Little Mosque On The Prairie Discussion (was: CBC to air comedy "

mikedavid00 · January 11, 2007

I wish I was living in a city that took in 4% of immigrants like Calgary.

Ed Stelmach is currently trying to get Alberta equality with Quebec on running it's own immigration show. Most Albertans want more immigration because Easterns won't move out of welfare to work our jobs. We need to import people, Calgary won't be only 4% for long. I'd suggest we haven't been for some time either.

Well the talk during christmas break with the international students was Calgary. They know a friend of a friend who works in fort McMurray.

I'm sure you're going to see a flood over there and God bless you.

I feel the NB and NS should move out to Calgary to help with the labor. They have a culture of welfare with their hand always out to the feds. You should see their Atlantic Canada CBC. Every story is about gov't funded programs and such.

Immigrants wont be seeking to do labor jobs. They want white collar jobs and to live like Kings.

Here's the truth of what's going on with immigrants and Calgary:

(note the spelling and English skills and relate that to quality of work)

"Hi, my name is ARSHDEEP. I'm from INDIA. I'm a freshly Graduate from India as MECHANICAL ENGG. & now seeking for a job in Calgary but m not able to enter in my own field, so I heard from one of my friends that u help the newly immigrants. I'm sending my Resume too as an attach copy with it plz help me out for an entry level job waiting for ur reply.

Arshdeep. Calgary, Alberta."

Look someone 'wandering' into Calagary looking for work. Hehehehe.. and he will not be working where it's needed. Wouldn't it make more sense that we let qualified people in on work permits? Now there is a soul in Calgary doing nothing.

Here's another:

"I am a new immigrant and a senior geophysicist, I applied many oil companies they required My APEGGA, the APEGGA register required my working experience. This must take my long time.

Wen. Alberta."

Another claiming racism. And suprise, he's a Muslim. Maybe that little mosque isn't doing such a good service after all:

"I have been in Canada since 1976, 3 degrees, 2 from Canada (year sure buddy)... I have more than one story about the racism in Alberta, home of supremacy.

Ziad. Alberta."

Another Muslim:

"Hi All,

I am Civil Engineer having Master in Environmental Engineering, Masters in Public Administration, Master in Business Administration and Micro Soft Certified Professional having more than 12 years of experience. I along with my wife and two kids moved to Canada in October 2005 and from that day onwards I am struggling to get a job BUT what should I say....... am I overqualified, don't have "Canadian experience" or Canadian education. For God sake what is that, Is Canadian education is very different from the education all over the world, Is Canadian experience is very different than the rest of the world? or I can say in other word "prejudice" yes I think this is the most appropriate word, the fear of something unknown in their mind.

Z. Syed. Canada

- Well Mr. Syed, it would start if you knew how to spell the word 'Microsoft'. After all, you *are* a certified professional aren't you? And you have so many degrees. That which a Canadian would never have the time to get. So yeah, I guess there must be a difference in our education systems.

Here's another from Calgary:

"I received immigration to Canada under independent category (point system). I was told that my occupation- Microbiology is in demand in Canada. I have ten years of experience as a Teaching specialist and clinical Microbiologist ( including diagnostics and research with more than 20 publications) to my credit. I came here with my family of four. But to my shock and utter dismay I was told that even to work as Laboratory Assistant I have to have a Canadian Certification.

Above all, I spent hard earned money from my pocket and did Clinical Research Associate Program from KRC, Ontario, Canada and became a certified Clinical Research Professional (SCORING MORE THAN 90% MARKS) to work in Pharmaceutical Industry or hospitals as a research associate to begin with. But so far, all that I have received is nothing and starving. I have gone into virtual depression along with my family. I do not have money even to buy tickets to go back. Please help me in procuring a suitable job in my profession."

-Do these sound like people who want to help build Calgary? I don't think so.

Another for Edmonton:

"Hi

I and my family are PRC holders.

