number. I also met a Palestinian guy who worked in Germany and had transferred to the company's New York office a few weeks earlier.

In the days after, I explored places all over Manhattan, walked for miles and took in all of the New York City vibes. My favorite park is Bryant Park. I would stop there pretty often - it's such a beautiful green oasis in the middle of Manhattan. It's peaceful but at the same time bustling with energy and busy with people who go there just to relax, eat or work on their laptops. The New York Public Library sits right by the park and it has a smaller branch at the corner of a building sitting across the street - the recently renamed Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library. I was passing by it when I took a look through the glass wall: clean, orderly, peaceful. It was just so inviting for someone who walked all day long and wanted to take a break from the busyness of the city. I entered, walked around a bit and chose a book. I found a nice spot where I could sit and started reading. That might sound like the most mundane of all things, but for me it's as rare as spotting a camel in the Lower East Side.

writing interrupted (sorry)

[aramvisascbe]

[slyandthefamilybook]

since we now know that all those "my blog is safe for Jewish people" posts are bullshit, here are some Jewish organizations you can donate to if you actually want to prove you support Jews. put up or shut up

FIGHTING HUNGER

Masbia - Kosher soup kitchens in New York

MAZON - Practices and promotes a multifaceted approach to hunger relief, recognizing the importance of responding to hungry peoples' immediate need for nutrition and sustenance while also working to advance long-term solutions

Tomchei Shabbos - Provides food and other supplies so that poor Jews can celebrate the Sabbath and the Jewish holidays

FINANCIAL AID

Ahavas Yisrael - Providing aid for low-income Jews in Baltimore

Hebrew Free Loan Society - Provides interest-free loans to low-income Jews in New York and more

GLOBAL AID

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee - Offers aid to Jewish populations in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in the Middle East through a network of social and community assistance programs. In addition, the JDC contributes millions of dollars in disaster relief and development assistance to non-Jewish communities

American Jewish World Service - Fighting poverty and advancing human rights around the world

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society - Providing aid to immigrants and refugees around the world

Jewish World Watch - Dedicated to fighting genocides around the world

MEDICAL AID

Sharsheret - Support for cancer patients, especially breast cancer

SOCIAL SERVICES

The Aleph Institute - Provides support and supplies for Jews in prison and their families, and helps Jewish convicts reintegrate into society

Bet Tzedek - Free legal services in LA

Bikur Cholim - Providing support including kosher food for Jews who have been hospitalized in the US, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Israel

Blue Card Fund - Critical aid for holocaust survivors

Chai Lifeline - An org that's very close to my heart. They help families with members with disabilities in Baltimore

Chana - Support network for Jews in Baltimore facing domestic violence, sexual abuse, and elder abuse

Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemetaries - Care of abandoned and at-risk Jewish cemetaries

Crown Heights Central Jewish Community Council - Provides services to community residents including assistance to the elderly, housing, employment and job training, youth services, and a food bank

Hands On Tzedakah - Supports essential safety-net programs addressing hunger, poverty, health care and disaster relief, as well as scholarship support to students in need

Hebrew Free Burial Association

Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services - Programs include early childhood and learning, children and adolescent services, mental health outpatient clinics for teenagers, people living with developmental disabilities, adults living with mental illness, domestic violence and preventive services, housing, Jewish community services, counseling, volunteering, and professional and leadership development

Jewish Caring Network - Providing aid for families facing serious illnesses

Jewish Family Service - Food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support, refugee resettlement, chaplaincy, and disability services

Jewish Relief Agency - Serving low-income families in Philadelphia

Jewish Social Services Agency - Supporting people’s mental health, helping people with disabilities find meaningful jobs, caring for older adults so they can safely age at home, and offering dignity and comfort to hospice patients

Jewish Women's Foundation Metropolitan Chicago - Aiding Jewish women in Chicago

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty - Crisis intervention and family violence services, housing development funds, food programs, career services, and home services

Misaskim - Jewish death and burial services

Our Place - Mentoring troubled Jewish adolescents and to bring awareness of substance abuse to teens and children

Tiferes Golda - Special education for Jewish girls in Baltimore

Yachad - Support for Jews with disabilities

[fcble]

THE FABULIST'S FIELD GUIDE TO FABLE.

Somehow I've managed to post almost one hundred thousand words on this blog in the form of writing pieces. Which is absolutely insane to me because I don't think I've managed to write one hundred thousand words of creative writing towards any single project in the rest of life up until this Tumblr blog. And maybe this type of celebration is a little premature but I have things planned and I will hit 100k. It's also the three year anniversary of this blog, and I want to celebrate that too.

This is a little recap of where we've been, where we are, and maybe where we're going. And by we, I mean me and the guys in my head. This is also a sort of guide to their writing pieces and the reading order because I did not write in chronological order.

WHERE WE'VE BEEN

There are four major, earth-shattering, life-changing events that happened to various Fable members that had repercussions to various people over various years. If you're interested in all the writing as a whole, I have a Google doc in posting order here and chronological order here, which splits up a lot of the pieces.

[ OO1 ] MINGEUN'S NATIONALITY SCANDAL

In order to debut, Mingeun made a deal with Taein, the company's CEO, to lie about his upbringing, and therefore his nationality. He was born in South Korea, but immigrated to Canada with his family when he was two. When it came to being a Fable member, Andrew already had the diaspora member position on lock. And the main vocal position, which led to Mingeun being cut from the debut lineup after Haksu joined at the last minute.

Jaeseop fought for Mingeun's inclusion and won, leading to Taein brokering the deal with Mingeun. Everything went swimmingly for the first two years, where Mingeun pretended he didn't understand a word of English, and never uttered a word about Canada. He uttered very few words in this time period and was always out of the spotlight.

In the summer of 2020, having hit their stride with their previous album a few months earlier, the lid on the entire operation was blown via Dispatch articles. Given that Fable was on the rise, both in Korea and internationally, it didn't take long for friends and classmates from his childhood to corroborate the news. Mingeun's hiatus was immediate, and it would be over a year before he returned to the group. In the months that followed, he gained a reputation for being a liar, and in turn, tainted Fable as "the group with the liar" for some time.

