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New Canadians get friendly introduction to police services By Nathan Howes OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 13 · Wednesday, June 9, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Cultural diversity plays an important role in the Halton community. That was evident Monday as the Halton Regional Police Service held its fifth annual Emergency Services Introduction for New Canadians Day -- along with the Enhanced Language Training graduation at the police headquarters. People from the community gathered to take part in activities and demonstrations that promote safety and provide information for new Canadians. It a one of-a-kind community program in Canada. The Halton Regional Police Service has teamed up with four municipal Fire Departments (Oakville, Milton, Burlington and Halton Hills) and the Halton Regional Emergency Medical Service to develop a special two-hour Emergency Services Introduction for New Canadians presentation, which is delivered to all adult language instructional classes. Enhanced Language Training has been around since 2007. The program is a collaboration between the Halton Regional Police Service and the Halton Multicultural Council. Representatives from both sides provide 250 hours of employment-specific training to new Canadian residents, who have had previous experience or an interest in law enforcement. Those who participate have also completed a certain level of study in the English as a Second Language program. There were 19 graduates attending Monday's graduation ceremony. Ten of them were from the September program and nine others from the January program. The jobs waiting for graduates of the program can vary from human resources to constables, according to Jennifer Murray, an instructor with Enhanced Language Training. "The goal is to work in police services, NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER INTRODUCTION: Rick Millar speaks to guests during the Emergency Services Introduction for New Canadians Day at the Halton Regional Police Services Headquarters on Monday morning. depending on the skills. Most aim towards amount of corruption in the police service. constables," said Murray. "There are no This was, he suspects, in part because of other programs like it in Ontario." their low salaries, according to Mohamed. One of the graduates in attendance is He has noticed a significant difference Faiz Mohamed, 33. Mohamed moved to between the police in Canada and India. Canada from India in 2005, where he was "In India they treat us like they have taking studies for a Bachelor of Commerce power, like they can do anything. I have degree. He moved here because of his fami- always feared the police in India," said ly. It wasn't an easy transition for Mohamed, as culture differences and no job experience contributed to early frustration. It took some time before he settled in. "Canada gave me a warm welcome and a hard time," said Mohamed. "The culture difference was you don't have Canadian experience. How can I get that until I get the job? Afterwards, an agency helped us to settle in Canada." His parents did not want him to become a police officer in India because of the Mohamed. "If I saw a cop, I felt like they were watching me. "Here, it is totally different. It is my pleasure to talk to the police. I know the law, and everything here is limited with lots of monitoring by different agencies," said Mohamed. "I respect them and what they're doing here." Mohamed learned about Enhanced Language Training after his family had moved to Milton and was looking for a daycare at the time. The receptionist informed him about the program. He has nothing but high praise for the support and training he received. "After the program, it gave me the confidence I needed," said Mohamed. "In my country, I am not able to do that, become a cop. It's helped me to understand all kinds of law enforcement. I am looking forward to be serving in a [police] uniform." Mohamed said his perspective changed on policing and he now feels they are more of an ally, compared to what he experienced in India. "Now I feel police are just like my friend. Before, I feared the police. But now when I see a cop on the street, I feel myself safe, said Mohamed. "I feel someone is here to take care of me and my family." Mohamed plans to take a police-related program at Sheridan College in the fall. WWW.PIANOS.CA 5205 Harvester Rd., Unit 2, Burlington · 1-888-PIANO-81 PIANO HOUSE BURLINGTON HUGE SALE ­ ALL TAXES IN BUY NOW PAY LATER!!! 10 Year Warranty, Free Local Delivery, Free Bench, Free First Tuning Store Hours: Monday ­ Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am- 5pm