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Canadian Immigrant Fair about connections

Burnaby event helps newcomers get settled
Canadian Immigrant Fair
Resumé remedy: Newcomers can get a critique of their resumé at the Canadian Immigrant Fair, taking place Thursday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown.

Getting oriented in a new place can be hard – finding services, work and joining a community takes the right connections, especially for new immigrants.

The Canadian Immigrant Fair aims to help newcomers by providing access to service providers, workshops, information and more.

“There are lots of things to see and do, and lots of people to connect with,” said Margaret Jetelina, editor of Canadian Immigrant. “I think that’s what’s most important – the connections.”

Canadian Immigrant, a national magazine and events producer, is organizing the free Burnaby event.

The fair includes exhibitors such as career advisers, educational institutes, social service agencies and hiring companies. People can bring their resumés to the free resumé clinic for one-on-one advice.

There is also a speakers’ series that includes a small business workshop by Trish Mandewo, an English pronunciation class by Catherine Steele, and a multicultural women’s Q&A.

Public Mobile, an associate sponsor of the event, is providing a LinkedIn professional photo booth so attendees can get professional headshots for social media.

The fair began eight years ago in Toronto and is a national event, with fairs taking place in eight cities this year. This is the first time one is being held in Burnaby, according to Jetelina.

There are more than 300,000 immigrants and refugees arriving in Canada annually, according to Canadian Immigrant. Many have professional careers in their countries of origin, but need assistance establishing themselves in Canada.

The main goal is to inform and link immigrants with the information to help them succeed, Jetelina said.

“There are so many great services out there for newcomers,” she added. “(But) they might not know where to go.”

Those interested in attending the free fair are encouraged to register in advance at canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair/metro-vancouver.

The Canadian Immigrant Fair takes place on Thursday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown.