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Digital Media & Wireless Association of BC posted an event:The Consulate General of Canada in Seattle and the Software Association of Oregon are organizing a half-day...see moreThe Consulate General of Canada in Seattle and the Software Association of Oregon are organizing a half-day program with leading wireless technology companies and research organizations from across Canada featuring B2B meetings, technical presentations, and a networking reception at the Nines in Portland, OR on March 27, 2012. Click here for details: http://canadianwirelessforum.eventbrite.com/.
Event Overview:With over 400 firms including global players like Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia, and Ericsson, along with home-grown leaders such as RIM, Mitel, and Sierra Wireless, Canada has built a reputation for excellence in M2M infrastructure, data-centric devices, enablers, middleware and mobile applications.
The Consulate General of Canada in Seattle cordially invites you to join wireless leaders from around Canada and the Pacific Northwest at the Canadian Wireless Innovation Forum on March 27 in Portland, OR. The program will include discussions on trends in wireless technologies with leading companies and researchers from Canada and the US.
Featured Speakers (more coming soon!):
- James Maynard, President & CEO of Wavefront
Why You Should Attend:
- Learn about cutting-edge trends in M2M and the growing "connected world" that has implications for a wide range of industries like healthcare, transportation, the built environment, and telecommunications.
- Meet one-on-one with other wireless technology companies from across North America.
- Network with industry leaders.
Program Agenda:
- 1:00 - 2:30pm: Prearranged B2B meetings - contact troy.defrank@international.gc.ca to sign up.
- 2:30 - 5:00pm: Canadian Wireless Innovation Forum featuring US-Canada industry panel on global trends in wireless innovation.
- 5:00 - 6:00pm: Networking and Cocktail Reception.
2 hours ago -
Digital Media & Wireless Association of BC posted an article:
The Consulate General of Canada in Seattle and the Software Association of Oregon are organizing a half-day program with leading wireless technology companies and research organizations from across Canada featuring B2B meetings, technical presentations, and a networking reception at the...see moreThe Consulate General of Canada in Seattle and the Software Association of Oregon are organizing a half-day program with leading wireless technology companies and research organizations from across Canada featuring B2B meetings, technical presentations, and a networking reception at the Nines in Portland, OR on March 27, 2012. Click here for details: http://canadianwirelessforum.eventbrite.com/.Event Overview:With over 400 firms including global players like Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia, and Ericsson, along with home-grown leaders such as RIM, Mitel, and Sierra Wireless, Canada has built a reputation for excellence in M2M infrastructure, data-centric devices, enablers, middleware and mobile applications.The Consulate General of Canada in Seattle cordially invites you to join wireless leaders from around Canada and the Pacific Northwest at the Canadian Wireless Innovation Forum on March 27 in Portland, OR. The program will include discussions on trends in wireless technologies with leading companies and researchers from Canada and the US.Featured Speakers (more coming soon!):James Maynard, President & CEO of WavefrontWhy You Should Attend:Learn about cutting-edge trends in M2M and the growing "connected world" that has implications for a wide range of industries like healthcare, transportation, the built environment, and telecommunications.Meet one-on-one with other wireless technology companies from across North America.Network with industry leaders.Program Agenda:1:00 - 2:30pm: Prearranged B2B meetings - contact troy.defrank@international.gc.ca to sign up.2:30 - 5:00pm: Canadian Wireless Innovation Forum featuring US-Canada industry panel on global trends in wireless innovation.5:00 - 6:00pm: Networking and Cocktail Reception.2 hours ago -
Digital Media & Wireless Association of BC posted an article:see moreDigiBC would just like to thank everyone for participating in Thursday's (Feb 16) DigiBC Networking Event. It was a great opportunity to get together and socialize, dance and drink with other Digital Media companies. It was a great evening and we had lost of great feedback from everyone! Expect more events like that to come up soon.We would like to congratulate our door prize winners of the evening:1. Canucks Tix – Kenny Grant, Invoke Media2. Personal Training – Dorothy Keenan, Future WorksVIDEO GAME WINNERS: (incl. various)3. Richard Moore, Genetic Mistakes Software4. Tabitha Tao, SFU (MBA Candidate)5. Matthew Carlson, Colliers6. Ben Groot7. Colin Brown8. Peter Luong, Fusion Pipe9. Brian Kasing Li10. Jon Cartwright, Food.ee11. Vadim Chernega, Combo App –12. Peter Helm, Geo-MediaA Special thanks to icba, our new health benefits provider for sponsoring the event and bringing in the oxygen bar. For any further inquiries with them, please contact Donal Chu- donald@icbabenefits.ca-- DigiBC would also like to thank Kimberly Kaplan-CEO of Offeron and DigiBC board member, and Susana Lo- DigiBC Marketing Manager. They took FULL control of the evening, logistics and preparation.Another thanks to our volunteers for the evening: Po On Yeung- Membership Manager of LifeSciences BC, Jason Lesage- Manager of Communications and PR, and Chris Low.For those of you inquiring about membership, please e-mail myself (whitney@digibc.org) and we will schedule meetings.1 day ago
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Susana Lo posted an event:
Give Young Scientists a Running Start
see more
On May 27th 2012, the Science Fair...Give Young Scientists a Running Start
On May 27th 2012, the Science Fair Foundation BC will be hosting the 13th Annual PMC Science Fair Fun Run. This is an opportunity for individuals, schools and organizations to raise money for The Dr. Michael Smith Science Fair Endowment, supporting the promotion and development of Science Fair programs throughout BC.
JOIN THE RACE!
Your participation in the PMC Science Fair Fun Run ensures the success of future science fairs in B.C. and allows our youth to gain the skills they need to succeed in a fast-paced, knowledge-based world. Science fairs give students from grades four through twelve the unique opportunity to explore their interest in science and technology. Each year, over 30,000 students from 245 schools in British Columbia participate in science fairs and more than 1,500 educators and professionals in the fields of science and technology volunteer as judges and mentors for B.C. students.
How can you register?
Come as an individual or enter a team and enjoy free admission to TELUS World of Science, and eligibility to win prizes and awards!
Individual
Register online at www.sciencefairs.ca/funrun <http://www.sciencefairs.ca/funrun> or at www.runningroom.com <http://www.runningroom.com> .
Team Challenge
Choose a captain and get five or more runners together to form a team. Teams are eligible to win prizes for the largest or fastest team. All team T-shirts include the team logo on the sleeve. A Fun Run organizer will assist with the details of organizing your team. Visit our Team Challenge page for more details http://www.sciencefairs.ca/funrun/formteam.html
1 day ago -
Digital Media & Wireless Association of BC posted an article:
With the advent of
see moreWith the advent of GDC 2012 (March 05-09) in San Francisco, the Government of Canada - Trade Commissioners, the B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation and DigiBC will be collaborating to assist B.C. companies at the world’s largest gathering of videogame industry professionals.
1. Match-making opportunities
The Trade Commissioners Service and Export Development Canada have confirmed the participation of Konami, THQ, Big Fish, NBC Universal and MTV Network. Invitations to other publishers are being confirmed by Trade Commissioners in Shanghai, Tokyo, Tapei, Mumbai, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Palo Alto and Seattle. The publishers will select Canadian companies from Canadian/B.C. company profiles shared with them in advance and will meet with them at the Canada Business Lounge.
2. Canada Business Lounge at the InterContinental Hotel - March 6-9
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service has arranged exclusive meeting space for Canadian/B.C. companies in the InterContinental Hotel, 4th Floor, 888 Howard Street, between 9:00am and 5:00pm. The Canada Business Lounge is a semi-private setting that is steps away from the Moscone Center. An open-concept area will be available as a base and meeting point for Canadian companies. Limited private meeting space is also available. To pre-book meeting space please contact GDC2012@international.gc.ca
3. British Columbia GDC 2012 Networking Reception at the InteContinental Hotel – March 06, 5:00pm-8:00pm
The B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation will host a “GDC 2012 Networking Reception” on Tuesday, March 06, 5:00pm-8:00pm, Pacific Terrace Foyer, InterContinental Hotel, 888 Howard Street, San Francisco.
Please RSVP to: joyce.yap@gov.bc.ca
4. Canada Networking Event - March 7
The annual networking event at Jillian’s is back with support from the Trade Commissioner Service and the Province of B.C. For more information about participating, please contact Ian Kelso, CEO, CIAIC at ian@ciaic.ca
5. Canada @ GDC Play
The Trade Commissioner Service will have an information kiosk and a meeting room reserved at GDC Play in the Moscone Center on March 6 & 7. The meeting room will be available for use by Canadian/B.C. companies. Canadian/B.C. companies who decide to participate in GDC Play (arrange their own kiosk or meeting room) based on the Government of Canada's presence, will receive a 15% discount. More details to follow.