I will ask the gentleman Mr. A. Reyes. Alberta. regarding ETIP program. I am graduated in electronics and working in Telecomm. company of my country for the last 18 years. Is ETIP program offered to telecomm. foreign trained engineers? What if I come to Edmonton and first take English training classes and then apply for ETIP? what would be my chances? What about self-employment in Alberta, do they support and train for that? Thanks. (do they support and train for self employment??? LOL!)

Sahid K. Islamabad, Pakistan."

And because there's no jobs in Alberata, HERE WE GO.......

"Today the Muslim community is targeted, tomorrow it could be any other group. It was decided to create a FORMAL COALITION, with wide community participation, that will be proactive and work over the long term. www.naarr.org

Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations, NAARR."

Another looking for Engineering. Doesn't sound like there's a shortage to me:

"I am an Electrical Engineer with more than 13 years experience in substation protection field. I have been trying to get an employment in my own field from the last one year. But it is very strange that after having a very good technical experience I am unable to get the attention of potential employers in Canada. I only want to have an employment opportunity in electrical engineering field at any level.

Sajid. Brooks, Alberta."

Here's another moving to Calgary for white collar riches:

"I am looking forward to relocate to Alberta as I am currently underemployed and having difficulty in meeting expenses with the low salary.

Rajeev. Kingston, Ontario."

Another in Calgary (more Islam) with supposed oil and gas experience of 9 years... uh huh..

"I am Mechanical Engineer having over 9 years of experience of oil and gas, power projects. I am willing to get job of the field where I can use my experience.

Zahid. Calgary, Alberta."

Here's another in Edmonton:

"I'm an Civil Engineer from the Dominican Republic. When I came to Canada I could not work as such because APPEGA (Alberta Associacion of Professional Engineers) asked me to take 3 exams wich I took. I failed in two and aproved only one.

I failed for the following reasons:

- Canada Engineering codes are slightly different from the americans.

- I did not have money to buy the books and these ones are not easy to get in libraries.

- Nobody to consult and refresh some old concepts.

- I was working night shifts as security guard."

Here's another sad story from Edmonton:

"Hello,

I visited your site today for the first time. My visit was occasioned by the distress I am feeling about being in Edmonton, Alberta for almost four years now and still not able to have even an interview for a job anywhere close to my qualification. (hmm.. wonder how she's been supporting herself)

Frankly, I am sick and tired of this situation but refuse to pack up my back and return to Jamaica. My decision is to do whatever necessary to help publicize the plight of professionals who migrate to this country, lured by the idea of a land of multiculturalism and opportunities for all. The only opportunity that I have seen is to accept downwardly mobile careers - even after completing a Canadian Master degree -- which is my second. (she's used services, yet hasn't worked)

Claudette. Alberta."

-Claudette, it really isn't your fault. Our gov't is letting you come to Canada so you will vote for Liberal and keep a political party in power. We all agree it's crazy that CIC is lying to you telling your that there's all sorts of jobs here. If it makes you feel better, I'm a Canadian and so are a slew of my friends that can't find work in their field either. No one can get jobs if there is no jobs.

Another Muslim crying racism in Edmonton (how much Islam is out there anyway???)

"I immigrated to Canada 18 years ago with a dream of making a better life and having good job. I graduated from Law Enforcement en 1995 from Lethbridge Community College, but I could not get any job in my field because of racism and discrimination in this country. At the moment I am thinking of leaving this country because of what I experienced in Canada. I am well familiar with the law and I am shocked what Canada does against immigrants. Thank you.

Farhad. Edmonton, Alberta."

Another from Edmonton:

"I have been looking for the job in my above said profession .Where ever I have applied is either not been responded back or just been rejected saying that I don't have desired Canadian experience .

Plz ask these people then "IF THIS WAS THE CASE THEN Y THEY GAVE US IMMIGRATION -JUST TO HUMILIATE ALL OF US.

Deepinder. Edmonton, Alberta." - (does this guy want to do labor?)

