Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 11 August 2015 - Benton Mischuk on the new Immigration Scheme

Reporter: Anne Sims

President Heather opened the meeting and called us to order. We started with the “O Canada”. Wolf Schopper gave the invocation in German.

VISITORS & GUESTS: Steve Sharlow announced our visiting Rotarians:

Kim McGowan and Laima Pakstas from the Victoria Club and our guests: Tim Doherty, Vicky Pitt's spouse;  Ellen Lavigne, guest of Steve Sharlow and; our guest speaker Benton Mischuk.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Heather gave our Rotary pin to Ellen Lavigne 

Mary Canty gave an update from Batya and David Westler. They are still in Israel to take care of their son.

Joan Peggs asked our members to sign up for our Flag subscriptions.

Perry Bamji announced our nominations for the Paul Harris awards were due for today.

Celebrations Master: Jim Laing

His first question to our club was: “Who is on the front page on the Rotarian magazine in August?” Those who did not have the answer were fined. The Rotarian is Robb Knuepler. He reached top of his field, re-imagined retirement and went back to school.

Jack advised that Dave Maxwell is leaving us for a time. Dave is moving to Toronto. But he will be back!

Jack Petrie was fined for off- key on the O Canada. All members were fined if we do not have at least 2 Rotary pins.  

Birthdays: Don O'Coffey (80^th!), John Edgell, Corey Burger. Anniversaries: Bill Burns (#1) and Dallas Chapple. Rotary anniversaries: Pete Lawrie and Don O'Coffey.

The 50/50 was won by Ron Cooley who pulled out the black marble.

GUEST SPEAKER:

Jenny Hildebrand introduced Benton Mischuk. Benton has over 17 years’ experience dealing with immigration issues in private legal practice and working  for the  federal and provincial government. He was posted overseas as a visa officer, working in the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia. Benton joined Sheffman & Company in 2015.

Benton’s talk was about the  the economic immigrant.  He explained an  electronic application program  for permanent residence applications, which was introduced in January 2015. It is called Express Entry and enables Canada to choose skilled immigrants as permanent residents based on their ability to settle in Canada and take part in our economy.  Generally it creates an increased lack of certainty for people wishing to apply for permanent residence status. For more information click here. 

Neil Rawnsley thanked Benton for his overview of immigration law and presented our Rotary Mug.

Our closing was the National Anthem of Rwanda.