Cover Health Review Virtual Walk-in Clinic

Cover Health is a digital walk-in clinic for residents of Ontario, Canada. With the Covid-19 pandemic causing major disruptions to our normal lives, many of us have been looking to get things done virtually or online.

Recently, in June 2020, I had to book an appointment with the doctor, and due to the pandemic and having to stay at home, I wanted to avoid going to the local walk-in clinic.

So I called Telehealth Ontario, which is a free confidential service Ontarians can use to get health advice or information from a registered nurse. I was referred to Cover Health because my condition would probably need a prescription.

Cover Health is covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) and so I promptly checked their website and decided to register and book an appointment with the doctor. These appointments are held virtually over the phone and you can get same day appointments, if you wish, which is great.

HOW DOES COVER HEALTH WORK?

There are two options to book an appointment: (1) you can opt-in to join the same day waiting list (which is the fastest); (2) or select a one hour window for an appointment on the same day or another day.

I used the first option and opted to join the same day waiting list. I called around 8:15 in the morning and got a call back from a doctor at around 11:30 am. However, I never heard the phone ring and then received an email later during the day indicating that I had missed my appointment.

Apparently, my phone (landline) blocks calls from Private numbers and so I didn't even receive the call. However, I was able to promptly get another appointment in a couple of hours. And this time I used my cell phone and everything worked perfectly.

I needed a prescription which was sent to my pharmacy of choice as soon as my doctor's appointment concluded. And I was able to pickup the prescription later that same day.

Here is a brief Cover Health Review video in which I give you a summary of the benefits of using this digital walk-in clinic and why I recommend them based on my own experience using it a couple of times already.

WHAT HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE COVERED?

Through Cover Health, you can book a virtual doctor's appointment for medical conditions like: cold and flu symptoms; eye infections; sore throats; reproductive health; UTIs; prescription renewals and much more.

You should not use Cover Health for emergencies or urgent care. In such cases, you should call 911.

You can use Cover Health to consult with a General Practitioner, Pediatrician, Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Physiotherapist, and Fertility Specialist. There are other health services that will be coming soon.

HOW TO BOOK A VIRTUAL DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT?

Booking a virtual doctor's appointment is quite simple and easy on the Cover Health website. It takes just a few minutes and you will need your OHIP card to register and book the appointment.

In this tutorial video below, I walk you through the booking process step-by-step. In my case, I booked an appointment with a General Practitioner, but the overall process should be quite similar.

Like I mentioned earlier, based on my own experience using Cover Health, I would definitely recommend them. Rather than having to walk into your local walk-in clinic, especially during this pandemic. Hope this Cover Health review helped. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section. Stay home, stay healthy and stay safe!

CREDITS: Cover Health logo and screenshots are copyright protected, used with permission | Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries | Commercial Rights to use videos, images and animations used in this video production | Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Toronto Raptors 2019 NBA Champions

The Raptors may be a Toronto NBA team, but they sure got Canadians from coast to coast and around the world behind them. As they embarked on this incredible journey, clawing their way to the top and finally being crowned NBA Champions.

June 13, 2019 will be remembered as the biggest night in Canadian Basketball history as the Raptors became first-time NBA champions since they first joined the league 24 years ago.

It took Game 6 of the finals, which ended up being a nail-biter until the end, as the Raptors were finally able to seal the deal 114-110, against the defending champions Golden State Warriors.

They started as the underdogs, but remained laser-focused and locked-in throughout the season, especially the post-season and as they entered the final stretch.

They all gelled well and played as a close-knit team, but Kawhi Leonard (The Claw) was definitely the difference-make and rightly crowed NBA Finals MVP. He has proved himself to be among the best of the best in the NBA league.

The @Raptors are the 2019 NBA Champions! #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/nooya0x6Db

— NBA (@NBA) June 14, 2019

Below are the full Game 6 Highlights of the Toronto Raptors vs Golden State Warriors. They came oh so close to clinching the NBA championship at home in Game 5, but lost by one point (105-106). But, this heart-breaking loss got the team ever so focused for Game 6.

It was a pretty tight Game 6, with both teams going back and forth. And with just 9 seconds left in the game, a turnover almost brought back Game 5 memories, but the Raptors prevailed 114-110 taking the series 4 to 2 and their first ever NBA championship.

Since joining the NBA league in 1995, the Raptors made the playoffs 11 times and were able to advance to the second round 5 times. 2019 was the first time the Raptors reached the NBA finals and of course, needless to say, their first NBA championship.

The Toronto Raptors fan-base has been tremendous. Canadians from coast to coast rallied behind their Raptors. One particular fan that stands out from the rest is die-hard and true supporter and super-fan of the Toronto Raptors, Nav Bhatia. He has reportedly been to every single Raptors game since the team first joined the league in 1995.

Nav Bhatia, the Indian-born superfan of the @Raptors, speaks all things Raptors basketball. Sound up! 🔊@superfan_nav#WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/dltI7FBj25

— NBAIndia (@NBAIndia) June 13, 2019

And of course, talking about fans, you can't miss one of the most staunched fans and global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors, Rap Superstar Drake. He has been seen as one of the most animated and sometimes controversial fan of the Raptors as he is often seen court-side in Toronto.