Another from Edmonton:

"A word of warning. Even in prosperous times, racism in the workplace thrives. Even if you immigrate as a child and are educated in Canada as a professional, you are often treated as a second class employee. Majority of visible minority professionals can only find work in consulting firms. Executive positions within industry are closed off to visible minorities except for those few vacancies that no one wants. Even now, some employment agencies proactively "filter" candidates for their employer clients. So much for the happy cultural mosaic that is Canada.

Chi. Edmonton, Alberta." - (wow this guy wants the executive jobs)

Muslim again from Alberta:

"I am about to leave this country. This country offered me nothing. I came from the USA where I had an excellent job but I had to come and stay here for residency purposes. It was the biggest mistake of my life. I am getting out of here soon.

Hamood. Alberta."

I'll stop here. I'd like to make a seperate post about this later.

kimmy · January 11, 2007

That's pretty funny. Reminds me of this guy I heard about, he's Canadian but he's practically illiterate and seems kind of dumb, but he's always talking about his 136 IQ. He keeps saying how there's no jobs but what he means is that there's no entry-level white-collar jobs that pay $55,000 a year, and he keeps ranting about how it's the immigrants fault that he can't find a job like that. Isn't that hilarious?

-k

jefferiah · January 11, 2007

This reminds me of a story I read not too long ago, but I can't remember which newspaper it was in. A young veterinarian in Nova Scotia recently gave up the practice she had studied years for to go out west and become a carpenter. Being a carpenter out west paid more than being a vet here. I don't think she is complaining about not getting a job as a veterinarian out there, but is quite happy to be making the cash.

Who's Doing What? · January 11, 2007

That's pretty funny. Reminds me of this guy I heard about, he's Canadian but he's practically illiterate and seems kind of dumb, but he's always talking about his 136 IQ. He keeps saying how there's no jobs but what he means is that there's no entry-level white-collar jobs that pay $55,000 a year, and he keeps ranting about how it's the immigrants fault that he can't find a job like that. Isn't that hilarious?
-k

Now that you mention it, I seem to remeber that guy too. What a joke.

jefferiah · January 11, 2007

Alot of well-educated people from all ethnicities cannot find jobs in their fields of expertise. It's not racism.

Argus · January 11, 2007

It would be. Why do millions of Canadian's subsidize an unhealthy habit (watching TV) for a very select minority (CBC viewers)?
I would argue that a significant miniority, if not a majority, of Canadians watch or listen to CBC programming regularily. They just don't listen/watch all of the programming.

The numbers say otherwise. What people mainly watch is sports and news - which can be done by anyone. There's no need for us to pay for that.

If there is going to be government broadcasting it ought to be broadcasting what no one else will broadcast.

I think this is why the CBC still exists. If it did not have a broad base of support it would have went the way of Via rail.

The CBC exists because of the disconnect between the chattering classes who run this country - and who support the CBC - and the ordinary Canadian who doesn't have much say in things, whose views are sneered at, and who is forced to pay for the thing.

jdobbin · January 11, 2007

If there is going to be government broadcasting it ought to be broadcasting what no one else will broadcast.

What won't they broadcast?

Ricki Bobbi · January 11, 2007

The numbers say otherwise. What people mainly watch is sports and news - which can be done by anyone. There's no need for us to pay for that.

CBC is becoming less and less relevant in sports. It appears that the Beijing Olympics could be their last as official Canadian Broadcaster. CTV won for 2010 and 2012. They have lost curling. Their contract for the CFL is up after the coming season and it is not expected they will be able to beat out CTV/TSN. There is a very real chance they could lose Hockey Night In Canada. It would be strange to see hockey on Saturday night with a new name.

So really they are left to news. Fine, cut the main network and provide a little bit of cash to Newsworld.

The CBC exists because of the disconnect between the chattering classes who run this country - and who support the CBC - and the ordinary Canadian who doesn't have much say in things, whose views are sneered at, and who is forced to pay for the thing.

I don't know if that is accurate. There are lot's of leftish "Ordinary Canadians" out there who support the CBC. They have no issue with tax dollars going to the CBC. After all it's the Goverment's money. :rolleyes:

M.Dancer · January 11, 2007

Now that just about every Canadian channel is either Canwest of Bell Globe Media....the CBC is even more important.

