Number of Moldovans residing in Canada has quintupled in 8 years

In eight years, from 2003 to 2011, the number of Moldovans who received a Canadian residence permit has multiplied almost 5 times, stated Quebec Moldovans' Community leader Ala Mindicanu for Info-Prim Neo. One can settle in Canada only through legal channels. “One cannot reach it like you'd reach Italy, for example. The applications from Moldovans are constant and numerous”, said Mindicanu. Moldova does not yet have an embassy in Canada. During the Congress of the Moldovan diaspora that took place last week in Chisinau, Prime Minister Vlad Filat stated that he is working on opening a diplomatic mission to Canada. “We don't have an embassy yet, but we lead a good collaboration with the US diplomatic mission. About 70 people need consular consulting once every 3 months”, said Ala Mindicanu. She added that many children travel for their summer breaks to Moldova. “Parents want their off-springs to know their native language, get to know their grandparents, and send them to Moldova – albeit not being able to go themselves – with someone with power of attorney. Consular services are much demanded during the summer”, said Ala Mindicanu. “Emigration to Canada is considered to be a kind of comfort; people arrive with insurances, legally, with citizens' rights and social protection. I am not idealizing the situation. If someone can assert themselves at home, they should stay, but it is also good to experiment, get an experience; it is an adventure to come here”, said Ala Mindicanu. According to the leader of the Quebec Moldovans' Community, there are no patterns as to which professions are most sought for by Moldovans who come to Canada. Each comes with his/her own field of activity, studies a while, and finds a job on his/her own. Moldovans can equal their diplomas, learn another professional field, take some courses. Those who specialize in Medicine have a harder time finding a job in Canada. The number of Moldovans who became residents of Canada in 2011 was over 1,000 people.