As they approached the 20th anniversary of the team, in 2015, Drake was announced as the global ambassador of the Raptors. And as part of the team's re-branding, a new imaging campaign was launched which gave birth to "We The North".

Thank you, Canada! #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/N3VAwI3TOL

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 14, 2019

And where will you find most Toronto Raptors fans when they are playing? Well, if you answered "Jurassic Park", you are absolutely right. Public viewings of the Raptors' games began at the Maple Leaf Square, which fans nicknamed "Jurassic Park".


If you're a Toronto Raptors' fan, I'm sure this moment will be etched in your memory forever, as it will be for me. Where were you when this historic moment happened? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for stopping by!

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: If you use the affiliate links above to purchase any products, I may earn a commission as an Amazon affiliate. This recommendation and review is based on my firsthand experience using these products myself or based on my personal research.

CREDITS: Amazon.com graphics, logos, page headers, button icons, scripts, and service names are trademarks, registered trademarks or trade dress of Amazon in the United States and/or other countries | Other company names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Canadian Government Opens Public Consultation on Bill C-51

The Liberal Government of Canada aims at revisiting the controversial Bill C-51 which was introduced by the outgoing Conservative government. Bill C-51, also known as the “Anti-Terrorism Act” received royal assent earlier in June 2015. 

Even before the bill became law, it faced intense scrutiny because it gave law enforcement and CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) sweeping powers.

Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government believes that this public consultation will help shape this anti-terror legislation in a way that protects Canadians, and at the same time, reflects the rights, values, and freedoms of Canadians. 

As a first step in doing so, the government has opened an Online Public Consultation in hopes of soliciting feedback from Canadians. This is what Public Safety Minister, Ralph Goodale has to say about this online public consultation: 

“Today’s consultation launch is an important step in the development of our national security framework…”

David Christopher, Communications Manager of the OpenMedia (an Internet Rights group) commented on the above saying that his organization is happy about the launch of the public consultation. However, he has concerns with the wording in the consultation’s backgrounder, sighting that it is biased towards law enforcement, rather than the public.

Watch this CTV News Channel video below, as Public Safety Minister, Ralph Goodale, dsicusses the issues that will be addressed in the public consultations on Bill C-51:

The public consultation is open until December 1, 2016. This is an opportunity for Canadians to have their say on a very important subject that affects all Canadians. I would encourage you to read the background document titled “National Security Green Paper” to get a detailed understanding of the purpose of this public consultation. 

The next step, after reading the above paper would be to head over to the “Online Consultation on National Security” website to provide your written feedback. Additionally, Public Safety Canada and the Department of Justice Canada, plan to organize public events, between now and December 1, 2016, to talk to Canadians on this issue.

Canada 2016 Census: Completed Your Form Yet?

On May 2, 2016, Statistics Canada started mailing out access codes required to complete the Canada 2016 Census. I don’t ever remember seeing so many Canadians excited about completing a government form.

Twitter was buzzing with excitement as Canadians shared their enthusiasm about completing the 2016 Census. So much was the excitement that they crashed the Statistics Canada website.

I have to admit that I was excited to complete the Census form myself. Though, I decided to wait a day before completing and submitting my 2016 Census form. I got the short version of the census form and it took me less than 10 minutes to complete it online.

May 10, 2016  is Census Day, but if you haven’t yet, I would encourage you to complete the Census form as soon as possible. This time around, Statistics Canada restored the 36-page long-form census which is also referred to as the National Household Survey. However, only one in four Canadians will receive the long-form census. Canadians have the option to complete the census online or request a paper census form mailed to them.

The census is conducted by Statistics Canada once every 5 years. Legally speaking, it is mandatory for Canadians to complete the short or long-form census. Information collected from the census form will help communities with the information they need for planning purposes. You can watch the short video below to see How your community benefits from the 2016 Census:

If you complete the census form online, make sure to save your information because if you take more than 20 minutes to complete one page of the questionnaire, it will time out your session, as a security measure.

If you need any help with your 2016 census form or if you have not received your access code, you can get help by calling toll-free 1-855-700-2016 or by TTY (a telecommunications device for people who are deaf) at 1-866-753-7083. The Census Help Line is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting May 2, 2016.

Niagara Falls Clifton Hill Attractions and Entertainment

I’ve visited Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill several times in the past 15 years. In a previous blog post, I covered some of the major tourist attractions at Niagara Falls. In this blog post, I will cover some of the most popular Clifton Hill Attractions and Entertainment.

Niagara SkyWheel: if you want to get a truly breathtaking view from 175 feet up in the sky, then get on the Niagara SkyWheel.

This gigantic Ferris wheel is equipped with comfortable, enclosed and temperature-controlled gondolas (or cars). So the gondolas are heated during the winter, and air-conditioned during the summer. This Ferris wheel ride offers visitors a magnificent bird’s eye view of the Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas. The SkyWheel operates throughout the year and the ride is around 10 to 15 minutes. While atop the Ferris wheel, you can take amazing aerial photos as well.

Wizards Golf or Dinosaur Adventure Golf: both these Clifton Hill attractions are great for mini-golf enthusiasts. They are both 18-hole courses that offer a unique miniature golf experience with two unique options. The Wizards Golf course is an in-door glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course that will help you get lost in the world of dragons, trolls and wizards. Whereas the Dinosaur Adventure Golf consists of dual outdoor 18-hole courses in a Jurassic Park-kind of setting with life-size dinosaurs, steam-based volcanic eruptions, and jungle sound effects to make it an unique experience. It is Canada’s largest mini-golf course covering 70,000 square feet.

Wax Museums: if you would like to experience real life-sized Hollywood and music celebrities in wax, then you’re going to love Movieland Wax Museum of Stars and Louis Tussaud’s Wax Museum. These two wax museums feature popular old and new movie and music stars like Elvis Presley, Harrison Ford (as Indiana Jones), Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenenegger (as the Terminator), Justin Bieber, and many more.

Other Fun Museums: if you’re fascinated by the record-breaking feats and facts, and interested in exploring the world of no-limits, then you will enjoy “Ripley's Believe or Not Museum” and the “Guinness Museum”. You will find yourself lost in this world of out-of-this-world human achievements and fascinating stories. The Ripley’s museum houses over 500 exhibits that will amuse you.

Wild & Entertaining Rides: if you enjoy coaster rides, then you will find some thrilling and entertaining fun riding the “Wild West Coaster” and “Ripley’s 4D Ride”. The Wild West Coaster is a unique 6D motion ride that you will find yourself immersed in and feel part of the action. The Ripley’s 4D Ride is a moving theatre which will thrill many of your senses while keeping you entertained.

If you’re looking for something spooky with a haunted-house like theme, then you will enjoy the “Ghostblasters Dark Ride” which is located in the Great Canadian Midway. This interactive and fun ride will keep you at the edge of your seat while you’re confronted with darkness, black-light, and animated props while you blast your way with a laser gun.

Great Canadian Midway

Great Canadian Midway: is the largest video arcade at Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls. This 70,000 square feet video arcade features 300 plus games for everyone, including a rock n' roll themed 10-pin bowling alley.

The “Wild West Coaster” and “Ghostblasters Dark Ride” mentioned above are also located in the Great Canadian Midway.

If you have limited time and want to cover some of the most popular Niagara Falls attractions, you can consider the Clifton Hill FUN PASS. This pass will also save you money and covers the following five attractions. If purchased online, you may get a discounted price or added bonuses:

• The Niagara SkyWheel
• Wizards Golf or Dinosaur Adventure Golf
• Movieland Wax Museum of Stars
• Wild West Coaster
• Ghostblasters Dark Ride
• Great Canadian Midway Tokens

Niagara Falls is the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever visited in my life so far. Even though I’ve been to the Falls numerous times, there is still so much I haven’t done or experienced there. So I look forward to my next visit to Niagara Falls. In the meantime, hope you found this useful to help you prepare for your trip to Niagara Falls.

Credits & Information Links:
All photos on this blog post belong to the author of this blog.
Niagara Falls Visitor & Tourism Information
Niagara Falls Visitors Guide
Municipal Parking Lots

Things To Do at Niagara Falls Canada

Niagara Falls in the Winter

Since I immigrated to Canada over 15 years ago, I’ve visited Niagara Falls (also known as the Horseshoe Falls) many times.

In fact, I lived in St. Catherines, Ontario for a couple of years which is about 15 to 20 minutes drive to Niagara Falls. Anyway, lest I digress – my point is that I’ve visited the Falls so many times that I’ve lost count.

Needless to say, every time I visited the Horseshoe Falls, I’ve always enjoyed my visit and it’s never been the same as my prior visits. One of the reasons being that every season you go to the Falls, it’s different.

Every season, be it Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, you will have a different experience. My most recent visit was during winter 2015 with a few of my friends. We went on a week day so it wasn’t too crowded and spent all day there.

There is no way, you will be able to cover everything in one day, unless you are the Flash, in terms of sight-seeing and other local attractions. Therefore, it’s important to plan your visit ahead of time. During my last visit, we spent some time at the waterfalls and experienced nature’s beauty. And the rest of the time at Clifton Hill where we had lunch and then played a couple of bowling games at the Great Canadian Midway.

Below I will list down some of the major tourist attractions at Niagara Falls:

Niagara Falls Canada

Maid of the Mist: if you are adventurous and want to get really close to the waterfalls, then you should definitely take the “Maid of the Mist” boat tours. These 30-minute boat tours operate between April and October every year and let you experience the American Falls and the Horseshow Falls like none other. You will get wet, but they do provide a disposable poncho (raincoat).

Journey Behind the Falls: is exactly what it sounds like. During the months of spring and summer, visitors can experience the Falls from behind through descending elevators and via the Upper and Lower observation decks. This Behind the Falls tour last around 45 minutes and you will also receive a disposable poncho to keep you dry.

Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride: gives you an breathtaking aerial tour of some beautiful sections of the Niagara region. This aerial tour gives you a unique opportunity to experience the Falls from the sky and take amazing pictures. It covers areas like the Falls, the whirlpool area and rapids, the Rainbow bridge, scenic beauty of Queen Victoria Park, and the Niagara river, to name a few. You can get a special discounted rate for the helicopter ride if you book your hotel accommodation at the Clifton Hill Comfort Inn.

