NHL Hockey
RK TEAM GP W L OT PTS
1 Washington
31
19
6
6
44
2 San Jose
32
19
7
6
44
3 New Jersey
29
21
7
1
43
4 Pittsburgh
32
21
10
1
43
5 Los Angeles
33
20
10
3
43
6 Chicago
29
19
7
3
41
7 Calgary
30
19
8
3
41
8 Colorado
33
17
10
6
40
9 Phoenix
31
18
11
2
38
10 Nashville
31
18
11
2
38
11 Boston
30
16
9
5
37
12 Buffalo
30
16
9
5
37
13 Dallas
30
13
8
9
35
14 Ottawa
30
15
11
4
34
15 Vancouver
31
17
14
0
34
16 Columbus
31
14
11
6
34
17 Atlanta
29
15
11
3
33
18 Detroit
30
14
11
5
33
19 Edmonton
31
14
13
4
32
20 Montreal
32
15
15
2
32
Scores for the top 20 NHL teams as of 11th December 2009
Christmas Shopping

You may find a bargain this holiday as Canadian retailers are stimulating the economy over the Christmas period with rock-bottom prices and major promotional campaigns. Both Wal-Mart and Sears are encouraging consumers to spend more with promotions on many products .
Canadian Immigration - What happened in 2009 and what to expect in 2010

2009 has been a tough year for most, due to the global economic recession. Canada has been affected, although not as badly as other countries, such as the USA and UK. Canadian Immigration policy has also responded accordingly, which has led to greater controls on who enters Canada and for how long.

It has been over a year now since the list of 38 high demand occupations was released and this had led to much quicker processing times for those who are eligible. Decisions are being made within 9-12 months, whereas previously, applications were taking over four years.Some important changes in 2009 were the limited validity of a Labour Market Opinion (LMO). All LMO’s now have an expiry date, which is six months after issue. If you do not apply for a work permit in this time, the LMO will expire and a new one will be required.

Alberta has been quite progressive this year in allowing for the spouse / common-law partner of a Long Haul Truck Driver to be eligible for an open work permit. In addition, Alberta and Ontario will now allow a dependent child, typically between the ages of 18-22, to qualify for an open work permit. In my view, both of these decisions make sense as the dependent child will be over the age of compulsory education and be unable to get an LMO as they will have little or no work experience. In both cases, it allows them to go out and get Canadian work experience and not be restricted and obliged to clock watch until they get their permanent residence.Citizens of Mexico and the Czech Republic must now get a Temporary Residency Visa to visit Canada, whereas previously they were exempt.

Sign of the times – At Citizenship ceremonies, Judges and other officials will no longer shake hands to congratulate new Canadian citizens and extend their best wishes. This is all in response to the H1N1 virus and flu season.

In 2010, Canada intends to welcome between 240,000 – 265,000 new permanent residents, which is the same levels as in previous years. The intention is to support the economic recovery and not be caught playing catch up.

We can also expect stricter timescales on work permits, as there are proposals for a maximum duration of four years. If the applicant cannot secure permanent residence in this time, they will not be able to get another work permit for a period of six years. Clearly, the intention is to have people on temporary permits converted to permanent as quickly as possible.We will also see the introduction of E-applications for applications to extend visitor visas, work, study and post-graduate permits.

As always, there are rumours of an election which could lead to a new Immigration Minister. Let’s hope not for the time being, as the current Minister, Rt. Hon. Jason Kenney is doing a good job so far……
New Citizenship Study Guide
A new study guide was launch on the 12th November 2009 to help those who are preparing for the Canadian citizenship test. The new guide is designed to promote a greater understanding of Canada’s history, values, symbols and institutions. It also highlights the contribution of the different ethnic and cultural communities, as well as the sacrifices made by Canadian veterans throughout history that have resulted in the shaping of the country as it is today.

Citizen applicants scheduled for their test or interview before February 2010 should however, continue to study the old guide (A Look at Canada). Those taking the test or having an interview in March 2010 should study the new guide (Discover Canada).

For further information on obtaining Canadian citizenship, visit the Canadian High Commission website or contact the WBC office.

H1N1
Cases of the H1N1 virus have been reported in Canada as well as in several other countries. The Canada Border Services Agency is working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to ensure public health safe guards.

Border services officers work closely with quarantine officers who are employed by PHAC and refer anyone showing symptoms of illness to a quarantine officer.

Recommendations to Travelers

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette
  • Avoid contact with people who appear to be sick
  • Delay travel to and from Canada if you are sick
  • Before travelling contact the Canadian commission in the country you are travelling to for confirmation of any restrictions that may apply


PSS has been established for 25 years and has moved thousands of families to Canada. They are members of the International Federation of International Furniture Removers (FIDI). FIDI is a world wide organisation for International movers. For information on how PSS can help you with your international move, visit our website. To visit PSS International Removals' website click their logo.

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