RELEVANT POSTS: One of the news articles that broke the news. Pre-redemption arc perception. A drabble. "Not Enough." "Live Wire."

[ OO2 ] HAKSU'S BLACKMAIL

Haksu was the last member to join Fable. In the most succinct way possible, he spent the last two months of 2017 stalking and harassing Taein until he was accepted as a trainee. This is because he very much believes in fate and he had a dream about him. In the least weird and creepy way possible. It's only what he did because of it that becomes weird and creepy. Armed with his knowledge and physical evidence of Taein's adultery, he used it as a bargaining chip to get his foot in the door.

At the end of 2017, the debut lineup was otherwise set and they would have debuted earlier, if not for Haksu's sudden inclusion. Jaeseop and Mingeun tried so hard to get him out of there, but he was surprisingly stubborn and resilient and optimistic. He's also the best singer in the group, which is why Mingeun was demoted to main dancer and then nearly kicked out.

After debuting, Haksu continued to use Taein's crimes against him to secure himself the position of center, along with every opportunity that came Fable's way for the first few years of their careers. This continued on until 2021, when Taein and his wife began divorce proceedings. Having lost his best bargaining chip, he had to start learning how to share the spotlight. The majority of Fable fans continue to consider him the undisputed center.

RELEVANT POSTS: "Great Things" part one and two. One part of "Form is Emptiness."

[ OO3 ] EUNSU'S DEPARTURE

Eunsu was Fable's main rapper for three years, until he left the group in August 2021. The official reason for his departure was given simply as "personal reasons." The real reason he left was the death of his older brother, Yonggeum, which left him as his parents' only child. His father runs the only Buddhist temple in the small town he grew up in, a position that was passed down through his family for generations. It was expected that Yonggeum would inherit their father's position. That gave Eunsu the freedom to do things like become a kpop idol. After his brother's death, he was compelled by a sense of duty to return home and learn his father's role.

Despite his departure, he continues to interact with the rest of the group to the point where it's like he never even left. He writes songs for them, features on some of them, appears on a bunch of their livestreams, and is still Mingeun's best friend.

RELEVANT POSTS: "Form is Emptiness" part one and part two.

[ OO4 ] 'THE PROBLEM WITH FABLE'

Ever since their debut, one of Fable's greatest assets and their biggest weakness has been their concept. After building their careers as a modern take on mostly Joseon-era culture, they're boxed into the same square. They hardly ever do anything different, and when they do, it pisses off half their fanbase. These problems and some more were the subject of a viral video essay by Lightspeed member Tyler, but before he joined a survival show and became an idol. You either die a hero or live long enough to become a villain. But I digress that has little to do with Fable.

Responses to this were split, with Mingeun and Jaeseop weighing in with their own opinions. They are a bit too decently established and also a boy group for this to really affect their reputations. It just sits in the back of Jaeseop's mind and bothers him every now and then.

RELEVANT POSTS: "the problem with fable" itself. Mingeun and Jaeseop's reactions.

There are a few smaller plotlines that focus more on individual members.

[ OO1 ] BYEONGHWI (AND GICHEOL)

Byeonghwi is the only character whose storyline is mostly romance-focused. I wanted at least one of them to have a smaller stakes plotline that wasn't lying about their entire identity or blackmailing their CEO. So I spun a wheel and it landed on him. Which works out well, because his idol origin story was always somehow passing an audition he went to with a friend.

Anyway, his plot is very linear and straightforward. He had a friend. He debuted first. He confessed and it went terribly. He no longer has a friend.

RELEVANT POSTS: "First Love." "Sea Change." "No Return."

[ OO2 ] ANDREW

Quick side note Andrew is the greatest thing that happened to Fable. He was not in the early drafts. It was just Mingeun against the world. A lot of things are better for them and also for me because he's in the picture.

As far as plotlines go, he's the diametric opposite of Mingeun. His story is also a lot more vibe-based. It's very much about his identity, and trying to find a place for himself, both as a Korean American returning to the so-called homeland, and as an artist in the kpop industry. I don't really know how to TL;DR this I think the TL;DR is his pieces.

RELEVANT POSTS: "Not Enough." "Double A-Side." "Piano Concerto in A♭ Minor" part one, part two, part three. A drabble.

WHERE WE ARE

After all of that happened, I am trying to pick up the threads and extend them years into the future. The easiest way to do this is probably by member.

KIYOUNG recently returned from his mandatory military service. Other than that he's big chilling. Not to be confused with bing chilling. He's adjusting to civilian life again. RELEVANT POSTS: "Piano Concerto in A♭ Minor part one"

ANDREW is being recruited by Taein's somewhat shady business partner and not-quite-chaebol-heir Jinguk, for reasons he still doesn't really know. He has been Fable's temporary leader for the past nine months, and will continue to be so for another year or so, while Jaeseop is enlisted. RELEVANT POSTS: The drabble again. And also his piece which is linked in three parts right above so I'm not doing that again.

JAESEOP enlisted in December. He will be there for some time. Before he went, he tried to prepare Andrew as his substitute. He considered it putting his affairs in order, like he was going to die. RELEVANT POSTS: The saddest announcement ever o7.

INTAK is technically the first Fable member to go solo, in a move absolutely no one could have predicted. He released a mixtape in August. He went to Japan with Byeonghwi and Mingeun and returned with an entire extra suitcase of anime merch. RELEVANT POSTS: The album. A news article.

HAKSU briefly went home in May and missed Fable's last tour date. He did not know that his parents set up a date for him. He also did not know that the date was with one of his sasaengs. It's bad for him right now. RELEVANT POSTS: Tour absence. "exploring haksu's sasaeng problem." "One-Way Mirror."

EUNSU might as well be in Fable with his appearance on Intak's album. He also hosted Mingeun back in November after he got into a fight with some of the other members for reasons I can no longer remember because it's been almost a year and I didn't write it down. RELEVANT POSTS: "Interlude: Birthright."

MINGEUN was given an ultimatum early in the year by Taein. It took him a while to get around to it, but he broke up with his girlfriend of almost four years in July. He's also been on house arrest for majority of the year. RELEVANT POSTS: "Live Wire." "Interlude: Chances." "A Night Out On Earth." An epilogue.

