Desi Dialogues
Desi, derived from an ancient Sanskrit language meaning countrymen, delves into the lives of the 600,000 South Asians that call the GTA their home.
more from this authorNew program gives hope to immigrants
Desi Dialogues
As I was checking my to-do list for Canada Day, I found that Bollywood entertainment is becoming a big part of the July 1 celebrations. And I am not talking about private South Asian or community events here (there are many of those as well), but how Bollywood has entered mainstream events and how South Asian themes are now becoming part of mainstream entertainment. 
For instance, the skies will light up over Toronto with the Canada Dry Festival of Fire at Ontario Place. I am told there will be a South Asian-themed fireworks display, and fine music from the sub-continent. Also there will be South Asian-themed entertainment from Canada and overseas. One can also call Ticketmaster or visit Ontarioplace.com.
There will also be Bollywood entertainment along with all kinds of Western music at Harbourfront - all day on Canada Day.
On a different note, I must admit I am glad that many corporations, especially banks, are stepping in to help newcomers to Canada to become part of the cultural mosaic. Many Canadian policies obstruct thousands of highly qualified immigrants who land on these shores from getting jobs in their field but do not, for one reason or another, get them.
The chances that the person serving you a great cup of coffee at your local coffee shop was an engineer or a doctor in his/her home country is not uncommon.
Be as it may, some folks, such as those at CIBC, have partnered with YMCA of Greater Toronto and launched a program called Access to Opportunity, which provides information to newcomers on the banking system.
But the more important part of this endeavour, in my opinion, is the program's job readiness training called CIBC Connection to Employment. The six-week program starting in the fall is free to qualified newcomers.
The goal is to "hire the majority of graduates starting them off in careers at CIBC," said Christina Kramer, executive vice-president, CIBC Retail Markets. For details, drop in to your local YMCA or visit www.ymcatoronto.org/en/newcomers/cibc/index.html.
I believe that most of the banks (almost all of the top ones here) have realized that hiring newcomers with banking experience goes a long way.
A top TD bank official told me that it just makes business sense to hire new immigrants because banks must truly reflect the communities they serve. Being number crunchers, banks realize they cannot ignore the numbers in the GTA that state more than 250,000 newcomers come to Canada each year, with an overwhelming majority preferring to settle down in Toronto.
Seeing this growing statistic, TD bank had partnered with SISO, a community organization, and started a mentoring program aimed at bringing qualified immigrants into the banking sector. Many professionals from diverse countries found jobs in the banking field here.
I hope that with yet another Canada Day on the horizon, programs such as these will give new immigrants a meaning and a sense of belonging to truly celebrate Canada Day in their new country.