For further information please contact:
Victoria Hayes
Trade Commissioner
Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada - Vancouver Regional Office
victoria.hayes@international.gc.ca
Richard Sawchuk
International Relations and Business Development
B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
2 days ago -
UBC Continuing Studies posted a discussion:UBC Award of Achievement in Social Media – 100% Online
Improve your knowledge of social media and its impact on online communities with this part-time program. The program consists of six courses that prepare you to lead in planning and implementing social media strategies in your organization.... see more UBC Award of Achievement in Social Media – 100% Online
Improve your knowledge of social media and its impact on online communities with this part-time program. The program consists of six courses that prepare you to lead in planning and implementing social media strategies in your organization. All courses offered face to face at UBC Robson Square, and the first two courses offered 100% online are now available.
Upcoming online courses include:
Social Media Fundamentals - Mar 13-Apr 23
Social Media Metrics - May 15- Jun 25
Also available face to face at UBC Robson square.
visit tech.ubc.ca/socialmedia or call 604-822-1420 for more information2 days ago -
Kellan Higgins posted a link:Hello,
We are pleased to announce a public training Webinar on February 28th, 2012 at 1:30pm (Pacific).
Space is limited to 25 members, however, so reserve your spot fast.
In this seminar, we will explore how to best utilize the SilkStart platform for you as a member. Please register... see more Hello,
We are pleased to announce a public training Webinar on February 28th, 2012 at 1:30pm (Pacific).
Space is limited to 25 members, however, so reserve your spot fast.
In this seminar, we will explore how to best utilize the SilkStart platform for you as a member. Please register now for this event through the following link.
https://silkstart.webex.com/silkstart/j.php?ED=13425113&RG=1&UID=74657793&RT=MiM0
I look forward to seeing you at this Webinar. Please email me if you have any questions.
Cheers,
Kellan Higgins
kellan.higgins@silkstart.com7 days ago -
Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. posted a discussion:It’s fair to say that video game industry is becoming a hugely successful spin-off of the film and entertainment industry, and what better place for this burgeoning industry to thrive then in North America.
The triggers for this field of entertainment are being propelled by the digital era... see more It’s fair to say that video game industry is becoming a hugely successful spin-off of the film and entertainment industry, and what better place for this burgeoning industry to thrive then in North America.
The triggers for this field of entertainment are being propelled by the digital era that we are in, and with new media providing on-demand access to contact almost anywhere, anytime, the generation of unregulated information and data has triggered a requirement for insurance products that cater to the specific issues that can arise.
What type of special coverage is obtainable?
Given that the cost of developing video games can rise over $20M per game the coverage necessary is similar to that required by film and television producers.
Many video games now combine computer graphics with live filming and motion capturing technology. A recognizable lead actor will often be hired for a specific video game and if the actor is injured and is unable to shoot as scheduled, costs and expenses relating to the shoot will be incurred. A typical office based policy that your average video game or software developer would have does not cover these exposures.
Additional extensions that are specific to video programmers will include Media Liability and Professional Liability coverage. Media Liability is comparable to Errors and Omissions coverage in the written or spoken word resulting in claims due to miscommunication of information, or copyright or trademark infringement claims. Professional Liability, is important in the event that a video gamer does not complete or adhere to the guidelines in which they were hired.9 days ago -
Digital Media & Wireless Association of BC posted an event:see more
Hosted by: DigiBC, Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada and BC Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
SUMMARY:
GREE is a leading mobile social gaming company that is currently developing a global platform with a focus on free-to-play games. GREE is looking to partner with quality game studios, targeting iOS, Android and mobile web (HTML5) developers, and is offering both work-for-hire arrangements and own IP distribution via its GREE mobile platform, available in Q2.
Come meet GREE International’s Margaret Tallman, VP of Developer Relations, and Sarah Thomson, Director of Developer Relations, for a meet-and-greet breakfast followed by an interactive briefing session on GREE and its partnership opportunities for developers.
TO REGISTER
*If you are also interested in having a one-on-one meeting with Margaret and Sarah to learn more about GREE and its opportunities as they relate to you specifically, please send a short company profile and description of your specific interests with GREE to Victoria.hayes@international.gc.ca
Our special thanks to Robson Square for their assistance in organizing and hosting this event at their venue.
AGENDA:
9:00 – 9:30 Registration & Breakfast
9:30 – 9:45 Introductions
9:45 – 10:30 GREE Story, History and Overview
10:30 – 11:15 Opportunities with GREE
Ø Types of games, business model and working relationships
11:15 Q&A
About GREE:
GREE is a leading mobile social gaming company that is currently developing a global platform with a focus on free-to-play games. In addition to opening their own social games studio in the US, GREE acquired OpenFeint in April 2011 and their ecosystem now reaches over 190 million players worldwide and offers over 7,500 games. GREE is on track to generate $1.7 billion in annual revenue and plans to double its US headcount in 2012.
About DigiBC:
DigiBC promotes, supports and accelerates the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of BC's digital media and wireless industry in the world through world-class leadership, promotional and trade and investment initiatives, networking and events, education and training, and public policy. We represent more than 1,000 companies and 16,500 employees in video games, animation and visual effects, web 2.0, interactive marketing and social media, e-learning, and mobile and wireless generating revenues of more than $3 billion a year. www.digibc.org
About the Trade Commissioner Service:
Located in more than 150 cities worldwide and in regional offices across the country, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, is Canada=s most extensive network of international business professionals, offering expert advice, problem-solving skills and a global network of contacts.
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, part of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, helps Canadian companies and organizations succeed abroad.
12 days ago -
Digital Media & Wireless Association of BC posted an article:
DeNA Establishes New Subsidiary in Canada to Bolster First Party... more
DeNA Establishes New Subsidiary in Canada to Bolster First Party Development
TOKYO, JAPAN - Feb. 2, 2012 -see moreTOKYO, JAPAN - Feb. 2, 2012 - DeNA Co., Ltd. today announced the company has established DeNA Studios Canada Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary in Vancouver, in an effort to optimize DeNA Group’s cross-border capability in developing and operating first-party mobile social games. The new office opens its doors later this month..Continue reading article here19 days ago -
Digital Media & Wireless Association of BC posted an article:
DigiBC is excited to announce our new working relationship with icba. We've just approved our new benefits plan and we couldn't be more satisfied.Please take advantage of this exciting opportunity, exclusively for DigiBC members:see more DigiBC is excited to announce our new working relationship with icba. We've just approved our new benefits plan and we couldn't be more satisfied.Please take advantage of this exciting opportunity, exclusively for DigiBC members: DigiBC/icba Health benefits planIf you would like further information, please contact Whitney Donaldson- whitney@digibc.org20 days ago
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Digital Media & Wireless Association of BC posted an article:
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; border-left-width: 1px;... see more
Yesterday, February 1, 2012, DigiBC partnered with DFAIT and EDC to host Mozilla App Marketplace to Vancouver.
Mozilla , the Firefox developer and champion of the Web, presented their plan to launch Apps Marketplace later this year. They plan to leverage their 450 million active users to launch the web based app Marketplace. It's a huge opportunity for BC based software development companies knowledgable in HTML5. The apps will be transportable across all your devices, wherever you are, using Web standards and several open technologies.
Ron Piovesan, head of Business Development and David Ascher, Mozilla developer from Vancouver studio, presented this new opportunity to the crowd. They both made compelling presentations that were well received.Thank you to everyone who participated. A special thanks to DFAIT and EDC- we couldn't have put on this production without your partnership. A special thanks to Fasken Martineau for the venue.
20 days ago -
TOTAL ACCESS CORPORATE INSURANCE SERVICES posted a discussion:The IT industry is one which evolves rapidly - some would say too rapidly. As a consequence of this rapid change, IT professionals must also update their skills more often than most other industries. Accountants must learn new tax laws; IT pros must learn new operating systems. Doctors learn new... see more The IT industry is one which evolves rapidly - some would say too rapidly. As a consequence of this rapid change, IT professionals must also update their skills more often than most other industries. Accountants must learn new tax laws; IT pros must learn new operating systems. Doctors learn new techniques or have new pharmaceuticals at their disposal; IT pros must learn new programming languages. Some IT skills have been around for decades - just ask your friendly COBOL programmer. New IT skills emerge faster than old ones retire. IT pros must continuously learn new and expand current skills or they will become extinct, just as the systems and applications they once supported. Let's take a quick look at some skills that are on the endangered species list for 2012.
1. Email
How one communicates in the office is changing as the commonly accepted business communications models have evolved. The phone was the communications method prior to the adoption of email. Email has been heavily used for so many years that it has all but replaced the art of letter writing (what are historians going to use for research in the future?). It is too easy to use email - as a "fire-and-forget" technology. How often have we heard someone say "but, I sent you an email" as if it was a forgone conclusion that: (a) that the recipient would indeed receive the email and (b) that the intended recipient read it. Email is a slowly fading form of office communication in the corporate environment and even for home use. In fact, one company, Atos, has banned the use of internal email. Instead of sending emails, this French company with over 70,000 will use text and instant messages (IMs), phones and - perish the thought - personal interaction. What does this mean for IT pros? You need to accept the fact that the use of email as a form of corporate communication will diminish, perhaps quicker than it rose in use. Look at how quickly the use of hosted email providers and the cloud have permeated the corporate IT environment. If you need any further proof, look at Microsoft's Office 365. which is moving Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, and Office Applications to the web.
2. Computer Hardware Support
There was a time when user support meant fixing a desktop or assisting with an operating system problem or application issue. The environment has changed; now computer and application support is not so straight forward. The rise of tablets and the cloud will make many hardware-based skills outdated. Virtualization will have a dramatic impact as corporations can consolidate several server roles onto a single server. Laptops are common in the office and hardware support for laptops is more limited.
The increased popularity and use of tablets will also have a negative impact on hardware support personnel. For many office users (and consumers, for that matter), a laptop might be too heavy or cumbersome to use (or battery life might be a factor). There is little to no hardware support for these devices. Gone are the days when we repaired our own computer systems. At most, we replace components, and that is about it. Those IT pros relying on hardware-based skills might find themselves being replaced.
3. COBOL
COBOL is one of the oldest programming languages, having been around for 50 years. In fact, a select group of IT pros may have had the opportunity to start and finish their careers having worked with just one language - a rare feat indeed! Though the demise of COBOL has been proclaimed for 20 years, it still remains in use in some corporations. There was a resurgence of use and interest in COBOL just prior to Y2K, but it has been fading since then. Though not commonly found in academic programs, there are some universities where COBOL is still taught to the programmers who must support the business applications that were written COBOL for now. As new applications are written in other languages, the programs that were written in COBOL and the people who support these older apps will find themselves needing a new skill set.
This also holds true for older programming languages such as ColdFusion and PowerBuilder. It is interesting that there is some belief that Microsoft's Silverlight 5 will be its last. Given this, here is evidence of another language that will meets its demise soon enough.
4. Adobe Flash Mobile
Adobe announced in November 2011 that they will not continue development of Flash Mobile and that Flash Player 11.1 would be the last version for mobile devices. For developers, this means that, much like the demise of Silverlight, it is time to migrate to HTML 5
5. Windows 2000 and before
What is an "older" operating system, and how does this impact those who support them? If you are still running Windows 95 - there might be some room for discussion. This also holds true for Windows 98, NT4, Windows 2000, and even Windows XP now. If the operating system in question is almost old enough to go to a PG13 movie without an adult, it might be time to upgrade. This holds true for those who support these older systems. You cannot continue to promote yourself as an NT4 guru (or for that matter, Novell - seen a Master CNE lately?). There is a large learning curve from Windows 2000 to Windows Server 2008 R2. If you have not begun the process, you had better start soon.
6. Traditional Telephony
The telephony world has gone through tremendous changes. For decades, we were used to having a phone on our desk, and sometimes more than one! The people who supported these PBX systems were in demand. Are PBX systems going the way of Betamax? They will be replaced as new technologies provide for more than just a phone on a desk.
The underlying principles of telephony haven't changed; rather, it is how the systems are implemented. Users are mobile, the traditional office environment has changed, and users are now accustomed to communicating while on the road, in an airport, on a train, or at home. Microsoft's Lync Server 2010 is changing how we look at presence, voice, IM, and conferencing. The days of having a physical phone and the techs to support them are numbered. The PSTN (public switched telephone network or, as some refer to it, POTS - plain old telephone service) networks will gradually be replaced. There are an increasing number of people and even families, who do not have a landline - they use their cell phones instead.
7. Networking
The networking world is changing to meet the challenges of new technologies and requirements. This also means that once commonly used network skills are on their way out as well. One example is subnetting with IPv4. Can you look at an IP address with a /21 notation and determine the number of subnets and addresses for each one? (32 Subnets, 2048 addresses.) IPv6 will make this once-vaunted skill obsolete - once IPv6 is adopted (much like the paperless office - it is "coming soon"), knowing how to subnet will be a dead and gone skill. Even now, many network administrators don't know how to subnet.
In addition to subnetting, let us not forget the old Novell network protocol - IPX/SPX. Novell is still around, and there are even some old IPX/SPX networks running, but they are being replaced. Besides, NWLink, which was Microsoft's implementation of IPX/SPX, is only 32-bit.
8. Silverlight
While not dead yet, it seems as if Silverlight 5 is possibly the last version released by Microsoft. Support will continue for some years, but there won't be a Silverlight 6. All of you developers out there need to start ramping up with HTML 5.
9. Software and Network support
Remember when you called tech support and someone came around to help, or when you had a desktop computer that ran all of your software instead. The introduction of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) will have an enormous impact on desktop support. Now updates to software can be centrally applied, support can be managed by fewer personnel, and older equipment will be retained longer - but, again, with fewer personnel. Wireless is also having an impact on network support. There will be fewer cabling requirements for entire offices.
10. ColdFusion
Users of ColdFusion used to rave about how easy this Web programming language was to use and quickly you could start using it. That may have been true, but it is hard for it compete with so many newer, easier and more advanced products. ColdFusion was originally released in 1995 Today, it is superseded by Microsoft .NET, Java, PHP, and Ruby on Rails, to name but a few. Web developers basing their careers on this language should start looking at modernizing their skill set.
Summary
The IT world is a field where new technologies emerge almost on a daily basis. New service packs, updates, new operating systems and applications and new hardware all mean we need to keep our skill sets current. In 2012 you are going to see a greater emphasis "Today's trend toward services-based software, mobile apps, the cloud and consumer technologies means it is the breadth, not the depth of knowledge and experience that wins - or keeps - the IT jobs." (Computerworld, December 19, 2011.) We are no longer able to specialize in a single version of a product for the entirety of our career. In order to have a viable career in the IT field, you must be willing to continuously learn, either through formal Instructor Led Training (ILT) or self-study. There is a saying the academic world - "Publish or perish" - in this case it should be changed to "expand your skill set or become extinct". Besides - keeping your mind active helps keep you younger Good Luck!
article by Randy Muller, MCT, MCTS, MCSE, CEH, posted on Global Knowledge27 days ago -
Digital Media & Wireless Association of BC posted an article:
see more
Category: Digital Media Occupations
Description: The position is for one of the following occupations:
· Software Engineers and Designers (NOC 2173)
· Graphic Designers and Illustrators (NOC 5241)
The advertising variation is limited to Digital Entertainment Software Engineer (NOC 2173) and Digital Artist (NOC 5241) positions within the video gaming and digital animation/visual effects industries. These positions require highly-specialized skills and/or unique artistic talents in order to successfully complete projects.
Variation: No advertising or recruitment is required.
Applicability: British Columbia only
***
Note that this LMO category is different from the IT category because it is an LMO application, meaning that an LMO application needs to be made prior to the temporary foreign worker applying for the work permit. This is different from the IT category, which did not require an LMO application and allowed the temporary foreign worker to proceed directly to the work permit application.
Compared to the previous IT category, the Digital Media LMO category is limited to only two occupations instead of seven:
1. The IT category occupation “Senior Animation Effects Editor” (NOC 9990.1) has been replaced with “Digital Artists” (“DA”)(NOC 5241). The duties of the intended position need to be consistent with some of the following generic duties prescribed under NOC 5241 (copy attached):
• Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs
• Develop and produce realistic or representational sketches and final illustrations, by hand or using computer-assisted design (CAD) software, for printed materials such as books, magazines, packaging, greeting cards, stationery, etc.
• Assist in developing storyboards for electronic productions such as multimedia, interactive and digital products, television advertising and productions, etc.
• Produce 2-D and 3-D animated drawings or computer illustrations
• May adapt existing illustrations.
• Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials in order to meet their needs
• Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication
• Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives
• Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software
• Estimate cost of materials and time to complete graphic design
• Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides or hire an illustrator or photographer to produce images that meet clients' communications needs
• Establish guidelines for illustrators or photographers
• Co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials, such as Web sites, CD-ROMs, interactive terminals, etc.
• Co-ordinate sub-contracting
• Work in a multidisciplinary environment
• Supervise other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians.
The qualifications which need to be met are as follows:
• A university degree in visual arts with specialization in graphic design, commercial art, graphic communications or cartooning
or
Completion of a college diploma program in graphic arts is required.
• Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required for graphic designers and illustrators.
The wage needs to meet the prevailing wage for the region of BC, as indicated in the attached extract fromwww.workingincanada.gc.ca. For example, currently in the Greater Vancouver region, the prevailing wage is $23.05 an hour (this is significantly lower than the $85,000 required under the previous IT category occupation “Senior Animation Effects Editor” (NOC 9990.1)).
2. The IT category occupations “Embedded Systems Software Designer” (NOC 9990.2), “Multimedia Software Developer” (NOC 9990.4), and “Software Products Developer” (NOC 9990.6) have been replaced with “Digital Entertainment Software Engineers” (“DESE”). The duties of the intended position need to be consistent with some of the following generic duties prescribed under NOC 2173 (copy attached):
• Collect and document user's requirements and develop logical and physical specifications
• Research, evaluate and synthesize technical information to design, develop and test computer-based systems
• Develop data, process and network models to optimize architecture and to evaluate the performance and reliability of designs
• Plan, design and co-ordinate the development, installation, integration and operation of computer-based systems
• Assess, test, troubleshoot, document, upgrade and develop maintenance procedures for operating systems, communications environments and applications software
• May lead and co-ordinate teams of information systems professionals in the development of software and integrated information systems, process control software and other embedded software control systems.
The qualifications which need to be met are as follows:
• A bachelor's degree, usually in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering or mathematics
or
Completion of a college program in computer science is usually required (“usually” suggests that it may be possible to justify this not being a requirement).
• Experience as a computer programmer is usually required (“usually” suggests that it may be possible to justify this not being a requirement).
The wage needs to meet the prevailing wage for the region of BC, as indicated in the attached extract fromwww.workingincanada.gc.ca. For example, currently in the Greater Vancouver region, the prevailing wage is $31.22 an hour (this is higher than the $45,000 required under the previous IT category occupation “Multimedia Software Developer” (NOC 9990.4)).
Regarding the reference “These positions require highly-specialized skills and/or unique artistic talents in order to successfully complete projects” concerning the Digital Media category, Service Canada/HRSDC has advised that temporary foreign workers applying under this category are generally assumed to be specialized workers with unique talents. Notwithstanding, we recommend that the LMO application describe the “highly-specialized skills and/or unique artistic talents” required for the position and the work permit application describe how the particular temporary foreign worker meets such requirement(s).
Note that when making an LMO application under the Digital Media category, the employer is urged to indicate that the application is being made under either the DA or DESE occupation. This will facilitate proper application streaming.
Moreover, for the video gaming and digital animation/visual effects industries in BC, if a case of urgency can be made for an LMO application concerning ANY occupation, Service Canada has committed to processing the LMO application within five business days. Such applications are to be submitted by fax to 604.666.7731.
Learn more at: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/lmodir/variation.shtml#a19
1 month ago -
Digital Media & Wireless Association of BC posted an event:
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2012 BCNET & HPCS ConferenceCanada's Premier Technology Event for Higher Education and Research BCNET & HPCS Conference 2012
Join us for a three-day information-packed technology event on May 1-3, 2012, at SFU Harbour Centre in beautiful downtown Vancouver. BCNET and Canadian experts in High Performance Computing (HPC) will come together to learn and collaborate about innovative technology solutions for higher education and research.
This is a great opportunity for high tech & digital media organizations to get exposure to researchers and IT decision makers from Canada's research and higher education community. We have many industry sponsors including IBM and Apple.
To register:1 month ago - See more items...