BYEONGHWI is doing things I have yet to post anything about. He's in a situationship with a fan. Nothing like Haksu's situation. There are no relevant posts because this is in my head. It's been going on since Fable's album in the spring of this year.

WHERE WE'RE GOING

Poll time! What kind of ending will Fable have? (This is just an interest check I'm going to do whatever I want.)

The good ending is something along the lines of their disbandment when their contracts expire. The bad ending is they succumb to what might be the only scandal that could kill them. After they made it through Mingeun's rough patch I really believe they could survive anything else, EXO/cockroaches of kpop-style.

Other than that, I don't have many more plot points fleshed out yet. I will go wherever they take me 🫶.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Hi. I'm a recent immigrant to Canada and while I am unable to vote or do much legitimate activist work, I'd at least like to get more acquainted with the political climate and legislative system of the country. Are there any sources that are accessible to those new to all of this entirely? Or anything of that kind, really. I'd appreciate being pointed to just about any relevant direction.

You're welcome to ask me any specific question, but here are some resources from my blog that might help in the meantime:

A general summary from myself:

How the Federal government works:

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

Hope for the present, not the future

Reading the previous post on this blog by Christina, I can’t help but feel… a lot of déja vu, actually. I don’t mean to be blasé at all, because everything that Christina alludes to and talks about in that article is concretely, depressingly relatable. From this side of the Atlantic, I’ve been grimly avoiding looking too deeply into what “Project 2025” entails, because honestly? If it happens, it will happen and I won’t be able to do anything even if I know every up-to-date detail about it, so why borrow the trouble? I have enough in my own life (and country’s politics) already, but being geographically situated next to America is really uncomfortable, in that their problems are almost simultaneously ours, and if they’re not, the entangled political-economic-sociocultural mess makes it that way. And yet my reaction to news of upheaval, disruption, and impending doom is to say “okay” and then go back to my little solarpunk ways of living and being. Given all of the strife that bombards my consciousness on a daily basis, why am I still writing hopelessly naïve articles about compassion and optimism et cetera on the internet? It’s a serious question, not really a rhetorical one. I wrote this article to see if I could come up with an answer; I think I recognized a few different factors, but I’m curious to know what you think after reading through the article. Let me know in the comments.

My father is quite sure that Trump is going to annex Canada,* given our reservoirs of freshwater, and the fact that history is rhyming pretty hard right now in his view as the child of immigrants who left their home after the ravages of World War 2. That one started with Germany annexing Austria, and look how that went. He’s not alone in that opinion, either. However, and perhaps this is the anti-anxiety medication and antidepressants speaking, wars have happened before, a lot, and are happening now, a lot, and people living and dying violently happens pretty much every day; it might just be our turn next. Sucks to suck, but that just seems to be the way of the world, and living on this planet means running the risk of The Bad Thing Happening. Hm, maybe it’s post-car-accident trauma or whatever, but random happenings (not even malice aforethought!) ruins peoples’ lives every day and that’s the way of the world.

Maybe I’m more positive because my family (both sides; my Oma and Opa lived through the war as well before coming to Canada) lived through an apocalypse** that was a political violent upheaval and war in Europe; they were poor farmers already, they had nothing when the politicians decided that the war had ended, and they still managed to make a pretty good life for themselves and their families in the aftermath. So I’ve seen that people can live through these things, and their lives do get better. Eventually. You have to scrimp and save and deal with racist bullshit and work menial jobs for a good long while, but I am programmed to believe that you make it there in the end, because I am living proof of it. So I might be biased, and too focused on that end result.

Or it might be because I recently spent six years studying post-apocalyptic fiction and have read through a myriad of imagined ends … as well as the imagined worlds that come after those ends. Grant you, a lot of those worlds are pretty terrible places to exist! But they do exist. And there are people (the protagonists that we follow) who are working to make it a better place. Kind of like solarpunks are now, actually. To tl;dr the takeaway of the fourth chapter of my dissertation in a very blasé way, horrible death is already a foregone conclusion in the post-disaster/-apocalypse scenarios, so the best thing to do is to make life as good as possible for the people around you for as long as you can to the best of your abilities until you expire.

Looking at the news, it’s easy to conclude that the world is full of doom and gloom and awfulness. Just following the reports coming out of Gaza and the Congo alone makes it pretty hard to imagine humanity acting worse than we already are. But it’s not actually all of humanity committing war crimes and exploiting children and adults with literal slave labour. There happens to be a lot of people who think that behaviour is abhorrent, and are organizing against the inhumane treatment of others (including earth others); there are, in fact, many communities of caring individuals who will stand up for human rights. I don’t think it’s incendiary to say “Hm, maybe you shouldn’t hurt someone else even if they’ve hurt you.” I feel like this is something we try to teach our children and bake into our narratives of who is actually heroic and who isn’t.

The people in charge might be okay with the cost of their political agenda being human suffering, but it helps to keep in mind that, in many cases, they’re a pretty small percentage of a pretty large amount of people. It’s true that in a lot of the so-called democracies we have in the Global North right now, there is a lot of support for terrible people with terrible ideas - but it is also good to keep in mind that the political systems we operate in are, each of them, abysmal. As the saying goes, “democracy is the worst political system, aside from all the other ones.” Jokes aside, reading about the stats of First Past The Post elections, voter suppression, and more can be at the same time disheartening as it is encouraging: there are good people in the world, but a lot of their votes do not count for much … if they can vote at all.

Despite that, I think it is important to participate in one’s political system, no matter where they are located. Especially at the municipal level - that is where I find that some of the most progressive, exciting work is being done. In my opinion, if you aren’t especially thrilled about government, it’s not really very smart to disengage from it, because involved or not, you’ll still fall victim to those who manipulate the political system and you will not know how to fight back. Sun-Tzu says to “know thy enemy” and I’m not suggesting you embark on an entire political science degree, but if you have the capacity for it, participating in direct democracy, attending council meetings, volunteering with a local union or political organization will give you the skills you need to understand and become familiar with the policies affecting your life … and also give you the tools with which to change things. This piece (article and full poem “To Throw a Wrench in the Blood Machine”) by Kyle Tran Myhre discusses voting as just one tool in a toolkit in more detail, in a very nuanced although US-politics centric way, and the line “But those who fight monsters have taught me: short-term and long-term thinking are not mutually exclusive” is very relatable. Solarpunk is about both-and, not either/or.