Ricki Bobbi · January 11, 2007

Now that just about every Canadian channel is either Canwest of Bell Globe Media....the CBC is even more important.

Because?

Black Dog · January 11, 2007

It would be. Why do millions of Canadian's subsidize an unhealthy habit (watching TV) for a very select minority (CBC viewers)?
More people play hockey in Canada than regularly watch CBC. With the billion CBC gets, you could outfit nearly a million people in hockey gear ($1000 each). With the quantity discount, you may be able to provide every willing Canadian with free hockey gear.

Hrrmph.

But where would they all play?

M.Dancer · January 11, 2007

Now that just about every Canadian channel is either Canwest of Bell Globe Media....the CBC is even more important.

Because?

Becuase out of the 36 separate channels owned by Canwest and BGM...it's important to have one that isn't a corporate shill.

JerrySeinfeld · January 11, 2007

I tried watching the show last night. I'll be hoest - I went into the viewing looking for evidence of a muslim bias and an anti-prairie-folk- bias. But as I was watching it I realized something. This is not a political statement, nor is it pro or anti muslim.

It's just bad television. Really...REALLY bad television.

I meant to watch the entire episode but I just had to change the channel - I was missing a Mento's ad on another channel.

Not only was the acting bad, the entire story line was completely retarted. I'm not sure who's making the decisions in TO but this has got to be a new low for CBC badness.

Picture married with childeren with thoughtful brown houseguests and you'll have an idea what this show is like. Bad jokes, meaningless plot, bad acting.

I think this show is trying to pull a "Fresh Prince of Belair" juxtaposition but it just ain't funny.

The transition from scene to scene was so bad - there was no set up or "wide shot" to let the audience knowthat we had moved from one place to another (same people having a conversation)....

Just bad.

blueblood · January 11, 2007

No it's not, if I can be like the other free market supporters, why should we support an inefficient industry, there is a wayyy better industry down south, and they can provide us with high quality entertainment for a fraction of the price. Just think of all the money we could save.
Just think of all of the money we would save if closed down the federal gov't and just let Americans run the country. Ensuring a place in the market for Canadian production is at least as important to Canadian sovereignty as having a well equipped military.

Do you feel that way about the Canadian ag industry? Or about other Canadian industries against competition from other countries. The picking and choosing must end. I've been told time and agian on here if an industry is inefficient and needs the government to step in and bail it out, it should fold up and let a more efficient industry in which brings lower prices (this can be applied to any industry). If other industries are being muscled out due to more efficient foreign competition then the Communist Radio and Telecommunication Council should be disbanded and the CBC and other craptacular Canadian entertainment can go intovoblivian. Hell why we are at it lets remove copyrighting.

madmax · January 11, 2007

Alot of well-educated people from all ethnicities cannot find jobs in their fields of expertise. It's not racism.

Yeah but they are getting in the way of Lazy Ontarions from finding a job.

Ricki Bobbi · January 12, 2007

Becuase out of the 36 separate channels owned by Canwest and BGM...it's important to have one that isn't a corporate shill.

Cut the main network and just keep Newsworld.

Then run it on the PBS model.

Pledge drives and all....

Then those people who think its important to have a channel that isn't a corporate shill can put their money where their mouth is.

The CBC could still get some funding from the Feds. Then we could easily save $900 million or so in Federal spending annually.

Fortunata · January 12, 2007

Cut the main network and just keep Newsworld.

I think Newsworld is self funded, i.e. not by taxpayers. Just the main network is?

Ricki Bobbi · January 12, 2007

I think Newsworld is self funded, i.e. not by taxpayers. Just the main network is?

You are right for the most part. There is a lot of overhead which they get a break on from the main network. That's why it wouldn't cost very much to kkep it alive with a little Fedeeral funding, but some Federal funding would be required.

Canuck E Stan · January 12, 2007

In the news today,sorry links on Canada.com locked.

