you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
May 21st 2009, 1:26 am
#16
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Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Vancouver since Aug 2008!!!!!
Posts: 904
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
OMG!!!!!!!!!
I'm in shock....
I work in recruitment and we're very heavily audited for our recruitment practices....
It is ILLEGAL to ask your nationality / citizenship when seeking an employee, and I assume the same with even asking for opportunities. Just as it's illegal to discriminate on any other grounds such as sex / religion / marital status etc.
You eventually have to be able to proove you're legally able to work in Canada but never have to disclose your nationality.
I have more people working for me temporarily that are on visa's here than are Canadian.....!
I would definately go back, speak to the Manager, and as every coffee shop in Vancouver is part of a chain, take the name of said manager and report them to their HO. If not for your satisfaction, but for the benifit of anyone else who may have the unlucky response from the cashier again....
Sorry this has happened, and I really can't believe it - esp as I'm in the recruiting business. Things here are SO much stricter on discrimination here than I was ever exposed to in the UK doing the same job......
Hope you have better experiences in the future...
B xxxx
I'm in shock....
I work in recruitment and we're very heavily audited for our recruitment practices....
It is ILLEGAL to ask your nationality / citizenship when seeking an employee, and I assume the same with even asking for opportunities. Just as it's illegal to discriminate on any other grounds such as sex / religion / marital status etc.
You eventually have to be able to proove you're legally able to work in Canada but never have to disclose your nationality.
I have more people working for me temporarily that are on visa's here than are Canadian.....!
I would definately go back, speak to the Manager, and as every coffee shop in Vancouver is part of a chain, take the name of said manager and report them to their HO. If not for your satisfaction, but for the benifit of anyone else who may have the unlucky response from the cashier again....
Sorry this has happened, and I really can't believe it - esp as I'm in the recruiting business. Things here are SO much stricter on discrimination here than I was ever exposed to in the UK doing the same job......
Hope you have better experiences in the future...
B xxxx
May 21st 2009, 1:31 am
#17
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Posts: 7,861
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
It is ILLEGAL to ask your nationality / citizenship when seeking an employee, and I assume the same with even asking for opportunities. Just as it's illegal to discriminate on any other grounds such as sex / religion / marital status etc.
I would definately go back, speak to the Manager, and as every coffee shop in Vancouver is part of a chain, take the name of said manager and report them to their HO.
I would definately go back, speak to the Manager, and as every coffee shop in Vancouver is part of a chain, take the name of said manager and report them to their HO.
However, if there was a big notice up saying "Help Wanted", maybe then you would have the beginnings of grounds for something?
May 21st 2009, 1:36 am
#18
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Location: 100 mile house BC (tiz a long way away from devon)
Posts: 888
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
just had a horrible experience, so thought would pass onto you guys.......
have just been for a job interview, or two downtown......that's all good!!!!
on my way home from the ferry, i stopped at a coffee shop on lonsdale (northshore - can't recal name but will check again tomorrow and let you all know so that you can avoid it!!!!) and just casually asked this girl serving, who must have been all of 19/20 if they were hiring (asking for my kids).........was told:
'you're not from here, are you?' she asked.
'yes' i said, 'we just live up the road'.
'no, i mean you're not canadain, so don't ask for work here'! she said.
'oh! what difference does that make?', i asked.
'enough' she said.
needless to say, i, having paid for my coffee that i really wanted to walk away from (or throw over her) but wasn't going to........left.....
i live in a really multi-cultral area.....it's called vancouver!!!!!! this is the only time i have ever experienced this........ever!!!!! i'm still fummmmmmmmming
have just been for a job interview, or two downtown......that's all good!!!!
on my way home from the ferry, i stopped at a coffee shop on lonsdale (northshore - can't recal name but will check again tomorrow and let you all know so that you can avoid it!!!!) and just casually asked this girl serving, who must have been all of 19/20 if they were hiring (asking for my kids).........was told:
'you're not from here, are you?' she asked.
'yes' i said, 'we just live up the road'.