People survive dark and dangerous times by organizing, by reaching out to each other, by enacting practices of care. Maybe caring for you takes the form of making a poster for your local tenants’ union and NOT going to the rally. Maybe it’s watering the little tree next to your bus stop in a heat wave. Maybe it’s organizing a neighbourhood potluck, or just showing up to the one that someone else organized, signalling solidarity with your presence. I have found that being a body that is present is often such a boon to an organizer, regardless of whether or not your participation goes beyond that.

This essay is rather wander-y and I hope not too Pollyannaish. But I’ve had the sinking feeling that life was only ever going to get worse since I was 23; that’s over a decade that I’ve had to get used to this expectation of future ruin psychically, so perhaps that’s coming out. I don’t really expect things to get better, and I don’t know that I ever have. The only thing that really interrupted my internal narrative of cynicism and doomerism was solarpunk! And I still have to dose myself up with it, deliberately choose to reframe my mindset, whenever I start to spiral. Because I do, a lot, when I think about futures. There’s a reason I’m medicated - there’s nothing off with my brain chemistry, though; instead, everything’s off with the world. I marvel that more people are not clinically depressed or diagnosed with anxiety given the state of things.

As far as I can tell, my hope is thus a very present one: it is sparked by other humans who get together in groups to make life better for other people right now. Life can be terrible, miserable, and dark. The universe can seem vast and uncaring. But somewhere there’s a soup kitchen, and a coalition of people writing their government officials for more affordable housing supports, and they’re caring in this moment about the things that are also happening in this moment and the people who live around them now, and they are not deciding not to act because of a calculation based on a possible future outcome (although certainly that is part of their assessment of the situation, it is not the deciding factor). So I might not be part of those groups, but just knowing that they exist and are working towards justice but also being just now and kind now and acting with compassion now… maybe sometimes that’s what I need to hold on to in order to keep the dark at bay.

I want to write one more paragraph that talks about why then, for me, solarpunk is more oriented towards the now, not to the future. I think I needed to start with a solarpunk that dreamed of possible futures so that I could actually begin to see how I could work in the now, and solarpunk futurism gives me a goal. But personally, solarpunk presents is where it’s at.

—-

*I find it darkly funny that our next prime minister is almost guaranteed to be the alt-right-courting Conservative politician Pierre Poilievre, who has on many occasions criticized our current PM for weakening / destroying / doing bad things to our relationship with America (economic/political/etc). If Trump gets in, Polievre will have to deal with him first hand - and he will either welcome foreign troops with open arms (as many Canadians wish they were Americans, oddly enough) or bumble his way into being bravely run over by tanks.

**I remember interviewing my Beppe in grade three about her childhood experience of WWII and she talked about evacuating down roads where there were dead and bloated cows and human bodies (mostly soldiers) torn apart on the side of the road. Before the end of the war they were eating tulip bulbs and potato peelings in the basement of their home while Nazi troops occupied the main floor. Very apocalyptic. I figured everyone’s grandparents had stories like this, though, and by the time I was fourteen I was so sick of hearing about World War Two, because our history curriculum seemed kind of obsessed. I got it at home AND at school. Ugh, apocalypse, whatever, let me get back to reading my Animorphs plz.

[arthurdrakoni]

Flag of the Federation of Patagonia

This is the flag of the Federation of Patagonia. It comes from a world where Britain conquered Argentina and Uruguay in the early 19th Century. Patagonia is a highly developed nation, and is often referred to as the Canada of the Southern Hemisphere. Patagonia also includes part of southern Chile. Chile has never forgiven Patagonia for annexing this land. Though, this occurred during the days of direct British rule. The Falkland Islands are considered indisputably Patagonian territory. 

Like Canada, Patagonia is the result of the bending of two European peoples. In this case, British and Spanish. However, also like Canada, said people have historically had their tensions.   Northern Patagonia has historically been the heart of Hispanic culture. Meanwhile, Southern Patagonia has historically been majority Anglo. The name Patagonia used to refer to the region that became the southern provinces, but grew to refer to the nation as a whole. The ruling Anglos felt that Argentina and Plata were too Spanish for their taste. Hispanic Patagonians were pushed further and further north for much of the 19th Century. In fact, Buenos Aires and Montevideo used to be majority English-speaking cities. Though, Spanish speakers still accounted for a healthy forty percent of Buenos Aires and Montevideo’s population. Patagonia also experienced far less Italian immigration than Argentina did in our world. Catholic Italians weren’t eager to move to a colony of Protestant Britain. Subsequently, Patagonian Spanish has much less Italian influence than Argentina Spanish of our world. The northern provinces, initially, tended to be poorer than their southern counterparts. Things would begin to shift starting in the 20th Century. Industry began to invest in the northern provinces of Patagonia. The influx of industry lead to an increase in wealth among Hispanic Patagonians. Several baby booms occurred during this time, ensuring that Hispanic culture would survive in Patagonia. Hispanic Patagonians made major political gains in the Patagonian parliament. Bilingualism became official government policy starting in the 1950s. Packaging is required to be printed in both English and Spanish, signs are printed in both languages, and all government documents are printed in both of the official languages. There are also numerous Spanish-language schools and universities, though most are located in the Hispanic-majority northern provinces.  Patagonia remains culturally divided among geographic lines. However, tensions have relaxed between Anglo Patagonians and Hispanic Patagonians. Patagonia is also home to immigrants from throughout the world, and prides itself on being a refuge for those seeking better lives. Patagonia has a friendly rivalry with Canada. Canada is referred to by Patagonians, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, as the Patagonia of the Northern Hemisphere.  The flag was officially adopted in the 1970s. Prior to that, Patagonia used a British Red Ensign. Care had to be taken, when designing the new flag, not to favor Anglos or Hispanics. The colors evoke the landscape of Patagonia. The white represents the snow-capped mountains, while the ice blue represents the glaciers. The shape is meant to evoke the textile work of Indigenous Patagonians. The three guanacos were chosen as a symbol beloved by Patagonians of all cultures. In fact, the guanaco is the official mammal of Patagonia.

Link to the original flag on my blog: https://drakoniandgriffalco.blogspot.com/2023/02/flag-of-federation-of-patagonia.html?m=0

[haxyr3]

Welcome a new long-read on my blog: What is basic? Over the past few weeks, several of my students have shared their frustration with me: “I’ve been studying Russian for so long and I still can’t use basic vocabulary!" When I asked what kind of vocabulary they were referring to, they mentioned specific cooking verbs (e.g., verbs for cutting ingredients in different ways), words describing fine dining, or a visit to the vet.

I think most language learners have experienced this frustration in the language learning process. As a language learner myself, I know this feeling very well. I passed several international language exams with flying colors, but when I immigrated to Canada, I didn’t know how to make basic small talk in an elevator – what could be more frustrating?

Read more to learn how to overcome this frustration and fill the gaps in your basic vocabulary

[afvenvs3000f24]

Unit 10

As I develop as a nature interpreter, my ethics are based on the values my family taught me throughout my upbringing, what is morally right and wrong, lessons I've learned from life experiences, and courses I've taken involving religion, cultures, and the environment (such as this one).

Two things my parents have always been persistent in teaching me (regarding nature) were to always live in the present and enjoy your journey towards the future every day because you'll never get that time back, and never litter and never allow others around you to feel comfortable in doing so. My parents were the first of their family to immigrate out of Venezuela and into Canada because they were aware of the declining state of their government and wanted to ensure a safe future filled with infinite possibilities for their children and themselves. They often tell me stories from their childhood, and what it was like to live constantly surrounded by nature and see firsthand natural phenomena that aren't possible to see often in Ontario. Hearing about their experiences and the poverty surrounding Venezuela at the time helped me realize at a very young age, that life is what you make of it, and the actions following your interpretations of your life will determine your experience. Although my parents didn't have the accessibility as children to buy new toys every so often or didn't have the trendiest brands of fashion, they never once made those factors influence their view of their quality of life. Anytime they got the opportunity to travel with their families to the States on vacation or got any luxury out of the ordinary, they never once compared it to anything else and were always simply grateful and present for the moment.

One of my personal favourite photos of my family and me while visiting some cousins who had just moved to Montreal.

Being a highly observant person, I've always noticed people's attitudes in different and similar situations; comparing these unconnected people and their interpretation and perspective of where they are in life, I saw that the biggest factors to their happiness and emotional well-being were having a positive attitude and determination. As I've been growing, these two attributes have been my main lead through life and it has allowed me to grow better time-management skills to have a better work-life balance which I struggled with, during the early transition from high school to university life. The key to beginning habit stacking (a term I learned about on a TikTok video about uni life tips) was developing an early morning routine and staying relatively consistent. I found this trick perfect for me as I already had routines in place every morning and night, such as my face routine, that I could stack other habits on top of it. If you've read any of my past blogs, you'll know by now I like to interpret many things in my life through a more spiritual perspective; I've always felt that you can set the tone for the day with the energy you approach it, but being that I can sometimes wake up moody if I didn't get enough sleep, I found it hard to wake up between 7-8 am and get a productive start out of my day. After speaking with my mom about it, she reminded me about changing my "I have to" perspective into a "I get to" view. So, rather than waking up in the morning and immediately reminding myself about all the responsibilities I'd need to get done that day, I took those early moments of waking up to express and feel gratitude for a couple of minutes as I pushed myself out of bed. To be completely transparent, my first couple of attempts didn't work out as planned, but once I was determined to spend time with nature for at least a total of 45 minutes a day and incorporate my walking meditations during it, it became a set routine; I had completely underestimated the long term benefits and how much more productive, relaxed, and focused I would be throughout the day. Having this set routine of waking up and immediately going for a brisk walk while listening to a gratitude meditation, then after the simple sounds of nature and its early morning quietness, allows me to stop and take a pause in my day to myself to be consciously present, grateful and aware to not take things for granted and every day is a gift. Additionally, as mentioned, this morning routine completely changed my energy throughout my days, making me feel more spiritually grounded and connected to nature and its inhabitants; I also found myself much less stressed, more patient, and looking forward to my mornings.

Photo of my parents while the 3 of us were on our daily summer morning bike rides.

As for the second key lesson about having a strong stance on keeping our earth clean and not littering it, I feel the message ran deeper than expected for me personally. Since I had always felt a connection to nature and animals, those were the types of shows I enjoyed watching on a children's channel called TVOKids such as Zoboomafoo and Wild Kratts which added to the passion for recognizing our responsibility in caring for the environment even if it seems many don't. For my parents, the littering issue in the cities was a complete culture shock to them and they had never seen something so irresponsible be so normalized. But even after moving from Toronto to Mississauga to Oakville to then Stoney Creek throughout the years of our upbringing, they noticed that this wasn't just a "teen" problem, it was a problem with many people losing sight of how bad it is for the environment and selfishly not caring about everyone's due diligence in keeping our areas and the animals clean and safe. I would often walk my dog through many grassy areas and parks that had soccer fields, water park areas, swings, etc. but every time I would I'd feel stressed and worried, making sure he wouldn't step on broken glass, pick up and eat garbage thrown, or even get too close to general litter. I'd often mention it to my dad and the next day my entire family would go out to pick up and clean up the trash around the neighbourhood for around 3 hours. Of course, being sometimes a moody teenager at the time, I didn't appreciate the lesson my parents were trying to teach us, I found it unfair that others could mindlessly throw their trash just for us to voluntarily pick it up for them. But as I've grown, I've realized the message of putting action and change into something that is making you unhappy, standing up completely for what you want and believe in, as well as hopefully inspiring others to do the same, being the trailblazers.

