Canadiana Backpackers Hostel, Toronto Canada?
We had another repeat visitor here at the hostel (we get a lot of them). One of the nice things about working in a backpackers hostel is you become friends with a lot of the guests. Dalbir was here during the summer and now he’s come back in the dead of winter; but this time it isn’t a visit. He’s actually on a scouting mission. He’s come back to apply for immigration to Canada.
Canadian Immigration is awarded on a “points” system. Points are awarded for education, skills, financial status etc. Most importantly, each case is decided on its’ own merits and “essential occupations” are (quite naturally) given preference. We think Dalbir is a shoe-in! He’s a Sikh born and raised in the UK and has a degree in Pharmacy. He is also a qualified Physician – a necessary occupation if there ever was one!
There has been a lot of press lately on the “Brain Drain” which is a result of the active recruitment of medical and other professionals for higher-paying jobs in the United States. It’s nice to see the flow coming the other way for a change.
We must be doing something right so I asked him what the attraction of Canada was for him. He said it was the “tolerance” of our society. Anyhow, as I? alluded to? before, I can’t see a UK trained Medical? Doctor having too much trouble with immigration so I guess it’s merely a matter of welcoming him to Canada. And he’s just the kind of new immigrant this country needs.? And what’s more, he’s a heck of a nice guy.?
Dalbir is in the middle. We hope he gets accepted, so that we’ll see him around the hostel more, he’s a great guy. On the left is Nilesh a staff member who has just come back from a 3 month trip? to Japan and can seemingly do anything on a computer. He holds our chess nights and? has rarely been beaten (I can think of only? one occassion)? . On the right is Bill who is? another member of staff.? He’s also our resident wordsmith and blogmeister.? He does our quiz nights and knows everything about everything. It’s very intimidating, thankfully he has a good sense of humour about it and can even make fun of his pedantry (I hope I’ve spelled that right, otherwise he’ll soon let me know).? ?
Hi,
Well thanks for the comments! I personally don’t understand why people wouldn’t want to live in Canada. I have travelled to various parts of the world (Australia, New Zealand, USA, Italy, Malaysia, India, Japan, France, Singapore, Hong Kong to name but a few) and each has its perks. However I prefer Canada to all of them (no offence to any of the occupants of the above countries – I don’t want any hate mail LOL) – it’s such a beautiful country and the people are simply fantastic. They are extremely friendly and very tolerant – more I feel than most places around the world.
Concerning staying at the hostel so many times – well why wouldn’t I? It so well run and has such a great atmosphere and everyone has always made me feel so welcome. It’s easily one of the best hostels I have stayed in.
On the matter of getting into Canada – Immigration for Medics is quite difficult – there are a whole load of exams to pass and I am slowly working my way through them! Wish me luck everyone
By the way didn’t I beat Nilesh at Chess back in November? And yes it is true; Bill does know everything about everything.
Hope all you guys are well and we’ll go out for a drink next time I’m in Toronto.