Throughout my career, I have been very focused on using my business knowledge to achieve social well-being. Early on, I realized that finding a job is the very best way to ensure the dignity and comfort of individuals and families.

The problem is that for some people, finding a job is tougher than for others. If you are disabled, newly arrived or young and inexperienced, it can be daunting to find employment.

The financial crises of the last few years have left many businesses gun-shy and reluctant to hire. Continue reading →

Jamaican-born Diana Burke seeking to replace Bob Rae

Arriving in Canada four decades ago with just a high school education, Diana Burke took advantage of opportunities in her new environment to learn and grow professionally.

She secured a university education from Queen’s and rose to the position of senior vice-president with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

Burke’s migration came shortly after the passage of the Immigration Act 1976 that created four new classes of immigrants – refugees, assisted relatives, independent immigrants and families – who could come to Canada.

Read the full story here.

When I look around at my family and friends, I feel blessed. But I am beginning to wonder what happened to the Canada that welcomed us and made us what we are today.

For the last few years, the Harper government has slammed the door on many potential immigrants and refugees. It has changed the rules constantly while making them more rigid, and put too much power in the hands of the minister. The process is no longer open, fair and worthy of a democracy such as ours. Instead, it has become an arbitrary one-man show.

If I wanted to immigrate to Canada today as a young high-school graduate from Jamaica, Continue reading →