[oldguy56-world]

The Day the Earth Stood Still

'The most important day in history, or so the story goes It was shown on every channel and cancelled all my shows. The buildup lasted four long years, this happens all the time It never measures up to the hype in reason or in rhyme. I hope that things will settle down but I don't think it will For politicians will never change our hopes they like to kill. So harken all ye lads and lasses, it's time to hunker down Let's try at least to be entertained by each and every clown.'

This blog will not be an indictment of the choices made by any voters. Rather it is my view on some of the crazy things that I saw develop during this crazy process called elections. Here are my observations:

Wolf Blitzer was on air after being sedated by CNN for three days. They must have given him several Red Bulls because he was suddenly bright eyed and bushy tailed, until the day wore on and his body reminded him he is 106.

I was watching the results (starting at noon) with my interns. We had a drinking game where we each had to take a drink whenever someone said 'this will be too close to call'. By 5:00pm the only one still conscious was John Smith. I remember his saying something about 'they won't break me' before I lapsed into a very deep sleep. When I woke up (sometime Thursday) he was guarding the door with a gun and told me they would never get him or us while he was still alive.

In my fugue state I recall hearing the Color Purple a lot but when I looked at the map it was obviously a hallucination. Maybe it was an ad for the new musical on HBO.

During the recap I heard a newsman state that there were problems with ballots in Colorado because many Gen Z voters had a difficult time producing a signature. They weren't sure how to do this. Well I...You...and...forget it. The world of education went to hell a long time ago.

Many places had lineups of twelve hours. It didn't mention how many got bored and left. At least during Black Friday if you wait that long you have a shot at a big screen TV.

Some ballots were several pages long. You are asking people to fill out a book when they really don't care who the new rat-catcher of Bunghole County will be. This also involves reading and we know how great those skills are becoming.

Apparently one of the biggest google searches the day before the election was 'Is Joe Biden still running?' Think about it. The people who asked that have a vote that counts just as much as yours does.

Many people wrote in the name of popular real estate agents because they had seen their photos on lawn signs and thought they were running.

Did anyone else notice that the election was rigged until it wasn't?

Every winner has to start working hard right from day 1: that is when their campaign for the next election begins.

In what should come as no surprise it was reported the day after just how much money rich people had made so far. Will any of that money be taxed? What world do you live in?

No dead people voted this year, and neither did any illegal immigrants. Apparently they were too busy packing and learning to say 'eh' after each sentence. (not the dead people in case you thought that was what I was referring to.)

An alien spaceship was spotted heading towards Earth then sharply turning away. They ARE superior beings.

We have the same problems here in Canada except our election season only lasts 6 weeks. This is part of a communist plot to prevent sign-makers and advertisers from making too much money. Or is it so our national health care system is not overloaded with people suffering from anxiety? Hard to say.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: When it comes to politics does anything really ever change?

[mischievous-mayhem-is-upon-you]

Definite Triggers: US E*lection

If you fuck with Trump or if you’re a Canadian conservative leaning towards Poiliere GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY BLOG PERIOD.

After this I won’t post personal rants on politics but I am tired and pissed off and I’m sorry to all of my American friends, followers and mutuals. I am here for you in support.

As a Canadian who’s watched this current election unravel all day/night, this election has to be the most mind boggling thing I’ve ever witnessed.

The amount of people who threw their vote to 3rd party during THIS ELECTION??? Why? What was the fucking purpose for damning the lives around you and very well your own for ANOTHER 4 years with a man who’s unfit for office - who used white supremacy/ racism / sexism to name only a few things? A man who’s only purpose in politics is to blame immigrants, POC, Women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities and the low income / working class for the countries problems when it’s the rich and elite pulling the strings across the country to HURT YOU and privately profiting off of it??

There’s also people coming forward in a panic saying they tossed him a vote because “they thought it would be funny, and didn’t think he would win”. Fuck you, regardless if you think the elected candidates are a joke and would never win (which clearly already happened), if you’re not voting on policies for the betterment of the country and counties/cities you’re in, then don’t fucking vote because it fucking matters. There are states with less than 100 ballots of a difference between Kamala and Trump…LESS THAN 100! Your voice did matter!!

Under “normal” and I’ll say that loosely circumstances I am all for voting on your own personal values for policies on a country wide scale even if it means a vote away from the primary candidates as changes have to start somewhere if you want to see any hope of breaking free from the constant 4 year cycle of typical shit vs shittier…but this was not the fucking time. In the states she needed, those 1-2% third party votes would have changed the outcome in the states she needed to hang on.

I am livid, frustrated and tired of what feels like big project social engineering experiments happening across the country in the USA to see how gullible and malleable the people are. And this is a call for the next 4 years to make yourself HEARD, part take in your local government and help make your local community safer for you and your loved ones.

I am typically apolitical due to family stresses in my own country, but I have watched since the first presidency of Trump, my family loose themselves in to believing this man to be the true saviour of the USA, and the world. I’ve gone from a left wing family many of which who once used to be and still are gay/lesbian/bi, once had friends of many cultures and religions who once said they would vote on the protection of the minority and people who are at harm by big government no longer stand by that practice and are actively looking to vote conservative which is now forming to align with the USA’s right wing ideology. If we were in the states it would be my vote against 15 and I just don’t know how to stomach it.

And this is exactly how it will play when it comes to our elections for Prime Minister. Which is why I’m not going to back away - even if I can’t break through to my family. Showing solidarity and support for the people in my community that could suffer from a conservative flip during our election is now the only thing I’ve got left. For any Canadians who are new to voting or are struggling with their thoughts on what to do. Research policies, pay attention to unbiased news outlets, and vote on issues that matter most to you on a country wide scale.

My family is celebrating today in Canada that he won…so I am with you for anyone who is hurting and feeling lost right now. This is unacceptable and I am sorry.

[weemietime]

This one has been sitting in my drafts for a while. I've discussed this before on my blog. To summarize, I am a survivor of human trafficking. You can read the news article about the organized group I was involved with here.

Most of them are now in jail or witness protection. Nova Scotia has the highest rate of human trafficking per capita in Canada because we are a port city of entry to the East Coast.

Trafficking disproportionately impacts immigrants (labor, armed violence for men and sex work for women) and girls. Per year around 180 million people are trafficked. During the World Cup, the "city" built by Qatar in less than ten years used migrant workers who had their passports held against their will and were not paid.

A big component of trafficking that often goes ignored is racism. I am white (Jewish, Irish) and grew up around organized crime which involved significant poverty, which means many involved were racial minorities. The government doesn't care about these communities so they manage themselves, and the gangs become the de facto leaders.

You can see this dynamic in the favelas of Brazil, where gangs literally took responsibility for municipal services during COVID-19 and enforced masking and social distancing and vaccinations. Even though I am white, racism affected me. The poverty caused by my community being ignored led us to organized crime, which resulted in human trafficking and drug addiction.

The intersection of racism and municipal degredation cannot be ignored. Racism does not only impact racial minorities. When you have an ideology built on hate, that hatred affects everything around us. Hate destabilizes. Hate destroys our society and our communities. Just like how when we talk about feminism and how the patriarchy negatively impacts men, racism also negatively impacts white people.

We must root these issues out in our communities. By focusing on mutual aid, compassion, friendship, community integration, forensic rehabilitation, education, we can engage in the process of Tikkun Olam (a Jewish precept meaning Repair of the World) which makes our civilization better for every person.

[highflysourcing]

HighflySourcing: Your Partner in Navigating the Visa Immigration Process

In today’s interconnected world, the quest for global opportunities often involves navigating complex visa and immigration processes. Whether you're pursuing an education abroad, seeking employment opportunities, or planning to start a new chapter in a foreign country, the journey can be overwhelming. Enter HighflySourcing—a leading visa immigration consultant dedicated to simplifying your path to international success. In this blog, we’ll explore how HighflySourcing stands out in the crowded field of immigration consultancy and how their services can make your international aspirations a reality.

Who is HighflySourcing?

HighflySourcing is a prominent visa immigration consultancy known for its comprehensive and client-focused services. With a reputation for excellence and a track record of successful visa applications, HighflySourcing specializes in providing tailored solutions to individuals and businesses navigating the complex world of immigration. Their expertise covers a wide range of visa categories, including student visas, travel visa, work visa, work permits, resume writing, and permanent residency applications.

Why Choose HighflySourcing?

1. Expertise Across Multiple Jurisdictions

One of HighflySourcing's key strengths is its extensive knowledge of immigration laws and policies across various countries. The consultancy’s team of experts stays up-to-date with the latest changes in immigration regulations, ensuring that clients receive accurate and relevant advice for their specific destinations. Whether you're aiming for the United States, Canada, Europe, Dubai, UAE, Singapore Australia, the UK, or other popular countries, HighflySourcing has the expertise to guide you through the process.

2. Personalized Service

HighflySourcing prides itself on offering personalized services tailored to each client's unique situation. They understand that every immigration case is different, and their approach involves understanding your individual needs, goals, and challenges. This personalized strategy helps in selecting the most appropriate visa type and developing a plan that maximizes your chances of success.

3. Comprehensive Support

The visa application process involves numerous steps, from gathering and preparing documents to filling out forms and meeting deadlines. HighflySourcing provides end-to-end support, managing the administrative tasks and ensuring that all requirements are met. Their comprehensive services cover everything from initial consultations to final submission, giving you peace of mind throughout the journey.

4. Expert Advice on Complex Cases

Some immigration scenarios can be particularly challenging, such as those involving previous visa refusals, criminal records, or complex family situations. HighflySourcing has experience handling complex cases and provides expert advice to navigate these hurdles. Their in-depth knowledge and strategic approach help address any issues that may arise and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.

5. Client-Centric Approach

HighflySourcing places a strong emphasis on customer service and satisfaction. Their team is committed to clear communication, responsiveness, and providing support at every stage of the process. Clients can expect regular updates and prompt responses to their queries, ensuring a smooth and transparent experience.

6. Streamlined Process

From document preparation to application submission, HighflySourcing manages the complexities of the visa process for you. Their organized approach helps reduce errors and avoid delays.

7. Tailored Solutions

Understanding that each case is unique, HighflySourcing provides customized strategies to address your specific needs and goals. Whether you're dealing with a straightforward application or a more complex situation, they offer solutions designed to enhance your chances of success.

8. Consistent Help

HighflySourcing offers continuous support throughout the application process, keeping you informed and addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Their client-focused approach ensures a smooth and transparent experience.

Success Stories and Testimonials

HighflySourcing has a proven track record of helping clients achieve their immigration goals. Success stories and testimonials from previous clients highlight the consultancy’s effectiveness and dedication. Many clients have praised HighflySourcing for their professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex visa processes successfully.

The Essential Services of a Visa Immigration Consultant

1. Initial Consultation

The process typically begins with an initial consultation where the team at HighflySourcing will assess your needs and provide an overview of the available options. This is an opportunity to discuss your goals and learn about the different visa categories that might be suitable for you.

2. Visa Eligibility Assessment

The first step in any immigration process is determining which visa category suits your needs. HighflySourcing offer detailed assessments to evaluate your eligibility for various visa types—be it for work, study, family reunification, travel, or permanent residency. They analyze your background, qualifications, and goals to recommend the most appropriate visa options based on current regulations and your specific circumstances.

3. Personalized Advice and Strategy

Every immigration case is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. HighflySourcing provide personalized advice tailored to your individual situation. They develop strategies that align with your objectives and help you understand the nuances of the visa application process. This includes advising on the best approach for your particular case and how to navigate potential challenges.

4. Document Preparation and Review

One of the most critical aspects of a successful visa application is ensuring that all required documents are accurate and complete. HighflySourcing assist with gathering, preparing, and reviewing all necessary documents. They ensure that your paperwork meets the specific requirements of the visa category and the immigration authorities, reducing the risk of errors or omissions that could lead to delays or rejections.

5. Form Completion and Submission

Completing visa application forms can be complex and time-consuming. HighflySourcing help by filling out the necessary forms accurately and comprehensively. They ensure that all information is correctly presented and that your application is submitted in accordance with the guidelines provided by immigration authorities. This meticulous attention to detail helps in avoiding common pitfalls that can jeopardize your application.

6. Interview Preparation

In some cases, visa applications require interviews or additional consultations with immigration authorities. HighflySourcing provide valuable support by preparing you for these interviews. They offer insights into common questions, help you formulate effective responses, and provide tips on how to present yourself professionally. This preparation can significantly boost your confidence and improve your performance during the interview.

7. Legal and Regulatory Guidance

Immigration laws and policies are subject to frequent changes, and staying updated on these changes is crucial. HighflySourcing are well-versed in the latest regulations and can provide expert guidance on how these changes may impact your application. They offer advice on legal requirements, potential obstacles, and how to address any issues that may arise during the process.

8. Assistance with Complex Cases

Some immigration scenarios can be particularly complex, such as those involving previous visa refusals, criminal records, or intricate family situations. HighflySourcing have experience handling such cases and can offer specialized support. They provide solutions for overcoming these challenges and help you navigate the process more effectively.

9. Follow-Up and Communication

The visa application process often involves multiple stages and communications with immigration authorities. HighflySourcing manage these interactions on your behalf, ensuring that all follow-up actions are handled promptly. They keep you informed of any updates or additional requirements and address any queries you might have throughout the process.

10. Ongoing Support

Throughout the application process, HighflySourcing provides ongoing support and guidance. They will keep you informed of any updates, respond to your questions, and address any issues that may arise.

11. Post-Application Support

Even after your visa application is submitted, there may be additional steps to complete or changes to address. HighflySourcing provide post-application support, including advice on how to proceed if additional information is requested or if your application is delayed. They assist with any further documentation or communications needed to finalize your visa approval.

12. Resume Writing

HighflySourcing offer a top-tier resume writing service designed to help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Our team of experienced resume writers works closely with you to understand your unique skills, experiences, and career goals, ensuring that your resume is tailored to highlight your strengths and align with the specific requirements of your target role. We focus on creating a polished, professional resume that effectively showcases your accomplishments and adheres to industry best practices. By leveraging our expertise, you can present a compelling narrative that captures the attention of hiring managers and increases your chances of securing your desired job. Let us transform your career story into a standout resume that opens doors and advances your professional journey.

 Conclusion

HighflySourcing stands out as a leading visa immigration consultant by offering expertise, personalized service, and comprehensive support. Their commitment to client success and their ability to handle complex cases make them a valuable partner for anyone navigating the visa application process. Whether you’re looking to study, travel, work, or live abroad, HighflySourcing can help turn your international dreams into reality. If you’re embarking on an immigration journey, consider reaching out to HighflySourcing for the expert guidance and support you need to achieve your goals. HighflySourcing stands out in the field of visa immigration consultancy by offering expertise, personalized service, and comprehensive support. If you're planning an international move, consider partnering with HighflySourcing to streamline your visa application process and turn your global aspirations into reality.

For more details Visit Our Website or mail us on info@highflysourcing.com

[ppenvs3000w24]

Blog 3: The Privilege of Driving to Nature

Mcintosh described privilege as “an invisible knapsack of unearned assets ... of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools, and blank checks” while Oxford describes it as “a special right or advantage that a particular person or group of people has” (Noel, 2000; Oxford University Press Editors, 2024). My personal definition of privilege kind of relates to my country, Nepal. When I think of privilege, I think of the rich tourists who go to Nepal to summit Mount Everest. Not only can they afford the expensive tickets, but they are also able to sit around doing nothing at the base camp while waiting for ideal weather conditions to summit the Mountain. They don’t even have to carry all their heavy equipment; that’s the job of the Sherpas; all they must carry is whatever they feel like carrying. At the same time, the Sherpas must plan their whole year around when and how many rich tourists they can help summit the Mountain. They are not afforded the opportunity to worry about their lives or how taxing carrying all the heavy equipment is on their body. If they don’t risk their lives, the families that rely on them risk starvation for the season, as growing their own food and making money through alternate pathways is nearly impossible. I am frequently reminded of the video where a Sherpa carried a dying tourist all the way back to safety, only for the tourist to go back home, become a celebrity, and not acknowledge the Sherpa who saved their life until the internet forced them to (Zachary Rogers, 2019). I believe the ability to scale Mount Everest, sometimes multiple times, without putting in much effort is the best representation of privilege for me.

A Sherpa carrying a heavy load for a climber on Mount Everest summit

Privilege plays a huge role in nature interpretation since people who are not privileged enough to experience nature interpretation do not even know what nature interpretation means. To the immigrant parents living in the Greater Toronto Area, nature and nature interpretation are not even in their mindset. Their mind is filled with how to support their family, whether they can afford rent this month, and if they can finally buy a car to open more job opportunities. I witnessed my parents go through this as my dad would work night shifts at a Petro Canada and then go to college all while relying on whether this bus would arrive on time. This posed an economic barrier for my parents to experience nature and nature interpretation, which was one of the five factors mentioned in this week’s assigned reading on ‘Why Don’t More Minorities Come?” (Beck et al., 2018). In the same chapter, the authors proposed that public transportation from urban areas to interpretive facilities would greatly alleviate the car economic barrier (Beck et al., 2018). I believe this is a great idea, as I experienced this myself while living in Ottawa, where I did not have a car. I wanted to visit Gatineau Park however, you cannot reach the park without a car or paying for a cab. The city provided free shuttle buses from urban downtown Ottawa to Gatineau Park to alleviate this barrier.  

Shuttle bus at Gatineau Park

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. In Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9781571678669/pageid/152

Noel, J. (2000). Notable Selections in Multicultural Education. Dushkin/McGraw-Hill.

Oxford University Press Editors. (2024). Privilege - Definition. Oxford University Press. https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/privilege_1

Zachary Rogers. (2019, June 6). Man saved from certain death on Everest criticized for thanking sponsors instead of savior sherpa. ABCNews4. https://abcnews4.com/news/nation-world/man-saved-from-certain-death-on-everest-criticized-for-thanking-sponsors-instead-of-savior-sherpa-mount-ravichandran-tharumalingam-gelje-zone-rescue