Calgary-based cable-TV executive Jim Shaw says he will no longer send his firm's contribution of about $56 million to Ottawa this year( $56 million is only what Shaw Communications sends), to support the Canadian Television Fund (CTF). His beef is that CBC gets 37% of this money and he is questioning why.

Canadian Television Fund

Shaw questions why money is placed into this organisation to develop television programs that no one watches, and is really pissed that CBC, who get 1 billion from the government for the same purpose, also gets 37% of the CTF money.

His point is well taken.

jdobbin · January 12, 2007

Shaw questions why money is placed into this organisation to develop television programs that no one watches, and is really pissed that CBC, who get 1 billion from the government for the same purpose, also gets 37% of the CTF money.
His point is well taken.

What is his beef exactly? That private companies receive only 63% of the fund?

mikedavid00 · January 12, 2007

and is really pissed that CBC, who get 1 billion from the government for the same purpose, also gets 37% of the CTF money.

Laughable. What was Shaw thinking? We need to get rid of the CBC or *drastically* reduce it's funding. It should not be in the business of competing with our priavate braodcasters.

geoffrey · January 12, 2007

and is really pissed that CBC, who get 1 billion from the government for the same purpose, also gets 37% of the CTF money.

Laughable. What was Shaw thinking? We need to get rid of the CBC or *drastically* reduce it's funding. It should not be in the business of competing with our priavate braodcasters.

Actually, it's more accurate to say the CBC needs to go or we have to dramatically increase it's funding.

The biggest issue is that CBC fights for commercials and undercuts the market. They are getting the same customers as CanWest and BGM but can charge them much less because of their $1b top off from Ottawa.

Newsworld is great, let's keep it around. Even keep the National. But CBC the rest of the time is just a big waste of money. Let's axe TV, then review whether Radio is worth it.

What of French radio in Alberta, for example? Without CBC providing it, the French are going to riot, even if only 5 people in Calgary are listening.

Otherwise fund CBC enough that they don't have to sell commercials, though that is obviously the least desirable in my opinion.

My question though, can Shaw just not pay his taxes?

jdobbin · January 12, 2007

Actually, it's more accurate to say the CBC needs to go or we have to dramatically increase it's funding.
The biggest issue is that CBC fights for commercials and undercuts the market. They are getting the same customers as CanWest and BGM but can charge them much less because of their $1b top off from Ottawa.

Newsworld is great, let's keep it around. Even keep the National. But CBC the rest of the time is just a big waste of money. Let's axe TV, then review whether Radio is worth it.

What of French radio in Alberta, for example? Without CBC providing it, the French are going to riot, even if only 5 people in Calgary are listening.

Otherwise fund CBC enough that they don't have to sell commercials, though that is obviously the least desirable in my opinion.

My question though, can Shaw just not pay his taxes?

French radio in Alberta is provided for by Winnipeg for western Canada and national broadcasts from Montreal if I am not mistaken.

I think you are right that CBC should get out of commercials. The $200 million gift to private broadcasters should come only if there is a fee that is paid for the CBC (if it is maintained). CBC should have no sports nor buy any Hollywood movies.

CBC Newsworld is what private broadcasters want to see sold.

Canuck E Stan · January 12, 2007

What is his beef exactly? That private companies receive only 63% of the fund?

More like not getting value for money spent.

Spending money year after year (37% sent to CBC from CTF) to develop programs that nobody watches, on top of the $1 billion it already gets, plus all the other funding from government agencies, CBC is just a money pit, a pot to piss away $$. It has yet to prove it's worth.

geoffrey · January 12, 2007

What is his beef exactly? That private companies receive only 63% of the fund?

More like not getting value for money spent.

Spending money year after year (37% sent to CBC from CTF) to develop programs that nobody watches, on top of the $1 billion it already gets, plus all the other funding from government agencies, CBC is just a money pit, a pot to piss away $$. It has yet to prove it's worth.

But why can Mr. Shaw just not send his taxes?

If I tried that, I might get in some trouble.... :lol: