Erosion

You know that it sweeps away pesky garbage, dirt, soil, plants, trees, rocks, boulders, glaciers, landforms.

It can start small, obviously, but once the big chunks start breaking off, it gets a bit harder to manage. The landscape's shape changes. Whole species of plants and animals are not seen any more. The place doesn't look familiar.

Here at midlife, I'm beginning to feel like an island in the middle of the river during spring runoff. Pieces of me are breaking off, washing away. Nice parts; soft ones like moss. Sweet-smelling ones like flowers and new grass.

What's left is sharp-edged, rocky and smaller somehow. Smaller-minded, with smaller amounts of patience, tenderness, willingness.

I don't own the river. I don't control the amount of water flowing past. But I do need to hang on to some of those softer plants far more tightly.

Welcome to Canada!

Welcome to Canada!

Welcome, new immigrant, to the red-and-white land of socialized healthcare, public education and government-funded social agencies, all waiting to help you feel at home. But just where does one start?

Have you just arrived? Try a settlement agency—there are over 40 to choose from in the Peel Region alone. Your local library can help you find one close to where you live. Settlement agencies can help you with information on housing, personal identification cards, even learning what clothing you’ll need to make it through our varied seasons.

Is there information I can find on my own? Absolutely. The Ontario government has a website set up for new immigrants. http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/index.htm

The City of Mississauga does, too. http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/newcomers

And there are books you can read at your local library that can help you prepare for life in Canada. We also have books and films in 25 different languages and as well as kits to help you improve your English skills. Drop in, and we’ll help get you on your way!

 

365 Tips for Newcomers : Your First Year in Canada

Nick Noorani

325.71 NOO

2014

This book provides 365 tips for your first year in Canada on everything from finding a doctor to opening a bank account to searching for the right schools for your children to buying real estate. It is an indispensable guide on how you can make your first year a great success that will establish you in Canada sustainably for the rest of your life.

 

You're Hired--Now What? : An Immigrant's Guide to Success in the Canadian Workplace

Lynda Goldman

2010

650.13 GOL

You're Hired...Now What? will give people from different countries and backgrounds an understanding of Canadian workplace culture and norms. The material is presented as a general guide to adapting to a professional environment and explains common best-practice procedures at work. Examples are given to help explain and illustrate the positive results of working within these general guidelines. 

 

Newcomer's Guide to Canada: Information to Help Newcomers Before and After Arrival

Barbara Dixon

2015

325.71 DIX

The Newcomer's Guide to Canada is a practical resource to help immigrants and refugees succeed in Canada and the Canadian workplace. It contains six chapters on: Pre-Arrival, Coping with Culture Shock, Settlement, Finding a Job, Cultural Differences and Canadian Workplace Culture. It has Pre-Arrival, PTSD Symptoms, Rental and Settlement checklists. Worksheets on professional transferable skills, taking initiative and taking ownership are included. Sample cover letters, resumes and interview questions and answers are provided. The Newcomer's Guide is a resource for immigrants, refugees, settlement workers, HR professionals and managers.

Adults are not the only immigrants. Children need to learn more about their new country, too, and these books can help:

 

Canadian Geographic Canada for Kids: 1000 Awesome Facts

Aaron Kylie

2015

J 971 KYL

In this patriotic celebration of Canada's superlatives, complete with 300 color photographs, kids are presented with thousands of unique facts, figures and feats that make the country unique.

 

ABC of Canada

Kim Bellefontaine

2002

X421.1 BEL

From Arctic to Zamboni, kids can follow the alphabet on a colorful tour across Canada. On their journey, they'll visit Canadian landmarks, including Jasper National Park and Peggy's Cove. They'll also meet friendly characters enjoying Canadian pastimes, such as riding in the Calgary Stampede, playing hockey and watching the Northern Lights. Vivid illustrations and simple language guarantee that even the youngest traveler will enjoy this trip!

See you at the library!

Laura Bilyea, librarian, Mississauga Central Library.

Originally published at Tough Times