Skylon Tower Niagara Falls

Skylon Tower: located at the heart of Niagara Falls is an observation tower towering 520 feet from street level (775 feet from the bottom of the Falls). The Skylon tower has three Yellow Bug elevators on the outside of the tower that take 52 seconds to get to the top of the tower.

There is an inner and outer observation deck a top the tower allowing visitors the highest vantage point in Niagara Falls to experience the beauty of the Falls and thousands of square miles of cityscape. The Skylon Tower has a revolving dining restaurant as well as a casual Summit Suite Buffet and much more.

Hornblower Cruises: as the name suggests, these are boat cruises. They are similar to the “Maid of the Mist” boat tour, but different at the same time. There are different cruises options: Voyage to the Falls, Falls Illumination Cruise, Falls Fireworks Cruise, and Sunset Cocktail Cruise. These boat 30 to 45 minute boat cruises allow you to have an immersive experience of the Falls in a very unique manner. You can check all the Hornblower Cruise Options.

Marineland: is great for families with kids as well as thrill-seekers. You can experience exciting rides like the world’s tallest triple tower, the Sky Screamer, Dragon Mountain roller coaster, as well as many other amusement park rides. You can attend a variety of live shows and experience trained dolphins, walruses and sea lions perform fun and entertaining tricks. You get an opportunity to interact with some of the fascinating creatures of the oceans. You can also get an up-close look at Beluga whales and Killer whales at the Arctic Cove and the Friendship Cove.

As I mentioned earlier, there is so much you can do at Niagara Falls. However, depending on how much time you decide to spend there, you may not be able to cover all the attractions. If you have limited time and want to cover some of the most popular Niagara Falls attractions, you can consider the Clifton Hill FUN PASS. This pass will also save you money and covers the following five attractions. If purchased online, you may get a discounted price or added bonuses:

• The Niagara SkyWheel
• Wizards Golf or Dinosaur Adventure Golf
• Movieland Wax Museum of Stars
• Wild West Coaster
• Ghostblasters Dark Ride
• Great Canadian Midway Tokens

You can buy individual tickets to Clifton Hill attractions, but if you buy the Clifton Hill FUN PASS, you can save up to 50% on many popular local attractions. You can also check these Niagara Falls Attraction Coupons to save some money. Children ages 12 and under get a special discounted price on the Clifton Hill FUN PASS as well as individual tickets.

Check my blog post, on Clifton Hill Attractions and Entertainment.

Niagara Falls is the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever visited in my life so far. Even though I’ve been to the Falls numerous times, there is still so much I haven’t done or experienced there. So I look forward to my next visit to Niagara Falls. In the meantime, hope you found this useful to help you prepare for your trip to Niagara Falls.

Credits & Information Links:
All photos on this blog post belong to the author of this blog.
Niagara Falls Visitor & Tourism Information
Niagara Falls Visitors Guide
Municipal Parking Lots

Beware: Tax Refund Scams

March is Fraud Prevention month and with tax season here, scammers are keeping busy trying to claim victims via phone and email scams.

During tax season, it is common to see fraudulent phone calls and email from scammers. They disguise themselves as coming from legitimate government agencies like the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Some of these emails claim that the recipient has received a refund because the CRA has recalculated their tax return. Others claim that the the recipient owes the CRA money. I've personally received a few of these fraudulent emails asking me to claim my tax refund.

These fraudulent emails contain links that are disguised as legitimate, but are used for phishing purposes. Some of these links may be used to spread malware, spyware or viruses. You can check the video below to see some of these sample emails that I've received.

Others have received fraudulent phones calls saying that the recipient owes the CRA monies that needs to be paid immediately. Their main goal is to create a sense of urgency and put the potential victim on the spot and feed off their fear.

"The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) warns all taxpayers to beware of telephone calls or emails that claim to be from the CRA but are not. These are phishing and other fraudulent scams that could result in identity and financial theft." - Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Below is an image of a fraudulent email that I received in February 2015. As you will notice, it is disguised as coming from the Canada Revenue Agency, however on closer look it is quite easy to tell that this particular email message is fraudulent.

How can you tell if this is a fraudulent email message? Well, one clue is the email address. Notice the email address "Customer...@imm.apple.com". Clearly, it is not well disguised. The second clue was the "CLICK HERE" hyperlink towards the end of the email. When I hovered my mouse over the link, it showed some weird-looking website address something like "http://fert56thyuj78p9l.is-a-financialadvisor.com/uebimiau/theme/index.php"

I've received several other fraudulent emails messages like the one below. This particular email message was quite easy to detect as fraudulent, but others may be very well disguised. Therefore, it's important to stay vigilant and be prepared. There are various other types and format of fraudulent email messages. You can check the CRA website to see Samples of Fraudulent Email Messages.

Similarly, you may receive fraudulent phone calls from scammers claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency. These fraudulent people calling may claim that you owe the CRA back taxes or ask you to claim a refund. They try to create a sense of urgency so as to cause fear and panic in order for potential victims to act on impulse. In doing so, they get you to divulge sensitive and personal information which is used for identity or financial theft.

There are many things you can do to ensure that you don't fall victim to scams discussed above. Watch the informational video below that I created and be prepared, and protect yourself and family:

There are many other types of scams and you can check the Little Black Book of Scams to learn more and ensure that you don't fall victim to these scams. Also, you check this Guide on Shopping Safely Online. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Also, feel free to share your experiences and tips on tax refund and tax owing scams.

How to Claim Your Money? DRAM Class Action Settlement

The DRAM Class Action Lawsuit Settlement has been reached. Have you claimed your refund yet? I submitted my DRAM claim and found the process fairly simple and fast.

Well, if you’re wondering what this is about, let me explain. DRAM stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. It’s a type of memory chip that is used in computers and many electronic products.

Based on the lawsuit filed, Canadian were paying more for DRAM and devices that contained DRAM between April 1, 1999 and June 30, 2002. It was alleged that DRAM manufacturers agreed to price fix and thereby Canadians overpaid for the above mentioned products.

There were several “representative plaintiffs” who sued the DRAM manufacturers on behalf of “class members” (i.e. eligible Canadians). Some of the DRAM manufacturers pleaded guilty to the charges of DRAM price fixing. A settlement of over $80 million (includes interest earned) was reached with eleven DRAM manufacturers who pleaded guilty.

Canadians who currently live in Canada or lived in Canada between April 1, 1999 and June 30, 2002; and who purchased DRAM or electronic products containing DRAM are eligible to claim a refund. Also, if you currently live in the US or lived in the US during the above mentioned period, but purchased DRAM or electronic products containing DRAM, you will be eligible to claim a refund. This applies to individuals and companies who purchased the said products for personal, commercial, and manufacturing purposes.

There are different types of claims: (1) End Consumer, (2) Electronic Manufacturing Services, and (3) Other DRAM Purchaser claims. Depending in which category you fall, you will accordingly receive a set percentage of net settlement funds. You can check the FAQ Section (see Informational Links below) for more details. In case you have questions regarding the type of DRAM claim, you can call the Claims Administrator (NPT RicePoint) at 1-866-855-5586.

All eligible Canadians will receive a minimum of $20 refund on their claim. You do not require a receipt (for proof of purchase) if you submit a Simplified Claim (i.e. claiming no more than $20). For DRAM claims above $20, you will need to submit a Standard Claim and receipts/documentation may be required as proof of purchase. You can use the End Consumer Claim Calculator (see Informational Links below) to determine approximately how much you are eligible to claim from the DRAM settlement.

There is no cost involved in filing a DRAM claim. However, there is a deadline for claim submission which is June 23, 2015. Once you submit your claim, you will receive a confirmation with a claim ID. The Claims Administrator expects to start processing DRAM claim cheques in the Fall of 2015.

As mentioned earlier, I have already submitted my DRAM claim and found the process quite simple. It took me less than 5 minutes to file my claim online. Of course, if you are claiming more than $20, your claim may take longer to submit. You can watch the video below for more information:

Informational Links:

• Canadian DRAM Class Action Settlement FAQs
• DRAM Class Action Settlement Claim Form
• End Consumer Claim Calculator

Canadian National Flag 50th Anniversary

Happy Birthday to the Canadian National Flag. The official National Flag of Canada was inaugurated on February 15, 1965 which means that this year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Maple Leaf flag.

Before confederation, July 1, 1867, there were several Canadian flags that were used, many of which were not official flags of Canada. February 15th is National Flag of Canada Day.

Some of the flags that were used in Canada’s colonial history were the fleur-de-lis (1647) and St. George’s Cross (1577). In the ninetieth century the British Union Jack became the official national flag of Canada. Though even after confederation, the Canadian red ensign flag was used. You can see the pictures of the Canadian flags below.

The initial design of the Canadian flag which found Prime Minister Lester Pearson’s favour had three maple leafs with two blue stripes which became known as the Pearson Pennant. In fact, establishing a distinct Canadian flag was part of Mr. Pearson’s Liberal party platform which he promised in 1961.

Public Domain Canadian Flag Images

The current red and white flag with the red maple leaf was suggested by George Stanley and was approved by Canadian parliament in 1964. Reaching a consensus was not without bitter debate and protest, but this new flag design became officially effective on February 15, 1965.

I’ve seen many of the earlier version and proposals of the Canadian national flag, and to be honest, my favourite choice is definitely the current flag. I moved to Canada in early 1998 and now call Canada my home. To me, when I see the Canadian national flag, I think unity, peace and freedom. I am proud to be Canadian. Happy National Flag of Canada Day!

Image Credits: The Canadian flags used on this blog are public domain images. The intro picture was taken by blog author at Port Credit, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Open a Tangerine Bank Account and Receive a Bonus

Tangerine Bank is one of the few banks in Canada that offers a no-fee Chequing Account. Tangerine is not a regular bank because they don’t have physical branches and that’s one of the ways they can offer the customer more in terms of savings like no-fees and higher interest rates on Savings accounts.

As a customer of Tangerine bank, you can conduct banking via Café locations, contact centres, mobile banking, ABMs, and of course online banking.

I’ve been a Tangerine bank customer for over a decade now and have enjoyed the benefits of banking with them. The bank launched in Canada, in April 1997, under the name ING DIRECT. In November 2012, Bank of Nova Scotia (also known as Scotiabank) acquired ING Bank of Canada which resulted in the name change to Tangerine. One of the benefits of this acquisition is that Tangerine customers now have free access to all Scotiabank ABMs.

They have many retail banking products that the top Canadian banks offer like Savings and Chequing accounts, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), as well as other investment products like RSPs, RIFs, TFSAs, and Tangerine Investment Funds. Additionally, the bank also offers borrowing options like the Tangerine Mortgage, Home Equity Line of Credit, and RSP Loan.

As indicated earlier, I’ve been banking with Tangerine for more than 10 years and have nothing, but positive things to say based on my experience banking with Tangerine. That’s why I would recommend Tangerine to any Canadian who wants to experience a positive banking experience.

In fact, Tangerine will start off by giving you a bonus if you become a new Tangerine customer when you open a bank account with them with a minimum of $100 deposit. Tangerine will give you a $50 bonus (generally it is $25). In order to avail of this bonus, you will have to use my Orange Key 14707720S1. However, this is a limited time offer which ends on December 31, 2014.

To open a Tangerine bank account visit: tangerine.ca.

You can watch the video below from the Peter Aceto, President & CEO of Tangerine.

Disclaimer: If anyone opens a bank account with Tangerine (with a minimum of $100 deposit) using my Orange Key, I will also receive a $50 bonus. You have to be a first-time Tangerine customer to be eligible.

Image Credit: Image in this blog post belongs to author.

The 'Tangerine' trademarks are owned by The Bank of Nova Scotia and used under licence. Forward Banking is a registered trademark of Tangerine Bank.Orange Key is a registered trademark of Tangerine.

Remembrance Day 2014

Remembrance Day is special day reserved for observing and remembering members of the armed forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. Poppy Day, as it is also known as, is observed in Canada and across the Commonwealth of Nations member states in the month of November.

The red poppy that you see in this picture has become a symbol of Remembrance Day. Canadians remember and honor our veterans by wearing a poppy; attending Remembrance Day events in their local communities; and other ways in schools and business places.

“In Flanders Fields” is one of the most famous war poems written by Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poem was written by him in May 1915 after the funeral of one of his fellow soldier who dies in battle. The poem is often recited during Remembrance day observance events.

This Remembrance Day is especially takes on a new meaning given the events that unfolded in Parliament Hill in Ottawa on October 22, 2014 where Corporal Nathan Cirillo was shot down while standing guard at the National War Memorial. And a couple of days earlier, Warrant Officer, Patrice Vincent was run over by a vehicle driven by Martin Couture-Rouleau in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

You may be new to Canada and may not fully comprehend the importance of remembering our veterans. But, we are able to live in a free and beautiful Canada because of the sacrifices made by man and women who gave their lives for this freedom. So do your part in remembering and honoring our veterans this Remembrance Day…lest we forget!

If you want to learn more about Remembrance Day, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website or click on the banner below, where you will find a wealth of information and learning resources.

Image Credit: Intro Remembrance Day image created by author

Daylight Saving Time Ends on November 2, 2014

Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 2, 2014. So don’t forget to turn your clocks back ONE hour. Yaay, we get one extra hour of sleep on Saturday night!

Not all countries follow this practice of daylight savings which was first proposed by entomologist, George Vernon Hudson who hails from New Zealand.

The idea behind DST, which starts in the Spring, was to benefit from more sunlight during the summer months. Basically, we end up with much more sunlight, thereby having extended daylight during the evenings during the summer months.

As far as I know, initially, the main benefit from proponents of DST was to conserve energy. When I first came to Canada, I also heard that DST was to help the farmers give them an extra hour of day light. However, I found out that it one of the myths of DST. In fact, I’ve heard many farmers rally against it.

Many believe there is no benefit to Daylight Saving Time. In fact, some studies that were conducted, concluded that there no savings in energy resulted from DST. Also, some studies state that DST has adverse effects on human health. Whatever the case maybe, the fact remains that we currently practice Daylight Saving Time.

Here is what I plan to do to make the best of the one extra hour:

• Of course, take the opportunity to catch up on my sleep;
• Catch up on some of the things on my To-Do list;
• Check the batteries in the smoke alarm detectors;
• Take time to call my mom overseas before I got to bed on Saturday night;
• Finally, remember to turn all my clocks back one hour on Saturday night.

By the way, experts recommend that we try as much to stick with our normal sleep and wake times. Ultimately, our bodies will automatically adjust to the time change in a few days. Some people adjust to it much better than others. Whatever you do, try and make the best of it and enjoy the extra hour.

In 2015, Daylight Savings Time will start on March 8, 2015 at which time we will move our clocks one hour forward again. Yikes...and the cycle goes on!

Image Credit: Image created by author.

Tax-Free Savings Account

Save Money Using a Tax-Free Savings Account

The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) was implemented by the government of Canada effective January 1, 2009. The TFSA is a savings vehicle to help eligible Canadians not only save, but save tax-free.

Generally, interest earned through a savings account is taxed by the Canadian government. However, interest, dividends or capital gains earned through a TFSA are not taxed, even when it is withdrawn.

Eligible Canadians can contribute $5,000 every year starting January 1, 2009. In 2013, this TFSA limit was increased to $5,500 annually. In order to be eligible for a TFSA, an individual must be 18 years or older, be a resident of Canada and have a valid Canadian social insurance number (SIN).

In order to maximize the benefit from your TFSA, you need to understand the benefits, know how to set up a TFSA, understand contribution room, implications when making withdrawals, when taxes may be payable, and much more. This web page is dedicated to helping individual Canadians understand and leverage the power of Tax-Free Savings Accounts in 2014.

Video Overview of Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)

Benefits of a Tax-Free Savings Account

So why should you have a Tax-Free Savings Account? There are several benefits of having a TFSA as discussed below:

• Tax-Free Savings: given that you don't pay taxes on the interest, dividends or capital gains generated in your TFSA, you can grow your savings at a much more accelerated pace.

• Tax-Free Withdrawals: the TFSA provides flexibility if you need to withdraw your money if an emergency arises and the money withdrawn is not taxed.

• Re-Contribution to TFSA: in case you had to withdraw money from your TFSA, you are allowed to re-contribute the amount beginning in the year following the withdrawal.

• Investment Options: you have a wide range of investment vehicle options like Savings Account, High Interest Rate TFSA, GICs and Term Deposits, Mutual Funds, ETFs/Equities, etc.

• Non-Registered Investing: if you trade or invest in the stock markets using equities and/or ETFs, you can benefit from the TFSA by not having to pay taxes on dividends and capitals gains.

• RRSP Maxed Out: if you are one of those who has maxed out on your RRSP contributions, a TFSA is a welcome break to save extra money tax-free.

Note: Before attempting to deposit or withdraw funds in and out of your TFSA, be sure to familiarize yourself with the TFSA rules outlined in the next section.

Tax-Free Savings Account Rules

Contribution Room: Effective January 1, 2009, you are allowed to contribute $5,000 annually (indexed to inflation and rounded to the nearest $500) to your TFSA. If you have not contributed to your TFSA in previous years, you can add that amount to your contribution room.

Over-Contribution: If you have over-contributed to your TFSA, you will be liable to a on 1% tax on your highest excess TFSA amount in that month. If you make TFSA contributions while you were a non-resident of Canada, you will be charged 1% monthly tax on these contributions.

Multiple TFSA Accounts: You are allowed to have more than one TFSA account so long as the total amount contributed does not exceed your allowable contribution room. If you transfer money from one TFSA to another, ensure it is a direct transfer, if not, you will be penalized by CRA for over-contribution.

TFSA Withdrawals: You can withdraw funds from your TFSA account at any time, for any reason, without having to pay taxes on the withdrawn amount. You are not allowed to contribute more than your TFSA allowable contribution room in any given year, even if you have withdrawn from the account during that year.

TFSA Online Resources

Canada Revenue Agency Official Website
This is the official Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website pertaining to the Tax-Free Savings Account. You will find more information on TFSAs as well as forms and publications.

Tax-Free Savings Account Calculator
This TFSA calculator estimates the income tax savings you can realize in a TFSA. It compares the future value of an investment in a TFSA with the future value of the same investment made in a taxable account and estimates the total tax savings.

Canada Stands Strong in the Face of Parliament Hill Shooting

National War Memorial Ottawa

This week has been a rather shocking and sad one, not only for Canadians, but around the world as Canada came under attack by two radicalized individuals who allowed their ideology of hate take two innocent lives.

On October 20, 2014 a Canadian soldier (Warrant Officer) Patrice Vincent was run over by a vehicle driven by Martin Couture-Rouleau in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This was a targeted hit-and-run, but police were able to catch up with Couture-Rouleau who was killed following a high-speed chase.

On October 22, 2014 another Canadian soldier, Corporal Nathan Cirillo, who was standing guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, was shot by Michael Zehaf-Bibeau. He then proceeded to the Canadian Parliament, the Centre Block, where MPs were attending caucus meetings. Zehaf-Bibeau was confronted and killed by Parliament security, in the Centre Block.

I watched a lot of this action as it unfolded on live TV and was shocked to see Canada come under attack by these radicalized individuals. Watching the cell-phone video, taken by a Globe & Mail journalist, was chilling, as a barrage of shots rang out. These two attacks against Canadian armed forces and the Canadian Parliament are attacks on every Canadian.

I’ve personally not seen anything like this in my 15 plus years in Canada. Is Canada coming under attack because we joined forces to support the war against ISIS/ISIL? Probably. I guess, though I was shocked to see these terrorist attacks unfold on Canadian soil, I’m not completed surprised. Canada is a peaceful country and mostly joins forces in peacekeeping roles when called upon by the world. Therefore, I had mixed feelings about Canada joining forces against ISIL in a combative role. Canadians were divided in terms of sending our troops to war against ISIL, but because the Conservative government of Canada has a majority in the Parliament, the motion passed through.

Having said so, it’s too late for this to be undone at this time and we as Canadians need to stand together, shoulder to shoulder, and heart to heart. As our National Anthem goes…”O Canada, we stand on guard for thee”. And this is exactly what I’ve seen so far, as Canada came together during a very sad week. I feel proud to be Canadian because even though we were shocked and saddened, as we witnessed these cowardly acts, and sad events unfold during this week, Canadians showed solidarity.

The Canadian Parliament resumed the very next day with all the MPs meeting as scheduled in the House of Commons to show commitment and resolve. It was great to see the government and opposition both stand together as they honored Kevin Vickers, the sergeant-at-arms, who played a pivotal role in bringing down Zehaf-Bibeau in the Centre Block.

Global leaders from every corner of the world publicly sent in their support and condolences. From our southern neighbours in the US to Israel to Australia and New Zealand, messages of support and solidarity poured in. Though these sad events caused a lot of pain and grief, it was comforting to see how Canadians and the world came together, especially the outpouring of support by fellow Canadians.

Also, it was very touching to see all the people who came out to show their support as Corporal Nathan Cirillo's body was making its way from Ottawa to Hamilton, passing through the Highway of Heroes.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of WO Patrice Vicent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo, and all those affected. May the souls of these two heroes rest in eternal peace. Also, my heart goes out to the families of the two radicalized individuals who perpetrated these criminal acts of violence.

The world as we know it is changing and we need to stay vigilant, but most importantly we need to stand united and together. ”O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!” #CanadaStrong

Photo Credit: National War Memorial (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Finding Jobs in Canada

Finding jobs in Canada requires a disciplined and focused approach. The unemployment rate in Canada is around 7.00% (as reported by Statistics Canada) for July 2014. The Eastern provinces have higher unemployment rates, the province with the highest unemployment rate was Newfoundland & Labrador at 12.5%. Comparatively, Ontario's unemployment rate is at 7.5%.

Jobs in Canada can be found using various online resources. One of the best ways to look for jobs is by networking. LinkedIn is the world's largest online professional network with over 250 millions members worldwide. It's free to register and use this online network to build your professional connections. So, it's a good idea to create a LinkedIn account and professional profile. This professional network is also used by headhunters and recruiters from top companies.

Another avenue for seeking jobs in Canada is using online job boards. It's a good idea to also create accounts on the below mentioned websites where you can post your resume. Recruiters also use these online job boards to look for suitable job candidates. Some of the top online job boards are:

1. Workopolis
2. CareerBuilder
3. Monster

And finally, one of the best ways to look for jobs online is by using Indeed Jobs which is an aggregator site or job search engine. It aggregates jobs from various online sources like job boards, recruiting agencies, company job posting, and others. You can use the job search box below to find jobs in Canada.

To help you prepare for your job search, you can use this free Job Search and Interview Preparation Guide.

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job title, keywords or company	city, state or zip jobs by

Help for New Canadian Immigrants

Coming to a new country and starting anew can be more than a daunting task. Many newcomers, to Canada, will face different types of challenges whether it is having to adjust to a new culture, or new way of living; settling into a specific region or looking for jobs.

I know firsthand because I immigrated to Canada in over a decade ago and had to go through many challenges myself. However, there are ways to minimize these challenges by preparing and pacing yourself.

On this blog, I have created various free online resources to help new Canadian immigrants settle in and start off their life on the right foot. Currently, I’ve developed the following information resources for newcomers to Canada:

New Immigrant’s Checklist: this online resource will walk you through, step-by-step, on some of the key things that you need to do when you first land in Canada. Some new immigrants may decided to do their landing and go back to their country and then return within the stipulated period. Others may do their landing and immediately start settling into Canada. This checklist covers many important things like applying for a Permanent Resident (PR) card, applying for your Social Insurance Number, applying for your Healthcare Card, opening a bank account, applying for a driver’s license, enrolling your children in school (if applicable to you), and other important aspects like looking for a job.

Job Search & Interview Preparation Guide: this online resource will help new Canadian immigrants with their job search in Canada. Settling in a new country is one challenge, but looking for work is another challenge you need to face. However, if you prepare yourself and stay focused, you will be successful in this challenge as well. The Job Search Guide will walk you through the process of what you need to do to effectively prepare for getting a job like preparing your resume, knowing where to look for jobs, how to apply for jobs, the importance of networking, how to prepare for job interview in Canada, and much more.

Hope you find these online resources helpful. If you have any questions, you can feel free to contact me. Wishing you all the best in your new endeavours!

Welcome to "Helping Canadians" Blog!

Welcome to this "Helping Canadians" blog which is geared towards helping new comers to Canada, Canadian residents, and Canadian citizens. On this help blog you will find information on various topics like helping new comers to Canada settle in and find jobs in Toronto, helping Canadian residents prepare for their citizenship test, and much more.

I am a Canadian immigrant myself, so I understand the challenges faced by new immigrants. I came to Canada in early 1998 and quickly integrated myself into the culture and society. I was fortunate to have close friends who helped me settle down and provided guidance. But, coming to a new country can be daunting and present many challenges, but also provides great opportunities.

On this blog, I will share my firsthand experiences on various aspects of Canadian living, the culture, the people, the land, the system, and help you discover Canada and make it your home. This beautiful country is now my home and I surely feel belonged to this place even though at first I felt like a foreigner. Like most things in life, it may take time, but as you embrace the challenges and look at them as opportunities, you will integrate into your community and succeed in your endeavours here in Canada.

Wishing you all the best and if you have any questions, please feel free to connect with me. I will do the best I can to help you and answer your questions.