'no, i mean you're not canadain, so don't ask for work here'! she said.
'oh! what difference does that make?', i asked.
'enough' she said.
needless to say, i, having paid for my coffee that i really wanted to walk away from (or throw over her) but wasn't going to........left.....
i live in a really multi-cultral area.....it's called vancouver!!!!!! this is the only time i have ever experienced this........ever!!!!! i'm still fummmmmmmmming
Hi
It couldn't have been a tim hortons
It depends what part of lonsdale, if you were up near the hsbc, I can understand it occurring.
but seriously my daughter just got a part time job, no prob's, born in devon..
cheers
Jerry
May 21st 2009, 1:43 am
#19
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Joined: Feb 2004
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 801
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
I'd pop a letter in the post to the manager copied to Global TV and CKNW (make sure that's noted on the copy the employer gets). Whether you bother with those two additional recipients or not it'll give the proprietor the willies. I'd probably have been speechless too, I always come up with smart things to say two hours after the event.
May 21st 2009, 1:44 am
#20
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Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Vancouver since Aug 2008!!!!!
Posts: 904
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
But they were not looking for a new employee. The OP merely asked if they were hiring (therefore instigating the enquiry/conversation) and the girl's comments, whilst inappropriate, could not at this stage be deemed as breaking any employment laws (I would not think).
However, if there was a big notice up saying "Help Wanted", maybe then you would have the beginnings of grounds for something?
However, if there was a big notice up saying "Help Wanted", maybe then you would have the beginnings of grounds for something?
Bx
May 21st 2009, 2:38 am
#21
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,351
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
I had a US customs officer question (in a rather rude manner) how I could be a Canadian citizen if I had an accent (it is now gone...the accent that is), but I had an english accent when I got my Canadian citizenship...this was in rural NY state and I think the officer was from the deep south.
Since I wanted to get into the US, I answered his questions with the minimum of disdain, noted his ID etc and sent a letter to the US customs people and got a simpering apology letter. Never had a problem at the border since.
My wife (Cdn) was called a 'bloody yank' in a restaurant in Wells, Somerset after she asked what 'cremed suede' was on a menu....at that point I'd already had a glass of wine and an appetizer and we just walked out and told them that was no way to address a customer.....
Since I wanted to get into the US, I answered his questions with the minimum of disdain, noted his ID etc and sent a letter to the US customs people and got a simpering apology letter. Never had a problem at the border since.
My wife (Cdn) was called a 'bloody yank' in a restaurant in Wells, Somerset after she asked what 'cremed suede' was on a menu....at that point I'd already had a glass of wine and an appetizer and we just walked out and told them that was no way to address a customer.....
May 21st 2009, 3:14 am
#22
Cynically amused.
Joined: Oct 2002
Location: BC
Posts: 3,648
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
But they were not looking for a new employee. The OP merely asked if they were hiring (therefore instigating the enquiry/conversation) and the girl's comments, whilst inappropriate, could not at this stage be deemed as breaking any employment laws (I would not think).
However, if there was a big notice up saying "Help Wanted", maybe then you would have the beginnings of grounds for something?
However, if there was a big notice up saying "Help Wanted", maybe then you would have the beginnings of grounds for something?
I find all this shock and indignation quite amusing. Locals are just voicing in public what many have always thought (and said) in private. Having a husband who does not sound as though he ever left these shores, offers up the opportunity to listen to local born and breds really say what they think about us. Vancouver is really quite horrible for covert racism and subtle discrimination. I'd hate to be a person of colour and a recent immigrant to Vancouver, to be honest.
May 21st 2009, 3:14 am
#23
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,404
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
I'm not sure it's a case of not standing up for oneself.
Personally, I'd probably have felt a little gobsmacked by being spoken to like that by some 19 yr old coffee server (Can't answer for the OP)
And then there is the issue of having the speed and clarity to come back with a witty/sarcastic/pointed/deserving remark that was suitable without sinking to her depths of crassness (is that a word?)
I can always think of exactly the right thing to say 10 minutes later, but on the spot it is likely to be a smart-arse remark not in keeping with the mood
Personally, I'd probably have felt a little gobsmacked by being spoken to like that by some 19 yr old coffee server (Can't answer for the OP)
And then there is the issue of having the speed and clarity to come back with a witty/sarcastic/pointed/deserving remark that was suitable without sinking to her depths of crassness (is that a word?)
I can always think of exactly the right thing to say 10 minutes later, but on the spot it is likely to be a smart-arse remark not in keeping with the mood
It's not necessary to come up with something witty - a nicely delivered "f**k off" would have been perfect in the circumstances.
May 21st 2009, 7:29 am
#24
In limbo!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 329
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
What a horrible experience. I agree with the others, I'd definately go back and have words with the Manager, or a letter at the very least.
May 21st 2009, 7:40 am
#25
...
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,165
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
just had a horrible experience, so thought would pass onto you guys.......
have just been for a job interview, or two downtown......that's all good!!!!
on my way home from the ferry, i stopped at a coffee shop on lonsdale (northshore - can't recal name but will check again tomorrow and let you all know so that you can avoid it!!!!) and just casually asked this girl serving, who must have been all of 19/20 if they were hiring (asking for my kids).........was told:
'you're not from here, are you?' she asked.
'yes' i said, 'we just live up the road'.
'no, i mean you're not canadain, so don't ask for work here'! she said.
'oh! what difference does that make?', i asked.
'enough' she said.
needless to say, i, having paid for my coffee that i really wanted to walk away from (or throw over her) but wasn't going to........left.....
i live in a really multi-cultral area.....it's called vancouver!!!!!! this is the only time i have ever experienced this........ever!!!!! i'm still fummmmmmmmming
have just been for a job interview, or two downtown......that's all good!!!!
on my way home from the ferry, i stopped at a coffee shop on lonsdale (northshore - can't recal name but will check again tomorrow and let you all know so that you can avoid it!!!!) and just casually asked this girl serving, who must have been all of 19/20 if they were hiring (asking for my kids).........was told:
'you're not from here, are you?' she asked.
'yes' i said, 'we just live up the road'.
'no, i mean you're not canadain, so don't ask for work here'! she said.
'oh! what difference does that make?', i asked.
'enough' she said.
needless to say, i, having paid for my coffee that i really wanted to walk away from (or throw over her) but wasn't going to........left.....
i live in a really multi-cultral area.....it's called vancouver!!!!!! this is the only time i have ever experienced this........ever!!!!! i'm still fummmmmmmmming
May 21st 2009, 8:04 am
#26
Beep
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Here
Posts: 8,311
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
The recent person i hired on my project team had a great interview and i even treated him to a slap up meal. £xxx's per day rate, a good job, and a great company........the poor barsteward.
May 21st 2009, 10:36 am
#27
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Joined: Oct 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 1,830
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
just had a horrible experience, so thought would pass onto you guys.......
have just been for a job interview, or two downtown......that's all good!!!!
on my way home from the ferry, i stopped at a coffee shop on lonsdale (northshore - can't recal name but will check again tomorrow and let you all know so that you can avoid it!!!!) and just casually asked this girl serving, who must have been all of 19/20 if they were hiring (asking for my kids).........was told:
'you're not from here, are you?' she asked.
'yes' i said, 'we just live up the road'.
'no, i mean you're not canadain, so don't ask for work here'! she said.
'oh! what difference does that make?', i asked.
'enough' she said.
needless to say, i, having paid for my coffee that i really wanted to walk away from (or throw over her) but wasn't going to........left.....
i live in a really multi-cultral area.....it's called vancouver!!!!!! this is the only time i have ever experienced this........ever!!!!! i'm still fummmmmmmmming
have just been for a job interview, or two downtown......that's all good!!!!
on my way home from the ferry, i stopped at a coffee shop on lonsdale (northshore - can't recal name but will check again tomorrow and let you all know so that you can avoid it!!!!) and just casually asked this girl serving, who must have been all of 19/20 if they were hiring (asking for my kids).........was told:
'you're not from here, are you?' she asked.
'yes' i said, 'we just live up the road'.
'no, i mean you're not canadain, so don't ask for work here'! she said.
'oh! what difference does that make?', i asked.
'enough' she said.
needless to say, i, having paid for my coffee that i really wanted to walk away from (or throw over her) but wasn't going to........left.....
i live in a really multi-cultral area.....it's called vancouver!!!!!! this is the only time i have ever experienced this........ever!!!!! i'm still fummmmmmmmming
I would have definately said something to her though!curse:
May 21st 2009, 11:38 am
#28
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Aldershot, Hants
Posts: 39
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
I am Canadian and have lived in England for the past 19 years and never once had a derogatory comment made to me whilst out here, atleast never to my face.
My 19 year old son who is also Canadian and has a lovely British accent recently moved back to Alberta and was rudely refused entry to a bar because of his English accent, they said "we don't allow Brits in here" he was totally sober and out for drinks with his Canadian cousins. I phoned the bar in questions and demanded an explanation and was told they would investigate it and they never phoned back, my Mom also phoned (my son lives with her) she also complained and they never responed to her either.
What upsets me more than the Redneck ignorance is my son is now imbarrassed of his accent and is working hard to get rid of it, he also struggled to even get an interview for a job, but luckly with the help of family and friends getting him in through the door he has found a job and they LOVE him.
We move back to Canada in November and I am worried about how my 17 year old son will cope
My 19 year old son who is also Canadian and has a lovely British accent recently moved back to Alberta and was rudely refused entry to a bar because of his English accent, they said "we don't allow Brits in here" he was totally sober and out for drinks with his Canadian cousins. I phoned the bar in questions and demanded an explanation and was told they would investigate it and they never phoned back, my Mom also phoned (my son lives with her) she also complained and they never responed to her either.
What upsets me more than the Redneck ignorance is my son is now imbarrassed of his accent and is working hard to get rid of it, he also struggled to even get an interview for a job, but luckly with the help of family and friends getting him in through the door he has found a job and they LOVE him.
We move back to Canada in November and I am worried about how my 17 year old son will cope
May 21st 2009, 12:00 pm
#29
never settled
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 227
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
That's terrible! Words really have the power to hurt people, I think I would have been less shocked if it was a punch instead
May 21st 2009, 12:02 pm
#30
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 9,606
Re: you're not canadian, so don't ask for work!
I am Canadian and have lived in England for the past 19 years and never once had a derogatory comment made to me whilst out here, atleast never to my face.
My 19 year old son who is also Canadian and has a lovely British accent recently moved back to Alberta and was rudely refused entry to a bar because of his English accent, they said "we don't allow Brits in here" he was totally sober and out for drinks with his Canadian cousins. I phoned the bar in questions and demanded an explanation and was told they would investigate it and they never phoned back, my Mom also phoned (my son lives with her) she also complained and they never responed to her either.
What upsets me more than the Redneck ignorance is my son is now imbarrassed of his accent and is working hard to get rid of it, he also struggled to even get an interview for a job, but luckly with the help of family and friends getting him in through the door he has found a job and they LOVE him.
We move back to Canada in November and I am worried about how my 17 year old son will cope
My 19 year old son who is also Canadian and has a lovely British accent recently moved back to Alberta and was rudely refused entry to a bar because of his English accent, they said "we don't allow Brits in here" he was totally sober and out for drinks with his Canadian cousins. I phoned the bar in questions and demanded an explanation and was told they would investigate it and they never phoned back, my Mom also phoned (my son lives with her) she also complained and they never responed to her either.
What upsets me more than the Redneck ignorance is my son is now imbarrassed of his accent and is working hard to get rid of it, he also struggled to even get an interview for a job, but luckly with the help of family and friends getting him in through the door he has found a job and they LOVE him.
We move back to Canada in November and I am worried about how my 17 year old son will cope
